The Art Collector

Demons Among Us #1

by Katelyn Brehm

A quiet art historian. An irresistible demon. And an insatiable hunger neither can escape.

Madelyn Frye enjoys her simple, drama-free life, even if it means there's an empty seat next to her on the couch at night. But when her firm lands a lucrative contract to appraise the paintings of an infamous mansion with a storied past, her comfortable routine is upended by the handsome and mysterious millionaire who owns it.

For over a century, Thomas von Dreiss has resigned himself to a solitary fate, refusing to let his hunger transform him into a monster. But he never expected the art appraiser who shows up at his door to test his unshakable restraint. Her brilliant mind and kind heart rekindle long forgotten hopes and set his carnal needs aflame.

Will Madelyn risk shattering her safe and predictable world to be with Thomas? And if she does, will Thomas's dark secret destroy their chance at a happily ever after?

Genres: Romance, Paranormal Romance, Novella, Paranormal, Fantasy

145 pages, ebook

Published March 21, 2023

About the author

Katelyn Brehm writes steamy Paranormal and Mafia Romance with mature characters and contemporary settings deeply rooted in our real world. Kat is a second-generation German-American and native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When she's not reading and writing or working on her vintage Romance cover and stepback collection, she works as an aerospace engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Kat lives in Pasadena, California with her husband and two cats, Mini Wheat and Pepper.

Reviews

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet romance! A slightly gothic feel with a little bit of spice. For a novella, this really felt like a complete story. Thomas has recently returned to Milwaukee after the loss of his mother and he’s determined to restore the estate and erase the reminders of her awful nature. Madelyn has always found the estate creepy but can’t turn down the opportunity to appraise the art collection there. As the two grow closer, loneliness fades, but Madelyn has no idea what Thomas is hiding.

I loved the romance that sparks between Thomas and Madelyn over their shared interests. Thomas is an absolute sweetheart who has been yearning for a true companion who can accept all of him. They handled their conflict as mature adults and showed the vulnerability of entering into a new relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for the advanced copy.

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to pretend this can possibly be an unbiased review, because the author happens to be a friend. But I also have never swooned in my life, and despite having a reputation as a heartless grump to uphold, I must admit that this novella—its marvellously melodramatic hero and its determinedly brave heroine—had me by the heartstrings.
The Art Collector is a contemporary romance with a setting reminiscent of the Gothic: a mansion complete with creaky gates, creepy statuary, cobwebbed chandeliers, and a supernaturally handsome owner with the loneliness and family baggage to match. The tone evolves over the course of the narrative from something quite mysterious and eerie to something far more romantic. Told from both perspectives with nicely distinct first-person narration, the writing and story paint a vivid picture for the reader and had me fully invested in both characters' hopes and fears. I couldn't help but wish for a happy future for these two and didn't stop reading until the conclusion was delivered.
Recommended to readers looking for a highly enjoyable, compelling romance that you'll struggle not to binge in one sitting.

[Chrizine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art collector is a delicious story with mature characters. It hits all the right notes for a classic dangerous rich magical man fantasy, but makes the drama around giving in to the desire for this creature believable.
I really appreciated how it avoided creating drama through having the characters not talk to each other or admit to their feelings - it would have been very easy. But instead, I got surprised by having to begrudgingly admit that all the hesitance is understandable and reasonable, while rooting very hard for the characters to manage to sort things out.
Very satisfying read, I definitely recommend if the basic setting of the blurb appeals to you!

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot pretend to be unbiased in my review as I am lucky to count Katelyn as a friend. And just like Kat, this novella has so much personality and it bleeds off the page. This book has so much of Kat's personality in it and it is an effortless read.

I would recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys a Beauty and the Beast type story, who wants to see the world with a bit more magic than it has, and anyone who loved a good Romance.

[Jamedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally on JamReads

The Art Collector is the first novella in the paranormal romance series Demons Among Us, written by Katelyn Brehm. A slow burn romance plot that slowly builds the tension between the two main characters, adequately paced, and that takes the opportunity to give a more human side to the monster of this story, in a way that remembers to Beauty and the Beast.

Madelyn enjoys a simple life, when the company she works for lands a lucrative contract to value the paintings of a mansion with an infamous story. A relatively simple job, but which becomes much more interesting when her routine is interrupted by the mysterious owner of the house, the millionaire Thomas. On the other hand, we have Thomas von Dreiss, an incubus who has accepted loneliness in exchange for not falling to his hunger; but the apparition of Madelyn breaks his schemes, reigniting some feelings he didn't remember he had.

A story that slowly builds the tension between the characters, passing for all the states that we could expect from a romance story; maybe a bit more centered on the feeling aspect, preferring to not be steamy. It's exactly what you could expect from the genre, so at some points, it felt a bit cliquey.

The prose is clear and concise, making this a fairly quick read, perfect to do in a single sit. If you are looking for a classic contemporary paranormal romance, definitely you can give The Art Collector a try, as it is a really competent book, perfect to fulfill your crave of some intense romance.

Note: The following review contains only my personal thoughts as a judge and does not reflect the views of the team as a whole. No cuts or semi-finalists will be announced until Team Bookend Elves has read all of our books!

[Carien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story.

There's a bit of a Gothic feel to this novella, but mostly it's pure yummy romantic goodness. I loved reading how Madelyn and Thomas are falling for each other, each having their own reasons for holding back. I was totally rooting for them to give in to their feelings.

There's of course a bit of drama, but not enough to make me anxious. I was confident I would get a HEA for Madelyn and Thomas and when it came it was as romantic as I hoped it would be,

Overall a delicious Paranormal Romance with a mature hero and heroine

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library

★★★★★
🌶️🌶️

First, I would like to thank the author for providing me with a free digital review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

If you’re looking for a sweet, steamy, dark romance with gothic vibes, look no further. The Art Collector is the first book in the Demons Among Us series of novellas by Katelyn Brehm. Madelyn’s newest assignment is every art historian’s dream: a mansion full of priceless art in need of appraisal and curating. The mansion’s owner, Thomas, shares her passion for art and quickly develops a passion for her as well. Madelyn can’t deny her attraction to the alluring millionaire, but not only is he off-limits as a client, but he is hiding a secret: he is an incubus whose very nature requires him to satisfy his carnal needs to survive.

I was immediately immersed in this story. Madelyn is in her forties, and her love interest is the same age–at least in appearance. Reading about a couple that isn’t in their twenties was refreshing, especially given how right they are for each other. Madelyn has grown comfortable in her simple, single life, and Thomas is certain he will never find someone who can ignite his passion mentally and also accept him for what he is. Together, they are brilliant, but they each have reasons to hold each other at arm’s length. You will root for them, and you will swoon, and you will wish you could spend more time in their world. Katelyn Brehm has crafted an ephemeral tale that will linger in your consciousness, and maybe even your salacious dreams.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶 out of 5

Tropes:
💚Incubi MMC (Art Collector)
💚Gothic Mansion
💚Art Historian FMC

The first of the Demons Among Us series, this novella hits the perfect spot for a quick rainy afternoon read with romance gothic vibes! Even though it only cracks 100 pages, this packs a solid punch with an endearing and vibrant couple. Our Art Historian, Madelyn is capable and intuitive.

Thomas carries that elegance of classic romantic regency broody heroes. But the fact that he harbors the secrets that he's an incubus, adds to his attraction! He's sweet, kind and oh so handsome with his green eyes that glow like fire lit behind sea glass. I loved the way their conversations in the mansion was like an verbal flirtatious dance. Definitely recommend for those that love gothic romance and a handsome man in a mansion with a mysterious and tantalizing secret!

[Nina Furrtheloveofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

So picture it. You are an art appraiser for the riches estate sales in the Chicago/ Milwaukee and suddenly the change to not only view a large college of art but help to curate the art in a home that holds great folklore in the area comes up; and they want you. Sounds great right? But what if the current owner of the home is a demon?

So y’all this book was a unique read to say the least. I will say its a quick read and was pretty intriguing. The authors notes about the subject matter really tied everything together. This book had steam towards the end but honestly was more of a love story.

If you want a romance that has a unique spin to it this is one to grab.

[Nina Furrtheloveofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

So picture it. You are an art appraiser for the riches estate sales in the Chicago/ Milwaukee and suddenly the change to not only view a large college of art but help to curate the art in a home that holds great folklore in the area comes up; and they want you. Sounds great right? But what if the current owner of the home is a demon?

So y’all this book was a unique read to say the least. I will say its a quick read and was pretty intriguing. The authors notes about the subject matter really tied everything together. This book had steam towards the end but honestly was more of a love story.

If you want a romance that has a unique spin to it this is one to grab.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I just needed more! Haha. This was a novella, so I knew what to expect, but this story packed a big punch even though it was short. Thomas and Madelyn had a beautiful connection, and sparks flew from their first interaction. If you are seeking a quick, captivating, and sensually charged read, I highly recommend considering this novella.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art Collector is a very satisfying read! It has a gothic feel to it! And yes there's even a creepy mansion with a creaky gate, cobwebs and family drama! Told from both points of views you can't help but get invested in the characters! It has a little bit of the beauty and the beast feel to it! But it's definitely a one sitting read!

[Rikke's Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm getting a real taste for Kathryn's writing. I really enjoyed this very intimate short story. I'm never going to get tired of her FMCs being 40+. I liked the theme of loneliness and how despite being successful and enjoying your life, you can still miss someone to share it with. I also enjoyed that they had a quick attraction and moved forward with the relationship fairly quickly.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talented author! The description of the home and the landscape was so detailed you felt you were in the mansion looking out on the lake. Characters -do not disappoint!! Loved it!

[Ingrid Spera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demonically Sweet

I loved this! This wasn't your typical demon romance. This was a romance between two people who loved art. Short and soft, I fell in love with their love.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this book, it was wonderful , I love a book I can dive into and not want to leave. The chemistry and between Madelyn and Thomas is perfect , the tension, I loved it, Ienjoyed them bonding and I wanted more, which always shows I’m invested, looking forward to the next as it was a great story

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deanna Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. It was the perfect fall read. Perfect mix of spooky and romance.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book called, The Art Collector. This is about Madelyn, she works for a firm that appraises art and she is sent to a client that lives in the mansion that kids talked about saying it was haunted. When she arrives she meets Thomas, the son of the woman who had lived there. When his mother passed he moved back and is now restoring the mansion and needs Madelyn's help with all the art their family has collected over generations. Madelyn and Thomas have an instant connection, and conversation flows easily from work to their personal lives. But Thomas has a secret he is hiding, and when Madelyn finds out she can either run away and go back to her lonely, quiet life or she can take a chance and open her heart to love.
This was such a sweet and short story with dark gothic vibes. I flew through this one and it easily kept my attention, but the storyline didn't feel rushed even though it was short. I felt like there was a good backstory for the characters, Thomas and Madelyn's story was sweet and enjoyable to read! 💚📚

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of The Art Collector, in exchange for an honest review.

[Alan]

"The Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”) is a yearly competition to recognize, honor, and celebrate the talent and creativity present in the indie community. We are a sister competition to both SPFBO and SPSFC, and we highlight greatness in the novella format in all areas of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc.)." - From the official SFINCS website.

Note: The following review contains only my personal thoughts as a judge and does not reflect the views of the team as a whole. No cuts or semi-finalists will be announced until Team Bookend Elves has read all of our books!




REVIEW

Katelyn Brehm's The Art Collector is a short, sweet Gothic romance that hits all the notes Romance fans hunger for, and which includes a touch of erotica for those readers in want of steamier moments that aren't too wild or too kinky.

The novella centres Madelyn Frye, an art appraiser and historian who lives a relatively quiet life in a rural community. As the story progresses, Madelyn becomes entangled with love interest Thomas von Dreiss (a dark and mysterious aristocrat living on the outskirts of town in a mansion dogged by superstitious rumour). The von Dreiss estate is the kind of place kids whisper about beneath their breath, children daring each other to enter the grounds before chickening out at the last minute. Madelyn's childhood experiences are certainly in line with this, so when as an adult she's hired to appraise several pieces in Thomas's collection, the stories of humans transformed into living
statues in the mansion's sculpture garden can't help but come to mind. True to genre, however, Thomas is handsome and charming (if also a little coy when it comes to answers). Madelyn can't get him out of her mind, and soon her world is transformed by a passion that feels anything but natural.

I won't spoil the mysteries The Art Collector has to offer, though the puzzle of Thomas and his family is less of a focus here than is the budding romance between our two protagonists, and you're likely to catch on early as to who and what Thomas is. My impression is that Brehm very much intended this to be the case, however, and the story's interest lies more in tantalizing the audience as they await the consummation of Madelyn and Thomas's flirtations. There's a steady but intense build toward that consummation as the novella continues. Just as Madelyn is drawn deeper into Thomas's web, the text becomes gradually and inevitably more ensorcelled by Thomas and the promise he represents. We see a definite shift away from the more humdrum life Madelyn once led and toward the elite world of the mansion and Thomas's history.

As with any Gothic work, an aesthetic register is key to how The Art Collector unfurls. Brehm easily paints a scene (pun intended), and Thomas's mansion and its environs are full of the kinds of flourishes you'd want and expect in the subgenre. That said, although a Gothic visual language pervades the book, the The Art Collector is more likely to appeal to romance fans and readers who prefer a thin patina of Gothic, rather than horror fans of the same (Gothic is a wide umbrella). Thus, while Thomas is a tortured soul with deep secrets, the emphasis isn't on the disturbing nature of those secrets (something typical of darker Gothic works), but on how he plans to leave the past behind and move on with Madelyn's help.

Although the Gothic pieces are essential to the subgenre, I feel compelled to mention that Brehm truly shines in the non-genre chapters early in The Art Collector's opening. I was particularly impressed by the rich and believable sense of place that she creates in just a short span of time, and you can really sense that Brehm is drawing on her own experiences and research to texture Madelyn's everyday world. There was also a delicate restraint to the language in these chapters that for me made them more compelling than the later romance. While the richer Gothic prose in later chapters is typical of the subgenre, I did find that at times the work felt overwritten, and this made it more difficult for the book to cast a spell on me and make me forget that I was reading. This was a minor issue, however, and The Art Collector was very readble throughout. It's also worth noting that one reader's purple prose is another reader's lush prose--it's a highly subjective measure by any account. That said, I'll be on the look out for future work from Brehm that mines the kind of skill on display during the scenes describing Madelyn's everyday life, as I hugely impressed by her talent.

The Art Collector is a short, self-contained romantic story that contains some sexy moments for those readers who like open-door sex scenes. If you're in the mood for a light Gothic read that plays to popular tropes and has a relatable protagonist, definitely give it a look!

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Quite entertaining

Madelyn is a 43-year-old art appraiser with a simple, drama-free life. She gets a contract to appraise the collection at The Witch House, a local infamous mansion she’s been curious about as a teen. There, she meets the owner, a multibillionaire Baron, Thomas von Dreiss, and feels an instant attraction.

Thomas has been living for centuries just like most of his type do. However, he keeps women at an arm’s distance and leads a solitary life to avoid becoming the monster he is. However, Madelyn makes him crave more.

Can they find a way to be together despite the obvious differences in their worlds?

The story comes in the first-person POV of Madelyn and Thomas.

My Thoughts:

Well, based on the phrases in NetGalley’s description (sexy demons, et al.), I thought this would be a smutty novella. Luckily, this one turned out better than I expected.

The lead characters, Thomas and Madelyn, are 40+ (though Thomas has another 120 years to his age), which makes them slightly more mature leads. Even though Madelyn blushes a lot, she is competent, smart, and efficient.

While the book has steam (3+), the primary focus is not on smut. Even with Incubi as the MMC, there’s enough plot to make the romance seem organic enough for a novella. I like that they don’t jump right into action but spend time talking and getting to know each other (even if it is ‘told’).

The writing is easy to read and maintains good momentum. By only issue is the lack of H2s for POV change. Since both voices come in the first person, I had to pause after every scene break to see if there was a POV. Also, there aren’t any chapters as such. We only get scene breaks. Having a new chapter for POV changes would also have helped.

That said, the voices are distinct enough that I didn’t have to wonder whose POV I was reading. This is a huge plus as I noticed that even popular (women) authors don’t always get the (cis male) voice right. First-person POV is much more than writing with I’s. It’s where the author has to think, talk, and act like the character.

The setting (The Witch House is a real place known to the author) is well done, though the atmosphere could be a little more intense. The chilly vibes aren’t strong enough, even though I could visualize the house and its interiors.

The tweaks to the incubus and succubus lore are creative and seamlessly blend with the storyline. I like how the focus is on emotional connection and physical (which is food for them). They also have good and bad folks, just like humans.

While the book has some details about art, there isn’t much other information. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. On the plus side, it doesn’t distract the reader from the core plot. However, for a plot that relies on paintings and art, a little more detail wouldn’t have hurt.

We also have an epilogue (yay!) and an author’s note, which made me quite happy. If a novella can have an epilogue, why can’t a 400-page novel?

To summarize, The Art Collector is a quick entertainer if you want something light, sexy, and sweet. I see the second book in this standalone series listed on GR. Might try that one too.

Thank you, NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#TheArtCollector #NetGalley

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Katelyn Brehm book, and after reading it I am now a certified fan. I am a sucker for romance stories, and this one just satisfied my cravings to the bone. It's a quick, indulgent read, one that tugged at my heart with its plot, prose, characters.

So here we have Thomas von Dreiss - baron, art connosieur, and incubus. Before you get turned off by him being an incubus, don't be, as he is the most gentlemanly incubus you could ever meet, probably more than most men you know. As an incubus, he feeds off other people's lust and carnal desires, and when left unchecked, he can drain a person of their life force. His mother had been like that, much to his and his father's shame. Because of that, he has vowed to feed off others for mere survival alone, but has forever longed to find a mate with whom he could eventually bond and thus have his need sated in a mutually beneficial fashion. For many decades has he endured the loneliness of not being able to find another who could connect with him and possibly even accept him for his true nature. He has even almost resigned himself to the possibility that such a person may never come along.

On the other hand, there is Madelyn Frye, who, despite being human, is nearly exactly the same as Thomas in their passions and afflictions. She loves art, classical music, and fine wine, just as much as Thomas. And she is equally lonely as he. She has long lived a life of monotony and dull stability because of a strong fear that doing anything out of the ordinary would only bring pain and unhappiness. So when they finally cross paths and work closely together, they realize that they are near mirrors of one another, each filling the cavernous void in the other's soul.

But how do they get past the fact that he is an incubus? Well, that is precisely the journey in which the book takes us. We find in this book a meeting of destined souls, and a story about making the decision to choose one another over fear of the unknown. It is a beautiful love story with such a beautiful ending.

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enchanting novella from Katelyn Brehm!
This story may be short, but it’s filled with heart, passion, and unforgettable characters.

Thomas Von Dreiss is a succubus—a feared creature of the dark who feeds off emotions and sex. But he’s far from a monster. Raised by his father to control his hunger, Thomas has lived a lonely life, waiting for the one woman who won’t fear what he is. When Parker & Son’s sends top art specialist Madelyn Frye to appraise the historical artwork of his late mother’s estate, an irresistible spark ignites between them, leading to a slow-burning connection neither expected.

I loved how beautifully Brehm balanced smoldering chemistry with a truly heartfelt romance. Thomas and Madelyn’s dialogue was sharp and real, and their slow build toward love felt genuine. The story wasn’t overloaded with sex—just the perfect amount, wrapped in an enchanting narrative of love, loneliness, and two souls finding their perfect match.

Katelyn Brehm’s writing is fresh, engaging, and filled with emotion. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

Until next time, Luv’s 💋😉

“I released the curtain and rubbed my hand over my chest, the ache of the emptiness there overwhelming. I promised myself then I would avoid temptation like I had done for countless years and remove myself from a situation that would only result in the pain of her rejection.”Thomas Von Deiss😢

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this unique read of a romance book. Yes, it is a novella, which is shorter than a regular novel but I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything while reading the book.

The story is about Madelyn, who is a 40 something woman who knows a bunch about art history and also yearns for someone to share her life with, she is lonely.

She meets "Baron" Thomas, who is taking over his deceased mother's estate. The estate is overgrown with weeds and more. He hires people to come to the estate and fix up the outside and inside, including Madelyn who is hired to review his mother's art collection.

Thomas has a secret of his own, he is an incubus, but not the deadly kind, or so he claims. And another fun piece of this story is incorporating the German Language into the characters, including Thomas, the butler, and the housekeeper. I loved that little extra detail. And the writing overall was engaging and brought me into the story as a reader, making me wish it was a full novel and not a novella;)

I loved the ending, it was very fitting to the story and the characters.

Only time will tell when Madelyn finds out Thomas's secret will they have a relationship or not? If you want to find out, READ this book!

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Art Collector
Author: Katelyn Brehm
Release Date: May 21st, 2023
Page Count: 145
Format: ebook
Start Date: August 3rd, 2023
Finish Date: August 8th, 2023

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:

This book was full of intrigue and heat. I'd say spice but I don't really consider the scenes in question to be too high on the spice level. Especially considering the origin of one of the characters. I really did enjoy reading it. It was very smooth and flowed very nicely. However, I feel like there were many parts of the book that I feel like could have been stretched a bit more. I also feel like the two main characters could have been given a bit more of a personality.

I fully understand that this was a short story. It wasn't intended to go on and on. However, I do wish that it had been longer. I wish that we had more build up. I don't know how to explain it other than that. Also, this is Not a reflection on the book itself. I'm not saying that the book was poorly written. I'm just giving my personal opinions on what I would have liked to have seen. Another thing that I would have really enjoyed seeing would have been some artwork portrayed throughout the book. I think it would have added flare to the story.

[Emily Fangirl Fibers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of paranormal fiction, "The Art Collector" by Katelyn Brehm did not disappoint. Despite its novella length, this book managed to deliver a satisfying and engaging story that left me thoroughly entertained.

Set in the heart of Milwaukee, the novel skillfully weaves the city's essence into the narrative, giving readers like me an added layer of connection and familiarity. The homage to Milwaukee's landmarks and atmosphere was a delightful touch that enhanced the reading experience.

The novella strikes a perfect balance between intrigue and emotional depth. The narrative unfolds with just the right amount of mystery and paranormal elements to keep the pages turning. While the story isn't overly long, the author manages to create a world that feels rich and captivating.

"The Art Collector" is a quick read that doesn't sacrifice substance. It's an enjoyable blend of the paranormal and human emotions, making it a satisfying choice for readers seeking a unique twist on the genre. The novella's concise length is a strength, allowing readers to dive into a complete story without committing to a lengthy read.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the reason I got this book was because it was a Gothic romance and Gothic romance books are my favorite. I was very very happy when I got approved for it. Thank you so much tonight Kelly for giving me this book to review it took me only a day to read it I felt like it was a short book. I wish that there was more to it. It’s about the lady who gets a job to appraise the art of this place called the witches house. I find out later in the book that it’s in the urban legend, in Milwaukee, like it was a real story about the whole house Mainly, basically she gets a job to be our appraiser at this mansion of this guy who his mother died, and he got to own the estate. He had some pieces of art that she had to appraise one of them. She basically fell in love with this book has a Romance to it. I think it was more Insta love. She falls in love with the owner of the house, and he find out later that he was like a demon vampire because of how old he is there is a happily ever after at the end of the story was short and sweet. I loved it. I wish it was longer.

[Ené · Rating 5 out of 5]

All you need is just that genuine connection that would enrich your life.

An art curator meets the art collector.

The plot of this novella was really interesting and it flowed really smoothly. From start to finish, the story was engaging and was paced really great, especially for its length. I really enjoyed the novelty and watching the characters enjoy their passion so vividly, that I also felt excited reading it.

Madelyn loves her time in her lonesome. Her routine. But she always longs for someone to enjoy her quiet and peace with, with her. She’s very passionate and is driven towards her love for all things art.

Thomas knows the limitations of his relationships. And he thought himself doomed for the longest time, to die alone. He worries a lot about himself and how some would perceive them, so he longs for someone to understand him.

The romance was quite insta-attraction/lust. But everything built up with so much heat and tension, it was amazing. And all the steam made it so much better.

[Jessica Muhyar · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so many things I love about this book! I love the Milwaukee setting and focus on historical art, architecture, folklore, etc. The spice scenes are fantastic and tastefully done, where there's just enough to enjoy it but doesn't deter from the storyline. I'm also really glad that the main characters are mature adults (in their 40's) and not these super young, naive 20 year olds.

The only thing I wish was different was that this book was longer! It's ~150 pages and a VERY quick read, but I think it should be ~300 pages instead. I definitely think there's potential in adding more details and depth to the story to make that happen, especially elaborating more on demon myths/legends and their background. It's such a unique, paranormal approach to fantasy that I haven't come across before, and would love for the author to dive more into this realm. KB is a great writer and I hope she writes longer books in the future!

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short book about Madelyn and Thomas. Their story is quick.
Thomas is an incubus and he has never wanted to bond with someone or rather never felt he could find the right person to fulfill his wants and needs. He always just took enough to keep the demon part of him at bay. He had long thought that he would never find anyone. Then comes Madelyn she is so put together and what Thomas is looking for in a partner someone to bond with forever. Madelyn is falling for her client ( Thomas) fast, it's only been two weeks. But she feels it's right. But can she trust herself? She doesn't really know anything about him, except for he is rich and his mother is rumored to be a witch. At least that is what everyone called her.
Will he tell her what he is? Will they be together and she accept him for him?

[Tiny Little Book nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book finished off really well and gave me a Beauty and the Beast vibe. Although I did struggle to begin with to get into the book I am pleased that I persevered.
The idea of a woman who has lived in this town as a teenager and grew up listening to the tales about this huge mansion and now she gets to see inside it for a job is fascinating. The idea that she falls in love with this man even though he has violated her dreams is where I got the Beauty and the Beast vibe from. The Incubus has done an unspeakable act but the woman can see behind the mask and understand that he is lonely just like her and that he just wants to be loved.

Overall as a collection, they are very well written and I think I would have loved them a bit more with some extra spice and more character-building once they had their happily ever after.