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Bellocaro

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I’m human. Stubborn. Gifted. And stuck on a magical island full of vampires, witches, and werewolves who’d rather see me gone.

Welcome to Sceadu Academy: where danger lurks in every hallway, the classes might kill you, and your only way out is learning the island’s mysterious lesson.

I didn’t ask to be dropped into this enchanted hellscape — but here I am, dodging monsters, bullies, and one vampire who wants me dead.

Then there’s Thatcher Blue. Gorgeous. Mysterious. Off-limits.
And Bellocaro — the boy from my dreams who might be the key to everything.
Will I survive long enough to escape this island... or fall in love with the darkness first?

★★★★★ A clean, award-winning YA/NA paranormal romance for fans of slow-burn danger, steamy supernatural boys, and bold heroines that will keep you up at night. Five Stars for Bellocaro from Readers’ Favorite. Bellocaro is the winner of the Literary Titan Book Award, is a Semi-finalist in the 10th Annual Kindle Book Awards, and received honorable mention in the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards.

467 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2020

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About the author

P.S. Meraux

15 books76 followers
P.S. Meraux writes books about paranormal chaos, sassy heroines, and creatures who are just a little unhinged (in the best way). She's an Indie and Amazon bestselling author—which sounds fancy until you realize it just means she drinks too much coffee and argues with fictional people for a living. Her stories mix sci-fi, mystery, romance, and a generous helping of “wait, did that just happen?”

P.S. has a thing for supernatural oddballs, morally gray weirdos, and badass women who save themselves (and occasionally punch vampires in the face). Her idea of worldbuilding is "let's break everything and see what grows back."

Originally from South Carolina, she now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where her backyard is suspiciously full of fireflies and dubiously English for someone not living in a BBC period drama. There may or may not be faeries. There is definitely sarcasm.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Shawn-Joy Martin.
1,063 reviews15 followers
January 3, 2022
Why did I love it? 😂

More, please.

My Review from Amazon

FIVE STARS Bought it for the cover and loved the entire inside!

If you've not been under a rock for more than a decade you've seen a cover like this before. The cover is what drew me in. At first I laughed and knew I had to read it because it would certainly be entertaining if for no other reason than as a joke. Then I read the description and was even more certain I was in for a good time. After reading this book I was so right and so wrong! The story inside was fantastic! I loved it and am desperately hoping for more! So much so that I purchased and sent the e-book to at least 7 other people. Then I purchased a physical copy to leave as a gift when we left our vacation rental house on the bookshelf with a note inside. I hope everyone I sent it to or left it with enjoys it half as much as I did!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,490 reviews37 followers
November 3, 2021
Skye Moon has been transported to the mysterious island of Sceadu away from her home and mother in Atlanta. Skye must live on the magical island alongside other magical creatures until she figures out the reason that the island brought her there. Skye has had prophetic dreams, she foresaw her mother's cancer and lately has been seeing a man with dark eyes and a scar on his hand trying to protect her from something. When Skye receives a request from Sceadu Academy's headmistress to help show around several new kids, she never expects Thatcher Blue. Skye knows that something is different about Thatcher and his family, his sister Rane and his cousins Wes and Alton. As Skye spends time with the unlikely family, she begins to unravel who they are, their connection to her dreams and the dangerous figure that appears in them.

Bellocaro claims to be "Twilight meets Pride and Prejudice." This is definitely a young adult paranormal romance in a very similar vein to Twilight. What was intriguing about Bellocaro was the setting of Sceadu. Having werewolves, vampires and elves in this magical setting made it a lot easier to imagine all of these creatures coexisting in the world. I was very interested in Sceadu, probably as much as Skye was. Not much information is given about the island and we know about as much as Skye does as to where it is, how it functions and why she is there. The characters are as I expected, they are all interesting, but not too deep. I am very interested in Skye's dreams and how they are connected to Thatcher. Thatcher, Rane and their cousins were an interesting group and I'm glad we got to see some of their history, how they became what they are and why they are after the same foe. The romance is pretty quick and a little cheesy, but there are still plenty of heartfelt and tender moments. There is a lot of description in the first part of the story and the action picks up towards the end. I would love to know a little more about the mysterious monster chasing Skye and why he has zeroed in on her. Overall, an interesting and more magical take on Twilight in a unique setting.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Coffee And Wander Book Reviews.
84 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2021
*I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.*


Growing up, I used to love the Twilight series. I read all the books, and watched all the movies. It was a perfect paranormal romance for teens. Bellocaro has similarities to Twilight, so fans of Twilight should end up loving it! But, it is different enough from Twilight that you won't feel like you're reading a carbon copy. In fact, I may have liked this storyline more than the original Twilight storyline. But, no two books are the same so I can't say which one is better.


The world in this book is interesting. Skye is trapped on a magical island with an academy for teens. She was magically transported there and is not able to leave the island until she learns something that the island wants her to know. So, she is spellbound to the island until she acquires the knowledge she needs to leave. This island is full of humans and super naturals, but the island inhibits the super naturals gifts so that they are no danger to the other students. Skye is unique in the way that she has premonitions, and she often has premonitions of a boy she calls Bellocaro, or Italian for handsome darling. On the island, Skye meets Thatcher and his sister and cousins, but they are not human as they claim to be. In fact, they have a huge secret and they are there to protect Skye, but from what?


I enjoyed the mix up of super naturals in this book, and the light romance between Skye and Thatcher. Thatcher seemed to be sweet and protective, two great character traits in a main male character. The island was confusing to me because there was a village and houses as well as the academy. How did these people get there and how did people come to be spellbound? These are questions that were never answered in the book. Also, the ending is a pretty big cliffhanger and I'm not sure if there are plans for a sequel. I guess it could be considered open ended, but I need more clarity and closure than the current ending of the story.


Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a young adult paranormal romance. It has wolves, vampires, shifter, humans, etc. and is perfect for the paranormal book lover. 

https://coffeewanderbooks.blogspot.co...
Profile Image for Alice Paul.
5 reviews
December 5, 2020
From Skeptic to Convert in 507 pages.
Looking at the cover and the premise, I thought that Bellocaro was going to be a rip-off of Twilight. I mean every author of vampire books seems to think their novel is as good as Twilight and lets face it, the majority are not. Then I started reading Bellocaro, learning about Skye’s story and the anxieties she suffered as her mother battled cancer and that felt real.
Meraux’s writing has a way of pulling you in and getting you hooked page after page, and part of it is sarcastic and kinda funny, which I liked.
There is no insta-love between girl and vampire, in fact they’re in Skye’s life, much to her annoyance, to help her. And there’s this other vampire, Nymir, who’s a real nightmare. He’s horribly vicious and targeting the Blues. That’s one loose end that I hope means there will be a book two. If there is, I will buy it.
And there’s this mystery boy, Bellocaro. I thought I knew where that was leading but man! I was shocked at how wrong I was, in a good way. I didn’t see that coming. I like to be surprised by the events of a story and with Bellocaro, the action was constantly unexpected. I can honestly say that by the time I got to the end I was sad to finish because I not only loved this story but I loved how it was written. Oh, to find a Bellocaro of my own. Happy Sigh.
Profile Image for GINA H..
26 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2025

Mental Goosebumps... in a good way!
Skye Moon is a teenage girl trapped on a magical island and wants to go home. It sounds like the plot of a kids story but it’s so sinister and well-written, it’s definitely for adults or YA. The island is home to Sceadu Academy, a haven for young vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, witches and faeries.

Skye is a fish out of water, who wants nothing to do with the academy until she meets Thatcher Blue which creates complications. Plenty of weird things happen. There’s also another human on the island stalking Skye. He’s decided that if he can’t have her, he’ll make her life difficult. You know that guy!

Thatcher doesn’t come to the school alone, he brings his extended family. I could see how some readers might equate the Blues with the Cullens from “Twilight,” but to me that only works if the Cullens were the VILLAINS of the story.
The burgeoning friendship between Skye and Thatcher and his werewolf cousins helps Skye adjust to being held captive on the island, while dodging the unwanted affections of a mean boy and the lethal intentions of a vampire with a vendetta against the Blues.

“Bellocaro” starts out like comfort food — if vampire romances with a possible love triangle are what you like to sink your teeth into — and then gets strange, in the best way possible.

There is great world-building in this book, Meraux seamlessly combines contemporary realism with fantasy, blurring the edges in a way that allows Sceadu island to have a life of its on. The big challenge for everyone stranded on the island, supernatural or human, is to understand a truth that is tied to magic and yet each student on the island is trapped in a world full of contradictions, which means anything can happen within the pages of this book, and it does in a highly captivating fashion.

My one criticism is that I would like to know more about Sceadu; its backstory and how this island came to be, but I expect that frustration will be erased in the sequels, hopefully. Meraux has certainly created a rich landscape for her characters to inhabit, with a lot of detail and thought, much like the characters themselves.

I hesitate to describe this book as simply a 'paranormal romance novel’ because the book spent more time unraveling a mystery than actually exploring the romance between Skye, Thatcher or Bellocaro. I mean yes, there IS a romance, sprinkled throughout the book in between action scenes where Skye is fighting for her life.

The best thing I can say is that it’s NOT very conventional. While it seems straightforward on page 1, even predictable, with what I’d call clues woven around the more important parts of this book, I think that’s a ruse. It’s the comfort food saying, ‘come on, have another bite’ before the author upends everything on its head. This is a good thing.

I really enjoyed it and plan to stick with this series. If you enjoy a solid story with magic and dark prophesies, you may enjoy it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Book Reviewer.
5,039 reviews463 followers
February 24, 2022
Skye Moon has been trapped on a magical island in the Atlantic ocean called Sceadu. She was transported to the island one day against her will with no clue why or how to leave. Those that arrive on the island like this are called spellbound. They are trapped in this magical paranormal academy till the island decides they can leave.

When Skye does not return the popular boy Chad’s affections, she is shunned by most of the academy. This common scenario plays out all the time in schools with teenagers. The popular kid gets all their friends to ignore someone to get what they want. Teens will relate to many of the characters in this imaginative story.

Skye finds solace in her dreams of her dark-eyed boy, the one she calls Bellocaro. But in one such dream, Ballocaro says that he has put her in danger, and the vampire Nymir will track her down and kill her. To add to her precarious situation, the school’s headmistress has asked her to show around the new students, a family known as the Blues. Thatcher, Rane, Wes, and Alton have taken on the role of personal bodyguards to Skye whether she wants them to or not.

Author P.S. Meraux has written a new young adult vampire and werewolf story. This is not a retelling of other vampire stories, rather a fresh new take to draw in the next generation of paranormal readers. Bellocaro is an enchanting blend of a love story, action, and drama. The mystery of learning who the Blues are keeps Skye on her toes; while everyone else is mesmerized by their beauty, Skye picks up on the details that reveal their true paranormal identities.

The author has done a fantastic job building out the world of Sceadu and capturing the teenagers’ personalities that reside there. I could envision the groups all hanging out, and the characters, even non-human, teenagers are the same in this world, with their quirks and attitudes. The mystery of the brown-eyed boy with a mark on his hand will keep coming back to readers. Also, the drama of if the Blues family will capture Nymire will keep readers on edge.

Bellocaro is the first novel in the series and a fantastic start to this unpredictable storyline. With each mystery uncovered, new questions arise. Readers will be drawn into the fantasy world that seems too real at times and stay for the unforgettable paranormal characters whose personalities will keep them turning the pages to see what happens.
Profile Image for CJ.
136 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2025
Dark, but not too dark

‘Bellocaro’ is quite the captivating read—dark, but not too dark to sit comfortably in the YA supernatural genre—immersing us in a world rich with magic and danger. The MC, Skye Moon (a tiny bit trite), is a teenager transported to an isolated island called Sceadu, inhabited by the usual cadre of vampires, shapeshifters and other fantastical beings. Skye is forced to attend the local academy, where she is forced to fight for her very survival.

Skye is refreshingly complex despite resembling the typical strong YA heroine. She has moments of doubt, fear and emotional honesty that make her quite readable despite the sprawling first-person narrative. Her evolving relationship with vampire Thatcher Blue, the presumably good-looking eventual love interest (it takes twenty chapters to get there), gives unexpected warmth to the story without overpowering the plot.

Meraux gives us a great setting. Sceadu feels fully realised, part prison and part fantasy realm, complete with its own rules, history and hazards. The supernatural elements blend well; they seem quite in place within the story’s universe rather than being shoe-horned in for effect. Sceadu Academy itself has an ominous vibe and provides a sense of constant danger.

There is a sense of urgency to Meraux’s writing that relentlessly pushes the novel forward without sacrificing character development or plot. The dialogue is balanced to show what’s going on, including inner conflict, and there is plenty of external action. Despite its content, this makes it a believable story (as long as you’re prepared to suspend disbelief).

This is, however, a very familiar story, relying heavily on elements from this genre. Maybe that’s what makes it a crowd-pleaser. It does avoid rehashing old themes, but readers who are familiar with YA vampire fiction will have encountered some of these scenarios before. That doesn’t mean that the strong character development and atmospheric writing fail to hit the mark; quite the contrary.

‘Bellocaro’ is a great read, filled with well-developed characters, emotional depth and a fair dollop of mystery. It’s also a great first book to kick off a series where Meraux can continue to expand this delightful world.
Profile Image for Bella Nicholson.
57 reviews6 followers
June 30, 2025
Bellocaro by P.S. Meraux fulfills all the tropes and then adds some steamy intensity for all of us to enjoy.

It’s about a typical teen who ends up on an island with vampires, werewolves, a sort of fairy godfather, and all kinds of fae. Oh, did I mention an Academy that can get you killed?

Now, before you start thinking - wait a minute, isn’t that just a rehash of Twilight, Darkblood Academy, and/or A Shade of Vampire? Well, you might have a point, but Meraux’s work here is well done, and it’s all about the execution. And as far as execution goes, P.S. Meraux nails it with Bellocaro by carving her own path.

Skye (our leading lady) has an intensely interesting cat-and-mouse relationship with her leading man, Thatcher Blue. I loved the way the two characters came together. It’s a pretty cool and natural slow burn that brings us through to the end. The other characters ring true, and the themes of vengeance, survival, and redemption play well as the story pulls us in. The magic isn’t overcooked. Meraux knows how to weave a web of mystery in a thrilling way.

I love how Meraux sets up the twists in this story and how Skye’s character development has a great arc. Yes, like a lot of trendy YA novels out there, this protagonist is a bad-ass boss teenager, so we get all that, but what I like most about her is that she can cry like a typical teen, and be vulnerable, especially when you don’t expect it.

I’ll be following Skye’s journey till the end.
21 reviews
September 12, 2025
Bellocaro might draw you in with its Twilight-esque packaging—supernatural island, vampire love interest, moody teen protagonist—but don’t be too quick to label it a copycat. P.S. Meraux takes the familiar YA paranormal formula and adds her own flavor, giving us a darker, more layered story that’s surprisingly thoughtful and emotionally engaging.
Skye Moon, the protagonist, isn’t just a placeholder for romance. She’s stubborn, sarcastic, and refreshingly vulnerable. Her voice feels authentic, especially as she navigates the twisted dangers of Sceadu Academy. The slow-burn tension between her and Thatcher Blue avoids clichés and unfolds at a believable pace, giving the romance weight without overshadowing the high-stakes plot.
One scene that stuck with me was the brutal showdown between Thatcher and Nymir beneath the oak. Skye, injured and barely able to see, watches helplessly from above as the two vampires tear through the clearing. Dirt flies, tempers explode, and Meraux writes the chaos with such immediacy that you can feel Skye’s fear and uncertainty about who’s actually winning. It’s a vivid reminder that this world is more dangerous than romantic.
Yes, Bellocaro plays with familiar tropes, but the pacing, sharp dialogue, and eerie setting of Sceadu Academy give the story its own pulse. The mystery builds in the background, and by the end, I found myself reaching for book two.
99 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2025
On the surface, this is the kind of YA paranormal fantasy you think you’ve seen before: girl wakes up on a mysterious island, finds herself surrounded by vampires, werewolves, witches, and cryptic threats, and of course there’s a brooding love interest or two. But P.S. Meraux manages to take those familiar ingredients and twist them just enough to make it feel new again.

Skye, the protagonist, is not your average "reluctant chosen one." She’s stubborn, yes, but she’s also anxious, defensive, sometimes selfish, and all the more believable for it. Her voice rings true, especially in the moments when the island of Sceadu becomes genuinely terrifying and unpredictable.

The setting is vivid in a way that reminded me more of Pan’s Labyrinth than Twilight. Sceadu Academy is beautiful and brutal, equal parts dream and nightmare, with just enough danger around every corner to keep the tension high. The island itself seems to have its own mood, and the way Meraux weaves its rules into the narrative without bogging the pace down is a real strength.

That said, this book is playing in familiar territory. If you’ve read other supernatural academy books, you’ll recognize the structure and a few of the dynamics. But that doesn’t stop Bellocaro from being a strong, confident entry into the genre.
Profile Image for FELIX.
9 reviews
August 24, 2025
Okay, so Bellocaro basically ate my weekend alive lol. We meet our MC, Sky, who’s just trying to live her life, deal with the trauma of her mom’s battle with cancer, and then boom—she’s dropped into this creepy, magical island full of vampires, fae, witches, and werewolves. It should feel chaotic, and it does, but somehow that works, and the vibe is pure dark academia meets supernatural soap opera.

But as great as the setting/vibes were, my favorite part of the book was Skye. I really liked her sarcastic, unapologetically sassy voice and found it to be extremely authentic—she’s not perfect, not invincible, just a girl trying to survive in a totally new world that keeps throwing monsters (literal and emotional) at her. And then we got Thatcher, and yeah… good luck not getting obsessed. He’s a bit of that infuriating, broody guy you really don’t think you’ll like all that much until, suddenly, you’re 300 pages deep and all you want is for him to open up already. That being said, their tension is great—slow burn, angsty, and actually kind of wholesome, which I can greatly appreciate in a YA series.

Honestly, if you love being tortured by a romance mixed with a compelling mystery, while also getting lost in a creepy, gothic world, Bellocaro will definitely ruin your sleep schedule. (In a good way.) Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Sam.
49 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2025
What happens when you take a stubborn human girl, drop her on an island full of creatures who’d rather shred her than share a dorm, and tell her the only way out is to “learn the lesson”? You get Bellocaro—a novel that feels like walking into detention and realizing your classmates are vampires, witches, and werewolves. Fun, right?

At first glance, you might think, oh, Twilight déjà vu. Brooding vampire love interest? Check. Mysterious academy? Check. A heroine who sticks out like a paper cut in a swimming pool? Double check. But P.S. Meraux doesn’t just recycle tropes—she sharpens them, hands them to Skye Moon, and lets her cut through the noise with sarcasm and grit. Skye isn’t waiting around to be rescued. She’s confused, vulnerable, even reckless—but real enough that you root for her when the world quite literally wants her blood.

And then there’s Thatcher Blue. Gorgeous. Dangerous. Probably a bad idea. Isn’t that always how it starts? Their chemistry is a slow-burn dance, equal parts trust and tension, unfolding while shadows in Sceadu Academy grow teeth.

So, is it original? Not entirely. Does it matter? Not when it’s this good. Bellocaro isn’t about reinventing the vampire wheel—it’s about tightening the bolts and daring you to ride. Would I recommend it? Only if you like staying up too late, muttering, just one more chapter.
15 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2025
As someone who is more of a fantasy/paranormal reader as opposed to a romance reader I felt that the world building wasn’t developed enough to create a strong sense of setting and still didn’t have a good understanding of how this ‘magical’ island really worked or what paranormal elements exist in this series and what doesn’t, the parameters are not clear. I also wanted more from the non romance element of the plot too, it was a bit like reading a very long interview conducted by Skye of Thatcher lasting for most of the book.

The romance is about what I’d expect for a book like this and it really is the main bulk of the book, though it didn’t really have enough emotional depth for me. Given where the romance is at by the end of the book, the let’s call it ‘idea’ (to try and avoid any spoilers) Skye gets in her head at that point left me internally shouting ‘Way too soon Skye!’ at least give the romance some time before you consider that for goodness sake!

While it may not have really been my cup of tea, I can see that this may well appeal to readers with a different taste in books to me which is why I’ve rounded my rating of the book upwards. I have not read Twilight, but I can see why comparisons are being drawn. So if that’s your scene this might be for you rather than me!
Profile Image for Caroline Hurry.
Author 18 books72 followers
October 25, 2025
Bellocaro by P.S. Meraux is fresh, full of secrets, loyalty, and self-discovery. Skye’s voice pulled me in from the first - human, stubborn, gifted, and stranded on a dangerous island where vampires, witches, and werewolves roam.
The writing is immersive - every scene glows with tension, intrigue, and a touch of gothic beauty. You can almost feel the danger lurking in the shadows, especially whenever Thatcher Blue, the brooding, protective vampire who is as maddening as he is magnetic, appears.
And then there’s Bellocaro himself — the dream boy whose name becomes the key to everything.
I loved the balance between action, supernatural suspense, and genuine emotion. Vivid scenes -- cafeteria chaos, moonlit forests, psychic dreams, even the eerie stillness after a fight -- are described with such clarity you feel like you’re living it. Think Twilight meets The Hunger Games.
I’m not surprised Bellocaro has won multiple richly deserved awards. It’s an atmospheric, emotionally intense, magical story that lingers, making it perfect for YA readers who want romance without explicit content, but plenty of heat in the chemistry and danger.
Highly recommended for fans of supernatural romance, gothic academies, and strong heroines who face their fears and fall for the darkness anyway.

Profile Image for L.A. Jones.
Author 18 books3 followers
July 26, 2025
From the very first page of Bellocaro, I could feel that this wasn’t just another teen-with-a-secret story—it’s something darker, softer, and laced with foreboding. When Skye Moon ends up in Sceadu, an island full of rules, mysteries, and glances that linger too long, I was hooked. There’s an unsettling rhythm to the place that pulls you in and refuses to let go.

The relationship between Skye and Thatcher builds with a kind of electricity that simmers more than it sparks. I liked that. It didn’t rush. Their connection is steeped in history neither of them fully understands—and that weight is felt in every glance, every silence.

What caught me most was the way the supernatural elements felt embedded in the fabric of the setting. Nothing feels tacked on or overly explained. The powers, the school, the odd rules—all of it feels like a lived-in world where danger is just beneath the surface, waiting.

Skye herself is easy to root for. While Skye may not be flawless or inherently brave, her curiosity, stubbornness, and discernment allow her to recognise when she is in danger. Her sense of isolation, feeling watched and drawn into something larger than herself, felt honest and eerily relatable.
Profile Image for Rachel Knox.
Author 6 books8 followers
October 4, 2025
Young Adult Paranormal Romance. The story begins on the mysterious magical island of Sceadu. Skye Moon is spirited here for unknown reasons and her main desire at first, is to get back home to her mother in Atlanta. She's not alone, though and soon begins to meet the other students at the academy she now attends. The narrative drive starts well, with Skye almost immediately getting into some trouble and meeting some dangerous magical creatures. She also meets an interesting family, the Blues, who she suspects are more than they appear to be. And why are they interested in her? And she can't help being very interested in one of them in particular. As that isn't enough, she's also dreaming about a boy with a dark mark.

Bellocaro is mostly set in the academy, so it's ideal for fans of paranormal, academy-based romance. Like the cover, the book succeeds in creating an appealingly dark and magical atmosphere. Skye frequently thinks of her mother, but life on the island grows more absorbing as she gets involved in solving its mysteries. An easy read, written well, and suitable for Twilight fans who want something similar. First in a series, with the next three books already published.
Profile Image for Q-House.
9 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2020
The writing in this vampire adventure, love story is really descriptive. The story of Skye and the vampire family who comes calling is very engrossing. I mean I’d start reading with the intention of finishing a chapter before going to sleep and when I finally looked up from my kindle and realized that I’m still in my own room it’s like 3 hours later and I’ve read way more than one chapter.
I love books that have the power to transport me out of my own life, if only for a short period of time.
Bellocaro is a solid, action-packed, vampire love story on its own merit and I’m sharing that news with all my friends, just like the friend who recommended this book to me. She said it was better than a Shade of Vampire. I’ve read Bella Forrest and I’m not knocking her books, but they aren’t in the same league as this one. I’d place Bellocaro after Twilight and Mortal Instruments but in a close third of fourth place spot. Meraux’s writing reminds me a little of Cassandra Clare or Diana Gabaldon, which is excellent, although this author's writing is wholesome and clean where Gabaldon’s characters have sex in every 6 pages.
78 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2025
Bellocaro by P.S. Meraux may draw early comparisons to Twilight, but it quickly proves itself as a unique and compelling addition to the YA fantasy genre. Yes, it has the familiar vampire/werewolf romance formula, but Meraux breathes new life into the trope with sharp writing, a well-paced plot, and a richly imagined supernatural world set in the Atlanta area. The protagonist, Skye, is not just a Bella stand-in—she's a more grounded, emotionally complex character. Her chemistry with the brooding Thatcher Blue is electric yet nuanced, developing through a slow burn that feels earned rather than forced. The stakes are high (sometimes literally—there's an Academy that could get you killed), and the surrounding cast of fae, shifters, and mysterious mentors adds depth and intrigue. Meraux doesn’t just lean on genre conventions—she executes them with style, adding her own twists and emotional weight. While fans of Twilight will find plenty to love, Bellocaro stands proudly on its own as an engaging and well-crafted read. Highly recommended for lovers of moody romance, supernatural drama, and strong heroines.
Profile Image for Sean Russell.
Author 5 books5 followers
July 18, 2025
this book opens with skye standing at a cliff in a place called sceadu. we learn quickly that she’s stuck in a strange realm she didn’t choose, surrounded by supernatural beings, trying to figure out how to get home. early on, a boy named chad confesses feelings for her, and she rejects him. that sets off a series of events that reveal her isolation, confusion, and longing for something.

the writing moves between real-world tension and dreamlike encounters with another boy who only appears when she’s asleep. these scenes build slowly. they give depth to skye’s emotional state and raise the stakes well.

the book introduces Sceadu Academy, a school filled with vampires, witches, shapeshifters, and other supernatural groups. the social dynamics feel relatable, with clear tension between characters and ways of being.

the pacing is good. there are long internal passages and they serve their purpose. skye is trying to understand what’s happening, what’s real, and who she can trust.

overall, this is a clean, character-driven start to a series. the story isn’t overloaded with stuff. it unfolds through skye’s choices and reactions.
Profile Image for Pablo Leguísamo.
Author 28 books11 followers
August 8, 2025
Bellocaro is an easy, readable vampire romance that will feel very familiar to anyone who’s spent time in the post-Twilight YA lane. The prose is competent and the author knows how to set a mood: there’s a brooding island setting, mysterious stakes, and a slow-burn romantic pull that keeps pages turning. If you’re looking for plot fireworks or something wildly original, this won’t be it. Several beats — cliffside moments, small-town moves, father issues, the whole “girl falls for a vampire and gets targeted” setup — will ring true to Twilight readers, sometimes a little too closely. The pacing skews toward deliberate; it’s slow in spots but that allows for detail and atmosphere, which some readers will appreciate and others will find indulgent.

Where the book does work is in its comfort-reading charm. The writing doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and on its own terms the story is enjoyable: readable, sincere, and with moments that genuinely land emotionally. For fans of YA vampire romances who want another cozy, familiar ride, Bellocaro delivers what it promises. If you’re looking for something daringly new or sharply subversive, like I am, you might be left wanting more.
Profile Image for Jan Anderegg.
115 reviews15 followers
June 25, 2021
First of all this is not a Twilight knock-off, and it's so much better than any of Bella Forrest's books. Reviewers who say so, need to know that in the history of literature ALL plots have been done repeatedly. I do a lot of reading and reviewing, and many of the books I read are in this genre. This one is at the top of my list. It’s just so good and refreshing to read. The idea of having the characters “spell-bound” on the magical island is intriguing, and the main character, Skye knows already that magic and magical creatures exist, so she’s not a Bella.
Well written, this story keeps the reader guessing what will happen next. This is a brilliant book. Don't be put off by the negative reviews. I'm really glad I ignored them, and took a chance at reading Bellocaro. I love Skye and Thatcher and the author gave all the supporting characters just the right amount of input into the story. I like the way the story line develops, and I love the characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Kim Brooks.
Author 17 books3 followers
August 8, 2025
Bellocaro pulled me in from page one and didn’t let go. It’s got that classic Twilight vibe — mysterious supernatural boys, hidden powers, and a heroine dropped into a world she never asked for — but with its own unique, thrilling twist.
The setting of Sceadu Academy is both magical and menacing, a place with its own views on how things should be. The tension is real, and the worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming. The mix of faries, vampires, werewolves, and a mysterious magical island gives this story a fresh feel while still hitting all the elements I love in a good paranormal romance.
The main character is strong, stubborn, and totally relatable. I rooted for her every step of the way. And let’s talk about the guys—Thatcher Blue is intense and swoon-worthy, while Nymir in his evilness kept me guessing.
It’s a clean read but still packed with emotion, slow-burn romance, and high stakes. If you're a fan of danger, magic, and heart, Bellocaro is one to grab. I seriously can’t wait to read what happens next!
Profile Image for Nicole.
27 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2025
Okay, there I was, expecting maybe a middling vampire story—but “Bellocaro”? It’s a whole ride. Skye Moon lands on this weird, magical island called Sceadu, full of supernatural types—vampires, witches, werewolves, fairies—seriously wild stuff. What got me hooked right away was how fast things move. The danger and romance collide in a way that made me keep saying, “Just one more chapter!”

The thing I really dug was the vibe between Skye and Thatcher—it doesn’t feel forced. There’s this mix of “should I trust him?” and “also, omg he’s hot,” and somehow Meraux balances that so it never tips into cheesy. Also, the island itself? It’s not just a setting; it feels alive in a spooky way, especially when weird creatures start popping up at night—it gave me actual chills.

Only minor quibble: I was itching to know more about how Sceadu got this way—like what's the deal with the island’s magic? I wanted more background there. But honestly, that just made me even more curious for book two. Fun, a little dark, and full of surprises—a perfectly cozy vampire adventure with a kick.
Profile Image for Andrea Campbell.
Author 7 books7 followers
August 24, 2025
Twilight vibes with a fresh twist!

This book is an alluring mix of romance, mystery, and supernatural danger. The story pulls you into a world full of secrets and passion, heart-racing moments, and a love that feels impossible yet unforgettable, balancing tension and tenderness so well that every chapter leaves you wanting more.

This irresistible blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural intrigue will sweep you into its world from the very first page. The story feels familiar in its nostalgic nods to paranormal romance classics, yet fresh enough to keep you hooked until the end.

The story follows the heroine as she is drawn into the enigmatic world of Bellocaro, a place full of secrets, danger, and a love that feels forbidden but undeniable. The chemistry between the main characters is electric and heart-stopping moments that keep you turning the pages late into the night.

This book is more than just a paranormal romance; it’s a thrilling escape into a world where love and danger are inseparably entwined. Perfect for YA fantasy romance fans!
Profile Image for Hannah Thompson.
Author 1 book3 followers
September 6, 2025
This book was wonderful! It got better and more interesting the more I read. The more information I learned about Thatcher and his family, the more I was sucked into the story. The concept of Sceadu is brilliant. The main character, Skye, is very relatable, with her struggles, awkwardness, and normality. The boy with the dark eyes that she sees in her dreams being a mystery for so long left me feeling curious, while her relationship with Thatcher made me giddy. Their relationship felt so real, and I found myself falling for Thatcher as well. As for the dark eyed boy, it’s almost as if there’s a love triangle between him, Skye, and Thatcher, despite Skye not having met the boy with dark eyes outside of her dreams. When the dark eyed boy’s identity was finally revealed, I was beyond shocked! What a plot twist! The book is beautifully written, and I even found myself laughing aloud at times. The ending was a shock; I most definitely didn’t expect the outcome! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m excited to read the next one in the saga!
Profile Image for Chris Schneider.
Author 1 book10 followers
September 6, 2025
P.S. Meraux’s Bellocaro is a vibrant, heart-pounding addition to the YA fantasy genre that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. Skye, the stubborn and gifted protagonist, is a breath of fresh air, her fierce determination shining as she navigates the treacherous halls of Sceadu Academy, a magical island crawling with vampires, werewolves, and witches. Meraux crafts a world that pulses with danger and mystery, blending the gritty charm of Atlanta’s supernatural underbelly with the gothic allure of an enchanted school where every lesson could be your last. Skye’s slow-burn chemistry with the enigmatic Thatcher Blue is electric, grounded in authentic emotion that keeps you rooting for them. The diverse cast of fae, shifters, and mentors adds layers of intrigue, while Meraux’s crisp prose and clever twists elevate the story beyond familiar tropes. Bellocaro is a thrilling, heartfelt ride that leaves you craving the next chapter. A must-read for fans of supernatural romance and fierce heroines!
124 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2025
P.S. Meraux’s ‘Bellocaro’ is perfect for Young Adult readers, especially if they are into vampires and romance. The characters, Skye Moon and Thatcher Blue, are the main players in the game and their relationship is cleverly drawn and appropriate for Young Adult readers. There is enough interest in what happens between them to be utterly engaging without being too heavy. Other characters, such as Rane, Alton, and Wes, do not disappoint. We know as soon as the story begins that we are in for a mesmerising adventure, and I loved that the characters are such an impressive mix of personalities. Meraux delivers engaging dialogue and smart plotting, creating enough suspense and interest to keep any young adult happy. The book is a rip-roaring, fast-paced, inventive, fresh take on well-loved themes, which will seemingly have a sequel to enjoy. I would certainly recommend this for both male and female teenagers as both the main characters are strong.
Profile Image for Kathy.
377 reviews
July 13, 2024
Hello ado ( Teen & Young Adult Vampire series) by P.S.Meraux

Skye Moon was transported to a magical island where she was spellbound. The only way to leave the island was for her to learn the lesson she was supposed to learn until the island releases her.
Skye was a at a carnival with friends , the young man who she thought was a friend wanted to be more than just friends but wouldn’t take NO for an answer. Skye runs away to a cliff where she is startled to see a young man at her side and sees what appears to be wolves behind some bushes. Little did Skye realize an unusual group of brother and sister enroll at the school and they are there to protect Skye.who is lurking around wanting to hunt down Skye.
The ending is not at all what I suspected. Will the author have another sequel to this book.?
Profile Image for AJ Martin.
529 reviews14 followers
November 4, 2021
Obviously, the cover is what immediately caught my attention when the tour invite was sent out. I mean, if you follow my bookstagram, I posted almost nothing but Twilight for a while. However, what fully sold me on this one was "Twilight meets Pride and Prejudice." How am I supposed to resist a book that incorporates two of my favorite books?

This was such a fun, captivating read! It was entertaining for sure, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I was kept guessing from the start, which was refreshing after reading several other books that were predictable. I really liked the author's writing style, and I'll absolutely keep up with this series!

Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book via Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Renee Koppelman.
69 reviews27 followers
February 27, 2021
This is more of a 3.5 rating.
When this came up on a bargain book email list and naturally the cover being so blatantly Twilight-Esque I had to seek it out.
I can’t tell you if it’s better or worse, cause I don’t know, I just know I kept reading. I found it oddly addicting. I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it but it did amuse and entertain me. I like that she wasn’t shy about pulling from the source material. While not specifcally mentioned Twilight does come up a lot in the Narrator’s musings. That always gave me a giggle. I like how the author tried to deviate from it and make it her own.
I will be following to see what happens with this series.
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