Tag Archives: Magic

Soul of the Witch by Deanna Chase

February 21, 2025Book ReviewDeanna Chase, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Witch, Witches, Witches of Keating Hollowskyebjenner

Title: Soul of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

I read Gift of the Witch a long time before I had the chance to read Soul of the Witch. Which just meant that I had an inkling of a few of the road blocks Abby and Clay were likely to experience. Plus, I knew I was going to enjoy going back to the beginning and finding out how their love story truly started. It’s always nice to read a story that you know you’re going to enjoy. Plus, it’s nice to actually get to know Keating Hollow a little bit – there isn’t a huge amount of background and world building in Gift of the Witch.

I love that Abby and Clay get a second chance and a chance to heal in Soul of the Witch. There is a whole lot of history for the two of them, but not quite as much angst and anger about the past as I had expected. I mean, if I was in either of their shoes, I’d be rehashing the past more than either of them do. But I kind of liked this simplicity – they get a second chance with a whole lot less anger and regret than I anticipated. Honestly, the majority of the angst is all Abby’s – Clay is just trying to figure out his life and get his priorities straight.

Even though it takes a while, I love that Abby starts to work on forgiving herself for Charlotte’s death and finding a way to actually thrive, not just survive. It’s amazing that Chase so easily and non-judgementally incorporates therapy and the process into this story. And that Abby is finally able to admit that, even though we all make mistakes at the age of eighteen, the consequences aren’t always just ours to carry. Particularly in Abby’s case – where the consequences of her actions came about from a whole number of horribleness that led to the Perfect Storm.

Clay’s biggest battle is external rather than internal, it is the battle for custody and trying to be the best father he can possibly be. Honestly, at one point, I was more intrigued by the idea of Clay and Olive finding their happily ever after. Not really overly worried about Abby and Clay finding the romance that they want. I mean, the happiness of a little girl is so important and her mother is just so damn selfish. I love that everything ends up with a happily ever after and a big smile on everyone’s faces (mine included).

In Keating Hollow, the town isn’t just a small town with lots of romance, it’s also one built around magic. I really enjoyed how magic is just a part of everyday life and incorporated into everyday things. Rather than a huge deal or something that left people feeling unequal. It’s a joyful world in which everyone learns about magic alongside all the other things we learn as we grow older.

<- More Deanna Chase

Heart of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Jingle All the Witch Way by Jennifer L. Hart

January 7, 2025Book ReviewChristmas, Jennifer L. Hart, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Silver Sisters, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Jingle All the Witch Way
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Silver Sisters #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Every year around the time I would normally put up the Christmas tree (early November), I load my ereader up with all of the Christmas books on my list. This was the first of those books that I read for the Christmas of 2024, and believe me, did I need a happy and positive Christmas story. This was exactly the tale I wanted. And now I want more of the Silver Sisters. I mean, this is not only a fun and beautiful Christmas story, but it is also a fun tale in which three sisters in their forties, witches to boot, adjust to their new lives and realities. It’s kind of adorable and full of fun.

It was fun to find something to completely relate to in each of the three sister. Siobhan and her pregnancy made me laugh. I was that pregnant woman who wanted to do many things, and ended up frustrated more often than not because I was being smart for my unborn children… honestly, one of the most frustrating periods of my life. Now, as a parent, I relate a lot of Maeve – trying to find balance in your life amongst your sense of self, your children and your husband. And finally, I’m a total control freak and the quintessential first born – just like Alys. It was fun to be rooting for all three sisters equally, but just in different ways.

Christmas, for me, has never been about the Christian holiday and celebration. Rather, it is all about being surrounded by those you love. The Yule celebration in this is all about that. Welcoming the new and saying goodbye to the old. Being surrounded by those who love you and those you love. It’s a time of change and renewal, and all of this is celebrated within the pages of this book. Plus, there is a feeling of saying goodbye to the past and moving into a new, and wholly unexpected future.

<- Witch Way Is Up

Witch Way Today ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

Witch Way After Forty by Jennifer L. Hart

January 6, 2025Book ReviewJennifer L. Hart, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Silver Sisters, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Witch Way After Forty
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Silver Sisters #1
Rating Out of 5:5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

As always at Christmas, I found a new series to fill my shelves by reading the series’ Christmas story. In this case it was Jingle All the Witch Way. So it was incredibly exciting to go back and read the first Silver Sisters story. I mean, I’m absolutely in love with this trio, and it was a whole lot of fun to go back and read the first of the series. The one where Alys, Maeve and Sibby find their powers. I love that they start off their journey into becoming powerful witches and completely changing their lives when they are in their forties. It’s a bit like a midlife crisis, but one that isn’t exactly a choice. And, honestly, a great reminder that we go through big changes in our lives, constantly. It doesn’t matter how old we are.

Alys’ growth and period of change is the focus of Witch Way After Forty. I love that, even though she’s the quintessential oldest sister, and ridiculously controlling, she still finds the love of her life. I love that, even if Brock is younger than Alys, he is someone with a whole lot more maturity. He’s also someone who wants to help her and take care of her. He’s a great balance to everything that Alys is. And, even if he wants to take care of her, he doesn’t want to clip her wings. Brock finds a way to support her and be a partner, exactly the kind of man that dreams are made of.

Although I completely understand the role that Alys plays within her family, and the ways in which she puts up a multitude of walls. Particularly with her siblings. I may not like how she dismisses Sibby and is consistently harsh with her judgements. But I also love how accurately Hart writes the sibling relationship. It’s loving and intense, but also filled with frustrations with one another. I love that this huge time of change for all of the siblings also helps to restore and repair their relationships. Plus, regardless of how frustrating they find one another, they also completely and 100% have each others’ backs. Siblings can be cruel to one another, but they will also absolutely destroy anyone who threatens each other.

Kylie is actual, and astounding trash. I honestly love how Alys and he are introduced in this story. With Alys just destroying him physically and mentally within the first few pages. I love that Alys is able to deliver the comeuppance to him that he most definitely deserves. I mean, he is filled with malicious intent and is an emotionally abusive douche nugget. Thus, it’s great when Alys is able to just… eviscerate him. In each and every engagement they have.

I love that, alongside Alys’ divorce and her falling for Brock, there is a whole lot of other mystery. Trying to figure out what is wrong with Maeve, sorting out just who Sebastian is. And, then, as the culmination of the drama that has surrounded the sisters from the first page, the wraith and the missing child. Witch Way After Forty is a fantastic way to start a series. And now I can’t wait to dive on into Witch Way Did She Go to learn more about Maeve’s story about finding balance. Where Alys had to learn to give up control, Maeve needs to learn to find balance. And I’m completely onboard with that journey.

<- Witch Way or the Highway

Witch Way Did She Go ->

Image source: Amazon

Midlife Passions and Predators by Jennifer L. Hart

January 5, 2025Book ReviewCougars and Cauldrons, Jennifer L. Hart, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Midlife Passion and Predators
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Cougars and Cauldrons #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

I didn’t realise that Midlife Passions and Predators wasn’t a prequel to the Cougars and Cauldrons series, but rather a story that fits the centre of the timeline. One that helps to move characters forwards in time, without having too much drama. Sam and her two lovers (did I mention that this story is kind of super hot and steamy?) find their happily ever after. A moment of joy amongst the sadness of change.

I’ve only recently started my motherhood journey, but for every step of independence that my children take, I’m both proud and kind of heartbroken. I want them to spread their wings, but I can’t even imagine how sad it will feel when they do. When they leave the nest. I love that Hart focuses on this during Midlife Passions and Predators. It’s such a beautiful moment of pride and understanding for Sam, but she’s also sad to be further from her son and grandchild.

I already had Midlife Bed and Broomstick on my TBR for a few weeks now (ever since I read Jingle All the Witch Way), but having read this middle of the series novella, I just can’t wait to dive into it now. I mean, a supernatural community that is for those over fifty. One that has very obviously got a whole lot of lust and joyful relationships in it. Yeah, I’m pretty keen to see what shenanigans they will get up to.

I love that Hart writes books which are about women who are just that little bit older. It’s a reminder, that, even when you’re a mother and your children are grown and move away, life isn’t over. Rather, a whole new one begins. I might be at the beginning of my own journey, but I do love reading about women who are older starting a whole new chapter of their lives, with the yummy, yummy men they find at their sides.

<- Midlife Shift and Shenanigans

Midlife Magic and Malarkey ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

Wolves by C. Gockel

December 31, 2024Book ReviewC. Gockel, I Bring the Fire, Magic, Norse Mythology, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Wolves
Author: C. Gockel
Series: I Bring the Fire #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Norse mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

I really enjoyed this modern version of Norse mythology, all written from the point of view of Loki. He’s such a grey character throughout the mythologies and retellings that I’ve read. I love that Gockel stuck to this. He’s not evil, and all of his decisions are informed by something. But, he’s also not necessarily what I would call good either. Rather, he’s a bit of a chaotic neutral.

I love how the original Norse mythology is what informs Loki’s past. Rather than trying to change any of the original tales, Gockel has taken the known mythology and used that to inform Loki’s history. There is a totally different lens placed upon these experiences, rather than Loki being a troublemaker, rather, he’s often goaded into poor choices and wins out the day. It’s actually a little heartbreaking how poorly he is treated, and how much love he is capable of.

Amy was a likeable character, but not a loveable one. She was a little bit naïve, and yet worldly at the same time. In an almost unbelievable manner. I found it a bit difficult to connect to her. Whilst I was gunning for Loki to win the day, I didn’t have overly strong emotions about Amy. It was actually her grandmother that I liked more. However, I feel that she’s got a lot of potential growth, so I’ll be intrigued to see who she becomes as the series unfolds.

Wolves was a great start to the I Bring the Fire series and one that makes me want to read more. It was a fun and diverting read, without being too heavy and intense. I really enjoyed my time in this world, and I can’t wait to dive in again!

<- Atomic

Monsters ->

Image source: Book Bub

Dead Man by Domino Finn

November 15, 2024Book ReviewBlack Magic Outlaw, Domino Finn, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Zombiesskyebjenner

Title: Dead Man
Author: Domino Finn
Series: Black Magic Outlaw #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Urban fantasy, Zombies
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

I really loved this novel. I mean, it wasn’t one that I couldn’t put down, but it was still one that I was hanging to get back into. The perfect mix for a book sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, page-turners that are impossible to put down are great. But, sometimes it makes me more hesitant to read another book by that author – because then I’ll get too bogged down in it. Finn manages that perfect amount of action – enough that I really wanted to keep on reading and find out what was going to happen next. But not so much that I couldn’t possibly move past this story. Plus, the amount of action and drama throughout this just makes me intrigued as to what other chaotic nonsense Cisco is going to get into.

The idea of waking up dead, ten years after the fact, and unravelling the pieces to what actually happened was a pretty intense journey. I mean, I couldn’t quite get my head around it for the entirety of the story. And I enjoyed the adventure that Cisco and his chaotic past took me on. I can’t wait to find out more of what happened in that ten year interim, and also, how he was shaped as a zombie-man. Then, there’s the discovery of Finn’s special brand of magic throughout this. It’s not often that I can read an urban fantasy which has world building that comes as a surprise. I love that the mix of practiced beliefs and magic all combine into a very unique form of magic. One that, again, I can’t wait to find out more about.

I particularly loved the use of Bokors and Hoodoo throughout Finn’s world building. Cisco has an unforgettable narrative voice that I couldn’t forget. And having Hoodoo and Bokors explained with his special brand of sass and quirkiness was seriously enjoyable. I mean, this was ridiculously fun and added to the rest of the story. Dead Man was filled with so much angst and drama, and the use of different practices to create it just added to the enjoyment. This was also one of the darker urban fantasies on my shelves, which, at this point in my life was a great fit. And I loved how much fun I had reading it.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the Black Magic Outlaw series, Shadow Play. I mean, this was an intense and fun adventure all on its own. And now, after all of the discovery and chaos in Dead Man, Cisco has a chance at a second life. He might have lost all of his family and friends, and burnt a whole lot of bridges, but I feel that he’s about to find a whole new place in his life. I’m so excited to go on this next journey with him!

<- More Domino Finn

Shadow Play ->

Image source: Goodreads

Booked for Kidnapping by R.J. Blain

November 12, 2024Book ReviewMagic, Paranormal Romance, R.J. Blain, Urban Fantasy, Vigilante Magical Librariansskyebjenner

Title: Booked for Kidnapping
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Vigilante Magical Librarians #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Well, this story took a turn that I wasn’t expecting. I thought that the kidnapping in this would be of a politician or someone else embroiled in this massive conspiracy. However, in the end, it was Janette who was kidnapped. And a lot more of the story was about that and figuring out just why and how than anything else. I mean, more of the conspiracy is unravelled, and the pieces to start maybe getting power back is revealed, but it was still mostly about Janette’s mysterious kidnapping and subsequent escape.

I love how the activities in this story and the teasing apart of more of the motivations of this story set everything up perfectly for the next story. I think this is a part of a trilogy, and I can’t wait to see how everything rounds out and ends. I can’t wait to find out how the vigilante librarians are going to thwart the evil plans of the powers that be. I mean, it makes me feel physically ill reading some of this storyline (because it is so rooted in reality), so I would love to read how the good guys actually win!

Brad and Janette are all kinds of sweet and cute. I love how their relationship has grown throughout this series. And that they are perfectly and happily matched to one another. Although there isn’t much steam on the pages, I really enjoy how they build up to it in their relationship. And how, eventually they are able to become comfortable with one another and find their way to intimacy… it may not be steamy on the page, but it is in my mind!

I honestly can’t get over the power of unchecked politicians and just how terrifying that truly is. I mean, this is so obviously based in the reality of what is happening in America. And, what makes me really scared is that it seems as though the politicians in Australia are headed in the same direction. It is a terrifying reality, and a reminder that power corrupts absolutely. And unchecked power is just… terrifying.

<- Booked for Murder

More R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Rebecca Frank Design

Trickster King by Susan Copperfield

September 19, 2024Book ReviewMagic, Paranormal Romance, Royal States, Susan Copperfield, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Trickster King
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #9
Rating Out of 5: d!), 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect), 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

There really wasn’t much of a point of conflict in this Royal States novel, and there is no great romance (because Jessica and Pat have already had theirs in Storm Called). Mostly, this is kind of an epilogue feel / bridge to the next part of the Royal States stories in that it’s mostly just Pat running amok in the world. And all of those chaotic and fun moments throughout. I absolutely adored it, and it was a lot of fun. But I did keep wondering when the Big Evil or some such would come out. Or even when Pat would come up against some actual opposition to his holiday adventures.

I really enjoyed not only getting to know what makes Patrick tick a whole lot more. But it was also fantastic to learn more about Eddie and some of the difficulties he faces. Plus, it’s a great insight into just what makes Patrick’s protegee tick and why he is on the path he is. It’s also nice to know just why Patrick is known as the Trickster King, and just how manipulative he truly is. All of this story was great character building and a bit of a history lesson to some of the conflicts building in the Royal States world.

In the world that we live in, constantly working and being active is seen as a positive thing. I love that in this, Patrick is aware that breaks are important. And that, even though he is constantly driving forwards to make change, he is aware that sometimes, even he needs to stop and take a breath. By having breaks and downtime, we are able to actually function better and be more efficient when we are driving towards our goals. I’m at a point in my life when I feel like I am juggling a hundred plates, and it was a nice reminder that I too, can put them down sometimes and just… breath.

Although this chronologically occurs earlier in the series, it is definitely worth reading Trickster King as book number 10. There are hints to what happens throughout this story, but you really appreciate it after you read the other stories. Plus, this gives a bit more background to Deidre’s mistake (which you find out about earlier), and just makes me hang out to read the next book. Or the next. Or the next. Really, whichever one features Deidre’s romance is going to be an epically amazing one. I hope.

<- Runaway

More R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Smashwords

Runaway by Susan Copperfield

September 18, 2024Book ReviewMagic, Paranormal Romance, Royal States, Susan Copperfield, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Runaway
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

I absolutely love that this follows Tom, Ethan’s brother after he is plunged into his role as the heir to California. And all of the craziness that followed Ethan’s abdication and Rachel’s parents’ demise. It’s also fantastic that he has been empathically bonded to Cassandra for a long time, with everyone knowing and just waiting. At first, I thought that their story was honestly going to be a little simpler than Ethan and Rachel. But, it turns out, that it had just as many twists and turns. Actually, I felt a little more unsettled at Cassandra’s story, but also loved her so damn much in the end.

Cassandra is an incredibly sweet and gorgeous lead. And I love that this sweetness is actually what ultimately saves her. Particularly as it is what makes her impossible to manipulate to more devious purposes. I mean, often, being sweet and kind are considered weak traits. But, ultimately Cassandra was able to use her good-nature to protect those that she loves. I personally love that she realised Tom was desperately in need of hugs, and chose to just… hug everyone to stop him from looking special to her somewhat evil parents. Plus, Copperfield is able to highlight that being a giver is actually a really good thing, but something that’s easy to take advantage of.

Even though I couldn’t stand any of the actions of Cassandra’s parents, I really wasn’t expecting the twist of their true motivations towards the end. It gave every single interaction a far more sinister motive and made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. I actually really look forward to rereading this in the future and picking up on some of those many hints. And seeing everything through a different lens. I mean, it’s one thing to have evil parents who are using you for political gain, but the reality is so much worse! Although, I did absolutely adore how Cassandra, her future MIL and Queen Jessica all chose to mess with this plan in the most entertaining ways possible.

I often consider running away to escape the responsibilities of life and being an adult. So I can completely understand why this entire story revolves around the idea of Cassandra and Tom getting in a car and fleeing. We all have a breaking point, and this was a really pleasant way to deal with that point in their sanity. That they can sort out their relationship and future roles in the kingdom in the journey just made it all that much better. I too want to run away and come back with more money and sanity, but, alas, that’s just not likely to happen at any point in my life.

<- Cold Flame

Trickster King ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

Cold Flame by Susan Copperfield

September 17, 2024Book ReviewMagic, Paranormal Romance, Royal States, Susan Copperfield, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Cold Flame
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Rachel and Ethan are a fantastic couple, one that is completely supportive and work incredibly well together. I love that I knew this story was going to be coming up, because of the hints about them in Bonds. But, their story was way better and sweeter than I was anticipating. I mean, they have a whole lot of obstacles against them, and Rachel’s mental health is incredibly tragic – but, they manage to enjoy one another’s company and just… learn to grow together and support one another.

There are hints to just how horrible the New York Royal family is throughout the Royal States series, but I honestly didn’t quite realise the level to which they are… horrifying. The insidious tendrils of their abuse are woven throughout this entire story, and I love how Rachel works incredibly hard to overcome this. I also absolutely adore the support animals that she has and how they actually work to help her deal with her trauma. The fact that they are animals which I wouldn’t associate with being support animals… even better.

As much as I loved this story, I wanted a whole lot more time with Rachel’s research and the library. I love the idea of a treasure trove of information and all of the points that can be made about inequality with good information. There was so much potential there, and my nerdy brain kind of fixated on this. It also highlighted the amount of intelligence Rachel actually possesses and how attractive a quality this is for both Ethan and herself when they find themselves attracted to one another. Following on with Rachel’s intelligence, I love how she is able to use her hybrid Talent to extinguish a wildfire. And how poignant her points about letting Flameweavers be involved in fire control is.

There are a multitude of societal commentaries throughout this series, but, as usual, it is the powers and the emotional toll of the characters that I adore. I particularly love how her PTSD and trauma is handled with humour, but also highlights just how difficult her journey has been. And that’s not even beginning to discuss just how ridiculously horrible the treatment of refugees is throughout this state of California (but honestly, just globally as a general).

A number of secondary characters throughout this story make me want to dive further into this world. Luckily for me, Terry’s story is told in Iron Unicorn. As is Ethan’s second brother’s in Runaway. But, what I really want out of this series next is Ian’s story. His empathy as a fellow survivor of the New York family is beautiful, and now I want to find his happily ever after and the battles he’ll be forced to face.

<- Bonds

Runaway ->