witch

Review of Cat Dragon by Samantha Birch

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Synopsis:
In the whimsical world of Tangleroot Valley, magic flows like the seasons, and every witch has her cat dragon – except Aloysia Papplewick.

She’s far from bonding with her fiery feline familiar, and with her magical farm in chaos, her prattling pumpkin patch meddling in her life and the annual Harvest Festival to prepare for, Aloysia has enough to handle – even before her best friend’s insufferable brother, Hollis, brings danger and distraction to her door.

When she and Hollis are whisked away on a quest to a mysterious mountain, Aloysia must contend with magic, mayhem – and a spark she never expected.

Review:
“Aloysia (A-lo-wish-a)(noun) A famous warrior. A plant used mainly for brewing teas, though rumoured to have some topical healing effects; smells faintly of sherbet lemons.” (Page 3)

This book is marketed as being something Studio Ghibli, Harry Potter, and cottagecore people will enjoy and for me it hits all the marks. There is a great depth to this story that while not necessarily giving a full background on the character we find ourselves on a journey with, it is possible to deduce that she’s the last of her family line. It’s interesting to see how she navigates having to do everything to keep her family’s lineage and homestead intact while trying to keep up relations and hope that she will reach the witchy milestone that every witch has had by her age–except her.

I love how Hollis constantly trails between being a protective authority figure/older brother to someone who sees Aloysia for all she is and can be. I absolutely loved the banter in this book; all of the characters were well fleshed out. I loved all of the animals/creatures, the Guardians, and the way that magic could be used, if by a skilled practitioner in the way that we are almost over reliant on technology to do for us today. There was never a time that I skipped ahead/was bored of what was happening; I was fully engaged and always wanted to know what was going to happen next! Even during the misunderstandings, I couldn’t wait to see Aloysia hopefully rise above circumstances. There were multiple times at night that I mentioned to my husband before going to bed some random tidbit about what was happening with the Cat Dragon book and how I really hoped they managed to accomplish their task!

I would highly recommend this book to those who love: found family, magical creatures, coming of age/coming into one’s self, fantasy and witches. I was incredibly sad to finish this book, but I am so ecstatic that a new book is coming out November 16th!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of How to Negotiate With a Nightmare by Amy Boyles

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Synopsis:
In this cozy romantasy, the villain finally gets the girl.I have three problems:

One: The hot guy I met in the bushes (don’t ask) has magic so cold and dangerous it should come with a warning label.

Two: My family’s dragging me to a ball hosted by the Nightmare King—you know, the cruel monster who rules the dark half of town where the sun literally never rises.

Three: Turns out Hot Bush Guy and Nightmare King are the same person. And when our magic touches? We make flowers. Which would be romantic if I wasn’t supposed to be terrified of him.

Eryx Nightshade has spent ten years alone in his castle, haunted by a voice in his head that demands blood and revenge. Until I walked into his spell and the voice went from “destroy everyone” to “she’s pretty, don’t mess this up.”

Now he’s thrown a ball to find me. I’m trapped in pink tulle and sparkly sneakers. And every time we touch, our magic does things that shouldn’t be possible.

He thinks I’m his salvation.

I think he might be mine.

But I’m supposed to marry someone to save my family’s dying magic, and he’s got a revenge plot ten years in the making.

Falling for the Nightmare King wasn’t part of anyone’s plan.

Especially the nightmare’s.

Review:
“Sparkles don’t equal sweetness.” (Page 138)

This book did an amazing job of showing people with two very different types of trauma regarding having/being in relationships and what they had to do to overcome their biases. Usually instant attraction/fated mates/magical explosions are not a way to endear me to a relationship, but I think that for these particular two it was justified. As with all Boyles’ Seven Suitors books so far I would say it’s rather plot light/obvious but the story was well done. I actually much preferred seeing Chelsea have to really look insider herself and assess why she thinks so negatively about romantic relationships (not just short entanglements) to most of the work between Eryx and Chelsea. Nightmare was just so perfectly there–I couldn’t imagine the story without him. This story really had elements of so many fairy tales that I am not sure I could state which in particular she wanted to highlight; there’s obvious nods towards red riding hood, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast. All in all, a great light cozy fantasy book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Be Dreaming by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
For witch Astra Arden, newlywed life is almost perfect.
A little too perfect.
Even her snarky owl familiar, Archie, is getting suspicious.

After the chaos of her wedding, Astra is ready for some peace, but instead of mayhem, Forkbridge is facing a wave of… blissful departures. One by one, residents are vanishing overnight, leaving behind happy notes about chasing their wildest dreams. It’s a mystery with no victims, a crime with no culprit, and a town that’s getting emptier by the day.

When Astra’s own sister is the next to follow a mysterious magical calling, the disappearances hit too close to home. Astra senses an ancient, alluring power at work—one that doesn’t want to hurt anyone; it only wants to grant their every wish… forever.

Now, Astra must solve a case where the only crime is getting everything you’ve ever wanted.

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
“Real connection isn’t about getting everything you want. It’s about choosing to want the people who choose you back.” (Page 289)

Astra has come a long way from the girl who refused to wear anything but her military uniform and gloves! It’s interesting how Astra is now having to explain and use knowledge and experiences she’s had since coming home to combat with her younger sister feeling how she once felt. Given how clearly Astra wants her sister back more than anything, one has to wonder if the other two who had gone missing would have been chased quite so fervently. As a newlywed it’s great to see Astra trying to plan thinking of others and not just rushing in and expecting to be able to handle everything on her own all the time. It’s been great seeing her grow and adapt and learn and become more than what her job had been in the past, or the star power thrust upon her. I also really loved how a certain cop became a main player in this particular story; it reminded me of how things used to be with Emma and Astra.

As always, a nice cozy mystery and looking forward to the next one, which is available on May 21st.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Take Thee by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Wedding bells are in the air for witch Astra Arden and her werewolf fiancé Lothian—not to mention her divine owl familiar Archie and his feathery bride-to-be Noctua. But when a guest turns up dead at their joint bachelor-bachelorette party, “till death do us part” takes on an entirely new meaning.

With both weddings just days away, Astra finds herself juggling seating charts, cake tastings, and a murder investigation that’s hitting too close to home. Even worse, the victims’s dying message points to someone in the wedding party as the killer. Could one of their nearest and dearest be harboring deadly secrets beneath their celebratory smiles?

As magical mishaps plague the wedding preparations and suspicion falls on their friends and family, Astra and Archie must race against time to unmask the murderer before they say “I do.” With wedding gifts arriving that seem more like threats and mysterious omens appearing at every turn, the path to matrimonial bliss is anything but smooth.

Can Astra solve the case and still make it down the aisle? Or will this wedding celebration end with a funeral instead of a reception?

Review:
“Bacon transcends tradition. It’s universal. Timeless.” (Page 5)

“… love isn’t about finding someone perfect but about finding someone whose imperfections fit perfectly with yours.” (Page 430)

This book had one of the most intricate and well done mystery plots I have read in a Leeds book in a while! For the first part of the book I found myself frustrated that nothing seemed to relate to Astra’s past in the military and specifically her pyrometry power but both of those things became integral to the plot of this novel! I do wish that there had been more mention of what type of owl Archie is, as I found myself at a loss at one point. I also wish that the cover more accurately portrayed what Astra’s wedding vision is, though perhaps this is the “Percy-ified” version with Blushing Bride pink.

I loved the layers to this mystery and how while certain fae may have been trying to help, they couldn’t outright do so. There were definitely many worries that the wedding would not happen in time, or that a curse would befall them for having to postpone. Though there was tension with Astra’s mother (as always) it was so sweet how much she wanted to be there for her daughter… though I’m sure the cost will equal another book’s adventure in the future. The ending of this book was absolute perfection, and all my love goes to Midnight the owl for being the best little boy he could be!

I recommend this series to anyone who loves cozy modern fantasy mystery and especially owls.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Devil Made Me Brew It by Sarah Piper

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Synopsis:
Lucifer meets Practical Magic in this opposites attract witchy rom-com brimming with sass, spice, and small-town charm!

What’s a broke tea witch to do when she’s about to lose her beloved café?

No idea, but chugging magic mojitos and drunk-summoning the Devil was definitely the wrong call.

Now, I’m stuck with the house guest from Hell—literally—and we couldn’t be more opposite: a homebody who brews healing teas and reads romance novels to her cats versus a sexy-as-sin playboy with a pitchfork tattoo on his butt and a fondness for public day-drinking. In the nude. Ergo, the pitchfork discovery.

Infuriating!

I’ve tried to send the Dark Prince packing, but the spell won’t let him leave—not until he unlocks my so-called “heart’s desire.”

Well. My only desire is to clear my debt and save the café, which would be a lot easier if I wasn’t so distracted by his stupidly charming British accent.

Or the smile that keeps incinerating perfectly innocent panties.

Or the spellbinding, toe-curling, never-should’ve-happened kiss at the Wayward Bay Halloween Ball that has me believing in a different kind of magic:

Love.

So maybe the real question is… What’s a broke tea witch to do when she’s about to lose her café and her heart?

Review:
I absolutely adored this book from the beginning. It was a bit cheesy, and definitely a “witch and devil could be in a Hallmark movie”, but there was no pretending it was anything but–even the characters joke about how everything is falling together too well, too perfectly and that was exactly what I was in the mood for and needed when I read this book. This is a quick easy cozy romantasy with high stakes but showcasing a wonderful found family and love. There was a great, perfect amount of spice between the two main characters, and their relationship never really felt forced but growing gradually as they got to know each other. There were a few times that I wondered what, exactly, Devlin saw in his “mushroom” girl since she didn’t seem to have any self confidence. I think that, perhaps, a lot of it may have had to do with the fact she wasn’t instantly willing to throw herself at him, but that isn’t necessarily explicitly stated. I definitely hadn’t seen the twist ending of what was going on in the town, and that made this read all the better! This book very much had Lucifer vibes, but I as I haven’t read or watched Practical Magic (I know, a travesty!) I cannot comment on whether or not it was reminiscent of that.

All in all I loved this book, it was a cozy modern romantasy, that made me want to start brewing my own tea instead of just picking one of the dozens of blends in my cupboard. Kudos to my husband for trying my first attempted brew of honeysuckle and jasmine green tea–did you know you’re supposed to brew honeysuckle for 10 minutes?!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot

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Synopsis:
It’s Magic When You Meet Your Match

In her teenage years, lovelorn Jessica Gold cast a spell that went disastrously wrong, and brought her all the wrong kind of attention—as well as a lifetime ban from the World Council of Witches.

So no one is more surprised than Jess when, fifteen years later, tall, handsome WCW member Derrick Winters shows up in her quaint little village of West Harbor and claims that Jess is the Chosen One.

She’s the Chosen One

Not chosen by West Harbor’s snobby elite to style them for the town’s tricentennial ball—though Jess owns the chicest clothing boutique in town. And not chosen finally to be on the WCW, either—not that Jess would have said yes, anyway, since she’s done with any organization that tries to dictate what makes a “true” witch.

No, Jess has been chosen to help save West Harbor itself . . .

As Summer Ends, Her Power Grows

But just when Jess is beginning to think that she and Derrick might have a certain magic of their own—and not of the supernatural variety—Jess learns he may not be who she thought he was. 

And suddenly Jess finds herself having to make another kind of choice: trust Derrick and work with him to combat the sinister force battling to bring down West Harbor, or use her gift as she always has: to keep herself, and her heart, safe.

Can she work her magic in time?

Review:
I started reading this book while sitting in the hospital waiting room with my cat Abby(who is featured on the website banner). It was the absolute perfect thing to take away worries and bring you to a completely other, though entirely realistic, place. There were so many things I adored about this book that I actually bought a hardcover as soon as I finished reading it on kindle.

The book starts off completely immersive, bringing forth vivid imagery and locking you in place with a timeline that seems completely plausible about when girls do things. There were lots of sweet little witchy “suggestions” from Goody Fletcher’s book in the beginning of the chapters which I thought was very cute. There were definitely times reading that I wondered why there wasn’t more threefold law taking place with a certain annoying blonde character, but in the end, I quite enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves modern romantasy.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

**I finished this book in February, however, due to Abby’s hospitalization, many things (book reviews included) were pushed off.

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 Hex and Hexability by Kate Johnson

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Synopsis:
Bridgerton meets The Ex Hex this witchy season with this oh so spicy romantasy Regency romcom!

‘Do you want to see what witches can do?’

Lady Tiffany Worthington has always had a special talent for making the world around her come to life – whether she wants it to or not – but it’s only with the arrival of her mysterious great aunt Esme on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo that she learns she’s a witch … and that the magic she’s long feared is actually a gift to be embraced.

Now, as she’s exposed to a side of London she never knew existed, one with sea creatures, magical portals, time travel, and a handsome duke from a faraway land with a dashing scar that makes him look like a pirate, Lady Tiffany discovers that despite what the ton might decree, there is no limit to what she can do … or who she can be.

Review:
I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book because I really hadn’t been a great fan of Hex Appeal but I was so pleasantly surprised by how amazing this book was! Firstly, while hearing about the “Tiffany problem” everywhere, this is the first book that had a Tiffany in it set in older times, using the “proper” form of the name: Theophania. (This has been a year of Effie/Effy and Thea/Theadoras). Everything about this book really showed how stifled women could be when in polite society. The way in which ladies were expected to keep up with fashion and goings on and never really truly think or do anything different or unexpected made it very clear why Tiffany didn’t want the life she felt was being thrust upon her. Add in a bit of magic and a Duke who isn’t at all what is expected of a Duke, some mythical creatures, and there is just so much going for this book! I adored Santiago and thought his past and current hang ups were well fleshed out and fitting.

I tried this book because it was mentioned to be “Brigerton meets” and moreso the “spicy romantasy Regency romcom” and I was not disappointed! I highly recommend this to anyone who wonders why happily ever after is always “they got married and had a baby, THE END”, who loves magic, pirates, and people who go against societies expectations.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of How to Outfit a Wizard by Amy Boyles

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Synopsis:
What happens when magical enemies wind up in a real-life Freaky Friday?

Witch Blair Thornrose has spent her life working in her family’s magical bookshop. But when the magic begins failing, the only thing that can save it is for Blair to marry. The one way that witches know how to do that—throw a witchy ballroom dance to find the most eligible suitor.

But Blair has a power that makes most men run for cover—all of them except the brutally handsome and terribly arrogant Devlin Ross, that is.

Wizard inventor Devlin Ross has never gotten over Blair Thornrose. The two dated in high school, but things ended badly between them. When he discovers that she must find a husband, Devlin’s jealous. He wants Blair badly, but there’s a reason why they can’t be together—a secret that Devlin refuses to share.

When a magical spell goes terribly wrong and Devlin and Blair switch powers, Blair is furious. But Devlin makes her a deal—he will help her win the man of her dreams if she helps him build his latest invention. This is too big an opportunity for Blair to give up. But will Devlin reveal the secret that tore them apart, or will he push Blair into the arms of another man and give her up forever?

If you love sisterhood, romances that sweep you off your feet, magical bookstores, and loving families, then you’ll adore the second book in the Seven Suitors for Seven Witches series.

Review:
This book is a great second chance romance. A comfy, light read. Despite their friction it’s so obvious that there is still so much between Blair and Devlin. I quite enjoyed the story and was glad for how everything ended. While there were some obvious parts, and some parts where you wanted to shake the characters and tell them to just talk to each other, over all the story was sweet. I loved that Devlin really knew her and encouraged Blair to look into herself for what she liked and wanted to do instead of just being what she was expected because of her family. Looking forward to seeing how they help the other sisters get married off in the future!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of How To Fae It With A Fae by Amy Boyles

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Synopsis:
A broody fae king bent on revenge meets his match in this hilarious modern romance.

Book lover Addison Thornrose can match you with your next perfect read. Unfortunately, she can’t match herself with a good man. Her latest just dumped her. Worse, she’s learned that unless she marries, and quickly, her family will lose their witch magic—forever.

Feylin, king of the fae, has no interest in romance. In fact, the only thing he’s interested in is getting revenge on the Thornrose family for ruining his life. So when he learns that they’re holding a Bridgerton style ball to marry off their oldest daughter, Addison, he sees an opportunity for vengeance.

But what Feylin doesn’t expect is to start falling for Addison. And worse, he really doesn’t expect it when ancient fae magic binds them together.

His solution is to strike a bargain—be in a fake relationship. Just until they can break the spell between them, and just until he can get his revenge.

For Addison, this is a dream come true! She doesn’t want to be pawned off to a line of suitors, and she certainly doesn’t want to be engaged. But between the spine-tingling fake dates and the tension-infused banter, lines begin to blur. And Addison begins to wonder when her heart will stop faking it and her feelings become real.

This grumpy/sunshine witch romcom features a ballroom dance complete with frilly gowns, a magical bookshop, a tight-knit family, sisterhood, and of course, the promise of true love. It’s the first in a series of stand-alone romances.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book, which is odd, because usually I’m not a huge fan of “forced” pairings. I thought this book did really well with the enemies to lovers troupe, and getting Addison and Feylin to learn more about each other. I did think the ending seemed a bit rushed, and a bit too obvious in the big horrible event being just so easily swept away and everything returned to normal and forgiven. Addison, come on, girl! I also believe that the true culprit was very obvious from the start, but I absolutely love who came to the rescue in a complete deus ex machina moment (no spoilers here!!) All in all, this book is a quick, fun, light read and I have been looking forward to continuing with the next one in the series once it came out. Now that I’ve written this review… time to read book 2!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

*This book was read in August, though reviewed now.