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Of Ballads and Banshees #1
Paramour
Her banshee scream is a death sentence. His love might be hers.
“You know that feeling people get when something bad is about to happen to someone they love? Or how some seem to know it’s their time right before getting into a horrible accident? That’s me. I warn that death is coming.”
Sadie is a banshee on the run—from hunters, from her past, and from the terrifying truth that she’s killed before. As an empath, she’s learned to shut her emotions down, because if she feels too much, she could easily turn lethal again.
There are no highs. No lows. No chance of losing control.
But when Sadie falls sick from a hunter’s mysterious spell, she can no longer escape into the safety of other people’s emotions. Now in a new town with a new identity, she’s forced to feel everything. Grief. Rage. Longing. Fear. For the first time in her life, she makes friends, forging connections and breaking her careful rules for survival. And then there’s Nathan—the human boy she’s connected to by fate.
Falling for him may well be her undoing.
As hunters close in, Sadie must decide whether to let herself lose control—and risk everything that keeps her safe—all to protect those she never meant to love.
“You know that feeling people get when something bad is about to happen to someone they love? Or how some seem to know it’s their time right before getting into a horrible accident? That’s me. I warn that death is coming.”
Sadie is a banshee on the run—from hunters, from her past, and from the terrifying truth that she’s killed before. As an empath, she’s learned to shut her emotions down, because if she feels too much, she could easily turn lethal again.
There are no highs. No lows. No chance of losing control.
But when Sadie falls sick from a hunter’s mysterious spell, she can no longer escape into the safety of other people’s emotions. Now in a new town with a new identity, she’s forced to feel everything. Grief. Rage. Longing. Fear. For the first time in her life, she makes friends, forging connections and breaking her careful rules for survival. And then there’s Nathan—the human boy she’s connected to by fate.
Falling for him may well be her undoing.
As hunters close in, Sadie must decide whether to let herself lose control—and risk everything that keeps her safe—all to protect those she never meant to love.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
24 people are currently reading
5233 people want to read
About the author
Robin Alvarez
4 books193 followersRobin Alvarez is the author of the #1 New Release YA Ethnic Fairy Tale When Oceans Rise. Strong female characters, mythological creatures, and a mixed-race perspective are staples of her work. While she's spent the majority of her life in beach towns, having almost drowned several times, she currently resides in a desert where the waters are less likely to kill her.
Robin's work has been featured on OwlCrate, ABC, NBC, and CBS news affiliates.
Robin's work has been featured on OwlCrate, ABC, NBC, and CBS news affiliates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
June 24, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Robin has this such iconic talent of blending amazingly relatable charactersand new and exciting mythology into a story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let you go. She for sure is an author that I can see doing amazing things.
Getting to know Sadie and her mom, who are both banshees,( which I feel don’t get enough representation in fantasy btw ) was such a unique experience. Seeing their love for each other and how they navigate the paranormal world was so engaging.
I literally spent through this book within three days lol if that doesn’t say what a good book that says I don’t know what does haha
Getting to know Sadie and her mom, who are both banshees,( which I feel don’t get enough representation in fantasy btw ) was such a unique experience. Seeing their love for each other and how they navigate the paranormal world was so engaging.
I literally spent through this book within three days lol if that doesn’t say what a good book that says I don’t know what does haha
November 19, 2025
A Haunting, Heartfelt Journey into Banshee Lore: A Strong Start to a Unique Urban Fantasy Series
Robin Alvarez’s Paramour offers a refreshingly imaginative take on urban fantasy through the seldom-explored lens of banshees, and it succeeds on many fronts—especially in its emotional depth, character development, and the originality of its lore. Although I had never read an urban fantasy novel centered on banshees before, these eerie, mournful creatures were not completely foreign to me; what Alvarez does so well is retain the mythic core of the banshee while reimagining their role in contemporary society. The result is a story that feels both grounded and otherworldly, a blend that kept me engaged even through its slower moments.
Paramour ♦ Robin Alvarez—A Review
Opinion
At the heart of the novel is Sadie, a young banshee whose fierce attachment to her mother forms the emotional backbone of the story. Their relationship is beautifully rendered—tender, desperate, and unwavering, even as they live in constant fear of being torn apart by parahunters (a chilling faction of hunters specializing in paranormal beings). That looming threat of separation, rather than an early estrangement, is what makes their bond and their shared flight so tense and heartbreaking. When that fear finally becomes reality later in the book, the despair that follows is often very palpable, and Alvarez excels at portraying the quiet, aching moments of grief and longing that accompany that loss, giving the narrative a powerful emotional urgency.
The plot’s structure—Sadie and her mother fleeing eastward from Texas, with Sadie suffering from a mysterious, debilitating sickness while they both constantly watch for danger—creates a compelling road-novel tension at the beginning of the book. The threat of parahunters looms throughout, lending the story a suspenseful undercurrent. But what surprised and delighted me most was what happens when Sadie arrives in a new town and begins to experience something she has never allowed herself before: connection. Watching her slowly form friendships and, later, alliances was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book. I found myself hoping early on that Sadie would eventually find people who accepted her, and Alvarez delivers this in a way that feels earned, never rushed.
The banshee mythology itself is one of the book’s standout features. By dealing with “Death Charges” and “Grieving Charges,” Sadie and her mother have responsibilities unlike any supernatural creatures I’ve seen in fiction. Alvarez’s explanation of how banshees warn of impending death—and how they comfort the bereaved afterward—adds a fascinating emotional and ethical layer to the narrative. It also reinforces why banshees are feared and often unwelcome among other paranormal beings, forcing them to relocate constantly. Yet in this new town, the dynamic becomes more complex, and the tension between their duty and their desire for stability pushes the story forward in interesting ways.
The romantic subplot, meanwhile, is handled with restraint and sensitivity. Sadie’s connection with Nathan fits naturally into the arc of her awakening emotional life. It never overshadows the central storyline, which makes it appropriate and satisfying for a young adult audience. Their growing bond serves to highlight Sadie’s struggle with vulnerability rather than turning into a standard YA romance trope.
Despite its many strengths, Paramour is not without flaws. A few sections lag in pacing, and several scenes feel nonessential to the overarching plot. I also came across some inconsistencies that temporarily pulled me out of the story—details that didn’t fully align with the world-building or character logic. Nevertheless, these issues didn’t overshadow the compelling writing style, rich character dynamics, and creative mythology that define the novel.
Conclusion
Overall, Paramour is an engaging start to what promises to be an intriguing series. With its unique concept, emotive storytelling, and memorable characters, it earns a solid four stars from me—and I look forward to seeing where Sadie’s journey leads next.
Through NetGalley I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
Robin Alvarez’s Paramour offers a refreshingly imaginative take on urban fantasy through the seldom-explored lens of banshees, and it succeeds on many fronts—especially in its emotional depth, character development, and the originality of its lore. Although I had never read an urban fantasy novel centered on banshees before, these eerie, mournful creatures were not completely foreign to me; what Alvarez does so well is retain the mythic core of the banshee while reimagining their role in contemporary society. The result is a story that feels both grounded and otherworldly, a blend that kept me engaged even through its slower moments.
Paramour ♦ Robin Alvarez—A Review
Opinion
At the heart of the novel is Sadie, a young banshee whose fierce attachment to her mother forms the emotional backbone of the story. Their relationship is beautifully rendered—tender, desperate, and unwavering, even as they live in constant fear of being torn apart by parahunters (a chilling faction of hunters specializing in paranormal beings). That looming threat of separation, rather than an early estrangement, is what makes their bond and their shared flight so tense and heartbreaking. When that fear finally becomes reality later in the book, the despair that follows is often very palpable, and Alvarez excels at portraying the quiet, aching moments of grief and longing that accompany that loss, giving the narrative a powerful emotional urgency.
The plot’s structure—Sadie and her mother fleeing eastward from Texas, with Sadie suffering from a mysterious, debilitating sickness while they both constantly watch for danger—creates a compelling road-novel tension at the beginning of the book. The threat of parahunters looms throughout, lending the story a suspenseful undercurrent. But what surprised and delighted me most was what happens when Sadie arrives in a new town and begins to experience something she has never allowed herself before: connection. Watching her slowly form friendships and, later, alliances was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book. I found myself hoping early on that Sadie would eventually find people who accepted her, and Alvarez delivers this in a way that feels earned, never rushed.
The banshee mythology itself is one of the book’s standout features. By dealing with “Death Charges” and “Grieving Charges,” Sadie and her mother have responsibilities unlike any supernatural creatures I’ve seen in fiction. Alvarez’s explanation of how banshees warn of impending death—and how they comfort the bereaved afterward—adds a fascinating emotional and ethical layer to the narrative. It also reinforces why banshees are feared and often unwelcome among other paranormal beings, forcing them to relocate constantly. Yet in this new town, the dynamic becomes more complex, and the tension between their duty and their desire for stability pushes the story forward in interesting ways.
The romantic subplot, meanwhile, is handled with restraint and sensitivity. Sadie’s connection with Nathan fits naturally into the arc of her awakening emotional life. It never overshadows the central storyline, which makes it appropriate and satisfying for a young adult audience. Their growing bond serves to highlight Sadie’s struggle with vulnerability rather than turning into a standard YA romance trope.
Despite its many strengths, Paramour is not without flaws. A few sections lag in pacing, and several scenes feel nonessential to the overarching plot. I also came across some inconsistencies that temporarily pulled me out of the story—details that didn’t fully align with the world-building or character logic. Nevertheless, these issues didn’t overshadow the compelling writing style, rich character dynamics, and creative mythology that define the novel.
Conclusion
Overall, Paramour is an engaging start to what promises to be an intriguing series. With its unique concept, emotive storytelling, and memorable characters, it earns a solid four stars from me—and I look forward to seeing where Sadie’s journey leads next.
Through NetGalley I received an advance review copy (ARC) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
July 4, 2025
Book title: Paramour of Ballads and Banshees
Star Rating: 5
Author: Robin Alvarez
Release date: Sept. 9th 2025
summery:
modren take on a banshee and other paranormal creatures with the Banshess Being ostracized Because the others can sense Death on them But all the Banshees do is warn people of a coming death all the while all the Paranormals are Being hunted and the FMC manges to espace after getting sick when she and her mom seek treatment from a witch she tells them to go east and to stop once they Find the Place that is calling here then after getting there Mom Figuers out why shes sick and try to Break the ties to save her however they were Fallowed and now they Just need to survive
anything I thought need improvement:
the only thing I think it needs is a second Book
Favorite Quote:"
What? No, it doesn't matter what you're wearing-you've got
this self-awareness that reeks of confidence. Sure the soft pinks are disarming, but you're like a thorny Rose. Beautiful to Look at, But dangerouse to Mishandle. "-Christi
who I would Recommend this Book to:
to my nieces they would love isoult and her friends and its not spicey so it works for my teen ninces and other teens trying to find a Place in our world
Star Rating: 5
Author: Robin Alvarez
Release date: Sept. 9th 2025
summery:
modren take on a banshee and other paranormal creatures with the Banshess Being ostracized Because the others can sense Death on them But all the Banshees do is warn people of a coming death all the while all the Paranormals are Being hunted and the FMC manges to espace after getting sick when she and her mom seek treatment from a witch she tells them to go east and to stop once they Find the Place that is calling here then after getting there Mom Figuers out why shes sick and try to Break the ties to save her however they were Fallowed and now they Just need to survive
anything I thought need improvement:
the only thing I think it needs is a second Book
Favorite Quote:"
What? No, it doesn't matter what you're wearing-you've got
this self-awareness that reeks of confidence. Sure the soft pinks are disarming, but you're like a thorny Rose. Beautiful to Look at, But dangerouse to Mishandle. "-Christi
who I would Recommend this Book to:
to my nieces they would love isoult and her friends and its not spicey so it works for my teen ninces and other teens trying to find a Place in our world
July 26, 2025
Looking forward to reading this one!!! Robin is very talented!
September 7, 2025
I personally think Bashees are underrated paranormal creatures. I was therefore very excited when I stumbled upon this book on Netgalley. I requested a digital review copy and the author granted me one. Last week it was finally time to start reading.
If you pick this book up purely for the romance, you might not find what you're looking for. Yes, there is a romance in this book, yes there is some sort of special bond between these characters and yet it doesn't feel like the focus of the story. There is so much more going on, there are so many more storylines important and the romance is not any more important than each of the other elements. This is also a book about friendship, grief, fear, prejudice and learning to accept who you are.
The pacing of this book was absolutely perfect. Although there is a lot going in, it never feels overwhelming. All the elements of the story get a nice introduction and are added one by one. It also never feels like the characters are messing up their priorities. They understand what has to be done first, what they need to focus on. And interestingly enough that's exactly what leads to all those emotional and dramatic moments.
I also loved the Banshee lore in this book. The author did an amazing job making the Banshees more than "creatures screaming when someone is about to die". Those Banshees have tasks, they have the possibility to change someone's fate. They're not just warning tools. They're also the ones attempting to save lives. The author also did a great job balancing the prejudice towards the Banshees with what we get to see of them.
I assume there's gonna be more. As soon as there is more, I will certainly check it out!
If you pick this book up purely for the romance, you might not find what you're looking for. Yes, there is a romance in this book, yes there is some sort of special bond between these characters and yet it doesn't feel like the focus of the story. There is so much more going on, there are so many more storylines important and the romance is not any more important than each of the other elements. This is also a book about friendship, grief, fear, prejudice and learning to accept who you are.
The pacing of this book was absolutely perfect. Although there is a lot going in, it never feels overwhelming. All the elements of the story get a nice introduction and are added one by one. It also never feels like the characters are messing up their priorities. They understand what has to be done first, what they need to focus on. And interestingly enough that's exactly what leads to all those emotional and dramatic moments.
I also loved the Banshee lore in this book. The author did an amazing job making the Banshees more than "creatures screaming when someone is about to die". Those Banshees have tasks, they have the possibility to change someone's fate. They're not just warning tools. They're also the ones attempting to save lives. The author also did a great job balancing the prejudice towards the Banshees with what we get to see of them.
I assume there's gonna be more. As soon as there is more, I will certainly check it out!
August 20, 2025
DNF at 18%.
I was initially drawn in by the very post-Twilight-YA-boom cover and the beautiful formatting in the Kindle version of this book. As someone who was a young adult in the post-Twilight boom, I was hoping this book would be nostalgically satisfying, full of angst and yearning, and there are a lot of those tropes here. The main character is a sort of blank reader stand in, like Bella Swan if Bella Swan liked '00s emo music instead of nineteenth century literature. Her attraction to the love interest is instant and all consuming. There's even an ongoing inner-goddess-y metaphor of the protagonist's "inner stage."
Unfortunately, there are parts of this that feel so distinctly 2009 that they don't fit in a novel published in 2025, and those parts clash violently with the narrator's uncomfortable use of Gen Z slang and memes. For example, "Sadie" (as the blurb calls her) swoons over a character who snuck a mini grand piano onto his college quad to play at night every night of the semester, and when she gets close to him, she sees that the lockscreen on his phone is a still from BBC's Sherlock. Very Tumblr. Later, she uses the word "clocked" wrong and describes her new alias as having "coquette style" and living in a "cottagecore house." I tried to excuse how awkward contemporary slang sounds in Sadie's narrative voice on the basis of her being a pretty isolated teen who mostly talks to her 300+-year-old mother, but it doesn't seem intentional because the awkward language isn't limited to slang. She also uses the term "emotional dysregulation" like it's a diagnosis she has, which isn't how that term is used at all.
I persevered until 20% in hopes I would be able to get past Sadie's narrative voice, but unfortunately, neither the characters nor the plot particularly hooked me. Like I said, Sadie is a pretty classic reader stand in, and the only other characters we see much in the first 20% are Piano Guy (who annoyed me) and Sadie's mom (who hasn't demonstrated much personality yet). Fleeing from hunters and searching for the cure to Sadie's mysterious illness should have been exciting, and the pacing is pretty quick, but the stakes never felt very high to me, maybe because Sadie has nothing to lose but her life. No friends, no lifelong dreams, no unfinished business.
From all the 5-star reviews, it's clear this book works for many people. I'm not one of them, but I'd recommend it to people who liked Alvarez's first book as well as to fans of Evermore and the Cait Tiernan Book of Shadows series.
I received a free eARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I was initially drawn in by the very post-Twilight-YA-boom cover and the beautiful formatting in the Kindle version of this book. As someone who was a young adult in the post-Twilight boom, I was hoping this book would be nostalgically satisfying, full of angst and yearning, and there are a lot of those tropes here. The main character is a sort of blank reader stand in, like Bella Swan if Bella Swan liked '00s emo music instead of nineteenth century literature. Her attraction to the love interest is instant and all consuming. There's even an ongoing inner-goddess-y metaphor of the protagonist's "inner stage."
Unfortunately, there are parts of this that feel so distinctly 2009 that they don't fit in a novel published in 2025, and those parts clash violently with the narrator's uncomfortable use of Gen Z slang and memes. For example, "Sadie" (as the blurb calls her) swoons over a character who snuck a mini grand piano onto his college quad to play at night every night of the semester, and when she gets close to him, she sees that the lockscreen on his phone is a still from BBC's Sherlock. Very Tumblr. Later, she uses the word "clocked" wrong and describes her new alias as having "coquette style" and living in a "cottagecore house." I tried to excuse how awkward contemporary slang sounds in Sadie's narrative voice on the basis of her being a pretty isolated teen who mostly talks to her 300+-year-old mother, but it doesn't seem intentional because the awkward language isn't limited to slang. She also uses the term "emotional dysregulation" like it's a diagnosis she has, which isn't how that term is used at all.
I persevered until 20% in hopes I would be able to get past Sadie's narrative voice, but unfortunately, neither the characters nor the plot particularly hooked me. Like I said, Sadie is a pretty classic reader stand in, and the only other characters we see much in the first 20% are Piano Guy (who annoyed me) and Sadie's mom (who hasn't demonstrated much personality yet). Fleeing from hunters and searching for the cure to Sadie's mysterious illness should have been exciting, and the pacing is pretty quick, but the stakes never felt very high to me, maybe because Sadie has nothing to lose but her life. No friends, no lifelong dreams, no unfinished business.
From all the 5-star reviews, it's clear this book works for many people. I'm not one of them, but I'd recommend it to people who liked Alvarez's first book as well as to fans of Evermore and the Cait Tiernan Book of Shadows series.
I received a free eARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 7, 2025
Wow — 10/10! Paramour is the kind of story that demands to be on the big screen, captivating audiences around the world. From the very first page, I was hooked.
Sadie, the main character, is a beautifully complex Banshee with a mission — protecting those on the brink of death. Her journey is emotionally rich, full of life-or-death moments, and deeply rooted in a powerful mother-daughter bond that touched my heart.
The relationships Sadie builds — with her mother, her friends, and the souls she’s drawn to — are vivid and unforgettable. The emotional intensity of this book had me reading straight through the night, eyes heavy but unwilling to miss a single moment.
Every scene played out in my mind like a movie. The descriptions are lush and cinematic, with just the right blend of heartache, suspense, and magic. It’s not an exaggeration to say it felt like Twilight and Avatar had a love child — earthy, soulful, intense, and otherworldly.
Paramour explores love, grief, survival, and the unseen ties that bind us. It’s a thrilling, emotional ride — and hands down one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
Sadie, the main character, is a beautifully complex Banshee with a mission — protecting those on the brink of death. Her journey is emotionally rich, full of life-or-death moments, and deeply rooted in a powerful mother-daughter bond that touched my heart.
The relationships Sadie builds — with her mother, her friends, and the souls she’s drawn to — are vivid and unforgettable. The emotional intensity of this book had me reading straight through the night, eyes heavy but unwilling to miss a single moment.
Every scene played out in my mind like a movie. The descriptions are lush and cinematic, with just the right blend of heartache, suspense, and magic. It’s not an exaggeration to say it felt like Twilight and Avatar had a love child — earthy, soulful, intense, and otherworldly.
Paramour explores love, grief, survival, and the unseen ties that bind us. It’s a thrilling, emotional ride — and hands down one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
August 13, 2025
I really, really enjoyed this book! Whilst not being fly by the seat of your pants exciting, it moves at a pace that feels realistic to life, and I loved the way those author developed the characters through the book.
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.
September 10, 2025
❤️ This was given to me as an arc as I’m part of the street team ❤️
My head is filled with so much amazingness from reading this book by someone I consider a very good friend. The paranormal side of it all truly gave the book that kick I didn’t know I was looking for and I loved every moment of reading it. Truly, no notes. To me, Robin has a way of capturing the reader with quick banter, heartfelt moments and love ❤️
My head is filled with so much amazingness from reading this book by someone I consider a very good friend. The paranormal side of it all truly gave the book that kick I didn’t know I was looking for and I loved every moment of reading it. Truly, no notes. To me, Robin has a way of capturing the reader with quick banter, heartfelt moments and love ❤️
October 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
First of all - this book made me realise that Banshees are certainly missed on when it comes to paranormal/romantasy book. Like, hear me out; the possibilities that you can think of, especially when it comes to romance? While it might sound clique, now I'm craving more books that grasp the missed on supernatural creatures. What can I say? It definitely felt original to read a book where our main character is not a witch/demon/vampire/werewolf (and while I love these, I'm sure we all need a palete cleanser from time to time).
Now, about the book itself.
I love the fact that the romance trope didn't feel forced here. It seemed natural and it didn't feel like the main focus that drove the story (I wish there was more, but I still enjoyed every single bit I got!). I think I can say with my honest thoughts that I almost devoured the book in one sitting (would be a single one, but I read five chapters the day earlier, before going to sleep) so it got me pretty hooked. It's that feeling when you're no longer a teen, but you still enjoy the genre with a hint of lingering nostalgia (lingering like banshee, haha).
Nathan is a cinammon roll and he needs to be protected, alright?
I hope I'm not being tricked and this will be a series, because I'm definitely rooting for more of Sadie & Nathan... especially with that ending? I won't lie, I took a liking to our pack of Paras. I hope I'm not the only one that would love to see a Ryder novella.
What more can I say beside - Miss Alvarez, please.
First of all - this book made me realise that Banshees are certainly missed on when it comes to paranormal/romantasy book. Like, hear me out; the possibilities that you can think of, especially when it comes to romance? While it might sound clique, now I'm craving more books that grasp the missed on supernatural creatures. What can I say? It definitely felt original to read a book where our main character is not a witch/demon/vampire/werewolf (and while I love these, I'm sure we all need a palete cleanser from time to time).
Now, about the book itself.
I love the fact that the romance trope didn't feel forced here. It seemed natural and it didn't feel like the main focus that drove the story (I wish there was more, but I still enjoyed every single bit I got!). I think I can say with my honest thoughts that I almost devoured the book in one sitting (would be a single one, but I read five chapters the day earlier, before going to sleep) so it got me pretty hooked. It's that feeling when you're no longer a teen, but you still enjoy the genre with a hint of lingering nostalgia (lingering like banshee, haha).
Nathan is a cinammon roll and he needs to be protected, alright?
I hope I'm not being tricked and this will be a series, because I'm definitely rooting for more of Sadie & Nathan... especially with that ending? I won't lie, I took a liking to our pack of Paras. I hope I'm not the only one that would love to see a Ryder novella.
What more can I say beside - Miss Alvarez, please.
August 20, 2025
3.5⭐
I love that the main character was a banshee. It’s such a refreshing choice since we rarely see banshees in fantasy. I don’t know much about the lore, so I enjoyed learning bits here, though I wish the book had explored more of it. Sadie’s life on the run especially made me want to dive deeper into what it means to live as a banshee.
The beginning started strong. Sadie and her mom find themselves in trouble when something goes awry in the town they are currently living in. Sadie's health begins to deteriorate once they leave the town, and she and her mom find themselves on the run and having to find a place where she can be healed. They find themselves drawn into a new town where Sadie magically begins to feel better. They have to find what is that made her feel better and get caught by the MMC, Nathan, inside his family's music store. Once it got to the middle of the story, that's where it hit a lull. There wasn't much action happening where anything was high stakes. Sadie and her new friends were just doing things teenagers do, which is why I started thinking this was going to be a 3-star. But once we got to the last 20%, that's where it started to pick back up. I liked seeing how powerful Sadie was to her full potential and how much she struggled to control her true nature. This darker tone is what I thought the story was going to be about based on the synopsis, or at least a more mature tone.
As for the romance, I liked Sadie and Nathan together, but wanted more. Sadie was trying to keep her distance from Nathan to protect him, which is why we didn't have many scenes of them together. It felt more like a crush than love, but I can see their relationship developing into something more. We might have to wait until the next book, though, based on what happened at the end, which I was upset about, but understand why it happened. It'll make the payoff that much more satisfying. They have an unbreakable tether, and he is her rock. It's not something easy to ignore.
Her relationship with her mom and friends was very wholesome. You can tell Sadie and her mom are all they have in each other. I hoped to read more of their background and what happened to Sadie's father. Her friends were also a great support system for her because she's never had something like this. After all, she couldn't afford to get close to people based on them finding out who she is. Once the supernatural world opened up more, the story became even more intriguing. I just wish we had more backstory—both about Sadie’s family and the larger supernatural world. Some of the side characters also felt a bit one-note, mostly there for comic relief. I wanted more character growth and to know more about them on a deeper level.
Overall, the banshee angle made this stand out, and I’m excited to keep reading the series. I didn't realize it was a continuing series, and with how it ended, I was left with plenty of questions, but I’m eager to see where Sadie’s story goes next.
Thank you NetGalley and Tides Collide Publishing for the ARC.
I love that the main character was a banshee. It’s such a refreshing choice since we rarely see banshees in fantasy. I don’t know much about the lore, so I enjoyed learning bits here, though I wish the book had explored more of it. Sadie’s life on the run especially made me want to dive deeper into what it means to live as a banshee.
The beginning started strong. Sadie and her mom find themselves in trouble when something goes awry in the town they are currently living in. Sadie's health begins to deteriorate once they leave the town, and she and her mom find themselves on the run and having to find a place where she can be healed. They find themselves drawn into a new town where Sadie magically begins to feel better. They have to find what is that made her feel better and get caught by the MMC, Nathan, inside his family's music store. Once it got to the middle of the story, that's where it hit a lull. There wasn't much action happening where anything was high stakes. Sadie and her new friends were just doing things teenagers do, which is why I started thinking this was going to be a 3-star. But once we got to the last 20%, that's where it started to pick back up. I liked seeing how powerful Sadie was to her full potential and how much she struggled to control her true nature. This darker tone is what I thought the story was going to be about based on the synopsis, or at least a more mature tone.
As for the romance, I liked Sadie and Nathan together, but wanted more. Sadie was trying to keep her distance from Nathan to protect him, which is why we didn't have many scenes of them together. It felt more like a crush than love, but I can see their relationship developing into something more. We might have to wait until the next book, though, based on what happened at the end, which I was upset about, but understand why it happened. It'll make the payoff that much more satisfying. They have an unbreakable tether, and he is her rock. It's not something easy to ignore.
Her relationship with her mom and friends was very wholesome. You can tell Sadie and her mom are all they have in each other. I hoped to read more of their background and what happened to Sadie's father. Her friends were also a great support system for her because she's never had something like this. After all, she couldn't afford to get close to people based on them finding out who she is. Once the supernatural world opened up more, the story became even more intriguing. I just wish we had more backstory—both about Sadie’s family and the larger supernatural world. Some of the side characters also felt a bit one-note, mostly there for comic relief. I wanted more character growth and to know more about them on a deeper level.
Overall, the banshee angle made this stand out, and I’m excited to keep reading the series. I didn't realize it was a continuing series, and with how it ended, I was left with plenty of questions, but I’m eager to see where Sadie’s story goes next.
Thank you NetGalley and Tides Collide Publishing for the ARC.
September 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Tides Collide Publishing for the ARC of this book!
This book is a bit of a difficult one for me to rate, to be honest!
I loved the interesting premise of the book: Banshees on the run from hunters!!! I have never read a book from a banshee's perspective before so this appealed to me oddly enough. I also just love the whole monster hunt genre - I blame Supernatural!!
I also really loved that the main characters were a mother and daughter duo against the whole. That's how I grew up so that was familiar and enjoyable for me.
The found family in the story was also great and I loved all the friends she gathered around her.
HOWEVER, I think my two main 'problems' with the book were that I just didn't buy into the romantic relationship with Nathan. I wish this whole 'meant to be' archetype had not been used. It made the relationship for me feel forced. The whole spell thing around this as well did not work for me at all. I wanted them instead to fall in love more organically I think. The plot at times for me just seemed a bit pointless and random.
The second problem I had was with the portrayal of the fantastical. This weird internal roster thing didn't really do it for me, or their strange rules for living, and the weird magic thrown in too ... It was like a hodgepodge of weirdness and for me personally it did not feel cohesive. I wanted a story about banshees! I didn't really want other fantastical elements just a good old hunter against monster story. The initial chapters seemed to indicate that was the direction the story was going in and then it became something else. I don't know, it just seemed like a lot of different elements were added and it diluted the story for me.
I would like to add that I enjoyed the story overall but it did not grip me! Hence it took me 10 days to finish which is so not the norm for me!
If you like contemporary fantasy this might work better for you than it did for me! I think I am too old school with LOTR and Game of Thrones at this point XD
Thank you all for reading!
This book is a bit of a difficult one for me to rate, to be honest!
I loved the interesting premise of the book: Banshees on the run from hunters!!! I have never read a book from a banshee's perspective before so this appealed to me oddly enough. I also just love the whole monster hunt genre - I blame Supernatural!!
I also really loved that the main characters were a mother and daughter duo against the whole. That's how I grew up so that was familiar and enjoyable for me.
The found family in the story was also great and I loved all the friends she gathered around her.
HOWEVER, I think my two main 'problems' with the book were that I just didn't buy into the romantic relationship with Nathan. I wish this whole 'meant to be' archetype had not been used. It made the relationship for me feel forced. The whole spell thing around this as well did not work for me at all. I wanted them instead to fall in love more organically I think. The plot at times for me just seemed a bit pointless and random.
The second problem I had was with the portrayal of the fantastical. This weird internal roster thing didn't really do it for me, or their strange rules for living, and the weird magic thrown in too ... It was like a hodgepodge of weirdness and for me personally it did not feel cohesive. I wanted a story about banshees! I didn't really want other fantastical elements just a good old hunter against monster story. The initial chapters seemed to indicate that was the direction the story was going in and then it became something else. I don't know, it just seemed like a lot of different elements were added and it diluted the story for me.
I would like to add that I enjoyed the story overall but it did not grip me! Hence it took me 10 days to finish which is so not the norm for me!
If you like contemporary fantasy this might work better for you than it did for me! I think I am too old school with LOTR and Game of Thrones at this point XD
Thank you all for reading!
July 22, 2025
ARC Reader - Spoilers
Release Date: September 9th, 2025
Started on: July 12th, Finished July 18th
Paramour by Robin Alvarez: an ARC review
Firstly, I was given this copy as an ARC copy so I did find a few spelling and grammar errors. No biggie.
I loved the whole cast of characters. Banshees are not as often written about so it was really refreshing. I loved the concepts of Death charges, grief charges, internal rosters, the fact that the banshee change happens at midnight, and the consequences of abandoning a death charge before all 3 keens are done.
But the soulmate concept? Perfection. I kinda wish there was more clarity of what the Pianist did to activate the bond (and why he was so surprised when it worked). And I hope in future books we find out who the Pianist really is. BUT the fact that Sadie is sick and so sick unless she's in Nathan's presence is so... Fitting. And she likes him before they realize he's her soulmate so it's not the only reason they are drawn to each other. BUT WHY DIDNT MR REED TELL HER WHY THE BOND UN-BINDING DIDN'T WORK?? And WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE TO TAKE HIS MEMORIES?!?
And GOD DAMNIT RYDER! I trust you now... Maybe. But whyyyy/how did you disappear so fast at the end there? Was it supposed to be like you disappeared into thin air without a trace?? Or did you somehow sneak away without the Paranormal creature not sensing you leaving... I HAVE QUESTIONS SIR!
And don't think I have stopped feeling suspicious of you, Rachel! Just because you weren't being reckless and going after your son's friends doesn't mean you are cleared of being a hunter. Your entire sketchy business is way too shady.
Release Date: September 9th, 2025
Started on: July 12th, Finished July 18th
Paramour by Robin Alvarez: an ARC review
Firstly, I was given this copy as an ARC copy so I did find a few spelling and grammar errors. No biggie.
I loved the whole cast of characters. Banshees are not as often written about so it was really refreshing. I loved the concepts of Death charges, grief charges, internal rosters, the fact that the banshee change happens at midnight, and the consequences of abandoning a death charge before all 3 keens are done.
But the soulmate concept? Perfection. I kinda wish there was more clarity of what the Pianist did to activate the bond (and why he was so surprised when it worked). And I hope in future books we find out who the Pianist really is. BUT the fact that Sadie is sick and so sick unless she's in Nathan's presence is so... Fitting. And she likes him before they realize he's her soulmate so it's not the only reason they are drawn to each other. BUT WHY DIDNT MR REED TELL HER WHY THE BOND UN-BINDING DIDN'T WORK?? And WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE TO TAKE HIS MEMORIES?!?
And GOD DAMNIT RYDER! I trust you now... Maybe. But whyyyy/how did you disappear so fast at the end there? Was it supposed to be like you disappeared into thin air without a trace?? Or did you somehow sneak away without the Paranormal creature not sensing you leaving... I HAVE QUESTIONS SIR!
And don't think I have stopped feeling suspicious of you, Rachel! Just because you weren't being reckless and going after your son's friends doesn't mean you are cleared of being a hunter. Your entire sketchy business is way too shady.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
A fantastic story on a paranormal side I've never read about before. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
November 2, 2025
this was a very interesting read about banshees. it made me realise i don't think I've ever read a book with banshees in it. i loved how intriguing the storyline was. the empathy she has for others.
Read
November 28, 2025I’m grateful to have received an ARC of Paramour. Robin Alvarez has written a story that feels both engaging and refreshingly original, with world-building that immediately drew me in. I especially loved the incorporation of banshee mythology, it’s not something I’ve come across in this way before, and it added such a unique layer to the narrative. I felt a real connection to the main character, and even when life pulled me away from reading, I couldn’t wait to come back and see what would happen next. Alvarez’s storytelling has me excited to see what she shares with us in the future.
July 26, 2025
I was given an ARC of this book to read a review. The book had a few grammar and spelling errors but no biggie.
**this may contain some minor spoilers**
Really really enjoyed this story! Robin had this way of writing this beautiful story about mythology blended with modern day themes in our current time. I loved reading about Sadie and her mom, as banshees are not a typical type of character you see in fantasy novels. The way she wrote them to not be these images of death that most shows and books portray them as was just *chefs kiss*.
The slow build of Nathan and Sadie’s friendship to love just had me wanting so much more and the way Robin had their current relationship at the end of the book just screams cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see where she takes them in the next book! Also just the cute teenager friendships among all these characters brings back the books of my childhood and it’s so nostalgic.
I loved the characters and the lessons she has them all learn about themselves, others, and how people treat each other. Overall, it was a very very enjoyable book and I can’t wait for the next one! (Hopefully I’ll receive another ARC of that one and you’ll see me right back here loving that one too 😉)
**this may contain some minor spoilers**
Really really enjoyed this story! Robin had this way of writing this beautiful story about mythology blended with modern day themes in our current time. I loved reading about Sadie and her mom, as banshees are not a typical type of character you see in fantasy novels. The way she wrote them to not be these images of death that most shows and books portray them as was just *chefs kiss*.
The slow build of Nathan and Sadie’s friendship to love just had me wanting so much more and the way Robin had their current relationship at the end of the book just screams cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see where she takes them in the next book! Also just the cute teenager friendships among all these characters brings back the books of my childhood and it’s so nostalgic.
I loved the characters and the lessons she has them all learn about themselves, others, and how people treat each other. Overall, it was a very very enjoyable book and I can’t wait for the next one! (Hopefully I’ll receive another ARC of that one and you’ll see me right back here loving that one too 😉)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the digital arc.
I loved the concept of this book from the get go. I don't think I have read anything with a Banshee before, so it is what made me pick up the book. The opening line caught me, it was beautiful and something that urged me to keep reading but it was downhills from there and unfortunately, I DNF at 20%.
I don't think it delivers what the blurb says in a smooth sensical way. I expected a bit more darkness since they are running from hunters, more insights of their magic system and the creatures involved in their world.
The scene where they have to flee near the starts is mostly told to me, instead of shown. I couldn't feel the urgency of what was going on, and was rather a tedious bit to read. The interactions with her mom tend to be warm but cringy at the same time. I enjoyed the moment she met Nathan, it was an instant connection and more deeply narrated than everything else.
I understand the book is set in the modern world but it is poorly executed, the several TikTok/gen z terms and sentences made me roll my eyes and put my kindle down multiple times (as someone who is gen z there are many ways of setting a book in the present time without outdating it before it's even released (examples: cottagecore house, coquette style and loves classic movies like clueless, something about me screams high school). These all sound like a millennial trying to be relatable to gen z and not an actual gen z fmc.
I couldn't connect well with Saddie, her character and personality needs more development, it doesn't align with her duties as a Banshee, I expected her to be more brooding.
The prose lacks depth, it doesn't evoke any feelings. Everything is told and a bit confusing. This is the main reason I couldn't continue reading, I don't tend to DNF books, but this was a pass.
I do wish the book gets reedited before release, then I can give it another opportunity.
I loved the concept of this book from the get go. I don't think I have read anything with a Banshee before, so it is what made me pick up the book. The opening line caught me, it was beautiful and something that urged me to keep reading but it was downhills from there and unfortunately, I DNF at 20%.
I don't think it delivers what the blurb says in a smooth sensical way. I expected a bit more darkness since they are running from hunters, more insights of their magic system and the creatures involved in their world.
The scene where they have to flee near the starts is mostly told to me, instead of shown. I couldn't feel the urgency of what was going on, and was rather a tedious bit to read. The interactions with her mom tend to be warm but cringy at the same time. I enjoyed the moment she met Nathan, it was an instant connection and more deeply narrated than everything else.
I understand the book is set in the modern world but it is poorly executed, the several TikTok/gen z terms and sentences made me roll my eyes and put my kindle down multiple times (as someone who is gen z there are many ways of setting a book in the present time without outdating it before it's even released (examples: cottagecore house, coquette style and loves classic movies like clueless, something about me screams high school). These all sound like a millennial trying to be relatable to gen z and not an actual gen z fmc.
I couldn't connect well with Saddie, her character and personality needs more development, it doesn't align with her duties as a Banshee, I expected her to be more brooding.
The prose lacks depth, it doesn't evoke any feelings. Everything is told and a bit confusing. This is the main reason I couldn't continue reading, I don't tend to DNF books, but this was a pass.
I do wish the book gets reedited before release, then I can give it another opportunity.
September 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Tides Collide Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this arc.
This book starts off as a mother/daughter duo of banshees who try and help people grieve losses whilst also prevent deaths when they feel their call. When blindsided by a pianist who is secretly a hunter, Sadie becomes mysteriously ill and getting worse by the day. A cure leads her to a new town where she finds a new identity and new friends to fall in love with, a town and people that ground her and prevents her from leaving.
In terms of characters, I absolutely loved the mother/daughter duo throughout and the relationship that Sadie had with her mother. The friends she made in the new town were fun to learn about and seeing how different friendships went through different journeys throughout the book.
Sadie does find she’s connected to Nathan by fate and is trying everything she can to break this “bond” in order to leave. There wasn’t too much focus on their relationship growing which is a shame but potentially will in the next book!
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of this book throughout and found it was really easy to read and follow along. It was a shame that I found myself in a slump when reading this but this was not due to the book at all!
I really enjoyed reading this book and am really hoping there will be a second one to read, potentially with more paranormal characters to come into it. I would definitely recommend this to others and can’t wait to go and buy this!
This book starts off as a mother/daughter duo of banshees who try and help people grieve losses whilst also prevent deaths when they feel their call. When blindsided by a pianist who is secretly a hunter, Sadie becomes mysteriously ill and getting worse by the day. A cure leads her to a new town where she finds a new identity and new friends to fall in love with, a town and people that ground her and prevents her from leaving.
In terms of characters, I absolutely loved the mother/daughter duo throughout and the relationship that Sadie had with her mother. The friends she made in the new town were fun to learn about and seeing how different friendships went through different journeys throughout the book.
Sadie does find she’s connected to Nathan by fate and is trying everything she can to break this “bond” in order to leave. There wasn’t too much focus on their relationship growing which is a shame but potentially will in the next book!
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of this book throughout and found it was really easy to read and follow along. It was a shame that I found myself in a slump when reading this but this was not due to the book at all!
I really enjoyed reading this book and am really hoping there will be a second one to read, potentially with more paranormal characters to come into it. I would definitely recommend this to others and can’t wait to go and buy this!
July 10, 2025
A slow burn romance between a young banshee and a mysterious young man, with a dash of who-done-it that kept me guessing until the end. I think it's also an excellent commentary on otherness. While never said explicitly that Sadie is neurodivergent, the character exibits some of the struggles those of us in the neurodivergent/neurospicy community face. Emotional disregularion, emotional mirroring, feeling like an outsider, and difficulty making friends (until she finds her people). I also love the example of healthy relationships even in dire circumstances, the emotional growth of characters and the fact that they communicate with each other.
I positively devoured this book, and I'm hopeful that there will be more to come!
I positively devoured this book, and I'm hopeful that there will be more to come!
July 20, 2025
Received the ARC copy of this story!
First and foremost, I should come forth and let all those know that it took me quite a while to finish this book. However, it was more based on personal reasons than the story itself. Robin has done it again in creating such relatable characters and realistic settings. I absolutely love how she incorporates lore into her stories. It is so interesting to read about fantasy creatures that isn’t vampires, werewolves, or faeries!
BUT BANSHEES!!!
Super interesting 😊
I will say this, if you’re an empathetic person, this could be your story! And it’s not done yet!! This is just book 1 of who knows what Robin has planned!! But I cannot wait for the next installment just like how I’m waiting for the next book for her When Oceans Rise masterpiece!
First and foremost, I should come forth and let all those know that it took me quite a while to finish this book. However, it was more based on personal reasons than the story itself. Robin has done it again in creating such relatable characters and realistic settings. I absolutely love how she incorporates lore into her stories. It is so interesting to read about fantasy creatures that isn’t vampires, werewolves, or faeries!
BUT BANSHEES!!!
Super interesting 😊
I will say this, if you’re an empathetic person, this could be your story! And it’s not done yet!! This is just book 1 of who knows what Robin has planned!! But I cannot wait for the next installment just like how I’m waiting for the next book for her When Oceans Rise masterpiece!
July 26, 2025
Paramour is an absolute 5 ⭐️read!!! This got me out of my months long book slump and I don’t regret it one bit!!! It’s full of myths, magic and suspense. Paranormal romance at its finest. It’s written so perfectly it has you falling for the fated mates, wrapped up in the found family and ready to fight with the best of them!!! I absolutely loved this and ready to re read it again!!!
August 1, 2025
I had the honor of receiving an ARC copy of this story of Banshees, witches, magic, music and hunters I always wanted to read a paranormal book (Para) of Banshees and Robin Alvarez pleased me. Creating a world that develops the same time that we are living with Buc-ees and many other things. If you want more about Sadie (the banshee) I recommend this book which is a 10/10. Available September 9
July 19, 2025
This story dragged me in, broke my heart a few times, caused me to almost throw my Kindle more than one. Yelled at the characters, yelled at the author for the twists and turns and then yelled at the ending. I already want to go back and devour it again. This book is a wild rollercoaster ride that I highly recommend.
July 20, 2025
Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. I was hooked and dragged in and couldn’t stop putting it down. Let’s just say my pile of laundry has grown so high from choosing to read than do laundry 😂 yall need to read this book it’s a NEED for survival.😂🥰
August 2, 2025
I absolutely loved every minute of this book. Robin writes such amazing stories that pull you in, and this one was no different. I felt like I was there with the characters as I was reading, the sadness, the laughs, everything was perfect.
August 18, 2025
I was lucky enough to get to read this book through NetGalley. I throughly enjoyed the book. I loved the characters and their dynamics. The book was very well written and can’t recommend this book enough. I would’ve devoured this in one sitting if I had more time.
July 25, 2025
Love it! Get it, read it
October 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Tides Collide Publishing for the ARC of this book!!
I loved this book so much!! It was giving me very teen wolf and vampire diaries vibes. I loved the fact that a banshee was the main character. You just don’t see a lot of characters like that, so it was very refreshing.
I loved Sadie and her character growth, especially with the way she started letting people in. I’m always a sucker for the found-family trope so it was so good to see her develop those friendships. I loved her friendship with christi. I’m so interested in seeing what is going to happen to these characters next, especially Ryder and Nathan. Also loved the fact that Sadie and her mom had a good relationship.
Even though romance was a part of the story, it was more about the friendship, grief and accepting yourself. I think this is the first time I’ve seen characters hold their priorities in order. Usually romance or even friendship changes what has to be done and it’s something that has always annoyed me. But that wasn’t the case here. All the characters knew what had to be done and it was amazing to see.
The overall pacing of the book felt very relaxed even when it wasn’t supposed to. But it worked pretty well for me.
I’m really looking forward to more books in the series!! There’s so much more to explore with these characters and I can’t wait!!
I loved this book so much!! It was giving me very teen wolf and vampire diaries vibes. I loved the fact that a banshee was the main character. You just don’t see a lot of characters like that, so it was very refreshing.
I loved Sadie and her character growth, especially with the way she started letting people in. I’m always a sucker for the found-family trope so it was so good to see her develop those friendships. I loved her friendship with christi. I’m so interested in seeing what is going to happen to these characters next, especially Ryder and Nathan. Also loved the fact that Sadie and her mom had a good relationship.
Even though romance was a part of the story, it was more about the friendship, grief and accepting yourself. I think this is the first time I’ve seen characters hold their priorities in order. Usually romance or even friendship changes what has to be done and it’s something that has always annoyed me. But that wasn’t the case here. All the characters knew what had to be done and it was amazing to see.
The overall pacing of the book felt very relaxed even when it wasn’t supposed to. But it worked pretty well for me.
I’m really looking forward to more books in the series!! There’s so much more to explore with these characters and I can’t wait!!
October 5, 2025
My YouTube review is up!
https://youtu.be/s8SG2KuHBHc?si=E6Yzb...
https://youtu.be/s8SG2KuHBHc?si=E6Yzb...
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