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A VAMPIRE’S SPELL: A Slow-Burn Urban Fantasy Romance

Meet the Order of the Black Oak: a powerful order of modern-day warriors fighting evil to protect the ones they love.

Son of an ancient vampire and a legendary French witch, guilt-ridden Mont-Royal immortal Valerian St-Amand must team with a powerful New England witch to protect his city from a crazed scientist seeking immortality. But as his well-guarded heart soften for Maisie Thibodeau, their quest to eradicate true evil from the streets of Montreal holds no space for everlasting love.

If you love loyal tough guys with hearts, satisfying slow-burn paranormal romance and safe Happily Ever Afters, then the Black Oak World is for you.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Fantastic series of action, magic and awesome romance. You will fall in love with the characters and feel you are right with them.

265 pages, ebook

First published September 24, 2020

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About the author

Marie-Claude Bourque

18 books187 followers
Marie-Claude Bourque is an author of gothic paranormal romance and the winner of the American Title V award with her first novel ANCIENT WHISPERS.

Her writing features modern-day fantasy skillfully weaved into infinitely romantic stories between smart strong women and the complex passionate heroes who love them.

Happily Ever After always absolutely guaranteed.
Follow Marie-Claude on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/mcbourque


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5 stars
60 (60%)
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21 (21%)
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11 (11%)
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7 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie.
346 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2020
Like all of the Order of the Black Oak books this new line is AMAZING!! The chemistry between Val and Maisie is subtle and bold. They all work so well and I love how tough girl Emme ends becoming friends with her "guardian" and they both bond well enough to save each other. The brothers already have a tight bond but Maisie fits right in. I love the way Marie writes the scenery you can just see it in your mind. The frisson between Val and Maisie makes anticipation seem like child's play! I enjoyed getting to know Mag, the bad boy of the two, and will enjoy learning more about him. The bad guy Collins was an odd duck but I guess that is the way Marie wanted him portrayed. I think if I'd seen him I'd shy away from him because of his demeanor and just his strange vibe. Poor guy to go thru so much only to get so much twisted. A sad trait in life that everyone wants the easy way out not thinking of the consequences of what you choose. They win and save the young vampires, however poor Maisie's choices take atoll and thankfully Father Gregoire knows what needs to be done to help fix Maisie. Val is her savior and she is his in the end. Such a great story I didn't want to put it down once I got started! I look forward to the next book and hopefully there's a book for each brother and maybe even Emmeline!?!?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,916 reviews80 followers
September 24, 2020
This is a well written paranormal romance with a cast of strong ,well developed characters and an intriguing story line. The author captured me right from the start and had me glued to the pages right to the end. She brings tons of action ,suspense and danger as well as the steamy romance. She describes both her characters and scenes in vivid detail , moves the story fluidly and delivers an entertaining book. I loved and am looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
3,810 reviews59 followers
December 19, 2020
This is a Fantastic series filled with action, magic and romance. A slow burn fantasy romance that will grab you hook line and sinker and will have you falling in love with the characters in a world that will draw you in and make you feel as though you are actually there!
“Meet the Order of the Black Oak: a powerful order of modern-day warriors fighting evil to protect the ones they love.”
A great story with a HEA and incredible world building and I cannot wait to read more!
Profile Image for Marianne.
4,406 reviews41 followers
September 22, 2020
I was totally spellbound by this paranormal romance.. I loved it! It is filled with suspense, danger and action. Love the protective vibe from the Order of the Black Oak guys.. Anxious for more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,575 reviews17 followers
September 7, 2020
„A Vampire's Spell“ by Marie-Claude Bourque is the first installment in a spin-off series set in the ‘Order of the Black Oak’ verse that focuses on the Vampires in the verse.

Maise Thibodeau a powerful witch with awkward social skills, travels to Montreal to help to “babysit” a special unadjusted vampire in Valerian St. Amand flock; a very important assignment for Maise, who wants to proof her value to her coven and already has a crush on Valerian. Valerian, the powerful son of a French witch and an ancient vampire is a real DDTH (dangerous, dark, tall and handsome) with a propensity to dry humor that makes the story a very enjoyable read. Maise and Valerian chemistry is undoubtably for the very beginning, against Val’s effort to deny it and develops in a very nicely slow burn set against the fight to catch a scientist, whose search for immortality is preyed on the vampires and putting the city in danger.

The book is a fast-paced read with a balanced mix of action and paranormal romance, intriguing characters – even the mad vampire, Emmeline, shows great development – some interesting twists and set against the refreshing background of Montreal. While the story is part of the Black Oak verse, the book can be read without any previous knowledge of the original “Warlocks of the Black Oak” series.
Profile Image for Ritu.
1,096 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2020
Maisie helps Val with Emme, and other vampire issues. Their deep love grows for one another. Emme turns out to be really helpful. Great book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
46 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2020
A Vampires Spell
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I read this book in one sitting, just because I couldn’t put it down and it did take me until the wee hours of the morning to finish.
Welcome to The Vampires of Black Oak and they are just as sexy as the warlocks. Marie-Claude creates a vivid and immersive world full of all sorts of spells, supernaturals and epic battles, that draws you in and doesn’t let go until the end. Even then you are left wanting more.
Maise, a powerful witch, is sent to babysit a loose cannon vamp, and she shows her strength and mettle from the start. Going on to make friends and gaining respect from the secretive St-Armand brothers that she meets.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first story in the spin off from The Black Oak Warlocks, and you do not have to have read any of the Warlocks stories to be able to enjoy this. I will be looking forward to the release of the next in the series. I have a feeling I will enjoy every word that Ms Bourque writes.
8 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2020
Best one yet

Ms Bourque has knocked it out of the park with this book. Her best one yet! You’ll love this romp through beautiful and wintry Montreal.
1,614 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2020
Maisie was sent to Montreal by her coven to learn about the vampires and report back to the coven. Valerian was trying to help the young vampires to adjust to their new life to help make up the regret of changing his girlfriend years back. She was also to watch and keep Emmelie from making more vamps. There was a mad scientist that was causing problems for all vampires but Maisie had to do something to help take him and his allies. They were taken care of and Valerian and Maisie stayed together and went back to her coven. Great book and a lot of action!
1,313 reviews8 followers
September 13, 2020
After reading the Order of the Black Oak series, I was uncertain that the author could create a spinoff that would live up to the steamy sweetly romance of the original paranormal series. She succeeded and made her noble vampire truly swoon-worthy. I am definitely looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,146 reviews5 followers
September 27, 2020
A Vampire’s Spell is the first book in the Order of the Black Oak - Vampires series. While I do think having some previous knowledge of Ms. Bourque’s world is helpful, I believe this book could stand alone. Maisie may be a bit awkward at times, but she’s determined to be a success on her mission. What she’s not prepared for is the intense connection she feels with immortal, Valerian. With danger around every corner, will Maisie reach her full potential to save all she holds dear, including Val?

Wow, I absolutely loved this slow burn romance with a lot of action and suspense! Maisie and Valerian were both so sweet with their reluctant crush on each other. I liked that you could constantly feel the pull towards one another, but this book really focused not only on building their strong connection, but also on saving those they care about and fighting evil. Maisie was awesome, willing to set into the fight and use her powers, yet had a vulnerability and softness that kept her pure. I loved the trust she quickly gave Val and his brothers, too. Valerian had such a caring heart, he felt so deeply, and was a natural protector. He carried so much guilt, but I think that made him fight carefully and better most of the time. It gave him purpose... until he found something better! They made a great team, using their powers and strengths and they seemed to compliment each other, as long as they kept focused on the fight. I loved the drama in this book, the suspense and the need to know what happened next! I loved seeing Val with his brothers, and I’m honestly very excited to see where this series might go next!
Profile Image for Zoe.
113 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2020
I am so confused about this book’s ratings. Am I the only one?

In the beginning, it had a lot of potential. Protagonist seems neuroatypical, existing “connection” with the hero but awkwardness, miscommunication, and being mere acquaintances limits their relationship.

The villain is poorly done. Someone is doing a bad thing but then suddenly he’s insane, powerful, and has all materials and knowledge needed for spells—more than even the priest who helps the vampires and who belongs to a vampire protective order with records going back hundreds of years. How does a crazed rando human get better at magic than everyone else who has hundreds of years of life experience and power (the hero), years of stored knowledge (the priest), or pure potential (the heroine)? Plus they have the dog and Emme to help.

Other issues: suddenly the evil dude can call powerful monsters no one can handle, there’s insta love, the psychopath vamp without a conscience who is the entire reason for the heroine to have moved to the city is suddenly displaying signs of empathy (after apparently over 300 years without!) and the heroine’s autism/neuroatpyical symptoms disappear.

Can’t finish it. I tried skimming, got to “mothbeasts” magically being called by the villain, and gave up. Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
81 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2021
Magic saves the day
by Mary Margaret

This is a book that has everything. There's magic, witches, vampires, werewolves, and a fight between good and evil. Maisie is a witch sent to Montreal to babysit Emmeline, a vampire that seems to be unstable. She meets Valerian St-Armand up close and personal while trying to fulfill the agreement made by him and her grandma. Maisie is soon sidetracked by the actions of an evil person who is trying to become immortal by stealing Valerian's blood to gain magical and vampiric powers. Choices must be made and people and vampires need to be protected. Love must grow and become a force to be reckoned with. Maisie and Valerian must choose to fight for each other and the people close to them or to allow a madman to win. A wonderful story full of twists, turns, ups and downs, and most of all romance. This is an amazing story and one that I was unable to put down. A hearty recommendation from me to read this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2020
Hard to put down!!! Wonderful first in this new vampire series. When is the next book?!!!!

I actually think of it as a spinoff from the Black Oak series. The who,what,and why of the story will grab you. You will want to find out the answers as soon as possible.

I admit that I suspected a character and thank goidness, I was totally wrong!! Would not have like to have been correct in my theory. Might have taken the story a whole another different path and this is story is perfect now.

Highly highly recommend that you read the Warlocks of Black Oak series. Not necessary for this book since this is first in this series, but will help with the crossover characters. Besides, I guarantee that you will love it.

Hard to put down, standalone first in New series. It may be lusted as romance but I love the intrigue.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Profile Image for Deb.
1,059 reviews
October 16, 2020
“A Vampire's Spell” is the 1st story in, ‘The Order of the Black Oak – Vampires’ and the first book I’ve ever read by Ms. Bourque, but it won’t be the last! ... Yes, there is an HEA, so despite the darkness and violence, I was invested enough in the characters to want them to succeed in their endeavors... At times I was confused & had to look back to make sure I understood what I���d just read. This unique storyline has interesting characters that you’ll either love or hate, and quite the ‘slow burn’ romance between the H/h, Val & Maisie! ... Great descriptions, some fast action and surprise twists had me on the edge of my seat many times not wanting to put it down whenever I had to! ... Even tho I volunteered to read this, it was without any outside influences and this is my own opinion! I honestly recommend this to 18+ Adult fans of fiction and look forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
3,726 reviews16 followers
July 26, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy. It was non stop action from start to finish. Valerian does what he can to assuage his guilt about being an immortal vampire. Maisie is a powerful witch next in line to be the High Priestess and was sent to control a vampire named Emme. At the same time a scientist who wants to be immortal is after Valerian and is torturing young vampires. He learns Valerian's weaknesses and uses them against him. Valerian is very attracted to Maisie but fights it. Maise returns the attraction. When Valerian is caputred, Miasie undergoes a ritual to become immortal to save him. When she starts to go mad, Valerian saves her and they become bonded as a couple and Valerian is sworn to the Black Oak's High Priestess. Together they take down the scientist.
Profile Image for Ewa.
1,878 reviews
September 24, 2020
Witches and vampires In Montreal, oh what could get better.
Maise ia a witch with social skills they could be improved..
Valerian is unjust vampire, son of French witch and ancient vampire.
Maise, who wants to proof her value to her coven took assignment to “babysit “ Valerian.Living in Montreal put him in danger. We have crazy scientists who seek immortality and preyed on the vampires.
The chemistry is there from very beginning. Maise had crush on him before, now if Valerian stop denied...
The book is a fast-paced read with a balanced mix of action and paranormal romance with intriguing characters and some interesting twists .
Being set in Montreal got extra points.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leslie Sanchez.
1,774 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2020
I thought that the Order of the Black Oak Warlocks was one of the best series I've had the pleasure to read, but the Order of the Black Oak Vampires is looking to be just as good. It starts out with a bang and gets more intense each and every page. I love that Maisie is not perfect, kinda introverted and a bit odd. Stuff just pops out of her mouth before she even thinks it. I loved that about her. As much as I hated Emme after Mal's book, she kinda grew on me in this one and even became friends with Maisie. When Val is kidnapped, Maisie will do anything to save him. I am so excited to get back to the Order of the Black Oak! I requested a free advanced reader copy from Booksprout and am under no obligation to leave this review.
6,113 reviews20 followers
September 25, 2020
After reading the wizards of black oak I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into this series and I wasn't disappointed

Maise Thibodeau is a powerful witch who sees her chance to prove herself to a coven when Valerian St. Amand needs help with one of the vampires in his flock. Valerian (Val) is a strong vampire in his own write and as not only an old vampire but also the son of a French witch he is extremely powerful The attraction between Val and Maise is off the charts but Val doesn't want to face it making it a slow burn love story That doesn't slow the book at all though as someone is praying on the vampires of Montreal and it will be up top Val and Maise to work out who. With Val droll sense of humour be prepared for some hilarious moments in this fun read
Profile Image for Elizabeth McDaniel.
2,317 reviews
September 29, 2020
Maisie was next in line to lead her witch coven. She was sent to guard a vampire that had a problem controlling her urges. This particular vampire was the “child” of Valarian. Maisie has a crush on Val. Val felt guilt over changing Emmaline so he had a refuge for the vampires that she irresponsibly changed and helped them to recover. Maisie and Val were caught up in a mysterious and dangerous plot of a madman trying to become immortal with Val’s blood as they fought their feelings for one another, but through this madman they discovered their love was real and both sacrificed everything for the other one to be whole. Good read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,718 reviews8 followers
September 25, 2020
I have never read this author before so I was actually looking for something PNR with a bit of drama, suspense and a nibble of romance in it. I was surprised when I had read almost the whole book! Only to find that I had not moved from my spot. It was not only engaging but I was thrilled with how it was written so smoothly that I didn't want to move except in this story until it was finished. I really liked this book! World and character building was good, it was a triumph for this author. I will be looking for more from her in the future!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Raina.
3,607 reviews24 followers
January 12, 2021
A romance with plenty of magic and vampires all around. Maisie is a witch and is now charged with being the guardian for a vampire. That vampire is Emme and has been around over three hundred years and won’t take it easy on Maisie. Then there are six vampire brothers. We meet a few of them throughout the book. Val is one of the brothers. He has an interesting past that he feels he needs to balance the wrongs done. The story has a very paranormal feel throughout. A mystery slowly builds throughout the story. There is some fighting, lots of magic and a romance that doesn’t take the easy way but instead is very bumpy. Can’t wait to see what the next book will bring us.
Profile Image for Alejandra Guerrero.
371 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2022
Fairly well written, though a few things didn't make much sense... I guess some of those might if I were to read the Black Oak series, or something (I think this is a spinoff of that?). Others I'm pretty sure won't, like why would an order of humans possess knowledge about the witches that the witches themselves don't have? And something so basic witches would have to be very stupid not to have made a connection before, but OK. I also didn't care much for the romance, the feeling of a slowburn wasn't there, not much tension whatsoever, like, sure they like eachother, but... meh. Not bad, but it didn't make me want to know about the rest of the characters.
490 reviews6 followers
September 24, 2020
I have loved all of the Black Oak stories and this one is no exception. I think this new series looks like it will be just as good. It can be read as a stand alone with no problem. The mystery mixed with a love story is compelling and I didn't want to put it down. Bourque creates wonderful characters who feel real, with all the problems, fears, and turmoil we all go through along with vampires and witches; and her world is so believable. I can't wait for the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2020
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. A Vampire's Spell by Marie-Claude Bourque is the first book in The Order of the Black Oak. I really enjoyed this read. I love when a read is written in pictures and this read was an amazing movie in my mind! Val and Maisie's story is an action packed fast paced read. Sexy vampires, witches and an evil the needs to be destroyed. I was hooked from the first page and simply devoured this book. I love that there is resolution to this story.

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.
1,163 reviews7 followers
October 26, 2020
First time I have read about a vampire turning into a bat in a book.
All the characters were good but I liked Emmeline the best. She turned out to be a good friend of heroine rather than being a vamp like most of the OW in hero's life in other books
I really hope she has her own story.

I am glad that the author didnt take the cliché route with this book,following the same staple of the leads in lust,multiple sex scenes and sudden love declarations which has become common in almost all the books nowadays, rather she let the story evolve.
Profile Image for Anna Shulzhenko.
112 reviews
October 27, 2022
Recently I've had a wonderful chance to get an ARC copy of a prequel to this series. I fell in love with the MC. And I thought that I would totally like other books.

What can I say? I've seen some logical mistakes if you read the prequel first. That was disappointing.

The story is great, but the pace was too slow for me. Or, maybe I just wanted more action.

As for now, I'll take a pause with this series. Maybe later I'll come back to these books, because the world-building, the characters were great.
637 reviews
September 18, 2020
Loved the Warlock’s of the Black Oak series so couldn’t wait to read this book jumped to the top of my TBR list. I love Val he is such a softy, love Maisie too, she doesn’t take s.... from anyone, what a strong character made only stronger by Val. Look forward to the next book in the series, Mag sounds like another interesting character.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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