Garden of Discovery and Love

Vampires of New Orleans #3

by Madalyn Rae

With Celeste missing, Viktor’s focus has turned to nothing but her return. Dragging Amelia halfway around the world on a mission to find his immortal child, he’s become distant and aloof, placing an invisible wall between the two of them.

Returning to the States, Amelia is reminded that the only constant in her life has been herself. With Hypatia in New Orleans and the possible resurgence of the cult, she is once again thrown into a fight she never planned on.

When a new threat appears, she learns that her childhood and heritage are much more than she could have ever imagined. With the help of the future Alpha of New Orleans, Amelia becomes something she never could have imagined and learns who she truly is.

Genres: Fantasy

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2024

About the author

Madalyn Rae is the pen name for someone who can’t show the people in her life that she writes about werewolves, vampires, penises (I still don’t know the correct plural for that word) and heaven forbid—sex.

In her everyday life, she is a teacher of tiny humans and an avid music lover. She is the mother of two adult children and one adult husband. (That wasn’t a typo)
She lives in the best climate in America and enjoys the Gulf Coast whenever she’s not too lazy to fight with the tourists for a seat on the sand.

Madalyn’s stories stem from her overactive imagination and dreams. She writes what her characters tell her to write, and she hopes you enjoy reading them as much as she enjoys writing them!

Reviews

[Kaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this was my least favorite book of the series, it wasn't a bad ending to Amelia’s story. The main issue I had with this book is the same issue I had with the previous two books; only Amelia had any lasting character progression. Rae spent so much time building up the supporting characters only to abruptly dispose of or hardly include them in this final book. Viktor and Celeste were such pivotal characters in the first two books, but their actions felt so out of character, and they were hardly in the story, despite Celeste’s actions being a driving force of the book’s plot. Amelia and Topher's love story was fine. I liked them together, and he was an interesting character, but their relationship felt a bit rushed since it had to take place over this final book. This is my personal opinion, but it’s hard for me to fully support a love interest that only shows up in one book in a series that features the same characters. The plot wasn’t bad, but did not completely draw me in. While I did not hate this book, it did not click with me.

[Aneka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and how the story moved. With the last two, I felt myself questioning the importance of scenes and moments, but this one, everything fit together in such a way that I got lost in the book. I’m so glad the prologue came back into the plot where the other two only mentioned Amelie’s abandonment. This book was so hard to put down because of how everything was unfolding and how Madalyn Rae balanced the dialogue and relationships that existed and were developing.

There were a few dialogue and formatting errors, but it wasn’t too hard for me to look past and didn’t take away from the story (there was one part where Amelia’s and a new character’s dialogue where on the same line, but that’s easily fixable and I quickly figured it out). I’m looking forward to the fourth book and I hope it keeps me glued to the pages like this one did.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garden of Discovery and Love by Madalyn Rae is book three in The Vampires of New Orleans Series. When I picked up the first book in this series I knew I was in for something great. Here I am with book three and I still have that same exact feeling. I devoured this book in about a day, I couldn’t put my kindle down. This book has everything that you could want… action, suspense with some amazing twists and turns. The worldbuilding and plot are really well written. But it’s the emotional rollercoaster that you go on that makes it incredible. You feel the heartbreak, the love and more importantly new beginnings…hope. But what I personally love the most is the characters in this series. Everything about it is (to me) on point and just so well done. I can’t begin to recommend this series enough.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Vampires of New Orleans series, and it does not disappoint. Amelia’s story continues as she and a new friend, Topher, try to figure out who is behind the attacks on the vampires and lycanthropes, while also trying to figure out how to protect Celeste from the council. What follows is a fun, fast paced, spicy and action packed book.

This is a fun, easy to read urban fantasy book and series. Totally recommend for vampire/werewolf fans and those who like a little spice in their fantasy books.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is simply chefs kisses and if you miss out then that's on you! I friggin adore this book it has new love, heartbreak, loss, and new beginnings. Twists and turns and a shocking twist. If your into vampires, lycans, and New Orleans then this book(series) is for you go check it out I promise you won't regret it. This author is friggin amazing fan for life!

[Alisha Kuliak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! This book was perfect. I gotta say each book gets better and better. This is definitely my new favorite series. These characters live rent-free in my head for weeks, I'm always wondering what will happen next with Amelia.
It's such an easy read that you fall in love with the characters, you yell and cry. Please do Madalyn Rea the honor and buy her books. You won't be disappointed.

[jennifer langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the series and the story is still fascinating.
It has suspense, action, heartbreak, and amazing plot twists.

This was such a fun, easy read, and the writing style makes you fall in love with the characters. I loved reading them grow.

[Siera Jernigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute ending to the current series. Tied up and very exciting! It took some turns that I didn’t know I needed!

[Courtney Chappelear · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75- Great cute ending and a plot twist I didn't see coming. Looking forward to the 4th installment and seeing how everyone's lives progress

[Heather Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc. I loved it. It had me feeling as though I was right in the story. If you love vampires, and werewolves, then this is the series for you. It has so much fun and excitement! Wow!

[Juanita Mullens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...

I was so disappointed in the ancient vampire men. Harrison was awful, Viktor not as bad but...then sad. I love Topher. I love Amelia. I cant wait to read more about Celeste, and get snippets of Amelia, and her mate.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book! This story had me from beginning to end from one book to the next! These are characters you will dream about and want to hang out with in real life. A few twists and turns that keep you wanting more.

[Isobel Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not my favorite. Of the three I have read so far I found it to be rather dull until the end. I appreciate the twist of events, and the introduction of Topher. I am however a little irritated about how hot and heavy she got with Victor, for him to just go and drop her like a sack of potatoes. For something that took so long to transpire in the second book, for it to just end so suddenly was irritating. I guess it keeps you reading the books.

[Nathalie Olofsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honored to be an ARC Reviewer for this book and promise to give an honest review.

The first part will be a spoiler-free review and further down there will be one that contains spoilers. Readers be warned.

As the two first books. This one is jumping right into the deep end. What you thought was going to happen based on the end of the second book soon goes out the window and you are left stranded not sure what has happened and how we got there. This is a fast-paced, fast-turned series in that the people you thought were friends soon turn into enemies and vice-versa. This is a good series if you want to be kept on your feet but at the same time not be overly complicated. I, personally feel that the turns are a little too sharp at times and that they are leaving me wanting for more explanations and details. I am also not always happy with the different turns and events. But I still enjoy the characters and the storyline. So if you want a quick, fun, slightly antsy read with a lot of ups and downs then this is something for you.




Spoiler review. For all three books.


Over all Amelia is a good character. She is dealing with a lot and the people around her aren't making things easier, mostly by keeping things from her. Also in the way the people around her handle things. They are protecting her by scaring her, and literally sending her into the enemy's hands. Only to later save her and then leave her again when things happen that they don't like. No wonder that she is a mess. Some things are not always consistent. She says she is cautious but tends to follow people she just met anyhow.
So that is a part I wasn't too thrilled about in the story. All the back and forth. From being nice and kind to becoming a total dick head over something they later tell her that they already suspected.
I was sad about how things ended with Victor. Sure Tother is a catch and I love him to death. But their banter wasn't as good as between our main and Victor in book 2. Sure I was suspecting that there would be some tension between our main and Victor when Celeste disappeared. After all, she has been his life for 700 years. Of course, he is going to prioritize her. But I didn't think it would be this abrupt wall and then nothing. It made me sad. It also made Tothers and Amelia's meeting and get-together feel a little forced.

But still, even with some of the inconsistencies and ups and downs I still enjoyed the story and I can't wait to see where the side-story will take us. So even if our main won't have center stage we might still get some peeks of how they are doing.

[Gaelle Frances Shevlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garden of Discovery and Love - Editing Issues?

Ending feels rushed and incomplete. The novels are fairly short reads so a lot seems to be packed in. The layout of the dialogue and prose often makes it a little confusing as to which character is speaking/ had spoken or is reacting to what is said. This could have course be down to editing for ebook publishing but in doing so, this interrupts the flow of the story. It may also lead others to be critical of the writer's technique. I've seen similar in the Myrtlewood Mystery series but those books also had repeat spelling errors in the text. Something to consider as it may make less tolerant readers leave mid series.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

and the series takes another turn in Book 3! - The Vampires of New Orleans is such a great series. Since Garden of Discovery and Love is book 3, to say much about it would give away too much. If you like vampires, lore of New Orleans, lycans and a whole mess of emotions throughout, this is for you! I am so glad that I have been able to read along from Book 1! You won't regret picking this series up!

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three and we hit the ground running! There’s lots going on as we join Amelia who was turned in to a vampire and has not had it easy. This shows us that she decides that she needs to stand on her own two feet and make her own choices and her growth is remarkable and emotional. It’s a well written addition that draws you in with the mystery and intrigue and has you on the edge of your seat with the twists and turns as secrets & truths are revealed. It’s a great addition to this series!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars for this one. Kind of felt like the story jumped the shark. The ongoing plot went off the rails a bit. The story took a major shift that in many places just didn’t make a lot of sense or follow the previous books. It was disjointed and hard to follow.

I’m interested in Ravenwood to find out what happens with Celeste, but this book was a bit of a disappointment.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the 3 books but first I wanted her with Harrison because he seems amazing, not and plot twist. Then 2nd book want her with Viktor because now he’s the good guy and I want the happy ending. That gets taken away from me in book 3. Ugh, not the lycan. Why the lycan??? Still wish it bad been Viktor but overall fun quick reads. Will continue and finish with Celeste story.

[KimMacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garden of Discovery and Love is the third book in the Vampires of New Orleans series by Madalyn Rae. I have to say that this is absolutely my favorite book in this series! If you haven't read the first 2 books, or the prequel novella, you need to do that immediately! This series is so good!

In this book, we continue following the journey of Amelia, a recently turned vampire. Her life has never been easy, orphaned as a small child, stalked by an ancient vampire, kidnapped by another ancient, turned by an immortal child, and has always relied on other people to help save her. Finally in this book, she decides that she needs to stand on her own and choose her own future. I love her growth in this book. There is so much about her life that is still a mystery, and this book helps us unravel most of the pieces of her past.

So many questions are finally answered, but they don't come easily. This book is a stress inducing, nail biting story, that had me on the edge of my seat until the final page. There are so many twists and turns, so many revealed secrets, and so much more to discover. I love this series so much and can't wait for the wild ride the author is going to take me on in the spinoff series!

[Stephanie Reicen · Rating 5 out of 5]

No but seriously! What are you doing that you haven’t read this yet? Vampires, werewolves, witches and New Orleans. Plot twists! Need I say more?

[Theresa McGlone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you reading

Fun, kigjt and easy to read. As a lover of NOLA this story caught my attention and I enjoyed the trilogy.

[Lyndsy Tulppo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! One word TOPHER ❤️

[G Austreng · Rating 5 out of 5]

*AUTOMATIC MUST READ AUTHOR FOR ME* 🖤
Slightly lost its focus from the cliffhanger of the previous book but what a fun ride this book is!!
Loved it.