Reviews

Coven of Ill Repute by S.L. Prater

kimberlyyyreads's review

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challenging mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This was a pretty ok read! 

The main couple Quiet and Liam were cute, the mystery was really intriguing. I don’t have any particular notes for the book but seeing that we will see more of Quiet and Liam, I am so excited! 

bibi_reads_writes's review against another edition

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5.0

Unfortunately not everyone’s natural family is worth treasuring. I insist there is no greater gift than the family one chooses for oneself.

4.5⭐ rounded up to 5 with 2

iceboundreader's review against another edition

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5.0

What a delightful read.
I love when 2 characters are so clueless about they each feel about the other. It made my laugh to read their thoughts about how they felt about each other.
The mystery kept me guessing until the very last page what a twist!
It was a cozy friends to lovers read with a magical mystery to solve.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

read_ingbooks1's review

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3.0

I’m not sure gaslight fantasy mystery romance is my thing ngl. Also felt I was missing a whole book that came before this but there isn’t. The romance did have a few good scenes.

beelovesreading's review

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5.0

Thank you to S.L. Prater for granting me an arc.

I was a little worried going into this book, I haven't had the best of luck with arcs lately, so I worried that this book would be another flop. I can safely say it wasn't. Quiet and Rorick's chemistry jumped off the pages. It was so obvious how the two felt about each other. I loved their witty banter.

The book is deliciously gothic, with coffin-dwellers and shape-shifting monsters hiding around every corner, trying to devour Quiet and Rorick and disrupt their investigation into the death of Rorick's cousin, Alex and Quiet's coven sister, Penance. It's a brilliant read and the plot twist at the end is genius. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

kassyslibrary's review

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4.5

Title: Coven Of Ill Repute

Author: S.L. Prater

Synopsis: Trapped in a haunted castle with my immortal enemy.

The Duke of the Damned is dead. When my coven is blamed for his murder, I’m desperate to clear their name before my sisters are arrested and I lose the only family I’ve ever known. But I only have one week to find the culprit, and the new heir to the duchy is none other than Detective Liam Rorick, my enigmatic ex-partner and archenemy.

It doesn’t matter if Rorick is a competent investigator. He’s the most cantankerous vampire I’ve ever had the displeasure of knowing. There’s a reason I swore I’d never work with him again. And yet that’s exactly what I have to do.

Now we’re trapped together in the malevolent castle he’s just inherited, trading insults and fighting magical monsters to survive. I want nothing more than to go back to pretending he doesn’t exist . . . but Rorick protects me like I’m precious and keeps looking at me like he regrets our past.

With each close call and each revealed clue, it becomes harder to fight our undeniable connection. But even the castle’s hungriest creatures aren't as frightening as opening my heart to the one man capable of devouring it whole.

Review: I loved the way this was written! It suited the story so perfectly! The characters had such great chemistry! Also I loved that they were both a little bit older than most characters I read about which I found refreshing! I was invested in the story! I am so excited for the sequel! 

 Thank you so much booksirens for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

charlotte365's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

shelberrzz's review

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4.0

S.L. Prater's 'Coven of Ill Repute' weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of slow-burn romance, paranormal intrigue, and enthralling mystery against the backdrop of a mysterious living castle. Set in a world where witches and vampires coexist amidst supernatural wonders, the novel follows the captivating journey of an arcane entomologist witch and a brooding vampire as they confront a murder mystery that unravels the very fabric of their reality.

Central to the narrative is the entomologist witch's unique expertise, seamlessly blending her scientific knowledge with mystical practices as she uncovers clues hidden within the castle's living walls. Prater's intricate exploration of arcane entomology adds a fascinating dimension to the story, inviting readers to delve into a world where insects serve as both symbols of magic and harbingers of doom.

As the protagonists navigate the treacherous corridors of the sentient castle, they are subjected to a series of trials that test their resilience and courage. Prater's masterful storytelling unfolds with a sense of urgency, each trial revealing deeper layers of the castle's secrets and the characters' own inner struggles.

The relationship between the witch and the vampire evolves amidst the challenges they face, their connection deepening as they confront the mysteries and realities surrounding them. Prater deftly portrays their dynamic with a blend of tension, longing, and mutual respect, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

While the pacing occasionally slows as the protagonists decipher the castle's enigmatic clues, it serves to heighten the suspense and anticipation, drawing readers deeper into the mystery. Prater's vivid prose and evocative imagery vividly bring the living castle to life, from its eerie corridors to its enchanted gardens teeming with otherworldly insects.

In 'Coven of Ill Repute,' S.L. Prater delivers a captivating blend of supernatural romance and mystery that will enchant readers from start to finish. Definitely would recommend taking a chance on this one!

litwithlesia's review

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4.0

Thank you to BookSirens and S.L. Prater’s team for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

What a fun read! I loved the entire concept of it all - a witch and vampire detective with a complicated history get paired up to solve a murder while stuck in a haunted castle. The forced proximity, witty banter, insect companions, all of it was just so enjoyable. I loved the fact that literally everything was haunted in some way, and really kept you guessing throughout!

I was hoping for a bit more spookiness, I felt like it was a bit more cozy than expected, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing! Just unexpected. It wrapped up in a way that was satisfying but still left some questions to be answered in the next book!

Merged review:

Thank you to BookSirens and S.L. Prater’s team for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

What a fun read! I loved the entire concept of it all - a witch and vampire detective with a complicated history get paired up to solve a murder while stuck in a haunted castle. The forced proximity, witty banter, insect companions, all of it was just so enjoyable. I loved the fact that literally everything was haunted in some way, and really kept you guessing throughout!

I was hoping for a bit more spookiness, I felt like it was a bit more cozy than expected, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing! Just unexpected. It wrapped up in a way that was satisfying but still left some questions to be answered in the next book!

mrsmoony's review

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adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I really enjoyed this mixture of vampires,witches and mystery solving. Rorick and Quiet were so cute,loved their banter and the tension between them was so aaaaaaaa. Honestly can't wait for the second book to see how their relationship progresses.