Love Spells, Witch Kisses and Elemental Magic
919483
*Review posted on Page Turners on April 1, 2013*

I love stories about Salem, Massachusetts maybe because I still remember my class field trips there. Sure I remember the touristy parts of it, but I also recall the museum and the history it explained. Witch trials are fascinating because, even in our modern times, they still occur. With a setting like salem, you may be expecting a dark urban fantasy story, which you won't find here. But, if you're in the mood for a story about an invisible (socially speaking) girl who discovers her hidden power, then settle yourself in for a few fun hours of reading.

I know that Maya used a few tropes that we're very familiar with, but it's how she plays with them that made me enjoy the story. Abby stumbles across her link to one of Salem's most notorious accused witches while researching a family history project for her class. And near some research materials, she discovers a very old spell book. Clues begin to click into place when she goes to visit her aunt and the aunt calls her by a different name. A name she's read about in her historical research. See what I mean? The information came together in a way that made me read on. I just wanted to know what happened next.

The best part was the romantic subplot. Yes, there was a love triangle, but it's one that I loved reading. I'm a defender of Love Triangles, so a long time high school crush who just happens to be the hot boy in school versus a bewitching boy who works in a caf across from Abby's new job worked out believably for me. I liked the way Maya toyed with these three and the involvement of love spells, witch kisses and elemental magic.

If you're looking to spend a few hours in Salem with a high school girl who is wants to finally be noticed , then pick up Spellbinding and read Abby's story. I'm hoping Maya continues the story because I'd like to know a little more about Abby's mom as well as what happens to Abby and the boy she chose.
4481471
How Not To Summon Your True Love has a little bit of everything. A little drama, a little angst, a little magic, and more than a little humor. It all mixes well to create the potential for romance between Cy and Dig.

You've gotta have some sympathy for Cy. He's a young ace looking for love in all the apparently right places, and never finding it. Cue (yet another) breakup, his mother's magical tome, and a naked, soapy man falling practically into his lap.

How embarrassing. And surprising, Cy was definitely surprised, if his scream was anything to go by. However, Dig (said naked, soapy man) was not too surprised at being summoned directly from his shower. What he was surprised about was the multiple states between his previous and current locations.

The two go on a road trip to return Dig from whence he came (I'm sorry, it's a book with witches, it practically requires that phrase), and along the way the two get to know each other better.

Beyond the fact that there is an ace main character (YAY!!!!!!!!), I really liked the pacing. They got to know each other, and worked together, and there were glimmers of interest from both characters starting about halfway through. I appreciated that they didn't jump right into an intense relationship, given everything going on in the plot of the story.

Speaking of the plot, I really enjoyed that there were check-in stations, and family territories, and just a nicely well established world that contained paranormal elements. I would've liked a bit more magic, since the most magic work happened right at the beginning, but it was interesting to see the politics and other elements of living in such an environment.

Although we didn't get too many exchanges, one of my favorite relationships in this story is between Cy and his sister Cynthia. The dialogue is hilarious and fond and uplifting. They are connected, no matter what time or distance passes, and you can tell.

This is definitely a story worth reading, and one that I smiled most of the way through. It kept my interest, and even threw in a few surprises along the way!
2244860
Emotionally gripping, sensually sweet, action packed dual second chance romance with a highly entertaining magical twist.

They have both given up on love and forever after they each had different but equally disastrous failed marriages. Miki is sweet, sexy, charming and is a witch what choose to give up her powers to make her marriage to a mortal work. Her ladder climbing husband decides after seven years on her birthday (of all days) to tell her he needs a divorcee and has someone new. Gideon is a sexy, sweet, strong and complete alpha male who was burned by a witch before (his now ex-wife) and his little home town of Rossdale is where Miki ends up to hide out and try to get a handle on her returned powers. However there is so much more to this little town than anyone is willing to talk about. Loved every heart pounding twist and turn in this thrilling romantic adventure.
2613664
The story is wonderful.  A witch with little control over her powers meets and falls in love with a werewolf as they attempt to find whos killing witches on the East Coast.  The heroine, Delaney, had me laughing with her flippant comments and the situations she got herself into, especially with her friend Troy who was a hoot and a half.

Reid had me fanning myself with his hotness. And I adored the way Reid and Delaneys romance combusted, from the moment they met, to I don't do spoilers so youll have to read and find out for yourself.

As I mentioned I really liked the story, but found it could do with some more editing. I found the plot to be intriguing and had difficulty putting it down once I started it so I wouldve given it a five if all had been well with the editing, but it wasnt. Thats what dragged my rating down.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. You can purchase it from Amazon (where I cashed in my gift book) if you so desire.

This is not a stand alone novel.
2576041
Something witchy this way comes.

Kindergarten-teacher-slash-sorceress Ivie McKie has officially sworn off magic. With her father back from the deadjust in time for her upcoming wedding to sexy former magician Jackson BlakeIvie has plotted a course straight to happily-ever-after-ville. And she won't let anything get in her way this time. But Daddy Dearest has something sneaky up his sleeve. When just one more spell goes horribly wrong and detours her into the path of her fathers dangerously hot new apprentice, Ivie has to scramble to get the magic and her love life back on track. Along the way, she encounters a promise made before she was born, a clan of Scottish sorcerers in kilts, and yet another goat.

Suddenly Spellbound is a new madcap adventure featuring Ivie McKie from Suddenly Sorceress.

What did I like?  Im a fan of the I dream of Genie era where Samantha just twitched her nose and all kinds of fun things happened.  Well this book is so close to one of those types of stories and it kept me in stitches all the way through.  I laughed and really enjoyed every escapade that Ivie got involved in.  Ivie is the the girl next door type that all of know and sure wish that there were more of them around today.  She has the dangest time keeping herself out of trouble and even though she really does not want to do magic cause it only seems to get her into more trouble, it just happens and watch out here comes the fun.

What are you going to like?  You will love every single one of the cast except one and that one is the one that makes the book so much fun towards the end.  The interactions between each of the cast are going to keep you laughing and yet there is a very serious love affair going on, the kind that all of us dream of having.  The storyline is very developed and the author has put a lot of work into it as it shows in all the important ways.  I love a book that is filled with humor, a little sex, a little more drama and a ton of laughter type situations.  This one if filled to brim and will keep you reading till you're done.  I have confirmed that the author is working on the next book and is excited to get it finished.  I do want to comment that there is a little sexual content involved in this book but it is all done very tastefully and even to the extent of humorous.  I cant wait to get my hands on book three.

I received this for being an advanced reader for the author.  Besides getting all the good books in advance of hitting the market and have the opportunity to share my remarks, I love to be part of the team that watches a young author as they develop their own style and become better and better with each book that they pen.  Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
1541113
Lots of fun,  with witches and wizards and weres, oh my. Steamy romantic adventure. Imaginative beach read, or a good series you can curl up and enjoy in front of a fire on a snowy day.
2980695
Sasha, our witchy heroine, has grown through the Darkness series to the point I wouldnt recognize her from book 1 to book 5. Shes gone from young and immature, barely holding herself up after a life lived in foster care, to the powerful black magic wielding mage. Shes ready to take on the Council with her lover Stefan, and with the Councils approval, hopeful soon to be mate. Sasha is striving to gain the respect of the people residing under Stefans rule in the mansion. Living as a human with the rarest level of magic in a home full of pheromone inducing vampires isn't easy and although she doesnt feel the respect Stefan has gained from the people, she is on the verge of developing a relationship with several of his warriors. Luckily, she has her adopted vampire father  Regional Dominicous and his assistant Toa, trusted friend and bodyguard Charles, her friends in the nearby shifter pack, and several other human witches that she has befriended to soften the sometimes unfriendly living conditions.

Stefan has been leading his clan for years and is now ready to take on the bigger role of Regional, but he fears the Council will not approve of his relationship with Sasha, the human mage with black level magic that he has bound his life to. Having already marked Sasha, if the Council isn't willing to approve of her as his mate and mage, he would have to leave his clan, because leaving Sasha wasn't a choice.

Sasha and Stefan embark on a journey across country in their motor homes and vehicles, bringing along with them trusted warriors, the shifter pack, and their captive Andris. With only 2 weeks to demonstrate how Stefan could fight off physical attacks and how Sasha could work and cast spells, both offensive and defensive, they have to be prepared for anything. While the trials could be daunting, they were determined to not let them affect their relationship. Their goal was to prove themselves without losing each other. They soon learn that not is all what it seems within the Council and the building they are occupying is strangely empty. Even if their love last through the tribulation, will they?

This not being my first K. F. Breene book, Ive grown to love the witty, sarcastic humor filled series. The characters are full of personality, from the warrior that knits ugly blankets to the dry wit of a very serious friend to the pain in the rear bodyguard that hates you while he protects you, one cant help but fall in love with The Council. In The Council, there is shown a more mature group of friends, and while some are still as immature as ever, the majority have began to trust where there wasn't hope for trust and befriend where they thought they couldnt. Sasha and Stefan show love through all circumstances and understand the true meaning of sacrifice. The banter between the characters, the action packed chapters, and the lovemaking between Sasha and Stefan makes this book a keeper.
2225722
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a witchy paranormal romance with a fated mates spin.  It was a little dark but had a new kind of witch/warlock lore that I was unfamiliar with.  You can tell that this book was being used to set up a series to come.

Storm is a tomboy type who is definitely not ready to accept any woo-woo magic stuff in her life.  Shes represents the contractor portion of a group of sisters who own a construction company.  I can easily see how this book will slide into other stories about each sister.  They were all very different and will be coping with the revelations in this book in different ways.  Backing up, Storm is excited about a new job to renovate an empty building into a surgery center.  When the owner of the job, Nate, runs into her at his day job as a surgeon, the sparks fly in some conflicted ways.  Nate is a Paladin, tasked with defending witches from the evil warlocks.  When he meets Storm, he isn't sure if shes good or evil, but a mating brand removes any doubt from his mind that she is his to protect.

The romance was a little stop-and-go with the feeling of fated mates being rushed to consummate the relationship in record time.  The ending delivers a solid HEA for at least one sister, but we aren't sure what the future holds for the rest.  Because of the amount of groundwork and the shifty past of the characters, I had some trouble getting into this one.  However, this first book easily leads right into future ones to come.
2872523
I've enjoyed a variety of vampire, witch and paranormal shifter romances from Jasmine Wylder.
I read an advance copy of this story.

This is an MFM mnage romance, testing the boundaries of friendship and family.
Working together, siblings, friends and lovers make a stronger, more successful community, and root out the bad elements that attempt to exploit minors.

Interesting that their boundaries are clear: consenting adults only.

Fun and flirty fantasy.
4027050
Witch meets Werewolf in this fun read!  Mia meets a hunky man who is looking for a healing salve from her. Mia dabbles in witchcraft and potions. Her friend Jessa keeps telling and encouraging Mia to stretch her witch muscles more.  It is Jessa that has Mia making the healing salve.

Little does Mia realize that just this little bit of witchcraft in making the salve is going to open a whole world of werewolves to her. Now Mia is involved in werewolf politics and doesnt even know it. Soon her family friend, the man shes been crushing on is a werewolf! Whats a witch to do? Pick this up today and find out.
3994015
I love this series. Ivy is full of Magic and Jack is her main squeeze. I love how they always have some mystery to get through and fall more in love with each other. It's also about a loving family and what you can do when people love you and have faith in you.
3965614
This is a story about Pepper McKay, a witch that doesnt typically use magic every day in order to live amongst her non-magic friends. She finds that even though she is a witch and a powerful one at that, destiny will always have the upper hand. Pepper's life is completely turned around when she inherits a large property in a small town of Maine, Lobster Cove. This enables her to realize her dream of setting up an animal rescue service and also assist her old rescue service financially.

Pepper finds herself in need of a handyman and conveniently Lathan is there. He is a soldier turned handy man with a past. He's a hero about to be transformed by his passion but who needs to grow, forgive and forget one monumental incident of his past. The chemistry between the characters sizzles. Yes, some of the scenes seem staged and perhaps a little less believable but they do add to the story.

There are some twists and turns with elements of mystery but this really is a story about magic, power, love and forgiveness that takes you from Maine to Alaska. A Witchs Journey was an enjoyable read and I hope to see more tales from this author.
2258313
Enter a world where magic is outlawed and if you are found to have magic paraphernalia or casting spells, good or bad, you will be arrested. Carmen is the granddaughter of a powerful witch, but has been moved from town to town under false names with her mother most of her life to escape being arrested. During her job as a librarian, really a gatekeeper of sorts to magical items, she meets Dylan. Dylan is a magic hunter that has had a terrible experience with magic in the past. There is an undeniable attraction between them, but Carmen knows it will put her and her mother's life at risk to allow a relationship with him. Carmen also finds out that those she loves are in danger and she has to figure out how to save them before it's too late.

This was a very enjoyable paranormal read! Carmen was very likable and you really root for her. I was given an advanced ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
1471158
Jocelyn, a young girl coming of age is suddenly thrust into a world that she doesn't quite know exists.  She doesn't know that her family comes from a long line of powerful witches.  After being sent away at a young age to be cared for at a boarding school Jocelyn is your average run of the mill teenager.  She is quite extraordinary despite her beliefs. She is a Weatherford and this makes her anything but ordinary.

Jameson Caldwell is a high school student as well as a student of mystical things.  He has always stood out among his brothers and sisters.  He doesn't date girls, even though he is quite striking and it isn't for a lack of options.  But he is different his future holds secrets that even his isn't privy too.  Jameson is part of  a family forbidden to have interaction with the Weatherford's but when a chance encounter with one at a local store sets off a reaction even he cannot deny, despite family lore.

This story is very well written.  I have read a lot of witch books and this has some unique qualities.  I am always thrilled to be immersed into the fantasy world of witches and mystical beings.  One of my all-time favorite books is about a witch, so I have read a lot and I can say that I really enjoyed this read.  I love Jameson and Jocelyn's story.  Their fated love coupled with the connection and bond that they share is sweet.

The feud between the families made for some great moments in the book.  The snarky characters in the Caldwell and Weatherford families are very fun and the curses and hex's they put on each other made me laugh at times.  Throughout the book the unwinding of the truth brings both sides to a new realization, one that is not only forbidden but is dangerous.

There were a few parts where I saw some things that didn't add up for me.  But they were very minor.  In whole I really enjoyed the book and getting to know these characters.  I think that readers who like a little magic in their reading will truly enjoy this story line.  The fated lovers, the family quarrel, the history of the families and the secrets to the future and the past are all key parts to this book.

I give it a solid 4 stars.  There are other books in this series and I think I will be reading them all soon to find out what happens to these characters.
4970798
What a Wonderful first paranormal adventure for Eden Butler. There was a great mix of witches, wizards, and shifters. A lot of mystery and angst. Definitely a one click read.

Janiver and Bane go back to childhood. He was always there scaring everyone away from her with just a glance. She felt a pull to this man of few words. One day, she let her guard down and they had a moment that bound them together, but then realized it was a mistake. She was a low class witch and Bane was a first class wizard. He was to marry from another strong coven to make them stronger. So Jani binds his memory of that moment and flees.

Years later her family needs her. She must return to Crimson Cove and back to the man who has her heart. Will she be able to keep this secret from him for the greater good. One click and find out if they are successful in saving the Cove and if this romance will withstand all the obstacles before them.

I am so in love with this book and the characters. Jani is so strong and fearless. She wants to do what's best for others even if it stands in the way of her happiness. And Bane, oh my. You just have to love this man of few words. I hope there is much more paranormal to come from Eden. She nailed it!!
1018699
Four she o ft stories of good witches and the men they fall in love with. Four countries s ins with special talents. An amazing fantasy town filled with magic. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
1566749
I really enjoyed the creative twists and the imaginative play with magic and the paranormal in this romance!! It was fun and endearing, and I will be reading more by this author :-)