Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - House of Bane and Blood

Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

House of Bane and Blood by Alexis L. Menard

12 reviews

howboutjane's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

If you like peaky blinders, magic, and old western movies then this one's for you!

The MMC gives Inspector gadget for adults vibes and the FMC gives serious mob wife energy. Romance is more steam than spice - a deliciously sinful slow burn with off the charts chemistry that will leave you panting.

I did find I was a little bit confused with the world buidling and magic systems in the beginning chapters, but they are expanded on and explained more as you go through the book. The plot is solid with captivating storytelling. There's drama, suspense, betrayal, passion, love. There's even a scene with a fight on a moving train - THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING. Such a riveting experience and an immersive read. Would recommend. 👍🏽👍🏽

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mwalsh97's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book started as like a 2.5 star book but it quickly won me over into a 5 star book. I love the Peaky Blinders meet Romeo and Juliet in a steampunk and nontraditional magic world. It's dark and dreary and full of tension. The back and for with Milla and Nico is so well written it had me giggling like a teen with their first crush. This book perfectly balances good plot with spice. You could take the spice out of the story and the characters would still work, as would the plot. The spice is just that, spice. Wonderfully delicious spice.

I love even more that it is only a duology. So many authors these days seem to write unending series or stretch their plots way to thin. This plot feels perfectly paced for two books.

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danilouisev's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Pros: the concept is really unique, I am invested in the characters and the story & will read the second book. I do think there’s something really creative & interesting here!
Cons: writing style - just not 100% for me. I know it’s an independently published book and I could tell. I don’t want to to knock it for that, but it could use a few more rounds of editing. The pacing felt a bit off at times; while I believed and understood the attraction between the MCs, their physical relationship needed more development imo. The smut was just so-so.

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karapillar's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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jilliri's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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vi_holmes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed this book, especially the first half! Camilla is a great character! A real badass, witty, and smart. The Attano family were also a big highlight for me. So many great personalities. Nonna had me cackling.

My only complaints are that Camilla's willfully blind faith in her brothers (especially Aramis) got tiring.

I didn't care for his explaination for his behaviour either. He would have been a better character for me if he remained cold and selfish as he was portayed.

And the ending felt rushed. I'm very keen to see where it will lead in the next book, but I just didn't love the ending. But I will say

Giles deserved better

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teaand_tomes's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

House of Bane and Blood is a captivating adult fantasy romance that takes place in a post-industrial age setting with a touch of the 1920s and the atmosphere of Peaky Blinders. Alexis L. Menard skillfully combines elements of magic, mythology, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance to create an engaging and immersive story.

The world-building in this novel is exceptional, with the magical Isle serving as the backdrop for a city divided into two opposing sides. I was fascinated by the exploration of power, bloodlines, secrets, and the consequences of choices made in the name of love and family.

The characters in House of Bane and Blood are richly developed and compelling. I was particularly drawn to the relationship between Camilla Marchese, the heiress, and Nicolai Attano. Their journey from enemies to friends to lovers was beautifully portrayed, and their chemistry leapt off the pages.

The plot was filled with twists and turns, and the suspenseful narrative kept me on the edge of my seat. The book ended with a tantalizing cliffhanger that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Overall, House of Bane and Blood exceeded all my expectations. Alexis L. Menard's exquisite writing style, combined with the intriguing setting, engaging characters, and the perfect blend of romance and fantasy, make this a must-read for fans of adult fantasy and romance genres. I highly recommend diving into this enchanting world crafted by Alexis L. Menard.

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nikzbookcorner's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

House of Bane and Blood takes the very fabric of the Peaky Blinders world and weaves a most intriguing magical essence through it, which makes the Peaky Blinders x Grishaverse descriptor very on point. But that comparison is completely on a surface level because it delves so much further than that.

House of Bane and Blood follows two rival families, the Attanos and the Marcheses, in a twisted game of depravity, hidden schemes, magical intrigue, and forbidden love.

One family is broke and desperate to keep their family’s legacy and syndicate in a position of power. The other is looking for an opportunity to secure their station, take absolute control of the district, and keep other rivals at bay. So a marriage is brokered between Nicolai Attano and the Steam Princess, Camilla Marchese. Worlds collide when two people from opposite sides of the river Ada are brought together - both looking for a means to an end, and their freedom, but finding so much more than they ever bargained for.

The world they must navigate is dark and teeming with unbridled magical influence and those who would oppose it. The magic systems, which are reminiscent of the Grishaverse, are very interesting and provide a undercurrent to an already sinister plot. It makes the scale seem so much grander and mysterious once the powers come into play because not only does it delve in magic, but there’s also elements of the mystical, science, and alchemy. A whole amalgamation of the best in fantasy.

Nico and Camilla are two very strong and determined characters that bring a lot of life to the page. On their own, they are forces to be reckoned with. But together? Lord have mercy. Neither one backing down from the other and rising to each and every challenge. Their hate banter and flirting created such a delectable tension that had me strangling my paperback book to its limits. I may have slapped it down on my bed once or twice. Probably more. The slow burn, rivals to lovers romance was done SO incredibly well. It was all I could’ve hoped for.

Which now brings me to the writing and it IS exceptional, creating such a vivid + expressive story with characters and a world that were easy to get lost in. And I WANTED to get lost in it. Honestly I wouldn’t have complained if this book was 800 pages. The plot twists and reveals really kept the pace flowing at consistent rate and provided more than a few HOLY SH*T moments. Book 2 cannot get here fast enough!!!!

God. Gaslamp fantasy is one of those niche genres I wish I saw more of. Alexis Manard, thank you for reminding me how much I love it.

⟡ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5/5
⟡ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 2/5
⟡ 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: Dual POV, post-industrial age gaslamp setting, morally gray characters, gangster families, power play, marriage of convenience, rivals to lovers, slow burn romance, forced proximity, witty banter, found family, mystical + elemental magic systems, science + alchemy, secrets, betrayal, cliffhanger ending
⟡ 𝐂𝐖: profanity, tobacco/alcohol use, violence, death, kidnapping, guns and weaponry, gaslighting family members, mentions of suicide

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sienasummerrreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

“He was a mistake, the most gorgeous one I would ever make”

This follows the heiress Camilla whose family is well known with power in Lynchaven. They own the Iron Saint Railway which has been in the family a long time and they will do anything to make sure it doesn’t go under. Then along comes Nicolai an enemy and part of a rival family who has an offer that she has no choice to refuse.

What a book. I went into this all because I saw the author say she binge-watched Peaky Blinders for three days straight and that’s how the book was born. THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT. You could feel the Peaky Blinders inspiration in this book which I loved so much. The magic system and the storyline created by Alexis was fantastic. Camilla and Nico are both strong leads. They had this hate banter and tension between them which made you fall in love instantly. The things that man said in this book have me weak and wanting more. The slow burn wait to the spice was worth it. Chapter 35 was perfection I was screaming. Then we get to Chapter 41 I’m in shock I’m questioning did I read that, it can’t be real. Chapter 42 I was balling my eyes out and I couldn’t carry on. I had to take a breath before finishing. Once I got myself together I was back at it and then I finished the Epilogue. To say I’m excited for the next book is an understatement. It consumed my every thought for the past three days I honestly didn’t want it to end.

If you love:

🔹Adult Fantasy Romance
🔹Marriage Of Convenience
🔹Rivals
🔹Magic System
🔹Slow Burn
🔹Perfect Amount Of Spice

Genre/Type: Adult Fantasy Romance 18+
APK: Physical Read
Pages: 434
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 In The Order And Chaos Series
Tropes or Themes: Marriage Of Convenience, Rivals To Lovers, Found Family, Slow Burn, Protective MMC, Strong FMC, Contracts, Magic System, Prison, Power, Betrayal, Secrets, Mine, Jealousy, My Wife, Eyes On Me, Taken Care Of, Guns, Murder, Sexual Content, Virgin, Praise, Breath Play, Injury, Death, Cursing and Cliffhanger.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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beersbooksandbooos's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I follow the author on TikTok and when she said this was Peaky Blinders mixed with the Grishaverse, I knew I had to pick up this book. Peaky Blinders is one of my favorite shows, so this book was perfect. I would have read it in one day if I didn't need sleep. The magic system was Chef Kiss and I could see where the Grishaverse magic system inspired the author. Though I really liked this magic system a lot more. I have also found my new book boyfriend in Nico, I kept picturing the musician Ren as Nico. I loved reading about Milla's growth, and how she became stronger and was able to stand her own. The side characters also made me love this book and I really can't wait to see more of them. I am glad I don't have to wait a whole year for book two, just half a year.

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