Reviews

Belle Morte by Bella Higgin

summer_myers's review against another edition

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I did not finish this book. When I read what the book was about, I thought that this may be good. I was wrong. It felt too much like a variation of twilight. The main male character’s name is Edmond, very close to Edward. There wasn’t much fight between the two main characters when it came to love interest. It felt like one minute he was going to leave her alone, and then a few sentences down he basically jumped her to kiss her and she didn’t fight it. I also wasn’t a fan of how the plot went straight to her trying to figure out where her sister was. There was no build up like sneaking around or slowly working out way so they don’t get caught. Nope, just to it and finding her in what feels like the first few chapters. What else is left to tell? Other than what happens to the sister and that is something you can already figure out for yourself.  I personally wouldn’t recommend the book. Maybe if I had read it when I was younger I would have given it more outstanding review, but not reading it now.

bookish_withsky's review against another edition

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3.0

I see a lot of three star reviews and share a similar opinion as them. This reads as a debut. It has an incredibly basic plot and seemed fairly predictable. Saying that sounds like it should be a one or two star, but there were quite a few redeeming qualities to it as well. It was fun and entertaining. I was able to guess the ending, but I also still had a good time. I would love to see the author grow.

carlyjcrist's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

I want to rate this higher than 3 stars but not quite 4 stars. First off let me be clear that I enjoy a good vampire romance. Hard to do this wrong. Guy and girl fall in love but are separated by the distinction of species. Classic. Love it. This book, however, had the same flaw as our beloved flagship novel Twilight where the love story was a little weak and we were more focused on other issues.

Why did Edward fall for Bella? Because she was different than other girls. Because he couldn’t resist her. Listen here. Different does not equal a lifetime of love. Lust does not equal love. How does a 100+ person fall for someone so young *even if* they are an “old soul”? Hard to buy it, right? We understand why people were Team Jacob all the way. 

But I digress. This book. Same problem. He falls for her because she doesn’t adore him and fawn over him like other donors. There is an irresistible pull between the two characters. See the resemblance here? And he likes her because she’s, what? Feisty? How about so immature and unable to control her temper?

Maybe I simply didn’t enjoy the main character’s temper tantrums or absolute complete lack of common sense and self preservation. When it came to the part where she died, I literally thought she finally got what was coming to her because she was so freaking hasty. So. HASTY. The whole book long. 

But I did rate this 3.75 stars BECAUSE I love the genre. And it’s still a story you are reading and just trying to figure out. I had no idea where it was going, and halfway through the second book I’m still in the same place, so it’s got me hooked and I will not be putting them down until I’m through. So, we’ll see what happens!

babybol's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

1.75

the_reading_vampire's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

menastarr's review against another edition

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4.0

i was drawn in by the gorgeous front cover of this book and i do NOT regret judging this book by the cover. discovering that this book was first on wattpad really shocked me, because while it was that cheesy vampire romance trope we all love, it wasn't cringeworthy or corny, and honestly well-written. "belle morte" felt like everything "crave" by tracy wolff WANTED to be. as someone who grew up with the twilight saga, it's no surprise i ate this book up in a matter of a few days.

the friendships between jason, renie, and roux were positively precious to me. i can only hope that i find bonds as close and adventurous as they have when i start college this fall. i wasn't a HUGE fan of roux at the very beginning of the book, but i grew to love her by the end. she is an amazingly loyal friend that renie definitely deserved.

i think everyone will want a brooding french vampire boyfriend after reading "belle morte". edmond's canon appearance wasn't entirely what i envisioned in my head, but he's gorgeous either way. paranormal romance lovers, this book is right up your alley!!

clockworkbook's review against another edition

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4.0

3.75

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition

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5.0

5/5

Omg wow I loved this book. I never thought I would say that especially because it is a vampire book but this one really exceeded my expectations! The who plot itself was interesting and as it kept going it go better and better. I can't wait to read the next book.

just_syd's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

olivegrove's review against another edition

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4.0

Ok I’m gonna be honest, at first I was skeptical of reading this book because the most recent YA vampire novels have severely disappointed me. I was afraid this book was going to be another TVD/Originals/Twilight knock off that just serves a younger audience. I was so wrong. This novel puts a new spin on the classic vampire romance so many of us fell in love with years ago. The romance is fantastic, the characters and friendships are great. and even if the mystery part of the plot was a bit predictable, this book was just so fun. Maybe it’s not high end literature but who cares? Sometimes you just need a tropey vampire novel with an author who puts a new spin on it. Bella Higgin is the first author I’ve seen do this and do this well in a long time. I’ve read all the new vampire novels and this is the first that’s refreshing and fun and not just some gimmicky knock-off. I really can’t wait for the next book. It’s going to be a really difficult wait since I just sat down in read the arc and it won’t be out until April. For anyone considering adding this to your 2022 tbr, do it! You will not regret it.