Thrilling Paranormal Romance

House of Secrets is a fantasy debut novel from writer ME Evans and the first book in The Bloodborne Trilogy. The book is a genre-bending dark fantasy featuring vampires, magic, and forbidden romance woven into a tale about the struggles of motherhood and married life. The author’s writing style is very vivid and immersive, making everything, down to the smallest environmental detail, very tangible. The story follows Daniele (Danny) Ténèbres, a 35-year-old woman with an emotionally abusive, inattentive husband, who meets a new mysterious stranger, Andras, in the neighborhood. As her marriage falls apart, she becomes increasingly obsessed with her new neighbor and learns some shocking truths about him, just as her own life becomes threatened. The book includes several popular tropes, including instalove, mysterious stranger, friends to lovers, forced proximity, and twisted love triangles! The story is fast-paced, unpredictable, and easy to follow, making for a read that can easily be devoured in one sitting!

The characters in the story are complex, mostly morally grey, and very compelling. Danny’s personal growth is very evident in the story, beginning as a passive people pleaser, in both her marriage and friendships, and then transforming into a fierce, outspoken woman ready to fight her battles. She’s a very relatable character, and her motherhood struggles and feelings of loss of self will resonate with many readers and make her easy to empathize with. Her interactions with the other “mean girl” PTA women are quite hilarious, as she’s seen as the outcast, especially with her family’s sordid past, and she becomes increasingly vocally resistant to their demands and gossip, often putting them in their place without caring about the consequences.

On the contrary, the relationship between Danny and her sister Jess is the epitome of a strong and healthy sisterly bond. They have an abundance of heartfelt dialogue in the story, keep few secrets from each other, and constantly have each other’s backs. The mysterious and brutal murder of their father is mentioned several times in the book, having greatly affected both sisters as teenagers, and there’s a strong sense that the truth behind this mystery and other family secrets will be revealed in book 2. Andras is an enigmatic, morally grey character, shrouded in mystery, who becomes more likeable as more of his heartbreaking vampire backstory is revealed. The chemistry between Danny and Andras is palpable from their first encounter, giving vibes of a “Twilight for Adults” narrative. It should be noted that this isn’t a closed book romance story—spicy book lovers will appreciate the steamy romance scenes that are well executed and don’t overwhelm the main storyline.

The story quickens in pace and slowly spins towards a paranormal narrative in the second half. When Andras unintentionally brings great danger to Danny and the welfare of her family, she acknowledges that she can't be his lover and also a mother of young children since he is a magnet for perpetual trouble. Even still, readers will have to suspend their disbelief at some of the impulsive, nonsensical decision-making Danny makes thereafter, especially when she chooses to travel to the cabin where a dangerous vampire showdown between Andras and his ex-lover is set to unfold. Another plot point that is a bit far-fetched is how Danny and Andras engage in indulgent sexual activity at the cabin, both well aware of the fact that an imminent threat is expected at any moment—but they don’t seem the least bit concerned.

Despite some of these implausible plot points, the story remains very entertaining and action-packed, with a lot of engrossing dialogue. The battle that ensues also features shocking revelations and some violent, gory scenes that will please horror fans. Soon after, the story abruptly ends in a twisty cliffhanger hinting of big changes coming for Danny and her sister, and readers will want to read the sequel right away. Unfortunately, no date has been set for its release, and readers may require a reread when the sequel comes out to refresh the storyline and excitement.

In summary, this is a highly addictive dark fantasy that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Popular vampire romance novels, in the vein of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, often involve young female protagonists—so this book, with its older characters, is a refreshing take on this sub-genre and will resonate with a wider audience, especially mothers of young children. Narrator Tess Irondale delivers an exciting and compelling performance, inflecting an impressive vocal range to depict the character voices and the wide variety of scenes. If you enjoy stories with vampires, magic, family drama, steamy romance, and relatable characters, then you’ll love this book. The book is a great achievement for ME Evans, and the series has great storyline potential. Let’s hope we won’t have to wait too long for the sequel!


🎤Narrator Performance🎤 (5⭐️)

Narrator Tess Irondale does a spectacular job narrating this book. Irondale uses a smooth and engaging tone to authentically portray 35-year-old Danny, infusing an impressive range of emotions and vocal range to portray the character in a wide variety of scenes. Irondale also provides distinct voices for the broad cast of characters, and her portrayal of the enigmatic British-sounding Andras is performed with a genuine-sounding accent, an abundance of swagger, and an air of mystery that perfectly captures the character's persona. Irondale’s delivery of the dialogue is extremely captivating and well executed. The narration is also paced perfectly, allowing listeners to fully relish in the growing chemistry and bond between Danny and Andras.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Modern Day Vampire Love Story

Modern day Vampire Love story, amid a crumbling marriage and life as a Mom, Danny meets Andras, the Vampire next door. This paranormal romance is layered with a lot of accurately portrayed modern day struggles of being a wife and mom and losing yourself to your marriage and motherhood. As Danny navigates her new reality after the realization that her marriage is over, in comes her sexy, mysterious vampire neighbor. I enjoyed this book, Andras was kind, mysterious and considerate. Danny is drawn to him and I loved their blooming relationship. Tess does a fantastic job voicing all the characters. I really look forward to the more from M. E. Evans, also, I absolute adored this cover, it sits happily on my shelf.
4.5/5

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Finally an adult!

Despite the fact that it’s only one narrator, I felt she did a good job capturing every angle of the story. It was really refreshing to have the fmc be a grown woman with real issues that were taking place before anything paranormal was introduced. It’s less spicy than books I normally read, but I was still captivated by the story and I’m excited to see what comes next!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

So relatable and paranormal dreams come true

I absolutely fell in love with this book right off the bat. I relate to Danny so much as far as her anxiety and motherhood struggles. I could have been reading about myself most of the time.

Now growing up loving Twilight and Vampire Diaries… my teenage dreams and my adult life merged into a life in a book. I ate this up and basically started and never stopped til it was over. There is not a part I didn’t like honestly.

As far as the audio goes, I did really like it and enjoyed her voice. Sometimes I felt her voices her each character were a bit too similar. But that happens with a lot of audio books with one voice actor.

If you are a mom, struggling with anxiety and being a good mother and also love some paranormal fantasy’s this is a book for you. I cannot wait for the next book to come out,

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Finally a mature FMC!

This book really captures what it’s like to be a tired mom of two in her thirties. The crumbling of Danny’s marriage is so real and painful.
I could have used more banter and spice between the love interests but overall I really enjoyed this book!!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful