Category: paranormal

Nettle & Bone by. T. Kingfisher | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Nettle & Bone

Author: T. Kingfisher

Format: ebook (borrowed)

Pages: 243

Publication Date: 4/26/2022

Categories: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Magic, Paranormal, Adventure, Lite Horror

After years of seeing her sisters suffer at the hands of an abusive prince, Marra—the shy, convent-raised, third-born daughter—has finally realized that no one is coming to their rescue. No one, except for Marra herself.

Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a prince—if she can complete three impossible tasks. But, as is the way in tales of princes, witches, and daughters, the impossible is only the beginning.

On her quest, Marra is joined by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra’s family and their kingdom from its tyrannous ruler at last.

Content Warning: domestic violence, death

I finally read a book by this author and I can see why there is so much hype around her books! I love the fairy-tale aspect of Nettle & Bone. I felt like I was lured in by the wonderful writing and then I was just enjoying this journey that Marra and her friends go on. Marra is a princess who is trying to save her sister from her horrible husband but she needs help in doing so. I thought she was an interesting character, the sister who is put away in a convent but she makes it her mission to save her older sister.

The group of characters that come together to go on this quest to kill the Prince who is married to Marra’s sister, is fantastic. I loved their dynamic and interactions, especially the two older ladies, the dust-wife and Agnes (the godmother). Even though they are taking on a dark type of mission, there was so much humor too.

Of course, I loved the strange pets in this story – Bonedog and Finder! There is even a tiny bit of romance that happens for Marra, which was kind of cute.

As far as this being categorized as horror – I was like…where is the horror? I was expecting something darker and maybe some gruesome scenes but nope. This almost felt like a cozy fantasy. This will definitely appeal to the fans who are not fans of horror.

My Final Thoughts:

I love the fairy-tale story telling and the amazing characters and animals that we meet in this book. Even though Marra’s journey to kill a Prince is wrought with challenges, her motivations for doing it comes from her love of her sister. I love that she found the strength to want to try and save her. This was a fun and quick read!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A Place for Vanishing by. Ann Fraistat | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: A Place for Vanishing

Author: Ann Fraistat

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 464

Publication Date: 1/16/24

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Categories: Young Adult, Horror, Contemporary, Mental Illness, Insect Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Thriller

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Delacorte Press for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A teen girl and her family return to her mother’s childhood home, only to discover that the house’s strange beauty may disguise a sinister past, in this contemporary gothic horror from the author of What We Harvest.

The house was supposed to be a fresh start. That’s what Libby’s mom said. And after Libby’s recent bipolar III diagnosis and the tragedy that preceded it, Libby knows she and her family need to find a new normal.

But Libby’s new home turns out to be anything but normal. Scores of bugs haunt its winding halls, towering stained-glass windows feature strange, insectile designs, and the garden teems with impossibly blue roses. And then there are the rumors. The locals, including the mysterious boy next door, tell stories about disappearances tied to the house, stretching back over a century to its first owners. Owners who supposedly hosted legendary masked séances on its grounds.

Libby’s mom refuses to hear anything that could derail their family’s perfect new beginning, but Libby knows better. The house is keeping secrets from her, and something tells her that the key to unlocking them lies in the eerie, bug-shaped masks hidden throughout the property.

We all wear masks—to hide our imperfections, to make us stronger and braver. But if Libby keeps hers on for too long, she might just lose herself—and everyone she loves.

Content Warning: insect horror, body horror, attempted suicide

+ I really enjoyed the author’s other book What We Harvest and so I wanted to see what A Place for Vanishing would be about and I was not disappointed. I was horrified with all the insects in this book! It’s entertaining as heck but I was grossed out with so many scenes.

+ The place Libby and her family have moved to is called the House of Masks. Thing is, it was where her mom grew up and it’s eerie and creepy! It’s an old house, and each room has a theme, and a mask. As the story goes on we find out more about the history about the house and how it used to be a place for séances. It has a dark history as Libby finds out through research and help from a new friend, Flynn.

+ I like that the story brings up Libby’s bi-polar III diagnosis and the reasons they had to move away from their old town. Her mom and younger sister are coping with it in different ways but I like how it touches on the challenges that come with mental illness. Of course, living in a house this scary, only makes Libby feel even more off-kilter but she actually finds strength in figuring out what’s happening in the house and helping to save her family.

~ Bugs. If you do not like insects (ants, beetles, cockroaches, centipedes, etc…) do not read! I live on a tropical island so I can’t get away from insects but oh man did this book trigger so much horror for me because I hate cockroaches, centipedes, praying mantis’ and wasps. And the bugs in this book get life-sized – ugh. I’m actually surprised I finished the book!

My Thoughts:

I think the horror fans will like this one – especially if you like insect horror! I found the House of Masks very fascinating and wanted to see how the story would end despite me cringing in horror at some of the scenes. I think What We Harvest was more my speed – this one was a bit too horrifying for me but I’ll definitely read more books from this author.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

What We Harvest by. Ann Fraistat | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Hunting Moon by. Susan Dennard | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Hunting Moon (#2)

Author: Susan Dennard

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 272

Publication Date: 11/07/23

Publisher: Tor Teen

Categories: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Series, Mystery, Contemporary

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Tor Teen for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The highly anticipated sequel to The Luminaries by New York Times bestselling author Susan Dennard.

Winnie Wednesday has gotten everything she thought she wanted. She passed the deadly hunter trials, her family has been welcomed back into the Luminaries, and overnight, she has become a local celebrity.

The Girl Who Jumped. The Girl Who Got Bitten.

Unfortunately, it all feels wrong. For one, nobody will believe her about the new nightmare called the Whisperer that’s killing hunters each night. Everyone blames the werewolf, even though Winnie is certain the wolf is innocent.

On top of that, following her dad’s convoluted clues about the Dianas, their magic, and what happened in Hemlock Falls four years ago is leaving her with more questions than answers.

Then to complicate it all, there is still only one person who can help her: Jay Friday, the boy with plenty of problems all his own.

As bodies and secrets pile up around town, Winnie finds herself questioning what it means to be a true Wednesday and a true Luminary—and also where her fierce-hearted loyalties might ultimately have to lie.

Content Warning: violence

I loved the first book of The Luminaries because Winnie’s test to become a luminary made this book exciting. This sequel felt slower and a little more like a filler.

I did love that Jay and Winnie’s relationship gets somewhat resolved, but it’s slow to get there. There is some complicated feelings between them and some things that has to be said out loud but I was happy that there was progress between them because I just want them together.

Winnie is trying to figure out clues maybe her dad has left her but it’s a challenge for her. And the community is still looking for the werewolf, while Winnie still is insisting there is a Whisperer creature on the loose. Her family has now earned their right to come back into the fold and she doesn’t want to jeopardize anything but when she finds out something about Jay, she puts everything on the line.

The first half is slow, but the second half picks up and just as I was invested in the story it ends abruptly. I was actually shocked that it was over. But I did enjoy the second half of the book more than the first.

I probably went in with high expectations because I loved book one. I did enjoy some parts of it but it does slow down and becomes more of a mystery with Winnie trying to put all the clues together.

Tropes: slow burn romance, friends to lovers

Why you should read it:

  • you enjoyed book one, but this one is more of a mystery and slower
  • Winnie and Jay’s angsty romance
  • a few things happen, but at the end

Why you might not want to read it:

  • abrupt ending and shorter than I expected, wanted more

My Thoughts:

I had high expectations which this sequel didn’t quite meet mostly because mysteries are too slow for me and this becomes a mystery that Winnie is trying to solve. It’s definitely not a high stakes challenge anymore for her. I did love that FINALLY she and Jay make some headway into their slow burn romance, because it was frustrating seeing these two not being able to communicate. I’ll definitely read book three after that ending – but I do wish the ending wasn’t so abrupt and the book was longer.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Luminaries by.Susan Dennard | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Vampires of El Norte by. Isabel Cañas | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Vampires of El Norte

Author: Isabel Cañas

Format: ebook (borrowed)

Pages: 371

Publication Date: 8/15/23

Categories: Historical Fiction, Horror, Paranormal, Adult Fiction, Romance

Vampires and vaqueros face off on the Texas-Mexico border in this supernatural western from the author of The Hacienda.

As the daughter of a rancher in 1840s Mexico, Nena knows a thing or two about monsters—her home has long been threatened by tensions with Anglo settlers from the north. But something more sinister lurks near the ranch at night, something that drains men of their blood and leaves them for dead.

Something that once attacked Nena nine years ago.

Believing Nena dead, Néstor has been on the run from his grief ever since, moving from ranch to ranch working as a vaquero. But no amount of drink can dispel the night terrors of sharp teeth; no woman can erase his childhood sweetheart from his mind.

When the United States attacks Mexico in 1846, the two are brought abruptly together on the road to war: Nena as a curandera, a healer striving to prove her worth to her father so that he does not marry her off to a stranger, and Néstor as a member of the auxiliary cavalry of ranchers and vaqueros. But the shock of their reunion—and Nena’s rage at Néstor for seemingly abandoning her long ago—is quickly overshadowed by the appearance of a nightmare made flesh.

And unless Nena and Néstor work through their past and face the future together, neither will survive to see the dawn.

Content Warning: violence

I loved this author’s book The Hacienda so I was excited to read Vampires of El Norte and I was not disappointed. I love how this author blends historical fiction and gothic horror together. Her writing is beautiful and I just get so swept away in the story.

There are many things I love about this book. I mentioned the writing, which only makes me want to read more of her work. But I love the historical aspects of the story. This takes place in 1837 and at the border of what is Texas and Mexico. The Yanquis (yankees) are trying to take land from the Mexicans that already own land there. So there is a war between them and the yankees are also described as vampires as well. I was expecting vampires (the kind with fangs) and horror, but I can say that this wasn’t scary at all. I love the setting of the ranchero and how I never realized how creepy and isolated a ranch could be. I also love Abuela’s ghost stories that she tells the children. I could envision a dark ranch, lands for miles, and pitch dark nights as Abuela told her stories. If I was a kid living there, I’d be terrified of the night! And there are vampires but I like the different take on them, where they don’t necessarily kill but can leave a person in susto – a shock to their aura – almost like they are spiritually dead but can be revived by calling them back, calling their spirit forth. I thought that was really fascinating! They do have the fangs in this story and there were some gruesome scenes but not anything that scared me.

Another thing I loved was the romance between Nestor and Nena. They are childhood sweethearts, torn apart by an incident that left both of them broken hearted and now they have a second chance at romance. I love their story and how they have to learn to trust and fight for one another.

I would have liked a little more horror factor to the story just to get some chills and thrills but even without it, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

My Final Thoughts:

I think this author is about to be put on my must-read list! I love her writing and the historical fiction aspect of her stories which I feel makes her books so exciting to read. I do think this one was more historical romance than historical gothic horror but I was entertaining regardless and look forward to her next book!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Hacienda by. Isabel Cañas | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Never a Hero by. Vanessa Len | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Never a Hero (Monsters, #2)

Author: Vanessa Len

Format: ebook (own)

Pages: 528

Publication Date: 8/29/23

Categories: Young Adult, Series, Urban Fantasy, Time Travel, Paranormal

This sequel to the contemporary fantasy Only a Monster will take Joan deeper into the monster world, where treacherous secrets and even more danger await.

Despite all of the odds, Joan achieved the impossible. She reset the timeline, saved her family – and destroyed the hero, Nick.

But her success has come at a terrible cost.

She alone remembers what happened. Now, Aaron, her hard-won friend – and maybe more – is an enemy, trying to kill her. And Nick, the boy she loved, is a stranger who doesn’t even know her name. Only Joan remembers that there is a ruthless and dangerous enemy still out there.

When a deadly attack forces Joan back into the monster world as a fugitive, she finds herself on the run with Nick – as Aaron closes in.

As the danger rises – and Nick gets perilously closer to discovering the truth of what Joan did to him – Joan discovers a secret of her own. One that threatens everyone she loves.

Torn between love and family and monstrous choices, Joan must find a way to re-gather her old allies to face down the deadliest of enemies, and to save the timeline itself.

Vanessa Len’s stunning Only a Monster trilogy continues with this second instalment, a thrilling journey where a secret past threatens to unravel everyone’s future.

Content Warning: death

Ah, time travel! I’m always either loving it or hating it and in this sequel to Only a Monster, I was on the verge of hating it. But I’ll get into that.

There are a lot of things I like about this sequel. The story moves forward, though it felt like it was pulling teeth with trying to get answers about anything in this story – but I did like how Joan finally learns more about her bloodline and her powers. Nick, her soulmate is back, but he doesn’t know her anymore because of what she did to him in book one, but that doesn’t matter to soul mates because they seem to be forever drawn to one another. But where was Aaron Oliver? I wanted more of him in this book and we got less. He only really comes into the story halfway in! Is there a love triangle? I couldn’t tell in this book – it seems like Joan loves Nick, but she has a connection to Aaron (maybe a strong friendship? I don’t know. I was rooting for Aaron honestly). I love Tom and Jamie, so I’m glad we got more of them in this sequel.

The story moves fast for a book that clocks in at 528 pages because of all the time jumping but it also feels like the information moves too fast also. Joan is trying to figure out what is happening to the current timeline – and there are multiple timelines being discussed. And it was repetitive too. Also Joan was frustrating me. She can’t stay away from Nick, so then she endangers him and then endangers her monster friends by bringing Nick along because she wants to protect him. I get he’s not a monster killer anymore but after seeing what he did in the previous timeline and watch him kill my family – I would protect my friends and family. Soulmate or not! But I guess it’s hard to resist her love for him. Yet, she remembers feeling something for Aaron in the previous timeline. Though there is angst, there isn’t much romance going on in this one. Anyway, Joan and her friends trying to get information got annoying because a lot of people didn’t know anything or if they did, wouldn’t explain.

I liked the ending which is where a lot of the action is and the unexpected twist in the story makes me want to read book three. But I really wish there was more Aaron, less repetition and more action.

My Final Thoughts:

I think the first book was better and I hope the third book has more of Aaron because that’s who I wanted to read more about in this book. But there was a lot of Nick, so you Nick fans will love this one. I like the ending and will definitely read book three. Overall, this was an entertaining book and I’m curious to see what will happen in the next book after all that was revealed in this one.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Only a Monster by. Vanessa Len | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Foxglove by. Adalyn Grace | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Foxglove (Belladonna, #2)

Author: Adalyn Grace

Format: hardcover (own)

Pages: 400

Publication Date: 8/22/23

Categories: Young Adult, Romance, Series, Fantasy, Gothic, Mystery, Paranormal

The captivating sequel to the Gothic-infused Belladonna, in which Signa and Death face a supernatural foe determined to tear them apart.

A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous estate nearby. He’s hellbent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago…and now he’s determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.

Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from prison if they will entertain his presence. But the more time the girls spend with Fate, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate’s past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide if they can trust one another as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate’s unexpected games—all with their destinies hanging in the balance.

Dangerous, suspenseful, and seductive, this sequel to Signa and Death’s story is as utterly romantic as it is perfectly deadly.

Content Warning: death

I finally read one of my most anticipated reads this year and I will say I did not expect this new direction in the story at all! And how gorgeous is this cover?! I bought the hard copy and this is what it looks like:

Most of this book is set as a gothic paranormal mystery. Signa and Blythe (mostly Blythe) are trying to figure out who murdered the duke. Blythe’s father is the main suspect and she will do anything to clear his name. But we get a new player in town, Death’s brother, Fate! Fate is convinced Signa is his long lost love but Signa is doesn’t believe it when she is so madly in love with Death. But they all have to make deals with Fate to help clear Elijah Hawthorne’s name.

I already loved Signa and Death from Belladonna so I didn’t love Fate trying to come between them. I did like learning more about Life though and of course Signa’s skill for seeing and talking to ghosts lends the gothic paranormal vibes to this book, which I love. I felt like the beginning of the book went slowly because it is a mystery. I also didn’t feel like there was much of Signa and Death in this book as I would have liked only because Blythe has a bigger role in this book.

Blythe really gets the spotlight in this book. She fights for her dad, trying to figure out who could have killed the duke because she believes with her whole heart it wasn’t her dad. She even makes a deal with Fate that would have unknowingly (to her), ruin Signa’s life forever. I loved how she goes toe to toe with Fate. As for Fate – he’s a mysterious character and not very likable but the twist in his fate was fantastic and I’m excited to see what happens in book three!

My Final Thoughts:

I don’t think I loved this as much as Belladonna but I do love how Blythe emerges as a strong character in this book. I think it’s a balanced enough book for Signa and Blythe to share the spotlight in this one but it’s clear in the end the next book will be Blythe’s story. The mystery moved a little too slow for me at first but the story picks up in the second half and I was hooked from there to the end. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Belladonna by. Adalyn Grace | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bewitched Shadows by. Autumn Blake | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Bewitched Shadows

Author: Autumn Blake

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 376

Publication Date: 4/4/23

Categories: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal Romance, Witches, Demons

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Autumn Blake for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A fiery witch…
Ember Belle is a total mess. When she’s not partying with the local shifter pack or causing mayhem around New Orleans with her three sisters, she does anything to avoid confronting her out-of-control fire magick and the grief from losing her parents. However, when an opportunity arises to obtain a magical item that could solve all her problems, she decides to take her life into her own hands.

A cold-as-ice demon…
Killian Inferno’s only desire is to spend his final weeks of freedom in New Orleans, away from his duties as the future Lord of Pride. What he doesn’t expect, is to be summoned by the amateur witch who has been haunting his dreams. A seductress who needs his expertise to solve a recent murder by any means necessary. Even sorcery.

Ember now has no choice but to enter a demon pact with Killian. The terms are simple: remove the spell she may have cast on him before Samhain, or return to Hell with him, kicking and screaming. Can the two enemies set aside their animosity to uncover the city’s secrets and unlock Ember’s true magical potential, or will they be undone by the enemies they didn’t see coming?

Bewitched Shadows is Book 1 in the sizzling, new Wicked Belles series.

Content Warning: slut shaming, violence

I love this book cover – the colors are some of my favorites and I saw it was about a witch and a demon so I requested it. Here is what I thought:

+ I like a good urban fantasy with paranormal creatures and this is set in New Orleans which I always feel is the perfect setting for paranormal romance. There are werewolves, vamps, witches and demons. In this story, it centers around one particular witch and a demon.

+ There is attraction from Ember and Killian from the start. But though there is a lot of attraction between them I felt like this was a slow burn and the sexy scenes came later in the story. Ember is kind of a mess – she is definitely living life to the fullest but can’t control her powers yet. Killian is the son of the devil so he knows about responsibilities and pressures – but they balance one another.

+ I enjoyed Ember’s family. She has a bunch of sisters and a grandmother who is strict. They are witches so I like how they have their rituals and let go of their inhibitions, it’s what I expect of witches! Her sister Jade actually is getting her story told next.

+ I did like that Killian was trying to investigate a few murders happening around the city or else the story would have been just about their attraction to one another.

~ As much as I enjoyed the setting and that it was a paranormal romance, I felt like I didn’t connect much to the characters. I did like Ember and her family and I did sympathize with Killian and his situation with his father but I felt like I wanted more from both of them.

~ I loved that Ember was confident in her sexuality and loved sex. Too bad the werewolves were always slut-shaming her!

Why you should read it:

  • you like urban fantasy filled with witches, demons, vampires and werewolves and it’s set in New Orleans
  • feels like a slow burn but it does get spicy
  • familiar storyline, quick read

Why you might not want to read it:

  • didn’t connect much to the characters
  • familiar storyline, nothing new

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a pretty good book and if I was ever in the mood for a paranormal romance, now I have another author to add to my list. This was a quick read with familiar storylines, a witch is attracted to a demon, and the demon is fighting with his father. I just wish I connected more to the characters. I know a lot of readers will enjoy this book.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

In Nightfall by. Suzanne Young | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: In Nightfall

Author: Suzanne Young

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 384

Publication Date: 3/28/23

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Categories: Young Adult, Contemporary, Paranormal

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Delacorte Press for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

In the quaint town of Nightfall, Oregon, it isn’t the dark you should be afraid of—it’s the girls. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Treatment.

Theo and her brother, Marco, threw the biggest party of the year. And got caught. Their punishment? Leave Arizona to spend the summer with their grandmother in the rainy beachside town of Nightfall, Oregon—population 846 souls.

The small town is cute, when it’s not raining, but their grandmother is superstitious and strangely antisocial. Upon their arrival she lays out the one house rule: always be home before dark. But Theo and Marco are determined to make the most of their summer, and on their first day they meet the enigmatic Minnow and her friends. Beautiful and charismatic, the girls have a magnetic pull that Theo and her brother can’t resist.

But Minnow and her friends are far from what they appear.
And that one rule? Theo quickly realizes she should have listened to her grandmother. Because after dark, something emerges in Nightfall. And it doesn’t plan to let her leave.

Content Warning: underage drinking

I was definitely interested in this book because of the book cover and the synopsis. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Yes! Here’s what I thought:

+ I like the mysteriousness of the Oregon town, Nightfall. Something seems off to Theo but she doesn’t know what it is. I love the setting and I did like the addition of the paranormal podcasters which sets the tone for something spooky and amiss possibly going on in Nightfall.

+ I like the Theo and Marco sibling connection. I got a good sense of their family bond and the recent challenges in their broken family. And I like how Theo fights for Marco when things start to hit the fan.

+ The story moves quick and I thought it was an easy read.

~ Some issues I had with the story was that I wanted more action, wanted more danger, and wanted more tension. The villains didn’t come off super dangerous until the end climactic scene. I like my vamps to be dangerous – I want to be scared, but I wasn’t.

~ I didn’t get why Theo’s grandmother was so hostile and couldn’t help them out by telling them more about the town. If it’s to keep everything mysterious, it didn’t work, it just made me frustrated. She comes through in the end but honestly a little heads up on some of the things going in town would’ve been helpful to Theo and Marco.

Tropes: small town

Why you should read it:

  • set in a small town, a gender-bent The Lost Boys (vampires)
  • quick, easy read, lots of mystery and in the end some vampire slaying

Why you might not want to read it:

  • for me, I just wanted more from the story- more action, more danger

My Thoughts:

This was an okay read for me but I love the cover and the nods to The Lost Boys and Buffy. I just wish it had more spooky vibes and more danger but overall it was entertaining.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Belladonna by. Adalyn Grace | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Belladonna (#1)

Format: ebook (own)

Author: Adalyn Grace

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 8/29/22

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, New Adult, Gothic, Mystery, Paranormal

New York Times bestselling author Adalyn Grace brings to life a highly romantic, Gothic-infused world of wealth, desire, and betrayal.

Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.

However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.

Content Warning: poisoning, illness, death, grief

I have finally read the book everyone is talking about and I feel like the hype is well deserved. Here’s what I thought:

+ This book has a little bit of everything! Romance, mystery and gothic vibes and all of it worked so well together. Usually mysteries can be too slow for me, but I was totally engaged in this story. There are a few twists in this story that was so good – it makes me wonder what book two will bring!

+ Signa is no wilting flower – she’s been basically been passed off from relative to relative all her life. I love that she is optimistic even with Death always near her. I like how she helps her cousin even though she barely knows her. She’s not afraid when most people would be. And I love Death too – I mean, what a gentleman and so unexpected! Who knew he could be such a romantic figure. But I love how he isn’t an evil entity because really what is life without death? They have great chemistry and their love story is sweet and romantic.

+ A mystery always needs a good cast of characters to make us keep guessing and though I had my suspicions who was the villain, I still wasn’t spot on with my assessment. I love the paranormal aspect of the story and how Signa can see spirits. It really had everything I want in a gothic mystery and I actually wish I read this near Halloween!

+ This could have been a standalone book with how questions were answered at the end but I love the twist in the end! Glad we will get a sequel.

Tropes: Death is a character, a girl who cannot die

Spice Level: 🌶🌶

Why you should read it:

  • it’s a dark fantasy with Death as a character, ghosts, mystery, gothic vibes and romance
  • the mystery about what is happening at Thorn Grove kept me on my toes
  • the romance between Death and Signa

Why you might not want to read it:

  • not into Death falling in love? lol

My Thoughts:

I waited to read this one because I wanted the hype to die down and go in with lower expectations and I’m glad I waited. I fell in love with this story about Signa and Death. The dark tones, mystery, ghosts and gothic vibes were captivating and kept me engaged with the story. The romance between Signa and Death I thought was unexpectedly sweet and romantic. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The River Has Teeth by. Erica Waters | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The River Has Teeth

Format: hard cover (own)

Author: Erica Waters

Pages: 393

Publication Date: 7/26/21

Categories: Young Adult, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Paranormal, Romance, Horror, LGBT+, Witches

Natasha’s sister is missing.

Her car was found abandoned on the edge of a local nature preserve known as the Bend, but as the case goes cold, Natasha’s loss turns to burning anger.

She’ll do anything to find answers.

Della’s family has channeled magic from the Bend for generations, providing spells for the desperate. But when Natasha appears on her doorstep, Della knows it will take more than simple potions to help her.

But Della has her own secrets to hide.

Because Della thinks she knows the beast who’s responsible for the disappearance — her own mother, who was turned into a terrible monster by magic gone wrong.

Natasha is angry. Della has little to lose.

They are each other’s only hope.

Content Warning: murder scene, violence, drugging someone

I’ve had this book on my shelf since summer and it was time to finally read it for spooky season! I love the book cover and was intrigued by the synopsis. Here is what I thought of the book:

+ I enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the story. I love the witchcraft and history and lore about The Bend and Lloyd family. I was intrigued with it throughout the whole book. I loved the atmosphere of the Bend and the woods, it was definitely creepy at times, especially in the abandoned prison!

+ The story is told between two perspectives. Natasha who is looking for her missing sister and Della, the witch, a recluse of a girl who lives in the woods with her dad. Della is a Lloyd and we learn about the magic and history through her. I felt like the author did a great job highlighting how women are treated if they disappear – she even mentions the difference between white and black women and who gets the most coverage in the news.

+ There is a romance that happens between Natasha and Della and though it doesn’t overtake the story, I thought it worked for this type of suspense and mystery story. It’s not a sweet romance, more like one of desperation and desire because of the heavy emotions both are going through but I like how they do fit together. They are opposites that attract one another. Natasha is headstrong and Della is more of someone who thinks things through.

~ I wasn’t vibing with Natasha’s character. I know she was in a rage and desperate to find her sister, I related to that but she was angry throughout the whole book. So angry she was blinded by it and her actions really weren’t thought out. It’s why Della being with her was a good balance. Natasha could have really lost herself in the anger by the end and transformed into something else but Della pulled her back.

Tropes: opposites attract, rich girl/poor girl

Spice Level:

Why you should read it:

  • creepy, mysterious, great setting and very atmospheric
  • f/f romance, opposites attract
  • loved the lore of the The Bend and the witchcraft

Why you might not want to read it:

  • Natasha’s POV was full of anger, rightly so, but made her be rash about some of her decisions which annoyed me

My Thoughts:

I’m so glad I chose this to read for spooky season! It had the perfect creepy vibes, witchcraft, girls going missing and a possible serial killer on the loose. The Lloyd family has a fascinating history and a strong character in Della. I wish Natasha was just as likable but at times I was annoyed with her character. Overall though an enjoyable and entertaining story and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble