I picked this book up for the romance, but I stayed for the urban fantasy and the mystery. That part of the book was definitely the main draw for me. The plot is fast-paced and exciting, and the worldbuilding is simply excellent. I wish this was a series, both because the book reads a lot like a series starter and because I just want to spend more time in this version of San Francisco, with all of its creepy faeries and complicated magics. The author has a knack for description that made absolutely every location easy to visualize. It really felt like I was there with the characters.

Roku, the MC, took next to no time to grow on me. I found him a super engaging character; he was fun to follow, fun to worry about whenever he confronted yet another danger the plot threw at him, and his grief for his husband and daughters felt relatable and not overdone. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the second lead, Trent. I just... never got him, I guess? There were a lot of side characters here who got a lot more of my interest. And the romance/attraction between the two of them felt rushed and, tbh, somewhat unnecessary. Perhaps if this was indeed a series and the relationship between them unfolded gradually, my feelings would be different.

PS: Bob is the best cat ever. Except for my cats, of course. :D