Review By Jaymie: Voodoo Dolls 1 (Save Me) by Penny Brandon
Author:Penny Brandon
Cover Artist: Fiona Jayde
Publisher: Loose Id
Length: Novel
Genre: LGBTQ, Contemporary, Fantasy & Paranormal
Blurb:
From the first moment Steve sees Nathan, he knows he’s in trouble. First, Nathan looked just like the doll he’d found on his bed, and second, Steve couldn’t stop thinking how it would feel having Nathan in his arms and under his body. He’s never desired anyone so strongly before, and he’s reluctant to show it, but then Nathan gives him something he hadn’t been conscious of wanting. Stunned, he craves more, but starts to worry what he feels might not be real.
Alone and vulnerable after being dumped by his ex, Nathan longs for the security of being in a relationship. With no money, no job, and now a Voodoo Doll out to kill him, Nathan doesn’t think things could get any worse, but then he starts falling for Steve. Problem is, it doesn’t look like Steve feels the same way. Even after Steve finally lets Nathan in, Steve unexpectedly withdraws, refusing to explain why.
Unable to cope with another rejection, Nathan succumbs to the evil of the doll. Steve realizes he needs to own up to his feelings, but are they enough to save Nathan?
Jaymie's Review:
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Steve is a bit of a loner, slightly soft-spoken and a pushover. Unable to stand up for himself and adverse to confrontation, he is constantly treated badly by the people around him. After another bad day at work, Steve comes home to find once again that his next door neighbor is blasting his music. Tired of the being subjected to the same song over and over again, Steve has finally had enough.
Just when he thinks he might be going crazy he finds a strange doll laying on his pillow. With no idea how such a menacing object appeared in his home he finds himself growing increasingly angry at his neighbor. Unbeknownst to Steve, his anger combined with the powers of the evil doll set off a series of terrifying and disturbing events.
Nathan who has been falling deeper and deeper into depression after the end of an unhealthy relationship has no idea the repercussions of his emotional state. While he struggles with being alone and having to do things for himself he finds himself thrown together with his neighbor who may or may not be crazy.
As Steve and Nathan try to figure out why they are having to fight against an unknown evil to protect Nathan, both men begin to come to terms with their growing attraction. Steve will have to learn how to fight for what he wants and Nathan will have to find a way to be happy again.
Okay let's be honest, there is definitely something inherently creepy with dolls. Whether it be a Voodoo doll, a clown doll or that creepy doll from Annabelle *shudders* the thought of being targeted by a possessed 10" animated effigy is straight out of my childhood nightmares.
Having said that, I really enjoyed this book. The characters and the unique story managed to not only be entertaining but to paint a pretty vivid image that left me a little creeped out. I had a few minor issues with Nathan's character that I didn't feel were completely resolved but at the end of the day I still would recommend Save Me to readers.
Rating: 4 Stars!
About Penny Brandon:
I've been writing for years, but have only recently realised other people are interested in what I write. I'm also a complete romantic who believes everyone can fall in love if only they open their heart to the possibility!
Contact Penny Brandon:
Thank you, Jaymie for this great review.
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