Red Magnolia

Red Magnolia by Lucy Holden is the start of a paranormal fantasy series. Harper's life has changed recently with the death of her twin sister and moving to a new house in a new city. During her first day of school, she finds out that the house she has moved into has a curse. This leads Harper to investigate further and learn more about things she never thought were real. This was a promising first book of the series. The plot was fast-paced, and readers are left wanting more. Fans of the Twilight series would like this new series.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange of an honest review.

I liked Red Magnolia. It didn't exactly blow my mind, but it was an easy read, I liked it and it left me wanting to know what happens next. There are simmilarities with some other vampire books that I've read, but fortunately I didn't mind because I like reading these kinds of books ;)
The characters are likeable, the plot is interesting.
I need more Harper and Antoine after this! Totally need the next book!

wow

From the first chapter of this book I was extremely intrigued, hell even from the first page I was hooked!

“Red Magnolia” by Lucy Holden is a YA/NA paranormal romance fantasy. This incredible story weaves together a coming-of-age story, vampire lore, and teenage angst with a rich Southern Gothic plot line.

“Red Magnolia” follows Harper, a young girl dealing with the heartbreaking loss of her mother and twin sister. Along with her step brother, Connor she moves to a small town in Mississippi for a fresh start.
Little do they know the old plantation house they have bought is cursed.
But not only is the mansion cursed, it’s Antoine Marigny’s family home.
Now he wants it back—no matter the cost.

I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. It is a bewitching, easy to read story, following an extremely likeable main character. Harper is a strong determined and loving character, whose main priority is her family.

Fans of Vampire Diaries and Twilight are bound to enjoy this captivating vampire romance fantasy!

If you are even thinking about reading this novel, I’m telling you read it, you won’t regret it!

I cannot wait for the next instalment in this incredible saga to come out!

It’s unusual for me to start a series like this (7 books I believe) with only one book available. Patience is not a virtue I possess so the wait between books will be hard. But the blurb intrigued me and I’m nothing if not weak.

This proved to be an intriguing and absorbing read. Harper and her brother Connor have moved for a fresh start. Having lost her twin, the other half of her soul Harper struggles to continue on. Connor saves her. Together they move to the ruins of the once great Marigny mansion.
They discover the old mansion is cursed. But then what old building in the Deep South isn’t?
Then Harper hears a woman’s voice calling to her.

I enjoyed this book and while I’m not looking forward to the wait I am looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.

Red Magnolia by Lucy Holden is a YA book that is part of an upcoming series. It follows Harper who is dealing with the loss of her twin sister. Harper and her step brother, Conner, have recently moved into a new mansion in a small town in Mississippi. They don't discover until later there there are legends that tell of an old curse placed upon the mansion. And legends often hold more trusted then lies.

I gave this book a 4/5 stars simply because it was a bit cliche and predictable in some parts but other than that I did enjoy it. It was a quick, fun read that had me hooked right from the beginning. Lucy did a good job with the pacing of the book and i just couldn't put it down. I am definitely not looking forward to the long wait for the next book in the series but I expect that it will be worth it.

This book was absolutely amazing! I loved the characters and all of the details that went into creating the history of the plot. The romance in this novel was top-tier and I am counting down the days until the sequel comes out!

The theme of this book is fascinating. The fluidity of the writing, the description, the mystery and the portrayal all make for a great read.

Harper and her brother, Connor move to Mississippi to start over. The pain of losing their loved ones might be easier if they moved away. They buy this old mansion that needs a lot of work. No problem though, because that's Connor's area of expertise.

Harper on the other hand has some unusual and scary experiences. Antoine adds to it by turning up unexpectedly. He is not happy that they have bought the house which used to belong to his family. He wants it back and is quite insintent. Harper is not one to be bossed around and as they get to know each other, she starts to unravel the mysteries around the mansion and Antoine himself. Will those scare her away and grant Antoine his wish?

I must admit that I didn't know what to expect when I decided to read this book. It turns out that I was completely captivated from the prologue to the end. The plot and the characters are very well developed. The story is compelling and I can't wait to see where it leads. Beautifully portrayed.

I received an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

The book surrounds Harper, still struck with grief from her twin sister dying and her mother prior to that, in the custody of her 21 year old step-brother, Connor, they move to a small town where he was given a grant (and her moms death money) to renovate a house. A fresh start for both of them, away from death and sadness.

The first day of school people stare, but in a small town that's to be expected, but she learns that the kid she sits next to, Jeremiah, his parents owned the house that is now in her name, but they died soon after. Which is weird, but something to shrug off, except there's a curse that surrounds the house that the name on the deed has to be of a living Marigny, otherwise the curse will kill the one that gave up the deed and the evil will escape the house.

Its already started with the voices she hears and her dreams, but she doesn't dare to give up the house, even when Jeremiahs gorgeous 23 year old uncle comes offering a lot of money for the house, even when the water and electricity switch off and even when she finds out the truth behind the curse and that Antoine is not all that he seems.

Permanent bindings are made, but their efforts may be all for nothing.

AHHHHH. I love love loved the book. This is my first official review so I hope the description was good enough, I feel it sounds more like a blurb than anything.

I really like the book, I didn't know it was a Vampire book going into it but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I am a fan of the vampire genre, but I am picky. Yes, I am very basic with my Twilight and The Vampire Diaries book collection. But so when people try to make a new vampire book they are always really wary of the existing (and before mentioned) books and they either try to top it (which usually doesn't work) or they try to create a new concept of vampires, which really never works, it just ends up being something completely different from vampires.

This book however, combines what we already know with a really enticing storyline. The concept is easily comparable to The Vampire Diaries, which isn't bad since we know that that book (or the series at least) follows a more traditional concept of vampires. In this book the abilities may be similar but the origin story is different. There are not hundreds and thousands of vampires roaming the earth, it is one family that has to protect the curse and with that comes... I have said too much.

The point is is that the concept isn't new but it isn't the same as the others. And the storyline is, chef's kiss.
And of course there is going to be death that surrounds the main girl, its a vampire romance story, there has to be a tragic past, but again, similar concept, different storyline.

Anyone that likes vampires is going to like this, and this is saying something coming from me because I have tried many vampire books but I have only like one (twilight, and its more for Robert Pattinson than anything) - The Vampire Diaries was too painful for my (at the time) 15 year old self to read.

Also, to compliment the chef, yes the story and concept is good but the writing is also so good. In the dark and eerie parts, my body was on edge, in the calm parts, my body felt calm. The writing is just as good as every other aspect of the book, which is all of it. And I love that the cover is something simple but inviting, and not a naked mans torso. It isn't too long of a book where you need to clear out your weekend schedule, it may seem kind of short really, but I didn't find that because of the length that it was lacking in detail or explanations. Whether it was a 500 page book or 1000 page book, I feel the detailing would have been the same. It just would have been more boring to drag it out.

I cannot recommend this book enough and I am really looking forward to the rest of the books to come out. Miss Lucy Holden, I will object to reading the books ahead of time like I have done for this one. I think I am probably your biggest fan now, and also wouldn't mind getting physical copies, but that is really me reaching. Hahahah.

But genuinely such an exciting book and am so looking forward to the releases as well as the history that it will make in the vampire genre world.

<3<3<3

A quick romance/vampire read. The first of seven books starts off an interesting tale of Harper and her step brother, Connor. Harper has lost her mother and twin sister. The story is interesting and keeps your attention. A little predictable but good. I will read the next one when it releases. Thanks #netgalley and #BooksGoSocial for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

I am always always on the hunt for my next vampire fix. Yes, I get the irony. I stumbled across Red Magnolia while browsing Netgalley. The words 'vampire' and 'Mississippi' caught my attention. As a native Mississippian, I was curious. I absolutely love how the author wove Mississippi's Slavery history and the Natchez's Indigenous history into it's vampire lore. It's a completely fresh take on vampires and it makes a fictional personal obsession, a little more sentimental. And lucky me, it's going to be a 7 book series. Though, maybe the book went a little heavy with the Magnolia. But it definitely lives up to the title. Red Magnolia was a little slow to get going. It had to set up the 'mystery' and Gothicy vibe. Once it got going, though, I couldn't put it down.

(quote)“This is the Deep South, after all.” She shrugs. “Old superstitions die hard.”(quote)

Harper and her brother, Conner, move to Mississippi from Baton Rouge to have a fresh start from their tragic past. They move into an old historial mansion Conner wants to fix up. Unknown to them, but not for long, the antebellum house has some deep-rooted superstitious history. Harper then meets the mysteriously secretive Antoine whose family once owned the house. And he wants it back—no matter the cost.

(quote)He says it’s a new beginning for us. I want to believe that, even if the ruins of the past are a strange place to look for a new beginning.(quote)

Red Magnolia has some parallels to The Vampire Diaries. Honestly, finding TVD parallels in anything and everything is my superpower at this point. Harper reminds me so much of Elena Gilbert. She's headstrong and self-sacrificing and cares more than she wants to admit. Antoine is... well I'll let you decide. But I love him. And I'm so excited and impatient to continue this series.

(quote)Antoine is powerful and vital, and when he isn’t grim and angry, his eyes are so vivid they seem to pierce the light itself. He seems born to the outdoors rather than the darkness, as if he carries the sun inside him rather than fearing it.(quote)




***Thank you to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, Fehu Press, and Paula Constant for allowing me to review Red Magnolia. Quotes are subject to change.***

Thank you for the Netgalley for sending me an eARC of this book!

Now, this is a book about 17 year old Harper who has lost her parents, and recently her twin sister. With her only remaining relative, Connor, they move into this new mansion, that apparently is cursed. From then on she meets some interesting people, including Antoine, who's desperate to convince Harper that she's not safe and she should sell the mansion to his family.

The first book isn't that long, so it's a quick read and easy read. I was a bit hesitant at first, and was worried it'd be like Twilight. But it's actually a decent read. Harper is headstrong and determined and actually quite quick witted. Her sense of humor isn't so bad either. She was definitely a fine character, younger readers will definitely find it easy to relate to her. And yes, that being said it's quite YA - which I don't mind - and 16 year old me would have absolutely been obsessed with this story. Connor is caring, Jeremiah is a bit shy at first but definitely comes around, and Antoine is a fairly good character, who I thought was an alright love interest.

All in all I'm interested in the series and I definitely recommend it, if you like paranormal romance stories, and if you used to binge The Vampire Diaries.

Wow!!! 5 star is not even enough a rating for this incredible read.
This book is like a black hole, swallowing me whole and before I knew it, I’m down at the rabbit hole of pure enchantment.

Harper and Antoine undoubtedly were made for each other. Their chemistry was so off-the-chart.
I’m grinning ear to ear like a loon at every one of their moments together especially the stolen ones.

This is a voluntary review in exchange for the ARC I received. To the Netgalley team, and the author I’m truly thankful for the chance.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.

*Review will be posted on my blog and all other media sites on August 15, 2021

Introduction

Looking for a fresh start, Harper and her brother Connor move into an old, run down mansion that seems to harbor history of curses, not to mention that something weird seems to be going on in the old cemented-up cellar. Nobody seems willing to let this history go, especially not Antoine, a mysterious man who seems hellbent on getting Harper and her brother out of that mansion, no matter what the cost.

Pace

This book, in epub. format, at least, is less than 200 pages, making this a very quick and fast-paced story.

Characters & Relationships

Generally, I liked all of the characters, but I have a few small gripes about Harper's friend, Avery, her interest in Harper's brother, Connor, and Harper's, in my opinion, weird acceptance of it. It seemed like the only reason Avery ever came around was to ogle at Connor, and she hardly actually seemed interested in being Harper's friend just for friendship's sake. Given that Harper just moved to town, it's fair to assume that she would take friendship with anybody, but it's hard to believe that she would just let Avery come around so often when she's obviously just interested in Connor, and I can see that becoming a conflict in later books (which I'm excited to see play out, if that happens.)

Vampire Element

The vampire history and origin story of the vampires in this book is pretty on par with other YA vampire books that I've read. I like that the vampires here have to drink human blood as opposed to going the "vegetarian" route with animal blood or other substitutes. I've grown used to reading about vampires that don't drink human blood because They're Good Vampires and Hate The Curse and Would Never Harm Anybody because that's Not Who They Are so I liked this more classic route.

Twilight Vibes (Slight Spoilers)

There are STRONG Twilight vibes in this novel. The party scene where Antione swoops in to save Harper from a bunch of scary men is stunningly similar to the the scene in Twilight where Edward does the same for Bella.

Even more similar was the way that Antoine made Harper say that he was a vampire instead of saying the words himself, just like Edward.

I'm definitely not saying that these similarities are a bad thing, I just think it's worth mentioning that they are there, so if you love Twilight, this book might be for you.

Conclusion

I liked this book. It was a very quick read and good for scratching a vampire story itch. I think depending on if you enjoyed Twilight might gauge how you feel about this book because as I mentioned, there are a lot of similarities. I shamelessly enjoyed Twilight, so this was a good book for me, and the similarities were welcome. I would like to continue with this saga and will be looking out for more from this author.

Teen Harper tragically loses her twin sister, and the family moves to a new home and town to start over and get away from the memories. The first day of her new school, Harper meets Antoine, who has a darkness inside that intrigues her, and she becomes seriously attracted to him. Secrets, curses, tragedies and the supernatural all blend to make this story fun, well written and emotional. I loved The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, etc. and this book is right up there with them. My only complaint is now I have to wait for book 2!!!

Thankyou to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an unpaid, honest review.

Harper moves to a small Mississippi town with her stepbrother, Connor, to renovate an old mansion. It doesn't take long for Harper to figure out that something isn't right, especially when Antoine Marigny insists that she sells the house back to his family. Read this if you love young adult books with vampires and mystery.

I need more Antoine Marigny! This was a fun paranormal romance book that wasn't hard to get into. I'm from Louisiana so I liked the references to Baton Rouge and places that I'm familiar with. Will definitely be looking for the next books in the series.

This was a fantastic beginning to a new series! I loved the combination of the "voodoo" magic, with Native American beliefs, and of course, vampires. I would've loved more Antoine and Harper! Especially since they had great chemistry. And that cliffhanger at the end left me shaking my fist!

I did NOT think I would love this book as much as I did.
Honestly, I'm a sucker (no pun intended) for vampire books, but most of the time I end up comparing it to my fave ones and then always be let down a bit.
But this one I'll add right up there with my other fave vamp ones. A strong female main character, moody broody vampire, lots of history and family bonds. It read quick and easy and I need to have all the other parts of this series asap!

I need the second book...now!

Red Magnolia was so much better than I expected! It is a vampire/Twilight-esque story with an interesting plot and with less irritating characters.

The story follows a girl, Harper, who has been through some tragedies in her short life. To move past these tragedies and start fresh they move to a new town and to a new to them, run-down mansion. Little does she know there is a haunting backstory (or may I say curse) that comes with said house.
She meets new characters all awesome but not as interesting as Antoine. Antoine has a secret (well more than one really) and she's just dying to find out what they are.

Red Magnolia keeps you wanting more with the intrigue, the budding romance, and with a curse that could ruin everything if broken. Lucy Holden has done an amazing job, this book is altogether well-written and leaves me wanting more!

#NetGalley

thank you netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. i really enjoyed this book, and because of the pacing and the length it was really quick and easy to get through. i now can’t wait to read the next book in the series! because of this i’m going to give the book 4/5 stars.

I really loved the atmospheric gothic feeling of the story and the Southern setting. Though there are many vampire stories out there, the combination of southern culture, native american mysticism and American history made this one stand out and feel fresh.

I really loved, too, how the author created a traumatic backstory for the main character, Harper, that provided both the fortitude she would need to face an unbelievable scenario, and the need to reinvent and rediscover herself without her identity as a twin. It was great to see her beginning to open up to new friends and to see how ferociously she defended her brother as he was the only family she had left.

I'm very interested to continue this series!

I have read many ya/na vampire books before but this book had so many other elements that made it so good! I read this in one day and couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait for the next installment

I received this as an ARC, cover is very eye catching and genuinely quiet a pretty book, now story line without giving to much away Twilight fans will love this book as its close the the plot of twilight in my opinion, gripping read you will not want to put down

Review posted on my Goodreads profile:

If I'm being completely honest, this book surprised me.

I saw the book on Net Galley, liked the cover and after reading the synopsis I knew I wanted to start reading it.

If you miss reading paranormal romances, I highly recommend this book.

I have been captivated since the start of the book if Im honest. It's the first book of the author I read but no doubts I will continue reading her histories <3 This book is totally recommend for people who love The vampire diaries, the mistery and of course the romance.
A dark history with a good description of the places and vampires, what better mix??, it's reads fast and have plots I didn't see coming🤯🤯 About the characters: Harper i love you so much, your attitude, your devotion for people you love causes my heart feel warm. Antoine wow just wow I want read about more of him (special mention to Connor 😍)
I don't say more because this is a review spoiler free, just read this book!! <3 you will not regret

4.5 stars

PD: I need read the second book! 🤩🤩🤩

Thank you to Netgalley and the author, Lucy Holden, for providing a copy of Red Magnolia (Nightgarden Saga book 1). I have reviewed honestly.

Red Magnolia features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ YA fantasy
○ Paranormal romance
○ Vampires
○ Curses
○ High school
○ Enemies to lovers
○ Gothic

My overall rating for Red Magnolia is…

4 Stars!

Red Magnolia is the vampire book I've been searching for every since Twilight and The Vampire Diaries came to an end. This book was well written and fast paced, the author keeping you on your toes as secrets are unravelled. Harper is the perfect MC; she's smart and strong and she's experienced loss and has grown from it. Antoine is sin on a page. He's like Damon and Stephan Salvatore combined as one person. We didn't see as much of his character as I would have liked, but I expect he'll feature more as the series continues. Overall, an intriguing and powerful series starter that will leave you craving to sink your teeth into book 2.

Harper and her brother Connor bought the old Marigny estate in Deepwater, Mississippi to restore and start over after the loss of their mother and Harper’s twin sister Tessa. Starting fresh in a new town, new home should have been the best thing for them but there’s a curse upon the house and a mysterious man is determined to get them to sell the house back to the family name, or the curse could break and evil break out.

This is really well written, awesome characters, Southern Gothic vibe complete with plantation history and the horrors that happened in that time. The only downside I will say is that this entire series is apparently about vampires and there’s 7 books total (all 7 will be out by March of next year) and if vampires are your thing then this is definitely a series for you! It’s just not my particular thing. However like I said, the writing is good, characters are fleshed out and I enjoyed it overall!

Red Magnolia is a compelling read, which I sped through in one day because I was so hooked on it. Although it is not entirely unpredictable, it is well written and I found I was invested in the characters very quickly. I couldn’t read the book fast enough to discover what would happen to them. In my head, the mysterious Antoine Marigny was a dead ringer for Teen Wolf’s Derek Hale, which was a definite bonus for me!

I am a sucker for a good vampire book (if you’ll excuse the pun), and I absolutely loved this book. The setting is rich with history and the secrets surrounding the old Marigny house add a real gothic feel to the story.

Red Magnolia is definitely one for fans of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries. It has everything you could possibly wish for in a YA vampire book, and I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Red Magnolia is a great book where Lucy Holden invites you to the mysterious world with Southern Gothic legends and vampires. The main protagonist - Harper Ellory, has just lost her twin sister. Earlier, her mum lost a fight with cancer. Heartbroken and devastated, Harper, with Conor, her half-brother, moves to the Deepwater Hollow to begin a new chapter in their lives. Nothing will be so simple, lots of adversity, unexpected obstacles, which only prove how determined they are to follow new dreams and desires. Their new house is Marginy's cursed mansion with a very dark history. To make the situation more complicated, Harper meets the person who wants to buy back the house - Antoine Marigny. He has something special that attracts or even attaches her to him. Vampires, Natchey Indigenous, dark magic - you don't need anything.
It is hard not to think about other vampire series - like Twilight or The Vampire Diaries, not to compare these stories. I love Harper. She is definitely a strong young person who understand her desires and can accept them unimaginable. The Red Magnolia is a well-written story, easy to read and imagine, with exciting characters and a captivating plot. I enjoyed the book from the first page to the last. I cannot wait for the next book, as it is the first novel in a Nightgarden Saga - seven books in series.
The story itself is sensitive and emotional, which gives a refreshing feeling and makes it very absorbing. Inviting cover and unforgettable, well developed compelling read will stay with you for longer.
Highly recommend it for fans of YA romance with a paranormal background, but not only - if you give it a try, but you will also be impatiently waiting for the next releases!

Thank you, NetGalley and BooksGoSocial, for an ARC of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars

This story was so good! Loved the writing, love the characters, loved it all! I love a good vampire/voodoo story that centers around Louisiana/Miss. Hopefully the rest of the novellas (lets not kid ourselves, 170 pages is too short to be called a book) are just as good as this one.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my free copy in exchange of an honest review.

Thank to bookouture and netgalley for giving me a eARC in exchange for a honest review.

OMG I need the next book ASAP. this book make me feel so many things. And it might not have been smart to start reading it at 11 PM because I’m probably not gonna sleep the rest of the night. I love the twilight vampire diaries vibe this book gives off. I seriously could not have read it quicker. The writing was so easy to read I am dyslexic and I barely had any problems with it. what is saying a lot because I can barely read. The only thing in my opinion you could see as a flaw is the repeated use of the word magnolia but because it is also in the title I kind of love that.

cannot wait to find out where the rest of the series going to go.

Harper moves out with her brother after their mum's and sister's death to start a new life away from their grief to a new house with an interesting legend and history and seems like bad luck and death keeps following them they end up in a cursed house that should have never been sold to start with, that's when their "new life" turns upside down and they can never escape it.
I read this in one day and I have to say that I'm in love, do I have to say more? i totally love this book and enjoyed reading it
vampires check
romance check
arranged marriage as trope check
a cursed house check
What can I ask for? I can't even stop saying how much I loved this book it reminded me of twilight and vampire diaries but with different tropes and I have to say that the idea of the cursed house is really good, and I liked that there are native Americans in this story I've never read a book with native Americans characters so that's a plus
And do I have to mention that I’m so in love with Antoine?
I can't wait till I read the next book I hope I get the chance to review it as well

Wow! The only thing bad about this book is I can't wait for the next one to see what happens next! Read this book based off the recommendation of the friend who got me reading southern vampire novels and this one did not disappoint. I loved that this one felt different, with the native American and African magic mixed in with the vampire folklore. Read the preview to the next book and Love where this is going. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

The first of seven books starts off an interesting tale of Harper and her step brother, Connor. Harper has lost her mother and twin sister. The story is interesting and keeps your attention. A little predictable but good. I will read the next one when it releases. Thanks #netgalley and #BooksGoSocial for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"If I close my eyes, I can see him, leaning up against his old teal Chevy, his eyes like storm-tossed sea.
Always”.

THIS BOOK. OMG IT WAS SO GOOD!!!! It has some flaws but it is amazing. Before I talk about it, let me set the tropes:

🖤Vampire romance
🖤Supernatural
🖤Force proximity
🖤Fake marriage

So I was clueless about this book, didn't know what to expect, beside that it had to be of my October's read. And it did not disappoint at all. The story follows seventeen year old Harper and her stepbrother Connor, they both move to an Old Mississippi town after the dead of their mother and twin sister. The buy a Mansion that apparently holds a dark history and curse. This house is their new beginning and a chance to live their dream, but everything changes when Harper meets the mysterious, dark and dreamy Antonie Marigny, who apparently has a dark past with the house. And for Harper darkness never seemed so seductive.

This book was a really good mixed of The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural, all in one book with a cool main protagonist, a guy so hot and good. He actually is a mixture between Damon and Stephan form The Vampire Diaries, but better, cause he is better, he is nice, he gives beautiful compliments and he cares for Harper, he is the best. Thanks Lucy, I know have another fictional character I want to marry and the feeling that I'll never find someone like that.

It is a small book, I finished it in 4 hours m/l, and the as the story goes, it is really fast, everything happens so quickly but it had a decent rhythm, it wasn't force, but the proximity with our characters, that develop fast but in a good way, and the ending compensate it in a way. I don't know how to explain it, maybe because I liked it a lot I can't mark the errors in the story, it has a few, but in all honesty I don't care cause it's the first vampire series I've read in a while and that I actually enjoy so, I don't care, I love it so much, and I've have a glimpse at the second one and I can't wait to read it, the story looks so good I want it to end already, there are going to be 8 books and there's only one published, I won't survive, I don't have the patience!!! Please, Lucy Holden, GIVE ME THE BOOKS!!!!

I really recommend it as a short supernatural romance read this October.

Enjoy your reading. 📚✨

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

Fans of supernatural, vampires, mystery and indigenous mystic arts will fall in love. Book is a one sitting read that will have you begging for more.

Be warned, there is an age gap between the two characters. Death and grief also show up.

*Copy provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I have to admit: when I first requested this ARC I was expecting this story to be not that great. And I am glad I was wrong. Even though it is wildly out there, I do like the twist with the paranormal romance and was intrigued by the plot and characteres, having read this book incredibly fast.

Now I am intrigued to see where this is going!

When I decided to read this book I wasn't absolutely sure about what to expect. Vampire books, and especially YA paranormal romance books, have been called “trashy” too many times and people sort of have lost respect for them. Unfairly if you ask me. So, I'm happy to report that Red Magnolia exceeded my expectations.

The author’s influence is clearly palpable; you can tell there are many similarities with The Vampire Diaries and Twilight. That being said, the story does stand on its own. Since this is a very short book -it’s less than 200 p.- I believed we wouldn't get a full and complete story. Yet somehow, the author managed to create this incredibly fast paced, action packed book with captivating history. The legend or history parts could have been handled in a less info dumpy kind of way, but it is there and it’s complete. She also gave enough background information, presented us with a thoroughly described setting and introduced us to all the necessary characters. Harper, the protagonist, can be a bit intense sometimes and not act like a 17 year old, but I actually liked her. Putting the highly unlikely things she does aside, she’s a well intentioned, brave and caring person. Qualities I consider important if I’m to root for a character. Her love interest, Antoine, is the perfect mix between Damon Salvatore and Edward Cullen. Yes, you read that right. And he will most probably get under your skin.
The ending of the book was so exciting I couldn’t have stopped reading even if I tried to. However, it does end in a heart breaking cliffhanger, the kind that makes you want to read the following book immediately.

If insta-lovey and massive age gap vampire/human relationships don’t bother you, then the chances of you enjoying this book are high. I am aware of the “flaws”, but I went into this book looking for an entertaining vampire story and that’s exactly what I got.

Red Magnolia is the beginning of a new vampire series perfect for readers who are looking for a good old paranormal romance and I 100 % recommend it. Can’t wait to sink my fangs into the sequel.

Rating: 4 / 5 fangs

Harper has lost so much in her short life, but she is willing to try with her Step Brother in a new place where she can pretend to be happy and he can have his dream of restoring an old mansion. When Harper starts to get messages to leave the mansion and strange dreams of a woman needing help, she has no idea that she is in the middle of a dangerous world she can't handle on her own.

I found this to be a very fast and approachable read, some easy escapism that can be read over a day or two. And while the book dealt with some heavy topics such as murder, death and torture, I did not feel like the story was super dark, the plot kept moving at a fast enough rate that I was not overwhelmed with the bad. If you are a fan of Twilight and vampire romances in general, I very much recommend this as your next read. Keep in mind that this is a series and the ending is more a resting point than an actual ending and there is way more to come. I will for sure be reading more in the series so I can see how everything will unfold.

Powerful beginning to a Southern Gothic with a bit of twist. Complex cast of characters and some surprise secrets and mysteries that add to the interest. Definitely like the Native American magic as part of the core story. This is a solid series for any age - a good read

YES!!! This book was everything I expected and more. It was so fun and so different from my usual fantasy reads. Harper is an incredible character and reading the book from her perspective made it easy to dive into her story, feeling all of her emotions from pain to grief…and especially love towards her family. This book did have a Vampire Diaries feel to some extent, which made me love it all the more. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

It’s always nice when I find books that can amaze me like this. When I started reading Red Magnolia I didn’t have great expectations, I was just aiming for something light and quick, but instead I found myself captured by this story with a gothic atmosphere. It’s very horror-oriented, but in a subtle way, which at times reminded me of Horrid and Mexican Gothic.

The plot is not particularly complex, as are the plot twists (especially towards the end), however the author has masterfully managed each prompt and especially the relationships between the characters. One of the main reasons why I usually tend to avoid short stories is that I always find them superficially done, with characters that don't feel "real" and stories full of holes. Lucy Holden instead managed to make her characters really realistic, to make their reactions logic and above all to create a meaningful love story between Harper, the MC, and Antoine.

What I liked the most is undoubtedly the atmosphere, which with the "world building" - or rather the prompts that led to the events of which it is narrated - makes this short story a beautiful example of Southern Gothic.

The conclusion of this book is really bittersweet, but I think it was a great way to finish this first installment - and after reading the synopsis of the second one, I can’t wait to continue!

I highly recommend Red Magnolia to anyone who likes this genre and to those who are looking for something short but able to capture the reader. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Lucy Holden's Red Magnolia invites readers into a decadent and dark world, weaving a narrative that is as devastating as it is seductive. This four-star novel immerses readers in the intricate dance between Harper Ellory and Antoine Marigny, a dance that unfolds against the haunting backdrop of a cursed Mississippi mansion.

Holden introduces us to seventeen-year-old Harper, who, despite the ruins of her past, seeks a new beginning. The death of her twin sister propels her into a life entangled with both the cursed mansion and Antoine Marigny, the enigmatic heir who wants it back at any cost. The story unfolds with a rich tapestry of emotions, secrets, and the undeniable allure of darkness.

The author excels in creating a vivid atmosphere, immersing readers in the decadence of the Mississippi mansion and the emotional turmoil of the characters. Harper's resilience in the face of death and curses adds depth to her character, making her a compelling protagonist. Antoine, with his infuriating smile and mysterious aura, becomes a captivating and complex figure, keeping readers guessing about his true intentions.

The narrative is a rollercoaster of emotions, skillfully exploring Harper's journey as she grapples with loss, fear, and the haunting allure of Antoine. The dialogue is sharp, capturing the tension and chemistry between the characters. Holden masterfully peels back the layers of the story, revealing hidden truths and darker secrets, keeping readers engaged until the final pages.

While the novel successfully balances the elements of romance, mystery, and the supernatural, some readers may find the pacing slightly uneven. However, the intricate plot twists and the well-developed characters contribute to a satisfying and unpredictable climax.

In conclusion, Red Magnolia is a mesmerizing exploration of love, darkness, and the choices that bind us. Lucy Holden's storytelling prowess shines through in this decadent and emotionally charged tale. With its richly drawn characters and atmospheric setting, Red Magnolia earns a well-deserved four stars, offering readers a captivating journey through the shadows of a cursed past.