Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: The Human’s Heart
SERIES: Brinnswick Story
AUTHOR: Michele Notaro
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 296 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 20, 2026
BLURB:
I know Zay’s scared of losing me, but I really, really don’t want to become a vampire. Who would want to drink… that for the rest of forever? Blech!
With my and Zay’s viramore bond complete and our lives settling down after what happened over the winter, it seems all my mate can think about is impending doom. Or rather, the fact that I’m human and mortal and he isn’t.
It’s not that I want to grow old and die. It’s not that I want Zaos to wind up alone. Not at all. It’s just… being a vampire is so, so, so gross. I really don’t want to drink blood for the rest of my very long existence.
To top things off, we have new friends coming into our lives and a few, uh, scary encounters that I don’t like thinking about. So maybe I can’t blame him for wishing vampirism on me. But do I really have to turn? Ugh.
REVIEW:
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be passionately in love with an incubus while simultaneously being deeply offended by the concept of drinking blood, the only way Hugo, who is human can extend his life to stay with his mate. Hugo will show you, loudly, dramatically, and with the kind of gagging noises that make Zay look like he’s about to file a complaint with the universe.
Hugo loves and adores Zay and could very happily spend eternity with Zay if eternity doesn’t involve slurping blood like a cursed Capri‑Sun. This is the central conflict of the book, and it is glorious. Zay, is an incubus with a tragic backstory and a heart the size of Brinnswick, who spends the entire book quietly panicking about Hugo’s mortality. He’s convinced that every passing second is one step closer to Hugo’s inevitable doom, and he handles this with the emotional stability of a Victorian heroine clutching her pearls.
Meanwhile Hugo is over here saying “I love you, babe, but I’m not drinking that. Ever. Ew.”
Their dynamic is perfection. Hugo’s stubborn humanity vs. Zay’s immortal anxiety with Hugo’s comedic horror vs. Zay’s earnest devotion. Hugo’s “I’m not turning!” vs. Zay’s “But what if you die?”
If you thought Zay’s family would stay out of this? Absolutely not. They descend like a supernatural intervention committee. They mean well, they really do but offering Hugo “helpful” pamphlets about turning; give unsolicited advice about blood types; reassure him that drinking blood is “not that bad once you get used to it” and treat Hugo’s reluctance like he’s refusing to try kale.
What makes this book shine is that Hugo’s conflict isn’t about commitment. He’s already all‑in with Zay. He’s already bonded and chosen his mate, his problem is that drinking blood, even a little in some juice is gross
Michele Notaro treats this with the perfect blend of comedy and sincerity. Hugo’s fear is funny, yes, but it’s also real. He doesn’t want to lose himself become something he isn’t, but he also doesn’t want Zay to feel like he’s forcing him. This is where the emotional payoff hits Zay listens, learns and stops trying to “fix” Hugo and starts supporting him. They face danger together, new friends together, and the future together their love becomes less about immortality and more about choice.
By the end, Hugo and Zay reach a place that feels earned, tender, and beautifully them. Hugo and Zay are a team, and they’ll face every terrifying, disgusting, supernatural obstacle together. Even if Hugo still thinks blood is “blech.”
The Human’s Heart is a warm, funny, emotional supernatural romance that balances genuine stakes with laugh‑out‑loud moments. Hugo is a delight and Zay’s devotion is swoon‑worthy. The Brinnswick family chaos is chef’s kiss.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
