Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: The Mysteries of Marblehead Manor

AUTHOR: L. A. Kaye

PUBLISHER: Kaye Klub Publishing

LENGTH: 173 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 26, 2023

BLURB:

Mystery and magic surround the family O’Toole. Will the current generation running Marblehead Manor add to the lore, or will they bring the house down?

Marblehead Manor, a quaint bed-and-breakfast in Marblehead, Massachusetts, has been the home of generations of O’Tooles and Kellys, most of whom have stuck around the manor—even in death.

The proprietors, Connor O’Toole and his twin, Mariah, enjoy their lives as innkeepers, fulfilling their mother’s dream of hosting visitors in their home. They’re the only living O’Tooles, and with Mariah being eight-minutes older, there are strict rites of passage that must be followed to maintain order—and power. Of course, Connor’s never been one to care much for rules…

Clint Blackwell is newly graduated from college and trying to find his place in the world. On his drive to an unpaid internship in Boston, Clint’s car starts to act up, so he gets off the highway and drives to the small town of Marblehead, just a block from the mechanic’s shop. Clint’s directed to Marblehead Manor for the weekend while the mechanic assesses the damage and orders parts. Is it a coincidence, or is there something magical waiting for Clint at the stately old Victorian?

What other mysteries surrounding the manor remain unsolved? Will Connor’s obsessive pursuit of his soul mate lead to chaos and regret? Will the odd events Clint encounters alert him that Marblehead Manor isn’t just a run-of-the-mill bed-and-breakfast? What’s up with that pesky cat that keeps lurking around every corner? Come check into Marblehead Manor and find out for yourself!

This original work of paranormal/urban fantasy fiction is approximately 40,000 words in length, is a standalone book with magic, mayhem, and men, and ends in an H-E-A. I hope you enjoy it!

REVIEW:

Things are about to get even more mysterious at Marblehead Manor!

When Clint Blackwell’s car broke down in the tiny hamlet of Marblehead, Massachusetts he didn’t think any more could change in his life. His homophobic parents have literally thrown him out and told him they had helped him get an un-paid internship for his newly acquired degree in hospitality and hotel management at at boutique hotel in Boston. Oh and he was never welcome back! In a strange chain of events, Clint has checked in to a mysterious bed-and-breakfast, went for a walk, was attacked by some strange animal and now his body was changing rapidly. When the gorgeous inn owner Connor O’Toole realizes that handsome Clint is the mate he has waited for he is thrilled. Now he just has to get his eight-minute older sister to match up so he can finally have his mate. White Witches have strong traditions and mating in order is one of them. But, with dark magic lurking around, do the O’Toole twins have time for traditions or will fates be tested?

This book threw at me lots of new mystical beings. I haven’t read witches or witchcraft before. I know shifters but had no idea what a werecreature was or that one ever existed. I’m still not getting the whole familiar concept totally either. But I can tell you that Connor and Clint did seem to be perfectly matched in many ways. Clint complimented Connor and his strengths and knowledge would be a blessing for the inn.  Also they complimented each others needs and desires as a couple.

I didn’t like the trickery that Connor’s family helped get Clint involved in but this was one of those times where the ends justified the means. I never felt it was dubious consent but that Connor felt he had to honor his sister when he didn’t see the entire picture and everyone, including Mariah, understood what was setting forth and what she wanted/needed also. But I felt so much for Connor when he felt like he, and in turn Mariah, were deceived. That was a hard part of the book to read. I never care for trickery or deceit and, even though warranted, left a sourness in my stomach.

I understand that this is a standalone book however the author did such a fabulous job of universe building that I could easily see a return visit to the end.

RATING:

BUY LINKS:

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