I'm not fine, thanks so much for asking! These emotionally destroyed men have emotionally destroyed me!

This book is so utterly enchanting with such a beautiful world, inspired by Jewish mysticism, teetering on the edge of darkness. It digs into the emotional torture that comes from abuse and fraught politics, but does so in a way that is so deeply loving. It makes space for the acute suffering that is truthful to reality, but also welcomes the support that comes from those that care.

Everything about this book is dark, sexy, and just so damn GOOD. I wanted to inhale it whole.

A lush fantasy reimagining of 19th Century Eastern Europe inspired by Jewish folklore and mysticism. Dark, sexy, cleverly plotted and lushly written.

Super grateful to Laura for giving me an advance copy of the book, and PRH Canada for the digital ARC!

Where do I even start?? TSOTB is the dark, gorgeous, dramatic, heartfelt romantic fantasy of my dreams. Laura did such an incredible job immersing the reader in the heads of three POV characters to weave a complicated story of hurt, healing, and hope. I heavily empathized with Dimitri in particular, whose journey of healing as a domestic abuse survivor rang so true, especially where that path was nonlinear. Alexey, our villain, is perfectly hatable yet fascinating in the way all good villains should be. And I just adored Vasily. I want only good things for Vasily.

I can't wait for the sequel!