Curses and witches enliven this gothic romance, the second in Matthews’s Tortured Souls saga. Victor Blackburn is living on borrowed time. An ancient curse violently claims the life of each Blackburn male on his twenty-seventh birthday. As his approaches, his only hope of survival is a witch who vanished long ago without a trace. Mercy Seymour eagerly counts down the days until the curse will … until the curse will claim Victor’s life. She watched him murder her mother, and only his death will free her of the hatred and anger she harbors.
When fate throws them together in Devil’s Cove, desire simmers between the handsome pirate and the spirited barkeeper’s niece until they learn the truth about each other. Desperate for her cooperation, Victor spirits her away to Blackburn Castle in the Scottish Highlands, where forces of magic and mists from beyond the grave weaken her resolve, opening her eyes to the truth of the past.
As Victor and Mercy unearth the fabled stones needed to break the curse, they discover that the only weapon powerful enough to destroy hate is love. But will they have to sacrifice their relationship to save what means the most to them?
Sensuality Level: Sensual
more
Wow, this story really had me sitting on the edge of my seat and now that I’ve read the last page, my heart rate can go back to normal! lol What an amazing read this was, from start to end!! It involves pirates, witches, curses, vampires, ghosts, heated passion, etc…..all that good stuff:)
Victor carries a curse that has been passed down through the generations and Mercy is a witch who can overturn that curse. Trust and forgiveness are not easily given and both must work towards that goal if he is to survive past his 27th birthday. Lots of action and twists and turns, well written and I definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, lust and passion, strength. The short story of eroticism of sensation. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My first time reading this author. This story has a very interesting and well-crafted plot. The characters are strong and well-developed. The book moves along at a pretty steady pace and it held my attention from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Is Hatchet under a cursed too?
This Victorian Gothic was outstanding in this story of Victor and Mercy. Mercy hates Victor and is so looking forward to his death. Victor would kind of like the time to stand still because if the curse had its way he would be dead soon. Victor needs Mercy but the question is will Mercy help him. The author has weaved an engaging, intriguing, and just plain good story. The story has it all creepy parts mixed with somewhat normal parts but I loved all the paranormal and the Butcher was one hell of a villain. I have high praise for this piece and highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
A handsome pirate, first mate on The Savior, Victor Blackburn has almost reached the age when first-born sons of his family die due to the curse inflicted by Elizabeth Thorne. He is searching for the only woman who can save him, a descendant of Elizabeth, and time is quickly running out for him. Mercy has hated Victor Blackburn all her life, but she would not be able to recognize him. When she sneaks back to the tavern at night after helping a friend’s father who is ill, she witnesses a beating while she hides. She is grabbed by the pirate but, even though she fears him, she feels a strong attraction to him. Victor has no idea that she is the woman he has been trying to find. But he knows he feels something strongly for the tavern keeper’s beautiful niece. When her uncle steps into the alley and calls for her, Victor lets her go and fades into the shadows. This won’t be their last encounter!
This well-written book has it all! Handsome and fearsome pirates, a deadly curse about to be triggered, and love. Can Victor convince Mercy to help him break this long-standing curse? Will she forgive him when, in desperation, he kidnaps and takes her to Blackburn Castle, where the magic and mists from beyond the grave weaken her resolve and show her the truth of the past?
Great read. Enjoyed this story.
Enjoyed this book.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but after reading the blurb, I knew I wanted to read it. The book delivers on everything I hoped for – pirates, witches, curses, all-consuming guilt and forgiveness and love. Victor Blackburn is cursed and is destined to die an appalling death when he turns 27 unless he can find Mercy Seymour. She is a descendant of the Thorne family and the only one who can break the curse on the Blackburn men. Needless to say, Mercy has no intention of breaking the curse, but that doesn’t stop Victor from kidnapping her and dragging her to Blackburn Castle.
Ms. Matthews elegantly teases out the details of what happened to Victor and Mercy when they were children and why Mercy is so ingrained in her hatred. There are quite a few twists and turns in the book that totally surprised me. Mercy’s character is strong and spirited, but she’s no match for Victor. He was raised by a ruthless pirate and he’s hardened himself against everyone. Could Mercy be the one woman who could capture his heart? Can Mercy let go of the past and realize the future path that lay before them or will she hold onto past hurts and let a good man die? Recommended.
This story was enjoyable and well written. The characters are well developed and written. My attention was kept throughout the book. I would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two people are marking the time. Victor Blackburn’s family is cursed, the males die on their 27th birthday. Without a witch to reverse the curse, he is going to die soon. Mercy Seymour watched him kill her mother, she is also watching the days until he dies. Although she is a witch and could save him, her hatred is fervent. He has no hope until they are suddenly thrown together.
This is a wonderful gothic romance with curses, witches and magic. This paranormal romantic love story is full of amazing characters, with engaging personalities that draw you into the story. The storey line is interesting and filled with surprises, unexpected twists, danger, magic, romance, and suspense that keeps you glued to the tale until the excellent climax. The author takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as the characters grow and deal with their pasts, internal conflicts and the external obstacles. If you love historical gothic mysteries give this one a read, it will hit the spot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.