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mlhelliwell's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Romance, ghost hunting and history are the perfect trifecta in a sub-genre of romance I didn’t know I needed. This is a nice tightly written story with plenty of thrills and a great romance.
tales_of_a_bookbug's review
3.0
This was actually quite interesting and I loved the premise - because I'm always on the lookout for books with ghost hunting and romance(yep I want both in the same book). So, I was quite excited to read this one and it started off well with our protagonist - Edwina Darke and her sisters going off to work on a case that involves the potential haunting of an inn. And they meet the co owner Simon who's kind of a skeptic about these things. But with the unusual activity driving away the customers he has no choice but to turn to them for a solution. As soon as they meet there is an instant attraction between them but they're both cautious due to their past experiences. The mystery also ramps up as they encounter paranormal activity and decide to dig deep into the history of the town.
The plot and the whole set up was very intriguing with a lot of historical information that was interesting(Honestly I didn't know much about Canada's history during war time). I could see that the author has done a lot of research to craft this story. I think where this fell a little short for me was perhaps the romance between the characters which was a bit of an insta-love scenario. Instant attraction is not a problem for me as long as the subsequent emotional+relationship development is done well. But, I felt like that was missing here, but it might just be me who feels this way as others might enjoy this.(I was actually struggling to settle on a rating for this one because it wasn't like I didn't enjoy reading this story which is what 3 stars would suggest, but I feel like it fell a bit short of 4 stars for me)
On the other hand, I loved the characters, the spooky atmosphere and the suspenseful mystery. I kept turning the pages wanting to know more about how things would turn out. And the ending was pretty satisfactory too! Overall I think this was a good paranormal romance that many would enjoy and I'm very curious about the stories of the other Darke sisters too!
*I was provided with a review copy in exchange for an honest review*
The plot and the whole set up was very intriguing with a lot of historical information that was interesting(Honestly I didn't know much about Canada's history during war time). I could see that the author has done a lot of research to craft this story. I think where this fell a little short for me was perhaps the romance between the characters which was a bit of an insta-love scenario. Instant attraction is not a problem for me as long as the subsequent emotional+relationship development is done well. But, I felt like that was missing here, but it might just be me who feels this way as others might enjoy this.(I was actually struggling to settle on a rating for this one because it wasn't like I didn't enjoy reading this story which is what 3 stars would suggest, but I feel like it fell a bit short of 4 stars for me)
On the other hand, I loved the characters, the spooky atmosphere and the suspenseful mystery. I kept turning the pages wanting to know more about how things would turn out. And the ending was pretty satisfactory too! Overall I think this was a good paranormal romance that many would enjoy and I'm very curious about the stories of the other Darke sisters too!
*I was provided with a review copy in exchange for an honest review*
fringebookreviews's review
2.5
I don’t know how to explain it but the writing and story were great for the first 30% and then it just dropped off. Like there were some WILD sentences. I don’t know if it’s because I took a break or what but it didn’t feel like the same book. Also it was a lot darker than I was expecting which I guess is my bad because darke is in the title? The plot definitely kept me reading and I was invested, but stylistically it just wasn’t for me!
✨
A few things:
“Ohmigod, I’m going to come again.” Simon smiled. Yes!
Her body quaked and tightened around him. So fucking beautiful. Yes!
Abolish the Yes! please god??? 😭 it’s so deeply unsexy.
Also the sweet thing nickname was what Zack called Maddie in Suite Life of Zack and Cody so that was unfortunate for me 😂
✨
I received a digital copy from the author. All opinions are honest and my own
✨
A few things:
“Ohmigod, I’m going to come again.” Simon smiled. Yes!
Her body quaked and tightened around him. So fucking beautiful. Yes!
Abolish the Yes! please god??? 😭 it’s so deeply unsexy.
Also the sweet thing nickname was what Zack called Maddie in Suite Life of Zack and Cody so that was unfortunate for me 😂
✨
I received a digital copy from the author. All opinions are honest and my own
ariettacharles's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Just the right mix of ghosts and romance. The Ghost story was exceptional.
markedwithanm's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
Moderate: War and Murder
cakt1991's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I’ve never read Rosanna Leo before, but we are mutuals on Twitter, and I took the chance on an ARC offer she posted there for Darke Passion. While I don’t read much paranormal romance, the concept of the book, around ghost-hunting sisters and investigating a historic B&B.
While all the sisters play roles in their business and the story, Edwina is at the forefront of this one. I love how Edwina is a bit of a skeptic, which does seem to be a must for any paranormal investigative team (think Velma and Scooby-Doo, which the text references), and I like how that translates to her enthusiasm to take on these cases. She’s independent and tough, with a soft vulnerable side underneath. Her dynamic with her sisters was also welcome, and I hope that remains a constant in future books, as each takes on a leading role.
Simon is a pretty sweet guy, and I love that he’s on the softer side to allow Edwina’s toughness to shine, without being too much of a pushover. He’s very technical and business-minded, and I like that he’s a hero who is more cerebral, standing out against many who tend to be more brawny.
While the story is set largely in the present day, I love that the paranormal element provides a connection to the past, namely the War of 1812. Even as an American, this is a conflict I’ve learned little about, much less the Canadian side of things, so I appreciated getting some context for that, as well as getting little breadcrumbs to the story of the ill-fated lovers from the past.
This is a solid start to what looks to be a fun series, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories with ghosts/ghost hunting and history/old houses.
dmniccoli's review
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This book serves sisterly love and a low angst romantic relationship that quickly settles into the cute, comfortable stage. Simon and Edwina both have painful pasts in the relationship department, but they both want to move on and find love and acceptance in each other. And they do—after a couple small conversational hiccups they’re open and honest about where they’re at and what they want. Any and all external forces attempting to wreck that are swiftly and succinctly shut down.
The story stakes completely lay with the plot and its malignant ghost villain.
The Darke sisters are very good at what they do—investigating hauntings and helping both the living and the dead move forward. I appreciated the care and respect in which they approach their work, and the focus on research and historical background that was weaved into the story. The sisters are motivated by helping people, creating awareness, and demonstrating the credibility of their work, not garnishing YouTube video views and followers for clout. Edwina especially exudes confidence and competence—sporting tactic-cool gear and an expert use of gadgetry—I loved it. And Simon loved it, too ;)
***spoilers***
I loved that the plot of this book revolved around helping the ghosts of two lovers finally get their happily-hereafter and revenge against the man who took their HEA away from them in life. I wish we got more of the lovers’ reunion, and I’m secretly hoping the author writes a novella or short story about them in the afterlife.
Content notes: sex, conversation about emotionally abusive and/or cheating exes and toxic family members, possession, a rapey misogynistic ghost.
The story stakes completely lay with the plot and its malignant ghost villain.
The Darke sisters are very good at what they do—investigating hauntings and helping both the living and the dead move forward. I appreciated the care and respect in which they approach their work, and the focus on research and historical background that was weaved into the story. The sisters are motivated by helping people, creating awareness, and demonstrating the credibility of their work, not garnishing YouTube video views and followers for clout. Edwina especially exudes confidence and competence—sporting tactic-cool gear and an expert use of gadgetry—I loved it. And Simon loved it, too ;)
***spoilers***
I loved that the plot of this book revolved around helping the ghosts of two lovers finally get their happily-hereafter and revenge against the man who took their HEA away from them in life. I wish we got more of the lovers’ reunion, and I’m secretly hoping the author writes a novella or short story about them in the afterlife.
Content notes: sex, conversation about emotionally abusive and/or cheating exes and toxic family members, possession, a rapey misogynistic ghost.
briarsreviews's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
- Spooky
- Paranormal
- Ghosts
- Romance
- Niagara-on-the-Lake
What more can a girl ask for out of one of her fave authors? (Without asking for all of the sequels to be dropped yesterday... You know, REASONABLE requests).
Rosanna Leo's Darke Passion is an excellent mix of all of the above. Edwina, a paranormal investigator, joins her sisters up in the good ole north - Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's one of the most beautiful areas, but it also has a dark past with the war of 1812 taking place on it's grounds. A local B&B is being haunted by ghosts, and these women are up for the challenge. Edwina meets Simon, the owner, and they hit it off... All the while, they are trying to solve the mystery of the terrifying ghosts and paranormal activity going on.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and binged it. It's a fantastic read for those who want a contemporary romance read packed with the paranormal ooky spookies that will have you guessing what happened back in 1812 to cause such a commotion.
Pick this book up! It's out March 21, 2023 and I was so fortunate to get an advanced reader's copy. Now Rosanna... GIMME MORE!
Five out of five stars.
I received this book for free from the author, Rosanna Leo, in exchange for an honest review.
- Paranormal
- Ghosts
- Romance
- Niagara-on-the-Lake
What more can a girl ask for out of one of her fave authors? (Without asking for all of the sequels to be dropped yesterday... You know, REASONABLE requests).
Rosanna Leo's Darke Passion is an excellent mix of all of the above. Edwina, a paranormal investigator, joins her sisters up in the good ole north - Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's one of the most beautiful areas, but it also has a dark past with the war of 1812 taking place on it's grounds. A local B&B is being haunted by ghosts, and these women are up for the challenge. Edwina meets Simon, the owner, and they hit it off... All the while, they are trying to solve the mystery of the terrifying ghosts and paranormal activity going on.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and binged it. It's a fantastic read for those who want a contemporary romance read packed with the paranormal ooky spookies that will have you guessing what happened back in 1812 to cause such a commotion.
Pick this book up! It's out March 21, 2023 and I was so fortunate to get an advanced reader's copy. Now Rosanna... GIMME MORE!
Five out of five stars.
I received this book for free from the author, Rosanna Leo, in exchange for an honest review.
thenaptimewriter's review
3.0
Thanks to the author for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.
I’m often trying new authors because I feel like you never know when you’ll find a new one whose books make you fall in love.
Rosanna Leo was gracious enough to send me an ARC of her upcoming PNR Darke Passion, out 03/21.
Dual timelines + ghosts + kissing is definitely my jam & this book delivers on those fronts. The historical setting is Canada during the War of 1812 & it becomes pertinent to the present- day story when inn owner Simon Teal contacts our heroine Edwina Darke saying that people think his inn is haunted.
Edwina Darke & her sisters—all of whom have unique jobs at their paranormal investigation agency—are on the case.
While the story is atmospheric & creepy in a way I wanted, the ending is satisfying, & the moments of sweetness are engaging, I’m not a huge fan of insta feelings—which this felt like to me—& I didn’t always feel fully connected to the writing style. (Both of those things are “YMMV” kinds of things to me).
But this is a fun story with some great thrills & a sweet & naughty romance too.
3 ⭐️. Out 03/21.
CWs: murder, haunting, reference to rape.
I’m often trying new authors because I feel like you never know when you’ll find a new one whose books make you fall in love.
Rosanna Leo was gracious enough to send me an ARC of her upcoming PNR Darke Passion, out 03/21.
Dual timelines + ghosts + kissing is definitely my jam & this book delivers on those fronts. The historical setting is Canada during the War of 1812 & it becomes pertinent to the present- day story when inn owner Simon Teal contacts our heroine Edwina Darke saying that people think his inn is haunted.
Edwina Darke & her sisters—all of whom have unique jobs at their paranormal investigation agency—are on the case.
While the story is atmospheric & creepy in a way I wanted, the ending is satisfying, & the moments of sweetness are engaging, I’m not a huge fan of insta feelings—which this felt like to me—& I didn’t always feel fully connected to the writing style. (Both of those things are “YMMV” kinds of things to me).
But this is a fun story with some great thrills & a sweet & naughty romance too.
3 ⭐️. Out 03/21.
CWs: murder, haunting, reference to rape.
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