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Spirit of the Dying Flower
Moving to the quaint coastal town of Crystalpeak after the death of his father, Kayden Thomson found a great deal on a basement apartment at a seaside estate, the perfect place to start over & write the novel he'd been putting off. The realtor warned him to stay out of the way of the homeowner, the mysterious young woman who liked her privacy, but once Kayden arrived at the majestic estate & began to see glimpses of his beautiful landlord, he realized he couldn't stay away from her if he tried.
Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2022
34 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 23, 2025
A Spooky, Beautiful, and Unforgettable Story
I absolutely loved this book! It was the perfect mix of a spooky mystery and a beautiful romance.
The story is about a writer who is sad and wants to be alone, so he rents a room in a big, isolated house by the ocean. He soon discovers that a mysterious woman with a curse lives there, trapped in the house for almost 100 years. The setting is so well-described that the house feels like its own character. You can almost feel the fog on your skin as you read.
The best part is the sweet and powerful love story between the main characters, Kayden and Isabelle. They show their love through small, thoughtful actions instead of big speeches. You can really feel their connection, and watching them fall for each other is just amazing.
It's a story that shows how loneliness can be the scariest thing of all, and how true love is about really seeing someone for who they are. It’s a mix of a ghost story, an adventure, and a beautiful romance. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend it!
I absolutely loved this book! It was the perfect mix of a spooky mystery and a beautiful romance.
The story is about a writer who is sad and wants to be alone, so he rents a room in a big, isolated house by the ocean. He soon discovers that a mysterious woman with a curse lives there, trapped in the house for almost 100 years. The setting is so well-described that the house feels like its own character. You can almost feel the fog on your skin as you read.
The best part is the sweet and powerful love story between the main characters, Kayden and Isabelle. They show their love through small, thoughtful actions instead of big speeches. You can really feel their connection, and watching them fall for each other is just amazing.
It's a story that shows how loneliness can be the scariest thing of all, and how true love is about really seeing someone for who they are. It’s a mix of a ghost story, an adventure, and a beautiful romance. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend it!
August 22, 2025
An Exquisite, Haunting, and Utterly Spellbinding Gothic Romance!
C. A. Varian has crafted an absolute masterpiece with Spirit of the Dying Flower. If you're seeking a Gothic romance that will consume your thoughts long after the final page, look no further. This book is an immersive, atmospheric triumph that captures the essence of classic Gothic tales while delivering a fresh, deeply emotional, and utterly unforgettable love story.
From the moment struggling novelist Kayden Hale steps into the desolate, whispering seaside estate, the atmosphere is a character in itself. Varian's prose is incredibly evocative, painting a vivid picture of the house's haunting beauty and the secrets it holds. You can almost feel the chill in the air and hear the whispers that draw Kayden deeper into its mysteries. His quest for solitude and inspiration quickly unravels as he encounters the enigmatic owner of the manor – a woman who is more myth than reality, appearing only in the twilight hours, impossibly beautiful and achingly elusive.
The relationship that blossoms between Kayden and this mysterious woman is born of secrets, shadows, and an undeniable, heart-wrenching longing. Their connection is palpable, built on stolen glances and unspoken words, making every interaction crackle with intensity. Varian masterfully paces the revelations, slowly unraveling layers of mystery surrounding the woman and the "curse" that binds them. Just when you think you have a grasp on the truth, another twist emerges, keeping you utterly captivated and desperate to know what lies beneath the surface.
This isn't just a romance; it's a profound exploration of grief, the weight of the past, and the lengths one will go to for love. Fair warning: this is not a light read. It delves into profound themes of death and the kind of longing that aches in your soul, featuring emotionally charged and explicit scenes that only heighten the intensity and raw vulnerability of the characters. However, these elements are handled with such grace and purpose, adding incredible depth and realism to an already spellbinding narrative.
Spirit of the Dying Flower is more than just a book; it's an experience. It's lush, lyrical, and deeply moving, reminding us that some love stories truly do begin not with a kiss, but with a powerful, inescapable curse. Prepare to be enchanted, heartbroken, and completely swept away. A phenomenal 5-star read that I cannot recommend highly enough!
C. A. Varian has crafted an absolute masterpiece with Spirit of the Dying Flower. If you're seeking a Gothic romance that will consume your thoughts long after the final page, look no further. This book is an immersive, atmospheric triumph that captures the essence of classic Gothic tales while delivering a fresh, deeply emotional, and utterly unforgettable love story.
From the moment struggling novelist Kayden Hale steps into the desolate, whispering seaside estate, the atmosphere is a character in itself. Varian's prose is incredibly evocative, painting a vivid picture of the house's haunting beauty and the secrets it holds. You can almost feel the chill in the air and hear the whispers that draw Kayden deeper into its mysteries. His quest for solitude and inspiration quickly unravels as he encounters the enigmatic owner of the manor – a woman who is more myth than reality, appearing only in the twilight hours, impossibly beautiful and achingly elusive.
The relationship that blossoms between Kayden and this mysterious woman is born of secrets, shadows, and an undeniable, heart-wrenching longing. Their connection is palpable, built on stolen glances and unspoken words, making every interaction crackle with intensity. Varian masterfully paces the revelations, slowly unraveling layers of mystery surrounding the woman and the "curse" that binds them. Just when you think you have a grasp on the truth, another twist emerges, keeping you utterly captivated and desperate to know what lies beneath the surface.
This isn't just a romance; it's a profound exploration of grief, the weight of the past, and the lengths one will go to for love. Fair warning: this is not a light read. It delves into profound themes of death and the kind of longing that aches in your soul, featuring emotionally charged and explicit scenes that only heighten the intensity and raw vulnerability of the characters. However, these elements are handled with such grace and purpose, adding incredible depth and realism to an already spellbinding narrative.
Spirit of the Dying Flower is more than just a book; it's an experience. It's lush, lyrical, and deeply moving, reminding us that some love stories truly do begin not with a kiss, but with a powerful, inescapable curse. Prepare to be enchanted, heartbroken, and completely swept away. A phenomenal 5-star read that I cannot recommend highly enough!
September 21, 2025
This haunting yet beautiful Gothic love story enveloped me in lush details. Words became fruit that I wasn't reading, I was tasting.
An author seeking refuge to grieve and write. A beautiful woman who cannot see the light.
Love? How will they pair? And if they can, when they can, how do they dare?
Wars have come and gone, music has changed, life is too loud and too fast. She was forever and yet nothing.
Light and paranormal darkness come into play, and only then might she see the light of day.
An author seeking refuge to grieve and write. A beautiful woman who cannot see the light.
Love? How will they pair? And if they can, when they can, how do they dare?
Wars have come and gone, music has changed, life is too loud and too fast. She was forever and yet nothing.
Light and paranormal darkness come into play, and only then might she see the light of day.
August 23, 2025
You don't often find a book that nails its genre while also doing something completely fresh with it, but Spirit of the Dying Flower pulls this off beautifully. Sure, it's got all the gothic romance staples—creepy old house, things that go bump in the night, mysteries lurking in every shadow—but there's so much more depth here than I expected.
What really got me was Kayden Vance. Finally, a male lead who isn't some billionaire with anger issues or a tortured lord of the manor. This guy's a writer who's basically been beaten down by life—grief, career disappointments, the whole mess. He's not looking for excitement; he just wants some peace and quiet. Watching him navigate both the house's weirdness and his own psychological baggage felt incredibly real.
The romance between Kayden and Isabelle absolutely destroyed me in the best way. No insta-love here—their connection builds slowly through small moments and genuine understanding. Isabelle isn't just some tragic ghost waiting to be saved either. She's got real strength and agency, which made me care about her story as much as the mystery surrounding it.
But honestly, what kept me turning pages was the writing itself. It's gorgeous without being pretentious, and the author creates this incredibly vivid sense of place. You can practically feel the fog rolling off the ocean and hear the old house creaking around you.
This book works on every level—mystery, character development, romance. It's smart, emotionally satisfying, and just plain good storytelling. Definitely worth your time.
What really got me was Kayden Vance. Finally, a male lead who isn't some billionaire with anger issues or a tortured lord of the manor. This guy's a writer who's basically been beaten down by life—grief, career disappointments, the whole mess. He's not looking for excitement; he just wants some peace and quiet. Watching him navigate both the house's weirdness and his own psychological baggage felt incredibly real.
The romance between Kayden and Isabelle absolutely destroyed me in the best way. No insta-love here—their connection builds slowly through small moments and genuine understanding. Isabelle isn't just some tragic ghost waiting to be saved either. She's got real strength and agency, which made me care about her story as much as the mystery surrounding it.
But honestly, what kept me turning pages was the writing itself. It's gorgeous without being pretentious, and the author creates this incredibly vivid sense of place. You can practically feel the fog rolling off the ocean and hear the old house creaking around you.
This book works on every level—mystery, character development, romance. It's smart, emotionally satisfying, and just plain good storytelling. Definitely worth your time.
October 22, 2025
Im just at loss of words for this amazing story!!! My feelings were everywhere and felt connected to the characters in some ways!
The way one grieves is so hard to go through with a family member and this story was just perfect about the whole process and being able to reconnect with ourselves. This whole story was just beautifully written, plot, spice, love, lost and being able to find happiness again after such hardships of grief.
This is a must read and definitely one of those books to reread when having that feeling of loss and grief to help one understand and feel that we can still be able to be happy at the end.
This book definitely helped me understand how grief can affect us so much in many ways but also help us be able to start over little by little without having the pressure of needing to ignore our feelings.
Now need my own physical copy as a trophy!
The way one grieves is so hard to go through with a family member and this story was just perfect about the whole process and being able to reconnect with ourselves. This whole story was just beautifully written, plot, spice, love, lost and being able to find happiness again after such hardships of grief.
This is a must read and definitely one of those books to reread when having that feeling of loss and grief to help one understand and feel that we can still be able to be happy at the end.
This book definitely helped me understand how grief can affect us so much in many ways but also help us be able to start over little by little without having the pressure of needing to ignore our feelings.
Now need my own physical copy as a trophy!
August 30, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel—a perfect blend of tender romance and chilling mystery. The story follows a depressed author who retreats to a secluded beach house, only to discover it’s haunted by a cursed woman trapped for a century. The vivid setting almost lets you feel the fog on your skin. The romance between Kayden and Isabelle is subtle and heartfelt, built on small, meaningful gestures rather than grand declarations. Their connection feels genuine and captivating.
This story beautifully explores loneliness and the power of truly seeing someone. It’s a haunting ghost tale, an adventure, and a touching love story all in one. Highly recommend—I couldn’t put it down!
This story beautifully explores loneliness and the power of truly seeing someone. It’s a haunting ghost tale, an adventure, and a touching love story all in one. Highly recommend—I couldn’t put it down!
November 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It was captivating and kept me on the edge of my seat anticipating what might happen next. It was a sweet romance with a sprinkle of spice and lots of mystery. Its an incredibly beautiful book visually as well! (I have the painted veil illustrated edition) Will make a great addition to anyone's self for that reason alone. The only reason im not giving 5* is just because of the typos and misprinted pages.
August 31, 2025
My favorite book of the year.
If you love your prose poetic, your romances laced with tragedy, and your settings haunting, don’t miss this story. Varian spins a luminous tale that transcends death itself and wraps it up in Sleeping Beauty vibes.
The steam factor is sublime, yet tasteful. Go ahead, treat yourself!
If you love your prose poetic, your romances laced with tragedy, and your settings haunting, don’t miss this story. Varian spins a luminous tale that transcends death itself and wraps it up in Sleeping Beauty vibes.
The steam factor is sublime, yet tasteful. Go ahead, treat yourself!
September 7, 2025
✨Arc review✨
I was totally captured by this story! I literally had to know what happened next. I feel like this is a little different than some of the other reads by this author I liked it, just felt like it was missing something.
I was totally captured by this story! I literally had to know what happened next. I feel like this is a little different than some of the other reads by this author I liked it, just felt like it was missing something.
October 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was a really fast pace. Read the story was so cute especially when they went on a witch hunt. The spice is about a two overall I recommend this book.
November 9, 2025
This book was very nice , her love had to help her find who put a spell on her .
Currently reading
December 13, 2025mysterious, suspenseful, great story line that keeps you wanting to know more. The writing is fluid and almost poetic. beautiful book all around.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews