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Haven Paranormal Romance #1
Once Upon a Hallow's Eve
Going home is the last thing that Lacey Vaughn wants to do. In fact, she’s been avoiding it for the better part of past five years. Her self-imposed exile comes to an abrupt end when she receives a summons from the Lord of House Vaughn. After all, he’s not just the Barron of the East Coast, he’s her father. But when his intentions are revealed, Lacey is forced to reconsider her sworn obedience to both House Vaughn and her own family.
Mathias Hartford has the world on a string. At least, his little corner of it. He stays out of the way and in return, flies under the radar of the rest of his power-hungry family.
The last thing either of them are looking for is to fall in love. So, when a secret, backdoor peace treaty is presented, Lacey and Mathias are forced to choose between an arranged marriage or the war of their families. Will they put aside their difference for the good of their own? Or rebel and bring about irreparable consequences on their own houses?
~~~
Once Upon a Hallow's Eve is the first in a brand new series of paranormal romances from Danielle Garrett. A magical blend of suspense, romance, and supernatural delight!
Mathias Hartford has the world on a string. At least, his little corner of it. He stays out of the way and in return, flies under the radar of the rest of his power-hungry family.
The last thing either of them are looking for is to fall in love. So, when a secret, backdoor peace treaty is presented, Lacey and Mathias are forced to choose between an arranged marriage or the war of their families. Will they put aside their difference for the good of their own? Or rebel and bring about irreparable consequences on their own houses?
~~~
Once Upon a Hallow's Eve is the first in a brand new series of paranormal romances from Danielle Garrett. A magical blend of suspense, romance, and supernatural delight!
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2017
273 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
September 30, 2025
⭐3.5
☑ Vampire protagonist
☑ Undead bachelor
☑ Small town paranormal romance
cute, cosy halloween vibes! RTC 🎃
☑ Vampire protagonist
☑ Undead bachelor
☑ Small town paranormal romance
cute, cosy halloween vibes! RTC 🎃
September 28, 2019
After getting to know the sassy and sometimes insufferable Lacey the vampire in the Beechwood Harbor Magic series, I was curious to follow her story further after that bombshell the author dropped about her in the fifth book. Lo and behold, my wish was granted and Lacey got her own book.
Once Upon a Hallow's Eve picks up for Lacey right where her exit in the BHM series left off. Her father, the Baron of the East Coast vampires, has summoned her home from her self-imposed exile for his scheme to have her fulfill her duty as his heir and the legacy of their house. His methods are hardball and holds a tournament of blood for eligible suitors to dual for her hand. Last man standing wins. But then a murder, a disappearance, and an unexpected ally has her realizing that there is a lot more going on than just her father being autocratic.
Lacey was always a high maintenance person, but she's really in a mood when her father strong arms her home and then forces her into a tournament for her hand. Her best friend is now a house slave, her mother supports her father's decision, and the guy she sparks an attraction with is forced into the tourney and isn't keen on her either. Yeah, she's feeling testy.
I was surprised at how much I liked Lacey even when she was on her high horse. She has a lot thrown at her and she weathers it all as best as most of us. Now, Matthias, he was a cutie and put up with all Lacey threw at him. He does have his secrets and dropped the ball once, but he was right there proving himself to her. I loved how they fell for each other over the course of the story.
The plot was a good intrigue at the vampire court along with the murder mystery. I had a good time attempting to figure things out and guessed at some of it, but it was still a big surprise at the end.
It was a great spin off and start to its own new series. I thought the author succeeded splendidly in crossing over from paranormal cozies to paranormal romance with Once Upon a Hallow's Eve.
Once Upon a Hallow's Eve picks up for Lacey right where her exit in the BHM series left off. Her father, the Baron of the East Coast vampires, has summoned her home from her self-imposed exile for his scheme to have her fulfill her duty as his heir and the legacy of their house. His methods are hardball and holds a tournament of blood for eligible suitors to dual for her hand. Last man standing wins. But then a murder, a disappearance, and an unexpected ally has her realizing that there is a lot more going on than just her father being autocratic.
Lacey was always a high maintenance person, but she's really in a mood when her father strong arms her home and then forces her into a tournament for her hand. Her best friend is now a house slave, her mother supports her father's decision, and the guy she sparks an attraction with is forced into the tourney and isn't keen on her either. Yeah, she's feeling testy.
I was surprised at how much I liked Lacey even when she was on her high horse. She has a lot thrown at her and she weathers it all as best as most of us. Now, Matthias, he was a cutie and put up with all Lacey threw at him. He does have his secrets and dropped the ball once, but he was right there proving himself to her. I loved how they fell for each other over the course of the story.
The plot was a good intrigue at the vampire court along with the murder mystery. I had a good time attempting to figure things out and guessed at some of it, but it was still a big surprise at the end.
It was a great spin off and start to its own new series. I thought the author succeeded splendidly in crossing over from paranormal cozies to paranormal romance with Once Upon a Hallow's Eve.
December 13, 2018
After throughly enjoying Ms. Garrett’s Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries, I was excited to discover the new spinoff Haven Paranormal Romance series. The author’s storytelling style translates nicely into the paranormal romance genre; keeping a quite a lot of the exciting mystery aspect, but adding in a dash of sweet romance.
Once Upon a Hallow's Eve centers on vampiress Lacey Vaughn, one of the more prominent supporting characters from the Beechwood Harbor series. Lacey comes from a powerful vampire family, and her father has summoned her home after a five-year exile; it is time for Lacey to take her place in court, marry, and produce an heir. Lacey’s father is a horrible, selfish man, who will not only choose Lacey’s husband for her, but will do so via a medieval tournament of blood with eight eligible vampires competing for Lacey’s hand. Due to circumstances, including the murder of one of the contestants, Lacey is paired with suitor Mathias for her own protection. After a rocky start, the pair find a lot of common ground (including power-hungry parents) and develop genuine feelings for one another.
Even though the story is a spinoff, one need not read the original series to enjoy Once Upon a Hallow's Eve; however, it may help with some of the world building and background. The author gives listeners a whole new set of rules as the locale moves from the human world and multi-species characters of Beechwood Harbor, to an exclusively vampire setting. Ms. Garrett builds this new setting quickly as we see things via Lacey’s point-of-view. I was impressed with the amount of details worked into the dialogue or Lacey’s observations. While there were several new characters to learn, I found the story interesting and exciting, which smoothed the learning curve. What I didn’t expect, and was pleasantly surprised with, is the complexity of the murder mystery and the shocking twists.
Narration: The story is told in the first person, past tense narrative of Lacey. Since the narrator is also the main character, her voice is the predominant one we hear. It is well-suited, with a bit of sadness in Lacey, but energetic and excited as she unravels the mysteries surround her father’s court. Ms. Ronconi appropriately alters the dialogue for other characters and does a good job differentiating masculine or feminine, older or younger. Sometimes the voices are a little too similar when there are three or more people speaking, especially two males, but not so bad that I get completely confused or lost.
In the end, I very much enjoyed the start of this new paranormal romance series. Ms. Garrett continues to share well-written stories while Ms. Ronconi provides delightful narration.
My Ratings:
Story: A-
Narration: A-
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Once Upon a Hallow's Eve centers on vampiress Lacey Vaughn, one of the more prominent supporting characters from the Beechwood Harbor series. Lacey comes from a powerful vampire family, and her father has summoned her home after a five-year exile; it is time for Lacey to take her place in court, marry, and produce an heir. Lacey’s father is a horrible, selfish man, who will not only choose Lacey’s husband for her, but will do so via a medieval tournament of blood with eight eligible vampires competing for Lacey’s hand. Due to circumstances, including the murder of one of the contestants, Lacey is paired with suitor Mathias for her own protection. After a rocky start, the pair find a lot of common ground (including power-hungry parents) and develop genuine feelings for one another.
Even though the story is a spinoff, one need not read the original series to enjoy Once Upon a Hallow's Eve; however, it may help with some of the world building and background. The author gives listeners a whole new set of rules as the locale moves from the human world and multi-species characters of Beechwood Harbor, to an exclusively vampire setting. Ms. Garrett builds this new setting quickly as we see things via Lacey’s point-of-view. I was impressed with the amount of details worked into the dialogue or Lacey’s observations. While there were several new characters to learn, I found the story interesting and exciting, which smoothed the learning curve. What I didn’t expect, and was pleasantly surprised with, is the complexity of the murder mystery and the shocking twists.
Narration: The story is told in the first person, past tense narrative of Lacey. Since the narrator is also the main character, her voice is the predominant one we hear. It is well-suited, with a bit of sadness in Lacey, but energetic and excited as she unravels the mysteries surround her father’s court. Ms. Ronconi appropriately alters the dialogue for other characters and does a good job differentiating masculine or feminine, older or younger. Sometimes the voices are a little too similar when there are three or more people speaking, especially two males, but not so bad that I get completely confused or lost.
In the end, I very much enjoyed the start of this new paranormal romance series. Ms. Garrett continues to share well-written stories while Ms. Ronconi provides delightful narration.
My Ratings:
Story: A-
Narration: A-
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
February 29, 2024
3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐🎧
I wanted to love this book more. I felt like we were waiting for something, and then when that something happened, it was just meh. Like, okay, that's it?
Overall, it wasn't a bad story, being called home only to have your overbearing parent tell you that you have to do this thing and you do NOT want to do but you are forced to.
Yeah, most paranormal books that have this trope usually doesn't work out well.
You're rooting for our girl and guy, but really, what kept me listening was the narrator. She is fantastic!
I wanted to love this book more. I felt like we were waiting for something, and then when that something happened, it was just meh. Like, okay, that's it?
Overall, it wasn't a bad story, being called home only to have your overbearing parent tell you that you have to do this thing and you do NOT want to do but you are forced to.
Yeah, most paranormal books that have this trope usually doesn't work out well.
You're rooting for our girl and guy, but really, what kept me listening was the narrator. She is fantastic!
July 10, 2022
Okay: I kind of take issue with the idea that this is a romance because there’s not a ton of romance in it and CERTAINLY no boning (you get kisses and that’s all).
This is a cozy mystery if there ever was one.
And I don’t particularly like the idea that vampires can eat whatever they want with the caveat that they get no nutritional value from things other than blood. Or synthetic blood. Feels like there’s too much humanity on display here - kind of a have your cake and eat it, too kind of situation.
That said, I really enjoyed this book. There was no love triangle and the miscommunications were kept to a minimum. It was a fun book that made me perk up and take note of the author’s name because I’m pretty sure I’ll be looking for more from her in the future.
And this isn’t even the first book! It’s the first book in THIS SPECIFIC series, but this is basically a spin-off so I’m excited to dive in deeper.
This is a cozy mystery if there ever was one.
And I don’t particularly like the idea that vampires can eat whatever they want with the caveat that they get no nutritional value from things other than blood. Or synthetic blood. Feels like there’s too much humanity on display here - kind of a have your cake and eat it, too kind of situation.
That said, I really enjoyed this book. There was no love triangle and the miscommunications were kept to a minimum. It was a fun book that made me perk up and take note of the author’s name because I’m pretty sure I’ll be looking for more from her in the future.
And this isn’t even the first book! It’s the first book in THIS SPECIFIC series, but this is basically a spin-off so I’m excited to dive in deeper.
October 21, 2025
It’s a cute paranormal romance. Not spicy, just wholesome and sweet.
October 21, 2022
Okay, this was really good.
There was NO SPICE..
Which is why I chose it.
I needed something “tame” to listen to while taking my kids to and from school…
It didn’t disappoint, it was a great spooky season read. & I really liked the two main characters. They had amazing chemistry. The plot was good. I read some reviews where people said it was predictable but I didn’t predict one of the main plot twists.
Ps. I HATE JARED!! 😤
-Vampires
-bachelor type vibes
*tournament of blood
*dueling then a final fight to death
-kidnapping
-murder
There was NO SPICE..
Which is why I chose it.
I needed something “tame” to listen to while taking my kids to and from school…
It didn’t disappoint, it was a great spooky season read. & I really liked the two main characters. They had amazing chemistry. The plot was good. I read some reviews where people said it was predictable but I didn’t predict one of the main plot twists.
Ps. I HATE JARED!! 😤
-Vampires
-bachelor type vibes
*tournament of blood
*dueling then a final fight to death
-kidnapping
-murder
October 17, 2022
4 Stars!
This was a fast, cute read about vampires and murder and secret societies!!
This was a fast, cute read about vampires and murder and secret societies!!
January 20, 2019
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
This book is the first book in a spinoff series from the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery Series. You can read this book without having read the original series. It follows Lacey, a vampire princess, who has been “hiding” from her family for several years. She’s just been forced to come home and get married, as is tradition.
While, this series is listed as a paranormal romance, versus the paranormal cozy mystery of the original series, this series still has its share of mystery. Her best friend goes missing and the man the friend was with is found dead in Lacey’s room.
Lacey wants to spend her time finding her friend, but her father has other plans. He has a competition for a group of bachelors to compete for the chance to marry Lacey. She is not impressed with them, well, except for Mathias. He is a bit different from all the others.
I really enjoyed this start to a new series. We really get to learn a lot more about vampire society (something that really isn’t covered in the Beechwood Harbor series). We also get to see a new side to Lacey. She really isn’t much of a likable character in Beechwood Harbor, but in her own book, you really start to learn about why she is the way she is. She’s much more likable. I’m very interested in seeing what is next for this series.
Narration
Amanda Ronconi continues to do a great job with this world that Danielle Garrett has created. Ronconi is very well known for her ability to bring the humor out of story, which she continues to do here, even though this book has less humor than the original series. There is nothing I can say about Amanda Ronconi that I haven’t already said. Let me just say, if you haven’t tried her yet, you really should give her a try.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the first book in a spinoff series from the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery Series. You can read this book without having read the original series. It follows Lacey, a vampire princess, who has been “hiding” from her family for several years. She’s just been forced to come home and get married, as is tradition.
While, this series is listed as a paranormal romance, versus the paranormal cozy mystery of the original series, this series still has its share of mystery. Her best friend goes missing and the man the friend was with is found dead in Lacey’s room.
Lacey wants to spend her time finding her friend, but her father has other plans. He has a competition for a group of bachelors to compete for the chance to marry Lacey. She is not impressed with them, well, except for Mathias. He is a bit different from all the others.
I really enjoyed this start to a new series. We really get to learn a lot more about vampire society (something that really isn’t covered in the Beechwood Harbor series). We also get to see a new side to Lacey. She really isn’t much of a likable character in Beechwood Harbor, but in her own book, you really start to learn about why she is the way she is. She’s much more likable. I’m very interested in seeing what is next for this series.
Narration
Amanda Ronconi continues to do a great job with this world that Danielle Garrett has created. Ronconi is very well known for her ability to bring the humor out of story, which she continues to do here, even though this book has less humor than the original series. There is nothing I can say about Amanda Ronconi that I haven’t already said. Let me just say, if you haven’t tried her yet, you really should give her a try.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2024
Great fast story of a family power struggle within the Vampire community. A tournament of blood to win her hand as her father is forcing her hand to be married and produce an heir. A murder during her homecoming party places her in close proximity to one of the tournament challengers as her father demands he takes her home and protects her while they investigate the murder and disappearance of her friend Juniper. Lacey getting to know Mathias realises she on my wants him to win the tournament as she couldn’t marry anyone else. A secret society is plotting to bring down Lacey’s father’s court down and end his rein. Lies, kidnapping, murder, and betrayal how can someone she loved be involved in this!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 4, 2023DNF
I'm trying to be more decisive when it comes to deciding whenever or not to drop books. I'm trying to keep my currently reading under control.
I'm just not vibing with Lacey and I'm not feeling the side characters so I'm dropping it.
I'm trying to be more decisive when it comes to deciding whenever or not to drop books. I'm trying to keep my currently reading under control.
I'm just not vibing with Lacey and I'm not feeling the side characters so I'm dropping it.
March 23, 2020
Definitely not the same spunky vampire from Beechwood Harbor. Still a solid story.
November 14, 2023
Story & characters fell flat
August 28, 2024
I was so excited to continue on the journey with Lacey!! She’s always been a behind the scenes character, that you could always tell there was something and just couldn’t put your finger on it!!
If you are interested in the magical world of Danielle Garrett I recommend going to her website and following the reading list.
I am throughly enjoying reading it this way. As it picks up each book in time order.
Cannot get enough of those books!!
If you are interested in the magical world of Danielle Garrett I recommend going to her website and following the reading list.
I am throughly enjoying reading it this way. As it picks up each book in time order.
Cannot get enough of those books!!
October 11, 2024
This was a light-hearted one I read for spooky season. The first half reminded me a lot of Bride by Ali Hazelwood. This story follows a young, sassy, strong-willed vampire who is the heir of a very powerful, stoic vampire leader. Lacey has spent the last 5 years voluntarily living with the humans and is dragged back to vampire society at her father's behest for an arranged marriage.
I really enjoyed the first half, but I didn't feel like the second half packed much of a punch. Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed the first half, but I didn't feel like the second half packed much of a punch. Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars.
July 21, 2025
I found this book took a while to get into the story. I was satisfied with the ending.
April 27, 2019
I really enjoyed the beginning and the end but unfortunately the middle had me pretty bored. I really love the cover though!
June 5, 2019
2.5 stjärnor.
Jag hade förväntat mig lite mer. Och jag vet inte riktigt om jag är nöjd med slutet.
Jag hade förväntat mig lite mer. Och jag vet inte riktigt om jag är nöjd med slutet.
October 28, 2025
Six weeks ago, 32-year-old, ice-blue-eyed and platinum-locked, Lacey Vaughn, had received an envelope bearing the Vaughn family crest in deep purple wax. Her father, Lord Jeffery Vaughn, the Baron of the East, was summoning her home after a five-year, self-imposed exile across the country in the tiny community of Beechwood Harbour, a coastal town in Washington State. The mansion, her childhood home, was on the sprawling Vaughn Estate, located in the supernatural world of centuries-old vampires without the urgency of mortality.
There was no love lost between Lacey and her parents, or even between her parents, Baron and Baroness Athena Persimon Vaughn, who although in her 300s was prone to wooing lovers far younger than herself:
– “‘Lacey, your father and I both want you here, at home. It’s time you start learning to lead the court.’ ‘Why? Is father planning on finding himself on the business end of a wooden stake in the near future?’ Athena gasped. ‘Oh, please!’ I scoffed, ‘You’d do it yourself if you thought you could get away with it.’”
– “‘I didn’t know about the tournament,’ she said. And judging from the bitter twist of her lips she was telling the truth. She hated to be left out of anything. It was the tool my father used with expert timing to drive her to the brink. And they wondered why I wasn’t sprinting for the altar. Gee, a real puzzler; someone should call Sherlock and Watson in for a consultation.”
Her autocratic father has decided that Lacey should take her rightful place in court, marry a lord, and produce an heir, a bornling, to ensure the Vaughn line and the power that comes with it. Lacey is not allowed to choose her own husband. Her father had already interviewed many suitable, healthy and strong lords from notable families, and narrowed the candidates down to eight eligible vampires. The one who wins her hand in marriage will be determined via a medieval Tournament of Blood, a practise that had been abandoned nearly a century ago. Eight suitors would dual in three rounds. At the end, there will be two men left standing, culminating in a final dual, which will be to the death.
Between duals, Lacey is locked in her rooms, her gilded cage, with silver bars on the windows, and a solid wood door locked on the outside, with one or two of her father’s guards standing outside. As her father had the habit of staking vampires first and asking questions second, Lacey hadn’t had many friends growing up. Now her only ally is willowy, long-legged brunette, Juniper “Jupe” Reed, her oldest friend and confidante, now tattooed with three vines circling her wrist, marking her as a servant/slave and the property of House Vaughn: “‘What’s it like being back home again?’ ... I levelled her with a hard stare ‘It feels like cannonballing into a pool full of piranhas.’”
Things get even nastier when one of the contestants loses his head, literally, and her trusted Jupe is kidnapped: “Barely 12 hours into my return home and I’d already been put under house arrest, set up to be fought over like a piece of meat in a pit of crocodiles, and had my room turned into a crime scene. Oh, and on top of that my best friend was missing, likely kidnapped, and there was a chance that whatever monster had gone full blown Sweeney Todd in my bedroom had meant to use his blade on me, and found Ivy and Jupiter instead.” Lacey is then paired with her all-muscled, tall, dark, handsome and young-looking suitor, Mathias Hartford, for her own protection: “Mathias was a handsome man. There was no denying that. With his athletic build, strong shoulders and jawline, and the deep green eyes, he was a visual feast.”
This book is the first book in Danielle Garrett’s new “Haven Paranormal Romance” series, but it can be read as a standalone. At the time of the writing of this review, no other books appear to have been written in the series, and no information on plans to do so are available.
I admire the author’s descriptive language, so rich with both similes and metaphors. I especially appreciated the witty comebacks and sarcasm, which so skilfully conveyed especially Lacey’s wide range of emotions, e.g. resignation, frustration, indifference, anxiety, attachment and amusement: “‘She will be so upset to have missed your big party.’ I snorted, ‘Yeah, I imagine people will be talking about it for some time. The grand finale was to die for — quite literally.’” Lacey’s anguish in trying to work out who she could, and could not trust, was palpable. Also, to what degree, and whether she had made the right decision or not.
The Vaughn family and the East Court is a political hotbed, where everybody is vying for social standing and the power it brings. It is no different to that of the countries or companies of our mortal world.
I am grateful that for readers like myself, who are new to the supernatural world, Garrett included an explanation of vampires’ abilities and limitations, and what the Haven Council will and will not allow:
– A vampire bornling is a pureblood vampire. They are born with their vampiric traits.
– Bornlings are rare, most couples are lucky to have one, let alone two.
– Bornlings are gifted with the ability to control aging. They grow normally from babies until some point in their 20s when the aging process freezes in time. With conscious effort, they are able to age themselves. Turned vampires differ in that they stay frozen at whatever age they’d been cursed.
– Vampires have accelerated healing and high pain thresholds.
– Magically cloaked secret havens are located in major cities. One of the supernatural community rules is that vampires partake in synthetically produced bloods, not from live humans.
– SPA = Supernatural Protection Agency. Responsible for dealing with paranormal issues.
– According to the Haven Council, vampires aren’t allowed to turn people. The Vampire Council is more relaxed, allowing two turns/vampire but only in cases of accidental death or special requests.
This book has everything I, or anyone, could wish for: intrigue, suspense, adventure, mystery, humour, romance and paranormal fantasy. There were even a couple of twists that I hadn’t foreseen, and a surprising ally. The epilogue was an HEA on All Hallow’s Eve.
The narrator, Amanda Ronconi, did an excellent job, giving emotion to the reading, and distinctive voices to the various characters. Her timing was impeccable and her diction without fault.
This story just goes to prove that no-one is beyond redemption. People can change. Also, things depend on one’s point of view and are sadly often based on preconceived notions.
There was no love lost between Lacey and her parents, or even between her parents, Baron and Baroness Athena Persimon Vaughn, who although in her 300s was prone to wooing lovers far younger than herself:
– “‘Lacey, your father and I both want you here, at home. It’s time you start learning to lead the court.’ ‘Why? Is father planning on finding himself on the business end of a wooden stake in the near future?’ Athena gasped. ‘Oh, please!’ I scoffed, ‘You’d do it yourself if you thought you could get away with it.’”
– “‘I didn’t know about the tournament,’ she said. And judging from the bitter twist of her lips she was telling the truth. She hated to be left out of anything. It was the tool my father used with expert timing to drive her to the brink. And they wondered why I wasn’t sprinting for the altar. Gee, a real puzzler; someone should call Sherlock and Watson in for a consultation.”
Her autocratic father has decided that Lacey should take her rightful place in court, marry a lord, and produce an heir, a bornling, to ensure the Vaughn line and the power that comes with it. Lacey is not allowed to choose her own husband. Her father had already interviewed many suitable, healthy and strong lords from notable families, and narrowed the candidates down to eight eligible vampires. The one who wins her hand in marriage will be determined via a medieval Tournament of Blood, a practise that had been abandoned nearly a century ago. Eight suitors would dual in three rounds. At the end, there will be two men left standing, culminating in a final dual, which will be to the death.
Between duals, Lacey is locked in her rooms, her gilded cage, with silver bars on the windows, and a solid wood door locked on the outside, with one or two of her father’s guards standing outside. As her father had the habit of staking vampires first and asking questions second, Lacey hadn’t had many friends growing up. Now her only ally is willowy, long-legged brunette, Juniper “Jupe” Reed, her oldest friend and confidante, now tattooed with three vines circling her wrist, marking her as a servant/slave and the property of House Vaughn: “‘What’s it like being back home again?’ ... I levelled her with a hard stare ‘It feels like cannonballing into a pool full of piranhas.’”
Things get even nastier when one of the contestants loses his head, literally, and her trusted Jupe is kidnapped: “Barely 12 hours into my return home and I’d already been put under house arrest, set up to be fought over like a piece of meat in a pit of crocodiles, and had my room turned into a crime scene. Oh, and on top of that my best friend was missing, likely kidnapped, and there was a chance that whatever monster had gone full blown Sweeney Todd in my bedroom had meant to use his blade on me, and found Ivy and Jupiter instead.” Lacey is then paired with her all-muscled, tall, dark, handsome and young-looking suitor, Mathias Hartford, for her own protection: “Mathias was a handsome man. There was no denying that. With his athletic build, strong shoulders and jawline, and the deep green eyes, he was a visual feast.”
This book is the first book in Danielle Garrett’s new “Haven Paranormal Romance” series, but it can be read as a standalone. At the time of the writing of this review, no other books appear to have been written in the series, and no information on plans to do so are available.
I admire the author’s descriptive language, so rich with both similes and metaphors. I especially appreciated the witty comebacks and sarcasm, which so skilfully conveyed especially Lacey’s wide range of emotions, e.g. resignation, frustration, indifference, anxiety, attachment and amusement: “‘She will be so upset to have missed your big party.’ I snorted, ‘Yeah, I imagine people will be talking about it for some time. The grand finale was to die for — quite literally.’” Lacey’s anguish in trying to work out who she could, and could not trust, was palpable. Also, to what degree, and whether she had made the right decision or not.
The Vaughn family and the East Court is a political hotbed, where everybody is vying for social standing and the power it brings. It is no different to that of the countries or companies of our mortal world.
I am grateful that for readers like myself, who are new to the supernatural world, Garrett included an explanation of vampires’ abilities and limitations, and what the Haven Council will and will not allow:
– A vampire bornling is a pureblood vampire. They are born with their vampiric traits.
– Bornlings are rare, most couples are lucky to have one, let alone two.
– Bornlings are gifted with the ability to control aging. They grow normally from babies until some point in their 20s when the aging process freezes in time. With conscious effort, they are able to age themselves. Turned vampires differ in that they stay frozen at whatever age they’d been cursed.
– Vampires have accelerated healing and high pain thresholds.
– Magically cloaked secret havens are located in major cities. One of the supernatural community rules is that vampires partake in synthetically produced bloods, not from live humans.
– SPA = Supernatural Protection Agency. Responsible for dealing with paranormal issues.
– According to the Haven Council, vampires aren’t allowed to turn people. The Vampire Council is more relaxed, allowing two turns/vampire but only in cases of accidental death or special requests.
This book has everything I, or anyone, could wish for: intrigue, suspense, adventure, mystery, humour, romance and paranormal fantasy. There were even a couple of twists that I hadn’t foreseen, and a surprising ally. The epilogue was an HEA on All Hallow’s Eve.
The narrator, Amanda Ronconi, did an excellent job, giving emotion to the reading, and distinctive voices to the various characters. Her timing was impeccable and her diction without fault.
This story just goes to prove that no-one is beyond redemption. People can change. Also, things depend on one’s point of view and are sadly often based on preconceived notions.
April 30, 2018
A great spinoff of a character from the author's Beechwood Harbor series...and one I have always wanted to know more about. Lacey is vampire royalty - she escaped from home five years ago and has been hiding out in Beechwood Harbor. Now she has been summoned back by her imperious father to take her rightful place in the powerful vampire House of Vaughn - and that means marrying and producing an heir, a "bornling". Very ingenious of the author to create a "death game" for a worthy suitor to win her hand. Wow, I totally disliked her father - but that's part of his contribution to the story. Anyway, only one suitor interests Lacey - Matthias - and this is their story. There's also an evil force at work trying to take down the House of Vaughn and they face a suspenseful struggle before their HEA.
I found the book interesting and entertaining - the author did a super job of giving Lacey a story that was deserving of her. The "struggle" itself is quite complex as well as many characters to keep track of, so kudos to the author for keeping it together in an understandable fashion for the reader.
I found the book interesting and entertaining - the author did a super job of giving Lacey a story that was deserving of her. The "struggle" itself is quite complex as well as many characters to keep track of, so kudos to the author for keeping it together in an understandable fashion for the reader.
March 11, 2019
More Paranormal skullduggery
I can't say this about every author I read but I have all of Ms. Garrett's paranormal books. They have been thoroughly enjoyed and reread.
When I learned about the new Paranormal Romance series with vampire Lacey Vaughn, my heart sank a bit. Romances are a staple in even paranormal mysteries. However, they can be written in a cloying, sugary way that detracts from the main story.
Ms. Garrett has avoided this trap and written a well paced, exciting story. Particularly she fills in some of Lacey's backstory. She had seemed the most remote character in the Beechwood Harbours stories. Maybe after developingg Lacey's story a bit more, I can read a novel where the denizens of Beechwood Harbour, the Ghost Whisperer and Lacey's people come together in a story. Till then, I'm delighted to follow all 3 series. Good job, you.
I can't say this about every author I read but I have all of Ms. Garrett's paranormal books. They have been thoroughly enjoyed and reread.
When I learned about the new Paranormal Romance series with vampire Lacey Vaughn, my heart sank a bit. Romances are a staple in even paranormal mysteries. However, they can be written in a cloying, sugary way that detracts from the main story.
Ms. Garrett has avoided this trap and written a well paced, exciting story. Particularly she fills in some of Lacey's backstory. She had seemed the most remote character in the Beechwood Harbours stories. Maybe after developingg Lacey's story a bit more, I can read a novel where the denizens of Beechwood Harbour, the Ghost Whisperer and Lacey's people come together in a story. Till then, I'm delighted to follow all 3 series. Good job, you.
December 9, 2024
Meh. There was a lot going on with this book. There was the Hunger Games/Gladiator/dating reality show vibe, the mini mystery around the death and disappearance of a couple vamps plus the appearance of more turned vamps, and the sleek capable sexy businessman romance vibe. The setting and base premise of the fem MC’s fam being this archaic group with very rigid expectations clashed with the more modern feel the book had when the MCs spent time together in the city. I know that makes logical sense, but when I was listening to the book it felt very Frankenstein’s monster and less well blended than I expected.
There was a lot of mental monologue/dialogue that was kinda inane. The MCs repeated themselves a lot, at least she did with all her questions prying into his personal life. There was just a lot of talking and not much meaningful stuff being said. Along those lines, the plot seemed to chug forward very slowly with not much really happening until the end.
The plot of the book, besides feeling very patchwork, was not original. I know it’s impossible to come up with something completely without influence of something else, but there was nothing unique about this story or its characters. The fem MC was the stereotypical princess being auctioned away for marriage and resentful as he’ll about it, but doing very very little to actually stop it despite yowling in the face of everyone she meets that she’s “unhappy”. The male MC was also the cardboard cutout of a “charming”, debonair, reluctant protector who can hold his own in a fight (without any explanation). Much of the book was predictable and there was little-to-no deep exploration into each characters’ motivations. They just were, and the opposing opinions of the fem MC’s father, mother, and sister seemed to only exist for the fem MC to rail against.
I didn’t feel the romantic connection between the MCs, they felt more like mischievous friends. Also, the male MC said he originally joined the bad sister’s group because he wanted revenge against the baron for pulling him away from his lover, who he said he cared deeply for. To my understanding that wasn’t that long ago, and if he still felt angry enough to take revenge, he must still care for her right? So then why is he suddenly throwing around the words “I’m in love with you” when he’s only known the fem MC for a few weeks? What happened to California girl? And why isn’t he also mad at his mom? (She was another Frankenstein’s monster piece I had difficulty reconciling, we saw her as a sweet, doting mother, but he said she was ruthless and basically threatened him into coming home and participating. I wanted to see her steel, not be told about it, especially if the two halves weren’t meshing).
The male MC didn’t have much of a personality, he was more a composition of “ideal” man traits with little insight/expansion into his motivations, so I couldn’t make up my mind whether I liked him or not.
The fem Max bitch and moaned about her situation so much I was starting to really not like her.
I think if this book were only a few chapters long instead of 7 hours, the story would have been condensed enough to stay interesting. With the way it was dragging, it felt like the author was purposefully stalling to end on a cliffhanger. I’m very glad that wasn’t the case.
There was a lot of mental monologue/dialogue that was kinda inane. The MCs repeated themselves a lot, at least she did with all her questions prying into his personal life. There was just a lot of talking and not much meaningful stuff being said. Along those lines, the plot seemed to chug forward very slowly with not much really happening until the end.
The plot of the book, besides feeling very patchwork, was not original. I know it’s impossible to come up with something completely without influence of something else, but there was nothing unique about this story or its characters. The fem MC was the stereotypical princess being auctioned away for marriage and resentful as he’ll about it, but doing very very little to actually stop it despite yowling in the face of everyone she meets that she’s “unhappy”. The male MC was also the cardboard cutout of a “charming”, debonair, reluctant protector who can hold his own in a fight (without any explanation). Much of the book was predictable and there was little-to-no deep exploration into each characters’ motivations. They just were, and the opposing opinions of the fem MC’s father, mother, and sister seemed to only exist for the fem MC to rail against.
I didn’t feel the romantic connection between the MCs, they felt more like mischievous friends. Also, the male MC said he originally joined the bad sister’s group because he wanted revenge against the baron for pulling him away from his lover, who he said he cared deeply for. To my understanding that wasn’t that long ago, and if he still felt angry enough to take revenge, he must still care for her right? So then why is he suddenly throwing around the words “I’m in love with you” when he’s only known the fem MC for a few weeks? What happened to California girl? And why isn’t he also mad at his mom? (She was another Frankenstein’s monster piece I had difficulty reconciling, we saw her as a sweet, doting mother, but he said she was ruthless and basically threatened him into coming home and participating. I wanted to see her steel, not be told about it, especially if the two halves weren’t meshing).
The male MC didn’t have much of a personality, he was more a composition of “ideal” man traits with little insight/expansion into his motivations, so I couldn’t make up my mind whether I liked him or not.
The fem Max bitch and moaned about her situation so much I was starting to really not like her.
I think if this book were only a few chapters long instead of 7 hours, the story would have been condensed enough to stay interesting. With the way it was dragging, it felt like the author was purposefully stalling to end on a cliffhanger. I’m very glad that wasn’t the case.
January 11, 2026
This one was such a treat. A side story in the Beechwood timeline, it slides in right after Lacey Von leaves the manor, and it felt like catching up with a friend you weren’t quite ready to let go of yet. The book starts off with Lacey being called home by her father, the formidable leader of the Eastern Court. What she doesn’t expect is to be thrust into a tournament designed to find her a husband, whether she likes it or not. Cue the eye rolls, the frustration, and the quiet determination that only Lacey could bring to a situation like this.
The plot really shines in how it blends the personal with the political. There’s vampire court intrigue, layers of scheming, and the looming mystery of Jupitar’s disappearance woven through every chapter. The suitors bring their own flavors of drama, but Mathies in particular stands out. What starts as a prickly, reluctant acquaintance slowly sparks into something deeper, with enough banter and tension to keep me grinning. I loved how their relationship grew in the middle of danger and secrets, adding both sweetness and depth to the whirlwind of the main story.
The setting felt lush and atmospheric, full of dark corridors, candlelit halls, and the charged energy of a tournament that’s more trap than tradition. The themes touch on autonomy, loyalty, and the messy business of love when politics threaten to overshadow everything. The mystery threaded through the romance added just the right amount of suspense, keeping the pace brisk without losing its heart. By the end, I was invested not just in the romance, but in how Lacey would carve out a future on her own terms.
The writing was swift, sharp, and full of charm. It carried the perfect balance of humor, tension, and emotion, making it such an addictive read. It’s the kind of story you breeze through with a smile, but it still leaves you thinking about the characters long after you’ve closed the last page.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
The plot really shines in how it blends the personal with the political. There’s vampire court intrigue, layers of scheming, and the looming mystery of Jupitar’s disappearance woven through every chapter. The suitors bring their own flavors of drama, but Mathies in particular stands out. What starts as a prickly, reluctant acquaintance slowly sparks into something deeper, with enough banter and tension to keep me grinning. I loved how their relationship grew in the middle of danger and secrets, adding both sweetness and depth to the whirlwind of the main story.
The setting felt lush and atmospheric, full of dark corridors, candlelit halls, and the charged energy of a tournament that’s more trap than tradition. The themes touch on autonomy, loyalty, and the messy business of love when politics threaten to overshadow everything. The mystery threaded through the romance added just the right amount of suspense, keeping the pace brisk without losing its heart. By the end, I was invested not just in the romance, but in how Lacey would carve out a future on her own terms.
The writing was swift, sharp, and full of charm. It carried the perfect balance of humor, tension, and emotion, making it such an addictive read. It’s the kind of story you breeze through with a smile, but it still leaves you thinking about the characters long after you’ve closed the last page.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
November 1, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Paranormal: 👻👻/5
Plot: 4/5
Series: Spinoff of Beechwood
Place: New York Haven, New York
Tropes: fight to the death, vampires, royal, frienda to lovers
TW: death
Main Characters: Lacey & Matthias
Et Tu Bruté??
Lacey is such a strong willed woman who knows what she wants. Until her father says otherwise. And he isn't one to say no to. Lacey definitely has her hands full when she returns home after she fled. There is just so much more to her coming home than she eve realized. I couldn't have dealt near as well with her circumstances as she did. I give her major kudos because she definitely deserves them. Dealing with certain types of parents is hard enough, but when you delay with hers there is no easy way of it.
Matthias is a man of mystery to say the least. He keeps to himself and keeps everything close to his chest. He has his reasons and refuses to apologize for it. I don't blame him in the least, even though if he unburdened himself he would benefit. But who do you do that with when you don't know who you can trust? I really enjoyed his character and how much he eventually let down his guard with Lacey. I would love to see more of their story!
This gave me Roman Empire Vibes from the halfway mark and I was here for it!!! I couldn't get over how much these scenes were so barbaric, but yet I was cheering Matthias on the whole time!!
There was so much action in the last 25% of the book and I feel like if we would have had more in the first 75% it would have been a bit of an intro to the battles.
I really enjoyed this and wish there were more in the series. Maybe even a storyline with Melanie and her journey.
Paranormal: 👻👻/5
Plot: 4/5
Series: Spinoff of Beechwood
Place: New York Haven, New York
Tropes: fight to the death, vampires, royal, frienda to lovers
TW: death
Main Characters: Lacey & Matthias
Et Tu Bruté??
Lacey is such a strong willed woman who knows what she wants. Until her father says otherwise. And he isn't one to say no to. Lacey definitely has her hands full when she returns home after she fled. There is just so much more to her coming home than she eve realized. I couldn't have dealt near as well with her circumstances as she did. I give her major kudos because she definitely deserves them. Dealing with certain types of parents is hard enough, but when you delay with hers there is no easy way of it.
Matthias is a man of mystery to say the least. He keeps to himself and keeps everything close to his chest. He has his reasons and refuses to apologize for it. I don't blame him in the least, even though if he unburdened himself he would benefit. But who do you do that with when you don't know who you can trust? I really enjoyed his character and how much he eventually let down his guard with Lacey. I would love to see more of their story!
This gave me Roman Empire Vibes from the halfway mark and I was here for it!!! I couldn't get over how much these scenes were so barbaric, but yet I was cheering Matthias on the whole time!!
There was so much action in the last 25% of the book and I feel like if we would have had more in the first 75% it would have been a bit of an intro to the battles.
I really enjoyed this and wish there were more in the series. Maybe even a storyline with Melanie and her journey.
September 9, 2024
Once upon a hallow’s eve- Danielle Garrett
📚 paranormal romance
⭐️ 4.5/5
🔥 0/5
“You’re late,” he said, his tone more bored than impatient.
I scoffed and stalked past the guard. “Nice to see you, too, Father.”
After many years of hiding away in a human territory Lacey’s father had found her and summoned her home. Not because he’s missed her of course, but to demand she take a husband and bear and heir for the east territories. As if that’s not miserable enough he’s also announced her husband will be determined via a competition with the final round being to the death. On the night this competition is being announced one of the “contestants” is found in Lacey’s room dead and her best friend Jupiter is missing. In a surprising turn of events Lacey’s father sends her to stay with Matthias, another one of her possible suitors. In this short time she learns her and her could be suitor have more in common than she originally thought. Overall I loved this book. I finished it in 2 days and didn’t want it to end. Will definitely be looking at more from this author.
📚 paranormal romance
⭐️ 4.5/5
🔥 0/5
“You’re late,” he said, his tone more bored than impatient.
I scoffed and stalked past the guard. “Nice to see you, too, Father.”
After many years of hiding away in a human territory Lacey’s father had found her and summoned her home. Not because he’s missed her of course, but to demand she take a husband and bear and heir for the east territories. As if that’s not miserable enough he’s also announced her husband will be determined via a competition with the final round being to the death. On the night this competition is being announced one of the “contestants” is found in Lacey’s room dead and her best friend Jupiter is missing. In a surprising turn of events Lacey’s father sends her to stay with Matthias, another one of her possible suitors. In this short time she learns her and her could be suitor have more in common than she originally thought. Overall I loved this book. I finished it in 2 days and didn’t want it to end. Will definitely be looking at more from this author.
September 14, 2020
Vampires Together
I always like a good love story, but only when there is a great thrilling and exciting story behind it. This story was nothing short of exciting. I was angry at the baron this whole book and wanted his daughter to stick the stake through his heart the whole time. However, at the end I was rooting for the baron to live! Please don't let his first bornling kill him!
I liked the two soon-to-be lovebirds (lovevamps?) love story. Very sweet. I also like this entire storyline and how it fits in with the other Beechwood Harbor characters side stories. Yes, I read all of Scarlet's books and I read Posy's story too. I am starting on Lacy's prior witch roommate, Holly's 6th book (One Bad Witch) as soon as I finish this review. This read was exiting, suspenseful, and all together a heart mover. It gave me all the emotions I like to have while enjoying story time!
I always like a good love story, but only when there is a great thrilling and exciting story behind it. This story was nothing short of exciting. I was angry at the baron this whole book and wanted his daughter to stick the stake through his heart the whole time. However, at the end I was rooting for the baron to live! Please don't let his first bornling kill him!
I liked the two soon-to-be lovebirds (lovevamps?) love story. Very sweet. I also like this entire storyline and how it fits in with the other Beechwood Harbor characters side stories. Yes, I read all of Scarlet's books and I read Posy's story too. I am starting on Lacy's prior witch roommate, Holly's 6th book (One Bad Witch) as soon as I finish this review. This read was exiting, suspenseful, and all together a heart mover. It gave me all the emotions I like to have while enjoying story time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2025
I love this world that Danielle Garrett has created, but I wasn’t as in love with this book as I was with some others. Don’t get me wrong, like every other Beechwood Harbor book I couldn’t put it down, it just also made me disappointed because I disliked the central love story since Lacey was previously teased to end up with Nick. I’m also sad that she was effectively written out of the main series for such a lackluster story. I think my other grievance is just that I’m not hugely invested in this vampire world within the haven world situation and I couldn’t care less about the power struggle at the center of the story. Plus her sister being the villain and Lacey becoming so upset about her father’s almost fatal injury when he clearly was an awful person who didn’t care about her just added to the overall frustration. Thankfully it’s a one off and I can return to my regularly scheduled Beechwood Harbor stories (sans Lacey 😭😩)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2018
"Once Upon a Hallow's Eve" by Danielle Garrett is the first book in the "Haven Paranormal Romances". This series is a spinoff from the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery Series. Lacy, the vampire beauty queen, from the first series, has been summoned home by her father. For the last five years, she's been in exile while living in hiding, but now her father's decided it's time for her to marry. Giving her absolutely no choice, he's decided that her future husband will be chosen in a tournament. He's chosen the contestants, the challenges, and possibly the winner. But when one of the challengers is murdered, and Lacy's friend is kidnapped things go from bad to worse.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel. It is fast paced, with an interesting plot and engaging characters. If you enjoyed Garrett's other series, you'll like this one too.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel. It is fast paced, with an interesting plot and engaging characters. If you enjoyed Garrett's other series, you'll like this one too.
September 22, 2019
We don't know much about Lacey Vaughn from the Beechwood Harbor mystery books. She originally seemed like a vapid vampire, one who only cared about her looks and her beauty pageants. But in book 5, we learn so much more. Like she knows how to hunt. And that her family name means something in the vampire community. And, in this book, we learn exactly why that is because Lacey's been summoned back into the not exactly welcoming bosom of her family. Her father, Lord of House Vaughn, has decided to hold a tournament of 8 suitors and the winner will take Lacey's hand in marriage and hopefully produce a bornling that can be the House of Vaughn's heir. Most of the fellows are bad enough but her father's favorite lapdog, a turned vampire, is the worst. The one she just might be able to stand, Mathias, has some secrets of his own.
There's a lot going on in this book that means the HEA comes in the epilogue, we see nothing of how Lacey and Mathias figure out their communication issues -- the best part of the story.
There's a lot going on in this book that means the HEA comes in the epilogue, we see nothing of how Lacey and Mathias figure out their communication issues -- the best part of the story.
May 18, 2023
Something Wicked This Way Comes! Or is Already Here?
I loved this book about Lacey! Finally we learn more about the feisty blonde that Adam calls Princess! Ironically she is!
So we find that LaCie the Vampiress from Beechwood Harbor is ‘summoned’ back home by her father who happens to be the Duck of the Eastern area for Vampires!
After all this time Lacey is finally called back to perform her bound duty, as a legacy vampire, to have a child to be a natural ‘born vampire’.
Can she handle life back at the court? She’s not sure.
I loved learning more about her, her father and eventually family. The story is well put, thorough and fills in any holes you may have. Well done.
SpoilerAlert
I just wished the story would have ended with her using Anastasia’s wedding services. A whole book could have been written joining the two characters from different books.
I loved this book about Lacey! Finally we learn more about the feisty blonde that Adam calls Princess! Ironically she is!
So we find that LaCie the Vampiress from Beechwood Harbor is ‘summoned’ back home by her father who happens to be the Duck of the Eastern area for Vampires!
After all this time Lacey is finally called back to perform her bound duty, as a legacy vampire, to have a child to be a natural ‘born vampire’.
Can she handle life back at the court? She’s not sure.
I loved learning more about her, her father and eventually family. The story is well put, thorough and fills in any holes you may have. Well done.
SpoilerAlert
I just wished the story would have ended with her using Anastasia’s wedding services. A whole book could have been written joining the two characters from different books.
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