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Nightgarden Saga #1
Red Magnolia
Decadent. Dark. Devastating.
Seventeen-year-old Harper Ellory knows the ruins of the past are a dark place for a new beginning. Then she meets Antoine Marigny, and discovers just how seductive darkness can be. After the death of her twin sister, Harper dreams of a new life. But not only is the Mississippi mansion she moves into cursed, it’s also Antoine Marigny’s family home. Now he wants it back—no matter the cost.
Harper’s seen too much death to be frightened off by a curse. But Antoine is a different kind of threat. He has an infuriating smile, an annoying habit of turning up when she least expects it, and a frustrating knack for getting Harper to talk about things she’d rather keep hidden.
Like her emotions.
Antoine is also keeping secrets of his own. Secrets that Harper suspects are far darker than the curse he says he wants to protect her from.
Harper knows Antoine is dangerous. Part of her wants to take his offer and run. No dream is worth dying for.
But Harper is done running from death.
She’s ready to make an offer of her own. An offer destined to turn Antoine Marigny’s life upside down.
Even if it means binding herself to the curse forever.
Red Magnolia is the bewitching first installment of the Nightgarden Saga. A heart wrenching YA/NA paranormal romance full of Southern Gothic atmosphere, supernatural adventure, and shocking twists that will keep you turning pages deep into the night.
If you’re a fan of The Vampire Diaries, Twilight, and romance that rips your heart out, you’ll love the Nightgarden Saga. Red Magnolia is a YA/NA paranormal romance that is sweet with heat, without any explicit scenes, suitable for ages twelve and up. The first in a series of seven, it can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series.170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2021
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About the author
Lucy Holden
8 books83 followersLucy Holden is a pen-name for me, author Paula Constant. I live in gorgeous Broome, a small tropical pearling town in Northwest Australia, and love nothing more than dreaming up new books beneath a full moon on Cable Beach, glass of wine in hand! I write paranormal romance under the name Lucy Holden, and historical fiction and travel memoir under my own name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
September 25, 2021
Re-read 23rd - 25th September 2021.
I wanted to do a re-read before continuing on with Moon Vine.
Original review.
It’s unusual for me to start a series like this (7 books I believe) with only one book available. Patience is not a virtue I possess so the wait between books will be hard. But the blurb intrigued me and I’m nothing if not weak.
This proved to be an intriguing and absorbing read. Harper and her brother Connor have moved for a fresh start. Having lost her twin, the other half of her soul Harper struggles to continue on. Connor saves her. Together they move to the ruins of the once great Marigny mansion.
They discover the old mansion is cursed. But then what old building in the Deep South isn’t?
Then Harper hears a woman’s voice calling to her.
I enjoyed this book and while I’m not looking forward to the wait I am looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
I wanted to do a re-read before continuing on with Moon Vine.
Original review.
It’s unusual for me to start a series like this (7 books I believe) with only one book available. Patience is not a virtue I possess so the wait between books will be hard. But the blurb intrigued me and I’m nothing if not weak.
This proved to be an intriguing and absorbing read. Harper and her brother Connor have moved for a fresh start. Having lost her twin, the other half of her soul Harper struggles to continue on. Connor saves her. Together they move to the ruins of the once great Marigny mansion.
They discover the old mansion is cursed. But then what old building in the Deep South isn’t?
Then Harper hears a woman’s voice calling to her.
I enjoyed this book and while I’m not looking forward to the wait I am looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
August 26, 2021
Reading Red Magnolia was like taking a trip down memory lane and let me tell you, this story will make you feel like you’re back in 2010, trying to decide if you’re more in love with Edward Cullen or the Salvatore Brothers.
This is the story of Harper, a teenager who moves to a new town after tragedy hits her family. She soon finds out the house she inhabits is the ancestral home of a local family, the Marigny, and that it is rumored to be cursed. Harper isn’t ready to let that stop her from living her life, though Antoine Marigny is determined to make her life miserable in order to convince her to sell the house to him. In the midst of their banter, Harper begins to do some investigating on her own and discovers that the house’s past is dark and deeply tied to Antoine. He is more dangerous than she could have imagined, but she just can’t seem to stay away.
The short length of Red Magnolia and the quick pace make it the perfect book for binging. It had enough mystery and banter to keep me absorbed in the story, and the enchanting southern gothic setting definitely helped create a magical spell on the plot. Also, and I just loved Harper and Antoine together. Though the story took me back to the good old Vampire Diaries days, Harper lacked the immaturity of the YA protagonists of those years. She can take rash decisions, but she has the courage to own up to her actions and her feelings and act upon them, especially when it comes to Antoine… who was definitely the kind of charming and charismatic character I love. If Damon and Stefan Salvatore could be united into one character, Antoine would be the result. He was perfect and I was swooning very often because of him!
I also enjoyed the tone of the story, which is dark enough to keep even an adult audience entertained but is definitely appropriate for a YA audience as well, which is why I can confidently recommend it to all vampire lovers out there.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Harper, a teenager who moves to a new town after tragedy hits her family. She soon finds out the house she inhabits is the ancestral home of a local family, the Marigny, and that it is rumored to be cursed. Harper isn’t ready to let that stop her from living her life, though Antoine Marigny is determined to make her life miserable in order to convince her to sell the house to him. In the midst of their banter, Harper begins to do some investigating on her own and discovers that the house’s past is dark and deeply tied to Antoine. He is more dangerous than she could have imagined, but she just can’t seem to stay away.
The short length of Red Magnolia and the quick pace make it the perfect book for binging. It had enough mystery and banter to keep me absorbed in the story, and the enchanting southern gothic setting definitely helped create a magical spell on the plot. Also, and I just loved Harper and Antoine together. Though the story took me back to the good old Vampire Diaries days, Harper lacked the immaturity of the YA protagonists of those years. She can take rash decisions, but she has the courage to own up to her actions and her feelings and act upon them, especially when it comes to Antoine… who was definitely the kind of charming and charismatic character I love. If Damon and Stefan Salvatore could be united into one character, Antoine would be the result. He was perfect and I was swooning very often because of him!
I also enjoyed the tone of the story, which is dark enough to keep even an adult audience entertained but is definitely appropriate for a YA audience as well, which is why I can confidently recommend it to all vampire lovers out there.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2021
Red Magnolia is the first book in the Nightgarden saga, a YA vampire paranormal romance series! This genre always grabs me by its claws so I dived right into Harper’s dramatic life.
Harper is a teenager who has gone through dreary ordeals: her mom is dead, her father absent and to top things off her twin sister is also dead. Now it is only her and her older half-brother, Connor, in a very old and haunted mansion. Although her past was grim the author manages to transport us to an uplifting feeling when Harper’s adventure begins; she buys the historical Marignys Mansion, with all its ghosts and mysteries. Her brother is excited to renovate the house and she is hopeful about this fresh start while making new friends at the high school and even meeting a mysterious and attractive guy.
Everything happens and intertwines at the Antebellum; the discovery of a hidden passage through the library; the noises, the sudden visit of the handsome Antoine Marigny and her strange dreams. The story is full of secrets and a chilling atmosphere. Antoine and his cousin Jeremiah are determined to buying back the mansion. From the very start I found myself rooting for a romance between this resilient girl and the very mysterious guy (a lot of emphasis on the mysterious)! I devoured the book, I definitely recommend it for those who have a love for Twilight! I can’t wait for the sequel!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review.
Harper is a teenager who has gone through dreary ordeals: her mom is dead, her father absent and to top things off her twin sister is also dead. Now it is only her and her older half-brother, Connor, in a very old and haunted mansion. Although her past was grim the author manages to transport us to an uplifting feeling when Harper’s adventure begins; she buys the historical Marignys Mansion, with all its ghosts and mysteries. Her brother is excited to renovate the house and she is hopeful about this fresh start while making new friends at the high school and even meeting a mysterious and attractive guy.
Everything happens and intertwines at the Antebellum; the discovery of a hidden passage through the library; the noises, the sudden visit of the handsome Antoine Marigny and her strange dreams. The story is full of secrets and a chilling atmosphere. Antoine and his cousin Jeremiah are determined to buying back the mansion. From the very start I found myself rooting for a romance between this resilient girl and the very mysterious guy (a lot of emphasis on the mysterious)! I devoured the book, I definitely recommend it for those who have a love for Twilight! I can’t wait for the sequel!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review.
August 18, 2021
Vampires have characterized the majority of my teenage years. Twilight is one of the first YA books I remember reading and Edward Cullen was my very first book boyfriend. The Vampire Diaries was my first true fandom experience (#TeamDamonForever). Growing up, the fascination remained, and I’m always on the hunt for a vampire romance, just like RED MAGNOLIA.
This story fits in well within the YA/NA age range of vampire fiction. It follows Harper, a teenager who, after the tragic loss of her mother and sister, moves to a new town with her stepbrother. Little does she know that the mansion she’s moved into is the Marigny ancestral home, that the house is cursed and that Antoine Marigny will stop at nothing to make Harper sell the house back to him. Harper, however, has reached a point where she refuses to let death dictate her decisions, and as she engages in a tug-of-war with Antoine, the two grow closer. In her quest to find out more about the mansion, Harper learns not only of the curse, but of the darker secrets revolving around the Marigny family, especially Antoine. What is the curse and what is Antoine hiding? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
If you’re a fan of atmospheric reads, this one is definitely for you! I always love the gothic atmosphere of southern small towns, with all their magic and folklore. I loved exploring the Marigny history with Harper, who was a perfect companion for the voyage. Something I appreciated about her characters (and the others too, for that matter), is her maturity. She may be a teenager, but the eye-roll moments are far from this read. Harper approaches her discoveries with an open mind and a healthy dose of skepticism, which made her absolutely perfect.
Another element I really enjoyed about was the family element. This often gets overshadowed by the romance in this sort of read, but in Red Magnolia they co-existed and highlighted the found family bond between Harper and Connor and the blood relation bond between Jeremiah and Antoine. The story, however, is a romance, and it remained my favorite element. Would I have wanted a few more bonding scenes between Harper and Antoine? Maybe. But I enjoyed their interactions and think their stubborn personalities worked very well together. Their banter was fun to read, and many of their more intense moments had me holding my breath, though the book itself wasn’t overtly steamy or gritty.
The story was also full of plot twists and reveals. The finale was one of them, and I’m very grateful the seven books in this series will be published close to one another because the need is real! I recommend this lovely baby to all vampire lovers who read YA/NA fiction and enjoy a quick, engaging read.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy to review. All opinions are my own.
This story fits in well within the YA/NA age range of vampire fiction. It follows Harper, a teenager who, after the tragic loss of her mother and sister, moves to a new town with her stepbrother. Little does she know that the mansion she’s moved into is the Marigny ancestral home, that the house is cursed and that Antoine Marigny will stop at nothing to make Harper sell the house back to him. Harper, however, has reached a point where she refuses to let death dictate her decisions, and as she engages in a tug-of-war with Antoine, the two grow closer. In her quest to find out more about the mansion, Harper learns not only of the curse, but of the darker secrets revolving around the Marigny family, especially Antoine. What is the curse and what is Antoine hiding? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
If you’re a fan of atmospheric reads, this one is definitely for you! I always love the gothic atmosphere of southern small towns, with all their magic and folklore. I loved exploring the Marigny history with Harper, who was a perfect companion for the voyage. Something I appreciated about her characters (and the others too, for that matter), is her maturity. She may be a teenager, but the eye-roll moments are far from this read. Harper approaches her discoveries with an open mind and a healthy dose of skepticism, which made her absolutely perfect.
Another element I really enjoyed about was the family element. This often gets overshadowed by the romance in this sort of read, but in Red Magnolia they co-existed and highlighted the found family bond between Harper and Connor and the blood relation bond between Jeremiah and Antoine. The story, however, is a romance, and it remained my favorite element. Would I have wanted a few more bonding scenes between Harper and Antoine? Maybe. But I enjoyed their interactions and think their stubborn personalities worked very well together. Their banter was fun to read, and many of their more intense moments had me holding my breath, though the book itself wasn’t overtly steamy or gritty.
The story was also full of plot twists and reveals. The finale was one of them, and I’m very grateful the seven books in this series will be published close to one another because the need is real! I recommend this lovely baby to all vampire lovers who read YA/NA fiction and enjoy a quick, engaging read.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy to review. All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2021
4.5 stars:
I loved this book so much!!! Loved that it was set in southern Mississippi, loved the gothic vibes, and loved the whole paranormal element. Harper and her brother find themselves in a small Mississippi town with an eery history. Unbeknown to them, the historic home they purchased with the desire to restore it to its old beauty is at the center of the town’s tragic past. Legend has it that the house is cursed…many years ago, a bunch of people on the property died a brutal, bizarre death.
Finding herself thrown into the middle of the curse, Harper partners with Antoine Marigny (whose family were the original owners of the home) to break the curse before something horrible happens….and an evil is released into the world again.
I absolutely COULD NOT put this book down. I binged it. I stayed up too late reading. But I have no regrets. Currently DYING for more of this series!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 7, 2021
wow
From the first chapter of this book I was extremely intrigued, hell even from the first page I was hooked!
“Red Magnolia” by Lucy Holden is a YA/NA paranormal romance fantasy. This incredible story weaves together a coming-of-age story, vampire lore, and teenage angst with a rich Southern Gothic plot line.
“Red Magnolia” follows Harper, a young girl dealing with the heartbreaking loss of her mother and twin sister. Along with her step brother, Connor she moves to a small town in Mississippi for a fresh start.
Little do they know the old plantation house they have bought is cursed.
But not only is the mansion cursed, it’s Antoine Marigny’s family home.
Now he wants it back—no matter the cost.
I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. It is a bewitching, easy to read story, following an extremely likeable main character. Harper is a strong determined and loving character, whose main priority is her family.
Fans of Vampire Diaries and Twilight are bound to enjoy this captivating vampire romance fantasy!
If you are even thinking about reading this novel, I’m telling you read it, you won’t regret it!
I cannot wait for the next instalment in this incredible saga to come out!
#RedMagnolia #NetGalley
From the first chapter of this book I was extremely intrigued, hell even from the first page I was hooked!
“Red Magnolia” by Lucy Holden is a YA/NA paranormal romance fantasy. This incredible story weaves together a coming-of-age story, vampire lore, and teenage angst with a rich Southern Gothic plot line.
“Red Magnolia” follows Harper, a young girl dealing with the heartbreaking loss of her mother and twin sister. Along with her step brother, Connor she moves to a small town in Mississippi for a fresh start.
Little do they know the old plantation house they have bought is cursed.
But not only is the mansion cursed, it’s Antoine Marigny’s family home.
Now he wants it back—no matter the cost.
I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. It is a bewitching, easy to read story, following an extremely likeable main character. Harper is a strong determined and loving character, whose main priority is her family.
Fans of Vampire Diaries and Twilight are bound to enjoy this captivating vampire romance fantasy!
If you are even thinking about reading this novel, I’m telling you read it, you won’t regret it!
I cannot wait for the next instalment in this incredible saga to come out!
#RedMagnolia #NetGalley
August 3, 2021
I took a day to process everything that I read 😂 This has all of the elements of Twilight and TVD that we all know and love all wrapped up in a totally different package. It’s fun. It’s enjoyable. And it involves a broody vamp! What more could a girl want? 😏 Well I know what I’m hoping for in the next book anyway 😂 I’m hooked in and will be reading the rest of the series as fast as I can get my hands on them!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
Readability: Easy to understand
Flow: Medium Speed
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶
Readability: Easy to understand
Flow: Medium Speed
August 22, 2021
This book brings back old memories.
The nostalgia was strong while reading Red Magnolia. This book is pitched as perfect for fans of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, and it’s true! Like probably three quarters of the teenage population of those years, I was obsessed with Twilight, and my love for vampires ignited even more when I started watching TVD shortly after. (By the way, the TVD vampires are my favorite.) I feel a rewatch coming soon!
The story follows Harper who, after the death of her mother and sister, moves into a new town with her step-brother. The house they end up living in, however, is said to be cursed. Whether or not it’s cursed remains to be seen, but it’s certain that it’s Antoine Marigny’s family home, and he wants it back. Because the two share a common interest in the house, Harper and Antoine spend a lot of time together. He infuriates and intrigues her at the same time. There’s definitely a lot of chemistry, and Harper can’t quite stay away from Antoine and the mysterious aura surrounding him.
Though there are definitely elements that this book has in common with others in its genre—new girl in town, the tragic losses, the mysterious stranger—Red Magnolia brought with it a breath of fresh air. For starters, I was surprised by the choice of the love interest. I was expecting it to be someone else when I started reading, but boy was I wrong. Honestly? I’m happy I was. I loved the tension between Harper and Antoine, and I liked that he didn’t cover the usual mysterious-boy-at-school archetype.
Besides the relationship between the two main characters, what I especially loved about this book was the small town setting and the dark atmosphere. There were some moments that kept me on the edge of my seat—well, in my case, my bed—while I read. To that, add the fact that some of those scenes were read in the dark with the house completely silent. It had its intended effect! There was exactly the right amount of suspense and mystery for a vampire story, yet it still stayed perfectly within the limits of YA. It’s a book that younger readers can definitely enjoy as well!
I recommend this read to readers who love romance and vampires, especially if you were or are still obsessed with stories like Twilight and The Vampire Diaries. I know I am!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy. Opinions are my own.
The nostalgia was strong while reading Red Magnolia. This book is pitched as perfect for fans of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, and it’s true! Like probably three quarters of the teenage population of those years, I was obsessed with Twilight, and my love for vampires ignited even more when I started watching TVD shortly after. (By the way, the TVD vampires are my favorite.) I feel a rewatch coming soon!
The story follows Harper who, after the death of her mother and sister, moves into a new town with her step-brother. The house they end up living in, however, is said to be cursed. Whether or not it’s cursed remains to be seen, but it’s certain that it’s Antoine Marigny’s family home, and he wants it back. Because the two share a common interest in the house, Harper and Antoine spend a lot of time together. He infuriates and intrigues her at the same time. There’s definitely a lot of chemistry, and Harper can’t quite stay away from Antoine and the mysterious aura surrounding him.
Though there are definitely elements that this book has in common with others in its genre—new girl in town, the tragic losses, the mysterious stranger—Red Magnolia brought with it a breath of fresh air. For starters, I was surprised by the choice of the love interest. I was expecting it to be someone else when I started reading, but boy was I wrong. Honestly? I’m happy I was. I loved the tension between Harper and Antoine, and I liked that he didn’t cover the usual mysterious-boy-at-school archetype.
Besides the relationship between the two main characters, what I especially loved about this book was the small town setting and the dark atmosphere. There were some moments that kept me on the edge of my seat—well, in my case, my bed—while I read. To that, add the fact that some of those scenes were read in the dark with the house completely silent. It had its intended effect! There was exactly the right amount of suspense and mystery for a vampire story, yet it still stayed perfectly within the limits of YA. It’s a book that younger readers can definitely enjoy as well!
I recommend this read to readers who love romance and vampires, especially if you were or are still obsessed with stories like Twilight and The Vampire Diaries. I know I am!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy. Opinions are my own.
August 23, 2021
I absolutely love vampire stories! This was a great mix of two of my absolute favorites.. The Vampire Diaries (TV show, Elijah Michaelson my obsession ahhhh!) and The Twilight Saga. The story follows Harper, a teen that has lost her mom and her sister and moves into a new town with her stepbrother. They move into a mansion that belonged to the Marigny Family, a family that is trying their hardest to get their home back for reasons that they refuse to share with Harper, only that its cursed.
There were so many elements of the book that gave me that eerie dark vibe vampire stories give up. I loved the atmosphere in which Harper shared her story with us, kind of a gothic vibe. The characters were super interesting, I would have loved to learn more about the origins, I am a sucker for the history of a supernatural creature but the author gives us enough info to help understand the plot and the reason behind everything.
One of my favorite things about the story is that the author makes us question ourselves on who will be the love interest. I was surprised as the story unraveled, little did I know it would be one that never crossed my mind! This story was very easy to follow, I think it would be great for any age. I am looking forward to learning more about the Nightgarden Saga!
Thank you so much to the author for sending this book my way!
There were so many elements of the book that gave me that eerie dark vibe vampire stories give up. I loved the atmosphere in which Harper shared her story with us, kind of a gothic vibe. The characters were super interesting, I would have loved to learn more about the origins, I am a sucker for the history of a supernatural creature but the author gives us enough info to help understand the plot and the reason behind everything.
One of my favorite things about the story is that the author makes us question ourselves on who will be the love interest. I was surprised as the story unraveled, little did I know it would be one that never crossed my mind! This story was very easy to follow, I think it would be great for any age. I am looking forward to learning more about the Nightgarden Saga!
Thank you so much to the author for sending this book my way!
August 5, 2021
I did NOT think I would love this book as much as I did.
Honestly, I'm a sucker (no pun intended) for vampire books, but most of the time I end up comparing it to my fave ones and then always be let down a bit.
But this one I'll add right up there with my other fave vamp ones. A strong female main character, moody broody vampire, lots of history and family bonds. It read quick and easy and I need to have all the other parts of this series asap!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC <3
Honestly, I'm a sucker (no pun intended) for vampire books, but most of the time I end up comparing it to my fave ones and then always be let down a bit.
But this one I'll add right up there with my other fave vamp ones. A strong female main character, moody broody vampire, lots of history and family bonds. It read quick and easy and I need to have all the other parts of this series asap!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC <3
August 29, 2021
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔..."
First off, I’d like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed below are entirely my own.
I very much enjoyed this quick little paranormal romance read! If you’re a fan of the Vampire Diaries and/or the Twilight Saga, you will devour this delicious treat of a book. As a lover of both of these fandoms, as well as a devout fan of both gothic literature and horror movies, this story was so much fun! To me, it reads like a contemporary paranormal thriller film with an emphasis on steamy vampire romance, which is seriously all I could want in a YA novel honestly!
The beginning immediately drew me in with the devastated and grief-stricken protagonist's letter to her recently departed twin sister. I loved the relationship between Harper and her brother Connor (my favorite character for sure!) and totally related to their mutual passion for renovating historic homes. I’m an absolute sucker for haunted house stories and tales of cursed locations, and this one for sure did not disappoint. I was thoroughly spooked and delighted by the intricate backstories the author wove for the lore of the house and its previous inhabitants!
Antoine is such a flawlessly crafted love interest--I’m so obsessed with this kind of brooding-but-sassy, morally-gray yet sensitive bad boy! The banter between him and Harper was full of spicy chemistry and I am desperate for more. Also, I’m avoiding a major spoiler here, but my absolute favorite trope comes into play right at the middle of the action of the narrative and let’s just say I was SO excited about it…
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series as soon as I possibly can!!
First off, I’d like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed below are entirely my own.
I very much enjoyed this quick little paranormal romance read! If you’re a fan of the Vampire Diaries and/or the Twilight Saga, you will devour this delicious treat of a book. As a lover of both of these fandoms, as well as a devout fan of both gothic literature and horror movies, this story was so much fun! To me, it reads like a contemporary paranormal thriller film with an emphasis on steamy vampire romance, which is seriously all I could want in a YA novel honestly!
The beginning immediately drew me in with the devastated and grief-stricken protagonist's letter to her recently departed twin sister. I loved the relationship between Harper and her brother Connor (my favorite character for sure!) and totally related to their mutual passion for renovating historic homes. I’m an absolute sucker for haunted house stories and tales of cursed locations, and this one for sure did not disappoint. I was thoroughly spooked and delighted by the intricate backstories the author wove for the lore of the house and its previous inhabitants!
Antoine is such a flawlessly crafted love interest--I’m so obsessed with this kind of brooding-but-sassy, morally-gray yet sensitive bad boy! The banter between him and Harper was full of spicy chemistry and I am desperate for more. Also, I’m avoiding a major spoiler here, but my absolute favorite trope comes into play right at the middle of the action of the narrative and let’s just say I was SO excited about it…
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series as soon as I possibly can!!
August 19, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book! I haven’t been a fan with YA vampires for a long time, but this book actually does it the right way and I appreciated that!
Harper is a likable character with a personality that doesn’t revolve around a love interest. (Or multiple!) Shes a teenager so she definitely makes some questionable choices, but that’s to be expected with her. She is also grieving for She just lost her twin sister Tessa. Her mother and father are also dead so all she has is her brother Connor.
The story of the mansion and the vampires that once inhabited it was so cool! You don’t really get origin stories like this in vampire books, so this was an amazing touch to the story. Sometimes I felt as if it was a little difficult to follow the history, but that’s my only “complaint.”
The best part about these books is that they are SHORT! The author doesn’t carry on for the sake of exposition and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. I love reading short books.
This book was good and I’m excited to see where the story goes.
Harper is a likable character with a personality that doesn’t revolve around a love interest. (Or multiple!) Shes a teenager so she definitely makes some questionable choices, but that’s to be expected with her. She is also grieving for She just lost her twin sister Tessa. Her mother and father are also dead so all she has is her brother Connor.
The story of the mansion and the vampires that once inhabited it was so cool! You don’t really get origin stories like this in vampire books, so this was an amazing touch to the story. Sometimes I felt as if it was a little difficult to follow the history, but that’s my only “complaint.”
The best part about these books is that they are SHORT! The author doesn’t carry on for the sake of exposition and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. I love reading short books.
This book was good and I’m excited to see where the story goes.
June 20, 2021
Nooooo! I need the second book! I received this ARC and want to leave my honest review. It was amazing! It does have high-schoolers but they are 17/18 years old and don't act like idiots so I liked that. This book has vampires, witches, slaves and Native Americans that had to work together in the past and now their descendents need to come together again to go up against a common enemy. The wedding made me so happy and the ending was bitter sweet. The guy I hated in the beginning is now my favorite and I want him to come back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
I am always
always
on the hunt for my next vampire fix. Yes, I get the irony. I stumbled across Red Magnolia while browsing Netgalley. The words 'vampire' and 'Mississippi' caught my attention. As a native Mississippian, I was curious. I absolutely love how the author wove Mississippi's Slavery history and the Natchez's Indigenous history into it's vampire lore. It's a completely fresh take on vampires and it makes a fictional personal obsession, a little more sentimental. And lucky me, it's going to be a 7 book series. Though, maybe the book went a little heavy with the Magnolia. But it definitely lives up to the title. Red Magnolia was a little slow to get going. It had to set up the 'mystery' and Gothicy vibe. Once it got going, though, I couldn't put it down.
***Thank you to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, Fehu Press, and Paula Constant for allowing me to review Red Magnolia.***
“This is the Deep South, after all.” She shrugs. “Old superstitions die hard.”Harper and her brother, Conner, move to Mississippi from Baton Rouge to have a fresh start from their tragic past. They move into an old historial mansion Conner wants to fix up. Unknown to them, but not for long, the antebellum house has some deep-rooted superstitious history. Harper then meets the mysteriously secretive Antoine whose family once owned the house. And he wants it back—no matter the cost.
He says it’s a new beginning for us. I want to believe that, even if the ruins of the past are a strange place to look for a new beginning.Red Magnolia has some parallels to The Vampire Diaries. Honestly, finding TVD parallels in anything and everything is my superpower at this point. Harper reminds me so much of Elena Gilbert. She's headstrong and self-sacrificing and cares more than she wants to admit. Antoine is... well I'll let you decide. But I love him. And I'm so excited and impatient to continue this series.
Antoine is powerful and vital, and when he isn’t grim and angry, his eyes are so vivid they seem to pierce the light itself. He seems born to the outdoors rather than the darkness, as if he carries the sun inside him rather than fearing it.
***Thank you to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, Fehu Press, and Paula Constant for allowing me to review Red Magnolia.***
December 9, 2021
“Red Magnolia”, the first instalment in the “Nightgarden Saga” by Lucy Holden, is an unexpectedly well-crafted YA paranormal romance fantasy, which loosely reminds us of Lisa Jane Smith “The Vampire Diaries” or Meyer “Twilight” - (the books) - incorporating some background and style from the former and the first-person narrative perspective of the later, while being much superior to both. “Red Magnolia” combines a Southern Gothic with a coming-of-age story, incorporating some historical 300 years old background, vampire lore and teenager-angst into a rich, captivating, easy-to-read story, whose main character (Harper Ellory) is not only instantly relatable, but a very strong teenager, dealing with pain and heartbreaking loss, while still trying to rebuild both her own life and that of her slightly older brother (Connor), who although not related by blood, embodies all family is really about.
Harper and Connor have just arrived in Deepwater Hollow, Mississippi, looking for a fresh start in life. Connor has been received a grant to renovate an old plantation mansion, a veritable dream came true, after he has sacrificed everything to take care of Harper as legal guardian. Harper’s mother (Connor stepmother) died some years ago, her own twin barely any months back. But the dream rapidly turns into a nightmare, as some old legend about her new house turns out to be very real, forcing Harper to make some hard decisions in order to preserve her brother’s dreams, and the wishes and obligations of the Marigny family, the former landlords.
Lucy Holden writing style is compelling and inspiring, the story captivating from the very beginning, a fast-paced and easy-to-read story, with a carefully prose, very well-written, with a carefully crafted world and historical background. This is the kind of story that manages to entice the readers, transporting them right into the narrative, a story that feels both modern and timeless, and will surely stand the past of time. Fans of the aforementioned ‘Vampire Diaries’ or ‘Twilight’ will surely enjoy the series, as will detractors of them, because ‘Red Magnolia’ has all the elements that made them good, while having any of the issues that make them ‘unbearable’ at times. And last but not least can we for a moment focus on that gorgeous cover? I know, I know, you should never judge a book by its cover, but in a world full of versions of the very same ‘readily premade book covers’ coming across such a unique, elegant cover, which in fact fits the spirit of the series, it worth mentioning!
This is fantastic new addiction to the YA coming-of-age paranormal vampire genre, whose only downside is having to wait for the next instalment to come out. On the upside, the five books in the series should be published within a month-lapse of another, which should be (barely 😊) feasibly… after all anticipation is also a kind of joy 😉
Harper and Connor have just arrived in Deepwater Hollow, Mississippi, looking for a fresh start in life. Connor has been received a grant to renovate an old plantation mansion, a veritable dream came true, after he has sacrificed everything to take care of Harper as legal guardian. Harper’s mother (Connor stepmother) died some years ago, her own twin barely any months back. But the dream rapidly turns into a nightmare, as some old legend about her new house turns out to be very real, forcing Harper to make some hard decisions in order to preserve her brother’s dreams, and the wishes and obligations of the Marigny family, the former landlords.
Lucy Holden writing style is compelling and inspiring, the story captivating from the very beginning, a fast-paced and easy-to-read story, with a carefully prose, very well-written, with a carefully crafted world and historical background. This is the kind of story that manages to entice the readers, transporting them right into the narrative, a story that feels both modern and timeless, and will surely stand the past of time. Fans of the aforementioned ‘Vampire Diaries’ or ‘Twilight’ will surely enjoy the series, as will detractors of them, because ‘Red Magnolia’ has all the elements that made them good, while having any of the issues that make them ‘unbearable’ at times. And last but not least can we for a moment focus on that gorgeous cover? I know, I know, you should never judge a book by its cover, but in a world full of versions of the very same ‘readily premade book covers’ coming across such a unique, elegant cover, which in fact fits the spirit of the series, it worth mentioning!
This is fantastic new addiction to the YA coming-of-age paranormal vampire genre, whose only downside is having to wait for the next instalment to come out. On the upside, the five books in the series should be published within a month-lapse of another, which should be (barely 😊) feasibly… after all anticipation is also a kind of joy 😉
July 17, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a fun read that was different than my usual reads (fantasy) in a really refreshing way. I was lucky enough to read the prequel novella before this novel, so I had an understanding of some of the characters and a bit of the main plot before diving into this book! Thank you so much to Lucy Holden for sending me an ARC of this book, I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of this series!!
Quick synopsis:
Our story takes place deep in the South, and is filled with lots of Southern Gothic and mysterious southern magic. The main characters battle with a curse that threatens to release a dark evil that has been kept dormant beneath an old family house for centuries, guarded by the members of the family themselves. However, one thing leads to another, and the usual binding that keeps the evil locked away is broken - our main characters have to figure out a way to repair it or risk unleashing monsters that should not see the light of day.
**This is absolutely bare bones because I do not want give ANYTHING away**
My actual review:
I really enjoyed the writing style - easy to read, nice flow, casual enough to show that we're looking through the eyes of someone the age of our main character, who is only a teen. All the characters were wonderful and had their own personalities and quirks, even if I cant say I would have taken their course of action (Harper, I'm looking at you). Though it is marketed as a paranormal romance, I'd say the romance was not overwhelming by any means and still allowed for the plot to be the main focus. Definitely still paranormal though! I liked the historical background that was created to add a bit of realism since curses usually have some centuries old story of how they came to be. The plot was flawlessly executed, I enjoyed the twists and overall had a wonderful time reading this novel! (I read the whole thing in like 2-3 hours, I was that excited).
And that's my piece! This book is 100% worth the read and I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to read it as an ARC. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series :)
Quick synopsis:
Our story takes place deep in the South, and is filled with lots of Southern Gothic and mysterious southern magic. The main characters battle with a curse that threatens to release a dark evil that has been kept dormant beneath an old family house for centuries, guarded by the members of the family themselves. However, one thing leads to another, and the usual binding that keeps the evil locked away is broken - our main characters have to figure out a way to repair it or risk unleashing monsters that should not see the light of day.
**This is absolutely bare bones because I do not want give ANYTHING away**
My actual review:
I really enjoyed the writing style - easy to read, nice flow, casual enough to show that we're looking through the eyes of someone the age of our main character, who is only a teen. All the characters were wonderful and had their own personalities and quirks, even if I cant say I would have taken their course of action (Harper, I'm looking at you). Though it is marketed as a paranormal romance, I'd say the romance was not overwhelming by any means and still allowed for the plot to be the main focus. Definitely still paranormal though! I liked the historical background that was created to add a bit of realism since curses usually have some centuries old story of how they came to be. The plot was flawlessly executed, I enjoyed the twists and overall had a wonderful time reading this novel! (I read the whole thing in like 2-3 hours, I was that excited).
And that's my piece! This book is 100% worth the read and I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to read it as an ARC. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series :)
June 30, 2021
I can't believe how much I fell in love with this book. It was not what I expected when I started reading it, but that's exactly the best part about it.
Harper is an incredibly pleasant character, and reading the book from her perspective made it easy to dive into her story, feel her grief, her pain, but most importantly - her love towards her family. She's not just a human girl - she's a kind, delightful soul, somebody I could easily imagine being my friend. Her inner world reminds me about the things that we sometimes forget to appreciate until it's gone, making the girl feel relatable and delightful - somebody who has fire within them even at the darkest times, somebody who can shine for others when their own life is as dark as it can be.
On a side note, this story did remind me of Vampire Diaries to some extent (because of the grief and lost family members) but much better written. While reading Vampire Diaries made me give up on the book, Red Magnolia made me fall in love with all characters, live her story and left me hungry for more.
In other words, I loved this book, I would read it again, and I can't wait to dive into the entire series because Harper is now my friend, not just a fictional girl from a book. Adding this to my favourite YA books, there's no doubt.
Harper is an incredibly pleasant character, and reading the book from her perspective made it easy to dive into her story, feel her grief, her pain, but most importantly - her love towards her family. She's not just a human girl - she's a kind, delightful soul, somebody I could easily imagine being my friend. Her inner world reminds me about the things that we sometimes forget to appreciate until it's gone, making the girl feel relatable and delightful - somebody who has fire within them even at the darkest times, somebody who can shine for others when their own life is as dark as it can be.
On a side note, this story did remind me of Vampire Diaries to some extent (because of the grief and lost family members) but much better written. While reading Vampire Diaries made me give up on the book, Red Magnolia made me fall in love with all characters, live her story and left me hungry for more.
In other words, I loved this book, I would read it again, and I can't wait to dive into the entire series because Harper is now my friend, not just a fictional girl from a book. Adding this to my favourite YA books, there's no doubt.
May 10, 2021
This was definitely a good read. For the first few pages I remained aloof, not quite sure if this story was going to grab me or not, but then the story got started and I was hooked. I binge read this. I really wanted to know what was in the cellar! There were some twisty plot twists. I finished the book longing to know how things will proceed.
I really enjoyed the main character, Harper, and her brother Connor, with their project to spruce up old plantation era homesteads. The history of these homes and their locations was briefly touched upon, but the focus was more on the specific, ghoulish history of the mansion chosen as the starting point. They picked a doozy! I liked the sense of connection between various characters and the location and even buildings of the area. It was a very easy read, too, clear sentences, well written, always taking the reader forward. The novel certainly has some cross over potential, in that I think adults will like it as much as young adults, though more from character voice than any overly sexy or gory scenes or events. It is quite restrained in that sense.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I want to see what happens next with Antoine. I can feel so much happening below the surface!
I really enjoyed the main character, Harper, and her brother Connor, with their project to spruce up old plantation era homesteads. The history of these homes and their locations was briefly touched upon, but the focus was more on the specific, ghoulish history of the mansion chosen as the starting point. They picked a doozy! I liked the sense of connection between various characters and the location and even buildings of the area. It was a very easy read, too, clear sentences, well written, always taking the reader forward. The novel certainly has some cross over potential, in that I think adults will like it as much as young adults, though more from character voice than any overly sexy or gory scenes or events. It is quite restrained in that sense.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I want to see what happens next with Antoine. I can feel so much happening below the surface!
February 14, 2023
I need the second book...now!
Red Magnolia was so much better than I expected! It is a vampire/Twilight-esque story with an interesting plot and with less irritating characters.
The story follows a girl, Harper, who has been through some tragedies in her short life. To move past these tragedies and start fresh they move to a new town and to a new to them, run-down mansion. Little does she know there is a haunting backstory (or may I say curse) that comes with said house.
She meets new characters all awesome but not as interesting as Antoine. Antoine has a secret (well more than one really) and she's just dying to find out what they are.
Red Magnolia keeps you wanting more with the intrigue, the budding romance, and with a curse that could ruin everything if broken. Lucy Holden has done an amazing job, this book is altogether well-written and leaves me wanting more!
#NetGalley
Red Magnolia was so much better than I expected! It is a vampire/Twilight-esque story with an interesting plot and with less irritating characters.
The story follows a girl, Harper, who has been through some tragedies in her short life. To move past these tragedies and start fresh they move to a new town and to a new to them, run-down mansion. Little does she know there is a haunting backstory (or may I say curse) that comes with said house.
She meets new characters all awesome but not as interesting as Antoine. Antoine has a secret (well more than one really) and she's just dying to find out what they are.
Red Magnolia keeps you wanting more with the intrigue, the budding romance, and with a curse that could ruin everything if broken. Lucy Holden has done an amazing job, this book is altogether well-written and leaves me wanting more!
#NetGalley
August 25, 2021
Thank you so much to the author for sending me the book to read! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Where do you even start? I loved this book. It was a super quick read and snagged me from the start.
This book gave me all of the vampire diaries feels and also the morganville vampires. And yes, this is vampires.
With the southern gothic horror and romance feel, the setting is beautiful. I loved the characters and the world she built. It has tons of mysteries as well as romance tension. If you love the vampire diaries you will love this one.
I love Antoine. I’m a sucker for morally grey men and he doesn’t disappoint. Harper is a great main character and the tragic backstory is amazing.
I cannot wait to continue with this series. It ends on a cliffhanger where you need more ASAP. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this series.
Where do you even start? I loved this book. It was a super quick read and snagged me from the start.
This book gave me all of the vampire diaries feels and also the morganville vampires. And yes, this is vampires.
With the southern gothic horror and romance feel, the setting is beautiful. I loved the characters and the world she built. It has tons of mysteries as well as romance tension. If you love the vampire diaries you will love this one.
I love Antoine. I’m a sucker for morally grey men and he doesn’t disappoint. Harper is a great main character and the tragic backstory is amazing.
I cannot wait to continue with this series. It ends on a cliffhanger where you need more ASAP. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this series.
June 21, 2021
This was a book I'm so glad the saga continued, half way through I was hooked and needed to know more about these characters and follow their journey.
I know there are a lot of options these days in the vampire genre, but this one stood out for me and has all the things anyone who loves a good vampire /romance/ mystery.
Can't wait to read the rest
I know there are a lot of options these days in the vampire genre, but this one stood out for me and has all the things anyone who loves a good vampire /romance/ mystery.
Can't wait to read the rest
July 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The writing style is very easy to read, the story draws you in and leaves you wanting more. I love the little “event” between the two main characters that has to be kept secret, I think it adds a different spin on the usual teenage love story giving it more gravitas. Would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance/ adventure. Bring on the next one please.
August 24, 2021
I received this as an ARC, cover is very eye catching and genuinely quiet a pretty book, now story line without giving to much away Twilight fans will love this book as its close the the plot of twilight in my opinion, gripping read you will not want to put down
August 17, 2021
I really loved the atmospheric gothic feeling of the story and the Southern setting. Though there are many vampire stories out there, the combination of southern culture, native american mysticism and American history made this one stand out and feel fresh.
I really loved, too, how the author created a traumatic backstory for the main character, Harper, that provided both the fortitude she would need to face an unbelievable scenario, and the need to reinvent and rediscover herself without her identity as a twin. It was great to see her beginning to open up to new friends and to see how ferociously she defended her brother as he was the only family she had left.
I'm very interested to continue this series!
I really loved, too, how the author created a traumatic backstory for the main character, Harper, that provided both the fortitude she would need to face an unbelievable scenario, and the need to reinvent and rediscover herself without her identity as a twin. It was great to see her beginning to open up to new friends and to see how ferociously she defended her brother as he was the only family she had left.
I'm very interested to continue this series!
June 28, 2021
I LOVED this book and I can not wait for the next one! Amazing story with such vivid characters. You want that happy ending for them. You want to know the rest of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2021
Only because it was Paula/Lucy's novel did I choose to read a love story. But I got totally wrapped up in it & even enjoyed the vampires which I thought I was way too old for.
Keen to read the rest of the series.
Keen to read the rest of the series.
September 28, 2021
Wow! The only thing bad about this book is I can't wait for the next one to see what happens next! Read this book based off the recommendation of the friend who got me reading southern vampire novels and this one did not disappoint. I loved that this one felt different, with the native American and African magic mixed in with the vampire folklore. Read the preview to the next book and Love where this is going. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2021
I loved this book! Couldn’t put it down!!!! So easy to read abs so enjoyable! Not usually my genre of choice but I’m hooked! Beautifully written :)
July 23, 2021
Wow!!! 5 star is not even enough a rating for this incredible read.
This book is like a black hole, swallowing me whole and before I knew it, I’m down at the rabbit hole of pure enchantment.
Harper and Antoine undoubtedly were made for each other. Their chemistry was so off-the-chart.
I’m grinning ear to ear like a loon at every one of their moments together especially the stolen ones.
This is a voluntary review in exchange for the ARC I received. To the Netgalley team, and the author I’m truly thankful for the chance.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
This book is like a black hole, swallowing me whole and before I knew it, I’m down at the rabbit hole of pure enchantment.
Harper and Antoine undoubtedly were made for each other. Their chemistry was so off-the-chart.
I’m grinning ear to ear like a loon at every one of their moments together especially the stolen ones.
This is a voluntary review in exchange for the ARC I received. To the Netgalley team, and the author I’m truly thankful for the chance.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
September 5, 2021
From the synopsis I did hope this would be a book I would love but unfortunately it was not executed in a way that allowed me to become completely immersed in the story. I felt pretty disappointed as I had high hopes.
Red Magnolia has been marketed as a paranormal romance with a Southern Gothic flavour and this immediately caught my attention. I particularly love Southern Gothic novels. Reading this did feel very much like I was in the Deep South and I enjoyed the descriptions of the Southern landscapes. This was my favourite aspect of the novel. I wasn't sold by the narrative though. Parts of the story felt a bit far fetched to me and this wasn't necessarily because of what was happening (eg; the quick marriage and the paranormal aspect). It felt more so like the ground work hadn't been laid properly. It didn't feel like the author did enough work to make me truly believe in the story.
In terms of the romance, I felt like we got to it quickly and then it fizzled out just as quickly. It really didn't hook my interest.
This was overall a quick and entertaining read and I enjoyed it for the Southern gothic aspects. I do not think I will read the next instalment though.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Red Magnolia has been marketed as a paranormal romance with a Southern Gothic flavour and this immediately caught my attention. I particularly love Southern Gothic novels. Reading this did feel very much like I was in the Deep South and I enjoyed the descriptions of the Southern landscapes. This was my favourite aspect of the novel. I wasn't sold by the narrative though. Parts of the story felt a bit far fetched to me and this wasn't necessarily because of what was happening (eg; the quick marriage and the paranormal aspect). It felt more so like the ground work hadn't been laid properly. It didn't feel like the author did enough work to make me truly believe in the story.
In terms of the romance, I felt like we got to it quickly and then it fizzled out just as quickly. It really didn't hook my interest.
This was overall a quick and entertaining read and I enjoyed it for the Southern gothic aspects. I do not think I will read the next instalment though.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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