A Curse Bright and Breathing: Her Fangs in My Heart, Book 2

When I read Moira Darling's first book "A Hunger Soft and Wild", I was sure that the spark of creation was hidden in her, I expected her to continue painting beautiful fairy-tale scenes, with elegant language, filigree strokes, but I did not expect that her second book would be even deeper and more hauntingly beautiful. If in "A Hunger Soft and Wild" it can be assumed that there was some gentle timidity in the first steps of a debuting author, then here this tenderness of uncertainty is missing. I fell in love with Selis in the first book, her image rough and rich, promising to unfold like an ancient book full of secrets, lured me to want more of Moira's elixir. And "A Curse Bright and Breathing" did not let me down. The book sucked me in like a whirlpool in still water, unexpectedly and inevitably like fate. The vision of the fragile and beautiful Naera, almost unearthly, ethereally gentle, but also hiding an enormous power within herself, was intoxicating. The chemistry between both Selis and Naera is dynamic, constant, the book can be described as a slow burn, but in reality I didn't feel a too slow rhythm for a moment - every action unfolds at the perfect moment. Moira's language is poetic, I don't believe I've read another author who so masterfully twists words, gives them shape, step, verse. Breathtakingly beautiful. Filigree. Her trademark. If you thought that vampires should be presented as cruel bloodsuckers and that this is the only worthy image for them, read…

Darling has a rather unique way of writing. Short, sharp, emotive, and poetic. It gives a certain feel and slant to her stories, which I think meshes well with the content of them, especially, while this is a vampire x hunter story, it is also quite dark. Cults, control, sacrifices, there are some heavy topics that are looked at, and the opening of it can be quite depressing. It is an enjoyable story, though, seeing the two of them growing closer through their journey, and how strong their bond ends up being. Plenty of action, some steamy scenes (in more than one sense), and some adorable moments as well. The world building is interesting as well, especially when we get to see more of the guilds. Happy to have read it, and looking forward to the third installment.

A Curse Bright and Breathing is a stunning sapphic romantasy full of slow burn tension, aching chemistry, and high emotional stakes. Naera is a sacred vampire on the run, and Selis is the hardened mercenary hired to return her. This pairing had me hooked from the start! The slow burn tension was perfect, and when it finally tipped into affection I quite literally squealed. Out loud. The yearning between these two had me rooting for them with my whole heart. This story is equal parts emotional, romantic, and full of twists, with two women who ultimately save each other in the most beautiful way. Even though it works as a standalone, I highly recommend reading both books in the Her Fangs in My Heart series, because both are must-reads to add to your romantasy collection!

I just finished this book and the story was as wonderful as the first, the writing is gorgeous, the world building is beautiful and the characters are so lovely and charming. I highly recommend this book, and if you haven't yet, check out the first one by Moira Darling.

4.75/5 I have been fortunate enough to have received an ARC of both A Hunger Soft and Wild and now the beautiful, wonderful, lovely A Curse Bright and Breathing from the author - and pheeeeew. After I read AHS&W I was very curious about a Selis story, once confirmed I will admit I was a little nervous. I loved Roan and Aria so much, and I mean, iykyk… Color me gobsmacked when I finish this book and am so completely enraptured by Selis and the depths of her torment and fears. Mercenary…Monster…Goddess…Woman. She was somehow all and none of these things at the same time. Naera was an incredible character in this, even if she upset me a couple of times… ;) what can I say, went very soft and protective over Selis this go… ANYHOW. I loved the story of the Moonmother, The Garden and The Grove. Glowing girls and their holy light. The visions, the healing…the light. There were quite a few times where I felt a bit in awe alongside the characters in the scenes. This book has characters with deep and complex emotions. The Garden and The Guild were such cool villains. Selis and Naera and truly magnificent and everything each other needed. Moira Darling has a true talent for dropping these truly mystical stories right into our laps (thank you so so deeply). When I think of a book that makes me feel warm and cozy all over, I think of hers first. I cannot wait to read what she writes next!