Possessed

Paranormal Tales from Firefly Island #3

by Alyssa Drake

A victim of obligation discovers the cost of true love: one soul.

Gabrielle wastes her days slogging away behind a desk, fending off the unwanted advances of her manager, and her nights spoon-feeding memories to her mother, a new resident of an assisted-living facility specializing in dementia.

The only high-point in her life is Luciano, the striking grandson of another patient, who suffers the same fate as she. When his grandmother dies, Luciano gives Gabrielle a farewell gift: an antique music box.

But the music box hides an evil curse–one which demands a unique sacrifice. Once the truth is revealed, Gabrielle must decide what–and who–she is willing to sacrifice for love.

Fans of Christine Feehan and Nora Roberts will be captivated by the third book in this haunting paranormal series. Click now and fall in love on Firefly Island!

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2018

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Alyssa Drake's love of adventure sprang from her early exposure to ranch life, which taught her to be curious, courageous, and just a little bit wild. When she's not writing historical romance or being chased by paranormal creatures, Alyssa can be found searching for fairy houses and mermaid eggs. To lose yourself in Alyssa's suspense-filled worlds, subscribe to her newsletter today and start your journey with a free book!

Reviews

[Michelle Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an insta-love story between a girl who is treated badly at work and a guy who is cursed. The plot is an interesting concept, but the story was a little too rushed for me. I generally don’t read books that are only 100 pages for this reason. Still a cute read though.

I received an ARC via BookSprout in exchange for a honest review.

[Yuliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book.
This is great, interesting and emotional read. Loved this book very much. Recommend this enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written story of a magical music box that brings to lonely people together. This is Luciano and Gabrielle's story even though it was only 94 pages the story drew me into it. There is magic and an evil man who gets what he deserved.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbi Taylor]

This is a good short paranormal romance book with strong characters and an interesting storyline. I would recommend this book.

[Judy Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really surprised at how emotional and beautiful this book was. I had no idea what it was about in the beginning, but it was so interesting that I read it straight through. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books deals with difficult and sensitive subjects like caring for someone that has dementia and deals with assault. The book is also a love story set in a urban fantasy setting.

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

[Ruby McDemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this romance between Gabrielle and Luciano. This tale of the the music box and the secret behind it makes a wonderful story. I loved reading this from beginning to end. I'm happy that Gabrielle found her silver lining in Luciano through the very difficult time with her mother. This story just gave me an overall happy and contented feeling and made it so easy to read and get lost into this wonderful world.

[Sparklin C Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time to read anything by this author. Wow, this was such an heart moving read. It's a short story that can be read in one sitting. All I can say is its about Gabrielle who comes to the assisted living facility to see her mom daily. It's there she meets Lucas. This book has several twist and turns. It is a must read.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Music Box is a sweet, emotional read. A beautiful, pleasurable and touching book. I'm posting an honest review after reading an advance copy of this book.

[Bea Brugge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have 1 bad thing to say about this book. I loved the few twists it took you on. This is definitely one of my favorite stories by Ms. Drake. I have a fascination with music boxes and that is another factor that played into me loving the book.

Another BIG plus for me is the book cover. I fell in love with it as soon as I seen it.

5 well deserved stars *****

[Ruby McDemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this romance between Gabrielle and Luciano. This tale of the the music box and the secret behind it makes a wonderful story. I loved reading this from beginning to end. I'm happy that Gabrielle found her silver lining in Luciano through the very difficult time with her mother. This story just gave me an overall happy and contented feeling and made it so easy to read and get lost into this wonderful world.

[Alyssa Drake]

This story is dedicated to my first muse, my mother. May her memory live forever in these pages.

This story has been rewritten and published as Possessed.

[~Misty~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely 100% adorable! I loved this quick read by Alyssa Drake. A wonderful, light, HEA and I giggled in delight at the consequences of the "villians" actions. Thank you Me. Drake for the happiness brought to my day.

[Deborah Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Pretty, sweet heat of a book. Loved the premise, the characters are well developed I read in one setting . hazy, dreamlike in spots, lovely fairytale. Recommended! Literate, well written.

[Saskia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it.

It deals with difficult and sensitive subjects like caring for a parent with dementia and assault, which a lot of people can relate too. it is also a love story set in a urban Fantasy setting.

It is a short, but wonderful read.

[Nadea Croix · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot was definitely interesting and well thought out as it all comes together nicely done with unexpected twist and turns to really be excited to read.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life is full but not of fun. She has a boring job and an ill mother who is in a special.place for their condition. She meets a man there and he finally gives her a gift. When she opens it things will change and she will need the courage to do what is needed. What will she need to do? Follow her adventures

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

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, Quick, and Magical

So, I have a confession: I wasn't paying attention when I bought this novella, and I haven't read the first two. However, it does a wonderful job standing on its own. Though there were probably references to previous stories, I wasn't confused at any point. The plot line was a little predictable, but the premise was entertaining and it definitely made me want to go antique shopping for music boxes. The last few paragraphs didn't work for the story, unless I missed where Denise learns the secret. Overall I enjoyed it and will probably check out the rest of the series.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the previous two books so when this one came along I could not wait to read it. I loved this romance between Gabrielle and Luciano. This tale of the the music box and the secret behind it makes a wonderful story that makes reading this from beginning to end an absolutely joy. I’m happy that Gabrielle found her silver lining in Luciano through the difficult time with her mother. This story just gave me an overall happy and contented feeling and made it so easy to read and you can get lost in this wonderful world.

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

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possessed by Alyssa Drake is a wonderful story to read. This is a wonderful haunting paranormal to read, with the strong wonderful characters and the wonderful story line. I can not wait to see what the author writes next, I highly recommend this story to everyone.

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

[Erika Robles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with this series, and all the magic it brings to the world. The pacing of the story telling is just right, it doesn't feel rushed nor like it's taking too long to develop. It's a fast read only because it flows so well and the characters and story grip you from the beginning. The world of firefly island is being built little by little with what look like side stories while we wait for the main arc, started with the first book, to unfold. Great story telling and an original way of building a world and characters.

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

[Alyssa Drake]

Dedicated to my mother, who passed away one year prior on December 19th. Her heart will live on in these pages.

[Fly Girl Wickedcoolflight blogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read the whole review: https://wickedcoolflight.net/2018/08/...

So I got this on Audible and I really can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this novella. Having heard a bit about her inspiration for this one really peaked my interest. This one really is masterfully done. Her tribute to her mother is exquisite.

A few of the things I really liked about the story: She gives life to the character in the music box which is pretty cool. I love how Gabrielle talks to her fish in the apartment and how she makes it seem as if he is responding. I also like that she brought up a sexist work environment and great strategies to deal with it. Luckily Alyssa’s imagination helps take care of that little problem for Gabrielle.

I’m giving this 5 of 5 because of how rich her story was with emotion, beauty, and love as well as the uniqueness of the fairy tale. Now I will tell you this is narrated by a voice that feels older and is reminiscent of a Grandfather reading a bed time story. It takes a bit to get used to, but the story is truly great and overshadows the narrator.

[Boo Vickery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a short but awesome read!

The story starts with Gabrielle playing cards for her mother, and then the piano. But it all quickly get's very exciting! Gabrielle meets Luciano and everything takes a spin! I loved the connect it seemed that Gabrielle had with her best friend, it felt as if they really had been friends for years, in stead of just a short time through the story.

Luciano was a nice character, I loved getting to know his backstory. I think the romance and chemistry between him and Gabrielle was very nice. Gabrielle's boss was totally rude! He got what was coming for him in the end. The music box... I. Freaking. Love. The. Idea. How a music box could be such a big part of, and make up, an entire story was so neat. I would be scared but also love to have a music box like that!

All in all this story was well worth the time. It's such a fast and simple read, but it was very enjoyable. I didn't want it to end. I need more about these characters!

5 stars! Great job, Ms. Drake!

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to be the one to crash the positive reviews but sadly, for me the story did not work out.
It had an interesting premise and setup that was supposed to catch the reader by heart. In a way, it also did with me, but that was about it. I could not connect to the main characters well - I did manage that in the end with Gabrielle, but Luciano was totally off with me. All the time while I read that I was getting bad vibes from his character, creeps and maybe even a bit of malice, which was totally opposed to the intention. I was literally expecting him to turn out to be a bad guy from the feelings I was getting. The story flow was also a bit jumpy to my taste, not entirely smooth, and there were many places when I stopped to think I'd like to see more depth here, more build-up, more details... the story was not that bad, it simply did not click in with what I was looking for.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possessed is Book 3 of Tales From Firefly Island. Alyssa Drake has created a truly unique and awesome series. The world building and character creation are phenomenal. The story unfolds at a good pace, neither too slow of too fast. There are twists and turns that will ketch you by surprise. The end is quite a surprise, did not see that coming. Want to see more of this series. I highly recommend this book and series. Received a copy from Booksprout and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the title, the cover and the story.
I really enjoyed The Music Box, though it is a quick read it has a love story, another love story, a magical music box, friendship, deals with difficult and sensitive subjects like caring for a parent with dementia, death of a loved one and sexual advances by Gabrielle's boss. And yes a very sexy stranger named Luciano, who changes Gabrielle's life.
If you like a fast passed romance with twists, magic and a happy ending this is the book for you!

[Patricia Cordovez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

Gabrielle is visiting her mother at the assisted living place she had to place her in. She meets Luciano during one visit. Luciano is visiting his grandmother when she hears Gabrielle playing a song on the piano in the day room. His grandmother had a music box that played the same song. Couldn't put this book down. Thank you for a great read.

[Tonia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but not very long.The whole thing overall was rushed and was drama from beginning to end. There wasnt any let up, with it being so short. Okay storyline, but needed more time to develop for the reader to get a feel for the characters.

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

[A.S. McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected

I read the blurb and went into reading this with an already formed expectation. Let me say this is not at all what I expected. It is such an amazing and unique story. I can't wait to try more from this author.