What do you think?
Magic of the Vampire #1
Love / Luck
“Close your eyes,” he murmured, and my lids snapped shut. He picked up my hand and ran the tip of his icy nose along the inside of my forearm, from the pulse at my wrist to the crease at my elbow … His lips brushed mine as he whispered wordlessly, bewitchingly, then the scent of his skin overwhelmed my senses, and the world lost its foundations beneath me.
--
Riley Quinn loves her quirky great-grandmother, but her superstitions are seriously irritating. Grams may believe in lucky silver jewelry and beautiful demons who hunt humans in the night, but Riley knows it’s all nonsense.
Until Seth Callaghan arrives in town.
Riley’s best friend, sexy surfer Finn O’Brien, begs her to ignore the new guy. Grams demands she stay away. Yet Riley is magnetically drawn to the sweet seduction of Seth’s charms.
But all is not what it seems. Soon, Riley finds herself swept up in a supernatural world beyond her understanding.
Secrets and lies.
Magic and power.
Vampires and temptation.
Life… and death.
As danger swirls around her, Riley’s loved ones fight to protect her from the darkness closing in—but only Riley can decide her fate. Torn between love and lust, loyalty and destiny, Riley’s survival isn’t guaranteed when she’s hunted by the devil himself.
--
Sink your teeth into the thrilling new paranormal romance saga, Magic of the Vampire. Love / Luck is Book One.
--
Riley Quinn loves her quirky great-grandmother, but her superstitions are seriously irritating. Grams may believe in lucky silver jewelry and beautiful demons who hunt humans in the night, but Riley knows it’s all nonsense.
Until Seth Callaghan arrives in town.
Riley’s best friend, sexy surfer Finn O’Brien, begs her to ignore the new guy. Grams demands she stay away. Yet Riley is magnetically drawn to the sweet seduction of Seth’s charms.
But all is not what it seems. Soon, Riley finds herself swept up in a supernatural world beyond her understanding.
Secrets and lies.
Magic and power.
Vampires and temptation.
Life… and death.
As danger swirls around her, Riley’s loved ones fight to protect her from the darkness closing in—but only Riley can decide her fate. Torn between love and lust, loyalty and destiny, Riley’s survival isn’t guaranteed when she’s hunted by the devil himself.
--
Sink your teeth into the thrilling new paranormal romance saga, Magic of the Vampire. Love / Luck is Book One.
422 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 8, 2021
4 STARS
This was such a great story, it gives you twilight vibes but also it has a unique way.I was hooked , from the beginning and this excerpts between each chapter were refreshing!
Love/ Luck has a little bit of everything, magic,vampires,vampire hunters and a love triangle.I adored Riley the main heroine, she is strong!
Her grams was lovely too.I can't decide which one I liked more Seth or Finn, they are both charming,protective and lovable.
I can't wait for the next book to see what will happen.
This was such a great story, it gives you twilight vibes but also it has a unique way.I was hooked , from the beginning and this excerpts between each chapter were refreshing!
Love/ Luck has a little bit of everything, magic,vampires,vampire hunters and a love triangle.I adored Riley the main heroine, she is strong!
Her grams was lovely too.I can't decide which one I liked more Seth or Finn, they are both charming,protective and lovable.
I can't wait for the next book to see what will happen.
February 22, 2021
I received this book for free from MTMC Tours, Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. You can also find this review at The Reader and the Chef!
This is my second vampire book in this year and I cannot be happier about it! Love/ Luck is the first book in the Magic of the Vampire saga and I will say it is off to a great start. Meet Riley, a teenager that lives with her grandmother in sunny Byron Bay, Australia ever since her mother died back when she was 12 years old. She loves her grandmother, but sometimes her superstitious and eccentric behavior goes a bit too far. However it is because of her that she gets to meet her best friend Finn, a super incredibly sweet guy that somehow shares the same luck when it comes to superstitious relatives.
The story starts with Riley and Sunny going to their first day of their last year of high school and they immediately notice new beautiful strangers in town. We quickly find out that they are vampires. Riley is immediately warned not to get too close to them, but how can she when they all appear to be nice, specially Seth, her new classmate?And let me say that Seth is so sweet, I think he has to be one of the friendliest vampires I’ve read, he immediately wanted to be friends with Riley despite everything.
Love/Luck is fast paced and entertaining from beginning to end. When I first started reading it, I was expecting a book only about vampires, but then I was pleasently surprised when vampire slayers,demons and even witches/mages came into the picture. I was also thrilled about the bits of history behind this vampire story, love the origins and the theory on how they were created! Also, in this world vampires can walk on daylight without suffering harm and I thought it was refreshing to read.
One of the highlights of Love/Luck for me was the interactions of all the characters and the rolls they played. I thought it was going to be more about the romance between Riley and Seth, but then the it took a different turn and suddenly we had Riley’s grandma, Finn , his entire family plus the new vampires in town getting along and coming with a solution to a fast approaching problem. I just really like were this story is headed and I cannot wait to see how it develops!!!
This is my second vampire book in this year and I cannot be happier about it! Love/ Luck is the first book in the Magic of the Vampire saga and I will say it is off to a great start. Meet Riley, a teenager that lives with her grandmother in sunny Byron Bay, Australia ever since her mother died back when she was 12 years old. She loves her grandmother, but sometimes her superstitious and eccentric behavior goes a bit too far. However it is because of her that she gets to meet her best friend Finn, a super incredibly sweet guy that somehow shares the same luck when it comes to superstitious relatives.
The story starts with Riley and Sunny going to their first day of their last year of high school and they immediately notice new beautiful strangers in town. We quickly find out that they are vampires. Riley is immediately warned not to get too close to them, but how can she when they all appear to be nice, specially Seth, her new classmate?And let me say that Seth is so sweet, I think he has to be one of the friendliest vampires I’ve read, he immediately wanted to be friends with Riley despite everything.
Love/Luck is fast paced and entertaining from beginning to end. When I first started reading it, I was expecting a book only about vampires, but then I was pleasently surprised when vampire slayers,demons and even witches/mages came into the picture. I was also thrilled about the bits of history behind this vampire story, love the origins and the theory on how they were created! Also, in this world vampires can walk on daylight without suffering harm and I thought it was refreshing to read.
One of the highlights of Love/Luck for me was the interactions of all the characters and the rolls they played. I thought it was going to be more about the romance between Riley and Seth, but then the it took a different turn and suddenly we had Riley’s grandma, Finn , his entire family plus the new vampires in town getting along and coming with a solution to a fast approaching problem. I just really like were this story is headed and I cannot wait to see how it develops!!!
January 21, 2021
Love/Luck is the first book in the Magic of the Vampire series by Samantha MacKenzie. It's about Riley, a young women who lives together with her great grandmothe Maggie, who believes in all kind of supernatural stuff. Riley refuses to believe all of that until one night she gets attacked by a vampire and gets saved by another one. Her life turns upside down as she slowly dives into the supernatural world and falls in love with Seth, the vampire who saved her. Her best friend Finn is absolutely against it, but she doesn't know why until everything falls into place eventually.
Love/Luck is a great book with a strong female protagonist. I love how the supernatural world is pictured in this book and how everything seems to have a backstory. I also liked the characters and how they interacted with each other. All in all I recommend this book to everyone who loves books with vampires, but wants something different than the usual vampire vs werewolf story.
Love/Luck is a great book with a strong female protagonist. I love how the supernatural world is pictured in this book and how everything seems to have a backstory. I also liked the characters and how they interacted with each other. All in all I recommend this book to everyone who loves books with vampires, but wants something different than the usual vampire vs werewolf story.
January 8, 2021
Ok, so the comparison to Twilight is there. This book does have a very strong connection to that but it has developed differently at the same time. We have a girl-Riley- who refuses to believe that the supernatural world is real, her best friend Finn-not a werewolf, but there is something...-and then the new kid Seth-vampire.
Riley is a great main character! She is independent, knows her mind, and isn’t waiting to be rescued. She isn’t weak and helpless- in fact, she proves quite useful and there is a strong insinuation that she’s going to be even more pivotal in the next books. Finn is the classic protective best friend and Seth the brooding boy that you can’t help but want. The descriptions are great and really paint a clear picture.
This book will get you hooked into it and it’s easy to read. There is plenty of ups and downs and twists and turns in this book. There are diary entries from the past in between each chapter and this helps give us a back story to the whole origin of the group of characters.
This left us wanting more and promises a very exciting sequel.
Riley is a great main character! She is independent, knows her mind, and isn’t waiting to be rescued. She isn’t weak and helpless- in fact, she proves quite useful and there is a strong insinuation that she’s going to be even more pivotal in the next books. Finn is the classic protective best friend and Seth the brooding boy that you can’t help but want. The descriptions are great and really paint a clear picture.
This book will get you hooked into it and it’s easy to read. There is plenty of ups and downs and twists and turns in this book. There are diary entries from the past in between each chapter and this helps give us a back story to the whole origin of the group of characters.
This left us wanting more and promises a very exciting sequel.
March 4, 2021
Australian authors have never ever let me down! Why are there not more of them? Can we demand this? Seriously... Can we?! I adored Love Luck almost right out of the gate.
I'll admit that I picked at a few characters a couple of times but they're also exactly who they're supposed to be. I was also extremely wrong about some characters and ended up loving them!! This is something that I actually love and don't often find in a book these days and truly appreciate.
I kept feeling like there was something ahead, something bigger than I expected and I was right! Honestly, you don't want to miss this book!! Pick it up today and make it your weekend read 🎉
I'll admit that I picked at a few characters a couple of times but they're also exactly who they're supposed to be. I was also extremely wrong about some characters and ended up loving them!! This is something that I actually love and don't often find in a book these days and truly appreciate.
I kept feeling like there was something ahead, something bigger than I expected and I was right! Honestly, you don't want to miss this book!! Pick it up today and make it your weekend read 🎉
February 14, 2021
Rating: 4.75/5.00
The prologue (or the part before chapter 1) told me what kind of a book it was going to be. I must say it’s a strong start. The mention of silver immediately directed me towards vampires and I instantly started comparing it to all vampire books till date. I don’t usually like them though I’ve read many mainstream ones but this one felt different. It wasn’t the same old routined paranormal book and that’s what kept me going.
To be honest, I started this book with not much expectations (I start all ARCs this way. It helps me get a neutral perspective, therefore an honest review). But the writing style made me so comfortable, I was literally hibernating in this book.
Samantha has a way with words. I’ve seen many books that just state everything about the characters very blankly. It makes the book boring. Especially when the protagonist starts to introduce themselves. It’s weird and unrealistic. Here, her characters were revealed flawlessly.
In all, I think it’s a beautiful book to read. I liked it better than so many others in the same genre. I’d recommend this to as many people as I can.
Did you like twilight? Yes - read this book, No - still read this book.
Thanks Samatha Mackenzie for this ARC. I really can’t wait for the next instalment!
The prologue (or the part before chapter 1) told me what kind of a book it was going to be. I must say it’s a strong start. The mention of silver immediately directed me towards vampires and I instantly started comparing it to all vampire books till date. I don’t usually like them though I’ve read many mainstream ones but this one felt different. It wasn’t the same old routined paranormal book and that’s what kept me going.
To be honest, I started this book with not much expectations (I start all ARCs this way. It helps me get a neutral perspective, therefore an honest review). But the writing style made me so comfortable, I was literally hibernating in this book.
Samantha has a way with words. I’ve seen many books that just state everything about the characters very blankly. It makes the book boring. Especially when the protagonist starts to introduce themselves. It’s weird and unrealistic. Here, her characters were revealed flawlessly.
In all, I think it’s a beautiful book to read. I liked it better than so many others in the same genre. I’d recommend this to as many people as I can.
Did you like twilight? Yes - read this book, No - still read this book.
Thanks Samatha Mackenzie for this ARC. I really can’t wait for the next instalment!
June 13, 2022
1.5
The problem was probably mine because I already knew I wouldn't enjoy this when I picked it. However, I won it in a giveaway, so I decided to give it an opportunity.
Although it presents an exciting idea with vampires, vampire-slayers and witches working together, ancient secrets and magic dreams, I was not too fond of its development. It felt flat, unexplored and dull most of the time. There wasn't enough exploration of the magic system.
The plot focused too much on romance for me, especially when it was an unbelievable one. The lovers have almost no conversations and it was pretty weird in some moments. It was hurried because all the action was gathered in the last two chapters. There were many characters without development or even definition, so I couldn't differentiate the secondaries.
I got some inspiration for my next novel from some things related to magic and the relationship between the main character and her grandma, so I guess not everything was horrible.
It's such a shame that such an interesting beginning was wasted because of poor development.
The problem was probably mine because I already knew I wouldn't enjoy this when I picked it. However, I won it in a giveaway, so I decided to give it an opportunity.
Although it presents an exciting idea with vampires, vampire-slayers and witches working together, ancient secrets and magic dreams, I was not too fond of its development. It felt flat, unexplored and dull most of the time. There wasn't enough exploration of the magic system.
The plot focused too much on romance for me, especially when it was an unbelievable one. The lovers have almost no conversations and it was pretty weird in some moments. It was hurried because all the action was gathered in the last two chapters. There were many characters without development or even definition, so I couldn't differentiate the secondaries.
I got some inspiration for my next novel from some things related to magic and the relationship between the main character and her grandma, so I guess not everything was horrible.
It's such a shame that such an interesting beginning was wasted because of poor development.
January 18, 2021
Love/Luck is a story about a secret family legacy and a world filled with more darkness than one girl ever imagined. Riley's life is simple. She lives in Australia with her quirky great-grandmother, filling her time with school and hanging out with her best friend, Finn. But when a new family moves to town and joins her Gram's mysterious group, Riley finds herself drawn to Seth and into a world filled with supernatural creatures such as vampires, slayers and witches, a world that her Grams has believed in but Riley has disavowed. Torn between a new love blossoming with Seth and her friendship with Finn, Riley must discover her place in this new world if she is going to survive it.
Love/Luck had a good amount going for it. I was really interested in the lore of the vampires, witches and slayers that MacKenzie has created. This book has a pretty good "Buffy meets Twilight" feel to it. I liked Seth as the main love interest, and to me he was like a hotter Edward Cullen without the toxic masculinity issues. The book being set in Australia gives the book a unique feel. My issue with this book was mostly with the pacing. I felt like there were times when the plot moved very slowly and I lost track of what was really going on. I also wish there had been more incorporation of Celtic mythology that is alluded to (or I think it was!) with Riley's clover earrings. I also wish the characters had a bit more depth in them. Riley in particular, while likeable, was rather bland and didn't have much of a role in the plot (that I could tell) other than grappling with her feelings for two guys. I would have liked for her to play a more proactive role than the reactive one she plays. But Love/Luck is a book with lots of potential that has swoony vampires and interesting mythology, and I would be interested in what happens in subsequent books. Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Love/Luck had a good amount going for it. I was really interested in the lore of the vampires, witches and slayers that MacKenzie has created. This book has a pretty good "Buffy meets Twilight" feel to it. I liked Seth as the main love interest, and to me he was like a hotter Edward Cullen without the toxic masculinity issues. The book being set in Australia gives the book a unique feel. My issue with this book was mostly with the pacing. I felt like there were times when the plot moved very slowly and I lost track of what was really going on. I also wish there had been more incorporation of Celtic mythology that is alluded to (or I think it was!) with Riley's clover earrings. I also wish the characters had a bit more depth in them. Riley in particular, while likeable, was rather bland and didn't have much of a role in the plot (that I could tell) other than grappling with her feelings for two guys. I would have liked for her to play a more proactive role than the reactive one she plays. But Love/Luck is a book with lots of potential that has swoony vampires and interesting mythology, and I would be interested in what happens in subsequent books. Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2020
Love/luck – This is not your typical story between a vampire and a werewolf. Rather, between a vampire and vampire slayer—with a witch (who doesn’t know she’s a witch) smack-dab in the middle.
I received a free ARC (advanced reader copy) copy of this title in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. Riley is a seventeen-year-old girl who’d always discounted her great-grandmother’s stories of vampires and demons as fables and eccentricities. But then she meets Seth, who not only calls her to him with a magnetism she can’t deny, but also proves that the stories are very real. Riley works to come to grips with her new reality, all while trying to hold on to the dear friendship she has with Finn, a boy who clearly has no good feelings toward Seth.
The will-they-won’t-they struggles, along with the tug of war between Seth and Finn—with Riley’s heart as the prize—was a lovely addition to what is a solid story on its own.
I absolutely adored this story. Samantha MacKenzie has a way of weaving descriptions so that they feel organic. There were so many times that I was awestruck by the beauty of the scene she’d painted in my mind.
I love the concept that the space between life and death is the same space we occupy when we’re dreaming.
Swoon-worthy moments, beautiful descriptions, written in a way that allows us to appreciate the main character’s state of mind make this a story to be devoured. This story made me laugh many times, had me anxious during action sequences, and even made me cry. In the end, I was left wanting to know more about these characters and their lives.
I received a free ARC (advanced reader copy) copy of this title in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. Riley is a seventeen-year-old girl who’d always discounted her great-grandmother’s stories of vampires and demons as fables and eccentricities. But then she meets Seth, who not only calls her to him with a magnetism she can’t deny, but also proves that the stories are very real. Riley works to come to grips with her new reality, all while trying to hold on to the dear friendship she has with Finn, a boy who clearly has no good feelings toward Seth.
The will-they-won’t-they struggles, along with the tug of war between Seth and Finn—with Riley’s heart as the prize—was a lovely addition to what is a solid story on its own.
I absolutely adored this story. Samantha MacKenzie has a way of weaving descriptions so that they feel organic. There were so many times that I was awestruck by the beauty of the scene she’d painted in my mind.
I love the concept that the space between life and death is the same space we occupy when we’re dreaming.
Swoon-worthy moments, beautiful descriptions, written in a way that allows us to appreciate the main character’s state of mind make this a story to be devoured. This story made me laugh many times, had me anxious during action sequences, and even made me cry. In the end, I was left wanting to know more about these characters and their lives.
December 27, 2020
Similar to Twilight, but definitely felt unique as the revelation happens much faster for Riley and we get to move on with the story early. Also, Riley might not be gifted with magical strength, but she is a solid person...one thing I didn't like about Bella was that she was made to be such a klutz in a really helpless way. Riley is observant, doesn't run from a fight, and just felt like a stronger protagonist.
Riley's relationship with Finn is sweet and frustrating, especially for her, which makes sense. Since the story is told from her POV (with the exceptions if the dream journal entries, but those give information and background stories without driving the plot), we never officially know what Finn feels toward her, but it seems to be more thank best friends...except the whole Lizzie thing...
Seth and Riley are an interesting duo. Some of the attraction feels glamoured, but it stays with Riley in ways that make it feel real - we know that they both have strong feelings for each other and I'm sure we'll see them grow together as the series continues.
It would be interesting to see some chapters released from Finn's POV as well as Seth's from this story just to get into their heads.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Riley's relationship with Finn is sweet and frustrating, especially for her, which makes sense. Since the story is told from her POV (with the exceptions if the dream journal entries, but those give information and background stories without driving the plot), we never officially know what Finn feels toward her, but it seems to be more thank best friends...except the whole Lizzie thing...
Seth and Riley are an interesting duo. Some of the attraction feels glamoured, but it stays with Riley in ways that make it feel real - we know that they both have strong feelings for each other and I'm sure we'll see them grow together as the series continues.
It would be interesting to see some chapters released from Finn's POV as well as Seth's from this story just to get into their heads.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2021
This had a lot of potential, but it fell flat in an absurd amount of ways. Let’s start with the romance, which makes zero sense. No conversations, no development, no one makes it clear what is the relationship parameters and she’s calling him her true love, girl what? Have you had a conversation with him? Cause I ain’t seen an actual conversation that’s not about some weird supernatural shit.
Seth was so flat as a character, no personality at all.
Finn was petty and immature, and an asshole. Yuck
The plot was fast in the beginning and then just dragged on with no purpose in sight, and then sped up just to end what felt like the middle of the book.
It was unnecessarily short and didn’t even have an entire plot. The history felt off in terms of accuracy (it seemed like the dates were to close together but I could be wrong).
I wasn’t invested in a single character with the lack of character development and everyone being so shady with this poor girl.
Overall it gave a distinct first draft feel, it was clearly not edited enough and unfortunately it was very clear.
Seth was so flat as a character, no personality at all.
Finn was petty and immature, and an asshole. Yuck
The plot was fast in the beginning and then just dragged on with no purpose in sight, and then sped up just to end what felt like the middle of the book.
It was unnecessarily short and didn’t even have an entire plot. The history felt off in terms of accuracy (it seemed like the dates were to close together but I could be wrong).
I wasn’t invested in a single character with the lack of character development and everyone being so shady with this poor girl.
Overall it gave a distinct first draft feel, it was clearly not edited enough and unfortunately it was very clear.
July 24, 2021
Firstly, the fact that this story is set in Byron Bay, Australia, is magnificent. I always love a book that references places close to home. 🌊
When I first started this book, I definitely got a lot of Twilight vibes: hot vampires, high school and a love triangle- need I say more. However, it became unique when vampire slayers and witches were introduced. 🧛🏻🧙🏻⚔️
After each chapter there are excerpts of witches’ diary entries (from each generation) which explain the history of Riley’s family- ultimately allowing the reader to understand and piece together everything.
This story was a bit of a slow burn for me, as at times, the events and certain aspects of the story dragged out a little. It did pick up at the end though, which makes me excited to see what’s in store for the next book! I really feel like this first book was more of a set up for the rest of the series.🤞🏻I really do need more Seth in my life 😍 and wish there was more of him and Riley’s relationship in this story. Hopefully it’s explored more in the next books.
When I first started this book, I definitely got a lot of Twilight vibes: hot vampires, high school and a love triangle- need I say more. However, it became unique when vampire slayers and witches were introduced. 🧛🏻🧙🏻⚔️
After each chapter there are excerpts of witches’ diary entries (from each generation) which explain the history of Riley’s family- ultimately allowing the reader to understand and piece together everything.
This story was a bit of a slow burn for me, as at times, the events and certain aspects of the story dragged out a little. It did pick up at the end though, which makes me excited to see what’s in store for the next book! I really feel like this first book was more of a set up for the rest of the series.🤞🏻I really do need more Seth in my life 😍 and wish there was more of him and Riley’s relationship in this story. Hopefully it’s explored more in the next books.
January 8, 2021
(I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.)
Hold on to your twihard feelings folks, because we are going back to our vampire roots!! 🥰
I haven’t read a enticing vampire book in a hot minute, and Love|Luck was thrilling journey of secrets, love, and discovery. Riley is a solid MC for a type of world that usually sets up the female love interest as weak, but my girl can fend for herself.
As far as love triangles go, Riley is caught between the vampire and the vampire hunter, and I definitely have a preference 💁♀️ but honestly I don’t know who she feels more strongly for or who would be better for her, which usually doesn’t happen a lot in many love triangles I read.
The book is also interspersed with diary logs from Riley’s past relatives, which gave a fascinating general point of view on the tale. Her relationship with Grams made me miss my own grandma🥺
I can’t wait to read the next book!!
Hold on to your twihard feelings folks, because we are going back to our vampire roots!! 🥰
I haven’t read a enticing vampire book in a hot minute, and Love|Luck was thrilling journey of secrets, love, and discovery. Riley is a solid MC for a type of world that usually sets up the female love interest as weak, but my girl can fend for herself.
As far as love triangles go, Riley is caught between the vampire and the vampire hunter, and I definitely have a preference 💁♀️ but honestly I don’t know who she feels more strongly for or who would be better for her, which usually doesn’t happen a lot in many love triangles I read.
The book is also interspersed with diary logs from Riley’s past relatives, which gave a fascinating general point of view on the tale. Her relationship with Grams made me miss my own grandma🥺
I can’t wait to read the next book!!
April 5, 2024
Love/Luck features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Young Adult
○ Vampires
○ Human-vampire romance
○ Love Triangle
○ Light romance
○ Vampire slayers
○ Witches
My overall rating for Love/Luck is...
4 stars!
Craving a human-vampire romance to satisfy the blood-thirst Twilight left behind? Look no further. Love/Luck is an exciting tale of high school romance, vampires, vampire slayers and witches. Riley is an unsuspecting teenaged girl living in a small town with her best friend, Finn, Seth is a 400 year old vampire, and Grams has been keeping secrets. All in all, there were definite similarities between Love/Luck and the Twilight Saga, but the story is individual and a definite addition to the TBR pile for fans of such genres.
○ Young Adult
○ Vampires
○ Human-vampire romance
○ Love Triangle
○ Light romance
○ Vampire slayers
○ Witches
My overall rating for Love/Luck is...
4 stars!
Craving a human-vampire romance to satisfy the blood-thirst Twilight left behind? Look no further. Love/Luck is an exciting tale of high school romance, vampires, vampire slayers and witches. Riley is an unsuspecting teenaged girl living in a small town with her best friend, Finn, Seth is a 400 year old vampire, and Grams has been keeping secrets. All in all, there were definite similarities between Love/Luck and the Twilight Saga, but the story is individual and a definite addition to the TBR pile for fans of such genres.
December 23, 2020
Wow, this was quite the story and it didn't disappoint. Unlike the love hate relationships between vampires and vampire slayers, this one was fresh and quite interesting. There's plenty of tension between the main two characters: Riley and Seth, and the childhood friend, Finn, giving this story the perfect love triangle. The author's writing style is beautifully descriptive, with plenty of word painting.
January 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book!! I’ll admit, it took a few chapters to really draw me in, but before long I was hooked! In the beginning I could see a quite a few similarities to the Twilight books, however, it developed into something else entirely and for that I’m so glad! And I loved the journal entries! The only downfall now is, I find I have so many more questions than answers, and I’m dying to know what happens next!
March 11, 2021
Because this story hasn't been written 1000 times before ....
Why are we STILL (RE)WRITING TWILIGHT????
“Close your eyes,” he murmured, and my lids snapped shut. He picked up my hand and ran the tip of his icy nose along the inside of my forearm, from the pulse at my wrist to the crease at my elbow … His lips brushed mine as he whispered wordlessly, bewitchingly, then the scent of his skin overwhelmed my senses, and the world lost its foundations beneath me.
Why are we STILL (RE)WRITING TWILIGHT????
“Close your eyes,” he murmured, and my lids snapped shut. He picked up my hand and ran the tip of his icy nose along the inside of my forearm, from the pulse at my wrist to the crease at my elbow … His lips brushed mine as he whispered wordlessly, bewitchingly, then the scent of his skin overwhelmed my senses, and the world lost its foundations beneath me.
December 11, 2020
So this book had a bit of Twilight flare to it. It was different enough to keep me reading though.
I found the stuff about the aether fascinating and I kind of want to know more about it now.
I think the over all story line is interesting and will be waiting impatiently for the next book.
*Thank you to the author for an ARC for a review.*
I found the stuff about the aether fascinating and I kind of want to know more about it now.
I think the over all story line is interesting and will be waiting impatiently for the next book.
*Thank you to the author for an ARC for a review.*
December 14, 2020
Definitely not what I was expecting but this book is different from the usual vampire romance books..I loved how this book sticks to reality and the story doesn't feel unbelievable. Also the romantic triangle is interesting and intriguing..cant wait to read the next book!
January 7, 2021
Fast read. Loved it & I love Finn. Great start to what I hope is an amazing series!
September 5, 2022
Loved this book!!
December 30, 2020
So...I might have read this book in a day.
Samantha MacKenzie’s beautiful story painting truly drew me in. I wanted to spend longer in this world and to know more.
At first blush, Love | Luck had all the makings of a typical vampire story.
Slightly angsty protagonist? Check.
Irresistible teenage looking centuries old Vampire? Check.
Love triangle? Check.
But as the story unfolded, it was more, so much more.
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book and look forward to continuing to follow the story of Riley, Seth, and Finn.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Samantha MacKenzie’s beautiful story painting truly drew me in. I wanted to spend longer in this world and to know more.
At first blush, Love | Luck had all the makings of a typical vampire story.
Slightly angsty protagonist? Check.
Irresistible teenage looking centuries old Vampire? Check.
Love triangle? Check.
But as the story unfolded, it was more, so much more.
I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book and look forward to continuing to follow the story of Riley, Seth, and Finn.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2021
Do you have a Twilight sized hole in your soul that nothing has ever quite been able to fill?? Then you probably want to check out this new offering from self published Aussie author Samantha Mackenzie.
In this book we meet Riley and her best friend Finn, and watch as the enigmatic Seth and his family enter their lives. Truths about both the newcomers and the people she loves are revealed to Riley, and she has to come to accept that all her Grams' crazy superstitions aren't so crazy after all. In fact, they may be very tangible... and coming to get her...
Alternating with each chapter is an excerpt of generations of witches' diary entries, as they hunt demons in their dreamscapes. I really enjoyed this aspect, it brought something new and interesting to what at first seems like a familiar story.
Seth is a very polite, consent seeking vampire, which is nice, although the usual vampire aspects of "hundreds of years old being is attracted to teenager" and "I could hurt you with my *instincts* but I resist them" are still present and honestly a bit squicky to me, but I guess it's just part and parcel of the whole vampire thing.
The book has a definite love triangle aspect, so beware the triangle averse. Will you be Team mysterious and dangerous new guy or Team sexy surfer bestie?? Gotta be honest, I'm Team Finn all the way....
Most of this book really feels like setting the scene. I felt it was lacking a real sense of urgency, and Riley is more of a helpless onlooker than an active participant in events. I'm hoping this may change as the story progresses in future books, especially given how it ends. The ending is interesting enough and the world of the book enjoyable enough that it definitely left me feeling keen to read more. It really felt like the story had only just begun when the book ended. I'm really interested to see the direction it will develop in.
In this book we meet Riley and her best friend Finn, and watch as the enigmatic Seth and his family enter their lives. Truths about both the newcomers and the people she loves are revealed to Riley, and she has to come to accept that all her Grams' crazy superstitions aren't so crazy after all. In fact, they may be very tangible... and coming to get her...
Alternating with each chapter is an excerpt of generations of witches' diary entries, as they hunt demons in their dreamscapes. I really enjoyed this aspect, it brought something new and interesting to what at first seems like a familiar story.
Seth is a very polite, consent seeking vampire, which is nice, although the usual vampire aspects of "hundreds of years old being is attracted to teenager" and "I could hurt you with my *instincts* but I resist them" are still present and honestly a bit squicky to me, but I guess it's just part and parcel of the whole vampire thing.
The book has a definite love triangle aspect, so beware the triangle averse. Will you be Team mysterious and dangerous new guy or Team sexy surfer bestie?? Gotta be honest, I'm Team Finn all the way....
Most of this book really feels like setting the scene. I felt it was lacking a real sense of urgency, and Riley is more of a helpless onlooker than an active participant in events. I'm hoping this may change as the story progresses in future books, especially given how it ends. The ending is interesting enough and the world of the book enjoyable enough that it definitely left me feeling keen to read more. It really felt like the story had only just begun when the book ended. I'm really interested to see the direction it will develop in.
December 18, 2020
If your a fan of books like Twilight or Vampire Academy then this book is perfect for you.
In this book you get a mixture of ancient old magic, vampires with ties that go back ages, and slayers sworn to protect the dream walkers against The Master of Fear and his creations. That’s all the sneak peak I’ll give, but overall it was a great well written book that swept me along on Riley’s journey of self discovery with the help of two irresistibly alluring men. Even though they are polar opposites of one another what they have in common, is Rileys heart. So don’t hesitate to pick up this book, you won’t regret it. I look forward to what’s next in the Magic of the Vampire Saga.
In this book you get a mixture of ancient old magic, vampires with ties that go back ages, and slayers sworn to protect the dream walkers against The Master of Fear and his creations. That’s all the sneak peak I’ll give, but overall it was a great well written book that swept me along on Riley’s journey of self discovery with the help of two irresistibly alluring men. Even though they are polar opposites of one another what they have in common, is Rileys heart. So don’t hesitate to pick up this book, you won’t regret it. I look forward to what’s next in the Magic of the Vampire Saga.
December 10, 2020
At first, this had a very strong "Twilight" feel. It diverged pretty quicky, though. I love the setting of Australia and the world building. The diary entries added so much. Each character feels very 3 dimensional and the story line is compelling. I'm very anxious for book 2.
January 3, 2021
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
After losing her mom when she was 12 years old, Riley moved with her grams north of Byron Bay, in the east-coast subtropics of Australia. Her grams is a total believer of superstitions, obsessed with silver jewelry that according to her will keep Riley safe from those pesky demonic predators, even tho for Riley this is all nonsense. Until Seth Callaghan arrives in town.
Every Monday her grandma has a bunch of people coming by, including the family of her best friend, sexy surfer Finn O’Brien discussing superstitions that Riley didn’t want to hear about. However, one day before going to school the atmosphere in her home is changed. There are new mysterious people in her home and her grandma is acting strange. The people are dressed in clothes too long and dark to suit their local weather, their skin is pale, paler than hers and their eyes are so dark, they look almost pitch black. After this encounter everyone tries to keep Riley away from the Callaghan family, especially from Seth.
If at first, you get a feeling of The Vampire Diaries and a mix of Twilight this book surprises you along the way. While the book does start with Riley falling for Seth who’s a succubus-vampire, the book continues with Riley’s journey after finding about the world she’s been living in.
The book did give me some vibes of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, but the whole story has its own originality. It's the first time when I’ve read about half vampires- succubus, which was such a new addition to an already paranormal romance. While in other books the enemies of vampires are werewolves, in this book the enemies of vampires are the slayers - human beings, fast and strong like the vampires. The book contains a small love triangle if we can call it as such between Riley – Finn – Seth, even tho Finn’s feelings towards Riley are confusing, for her and me as a reader, one day cold one day warm, when with Seth on the other hand, Riley knows her place. Even tho the attraction between Riley and Seth feels at times glamoured, their relationship can’t be denied, you can tell they’ve got strong feelings for each other and are ready to fight for each other.
Sadly the book ended tragically, leaving you yearning to find more of what’s going to happen with Riley, Seth, and Finn. I don’t know what to expect in the next book, definitely, I want more of Finn and Riley, for some reason I picture them together more than I picture Riley and Seth together. I liked the fact the story was told from Riley’s pov so you see her side of things along with the story, but I really wish we could get a Seth’s pov and also Finn’s to find out about their own feelings. While the book had journal add-notations they helped you get a glimpse of the past and the dark secret the family of Riley has been keeping going back to 1,665 when everything ended but also started.
The book is only 231 pages making it a very nice and fast read, at least for me. I’ve read first Love/Luck then I read Pure / Evil to get an idea of the past and how: Slayers, a witch, and vampires ended up working together.
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After losing her mom when she was 12 years old, Riley moved with her grams north of Byron Bay, in the east-coast subtropics of Australia. Her grams is a total believer of superstitions, obsessed with silver jewelry that according to her will keep Riley safe from those pesky demonic predators, even tho for Riley this is all nonsense. Until Seth Callaghan arrives in town.
Every Monday her grandma has a bunch of people coming by, including the family of her best friend, sexy surfer Finn O’Brien discussing superstitions that Riley didn’t want to hear about. However, one day before going to school the atmosphere in her home is changed. There are new mysterious people in her home and her grandma is acting strange. The people are dressed in clothes too long and dark to suit their local weather, their skin is pale, paler than hers and their eyes are so dark, they look almost pitch black. After this encounter everyone tries to keep Riley away from the Callaghan family, especially from Seth.
If at first, you get a feeling of The Vampire Diaries and a mix of Twilight this book surprises you along the way. While the book does start with Riley falling for Seth who’s a succubus-vampire, the book continues with Riley’s journey after finding about the world she’s been living in.
The book did give me some vibes of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, but the whole story has its own originality. It's the first time when I’ve read about half vampires- succubus, which was such a new addition to an already paranormal romance. While in other books the enemies of vampires are werewolves, in this book the enemies of vampires are the slayers - human beings, fast and strong like the vampires. The book contains a small love triangle if we can call it as such between Riley – Finn – Seth, even tho Finn’s feelings towards Riley are confusing, for her and me as a reader, one day cold one day warm, when with Seth on the other hand, Riley knows her place. Even tho the attraction between Riley and Seth feels at times glamoured, their relationship can’t be denied, you can tell they’ve got strong feelings for each other and are ready to fight for each other.
Sadly the book ended tragically, leaving you yearning to find more of what’s going to happen with Riley, Seth, and Finn. I don’t know what to expect in the next book, definitely, I want more of Finn and Riley, for some reason I picture them together more than I picture Riley and Seth together. I liked the fact the story was told from Riley’s pov so you see her side of things along with the story, but I really wish we could get a Seth’s pov and also Finn’s to find out about their own feelings. While the book had journal add-notations they helped you get a glimpse of the past and the dark secret the family of Riley has been keeping going back to 1,665 when everything ended but also started.
The book is only 231 pages making it a very nice and fast read, at least for me. I’ve read first Love/Luck then I read Pure / Evil to get an idea of the past and how: Slayers, a witch, and vampires ended up working together.
Follow me on my social media for more than just reviews:
BookBub
Reedsy
Blog
March 1, 2021
This book definitely put off some Twilight vibes but was also very unique in its own way. The writing style made it easy to get lost in this book. The pacing was good. I never felt bored with the story. This story is filled with so many likable characters. I loved Grams and Riley's relationship. Seth and Finn are such great guys. Overall it was a very entertaining read about vampires, vampire slayers, witches and the evil lurking in the background.
January 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It did remind me quite a lot of Twilight in the beginning, which I definitely didn’t feel was a bad thing! As the story progressed it really went in it’s own unique direction though. I loved that there were supernatural beings beyond just the typical vampire and werewolf and I really liked seeing the heroine grow as she learned about herself and her family’s history. I’m excited to keep reading this series and am very much looking forward to the next book!
*Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
June 11, 2022
“I may have found a way forward -- not the path I sought, I grant you, but a possibility I cannot ignore.”
Riley arrives at school one day and noticed that she has new classmates. The new students are beautiful in an unnatural way. Her best friend Finn warns her not to get too close to them, but how can she when they all seem so nice, especially Seth. Riley becomes closer to Seth and discovers a big secret that everyone close to her is keeping hidden from her, and Seth is somehow linked to everything.
Riley Quinn, there's not much to her character. Honestly, she's a very bland character with no personality. Finn O’Brien is Riley's best friend. He's very responsible and always looks out for her. Seth Callaghan is very mysterious… there’s more to him than he leads on.
Riley and Seth's romance is incredibly sweet. I enjoyed seeing their interactions. They have a wonderful relationship. I thought that there was only going to be romance between Riley and Seth, but it turns out to be a love triangle. Riley and Finn only shared one romantic moment together, but nothing has happened since. I'm curious to see how it develops later on.
The world-building is fantastic! I like how this book illustrates the supernatural world and how everything has a backstory. The tale of how everything was created and came to be is very unique. This world has so much to offer and we’re continuously discovering new things about it!
The story is similar to Twilight in that a girl meets a vampire and falls in love with him, but the the story takes a turn and adds its own unique twists.
Overall, Love / Luck has a great storyline and kept me glued to the book all the way to the end. All in all, I recommend this book to everyone who loves vampire romances and wants something different from the usual vampire story.
Riley arrives at school one day and noticed that she has new classmates. The new students are beautiful in an unnatural way. Her best friend Finn warns her not to get too close to them, but how can she when they all seem so nice, especially Seth. Riley becomes closer to Seth and discovers a big secret that everyone close to her is keeping hidden from her, and Seth is somehow linked to everything.
Riley Quinn, there's not much to her character. Honestly, she's a very bland character with no personality. Finn O’Brien is Riley's best friend. He's very responsible and always looks out for her. Seth Callaghan is very mysterious… there’s more to him than he leads on.
Riley and Seth's romance is incredibly sweet. I enjoyed seeing their interactions. They have a wonderful relationship. I thought that there was only going to be romance between Riley and Seth, but it turns out to be a love triangle. Riley and Finn only shared one romantic moment together, but nothing has happened since. I'm curious to see how it develops later on.
The world-building is fantastic! I like how this book illustrates the supernatural world and how everything has a backstory. The tale of how everything was created and came to be is very unique. This world has so much to offer and we’re continuously discovering new things about it!
The story is similar to Twilight in that a girl meets a vampire and falls in love with him, but the the story takes a turn and adds its own unique twists.
Overall, Love / Luck has a great storyline and kept me glued to the book all the way to the end. All in all, I recommend this book to everyone who loves vampire romances and wants something different from the usual vampire story.
December 9, 2020
I really liked this twilight-esque story! I’m excited for the next book in the series.
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