Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: Subterfuge

SERIES: Dark Earls #1

AUTHOR: Rebecca Cohen

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 250 Pages

RELEASE DATE: May 30, 2024

BLURB:

In 1594 the Dark Earldom of Crofton was created by one of the most powerful vampire sires to have walked the Earth. Now, over four hundred years later, Ben Redbourn needs to take his seat at the Vampire Council as the 3rd Dark Earl of Crofton, whether he likes it or not.

Under investigation, Ben has to contend with Senior Warlock Ashley Niven invading his home. But there is more hidden at Crofton Hall than Ashley could have imagined with Ben having a demon valet, an elf secretary, and a werewolf in the archive.

Tempers are raised and sparks fly in all the wrong ways until a spell misfires and the tension shifts in a different, passionate, direction which has Ben and Ashley fighting to ignore their instincts.

Subterfuge is the first in a paranormal gay romance series. Come and experience a darker side of Crofton Hall.

REVIEW:

Following an enjoyable night out, Ben is waylaid by his sire with news of his inheritance. It was time to take his rightful seat on the vampire council as the new Dark Earl of Crofton. That is unless the council finds him unsuitable. One of the investigators is Ashley Niven – a senior warlock and a powerful SOB. Ashley intended to unnerve Ben but found himself on the back foot. What begins as an investigation to discover hidden secrets could find something with farther-reaching consequences.

Rebecca Cohen is one of those authors who always writes a good story. There will be at least four in the series (wuhooo), all depending on the inspiration that pops into the author’s head. Oh, I soooo hope there is plenty of inspiration. The Dark Earls series is a welcome return to a well-loved revamped series that has been given a paranormal twist – and what a superb treat it was to read. Each book will have a specific storyline, but characters will span the series.

The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Ben and Ashley. Technically, the tale is in good order, and the worldbuilding was not too much or too little for my taste. If a reader is new to the series, there is enough to form a picture, and for those well versed in anything with Crofton attached to it, the vista is enhanced. Oh – loved the book cover too. As much as I like the view of a semi-naked man, it makes a lovely change to have a cover that tells me everything that I need about the contents – not just steamy times ahead.

Ben and Ashley are crackin’ protagonists – men who know what they want and aren’t afraid to go after it. Stubborn, protective, and brutal in a delightful package. I loved how the vampire world was portrayed – like ordering a pint of human vintage was as easy as ordering a well-aged wine. Then there’s the behind-the-scenes plotting while aware of who the dangerous people are with unexpected twists – a sheer delight to read.

The extended cast was delicious. Each one deserves a shoutout, but I’ll leave you to discover those gems for yourselves. However, I will say that Jack was adorable, and I hope he is the feature of a future book. Then, Sebastian’s appearance was short and sweet but, oh, so memorable. He was the icing on the cake for a beautifully well-rounded novel that has me excited about future books.

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon