Handsome Death

This was a fun, quick read set in a world where humans know about vampires, werewolves, witches, etc. because of the vampires “coming out” to humanity and setting up their own laws and culture in order to live in harmony with humans.
One of the rules is vampires aren't legally allowed to stalk humans for prey or change humans to vampires and also aren't supposed to involve themselves romantically with humans (because it usually leads to them wanting to turn their lovers).
Ethan, a French 200-something year old vampire that's lead his life as a loner and a mercenary for hire, literally stumbles into Tristan, a NYU music student, and can't seem to forget him no matter how hard he tries (or how many bad guys he kills). Luckily for him, Tristan has somewhat of a vampire fetish - but has been spurred by an abusive ex-lover so is still very wary when Ethan starts to pay attention to him (see: stalk).
I found both of the main characters very likeable though this book is all from Ethan's POV. Four stars because there were a lot of cringe or eye-rolling but nothing atypical of romance, but those moments are sprinkled among a lot of laugh-out-loud and/or very sexy ones that kept me from wanting to put the book down.

3.5What a difference a day makes. If I'd read this earlier this month I would've ended up between a meh and sort of disappointed.* This month? It was a sweet and innocuous distraction that filled up a couple of hours. No small feat. [a:Sara Dobie Bauer 7226363 Sara Dobie Bauer https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1572634427p2/7226363.jpg] sets us in a present day alternate world, specifically NYC, where vampires and other paranormal creatures are acknowledged and live openly in society with rules governing their kind. Very little of the vampire trappings, mythology, back story etc. is developed, rather the story counts on the reader knowing vampire canon and the author tweaks a few, convenient, bits. It doesn't really matter and I'm not sure that the vampire aspect contributed anything to the story but the romantic idea of truly eternal love. Ethan a.k.a. Etienne a.k.a. the Marquis de Marteau a.k.a. The Butcher has been among the undead for over two hundred years and has yet to quench his lust for death, which he currently slakes by being a mercenary. Just for fun and giggles. During that time he's also been dead to any kind of kinship or affection but all of that changes one October day when he wanders into a coffee shop and meets his destiny, Tristan “Tris” Clement. Tris is the wet dream du jour: a tall, all limbs, blonde, musical prodigy (aren't they all?) who's the doe-eyed proverbial babe in the woods, good to the last fibre of his being, and in need of protection. Ethan will be that for him and so much more. You could get stumped by some things like how Ethan, despite being an 18th Century Parisian speaks like your average Twitter bro, but I digress. I chose to squint through most of the niggles, ignore the vampire angle, and enjoy the tale of a man who was emotionally numb, a young man who's been knocked down a bit, and how they fill each other's empty corners. Sexually, they're like a match and strike, they scorch the sheets, and dabble in some kink. Tris loves Ethan's domineering brand of love, Ethan can't get enough of how Tris clings to him like a barnacle, and wants to swaddle him in gauze. They're both deliriously happy. And if you want an uncomplicated and angst free read to escape the doldrums this will do nicely. *My whole disappointed thing has to do with my previous SDB read [b:We Still Live 52575351 We Still Live Sara Dobie Bauer https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1571926976l/52575351.SX50_SY75.jpg 73672624]. It was such a vital read for me, and the tone from that one to this one was so different that I guess it just jarred me. But I appreciate that not everything has to be heavy and I like a writer who has range.

I started Handsome Death (Carnation Books, 2020) smiling and I think I stayed that way for most of the book. Sara Dobie Bauer writes a delightful vampire in Ethan. A man who does not quite know what to do when an angel falls into his lap (laugh).

I also love the humor that Tristan brings to the situation as he does not know what to do with the big brooding giant he has suddenly acquired. I love it and them. Bauer keeps the chemistry hot and then throws in drama from some unexpected sources. There was a moment or two of heart-stopping moments, but as is revealed above (I did not reveal it (laugh)) there is a happily ever after at the best time of the year. Which by the way is hilarious for an ending for an unlikely couple and aptly displays why this couple works.

Bauer gives us intense emotions, hot sex, and some more hot sex. Handsome Death is sooooo worth the read.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.