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Black Dog Rising

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Since arriving in England, nothing has made sense for Emma Aubrey. Forced to flee her ex-boyfriend and the vengeful ghost of his dead wife, she seeks refuge in Ninestone Downs, a sleepy country village where people still whisper of fairies and a hellish phantom canine prowls its streets.

Toby Deering has no more room in his life for the paranormal. He’s got secrets of his own, including a four-hundred-year-old curse and a past he can’t escape. The last thing he wants is a quirky American woman on his doorstep in desperate need of shelter, or the accidental touch that awakens a bond between them neither can ignore.

But ancient forces are stirring. When Emma finds herself the target of a shadowy stalker, will her bond with Toby be enough to withstand the evil Fae Court and the hellhound on her heels?

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2020

2 people are currently reading
122 people want to read

About the author

Kat Caulberg

2 books103 followers
For as long as she can remember, Kat Caulberg has been obsessed with history and the paranormal. Somewhat to the dismay of her parents, her interests led her into both museums and graveyards as a child, a trend which has continued into her adulthood. This has influenced her reading tastes and her writing, whether it be a good ghost story, thrilling tales of time-travel, or devouring endless volumes of ancient warfare.

She signed a contract with Soul Mate Publishing in 2018 for her first novel, Three Star Island, a time-travel story set in 1721. She enjoys writing strong, quirky heroines, and has a weakness for cheeky heroes who have as much compassion as they have flaws.

Kat currently lives in North Carolina with her Englishman and a few cats.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews633 followers
July 14, 2020
Hang on tight, Kat Caulberg is about to take readers on a ride that is dark, haunted and filled with an electric chemistry between two people that slowly builds up steam like a roller coaster reaching that high point on the rails, then plunges us headlong into the unknown!

BLACK DOG RISING will make believers in the unbelievable, because who knows what happens when death prevents unfinished business and keeps a centuries old curse alive. Brilliant characters, a strong heroine who has crossed an ocean to escape her own demons, a man cursed to be trapped in a tiny village and a bond between them that comes to life that can either destroy them both or break the curse.

Dialogue that is intense, scenes that come alive and an atmosphere of darkness and something “just beyond” the consciousness that threatens to explode into reality. Sit in an old English pub, be part of ancient beliefs and watch a romance unfold with a quiet grace.

Kat Caulberg has done a remarkable job of carrying this tale to an ending that spotlights each incredible page of this journey. Do you believe in ghosts? The magic of ancient beliefs? Love? Highly recommended reading with a fresh feel in the world of the paranormal!

I received a complimentary copy from Kat Caulberg! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing, LLC (July 1, 2020)
Publication Date: July 1, 2020
Genre: Paranormal Romance | Fairy Tales
Print Length: 251 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com


Profile Image for Dean Cole.
Author 5 books171 followers
September 14, 2020
An excellent dark fairy tale romance set in England. Brilliant characters and exceptional writing that conjures gorgeous and vivid imagery.

Emma Aubrey, an American in England who's fleeing her ex, falls (almost literally) into the protective arms of dashing and chivalrous innkeeper Toby Deering. The Black Shuck Inn becomes her refuge for the time being, but things aren't as they seem and there is a lot more going on behind the quaint aesthetic of Ninestone Downs that Emma is yet to discover.

It's hard to say more without spoiling the story, as so much of the rest of the plot comes from the setup of this mystery, but Kat Caulberg does an excellent job at keeping you intrigued until things are brought to light, then we're treated to a fantastic dive into the paranormal and fae lore, along with a few character twists, culminating in an exhilarating finale.

I really liked the romance, the brilliant use of words and the dialogue that was punchy, realistic and at times quite amusing. Favourite line: “You ding-dong! Stay there and don’t move, or I’ll pluck you naked.”

A fantastic story by a great writer that I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Heather Bass.
651 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2021
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good paranormal story but this author exceeded all my expectations. I was hooked on the first chapter. These characters drew me in on their story as well. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing book.

Emma Aubrey finds herself in a small town in England. She was forced out of her ex’s life by his wife’s ghost. Emma knows that there's paranormal out there but she is hearing a lot more stories in this small town. She meets Toby while she is in this small town. Emma finds herself being stalked by a shadow that keeps on finding her. Will her and Toby’s bond be strong enough to fight the darkness or will they both be destroyed?
Profile Image for Angela.
8,582 reviews123 followers
February 5, 2021
4 Stars

Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg is an intriguing paranormal romance- with plenty of drama, adventure, danger, mystery, and secrets. This is my first read by Ms. Caulberg, so I really wasn’t sure what to expect going in. But the title alone intrigued me enough to want to know more- so I took a chance and snapped up a copy and jumped right in.
Emma journeys to England trying to leave her previous bad relationship behind. But little does she know that this will be the start of an adventure that will change everything. Nothing is quite as it seems, as Emma will soon discover. This journey brings danger, uncovers secrets, and will test her like never before. Add some tension, chemistry, the Fae, a dark(ish) atmosphere, and some romance- and this story had me completely engrossed.
I am looking forward to exploring more of Ms. Caulberg’s work in the near future!

Thank you, Kat Caulberg!
Profile Image for Liz.
1,327 reviews19 followers
February 15, 2021
Wow! I didn’t exactly know what to expect when I picked this novel up but that cover drew me in deep and I had to know what the story was beyond the cover. This is one you do not want to miss if you love all things paranormal, fae, and dark romance. I loved the adventures that Caulberg brought. I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would come next. We follow Emma Aubrey, a woman in a new world to her being an American in England, but she needs to stay safe as she flees her ex. Then her path crosses with Toby Deering and all the rest is history. I won’t divulge much more because I feel this is one that needs to be read and enjoyed with zero spoilers. I cannot wait to see what else will come from Kat Caulberg!
Profile Image for Gem Jackson.
Author 2 books8 followers
June 27, 2020
Black Dog Rising is a paranormal romance by American author Kat Caulberg. The book follows Emma Aubrey as she travels to a town in rural England to escape the conflicts and discords of her previous relationship. Finding solace in a centuries old pub, Emma is drawn to the mysterious, aloof, though protective, Toby Deering; a man with as much past baggage as Emma has in her present. What follows is a taught, well-paced story that seamlessly blends romance with the dark-fantasy of fae England which I enjoyed from start to finish.

If you're looking for well-drawn, complex characters, you won't be disappointed in Emma and Toby. These are not two-dimensional tropes, dropped into the story to play their roles. Caulberg is skilled in dialogue and nuance, drawing us into a relationship with each of them. It would have been easy to give each of them a straightforward backstory (I thought I'd guessed their histories early on - I was wrong!) but the easy route isn't taken, and instead we get well formed individuals, who come to life from the page. Similarly, the secondary characters are well drawn and capable of surprising you as the story develops. Jack's story arc is particularly satisfying. What I'm trying to express is that this isn't paint-by-numbers writing; there's depth in the characterisation and skill in drawing it out.

An element that makes the book stand out for me is the setting. The first part of the book reads as a familiar account of a traditional, peculiar English town. I've been to places like that. I've sat in those pubs and spoken to those people. As the book progresses, we get more insight into the Fae underbelly of England. It's not overplayed, and it reads very well. If you're familiar with Suzannah Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, it has that feel about it (albeit without the 200 academic footnotes). You get a real connection to the Britain of ancient stones and hills, lost Roman legions, tricksters and spectres.

One thing I especially enjoyed was how the book starts out with a relatively normal, if compelling, depiction of the world, but before long you're knee deep in the fantastic and strange without ever really noticing it. There is no jarring transition from the mundane to the fantastical; it seems perfectly natural that it should end up that way.

In terms of theme, Black Dog Rising is in some ways a traditional romance. The romantic tension between Emma and Toby is there from the start and runs throughout the story; two damaged people find each other and through mishap and circumstance are given an opportunity for a new life together. Yet, there is more to it than that. The narrative tackles ideas of loss, duty, revenge and sacrifice as we are drawn deeper into Toby's England.

Overall, I really enjoyed Black Dog Rising. If the idea of reading a paranormal romance is up your street in even the slightest sense, you will enjoy it, I'm sure. 100% recommended.
Profile Image for Helen Whistberry.
Author 31 books69 followers
July 9, 2020
Very enjoyable and well-written romance with great use of Fae lore, and in particular, traditional English Shuck folklore about a mysterious and ghostly black dog. Our heroine, Emma, is fleeing a bad breakup, which turns out to be not at all of the kind you might first suspect. She meets up with innkeeper Toby who has dark secrets of his own and sparks fly. What follows is a slow burn relationship as Emma and Toby warily navigate their obvious attraction against a backdrop of Fae intrigue which includes the enigmatic Jack, who appears to be a dangerously seductive enemy but turns out to be a much more complex character. I really appreciated how the author kept defying the reader's assumptions about motivations and where the plot was going. The whole novel had an element of surprise which is unusual when following such well-explored ground as Faerie mythology. The first part of the book is rather leisurely as we get to know more about Emma and Toby but the second half is a breathless race against time and seemingly insurmountable odds as our couple seeks to overturn a centuries-old curse. Recommended for fans of smart romance with a supernatural twist.
Profile Image for Anna Hirsch.
808 reviews14 followers
February 11, 2021
Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg
4 Stars

Black Dog Rising is a dark, romantic fantasy. Emma is in rural England fleeing her ex and ends up in a town called Ninestone Downs. Not everything is as it seems; magic is very much alive in this quaint town. She ends up at the Black Shuck Inn where she meets Toby Deering. The chemistry between them is undeniable but Toby carries some heavy secrets. Living with a four hundred year old curse, he tries to avoid Emma, if only to protect her. It seems their fates are intertwined. As much as he puts her in danger, he’s the only one that can protect her.

The book is well written and the author does a wonderful job of integrating Fae lore and English Shuck folklore into the story. The characters are well rounded and I love the way Toby uses older terminology in his speech patterns. There is plenty of mystery and danger to keep you interested in this story. The only thing that frustrated me was the fact that it took Emma so long to learn exactly what was going on. It’s the first book that I have read from this author and I enjoyed it, I believe you will too.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hefner.
Author 32 books1,237 followers
July 1, 2020
Black Dog Rising is a new book from an author whose historical romance, Three Star Island, was one of my favorite reads of 2019. This book is quite different in that it's a paranormal/fae romance but I absolutely enjoyed it! The premise was extremely creative and the author draws you into the world so eloquently that you never want to leave!

Emma is a fantastic female main character that everyone will root for. Toby is mysterious and weaves his story for you until you're hooked. The romance is solid, although not overwhelming (I would've loved more but I still thoroughly enjoyed it!). The backstory and world creation was fantastic and I can tell that the author really put time into researching it. There's a great twist at the end (who doesn't love a good twist!) and the couple gets their HEA. A wonderfully creative book from a fantastic author. Happy reading!
1,941 reviews24 followers
February 15, 2021
Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg. This is a great story. Not my favorite genre but the author writes so well that I loved the story. Its an intense paranormal love story that will have you flipping the pages late in the night. Its the story of Emma Aubrey who is an American in England who is trying to get away from her ex. When she meets Toby Deering the owner of the inn she is staying at she is smitten immediately. The Black Shuck Inn is becoming to be her home away from home but there is a dark side to the inn that Emma is finding out about. This story is full of mystery, intrigue, ghosts and magic. If you don't believe in ghosts now you will by the end of this book. When Emma finds out Toby has been under a 400 year old curse will she leave the one true love she feels shes found? Read Black Dog Rising to find out!
Profile Image for Erin.
716 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2021
I give Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg, 5 stars.

This was such a unique and interesting paranormal romance. There are creatures in this story we don't see much of in this genre. In this day and age, it becomes increasingly more difficult to not read about the same creatures over and over. The way the author uses them is also different but at the same time oh so entertaining. The main characters are real and endearing. Emma comes to learn and accept more and more as the book goes on. To me, the best part of the story was the tests. This is where the characters and story really shine. Not to mention that it is set in England, where there is already so much history and magic. I hope there will be more books set in this world with these characters in the future.

If you are a fan of paranormal romance, this fun story is for you. I could not put it down until I was finished.
Profile Image for Cindy Tomamichel.
Author 23 books200 followers
July 10, 2020
Another action packed romance from Kat Caulberg. This book delves deep into the myths and legends of England, weaving them into a tale of modern mystery and danger. This is a book where you are never quite sure of the hero, and never sure the heroine will survive the perils that surround her.
Emma is drawn back to a town in the UK she visited long ago. A simple start, yet she is already followed by people that are only glimpsed in the shadows, and her rescuer is as gorgeous as his past and nature is secretive.
Bound is a tangle of myths she only half understands, and hunted by creatures she doesn’t quite believe in, this story keeps you on the edge. Romance a plenty, but the lovers must pay a price. To lift the burden of centuries, the cost will be high.
104 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2020
Its not often that I need to utilize the dictionary when I read a book like this, yet this author had me reaching for it numerous times. Thank you for that!

Emma and Toby confused me for quite some time in the beginning of the book. Its great that the author keeps you on your toes as you work your way into the story.

I really enjoy the history that is peppered throughout this book. Bringing the past into the present in so many ways is a great way to keep it interesting.

I enjoyed this book and would like to follow these characters through the next phase of their lives.

This book was kindly provided to me by the author for me to give an honest, unbiased review, which I was very happy to do. This book will not disappoint. Enjoy :)
3,104 reviews34 followers
February 2, 2021
Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg is a great fantasy romance book that really keeps you on your toes. The whole book just keeps throwing twists and turns out - just as you think you have got something figured out the author sends the story down a different path entirely. It mad the book surprising and such a good book to read. I loved the main characters - Emma and Toby were not only worked so well together but were perfect for this particular story.
The book is exciting to read. I think I enjoyed it even more because it was set in Suffolk, England. It is always nice to read a book set in my country and I always feel a little more connected with it. I am already looking forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,020 reviews65 followers
February 3, 2021
I enjoyed this paranormal-romance story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. This is a well written story that has details that make the story feel realistic. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their story. They are connectable and made the story fun to read. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and I had a hard time putting it down. Emma and Toby both have pasts. What will happen when she ends up on his doorstep? Will the bond they form be enough to fight a stalker? I enjoyed their chemistry and watching their relationship grow throughout the story. This is a truly great story that I highly recommend.

Profile Image for Jenni.
6,449 reviews79 followers
February 9, 2021
Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg is a paranormal fantasy story. This dark tale is full of secrets and mystery. Kat has given us a plot that is enticing and is enriched with fae lore. She has cleverly woven in all the elements to give the reader an experience and not just a read.

Emma has fled her home and hopes to find refuge in England from a vindictive ghost. Only there is more at stake here where fairies are whispers and a hellhound is prevalent. Not only that but there is a four hundred year old curse and sees Emma in more trouble than ever.

Throw in some chemistry that is palpable when Emma is drawn to Toby who has as much baggage if not more than she. He is a lot mysterious, strangely detached and a little protective.
Profile Image for Kerry  carr.
1,959 reviews25 followers
February 11, 2021
This is a great paranormal story that I really enjoyed. I was dragged into the story from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. The characters are well written and even though the subject is paranormal you can actually imagine it happening because of how well the author paints the picture and builds the story.

Emma is running away from her ex and she finds herself in a small village being stalkered by an unknown person. Why is that person after her. She feels all alone until she is rescued by a handsome man called Toby.

Toby runs a local Inn which has a history. How much of that is real and how much is stories remains to be seen. The connection between them is strong and is felt immediately but why? Why is the connection between them so strong? What does it mean?
With both Emma and Toby having pasts and keeping secrets their journey to unravel them all leads them on a great adventure you won't be able to put down.
Author 13 books59 followers
February 14, 2021
5/5 Stars

Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg

This is the first book I've read by the author and it was amazing. You'll want more of Emma and Toby when you are done.

Emma is trying to run from her ex. What she doesn't know is she's stepping into another world. It turns out for the best in the end. The quote I chose for Emma is: “I like you, Toby Deering, even if you don’t believe in fairy tales.”

Toby is the innkeeper that has been stuck at his inn since he burned it down. He finds himself drawn to Emma. When things go bad he turns to get. The quote I chose for Toby is: “I’ll look different. You might not like what you see. I’ll not be the pretty man you know me as now.”

Highly recommended for Paranormal Romance lovers.
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
February 15, 2021
Black Dog Rising
By Kat Caulberg
5 out of 5 stars

I loved reading the book Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg. It is a story that pulled me in, and I didn’t want to put it down until the final page. I loved the storyline and the characters of Emma Aubrey and Toby Deering. What does the future hold for them? Read this book to find out. This is a book that had me turning pages to find out what happens. The author does an amazing job of making the story and the characters come alive. It takes you on a journey that you will not soon forget. Don’t miss out on a story that is interesting, intriguing, exciting, and entertaining. You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Gail Guerrero.
731 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2021
Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg - Review by Gail Guerrero

Five Stars

This story was a beautifully crafted dark read. The author takes you on a journey across the ocean. The world is never what it seems. Lives are at stake and either their bond will save them or destroy them. I was so shook while reading this story. So much happening that you’re constantly in a sense of thrill. Paranormal is a genre that keeps on giving. The author did amazing with the style and flow of this story. The characters were well written. The heroine was brilliantly written. I’ve never read a story with such intensity in the dialogue. Seriously had me looking for more it was so good.
Profile Image for Em.
341 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2021
Black Dog Rising takes place in Ninestone Downs, a sleepy country village where people still whisper of fairies and a hellish phantom canine prowls its streets. The female character, Emma Aubrey, is forced to flee her ex-boyfriend and the vengeful ghost of his dead wife. The male character is Toby Deering and he has no more room in his life for the paranormal. He’s got secrets of his own. This novel is a romance novel with a twist. Kat Caulberg has a wonderful fun imagination and it shows in her writing. I had to reread this novel because it is that good. I do recommend this to anyone who is into paranormal and/or romance.
Profile Image for Rachel Moss.
583 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2021
Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg was a good read. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this novel, but I wasn't disappointed. I was a little thrown off at the beginning, because it felt it was starting off as a historical novel, with some modern items thrown in, until I got further into the novel then the time became a little more clearer. I really enjoyed reading this novel but it didn't grab me and keep my attention like I was hoping it would. The characters were great and the storyline was good, there just wasn't anything that popped out to me personally. I really enjoyed the writing style however. I definitely do want to read more from Caulberg in the future though.
Profile Image for Finn Cunningham.
476 reviews9 followers
February 19, 2021
All i can say is WOW! Kat Caulberg is just full to the brim with talent, just like this book. This dark fantasy style romance is beautifully written, with vivid imagery, and an amazing plot with drama, adventure, danger, mystery, and secrets around every single corner! This is my first book from Kat Caulberg, and after this, it's the first of many! I love this book from start to end, and i think you will too! I recommend this book 1000% percent, and wish i could give it higher than 5 stars! I genuinely can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for C.M. Rosens.
Author 18 books106 followers
July 24, 2020
I really enjoyed the ARC so much I bought the Kindle copy. I'll probably buy the paperback too. I don't read Romance, or at least, I never used to. But Kat Caulberg's Three Star Island converted me and I found myself really enjoying her style and well-researched historical setting. While Black Dog Rising is contemporary-set, so much depth can be found in the folkloric elements, and the romantic plot is well executed and really held my attention. I loved the characters and the world building!
21 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2020
Kat Caulberg has done it once more. With her knowledge of English folklore and her mastery of words, she has created another page turner. If she's not teaching creative writing somewhere she should be. Toby and Emma and even Jack are characters that are difficult to part with at the end of the day. Readers will find themselves rapidly engrossed in this twisting tale of magic, history, and romance.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
1,130 reviews15 followers
December 7, 2020
I can't say I enjoyed this as much as Three Star Island, which had me riveted from start to finish. I'd give this a 3.5 - I found the pacing kind of slow, and something between the romantic leads didn't gel all the way for me. I did like the way the relationship formed, but something just seemed missing between the attraction and love stages.

As in Three Star Island, Caulberg is fantastic at creating a sense of place. I look forward to her future endeavors, especially as she seems to want to write across the romantic subgenres!
Profile Image for Mirela.
582 reviews17 followers
February 14, 2021
Black Dog Rising by Kat Caulberg was a gripping story! I felt hooked by the supernatural elements and could not put it down. I loved all the twists and turns, it really developed beautifully. I loved Emma and Toby and the wild ride they went on. I was rooting for Emma and really felt connected with her. Toby was a mystery I felt compelled to solve. Acaptivating read with all of my favorite elements!
Profile Image for Cindy Rushin.
173 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book by Kat Caulberg. It introduced to me something new to me as I had not ever heard of the legend of a Shuck. I found this legend very interesting. Kat Caulberg created a vibrant world and I found myself lost in the wonder of that world. I also enjoyed the story of Tobias and Emma. I found it very moving and really liked following their journey to finding each other. Kat Caulberg is definitely an author that I will enjoy reading more from.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,788 reviews21 followers
February 1, 2021
This story really keeps my on my toes. One minute I can’t wait to figure out who everyone is. Then the next I feel like I have been slammed against a wall and I have no idea what it going on. Each of the characters is filled with mystery but they each have a purpose. Some of them conflict and others they coincide.

With all that being said...I still could not wait to get back to this book every day. If you love the Fae and all their trickery, then You will enjoy this foray with the Unseelies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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