Nocturne Falls by Kristen Painter [Books 7-13 Review]

Nocturne Falls (books 7-13) by Kristen Painter
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
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Nocturne Falls
1. The Vampire's Mail Order Bride
2. The Werewolf Meets His Match
3. The Gargoyle Gets His Girl
4. The Professor Woos the Witch
4.5. The Witch's Halloween Hero
4.6. The Werewolf's Christmas Wish
5. The Vampire's Fake Fiancée
5.5. The Vampire's Valentine Surprise
6. The Shifter Romances the Writer
6.5. The Vampire's True Love Trials
7. The Dragon Finds Forever - Paperback | Kindle
8. The Vampire's Accidental Wife - Paperback | Kindle
9. The Reaper Rescues the Genie - Paperback | Kindle
10. The Detective Wins the Witch - Paperback | Kindle
11. The Vampire's Priceless Treasure - Paperback | Kindle
12. The Werewolf Dates the Deputy - Paperback | Kindle
13. The Siren Saves the Billionaire - Paperback | Kindle
14. The Vampire's Sunny Sweetheart
15. Death Dates the Oracle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Jayne Frost
1. Miss Frost Solves a Cold Case

Kristen Painter
| Website | Amazon |

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year.

The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better. Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs and all.

The Dragon Finds Forever (Nocturne Falls #7)
Date read: September 15, 2021
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Monalisa Devlin is a Will O’ The Wisp, a rare and potentially dangerous creature. Unfortunately, her greedy father makes sure she lives up to that potential. Monalisa is magically compelled to obey her father's evil commands--until he finally agrees to free her in exchange for one, last mission: Travel to Nocturne Falls and use her powers to force Ivan Tsvetkov back into the ring.

Once a champion on the supernatural MMA circuit, Ivan 'The Hammer' Tsvetkov retired after a devastating injury that left him unable to shift into his dragon form. Wounded and embittered, Ivan wants nothing more than to be left alone. Until an infuriating, stubborn, delicately beautiful stranger shows up on his doorstep and demands that he rebuild his life.

Posing as a rehab therapist seemed like the easiest way to get close to the smoldering recluse, but Monalisa quickly realizes that nothing about this mission is going to be easy. To gain his trust, she shares more of herself than she ever has before, and as their connection deepens, so does the weight of her secrets. She thought she was willing to do whatever it took to win her independence...but when her deception blows up in her face, will Monalisa discover that the loss of Ivan's heart is too high a price to pay? Or will their love rise from the ashes to burn stronger than ever?

Thoughts on The Dragon Find Forever: An injured dragon/MMA fighter and a Will O' the Wisp being forced into doing her father's bidding are up for falling in love and (you guessed it) things are a little complicated. Mostly because Monalisa has to hide who she is and why she's really there. Seeing as she doesn't want to lie to Van in the first place, falling for the guy with those lies between them makes things a wee bit sticky.

Also, Monalisa's father is AWFUL.

Fortunately for Monalisa, Van is not awful. He might react to things a little grumpily, but he's a genuinely nice guy under his muscles and scowl and he gets under Monalisa's skin in a big way. Van's doggo is also a big softie and worms his way into Monalisa's heart pretty quickly.

There are speedbumps, new friends, a very good doggo, hoards, and one injured grump of a dragon who is a protector at heart. Nocturne Falls continues to be a fun place to visit!

The Vampire's Accidental Wife (Nocturne Falls #8)
Date read: September 21, 2021
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Las Vegas headliner and vampire Desdemona Valentine is one cool, collected diva on the outside. On the inside, she’s petrified of falling in love after her last relationship nearly killed her...literally. Protecting her wounded heart makes for a lonely life, but she has her fame and fortune to keep her company. Who needs anything more?

Julian Ellingham does. One look at Desdemona on stage, and the vampire is smitten. She initially ignores him, but his relentless pursuit pays off when a wild night ends in a Vegas wedding. Finally, Julian has everything he wants while all Desdemona wants is...a divorce.

Julian sweet-talks Desdemona into letting him prove his love, but his time is running out. Especially after someone repeatedly tries to turn his bride to ash. When Desdemona flees Vegas for the spooky streets of Nocturne Falls and Julian’s protection, he’s more than willing to help out. But can he convince Desdemona to trust him, or will ‘death do us part’ become a reality?

Thoughts on The Vampire's Accidental Wife: It's Julian the Playboy's turn to find his special someone and she's a sassy entertainer with a little stalker problem. To be fair, Desi didn't have a stalker when she and Julian accidentally got married (because even vampires aren't immune to champagne and quickie marriages in Las Vegas!), but I highly doubt that would have deterred Julian from wooing Desi if she did.

Yeah, Julian's smitten. Unfortunately for him, Desi has a TERRIBLE first marriage under her belt and she's convinced herself that a second marriage isn't for her. Julian has to charm her into giving them a 12 month trial run, but she's pretty set in her convictions.

Until the stalker thing pops up and Julian's the only person Desi trusts to help her. Suddenly, she's meeting the Ellingham family and living large in Nocturne Falls. And the more time she spends the Julian, the more she sees how different he is from her first husband.

A little danger, a little magic, a new vamp in Nocturne Falls, and a whole lot of supernaturals coming together to keep one of theirs safe. *thumbs up*

The Reaper Rescues the Genie (Nocturne Falls #9)
Date read: October 6, 2021
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Death is what grim reaper Lucien Dupree knows best. Or rather, he did until his reaping powers became tragically unreliable. Now he’s living in a self-imposed exile to keep humanity safe. Sure, it’s a lonely existence, but it’s the best thing for everyone. Except him.

Retired genie, Imari Zephara, has found her happy place in Nocturne Falls. Well, as happy as she can be considering the alternative returning home would bring her. Then a dark force rears its ugly head and throws her life into turmoil. Suddenly the only way to save herself is to join forces with death, who turns out to be a pretty amazing guy.

But Lucien’s defective powers might not be enough to overcome centuries of jinn tradition, meaning Imari’s life would no longer be her own. All he wants is to give her the chance to choose her own future. Hopefully, one that includes him. What more could a guy a wish for?

Thoughts on The Reaper Rescues the Genie: Lucien and Imari are up and...they have a few (tiny) hurdles to get past before they can frolic in their HEA. Probably the biggest one is the wish master who has it bad for Imari. And by "has it bad", I mean he wants to imprison her and force her to grant wishes for him.

Which is SUPER NOT COOL. Lucien thinks it's super not cool also and (reluctantly) agrees to help Imari with her problem. The reluctance stems from his (serious) trust issues and his attraction to Imari. Plus, he's worried about hurting her with his misfiring abilities.

Yeah, these two have things they need to figure out before they can be a couple. Well, actually, that's not entirely true. They sort of fall into coupledom for safety reasons, but they both keep telling themselves it's just for show. To protect Imari. NOT FOR ANYTHING ELSE. Riiiiight.

A not-so-nice bad guy, family that runs the gamut from great to terrible, wishes, kisses, and color. Yup, Imari brings color and chaos into Lucien's life and he couldn't be happier.

The Detective Wins the Witch (Nocturne Falls #10)
Date read: October 9, 2021
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Private investigator Wyatt West finds his job a little tedious most days, but that changes when he meets a bewitching blonde florist who needs a favor in the way of a wedding date. There's definitely something magical about her, but little does he know just how correct that first impression is.

Single mom Marigold Williams finds herself instantly attracted to Wyatt, but doesn't dare tell this handsome human that she's a witch and things in Nocturne Falls are a little spookier than he suspects. He’s just a nice guy who’s offered to be her plus one. She doesn’t need to turn his world upside down with the truth over one date.

Despite that agreement, their feelings deepen and both agree to try a relationship beyond their current temporary arrangement. Now Marigold must tell him about her witchy side. After all, he has a right to know who he’s dating.

But when Wyatt unwittingly frees some dangerous magic, Marigold knows a life changing sacrifice is the only way to set things right. Will her magic save him? And will he be able to handle the truth that comes with it?

Thoughts on The Detective Wins the Witch: It's Marigold's turn to shine and she ends up tangled in something a little sticky. Well, sticky by Nocturne Falls standards. Which is downright bonkers compared to normal standards. Considering Wyatt the hunky detective who ends up crossing paths with her is decidedly human, that's where the sticky comes in.

Fortunately for Marigold, a few days spent in NF among the supernaturals (although Wyatt isn't aware they're REAL supernaturals) opens Wyatt's mind just enough that he isn't entirely blown away when the truth comes out. And it does come out. Unfortunately for Marigold, it comes out when dark magic crosses their path and they have to figure out how to fix things before they become unfixable. Well, mostly Marigold has to figure out how to fix it, but Wyatt gets pulled into the middle of things in a BIG way.

Magic, mayhem, a wedding, dangerous individuals, and a whole lot of familiar faces. Marigold and Wyatt have a lot of deal with, but they make things work. Eventually.

The Vampire's Priceless Treasure (Nocturne Falls #11)
Date read: October 14, 2021
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Half reaper, half vampire Kora Dupree has made big changes in her life. She’s on good terms with her previously estranged father and taken on all kinds of adult responsibilities. But when an opportunity to find out the truth about her late mother comes along, she can’t resist pursuing it. Even when it means returning to her somewhat dubious ways.

Vampire Greyson Garrett knows the bad but beautiful Kora is up to something. He’s wise to her games. After all, her father has hired Greyson numerous times to save Kora from all the sticky situations she’s gotten herself into. If she were just…better behaved he could see himself falling for her. Hard.

Even though Kora promises she’s changed, Greyson has his doubts. So much so that he follows her one fateful night and gets pulled into her latest scheme. It’s not like he hasn’t been here before, but this time he swears it’s her last chance to prove she’s different.

Kora’s new adventure sends them on a treasure hunt that takes them all over the globe, and in the course of their travels, they realize how good things are when they work together. But will that all change when the adventure is over? Are they really in love? Or just addicted to the rush?

Thoughts on The Vampire's Priceless Treasure: Having read the JF series before this one, I had completely forgotten that Greyson had been Jayne's special someone (well, her special someone among several special someones) for a while. While Greyson isn't exactly heartsore about losing Jayne to her necromancer, he's ... I don't know. Maybe lonely? And a little growly. Kora, unfortunately, gets the brunt of his growls. But his perception of Kora is also rooted in her wild-child days and he doesn't see her as anything more than a nuisance until, you know, he doesn't.

As for Kora, she's trying to change from the vampire Greyson used to know. Or, you know, the one whose booty he had to rescue on more than one occasion. She's reconnected with her pops and she's turning into a productive member of Nocturne Falls society. Heck, she's even adopted a cat who she loves to pieces.

It isn't until they're on the hunt for mysterious treasure that Greyson acknowledges that he juuuusssst might have feelings for Kora.

A little danger, a scavenger hunt that takes them around the world, an unexpected blast from the past, a kiss or two, and a host of people who aren't thrilled by Kora's quest. *thumbs up*

The Werewolf Dates the Deputy (Nocturne Falls #12)
Date read: October 19, 2021
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Fire chief and werewolf, Titus Merrow, has a pretty good life. Great family, great job, great friends. No love interest, sure, but he’s got too much going on to worry about that. Like the 10k race for charity that he’s helping to plan. Too bad the woman he’s planning it with is so hot. No, wait. He meant annoying.

Sheriff’s deputy and valkyrie, Jenna Blythe, has somehow gotten stuck working on a charity event with her boss’s brother. Not only is Titus Merrow full of himself, but he challenges every suggestion she makes about the race. Why are the handsome ones always so smug? She can’t wait to beat him in the competition and bring home the trophy for the sheriff’s department. Again.

But when they answer a call together and things explode, dangerous magic is unleashed. They’re suddenly forced to work together. Literally. And the magic only gets more treacherous as time ticks forward. Not even Jenna’s good friend seems to be able to help them as shady forces lurk in every shadow.

Swords and sorcery abound, and Jenna’s past comes back to haunt her. She and Titus are left with no choice but to question everything – and everyone. Who’s targeting them? Is what they’re feeling real? Can love survive against darkness? Can a valkyrie learn to run with the pack?

Thoughts on The Werewolf Dates the Deputy: A werewolf and a valkyrie. If not for the spell that catches them in its grasp, Titus and Jenna probably would have gone on being antagonistic toward one another because they're both just that stubborn. Fortunately for them, they got whammied by a spell that forced them to put aside their differences and work together. Not so fortunately, the spell was only part of what they had to deal with.

Seeing as part of the magic unleashed against them was a love spell, both of them are grappling with whether or not their newfound feelings are real. Plus, they both have relationship baggage they have to unpack, big time.

Besides the time limit on the detonated spell, other magical happenings make their situation even more dangerous. You know, it's just a whole lot of danger left and right. Love magic, death magic, a plot that gets more twisted the more you learn about it.

Basically, it's pretty much everything that's fun about Nocturne Falls. *thumbs up*

The Siren Saves the Billionaire (Nocturne Falls #13)
Date read: November 1, 2021
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Custom-aquarium specialist, Undrea Seeley, is supernaturally good at creating made-to-order fish tanks for her customers. Probably because she loves what she does. And because she’s a mermaid. She also loves living in a town where she can be herself. Well, the version of herself everyone thinks she is. But then, who isn’t harboring a secret, right?

Tech billionaire Ethan Edmonds is an open book. Hard not to be when the media follows your every move, something they’ve done pretty much since he made his first million at seventeen by selling an app he’d created. Now he’s sold his biggest company for an even greater profit and he’s ready to disappear a little. At least enough to focus on a project that has nothing to do with money and everything to do with helping people.

But when his self-appointed fiancée decides he needs a majestic centerpiece aquarium in their new home, she has no idea things are about to spring a leak. Ethan has never met a woman like Undrea and is instantly captivated by her free spirit and fun-loving ways.

Undrea understands his attraction to her, however. It’s driven by magic she can’t control, but she’s still determined not to harpoon his relationship, despite her growing feelings for him. Then she realizes there’s something fishy going on and it seems Undrea’s not the only one hiding her true identity.

Saving Ethan from the dark forces out to get him could mean revealing the truth she’s been trying to hide. But will that secret sink them both or will she sacrifice herself to protect the man she fallen in love with?

Thoughts on The Siren Saves the Billionaire: Undrea the mermaid meets her match in billionaire Ethan and BOY do they have a lot of things they have to work through before they can do their happily ever after thing.

First off, Ethan has a live-in girlfriend/fiancée. Which isn't entirely accurate since Ethan hasn't actually popped the question to Nina, but she's just sort of plowed ahead with the idea of them getting married and now she's telling people she's his fiancée. Yeah, there's more than just the surface issues going on in that relationship, too. Nina is...interesting.

Second thing? Ethan is human and doesn't know about supernaturals. Finding Undrea floating face down in the lake rattles him a little. As a mermaid, she's fine, but, you know, face down in a lake. As the secrets about NF start slipping out, he has to adjust to possibly having a mermaid as a girlfriend.

Third? DARK FORCES ARE AFOOT! Plus, Undrea's mermaid magic is working on Ethan. This is a tiny bit problematic since mermaid magic is a little hypnotic. And it makes people fall in love if they kiss. Heh. Those dark forces are problematic, too. Just to be clear.

A little kissing, a little danger, more than a few supernatural happenings, and a whole lot of steam. *thumbs up*