ARC Book Review: Belle Morte by Bella Higgin

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Belle Morte 

Author: Bella Higgin
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal 
Released: 03/25/22
Review Source: Netgalley | Wattpad Books

There’s only one way out

Belle Morte. One of five houses where vampires reside as celebrities and humans are paid to be their living donors. While others came here seeking fortune, I came in search of my sister who walked into Belle Morte five months ago . . . and never walked back out.

Now that I’m here, the secrets about this world have proven to be much bigger than I ever anticipated. And lurking around every corner are shocking insinuations of what happened to my sister.

There’s only one person who might have the answers I need, and the undeniable pull I feel toward him is terrifying: Edmond Dantès―a vampire, and my mortal enemy.

The harder I try to resist him, the further I fall under his spell. And in one instant my life is irrevocably changed. My past becomes prologue and my fate becomes sealed behind these doors.

Belle Morte has spoken. And it may never let me go.

It's been a long while since I read a vampire romance and I will always support the community of Wattpad authors on their journey, so naturally I was really excited to read Belle Morte. This book was easy reading with minimal action and a nice addition to the vampire lovers out there.

Renie embarks on a journey to find out what happened to her sister, June. She walked into the doors of Belle Morte and never walked back out, so Renie signs herself up to be a blood donor at Belle Morte to find out why her sister stopped sending letters, and to find out what really happened behind those closed doors because she knows her sister was not transferred to another house. Finding out what happened, though, is proving harder than she thought when everyone either doesn't know what happened to June, or is not willing to talk. So she finds out herself.

My views on Belle Morte are conflicting. I enjoyed the growing relationship between Renie and Edmond. Slowly, Renie learns that she may not hate vampires as much as she originally thought and she may be attracted to Edmond, despite a human/vampire relationship being forbidden. Renie and Edmond's relationship was the only one where I seen natural development. I enjoyed their interactions, Edmond's storytelling and the ending? I need to know what happens next.

Belle Morte was slow progressing with a basic plot. Action didn't pick up until the 60/70% mark and by the time things kicked into action, it was over far too soon with a cliff-hanger. The character growth gave off 'insta friends' vibes rather than seeing the friendships develop throughout which meant I didn't really connect with any of the characters.

While Belle Morte didn't consume me, overall it was still an enjoyable read and the ending really solidified my need to read book two. I hope we see more from Renie and Edmond, and the aftermath from the cliffhanger.