Blackthorn

I've never read a novel written by J. T. Geissinger, but after finishing BLACKTHORN, I plan to amend that failure on my part. BLACKTHORN was an unexpected read. I enjoyed it immensely despite the obvious red flags between Ronan and Maven, or maybe because of them, despite what that says about me.

Ms. Geissinger took the time to add content warnings to the beginning of BLACKTHORN, and there is a reason for them. The story is dark and goes even darker in some areas. It flirts with the very edge of taboo behavior and describes a relationship that is the exact opposite of healthy. So, heed those warnings. This is one book where I agree with them being there simply because everyone's acceptance level of dark and disturbing is a little show more different.

That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed BLACKTHORN. Yes, Maven and Ronan will not win any awards regarding their relationship. Yes, therapists could write volumes on their complete inability to communicate effectively, their toxicity, and the slew of family baggage they each bring to the table. Still, they have fantastic chemistry, and I couldn't help but love Maven's threats of physical harm she wielded at every opportunity. Vivid and specific, they endeared her to me.

Plus, BLACKTHORN is a truly gothic novel in a way that I haven't read in a long time. Ms. Geissinger plays with those gothic elements in a way that will leave you guessing, which is exactly what a gothic novel should do. The story itself is very clever in that regard, something that I discovered only after finishing it and reflecting on the entirety of the story.

BLACKTHORN is an impressive novel. It's also a fast read, so fast that it feels a lot shorter than it is. The characters' dynamic is sparking, but it is the mystery of the grandmother that really draws you in. The visual image created by the description of the poor grandmother doesn't just pique your interest; it locks it in a chokehold and doesn't let go. BLACKTHORN may have been my first J. T. Geissinger novel, but it certainly won't be my last. show less

This is a haunting and intoxicating gothic romance that completely swept me away. Returning to her hometown after years of escape, Maven is drawn into a maze of dark family secrets, eerie mysteries, and a forbidden, pulse-pounding second-chance connection with Ronan Croft. The atmosphere is rich with suspense, paranormal undertones, and tension so sharp that it keeps you questioning what’s real until the very end. The audiobook enhances the experience and is narrated by Connor Crais, who delivers a magnetic, dangerously alluring Ronan with grit and intensity. Tara Langella vividly brings Maven’s turmoil, vulnerability, and strength to life. Veronica Pace adds depth with a haunting edge that enriches the story’s darker layers. show more Together, they create a cinematic, addictive listen I won’t soon forget. show less

Blackthorn was a slow start for me, which surprised me because I usually fall right into J.T. Geissinger’s books. But once things started moving, I was completely pulled in. Beah, Maven, and Ronan felt like they were always supposed to be a family, but stubbornness, history, and that old feud between Ronan’s family and the aunties definitely didn’t make anything easy. And add in those witchy, secretive vibes surrounding the aunties… there is definitely something going on there.

One thing that hung over the story for me was the question of whether Ronan and Maven could actually be siblings. The book keeps dropping just enough hints—especially when Maven’s mother and her death are talked about that makes you second guess show more everything. I won’t say if they are or not, but you'll keep wondering.

And then you have the grandmother! Her body disappears and suddenly the fox shows up. Is the fox the grandmother? It definitely gives the story this eerie, mystical feel that stays with you.

In the end, I’m glad I stuck through the slow beginning because it really does pay off. The story becomes emotional, mysterious, and layered in that way J.T. does so well.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacMillanAudio for the chance to listen to this DRC. And thank you #JTGeissinger, as always, for another story that pulls you in and makes you feel something.

Also, shoutout to #ConnorCrais, #TaraLangella, and #VeronicaPace. The narration was fantastic. Connor Crais has been one of my favorite male narrators for a long time—he doesn’t just read, he becomes the character.

#Sacrifice #Immortal #DarkRomance #Mystery #HappyEndings show less

I saw this book and was caught by the blurb, as it sounded like something that would be right up my alley. The mystery of the Blackthorn family was a storyline that had a lot of potential, especially when you add the family feud with the Crofts.

At the outset, it gave me a kind of darker Practical Magic vibe. But instead of building on that potential, less time was invested in worldbuilding and plot than was devoted to sex. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind spice in my reads, but it takes up *so much* of this book when the rest of the story could have been built upon instead, and the way the sex was written.... I don't know, it just felt icky, even before the potential incest and the monster sex.

So, while the premise had the potential to show more be a great read, the execution of this book was... not that. The first half to two-thirds of the book was tolerable, and I kept reading, hoping that finishing the book would be worth it. But the rest of the book was so focused on monster/demon sex that the storyline got lost in it, and the real reveal felt like it could have been given so much more attention, detail, and buildup. The plot deserved so much better than the final product, IMO, and it could have been a much better book. show less

Mavon returns to her ancestral home, with her young daughter, in order to attend the funeral of her grandmother. It was supposed to be a quick trip and she would return to her life in the city. Of course, even the best laid plans go awry when witch craft is involved and her grandmother’s body goes missing.

To add insult to injury, it was inevitable that she would run into her arch enemy Ronan Croft. Ronan is the billionaire heir and current CEO of Croft Pharmaceuticals. However, they were not always enemies. They had been lovers and even if Mavon wants to forget, her body has not. With each encounter more of their past is revealed and some secrets are not going to remain in the dark.

I love books that are character driven. It is the show more main thing that drives my quest for great stories. However, this book was all about the multi-layered plot and witty, cutting, banter. Yes, the characters were great; however, I got so wrapped up in the plot I didn’t pay as much attention as I normally do to character develop. In fact, I got so invested in this story that it had me reading until 2:00AM to finish.

The chemistry between the MMC and FMC was off the charts and I liked how the author built up the tension. Both characters had a lot of past baggage they each had to unpack and there were a couple of questions I had that were not answered until the very end. The book definitely had my complete attention the entire time I was reading.

The plot was fast based and there were plenty of twists. A couple of big twists actually. There was one twist at the end I figured out, and you will too if you pay addition to the details. I liked that the author allowed me to figure it out. It was as if she was seeing how clever her readers could be.

This is a dark romance; so, read the warnings carefully. That said, this is on the lighter side of dark romance. If dark romance can have a light side. In addition, this book has a lot of the same vibes as PenPal. Therefore, if you read and enjoyed that book you need to read this one NOW. For those readers who have not read any books by Geissenger, you need to read this book if you are into dark romance. In summary, an enjoyable read and I highly recommend.

I received a free copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. For more of my reviews, check out my book blog at www.thespineview.com. show less

This was my first from this author and won’t be the last.

Our main character arrives home for her grandmother’s funeral to find that her body is missing….she then reconnects with a past love.

This story is a gothic enemies to lovers romance. It hails lots of mystery, intrigue, suspense, and secrets.

The two families (Blackthorns and Crofts) have family feud in what almost feels like a slight Romeo and Juliet reference, but not in a huge way. This adds to the storyline in a satisfying way. You have the romance side and then the family secrets and feud.

I love the gothic feel and the forbidden enemies to lovers romance. The book started really strong and then toward the end it almost shifted from gothic to paranormal. It was a bit show more jarring, but I went with it and it worked. The book is really well written and the story flows well. It is fast paced and keeps the pacing throughout the book.

This book is dual narration although there is a full cast of characters which I loved. Our main characters voice narrators were perfect. Connor Crais is one of my favorite narrators so I was happy to see him in the lineup. Sound quality was good. My only critique is that the speed the narrators talked was just a bit dated than normal. I had to slow down the speed lower than I normally listen at. It’s not a huge deal and didn’t take away from the storyline.

Tropes: betrayal, family secrets, enemies to lovers, magic, forbidden love, mystery

I will definitely be looking into this author’s next books for sure! show less

Slow burn but anticlimactic. Gives witchy vibes but no magic