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New Age Gothic #1
A Flame in the Night
The start of bloody decadence...
The definition of marriage: Two people and their silver-haired vampire.
In 1924, Paris is a bastion of sexual freedom, even for shell-shocked Leon Laflamme, the most dramatic blond this side of the Seine. After years of loneliness and secrecy, he's married the clever and sumptuous burlesque dancer Claire. However, Leon truly finds liberation when he meets the stoic, intriguing, and silver-haired Count Matthias, who offers true freedom in his dark gift: immortality.
The definition of marriage: Two people and their silver-haired vampire.
In 1924, Paris is a bastion of sexual freedom, even for shell-shocked Leon Laflamme, the most dramatic blond this side of the Seine. After years of loneliness and secrecy, he's married the clever and sumptuous burlesque dancer Claire. However, Leon truly finds liberation when he meets the stoic, intriguing, and silver-haired Count Matthias, who offers true freedom in his dark gift: immortality.
161 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2023
29 people are currently reading
2755 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Dante
16 books292 followersHorror, fantasy, and romance writer. Vampire and angel enjoyer. They/Them. Read more on morgandante.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
April 11, 2023
hello, this is out, everyone go read so that morgan will give me a sequel
"…And when those words leave his mouth, he realizes it’s been over a year since his last nightmare about fire. Maybe it’s the opium, or maybe it’s his conscience letting go. He’s not sure if that’s good or bad. Guilt is burdensome, but it’s a compass for how far he’s lost himself. He’s grown up with shame; what will he do without it?
He hopes for absolution, someone to say, God still loves you. He forgives you. I forgive you, and I love you even if you are disgusting and sinful and ruined.”
I am once again asking Morgan why they went so hard with the writing in this novella
I really don’t like writing five star reviews… like what do I say? “shghdshshjdsjs, book brr brr, fun!!” - be for real.
You all should just see me giving a five star and temporally die from shock and then add it to your tbr because I really don’t give my five stars lightly. Like really, that should be enough, why do you want me to tell you things!!! Leave me alone!!
I received an e-arc by the author and am part of their street team so I guess I will do my role justice.
Do you guys like vampires? Of course you do! Dumb question. If you don’t, what’s wrong with you?
Do you like smut? I think that’s also a given I don’t think I have ever seen you read anything else.
Do you like your books to be queer and poly????????? The answer better be yes or else 🔪🔪🔪🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Great!!! I have a book for you!!!
A Flame in the Night is set in the 1920s and the last time the 1920s were this sexy was when Gatsby kept looking at his weird green light.
It mainly follows Léon who is the sexiest man I know and his wife Claire who might have made me bisexual and their newest addition to the polycule – their vampire lover Matthias. Honestly, we all should have a vampire lover, I personally can’t wait for mine. Those three are so dear to my heart and if the author doesn’t decide to write more about them I might actually cry (this is a threat).
I don’t think I should summarize the plot for you. It’s barely 200 pages and I don’t want to spoil the fun.
Just know that everyone is queer and hot and a vampire biting you is actually a very normal kink to have thank you very much.
The writing in this is superb. I do not know what Morgan was on writing this but jesus fucking christ!!! Not only is the writing basically poetry and so full of emotion at times and totally not what I expected in a smutty novella but also the way the author writes sex scenes?? I am ace and even I was sweating.
Honestly, if I could get all the quotes about queer religious trauma tattooed on my body I would.
Also the banter between Léon and Matthias specifically?? I love that little shit (Léon) so much, you don’t understand.
Bottom line: I think you should read it for the fangs and biting scenes alone – I will stop with my biting kink now. 4.5 stars rounded up. Here have a picture of the tropes:
read as part of 202-Queer 🌈✨
"…And when those words leave his mouth, he realizes it’s been over a year since his last nightmare about fire. Maybe it’s the opium, or maybe it’s his conscience letting go. He’s not sure if that’s good or bad. Guilt is burdensome, but it’s a compass for how far he’s lost himself. He’s grown up with shame; what will he do without it?
He hopes for absolution, someone to say, God still loves you. He forgives you. I forgive you, and I love you even if you are disgusting and sinful and ruined.”
I am once again asking Morgan why they went so hard with the writing in this novella
I really don’t like writing five star reviews… like what do I say? “shghdshshjdsjs, book brr brr, fun!!” - be for real.
You all should just see me giving a five star and temporally die from shock and then add it to your tbr because I really don’t give my five stars lightly. Like really, that should be enough, why do you want me to tell you things!!! Leave me alone!!
I received an e-arc by the author and am part of their street team so I guess I will do my role justice.
Do you guys like vampires? Of course you do! Dumb question. If you don’t, what’s wrong with you?
Do you like smut? I think that’s also a given I don’t think I have ever seen you read anything else.
Do you like your books to be queer and poly????????? The answer better be yes or else 🔪🔪🔪🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Great!!! I have a book for you!!!
A Flame in the Night is set in the 1920s and the last time the 1920s were this sexy was when Gatsby kept looking at his weird green light.
It mainly follows Léon who is the sexiest man I know and his wife Claire who might have made me bisexual and their newest addition to the polycule – their vampire lover Matthias. Honestly, we all should have a vampire lover, I personally can’t wait for mine. Those three are so dear to my heart and if the author doesn’t decide to write more about them I might actually cry (this is a threat).
I don’t think I should summarize the plot for you. It’s barely 200 pages and I don’t want to spoil the fun.
Just know that everyone is queer and hot and a vampire biting you is actually a very normal kink to have thank you very much.
The writing in this is superb. I do not know what Morgan was on writing this but jesus fucking christ!!! Not only is the writing basically poetry and so full of emotion at times and totally not what I expected in a smutty novella but also the way the author writes sex scenes?? I am ace and even I was sweating.
Honestly, if I could get all the quotes about queer religious trauma tattooed on my body I would.
Also the banter between Léon and Matthias specifically?? I love that little shit (Léon) so much, you don’t understand.
Bottom line: I think you should read it for the fangs and biting scenes alone – I will stop with my biting kink now. 4.5 stars rounded up. Here have a picture of the tropes:
read as part of 202-Queer 🌈✨
January 3, 2024
queer poly vampire books i love you <3
March 27, 2023
*Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I simply adore polyamorous vampire romances that feature vengeance. They hit every time.
León and Claire are a human couple undeniably in love. They dabble in debauchery together, both for work and for play, and are consistently reliant in thinking of each other’s safety and comfort. It’s a fascinating pairing that manages to feel incredibly peaceful alongside the high-intensity moments.
Now enter Matthias 😌
This novella manages to pack such a strong punch in the exploration of PTSD and trauma related to war and sexual abuse connected to León and Claire’s respective histories regarding sex work. To successfully throw in immense steamy and romantic tension and a captivating revenge plot, I was surprised at how little I was overwhelmed by the range of topics tackled.
I only wish we had gotten more development from Claire. The bulk of this story is told from León’s perspective, making Claire and Matthias very important side characters but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the brief moments seen through her eyes. We also see so much development and focus on the relationship between Matthias and León with hardly anything going on between Matthias and Claire (which is something I feel is desperately missing to gain a sense of balance in this trio).
The writing, however, is incredibly tender and lovely and I enjoyed every second of it. I’m very happy to be a new Morgan Dante fan.
CW: explicit sexual content, PTSD episodes from experiencing war, recurring references to past sexual abuse + forced prostitution, violence, murder, blood (including consumption), addiction (opium)
I simply adore polyamorous vampire romances that feature vengeance. They hit every time.
León and Claire are a human couple undeniably in love. They dabble in debauchery together, both for work and for play, and are consistently reliant in thinking of each other’s safety and comfort. It’s a fascinating pairing that manages to feel incredibly peaceful alongside the high-intensity moments.
Now enter Matthias 😌
This novella manages to pack such a strong punch in the exploration of PTSD and trauma related to war and sexual abuse connected to León and Claire’s respective histories regarding sex work. To successfully throw in immense steamy and romantic tension and a captivating revenge plot, I was surprised at how little I was overwhelmed by the range of topics tackled.
I only wish we had gotten more development from Claire. The bulk of this story is told from León’s perspective, making Claire and Matthias very important side characters but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the brief moments seen through her eyes. We also see so much development and focus on the relationship between Matthias and León with hardly anything going on between Matthias and Claire (which is something I feel is desperately missing to gain a sense of balance in this trio).
The writing, however, is incredibly tender and lovely and I enjoyed every second of it. I’m very happy to be a new Morgan Dante fan.
CW: explicit sexual content, PTSD episodes from experiencing war, recurring references to past sexual abuse + forced prostitution, violence, murder, blood (including consumption), addiction (opium)
August 20, 2023
1.5 stars.
I thought I would love this. :c The aesthetics were on point and the characters were relatively interesting, but everything else was a mess. I didn't feel like there was any romantic or sexual chemistry between Léon, Claire, and Matthias - Léon and Claire felt more like friends with benefits than husband and wife, and their acceptance of Matthias into their marriage felt very abrupt. Plotwise the story lacked focus, and the pacing of the smut (of which there was an unexpected amount) was perplexing. There is heavy smut in the first third of the book, after which there is basically none until the ending, which, for me personally, didn't constitute a build-up of tension with a satisfying conclusion. Lastly, this might be a personal preference, but I wish that the author had committed to an old-fashioned vocabulary - it was very bizarre to see modern phrases such as "be the main character" or "lose the plot" pop up every now and then.
I thought I would love this. :c The aesthetics were on point and the characters were relatively interesting, but everything else was a mess. I didn't feel like there was any romantic or sexual chemistry between Léon, Claire, and Matthias - Léon and Claire felt more like friends with benefits than husband and wife, and their acceptance of Matthias into their marriage felt very abrupt. Plotwise the story lacked focus, and the pacing of the smut (of which there was an unexpected amount) was perplexing. There is heavy smut in the first third of the book, after which there is basically none until the ending, which, for me personally, didn't constitute a build-up of tension with a satisfying conclusion. Lastly, this might be a personal preference, but I wish that the author had committed to an old-fashioned vocabulary - it was very bizarre to see modern phrases such as "be the main character" or "lose the plot" pop up every now and then.
September 27, 2023
There’s a very unmistakable “millennial writing fanfic” quality to this that just took me out of the element
It’s a combination of things:
Occasional purple prose, overdescribing settings & character outfits (i promise we don’t need to be told what they’re wearing in florid detail every time there’s a fit change), smut focus over actual character chemistry, distinctly modern additions (particularly when it comes to libfem ideals & some quirky internet era phrases) thrown into a book set in the 20s…
If I’m reading about saucy vampire romance set in Paris a century ago, I want to feel those vibes, to be immersed in it, and I just didn’t get that here.
It’s a combination of things:
Occasional purple prose, overdescribing settings & character outfits (i promise we don’t need to be told what they’re wearing in florid detail every time there’s a fit change), smut focus over actual character chemistry, distinctly modern additions (particularly when it comes to libfem ideals & some quirky internet era phrases) thrown into a book set in the 20s…
If I’m reading about saucy vampire romance set in Paris a century ago, I want to feel those vibes, to be immersed in it, and I just didn’t get that here.
September 1, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC from the author!
Wow, I loved this. Like, absolutely adored it. If the username wasn’t a dead (hah) giveaway, I love vampires. And not only did Dante deliver, but absolutely KILLED it.
AFITN is a Bisexual Wet Dream for the vampire enthusiasts out there. It is delightfully horny, every scene dripping with desire. Morgan Dante can write a damned good threesome, and I swear by that.
The novella is very much character-driven; there is plot, clearly delineated motives, and a past that haunts the characters. But, the novella is about the characters and how the three come to be together as a unit. Léon and Claire are a married couple who are both wonderfully fleshed out, deeply interesting characters with motives and fears, and desires. Having them as POVs both, which at first I had questioned, was a wonderful thing because it really leads you to understand why each one came to make the decisions they did.
Claire was so kick-ass, but she was raw and deeply hurt, and despite that had so much agency in the narrative. And, honestly, was just a delight to read—she’s funny, sexy, and takes up so much space (and don’t you dare forget). And, following closely, Léon….Alex bait I SWEAR. I would want to put this little blondie under a microscope; he compels me so much. He is funny, awkward, and desperate. I think him trying to be tough and failing, but still getting back up to defend what he loves………I am deeply attached to him. And, ohmygod, is he a little dense sometimes (all the time)—for those reading, just know he has a big ol’ storming coming, a reckoning even.
Matthias……so many references for me personally. Honorary Wallachian Count of my heart. Although the reader never gets into his head, I think the way he lingers in the narrative is so interesting; we are captivated by his appearance just as Claire and Léon are, and learning about him the way they do. It really makes the act of revealing so interesting, and really encapsulates the haunted feeling throughout. The way Dante brings them together is so satisfying as a reader. I usually swear against falling in love quickly, but I thought it was well-done here and fit the narrative, and it was still satisfying within the novella to observe.
The book does cover difficult topics, but I always found it very straight-forward and well-handled. All the characters have suffered, and ultimately, the point is that they survive. Life is hard, but they survive together. Please read all content warnings before reading.
Dante expertly uses the present tense here, and it really was skilled writing. The flow, the language, and how it shifted between POV was really wonderful. The emotional journey of the novella allowed us to embrace our disbelief to follow along, and I thought it was well-contained within the shorter format.
Highly recommend AFITN to anyone who wants something short, sexy, and character-driven.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and essentially devoured it in one sitting. Thanks to Morgan for sharing a copy with me <3 Be sure to run, not walk, to preorder a copy when you can :)
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC from the author!
Wow, I loved this. Like, absolutely adored it. If the username wasn’t a dead (hah) giveaway, I love vampires. And not only did Dante deliver, but absolutely KILLED it.
AFITN is a Bisexual Wet Dream for the vampire enthusiasts out there. It is delightfully horny, every scene dripping with desire. Morgan Dante can write a damned good threesome, and I swear by that.
The novella is very much character-driven; there is plot, clearly delineated motives, and a past that haunts the characters. But, the novella is about the characters and how the three come to be together as a unit. Léon and Claire are a married couple who are both wonderfully fleshed out, deeply interesting characters with motives and fears, and desires. Having them as POVs both, which at first I had questioned, was a wonderful thing because it really leads you to understand why each one came to make the decisions they did.
Claire was so kick-ass, but she was raw and deeply hurt, and despite that had so much agency in the narrative. And, honestly, was just a delight to read—she’s funny, sexy, and takes up so much space (and don’t you dare forget). And, following closely, Léon….Alex bait I SWEAR. I would want to put this little blondie under a microscope; he compels me so much. He is funny, awkward, and desperate. I think him trying to be tough and failing, but still getting back up to defend what he loves………I am deeply attached to him. And, ohmygod, is he a little dense sometimes (all the time)—for those reading, just know he has a big ol’ storming coming, a reckoning even.
Matthias……so many references for me personally. Honorary Wallachian Count of my heart. Although the reader never gets into his head, I think the way he lingers in the narrative is so interesting; we are captivated by his appearance just as Claire and Léon are, and learning about him the way they do. It really makes the act of revealing so interesting, and really encapsulates the haunted feeling throughout. The way Dante brings them together is so satisfying as a reader. I usually swear against falling in love quickly, but I thought it was well-done here and fit the narrative, and it was still satisfying within the novella to observe.
The book does cover difficult topics, but I always found it very straight-forward and well-handled. All the characters have suffered, and ultimately, the point is that they survive. Life is hard, but they survive together. Please read all content warnings before reading.
Dante expertly uses the present tense here, and it really was skilled writing. The flow, the language, and how it shifted between POV was really wonderful. The emotional journey of the novella allowed us to embrace our disbelief to follow along, and I thought it was well-contained within the shorter format.
Highly recommend AFITN to anyone who wants something short, sexy, and character-driven.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and essentially devoured it in one sitting. Thanks to Morgan for sharing a copy with me <3 Be sure to run, not walk, to preorder a copy when you can :)
May 17, 2025
i love u claire
⌗ 17/05/25 - pre read .ᐟ ౨ৎ
i loved the saint of heartbreak and since it's by the same author, my hopes are super high🤲
⌗ 17/05/25 - pre read .ᐟ ౨ৎ
i loved the saint of heartbreak and since it's by the same author, my hopes are super high🤲
March 1, 2024
It took me some time for my brain to adapt to this writing style, but once I did it was on! Claire is a new fav FMC. Leon’s humor, not self deprecating but definitely not afraid to make fun of himself or others & his dramatics - he was so adorably funny. Claire and Leon’s marriage, their devotion and openness with one another, was SO SWOONY. They were like two souls beaten down by life and whole together but Matthias coming into the mix only made life better! Throuple goals.
March 21, 2023
[Read Arc copy for review]
Poly Queer vampire novella with smut kinda sounds like my dreams.
A flame in the night is a fairly short novella set in the 1920s, where we follow a married couple called Leon and Claire. I loved their interactions with each other, i'm usually not a fan of pre-existing couples as i do love the yearning but this was done really well and made me really interested in their relationship and you could really see how these characters adored and relied on each other. I could have read an entire book of just them living life before the vampires and learning more about their struggles and day to day lives as they were both compelling characters.
But atlas the vampire! Matthias is your typical vampire, big house, wealth, the dark background all your usual parts. Now this been a novella so the relationship between the couple and him did happen very quickly but I wasn't mad at that as the smut did make up for it. I dont read alot of Poly books so it was really refreshing for me to see how all these characters interacted during these scenes and i was good [ its hard to describe smut without just been like they be fuckin]. The Poly relationship that develops reminds me of The dowry of blood if it was non toxic.
Anyway if your looking for a short smutty book with great poly rep M/M/F with sexy vampires then this is for you!
Poly Queer vampire novella with smut kinda sounds like my dreams.
A flame in the night is a fairly short novella set in the 1920s, where we follow a married couple called Leon and Claire. I loved their interactions with each other, i'm usually not a fan of pre-existing couples as i do love the yearning but this was done really well and made me really interested in their relationship and you could really see how these characters adored and relied on each other. I could have read an entire book of just them living life before the vampires and learning more about their struggles and day to day lives as they were both compelling characters.
But atlas the vampire! Matthias is your typical vampire, big house, wealth, the dark background all your usual parts. Now this been a novella so the relationship between the couple and him did happen very quickly but I wasn't mad at that as the smut did make up for it. I dont read alot of Poly books so it was really refreshing for me to see how all these characters interacted during these scenes and i was good [ its hard to describe smut without just been like they be fuckin]. The Poly relationship that develops reminds me of The dowry of blood if it was non toxic.
Anyway if your looking for a short smutty book with great poly rep M/M/F with sexy vampires then this is for you!
April 2, 2023
Dark, intoxicating, and overflowing with desire, A Flame in the Night was a thrill to read!
A Flame in the Night follows Leon Laflamme as finds himself enthralled by a mysterious vampire, falling hard into desire and questioning his own assumptions about who he is side by side with his clever wife, Claire.
This story is bite-sized but it sure packs a punch. I loved Leon, and I loved falling for Claire and Matthias through his eyes. The romance was top notch and the heat was amped up from the beginning.
I think my favorite part about this story was how open Leon and Claire were and how well they communicated everything. I feel like I haven’t read a lot of polyam stories that allow characters to show ANY interest in anyone outside of the main relationship, so it was really exciting to have the opportunity to read!
Also the end? It was quick, but it was so cathartic and so well deserved.
Anyone looking for a bite-sized polyam vampire romance that’s high heat won’t want to miss this! I adored every moment of it.
Huge thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A Flame in the Night follows Leon Laflamme as finds himself enthralled by a mysterious vampire, falling hard into desire and questioning his own assumptions about who he is side by side with his clever wife, Claire.
This story is bite-sized but it sure packs a punch. I loved Leon, and I loved falling for Claire and Matthias through his eyes. The romance was top notch and the heat was amped up from the beginning.
I think my favorite part about this story was how open Leon and Claire were and how well they communicated everything. I feel like I haven’t read a lot of polyam stories that allow characters to show ANY interest in anyone outside of the main relationship, so it was really exciting to have the opportunity to read!
Also the end? It was quick, but it was so cathartic and so well deserved.
Anyone looking for a bite-sized polyam vampire romance that’s high heat won’t want to miss this! I adored every moment of it.
Huge thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 21, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book for free in exchange for a review and support promoting the book as part of the author’s street team.
Morgan Dante's writing is on fire (see what I did there?) in this sexy novella that explores the doldrums and decadence of mortality. I loved the entire cast, the writing was immaculate, and the plot was wonderful. The ending was quite solid--the hint of more to come--and served the book well.
All three of our trio were delightful, and I adored that it was a book about introducing a new lover to a healthy marriage that would have remained healthy with or without that new introduction. Our core couple is encouraging and supportive of one another. Why not add a vampire to the mix?
Speaking of, I absolutely loved the way that some of our expectations with our vampiric count were subverted as well...
Wonderfully paced and absolutely delicious. A Flame in the Night delivers.
(Also, I love Claire!! So much!! I wasn't disappointed at all with her contribution to this book--her role cannot be understated--and I am all the more excited we will be getting more of her in the future.)
Morgan Dante's writing is on fire (see what I did there?) in this sexy novella that explores the doldrums and decadence of mortality. I loved the entire cast, the writing was immaculate, and the plot was wonderful. The ending was quite solid--the hint of more to come--and served the book well.
All three of our trio were delightful, and I adored that it was a book about introducing a new lover to a healthy marriage that would have remained healthy with or without that new introduction. Our core couple is encouraging and supportive of one another. Why not add a vampire to the mix?
Speaking of, I absolutely loved the way that some of our expectations with our vampiric count were subverted as well...
Wonderfully paced and absolutely delicious. A Flame in the Night delivers.
(Also, I love Claire!! So much!! I wasn't disappointed at all with her contribution to this book--her role cannot be understated--and I am all the more excited we will be getting more of her in the future.)
June 28, 2025
I don't quite know how I feel about this. On one hand, this is basically queer vampire smut. All things I greatly enjoy. The vibes, atmosphere, and characters were all very good. However, there are quite a few technical errors in it. There was also this sadness I felt for Claire, the wife. Both her and her husband willingly entered into the throuple situation. And there seemed to be a connection between all three of them. But the vampire clearly had a stronger attraction and connection to her husband. It was hard to tell if she and the vampire would have a connection at all if not for her husband. I'm absolutely sure this is a lot of my own issues with feeling like a third wheel in many of my past relationships coloring my perspective. Claire herself didn't express any feelings of jealousy or neglect in the story. But I couldn't help but wonder if this imbalance in the relationship wouldn't eventually lead to these kinds of feelings. Or, like I mentioned earlier, that's just my own trauma and anxiety.
August 31, 2023
*Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Usually with Vampires you get the “wayward single maiden attracts fanged trouble” cliché. However with A Flame In The Night, you get the delightful and spicy spin of “happily married man meets handsome vampire, introduces his wife so they can all make out and kill her abusers,” and I think that’s beautiful. I’m an absolute sucker for bi MCs and loving polyamorous groupings. And I love how Leon and Claire support each other through everything.
Not enough books are about men being unabashed French hoes in the Roaring 20s that put their wives first, and even less of them feature vampires, so Morgan Dante is doing something right.
Spice: 5/5
CW: sex work, drug use, war gore mention, PTSD, past sexual abuse mention
Usually with Vampires you get the “wayward single maiden attracts fanged trouble” cliché. However with A Flame In The Night, you get the delightful and spicy spin of “happily married man meets handsome vampire, introduces his wife so they can all make out and kill her abusers,” and I think that’s beautiful. I’m an absolute sucker for bi MCs and loving polyamorous groupings. And I love how Leon and Claire support each other through everything.
Not enough books are about men being unabashed French hoes in the Roaring 20s that put their wives first, and even less of them feature vampires, so Morgan Dante is doing something right.
Spice: 5/5
CW: sex work, drug use, war gore mention, PTSD, past sexual abuse mention
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
Where was this book after I read S.T. Gibson's A Dowry of Blood????!!!!???? This would have been the PERFECT book to follow that one. Seriously. I have been trying to find a book that gave me the same feeling as A Dowry of Blood and this is it. It is this book. Why did it take me over a year to find this
Want to read
March 13, 2023🥸
May 15, 2023
rating: 4 stars
October 19, 2023
Let's be real: no risqué story about polyamorous vampires set in lush and decadent Paris has any business being this boring and awkward.
First of all, I strongly disliked the characters. None of them had any real distinctive personality or strong qualities to admire, they were just… there. In general, there was practically no plot for them to move through, which should have at least given ample space for introspection, but all they thought about was either sex or their past trauma. I'd consider both of those things to be elements that could have been well worth exploring and discussing, but that's literally all there was to them. At no point did I feel like I knew them as people and so I couldn't connect to any of them because they just weren't really fleshed out.
But the most appalling thing of all, given the nature of this book, was the utter lack of chemistry between the three of them. Calling them bland would be a compliment. Let me quickly run through them. Léon and Claire were so dull and gave off major best friends vibes rather than spouses. Also, if I may permitted to say it, Léon was kind of pathetic whenever they interacted; it was so annoying reading about him being uncertain in every single situation only to turn around just because Claire made a decision. He just felt weak to me and having him as the main narrator didn't go to the book's advantage. Then there were Claire and Matthias who barely interacted at all and literally decided to promise each other eternal care and love after having met twice. Finally, Léon and Matthias were the only two who showed at least the spark of something. They had a couple of scenes that I really liked, but things were quite rushed with them as well. As a whole, the whole dynamic felt incomplete and at times really awkward to witness. I just didn't think there were strong enough reasons and motivations for these three to get together; they were all apparently obsessed with each other, but we never got to see why.
The writing style was also a problem for me, as it was extremely flowery and overly descriptive. Now, of course descriptions of people and places are important to visualize what's going on, but here they just never fucking ended. Not to mention they were often pages and pages of descriptions that were, in my opinion, put in the wrong places. You mean to tell me that when the hot vampire asks you into his house at night to "discuss things more privately", you waste time having a tour of the house and painstakingly taking notice of the carpet and the light fixtures and the paintings and the wardrobe and the fact that the vases did not hold any flowers, before deciding to spend the evening having a mint tea in the garden while discussing hair color? Like, come on. Léon couldn't be more of a disgrace if he actively tried.
Next stop, the… *checks notes* world-building…? Realistically it can hardly be called that as it only revolved around three notions about vampires, and I honestly wouldn't even bring it up if not for the fact that everything just felt wrong. As a lover of vampire books, I am well aware that every universe has slightly different rules and characteristics of these fantastical beings. But if you want to convince me that vampires can conceive and give birth to babies, can walk in the sun if strictly necessary and somehow turn into feral beasts with pointed elven ears and bleached hair if they kill too much, I'm forced to at the very least tilt my head in confusion at you.
But the most infuriating thing for me was the fact that the last third of the book was actually pretty good. The final sex scene, the turning scene and the revenge scene were exactly what I'd signed up for when I decided to read this, but unfortunately it was too little too late. The potential was definitely there but the execution just wasn't up to the task. So overall my rating is 2.5 stars, and there are truly no words that can express how disappointed I am. I didn't even really plan on writing a full-length review but considering this was a 5 star prediction, I just needed a space to vent. Keep in mind, however, that this is a very unpopular opinion, so if the plot sounds interesting you should definitely give this book a chance since it was able to give so much to so many people. I just wish I was one of them.
First of all, I strongly disliked the characters. None of them had any real distinctive personality or strong qualities to admire, they were just… there. In general, there was practically no plot for them to move through, which should have at least given ample space for introspection, but all they thought about was either sex or their past trauma. I'd consider both of those things to be elements that could have been well worth exploring and discussing, but that's literally all there was to them. At no point did I feel like I knew them as people and so I couldn't connect to any of them because they just weren't really fleshed out.
But the most appalling thing of all, given the nature of this book, was the utter lack of chemistry between the three of them. Calling them bland would be a compliment. Let me quickly run through them. Léon and Claire were so dull and gave off major best friends vibes rather than spouses. Also, if I may permitted to say it, Léon was kind of pathetic whenever they interacted; it was so annoying reading about him being uncertain in every single situation only to turn around just because Claire made a decision. He just felt weak to me and having him as the main narrator didn't go to the book's advantage. Then there were Claire and Matthias who barely interacted at all and literally decided to promise each other eternal care and love after having met twice. Finally, Léon and Matthias were the only two who showed at least the spark of something. They had a couple of scenes that I really liked, but things were quite rushed with them as well. As a whole, the whole dynamic felt incomplete and at times really awkward to witness. I just didn't think there were strong enough reasons and motivations for these three to get together; they were all apparently obsessed with each other, but we never got to see why.
The writing style was also a problem for me, as it was extremely flowery and overly descriptive. Now, of course descriptions of people and places are important to visualize what's going on, but here they just never fucking ended. Not to mention they were often pages and pages of descriptions that were, in my opinion, put in the wrong places. You mean to tell me that when the hot vampire asks you into his house at night to "discuss things more privately", you waste time having a tour of the house and painstakingly taking notice of the carpet and the light fixtures and the paintings and the wardrobe and the fact that the vases did not hold any flowers, before deciding to spend the evening having a mint tea in the garden while discussing hair color? Like, come on. Léon couldn't be more of a disgrace if he actively tried.
Next stop, the… *checks notes* world-building…? Realistically it can hardly be called that as it only revolved around three notions about vampires, and I honestly wouldn't even bring it up if not for the fact that everything just felt wrong. As a lover of vampire books, I am well aware that every universe has slightly different rules and characteristics of these fantastical beings. But if you want to convince me that vampires can conceive and give birth to babies, can walk in the sun if strictly necessary and somehow turn into feral beasts with pointed elven ears and bleached hair if they kill too much, I'm forced to at the very least tilt my head in confusion at you.
But the most infuriating thing for me was the fact that the last third of the book was actually pretty good. The final sex scene, the turning scene and the revenge scene were exactly what I'd signed up for when I decided to read this, but unfortunately it was too little too late. The potential was definitely there but the execution just wasn't up to the task. So overall my rating is 2.5 stars, and there are truly no words that can express how disappointed I am. I didn't even really plan on writing a full-length review but considering this was a 5 star prediction, I just needed a space to vent. Keep in mind, however, that this is a very unpopular opinion, so if the plot sounds interesting you should definitely give this book a chance since it was able to give so much to so many people. I just wish I was one of them.
April 4, 2023
Read an eARC from the author
Content warning: Past sexual abuse, depiction of PTSD and flashbacks, past forced prostitution. past abuse, blood kink, self-harm (for vampire bloodletting)
Sometimes marriage is a burlesque dancer, a former soldier, and a silver-haired vampire.
Dante definitely understands the assignment of writing a decadent story featuring vampires. There's sexual excess, there's the danger and allure of the supernatural, and personal histories steeped in tragedy. This work almost feels like a slice-of-life with its singular focus on the couple and their introduction to the high strangeness of encountering a literal supernatural creature. There's a genre savvy that's super evident on the page, and there's enough historical detail to ground the piece in its time period, particularly each character's backstory and the metaphorical demons chasing them.
At once familiar and fresh, A Flame in the Night shines with romance while never forgetting the dark allure of creatures of the night.
Content warning: Past sexual abuse, depiction of PTSD and flashbacks, past forced prostitution. past abuse, blood kink, self-harm (for vampire bloodletting)
Sometimes marriage is a burlesque dancer, a former soldier, and a silver-haired vampire.
Dante definitely understands the assignment of writing a decadent story featuring vampires. There's sexual excess, there's the danger and allure of the supernatural, and personal histories steeped in tragedy. This work almost feels like a slice-of-life with its singular focus on the couple and their introduction to the high strangeness of encountering a literal supernatural creature. There's a genre savvy that's super evident on the page, and there's enough historical detail to ground the piece in its time period, particularly each character's backstory and the metaphorical demons chasing them.
At once familiar and fresh, A Flame in the Night shines with romance while never forgetting the dark allure of creatures of the night.
July 29, 2023
Hot vampires but IM ALSO SO HAPPY FOR LEON AND CLAIRE THEY ARE MY BABIES🥹🥹🥹
September 16, 2023
umm?? HELLO????? i think i died a little bit btw (in a good way).
the way this is so fucking sensual istg. maybe i want a vampire boyfriend too now who knows, certainly not me.
the writing is top fucking tier, the characters are top fucking tier (leon, the love of my life, ily. xoxo, baby) & the smut is top fucking tier (and i'm saying this as an ace fellow so you KNOW it's true).
idk what you all are doing, man. just go & read this shit istg or else 🔫
the way this is so fucking sensual istg. maybe i want a vampire boyfriend too now who knows, certainly not me.
the writing is top fucking tier, the characters are top fucking tier (leon, the love of my life, ily. xoxo, baby) & the smut is top fucking tier (and i'm saying this as an ace fellow so you KNOW it's true).
idk what you all are doing, man. just go & read this shit istg or else 🔫
Read
April 28, 2024I don't know if I can give a fair rating to this one...
It just felt like I was reading a (very smutty) ao3 one shot - and I say ao3 (and not wattpad) because the writing was decent. There were some bits with very beautiful prose in it (although I did spot quite a few typos throughout).
My main issue was that the plot felt like a bit of an afterthought and like it served mostly to prompt the sex scenes.
Overall, I wish the story had been developed further. The book is quite short so I feel like there was room to flesh out the characters and extend the plot a bit more.
It just felt like I was reading a (very smutty) ao3 one shot - and I say ao3 (and not wattpad) because the writing was decent. There were some bits with very beautiful prose in it (although I did spot quite a few typos throughout).
My main issue was that the plot felt like a bit of an afterthought and like it served mostly to prompt the sex scenes.
Overall, I wish the story had been developed further. The book is quite short so I feel like there was room to flesh out the characters and extend the plot a bit more.
May 26, 2023
I really like the 3 characters themselves - unfortunately Léon least of all, even if I find his cheeky arrogance refreshing.
In the beginning I hardly found access to Matthias, I think that's how it should be, but somehow it seemed abrupt that he was suddenly in the middle of the relationship.
Claire is a fantastic character overall, I would have liked more from her perspective.
I think the book would have thrilled me more if it was a little longer, so unfortunately it doesn't seem really coherent to me.
In the beginning I hardly found access to Matthias, I think that's how it should be, but somehow it seemed abrupt that he was suddenly in the middle of the relationship.
Claire is a fantastic character overall, I would have liked more from her perspective.
I think the book would have thrilled me more if it was a little longer, so unfortunately it doesn't seem really coherent to me.
July 24, 2023
This was a fascinating read!
It was a very character driven book, and I enjoyed that about it. Léon, Claire, and Matthias were all intriguing characters that kept me reading the book in fascination.
The world would have them die and no longer inconvenience it. Fuck that, and fuck the world. Immortality is proof they survived despite being told they shouldn't because they aren't untraumatized or sweet or pure enough.
Morgan's prose is stunning, and kept me enthralled throughout the story. The sex scenes were hot, steamy, and smutty, and worked in all the right ways.
The story is fascinating exploration of trauma and PTSD regarding both war and sex work in Claire and Léon's respective histories, and Léon in particular is vividly written. I'd have loved to see more development for Claire and Matthias, but as it stands, they remain fun and intriguing characters I'd love to see more of in the sequel.
3.5/5 stars for me, rounded up to 4/5 stars!
It was a very character driven book, and I enjoyed that about it. Léon, Claire, and Matthias were all intriguing characters that kept me reading the book in fascination.
The world would have them die and no longer inconvenience it. Fuck that, and fuck the world. Immortality is proof they survived despite being told they shouldn't because they aren't untraumatized or sweet or pure enough.
Morgan's prose is stunning, and kept me enthralled throughout the story. The sex scenes were hot, steamy, and smutty, and worked in all the right ways.
The story is fascinating exploration of trauma and PTSD regarding both war and sex work in Claire and Léon's respective histories, and Léon in particular is vividly written. I'd have loved to see more development for Claire and Matthias, but as it stands, they remain fun and intriguing characters I'd love to see more of in the sequel.
3.5/5 stars for me, rounded up to 4/5 stars!
April 30, 2025
2.5 stars . . . rounded up. This took me way too long to read. It's only 150 pages, but the first half took me a long time to get through. The prose is very purple; it's practically heliotrope. I think it needed more line/sentence editing, and a developmental work up, because after all that seemed really slow, the last 25% was too rushed. I definitely needed more in the final chapter/s.
However, I did like the characters, all three of them. I don't necessarily believe they'll work out long long long term, but they were all compelling. I might try more of the author's work to see if a longer book works better, but this one had some issues. (Fantastic cover, though!)
However, I did like the characters, all three of them. I don't necessarily believe they'll work out long long long term, but they were all compelling. I might try more of the author's work to see if a longer book works better, but this one had some issues. (Fantastic cover, though!)
October 12, 2023
Finally finished!!! I can definitely see myself coming back to this lovely story and re-reading it, I loved it so much omg I’ll probably end up changing it to a 5 star sometime down the line just watch!! Now I need my own long-haired sexy mysterious soft and elegant yet dangerous if need be vampire partner immediately‼️
August 30, 2023
It surprised me, it delivered much more than I thought I would find.
Undoubtedly here what counts the most are the characters who vibrate and drive the story with their way of being and their passion.
Undoubtedly here what counts the most are the characters who vibrate and drive the story with their way of being and their passion.
June 11, 2023
REVIEW TO COME
September 29, 2023
I just love polyamorous vampires who get revenge on the people who hurt them. Super satisfying.
January 28, 2024
Loved the vibe, loved the characters, wished it was more developed but still enjoyed it thoroughly
October 14, 2025
3.5/5 stars
CHRIIIIST this was sensual as hell. also the smut was stupidly enjoyable and the vampire aspect of this book was like the cherry on top
CHRIIIIST this was sensual as hell. also the smut was stupidly enjoyable and the vampire aspect of this book was like the cherry on top
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