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The Bloodstone Quadrilogy #1
Grave Stones
Revenge is a bloody business... Lassi Finn is a thoroughly modern Dublin girl, and the last thing she wants is to spend any time cleaning out her recently deceased Great-Aunt Roberta's cottage in the obscure village of Ballynagaul-or 'Ballynanowhere, ' as Lassi calls it. Her goal is to throw everything away, get some poor local sod to paint and fix the wiring (because the power is temperamental and the wall phone won't work), and then hire the local real estate agent to flip the cottage and add the proceeds to her cottage-in-Barbados fund. The only flaw in her plan is the wee little inconvenience of three mutilated bodies turning up on three consecutive days, all before her first cup of tea. The motives for the killings are a mystery, but their ferocity leaves no doubt as to the rage in the heart of the killer. Without even trying, and certainly unwillingly, Lassi finds herself not only in the middle of the investigation, but also with a big, blood-red target on her back. Somewhere between trying to fend off the advances of a pub keeper who has hit his sell-by date, dodging a creepy detective who seems to know far too much about her, and avoiding an annoyingly helpful neighbor, Lassi must catch a cold-hearted, cold-blooded killer and resist the growing attraction between herself and a handsome young priest with a secret that could destroy them all.
258 pages, Paperback
Published December 23, 2017
77 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Calinda B.
56 books344 followersWhen it comes to writing sexy contemporary romance books, supernatural romances, or an erotic paranormal romance series, New York Times bestselling author Calinda B purrs with excitement, just like her fine Abyssinian cat. She's got a life full of adventure and stories, a head full of imaginative realities, and a willing partner to help her with "research." What more could an author ask for?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 3, 2018
Grave Stones by Calinda B is a great mystery with lots of twists and turns but the best part is it's also a supernatural book too. It also is a paranormal romance, for those over 18. Not super steamy scenes, just enough to let you know... Great characters, world building, the mysteries, the plot are great. Hot priest with secrets, woman from out of town to bury great aunt, murder mystery, romance blooms, vampire story, town secrets and more. Great book.
January 8, 2018
This is a really neat murder mystery. It’s heroine, Lassi Finn, is perfectly portrayed. It’s also perfect how she deals with the “wee little inconveniences” of three mutilated bodies turning up on three consecutive days plus, oh yeah, being targeted by the killer while stuck in the middle of the murder investigation. A really nicely done plot that was well written and kept me guessing. Add to that, a strong cast of supporting characters and a beautifully portrayed rural Ireland. Wonderful stuff and most definitely recommended.
March 27, 2021
I am always so impressed by this authors books and this one was so different to the others I have read but just as good!
The storyline in this book blew me away, not to mention the shock in the last chapter, I definitely did not see that coming! I love reading about legends that are completely new to me and about creatures that I have never read about before so this was a double whammy of awesomeness for me!. The characters were also so amazing to read about and they really did keep you hooked. I loved Lasso and her fire and spirit ... A true Celtic lass and her name is amazing! Cillian is also great to read about with all his mystery and secrets, never expected it to be what it is though!
I cannot wait to read more of this series and see what happens next in this world and all the characters. I highly recommend this book and this author!
The storyline in this book blew me away, not to mention the shock in the last chapter, I definitely did not see that coming! I love reading about legends that are completely new to me and about creatures that I have never read about before so this was a double whammy of awesomeness for me!. The characters were also so amazing to read about and they really did keep you hooked. I loved Lasso and her fire and spirit ... A true Celtic lass and her name is amazing! Cillian is also great to read about with all his mystery and secrets, never expected it to be what it is though!
I cannot wait to read more of this series and see what happens next in this world and all the characters. I highly recommend this book and this author!
March 1, 2018
This book originally was part of the Magic and Alphas Paranormal Romance Collection, which I had purchased, and is now released on its own as the first book in the Blood Stone Trilogy.
Lassi has to go to the village of Ballynagaul to bury Great Aunt Roberta and get the run-down house prepared to sell. The mourners actually didn’t seem to have a very good opinion of Great Aunt Roberta and she heard the nasty comments they made. Father Ward, the attractive local priest in his 20’s, was standing near the coffin and seemed to have glowing seaweed sticking out of the bottom of his pants leg! Perhaps she shouldn’t have had that glass of whiskey at the wake!
All Lassi wants to do is finish up with everything and return to Dublin. But bodies start to turn up and the town has secrets that could be a big problem for her. Strange things start happening. What is going on here? Can she discover who the murderer is? And will Lassi survive long enough to get out of the deadly town alive?
This is a well written murder mystery with lots of magic and other things thrown in to keep the reader on edge and eagerly following the story line. Even the priest has an odd air of mystery about him! Lassi is very likable, especially if you enjoy snarky characters who speak their mind. You’ll be guessing about what’s going on to the very end! Grab your copy and enjoy!
Lassi has to go to the village of Ballynagaul to bury Great Aunt Roberta and get the run-down house prepared to sell. The mourners actually didn’t seem to have a very good opinion of Great Aunt Roberta and she heard the nasty comments they made. Father Ward, the attractive local priest in his 20’s, was standing near the coffin and seemed to have glowing seaweed sticking out of the bottom of his pants leg! Perhaps she shouldn’t have had that glass of whiskey at the wake!
All Lassi wants to do is finish up with everything and return to Dublin. But bodies start to turn up and the town has secrets that could be a big problem for her. Strange things start happening. What is going on here? Can she discover who the murderer is? And will Lassi survive long enough to get out of the deadly town alive?
This is a well written murder mystery with lots of magic and other things thrown in to keep the reader on edge and eagerly following the story line. Even the priest has an odd air of mystery about him! Lassi is very likable, especially if you enjoy snarky characters who speak their mind. You’ll be guessing about what’s going on to the very end! Grab your copy and enjoy!
March 19, 2018
A dark story that keeps you captivated from start to finish, Lassi is a main character that I had a hard time liking (which actually makes me like the story more) She can be self centered and crass but in the end she does try to do the right thing. There are many mysteries surrounding this town and the author does a fabulous job in pacing out the explanations. My only negative for this story is I did not like the romance. It was an insta-love and the sex scenes at times were over the top and ill placed in my opinion. However it did not overshadow or take away from the suspense of the story. I will definitely be looking for book 2
February 3, 2019
This first book in the Bloodstone Trilogy by Calinda B was definitely a most entertaining and enjoyable way to start the series set in Ireland. It is also a very dark and somewhat grisly book with several mutilations described. But, one of the things that made the book so very quick and fun to read was the sub-dialogue the main character has with herself that she hopes she didn't say out loud to others. And finally, there was the paranormal aspect of the book which leads to much of expectations for the following books in the series. This is a voluntary review in exchange for a free advanced copy of this book.
March 21, 2018
Totally different type of Mystery/Suspense. We have Lassi who is the last living Flinn. She goes to this small town to take care of her Great Aunt Roberta's estate. She can't wait to leave and go back to her home in Dublin. We have Father Cillian Ward, who is the Priest that Lassi falls in Love with. Nothing is going right with clearing out the house and now there are 3 murders and she can't leave town. So many twist and turns. I really do not want to give away the story so I will leave it to you to read. I received an arc copy for my honest review.
February 5, 2019
Lasairfhiona "Lassi" Finn comes from Dublin to bury her Great Aunt Roberta but ends up with more than she bargained for in the process. Lassi just wants to get back to Dublin and be Labor/Delivery Nurse. Father Cillian Ward is guardian of a secret that impacts Lassi's life. Will Father Ward share his secret? Will Lassi get to go home? Your answers await you in Grave Stones.
I loved the supernatural aspect of this story! The characters and story were compelling, complicated, unique, intriguing, and mysterious too. I look forward to my next adventure in this series.
I loved the supernatural aspect of this story! The characters and story were compelling, complicated, unique, intriguing, and mysterious too. I look forward to my next adventure in this series.
March 8, 2018
A Bloody Great Read!
Mysterious intrigues, a host of odd villagers, spreading horror, and a smokin hot attraction to the village priest are just a few of the things Lassi Finn encounters while trying to sort out her deceased Great Aunt Roberta's cottage. Non stop twisty fun from the start...literally could not put it down, read it in one go. Loved every single syllable. So grab a cuppa and settle in.
Received as a non incentivized ARC, voluntarily reviewed.
Mysterious intrigues, a host of odd villagers, spreading horror, and a smokin hot attraction to the village priest are just a few of the things Lassi Finn encounters while trying to sort out her deceased Great Aunt Roberta's cottage. Non stop twisty fun from the start...literally could not put it down, read it in one go. Loved every single syllable. So grab a cuppa and settle in.
Received as a non incentivized ARC, voluntarily reviewed.
December 18, 2018
Grave Stones by Calinda B is a wondeful story to read. This is book number one is a wonderful start to a brand new series I fell in with. I loved reading this story cause it deals with vampire and the super natural which I love to read about, I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about vampires and the supernatural.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2018
This is a dark paranormal mystery with a steamy romance between two very interesting main characters. There are a series of grisly murders in a small town where a load of quirky characters live. There's spooky paranormal stuff going on, and a ballsy young woman is fighting an intense attraction to a priest. Highly recommended to lovers of dark paranormal romance.
December 13, 2018
A mystery book with twists and turns, involving some Irish legends about vampires, immortal beings and witches. Excellent!!!
Paranormal romance, with some not so hot scenes, a strong heroine that knows anything about her magic, a very, very hot priest and a serial killer... All this in a placid and pastoral village near the ocean.
Paranormal romance, with some not so hot scenes, a strong heroine that knows anything about her magic, a very, very hot priest and a serial killer... All this in a placid and pastoral village near the ocean.
December 17, 2018
Grave Stones
The Bloodstone Trilogy Book 1
Calinda B
This was good. I loved the paranormal mystery. When you go to bury your aunt, and you wind up with more dead bodies on your front door you know it is not going to be a good day. Lassi was a fun character, though a bit dense at times, you knew she would come around eventually. It was a great book, and I look forward to book two in the series!!
The Bloodstone Trilogy Book 1
Calinda B
This was good. I loved the paranormal mystery. When you go to bury your aunt, and you wind up with more dead bodies on your front door you know it is not going to be a good day. Lassi was a fun character, though a bit dense at times, you knew she would come around eventually. It was a great book, and I look forward to book two in the series!!
January 12, 2018
Lassi Finn didn't want to clean out her Aunt's cottage. She wanted to be anywhere but Ireland. Well she gets sucked into a murder mystery that has romance, vampires and some other supernatural oddities. The story will leave you guessing until the very end. Lots of twists and turns.
November 26, 2018
It was an interesting trip into rural Ireland! You get to see their take on some of the same monsters we enjoy reading about! Well crafted and a fun read!
December 20, 2020
While the plot is clearly just an outline for soft porn, it's about as corny as porn gets.
Absolute shlocky nonsense, unlovable characters, zero chemistry between any of them including the leads, deus ex machina all over the shop...
At least, the author used a couple of real Irish names, Cillian and Lasairfhiona. Never heard of a Lasairfhiona shortening her name, though. And it's a bit bizarre how few other characters have Irish names, or even names that are popular in Ireland.
Unfortunately, the book is filled with errors of history, culture, language, policing, religion, nursing and more on nearly every page, which jolt the reader out of any hope of suspending disbelief. For example:
1. Funeral directors provide coffin stands - no need to damage the china.
2. Labour and delivery nurses are called midwives.
3. Youthful priests are never in charge of a parish.
4. Gardai do not carry guns.
5. Irish pubs are overwhelmingly named after the owner. Funny names are a city or English thing.
6. It doesn't matter what the UK calls a prom, because Ireland is not in the UK. In Ireland - and the UK, for that matter - a prom is called a prom, because no one "debuts" before the Queen anymore.
7. Underwear is called knickers, knicks, or pants.
8. Garbage bags are called binbags. Depending on location there may not be any bin collection, and if there is, it'll most likely be separate collections for recyclables, food waste, and other.
9. Aarden Is not an Irish name.
10. Why does no one mention THE Strongbow, Anglo-Norman conqueror of Ireland, about whom every child learns in primary school? Or the equally-famous Strongbow cider, which is probably on tap at the inappropriately-named pub?
11. Ketchup, not catsup.
12. Notes, not bills. And no one leaves money on a table to pay for food. In pubs, you pay in advance, at the till, and get your change and a number for the table.
13. Graveyards are never referred to as boneyards.
14. No one in Ireland is buried directly from their home - there is ALWAYS a funeral first. Oh, and wakes aren't drunken orgies, either.
15. Everyone in Ireland calls the Irish language "Irish". " Gaelic" is the language of Scotland.
Everyone in Ireland studies Irish for at least 11 years. To train as a nurse, you'd need to study Irish for 13 years AND PASS, preferably at Honours level. Everyone has at least basic competence in Irish.
16. Villages in Ireland don't generally have Garda stations, and the word "precinct" is not used in Ireland.
17. Not an expert on thus, but I'm pretty sure cells are equipped with toilets, not urinals.
18. The Great War was WWI (1914-1918), not WWII.
19. Irish houses don't have foyers, they have halls - and in the case of cottages, not even that. The front door opens straight into the living room.
20. Taffy? why is a Welshman on an Irish beach? Why is he a weird shape??!
21. 250yo, assuming rounding, leaves Cillian's birth around 1750-1770 - the height of the Penal Laws.
22. A fichu is not a woman's shawl. It's a modesty panel, approximately the size of a handkerchief and usually made of lace, which is inserted into a low-cut top. It's usually removable, allowing the woman to use a limited wardrobe in different occasions.
23. A daughter of the (almost 100% certainly Protestant) manor would not have had any opportunity to even meet a poor Catholic blacksmith's apprentice, much less be "pursued" by one. Meeting in a barn with one is totally impossible.
24. "Plow" is an Americanism. The word is *plough*.
25. "Bree" is a modern, usually American, contraction for a number of names like Briony. I doubt there's ever been a single Bree in Ireland.
26. A rectory is a Protestant clergyman's (or woman's) house. A Catholic priest's house is called a "parochial house".
27. While they were no longer sentenced to death for just existing, it's exceedingly unlikely that a Catholic priest could be a prison chaplain, or that Catholics would be wardens, guards, etc., at the time, and they definitely wouldn't be magistrates.
28. Shaking your head means "No". NODDING HEAD means "Yes".
29. Ireland has very strict gun laws. Guns aren't lying around the countryside, waiting to drive the narrative.
30. "She cocked the hammer of her gun" - OMG, all this time the gun wasn't cocked, and they could have rushed her???I
Also, the book's about 3-4 chapters too long. Once a story climaxes, it needs to be out to bed swiftly, or hoofed out the door. Not plastered through some tortuous "what are you thinkings" until you want to kill it with fire.
Absolute shlocky nonsense, unlovable characters, zero chemistry between any of them including the leads, deus ex machina all over the shop...
At least, the author used a couple of real Irish names, Cillian and Lasairfhiona. Never heard of a Lasairfhiona shortening her name, though. And it's a bit bizarre how few other characters have Irish names, or even names that are popular in Ireland.
Unfortunately, the book is filled with errors of history, culture, language, policing, religion, nursing and more on nearly every page, which jolt the reader out of any hope of suspending disbelief. For example:
1. Funeral directors provide coffin stands - no need to damage the china.
2. Labour and delivery nurses are called midwives.
3. Youthful priests are never in charge of a parish.
4. Gardai do not carry guns.
5. Irish pubs are overwhelmingly named after the owner. Funny names are a city or English thing.
6. It doesn't matter what the UK calls a prom, because Ireland is not in the UK. In Ireland - and the UK, for that matter - a prom is called a prom, because no one "debuts" before the Queen anymore.
7. Underwear is called knickers, knicks, or pants.
8. Garbage bags are called binbags. Depending on location there may not be any bin collection, and if there is, it'll most likely be separate collections for recyclables, food waste, and other.
9. Aarden Is not an Irish name.
10. Why does no one mention THE Strongbow, Anglo-Norman conqueror of Ireland, about whom every child learns in primary school? Or the equally-famous Strongbow cider, which is probably on tap at the inappropriately-named pub?
11. Ketchup, not catsup.
12. Notes, not bills. And no one leaves money on a table to pay for food. In pubs, you pay in advance, at the till, and get your change and a number for the table.
13. Graveyards are never referred to as boneyards.
14. No one in Ireland is buried directly from their home - there is ALWAYS a funeral first. Oh, and wakes aren't drunken orgies, either.
15. Everyone in Ireland calls the Irish language "Irish". " Gaelic" is the language of Scotland.
Everyone in Ireland studies Irish for at least 11 years. To train as a nurse, you'd need to study Irish for 13 years AND PASS, preferably at Honours level. Everyone has at least basic competence in Irish.
16. Villages in Ireland don't generally have Garda stations, and the word "precinct" is not used in Ireland.
17. Not an expert on thus, but I'm pretty sure cells are equipped with toilets, not urinals.
18. The Great War was WWI (1914-1918), not WWII.
19. Irish houses don't have foyers, they have halls - and in the case of cottages, not even that. The front door opens straight into the living room.
20. Taffy? why is a Welshman on an Irish beach? Why is he a weird shape??!
21. 250yo, assuming rounding, leaves Cillian's birth around 1750-1770 - the height of the Penal Laws.
22. A fichu is not a woman's shawl. It's a modesty panel, approximately the size of a handkerchief and usually made of lace, which is inserted into a low-cut top. It's usually removable, allowing the woman to use a limited wardrobe in different occasions.
23. A daughter of the (almost 100% certainly Protestant) manor would not have had any opportunity to even meet a poor Catholic blacksmith's apprentice, much less be "pursued" by one. Meeting in a barn with one is totally impossible.
24. "Plow" is an Americanism. The word is *plough*.
25. "Bree" is a modern, usually American, contraction for a number of names like Briony. I doubt there's ever been a single Bree in Ireland.
26. A rectory is a Protestant clergyman's (or woman's) house. A Catholic priest's house is called a "parochial house".
27. While they were no longer sentenced to death for just existing, it's exceedingly unlikely that a Catholic priest could be a prison chaplain, or that Catholics would be wardens, guards, etc., at the time, and they definitely wouldn't be magistrates.
28. Shaking your head means "No". NODDING HEAD means "Yes".
29. Ireland has very strict gun laws. Guns aren't lying around the countryside, waiting to drive the narrative.
30. "She cocked the hammer of her gun" - OMG, all this time the gun wasn't cocked, and they could have rushed her???I
Also, the book's about 3-4 chapters too long. Once a story climaxes, it needs to be out to bed swiftly, or hoofed out the door. Not plastered through some tortuous "what are you thinkings" until you want to kill it with fire.
December 21, 2020
I was granted complimentary access to the audiobook Bloodstone Quadrilogy box set on Audible by the author, Calinda B, and Audiobookworm Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity! This has not swayed my opinion. My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
Story: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Narration: 5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4-4.5 stars
Grave Stones is the beginning of the Bloodstone Quadrilogy, and the story of how Lassi Finn ends up staying in Ballynagaul. It's part romance, part dark urban fantasy, and part mystery; something for everyone! When Lassi comes to the small town to handle the affairs of her late great aunt, other people start dying and an inspector seems to think she's to blame.
Have you heard of the YouTube channel Honest Trailers? They guys who re-cut movie trailers to give accurate expectations for the film? Well if they did the same for books, the tagline would be "OB nurse finds herself in the middle of Smalltown Ireland and refuses to realize that the man she's sleeping with isn't what he appears to be." I ALMOST had it figured out. I wasn't correct about what the priest is, but I was correct that he's not the mortal young human he appears to be (come on Lassi, that much is so obvious!) and somebody else actually is what I thought he was.
The setting and everything about how the characters speak and act is so over the top Irish that sometimes it felt odd to come across technology that reminded me this is taking place in the 21st century. It feels like historical fiction most of the time, and then surprise, someone has a cell phone or someone looks something up online. It's quite charming in that way, so hopefully that means lovers of Irish culture, Irish stories, and historical fiction will feel right at home in these books. (At the time I'm writing this review I've already listened to the second book as well, and this feeling continues.)
While the dedication to making sure everyone feels and sounds Irish, I must question the fact that absolutely everybody in this town prefers the slang term "cuppa" over the phrase "cup of tea." Not one of them uses a different word or phrase? It was charming at first, but by the end I really wanted someone to say the word tea! I also found the frequent use of the word "tummy" quite grating. Perhaps it's different over in Ireland, but here in North America that tends to be a childish word to use, and our licensed nurse is using it for both stomach (upper abdomen) AND uterus region (lower abdomen.) Given that this is meant to be a present-day setting and she's a licensed nurse from Dublin, she's the last character I expected to abuse a colloquial anatomy term. Then again, she speaks in abbreviations (temp instead of temperature) so perhaps it's a character trait. Either way, her manner of speaking was annoying.
I think Calinda B handled the large cast (a whole town of people!) very well, and I was never once confused which character's head we were in, who was speaking, or how the different characters were tied together. My favourite character is Cillian, who is absolutely shaping up to be the misunderstood bad boy side of this romantic pairing.
Speaking of romantic pairing... holy sex. The synopsis on this book needs to make it more clear that there's going to be frequent, graphically described sex. I agree to reviewing this quadrilogy because it sounded like an interesting fantasy mystery with some romance and I'm absolutely in love with the narrator's voice. I was not expecting multiple sex scenes worthy of an erotica novel! That is not at all my thing and I started skipping through them. I know some readers really like steamy love scenes, but these felt unnecessarily detailed to me. The budding relationship itself also felt very rushed. This isn't a YA title and these aren't teen characters, so I'm not going to be lenient on "insta-love" showing up here.
As for the audiobook performance, Alex Black's narration was perfect! I want him to read me bedtime stories because his voice is so calming. When I was presented with the opportunity to review these books I was hesitant about the packed schedule squeezing four books into one blog tour, so I listened to the preview clip for Grave Stones first, and I just had to say yes so I could listen to more!
Overall, as an audiobook with Alex Black's wonderful voice and the option to fast forward through the sex scenes, this is a strong 4 if not a 4.5. Keep your eyes open for reviews coming for books 2-4!
Story: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Narration: 5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4-4.5 stars
Grave Stones is the beginning of the Bloodstone Quadrilogy, and the story of how Lassi Finn ends up staying in Ballynagaul. It's part romance, part dark urban fantasy, and part mystery; something for everyone! When Lassi comes to the small town to handle the affairs of her late great aunt, other people start dying and an inspector seems to think she's to blame.
Have you heard of the YouTube channel Honest Trailers? They guys who re-cut movie trailers to give accurate expectations for the film? Well if they did the same for books, the tagline would be "OB nurse finds herself in the middle of Smalltown Ireland and refuses to realize that the man she's sleeping with isn't what he appears to be." I ALMOST had it figured out. I wasn't correct about what the priest is, but I was correct that he's not the mortal young human he appears to be (come on Lassi, that much is so obvious!) and somebody else actually is what I thought he was.
The setting and everything about how the characters speak and act is so over the top Irish that sometimes it felt odd to come across technology that reminded me this is taking place in the 21st century. It feels like historical fiction most of the time, and then surprise, someone has a cell phone or someone looks something up online. It's quite charming in that way, so hopefully that means lovers of Irish culture, Irish stories, and historical fiction will feel right at home in these books. (At the time I'm writing this review I've already listened to the second book as well, and this feeling continues.)
While the dedication to making sure everyone feels and sounds Irish, I must question the fact that absolutely everybody in this town prefers the slang term "cuppa" over the phrase "cup of tea." Not one of them uses a different word or phrase? It was charming at first, but by the end I really wanted someone to say the word tea! I also found the frequent use of the word "tummy" quite grating. Perhaps it's different over in Ireland, but here in North America that tends to be a childish word to use, and our licensed nurse is using it for both stomach (upper abdomen) AND uterus region (lower abdomen.) Given that this is meant to be a present-day setting and she's a licensed nurse from Dublin, she's the last character I expected to abuse a colloquial anatomy term. Then again, she speaks in abbreviations (temp instead of temperature) so perhaps it's a character trait. Either way, her manner of speaking was annoying.
I think Calinda B handled the large cast (a whole town of people!) very well, and I was never once confused which character's head we were in, who was speaking, or how the different characters were tied together. My favourite character is Cillian, who is absolutely shaping up to be the misunderstood bad boy side of this romantic pairing.
Speaking of romantic pairing... holy sex. The synopsis on this book needs to make it more clear that there's going to be frequent, graphically described sex. I agree to reviewing this quadrilogy because it sounded like an interesting fantasy mystery with some romance and I'm absolutely in love with the narrator's voice. I was not expecting multiple sex scenes worthy of an erotica novel! That is not at all my thing and I started skipping through them. I know some readers really like steamy love scenes, but these felt unnecessarily detailed to me. The budding relationship itself also felt very rushed. This isn't a YA title and these aren't teen characters, so I'm not going to be lenient on "insta-love" showing up here.
As for the audiobook performance, Alex Black's narration was perfect! I want him to read me bedtime stories because his voice is so calming. When I was presented with the opportunity to review these books I was hesitant about the packed schedule squeezing four books into one blog tour, so I listened to the preview clip for Grave Stones first, and I just had to say yes so I could listen to more!
Overall, as an audiobook with Alex Black's wonderful voice and the option to fast forward through the sex scenes, this is a strong 4 if not a 4.5. Keep your eyes open for reviews coming for books 2-4!
January 10, 2021
I thought the plot was really interesting, keeping me guessing since I had no idea what direction the plot would take next. This almost had a cozy mystery feel to it, where the who done it (as well as what was done being in question) was what Lassie was searching for.
And this small town was terrible (in the train wreck, can't look away kind of way I was very entertained by), everyone was sleeping with each other, keeping secrets, hiding truths, and overall being pretty dang shady. It was basically the perfect setting for nefarious activities and murder. I will say that the mystery and paranormal aspects were not as prominent in the story as the sex was though, so I guess this could be classified as a romance with a little bit of mystery and paranormal sprinkled in.
I did struggle a little bit with the main character Lassie. She was a 20 something labor and delivery nurse, but seemed to lack a lot of empathy and care at times, was super sarcastic (but meanly instead of the funny kind I enjoy). She was also surprisingly crude (for example, she sees a good looking guy and instantly thinks she wants to "blow him" and contastantly thinks of sex positions and reminisced about her previous blow job adventures- even whil at the funeral for her aunt and at a fresh grave) which made her off putting to me, seeming more like a honry teen boy than an adult woman in the middle of a potentially dangerous crisis.
I was surprised that the narrator was male when the main character was female. He did all the voices with Irish accents (as was appropriate since the book was set in Ireland) but used an American accent for the regular narration. He did a good job overall, I was just surprised a female narrator wasn't used for a female character.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Calinda B. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
And this small town was terrible (in the train wreck, can't look away kind of way I was very entertained by), everyone was sleeping with each other, keeping secrets, hiding truths, and overall being pretty dang shady. It was basically the perfect setting for nefarious activities and murder. I will say that the mystery and paranormal aspects were not as prominent in the story as the sex was though, so I guess this could be classified as a romance with a little bit of mystery and paranormal sprinkled in.
I did struggle a little bit with the main character Lassie. She was a 20 something labor and delivery nurse, but seemed to lack a lot of empathy and care at times, was super sarcastic (but meanly instead of the funny kind I enjoy). She was also surprisingly crude (for example, she sees a good looking guy and instantly thinks she wants to "blow him" and contastantly thinks of sex positions and reminisced about her previous blow job adventures- even whil at the funeral for her aunt and at a fresh grave) which made her off putting to me, seeming more like a honry teen boy than an adult woman in the middle of a potentially dangerous crisis.
I was surprised that the narrator was male when the main character was female. He did all the voices with Irish accents (as was appropriate since the book was set in Ireland) but used an American accent for the regular narration. He did a good job overall, I was just surprised a female narrator wasn't used for a female character.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Calinda B. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
March 9, 2021
Lassie Finn has come to bury her great aunt, Roberta, then clean and sell her cottage as fast as possible. She hates Ballynagaul and everything about it. She just wants to get this ordeal over with and get back to her life as an OB/GYN nurse in Dublin.
However, this place seems to have some very strange things going on and Lassie can't seem to get anything done. First, there are all the dead cats in her Aunt's cottage (ewwww!), then the fact that sparks start flying at odd moments and her bed almost catches on fire. Add in the instant attraction she feels for the local (very hot) priest, Killian Ward, and you have the makings of something big.
When not one, not two, but three mutilated bodies are found in this small village, Lassie realizes that there is more going on than she first thought. Soon, the supernatural elements surrounding her and the area are very, very slowly revealed and she begins to wonder if she will ever get back to her life in Dublin.
This book was a very slow starter for me. I think part of the problem was with the main character. I just didn't like her and she came across as a whiny self-centered b***h. I also had a hard time overlooking the icky attraction between Lassie and Father Ward and the constant sexual innuendos when they meet. The overuse of profanity was also a little overwhelming for me. Don't get me wrong; I'm no prude, but enough is enough.
The narrator did a good job and his Irish accents were great. In fact, they were nearly too good and this Southern girl had a hard time with listening at times. The story had some interesting elements with the Irish legends and the supernatural elements, but some of it was a little too far-fetched even for me. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
However, this place seems to have some very strange things going on and Lassie can't seem to get anything done. First, there are all the dead cats in her Aunt's cottage (ewwww!), then the fact that sparks start flying at odd moments and her bed almost catches on fire. Add in the instant attraction she feels for the local (very hot) priest, Killian Ward, and you have the makings of something big.
When not one, not two, but three mutilated bodies are found in this small village, Lassie realizes that there is more going on than she first thought. Soon, the supernatural elements surrounding her and the area are very, very slowly revealed and she begins to wonder if she will ever get back to her life in Dublin.
This book was a very slow starter for me. I think part of the problem was with the main character. I just didn't like her and she came across as a whiny self-centered b***h. I also had a hard time overlooking the icky attraction between Lassie and Father Ward and the constant sexual innuendos when they meet. The overuse of profanity was also a little overwhelming for me. Don't get me wrong; I'm no prude, but enough is enough.
The narrator did a good job and his Irish accents were great. In fact, they were nearly too good and this Southern girl had a hard time with listening at times. The story had some interesting elements with the Irish legends and the supernatural elements, but some of it was a little too far-fetched even for me. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
March 1, 2018
This book originally was part of the Magic and Alphas Paranormal Romance Collection, which I had purchased, and is now released on its own as the first book in the Blood Stone Trilogy.
Lassi has to go to the village of Ballynagaul to bury Great Aunt Roberta and get the run-down house prepared to sell. The mourners actually didn’t seem to have a very good opinion of Great Aunt Roberta and she heard the nasty comments they made. Father Ward, the attractive local priest in his 20’s, was standing near the coffin and seemed to have glowing seaweed sticking out of the bottom of his pants leg! Perhaps she shouldn’t have had that glass of whiskey at the wake!
All Lassi wants to do is finish up with everything and return to Dublin. But bodies start to turn up and the town has secrets that could be a big problem for her. Strange things start happening. What is going on here? Can she discover who the murderer is? And will Lassi survive long enough to get out of the deadly town alive?
This is a well written murder mystery with lots of magic and other things thrown in to keep the reader on edge and eagerly following the story line. Even the priest has an odd air of mystery about him! Lassi is very likable, especially if you enjoy snarky characters who speak their mind. You’ll be guessing about what’s going on to the very end! Grab your copy and enjoy!
Lassi has to go to the village of Ballynagaul to bury Great Aunt Roberta and get the run-down house prepared to sell. The mourners actually didn’t seem to have a very good opinion of Great Aunt Roberta and she heard the nasty comments they made. Father Ward, the attractive local priest in his 20’s, was standing near the coffin and seemed to have glowing seaweed sticking out of the bottom of his pants leg! Perhaps she shouldn’t have had that glass of whiskey at the wake!
All Lassi wants to do is finish up with everything and return to Dublin. But bodies start to turn up and the town has secrets that could be a big problem for her. Strange things start happening. What is going on here? Can she discover who the murderer is? And will Lassi survive long enough to get out of the deadly town alive?
This is a well written murder mystery with lots of magic and other things thrown in to keep the reader on edge and eagerly following the story line. Even the priest has an odd air of mystery about him! Lassi is very likable, especially if you enjoy snarky characters who speak their mind. You’ll be guessing about what’s going on to the very end! Grab your copy and enjoy!
January 9, 2021
Grave Stone is Lassi's story.
Just wait till you meet her and she is a whole lot of snark.
She had me rolling with her mental quips and verbal taunts.
After her great aunt died and well her being the executor of the estate Lassi traveled from her home in Dublin to "Ballynanowhere" to wrap things up.
Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery. And dodging small-town politics, handsy townsfolk, and the local priest (okay him not so much)
Turns out there is a lot more to the small town of Ballynagaul than the locals are sharing
A fun blend of mystery and comedy with just the right touch of romance
I had the opportunity to listen to the audio version of this series - I actually own the ebook but hearing it changed how I perceived the characters quite a bit
The narrator was solid though I admit I was not overly fond of Lassi's character - I think this is because I already had her voice in my head from reading it. The cast is so IDK variant? There is a little of everything - the perv, the gossip, the town "bicycle", the overachiever, and let us not forget the local law who believes he is in a big city
A great story that has plenty of twists and OMG moments that are sure to entertain and delight
I would label this series as paranormal humorous mystery romance
Just wait till you meet her and she is a whole lot of snark.
She had me rolling with her mental quips and verbal taunts.
After her great aunt died and well her being the executor of the estate Lassi traveled from her home in Dublin to "Ballynanowhere" to wrap things up.
Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery. And dodging small-town politics, handsy townsfolk, and the local priest (okay him not so much)
Turns out there is a lot more to the small town of Ballynagaul than the locals are sharing
A fun blend of mystery and comedy with just the right touch of romance
I had the opportunity to listen to the audio version of this series - I actually own the ebook but hearing it changed how I perceived the characters quite a bit
The narrator was solid though I admit I was not overly fond of Lassi's character - I think this is because I already had her voice in my head from reading it. The cast is so IDK variant? There is a little of everything - the perv, the gossip, the town "bicycle", the overachiever, and let us not forget the local law who believes he is in a big city
A great story that has plenty of twists and OMG moments that are sure to entertain and delight
I would label this series as paranormal humorous mystery romance
February 18, 2021
If you are looking for some thrills, chills, mystery, suspense, and maybe a little romance, then yes you should be listening to Grave Stones. I was pleasantly pleased and excited at the same time. I love the small village in Ireland. I loved the hunt for the secret(s) to uncovering the murderer and why they chose Lassi. This was a dark fantasy that was vividly described and brought to life.
Alex is back. I have listened to many of his works. I have been delighted each time. Accents to us Americans are just wonderful. I loved that added element that made me feel like I was in a foreign land.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Calinda B. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Alex is back. I have listened to many of his works. I have been delighted each time. Accents to us Americans are just wonderful. I loved that added element that made me feel like I was in a foreign land.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Calinda B. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
March 26, 2021
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. I had a hard time getting into this book just bc there was so much detail and things didn't make sense in the beginning. We me Lassi, who is a maternity nurse who in in small town Ireland to put her great aunts affairs in order. A crappy small town that she can't wait to leave until she meets Father Ward...hot dog is he hot...and she shouldn't be having feelings for a man of God but she can't help the instant attraction. Her grat aunts house is super weird with all the stuffed cats everywhere and layers upon layers of dust. Everyone in town has been nice but weird...a town full of secrets. Then murders start happening and tales of folklore are brought forward. Things don't add up and Lassi is beside herself. What is with this town? And why all of a sudden she is in thr middle of it?
March 22, 2021
What a crazy ride!
Lassi is tasked with dealing with her great aunts funeral, a mean old woman she never had much affection for, but there is something very strange going on in this small Irish town. She wants nothing more than to get out of there and back to Dublin as quickly as possible but she is tasked to deal with the old woman’s crazy mess of a house. For some reason the locals are acting weirder and stranger everyday. They all seem to want something from her and when dead bodies start showing up and the finger points to her, she starts digging for answers that are more dangerous than she realises.
Small town lies, secrets and magic are the main themes in this book. It’s a page turner, bring on the next book.
I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.
Lassi is tasked with dealing with her great aunts funeral, a mean old woman she never had much affection for, but there is something very strange going on in this small Irish town. She wants nothing more than to get out of there and back to Dublin as quickly as possible but she is tasked to deal with the old woman’s crazy mess of a house. For some reason the locals are acting weirder and stranger everyday. They all seem to want something from her and when dead bodies start showing up and the finger points to her, she starts digging for answers that are more dangerous than she realises.
Small town lies, secrets and magic are the main themes in this book. It’s a page turner, bring on the next book.
I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.
February 10, 2018
This is one of those stories that keeps you guessing until the very end and stays in your mind.
The characters are very intriguing. Lassi is not afraid to say what she thinks and she does not want to be in this small town.
When people start dying and eyes turn to her, she has to prove her innocence. It is not an easy investigation with so many secrets and strange events.
I read it as part of the Magic and Alphas box set and it is exciting to see the story is continuing.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
The characters are very intriguing. Lassi is not afraid to say what she thinks and she does not want to be in this small town.
When people start dying and eyes turn to her, she has to prove her innocence. It is not an easy investigation with so many secrets and strange events.
I read it as part of the Magic and Alphas box set and it is exciting to see the story is continuing.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
March 26, 2021
Three and a Half Stars...
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Grave Stones by Clainda B is the first of four books in The Blood Stone Quadrilogy. The was a quick read that had suspense, drama, humor and some heat (Mature Readers Suggested). While I found the characters a little suspect (pun intended), I did find them highly amusing, entertaining and sometimes a little annoying. I had no trouble finishing the book, but did find myself wanting more from the read.
This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Bookfunnel.
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Grave Stones by Clainda B is the first of four books in The Blood Stone Quadrilogy. The was a quick read that had suspense, drama, humor and some heat (Mature Readers Suggested). While I found the characters a little suspect (pun intended), I did find them highly amusing, entertaining and sometimes a little annoying. I had no trouble finishing the book, but did find myself wanting more from the read.
This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Bookfunnel.
December 27, 2017
i got an arc copy and i want to review
the last thing she wanted was to clean the cottage she had been given by an aunt. she wants the place sold so she can get her cottage in Barbados she is saving for. there is a big problem when 3 dead bodies appear and she needs to find out what is going on. will she find out what is happening and why? a great mystery story
the last thing she wanted was to clean the cottage she had been given by an aunt. she wants the place sold so she can get her cottage in Barbados she is saving for. there is a big problem when 3 dead bodies appear and she needs to find out what is going on. will she find out what is happening and why? a great mystery story
August 9, 2018
First let me state, I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review.
OMG!!! I love Lassie. She's so strong and snarky. And OMG, Father Ward is hot as hell. This story kept me on the edge not knowing what was going on I couldn't put it down. Gr8 read. Looking forward to book 2. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up.
OMG!!! I love Lassie. She's so strong and snarky. And OMG, Father Ward is hot as hell. This story kept me on the edge not knowing what was going on I couldn't put it down. Gr8 read. Looking forward to book 2. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up.
January 10, 2019
Great storyline
I received a free copy of this book however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
I loved this! It grabbed me from the first page, kept me til the last and enthralled me in between. Well worth your time to read it. I look forward to reading the next book about Lassi & Cilian. Brilliant storyline and characters. Well done.
I received a free copy of this book however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
I loved this! It grabbed me from the first page, kept me til the last and enthralled me in between. Well worth your time to read it. I look forward to reading the next book about Lassi & Cilian. Brilliant storyline and characters. Well done.
November 15, 2020
3.5 .....I really liked the story. A spooky Irish mystery. I loved the language, the setting and and the people were so real. The main character... Not so much. She was a living contradiction. Strong, straight forward, b*tchy, whiny, spoiled and mean. She was so all over the place she made me dizzy. I will read the next book because I liked the story enough to give it one more go.
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