Gothic Romance

Review of Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

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Synopsis:
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 palace nearby. He’s hell-bent 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 wrongful imprisonment, if the girls will entertain Fate’s presence. But the more time they spend with him, 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 whom they can trust 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.

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

Review:
On one hand, I absolutely loved how there was a sudden murder that has to be solved by Signa and Blythe but on the other I found Fate to be quite insufferable at times. It was quite frustrating how Fate had the power to know and do and fix everything all along yet played a game to try to get what he wanted. While I somewhat suspected part of the twist, something hidden all along, I hadn’t expected who the murderer was! I did have an inclination what deal Fate would have sealed in the end, and while I wasn’t wrong, I still absolutely loved how this book ended. I immediately started the third when this was finished, and I’m quite glad I hadn’t started the series until it was complete.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

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Synopsis:
Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each one 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.

Review:
This book was the perfect gothic romance that I had read in quite a while. I absolutely adored Signa’s relationship with Death, both the “person” and how death effects her. Death is something that can be considered taboo, and everyone processes it differently, so it was a unique approach to see how Signa reacts to something that touches her deeper than many others. To any who lost a loved one before being old enough to truly know and understand them, this book did an amazing job at capturing what you thought a loved one might have been like, enjoyed, or even wanted from you–which all has to come from your imagination after losing them so early in life. I thought Signa’s abilities were quite unique and I hadn’t seen or read anything like it before.

This book was exceptional, and I, of course, had to immediately jump into the second–especially since there was a huge cliffhanger and I wanted to know how the next mystery is solved!!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

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Synopsis:
Two sisters.One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance. 

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe — witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden. Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Review:
Despite the synopsis very much informing the reader of what was to happen, it still was quite a shock to discover after becoming so embroiled in the lives of the twin sisters Vittoria and Emilia. One of the interesting parts of this novel is that while it is written in third person it is very obviously in the limited view of Emilia; so while we may have thoughts and inklings as to what happened or didn’t, we are led to believe her line of reasoning must have some merit.

I quite loved how stories told and used as warnings were so clearly twisted from the truth. The way in which truth and story blended and not everything was known worked well throughout the novel to leave you wondering. The story, while clearly fantasy, was given great depth and life by the way it worked around the family restaurant and everyone’s specialties and help within. Emilia’s relationship with the monastery in town, and in particular Fratello Antonio gave way to the perfect bits and pieces of gothic horror/romance. I absolutely loved the characterization, the depth of the characters, and, I’ll admit, Wrath.

This book was something I eagerly devoured, and there was never a part that didn’t seem perfect. From learning about ways to cook in the restaurant, the type of perfume or drinks Vittoria liked to make, to the horrible cliffhanger of an ending, I was always left wanting more. I highly recommend this book for lovers of gothic romance/fantasy, enemies to lovers, witches and demons.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Dreadful by Greer Rivers

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Synopsis:
A dark, modern, romantic retelling of Sweeney Todd with a Medusa twist and a happy ever after.

Their revenge is sweet… their love is unhinged.

Fifteen years ago, a girl sacrificed her life for mine. I’ve wanted only justice ever since.

Then Talia entered the stage.

I’m the barber’s son. The Boss’ nephew. A prince without a throne and only revenge to fuel me.

She’s the bakers’ granddaughter. Sweet Tallie. Their dolce nipotina. My vipera.

My desires have always stopped at vengeance. She’s made me want more. But my vendetta will destroy everything in my path, and I won’t risk bringing her into my world.

I never suspected she’d snake her way in on her own.

I craved a bite of her sugar and spice, but my little vipera is fangs and venom.

Now all I want is to be bitten.


DREADFUL is a dark, revenge mafia retelling of Sweeney Todd, Hamlet, and Medusa, set in modern-day Boston and a complete STANDALONE in the Tattered Curtain Series. Guaranteed HEA. This story has triggers so please check the author’s website for trigger warnings.

Review:
I absolutely adored this book, as I have the other Tattered Curtain tales. This book is HEAVY. I highly recommend anyone interested read the trigger warnings before getting into it. I absolutely loved how well paced and set up the story is, and how it shifted between present and past. I thought that the connection between Sweeney Todd and Medusa was absolutely brilliantly done and well executed. I loved the depth of this story and how entwined the past and present were, but how age and circumstance can keep one from seeing the whole picture. The characters were relatable and well written with great depth. I loved how the characters grow and develop together. I wasn’t particularly keen on the knife play used at one particular scene, but as it was only one, it didn’t really pull me from the immersion of the novel. Do read the trigger warnings, as I definitely was close to tears at the end, but it was still just right. The only thing I am bummed about is not being able to get the bonus epilogue as the link doesn’t work. I cannot wait to see what comes out next in this series, as they are all so unique, immersive, and touching.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Review of Rouge

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Synopsis:
A dark billionaire romance with a secret society twist and a happy ever after.

The Garde values four ideals: The Truth we twist. The Beauty we flaunt. The Freedom we grant. The Power we take.

I believed their lies until Lacey O’Shea.

She’s the only daughter of the Garde’s leading family, and she was meant to be mine. But her father stole her from me to sell to another.

So I stole her back.

But there’s more to the conspiracy that kept us apart, and we have to keep our relationship secret from her former fiancé, the Baron, to find the truth.

He wants to lock her away, but she’s a bird desperate to flee her gilded cage.

I’ll fight the Baron, the Garde, and the whole damn world to free her.

Review:
This book has everything- passion, risks, rewards, family drama. This book is layers upon layers of amazing, from the characterization and societal expectations with the Garde that force people into preconceived roles and abilities, to what actual power and truth are, as well as what one’s purpose is and can be and how to fight against what others want for you. The connection, heat, and spice between Lacey and Kian is completely off the chart and I couldn’t put this down! Watching Lacey finally be able to be herself for a short while was glorious, and seeing them both become vulnerable with each other absolutely precious. I absolutely loved all of the Irish thrown in and just how well two people can connect when they realize that not everything has to be how someone else planned. The nods to Phantom, the first book in the series, were brilliant; but it does stand alone and you do not need to read that to understand this. If you love spice and an incredibly well written story with some dark parts definitely pick up this book!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Phantom by Greer Rivers

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Synopsis:
A dark, modern, romantic retelling of the musical classic, Phantom of the Opera.
But this time, the man behind the mask won’t stop until she is his.

She is my muse, and I am her demon of music.

A year ago, I witnessed sweet Scarlett Day’s dark side. She’s been my obsession ever since.

I was content with being her secret. Content with protecting her from afar… until an enemy from my past sets his sights on her.

Our families have a deep history of hatred, and Scarlett is caught in the middle.

Meanwhile, her mind plays tricks on her. When a panic attack goes horribly wrong, I emerge from the shadows to save her.

Now that she’s mine, I can’t let her go.

I’ve mastered the darkness. She tempts me with her light.

But when my mask is gone, will she fear the monster underneath?

PHANTOM is a spicy story set in modern-day New Orleans and a complete STANDALONE in the Tattered Curtain series. Guaranteed HEA.

Author’s Note: All CWs/TWs can be found in the front of the book, the author’s website, or on Goodreads. Mature readers only.

Review:
I love the Phantom of the Opera. I have since I was 13 years old. I’ve liked a few retellings, but this, this blew me away! Firstly, the location and use of French was spot on and absolutely splendid. Rivers did an excellent job of describing an opera house, the costumes, the performances, and what goes into music as well as the musical connection between our phantom and ingenue. The characterizations and descriptions of them, ailments, and distinguishing features was perfect.

Wasn’t sure I’d be alright with the name change but it was spot on, especially the connection between Scarlett’s father’s nickname for her and a certain poser. Seeing how people who believe they have power will do anything and everything in their power to manipulate someone, both because of age and/or gaslighting and how hard it can be to see that and get away was really well written. Recognizing that what you thought you want may not be what actually makes your heart sing is a lesson that not many get until they’re in a position that they can no longer leave to go do whatever would have made them happy, so it was really interesting to see multiple people’s takes on that, and how someone supportive versus controlling reacts.

I loved how our two main characters call to each other, both darkness and light. This is certainly a very hot read, and I thought the spice was absolutely perfect. While their connection is instant, our ingenue can be quite dense and overtly naïve. I do think the characters grew quite a lot during the story, more our Phantom than Scarlett. While I likely wouldn’t want to encourage falling into this type of relationship, I can’t deny that I found this book to be absolute perfection, and may have cried when it was over because I wanted more.

This book was everything I wished POTO the musical gave you; the spice, the tension, the desire. I highly intend to read more of Greer Rivers’ novels, if this is any indication of how brilliant she is.

Edit to add (January 4, 2022): I love how perfectly morally grey our Phantom is, as well as what he means by she’ll sing only for him.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of A Dreadful Splendour by B. R. Myers

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Synopsis:
Be careful what you conjure…

In Victorian London, Genevieve Timmons poses as a spiritualist to swindle wealthy mourners—until one misstep lands her in a jail cell awaiting the noose. Then a stranger arrives to make her a peculiar offer. The lord he serves, Mr. Pemberton, has been inconsolable since the tragic death of his beautiful bride-to-be. If Genevieve can perform a séance persuasive enough to bring the young lord peace, she will win her freedom.

Soothing a grieving nobleman should be easy for someone of Genevieve’s skill, but when she arrives at the grand Somerset Park estate, Mr. Pemberton is not the heartbroken lover she expected. The surly—yet exceedingly handsome—gentleman is certain that his fiancée was murdered, even though there is no evidence. Only a confession can bring justice now, and Mr. Pemberton decides Genevieve will help him get it. With his knowledge of the household and her talent for illusion, they can stage a haunting so convincing it will coax the killer into the light. However, when frightful incidents befall the manor, Genevieve realizes her tricks aren’t required after all. She may be a fake, but Somerset’s ghost could be all too real…

A Dreadful Splendor is delicious brew of mystery, spooky thrills, and intoxicating romance that makes for a ghoulishly fun and page-turning read.

Review:
Oh my GOSH! This book had me enraptured from the very start. Victorian? Check. Spiritualist/Medium/ghosts? Check. Unexpected twists and turns from every direction? Check. There were several times I thought I’d figured out a bit of what was going on in the past from how people were acting towards Genevieve and their feelings about the bride to be, and just when I would think I had things all sorted out: revelation from the ghost herself! I, like Genevieve, kept thinking that this had to be some sort of weird peculiarity, with ghosts and such odd happenings. I didn’t see the ending coming, though there was never a point in time where I felt disconnected or as if what was happening wouldn’t have/didn’t make sense. Everyone has their motives, desires, and so forth, and as Genevieve’s maman would say, sometimes you need to let the heart fill in the rest. Absolutely adored Mr. Pemberton, and quite loved Genevieve. If you’re into Victorian fiction, Jane Austen but with a mystery twist… ah… this book is just perfection in so many ways. There was one point where I literally had to stop at a twist and just said, aloud, “WHAT?!” Cannot recommend this enough. Couldn’t put it down, and am still so sad that I finished it already.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯