Book Review: Robin’s impression of Shadow Love by Nadirah Foxx

Hi, readers! The latest I Love Romance Blog review selection is Shadow Love by Nadirah Foxx.

Take it away, Robin!

Thanks!

Shadow Love by Nadirah Foxx

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.

Shadow Love, by Nadirah Foxx, is a multicultural, paranormal romance that delves into the destructive passion between gods, and the risks someone will take to break away from that love. Twilight “Twyla” Vanpeer, the descendant of famous voodoo priestess Marie Laveau, operates her parent’s shop. Preston Montgomery, her best friend, is utterly infatuated with her, something she refuses to see. One day, after a particularly explosive argument with him, she finds herself in the hands (and arms) of Dwade Marks, an outlandishly dark man who makes equally outlandish claims. What starts off as a series of one night stands turns into something more dangerous when she realizes there’s more to this man, and her own power, that meets the eye.

As of right now, Ginny is my favorite character. Really. Even though best friends can put a damper on true love, in this case she was completely right. Although the way she handles her feelings is completely wrong, she comes from a good (albeit shady) place. And while I did enjoy the toxic love triangle between Dwade, Twyla, and Preston, these men seemed to only care about what Twyla could be to them, rather than who she actually is. Any time she refused their affections, it was like she was killing them. Literally. It’s like Twyla couldn’t have an identity of her own, and it infuriated me. It’s the reason why I loved the relationship she had with Ginny, and not just Ginny, but her grandmother as well; it seemed that, for all the loved ones she had in her life, they’re the only ones who genuinely care for her physical and emotional well-being.

How Foxx handles Marjorie, who had a serious mental health condition, left a bad taste in my mouth. Especially with the mental deterioration that Preston and Dwade have presented. That being said, I enjoyed the mythology interwoven into the story. I wished the chaos that Tezcatlipoca was infamous for was more fleshed out, as well as the sexual horror that encompassed Tlazolteotl. I like the idea of Tlazolteotl falling in love and trying to find the goddess of death, only to realize that, while she might’ve returned his feelings, she had a life of her own, something that he had apparently forgotten. And while this could’ve been a triumphant rebellion and subsequent downfall of the patriarchy and the destruction it brings, it wasn’t. Personally, I wouldn’t choose the friend who was being a complete jerk to me just because I rejected his romantic notions.

As such, I would give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

Many thanks, Robin! ♥

Book Info:

Twilight thought she knew what strange was until an obsidian mirror is delivered to her family’s oddities shop, Vanpeer’s. With the mysterious arrival of Dwade, a man shrouded in secrets, Twilight’s life is thrown into a tailspin. Not only is she having memories that don’t make sense, but she also finds herself torn between her lifelong best friend Preston and the mysterious stranger. As if that weren’t enough to handle, women who look like Twilight start turning up dead in the French Quarter. With a choice between appeasing the gods and giving in to her shadow self, Twilight must make a decision that could decide her fate.

If you enjoyed The Vampire Diaries, then you’ll love Shadow Love.

Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/bzrlXZ

Here’s a teaser from the book…

Some things are guaranteed in life. Birth. Taxes. Death.

Especially death. The Grim Reaper stole my parents from me one rainy night. I haven’t forgotten how that force took the light from my life and made me an orphan. Over time, the pain has become more bearable, but it doesn’t erase my culpability.

It’s not like we didn’t receive warnings. Mama had her premonitions. My grandmother, a voodoo priestess and a direct descendant of the famous Marie Laveau, shared the same dread. We all did our best not to do anything unusual.

Except me.

I don’t go about my life fearing every little thing that bumps, slithers, or moans in the night. I place my trust in t

angible things. If I can see it, sniff it, or in some way sense it, I’m prone to believe it. I’ve been that way all my life with everything. Well, almost everything. I draw the exception with names.

There’s this hidden, intrinsic power in a person’s name. A handle can bless you or strengthen you. It can give you the will to reach for a higher destiny; be a better version of yourself.

But those same letters strung together differently can curse you. Weaken you. Make you want to stay in the shadows. Give up the fight. Or at least make you consider it.

Take my name for instance.

Twilight Vanpeer.

Who does that to a child? New-agey parents that’s who. The hour of my birth inspired my parents — who had solid, strong names — to pin the outlandish name on me.

I do realize it could have been worse. I could have been born at midnight, during an eclipse, or even at the break of dawn.

Of course, a moniker like Twilight made me a victim of ridicule. I was an eleven-year-old suffering from every joke possible when the book bearing my name came out.

Instead of lurking in the shadows, though, I learned to fight.

AUTHOR: Nadirah Foxx

TITLE: Shadow Love

GENRE: Paranormal Romance, Multicultural Romance

RELEASE DATE: October 30, 2018

PUBLISHER: Indie Published

ISBN/ASIN: B07J292S84

OUR RATING: ♥

3 star

REVIEWED BY: Robin G.

Guest Blogger/Reviewer Bio:

My pen name is Robin Goodfellow. I fell in love with reading after I picked up Fallen by Lauren Kate. I am currently a licensed substance abuse counselor and LPC-A (although I hope to be an LPC soon). I was also a former math and special education teacher. Although I tried going to medical school, it didn’t work out. On the bright side, I’ve got more time for reading and writing! Mental health is a personal passion of mine, as is crochet, and annoying my husband.

This multicultural, paranormal romance book looks interesting! ♥ We’ll check it out…

Thanks for reading our latest book review on ILRB! ♥ Have a great upcoming week, everyone!

Originally published at http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com on March 17, 2024.