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Numinous

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Prophetic nightmares. Spirit possession. Dark magic.
Childhood obsession turned irresistible passionate affair.
How does a sweet girl from Louisiana get tangled into a web of horror and lies?


Julien:
I had the hard heart of a hustler. It was the only reason I had lived this long to tell my tale.
The American dream was mine for the taking.
My past would never be my future, and nothing would get in my way—or so I thought. Turquoise-eyed spirit—that’s what I called her. She had bewitched me the moment I laid eyes on her.
But her curiosity in a world that she had no business tampering with was too much for me to handle. I warned her that it would only bring trouble, but she didn’t listen.
What I wasn’t expecting was that trouble would find me in the most unexpected way.
Giving her up would be the most difficult thing I had ever done, but it was my only option.

Blossom:
America’s sweetheart.
As the innocent daughter of a Southern politician, this was the role that I had been groomed to assume. I was expected to fulfill the family legacy and marry a man I could hardly stand.
But magic beckoned me—the type of magic that one should think twice before conjuring.
Its pull was almost as strong as the dark and mysterious stranger that had crossed my perfectly straight path.
He was everything that was missing from my life: excitement, danger, seduction.
One kiss, and I was instantly his—until sinister forces threatened to tear him away from me.
How could I survive without him? But then again, I wasn’t so sure I could survive staying with him.
Now, my only saving grace was something that I couldn’t explain—that feeling that they call numinous.

***Trigger Warnings***
This book includes themes of cheating, magic/possession, underage/child trafficking, racism, orgies/sex with multiple partners, rape, references to miscarriages/lost pregnancies/infertility, horror themes in the context of fables and folklore and using religious elements, assumptions about religion, substance abuse (opioid, benzodiazepines, alcohol) to numb mental illness, and suicide.

It’s heavy, tormenting, and DARK in all senses of the word. You’ve been warned, so please proceed with caution.

472 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2022

37 people are currently reading
2,612 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Woods

9 books333 followers
Victoria Woods is an International Amazon Bestselling Author who enjoys crafting stories filled with suspense, smart female leads, and sexy alpha-males. She lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and human, as well as fur, children.

Website: https://www.victoriawoodsauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriawoo...
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/victo...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriawoods...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/victo...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for A.L. Woods.
Author 13 books499 followers
June 7, 2022
Woods has truly outdone herself in this epic, paranormal dark romance that pays homage to one of the greatest American love stories told in a modern day setting where not all is at it seems.

A departure from the dark romance mafia Power series, Numinous is fast paced, steamy (and I mean really steamy), with characters that you’ll adore, hate, and a book boyfriend you’ll fight your friends for.

This novel delivers the same addictive quality readers have come to expect from a Victoria Woods book. The level of research, thought and care put into this novel is felt consistently through the pages with careful homage, respect, and reverence paid to real life influences. It should be noted that this is not a light read and trigger warnings absolutely must be heeded.

Numinous asserts itself as a highly unpredictable, delicious, and spine tingling romance unlike any other I’ve read to date.

This is absolutely a book you do not want to miss out on.
Profile Image for Patty .
1,253 reviews7 followers
August 24, 2022
The book contains many dark triggers such as, dark sexual scenes, BDSM, rape, human trafficking, and infidelity.”  This book is not to be read lightly. So don’t pick up this book and one star review it for all the hot steamy scenes or dark scary ones.  You have been warned.  This book is not for you. +18

Now to the review……

Enter a dark world of danger, taboo romances and voodoo queens. This dark new sexy read is sure to grab your attention. Be prepared as Gran will decide your fate. What will yours be?....

Hold on tight ladies and gents.  Victoria Woods has created a new dark romance that will have you believing in the power of dark magic.  In this dark taboo romance, readers will experience the unexplainable, horror, passion and love unlike any other.  Do you believe in possession? In black magic and dark arts? Well this is no Harry Potter story, it is something much more sinister and dark.

Blossom is young and naïve.  She comes from money and lives the life of a proper lady.  Molded and shaped by her strict mother, she is destined to marry wealth, yet she falls for a young man, who is beneath her class.  A relationship that is forbidden.  A relationship so sinful and sexual, she will remain ruined to anyone else. 

When she winds up interrupting a voodoo ritual, Blossom begins to hear a voice in her head.  Not only that but she starts sleepwalking and having nightmares?   She begins to understand that things are not always what they seem and someone wants revenge.


“Next come the dreams.” “They become so real that you can no longer distinguish them from reality.  The spirits slither their way deep into your subconscious, intertwining their thoughts with yours.  Making their desires yours.”

“The things that you fear, the things that you lust for, when your eyes are closed under the sheets, they begin to crossover into your waking hours”




This book is a steady read.  It is not rushed and the author took her time laying out the sequence of events into pure perfection. So if you are looking for a quick read, know that this is not it. This book contains many dark triggers and should only be read by strong readers who enjoy dark, smutty romance. 

I did not know what I was getting into going in.  But I was pleasantly surprised at the unique storyline and dark characters.  This book is full of sinful and forbidden pleasures. Pleasures of the BDSM variety, that will make a newbie to this type of world, curious. It burns up the pages, making you bite your lip and become heated all over with every page read. This book is so hot that it exceeds a heat level 10 scale.

On top of all the steamy forbidden romance there is a dark sinister story.  A story so dark and disturbing it will have you feeling as if someone is watching you, making the hairs on your neck stand on end. One filled with rotting flesh and bones.  A place where dreams become nightmares and nightmares become reality.  You will not be able to distinguish between what is real or what is a nightmare. 

The voodoo side of the story is very intriguing and mysterious.  Sometimes it is a bit scary and yet it plays into the story perfectly. This subject to me is very interesting and I was excited to read a story with voodoo in it and have to say I was not disappointed in the outcome.

The characters in this book are dark in nature and are very head strong.  Some are unusual and some are not so nice, like her evil uncle and horrible husband. Even the creatures in the story were creepy and evil looking.

“A creature was perched on a ledge in the gilded cage.  Gnarly hair covered its entire body.  Two short and blunt horns protruded from atop its head.”




Blossom is sweet and innocent, which puts her in the worst situations. She really struggles sometimes to have a voice of her own. Julien is dominating, dark, mysterious and protective. Not to mention he is sinfully sexy. Blossom and Julien have a love that is forbidden and their story is not a happy one.

Overall, this book was an excellent read and I really enjoyed it.  It was full of things that go bump in the night, with a dark side of romance.  It is raw and dirty, yet oh so sweet. You will have some very shocking moments, that will have you gasping for breath, questioning your beliefs and wondering what other things are out there waiting to consume us. 

Even though this book does not seem like it will be made into a series, I could totally see Brooklyn and Jones having a book of their own. Let's encourage Ms. Woods to write more by reading and loving this dark and sinful story.
Profile Image for Rainey.
113 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2022
This dark tale of love, possession and magic was absolutely captivating. A page turner, this fast-paced book had more twists and turns than I could’ve ever expected.

Blossom was America’s sweetheart. She’s the prime example of a person whose private life is a far cry from her public image. She’s been ignored, hurt and betrayed by the people who are supposed to love her the most…

Julien went from rags to riches. He’s the object of every woman’s desire. But how did he turn his life around?

A chance meeting between these two when they were kids ignited a spark that spanned decades. However, fate isn’t on their side. Can they defy the odds?

This epic tale full of magic and mystery was very unexpected. Check the trigger warnings as this isn’t a light read!
Profile Image for FS Meurinne.
Author 2 books132 followers
August 25, 2022
I enjoyed this interesting PNR story, with lots of dark trigger elements, be warned, this story has a lot of triggers for some readers. Julien and Blossom's story is very interesting, with magic elements, voodoo and simply a lot going on within the story. I love Blossom's character, she entertained me to no end, her interactions and banter. This book is steamy in the best way so be ready to get that fan turned on.



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Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
August 25, 2022
This book was better then I anticipated and I loved the twists it took and I loved both Julien and Blossom, so vastly different but at the same time in a round about way the same. The paranormal vibe of this was perfect
Profile Image for KelsBookstagram.
664 reviews21 followers
August 8, 2022
Now for me PNR goes one of two ways and Victoria Woods captured my mind, soul & heart with this read.

Blossom is one fierce and sassy character, her inner monologue is utter perfection *chefs kiss* she absoluely slays and captivates.

*Well, none except for that guy I lost my virginity to at my senior prom a few months ago , and I’d hardly call that minute-man a lover.*

Nicks banter, friendship, love and perspective flows effortlessly with Blossom.

The twists, turns and mystical and mysterious theme to this book leaves you devouring. Questions fly by but with each page it falls together. I am absofrigginloutley hooked on Julien & Blossem!

The second half of this book sky rocketed for sure. For me the first half set the scene and story perfectly and is exactly what you need as a reader. I dunno why but i feel Beau's death was cowardly but he also i feel had more to his side of the story.

I absolutely DEVOURED this book and yet again Victoria has written a book I'm in love with!
1,964 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2022
Numinous by Victoria Woods is the fascinating story of Julien and Blossom (Sha) . They have a bit of a tumultuous relationship!! Things get even more intense as the past comes to the fore. There’s lots of voodoo, shocks, intensity, and a multitude of revelations that bring this story to life!!

While there are trigger warnings with this story, I didn’t see too much that would be triggering. Great story!! Great read!!! Fabulous characters!!! Great backstory!!!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,342 reviews117 followers
July 31, 2022
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book is literally a dream come true. I loved every single part of this storyline. Blossom and Julien stole my heart from the beginning. When you add in every aspect of this book, to me you have the perfect book. Gran was a huge plus for me. I loved her character. ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Julie Jackson.
2,291 reviews10 followers
July 31, 2022
Reviewed for SNS

This book is literally a dream come true. I loved every single part of this storyline. Blossom and Julien stole my heart from the beginning. When you add in every aspect of this book, to me you have the perfect book. Gran was a huge plus for me. I loved her character. ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues).
770 reviews72 followers
March 5, 2023
You know the saying, ‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks’? Well, in this case the lady (lady in the loosest of terms *snorts*) that doth-eth is moi. In the past I would have sworn blind that dark romance wasn’t for me, but you know what? That inner darkness of mine hungered for Numinous and together we gorged ourselves on Julien and Blossom’s story.

Some of my friends have likened my mind to Headquarters in Inside Out and, hey *shrugs*, they ain’t wrong *smirks*; Fear was nearly in a dead faint after reading the TWs but Joy and Disgust (she can be a bit twisted) were having none of it and had her hogtied from one page to the next *cackles*.

Numinous is a story of a love that won’t be denied where power corrupts, and revenge is sweet. This haunting retelling of The Great Gatsby chewed me up and spit me back out and I loved every dark twisted word.

Living is… ‘A symphony of chaos.’

We all know my moral compass (in reading… obvs) doesn’t exactly point due north yet there were still times I was reaching for my metaphorical cushion to hide behind. My heart was hurting (vague much, Laura?) and I was questioning what I knew to be true. Like any good virtual wingwoman I was collating my own list on Blossom’s behalf for when the reckoning began.

Let’s not even discuss my anxiety which was through the roof as the suspense and tension built throughout the book. Coupled with the ‘Holy Hotness!’ of the seggsy times and I. Was. A. Woman. On. The. Edge!

*blows out breath*

Six months down the line and I still can’t forget this story. Considering this was my first Victoria Woods book what kind of state will be in if I’m brave enough to pick up another?

*rubs hands together*

Let’s find out, shall we?!
Profile Image for Chanel Johnson.
362 reviews18 followers
September 3, 2022
This was my first book by Victoria and it certainly won’t be my last. I’ve really gotten into PNR lately and this book just solidifies why😍 And I loved the Voodoo aspect!!

There was a lot going on here! But it wasn’t overwhelming. It was written in an interesting way and it flowed great!

Julien and Blossom go through so much. I love that they came from different backgrounds but could still find a relationship together. This story was mysterious and intriguing! A great read! I definitely recommend but check triggers first.

••PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS••
Profile Image for brittnee.
93 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2022
I was sent Numinous as an ARC in exchange for my honest review and I absolutely loved it! Hands down one of my favorite new reads this year. I loved that it was filled with diverse characters from different backgrounds and was hooked from the beginning. Orphaned Ex Cop and the Senators classy daughter, love at first sight but obstacles get in the way. A dark romance of star crossed lovers, spiritual possession, and spice. Loved every push and pull of this book and it kept me turning the pages wanting more. Highly recommend checking TW before reading.
Profile Image for Ms Cat's World.
997 reviews12 followers
August 25, 2022
Dark read with undercurrents rife with triggers. However, pleasantly shocked over the originality feeling I had upon reading this. What follows their storyline is one filled with a push and pull, heat, suspense, tragedy and is multi-layered with linked lives and lies .

Julien - Crawled through poverty and raised by his grandmother to become a part of the police force. Brought into a dark fold, pushing his wants aside for a rags to riches life on the coat tails of bribery and treachery.

Blossom - Louisiana's sweetheart, the daughter of a Southern politician. Suffocating from the pressures and immediately enraptured by Julien for years until she is pushed aside and darkly forced into a union of stagnation.

New to me author who creates darker romance without holding back on inclusion and diversity. Looking forward to reading more from them.
Profile Image for Alicia.
1,798 reviews14 followers
September 4, 2022
Excellent read! I want to start my review with that comment because I found this to be a compulsive, thrilling and fascinating read which captivated me and catapulted me into a world of magic, innocence, corruption and manipulation. The book has a great range if characters, some more detailed than others, but who are pivotal to the plot.
Blossom is such a fantastic creation. Her innocence is a strength that others perceive as a weakness to dominate or manipulate. Not Nick, and not Julien however. They both cherish her, though her relationship with Nick does take a knock for a time.
I loved to thread of the mysterious and dark that came from the inclusion of voodoo and magic. Voodoo has always held that threat of the dark in the public mind, mine included, through its images and reputation. Blossom's life is changed by her actions in this sphere and though unwitting, it has a long term impact.
Enough waffling on from me though. This is a must read. I adored Julien, Blossom, Brooklyn and Nick and would love to read more books in this world. Fabulous! 💖💖💖💖💖
Profile Image for Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews).
1,013 reviews24 followers
August 22, 2022
Numinous was an interestingly dark and angsty read. Victoria Woods did a great retelling of an American classic with a side of Louisiana atmosphere with some voodoo added in for spice. It was an engaging read that really took some quite dark turns that left me stunned and staring at my kindle on several occasions during the story. Julien and Blossom are so many things, and the layers that get peeled back make the story much more enthralling. Be warned some things happen in this novel that may make some readers uncomfortable. My only dislike (if you could even call it that, it's more my opinion) is I would prefer more paranormal and less dark or darker and less paranormal...I didn't feel either was explored as fully as possible because the story was "divided" between the two. As I said, this is my opinion only. I think you should read this retelling and decide for yourself. I did enjoy the book.
Profile Image for Neeru Rana.
1,018 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2022
This dark paranormal romance blew my mind. It's the first book I read by Victoria and I fell in love with her writing. There were instances I had goosebumps. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the seat.

I was swept away in Blossom and Julien's world. You cannot help but connect with the characters and get lost in the mystery. Then there is magic and paranormal aspect which had me hooked.

I absolutely love the romance but apart from that there is a lot going on which actually builds the story. This is a whole package an emotional rollercoaster.

Please read the TW/CW before starting the read.

Thanks to Grey's Promotion and Victoria for the advanced readers copy for a honest review 😊.
Profile Image for Nicolette.
150 reviews
August 24, 2022
Well, I stayed up WAY too late just to finish this book in a single sitting. I was enthralled. This paranormal “Great Gatsby” retelling swept me away into the late hours. The story wasn’t perfect, but I just couldn’t stand to put it down.

This tale is dark and twisty. I highly recommended reviewing the TW’s for this book prior to reading. It also gets SPICY! So, if that is not your thing I would stay away 🚫 You have been warned.

The BEST part of this story though was the Haitian lore and mysticism. The story was set in Louisiana and it blended into the story seamlessly. It MADE this story come alive in a new, albeit creepy way.

Would most definitely recommend if you like your romance dark and/or you enjoy a retelling!
Profile Image for Felicia.
261 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2022
An unpredictably wild ride based upon one of the greatest love stories ever written set in the Voodoo capital of New Orleans.

This is a dark, PNR Romance with plenty of steam that you won't want to miss. This novel was packed with darkness, taboo, spirit possession and an eerie air of mystery throughout that you just can't seem to shake. Nothing is as it seems in Blossom Buchanan's world and it only gets more layered with the passage of time. I'll be keeping this one short and sweet to save any spoilers, but my dark romance PNR fans simply *need* to pick this one up.

This is dark, please read responsibly and check TW prior to reading!
Profile Image for Vanessa  Ramirez .
920 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2022
✨ ARC Review ✨
***
Thank you to Victoria Woods and Nisha's Books and Coffee PR for the ARC to review.
***
This was such an interesting, dark, and angst filled read. The story hooks you from the start. It is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Julien and Blossom are so deep and interesting. They are full of passion and are so fun to get to know. The spicy scenes are hot. The story is both dark and paranormal. There are several scenes and things that happen in this book that can trigger others. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more form Victoria Woods.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Devons book corner.
1,398 reviews36 followers
August 25, 2022
Numinous has a lot of very dark triggers. It's a heavy read and may not be suitable for everyone. Please make sure to check all trigger warnings before jumping into this one.

Numinous is a fast paced book that will keep you flipping those pages. It's an intense read, but so worth it. I loved the dark taboo romance and reading about the power of dark magic. Julien and Blossom are incredible. Their relationship is one of a kind. I don't want to give anything away with this book. You really need to experience it for yourself.
Profile Image for Rachel Long.
23 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2022
I loved this book and how despite being different to what I’m used to with Victoria’s Power series the story was captivating and intense in all the right ways.

I found it took me a little while to get into the book at first and it was one of my slower reads as there was so much to take in. I recommend this book to people who enjoy dark paranormal romance stories however it is important to check the trigger warnings before reading it.
Profile Image for Natasna.
308 reviews10 followers
August 24, 2022
I received this as an ARC for an honest review

There are trigger warnings in this book but nothing phases me. This book does have the spice and twist and turns that will hook you in from the start. The relationship between Julian and Blossom was amazing. I do wish that there was more to the last chapter before the epilogue came in but I really did enjoy this story :)
Profile Image for Alharaca.
851 reviews11 followers
August 26, 2022
Exciting, unusual and plain amazing. Loved the book and each emotion that it made me feel. The characters are out of this world. And it was totally worth the wait. It made my week and couldn't function after reading it but it was totally worthy. Great job Victoria. Definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Dani.
93 reviews
August 18, 2022
Victoria Woods outdid herself with this book. I thought I wasn’t ready to read a book that was outside of her power series because I loved those books so much but this one delivered.

There’s so many aspects of this book. There’s the romance side of course but then there’s dark aspects such as the paranormal storyline that occurs. Then throw in some political people and corruption and you have one hell of a story.

Victoria took her time making sure there was details and a build up of explaining the world that this book takes place in. It’s the perfect amount where it doesn’t drag and holds your attention the whole time.

Not only did I love the political and paranormal storylines that were going on but the romance between the two main characters was just perfect. I love second chance lovers so this story was perfect.

Note there are a lot of dark elements and trigger warnings so please look into those before reading this.
4,727 reviews
August 22, 2022
Well, well, well!

I am a Woods fan and in this story…she has out-done herself!

OMG, I could not, would not, put this down!

There aren't a lot of paranormal romance novels on my TBR, but, if Ms. Woods continues to write stories like this, characters like this...I'm in it for the long haul!

Julien and Blossom will blow you away, and the plot and story-telling will compel you forward not slowly, but devouring each and every word!

I absolutely loved this!
Profile Image for Caileigh Baker.
121 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2022
The amount of research that went into this!
I'm very impressed.
This one took a little bit for me to get into but oh my goodness, I could not put it down once I did.
It has everything I love. It's a dark romance that takes place in Louisiana with hints of magic thrown in.
Blossom and Julien have such heat between them!!
Definitely read trigger warnings.
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,544 reviews61 followers
August 23, 2022
This book is a,.Amor departure from the dark mafia world and it must be said said that you will absolutely need to read the TWs before committing to this book. This book is unlike any that I've read and is definitely worth stepping out of my comfort zone to read. I'm excited to see what Victoria Woods has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,277 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book it had possession , betrayal, some steamy scenes and some unaliving. So in short it had it all plus a love story that transcends even death. Julien and blossom went through so much that I was even pleased at the end that there was a hea. I definitely recommend this book to everyone . Mind the trigger warnings.
Profile Image for Megan.
450 reviews10 followers
August 24, 2022
This was a really good story line. Been doing ARC reading for 5 or 6 years now and have never read a book about voodoo and the Louisiana life. It was intriguing to say the least! Character development was good, plot was good, everything about this book was really good!
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