Reviving Love

Black Hollow #1

by Cassidy K. O'Connor

Welcome to Black Hollow, the most paranormal town in America. When your mayor is a Griffin and the local diner is run by mermaid's serving fish and chips, you know you’ll never have a mundane day. Sarah hasn’t been in a relationship since she left her abusive ex-husband. When her close friends invite her to a weekend in Black Hollow she takes her first step toward moving on. What she doesn’t expect is to meet a man or Frankenstein’s monster in Adam's case. Adam has lived his life hidden from the world, tired of the stares from strangers. He roamed for centuries tortured with not being able to age or die. He found solace in Black Hollow, it was the perfect place to be himself and forge friendships with other immortals. Until Sarah comes along and he finds the one thing he can’t live without. Complete acceptance and love. Nothing is ever as easy as that though, someone wants to keep humans out of Black Hollow and Sarah is the first victim. Can Adam save her and his future?

Genres: Novella, Fantasy, Paranormal

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2018

About the author

I'm a born and raised Floridian who loves to travel. I married my high school sweetheart, we have three awesome kids and one crazy dog. I love all things Ireland and visited twice! Reading is essential to life and writing is an extension of that. If my books can make you laugh or give you that tingly feeling in your belly I've done something right!

Reviews

[PelicanFreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the fictional town of Black Hollow, Massachusetts, described as “just north of Salem”— that area is my old stomping grounds; added fun for me.

I was sucked in from the very start—why didn’t I start reading this author sooner?! There’s so much to love here, I’ll recap as much as I can recall on the spot:

💜Fast-burn
🧹Set near Salem, MA
💜All sorts of supernaturals, even obscure ones
🧹Absolutely epic world-building
💜Relatable characters
🧹Small town vibes!!
💜Paranormal town, pretty much all residents seem ‘in on it’.
🧹Epic world-building, it shows in every detail
💜Fast-paced / quick read.
🧹Insta-love but it absolutely works for these characters
💜Mystery

Overall:
OMG, I want to move to Black Hollow!! I do believe this author has just sorta caused me to have a new addition. I’ve snagged the next 2 books in the series and will be reading on for sure.

If you’re a fan of the small-town vibe, and/or a close-knit community with a family feel to it, where they all look out for one another, you absolutely need this. I’m told by the author it’s best to read in order, so I do recommend that as well.

This one was provided to me by my local library—thanks so much for the loan, and for making it available there!!

4.5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️


Audio:
Excellent. This narrator had a smooth voice and delivered a great performance, I’d totally listen to anything else he narrated. 4.5-star performance.


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[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviving Love is not your average paranormal romance. What if Frankenstein’s monster still lived? Is there anyone who could love him? Adam is currently living in Black Hollow, Massachusetts a town filled with immortal beings where he doesn’t stand out as different. Single mother Sarah has seen monsters up close and personal. As a formerly abused wife she knows that looks don’t define a person. When she meets Adam the scars don’t detract from the instantaneous attraction she feels for him.
I really enjoyed this sweet love story and look forward to visiting Black Hollow again.

[Shayay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise; paranormal town with fun paranormal characters! Such a cool town! Medusa’s hair salon, Yeti’s ice cream store, mermaids selling fish and chips at their restaurant!! Love that! Single mom Sarah is closed off because she had a bad, abusive relationship in the past. She lets her friend, Penny, convince her to take a weekend off and go to Black Hollow, Massachusetts. There’s just the little problem of Sarah not knowing that Penny, Penny’s husband, and the town have paranormal connections. I didn’t like that aspect; it felt mean-spirited to keep Sarah in the dark. Sarah meets Adam, who is Frankenstein’s “monster”; they have an instant connection, but there’s some things standing in their way to happiness. Cute connection between them; plus, a bit of spice too. Likable characters too! I was really enjoying the story, but there’s a cliffhanger ending; no resolution for some of the mysteries in this story, so that is disappointing. This is the type of story that can easily wrap up in one book and then move onto new main characters having their own fun adventures in this paranormal town. I’m going with a 3.5 rating; rounded down because of the too quick ending and leaving part of the story unfinished. I do want to read more about this paranormal town, so I’ll probably still check out the books if I see them at a good bargain.

[Rose Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect second book in this series!
“Reviving Love” is Sarah and Adam’s story and it picks up the storyline from “Loving the Monster Within” with Penny and Asald. In this story, you finally get to Black Hollow with our three MCs going to visit for the weekend, and OMG it’s the best town ever!!! The scenes and “world-building” within the town is amazing, I could not have asked for a better paranormal town. I think it’s one of the best I’ve ever envisioned. The characters are authentic and relatable. Sarah and Adam are both broken souls and are very fortunate to meet each other at the “right time”. The chemistry is steamy and sweet. Exactly what’s called for in this story and it works. This is a fun emotional rollercoaster, full of laughs, tears, and cheers!!! I devoured this book within a couple of hours and was floored by the ending!!! Totally unexpected and shocking.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Hollow would be a fantastic place to live. Sara and Adams story is so sweet. Sara left an abusive relationship and hasn't entertained the idea of any other friendships, much less a date. She has her best friend, Penny, and her husband, Asald, and that's all she needs besides her son, Alex. Penny and Asald drag Sara to Black Hollow for a fun weekend. She has no idea of the paranormal nature of the town. She sees Adam at a restaurant and she is smitten despite all of his scars. He has been rejected and treated terribly for a very long time. Couple hundred years long. This was so compelling and sweet. Adam goes way out of his comfort zone for Sara. The one thing I found upsetting was the ending. I was not satisfied with the unanswered questions. Other than that I loved the story. I requested an advanced reader copy from Booksprout and am under no obligation to leave this review.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the people in the book and was charmed by the town of Black Hollow. Sarah has been free of her abusive husband for two years now. He’s in prison. She’s taking care of her little boy Alex and has wonderful friends in Penny and Asald, so romance in not in the cards for her. She agrees to go for a long week-end with Penny and Asald to the town where Asald has found he has relatives and they are celebrating Halloween. The town is amazing, everyone gets into character and the businesses are charming. But she meets a man named Adam and is immediately enthralled. He is scarred over his entire head but he’s beautiful and she can’t stop staring at him. But Adam lives like a hermit because of his scars. Can Sarah, who can see the beauty in him bring him out of his shell and show him love? And Sarah will be shocked to learn that the towns people aren’t normal. What she sees as costumes, is what the supernatural people really look like.

[Lori Gerlisky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous start to this series!
I have to admit that I was completely surprised by this story! I’m normally a traditional historical romance listener and wanted to give other styles a try! And I’m THRILLED that I did!

This story starts out with a unique twist on creatures that we tend to see as myth. The characters were written in such a mysterious way that I found myself so deep in the story that, when I realized what they were ... let’s just say it was a pleasure to listen to this! I’m not someone to give away spoilers!

I laughed out loud several times and felt intense anticipation during other moments with the heart wrenching declarations.

Bonus.. the NARRATOR was AMAZING! Loved how his voice slithered for Medusa. Sean is fantastic. He definitely brought these characters to life! All of his accents were spot on.

In short.. Loved it! I highly recommend listening!

[JodyL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book but I felt lost in several places because I didn't read the prequel. There was talk of Sarah's ex and what happened to Sarah and her son Alex that wasn't explained. The prequel must have been about her friend Penny and her husband Asald.
Adam and Sarah's relationship was very quick. The feelings they had between them felt a little superficial.
The last page of the book just stopped abruptly. I was expecting a few answers or maybe even an epilogue which didn't happen. Hopefully the next book explains more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story but my heart was sad for Adam he was a Frankenstein’s monster always wanting to hide in the shadows because he was stared at all the time but he found his home in Black Hollow where he made friends and he wasn’t judged by the way he looked. Sarah and her son are invited to Black Hollow for the weekend by one of her best friends Penny, she meets Adam she doesn’t judge the way he looks and they fall for each other but there is someone in town who doesn’t want Sarah there and her life is in danger so can Adam get to Sarah in time to save her and their future together?. I loved this story it was so emotional and I bubbled like a baby lol but I definitely recommend this book.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story and all the amazing characters. They have amazing personalities that are felt throughout the story. The story is extremely well written and the characters are stunningly developed. I loved Sarah and Adam. I wish the story was longer because it seemed to just get to a turning point when the book ends. But, it is still an exceptional story that drew me in and me finishing it so quickly. The descriptions are vivid and I absolutely love that as it helps me to easily picture what is occurring throughout the story. I love the concept of the town of Black Hollow. I absolutely think this is a must read and really doesn’t disappoint.

[Dorothy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is a single mother, trying to leave her past behind. Her friends talk her into a trip to Black Hollow where she meet Adam, who not only has scars on the outside, but inside as well. Although attracted to each other, they will have to overcome these obstacles. Reviving Love is a welcomed addition to the Black Hollow series. I enjoyed the journey of these two courageous characters who learn to trust and love each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read by this author and the world that she has created is very visual. This is a pretty good short and a very interesting concept. It kinda reminded me of Midnight Texas with all the different varieties of paranormals that make up this town. It is great world building and the characters are spectacular with their own gifts and problems that go along with those gifts. Pretty spectacular!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 4 out of 5]

a wonderfully sweet story where Sarah looks beyond the looks of Adam and finds her true love.

After spending a weekend in Black Hollow, Sarah fell in love with a man with, literally and figuratively, many scars. When she returns she hopes for a chance with him. But someone in the town seems to want to deprive Sarah and Adam of their chance of happiness. At the end of this book it is not clear who hated it ...... that means I have to read more parts of this series, and I certainly want that!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah deserves happiness as does her son Alex and Black Hollow seems just the place for them to find it.. Adam is a monster who keeps to himself but meeting Sarah changes everything he is now thinking about the future and family.. But somone is not so happy about all the newcomers and Sarah is the first target .. This town and these characters are amazing .. I can't wait to see what happens next..

[Tabi Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story

Once again an author has been redeemed. Was not to happy with the prequel story, bit this addition blew that put of the water. Everything came together with this story. I had laughter and a little crying there for a few minutes.

I felt like I was right there in the town surrounded by all those people. I love it when a small town just welcomes you as one of their own. I sure hope we have more of their story in more books.

Until Next Time... Tabi

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, lust and passion, strength, happiness with a happily ever after. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Hollow: Reviving Love by Cassidy K. O'Connor is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one out of nineteen stories in this wonderful series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about contemporary, sweet and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Hollow is a fantastic series. I don't usually like paranormal type stories but this blew my mind and totally changed my ideas.I am now in the middle of reading all the series to make sure I can understand the different storylines better. Please do read these books even if they are not your usual reading type. Loved every minute of it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book which in a way introduces Black Hollow to us. A very interesting town where paranormal beings live openly as they are, a broken woman who finds her way there and falls in love with the people and the place.

It's a new perspective and was very interesting. Since the book ends at a kind of cliff hanger, really looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jestice Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell really fast for Adam and Sarah. I have never done that with a novella before. I am shocked by the amount of depth that was able to fit into this 164-page book. I loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone that is into romance and paranormal. I already reading Black Hollow-Silver Linings by Sheri Lyn and so far it is great too. I am really enjoying the series.

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How cool to be in a monster-type that you had no idea existed! But to not be accepted into it because you are a human?! How ironic! Love the plot of the book and the budding romance. It is a definite fairytale adventure book that is better with each turn of the page as it draws you in to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Hollow is the most paranormal town in America. Sarah and Adam are wonderful characters, both very likable and have issues of their own. The story is well written, with great world-building, humour, suspense, and romance. I really enjoyed this book and found it to be very entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tabatha Geary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah has had a rough life. But, she has made friends who are there for her. Her best friend, Penny and her husband Asald want her to go to Black Hollow with them. Sarah never thought that she would find love again, but she will.

This was a great story and I can not wait to read more of it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. I liked the premise of a town where supernatural beings could be themselves. The romance between Adam and Sarah felt kind of sudden but this is a novella so that is to be expected. Also, there was a mystery towards the later end of the book that wasn't solved so in order to find out whodunnit you have to continue on in the series.

[Scishellgmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute paranormal romance with an unexpected twist.

A human and a real life monster. Make that a town full of real monsters. As a busy single mum, Sarah needs a weekend away, the last thing she expected was to fall in love with a "monster". But Adam is the best thing to ever happen to Sarah. Can they overcome their differences and live happily ever after?

[Petra Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great unusual paranormal story with sympathetic characters and funny, witty dialogue. Cannot wait to se how the story continues.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[connie deloach · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's a monster

Everyone has different ideas of what a monster is. This is a marvelous book that has supernatural brings with great stories to tell. I really enjoyed it. On to the next.😁

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

A lovely story. I enjoyed this book immensely, entertaining and interesting. I loved the twist involving Adam. I will be continuing the series, especially as it left unanswered questions.

[Angi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3 Stars This was cheesy and cute and had a few funny moments. I do like the characters but overall the quality is lacking.
I still enjoyed the book so I am torn between giving it 2.5 or 3 stars.

[Melissa Dice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Frankenstein’s Monster is hot. Getting to know him could be fun. The writing was awesome, story was well written and engaging.