I’m not sure how I stumbled across this book, but I’m so thankful I did. It is urban fantasy, the romance is clean, and the story line is interesting. I do confess there is a slight cliff hanger at the end that has nothing to do with the main story, but left me with my mouth hanging open and irritated to learn that book was two months away. (I read this book in January.) So I didn’t want to do the same thing to you and waited to leave a review since book 2 is coming out Friday, March 14.
The story starts with the female main character, Piper. She lives in a huge old house and cultivates the expansive yard with various kinds of flowers which she sells at a market or as a distributor. The book has a cozy feel with good supportive friends and family who are always nearby.
Unfortunately for Piper, she has a cheating boyfriend who she breaks up with right at the start of the book. She then makes some rebound choices which stimulate the majority of the story. And yes, I won’t tell you what these are as I have no desire to destroy your reading fun.
The book has a few twists and turns. I thought the plot was leading me one way and then it did a 90 degree turn and it’s, ‘oh, we’re going this way now’. Honestly, I liked the twists even if they felt a little abrupt. They kept me reading and gave the plot surprising qualities. (Like the unexpected ending.)
The main character was very likable even if you did think she was a little stupid at the beginning. You kind of wanted to say, ‘even I knew that was a dumb idea.’ But then when we’re on the rebound, who hasn’t done something stupid and questionable? So her choices make Piper relatable.
For the future books, there are a few areas I hope are explored. As the book blurb mentions, Piper is pre-vampiric, and there is a vampire governing organization she becomes a part of, but the details feel a bit lacking. There are hints that this organization is corrupt. The lack of details and corrupt governing body isn’t necessary a bad thing as this is a series, so I’m hoping with book two the author delves deeper. Also, the governing body isn’t the main point of the plot for book one, so not a huge disappointment, just curiosity on my part.
Blood and Buttercups by Shari Tapscott is a fast-paced read. So if you’re looking for something to get lost in, check out the first book. I’m sure you’ll be picking up book two the moment you finish! You can check out the book on Amazon.
K. M. Wray 