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Deadlights Cove #1
Smoke Show:
When the dean of Bishop College in Boston threatened to close Petra Ambrose’s Pre-Revolutionary American History department, she could feel all of her work towards her dream career slipping through her fingers. To her dismay, students weren’t interested in American Puritanical culture and the status of women in their time, not unless it involved trendy witches glamourized in modern society. In a last hope to save her job, Petra was tasked with finding something new and exciting to draw in more students. Not exactly sure where to start, she headed up the coast to explore sites other than cliche and touristy Salem. Small-town Maine had her imagining a quaint village straight out of a romance novel on the water. To some extent, she found it, with the quirky, nosy neighbors, but Deadlights Cove was entirely too dingy to be run by its no-nonsense mayor. Plus, everyone in town seemed to be in on some joke at her expense, none more so than the mischievous and overly friendly bartender, Blaze. Far too handsome for his own good, the man had the unfair ability to irritate her more than anyone else ever had while simultaneously setting her heart racing. With obstacles popping up at every turn, Petra was ready to throw her hands up and go back to the drawing board for a new strategy until she wound up at the center of a murder investigation. Nothing was as it seemed in Deadlights Cove, and Petra could have just unearthed more than she’d ever imagined. But was discovering the truth about this town worth giving up everything she’d worked so hard for? Follow Petra and Blaze’s story, along with the quirky band of local misfits, through the Deadlights Cove series, beginning with book one, Smoke Show.
340 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2022
146 people are currently reading
2401 people want to read
About the author
B. Perkins
10 books68 followersB. Perkins has been making up stories about magic since she learned how to write words on paper. She has several degrees in various things, and if all they’re good for is to provide background in creating fantasy worlds and systems, then maybe they were worth it.
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IG: @b.p.writes
Website: www.bperkinswrites.com
follow along:
IG: @b.p.writes
Website: www.bperkinswrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
August 6, 2023
THIS IS NOT A STAND ALONE BOOK!!!!!!!!! THE MYSTERY IN THIS BOOK DOES NOT GET SOLVED. It is otherwise quite cute, however these characters absolutely deserve to be charged with murder for how much of an idiot they are when navigating the police system. Babes we don't talk to police without a lawyer and we don't pick up potentially incriminating evidence and hide it in our house.
July 16, 2022
I was utterly charmed by this book! It's not often you get a romantic comedy set in a paranormal world, and these two authors did an amazing job delivering on their promise. I laughed so many times, I started sending live commentary to Aimee Vance as I was reading. I rarely do this to author, but I couldn't contain my excitement over the characters and the plot. As soon as I put the book down, I wanted to pick it right back up again. I also now have a strong desire to go to Maine and see if I can stumble upon a town full of magical creatures. Small town romance usually brings this need out in me, and when you put paranormal beings on top of that, I am in heaven. And in the case of Deadlights Cove, I would literally have an angel beside me. So...there you go.
When history professor Petra Ambrose is told that her department may be shut down due to lack of student interest, she immediately goes into battle mode. The only solution is to find topics that will help drive new classes in her department, hopefully ones that will revitalize pre-Revolutionary American history in the eyes of the students. Seeing this as her duty as the youngest faculty member, and the leading expert on women's status in early American Puritanical society, she sets off for Deadlights Cove. However, upon arrival, she quickly realizes that her dreams of saving her department may be too far out of reach. Between the mayor who can't stand her and the constant roadblocks at every turn, it doesn't seem like anything will go right. Thankfully she has caught the eye of resident bartender and mischief maker, Blaze, who wants her to stay despite knowing the risks to her and his town. Things aren't what they seem in the Cove, and Blaze knows more than he lets on. As determined as he is to be evasive, Petra is determined to get to the truth. Even if that truth may cost her the job she so desperately wants to hold on to.
When they call this a comedy, they aren't joking! While there is quite a bit of serious content as well, and it's not without its suspense and dramatic moments, this book will absolutely make you laugh the whole way through. Blaze was hilarious, constantly poking at other people to get a rise out of them, and he seemed to make it his life's mission to lighten the mood wherever he went. Being "roomies" with the town mayor, who also happens to be the biggest buzzkill alive, kept things interesting. Especially when a human happened into the town, oblivious to the glamour meant to keep her out. Petra was a woman on a mission, and she didn't let no man...or demon...or angel...or witch keep her from accomplishing what she needed to. This book is written from a dual POV, which adds so much extra comedy as the reader sees from the human perspective...and then from the magical perspective where everyone is trying to keep her from finding out the truth. I adored the secondary characters, especially the seemingly harmless old lady she lived with while in town, and I was particularly tickled by a character who arrived later on in the story. A giant biker who was also a major grump, with some magic of his own that I was not expecting at all. The chemistry sparked between several characters, so we already can see future books forming before our eyes. Smoke Show is a magical, fun ride, and I hope we don't have to leave Deadlights Cove for a long while.
This was my first book by either author, and it certainly won't be my last! Their writing style is relatable, hilarious and keeps you on the edge of your seat at all times. I can't wait to see what they write next.
**I received a free copy from the authors and this is my honest review.**
When history professor Petra Ambrose is told that her department may be shut down due to lack of student interest, she immediately goes into battle mode. The only solution is to find topics that will help drive new classes in her department, hopefully ones that will revitalize pre-Revolutionary American history in the eyes of the students. Seeing this as her duty as the youngest faculty member, and the leading expert on women's status in early American Puritanical society, she sets off for Deadlights Cove. However, upon arrival, she quickly realizes that her dreams of saving her department may be too far out of reach. Between the mayor who can't stand her and the constant roadblocks at every turn, it doesn't seem like anything will go right. Thankfully she has caught the eye of resident bartender and mischief maker, Blaze, who wants her to stay despite knowing the risks to her and his town. Things aren't what they seem in the Cove, and Blaze knows more than he lets on. As determined as he is to be evasive, Petra is determined to get to the truth. Even if that truth may cost her the job she so desperately wants to hold on to.
When they call this a comedy, they aren't joking! While there is quite a bit of serious content as well, and it's not without its suspense and dramatic moments, this book will absolutely make you laugh the whole way through. Blaze was hilarious, constantly poking at other people to get a rise out of them, and he seemed to make it his life's mission to lighten the mood wherever he went. Being "roomies" with the town mayor, who also happens to be the biggest buzzkill alive, kept things interesting. Especially when a human happened into the town, oblivious to the glamour meant to keep her out. Petra was a woman on a mission, and she didn't let no man...or demon...or angel...or witch keep her from accomplishing what she needed to. This book is written from a dual POV, which adds so much extra comedy as the reader sees from the human perspective...and then from the magical perspective where everyone is trying to keep her from finding out the truth. I adored the secondary characters, especially the seemingly harmless old lady she lived with while in town, and I was particularly tickled by a character who arrived later on in the story. A giant biker who was also a major grump, with some magic of his own that I was not expecting at all. The chemistry sparked between several characters, so we already can see future books forming before our eyes. Smoke Show is a magical, fun ride, and I hope we don't have to leave Deadlights Cove for a long while.
This was my first book by either author, and it certainly won't be my last! Their writing style is relatable, hilarious and keeps you on the edge of your seat at all times. I can't wait to see what they write next.
**I received a free copy from the authors and this is my honest review.**
July 13, 2022
This was SUCH a fun book!! It gave me all the rom com vibes, but with a paranormal spin. And I am OBSESSED. The world the authors created for us is just so much fun and unique. And the characters! They’re so rich and interesting.
I cannot wait for the rest of the books set in this world!
Thanks to the authors for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I cannot wait for the rest of the books set in this world!
Thanks to the authors for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 19, 2022
Thank you so much to the authors for the ARC of Smoke Show!
I loved this story so much. If you are curious about paranormal romance then this is a great one to start with as it begins with a FMC who has no knowledge of paranormal races being real and eases her in slowly as her research in a small town leads her to discover the town’s secrets.
The banter and pop culture references are *chef’s kiss*. Our FMC is feisty and relatable and our MMC is a sassy guy who knows exactly how to get what he wants.
The internal dialogue had me screaming with laughter. This story is light, fast paced, and hilarious. In my opinion this is pretty close to what you would get if Supernatural was a romcom. Who can resist that?
The book releases on July 19th and I can’t wait to for everyone to be able to read it. My only concern…when will we be able to get book 2?!?!
I loved this story so much. If you are curious about paranormal romance then this is a great one to start with as it begins with a FMC who has no knowledge of paranormal races being real and eases her in slowly as her research in a small town leads her to discover the town’s secrets.
The banter and pop culture references are *chef’s kiss*. Our FMC is feisty and relatable and our MMC is a sassy guy who knows exactly how to get what he wants.
The internal dialogue had me screaming with laughter. This story is light, fast paced, and hilarious. In my opinion this is pretty close to what you would get if Supernatural was a romcom. Who can resist that?
The book releases on July 19th and I can’t wait to for everyone to be able to read it. My only concern…when will we be able to get book 2?!?!
July 6, 2022
Oh okay I see how it is… quick read with witty banter that made me absolutely giggle… maybe gave me some cricut shirt ideas? Oh and just absolutely adored this story?! Yep that’s what Aimee & B have provided in this book!
Thank you both for allowing me the chance to read this book as an ARC reader this has become such a fun part of my life having the opportunity to do this!!!!
Back to the review! Petra is a red headed history bluff! I am of the minority in LOVING all things history. (Ahem I always wanted to be a HS history teacher!! Before going for elementary education 🤣) this FMC I loved her, she loved history, a need for understanding why women were exploited as witches in history and was not 21! Haha I will forever love Aimee for ensuring her characters are relatable to my age group!
Blaze… 🥵 his sense of humor had me wrapped around his finger! I wouldn’t mind going for a ride in his car smelling his woodsmoke and whisky scent. Loved having his POV in this book! So good.
The side characters were 🤌🏻 no lie I laughed so many times at their side banter or just the characters traits. The amount of words highlighted of things Mo said or did was outrageous! Haha she was probably my favorite side character!
Loved the mystery aspect of the book that has me so excited to see what happens next. This book was a great read and I can’t wait for everyone else to get the chance to read it when it’s released!!!! July 19th is just around the corner for you lovely booksta peeps for access to the e-book & paper back copies!
Thank you both for allowing me the chance to read this book as an ARC reader this has become such a fun part of my life having the opportunity to do this!!!!
Back to the review! Petra is a red headed history bluff! I am of the minority in LOVING all things history. (Ahem I always wanted to be a HS history teacher!! Before going for elementary education 🤣) this FMC I loved her, she loved history, a need for understanding why women were exploited as witches in history and was not 21! Haha I will forever love Aimee for ensuring her characters are relatable to my age group!
Blaze… 🥵 his sense of humor had me wrapped around his finger! I wouldn’t mind going for a ride in his car smelling his woodsmoke and whisky scent. Loved having his POV in this book! So good.
The side characters were 🤌🏻 no lie I laughed so many times at their side banter or just the characters traits. The amount of words highlighted of things Mo said or did was outrageous! Haha she was probably my favorite side character!
Loved the mystery aspect of the book that has me so excited to see what happens next. This book was a great read and I can’t wait for everyone else to get the chance to read it when it’s released!!!! July 19th is just around the corner for you lovely booksta peeps for access to the e-book & paper back copies!
January 26, 2024
there was no climax in the book. well if we don’t count a very mild career change for fmc. i knew that it wasn’t a “true” standalone with mystery solving but i expected at least some answers and there were none at all. at its core this book was a long , very long and slow prologue.
i didn’t like the nickname blaze gave petra - “petey”. it sounded condescending and belittling. i didn’t like blaze himself. he was acting childish 80% of the time.
it was a slow paced book. some action happened only around 40% mark. and after that it continued to be slow. it never gained the pace.
for someone who was literally a professor in her field, petra was oblivious to everything happening around her. how could she study magic and witches but scoff at their existence in real life?
i didn’t like how main characters were separated when things started progressing between them romantically.
this book left me with many questions and very few answers. what was the book blaze hid? what’s up with his brother asking all those questions about ley lines? were there more human sacrifices? what was wrong with magic?
i didn’t like the nickname blaze gave petra - “petey”. it sounded condescending and belittling. i didn’t like blaze himself. he was acting childish 80% of the time.
it was a slow paced book. some action happened only around 40% mark. and after that it continued to be slow. it never gained the pace.
for someone who was literally a professor in her field, petra was oblivious to everything happening around her. how could she study magic and witches but scoff at their existence in real life?
“Actual witches who could somehow wield real magic — just thinking the words real and magic together made my head spin.”
i didn’t like how main characters were separated when things started progressing between them romantically.
this book left me with many questions and very few answers. what was the book blaze hid? what’s up with his brother asking all those questions about ley lines? were there more human sacrifices? what was wrong with magic?
July 13, 2022
I cannot remember the last time I laughed and smiled so much throughout a book, especially a fantasy or romance book. Smoke Show definitely lives up to the Rom-Com promise and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
We start out on the East Coast with the fiery, red-headed Petra, a pre-revolutionary war history professor. Her goal? Save her history department by finding something new to draw in young students. Petra’s bestie is a nature loving, holistic medicine practitioner from a small town filled with history and suggests Petra start her search there.
After arriving in Deadlights Cove Petra quickly finds the small town is against her at every turn. Everyone is a bit …off, and the town is in serious disrepair. The worst part is the mayor is trying to run her out of town to prevent her research. Meanwhile she meets the local Bar owner, Blaze who is all sass and swagger, and a whole lot of mischief. Petra quickly wins him over and he ends up as her chaperone to the local historic sights. They happen upon a murder scene and her research takes a new route to help clear his name.
Blaze takes every chance he can to cause mischief, embarrass Petra, and spend time coming up with her next annoying nickname. His unexpected affection for the human is charming and I frequently found myself rooting for him.
"On another level, I also sensed something a bit… different. Something I didn’t usually feel towards anyone, never mind a human. But it was probably nothing.”
This is your typical oblivious human meets supernaturals book, but so much more. The charm, humor, and romance were a sweet and refreshing change from so much doom and gloom in fantasy today.
Overall I LOVED this book. I felt the characters were charming and funny. The small details that were put into the town atmosphere and names were amazing, especially if you like puns. This book wins the “best Tea Shop name ever” award. My favorite thing about the book was how seamlessly it was written with two authors involved. You couldn’t tell where one author stopped and the other picked up. This author duo is my new favorite! I cannot wait to read about more of the characters in book 2!
Full review https://mrsqwrites.com/2022/07/09/smo...
Thank you to Aimee and B. For gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
We start out on the East Coast with the fiery, red-headed Petra, a pre-revolutionary war history professor. Her goal? Save her history department by finding something new to draw in young students. Petra’s bestie is a nature loving, holistic medicine practitioner from a small town filled with history and suggests Petra start her search there.
After arriving in Deadlights Cove Petra quickly finds the small town is against her at every turn. Everyone is a bit …off, and the town is in serious disrepair. The worst part is the mayor is trying to run her out of town to prevent her research. Meanwhile she meets the local Bar owner, Blaze who is all sass and swagger, and a whole lot of mischief. Petra quickly wins him over and he ends up as her chaperone to the local historic sights. They happen upon a murder scene and her research takes a new route to help clear his name.
Blaze takes every chance he can to cause mischief, embarrass Petra, and spend time coming up with her next annoying nickname. His unexpected affection for the human is charming and I frequently found myself rooting for him.
"On another level, I also sensed something a bit… different. Something I didn’t usually feel towards anyone, never mind a human. But it was probably nothing.”
This is your typical oblivious human meets supernaturals book, but so much more. The charm, humor, and romance were a sweet and refreshing change from so much doom and gloom in fantasy today.
Overall I LOVED this book. I felt the characters were charming and funny. The small details that were put into the town atmosphere and names were amazing, especially if you like puns. This book wins the “best Tea Shop name ever” award. My favorite thing about the book was how seamlessly it was written with two authors involved. You couldn’t tell where one author stopped and the other picked up. This author duo is my new favorite! I cannot wait to read about more of the characters in book 2!
Full review https://mrsqwrites.com/2022/07/09/smo...
Thank you to Aimee and B. For gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 2, 2022
I absolutely loved this paranormal rom-com!
Deadlights Cove is definitely one of my favorite fictional places now. It's always fun to read a small town romance with quirky characters, but the supernatural elements and perfectly written humor brought it to the next level. I can tell Aimee and B. had such a blast writing it, because it was definitely a blast to read. It was fun seeing the town from Petra's eyes, which helped develop the world well, and Blaze's POV was hilarious and very swoony when it came to his feelings for Petra. Overall, this book was exchange perfect escape from everything going on in the world right now and brought so much joy!
I'm glad this is a series because I can tell that there is so much more to learn about this world and characters. The preview at the end was enough to get me hooked and want to read book 2 ASAP!
Thank you so much to Aimee and B. for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest review! It's out July 19th and you definitely don't want to miss this one!
Deadlights Cove is definitely one of my favorite fictional places now. It's always fun to read a small town romance with quirky characters, but the supernatural elements and perfectly written humor brought it to the next level. I can tell Aimee and B. had such a blast writing it, because it was definitely a blast to read. It was fun seeing the town from Petra's eyes, which helped develop the world well, and Blaze's POV was hilarious and very swoony when it came to his feelings for Petra. Overall, this book was exchange perfect escape from everything going on in the world right now and brought so much joy!
I'm glad this is a series because I can tell that there is so much more to learn about this world and characters. The preview at the end was enough to get me hooked and want to read book 2 ASAP!
Thank you so much to Aimee and B. for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest review! It's out July 19th and you definitely don't want to miss this one!
June 28, 2022
It's no secret that I absolutely adore Aimee. She could write pretty much anything and I'd devour it because I know, without fail, that she is gonna knock it out of the park. So when she told me a couple of months ago that she was co-writing a paranormal rom com, I was so freaking excited!
Smoke Show is a fun and fast-paced story, with witches, demons, shifters and many more weird & wonderful supes (supernatural beings, look at me go 🤣)
Think Supernatural meets Tricky Magic meets Charmed.
We've got:
Dingy and dark small-town setting with witchy vibes
Sunshine bartender MMC & grumpy professor FMC
Demons with golden retriever energy (who knew they could be such cutie patooties?)
Found family
Murder mystery
Pop culture references (The Mummy and Gilmore Girls mentioned in one book?! Sold)
A diverse range of side characters, each with their own story
And so much more
Can't wait for the next book, B & Aimee!
Smoke Show is a fun and fast-paced story, with witches, demons, shifters and many more weird & wonderful supes (supernatural beings, look at me go 🤣)
Think Supernatural meets Tricky Magic meets Charmed.
We've got:
Dingy and dark small-town setting with witchy vibes
Sunshine bartender MMC & grumpy professor FMC
Demons with golden retriever energy (who knew they could be such cutie patooties?)
Found family
Murder mystery
Pop culture references (The Mummy and Gilmore Girls mentioned in one book?! Sold)
A diverse range of side characters, each with their own story
And so much more
Can't wait for the next book, B & Aimee!
June 17, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I was intrigued by the plot, cracking up at character interactions, and absolutely obsessed with the town and the characters.
I highly recommend you pick it up and get obsessed with what is about to be one of the cutest and most hysterical series.
I highly recommend you pick it up and get obsessed with what is about to be one of the cutest and most hysterical series.
June 28, 2022
Oh my gosh I can’t even begin to say how much I loved this book! So funny and real, even though it’s not… 🤷♀️
I cannot wait for the rest of this series and more from these amazing authors!!
I cannot wait for the rest of this series and more from these amazing authors!!
June 1, 2023
Reread Review!
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Comedy
Spice: 3/5
Rating: 5/5
KU: Yes!
It's back to the Cove for the Deadlights Cove summer buddy read! I realized I never posted a full review for this book. Somehow, this one slipped through without me writing it up! Shame on me, I know. Better late then never.
I am happy to report I still love Blaze. This guy is hilarious and anytime he's in a scene, he IS the main character. You can always count on him to bring the sassy banter and sarcastic remarks. Petra stumbles into this small town and finds a lot more than she bargins for. Really, the chemistry between Petra and Blaze kicks off right at the start. The dynamics between all of these characters is so freaking funny. This is just one of those series that feels like a warm hug.
There's a hint of a whodunit supernatural mystery. As this was a reread, I happen to know that this plot continues and builds up in each book to a big tipping point at the end of book 4, Pier Pressure. I love a series that can subtly build like that.
This book is perfect for fans of TV shows like these: Gilmore Girls, Lucifer, Supernatural, Psych, and Brooklyn 99. Otherwise known as... all my favorites.
📚 quirky small town antics
📚 strangers to lovers
📚 opposites attract
📚 found family
📚 hilarious banter
📚 dual pov
📚 popcorn
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Comedy
Spice: 3/5
Rating: 5/5
KU: Yes!
It's back to the Cove for the Deadlights Cove summer buddy read! I realized I never posted a full review for this book. Somehow, this one slipped through without me writing it up! Shame on me, I know. Better late then never.
I am happy to report I still love Blaze. This guy is hilarious and anytime he's in a scene, he IS the main character. You can always count on him to bring the sassy banter and sarcastic remarks. Petra stumbles into this small town and finds a lot more than she bargins for. Really, the chemistry between Petra and Blaze kicks off right at the start. The dynamics between all of these characters is so freaking funny. This is just one of those series that feels like a warm hug.
There's a hint of a whodunit supernatural mystery. As this was a reread, I happen to know that this plot continues and builds up in each book to a big tipping point at the end of book 4, Pier Pressure. I love a series that can subtly build like that.
This book is perfect for fans of TV shows like these: Gilmore Girls, Lucifer, Supernatural, Psych, and Brooklyn 99. Otherwise known as... all my favorites.
📚 quirky small town antics
📚 strangers to lovers
📚 opposites attract
📚 found family
📚 hilarious banter
📚 dual pov
📚 popcorn
July 15, 2022
Petra is a historian who, while researching women and Puritanical culture in pre-Revolutionary era America, finds herself in Deadlights Cove, a town that is nothing like it seems. Most of the town seems decrepit and everyone is unfriendly, except for Blaze, who she feels is too friendly and who also enjoys giving her annoying nicknames.
Despite their best efforts to send her on her way, Petra finds herself staying and gradually, things are unwittingly revealed to her about the town, it’s history and citizens.
Smoke Show a lighthearted, sweet supernatural romance between a human and a “demon” (that’s in parenthesis because Blaze is the most cinnamon roll esque demon I’ve ever read and it’s delicious). It’s a perfect summer read with just the right amounts of romance, mystery and magic.
(Thank you so much to the authors for the gifted e-arc of this book!)
Despite their best efforts to send her on her way, Petra finds herself staying and gradually, things are unwittingly revealed to her about the town, it’s history and citizens.
Smoke Show a lighthearted, sweet supernatural romance between a human and a “demon” (that’s in parenthesis because Blaze is the most cinnamon roll esque demon I’ve ever read and it’s delicious). It’s a perfect summer read with just the right amounts of romance, mystery and magic.
(Thank you so much to the authors for the gifted e-arc of this book!)
September 20, 2022
Aimee Vance and B Perkins wrote together seamlessly to create this absolutely adorable Paranormal Rom Com. It’s like Gilmore Girls and the Mummy meet some of the lighter parts of Supernatural. I loved all the quirky characters and how they all fit together in this town. Petra is a great and Blaze! He is perfect. I already know this is going to be one of my favorite series!
July 13, 2022
HAHAHAHA. This book was witty, mysterious, and everything you could want in a romance. Some murder, some spice. A meddling old lady, a grumpy angel, and a sunshiny demon walk into a bar - what happens next? Find out in this book
September 6, 2023
Nope, we're doing it. Full steam ahead. Next one. Let me guess. Vampires?
3.75/5 stars & a 2/5 on spice.
Honestly, this was the funniest book I've read in a while. I absolutely adored it & am quite excited to continue onto the next book. Smoke Show is such a unique take on a contemporary romance but adding in the fantasy elements like magic and the different types of "people" in Deadlights Cove made it just so much fun. It was a lovely first book to introduce characters and develop the world building.
I really flew through this book, laughed out loud when I felt like I was on the "inside" of the story when the FMC, Petra, had no idea what was really going on. I adored her and was okay with her character conclusion as a human in a new paranormal world. Petra switching careers was really the only logical outcome and I am glad it happened the way it did.
Blaze is one of the most witty and funny MMC's He just brought so much fire (lol) and voice to the book that I was just craving his perspective the whole time. Also, he's just hot... pun intended.
The thing that brought the rating down for me was the pacing a little bit. Blaze getting thrown in jail and the biggest event happening kind of in the middle of the book at about 50% threw me off. I thought another big event was going to happen later but it never came. The conclusion felt like a wrap up in their relationship and pushed slightly too quickly. But it does make sense since Petra had to learn the ins and outs of a completely new world.
This was actually a perfect book to kick off spooky season & I would highly recommend grabbing this one!
3.75/5 stars & a 2/5 on spice.
Honestly, this was the funniest book I've read in a while. I absolutely adored it & am quite excited to continue onto the next book. Smoke Show is such a unique take on a contemporary romance but adding in the fantasy elements like magic and the different types of "people" in Deadlights Cove made it just so much fun. It was a lovely first book to introduce characters and develop the world building.
I really flew through this book, laughed out loud when I felt like I was on the "inside" of the story when the FMC, Petra, had no idea what was really going on. I adored her and was okay with her character conclusion as a human in a new paranormal world. Petra switching careers was really the only logical outcome and I am glad it happened the way it did.
Blaze is one of the most witty and funny MMC's He just brought so much fire (lol) and voice to the book that I was just craving his perspective the whole time. Also, he's just hot... pun intended.
The thing that brought the rating down for me was the pacing a little bit. Blaze getting thrown in jail and the biggest event happening kind of in the middle of the book at about 50% threw me off. I thought another big event was going to happen later but it never came. The conclusion felt like a wrap up in their relationship and pushed slightly too quickly. But it does make sense since Petra had to learn the ins and outs of a completely new world.
This was actually a perfect book to kick off spooky season & I would highly recommend grabbing this one!
July 3, 2022
Smoke Show is a witty little ditty about Petra, a human historian who makes her way to Deadlight’s cove for research on the witch trials and witchcraft first hand. But the Cove isn’t what it seems to the naked eye. Like literally. She meets Blaze, who is most definitely the love child of Ryan Reynolds and Dean Winchester. He’s both super hot and obnoxious. And he knows he’s both. Once Petra arrives, weird things… ok weirder things? … start happening like unexplained witch and demon symbols, strangle rituals and murder. Petra has to prove Blaze isn’t the culprit while fighting attraction in this strange place where she’s the only human unbeknownst to her, Petra’s in for a wild ride.
Smoke Show is the first in the Deadlight’s cove series and I was lucky to receive an ARC before publication. This book was a lot of fun to read. We’re simultaneously learning about a mystery in this already mysterious town while being introduced to a literally diverse cast of characters. Blaze made me laugh out loud and I loved reading his intentionally obnoxious personality. This series looks like we’ll be continuing on to meet more people up close and continuing on with the mystery that’s entered Deadlight’s Cove. Great book, fun romance, some fun spicy bits and a puzzle they’re trying to solve. Excited for the next book!
Smoke Show is the first in the Deadlight’s cove series and I was lucky to receive an ARC before publication. This book was a lot of fun to read. We’re simultaneously learning about a mystery in this already mysterious town while being introduced to a literally diverse cast of characters. Blaze made me laugh out loud and I loved reading his intentionally obnoxious personality. This series looks like we’ll be continuing on to meet more people up close and continuing on with the mystery that’s entered Deadlight’s Cove. Great book, fun romance, some fun spicy bits and a puzzle they’re trying to solve. Excited for the next book!
December 31, 2022
Ok so full disclosure, I was texting with the author during my read of this book. Aimee is a sweetheart and I regret nothing. When my friends write books, I almost judge them more harshly because I am terrified reading their work in case I have to suddenly dodge questions about it for the rest of my life. Luckily, this was not the case here. I loved it.
This was silly and delightful. I went in knowing basically nothing and it was the best. Petra rolls into a rundown town to spend a year there on sabbatical working to save her particular brand of history's department at the university she works for. She runs into every road block possible because it turns out she's the only normal human in a town of supernatural folks. She attracts the attention of the resident hot demon and away we go. Instead of being all dark, I-am-a-demon-of-night-fear-me, he was the life of the party and amused by whatever was happening in any room he was in. He wore Petra down and it was *chef's kiss*.
I don't want to give spoilers to anyone since I went in blind but there was such a fun cast of characters that I would like to see more of. I do feel like we didn't really wrap a bow on the situation that Ryker came in to take care of but I assume it's an overall arc that moves into the next book as well.
If you liked the Wolf Gone Wild series, you'll like this.
This was silly and delightful. I went in knowing basically nothing and it was the best. Petra rolls into a rundown town to spend a year there on sabbatical working to save her particular brand of history's department at the university she works for. She runs into every road block possible because it turns out she's the only normal human in a town of supernatural folks. She attracts the attention of the resident hot demon and away we go. Instead of being all dark, I-am-a-demon-of-night-fear-me, he was the life of the party and amused by whatever was happening in any room he was in. He wore Petra down and it was *chef's kiss*.
I don't want to give spoilers to anyone since I went in blind but there was such a fun cast of characters that I would like to see more of. I do feel like we didn't really wrap a bow on the situation that Ryker came in to take care of but I assume it's an overall arc that moves into the next book as well.
If you liked the Wolf Gone Wild series, you'll like this.
July 27, 2022
The Paranormal Romantic Comedy I never knew I needed. Smoke Show is the feel good book my the summer
Petra (Petey, Pet, etc) embarks on a journey to a small New England town to save her department at Bishop College. During her Sabbatical researching the history of witchcraft and the witch trials, Petra is thwarted at every turn looking into the history of Deadlights Cove. The stickler of a mayor, her quirky host Mo, and all the other natives seem to be withholding information, but she just can’t figure out what.
Smoke Show made me laugh out loud, decide to plan a trip to New England, and wish that I would happen upon a secret, magical town full of witches and demons (though maybe no oversized, green-eyed shifters). I absolutely loved my first foray into B. Perkins and Aimee Vance’s storytelling and I cannot wait to read more about the crew of Deadlights Cove
Petra (Petey, Pet, etc) embarks on a journey to a small New England town to save her department at Bishop College. During her Sabbatical researching the history of witchcraft and the witch trials, Petra is thwarted at every turn looking into the history of Deadlights Cove. The stickler of a mayor, her quirky host Mo, and all the other natives seem to be withholding information, but she just can’t figure out what.
Smoke Show made me laugh out loud, decide to plan a trip to New England, and wish that I would happen upon a secret, magical town full of witches and demons (though maybe no oversized, green-eyed shifters). I absolutely loved my first foray into B. Perkins and Aimee Vance’s storytelling and I cannot wait to read more about the crew of Deadlights Cove
July 28, 2022
This is it! What a fun, witty, unique story that drew me in from page one and had me immersed til “the end”. I absolutely adored this book, the characters (main and side characters are all so well-developed) and the town (which rightfully so is it’s own character).
B. & Aimee make a great team and I absolutely cannot wait to see where the rest of this series goes. It has just the right amount of mystery, romance, banter and friendship that combined together create a world that I want to live in (preferably with Morgaine because she is the real MVP).
I laughed out loud more times then I can count and Blaze had me swooning. I definitely highly recommend this book!
B. & Aimee make a great team and I absolutely cannot wait to see where the rest of this series goes. It has just the right amount of mystery, romance, banter and friendship that combined together create a world that I want to live in (preferably with Morgaine because she is the real MVP).
I laughed out loud more times then I can count and Blaze had me swooning. I definitely highly recommend this book!
June 18, 2022
Smoke Show and the Deadlight Cove series it kicks off are definitely some of my absolute favorite books I have read in a long time.
This book has so much humor, mystery, fun world-building in a contemporary setting, and an interesting cast of characters that I know you will get sucked in and binge it just like I did. I don't usually read contemporary romance, but the dash of paranormal and steamy spice kept me interested the entire read.
Blaze has been added to my list of book boyfriends and is such a lovable guy.
I cannot wait for the rest of the Deadlights Cove books!
This book has so much humor, mystery, fun world-building in a contemporary setting, and an interesting cast of characters that I know you will get sucked in and binge it just like I did. I don't usually read contemporary romance, but the dash of paranormal and steamy spice kept me interested the entire read.
Blaze has been added to my list of book boyfriends and is such a lovable guy.
I cannot wait for the rest of the Deadlights Cove books!
May 1, 2023
Smoke Show is the first book in the Deadlights Cove series and we meet Petra, a professor in Boston on sabbatical to find new and exciting research from New England’s witchy history. Enter Deadlights Cove! For all my Gilmore lovers out there, this place gives me serious Stars Hollow vibes and is full of fun, quirky goodness 🤩
Despite its outward appearance, the Cove has a rich history they work hard to hide from humans, including its residents, which include witches, shifters, angels, and demon. One demon in particular catches Petra’s eye - Blaze, bartender and firey bad boy.
This book is a lot of world building, so expect a slow start, but it picks up about halfway through with not only the tension/steam, but also the mystery that’s shown up at the Cove, leaving bodies and messing with the magic.
The HEA was cute, I liked Blaze and Petra together a lot, but I’m really loving the set up for the side characters (dragon shifter = my kryponite). And that mystery continues in book two so that’s where I’m headed ✌🏼
Despite its outward appearance, the Cove has a rich history they work hard to hide from humans, including its residents, which include witches, shifters, angels, and demon. One demon in particular catches Petra’s eye - Blaze, bartender and firey bad boy.
This book is a lot of world building, so expect a slow start, but it picks up about halfway through with not only the tension/steam, but also the mystery that’s shown up at the Cove, leaving bodies and messing with the magic.
The HEA was cute, I liked Blaze and Petra together a lot, but I’m really loving the set up for the side characters (dragon shifter = my kryponite). And that mystery continues in book two so that’s where I’m headed ✌🏼
July 28, 2022
It’s taken me a week to read this book because I’ve been reading it on down time during my holiday.. usually I would binge a book like this in a day.
BUT I am so pleased that I was forced to eek it out because it made me savour the entire thing! I’m obsessed and I cannot WAIT for #DC2
BUT I am so pleased that I was forced to eek it out because it made me savour the entire thing! I’m obsessed and I cannot WAIT for #DC2
September 22, 2023
Fun quick read. Has some spice to it 😉. Excited to read the next one!
July 18, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the first book in the *Deadlights Cove* series from the authors and WOW did I have fun with this one.
This small town paranormal rom com is a breath of fresh air that had me laughing out loud, swooning, and on the edge of my seat.
Petra is a career-focused woman in her 30s who really doesn't have time flirting or the Cove's oddities as she tries to make a breakthrough in her studies of witchcraft.
Blaze, on the other hand, is a devilishly handsome bartender who has all the time in the world to distract the town's newcomer from her work.
The two main characters have a fun and romantic arc throughout this story and the supporting cast will have you begging for more books before the end. It really is a Glimore-Girls-esque cast of characters and I am so excited to see more of them as the series continues.
If you're a mood reader like me, add this to your list for "fun romance with plot but not too dark," and prepare to laugh and swoon your way through.
This small town paranormal rom com is a breath of fresh air that had me laughing out loud, swooning, and on the edge of my seat.
Petra is a career-focused woman in her 30s who really doesn't have time flirting or the Cove's oddities as she tries to make a breakthrough in her studies of witchcraft.
Blaze, on the other hand, is a devilishly handsome bartender who has all the time in the world to distract the town's newcomer from her work.
The two main characters have a fun and romantic arc throughout this story and the supporting cast will have you begging for more books before the end. It really is a Glimore-Girls-esque cast of characters and I am so excited to see more of them as the series continues.
If you're a mood reader like me, add this to your list for "fun romance with plot but not too dark," and prepare to laugh and swoon your way through.
July 19, 2022
Read it. Now.
You know when you just want a quick read with lol moments, lovable characters, and a fun world? This is that book.
Smoke Show follows Petra, a human doing research on witchy stuff in New England. She ventures to Deadlights Cove and is met by a plethora of quirky characters, a town with seriously weird vibes, and a bartender named Blaze 🔥 (Who is sassy and firmly on my book boyfriends list.)
When I tell you this book is hilarious, I mean it. It had me laughing so hard I was hyperventilating 🙃 There are loads of pop culture references that will have any millennial laughing their socks off.
Highly recommend.
Vibe check: ✨️🤣🔥📚📜🌙🔥
You know when you just want a quick read with lol moments, lovable characters, and a fun world? This is that book.
Smoke Show follows Petra, a human doing research on witchy stuff in New England. She ventures to Deadlights Cove and is met by a plethora of quirky characters, a town with seriously weird vibes, and a bartender named Blaze 🔥 (Who is sassy and firmly on my book boyfriends list.)
When I tell you this book is hilarious, I mean it. It had me laughing so hard I was hyperventilating 🙃 There are loads of pop culture references that will have any millennial laughing their socks off.
Highly recommend.
Vibe check: ✨️🤣🔥📚📜🌙🔥
July 23, 2022
This has everything I would ever want from a paranormal rom-com!
It is charming, funny, beautifully written and the characters are so relatable. I found myself grinning like a loon or full on laughing out loud so many times.
It is charming, funny, beautifully written and the characters are so relatable. I found myself grinning like a loon or full on laughing out loud so many times.
April 9, 2023
Deadlights Cove #1
Smoke Show
Petra & Blaze
♥︎ inter-species romance
♥︎ slow burn
♥︎ Supernatural
🌶🌶
This was such a nice read. A great pallet cleanser. I enjoyed Smoke Show very much and have started on the second in the series - Deja Brew.
Smoke Show
Petra & Blaze
♥︎ inter-species romance
♥︎ slow burn
♥︎ Supernatural
🌶🌶
This was such a nice read. A great pallet cleanser. I enjoyed Smoke Show very much and have started on the second in the series - Deja Brew.
July 5, 2022
Hello, I'm B., one of the co-writers of Smoke Show and the Deadlights Cove series.
Think of Smoke Show as Stars Hollow + supernaturals + a mystery swirled into one. If you're looking for a light read that will have you laughing all the way through it, this is the one. Trust me. You can probably read it in one sitting, on the beach (or on the porch, if you're land-locked. Maybe load up some wave sounds in the background for ~*ambience*~), with an adult beverage in hand, and that was the whole idea.
Follow Petra, a history professor from Boston, as she works to discover all the mysteries of the Cove while navigating quirky locals, endless secrets, and a smoldering bartender.
This book was a blast to write and Aimee and I sincerely hope you enjoy it. And when you get to the end and are dying for book 2... never fear! We've been hard at work on that one too.
Think of Smoke Show as Stars Hollow + supernaturals + a mystery swirled into one. If you're looking for a light read that will have you laughing all the way through it, this is the one. Trust me. You can probably read it in one sitting, on the beach (or on the porch, if you're land-locked. Maybe load up some wave sounds in the background for ~*ambience*~), with an adult beverage in hand, and that was the whole idea.
Follow Petra, a history professor from Boston, as she works to discover all the mysteries of the Cove while navigating quirky locals, endless secrets, and a smoldering bartender.
This book was a blast to write and Aimee and I sincerely hope you enjoy it. And when you get to the end and are dying for book 2... never fear! We've been hard at work on that one too.
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