Firstly, this book deserves multiple stars for the cover alone! It's covers like this that make me really sorry that I read from a Kindle and don't have the opportunity to admire hard copy! It may not necessarily evoke the darkness of the story but it sure is drool-worthy! 
 This is not your usual run of the mill paranormal romance. This is intriguing and captivating. The characters are fascinating and the plot unusual. 
 From the early chapters, the characters of Nicholas and Bancroft were totally engaging and their situation definitely interesting. The story also includes wonderful secondary characters, particularly Martha and Nicholas' grandmother. 
 Nicholas may have a position of status but a dreadful accident has left him physically incapacitated and living the sad life of someone believing they are destined to be alone and not enjoy the love of another and joy of physical intimacy. But for all his position and reclusiveness, Nicholas is a caring man, taking the servant girl Martha under his wing. He tutors her and more importantly protects her, putting her life before everything he owns and everything he is. 
 Bancroft is a murdering Vampire under the control of Sebastian who tortures him. Through flashbacks we learn of his human life, his loves and losses and the events that lead to his life with Sebastian. Ban is definitely a character who develops over the duration of the story, or at least my perception of him changed as I learnt more. 
 This is a historical tale with a real sense of the time and place, the formality of the language well in tune with the period. But it's essence is a horror story. There are evil characters (Sebastian is totally cringe worthy) with violence and torture and rape. Some of these aspects aren't for the faint-hearted. But there is also love - love that transcends time. 
 The story is a complex one with surprises and revelations with twists and the unexpected. Very unique! 
 I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!