Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Repentance
SERIES: Dark Earls #3
AUTHOR: Rebecca Cohen
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 246 Pages
RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2025
BLURB:
Warlock Jack Webb is at Crofton Hall recovering from spell damage, and his siren heritage is doing him no favours. When he meets Chris, things start to improve, but no one seems to know who or what Chris is, including Chris.
Their best guess is Chris is some sort of really old spectre, but he’s not a ghost or a djinn and somehow his energy is helping to heal Jack. But it’s not just Jack who’s changing. Chris is becoming more corporeal and beginning to remember his past, and why he was put in the jar. Chris is on a path to repentance that no one could have predicted and Jack won’t let him face his past or future on his own.
Repentance is the third Dark Earl novel, including warlocks, elves, fae, strange things in jars, and two damaged souls healing together. Although the third novel, this story could be read as a standalone but best enjoyed as part of the series.
REVIEW:
After a rescue mission, Jack is misaligned. His abilities and heritage aren’t helping his recovery either. To date, nothing has been a significant help. Chris’s life resides in a jar. Between sleeps, he floats through walls and floors, feeding on sexual energy. By chance, he happens upon Jack, and seems to be the only one to have a positive effect on the man. But what could ever happen between a solid being and one that …well…isn’t, let alone an entity who can’t remember who or what he is?
Oh my word, what a welcome return to the Crofton boys. I loved the human version, and the paranormal tales are just as good. I’m not sure how to describe this tale except to say that I found it enchantingly marvelous. I didn’t put it down from the first page until the last. Chris is wonderfully unique among any character I’ve read to date. Unique, engaging and well-written deserves full marks.
The story is told in the third person from Jack and Chris’s viewpoints. It is set in good old Blighty, with British spelling and grammar. Like other books in a series, the world has evolved. However, the tale primarily resides within the Crofton Estate and the upper echelons of society. What impressed me, though, was how the author remained focused on Chris and Jack. With so many excellent characters to hand, it would have been easy to get distracted.
Initially, Chris comes across as innocently naive, as he doesn’t know who or what he is. Some childlike reactions are so sweet, like ‘so there,’ almost sticking his tongue out at the same time. As his character progresses, and despite a foreword from the author, one isn’t sure if he is a force for good, evil, or something between. With feelings come actions and reactions, so you’ll have to read to find out.
Jack is a warlock of mixed heritage, and because of this, he is looked down on by many. However, he has earned his place in the paranormal community. He is different and doesn’t judge others for being different, so he has much in common with Chris. Given their differing states of solidity, the slow-burning nature of the romance is understandable, and their journey is a delight.
As with many good books, the protagonists can be wonderful, but things can fall flat without a good supporting cast. The extras here are superb. I could provide a list, as crackin’ people from other books make appearances, as well as the regulars, but I’ll show some restraint and only mention two. Firstly, Ben’s elf secretary Alex is blooming awesome. I loved his prickly, protective nature. Secondly, Sebastian Hewell, he doesn’t have much page time, but damn it’s memorable.
RATING: 
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