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Begin Again
Shadow Grove is a quiet town, the kind where secrets stay buried—until someone starts digging.
When a stranger arrives, he unearths a chilling thirty years, three men, all dead, all victims of poisoning. The coroner ruled them accidents, but the odds are too high to ignore.
Theo has spent his life taking care of others, running the town cafe and keeping the peace. But when the investigation pulls him into its depths, he realizes he may not know his town—or the people in it—as well as he thought.
Selene never planned on getting involved, but with a past she can’t outrun, siblings who don’t know when to back down, and a failed TSA dog named Valkyrie (more scaredy-cat than Doberman), she finds herself tangled in the mystery. And then there’s Theo—steady, infuriatingly charming, and impossible to ignore.
With time running out and the body count threatening to rise, Theo, Selene, and their friends must uncover the truth before the next accident isn’t an accident at all.
When a stranger arrives, he unearths a chilling thirty years, three men, all dead, all victims of poisoning. The coroner ruled them accidents, but the odds are too high to ignore.
Theo has spent his life taking care of others, running the town cafe and keeping the peace. But when the investigation pulls him into its depths, he realizes he may not know his town—or the people in it—as well as he thought.
Selene never planned on getting involved, but with a past she can’t outrun, siblings who don’t know when to back down, and a failed TSA dog named Valkyrie (more scaredy-cat than Doberman), she finds herself tangled in the mystery. And then there’s Theo—steady, infuriatingly charming, and impossible to ignore.
With time running out and the body count threatening to rise, Theo, Selene, and their friends must uncover the truth before the next accident isn’t an accident at all.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2025
10 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Kate Cross
1 book13 followersKate is a Midwest native who found home—and family—by accident in the South. A lifelong daydreamer, she spent years writing stories in her head before finally putting them on paper.
Her debut novel was born somewhere between late-night nursing sessions, friendships with other writers, and crying at All Too Well (10 Minute Version) live at the Eras Tour.
When she’s not writing or chasing after her two kids (and two dogs), she’s plotting twists, dreaming up spice, and building out the rest of the Shadow Grove (and Umbra) universe
Her debut novel was born somewhere between late-night nursing sessions, friendships with other writers, and crying at All Too Well (10 Minute Version) live at the Eras Tour.
When she’s not writing or chasing after her two kids (and two dogs), she’s plotting twists, dreaming up spice, and building out the rest of the Shadow Grove (and Umbra) universe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 3, 2025
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Selene and Theo 💚 The banter between them is top notch, and the tension throughout the story kept me on the edge of my seat! 😱
The story building is phenomenal, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the ending will blow your mind! 🤯
I love how the author has cleverly woven in Easter eggs related to Taylor Swift’s Red album throughout the entire story.
Oh and DON’T skip the epilogue, it’s a jaw dropping plot twist that will leave you speechless! 🌀
If you love small town mysteries, cozy relationships, supportive friendships, and just the right amount of spice, this book is for you! 🔥
The story building is phenomenal, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the ending will blow your mind! 🤯
I love how the author has cleverly woven in Easter eggs related to Taylor Swift’s Red album throughout the entire story.
Oh and DON’T skip the epilogue, it’s a jaw dropping plot twist that will leave you speechless! 🌀
If you love small town mysteries, cozy relationships, supportive friendships, and just the right amount of spice, this book is for you! 🔥
April 23, 2025
I received this as an ARC and enjoyed it! I loved how all the characters ended up being connected somehow. Each time a new connection was made I got more excited! lol
The spice was just right for me. I am not someone who enjoys books that are nothing but spice, so this one did it perfectly for my taste.
I loved how it had both romance and mystery and even the part at the end that made me gasp. 🙊
Thank you Kate for sharing this ARC with me!
The spice was just right for me. I am not someone who enjoys books that are nothing but spice, so this one did it perfectly for my taste.
I loved how it had both romance and mystery and even the part at the end that made me gasp. 🙊
Thank you Kate for sharing this ARC with me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
This book is full of mystery, twists and turns and banter that will have you giggling. With an entire crew of characters you’ll love, a string of murders covering decades and the perfect amount of suspense and spice. This book is the reminder you need that starting fresh isn’t so terrifying with good people in your corner and in the end- everything works itself out.
July 20, 2025
A lovable memorable cast of characters, slight spice, and plot twists, oh my!
If you like music, mysteries, and melodrama this is the book for you.
Whatever you do— READ THE EPILOGUE! The book will have you on the edge of your seat, and the epilogue will shove you right off it!
If you like music, mysteries, and melodrama this is the book for you.
Whatever you do— READ THE EPILOGUE! The book will have you on the edge of your seat, and the epilogue will shove you right off it!
June 16, 2025
Kate Cross had me SAT for her stunning debut!
It was tense, it was cutesy, it was mysterious, it was witty!
I love good banter between characters, and it wasn't just the main characters that had such impeccable banter, it was some supporting characters as well! I loved seeing the set up for (hopefully) more books to come!
Theo had me fanning myself and thirsting for more!
But of course, my favorite character has to be Valkyrie ^_^
It was tense, it was cutesy, it was mysterious, it was witty!
I love good banter between characters, and it wasn't just the main characters that had such impeccable banter, it was some supporting characters as well! I loved seeing the set up for (hopefully) more books to come!
Theo had me fanning myself and thirsting for more!
But of course, my favorite character has to be Valkyrie ^_^
August 2, 2025
I loved this so much. I loved the romance between Selene and Theo. I loved the mystery. I loved the side characters. Celeste and Morgan would have to be my favorite side characters. I can't wait to read more of Shadow Grove.
December 25, 2025
This book was amazing. I am recommending it to anyone and everyone! I cannot wait to see more from this author!
July 25, 2025
Begin Again ♥️
I am saying this as a primary dark romance reader as well as a dark fantasy romance. This book was a breath of fresh air mixed with a hint of spice and suspense. It’s definitely such an amazing read! I loved Theo and how much he wanted Selene. I loved how I was able to learn about Bennett. I also loved Orion and how protective and how he had a hint of sarcasm when it comes to speaking with really anyone it made me giggle. Also I loved Selene’s sister & and I’m only saying this because if you read this book you will definitely understand why I’m not using a name because you have to figure this out for yourself! I’m just going to say I hope that a certain someone steps in an endless supply of legos. Sorry I had to get that out. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that would love a palette cleanser from the dark romance community or thriller. That way you get a bit of suspense and some spicy scenes. Also let me just tell you.. I love love love Valkyrie! Must read I’d rate it 4.5/5⭐️
I am saying this as a primary dark romance reader as well as a dark fantasy romance. This book was a breath of fresh air mixed with a hint of spice and suspense. It’s definitely such an amazing read! I loved Theo and how much he wanted Selene. I loved how I was able to learn about Bennett. I also loved Orion and how protective and how he had a hint of sarcasm when it comes to speaking with really anyone it made me giggle. Also I loved Selene’s sister & and I’m only saying this because if you read this book you will definitely understand why I’m not using a name because you have to figure this out for yourself! I’m just going to say I hope that a certain someone steps in an endless supply of legos. Sorry I had to get that out. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that would love a palette cleanser from the dark romance community or thriller. That way you get a bit of suspense and some spicy scenes. Also let me just tell you.. I love love love Valkyrie! Must read I’d rate it 4.5/5⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
This book was a really nice surprise. In the beginning there are many characters and it feels a bit much, but then everything starts to connect and make sense. Every time a new link between characters was revealed, it made the story more exciting.
The mix of mystery and romance worked very well and it was very interesting how everything unfold. Selene and Theo had great chemistry but also emotional depth, which made their scenes more real. Writing flowed beautifully and I really liked. Really enjoyed this one.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
The mix of mystery and romance worked very well and it was very interesting how everything unfold. Selene and Theo had great chemistry but also emotional depth, which made their scenes more real. Writing flowed beautifully and I really liked. Really enjoyed this one.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
May 20, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Begin Again, which caught my interest from the beautiful cover and advertised Swiftie references. However, it was so much more and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the plot!
Let's get into it: while some Swiftie references are very obvious, there's subtle ones sprinkled throughout the book that were fun little Easter eggs to come across while reading. Most importantly, they didn't feel forced in the way some books with references do. This will be a fun read for Swifties, for sure!
Plot: I was pleasantly surprised at how into the story I got! Like any mystery, you may start out feeling like you're missing something- and you are, of course! The small town secrets are revealed slowly throughout the book, and I was hooked on the outcome by 20% in. By 70% in, I still wasn't sure exactly where the story was headed. Both main characters have their own complicated pasts, secrets that come to light, and unresolved matters that seem very likely to lead into a Book 2.
Overall- it was a FUN read. No overly complicated scenarios, not overly long with unnecessary plot points or unneeded pages (usually the downfalls of books with mysterious elements)- just a good book that keeps you interested in the turn out and the characters, and gets you excited for a next book!
Let's get into it: while some Swiftie references are very obvious, there's subtle ones sprinkled throughout the book that were fun little Easter eggs to come across while reading. Most importantly, they didn't feel forced in the way some books with references do. This will be a fun read for Swifties, for sure!
Plot: I was pleasantly surprised at how into the story I got! Like any mystery, you may start out feeling like you're missing something- and you are, of course! The small town secrets are revealed slowly throughout the book, and I was hooked on the outcome by 20% in. By 70% in, I still wasn't sure exactly where the story was headed. Both main characters have their own complicated pasts, secrets that come to light, and unresolved matters that seem very likely to lead into a Book 2.
Overall- it was a FUN read. No overly complicated scenarios, not overly long with unnecessary plot points or unneeded pages (usually the downfalls of books with mysterious elements)- just a good book that keeps you interested in the turn out and the characters, and gets you excited for a next book!
May 2, 2025
If you’re wanting a book that keeps you on your toes, this is definitely it!!
I loved the romance between Selene and Theo. It was so sweet to read. It had me kicking my feet and BLUSHINGGG!!
The mystery and suspense was written so well I was constantly questioning myself about what could be next!
I am so excited to let my friends read this book and I cannot wait for more of this series to release!! 10/10 would recommend!!
I loved the romance between Selene and Theo. It was so sweet to read. It had me kicking my feet and BLUSHINGGG!!
The mystery and suspense was written so well I was constantly questioning myself about what could be next!
I am so excited to let my friends read this book and I cannot wait for more of this series to release!! 10/10 would recommend!!
April 29, 2025
I received this book as an ARC. I absolutely loved reading Begin Again. There were definitely parts of the book that I had no idea what was going to happen next and I loved it. It does not end up the way you’d think. I would have loved more content with Valkyrie, but there’s always the next book!
April 20, 2025
⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 3.5/5
Disclaimer: Was given to me via author this month as an “ARC”. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Everyone in my life knows how I am HUGE Swiftie, so I jumped at the chance to read a book with a bunch of Taylor Swift references! I really enjoyed Selene and Theo’s story; it was a nice mixture of mystery and romance. There was a lot going on at first with several different characters being introduced but their contributions to the plot were all pretty significant at the end… AND the author could totally spin off the book and make sequels with the characters if she really wanted to since there was a bunch of information and character development that happened. Definitely would recommend this book when it gets released!
🌶️: 3.5/5
Disclaimer: Was given to me via author this month as an “ARC”. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Everyone in my life knows how I am HUGE Swiftie, so I jumped at the chance to read a book with a bunch of Taylor Swift references! I really enjoyed Selene and Theo’s story; it was a nice mixture of mystery and romance. There was a lot going on at first with several different characters being introduced but their contributions to the plot were all pretty significant at the end… AND the author could totally spin off the book and make sequels with the characters if she really wanted to since there was a bunch of information and character development that happened. Definitely would recommend this book when it gets released!
April 22, 2025
I received this book as an ARC! It was a pretty good book, I was confused in the beginning when there were many characters being introduced but it was good after that. This book has some mystery paired with spice. Read this when it comes out!!
May 20, 2025
I was an ARC reader for this book, and I loved it! Just the right amount of mystery, spice, and small town vibes for my liking. The characters felt real and believable, and I liked the dynamic between them all. I thought this book was beautifully written and appreciated the descriptive detail. If you’re a lover of romance and suspense I highly recommend giving this a read! I also recommend this book to Swifties that enjoy reading, I think you’ll like all the references in here!
July 31, 2025
Scooby Doo meets Criminal Minds in this charming, thrilling, and sometimes goofy romance! It takes all the fun and mystery of true crime but makes it relatable by having normal people do the crime-solving. The banter between the main characters was so funny and cute. And the whole story made me wish I was buddy reading so I could text someone at all times with my thoughts on what I’d just read! Kate did a phenomenal job writing this book, and I can’t read to read her next one!
June 5, 2025
Kate Cross blew me away in this stunning debut! I’m going to try to keep it free of spoilers (I’m not great at that).
This book has alllll the feels. Humor? Check. A sweet doggo named Valkyrie to steal your heart? Check. Romance? Check. Mystery? Check. Spice? Check. A whodunnit? Check. And insanely attractive MC’s? DOUBLE CHECK!
I annotated my copy and let me tell you, my highlighter threatened to dry up on me tears the end of the book.
I absolutely recommend to anyone who loves romystery (is that a genre? If it’s not, I’m making it so). The writing is beautiful and there were parts that had me cackling and in the edge of my seat at the same time.
I can’t wait to read more about Shadow Grove (and I’m also craving cookies and coffee now, thanks Kate 😉)
This book has alllll the feels. Humor? Check. A sweet doggo named Valkyrie to steal your heart? Check. Romance? Check. Mystery? Check. Spice? Check. A whodunnit? Check. And insanely attractive MC’s? DOUBLE CHECK!
I annotated my copy and let me tell you, my highlighter threatened to dry up on me tears the end of the book.
I absolutely recommend to anyone who loves romystery (is that a genre? If it’s not, I’m making it so). The writing is beautiful and there were parts that had me cackling and in the edge of my seat at the same time.
I can’t wait to read more about Shadow Grove (and I’m also craving cookies and coffee now, thanks Kate 😉)
September 26, 2025
This book was definitely an easy read & the writing style itself was simple and easy to follow, which I appreciated. Honestly, I would’ve finished it in about three days, but work has been so busy that I just didn’t have the time.
That being said, I did not like how repetitive the writing was. There were so many sentences and phrases that were literally repeated just a few pages later, and not just once, it happened throughout the whole book. It honestly made me wonder if the author even rechecked her work closely enough.
As for the plot, I was hoping for a mystery that would really wow me with a big twist, but it ended up being pretty predictable. I kept waiting for that huge reveal or shocking moment, and it just never came. So while it wasn’t a bad story, it left me feeling a little disappointed.
Overall, it was an easy read, but not one I’d personally recommend.
That being said, I did not like how repetitive the writing was. There were so many sentences and phrases that were literally repeated just a few pages later, and not just once, it happened throughout the whole book. It honestly made me wonder if the author even rechecked her work closely enough.
As for the plot, I was hoping for a mystery that would really wow me with a big twist, but it ended up being pretty predictable. I kept waiting for that huge reveal or shocking moment, and it just never came. So while it wasn’t a bad story, it left me feeling a little disappointed.
Overall, it was an easy read, but not one I’d personally recommend.
November 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely loved it!
Shadow Grove might look like your typical small town, but wow—Kate Cross proves it’s anything but ordinary. Begin Again hooked me from page one with its mix of mystery, romance, and quirky charm.
• The mystery: Three men poisoned over thirty years, all ruled “accidents”? I couldn’t stop flipping pages to see how it all tied together.
• The romance: Theo, the café owner, is steady and swoon-worthy, while Selene brings chaos, humor, and heart. Their chemistry felt so natural, I was rooting for them the whole way.
• The humor: Valkyrie, the failed TSA dog, is hands-down one of my favorite characters. She’s supposed to be intimidating, but she’s basically a scaredy-cat in a Doberman’s body—and I laughed every time she appeared.
This book balances suspense with warmth beautifully. It’s cozy enough to curl up with on a rainy day, but the mystery keeps you on edge. By the end, I felt like I’d lived in Shadow Grove myself, gossiping with neighbors and sipping coffee at Theo’s café.
Final verdict: If you love romantic suspense with small-town vibes, witty banter, and a touch of danger, Begin Again is a must-read. Kate Cross nailed it—I’ll definitely be picking up whatever she writes next.
Shadow Grove might look like your typical small town, but wow—Kate Cross proves it’s anything but ordinary. Begin Again hooked me from page one with its mix of mystery, romance, and quirky charm.
• The mystery: Three men poisoned over thirty years, all ruled “accidents”? I couldn’t stop flipping pages to see how it all tied together.
• The romance: Theo, the café owner, is steady and swoon-worthy, while Selene brings chaos, humor, and heart. Their chemistry felt so natural, I was rooting for them the whole way.
• The humor: Valkyrie, the failed TSA dog, is hands-down one of my favorite characters. She’s supposed to be intimidating, but she’s basically a scaredy-cat in a Doberman’s body—and I laughed every time she appeared.
This book balances suspense with warmth beautifully. It’s cozy enough to curl up with on a rainy day, but the mystery keeps you on edge. By the end, I felt like I’d lived in Shadow Grove myself, gossiping with neighbors and sipping coffee at Theo’s café.
Final verdict: If you love romantic suspense with small-town vibes, witty banter, and a touch of danger, Begin Again is a must-read. Kate Cross nailed it—I’ll definitely be picking up whatever she writes next.
January 5, 2026
Really enjoyed this one. I appreciated the local Huntsville references as well as the Taylor Swift references. Spice level was on point. The friendship dynamics were funny and cute. It was a quick and easy read. I’m looking forward to the next Shadow Grove book! 👀💕
July 28, 2025
This book was so good, I could not put it down! The mystery, the love story, the characters interactions and dialogue were so engaging that I felt like I was there in Shadow Grove. I seriously loved this book! Perfection as a debut novel! Cannot wait for the next one in the series. Seriously give this book a read! You won’t regret it!
June 2, 2025
*I ADORED THE HELL OUT OF SELENE AND THEO!
The twists & turns feels like you really are in Shadow Grove.
The twists & turns feels like you really are in Shadow Grove.
May 21, 2025
Begin Again is a good steamy, tension-filled story packed with mystery and danger.
Ready to uncover the secrets of Shadow Grove?
What you get.....
♡Small Town Romance
♡Romantic Suspense
♡Mystery
♡Danger
♡Steamy Scenes
♡Great Banter
♡Criminal Minds X Scooby-Doo Vibes
♡Black Cat Heroine
♡Golden Retriever MMC
♡He's a Cafe Own
♡A Fury Friend Valkyrie 🐕
♡Swifties
♡Inspired by Taylor Swift's Red TV Album.
Selene and Theo had sizzling chemistry. The banter and tension between them was amazing.
Orion and Celeste are Selene's crazy siblings and their dynamic was great.
Valkyrie is Selene's adorable furry friend 🐕 I just wanted to cuddle her!!
They all band together to figure out what is happening in Shadow Grove. Lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing what might happen next.
Kate does a great job at character and world-building. I couldn't put it down. I got sucked into the story and loved all the characters.
I can't wait to read more by Kate Cross!
Ready to uncover the secrets of Shadow Grove?
What you get.....
♡Small Town Romance
♡Romantic Suspense
♡Mystery
♡Danger
♡Steamy Scenes
♡Great Banter
♡Criminal Minds X Scooby-Doo Vibes
♡Black Cat Heroine
♡Golden Retriever MMC
♡He's a Cafe Own
♡A Fury Friend Valkyrie 🐕
♡Swifties
♡Inspired by Taylor Swift's Red TV Album.
Selene and Theo had sizzling chemistry. The banter and tension between them was amazing.
Orion and Celeste are Selene's crazy siblings and their dynamic was great.
Valkyrie is Selene's adorable furry friend 🐕 I just wanted to cuddle her!!
They all band together to figure out what is happening in Shadow Grove. Lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing what might happen next.
Kate does a great job at character and world-building. I couldn't put it down. I got sucked into the story and loved all the characters.
I can't wait to read more by Kate Cross!
May 19, 2025
Kate Cross' Begin Again is a story filled with great characters and witty banter.
Selene is the FMC and Theo is the MMC and I enjoyed the vibes, tension and banter between them.
I absolutely loved Orion and Celeste lol they're the crazy siblings I wish I had haha!
And who could forget about Valkyrie?! The most goofiest but lovable Doberman!!
Aubrey and Cassandra were characters that had you guessing the entire time.
The plot of the story is there however, I felt like some things were repeated more times than they should've been but it wasn't a factor for me to just DNF the book.
I appreciated how the ending was done, it didn't feel rushed or wasted. It was a good ending and it feels like there could be a second book if Ms. Cross decides to go that route.
Overall, it was a great read and I would definitely recommend it to a friend!
Selene is the FMC and Theo is the MMC and I enjoyed the vibes, tension and banter between them.
I absolutely loved Orion and Celeste lol they're the crazy siblings I wish I had haha!
And who could forget about Valkyrie?! The most goofiest but lovable Doberman!!
Aubrey and Cassandra were characters that had you guessing the entire time.
The plot of the story is there however, I felt like some things were repeated more times than they should've been but it wasn't a factor for me to just DNF the book.
I appreciated how the ending was done, it didn't feel rushed or wasted. It was a good ending and it feels like there could be a second book if Ms. Cross decides to go that route.
Overall, it was a great read and I would definitely recommend it to a friend!
May 18, 2025
This book was a pleasant read. It was a bit slow to start but it was necessary for us to be introduced to the cast of characters. Once the mystery started to unfold, I was intrigued. To me, the ending was predictable but that didn’t make it any less enjoyable. I also feel that this book did a fantastic job of setting up other characters’ stories so that this could be a series, and I am excited to read about them! I cannot wait to read another book by this author!
June 11, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Begin Again prior to its release. That being said... I really wanted to vibe with it, but it ended up playing out like an episode of Riverdale, and not a Season 1 episode either. It's supposed to be cute, fun and witty with a little mystery thrown in, but it got complicated with the MFC's family members and their antics (and the continual focus on that dang dog!) and it wasn't clear or ever really revealed why she needed to 'begin again' in a small, off-the-grid town.
And the epilogue... it only added to the convolutedness of the story, and I think potentially set up for a sequel/spin-off? A lot was happening in this book and had potential to be a mild, twisty-turny, rom-com-dram, but it wasn't for me.
And the epilogue... it only added to the convolutedness of the story, and I think potentially set up for a sequel/spin-off? A lot was happening in this book and had potential to be a mild, twisty-turny, rom-com-dram, but it wasn't for me.
May 30, 2025
This book kept me on my toes. It is the perfect mix of murder mystery with twists and turns and suspense, and just enough romance and smut thrown in to keep it spicy without distracting from the mystery. It has a healthy amount of characters to provide a basis for more books in the Shadow Grove setting, but not too many to keep track of. Each character is so incredibly unique and well written that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am excited for more!
P.S. speaking of the spicy scenes? Holy crap. I was not prepared, in all the best ways.
P.S. speaking of the spicy scenes? Holy crap. I was not prepared, in all the best ways.
September 22, 2025
For a first book, I’m extremely impressed! The mix of mystery, murder, romance, and some fun twists along the way made this a quick read! I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this series!
May 30, 2025
This book was really great! It wasn't quite a 5 star book for me, but I would probably rate it 4.6 stars if that were possible. Here are some of my thoughts while reading:
~It's so cozy I forgot it's a thriller (in a good way)
~LOVE LOVE LOVE Valkyrie
~Love the coziness, the mystery, the drama and how there isn't too much of any one thing. It's well balanced.
~Love the Taylor Swift reference when Theo comes out singing State of Grace. It was unexpected (even though I first heard about this book in a swiftie group) and it made Theo that much more lovable
~I knew this book had some Taylor Swift influences, but I was really glad it wasn't too much. A lot of people are trying to tell a fairy tale version of Taylor Swift's life and love story right now through fictional literature, and this book wasn't that, which to me was a really good thing. I could tell the author is a swiftie, but probably not if I wasn't one myself. There are Easter eggs and mysteries throughout, and it was never "IN YOUR FACE SWIFTIE". It felt like a breath of fresh air in a world that's inundated with retellings of the same (yes, adorable, but arguably overtold, story)
~Theo is DREAMY
~The only thing I wish it had more of was character depth. There are a lot of happy, warm fuzzy moments, which is a good thing because of the thriller part of the book, but I wish there were more moments where the characters struggle or are emotional or something.
~In her author bio at the end of the book, she gives an idea for the next book, and that sounds like a really great concept too!!
~I definitely look forward to reading the author's future books!
~It's so cozy I forgot it's a thriller (in a good way)
~LOVE LOVE LOVE Valkyrie
~Love the coziness, the mystery, the drama and how there isn't too much of any one thing. It's well balanced.
~Love the Taylor Swift reference when Theo comes out singing State of Grace. It was unexpected (even though I first heard about this book in a swiftie group) and it made Theo that much more lovable
~I knew this book had some Taylor Swift influences, but I was really glad it wasn't too much. A lot of people are trying to tell a fairy tale version of Taylor Swift's life and love story right now through fictional literature, and this book wasn't that, which to me was a really good thing. I could tell the author is a swiftie, but probably not if I wasn't one myself. There are Easter eggs and mysteries throughout, and it was never "IN YOUR FACE SWIFTIE". It felt like a breath of fresh air in a world that's inundated with retellings of the same (yes, adorable, but arguably overtold, story)
~Theo is DREAMY
~The only thing I wish it had more of was character depth. There are a lot of happy, warm fuzzy moments, which is a good thing because of the thriller part of the book, but I wish there were more moments where the characters struggle or are emotional or something.
~In her author bio at the end of the book, she gives an idea for the next book, and that sounds like a really great concept too!!
~I definitely look forward to reading the author's future books!
September 19, 2025
What a great debut novel! Kate really sets the scene for Shadow Grove and the mystery lurking behind the scenes. I loved the found family that Selene and her siblings develop, and Theo has the best golden-retriever energy! I'm really looking forward to reading the other books that will be part of this series.
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