Reanimated Love

by Kevin L. Williams

Elizabeth Lavenza is a tortured woman living alone in a crumbling estate. Haunted by her father's death, she is an outcast ridiculed for her appearance and otherworldly abilities. Tambora is a reanimated creation, hunted as a monster and tormented for being different. He longs to find peace amid the harshness of the world. When Elizabeth discovers the injured giant on her doorstep, what begins as a mystery soon blossoms into a love that will transcend death, life, and death again. A true Gothic romance, Reanimated Love tells the story of a timeless love between two lost souls reaching out.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

Reviews

[Birgit Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was easy to read and the characters were likeable, I wouldn’t say it was a Frankenstein retelling, and I don’t think it was meant to be, but a different spin on the original story. It is an unconventional love story between the two main characters, it has gothic vibes which I enjoyed.


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

[megzlibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Gothic Dark Romance to start off your year.

If you’re a fan of Frankenstein, this one is for you.

First and foremost, the story line is absolutely adorable. The characters are likable and the setting pulled me into the time period. I commend the author for keeping to the time period, especially the language and how a person would act during this time. And the gothic vibe is apparent throughout the entirety of book, so that was pleasant.

The pacing does have a gradual upscale to the climax of the story. Not to say that it’s boring, but I definitely felt myself questioning when it was going to pick up. The integration of science and paranormal aspects was beautifully executed.

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

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
It was a fun and intriguing read!

I fell in love with the story line, but it felt like something was missing from making it great and most of it had to do with the beginning.
Once I got 50% through this book everything’s did a 180 degree turn and you could tell the author was in his zone, and that he really connected with his characters. I would’ve loved to have seen this connection in the beginning of the book.

I do give this author credit with stepping out of his normal writing zone to venture into something new and that, I will always support!

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

[Doris Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. The characters are very different. I don’t think I’ve really read a book quite like this one, but I really enjoyed reading it. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories whisper to your soul, and Reanimated Love felt like a ghostly caress—haunting, tragic, and utterly unforgettable. Kevin L. Williams has crafted the kind of Gothic romance that feels like it was meant just for me: a tale of broken souls, otherworldly longing, and love that defies death itself.

From the moment I met Elizabeth Lavenza, I felt her loneliness, the weight of grief pressing down on her like the crumbling walls of her estate. A woman scorned for her appearance and feared for her strange abilities, she lives a half-life, surrounded by ghosts of the past. And then Tambora enters her world—a being stitched together from death itself, hunted and hated for what he is. But Elizabeth doesn’t see a monster. She sees someone who understands what it means to be alone.

This isn’t a romance of fleeting passion—it’s something deeper, rawer. It’s the kind of love that shouldn’t exist, but does. The kind that binds two people in a way that neither time nor mortality can sever. Their connection is tender, filled with quiet moments of trust and devotion, but it’s also tragic—because love in a world that fears the unnatural is never safe.

Williams’ writing is exquisite, steeped in the eerie beauty I crave in Gothic fiction. Flickering candlelight, cold stone halls, the relentless whisper of fate—I lived in this book, in its sorrow and longing. If you love dark, atmospheric romances where love is both salvation and curse, Reanimated Love will enchant and devastate you in equal measure. It certainly did for me.

[Florence Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reanimated Love completely surprised me in the best way. This is not just a Gothic romance, it’s a deeply emotional story about loneliness, compassion, and finding beauty in what the world deems broken. Elizabeth Lavenza is a hauntingly complex character, burdened by grief and isolation, yet quietly resilient. Tambora, the reanimated giant, is written with such tenderness and humanity that it’s impossible not to feel for him despite how others perceive him.

What truly stood out to me was the way the author handled their relationship. The romance unfolds slowly and thoughtfully, rooted in understanding and shared pain rather than instant attraction. Their connection feels earned, sincere, and incredibly moving. The Gothic atmosphere is rich and immersive, with the decaying estate and shadowed world perfectly mirroring the emotional states of the characters.

This book is melancholic, poetic, and quietly powerful. If you enjoy Gothic romance, tragic love stories, or narratives centered on outcasts finding acceptance and love, Reanimated Love is absolutely worth reading.

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I loved the story itself. It’s a compelling take on Frankenstein’s monster, and the way the author used the Frankenstein’s monster trope to explore issues such as racism was a great way to help update the “monster” for today’s readers.

My main critique comes down to writing style. There were a number of moments throughout, but especially in the first half of the novel, that were exposition heavy. At times, it was like reading a summary of the story rather than the story itself unfold. Writing style is so subjective, though, so while it wasn’t my favorite style, the author still told a story that I found myself invested in.

If you’re a fan of Gothic romance and Frankenstein’s monster, I recommend giving Reanimated Love a read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reanimated Love was a sweet romantic tale featuring an eccentric but badass FMC and a gentle and intelligent MMC. Tambora's internal struggle and curiosity were so well fitted to the archetype of Frankenstein's Monster that it was easy to see them as the same instead of a tasteless imitation. Elizabeth was written as well and I liked her quiet but soft nature, she was a lady of the time but also unafraid to stand her ground and protect those she loved. Bailiff and Basil were my favourite side characters and I found them both warm and refreshing. The nuance of Victor Frankenstein himself was also notable and overall Reanimated Love was a complex meaty closed-door romance read and it was a breath of fresh air seeing a Black MMC!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of Frankenstein, this one is for you.

First and foremost, the story line is absolutely adorable. The characters are likable and the setting pulled me into the time period. I commend the author for keeping to the time period, especially the language and how a person would act during this time. And the gothic vibe is apparent throughout the entirety of book, so that was pleasant.

The pacing does have a gradual upscale to the climax of the story. Not to say that it’s boring, but I definitely felt myself questioning when it was going to pick up. The integration of science and paranormal aspects was beautifully executed.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reanimated Love by Kevin L Williams is a steady, engaging reimagining of MAry Shelleys Frankenstein for the modern day and it has been a fanstastic introduction to this author

The beauty of the book was how it not only reimagines the traditional story, but it builds on it, reflecting on current themes so prevalent in today's soceity. Exclusion, racism, bigotry

There is a growing resurgence in the Gothic lit genre and this book certainly has its place in it

All in all a lovely read and one I would recommend

Thank you to Booksprout and the author Kevin L Williams for this arc. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemarie Fudge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do very much love a good retelling. I wish there were more conversational moments between the main characters but I love them none the less for it. There were moments when I was screaming at the characters “why?”, but characters don’t always do what you wish them to. I enjoyed the way the story went about, weaving in science and paranormal elements smoothly together. The subtle acknowledgement of the time period throughout the book was perfect. I honestly wish it was longer. I could have done with twice as much if only to get more conversations and more of a look at the main characters time together.

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

[Nadine Bells · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read Frankenstein and just really wanted to give the creature a hug, this book is for you! Reanimated Love is a beautiful Gothic romance, full of longing and angst.
Elizabeth is an orphan and an outcast, living with her animals (I loved her connection to them!) on the outskirts of society. Tamora is a reanimated creature on the run from his monstrous creator.
From their first meeting, I adored the connection between these two misfits who find so much understanding, comfort and healing through one another and I really enjoyed seeing how their sweet and wholesome love contrasted the dark, Gothic world around them.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wasn't a long read at all, but from the first page, it had me hooked, as it reminded me of the classics, and felt like gothic romance at its best.

For a long time, Elizabeth has known nothing but loneliness, until her heart is stolen by a mysterious stranger.

Love is something that doesn't need an explanation, and I really felt the romance between Elizabeth and her love interest, Tambora; they were unstoppable.

If you enjoy gothic classics like Frankenstein, you'll probably love this.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reanimated Love is a hauntingly beautiful gothic romance that will resonate with fans of Frankenstein while carving out its own unique and poignant story. Kevin L. Williams masterfully blends the eerie, atmospheric vibes of a crumbling estate and the torment of misunderstood souls with a tender and deeply moving love story. This is is a tale of love, redemption, and the resilience of the human (and not-so-human) heart.

If you're drawn to dark romances with a timeless, gothic flair, this book will capture your imagination and stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This was slow for me at first. I almost dnf'd because of bordom. It did pick up bout halfway. Gothic vibes, different twist of Frankstein story, but all in all not horrible. Easy read, and I know this will be loved by many. My first from Kevin, and won't be my last <3.

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like dark romance with gothic vibes this book is for you this was such a wonderful read I really enjoyed it.

[Devanshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it more than I thought since I'm usually not into the gothic vibe but this book definitely has me enjoying it. The characters are loveable and the storyline is adorable and easy to read.

[Smutty Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Frankenstein, this book is definitely for you! A nice twist on the original story. The characters were a lot of fun, and the writing was easy to read and light-hearted. I love it