Davien Elswood, the Duke of Blackburn, isn’t an ordinary man. Twenty years ago he was cursed with the powers of an aswang, and now he’s forced to fight the beast within. But is it only metaphorical, or in truth? He is a member of the Order of the Friars of St. Francis, a cult where men of high standing perform any number of rituals. Because of these scandalous proceedings, they must protect the … the truth at all costs—even if it means sacrificing one of their own.
Cosette du Bouir is a poor, French orphan who spends her nights toiling as a seamstress in London while calling a dilapidated workhouse home. The only key to her past is a plain, silver locket with the cryptic inscription—To Mine … Be Mine. One fateful evening she meets the duke. He’s fearsome and intimidating, and she prays that she never sees him again. However, this encounter sparks the return of her mysterious blackouts, where a phantom voice calls out to her.
Thrown together in the midst of magic and secrets, their paths intersect amid desire and chaos, until it all comes to a dramatic end. But who will be crowned the victor of this miserable fate?
more
Great storyline great characters.. This was my first book from Tabetha and I must say I don’t regret it. Definitely something I was looking for.. I look forward to reading more from her..
The Secrets of Shadows, by Tabetha Waite.
What a wonderful historical romance book to read. Tabetha Waite, introduced a book, with all the ear marks of a fantasy historical romance novel that her readers will enjoy. The book immediately drew me into the world of Davien and Cosette. Tabetha’s writing is crisp and straightforward. She explains her story with simple details that will not lose the readers imagination.
Tabetha has a way like other talented writers, of telling a story through the readers vision. I feel that she places herself in the readers shoes as she writes her books. The Secrets of Shadows has fast pace action. High drama, that the reader feels from the characters during their journey in the book. With each turn of the page you will get lost in this story.
I simply could not put the book down. Davien and Cosette’s passion and steamy romanc, rocks the rector scale of, its getting hot in here. As their characters traverse through the highs and lows of their past lives. They know that something has brought them together, but what? While each looks to the painful secrets of their past, they must stand together to fight the evil that darkens their doorstep.
While Cosette’s character is no wallflower, she shy’s away from the woman Davien sees that she is. Dominant, strong, sensual Davien seeks out Cosette to protect her, while exploring his howling wicked, seductive ways in the bedroom with her. I recommend this book with a wolffish grin. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
The Hellfire Club “Do What Thou Wilt.” Davien Elswood, the current Duke of Blackburn, wanted to be anywhere else but in that club living the life of vice and sin. He wanted not to return but it always seemed it pulled him back. The beast inside of him demanded.
Cosette had to get back and work on the dresses so she would have them done by the morning, but then the black carriage almost ran her down. The he got out and she began to run. When he did catch up with her, their journey began. Something about her brought forth a side to him he thought dead and he could not let her go.
This story combined the dark almost gothic with the paranormal that was intense to say the least. Damien held a beast inside that he would shift to and he knew that he and Cosette were destined to be together. He had been cursed and as the story unfolded Cosette had her dark past and had blackouts. Tabetha Waite outdid herself with this story of suspense, evil, danger, intrigue and a growing love that was beyond the realm. Would these two find a way to break his curse and bring her out of her darkness? Simply enthralling and exciting. Not to be missed!
Davien Elswood, the Duke of Blackburn, has spent twenty years trying to find a way to break the curse that turned him into a shape shifting, mind reading, sexually insatiable monster known as an Aswang. Cosette du Bouir was left on the doorstep of a French orphanage as an infant. She came to England when she was tossed from the orphanage when she became of age. The only clue she has to her identity and past (and a remote one at best) is a silver locket. From the moment he saw her, Davien knew she is different. Who or what is she? Can she be the key to breaking his curse? He is determined to find out. He is determined to make her his.
This is a dark and stormy tale. I love this kind of story, a combination of my two favorite types of romance, historical and paranormal. The story has mystery, danger, suspense, dark curses and magic, and a marvelously intense romance. Davien is the perfect dark alpha hero. Cossette is a strong heroine. They are fantastic together. The villains are about as nasty as they come, and a shocking surprise. Cossette’s friend Charlotte is an interesting character. She goes from a damsel in danger to a partner in the fight against the villains and curse(s). I enjoyed this riveting story. If you like historical or paranormal romance or a combination of the two, you don’t want to miss this one.
Wow and holy cow! I have to honestly. Tabetha Waite can tuck the paranormal romance into her belt. I loved Davien, having been cursed to live as an Aswang for the past twenty years, and Cosette du Boir, a poor orphaned mysterious French girl. When they meet, each is a light beam into their darkness, an unmistakable pull towards each other. There is mystery, suspense, danger, intrigue and a slow burn of undeniable passion. It’s an adventure you don’t want to miss. I could not put it down, reading late into the night to find out what happened next. I highly recommend this book. It’s a wonderful time so don’t be put off by it being a paranormal book. If you’re a fan of this author, it’s excellent as her others are. What have you got to lose? Five stars!! Bravo Tabetha Waite!
Davien Elswood, the Duke of Blackburn, isn’t an ordinary man. Twenty years ago he was cursed with the powers of an aswang, and now he’s forced to fight the beast within. He is a member of the Order of the Friars of St. Francis, a cult where men of high standing perform any number of rituals. Because of these scandalous proceedings, they must protect the truth at all costs—even if it means sacrificing one of their own.
Cosette du Bouir is a poor, French orphan who spends her nights toiling as a seamstress in London while calling a dilapidated workhouse home. The only key to her past is a plain, silver locket with the cryptic inscription—To Mine … Be Mine. One fateful evening she meets the duke. He’s fearsome and intimidating, and she prays that she never sees him again. However, this encounter sparks the return of her mysterious blackouts, where a phantom voice calls out to her.
Oh my what a read! I’m not a lover of paranormal books but I have loved the authors other books so I thought it’s well worth a try & I certainly wasn’t disappointed, twists, turns & the unexpected kept me reading well into the night I just couldn’t put it down. Talk about weaving a story with wonderful suspense & a sizzling romance – well done Tabetha I loved it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Twists and turns. Shocking secrets. Breathtaking romance. This book has it all, and more. Once again, Tabetha Waite has weaved a tale of suspense, dark curses, and a love that can withstand anything. Davien and Cosette are perfect together; I love how they interact. The supporting characters round out the book to perfection. I’ll gladly devour anything Tabetha Waite writes. She’s a new favorite.
The Secrets of Shadows
Tabetha Waite
https://www.facebook.com/TotallyTabetha/
Release date 04/15/2020
Publisher Soul Mate Publishing
Blurb :
Davien Elswood, the Duke of Blackburn, isn’t an ordinary man. Twenty years ago he was cursed with the powers of an aswang, and now he’s forced to fight the beast within. But is it only metaphorical, or in truth? He is a member of the Order of the Friars of St. Francis, a cult where men of high standing perform any number of rituals. Because of these scandalous proceedings, they must protect the truth at all costs—even if it means sacrificing one of their own.
Cosette du Bouir is a poor, French orphan who spends her nights toiling as a seamstress in London while calling a dilapidated workhouse home. The only key to her past is a plain, silver locket with the cryptic inscription—To Mine … Be Mine. One fateful evening she meets the duke. He’s fearsome and intimidating, and she prays that she never sees him again. However, this encounter sparks the return of her mysterious blackouts, where a phantom voice calls out to her.
Thrown together in the midst of magic and secrets, their paths intersect amid desire and chaos, until it all comes to a dramatic end. But who will be crowned the victor of this miserable fate?
My review :
I knew when I preordered this book, it was a gothic novel with a paranormal side, still I didn’t expected this.
What a read it was, so be prepared for a rollercoaster ride.
Difficult to summarize this book without giving away the plot.
Cosette bears her name like a glove, a poor French orphan rescued by a man hiding from society (thanks Hugo). After the similarities stop there as she has her own secret and is a mystery in her own. She is a kind and caring soul and will fight with tooth and nail before surrendering. Despite the life she lived and her lineage, she staying a compassionate woman, often thinking of the others before herself.
When faced with hardship, she has never chosen the easy way out, with Davian, she fights first, and when it seems for naught, she turns the table by offering her friendship and help.
Davian left his curse takes the better of himself, he fought it but never saw the right way to correct the wrong done.
Until his encounter with Cosette, he was a lost soul driven by revenge. His all caveman overbearing and smothering attitude will only scare Cosette, why to win her, he will slowly have to rethink his approach. He will still be his true Neanderthal co trolling self but he will let her voice her thoughts and have a say in their actions.
As their quest for a cure and answers progress, their feelings shift and what began as an obsession turns in something deeper, more intense than mere lust and chemistry.
A very intriguing read touching different genres with a lot of surprises all along their journey.
I was just upset at the last minute twist and angry with Cosette, it was unnecessary for me, 4.75 stars rounded to 5.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, but prior to it, I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/592656711323504/?d=n
I am not a paranormal historical romance reader but here I am review one that I just read. All I can say is “wow” – what a great experience & I had to tear myself away to do normal daily things & then couldn’t get back to reading quickly enough. Tabetha Waite always writes such wonderful historical romances & I have read several from her; so when the opportunity came up to read this, I trusted in her ability to keep me engaged & boy did she!
Davien Elswood, the Duke of Blackburn was cursed 20 years ago with a spell that turned him into a Aswang (I didn’t know what the heck it was but it was explained). He has spent the years since then speaking to experts, seers, witches, etc. to come up with the spell breaker without success. He is a shape-shifter, mind-reader, a voracious sexual appetite & he always get what he wants. Then he met her & he knew he would never let her go. He became his everything & she brought light to his darkness that he hadn’t felt in many years but he knew eventually she must be told the truth about him.
Cosette du Bouir was born a poor French orphan & has come to London to work as a seamstress in a workhouse where she lives & works. Her only clue to her past is a silver locket that was found on her when she was left on the doorstep as a baby which she still wears. She is a strong person but she needs extra strength to fight her demons. One stormy night, she is saved from the rain one night by Davien & he takes her to his estate to warm her & feed her but then he won’t let her leave. He promises to give her anything she desires & he wants her as his mistress. She denies his request but he still keeps her & tells her she will desire him one day & he will not take a woman not willing of his desires.
The more time they spend together, the closer they become & circumstances arise that he must tell her about himself. The surprising events that take place will pull you in to the story even more, the evil just keeps popping up, the debauchery, danger, intrigue & such a romance – sigh! Their strong connection is so strong, yet unexplainable & they are a sizzling couple!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Starring Davien Elswood, the Duke of Blackburn and Cosette du Bouir.
Wowza!! What did I just read?!?! This was the dark chocolate of books that I didn’t know I was craving!! Romance, intrigue, and unpredictable plot twists that I did not see coming!! Heller…. so good!!
Davien is a totally attentive, all-consuming alpha hero. He knows what he wants and he gets it. 20 yrs ago he was cursed and it turned him into an Aswang, a beast with shape shifting abilities. Davien also has an insatiable sexual appetite… and his singular obsession turns towards Cosette. She is sunlight in his dark world and he means to keep her with him always. I know, right?!?! Swoon-worthy!!
Cosette is just trying to get by one day at a time as a seamstress. When she meets Davien and he focuses all his attentions on her, she feels a little trapped. As she slowly gets to know this man/beast, Cosette realizes her attraction for Davien is every bit as extreme as his feelings for her. However, Cosette has her own demons she has to fight… and their hold on her rivals her new bond with Davien. But she is a strong heroine and will do whatever it takes to protect the man she’s growing to love. I was cheering loudly for Cosette!! You go, girl!!
Davien and Cosette have a very powerful connection and their paths are strongly intertwined. These two were so passionate, totally “bring a fan, honey” kinda haaaawt!! So much feels and they set the pages on fire with their chemistry. Soooooo delicious together. Loved them!!
I don’t normally read paranormal historical romances… but Tabetha Waite is a keeper shelf author and I knew she wouldn’t steer me wrong. And I was right, coz I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was intense, gothic, had a dark Beauty and the Beast vibe, and I couldn’t put it down…. kept a grip on me until the end. So good job, Tabetha Waite!! THIS is the reason I will read anything you write!!
Learned a new word : Syb·a·rite /ˈsibəˌrīt/
a person who is self-indulgent in their fondness for sensuous luxury.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star ratings: 4 1/2 stars
Book was amazing. Absolutely fantastic characters. Tabetha Waite made me step outside my genre comfort zone and steered me into a category I would not normally have chosen… and I actually loved it!! This book DID give me all the wonderful feels… but didn’t make me cry. Aaaalmost tho. Will be re-reading this book over again.