Darkly Captivating

filled star filled star filled star filled star filled star
briannabeezy Avatar

By

First thing - that cover. *sigh, swoon*

Dark, atmospheric 1872 New Orleans + forbidden romance + murders + fierce characters..and, oh yeah, vampires = The Beautiful.

Seventeen year old Celine Rousseau flees her life in Paris to take refuge in New Orleans at the Ursuline convent. Quickly, she meets a young woman named Odette who introduces Celine to the underword of New Orleans, including a group of enigmatic individuals known as La Cour des Lions, and their handsome leader - Sébastien Saint Germain. Something is different about this group, however. Could it have anything to do with the murders that have been being committed around the city?

I absolutely loved how feisty and determined Renée wrote not just Celine, but the women characters throughout. Independent boss ladies! The friendship between the women was refreshing as well.

The New Orleans setting is richly descriptive which really transports you straight into the story - along with the mouthwatering food scenes. I love the smallest attention to detail.

At times we switch to the murderer's perspective. I enjoyed this unique glimpse into their mind.

Where there is murder, there are cops. In this case Detective Michael Grimaldi. Cue simmering tension between men.

Speaking of men - Sébastien is one I'd like to get to know...just sayin.

And, of course:

VAMPIRES!

Enough said.