Last Updated on May 16, 2023 by ThoughtsStained
Friends, I found another romance author to absolutely obsess over their publishing schedule! And by that, I mean constantly check to see when they have another book coming out. Because even though The Assassin and the Libertine is my first Lily Riley book, it’s absolutely not going to be my last.
Book Info
Publisher: City Owl Press | Release Date: October 2021 | Pages: 224
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Romance | Format: Paperback | Source: Bought
The fate of France itself is at stake if these sworn enemies cannot change their ways—and their hearts.
Daphne de Duras is a proper French duchess by day and fledgling assassin by night. Her latest mission is to dispatch justice and protect the French aristocracy by executing Étienne de Noailles, disgraced former noble, legendary rake, and vampire emissary to the court of King Louis XV.
But Étienne’s alleged crime—the gruesome murder of Madame de Pompadour, the King’s mistress and Daphne’s friend—doesn’t quite fit the dashing vampire’s nature. With his immortal days suddenly numbered, Étienne needs to convince his would-be executioner not only of his innocence, but that they should hunt the real killer together—a challenge almost as difficult as convincing himself that he isn’t falling for her.
Daphne reluctantly agrees to a temporary partnership when Étienne persuades her that something more sinister is afoot. He can, after all, help her find answers in places she’s unable to go alone. And despite her deep loathing for any and all vampires, she can’t help but start thinking of a few other places she’d like to go with him.
On the Page
Referenced
Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.
Review
Likes
- The world and the writing. I’m not the biggest fan of straight up paranormal romance. Yet I still really enjoyed this. The French setting was refreshing and I thought the writing itself was really strong. I also enjoyed how vampires and the supernatural were handled in this society.
- Chemistry. I loved it. The fire-y nature of Daphne and the mysterious darkness of Étienne blended perfectly.
- Female friendship. Once again, though, I found myself loving the female friendship between two characters even more than the romance! This continues to surprise me, honestly.
Dislikes
- Miscommunication trope (sorta). I will forever hate the third act miscommunication trope in romance. HATE it. This book wasn’t exactly that, but it had enough of it to be annoying.
- Sometimes found Daphne annoying. Also, not to harp, but I also did find Daphne a bit annoying, at times. Particularly when she was lamenting about her feelings for Étienne to Charlotte.
Rating
I know the review might actually feel a bit subpar for an author I know want to obsess and watch over. 😅 Yet despite some of the negatives I had with The Assassin and the Libertine, I honestly had a great time with it. I even already own the sequel, The Agent and the Outlaw, so I’m planning to start that this week. These books aren’t quite the steampunk romances I’ve always craving, but they have enough of the vibes that I’m enjoying them highly!
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![Hello, writers, wordsmiths and storytellers!
Thanks for the BooksforMaui fundraiser, I was able to work with three winners after I donated my most popular querying package: the 1st Impressions Package.
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Ooh, you’ve definitely sold me on this one! At the end of last year I learned that I really do enjoy certain paranormal romances so I’m always on the look out for more. I’ll definitely keep this on my radar. Great review, Nicole 😃
OOOH YES, I’m so glad, Dini! If you do decide to give it a read, I’d be really curious to see what you think!