September 2023 First in a Series BOTM - Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

[Alaina]

The New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth brings to life a highly romantic, Gothic-infused world of wealth, desire, and betrayal. ​

Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each one more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation, and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.

However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.

**This BOTM thread will be open until October 5th @ Midnight (in your time zone)**

[Jessica]

I started this last night and it's so intriguing, though maybe not the best pre-bed read for a scaredy cat like me.
Chapters 1-4
(view spoiler)[ Right now I think that Signa's "power of death" is not because Death is with her, but that she can transfer the poison that's in her to others, which maybe is the same thing, but I would be curious to see if she was fatally injured again if her touch would then kill someone.
The being to hear and see spirits thing is fun, I enjoyed the Aunt's rants after her murder. I am very intrigued by the new family, the Hawthornes, and can't wait to dive back in tonight.
(hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapter Fourteen
(view spoiler)[
So that's why she felt such a connection to Blythe. I wonder how long Signa has before death comes to claim her again. It's also very interesting that other people can sense Lillian's spirit, and that's why Mr Hawthorne has been throwing all the parties. I like that Sylas is on the team now. (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Chapter 38
(view spoiler)[
Well Marjorie can't have been working alone, I'm very curious to see how this shakes out. I'm not surprised Signa ended up in bed with death, but am that it took this long. It's a dangerous game saving. Blythe at the expense of others. (hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

Finished
(view spoiler)[ I did not see Percy coming, what a twist, and also that Sylas was death. and that ending omg. I need book 2 asap. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

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