With Hearts of Flame (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Dark Academia Romantasy Novel of Vampires and Dragons Featuring Stenciled Edges and Illustrated Endpapers (Bloodwing Academy, 4)
Briar Boleyn
by Shannon Mae
Toby
Maybe I have an overactive imagination, but the hot guy next door totally gives off serial killer vibes. Why else would he know how long it takes to bleed out from a wound? Yeah, ok, so I asked, but it was research. Being an author definitely makes for some odd questions (someone had better clear my browser history when I die, that's all I'm saying). It's not like I'm stalking my hot neighbor or anything—there's nothing wrong with watching him out my window. Although I might have my own stalker (and not the cute harmless kind), which is kind of terrifying. Even if he isn't a serial killer, maybe my seriously sexy neighbor whose eyes seem to glow red (a trick of the light, I'm sure) can help me out.
Dexter
How do you tell your cute neighbor that cutting off your fingers probably won't cause a victim to bleed out? I don't know if trying out Toby's writing ideas is a good method of flirting, but there's just something about him that calls to my hellhound. He's adorable, awkward, and all kinds of clueless. He brings out my protective instincts, and I find myself wanting to please him, even if that means figuring out some of the answers to his rather bloodthirsty questions. When I find out Toby might actually be in danger, nothing will stop my hellhound from protecting him. He's mine, even if he doesn't know it, and I'll tear apart anyone who even thinks of hurting him.
April 19, 2026
PoV: dual, 1st person Genre: paranormal romance, MM Tropes / tags: neighbours to lovers, humour, found family I picked this one up while being home with a cold, as I was in the mood for something sweet and fun - and this one definitely delivered! Seeing a hellhound finding new homes for the ‘stray humans’ he found being held captive while he was hunting rotten souls was strangely endearing (and often hilarious). Dex and Toby’s story was super entertaining, and I really enjoyed the banter, found...
October 12, 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author and it was fantastic. I loved the 2 MCs and all the side characters. This was sweet, funny, and steamy. I loved the cluelessness of Dex about human ways. I loved how Toby got lost in his stories and imagination. These two were perfect for each other. I’m looking forward to the next book! I’m really hoping Sebbie gets his book soon too!! ) 3 people found this helpful
October 1, 2024
This was just a pure delight! Making golden retriever energy into supernatural hot is pretty much the best thing to ever happen to fantasy imo, and this is the best I've yet to find! Dex and Toby are both adorable and hilarious and all of the secondary characters were loveable. The world building was complete enough to feel effortless and real, like this could happen to anyone lucky enough XD The author was absolutely truthful when she said the darker elements happen 90% off page, and what we...
April 20, 2025
This is a delightfully quirky, very well-written, and sweetly entertaining story with interesting characters and an excellent use of supernatural elements. I was recommended this story after devouring Alice Winters catalog and I am so glad it came across my screen. The author is indeed talented and should be a recommended read. I look forward to exploring more work from Shannon Mae in the coming weeks. Do yourself a favor and read this one (though I do wish I’d read the “Demonic Disasters and...
October 13, 2024
This book just made my heart happy. It was actually a very light and fluffy novel (for the most part). The humor was paramount here, and I just enjoyed how adorable and awkward Toby was. Dex was a perfect fit with his protectiveness and amusing views of humans. There was not a lot in the way of relationship development in this book. These two went from 0 to 60 in about a minute, it seemed like, but it was absolutely amusing and adorable, and I enjoyed it. This pacing did fit in the story, and...
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