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Tortured Souls #1
Devil's Cove
When a blind medium is hired by a notorious pirate to help him explore Devil’s Cove Manor and exact revenge on his enemies, they’re swept up in a storm of intrigue and passion.
Feared as ‘The Devil’ on the high seas, Captain Devlin Limmerick is lured to a haunted manor by an unquenchable thirst for revenge. It is a thirst matched only by his hunger for the powerful medium he has coerced to aid him. Her presence at the manor invites strange, inexplicable happenings, forcing him to believe nothing is as dead as it seems. Especially his heart.
Grace has spent more time with the dead than the living. Blinded from youth and touched with an ability to communicate beyond the grave, she has been feared by the uneasy town folk. Yet she is powerless against the unrest brewing within the manor walls and finds herself wickedly drawn to the Devil’s darkness. Still, she refuses to sacrifice her soul to set Devlin’s unspeakable plan in motion.
Evil lurks within Devil Cove Manor’s walls. Plunged into the throes of passion and danger, they discover the only way out is to search deep within and summon the courage to believe in love.
Feared as ‘The Devil’ on the high seas, Captain Devlin Limmerick is lured to a haunted manor by an unquenchable thirst for revenge. It is a thirst matched only by his hunger for the powerful medium he has coerced to aid him. Her presence at the manor invites strange, inexplicable happenings, forcing him to believe nothing is as dead as it seems. Especially his heart.
Grace has spent more time with the dead than the living. Blinded from youth and touched with an ability to communicate beyond the grave, she has been feared by the uneasy town folk. Yet she is powerless against the unrest brewing within the manor walls and finds herself wickedly drawn to the Devil’s darkness. Still, she refuses to sacrifice her soul to set Devlin’s unspeakable plan in motion.
Evil lurks within Devil Cove Manor’s walls. Plunged into the throes of passion and danger, they discover the only way out is to search deep within and summon the courage to believe in love.
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2019
55 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Matthews
81 books285 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 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 2, 2016
3.45 stars
This book is an interesting mix of horror and historical romance. It begins with a disturbing massacre, only to tone down and focus more on the relationship between the two main characters.
First of all I'm a historical romance fan, so Devil's Cove fit me perfectly. If you are a huge horror fan, you might find the book lacking as there where little scary moments. Also, at one point I wished for the demon to get her revenge. I find her extremely humanized, with very good reasons for her anger and somewhat of a good reason for what she's doing.
Then, there is sex in Devil's Cove. Not the disturbing kind one usually finds in horror books, but the more romantic, toned down one from HRs. Grace finds herself attracted both to Devlin, and to the demon who hunts her dreams. I must say, I was a little surprised when she talked about her dreams with Devlin. And I'm always amazed with the virgins in this kind of books. They are not really shy, and act almost as perfect mistresses. But who knows? Maybe in this case, the dreams educated her in that department.
Devlin is your typical HR hero: an arrogant aristocrat with a mind set on revenge. I find the way he treats Grace quite despicable at times. He uses her with very little remorse. And at the prospect of bringing her more suffering with his words, he's ok with it as he'll make amends afterwards. On the other hand, she takes his bullying, makes excuses for him, and moves forward too easily. I dislike that. There are times when he just deserves a slap across the face.
At the end of the day, this was an enjoyable read. I got romance, a hunted mansion, pirates and a demon.
*Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is an interesting mix of horror and historical romance. It begins with a disturbing massacre, only to tone down and focus more on the relationship between the two main characters.
Shrouded in unspeakable horror and spoken of only in whispers, the abandoned Devil's Cove Manor lures Captain Devlin Limmerick and his unquenchable thirst for revenge to its doors. Feared as the Devil on the high seas, the pirate’s desire to avenge his past is matched only by his hunger for the powerful young medium he has coerced to aid him in his nefarious quest.
Blinded from youth and touched with an ability to communicate beyond the grave, Grace is both feared and revered by the uneasy town folk. Yet she is powerless against the unrest brewing within the manor walls and finds herself drawn to the Devil's darkness. Still, she refuses to sacrifice her soul to set Devlin’s unspeakable plans in motion.
But an evil lurks within these walls, and their very souls are in jeopardy. Grace’s presence at the manor spurs inexplicable happenings, forcing Devlin to believe nothing is as dead as it seems—not even his heart. Plunged into the throes of passion and danger, they discover the only way out is to search deep within and summon the courage to believe in true love.
First of all I'm a historical romance fan, so Devil's Cove fit me perfectly. If you are a huge horror fan, you might find the book lacking as there where little scary moments. Also, at one point I wished for the demon to get her revenge. I find her extremely humanized, with very good reasons for her anger and somewhat of a good reason for what she's doing.
Then, there is sex in Devil's Cove. Not the disturbing kind one usually finds in horror books, but the more romantic, toned down one from HRs. Grace finds herself attracted both to Devlin, and to the demon who hunts her dreams. I must say, I was a little surprised when she talked about her dreams with Devlin. And I'm always amazed with the virgins in this kind of books. They are not really shy, and act almost as perfect mistresses. But who knows? Maybe in this case, the dreams educated her in that department.
Devlin is your typical HR hero: an arrogant aristocrat with a mind set on revenge. I find the way he treats Grace quite despicable at times. He uses her with very little remorse. And at the prospect of bringing her more suffering with his words, he's ok with it as he'll make amends afterwards. On the other hand, she takes his bullying, makes excuses for him, and moves forward too easily. I dislike that. There are times when he just deserves a slap across the face.
At the end of the day, this was an enjoyable read. I got romance, a hunted mansion, pirates and a demon.
*Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2016
Devil’s Cove by R.C. Matthews would make a good special effects movie. It’s got Victorian Gothic suspense, paranormal demons, psychic abilities, horror, violence, predatory lust and a redemptive love story. The beginning erupts with a graphically violent attack that catapults the reader straight into nightmarish horror. Subsequently, scene snapshots jump in time, location and character. It took me a little while to get my bearings. Then Brother Anselm, the portly holy man who mentors the blind medium, enters the picture and everything seems to calm down. I adored him straightaway and prayed he wouldn’t end up in the dead heap like so many likable sidekicks in the horror genre.
His protégé is 23-year-old Grace, a woman gifted with the ability to interact with spirits. Blind since childhood, her inability to see is at times an asset and at times a hindrance. For entire chapters I would forget she was blind while her other senses provided context. Grace is invited to Devil’s Cove for her psychic tools, but Devlin and Grace soon find themselves exploring a most inconvenient attraction.
“I dare not voice my thoughts aloud.”
With these words, R.C. Matthews locked me into the suspense of the story, and therefore the rest of the book. I was at turns spooked and swooning. Aside from the scattered beginning, the pacing of this suspense novel was sound and the deeper you get into it, the more you realize there is no good way out for either Grace or Devlin. Devlin proves to be a black-hearted scoundrel, selfish in his revenge. His PTSD-fueled tantrums and impetuousness place Grace in mortal danger. Fear and shame keep both main characters from sharing important details in this paranormal trap, and it will be impossible for everyone to escape unscathed. This book is truly creepy in a deeply personal way.
Devil’s Cove suffers from an over-abundance of moving pieces, where threads could have been better sustained. The Gothic Romance cover is a genteel wrap around evil themes and a host of dead bodies. While the love story is central to the plot, the horror and Devlin’s duplicity create an untenable distance. In my eyes, Devlin’s greatest failing was his inability to place true value in the talent and goodness of Grace. Her name is indicative of her strength. In the end, I think she was braver than he.
“It amazed her that these enlightened men could allow for the existence of Hell, yet fail to accept the existence of Heaven.”
Devlin is dark enough, and has such ambition for revenge, that this novel lives up to its romantic suspense tag. At times I felt he would embrace the hero moniker and put Grace’s needs above his own. Then circumstances, doubt, evil machinations or a self-sacrificing heroine would buckle that road to happily-ever-after. The suspense will keep you enthralled up to the very end.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and publisher Crimson Romance for an honest review.
His protégé is 23-year-old Grace, a woman gifted with the ability to interact with spirits. Blind since childhood, her inability to see is at times an asset and at times a hindrance. For entire chapters I would forget she was blind while her other senses provided context. Grace is invited to Devil’s Cove for her psychic tools, but Devlin and Grace soon find themselves exploring a most inconvenient attraction.
“I dare not voice my thoughts aloud.”
With these words, R.C. Matthews locked me into the suspense of the story, and therefore the rest of the book. I was at turns spooked and swooning. Aside from the scattered beginning, the pacing of this suspense novel was sound and the deeper you get into it, the more you realize there is no good way out for either Grace or Devlin. Devlin proves to be a black-hearted scoundrel, selfish in his revenge. His PTSD-fueled tantrums and impetuousness place Grace in mortal danger. Fear and shame keep both main characters from sharing important details in this paranormal trap, and it will be impossible for everyone to escape unscathed. This book is truly creepy in a deeply personal way.
Devil’s Cove suffers from an over-abundance of moving pieces, where threads could have been better sustained. The Gothic Romance cover is a genteel wrap around evil themes and a host of dead bodies. While the love story is central to the plot, the horror and Devlin’s duplicity create an untenable distance. In my eyes, Devlin’s greatest failing was his inability to place true value in the talent and goodness of Grace. Her name is indicative of her strength. In the end, I think she was braver than he.
“It amazed her that these enlightened men could allow for the existence of Hell, yet fail to accept the existence of Heaven.”
Devlin is dark enough, and has such ambition for revenge, that this novel lives up to its romantic suspense tag. At times I felt he would embrace the hero moniker and put Grace’s needs above his own. Then circumstances, doubt, evil machinations or a self-sacrificing heroine would buckle that road to happily-ever-after. The suspense will keep you enthralled up to the very end.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and publisher Crimson Romance for an honest review.
August 16, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up.
I love a good gothic tale and this one is pretty darn good. Pirates, ghosts, demons, a haunted mansion?
Yes, please!
Grace was an interesting character and I love that despite being blind the author made her strong and courageous without crossing over into overcompensating. That's a hard line to get right and it was done masterfully here. The side characters were also highly entertaining. Devlin was sexy and commading and twisted my heart into pieces a fair bit.
The plot was unique and engaging. However, some of the pieces of the story didn't fit as smoothly together as I would have liked. There were some jarring moments, and a fair bit of emotional whiplash that I'll admit is a trigger for me.
All in all, though, this was a fine gothic tale to curl up with on a stormy night. And if you happen to hear some slithering behind you as you read, don't worry, that's just the gatekeeper of hell coming to keep you warm!
I love a good gothic tale and this one is pretty darn good. Pirates, ghosts, demons, a haunted mansion?
Yes, please!
Grace was an interesting character and I love that despite being blind the author made her strong and courageous without crossing over into overcompensating. That's a hard line to get right and it was done masterfully here. The side characters were also highly entertaining. Devlin was sexy and commading and twisted my heart into pieces a fair bit.
The plot was unique and engaging. However, some of the pieces of the story didn't fit as smoothly together as I would have liked. There were some jarring moments, and a fair bit of emotional whiplash that I'll admit is a trigger for me.
All in all, though, this was a fine gothic tale to curl up with on a stormy night. And if you happen to hear some slithering behind you as you read, don't worry, that's just the gatekeeper of hell coming to keep you warm!
September 11, 2016
This was a very interesting shift in genre for this author. An intriguing gothic tale full of dark and interesting characters set in Devil's Cove in a haunted mansion. The opening scene sucked me in with the half woman/half serpent who has her heart set on revenge. A demon named Josephine who holds the key to the gates of hell.
The tale that follows is a suspenseful journey of a Pirate named Devlin and a blind Medium named Grace. Devlin hired Grace to rid the mansion of the spirits that are lurking in it's walls. But, there is so much more to the mission than Grace was led to believe. Devlin has a much more deceitful mission in which she refuses to participate. Will Devlin choose to follow his heart and his growing love for Grace. Or, follow his desire for revenge?
Josephine the demon enjoys toying with Grace and encouraging her to embrace her dark side as a medium. Grace is being pulled between light and dark and isn't sure who she can trust. Josephine often comes to her in her dreams and toys with her sexual desires.
This is a dark but also spiritual journey for the characters as they attempt to help save the souls of the lost in the mansion. And, also their own. If you are not fond of stories that have a spiritual undertone then this is not the book for you! This is a book in which the characters rely heavily on their faith and prayer and use these tools in helping spirits find peace so they can cross over into heaven. I mention this only because some other reviewers gave this book a very low rating because of this theme. So, just an FYI if this is something you like to know about in advance.
There are also some scenes involving Male/Male and Female/Female encounters which are not entirely consensual so one or both may elicit negative triggers for some. If you do not like this type of content then proceed with caution. I have read many books with dark content so this was not an issue for me.
This was an intriguing and fast paced read that I would recommend to fans of gothic/Victorian romance and those who do not have a problem with spiritual undertones. An entertaining and suspenseful read and definitely hit the spot for me... I was definitely in the mood for something a little different.
Many thanks to the author for the Advanced copy!
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Book Babblers
The tale that follows is a suspenseful journey of a Pirate named Devlin and a blind Medium named Grace. Devlin hired Grace to rid the mansion of the spirits that are lurking in it's walls. But, there is so much more to the mission than Grace was led to believe. Devlin has a much more deceitful mission in which she refuses to participate. Will Devlin choose to follow his heart and his growing love for Grace. Or, follow his desire for revenge?
Josephine the demon enjoys toying with Grace and encouraging her to embrace her dark side as a medium. Grace is being pulled between light and dark and isn't sure who she can trust. Josephine often comes to her in her dreams and toys with her sexual desires.
This is a dark but also spiritual journey for the characters as they attempt to help save the souls of the lost in the mansion. And, also their own. If you are not fond of stories that have a spiritual undertone then this is not the book for you! This is a book in which the characters rely heavily on their faith and prayer and use these tools in helping spirits find peace so they can cross over into heaven. I mention this only because some other reviewers gave this book a very low rating because of this theme. So, just an FYI if this is something you like to know about in advance.
There are also some scenes involving Male/Male and Female/Female encounters which are not entirely consensual so one or both may elicit negative triggers for some. If you do not like this type of content then proceed with caution. I have read many books with dark content so this was not an issue for me.
This was an intriguing and fast paced read that I would recommend to fans of gothic/Victorian romance and those who do not have a problem with spiritual undertones. An entertaining and suspenseful read and definitely hit the spot for me... I was definitely in the mood for something a little different.
Many thanks to the author for the Advanced copy!
Follow us on
KT Book Reviews
Come join our book club and become a K&T Babbler!
Book Babblers
May 22, 2020
Devil's Cove is a true 'gothic romance' in the old fashioned definition. Set in the Victorian era, it features a spooky, haunted mansion somewhere on the northwest coast of Britain. Devlin, the hero is a brooding, handsome-but-scarred, nobleman. Grace, the heroine, pure and beleaguered. Both hero and heroine have suffered brutality and tragedy, leaving Devlin angry and vengeful but retaining glimmers of honor and decency. Grace has risen above her trials to serve her community and fight the forces of darkness.
I was surprised to see such a low star average. I suspect that this story is so far out of the mainstream that readers don't know what to expect. It is too dark for a classic, 'feel good', historical romance. The descriptions of violence and abuse are very much 'horror'. But it doesn't meet the classification of 'dark romance' or 'dark erotica', lacking the elements of abuse common in that sub-genre. The relationship between Chloe and Devlin follows classic romance storytelling, allowing reasonable time frames for both affection and passion to develop. The narrative is compelling - both in terms of the good versus evil battle and the characters' battle with themselves to overcome their pasts. The steamy bits are steamy, flow naturally from the storyline, and are not overly detailed or extended. And, it has the romance mandatory HEA.
For me, a few minor flaws kept this from a five star read. They might not bother others. First, the appearance of anachronistic expressions. For example, characters in the 19th century did not go 'ballistic'. That term refers to the violence of ballistic missiles, a 20th century invention. The second, more than one significant plot point relied on a character acting on bad information/communication that they should have suspected. Once in a book - okay. Everyone blows it now and then. Multiple? It got to be a bit much.
All in all, a riveting read and I recommend it to anyone who likes action/adventure/suspense with their romance or paranormal romance.
I was surprised to see such a low star average. I suspect that this story is so far out of the mainstream that readers don't know what to expect. It is too dark for a classic, 'feel good', historical romance. The descriptions of violence and abuse are very much 'horror'. But it doesn't meet the classification of 'dark romance' or 'dark erotica', lacking the elements of abuse common in that sub-genre. The relationship between Chloe and Devlin follows classic romance storytelling, allowing reasonable time frames for both affection and passion to develop. The narrative is compelling - both in terms of the good versus evil battle and the characters' battle with themselves to overcome their pasts. The steamy bits are steamy, flow naturally from the storyline, and are not overly detailed or extended. And, it has the romance mandatory HEA.
For me, a few minor flaws kept this from a five star read. They might not bother others. First, the appearance of anachronistic expressions. For example, characters in the 19th century did not go 'ballistic'. That term refers to the violence of ballistic missiles, a 20th century invention. The second, more than one significant plot point relied on a character acting on bad information/communication that they should have suspected. Once in a book - okay. Everyone blows it now and then. Multiple? It got to be a bit much.
All in all, a riveting read and I recommend it to anyone who likes action/adventure/suspense with their romance or paranormal romance.
August 15, 2016
5 nightmare-bringing stars!
I'm not kidding. I read this at night before bed and suffered for it in my dreams. THAT'S how creepy-good it is.
Captain Devlin Limmerick is hell-bent on revenge, a mission that draws him to the haunted mansion in Devil's Cove. It's the only thing in England with a scarier reputation than his. And with good reason, let me assure you. He must hire a medium to rid the ghosts...and perform a much darker task he has in mind. But he doesn't count on that medium being the strong and willful Grace, whose goodness is stronger than his or any other power of ill-intent. He is drawn to her light.
Grace may be blind, but she can see the darkness strangling the captain, and what begins as fear turns into a fierce desire to save him from himself and the damning path he's set them upon. But never before has she faced a foe so powerful, and never before has she doubted her own heart, mind and strength. But she is the last hope. If she fails, not only will they lose their souls. They'll lose their love.
This is a tale full of passion, emotion, angst and suspense. Matthews has woven a gothic world in which I found myself tearing through the pages and looking over my shoulder in the dark of night. It freaked me out. It warmed my heart. It made me cringe, and it made me cheer. That's what I look for in my five-star reads. THANK YOU!
I'm not kidding. I read this at night before bed and suffered for it in my dreams. THAT'S how creepy-good it is.
Captain Devlin Limmerick is hell-bent on revenge, a mission that draws him to the haunted mansion in Devil's Cove. It's the only thing in England with a scarier reputation than his. And with good reason, let me assure you. He must hire a medium to rid the ghosts...and perform a much darker task he has in mind. But he doesn't count on that medium being the strong and willful Grace, whose goodness is stronger than his or any other power of ill-intent. He is drawn to her light.
Grace may be blind, but she can see the darkness strangling the captain, and what begins as fear turns into a fierce desire to save him from himself and the damning path he's set them upon. But never before has she faced a foe so powerful, and never before has she doubted her own heart, mind and strength. But she is the last hope. If she fails, not only will they lose their souls. They'll lose their love.
This is a tale full of passion, emotion, angst and suspense. Matthews has woven a gothic world in which I found myself tearing through the pages and looking over my shoulder in the dark of night. It freaked me out. It warmed my heart. It made me cringe, and it made me cheer. That's what I look for in my five-star reads. THANK YOU!
August 26, 2016
I got sucked in by the cover of this book, and thoughts of a creepy gothic tale. A spooky castle, ghosts and paranormal aspects, unique characters with dark pasts, and a troubled romance sound like a recipe for success. I was most excited about Devil's Cove Manor - the spooky manse that was the site of a gruesome tragedy where a mythical monster, known as the gatekeeper to hell, murdered the attendants at a grand ball. I love haunted mansion tales where the house itself becomes a character in the story.
The heroine, Grace, became a medium after she was blinded as a child. Wearing prosthetic glass eyes and communicating with ghosts has done nothing to endear Grace to the community of Devil's Cove, and many say she is mad like her mother. She quickly finds herself between a rock and a hard place - facing commitment to an insane asylum or a moving into the haunted manor that may really drive her insane. For all of Grace's battling good and evil spirits, she was on the naive side. I guess most of that can be attributed to living at a monastery most of her life. I really liked her companion and helper, Brother Anselm. While his religious nature came off as endearing and sweet, the same fervor from Grace made her seem sanctimonious and judgy. I wish I could have connected to Grace's character better, but there was just something missing there.
Captain Devlin Limmerick is a notorious pirate who has returned to Devil's Cove to claim his birthright. Devlin lived through horrors worse than any Grace could have imagined, and his physical and emotional scars drive his unyielding need for vengeance. Devlin was a quandary to me... he was caring one moment and placing Grace on a pedestal, and before you could blink he would be tearing her down and threatening to commit her to an asylum. His behavior gave me whiplash several times, and I found that I could not really get behind him as a hero. Even though I agree that his mother needed to be dealt with, I didn't like that he was so ready to betray those closest to him.
I did enjoy the gothic aspects of the story mentioned above. The haunted manse and spirit inhabitants were interesting, and some of the secondary characters were endearing. Josephine, the lamia and gatekeeper to hell was hit or miss... sometimes she was creepy and sometimes it felt forced. Actually, I a good portion of the story felt forced to me, particularly the romance between Grace and Devlin. I didn't feel any chemistry between them, and I was hoping to feel more conflict from Devlin when deciding what was more important - his revenge plot or his saving Grace. There was quite a bit of content that was of a darker sexual nature in this book, but it seemed to be more for shock value than anything else. It didn't seem essential to the story and it just stuck out in the story like it was out of place. I found it odd that the sexual abuse and forced attraction aspects were more explicit than the intimate moments between the hero and heroine.
So while the story had good potential, it didn't live up to my expectations. It dragged in parts and I lost interest in some of the minutia, so I started skimming once I hit the three-quarter mark. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 2.5 stars / 3 flames. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
The heroine, Grace, became a medium after she was blinded as a child. Wearing prosthetic glass eyes and communicating with ghosts has done nothing to endear Grace to the community of Devil's Cove, and many say she is mad like her mother. She quickly finds herself between a rock and a hard place - facing commitment to an insane asylum or a moving into the haunted manor that may really drive her insane. For all of Grace's battling good and evil spirits, she was on the naive side. I guess most of that can be attributed to living at a monastery most of her life. I really liked her companion and helper, Brother Anselm. While his religious nature came off as endearing and sweet, the same fervor from Grace made her seem sanctimonious and judgy. I wish I could have connected to Grace's character better, but there was just something missing there.
Captain Devlin Limmerick is a notorious pirate who has returned to Devil's Cove to claim his birthright. Devlin lived through horrors worse than any Grace could have imagined, and his physical and emotional scars drive his unyielding need for vengeance. Devlin was a quandary to me... he was caring one moment and placing Grace on a pedestal, and before you could blink he would be tearing her down and threatening to commit her to an asylum. His behavior gave me whiplash several times, and I found that I could not really get behind him as a hero. Even though I agree that his mother needed to be dealt with, I didn't like that he was so ready to betray those closest to him.
I did enjoy the gothic aspects of the story mentioned above. The haunted manse and spirit inhabitants were interesting, and some of the secondary characters were endearing. Josephine, the lamia and gatekeeper to hell was hit or miss... sometimes she was creepy and sometimes it felt forced. Actually, I a good portion of the story felt forced to me, particularly the romance between Grace and Devlin. I didn't feel any chemistry between them, and I was hoping to feel more conflict from Devlin when deciding what was more important - his revenge plot or his saving Grace. There was quite a bit of content that was of a darker sexual nature in this book, but it seemed to be more for shock value than anything else. It didn't seem essential to the story and it just stuck out in the story like it was out of place. I found it odd that the sexual abuse and forced attraction aspects were more explicit than the intimate moments between the hero and heroine.
So while the story had good potential, it didn't live up to my expectations. It dragged in parts and I lost interest in some of the minutia, so I started skimming once I hit the three-quarter mark. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 2.5 stars / 3 flames. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
August 20, 2016
A good Gothic of ghosts, demons, a haunted manor and pirates. The tale is set in 1880 England when Captain Devlin Limmerick arrives at the Devil Cove Manor, an estate he won in a bet. He is seeking revenge with he hopes the help of a blind medium - Grace. But evil is everywhere.
I really liked the setting, the style of writing, and of course the characters, especially Devlin.
A NetGalley Book
I really liked the setting, the style of writing, and of course the characters, especially Devlin.
A NetGalley Book
October 26, 2016
I received this free book in exchange for a review. I don't as a rule read paranormal stories but this one caught my interest. It's about a young lady who is a medium and has been asked to rid a whole ballroom of spirits who have been murdered. I had a hard time putting it down and lost a night's sleep trying to finish it. I believe I will start reading more stories of this type.
November 8, 2019
A truly gothic tale filled with the paranormal that was very suspenseful. When I read the first page, I had no idea where that was heading but it weaves into the story and the characters. The setting of a haunted mansion that none in the village of Devil's Cove want to go near. A terrible massacre occured a few years back and the souls are still there it seems.
A Captain bent on revenge buys it and moves in but he needs a medium to help him get rid of the ghost and that is the heroine Grace. She has been blind since a young age but is able to sense and talk with the dead.
All I can say is read this in the daylight and prepare to think about it long after the last page is turned! Totally different but I have to say, so intriguing and I did enjoy it!
A Captain bent on revenge buys it and moves in but he needs a medium to help him get rid of the ghost and that is the heroine Grace. She has been blind since a young age but is able to sense and talk with the dead.
All I can say is read this in the daylight and prepare to think about it long after the last page is turned! Totally different but I have to say, so intriguing and I did enjoy it!
April 16, 2021
Kept me in suspense
From start to finish I was on the edge of seat. Starting the next one immediately. It had a Beauty and the Beast feel to it.
From start to finish I was on the edge of seat. Starting the next one immediately. It had a Beauty and the Beast feel to it.
September 29, 2016
4 Ghostly Stars
"They call me the Devil for a reason. You're the gatekeeper to Hell, so that makes you my bitch." … and that's why Captain Devlin Limmerick is a smack-daddy pimp! :-)
It's difficult for me to do write a review for this book because I am new to the Gothic romance genre. So I have decided to keep this short-n-sweet.
Blending Gothic romance and paranormal, this fast-paced tale of a blind psychic and a notorious pirate was full of suspense, horror, faith and love.
I was immediately pulled into the story with a carnage filled prologue that had an Angelina Jolie-as-Grendle's-moma villian, slithering over a floor of bloody corpse.
The story was a little scattered as the characters were introduced but finally they all came together and the story began to progress with suspense and mystery.
Grace's character was beautifully written as a blind medium. I had wondered if her lack of vision would hinder the story but Matthews handled the disability in a way that I almost forgot that Grace was blind.
I can't mentioned too much in regards to Devlin without giving away spoilers but I will say that I ran hot and cold when it came to him. He was definitely hard to digest at times in his treatment of Grace. In the end, he won me over.
The story mainly revolved around Devlin and Grace's growing attraction to one another and also them trying to come to terms with their past. Secrets and fear played a heavy role in their relationship and any hope of a future for them. The villainous threat of Josephine was always in the background adding the element of unknown horror as Grace and Devlin worked to uncover the long, lost secrets of the mansion and release the ghosts trapped by the massacre.
A few of Devlin's flashbacks are darkly disturbing and attraction situations between Josephine and Grace may make some readers uncomfortable.
I had a few issues with the plot that I can't elaborate on without giving away spoilers but none of them took away from my enjoyment of reading the story.
Just when I thought I had a mystery solved and was ready for my Scooby Snack, the plot twisted and debunked my on-going theory. Matthews most assuredly keeps you guessing the final outcome of this chilling tale.
"They call me the Devil for a reason. You're the gatekeeper to Hell, so that makes you my bitch." … and that's why Captain Devlin Limmerick is a smack-daddy pimp! :-)
It's difficult for me to do write a review for this book because I am new to the Gothic romance genre. So I have decided to keep this short-n-sweet.
Blending Gothic romance and paranormal, this fast-paced tale of a blind psychic and a notorious pirate was full of suspense, horror, faith and love.
I was immediately pulled into the story with a carnage filled prologue that had an Angelina Jolie-as-Grendle's-moma villian, slithering over a floor of bloody corpse.
The story was a little scattered as the characters were introduced but finally they all came together and the story began to progress with suspense and mystery.
Grace's character was beautifully written as a blind medium. I had wondered if her lack of vision would hinder the story but Matthews handled the disability in a way that I almost forgot that Grace was blind.
I can't mentioned too much in regards to Devlin without giving away spoilers but I will say that I ran hot and cold when it came to him. He was definitely hard to digest at times in his treatment of Grace. In the end, he won me over.
The story mainly revolved around Devlin and Grace's growing attraction to one another and also them trying to come to terms with their past. Secrets and fear played a heavy role in their relationship and any hope of a future for them. The villainous threat of Josephine was always in the background adding the element of unknown horror as Grace and Devlin worked to uncover the long, lost secrets of the mansion and release the ghosts trapped by the massacre.
A few of Devlin's flashbacks are darkly disturbing and attraction situations between Josephine and Grace may make some readers uncomfortable.
I had a few issues with the plot that I can't elaborate on without giving away spoilers but none of them took away from my enjoyment of reading the story.
Just when I thought I had a mystery solved and was ready for my Scooby Snack, the plot twisted and debunked my on-going theory. Matthews most assuredly keeps you guessing the final outcome of this chilling tale.
November 18, 2016
Awesome book! This is a very unique story. From the first chapter with the menacing Josephine, I held my breath in anticipation, waiting to see what happens with Grace and the Captain and Josephine. It's quite a story! With a huge castle setting, the people of the town surrounding it are afraid to even think of going there when the Captain Devlin seeks staff to take care of the place, to work for him. He hires Grace to get rid of the resident ghosts, so he can go about his business. Both he and Grace have colorful, tragic histories, and the story is full of amazing coincidences. I thought the whole book was masterfully woven together. It was captivating, the way the faith of Grace interacted with the gates of hell, with the ultimate battle between good and evil. I loved the story, and hated for it to end. I highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read more by this author. Thanks to ebook discovery for providing the book, so I could do my review.
June 30, 2017
Take one blind beauty with the Shining and have her travel with a priest while she releases tortured spirits. Add one cursed sea captain with a burning need for revenge. Place them in a haunted manor in Cornwall. Stir in a Lamia, the gates to hell, a charming imp of a girl, tormented souls trapped in an underwater ballroom, and one lesbian soul possession. This recipe yields a supernatural wedding complete with protective ghost parents and miracle healing. Add heaps of crazy sauce for flavor.
October 11, 2019
Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by the publisher
Years ago a massacre took place at Devil’s Cove Manor. Now, privateer, Captain Devlin Limmerick, has bought the abandoned mansion, but needs servants and someone with the power to communicate with spirits to detect the presence of an evil entity.
Grace is blinded in her youth, but gained the powers of ‘sight’ and is known around the village as a medium, which is why Devlin approaches her. Reluctant to live in the old house, Grace declines his invitation, but soon finds herself at his mercy and under his protection.
Resigned to her task, Grace discovers the house is indeed enveloped in evil and that she and Devlin have an inexplicable connection between them. But, they will endure much before they can know peace… if they survive.
First of all, and I’ll try to keep this brief, this was not exactly what I was expecting from this book. I was under the impression the book was a historical romance with Gothic elements blended in, and based on the blurb, and the cover art, pretty benign. Truth, be told, I was sure this book was akin to a Victoria Holt novel, so, you can imagine my shock when what I got instead was a straight up horror novel.
There are Gothic elements in the book, but it is not a pure ‘Gothic’ novel, and yes, there is a romance, but it’s fraught with high angst, is a little troubling, and perhaps darker than some might be expecting, myself included. The emotional chemistry between Grace and Devlin is flat, and although the romance is redemptive in nature, it was, ‘too little, too late’, as far as I was concerned and I never warmed up to Devlin at all.
Although the romance is set in historical times, this novel is not what people usually think of in terms of ‘historical romance’.
So, let’s say, for all intents and purposes, this is a horror novel and go from there.
If you are looking for a super evil haunted house, a plethora of paranormal happenings, and wish to escape the ‘Gates of Hell’, then this book is for you. Honestly, this would make an excellent book to read for Halloween. It is the perfect setup for a creepy, atmospheric, tale of revenge and suspense, that will have you chewing your nails and holding your kindle with white knuckles.
If you know what to expect going in, you will find this book to be a solid tale of horror, perhaps best read while curled up by the fire on a dark and stormy night…
Book provided by the publisher
Years ago a massacre took place at Devil’s Cove Manor. Now, privateer, Captain Devlin Limmerick, has bought the abandoned mansion, but needs servants and someone with the power to communicate with spirits to detect the presence of an evil entity.
Grace is blinded in her youth, but gained the powers of ‘sight’ and is known around the village as a medium, which is why Devlin approaches her. Reluctant to live in the old house, Grace declines his invitation, but soon finds herself at his mercy and under his protection.
Resigned to her task, Grace discovers the house is indeed enveloped in evil and that she and Devlin have an inexplicable connection between them. But, they will endure much before they can know peace… if they survive.
First of all, and I’ll try to keep this brief, this was not exactly what I was expecting from this book. I was under the impression the book was a historical romance with Gothic elements blended in, and based on the blurb, and the cover art, pretty benign. Truth, be told, I was sure this book was akin to a Victoria Holt novel, so, you can imagine my shock when what I got instead was a straight up horror novel.
There are Gothic elements in the book, but it is not a pure ‘Gothic’ novel, and yes, there is a romance, but it’s fraught with high angst, is a little troubling, and perhaps darker than some might be expecting, myself included. The emotional chemistry between Grace and Devlin is flat, and although the romance is redemptive in nature, it was, ‘too little, too late’, as far as I was concerned and I never warmed up to Devlin at all.
Although the romance is set in historical times, this novel is not what people usually think of in terms of ‘historical romance’.
So, let’s say, for all intents and purposes, this is a horror novel and go from there.
If you are looking for a super evil haunted house, a plethora of paranormal happenings, and wish to escape the ‘Gates of Hell’, then this book is for you. Honestly, this would make an excellent book to read for Halloween. It is the perfect setup for a creepy, atmospheric, tale of revenge and suspense, that will have you chewing your nails and holding your kindle with white knuckles.
If you know what to expect going in, you will find this book to be a solid tale of horror, perhaps best read while curled up by the fire on a dark and stormy night…
August 28, 2017
2.75 stars. Didn't finish at page 72. The writing is good. The story telling is good too. The ghost and spirits are a little unoriginal but it was still well told. But what bothers me to no end is the stupid insta lust. I really like these two characters, grace and devlin. I like that they are so different from each other. And they are both very unique characters too. So the set up is perfect for a slow building romance. But instead, the author cheapens their relationship greatly by having devlin lusting after grace so soon after meeting her. He monologues about her lips and her figure and wanting to kiss her etc. Since it's so soon after meeting her, he comes across as a lonely, horny pirate that's willing and trying to bed any woman available. I know that he isn't really this way, but the insta lust goes against his character and cheapens him. It would have made for such a better story if devlin was very leery of grace because of her reputation dealing with spirits and grace should have been weary of devlin because of his reputation as a pirate. I would have liked to see them growing attracted to eachother only after getting to know one another-for more than 24 hours!! I don't know why so many authors rush into this part. The mystery and wondering and excitement of the building of a relationship is the best part of a romance. I've just already lost interest now that I know the two are so immediately all over eachother. When a romance isn't based on anything substantial And has no roots then it doesn't mean as much and I'm not as invested in it. But if you don't care as much about the romance being well developed then you may like this story just fine as the writing is done well and there seems to be a good plot going and some ghost stuff, even though there isn't anything too terribly original, it still is probably an okay read.
November 8, 2019
If You Don't Mind Brutality and Rape in Your Romances...
I was intrigued by this book's description when I read it at one of my favorite book review sites. I like paranormal historical romance, but there doesn't seem to be much of it. Let's just say that the book description did not disclose all that it needed to. While one might call this book Gothic, it is far darker than the typical. I'll admit that I mostly prefer gentler, sweeter reads, but every now and then I like to bust out of what I normally read. Honestly, I wish I had not chosen this book to be my breakout!
The author did not state in the book description on the review site that it has descriptions and depictions of rape and other graphic violence; I checked Amazon too late to see that she does have some level of warning there (though perhaps it should be more strongly stated). If the author had made this clear on the review site, I would definitely not have chosen it. I will admit that I was intrigued by the book at the start, as it seemed like a very atypical historical paranormal romance. But then it went completely off the rails for me as it became brutal and just plain weird. I didn't like how the hero treated the heroine throughout. For something that's portrayed as a romance in the description, it is not terribly romantic. I would definitely warn others off it if you don't like brutality, torture, and rape (and things like the threat of castration) in your romances. I also thought that the plot wasn't as coherent and cohesive as it should have been. The author has the ability to write a good scene; I just wish she had chosen other things to write about.
I would definitely think twice about trusting this author's description at book review sites!
I received a free copy of this book (thank God!), but this did not affect my review (obviously).
I was intrigued by this book's description when I read it at one of my favorite book review sites. I like paranormal historical romance, but there doesn't seem to be much of it. Let's just say that the book description did not disclose all that it needed to. While one might call this book Gothic, it is far darker than the typical. I'll admit that I mostly prefer gentler, sweeter reads, but every now and then I like to bust out of what I normally read. Honestly, I wish I had not chosen this book to be my breakout!
The author did not state in the book description on the review site that it has descriptions and depictions of rape and other graphic violence; I checked Amazon too late to see that she does have some level of warning there (though perhaps it should be more strongly stated). If the author had made this clear on the review site, I would definitely not have chosen it. I will admit that I was intrigued by the book at the start, as it seemed like a very atypical historical paranormal romance. But then it went completely off the rails for me as it became brutal and just plain weird. I didn't like how the hero treated the heroine throughout. For something that's portrayed as a romance in the description, it is not terribly romantic. I would definitely warn others off it if you don't like brutality, torture, and rape (and things like the threat of castration) in your romances. I also thought that the plot wasn't as coherent and cohesive as it should have been. The author has the ability to write a good scene; I just wish she had chosen other things to write about.
I would definitely think twice about trusting this author's description at book review sites!
I received a free copy of this book (thank God!), but this did not affect my review (obviously).
June 14, 2018
A supernatural story in a surprising setting, the opening scene was tense and pulled me right in. Grace lives as a medium in 1800s England. Her loss of sight at an early age enhances her powers and provides her with the ability to communicate with the dead. Her mother had the ability as well and Grace worries that, like her mother, insanity will find her.
Devlin is a successful Captain and is drawn to Devil’s Cove to complete a mission that will bring him the revenge he seeks. He needs someone who can speak to spirits and gives Grace a choice to join him or be taken to an asylum. What he doesn’t realize is that although they were brought up in two very different worlds, their past has common threads that bind them.
Grace’s faith will be tested by a horrifying presence, and not only does it threaten her mind, but also Devlin’s immortal soul. They each need to overcome the pain of their pasts before they can consider pursuing a future together. This book was a suspenseful and satisfying read, with a high level of heat, by an author that I look forward to reading more of.
Devlin is a successful Captain and is drawn to Devil’s Cove to complete a mission that will bring him the revenge he seeks. He needs someone who can speak to spirits and gives Grace a choice to join him or be taken to an asylum. What he doesn’t realize is that although they were brought up in two very different worlds, their past has common threads that bind them.
Grace’s faith will be tested by a horrifying presence, and not only does it threaten her mind, but also Devlin’s immortal soul. They each need to overcome the pain of their pasts before they can consider pursuing a future together. This book was a suspenseful and satisfying read, with a high level of heat, by an author that I look forward to reading more of.
November 5, 2019
A gothic gem.
Very unusual characters in this one a pirate and a blind medium what an original idea by the author. This book was so good it had that touch of suspense and mystery I just love. Yes, there is passion too for all you lovers of the romance but it was the mystical paranormal that drew me in. I have to agree with one reviewer who thought this would make an excellent movie that is they keep with what the author wrote. I am glad I started this one early in the afternoon because I could not put it down. Captain Devlin Limmerick and Grace were outstanding characters. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Very unusual characters in this one a pirate and a blind medium what an original idea by the author. This book was so good it had that touch of suspense and mystery I just love. Yes, there is passion too for all you lovers of the romance but it was the mystical paranormal that drew me in. I have to agree with one reviewer who thought this would make an excellent movie that is they keep with what the author wrote. I am glad I started this one early in the afternoon because I could not put it down. Captain Devlin Limmerick and Grace were outstanding characters. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
May 12, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest review.
Let me first say, I love gothic romances, my first "adult" book I read was a gothic romance that I stole from my grandmother's bookshelf to read secretly read. I was so excited to see this title, as there really don't seem to be many true gothic romances anymore. That being said, I had a hard time getting into this book. I really wanted to love it, I thought it was okay and had the makings of a great book; but felt that the author while re-reading it to edit, would add and change portions and that made it feel choppy to me.
Let me first say, I love gothic romances, my first "adult" book I read was a gothic romance that I stole from my grandmother's bookshelf to read secretly read. I was so excited to see this title, as there really don't seem to be many true gothic romances anymore. That being said, I had a hard time getting into this book. I really wanted to love it, I thought it was okay and had the makings of a great book; but felt that the author while re-reading it to edit, would add and change portions and that made it feel choppy to me.
June 28, 2017
Very Good. Awesome.
It was a very good, suspenseful,paranormal , romance all rolled into one. There were times it was scary. I had a hard time putting it down, but I needed sleep. I enjoyed this book the storyteller (R.C. Matthews) crafted a Very enjoyable read keeping me on my toes . I wasn't sure what was about to happen. The characters were very well built with Strong foundation s. I could picture each as if they were sitting across from me. Anyone that enjoys a little scary, combined with paranormal , suspense ,and a touch of romance would enjoy this book.
It was a very good, suspenseful,paranormal , romance all rolled into one. There were times it was scary. I had a hard time putting it down, but I needed sleep. I enjoyed this book the storyteller (R.C. Matthews) crafted a Very enjoyable read keeping me on my toes . I wasn't sure what was about to happen. The characters were very well built with Strong foundation s. I could picture each as if they were sitting across from me. Anyone that enjoys a little scary, combined with paranormal , suspense ,and a touch of romance would enjoy this book.
November 6, 2019
A brilliant book for of mystery, magic, curses, betrayal and love. An epic battle between good and evil which starts many years before in Devil's Cove and culminates there again. The main characters of Devlin and Grace had both suffered during their respective pasts and had turned in different directions to cope. There were a great set of well written supporting characters. I love a mystery and this book delivered again and again with many twists and turns. I could not put it down. Highly recommended.
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.
June 25, 2017
I loved this book, it was hard to put down. Devlin has come to Devils Cove to act his revenge on his mother. He needs Graces help to bargain a deal with Josephine the gatekeeper to Hell!! He doesn't take into consideration he might fall in love!! There is so much packed into this book, you have intrigue, murder, ghosts, revenge, passion, love, a demon and Devlin and Grace revealing who they really are!!
August 1, 2017
Original storyline
story and characters great but it seemed to constant the heroine so forgiving. These making it easier for author...the story has potential to be deeper and more dramatic. I understand constrain in word count. A read you can put down and come back too. Not a must finish within 24 hrs
story and characters great but it seemed to constant the heroine so forgiving. These making it easier for author...the story has potential to be deeper and more dramatic. I understand constrain in word count. A read you can put down and come back too. Not a must finish within 24 hrs
May 23, 2018
Fun read. It was the promise of voodoo and New Orleans that made me pick up the book. It was the characters that kept me reading.
This story mixes magic, historic New Orleans, and romance. It was an excellent combination and would recommend the novel to romances readers that love a twist of magic in their stories.
This story mixes magic, historic New Orleans, and romance. It was an excellent combination and would recommend the novel to romances readers that love a twist of magic in their stories.
November 6, 2019
The first book in the Tortured Souls series and the second book I have read in this series. A well written story that tells how far a woman will go for revenge. It is also Grace who has been blind since she was young and the man who comes into her life Captain Devlin Limmerick's story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2019
This is the 2nd 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.
June 30, 2017
Passion suspense and love stories
The spirit realm wove the threads of their lives apart and together again all the while giving Grace and Devlin the opportunity to recover from their past.
The spirit realm wove the threads of their lives apart and together again all the while giving Grace and Devlin the opportunity to recover from their past.
December 27, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book very much. This is a story I am recommending to my friends. I was so entertained and thrilled while reading this story. I truly loved the twist and turns, ups and downs, and I also enjoyed all the characters.
April 6, 2022
Devil's Cove (Tortured Souls Book 1)
Near the ending of the story was similar to the opening of the story. However, so much intrigue in between. How closely some lives are tied together.
Near the ending of the story was similar to the opening of the story. However, so much intrigue in between. How closely some lives are tied together.
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