Stripped bare of his charm and absolute confidence, he appeared to be a man who had suffered through some unbearable hell that had left an indelible mark on the essence of his being. The intensity of his desolation seemed to fill the air between them, making Jazzmyn long to relieve his suffering and take away all of his misery.
(from The Satyr’s Curse, page 69)
The Satyr’s Curse is the first book in a new supernatural/horror/romance series by Alexandrea Weis that is set in her native New Orleans. Weis brings the city’s voodoo culture to life through a love triangle involving a young restaurant owner who has put her happiness on hold to keep her father’s dream alive and the two men she can’t resist — one who loves her despite her best efforts to avoid her feelings for him, and one who needs her love in order to put an end to his years of torment.
Jazzmyn Livaudais spends nearly all her waking hours trying to keep her late father’s restaurant, The Sweet Note Bistro, afloat and make enough money to maintain the home that has been in her family for generations. Abandoned by her mother as a child and left alone after her father’s death, Jazzmyn views the restaurant as her life and her employees — particularly head chef, best friend, and one-time lover Kyle, the sassy and all-seeing Ms. Helen, and the family-man bartender Scott — as family.
Kyle refuses to believe the night he and Jazzmyn slept together was a mistake, but despite his never-give-up attitude, Jazzmyn is too embroiled in a flirtation with the incredibly charming, irresistible, and rich Julian Devereau to confront her feelings for him. Julian is intense and gentlemanly, but there’s a darkness in his eyes she just can’t ignore. Between her curiosity about Julian’s fascination with New Orleans families from 150 years ago, concerns about the gruesome murders of several women in the city, despair over Kyle and Julian’s increasing dislike of one another (which is taking its toll on the restaurant), and Julian’s ever-changing personality, Jazzmyn’s world is spinning out of control. She is willing to sacrifice herself to save the man she loves, but is there a way to break the curse that threatens to imprison her forever?
Weis took me on a roller coaster ride with these characters. There were times I wanted to slap them (Was Jazzmyn really that blind? Did Kyle really need to be so pushy?), but ultimately they grew on me — and there were even times I felt sorry for the bad guy! I especially liked how Weis revealed the story of the curse, doling out a little bit here and a little bit there, and how she managed to keep me guessing about how it would all play out. I thought the supernatural/voodoo storyline was unique, and even though I couldn’t relate to the characters (thank goodness!), Weis made me care enough about them to want to know what happens next.
The Satyr’s Curse isn’t my usual cup of tea, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I’m not a big fan of supernatural romances, but Weis had me from the first page. Her characters are always well crafted and her romances always steam up the pages, but what amazes me every time I read one of her novels is her ability to transport me to New Orleans. Her love of that city shines through in every description, from the landscaped gardens and historic homes to the vibrant nightlife and the voodoo. It’s the latter that dominates The Satyr’s Curse, and Weis made me believe this story of curses, rituals, and the mythical satyr. So much so that I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Disclosure: I received The Satyr’s Curse from the author for review.
© 2013 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
Maybe I would like it too, cos I can’t say it calls out to me
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It sounds like a book you’d read!
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Sounds like one I’d enjoy. Maybe I’ll borrow it after I finish up some library books that are languishing around the house.
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Feel free!
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This book sounds right up my alley! Supernatural romances are ones I enjoy. I’ll have to keep a look out for this book.
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I hope you give it a try! I love when a book surprises me. 🙂
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It’s been a while since I’ve read a supernatural romance. This one sounds good, though, and a little unusual.
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I’m just glad it wasn’t vampires and werewolves! 😉
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I’ve never read Weir but I love stories set in New Orleans, the city itself is such a great character!
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Yes, you’re right that she makes the city a character. I love when an author can do that successfully.
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