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The Casquette Girls #2
The Romeo Catchers
Is blood thicker than magic in La Nouvelle-Orléans?
Adele scours Storm-ravaged New Orleans for the truth about her family’s magical past, tormented by the fate she condemned her mother to, and by the lies she’s forced to tell to cover it up. But every turn leads her back to the one person she’s determined to forget: Niccolò Medici. Not even the multitude of enchanted locks on the attic door trapping Nicco within can break their connection.
Isaac tries relentlessly to keep Adele from exploring paths too dark that would endanger them all. But a new threat is rising: the Medici’s presence has attracted something else to New Orleans…an older enemy, one that will bring Isaac’s haunted past to life, test the witches’ friendships, and jeopardize Adele and Isaac’s blossoming relationship.
In this spellbinding continuation of The Casquette Girls saga, Adele must draw on the past—from seventeenth-century Florence, a time bubbling with alchemy and fraternal betrayal—and sort history from fantasy if she is to have any chance of saving her mother, her coven, and her magic.
Adele scours Storm-ravaged New Orleans for the truth about her family’s magical past, tormented by the fate she condemned her mother to, and by the lies she’s forced to tell to cover it up. But every turn leads her back to the one person she’s determined to forget: Niccolò Medici. Not even the multitude of enchanted locks on the attic door trapping Nicco within can break their connection.
Isaac tries relentlessly to keep Adele from exploring paths too dark that would endanger them all. But a new threat is rising: the Medici’s presence has attracted something else to New Orleans…an older enemy, one that will bring Isaac’s haunted past to life, test the witches’ friendships, and jeopardize Adele and Isaac’s blossoming relationship.
In this spellbinding continuation of The Casquette Girls saga, Adele must draw on the past—from seventeenth-century Florence, a time bubbling with alchemy and fraternal betrayal—and sort history from fantasy if she is to have any chance of saving her mother, her coven, and her magic.
603 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2017
About the author
Alys Arden
9 books866 followersAlys Arden was raised by the street performers, tea leaf-readers, and glittering drag queens of the New Orleans French Quarter. She cut her teeth on the streets of New York and has worked all around the world since. She either talks too much or not at all. She obsessively documents things. Her hair ranges from eggplant to cotton-candy colored One dreary day in London, she missed home and started writing The Casquette Girls.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
May 4, 2020
Okay, okay now let's talk about The Romeo Catchers.
This has to be one of the weirdest and greatest series that I have read.
It is a blend of American Horror Story and Stranger Things plus as some more "weird" potion.
It is so hard for me to describe this book without spoiling anything, so I won't even try.
All I can say is: Go read the first book first, and then this and enjoy this gore masterpiece.
Would I read it again? - A million times yes.
Would I recommend it? -Yes, yes, yes.
Was it worth it? - Absolutely.
This has to be one of the weirdest and greatest series that I have read.
It is a blend of American Horror Story and Stranger Things plus as some more "weird" potion.
It is so hard for me to describe this book without spoiling anything, so I won't even try.
All I can say is: Go read the first book first, and then this and enjoy this gore masterpiece.
Would I read it again? - A million times yes.
Would I recommend it? -Yes, yes, yes.
Was it worth it? - Absolutely.
September 8, 2018
I adore this series. ADORE. Be warned I’m gonna fangirl and there will be SPOILERS! I love the magic system, I love the characters and I LOVE the setting. It’s just so magical and rich. Even though these books are set in a New Orleans ravaged by a horrific storm and the resulting flood, even though its almost empty of people and still rebuilding…it’s still so fucking mystical. I want to go there so much it’s unreal. There seems to be magic and supernatural intrigue on every street corner. The way the history is woven into the present is gorgeous.
I also love the cast of characters. I’m gonna break this down a bit more.
Adele- Yes I love Adele but also sometimes I want to shake her! So much of what happened was totally avoidable if she had just SPOKEN to her coven. The only person she opened up to was the one person she told the other member of the coven to keep things from!! I do love her though. Her power, her strength, her compassion. I also loved the relationship between her and Mack, in fact I could have done with more of that in this book. Things I don’t like about Adele- her obsession with Nico, her secret squirrel routine and her occasional hypocrisy. More on this later.
Dee- Is there a more wonderfully intelligent, sharp tongued, secretly big-hearted girl in YA? I don’t know that there is. She has a mask that she has hidden behind for so long. A hard exterior that she uses to present a version of herself to the world that she needs to be. But underneath it all she is an incredibly talented witch, a deeply loyal friend and she cares far more than she lets on.
Nico- I struggle with Nico. I think he’s the one that’s gonna end up with Adele but I’m not happy about it. I don’t hate him but…I don’t love him. I don’t want Adele to love him either. He’s a VAMPIRE and he’s so cryptic. Like, surely he knows that Adele knows nothing about all of this stuff so why doesn’t he explain stuff to her? I also wasn’t hugely interested in his backstory. I think it was necessary though because it’s gonna set some stuff up for the next book but I would have liked it to not be as in depth. But that’s personal preference and probably has something to do with…
ISAAC- BAE! I LOVE Isaac. Love him. He is so broken and good. So strong and yet vulnerable. He loves Adele so much and he’s sarcastic and talented. He also has my favourite magical skill set out of all of them. His storyline with seeing all the ghosts just…broke my heart. It was so good and he suffered so much! I want to wrap him up in cotton wool and protect him for ever.
SO lets talk about some plot points.
Like I said above, one of my favourite story arcs in this book was Isaac’s. His power is amazing and watching it all unfold was kind of heart wrenching because all these people (and dogs…welp) that he’s been having interactions with and his realisations that they are dead and the way it fucks with his head and his heart every time. It killed me but it was so good.
I loved the way Dee choosing a mixed magic coven caused such a rift back home and had her being disowned. It was so crazy, like her Grandmother should have been talking to her about it and if she had then she would have known bout Isaac’s ability so much sooner. She could have guided him and then he could have been helping the spirits so much earlier.
Including Annabelle as one of the coven members was so good and her power made so much sense. Of course she’s been using her power to rise to the top of the highschool food chain and set out a path for her life. It didn’t matter that the guy she was forcing to be with her was actually gay or that the girl she was convincing to be he best friend didn’t actually like her. It was all about Annabelle being queen bee and getting what she wanted. It’s also why I should have seen her betrayal coming. She thought if she betrayed the coven, she would get to be part of a bigger, stronger coven. Didn’t really work though did it Annabelle. Bet you wish you’d been a bit more loyal now.
So now I’m going to talk about the ending and I’m going to try and quell my rage.
I get it, ok, I get that Adele had to open the attic or die. I understand. What I don’t understand is why she kept skipping off to that school alone all the time. Especially this time, because Isaac knew, he would gladly have gone with her and she’d said that reading Nico’s note, didn’t change how she felt about Isaac. But this brings us to Adele’s big problem- trust.
For some reason, she seems far more inclined to trust Nico, a vampire who is a known member of a family of vampires that have tried to kill her and what something from her. But the members of her own coven? Nope. Can’t tell them shit. Guess she’ll have to do it herself.
So, the attic is locked, she allows them to believe that her vampire mother is actually Giovanna and she lies to them about that FOR MONTHS because according to Adele, if they knew her mother was up there it would…make them more likely to want to kill the vampires? I just…maybe if she’d given them a chance they would have helped her.
And this brings me to my final negative Adele rant- if you tell someone that the female vampire in the attic is Giovanna and then that person, who is hopelessly in love with you, seeings you being chowed down upon by said female vampire without seeing her face…you can’t get all butthurt when that person kills her to save your life and then act like Nico is some big damn hero. Is she fucking serious?? Her actions at the end of this book made me dislike her so much. She had Nico ERASE ISAAC FROM MACKS MEMORIES. How low is that? She pretended she didn’t even know Isaac. So here’s Isaac, full of PTSD and only just able to open up to her about it, saves her life and then flies himself to exhaustion looking for he after she did one of her disappearing acts, is beaten and almost killed by Emilio and Nico, and when he staggers to her door, barely able to breath through broken ribs and the crushing realisation of who he had killed…she pretends she doesn’t know him and lets Mack close the door in his face. SERIOUS. What!? If she had been honest with him, this never would have happened. It’s not enough that she is just going to end it, she has to take Mack away from him too. The man who worried about Isaac and noticed before Adele that her boyfriend had PTSD. The man who befrinded him and let him have a place to go to that wasn’t a cold, bare ship. The man who has been a father figure to him whilst his own father is nowhere to be seen. Great, because he wasn’t struggling enough as it is.
I’m just so angry. I know, I know he killer her mother but her own lies put them all in that situation. How the fuck was he supposed to know? How!? I don’t know where the coven goes from here and I feel like my heart is breaking because I need that little group of people to be together not divided.
Hope for next book- Isaac moves on with the help of Dee because those two would be amazing together.
Oh and Isaac’s PTSD? Broke my heart. His nightmares, his reluctance to talk about it because he didn’t want to admit what was going on…just ouch. I loved his anger at the photographer and I don’t think I’ve ever been more satisfied by someone getting a smack as I was when I read that bit. Perfect.
I am on tender hooks waiting for book three. What’s going to happen to the coven? What’s going to happen with the vamps? I neeeeed to know!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
What!?!?! Are you kidding me? No this is not ok. I am not ok with that ending. How freaking dare you. RTC when I can quell the rage in my heart.
I also love the cast of characters. I’m gonna break this down a bit more.
Adele- Yes I love Adele but also sometimes I want to shake her! So much of what happened was totally avoidable if she had just SPOKEN to her coven. The only person she opened up to was the one person she told the other member of the coven to keep things from!! I do love her though. Her power, her strength, her compassion. I also loved the relationship between her and Mack, in fact I could have done with more of that in this book. Things I don’t like about Adele- her obsession with Nico, her secret squirrel routine and her occasional hypocrisy. More on this later.
Dee- Is there a more wonderfully intelligent, sharp tongued, secretly big-hearted girl in YA? I don’t know that there is. She has a mask that she has hidden behind for so long. A hard exterior that she uses to present a version of herself to the world that she needs to be. But underneath it all she is an incredibly talented witch, a deeply loyal friend and she cares far more than she lets on.
Nico- I struggle with Nico. I think he’s the one that’s gonna end up with Adele but I’m not happy about it. I don’t hate him but…I don’t love him. I don’t want Adele to love him either. He’s a VAMPIRE and he’s so cryptic. Like, surely he knows that Adele knows nothing about all of this stuff so why doesn’t he explain stuff to her? I also wasn’t hugely interested in his backstory. I think it was necessary though because it’s gonna set some stuff up for the next book but I would have liked it to not be as in depth. But that’s personal preference and probably has something to do with…
ISAAC- BAE! I LOVE Isaac. Love him. He is so broken and good. So strong and yet vulnerable. He loves Adele so much and he’s sarcastic and talented. He also has my favourite magical skill set out of all of them. His storyline with seeing all the ghosts just…broke my heart. It was so good and he suffered so much! I want to wrap him up in cotton wool and protect him for ever.
SO lets talk about some plot points.
Like I said above, one of my favourite story arcs in this book was Isaac’s. His power is amazing and watching it all unfold was kind of heart wrenching because all these people (and dogs…welp) that he’s been having interactions with and his realisations that they are dead and the way it fucks with his head and his heart every time. It killed me but it was so good.
I loved the way Dee choosing a mixed magic coven caused such a rift back home and had her being disowned. It was so crazy, like her Grandmother should have been talking to her about it and if she had then she would have known bout Isaac’s ability so much sooner. She could have guided him and then he could have been helping the spirits so much earlier.
Including Annabelle as one of the coven members was so good and her power made so much sense. Of course she’s been using her power to rise to the top of the highschool food chain and set out a path for her life. It didn’t matter that the guy she was forcing to be with her was actually gay or that the girl she was convincing to be he best friend didn’t actually like her. It was all about Annabelle being queen bee and getting what she wanted. It’s also why I should have seen her betrayal coming. She thought if she betrayed the coven, she would get to be part of a bigger, stronger coven. Didn’t really work though did it Annabelle. Bet you wish you’d been a bit more loyal now.
So now I’m going to talk about the ending and I’m going to try and quell my rage.
I get it, ok, I get that Adele had to open the attic or die. I understand. What I don’t understand is why she kept skipping off to that school alone all the time. Especially this time, because Isaac knew, he would gladly have gone with her and she’d said that reading Nico’s note, didn’t change how she felt about Isaac. But this brings us to Adele’s big problem- trust.
For some reason, she seems far more inclined to trust Nico, a vampire who is a known member of a family of vampires that have tried to kill her and what something from her. But the members of her own coven? Nope. Can’t tell them shit. Guess she’ll have to do it herself.
So, the attic is locked, she allows them to believe that her vampire mother is actually Giovanna and she lies to them about that FOR MONTHS because according to Adele, if they knew her mother was up there it would…make them more likely to want to kill the vampires? I just…maybe if she’d given them a chance they would have helped her.
And this brings me to my final negative Adele rant- if you tell someone that the female vampire in the attic is Giovanna and then that person, who is hopelessly in love with you, seeings you being chowed down upon by said female vampire without seeing her face…you can’t get all butthurt when that person kills her to save your life and then act like Nico is some big damn hero. Is she fucking serious?? Her actions at the end of this book made me dislike her so much. She had Nico ERASE ISAAC FROM MACKS MEMORIES. How low is that? She pretended she didn’t even know Isaac. So here’s Isaac, full of PTSD and only just able to open up to her about it, saves her life and then flies himself to exhaustion looking for he after she did one of her disappearing acts, is beaten and almost killed by Emilio and Nico, and when he staggers to her door, barely able to breath through broken ribs and the crushing realisation of who he had killed…she pretends she doesn’t know him and lets Mack close the door in his face. SERIOUS. What!? If she had been honest with him, this never would have happened. It’s not enough that she is just going to end it, she has to take Mack away from him too. The man who worried about Isaac and noticed before Adele that her boyfriend had PTSD. The man who befrinded him and let him have a place to go to that wasn’t a cold, bare ship. The man who has been a father figure to him whilst his own father is nowhere to be seen. Great, because he wasn’t struggling enough as it is.
I’m just so angry. I know, I know he killer her mother but her own lies put them all in that situation. How the fuck was he supposed to know? How!? I don’t know where the coven goes from here and I feel like my heart is breaking because I need that little group of people to be together not divided.
Hope for next book- Isaac moves on with the help of Dee because those two would be amazing together.
Oh and Isaac’s PTSD? Broke my heart. His nightmares, his reluctance to talk about it because he didn’t want to admit what was going on…just ouch. I loved his anger at the photographer and I don’t think I’ve ever been more satisfied by someone getting a smack as I was when I read that bit. Perfect.
I am on tender hooks waiting for book three. What’s going to happen to the coven? What’s going to happen with the vamps? I neeeeed to know!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
What!?!?! Are you kidding me? No this is not ok. I am not ok with that ending. How freaking dare you. RTC when I can quell the rage in my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2019
Adele, Isaac and Desiree have come to realize they need more answers than either of them has. Together, they begin to start searching for the other members of their coven. They also begin practising their magic and begin to develop their spectral powers. However, something dangerous has come to NOLA and this time, it's not the Medici brothers.
I love the atmosphere of this story. It has the perfect blend of witchy-ness, post-apocalyptic dread and the historical aspect from Niccolo's dreams. The curse that surrounds Adele's family and the Medici's is very complex and I love how we only continue to learn just how insane it is. So much was revealed in this installment, but I still feel like it was only the tip of the iceberg.
Adele and Isaac are pretty adorable, but there's something that still pulls me towards Niccolo and her. I don't know why, but Nico has an enthralling quality and it will probably get someone hurt. The web between characters has only gotten more complex and I feel it tightening with this installment. While I want the best for this coven, I can't help but feel that none will make it out of this series unscathed.
I love the atmosphere of this story. It has the perfect blend of witchy-ness, post-apocalyptic dread and the historical aspect from Niccolo's dreams. The curse that surrounds Adele's family and the Medici's is very complex and I love how we only continue to learn just how insane it is. So much was revealed in this installment, but I still feel like it was only the tip of the iceberg.
Adele and Isaac are pretty adorable, but there's something that still pulls me towards Niccolo and her. I don't know why, but Nico has an enthralling quality and it will probably get someone hurt. The web between characters has only gotten more complex and I feel it tightening with this installment. While I want the best for this coven, I can't help but feel that none will make it out of this series unscathed.
May 21, 2017
This is the kind of sequel you want. It draws you deeper into the characters, expanding relationships and the world they live in. This novel is so well crafted and complex and beautiful. It shows you the real horror of everyday post-Katrina New Orleans and what the people who live there went through. Can't wait for the third novel.
November 29, 2020
I’m on a walk and using voice text so I’m sorry if there are any typos. As always these reviews will have spoilers. This will not be too formal I’m just going to voice my initial thoughts upon completing this book.
Well, you can’t say this book slams it anyway. Wow it was hardly filled with action, and followed two points of view, the sequel to the Casquette girls continued to expand its magic system and paranormal encyclopedia.
I was happy this had two points of view I thought it benefited the story to get inside the head of Isaac. The side characters continue to shine as well however the number of characters introduced to the story grew drastically and a few characters as well as a few subplots were mentioned once they never brought up again. And unfortunately I felt Annabel, Ren, and a few other minor characters felt more like plot points than living beings.
My biggest disappointment came from the betrayal by Annabel not being explored enough however I think that may be touched on in the next book as well as the bathroom blowjob scene which served no purpose to the plot except giving Anabel a moment to cry before going full villain.
What I did like about this book was the continued affection it showed New Orleans, the deep dive into Nico‘s background, the expansion of the magic system, and the Im a bad ass vampire moments at the end. I hope Desiree gets her moment to shine in the 3rd book because she’s clearly the smartest member of the coven.
Well, you can’t say this book slams it anyway. Wow it was hardly filled with action, and followed two points of view, the sequel to the Casquette girls continued to expand its magic system and paranormal encyclopedia.
I was happy this had two points of view I thought it benefited the story to get inside the head of Isaac. The side characters continue to shine as well however the number of characters introduced to the story grew drastically and a few characters as well as a few subplots were mentioned once they never brought up again. And unfortunately I felt Annabel, Ren, and a few other minor characters felt more like plot points than living beings.
My biggest disappointment came from the betrayal by Annabel not being explored enough however I think that may be touched on in the next book as well as the bathroom blowjob scene which served no purpose to the plot except giving Anabel a moment to cry before going full villain.
What I did like about this book was the continued affection it showed New Orleans, the deep dive into Nico‘s background, the expansion of the magic system, and the Im a bad ass vampire moments at the end. I hope Desiree gets her moment to shine in the 3rd book because she’s clearly the smartest member of the coven.
November 9, 2018
This book started off slow but, then reeled me in at about chapter 5. I love witches and books set in New Orleans so this series is a perfect fit for me. I enjoyed learning more about Nico's past and how he became a vampire. That fascinated me. I really like Adele as she is strong, independent and knows what she wants. I hate that this ended in a cliff hanger, I mean that's just cruel. The third book doesn't come out until January so what the heck am I supposed to do? Anyways if you like vampires, witches, ghosts and New Orleans then you should give this series a go. You won't be disappointed.
November 3, 2017
Slow but worth it
I have so many feelings. The author did a pretty good job in terms of character development. The writing/diction did not disappoint either. Full review to come.
(Note: I won a giveaway of this book but this does not affect my rating/review. All thoughts are my own).
I have so many feelings. The author did a pretty good job in terms of character development. The writing/diction did not disappoint either. Full review to come.
(Note: I won a giveaway of this book but this does not affect my rating/review. All thoughts are my own).
May 23, 2017
This behemoth of a book was freaking fantastic!! Not as good as book 1 but still a solid 5 star read! I can't get enough of this world I love all the magic and history interwoven into the series! I will say I wasn't a huge fan of Isaac's POV in this one but I adored Adele's and Nicco' parts! I can't wait to see what happens in book 3!
November 24, 2020
Adele, Isaac, and Desiree decide to resume their search for their missing coven members, but secrets between them might hinder their progress. Meanwhile, something is shaking up the paranormal plane in New Orleans and the ghosts are scared. Isaac’s secondary power proves to be important in this aspect of the plot, though it takes nearly the whole book for him to figure it out. While the group gets some witchy instruction from secondary characters, they are still left to figure out a lot on their own which makes them vulnerable to predators worse than the vampires.
Gah! I need to start the next book now! It’s not that this one ended on a cliffhanger, per se, more like the MCs are left in a weird emotional state that I need to see resolved as soon as possible.
It was interesting to get Isaac’s POV in this installment in the series. I got a few things wrong about his character in the first book. I like how his character developed in this book and I’m wondering if we will get a peek into Desiree’s character in the next one.
Gah! I need to start the next book now! It’s not that this one ended on a cliffhanger, per se, more like the MCs are left in a weird emotional state that I need to see resolved as soon as possible.
It was interesting to get Isaac’s POV in this installment in the series. I got a few things wrong about his character in the first book. I like how his character developed in this book and I’m wondering if we will get a peek into Desiree’s character in the next one.
July 28, 2017
I had high hopes for this book after the excellent set up and cliffhanger ending of the first book, however, I feel let down by this book. While I did enjoy reading it and it kept me interested I did have a few problems with it.
First - it started over at that horribly slow pacing that the first book had. It took nearly 70% of the book before any true action that kept your heart racing began. This is similar to how the first book set up.
Second - there were way too many story lines that weren't wrapped up. It's like a story line began and then the author forgot about it half way through and left it hanging. Perhaps it will resolve in book 3, but there could have been a few more conclusions finished in this book.
Third - the ending - totally left you out in left field asking WTF and OMG that's where you're deciding to take this story. It totally got me hooked for book 3, but according to GoodReads it isn't even an idea yet as there is no icon/placeholder for it, no publication date, no title. So now I have to decide if I want to continue in the series or stop as it could be a while before I can get back to it.
Notes to self for review for refresh before book 3. Contains Spoilers
First - it started over at that horribly slow pacing that the first book had. It took nearly 70% of the book before any true action that kept your heart racing began. This is similar to how the first book set up.
Second - there were way too many story lines that weren't wrapped up. It's like a story line began and then the author forgot about it half way through and left it hanging. Perhaps it will resolve in book 3, but there could have been a few more conclusions finished in this book.
Third - the ending - totally left you out in left field asking WTF and OMG that's where you're deciding to take this story. It totally got me hooked for book 3, but according to GoodReads it isn't even an idea yet as there is no icon/placeholder for it, no publication date, no title. So now I have to decide if I want to continue in the series or stop as it could be a while before I can get back to it.
Notes to self for review for refresh before book 3. Contains Spoilers
May 12, 2020
[Disclaimer: e-ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
4.25 stars
I enjoyed this book even more than I did the first in the series, this is probably due to my connection to the characters. I am just so invested in these characters and what's going on with them. There is a lot going on in the story and the plot could get convoluted at times but I enjoy the story so much.
I did think the dual POV added to the story but I definitely still prefer Adele's POV.
I have so many unanswered questions and it is going to absolutely kill me waiting for the next book to come out who knows when.
I really really enjoyed this.
4.25 stars
I enjoyed this book even more than I did the first in the series, this is probably due to my connection to the characters. I am just so invested in these characters and what's going on with them. There is a lot going on in the story and the plot could get convoluted at times but I enjoy the story so much.
I did think the dual POV added to the story but I definitely still prefer Adele's POV.
I have so many unanswered questions and it is going to absolutely kill me waiting for the next book to come out who knows when.
I really really enjoyed this.
May 25, 2017
Merci beaucoup! Alys, This book was just what I needed. The perfect combination of skilled storytelling and bewitching characters set amongst a backdrop of the city that care forgot. It is hauntingly romantic and eerie AF and you will want to read it all over again.
July 29, 2017
MY SHIP IS SINKING. That is the worst feeling ever tbh.
This book broke me and I cannot wait for the third book. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
♥♥♥♥
This book broke me and I cannot wait for the third book. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
♥♥♥♥
March 10, 2019
Holy crap! I have no words!
Yet.
Full review here: http://chellywrites.blogspot.com/2017...
Yet.
Full review here: http://chellywrites.blogspot.com/2017...
November 8, 2018
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
After reading the first book I couldn't wait to get started on The Romeo Catchers but also worried it wouldn't live up to my expectations, I was so wrong!
The Romeo Catchers starts shortly after The Casquette Girls ends with Adele and Isaac both feeling guilty over secrets they're hiding from each other. We're introduced to more magic and find out more about Isaac through his perspective.
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more, I really hope there will be another book, my broken heart cannot let that be the last of it!
My only criticism is that I wanted more of Dee, she seems to be quite absent especially towards the end of the book, but other than that I loved it all!
After reading the first book I couldn't wait to get started on The Romeo Catchers but also worried it wouldn't live up to my expectations, I was so wrong!
The Romeo Catchers starts shortly after The Casquette Girls ends with Adele and Isaac both feeling guilty over secrets they're hiding from each other. We're introduced to more magic and find out more about Isaac through his perspective.
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more, I really hope there will be another book, my broken heart cannot let that be the last of it!
My only criticism is that I wanted more of Dee, she seems to be quite absent especially towards the end of the book, but other than that I loved it all!
April 25, 2017
(I have to say that Nicco's declaration - "I love people more than anything" - reminded me immediately of Izaya in Durarara. This is important. I think.)
(I gave this four and half stars, TOP PICK, in the June installment of Romantic Times Book Reviews: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...)
Adele’s supernatural rollercoaster ride continues at breakneck speed, with shocking revelations along the bloodstained way. Rich descriptions of post-storm New Orleans as well as a variety of vivid secondary characters create a lush background, allowing this extraordinary story to thrive. Readers will be enchanted and horrified in turn as Arden plunges them into a sudden, unpredictable cliffhanger that will leave them as stunned as her characters.
Isaac is plagued by nightmares thanks to his first-responder experiences as he continues to devote himself to recovery efforts, his commitment to Adele and the coven. But Adele is torn between her very real love for him and her compulsive attraction to Nicco, who is still bound by the curse. As centuries-old ties to the mysteries and dangers of the present are slowly revealed through her frightening and intimate connection to the vampire, the pressure on Adele increases. Will her secrets — and Isaac’s — leave them and the coven vulnerable to a new evil?
(I gave this four and half stars, TOP PICK, in the June installment of Romantic Times Book Reviews: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...)
Adele’s supernatural rollercoaster ride continues at breakneck speed, with shocking revelations along the bloodstained way. Rich descriptions of post-storm New Orleans as well as a variety of vivid secondary characters create a lush background, allowing this extraordinary story to thrive. Readers will be enchanted and horrified in turn as Arden plunges them into a sudden, unpredictable cliffhanger that will leave them as stunned as her characters.
Isaac is plagued by nightmares thanks to his first-responder experiences as he continues to devote himself to recovery efforts, his commitment to Adele and the coven. But Adele is torn between her very real love for him and her compulsive attraction to Nicco, who is still bound by the curse. As centuries-old ties to the mysteries and dangers of the present are slowly revealed through her frightening and intimate connection to the vampire, the pressure on Adele increases. Will her secrets — and Isaac’s — leave them and the coven vulnerable to a new evil?
May 29, 2017
Don't miss this book!
The Casquette Girls was an amazing book, but Alys Arden shows real growth in this sequel. She takes everything we love about NOLA and reminds us not to take it for granted. She is such a gifted storyteller and more than a little magical herself. If you're 16 or 60, this book will suck you in and steal your breathe. Just when you think you might "know" something all the rules change. I love the way she seamlessly weaves history and present day. I look forward to the next book but I must admit it's going to be a little while before I recover from this one!!! I'm "Happily Satisfied" because I promised I wouldn't use the "HS" that truly described my feelings at the end of this book. I'm so thankful for new young authors like Alys!
The Casquette Girls was an amazing book, but Alys Arden shows real growth in this sequel. She takes everything we love about NOLA and reminds us not to take it for granted. She is such a gifted storyteller and more than a little magical herself. If you're 16 or 60, this book will suck you in and steal your breathe. Just when you think you might "know" something all the rules change. I love the way she seamlessly weaves history and present day. I look forward to the next book but I must admit it's going to be a little while before I recover from this one!!! I'm "Happily Satisfied" because I promised I wouldn't use the "HS" that truly described my feelings at the end of this book. I'm so thankful for new young authors like Alys!
January 21, 2019
This series is just phenomenal.
Whether you like vampires, witches and anything paranormal or not, you'll definitely like the book for the amazing writing and world-building.
Like in book 1, The Casquette Girls, Alys Arden manages to make the city of new Orleans a character on its own. It's atmospheric, mysterious, real, funny, and a bit broken. It always gives me a "southern Gotham city" vibe.
I also love the very different and super unique protagonists, especially Ren and Adele's dad.
Can't wait to read book 3 soon!
Whether you like vampires, witches and anything paranormal or not, you'll definitely like the book for the amazing writing and world-building.
Like in book 1, The Casquette Girls, Alys Arden manages to make the city of new Orleans a character on its own. It's atmospheric, mysterious, real, funny, and a bit broken. It always gives me a "southern Gotham city" vibe.
I also love the very different and super unique protagonists, especially Ren and Adele's dad.
Can't wait to read book 3 soon!
July 4, 2018
I love this series - the romance, the history, the relationships, the magic. It is so complicated and I don't know how Arden keeps it all straight in her head as she writes! It is so easy to be captivated by the story and the characters. I can't wait for book three!
August 8, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This did not end where I wanted it to, or rather in the way I wanted it to end. I am heartbroken. Book three had better be coming out next year and curse you Arden for making me care so much about witches and vampires again.
I really liked the Casquette girls. It was one I read on a whim earlier in the year expecting comforting familiarity. Which I certainly got mixed in with a dash of the truly strange, exciting paranormal adventure, historical mystery, beautifully detailed sense of place and characters that suprisingly and completely stole my heart. Yes it's witches and vampires in New Orleans and ordinarily I'd say to any author making that attempt 'good luck coming up with something Anne Rice hasn't already done.' Arden not only took that challenge and ran with it, she excelled at it, redefining the sub genre for a new generation. Her plots are always clever and action packed, and her narratives are always compelling.
The Romeo Catchers continues where book one left off and I think it's even better. I loved this book even when I was hating some of the things that happened in it. And Isaac - who sort of irritated me as a bolshy, too good to be true love interest in book 1, grew on me here to the point where I just wanted good things to happen for him. It's incredibly rare for me to connect with a male love interest character like this but he took off in this book - almost like he had wings.
It's hard not to feel some sympathy for Nico too although as Isaac's love rival I really don't want him to get anywhere.
Adele is touchingly human, relatable and occasionally very frustrating. I felt for her but I also wanted to shake her. Love her relationship with her father.
Would love to see more Dee, and Cody felt a little underused but hopefully that's coming in book 3 - which I desperately need.
Two points here ; It gets on.my nerves that now that love triangles are out of fashion so many people sneer so vocally about them, putting an author down for including any sort of romance that has the conflict of an extra person. Not all situations where there are two people interested in the same person are love triangles and what Arden's actually done is not a love triangle but a realistic portrayal of what it's like to love one person but feel a compulsive loyalty to another. These things happen. Being a teen and negotiating that emotional minefield is hard. This was cleverly and sensitivly done.
Second point: this has a depth and emotional honesty that you find in so few YA novels now and absolutely needs to be sung out about.
Loved this book even as it killed me. Will reanimate in time for book three which can't come soon enough.
This did not end where I wanted it to, or rather in the way I wanted it to end. I am heartbroken. Book three had better be coming out next year and curse you Arden for making me care so much about witches and vampires again.
I really liked the Casquette girls. It was one I read on a whim earlier in the year expecting comforting familiarity. Which I certainly got mixed in with a dash of the truly strange, exciting paranormal adventure, historical mystery, beautifully detailed sense of place and characters that suprisingly and completely stole my heart. Yes it's witches and vampires in New Orleans and ordinarily I'd say to any author making that attempt 'good luck coming up with something Anne Rice hasn't already done.' Arden not only took that challenge and ran with it, she excelled at it, redefining the sub genre for a new generation. Her plots are always clever and action packed, and her narratives are always compelling.
The Romeo Catchers continues where book one left off and I think it's even better. I loved this book even when I was hating some of the things that happened in it. And Isaac - who sort of irritated me as a bolshy, too good to be true love interest in book 1, grew on me here to the point where I just wanted good things to happen for him. It's incredibly rare for me to connect with a male love interest character like this but he took off in this book - almost like he had wings.
It's hard not to feel some sympathy for Nico too although as Isaac's love rival I really don't want him to get anywhere.
Adele is touchingly human, relatable and occasionally very frustrating. I felt for her but I also wanted to shake her. Love her relationship with her father.
Would love to see more Dee, and Cody felt a little underused but hopefully that's coming in book 3 - which I desperately need.
Two points here ; It gets on.my nerves that now that love triangles are out of fashion so many people sneer so vocally about them, putting an author down for including any sort of romance that has the conflict of an extra person. Not all situations where there are two people interested in the same person are love triangles and what Arden's actually done is not a love triangle but a realistic portrayal of what it's like to love one person but feel a compulsive loyalty to another. These things happen. Being a teen and negotiating that emotional minefield is hard. This was cleverly and sensitivly done.
Second point: this has a depth and emotional honesty that you find in so few YA novels now and absolutely needs to be sung out about.
Loved this book even as it killed me. Will reanimate in time for book three which can't come soon enough.
June 25, 2017
Reading an Alys Arden book is like taking a vacation. Her books make you feel like you're an actual part of the French Quarter. Completely immersive and her love of her city shines through each and every page. You end up feeling as if you are living and breathing the city right along with the characters. I absolutely adore that about these books!
I loved watching the Coven come together and getting to know some new characters as well as getting more background stories from characters we already know and love. Getting to know Niccolo better was quite endearing. I don't know what Arden is trying to do to my heart, but I don't think I could possibly be any more conflicted between Niccolo and Isaac at this point! Seeing Adele and Isaac's relationship flourish in this book was so sweet. I can plainly see that they are pretty darn wonderful together. But even with Niccolo being out of sight, he was never out of mind, and seeing him as this young determined dreamer with so many hopes of a bright future tugged at each one of my heartstrings. I don't even know what I want at this point! I am DYING to see what happens in the next book.
I was really excited to see more of the witch magic throughout the story. It was a lot of fun watching Adele, Isaac and Dee building up their coven and finding their place. I am very eager to see this group grow and flourish! I am completely intrigued by their individual growing powers as well! That ending was OUT OF CONTROL. You could tell that it was building to something huge towards the end, and it did not disappoint. I have no idea what will happen next in this story, but I can't wait to find out!
I loved watching the Coven come together and getting to know some new characters as well as getting more background stories from characters we already know and love. Getting to know Niccolo better was quite endearing. I don't know what Arden is trying to do to my heart, but I don't think I could possibly be any more conflicted between Niccolo and Isaac at this point! Seeing Adele and Isaac's relationship flourish in this book was so sweet. I can plainly see that they are pretty darn wonderful together. But even with Niccolo being out of sight, he was never out of mind, and seeing him as this young determined dreamer with so many hopes of a bright future tugged at each one of my heartstrings. I don't even know what I want at this point! I am DYING to see what happens in the next book.
I was really excited to see more of the witch magic throughout the story. It was a lot of fun watching Adele, Isaac and Dee building up their coven and finding their place. I am very eager to see this group grow and flourish! I am completely intrigued by their individual growing powers as well! That ending was OUT OF CONTROL. You could tell that it was building to something huge towards the end, and it did not disappoint. I have no idea what will happen next in this story, but I can't wait to find out!
July 16, 2017
I struggled with this book for almost 400 pages...The Casquette Girls ended on such a high note, but The Romeo Catchers started right back at the slow, slog that I thought that I'd already finished.
I really didn't like any of the characters...Adele was ridiculous...Issac was pathetic...
But then, wham! And the action started again...plus a new really terrible bad guy (which brought out some really great ghost stories)! I'm just not sure what took so long or how the fantastic-ness that is New Orleans got so lost.
I really didn't like any of the characters...Adele was ridiculous...Issac was pathetic...
But then, wham! And the action started again...plus a new really terrible bad guy (which brought out some really great ghost stories)! I'm just not sure what took so long or how the fantastic-ness that is New Orleans got so lost.
June 6, 2017
Enchanting Alys Arden wields her Writing Wand with mighty force. Stirring the reader into her well-wielded word conjuring, this writer uses an old Vieux Carré recipe that contains precisely the right amount of purple lace, a little pinch of hope and remnant drops of blood, love and loss to her bubbling cauldron. Instantly, one’s senses are overwhelmingly overpowered by the smells of jasmine, crawfish, hot beignets, café au laits, and rain as they emit from these pages of The Romeo Catchers. As you are reading, you can literally taste New Orleans. And you will find yourself wanting more. I could not put this book down, it was completely magnetic. Reading this follow-up book to The Casquette Girls is reminiscent of picking up your great-grandmother’s tattered, dusty book of shadows, filled with yellowed-page memories, dark beauty, some souvenirs of a life once-lived, and then discovering, hidden in the pages, wishes and dreams for true, eternal devotion and all of its magikal delight. #TeamNicco
June 14, 2017
Normally the second book in a trilogy can sometimes suffer from the second book syndrome— often not living up to the first book. Alys Arden's The Romeo Catchers did not succumb to this curse! Much like her first novel The Casquette Girls delivered an amazing plot, characters we wanted to hate but yet couldn't, characters we actually hated. The Romeo Catchers also delivered several twists and turns that left her readers in shock and surprise.
The Romeo Catchers paced very well and I had a hard time putting this book down, despite tanking a slow pace to enjoy the book and not rush. The book was a roller coaster ride that ended up leaving Alys Arden's readers on edge begging for more and seeking answers. The book was beautifully written, well constructed and I'm certainly ready for the third!
The Romeo Catchers paced very well and I had a hard time putting this book down, despite tanking a slow pace to enjoy the book and not rush. The book was a roller coaster ride that ended up leaving Alys Arden's readers on edge begging for more and seeking answers. The book was beautifully written, well constructed and I'm certainly ready for the third!
May 13, 2017
* I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion*
OMG!!!!!! This book was fantastic! I enjoyed it, not as much as the first but it was still amazing!!!! I loved the fact that we got to see issac's POV. I will admit the first half of the book was kinda boring, it took a while to really get into it. But man that second half killed me. Sadness, rage, hate and frustration but all in a good way. I was on the edge of my seat while reading!!! My question now is, is there gonna be another book? I'm not done! I'm addicted and I want more!!!!!
OMG!!!!!! This book was fantastic! I enjoyed it, not as much as the first but it was still amazing!!!! I loved the fact that we got to see issac's POV. I will admit the first half of the book was kinda boring, it took a while to really get into it. But man that second half killed me. Sadness, rage, hate and frustration but all in a good way. I was on the edge of my seat while reading!!! My question now is, is there gonna be another book? I'm not done! I'm addicted and I want more!!!!!
December 10, 2018
The Romeo Catchers is everything The Casquette Girls was and more! It's an odd feeling to realize that you miss characters from a book once you've finish reading it. It's a great gift from an author when they give you characters and places that can charm you so completely and draw you so deeply into their world that you realize you are holding your breath in your world. Alys Arden is one of those authors and I am grateful!
May 29, 2017
Another wonderful book from Alys Arden. Alys just transports you to New Orleans and makes you feel as if you are standing there with the characters going through everything they are. What more could you ask for in a book? Well if you want ghosts, witches, deception, and a love triangle then this book has everything you could possibly want. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
July 15, 2017
Wow....just Wow!!! Just finished, I did not want to put this book down. Can not wait for book three!!
June 24, 2017
Absolutely loved it!! I haven't been this enthralled with a book since I was a teenager reading Anne Rice. Brava, Ms. Arden!!
October 14, 2018
If you loved The Casquette Girls you'll love this one even more!
While I absolutely adored The Casquette Girls I did want to learn more. More about Isaac, Dee, and Adele's powers. I wanted to learn more about Isaac. I wanted to learn more about the Medici. And this book delivered!
We explore Adele's and Isaac's powers the most in this book. Desiree's are touched on a bit, but hopefully we'll get more of hers in book 3. Adele gains new abilities as she's coming into herself and her powers.
Most importantly we learn more about Isaac and what has caused his PTSD and what makes him tick. He also plays with his powers a bit more and learns more of his own abilities as well. One of Adele's new abilities involves finding herself in Nicco's dreams. With this she explores his past and how the Medicis became the way they are.
In this sequel Adele and her coven go searching for their missing coven members. They find out one of them is the least likely person they would expect. And also while searching they find another mysterious witch in town. Add in the spooky post storm NOLA and all the creepy things that are happening around them and you've got an explosive sequel. But be warned: the cliffhanger is brutal!
While I absolutely adored The Casquette Girls I did want to learn more. More about Isaac, Dee, and Adele's powers. I wanted to learn more about Isaac. I wanted to learn more about the Medici. And this book delivered!
We explore Adele's and Isaac's powers the most in this book. Desiree's are touched on a bit, but hopefully we'll get more of hers in book 3. Adele gains new abilities as she's coming into herself and her powers.
Most importantly we learn more about Isaac and what has caused his PTSD and what makes him tick. He also plays with his powers a bit more and learns more of his own abilities as well. One of Adele's new abilities involves finding herself in Nicco's dreams. With this she explores his past and how the Medicis became the way they are.
In this sequel Adele and her coven go searching for their missing coven members. They find out one of them is the least likely person they would expect. And also while searching they find another mysterious witch in town. Add in the spooky post storm NOLA and all the creepy things that are happening around them and you've got an explosive sequel. But be warned: the cliffhanger is brutal!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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