Sacrifice

by Erin Coal

Using magic always comes with a price to pay… All alone in a new place, Alicia was sent away by her own coven for an arranged marriage, although she had no clue what she would be walking into. Alicia suspects her soon-to-be husband and his coven are practicing dark magic. But it gets worse. He’s an arrogant arsehole that can’t stand to be in the same room with her, yet he stirs all these unfamiliar feelings from within her, and she can’t help but be drawn to him. Surrounded by darkness and with no one who will answer her questions, Alicia needs to make the biggest decision of her life before it's too late…

Genres: Fantasy, Witches, Enemies To Lovers, Paranormal, Romantasy, Romance

392 pages, Hardcover

Published June 21, 2024

About the author

I dreamed of being a writer since I was a little girl and lockdown 2020 finally gave me the shove to make my dream a reality. I am addicted to pizza, love watching the Jacksonville Jaguars play and spend most of my free time with my husband and our ever increasing number of pets! 🍕 I write about real, smart and sassy heroines who find their happily ever after with a sexy alpha male. Their journeys are often messy and complicated but love will always find a way in my world ❤️

Reviews

[Alyshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc for honest opinion.

I didn't really know how I felt about this book to be 100% honest. I almost DNF'd it.. I felt especially like there could've been more character building. Will just appeared and suddenly wanted to marry her & I just didn't feel like the timing was great on that, had she met him right when she first got there maybe. But I don't know. I had a lot of feelings about this. It wasn't horrible but there were a few parts where things were repeated a couple sentences previous.

Overall, I felt like it was an okay book. I wouldn't really suggest it to anyone outright but if they were looking specifically for something like this then it would be on top of the list.

I'm going to read the rest of series because that's the type of person I am haha.

Go read it and make your own opinion because I still 3 days later don't know how to feel about it. Except her ring sounded like a description of mine 🤣

[Bobbi bobbijoreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacrifice is the first book in The Night Coven Duology. It's a supernatural witchy romance between Alecia and James.

Alicia is a witch from an Earth Coven, unable to find a partner by her 21st birthday, she is betrothed to James, a witch in a Night Coven rumored to practice black magic. Alecia is determined to make the best of it, but James is not happy with the engagement.

"𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒈𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕."

Tropes include forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, arranged marriage, and plus-size body rep. It's told through the POV of Alecia. I think a dual-POV would have been fantastic.

"𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚, 𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔."

This was a fast-paced read, there was a building burning desire between MCs, and the characters were relatable. I loved the supernatural witchy aspect (the different covens/book of shadows/spell-casting etc) and thought it was well-researched.

The second book in this Duology is on my immediate TBR and I'm looking forward to starting it. I received my copy via a Book Tour with @VerseVentureTours . I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.

[Amanda S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where do I begin. I hated the FMC from the start. She just seemed so darn whiny and like the world was against her from the jump. I understand that her marriage was arranged, but the coven she was sent to was so mean to her for absolutely no reason and it was infuriating. I assume that was the emotion the author wanted us to have, but for me it wasn't on behalf of Alicia. I hated that this was the theme for the entire book. Then Will seemed to come out of nowhere with his proposal?? I think the author just wanted to add an extra layer of drama, but it wasn't needed. What would have served this story well would be more about the demon and the dark magic, especially after it possessed the little girl and then it is revealed it was summoned to corrupt Alicia. What was it supposed to do and how? Give us more of that. With how awful James was from the start of this book, I was no longer invested in the romance part of this book, as it was truly going nowhere and then suddenly it was so perfect at the end. The writing was ok.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Timyah Gaines-George · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5] Still not sure how I feel about this book. There were a lot of moments where, as a reader, I was like "???? you're not gonna question that?" to the MC. The storyline itself is good, the execution wasn't the greatest. The character development wasn't as intense as it could've been and the plot twists were underwhelming. But I will be reading the second book because I need to know how it continues.

Thank you, Erin and Breys Book Tours for the opportunity. This review is of my own honest opinion.

[꧁ Brutally Honest ꧂ · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a weird book and plot. The whole thing is about a virginal 20 year old girl child being pawned off to a strange family for the sole purpose of having kids and making their bloodline stronger, who all live together in a mansion without being told who she was marrying, his name, or what he looks like, for that guy to be a huge jackass one second (talking about how she’s ugly, fat, and he rather fuck his other hoes than her) to “I love you” in about 2 chapters. Lmao. I think it’s supposed to come off as mysterious with the dark magic family only meeting at night under a full moon but it’s just weird. And then making the FC who’s a virgin mind you kiss multiple family members and wonder who she will actually marry is also weird. She’s not a puppy going from owner to owner. That’s just a weird thing to add.

Also this is in modern day London. It’s not horses and swords. It’s BMWs and helicopters lol

Anyways I hated it. And the de-flowering of our FC was also weird. Where James opens up about how women only want him for something (sex, money) but not her. She’s special. Lmao. What a joke.

[Kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to have gotten a copy of this book before the second one comes out. This book is a good short read but parts are little dark. Alicia is a nature witch who is being forced to marry James who’s a part of another coven that practices dark magic. Alicia leaves her coven, her family, all she knows to join James and his family who are all a little rude to her for reasons that are being kept from her. But all magic comes at a price but is it a price Alicia is willing to pay? I’m excited to read the second book in this duology.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took a long while to get to anything interesting, but I enjoyed it enough to want to read the next one. It was largely predictable, (trope-y?), and would benefit from another round of edits. I'm not a big fan of bully romance - too much toxicity and red flags. However, there is still a lot to explore in this world and I'm hoping we find out more in the sequel!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Chris Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m very much on the fence with this book. It’s was average but I can definitely see potential with the story.

While I didn’t looooove it, I’ll read the sequel to find out what happens as the cliffhanger has me intrigued for sure !

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sacrifice” by Erin Cole is the story of an arranged marriage between Alicia Duckworth and James Hamilton. It is a slow burn with witches, covens and dark magic.

Alicia is forced into an arranged marriage as a way to strengthen her coven as well as her soon-to-be husbands. She has never met James and knows nothing about his family or his coven. Although she has mixed feelings about this arrangement, she feels like she is doing her duty to her coven. Once she arrives and meets her new family, she tries to fit in and get to know them but she’s left feeling like nobody wants her there. Even though they are cordial and not outwardly mean to Alicia, they are guarded and not very welcoming.

James is cold and unfeeling towards his bride-to-be, easily dismissing her. At first I didn’t like how James treated Alicia, but as the story unfolded I was able to feel for James and his reaction to Alicia. By the end of the book he won me over. After hearing what he has gone through, you can totally see why he is so guarded around Alicia.

From the beginning of this book, you get glimpses into the Hamilton family and realize there are secrets they are keeping from Alicia. This family is secretive and at times creepy. I can’t wait to find out all of their secrets in the next book. I would have loved to see more magic in this book and I’m hoping this will develop more in the second book.

Loved the side characters, especially James’ grandmother. I’m hoping Steph’s situation has been sorted out. She was kinda scary! And the twist with Will? That was brutal!

By the end of the book I was happy to see Alicia and James grow their relationship. James still has his walls up but they are slowly crumbling. He’s starting to trust Alicia and Alicia is starting to think this arranged marriage could truly be the happily ever after she desires.

I was not expecting the cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see how this plays out in the next book.

This is the first book I have read from Erin Coal and I’m glad I was able to find her through this ARC. This story was very well written and kept my attention from the start. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Molly Persson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5!

“Because I can’t decide if I want to kiss your brother or take off my shoe and beat him with it”

I loved this book! The first 3-4 chapters were a bit boring, but then we got in on the action. I got really invested in Alicia and what she was going through, trying to fit in and feeling like nobody wants you there is something I know much about. It was actually so well written that I low key thought I was the FMC for a bit, and yes I did spill a few tears and did get emotional. I liked that we got to see not only Alicia grow as a person but we also got to understand why her new family acted like they did, why they were mean to her. It was just an amazing book! And I cant wait for the next one.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy fantasy!

I was given this ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily

[in a world of ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me preface this with; I normally read DARK romance, and I HATE slow burns, but Alicia and James took my heart and ran with it.

This is a forced proximity and arranged marriage with darker themes, slow burn, and paranormal suspense. I loved the MCs character development, and the growth in their relationship over the course of the book. Once Alicia figures out why James is the way he is, how he reacted to Alicia initially makes complete sense. THE FREAKING PLOT TWISTS JUST KEEP COMING IN THIS BOOK. My husband kept thinking something was wrong with how often I was gasping and saying, "WHAT!?". I couldn't put it down. I'm already dreading the wait for the next installment because that cliffhanger.. 👀 Erin really took that HEA and said, "Ope, you almost had it."

This was an ARC read in exchange for my honest review.

[NinaInkdawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three things I liked about this book? The first, of course, is the slow burn and the paranormal element as I like it... The second thing that makes me give this book a 5 is the constant twists and turns that made me say mean it all the time??? ... Third, I loved how Alicia and James' relationship grows. I can't wait to read more about them especially after that ending that makes you say oh my GOD With this book, Erin Coal has become a writer to follow absolutely. However, if you are looking for a book with witches, black magic, arranged marriages and dangers everywhere....you have to read this book. Rated 5

[Yvette | The Saucy Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I want to say that PNR isn’t my genre, I stick with dark romance and contemporary romance, but this book really sucked me in. Erin’s writing is captivating; she’s a fantastic storyteller, and her books are full of twists and turns.

I really enjoyed learning all about their covens, the laws, the traditions, etc. I got so invested in Alicia’s story, what she was uncovering along the way, and, of course, her soon-to-be husband, James. Their chemistry was red-hot! Delish.


I cannot WAIT for the second book in the duet.

Thanks, Erin, for trusting me with your book 🖤

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This book captivated me from the first paragraph. Erin's writing grabs your attention and helps to builds vivid pictures.
Love that Alicia is plus size too, which is relatable. James is one big Ass, although at the end I did feel a little sorry for him.
What can I say about that cliffhanger, so glad I found this duology after it was finished so I don't have to wait.

[Michelle Pizarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I love Erin's books. I get invested to the characters very quickly. Loved this darker romance and really look forward to the sequel. This was an enemies to lovers trope with witches, it was fantastic!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. I really liked the overall premise and story. Where I struggled was with the execution. Alicia is a nature witch who found herself in an arranged marriage with a son from a dark/night coven. Where it missed the biggest mark was most of the time I forgot Alicia was a witch. She did not practice any of her magic apart from taking her shoes off during outdoor events. Her new home is surrounded by woods and gardens and yet she stayed in her room or explored the house most of time. She even mentioned seeing these gardens outside the window but then never once ventured there. Seeing her practice daily rituals which would presumably be very different than her new family’s practice would make the mistrust between them and their behavior towards her make more sense. We got glimpses in her new family’s rituals during the bonding ceremonies which was nice. But we had nothing to compare it to since we never saw her practice. So them being mistrustful and secretive for so long doesn’t make sense. It just makes them assholes for the sake of being assholes.

I also struggled with the friendship she had with both Ellie and Will. They seemed to be developed more for plot purposes than genuinely friends. Also her complete lack of acknowledging anything happening to her around the house. Why not talk to Ellie or Will about her nightmares if they were friends and trusted each other? Or the hand that grabbed her when she first arrived? Or Steph acting weird after one of the rituals (a 3yo is talking to you about sex and you don’t think to mention this to fucking anyone!?!?)? It’s like all this shit is happening and… shoulder shrug? You don’t want to even mention this to Katheryn who you also supposedly like/trust? She is Steph’s mother for goodness sake! This just doesn’t make ANY sense to me. I get the author was going for secrecy and mistrust as a major theme, but then why have her only ask questions to only the people we knew wouldn’t answer her? Or just basically ignore it and move on like “welp, that was creepy but I wonder what’s for dinner?” Why not build up on those supposed friendships of those she does trust and have them talk about it or at least theorize together?

Am I gunna read book 2? Begrudging yes. Because we got zero answers in book 1 and apart from my whining about the execution, I am enjoying the overall story.

Also random but worth adding something else positive, I love the covers of both books.

[Mercedes Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start with saying I rated this 2 stars but that does not mean you won’t love it, so please give this book a chance! It was fun and light and I found it to be a fitting October read with the witchy and darker vibes it was giving. Disclaimer: if you are looking for something smutty, then this won’t really itch the scratch for you.

I wanted to fall in love with this book, there were just too many things that I personally couldn’t get over. For me personally, the first half of the book was pretty slow and in spots a little clunky feeling. By clunky I mean there were a couple times when there were minor discrepancies about what a character was wearing or using the wrong name for a character (which could have been on purpose but it didn’t really feel that way to me with how it was written) and at time it was almost too descriptive in a way that did nothing to add to the story. Then there was the introduction of a character that was very… random at the time? Like he just popped up out of no where, spilled all the tea that she had been curious about without her really asking, and then left? And that was just the end of that for awhile until he popped back up again? The second half did speed up to a better pace which was fantastic, however the end felt rushed in a way when compared to the pacing of the rest of the book and how relationships between character started.

Will I read the next book? Maybe. I am curious about what will happen next and I do like the concept of the book, I just feel like it needs something to bring it to that next level. Something that really grabs me and has me on the edge of my seat.

✨ I received this book as an advanced reader copy and am leaving this review voluntarily ✨

[Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 for the overall Gothic feel and because that cliffhanger is a doozy

I'm not going to lie that this book was not great. I hate saying that for a regular and already published book, but even more so as an ARC. Before I get into the things I didn't like, I'll start with the things that hit the spot. First and foremost, I love Witches and the Coven aspect to the book. The descriptions felt very Gothic and were amazing! I will say that the cliffhanger makes me want to finish the series just to know what happens. Second, I feel the beginning did draw me in. I wanted to know what in the world is going on. But, with that said, there are some issues with the overall structure and development of the plot.


I'm all for short novella type books if the writing and character development match. This is not only a novella but part of a series. It doesn't make sense. This should have been, at the very least, 100 pages longer. Alicia was ok, but I wish she had a bigger backbone. The Hamilton family is disgusting. Don't care. They were awful for absolutely no reason. James was the worst for me. For Alicia to roll over and be like everything is good was gross. I hate doormats! And Will's proposal? It felt completely out of place and out of nowhere. No development, nothing. Then the whole thing with the Steph and then the ending? It made absolutely no sense. Will I continue the series? Yes, for curiosities sake, but I won't ARC read as I don't want to hurt the authors rating during the release date.

[Bailey Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

🗡️Sacrifice by Erin Coal🗡️

Sacrifice is the first book in Erin Coal’s new Night Coven Duology. The dark paranormal romance starts with almost 21yo witch Alicia on the train going to meet her fiancé, James, and his secretive and mysterious family and night coven. The more the secrets unravel, the more she wants to run for the hills.

Tropes in this book include:
Arranged marriage
Forced proximity
Love triangle
Alphahole MMC
Witches with light/dark magic
Cannibalism?!
Demon possession and exorcism

This was much darker than other witchy reads I’ve read this season, even though I think these darker aspects were glossed over. I would have liked to dive deeper into James’ family’s choice of magic, the price they have to pay for that magic and what it means for the “Company.”

The last 20% or so made up for a slow/poorly-paced front half to reach three stars. It was a quick read that put me in the mood to watch The Craft or The Witches of Eastwick. Sacrifice ends on a big cliffhanger I wasn’t expecting and I think there will be more action in Book 2, so I’m interested to see where it goes!

Thank you to @erincoal and @breysbooktours for the ARC of sacrifice in exchange for an honest review.

[Rose Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Don’t be deterred by the three star rating. Honestly, from beginning to about middle, the story was building at a nice pace. I loved learning more about the characters, and the main character herself felt relatable— if I were a witch in modern society that would have an arranged marriage. Learning bits and pieces about this new family, the characters, and hints of their magic and business— it was like a mystery. It would have been nice to spend more time learning about the main character’s family and coven. Or at least, a bit more on the differences between their magic practices. But, we went from building this mystery surrounding this family and arranged marriage to.. Well, it felt as if everything suddenly ramped up and happened in such a flurry— is it possible to get whiplash from a book? I think if pacing had been different, this would have had a better rating. As it stands, the last quarter- to half of the book felt rushed, and I truly wish the author had more time to reach each of these plot points.

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on a paranormal arranged marriage. Alicia finds herself in a strange house and is about to become part of a strange new family. The Hamiltons are secretive, rumored to practice dark magick, and all act like Alicia is an outcast. Even James, her betrothed, treats her like an outsider. As she begins to unravel the family secrets, a way out of the arrangement is revealed. But while Will's kisses make Alicia smile, James' make her melt. Alicia needs to find answers before she's in too deep.

I thought Alicia was justified in her actions. Crazy family members and dark magick, plus that talk with her mother before the wedding, and I'm surprised she didn't high tail it back home! I loved her backbone. She was determined to see it through, and nothing would stand in her way. James was a guarded character, never fully revealing his hand. I didn't like how he seemed to string Alicia along with stolen touches, then be so cold to her. I understood better after the second ritual, but that doesn't mean I liked it. That cliffhanger, though. I need some answers! I will be very patiently awaiting the second part to see how it goes down!

[Tamara Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book after about chapter 5, it was a bit slow but picked up. I was a little iffy about certain parts but got past being mystified. I was confused, baffled, angry and happy throughout the book. Alicia doesn’t have it easy but keeps on trekking. She tries to confide in those around her but doesn’t feel like she really belongs. Which is understandable as no one really goes out of their way to make her feel welcome. She is warned about the family she is soon to marry into but can she believe him? How could her mom just ship her off if there were rumours about black magic? What even is black magic? Erin does a great job of keeping you invested in this book, and now I need to know how Alicia will handle the voicemail left on her wedding day. Patiently waiting for the next book in this series to come out.

I received this ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and opinion/thoughts are of my own. I am glad I stuck with the book and thankful I am able to review this book for Erin. Definitely an enjoyable and emotional book.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars
2/5 spice

Dark and twisted with a cliffhanger that was unexpected, this witchy enemies to lovers had its highlights but could have used more character development.

Tropes:
Witch's coven
Arranged marriage
Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers
Family secrets
Dark magic
Single POV
Cliffhanger

The premise was interesting, but at times, I was more confused by all the mystery that it was difficult to connect with any of the characters. I also felt like the relationship between Alicia and James flipped too quickly after a steady amount of hate/banter. The tension and spice were great, though... and I'm sure we'll see more development in their relationship in the next book. I also hope all the questions I have are answered.

Overall, it's a good read, and I'm curious to see how the story concludes in the second book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Trigger/Content warnings:
Violence, murder, death, possession/exorcism, cannibalism, sexual content

[Michelle | the_unexpected_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Sacrifice
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️1/2

"Sacrifice" by Erin Coal is a captivating tale of magic, mystery, and forbidden love. Alicia finds herself thrust into a world of dark magic and intrigue when she's sent away by her coven for an arranged marriage. Suspecting her husband-to-be and his coven of practicing dark arts, Alicia must navigate treacherous waters while grappling with her growing attraction to him. Despite his arrogance, the chemistry between Alicia and James is palpable, adding depth to their complex relationship. Coal crafts a gripping narrative with unexpected twists and a compelling cliffhanger, making "Sacrifice" a quick yet satisfying read. While some plot elements may be predictable, the story surprises with clever twists that keep readers on their toes. Overall, "Sacrifice" earns 4 stars for its steamy romance, intriguing premise, and skillful storytelling. Highly recommend!

Thank you to @verseventuretours and @erincoalauthor for providing me an ARC to review!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is always a price to pay when using magic.. Alicia is sent away for an arranged marriage by her coven to someone she has never met.

Straight away you get the feeling that not all is as it seems with the Hamilton’s and there is an eery vibe.

I felt like I could totally relate to Alicia, from her self-consciousness about her size to feeling out of place. She was just a really real character.

The side characters were also really well written and I just have to know more about them! Pam is a hoot! And Katie. What a sweetheart. I have a theory on who she might be but I won’t say anything in case I spoil it.

James, Alicia’s betrothed is an absolute a hole to start with but it all makes sense in the end and I actually feel a bit bad for him.

I would have loved to see more magic but I have a feeling this will develop more in the next book.

That ending though.. oh my gosh. I need the next book like yesterday!!!

[The Sleepy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 arc review 🌟
Sacrifice by Erin Coal

This book started off a little slow. The build-up to meeting Alicia's soon to be husband was driving me crazy. And then, when he turned out to be an ass I was honestly all in. I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers. The Hamilton's were not what Alicia was expecting, but by the end of the book, she had found her place and was happy with her husband. I like Alicia's fire. She's determined to make it work even though she's scared and suddenly surrounded by strangers who will soon be her family. I loved James. "I am trying to bring my walls down, so just stick with me, okay?" YES, SIR. Granted, he could have tried getting off to a better start with her. But in all fairness, every relationship prior was a train wreck. It ended on a cliffhanger. So I am anxiously waiting for book two. Overall, this was a great quick read, and I can't wait to come back for more.

5 stars.
1 nap.

[Karen Weir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacrifice is a story of an arranged marriage between a male witch, James and a female witch, Alicia from two different covens. The story starts strong with Alicia travelling to James’ family home to meet her intended and to marry. It then progresses well with Alicia meeting all the family, the story becomes very gothic feeling. However about half-way through the pace of the book changes and the second half feels very rushed, there could have been a longer book here with more explanation given around events and how they came about, especially around the events prior to the wedding. It is a good read and I do read a lot of gothic/witchy fiction, I will definitely read the next book in the series but hopefully that book will be paced better as I am intrigued about what will happen next for James and Alicia, as well as the Hamilton family.

[Marissa (rissareads13) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alicia is a witch. As part of her duties to her coven, she is entering into an arranged marriage. Except everyone is being especially weird and secretive, even in an already strange situation. Once she arrives at her new family’s estate she becomes privy to dark magic rumors. Now Alicia is faced with a huge, heavy, life-altering decision. Can she actually go through with this marriage? Could she even get out of it if she wanted?

It took me a while to get sucked into this book and be truly invested in the characters and storyline. I did enjoy the premise and there were a couple of fun twists and turns, but overall I felt like there was too much emphasis on mundane tasks and not enough details in the action scenes. I am very excited to read the sequel and hoping for a fun conclusion to this duet.

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches, covens, dark magic, arranged marriage, creepy in-laws, secretive and arrogant, fiancée, imminent danger, what more could a PR reader possibly need to make a book a compelling page-turner to keep you up way into the wee hours of the morning just to find out what's going to happen next, and then it ends on an implied violence cliffhanger! Erin Coal has skyrocketed to the top of my list of authors to watch and get her books as soon as they are available. She has a talent for writing attention grabbing scenes, and keeps her readers enthralled from the get-go until the last paragraph is read. If you like dark PR, then this is the book for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this 3.5 stars and rounding up to 4 because math is like that.

Okay, so I honestly don't know how I feel about this book. It held my interest enough that I read it in a day, and I wanted to see how it would end, but the "romance" didn't work for me, and I'm really not sure why Alicia stayed after some things that I won't mention happened.

I enjoyed the growing friendship between Toni and Alicia and would have liked to have seen more of the other siblings.

But really, I just don't know what to think. I might have to come back and edit this review after the dust settles and I figure out how I feel about it.