I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence by Stephanie Burgis Series: The Unexpected Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven #2
Published by Five Fathoms Press on September 29 2025
Genres: Adult, Cozy fantasy
Pages: 130
Format: eARC
Source: Author
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The nitty-gritty: A bite-sized cozy fantasy with plenty of heart, A Honeymoon of Grave Consequence brings together folklore, friendships, and a touch of romance.
Stephanie Burgis has written another delightful entry in her cozy supernatural series, and I can’t get enough of these characters. The basic set up is that Margaret and Lord Riven were tricked into an arranged marriage, one that neither wanted, and the first book, A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience, follows their rocky beginnings as they delve into the scheme behind their situation. Eventually they come to like and respect each other, and at the end of the first book we see glimpses of what might turn out to be a true love match. Oh, and did I mention that Lord Riven is a vampire and Margaret is human?
When this story opens, quite a lot has happened off page between the two books. Margaret is a scholar of the supernatural and is happiest when she’s doing research. After marrying Lord Riven and discovering the, erm, benefits of marriage, she’s written a shocking paper about how vampire bites can add spice to a relationship. Because of this, Lady and Lord Riven have become very popular in social circles, although Margaret much prefers the company of her dusty books. Now the couple is finally able to take a well deserved honeymoon, and they find themselves in Baden-Württemberg Germany in the heart of the Black Forest. Lord Riven has booked a room at an inn run by a werewolf and populated by other types of supernatural creatures who aren’t thrilled that a human will be staying with them.
But Margaret isn’t scared off by this cold greeting, and instead she sets out to make friends with the other guests. And once she finds out that someone is threatening the supernatural creatures who live in the forest, she is determined to put all her research and detective skills to good use.
The second book in the series is nearly twice as long as the first one, and I loved it even more. The increased page count allows for lots of character development, and I loved meeting all the new characters at the inn as well. Margaret isn’t put off by the fact that they don’t like or trust humans, and it isn’t long before her natural joy and enthusiasm of discovering new things breaks down their barriers and they realize she just might be an ally. I was particularly fond of Leonie, a German folkloric creature called a nachzehrer with a fascinating origin story. Leonie and Margaret become great friends in this book, and I do hope we see more of her in future installments.
Margaret continues to be a lovely character—smart, caring and inquisitive. She reminded me a bit of Emily Wilde, so if you’re a fan of those books, you will probably love this series as well. Oddly, we didn’t spend a lot of time with Lord Riven, who is often sleeping while Margaret spends time with Leonie and the others, but there are glimpses of their evolving relationship. For a marriage that started out as one of convenience, the two are starting to bond in more ways than one;-) There are hints of a big change down the road (I can’t say more!), although I’m in no rush to get there.
The mystery itself was lots of fun, and Burgis includes a perfectly vile villain who is trying to take back “her” land from the supernatural creatures who have made their home there. The author addresses racism and bigotry in these sections, but she does it with a light touch so as not to ruin the cozy feel of the story.
I did notice a few fairy tale elements (in particular Sleeping Beauty), but I’m not sure I’d go so far as to call this a retelling. Still, I loved these additions to the tale, and they worked so well together.
At the end, Margaret faces an important decision regarding her research, and I loved the way it played out. Burgis even sets things up for the next book, and I am already excited to dive back into the fantastical world of Lady and Lord Riven.
Big thanks to Stephanie Burgis for providing a review copy.
I’m glad you’re enjoying this series, pretty cover.
I love the cover too, and the little details match what’s in the story:-)
I feel like I didn’t know this book was coming out already later this month but I must’ve seen it somewhere. I’m really glad because I highly enjoyed the first book! I’m glad to know it has some fairy tale elements like Sleeping Beauty. Can’t wait to find out what’s that about!
I hope you get to read it, it’s sooo good!
I have got to give this author a try! Every time I see one of your reviews, I add yet another book to my list!
You should! I always feel good after I read one:-)
I really need to read this author. I know you are always enjoying her books. Great review!
I always look forward to her books:-)
I’m looking forward to reading this one! I suspect the Sleeping Beauty elements here are about the same as the Beauty and the Beast elements in the first book? I’m also glad to hear there’s a set-up for more books in the series!
Oh yes, I had forgotten about the Beauty and the Beast elements, and I like how the story isn’t actually a retelling, but just sneaks in bits of fairy tales:-)
Im not sure if I put this on my TBR when I heard of book one but your review for this sequel has convinced me that I need to check this out. And Emily Wilde comparison and a dash of fairytale about it?? Plus a well defined villian. I’m not quite sure how I let the first book pass me by.
They are delightful and worth picking up!
I still need to read the first book! Both sound like a lot of fun. And I am a fan of Emily Wilde, so I bet I enjoy these as well. 😀
I love everything she writes:-)
I’ve been through parts of Baden-Württemberg and lived just a bit east of there for a f ew years. Seems like a perfect location for this sort of story, so much history, such cool old architecture and towns, beautiful scenery. Glad you’ve got a series here worth returning to.
This is such a wonderful review!! *_*
I wanted to post mine this week too, but… I got sidetracked, so I will try again next week!
I need more of this series, because it is just sooo good!
And, to me, this is what I wanted from Emily Wilde’s series, and didn’t get. I really enjoyed the first two books (I still have to read the third) but I didn’t completely love them, because there was something that I can’t pinpoint, lacking from the reading experience. But in these short stories?? All the feelings! I am truly, madly, and deeply in love with this series!
I can’t read this since I have to write my own review yet. Glad to see the 5 starts though
This was so good and it gives me hope that there is plenty of promise for future instalments.
Lynn 😀
Love the title and cover of this! Sounds like a fun series too. Great review!
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2025/09/17/e-galley-review-if-looks-could-kill-by-julie-berry/