Love Voodoo, BLMorticia

Love isn't a science and when in a city known for its mysticism there are no hard and fast rules governing it either.  I liked the idea behind a lot of the characters' actions and felt their motives were coming from great places.  The way Cayden and Trent spent time getting to know one another felt genuine and I liked that it was a little slower paced in the steam department.

What didn't work as well for me was the slight disconnect I felt from both the characters and their relationship, especially in regards to the promise of some magic.  Their initial meeting was pretty basic, a rockstar in disguise is attracted to the shop clerk and after a little reveal, the attraction is mutual.  I was expecting a whole lot more intense and magical than that.  In fact, I was expecting a whole lot more from the voodoo aspect.  Since it's in the title and the synopsis, you'd think there would be more than what we got.

Cayden's personality in the beginning wasn't thrilling me and while Trent was marginally better, I can't say I was captivated by either of them.  The structure of the switching perspectives was a bit jarring because most of them were quick scenes that gave surface introductions to the characters, their situations, and their motives, but didn't do a lot to create depth or capture my invested interest.  Once Cayden and Trent meet for the second time things got more interesting because it felt better to intertwine their stories since that was the whole point of their romance.  I just wish there was something in the writing or the men that sunk deep for me.

The intent of the author to get certain social and emotional points across was great, but it didn't come across effectively.  It wasn't until the author's note at the end that I realized what they were trying to convey.  If that note had really been applied the story could have been really great.

The story wasn't bad by any means, and the sentiment was fantastic, but neither were strong enough in my opinion.  There were also a few background and personal moments that were brought up which implied something heavier or that there would be some kind of conflict, mystery, or individual evolution that was going to take place but never happened.  So while this was a sweet story with a couple that has everything it takes to make something lasting, it just didn't come together completely for me.

*$3.99 on Amazon

Can a cocky internet star and a humble Southern boy come together—with a little help from a love potion—in the spookiest city in America?

Burned out and in need of a vacation, online sensation Cayden is drawn to New Orleans, with its rich history and paranormal lore. A cynic and a pessimist, Cayden nonetheless hopes to experience some of the legendary city’s magic.

Trent grew up on the streets and wouldn’t have survived without the kindness of the local community. Now he’s embraced his eccentricities in a place that appreciates them. He works at a voodoo shop and guides ghost tours for extra cash, but he also volunteers at the local LGBT youth center, helping lost souls find their way.

When Cayden and Trent lock eyes across the shop, something happens… and it isn’t just Cayden’s flirtation or the mutual attraction drawing them together. It’s something even a skeptic like Cayden agrees is a little unearthly… and could lead to something extraordinary.