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The Witches of Santa Anna #1-7
The Witches of Santa Anna
Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep, and all she wants to do is fly under the radar -- get to her classes, meet a few friends, and try not to make a total fool of herself in the meantime. But when handsome and popular Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl, Natalia's plan to go unnoticed flies out the window.
Cam's hot, but he's completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn't like competition.
When Cam goes as far as inviting Natalia to the exclusive weekend party at Raine's house, Raine sets her sights on a new victim. But what Natalia doesn't know is that Raine and her friends are no ordinary mean girls. They have powers most people can only dream of, and nobody will stand in the way of what they want. And what Raine wants is Campbell.
The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas, proves just how far true love will go and that nothing--not even pure evil--can change your destiny.
NOTE: This compilation contains the complete set of novellas for season one, including CLAIMED, TRICKED, RUMORED, HUSHED, ENTICED, PURSUED, and RUINED....
Cam's hot, but he's completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn't like competition.
When Cam goes as far as inviting Natalia to the exclusive weekend party at Raine's house, Raine sets her sights on a new victim. But what Natalia doesn't know is that Raine and her friends are no ordinary mean girls. They have powers most people can only dream of, and nobody will stand in the way of what they want. And what Raine wants is Campbell.
The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas, proves just how far true love will go and that nothing--not even pure evil--can change your destiny.
NOTE: This compilation contains the complete set of novellas for season one, including CLAIMED, TRICKED, RUMORED, HUSHED, ENTICED, PURSUED, and RUINED....
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2011
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December 31, 2012
In this thrilling and romantic story, The Witches of Santa Anna, by Lauren Barnholdt, it proves just how far true love will go and that nothing, not even pure evil, can change your destiny. That is the theme that kept proving itself throughout the story between Natalia Moore and Campbell Elliot. Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep. with the only intention of not drawing attention to herself after transferring from her previous school. Campbell Elliot, the hottest guy in Santa Anna, has every girl head over heels for him, but none of them have a chance against Raine Marsden, the most popular and gorgeous junior in the entire school. Seems like "Cam" and Raine are a perfect match, but it seems destiny had another suitor in mind for him and that's "Nat". From the first day Cam and Nat met, Raine knows she's a threat and must eliminate her. Raine sounds like the typical preppy rich mean girl chasing after the hottest guy, but her reasons for wanting Cam is a lot deeper than just becoming an "item". Cam and Nat have know idea the danger that comes ahead if they decide to be together.
Since the beginning, Cam always treated Nat nicely. All he ever wanted was to make her feel welcome by inviting her to Raine's weekend party and also offered to give her a ride there. Since Raine is trying to make Cam her boyfriend, she wasn't so thrilled to hear about this. Brody, Cam's best friend, and Raine start to wonder if he's trying to hook up with Nat. Brody immediately starts to sweet talk Nat out of going to the party with Cam and succeeds. "Whatever, I tell myself, she's not worth it. You don't even really know her", Cam said when he found out Nat ditched him for Brody. His feelings for Nat don't even exist, well, not yet. As the story goes on, Cam starts to become jealous of how Brody is trying to keep Natalia away from him while pretending to be nice her. Seeing how Nat is actually falling for it, he decides to confront her about it when the opportunity came. "I've been really nice to you. I cam over to check on you, didn't I? I don't see Brody anywhere around." Before you know it, he's actually leaning in kissing Nat. "Okay. I have to face the facts. Kissing Natalia is way more fun than kissing Raine." Cam went from "I don't need to stress about her", to "I wake up everyday wanting to kiss her again." "When Raine kisses me, I feel like I can't breath wanting to scream. I feel so weak after, I stay sick for days." Sounds like Raine is losing Cam to Nat and that is definitely not acceptable.
Aiden, Cam's best friend from childhood, over heard Raine telling her friends how much energy she gets from Cam, it's incredible. Hearing this made chills run up Cam's spine and make him suspicious enough to spy on them during the night at Raine's house. "I cannot believe what I just saw. It's not humanely possible?" said Cam when he saw Raine make her back yard lights explode with her eyes. "Soon enough I'll have enough power to squash Natalia like a gnat and after take care of Cam",said Raine with a devilish grin. Now Cam has realized Nat and himself are in danger. Cam will not allow Raine or her evil powers to get between him and Nat, but it's too late. He fell right into Raine's trap during Homecoming. Wanting desperately to warn and save Nat, but who's going to save him? Raine weakened him to the point where she has total control over him. All the secrets are revealed that night. Raine is planning on putting a spell on Cam to make him love her forever, but with the little strength he has left, he manages to tell her "no matter what you do to me tonight, I will never forget Natalia is the one I love." Not even the strongest power will ever be able to break the love Cam has for Nat. Once you realize how much Cam loves her, the theme automatically proves itself. No matter what happens he believes him and Natalia will be together. It proves how far true love will go that he willingly gave himself up to Raine so she wouldn't hurt Nat.
Now, completely opposite from how Cam felt at first, Nat wanted to get to know all about him, but since the first time she met him, Raine tried to scare her off by putting a paper in her locker saying STAY AWAY. "Great, already have enemies," she's sad to say. Natalia only wanted to fly under the radar and not draw any attention to herself. That hope is gone when she became friends with Cam. Brody tries to convince her to stay away from him because he's not a trustworthy person and is off limits. Even Adrianne, her new best friend, said to stay away from Cam. "Raine Marsden likes him, and if Raine wants him she'll get him. You don't want to start problems with her," Adrianne warns Nat. None of this matters to her. "Since the first moment I shook his hand introducing myself, a shot of electricity flew up my arm. Every time some one brought him up, I blushed. Even saying his name gives me butterflies." Even though she just met him, Nat obviously has a major crush on him. After hearing so many times from her new friends she should forget Cam, she starts telling herself "I guess it's no big deal, he's just a guy," but after kissing him that "no big deal" turns into "I'm dying to be together." When Cam kisses her for the first time, she says " I just think about how it feels. and how it feels is perfect." Perfect moment in the story, but Raine will not allow a relationship between them to come from this. The Triad, Raine, Becca and Terri, decided to invite her with them to a spa claiming they just want to get to know her, but it's only to interrogate her about how she feels about Cam. Nat finally starts to think maybe everything will work out fine, when Raine starts saying to tell her the truth. "I don't like Cam!" Nat is blurting it out as Raine keeps yelling at her to stay away. Then all of a sudden, the lights explode when Raine looks at them. "I don't believe what just happened," Nat tells herself. Now she wonders maybe what Cam told her about seeing and hearing that night he spied on them is true. "Is she really a witch?" While she nervously wonders if it might be true, Cam tells her, "Don't worry. No matter what happens, I'll protect you. Promise. We'll soon be able to be together." Nat's worries go away from hearing this, but all goes wrong at Homecoming. Feeling betrayed that Brody lied to her about being able to trust him, is now looking for Cam since he disappeared with Raine. When she finally found them, he was almost dead on the ground while Raine approached him. " I know me and Cam...we have a connection. I have to save him." With courage, she charges at Raine to save the one she loves. That's when she realizes she can over power Raine. Her love for Cam is what saved him from Raine's evilness that night. There isn't any evil that can destroy true love once it's been destined. Putting her own life at risk just to make sure Cam lives proves how far true love will go as I state in the theme.
Natalia and Campbell's love for one another grew stronger when their trust and faith in each other was tested. There were many obstacles throughout the story that tried to interfere with Cam and Nat's relationship, but their bond was to strong to break. I felt connected to Cam just like Nat did while I read how much he loved her. Cam's character was very jealous and confused because at first he had no idea who he really loved or trusted. At the end, he realizes it had been Nat all along. He grew to be loving and caring, but after everything they went through, he became very over protective because he never wanted to lose her. Nat since the beginning just wanted to be an average girl with new friends and not have one care in the world. She was very insecure about how she felt, but by the end of the story, she became a very bold and known character. Anyone that reads this story will agree with me when I say how aggravating it is to not know what was going to happen next. You start to predict, and then your left speechless because you were on the wrong track the entire time. Even though the suspense was killing me, I enjoyed reading this romantic story. I recommend this book to all teens who love a good romance and thrilling story. Lauren Barnholdt simply proves in her story just how far true love will go and that nothing, not even pure evil, can change your destiny.
Since the beginning, Cam always treated Nat nicely. All he ever wanted was to make her feel welcome by inviting her to Raine's weekend party and also offered to give her a ride there. Since Raine is trying to make Cam her boyfriend, she wasn't so thrilled to hear about this. Brody, Cam's best friend, and Raine start to wonder if he's trying to hook up with Nat. Brody immediately starts to sweet talk Nat out of going to the party with Cam and succeeds. "Whatever, I tell myself, she's not worth it. You don't even really know her", Cam said when he found out Nat ditched him for Brody. His feelings for Nat don't even exist, well, not yet. As the story goes on, Cam starts to become jealous of how Brody is trying to keep Natalia away from him while pretending to be nice her. Seeing how Nat is actually falling for it, he decides to confront her about it when the opportunity came. "I've been really nice to you. I cam over to check on you, didn't I? I don't see Brody anywhere around." Before you know it, he's actually leaning in kissing Nat. "Okay. I have to face the facts. Kissing Natalia is way more fun than kissing Raine." Cam went from "I don't need to stress about her", to "I wake up everyday wanting to kiss her again." "When Raine kisses me, I feel like I can't breath wanting to scream. I feel so weak after, I stay sick for days." Sounds like Raine is losing Cam to Nat and that is definitely not acceptable.
Aiden, Cam's best friend from childhood, over heard Raine telling her friends how much energy she gets from Cam, it's incredible. Hearing this made chills run up Cam's spine and make him suspicious enough to spy on them during the night at Raine's house. "I cannot believe what I just saw. It's not humanely possible?" said Cam when he saw Raine make her back yard lights explode with her eyes. "Soon enough I'll have enough power to squash Natalia like a gnat and after take care of Cam",said Raine with a devilish grin. Now Cam has realized Nat and himself are in danger. Cam will not allow Raine or her evil powers to get between him and Nat, but it's too late. He fell right into Raine's trap during Homecoming. Wanting desperately to warn and save Nat, but who's going to save him? Raine weakened him to the point where she has total control over him. All the secrets are revealed that night. Raine is planning on putting a spell on Cam to make him love her forever, but with the little strength he has left, he manages to tell her "no matter what you do to me tonight, I will never forget Natalia is the one I love." Not even the strongest power will ever be able to break the love Cam has for Nat. Once you realize how much Cam loves her, the theme automatically proves itself. No matter what happens he believes him and Natalia will be together. It proves how far true love will go that he willingly gave himself up to Raine so she wouldn't hurt Nat.
Now, completely opposite from how Cam felt at first, Nat wanted to get to know all about him, but since the first time she met him, Raine tried to scare her off by putting a paper in her locker saying STAY AWAY. "Great, already have enemies," she's sad to say. Natalia only wanted to fly under the radar and not draw any attention to herself. That hope is gone when she became friends with Cam. Brody tries to convince her to stay away from him because he's not a trustworthy person and is off limits. Even Adrianne, her new best friend, said to stay away from Cam. "Raine Marsden likes him, and if Raine wants him she'll get him. You don't want to start problems with her," Adrianne warns Nat. None of this matters to her. "Since the first moment I shook his hand introducing myself, a shot of electricity flew up my arm. Every time some one brought him up, I blushed. Even saying his name gives me butterflies." Even though she just met him, Nat obviously has a major crush on him. After hearing so many times from her new friends she should forget Cam, she starts telling herself "I guess it's no big deal, he's just a guy," but after kissing him that "no big deal" turns into "I'm dying to be together." When Cam kisses her for the first time, she says " I just think about how it feels. and how it feels is perfect." Perfect moment in the story, but Raine will not allow a relationship between them to come from this. The Triad, Raine, Becca and Terri, decided to invite her with them to a spa claiming they just want to get to know her, but it's only to interrogate her about how she feels about Cam. Nat finally starts to think maybe everything will work out fine, when Raine starts saying to tell her the truth. "I don't like Cam!" Nat is blurting it out as Raine keeps yelling at her to stay away. Then all of a sudden, the lights explode when Raine looks at them. "I don't believe what just happened," Nat tells herself. Now she wonders maybe what Cam told her about seeing and hearing that night he spied on them is true. "Is she really a witch?" While she nervously wonders if it might be true, Cam tells her, "Don't worry. No matter what happens, I'll protect you. Promise. We'll soon be able to be together." Nat's worries go away from hearing this, but all goes wrong at Homecoming. Feeling betrayed that Brody lied to her about being able to trust him, is now looking for Cam since he disappeared with Raine. When she finally found them, he was almost dead on the ground while Raine approached him. " I know me and Cam...we have a connection. I have to save him." With courage, she charges at Raine to save the one she loves. That's when she realizes she can over power Raine. Her love for Cam is what saved him from Raine's evilness that night. There isn't any evil that can destroy true love once it's been destined. Putting her own life at risk just to make sure Cam lives proves how far true love will go as I state in the theme.
Natalia and Campbell's love for one another grew stronger when their trust and faith in each other was tested. There were many obstacles throughout the story that tried to interfere with Cam and Nat's relationship, but their bond was to strong to break. I felt connected to Cam just like Nat did while I read how much he loved her. Cam's character was very jealous and confused because at first he had no idea who he really loved or trusted. At the end, he realizes it had been Nat all along. He grew to be loving and caring, but after everything they went through, he became very over protective because he never wanted to lose her. Nat since the beginning just wanted to be an average girl with new friends and not have one care in the world. She was very insecure about how she felt, but by the end of the story, she became a very bold and known character. Anyone that reads this story will agree with me when I say how aggravating it is to not know what was going to happen next. You start to predict, and then your left speechless because you were on the wrong track the entire time. Even though the suspense was killing me, I enjoyed reading this romantic story. I recommend this book to all teens who love a good romance and thrilling story. Lauren Barnholdt simply proves in her story just how far true love will go and that nothing, not even pure evil, can change your destiny.
March 15, 2013
#1: This tiny novella was interesting and enticing, and definitely hooked me in, but I would have been frustrated if it had been released and I had to wait a while for the next instalment. As it is I bought books #1-7 for $0.99 so that's a reasonable deal.
I guess I don't have much to say for now because I've read hardly any of this series, but I'll review each story as I get through them. I will say that this beginning definitely makes me want to read on to find out Natalia's secrets and more about the Triad, and what will happen with Natalia's love life...and what Brody's deal is.
#2: It is kind of hard to review these when they're so short. Let me just say that this one continued the intrigue and has me curious by the end, so I guess it's intriguing enough. It does seem kind of convoluted though, with a fair bit going on, and I find myself curious how it's going to all turn out by the end of book #7.
So, with that tiny review done, I'll post this & move onto #3. And I think they're probably novelettes rather than novellas 'cause they're so tiny. Then again maybe they can simply be called a series of interlocking short stories?
#3: Again, so tiny! But I'm glad that somebody has caught onto what the evil girls are up to, at least a little. We're still not sure what they are but at least somebody has witnessed their creepiness. I'm definitely curious to read on & find out what happens next.
#4: This one leaves off with Cam having opened his locker to all the black paper butterflies, and a definite sense of encroaching doom. Aiden is getting in too deep with one of the "Triad", and I still wanna know what Brody's involvement is. This was another instalment that had me reading on fast, and eager to get more info.
#5: At the end of this one, we finally get confirmation that Brody knows what's going on with the witches and we're left on a cliffhanger, not yet being told what exactly he does know or what the story is. These books sure do end on notes that make you want to read on really fast. Also by the end of this one, Aiden knows that he's being played by the chick (Becca? I'm bad with names...) and we know that Natalia has witchy powers too. Which I sort of got a hint of when she got given the white butterfly necklace. I'm curious about how her ex-bf is involved, though, as well as Brody's sister.
#6: It's definitely a gripping story and I've just finished #6...so now I must move onto #7! This one sees Cam and Aiden having been left alone with Becca and Raine, while Brody tries to keep Natalia away from them to keep her from the truth (that those two boys are basically sacrifices to keep everyone else safe, i.e. keep Raine in line). By the end of it Natalia forces the truth (or a hint of it) out of Brody with her powers, and her white butterfly turns black and comes to rest on her shoulder. Ooh, eerie. Now I must read on to find out how it all ends!
#7: Well, I'd say it was a relief how it ended, but ummmm, this is just the beginning apparently. So I guess I'll have to read on for "series 2". The story ends with Natalia & Cam together, but with a final warning from Brody that things are going to get REALLY bad if they stay together. I can totally imagine this being a TV series, by the way. :)
There's still a lot we don't know by the end of this "season", and it's definitely designed to hook us in and go on to read more because we still need and want answers.
I guess I don't have much to say for now because I've read hardly any of this series, but I'll review each story as I get through them. I will say that this beginning definitely makes me want to read on to find out Natalia's secrets and more about the Triad, and what will happen with Natalia's love life...and what Brody's deal is.
#2: It is kind of hard to review these when they're so short. Let me just say that this one continued the intrigue and has me curious by the end, so I guess it's intriguing enough. It does seem kind of convoluted though, with a fair bit going on, and I find myself curious how it's going to all turn out by the end of book #7.
So, with that tiny review done, I'll post this & move onto #3. And I think they're probably novelettes rather than novellas 'cause they're so tiny. Then again maybe they can simply be called a series of interlocking short stories?
#3: Again, so tiny! But I'm glad that somebody has caught onto what the evil girls are up to, at least a little. We're still not sure what they are but at least somebody has witnessed their creepiness. I'm definitely curious to read on & find out what happens next.
#4: This one leaves off with Cam having opened his locker to all the black paper butterflies, and a definite sense of encroaching doom. Aiden is getting in too deep with one of the "Triad", and I still wanna know what Brody's involvement is. This was another instalment that had me reading on fast, and eager to get more info.
#5: At the end of this one, we finally get confirmation that Brody knows what's going on with the witches and we're left on a cliffhanger, not yet being told what exactly he does know or what the story is. These books sure do end on notes that make you want to read on really fast. Also by the end of this one, Aiden knows that he's being played by the chick (Becca? I'm bad with names...) and we know that Natalia has witchy powers too. Which I sort of got a hint of when she got given the white butterfly necklace. I'm curious about how her ex-bf is involved, though, as well as Brody's sister.
#6: It's definitely a gripping story and I've just finished #6...so now I must move onto #7! This one sees Cam and Aiden having been left alone with Becca and Raine, while Brody tries to keep Natalia away from them to keep her from the truth (that those two boys are basically sacrifices to keep everyone else safe, i.e. keep Raine in line). By the end of it Natalia forces the truth (or a hint of it) out of Brody with her powers, and her white butterfly turns black and comes to rest on her shoulder. Ooh, eerie. Now I must read on to find out how it all ends!
#7: Well, I'd say it was a relief how it ended, but ummmm, this is just the beginning apparently. So I guess I'll have to read on for "series 2". The story ends with Natalia & Cam together, but with a final warning from Brody that things are going to get REALLY bad if they stay together. I can totally imagine this being a TV series, by the way. :)
There's still a lot we don't know by the end of this "season", and it's definitely designed to hook us in and go on to read more because we still need and want answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2011
This was a pretty good series of books I read these on my friends kindle in 2 separate sittings. They are EXTREMELY short stories. So there is really now no way I could review each one separately as they all kind of blend together.
I was pretty intrigued to figure out how these stories were going to turn out. (Unfortunately I do not think I will since they are discontinued on kindle on now only on Nook (why? Please tell me if you know) Anyways they were quick simple reads. There were a few characters I needed to know the mysteries too because I just could not totally place them. Where they good, were they evil, what was their plan in all this?? Then the witches themselves, I wanted to know how they worked, what all could they do, how did these powers come to be? There was just a lot of mystery to the books and I really wanted my answers.. ( I am kinda upset I can't get them)
So if you have a NOOK then go ahead and read them. They are really quick reads and they honestly do get you really intrigued into the story. Make sure you buy them in bundle though because they aren't worth to pay too much since they are so so short. And if you do buy them please tell me whats going on!! (hmmm I don't think I have reviewed this that well... I will try and get on track here)
TO SUM IT UP
Nook users this is a fun YA (but with an Adult edge) and fun quick reads. It will leave you wanting to see how everything will turn out. If you like forbidden relationships, bad soul sucking witches, and some characters who you can't seem to get to know then this is a series for you.
If you like more depth to your books and witches that seem to actually cast spells, then maybe this is not your thing. It was more of a simple read that made you want to finish the story so you could know how it ended.
THE BEST PART
It totally distracted one terrified girl when flying in an airplane!!lol Really I am a HORRIBLE flyer I usually grab my seat and jump at any kind of movements. It was enough to get my into the world of Santa Anna and out of the scary sky.
I was pretty intrigued to figure out how these stories were going to turn out. (Unfortunately I do not think I will since they are discontinued on kindle on now only on Nook (why? Please tell me if you know) Anyways they were quick simple reads. There were a few characters I needed to know the mysteries too because I just could not totally place them. Where they good, were they evil, what was their plan in all this?? Then the witches themselves, I wanted to know how they worked, what all could they do, how did these powers come to be? There was just a lot of mystery to the books and I really wanted my answers.. ( I am kinda upset I can't get them)
So if you have a NOOK then go ahead and read them. They are really quick reads and they honestly do get you really intrigued into the story. Make sure you buy them in bundle though because they aren't worth to pay too much since they are so so short. And if you do buy them please tell me whats going on!! (hmmm I don't think I have reviewed this that well... I will try and get on track here)
TO SUM IT UP
Nook users this is a fun YA (but with an Adult edge) and fun quick reads. It will leave you wanting to see how everything will turn out. If you like forbidden relationships, bad soul sucking witches, and some characters who you can't seem to get to know then this is a series for you.
If you like more depth to your books and witches that seem to actually cast spells, then maybe this is not your thing. It was more of a simple read that made you want to finish the story so you could know how it ended.
THE BEST PART
It totally distracted one terrified girl when flying in an airplane!!lol Really I am a HORRIBLE flyer I usually grab my seat and jump at any kind of movements. It was enough to get my into the world of Santa Anna and out of the scary sky.
June 15, 2013
I started off reading books 1-7. I thought that they would be separate books but it was more like a bunch of chapters thrown together and sold like a full book. I didn't realize that additional "books" would be coming out with such limited page numbers that I had to stop reading after this "book".
Though it had many spelling errors and unbelievable plots, I found some of it to be interesting. I tried really hard to get into the series but several things stopped me:
1. The authors consider a "book" to be on an average of 50 pages (some are less than 40 pages).
2. The authors are charging an average indie book price for 50 or less pages.
3. The authors have written about 15 books and don't seem to be stopping anytime soon. This series of books will end up being way too expensive to continue reading if each 50 page "book" is 2.99
I would think about getting back into the series again if the authors decided to publish a full length novel instead of just publishing what seems like chapters.
I can see the potential in this series if the authors took the time to clean up obvious mistakes, put a little more effort into the story and not rip the reader off by charging such high prices for such poor quality and low quantity.
Though it had many spelling errors and unbelievable plots, I found some of it to be interesting. I tried really hard to get into the series but several things stopped me:
1. The authors consider a "book" to be on an average of 50 pages (some are less than 40 pages).
2. The authors are charging an average indie book price for 50 or less pages.
3. The authors have written about 15 books and don't seem to be stopping anytime soon. This series of books will end up being way too expensive to continue reading if each 50 page "book" is 2.99
I would think about getting back into the series again if the authors decided to publish a full length novel instead of just publishing what seems like chapters.
I can see the potential in this series if the authors took the time to clean up obvious mistakes, put a little more effort into the story and not rip the reader off by charging such high prices for such poor quality and low quantity.
December 22, 2012
Calling this a compilation of seven books is just a lie. This is one book, it's not really even broken into seven parts, tbh. If anyone bought them separately and paid 99 cents for each one then I feel really bad for them. I liked it for what it was but I'm fairly sure I'm not going to spend $10 or whatever it is to find out what happens next. I might come back to this at another time because it's really not resolved, I mean there's no real explanation in this book as to what the hell is happening. But at the moment I'm just going to ... accept that and move on, because I'm afraid there probably isn't a good explanation anyway. And it seems the whole premise of the book is that Cam and Natalia can't be together. Which is just laugh out loud cliche. Because ... who cares what two teenagers do? I'm betting the author doesn't have a legit reason anyone should care, either. So, it is what it is. I did like Natalia better than the average YA lead, though. Not by a large margin, but enough. She did have morals that she stuck to and a backbone. However, I hated her love interest more than I usually hate the male leads, so. Give and take.
August 20, 2012
Awesome! This was my first books to read about Witches and I loved it! I couldn't wait for more so I'm now reading book #8 in the series! As a "young" 54 yr. old 'Mema', I just love reading YA, more than regular Adult Paranormal. My youngest grandgirl, 11 yrs. old, is also an avid reader with a Kindle of her own! This makes it nice for me when I come across good YA material that she can also read, then we discuss the books together! Who says todays technology doesn't bring families together?! Hmmm...My daughter is the one who got me hooked on reading YA, and now with our youngest reading, it keeps us very close! This series, The Witches Of Santa Anna, was interesting enough to keep my "easily-distracted-multi-tasking-OCD" self reading and wanting more! I would highly recommend this series to anyone in love with the paranorm, witches, vampires etc....! Very nice writing, made you fall in love with some of the characters and can't wait to see what they do next!
October 29, 2012
While I loved the books and am dying to read more, I didn't like how short the chapters/books are. The books are like the size of samples.
I am so waiting till the complete of season 2 to come out where I can buy them all at once.
Also, I really don't think that Raine being gone is a good thing. Having her out of sight is a bit disturbing from this readers eyes.
I just really hope that Nat and Cam can be together. They really are good together and would totally bum if they could not be together.
Can't wait for all the questions to be answered. So many questions and not enough answers.
I am so waiting till the complete of season 2 to come out where I can buy them all at once.
Also, I really don't think that Raine being gone is a good thing. Having her out of sight is a bit disturbing from this readers eyes.
I just really hope that Nat and Cam can be together. They really are good together and would totally bum if they could not be together.
Can't wait for all the questions to be answered. So many questions and not enough answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2017
Horrible. Lazy writing. repetitive.
April 26, 2018
This book is pretty confusing and not much gets answered.
August 10, 2018
Would love to read number 8. Loved it nice and quick read
February 7, 2019
Don’t bother
This is a fantastic series is you don’t mind being left to wonder how it all ends. After 7 years, I realize there will be no conclusion. BOO!
This is a fantastic series is you don’t mind being left to wonder how it all ends. After 7 years, I realize there will be no conclusion. BOO!
July 23, 2020
Great book
I loved the way that it keeps you into wanting to read more. Can’t wait to get the next books.
I loved the way that it keeps you into wanting to read more. Can’t wait to get the next books.
July 9, 2013
Click here to read the full review!
At first, I was going to review these books separately, but since I was given books one through seven in this set, and I was so hooked, I'm just going to review all of these books. Each book is actually really short, and it was a very quick read.
I'm surprised. Normally, I'm not someone who tends to pick up many books about witches. Now, don't misunderstand; I have nothing against witches. I guess I just tend to lean more towards vampires and other paranormal creatures. Anyways, my last witch book, Earth, had elemental witches. These are totally different, for the most part. Now we have mind-controlling witches, and I just happen to love it!
Raine is one bitch you do not want to mess with...unless you're Natalia. In fact, according to one of the characters, Raine is the most beautiful girl...in the world. But not even this girl's looks make up for her personality. Raine is controlling, cruel, and practically everything you can imagine in a villain. Add to that, she wants Cam to be her property.
Of course, in comes our heroine, Natalia (who just so happens to have a slight, yet awesome, British accent!). And guess who Cam starts to fall for? Bingo! Well, add in another hot (did I mention they're both football players?) guy, and we have our love triangle! Brody x Natalia x Cam In the end, I could not really decide who I like more. Brody's a douche at the beginning, but goes through a complete metamorphsis. Cam's just...Cam. They're both the American boys. Not really my type of guys (I tend to stick towards dark and mysterious). But, the love interests were definitely cute, and the love games between the three were hilarious.
Like I wrote above, the witch's most useful power as far as I can tell is mind control....that and flinging people against trees. I did have a lot of questions running through my head by the end of the book. A few included: What is the big deal with Cam and Natalia dating? What war? There were so many more, and that did leave me frustrated.
I guess I'll just have to go buy the next set of books! That is about it. My only regret is that I did not read these books before. The Witches of Santa Anna is definitely an entertaining read. I loved every minute of it! If you are short on time, it's also a quick read.
At first, I was going to review these books separately, but since I was given books one through seven in this set, and I was so hooked, I'm just going to review all of these books. Each book is actually really short, and it was a very quick read.
I'm surprised. Normally, I'm not someone who tends to pick up many books about witches. Now, don't misunderstand; I have nothing against witches. I guess I just tend to lean more towards vampires and other paranormal creatures. Anyways, my last witch book, Earth, had elemental witches. These are totally different, for the most part. Now we have mind-controlling witches, and I just happen to love it!
Raine is one bitch you do not want to mess with...unless you're Natalia. In fact, according to one of the characters, Raine is the most beautiful girl...in the world. But not even this girl's looks make up for her personality. Raine is controlling, cruel, and practically everything you can imagine in a villain. Add to that, she wants Cam to be her property.
Of course, in comes our heroine, Natalia (who just so happens to have a slight, yet awesome, British accent!). And guess who Cam starts to fall for? Bingo! Well, add in another hot (did I mention they're both football players?) guy, and we have our love triangle! Brody x Natalia x Cam In the end, I could not really decide who I like more. Brody's a douche at the beginning, but goes through a complete metamorphsis. Cam's just...Cam. They're both the American boys. Not really my type of guys (I tend to stick towards dark and mysterious). But, the love interests were definitely cute, and the love games between the three were hilarious.
Like I wrote above, the witch's most useful power as far as I can tell is mind control....that and flinging people against trees. I did have a lot of questions running through my head by the end of the book. A few included: What is the big deal with Cam and Natalia dating? What war? There were so many more, and that did leave me frustrated.
I guess I'll just have to go buy the next set of books! That is about it. My only regret is that I did not read these books before. The Witches of Santa Anna is definitely an entertaining read. I loved every minute of it! If you are short on time, it's also a quick read.
November 9, 2011
The complete set of season one of the Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas...Includes CLAIMED, TRICKED, RUMORED, HUSHED, PURSUED, ENTICED, and RUINED.
Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep, and all she wants to do is fly under the radar -- get to her classes, meet a few friends, and try not to make a total fool of herself in the meantime. But when handsome and popular Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl, Natalia's plan to go unnoticed flies out the window.
Cam's hot, but he's completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn't like competition.
When Cam goes as far as inviting Natalia to the exclusive weekend party at Raine's house, Raine sets her sights on a new victim. But what Natalia doesn't know is that Raine and her friends are no ordinary mean girls. They have powers most people can only dream of, and nobody will stand in the way of what they want. And what Raine wants is Campbell.
The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas, proves just how far true love will go and that nothing--not even pure evil--can change your destiny.
My Review - This book was a quick read for me. I liked how it was seven different books put into one book. I'd like to read the other books eventually but they most likely won't be the book that I read next. Raine got on my nerves all through the book even before I knew who she was. I didn't like her from the first mention of her in the book. I felt the same way about Becca and Terri. Overall a pretty good book. I gave it 3 stars cause I liked it.
Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep, and all she wants to do is fly under the radar -- get to her classes, meet a few friends, and try not to make a total fool of herself in the meantime. But when handsome and popular Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl, Natalia's plan to go unnoticed flies out the window.
Cam's hot, but he's completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn't like competition.
When Cam goes as far as inviting Natalia to the exclusive weekend party at Raine's house, Raine sets her sights on a new victim. But what Natalia doesn't know is that Raine and her friends are no ordinary mean girls. They have powers most people can only dream of, and nobody will stand in the way of what they want. And what Raine wants is Campbell.
The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas, proves just how far true love will go and that nothing--not even pure evil--can change your destiny.
My Review - This book was a quick read for me. I liked how it was seven different books put into one book. I'd like to read the other books eventually but they most likely won't be the book that I read next. Raine got on my nerves all through the book even before I knew who she was. I didn't like her from the first mention of her in the book. I felt the same way about Becca and Terri. Overall a pretty good book. I gave it 3 stars cause I liked it.
August 2, 2011
This was a compilation of all 7 Novellas from "Season 1" That's what the author post on the book description. I don't even know what that is suppose to mean. Ever book has about 3-5 chapters and switches the point of view from Natalia and Campbell. The whole witches thing doesn't even get brought up until like the 5th "book". Each book is super short and always ends on a really big cliff hanger. And the next book always picks up right where the last book left off. And if you didn't buy them all together you would have spent $6.93 for the whole set; because each book is $0.99 and you can't possible just read one and not buy the next because the cliff hangers are ridiculous! Seriously it's a scam! or just smart!
Anyways I feel like all together the "books" makes one nice book. Everything is short and too the point not much detail for their world, you kind of get hints and clues about everyone's past but there's no info dumping here the books are too short for that!
I instantly got attached to Natalia, she's quirky and honest about her emotions. And I love the triad well I don't love them but I love to hate them. And why are all girls that are named Raine total bitches?? It's like the perfect evil name.
anyways I clearly like these books. And I want to read the next "season" but I want to wait until they are all togeter that way I don't have to wait. Plenty of other books to read until then!
Anyways I feel like all together the "books" makes one nice book. Everything is short and too the point not much detail for their world, you kind of get hints and clues about everyone's past but there's no info dumping here the books are too short for that!
I instantly got attached to Natalia, she's quirky and honest about her emotions. And I love the triad well I don't love them but I love to hate them. And why are all girls that are named Raine total bitches?? It's like the perfect evil name.
anyways I clearly like these books. And I want to read the next "season" but I want to wait until they are all togeter that way I don't have to wait. Plenty of other books to read until then!
February 8, 2016
The complete set of season one of The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas...Includes CLAIMED, TRICKED, RUMORED, HUSHED, PURSUED, ENTICED, and RUINED.
Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep, and all she wants to do is fly under the radar -- get to her classes, meet a few friends, and try not to make a total fool of herself in the meantime. But when handsome and popular Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl, Natalia's plan to go unnoticed flies out the window.
Cam’s hot, but he’s completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn’t like competition.
When Cam goes as far as inviting Natalia to the exclusive weekend party at Raine's house, Raine sets her sights on a new victim. But what Natalia doesn't know is that Raine and her friends are no ordinary mean girls. They have powers most people can only dream of, and nobody will stand in the way of what they want. And what Raine wants is Campbell.
The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas, proves just how far true love will go and that nothing--not even pure evil--can change your destiny….
Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep, and all she wants to do is fly under the radar -- get to her classes, meet a few friends, and try not to make a total fool of herself in the meantime. But when handsome and popular Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl, Natalia's plan to go unnoticed flies out the window.
Cam’s hot, but he’s completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn’t like competition.
When Cam goes as far as inviting Natalia to the exclusive weekend party at Raine's house, Raine sets her sights on a new victim. But what Natalia doesn't know is that Raine and her friends are no ordinary mean girls. They have powers most people can only dream of, and nobody will stand in the way of what they want. And what Raine wants is Campbell.
The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas, proves just how far true love will go and that nothing--not even pure evil--can change your destiny….
June 6, 2014
(Originally posted on Rai29BookReadNReview)
ASIN: B004S2KL7S
Publisher: Self/Indie
Pages: 222
The Witches Of Santa Anna by Lauren Barnholdt & Aaron Gorvine is the first season / first seven books in the series (Claimed, Tricked, Rumored, Hushed, Pursued, Enticed and Ruined).
This series is about Natalia Moore. Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep. All she wanted was to fly under the radar. All that goes out of the window when Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl. Natalia likes Campbell but Raine Marsden the most popular girl at Santa Anna Prep has her eye on him. And she doesn't like competition.
Raine and her friends are no ordinary girls, they possess powers that people can only dream of, and no one will stand in the way of what they want.
The only downside to The Witches Of Santa Anna was that it was too short! I finished the first season and wanted to carry on reading about Natalia and what would happen after. It was well written and I flew through it!
Available at Amazon.co.uk.
ASIN: B004S2KL7S
Publisher: Self/Indie
Pages: 222
The Witches Of Santa Anna by Lauren Barnholdt & Aaron Gorvine is the first season / first seven books in the series (Claimed, Tricked, Rumored, Hushed, Pursued, Enticed and Ruined).
This series is about Natalia Moore. Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep. All she wanted was to fly under the radar. All that goes out of the window when Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl. Natalia likes Campbell but Raine Marsden the most popular girl at Santa Anna Prep has her eye on him. And she doesn't like competition.
Raine and her friends are no ordinary girls, they possess powers that people can only dream of, and no one will stand in the way of what they want.
The only downside to The Witches Of Santa Anna was that it was too short! I finished the first season and wanted to carry on reading about Natalia and what would happen after. It was well written and I flew through it!
Available at Amazon.co.uk.
September 30, 2014
I'm honestly not really sure how this book has gotten 4 and 5 star ratings. I wanted to like this story. I really did, but it just didn't do it for me. The characters were flat and shallow. They had no depth. The story was confusing and I didn't even realize what the plot was until I got to the middle. The author tried to make the dialogue more modern, using a lot of curse words, but it just sounded ridiculous. This was not a memorable story. I couldn't even remember who the main characters were after putting it down for a few days. I don't think the story had to even be split into 7 sections as novellas. Each part, or novella, ended abruptly and it ruined the flow and pacing of the novel. It could have been chapters instead of one whole novella. The only reason I gave it an extra star was because I only spent like 2 bucks on 7 stories so it was a pretty good deal. Also, the author managed to successfully make me hate the antagonist so that counts for something. Overall, it's not a book (story?) I would recommend. I probably won't read the others because there's like a thousand more of them and I barely even remember the first 7 parts.
Read
February 12, 2017really good
August 15, 2011
The Witches of Santa Anna shouldn't be called a novel, its really 7 novellas compiled into one novel but even then I wouldn't call each story a novella. The stories was ok and since I got it for super cheat, the discounted rate because I got it off of Amazon and on top of that, read it on my Kindle app on my computer, is the only reason why I even finished them. I may end up getting the last few in the series if they are super cheat like this set and I need something to read. In fact, I'm kind of mad that I even paid for them in the first place when after reading the first one it felt as if I read no more than three chapters in books I usually read. Yet again, glad it was super super cheap.
Don't recommend buying them if they aren't in the bundle and super cheap, you'll regret it otherwise.
Don't recommend buying them if they aren't in the bundle and super cheap, you'll regret it otherwise.
December 29, 2015
To be completely honest I got this book as a free nook download that being said this is the first time in my life I considered DNF. But it turned into a train wreck that I couldn't turn away from. So my issues consist of numerous spelling & grammar mistakes, inconsistencies of details, length of the"book" (more like short stories).
These issues aside I thought the storyline had promise it put a new twist on the concept of witches. But the execution lacked I personally feel by the seventh book that you should at the very least be introduced into the "rules of the new world." I however have learned that the story has not ended and you can indeed buy the other "books" so maybe more of the details will be found there. But as I stated above I got this one for free and can't justify actually paying to find out what happens.
These issues aside I thought the storyline had promise it put a new twist on the concept of witches. But the execution lacked I personally feel by the seventh book that you should at the very least be introduced into the "rules of the new world." I however have learned that the story has not ended and you can indeed buy the other "books" so maybe more of the details will be found there. But as I stated above I got this one for free and can't justify actually paying to find out what happens.
July 17, 2011
What a pleasant surprise it was reading this book! Before reading it I thought this was going to be jet another "girl changes school, meets THE GUY and strange things start to happen" book, but it's so much more!
The only thing I didn't like very much was the way Cam acted towards Nat. I know buys aren't the smartest when it's about a girl, but occasionally I sooo wanted to kick his but!
Normally the heroine needs to be saved by the hero because of her stupid actions, but in this one it's actually reversed, she saves our "hero". It's really nice to read that women can be brave, while not making stupid mistakes that would put them into danger and thus have to wait to get rescued by the hero ^^
The only thing I didn't like very much was the way Cam acted towards Nat. I know buys aren't the smartest when it's about a girl, but occasionally I sooo wanted to kick his but!
Normally the heroine needs to be saved by the hero because of her stupid actions, but in this one it's actually reversed, she saves our "hero". It's really nice to read that women can be brave, while not making stupid mistakes that would put them into danger and thus have to wait to get rescued by the hero ^^
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2013
The first season of the witches of santa anna series is made of seven short novellas.The writing is very immature and there are more typos than i can count.Which makes all this a very flawed book.However i was so entranced by the plot and the modivation of the main characterz that i didn't care.it was also a new way to introduce witches.The things that Barnholdt came up with creativly was very intriging and unexpected.If you are planning to get this ebook,then you should get this coppy.the author ofers the reader to purchase indivusual books as well as bind ups.This bind up in particular only cost 2.99 while the indivisuals books run up to .99 each.I would recomand this to you if you are in between books and want something fun.
August 4, 2012
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was interesting and the story didn't lag too much. I always love a good witch story now and then.
I wasn't a fan of all the novellas strung together. The often left off in a weird spot throughout the story. They didn't flow well.
I liked the two main characters, Natalia and Cam. There was so much mystery between the two of them. Their dueling P.O.V.s gave a fresh look into the story.
The plot was intriguing and I enjoyed the twists and turns. I couldn't figure out if some of the characters were good or bad until I made it through most of the story.
This is a great YA series that continues on after this series of novellas. I would recommend it to anyone that is into high school witches. I give this read three glittery stars!
I wasn't a fan of all the novellas strung together. The often left off in a weird spot throughout the story. They didn't flow well.
I liked the two main characters, Natalia and Cam. There was so much mystery between the two of them. Their dueling P.O.V.s gave a fresh look into the story.
The plot was intriguing and I enjoyed the twists and turns. I couldn't figure out if some of the characters were good or bad until I made it through most of the story.
This is a great YA series that continues on after this series of novellas. I would recommend it to anyone that is into high school witches. I give this read three glittery stars!
April 19, 2013
Natalia has just transferred to Santa Anna after leaving her old school because of rumors her ex-boyfriend spread about her. Campbell now the hottest guy at school is still trying to find his place in it all. On the first day of school for Natalia bumps into Campbell and the two start off down a rocky road together. Dealing with best friends, Brody, who is taking away Natalia from Cam, while the hottest girl in school, Raine, takes away Cam's life force. Weird things start to happen around each of them, but each are unable to put all of the pieces together, all that is know is that something odd is happening in Santa Anna, and somehow they are going to figure it out, but will each survive till the end?
November 13, 2013
I bought this because it cost $5 on Nook. $5 for 7 books seemed like a decent deal. I'm still trying to decide whether or not I wasted my money. I read them all, so I guess that counts for something.
They were very simplistic, basically. I mean, it felt like reading the script to some tv show. Maybe it is, I don't know -- I mean, throughout the books it's referred to as "Season 1," so either that's a new trend in naming book series or it is in fact based off some cheesy witch/teen/romance tv program. I don't know. It wasn't great, but it wasn't awful. There's really nothing to praise or rant about it. It's just . . . meh.
They were very simplistic, basically. I mean, it felt like reading the script to some tv show. Maybe it is, I don't know -- I mean, throughout the books it's referred to as "Season 1," so either that's a new trend in naming book series or it is in fact based off some cheesy witch/teen/romance tv program. I don't know. It wasn't great, but it wasn't awful. There's really nothing to praise or rant about it. It's just . . . meh.
September 4, 2011
This isn't the greatest series out there. The storyline is predictable, the pages are littered with typos and/or incorrect punctuation/grammar, and it would have made more sense to put them all together as one novel (kind of like this package) rather than releasing 7 different novellas. However, the story makes for a quick and easy read (I read through it one afternoon while babysitting 3 yr old twin boys) and it's one of those guilty pleasure stories that is hard to put down. I, for one, will most likely be getting my hands on season two of the series, if only to see what the hell Raine will come up with next to screw with Natalia and Campbell.
January 14, 2012
These Novellas were well...boring really. New girl in town, boy falls for girl, girl falls for boy, complications, jealousy, lies etc. But the witches aspect was cool I liked the mystery of it with the butterflies and everything. But it was just ...rushed. Yeah that's the word, it was rushed and so the story that could have come through strong and fun to read was left with a weak shadow instead. Ss I'd probably have enjoyed it more had it been longer and more depth to the story. The names gets you the expect great magical things but they never really come.
November 27, 2012
I'm so bored with pitiful formulaic YA that plays off the jealous mean-girl theme. Go read Melissa Marr instead. Better yet, go read THE BLUE SWORD. Jeez.
[caution: spoilers ahead]
I just read NEED by Carrie Jones and it was equally, and nearly identically, terrible--New Girl at new school immediately disliked by Queen Bee (who turns out to be supernatural) because Fabulous-Boy prefers New Girl instead. And then, guess what? New Girl is ALSO supernatural! Amazing! Then, New Girl and Queen Bee get in a big fight and New Girl wins.
BORED. Surely there is a new story to be told?
[caution: spoilers ahead]
I just read NEED by Carrie Jones and it was equally, and nearly identically, terrible--New Girl at new school immediately disliked by Queen Bee (who turns out to be supernatural) because Fabulous-Boy prefers New Girl instead. And then, guess what? New Girl is ALSO supernatural! Amazing! Then, New Girl and Queen Bee get in a big fight and New Girl wins.
BORED. Surely there is a new story to be told?
October 30, 2011
I'm really glad they put this in a seven-book package because every time one ended, I needed to get to the next one as quickly as possible.
These books are very good. Other than a few mistakes, they're very well written. I enjoyed the mystery. Even at the end of book 7, I still have no real idea of what's going on and want to get the next books available. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these and highly recommend them to anyone who loves reading about witches.
These books are very good. Other than a few mistakes, they're very well written. I enjoyed the mystery. Even at the end of book 7, I still have no real idea of what's going on and want to get the next books available. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these and highly recommend them to anyone who loves reading about witches.
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