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Sanctuary B & B—Our wards are strong and our door is open! Running a B&B is hard enough, but doing it inside the warded walls of a quirky, ancestral castle in downtown Austin, TX adds its own set of special challenges. Darcy Valentine not only protects and takes care of the motley mixed group of supernaturals and humans who’ve sought sanctuary within its walls, he also has to contend with ghosts with marital woes and his meddling, bossy mama. After a frustrated call to his favorite podcast—hosted by a man rumored to be a genie—and an accidental wish for his heart’s desire, Darcy meets his favorite author, Storm D’Arcy. Except, Storm isn’t exactly the kind of man he expected… or human. Storm is a vampire. A charming, gorgeous, blood-sucking monster. But then again, appearances can be deceiving. On the run to save his handi-capable sister from the vampires chasing them, Storm comes to Sanctuary to beg for protection. His only wish is for the pair to find a new home within its walls. The absolute last thing Storm’s looking for is a feisty human who’s armed with enough silver blades to kill him without blinking… and an even sharper tongue. An earlier version of this was previously published in the Heart-2-Heart Paranormal Anthology as “A Caller From Austin” but the original has been completely re-edited with over 5k of new material added, including a new chapter and a different ending than the original story. This 20k novella is the first in the Magical Mischief at the B&B series. This book does not contain mpreg, but it does contain one slightly pudgy protector, twin fae sisters, and a never-ending first date.

73 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2020

156 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

Susi Hawke

152 books1,064 followers
I'm a total fan of M/PREG Paranormal Romances, first and foremost as a reader. I'm excited to share my own omegaverse(s) with you. What's not to love about adorable Omegas and the Alpha men who love them? If I'm not writing about men sporting baby bumps, I'm definitely reading about them!

I'm a native of Las Vegas, NV, so I'm pre-wired to love everything weird ~ although I don't find any kind of love to be weird. I'm a cis woman who's been happily married to the same lovable lug for 18 years. We have a 16yr old son, well, at least I think we do? Either that, or we have a ghost that eats all our food and uses up all wifi playing xbox while screaming into a headset.

As a new author, it's been amazing to find the amount of support that I've been given from readers and my fellow authors. Feel free to message me, I love to chat with fellow readers. Am I a reader? Heck yeah! In fact, I'm never certain that I can completely trust an author who isn't a fellow bibliophile.

I will try to update here when I'm doing promotional parties & chats. I usually do those on Facebook. If you haven't already signed up for my newsletter, you should totally do it! I only send out NL's to announce new releases or important announcements. I also like to note in my NL what I'm currently reading along with a cover shot and the link for anyone who is interested.

I look forward to interacting with everyone here!

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5 stars
209 (38%)
4 stars
181 (32%)
3 stars
120 (21%)
2 stars
30 (5%)
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10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Florence ..
925 reviews294 followers
May 5, 2021
4 first dates stars



I never read paranormal romances, but I needed a change from my normal contemporary schedule, which hasn’t been going very well for me lately, and this was exactly what I needed.

Brief summary: There is a war going on where supernatural beings are trying to eliminate all of the humans in the world. Darcy Valentine is the owner ot a sancturary that protects people against supernal being. Storm D’arcy, a vampire who’s also Darcy’s favourite author, and his twin sister come knocking on their door and Storm and Darcy go on a date, one that never ends.



I decided to read this at 3 in the morning which wasn’t a very good idea because my entire household is sleeping and it was hard to not wake up everyone with my laughing, this book is hilarious.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved our two main characters and I loved the cast of supporting characters, everyone is lovely. Also, I adore the two ghosts who hunt the sanctuary and keep fighting about everything, they were lovely. This book showed how important having a found family is and I really loved that part.

This is insta everything but it didn’t bother me at all. I also enjoyed how there is no angst, at all, to be found here. This book was so sweet and I had a really good time reading it. Also this is like 70 pages and there was still some very decent world building, which I really appreciated.

This is the kind of book you read to provide you with a nice little distraction from the real world. And it did its job perfectly for me.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,503 reviews226 followers
May 7, 2021
Excellent beginning to an interesting series!

This short novella did a surprising amount of world building and character development in a short amount of pages. The author has me hooked! Can't wait to see where the story goes next!
Profile Image for Jacquie Stewart.
2,623 reviews74 followers
April 19, 2021
Previously published as a Heart2Heart story, but re-edited with extra content.
It starts with a wish that brings Storm to Darcy's Castle for sanctuary from vampires that are hunting him.
This prequel sets the scene, a post supernatural war, the need for some humans to hide, some supernaturals are hunted etc. It's not overdone and allows the romance to actually come through.
It's a little bit too easy too quickly between them but they're cute
Profile Image for Judy Ferrell.
Author 20 books87 followers
January 18, 2022
Hiding place

Darcy has created a place for people to be safe. Storm and his sister need such a place. Mischief is a foot. Good book.
Profile Image for Katherine.
183 reviews
May 5, 2021
Darcy and Storm are the perfect low angst couple you need in your life.
I love any kind of found family story, and that’s exactly what this is. On the run from vampires who don’t take kindly to Storm trying to save his human twin sisters life, they come to the Sanctuary B&B, run by Darcy and his kind of terrifying mother. The B&B is open to anyone who needs help, and is well protected. Mostly, as Darcy is constantly teased about for not following the instructions to the letter when getting the wards put in place.
Storm, who is Darcy’s favourite author, is quickly smitten with the weapon laden B&B owner. And Darcy, well he’s just smitten plain and simple. I’m loving when characters actually like each other from the moment they first meet, and after an initial understanding, and Darcy wanting to keep his blood in his body, that’s what we’ve got.
It’s such a great intro into this series of Storm and Darcy’s never ending first date. And while there is some action, it’s all pretty low drama. It’s a warm fuzzy kind of read and perfect for a stormy (see what I did there?) afternoon read. It’s an all the stars read, It’s an all the stars read, just like any of Susi Hawkes, and while a bit different from her normal paranormal titles, it’s just as enjoyable.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,567 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Due to this being a short story I don’t mind insta-love stories and the state of the world in this universe also helps as if the world turned to sh*t and paranormals and humans went to war why wouldn’t you find companionship, love and family where you can. Susi did such an awesome job getting a lot of world building within the pages. I can’t wait until we get more of Darcy and Storm as their relationship grows since this was only book 1 in the series and the start of their relationship. I’m looking forward to getting more of Muriel and Prudence and seeing how inappropriate they can be with their over sharing. It doesn’t help that Prudence is a s*x therapist either.  I wonder who will show up at the B & B looking for Sanctuary next and for what reason. This story made me smile while reading it which isn’t surprising as that’s usually the case when reading Susi’s other books. I’d recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
Profile Image for Kendra Patterson.
989 reviews11 followers
July 26, 2021
ARC received for an honest review.

Book 1: Finding Sanctuary
Darcy runs a B&B with his mother Prudence, inside a castle, that provides sanctuary for people and supernaturals for all reasons. It's warded against malice so while inside the property grounds they are safe. One night Storm a vampire and his human twin Muriel knock on his door and are granted sanctuary. This is a well written book with great chemistry and a colorful cast of characters. The Pudgy comments and the internal dialogue of extra 10 or 40 pounds had me laughing so hard my gut hurt.

This is my first foray into Susi Hawke's books. I was going into this with hope of some light romance and wasn't disappointed. In fact I was very pleasantly surprised at how well this whole series is written. Lot's of romance and comedy. Darcy and Storm have great chemistry and the support characters are all fun to read. I will definitely be looking for more of Susi's books. Highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Lisa.
526 reviews5 followers
November 10, 2020
This story has been expanded from its original version that was dubbed "A Caller from Austin" in the Heart2Heart Anthology. This is a prequel to the new Sanctuary B&B series and what a wonderful start!

I was really pleased to see that the author kept some of the original contents especially when Darcy called into the podcast's hotline to make a wish. Texas like the rest of the country has suffered from the aftermaths of a paranormal war with vampires and other supernatural beings. Darcy's ancestral castle has been warded and protected to serve as a B&B sanctuary for anybody who needs a safe haven. Wonderful quick and sweet read with a pudgy human, his sassy match-making mother, a Vampire author, his handi-capable sister, and friendly B&B guests. I'm excited to read the rest of this series in 2021 :)
Profile Image for Guardian.angel54 .
973 reviews39 followers
May 18, 2021
Vampire author and Texan hottie

What can I say, this book is just adorable! I love the whole idea of a vampire gay romance author and, add in the fleeing from the vampire presidential enforcers, a handi-capable twin sister, a sex therapist meddling mother, and an actual castle in Texas, and you have the perfect ingredients for a sassy adventure and rollicking good time read. I loved the uniqueness of the storyline and the characters and the world building was just enough to enhance without being overkill. The instalove was sweet and sappy but really fit the whole tone of the work. I enjoyed this so much that I instantly bought the other three books in the series and can't wait to dive in and see what future shenanigans our motley crew gets up to. A seriously fun and addictive read!
379 reviews7 followers
May 5, 2021
I first read this book as part of the Heart2heart Vl. 4 anthology and it was even better the second time with the new edit and ending. I really love Storm, he’s so tongue tied for a romance writer that it’s endearing. Darcy is such a great character and I love the way that he expresses himself. Sanctuary is such a great place, I wish it was a real place. The residents are amazing and I want to know them. The scene is really steamy between the pair. Prudence and Muriel are such great sarcastic and nosy characters and I really love the way that they are written. I am really excited that this is turning into a series and I can’t wait to see where it goes. I would absolutely recommend this book.
1,044 reviews10 followers
April 24, 2021
Finding Sanctuary is Book 1 in the Magical Mischief at the B&B series. This is such an enjoyable story. Darcy and his mother have made their castle a warded sanctuary for those in need. Darcy had no idea his favorite author would be one to show up, with his sister, in need of sanctuary, but that's exactly what happened. Reluctantly at first, because Storm is a vampire, Darcy decides to let them in. From then on things get hot and steamy with Darcy and Storm with their instant connection. This may be a short story but there is a lot going on. It does a good job in laying the foundation for the series. I look forward to more.
3,536 reviews38 followers
April 27, 2021
What a fun story!
With a family like this, I'd need a tower of my own too!

I'm still trying to picture a castle in Austin, Texas...just so I can get 'the lay of the land.'
Witches, ghosts, vampires running amuck in the capital city of Texas.
Considering how everyone and his brother has a gun in this state, it's not so hard to imagine.
Luckily the vampires haven't taken over yet...but I'm just waiting for that to happen next!

A vampire tale like no other!
So much fun, fighting and fear.
As well as instant love and attraction!
Prepare to laugh your way through...It is a rollicking good time!
4,846 reviews18 followers
May 6, 2021
Wen your heart's desire, isn't exactly what you think you wanted, but is what you need. A paranormal B&B that serves as a sanctuary, is the best! Darcy, leaving a message for Gene. He asked to meet Storm D'Arcy who he fantasized falling in love. When Storm, shows up at his door looking for sanctuary, he's surprised to see his red eyes. Does Darcy, let Storm and his sister have sanctuary? Does Darcy relax and get to know his idol? Does Storm relax and open his heart to Darcy? Do they ever get to have a cohesive conversation? Fun story. Nice start to series. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,170 reviews6 followers
May 5, 2021
Really funny and entertaining. A taste is what you receive, but the first installment did not disappoint.

Darcy's mother has ZERO filter. She lives to keep her son, on his toes. We are introduced to a variety of side characters, who are also unique in their own way.

Storm arrives, seeking sanctuary for he and his sister, Muriel. Wait until you find out their birth names, and nicknames.

A vampire who defies all you've been told and a very protective B&B owner, providing sanctuary to those who seek it.

Short read and instalove.


**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,228 reviews6 followers
May 4, 2021
Fabulous!!!

What a great start to a series. I love the world created and can’t wait to see where the author takes us. I think there is more to what we’ve seen so far. So many possibilities. And so much for both them and us to learn. What I really liked was how I could see this being the outcome if this really happened. Think of all of the supernaturals that are closely tied to nature and think of what man has done to it. Hopefully there are more vampires like Storm. Darcy’s mom is a blast. So is Muriel. Darcy is a spunky sweetheart. I can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Shelley Chastagner.
2,722 reviews38 followers
July 19, 2021
I love Susi’s characters and the humor that she laces into her stories. Darcy Valentine has a home full of refugees and an overbearing mother; adding a vampire and his sister shouldn’t be a problem. The vampire, of course, turns out to be the man he’s just been rambling about to the talk show host. Storm D’arcy. I laughed out loud at his ramblings about marrying the man. The ending was so hopeful for a wonderful future.
This newest edition is wonderfully fleshed out. Each of the characters has so much more depth to them.
Highly recommended author
Profile Image for Charlotte.
2,121 reviews80 followers
January 28, 2021
This book is very sweet. I gave it 3 stars because I like the idea of the brother and sister, handicap situation. The thing is though, I don't see where this is going. The mom said the residents are all already mated and there in a "castle" that's going to run out of room. It says book 1, but there's not unlimited space and the supes that are there are already paired? Seems the series is over with the twins and mother and son. I guess we'll see.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
April 17, 2021
Susi Hawke's Finding Sanctuary is the first book in the Sanctuary B&B series.  Paranormal  mm romance with vampires, witches, humans and more... that takes places in a very intriguing post-war world where danger lurks and find Sanctuary can save lives. There are series tones and humorous ones too,  and it draws you in and makes you want more of this world, of these characters, of their stories.  LOVED IT!  Want more!
Profile Image for Ζωή Παππά.
Author 3 books29 followers
April 21, 2021
Great start to the series! I really liked the setting! The idea of a B&B that is a castle and also works as a mystical sanctuary was very interesting. I liked the world building, it was easy to understand but it was also intriguing and made me want to know more. Darcy and Storm were great main characters, I liked them both a lot and I loved their chemistry. I can't wait to read more books set in this world and visit Storm and Darcy and the rest of the cast again.
I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for MezzoMom.
128 reviews
April 23, 2021
This was a sweet light read that introduces the Sanctuary B&B and its residents. If you like a play on names and quirky characters this is the story for you. With supernaturals and humans as the residents you can only imagine what mischief Susi Hawke will bring us. I loved the premise of this story and look forward to more books to come. This review is an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an advanced readers copy of the book.
Profile Image for Latecia Jennings.
2,325 reviews10 followers
May 6, 2021
**ARC Review** This start to the series was a cute and sweet novella that kept a smile on my face. I loved all the characters especially Darcy and his mother Pru. I like the paranormal elements and the idea of the Sanctuary. Storm the reluctant vampire and famous writer and his sister coming to the Sanctuary made it more entertaining. The interactions and ultimately the pairing off kept this a page turner til the end. We got a HFN that leads to the next book in series. Can't wait.
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,858 reviews21 followers
November 24, 2020
I love the idea of a B&B being used as a sanctuary for those in need whether they are human or paranormal. This story had action, humor, family, togetherness for Storm and Darcy (not to mention some others), danger and most of all hope. I truly appreciated the style of writing and it held me captive from beginning to end. Very delightful read.
Profile Image for Alakazam.
108 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2020
When Darcy who runs a Castle based sanctuary for hunted supernaturals (disguised as a BnB), offers shelter to Stormy vampire D'arcy and his twin sister sparks to fly. Don't get confused between the two protagonists called Darcy and D'arcy, or you may get a Jane Austen hangover. Like the concept of a safe haven for magical beings. The castle in defence mode promises great future battles. It will be interesting to see where this road leads.
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,262 reviews30 followers
Read
April 19, 2021
I love this author

I have yet to find anything written by Susi Hawke that I didn’t love. This is a fluffy insta love story set in a kind of post apocalyptic Texas. What do a man named Darcy, a castle, and a vampire who writes romance novels have in common? How about a happily ever after set in a castle called Sanctuary? Sounds good to me!
1,488 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2021
I first read this story in the Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology Vol.4 and I don't get tired of it. The few changes the author made to prepare it as a beginning of a series, made everything even better. The story has all the elements I loved so much in any book written by Susi Hawke, a complex plot, wonderful characters, a beautifully managed love story, a tiny dose of angst, and the promise for a whole new world.... A unique and original start of a new series!
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
April 22, 2021
Loved it!! Darcy is running a B&B as a Sanctuary in the family castle! An apocalypse of sorts has happened with the supernatural thinking they should be the top of the food chain. When Darcy calls in to a radio station, he makes a wish and Storm shows up. This was a sweet, snarky insta love romance! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
305 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2021
This is the first book in a new series, Magical Mischief at the B&B from Susi Hawke. Susi has a way of bringing her stories to life with the most interesting characters from amazing worlds with great humor. I loved reading Storm and Darcy’s story and can’t wait to see what the next book brings.

I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
57 reviews
April 26, 2021
So Sweet

This is a cute story. I adore characters of evil races or species who happen to still be good. Demon, Vampire, Dark Elf... Just some examples I can think of. Here we have a vampire and a vampire slayer who are perfect for each other. And, are perfect to read about and get to know.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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