Kimberly reviews The Viking’s Witch by Kelli A Wilkins

vikings witchTITLE: The Viking’s Witch
CHARACTERS: Rothgar & Odaria
AUTHOR: Kelli A Wilkins
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Scotland, 803 A.D.

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short-lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?

After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning woman be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other . . . before time is up.

REVIEW:
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR FEATURED TOMORROW!

3.75 Hearts This book is a bit different. At least in my opinion. The author contacted me to review the story which I was happy to do since it sounded out of the norm.

In this story Odaria is a witch who is ready to be burned at the stake. She is saved by a Viking who is looking for a Prince. Once she is in the nest of the Viking’s she is expected to use her powers to get Rothgar what he wants.

I liked that this was not a love at first sight kind of love. There is a lot of conflict between the two but the sexual chemistry is hot and can not be denied.

As I said this story was a bit different than I am used to. I am not one that reads the Pirate bodice ripper novels. But I found myself liking this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Bakeshop At Pumpkin And Spice by Kauffman, Angell & Charles

bakeshop at pumpkin and spiceTITLE: The Bakeshop At Pumpkin And Spice
CHARACTERS: Bree, Cassie & Lara
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell & Allyson Charles
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o’-lanterns … and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.

Witches, goblins, the occasional ghost—they’re all sure to be spotted at the annual Halloween parade, where adults and children alike dress in costume to celebrate Moonbright’s favorite holiday. And no place has more seasonal spirit than Bellaluna’s Bakeshop, a family business steeped in traditional recipes, welcoming warmth—and, legend has it, truly spellbinding, heart-melting treats …

Between good-natured Halloween tricks, frothy pumpkin lattes, and some very special baked goods, for three Moonbright residents looking for love—whether they know it or not—the spookiest thing will be how magical romance can suddenly be …

REVIEW:
This is three novellas combined into one novel. As a fan of Donna Kauffman I requested the book from NetGalley and I am glad I did. The stories mesh so well. Having a bit of magic and romance.

The magic is in and around the bakeshop and the cookies that Nana bakes. In the first one Bree is learning her own way around the bakeshops magic as well when Caleb enters the bakery just as Nana knew he would.

The second and third are from authors I do not remember reading before. The second story is about Cassie trying to make one man interested in her when maybe it is a complete stranger she needs to be made aware of. And the third is about Lara who seems to be having a bad day until love walks in.

This is a great story to read around the Halloween season. A magical romance!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Kimberly reviews Wishful Thinking by Helen Harper

wishful thinkingTITLE: Wishful Thinking
SERIES #: How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother…. #1
CHARACTERS: Saffron Sawyer
AUTHOR: Helen Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Muddled magic. Missing faeries. She’s having one spell of a day at work…

Saffron Sawyer aspires to rise from the magical world’s bottom rung. But when her wish to join the renowned Office of Faery Godmothers is granted, bullies make her first day on the job unbearable. And to add to her misery, she discovers that someone is abducting her coworkers one-by-one.

Desperate to prevent another kidnapping, she scrambles to piece together the clues. After teaming up with the handsome and powerful Devil’s Advocate, she uncovers a strange connection between the disappearances and her lowly former gig. But when Saffron learns her promotion was only a ploy, she vows to ruin the devious plan.

Can Saffron muster enough magic to trap the villain before she’s sacked or stolen?

Wishful Thinking is the first book in the refreshingly original How To Be The Best Damn Faery Godmother in the World (or Die Trying) urban fantasy series. If you like determined heroines, enchanting spins on old tales, and clever twists and turns, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s captivating story.

Buy Wishful Thinking to watch a spunky sprite strut her stuff!

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Saffron is not Cinderella’s godmother. She is so far from the imagination of what a faery/fairy (forgive me if I use the American version of this word) godmother is that some might wonder if the author really meant the same as Cinderella had.

But she did. Sorta. Saffron is a drug fairy in the UK. What this means is she helps those with drug issues to get clean or at least not get heavier into the stuff. But she wants to be a godmother. And she gets her chance. And what a whirlwind it is.

I will say I expected a lot more humor based on the title/series name than was in it even though there was some humor. There is a bit of everything. Suspense, mystery, romance and a number of twists.

This is cute. I will try the next in this new series as well.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews Womby’s School For Wayward Witches by Sarina Dorie

wombysTITLE: Womby’s School For Wayward Witches
SERIES #: Not So Cozy Witches 1-5
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Sarina Dorie
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/10/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A magical boarding school. Budget cuts. Missing teaches. A not-so-cozy mystery.
You think you know the world of magical boarding schools? Not from a teacher’s perspective at a school for at risk youth.

This book bundle includes: Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells, Hex-Ed, Witches Gone Wicked, A Handful of Hexes, Hexes and Exes, and BONUS MATERIAL. Personal Ads for Witches and Thirteen Ways to Tell if You are a Witch are also included in this bundle.

Book 1: Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells (A prequel before Clarissa teaches at Womby’s School for Wayward Witches.)
Most of us have faced the fact that an owl will never come with our acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Find out what this teen does to take matters into her own hands. Will she become a witch, even if the price is higher than she expects?

Book 2: Hex-Ed
Consider what would happen if a bumbling character like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum had been told with the quirky voice of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and she was trying to get a job at Hogwarts.

A gang of evil Fae wants to kidnap and enslave Clarissa for accidentally using magic at the wrong place and the wrong time. Clarissa must escape little old ladies in gingerbread cottages, the evil school district psychologist who has always been out to get her, and a hoard of harpies before she can prove to the Witchkin that the bad apple falls farther from the tree that they’d guessed.

If she can do this, then maybe, just maybe her dreams will come true and she’ll land that job teaching the dark arts and crafts.

Book 3: Witches Gone Wicked
As if being the new “arts and crafts” teacher isn’t hard enough at a school for juvenile delinquent witches, budget cuts are just as severe in the magic community, administrators are as unrealistic in their expectations of teachers, and the job is a hazard if the students find out you can’t actually do magic.

As if this isn’t enough pressure, she has to figure out why teachers are mysteriously disappearing. If she doesn’t, she might be next.

Book 4: A Handful of Hexes

When Clarissa finds her mother’s diary outlining her experiments with the Fae Fertility Paradox, she is desperate to uncover the mysteries of her mother’s past that will help with her own magic problems of the present. She suspects this book will solve the feud between Fae and Witchkin.

Either that or it will cause an all-out war.

Book 5: Hexes and Exes
Dear Jezzy: Love Advice for Paranormals

The ghosts of boyfriends past are haunting Clarissa Lawrence, the most unmagical teacher at Womby’s School for Wayward Witches.

When Clarissa’s problems aren’t filled with her exes, they are filled with hexes. Everything in her life revolves around letting go of her past so she can accept her future. Clarissa must save Derrick before the Raven Queen gets him for good, even if it means she must join the dark side to do so.

REVIEW:
This is the first 5 in a series that I would describe as an adult version of Harry Potter. Maybe not as well written but still a really good series.

Clarissa finds out she is a witch and ends up teaching at a magical school. But she finds out that no one wants her in the school because of her heritage of her descendents being an evil witch.

What I liked best is this is a boxed set so I was able to start at the beginning and continue reading. This is still ongoing so I look forward to continuing the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Haunting Of Hillwood Farm by Kathryn Knight

haunting of hillwood farmTITLE: The Haunting Of Hillwood Farm
CHARACTERS: Callie & Luke
AUTHOR: Kathryn Knight
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/04/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After tragedy strikes, Callie Sinclair is left with a gift she never wanted—the ability to communicate with ghosts. But when a desperate widow begs for her help, she reluctantly agrees to investigate the strange occurrences at Hillwood Farm. She quickly realizes she’s dealing with a dangerous presence beyond anything she’s ever experienced, and something else becomes equally clear—the only other living person in the house, Mrs. Turner’s handsome grandson, thinks she’s a scam artist. While she’d prefer to just ignore him, her heart beats a little faster every time he’s nearby.

Luke Turner doesn’t believe in spirits. He’s moved back to restore the family farm, but living on the property serves a dual purpose—he can watch out for his grandmother. He’s not happy about the sudden appearance of a self-described psychic, or his inexplicable attraction to her. His initial suspicions crumble as evidence points to an actual haunting, but he’s still determined not to fall for Callie—the past has taught him it’s best to avoid relationships.

As Callie is drawn deeper into the mystery, she becomes the target of a vengeful spirit, and Luke can no longer fight his feelings for her. Unable to resist their desire, passion ignites…even as the paranormal activity escalates to a final deadly confrontation.

BEST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE OF 2018 at N.N. Light’s Book Heaven Reviews

This title previously published in the USA TODAY Bestselling Love Under Fire Romantic Suspense Thrillers Box Set

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I was in the mood for a good old-fashioned ghost story. Well I sorta got it.

The ghost part was pretty obvious but kept me interesting. The romance was good and the suspense was fine too.

Problem was no part of it was great in my opinion. The writing was fine and it was a short read. A good read between more intense stories.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3hearts-68-77

Kelly reviews Witch Way Did He Go? by Dakota Cassidy

witch wayTITLE: Witch Way Did He Go?
SERIES #: Witchless in Seattle #8
CHARACTERS: Stevie Cartwright
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
PUBLICATION DATE: November 27, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s me again, Stevie Cartwright. Powerless ex-witch, pseudo medium, and amateur sleuth, reporting to you live from the case of the missing ex-British spy turned ghost/quite possibly one of the most important people to ever become a part of my life.
You read that right. As Win and I and all the gang were busy planning our big Thanksgiving bash, he suddenly disappeared (right in the middle of telling me what a Philistine I am for even suggesting Cheez Whiz and crackers), and it’s as if he never existed.
Poof—he’s just gone! No one can find him, not even Arkady, our ghostly pal and confidant on Plane Limbo.
If I ever needed to make good use of everything my British spy ever taught me about sleuthing, it’s right now. But I run into roadblock after roadblock until I’m almost sure all hope is lost, and I’ll never hear his voice again.
Worse, how will I ever live with myself if I never get the chance to tell him how I feel?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts When Stevie’s British Spy guy just up and disappears the search is on to find him. But will Stevie and crew be able to figure out the random clues and find Win before it is too late?

Holy cheese balls!!! I loved this book. I missed having Hollie Jackson read this to me, because the sound of Win in my head is not nearly as good as Hollie’s Win!! But I just couldn’t wait to see what happens in Witch Way Did He Go. I am very happy that I didn’t!!

This story made me tear up, laugh out loud and cheer out loud!! I can’t wait to see what Ms. Cassidy has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews The Little Shop Of Found Things by Paula Brackston

little shop of found thingsTITLE: The Little Shop Of Found Things
SERIES #: The Little Shop Of Found Things #1
CHARACTERS: Xanthe & Samuel
AUTHOR: Paula Brackston
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A new series about a young woman whose connection to antiques takes her on a magical adventure, reminiscent of Outlander

New York Times bestselling author of The Witch’s Daughter Paula Brackston returns to her trademark blend of magic and romance to launch a new series guaranteed to enchant her audience even more.

Xanthe and her mother Flora leave London behind for a fresh start, taking over an antique shop in the historic town of Marlborough. Xanthe has always had an affinity with some of the antiques she finds. When she touches them, she can sense something of the past they come from and the stories they hold. So when she has an intense connection to a beautiful silver chatelaine she has to know more.

It’s while she’s examining the chatelaine that she’s transported back to the seventeenth century. And shortly after, she’s confronted by a ghost who reveals that this is where the antique has its origins. The ghost tasks Xanthe with putting right the injustice in its story to save an innocent girl’s life, or else it’ll cost her Flora’s.

While Xanthe fights to save her amid the turbulent days of 1605, she meets architect Samuel Appleby. He may be the person who can help her succeed. He may also be the reason she can’t bring herself to leave.

With its rich historical detail, strong mother-daughter relationship, and picturesque English village, The Little Shop of Found Things is poised to be a strong start to this new series.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This cover is breathtaking isn’t it? I just love it. So how could I not request this book and I am glad I did. I love magic and wish so much that I could have some but when asked that question “if you had a super power what would it be?” I always say I do not know. But after reading this I wonder if I wouldn’t want the ability to know the history of anything I touched. This may be my answer from now on.

Back to the book…. I found the story as mesmerizing as the cover. This story has a bit of history thrown into the magical world. I loved the relationship between mother and daughter.

I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Witch Of The Hills by JM Fraser

witch of the hillsTITLE: The Witch Of The Hills
CHARACTERS: Rebecca & Brian
AUTHOR: JM Fraser
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/18/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ancient prophecy compels a young Salem witch to travel through the time-bending dimension we all visit when we sleep. Rebecca Church must recruit a modern-day boy to save this interactive fantasy world from imminent disaster, but her task won’t be easy. She may use no more than poetry, illusions, and dreams to convince the chosen one of his destiny, and she can visit him only nine brief times.

When Brian Danahey meets Rebecca at the side of a desolate road, he recognizes her from a recurring nightmare about a girl in great danger. Brian falls in love with her, she disappears, and he comes to believe she’s the legendary Witch of the Hills, a colonial maiden exiled to haunt the western prairies for centuries. The quest to free Rebecca takes him through mirrors and time from the sand hills of contemporary Nebraska to the seventeenth-century witch haven she once called home.

But Rebecca doesn’t need saving and certainly not three-hundred-plus years ago. The magical dimension that nourishes our souls is on the brink of apocalypse. Today.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had to request this book when I read the synopsis and saw the cover. It really called to me and i have always thought the Salem Witch era was so interesting. But this is a bit different. Rebecca travels through time and so much more. There is a catch to how she can communicate to the modern day.

This story is different than any others I have read in this genre but it seemed like there was a lot thrown into it. It was a witches brew of ideas. Let’s add a bit of time travel, plus a dash of dreamscape, a handful of magic and pinches of other stuff and brew up a story.

It was really interesting but nothing like what I expected.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3hearts-68-77

Kelly reviews Changeling by Molly Harper

changelingTITLE: Changeling
SERIES #: Sorcery and Society #1
CHARACTERS: Cassandra Reed
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: August 22, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Magic and Manners Book 1
If 14-year-old Cassandra Reed makes it through her first day at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies without anyone discovering her secret, maybe, just maybe, she’ll let herself believe that she really does belong at Miss Castwell’s.
Except Cassandra Reed’s real name is Sarah Smith and up until now, she lived her whole life in the Warren, serving a magical family, the Winters, as all non-magical “Snipes” are bound by magical Guardian law to do. That is, until one day, Sarah accidentally levitates Mrs. Winter’s favorite vase in the parlor…
But Snipes aren’t supposed to have magical powers…and the existence of a magical Snipe threatens the world order dictated during the Guardians’ Restoration years ago. If she wants to keep her family safe and protect her own skin, Sarah must figure out how to fit into posh Guardian society, master her newfound magical powers and discover the truth about how an ordinary girl can become magical.

REVIEW:
FYI: This is a Young Adult book and therefore doesn’t have as much snark and sassiness as all of Molly’s past books. But this is a great book for your kids to read to introduce them to the amazing talents that are Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi.

Changeling was a great start to Molly Harper’s newest series. I don’t normally ready YA books anymore but I wanted to read this because I love Molly and Amanda! Changeling follows young Sarah Smith as she tries to comes to grips with her new found magic!
I had the joy of listening to Changeling narrated by the amazing Amanda Ronconi. I will tell you that I had to look at my audible a couple times as the story started. I was expecting the the soothing southern voice of books of past. The “English” version of Amanda was a bit of a shock! But I still loved it! I loved to hear something different from Amanda!!!

This book is perfect for your youngsters that are looking for a new series to start!!

Can’t wait to see what is next in this series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audiobook and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review. I also received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & INscribe Digital in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kelly reviews Besieged by Kevin Hearne

besiegedTITLE: Besieged
SERIES #: The Iron Druid Chronicles #4.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 8.1, 8.6
CHARACTERS: Atticus, Oberon, Granule, Owen, Puren
AUTHOR: Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 11, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Harry Dresden meets American Gods in this collection of all-new stories set in the bestselling world of The Iron Druid Chronicles, starring 2,000-year-old Irishman/Druid, Atticus O’Sullivan.
The Iron Druid Chronicles is a hilarious and action-packed urban fantasy set in a modern world in which all the gods of every pantheon are alive and well, as in American Gods; its hero is a smart-mouthed, buttkicking magician, like Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden. But it’s told in a smart, witty, unforgettable voice that’s all Kevin Hearne—a star in the fantasy world. This addictive and wildly imaginative series stars hero Atticus O’Sullivan: a handsome, tattooed Irishman who looks like a young rock star, but is in actuality a 2,000-year-old Druid with extraordinary magical powers. In Besieged, Atticus’ adventures throughout history are told in a collection of nine new and original short stories.

REVIEW:
It was so wonderful to be back in the world of the Iron Druid!! I simply love this series.
Besieged is a book of short stories that are in the IDC world. They are stories that help fill in some of the gaps between stories and answer a few questions. The last three shorts are leading up to Scourged (which Kevin has said will be the last book *tears*).
As always I let the amazingly talented Luke Daniels read this story to me. Luke is one of my favorite narrators. His ability to bring Kevin’s characters to life is simply amazing.
I honestly don’t know what I am going to do if the IDC is really coming to an end. Guess it is time for a re-listen.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin & Random House Audio in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

Kelly reviews Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs

blood boundTITLE: Blood Bound
SERIES #: Mercy Thompson #2
CHARACTERS: Mercy Thompson, Adam Hauptman, Samuel Cornick, Zee, Stefan and many more
AUTHOR: Patricia Briggs
NARRATOR: Lorelei King
RUN TIME: 10 Hours & 2 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: January 30, 2007
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Under the rule of science, there are no witch burnings allowed, no water trials or public lynchings. In return, the average law-abiding, solid citizen has little to worry about from the things that go bump in the night. Sometimes I wish I was an average citizen…

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places-and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampire is hardly ordinary-and neither is the demon inside of him.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another wonderful adventure with Mercy Thompson and the supernatural creatures of the Tri-Cities. I just love Mercy. She is smart, tough and wily just like the coyote that she is. Mercy had to use all of her skills in Blood Bound! There is a lot of things that happen that will make future stories very interesting.
The love triangle between Adam-Mercy-Samuel is driving me a bit nuts!! Make a choice girl!!! I love both of these wolfs and am going to be be heartbroken for one of them.
I can’t wait to see what is next for Mercy!!!
And of course the amazingly talented Ms. King lends her voice to bring Mercy, Adam, Samuel, Stefan and the rest of wolfs, vamps, shifters, fae and others. I always love having Ms. King read to me a story. Because she doesn’t’ just read it she lives the story. There is a huge difference between reading and telling a story and Ms. King does this job wonderfully!!!
On to the next story!!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts