i can honestly say i’ve loved a total of 3 romance books in my 36 years of existence. this one is the 3rd. i loved every character, the plot was adorable and paced perfectly, it tugged at my heartstrings constantly, and the fact it took place in my city was the cherry on top. i adored knowing exactly what all the Baltimore references were and i was left drooling for some Berger cookies. thank you, B.K., for this sweet love letter about love, every type of relationship, and Baltimore.

uniquely thought provoking and unconventional - full of tension, gore and profoundly terrifying while tackling the topics of grief, racism, culture and a focused lens on our societies failures and horrors. all of this written alongside and within a murder mystery during the covid pandemic in the US and the rising violence against asians because of it. i can honestly say i have never read a book like this and probably never will again, this is a book that stands in a category all on its own. this one will linger on with me for quite awhile.

once you start this book i promise you will not be able to put it down. and the audio, oh the audio, it was magnificent. i adore @natalienaudus so much, her narration is always so immersive and i’ll listen to just about anything she does. bravo to her and @kylieleebaker on this absolute masterpiece. 

immense gratitude to mirabooks for this ALC. 

US release: april 29, 2025

I truly appreciated the intriguing premise of this book; however, I found that Evelyn and Arden’s past lives together felt rather brief and underdeveloped, which left me longing for a deeper understanding of their relationship. I struggled to grasp the foundation of their love, as it felt more like it was told to me rather than shown through their experiences. I simply did not understand the “why” behind it. The only hint of an explanation came at the very end, and I can't help but wish that this aspect had been explored more fully—perhaps even in a novella of its own. I was also a bit letdown and underwhelmed once the reasoning for constantly having to kill each other was revealed.

beyond my criticisms, the writing was beautiful, filled with lyrical prose and the audiobook narrator really brought the story to life. i also found myself very invested in the family of her current life though i wish their dynamics and past together were also described a BIT more. i was rooting for her sister to live and her mother to not lose both her and Evelyn as her fate grew closer. 

despite the slow pacing and bits i mentioned above, i still found this to be a lovely story though i’m not sure it would have been as compelling for me if not for the audio. 

In "Tenderly I Am Devoured," the most ethereal, beautiful gothic atmosphere envelops readers from the very first page, drawing them into Lark’s home in Verse. Eighteen-year-old Lacrimosa Arriscane returns home in disgrace after being expelled from her prestigious boarding school, only to find her family teetering on the edge of financial ruin. Desperate to save them, she enters into a marriage of convenience with Therion, the chthonic god worshipped in her isolated coastal hometown—a choice that leads her into a dark and mesmerizing tale of love and sacrifice.

Clipstone excels at crafting a hauntingly beautiful narrative, where every bit seems to resonate with both beauty and melancholy. The vivid descriptions create an atmospheric tapestry that immerses readers in Lark's world, filled with folklore and the supernatural. As she seeks help from her first heartbreak, Alastair Felimath, and his enigmatic sister, Camille, the trio's exploration of dark rituals and fervent romance deepens the gothic allure, with moments that feel both intoxicating and perilous.

While the story is rich with atmospheric detail and characters I was instantly drawn to, it is not without its flaws. Some pacing issues and stilted dialogue can disrupt the otherwise immersive experience, and Camille's character could use more depth to enhance the chemistry within the group. She was my favorite character and I would have loved more of her. Nevertheless, "Tenderly I Am Devoured" is a beautifully flawed book that captivates with its haunting narrative and emotional depth. If you’re drawn to gothic tales that linger in the mind and heart, this novel offers a mesmerizing journey through love, despair, and the shadows that bind us to the gods we worship.