It Started in Budapest Published by Covenant Communications by Julie Daines
Series: Romance on the Orient Express #1
on August 10, 2020
Genres: Family & Relationships, Gothic, Paranormal, Romance, Clean, Historical, Regency
Pages: 176
Source: Netgalley
Format: ARC, eBook
Find the Author: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest
Find the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
Rating:
Molly Cooper is haunted by one simple fact: it is her fault her twin brother, Matthew, has spent his life trapped in a frail body while she has thrived. Deep in her heart, she knows he can’t hold on much longer . . .
In her desperation to save her brother, Molly finds inspiration in an unlikely source: the newly published novel Dracula. When her family embarks on the Orient Express to seek treatment for Matthew in Bulgaria, Molly is prepared to set her plan in motion: she will sneak away from her parents and journey alone to Transylvania, where she will seek a vampire, whose blood can make her brother immortal. Molly’s rash plan is going flawlessly—until she encounters Percy Hunt, a handsome American traveler running from the shadows of his own past. When he discovers Molly’s plan, Percy’s concern for the naive young woman leaves him no choice but to accompany her on her strange quest. But neither Percy nor Molly is prepared for the feelings that quickly grow between them or for the death-defying escapade that awaits.
This book’s beginning pulled me in immediately. However, it didn’t take long for me to be bored.
At first, I connected with the character’s love of Dracula–and even her innocence and naivete. But it wasn’t long before I found myself not appreciating it so much anymore.
The love story was okay. It was probably the best part of this story. But it just wasn’t enough to really make it a 3-star read for me.
About Julie Daines
Julie Daines was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and was raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.
She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her verveine.
Julie is an award-winning and best-selling author, and her novel, Unraveled, was a contender for the ALA’s Schneider Family Book Award.
Too bad this wasn’t a better book for you, Christine. Hopefully your next read will be much better!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Book Blitz: The Rebirth by V.P. Evans
Ah, sorry to hear this one didn’t make it to even three stars. I can see how the things you did like at first would be what would draw me to want to read it. But based on your thoughts, I won’t add it to my TBR. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…L-L-L-Little Reviews #48: March 2023