Loved the book so much that I finished reading it within two days. the writing style is engaging and kept me hooked. I didn’t want the book to end

2.5 Stars

Always Carry a Silver Cross starts with an intriguing premise—a reluctant guardian, a mysterious small town, and a supernatural undercurrent—but unfortunately, it doesn’t quite deliver on its potential. Andrea Robertson’s signature blend of paranormal romance and quirky charm is present, but the execution feels uneven.

Selene is a relatable protagonist, and the early chapters do a good job of setting up her emotional journey. The setting is whimsical and eerie in all the right ways, and the story flirts with some compelling themes of grief, identity, and belonging. However, the pacing is a major issue. The love interest doesn’t appear until well into the book, and their relationship development feels rushed and undercooked. The shifting points of view are also jarring at times, making it hard to stay grounded in the narrative.

There are moments of genuine heart and humor, but they’re often overshadowed by tonal inconsistencies and a plot that loses momentum in the final act. The ending, while clearly setting up a sequel, felt abrupt and unsatisfying. Additionally, readers should be aware that the book includes scenes that may be distressing, including multiple instances of sexual assault, which are not clearly signposted.

Overall, this book had promise, but it needed tighter editing and more thoughtful pacing to truly shine.

This is my first book by this author and i absolutely loved it! Great flow, character development. I just wanted to keep reading it! Thanks for the ARC!

Always Carry a Silver Cross was very entertaining romantasy novel that I hope is at least part of a duology, because that cliffhanger ending was heart wrenching! I wouldn't necessarily call it a paranormal romcom. There were comedic moments but this story felt mostly like a cozy romantasy with some bonus spicy scenes. There were uncomfortable moments that probably merit a TW for attempted SA, however they were plot relevant and really showed how slimy and evil the "bad guy" could be. I hope there is a follow up book to this one because I want everyone to have their HEA, and to find out the truth about Selene's lineage!

I am someone who either loves a paranormal romance or is completely bored by it. This one is excellent. After the death of Selene's best friend, her world begins to spiral (and not in the usual way), and life becomes more and more bizarre. This isn't quite a cozy romance, but it's not a fast paced one either. Parts are a bit repetitive but overall, a really solid story

Andrea Robertson delivers a darkly whimsical and surprisingly heartfelt journey in Always Carry a Silver Cross, a novel that starts as a slow burn and ends with a heart-stopping cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for the next installment.

Selene never planned on motherhood—especially not to a sharp, spirited teen like Allie. But after her best friend's death, Selene finds herself not only guardian to Allie, but also uprooted to a strange small town where the line between fairy tale and nightmare is dangerously thin. What begins as a reluctant attempt at rebuilding quickly descends into a world filled with cryptic neighbors, hidden dangers, and haunting secrets.

At first, the story leans into a cozy-meets-creepy vibe with touches of cheese—in the best possible way. There's something undeniably charming about the town’s eccentricities and Selene’s awkward attempts to settle in. But don’t get too comfortable: the plot twists sharply midway through, transforming into a fast-paced, eerie mystery brimming with gothic allure and romantic tension.

Robertson balances humor, suspense, and magic with just the right amount of melodrama. Selene is a relatable heroine—reluctant, flawed, but fiercely determined—and the supporting cast is both quirky and chilling. The romance is slow-building yet tantalizing, and the supernatural elements are richly woven into the emotional heart of the story.

By the time you reach the final chapters, the pace quickens and the revelations come hard and fast, culminating in a cliffhanger that will make you shout, "Where's the next book?!"

Verdict: A slightly cheesy, slow-burn supernatural adventure that sneaks up on you with real emotional stakes and a fantastically twisty plot. If you're a fan of gothic fantasy, reluctant heroines, and found-family stories, Always Carry a Silver Cross is a must-read. Bring on book two—because we need answers!

This is refreshing! We have a late 30s FMC who is rational, prioritizes communication, and doesn’t overreact. I also love that she dies NOT approve of her 16 year old niece dating an almost 100 year old werewolf and says what every older romantasy girl thinks: it’s creepy! I also loved that she prioritizes her niece and friends over a new relationship.

That being said, I didn’t think the MMC was fleshed out enough. I also thought the ending didn’t really make sense considering his late-act change of heart and he easily could have just said “hey wait” and made things easier for everyone.

Trigger warnings : Grief, parent loss, death.

Troupes : Fated Mates, touch her and die, and found family.

Spice : 🌶🌶

Witches, Faries, Vampires & Werewolves co-existing in a small town. An aunt taking over guardianship of a teen, who happens to have a werewolf boyfriend.

I enjoyed the fast pace and premise of danger. The ending wasn't predictable, and left it open for a sequel.

Always Carry a Silver Cross by Andrea Robertson is a charming blend of paranormal mystery, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. Selene’s journey from reluctant guardian to brave heroine is both relatable and magical. With an enchanting small-town setting, quirky characters, and a touch of romance, this book delivers a cozy yet suspenseful ride. A great pick for fans of light supernatural reads with emotional depth.

Selene's world is turned upside down. Her best friend is dead, and now she is the guardian of her teenage daughter Allie. Meeting hunky Fenris, and the rest of the paranormal in the small town shakes her up. Finding out vampires, werewolves and fey exist is hard to believe, but when her witch new best friend is arrested for crimes and to be executed it becomes more complex. Liked this one, and kept my interest, although felt like the ending leaves as a cliff hanger. Otherwise would recommend.

2.5 stars rounded up

This story started out really intriguing, and had a similar concept to The Vampire Diaries (which I love). However, in the end I think it suffered from pacing issues. We didn’t meet the love interest, Fenris, until 20% through the book and even then didn’t get much of their relationship build up until we suddenly got ALL of it at once. Change of POV was irregular, and not always helpful. Overall, I enjoyed most of the story but found myself skimming the last 15-20% of the book.

It also needs a content warning for SA, as it occurs multiple times in this book.

Thank you Montlake (via NetGalley) for gifting me with an eARC, all thoughts expressed are my own.

I've been a fan of this author since I was a teenager reading her Nightshade series! I loved this book and am so happy this author is putting new work out.

It’s rare to find a paranormal romance that balances heart and humor so well, and this one nailed it. The way the story mixes everyday struggles with moonlit secrets and seductive tension had me hooked from start to finish. The romance simmered with just the right amount of heat, and the characters were flawed but fiercely relatable. Themes of loss, belonging, and trust wove through the narrative beautifully, giving the story emotional weight beneath all the supernatural fun. It made me believe in magic while rooting for real, messy people to find their way. It’s that rare kind of read that leaves your heart fluttering and your mind buzzing. I absolutely adored it.

I loved this! The bond between characters and the plot was amazing! I also loved how the two decided to be adults and really converse through issues.

I always love a good paranormal romance but this one fell a tad flat for me. Josh’s reveal as a werewolf lacked any real excitement and it was difficult to like Selene.

That being said it was a quick, easy read and the premise was interesting. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC!

Firstly, I must clarify that this is apparently part of a series, or at least the first book. I didn't realise this, so the ending was pretty disappointing to me, as everything else was giving off standalone contemporary fantasy romance. Not only that, but I, unfortunately, have no intention of continuing on the series. I actually almost DNF'ed this about halfway through, but decided to keep reading to see if it gets better. It didn't.

The initial premise of this was good. I liked the concept of Avondale as a town for supernatural creatures, with humans in the know and only allowed to live there with permission. Selene moved back because it's where Allie grew up and felt most comfortable, which made sense. It equally made sense why she'd be given permission even if she had nothing to do with that world. This means that Selene is shocked when she finds out what's happening, which is incidentally on the first night.

And basically, here's why my issues started and never stopped.

Allie is 16 and reveals out of nowhere that she has a boyfriend, Jake. Jake is a werewolf. Selene is rudely introduced into this world within hours of arrival, which is stupid. Why would you do that to someone living as a normal human and expect her to be okay with it?

As a character, Allie was very annoying, but she was 16 and acted like a 16-year-old, so I can at least forgive her for that. Jake...why the hell was everyone okay with Jake being with Allie? He's over a hundred years old, and he's...dating a 16-year-old? And was dating a 15-year-old, because of the timelines. What the hell. Why was no one else weirded out by this?! I couldn't get over it, and the fact that everyone just...accepted it.

The side characters existed. Selene's neighbours felt like they were there just for plot points, like 'oh, we need a healer character'. Her friendship with Natalie was way too fast, which is my main complaint about this book. Everything happens within the space of a week or two, from what I understood. It's even more silly when you consider that Selene is almost 40!

On the topic of Selene, she was a poor main character. As far as I know, we get minimal character building from her. I don't entirely understand her job. Is it something about environmental campaigning? I don't know. I understand she's just been introduced to this world, so many complaints and criticisms make sense. But then what happens at the end of the book just annoyed me. She's been in this world for less than a month and feels she has the right to make demands and proclaim laws to be stupid? You've only just bloody moved here! Her wishy-washy attitude to everything annoyed me, along with the instant lust with Fen.

Who is another character who annoyed me? He's hundreds of years old, and within two weeks, he's making ridiculous offers to Selene. Offers that, according to everything we learn earlier, he shouldn't be doing. I won't specify more, but it made me side-eye him. That was about all the characterisation he got. He wasn't interesting, and I didn't care about him.

The introduction of a specific character in this book (you'll understand when you read, they're the only character I haven't mentioned) was...well, pointless? Why were they brought in? Everything got resolved too quickly, and I didn't understand their point.

I will concede that the writing was good overall and easy to read, but I just wasn't into the characters or the story.

WOW! I could not put this down! I love me a good and spicy paranormal romance with some suspense! From start to finish I was hooked and I’m so here for this.

I’m guessing this will be part of a series so I’ll be keeping my eye out for that! But you have werewolves, you have vampires, fairies and witches! All part of a small town, cozy community. Selene moves to Avondale unexpectedly and discovers a whole new world. It’s not a repeat of our favorite vamps and werewolf hotties. It’s original and it will hook you in!

Thank you NetGalley, Author and Publisher for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review! Loved it!!!!

This was one of those paranormal romances that just hit the spot, it’s fun, gripping and whimsical
I’m one of those people that will read any and all paranormal romances so I feel like I have a bit of credibility when I say this one is a MUST read !
This book is written in 3rd person and I can honestly say it was once of the most well crafted version of that.
The love story between the mcs is everything and more I found myself wanting to read more about them and I hope ones day I will!

Always Carry a Silver Cross by new to me author Andrea Robertson, published by Montlake is a full length, stand alone pnr romance novel.
I read the blurb and the first chapter and fell pretty quick for the fabulous story. But soon the h became kinda bland, come on Selene, you can do better with your niece and your love interest, Fenrir, the Alpha Wolf Pack Leader.
When she learns that there's a whole other world full of pnr beings out there, she's flabbergasted, as she should be. But the build up to other characters and things that happens is a bit flat, loveless, sometimes too short.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading this book, but I wished for this itty bitty more that fell flat, 4 stars.

TL/DR: You’ve read the synopsis, right? Great! Now what you need to know is this is not your average, quick read paranormal. It takes everything we think we know and the author makes it her own. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions, use caution when drinking any liquid (you’ll get it, trust me) and be prepared for an exceptional story. I’ve already ordered a copy for my trophy shelf. Yeah, it’s that good.

I was expecting a fun, quick, little paranormal read. What I wasn’t expecting was for the author to break my heart, gently put it back together and then leave me in a puddle of heartbreak and happiness. Weird combo, I’ll give you that, but this book had everything and if it is not at the very least a duology, even better a trilogy or series, I am going to cry.

The characters and the world are so rich it makes the town of Avondale feel like it doesn’t just exist in the author’s mind, but somewhere along the California coast.

Allie, 16, one of our FMC has recently lost her Mom to a tragic event, and our other FMC, Selene, has lost her best friend, her found family. She has also been granted guardianship of Allie. She is no longer just the fun aunt, she is responsible for her in every way and because of this, she brings Allie back to Avondale, to something familiar, albeit with a new routine, in a home that is comforting while they are still grieving and growing.

To learn that Avondale, a place Allie’s mom said felt like home was just a little different than what she expected was a shock. She didn’t think they kept anything from each other.

Then Allie throws another shock at her, she has a boyfriend, he’s paranormal and oh yeah, Selene’s biggest donor (to her campaigns, usually environmental in nature) is kinda like his Dad.

This book will have you sympathizing with how quickly Selene’s world is changing, laughing at her reactions and faux-pas, and then getting swept up in everything that happens from the first page to the last.

I want to thank the author, Montlake publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book. I definitely need a copy for my trophy shelf. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading.

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