Will "Flesh and Blood" Live Up to the Bite? A Review for Paranormal Romance Readers

Alright, let’s chat about “Flesh and Blood” by Willow Rose. I picked up this book last summer on a whim because I absolutely loved the cover and the promise. Also, when I got my copy, it was free on Amazon and I couldn’t help myself. The cover art is fantastic and sets the tone for the story and the promise to please fans of Twilight, delivers.

Book description from the back cover

For fans of Twilight and A Shade of Vampire comes a new addiction impossible to put down.

“It’s like Riverdale meets Big Little Lies meets Romeo and Juliet, but with vampires!”

What if you can’t trust your own family?

Robyn’s parents are ruining her life. As if their constant bickering and embarrassing behavior wasn’t bad enough, they’ve forbidden her from hanging out with her crush just when a flirty new girl moves to their block. Strangely enough, Robyn’s parents look the other way when her big brother breaks curfew… even after a local girl's violent murder.

With the neighborhood on high alert, strange sightings are on the rise and the accusations begin to fly. Between her brother’s nighttime excursions and her parents’ odd behavior, Robyn starts to worry that the killer may be living under her own roof. In a town where neighbor has turned against neighbor, deciding whom to trust with her dark fears could be a matter of life and death…

Flesh and Blood is the first book in a fun and frightening series of romantic paranormal mysteries. If you like terrifying thrills, flesh and blood characters, and vampires without the sparkle, then you’ll love Willow Rose’s tale of suburban terror.

My review

This book takes us into the intriguing world of Shadow Hills, where things are getting a bit strange, to say the least. We follow a bunch of teens who are caught up in some serious family drama, thanks to an ongoing feud between two long-time family friends, the Joneses and the Smiths. And guess who’s caught in the middle of it? Yep, you got it—their kids, Robyn and Jayden.

The story smoothly unfolds in this upscale community where keeping up appearances is almost like a second job. Everyone’s got their secrets, and it’s like a web of lies and hidden agendas. What makes it work is how relatable the characters’ thoughts and emotions are. They’re just trying to make sense of all the weirdness happening around them, and you can’t help but root for them.

Now, here’s where things take a turn into the mysterious. We’re talking paranormal vibes. Robyn’s got her hands full dealing with her overbearing parents, especially when they put the brakes on her hanging out with her boyfriend. Plus, there’s a new girl in town stirring up trouble. And hold on, ’cause it’s not all teen drama—there’s a killer on the loose, targeting girls left and right. The tension’s real, folks.

But here’s the deal. As much as you’ll get into the whole Shadow Hills drama, be prepared because this is just the beginning. It’s the first book in a series, so don’t expect all the loose ends to be neatly tied up. If you’re all about closure, you might feel a bit unsatisfied. On the flip side, though, it means there’s more to explore in the next installments.

Quick heads up—sometimes, the characters don’t quite match their age. They’re supposed to be in their late teens, but every now and then, they slip into behaviors that are more middle school than high school. It’s a minor thing, but worth mentioning.

Lastly, the writing style bounces around between different points of view, which can be a bit jarring. One moment you’re seeing things from the perspective of a victim, and the next, you’re right inside a character’s head. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it doesn’t totally ruin the experience.

To sum it up, “Flesh and Blood” is a dive into a world of family feuds, hidden secrets, and a touch of the supernatural. Willow Rose crafts a story that’s easy to get into, even if you’re left hanging a bit by the end. If you’re up for a blend of mystery, teen struggles, and a sprinkle of the unknown, give this one a shot. Just remember, it’s just the start of a bigger story.

Despite a few minor bumps in the pacing and character development, "Flesh and Blood" offers a captivating blend of teen drama, family secrets, and a dash of the paranormal. With its cliffhanger ending, this debut is sure to leave you wanting more – perfect for readers who crave a series that unfolds with each installment.