Book Boyfriends and Booze

In Anathema by Keri Lake, Maevyth Bronwick, a woman shunned by her village, is cast into the eerie Witch Knell forest—a place feared for its cursed souls and grotesque creatures. Drawn beyond the boundary of mortal realms, she enters a dark and haunting world where she encounters Zevander Rydainn, the cursed and ruthless Lord of Eidolon, also known as The Scorpion. Despite his original intentions, Zevander quickly realizes his fate is more tightly bound to Maevyth than he anticipated. Maevyth’s blood is worth more than he realizes, but as their slow-burn connection intensifies, Zevander’s fierce duty clashes with an obsession that could unravel them both. Anathema combines gothic fantasy, slow-burn romance, and chilling horror for an unforgettably dark tale.

A Dark, Spooky Fantasy with a Side of Romance 

If you’re looking for a story that’s as hauntingly beautiful as it is spooky, Anathema by Keri Lake delivers. Perfect for an October read, this book has everything: magic, witchy vibes, shadowy realms, and a romance that builds in the background. This was our first book by Keri Lake, and we went in looking for a strong story with a sprinkle of romance—and wow, did it deliver on all fronts. With a rich, dark world, Anathema is definitely a slow burn, but one that pulls you in with every page. For readers who want a story that is going to jump in heads first be warned: there is a fair amount of background before this story kicks it into high gear, but we promise it’s worth the wait. Patience is key because no line is unintentional and the nuances will sneakily make their importance known as the story evolves.

Haunting, Beautiful, Full of Magic, and a Gumpy Shadowy Book Boyfriend

Keri Lake crafts an intricate fantasy world that’s dark yet stunning, filled with the right balance of eerie magic and thrilling mystery. From gore and ghostly elements to rich atmospheric details, the world-building here is top-notch. Even if you’re not typically a fantasy fan, this one will keep you hooked, especially if you’re craving a well-thought-out plot rather than just a romance focus. The romance, while slow to burn, feels so natural alongside the storyline that you’ll be excited to see where it goes in the second book.

Now, let’s talk about Zevander. If you love a moody, misunderstood book boyfriend with a possessive streak, Zev is your guy. He’s got that Rhysand vibe from ACOMAF but with an even darker edge. He’s a “shadow daddy” who exudes mystery, strength, and a protectiveness that draws you in. His relationship with the heroine develops naturally as they’re forced to work together, and the tension between them is undeniable. Zev’s possessiveness is balanced with just the right amount of obsessiveness, making him the perfect blend of edgy and intense.

The banter between Zev and the heroine is great, though it doesn’t dominate the story. It’s more of an underlying spark that builds alongside the plot, and you can feel the chemistry simmering, even if the spice is kept to a minimum in this first installment. Since this is a duology, the first book focuses heavily on setting up their relationship and the storyline, and we are already looking forward to seeing how it all wraps up in the second book—hopefully with even more delicious spice!

Zevander: Dark, Edgy, and Possessive

If you’re in the mood for a book boyfriend with a dark edge who will fall hard and fast, Zevander is a must-read. His brooding, possessive nature and the natural development of his relationship with the heroine make him unforgettable. If you’re ready for a fantasy world that’s both haunting and beautiful, Anathema will keep you spellbound from start to finish.