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Love in Netherford #2
The Viscount St. Albans
Sense and Sensibility and Vampires
Silas Drake, the Viscount St. Albans, is one of the most desirable bachelors in approaching thirty, wealthy, and poised to inherit his father’s seat in Parliament. His aunt, the dowager viscountess, insists he marries well, and soon—or she’ll take matters into her own hands.
But his love belongs to Viola Brightwell, who is a commoner of modest means... and a vampire. Newly transformed after the recent battle to save Netherford, Viola rages in a locked room in Silas’s mansion, wrestling with the violent passions of her new affliction.
As Silas struggles to balance the demands of his rank with the desires of his heart, he finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy by ancient and terrible powers...
Silas Drake, the Viscount St. Albans, is one of the most desirable bachelors in approaching thirty, wealthy, and poised to inherit his father’s seat in Parliament. His aunt, the dowager viscountess, insists he marries well, and soon—or she’ll take matters into her own hands.
But his love belongs to Viola Brightwell, who is a commoner of modest means... and a vampire. Newly transformed after the recent battle to save Netherford, Viola rages in a locked room in Silas’s mansion, wrestling with the violent passions of her new affliction.
As Silas struggles to balance the demands of his rank with the desires of his heart, he finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy by ancient and terrible powers...
356 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2025
About the author
Natania Barron
46 books209 followersNatania Barron is a writer with a penchant for the speculative; she is also an unrepentant geek. Her work has appeared in Weird Tales, EscapePod, The Gatehouse Gazette, Thaumatrope, Bull Spec, Crossed Genres, Steampunk Tales, Faerie Magazine, and in a number of anthologies. Her work often incorporates Victorian aesthetics with magic and science fiction, treading between genres whenever possible. Her first novel, Pilgrim of the Sky, debuted in 2011.
She has since published a music fiction novel (ROCK REVIVAL), a trilogy of novellas set in early 20th century high society with monster heroines (THESE MARVELOUS BEASTS), and her Arthurian retelling QUEEN OF NONE will be re-released by Solaris Books in May of 2024, along with its two sequels, QUEEN OF FURY and QUEEN OF MERCY.
Solaris Nova is also publishing her queer Regency romantasy trilogy, Love in Netherford, starting with NETHERFORD HALL in '24 and THE VISCOUNT ST. ALBANS and THE GAME OF HEARTS in '25.
Natania holds a BA in English/Writing from Loyola University Maryland and an MA in English with a concentration in medieval literature from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In her spare time she cooks, bakes, drinks wine, crochets, plays guitar and ukulele, and enjoys nature. She lives in North Carolina with her family.
She has since published a music fiction novel (ROCK REVIVAL), a trilogy of novellas set in early 20th century high society with monster heroines (THESE MARVELOUS BEASTS), and her Arthurian retelling QUEEN OF NONE will be re-released by Solaris Books in May of 2024, along with its two sequels, QUEEN OF FURY and QUEEN OF MERCY.
Solaris Nova is also publishing her queer Regency romantasy trilogy, Love in Netherford, starting with NETHERFORD HALL in '24 and THE VISCOUNT ST. ALBANS and THE GAME OF HEARTS in '25.
Natania holds a BA in English/Writing from Loyola University Maryland and an MA in English with a concentration in medieval literature from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In her spare time she cooks, bakes, drinks wine, crochets, plays guitar and ukulele, and enjoys nature. She lives in North Carolina with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 19, 2025
Digital ARC provided by the author. (Thanks :D)
The plot continues to plot so juicily, both in the continuing romance, the new romance, and the overall fantasy plot.
I always love seeing characters after a bit has time has passed from their initial story, so this was a delight to read. If you loved Netherford Hall, then you will continue to love this.
Since at the time of reading, this book is still a month from release, I will put the rest of my thoughts behind spoilers -
Excuse me whilst I book a holiday to Kent. Book three cannot come fast enough.
The plot continues to plot so juicily, both in the continuing romance, the new romance, and the overall fantasy plot.
I always love seeing characters after a bit has time has passed from their initial story, so this was a delight to read. If you loved Netherford Hall, then you will continue to love this.
Since at the time of reading, this book is still a month from release, I will put the rest of my thoughts behind spoilers -
Excuse me whilst I book a holiday to Kent. Book three cannot come fast enough.
February 15, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
The Viscount of St. Albans picks up after the events of Netherford Hall, the first book in the Love in Netherford series. This review will reveal some plot points from that first story.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
The Viscount of St. Albans picks up after the events of Netherford Hall, the first book in the Love in Netherford series. This review will reveal some plot points from that first story.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
January 19, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Solaris for the eARC
I had the chance to read an ARC of the first book of the series, and got lucky again with the second.
'The Viscount St Albans' follows up directly after the events of book 1, but this time the focus is on Silas and Viola. We still have a great deal of the other characters, protagonists or secondary characters of book 1. The series is constructed in a way that leave space for everyone, as they are all join together by the plot, the romance being an important part of the series but not the only important event happening. This lack of focus on Viola and Silas romance, which started in book one, might be a weakness in the overall book, given that the romance is supposed to be quite at the forefront. Nonetheless, the overall story is still an entertaining one, with multiple threads, new characters and preparation for the third book, as the threads making this tome finally come to their ends.
It's an enjoyable read, with great lore and magic system, faithful to it's regency setting, with lush description. The characters are well enough developped, though I must I don't really get much involve with their struggles. Still, following their journey is quite interesting, especially because Natania Barron made sure to keep things challenging, even for our settled couple from book one.
I'll read book 3 with pleasure (Roland is a fun character), and recommend this series for people looking for a mix of magic, cosy mystery and love in a fantasy regency setting.
I had the chance to read an ARC of the first book of the series, and got lucky again with the second.
'The Viscount St Albans' follows up directly after the events of book 1, but this time the focus is on Silas and Viola. We still have a great deal of the other characters, protagonists or secondary characters of book 1. The series is constructed in a way that leave space for everyone, as they are all join together by the plot, the romance being an important part of the series but not the only important event happening. This lack of focus on Viola and Silas romance, which started in book one, might be a weakness in the overall book, given that the romance is supposed to be quite at the forefront. Nonetheless, the overall story is still an entertaining one, with multiple threads, new characters and preparation for the third book, as the threads making this tome finally come to their ends.
It's an enjoyable read, with great lore and magic system, faithful to it's regency setting, with lush description. The characters are well enough developped, though I must I don't really get much involve with their struggles. Still, following their journey is quite interesting, especially because Natania Barron made sure to keep things challenging, even for our settled couple from book one.
I'll read book 3 with pleasure (Roland is a fun character), and recommend this series for people looking for a mix of magic, cosy mystery and love in a fantasy regency setting.
February 26, 2025
Wow, this book was the first time in 20 years I've swooned at a vampire and/or werewolf.
So Viola is hiding in a room, trying to keep from turning into a vampire. And downstairs is the human man she loves but cannot be with, Silas. And he loves her too, but duty says he must marry a human girl with wealth to carry on the family line. Meanwhile, Edith's society acquaintance and Silas's cousin, Roland, contacts Edith for help finding his missing mother, the High Witch. And Silas's mother hates the vampires in her house so she's decided to invite single girls over to meet her son in hopes he'll pick someone. Will Edith and Poppy find a cure for Viola before it's too late? Will Roland find his mom? Will Silas and Viola finally find a way to be together?
I really, really liked this. I tried to go to bed on time but had to pick it back up for the last two chapters before bed.
I also love that, unlike many romance series, we still got significant time with the previous book's couple. I was glad to see Poppy and Edith continue to grow together.
I need book 3 immediately. I really hope it's about Roland and Basil.
So Viola is hiding in a room, trying to keep from turning into a vampire. And downstairs is the human man she loves but cannot be with, Silas. And he loves her too, but duty says he must marry a human girl with wealth to carry on the family line. Meanwhile, Edith's society acquaintance and Silas's cousin, Roland, contacts Edith for help finding his missing mother, the High Witch. And Silas's mother hates the vampires in her house so she's decided to invite single girls over to meet her son in hopes he'll pick someone. Will Edith and Poppy find a cure for Viola before it's too late? Will Roland find his mom? Will Silas and Viola finally find a way to be together?
I really, really liked this. I tried to go to bed on time but had to pick it back up for the last two chapters before bed.
I also love that, unlike many romance series, we still got significant time with the previous book's couple. I was glad to see Poppy and Edith continue to grow together.
I need book 3 immediately. I really hope it's about Roland and Basil.
February 10, 2025
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
The Viscount St Albans by Natania Barron is a third person multi-POV Regency fantasy romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and continuation of Netherford Hall. When Viola is transformed into a vampire, Silas looks after her while trying to balance his duties as the viscount and finding a wife. But it's Viola he wants and her feelings for him in return can only be held back for so long.
This is the kind of vampire romance I'm looking for: the biting aspect has a very, very strong sexual component and the one who is bitten also derives pleasure from the act. Silas is really into Viola drinking his blood and doesn't really want her to drink from anyone else while Viola isn't interested in finding someone else to drink from. Their romance is more on the quiet side but there is definitely passion there.
This book is not as claustrophobic as some fantasy romances. There's a lot of POVs (including the return of Edith and Poppy) and a set up for the next book between Basil and Roland, perhaps. Most of the POVs outside of Silas and Viola are focused on the world at large and how the fae, vampires, witches, and werewolves are interacting in and outside of the Ton. We get more lore and a deeper understanding of how all the threads are connected from the first book, particularly in how it relates to the fairy realm and the politics of this iteration of fantasy England.
I actually have not read Sense and Sensibility, so I cannot say if the book hits those key characteristics that Netherford Hall hit with Pride and Prejudice, but it is still very Austen-ish.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a vampire romance where the woman is the vampire, fans of Jane Austen wanting a fantasy romance set in a fantasy Regency England, and those looking for more historical fantasies with vampires, werewolves, witches and fae mixed together
The Viscount St Albans by Natania Barron is a third person multi-POV Regency fantasy romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and continuation of Netherford Hall. When Viola is transformed into a vampire, Silas looks after her while trying to balance his duties as the viscount and finding a wife. But it's Viola he wants and her feelings for him in return can only be held back for so long.
This is the kind of vampire romance I'm looking for: the biting aspect has a very, very strong sexual component and the one who is bitten also derives pleasure from the act. Silas is really into Viola drinking his blood and doesn't really want her to drink from anyone else while Viola isn't interested in finding someone else to drink from. Their romance is more on the quiet side but there is definitely passion there.
This book is not as claustrophobic as some fantasy romances. There's a lot of POVs (including the return of Edith and Poppy) and a set up for the next book between Basil and Roland, perhaps. Most of the POVs outside of Silas and Viola are focused on the world at large and how the fae, vampires, witches, and werewolves are interacting in and outside of the Ton. We get more lore and a deeper understanding of how all the threads are connected from the first book, particularly in how it relates to the fairy realm and the politics of this iteration of fantasy England.
I actually have not read Sense and Sensibility, so I cannot say if the book hits those key characteristics that Netherford Hall hit with Pride and Prejudice, but it is still very Austen-ish.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a vampire romance where the woman is the vampire, fans of Jane Austen wanting a fantasy romance set in a fantasy Regency England, and those looking for more historical fantasies with vampires, werewolves, witches and fae mixed together
February 9, 2025
Thank you to Natania Barron and Solaris Nova for the ARC!
I adored book one of Love in Netherford so I was very excited to start this second in the series. The things I love the most about this series are the rich world, the diverse/unique characters, and the complex lore. All of that on top of the lovely language is a total delight every time I pick up one of these novels.
Two things I'll say: so many people reference having dived into this without reading book one, and that's a big mistake. These novels have continuous lore and are not to be read separately. It made me so angry to see people giving this book lower ratings who had not read book one.
The other thing is that I did find this had just a few too many characters for my preference - I started to get confused about halfway through, and the lore seemed to keep coming. I wish more of the lore had more hints or that it was easier to anticipate the greater threads. Sometimes the plot felt arbitrary for the sake of moving things along.
Book one is my preference between the two, but I'm still invested and excited to read the third book in the series!
Thanks again for the arc, and can't wait to continue this journey.
I adored book one of Love in Netherford so I was very excited to start this second in the series. The things I love the most about this series are the rich world, the diverse/unique characters, and the complex lore. All of that on top of the lovely language is a total delight every time I pick up one of these novels.
Two things I'll say: so many people reference having dived into this without reading book one, and that's a big mistake. These novels have continuous lore and are not to be read separately. It made me so angry to see people giving this book lower ratings who had not read book one.
The other thing is that I did find this had just a few too many characters for my preference - I started to get confused about halfway through, and the lore seemed to keep coming. I wish more of the lore had more hints or that it was easier to anticipate the greater threads. Sometimes the plot felt arbitrary for the sake of moving things along.
Book one is my preference between the two, but I'm still invested and excited to read the third book in the series!
Thanks again for the arc, and can't wait to continue this journey.
December 30, 2024
If possible, I loved this more than the first book? I adore the characters, and I cannot wait for the next book.
My full review to come asap.
UPDATED REVIEW
Thank you to @solarisbooks and @netgalley for this eARC.
If possible, I actually think I loved this sequel even more than the first book. In this Sense & Sensibility reimagining with witches, werewolves, and vampires, we see Violet struggling to come to terms with her new reality as a vampire, and Silas has to find out how to reconcile his love for Violet with his duties as the viscount.
What I loved about this book :
- Seeing more of Edith and Poppy’s relationship, and the fact that “happily every after” doesn’t necessarily mean that everything goes smoothly, it still requires work to make the relationship work no matter how much they love each other. This is such a realistic way of writing a HEA and I adore that.
- Roland. That’s it, just his character.
- Roland and Basil’s undeniable chemistry and antagonism at war with each other - it’s absolutely delicious and I’m hoping the next book will be about them.
- Laertes and Ophelia, and how they look after and dote on Violet, much to their own surprise
- The fact that Laertes and Ronald occasionally give me Robert Burns in “Bright Star” vibes. I love that movie.
- The neurodivergence in the characters is AMAZING. I really love that representation and how well it is written as part of the characters without it being their entire personality.
Natania Barron is becoming one of my favourite authors and I’m going to be reading all of her books.
The Viscount St. Albans comes out 14 February 2025 ♥️
My full review to come asap.
UPDATED REVIEW
Thank you to @solarisbooks and @netgalley for this eARC.
If possible, I actually think I loved this sequel even more than the first book. In this Sense & Sensibility reimagining with witches, werewolves, and vampires, we see Violet struggling to come to terms with her new reality as a vampire, and Silas has to find out how to reconcile his love for Violet with his duties as the viscount.
What I loved about this book :
- Seeing more of Edith and Poppy’s relationship, and the fact that “happily every after” doesn’t necessarily mean that everything goes smoothly, it still requires work to make the relationship work no matter how much they love each other. This is such a realistic way of writing a HEA and I adore that.
- Roland. That’s it, just his character.
- Roland and Basil’s undeniable chemistry and antagonism at war with each other - it’s absolutely delicious and I’m hoping the next book will be about them.
- Laertes and Ophelia, and how they look after and dote on Violet, much to their own surprise
- The fact that Laertes and Ronald occasionally give me Robert Burns in “Bright Star” vibes. I love that movie.
- The neurodivergence in the characters is AMAZING. I really love that representation and how well it is written as part of the characters without it being their entire personality.
Natania Barron is becoming one of my favourite authors and I’m going to be reading all of her books.
The Viscount St. Albans comes out 14 February 2025 ♥️
April 29, 2025
This is a sequel to Netherford Hall. We've moved from Pride & Prejudice & Witches to Sense & Sensibility & Vampires. As one does.
This book opens where the previous book leaves off, only it focuses on the relationship between Poppy's sister Viola and Silas, the eponymous Viscount St. Albans. The cast of characters remains compelling, and the plot clicks along at a bright pace without ever losing hold of the emotional impact of the choices the characters are making. Utterly delightful and worth your time. Pick up the first book, too.
Strongly recommended.
This book opens where the previous book leaves off, only it focuses on the relationship between Poppy's sister Viola and Silas, the eponymous Viscount St. Albans. The cast of characters remains compelling, and the plot clicks along at a bright pace without ever losing hold of the emotional impact of the choices the characters are making. Utterly delightful and worth your time. Pick up the first book, too.
Strongly recommended.
January 7, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Silas Drake, the Viscount of St. Albans, is one of the most desirable bachelors in London: however his heart belongs to Violet Brightwell, a commoner and a vampire. With the pressure mounting from his aunt to marry, Silas must decide if he will adhere to duty or follow his heart.
I didn’t read the first book in the series, and I realized that was a mistake. While I assumed the novel was a stand alone, it seems to me to be more of a continuation of the first novel, especially as characters from the first novel feature prominently in this one. In fact, they feature so heavily that they take away from the main couple and there are more scenes with other characters than there with the two leads. Or so it seemed to me. Because of this it was hard to see their relationship develop. Though it’s determined that Violet and Silas are already in love in the first novel, I would have enjoyed seeing them work together to find a way to cure Violet’s vampirism or a way to make it work. Also, it was hard to connect to the two MC’s as we didn’t get to spend much time with them
I wish there would’ve been a refresher in this novel as to how the paranormal world worked and the hierarchy of the paranormal creatures. It would have helped to understand the intrigue that was at play and the lay of the land. I did enjoy the action and the pace of the novel moved quickly. Overall, it was an entertaining story.
Silas Drake, the Viscount of St. Albans, is one of the most desirable bachelors in London: however his heart belongs to Violet Brightwell, a commoner and a vampire. With the pressure mounting from his aunt to marry, Silas must decide if he will adhere to duty or follow his heart.
I didn’t read the first book in the series, and I realized that was a mistake. While I assumed the novel was a stand alone, it seems to me to be more of a continuation of the first novel, especially as characters from the first novel feature prominently in this one. In fact, they feature so heavily that they take away from the main couple and there are more scenes with other characters than there with the two leads. Or so it seemed to me. Because of this it was hard to see their relationship develop. Though it’s determined that Violet and Silas are already in love in the first novel, I would have enjoyed seeing them work together to find a way to cure Violet’s vampirism or a way to make it work. Also, it was hard to connect to the two MC’s as we didn’t get to spend much time with them
I wish there would’ve been a refresher in this novel as to how the paranormal world worked and the hierarchy of the paranormal creatures. It would have helped to understand the intrigue that was at play and the lay of the land. I did enjoy the action and the pace of the novel moved quickly. Overall, it was an entertaining story.
May 8, 2025
The Viscount of St. Albans
Love in Netherford Volume 2
Natania Barron
Rebellion Publishing
Release date: 14th Feb 2025
In the first volume, we’re introduced to an Austen-esque Regency world filled with magic and supernatural creatures. Netherford Hall sees Liege Edith Rookwood – a gentle witch – secure her relationship with Poppy Brightwell, after much shenanigans.
The first book introduced us to the town of Netherford and a number of terrific supporting and secondary characters; witches, vampires and more. In particular, Ophelia Byrne, her brother Laertes and American Petronilla Rookwood-Nourse.
In this one, Silas Drake, Viscount of St Albans, should have been working on a sequel to his last salacious novel, which he wrote under the nom de plume of D. B. Mansfield.
However, he’d recently inherited a sprawling estate – Burkley House - as well as trying to manage an outbreak of vampires as part of his duties.
Spoilers ahead;
His life has been upturned by recent events and the half-mad vampire currently living under his roof; Viola Brightwell.
He was, in fact, rather busy.
The Dowager Lady St. Albans has avoided Viola since her turning, and considering Viola had been her companion for many years, it hurt the younger woman.
Silas’ aunt – is quite a grumpy, Miss Haversham type figure, demanding of her nephew, jealous of her sister the High Witch and bigoted towards the lower class and most paranormal creatures.
Son of the High Witch - Virginia Cawley - Roland de Grateloup, is a good friend to Silas but is in trouble. If you know your French or your preternaturals, you can probably guess what Roland is. He’s also fond of meddling; “Love matching was his most revered pastime,” and is a bit of pampered rake.
But when the High Witch goes missing, Roland is in danger and on his own.
A lot of the book deals with change – literal and metaphorical – and there’s a part of Viola’s journey through this book that really speaks to me;
“But, as Viola had learned recently in her vicious turn of fate, becoming monstrous meant being reborn. And not everyone followed you into the next chapter of your life.”
I’m disabled, something that happened later in my life, from my thirties to forties, and it’s true that not all friends accepted the changes that came with it, or followed me. New friendships were formed instead. And I wonder if Barron, through Viola’s change of circumstances is reflecting on how other people can react to us as we change, whether it be gender, sexual identity or health. A little food for thought there.
The book is filled with terrific characters, shocks and revelations, danger, politics, romance and chemistry.
We got lots of Edith and Poppy as well as the Hodes and the residents of Netherford.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment.
Love in Netherford Volume 2
Natania Barron
Rebellion Publishing
Release date: 14th Feb 2025
In the first volume, we’re introduced to an Austen-esque Regency world filled with magic and supernatural creatures. Netherford Hall sees Liege Edith Rookwood – a gentle witch – secure her relationship with Poppy Brightwell, after much shenanigans.
The first book introduced us to the town of Netherford and a number of terrific supporting and secondary characters; witches, vampires and more. In particular, Ophelia Byrne, her brother Laertes and American Petronilla Rookwood-Nourse.
In this one, Silas Drake, Viscount of St Albans, should have been working on a sequel to his last salacious novel, which he wrote under the nom de plume of D. B. Mansfield.
However, he’d recently inherited a sprawling estate – Burkley House - as well as trying to manage an outbreak of vampires as part of his duties.
Spoilers ahead;
His life has been upturned by recent events and the half-mad vampire currently living under his roof; Viola Brightwell.
He was, in fact, rather busy.
The Dowager Lady St. Albans has avoided Viola since her turning, and considering Viola had been her companion for many years, it hurt the younger woman.
Silas’ aunt – is quite a grumpy, Miss Haversham type figure, demanding of her nephew, jealous of her sister the High Witch and bigoted towards the lower class and most paranormal creatures.
Son of the High Witch - Virginia Cawley - Roland de Grateloup, is a good friend to Silas but is in trouble. If you know your French or your preternaturals, you can probably guess what Roland is. He’s also fond of meddling; “Love matching was his most revered pastime,” and is a bit of pampered rake.
But when the High Witch goes missing, Roland is in danger and on his own.
A lot of the book deals with change – literal and metaphorical – and there’s a part of Viola’s journey through this book that really speaks to me;
“But, as Viola had learned recently in her vicious turn of fate, becoming monstrous meant being reborn. And not everyone followed you into the next chapter of your life.”
I’m disabled, something that happened later in my life, from my thirties to forties, and it’s true that not all friends accepted the changes that came with it, or followed me. New friendships were formed instead. And I wonder if Barron, through Viola’s change of circumstances is reflecting on how other people can react to us as we change, whether it be gender, sexual identity or health. A little food for thought there.
The book is filled with terrific characters, shocks and revelations, danger, politics, romance and chemistry.
We got lots of Edith and Poppy as well as the Hodes and the residents of Netherford.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment.
February 15, 2025
📖: The Viscount St. Albans -Love in Netherford #2
✍🏾 Author: Natania Barron-I read Netherford Hall gave it 4 ⭐. You need to read book#1 first.
📅Publication date: 2-14-25 | Read 2-14-25
📃: eBook 356 pgs.
Genre:
*Fantasy
*Adult Fic
*Historical
*Romance
Tropes:
*marriage of convenience
*witches, vampires, werewolves, fae
*forbidden romance
*opposites attract
*open door
*LGBTQ+ rep
*magic
*Sense and Sensibility loose retelling
👆🏾POV: 3rd person, multiple
🌎 Setting: London
Summary: Viola Brightwell is a fledgling vampire trying to get through her bloodlust staying with the Viscount of St. Albans-Silas Drake. Silas's BFF and cousin Roland joins him at Burkley after being accused of murdering a diplomat's son in France. The Dowager Viscountess St. Albans disapproves of Viola and Silas as he faces disinheritance.
👩🏾 Heroine: Viola Brightwell, 20s-new vampire, needs to fix relationship w/ sister Poppy after controlling urges.
👨🏾 Hero: Silas Drake-the new Viscount St. Albans, 29 is a secret writer of the Sibylle Voltaris -The Lady of the Lost Kingdom-under alias D.B. Mansfield.
🎭 Other Characters:
* Poppy-Viola's younger sister feeling lost because she's not a vampire or witch, Edith's partner
* Lady Petronilla Rookwood-Nourse-a gentlewitch, helped Viola but has a secret of her own.
* Edith-a gentlewitch, helps Roland with the werewolves
* Ophelia and Laertes-Viola's vampire mentors live@ Howarth House
* Roland de Grateloup-Sila's cousin/werewolf, The Grey Moon stalking him to join them.
*Tailte-A Faerie queen looking for her changeling son, bargains with Edith
*Fintan-Silas's valet/guardian
*Maurice-the King of Vampires
*Virgina Cawley-The High Witch who has gone missing
🤔 My Thoughts: There were a few too many subplots for me. Viola and Silas were the main couple, but Roland and his "affliction" became a big part of the book. Also, the Fae were thrown in with Queen Tailte and Edith. I would have been good with just Viola and Silas as forbidden lovers with the Dowager Viscountess St. threatening to disinherit him. It was still a fresh take on historical fantasy with a little Shakespeare retelling.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level 4/5 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Solaris| Solaris Nova, and Natania Barron for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
✍🏾 Author: Natania Barron-I read Netherford Hall gave it 4 ⭐. You need to read book#1 first.
📅Publication date: 2-14-25 | Read 2-14-25
📃: eBook 356 pgs.
Genre:
*Fantasy
*Adult Fic
*Historical
*Romance
Tropes:
*marriage of convenience
*witches, vampires, werewolves, fae
*forbidden romance
*opposites attract
*open door
*LGBTQ+ rep
*magic
*Sense and Sensibility loose retelling
👆🏾POV: 3rd person, multiple
🌎 Setting: London
Summary: Viola Brightwell is a fledgling vampire trying to get through her bloodlust staying with the Viscount of St. Albans-Silas Drake. Silas's BFF and cousin Roland joins him at Burkley after being accused of murdering a diplomat's son in France. The Dowager Viscountess St. Albans disapproves of Viola and Silas as he faces disinheritance.
👩🏾 Heroine: Viola Brightwell, 20s-new vampire, needs to fix relationship w/ sister Poppy after controlling urges.
👨🏾 Hero: Silas Drake-the new Viscount St. Albans, 29 is a secret writer of the Sibylle Voltaris -The Lady of the Lost Kingdom-under alias D.B. Mansfield.
🎭 Other Characters:
* Poppy-Viola's younger sister feeling lost because she's not a vampire or witch, Edith's partner
* Lady Petronilla Rookwood-Nourse-a gentlewitch, helped Viola but has a secret of her own.
* Edith-a gentlewitch, helps Roland with the werewolves
* Ophelia and Laertes-Viola's vampire mentors live@ Howarth House
* Roland de Grateloup-Sila's cousin/werewolf, The Grey Moon stalking him to join them.
*Tailte-A Faerie queen looking for her changeling son, bargains with Edith
*Fintan-Silas's valet/guardian
*Maurice-the King of Vampires
*Virgina Cawley-The High Witch who has gone missing
🤔 My Thoughts: There were a few too many subplots for me. Viola and Silas were the main couple, but Roland and his "affliction" became a big part of the book. Also, the Fae were thrown in with Queen Tailte and Edith. I would have been good with just Viola and Silas as forbidden lovers with the Dowager Viscountess St. threatening to disinherit him. It was still a fresh take on historical fantasy with a little Shakespeare retelling.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level 4/5 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Solaris| Solaris Nova, and Natania Barron for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
February 28, 2025
3.75 / 5
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was so grateful to be able to get the second installment to a series I started last year! I was surprised how quickly this installment came out too!
I'll get straight into what I enjoyed about this; it was great being back with our characters and seeing what everyone was up to, as well as getting a few new faces. While this is the second in the series, I think you could read this and the book gives you enough information about what happened previously to be able to read it on its own if you wanted.
Again, there was a lot of the writing and prose that I really liked. Barron clearly carefully selects the words and phrases she wants to use and I appreciated a lot of the writing itself. It's very reminiscent of Victorian England or Jane Austen so if you're looking for a similar authorial voice, it's here!
Although the plot did take a while to become obvious with direction - the first chunk of it feels a little plotless , however once you get into the last 30-20% you can really see all the foreshadowing, and hints, and worldbuilding coming together and making sense. The last chunk is where this book shines the best in my opinion and it was definitely the last 4 or so chapters were I was reading so fast because I was completely immersed in what was happened. I am a lover of foreshadowing and carefully plotting things about and I think Barron did a good job laying the hints here and there that led to the answers we got in the final part.
On top of all this, if book three is about Rolland and Basil, I will definitely be continuing this series! I liked them both right away and the tension between them is so juicy! I need to see how it plays out.
It is only out of personal preference that I had one little gripe, and it's spoilery:
Overall, if you're looking for a pleasant cosy fantasy romance that has wonderful prose, and with decent worldbuilding and foreshadowing, then this is the book for you!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was so grateful to be able to get the second installment to a series I started last year! I was surprised how quickly this installment came out too!
I'll get straight into what I enjoyed about this; it was great being back with our characters and seeing what everyone was up to, as well as getting a few new faces. While this is the second in the series, I think you could read this and the book gives you enough information about what happened previously to be able to read it on its own if you wanted.
Again, there was a lot of the writing and prose that I really liked. Barron clearly carefully selects the words and phrases she wants to use and I appreciated a lot of the writing itself. It's very reminiscent of Victorian England or Jane Austen so if you're looking for a similar authorial voice, it's here!
Although the plot did take a while to become obvious with direction - the first chunk of it feels a little plotless , however once you get into the last 30-20% you can really see all the foreshadowing, and hints, and worldbuilding coming together and making sense. The last chunk is where this book shines the best in my opinion and it was definitely the last 4 or so chapters were I was reading so fast because I was completely immersed in what was happened. I am a lover of foreshadowing and carefully plotting things about and I think Barron did a good job laying the hints here and there that led to the answers we got in the final part.
On top of all this, if book three is about Rolland and Basil, I will definitely be continuing this series! I liked them both right away and the tension between them is so juicy! I need to see how it plays out.
It is only out of personal preference that I had one little gripe, and it's spoilery:
Overall, if you're looking for a pleasant cosy fantasy romance that has wonderful prose, and with decent worldbuilding and foreshadowing, then this is the book for you!
March 12, 2025
I just love this series, the next part is needed asap.
The Viscount St. Albans is the second book in the Love in Netherford series. These books are very loose Jane Austen retellings (the first being "Pride and Prejudice and Witches", and this one "Sense and Sensibility and Vampires") happening in a world with witches and other preternaturals, as the book calls them. This part is a continuation of the story of Netherford and its residents, so it requires reading the previous book.
As the book cover suggests, this time our main characters are Viola and Siles (Viscount St. Albans), and their doomed romance after Viola turned into a vampire. But to be honest, they're not really a main focus here. The book is divided between many characters, with povs switching even in the chapters. I don't mind it, but be aware that the romance here is not the main story arc.
I love the characters in this series. There's a lot of them, but each gets their time to shine and their own plotline that entagles with the others. This book kept suprising me with each chapter and the ending worked so well, closing most of the threads and setting up the next book. I cannot wait to read about Roland and Basil. They're my favourites.
The only complaint that I have is the relationship between Edith and Poppy. Their disagreements here seemed forced. One normal conversation would solve everything, but instead we get Poppy settling for being treated unfairly. Hopefully it will be fixed in the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book.
The Viscount St. Albans is the second book in the Love in Netherford series. These books are very loose Jane Austen retellings (the first being "Pride and Prejudice and Witches", and this one "Sense and Sensibility and Vampires") happening in a world with witches and other preternaturals, as the book calls them. This part is a continuation of the story of Netherford and its residents, so it requires reading the previous book.
As the book cover suggests, this time our main characters are Viola and Siles (Viscount St. Albans), and their doomed romance after Viola turned into a vampire. But to be honest, they're not really a main focus here. The book is divided between many characters, with povs switching even in the chapters. I don't mind it, but be aware that the romance here is not the main story arc.
I love the characters in this series. There's a lot of them, but each gets their time to shine and their own plotline that entagles with the others. This book kept suprising me with each chapter and the ending worked so well, closing most of the threads and setting up the next book. I cannot wait to read about Roland and Basil. They're my favourites.
The only complaint that I have is the relationship between Edith and Poppy. Their disagreements here seemed forced. One normal conversation would solve everything, but instead we get Poppy settling for being treated unfairly. Hopefully it will be fixed in the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book.
January 10, 2025
What happens when a most eligible viscount falls for a vampire in Regency England? The Viscount St. Albans by Natania Barron delivers passion, peril, and plenty of bite! Silas Drake, a dashing viscount, finds himself torn between societal expectations of a proper marriage and his forbidden love for Viola Brightwell, a newly turned vampire of common birth. Together, they navigate the challenges of their complex relationship while uncovering a dangerous conspiracy involving ancient supernatural forces that threatens them both.
I quickly realized that not having read the first book in this series, Netherford Hall, was a misstep. Based on the description of this book as Sense and Sensibility with vampires, and the first as Pride and Prejudice with witches, I assumed these were standalone Austen inspired retellings set in the same universe with overlapping characters. However, this is not the case, as the story here builds directly on the events of the first book.
While I appreciated Barron's explanation of her inspiration in the acknowledgements, this is not a direct retelling and bears little resemblance to Sense and Sensibility beyond its Regency setting. This is not the story of Silas and Viola falling in love as that occurred in the previous novel. Instead the plot focuses on the impossibility of their match and a mysterious conspiracy that prominently features the main couple from Netherford Hall alongside the supporting cast. This mismatch of expectations, combined with a lack of grounding in the established world, made the novel somewhat disappointing for me.
That said lovers of regency romances and cozy mysteries will find much to love here. Barron's lush and immersive world building intricately weaves tender romance with the allure of supernatural intrigue. While the falling in love portion is absent, the romance between Silas and Viola remains both sweet and electric. I highly recommend starting with book one to fully appreciate the depth of the story and its richly developed universe.
Thank you to Solaris for providing a DRC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I quickly realized that not having read the first book in this series, Netherford Hall, was a misstep. Based on the description of this book as Sense and Sensibility with vampires, and the first as Pride and Prejudice with witches, I assumed these were standalone Austen inspired retellings set in the same universe with overlapping characters. However, this is not the case, as the story here builds directly on the events of the first book.
While I appreciated Barron's explanation of her inspiration in the acknowledgements, this is not a direct retelling and bears little resemblance to Sense and Sensibility beyond its Regency setting. This is not the story of Silas and Viola falling in love as that occurred in the previous novel. Instead the plot focuses on the impossibility of their match and a mysterious conspiracy that prominently features the main couple from Netherford Hall alongside the supporting cast. This mismatch of expectations, combined with a lack of grounding in the established world, made the novel somewhat disappointing for me.
That said lovers of regency romances and cozy mysteries will find much to love here. Barron's lush and immersive world building intricately weaves tender romance with the allure of supernatural intrigue. While the falling in love portion is absent, the romance between Silas and Viola remains both sweet and electric. I highly recommend starting with book one to fully appreciate the depth of the story and its richly developed universe.
Thank you to Solaris for providing a DRC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 24, 2025
This follow-up to the Netherford Hall, a queer and magical Pride and Prejudice retelling, was a solid read with some returning characters, new lore, and more world-building.
I loved seeing more of Edith and Poppy! I do think Poppy is justified in her feelings about Edith's (big) secrets, and I wish there had been more space for them to work that out.
The main romance between Silas and Viola is a slowburn in ways, but they both feel pulled to each other early on (and everyone knows it!). The vampire storyline was hot!
I wondered about any Austen remixed characters and could see a Jane and Bingley quality with the dowager's disdain in this version replacing Bingley's sisters. The author states in the notes that this was a nod to Colonel Brandon and Marianne in Sense and Sensibility, but I don't see that.
The lore of this world took a bit of flipping to refer back and find names more than once (I'm glad I wasn't listening for that reason). I was concerned this was distracting, but the ending really made it all pay off.
This book felt a bit spicier than the last, and I hope that stays consistent with the third. Excited to read about the budding romance I think will be featured (no spoilers!) and to have some of the lingering mysteries solved.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this e-ARC!
2/5 🌶🌶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Blood
Moderate: Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Murder
I loved seeing more of Edith and Poppy! I do think Poppy is justified in her feelings about Edith's (big) secrets, and I wish there had been more space for them to work that out.
The main romance between Silas and Viola is a slowburn in ways, but they both feel pulled to each other early on (and everyone knows it!). The vampire storyline was hot!
I wondered about any Austen remixed characters and could see a Jane and Bingley quality with the dowager's disdain in this version replacing Bingley's sisters. The author states in the notes that this was a nod to Colonel Brandon and Marianne in Sense and Sensibility, but I don't see that.
The lore of this world took a bit of flipping to refer back and find names more than once (I'm glad I wasn't listening for that reason). I was concerned this was distracting, but the ending really made it all pay off.
This book felt a bit spicier than the last, and I hope that stays consistent with the third. Excited to read about the budding romance I think will be featured (no spoilers!) and to have some of the lingering mysteries solved.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this e-ARC!
2/5 🌶🌶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Blood
Moderate: Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Murder
March 31, 2025
In the second book in Natania Barron’s regency romantasy series Netherford Hall, readers follow a new love story between Silas Drake, the Viscount St. Albans, and Viola Brightwell, a commoner and a recently transformed vampire. Silas, one of England’s top bachelors, must marry before his aunt chooses his wife, while Viola is still coping with her transformation and its side effects, and they end up at the center of an ancient conspiracy that threatens the entire country. With so much at stake, love might not win out over rank and duty, so readers must discover if Silas and Viola can overcome the odds and thwart this conspiracy with their friends’ (and enemies’) help. Entertaining and unlike other regency romance novels, this is a brilliant continuation of her fantasy romantasy series, as the character development and new and dramatic plot twists will really hook readers into the story. Viola, Silas, Edith, and Poppy continue to grow and change as the novel evolves, and their fascinating dynamics and relationships to the two parallel societies will really draw readers into this brilliant new installment. Intense, surprising, and full of twists, romantasy readers need to pick up this new regency novel and dive into this unique historically inspired setting.
Thanks to NetGalley, Solaris, and Solaris Nova for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, Solaris, and Solaris Nova for the advance copy.
January 22, 2025
Book 2 continues this vampire/witch/fae fantasy series. Pride and Prejudice like, with multiple love stories of many types within. I like that authors present us with different things. Here the narrative is slower than many books in this genre, lots of detail, and I think this is much more like Austen like (but definitely a book for the current era reader) than many fantasy books with this sort of setting. There’s love and longing, angst, confusion, declaration, and that never to be (well maybe). There is humour, there is spice, and an immensely enjoyable climactic ending where …….. (ahh, no spoilers but it’s good!) which ends this part of the story. But also suggests the next chapter for these characters. Read book one first, or you may be a little lost settling into the story. In fact, having read the first book some months ago, it took me a little while to remember where the previous book ended. Thank you to Solaris and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
February 11, 2025
A big thanks to Netgallery, Solaris and Natania Barron for this ARC.
I loved Jane Austen growing up and this series drew me in with the crossover of one of my favourite genres, fantasy. I definitely recommend reading book 1, Netherford Hall, to get to know all the characters and how it leads to the plot of book 2.
This book focuses on Viola, though Edith and Poppy have importent parts to play. Viola and Silas are struggling with themselves and expectations from society, which creates a divide in their growing love.
I enjoyed the continuation of wording building, opening up to Fae and Werewolves which will provide more story opportunities, especially Roland and Basil who book 3 will clearly focus on.
I would recommend this to those who love Jane Austen and Bridgerton for the regency setting, and those who love a romance fantasy for the inclusion of vampires, witches, Werewolves and fae.
The Viscount St Albans is out 14th February.
I loved Jane Austen growing up and this series drew me in with the crossover of one of my favourite genres, fantasy. I definitely recommend reading book 1, Netherford Hall, to get to know all the characters and how it leads to the plot of book 2.
This book focuses on Viola, though Edith and Poppy have importent parts to play. Viola and Silas are struggling with themselves and expectations from society, which creates a divide in their growing love.
I enjoyed the continuation of wording building, opening up to Fae and Werewolves which will provide more story opportunities, especially Roland and Basil who book 3 will clearly focus on.
I would recommend this to those who love Jane Austen and Bridgerton for the regency setting, and those who love a romance fantasy for the inclusion of vampires, witches, Werewolves and fae.
The Viscount St Albans is out 14th February.
February 15, 2025
This is a wonderful follow up to the first book in the series and is a delightful mix of Jane Austen and the paranormal. It if filled with the witty writing we’ve come to expect with Natania’s work. I really enjoyed exploring Viola’s growth on multiple levels, seeing Poppy and Edith’s relationship change here, and the new characters were great additions to the story. There’s love, danger, beautiful clothes, Regency vibes, and a whole lot of vampires! What more can you ask for?
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
February 6, 2025
Ooooh I see you! I’m actually happy to report (was given an eARC) that the second book IS actually better than the first one.
The first one felt a bit slower and kinda dragged on, but I loved the theme and vibe too much to give it less than 5 stars overall. But I saw some of the faults other people had pointed out.
Hoooowever, this second one def picked up the pace (imo) and fully immersed us in the story!!! Def recommend holding on to this series because the second book is def. Worth it!
The first one felt a bit slower and kinda dragged on, but I loved the theme and vibe too much to give it less than 5 stars overall. But I saw some of the faults other people had pointed out.
Hoooowever, this second one def picked up the pace (imo) and fully immersed us in the story!!! Def recommend holding on to this series because the second book is def. Worth it!
October 23, 2025
I don't know why the cover calls this "Sense and Sensibility and Vampires." Yes, it has vampires, but the only thing it has in common with Jane Austen's work is the Regency era setting; they are completely different in style and story.
Anyone looking for a sharp satire à la Austen will be disappointed, but those looking for an undemanding Regency romance with a supernatural twist could do worse.
Two and a half stars rounded up.
Received via NetGalley.
Anyone looking for a sharp satire à la Austen will be disappointed, but those looking for an undemanding Regency romance with a supernatural twist could do worse.
Two and a half stars rounded up.
Received via NetGalley.
October 15, 2025
I liked it a lot!! i just liked the first one more!! :(
June 1, 2026
I couldn’t finish this — it is too much sex with very slim character or story development.
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