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Stronger Than Blood
Haunted by the vengeful spirit of a serial killer, Mick must confront his fears. Will he find the strength to overcome it or will the entity consume him and everyone he loves?
In the small, unassuming town of Piston Creek, Mick carries the haunting burden of a past he can’t escape. As a child, he was nearly the victim of a notorious serial killer, only to be saved by his fierce grandmother, who took matters into her own hands. Now, years later, Mick strives for a sense of normalcy. Unfortunately the darkness surrounding that fateful night has left its lingering mark.
As his beloved grandmother ages, the malevolent spirit of the killer grows stronger, haunting Mick with terrifying visions and threatening to consume him. Desperate for help, he encounters Rory, a psychic whose erratic abilities seem both a blessing and a curse. Together, they must navigate the treacherous landscape of the supernatural, battling the ghost that seeks to reclaim what it lost.
Is Rory's unpredictable powers enough to sever the ties between Mick and the vengeful spirit, or will the blood bond between it and Mick be the curse that destroys them all?
In the small, unassuming town of Piston Creek, Mick carries the haunting burden of a past he can’t escape. As a child, he was nearly the victim of a notorious serial killer, only to be saved by his fierce grandmother, who took matters into her own hands. Now, years later, Mick strives for a sense of normalcy. Unfortunately the darkness surrounding that fateful night has left its lingering mark.
As his beloved grandmother ages, the malevolent spirit of the killer grows stronger, haunting Mick with terrifying visions and threatening to consume him. Desperate for help, he encounters Rory, a psychic whose erratic abilities seem both a blessing and a curse. Together, they must navigate the treacherous landscape of the supernatural, battling the ghost that seeks to reclaim what it lost.
Is Rory's unpredictable powers enough to sever the ties between Mick and the vengeful spirit, or will the blood bond between it and Mick be the curse that destroys them all?
- GenresGhosts
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2025
2 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Adam J. Ridley
12 books100 followersAdam J. Ridley is the pen name used by Blake Allwood for his urban fantasy and fantasy novels.
I, Blake/Adam, travel full time with my husband and two dogs in a forty-foot motor home, constantly looking for inspiration in the towns we find ourselves in.
I’ve loved fantasy all my life, and after several years of writing romance, finally took the time to try my hand at a romantic urban fantasy.
The Witch Brothers Saga is my debut series. Next year, I’ll release a Selkie series and possible my first science fiction, superhero novel as well.
Thanks for joining me on this journey and I look forward to reading your reviews on the Witch Brothers Saga.
I, Blake/Adam, travel full time with my husband and two dogs in a forty-foot motor home, constantly looking for inspiration in the towns we find ourselves in.
I’ve loved fantasy all my life, and after several years of writing romance, finally took the time to try my hand at a romantic urban fantasy.
The Witch Brothers Saga is my debut series. Next year, I’ll release a Selkie series and possible my first science fiction, superhero novel as well.
Thanks for joining me on this journey and I look forward to reading your reviews on the Witch Brothers Saga.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 9, 2025
Mick Hensley, at the age of fourteen went to live in Piston Creek with his Great-Grandma Ida Jamison and Grandmother. His mother had her problems and they followed her to Piston Creek. At that time, great-grandma was seventy-six now she’s ninety and Mick spends much of his time with Granny Ida, even though he has a small apartment in Chattanooga, His days are spent working her farm and picking: mustard and turnip greens, string beans, snap beans, etc., and getting them ready for canning. He helped do the heavy work like planting and tilling the farmland. In the evening he worked at Milner’s where he loved to bake. He had a special following and would take personal request from those he knew. He does his best to keep himself busy. He and Granny Ida had a special connection as she saved his life. After what he had witnessed he had ‘spells’ that scared them both. The counselor wanted to put him in the state hospital for observation and Granny refused. She took him to the church where he got help from the young minister who told him to “fight the demon”. Mick still feared staying at Granny’s alone as there is still something eerie and dark in the house. On this one occasion, Mrs. Stewart asked for a favor for pies and cake, in return he hoped Mrs. Stewart would take Granny to Nashville as she hardly got off the farm. But being alone in the house brought Mick’s greatest fear to the forefront once again.
Gran’s brother, Uncle Eddie, had died a couple years ago and he owned a store which he left to her and cousin Joann. Gran had the attorney split the inheritance with enough to pay the taxes and Joann could have the much needed cash. She asked Mick to clean out the old store. Gran would have liked to have bulldozed the store but the Mayor Betty Sue had interest in the old buildings. Mick agreed and would clean out the old store. Mick has had big dreams of his own. With working at the bakery for four years and changing his degree to culinary arts, he hoped to own a Southern dessert store.
When Granny Ida suffers a stroke she knew she wouldn’t return home soon. She made arrangements to leave her house to Mick. He had decisions to make. If he gave up his small apartment and cleaned out Uncle Eddie’s store he could live in the upstairs apartment. His fears were just to great and he couldn’t live in his Gran’s house without her.
Rory Jenkins Kennedy occasionally sees ghost. He’s been working along side Madame Bellamy a very powerful psychic. She’s really gifted with the magic of readings of all sorts, especially tarot cards and shared information from the dead. She had one important rule: “never lie to a client”. She saw things happening in Rory’s near future, but even with occasionally seeing ghost his other abilities just weren’t there. She tells Rory it’s time to move on and find his future. She made him aware of three men: the Emperor - a fatherly figure; the Ten of Swords - evildoer, a nasty, angry man who wants to hurt him and others, he would have to go through him to get to the future; and the Empress - someone who could be a lover, friend or sibling, a good relationship. Madame Bellamy tells him the journey would be challenging but also fun.
Madame Bellamy was popular in the little Memphis rustic store that dealt in the occult, but she also had angels and crosses. She knew how to read people. She knew how to create a shop that encouraged people to buy her goods and services. Right before hurricane Katrina she left New Orleans and was warned never to return. She tells Rory he needed to return home, to his past where his future lay. Rory believed he had no relatives he knew of. His Great-Grandparents, Grandparents and parents had all passed, but he was proud of being in a line of biracial heritage. He was left an inheritance that would see him through his life. While at the cemetery at his Grandparents plot, he here’s just one word. He meets Mrs. Cox whose husband had passed. As they talk she shares some information with him about the Kennedy family.
He meets Elias his wife Brenda and they have a daughter, Rebecca.
When Rory and Elias start to talk, Elias shares and clears up many facts about the Kennedy family. Rory hesitates but finally shares in what he does for a job. He was sure the Kennedy’s would not believe him. But for Elias this is not anything new when it came to the Kennedy’s. Elias’s wife Brenda shares some information on Ida and her grand-son Mick. Rory had already briefly saw Mick and he was enthusiastic about meeting Mick. Elias takes Rory to Uncle Eddie’s store as Mick is there cleaning it out.
When Mick and Rory meet they have no idea how much their lives would begin to change. They find that there are so many connections with: current and past relatives,
friends and stories to be told. As Rory and Mick get to know each other, will Rory find a way to help Mick with his nightmare?
Adam J. Ridley, Blake Allwood create an epic tale of evil and those who come to care with “Stronger Than Blood”. This story will bring about some of the most powerful psychics that know how to use their ability and bring extraordinary moments to both Mick and Rory. It’s about: Love, strength, guidance, caring and taking care of others.
The setting of the small town Piston Creek, gives the feeling of how there are so many in a small southern town who really reach out to help and solve issues. It’s very descriptive and makes it easy to imagine what the small town looks like.
Mick Hensley has had a hard time growing up with a fear that he struggles to fight off. But he finds a great love and protection from his Great-Grandmother Ida. Mick and her have seen life through thick and thin and it makes for a wonderful and loving relationship. Mick has been somewhat isolated where life is concerned and he’s still cautious about being hurt.
Rory Jenkins Kennedy will learn so much from moving to Piston Creek. He will learn of the family history which clears up lot’s of his thoughts and helps him make decisions. Besides what he learns of himself, he will find a special connection to Mick. What they discover of each other will be another step to their futures.
There are so many marvelous characters that come to make this story wonderful: Ida, Mick and Rory. Elias Kennedy, his wife Brenda and daughter Rebecca; Brenda’s first cousin EsmereldaIda Jenkin and wife Bev; Ida’s first cousin Joann; Madam Kalinda Bellamy and her niece Madam Dupris Baptiste; and Arden Hernandez.
I highly recommend “Stronger Than Blood” it’s a story that brings interesting characters who revolve around the world of the occult, while discovering their futures.
Mick and Rory especially make this an entertaining read with their wonderful personalities. Brilliantly done Adam J. Ridley, Blake Allwood.
Gran’s brother, Uncle Eddie, had died a couple years ago and he owned a store which he left to her and cousin Joann. Gran had the attorney split the inheritance with enough to pay the taxes and Joann could have the much needed cash. She asked Mick to clean out the old store. Gran would have liked to have bulldozed the store but the Mayor Betty Sue had interest in the old buildings. Mick agreed and would clean out the old store. Mick has had big dreams of his own. With working at the bakery for four years and changing his degree to culinary arts, he hoped to own a Southern dessert store.
When Granny Ida suffers a stroke she knew she wouldn’t return home soon. She made arrangements to leave her house to Mick. He had decisions to make. If he gave up his small apartment and cleaned out Uncle Eddie’s store he could live in the upstairs apartment. His fears were just to great and he couldn’t live in his Gran’s house without her.
Rory Jenkins Kennedy occasionally sees ghost. He’s been working along side Madame Bellamy a very powerful psychic. She’s really gifted with the magic of readings of all sorts, especially tarot cards and shared information from the dead. She had one important rule: “never lie to a client”. She saw things happening in Rory’s near future, but even with occasionally seeing ghost his other abilities just weren’t there. She tells Rory it’s time to move on and find his future. She made him aware of three men: the Emperor - a fatherly figure; the Ten of Swords - evildoer, a nasty, angry man who wants to hurt him and others, he would have to go through him to get to the future; and the Empress - someone who could be a lover, friend or sibling, a good relationship. Madame Bellamy tells him the journey would be challenging but also fun.
Madame Bellamy was popular in the little Memphis rustic store that dealt in the occult, but she also had angels and crosses. She knew how to read people. She knew how to create a shop that encouraged people to buy her goods and services. Right before hurricane Katrina she left New Orleans and was warned never to return. She tells Rory he needed to return home, to his past where his future lay. Rory believed he had no relatives he knew of. His Great-Grandparents, Grandparents and parents had all passed, but he was proud of being in a line of biracial heritage. He was left an inheritance that would see him through his life. While at the cemetery at his Grandparents plot, he here’s just one word. He meets Mrs. Cox whose husband had passed. As they talk she shares some information with him about the Kennedy family.
He meets Elias his wife Brenda and they have a daughter, Rebecca.
When Rory and Elias start to talk, Elias shares and clears up many facts about the Kennedy family. Rory hesitates but finally shares in what he does for a job. He was sure the Kennedy’s would not believe him. But for Elias this is not anything new when it came to the Kennedy’s. Elias’s wife Brenda shares some information on Ida and her grand-son Mick. Rory had already briefly saw Mick and he was enthusiastic about meeting Mick. Elias takes Rory to Uncle Eddie’s store as Mick is there cleaning it out.
When Mick and Rory meet they have no idea how much their lives would begin to change. They find that there are so many connections with: current and past relatives,
friends and stories to be told. As Rory and Mick get to know each other, will Rory find a way to help Mick with his nightmare?
Adam J. Ridley, Blake Allwood create an epic tale of evil and those who come to care with “Stronger Than Blood”. This story will bring about some of the most powerful psychics that know how to use their ability and bring extraordinary moments to both Mick and Rory. It’s about: Love, strength, guidance, caring and taking care of others.
The setting of the small town Piston Creek, gives the feeling of how there are so many in a small southern town who really reach out to help and solve issues. It’s very descriptive and makes it easy to imagine what the small town looks like.
Mick Hensley has had a hard time growing up with a fear that he struggles to fight off. But he finds a great love and protection from his Great-Grandmother Ida. Mick and her have seen life through thick and thin and it makes for a wonderful and loving relationship. Mick has been somewhat isolated where life is concerned and he’s still cautious about being hurt.
Rory Jenkins Kennedy will learn so much from moving to Piston Creek. He will learn of the family history which clears up lot’s of his thoughts and helps him make decisions. Besides what he learns of himself, he will find a special connection to Mick. What they discover of each other will be another step to their futures.
There are so many marvelous characters that come to make this story wonderful: Ida, Mick and Rory. Elias Kennedy, his wife Brenda and daughter Rebecca; Brenda’s first cousin EsmereldaIda Jenkin and wife Bev; Ida’s first cousin Joann; Madam Kalinda Bellamy and her niece Madam Dupris Baptiste; and Arden Hernandez.
I highly recommend “Stronger Than Blood” it’s a story that brings interesting characters who revolve around the world of the occult, while discovering their futures.
Mick and Rory especially make this an entertaining read with their wonderful personalities. Brilliantly done Adam J. Ridley, Blake Allwood.
September 26, 2025
This is a sweet mm love story that weaves together family ties, history, a touch of the occult, and a fateful meeting between two men who are still searching for where they belong.
Set in Tennessee, one man struggles to let go of a traumatic past, while the other finds his life taking an unexpected turn from where he thought his modest talent might lead him. Both men are immediately likable, and each is blessed with strong women who mentor and care for them along the way.
The presence of an evil entity rises and falls throughout the story as the main characters — along with a few key allies — use their psychic gifts and inner strength to keep it at bay. I especially enjoyed the spiritual undertone of good prevailing over evil.
Overall, this is an easy, engaging read with relatively low angst, low spice, and some smart, snappy dialogue.
Set in Tennessee, one man struggles to let go of a traumatic past, while the other finds his life taking an unexpected turn from where he thought his modest talent might lead him. Both men are immediately likable, and each is blessed with strong women who mentor and care for them along the way.
The presence of an evil entity rises and falls throughout the story as the main characters — along with a few key allies — use their psychic gifts and inner strength to keep it at bay. I especially enjoyed the spiritual undertone of good prevailing over evil.
Overall, this is an easy, engaging read with relatively low angst, low spice, and some smart, snappy dialogue.
November 13, 2025
Ridley (Allwood) delivers a fantastical MM Romance wrapped up in a ghost story that is sure to send tingles down your spine.
Set in the deep south, the culture, food, sayings, and superstitions one would expect come to life in this vibrant tale.
Delicious in description, as is the depiction of southern, good-home cooking, and baking, the main characters battle a vengeful spirit from the family's past.
Take away: When the universe gives you blatant messages, take heed and proceed!
Wonderful story. Highly recommended.
Set in the deep south, the culture, food, sayings, and superstitions one would expect come to life in this vibrant tale.
Delicious in description, as is the depiction of southern, good-home cooking, and baking, the main characters battle a vengeful spirit from the family's past.
Take away: When the universe gives you blatant messages, take heed and proceed!
Wonderful story. Highly recommended.
November 3, 2025
From the first glance of the front cover, I honestly thought it was a story about vampires. I usually shine away from any stories with vampires. This is far from the truth! Actually it was about a guy, Mick who had a traumatic past almost being killed by a lunatic having to deal with the lunatic’s spirit lurking inside his grandmother’s house. To help him get through it is Rory, a somewhat psychic who was sent to Piston Creek by the medium he was training under. This led to him meeting Mick and that is where pieces started to fall in together. Throw in wonderful characters like the great-grandma and the hilarious medium makes for a great reading. I’d give it 5 stars.
October 2, 2025
I had the honor of reading this book as an ARC. I have read several other books by this author and enjoyed them. I am pleased to write that this book is no exception. I am giving this book a 5/5. I enjoyed the story and the characters. The paranormal aspect is authentic and not over the top. Mick and Rory are the main characters. Mick was raised by his great grandmother. This lady took him in as that she was his only family. Rory works with priestess and is trying to hone his paranormal abilities. He decides to visit the city where Mick lives to visit some family. By chance the two men meet and that is the start of a good thing. Mick is being tormented by an evil spirit and Rory decides to help him. This brings about big changes for both of them. The two men must work together to defeat the spirit or things will get a lot worse. I really enjoyed Mick and Rory because they are real and refreshing.
October 24, 2025
Stronger Than Blood drew me straight in, starting with a prologue where we find out about the traumatic incident that Mick endured as a child, which is still haunting him in more ways than one. I can't imagine living with not only the memories, but an actual vengeful spirit day after day. I don't know how Mick stayed sane and was such a good person.
Rory sees spirits, but not regularly, and is called to search for his family, which leads him to Piston Creek and Mick. I liked Rory immediately; he was drawn to help Mick, wanting nothing for himself, whilst also trying to avoid emotional entanglements (spoiler: that doesn't work out for him).
I really enjoyed reading Mick and Rory's story as they try to lay to rest the ghosts of the past and move on with a brighter future.
The side characters in this story actually play a big part, and they were all great characters to get to know. I especially loved Mick's Granny, what a strong, amazing woman, to have been through everything and also raised Mick to be a good man. Rory's Madam Bellamy was another excellent character who added a lot to the story, and without her, neither Mick nor Rory would have managed to get through everything that goes down.
This was a sweet romance whilst also dealing with a dangerous, vengeful spirit, plenty of emotional scenes, both happy and sad; it certainly wasn't an easy ride for anyone involved.
I look forward to reading whatever Adam J Ridley (Blake Allwood) writes next.
Rory sees spirits, but not regularly, and is called to search for his family, which leads him to Piston Creek and Mick. I liked Rory immediately; he was drawn to help Mick, wanting nothing for himself, whilst also trying to avoid emotional entanglements (spoiler: that doesn't work out for him).
I really enjoyed reading Mick and Rory's story as they try to lay to rest the ghosts of the past and move on with a brighter future.
The side characters in this story actually play a big part, and they were all great characters to get to know. I especially loved Mick's Granny, what a strong, amazing woman, to have been through everything and also raised Mick to be a good man. Rory's Madam Bellamy was another excellent character who added a lot to the story, and without her, neither Mick nor Rory would have managed to get through everything that goes down.
This was a sweet romance whilst also dealing with a dangerous, vengeful spirit, plenty of emotional scenes, both happy and sad; it certainly wasn't an easy ride for anyone involved.
I look forward to reading whatever Adam J Ridley (Blake Allwood) writes next.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews