House of Bane and Blood

Order and Chaos Series, Book 1

De: Alexis Menard

Narrado por: Jacci Prior, James Cavenaugh

In a city split into two opposing sides, power comes in many forms: bloodlines, money, love, and—most importantly—secrets.

An heiress in the most notorious family in Lynchaven, Camilla Marchese is doing all she can to keep her family's syndicate, the Iron Saint Railway, from slipping into bankruptcy. When the gorgeous and depraved Nicolai Attano, the leader of a rival family, offers to pay off the inspector in exchange for her hand, she has no choice but to give up not only her throne—but her name.

Nico has his own motivations for their union beyond maintaining peace with her family. A serial kidnapper known as The Collector has been ravaging the streets of Remnant Row, stirring up mistrust between natives and descendants. If Milla can help restore safety to his streets, he'll have no need for her or her family's company. Find the Collector, prevent a war between their sides of the city, and pay off the family debt before she turns twenty-one. If Milla can fulfill her end of the bargain, she'll walk away with more freedom than she's ever had before.

This deal plunges Milla into the city's dark underbelly where remnant magic and arcane science compete in a deadly game of depravity. When forbidden feelings rise for her new husband and dark family secrets come to light, Milla must discover the truth about her past before it gets them both killed or worse—collected.

Set in a post-industrial age setting on a magical isle, Peaky Blinders meets the magic system of the Grishaverse in this rivals-to-lovers adult fantasy romance.

©2023 Alexis L. Menard (P)2024 Podium Audio

Amazing narration!

The narrators really brought this story to life! So well done. Can't wait for the next book!

Enjoyable

Overall, this was a great listen. My only issue is that it seemed a bit familiar. More and more stories like this are saturating the genre. Some are terribly written and lose plot to overdo spice. This story does not fall into this category. Decent plot, great character development, and general writing ability. There's not too much spice, but the slow burn is pretty good. Although, I have no clue why the author chose the female main character's kink. I have noticed more books including this particular kink, and, to me it's just unappealing. After all the great steamy build up and then the bizarre pivot into a kink that seemed forced, I was disappointed. Anyway, the story was good though. I kind of felt like ACOTAR and Crescent City got together with a little Steampunk and had a baby with the storyline. I'll most likely continue the series.

ENCASED!!!

I could see and feel ever detail of this story. ACTOR meets my favorite man of all time from Peaky Blinders. This was delicious and I am DYING for the next release!!!!! Bring on City of Mirth!!!

Amazing story and love the narration!

Amazing story and love the narration!
This is a great Peaky Blinders meets Divine Rivals mash up. There are beings with abilities, action, a slow burn arranged marriage, betrayal and more in this story.

Def recommend and looking forward to the next book.

Great Plot!

There’s nothing that I love more than a true enemies-to-lovers romantasy. This book had it all. The world building was phenomenal, the relationship development had just enough “slow burn” to make me eager for more, and the twists in the story were unexpected. I’m excited for book 2!

Really Enjoyed!!

Not what I was expecting!

House of Bane and Blood is Peaky Binders meets Bridge Kingdom. There's an arranged marriage/contract, non-stop trust issues, the burden of legacy, found family, remnants (magic), rivals to lovers, and most of all, the battle for power.

Really enjoyed the world building throughout... dropping us in a world of dark magic mixed with political house dominance for power. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining witty banter, sexual tension, and overall plot and character intrigue. I am dying to know so much more about what happened to some of these characters.... I need more back story. These peaks into their past make you want more - what or who did this to you?

Loved that the author included 2 pictures of the characters throughout the book. Would have loved to see a picture from the Salt Ball (iykyk) 🔥

Be prepared for that last chapter that has you like... ummm what?? And a cliffy that will make you crave Book 2!

Loved the audible. Both narrators were excellent!! Made the story so much more engaging to listen/read.

Rivals to Lovers
Magic
Houses
Found Family
Betrayal
He falls first
She's mine
Spice (slow burn - but great description) 🌶🌶

Not what I expected

I didn’t know what it was about going into it but I really enjoyed this fantasy, it’s unlike other ones I’ve read

peaky Blinders

I loved this! Peaky Blinders but make it magic and throw some romance in it. my only complaint is its not a duet style audiobook.

newest book boyfriend!

storyline / plot✔️
audio narrators ✔️
slow burn ✔️
new book boyfriend who is a grumpy golden retriever ✔️
Obsessed with this series and this is only the 1st book ✔️

No spoilers

fantastic narrators well written book lots of action some romance rolled into a mystery. looking forward to the next book