Goldenseal by Gill McKnight is a fun supernatural romance with a mystery twist.
Amy returns to her childhood home, Little Dip, to finish the illustration work that her aunt started before she became sick and had to be hospitalised.
Soon after her arrival in Little Dip, Leone Garoul appears and old wounds are reopened. Amy and Leone were teenage sweethearts and their blossoming romance was suddenly plucked away when Leone left without a word. In response, Amy fled to Europe where she did odd jobs and studied to be an artist like her aunt.
Now, back in the valley owned by the Garoul clan, Amy can’t escape her past romance with Leone who insists on protecting her since it is hunting season in the valley and Amy needs to hike the valley to find plants to illustrate.
Amy does everything she can to escape Leone’s attentions, even leaving her cabin early to hike alone in the woods. But there is something sinister in the woods. Add to that a mysterious request to add some marks that seem irrelevant to an already completed illustration. Amy soon finds herself in danger and unsure of who is friend or foe. Can she really trust her feelings for Leone? Their chemistry is undeniable but Leone is keeping something from her. And why do all the Garouls keep lying to her about seemingly innocent things?
The Characters
Amy is the main character. She is shorter than anyone else in the book, she is an outsider because she isn’t a Garoul and yet she is feisty and independent. I absolutely loved that.
Leone was brooding and a fun character to get to know. I loved her sex drive and how she thought when she was a wolf.
The Writing Style
I enjoyed the novel. The writing was good and the mystery was fun. It was told from the human’s point of view rather than the werewolf’s and that was a fun take on the story.
The Narration
Melissa Sternenberg narrated this one. I am a huge fan of the series and don’t generally like audiobooks if I have already read and loved the books. This was an audiobook exception, I loved it possibly even more than the original book. A great narrator adds their own kind of special magic.
The Pros
I loved that McKnight did a butt sex scene. Brilliant. I am a fan of unique sex scenes in lesfic. Well done, Gill.
I enjoyed the cast, the pacing, the story kept me guessing and I didn’t see the twist coming.
This makes a great audiobook and I think I may have even enjoyed it more than the first time I read it.
The Cons
None.
The Conclusion
A fun read. A great combination of genres and an altogether exciting story. I recommend it if you are in the mood for something fun. Also, this is the beginning of a series which is awesome for those who love a good series.
If you haven’t read this one yet then you are in for a treat. And if you love audiobooks then get this on audio. It’s a great staple in your collection.
Excerpt from Goldenseal by Gill McKnight
“Oh no, I don’t need a chaperone! No way. Not here. Just tell me where in the valley I can’t go, north, south, east or west, and I’ll keep out of the way.”
Amy Fortune was angry and adamant, underscoring her words with a furious glare at Leone Garoul, her ex girlfriend and supposed chaperone around Little Dip Valley. Amy wanted it understood she was not going to comply. She had practically grown up in Little Dip Valley. Amy was as good as adopted into the Garoul family that owned it. She did not need an escort to go and work in the forest or mountains.
“Hey, I don’t want to babysit you either, but Mom’s got a point,” Leone responded with a big annoying grin. “It’s hunting season in Little Dip, and you could get hurt out there. I’ll just drop by your cabin each morning and take you to a safe place. You can toddle off with your paint box and draw plants to your heart’s content, and we’ll all relax knowing you’ll return in one piece.”
Amy glowered at the open taunt. She had no idea what Leone’s game was, but she was not playing. Amy was a long way removed from the gullible teenager who years ago had left Little Dip to study art in Europe. A lot had changed and Leone had best remember that.
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The Garoul Series
Little Dip is technically the 5th book in the series, but since it is a prequel I will be labeling it as the first book in the series.
Bits and Bobs
- ISBN number: 9781602821156
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
- Audiobook Publisher: Bold Strokes Books Inc
- Narrator: Melissa Sternenberg
Gill McKnight Online
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Note: I received a free review copy of Goldenseal by Gill McKnight. No money was exchanged for this review. I will always review books as honestly as possible and on occasion I refuse to review books.