I really enjoyed this story set in prohibition-era New Orleans! The characters were lively and the premise was unique and interesting. I had vested interest in the fates of our main characters and was rooting for the love story.

Champagne on Vice had an entertaining start that really drew me in. However, I feel the story fell apart a bit after that. It felt somewhat superficial and moved at a fast pace that didn’t feel like it allowed for a lot of character or setting development. I did really enjoy the author’s writing.

CHAMPAGNE ON VICE (HOUSE VERITY BOOK ONE)

Release Date: 01/11/23
Kindle Unlimited: [ ]YES [X]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Victoria Weyland
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
POV: Multiple, third person
Main Characters: Mattie & Daniel
Genre: Historical Romance
Tropes: monster (gargoyle), shifter, heroine on the run; paranormal

Review:

Mattie wasn’t living a happy life as a obedient wife in a little town’s farm. In a religious conservative society, with a controlling husband, she felt like running away to New Orleans with only a little money.

It wouldn’t be a big deal if she wasn’t living in the 1920’s. Arriving in the big city she soon discovered all the things she was missing and starts exploring possibilities, in all aspects of her life, including intimacy.
I liked most aspects of the book. The setting, the fact it takes place in the past, the magical creatures and atmosphere, also the main and secondary characters. I really liked Daniel and the way he treats Mattie since the beginning. He is everything her husband wasn’t and an amazing character. Mattie is also enchanting with her curiosity and will to live life fully.

If there is one thing I didn’t like was the “open relationship” aspect. I understand 100% it is a personal opinion, but it prevented me of enjoying the book fully. However, it’s totally worthy reading.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***

The description doesn’t do this book justice! I really enjoyed it and all of the characters and monsters 😏 And oh those spicy scenes! Let me tell you that this book is definitely not a slow burn! I was a little caught off guard by some of the word choices but then I willed my brain to remember that it takes place in the 1920s and started to really get into the book.

Had the time of my life reading this, Thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of this book and these group of characters!

Sorry this one was not for me the description that was given didn't really feel like it was the book I started reading. Unfortunately this was my first DNF of the year just couldn't get into it. Don't want to give at a rating since I was unable to finish but since I have to 1 star from me. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the Arc unfortunately wasn't the book for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Backlit PR for this ARC of Champagne on Vice in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Fans of Kathryn Moon will love this very sexy monster romance set in Prohibition-era New Orleans. It's a fun romp with some serious moments, and a heroine who has the opportunity to take back the agency she lost to an emotionally and financially abusive marriage.

I will say that the blurb kind of undersells what the book's really about- it's definitely more monster erotica than a regular romance - so choose with care if that's not your usual thing.

Enjoyable, with heart and a very sweet heroine. I'll be keeping an eye out for anything else Victoria Weyland writes!

(If I had to nitpick, there are a few inconsistencies in the text, particularly around capitalisation of certain words - hopefully this will be sorted out by the time of release)