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ema114's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
ellelainey's review
5.0
Book – Cemeteries by Moonlight
Author – Hunter Frost
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 108
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 1st person, one character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Murder
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
As my first book by this author – and my first of the States of Love Collection – I was instantly convinced it would be fantastic, because it contained all of my favourite things – MM romance, writer's block, New Orleans, a murder mystery and ghost tours. I was instantly taken back to history books I've read about Edinburgh ghost tours and was thrilled to explore the haunting and so mysterious New Orleans in a similar way.
I wasn't disappointed.
The first line, mentioning Hitchcock's Birds, had me hooked. I'm terrified of birds, but I love to watch them from afar, so the constant appearance of Marie the crow really freaked me out. It didn't help that while I was reading this spooky story all about ghosts and New Orleans Voodoo, I kept hearing unexplained noises in the house. So, thanks for that Frost. I nearly died of fright!
But, saying that, I can only admit that this would never have happened with a poorly written story. The way Frost writes is magnificent. Without going overboard into description, detail or labeling every item, colour and possible one-inch mark of location for the scenery, I still felt completely drawn in. The attention to detail was perfectly balanced with believable storyline, strong, relatable characters and a subtlety that allowed me to create my own image of what New Orleans looked like, without feeling like I'd implanted an image of some caricature in its place. The feeling the words instilled were authentic New Orleans and, I'll admit, I even read the French, Cajun and Creole in a French accent.
I can't say I was shocked – nor can I say I wasn't disappointed – when the strongest, most interesting female of the story was killed, but it was a great piece of writing that still made it feel like a shock, even though I'd anticipated it. (If you read the book, you'll know when I first suspected it.)
The inclusion of our MC, Drew, having Tourette Syndrome was a really nice portrayal of the struggle and coping mechanisms of someone with the syndrome. It was both sympathetic, authentic and didn't make a mockery of Tourette's, even by accident. The syndrome was explained, controlled and explored well throughout the story, though it didn't need to become some third main character to show how severely it affected Drew. His control of the condition was subtle, like so many more important details.
I loved the addition of Voodoo, even when it was only mentioned in passing. With the practice being so commonly associated with New Orleans, it would have felt wrong to avoid it entirely, but it was nice to see that it didn't take the front seat, with a paranormal twist, like so many of the New Orleans stories I've read in the past. Though the story was based in New Orleans, it managed to avoid the hazardous pitfalls of the stereotypes, while exploring the genuine underbelly of its history.
Also, don't be put off by the French. It's usually always explained and the one time it isn't, it was pretty easy for me to guess what it meant (with only rudimentary, and not well retained, high school French lessons). But, if you really want to know, highlight that one quote, Google it and squee like a little girl, like I did, when you realise just what it means.
~
Overall, I could rave about this book forever, but it's probably better that you just go and read it for yourself. It's got murder, intrigue, chemistry off the charts, humour and still manages to handle some pretty serious topics.
There was more heat, action and passion in this story of 108 pages than I've read in books three times its size. If you're looking for a satisfying page-turner, look no further. You found it.
~
Favourite Quote
“The sympathetic look on his handsome face made my gut clench. I wanted to smack him and kiss him all at once for caring about my failings as a writer.”
“It's a shame he's adorable. It would be easy to say no to anyone else. I had just met the guy and he had me under his thumb with those pretty eyes and sexy accent.
And he did bring my beignets.”
“I couldn't believe how smitten I was over a hot, straight, Victorian-dressed man with a penchant for the paranormal.”
“The way Finn's eyes brightened, like the sun breaking through cloudy skies, had to be the sexiest thing I'd ever seen.
“Drew, you should know the way to mon coeur is through my Swiffer.”
Author – Hunter Frost
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 108
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 1st person, one character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Murder
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
As my first book by this author – and my first of the States of Love Collection – I was instantly convinced it would be fantastic, because it contained all of my favourite things – MM romance, writer's block, New Orleans, a murder mystery and ghost tours. I was instantly taken back to history books I've read about Edinburgh ghost tours and was thrilled to explore the haunting and so mysterious New Orleans in a similar way.
I wasn't disappointed.
The first line, mentioning Hitchcock's Birds, had me hooked. I'm terrified of birds, but I love to watch them from afar, so the constant appearance of Marie the crow really freaked me out. It didn't help that while I was reading this spooky story all about ghosts and New Orleans Voodoo, I kept hearing unexplained noises in the house. So, thanks for that Frost. I nearly died of fright!
But, saying that, I can only admit that this would never have happened with a poorly written story. The way Frost writes is magnificent. Without going overboard into description, detail or labeling every item, colour and possible one-inch mark of location for the scenery, I still felt completely drawn in. The attention to detail was perfectly balanced with believable storyline, strong, relatable characters and a subtlety that allowed me to create my own image of what New Orleans looked like, without feeling like I'd implanted an image of some caricature in its place. The feeling the words instilled were authentic New Orleans and, I'll admit, I even read the French, Cajun and Creole in a French accent.
I can't say I was shocked – nor can I say I wasn't disappointed – when the strongest, most interesting female of the story was killed, but it was a great piece of writing that still made it feel like a shock, even though I'd anticipated it. (If you read the book, you'll know when I first suspected it.)
The inclusion of our MC, Drew, having Tourette Syndrome was a really nice portrayal of the struggle and coping mechanisms of someone with the syndrome. It was both sympathetic, authentic and didn't make a mockery of Tourette's, even by accident. The syndrome was explained, controlled and explored well throughout the story, though it didn't need to become some third main character to show how severely it affected Drew. His control of the condition was subtle, like so many more important details.
I loved the addition of Voodoo, even when it was only mentioned in passing. With the practice being so commonly associated with New Orleans, it would have felt wrong to avoid it entirely, but it was nice to see that it didn't take the front seat, with a paranormal twist, like so many of the New Orleans stories I've read in the past. Though the story was based in New Orleans, it managed to avoid the hazardous pitfalls of the stereotypes, while exploring the genuine underbelly of its history.
Also, don't be put off by the French. It's usually always explained and the one time it isn't, it was pretty easy for me to guess what it meant (with only rudimentary, and not well retained, high school French lessons). But, if you really want to know, highlight that one quote, Google it and squee like a little girl, like I did, when you realise just what it means.
~
Overall, I could rave about this book forever, but it's probably better that you just go and read it for yourself. It's got murder, intrigue, chemistry off the charts, humour and still manages to handle some pretty serious topics.
There was more heat, action and passion in this story of 108 pages than I've read in books three times its size. If you're looking for a satisfying page-turner, look no further. You found it.
~
Favourite Quote
“The sympathetic look on his handsome face made my gut clench. I wanted to smack him and kiss him all at once for caring about my failings as a writer.”
“It's a shame he's adorable. It would be easy to say no to anyone else. I had just met the guy and he had me under his thumb with those pretty eyes and sexy accent.
And he did bring my beignets.”
“I couldn't believe how smitten I was over a hot, straight, Victorian-dressed man with a penchant for the paranormal.”
“The way Finn's eyes brightened, like the sun breaking through cloudy skies, had to be the sexiest thing I'd ever seen.
“Drew, you should know the way to mon coeur is through my Swiffer.”
claudia_is_reading's review
3.0
Um... this had a great premise that wasn't fully developed.
I really liked that the author gives us a character with Tourette's Syndrome; he shows us how it affects his life without going into woe-territory. Drew might not be doing exceedingly well when it comes to his social life but he's an independent adult and a successful writer with a life of his own.
I also enjoyed the way in which New Orleans' atmosphere comes alive. I must confess I got hungry all the time while reading this :P
But! Finn is still the same blank page at the end of the story that he is at the beginning. There is no evolution in his character, we know nothing about why he acts the way he does in regard to those who are supposedly his friends. This, to me at least, makes seeing the romance between him and Drew very difficult.
I also feel that there was a promise of paranormal happenings that never comes really true.
All in all, entertaining. I probably will read more by this author.
I really liked that the author gives us a character with Tourette's Syndrome; he shows us how it affects his life without going into woe-territory. Drew might not be doing exceedingly well when it comes to his social life but he's an independent adult and a successful writer with a life of his own.
I also enjoyed the way in which New Orleans' atmosphere comes alive. I must confess I got hungry all the time while reading this :P
But! Finn is still the same blank page at the end of the story that he is at the beginning. There is no evolution in his character, we know nothing about why he acts the way he does in regard to those who are supposedly his friends. This, to me at least, makes seeing the romance between him and Drew very difficult.
I also feel that there was a promise of paranormal happenings that never comes really true.
All in all, entertaining. I probably will read more by this author.
suze_1624's review
3.0
3.5*
A easy paced, gentle (despite the murder) just like NO itself and despite not knowing the city, I got a feel for it (and an urge to google!).
Drew’s struggle with TS is explained but not over done and his quiet acceptance of both it and how he feels he has to live his life is hard won and sad.
Finn and his cohorts are quirky and a bit odd! Are they in costume or really who they portray. There is a bit of the paranormal feel to them and their doings. Then things get really real with a murder and we get a little mystery too.
Enjoyed!
A easy paced, gentle (despite the murder) just like NO itself and despite not knowing the city, I got a feel for it (and an urge to google!).
Drew’s struggle with TS is explained but not over done and his quiet acceptance of both it and how he feels he has to live his life is hard won and sad.
Finn and his cohorts are quirky and a bit odd! Are they in costume or really who they portray. There is a bit of the paranormal feel to them and their doings. Then things get really real with a murder and we get a little mystery too.
Enjoyed!
the_novel_approach's review
3.0
3.5 Stars ~ First things first…I have serious cover love going on here; AngstyG killed it with this one. The heart of the story is amazingly captured. Gorgeous, eye-catching goodness.
I snapped this one up because of the cover, obviously, but also because I’ve enjoyed Hunter Frost’s past work. I read and reviewed both An Angel in Eyeliner and Courage to Heal and really liked them both—especially Angel. Frost is good at creating memorable characters and backdrops that will hook the reader and reel him or her in. In the case of Cemeteries by Moonlight, for me, it was impossible to resist the allure of New Orleans, or a sexy, tatted Cajun named Finn Murphy.
Finn is the unexpected flatmate Drew Daniels encounters when he arrives at the apartment his aunt owns in New Orleans. She told Drew he could stay there for a few months, but neglected to tell him she already had a renter. Drew is supposed to be finding his muse…getting the words flowing again on his new novel…But, Finn is a serious threat to Drew’s fast approaching deadline. I loved this line:
“I couldn’t believe how smitten I was over a hot, straight, Victorian-dressed man with a penchant for the paranormal.”
It isn’t just Finn’s sex appeal causing the distraction, however. Someone in Finn’s eclectic but close-knit group of friends turns up dead, and Drew gets sucked into the mystery.
There were a lot of good things happening in this book. The characters were interesting, with intriguing and varied backstories. Frost does a decent job depicting Drew’s Tourette’s and his coping mechanisms. I was definitely drawn in by Finn’s story and personality. And, then there’s New Orleans—a character all on her own. I loved every bit of New Orleans lore the author packed in. I wish there had been more.
All of that being said, I did have a few mixed feelings on the story itself. It started out strong but fizzled a bit in the second half. It was also somewhat difficult to grasp all of the relationships and dynamics of Finn’s friend group. They ran hot and cold and, at times, didn’t act at all how you would think friends would act. Finn would go from flat out accusing one of them of murder to just calmly chilling around a table, sharing drinks. Some elements just didn’t quite work.
The end was exciting, the MCs are likeable and, for the most, part I liked Frost’s resolution. But, I do wish the mystery plot had been a bit more fleshed out. It felt like the storyline just got away from her a bit toward the last third of the book. I wanted a little more out of the romance, and even more NOLA—but, it was a solid 3-3.5 star read.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
I snapped this one up because of the cover, obviously, but also because I’ve enjoyed Hunter Frost’s past work. I read and reviewed both An Angel in Eyeliner and Courage to Heal and really liked them both—especially Angel. Frost is good at creating memorable characters and backdrops that will hook the reader and reel him or her in. In the case of Cemeteries by Moonlight, for me, it was impossible to resist the allure of New Orleans, or a sexy, tatted Cajun named Finn Murphy.
Finn is the unexpected flatmate Drew Daniels encounters when he arrives at the apartment his aunt owns in New Orleans. She told Drew he could stay there for a few months, but neglected to tell him she already had a renter. Drew is supposed to be finding his muse…getting the words flowing again on his new novel…But, Finn is a serious threat to Drew’s fast approaching deadline. I loved this line:
“I couldn’t believe how smitten I was over a hot, straight, Victorian-dressed man with a penchant for the paranormal.”
It isn’t just Finn’s sex appeal causing the distraction, however. Someone in Finn’s eclectic but close-knit group of friends turns up dead, and Drew gets sucked into the mystery.
There were a lot of good things happening in this book. The characters were interesting, with intriguing and varied backstories. Frost does a decent job depicting Drew’s Tourette’s and his coping mechanisms. I was definitely drawn in by Finn’s story and personality. And, then there’s New Orleans—a character all on her own. I loved every bit of New Orleans lore the author packed in. I wish there had been more.
All of that being said, I did have a few mixed feelings on the story itself. It started out strong but fizzled a bit in the second half. It was also somewhat difficult to grasp all of the relationships and dynamics of Finn’s friend group. They ran hot and cold and, at times, didn’t act at all how you would think friends would act. Finn would go from flat out accusing one of them of murder to just calmly chilling around a table, sharing drinks. Some elements just didn’t quite work.
The end was exciting, the MCs are likeable and, for the most, part I liked Frost’s resolution. But, I do wish the mystery plot had been a bit more fleshed out. It felt like the storyline just got away from her a bit toward the last third of the book. I wanted a little more out of the romance, and even more NOLA—but, it was a solid 3-3.5 star read.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
cheye13's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I know it's typical for a romance novella, but I was mainly disappointed by how quickly everything wrapped up after the couple gets together. I enjoyed the set-up so much that i would've liked a bit more of a comprehensive story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Murder
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Grief, and Confinement
Minor: Ableism, Gun violence, Alcohol, and Slavery
The main character has Tourette Syndrome and uses marijuana (illegally in the story's context) to control his tics. At a point, characters are drugged against their will/knowledge, and imprisoned. Some discussion of New Orleans' history with slavery occurs.
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