Those Curses We Had Buried

The Four Houses #2

by Dee J. Holmes

After a thousand years of separation, the Four Houses of Magic walk together once again. A witch, a werewolf, a fae and a vampire stood at the gates of the fae city and stopped a rising darkness. And while the powers that govern their worlds want to believe that darkness ended with a rogue witch, the true danger lies buried much deeper…

Rose LeFey wishes the threat ended with her aunt, but it rages on—the conspiracy behind her aunt’s destruction and those who aided that carnage, not to mention Rose’s own burning desire to use her reclaimed blood magic. Most of all, the intense bond she feels with the werewolf Dar has only grown stronger.

The trail leads Rose, her allies, and the werewolf she wants more than anything to the one place she absolutely can’t touch him—home. New Orleans.

But the center of witch governance in North America is not the city she left. Ancient barriers are falling apart. Vampires rampage through the streets, abduct tourists. As the witch council claws for control, they deny their weakness and turn their blame on Rose’s blood magic. In the face of their condemnation, Rose and Dar grow closer, dangerously so. And Rose and her friends discover the conspiracy runs deeper than they’d imagined—all the way into the grave.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

The characters I care about aren't content with the status quo. They don’t sit in some narrow, boilerplate box and do what they’re told—they break the laws of their worlds, defying everything for what's right and for true love. Whether battling fantastical odds, facing science fiction dilemmas or nursing a supernatural heartache, they challenge expectations and change their worlds.

I love complex worlds and even more complex characters. Fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, romance and geekery abound—and they're holding hands with opinions. Sometimes created while appreciating a fine rye. Probably NSFW.

I’m not only an author, I’m a visual artist. Decades of creating imagery in multiple mediums and the desire to see my characters brought to life led me to create book covers. I might have started with my own, but now I craft carefully branded, personalized covers for many authors.

Aside from authoring and drawing, I live with my husband and our Great Dane, Fable (aka Mistress of Menace, Duchess of Oof, the Terror Beast) in beautiful Vancouver. When I’m not creating, I’m enjoying a long walk with my giant doggo, or shooting some monsters in a co-op video game with my husband.

Above all, I love crafting exciting tales that pull at your heartstrings—and maybe your pant-strings—stories which excite and sweep readers into new worlds and leave them wanting more.

Reviews

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those Curses We Had Buried is book two of The Four Houses series of urban fantasy tales.

This story continues from book one. Rose and her friends may have saved a fae queen and a human filled town, but the evil mastermind behind it all still runs free.

This story is set in New Orleans where Rose is brought before a witch council to answer their questions. However, instead of the council's support she becomes a scapegoat for what is happening in the city.

Try as they might, Rose and her friends struggle to find answers as time runs out for them.

I liked the new setting for this episode and the introduction of some more characters. I definitely recommend reading these books in order. The story continues...

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so damn much. It was a great follow up to An Inheritance of Curses and I hope the author keeps the series going! I love Rose and Dar! The author has a great way of balancing the tense plot with a forbidden romance or two and I love seeing the story from multiple povs. Can’t wait for more.

[Denise Doughten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Story. Loved The romance the making of a new family when your own has seemed to abandon you. The love of true friends even when they fear friendship. Having to fight against the norm because it's wrong and your heart is telling you it's. . The intrigue and the betrayal of a parent. I just wish it did not end with an unending sort of. I will read the rest of the series. Just hate waiting and not knowing until I can read the next book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking twists & turns

With Rose & her companions in a rush to find out what Renard, the traitorous Terra witch & all those who are lurking in the shadows want it is amazing to see how the story is woven across different perspectives. Just when you think you're starting to understand some of the background characters you're proven wrong. This book is fast paced & amazing!

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not accustomed to taking so long reading any story.
The time delay was caused by my going on holiday and having my days filled with other commitments.
Shorted on time to read; I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story is heading.
I totally disliked the cliff hanger ending.
*sigh* a return to work can mean even less time to read in my near future!
Anxious to get on with it—

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I read the first book in the series and had to buy the next. It’s been along while since I really really liked a new author. Well I’m off to get the next one, thank you for the awesome read.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

The first book hooks you in. This book was a bit action lacking, but it was used to set up the series plot. So, while this one moved a tad slower than the first one, I bet the third one will be just as amazing.

[Anamika · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Right as Rose and Dar went sight seeing… I lost interest. I carried on hoping it will get better than there was a boring vampire attack on witches.

Book one was a drag yet I was hooked and enjoyed every page.

Can’t care anymore for what happens to the revenge the vampire or fae seek.

[Amber Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, loved the story, characters, conflict, intrigue, and romance. Looking forward to reading the next book!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/20/2021)! 🎁

[Paranormal Books R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooh boy this is a good book and that ending was perfect!
The story twists and turns as the ever growing spider web of lies, secrets, and deceit is slowly revealed. And through all of it we get to watch our patchwork pack grow as individuals and as a team while they face one challenge after another and become stronger for it.

It's such a fun mix of characters and personalities and I constantly find myself rooting for them even if they don't always make the best decisions.
I do truly love them all (even if Rose's southern slang still drives me a little crazy sometimes) but sassy vampire Sebastian has totally stolen my heart even when he is being a giant pain in the butt. Though tall, tough, and brooding Dar is no slouch either.

And after that ending I can't even imagine what's coming next but I'm definitely excited to find out! So I'm my opinion Those Curses We Had Buried is absolutely recommend.

[Laurel Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite book worlds - getting to know the characters from book one at a deeper level, and having their relationships become more intimate and complicated, was satisfying from start to finish. I love Rose in all her awkward glory, and Dar might be my one true werewolf... Can't wait for book three!

[L.E. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this world Ms. Holmes created! The second book in The Four Houses series was everything I wanted and more. No spoilers, but trust me, you want to read this series!!!