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Review of Spells Like Poltergeist Spirit by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden’s back, and this time, she’s got a poltergeist problem in “Spells Like Poltergeist Spirit,” the 18th book in The Owl Star Witch Mysteries!

When a mischievous poltergeist starts wreaking havoc in Forkbridge, Astra and her sisters must figure out to banish the troublesome spirit. The timing couldn’t be worse for this supernatural upset, too—Astra’s relationship with Lothian is on the rocks after she turned down his proposal, and even her best friend Emma is giving her the cold shoulder.

As the poltergeist’s antics escalate from harmless pranks to dangerous destruction, Astra races against the clock to uncover the source of the spirit’s unrest and send it packing. But with her personal life in shambles, can she keep her focus long enough to solve the mystery?

Packed with humor, heart, and a heaping helping of otherworldly mischief, “Spells Like Poltergeist Spirit” is a must-read for fans of this bewitching series! As always, No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing—only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
One of my favourite things about the Owl Star Witch Mysteries is that they’re a quick, easy, cozy reads with interesting mysteries. This book actually had a lot of good life advice about mistakes and being in love, that you have to do the work, and that love is wanting to be a part of what someone is/doing–not forcing someone to choose between them. I also quite enjoyed the magical lesson Ayla gave about how all energy can be transformed. This particular mystery had a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t necessarily see coming. Did I figure out who the poltergeist was well before it was mentioned? Yes. The why? Not so much. I thought this was a great addition to the mysteries so far, and I absolutely loved the ending!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard

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Synopsis:
The forest is more dangerous than ever in this highly-anticipated, pulse-pounding, and swoon-worthy conclusion to the bestselling Luminaries trilogy.

Winnie Wednesday’s future is looking bright. Hemlock Falls is no longer hunting the werewolf, she and Erica Thursday are tentative friends, and Winnie finally knows exactly where she stands with Jay Friday.

With everything finally on track, Winnie is looking forward to the Nightmare Masquerade, a week-long celebration of all things Luminary. But as Luminaries from across the world flock to the small town, uninvited guests also arrive. Winnie is confronted by a masked Diana and charged with an impossible task—one that threatens everything and everyone Winnie loves.

As Winnie fights to stop new enemies before time runs out, old mysteries won’t stop intruding. Her missing father is somehow entangled with her search for hidden witches, and as Winnie digs deeper into the long-standing war between the Luminaries and the Dianas, she discovers rifts within her own family she never could have imagined.

What does loyalty mean when family and enemies look the same?

Review:
This book was the ending that I am so excited to finally have in the trilogy! There is a huge mystery of what/where the Dianas are, and what they are up to, and there is no greater girl up to the task than Winnie. Interchanged bits of the past with the present fit perfectly together as Winnie attempts to uncover both what happened to Jenna, Erica’s sister, as well as her own father.

Despite having done everything right and appearing as a huge saviour/girl who was bitten, Winnie still finds herself fighting against the Luminary council people who should be her allies. It’s interesting to see how even when one just tries to survive, if you are perceived as elite, how you can be used to bolster the image of an organization–even if you’re a very unwilling poster child. I quite liked how Winnie did not suddenly become detached or able to cope with the horrors she previously faced, and how multiple times she had to try to go through her PTSD. Despite the hunters being considered elite, it is amazing to see how important that the leaders take mental health into account and not just physical well being/training.

That being said, it’s clear that I would recommend this book series to any YA Fantasy/Urban Fantasy lovers.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Be Enchanted by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When an ancient evil stirs in the small town of Forkbridge, Florida, it’ll take more than a good luck charm to save the day. Luckily, witch and psychic Astra Arden is on the case!

Astra is hoping for a quiet, pumpkin spice-filled fall. But her plans for a cozy season are foiled when a cryptic riddle arrives on her doorstep, foretelling darkness to come. With her snarky owl familiar Archie at her side and her magic shop to run, Astra must unravel the riddle’s clues while contending with cryptic warnings from the Greek gods, a meddling mayor, and a mysterious psychic who may know more than she lets on.

Astra will need the help of her sisters and her werewolf boyfriend to solve this mystery. But as the clock ticks down to Halloween, one thing becomes clear: if she can’t uncover the truth in time, Forkbridge may be history. Literally.

Review:
I loved that this mystery got everyone working together, and I also loved the sass everyone was giving the god-dads! As usual, the owl witch mysteries are a quick read, cozy mystery. The girls did seem a bit caught up in themselves, so I am glad they had to connect more with each other/family and realize that you shouldn’t take people for granted. The ending was absolutely gut wrenching and I wish I had known since I’ve been just waiting, waiting, waiting for the next installment!!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Vampire Charming by Cassandra Gannon

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Synopsis:
Jane Squire is a normal, rational human, who doesn’t believe in fairytales. Then, the self-proclaimed “King of the Vampires” arrives in her grocery store. Slade says that Jane is destined to help him on some crazy, epic quest. Not only does the arrogant lunatic get her fired, but she’s somehow transported into the worse fantasy movie imaginable.

With script pages full of stolen dialogue, random musical numbers, and a whole cast of supernatural weirdoes, there’s no denying that Jane and Slade are stuck in a swords-and-sorcery film. Even worse, Jane is starting to think that the handsome vampire who’s wrecked her practical life might just be her Prince Charming.

M/F
Happily Ever After
Fated Mates, Isekai trope, medieval world romance, himbo romance
97,000 + words
Standalone romance, but Slade also appears in Not Another Vampire Book

Review:
I had a bit more understanding of how this book was going to work than Not Another Vampire Book and while I did enjoy the story, there were A LOT of holes. From the story we learn that Jane Squire is a loner but there is never any more back story about her parents or life outside of one role in theatre that didn’t work out for her. While overall there were some good quips and lessons, such as you shouldn’t rely on another person to bring you happiness- you need to find that for yourself, there was a lot of entitlement and switching perspectives. While the nature of this story is a story within a story it seemed at times that Jane completely shifted from her thoughts and feelings on a matter and what had been happening in the “real” world of Infinia would change without any mention of change because of the script–just randomly Jane would think or desire something else. I did love how characters from the past world Slade lived in were in this one, and that being said, highly recommend if you want to read this book reading Not Another Vampire Book beforehand.

While Slade does grow quite a bit in this novel to learn that he shouldn’t just have things given to him and should consider others, Jane seems to be fighting being a typical heroine while becoming more of a stock character. “Slade’s real power is his goddamn optimism.” (page 100) By the end she’s calling him “Dummy” and it’s just totally out of character. Priorities are also clearly an issue in this book as there is no problem with long intimacy scenes in the middle of a fight/escape. While part of me wants to dock the book for all of the above, given that this book seems like it was written by someone other than Amalie, and perhaps the lack of ability of the author within the story is what made the issues so big. I did love the tie in with Prince Charming, and there were many of neat modern drama references. I did like the acting background and Dracula, Ph.D, however a lot of times there were mentions that seemed as if they were put in just so the author could state they liked xyz- like continuously calling Slade shiny towards the beginning/middle of the book. Also not a fan of how a person’s world would JUST STOP without another in it. That being said, if you go in knowing this book is kitsch and comical while trying to be a deep romance novel, you could still have an enjoyable reading experience.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review of A Hoot and a Hex by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
The Ides of March bring mayhem and magic when Astra Arden and her sisters host the Roman-themed festival of Hilaria in Forkbridge. But the revelry comes screeching to a halt when Councilwoman Viola Tullus is found dead, entombed in concrete like a modern-day Roman building sacrifice.

With angry accusations flying as swiftly as Archie, Astra must sift through a myriad of motives to cement the truth. Could the killer be a disgruntled citizen seeking revenge against the controversial councilwoman? Was her desire to bulldoze family farms to make way for new developments simply too much for someone to bear?

Between keeping the festival running smoothly, managing her annoyed owl, and juggling her romantic relationship with the werewolf, Astra has her hands full. And with a clever killer masking themselves in the festival crowds, danger lurks around every toga-draped corner.

Can Astra catch the killer before Forkbridge falls like the Roman Empire? Or will the dark deeds continue under the cover of festivity? Find out in this delightful tale filled with twists, turns, and a talon-ful of trouble.

This paranormal cozy mystery is perfect for adults and free of gore, intimate scenes, and profanity.

Review:
Another sweet jump into Astra’s life. It’s neat to see how she’s doing in terms of building better relationships, especially with her father and Lothian. I do love that there is always so much background done on festival and mythological things in these books. Even Noctua’s name had an interesting meaning and backstory, and it was very neat how Leeds had them discover it in a totally relevant and believable way. While the cse seemed quite obvious, I loved all the twists and turns and reveals that I didn’t see coming. I quite loved this story and hope that in the future Emma goes back to full time police work, and that Lothian offers Logan a job!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Out of Magic by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When the Arden sisters are enlisted to sprinkle some magic on Forkbridge’s annual Halloween Festival, they expect nothing scarier than costume contests and jack-o’-lanterns. But the spooktacular celebration takes a sinister turn when Ayla finds Councilman Marcus Clinton’s body chillingly posed in a decorative coffin outside City Hall.

With Forkbridge transformed into a carnival of costumes, it’s nearly impossible to separate harmless tricksters from potential killers. Between a zombie flash mob, strange noises in city hall, and a woman walking the streets dressed up like the goddess Athena, there’s too much information and too few clues.

Can Astra and her sisters peel back the layers of the killer’s disguise, unmasking them before they blend into the ordinary? Or will the elaborate festival costumes shroud the true face of evil lurking among them?

The clock is ticking, and it’s more than just a game of trick or treat!

Review:
“Your destiny still awaits, Astra of the Stars.” (Page 357, Chapter 20)

Back to holiday themed books, it was great to see the entire family together working towards a common goal; well, most of the family. I quite enjoyed the role that Apollo (and Hermes) played in this one, especially how he truly cared whenever Astra was upset. It was interesting seeing Lothian and Astra’s relationship during this particular book as in previous ones they had come across as much more of partners (in work, not just dating) than this one–good development. The mystery in this was perfect; multi-layered and convoluted enough to keep your attention and always wondering exactly who did what, why, and what you’re missing. I am looking forward to continuing the series as it continues to come out!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Scries Like An Owl by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden has had a rough go of it lately. Between dealing with bickering gods, a spectral boyfriend who can’t seem to remember to knock, a lost job, and three sisters who have all become rebellious, Astra is barely keeping it together.

But when the mayor of Cassandra, the town known for its psychic abilities, goes missing, things go from bad to downright absurd.

The entire town of Cassandra thinks Astra murdered Mayor Lillian Thornton a very public confrontation between the women. The interim mayor—a hotheaded condo developer named Daniel Caldecott—is determined to use the disappearance to take over Cassandra and pin the blame on the Arden family as fast as he can get the ink dried on the warrant.

Can Astra find the missing mayor, clear her name, and restore peace to Cassandra before it becomes a high-end ghost town? Or will she be swallowed up in the chaos of gods, ghosts, and greedy developers?

Review:
I was definitely happy to see the threat of the last book; everyone sharing all powers etc did not seem to be in any way an issue in this book. Set a few months after the last novel, it is understandable that everyone is still on edge, especially Lillian Thornton. I quite enjoyed another trip to Cassandra and that Astra is beginning to communicate with her father. She is learning what he’s like and what things mean with him/what he would do and wouldn’t and that’s interesting to see. I quite enjoyed this novel because we still got to see Jason, we see the turmoil of Astra’s immediate family, and we got to see how Astra can try to work with people who aren’t just Emma. I had managed to figure out most of what was going on before the reveal, however it did not in any way detract from the reading experience. I look forward to continuing on with the series!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Luminaries by Susan Dennard

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Synopsis:
Hemlock Falls isn’t like other towns. You won’t find it on a map, your phone won’t work here, and the forest outside town might just kill you.

Winnie Wednesday wants nothing more than to join the Luminaries, the ancient order that protects Winnie’s town—and the rest of humanity—from the monsters and nightmares that rise in the forest of Hemlock Falls every night.

Ever since her father was exposed as a witch and a traitor, Winnie and her family have been shunned. But on her sixteenth birthday, she can take the deadly Luminary hunter trials and prove herself true and loyal—and restore her family’s good name. Or die trying.

But in order to survive, Winnie enlists the help of the one person who can help her train: Jay Friday, resident bad boy and Winnie’s ex-best friend. While Jay might be the most promising new hunter in Hemlock Falls, he also seems to know more about the nightmares of the forest than he should. Together, he and Winnie will discover a danger lurking in the forest no one in Hemlock Falls is prepared for.

Not all monsters can be slain, and not all nightmares are confined to the dark.

Review:
This book hooked me from the first page, just like Dennard’s previous books I’ve read. There is mystery, intrigue, and always the whisper at the back of your head of if you’re good enough and deserve what’s happening. There’s a large part of the novel where Winnie has to battle with her own case of self worth and whether or not people who treated her poorly in the past are worth trying to trust now. I quite enjoy Winnie’s inner monologue, her quirks, and the anxiety she has from the traumas she has been through (and how every adult seems to think putting children through said things are FINE). There were several parts of this novel where Winnie was uncertain of herself and whether or not she’d succeed and I love that we were left to consider how much of Winnie’s wins are sheer dumb luck. Towards the end I believe I have figured out a culprit in Diana-ism but only the continual reading of book two will tell! My only gripe is that I have to wait til next month to continue reading!!

P. S. I think I figured out Jay’s secret but perhaps it will be revealed in book 2!!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of United: Magiford Supernatural City by K. M. Shea

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United: Magiford Supernatural City (Pack of Dawn and Destiny Book 2) by [K. M. Shea]

Synopsis:
A wolf is attacking the humans of Timber Ridge and changing them into werewolves—against their will.

The change process is extremely dangerous and involves bloodshed. It isn’t something that happens by accident, which can only mean one thing.

Someone is doing this on purpose.

I’m going to find the rampaging sicko responsible for this outbreak, even if it means I have to master my new magic to stop them.

Thankfully, Greyson—the Pack Alpha and the most powerful wolf in the Midwest—is always down for a hunt. The only problem is that I’m starting to find him attractive—which is the worst thing I could do. He’s got an incomplete mate bond, and since I’m a hunter, I could never be a wolf’s mate.

That’s okay. I’m used to being alone. I’m a werewolf hunter, not part of the Pack. But that’s an awfully dangerous place to be when there is a rogue wolf on the loose.

United is the second book in the Pack of Dawn and Destiny urban fantasy trilogy, and is part of the Magiford Supernatural City world. It features werewolves, hunters, and fae, and is filled with humor, adventure, and a sweet romance that will have you laughing out loud.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book. Pip’s werewolf connections grew even stronger, and she tries to learn to harness her stronger wolf’s kiss powers all while trying to figure out who is turning the wolves against their will and trying to keep some semblance of personal comfort. From the beginning I had been so sure I knew what the cause of all of this was, and I was so wrong. There were lots of little twists and turns and plenty guests from other books/places in the same world. I was so glad when the elephant in the room was finally addressed at the very end of the book, just for it to end on such an amusing argument cliffhanger! I cannot wait to read the third book in the series and I’m so glad I only have to wait another month!

P. S. The Bedevilments grow on you, methinks.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Vow of Deception by C. J. Archer

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Vow of Deception
Ministry of Curiosities Book 9
By C. J. Archer

Star Rating: 
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Gaslamp Fantasy
Number of Pages: 308

Date Started: December 7, 2017
Date Finished: December 8, 2017

Synopsis: (From Amazon)
With the wedding only days away, the Ministry is thrown into turmoil when another murder is committed by a shape-shifter. But this time the newspapers make the connection to werewolves – and the Ministry. Suddenly the attention is focused on Lichfield Towers and its residents as the police investigate and parliament wants to shut the organization down. It could spell the end of everything Charlie has come to love. As the authorities close in and ministry secrets are exposed, past allies can no longer be trusted. Can Charlie save her home, her loved ones, and herself? Or will she lose Lincoln and her friends forever?

Review:
Oh. My. Goodness! So many enemies, so much intrigue, and far too perfect a conclusion that we’ve been waiting for so long to see. Alliances were tested, some broken, some strengthened. The near ending nastiness was not something I expected, but for karma–it was well deserved.

While I have been looking forward to this last installment, and getting to know if Lincoln and Charlie will ever get a happily ever after, I have to say I’m quite excited for a tenth book! I have many predictions of what might happen in Wonderland, but I am not sure if they’ll come true.

C. J. Archer is such a great, wonderful person on top of being a great author.  She has a fan group on Facebook, CJ Archer’s Ministry of Fans, where people who like her books can talk about them, and Ms. Archer interacts with her fans frequently (which makes her even more endearing).  If you are like me and adore her books, join the group and chat with like minded individuals.

cj
Author Biography: (From Amazon)
C.J. Archer has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. While she has written historical romance in the past, she now writes exclusively in the historical fantasy genre (with a large dose of romance). She has several series which occur in the same Victorian-era “world”, one after the other. Each series can be read alone, but it’s more fun to start at the beginning with THE EMILY CHAMBERS SPIRIT MEDIUM TRILOGY. Follow that up with all 9 FREAK HOUSE books, then the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES series. GLASS AND STEELE, her newest series, is set in an entirely different alternate Victorian London.

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