My Five Word TL:DR Review: Deliciously, Outrageously Cosy and Romantic

I enjoyed the first book in this winning series (A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience) and couldn’t wait to tuck into this second instalment and, to be absolutely brutally honest, this was even better – possibly because I enjoy something a little more meaty and this story is longer than the first – still totally manageable in one delicious bite  – but, definitely more to sink your teeth into (I did that on purpose of course).

Now, if you’re planning on reading this, yes, you should read the first instalment, it’s such a beautiful opener and a very quick read so, not only would it be utterly pointless to miss it but also unnecessary – so read it already and do yourself a favour.  Oh, also, there may be spoilers in this review so you have been warned – leave now if you haven’t read the first yet.

Margaret and Lord Riven are now happily married, they may not have started out ‘happily’ but their relationship is blooming and, following a slight delay to accommodate Margaret’s (Lady Riven if you will) new found academic acclaim, the two are about to embark on a honeymoon.  They’re staying in a remote inn deep in the Black Forest – of course, Margaret shall be using the time, far away from high society, to study and she’s hoping to locate an ancient relic. Imagine the surprise when, upon arrival at the inn, it appears that all the other guests are supernatural creatures – of the lethal variety – and Margaret is only being tolerated because of her equally lethal vampire husband.  Perhaps not the most fortuitous of starts, but there is at least good tea.

I shall not elaborate further on the story other than to say it really is a delight of a story with all manner of supernaturals, a baddie on a mission and the very real danger that Lady Riven is in real danger – she’s in much deeper than she thought possible and a broken heart is a real possibility.

What I loved.

This is romantic, and cosy, well written and has great, and realistic, dialogue.  Burgis exceeds in all these areas with panache.  On top of this there’s an intriguing storyline and an ending that promises more goodness in the future and the whole ensemble has a fairytale feel with castles and glass coffins (but with teeth).

Margaret is a great character to read and her husband is the perfect partner.  I love the dynamic between these two and I’m excited to read more.  Margaret is the prickly, anti social academic who hates small talk to Lord Riven’s sociable butterfly who loves nothing more than meeting new people. They have a balance that really strikes a chord.

In terms of new characters – well, the other guests at the inn are a feisty bunch – and, I don’t really want to give away spoilers but their eventual acceptance of Margaret as part of their community is positively joyous.

In conclusion this was a little belter and frankly I’m hoping for (and in fact I’m more or less positive that we will have) more adventures with Lady and Lord Riven.

I received a copy courtesy of the author, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.

My rating 4.5 of 5 stars