I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did, but THIS is good romantasy!!! It was a fun read! Is the world building all that complex or deep? nah, it's our world but with monsters (vampires, werewolves, trolls etc) and a 'monster-treaty' that was enacted to keep humans semi-safe. Urban setting - NYC is a big part of the book. As someone who doesn't live there that was whatever to me, but someone who does might either love or hate the references.

Kierse is really good at sneaking, stealing and picking locks. She has made her living as a thief-for-hire and while on a job she encounters a powerful monster who has an offer she can't refuse. To steal a highly coveted powerful object in exchange for... a lot of money. Kierse is an orphan who's had a rough life and her friends are her world. It is single pov, but there are these 'interlude' chapters from some secondary character's pov which I thought really rounded out the story.

I wouldn't say the romance is strictly a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but there are some of those vibes. As part of the job she takes on Kierse has to live in this monster's house, so it's forced proximity.

I'll def be continuing the series... once it's written :')

Spice: 3.5/5