Yall this series is EPIC!!! I love love love this series!! It's historical romance/paranormal/mystery, it seriously has EVERYTHING I LOVE in one place!!!! I have now read all 8 books of this series and I'm going to be buying some of the other series books that Barbara Russell has written. I love her writing style and he story lines. 5 star read!!
I just reviewed A Gloomy Shade of Death by Barbara Russell. #AGloomyShadeofDeath #NetGalley
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This book is about what happens when an original story, tons of spice, and characters you either love, hate, or love to hate are all put into one book.

While this is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone and is a great look at what this series is about.

There were a lot of things I loved about this book, and a few that made me angry (I'm talking to you the statue and ax-wielding wannabe witchy woman) but overall it was a fun quick read that kept me entertained.

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this E-Book, I have voluntarily read and reviewed it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Gloomy Shade of Death - Barbara Russell
5/5 STARS 3/5 SPICE

I was given a free advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

Where has Barbara Russell been all my life?!?!? This was perfect! I will most definitely be getting my hands on their other books! It was the perfect amount of slow burn! Just so good. And it’s a quick read, the paperback is 199 pages. So let me set the scene! This is set in 1887 but does not feel heavily dated. Emma is a strong FMC and has goals for herself despite the setbacks she faces during the times. She is so compassionate and confident with her emotions. A total opposite to her grumpy neighbour who wants to buy her property to prevent anyone from moving in next door. He wants to keep the little piece he has. Arthur is HOT. It’s two years after an accident shook the whole town and he is still in mourning and blames himself for everything. It is giving beauty and the beast almost with that little bit about Arthur. They are the perfect grumpy sunshine pair! And of course, they have to team up because Emma gets murdered! But Emma comes back as an unalive/unnatural and she and Arthur must team up to solve her murder. Tensions are high between them and they are forced to stay close together even through baths and sleep…for her protection of course! The dynamic between the two of them will have you giggling and swinging your feet! I was losing my mind over a kiss on the hand! I LOVE dark nasty romances but this was amazing. If you are a fan of paranormal, grumpyxsunshine, forced proximity, slow burn, historical, spicy books. You need this! I don’t want to spoil anything but this was so precious. It reminded me a lot of The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick in many ways. So if you have any interest in that you should totally try this! My favourite part is impossible to pick… The first horse ride, the bath scene, maybe even the scene at the ball. I WAS EATING THIS UP!

The setting was intriguing, and Emma’s character is relatable and had me smiling. This is a good read, however, the writing style does not distinctly change enough between Arthur and Emma’s pov. Other than that I really enjoyed this book!

I really liked the atmosphere of the book. This was such a fun autumn read with all the darkish, gloomy vibes. I liked the characters, the plot was engaging and I also really liked it wasn't unnecessary long.

After reading this, I'm planning to check the other pieces of the series, as well.