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Marrying Bluebeard

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“A husband worth having would listen when I tell him the milliner’s deceased wife is staring at us through the bedroom window.”

Adelaide Brindamour is dreading the thought of a husband. That he won’t understand her “special abilities” goes without saying. When a mysterious, blue-bearded gentleman appears at Madame Gossard’s summer house party, however, the thought of matrimony starts to sound rather tempting. But when a whirlwind love affair turns into a daring elopement, Adelaide may find herself in for a bit more mystery—and murder—than she was prepared for.

Bridgerton meets Bluebeard in this gothic twist on Grimm's bloody tale of the infamous, blue-bearded villain and his castle.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

2 people are currently reading
98 people want to read

About the author

E.P. Stavs

14 books113 followers
Author of romance and magic.

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5 stars
41 (56%)
4 stars
21 (28%)
3 stars
8 (10%)
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2 (2%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Jennie Damron.
658 reviews78 followers
October 27, 2024
I never even heard of this book until a couple of days ago when watching a Gothic books recommendation video on booktube. I love Bluebeard retellings and couldn't pass this book up. I enjoyed the Gothic vibes and atmosphere the story provided. I liked Adelaide and Bertrand but my favorite was the ghost cat named Whisper. I would have liked for the story to be a bit longer but that is just a personal preference. The story while short was well thought out. So glad I read this book. Perfect spooky/creepy read.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,475 reviews381 followers
February 18, 2024
Marrying Bluebeard is a great blend of gothic historical, horror, and romance all rolled into one fun read.

I admit, I didn't know too much about the original Bluebeard fairytale, so I did some reading after finishing this book to see what the original story was all about. Knowing that now, I think the author did a great job twisting Bluebeard into her own original story while adding some new elements to make this story unique and fresh.

I loved Adelaide (and also her cool sister!). I thought she was written very well. Most of the book is from her POV, but we do get chapters and a section just from Bertrand, her mysterious new husband and Bluebeard. There are ghosts, vampires, witchcraft, and if you're like me, you won't be able to put this one down.

And you'll fall in love with Whisper!

I received a copy from the author. My thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Laura.
10 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2023
Immersive and captivating, this dark gothic romance weaves a spellbinding tale inspired by Bluebeard. The unexpected charm of the ghost cat, Whisper, added a unique touch to the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere which I particularly enjoyed (what’s not to love about a super loyal and surprisingly fierce ghost cat?!). I admit I have a soft spot for stories where the villain/monster finds love, and Marrying Bluebeard’s dark allure makes it a true page-turner. This was the first book I have read from this author and I have already picked out several more that I am excited to read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Hayley Chow.
Author 12 books136 followers
December 8, 2023
Okay, so I'm a fan of all of E.P Stavs' books, but I think this is one of my favorite of hers. (If not *the* favorite - it's honestly hard to choose.) As usual, her quick writing style and banter-tastic characters drew me in from page one. This one's a dark, spicy love story, and I can say for sure, that I had no idea how it was going to turn out for Adelaide and Bertrand, but I was hooked for the whole fast-paced ride. This was like a paranormal, engrossing twist of Jane Eyre and Bluebeard with huge "I would burn the world down for you" vibes. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a paranormal gothic tale with a spicy, dark romance.
Profile Image for Amanda.
Author 11 books37 followers
January 4, 2024
This dark, gothic romance puts a fresh spin on the tale of Bluebeard. I loved how the paranormal elements were woven throughout the story (from ghosts to vampires). I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fairytale retelling with vampires and spice. Though, be warned, this book is spicy (but those scenes can easily be skimmed over or skipped if that's not your forte, but you still want to check it out).

*I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Angela Pearse.
Author 16 books83 followers
April 9, 2025
Adelaide impulsively elopes with a mysterious blue-bearded man she meets at a house party, then discovers he's keeping some deep dark secrets. And one of them is kept locked up in the north tower of his castle.

I was captivated from the first chapter by this reimagining of the Grimm Brothers fairytale 'Bluebeard', which I wasn't familiar with before I started reading. I checked it out afterwards, and in hindsight it was probably a good thing, as I was blissfully ignorant of what Bluebeard did to all his wives.

This is a cautionary tale for young women to get to know their partners first, in case there are any huge red flags. Unfortunately for feisty Adelaide, the red flags only start appearing after she runs away with Bluebeard, which makes for a fun ride.

I thought author did a great job of weaving in romance, spice, suspense and paranormal elements. There's also a very cool ghost cat called Whisper who plays an important role in the story. Highly recommend this one if you like paranormal or fantasy romances with gothic vibes!
Profile Image for Cat Bowser.
Author 6 books43 followers
December 13, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

First off, there’s a ghost cat. That immediately gets you ten cool points. And the cat heads to a lot of revelations about this world and how it works. The paranormal elements blend into the plot so well.

Then there’s Adelaide. She is such a joy to read. While she has spunk and spirit, she absolutely is believable in the world the author has created. On that same note, her sister is a pleasure. I love their interactions and even though Julian presents an antagonist force, I enjoyed him too!

Then there’s the infamous Bluebeard. I love how the darker elements of the origin tale are all here but you can also see a gentleness, a mysterious caller with more than meets the eye. It makes for a deliciously gothic story that doesn’t go how you think but is wonderfully satisfying.
Profile Image for judy.
578 reviews6 followers
February 4, 2024
If you like books with a twist then this is for you. It is definitely a love story but it is dark. It involves ghosts, witches and vampires with a twist. One vampire is very evil and the catalyst for the craziness of what happens to Bertrand and eventually to Adelaide. They both are very different from others since they both can see and talk with ghosts. In the end husband and wife shares many similarities between them. They learn to use the evil Celeste for their own good. I enjoyed reading this book very much I’m. It is a very dark sexy love story that ends with a twist.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,092 reviews51 followers
February 12, 2024
Adelaide meets Bertrand at a country house party. She's there with her sister Marguerite, her brother Julien and other brothers. She is immediately intrigued by him, even though she's being pushed by her family to Miles, another young gentleman at the party. Their host tries to match them up though and she might be successful.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the story but it's very good. The writing is well done and kept me turning the pages! The book was a little longer than it needed to be, in my opinion. This was a new to me author and I would read another book by them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Babeslovebooks.
366 reviews14 followers
April 5, 2024
This was such a fun and exciting gothic romance! There’s mystery. There’s romance. There’s ghosts. And there’s a cute cat. This was a quick read that grabs you from the start and holds you until you finish. Read this book!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Holland.
Author 11 books105 followers
March 4, 2024
Oh, what a fantastic gothic romance. Like others have said, Marrying Bluebeard has Bridgerton and Jane Eyre vibes. I loved the gothic scenery and descriptions - the interior of the tower was simply wonderful for the imagination! The romance is spicy and from the second we met Bluebeard I wanted Adelaide to end up with him.

With vampires and ghosts, this book is sure to keep you turning the pages! Another fantastic read from E. P. Stavs and I’m counting down until her next release!
Profile Image for M.E. Aster.
Author 4 books50 followers
February 21, 2024
I have been waiting for this book and it did not disappoint. Stavs cements her place as one of my favorite authors with her newest release.

Filled with romance, vampires, forbidden love, and so much more, this book ticked every box for me. I could hardly put it down, and considering I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump that is saying a lot.

I loved everything about this book; the pacing, the tension, the ghost cat!

Kudos Stavs on another great story and I can wait for what you write next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
10 reviews11 followers
July 6, 2025
I was looking for a retelling of Bluebeard and I have to say, this delivered! Bluebeard is one of my favorite fairy tales, and this was a really well thought out adaptation of it. The relationship between Bertrand and Adelaide was believable and very sexy where it needed to be, with the two of them being bound together by their shared ability to see and understand ghosts. It was short and sweet, with a plot that moved swiftly while also giving the characters some time to breathe, delivering exactly the emotional punch I'd hoped it would. I read it in about two hours, so it's the perfect book to read on a cool autumn night shortly before Halloween, possibly with a cup of apple cider. (I would advise against adding blue food coloring to it...unless?)

I'm giving it 4.5 stars, with my only quibbles being (1) I feel like it could have used a little more editing; I noticed a few typos here and there, (2) The language can be very modern, which sometimes drew me out of it. I was able to handle it as a fairy tale retelling in a nineteenth century setting, but not necessarily as a historical fiction novel, so if you're a stickler for accuracy, this might not be the place, and (3) I thought that, while it's eerie in some places, I would have, on a personal level, liked a little bit more atmosphere and description. Part of why the story of Bluebeard has such staying power to me is the very dense, decadent atmosphere that permeates the entire story and, while there are creepy moments, and one VERY creepy villain, I'd have liked a little bit more of that gothic setting to be brought out. I liked that the author didn't shy away from Bertrand's culpability in what happened (...I don't feel like it needs a spoiler warning, if you're familiar with the story of Bluebeard, that Bertrand is a slightly unconventional male romance hero), but it does definitely lean towards the lighter side of gothic romance. That isn't really a point against it so much as a personal point of taste, though. I'll also admit that I might have unfair standards/expectations after really enjoying both Crimson Peak and Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber and Other StoriesThe Bloody Chamber and Other Stories, though.
Profile Image for Laurie.
57 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2024
I loved Marrying Bluebeard. The story may have started out light but it soon became a gothic romance with a little horror mixed in. From what I can discern the setting was sometime in the 1800s, beginning in England and then, throughout most of the book, in France. I thought, stylistically, that the time period portion of the setting was well thought out and read like a novel from that period. It was ‘Pride and Prejudice’ meets ‘Bluebeard’.

The premise of the story was that Adelaide, who can see ghosts, met and fell in love with Bertrand, who had a blue streak in his beard, and shared her gift. Bertrand swept her away to his castle in France where it became clear that there was something very wrong. I loved Adelaide’s character. She was an independent woman who scoffed at convention. She had an inner strength and determination which she ended up relying on throughout much of the book. She also had the softness of a woman in love. This was a combination that Bertrand could not help falling for, try as he might, at the beginning of the book. It was clear from almost the beginning that Bertrand was a tortured soul. He had strength that served him well but also weakness and throughout the story he relied on Adelaide’s strength to help him get by.

The love story was achingly sweet with a bit of passion. There was some light mystery in the story. You will find yourself asking questions from the very beginning of the story, starting with one of the biggest, why did Bertrand have a steak of blue in his beard? And the suspense that starts almost from the beginning continues throughout the book with a bit of action at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a haunting love story, I’m not speaking of the ghosts, with a strong plot line and multidimensional character development.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 14 books610 followers
February 11, 2024
I adored this spicy dark gothic romance from start to finish. Marrying Bluebeard is best described as a bit of Bridgerton, a dash of Jane Eyre, VAMPIRES (yes, please!) and of course, Bluebeard (mmmm.)

Author E.P. Stavs immerses you in the setting so nicely as we start out with Adelaide, who is the perfect, feisty heroine with her ghost cat and her pesky quirk of seeing ghosts that her family wishes she would pipe down about, and a brother and sister who are eager to find a suitor for her… they just aren’t counting on her having sizzling chemistry with Bertrand de Montragoux, a mysterious gentleman with an unusual blue beard who shows up and makes Adelaide tingle in all the best ways.

This novel is SPICY and the sizzle between these two heats up every page, from their courtship in the first section of the book, to later when he takes her to his manor and the book switches pace to a chillingly gothic Jane Eyre sort of vibe. The hints are there from the start that there’s something not quite right about Bluebeard and once you get to the castle and that mysterious tower Adelaide is forbidden from going to, the reader is shivering in anticipation, knowing something big is coming.

The world building is well done and wonderfully atmospheric with a gothic manor by the sea, high cliffs, and a forbidden tower and lots of secrets. I was rooting for Adelaide and Bertrand on every page, on the edge of my seat hoping there would somehow be a way for them to find that HEA! Delightful and spicy from start to finish! 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for neus.dreamybooks.
355 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2024
I recommend to read this gothic historical paranormal romance if you like The Bridgerton with a darker shade or a paranormal Jane Eyre. It has just a little spice so don't expect a smut book.

Adelaide is pressured to find a respectable and rich husband to try to save her family's business, but she is still hoping to fins happiness with someone who son't be afraid of her abilities. She can see ghosts and her beloved pet is her ghost cat, who companies her whenever she goes and has done it since her childhood.

In a summer house party hosted to try to match potential brides and grooms, she meets a mysterious and blue-bearded gentleman, someone who can see ghosts too.

Her older brother wants to marry her to a rich and young noble man, but she keeps looking for the mysterious Bertrand while being on "dates" with the respectable noble.

Bertrand keeps trying to keep his distance with Adelaide but he is unable to not fall for her daring personality.

I love their banter when they are at the "summer party" (this party is like a week long), the tormented morally grey bluebeard (whose POV will appear in the second part of the book) and the ghost cat. It's the first time i read a book where the people who can see ghosts have a ghost pet and it's brilliant and so cute!!!.

- I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.-
Profile Image for Christine Letizia.
78 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2024
Marrying Bluebeard is wonderfully dark and steamy gothic romance that had me both creeped out and swooning.

Adelaide has always been different, but she's still being pressed into the same expectations as every young woman of marriageable age. A devastatingly handsome, brooding stranger, who may share her talent of seeing and talking to ghosts, could change her family's plans, however. And he could also spell disaster for Adelaide's life.

Adelaide is daring, impulsive, and rather too tempting, I think. I adored her voice in this book, and E.P. Stavs does a fantastic job of balancing her rash actions with a gentle but brave side that won me over and had me rooting for her. I enjoyed how the story alternates in Adelaide and Bluebeard POVs and has us guessing at the end how this could possibly work out for everyone involved.

And the ghost cat, Whisper, is the loyal companion we all wish we had!

Spicy and cheeky at times with creepy, horrific moments, Marrying Bluebeard is a perfect dark, gothic romance that will have you craving more.
Profile Image for a collective of books.
1,522 reviews4 followers
February 21, 2024
I was gifted a copy of the book from the author. My opinions are my own.

This was a fast paced historical gothic romance with a paranormal twist. The atmospheric setting drew me in. Adelaide is of age where she receives marriage prospects, but instead of settling for a nice gentleman, she has her eyes set on Bertrand. His mysterious aura and blue beard has her immediately attracted to him. She accepts his proposal and they marry on a whim. When they reach his castle in France, she discovers there's something sinister hidden.. I would have liked to see more character development as I adore Adelaide. Overall, I enjoyed the fantastic Bluebeard retelling.
Profile Image for Ali Alley EscapeThroughABook.
755 reviews23 followers
February 22, 2024
This one is fantastic!!! The story is dark but so good!! It is a unique one, and had so much shock factors. I honestly loved the story! I couldn’t put this book down!!

This Gothic Romance is a dark, and suspenseful read.
The romance is a fast burn that is forbidden, and intense.
The book has twists that you never see coming, that helps you stay stuck inside the story.
The book moves at a very quick pace, focusing heavily on the plot while still maintaining plenty of romance.
The book is enticing with the steamy mild spice.
The world building is easy to follow while still being complicated.
The characters are intriguing, and you cant help but adore them.
Profile Image for Victoria.
Author 27 books64 followers
December 14, 2023
The book with its dark romance, witty banter, and unpredictable plot is not only one of my top reads of the year, it's also one of my favorite reads ever. Part Jane Eyre, with a smidgen of Beauty and the Beast, and a splattering of Bluebeard, E. P. Stavs has created a delightfully dark, sometimes downright macabre, treat. Until the final pages, I had no idea if everyone would turn out okay, and that lack of knowing kept me on the edge of my seat. If you like morally Grey men with a smash of humor and a sprinkling of ghosts, this is your book. SO so good.
248 reviews
December 28, 2023
This book took an interesting stance on classic vampire mythology, ghosts, magic, and true love. It was a pretty solid quick read, but I think could have been enhanced by allowing the dual POV to carry through the entire book, as I think it would have added additional dimension to Bertrand's character. I appreciated the dark twists and turns that kept the book interesting and keep the story moving. Overall, it was a pretty good book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa Conant.
625 reviews39 followers
February 6, 2024
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 🥳
Spice Level: 🌶🌶 out of 5

This truly is a Bluebeard tale with a Jane Eyre x Vampire spin! And it worked!

Our FMC has spunk and who doesn't love that?! Our "Bluebeard" MMC has that inner torment that is slowly revealed and kinda breaks your heart. There's great chemistry, especially between our forbidden lovers.

I liked how one doesn't quite know what the secrets are that are hiding behind this mysterious yet electrifying man. We feel just like Adelaide, wholly taken by his charm but feel a storm brewing as the relationship progresses.

And as he fights against his own demons, a horror begins to show through the cracks that's not quite what one expects
161 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2024
This was a very good book…a different take on an old fairy tale of sorts. The lead male and female characters could see and talk to ghosts (and honestly how adorable is a ghost cat?!) and there was a rather unfortunate backstory of how Bertrand became how he was. The twist in the tale was unexpected. Did not give it a five star only because I felt the ending was a bit rushed. But not to worry….there is a happy ending….somewhat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for mrsGraveIllusions.
13 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2024
Marrying Bluebeard is a dark gothic retelling of the legend of Bluebeard a man who is said to marry unsuspecting women and kill them then hang their bodies in his home. In this version though, we see the story a little differently. We get to see things from Adelaide , Bluebeards latest wife’s perspective. How she meets him, falls in love, and uses her special ability to see, communicate, and interact with spirits to help change the lives of the people around her. You also get to see how Bluebeard came to be and in a surprise twist why he’s been doing the things that he’s been doing.

If you want a regency era Bridgeton like novel with a supernatural twist, I think you will really enjoy this!
Profile Image for Helena Craggs.
Author 6 books116 followers
December 14, 2023
Stavs does it again! Though I adore all of E.P.'s books, I believe this one to be my favourite so far. What an absolutely delightful twist on Grimm's bloody tale of Bluebeard! The pace was fast and action-packed, with twists and turns keeping me on my toes. Add in the cute ghost cat and the dark, spicy romance, and it's game on. A positively cracking read and easy 5 stars.
Profile Image for Elisha Bugg.
Author 4 books57 followers
February 17, 2024
I've read a few of E.P. Stavs books and they just seem to get better and better!

What's not to love?! A brooding and tortured hero. A bold and feisty heroine who can see ghosts and has a pet ghost cat! Chemistry that sizzled, and a dark gothic castle filled with dreadful bloody secrets!

A charming and dark, spicy gothic tale that I loved from beginning to end.

I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Zinka.
52 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2024
I love it and warmly recommend it. It is a fantasy Gothic novel set it Victorian age. I think it is combination of Jane Eyre vibe and modern kind of supernatural love story.
It is inspired by brothers Grimm story of Bluebeard but it is really different then original story that it is entirely its own thing.
I think writing is good, double pov is done nicely.
Profile Image for Renee Marski.
Author 93 books80 followers
November 9, 2024
Ghosts and secrets

Adelaide has a gift....she can see ghosts. When she meets another who can as well, she is drawn to him. But he is pursuing another, until he isnt. They run off together, but he has secrets. Secrets that could mean her end if she does not help him find the courage to do what must be done.

An amazing and gripping story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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