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The Brothers Salem #1
Keep Me Close
Hunt demons for thrills, then Netflix and chill.
Dominic Salem is many things: professional ghost hunter, curse breaker, and demon slayer to name a few. If there's one thing he's learned, it's never pick up hitchhikers. Something odd about this one made him stop. No doubt he'll regret it.
Lavinia "Vinny" Wake doesn't exactly trust her smoking hot ride, but her nightmares have her all messed up. The only thing she has faith in is her art. Life on her own is lonely, but at least no one can break her heart.
Dom can tell Vinny's nightmares aren't just dreams--they're way worse. Something or someone is drawing her into its trap. Turns out, though, Vinny's life isn't the only thing at stake. Her soul is on the line, too. No pressure.
The debut novel in The Brother Salem, a new contemporary paranormal romance series where a trio of demon hunters--armed with spells and snark--are on a mission to slay some demons, break some curses, and get their girls. Unless the girls get them first.
Dominic Salem is many things: professional ghost hunter, curse breaker, and demon slayer to name a few. If there's one thing he's learned, it's never pick up hitchhikers. Something odd about this one made him stop. No doubt he'll regret it.
Lavinia "Vinny" Wake doesn't exactly trust her smoking hot ride, but her nightmares have her all messed up. The only thing she has faith in is her art. Life on her own is lonely, but at least no one can break her heart.
Dom can tell Vinny's nightmares aren't just dreams--they're way worse. Something or someone is drawing her into its trap. Turns out, though, Vinny's life isn't the only thing at stake. Her soul is on the line, too. No pressure.
The debut novel in The Brother Salem, a new contemporary paranormal romance series where a trio of demon hunters--armed with spells and snark--are on a mission to slay some demons, break some curses, and get their girls. Unless the girls get them first.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2017
9 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Cole
46 books163 followersElizabeth Cole is a romance author with a penchant for history, which is why she lives in an old house in an old city. She can be found hanging around libraries and archives, or curled in a corner reading, cat on lap. She believes in love at first sight. Then again, she also believes that mac 'n' cheese is a healthy breakfast, so don't trust her judgment on everything.
Get in touch with her at http://twitter.com/coleheartedgirl
Get in touch with her at http://twitter.com/coleheartedgirl
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 14, 2020
What a fun read! I love the balance of humor, demon hunting, adventure and story line. The book is perfectly paced, no lag or down time and the story is always progressing. It is a bit Supernatural meets cozy mystery, with just enough romance. I have to say the mythology was really great and I LOVED Pie, she might be my favorite character. I really want a familiar like her. Great read, recommended and looking forward to experiencing the other Salem brothers stories. 4.5 stars.
October 25, 2017
This book was everything I love in a paranormal romance: fun, romantic, and with fantastic world-building! I loved the magical world Elizabeth Cole created--and the cat of course! The chemistry between Dominic and Vinny was great. My favorite part of this was definitely the road trip--it was super tense, with excitement and danger at every stop. I can't wait to read more about Dominic's brothers! Hoping that Piewicket makes a return too. :)
October 19, 2017
This book went quickly. I read it less than a day. Characters were engaging, story was plausible (at least as plausible as a paranormal romance can be.). This is not my genre of choice, but I enjoyed it. I have enjoyed Ms. Cole's work, and this is one of her better books
Read
November 6, 2017DNF at 35%
Couldn't keep my interest. I found the characters a little flat. I wanted the cat to be more funny!
Didn't work for me.
Couldn't keep my interest. I found the characters a little flat. I wanted the cat to be more funny!
Didn't work for me.
September 23, 2019
I really liked this new series from Elizabeth, I have read a number of her other Historical Romance's
this one is great and very different from the others.
Dominic (Dom) Salem is one of three brothers, who's jobs are taking care of things that go bump in the night Like ghosts,Demons, Spell , and vampire's. He runs into Lavinia(Vinny) Wake on a
highway in the middle of now where. After she has a run in with a really nasty guy.
Let the fun begin ? or the problems. Vinny has a lot of secrets, to deal and some really bad dreams. Dom is just off a job with a really nasty vampire. Although tired, and on way to other job fighting ghosts he stops to help her. He also has some close held old secrets.
Dom's cat pie wicket is one of the best parts of this story.
Anyone who likes the paranormal, cats, humor and death conforntation's , and romance
will love this book.
I received an advance copy for an honest review, and couldn't put it down. Read it in one day
can't wait for the next one.
Hope like it
this one is great and very different from the others.
Dominic (Dom) Salem is one of three brothers, who's jobs are taking care of things that go bump in the night Like ghosts,Demons, Spell , and vampire's. He runs into Lavinia(Vinny) Wake on a
highway in the middle of now where. After she has a run in with a really nasty guy.
Let the fun begin ? or the problems. Vinny has a lot of secrets, to deal and some really bad dreams. Dom is just off a job with a really nasty vampire. Although tired, and on way to other job fighting ghosts he stops to help her. He also has some close held old secrets.
Dom's cat pie wicket is one of the best parts of this story.
Anyone who likes the paranormal, cats, humor and death conforntation's , and romance
will love this book.
I received an advance copy for an honest review, and couldn't put it down. Read it in one day
can't wait for the next one.
Hope like it
February 2, 2018
DOWN & DIRTY QUICKIE REVIEW!
One Sentence Summary:
He’s a demon-ghost-monster hunter who picks up our Take No Shit hitchhiking heroine; she finds out about the Spooky World and they do a Creepy House Figure It Out Scooby Doo mission.
Name That Trope:
* Supernatural meets Romancelandia!
* Paranormal Romance With A Human OTP: AKA MUH FAV!
* Half road trip, half demon-hunting, allllll kickass universe!
* Alpha Heroine Meets Beta Hero
What part made you fangirl squeal:
1) Any time our telepathic Talking Kitty talked!
2) When our hero believably slayed a vampire. WITH TOOTHPICKS!
3) Wereferrets. Just...trust me. Wereferrets.
4) When a protection ward was created using cross and an image from Space Invaders!
5) Dat woke ass writing.
6) When the heroine’s individual sex act preference was normalized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Favorite character:
Dom was sweet, Vinny was cool, but Piewicket, man. TALKING-KITTY PIEWICKET OWNED ME!
How smexy was the smex?
Ummmmmmmmmmm. It wasn't. Well, half lying. The lack of an emotional through line & the couple's nonexistent undercurrent of sexual tension is the book’s weakest link. Sexy times and emo-feels pop off like somebody flipped a switch. Gal literally says “Let's get this party started” for humpity-hump like 2 seconds after she nearly asphyxiates/freezes to death. WTF!
BUT! Hero uses lots of bedtime banging wordage. Their last minute sex scene is light on the choreographical details, but it's heavy on the hot talk. “Can I make you come again? Tell me how.” And when boy gotta do a sex magic spell? “I need to fuck you so you come, and it’ll help if you love every second of it. So tell me what you need, Vin, because I want to make you delirious with joy and completely exhausted from feeling good. Whatever you want, just say it and I’ll make it happen.” [insert exploding ovaries here!!!!]
Whose Line Is It Anyway:
"Dom mostly brooded until he got too sleepy to brood properly."
*****
“There’s no suggestion of any Native American accounts mentioning something- not that the records are that great when it comes to tribal histories. But that’s what happens when you manifest destiny all the locals to the point of extinction.”
Got any bitching to do?
If there'd been a constant undertone of attraction/chemistry/interest between our leads, I’D HAVE ZERO-ASS BITCHING! Everything else in the book was A+++...I just wish the romantic pacing had been a wee bit better.
Visually Depict Yo Book Feels:
Famous Last Words:
Overall, book’s got some flaws and book’s got some good. It’s not perfect, but it snatched my brain into its world in a way I wiiiiiiish more paranormal romances could. Elizabeth Cole, IMMA DEFINITELY READ MORE OF YO ASS!
---------------------------
For a more in depth, LOL-fest discussion on romance novels, HERE BE MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://www.youtube.com/fangirlmusings
One Sentence Summary:
He’s a demon-ghost-monster hunter who picks up our Take No Shit hitchhiking heroine; she finds out about the Spooky World and they do a Creepy House Figure It Out Scooby Doo mission.
Name That Trope:
* Supernatural meets Romancelandia!
* Paranormal Romance With A Human OTP: AKA MUH FAV!
* Half road trip, half demon-hunting, allllll kickass universe!
* Alpha Heroine Meets Beta Hero
What part made you fangirl squeal:
1) Any time our telepathic Talking Kitty talked!
2) When our hero believably slayed a vampire. WITH TOOTHPICKS!
3) Wereferrets. Just...trust me. Wereferrets.
4) When a protection ward was created using cross and an image from Space Invaders!
5) Dat woke ass writing.
6) When the heroine’s individual sex act preference was normalized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Favorite character:
Dom was sweet, Vinny was cool, but Piewicket, man. TALKING-KITTY PIEWICKET OWNED ME!
How smexy was the smex?
Ummmmmmmmmmm. It wasn't. Well, half lying. The lack of an emotional through line & the couple's nonexistent undercurrent of sexual tension is the book’s weakest link. Sexy times and emo-feels pop off like somebody flipped a switch. Gal literally says “Let's get this party started” for humpity-hump like 2 seconds after she nearly asphyxiates/freezes to death. WTF!
BUT! Hero uses lots of bedtime banging wordage. Their last minute sex scene is light on the choreographical details, but it's heavy on the hot talk. “Can I make you come again? Tell me how.” And when boy gotta do a sex magic spell? “I need to fuck you so you come, and it’ll help if you love every second of it. So tell me what you need, Vin, because I want to make you delirious with joy and completely exhausted from feeling good. Whatever you want, just say it and I’ll make it happen.” [insert exploding ovaries here!!!!]
Whose Line Is It Anyway:
"Dom mostly brooded until he got too sleepy to brood properly."
*****
“There’s no suggestion of any Native American accounts mentioning something- not that the records are that great when it comes to tribal histories. But that’s what happens when you manifest destiny all the locals to the point of extinction.”
Got any bitching to do?
If there'd been a constant undertone of attraction/chemistry/interest between our leads, I’D HAVE ZERO-ASS BITCHING! Everything else in the book was A+++...I just wish the romantic pacing had been a wee bit better.
Visually Depict Yo Book Feels:
Famous Last Words:
Overall, book’s got some flaws and book’s got some good. It’s not perfect, but it snatched my brain into its world in a way I wiiiiiiish more paranormal romances could. Elizabeth Cole, IMMA DEFINITELY READ MORE OF YO ASS!
---------------------------
For a more in depth, LOL-fest discussion on romance novels, HERE BE MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://www.youtube.com/fangirlmusings
November 15, 2017
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
I was really excited to read Keep Me Close. I loved the prequel novella, One Touch of Silver. In fact that was what turned me on to this author. So I was excited to see where the story went. Only...it was a good read, but not as great as I was expecting.
Dom is a paranormal investigator. He travels the country getting rid of ghosts and demons and curses and anything else you might need. He lives with his brothers and they need to money. It is hard work, but he would do anything for his family.
Vinny used to have nightmares when she was younger, but then they went away. Only they started back up recently and her bff is in trouble. Her bff who lives on the other side of the country. Her bff who she had a fight with and is now super worried about. So she has to go check on her and make sure she is okay. Only Vinny doesn't really have any spare money so she is hitchhiking her way across the country. Yes, it can be a bit...dangerous. You can get picked up by some real creeps, but what else is she supposed to do?
When Vinny gets kicked out of the car by a super creep in the middle of nowhere she doesn't have much hope of getting another ride. Or to a town before she dies of thirst. When Dom drives by on his motorcycle she is not sure she wants to accept his ride, but what other choice does she have?
These two were cute together right from the start. Dom doesn't want anything from Vinny, he normally doesn't pick up people on the side of the road, but there was something about Vinny that made him stop for her. And Vinny is very skeptical, especially since her last ride didn't work out so well. She doesn't want to like Dom even if she starts to. They did have some chemistry between them, but they both have walls securely in place when they meet so it takes a while for them to get over those initial hurdles.
Dom and Vinny were sweet together, though when they start trying to figure out what is going on with her friend and how Vinny may be involved the story went downhill for me. I didn't understand Vinny and why she would lash out all the time. Really the both of them were quite ridiculous. I swear I read the last parts *spoiler alert* where they kind of break up because Dom says he needs to head home like a billion times. I still don't understand why Vinny was so upset and took that as Dom doesn't like her/doesn't want to be with her. It was odd. And didn't make a lot of sense to me. Really her behavior when she was at her friends house made no sense to me. So that dragged the story down a bit. Dom had his head scratching moments as well, but he was more okay overall.
So yeah, this book was a good read, but I found Vinny a bit confusing at times and as it went on her character made less sense to me. Oh well.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration
I was really excited to read Keep Me Close. I loved the prequel novella, One Touch of Silver. In fact that was what turned me on to this author. So I was excited to see where the story went. Only...it was a good read, but not as great as I was expecting.
Dom is a paranormal investigator. He travels the country getting rid of ghosts and demons and curses and anything else you might need. He lives with his brothers and they need to money. It is hard work, but he would do anything for his family.
Vinny used to have nightmares when she was younger, but then they went away. Only they started back up recently and her bff is in trouble. Her bff who lives on the other side of the country. Her bff who she had a fight with and is now super worried about. So she has to go check on her and make sure she is okay. Only Vinny doesn't really have any spare money so she is hitchhiking her way across the country. Yes, it can be a bit...dangerous. You can get picked up by some real creeps, but what else is she supposed to do?
When Vinny gets kicked out of the car by a super creep in the middle of nowhere she doesn't have much hope of getting another ride. Or to a town before she dies of thirst. When Dom drives by on his motorcycle she is not sure she wants to accept his ride, but what other choice does she have?
These two were cute together right from the start. Dom doesn't want anything from Vinny, he normally doesn't pick up people on the side of the road, but there was something about Vinny that made him stop for her. And Vinny is very skeptical, especially since her last ride didn't work out so well. She doesn't want to like Dom even if she starts to. They did have some chemistry between them, but they both have walls securely in place when they meet so it takes a while for them to get over those initial hurdles.
Dom and Vinny were sweet together, though when they start trying to figure out what is going on with her friend and how Vinny may be involved the story went downhill for me. I didn't understand Vinny and why she would lash out all the time. Really the both of them were quite ridiculous. I swear I read the last parts *spoiler alert* where they kind of break up because Dom says he needs to head home like a billion times. I still don't understand why Vinny was so upset and took that as Dom doesn't like her/doesn't want to be with her. It was odd. And didn't make a lot of sense to me. Really her behavior when she was at her friends house made no sense to me. So that dragged the story down a bit. Dom had his head scratching moments as well, but he was more okay overall.
So yeah, this book was a good read, but I found Vinny a bit confusing at times and as it went on her character made less sense to me. Oh well.
*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration
October 25, 2017
I received a free copy of Keep Me Close by Elizabeth Cole in exchange for an honest review.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Have you ever seen something in the corner of your eye but when you looked, there was nothing there? Have you ever walked into a room or house and wanted to turn around and leave because the room itself, not the people, felt wrong? If so, then you may need the services of the brothers Salem. They hunt ghosts, vampires, demons, and other things that go bump in the night.
Dominic is on his way to a job to get rid of a ghost when he meets Vinny. Normally he doesn’t pick up hitch hikers, but it’s hot in Texas, and he doesn’t like the idea of leaving her. Vinny has been hitch hiking for years and has some close calls. She’s good at reading people most of the time and the hot dude on the motorcycle looks like trouble. But it is hot and she is out of water.
Thus starts the wild ride of Dom Salem and Vinny as they race from Texas to Seattle. Dom’s job is time sensitive and Vinny has been having nightmares that her best friend Emma is in danger. Once Vinny finally gives Dom Emma’s address, it is only find it and Dom’s job are the same location. Dom tries to get information out of Jonas, Emma’s husband, about the ghost, but keeps evading the issue.
Will Dom figure what is going on in the house in time? Will his attraction to Vinny and hers to him last?
And of course there is Piewicket, the Salem family cat who has more than 9 lives, can communicate with Dom telepathically, and has magic of her own. What part will she play?
I loved this book! The characters were believable and the descriptions were so good I could picture the sunsets in my mind. It was really hard to put down: I wanted to read it straight through. And the spells that Dom came up with were great. I especially liked the spell when he invited Vinny to his home.
I can hardly wait for the rest of the series!
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Have you ever seen something in the corner of your eye but when you looked, there was nothing there? Have you ever walked into a room or house and wanted to turn around and leave because the room itself, not the people, felt wrong? If so, then you may need the services of the brothers Salem. They hunt ghosts, vampires, demons, and other things that go bump in the night.
Dominic is on his way to a job to get rid of a ghost when he meets Vinny. Normally he doesn’t pick up hitch hikers, but it’s hot in Texas, and he doesn’t like the idea of leaving her. Vinny has been hitch hiking for years and has some close calls. She’s good at reading people most of the time and the hot dude on the motorcycle looks like trouble. But it is hot and she is out of water.
Thus starts the wild ride of Dom Salem and Vinny as they race from Texas to Seattle. Dom’s job is time sensitive and Vinny has been having nightmares that her best friend Emma is in danger. Once Vinny finally gives Dom Emma’s address, it is only find it and Dom’s job are the same location. Dom tries to get information out of Jonas, Emma’s husband, about the ghost, but keeps evading the issue.
Will Dom figure what is going on in the house in time? Will his attraction to Vinny and hers to him last?
And of course there is Piewicket, the Salem family cat who has more than 9 lives, can communicate with Dom telepathically, and has magic of her own. What part will she play?
I loved this book! The characters were believable and the descriptions were so good I could picture the sunsets in my mind. It was really hard to put down: I wanted to read it straight through. And the spells that Dom came up with were great. I especially liked the spell when he invited Vinny to his home.
I can hardly wait for the rest of the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2017
Dominic “Dom” Salem is part of Salem Associates with his brothers Mal (Malacy) and Lex (Alexander) and their friend Lily (a sister in all but blood). Their job: to fight supernasties—ghosts, vampires, demons, etc. On his way to a new job in Seattle, Dom picks up hitchhiker Vinny by the side of the road in Texas. She is on her way to Seattle to warn her best friend Emma about nightmares she’s been having. Is it a coincidence that they are going to the same house? Emma’s husband Jonas has hired Dom to get rid of whatever is haunting their home, which turns out to be a very nasty demon. Dom has to work hard to keep everyone safe while figuring out the best way to get rid of the demon, which almost proves deadly. There are also a few surprises along the way. Dom and Vinny are attracted to each other, but Vinny has issues with relationships. It takes a lot, but they finally get their happy ending. Of course, one of my most favorite characters is Piewicket, the Salem family’s very unusual cat. There are several explicit love scenes if you don’t like that type of thing. I’m only giving the book 4 stars because of the bad language in the story. However, the story plot is very good. I received a pre-release copy of the book and this is my honest review.
October 24, 2017
I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Cole's "Zodiac" books, and it seems I'm destined to become just as big a fan of her new "Brothers Salem" series. She has such a wonderful knack for pacing -- I cannot put her books down! "Keep Me Close" is just the right blend of spooky, and sexy, and suspenseful and romantic. Both Vinny and Dom are so believable, I swear I know people just like them. It's really refreshing to see romance handled so gracefully.
I also swear that one of my cats is related to Piewicket. If you are a cat person, you will LOVE Piewicket.
As with Ms. Cole's other stories, the romance is spicy but not gratuitous. This book also has spicy language that I do not recall in her other books.
Overall, if you're looking for a exciting romance, this definitely fits the bill! I highly recommend it and it's prequel, "A Touch of Silver." I am reviewing this based on an ARC I received.
I also swear that one of my cats is related to Piewicket. If you are a cat person, you will LOVE Piewicket.
As with Ms. Cole's other stories, the romance is spicy but not gratuitous. This book also has spicy language that I do not recall in her other books.
Overall, if you're looking for a exciting romance, this definitely fits the bill! I highly recommend it and it's prequel, "A Touch of Silver." I am reviewing this based on an ARC I received.
October 24, 2017
First, let me say I am a big fan of Ms. Cole's Regency Romance and Medieval Romance books. When I received a copy of her latest book I was a little skeptic since PNR (paranormal romance) is so very different. Well, I have to admit I love the book! The characters a likable and some of their dialogue is very funny. While reading the book I sometimes felt like I was reading a script of the next episode of 'Supernatural' (the TV series). And I don't mean that in a bad way. The story is so good, it should be picked up by the writers of the show. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal romance.
October 26, 2017
Keep Me Close introduces us to the Brothers Salem and their battle against Otherworlds evil. On his way to a job on the west coast, Dom gives a stranded Vinny a ride from the desert. Little did they know that they were headed to the same place and a strange, but exciting adventure. This is a well-written plot with twists and turns, supernatural bad guys, curses, magic, and a hero and heroine with a lot of baggage. The characters are great – strong, stubborn, and weirdly loveable – all of them including Piewicket and Behemoth (the cats). The Salem brothers are off to a great start. Don’t miss it.
November 2, 2017
I really liked the story and the rhythm of it. And that is saying a lot as I am not a big fan of fantasy. I did feel a connection with the characters and was engrossed in the action until the end. Now, 3 things could have been better: the dialogue during the intimate scenes was corny (I’ve seen the author do much better than that), I wish we had more background on Dominic (how he learned he’s skills, how he dealt with his “weirdness”, etc), we never found out what was the fall out between Emma and Vinny and Emma acted like nothing ever happened. With all that said, I want to see what happens in the next installments of the series.
October 25, 2017
Another new and fantastic series by Elizabeth Cole.
I read all her books for the Zodiac series. They are different form this new series, but you will love this story.
This book is full of mystery, paranormal elements and surprises. The characters are strong, well developed. Friendships and love will help to solve all and fins a new life.
This book will kept you until the last page. If you enjoyed paranormal romance this is the book for you.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review
I read all her books for the Zodiac series. They are different form this new series, but you will love this story.
This book is full of mystery, paranormal elements and surprises. The characters are strong, well developed. Friendships and love will help to solve all and fins a new life.
This book will kept you until the last page. If you enjoyed paranormal romance this is the book for you.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review
November 16, 2017
I do like finding out the diversity of this author with her novels. This is into a genre I do like to read but haven't gotten to of much lately because of not any catching the eye. This one did with it also being a beginning of a series which I always seem to fall for. This centers around Dominic whom catches you right away with then coming Lavinia. The characters themselves are different but then they need to be thanks to the story. The chemistry will build but with a punch. This will also have danger brewing and ready to pounce. It was a quick one devoured thanks to the flow.
June 7, 2022
Kindle Unlimited.
3.5 stars
With the exception of one super awkward scene where the main character considers trading sex for a ride, I really liked this one. The scene was SO out of character and just didn't make any sense.
The world building and magic and family business is fun and interesting. Will definitely keep going with this series.
3.5 stars
With the exception of one super awkward scene where the main character considers trading sex for a ride, I really liked this one. The scene was SO out of character and just didn't make any sense.
The world building and magic and family business is fun and interesting. Will definitely keep going with this series.
December 20, 2017
I generally dislike the paranormal genre but this was worth the read. I am a big fan of Cole's historicals and this was quite a change. Her characters are always engaging and sympathetic and the plots are intricate and fast paced. This looks to be the beginning of a great series
April 17, 2018
This was an amazing book and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews