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The Guardian of Blackbird Inn
Saving the inn might mean losing her life.
Sophia Yates travels to the famed and haunted Blackbird Inn to help its mysterious owner, Garren Amsel, research its history. The state wants to claim eminent domain and take the property, but the historical inn has been in Garren’s family for generations and he can’t bear to lose it.
After learning the truth behind the inn’s biggest mystery, and why Garren stays, saving Blackbird Inn may cost Sophia her life. How far will she go to protect him?
Sophia Yates travels to the famed and haunted Blackbird Inn to help its mysterious owner, Garren Amsel, research its history. The state wants to claim eminent domain and take the property, but the historical inn has been in Garren’s family for generations and he can’t bear to lose it.
After learning the truth behind the inn’s biggest mystery, and why Garren stays, saving Blackbird Inn may cost Sophia her life. How far will she go to protect him?
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
14 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Adrienne
55 books683 followersUSA Today bestselling author, repped by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency. Believer in human rights. Love my kids, my cats, and music.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 20, 2015
Sophia travels to the famous Blackbird Inn to lend a helping hand to its owner Garren Amsel when the state wants to claim eminent domain and destroy the Inn to build a highway. Together they dive into the Inn's secrets to uncover its history, but Halloween is coming and it's secrets might put Sophia and Garren in danger.
First. I liked the plot, I thought it was actually quiet interesting. The setting was fascinating, and I loved the Gothic feel of the book. It's been a while since I read a book with a Gothic feel, so I was really excited. Unfortunately the entire thing not only fell short, but disappointing as well.
The story felt rushed. Everything was happening so quickly after Sophia's arrival. The ghosts, the attractions, the entire mystery. I felt like the entire book could have benefited from being a full novel. The set up and the mystery was all there, all it needed was a bit more substance to make it more interesting. I think it could have been a great story.
-Sophia's attraction to Garren was odd. It was really instant and to be honest because it was so rushed, I did not feel any kind of flame between them. Honestly, not even a flicker. It felt one-sided for most of the book when he finally suddenly had this interest in her out of nowhere, followed by the two falling into bed together unable to keep their hands off each other. If the book was longer, the relationship and the tension building could have made them more interesting, instead it really felt silly. Unfortunately, due to its quick read, it was hard to connect with the characters.
The mystery came and went quickly. Everything clicked too quickly and the last scene was anti-climatic. In fact, it was so disappointing, I had to keep from rolling my eyes when it happened because honestly nothing really happened. Yes, there was a bad guy. Yes Sophia had a secret. The last showdown felt like you are watching a rapidly growing fire that just snuff out with a dose of water. I was like.... Is that it?
I thought the ghosts happened too quickly. Why did Sophia have all those weird visions she never had before? I did not feel that was ever explained. Was the Inn ever in great trouble? I don't feel like that was ever explained either ,since it ended so abruptly. The premise said the Inn was famous but I never got the feel that the Inn ever get's any visitors. Garren said they had some the night Sophia came in but somehow all those visitors left quickly in the morning without waking Sophia up. Why did the ghosts take on an orb shape and a human shape? And why didn't they turn human and help Sophia more during the final showdown? Why was everything happening this Halloween? What made it so different? What would have happened if they did not stop the bad guy?
You would think that this is an erotica, so therefor the plot does not matter. It was NOT an erotica. Was there a scene between these two? There was and honest, it wasn't really that bad. There was only one love scene.
In the end, this entire book had the setup to be potentially really good. Unfortunately, it lacked in its strength due to its length, rushing through the parts that could have been exciting and not really giving a breather to connect with the characters.
I gave it three stars generously because I enjoyed the plot despite its long list of shortcomings. It was still a nice quick read if you are looking for something not to take up a lot of your time this Halloween.
This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Café
September 24, 2015
*** I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review ***
The perfect gothic romance just in time for Halloween. Ghosts, demons, and witches abound in this tale with instant chemistry between Garren and Sophia and their witness to the fight between good and evil. If you love the classic gothic romance, I recommend this one!
The perfect gothic romance just in time for Halloween. Ghosts, demons, and witches abound in this tale with instant chemistry between Garren and Sophia and their witness to the fight between good and evil. If you love the classic gothic romance, I recommend this one!
October 30, 2015
A gripping short story that reads like a full-length novel. This was hauntingly spooky and had me right from the opening page. Even though it was super short, I think it would be an interesting concept if the author made this a series that revolved around the Blackbird Inn with longer length stories. I was totally hooked and would like more.
November 16, 2017
2.5 stars
I feel like I know nothing about these characters, their background was paper thin. And the romance was happening real fast. And while I sort of intrigued with the "mystery", but I didn't like the resolution.
Honestly, I would be VERY pissed if I
I feel like I know nothing about these characters, their background was paper thin. And the romance was happening real fast. And while I sort of intrigued with the "mystery", but I didn't like the resolution.
Honestly, I would be VERY pissed if I
September 30, 2015
This book reads like a classic horror tale. The kind I used to read like Victoria Holt or Barbara Michaels. When Sophia checks into the Blackbird Inn, she has no way of knowing she is stepping into a nightmare. Ghosts, bad dreams and mysterious things that go bump in the night are woven throughout this tale. Perfect for a cup of tea and a warm blanket. Just don't forget your flashlight.
The spicy tension between the two main characters is great. Love this new line by ARe. Bring on more spooky tales!
I received this book as part of a blog tour.
The spicy tension between the two main characters is great. Love this new line by ARe. Bring on more spooky tales!
I received this book as part of a blog tour.
October 28, 2019
I loved this short story of a gothic romance in a haunted Inn. It was fun, had that great gothic vibe that I love and was very romantic. For such a short story it had a lot, the characters grew on you, the world building was fascinating and I feel like I want more of Blackbird Inn. It would make a wonderful setting for a series.
October 25, 2019
A great quick little novella, especially during the season of Halloween. It was more thriller/supernatural than it is romance. It definitely got my heart pumping! I wish there was more to this story and a whole series based off this Inn!
October 4, 2015
This is paranormal romance, adult paranormal romance. It has some steam to it. It stands out from other books I have read from the genre because I seriously got some goosebumps while reading this. This is the perfect book for this time of year with Halloween so close. This story is spooky and has a very Gothic feel. We have an a haunted inn, malevolent ghosts, visions of time that have passed, and a paranormal main charater.
My only complaint t is the length. This could have been so much better if it had been expanded. The author has some serious talent. I will definitely read more by her. I hope she pass something out that is full length, and just as spooky. I wish I would have waited until night time to read this, it would have made for an A+ experience.
I really like a scene where the female lead encounters a ghost while following the hottie of an inn keeper to her room.
Taking ne last look down the staircase, she nodded. A bright flash of white caught her eye and she stopped, ice running through her vains. The white, almost translucent blob flew up the staircase, winding toward her. The thing pulsed and gave off iridescence like it was lit from within, and it trailed a shower of tiny sparks. She opened her moth to scream, but nothing would come out.
Lightening flashed in the stairwell again, and the blob disappeared. Frozen, she crane her neck to see if anything else was coming up the stairs. The stairwell was much cooler. Cold. Her heart hammered and she put her hand over her chest, as if it would calm hrt. Her breath came out in puffs of condensation, like tiny clouds in the dark.
Recommendation:
I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes paranormal romance, especially of you are in the mood for something a bit spooky. This is short, 74 pages, if you have some time to kill give it a try. I hardly ever give a book of this length more than 3 stars, but I REALLY like this. It was a perfect way to try out a new to me author.
I downloaded an ecopy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It is available "read now," and does not require approval.
My only complaint t is the length. This could have been so much better if it had been expanded. The author has some serious talent. I will definitely read more by her. I hope she pass something out that is full length, and just as spooky. I wish I would have waited until night time to read this, it would have made for an A+ experience.
I really like a scene where the female lead encounters a ghost while following the hottie of an inn keeper to her room.
Taking ne last look down the staircase, she nodded. A bright flash of white caught her eye and she stopped, ice running through her vains. The white, almost translucent blob flew up the staircase, winding toward her. The thing pulsed and gave off iridescence like it was lit from within, and it trailed a shower of tiny sparks. She opened her moth to scream, but nothing would come out.
Lightening flashed in the stairwell again, and the blob disappeared. Frozen, she crane her neck to see if anything else was coming up the stairs. The stairwell was much cooler. Cold. Her heart hammered and she put her hand over her chest, as if it would calm hrt. Her breath came out in puffs of condensation, like tiny clouds in the dark.
Recommendation:
I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes paranormal romance, especially of you are in the mood for something a bit spooky. This is short, 74 pages, if you have some time to kill give it a try. I hardly ever give a book of this length more than 3 stars, but I REALLY like this. It was a perfect way to try out a new to me author.
I downloaded an ecopy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It is available "read now," and does not require approval.
October 5, 2015
A book to read for the Halloween season. It gives you a sexy, mysterious Innkeeper and a creepy haunted Inn. It does have a splash of steam to it, but the short story definitely holds its own, there is a serious goosebumpy plot. Though it would’ve benefitted if it were longer, more fleshed out. As is, it felt a little rushed.
Overall the story was nice, a decent premise. Perhaps a little slow starting, but picked up at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed Garren, he was alluring, if a tad on the soft side at times.
Unfortunately, some errors really pulled me out of it while I was reading.
The formatting was poorly done. Reading it on my kindle, more than once I assume the paragraphs morphed together with the undesired effect of two people speaking in the same paragraph. It made it very hard to differentiate who spoke what. And numerous times the paragraphs would be chopped off, for example two words would be on one line, then one word on the next line, then three words on the third line—but they were all in the same sentence. This made the smooth reading not so smooth since I constantly had to reread parts to understand who said what and things like that.
There were other technical errors, also. Near the end three people were walking around the Inn, all with flashlights in their hands, yet two of them kept sticking their hands in their pockets and one of them wiped their palms up and down their pants. None of these actions are plausible if they are carrying flashlights—and the author mentions the flashlights before and after these actions. This was an example of one of the little mistakes that should’ve been caught. They didn’t ruin the book for me by any means but were tiresome.
**I was given a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Overall the story was nice, a decent premise. Perhaps a little slow starting, but picked up at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed Garren, he was alluring, if a tad on the soft side at times.
Unfortunately, some errors really pulled me out of it while I was reading.
The formatting was poorly done. Reading it on my kindle, more than once I assume the paragraphs morphed together with the undesired effect of two people speaking in the same paragraph. It made it very hard to differentiate who spoke what. And numerous times the paragraphs would be chopped off, for example two words would be on one line, then one word on the next line, then three words on the third line—but they were all in the same sentence. This made the smooth reading not so smooth since I constantly had to reread parts to understand who said what and things like that.
There were other technical errors, also. Near the end three people were walking around the Inn, all with flashlights in their hands, yet two of them kept sticking their hands in their pockets and one of them wiped their palms up and down their pants. None of these actions are plausible if they are carrying flashlights—and the author mentions the flashlights before and after these actions. This was an example of one of the little mistakes that should’ve been caught. They didn’t ruin the book for me by any means but were tiresome.
**I was given a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review**
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
When Sophia is sent to Blackbird Inn to help the owner fight the state’s attempt to take it over she has stepped into a world she never expected or dreamed existed.
Between the sparks flying between herself and Garren, Sophia also is dealing with frightening dreams that are so real she is beginning to lose a sense of here and now. There is a solid mystery here and the ledgers she and Garren have uncovered play an important role in the Inn’s future and theirs as well.
The Guardian of Blackbird Inn brings me back to the gothic novels of Victoria Holt that I devoured as a young reader. The romance, the secrets, the ghosts and the mysterious happenings all around the characters have not only a paranormal feel to them, but a classic gothic tone as well.
This is an action packed short novella. Yet, while this story may be short it is full of everything that makes paranormal romance one of my favorite reading choices. With Halloween just weeks away, this is a wonderful spooky, dangerous and engaging tale of lovers, ghosts and things that go bump in the night.
I would recommend this story for anyone who loves gothics, paranormals or simply enjoys a story that makes them shiver and look over their shoulder.
*I received an e-ARC of The Guardian of Blackbird Inn from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
When Sophia is sent to Blackbird Inn to help the owner fight the state’s attempt to take it over she has stepped into a world she never expected or dreamed existed.
Between the sparks flying between herself and Garren, Sophia also is dealing with frightening dreams that are so real she is beginning to lose a sense of here and now. There is a solid mystery here and the ledgers she and Garren have uncovered play an important role in the Inn’s future and theirs as well.
The Guardian of Blackbird Inn brings me back to the gothic novels of Victoria Holt that I devoured as a young reader. The romance, the secrets, the ghosts and the mysterious happenings all around the characters have not only a paranormal feel to them, but a classic gothic tone as well.
This is an action packed short novella. Yet, while this story may be short it is full of everything that makes paranormal romance one of my favorite reading choices. With Halloween just weeks away, this is a wonderful spooky, dangerous and engaging tale of lovers, ghosts and things that go bump in the night.
I would recommend this story for anyone who loves gothics, paranormals or simply enjoys a story that makes them shiver and look over their shoulder.
*I received an e-ARC of The Guardian of Blackbird Inn from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
October 31, 2015
This is the first time in reading this author for me and I sure did enjoy her writing style. She easily enticed me into the story with the intrigue of Sophia going to help it's owner sent by someone claiming to want to help save the inn. Oh and one of my favorites there are ghosts too. Garren needs a answer because he can not loose the inn. He has been its guardian for years but now it is time to save it. You are taken with these two as the hunt for something to help but come upon a mystery that even includes the one who sent Sophia. As they find some answers they are also given some clues that tie this together but time is of the essence. You also find out Garren secret when him and Sophia come together one night with her also being a very important key. though modern day it has a delightful touch of Gothic mystery romance, with them being so delightful to read. Excitement will fill the air bringing you to the edge when they work together to stop evil and save the inn but in doing so alot more will be gained that is the kind that lasts a lifetime.
October 1, 2015
I give this book 4 fangs
Sophia is a new lawyer who has been sent to Blackbird Inn a supposedly haunted Inn by her boss to try and save it from being taken over by the state of Pennsylvania. From the moment she arrives strange things are happening, the sexy and handsome owner Garren although they appear to have real chemistry he seems to be hiding something. That's besides the fact that she can't stop having horrible nightmares with ghosts and demons. Before long everything changes when they stumble upon secret ledgers giving reason to thee hauntings. Witches, and guardians must all
Come together for the night of Samhain to stop the demon from going free.
A sexy fun tale perfect for halloween . With a very Happily ever after.
**** reviewer for paranormal romance and authors that rock
October 2, 2015
this was an amazing read and It had me hooked that I wished it went on for longer, that aside it has the right amount of chemistry that has you falling in love with the characters, enough intrigue to keep the pages turning and enough spook to make it a great paranormal. Sophia is sent to help garren find historical evidence of the blackbirds inn so he can save it from being taken. Sophia and garren immediately feel a bond between them that can not be denied. with spooky things going on around the inn things are not quite as they seem, can she still help garren save the inn or is she destined a fate much worse
October 7, 2015
This was a very well written ghost story. There is just enough character building for the short story. The world building could use a bit more in the beginning, but came together very well in the end. The story was all together very good and something to look forward to.
This was a Paranormal Romance. That means there is an intimate scene but it is not very detailed or vulgar at all. Just a joining of two people.
Assassins Reading and Reviewing group
This was a Paranormal Romance. That means there is an intimate scene but it is not very detailed or vulgar at all. Just a joining of two people.
Assassins Reading and Reviewing group
October 3, 2015
Great read with a horror vibe mixed in with a strong romantic plot. There's nothing gory, but it definitely has an edge to it that made it impossible to put down until the end. I loved Garren - the dark, troubled hero. And the plucky heroine, Sophia. They had great chemistry throughout, and with the added danger from the ghostly inn, I highly enjoyed the story.
October 18, 2015
This is a sweet love story with ghosts, a witch and a demon.
There is something special about Sophia. And the attraction to Garren is instant for both of them. But can the two save the inn from a demon?
There is something special about Sophia. And the attraction to Garren is instant for both of them. But can the two save the inn from a demon?
October 4, 2015
Enjoyable read
A hefty dose of thriller, heart-warming characters, romance, and steamy hot sex combine to bring you a book you can get lost in. Be careful you don't!!
A hefty dose of thriller, heart-warming characters, romance, and steamy hot sex combine to bring you a book you can get lost in. Be careful you don't!!
October 12, 2015
I received this book as an ARC for my honest review!
This book was really good. It's a great short paranormal story that ends great. The author kept me guessing and even surprised me a few times.
This book was really good. It's a great short paranormal story that ends great. The author kept me guessing and even surprised me a few times.
October 30, 2015
Loved Garren and Sophia, the building love story between them, and the novel's overall good versus evil message. Awesome read and perfect for Halloween :)
May 1, 2019
This was a short, atmospheric, gothic tale. It was set in a remote, rustic, eerie inn with balls of light that roamed the corridors and creaky floorboards, and cheery, though very odd kitchen staff, and not to mention one Byronic, brooding, overly handsome inn keeper. (I loved his chains!) Yes, there is steamy romance and plenty of ghosts. For the most part I had a lot of fun reading this. Though there were a couple of points where I was scratching my head (specifically, when they decided to play normal when her boss came to join them when they knew he wasn’t legit. Why? It made no sense. And this book was centered on the whole idea that the inn was going to get taken by the state and demolished unless they found something special that would rate saving it as a historical site. At the end, the trouble with the state just went poof. Um…) Still, this is a fun, haunted Halloween read, and I would recommend it to readers who love their paranormal fantasy romances with plenty of ghosts.
November 5, 2019
Not the kind of book that I would normally particularly pick up but I did enjoy it.
A Good, short, spooky Halloween, read.
An ancient Inn that's been in the family for centuries is bound to have a lot of history but when Garren and Sophia uncover what that history is they realise their fight is much bigger than with just the local state.
Can the instant attraction between the pair help them to join forces to save the Inn from its haunting past.
A Good, short, spooky Halloween, read.
An ancient Inn that's been in the family for centuries is bound to have a lot of history but when Garren and Sophia uncover what that history is they realise their fight is much bigger than with just the local state.
Can the instant attraction between the pair help them to join forces to save the Inn from its haunting past.
September 19, 2017
I did not see the cover of this. I read it in an anthology. I had hoped that I was reading a book about demons and witches. and I kind of was. but... I don't mind if a book has a touch of romance. but... not THAT much or THAT descriptive of a romance.
February 21, 2018
I didn't really care for the story until a little later in the last half. It wasn't a horrible read, just maybe not my thing. I am not sure. It is a cute read and it came in a set, so maybe you'll like it. All I can be sure of is that I didn't hate it.
August 27, 2017
2.5?
Not terrible, but it was very wham, bam, done. No effort put into the brains or the flow of the story. It did have potential, but missed so badly.
Not terrible, but it was very wham, bam, done. No effort put into the brains or the flow of the story. It did have potential, but missed so badly.
March 9, 2018
A short novel but well written and it kept me entertained.
February 26, 2019
This was a little weird for me.. Not really sure what I was expecting but this was a rushed story with little plot...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2020
This novella's so short and rushed it really feels absurd. And the vanquishing-the-demon-by-pushing-it-in-a-well thing is beyond ridiculous!
February 1, 2022
Surprise
I thought this was a normal girl meets boy sort of story. I was shocked at the latter part of the book but loved it.
I thought this was a normal girl meets boy sort of story. I was shocked at the latter part of the book but loved it.
November 11, 2015
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Days before Halloween, attorney Sophia Yates journeys to historic Blackbird Inn to help owner Garren Amsel save his inn from pending state seizure. Perched on a New England mountainside, the inn is beautiful yet unsettling and Sophia isn’t long into her stay when she realizes the inn is steeped in paranormal activity. By the time Sophia realizes all is not as it seems, she’s deeply invested in the inn and its dark and mysterious inn keeper.
This story is entertainingly charming. I enjoyed the setting of an historic inn and the vivid imagery associated with fall. Cozy fireside teatime contrasts nicely with ghostly visions and whispers. The romance between Garren and Sophia is nicely developed, given the length of the text, and tastefully described. Expect a typical paranormal romance story arc, though. Guardian of Blackbird Inn is entertaining but not innovative.
I’m going to make a humble suggestion. Halloween night, siphon some candy from the supply, pair it with a nice glass of wine (see this invaluable infographic https://www.vivino.com/wine-news/the-...) and, in between trick or treaters, take in this sexy ghost story. A slight 75 pages, it’s an easy investment and the setting is perfect for a Halloween read.
Reviewed for I Smell Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/search?q=g...
Days before Halloween, attorney Sophia Yates journeys to historic Blackbird Inn to help owner Garren Amsel save his inn from pending state seizure. Perched on a New England mountainside, the inn is beautiful yet unsettling and Sophia isn’t long into her stay when she realizes the inn is steeped in paranormal activity. By the time Sophia realizes all is not as it seems, she’s deeply invested in the inn and its dark and mysterious inn keeper.
This story is entertainingly charming. I enjoyed the setting of an historic inn and the vivid imagery associated with fall. Cozy fireside teatime contrasts nicely with ghostly visions and whispers. The romance between Garren and Sophia is nicely developed, given the length of the text, and tastefully described. Expect a typical paranormal romance story arc, though. Guardian of Blackbird Inn is entertaining but not innovative.
I’m going to make a humble suggestion. Halloween night, siphon some candy from the supply, pair it with a nice glass of wine (see this invaluable infographic https://www.vivino.com/wine-news/the-...) and, in between trick or treaters, take in this sexy ghost story. A slight 75 pages, it’s an easy investment and the setting is perfect for a Halloween read.
Reviewed for I Smell Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/search?q=g...
November 27, 2015
Sophia has been hired to do research by an attorney for his client. She knows that the client has a family home that is being threatened by the state and it is her responsibility to work with the owner of Blackbird Inn to find a reason to label it a historical site. When she arrives she is both drawn to the owner/Innkeeper Gavin and scared of the ghosts and the nightmares that haunt once she arrives.
Gavin HAS to save the inn which has been in his family for generations. He has his secrets that he must keep from Sophia but finds it hard to do when he desires her as well. As Sophia learns Gavin and his family’s secrets, she also learns secrets of her own family and how she is meant to help Gavin save the inn from the dark demons that are waiting to take over.
With magic, mystery, secrets and romance Kerry Adrienne spins a short tale that will hold your interest until the end. The characters are wonderfully written and the tale captivating. I find this a perfect book to read when you are on a plane or have just a few hours to escape into a new story.
My honest opinion of this book was given in exchange for a free copy of the eBook.
Gavin HAS to save the inn which has been in his family for generations. He has his secrets that he must keep from Sophia but finds it hard to do when he desires her as well. As Sophia learns Gavin and his family’s secrets, she also learns secrets of her own family and how she is meant to help Gavin save the inn from the dark demons that are waiting to take over.
With magic, mystery, secrets and romance Kerry Adrienne spins a short tale that will hold your interest until the end. The characters are wonderfully written and the tale captivating. I find this a perfect book to read when you are on a plane or have just a few hours to escape into a new story.
My honest opinion of this book was given in exchange for a free copy of the eBook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews