Queer vampire romance in a modern world where humans and vampires coexist. 

Haruka is a pureblood vampire from an ancient line with an imposing and intoxicating aura. Nino is also a pureblood vampire, but from a newer bloodline. The vampiric world also includes first, second, and third generation vampires as well as lower vampires that are closer to being human than vampire. Haruka and Nino are tasked with overseeing an archaic bonding ceremony when they befriend one another and begin researching vampire bonds together. They fall in love while overcoming building political tension, a kidnapping attempt, and aristocratic expectation. 

The world building leaves much to be desired. I’m not really sure of the difference between pureblood and individual generational vampires. I’m also unsure of the vampire-human dynamic. Also, what is an aura? How can a vampire wield it? What other powers exist? Are bloodlines weakening because vampires feed from humans or have children with them? Or both? If it’s important to keep bloodlines pure, then no one is forcing hetero bonds (which I’m happy about, but doesn’t make sense for the vibe I get off the ruling class). 

Also, there’s no real conflict building up. Other than Gael attacking Haruka twice, nothing’s brought up again. There’s some minimal background foreshadowing about political upheaval and another Great Vanishing, but nothing else. No plot just info dumping, and it’s not even relevant or good info. 

I’m not sure if both Niko and Haruka are overly and ethereally beautiful or if that’s how they see each other or it’s just Haruka’s aura, but I’m a little over the “overly gorgeous” couples in romances. Both of them being wealthy aristocrats was also a bit meh for me. I love them as individuals, but enough rich people are happy. 

The entire book is written in third person present tense. It took a while for me to realize what was bothering about the reading, and it was the style of writing. It was just off putting and a little irritating. Niko and Haruka were the only things keeping me going cause I thought they were cute enough to stay just interested in finishing the book. But I’m not going to continue the series. There’s just not much here.