Gula by Colette Rhodes — book slip

Selene is a Lieutenant of the Guard, a position she fiercely defends against those at Court who doubt her worth. Her sister and niece are constant reminders of her humble beginnings, but her love for rare and expensive dining marks her success. Austin, on the other hand, is a musician whose dreams have faded, leaving him searching for answers at the bottom of a bottle. When their paths cross, Austin finds a new muse in Selene, a Shade with a secret wild side. Together, they navigate a world where humans and their not-quite-human partners coexist, discovering that love might be the answer they both need.

Gula is the third book in the Shades of Sin series, featuring a blend of romance and fantasy elements for readers 18+.