Tag Archives: Kathryn Amurra

Unholy (Heart’s True Desire Book 3) by Kathryn Amurra-review

Posted on by
16

Unholy (Heart’s True Desire Book 3) by Kathryn Amurra-review & excerpt

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N Nook /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 20, 2025

In her last semester of college, Beth D’Angelo has one goal—to get her thermodynamics experiment to work so she can graduate. But everything changes when she nearly runs over a mysterious stranger with her car—a man whose hauntingly handsome face fills her with an inexplicable sense of dread. Suddenly, her failed experiment becomes the least of her worries.

Strong, alluring, and centuries-old, Thomas Callahan is a vampire whose powers are as dangerous as his secrets. After Beth nearly runs him over, her sweet nature and innate fear of him become an irresistible challenge—to corrupt her innocence.

As they spend more time together, Beth’s fear dissipates and becomes something Thomas finds himself craving more than blood. Knowing it is only a matter of time before she discovers what he truly is, and with two hunters on his trail seeking vengeance, Thomas must decide if loving Beth is worth risking both their lives.

•••••••••

REVIEW:In “Unholy” Kathryn Amurra delivers a thrilling blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural elements that drew me in from the very first page.

Set against the backdrop of college life and the impending graduation, this third installment in the Heart’s True Desire series introduces us to Beth, whose world is turned upside down when she nearly runs over the enigmatic Thomas Callahan!

Beth is a great character, focused on her studies and ambitious goals. However, her encounter with Thomas shatters her routine and plunges her into a realm of danger and intrigue.

Thomas Callahan is a centuries old vampire, he exudes strength and danger, and his tortured past drew me in, (I do love a tortured soul 😉) His desire to corrupt Beth’s innocence presents a compelling dynamic, merging romance with a hint of ethical conflict.

The author captures the tension between their worlds, portraying Thomas’s struggle to balance his predatory instincts with newfound feelings for Beth. And as their relationship deepens, the stakes rise, blending romance with a sense of impending doom, especially with the hunters pursuing Thomas! 😦

The chemistry between Beth and Thomas is electric, evolving from fear to attraction.

The power of love is a strong theme, as Beth’s innocence and strength challenge Thomas’s centuries old perspective on life and love.

The pacing of the book is well-thought out, with moments of romantic tension, character development, and action.

The hunters add a layer of suspense that propels the story forward, creating a sense of urgency.

Set against the modern backdrop of college life intertwined with gothic themes, the world building is rich and immersive. The author paints vivid scenes, drawing us into both the academic life of Beth and the dark, alluring world in which Thomas exists.

“Unholy” is a gripping tale of love, danger, and self discovery. Kathryn Amurra successfully combines great characters with thrilling supernatural elements.

You don’t need to read books 1 & 2 to enjoy this one. But I did and they are both a great read 👍🏻

This novel is a must read for fans of paranormal romance who enjoy a mix of tension, intrigue, and heartwarming moments.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Amulet
Timeless

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

 

As she stood there, looking up at Thomas, his magnificent appearance struck her again. A bit taller than her five feet four inches, he was easily six feet tall. His dark hair was on the long side of clean-cut, and the cold wind had made it just messy enough to look incredibly sexy. His nose was straight and perfectly placed on his strong, masculine face, and his eyes were a beautiful dark brown. Perhaps it was his dark lashes and eyebrows, or perhaps something else, but Beth couldn’t help feeling that there was something ominous behind those eyes. It was almost as if his eyes held a warning, even while his mouth invited her to draw closer.
Before Beth realized she was staring at Thomas’ mouth, his lips parted and he spoke again. “Well, I don’t mean to brag, but damsels in distress are my specialty.”
Blinking free of her trance, she shook her head. “Well, I’m not a damsel. In distress, I mean. I don’t need your help.”
He pressed his lips together and nodded slowly. “I understand. In that case, perhaps you can help me instead.”
“Me help you? With what?”
He smiled smugly again. “I’m thirsty.” He paused, almost long enough to allow her to speak, before continuing. “Come have a drink with me.”
She could feel her eyes grow wide with shock even as she told herself to act casual.
“I’m not a big drinker.” At least her voice sounded calm, even if her hands were fidgeting inside her coat pockets.
“Coffee then?”
“I don’t drink coffee after four o’clock. It would keep me awake all night.” She realized as the words left her mouth how much like an old lady she sounded. Lin was right—she may as well have told the guy that she had to get home to soak her dentures.
Though her responses should have completely put him off from pursuing any further interaction, Thomas simply replied, “Then how about some chamomile tea? I’ve read that’ll help calm your nerves and get you in the right mindset for bed.”
The way the man said “bed” sent Beth’s heart racing, and she couldn’t help but wonder if the innuendo was intentional.
“Maybe some other time,” she managed to utter.
He took a step closer to her, and her breath caught.
“I will remember you said that.” 


 

Kathryn Amurra is the author of sweet and sensual love stories. Her debut series, Soothsayer’s Path, is a historical romance series of standalone books set in Ancient Rome around 115 CE. Her new series, Heart’s True Desire, is a paranormal romance series of standalone books published through The Wild Rose Press. Kathryn has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and writing since grade school. Against the advice of her 12th grade English teacher, she studied Mechanical Engineering in college, then worked as an Engineer for a few years. After finding and marrying her own hero, she and her hubby went to law school together. They currently live in North Carolina with their three girls.

Email – kathrynamurra@gmail.com

Website – https://www.kathrynamurra.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kathrynamurra/

Twitter – https://x.com/AmurraKathryn

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20280375.Kathryn_Amurra

Share

Timeless (Heart’s True Desire 2) by Kathryn Amurra -review

Posted on by
15

Timeless (Heart’s True Desire 2) by Kathryn Amurra -review & excerpt

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Apple / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date

Erin Dovetree cannot forgive her father for cheating on her mother years ago and has sworn off men altogether. That is until destiny leads her to her grandmother’s incredibly attractive and mysterious landlord.

William Abbott has lived for over a hundred years, cursed with a static and unnatural existence as punishment for his past sins. Although drawn to the lovely and intelligent Erin, he refuses to subject her to the fate that is his alone to bear.

As Erin pieces together the story of Will’s past and discovers the true cause of his timeless existence, she must reconsider the judgments she has made in her own life. And to have any chance at a life together, she and Will must find answers to the questions that have plagued them both.

•••••••

REVIEW:This is the second book in the Heart’s True Desire series.

I liked this one more than the first, and I loved the first one.

This is a romance book yes, but with the paranormal elements that I love.

Erin doesn’t believe in love, swearing off both romance and love after finding out about her father cheating on her mother! Throwing herself into becoming a partner in the law firm she works for, Erin puts love in a box and tries to forget about it.

William has lived a looong life! Well over one hundred years to be exact! Cursed to live a long and lonely life. So he keeps himself to himself not really interacting, what’s the point? they will only leave at some point 💀

But fate brings them together. Her grandmother lives in the building he owns. Visiting her grandmother Erin meets the handsome but elusive landlord. Sparks fly and the chemistry is there, but Erin gets the distinct impression it’s only one sided! She’s very much mistaken, Will is interested, but won’t commit! Why?

Secrets almost wreck this budding romance, how can Will open up to Erin? Can he really share his darkest secret with the woman he’s falling for? And how will Erin react? (Although she’s beginning to piece together for herself all about William!)

I really liked how the story begins, with a jewellery maker and his love for his two children, and the jewellery he makes for them.

The amulet has a part to play like it did in the last book. And that along with Will’s long life is the paranormal part in this book.

I really liked Erin’s grandmother, although her body isn’t what it use to be, her mind is still as sharp. I do think she’s instrumental in getting these two together.

Both have commitment and trust issues to work out before they can move forward.

It’s definitely a sweet almost clean romance, with a dash of angst on the side 😉

Loved it 👍🏻 and recommend you grab and read it soon

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one AMULET

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

 

 

“Erin?”
Erin jumped at the sound of Will’s voice and turned away from the dumpster she had been staring at to look at him. “Will! You scared the crap out of me!”
She tried to surreptitiously wipe the tears that had wet both her cheeks, but she knew it was obvious she’d been crying.
She cleared her throat and straightened her back. “You didn’t have to come out here. And you didn’t have to listen to my grandmother if she was the one who told you to follow me. I’m fine.”
Even to Erin’s own ears the pain and self-pity in her voice was as clear as a bell. How pathetic she was, a grown woman—an attorney at a high-priced law firm— crying next to a dumpster over getting her feelings hurt by her thoughtless father. It was a wonder Will could even bear to look at her.
Almost in response to her thoughts, Will took a few steps closer, until he was standing just inches away. “Nobody told me to follow you. I was worried about you.”
“Well, I’m fine,” she snapped. “I’m not a child. Despite how my father might speak to me. I can handle myself. I don’t need you to feel sorry for me.”
Her voice cracked, betraying her emotions, and she looked up into Will’s eyes to gauge his reaction. All she saw was kindness and genuine compassion.
“I’m sorry.” She sighed, tears welling up once again. “You were being nice, and I’m being a jerk. You should go back and eat. I’ll come inside in a minute. I just needed to calm down. I’m fine now.”
Will reached up with both hands to touch the hair that fell on either side of her face. Erin’s breath caught in her chest as his warm fingers innocently brushed the tips of her ears.
“I like your hair down,” he said in a low voice. Then he touched her lips briefly with the pad of his index finger. “And I like your lipstick. But I have to admit I like it when you wear your hair up, too, and when you’re not wearing any lipstick at all.”
“Maybe you’re just easy to please,” she whispered, feeling on the verge of passing out.
“Maybe you’re just beautiful.”


 

Kathryn Amurra is the author of sweet and sensual love stories. Her debut series, Soothsayer’s Path, is a historical romance series of standalone books set in Ancient Rome around 115 CE. Her new series, Heart’s True Desire, is a paranormal romance series of standalone books published through The Wild Rose Press. Kathryn has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and writing since grade school. Against the advice of her 12th grade English teacher, she studied Mechanical Engineering in college, then worked as an Engineer for a few years. After finding and marrying her own hero, she and her hubby went to law school together. They currently live in North Carolina with their three girls.

Email – kathrynamurra@gmail.com

Website – https://www.kathrynamurra.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kathrynamurra/

Twitter – https://x.com/AmurraKathryn

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20280375.Kathryn_Amurra

Share

Amulet (Heart’s True Desire 1) by Kathryn Amurra-review & excerpt

Posted on by
17

Amulet (Heart’s True Desire 1) by Kathryn Amurra-review & excerpt

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / NOOK

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 3, 2024

Intelligent, charismatic, and successful, Val Nikolov has achieved everything he’s ever wanted, thanks to a wish made on his grandmother’s magical amulet.

Alex Weaver, however, can’t seem to get her life in order. As a temp-agency lawyer helping Val’s company prepare to be acquired, Alex has no hope that she will ever land a full-time job as an attorney (or convince her boyfriend to marry her).

When one of Val’s key engineers abruptly departs, the acquisition is suddenly at risk. Hoping to salvage the deal, Val asks Alex to travel with him to Israel for a meeting with the decision-makers. The more time Val and Alex spend together, however, the more they question the things they thought were most important in their lives. Soon, they find themselves at a crossroads, having to choose between the lives they’ve always wished for and their hearts’ true desire.

••••••

REVIEW:Amulet is the first book in the Heart’s True Desire series.

Slow burn romance, but with lots of character and really well written.

Alex who is a contract lawyer, and Val who runs a tech company. Both are good at their jobs.

Val runs his company firm but fair. He’s about to sell his company and start on a new venture, which he’s really excited about, but his love life is a different matter! He needs to say goodbye to his girlfriend and fast!

Alex is new to the company. Brought in to make sure all legal aspects are correct. She likes her work and she good at it. Shame she couldn’t say the same thing about her boyfriend! (Can you see a pattern? 😉) hoping she will get an offer to stay on, Alex puts all her time and energy into the work she’s asked to do….

It is a little slow for the first quarter of the book. But once the path is clear (no boyfriend/girlfriend to get in the way) then the attraction and the fun can begin….

He definitely falls first, and it’s fun to watch him pursue and try to convince Alex it’s more than an office fling.

A trip away gives Val the opportunity to tell Alex just how he feels. But can Alex jump at the chance of happiness, or will those feet stay firmly on the ground?

I really liked both of the characters. Val had a sense of duty and purpose. Alex made me smile with her incredible brain and her social skills (she really didn’t mix well with others, preferring work to play)

But where is the magic I hear you ask? Well, that comes in the form of a locket that has been passed down through the generations. It grants the wearer what they truly desire. Val has heard about the locket and the prophecy surrounding it all his life. Does he believe in the magic? And what happens when he gives Alex the locket as a token of his affection?

There are a few stories that go on in the book, and I’m hoping these play out in other books.
I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for the next book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

 

Val opened the passenger side door for her, silently grateful for having just cleaned the interior.
Thanking him, Alex got into the front seat. He couldn’t help noticing as Alex’s coat parted at the bottom and her skirt slid a couple of inches up her thighs in the process.
He shut the door before she could realize where his eyes and thoughts had been and went around to the driver’s side.
“I’ll try not to breathe too much on the short ride over to your parking lot,” he said, starting the car. “I’d hate it if I got you sick.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ve got a pretty robust immune system. Plus, if I’m choosing between catching a cold and dying in a fiery car crash because you held your breath and passed out, I think I’d choose the former.”
Val laughed. “It’s always good to put things into perspective.”
He reached over to the stick shift and put the car in reverse. It was only after grasping the shifter that he sensed how close his hand was to Alex’s left knee. Indulging himself, Val glanced at her face in profile as he turned his body to look behind them and backed out of the parking spot. She was looking down at her lap and trying to adjust her coat.
Val shifted again, driving toward the exit. Alex was quiet, and he hoped she wasn’t uncomfortable sitting next to him. After their dinner and a pleasant conversation, she couldn’t possibly be worried that he was trying to put the moves on her, could she?
“We’ll have to see about getting you a parking spot in the building. I’ll talk to Judy about it tomorrow.”
Alex looked over at him. “That’s really nice of you, but I can’t afford to park here. It’s more than twice as expensive as the lot I’m in right now, and I can hardly afford that.”
Val knew that contract attorneys made less than in-house counsel or attorneys in big law firms, but he was curious how much less. “What are they paying you at Advance Legal?”
“Thirty dollars an hour.”
He was quiet for a moment. “They’re making a killing on you, you know. I should have hired you directly—you could have made more money, and I could have spent less money. Anyway, don’t worry about the cost. The company will pay for your parking.”
The unexpected offer had her eyes widening in surprise. “I can’t ask you to do that!”
“You’re not. It’s a business decision that I’m making. Look, it’s going to be crazy the next few weeks with this deal. I might need you to come in extra early on some days and stay late on others. And the days are short this time of year. I can’t be worrying about the seven-block walk you have to make to your car in the dark every night.”
Alex pressed her lips into a straight line, and even relying only on peripheral vision, Val could tell she was skeptical. “So, you’re saying I’d be doing you a favor by allowing the company to pay exorbitant amounts of money for me to park in the building.”
He could hear the smile in her voice as she said the words, and he wished he could take his eyes off the road for more than just a moment to see it.
“Yes, that’s exactly right.”
Sighing, Alex relented. “All right, then. I’ll do it. For the company.”
He laughed. “You might just get employee of the month at this rate.” 


 

Kathryn Amurra is the author of sweet and sensual love stories. Her debut series, Soothsayer’s Path, is a historical romance series of standalone books set in Ancient Rome around 115 CE. Her new series, Heart’s True Desire, is a paranormal romance series of standalone books published through The Wild Rose Press. Kathryn has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and writing since grade school. Against the advice of her 12th grade English teacher, she studied Mechanical Engineering in college, then worked as an Engineer for a few years. After finding and marrying her own hero, she and her hubby went to law school together. They currently live in North Carolina with their three girls.

Email – kathrynamurra@gmail.com

Website – https://www.kathrynamurra.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kathrynamurra/

Twitter – @AmurraKathryn

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20280375.Kathryn_Amurra

Share