ADALYN GRACE
(Book 1 of Belladonna)
Synopsis:
Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.
However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.
Content:
Language: Limited use of a few minor swear words.
Violence: Death is a prominent topic throughout the book. There is a murder mystery in the book, and two more attempting murders through poisoning. The main character has multiple talks with spirits, as well as with Death in regards to what he does and what he is. There are also two potentially dangerous and intentional fires.
Sex: there are several kisses, mentions of aches and longings for the love interest, allusions to sex, one fade-to-black scene and one not-quite fade-to-black sex scene (it is not explicit, but it is there). There are also a few mentions of sexual relations outside of marriage that result in ruined reputations.
LGBTQ: There are a few mentions of female couples embracing in corners and dancing together.
My Review: It took me forever to get through the first hundred pages of this book. I actually had to put it aside for a few weeks before I could get myself to pick it up again.
And I am so glad I did. Because at around the hundred page mark, I started completely loving this book. I loved the writing and the atmosphere that Grace created—and the characters really grew on me too. Signa's character development was super amazing!