After seven years of being on the move, Arlo Barman wants nothing more than a place to call home. But unbeknownst to him, Arlo is a caladrius healer, so staying in one place has never been an option. The compulsion to separate himself from those he’s healed is all-consuming and leaves him little choice but to pack up yet again.Nash Silver is the only werewolf in his small coastal town. Living … undetected in a human world is imperative for his kind, and he and his small circle of friends — a vampire and a psychic — have done so for decades. But Nash’s anonymous existence is jeopardized when a man with an enticing scent moves into town. From the moment Nash lays eyes on the stranger, nothing is more important than being close to him. Not even guarding his secret.Arlo isn’t interested in a relationship or even a date, his past has taught him nothing good comes from it, but the rather pushy local popping up everywhere he goes has his heart somersaulting. If he’s heart is somersaulting or not doesn’t matter, because when Nash gets injured, Arlo is the only one who can save him.Having used his powers, Arlo has to leave Nash and the cozy town he wanted to make his home, but can Nash survive being separated from his mate?
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Black Bird is an amazing, beautifully written, story about love and belonging. Arlo has an ability that keeps him on the move a lot. He isn’t able to settle down anywhere. Nash, a werewolf, has a few friends that are different than regular humans. It’s just the three of them until they meet Arlo. I love Arlo and Nash’s journey together as they figure out what they’re feeling for each other and how they can stay together without Arlo having to leave.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It’s one to enjoy again and again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a thrilling book with a slow burn romance between Arlo and Nash. Their characters as well as the supporting characters are strong and well developed. The author does a fantastic job painting her scenes in vivid detail and pulls you in with all the action and suspense. It’s well written,moves fluidly and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
This is a new to me author and I loved her writing. A fated mate story. I loved this story and its characters. I look forward to reading more of this authors books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ofelia Grand’s Black Bird scratched the itch I had for the slow burn and pining tropes with fated mates. I love the idea of fated mates but the idea of insta-lust and insta-love gets formulaic and thus boring and predictable – until Black Bird.
Of course, there’s more to these tropes. There’s the suspense of what Arlo is and who’s after him. And there’s lots of action. Such a great thriller.
And the characters – I enjoyed all the main characters: Arlo, of course, Nash, Gilbert and Ellis. They were all very interesting and well-written. I can picture their characterization very clearly. I hope Gilbert and Ellis their own story.
I really didn’t want this story to end. I hope there’s more. I really love Ms. Grand’s writing style. I will definitely look for other books to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unique powers but can they help Arlo achieve his heart’s desire?
I have always found author Ofelia Grand’s stories unique, with unusual, supernatural characters and interesting storylines. This one has both of those, centering on Arlo, a young man of singular appearance, unusual healing powers and a deep desire to settle and establish roots. His powers have cursed him with a peripatetic life as he is driven to distance himself from the people he saves and not draw attention. Arlo’s isolated life is lonely until he catches the eye of Nash, a local werewolf.
This story is quite dark and has lots of urgent, flurried action, some steam and problems with communication. Nash, particularly, seems incapable of explaining himself to Arlo. Some scenes were a bit too frenzied, in my opinion. And Nash seems incapable of accepting that no means no. His passion is desperate and all-consuming (and violent at times). Nash’s pals Ellis the psychic and vampire Gilbert add drama but I never quite understood their relationship.
While I give Black Bird high marks for originality, I did not enjoy this story as much as Grand’s recent shorter works like her quirky and humorous Nine Stones.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a wonderful and unique couple…
ARLO – an interesting ability to take sickness/darkness from others at his expense. Unfortunately it prevents him from having any real roots anywhere for too long. Such a lonely life and hard to maintain personal connections. The one time he let his guard down, he’d been betrayed by a partner. Making the future uncertain for love. The threats to his life does not smooth things over in his current state.
NASH – supernatural being. Only known for one night stands and not sure what/when/if he could ever commit to any one person. Suddenly drawn to Arlo and not at all clear as to why. His beast begins to lose control in the most unusual times. Feeling the deep desire to protect Arlo, but not sure why.
Arlo and Nash have a bang up meeting. Neither can figure out what the pull is between them. Arlo runs, Nash chases. Anger and fear of the unknown envelope them both. Nash discovers from his friend, Gilbert, that he ‘d found his fated mate. How does he explain this to Arlo without freaking him out? One precious moment at a time.
Two people in this whole story, Rob and Deon, I was more than happy to see them dealt with…I will not spoil this any further
In between this unusual pairing, find a few laughs, surprises, acts of love, powerful friendships, bonds, happy reunions, and worthwhile sacrifices.
SIDENOTE: I hope to see a book in the very near future about Gilbert and Ellis. Please let this happen. This would be fabulous!
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***