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Lizzie Grace #6
Deadly Vows
Evil comes in all forms… and sometimes it wears a human mask.
When the body of a newlywed is discovered on the reservation, Lizzie Grace throws herself into the investigation, needing a distraction from what she fears is coming not only for her but also Belle—her best friend and witch familiar.
But as the body count grows and a desperate race begins to track down a supernatural entity capable of powerful magic, it becomes evident another deadly game has begun—one they may not win.
Because the past—and the man—they ran from thirteen years ago has finally caught up with them.
And he’s out for revenge…
When the body of a newlywed is discovered on the reservation, Lizzie Grace throws herself into the investigation, needing a distraction from what she fears is coming not only for her but also Belle—her best friend and witch familiar.
But as the body count grows and a desperate race begins to track down a supernatural entity capable of powerful magic, it becomes evident another deadly game has begun—one they may not win.
Because the past—and the man—they ran from thirteen years ago has finally caught up with them.
And he’s out for revenge…
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2020
366 people are currently reading
922 people want to read
About the author
Keri Arthur
100 books6,002 followersKeri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
August 10, 2020
OMG
This was one hell of a final showdown that had me on the edge of my seat!!! I love this series, it is absolutely amazing and the characters are so addictive!
I'm only hoping that there are going to be more stories in the Lizzie Grace series or I will stamp my feet!
Totally gripping series, highly recommended!
July 4, 2022
I am really really enjoying this series. Only two things keep it being a 5 star favorite series to me.
1 - Sometimes it feels like there are easy solutions to their problems, and they are just not seeing it.
Specifically, the Clayton / dickhead father thing. I've been saying for 3 books now that the solution is to go on the offensive. What they did was illegal. And frankly, it is NOT Lizzie's word against theirs. Look, she was 16, and she ran away the night of the wedding. That makes it indisputable that she did not want that marriage. She stayed gone for nearly 13 years, until the monsters found her. That just cements the fact as utter truth. There is no defense to that, and no way to counter it. That she was drugged is her word against theirs, but that she did not consent - that she was coerced - is indisputable truth ... because if it wasn't true, she wouldn't have run. Period. Inarguable.
So she needs to file a charges. Give an interview at every media outlet she can. Make this widely public. Make herself untouchable, because with it so public, if she's harmed they are the obvious culprits. She was a child. In no universe would the public at large not be on her side.
Also, the fact that she even wastes time worrying about her father wanting into her life to marry her to someone else ... really? Really?? I don't care if he wants you to marry Jesus, you are a 29 year old woman, he has no authority over you, and you have his balls in your hand given his criminal behavior. He can't make you do anything. Frankly, he must be a crack addict for even thinking it's a possibility. And she's a dumbass for wasting energy worrying about it.
2 - The weird relationship with Aiden.
The thing is, I really like Aiden - as a character, as a love interest, he's pretty great. But I do not have words to express how much I despise their relationship. He cares about her, but he keeps her at weird arm's length with the constant reminders that he will never marry her, there's no serious future to this relationship. And now we've got this dangling thing of some wolf chick he loved - who was a lying betrayer - that will be popping back into his life soon. And he feels torn about it because he seems to kind of still love her. WTF? He cares about Lizzie, but she's not a wolf, and he'll never marry a non-wolf (so he keeps saying), and so their relationship is under this weird umbrella of reluctance. Like he doesn't really WANT her, but he can't help his emotions, and he's overall not very happy about it. He's sweet to her, but he won't say he loves her ... he even gets awkward about saying he cares. He gets pissy when she says anything about them being temporary, but he at the same time, he says they are temporary. He wants her to enjoy the now, but she IS! She's just also doing her best to keep from utterly investing in him, because she knows - and he reminds her - that there's only one way this can end.
I just don't want this for Lizzie. She's spent her whole life with people around her - people who should care about her - looking at her and judging her for being not quite good enough. Her parents were unhappy that she wasn't quite powerful enough. Ashworth, Monty, they love her, but they've made comments to the same end (less so lately, though - she has won their respect). But after being treated for ages like ... well, okay, I guess I have no choice but to accept that you're here, you suck, it's a little embarrassing how lame you are, but I have to live with it because you're in my life - seriously, that's the attitude I think she got from everyone in Canberra - it hurts to see Aiden treating her very much the same. He's attracted to her, he can't help but have her in his life, but he's not particularly thrilled about it, because she's not a wolf. She's not enough.
I hate that. I want her to find someone who thinks the sun and moon shines out of her soul. Someone who thinks s/he is so fucking lucky to have her in his life, and wouldn't trade her for a goddamn thing because she's fucking perfect. She deserves that, goddamn it.
And so I can't help but side-eye Aiden, while I look around at the other characters in this world and hope for one of them to step to the forefront as someone who could actually love Lizzie. Someone she could love back. Someone who doesn't give a flying fuck how much power she has, or whether she can turn furry.
1 - Sometimes it feels like there are easy solutions to their problems, and they are just not seeing it.
Specifically, the Clayton / dickhead father thing. I've been saying for 3 books now that the solution is to go on the offensive. What they did was illegal. And frankly, it is NOT Lizzie's word against theirs. Look, she was 16, and she ran away the night of the wedding. That makes it indisputable that she did not want that marriage. She stayed gone for nearly 13 years, until the monsters found her. That just cements the fact as utter truth. There is no defense to that, and no way to counter it. That she was drugged is her word against theirs, but that she did not consent - that she was coerced - is indisputable truth ... because if it wasn't true, she wouldn't have run. Period. Inarguable.
So she needs to file a charges. Give an interview at every media outlet she can. Make this widely public. Make herself untouchable, because with it so public, if she's harmed they are the obvious culprits. She was a child. In no universe would the public at large not be on her side.
Also, the fact that she even wastes time worrying about her father wanting into her life to marry her to someone else ... really? Really?? I don't care if he wants you to marry Jesus, you are a 29 year old woman, he has no authority over you, and you have his balls in your hand given his criminal behavior. He can't make you do anything. Frankly, he must be a crack addict for even thinking it's a possibility. And she's a dumbass for wasting energy worrying about it.
2 - The weird relationship with Aiden.
The thing is, I really like Aiden - as a character, as a love interest, he's pretty great. But I do not have words to express how much I despise their relationship. He cares about her, but he keeps her at weird arm's length with the constant reminders that he will never marry her, there's no serious future to this relationship. And now we've got this dangling thing of some wolf chick he loved - who was a lying betrayer - that will be popping back into his life soon. And he feels torn about it because he seems to kind of still love her. WTF? He cares about Lizzie, but she's not a wolf, and he'll never marry a non-wolf (so he keeps saying), and so their relationship is under this weird umbrella of reluctance. Like he doesn't really WANT her, but he can't help his emotions, and he's overall not very happy about it. He's sweet to her, but he won't say he loves her ... he even gets awkward about saying he cares. He gets pissy when she says anything about them being temporary, but he at the same time, he says they are temporary. He wants her to enjoy the now, but she IS! She's just also doing her best to keep from utterly investing in him, because she knows - and he reminds her - that there's only one way this can end.
I just don't want this for Lizzie. She's spent her whole life with people around her - people who should care about her - looking at her and judging her for being not quite good enough. Her parents were unhappy that she wasn't quite powerful enough. Ashworth, Monty, they love her, but they've made comments to the same end (less so lately, though - she has won their respect). But after being treated for ages like ... well, okay, I guess I have no choice but to accept that you're here, you suck, it's a little embarrassing how lame you are, but I have to live with it because you're in my life - seriously, that's the attitude I think she got from everyone in Canberra - it hurts to see Aiden treating her very much the same. He's attracted to her, he can't help but have her in his life, but he's not particularly thrilled about it, because she's not a wolf. She's not enough.
I hate that. I want her to find someone who thinks the sun and moon shines out of her soul. Someone who thinks s/he is so fucking lucky to have her in his life, and wouldn't trade her for a goddamn thing because she's fucking perfect. She deserves that, goddamn it.
And so I can't help but side-eye Aiden, while I look around at the other characters in this world and hope for one of them to step to the forefront as someone who could actually love Lizzie. Someone she could love back. Someone who doesn't give a flying fuck how much power she has, or whether she can turn furry.
May 21, 2020
Keri Arthur is the master of scaring the pants off me with her words. Her descriptions are so vivid, sending mere mortal imaginations into melt down. The long awaited confrontation delivers everything and so much more. The usual evil bestie preys upon the reservation while Lizzie’s past finally catches up with her and brings everyone to their knees. There are so many clues about what the future may hold for these characters and I am practically gagging for the next instalment!!
October 26, 2020
Coming out June 23, 2020.
October 26, 2023
3.5 stars
Although I love the storyline for Lizzie and Belle, I am over this whole Aiden relationship at this point. We know this isn't forever. We have been told. Repeatedly. Lizzie has experienced much angst over this. We know. And she still is moving in with him. I'm glad we are finally confronting Lizzie's past as it is an interesting storyline. For that reason alone, I'm looking forward to the next books.
Although I love the storyline for Lizzie and Belle, I am over this whole Aiden relationship at this point. We know this isn't forever. We have been told. Repeatedly. Lizzie has experienced much angst over this. We know. And she still is moving in with him. I'm glad we are finally confronting Lizzie's past as it is an interesting storyline. For that reason alone, I'm looking forward to the next books.
June 28, 2020
After thirteen years of running and hiding, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Grace finally needs to confront her past nightmare, her bastard husband. Yes, Clayton Marlow is coming to get her, and certainly to leash more than a decade of hatred. Oh, and other than that, a ghoul seems to intent on killing newlyweds...
...
Despite the case of brutal murders on brides and grooms, this book is definitely focuses on Lizzie's attempt to finally free of her husband. Thirteen years previously, she was drugged and coerced by her own father to marry Clayton. And Clayton planned to rape her on their wedding night. Only with Belle's help that they could get away. Now, Lizzie is no longer an afraid and helpless sixteen year-old girl. She has her new "family" helping her, including her current boyfriend and her own cousin.
I am really happy with how that particular plot ends in this book. Clayton is no longer a threat to Lizzie. I think the only thing left to deal with is more exploration about Lizzie's power and the wild magic, as well as how her relationship with Aiden will end. But no more Clayton. That particular case is over and done. So pheww. No cliffhanger too.
I do hope that Arthur makes further development on the relationship; it seems to be moot at this point with Aiden's fate to marry a werewolf. I mean yes, Lizzie is moving in with Aiden in this book. But it's also rather annoying to be consistently being reminded that the relationship is temporary. I don't know how many books Arthur plans for this series but I hope that the relationship status will also be addressed soon.
...
Despite the case of brutal murders on brides and grooms, this book is definitely focuses on Lizzie's attempt to finally free of her husband. Thirteen years previously, she was drugged and coerced by her own father to marry Clayton. And Clayton planned to rape her on their wedding night. Only with Belle's help that they could get away. Now, Lizzie is no longer an afraid and helpless sixteen year-old girl. She has her new "family" helping her, including her current boyfriend and her own cousin.
I am really happy with how that particular plot ends in this book. Clayton is no longer a threat to Lizzie. I think the only thing left to deal with is more exploration about Lizzie's power and the wild magic, as well as how her relationship with Aiden will end. But no more Clayton. That particular case is over and done. So pheww. No cliffhanger too.
I do hope that Arthur makes further development on the relationship; it seems to be moot at this point with Aiden's fate to marry a werewolf. I mean yes, Lizzie is moving in with Aiden in this book. But it's also rather annoying to be consistently being reminded that the relationship is temporary. I don't know how many books Arthur plans for this series but I hope that the relationship status will also be addressed soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2021
This wasn't the worst but also wasn't necessarily the best in the series. We've been waiting for the showdown since the very beginning of the book and the build up was almost better than how this played out.
I really was waiting on this and it was just ok. It's great that we get a resolution one way or another abt her past. I'm glad that rather than dragging this out Keri Arthur handles it now. But it was just ok. There were parts that I thought I would be more emotional abt when it came to what happened with Lizzie.
Waiting to see how the next part of this shakes out as it deals with the other looming question that's been hanging over Lizzie.
I really was waiting on this and it was just ok. It's great that we get a resolution one way or another abt her past. I'm glad that rather than dragging this out Keri Arthur handles it now. But it was just ok. There were parts that I thought I would be more emotional abt when it came to what happened with Lizzie.
Waiting to see how the next part of this shakes out as it deals with the other looming question that's been hanging over Lizzie.
February 9, 2023
4.5/5.0
Could not put this one down!
Because the characters and the relationships are what shine and bring a reader (at least this one) back over and over again to this series, the storyline with Clayton and Lizzie’s father was the reason I frantically kept reading. The storyline of the next nasty de jour was good but kind of the same as all the others.
Could not put this one down!
Because the characters and the relationships are what shine and bring a reader (at least this one) back over and over again to this series, the storyline with Clayton and Lizzie’s father was the reason I frantically kept reading. The storyline of the next nasty de jour was good but kind of the same as all the others.
July 9, 2020
I need to reread this series from the start. This is a firm favorite with me.
February 13, 2021
Trigger/Content Warning: remembrance of past attempted rape, sexual assault, torture
4.25 - Lizzie and Aiden's relationship continues to make progress, as does Lizzie's confidence, power and control over her personal power and the wild magic. It is wonderful how Lizzie and Belle have created a family of choice and we still get their snark and incredible friendship. I recommend this engaging series.
I am enjoying this series, but I have to say that the repeated and frequent weakness, loss of strength etc of Lizzie's legs and only Aiden keeping her from falling on the ground is frustrating. It is especially noticeable as I have read the series nearly back to back, so it stands out. I would have liked it if Lizzie would have acknowledged the continued issue. I get that she is expending far more physicality, magic and energy than is her norm, but it would have been nice to have her acknowledge "here I go again". Lol
4.25 - Lizzie and Aiden's relationship continues to make progress, as does Lizzie's confidence, power and control over her personal power and the wild magic. It is wonderful how Lizzie and Belle have created a family of choice and we still get their snark and incredible friendship. I recommend this engaging series.
I am enjoying this series, but I have to say that the repeated and frequent weakness, loss of strength etc of Lizzie's legs and only Aiden keeping her from falling on the ground is frustrating. It is especially noticeable as I have read the series nearly back to back, so it stands out. I would have liked it if Lizzie would have acknowledged the continued issue. I get that she is expending far more physicality, magic and energy than is her norm, but it would have been nice to have her acknowledge "here I go again". Lol
June 27, 2020
(4.5 stars)
June 27, 2020
This was a good installment, but I do have to say that I was a bit surprised - for some reason I was expecting this to be the final book as Lizzie and Belle were all set up to have to deal with the reason they've been on the run and for a showdown with Lizzie's personal bogie man I like that Lizzie has a lot of support at this point, from the "family" she and Belle have crafted for themselves and for some friends (and temporary allies) who are willing to go to bat for her. There was a bit of foreshadowing, so I have a good idea where this is going next and I am still interested in Lizzie's life interspersed with the paranormal mysteries on the side and I am looking forward to the next book.
August 8, 2020
The time had finally come for Liz to face her arch enemy, the man she's been on the run from for 13 years. I had been eagerly anticipating this book. It was good but didn't quite live up to my expectations. Villains like Clayton are boring. He wasn't complex enough to be interesting. He was nothing more than what he appeared to be, which was a power hungry asshole hellbent on getting his revenge. After 5 books building up to this moment, he was too easy to take down.
Legally ending her marriage was overly complicated. Evidence had to be gathered to prove she was coerced into marriage. Clayton was more likely to be believed than Liz since he was powerful and highly regarded. There was a vibe that without the evidence that her opinion meant nothing. This isn't the dark ages where men controlled women. She was an adult and capable of making her own decision to end her marriage.
Liz and Aiden's relationship is still unstable. It's annoying because they clearly love each other. Aiden pisses me off since he constantly reminds Liz that they can't last and yet he begs her to stay with him. I wish they work out their shit and be in it for the long haul or go their separate ways.
Legally ending her marriage was overly complicated. Evidence had to be gathered to prove she was coerced into marriage. Clayton was more likely to be believed than Liz since he was powerful and highly regarded. There was a vibe that without the evidence that her opinion meant nothing. This isn't the dark ages where men controlled women. She was an adult and capable of making her own decision to end her marriage.
Liz and Aiden's relationship is still unstable. It's annoying because they clearly love each other. Aiden pisses me off since he constantly reminds Liz that they can't last and yet he begs her to stay with him. I wish they work out their shit and be in it for the long haul or go their separate ways.
July 3, 2020
The book series is really exciting and cool!👍
July 27, 2024
Sixth in the Lizzie Grace paranormal fantasy series set in Australia and revolving around a witch and her familiar on the run from the witch's family.
My Take
Hoo, boy. Deadly Vows is action packed (and humor-filled) as Lizzie is forced at last to deal with her husband. And we finally get the full backstory on how Lizzie ended up married to this jerk. That Arthur has been dropping tidbits of hints for the past five stories!
It certainly gives Lizzie and Belle's story credibility as to why they've been on the run and so terrified of being caught. It's a classic case of powerful versus weak, with no hope for Lizzie of anyone believing her side.
All of which we learn as Arthur uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Lizzie's perspective of two women who have been on the run for thirteen fear-filled years. That's merely the start, for Castle Rock is Lizzie and Belle's last stand on a wolf reservation that's anti-witches and anti-magic. Yet loaded with wild magic that's taken a liking to Lizzie.
Luckily, Lizzie is evolving magic-wise, and she gets a few ideas on how some of those "improvements" have come about. Katie has another few ideas as well, that could well foreshadow future events.
With some help from Belle and Eleanor (who'd've thunk!??), Lizzie gains some important self-realizations.
Talk about dysfunctional..! Yeah, it's not just family that's monstrous in the series — fortunately, family isn't necessarily the one you're born into, but the one you make — and Arthur certainly includes the more, ahem, "standard "monsters for her magic world. Thank god for second chances!
That said, I really do recommend reading this series from the start, as it provides greater background to Deadly Vows, as Arthur concentrates more on Lizzie's confrontation with her archnemeses without as much interaction with the people (and wolves) of Castle Rock.
The Story
Lizzie has never been very powerful despite having been born into a very powerful family. For the first sixteen years of her life, she was made to feel worthless until her father decided to force her into an unwanted marriage.
After all, Daddy Dearest might as well make the best possible use of his useless daughter.
Until he finds her again in Castle Rock and discovers his daughter has evolved, raising questions in his mind.
The Characters
Lizzie Grace has prophetic dreams, senses evil, has a gift for psychometry, and has been infused with the wild magic, making her the reservation's guardian. The telepathic Belle is Lizzie's best friend, a fellow witch, and Lizzie's familiar.
Castle Rock, Australia is...
...the capital of the Faelan Reservation. One of seven werewolf reservations, it's home to the O’Connors, a pack of gray wolves.
The Psychic Café is...
Lizzie and Belle's business set in Castle Rock. Penny is a waitress; Celia is Penny's newly arrived niece. The gossip brigade (a group of 27 women) have made it their unofficial headquarters.
The Rangers are...
...the police force on the reservation with Aiden O'Connor, a werewolf, as the head ranger who is dating Lizzie. Tala is Aiden's second-in-command. Ciara O'Connor is Aiden's sister and the coroner. Jaz is a ranger who married into the Marin pack. Jen is part of the ambulance crew.
Lucy Marin runs a B&B. Mia is the wolf to whom Aiden had been engaged. Dillon is one of Aiden's brothers. Aiden's mother, Karleen Jayne O'Connor, highly disapproves of Lizzie and is issuing threats. Mac is a brown-haired wolf.
Maelle Defour is a vampire who runs Émigré, the local nightclub. And she'd like to get Belle in her bed. Roger is her man-ghoul servant, a thrall who received eternal life in return for eternal servitude through whom Maelle can see and speak.
Kash is Belle's current boyfriend, although Monty has some very persistent ideas about that. Bree's brother is opening a new restaurant, and she's come up from Melbourne to help him. The Railway Bistro is a pub. The Whitefin is a café in Albury.
The High Witch Council is...
...the governing body for witches with Monty Ashworth the new reservation witch…and Lizzie’s cousin. Eamon is his orange cat (and familiar) who loves to attack Lizzie. Lizzie's parents, Lawrence and Eleanor Marlowe, are the most powerful couple of Canberra's council. Lizzie blames herself for the death of her older sister, Cat. Juli is her married brother.
Nellie had been Belle's grandmother and the owner of a vast collection of rare and irreplaceable books on magic and the supernatural. Which Belle inherited. Belle's mother, Ava Sarr, is the one who helped them escape.
Samuel Kang is in charge of the investigation. Jamie is a professor friend of Monty's.
Clayton Marlowe, her father's friend and a second cousin, is the jerk Lizzie had been forced to marry when she was sixteen. I reckon he also wants Belle to remove that nasty spell she put on him, lol. Rafael is his chauffeur. James O'Conner is a wolf from Black Valley in Ireland.
The Regional Witch Association (RWA) handles...
...regional issues. Ashworth is the RWA representative who ended up staying and is practically family to Lizzie. Eli is his husband and a retired RWA witch.
The Black Lantern Society is...
...a watchdog group that ensures justice prevails. Jenna Jones is a truth seeker; Ruby Harrison is an auditor. I think Sophie is Ashworth's sister and a member of the BLS.
Wild magic comes through a wellspring from the deeper recesses of the earth and is neither good nor bad, but if a wellspring is unprotected, it will attract evil. And there are/were two unprotected wellsprings on the reservation. Katie had been Aiden's youngest sister, dying of cancer. She'd been married to Gabe, a witch, who had only wanted his beloved wife to be happy. A Manananggal is a vampire-like monster or witch that preys on sleeping pregnant women or newlyweds.
The Cover and Title
The cover is DARK, which makes it a perfect representation of the story. A cartoonish image of the red-haired Lizzie shows her in worn jeans and a black T, facing us, half-kneeling on a rock as her hands spark with wild magic. There's a full moon behind her with a glow of green light around Lizzie as she prepares to defend herself. The author's name is at the very top with the title below Lizzie. Both are in white. The series info is at the very bottom in the lime green that glows on rocks and in her aura.
The title refers to those Deadly Vows Lizzie's father and friend forced on her all those years ago.
My Take
Hoo, boy. Deadly Vows is action packed (and humor-filled) as Lizzie is forced at last to deal with her husband. And we finally get the full backstory on how Lizzie ended up married to this jerk. That Arthur has been dropping tidbits of hints for the past five stories!
It certainly gives Lizzie and Belle's story credibility as to why they've been on the run and so terrified of being caught. It's a classic case of powerful versus weak, with no hope for Lizzie of anyone believing her side.
All of which we learn as Arthur uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Lizzie's perspective of two women who have been on the run for thirteen fear-filled years. That's merely the start, for Castle Rock is Lizzie and Belle's last stand on a wolf reservation that's anti-witches and anti-magic. Yet loaded with wild magic that's taken a liking to Lizzie.
Luckily, Lizzie is evolving magic-wise, and she gets a few ideas on how some of those "improvements" have come about. Katie has another few ideas as well, that could well foreshadow future events.
With some help from Belle and Eleanor (who'd've thunk!??), Lizzie gains some important self-realizations.
Talk about dysfunctional..! Yeah, it's not just family that's monstrous in the series — fortunately, family isn't necessarily the one you're born into, but the one you make — and Arthur certainly includes the more, ahem, "standard "monsters for her magic world. Thank god for second chances!
That said, I really do recommend reading this series from the start, as it provides greater background to Deadly Vows, as Arthur concentrates more on Lizzie's confrontation with her archnemeses without as much interaction with the people (and wolves) of Castle Rock.
The Story
Lizzie has never been very powerful despite having been born into a very powerful family. For the first sixteen years of her life, she was made to feel worthless until her father decided to force her into an unwanted marriage.
After all, Daddy Dearest might as well make the best possible use of his useless daughter.
Until he finds her again in Castle Rock and discovers his daughter has evolved, raising questions in his mind.
The Characters
Lizzie Grace has prophetic dreams, senses evil, has a gift for psychometry, and has been infused with the wild magic, making her the reservation's guardian. The telepathic Belle is Lizzie's best friend, a fellow witch, and Lizzie's familiar.
Castle Rock, Australia is...
...the capital of the Faelan Reservation. One of seven werewolf reservations, it's home to the O’Connors, a pack of gray wolves.
The Psychic Café is...
Lizzie and Belle's business set in Castle Rock. Penny is a waitress; Celia is Penny's newly arrived niece. The gossip brigade (a group of 27 women) have made it their unofficial headquarters.
The Rangers are...
...the police force on the reservation with Aiden O'Connor, a werewolf, as the head ranger who is dating Lizzie. Tala is Aiden's second-in-command. Ciara O'Connor is Aiden's sister and the coroner. Jaz is a ranger who married into the Marin pack. Jen is part of the ambulance crew.
Lucy Marin runs a B&B. Mia is the wolf to whom Aiden had been engaged. Dillon is one of Aiden's brothers. Aiden's mother, Karleen Jayne O'Connor, highly disapproves of Lizzie and is issuing threats. Mac is a brown-haired wolf.
Maelle Defour is a vampire who runs Émigré, the local nightclub. And she'd like to get Belle in her bed. Roger is her man-ghoul servant, a thrall who received eternal life in return for eternal servitude through whom Maelle can see and speak.
Kash is Belle's current boyfriend, although Monty has some very persistent ideas about that. Bree's brother is opening a new restaurant, and she's come up from Melbourne to help him. The Railway Bistro is a pub. The Whitefin is a café in Albury.
The High Witch Council is...
...the governing body for witches with Monty Ashworth the new reservation witch…and Lizzie’s cousin. Eamon is his orange cat (and familiar) who loves to attack Lizzie. Lizzie's parents, Lawrence and Eleanor Marlowe, are the most powerful couple of Canberra's council. Lizzie blames herself for the death of her older sister, Cat. Juli is her married brother.
Nellie had been Belle's grandmother and the owner of a vast collection of rare and irreplaceable books on magic and the supernatural. Which Belle inherited. Belle's mother, Ava Sarr, is the one who helped them escape.
Samuel Kang is in charge of the investigation. Jamie is a professor friend of Monty's.
Clayton Marlowe, her father's friend and a second cousin, is the jerk Lizzie had been forced to marry when she was sixteen. I reckon he also wants Belle to remove that nasty spell she put on him, lol. Rafael is his chauffeur. James O'Conner is a wolf from Black Valley in Ireland.
The Regional Witch Association (RWA) handles...
...regional issues. Ashworth is the RWA representative who ended up staying and is practically family to Lizzie. Eli is his husband and a retired RWA witch.
The Black Lantern Society is...
...a watchdog group that ensures justice prevails. Jenna Jones is a truth seeker; Ruby Harrison is an auditor. I think Sophie is Ashworth's sister and a member of the BLS.
Wild magic comes through a wellspring from the deeper recesses of the earth and is neither good nor bad, but if a wellspring is unprotected, it will attract evil. And there are/were two unprotected wellsprings on the reservation. Katie had been Aiden's youngest sister, dying of cancer. She'd been married to Gabe, a witch, who had only wanted his beloved wife to be happy. A Manananggal is a vampire-like monster or witch that preys on sleeping pregnant women or newlyweds.
The Cover and Title
The cover is DARK, which makes it a perfect representation of the story. A cartoonish image of the red-haired Lizzie shows her in worn jeans and a black T, facing us, half-kneeling on a rock as her hands spark with wild magic. There's a full moon behind her with a glow of green light around Lizzie as she prepares to defend herself. The author's name is at the very top with the title below Lizzie. Both are in white. The series info is at the very bottom in the lime green that glows on rocks and in her aura.
The title refers to those Deadly Vows Lizzie's father and friend forced on her all those years ago.
August 2, 2024
Probably my favourite of the series so far. Was so glad to finally get closure on the Clayton line. Many things main story wise happen in this one which will have long lasting repercussions for Lizzie and Belle. I hope we get to see some of Belle's family in the future.
There's a very different kind of supernatural baddie again which was fascinating, even if it did take a bit of a backseat to the Clayton storyline. I love the addition of different supernatural lore from the normal. It makes these books so much more intriguing.
While I like Aiden, I dont really love their relationship. Lizzie deserves more than a temporary thing and needs a chance to be someone's everything for a change after everything she went through with her blood family. Everyone but Belle always made her feel unworthy and just because she isn't a wolf Aiden does the same in many ways. So while he is sweet and I like his character well enough, I want more. He wants her to move in and hates when she makes a comment about the temporary nature of their relationship but he gets weird about saying how he feels for her and doesn't understand her wanting to protect herself from the fallout. Basically I'm just over their relationship that can only end in Lizzie's heartache as we keep being reminded.
I do wish there was less repetition in word choices, as it seems whenever the author decides to use a different descriptor word she uses it again in the following paragraph. I also noticed a continuity error with picking up a cell phone and then suddenly not having it with her which was a bit frustrating. As is Lizzie's constant weak legs and needing Aiden to catch her. That being said the editing in general is so much better than the early books.
Good book, great secondary characters they really make these stories.
There's a very different kind of supernatural baddie again which was fascinating, even if it did take a bit of a backseat to the Clayton storyline. I love the addition of different supernatural lore from the normal. It makes these books so much more intriguing.
While I like Aiden, I dont really love their relationship. Lizzie deserves more than a temporary thing and needs a chance to be someone's everything for a change after everything she went through with her blood family. Everyone but Belle always made her feel unworthy and just because she isn't a wolf Aiden does the same in many ways. So while he is sweet and I like his character well enough, I want more. He wants her to move in and hates when she makes a comment about the temporary nature of their relationship but he gets weird about saying how he feels for her and doesn't understand her wanting to protect herself from the fallout. Basically I'm just over their relationship that can only end in Lizzie's heartache as we keep being reminded.
I do wish there was less repetition in word choices, as it seems whenever the author decides to use a different descriptor word she uses it again in the following paragraph. I also noticed a continuity error with picking up a cell phone and then suddenly not having it with her which was a bit frustrating. As is Lizzie's constant weak legs and needing Aiden to catch her. That being said the editing in general is so much better than the early books.
Good book, great secondary characters they really make these stories.
September 11, 2020
Lots of trigger warnings
I enjoy this series and the world the author creates. But I felt it necessary to warn anyone with sensitivity to any rape or sexual abuse in books. While no rape occurs in this book, the main character is forced to relive her memories of a sexual assault and her fear of an impending sexual attack for her best friend is frequent in the book. Please do not read if you are concerned with rape/sexual brutality.
As for how those scenes were written they were clear and well portrayed without fetishing the actions and given the proper concern,shock, and emotional turmoil for those involved.
For the main plot line, I’m pleased with how Lizzie and Belle are still growing in strengths and their support for each other while learning how to trust more individuals in their lives. Can’t wait for the next book.
I enjoy this series and the world the author creates. But I felt it necessary to warn anyone with sensitivity to any rape or sexual abuse in books. While no rape occurs in this book, the main character is forced to relive her memories of a sexual assault and her fear of an impending sexual attack for her best friend is frequent in the book. Please do not read if you are concerned with rape/sexual brutality.
As for how those scenes were written they were clear and well portrayed without fetishing the actions and given the proper concern,shock, and emotional turmoil for those involved.
For the main plot line, I’m pleased with how Lizzie and Belle are still growing in strengths and their support for each other while learning how to trust more individuals in their lives. Can’t wait for the next book.
July 1, 2020
Lizzie Grace, her werewolf lover Aiden and the other witches living on the werewolf reservation - her familiar Belle, Monty, Ashworth and Eli, all work together on a new case tracking down a supernatural being with powerful magic that is preying upon newlyweds. As if the murder investigation is not enough, they’re also working out what to do with the consequences of Lizzie and Belle’s past catching up to them. Lizzie has to communicate with the parents she wants nothing to do with, as well as the man she hoped to never see again. The murder investigation is nothing compared to the family situation, but it all comes to a head with explosive results. I love this series and I look forward to seeing how Lizzie and Belle move on with their lives after this.
June 15, 2021
Okay so I'm a little miffed about Lizzie dabbling in the dark arts and a little more villainous monologuing about the grand plan that they had 13 years to put together wouldn't have been remiss in this case.
August 31, 2020
We finally had the showdown with Clayton, can’t wait to see the fallout with the rest of the family
December 1, 2020
The wait will be so hard
Now I have to wait until February 2021 for the next book. I have already pre-order it. This book was one of the best in the series. Just love it.
Now I have to wait until February 2021 for the next book. I have already pre-order it. This book was one of the best in the series. Just love it.
February 17, 2021
Description:
Evil comes in all forms… and sometimes it wears a human mask.
When the body of a newlywed is discovered on the reservation, Lizzie Grace throws herself into the investigation, needing a distraction from what she fears is coming not only for her but also Belle—her best friend and witch familiar.
But as the body count grows and a desperate race begins to track down a supernatural entity capable of powerful magic, it becomes evident another deadly game has begun—one they may not win.
Because the past—and the man—they ran from thirteen years ago has finally caught up with them.
And he’s out for revenge…
My Thoughts:
Wow. So we finally had a conclusion to lizzies past and it had me on the edge of my seat. I needed to know what was going to happen, plus the mystery was great. If you haven't read this series yet. you should it's so much fun. :)
Stars: ★★★★
Evil comes in all forms… and sometimes it wears a human mask.
When the body of a newlywed is discovered on the reservation, Lizzie Grace throws herself into the investigation, needing a distraction from what she fears is coming not only for her but also Belle—her best friend and witch familiar.
But as the body count grows and a desperate race begins to track down a supernatural entity capable of powerful magic, it becomes evident another deadly game has begun—one they may not win.
Because the past—and the man—they ran from thirteen years ago has finally caught up with them.
And he’s out for revenge…
My Thoughts:
Wow. So we finally had a conclusion to lizzies past and it had me on the edge of my seat. I needed to know what was going to happen, plus the mystery was great. If you haven't read this series yet. you should it's so much fun. :)
Stars: ★★★★
January 12, 2023
So far the best in the series. RTC
December 27, 2022
Love this series. Lizzie and Belle have to face Clayton. And survive the ordeal, along with friends. Lots of secrets are revealed and Lizzie’s parents and the council may find out the extent of her new found power.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2020
So much fun. Completely addictive.
I’m loving this series. The characters are very dynamic, and full of quirks, flaws and virtues. The ongoing, and underlying storyline has been building up to this final confrontation, and it was worth it. I loved how Lizzie finally got to vent her fury at her father, and now that contact has been renewed with her mother, well, I’m hoping we get to see more of the fallout fall onto the elder Marlowes.
Although the epilogue was nothing too different from previous books, I’m hoping that this is not the final book because I need to know what happens now with Aiden, Belle, Monty and even Katie and Gabe, plus Lizzie’s deepening affinity with the wild magic needs more exploring.
4.5 stars ⭐️
I’m loving this series. The characters are very dynamic, and full of quirks, flaws and virtues. The ongoing, and underlying storyline has been building up to this final confrontation, and it was worth it. I loved how Lizzie finally got to vent her fury at her father, and now that contact has been renewed with her mother, well, I’m hoping we get to see more of the fallout fall onto the elder Marlowes.
Although the epilogue was nothing too different from previous books, I’m hoping that this is not the final book because I need to know what happens now with Aiden, Belle, Monty and even Katie and Gabe, plus Lizzie’s deepening affinity with the wild magic needs more exploring.
4.5 stars ⭐️
July 4, 2020
It seemed like there was 2 parts to this one. First we had the dead bodies showing up and Lizzie jumped into help there. It took all of them to catch the bad guy and it was iffy a couple of times as the bad guy stayed ahead of them. But the part of this one that really interested me was how Lizzie and Belle's past came back at them and was dealt with once and for all. I really liked that this time around they had people on their side, ready to believe them and do what they could to help. What drove me nuts is that the powers that be didn't listen to Lizzie when she said that they needed to be careful, that one of the people was unhinged. It took seeing all the awful things that were done until they actually believed, which was too late, Lizzie had to save herself. It will be interesting to see where things go from here for Lizzie and Belle now that they are free from the past.
November 24, 2020
A good addition, but still feels like it is moving slower. I also keep waiting for another love interest to pop up because they keep saying how they can't be together which means I'm not invested in them as a couple... but perhaps I should start??
Anyhooo still a lovely series and I look forward to where it goes next.
Anyhooo still a lovely series and I look forward to where it goes next.
August 11, 2020
Good
This was good. I’m glad the whole Clayton/Dad thread was cleared up. I’m hoping this isn’t the last book in the series because there are a lot of things left unresolved like Lizzies wild magic being released, the changes in her body to make her more wolf like, Aidens ex-girlfriend’s return, etc. I hope there are more.
This was good. I’m glad the whole Clayton/Dad thread was cleared up. I’m hoping this isn’t the last book in the series because there are a lot of things left unresolved like Lizzies wild magic being released, the changes in her body to make her more wolf like, Aidens ex-girlfriend’s return, etc. I hope there are more.
June 8, 2021
I really liked this one
What I liked:
1. Lizzie coming more fully into her magic
2. The secondary plot line with Clayton
3. I think Monty's character has added personality to the book
What I didn't love:
1. This star crossed relationships trope. I just don't get how you could be with someone if they basically tell you they will leave you if their lost love comes back. Not logical.
What I liked:
1. Lizzie coming more fully into her magic
2. The secondary plot line with Clayton
3. I think Monty's character has added personality to the book
What I didn't love:
1. This star crossed relationships trope. I just don't get how you could be with someone if they basically tell you they will leave you if their lost love comes back. Not logical.
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