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Crimson and Shadows #1
Josephine's Tear
Josephine’s Tear is a paranormal romance with a taste of fantasy and magic, a fierce heroine, and an enemies-to-lovers slow burn that will leave you craving more.
In a world ruled by vampires and haunted by witches, one girl is out for blood—and justice.
Sophie Devereaux once believed in the system that kept vampires in power to protect humans from Dark Witches—until the night she found her mother dead in the arms of one sworn to keep them safe.
With the curtain peeled back on the lie her world is built on, her only chance at vengeance lies in Josephine's Tear, a legendary amulet said to destroy the supernatural. To claim it, Sophie must enter the Selection and be chosen as a vassal to Henry Duval—a centuries-old vampire with secrets as deadly as his smile.
Sophie expects a monster. What she finds is something far more complicated. Henry sees through her defenses, seems to understand her pain, and even though he drinks her blood, he doesn’t look at her like prey. Could he actually be on her side?
The path to the Tear is treacherous, and Sophie soon finds herself entangled with enemies, uneasy alliances, and an inconvenient attraction that threatens to complicate her mission. Amidst the danger and intrigue, Sophie must decide how far she’s willing to go for justice—and what she’s willing to lose to get it.
In a world ruled by vampires and haunted by witches, one girl is out for blood—and justice.
Sophie Devereaux once believed in the system that kept vampires in power to protect humans from Dark Witches—until the night she found her mother dead in the arms of one sworn to keep them safe.
With the curtain peeled back on the lie her world is built on, her only chance at vengeance lies in Josephine's Tear, a legendary amulet said to destroy the supernatural. To claim it, Sophie must enter the Selection and be chosen as a vassal to Henry Duval—a centuries-old vampire with secrets as deadly as his smile.
Sophie expects a monster. What she finds is something far more complicated. Henry sees through her defenses, seems to understand her pain, and even though he drinks her blood, he doesn’t look at her like prey. Could he actually be on her side?
The path to the Tear is treacherous, and Sophie soon finds herself entangled with enemies, uneasy alliances, and an inconvenient attraction that threatens to complicate her mission. Amidst the danger and intrigue, Sophie must decide how far she’s willing to go for justice—and what she’s willing to lose to get it.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
17 people are currently reading
2363 people want to read
About the author
V.I. Davis
4 books41 followersV.I. writes romance with a touch of fantasy and magic. She’s currently in her vampire era. When she’s not weaving tales filled with fierce heroines and devoted heroes, you’ll find her curled up on the sofa, lost in a book, with a blanket and delicious treats by her side. If you want to follow along on her author journey, you can sign up for her newsletter (www.vidavisauthor.com) or find her on Instagram (@vidavis.author).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley & V.I Davis for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a supernatural slow burn. To say i was hooked would be an understatement. It did run a little predictable, but it redeemed itself by not ending on a cliff hanger. The passion between Henry and Sophie was undeniable and will have you cheering for them to be together.
This book is a supernatural slow burn. To say i was hooked would be an understatement. It did run a little predictable, but it redeemed itself by not ending on a cliff hanger. The passion between Henry and Sophie was undeniable and will have you cheering for them to be together.
December 20, 2024
This is set in a vampire-ruled world in which they protect humans from dak magic users - and our young human protagonist is determined to change the status quo as they continuously abuse their power over humanity. While it doesn’t completely break new ground, it delivers an entertaining blend of romance and the paranormal that makes for an engaging afternoon read.
Sophie Devereaux (loved her in Leverage 😉) is a solid protagonist, grappling with the moral complexities of her mission. However, while the characters are likable and their dynamics engaging, they lack depth. There are no major emotional beats; even the grief of a lost parent is just glossed over with the plot.
The worldbuilding offers flashes of creativity—vampires, witches, and humans coexisting in a tense, layered hierarchy—but it stumbles under the weight of its ambitions and logic gets in the way often. Some aspects feel rushed or underexplored, leaving parts of the narrative feeling clumsy and quite predictable.
Still, the story is fast-paced and accessible and was able to hold my interest to keep the pages turning. The romance, while not groundbreaking, adds a nice layer of charm. I enjoyed Henry as a character and love interest.
Josephine’s Tear may not revolutionize the genre, but it’s a fun and enjoyable read for fans of paranormal romance and vampire books. If you’re looking for a light, entertaining escape into a supernatural world, this book is a solid pick.
Sophie Devereaux (loved her in Leverage 😉) is a solid protagonist, grappling with the moral complexities of her mission. However, while the characters are likable and their dynamics engaging, they lack depth. There are no major emotional beats; even the grief of a lost parent is just glossed over with the plot.
The worldbuilding offers flashes of creativity—vampires, witches, and humans coexisting in a tense, layered hierarchy—but it stumbles under the weight of its ambitions and logic gets in the way often. Some aspects feel rushed or underexplored, leaving parts of the narrative feeling clumsy and quite predictable.
Still, the story is fast-paced and accessible and was able to hold my interest to keep the pages turning. The romance, while not groundbreaking, adds a nice layer of charm. I enjoyed Henry as a character and love interest.
Josephine’s Tear may not revolutionize the genre, but it’s a fun and enjoyable read for fans of paranormal romance and vampire books. If you’re looking for a light, entertaining escape into a supernatural world, this book is a solid pick.
July 30, 2024
Thank you NetGalley & V.I Davis for the Arc!
I was hooked from the beginning with this book! It was right up my alley with it being about vampires, witches, and humans. At times it was a little predictable but there were still a few unexpected twists. The slow burn between Henry and Sophie was so good but felt like it got ruined by the end being rushed. I felt like it could have lasted a few more chapters but that’s just me 🤷♀️ overall i really enjoyed this book & would recommend to others who love a supernatural action book w/ a lil spice
I was hooked from the beginning with this book! It was right up my alley with it being about vampires, witches, and humans. At times it was a little predictable but there were still a few unexpected twists. The slow burn between Henry and Sophie was so good but felt like it got ruined by the end being rushed. I felt like it could have lasted a few more chapters but that’s just me 🤷♀️ overall i really enjoyed this book & would recommend to others who love a supernatural action book w/ a lil spice
July 16, 2025
Fun twists to vampires, exciting characters, good story!
Sophie lives in a world where vampires no longer live in the shadows. In fact, they're the only thing standing between the humans and dangerous dark witches. But that doesn't mean they're any less dangerous, and Sophie has to walk into their den to solve a mystery left behind by her mother.
I really liked that this world has dangerous creatures, and while vampires are still one of them, they aren't the worst thing out there. I also love a good vampire story where they have to learn not to just drain every human they see!
Sophie is a fun character, and I LOVED Henry. Such a fun journey they go on, full of action, attraction, and surprises!
Sophie lives in a world where vampires no longer live in the shadows. In fact, they're the only thing standing between the humans and dangerous dark witches. But that doesn't mean they're any less dangerous, and Sophie has to walk into their den to solve a mystery left behind by her mother.
I really liked that this world has dangerous creatures, and while vampires are still one of them, they aren't the worst thing out there. I also love a good vampire story where they have to learn not to just drain every human they see!
Sophie is a fun character, and I LOVED Henry. Such a fun journey they go on, full of action, attraction, and surprises!
May 2, 2025
Very fast pace thrilling vampire and romance. I enjoyed the plot twist the most and the ending had me holding my breath. I look forward to more.
March 27, 2025
✨Josephine’s Tear✨
Are you looking for a SLOOOOOW burn, PNR romance full of humans, vampires, and witches in a fantasy world?! I have it right here for you!!
In JT, we follow the singular first person POV of FMC, Sophie, as she embarks on a mission to find an amulet capable of destroying the supernatural. Humans are protected by Vampires from the Dark Witches and every year they must make a tithe to the Family in their district to maintain their protection. As Sophie inserts herself into the vampire’s world, she finds much more than clues for the amulet. As the annual blood vassal to the leader, Henry, a reluctant alliance blossoms as epic reveals ensue.
I had a great time reading this! I felt like it was lower stakes than what I’ve been reading and I appreciated that. The relationship between Henry and Sophie is respectful and, while enemies, it is mostly one sided. Sophie, at 19, is still very young but Davis did a great job creating an FMC who reflected on mistakes and behavior, giving us a fiery female who is capable of growth. I’m eager to jump into book two to hopefully learn more about the vampire world as we touched a little on it but didn’t get to dive deep. The only things I’d have wished different are: that there was more sexual tension between Henry and Sophie and that we learned more about the Dark Witches.
Tropes you may find in JT are “chosen one”, vampires and witches, forced proximity, blood play, medium spice, he comforts her, cinnamon roll MMC, and a slow burn.
Josephine’s Tears is OUT NOW and on KU!
Are you looking for a SLOOOOOW burn, PNR romance full of humans, vampires, and witches in a fantasy world?! I have it right here for you!!
In JT, we follow the singular first person POV of FMC, Sophie, as she embarks on a mission to find an amulet capable of destroying the supernatural. Humans are protected by Vampires from the Dark Witches and every year they must make a tithe to the Family in their district to maintain their protection. As Sophie inserts herself into the vampire’s world, she finds much more than clues for the amulet. As the annual blood vassal to the leader, Henry, a reluctant alliance blossoms as epic reveals ensue.
I had a great time reading this! I felt like it was lower stakes than what I’ve been reading and I appreciated that. The relationship between Henry and Sophie is respectful and, while enemies, it is mostly one sided. Sophie, at 19, is still very young but Davis did a great job creating an FMC who reflected on mistakes and behavior, giving us a fiery female who is capable of growth. I’m eager to jump into book two to hopefully learn more about the vampire world as we touched a little on it but didn’t get to dive deep. The only things I’d have wished different are: that there was more sexual tension between Henry and Sophie and that we learned more about the Dark Witches.
Tropes you may find in JT are “chosen one”, vampires and witches, forced proximity, blood play, medium spice, he comforts her, cinnamon roll MMC, and a slow burn.
Josephine’s Tears is OUT NOW and on KU!
August 12, 2024
Set against a world with tense political conflict between supernatural beings, Sophie Devereaux begins a search for an enchanted amulet that may help free humanity from the very beings that threaten their world. Sophie’s search leads her into dangerous territory where she will need to put her differences aside, or at least pretend to, in order to track down her only shot at survival.
This was a slow burn, enemies to lovers story with forced proximity, a determined FMC, and an endearing albeit slightly tortured MMC. The vampire x witch x human power dynamics were extremely strained which made for great background on the political upheaval that drives a lot of the FMC’s decisions in this story.
Sophie is introduced with her own bias and internal conflicts which she is forced to face head on in enemy territory. I loved her character development and the evolution of her relationship with Henry. Henry’s character was a delight and I thought he had just the right amount of broodiness with a dash of mystery.
I appreciated the authors writing style and felt engaged throughout this entire book. She did tear my heart up a bit midway through the story, but I have since forgiven her given there was no cliffhanger and my heart can’t take any more of those this month. The ending, while slightly stressful, had me on edge, but wrapped up well. I do believe there will be additional books to this series and look forward to continuing Sophie’s journey upon the release of a second book.
This was a slow burn, enemies to lovers story with forced proximity, a determined FMC, and an endearing albeit slightly tortured MMC. The vampire x witch x human power dynamics were extremely strained which made for great background on the political upheaval that drives a lot of the FMC’s decisions in this story.
Sophie is introduced with her own bias and internal conflicts which she is forced to face head on in enemy territory. I loved her character development and the evolution of her relationship with Henry. Henry’s character was a delight and I thought he had just the right amount of broodiness with a dash of mystery.
I appreciated the authors writing style and felt engaged throughout this entire book. She did tear my heart up a bit midway through the story, but I have since forgiven her given there was no cliffhanger and my heart can’t take any more of those this month. The ending, while slightly stressful, had me on edge, but wrapped up well. I do believe there will be additional books to this series and look forward to continuing Sophie’s journey upon the release of a second book.
August 19, 2025
5 💎
2🌶️
🪽The book immediately drew me into its world, with Sophie’s strong beliefs about vampires and Henry, who was not what she expected. I loved how their chemistry was evident from the start, yet their relationship developed slowly and naturally, with Henry’s deep emotions and struggle to maintain his humanity adding depth to the story.
📙The start of the book was brilliant to bring the reader straight into this world.
📙The way the characters get to build a friendship and learn about each other is refreshing
📙Sophie is strong and set on her beliefs of what she knows Vampires to be but Henry is not what she expected
📙Henry has some deep emotions around his life and how he became a vampire. He has always tried to maintain his humanity.
📙Love how the chemistry was there from the start but a really slow burn and mutual attraction.
🍷“I would not have chosen this life for myself. This life is not something I would ever choose for anyone.”
🍷“I think this is the first time you have ever said anything nice to me,”
🍷I felt like a traitor again, and this time, the feeling was ten times stronger, threatening to pull me under before crushing me under its weight.
🍷A shiver skated over my skin as I imagined what it would be like to feel the weight of his powerful body on mine.
🍷The tenderness of the kiss brought tears to my eyes as emotions rose and swelled in my chest.
🍷“Have hope,” he said, looking into my eyes. “I have just found you. I am not ready to lose you yet.”
🍷“Whatever happens, I am right here with you. I will follow you into the void if that is our fate,” Henry said fiercely.
🗝️Vampires
🗝️Hidden powers
🗝️Slow burn
🗝️Enemies to lovers
🗝️Witches
2🌶️
🪽The book immediately drew me into its world, with Sophie’s strong beliefs about vampires and Henry, who was not what she expected. I loved how their chemistry was evident from the start, yet their relationship developed slowly and naturally, with Henry’s deep emotions and struggle to maintain his humanity adding depth to the story.
📙The start of the book was brilliant to bring the reader straight into this world.
📙The way the characters get to build a friendship and learn about each other is refreshing
📙Sophie is strong and set on her beliefs of what she knows Vampires to be but Henry is not what she expected
📙Henry has some deep emotions around his life and how he became a vampire. He has always tried to maintain his humanity.
📙Love how the chemistry was there from the start but a really slow burn and mutual attraction.
🍷“I would not have chosen this life for myself. This life is not something I would ever choose for anyone.”
🍷“I think this is the first time you have ever said anything nice to me,”
🍷I felt like a traitor again, and this time, the feeling was ten times stronger, threatening to pull me under before crushing me under its weight.
🍷A shiver skated over my skin as I imagined what it would be like to feel the weight of his powerful body on mine.
🍷The tenderness of the kiss brought tears to my eyes as emotions rose and swelled in my chest.
🍷“Have hope,” he said, looking into my eyes. “I have just found you. I am not ready to lose you yet.”
🍷“Whatever happens, I am right here with you. I will follow you into the void if that is our fate,” Henry said fiercely.
🗝️Vampires
🗝️Hidden powers
🗝️Slow burn
🗝️Enemies to lovers
🗝️Witches
August 19, 2024
Thank you Truly Yours PR & V.I Davis for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.
What an exquisite slow burn, enemies-to-lovers story 🔪🩸 The action, mystery, and intrigue had me flying through this book! Sophie and Henry are such great characters, loved that he respected her and gave her space to grow as a character 🥺 I am so excited to continue this story to get more of them!
This is especially a perfect read for the upcoming spooky season—it’s got the gothic vibes, murder mystery, vampires, and witches.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶
What an exquisite slow burn, enemies-to-lovers story 🔪🩸 The action, mystery, and intrigue had me flying through this book! Sophie and Henry are such great characters, loved that he respected her and gave her space to grow as a character 🥺 I am so excited to continue this story to get more of them!
This is especially a perfect read for the upcoming spooky season—it’s got the gothic vibes, murder mystery, vampires, and witches.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶
August 23, 2024
This is the epitome of a slow burn, which I’m not a huge fan of. The characters take their time with everything, not just the romance. It felt slow in the beginning, but the payoff worked in the end.
A lot of this book is predictable. If you think it’s going to happen, it is. I enjoyed Sophie and Henry enough to look past this though and enjoy the journey.
I find fantasy standalone novels so rare these days and though this is the first in a series it could be read as one I think. Will definitely be continuing to see how everything has changed.
A lot of this book is predictable. If you think it’s going to happen, it is. I enjoyed Sophie and Henry enough to look past this though and enjoy the journey.
I find fantasy standalone novels so rare these days and though this is the first in a series it could be read as one I think. Will definitely be continuing to see how everything has changed.
January 30, 2025
I was sucked in almost immediately and stayed hooked through the entire book. Although after everything I feel like the end was a little anticlimactic. I also feel like there was a blend of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries in this book. Overall though it was a good book that I thoroughly enjoyed .
March 9, 2025
This was a very entertaining read. I was easily absorbed into the story and connected quickly with Sophie. And from the moment I met Henry, I knew he was going to be a new book boyfriend. A great romantasy for fans of enemies-to-lovers and vampires!
August 16, 2025
Vampires... need I say more?
The world-building in this book is top-notch. I'd gladly volunteer and become a vassal for Henry for a year. Henry is a gentleman among vampires. He is amazing to Sophie even when she is taking her feelings from grief and beating him up with them. Looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens next.
The world-building in this book is top-notch. I'd gladly volunteer and become a vassal for Henry for a year. Henry is a gentleman among vampires. He is amazing to Sophie even when she is taking her feelings from grief and beating him up with them. Looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens next.
December 2, 2025
🩸 ARC Review | Josephine’s Tear by V.I. Davis | 4.5⭐
@adasbookreview
Holy moly—I ate this up! From the very first chapter, I was hooked! 😱 I went into it blind and was pleasantly surprised. This book was dark, mysterious, haunting, and completely addictive.📖
I enjoyed Sophie's story! It was raw, heartbreaking, and full of strength.🥹💖 Between betrayal, family secrets, and the weight of her grief, she just kept pushing forward. She’s vulnerable but strong at the same time, and I couldn’t help but root for her.💪 Every decision she made, every secret that unraveled, pulled me deeper into the story.
And then there’s Henry Duval!! UGH I LOVE HENRY!! An immortal vampire scarred by centuries of loss and betrayal, Henry’s dangerous, magnetic, and impossible not to obsess over. I loved hearing his story, and I wanted to know more about him and his past.🌒
Talk about a SLOW BURN!🔥 The tension between Sophie and Henry was everything! They had an undeniable pull toward each other, and every scene between them crackled with tension ⚡. The push and pull was exactly what I wanted! I loved how protective Henry was, but also how he gave Sophie freedom, even when she was set on destroying him and his kind. That dynamic kept me on edge the whole way.
I do wish we had dual POV—I would’ve loved to get Henry's POV and see how he saw Sophie.😩 UGH I NEEDED IT! The ending felt a little rushed for me, and I wish we had more of Sophie's background since the story revolves around it. It would have been nice to have them sit in their hard-earned happiness.
I enjoyed the writing style and how the balance between the story and romance was well done. I enjoyed that the romance was slow and that the story was more focused on growth and the storyline.
@adasbookreview
Holy moly—I ate this up! From the very first chapter, I was hooked! 😱 I went into it blind and was pleasantly surprised. This book was dark, mysterious, haunting, and completely addictive.📖
I enjoyed Sophie's story! It was raw, heartbreaking, and full of strength.🥹💖 Between betrayal, family secrets, and the weight of her grief, she just kept pushing forward. She’s vulnerable but strong at the same time, and I couldn’t help but root for her.💪 Every decision she made, every secret that unraveled, pulled me deeper into the story.
And then there’s Henry Duval!! UGH I LOVE HENRY!! An immortal vampire scarred by centuries of loss and betrayal, Henry’s dangerous, magnetic, and impossible not to obsess over. I loved hearing his story, and I wanted to know more about him and his past.🌒
Talk about a SLOW BURN!🔥 The tension between Sophie and Henry was everything! They had an undeniable pull toward each other, and every scene between them crackled with tension ⚡. The push and pull was exactly what I wanted! I loved how protective Henry was, but also how he gave Sophie freedom, even when she was set on destroying him and his kind. That dynamic kept me on edge the whole way.
I do wish we had dual POV—I would’ve loved to get Henry's POV and see how he saw Sophie.😩 UGH I NEEDED IT! The ending felt a little rushed for me, and I wish we had more of Sophie's background since the story revolves around it. It would have been nice to have them sit in their hard-earned happiness.
I enjoyed the writing style and how the balance between the story and romance was well done. I enjoyed that the romance was slow and that the story was more focused on growth and the storyline.
March 22, 2025
This supernatural romance had me hooked from the prologue. This story is captivating as it takes place after a war with vampires and witches. An annual event called the Selection occurs as vampires set strict rules for keeping humans safe, but a recent event of killings is putting humans in danger, and Sophie wants to uncover the truth.
This story is seen in the eyes of the FMC's point of view. She goes through a traumatic event and slowly uncovers her past as she finds her way into the Duval Estate. I loved Sophie's transformation throughout the book. Henry is this powerful, intimidating vampire, and I enjoyed the dynamic between him and Sophie as the slowburn was definitely slowly burning.
V.I. Davis created a wonderful and original supernatural story. It was so easy to get into the storyline, and overall, it was a fun, good paced read!! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your ARC team for this wonderful debut novel!
This story is seen in the eyes of the FMC's point of view. She goes through a traumatic event and slowly uncovers her past as she finds her way into the Duval Estate. I loved Sophie's transformation throughout the book. Henry is this powerful, intimidating vampire, and I enjoyed the dynamic between him and Sophie as the slowburn was definitely slowly burning.
V.I. Davis created a wonderful and original supernatural story. It was so easy to get into the storyline, and overall, it was a fun, good paced read!! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your ARC team for this wonderful debut novel!
October 2, 2024
Sophie volunteers to be Henry's vassal, basically a 1 year contract for Henry (a vampire) to feed from her so he has a supply of fresh blood. The Vampires are the ruling class in this world, so as part of their rule they require 1 male and 1 female to be conscripted as vassals for each of the 7 clans in their world. Sophie volunteers so that she may search for the amulet known as "Josephine's Tear" which she believes Henry has hidden within his estate. Sophie believes this amulet has the power to eradicate both Vampires & Dark Witches, who the vampires are protecting the humans from, therefore freeing the humans from their slavery.
Warning: my review contains mild spoilers. I will try to blur them!
Some things that I liked - Sophie's absolute dedication to saving the humans and being selfless for pretty much the entire story. Everything she did was as a result of the death of her mother and her finally saying enough is enough when she finds out there is a potential to save all of human kind. Sophie is constantly thinking of others - the young servant wards Rory & Ezra, her friend Waylon, her father, even Henry. The betterment of humanity is her driving force - even if it continually puts her life in danger. I also liked the forced proximity and slow burn that is Sophie & Henry's romance. Although it was pretty easy to guess how and where their relationship was going, it was still pretty cute.
All in all, this was a decent read albeit pretty predictable. Sophie is also pretty impulsive - she plans & trains for a whole year prior to volunteering to be a vassal, and on day 1 as soon as she is alone she goes off and searches the house. She didn't give herself any time to learn the inhabitants' schedules or even the floor plan - just goes off and searches and hopes for the best.
Another gripe that I have is that we're introduced to the two primary antagonist groups: the vampires & dark witches. But nowhere does the author insinuate that there are other supernatural beings until they are face to face with the character. I remember thinking to myself early on in the book that if vampires and dark witches exist in this world, where (if they exist) are the other supernatural beings? I thought this was a stylistic choice of the author
Davis is also prone to repeating phrases - the most common being her continual use of "Vampires and Dark Witches" when referring to these 2 groups. They were mentioned constantly as just the "Vampires and Dark Witches," and compounded with the fact that for almost the first half of the story we didn't know other supernatural beings exist, I got kind of tired hearing them described as just the entities that they are. I wish Davis got more creative whenever she was re-introducing them, so we weren't getting the same phrases time and time again. Another common repetition is whenever Sophie is aroused, it's some variation of heat between her legs, heat in her core, apex of her thighs, etc. All common trope-y phrases of desire found in most spicy novels. This alone isn't the worst thing ever, but compiled with the issues I already have with the writing, it just continued to pull me out of the story.
Thank you to BookSprout, Davis, & Oliver Heber Books for the eARC!
Warning: my review contains mild spoilers. I will try to blur them!
Some things that I liked - Sophie's absolute dedication to saving the humans and being selfless for pretty much the entire story. Everything she did was as a result of the death of her mother and her finally saying enough is enough when she finds out there is a potential to save all of human kind. Sophie is constantly thinking of others - the young servant wards Rory & Ezra, her friend Waylon, her father, even Henry. The betterment of humanity is her driving force - even if it continually puts her life in danger. I also liked the forced proximity and slow burn that is Sophie & Henry's romance. Although it was pretty easy to guess how and where their relationship was going, it was still pretty cute.
All in all, this was a decent read albeit pretty predictable. Sophie is also pretty impulsive - she plans & trains for a whole year prior to volunteering to be a vassal, and on day 1 as soon as she is alone she goes off and searches the house. She didn't give herself any time to learn the inhabitants' schedules or even the floor plan - just goes off and searches and hopes for the best.
Another gripe that I have is that we're introduced to the two primary antagonist groups: the vampires & dark witches. But nowhere does the author insinuate that there are other supernatural beings until they are face to face with the character. I remember thinking to myself early on in the book that if vampires and dark witches exist in this world, where (if they exist) are the other supernatural beings? I thought this was a stylistic choice of the author
Davis is also prone to repeating phrases - the most common being her continual use of "Vampires and Dark Witches" when referring to these 2 groups. They were mentioned constantly as just the "Vampires and Dark Witches," and compounded with the fact that for almost the first half of the story we didn't know other supernatural beings exist, I got kind of tired hearing them described as just the entities that they are. I wish Davis got more creative whenever she was re-introducing them, so we weren't getting the same phrases time and time again. Another common repetition is whenever Sophie is aroused, it's some variation of heat between her legs, heat in her core, apex of her thighs, etc. All common trope-y phrases of desire found in most spicy novels. This alone isn't the worst thing ever, but compiled with the issues I already have with the writing, it just continued to pull me out of the story.
Thank you to BookSprout, Davis, & Oliver Heber Books for the eARC!
February 7, 2025
A Surprising Debut: "Josephine's Tear" by V.I. Davis
I'll admit, I approached "Josephine's Tear" with a hint of skepticism, wondering if a debut novel could truly deliver. But V.I. Davis proved me wrong from the start. This captivating tale of adventure, magic and romance hooked me from the prologue.
The plot is meticulously crafted, with a clever use of time jumps that add depth to the narrative. The story unfolds seamlessly, keeping me invested in the journey of the protagonist, Sophie.
“It was time we stopped serving one blood-thirsty creature to protect us from another deadly threat. It was time we reclaimed our world.”
Speaking of Sophie, her character development is a highlight of the book. I appreciated watching her grow and evolve throughout the story. However, I felt that Henry's character was somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the same level of growth and development as Sophie.
One area where Davis truly shines is in her world-building skills. The magical realm she's created is richly detailed, with vivid descriptions that transported me to another world. Her portrayal of magical creatures is equally impressive, making it easy to visualize and become fully immersed in the story.
“The downfall of a few of them does not make them all evil.”
One area for improvement is the author's tendency to tell rather than show. There were moments when I felt I was being informed about the characters' emotions and motivations rather than experiencing them firsthand.
Additionally, the repetition of the book's central goal – finding the amulet and saving the human world – became a bit tiresome. While it's essential to remind readers of the stakes, I felt it was reiterated too frequently.
Despite these minor quibbles, the dialogue is strong, and the romance is expertly woven throughout the narrative.
“Have hope,” he said, looking into my eyes. “I have just found you. I am not ready to lose you yet.”
The slow burn between the two main characters is sweet and satisfying, especially since readers have to wait until the very end to see the romantic relationship between the two come to fruition.
“I will follow you into the void if that is our fate.”
Overall, "Josephine's Tear" is an impressive debut from V.I. Davis. With some refinement in showing rather than telling and varying the pacing, Davis has the potential to become a standout author in the fantasy genre.
Rating: 4/5 stars
I'll admit, I approached "Josephine's Tear" with a hint of skepticism, wondering if a debut novel could truly deliver. But V.I. Davis proved me wrong from the start. This captivating tale of adventure, magic and romance hooked me from the prologue.
The plot is meticulously crafted, with a clever use of time jumps that add depth to the narrative. The story unfolds seamlessly, keeping me invested in the journey of the protagonist, Sophie.
“It was time we stopped serving one blood-thirsty creature to protect us from another deadly threat. It was time we reclaimed our world.”
Speaking of Sophie, her character development is a highlight of the book. I appreciated watching her grow and evolve throughout the story. However, I felt that Henry's character was somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the same level of growth and development as Sophie.
One area where Davis truly shines is in her world-building skills. The magical realm she's created is richly detailed, with vivid descriptions that transported me to another world. Her portrayal of magical creatures is equally impressive, making it easy to visualize and become fully immersed in the story.
“The downfall of a few of them does not make them all evil.”
One area for improvement is the author's tendency to tell rather than show. There were moments when I felt I was being informed about the characters' emotions and motivations rather than experiencing them firsthand.
Additionally, the repetition of the book's central goal – finding the amulet and saving the human world – became a bit tiresome. While it's essential to remind readers of the stakes, I felt it was reiterated too frequently.
Despite these minor quibbles, the dialogue is strong, and the romance is expertly woven throughout the narrative.
“Have hope,” he said, looking into my eyes. “I have just found you. I am not ready to lose you yet.”
The slow burn between the two main characters is sweet and satisfying, especially since readers have to wait until the very end to see the romantic relationship between the two come to fruition.
“I will follow you into the void if that is our fate.”
Overall, "Josephine's Tear" is an impressive debut from V.I. Davis. With some refinement in showing rather than telling and varying the pacing, Davis has the potential to become a standout author in the fantasy genre.
Rating: 4/5 stars
August 23, 2024
🌙✨ 𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓑𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓛𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓷 𝓙𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓹𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮’𝓼 𝓣𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓫𝔂 𝓥.𝓘. 𝓓𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓼 ✨🌙
3.5 rounded up to 4
Step into a world where vampires rule, witches lurk, and humanity teeters on the edge of destruction. Sophie Devereaux is on a mission—to find the enchanted amulet that could save her world or lose everything, including her own humanity 🦇🔮
A journey filled with heart-pounding action, forbidden romance, and impossible choices. Will Sophie be the hero humanity needs, or will she fall prey to the darkness within? 💔🔥
Josephine's Tear brings a refreshing twist to the vampire genre. The portrayal of a vulnerable, apologetic vampire is something rarely seen, making Henry a standout character. Unlike the typical emotionless, stone-like vampires, Henry feels incredibly human, adding depth to his character and making his interactions more relatable.
Interestingly, the witches in this story are depicted as the true antagonists, while most vampires, aside from the menacing ravagers, are portrayed more sympathetically. This reversal of roles adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
One of the most touching moments is when Josephine falls asleep next to Henry in the cabin, feeling safe in his presence. This scene perfectly captures the warmth and comfort of their relationship. However, the romance between Josephine and Henry feels rushed. She quickly shifts from hating him to loving him, giving the impression of an instant connection rather than a gradual development of feelings. A slower build-up would have made their relationship more believable and engaging.
While the plot is engaging, some elements feel a bit too easy, like stealing Josephine’s Tear amulet, which lacks the tension and difficulty one might expect. Additionally, the story's pacing seems hurried, leading to a somewhat predictable ending. Despite these points, Josephine's Tear offers an enjoyable and unique take on the vampire-witch dynamic.
📅 Josephine’s Tear was released on August 20th, 2024.
Special thanks to NetGalley, V.I. Davis, and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 rounded up to 4
Step into a world where vampires rule, witches lurk, and humanity teeters on the edge of destruction. Sophie Devereaux is on a mission—to find the enchanted amulet that could save her world or lose everything, including her own humanity 🦇🔮
A journey filled with heart-pounding action, forbidden romance, and impossible choices. Will Sophie be the hero humanity needs, or will she fall prey to the darkness within? 💔🔥
“I have just found you; I’m not ready to lose you yet.”
Josephine's Tear brings a refreshing twist to the vampire genre. The portrayal of a vulnerable, apologetic vampire is something rarely seen, making Henry a standout character. Unlike the typical emotionless, stone-like vampires, Henry feels incredibly human, adding depth to his character and making his interactions more relatable.
Interestingly, the witches in this story are depicted as the true antagonists, while most vampires, aside from the menacing ravagers, are portrayed more sympathetically. This reversal of roles adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
One of the most touching moments is when Josephine falls asleep next to Henry in the cabin, feeling safe in his presence. This scene perfectly captures the warmth and comfort of their relationship. However, the romance between Josephine and Henry feels rushed. She quickly shifts from hating him to loving him, giving the impression of an instant connection rather than a gradual development of feelings. A slower build-up would have made their relationship more believable and engaging.
While the plot is engaging, some elements feel a bit too easy, like stealing Josephine’s Tear amulet, which lacks the tension and difficulty one might expect. Additionally, the story's pacing seems hurried, leading to a somewhat predictable ending. Despite these points, Josephine's Tear offers an enjoyable and unique take on the vampire-witch dynamic.
📅 Josephine’s Tear was released on August 20th, 2024.
Special thanks to NetGalley, V.I. Davis, and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2024
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
5⭐️
2🌶
Tropes:
🩸Slow Burn
🩸Vampires
🩸Enemies-to-lovers
🩸Forced Proximity
"What do you hope for?"
"A bright future where I feel safe."
And it is everything Sophie is fighting for. Giving herself to the vampires to search for the amulet that is rumored to destroy all supernatural creatures.
Sophie's mother is murdered by a vampire right before her eyes. And in order to rid the world of the Dark Witches plaguing society and the Vampires using them for food, Sophie is determined to find the amulet her mother left a note about to end vampires and witches alike.
When the annual selection comes for a human to be offered to a vampire, Sophie makes sure she is chosen by Henry so she can get behind enemy lines to search for the amulet.
When Henry learns the reason she is there, he begins to help her look for the amulet. Sophie is reluctant for the help, but she begins to see that Henry isn't the monster she thought he would be.
The two are racing the clock to find the amulet and activate it in order to bring peace to the world. Can they see through their differences in order to save everyone?
I loved this book. It had it all. Action, intrigue, magic, and vampires, too. Sophie is a strong-willed girl, and Henry definitely had his hands full. This was such a SLOW burn, but it was worth the read, anyway. It held my attention even without being flooded with spice and total romance.
I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for your next sexy, paranormal read!
5⭐️
2🌶
Tropes:
🩸Slow Burn
🩸Vampires
🩸Enemies-to-lovers
🩸Forced Proximity
"What do you hope for?"
"A bright future where I feel safe."
And it is everything Sophie is fighting for. Giving herself to the vampires to search for the amulet that is rumored to destroy all supernatural creatures.
Sophie's mother is murdered by a vampire right before her eyes. And in order to rid the world of the Dark Witches plaguing society and the Vampires using them for food, Sophie is determined to find the amulet her mother left a note about to end vampires and witches alike.
When the annual selection comes for a human to be offered to a vampire, Sophie makes sure she is chosen by Henry so she can get behind enemy lines to search for the amulet.
When Henry learns the reason she is there, he begins to help her look for the amulet. Sophie is reluctant for the help, but she begins to see that Henry isn't the monster she thought he would be.
The two are racing the clock to find the amulet and activate it in order to bring peace to the world. Can they see through their differences in order to save everyone?
I loved this book. It had it all. Action, intrigue, magic, and vampires, too. Sophie is a strong-willed girl, and Henry definitely had his hands full. This was such a SLOW burn, but it was worth the read, anyway. It held my attention even without being flooded with spice and total romance.
I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for your next sexy, paranormal read!
October 29, 2024
2.5 ⭐
Meh.
The plot felt very predictable to me.
I saw pretty much every twist/reveal coming from a mile away. The only thing that actually surprised me, was what happened to Vincent, but otherwise I guessed pretty much everything right away.
There was a handful of things that felt sort of forced, like the impromptu swordfight that Sophie wants to have with Wren or Sophie's big decision towards the end. It felt like things that happened because the author needed them to happen for plot, not because they organically came to be.
The writing isn't amazing, but competent enough, though at times annoyingly repetitive.
The same phrasing is used over and over and over again for certain things.
Despite it being a pretty short book it still felt like the author was overly explaining certain things that were very obvious from context alone.
The characters were fine, though Sophie got on my nerves at time. The only character I actually cared about was Rory. I don't think many of the characters besides Sophie and Henry got much time to shine. There was potential in the other characters but it felt like they were pushed into the background constantly. they ended up feeling like set pieces more than actual people.
The world building was pretty lackluster to me. I wish we had gotten more information about the dark god, Witches and in general the world.
The story concludes way too easily in my opinion, but I suppose that is what happens when the story revolved around a MacGuffin that can instantly destroy anything supernatural.
Meh.
The plot felt very predictable to me.
I saw pretty much every twist/reveal coming from a mile away. The only thing that actually surprised me, was what happened to Vincent, but otherwise I guessed pretty much everything right away.
There was a handful of things that felt sort of forced, like the impromptu swordfight that Sophie wants to have with Wren or Sophie's big decision towards the end. It felt like things that happened because the author needed them to happen for plot, not because they organically came to be.
The writing isn't amazing, but competent enough, though at times annoyingly repetitive.
The same phrasing is used over and over and over again for certain things.
Despite it being a pretty short book it still felt like the author was overly explaining certain things that were very obvious from context alone.
The characters were fine, though Sophie got on my nerves at time. The only character I actually cared about was Rory. I don't think many of the characters besides Sophie and Henry got much time to shine. There was potential in the other characters but it felt like they were pushed into the background constantly. they ended up feeling like set pieces more than actual people.
The world building was pretty lackluster to me. I wish we had gotten more information about the dark god, Witches and in general the world.
The story concludes way too easily in my opinion, but I suppose that is what happens when the story revolved around a MacGuffin that can instantly destroy anything supernatural.
March 8, 2025
⭐️ 3.85
🌶 2.5
What a great debut! This reminded me of vampire novels from the early 2000's, yet it still had an interesting, new premise.
Davis really knows how to create atmosphere and suspense. I was so addicted to the vibes and easy prose that I read this in nearly 1 sitting.
The gothic architecture and decadence were so delicious. The vampires were seductively dangerous, yet most were morally repulsive. It was a great dichotomy that felt reminiscent of OG vampire stories like Dracula.
Yet, at the same time, the MMC Henry was giving Twilight-esque vibes - his morality and need to protect humanity were core tenants of his character (don't worry, there are no "vegetarians" here). I loved how his chivalry often confused the FMC Sophie, which helped create a great slowburn.
Speaking of, I love a good chosen one who's driven by revenge. Sophie's rage and hatred towards the vampires were refreshingly honest - she certainly wasn't fooled by the glamour of vampire high society.
The action sequences were some of my favourite parts. The battles between the vampires and Dark Witches were especially intense. Two different species of monsters going at each other's throats to claim ruling rights over humans were appropriately vicious and bloody.
Overall, I had a fun time with this story and can't wait to read book 2. I only marked it down because the plot was rather predictable and the worldbuilding lacked some finer details. However, that predictability feels comforting rather than disappointing, so I still recommend it.
🌶 2.5
What a great debut! This reminded me of vampire novels from the early 2000's, yet it still had an interesting, new premise.
Davis really knows how to create atmosphere and suspense. I was so addicted to the vibes and easy prose that I read this in nearly 1 sitting.
The gothic architecture and decadence were so delicious. The vampires were seductively dangerous, yet most were morally repulsive. It was a great dichotomy that felt reminiscent of OG vampire stories like Dracula.
Yet, at the same time, the MMC Henry was giving Twilight-esque vibes - his morality and need to protect humanity were core tenants of his character (don't worry, there are no "vegetarians" here). I loved how his chivalry often confused the FMC Sophie, which helped create a great slowburn.
Speaking of, I love a good chosen one who's driven by revenge. Sophie's rage and hatred towards the vampires were refreshingly honest - she certainly wasn't fooled by the glamour of vampire high society.
The action sequences were some of my favourite parts. The battles between the vampires and Dark Witches were especially intense. Two different species of monsters going at each other's throats to claim ruling rights over humans were appropriately vicious and bloody.
Overall, I had a fun time with this story and can't wait to read book 2. I only marked it down because the plot was rather predictable and the worldbuilding lacked some finer details. However, that predictability feels comforting rather than disappointing, so I still recommend it.
August 12, 2024
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 🌶️
✨ Can Sophie achieve what she set out to do without compromising her values and losing her own humanity in the process?
This story had me hooked from the very beginning! The writing flowed so well and made this such an easy read. If you love supernatural storylines with witches, vampires and humans trying to take back what’s theirs, then this book is for you!
Sophie was our stabby 🗡️FMC with trust issues and a tendency to act rashly while hyper fixating on one goal. Henry is our tortured, 200 year old vampire 🧛, humanity intact, with golden retriever energy and a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
The first book in this series had light world-building, mild conflict, easy resolutions, slow simmering romance with a dash of secrets and tension. It ended happily and without a cliffhanger…which I LOOOVE! It does, however, conclude with a subtle hint towards more to come and something tells me that the cozy ending we get in this book is not the HEA that it appears to be. 👀
The perfect book to read between larger series or even as an introduction into the paranormal romance genre! I ate it up and highly recommend checking it out! I’m looking forward to the next book and getting to experience more of Henry and Sophie as their romance builds in the midst of transitioning powers.
✨ Can Sophie achieve what she set out to do without compromising her values and losing her own humanity in the process?
This story had me hooked from the very beginning! The writing flowed so well and made this such an easy read. If you love supernatural storylines with witches, vampires and humans trying to take back what’s theirs, then this book is for you!
Sophie was our stabby 🗡️FMC with trust issues and a tendency to act rashly while hyper fixating on one goal. Henry is our tortured, 200 year old vampire 🧛, humanity intact, with golden retriever energy and a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
The first book in this series had light world-building, mild conflict, easy resolutions, slow simmering romance with a dash of secrets and tension. It ended happily and without a cliffhanger…which I LOOOVE! It does, however, conclude with a subtle hint towards more to come and something tells me that the cozy ending we get in this book is not the HEA that it appears to be. 👀
The perfect book to read between larger series or even as an introduction into the paranormal romance genre! I ate it up and highly recommend checking it out! I’m looking forward to the next book and getting to experience more of Henry and Sophie as their romance builds in the midst of transitioning powers.
February 19, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book.
The actual story was enjoyable but I struggled with the characters and was left wanting more from them and their starting journeys.
As for Sophie, she came off wishy-washy to me, she had a very firm hatred for the vampires and the flow to her deciding to be turned just didn’t come naturally to me. However, I did understand that the author was trying to convey Sophie’s sacrifice which I liked.
Getting into side characters, I really loved most of them. I do wish we saw more of Ezra in this one. Especially a conversation with Sophie or a look at how he was healing after Rory’s death. Also, I would have loved more with Isabelle.
Now for the romance, I really didn’t feel any chemistry between Sophie and Henry until the very end. I think this could have been different if there was more banter between the two perhaps? I just felt like maybe the spark was missing for them. I definitely wanted them to hook up before the turn happened too. 😅
Reading book two seem worth it for me because the actual plot was enjoyable as I mentioned and the end of this one definitely picked up. Additionally, I actually felt the chemistry between Henry and Sophie improved a lot at the end so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the flow between the characters will continue on that trend! (I can confirm book two makes it all worth it!)
The actual story was enjoyable but I struggled with the characters and was left wanting more from them and their starting journeys.
As for Sophie, she came off wishy-washy to me, she had a very firm hatred for the vampires and the flow to her deciding to be turned just didn’t come naturally to me. However, I did understand that the author was trying to convey Sophie’s sacrifice which I liked.
Getting into side characters, I really loved most of them. I do wish we saw more of Ezra in this one. Especially a conversation with Sophie or a look at how he was healing after Rory’s death. Also, I would have loved more with Isabelle.
Now for the romance, I really didn’t feel any chemistry between Sophie and Henry until the very end. I think this could have been different if there was more banter between the two perhaps? I just felt like maybe the spark was missing for them. I definitely wanted them to hook up before the turn happened too. 😅
Reading book two seem worth it for me because the actual plot was enjoyable as I mentioned and the end of this one definitely picked up. Additionally, I actually felt the chemistry between Henry and Sophie improved a lot at the end so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the flow between the characters will continue on that trend! (I can confirm book two makes it all worth it!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
All my vampire Romantasy girlies need to jump on this asap!! Why isn't this book more popular??
I still can't believe this book is a debut. I love indie writers and finding these little hidden gems. 🥹🥹🥹
Josephine's Tear was fun, original and had a bit of an old school vampire vs humans vs witches vibe that I have missed lately. Told in the heroine's POV, it made the mystery that was the broody badass vampire more delicious. Actually, it kind of reminded me of A Discovery of Witches. If you liked that, you will enjoy this story.
Sophie is a strong, relatable, resourceful heroine who will make sacrifices, fight, work with vampires (tho she loathes them) and get in the middle of intrigue, politics and complicated history to save the fate of her people. I was hooked from the very beginning and loved following her journey from young scared girl to savior and figther. Henry was a powerful, badass, delicious presence through it all and their dynamic and slooow burn (I'm talking things finally happen past the 90% mark slow burn😮💨) was fun.
4.5⭐️
Review copy provided by Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for my honest opinion thank youu
I still can't believe this book is a debut. I love indie writers and finding these little hidden gems. 🥹🥹🥹
Josephine's Tear was fun, original and had a bit of an old school vampire vs humans vs witches vibe that I have missed lately. Told in the heroine's POV, it made the mystery that was the broody badass vampire more delicious. Actually, it kind of reminded me of A Discovery of Witches. If you liked that, you will enjoy this story.
Sophie is a strong, relatable, resourceful heroine who will make sacrifices, fight, work with vampires (tho she loathes them) and get in the middle of intrigue, politics and complicated history to save the fate of her people. I was hooked from the very beginning and loved following her journey from young scared girl to savior and figther. Henry was a powerful, badass, delicious presence through it all and their dynamic and slooow burn (I'm talking things finally happen past the 90% mark slow burn😮💨) was fun.
4.5⭐️
Review copy provided by Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for my honest opinion thank youu
August 13, 2024
Rating 4,5 stars
I love me a good vampire book. So when I read the blurb of Josephine’s Tear, I knew I wanted to read it and I wasn’t disappointed. The story follows Sophie a strong, cleaver, lovable and stabby FMC. She despises vampires and will do everything to destroy them and she knows how she can establish this. And Henry, a 200 year old vampire that gave me total Carlisle(Twilight) vibes. Starting out as enemies, with a lot of tension.
“I am willing to give up all my sunrises to give my people a chance”
This debut novel by V.I. Davis is the first book in the A Crimson And Shadow series and a real slow burn. I loved every minute of it, it’s the kind of book you pick up in your weekend to finish in the same weekend and having a great recommendation on Monday because it was that good. The story is well written, it had lovable main characters and a good villain you will love to hate.
The only reason for me to give it 4,5 stars is because the plot felt somewhat predictable at times, but that didn’t make it less enjoyable. Because this book had a solid conclusion and not a cliffhanger, I’m very curious about the next book! I highly recommend this book by an amazing upcoming indie author!
Tropes
-Age gap
-Stabby FMC
-Golden retriever vampire
-Enemies to lovers
-Forced proximity
-Slow burn
I love me a good vampire book. So when I read the blurb of Josephine’s Tear, I knew I wanted to read it and I wasn’t disappointed. The story follows Sophie a strong, cleaver, lovable and stabby FMC. She despises vampires and will do everything to destroy them and she knows how she can establish this. And Henry, a 200 year old vampire that gave me total Carlisle(Twilight) vibes. Starting out as enemies, with a lot of tension.
“I am willing to give up all my sunrises to give my people a chance”
This debut novel by V.I. Davis is the first book in the A Crimson And Shadow series and a real slow burn. I loved every minute of it, it’s the kind of book you pick up in your weekend to finish in the same weekend and having a great recommendation on Monday because it was that good. The story is well written, it had lovable main characters and a good villain you will love to hate.
The only reason for me to give it 4,5 stars is because the plot felt somewhat predictable at times, but that didn’t make it less enjoyable. Because this book had a solid conclusion and not a cliffhanger, I’m very curious about the next book! I highly recommend this book by an amazing upcoming indie author!
Tropes
-Age gap
-Stabby FMC
-Golden retriever vampire
-Enemies to lovers
-Forced proximity
-Slow burn
August 19, 2024
Josephine’s Tear was a really great blend of romance, action, and fantasy elements. I liked that there were two competing supernatural forces (vampires and witches) that left me with questions throughout the book so I was always on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what would happen.
The love story is a slow burn—definitely not the typical enemies-to-lovers or friends-to-lovers trope. It’s more nuanced, and while I wasn’t entirely drawn into the romance this time around, I can see it blossoming in future books.
What really got to me was Sophie’s drive for revenge against the vampires who wronged her family. Her quest for justice is intense, and you can really feel her pain and determination. There’s a lot more to the story than meets the eye, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here.
I’m giving Josephine’s Tear a solid 4 stars. It’s a gripping read with a fascinating world and a compelling lead. If you’re into action-packed fantasy with a touch of romance that’s still finding its footing, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book!
The love story is a slow burn—definitely not the typical enemies-to-lovers or friends-to-lovers trope. It’s more nuanced, and while I wasn’t entirely drawn into the romance this time around, I can see it blossoming in future books.
What really got to me was Sophie’s drive for revenge against the vampires who wronged her family. Her quest for justice is intense, and you can really feel her pain and determination. There’s a lot more to the story than meets the eye, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here.
I’m giving Josephine’s Tear a solid 4 stars. It’s a gripping read with a fascinating world and a compelling lead. If you’re into action-packed fantasy with a touch of romance that’s still finding its footing, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book!
September 3, 2024
Have you ever started a book and settled into one vibe, and then found out you were totally wrong? That was my case here. 😅
The first half had a slow to medium pace, and I figured I was in for a cozy fantasy, sweet and predictable. I was wrong. 😂 But not disappointed!
About halfway through the pace picked up, and each chapter I was taken off guard as there was a plot twist or something unexpected! I can get super easily distracted when reading, but I was wholly invested the last 40%!
It's a fast and easy read that doesn't bog you down with world building. The FMC is 19 and often very foolish in the first 30%, but at least she admits when she's foolish. 😂 And the MMC... he's what vampire book boyfriends are made of! 🤤
In one of her Instagram posts, the author compares this book to Twilight. I can see that connection, but I enjoyed this book sooo much more! So if you're a Twilight fan, or weren't but like the general idea, you'd probably enjoy this book.
🫢 Three curse words (A and B)
🌶🌶 Four brief (two paragraphs to two pages) open door scenes
Thanks so much to the author for the early copy -- I really enjoyed it!
The first half had a slow to medium pace, and I figured I was in for a cozy fantasy, sweet and predictable. I was wrong. 😂 But not disappointed!
About halfway through the pace picked up, and each chapter I was taken off guard as there was a plot twist or something unexpected! I can get super easily distracted when reading, but I was wholly invested the last 40%!
It's a fast and easy read that doesn't bog you down with world building. The FMC is 19 and often very foolish in the first 30%, but at least she admits when she's foolish. 😂 And the MMC... he's what vampire book boyfriends are made of! 🤤
In one of her Instagram posts, the author compares this book to Twilight. I can see that connection, but I enjoyed this book sooo much more! So if you're a Twilight fan, or weren't but like the general idea, you'd probably enjoy this book.
🫢 Three curse words (A and B)
🌶🌶 Four brief (two paragraphs to two pages) open door scenes
Thanks so much to the author for the early copy -- I really enjoyed it!
February 27, 2025
Josephine’s Tear is a refreshing and accessible fantasy novel, perfect for readers who may be new to the genre. The writing style is smooth and engaging, making it an easy story to follow despite its supernatural elements. While some fantasy books can feel overwhelming with complex lore and dense world-building, this novel keeps things simple, which is a nice change of pace.
While I was initially hesitant about the story, since I feel like vampires are overdone, I appreciated that the story included other supernatural beings, which kept things fresh and engaging. The novel could have benefited from more depth and detail, particularly in its world-building, but in some ways, this lack of complexity made it an even easier and more enjoyable read.
Overall, Josephine’s Tear is a fun, light fantasy that doesn’t demand too much from the reader. It’s a great choice for someone looking for an entertaining escape without the heavy lifting of intricate lore or complex plots. If you enjoy supernatural stories but don’t want to get bogged down in excessive details, this book is worth picking up.
🌶️
While I was initially hesitant about the story, since I feel like vampires are overdone, I appreciated that the story included other supernatural beings, which kept things fresh and engaging. The novel could have benefited from more depth and detail, particularly in its world-building, but in some ways, this lack of complexity made it an even easier and more enjoyable read.
Overall, Josephine’s Tear is a fun, light fantasy that doesn’t demand too much from the reader. It’s a great choice for someone looking for an entertaining escape without the heavy lifting of intricate lore or complex plots. If you enjoy supernatural stories but don’t want to get bogged down in excessive details, this book is worth picking up.
🌶️
August 19, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Revenge
For a debut indie author - this read was simply amazing. I was hooked from the literal prologue and I wanted to know more immediately. We embark in a world with political conflict between humans, dark witches, and vampires - enter The Selection - a process where a human will partner with a Vampire for a year to become their vassal. There Sophie meets Henry - and you can tell from their first interaction there will be a connection between them. From there the storyline takes off on an adventure of revenge against the supernatural. There are a few twists throughout the journey that I didn't expect - and some I could see coming. However, the fact that this book ended with no cliffhanger was clutch. It seems that more and more we are left wondering what the resolution will be - it was so refreshing not to end on that feeling - albeit the ending did feel a bit rushed. Kudos to you V.I. Davis for debuting on such an amazing piece of work!
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Revenge
For a debut indie author - this read was simply amazing. I was hooked from the literal prologue and I wanted to know more immediately. We embark in a world with political conflict between humans, dark witches, and vampires - enter The Selection - a process where a human will partner with a Vampire for a year to become their vassal. There Sophie meets Henry - and you can tell from their first interaction there will be a connection between them. From there the storyline takes off on an adventure of revenge against the supernatural. There are a few twists throughout the journey that I didn't expect - and some I could see coming. However, the fact that this book ended with no cliffhanger was clutch. It seems that more and more we are left wondering what the resolution will be - it was so refreshing not to end on that feeling - albeit the ending did feel a bit rushed. Kudos to you V.I. Davis for debuting on such an amazing piece of work!
February 13, 2025
This book was incredible! In a world where vampires, ravagers, and dark witches hold power and humans are mere vassals, Sophie Devereaux is determined to uncover the truth about her mother's death and find a way to wipe out all supernatural beings. Her strategy is to infiltrate the vampire world by posing as a clan leader’s vassal. But Sophie never expected to learn that not all vampires are evil, nor that the lies she has been told extend to just supernatural beings. With the help of a note left by her mother, Sophie will discover something within herself that will send her life down an unexpected path. The writing was fantastic, and I absolutely fell in love with the characters. My only wish is that some of the more intense moments were explored further, allowing readers to truly experience them alongside the characters. The slow burn romance between Sophie and Henry is absolute perfection! I am desperate to read book 2!
*Thank you to V.I. Davis, Oliver Heber Books and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
*Thank you to V.I. Davis, Oliver Heber Books and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
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