Awakening Macbeth: A paranormal romance novel

by Carmen Amato

The game is love versus evil . . . Winner take all.“Page-turning paranormal romance.” – Kirkus Reviews University professor Brodie Macbeth finds herself inheriting a house, a fortune, a set of vanity license plates, and a library full of history books when her father unexpectedly kills himself.Reeling from his suicide and shocked by the strange will, Brodie is tormented by terrifying nightmares. Night after night, in scenes pulled from the pages of her father’s books, she is confronted by strangers who threaten to kill her unless she reveals her father’s secret.But there is no secret. Dreams are just dreams . . .As Brodie fights to get her life under control, she falls for Joe Birnam, an Iraq War vet with his own demons. Nothing like her stuffy ex, Joe is the best thing that ever happened to her.Or the worst.Brodie's nightmares are a deadly game of good versus evil.The prize is Joe’s immortal soul.From Virginia's most famous university to the Scottish highlands to a dusty road in Iraq, not even Shakespeare could have written the secret that will keep you up tonight. “A suspenseful, page-turning paranormal romance . . . Both Brodie and Joe are relatable characters; indeed, he’s so perfectly flawed that many readers will fall in love with him, too.” -- Kirkus Reviews“Easily one of the better romance novels . . . An excellent read.”-- Book Reviews AnonymousTime travel romance fans of thrillers like the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldón and romantic Scottish Highlander novels, as well as authors Nora Roberts, Heather Graham, Deborah Harkness, Elizabeth Kostova and Christine Feehan, will love this riveting tale of paranormal-driven suspense.You’ll be riveted by the sizzling yet sophisticated romance between a woman learning to love and a military veteran hero. BONUS! The Kindle ebook also contains the first two chapters of romantic political thriller THE HIDDEN LIGHT OF MEXICO CITY.Literary Fiction Review called it “Enthralling political drama . . . a man and a woman from opposite ends of the social spectrum who fall in love.”

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Fiction

341 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Carmen Amato is the author of the Detective Emilia Cryz mystery series pitting the first female police detective in Acapulco against Mexico's cartels, corruption, and social inequality. Starting with Cliff Diver, the series is a 2-time winner of the Outstanding Series award from CrimeMasters of America and was hailed by National Public Radio as “A thrilling series.”

Her standalone thrillers include The Hidden Light of Mexico City, which was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award.

A 30-year veteran of the CIA where she focused on technical collection and counterdrug issues, Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.

A judge for the BookLife Prize and Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award, her essays have appeared in Criminal Element, Publishers Weekly, and other national publications. She writes the popular Mystery Ahead newsletter on Substack with her top secrets, exclusive excerpts and book reviews: https://mysteryahead.substack.com.

Originally from upstate New York, after years of globe-trotting she and her husband enjoy life in Tennessee. https://carmenamato.net/links

Reviews

[Stephanie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brodie Macbeth is a successful history professor and a celebrated author when she takes a journey to Edinburgh following her father's untimely death. On the flight, she meets Joe Birnam, a sexy, smart retired Marine. Their instant attraction is palpable, but the only hitch is that Brodie is still officially (though unemotionally) attached to a fellow professor who sounds like an unappealing cross between Carson Kressley and the character James Spader played in "Pretty In Pink." Needless to say, the reader is thrilled when this little fussbudget of a man exits stage left.

Anyhow, Joe has some emotional baggage to work through, and Brodie needs to come to some realizations about her childhood, the deaths of both parents, and her ability to really love. They both bring some great things to the table: Joe is a warrior, a war hero, and an amazing cook (bonus points!), and Brodie is a strong, accomplished woman, not some withering vine just waiting to cling to a man. Their romance feels real and solid, and it's easy to get roped in to the "will they or won't they" drama as they get to know one another. They were honestly one of my favorite couples I've read about in a long time, as they felt like actual people whose issues weren't just fabricated for a book.

But I'll be honest: the end surprised me. I read this entire book over a weekend and was so drawn in to the Joe and Brodie romance that the mysteries surrounding Brodie's dad's death took a backseat for me. I got 2/3 of the way done before I even remembered that this was a paranormal romance! That was actually a good thing for me--paranormal romance isn't normally a genre I'd seek out, but I read this on a recommendation and I'm glad I did. When the paranormal element begins to fully develop, I was ready for Joe and Brodie to have one more big obstacle, and as everything came to a head, all of the carefully laid clues came together in my mind and it all made sense. It was a deft and intriguing ending to a story that could have been just a good romance read, effectively giving the reader a stacked ending full of love, thrills, drama, action, and joy! And my final note is this: Carmen Amato has a real gift with the written word. Finding an author who can make you feel like you're in every room and situation that she talks about is golden. I picture it all in my head, and I feel like I know the characters when I'm reading. I would definitely recommend this!!!

[Joanie Chevalier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice suspense/romance story with paranormal thrown in. Brodie had to solve the mystery of her father's death and she meets handsome and kind Joe. I got goosebumps when [Brodie said slowly]..."Well, the heart says this relationship was never meant to be platonic." Yes! But then soon after that, Brodie becomes intertwined with evil and desperately fought to fit the puzzle pieces together before it was too late-before someone died. Quite the mystery. The sudden shift in the story at the end was like an earthquake shook my house, and from that point on, I was glued to the book to find out what happened. Author Amato's writing has a way of pulling the reader in, and that's talent.

[Brigitta Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those novels that offer some of everything; love, betrayal, romance, paranormal mystery and thrill. The author packed a whopper of a thrill ride in the end. I couldn't put this one down. I had to flip page after page to find out if Brodie would learn her father's secret and if her and Joe would survive. I wanted to know the secret myself.
Five stars for all the components I was treated to; mystery, thrill and romance.

[Wan Cloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. A page turner. Love the mystery and romance. The ending was unexpected and surprising. I would recommend this book to those who enjoyed mystery, suspense, paranormal, and romance.

[L. S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like the title insists, Awakening Macbeth is the story of one woman's journey of self-discovery. And, of course, the man she chooses to take on said journey. Throw in a few historically manned dreams where souls are literally at stake.

When I go into romance novels, the biggest thing i analyze is the relationship itself. Is it healthy? Ups and downs, and conflict are one thing. All relationships have minor hiccups. The difference is how they're addressed. I liked the fact that the narrative created incredibly imperfect relationships and presented healthy solutions. All of those obstacles (and then some) served to really develop Brodie's character. The level of emotionality that went into the characters was done well.

Characters themselves were done well. The author took a different route when creating character backstories. I liked the accuracy and the respect shown for types of characters created. I don't want to spoil the types for other readers, but they'll know it when it happens.

The fact that the narrative was a paranormal romance without the romance itself being paranormal was a nice change in a genre over saturated with vampires, shape-shifters, and things like that. The paranormal actually plays a rather huge part of the plot, even though I feel like it sort of took a backseat at times. Because of that, the buildup was alright, but the climax and the mystery were too easy. I took into account that Brodie was smart and sharp, but it still felt too easy for her.

Actually, to build on Brodie a little bit, I absolutely adored how smart she was. I loved her relationship with other women. There was no petty competition between them; only love and support. Something I wholeheartedly enjoy seeing in any sort of novel.

Writing style supported the tone of the novel, I think. It was firm, without being overbearing. There was some lightheartedness to it, without being overly comical. I think the description worked well, and the brief historical interludes were a nice change of pace and scenery.


Easily one of the better romance novels I've read. There was a lot of positivity as well as good messages interspersed throughout. While the mystery could use a bit of tweaking, the story itself was solid and consistent. It follows the general genre formula, yet still manages to not be full of stereotypes. It was really an excellent read.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
Besides a wonderfully complex wounded hero, Amato’s story is really unique and amazing in its depiction of a multi-layered and deep intimacy and affection in the couple relationship, not often accomplished in romantic fiction. While reading, I confess that I’ve neglected the paranormal dimension and the intertextuality, I wanted more romance and less suspense. To reread, for sure!

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a departure from the author's crime novels I've read so far, but her crisp writing style is here, as is the three dimensional portrayal of her characters with all their weaknesses and passions.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that the person who recommended that I read one of Carmen Amato's books must have meant one of her mysteries. Anyway...

The Macbeth of the title is Brodie Macbeth, a bright, attractive history professor. As part of carrying out the unusual requirements that are stipulated in her father's will, she is flying to Edinburgh and, on the plane, meets sexy retired Marine, Joe Birnam. He is, like so many heroes in romance books, damaged goods. Also, like so many heroes in romance books, he is instantly attracted to our heroine but, no surprise, there are problems. Joe's got some emotional baggage and Brodie has some flesh & blood baggage in the form of a relationship with another professor at her college. Brodie also has another problem. Her father's house and books aren't all that Brodie has inherited. There's also Satan.

My thoughts --
Brodie's previous relationship was a problem. Her father and others thought they were a good match but the man was an ego with feet. In my wildest imagination I couldn't imagine him having sex with anyone but himself.

page 67 Brodie goes on a first dinner date with a toothbrush and clean underwear. What would her mother say?

page 218 Brodie, who is supposed to be intelligent, allows her dog to eat a lot of garlic. Only a good idea if she wants to make his death look like an accident.

page 226 Brodie says that Joe's kitchen makes her sad. This really steamed me. Joe builds kitchen cabinets and designed his own extremely functional, efficient kitchen. I would be like stroking the cabinet doors in awe. What does Brodie know about kitchens anyway?!? For Brodie a kitchen is a room in a house to debag your take-out.

page 270 Get a clue, Brodie. He doesn't like dogs and the dog isn't crazy about him.

[Penelope]

That title hooks the reader. From about p. 10, I was hooked. Not at the very beginning where the main character, Brodie Macbeth, is thinking that she will have to break up with boyfriend, a fellow professor whom everyone approves of. Hurry up, this reader said, and get to the real plot of the book. The author responded with the suspicious death of Brodie’s father, and that’s where the book took off. Brodie goes to Edinburgh to see her aunt and while I enjoyed this interlude, the only reason I saw was to meet Joe Birnam on the plane and show off the author’s inside knowledge of this city and its fashion.
The book turns into a romance novel with Brodie and Joe sparring at each other. He’s quite a catch but she’s no shrinking violet either. They both have baggage to bring to the table. I found myself thinking romance novel. It was a surprise because part of the title is Paranormal Suspense. Where is it? When it comes, it is a bit of a surprise, but it is handled so well that I couldn’t put the book down. I still think the romantic angle is too strong vs. the suspense rather than the reverse, but it works.
The other thing that I feel detracts rather than adds to the overall is the author’s desire to categorize everything: clothes, food, places. To know Brodie’s taste in clothes once is enough.

However, “Awakening Macbeth” is a book this reader found very interesting and entertaining. This author knows how to write suspense.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply *chef's kiss*. I was riveted from start to finish, absorbed in Brodie's story and her titular awakening. That's not to say that it was suspense filled from start to finish - the story was a deft weaving and building of the characters and gradual building of the romance, believable and human. I loved reading Brodie come into her own and grow into her strengths.

There was a paranormal aspect there but very subtle. Even while reading the rest of the engaging story unfold in the very non-supernatural sense, there was a faint sense of foreboding - the reader knows there is unfinished business, an unsettling thing lurking and creeping around the edges. The waiting for that aspect of the story to reveal kept me up reading late into the night. Just loved this book, sad to say goodbye to these characters. Beautiful, beautiful writing.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A college professor and an ex-Marine?

A first-class flight to Scotland is just the beginning for two strangers who were seated next to each other. He is an emotional and physically changed veteran who gives her butterflies.
I loved connecting with the emotions Brodie feels as she struggles to become less dispassionate.
When the nightmares start, she is thrown into a quest she never knew existed.
Will she wake up in time? Will she discover the secret?
The relationships are spot on. I loved their realness and how they evolved.
This is a great book!

[Vee James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most surprising of the Carmen Amato offerings I've read so far. Such a departure from the "Detective Emilia Cruz" series and yet... A cross-genre romp which takes us through the supernatural, romance, and mystery. I love the immediacy of the setting, the tenderness of the love story, and the shock of the supernatural. Don't try to predict what's coming as you read this one...you're wrong!

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily chose to read this book as a gift from the author, and I loved it. It's a great read. I was drawn in from the the opening page by the parallels between Dr. Brodie Macbeth of the contemporary world's life and the Scottish play of Shakespeare and the writer use of signs and portents. It's a thrilling mystery that once you begin reading you won't want to put down.

[Jennifer Slusher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stick with it

I have a rule. If I'm reading a book i always give it so many chapters before I quit and find something else. I almost did it with this book. It's a slow start so just give it time. It's really a quite wonderful romance. The supernatural aspects were few and far between, but still made for an exciting book.

[Mystery Review Crew]

Author Carmen Amato’s writing style is engaging. The characters are wonderfully rich, and the reader is easily drawn into a relationship with them. The scenes are well described and literally painted by the words. - The Mystery Review Crew

See our full review on the Mystery Review Crew

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! Amato writes with a style that appeals to more than the typical paranormal romance fan. It is more like reading a spy thriller with wonderfully accurate bits of literary history, than fanastical. I am hoping to see future work along the same line.

[Zeinab Dh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read and review this book. I wasn't sure about this book but was happy that I read it it was an internal reading the plot characters flow were well done I like how the characters meet and interact together it is full of action steam sparks I recommend it

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story concept I have never seen before, combined with great characters, creating a world that felt real. I loved this story and did not want to put it down. Another great read from Carmen. I'm so glad I have more of her books in my reading queue.

[Rick Glaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific story. I highly recommend.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily chose to read this book as a gift from the author, and I loved it. It's a gread read. I was drawn in from the the opening page by the parallels between Dr. Macbeth of the contemporary world's life and the Scottish play of Shakespeare and the writer use of signs and portents. It's a thrilling mystery that once you begin reading you won't want to put down. I recommend this book to the reading community.

[Angala Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This was a great thriller full of mystery and suspense. I got pulled in from the first page and didn't want to put it down. I definitely recommend.