Title: Gypsy Blood
Series: All the Pretty Monsters #1
Author: Kristy Cunning
Genre: Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance
Spice Level: 1/5
Published: 14 December 2018
Format: E-book
Pages: 278
Age Rating: 18+
Re-read: Lost Count
Tropes: Why Choose, Gypsy, Alpha Males, Clueless heroine, Ghost Bestfriends
Gypsy Blood Book Review
Gypsy Blood by Kristy Cunning is a convoluted, confusing, and yet morbidly intriguing read that will keep you guessing until the very end. This is also applicable to the All the Pretty Monsters series.
Some books grip you from the start, not because they are smooth or easy to follow, but because they throw you into chaos and drama, and you want to get swept up into that storm. Gypsy Blood is exactly that—a world of intrigue, mystery, and monstrously appealing alpha males.
If you love dark, complex storytelling with a touch of uniqueness, then this one’s for you.
A paranormal reverse harem/why-choose romance, Gypsy Blood follows the story of Violet, a gypsy who ends up in a small town that—unbeknownst to her—is the home of alpha monsters. She steps into this world she knows nothing about, surrounded by dangerous, enigmatic men who each carry their own baggage and are more aware of her than she is.
There’s a deeply interconnected, violent past between the characters that is not revealed until the last book. The past, the mystery behind Violet and the guys, and their chemistry all build up layers to this story, making it a very engaging read.
The story is written in multiple POVs, so you have glimpses into what’s happening with the men, giving us a slight edge while still keeping us in the dark about the bigger picture—which you won’t guess even at the very end of the series due to a lot of mix-and-match of different myths.
You lose when you take time to fall apart just when things are starting to unravel around you,” I tell him in an almost muted tone. “You can eventually have your moment of weakness; you just have to be patient.
Violet is an enigma. She has secrets of her own, a past that’s not fully revealed, and an innate strength that shines even as she stumbles through this unfamiliar world and plays the game of the alphas. I found her character fascinating—a little idealistic, clueless, yet sneaky and smart. You never understand her motives until you do. For now, she goes with the flow, which seems like her weakness.
Violet knows a lot of things but doesn’t reveal them in the story or to the heroes, and we are just along for the ride, figuring the plot out as we read through the chapters.
“All-consuming fear turns into widespread panic and paranoia eventually, Ms. Portocale. When it’s your life or someone else’s, you learn just how selfish you really are. It’s the very core of each individual, whether they admit it or not.”
Talking about the anti-heroes—these alpha male monsters are a delicious and diabolical bunch.
- Damien – A sexual deviant
- Vance – A protector tasked with enforcing the rules set for monsters
- Emit – A tortured alpha werewolf
- Arion – A psychopathic vampire buried underground
Out of the many reverse harem romances I have read, this group is one of my favorite harems, and I can read about them several times without getting bored.
Each of the guys is well-developed with their own unique personalities. Their issues and complexities make them more than just brooding alpha males. They add layers to the plot, making you want to know more about them while questioning their true intentions.
There are no steamy scenes in this one. All the main characters have great chemistry, and Violet is the forbidden fruit to these alphas. The romance is a slow burn, and there is a constant shift in power between the heroes.
The relationship dynamics are unstable, as the main heroes have hidden agendas and are constantly fighting with one another—just fitting the story’s chaotic theme. The story development takes the front seat along with the romance.
I was a vampire once, until a bitch staked me through the heart. They called her Buffy,” she manages to add with a straight face, appearing a little bitter. “She looked more like a Sarah to me, though, if I’m being honest.
A special mention to the crazy ghost best friend, Anna, who gives off serious Paimon-from-Genshin-Impact vibes, adding some much-needed lightness to the heavy atmosphere. We’re not sure yet of her purpose, but she is Violet’s biggest cheerleader.
The author’s writing style, while creating a unique plot and impressive world-building, can be a bit choppy at times. It’s fast-paced, and the plot can be jarring in terms of revelations and secretive characters. The story throws you into the deep end and expects you to swim right from the start—which can be confusing. All of it, though, keeps you on edge.
This book is not an easy read. It is messy, chaotic, and confusing, but in the best way possible as you go further into the series. However, the unique plot, the intriguing characters, and the well-built world will keep you hooked. And speaking of the last page—brace yourself for a cliffhanger. In Violet’s jargon, there are many threads left to unravel and more to look forward to.
Gypsy Blood (All the Pretty Monsters) Blurb:
I’m not all that special, really. Or uncommon. I’m sure there are a lot of girls with old gypsy blood who see the dead, have killer cults hunting their family, and turn into something that gets scary when they panic. Yep. Completely unoriginal, if I do say so myself.
Move along. Nothing to see here. Nope. I’m just an ordinary girl.
I wish people would believe that.
I’ve been labeled as one thing or another for most of my life:
Death Girl.
Crazy Gypsy Girl.
Gothic Chick.
Monster…
It took my mother’s death for me to finally start getting answers about what’s really been going on. Unfortunately, most of the answers come from men…who aren’t just men. Somehow, I’ve gone and landed myself in a world truly filled with monsters, and I’m starting to think this is where I should have been all along.
Only…I don’t understand what’s going on. I’m walking into the middle of a story that’s thousands of years old, and I’m the new girl on the block who doesn’t have a clue how this world even works. My only guides happen to be the most lethal of the bunch.
They decide who lives or dies. They decide who gets stabbed or tortured.
Yeah…
I’ve gone and drawn attention to myself, and the ones paying attention are the ones everyone else seems to fear.
How do these things always happen to me?
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About Kristy Cunning:
Kristy Cunning always loves a good laugh, and lives and breathes the emotions of the characters she becomes attached to.
Though she came from a family of musicians, she has zero abilities with instruments; she sounds like a strangled cat when she sings; and her dancing is downright embarrassing. Just ask anyone who knows her. Her creativity rests solely in the written word. Her family is grateful that she gave up her quest to become a famous singer.
Kristy Cunning is one of the pen names C.M. Owens writes under.
Next in the All The Pretty Monsters Series:
