To stop a serial killer a detective will need to explore his own vices… even kissed another man, fearing for his soul and his reputation.
Jericho Fulbright has never lived a wholesome life. After behavior unbecoming he was discharged from the army and sent home in disgrace. His inventor and nouveau riche father refused to have anything to do with him, so Jericho turned to what he knew best: opium, gambling and sex.
As the owner of the Jericho Rose, a club for gentlemen who like men, he enjoys a certain notoriety. Some would say he has a golden tongue, but the truth is a succubus lives within him feeding on souls. Once he needed her help, now she is a burden that keeps him from getting close to anyone.
After the unfortunate death of a young noble man in Jericho’s bed, Nathanial is sent to investigate. He is scandalized and intrigued by Jericho, but soon realizes that Jericho could be exactly who he needs to help break the snuff case. Together they are drawn into a web of lies that will result in Jericho facing prison unless Nathanial can unmask the real creator of the snuff, a man with rank and privileges that reaches almost to the King.
For readers who love urban fantasy set in an alternate history, crime, scandal and a virgin hero.
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3.5+ stars–Though this author writes tropes I normally wouldn’t read, time and time again I’ve found myself drawn to her shorts. I so enjoy the characters and worlds she builds and keep meaning to pick up one of her full length novels. I finally did so with A Summer of Smoke and Sin. A historical fantasy that blends current social conventions with the past, the characters and world the author created immediately captured my attention.
Both Jericho and Nathaniel were well flushed out over the course of the story, and I really liked how the closeted main character matched with the proudly out character played a part of this historical fantasy. Obviously this is a slower burn due to the historical element, but it didn’t feel too buttoned up in the least. Additionally, I thought the paranormal element was very interesting. I wasn’t expecting it, and surprise revelations around this plot point continued to surprise me throughout the book. The suspense and mystery elements were also done well and, while I might not have been perched on the edge of my seat, I was completely invested and engaged cover to cover.
I’m always in awe of the way this author builds detailed, creative worlds I can easily picture in a way that maintains a smooth flow within the storyline. When reading her shorts in the past, I wondered if given more time and space to really develop the characters and plot, the story and world would be that much better, and A Summer of Smoke and Sin proved that to be the case. If you enjoy fantasies, I’d definitely recommend this author and book.
Intrigue, mystery, fantasy…prepare for that and so much more when you read A Summer of Smoke and Sin by TJ Nichols. If you like an intricate plot with a great cast of characters with urban fantasy thrown in, this is the book for you. The story is imaginative and original, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. There were a few times I was left scratching my head or had to go back to read something to make it clear as mud. LOL. A good mystery will leave you guessing until the end and might confound you a bit. I did want to slap a character a time or two though. I’m not going to go into the story or the plot because you need to read this book yourself. Are you ready to be pulled into a whole new world? One click this 4 star read today!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. I found this a compelling read and thought the world building was fabulous. I enjoyed the mix of historical with a dash of steampunk/alternate reality and paranormal. I thought the author did a great job in capturing the class hierarchy of the time period, and the social climbing within it.
The set up with Jericho and the succubus was interesting, and almost a symbiotic relationship with each side gaining something although with a very high cost for Jericho. I felt for him not being able to get close to anyone for fear that they become her next victim.
I also felt for Nathanial and his resignation that his father’s net was closing around him. His father is a nasty piece of work, while on the flip side I loved his sister and brother-in-law. I loved Robert too. He’s a good friend, and I’d love to learn more about him and read his story.
All the characters felt very real, with rich back stories, and personality quirks. The world is an interesting one, with its marriage laws and gentleman’s waltz. I liked the inclusion of the scandal sheets as it brought out the social commentary within the story.
The story kept me turning pages, as I got invested in Nathanial and Jericho very quickly and wanted them to get the HEA they deserved, after what life had thrown them so far. The bad guy came across as a real threat, and I loved the ending, and how he is taken down. Very fitting. The twist in regard to Eulalia was nicely done too.
What I Think: The addictive thing about being a book reviewer is that it lets you meet an array of writers that you might never meet because you’re too busy buying up your favorite writers. So even though this has a touch of steampunk and I can’t yet make-up my mind if its a genre I like, it’s a historical first and you know that’s my other irresistible genre. Add paranormal to that and I was already enslaved.
Almost immediately, I felt sorry for Jericho for he is the true victim here. I understand how Eulalia makes his life easier but the price he’s paying, the price of barely living is just too high.
I loved the reality of the situation of women. Even with the men’s marriage act legalized, women apparently still didn’t have the same rights. Come on. This caused some mild head thumping as I wonder if this is a prophecy of the marginalization women will always allow because the only thing stronger than a woman on a mission is thousands of women on the same mission.
And Nathanial is too sweet, too innocent for a soul as corrupted as Jericho but don’t opposites attract the strongest because deep down, they have the same base core?
This is a dicey situation. Eulalia wants to go to Nathanial but Jericho won’t let go which says more about his honor than he’d like to believe. Even when he gets to the point where he’s ready to risk everything by letting her go, he still protects the innocence and purity he sees in Nathanial. Yet, considering the life he’s lived, he’s neither innocent nor pure but, in my eyes, his honor and discipline (because refusing to eat a feast that’s spread out before you is the highest form of discipline), place him on the same righteous pedestal that he believes Nathanial reclines on. When they should be pulled apart and stay apart, they’re forced to continue working together to catch a killer. One that Jericho can recognize with a glance even though Nathanial doesn’t know how. And for them to find this killer, my sweet Nathanial has to shred his reputation. The upcoming balls involving this search will not be pretty and I can’t decide which of them I hurt for the most. The man spurned by family, who lost a lover and is living a half life, or the man that cannot be himself for fear of risking everything.
I love Nat’s sister and her husband. Love them so damn much for loving Nathanial for everything that he is and more. His sister is definitely Amazon worthy and her husband’s admiration is well placed. I want to marry her myself and let her create her necessary havoc around me. There’s a particular scene that I wish I had more details on because that was where I fell hopelessly in love with her. Meanwhile, someone please hand me a birch for Jericho ‘s father. Pretty please. He needs a good birching to rearrange his head.
But right now, I’m waiting for Nat’s come to Jesus moment because I’m tempted to find ways to get into the tale and drag him to it. But finally, it came and it was glorious as Nat and a veritable army working with him sets about making things straight. Nat showed just how much strength he had as the tale rises to its crescendo. In Nat’s possession, I believe that Eulalia is truly what she says – a fragment of the divine, an angel that seeks justice for those who cannot have it. Jericho and Nat just wasted time for nothing and that makes me want to smack then kiss them both. Finally, as my heart settled down, relief spread through me as this amazing couple finally got what they deserved and managed to still dispense justice left, right and centre.
Verdict? A historical fantasy of a tale that is proof that even love at a glance can last the distance.
“A Summer of Smoke and Sin” turned out to be a downright riveting mystery! Seeing words such as: “gentlemen’s club”, “snuff” and “succubus” may have a reader being cautious but this novel took a whole different direction.
TJ Nichols takes us to historic London 1907 and introduces an interesting subject, the “Male Marriage Act” as opposed to the “Female Marriage Act” that failed. It’s a time where cases involving nobleman are only handled by the “Nobility Task Force”. The novel is packed with: corruption, the protection of the noble and wealthy, estranged family members, secrets, drama, a unique invention and photography.
Although the reveal of the serial murderer is known early in the story, the plot revolves around Nathanial Bayard and how he can develop a plan to catch the evil-doer who invaded his privacy. Nathanial has a dark cloud hanging over his head as he’s had his troubles with closing his cases. He’s a hard working law officer but becomes suspicious with the force even his boss. When Nathanial and Jericho Fulbright join forces in the investigation there is a secret between them that could destroy them both.
Jericho, being the owner of the gentleman’s club, “Jericho Rose”, has gained a very scandalous reputation but all is not what it seems. He has a very good reason for doing what he does and it all involves the demon, Eulalia.
I was pleasantly surprised at how this novel turned out, it is well-written and became a page-turner for me. This story has a touch of darkness, suspense, steampunk and paranormal. I could really connect with the characters of: Nathanial Bayard, Jericho Fulbright and Eulalia. There’s a little twist with Jericho and Eulalia, they aren’t what they seem to be, which gives a different perspective totheir characters. I liked the gradual connection and understanding that grows between Nathanial and Jericho.
There’s two secondary characters that deserve to be mentioned: Nathanial’s sister, Margaret, who is his biggest supporter and is not afraid to speak her mind. Bertie, Margaret’s husband, he goes along with Margaret but he shows his protective side when it comes to her.
I don’t if TJ Nichols has plans for Nathanial and Jericho in the future but this would be an interesting mystery series. The cover art is a definite eye-catcher!
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
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A Summer of Smoke and Sin, by T.J. Nichols
282 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV (one page of 1st person)
Content Warning: mild on page drug use, off-page violence
Themes: steampunk, historical, succubus, club owner, alt history, uniform, politics, nobility, possession, opium/recreational drug use
A Summer of Smoke and Sin is a unique steampunk story about love, justice and self-discovery. It is clever, hot and takes you through a world full of secrets, lies, and deception while navigating a beautiful love story worthy of the perfect ending it was given.
The story dealt with some hard topics, but in a smart and sensitive manner. It had political intrigue, family drama, and a world prejudice against same-sex relationships, while also revolving around the murder who created snuff photography. While there was a lot going on, it all came together beautifully and I felt that the story was both well paced and well rounded. It didn’t fail to address any of the questions or curiosities I had along the way.
When it comes to character, Nathanial was adorably naive and innocent, stupidly loyal and faithful. I rooted for him to grow up, free himself, and find his independence every step of the way. Watching him find that strength and curiosity to explore was beautiful. It was a true journey amongst the chaos of his investigation. On the flip side, Jericho came across as a smart, independent and well put together individual, until you discovered that it was all a mask to protect himself. Watching him unfold, trust in Nathanial, fall in love and admit his vulnerability was equally as beautiful. While she wasn’t a central character, I was very intrigued by Eulalia and her place in it all. The final revelations about her were a nice twist that I didn’t see coming.
In a book that is both steampunk and paranormal, it can be hard to find a balance between the two. But I felt the world building was handled with the usual skill I expect of the author. Clever, good pacing, and smart twists kept this story running on track. It also managed to keep the steampunk at an acceptable and almost-familiar level, for the historical time period, while letting the paranormal aspect sit comfortably within that world. Neither side drowned out the other.
When it came to the big revelation, for Jericho to tell Nathanial the truth about his curse, I loved that he’d already begun to put the pieces together. You saw him trying to figure it out long before it became something to talk about. Then he turned his logical Detective brain to the matter.
Honestly, it’s like one of my favourite authors has read two of my favourite books – the series, Gentleman Demons by Jasper Black and the solo novel, Innocent and Carnality by J. Alan Veerkamp – because, while completely unique and different, A Summer of Smoke and Sin is what would happen if those two books had a book-baby. This would be it. The perfect blend of historical horror and steampunk romance against all the odds.
Was it perfect? No. I’d say my rating is more a 4.5 than an outright 5*, only because there were a lot of editing issues throughout, in my final version from Amazon and I felt that the continual interruptions – newspaper articles, letters/notes from friends/family – could have been more seamlessly introduced to the story. For me, they broke the story up at important intervals, right in the midst of the drama, and took me out of that tension and suspense. Add on the editing issues – wrong words, spelling and punctuation issues – and it wasn’t flawless. But, in the end, the story was beautiful, clever and brilliant, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. For that reason, I’ve rounded up instead of down. This is definitely a story I’ll be reading again, and I’ll be buying it in paperback, too.
I’ve been a fan of T.J. Nichols for a very long time, and I’ve loved everything of theirs that I’ve read. This book is no exception. Despite the minor flaws, I still fell madly in love with Nathanial and Jericho.
For fans of: paranormal twists, steampunk adventures, and sweeping romances with some drama.
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Favourite Quotes
“Was anyone ever truly free or were they all birds with programmed orders they had to follow?”
“With the soft click, the heart he’d pieced together after Liang’s murder fragmented. It would take more than a demon to put it back together.”
I would rate this 3.75 stars.
This is an historical urban fantasy romance set in an alternative London in 1907. Three years ago Jericho left the Army in disgrace, was disowned by his family, and has done what he needs to survive his possession by the demon Eulalia. He owns a gentleman’s club, the Jericho Rose, and comes under investigation when a young noble named Doxley dies there. Nathaniel is sent to investigate Doxley’s death and stumbles onto evidence in a snuff pornography case. His father is unhappy about him being a policeman on the Nobility Task Force as he wants him to join the Church. In this London, men can marry but premarital sex between men is still illegal. Women are struggling to wed other women along with the right to vote. The first half of the book is told through Jericho’s eyes, whilst the last half is told through Nathaniel’s.
The crux of the book is Eulalia. It may not stay like this since mine is an uncorrected proof, but in the middle, for a page or two, is Eulalia’s point of view. I found it wholly unnecessary because it doesn’t do what I think it was supposed to do. This is the most important character in the book and she just doesn’t work for me. She stays in Jericho for three years, but never tells him the truth. Jericho tries to only take the souls of those who are corrupt or evil in some way, but that is Jericho’s decision. Eulalia reminds him that good souls taste better. He tries to keep her satiated so she doesn’t take control. When she is in control, he has no memory of what she does with his body. When she kills Doxley, it was for no other reason than she was hungry and she could; he was not evil. Yet later we are supposed to believe the demon wants to help Nathaniel catch the killer he is looking for because she wants justice. Eulalia swears she won’t kill Jericho once inside Nathaniel, yet later she says she cannot help what happens when he begs her not to kill Nathaniel. Yes, she is supposedly a demon, so one can assume she lies…yet we aren’t ever given that impression either. Then there is the Big Reveal where Nathaniel is privy to information Jericho never had, yet somehow Jericho all of the sudden knows even though they have been ordered kept apart and are not able to speak to each other. I feel like she could have been an amazing, complex character that instead was used as a plot twist–that would be a major spoiler so I won’t say, but I didn’t like it.
I did like Nathaniel’s interfering sister. I liked the symmetry of how the plot points got resolved for everyone else involved, except the case. Nathaniel’s boss doesn’t seem too worried that there was never any proof of who committed the crimes. Nathaniel’s feelings of being trapped, his frustration of life not being fair, his chopping at the bridle of his father’s control over his life–these were well written so that I felt them. There were times I wanted to wring his stubborn, fool neck. While there are some steamy moments, I wanted more for these two; I felt their longing, but not their love. Historical romance is not usually my favorite, so I wish I could dismiss my concerns for that reason, but this has some plot holes that wouldn’t work no matter the time period. I usually like this author’s work, so I am disappointed I didn’t connect with this one.
I enjoyed everything about this book. Jericho and Nathanial were great characters, they were both complex and engaging and I was immediately drawn into their story. I loved the paranormal, steampunkish, alternate historical aspects of the storyline. All in all an enjoyable paranormal mystery that had me reading it all in one go.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
Reading the blurb for this book really got me curious and excited to read it. The amazing thing was that I’ve kept the excitement from the beginning to the end. The author wrote it so brilliantly that with every page I turned, I would only get even more intrigued, doubting and guessing.
Jericho has done bad, awful things in his life, but is he a bad person? Nathaniel had dreams and high morals, but can he be corrupted by sin? Will they bring to justice the murder of those innocent girls? More importantly, would Jericho and Nathaniel have any semblance of live at the end of the investigation, a future together? And who is really Eulalia?
So, so many questions. Finding the answers had me on the edge of my sit, thrill itching under my skin. The plotline is complex and full of surprises, with amazingly written characters. The suspense was high, both because of the the mystery and the development of Jericho and Nathaniel’s relationship. I had envisioned many different conclusions to the story and I loved how the author chose to finish it.
Recommended.
I absolutely loved this book. A Summer of Smoke and Sin was unique. A kind of a cross between historical, paranormal, with a light touch of steampunk. I don’t read a lot of steampunk, but I believed the mechanical cameras, mechanical bikes, and the mechanical birds gave it a hint of steampunk. I did love the birds.
This is an amazing mystery though we find out the killer it still holds your interest. (I sat up and read it all in one night, it was that god and I had to find out what was going on) There are some twists and its an allover good book.
If you are looking for something different, like steampunk, suspense, historical, low sexual content but high sexual tension, and a unique story this is for you!