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

Amazing narration!

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

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.

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!!!

Amazing story and love the narration!

Amazing story and love the narration!
This is a great Peaky Blinders meets Divine Rivals mash up. There are beings with abilities, action, a slow burn arranged marriage, betrayal and more in this story.

Def recommend and looking forward to the next book.

Great Plot!

There’s nothing that I love more than a true enemies-to-lovers romantasy. This book had it all. The world building was phenomenal, the relationship development had just enough “slow burn” to make me eager for more, and the twists in the story were unexpected. I’m excited for book 2!