House of Bane and Blood

Vows of Vengeance, Book 1

By: Alexis Menard

Narrated by: Jacci Prior, James Cavenaugh

In a city split into two opposing sides, power comes in many forms: bloodlines, money, love, and—most importantly—secrets.

An heiress in the most notorious family in Lynchaven, Camilla Marchese is doing all she can to keep her family's syndicate, the Iron Saint Railway, from slipping into bankruptcy. When the gorgeous and depraved Nicolai Attano, the leader of a rival family, offers to pay off the inspector in exchange for her hand, she has no choice but to give up not only her throne—but her name.

Nico has his own motivations for their union beyond maintaining peace with her family. A serial kidnapper known as The Collector has been ravaging the streets of Remnant Row, stirring up mistrust between natives and descendants. If Milla can help restore safety to his streets, he'll have no need for her or her family's company. Find the Collector, prevent a war between their sides of the city, and pay off the family debt before she turns twenty-one. If Milla can fulfill her end of the bargain, she'll walk away with more freedom than she's ever had before.

This deal plunges Milla into the city's dark underbelly where remnant magic and arcane science compete in a deadly game of depravity. When forbidden feelings rise for her new husband and dark family secrets come to light, Milla must discover the truth about her past before it gets them both killed or worse—collected.

Set in a post-industrial age setting on a magical isle, Peaky Blinders meets the magic system of the Grishaverse in this rivals-to-lovers adult fantasy romance.

©2023 Alexis L. Menard (P)2024 Podium Audio

Enjoyable

Overall, this was a great listen. My only issue is that it seemed a bit familiar. More and more stories like this are saturating the genre. Some are terribly written and lose plot to overdo spice. This story does not fall into this category. Decent plot, great character development, and general writing ability. There's not too much spice, but the slow burn is pretty good. Although, I have no clue why the author chose the female main character's kink. I have noticed more books including this particular kink, and, to me it's just unappealing. After all the great steamy build up and then the bizarre pivot into a kink that seemed forced, I was disappointed. Anyway, the story was good though. I kind of felt like ACOTAR and Crescent City got together with a little Steampunk and had a baby with the storyline. I'll most likely continue the series.

Amazing narration!

The narrators really brought this story to life! So well done. Can't wait for the next book!

ENCASED!!!

I could see and feel ever detail of this story. ACTOR meets my favorite man of all time from Peaky Blinders. This was delicious and I am DYING for the next release!!!!! Bring on City of Mirth!!!

Outstanding

Can’t wait for book two, I loved the book but hate that book two was not available to follow up on the story. I hope it comes out soon before I get caught up in other audio books and forget about this one and how Camila story ends.

The story, characters and narrators were fantastic!

I had such a good time listening to this book! The narrators did a wonderful job, the characters and banter between them was fantastic, and the story overall was a good time. Well done everyone!