Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Compel

Rate this book
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken and bestselling author Patti Stanger comes a gripping love story of cursed soulmates who are forced to relive tragedy over and over again until their curse is broken…


Compelled to seduce, designed to kill.
What do you do when your love destroys the only person you are designed to be with?

For centuries I've been trapped in a curse with my soulmate, only she has no idea… until history finally repeats itself.

The Matchmaker of the Fae felt wronged when we both chose our own destinies, and now, we're forced to relive our fate over and over again.
I try like hell to fix the curse, but I remember nothing after each death, only that I'm lonely and heartbroken.

The small town of Orca Cove, Oregon, doesn't help matters.
Filled with paranormal lore from all over the world… if anything, they're just as trapped as I am.

My only help is the large library on my estate.
If I can just find the notes I know I would have hidden, along with texts, maybe this time will be different.

The house groans with need for its mistress.
My heart breaks with sorrow that she doesn't recognize me until it's too late.
Her blood will always be on my hands, just like her heart is in mine.

The path to your soul mate isn't a fairytale—at least ours isn't.

My Fae queen thinks she's nothing more than a normal college student. She believes that the world is just as she sees it, without a clue that the darkness lurking in the shadows, the man she'll fall for once again, the man who will be her demise…
Is me.

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2023

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Rachel Van Dyken

170 books18.2k followers
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances.

Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
148 (47%)
4 stars
103 (33%)
3 stars
46 (14%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Meegz Reads.
1,451 reviews123 followers
January 24, 2023
*4 Stars*

ARC kindly received for an honest review.

I spent the first part of this book a bit confused and unsure about what was going on above the very basic level or what I knew of the story. As things went on, everything definitely became clearer and I was definitely intrigued by our characters and what was going on. By the end I was quite hooked and invested in everyone and everything. This wasn't a bad novel and I would read more if there were more to come from this world.

Follow me on:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
The Storygraph
Profile Image for Randi (randi_reads).
1,068 reviews274 followers
January 19, 2023
Again, I am starting a book having no idea what it's about. Taking another chance with a favorite author of mine. I am so glad I did. This book instantly drew me in. It has such a mysterious vibe.

Compel is a fantasy, paranormal book set in the modern world. Benjamin has been cursed to live in this world and continually have his love reincarnate, fall in love with him and die. If he touches her, she will grow weak and frail. Only if they have sex will that stop happening. Yet, then, she will grow older and older with each time until she dies. Unless they can break the curse. Benjamin has not been able to do so.

Luna arrives in the small, eccentric town of Orca Cove with her mother. But, did she? Her mother went into the inn but wasn't inside when Luna followed after. Soon, she meets Benjamin and is instantly drawn to him. Benjamin knows it is happening again and Luna is his mate in their past life. This is the thirteenth time she has appeared in his life. He tries to stay away from her (for her sake) but can only control his longing for so long. Now, they must find a cure for the curse and stop Jasper, Benjamin's keeper, in the process.

I really enjoyed this read. It was a refreshing paranormal read filled with vampires, werewolves, faes and sea witches. Very interesting and unique story.

Thank you to the authors for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Farah.
642 reviews56 followers
January 16, 2023
Compel is an addictive supernatural romance, diving into the world of fae's, star crossed lovers, magical curses, suspense and a whole lot of tension.

As a reader that doesn't read paranormal or supernatural tropes I'm always open to reading the tropes. I truly trust Rachel Van Dyken with any trope in the world, as her paranormal series The Dark Ones was done justice, so I knew Compel was bound to be a lot of fun, especially being co-written with Patti Stanger.

We follow two characters Benjamin and Luna. They were never meant to fall for one another but as life has it, they chose their own fate and fell hard. In true Romeo and Juliet fashion this wasn't meant to happen and due to their hearts choosing and breaking the rules set in their time, it causes a rift for their happy ever ending.

The Matchmaker always helped to decide who was destined for who and by breaking those rules it didn't please them and so a curse was put on Ben and Luna. A curse where no matter how many lifetimes they meet and fall in love, it will end with bloodshed and heartache.

Benjamin has been spending his whole life trying to figure out how to break the curse and keep the woman he love from being torn away from him.

When the dice starts rolling again and they are both faced with another chance at fighting the curse, it's only a test against time whether they can make this a happy ever after or be stuck in the loop forever.

Unlike Benjamin who remembers fragments of each departure, Luna's memory is erased and so she never realises until too late her destiny for death. This time Luna is a lot more self aware of supernatural things and darkness surrounding her. As weird as if is for her when she can't help feeling a strong draw to Benjamin, she's just as willing to figure things out and fight.

We get to meet some other awesome secondary characters, Jasper, Aengus (Ben's brother), Sarah and Malcolm. And special shout-out to the Orcas!

I enjoyed the way the story kept up the mysterious tension while also unfolding enough information for us to know what is going on. Supernatural books, especially with unique details on the characters history and embodiments can get confusing at times but I felt like I had a grasp on the entire story throughout. I love the play on seasons and details like the snowflakes forming on Luna's wrist.

Compel is a heartaching read for romance lovers, it's a thrilling, mysterious read for supernatural/fae lovers, and overall just a great fresh read that will allow you to escape the real world!

An ARC was provided by RVD ARC Team in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
1,941 reviews889 followers
January 24, 2023
Is there any genre or trope that Rachel Van Dyken can't tackle!?? Here we get a fae fantasy/supernatural love story with contemporary vibes in Compel co-authored with Patti Stanger. And, while fantasy is not always my favorite of romantic genres, I knew RVD would put her own spin on these tried and trued tropes- and boy did she ever. A heartbreaking, unique...and sexy?!....curse plagues our hero Ben as he's forced to make impossible decisions to keep his reincarnated love from dying- his touch part of the curse. Unless he can find a way to break it. His latest mate interation Luna may not know the full extent of their history, but she's pulled to him. And he to her, as much as he wants to protect her by staying away.

Cursed reincarnated lovers? Paranomal vibes? Mystery and action? Ah, this is so fun- the warm hug of reading a fairytale where you fear for our lovers but you know their HEA is on the horizon. The two authors bring a unique spin on some tried and trued curse/fae/paranormal tropes, and while the beginning started a bit slowly, the second half is jam packed with action and adventures and of course, that anticipated and beloved fairy tale HEA.
Profile Image for Anastasia.
347 reviews
January 17, 2023
I usually do not read supernatural/paranormal books. I usually stay away from them and/or decline them, but because it’s Rachel Van Dyken and Patti Stanger (which I’ve never ready) I wanted to take a chance on it. I went in with an opened mind and I have to tell you I loved it.

The story line was amazing. 2 soulmates cursed to slowly die when they touch but with a love that can’t keep them apart. Fate always brings them back together, in different lifetimes. Not really living, frozen in time and forgetting every time before. Even with their memories gone every time they meet again, they know they belong to the other.

Year after year for centuries they try and break the curse that was placed upon them, before Benjamin kills Luna, but no matter how close they get, they never break it and the cycle starts again. But this time around, there is something that feels different, and for once hope starts to take hold, that this might be the century they break it. With each day they realize new things, people on their side stuck in the same curse and some going against them.

Can they break the curse placed upon them by the Matchmaker or will they have to relive another tragedy? OMG this book had me sucked in from the beginning. Fae, werewolves and sea witches, this book had everything a fairytale and supernatural book needed. I highly recommend it and I hope these 2 ladies continue with this series, because I would love to know the other characters stories.

Received this ARC for my honest review and opinion.
Profile Image for Romance Me.
88 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2023
Just wow!!!
This book exceeded my expectations by far. Already after the prologue I felt like I was pulled into a movie.
The story of Luna and Ben leaves you excited and lusting for more.
It's sexy and funny and oh so beautiful!!!
I for sure wouldn't mind to read more of this world!!!
Profile Image for Read What I Like Blog.
409 reviews37 followers
January 24, 2023
COMPEL

Release Date: 01/24/23
Kindle Unlimited: [X]YES [ ]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Rachel Van Dyken & Patti Stanger
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶️🌶️/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Characters: Luna & Ben
Genre: Fantasy romance
Tropes: forbidden romance; fae; grumpy/sunshine; soul mate

Review:

For centuries Ben has to watch the love of his life die and then reborn many years later all because of a curse. They will have another chance to break it and be finally together. They will face several obstacles and people not wanting them to succeed, but this time they will be closer to a HEA than ever before.

Since the book was not that long, there wasn’t a lot of world building, but it was enough to set the theme for me and follow the plot. The characters were likable and the authors brought a cast of secondary characters that only made the story richer.

I really like the soulmate trope, so it was really enjoyable for me to read it. In the end I thought it was “too easy” to made me think why they didn’t succeed before, but all in all I liked this book.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***
Profile Image for Carrie Youngcourt.
224 reviews6 followers
January 24, 2023
What do you get when you combine Age Of Adaline, and Beauty & The Beast? You get this amazing book that is unlike anything I've ever read!

Benjamin is Compled to walk this earth for eternity and never grow old a day in his life. To find his soul mate over and over again, only to lose her again and again. Can Benjamin find a way to break the curse and finally be free and to be with his one true love, or will he be doomed to live out the curse?

Luna is on her way to a cute little cove that she visits every year for her birthday. But little does she know that this town holds something and someone she never knew about. The more she learns and remembers is that she and Benjamin are very much in love but doomed to find each other only to lose each other till they find a way to break the curse.

Will this time be like every other time, or will they finally be able to break the curse and be together? I absolutely loved this book! It was so unique and had me drawn in from the very first chapter. I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out if everyone got their happy ending, or would they repeat their lives all over again?
January 22, 2023
5+🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟𝕆ℍ 𝕄𝕐... 𝔸ℕ 𝔸𝔹𝕊𝕆-𝔽ℝ𝔼𝔸𝕂𝕀ℕ𝔾-𝕃𝕌𝕋𝔼𝕃𝕐 𝕄𝕐𝕊𝕋𝔼ℝ𝕀𝕆𝕌𝕊 & 𝔽𝔸ℕ𝕋𝔸𝕊𝕋𝕀ℂ𝔸𝕃 𝕄𝕌𝕊𝕋 ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻 😻😻😻😻

✔️Fated Mates /Soul mate Romance
✔️Paranormal & Magical
✔️Grumpy Sunshine Romance
✔️ Reincarnation

❣️🅵🅰🆅🅾🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆂🅲🅴🅽🅴 ❣️

“𝙔-𝙮𝙤𝙪?”𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥. “𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨?”“𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚?”𝙄 𝙛𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. “𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡, 𝙮𝙚𝙨.”𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙. “𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙄 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪?”“𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨. 𝙄𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨,”𝙄 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙. “𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛—𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄’𝙢 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚.”𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙇𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝘿𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖, 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩, 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚.

🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:

WHAT A CRAZY, AWESOME, SUSPENSE FILLED, MAGICAL RIDE THIS ONE WAS. 😍😍😍

Right from the minute I read that prologue, I was HOOK, LINE & SINKER into this book and also my heart ached for the love that is between Ben and his Soul mate and yet what can't be for them. That prologue was written in such strong way that the story already had my heart completely into it.

Then Chapter 1 and I mustn't have stopped till I read 'The End' and now I'm already feeling the worst book hangover coming as I'm already missing Ben and Luna so much. Ahhh. WHY DID THIS BOOK HAVE TO END AT ALL. ❤️❤️

So I wouldn't go much about what this book is and the authors did it great by not revealing much as that's the best way to go into this book. Be ready to be Shocked and Marvelled and Romanticized and feel all the pain and A love so great that lifetimes are certainly not enough to see its greatness.

Benjamin Wells is the Mr. Wealthy and Mr. Grumpy living in his mysterious castle and he might hate socialising but people have no idea the pain Ben has been enduring for centuries.

𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙥𝙪𝙯𝙯𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨.

Luna as always is back in Orca Caves with her Mom for a much needed vacation but she never thought in her Wildest dreams that the minute she would step in Orca Caves, her entire world would be tumbled upside down and she would be onto the path not only to find her mysterious destiny but also to unravel a centuries old curse that is directly related to her life and death.

Ben and Luna wooed me and seduced me into their world like no other. And I couldn't stop turning the pages, soaking all the magic and mystery and being amazed at every turn by either the gorgeously painted canvas of their world or I was getting lost with them in their outrageously fantastical dreams that were more mystical and sometimes wildly romantic too.

I've read a book like this after a long time that seriously kept me guessing right till the end and I was so sure that there was gonna be a cliffy and my, I wouldn't have been able to survive if this one had left me on one.

But have to say the authors have done such a magnificent story telling with this one, taking you into a magical world that's themed mainly on LOVE AND LOVE AND LOVE AND MYSTERY AND MAGIC AND SO MUCH MORE.

I also loved Aengus and Malcolm and Sarah as they were amazing.
Although, I initially didn't know if I should hate or love Aengus, he definitely did surprise me. 🥰

I would definitely love to see this made into a movie as the scenes depicted and described about magic were so vivid and utterly heart touchingly FREAKING GORGEOUS, that I couldn't help but imagine each fantastical detail in 3D.

Especially Ben's character, his Amber eyes and green braided hairs and just his strong personality.... Ahhh.. Don't get me started on how that man had me so drooling over him and then the way he would ache for his beloved, for something that he kept on suffering... Ahhhh.. THAT MAN HAD MY HEART COMPLETELY.
AND LUNA WAS A FREAKING QUEEN FOR HOW SHE HANDLES SO MANY UNKNOWNS THROWN HER WAY. ❤️❤️❤️

I'm really really wishing and hoping that our authors would have a magical dream AND BE COMPELLED TO WRITE A PART 2 FOLLOW-UP ON THIS BOOK. AHHH.. I REALLY WISH AND PRAY THIS HAPPENS.

I'M ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY IN LOVEEEEEE AND FEELING SO MUCH RIGHT NOW AFTER THAT ENDING. AHHH.. THAT ENDING WAS JUST EVERYTHING.
THANK YOU MS. VAN DYKEN & MS. STANGER FOR WRITING THIS GORGEOUSNESS OF A LOVE SO GREAT AND ALL CONSUMING.
AHHH.. WHAT A FREAKING WILD RIDE. LOVED FREAKING LOVED THIS ONE. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

💕🅵🅰🆅🅾🆄🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴💕

“𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙄’𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨?”“𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙨. 𝙄𝙩 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨. 𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙢𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥.”
Profile Image for NICUnurse Stephanie .
856 reviews30 followers
January 22, 2023
I’m a long-time fan of Rachel Van Dyken’s writing. She’s one of a handful of authors I will 1-click without ever having to read a blurb. So despite Compel being touted as something very different from her, there was no question whether I would read this newest book even though it’s a collaboration with a new-to-me author. While this is very much a fantasy story, and I don’t really read much fantasy, it hooked me from the very beginning. The world-building took a bit to get into (the first time around). Still, it’s so necessary to the story (and made even more sense the second time I read it). Like her Dark Ones series, she threw a bit of the kitchen sink mentality at this one as far as where the supernaturals were concerned. Of course, she gave us the Fae, as they are the main characters. But she also threw in vampires, werewolves, a sea witch, an enchanted town, a house with emotions, and so much magic. And like any good fairytale, family drama started the whole thing, and there was evil to overcome. The story is also full of humorous dialogue from a sarcastic character who completely charms you, and it wouldn’t be complete without him.

Ben and Luna’s story was heartbreaking from the beginning. Each chapter brought tremendous emotion and angst, with just enough of the mystery revealed to keep me turning the pages long after I should have been sleeping. (You’d think I’d know by now not to start an RVD book at bedtime, buuuut….) Even though the authors eventually knit my heart back together, it wasn’t until the very end, so be sure to hang on until then, no matter what. I promise the bumpy ride is more than worth it. Here’s hoping we get more of this world, as there were a few side characters’ stories I would love to hear.
Profile Image for Daniela Tavares.
777 reviews27 followers
January 24, 2023
* Thanks you to Valentine PR and the authors for giving me an arc of this book. *

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/6.
🌶️🌶️.5/5.

This is a story of two soul mates that were cursed through centuries and they kept losing each other.
I honestly didn’t even remember the blurb of the book when I dive into it. I just remember it being paranormal and fated mates/ soul mates. I think it made me enjoyed it even more. I will read about anything by RVD so it was a given I would have a great time.

Benjamin was precious. He didn’t stayed strong through it all which was understandable but he somehow always managed to have a sliver of hope wether it was through other people or just the will to make things better again. It was painful knowing how many times he went through the same thing over and over again. At least he didn’t remember everything about it but damn it was hard knowing he was suffering. I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything will be okay again.
I just loved him to pieces and hopefully we’ll get more of him and LUNA through Malcom’s book, maybe. Just an idea RVD 😉

I loved Luna. She took everything in stride and didn’t vacillated when it counted and I loved that. She remained strong after everything and she just refused to let Ben and her go to through hell again in this loop. I loved how the princess didn’t need to prince to save herself and I lived for that moment.

Aengus was the best. I didn’t like him very much on the first time he showed up but everything was forgiving after that. I really liked the banter between him and Ben and that’s one of the things RVD does so well.
Jasper I liked until I didn’t 😏. I understood why but also really? I wasn’t expecting him to be so… like that. 😅

I loved the plot twist with Malcolm and I also didn’t saw it coming. I loved all the side characters as well as the orcas.
I loved the world, different species and courts and I hope there’s more books coming! 🤞🏼
Profile Image for Elisa.
74 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2023
Thank you to Valentine PR for giving me this arc in exchange for my honest review.


This book was an interesting take on fantasy/paranormal, while it took me awhile to actually get into after all the world building I did enjoy the later half of the book. Aengus was probably my favorite character throughout the entirety of the book. I really liked that Luna got to be her own hero in the end of this book. I would recommend if you’re just starting to get into fantasy books!
Profile Image for Marina Skinner.
1,529 reviews42 followers
January 19, 2023
Compel is a riveting, suspenseful story where you aren’t quite sure how the storyline will go.
Benjamin Wells appears to be a very mysterious man. He is dark, broody and jealous! This combination seems to work for him….or does it?
When Luna comes to the town of Orca Cove, there are forces within that seem to create confusion, any wonder really. Luna not quite knowing who she is. She has to navigate new found things and feelings, especially on who and what Benjamin is.
There was so much intrigue and darkness, secrets, memories, curses and lust , as well as other unwordly events that made this a book I found to be rather compelling, pun intended! Im not really into paranormal books, however this was one story I found to be quite something else entirely, made me laugh in certain parts and I feel the authors have done a great job in holding my attention to the storyline. I found myself wondering, hoping, but also second guessing everything this book had to offer.
A captivating read!
Profile Image for Angie Schexnaildre NOLA504nerds.
293 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2023
Benjamin Wells is more than what meets the eye. Although he’s been around for a long time, he’s desperately searching for the cure.

Luna is back in the same small town she came to every summer with her mom. But when her mom suddenly goes missing, she is hopelessly trying to find her. When she stumbles to the gate of Benjamin Wells’ mansion something suddenly changes.

4 1/2 spell binding stars! Just wow! Ben & Luna, you can’t help but root for them. You will love the town of Orca Cove. What an adventure.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,172 reviews
January 26, 2023
This isn’t a genre I’m use to by RVD but I was all about it. Benjamin and Luna have angered the wrong one and the fallout cause of it drew me instantly
Profile Image for Amour.Rebelle92 (Bran.d).
1,065 reviews11 followers
January 24, 2023
I absolutely was spell bound by this story😉 I don’t read this genre very often but I knew that I would love Rachel’s spin on Fae!

Ben & Luna’s story is heartbreaking and I needed this time around to be their time…along with the Orca Cove residents. The Cove is definitely a unique town full of unique & sinister residents.

While Ben lived each lifetime thinking he was doing good for his community those nearest to him were working against his good deeds. Luckily in the end his true nature prevails and he is able to save those dearest to him.

Luna end up in Orca looking for answers only to have more questions! Finally! Fate is on her side and she finds all the things she has been searching for😇

💕fave quotes📖

“Sometimes, the only way to save someone is to give yourself.—-😢😍
Profile Image for Shannon Horsley.
200 reviews25 followers
January 25, 2023
I read this is in one sitting. I had a hard time keeping my attention with all the bouncing around but about halfway through the book, I had to binge the rest of this book, I had to see this through and I’m really glad I did! I wish one particular part had more detail but perhaps a sequel to fill us in. You nail each genre you’ve written and this one is no different!

I love Luna. My favourite character (so far)
196 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2023
Luna finds herself in the middle of a mystery where there are more strange people and situations than answers but she determined to find her missing mother even though each day feels more confusing than the next. She finds an undeniable attraction to Ben, who lives in a house most claim is haunted but she won’t stay away because she’s determined to find answers despite Ben pushing her away. Luna is soon part of something that she may not survive but is bigger than she could ever imagine. Welcome to Orca Cove! The town’s story is absolutely wonderful! I loved that this story was different and hope there will be future stories about it!

I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.
January 24, 2023
The mastery of Van Dyken’s words know no bounds! Match her with Patti Stanger and it’s a match made in heaven….

Compel is unlike anything I have ever read! Benjamin and Luna are not of this world and their story is unrivaled! Fate, destiny, curses and magic fill the pages of this story but in true romance fashion only love can and will find a way!

Benjamin and Luna’s world come together on the absolute worst day of Lunas life! As things progress she discovers that her life hasn’t been what it seems! There is more to her then she could ever imagine. Everything that Ben and Luna think they know is tested all bets are off!

I absolutely got sucked into this story, into this world and I hope this isn’t the last of this world that we will see!
Profile Image for Melissa .
358 reviews8 followers
January 18, 2023
4.5 stars

This was an addicting supernatural/fantasy read that kept me intrigued the entire time. I loved the writing and characters especially the side characters. Each one had a mysterious vibe to them. The world building was easy to follow not too complex. There were few moments that surprised me that I didn't see coming at all. Plus the whirlwind romance that got tested everytime was fantastic! Highly recommend!

Thank you to valentine pr and the authors for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Release date: January 24, 2023
Profile Image for June.
82 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2023
I love starting a new book. Especially when you don't where it's going or how it's going to end. With Compel I was drawn in quickly. The story line was a page turner, emotional but funny, consuming with a little bit of a slow burn... chef's kiss. 🤌
Profile Image for GA Bookaholics.
241 reviews22 followers
January 18, 2023
I went into this book completely blind. The only thing I knew about it before signing up to read and review it (thanks to Valentine PR for the ARC) is that it’s written by one of my favorite authors, Rachel Van Dyken. It doesn’t matter if she writes a sweet love story, a hilarious rom com, or a mafia family you have no choice but to love, every time I love the book. This book was no exception! It also does not meet any of the above criteria!

This story is so original. A breath of fresh air. It’s otherworldly in all the best ways. I’ll be honest- Mythical/magical reads are not my go to. Don’t get me wrong, I love the occasional supernatural story but it’s not the first thing I’m drawn to when picking out a book to read. However, if more books came from this book to create a series, you can bet your bottom dollar that I would be first in line to read it!! I was so locked in to this story. Compelled even, if you will! I fell in love with the characters in this book, most of them I mean. No one is going to love the villains of this story! They brought some strong emotions out while reading this story though, both the characters I loved and hated, and that speaks to the true talent of RVD and Patti Stanger. I found myself anxiously awaiting if they would change things or if they were hopeless to repeat their same fate. I found myself smitten with both Wells brothers. I found myself proud of Luna for realizing how incredible she truly is. I found myself wanting to rock on the porch by the old Crone and listen to her stories. I also found myself wanting to hug Malcolm, Sarah, and every child at the orphanage. Towards the end, I also had to calm down the rage surging in my veins towards a certain baddy. This book brought a full range of emotions! I’m so glad I jumped into this book head first and I am hoping hoping hoping we will be able to explore some more of the mystical place sometime soon. I would love Aengus’ story one day and even Malcom and Sarah’s! What can I say? This book left me wanting more, more, more!
168 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2023
**Received an ARC for an honest review** I had to sit with this book for a little bit to figure out how I felt about it, as I normally really love RVD's book, but this one did not really grab me. I also usually love fantasy, especially fae fantasy. This book though, started off strange for me, it felt kind of rushed in the beginning with Luna's unusual arrival to Orca Cove (yes this is vague but I don't want to give to much of the story away) and then the story itself was vague and really just lagged. I wasn't actually sure if it was supposed to be fantasy or horror based on the town and it's inhabitants. It started to pick up a little about a quarter to half way through the book. This really is a fairy Fairy Tale. It has a curse, a kingdom, a prince and princes at the center, a wicked witch in a sense, and a big evil. The fae books I tend towards are the ones steeped in lore. This book was okay, just not my usual read.
Profile Image for Sara.
719 reviews7 followers
January 25, 2023
Compel is the latest release from the infamous RVD and Patti Stanger and wow! What a unique and very intriguing book!

I’ve always known RVD for her mafia romances and haven’t read any of her paranormal books until now. Holy cow! I absolutely loved this book.

At first, I wasn’t quite sure where the book was going, just that it started off very weird and kind of had me scratching my head for a bit. THEN, the story really kicked off and things started making a whole lot more sense.

Compel is the story of Benjamin Wells and Luna that has taken place many times throughout the centuries. Long ago, Benjamin and Luna upset the Matchmaker of the Fae and ended up cursed as a result.

Compel is full of twists, turn, suspense and mysteries. Absolutely intriguing and one book I won’t forget for some time!
Profile Image for Vanessa  Ramirez .
748 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2023
✨ARC Review ✨
***
Thank you to Rachel Van Dyken & Patti Stanger and Valentinepr for the ARC to review.
***
Compel was so good. Rachel Van Dyken never disappoints. This is my first book by Patti Stanger and I absolutely loved it. The story was so good. There were lots of twists and turns. I loved all the gods, oracles, and other supernatural beings. Ben was awesome. He was sweet, caring, and so sexy. He was such a grump but still so loving. Luna was awesome. Her growth in this story was amazing. I loved the ending and her strength. The first part was a bit slow and the ending a bit fast paced, but it was still so good.
***
⭐⭐⭐⭐
***
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,636 reviews78 followers
January 24, 2023
What a Compel...ling story!

I'm #sorrynotsorry for the lame pun but holy sparkling vampires, Batman! Compel is a world worth entering. Silly people would assume that it's not it's own living breathing world but I know better.

I have lived, loved, and cried in Compel. I have experienced lifetimes of joy, loss, and fear but especially love. What an incredible adventure! What an enchanting story! I am equal parts awe and sorrow. It was such an amazing story that I'm sad to have finished it so soon and yet I couldn't stop reading. Almost like I was....compelled! (Ok, that's the last lame compel comment!)

It is with a joyful tear stained face that I say I would love to revisit Orca Cove and will forever feel like I'm missing somthing if I never do.

True love and fate fight it out in a love story gone wrong. Romeo and Juliet have nothing on this Prince and his Princess.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,844 reviews16 followers
January 22, 2023
Compel by Rachel Van Dyken and Patti Stanger is the story of Benjamin and Luna. Benjamin has been cursed to never be able to enjoy his love. If he touches her she dies. So through time she is reincarnated and it just keeps happening until he can figure out a way to break the curse. Now in his present day that women is Luna who has arrived in the small town of Orca Cove. Will this be his chance to break the curse? Enjoyed this book and hope to read more from these authors.


Profile Image for Lucinda Jordan.
637 reviews23 followers
January 27, 2023
I love loved this book! From the first to the last page it was awesome. The characters the story was perfect! If you’re a fae,vamp,werewolf, sea witch lover I swear you will love this book. Run don’t walk and get it now! Can we pleaseeeeeeeee have more about all the other characters.
Profile Image for Lorraine Harvey.
125 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2023
I had no clue what this book was about when I picked it up to read, I’m a little behind on all things Rachel :)
I’m so very glad I read this book!
It is another outstanding price of writing and something different. It really had me gripped from the start as I didn’t have a clue what it was about.
I love Luna and Benjamin so much and Aengus is hilarious, throw in a little bit of Hath’s wit and it’s magical.
Their story is one of great beauty and I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a little something different!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.