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Tortured Souls #3
River Road
Their love is forbidden by the color of their skin...Charles Moore relishes his dangerous life as the pirate Hatchet. But his past deeds haunt him, and he can't ignore the whispers that New Orleans's Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau herself, has hexed his family.Creole widow Hope Leblonc bristles under the city's Black Codes that stripped her of so many freedoms and forced her practice of voodoo underground. When Hatchet seeks help lifting the curse, she concedes under one condition. He must steal back a family relic she needs to become a mambo in her religion. But they're both holding secrets that endanger their lives. When ghosts from the past exact revenge for the skeletons in the Moore family closet, will Hope and Hatchet discover that love is worth the risk in time to survive the coming darkness?River Road is the riveting third book in the Tortured Souls gothic romance series but can be read as a stand-alone book. If you love strong-spirited heroines and swashbuckling heroes with a secret soft heart, then you'll adore R.C. Matthews' beguiling interracial fantasy! Buy River Road to unleash a passionate love story that cannot be quelled!
- GenresParanormal
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2019
7 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Matthews
82 books286 followersI was born and raised by deaf parents in the Metro-Detroit area along with four siblings. Growing up in a house full of children, there was never a dull moment! We all inherited the reading gene from our father, who is a voracious reader. And the reading gene continues strong in my own two sons. I'm happily married (second time is a charm) to a patient and loving man who always cheers me on from the side-line to pursue my dreams. What more can a girl want?
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 24, 2018
Review details coming soon! 4.5 stars
November 17, 2017
This final book in the Tortured Souls series by R.C. Matthews was a solid, historic paranormal read. She freshens up the series by relocating from England to New Orleans and adding a Creole voodoo priestess into the paranormal mix. I don't read too many voodoo-based paranormal books, so I found this to be a refreshing take on mystic incidents. The paranormal horror factor was markedly less in book three as compared to the first two books, but some of the horrors that humans can inflict on one another remained.
Hatchet - a character from books one and two - is a pirate on a mission to find a voodoo priestess to break a curse. He encounters the lovely Hope, a Creole woman who is on the verge of becoming a voodoo mambo. Since the setting is 20 years after the Civil War, a love affair between Hatchet and Hope is complicated and increasingly fraught with racial prejudice. I enjoyed their love story, but the secrets the couple were hiding were telegraphed from a mile away.
This story was an interesting mash-up of of voodoo and mediums, speaking to spirits from beyond. However, nothing was really a surprise and the mis-directions for the mysteries were too few and far between. The plot flow needed to be a little more seamless and finessed.
In the end, this book is about trust and forgiveness. Keep that in mind as you tiptoe through a sweltering summer in Louisiana where voodoo magic can kill or heal and ghosts seek revenge on the living.
Book source: ARC from NetGalley
Hatchet - a character from books one and two - is a pirate on a mission to find a voodoo priestess to break a curse. He encounters the lovely Hope, a Creole woman who is on the verge of becoming a voodoo mambo. Since the setting is 20 years after the Civil War, a love affair between Hatchet and Hope is complicated and increasingly fraught with racial prejudice. I enjoyed their love story, but the secrets the couple were hiding were telegraphed from a mile away.
This story was an interesting mash-up of of voodoo and mediums, speaking to spirits from beyond. However, nothing was really a surprise and the mis-directions for the mysteries were too few and far between. The plot flow needed to be a little more seamless and finessed.
In the end, this book is about trust and forgiveness. Keep that in mind as you tiptoe through a sweltering summer in Louisiana where voodoo magic can kill or heal and ghosts seek revenge on the living.
Book source: ARC from NetGalley
November 13, 2017
I have loved each book in the Tortured Souls series, and River Road is no different. Matthews has such a talent when it comes to flirting with the dark side of human behavior. Her characters are far from perfect but it is the way they use their flaws to overcome harsh realities and grow into their truer, stronger selves that is so endearing.
I love the world-building in this book, even more so than in the previous books. I’ve never been to New Orleans but the author painted such a vivid picture that I went there easily. The subject matter was real and raw (slavery, post Civil War racism in the South) and I love that Matthews didn’t shy away from that, even though it may upset some readers. If you want historical romance, you’re going to have to endure some history.
Hope and Hatchet were great characters, and especially great together. Talk about a couple who beats the odds! Their journey is one of passion, danger, suspense and ultimately – Hope.
Don’t worry, the usual fare abounds – love, lust and plenty of things that go bump in the night!
I love the world-building in this book, even more so than in the previous books. I’ve never been to New Orleans but the author painted such a vivid picture that I went there easily. The subject matter was real and raw (slavery, post Civil War racism in the South) and I love that Matthews didn’t shy away from that, even though it may upset some readers. If you want historical romance, you’re going to have to endure some history.
Hope and Hatchet were great characters, and especially great together. Talk about a couple who beats the odds! Their journey is one of passion, danger, suspense and ultimately – Hope.
Don’t worry, the usual fare abounds – love, lust and plenty of things that go bump in the night!
November 3, 2017
River Road is the final book in a trilogy by R.C. Matthews. Although it's a trilogy this book could easily be read as a standalone one.
Charles Moore is a pirate who believes his family has been cursed by Marie Laveau. He believes the curse has taken two of his loves, and that his family will all be in danger until he can get the curse lifted.
Hope LeBlonc is a widow, one who has gone from being high up in the echelons of creole society, to one that has lost many of her freedoms since the 'Black Code' was introduced. Now she has to practice her voodoo underground.
Charles approaches Hope and in exchange for helping her retrieve an important family relic, she promises to help him get the curse lifted from his family.
What follows is an amazing story filled with suspense and seduction. The voodoo is fascinating to read about, and what we find out about the curse and the reason for it being cast is very emotional, and not what I was expecting at all. It is such an unusual book, one like I haven't read before, and I loved every minute of it. From the dark voodoo to the possible romance between Charles and Hope, this book kept me hooked from beginning to end. I definitely want to go back and read the other two books in the trilogy now!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Charles Moore is a pirate who believes his family has been cursed by Marie Laveau. He believes the curse has taken two of his loves, and that his family will all be in danger until he can get the curse lifted.
Hope LeBlonc is a widow, one who has gone from being high up in the echelons of creole society, to one that has lost many of her freedoms since the 'Black Code' was introduced. Now she has to practice her voodoo underground.
Charles approaches Hope and in exchange for helping her retrieve an important family relic, she promises to help him get the curse lifted from his family.
What follows is an amazing story filled with suspense and seduction. The voodoo is fascinating to read about, and what we find out about the curse and the reason for it being cast is very emotional, and not what I was expecting at all. It is such an unusual book, one like I haven't read before, and I loved every minute of it. From the dark voodoo to the possible romance between Charles and Hope, this book kept me hooked from beginning to end. I definitely want to go back and read the other two books in the trilogy now!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
November 19, 2017
River Road by R.C. Matthews is book Three in the "Tortured Souls" series. This is the story of Charles Moore and Charles Moore and Hope LeBlonc. I have read the other books in this series but feel this can be a standalone book.
Charles feels his family is cursed and goes forward to find someone to help him. That someone is Hope. Hope strikes a deal with Charles that if he gets back a family treasure she will help him remove the curse.
I really enjoyed this different spin on a Historical Romance..
Charles feels his family is cursed and goes forward to find someone to help him. That someone is Hope. Hope strikes a deal with Charles that if he gets back a family treasure she will help him remove the curse.
I really enjoyed this different spin on a Historical Romance..
November 7, 2017
*This ARC was received in exchange for an honest review*
This is the story of Charles “Hatchet” Moore, a pirate who is trying to discover the scource of what he believes is a curse on his family and if he doesn’t find out, his sisters love will be the next to die.
Charles approaches Hope LeBlanc, a widow and practitioner of VooDoo, she promises to help him with the curse if he retrieves a family relic which is very important to her.
This was an amazing story, where we delved into the voodoo and the prejudices against the creoles in a time after the civil war. Charles and Hope form an attraction to each other, but when he finds out who she really is can he can their love for each other with stand all the prejudices going around.
This was the third book in the “Tortured Souls” series by R.C. Matthews and can be read as a stand alone.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
This is the story of Charles “Hatchet” Moore, a pirate who is trying to discover the scource of what he believes is a curse on his family and if he doesn’t find out, his sisters love will be the next to die.
Charles approaches Hope LeBlanc, a widow and practitioner of VooDoo, she promises to help him with the curse if he retrieves a family relic which is very important to her.
This was an amazing story, where we delved into the voodoo and the prejudices against the creoles in a time after the civil war. Charles and Hope form an attraction to each other, but when he finds out who she really is can he can their love for each other with stand all the prejudices going around.
This was the third book in the “Tortured Souls” series by R.C. Matthews and can be read as a stand alone.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
November 7, 2017
First time in reading this author I was lured in by the promise of what lie within. It did not matter either that this was already third one into this series which could mean trouble. The era and the place will weave it's own spell taking you in right away. Charles whom also is a pirate (one of my favorites which to read when I can) is but a buffer. When the widow Hope approaches him you can feel right away what is starting to simmer. Voodoo being interesting a subject itself is prominent throughout this story adding intrigue and magic. Also throw in ghosts and this author has you hostage. The author will play with you like a spider does the fly but you will love every moment with the pleasure of the reading. When you reach the end then you are let go.
October 30, 2017
This is the third story in a series, however, I never felt lost while reading. It appears each book features one couple. Characters from other books showed up, but I feel nothing was given away so I can go back and read the rest of the series with a fresh mind.
I really enjoyed this story. It was historical with strong suspense and a big dose of paranormal. I don’t see many historical novels set in New Orleans so it was a nice change of pace. The heroine was incredibly strong in a time when women had no voice. I love how the author incorporated diverse characters without it feeling forced. The love story between Hope and Hachette was authentic. I adored the minor characters of Maribeth and Victor too. The author did a good job of not making anyone a complete villain and painting them in shades with a redeeming arc. She even threw in a few actual historical characters. On top of that, there were twists I didn’t see coming. Towards the end, there is a gripping scene that clearly illustrated why the series is called tortured heroes. This is a great read if you love gothic romances full of magical twists.
I really enjoyed this story. It was historical with strong suspense and a big dose of paranormal. I don’t see many historical novels set in New Orleans so it was a nice change of pace. The heroine was incredibly strong in a time when women had no voice. I love how the author incorporated diverse characters without it feeling forced. The love story between Hope and Hachette was authentic. I adored the minor characters of Maribeth and Victor too. The author did a good job of not making anyone a complete villain and painting them in shades with a redeeming arc. She even threw in a few actual historical characters. On top of that, there were twists I didn’t see coming. Towards the end, there is a gripping scene that clearly illustrated why the series is called tortured heroes. This is a great read if you love gothic romances full of magical twists.
May 4, 2018
4.5/5.0
“River Road” is steeped in rich historical detail and sultry New Orleans ambiance.
Read full review in the 2018 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“River Road” is steeped in rich historical detail and sultry New Orleans ambiance.
Read full review in the 2018 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 30, 2017
This was the final book in a series, and while I read it out of order, it didn't make a big difference. I could tell there were other stories, but the information didn't get in the way of this story. I'd like to go back and start from the beginning.
I liked the main characters, but the voodoo aspect of the story was a nice touch and was what brought to reading it.
I'd recommend this story to romance lovers, especially those that like Regency or paranormal romances.
I liked the main characters, but the voodoo aspect of the story was a nice touch and was what brought to reading it.
I'd recommend this story to romance lovers, especially those that like Regency or paranormal romances.
October 14, 2017
This is a fitting end to the trilogy, and also a fine standalone. Unlike the first two books, this one takes place in New Orleans, where Charles Moore, aka Hatchett, is summoned by his ailing mother back to their family plantation. However, upon arrival he learns that his mother is perfectly healthy but once again trying to manipulate him into returning to New Orleans to stay and take over the plantation. While Hatchett has no intention of staying, he does decide to use the opportunity to discover the cause and cure of the curse upon his family. With many twists and turns, and much family drama, Hatchett is pushed to the brink of death as he must decide what is truly important in his life. Along the way, he will face ghosts, voodoo, and even the infamous Marie Laveau! His friends Victor and Mercy (from previous books) accompany him and play a minor supporting role in his story. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historic romance with a touch of the paranormal.
I was given a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2021
Excellent series
Really enjoyed this series, each book has been excellent. Hope this author write lots more books with witch craft, voodoo and talking to ghosts. Great fun
Really enjoyed this series, each book has been excellent. Hope this author write lots more books with witch craft, voodoo and talking to ghosts. Great fun
November 10, 2017
There was much to draw me in to this read. The vibe of New Orleans, voodoo, curses, and a pirate. Love had its own lure. My first read of this series and I did not feel as if I had to stop all progress to read the previous books of the series. There was much to be discovered while becoming immersed in this read.
Wealth, power, privilege, piracy, voodoo, magic, curses, love, loss, culture, all mixed with mystery, suspense, and romance. There was much for me to fall in love with. The loss of one love only to find a new love that was never in the cards. Hope’s life takes on many changes since becoming a widow. She has lost much more than just her husband. She has lost her standing in society, Creole society. Something called the ‘Black Code’ has New Orleans society in a turn. She then had to practice her voodoo in the shadows.
The world of voodoo and piracy had their own allure of mystery, suspense, and sensual seduction. There’s an element of emotional charge surrounding a few aspects of Charles and he curse place upon him and his family. The was an allure of this book that kept me reading from beginning all the way to the end. The emotional aspects was just an extra touch.
This may have been my first read in this trilogy but will not be my last. I intend to go back and read the other two and then re-read River Road.
Tortured Souls series:
Devil’s Cover – Tortured Souls, #1
Blackburn Castle – Tortured Souls, #2
River Road – Tortured Souls, #3
Wealth, power, privilege, piracy, voodoo, magic, curses, love, loss, culture, all mixed with mystery, suspense, and romance. There was much for me to fall in love with. The loss of one love only to find a new love that was never in the cards. Hope’s life takes on many changes since becoming a widow. She has lost much more than just her husband. She has lost her standing in society, Creole society. Something called the ‘Black Code’ has New Orleans society in a turn. She then had to practice her voodoo in the shadows.
The world of voodoo and piracy had their own allure of mystery, suspense, and sensual seduction. There’s an element of emotional charge surrounding a few aspects of Charles and he curse place upon him and his family. The was an allure of this book that kept me reading from beginning all the way to the end. The emotional aspects was just an extra touch.
This may have been my first read in this trilogy but will not be my last. I intend to go back and read the other two and then re-read River Road.
Tortured Souls series:
Devil’s Cover – Tortured Souls, #1
Blackburn Castle – Tortured Souls, #2
River Road – Tortured Souls, #3
November 5, 2017
What's great about this book is that even though it's the 3rd and final book in the series, you can read it as a standalone and not be lost.
A pirate and a voodoo mambo what would they have in common? More than you think! Their world collides in more ways than one!
Charles who goes by Hatchet was taken by Hope the very first time he saw her.
Hope who wasn't really looking for love but maybe companionship is very leery of Hatchet, after all he is a pirate.
He comes from a rich background but doesn't really show it, Hope she comes from a line of voodoo priestess and her dad was rich. The time frame of when the book was written it wasn't common for mixed race relationships, or should I say for them to be public.
There was a lot of mystery, suspense,and don't forget the romance.
I need to go and read the other books. Great read!
A pirate and a voodoo mambo what would they have in common? More than you think! Their world collides in more ways than one!
Charles who goes by Hatchet was taken by Hope the very first time he saw her.
Hope who wasn't really looking for love but maybe companionship is very leery of Hatchet, after all he is a pirate.
He comes from a rich background but doesn't really show it, Hope she comes from a line of voodoo priestess and her dad was rich. The time frame of when the book was written it wasn't common for mixed race relationships, or should I say for them to be public.
There was a lot of mystery, suspense,and don't forget the romance.
I need to go and read the other books. Great read!
September 4, 2018
Tortured souls - each better than the last!
Each book in the series got even better. Twists and turns the whole way through. Sorry it had to end. Doesn't Maribeth deserve her own story? I'd like to read it.
Each book in the series got even better. Twists and turns the whole way through. Sorry it had to end. Doesn't Maribeth deserve her own story? I'd like to read it.
November 6, 2017
This is the first book I've read in the Tortured Souls trilogy and I loved it! I can't wait to read the first two and see the stories of Hatchet's friends.
I was intrigued by the voodoo aspects of this novel, since they were written with such specificity and attention to detail. I liked how the voodoo was integral to the resolution of the story and not a mere gimmick to give the story a mystic vibe.
The setting was eerie, but beautifully Gothic, and befitting for the city of New Orleans. A place I have not been, but felt like I had, because the layout of the city and the streets and the houses were written, as if I was there with the characters experiencing their story with them for the first time.
I just love happy endings and was very pleased that Hope and Hatchet received theirs!
Since, I had no previous knowledge of the other two stories, I'm not quite sure if I needed that information for the beginning of the novel, but there were too many characters to have to keep track of, especially in the first chapter. The men were all named, so I was able to follow who was talking or who was performing an action, but in the first few chapters, I was introduced to ten people, and it was a bit overwhelming, especially since those first five in the first chapter did not play any further part in the River Road novel.
For chapter four, it was very apparent that the narration kept moving between Hope and Hatchet's perspective, it was very difficult to read, since I never knew if after a couple paragraphs I would switch to a new POV or not.
I voluntary received an ARC of this book and chose to leave a honest review.
I was intrigued by the voodoo aspects of this novel, since they were written with such specificity and attention to detail. I liked how the voodoo was integral to the resolution of the story and not a mere gimmick to give the story a mystic vibe.
The setting was eerie, but beautifully Gothic, and befitting for the city of New Orleans. A place I have not been, but felt like I had, because the layout of the city and the streets and the houses were written, as if I was there with the characters experiencing their story with them for the first time.
I just love happy endings and was very pleased that Hope and Hatchet received theirs!
Since, I had no previous knowledge of the other two stories, I'm not quite sure if I needed that information for the beginning of the novel, but there were too many characters to have to keep track of, especially in the first chapter. The men were all named, so I was able to follow who was talking or who was performing an action, but in the first few chapters, I was introduced to ten people, and it was a bit overwhelming, especially since those first five in the first chapter did not play any further part in the River Road novel.
For chapter four, it was very apparent that the narration kept moving between Hope and Hatchet's perspective, it was very difficult to read, since I never knew if after a couple paragraphs I would switch to a new POV or not.
I voluntary received an ARC of this book and chose to leave a honest review.
November 18, 2019
A different historical.
I do not think I have read a book where voodoo played a major part it was very interesting reading. Charles and Hope’s relationship was one of passion and they were great together. The book had suspense and danger as both characters turn to each other for help. I had a hard time putting this book down it caught my attention right from the start. I highly recommend this unexpected an amazing book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I do not think I have read a book where voodoo played a major part it was very interesting reading. Charles and Hope’s relationship was one of passion and they were great together. The book had suspense and danger as both characters turn to each other for help. I had a hard time putting this book down it caught my attention right from the start. I highly recommend this unexpected an amazing book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 4, 2019
I absolutely enjoyed this book! It had all the elements I love in a book, history, romance, magic, and mayhem. I loved Hope & Hatchet together even though they went through so much to get to their happy place. I kinda figured out early on as to the relationship between Hope and Isaac. But as I said I had such a blast reading this that I read it in one sitting. I voluntarily read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 29, 2020
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. 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.
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.
November 19, 2019
The third book in the Tortured Souls series a well written story with a very good storyline. This is Charles Moore/ pirate Hatchet and voodoo priestess and Creole widow Hope Leblonc's story of suspense, drama, danger,and romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2019
River Road is the third book in the series that is an exciting mix of historical facts and magical romance. I must admit that l have not read the previous books but this one was easy to read as a standalone. The author is new to me but I will be checking out more of her work.
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.
November 27, 2019
This is the 5th book I've read written by R.C. Matthews; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2021
It felt like home
I’ve spent all my life outside of New Orleans. R.C.’s ability to capture the heart of a city I treasure is a gift. Curling up with a good book is every readers happy place, but curling up with one that feels like home is rare. This spirit of New Orleans fills everyone of these pages. Magical.
I’ve spent all my life outside of New Orleans. R.C.’s ability to capture the heart of a city I treasure is a gift. Curling up with a good book is every readers happy place, but curling up with one that feels like home is rare. This spirit of New Orleans fills everyone of these pages. Magical.
January 3, 2020
This book hooked me from the beginning. I just couldn’t put it down. I fell for these characters and, what a story just perfect.
November 18, 2019
I have enjoyed every one of this series so far. Each book follows straight from the one before. This is Hatchet's story and introduces Hope the voodoo priestess. The story takes place in New Orleans and in both the city and the family sugarcane plantation. It is a very harrowing tale, full of magic, ghosts and the tragedies which impacted the slaves throughout the civil war. It does not shy away from the brutal truth but also shows the healing power of forgiveness. A beautiful ending for all parties..
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.
January 3, 2019
Charles Moore relishes his dangerous life as the pirate Hatchet, since manning a clipper ship keeps his mind off the role he played in the brutal Civil War. But now an ancient curse has killed two of his loves, and he can’t ignore the whispers that New Orleans’s Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau herself, has hexed his family. Creole widow Hope Leblonc bristles under the city’s Black Codes that have stripped her of so many freedoms and forced her practice of voodoo underground. When Hatchet treats her like the respectable woman she is, she offers him a deal: she’ll lift the curse if he’ll steal back a family relic she needs to become a mambo in her religion. But they’re both holding secrets that endanger their lives. When ghosts from the past exact revenge for the skeletons in the Moore family closet, they reveal a connection between Hope and Hatchet that makes the curse more powerful than ever. Will they discover that love is worth the risk in time to survive the coming darkness?
This was a great book that I enjoyed. While there’s plenty of books that take place in the beautiful New Orleans, I’ve not read many with Voodoo being the basis. I loved both characters and their interactions with each other. While I didn’t read the other books in the series, I will be going back and trying them too. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
This was a great book that I enjoyed. While there’s plenty of books that take place in the beautiful New Orleans, I’ve not read many with Voodoo being the basis. I loved both characters and their interactions with each other. While I didn’t read the other books in the series, I will be going back and trying them too. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews