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The Talbot Trilogy #1
Wind and Shadow
Rayvin Woods, photographer and natural witch. She just wanted to start her life over again after a series of misadventures. She didn't count on rekindling a lost love when she came home to Talbot...or battling a malevolent vampire and his coven for her life.
Grant Michaels, police officer. He thought Rayvin was a murderer. He will do whatever it takes to protect the community he loves from danger...but will he learn to trust his heart, and the word of a witch, before it's too late?
Malcolm de Sade, cunning vampire, imprisoned underground for a year by Charlotte Fanning and Pike Mahonen ("Mist and Midnight", Midnight Thirsts). His accidental release unleashes his hunger and ambition on a small, sleepy town…
***
Facing the past can be a nightmare. It's worse when a vampire is stalking you.
Grant Michaels, police officer. He thought Rayvin was a murderer. He will do whatever it takes to protect the community he loves from danger...but will he learn to trust his heart, and the word of a witch, before it's too late?
Malcolm de Sade, cunning vampire, imprisoned underground for a year by Charlotte Fanning and Pike Mahonen ("Mist and Midnight", Midnight Thirsts). His accidental release unleashes his hunger and ambition on a small, sleepy town…
***
Facing the past can be a nightmare. It's worse when a vampire is stalking you.
230 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Tori L. Ridgewood
19 books50 followersAfter her first heartbreak, Tori found solace in two things: reading romance novels and listening to an after-dark radio program called Lovers and Other Strangers. Throughout the summer and fall of 1990, the new kid in town found reading fiction and writing her own short stories gave her a much needed creative outlet. Determined to become a published author, Tori amassed stacks of notebooks and boxes of filed-away stories, most only half-finished before another idea would overtake her and demand to be written down. Then, while on parental leave with her second baby, one story formed and refused to be packed away. Between teaching full-time, parenting, and life in general, it would take almost seven years before the first novel in her first trilogy would be completed. In the process, Tori finally found her stride as a writer.
At present, on her off-time, Tori not only enjoys reading, but also listening to an eclectic mix of music as she walks the family dog, attempts to turn her thumb green, or makes needlework gifts for her friends and family members. She loves to travel, collect and make miniature furniture, and a good cup of tea during a thunderstorm or a blizzard. Under it all, she is always intrigued by history, the supernatural, vampire and shapeshifter mythology, romance, and other dangers.
At present, on her off-time, Tori not only enjoys reading, but also listening to an eclectic mix of music as she walks the family dog, attempts to turn her thumb green, or makes needlework gifts for her friends and family members. She loves to travel, collect and make miniature furniture, and a good cup of tea during a thunderstorm or a blizzard. Under it all, she is always intrigued by history, the supernatural, vampire and shapeshifter mythology, romance, and other dangers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 10, 2014
*Book given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
The premise of this book is original and exciting, the blurb caught my attention right away and within the first few lines I was hooked and the story started to reel me in .
I adored Rayven our heroine, she was haunted yet spunky and took everything thrown at her. She was for me a different type of heroine who would protect herself from the hurt and accusations that surrounded her. Rayven is a witch and this makes her a target. I was totally sucked in by her character right up until the last 1/4 of the book..but I will touch on that in a minute.
Grant Micheals is our hero who crushed on Rayven throughout high school but never acted on it..after a tragic event where Rayven was blamed Grant like the rest of the town turned on her. Grant too is a really appealing character who I connected with right away, he found himself in an untenable situation and struggled with his loyalties. By the end of the book I felt really sorry for him and knew exactly why his confusion overwhelmed him.
The story moved at a fast pace and gave us twists and turns that were unexpected. Tori L. Ridgewood is definitely a talented writer and her plot machinations were refreshing. I refused to put the book down because I had to find out what happened to these characters. I was totally engrossed. Then I reached the last 1/4 of the book and it completely lost me. I won't go into detail other than warn you all it has a cliffhanger ending. I have to be honest here..I hate cliffhanger endings and it did impact how I rated this novel.
For me this novel right up to the last part of the book was a 4 star read for me but because of the plot twist and the resultant cliffhanger I will give this book a 3.5 star rating. If cliffhangers and love triangles don't bother you then I would highly recommend this read. If they do..I'd give it a pass.
t'irla
t'irla's talk tirlastalk.blogspot.ca
The premise of this book is original and exciting, the blurb caught my attention right away and within the first few lines I was hooked and the story started to reel me in .
I adored Rayven our heroine, she was haunted yet spunky and took everything thrown at her. She was for me a different type of heroine who would protect herself from the hurt and accusations that surrounded her. Rayven is a witch and this makes her a target. I was totally sucked in by her character right up until the last 1/4 of the book..but I will touch on that in a minute.
Grant Micheals is our hero who crushed on Rayven throughout high school but never acted on it..after a tragic event where Rayven was blamed Grant like the rest of the town turned on her. Grant too is a really appealing character who I connected with right away, he found himself in an untenable situation and struggled with his loyalties. By the end of the book I felt really sorry for him and knew exactly why his confusion overwhelmed him.
The story moved at a fast pace and gave us twists and turns that were unexpected. Tori L. Ridgewood is definitely a talented writer and her plot machinations were refreshing. I refused to put the book down because I had to find out what happened to these characters. I was totally engrossed. Then I reached the last 1/4 of the book and it completely lost me. I won't go into detail other than warn you all it has a cliffhanger ending. I have to be honest here..I hate cliffhanger endings and it did impact how I rated this novel.
For me this novel right up to the last part of the book was a 4 star read for me but because of the plot twist and the resultant cliffhanger I will give this book a 3.5 star rating. If cliffhangers and love triangles don't bother you then I would highly recommend this read. If they do..I'd give it a pass.
t'irla
t'irla's talk tirlastalk.blogspot.ca
September 4, 2013
When I shut this book upon completing it I was left with the thought, damn now I have to wait for the sequel. That's the best sign and compliment an author could ever ask for in my opinion. At least from me. Wind and Shadow surprised me in many ways. This is no YA novel that is for sure. There's a lot of steamy and sometimes freaky things going on in the story and not just because it is filled with vampires and witches.
Ravyn is a well written character, the reasons she behaves the way she does is fully explained. She has really lead a tragic life, I was really rooting for her to find some peace and happiness. It took me a while to warm up to Grant but eventually I did. He's kind of a typical male, needs a good kick in the ass to see straight. The heat between Ravyn and Grant is intense which means sexy witch plus hot police officer equals officer down, but in a good naughty way (wink, wink).
The vile vampire de Sade, I don't know what else to say other than I want to stake his pervy ass back to hell. He's an evil SOB with a very bad agenda.
Wind and Shadow is full of plot twists and turns. I was shocked at some points, there's really a lot of dark material, between the blood thirsty vampires, and the very freaky plans of the head vampire, Malcome de Sade.
I really relish the whole witch verses vampire theme. I am excited for the next installment.
Ravyn is a well written character, the reasons she behaves the way she does is fully explained. She has really lead a tragic life, I was really rooting for her to find some peace and happiness. It took me a while to warm up to Grant but eventually I did. He's kind of a typical male, needs a good kick in the ass to see straight. The heat between Ravyn and Grant is intense which means sexy witch plus hot police officer equals officer down, but in a good naughty way (wink, wink).
The vile vampire de Sade, I don't know what else to say other than I want to stake his pervy ass back to hell. He's an evil SOB with a very bad agenda.
Wind and Shadow is full of plot twists and turns. I was shocked at some points, there's really a lot of dark material, between the blood thirsty vampires, and the very freaky plans of the head vampire, Malcome de Sade.
I really relish the whole witch verses vampire theme. I am excited for the next installment.
October 9, 2013
Fantasy books will always have a special place in my heart, I'd love to imagine a different world from what we have ...a magical world ..where magical creatures exist so when I was ask to read and review Wind and Shadow, I was excited! and maybe may expectations was a little too high.
I did love that most of may favorite paranormal elements are present here.. MAGIC, VAMPIRES and WITCHCRAFT!!..how awesome is that?
I did love the sizzling chemistry between the two main characters, and that our girl..Rayvin is a strong-willed woman who fought hard in able to withstand all the difficulties that goes her way ..but in the last few chapters I was like WTF? with her..decisions are hastily made which made me gave this 3 stars instead of 4..but then this is just the beginning of a very promising book so I still do recommend this for all fantasy loving book worms out there.
I did love that most of may favorite paranormal elements are present here.. MAGIC, VAMPIRES and WITCHCRAFT!!..how awesome is that?
I did love the sizzling chemistry between the two main characters, and that our girl..Rayvin is a strong-willed woman who fought hard in able to withstand all the difficulties that goes her way ..but in the last few chapters I was like WTF? with her..decisions are hastily made which made me gave this 3 stars instead of 4..but then this is just the beginning of a very promising book so I still do recommend this for all fantasy loving book worms out there.
August 9, 2013
This was a very tense, engaging and well written paranormal romance! I am definitely on the edge of my seat wishing I had book two in my hands. And this paranormal romance takes us back to the old fashioned type of vampire... you know... the ones we hate. There is nothing likeable about Malcolm de Sade. He is an evil vampire who was accidentally set free from his magical prison and is now on the hunt for his mate. He has big plans for the future that unfortunately begins in the small town of Talbot. He also has his eyes set on Rayvin.
Rayvin is a witch who strolls back into the town of Talbot after having been falsely accused and shunned by the community nearly a decade earlier. Even though her presence is not welcome... it was timely... because she is the only hope the people of Talbot have against the vampire who is wreaking havoc on their little town. Rayvin is desperate to use whatever magic she can find to battle de Sade and save the people she loves.
Rayvin is also reunited with Grant... an old High School love interest. And, it doesn't take long for them to realize that there is a strong connection between them and one that they can't avoid. Their passion and attraction for each other comes back in full force.
The ending of book one leaves us on a big cliff hanger BUT this is a trilogy so that is expected. But, I will say that it ended in a way that truly surprised me. Nothing happened the way I thought it would and it left me feeling anxious for the future of Talbot. I am sitting here wondering... How is Rayvin going to fix this mess??!!
I really do love authors who are not afraid to toy with our emotions. There are things that happen to certain characters in this story that made me sad and angry. But, it also made the story more... I don't know... real. If a character is evil then obviously we have to expect bad things to happen to good people. And, in some ways, it made me more invested in the story because I want to see Rayvin succeed and kill that nasty little blood sucking vampire! Where is Buffy when you need her OR even better... Sam and Dean!!
So, great start to this series and I sure hope we don't have to wait long for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for an honest review!
Follow my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
Rayvin is a witch who strolls back into the town of Talbot after having been falsely accused and shunned by the community nearly a decade earlier. Even though her presence is not welcome... it was timely... because she is the only hope the people of Talbot have against the vampire who is wreaking havoc on their little town. Rayvin is desperate to use whatever magic she can find to battle de Sade and save the people she loves.
Rayvin is also reunited with Grant... an old High School love interest. And, it doesn't take long for them to realize that there is a strong connection between them and one that they can't avoid. Their passion and attraction for each other comes back in full force.
The ending of book one leaves us on a big cliff hanger BUT this is a trilogy so that is expected. But, I will say that it ended in a way that truly surprised me. Nothing happened the way I thought it would and it left me feeling anxious for the future of Talbot. I am sitting here wondering... How is Rayvin going to fix this mess??!!
I really do love authors who are not afraid to toy with our emotions. There are things that happen to certain characters in this story that made me sad and angry. But, it also made the story more... I don't know... real. If a character is evil then obviously we have to expect bad things to happen to good people. And, in some ways, it made me more invested in the story because I want to see Rayvin succeed and kill that nasty little blood sucking vampire! Where is Buffy when you need her OR even better... Sam and Dean!!
So, great start to this series and I sure hope we don't have to wait long for the next one.
I received a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for an honest review!
Follow my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
November 29, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Wind and Shadow is the first book in a trilogy, so be forewarned, you will be left hanging at the end. The novel is well written, with long descriptive passages that pull the reader right into the scenes. The characters as well as the plot line are interesting.
Rayvin has experienced more trauma and heartbreak than most. Her latest, in the form of a stalking, vindictive ex-boyfriend, forces her to move back to the hometown that shunned her. It's not easy for her; to have an entire town assume she's a murderer when she's innocent would be quite difficult. Frankly, I'm not sure why she'd put up with it; I don't think I could. Rayvin is a witch with untapped, barely controlled powers. Her mother died when she was young, and Rayvin's training stopped with her death. Her powers isolate her from others, making her a loner.
Grant works for the police in the small town of Talbot. He believed that Rayvin tried to kill his best friend, and though he's attracted to her on many levels, he tries to convince himself that he hates her. When she returns, it doesn't take long for him to throw all those feelings aside in his desire for her. This guy bothered me. Though the reader knows that Rayvin was innocent of the crime, he doesn't. He feels like he's betraying his best friend, and you know what, he is. He never asks Rayvin her side of the story. You'd think he'd want to know before jumping in bed with her. Perhaps if he always had his doubts as to the veracity of the story told by his friend Jason, his actions would make more sense.
This novel starts out a bit slow but picks up about a third of the way through. The point of view switches between Rayvin and Grant, so we get to see the situation from both sides. Sometimes I felt a bit mired in the long, very detailed descriptions. While they do create a rich picture for the reader, they also break up the action. I like the plot; de Sade seems like an interesting adversary. I guess it's a sign of a good story when I'm upset to be left hanging. The events leading to the ending were quite shocking, not the direction I though Ms. Ridgewood would take. All in all, I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
3.5 stars
Wind and Shadow is the first book in a trilogy, so be forewarned, you will be left hanging at the end. The novel is well written, with long descriptive passages that pull the reader right into the scenes. The characters as well as the plot line are interesting.
Rayvin has experienced more trauma and heartbreak than most. Her latest, in the form of a stalking, vindictive ex-boyfriend, forces her to move back to the hometown that shunned her. It's not easy for her; to have an entire town assume she's a murderer when she's innocent would be quite difficult. Frankly, I'm not sure why she'd put up with it; I don't think I could. Rayvin is a witch with untapped, barely controlled powers. Her mother died when she was young, and Rayvin's training stopped with her death. Her powers isolate her from others, making her a loner.
Grant works for the police in the small town of Talbot. He believed that Rayvin tried to kill his best friend, and though he's attracted to her on many levels, he tries to convince himself that he hates her. When she returns, it doesn't take long for him to throw all those feelings aside in his desire for her. This guy bothered me. Though the reader knows that Rayvin was innocent of the crime, he doesn't. He feels like he's betraying his best friend, and you know what, he is. He never asks Rayvin her side of the story. You'd think he'd want to know before jumping in bed with her. Perhaps if he always had his doubts as to the veracity of the story told by his friend Jason, his actions would make more sense.
This novel starts out a bit slow but picks up about a third of the way through. The point of view switches between Rayvin and Grant, so we get to see the situation from both sides. Sometimes I felt a bit mired in the long, very detailed descriptions. While they do create a rich picture for the reader, they also break up the action. I like the plot; de Sade seems like an interesting adversary. I guess it's a sign of a good story when I'm upset to be left hanging. The events leading to the ending were quite shocking, not the direction I though Ms. Ridgewood would take. All in all, I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
December 4, 2013
This book is well written, well organized, and has characters that will easily come to life for the reader. However, I personally, did not like the plot twist that get throws in at the end. It actually kind of pissed me off, and made me feel as though I had wasted a few hours in reading the book. Because I understand that not everyone will feel that personal about it, I gave it 3 out of 5 stars and not 0. I have not read any other books by this author, and that type of twist might be typical for her writing. If so, then fans of hers will know what to expect. Otherwise, be warned.
As far as the characters go, you will feel a connection to the town and its inhabitants. She does an excellent job with her character building. Rayvin has been through a lot and it’s obvious why she has such a hard time trusting. The reader will begin rooting for her early on, and hoping that this time- she can learn to trust and that things will finally work out positively. Grant is a solid, hometown boy that grew up and turned into the hometown sheriff. He has felt a connection to Rayvin since childhood, but has held a grudge against her since the accident that nearly took his best friends’ life. He too, finds it hard to trust. Their connection is so well described, and developed that the reader can almost feel their emotions right a long with them. That may be one of the reasons, it comes crashing down so hard when it doesn’t all work out the way you think it should.
Ms. Ridgewood did a great job with the cliffhanger for the next book. Most authors at least leave their characters hanging from it from their fingertips. This one let them fall and crash to the rocks below, in order to rescue them and have more heartache and healing to write about in the future. Some readers will enjoy the higher level of conflict resolution, but I did not. Again, be warned.
Rating: 3
HEAT Rating: Hot
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addiction and More
As far as the characters go, you will feel a connection to the town and its inhabitants. She does an excellent job with her character building. Rayvin has been through a lot and it’s obvious why she has such a hard time trusting. The reader will begin rooting for her early on, and hoping that this time- she can learn to trust and that things will finally work out positively. Grant is a solid, hometown boy that grew up and turned into the hometown sheriff. He has felt a connection to Rayvin since childhood, but has held a grudge against her since the accident that nearly took his best friends’ life. He too, finds it hard to trust. Their connection is so well described, and developed that the reader can almost feel their emotions right a long with them. That may be one of the reasons, it comes crashing down so hard when it doesn’t all work out the way you think it should.
Ms. Ridgewood did a great job with the cliffhanger for the next book. Most authors at least leave their characters hanging from it from their fingertips. This one let them fall and crash to the rocks below, in order to rescue them and have more heartache and healing to write about in the future. Some readers will enjoy the higher level of conflict resolution, but I did not. Again, be warned.
Rating: 3
HEAT Rating: Hot
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addiction and More
December 23, 2013
Rayvin Woods is a photographer and a natural witch. She has been through so much and has reluctantly come back home to Talbot, a place she never thought she would see again. One bad thing happened in Talbot that caused the entire town to turn against her even the man she loved, Grant Michaels. Grant has become a cop to keep an eye on his town and to take care of the people in it. When Rayvin comes back he vows to keep his town safe from her at all costs. Even his own heart, because after all these years he still has feelings for her. On top of all this Malcolm De Sade a vampire imprisoned for a year has finally been released accidentally and has set in motion his plan to get back at the ones responsible for locking him up.
Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock has given me Wind and Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood for my honest review. At first I wasn't sure what was going on with Rayvin and why she wouldn't want to go back home or why she was leaving where she was. Then things start moving faster and it doesn't let up one bit. Ridgewood definitely takes you for a ride with this story. Rayvin hasn't had the best of luck in life or love and it doesn't get much better especially with a vampire on the loose with a vendetta. The twists and turns are definitely not what one expects to happen or even hope to happen. Ridgewood has a way with words that has a flow and almost "magic" quality of their own that keep the reader rooted in the story and keep turning the page. I will most definitely be reading the second book in this series.
Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock has given me Wind and Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood for my honest review. At first I wasn't sure what was going on with Rayvin and why she wouldn't want to go back home or why she was leaving where she was. Then things start moving faster and it doesn't let up one bit. Ridgewood definitely takes you for a ride with this story. Rayvin hasn't had the best of luck in life or love and it doesn't get much better especially with a vampire on the loose with a vendetta. The twists and turns are definitely not what one expects to happen or even hope to happen. Ridgewood has a way with words that has a flow and almost "magic" quality of their own that keep the reader rooted in the story and keep turning the page. I will most definitely be reading the second book in this series.
September 11, 2013
This book needs its sequel. It is one of those books that when you finish the first one, you want to rush out and pick up the next in line.
I'm all about characters and Tori has done a great job at crafting Rayvin in a way that you fall in love with her. She's the kind of character that you really want to see everything turn out perfectly for. She's just so wonderful. Grant is another character that is easy to fall in love with. Tori understands the importance of characters.
I love the setting too. It's done in a way that you can picture it and connect to the place even if you've never been there.
This is a great read for paranormal romance lovers. It's a great read and Tori is an author that I'll be looking for new releases from in the future.
I'm all about characters and Tori has done a great job at crafting Rayvin in a way that you fall in love with her. She's the kind of character that you really want to see everything turn out perfectly for. She's just so wonderful. Grant is another character that is easy to fall in love with. Tori understands the importance of characters.
I love the setting too. It's done in a way that you can picture it and connect to the place even if you've never been there.
This is a great read for paranormal romance lovers. It's a great read and Tori is an author that I'll be looking for new releases from in the future.
July 23, 2013
A witch with a checkered past shows back up in her home town just in time to meet a vampire. What could possible go wrong you ask? Try everything!
The story flowed well with interesting dialog. There are lots of clues scattered through out to watch for. The ending left me panting to get the second book due out later in 2013.
This was a great weekend read. I recommend it to all my vampire-loving literary friends!
The story flowed well with interesting dialog. There are lots of clues scattered through out to watch for. The ending left me panting to get the second book due out later in 2013.
This was a great weekend read. I recommend it to all my vampire-loving literary friends!
July 22, 2013
I just started reading this novel, and so far I am enchanted! I am approx 13% in and just want to keep reading!
October 17, 2013
Wind and Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood
(Book #1: The Talbot Trilogy)
Source: Author/Publisher
Rating: 4½/5 stars
Holy Halloween, Batman!! Tori L. Ridgewood’s Wind and Shadow certainly was an excellent choice for a little pre-Halloween reading with witches, vampires and, the past coming back to haunt everyone all rolled into one fast-paced read. And no, I am not going to tell you who is who and spoil it all for you!! So, get ready boys and girls ‘cause I loved this book and I am gonna gush
Rayvin Woods never imagined a time when she would have to return to her hometown of Talbot but sometimes circumstances change. When Rayvin left Talbot she did so under a dark cloud of suspicion despite the court having found her completely innocent of the crime she was accused of. Though she has spent years trying to escape the misery of Talbot, Rayvin has found herself in a situation she could have never anticipated and her best friend Andrea is the only person she could turn to for help. Rayvin’s intention is stay in Talbot for only as long as is strictly necessary and once she can financially get out, Talbot will once again be a part of her past. But for now, yay, back to the one place on Earth where no one wants you. This should be fun, right?
Officer Grant Michaels has spent his life protecting the people of Talbot. Grant’s strong sense of right and wrong is simply a part of who he is and becoming a police officer was a natural choice and fit for his personality. And so, on a dark night on a winding road, Grant does his job and pulls over the slightly beaten up red Plymouth Horizon that catches his attention. To his utter amazement, the driver of that little red car is none other than Rayvin Woods, the woman who has haunted his life, memories and dreams for more years than he cares to admit to. Though it is a struggle to maintain his control Grant somehow manages to stay strong and stern as he warns Rayvin that her return to Talbot will not be welcome and she should absolutely expect an icy reception. You know something quite similar to the reception he just offered.
Though her feathers are a bit ruffled by Grant’s less-than-warm-welcome, Rayvin is not a stupid girl and knows life in Talbot is going to be anything and everything but ideal. Her hope is to keep her head down, her nose clean, and do the job Andrea has enlisted her for. For about thirty seconds, all of this seems possible. Talbot has always been a slightly odd place but since Rayvin’s return the odd has gone off the charts and it is no surprise that the locals think Rayvin’s return has triggered the events that are taking place. Desperate to stay out of the line of fire and protect herself, Rayvin determines that she must do everything within her considerable power to shut down the being that is causing so much trouble in Talbot. What Rayvin doesn’t expect is how powerful that being is, the lengths he is willing to go to in order to achieve his goals and, the fact that the only person who can really help her is Grant Michaels. So much for keeping her head down.
As the drama begins to increase so does the pace of the read and Ridgewood does a fine job of synching up these two elements. The action is fast and furious in many instances but Ridgewood clearly understands that both the reader and her characters need a little down time. Thrown into the mix are some slower moments that serve to not only break up all the drama and action but provide the reader with a little breather (in order to prepare for the next round of action) and some background information about the various characters and their lives. And thus, the past comes crashing into the present
Thanks to a great deal of secret-keeping and misunderstanding, Rayvin and Grant have a lot of animosity toward one another but there is also a great deal of attraction. The situation they currently find themselves in is desperate and dangerous and certainly draws them closer to one another and heightens their awareness of their shared attraction. Through all of the action and drama, Grant and Rayvin begin to work through their issues, clear up some serious misconceptions engage in some super-hot naughty bits that only serves to strengthen their bond and their resolve to solve their shared problem.
The Bottom Line: I was drawn into this one right from the beginning and found it very difficult to put down Wind and Shadow once it really got rolling. I love the strangeness of Talbot as a town, the backstory that took Rayvin from her home, Grant’s strength and sense of right and wrong (and hotness!), the big bad who is seriously diabolical and, Ridgewood’s willingness to sacrifice certain characters in order to satisfy the plot and motivate her major characters to move forward. Ridgewood has an excellent sense of pacing which makes an already entertaining read move even faster and, finally, though I am not the biggest fan of cliffhangers, Ridgewood has managed to pull off what I consider to be an acceptable cliffhanger. Who knew I could be satisfied with such a thing?? For me, Wind and Shadow is a combination of everything good: it’s paranormal, it’s well-written, it’s got just enough action and naughty bits to be realistic and, it has two more parts on the horizon.
(Book #1: The Talbot Trilogy)
Source: Author/Publisher
Rating: 4½/5 stars
Holy Halloween, Batman!! Tori L. Ridgewood’s Wind and Shadow certainly was an excellent choice for a little pre-Halloween reading with witches, vampires and, the past coming back to haunt everyone all rolled into one fast-paced read. And no, I am not going to tell you who is who and spoil it all for you!! So, get ready boys and girls ‘cause I loved this book and I am gonna gush
Rayvin Woods never imagined a time when she would have to return to her hometown of Talbot but sometimes circumstances change. When Rayvin left Talbot she did so under a dark cloud of suspicion despite the court having found her completely innocent of the crime she was accused of. Though she has spent years trying to escape the misery of Talbot, Rayvin has found herself in a situation she could have never anticipated and her best friend Andrea is the only person she could turn to for help. Rayvin’s intention is stay in Talbot for only as long as is strictly necessary and once she can financially get out, Talbot will once again be a part of her past. But for now, yay, back to the one place on Earth where no one wants you. This should be fun, right?
Officer Grant Michaels has spent his life protecting the people of Talbot. Grant’s strong sense of right and wrong is simply a part of who he is and becoming a police officer was a natural choice and fit for his personality. And so, on a dark night on a winding road, Grant does his job and pulls over the slightly beaten up red Plymouth Horizon that catches his attention. To his utter amazement, the driver of that little red car is none other than Rayvin Woods, the woman who has haunted his life, memories and dreams for more years than he cares to admit to. Though it is a struggle to maintain his control Grant somehow manages to stay strong and stern as he warns Rayvin that her return to Talbot will not be welcome and she should absolutely expect an icy reception. You know something quite similar to the reception he just offered.
Though her feathers are a bit ruffled by Grant’s less-than-warm-welcome, Rayvin is not a stupid girl and knows life in Talbot is going to be anything and everything but ideal. Her hope is to keep her head down, her nose clean, and do the job Andrea has enlisted her for. For about thirty seconds, all of this seems possible. Talbot has always been a slightly odd place but since Rayvin’s return the odd has gone off the charts and it is no surprise that the locals think Rayvin’s return has triggered the events that are taking place. Desperate to stay out of the line of fire and protect herself, Rayvin determines that she must do everything within her considerable power to shut down the being that is causing so much trouble in Talbot. What Rayvin doesn’t expect is how powerful that being is, the lengths he is willing to go to in order to achieve his goals and, the fact that the only person who can really help her is Grant Michaels. So much for keeping her head down.
As the drama begins to increase so does the pace of the read and Ridgewood does a fine job of synching up these two elements. The action is fast and furious in many instances but Ridgewood clearly understands that both the reader and her characters need a little down time. Thrown into the mix are some slower moments that serve to not only break up all the drama and action but provide the reader with a little breather (in order to prepare for the next round of action) and some background information about the various characters and their lives. And thus, the past comes crashing into the present
Thanks to a great deal of secret-keeping and misunderstanding, Rayvin and Grant have a lot of animosity toward one another but there is also a great deal of attraction. The situation they currently find themselves in is desperate and dangerous and certainly draws them closer to one another and heightens their awareness of their shared attraction. Through all of the action and drama, Grant and Rayvin begin to work through their issues, clear up some serious misconceptions engage in some super-hot naughty bits that only serves to strengthen their bond and their resolve to solve their shared problem.
The Bottom Line: I was drawn into this one right from the beginning and found it very difficult to put down Wind and Shadow once it really got rolling. I love the strangeness of Talbot as a town, the backstory that took Rayvin from her home, Grant’s strength and sense of right and wrong (and hotness!), the big bad who is seriously diabolical and, Ridgewood’s willingness to sacrifice certain characters in order to satisfy the plot and motivate her major characters to move forward. Ridgewood has an excellent sense of pacing which makes an already entertaining read move even faster and, finally, though I am not the biggest fan of cliffhangers, Ridgewood has managed to pull off what I consider to be an acceptable cliffhanger. Who knew I could be satisfied with such a thing?? For me, Wind and Shadow is a combination of everything good: it’s paranormal, it’s well-written, it’s got just enough action and naughty bits to be realistic and, it has two more parts on the horizon.
December 25, 2013
I am so glad I read this at this time of year it is a perfect Halloween book almost everything you can ask for when it comes to Halloween, natural witches, vampires(the old-fashioned type of vampire), romance, spells and rituals, little bit of action and nicely placed humor too. Oh and get this the timeline is even at Halloween *squeal*. So really the only thing missing is werewolves but that's ok, lol. It's only the first book in the new trilogy so who knows maybe in the next book there might be.
Its goes between the two main characters, should of been high school sweethearts but neither one had the courage to ask the other out Rayvin Woods, natural witch, and Grant Michaels, handsome, very well fit, police officer.
Rayvin goes back to her small home town of Talbot after leaving ten years ago because she was accused of attempted murder. It talks quite a bit about this 'attempted murder', of which she is completely innocent, in the beginning but you don't actually know what happened till almost half way through, what I don't get is why she didn't claim self defense because that's what it was and I say the person got what they deserved. She's very guarded hasn't had many good relationships but its made her strong.
Grant, along with most of the town, believes Rayvin to be capable of murder, however that doesn't stop the feelings he's had for her since high school to come up on full blast, so he's conflicted with what he feels and what he thinks.
"What’s done is done. You have to move on, Grant. You can’t live by holding onto past grudges. Too much damage has already been done. Let it go."
"I wonder—if it had been your best friend," he’d challenged, rising to her eye level. "If you’d feel the same way?"
Andrea looked at him coolly. "Not all permanent injuries are visible, Grant Michaels."
There's quite a bit repeating mainly at the beginning, and I wish there was more dialog, but I loved what dialog was there, and more into the supporting characters like Andrea I wanted to see more of her. I think we'll see more in the next one though. However with that said I like the attention Tori gave to the life of a wiccan, its so much more than just spells and magic and she brought that in. There's a lot of attention to everything actually, the town and places, Rayvin's sacred place.
What seems to be coincidental upon Rayvin's arrival a series of events happen Grants vows to keep an eye on her, though not just for a professional reason. When he realizes after seeing her with her best friend and almost sister, Andrea, in the hospital that she may not be the cause but she may be the only person who can help. And so they try to work well with each other however with pint up sexual feelings for each other and the fact that their are both stubborn to believe the other especially when they say blatantly how they feel and what's going on, so there's also a lot of mistrust between them I think more so with Rayvin giving her history with men, not that I blame her, but when Grant practically lays his heart out to her she still wants to question him. I swear sometimes I wanted to slap the both of them up the back of their head and yell at them, 'What the hell enough with the bloody mistrust you both love each other stop picking fights and thinking you cant trust the other." And the sexual tension.....ugh, well they do in fact have a passionate night together but then Grant goes and ruins it by thinking with head, yes his actual head not the other one, and not believing what he saw right in front of him or his heart.
On to the Vampire, De Sade, devilishly handsome love to hate, you really don't see much of him till like the third quarter of the book where you see most of the action. He's escaped from a entrapment, which he was able to due to an event that followed Rayvin arrival and he causes the other events. De Sade has a plan, he's raising a coven, making vampires, of the towns people but not just anyone most the people whom Rayvin comes in contact with who's not lashing out at her about what happened ten years ago is who he's turning into a vampire, and an evil son-of-a-bitch who deserves to be rotting instead of being undead. But you cant have a good vs. evil book with out a few good villains. Not only does he want a coven he wants a witch to reproduce with.
So by the end Grant and Rayvin try and stop De Sade however things don't end up that good and Rayvin has to do something to save Grants life. I don't want to give the ending away but its so hard not to and explain how I felt about it. But I will say I'm mad at Grant for doing what he does. It definitely leaves you with a cliff hanger, so if you go and get now and read it your warned you'll be waiting like me tapping you finger on the arm rest of the couch. So please let this wait be quick.
I cant wait for book two Blood and Fire to come out, I think there's only one possibility about certain something we find out at the very end given certain facts and how fast effects accrue, if you've read or plan on reading it let me know what you think about that 'something'. ~
http://librarylifethroughbooks.blogsp...
Its goes between the two main characters, should of been high school sweethearts but neither one had the courage to ask the other out Rayvin Woods, natural witch, and Grant Michaels, handsome, very well fit, police officer.
Rayvin goes back to her small home town of Talbot after leaving ten years ago because she was accused of attempted murder. It talks quite a bit about this 'attempted murder', of which she is completely innocent, in the beginning but you don't actually know what happened till almost half way through, what I don't get is why she didn't claim self defense because that's what it was and I say the person got what they deserved. She's very guarded hasn't had many good relationships but its made her strong.
Grant, along with most of the town, believes Rayvin to be capable of murder, however that doesn't stop the feelings he's had for her since high school to come up on full blast, so he's conflicted with what he feels and what he thinks.
"What’s done is done. You have to move on, Grant. You can’t live by holding onto past grudges. Too much damage has already been done. Let it go."
"I wonder—if it had been your best friend," he’d challenged, rising to her eye level. "If you’d feel the same way?"
Andrea looked at him coolly. "Not all permanent injuries are visible, Grant Michaels."
There's quite a bit repeating mainly at the beginning, and I wish there was more dialog, but I loved what dialog was there, and more into the supporting characters like Andrea I wanted to see more of her. I think we'll see more in the next one though. However with that said I like the attention Tori gave to the life of a wiccan, its so much more than just spells and magic and she brought that in. There's a lot of attention to everything actually, the town and places, Rayvin's sacred place.
What seems to be coincidental upon Rayvin's arrival a series of events happen Grants vows to keep an eye on her, though not just for a professional reason. When he realizes after seeing her with her best friend and almost sister, Andrea, in the hospital that she may not be the cause but she may be the only person who can help. And so they try to work well with each other however with pint up sexual feelings for each other and the fact that their are both stubborn to believe the other especially when they say blatantly how they feel and what's going on, so there's also a lot of mistrust between them I think more so with Rayvin giving her history with men, not that I blame her, but when Grant practically lays his heart out to her she still wants to question him. I swear sometimes I wanted to slap the both of them up the back of their head and yell at them, 'What the hell enough with the bloody mistrust you both love each other stop picking fights and thinking you cant trust the other." And the sexual tension.....ugh, well they do in fact have a passionate night together but then Grant goes and ruins it by thinking with head, yes his actual head not the other one, and not believing what he saw right in front of him or his heart.
On to the Vampire, De Sade, devilishly handsome love to hate, you really don't see much of him till like the third quarter of the book where you see most of the action. He's escaped from a entrapment, which he was able to due to an event that followed Rayvin arrival and he causes the other events. De Sade has a plan, he's raising a coven, making vampires, of the towns people but not just anyone most the people whom Rayvin comes in contact with who's not lashing out at her about what happened ten years ago is who he's turning into a vampire, and an evil son-of-a-bitch who deserves to be rotting instead of being undead. But you cant have a good vs. evil book with out a few good villains. Not only does he want a coven he wants a witch to reproduce with.
So by the end Grant and Rayvin try and stop De Sade however things don't end up that good and Rayvin has to do something to save Grants life. I don't want to give the ending away but its so hard not to and explain how I felt about it. But I will say I'm mad at Grant for doing what he does. It definitely leaves you with a cliff hanger, so if you go and get now and read it your warned you'll be waiting like me tapping you finger on the arm rest of the couch. So please let this wait be quick.
I cant wait for book two Blood and Fire to come out, I think there's only one possibility about certain something we find out at the very end given certain facts and how fast effects accrue, if you've read or plan on reading it let me know what you think about that 'something'. ~
http://librarylifethroughbooks.blogsp...
October 7, 2013
After some events in Rayvin’s life, she is forced back to the little town she swore she would never return to; Talbot. Rayvin doesn’t have much choice, and when her best friend from childhood invites her back to help her, Rayvin accepts. Even though she knows she will walk straight into a town where she isn’t wanted, most hate her, all due to an accident ten years ago. Back then Rayvin was pretty much driven out of town by the people, they didn’t like her, trust her, and everyone believed she had tried to kill one of their young ones; Jason. Turns out, every story got two sides – even if some won’t believe it.
Rayvin did her best to move on, and she finds it more than ironic that she now has to come back and face everyone again. It’s not something she is looking forward to, but she knows she didn’t do anything wrong back then. No matter what others might think.
Grant Michaels is Jason’s best friend, and ten years ago, he secretly had a crush on Rayvin, but never dared to make a move. When she was accused of trying to murder Jason, he turned his back on her (like so many others), and he is certainly not pleased to see her back in town. Being a police officer now, he feels a bigger responsibility towards the town and its people.
So what do you do when weird things begin to happen, pets disappears, dies and worse; people goes missing? When you’re offered an explanation, which may be the truth, but just isn’t “normal”…. Will you accept the truth, or will you go hiding into the bushes, hoping it all goes away?
I admire Rayvin. After the way she was treated 10 years ago, she comes back, head held high. Granted, she doesn’t have much of a choice, but still. Most people would have slunk in, kept their head low, not said much, but not Rayvin. She isn’t afraid of what she is, she knows most people in Town don’t like her, and yes, it hurts, but at the same time – she really don’t care what they think. Well, except for Grant. See, all those years ago, she secretly loved him, but felt he was out of her league. So she never did anything about it. Apparently ten years apart have NOT changed their feelings. A lot of other things have changed, and both misunderstand each other time after time, and when they FINALLY seem to reach an understanding, logic (of all things) comes in between.
And seriously, who would believe in vampires today? Even if Grant have seen Rayvin perform magick, he find it hard to believe her when she tells him exactly what is lurking out in the darkness.
I truly enjoyed reading Wind and Shadow. My heart was hurting when I read about how everyone treated Rayvin. I wanted on several occasions smack Grant and Rayvin on their heads for being so damn stubborn. If they only had listened to each other, instead of barging on pretending to know what the other person felt…
The vampires in this story aren’t cute or sexy. They’re not the most scary beings I’ve read about either, but they’re scary enough. The Leader (de Sade) gives me goosebumps – and not the good kind. If I ever met him in a dark alley, (or a bright lit one), I would turn tail and run. Not that it would do me any good, but still…
The ending isn’t what I thought it would be, but I liked it. It fit the book perfectly, and it was the kind of ending that, when you��re done with the book, you’re automatically reaching for the next book in the series, because you really, really (kinda desperately) wants to know what happens. I can’t wait to find out what Rayvin will do. Do NOT piss off this witch. Payback is going to be hell. Especially if you don’t have anything left to lose.
So... I loved reading this universe, even though it was rough to read in periods, due to the bullying from the Towns people, the mistrust, the very hard decision Rayvin had to make in the end... I do not regret receiving this wonderful book from Tori. It was wonderful written, caught me off guard, and I got more than a little invested in the main characters; Rayvin and Grant. It doesn't have a HEA, but that would have been wrong on so many levels with this book (especially since it's a trilogy). I am looking forward to reading the second book; Blood and Fire when it releases.
Rayvin did her best to move on, and she finds it more than ironic that she now has to come back and face everyone again. It’s not something she is looking forward to, but she knows she didn’t do anything wrong back then. No matter what others might think.
Grant Michaels is Jason’s best friend, and ten years ago, he secretly had a crush on Rayvin, but never dared to make a move. When she was accused of trying to murder Jason, he turned his back on her (like so many others), and he is certainly not pleased to see her back in town. Being a police officer now, he feels a bigger responsibility towards the town and its people.
So what do you do when weird things begin to happen, pets disappears, dies and worse; people goes missing? When you’re offered an explanation, which may be the truth, but just isn’t “normal”…. Will you accept the truth, or will you go hiding into the bushes, hoping it all goes away?
I admire Rayvin. After the way she was treated 10 years ago, she comes back, head held high. Granted, she doesn’t have much of a choice, but still. Most people would have slunk in, kept their head low, not said much, but not Rayvin. She isn’t afraid of what she is, she knows most people in Town don’t like her, and yes, it hurts, but at the same time – she really don’t care what they think. Well, except for Grant. See, all those years ago, she secretly loved him, but felt he was out of her league. So she never did anything about it. Apparently ten years apart have NOT changed their feelings. A lot of other things have changed, and both misunderstand each other time after time, and when they FINALLY seem to reach an understanding, logic (of all things) comes in between.
And seriously, who would believe in vampires today? Even if Grant have seen Rayvin perform magick, he find it hard to believe her when she tells him exactly what is lurking out in the darkness.
I truly enjoyed reading Wind and Shadow. My heart was hurting when I read about how everyone treated Rayvin. I wanted on several occasions smack Grant and Rayvin on their heads for being so damn stubborn. If they only had listened to each other, instead of barging on pretending to know what the other person felt…
The vampires in this story aren’t cute or sexy. They’re not the most scary beings I’ve read about either, but they’re scary enough. The Leader (de Sade) gives me goosebumps – and not the good kind. If I ever met him in a dark alley, (or a bright lit one), I would turn tail and run. Not that it would do me any good, but still…
The ending isn’t what I thought it would be, but I liked it. It fit the book perfectly, and it was the kind of ending that, when you��re done with the book, you’re automatically reaching for the next book in the series, because you really, really (kinda desperately) wants to know what happens. I can’t wait to find out what Rayvin will do. Do NOT piss off this witch. Payback is going to be hell. Especially if you don’t have anything left to lose.
So... I loved reading this universe, even though it was rough to read in periods, due to the bullying from the Towns people, the mistrust, the very hard decision Rayvin had to make in the end... I do not regret receiving this wonderful book from Tori. It was wonderful written, caught me off guard, and I got more than a little invested in the main characters; Rayvin and Grant. It doesn't have a HEA, but that would have been wrong on so many levels with this book (especially since it's a trilogy). I am looking forward to reading the second book; Blood and Fire when it releases.
November 13, 2013
I received a copy of this story for an honest review for Amber's Reading Room.
When natural witch Rayvin Woods hiked her way out of Talbot a decade ago with nothing but the belongings crammed in her backpack, she never envisioned returning to the town with her tail between her legs. Bad luck has followed Rayvin her whole life and the town that was all too happy to see her go may be her only chance at starting over.
“She wanted to share her life with someone, but she was beginning to realize more and more that she’d have to face the rest of her life as she already lived most of it. Alone.”
Like the majority of Talbot’s residents, law enforcement officer Grant Michaels blames Rayvin for a mysterious accident their senior year of high school that left his best friend Jason paraplegic. When Grant pulls the fiery red-head over for a traffic stop on her way into town, he vows to do whatever it takes to get Rayvin to hightail it out of Talbot permanently.
“Whatever damage she had done in the past, whatever she was running from now, she would not do more on his watch.”
Vampire Malcolm de Sade was thwarted in his quest to make beautiful witch Charlotte Fanning his bride. Now that he’s been freed from the underground cage that Charlotte and her man Pike Mahonen placed him in, Malcolm is out for revenge. He crafts a plan that hinges on the acquisition of a powerful witch. If de Sade can’t have Charlotte, he’ll settle for the next best thing – Rayvin.
“It is really astounding that it hasn’t been tried in the past – for one of the undead to mate with a natural witch. But there is a time for every great idea.”
The distrust and dislike simmering between Grant and Rayvin quickly morphs into unexpected heat as the two are forced to work together to stop de Sade and save Talbot. Can the two come together long enough to stop de Sade or is tragedy unavoidable?
Paranormal romance is a weakness of mine so I went into Wind and Shadow wanting to love it. There was just something about the story that kept me from fully embracing it. Ridgewood originally introduced the town of Talbot and its world of witchcraft and vampires in a prequel novella Mist and Midnight (part of the Midnight Thirst anthology). I did not read the novella before hoping into this series and I think that may have impacted the overall story for me. There were several scenes and character interactions that I felt lacked depth and I’m not sure if the novella would have provided the background I felt was missing. Every time the story jumped from focusing on Rayvin and Grant to small interactions between Charlotte and Pike, I became distracted. I have no history with Charlotte and Pike (the couple focused on in the novella) and it was hard for me to tie their brief scenes into the main plot. I assume both characters will be making a stronger appearance in the second book of this trilogy.
I also had issue with the overall timetable of Wind and Shadow. Rayvin returns to Talbot on October 28th. In a span of three to four days, two people who loathe each other become willing to die for each other, a logical man quickly embraces that the paranormal exits, there’s an epic battle, and a potential pregnancy. That is A LOT of story crammed into a teeny tiny timeframe. Wind and Shadow ends with a cliff-hanger, leaving more than a few questions unanswered.
For paranormal romance fans I would say give Wind and Shadow a try but read the prequel novella Mist and Midnight first. I will make sure that I read it before jumping into Blood and Fire: Book Two of The Talbot Trilogy.
Happy reading.
When natural witch Rayvin Woods hiked her way out of Talbot a decade ago with nothing but the belongings crammed in her backpack, she never envisioned returning to the town with her tail between her legs. Bad luck has followed Rayvin her whole life and the town that was all too happy to see her go may be her only chance at starting over.
“She wanted to share her life with someone, but she was beginning to realize more and more that she’d have to face the rest of her life as she already lived most of it. Alone.”
Like the majority of Talbot’s residents, law enforcement officer Grant Michaels blames Rayvin for a mysterious accident their senior year of high school that left his best friend Jason paraplegic. When Grant pulls the fiery red-head over for a traffic stop on her way into town, he vows to do whatever it takes to get Rayvin to hightail it out of Talbot permanently.
“Whatever damage she had done in the past, whatever she was running from now, she would not do more on his watch.”
Vampire Malcolm de Sade was thwarted in his quest to make beautiful witch Charlotte Fanning his bride. Now that he’s been freed from the underground cage that Charlotte and her man Pike Mahonen placed him in, Malcolm is out for revenge. He crafts a plan that hinges on the acquisition of a powerful witch. If de Sade can’t have Charlotte, he’ll settle for the next best thing – Rayvin.
“It is really astounding that it hasn’t been tried in the past – for one of the undead to mate with a natural witch. But there is a time for every great idea.”
The distrust and dislike simmering between Grant and Rayvin quickly morphs into unexpected heat as the two are forced to work together to stop de Sade and save Talbot. Can the two come together long enough to stop de Sade or is tragedy unavoidable?
Paranormal romance is a weakness of mine so I went into Wind and Shadow wanting to love it. There was just something about the story that kept me from fully embracing it. Ridgewood originally introduced the town of Talbot and its world of witchcraft and vampires in a prequel novella Mist and Midnight (part of the Midnight Thirst anthology). I did not read the novella before hoping into this series and I think that may have impacted the overall story for me. There were several scenes and character interactions that I felt lacked depth and I’m not sure if the novella would have provided the background I felt was missing. Every time the story jumped from focusing on Rayvin and Grant to small interactions between Charlotte and Pike, I became distracted. I have no history with Charlotte and Pike (the couple focused on in the novella) and it was hard for me to tie their brief scenes into the main plot. I assume both characters will be making a stronger appearance in the second book of this trilogy.
I also had issue with the overall timetable of Wind and Shadow. Rayvin returns to Talbot on October 28th. In a span of three to four days, two people who loathe each other become willing to die for each other, a logical man quickly embraces that the paranormal exits, there’s an epic battle, and a potential pregnancy. That is A LOT of story crammed into a teeny tiny timeframe. Wind and Shadow ends with a cliff-hanger, leaving more than a few questions unanswered.
For paranormal romance fans I would say give Wind and Shadow a try but read the prequel novella Mist and Midnight first. I will make sure that I read it before jumping into Blood and Fire: Book Two of The Talbot Trilogy.
Happy reading.
October 24, 2013
Rayvin Woods never thought she would have to come back to the place of her childhood. She left Talbot in a hurry after being accused but acquitted of attempted murder. Now after some harrowing circumstances she has no choice but to return to a place she knows she wont be welcomed.
Grant Michaels is the best friend of the person Rayvin was accused of hurting. He is an officer now and a pillar of the community. He has always pined for Rayvin since high school. Even though he knows he should hate her, he finds himself drawn to her.
Malcolm de Sade had been imprisoned but finally has escaped. He is fixated on a certain girl but wants Rayvin to be his as well. He has a plan that involves her and will do anything to get his way. He is handsome (when he wants to be), blood thirsty and evil but still Rayvin feels drawn to him.
The second Rayvin comes back to Talbot things start happening. Between sink holes, animals dying and people missing, the town of Talbot suspect Rayvin. She has always been different and they call her witch. Rayvin knows the truth and must fight to keep her loved ones safe.
Ok, I went into this not knowing anything about this. The author approached me to review it and once I saw it was about witches I jumped at the chance. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it.
The plot is fast paced. Once Rayvin gets to Talbot things keep happening. There's was times when I was reading it that I couldn't put it down because I had to see what happened.
Rayvin was an awesome character. Strong, sure and capable, she is well able to look after herself. She knows not alot of people will welcome her back but keeps her chin up because she knows what really happened that night. She has had a hard time since she left but she hasn't let it affect her. She is proud to be a witch.
Grant was my favourite. He is strong, handsome, kind and someone you want on your side. He has liked Rayvin since high school and has many a dream about her. The sexual chemistry between him and Rayvin was Hawt!!!! Both feel the pull and both fantasize about each other but will they do anything about it??
Overall I really liked Wind and Shadow. Its a strong start to the trilogy. It was fast paced and well written. The author wasn't afraid to play with our emotions. At times I was reading it and going NOO that cant happen, but it does!! I loved that the author took the risk and did things to certain characters that wasn't expected. It paid off. I will definitely check out book 2 to see what happens.
Recommend for 18+ because of language and sexual situations.
Grant Michaels is the best friend of the person Rayvin was accused of hurting. He is an officer now and a pillar of the community. He has always pined for Rayvin since high school. Even though he knows he should hate her, he finds himself drawn to her.
Malcolm de Sade had been imprisoned but finally has escaped. He is fixated on a certain girl but wants Rayvin to be his as well. He has a plan that involves her and will do anything to get his way. He is handsome (when he wants to be), blood thirsty and evil but still Rayvin feels drawn to him.
The second Rayvin comes back to Talbot things start happening. Between sink holes, animals dying and people missing, the town of Talbot suspect Rayvin. She has always been different and they call her witch. Rayvin knows the truth and must fight to keep her loved ones safe.
Ok, I went into this not knowing anything about this. The author approached me to review it and once I saw it was about witches I jumped at the chance. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it.
The plot is fast paced. Once Rayvin gets to Talbot things keep happening. There's was times when I was reading it that I couldn't put it down because I had to see what happened.
Rayvin was an awesome character. Strong, sure and capable, she is well able to look after herself. She knows not alot of people will welcome her back but keeps her chin up because she knows what really happened that night. She has had a hard time since she left but she hasn't let it affect her. She is proud to be a witch.
Grant was my favourite. He is strong, handsome, kind and someone you want on your side. He has liked Rayvin since high school and has many a dream about her. The sexual chemistry between him and Rayvin was Hawt!!!! Both feel the pull and both fantasize about each other but will they do anything about it??
Overall I really liked Wind and Shadow. Its a strong start to the trilogy. It was fast paced and well written. The author wasn't afraid to play with our emotions. At times I was reading it and going NOO that cant happen, but it does!! I loved that the author took the risk and did things to certain characters that wasn't expected. It paid off. I will definitely check out book 2 to see what happens.
Recommend for 18+ because of language and sexual situations.
December 2, 2013
Wind and Shadow
Wind and Shadow, book one of the Talbot trilogy by Tori Ridgewood is a fast paced paranormal thriller with chunks of all kinds of sexy romance thrown into the mix. Wind and Shadow follows twenty-eight year old Rayvin Woods, photographer and natural witch as she heads back to the hometown she left ten years prior.
Ostracized and branded an attempted murdered, Rayvin left and never looked back until life brought her back to where it all started.
I really enjoyed this book. Ridgewood did a nice job of creating Rayvin. I felt for her character so much during the course of the story. Rayvin went through so much when she was younger, which we get to see parts of through flashbacks and even now her life is far from perfect. Outside of her best friend and foster sister Andrea, not one person in Talbot is happy to see her.
Except for maybe Grant Michaels, though he doesn’t really show that in the beginning. The attraction between Rayvin and Grant lights up the pages. Ridgewood did an amazing job of letting us know what was going on in both Rayvin and Grants heads. We get to see that despite the fact that they are constantly arguing and being rude to each other they also genuinely care about one another.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was how it dove right into things. There were no filler pages just awesome plot and supernatural happenings. One character I didn’t at all was Jason and with good reason. He was terrible and he only got worse as the book progressed. Outside of my hate for Jason I was so incredibly enthralled with what was happening and with Rayvin’s witch heritage.
Wind and Shadow was actually one of the first books where I felt like the witches could actually exist. The rituals and codes that Rayvin followed was so much like modern day wicca with the casting of the circles and the nature based meditation. It was so cool!
I was a little shocked with the way the book ended and with the darker aspects of the book, but I can absolutely see how they make sense. My emotions were all over the place while reading this book, but one thing was constant and that was how bad I felt for Rayvin. Throughout the whole story the poor girl kept getting the short end of the stick and that stinks.
I’m really hoping that changes in the second book of this series and we get to see Rayvin win a few rounds. All in all I really enjoyed this book and I’d definitely recommend it to my fellow paranormal romance lovers.
Wind and Shadow, book one of the Talbot trilogy by Tori Ridgewood is a fast paced paranormal thriller with chunks of all kinds of sexy romance thrown into the mix. Wind and Shadow follows twenty-eight year old Rayvin Woods, photographer and natural witch as she heads back to the hometown she left ten years prior.
Ostracized and branded an attempted murdered, Rayvin left and never looked back until life brought her back to where it all started.
I really enjoyed this book. Ridgewood did a nice job of creating Rayvin. I felt for her character so much during the course of the story. Rayvin went through so much when she was younger, which we get to see parts of through flashbacks and even now her life is far from perfect. Outside of her best friend and foster sister Andrea, not one person in Talbot is happy to see her.
Except for maybe Grant Michaels, though he doesn’t really show that in the beginning. The attraction between Rayvin and Grant lights up the pages. Ridgewood did an amazing job of letting us know what was going on in both Rayvin and Grants heads. We get to see that despite the fact that they are constantly arguing and being rude to each other they also genuinely care about one another.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was how it dove right into things. There were no filler pages just awesome plot and supernatural happenings. One character I didn’t at all was Jason and with good reason. He was terrible and he only got worse as the book progressed. Outside of my hate for Jason I was so incredibly enthralled with what was happening and with Rayvin’s witch heritage.
Wind and Shadow was actually one of the first books where I felt like the witches could actually exist. The rituals and codes that Rayvin followed was so much like modern day wicca with the casting of the circles and the nature based meditation. It was so cool!
I was a little shocked with the way the book ended and with the darker aspects of the book, but I can absolutely see how they make sense. My emotions were all over the place while reading this book, but one thing was constant and that was how bad I felt for Rayvin. Throughout the whole story the poor girl kept getting the short end of the stick and that stinks.
I’m really hoping that changes in the second book of this series and we get to see Rayvin win a few rounds. All in all I really enjoyed this book and I’d definitely recommend it to my fellow paranormal romance lovers.
November 3, 2013
Wind and Shadow: The Talbot Trilogy Book One
By Tori L. Ridgewood
Kindle ASIN B00DYCH64Y, $5.99
Ridgewood weaves a compelling urban fantasy of love, witchcraft and the awakening of the undead in Wind and Shadow. I found her voice to be compelling and the storyline interesting enough to keep me turning the pages wondering what would happen next. There were many events in this book that I didn’t see coming and I really liked that – I enjoy a book that doesn’t fall into predictable patterns.
Rayvin Woods, the heroine of the story is capable and competent with just enough vulnerability to make her thoroughly likeable. She is returning to a hometown that thinks her an attempted murderess who has gotten away with her crime. It’s been more than ten years since Rayvin turned her back on that town, but now she returns home only to find her hometown on the brink of disaster and herself as one of the only things capable of standing in the way of the evil plans that have been laid for the town and its residents.
Grant Micheals has had enough of Rayvin Woods to last a lifetime. Although she was his high school crush, she always ignored him and when she was accused of the attempted murder of his best friend, Grant cuts off any emotions he feels toward her. Grant, grown now is in law enforcement and when he sees Rayvin driving into town he pulls her over. From the first moments of their encounter, electricity sizzles between them, but can Grant overcome everything he thinks he knows about Rayvin to discover the treasure she really is? Will he discover it in time or will the evil rushing toward the small town of Talbot encompass both of them changing them forever and tearing them apart.
I loved this urban fantasy. It was refreshing, even with the vampires, maybe because they represent so many things in the story. I found the storyline to be compelling and most of the characters to be well defined and well rounded. There were a few more I wish had been fleshed out a little more, for example the best friend of Rayvin, but I understood the need to keep such definition to the main characters in what promises to be an interesting and compelling trilogy. I would recommend Wind and Shadow to readers of urban fantasy, vampire stories, horror stories, paranormal romance and really just about anyone looking for a refreshing read. I can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy!
By Tori L. Ridgewood
Kindle ASIN B00DYCH64Y, $5.99
Ridgewood weaves a compelling urban fantasy of love, witchcraft and the awakening of the undead in Wind and Shadow. I found her voice to be compelling and the storyline interesting enough to keep me turning the pages wondering what would happen next. There were many events in this book that I didn’t see coming and I really liked that – I enjoy a book that doesn’t fall into predictable patterns.
Rayvin Woods, the heroine of the story is capable and competent with just enough vulnerability to make her thoroughly likeable. She is returning to a hometown that thinks her an attempted murderess who has gotten away with her crime. It’s been more than ten years since Rayvin turned her back on that town, but now she returns home only to find her hometown on the brink of disaster and herself as one of the only things capable of standing in the way of the evil plans that have been laid for the town and its residents.
Grant Micheals has had enough of Rayvin Woods to last a lifetime. Although she was his high school crush, she always ignored him and when she was accused of the attempted murder of his best friend, Grant cuts off any emotions he feels toward her. Grant, grown now is in law enforcement and when he sees Rayvin driving into town he pulls her over. From the first moments of their encounter, electricity sizzles between them, but can Grant overcome everything he thinks he knows about Rayvin to discover the treasure she really is? Will he discover it in time or will the evil rushing toward the small town of Talbot encompass both of them changing them forever and tearing them apart.
I loved this urban fantasy. It was refreshing, even with the vampires, maybe because they represent so many things in the story. I found the storyline to be compelling and most of the characters to be well defined and well rounded. There were a few more I wish had been fleshed out a little more, for example the best friend of Rayvin, but I understood the need to keep such definition to the main characters in what promises to be an interesting and compelling trilogy. I would recommend Wind and Shadow to readers of urban fantasy, vampire stories, horror stories, paranormal romance and really just about anyone looking for a refreshing read. I can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy!
October 11, 2013
It has been known to take me a month or more to get through one book, but it took me just 3 days to devour this one. I really couldn't put it down! Tori's writing style is so fluid and engaging that you get drawn in immediately and have to really force yourself to stop reading, so that you can do other things. Nothing else mattered for those 3 days and when I reached the end I practically screamed "Why have you stopped?!" The cliffhanger is not a bad thing because I will most definitely be waiting impatiently for the moment book 2 is published, so that I can read on. But, at the same time, I was incensed that I would have to wait for the next book. I didn't want it to end.
The story follows Rayvin, a young witch, as she desperately tries to start afresh in her old home town. She knows that it will be extremely difficult and that she's likely to get more than an icy reception from those who remember her from ten years earlier, but she has very few options. She hopes that with her best friend Andrea's help she can build a new life for herself (and her cat) and then run away again as soon as she can afford to, although she keeps that last bit from Andrea.
But from the minute she drives into the small town, strange things begin to happen and naturally she is blamed for them all. She fights to prove her innocence and discover what is really going on, while everyone, including her old school crush, Grant, points the finger at her.
Throughout her struggle she finds herself encountering Grant time and again. With each encounter they both feel their attraction towards each other, but neither trusts the other. Even once they give in to the passion, they still mistrust each other and argue. Can they ever be together properly?
Even Rayvin herself struggles to believe what is happening in the town, how can she convince Grant that vampires really exist, that two people they love are now vampires, and that the Lead Vampire wants her for himself?
This story pulls you in every direction, emotions flying everywhere, and leaves you begging for more. There's some romance (and a few naughty bits), a lot of scary stuff, a bit of gore, sadness, tension, hope, and some disorienting moments, too. An absolute must-read, especially in the run-up to Halloween!
The story follows Rayvin, a young witch, as she desperately tries to start afresh in her old home town. She knows that it will be extremely difficult and that she's likely to get more than an icy reception from those who remember her from ten years earlier, but she has very few options. She hopes that with her best friend Andrea's help she can build a new life for herself (and her cat) and then run away again as soon as she can afford to, although she keeps that last bit from Andrea.
But from the minute she drives into the small town, strange things begin to happen and naturally she is blamed for them all. She fights to prove her innocence and discover what is really going on, while everyone, including her old school crush, Grant, points the finger at her.
Throughout her struggle she finds herself encountering Grant time and again. With each encounter they both feel their attraction towards each other, but neither trusts the other. Even once they give in to the passion, they still mistrust each other and argue. Can they ever be together properly?
Even Rayvin herself struggles to believe what is happening in the town, how can she convince Grant that vampires really exist, that two people they love are now vampires, and that the Lead Vampire wants her for himself?
This story pulls you in every direction, emotions flying everywhere, and leaves you begging for more. There's some romance (and a few naughty bits), a lot of scary stuff, a bit of gore, sadness, tension, hope, and some disorienting moments, too. An absolute must-read, especially in the run-up to Halloween!
December 11, 2013
**Review written for an originally posted on my blog, Book Bliss. I received a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review**
Review: 5 stars
General: This book absolutely had it all! Hot steamy scenes, characters to get behind, a plot that had you page turning and an evil that actually felt evil! The descriptions in this book had m sucked in literally from the first page. For one of the first times I didn’t care that there was so much information being held back from me. I was far to focused on the heat and intensity flaring between Ravyin and Grant to even care that I wasn’t being told the whole story until it became to hard to sidestep not saying it.
The story did unfold a bit slower than I really liked. I felt there was a ton of focus on the descriptions and chemistry and it both helped and hindered. It took me quite a while to realize how slow the actually story was moving but damn if it didn’t make these two perhaps my favorite couple in a long time. Once the story got going it was fully focused on the story and the chemistry stopped over shadowing as the evil was truly malevolent and disturbing to read.
Characters: Ravyin- Ravyin is hands down one of my favorite females. She has had a life from hell and not only did she run away, but she came back and she came back fighting. The tension between her and Grant from their past and present lives was amazing to read. She was feisty and strong willed and so out of control in her own skin that it was awesome to read and see her grow into her own, even as a 29 year old.
Grant Michaels- Grant was a love em or leave em character to me. He was one contradiction after the next and I lvoed being inside his head during it. Love or loyalty? His fight was present throughout the entire book and man did it make him an asshole sometimes. I loved it because I wanted to slap him for his stupidity sometimes and it made it so much better when he finally let go.
Review: 5 stars
General: This book absolutely had it all! Hot steamy scenes, characters to get behind, a plot that had you page turning and an evil that actually felt evil! The descriptions in this book had m sucked in literally from the first page. For one of the first times I didn’t care that there was so much information being held back from me. I was far to focused on the heat and intensity flaring between Ravyin and Grant to even care that I wasn’t being told the whole story until it became to hard to sidestep not saying it.
The story did unfold a bit slower than I really liked. I felt there was a ton of focus on the descriptions and chemistry and it both helped and hindered. It took me quite a while to realize how slow the actually story was moving but damn if it didn’t make these two perhaps my favorite couple in a long time. Once the story got going it was fully focused on the story and the chemistry stopped over shadowing as the evil was truly malevolent and disturbing to read.
Characters: Ravyin- Ravyin is hands down one of my favorite females. She has had a life from hell and not only did she run away, but she came back and she came back fighting. The tension between her and Grant from their past and present lives was amazing to read. She was feisty and strong willed and so out of control in her own skin that it was awesome to read and see her grow into her own, even as a 29 year old.
Grant Michaels- Grant was a love em or leave em character to me. He was one contradiction after the next and I lvoed being inside his head during it. Love or loyalty? His fight was present throughout the entire book and man did it make him an asshole sometimes. I loved it because I wanted to slap him for his stupidity sometimes and it made it so much better when he finally let go.
June 30, 2014
Posted on Gin's Book Notes-- http://ginsbooknotes.com
Wind and Shadow is an adult paranormal mystery suspense with a lot of action. The book is very well written, the story is engaging, and the characters are a complex blend of emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and baggage.
Rayvin Woods, is a natural witch returning to her home town in hopes of starting over. She is strong and secure in who she is as a witch however her past seems to weigh her down. She struggles to reconcile her past with her future and that struggle is a weakness that evil can and will use against her.
Grant Michaels, oh, poor Grant! He is the perfect but misguided hero. He has what he believes to be the truth firmly sealed in his mind and heart and is stubborn and resistant to change even when the proof is right in front of his eyes.
Malcolm de Sade is the charming, nasty, non-sparkly, vampire of old. He is vile and scary and at the same time completely fascinating. He is exactly what a vampire should be and in keeping with his classic vampire roots he is working to build his army of minions but in a completely evil yet charming way.
I really liked this book. I enjoyed the characters and the story. There are a few spots where the language gets really rough. It is mostly restricted to one scene and the language fits the character who is speaking them and it made me hate him even more. Wind and Shadow is the first book in The Talbot Trilogy and at the end of it you are eager to find out what will happen next; which I believe is a huge compliment to the author. I am really looking forward to finding out how Rayvin handles her future, what other evil plans Malcolm de Sade can come up with, and what will happen when Pike and Charlotte return to Talbot.
—Excited and waiting for book 2 of The Talbot Trilogy.
Wind and Shadow is an adult paranormal mystery suspense with a lot of action. The book is very well written, the story is engaging, and the characters are a complex blend of emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and baggage.
Rayvin Woods, is a natural witch returning to her home town in hopes of starting over. She is strong and secure in who she is as a witch however her past seems to weigh her down. She struggles to reconcile her past with her future and that struggle is a weakness that evil can and will use against her.
Grant Michaels, oh, poor Grant! He is the perfect but misguided hero. He has what he believes to be the truth firmly sealed in his mind and heart and is stubborn and resistant to change even when the proof is right in front of his eyes.
Malcolm de Sade is the charming, nasty, non-sparkly, vampire of old. He is vile and scary and at the same time completely fascinating. He is exactly what a vampire should be and in keeping with his classic vampire roots he is working to build his army of minions but in a completely evil yet charming way.
I really liked this book. I enjoyed the characters and the story. There are a few spots where the language gets really rough. It is mostly restricted to one scene and the language fits the character who is speaking them and it made me hate him even more. Wind and Shadow is the first book in The Talbot Trilogy and at the end of it you are eager to find out what will happen next; which I believe is a huge compliment to the author. I am really looking forward to finding out how Rayvin handles her future, what other evil plans Malcolm de Sade can come up with, and what will happen when Pike and Charlotte return to Talbot.
—Excited and waiting for book 2 of The Talbot Trilogy.
December 17, 2013
Action-packed paranormal/urban fantasy and great start to a new trilogy.
WIND AND SHADOW by Tori L. Ridgewood is more than just your typical paranormal romance – it’s suspenseful with a mystery that will keep you on the edge as some surprises come to light.
Rayvin Woods, a natural witch, has returned to town after ten years away and her welcome is not altogether a good one especially when she learns there’s a vampire on the loose. And wow, what a villainous, evil vampire Malcom de Sade is. But Rayvin has even more problems awaiting her than the contemptuous bad guy ever. She has to deal with Grant Michaels whose hate for her is sealed in a false truth that makes him the most misguided of heroes.
WIND AND SHADOW, book one of the Talbot Trilogy by Tori L. Ridgewood is most definitely action-packed, exciting, as well as complicated with its many twists. There were a couple of times, when the story slowed a bit but it actually allows you to catch your breath and get ready for more. I would like to have known more about Rayvin and Grant’s history but I understand there’s only so much time for everything and with everything else that happens in this first book, perhaps we can catch up with their backstory later. Of course, I’m looking forward to Charlotte and Pike from MIST AND MIDNIGHT returning to town. I suggest you all catch up with this novella that started it all.
Tori definitely knows how to write great characters and I’m eager to read more of this exciting trilogy so I’m going to certainly recommend WIND AND SHADOW by Tori L. Ridgewood to everyone who enjoys a truly exciting, and adult paranormal romance with a lot of excellent urban fantasy attributes.
***eCopy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
WIND AND SHADOW by Tori L. Ridgewood is more than just your typical paranormal romance – it’s suspenseful with a mystery that will keep you on the edge as some surprises come to light.
Rayvin Woods, a natural witch, has returned to town after ten years away and her welcome is not altogether a good one especially when she learns there’s a vampire on the loose. And wow, what a villainous, evil vampire Malcom de Sade is. But Rayvin has even more problems awaiting her than the contemptuous bad guy ever. She has to deal with Grant Michaels whose hate for her is sealed in a false truth that makes him the most misguided of heroes.
WIND AND SHADOW, book one of the Talbot Trilogy by Tori L. Ridgewood is most definitely action-packed, exciting, as well as complicated with its many twists. There were a couple of times, when the story slowed a bit but it actually allows you to catch your breath and get ready for more. I would like to have known more about Rayvin and Grant’s history but I understand there’s only so much time for everything and with everything else that happens in this first book, perhaps we can catch up with their backstory later. Of course, I’m looking forward to Charlotte and Pike from MIST AND MIDNIGHT returning to town. I suggest you all catch up with this novella that started it all.
Tori definitely knows how to write great characters and I’m eager to read more of this exciting trilogy so I’m going to certainly recommend WIND AND SHADOW by Tori L. Ridgewood to everyone who enjoys a truly exciting, and adult paranormal romance with a lot of excellent urban fantasy attributes.
***eCopy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
November 16, 2013
The good:
Rayvin is an intriguing character. I always like characters that have been roughed up by life and Rayvin fits the bill. I was immediately drawn in to her story and wanted to find out why she was on the move, coming back home after so many years had passed by. Her relationship with the old friend/turned enemy Grant Michaels is a tumultuous one (to say the least) but there was a lot of passion and sexual tension between them. Grant’s appearance further peaked my interest in Rayvin’s history.
The not so good:
Sadly, about halfway through the book, I lost interest. Rayvin was still wonderful, but I had a hard time reconciling how quickly Grant and her relationship changed. I also had a really hard time with the sudden change of events regarding her best friend (trying not to give away spoilers here!). I just felt like the plot twisted too much for me to stay onboard.
On another note, while I liked Grant, I wondered how realistic his relationship with his best friend was. If Grant is so intuitive, how did he maintain such a blinded relationship without knowing all of the facts behind his hatred for Rayvin? It didn’t make much sense to me.
That being said, I think folks who like the ParaRom genre would do well to pick this book up and give it a fair chance. Ridgewood is a talented writer and offers up a fresh addition to the Paranormal scene. I give Wind and Shadow 3 out of 5 stars.
Rayvin is an intriguing character. I always like characters that have been roughed up by life and Rayvin fits the bill. I was immediately drawn in to her story and wanted to find out why she was on the move, coming back home after so many years had passed by. Her relationship with the old friend/turned enemy Grant Michaels is a tumultuous one (to say the least) but there was a lot of passion and sexual tension between them. Grant’s appearance further peaked my interest in Rayvin’s history.
The not so good:
Sadly, about halfway through the book, I lost interest. Rayvin was still wonderful, but I had a hard time reconciling how quickly Grant and her relationship changed. I also had a really hard time with the sudden change of events regarding her best friend (trying not to give away spoilers here!). I just felt like the plot twisted too much for me to stay onboard.
On another note, while I liked Grant, I wondered how realistic his relationship with his best friend was. If Grant is so intuitive, how did he maintain such a blinded relationship without knowing all of the facts behind his hatred for Rayvin? It didn’t make much sense to me.
That being said, I think folks who like the ParaRom genre would do well to pick this book up and give it a fair chance. Ridgewood is a talented writer and offers up a fresh addition to the Paranormal scene. I give Wind and Shadow 3 out of 5 stars.
December 20, 2013
After leaving Talbot when she was a teenager under a black cloud, Rayvin Woods thought she’d never step foot back into town. Now circumstances have made it so she has to return and thankfully, she has Andrea – her only friend in Talbot – she can lean on. As soon as Rayvin drives into Talbot, she’s pulled over by none other than Grant Michaels, the boy she had a crush on so long ago and who hates her with all his heart for her past. Little do they know, the construction around town has freed a vampire who was imprisoned a year ago by another witch, Charlotte, and who longs for another witch’s life – Rayvin’s. Will Grant and Rayvin be able to come to terms with their feelings to fight the evil which threatens them all? Overall, I enjoyed ‘Wind and Shadow’. I liked Rayvin and her ability to keep her head held high in the face of adversity. I loved the overarching story, learning about Rayvin’s history, the more traditional vampires, natural witches, and the tension between Rayvin and Grant. Knowing this is the first book of the trilogy, I wish the story was more drawn out as everything in 'Wind and Shadow' happened in less than a week. The ending wasn’t what I expected, but it suited the story and piqued my interest in reading the next book in the trilogy.
September 24, 2013
Rayvin left her home town ten years ago with her head held high, but her heart in tatters. She was accused, but not found guilty, of attempted murder. She is coming to aid her best friend and foster sister rejuvenate the small town of Talbot. Old prejudices die hard, new prejudices form as unexplained tragedies are happening around town, just after her arrival.
Rayvin is in a very difficult situation. She has been unjustly condemned by the town, yet is in a position to save the town from the grasp of a vampire. She has formed a tenuous alliance with the police officer she crushed on in high school. The attraction is mutual and it doesn't take long for their attraction to turn into something more than admiring from a distance. She is having a hard time trusting him, because it was his best friend that she was accused of attempted murder. They both need to overcome hurt feelings and work together.
This is a very interesting book. I was caught up in the story fairly easily. It is easy to follow along and Tori L. Ridgewood does a great job of setting up the plot and follow through with action and emotion.
I would only recommend this book to readers 18+. There is strong sexual content and swearing.
Rayvin is in a very difficult situation. She has been unjustly condemned by the town, yet is in a position to save the town from the grasp of a vampire. She has formed a tenuous alliance with the police officer she crushed on in high school. The attraction is mutual and it doesn't take long for their attraction to turn into something more than admiring from a distance. She is having a hard time trusting him, because it was his best friend that she was accused of attempted murder. They both need to overcome hurt feelings and work together.
This is a very interesting book. I was caught up in the story fairly easily. It is easy to follow along and Tori L. Ridgewood does a great job of setting up the plot and follow through with action and emotion.
I would only recommend this book to readers 18+. There is strong sexual content and swearing.
June 14, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from the PR Agency in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This book was my little haven the last few days.
Rayvin oh beautiful Rayvin. I loved her. I felt sorry for her, being run out of her own town when she was so young and had no one else to go to. I found her witchcraft intriguing. It's different from most other witchcraft I have read about.
What did I think of Grant Michaels? Well to be honest I didn't like him very much. He believed his lying toe rag of a friend for years, he was extremely fickle. One minute he loved Rayvin the next he hated her. It was difficult to keep up.
de Sade was a very interesting character. You wanted to hate him for everything he's done but a little part of you also felt sorry for him. He'd been alone for so many years that you just wanted him to be happy.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a perfect mix of fantasy, paranormal and romance. I can't wait to read the others in the series and will be making space in my shelf for Tori's other books.
Rayvin oh beautiful Rayvin. I loved her. I felt sorry for her, being run out of her own town when she was so young and had no one else to go to. I found her witchcraft intriguing. It's different from most other witchcraft I have read about.
What did I think of Grant Michaels? Well to be honest I didn't like him very much. He believed his lying toe rag of a friend for years, he was extremely fickle. One minute he loved Rayvin the next he hated her. It was difficult to keep up.
de Sade was a very interesting character. You wanted to hate him for everything he's done but a little part of you also felt sorry for him. He'd been alone for so many years that you just wanted him to be happy.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a perfect mix of fantasy, paranormal and romance. I can't wait to read the others in the series and will be making space in my shelf for Tori's other books.
July 4, 2014
This was much different than what I expected at first. I expected something more romantic - with perhaps a HFN type of ending that fell apart in book two or something. That definitely didn't happen. In fact, there wasn't much happy in the ending at all. That being said, it definitely isn't a romance. It's all about a very very evil vampire trying to find his bride, a bride that doesn't want to be his.
It is a pretty good urban fantasy though. I really enjoyed the very traditional take on vampires and the Wiccan aspect of witchcraft. Out main character, Rayvin, is a blast. I loved her attitude and how much she cared about others, even when they didn't see to care about her. I didn't like what happened to some of the side characters and I really hope Ridgewood has a way to change what their path appears to be.
There is a love interest, Grant, but things don't seem to come together for them until later in the book. And as you know from the first paragraph of my review, it doesn't end well - at least not yet. I'll be picking up book two eventually. I sort of want to know how everything comes out next, the author definitely got me a little hooked.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/#sthas...
It is a pretty good urban fantasy though. I really enjoyed the very traditional take on vampires and the Wiccan aspect of witchcraft. Out main character, Rayvin, is a blast. I loved her attitude and how much she cared about others, even when they didn't see to care about her. I didn't like what happened to some of the side characters and I really hope Ridgewood has a way to change what their path appears to be.
There is a love interest, Grant, but things don't seem to come together for them until later in the book. And as you know from the first paragraph of my review, it doesn't end well - at least not yet. I'll be picking up book two eventually. I sort of want to know how everything comes out next, the author definitely got me a little hooked.
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/#sthas...
July 2, 2013
I was thoroughly enchanted with Wind and Shadow, the first installment of the Talbot Trilogy. The fragile witch Rayvin’s quest for a new start in the little town of Talbot was easy to empathize with…and just when I didn’t know if I liked her being quite so fragile, this witch showed her hidden strength, standing up to her ex-love Grant Michaels, an alpha male if there ever was one. The sparks fly as soon as these two characters are in a scene together…and being a romance, I couldn’t wait to see them finally get hot and sweaty together.
But then there was the third part of this love triangle…the mysterious yet sexy vampire Malcolm de Sade. Imprisoned by a witch and set free by accident, de Sade wreaks havoc on the small town of Talbot, making more of his kind to help him in his plot to take what he believes is his rightful place in the world. To do that, de Sade needs to create progeny with a powerful witch. As soon as he senses Rayvin is a witch, he begins pursuing her relentlessly, leading to a cat and mouse suspenseful thrill ride all the way to this book’s surprising conclusion. Looking forward to the sequel…and it can’t come fast enough!
But then there was the third part of this love triangle…the mysterious yet sexy vampire Malcolm de Sade. Imprisoned by a witch and set free by accident, de Sade wreaks havoc on the small town of Talbot, making more of his kind to help him in his plot to take what he believes is his rightful place in the world. To do that, de Sade needs to create progeny with a powerful witch. As soon as he senses Rayvin is a witch, he begins pursuing her relentlessly, leading to a cat and mouse suspenseful thrill ride all the way to this book’s surprising conclusion. Looking forward to the sequel…and it can’t come fast enough!
August 16, 2013
I loved this book. Rayvin is beautiful inside and out, loyal to those she loves, and strong and feisty even when she feels everything is against her. She is a survivor who comes back kicking and has a pure heart. Grant is a yummy piece of work with a chip on his shoulder who from page one I wanted to hit over the head with a very large phone-book and tell him to snap out of it and get over himself. This of course all makes for very entertaining reading because you know that as the terrible comes to town something has to be done and Rayvin and Grant are the ones who are going to have to do it. There is adventure, creepiness, and action that kept me very entertained, as well as some smexy to heat things up; all the elements I love in a good read. I am looking forward to the next installment, which on Amazon says it is going to be available January 2013, but I am taking a wild guess here thinking it will be 2014 - which cannot come too soon for my reading druthers. I won this book at a facebook party and while I have interacted with the author on this social network, I do not know her personally and this in no way affects my honest review of this work.
January 9, 2014
I recieved a copy of this book for an honest review
Rayvin has experienced alot of heartbreak and trauma than most people her age. Its not easy to have an entire town assume she is a murderer when she is very innocent. Rayvin is a witch with barely controlled pwers. Her mother passed away when she was a very young girl and Rayvin's training stopped with her death.
It doesnt help that her vindictive ex-boy6friend is stalking her and forces her to move back to the place she swore she would never return to. He is an evil vampire who was accidentally set from from the magical prison they put him and and he is on teh hunt for his mate. He has been plans and has his eyes set on Rayvin.
rayvin is also reunited with her old high schol love interest, Grant, who is not the town cop who ends up pulling her over. It does not take them long to return their passion and attraction for each other.
It does bother me that he still believes that she killed his best friend when everyone else believes she is innocent.
The book leaves us with a huge cliff hanger on the edge of your seat and can't wait to pick up the next book.
Rayvin has experienced alot of heartbreak and trauma than most people her age. Its not easy to have an entire town assume she is a murderer when she is very innocent. Rayvin is a witch with barely controlled pwers. Her mother passed away when she was a very young girl and Rayvin's training stopped with her death.
It doesnt help that her vindictive ex-boy6friend is stalking her and forces her to move back to the place she swore she would never return to. He is an evil vampire who was accidentally set from from the magical prison they put him and and he is on teh hunt for his mate. He has been plans and has his eyes set on Rayvin.
rayvin is also reunited with her old high schol love interest, Grant, who is not the town cop who ends up pulling her over. It does not take them long to return their passion and attraction for each other.
It does bother me that he still believes that she killed his best friend when everyone else believes she is innocent.
The book leaves us with a huge cliff hanger on the edge of your seat and can't wait to pick up the next book.
August 5, 2013
Rayvin Woods is returning to her home town, Talbot, accompanied by her cat, Samantha. It is not an easy homecoming. She left under a cloud. The man she cared about, Grant Michaels, believed she was a murderer. And, as if that isn’t enough, unbeknownst to her a vampire has been released from his underground prison and she is the only one who can save the town.
A lot of vampire books fail in the ability to make the reader suspend disbelief. Half the time because they try to make vampires sexy instead of the vile monsters they are. Ridgewood’s vampire is thoroughly evil. I like that. And I liked the introduction where he lies trapped, dreaming of escape.
The story is really well-written, which is what I have come to expect from this author. It hangs together well and the characters are really well-drawn. I especially liked Samantha and spent half the book on tenterhooks worrying about her.
If you haven’t read Tori Ridgewood yet, I strongly advise you to do so. She is really something special. I’m so glad to know there are at least another two books on the way.
A lot of vampire books fail in the ability to make the reader suspend disbelief. Half the time because they try to make vampires sexy instead of the vile monsters they are. Ridgewood’s vampire is thoroughly evil. I like that. And I liked the introduction where he lies trapped, dreaming of escape.
The story is really well-written, which is what I have come to expect from this author. It hangs together well and the characters are really well-drawn. I especially liked Samantha and spent half the book on tenterhooks worrying about her.
If you haven’t read Tori Ridgewood yet, I strongly advise you to do so. She is really something special. I’m so glad to know there are at least another two books on the way.
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