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House of Cryos #1

Of Ice and Villains

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When serial killer Marlowe Spencer-Astor stumbles upon Minnie, a mysterious homeless girl, he thinks he's found the perfect next victim. But soon, odd things start happening around her.

Technology glitches, time stands still, and every man who sees her becomes instantly obsessed with her.

Including Marlowe.

He may want to strangle her most days, but he also wants to feed her, take care of her and kill every man who even looks in her direction.

Just as Marlowe recognizes that there is something seriously wrong with his new captive, he becomes unwittingly involved in an ancient battle between gods and demons that threatens the very fabric of the universe.

And as his obsession with Minnie grows, he realizes he'd do anything to keep her. Even going up against the most powerful god in the universe who wants Minnie for his own nefarious purposes.

But is Marlowe powerful enough to stop him?

Of Ice and Villains is a dark fantasy romance that blends the macabre sensibilities of Dexter with the supernatural thrills of The Exorcist. When a serial killer becomes the pawn in an eternal struggle between good and evil, no one's soul is safe.
Previously titled Mayhem and Minnie.

574 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

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About the author

Veronica Lancet

31 books2,736 followers

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5 stars
329 (48%)
4 stars
177 (26%)
3 stars
107 (15%)
2 stars
44 (6%)
1 star
23 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
Profile Image for Koryne.
141 reviews53 followers
April 12, 2024
WELL SHIT.

I was SO happy to get this ARC but also kind of nervous because this was a CHONKY book. almost 600 pages and it ends on a cliffy, BUT DONT LET THAT DETER YOU! Marlowe’s inner thoughts are a sight to see 😂

now normally i have to be in a certain mind frame for Veronica’s books because they can be extremely heavy but this one?! it was amazing. not as dark as her other stuff! it’s told only from the H’s POV which isn’t something i’m normally into, but being inside Marlowe’s head was a TRIP 🫣😅 that man should get a gold medal for the way he jumps to conclusions and just spirals into the wrong the answers 😂😂😂😂

he is so obsessed with Minnie that he does some…..questionable things to make sure he is the only person she thinks about and one instance really PISSED ME OFF but you know what……he thought he was doing the right thing 😂😂😂😂😂 but he breaks every single one of his rules for her and she really turns his world upside down

the cliffhanger wasn’t terrible but i cannot wait to read the next book because if i think what’s happening is actually happening 🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣 it makes so much sense on why he acts the way he does.

there is no spice in this one…..the most they do is kiss but Marlowe’s inner thoughts are spicy 😂


⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️veronica lancet has always said she will never do true ow drama but there is *some* drama that i’ll put down below so don’t read if you don’t want a maybe spoiler ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️






Minnie is a “never even kissed anyone” virgin because she is waiting for her soulmate and she asks Marlowe what his body count (sexual partners) was and he said a number in the 100s and that makes her SO mad and upset but he meant the people he murdered not slept with because he is also a virgin (but has very UNvirgin like thoughts 😅) but he didn’t think she was jealous, he thought that she just didn’t want to be replaced because she was cleaning for him. it does get cleared up after a few weeks of Minnie giving him the silent treatment 😂

Even though Minnie is a virgin, she has been in love before and that does NOT sit well with Marlowe AT ALL. he’s upset and extremely jealous but when she tries to explain he doesn’t want to hear it 🙄 so i’m thinking it’s not what it seems. but boy oh boy does Marlowe do some crazy things because of this.
Profile Image for Hannah.
216 reviews90 followers
March 15, 2024
Received an early copy!

Guyssss....ahhh this book is so good!🥰🥰🥰
The MC's are some of the best I've ever read, and the romance is so cute and adorable.
I've got it BAD for these two...😭😍

I can hardly wait for the next two books!




Safety:
Completely safe✅
Profile Image for Jamie.
967 reviews222 followers
April 9, 2024
THAT CLIFFHANGER
I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next two books in the series, I need them NOW! 😭

I expected this to be a pretty dark book, but it’s actually not, it’s so funny! Marlowe is my favorite kind of H. He changed so much from the beginning of the book….in some ways lol.

And Minnie was great, I loved her! Her tendency to give Marlowe the silent treatment was 💋🤌it cracked me up.

I loooooooved how they were BOTH so possessive of each other! Usually h’s in books aren’t that possessive over the H, but Minnie was and I loved that. And Marlowe’s obsession with her was so yummy

I don’t typically read a lot of fantasy (is this considered fantasy?? I’m assuming that it is) because I feel like most don’t focus a lot on the romance. This focused a lot, imo, on their relationship and it was perfect.

I’ve already developed a theory about a certain someone that I am hoping is right !

I tried so hard to slow down my reading to prolong the book, but I flew through it. It flowed so easily, and it didn’t feel long to me at all (although, idk if I’m the best judge on how long a book feels because I freaking love long books). I seriously can’t wait for the next books, I hope they come soon! I loved this book and both MC’s so much, it was a great start to the trilogy!!

I will mention that this didn’t really have any spice, but I surprisingly didn’t mind it. I definitely am looking forward to future book where there is spice though.

I’m so sad that with ARCs GR won’t let you share your highlights since it’s not technically connected to GR and Amazon because I have so many good highlights 🥲

ARC provided for honest review
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
1,128 reviews226 followers
April 19, 2024
Imagine being on the side of the road, getting harassed by some creepy old man when your rescuer is a serial killer, psychopath, with severe OCD. And possibly (hilariously) slightly delusional.

Marlowe figures he’ll do a good deed of the day and rescue this tiny woman off the side of the road. Sure, she is dirty and probably smells which messes with his OCD, but he doesn’t like the way this old man is handling her. He may be a serial killer, but he doesn’t kill women.
He didn’t quite think this through because now he’s stuck with this smelly female inside of his car and she has no place to go.
Minnie is an odd woman. But Marlowe is intrigued. They strike up a deal where Minnie can stay with him if she becomes his maid and helps around the house and cleans up herself.
“I’m allowing this damn little heathen to turn my house and my routine upside down, and I can’t even do what I do best—kill. For fuck’s sake. What the hell is wrong with me?”
Marlowe figures that she would be the perfect victim of his killing tendencies. And become the first and only woman he will ever murder. She’s such an interesting woman and the more he tries to find about her past, the more he becomes attached. Weird things happen around her and she’s extremely naïve to the modern world.
Who is Minnie?

“You’re my murderous Marlowe and I’m your mischievous Minnie. See how well we fit?”

This book is absolutely fantastic. The pacing, the world building. It’s perfection. It’s a little bit on the darker side, we’re talking about an unhinged, delusional, psychopathic, serial killer, who becomes obsessed with this woman that he found on the side of the road.
It also has tons of humor. I was laughing my butt off reading this book. It’s also a paranormal romance that does leave off on a cliffhanger.
Buckle up because this is one hell of a journey. It’s a fun one. It’s a dark one. It’s a mystery. And I cannot wait for book two!
Profile Image for Eunoia.
154 reviews24 followers
August 5, 2024
Previously entitled as, "Mayhem and Minnie"

I love this!! The FMC was cute and endearingly annoying haha. I love her characterization so much. The MMC, too!!!

This is the first book in the trilogy, I said, I won't read it yet and would wait for the book two to be out yet but yeah temptation won.

I wanna make a proper review on book three and once the trilogy end. For now, I'll just state the safety infos ↓↓↓

Both V! (MMC was never been kissed. quite unsure about the FMC bc she had a fiance that she loved in the past but died bc of tuberculosis. Though, it was stated that nothing intimate happened)

No OWD

i cannot believe im gonna say this but a bit of a dead OMD haha. (fmc had a fiance in the past ( she has been alive for three thousand ++ years if i am correct)

then another fiance {arranged, «nothing intimate happened» before the dead omd so she had two fiance before the MMC.} causing jealousy to the H

No intimate scenes, purely wholesome.
Both are jealous and possessive of eo
mutual stalking

MMC's POV - i love it!

⟨Ended in a cliffhanger⟩
Profile Image for Vini Warner.
529 reviews74 followers
April 27, 2024
THIS WAS THE BEST ROMCOM/FANTASY I'VE EVER READ. If there's a "most unique and refreshing book" contest THIS IS THE WINNER FOR ME.

I HAVE NO WORDS FOR THIS.
ZERO.
I just pity the readers who are yet to meet Minnie and Marlowe.

Oh god HOW WAS THIS NEVER DONE BEFORE? HOW IS THIS SO PERFECT?

I LOVE YOU VERONICA LANCET.
I mean, romcoms? I don't read them.
Fantasy? Very rarely.
MAKE THE HERO A SERIAL KILLER NEURODIVERGENT AND THE HEROINE A SUPERNATURAL BEING WHO IS HOMELESS WITH GORE AND MURDER AND YOU EXPECT ME NOT TO READ THIS??

Any book which makes me laugh this much is an immediate 5 star read.
MOST FUN I'VE HAD THIS YEAR.

Dare I say that Marlowe beats Aaron Warner in terms of his delusion in every best and worst possible ways??? Oh dear lord, Marlowe is not just one in a million, there is nobody like him. 😭😭

are you seeing I'm shouting??
OMW TO BUY THIS
Because that cover? Even the cover is perfect AAAAAHHHHHHHH
Profile Image for cldchld.
199 reviews15 followers
April 20, 2024
*ARC Review*

I went into this book expecting it to be pretty dark as that's what we're used to with Miss Lancet's writing. However, I was so surprised at how comical this was! This book was chaotically funny.

Marlowe is shown to be a certain type of character in the beginning, but as he spends time with Minnie, all his tendencies are thrown out the window for her.

This was the first time I've read a book with solely the MMC's POV, and I was not disappointed at all. It just made sense because Minnie is shrouded in mystery.

I loved their mutual possessiveness of each other and how Marlowe went to extreme lengths in his jealousy.

I also really really loved the tie-backs to the Fairydale universe. It felt so special.

This is a relatively long book, but you get sucked into it. And that cliffhanger was something else, I need to second book asap to see these characters develop into something more.


This book releases on the 20th of April.
Profile Image for Mio Orlov .
62 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2024
꧁༺ 𝓐𝓻𝓬 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀. ༻꧂

❤️"𝔚-𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱?" 𝔖𝔥𝔢 𝔟𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔨𝔰. ℑ 𝔰𝔪𝔦𝔯𝔨 𝔞𝔱 𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔰𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔩𝔶 𝔱𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔢𝔫 𝔪𝔶 𝔤𝔯𝔦𝔭 𝔬𝔫 𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔫𝔢𝔠𝔨. "𝔜𝔬𝔲 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔫𝔬𝔱 𝔱𝔞𝔩𝔨 𝔱𝔬 𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔪𝔢𝔫. 𝔜𝔬𝔲 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔫𝔬𝔱 𝔰𝔪𝔦𝔩𝔢 𝔞𝔱 𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔪𝔢𝔫. 𝔄𝔫𝔡 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔠𝔢𝔯𝔱𝔞𝔦𝔫𝔩𝔶 𝔫𝔬𝔱 𝔥𝔲𝔤 𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔪𝔢𝔫."


🖤★彡[ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ꜰᴀɴᴛᴀꜱʏ ʙᴏᴏᴋ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴠᴇʀʏ ɢʟᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴀɴᴛᴀꜱʏ ᴜɴɪᴠᴇʀꜱᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴠᴇʀᴏɴɪᴄᴀ'ꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ.
ᴀꜱ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ꜱʜᴇ ᴇxᴄᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ᴀʟʟ ᴍʏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪꜱ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴏꜰ ꜰʀᴇꜱʜ ᴀɪʀ, ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴏᴄᴇꜱꜱ ᴏꜰ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ɪ ꜰᴇʟᴛ ᴀʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ꜱᴍɪʟᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴇᴀʀꜱ.


❤️ʟᴇᴛ'ꜱ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍʏ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟ ᴍɪɴɴɪᴇ ꜱʜᴇ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɪɴ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜɪꜱ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ. ᴍɪɴɴɪᴇ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏꜱᴛ ᴜɴᴜꜱᴜᴀʟ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ɪ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴠᴇʀᴏɴɪᴄᴀ ʟᴀɴᴄᴇᴛ. ꜱʜᴇ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴘɪᴛᴏᴍᴇ ᴏꜰ ɢʀᴀᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴏᴜɢʜɴᴇꜱꜱ. ʙʀᴀᴠᴇ ʙᴜᴛ ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴀᴍᴇ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴡɪʟʟɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴡᴇᴀᴋ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴀɴᴅꜱ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇʀ ʜᴇʀᴏ. ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴇɢɪɴɴɪɴɢ ɪ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴀɴ ᴏʀᴅɪɴᴀʀʏ ɢɪʀʟ ᴡʜᴏ ᴡᴀꜱ ʟᴇꜰᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ʙᴜᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴇᴀᴄʜ ɴᴇᴡ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ʏᴏᴜ ʀᴇᴀʟɪꜱᴇ ʜᴏᴡ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ʜᴏʟᴅꜱ ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛꜱ.
🖤ʜᴇʀ ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜱᴡᴇᴇᴛꜱ >>>>>>
❤️ʜᴇʀ ᴊᴇᴀʟᴏᴜꜱʏ>>>>>>>]彡★


🖤★彡[ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴍʏ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴘʀɪɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɪɴ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ᴍᴀʀʟᴏᴡᴇ.
ᴍᴀʀʟᴏᴡᴇ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛʀ��ɴɢᴇꜱᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴜʀᴇꜱᴛ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ɪɴ ᴠᴇʀᴏɴɪᴄᴀ ʟᴀɴᴄᴇᴛ ʟᴀɴᴄᴇᴛ. ᴏʜ ᴍʏ ɢᴏᴅ ʙᴏʏ ɪ ꜰᴇʟʟ ɪɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜɪᴍ. ʜᴇ ɪꜱ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴀ ꜱᴡᴇᴇᴛ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ. ᴍᴀʀʟᴏᴡᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴀʀᴇ ꜱᴏ ꜱɪᴍɪʟᴀʀ ɪɴ ᴘᴇʀꜱ���ɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ. ʜᴇ'ꜱ ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴄʟᴇᴀɴʟɪɴᴇꜱꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ. ʜᴇ ʟᴏᴠᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜ ꜱᴜᴘᴇʀɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ. ʜᴇ ʟᴏᴠᴇꜱ ʙᴜʏɪɴɢ ᴍɪɴɴɪᴇ ʙᴀᴋᴇᴅ ɢᴏᴏᴅꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴡᴇᴇᴛꜱ. ��ᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ᴛᴀᴋᴇɴ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴄᴀʀᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴍɪɴɴɪᴇ. ʜᴇ ᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴀꜱᴋᴇᴅ ᴘᴇʀᴍɪꜱꜱɪᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴋɪꜱꜱ ʜᴇʀ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴇᴇᴋ. ᴍᴀʀʟᴏᴡᴇ ᴍʏ ʙᴏʏ ʜᴀᴅ ᴀ ᴛᴇʀʀɪʙʟᴇ ᴄʜɪʟᴅʜᴏᴏᴅ, ʙᴜᴛ ʜᴇ ɢʀᴇᴡ ᴜᴘ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀ ᴅᴇᴄᴇɴᴛ ꜱᴏɴ. ᴍᴀʀʟᴏᴡᴇ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴛʀɪᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀꜱꜱᴜʀᴇ ʜɪꜱ ᴍᴜᴍ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʜᴇ ɪꜱ ꜰɪɴᴇ.

❤️ʜɪꜱ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜɪꜱ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ>>>>>>>
🖤ʜɪꜱ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍɪɴɴɪᴇ>>>>





❤️ɪ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴀʟꜱᴏ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴀʏ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅᴀʀʏ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ:
ᴍᴀʟᴀᴋᴏɪ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏꜱᴛ ᴄᴏɴꜰʟɪᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ɪ'ᴠᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ. ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴇɢɪɴɴɪɴɢ ɪ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ʜɪꜱ ᴄᴏɴꜱᴛᴀɴᴛ ʙᴀʀʙꜱ ᴛᴏᴡᴀʀᴅꜱ ᴍᴀʀʟᴏᴡᴇ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴠᴇʀʏ ᴀᴍᴜꜱᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ ʙᴜᴛ ᴛᴏᴡᴀʀᴅꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʜᴇ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴄᴜʀꜱᴇ ʜɪᴍ. ɪ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʜᴀᴛᴇ ʜɪᴍ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴄʀʏɪɴɢ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱɪᴛᴜᴀᴛɪᴏɴ.

🖤ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛꜱ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʜᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ᴍʏ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇxᴘʟᴀɪɴᴇᴅ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴏɴ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ ꜱɪᴛᴜᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ ɪᴍᴘʀᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ ꜱᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ....
ʙᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʀᴇᴀʟɪꜱᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴꜱ ᴀ ᴄʟɪꜰꜰʜᴀɴɢᴇʀ.]彡★
Profile Image for Trixie N..
12 reviews
April 14, 2024
Received an ARC for my honest and genuine review.

First of all, I loved all the characters. Marlowe and Minnie are likeable and relatable characters.

Marlowe? He's got it BAD. Really BAD. He is possessive and jealous but never takes it out on Minnie. Even when Minnie frustrates him so bad, everytime he sees her he just........ UWU. Is uwu still a thing? Because Marlowe is just that. He is introduced as grumpy but he has a very good soul despite being a cereal muderer.

Minnie. Oh, Minnie. She is so innocent despite her age. Just cute and funny that you'll adore her like you'll adore a 3-year old child. She makes Marlowe smile and chuckle and laugh with a simple smile. She is the warmth he's been craving for his whole life. And when she gets jealous? SO RELATABLE.

Sierra. Love this cool mom!

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Paranormal/Fantasy only picked up around 80% of the book. There are only bits and pieces of hints at magic in the first half except for men strangely getting into daze when seeing Minnie's face.

I don't know if my theory is true about Marlowe's blood. Julain and Marlowe reacting to chanted thingies that only happens with demons. Because VERONICA LANCET. Queen of plot twists. I can't trust what I know.

Cliffhanger! Can't wait for the next book. <3

Major YES checklist:
Comedic Cereal Killer
Both V-cards
No other W/M drama

Triggers:
Attempted SA
Gore/Blood
Knife play
Desecration of a corpse
Murder
Torture
Not between main characters:
SA
Domestic Violence
Miscarriage
Profile Image for Faiza Daudo.
261 reviews92 followers
April 19, 2024
What the fork did I just finished?

I told her she could avail herself of my library as long as she didn’t damage the books—no doggy ears, markings, or torn pages.


Who would have thought that I would relate so much to an introverted serial killer with OCD that hates social norms?

It’s been one hundred and seventy-four days since my last kill.


Marlowe Spencer-Astor doesn't care for many and only has one objective: to get his groove back so he can go back to deleting the scumbags that prey on the weak.

One day when he is headed home, his journey is interrupted by an altercation between a man and a homeless girl. Hoping to do his good deed of the day, Marlowe intervenes and saves the girl, Minnie.

Intrigued by this smelly and dirty whiff of a woman, Marlowe does the unthinkable. Going against his best wishes, Marlowe takes Minnie in, feeding her, giving her a roof and clothes, with the most important being: a thorough Bath, and in exchange she is to follow his rules and be responsible for cleaning and cooking while wearing a Maid's Costume.

But his intentions aren't as altruistic. No, he helps her all the while planning to kill her in hopes that his mojo will be back.

For the thousandth time in one day, I ask myself what the hell I’m doing. I should already be planning her murder—something novel and exciting—but instead, my new fantasy seems to be to fatten her up.


But swift and slowly, his feelings towards Minnie starts changing as if he has been bewitched. He starts developing such obsession that he literally kills anyone that dares touch her, even making the dead even more dead after learning of Minnie's past.

I went into this book only knowing that it was about a serial killer and a homeless woman that he rescues, so unearthing every little gems this book has was absolutely delicious and downright entertaining.

Red and white. Perfect for my girl. It took some tinkering to figure out how to set them on the silver band, but I think I did a good job.


Marlowe is such a character. He is funny and has a sweet way of caring. I loved being inside his mind, it is a wonderful place in there.
His obsession with Minnie completely changed his axis, literally and seeing him stick by her side despite knowing the dangers that she represents? Husband material right there.

“You’re like a ray of sunshine that’s snuck through the grids of my window and I’m doing my damn hardest to trap it inside and never let it go.”


Minnie, like Veronica said, is the definition of Cute but will stab you and I cannot agree more. She is sweet and a little bit naive, but she has an unhinged side that I cannot wait to learn more. She is also a mastermind, which I am here for it. I see great things in her future and I want to be part of her journey with Marlowe. And hopefully some few other characters that hopefully will be making a cameo in book two.

Both Minnie and I follow her gaze, where a large painting covers the entire ceiling. It’s a portrait of a couple, their faces painted with a myriad of colors. (...)


I have only read a very few books by Veronica and each and every one of them just amazed me. I wish to continue going down this rabbit hole and explore more of her back list. She has undoubtedly now became one of my favorite authors.

I want to thank Veronica Lancet from the bottom of my heart for choosing me as one of her Arc readers and granting me the opportunity to read and review this absolute gem in exchange for an honest review. This was an unforgettable experience.
Profile Image for Chey.
303 reviews5 followers
April 13, 2024
It’s always a good week when I receive a book by Veronica’s. Seriously, saying that she's one of my favorite authors is underestimated. So… to the book.
We start with Marlowe and his excentrics (and he has a lot of them, since he is an obsessive psychopath). One day he found Minnie in a street (homeless and tiny Minnie, he didn’t think how his life would change at this point).
I really loved Marlowe.. the typical psychopath with a soft spot for only one person- in this case Minnie. Minnie is an enigma, she is sweet in some time, but also a force to be recognized in other moments. The book, like every book by Veronica to me, is quickly read (even with 600 pages) and I loved every second of this book. Can’t wait to see the sequence.
If you like obsessed heroes, secrets, fantasies and a good plot, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
64 reviews11 followers
April 12, 2024
Story: 📖📖📖📖📖
Spice: 🌶️

What in the hell did I just read?! Mayhem and Minnie is EXACTLY what this book sounds like.

Don’t go into this thinking this is going to be a serious tale. Keep your expectations low and just ride this ride. This is absolutely anything but. This is outrageously funny, dark, with a hint of kink.

It’s very rare when I can have all my emotions in one sitting. Laughter, disgust, concern. This is also solely told from the male perspective (albeit a serial killing psychopath of a perspective) and it really does bring this whole tale together. If it wasn’t I wouldn’t have enjoyed how quirky and odd this was.

You’ve got Marlowe he’s manic like manic manic. The OCD is OCDing. Delulu and confufu. He’s our not so friendly neighborhood neurotic serial killer. And quite a torturous one at that. But there’s something about Marlowe that makes me quite fond of him. In this…I’m going to lock you in your room so I can sleep soundly at night type of way.

Then you’ve got Minnie an oddball dumpster diving homeless girl. She’s just as perplexing as Marlowe. Stage five clinger and jealous as hell. Oh and she has rap sheet. We’ve got some real winners here. These two are both perfectly unhinged and meant for each other. UNHINGED I SAY! These are those people.

And as repulsive as Marlowe finds Minnie at times, he develops a murderous possessive obsession with her filled with love and desire. Leaving her treats like a cat leaves their human pet parent rats. Marlowe does his best to show just how much he truly loves his Minnie.

This couple is actually quite adorable and entertaining. Reading through their antics with each other is just absolutely hilarious. Absurd? Concerning? Absolutely.
Profile Image for Mariha Sharon.
214 reviews
April 30, 2024
I've never been more invested in a book that has only the male pov. I'm so obsessed with them
April 17, 2024
“𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜’𝑠 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑣𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒. 𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒. 𝐼’𝑣𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑜 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑚𝑒.”

🍪 MF Paranormal Romance
🍪 Serial Killer MMC (only with bad guys) with ADHD and ODC.
🍪 Homeless FMC
🍪 Virgin MCs (yes both of them)
🍪 Humor
🍪 Gore / blood
🍪 Gods / Demons / Humans
🍪 Magical powers
🍪 Touch her / him and 💀 (literally)
🍪 He was unhappy and barely living (but didn’t know it) before she came into his life.
🍪 Very jealous , over the top possessive MMC , full of 🚩 : Book Boyfriend
🍪 Big Cliffhanger
🍪 Slow burn with Very very little to no spice (for now)
🍪 Single , 1st person POV (Marlow’s)


🗓️ April 20th
✍️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was a lot of things no one was expecting ..
Don’t get the « serial killer » fooled you .. it is NOT a dark romance, not at all .. gore ? Yes , dark ? Nope .
Veronica had the nerve to make me fall in love with a serial killer, I mean Marlowe ! Come on !! I want a Marlowe in my life.. Book Boyfriend material at its finest.

This book is funny , addicting and gorey .. you always need to turn a page to know what the duck is happening over here.
I mean it’s Veronica we are talking about , the plot is way more complex than what you were expecting..and I fell right into it.

Strong beginning, the second half is slower to build up the story and romance.. and the end ? 🤯

The romance is a slow burn , and gives us blue balls alongside Marlowe’s. (poor guy, poor us..)

And now ? Now I need book 2 ! I have questions that need answers ! She left a ton of plot holes willingly to drive us crazy !

If you want an original story with all the tropes go for it !
Profile Image for TheBookBrat&#x1f5a4;.
730 reviews109 followers
April 17, 2024
*MF
*Paranormal
*MMC PoV Only
*Serial Unaliver MMC
*Unknown FMC
*Dark Humour
*FMC on the run
*Obsessive MMC
*Slow/Mid burn
*1/3
So good I raced through it in two days despite it being 600 pages! I just couldn’t put it down 😃 there’s a brilliant blend of dark humour (honestly the comparison scene with ‘the mummy’ made me cry with laughter!), obsessive love, and paranormal mystery 🖤 This is my first read of this authors and I will certainly be reading the rest of this series and looking through the backlist.
The story follows Marlow our MMC (first male POV only read and soooo good!) who has certain needs, routines that have to be met and avoids everybody. Yet he throws caution to the wind one day when he saves our FMC Minnie from an attack. The insight into his inner thoughts as he tears through his life are hilarious, heartwarming and honestly at times psychopathic. We begin to realise there is something different with Minnie, she has an air of naivety about her but also wise beyond her years - and then the boom drops about what’s really going on with her. Marlow realises he will do anything for this girl and she is his whatever that means 🥰 but it might spell more disaster for them….especially as Minnie might not be being wholly honest as to why she is on the run and Marlowe seems to be having a few issues of his own! There’s a bit of a cliff in to end this first book and plenty to want you to read the next one!!
April 21, 2024
Every time I finish a Veronica Lancet book I love her as an author more & more. I cannot say enough good things about this book!!!

Marlowe, our MMC is a neurotic serial killer who has an aversion for people but finds *HIS* Minnie and quickly begins acting very out of character. I mean the lengths this man goes to for her?! You’ll quickly be wanting your own Marlowe 🤤 The squabbles between the two while they are trying to figure each other out are actually SO cute and will have you cheering them on from start to finish.

The romance in this is matched perfectly with a bit of a dark side and the perfect amount of paranormal/fantasy aspects. Going into this, I wasn’t sure what to expect from that end as I’m newer to the fantasy genre & haven’t read much of that realm lately. It quickly became a great aspect of the book as long as you go in with an open mind for it!

Of course, our genius author VL leaves us on the cliffhanger of cliffhangers, but it’ll just have you even more excited for the next book. I cannot wait to read more of Marlowe & Minnie and see their story unfold 🥰 I just finished and I’m already missing them!

*A super huge thank you to Veronica & her team for providing me the opportunity to read an ARC copy in return for an honest review! So grateful to support one of my favorite authors!*
Profile Image for Laura (lady_h_reads).
679 reviews261 followers
April 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Ah, my little heathen, I have grand plans for you.

Wow! That was wild, and I hunger for more!

Serial killers (and unhinged men) make up some of my favorite MMCs. I loved Marlowe completely - this book was written solely in his POV, and we got to become intimately familiar with his inner workings. Watching him transition from "I am obsessed with her, she must die" to "I am obsessed with her, I love her, anyone who harms her will die" was fabulous.

This is a sloooow burn MF romance with minimal spice.

Mayhem and Minnie ends on a significant cliffhanger! I cannot wait for the next book.

If you love an unhinged man with a soft heart, this book is for you!

Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance
Tropes/Features: Forced proximity, gods, demons, alpha hero, secret identity, serial killer MMC, touch her and die, jealous/possessive, virgin MCs
POV: 1st Person POV – MMC’s POV
Relationship Type: MF, slow burn, minimal spice
Book Type/Ending: Book one Marlow and Minnie series, cliffhanger
TW/CW: Available in book
Profile Image for Aura S.
143 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2024
Marlowe and Minnie are the thriller couple I was looking to read. And damn, Marlowe is hot and a psycho. The way his obsession was increasing towards her was fascinating. All that possessive energy of theirs towards each other was creating so much chaos and heat. I loved them both!!! And the most interesting part is that Marlowe never knew he was being quite funny with his OCD. I liked that part too much when he would scold her for getting dirty, or tell her to wash daily. Their cute banter was my attention seeker.


It was truly Mayhem. The plot itself is mind capturing. It is a paranormal dark romance, which in paranormal category, is a first for me. I am really looking forward to the next book in the trilogy. It is a cliffhanger, which bothers me a lot but I am all in. It is my second fantasy, and first paranormal, based book and I was quite easily marvelled. I never thought that dark paranormal fantasy romance is my thing but here we are, lol.

I truly hope an early release of the next book...
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,605 reviews166 followers
August 21, 2024
This was such a tantalizing slow burn romance done in a fantasy / paranormal setting and I inhaled it! This author is fairly new to me but it’s safe to say that she is fast becoming one of my favorites in the dark romance genre! Her writing is excellent I love her details and the subjects she puts in her stories are well thought out and researched very nicely I loved the characters and the banter and that jaw dropping ending! This was an amazing start for this series and I can’t wait for the next book already! Also me and Marlowe have one thing in common and that’s our love for the tv series Supernatural! I was ecstatic to read a character with the same passion and love I have for this awesome show! So for that alone this gets my five stars! JK this book is really worth all the stars don’t sleep on it you will be sorely disappointed! I can’t recommend this book enough!
Profile Image for horizon.
44 reviews
July 8, 2024
WOW this book was bad. wow. good lord. wow. contender for worst book i’ve read all year.

okay, lemme get my thoughts in order here.

the characterization of these two is atrocious. they both act in ways that completely contradict their stated interests and beliefs from earlier in the book, but not in an “interesting character development” way, more in a “these characters are paper dolls and don’t exist as real people” way. the contamination ocd and adhd that marlowe is set up with at the beginning of the book barely matters once we’re past about the 40% mark, minnie just kind of fixes him. marlowe switches back and forth between being the most pathetic loser alive and being a john wick badass. the man’s kill count would make him either the second or third most prolific serial killer of all time, something he purports to have done by killing people in very specific and thoughtful ways, but he is literally immediately violating his own “rules” surrounding who he kills and why, with no real reason as to why, except that minnie is here now. at least in the first third, i was having fun because marlowe’s characterization is so pathetic that i would laugh at something insane he said like every few pages. by the end of the book it was just exhausting because i really had to confront that the author thought he really was cool

for a good 30% of this book, i thought we were getting set up for a really interesting twist where marlowe was actually the victim. the idea i was having was that minnie had made her way into marlowe’s life and was keeping him under a spell to make him super protective and obsessed with her, so she would be protected from whatever was coming after her. it made sense, because marlowe’s characterization was getting clumsier and more flanderized, was really off the wall, he was getting so over the top that i was rolling my eyes every other page, and i THOUGHT it was because minnie was secretly masterminding this whole thing. but no. this author just doesn’t know how to maintain a character voice that doesn’t make me want to blow my brains out.

in general, there’s a lot going on here for plotline value rather than because it makes any sense. marlowe’s whole family knows that he murders people. why? we don’t really know. this makes him insanely more likely to be caught, and because the rest of his family hates him, they’re also more likely to turn him in, but it’s cute to have them snarkily comment on it to him, so it’s in the book. marlowe doesn’t remember what happened during the car accident, but then he takes a nap, and he suddenly dreams it all again. why? we don’t really know. it’s because it needs to happen to make sure the story make sense. marlowe’s killed 160 people, and this is the first time he’s ever considered that him killing his dad and him killing other abusive men Might Be Connected. why? we don’t really know. mostly it’s here because it gives us a cute “romantic” moment between these mcs.

outside of this, there are a lot of incredibly clumsily handled very heavy topics in this book. without getting too far into it, the one that sticks out to me is that minnie indicates she almost wishes that marlowe would have assaulted her so she would no longer have to worry about her “chastity.” she indicates that she flirted with marlowe for this specific reason. but she expressly says that he didn’t, and that he “proved he was the man she knew he was” by not assaulting her. this is an insane thing to say. it drives me up the fucking wall to paint Not Doing Sexual Assault as a good thing to do. it is a neutral thing to do. the bare minimum should be not doing sexual assault. this guy also has an insane kill count and he is a bad guy, if only because of how much excitement he takes in doing insane murders. stop trying to convince me he’s normal because he won’t assault this woman he’s in love with. oh my god

these two also have mf sub-zero chemistry. their freak kink play (usually positive. i love freak kink play. just not in this book) is attempting to convince me that they care about each other, but they hate each other. they’re so awful to each other all the time, and not in a fun “they’re terrible. they deserve each other” way. in an awful “i hope they fall into a lava pit together” way. marlowe is constantly doing like, severe emotional abuse to minnie. and to an extent, she’s doing the same thing to him!!! they don’t trust each other, they get incredibly self-absorbed and mean when the other brings up any kind of concern to them, and they’re both INSANELY insecure about the idea that the other’s ever even looked at another person of their preferred gender. if this was explicitly a story about two awful people being awful with each other, i might be willing to take it, but minnie is dead-set on the idea that marlowe is “a good person,” and it really seems like as the audience we’re supposed to agree with him. he’s a good guy because…….. he kills rapists?? i guess????? and he had a bad childhood?????? even though he’s emotionally abusive to his girlfriend and is so desperately insecure that he’s mogging a goddamn tuberculosis mummy. OKAY!!!!

also, a decent amount of weird rhetoric surrounding addicts for no reason??? why does this author constantly reference how disgusting it would be if someone was “shooting up” and also looking for arm scars to determine if this is happening. it’s so unsettling

to quote myself reading this train wreck: it ends on a cliffhanger but the only thing i want is for both of them to be dead. so
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cristina.
1,274 reviews244 followers
April 29, 2024
Does anyone know when 2nd book comes out?

Enjoyed this as the book revealed more “secrets”, the ending had me asking myself, “what the heck happened?” So I’m very much looking forward to get my hands on the rest of this story.

Safety:
Both Virgins
They just kiss towards the end BUT the tension 🥵
No OW or OM
No cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for M.
2 reviews
September 16, 2024
The only reason I made this account and read this book was because I had a screenshot of a tweet come up on my Instagram. It contained a screenshot, I assume from the author’s TikTok, saying “he’s a 10 but… he is a serial unaliver who d!gs up her d3ad ex to have a d—ck measuring contest. Then he cuts him to pieces in front of her to prove he’s the only one for her…” and the twitter user asking what the hell booktok were doing.

So the first thing I learned about myself, before even starting to read this book, is that I must be some kind of masochist. I used to consume cringe tiktok compilations to appease this part of me, now I read modern dark romances.

Before starting this review, I must emphasise that sexual themes make me uncomfortable and dark romance is far from my favourite genre. However, it would be wrong of me to review it based on my own preferences, like being anti-drug but taking LSD then complaining about it, so I’m writing this from an unbiased stance.

I feel the first thing that needs to be addressed is the lack of proof-reading, or at least to the extent that published works should be held to. I understand if it’s self-published and that not all authors can afford someone to proof-read for them, but even Marlowe’s name is misspelled once or twice. It’s not a huge issue but definitely affects your engagement when it does crop up.

The best part of this book was, in my opinion, Marlowe. I think Lancet has a real talent for writing from the perspective of Dexter-like characters. I do believe it was a bit of a lazy trope to have him not harm women or children, though I do understand that writing morally grey characters is hard, so sometimes we have no choice but to take the easy route. Regardless of this, for the first few chapters, I was extremely interested, much to my surprise. Marlowe is funny, engaging, interesting and initially well-developed.

Initially.

Just like that, at the introduction of Minnie’s character, Marlowe’s character does a complete 180. His behaviours, his thoughts, his beliefs just change completely, to the point where I had to double check that I was reading the same book. I understand why, but I don’t think it was a wise choice. It isn’t the natural character development that occurs over the length of a book, it’s sudden and random, and really destroyed any connection built with him. I’m also confused why we were initially led to believe that his OCD and ADHD were core parts of his characters, then they too disappear, only to be mentioned again in brief passing. It felt a little like when shows or movies attach a mental illness to a character but were too lazy to put in the research and effort to ensure the character remains truly representative of their condition.

Minnie’s character suffers a similar fate. Though, unlike Marlowe, she isn’t given a consistent personality for us to connect to, and then be disappointed by. Minnie’s seductive behaviours are her only consistent feature, but she swaps between “dangerous and cold” and “sweet and innocent” every half a page. This can be pulled off sometimes, but it takes great care and effort that I fear Lancet simply didn’t have. I also disliked how Minnie’s succubus-like being was written: it just seemed awkward and forced, particularly when she was out in public.

Leading on from this, my biggest concern and problem with this book is that it seems to exploit people who have been harmed, particularly by sexual abuse or sexual assault. Female victims harmed by male perpetrators tend to build up a fear of men, and a simultaneous desire to be protected by someone much bigger and stronger, which is literally the trope this story is built upon. Marlowe initially wants to kill Minnie, but this isn’t reflective of his character or intentions, it seems to just be used as something to further to plot, and is abandoned just as quickly as it starts. We get to witness Minnie be graphically gawked at, harassed and even almost sexually assaulted several times, and then Marlowe uncharacteristically come to her rescue, and graphically harm these men back. Yet, when Marlowe develops a sexual and romantic attraction toward Minnie, despite it being heavily emphasised several times that she looks and acts underage, there’s no hypocrisy there. Although, I will say that he didn’t have an attraction toward this innocence. It just seemed a little ill-handled, like it pokes at a sore and rightfully bitter spot of victims who desire justice, revenge, protection and care, with no actual care for them. I think the several moments of penis injury proves this.

Yes, you read that right. The incident referenced in the TikTok screenshot wasn’t the only time I got to read about genitals being mutilated. In fact, I was actually kind of desensitised to it by the time we got to it that the scene referenced seemed almost overhyped.

The sexual themes and graphic content were actually okay. As in, I did cringe, but this was because of my own preferences. There’s a slow build of sexual tension, and I did weirdly enjoy Marlowe (a total virgin) almost comically trying to understand and work through this. Though, again, his confusion and embarrassment only seems to last for the first incident, then it just becomes “another day in the life of this weird guy.”

I also understand a lot of people complaining about the cliffhanger. Yes, I hate them too. But, it is a successful (albeit cheap) way to confirm buyers for your next book, so 1-0 Lancet-Readers.

I don’t think this book is worth any less stars as I did enjoy Marlowe’s perspective and I think Lancet is extremely talented in that area. I also loved the concept: the plot was extremely unique and quite honestly, something I’m sure I would’ve loved. Unfortunately, the characterisation and general plot development felt extremely disorganised and almost like a wattpad fanfiction at some points. I also disliked how the same characters frequently swapped between formal and informal speaking with no real reason why. I’m surprisingly not feeling disgusted, as I initially thought I would, but rather disappointed. If it just had a little more focus put into it, this could’ve easily been a four star for me.
Profile Image for Lilibet Bombshell.
899 reviews88 followers
April 14, 2024
I thought this book was absolutely fabulous. It was like the largest, most decadent mug of paranormal, supernatural, romantic dark fantasy that was then topped with marshmallow-y emotions. Don’t mistake this book for cozy in any way, though, because this is a wicked read in a variety of ways. The one thing it isn’t, though? It’s not spicy. A little steamy, yes, but these two twisted, star-crossed love birds don’t do more than kiss and maybe dirty talk a little. Heck, there’s not even solo play in this book. Guess what? I didn’t care! For once, lil’ ol’ impatient, fast-burn and extra spicy lovin’ me didn’t mind the slow burn. There’s not only a very valid plot reason for it, but it’s also very consistent for the characters of Marlowe and Minnie. Since it makes sense for the story in every way I found myself more than okay with the lack of spice.

This is the first book in a trilogy, and if the story that Lancet starts here is any indication it’s a doozy. A lot happens in this book–more than enough to justify the page length. Some of it is expected. Some of it is unexpected. A lot of it is absolutely fascinating and some of it is tragic. All along the way we’re surrounded by Lancet’s thorough world building, two absolutely fantastic main characters, and some absolutely delightful dialogue.

The story slows down a bit in the second act, but this book never truly slows down enough to be considered slow. The second act really only slows down a little to let Marlowe and Minnie get to know each other as people better and to develop a more solid dynamic before moving onto the events of the third act. That second act is delightful if only for the delightful banter between Marlowe and Minnie and getting to read Marlowe’s intrusive inner narrative (one-third controlling germaphobe, one-third obsessive stalker, one-third possessive tyrant). The “touch her and die” in this book isn’t just a vibe.

There is more than one twist, a bunch of turns, and unexpected fun in this book. I’m really looking forward to the next installment!

I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Review/Book Series/Dark Fantasy/Romantasy/Fantasy Series/Forbidden Romance/Kindle Unlimited/Paranormal Fantasy/Romance Series/Supernatural Fantasy
Profile Image for Cams Roberts.
744 reviews10 followers
April 18, 2024
A strong 4.5 stars

Wow, that ending had me on the edge of my seat, and I’ll be staying there for a while as I wait for Book 2.

Veronica Lancet, this lady produces magic when she writes. It must be fascinating inside her head as she plots her books. Firstly, this book is told only from Marlowe’s(H) pov and when I say his thinking is fucked up, I truly mean it. For example, once he’s decided he’s obsessed with Minnie he tells her that he originally planned to kill her (oops, forgot to say the dude is a serial unaliver) and when she’s offended he tries to explain himself by saying she should be flattered that she was going to be his first female death and that he was going to make it really special for her. He’s very upset she doesn’t understand the honour he was giving her😄😄Secondly, and my favourite part, is in dark romances we always see the H acting j/p and ott obsessive. Here it was both of them. Minnie was equally as jealous and obsessive as Marlowe was. It was hilarious watching her get under this stoic controlling man’s skin by simply ignoring him. I loved the dynamic between them. It was quirky and unique to anything else I’ve read, especially with Marlowe’s warped way of thinking and Minnie remaining pretty mysterious throughout.

This book is for all readers who are loving romantasy. This starts off feeling like a contemporary but as it unfolds we see more and more that there is something else at play and the last half transitions so seamlessly into a fantasy with the romance remaining front and centre. I loved every second of it.

Thank you to Veronica and her team for the arc and to you Veronica, you are amazing and once again you have gone beyond expectations.
Profile Image for Tazzy Joon.
44 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2024
Veronica has done it again, she's got me hooked on an ongoing series (something I religiously stay away from).

This book was so good, it isn't my normal genre I truly haven't picked up fantasy in a while.
I absolutely loved Marlowe and Minnie, they're both unhinged cutie pies. They're both jealous and obsessed and quite frankly I'm here for it. I love when the h is just as obsessed and Veronica's ability to write a down bad man needs to be studied because the shift in Marlowe was hilarious and adorable to read.
It is Single Pov (Marlowes) but I didn't find myself minding it at all.
Marlowe being a Supernatural fan made me pause and start fangirling for a moment. His ability to turn into a dumbass when it comes to his jealousy regarding Minnie was so funny (see chapter 27 aka my favorite chapter). Also "Minnie Mine" swoon.

This was much lighter than previous books by this author and very little smut,which I actually enjoyed because the tension build up was sizzling. There were comedic moments or well I at least found Marlowes antics funny, seriously he's so down bad he becomes stupid and loses rational thinking when it comes to Minnie.

I genuinely need books 2 and 3 pronto and I'm going to go crazy waiting, damn you Veronica.

I do think it's a good idea to read fairydale before I rather regret only starting fairydale after.

Marlowe my ocd serial killer turned himbo for Minnie, I can't wait to read more about you especially after that cliffhanger and Minnie my beautiful feisty cookie loving Goddess I hope we get your pov in the upcoming books because I know after reading them I'll probably stan you harder than Marlowe.

Arc exchanged for an honest review.
Profile Image for Chai.
56 reviews
April 13, 2024
HOLY HELL (pun intented) this book is oomph!!

I reaaally LOVE the plot. It was well-thought out. I have a LOT of ARCS lined up so I don’t really check the blurb again I just pick a book and read so when I pick it up I forgot what’s this about it’s like going in blind.

I love the STORYTELLING and transition and how the story progresses. Like I didn’t even know it has supernatural stuff until I am almost half in the story😂 I liked the BUILD-UP.

This book gave me various emotions. I laughed out loud with Marlowe’s character and his thoughts SUPERB 🤣 Although he’s a serial killer but the story isn’t dark to me. Minnie was a mystery which really piques your curiosity. They’re great together. There are still a lot to be tackled on and I’m waiting for it in the next book.

This book has 500+ pages and I love reading that long especially if it’s really interesting! This didn’t disappoint. The cliffhanger, I CAN’T! I’m looking forward to read the next book.

Also, there’s no spiceeeee just tensionnn which is supposedly a downside for me(because I’m a smutty smutty girl), but NO. The story makes up for it. And I know that in the next book(s) there will be. I just need to be patient 😂

This will be one of my top books this year I can tell it.
If you’re hesitating to read this, DON’T. I’ll bet my left arm you’d enjoy this as much as I did. 😉

Veronica why did I found out about you just now??? 😭


ARC read. Honest reviews left voluntarily.
Profile Image for dany.
706 reviews51 followers
April 27, 2024
If you love a good paranormal/slow burn romance please don’t sleep on this book omg. Marlowe, my lover boy who’s so unintentionally hilarious, I adored being in his head aka read his POV. He’s very dear to my heart, he’s so intelligent and clueless at the same time lol. He’s one of top book boyfriends of the year for sure. Gosh, the way his relationship with everything Minnie developed was incredible. Minnie, her whole identity and background is very interesting to learn. She’s more than what meets the eye, and every time I learned something new I gasped, she’s girl crush material. That cliffhanger thooo, I can’t wait to read the next two books, I just know this will be one of my ult favourite romance ❤️. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop… because if you think you got everything figured out, we’ll that’s not it. There’s twists I personally weren’t expecting. This is a page-turner romance, I loved it and recommend it.
Profile Image for Dominique.
316 reviews7 followers
May 11, 2024
This book is thick and so worth it! This is my first read by this author and I can’t wait to read more! I also am dying to know what happens next, because this does end on a cliffhanger.

Marlowe and Minnie had me dying; like the minor miscommunication, the spicy thoughts, their interactions, - this was an enjoyable read for me.

This is a dark paranormal romance that delivers!

*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
Profile Image for Frida.
343 reviews10 followers
April 21, 2024
Shed your expectations at the door and brace yourself for a journey into the twisted recesses of the human psyche, infused with a tantalizing hint of the macabre. This book was deliciously morbid and hysterically bizarre. I never would have thought that being neurotic could be both sweet and sexy, but Lancet's book has proven me wrong. At first, I wasn't sure what to expect, but Lancet is a master of disguise, making you fall in love with the most peculiar and odd characters ever to be written. I've read about my fair share of psychopaths and sociopaths, but Marlowe and his Minnie were the most endearing and likable weirdos I've encountered in a while. Told only from the male POV, the entire book evoked a kaleidoscope of emotions in a single sitting—laughter mingled with disgust, concern intertwined with fascination, frustration because of the SLOW burn and a great deal of WTF moments.

Marlowe, my dearest Marlowe, is not just eccentric; he is the embodiment of mania, with his OCD tendencies spiraling into the absurd. He is a neurotic serial killer with a penchant for torture, a highly complex relationship with his mother, and the most peculiar antics. Yet, despite his unsettling proclivities, I developed an odd fondness for him—truth be told, I actually relate a lot to him, especially regarding his misanthropy!

On the other side, Minnie is an utter enigma! She is a homeless wanderer with a sweet tooth, a worrying habit of dumpster diving, and a charmingly naive outlook on the modern world. Yet, she somehow still manages to captivate Marlowe's interest. But once Minnie enters Marlowe's well-organized life, she starts to disrupt his routines and challenge his darkest impulses, leading him to question his sanity and newfound cravings.

Oscillating between love and repulsion, their relationship develops into a constant source of intrigue and unpredictability – a true testament to Lancet's skill in crafting complex yet loveable characters. With their peculiar display of affection, they bring out the "bestest" (yes, that was intended) in each other and become a spectacle of mind-boggling entertainment. However, as the story proceeds, strange occurrences continue to happen around Minnie, which makes Marlowe discover a complex web of secrets and even more peculiarities. As a result, the lines between their true identities and respective truths become increasingly blurred in the shadows.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there are two minor issues that I would like to discuss.
This book will actually test your patience. It's probably the most torturous slow burn ever, since their twisted romance never ventures beyond the realm of kissing and some highly suggestive dialogue. Now this, of course, is a matter of personal taste, but I must admit that I felt a bit frustrated.
Another issue that will most definitely test your patience is the pacing, especially in the first half of the book. While I think that the slow pacing was intended to let you delve deeper into the intricacies of Marlowe and Minnie's chemistry and Marlowe's mental haze, I still believe the first half could have been shortened by 10% to give the entire book a more naturally flowing dynamic.

That being said, Lancet's skillful characterization and intricate plot ensures that their story never loses momentum. Instead, it builds towards a climactic conclusion that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in this thrilling trilogy. I certainly do!

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.
Profile Image for Ciru.
1,608 reviews
October 28, 2024
Sigh.

The blurb called to me. The execution killed me.

This book has comic book logic. The winking (so annoying! I'd picture Marlowe winking and finger gunning), the guy thinking highly of himself (think thought bubble when Marlowe is in his head), the misogynistic gender roles for Minnie but classified as quirks of Marlowe.

Minnie keeps on changing from the big, googly eyed innocent maiden to a big breasted vixen. 🙄

I was ready to DNF the book by chapter 24 then we have the reveal. The aspect of Minnie gaslighting Marlowe for the better part of the first ⅓ of the story, then lying by omission by the end of the story was so frustrating. I didn't like Marlowe's character, yet, when he full on confronted Minnie and was like, ai hapana, you are lying tell me the truth, until she did, I was happy for him.

While there are a few grammatical mistakes at the start of the book, my issue is with the length of the story. Like shave off a large chunk of Minnie denying what she is, her "doing her chores" and Marlowe CCTV stalking her and inner monologuing, a more cohesive, progressive story is in there.

Then, the British names to sound posh-Giles, Marlowe, but they're in New York. Then Marlowe repeatedly being called by his full hyphenated name, more filler than anything else.

All the Supernatural tv show gushing/references. Anyone who's seen the show start to finish and read this book, I'd like to know whether there are perhaps scenes you can clearly tell were picked from the show. Coz this was almost distant related fanfic for the show, without having characters from the show. (So I guess that isn't fanfic but you'll know what I mean if you read this).

Two scenes that had me cringing, gagging and afterwards angry for reading them:



In conclusion, not a fan and won't be continuing on with the series. Initial introduction to Marlowe+Minnie was great, once they get into the mansion and start "their life" together it was a long winded and annoying story.
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