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Broken Vows #1
Ghostly Touches
They came to me in the dead of night.
I should be used to ghosts, I’m a necromancer after all. But the three men who show up at my house aren’t the spiritual beings I’m used to. These Ghosts are part of a brotherhood so secret that they were thought to be a myth.
When they ask for my help, I leap at the opportunity to aid these warriors.
But none of us expected my help to come with a price tag. Now our souls are bound to one another and unfortunately, being this close to each other secrets are starting to slip out. I can’t afford to have anyone know who, or what, I really am, but with a curse hanging over our heads and with someone suddenly after us we’ll have to stick close if we want to survive. With the Ghosts looking out for me, I should be safe… right?
This is a story where the heroine doesn't have to choose between love interests. There are a few darker themes in this story. Please check the content page for more information
I should be used to ghosts, I’m a necromancer after all. But the three men who show up at my house aren’t the spiritual beings I’m used to. These Ghosts are part of a brotherhood so secret that they were thought to be a myth.
When they ask for my help, I leap at the opportunity to aid these warriors.
But none of us expected my help to come with a price tag. Now our souls are bound to one another and unfortunately, being this close to each other secrets are starting to slip out. I can’t afford to have anyone know who, or what, I really am, but with a curse hanging over our heads and with someone suddenly after us we’ll have to stick close if we want to survive. With the Ghosts looking out for me, I should be safe… right?
This is a story where the heroine doesn't have to choose between love interests. There are a few darker themes in this story. Please check the content page for more information
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2022
293 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
December 21, 2023
‼️Negative Stars…Negative a million stars…I should have been compensated for putting up with this garbage! 🤬
I’m too mad. I can’t even verbalize how mad I am and it’s going to be difficult to explain while so enraged.
This girl risks her life, multiple times, in order to save these worthless, no good, parasites!! She ends up soul bonded to them in an effort to prevent their deaths. What do these guys do?? Blame her for their misfortune, verbally abuse her, threaten to kill her, and then they strangle and beat her in their anger….and take her hostage…using her powers for their own protection…
Fuck off.
I literally want her to murder these men. There is no redemption in this story that I can get behind. I want them dead.
How can a story like this pretend to be a romance?? I wish I had never opened this book. There aren’t even words to describe my disgust.
DNF 65%
I’m too mad. I can’t even verbalize how mad I am and it’s going to be difficult to explain while so enraged.
This girl risks her life, multiple times, in order to save these worthless, no good, parasites!! She ends up soul bonded to them in an effort to prevent their deaths. What do these guys do?? Blame her for their misfortune, verbally abuse her, threaten to kill her, and then they strangle and beat her in their anger….and take her hostage…using her powers for their own protection…
Fuck off.
I literally want her to murder these men. There is no redemption in this story that I can get behind. I want them dead.
How can a story like this pretend to be a romance?? I wish I had never opened this book. There aren’t even words to describe my disgust.
DNF 65%
February 7, 2023
only 2 thoughts while reading this:
(1) men ain’t shit sis, they’re so disrespectful and for WHAT
(2) why isn’t there any world-building?
(1) men ain’t shit sis, they’re so disrespectful and for WHAT
(2) why isn’t there any world-building?
December 8, 2022
4.9 stars.
Holy shit.
I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better start to a series.
I mean, this had everything.
There were some very amusing bits here and there.
Willow is an absolute fuckin badass.
The plot so far hasn’t been fully revealed, but the mystery of it all is really freaking engrossing and I am devouring every snippet of it.
The monsters, and Ghosts, and spirits were all so freaking cool and dangerous and had unique backstories and powers and politics.
The relationships are all so complicated and up in the air at the moment. (Plus I have a sneaking suspicion we’ll be adding to the group sometime soon..)
But the sex. It hasn’t happened with all of them. But what has happened was monstrous in the best of ways, and so so hot. Just. Damn. That monster D is fucking sexy in this book.
I’m just so pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this book.
I’m so excited to read the rest of the series.
I’m really hoping that I keep this level of excitement and enjoyment throughout the next two books.
This was just too freaking good.
Holy shit.
I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better start to a series.
I mean, this had everything.
There were some very amusing bits here and there.
Willow is an absolute fuckin badass.
The plot so far hasn’t been fully revealed, but the mystery of it all is really freaking engrossing and I am devouring every snippet of it.
The monsters, and Ghosts, and spirits were all so freaking cool and dangerous and had unique backstories and powers and politics.
The relationships are all so complicated and up in the air at the moment. (Plus I have a sneaking suspicion we’ll be adding to the group sometime soon..)
But the sex. It hasn’t happened with all of them. But what has happened was monstrous in the best of ways, and so so hot. Just. Damn. That monster D is fucking sexy in this book.
I’m just so pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this book.
I’m so excited to read the rest of the series.
I’m really hoping that I keep this level of excitement and enjoyment throughout the next two books.
This was just too freaking good.
February 24, 2023
Below are two excerpts from this book, this is why I intend to dnf at chapter 22/32
"The back of my hand connects with Willow's cheek with such force that it knocks her off her feet."
"Willows head hits the countertop with a sickening thud. When her body crumples to the ground, blood pools beneath her."
About halfway into the book one of the main characters/ potential love interests (Viktor) slaps the female mc so hard that she blacks out and needs stitches .....
Need I say more????? 🙁 WHAT THE FUVK MAN, Remove the romance tag right now cuz ain't no wayyyyyyy
Victor has been an insufferable asshole from the first moment we met him but this is a new height for him. I don't care if that rancid fuck is going blind in both eyes, he's no longer viable as a potential love interest. Mind you this is the woman who saved his life and has been nothing but supportive from the beginning.
To put the icing on the cake, I begrudgingly read up to chapter 22 with the sour taste his actions left on my tongue. Only to read that sorry excuse of an apology he gave after which he told her, not to take his temper personally, "he'll work on it."
Don't take it personally?
DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY ❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓
He cracked her skull open like a coconut that's about as personal as it can get.
I ABHOR him
I think the female character is written as weak even tho she is strong magically.
I think she is constantly upstaged by these men and made to follow rules like a hostage even tho the reader and every character in the book knows she is the one with the most power.
I think the smut scenes are mid and lack tension.
I think the writing is mid and somewhat cringy at times but still overall enjoyable.
And I think this is a waste of a good book.
I was rooting for you we were all rooting for you. HOW DARE YOU‼️‼️‼️‼️
"The back of my hand connects with Willow's cheek with such force that it knocks her off her feet."
"Willows head hits the countertop with a sickening thud. When her body crumples to the ground, blood pools beneath her."
About halfway into the book one of the main characters/ potential love interests (Viktor) slaps the female mc so hard that she blacks out and needs stitches .....
Need I say more????? 🙁 WHAT THE FUVK MAN, Remove the romance tag right now cuz ain't no wayyyyyyy
Victor has been an insufferable asshole from the first moment we met him but this is a new height for him. I don't care if that rancid fuck is going blind in both eyes, he's no longer viable as a potential love interest. Mind you this is the woman who saved his life and has been nothing but supportive from the beginning.
To put the icing on the cake, I begrudgingly read up to chapter 22 with the sour taste his actions left on my tongue. Only to read that sorry excuse of an apology he gave after which he told her, not to take his temper personally, "he'll work on it."
Don't take it personally?
DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY ❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓❓
He cracked her skull open like a coconut that's about as personal as it can get.
I ABHOR him
I think the female character is written as weak even tho she is strong magically.
I think she is constantly upstaged by these men and made to follow rules like a hostage even tho the reader and every character in the book knows she is the one with the most power.
I think the smut scenes are mid and lack tension.
I think the writing is mid and somewhat cringy at times but still overall enjoyable.
And I think this is a waste of a good book.
I was rooting for you we were all rooting for you. HOW DARE YOU‼️‼️‼️‼️
October 9, 2022
Salem wrote an amazing book! I was sucked in on page one and was not ready for it to end! Willow is a necromancer and her life is helping ghosts cross over. Well, until she meets a monster and 3 men. Everything gets flipped upside down. I loved the plot and the steamy smut in this book and cannot wait to read the next book!.
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.
September 30, 2022
I literally read this book in a day! I could not put it down.
Willow is a necromancer just trying to help ghost past to the other side. This is her normal life until 3 mysterious men and a monster show up to turn her life upside down.
This is a Why Choose book. Salem Cross does a absolutely beautiful job at combining paranormal and fantasy worlds together. I was so invested into the plot and smut all at the same time and now I am left needing the second book.
The world Salem has written is so different then books I’ve read and I love it. The creatures in it are so different and descriptive. I can’t wait to see what happens in the second book.
Willow is a necromancer just trying to help ghost past to the other side. This is her normal life until 3 mysterious men and a monster show up to turn her life upside down.
This is a Why Choose book. Salem Cross does a absolutely beautiful job at combining paranormal and fantasy worlds together. I was so invested into the plot and smut all at the same time and now I am left needing the second book.
The world Salem has written is so different then books I’ve read and I love it. The creatures in it are so different and descriptive. I can’t wait to see what happens in the second book.
December 18, 2022
Interesting plot, infuriating men and dangers aplenty. I like the FMC; she is warm and kind, but not naive or weak. She's also sassy/sarcastic but not bitchy or annoying. Really nice balance, not stereotypical.
October 18, 2022
Sucked in from the first page!
To say that I was NOT ready for this book to end would be an understatement.
I even tried to scroll on hoping that the next part of the story would magically be there waiting for me!
This is my first "Monster" Book and I honestly don't know what I was expecting going in, but now that ive finished, I know I want more, and I don't want to wait for it!
The story follows the Female MC Willow, a necromancer. In the begining, we find Willow helping a group of spirits cross over. Upon returning home she finds 3 men and a monster waiting for her.
Meet the Ghosts: Kwil, Theo and Viktor.
The Brotherhood of the Ghosts are sworn to protect the safety of their world. (They have a few other Vows but I'll let you read the book to see how well they got on with those)
Meet the Monster: the Shadebroode a deadly creature from the "Third Realm". But appearances can be deceptive and only though Willows, ability to see past the outer exterior do we get to meet Jonah!
I love Willow, she's a badass. And I can't wait to unravel all the mystery surrounding her!
Jonah is by far my favourite of the boys, I still think we have a lot to learn about him but he's just an adorable little puppy!
And his "Snap, Crack and Pop" is certainly something I wish was a real world thing!
Ths Ghosts are still somewhat of a mystery. And I can't decide how I feel about Theo and Viktor.
For me this book has the perfect spice to story ratio!
I can't wait for book 2 so I can continue on this rollercoaster of a ride!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
To say that I was NOT ready for this book to end would be an understatement.
I even tried to scroll on hoping that the next part of the story would magically be there waiting for me!
This is my first "Monster" Book and I honestly don't know what I was expecting going in, but now that ive finished, I know I want more, and I don't want to wait for it!
The story follows the Female MC Willow, a necromancer. In the begining, we find Willow helping a group of spirits cross over. Upon returning home she finds 3 men and a monster waiting for her.
Meet the Ghosts: Kwil, Theo and Viktor.
The Brotherhood of the Ghosts are sworn to protect the safety of their world. (They have a few other Vows but I'll let you read the book to see how well they got on with those)
Meet the Monster: the Shadebroode a deadly creature from the "Third Realm". But appearances can be deceptive and only though Willows, ability to see past the outer exterior do we get to meet Jonah!
I love Willow, she's a badass. And I can't wait to unravel all the mystery surrounding her!
Jonah is by far my favourite of the boys, I still think we have a lot to learn about him but he's just an adorable little puppy!
And his "Snap, Crack and Pop" is certainly something I wish was a real world thing!
Ths Ghosts are still somewhat of a mystery. And I can't decide how I feel about Theo and Viktor.
For me this book has the perfect spice to story ratio!
I can't wait for book 2 so I can continue on this rollercoaster of a ride!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 16, 2024
Salem Cross just continues to get better and better! First I love Willow and her strength and sassiness she cracks me up!
This is such an original story, or at least for me it is. The Ghosts are sexy a-holes, but that ending made me want to treat punch them, well except my sweet psycho monster Kwil.
Of course my love for Jonah is never-ending. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
This is such an original story, or at least for me it is. The Ghosts are sexy a-holes, but that ending made me want to treat punch them, well except my sweet psycho monster Kwil.
Of course my love for Jonah is never-ending. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
January 9, 2024
This book has everything! Ghosts, Fae, monsters, everything for her pleasure (there is natural pop rocks lube and vibrations happening), danger, intrigue, spice in the first 50 pages, curses, magic books and more. Is the story great? No, but I do care about the mission which is nice.
October 23, 2024
The storytelling and plot of this book? Fantastic. The characterization, also strong and distinctive for all characters. Not so much when it's their POV (so, third person would've probably been best) but you can easily tell every character apart. These elements were strong and makes this book a page-turner.
But the weak points are devastating blows. Spoilers continue below, but the book isn't worth reading so...
Willow is the biggest mammy / abused Black woman stereotype, whilst being hypersexualized and lusted for, that i've ever had the misfortune of reading. It's infuriating, really. As a woman, period, she is abused. PHYSICALLY and verbally by these men that forced themselves into her life without any gratefulness. She literally saved one of the men from certain death, who couldn't be bothered to ever be thank her and instead verbally threatens and abuses her. They casually think and talk about killing her They have SLAPPED her unconscious, STABBED HER in the gut.
All the while, as I mentioned, she SAVED the men, then procedes to cook, clean, do their laundry, be their happy little wife, and they have essentially kidnapped and gotten her CURSED literally. It's gross. There is a fine line between being a dark romance, some threatening growls, rough intimacy, hating someone, but this book is just straight up abuse. They also abuse her financially, draining her credit cards and getting her prized vehicle stolen.
2 of the 4 men haven't abused her, but one if anything stands by idly while claiming she's his soulmate. And now that I see there's multiple books, there's no fucking way you can get away with making the abusive men of the bunch her romantic partners. Men who have physically stabbed and knocked her out. You can't have a woman be a sacrificial, overpowered mammy when needed, but then the literal punching bag, blamed for the men's problem when they broke into her home and coerced her to save their asses, the next.
Yuck. This story could've gone a better way. She could even do those things while being cherished and protected fully in return. They could be skeptical and the thick-head one even an ungrateful jerk, without literally abusing her and blaming her for all their problems. It's insanity.
This isn't to even start on the thin world-building and lack of description of how Willow's powers happen. It's just "I used my power and a ghost appears." I would be nice to know how it feels when she draws out her powers, and what the consequences of the magic is.
And also, the intimacy is gross? Not just covertly trying to sneak between the men, but she will have sex with them, and not clean or shower, and just pull up her pants. This girl definitely has a yeast infection or three.
This book is absolutely a skip. Entertaining and well-written objectively? Absolutely. But hot garbage and glorifying abusing women? That too.
But the weak points are devastating blows. Spoilers continue below, but the book isn't worth reading so...
Willow is the biggest mammy / abused Black woman stereotype, whilst being hypersexualized and lusted for, that i've ever had the misfortune of reading. It's infuriating, really. As a woman, period, she is abused. PHYSICALLY and verbally by these men that forced themselves into her life without any gratefulness. She literally saved one of the men from certain death, who couldn't be bothered to ever be thank her and instead verbally threatens and abuses her. They casually think and talk about killing her They have SLAPPED her unconscious, STABBED HER in the gut.
All the while, as I mentioned, she SAVED the men, then procedes to cook, clean, do their laundry, be their happy little wife, and they have essentially kidnapped and gotten her CURSED literally. It's gross. There is a fine line between being a dark romance, some threatening growls, rough intimacy, hating someone, but this book is just straight up abuse. They also abuse her financially, draining her credit cards and getting her prized vehicle stolen.
2 of the 4 men haven't abused her, but one if anything stands by idly while claiming she's his soulmate. And now that I see there's multiple books, there's no fucking way you can get away with making the abusive men of the bunch her romantic partners. Men who have physically stabbed and knocked her out. You can't have a woman be a sacrificial, overpowered mammy when needed, but then the literal punching bag, blamed for the men's problem when they broke into her home and coerced her to save their asses, the next.
Yuck. This story could've gone a better way. She could even do those things while being cherished and protected fully in return. They could be skeptical and the thick-head one even an ungrateful jerk, without literally abusing her and blaming her for all their problems. It's insanity.
This isn't to even start on the thin world-building and lack of description of how Willow's powers happen. It's just "I used my power and a ghost appears." I would be nice to know how it feels when she draws out her powers, and what the consequences of the magic is.
And also, the intimacy is gross? Not just covertly trying to sneak between the men, but she will have sex with them, and not clean or shower, and just pull up her pants. This girl definitely has a yeast infection or three.
This book is absolutely a skip. Entertaining and well-written objectively? Absolutely. But hot garbage and glorifying abusing women? That too.
November 23, 2022
It's a Beginning So Cutting it a Little Slack
*****Spoilers*****
Giving the series a chance. Willow is a necromancer and something else. She's chased away from town to town when she uses her powers to send souls to the realm for the dead. No real friends except a reaper who lives on the other side of the veil that the living can't cross and spirits. Willow lives a pretty solitary life until she meets Viktor, Kwil, Jonah, and Theo. Jonah is a human trapped in the form of a beast and the other three are Ghosts, warriors in service to fight to save innocents from demons and other things that go bump in the night from crossing into the realm and killing them when they do. The Ghosts have, in collusion with one another, forsaken some of their vows and should be dead by order of their order, but they're hiding to stay safe, protect one another, and out of view of their superiors. Since they've gone rogue, their lives are forfeit if the other Ghosts are made aware and come a calling. Kwil got bitten by one of those monsters and is something else while Viktor is losing his eyesight. All of this on first acquaintance then Willow mistakenly binds her soul to all 4 men, so if one dies so do all the others.
Some things that are missing. More information about how Willow accesses and uses her power. Similarly, how Ghosts are trained and what binds them to their missions. What it means to be fae. What characteristics Kwil shares with the monster who's living with him. More information about the creatures they're constantly fighting. Better descriptions of all of the characters.
A few things I'm not quite buying in this book. Kwil and his possessiveness sitting back while he knows the woman his beast has claimed as his is taken regularly by Jonah. Willow's wishy washy attitude when it comes to Kwil and lumping him in the loser bucket with the other Ghosts when Kwil has committed none of their slights. Then Willow being all profound and touchy feely and laughing with Viktor and Theo, only to turn back away from them. The stabbing, oh the stabbing I'm sure has an element of we needed to do it to be convincing. Lastly, with the kind of power Willow has, I just couldn't understand why she allows herself to be moved. She can easily disable anyone yet begs and pleads to be let go by captors. Why she's being chased by a mage holding a bounty over her head.
Overall, I liked the book but thought it was kind of off how information was introduced only to be brushed aside or not used. Maybe it'll come up in the next one.
*****Spoilers*****
Giving the series a chance. Willow is a necromancer and something else. She's chased away from town to town when she uses her powers to send souls to the realm for the dead. No real friends except a reaper who lives on the other side of the veil that the living can't cross and spirits. Willow lives a pretty solitary life until she meets Viktor, Kwil, Jonah, and Theo. Jonah is a human trapped in the form of a beast and the other three are Ghosts, warriors in service to fight to save innocents from demons and other things that go bump in the night from crossing into the realm and killing them when they do. The Ghosts have, in collusion with one another, forsaken some of their vows and should be dead by order of their order, but they're hiding to stay safe, protect one another, and out of view of their superiors. Since they've gone rogue, their lives are forfeit if the other Ghosts are made aware and come a calling. Kwil got bitten by one of those monsters and is something else while Viktor is losing his eyesight. All of this on first acquaintance then Willow mistakenly binds her soul to all 4 men, so if one dies so do all the others.
Some things that are missing. More information about how Willow accesses and uses her power. Similarly, how Ghosts are trained and what binds them to their missions. What it means to be fae. What characteristics Kwil shares with the monster who's living with him. More information about the creatures they're constantly fighting. Better descriptions of all of the characters.
A few things I'm not quite buying in this book. Kwil and his possessiveness sitting back while he knows the woman his beast has claimed as his is taken regularly by Jonah. Willow's wishy washy attitude when it comes to Kwil and lumping him in the loser bucket with the other Ghosts when Kwil has committed none of their slights. Then Willow being all profound and touchy feely and laughing with Viktor and Theo, only to turn back away from them. The stabbing, oh the stabbing I'm sure has an element of we needed to do it to be convincing. Lastly, with the kind of power Willow has, I just couldn't understand why she allows herself to be moved. She can easily disable anyone yet begs and pleads to be let go by captors. Why she's being chased by a mage holding a bounty over her head.
Overall, I liked the book but thought it was kind of off how information was introduced only to be brushed aside or not used. Maybe it'll come up in the next one.
October 10, 2022
This was a different take on the paranormal. Willow is a necromancer who helps those ghosts/spirits move across the veil to the other side. Some ghosts come to her to help them get closure from loved ones, others just can't seem to find a way to cross over. WIllow is ok with this arrangement and to keep under the local coven radar she moves from town.
WIllow is keeping a secret because her powers are far more powerful than that of a necromancer. A necromancer is supposed to see, hear and speak to spirits. A necromancer should not have the ability to remove and put spirits back into bodies. Willow's life changed the night she met “The Ghosts” an Elite Brotherhood of Fae Warriors whose mission in life is to protect the world from the monsters that go bump in the night.
“The Ghosts” aren’t all that they appear to be. Kwil who is more monster than Fae after a suffering a bite from a Tangling fights daily to control hs monsters blood lust but the moment he laid eyes on WIllow his world tilted on its axis. Viktor, a warrior in need of having his soul connected back to his body was rude, abrasive, abusive and arrogant. Even with WIllows help he was terrible and lastly Theodon who was the “level headed” leader whose sole purpose was to protect his brothers and uphold the 5 sacred vows of “The Ghost” Elite Brotherhood.
“The Ghosts” were rude, arrogant and treated Willow terribly no matter how much she tried to help them. When she realized that the prisoner they were harboring was actually a man trapped in a monster's body they simply didn’t care and continued to mistreat him as well. After a mishap that occurred during Willow helping “The Ghosts” she somehow managed to take a piece of their souls and replace it with a piece of her own.
Instead of trying to work together and figure things out “the Ghosts” continued to throw accusations at Willow making her feel like Public Enemy #1. The only person willing to stand by her side was Jonah who with Willow’s help was able to shift back into his human form. This was a medium/high heat angst paranormal romance. Although Willow was intimate with Kwil and Jonah, the only person who truly had Willows back was Jonah. This book ended on a shocking Cliffhanger with a betrayal that cut really deep and you can help to want to wrap your arms around Willow to make everything ok.
WIllow is keeping a secret because her powers are far more powerful than that of a necromancer. A necromancer is supposed to see, hear and speak to spirits. A necromancer should not have the ability to remove and put spirits back into bodies. Willow's life changed the night she met “The Ghosts” an Elite Brotherhood of Fae Warriors whose mission in life is to protect the world from the monsters that go bump in the night.
“The Ghosts” aren’t all that they appear to be. Kwil who is more monster than Fae after a suffering a bite from a Tangling fights daily to control hs monsters blood lust but the moment he laid eyes on WIllow his world tilted on its axis. Viktor, a warrior in need of having his soul connected back to his body was rude, abrasive, abusive and arrogant. Even with WIllows help he was terrible and lastly Theodon who was the “level headed” leader whose sole purpose was to protect his brothers and uphold the 5 sacred vows of “The Ghost” Elite Brotherhood.
“The Ghosts” were rude, arrogant and treated Willow terribly no matter how much she tried to help them. When she realized that the prisoner they were harboring was actually a man trapped in a monster's body they simply didn’t care and continued to mistreat him as well. After a mishap that occurred during Willow helping “The Ghosts” she somehow managed to take a piece of their souls and replace it with a piece of her own.
Instead of trying to work together and figure things out “the Ghosts” continued to throw accusations at Willow making her feel like Public Enemy #1. The only person willing to stand by her side was Jonah who with Willow’s help was able to shift back into his human form. This was a medium/high heat angst paranormal romance. Although Willow was intimate with Kwil and Jonah, the only person who truly had Willows back was Jonah. This book ended on a shocking Cliffhanger with a betrayal that cut really deep and you can help to want to wrap your arms around Willow to make everything ok.
October 13, 2022
Giving it another go.
I'm not sure what my problem is. The book is very well edited and quite well written. There are a few things that I would change but then that's true of most books i read. My problem here was that i wasn't able to get into it. I struggled through the book page after page really trying my hardest to give it the love that it seems as if it deserves but I just couldn't until around 60% through when I started to get into the story a little bit more.
It could have something to do with the fact that I'm not a fan of any of the characters, they just don't quite seem like real people to me but maybe that will change as the books go on and they get more development. I didn't connect with them on any type of level either but I don't feel fair judging it based on this one read through because I'm just not quite sure if it's because of how they're written or if it's something to do with me. Like maybe I'm more tired and drained than I thought which is a possibility.
I had to give this 3 stars, just super middle of the board because I honestly don't know if the reason I didn't really appreciate it was just me or not. The writing is good, the characters seem as if they should be somewhat likable even though I can't feel it personally and it's a pretty cool premise. The whole thing just screamed that it was something that i should love when i signed up for the ARC, but it just missed the mark for me and I can't put my finger on exactly why.
If I'm giving a review of any less than 4 stars normally I like to be at least helpful with it and mention things that I think could be worked on to make the story more enjoyable because then it feels like I'm not just sitting here being negative but with this one it's an impossibility because I just can't get a grip on what was off for me. I'm gonna end this review with an apology to the author and to myself because I really wanted to like this and I am so sorry that I couldn't get fully into it. However I will be giving it a reread and reading the next in the series when I'm in less of a rush to finish and a little more well rested because it definitely deserves a second chance.
I'm not sure what my problem is. The book is very well edited and quite well written. There are a few things that I would change but then that's true of most books i read. My problem here was that i wasn't able to get into it. I struggled through the book page after page really trying my hardest to give it the love that it seems as if it deserves but I just couldn't until around 60% through when I started to get into the story a little bit more.
It could have something to do with the fact that I'm not a fan of any of the characters, they just don't quite seem like real people to me but maybe that will change as the books go on and they get more development. I didn't connect with them on any type of level either but I don't feel fair judging it based on this one read through because I'm just not quite sure if it's because of how they're written or if it's something to do with me. Like maybe I'm more tired and drained than I thought which is a possibility.
I had to give this 3 stars, just super middle of the board because I honestly don't know if the reason I didn't really appreciate it was just me or not. The writing is good, the characters seem as if they should be somewhat likable even though I can't feel it personally and it's a pretty cool premise. The whole thing just screamed that it was something that i should love when i signed up for the ARC, but it just missed the mark for me and I can't put my finger on exactly why.
If I'm giving a review of any less than 4 stars normally I like to be at least helpful with it and mention things that I think could be worked on to make the story more enjoyable because then it feels like I'm not just sitting here being negative but with this one it's an impossibility because I just can't get a grip on what was off for me. I'm gonna end this review with an apology to the author and to myself because I really wanted to like this and I am so sorry that I couldn't get fully into it. However I will be giving it a reread and reading the next in the series when I'm in less of a rush to finish and a little more well rested because it definitely deserves a second chance.
October 16, 2023
This book book kept me on the edge of my seat and I loved the main character! I see a lot of reviews that dislike the male love interests but I like the dynamic each brings to the story. Except Theo.
I don’t know if if’s because he’s a self-righteous hypocrite; he picks and choses which vows are important. Or if it’s just because I can relate a tiny bit more with Viktor. Specifically having a medical condition that you can’t fix and unfortunately lashing out at people who are just trying to help (before you judge me, consider that everyone grieves differently and losing something so integral to who you are and having no control over it also warrants grief). While that doesn’t excuse his violence the fact that I can relate to his situation makes me sympathize with him more so than Theo.
I love Kwil and Jonah. Not to much to say there, except Theo and I’s shared kink has me leaning more towards his way.
Just two cons.
1. There should be more world building. This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I’m not sure if this is set in a previously establish word. But since it’s the first I’ve read I was confused about the setting and the worldly dynamics. Are the Fae not from Earth/ is there another realm? I assumed Tracker was just a title similar to scavenger or bounty hunter but towards the end of the book I got the impression that there are trackers who can smell out what there looking for and others who can just sense there bounty? And a lot of other questions that I hope will be answered in book 2.
2. I know there are 5 different POVs we’re going through and I love getting insight into each characters thought process but there are times where I wish the plot could’ve been told through Willow. Especially the scene were she gets stabbed, I think it would’ve been more impactful to see what’s going on in her head as Theo (the man who’s been flip flopping, one minute they are a team, the next he would take her out if he could) walks toward her with the knife.
I don’t know if if’s because he’s a self-righteous hypocrite; he picks and choses which vows are important. Or if it’s just because I can relate a tiny bit more with Viktor. Specifically having a medical condition that you can’t fix and unfortunately lashing out at people who are just trying to help (before you judge me, consider that everyone grieves differently and losing something so integral to who you are and having no control over it also warrants grief). While that doesn’t excuse his violence the fact that I can relate to his situation makes me sympathize with him more so than Theo.
I love Kwil and Jonah. Not to much to say there, except Theo and I’s shared kink has me leaning more towards his way.
Just two cons.
1. There should be more world building. This is the first book I’ve read by this author so I’m not sure if this is set in a previously establish word. But since it’s the first I’ve read I was confused about the setting and the worldly dynamics. Are the Fae not from Earth/ is there another realm? I assumed Tracker was just a title similar to scavenger or bounty hunter but towards the end of the book I got the impression that there are trackers who can smell out what there looking for and others who can just sense there bounty? And a lot of other questions that I hope will be answered in book 2.
2. I know there are 5 different POVs we’re going through and I love getting insight into each characters thought process but there are times where I wish the plot could’ve been told through Willow. Especially the scene were she gets stabbed, I think it would’ve been more impactful to see what’s going on in her head as Theo (the man who’s been flip flopping, one minute they are a team, the next he would take her out if he could) walks toward her with the knife.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2024
This started so great (famous last words). We had a necromancer with a secret (build that tension) and a ghostly potential best friend (we love a bit of girl power). Then add in a pack of basically rule-breaking mystical knights (we love morally grey) and they’re holding a monster with a cursed book hostage, and it might just be more than it seems. Lots to build on, plus size rep and a RH story in the making- what could go wrong?
I hated the MMCs (#noloveinteresthere).
To varying degrees. From one that physically hurt our FMC, Willow, (forget ‘touch her and die vibes’), gave the worst on-page apology I've read and then got annoyed when she seemed to not just obey their little group quick enough. I love seeing females being able to own their anger and feel empowered so it drove me insane feeling as she got completely gaslighted at points when she was justifiably pissed off the way she had been treated. Plus, any other female characters disappeared out of the picture quickly enough- no chance to develop friendships there. But don’t worry Willow still made sure to cook everyone a delicious meal in between it all.
I got serious whiplash watching Willow deal with the boy's temper tantrums (who were acting like they were ten rather than long-lived immortals) and Willow’s character seemed flimsily made to fit around them. Considering no one is nice to each other, there was a serious amount of sex. I like spice but I like at least a bit of plot with it and helps if you feel something for the characters. I just ended up mindlessly blanking on it all.
It didn’t help that they jumped around constantly in an attempt to move the plot forward despite nothing really happening and zero world-building. To top it all off, the knights kept being referred to as ‘ghosts’ but add in actual ghosts and it got confusing fast. We had fae and demon realms but none of it was fully explained. The ‘ghosts’ knight life (ooo bit of a pun there) didn’t make sense and maybe it was all leading to more in book 2 but babe you lost me.
How was this nearly 400 pages?
I hated the MMCs (#noloveinteresthere).
To varying degrees. From one that physically hurt our FMC, Willow, (forget ‘touch her and die vibes’), gave the worst on-page apology I've read and then got annoyed when she seemed to not just obey their little group quick enough. I love seeing females being able to own their anger and feel empowered so it drove me insane feeling as she got completely gaslighted at points when she was justifiably pissed off the way she had been treated. Plus, any other female characters disappeared out of the picture quickly enough- no chance to develop friendships there. But don’t worry Willow still made sure to cook everyone a delicious meal in between it all.
I got serious whiplash watching Willow deal with the boy's temper tantrums (who were acting like they were ten rather than long-lived immortals) and Willow’s character seemed flimsily made to fit around them. Considering no one is nice to each other, there was a serious amount of sex. I like spice but I like at least a bit of plot with it and helps if you feel something for the characters. I just ended up mindlessly blanking on it all.
It didn’t help that they jumped around constantly in an attempt to move the plot forward despite nothing really happening and zero world-building. To top it all off, the knights kept being referred to as ‘ghosts’ but add in actual ghosts and it got confusing fast. We had fae and demon realms but none of it was fully explained. The ‘ghosts’ knight life (ooo bit of a pun there) didn’t make sense and maybe it was all leading to more in book 2 but babe you lost me.
How was this nearly 400 pages?
October 12, 2022
I honestly couldn't decide between 3.5 and 4 stars, so here we are. (Also, this is an ARC review.)
This story is set in a world that feels entirely new to me, which as an avid reader, is pretty enthralling to read about. This book weaves together a contemporary story with unique paranormal components - some witches, some Fae, some intense sounding monsters, some magic, some spirits and a curvy sexy necromancer.
I like Willow, our FMC, a lot. She's powerful, sassy and sexual and has more emotional intelligence that every other character in the book combined. In terms of this being book 1, we definitely don't know everything about her yet but I'm looking forward to learning more.
The men in this why choose are a variety of frustrating - angry, brutal, and secretive. They are also different types of paranormal creatures themselves - Fae, half Fae/half monster, and a human trapped in a monster body. (The monsters have monster...parts, just as a heads up.) We also have yet to learn everything about them but I desperately want to so their actions can start to make sense (why is Viktor's sight failing? why did Theo's family fall from grace? who is that reaper???)
I am certainly intrigued to keep reading, although this book did frustrate me at times when it felt like the plot was a) kill the scary monsters and b) i'm not sure if I can trust you and keep changing my mind. It got a bit repetitive at times which frustrated me, so I'm looking forward to more insights and developments in the next book!
Also, the spice is spicy. It happens pretty quickly in the book, and it worked for me. Lots of sexual chemistry between our characters.
This story is set in a world that feels entirely new to me, which as an avid reader, is pretty enthralling to read about. This book weaves together a contemporary story with unique paranormal components - some witches, some Fae, some intense sounding monsters, some magic, some spirits and a curvy sexy necromancer.
I like Willow, our FMC, a lot. She's powerful, sassy and sexual and has more emotional intelligence that every other character in the book combined. In terms of this being book 1, we definitely don't know everything about her yet but I'm looking forward to learning more.
The men in this why choose are a variety of frustrating - angry, brutal, and secretive. They are also different types of paranormal creatures themselves - Fae, half Fae/half monster, and a human trapped in a monster body. (The monsters have monster...parts, just as a heads up.) We also have yet to learn everything about them but I desperately want to so their actions can start to make sense (why is Viktor's sight failing? why did Theo's family fall from grace? who is that reaper???)
I am certainly intrigued to keep reading, although this book did frustrate me at times when it felt like the plot was a) kill the scary monsters and b) i'm not sure if I can trust you and keep changing my mind. It got a bit repetitive at times which frustrated me, so I'm looking forward to more insights and developments in the next book!
Also, the spice is spicy. It happens pretty quickly in the book, and it worked for me. Lots of sexual chemistry between our characters.
September 27, 2022
If you love strong, sassy, confident women this book is for you because Willow is a total bad ass. I am absolutely obsessed with her character. There is still so much to uncover in this book and its hard to say much without spoiling anything. But I can't wait to find out more about Willow and her parents.
"I though there was a wild energy about her. But sitting here quietly in her presence, I realize it's not wild at all. That would mean it's untamed or uncontrolled. But Willow wields her power with skill. It gives her confidence, insight, and a wealth of knowledge..."
And the guys...what can I say...sometimes you love them and sometimes you hate them. Except for Jonah, how do you hate that puppy. But I do think that Willow is unfair with poor Kwil, he's her perfect monster and I don't think he deserves to get grouped in with the other Ghosts.
"It's dangerous to be such a temptation to a monster like me."
And the reaper?!
Okay! I can't say anymore! 🤐
I'm going to go crazy waiting for the next book with that cliff hanger but I can not wait!
September 29, 2022
🌟Why-Choose
🌟Slow burn
🌟PNR
🌟Monsters
This was my first Salem Cross book that I've read. I wasn't disappointed, my rating would be at four and a half stars.
This is not your typical PNR WHY-CHOOSE RH fast burn book. Willow is a necromancer who as far as we know helps list soul's cross over, however as the book progresses we find that she is so much more than that. Just not exactly what else she is. We know that she's curvy, sassy and independent.
She returns home to find three strangers and a Shadebroode in her home. This would be Kwil, Theo, Viktor and Jonah. Kwil,Theo, Viktor are Ghosts(Fea) from the third realm who are part of a brotherhood known to protect this realm from monsters and demons before they could cause problems. However these three have become Fallen due to Kwil being bitten by a monster, becoming part one himself, and Viktor losing his sight. Per the brotherhood rules Theo should have put them out of their misery instead of shielding them. The shadebroode is Jonah who was turned into a monster when he touched a book.
Willow is pulled into their problems when they broke into her home and she had to help Viktor. Once they were bound thanks to Viktor, they set out on so crazy journey to break the curse that the Ghosts brought into her home.
This book has a lot of adventures, action, interesting sex scenes between her and Kwil and her and Jonah.
By the end of the book I was not sure about the Ghosts or their intentions towards Willow. I wanted to scream how it ended at the cliffhanger. 😈😈
🌟Slow burn
🌟PNR
🌟Monsters
This was my first Salem Cross book that I've read. I wasn't disappointed, my rating would be at four and a half stars.
This is not your typical PNR WHY-CHOOSE RH fast burn book. Willow is a necromancer who as far as we know helps list soul's cross over, however as the book progresses we find that she is so much more than that. Just not exactly what else she is. We know that she's curvy, sassy and independent.
She returns home to find three strangers and a Shadebroode in her home. This would be Kwil, Theo, Viktor and Jonah. Kwil,Theo, Viktor are Ghosts(Fea) from the third realm who are part of a brotherhood known to protect this realm from monsters and demons before they could cause problems. However these three have become Fallen due to Kwil being bitten by a monster, becoming part one himself, and Viktor losing his sight. Per the brotherhood rules Theo should have put them out of their misery instead of shielding them. The shadebroode is Jonah who was turned into a monster when he touched a book.
Willow is pulled into their problems when they broke into her home and she had to help Viktor. Once they were bound thanks to Viktor, they set out on so crazy journey to break the curse that the Ghosts brought into her home.
This book has a lot of adventures, action, interesting sex scenes between her and Kwil and her and Jonah.
By the end of the book I was not sure about the Ghosts or their intentions towards Willow. I wanted to scream how it ended at the cliffhanger. 😈😈
October 3, 2022
Willow is a necromancer who isn't necessarily liked by the local coven. When a triad of ghosts and one monster come to find her, she gets sucked into a whirlwind adventure that is full of danger, action, romance and everything in between.
Salem Cross has completely swept me away with this book! They are dominating the paranormal RH category and this book just sealed the deal with their place. Willow is our FMC and she is sassy, stubborn, hard headed, but also sweet and kind, especially to the ghosts she helps.
She meets Viktor, Theo and Kwil who are all part of the Brotherhood, a group of Fae who keep the monsters out of the world. They have a prisoner monster, who she finds out isn't all monster, named Jonah. While there isn't a lot of romance for the first half of the book, the second half picks up on the steam and boy does it pick up! We have some great steamy scenes, with some very fun monster parts.
I loved Kwil, and was rooting for him from the start. Both he and Jonah were immediately connected to her, while Theo and Viktor weren't convinced. I was glad to see some tension between relationships, and not just have everyone immediately in love. One of the biggest issues was the Brotherhood Vows that Theo. Viktor and Kwil had to make when they became a part of it, which forbid them from having relationships, so seeing how they handled that was interesting to say the least.
Overall rating
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
3 🌶🌶🌶
Salem Cross has completely swept me away with this book! They are dominating the paranormal RH category and this book just sealed the deal with their place. Willow is our FMC and she is sassy, stubborn, hard headed, but also sweet and kind, especially to the ghosts she helps.
She meets Viktor, Theo and Kwil who are all part of the Brotherhood, a group of Fae who keep the monsters out of the world. They have a prisoner monster, who she finds out isn't all monster, named Jonah. While there isn't a lot of romance for the first half of the book, the second half picks up on the steam and boy does it pick up! We have some great steamy scenes, with some very fun monster parts.
I loved Kwil, and was rooting for him from the start. Both he and Jonah were immediately connected to her, while Theo and Viktor weren't convinced. I was glad to see some tension between relationships, and not just have everyone immediately in love. One of the biggest issues was the Brotherhood Vows that Theo. Viktor and Kwil had to make when they became a part of it, which forbid them from having relationships, so seeing how they handled that was interesting to say the least.
Overall rating
5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
3 🌶🌶🌶
August 13, 2023
This story was...not what I expected.
Entertaining and fast-paced, with an original storyline and unique worldbuilding (which, admittedly, could do with some fleshing out because we're not given much background), Ghostly Touches was a surprisingly enjoyable PNR RH read.
I should say though that the negative reviews are 100% correct - these men ain't sh*t, and the only reason I could tolerate reading the book further was because Willow clearly doesn't think much of them either. Whether they can be redeemed in later books is still up for debate.
From a romantic perspective though, I definitely enjoyed the fact that the characters don't like each other right away. It's enemies-to-lovers, but Willow is quite sexually open and friendly with them, though still not emotionally invested (praise the Lord).
The heat level is high - and it's very fast-burn, (I enjoyed the monster-peen scenes more than I expected to) but slow in relationship development due to 2 out of 4 of the potential harem being utter sh*ts. And there's also the mysterious reaper character, so maybe the harem is actually numbered at 5?
Oh and I wish I could give another star purely for the fact that the heroine is Black and is featured as such on the cover. POC main characters in RH are still alarmingly hard to find. So thank you Salem Cross for bringing some much needed diversity to the genre!
Now, on to book 2...
Entertaining and fast-paced, with an original storyline and unique worldbuilding (which, admittedly, could do with some fleshing out because we're not given much background), Ghostly Touches was a surprisingly enjoyable PNR RH read.
I should say though that the negative reviews are 100% correct - these men ain't sh*t, and the only reason I could tolerate reading the book further was because Willow clearly doesn't think much of them either. Whether they can be redeemed in later books is still up for debate.
From a romantic perspective though, I definitely enjoyed the fact that the characters don't like each other right away. It's enemies-to-lovers, but Willow is quite sexually open and friendly with them, though still not emotionally invested (praise the Lord).
The heat level is high - and it's very fast-burn, (I enjoyed the monster-peen scenes more than I expected to) but slow in relationship development due to 2 out of 4 of the potential harem being utter sh*ts. And there's also the mysterious reaper character, so maybe the harem is actually numbered at 5?
Oh and I wish I could give another star purely for the fact that the heroine is Black and is featured as such on the cover. POC main characters in RH are still alarmingly hard to find. So thank you Salem Cross for bringing some much needed diversity to the genre!
Now, on to book 2...
December 2, 2022
If I am being honest, I wouldn't have given this book a shot if my book club hadn't chosen it for last months read. I am so glad that they did because this book had so much to give! It wasn't at all what I expected. The FMC was relatable and fresh. She stood strong and tall on her own two feet and was powerful in her own right (a bit of an a** kicker). She was also resourceful and intelligent while still being likeable and relatable.. The title through me and I just knew that we would be having steamy scenes with ghosts in the traditional sense of the word, which is where my concern came from. My imagination just cant take it there, luckily I didn't have to. The different personalities thrown around in this one, I was in love with some, and in loathe with others, but I am happy to let you all make up your own minds as you read for yourself, which I suggest you do. The author took a risk I think in not making all of the romantic interests swoon worthy and I appreciate that, along with all of the action. This one is not for someone looking for a fluff read, there is fighting and dyeing and undying, and all kinds of action going on. Disclaimer: There is a major cliff hanger that I couldn't handle. I read this entire book in the course of one night and was up at 4am ordering the next in the series, because my mind wouldn't let me rest without knowing what happened.
November 20, 2023
This book was exciting, entertaining and disappointing in some ways.
I do like the fantasy aspect, and the world the author created. The plot felt fresh and kept me interested.
Willow as a character is a badass in many ways and an idiot in others. She’s way too forgiving to people who have abused her verbally/physically (even if it was an accident).
Unfortunately the large part of my disappointment came from the male characters. I hate Theodon and Viktor. Theodon is worst in some ways because while Viktor treats Willow terribly, Theodon pretends to be a good/noble person. I just can’t see myself liking either of these characters and I hated reading from their POVs.
As much as I like Kwil, he also just stands by when Willow is being mistreated by his friends. He has no spine until the end and even then he waits until the shit hits the fan before he acts. I’d say the only fully redeemable one is Jonah.
When I read fantasy/ romance I don’t want to hate the characters, especially the love interests. I think this may be an enemies-to-overs type situation, but I feel like the author has done too good of a job making some of them sooo unlikeable.
I do want to know what happens next for Willow, because as I said I do like her and the overall world that’s been built. I just fear when I read the next one I’ll be even more disappointed.
I do like the fantasy aspect, and the world the author created. The plot felt fresh and kept me interested.
Willow as a character is a badass in many ways and an idiot in others. She’s way too forgiving to people who have abused her verbally/physically (even if it was an accident).
Unfortunately the large part of my disappointment came from the male characters. I hate Theodon and Viktor. Theodon is worst in some ways because while Viktor treats Willow terribly, Theodon pretends to be a good/noble person. I just can’t see myself liking either of these characters and I hated reading from their POVs.
As much as I like Kwil, he also just stands by when Willow is being mistreated by his friends. He has no spine until the end and even then he waits until the shit hits the fan before he acts. I’d say the only fully redeemable one is Jonah.
When I read fantasy/ romance I don’t want to hate the characters, especially the love interests. I think this may be an enemies-to-overs type situation, but I feel like the author has done too good of a job making some of them sooo unlikeable.
I do want to know what happens next for Willow, because as I said I do like her and the overall world that’s been built. I just fear when I read the next one I’ll be even more disappointed.
January 27, 2023
I loved this series. At first it seemed fast paced and I’m not a fan of fast paced but I still kept reading it may seem fast paced at first but it’s not , in my opinion it’s not slow paced either its the right amount of pace if that makes sense . The character development in this book is amazing and throughout the series they become amazing characters. The detail is not too much its the perfect amount of detail. The spicy moments are perfectly written. For me throughout the series I could imagine everything perfectly it was like watching a television show. The vocabulary is perfect also , I’ve tried reading a couple books in the past and couldn’t because the vocabulary was lacking but this series is perfect all in all . I’m kind of a picky ready when it comes to books. I recommend reading this book or at least adding it to your tbr (to be read ) list.
I read a lot already this month I’ve read 35 books. When I told my bsf how many I’ve read so far she said “leave a review” or “start leaving reviews” and she kept pestering me for a good 4 days so I just said fxck it and left this review. Whoever is reading this review to see if you should read this book DO IT READ THE SERIES BRO ITS SOOOO GOOD.
I read a lot already this month I’ve read 35 books. When I told my bsf how many I’ve read so far she said “leave a review” or “start leaving reviews” and she kept pestering me for a good 4 days so I just said fxck it and left this review. Whoever is reading this review to see if you should read this book DO IT READ THE SERIES BRO ITS SOOOO GOOD.
September 28, 2022
I can not..WOW ok Salem you got me. This one had me spinning the whole time. This book gives you so much but at the same time not enough. Nothing is what it seems . I usually don’t go for paranormal but this was so much more modern, fantasy maybe mates. When Willow is asked for help by 3 GHOST warriors everything seems so simple. Help the good guys, right? But what follows will keep you turning the page and questioning everything you thought you knew about the way you thought this story was going to go. Nobody is what they seem or who they say they are. Are the good guys the bad guys and are the bad guys actually the good guys? And if you love monster romance you get a bit of that in this too. Let’s not forget about the spice. 😈🥵😈🥵 This is definitely a why choose but not as clear cut as some I’ve read. The slow burn, the tension and the instalove all happening is so delicious! I don’t want to give anything away I loved this book, it keep me on my toes the whole time. And the ending , I didn’t even realize it was the end until I read the last word and was like…NO NO NO, instantly needing more. I cant wait to continue this journey. As always make sure your comfortable with what you are reading. Check any warnings. This is definitely a paranormal, monster, fantasy why choose spicy, spicy 🌶 rom. This is a definite recommend for me. Happy Reading Book Besties💙
September 25, 2022
I finished this two days ago and I’m still mad.
To create such diverse and lovable characters (even the grumpy ones) is a skill. This book is full of so much mystery and intrigue that I can’t stop turning pages. And for it to end with “Let’s begin” is just cruel.
I read this as an ARC, so not only is the book not officially out yet but I have to wait even longer for the second book.
If you love strong, confident, powerful women you will adore Willow. Monster appendages that have multi functions *cough* “buzz” *cough* and a prehensile tail that can reach places are a few reasons why you should pick up this book. Characters with dark pasts and hidden secrets working to protect a world, that knows nothing of their existence, from monsters is another. There is soul bonding, an evil magical spell book, a mysterious mage, betrayal and abduction. What’s not to love? There is far more to Willow and I cannot wait to uncover more of her story in the next book.
Maybe in a few weeks I’ll forgive Salem for this cliff I’m dangling from. But until then I will curse her for the suspense I’m currently living in.
To create such diverse and lovable characters (even the grumpy ones) is a skill. This book is full of so much mystery and intrigue that I can’t stop turning pages. And for it to end with “Let’s begin” is just cruel.
I read this as an ARC, so not only is the book not officially out yet but I have to wait even longer for the second book.
If you love strong, confident, powerful women you will adore Willow. Monster appendages that have multi functions *cough* “buzz” *cough* and a prehensile tail that can reach places are a few reasons why you should pick up this book. Characters with dark pasts and hidden secrets working to protect a world, that knows nothing of their existence, from monsters is another. There is soul bonding, an evil magical spell book, a mysterious mage, betrayal and abduction. What’s not to love? There is far more to Willow and I cannot wait to uncover more of her story in the next book.
Maybe in a few weeks I’ll forgive Salem for this cliff I’m dangling from. But until then I will curse her for the suspense I’m currently living in.
October 1, 2022
I don’t remember exactly how I discovered Salem Cross, but I did fall in love with her writing skills. As well as her ability to draw you into a story, whether it’s about a “human” who has a wolf mate, a master to an incubus & can keep a sci fi human grounded. Or it’s about a bada$$ woman who turns into a dragon & has a hyena shifter as one of her mates? Yup those are all Salems. I was BEYOND excited to read this book and it didn’t disappoint.
Willow our FMC, is a necromancer, who for all intents and purposes? Helps souls cross over, but that’s not really all she does 😉. Her next adventure involves 4 strangers who break into her own when they need her help. She is in for the ride of her life, these strangers, are made up of 3 ghosts and a shadowbroode and they made her life complicated. They bought along a curse when they invaded her home, and it gets a bit crazy.
We get action, adventures, and some 🌶️ all in book 1, and I can’t wait to see how Salem ramps it up in book 2! After reading her previous books I can only imagine what she’s got in store. Not too long of a wait with a rapid release!
Willow our FMC, is a necromancer, who for all intents and purposes? Helps souls cross over, but that’s not really all she does 😉. Her next adventure involves 4 strangers who break into her own when they need her help. She is in for the ride of her life, these strangers, are made up of 3 ghosts and a shadowbroode and they made her life complicated. They bought along a curse when they invaded her home, and it gets a bit crazy.
We get action, adventures, and some 🌶️ all in book 1, and I can’t wait to see how Salem ramps it up in book 2! After reading her previous books I can only imagine what she’s got in store. Not too long of a wait with a rapid release!
November 30, 2024
No. Nope. Absolutely not.
Love interests should not be like this. I’ve read books marketed as bully romance where the men were kinder and sowed more compassion.
Normally, I wouldn’t add a star rating to a DNF but this book… wow, it’s problematic.
I had to Google the author because the racial stereotypes were not what I expected from a Black author.
Two out of three love interests are physically and verbally abusive. And we get to read the abuse happen from their POV and they poor excuse of “it was a lapse in judgment”
YOU CRACKED HER SKULL OPEN!
The other of the two STABS her!
Then we have Mr Complicit. Who just plods along too focused on his ‘woe is me’ attitude when he’s not sticking his dick in the FMC.
The only MMC who seemed to be unproblematic is the one who was cursed first. Hasn’t aged since he was cursed 47 years ago and asks the FMC if she can believe he’s 63…
63-47=16
You’re telling me this dude is frozen as a 16 year old but “looks in (his) twenties”???
No
Nope
Absolutely Not
I’m out. I wanted to push through to find out what else Willow is but I can’t do it.
Love interests should not be like this. I’ve read books marketed as bully romance where the men were kinder and sowed more compassion.
Normally, I wouldn’t add a star rating to a DNF but this book… wow, it’s problematic.
I had to Google the author because the racial stereotypes were not what I expected from a Black author.
Two out of three love interests are physically and verbally abusive. And we get to read the abuse happen from their POV and they poor excuse of “it was a lapse in judgment”
YOU CRACKED HER SKULL OPEN!
The other of the two STABS her!
Then we have Mr Complicit. Who just plods along too focused on his ‘woe is me’ attitude when he’s not sticking his dick in the FMC.
The only MMC who seemed to be unproblematic is the one who was cursed first. Hasn’t aged since he was cursed 47 years ago and asks the FMC if she can believe he’s 63…
63-47=16
You’re telling me this dude is frozen as a 16 year old but “looks in (his) twenties”???
No
Nope
Absolutely Not
I’m out. I wanted to push through to find out what else Willow is but I can’t do it.
September 28, 2022
Ok. I don’t know what I was expecting, but this book by Salem Cross, while unexpected, was really good.
💜paranormal romance
💜why choose romance
💜sassy, take no 💩 FMC
💜ghosts, magic, fae, monsters, demons, and so much more
💜necromancy
💜spice 🌶🌶🌶
Willow is our FMC. She’s just such an amazing character, sassy, smart, curvy, great cook, loves food and isn’t afraid to admit it, has a good heart, and is not afraid of being forward with smexy time if she wants it. We also met a Ghost triad, Theo, Viktor, and Kwil, as they wait for Willow for help. What follows is a wild roller coaster of a mystery that keeps getting more mysterious. We find that each of the four characters also have their own personal mysteries and we add a few more players into the mix.
As others have said, this book gets your attention and it doesn’t let go. I also, like many others, read this with 24 hours. It was so good and it does end on a cliffhanger. I really can’t wait until the next book in the series so I can see how all of the mysteries will come together.
💜paranormal romance
💜why choose romance
💜sassy, take no 💩 FMC
💜ghosts, magic, fae, monsters, demons, and so much more
💜necromancy
💜spice 🌶🌶🌶
Willow is our FMC. She’s just such an amazing character, sassy, smart, curvy, great cook, loves food and isn’t afraid to admit it, has a good heart, and is not afraid of being forward with smexy time if she wants it. We also met a Ghost triad, Theo, Viktor, and Kwil, as they wait for Willow for help. What follows is a wild roller coaster of a mystery that keeps getting more mysterious. We find that each of the four characters also have their own personal mysteries and we add a few more players into the mix.
As others have said, this book gets your attention and it doesn’t let go. I also, like many others, read this with 24 hours. It was so good and it does end on a cliffhanger. I really can’t wait until the next book in the series so I can see how all of the mysteries will come together.
September 28, 2022
💫ARC Review💫I don’t even know where to start.
Honestly I don’t even know why I’m here and not reading 100 more pages. There was so much going on and I feel like Salem hasn’t even scratched the surface of where this is all going. With ever book and series she gets more creative. The lore and stuff even more interesting, it’s all very new and different to me. This was so good but I don’t know what to say without giving anything away and I feel like half the treat of this book is all the fun surprises. What I will say is that one of the things I love most about this book and Salem’s work is that I always love her FMCs which is very rare for me. Also this was so spicy, funny, mysterious, action packed and had really sweet moments to. I love the writing style and the depth to the characters,I know them, I love some. I hate some. I’m on the fence about some. This was just so freaking good. There is a cliffy but I don’t think it’s a big, it’s more a “to be continued” imo. Ahh I’m gonna go see if I can bribe her for book two!
Honestly I don’t even know why I’m here and not reading 100 more pages. There was so much going on and I feel like Salem hasn’t even scratched the surface of where this is all going. With ever book and series she gets more creative. The lore and stuff even more interesting, it’s all very new and different to me. This was so good but I don’t know what to say without giving anything away and I feel like half the treat of this book is all the fun surprises. What I will say is that one of the things I love most about this book and Salem’s work is that I always love her FMCs which is very rare for me. Also this was so spicy, funny, mysterious, action packed and had really sweet moments to. I love the writing style and the depth to the characters,I know them, I love some. I hate some. I’m on the fence about some. This was just so freaking good. There is a cliffy but I don’t think it’s a big, it’s more a “to be continued” imo. Ahh I’m gonna go see if I can bribe her for book two!
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