Bless His Cursed Soul

The Righteous #2

by Meg Collett

Dale Rose-Jinks has a pill problem, and the man trapped in her mirror isn’t helping.

When she learns the mirror man is real, her quest to free him from his prison lands her dead center in a fight between a monster and her best friend, whose actions threaten the broken, beautiful man Dale is falling in love with.

The fallout from their fight with the Skinned Man has left Loey and Jeronimo clutching at the Seam’s tatters. Loey is trapped in the middle of a nightmare where she can trust no one, not even her best friend or the man she could love.

Dale and Loey must uncover the truth about what happened one night in 1956, when an innocent woman was murdered and an explosion blasted two brothers into separate worlds. As they get closer to uncovering the Skinned Man’s identity, the threads of their world and friendship begin to fray.
And when a flesh and blood monster from their past returns, the tatters in their very souls could rip beyond repair.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Mystery

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2019

About the author

Bestselling and award-winning author Meg Collett lives the cozy mountain life in a tiny home in Tennessee with her dogs. Inspired from an early age by her grandmother’s spicey mystery novels, Meg dreamed of writing books of her own one day. Today, with countless stories to her name, she’s known for weaving tales with monsters, bad language, and lots of kissing. When she’s not writing, Meg enjoys coaching rowing, playing video games, and trout fishing. Discover more about her work at megcollett.com.

Reviews

[Jessica ❥Chatterbooks Book Blog❥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Dilushani Jayalath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am yet to understand how alot of people do not know about this book. It is indeed one of the best paranormal books I've read this year. Maybe ever.

The best part of the book is how flawed each character is and how at one point you just want to throw something at every single person. I know it's not the best thing you've got to hear about a book but that is one of the book's charm. Also the fact that the book doesn't put romance in its forefront. The story is more intricately strung around the mystery of the story. Which makes the book even better.

Whilst reading the first book I kept thinking the book reminded me of something else and finally at the end of book 2 I remembered. It had an uncanny resemblance to Stranger Things. Maybe the whole Seam aspect makes it that.

I am really dying now to see the end because believe Ms Collett managed to shock me at every turn and I have no clue what in the world would happen in the end and how she'll manage to wrap the whole story up.

[Karen ⚜Mess⚜ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen to me. Are you listening?

The incredibly talented Meg Collett has gifted us with another heart stopping novel in book 2 of The Righteous series Bless His Cursed Soul. I could not put this down and read it in a day.

In Bless His Cursed Soul the story mainly focuses around Dale and her role in this dramatic turn of events. The people of Righteous have dragged her through the dirt for much of her life never realizing what a true hero she is. She always casts her light on Loey and took the darkness upon herself. Now it's Dale's turn to have something for herself. But at what cost?

MUST read the first book Bless Her Dead Heart before venturing into this one. I promise you both will give you goosebumps.

Meg Collett has created a fantastic story about a small town full of small town drama. A small town with hopes and shattered dreams. A small town teeming with familiarity and superstition. A small town holding secrets and unsung heros.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, so I could give an honest review.

[N Swaffar · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Copy provided by Author, in exchange for an honest review**

Bless His Curse Soul is a great sequel to the Bless Her Dead Heart. I love Loey and Jeronimo, I can’t get enough of those two. I mean I really can’t. I feel like their love for each other is a bunch of teasers. I need more love. As for Dale and her falling in love with Barty. Wow, they fell in love hard so fast. I wasn’t sure about Barty at first, I just hoped that he wasn’t playing with Dale’s heart. The whole time he was there spending time with Dale and making her feel special, in the back of my mind I had questions. Does he really care for Dale? Or is it because she is the first female that was ever around him? I hoped for the best. I cannot wait for the conclusion of this story. I really hope to get more of Loey and Jeronimo.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not love this book any more!! And Dale, how I adore Dale. I loved learning all about her and what makes her tick! This story was everything and more, just as I knew it would be. I am so immersed in this world, I don’t want it to ever end!!
Super duper book 2, bring on 3!!

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 had all the things I loved about book 1 and then some. I really enjoyed seeing Dale's character development. I honestly feel bad for the girl. We got a few new characters and learned so much more about what happened in the past between the James brothers. We also got lots of details and backstory on Loey and Dale. Things ramped up to an ending that was full of action and unfinished business. I'm on my way to buy the final book now. I'm so in love with this southern paranormal story. 🥰

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was going to give it 3 stars but the ending was so good (beware of cliffhangers though)...

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark twisted story continues and leaves me wondering about the voices in this author's head that had her creating such a crazy, emotional, mesmerizing read. These characters have led a twisted deranged life behind lies and fear, to hold a place in the community. Using a death to cover a deed, framing a man for said death because of those deeds, has doomed them all. Now that the past and the present converge and hell has come to town. It's no longer a secret and as all of the players gather and fight among themselves the truth is coming out but is it soon enough. It isn't over and yes she killed us with a cliffhanger, but that's okay since I need time to recover. Don't blink because you might miss something. Hopefully it wont follow you into your dreams or have people thinking your crazy. Watch those mirrors though because you never know what might be lurking on the other side.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the plot was pretty thick in the first book but this one becomes even more complicated and mysterious with a side of crazy. And these cliffhangers are killing me. All that aside I am hooked on how this is going to end so I'm ready for the next book..

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Caution: mild spoilers.**

When I finished the first book in the series, _Bless Her Dead Heart_, I wondered in what direction the second book would go. There were hints, of course, and I could see a some of the open ends, but there was still a lot of room for expansion and elaboration.

Then, I read the blurb about this book and saw that Dale was going to figure more heavily in the second book, and I wondered if this was going to be a series where each new book would spotlight a different character. I've liked series like that in the past, but I was a little concerned that some of Loey's loose ends would go unresolved.

After reading the book, I'm happy to say that it was a pleasant blending of both. Dale did get her own, very compelling storyline, and Loey's story also continued on from the last book, the two intertwining in a series of intense and emotional developments that raised just as many questions as they answered.

More of Dale's personal history was revealed, helping to flesh out her character and the basis for her motivations, and while this book was less about Loey than the last one, she still got to do some interesting things and raise some more questions about her legacy as a Tender and the history of Righteous.

We also got to meet some new characters, or see previously mentioned characters fleshed out a bit, which only served to add dimension and flavor to the series' world. I love when characters have quirks, like Tabi having such an expansive aviary. I bet she has some curious stories in her past.

I also enjoyed the introduction of the dark, gritty nature of the pocket world across the Seam, and was able to get a good mental picture of what it looked and felt like. It made me wonder who the other ghosts were and how they got trapped on that side. Were they all just unsalted natural deaths, or was there something more to their stories, too?

All in all, a great read that continues to blend a cast of southern characters with a wild twist of paranormal energy that makes things much more thought-provoking and entertaining than a straight mystery tale. And now we have a monster on the loose that needs to be caught and handled, Jeronimo to rescue (if Frankie will allow it...?) and a lot more questions to explore. Bring on book #3!

[Kelly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and twisted sequel in the Righteous series!

“I’ll be fine.” Those three last words had become a mantra, if matras were lies people told themselves to feel better.

Everyone has those “I’ll be fine” moments but it is so true in this installment. This starts off in Dale’s point of view when she was supposed to go to rehab but instead ends up uncovering information about the “man in the mirror”. Dale is on a mission. This man she is falling in love with and now she must save him. Dale finds out that Loey is keeping him trapped in there and has to confront her best friend about same. As Dale’s and Loey’s friendship is truly tested so is the relationship between the two brothers that they are falling in love with, Barty and Jeronimo. The story continues as they try and find out who the Skinned Man is and exactly what happened to Frankie.

This story is full of twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages because we all must know exactly what happened. Just when I thought I might have it figured out a new twist is thrown in the mix. Righteous really is full of dark secrets and crazy pasts. As the truth continues to unfold more questions need answered. The past and present are coming together and then the crazy really begins. The world building is phenomenal and will keep you immersed in the thrills.

“The price of having a best friend who was closer than a sister was the type of pain she could inflict. They knew all the secrets. Knew where all the bodies were buried. They knew all your weakest spots because they’d held you at your weakest. That information, turned around and pointed back at your heart -- well, it could cut like a razor blade.”

Above is the perfect quote for Dale and Loey. This is an amazing story of friendship and betrayal. I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Keep the crazy coming in Righteous!!!

[Tyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I missed the two of Righteous. I wanted more Jeromino, Loey, and Dale. These are the characters I loved the most. I liked Cross and tolerated Travis. There were so many unanswered questions from Bless Her Dead Heart. I was hoping and praying more would be revealed in Bless His Cursed Soul.

I didn't know what to make of Barty, Jeromino's brother. Was he the good guy? Was he the bad guy? What was his feeling towards Dale? It was definitely a mystery. Jeromino was still, well, Jeromino. He still had a lot to make up for. He did things in his past life, which couldn't be easily explained away. Dale... I felt for her. I truly did. She wanted to be loved and appreciated. I'm just worried it might cost her. This isn't the conclusion to the Righteous series. There might be answers to some questions but there are other questions and answers floating in the wind.

[Nicole Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book begins a month before the first book ended and in Dale's POV. We learn a TON about Dale; her addiction, her relationship with her Mother, brother Cross, grandmother Helene, and Loey. She's also in love with the man in the mirror. What a mess life is for these people in Righetous, Tennessee. Some questions brought over from the first book which fester in this one are answered in the end only to bring up more questions. The way this book ended sets up the next book beautifully. Bless His Cursed Soul is an awesome, mysterious, unique paranormal story. The story gets better and deeper with each book.

I read an arc and willingly posted my review.

[Lauren Wulf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Righteous series delivers with Dale’s perspective shining a light on the man in the mirror, one Bartholomew James. Dale’s story is so tightly woven with Loey’s because of their past. A past only they know the truth about. Along with the man in the mirror. For now. When love and lies seemingly brings two friends to be at odds with each other, which will prevail? Can they set aside their own desires for the greater good? Or will the storm brewing destroy everything they’ve worked so hard for? You’ve got to read Bless His Cursed Soul to find out!

[Angela Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-plus stars!

"I could love you, Loey Grace Keene." Those words kill me each time. I'm a romantic at heart, and I simply adore this book, the entire series. It's action packed throughout, but not without it's heart-stopping moments.

I'll read this series again and again. It's unique and beautiful in its own supernatural way. And "I'm fine" takes on a whole new meaning. Who, or what woman hasn't said those words while hiding behind a mask of their own?

Give this series a shot by starting with book one. You won't be disappointed.

[Terri Weitze · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like Meg Collett a lot; this book was okay - just. It flips back and forth between different times, and it doesn't work as smoothly as one would hope. I usually don't have trouble following this type of writing, but this time, I'd be going - how did I get here? Also, I don't like books that end with a cliff-hanger, which this one does. It's the second in a series; and really is not stand alone. Because I like Collett's writing so much, I am going to try the next book in the series in hopes that it is better than this one.

[Sharon Obelenus Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me a good book does 2 things. 1 it draws you in and 2 makes me read it completely through without stopping. And this story does that! Secrets are being revealed. SLOWLY. But, are the ones needed going to be the ones needed to save the town? 5 went up the mountain that fateful day, but exactly how many made it down? All Hell is about to break loose in the small town, does Loey have what it takes to fix this on her own??

[Denise Luscan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good continuation of the first book. Excellent writing and so fast paced. All of the characters stories coming together to show the whole picture. I love how we get to see everything from Dale's POV. Really great series. This is the first time I've read anything by Meg Collett and I've really been enjoying her writing style. I seriously zoomed through this and I can't wait until I get to read the next one.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling tale of creepy small town paranormal secrets and a woman who tends the seams the present one world from crossing over into hers.A curse that places two brothers on opposite sides of the mirror world, murders and rumors about the incidents and who was really there. Spooky read but very enjoyable keeping the reader on the edge of their chair and arriving at the end only to learn there is still another book to read. Whoopee and reading glasses at the ready!

[Alan T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loey & Jeronimo, Dale & Barty,

Loey is trying to learn more about her family heritage as a minder. Her relationship with Jeronimo is on again, off again. Dale is trying to find out about Bartholomew (Barty) and whether she can have a relationship with him.

Characterization and plotting are good.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bless His Cursed Soul

A thrilling sequel to this twisted series. Lies, secrets and betrayals are exposed and torn open leaving us wondering what will happen next. I enjoyed uncovering more of the mystery of the past and can’t wait to read what comes next.

[Heidi R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series will keep you on the edge of your seat!

[Valerie Worster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Great continuation of the story. Dale plays a much larger part, and I didn't always like her, but it moved the story along.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLY MOLY?!?!?!?!

This was a wild ride. I can’t believe it left me hanging, poor Travis, Cross is broken. And I can’t believe all the rest. I need book 3 now. NOW.

I just read my friends review...she is dead on. This book is twisty, with a big ole side of crazy.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you into a different world. You will want to keep reading.

[Donna Dufault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced with a quirky southern twist

This. Story can stand on its own but even better if you have read the first book in this series.