What do you think?
Rate this book
Magic & Mechanicals #5
Spellbound
Dead men tell tales when the right person is asking questions, as private detective and necromancer Merritt Sloan knows all too well. When he’s hired to investigate the death of one of the richest patent medicine peddlers in England, he assumes it will be an open and shut case: he was murdered for his money. All Merritt has to do is summon the dead man’s spirit and find out who did it. Unfortunately, the spirit is nowhere to be found.
While Ivy Thaddeus didn’t enter her marriage for love, she certainly had nothing to do with her husband’s death. Her stepson hiring a detective to prove she killed him for his estate is a waste of time and money, not to mention an unneeded distraction to a widow still in mourning.
With personal and professional lines blurring between them, Merritt and Ivy must work together to find out who killed her husband and stole his soul. Because whoever did it isn’t finished, and Ivy is next.
While Ivy Thaddeus didn’t enter her marriage for love, she certainly had nothing to do with her husband’s death. Her stepson hiring a detective to prove she killed him for his estate is a waste of time and money, not to mention an unneeded distraction to a widow still in mourning.
With personal and professional lines blurring between them, Merritt and Ivy must work together to find out who killed her husband and stole his soul. Because whoever did it isn’t finished, and Ivy is next.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2023
9 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Marting
37 books39 followersJessica Marting is a sci-fi and paranormal romance author, art enthusiast (not quite an artist, despite all that time in art school), an avid reader, and makeup collector. She lives in Toronto.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 9, 2023
What happens when a witch and a necromancer fall in love? In this steampunk world, they solve a murder, prevent some medical malpractice, and even resurrect a ghost. (Only two of those three were on purpose.)
Merritt Sloane is a necromancer, but he works as a private eye. (He kinda has to with a name like that, amirite?) This time he's been hired by a bereaved son to find out the truth about his father's death. The son is convinced that his father's much-younger wife is the culprit. Merritt isn't jumping to any conclusions, but when he learns that Ivy, the widow, is also a witch, he begins to think that she is, indeed, highly suspicious. It doesn't help that he's also immediately attracted to her.
Ivy definitely didn't kill her husband, but she thinks someone is after her. She figures her best option is to hang with the (hot, younger) PI so that he can figure out who's actually behind all of the strange occurrences that have been happening.
For a book with so many references to death and murder, it's also a lighthearted romp. Ivy and Merritt get up to all sorts of shenanigans as they sniff out the mystery. We always have a great time when we read Marting's books, and with this one, it helps that we stan an older woman/younger man.
Although this is technically the 5th in a series, you don't have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Merritt Sloane is a necromancer, but he works as a private eye. (He kinda has to with a name like that, amirite?) This time he's been hired by a bereaved son to find out the truth about his father's death. The son is convinced that his father's much-younger wife is the culprit. Merritt isn't jumping to any conclusions, but when he learns that Ivy, the widow, is also a witch, he begins to think that she is, indeed, highly suspicious. It doesn't help that he's also immediately attracted to her.
Ivy definitely didn't kill her husband, but she thinks someone is after her. She figures her best option is to hang with the (hot, younger) PI so that he can figure out who's actually behind all of the strange occurrences that have been happening.
For a book with so many references to death and murder, it's also a lighthearted romp. Ivy and Merritt get up to all sorts of shenanigans as they sniff out the mystery. We always have a great time when we read Marting's books, and with this one, it helps that we stan an older woman/younger man.
Although this is technically the 5th in a series, you don't have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
May 5, 2023
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️overall
2/5 🌶🌶 spice
4/5 👩🦳👨🦰👸👩🦳 characters
4/5 📘📗📕📓Plot
What to expect:
✨️ 3rd person, shifting pov
✨️ Paranormal period romance
✨️ Necromancy, ghosts, witchcraft, vampires,
✨️ Slow burn
✨️ Steampunk
✨️ Reverse Age gap, older protagonists (25+)
✨️ Part of a series but can be read as a standalone
✨️ Kinks/spice: very minimal and vanilla but well done
Spellbound is a paranormal period romance set in Victorian England. Its the fifth book in the Magic & Mechanicals series but can be read as a standalone, and my first book by author Jessica Marting The writing and grammar were solid, the plot was well rounded and I felt immersed in the world she created. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
The plot:
Merritt Sloan is a private detective with a big secret; he's also happens to be a necromancer. With a reputation for solving cases in record him, Sloan is hired by Ezra Thaddeus to solve his late fathers death. During his investigation he meets witch and widower Ivy, who Ezra suspects of murdering her husband, and wants Merritt to prove her guilt. There's just one problem. Ivy didn't do it, and now the race is on to find the actual killer before they strike again. Can Merritt keep Ivy, Ezra and himself safe while solving the crime? Or will his attraction to Ivy and their blossoming romance be his, and all of their downfall?
The characters:
Merritt is the epitome of a gentleman. Softly spoken, respectful and kind, he's has all the right ingredients for the perfect book boyfriend. Then once the spice hits we see a total other side to our hero. And. I. Am. Here. For. It.
Ivy is the widower of the late Mr Thaddeus, and also happens to be a witch. I really enjoyed her character, she's strong, kind, and exactly how I imagine a lady of that time period to be and act, and she's magic 🤷♀️ What's not to like?
I really liked that the characters were a little older than usual, it leads credibility to the widow aspect of the plot and Merritt being a successful PI.
The spice:
This is a slow burn, with only two graphically depicted sex scenes. Merritt is the definition of Gentleman in the street, freak in the sheets. He exudes a sexy dominance, he's demanding, confident, and takes what he wants. I was so pleasantly surprised by it considering its such a contrast to his usual demeanour. I'm really hoping there is another book at some point for them because it has the potential to be super super hot.
Summary:
I actually really enjoyed Spellbound. It had a good plot which was what I really needed to read at the time, the characters were likeable and interesting and the writing was solid. Definitely a thumbs up from me.
2/5 🌶🌶 spice
4/5 👩🦳👨🦰👸👩🦳 characters
4/5 📘📗📕📓Plot
What to expect:
✨️ 3rd person, shifting pov
✨️ Paranormal period romance
✨️ Necromancy, ghosts, witchcraft, vampires,
✨️ Slow burn
✨️ Steampunk
✨️ Reverse Age gap, older protagonists (25+)
✨️ Part of a series but can be read as a standalone
✨️ Kinks/spice: very minimal and vanilla but well done
Spellbound is a paranormal period romance set in Victorian England. Its the fifth book in the Magic & Mechanicals series but can be read as a standalone, and my first book by author Jessica Marting The writing and grammar were solid, the plot was well rounded and I felt immersed in the world she created. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
The plot:
Merritt Sloan is a private detective with a big secret; he's also happens to be a necromancer. With a reputation for solving cases in record him, Sloan is hired by Ezra Thaddeus to solve his late fathers death. During his investigation he meets witch and widower Ivy, who Ezra suspects of murdering her husband, and wants Merritt to prove her guilt. There's just one problem. Ivy didn't do it, and now the race is on to find the actual killer before they strike again. Can Merritt keep Ivy, Ezra and himself safe while solving the crime? Or will his attraction to Ivy and their blossoming romance be his, and all of their downfall?
The characters:
Merritt is the epitome of a gentleman. Softly spoken, respectful and kind, he's has all the right ingredients for the perfect book boyfriend. Then once the spice hits we see a total other side to our hero. And. I. Am. Here. For. It.
Ivy is the widower of the late Mr Thaddeus, and also happens to be a witch. I really enjoyed her character, she's strong, kind, and exactly how I imagine a lady of that time period to be and act, and she's magic 🤷♀️ What's not to like?
I really liked that the characters were a little older than usual, it leads credibility to the widow aspect of the plot and Merritt being a successful PI.
The spice:
This is a slow burn, with only two graphically depicted sex scenes. Merritt is the definition of Gentleman in the street, freak in the sheets. He exudes a sexy dominance, he's demanding, confident, and takes what he wants. I was so pleasantly surprised by it considering its such a contrast to his usual demeanour. I'm really hoping there is another book at some point for them because it has the potential to be super super hot.
Summary:
I actually really enjoyed Spellbound. It had a good plot which was what I really needed to read at the time, the characters were likeable and interesting and the writing was solid. Definitely a thumbs up from me.
April 21, 2023
This book was just perfect for getting out of a reading slump!
Spellbound by Jessica Marting is the fifth book in a stand alone series called Magic & Mechanicals. Set in Steampunky Victorian England, our private detective have been hired to solve the murder of late Dr. Thaddeus, who passed away almost two years ago. Our detective, Merritt Sloan who happens to be a necromancer and talks to dead people, is hired by the son of the deceased, to find evidence that the late Mr. Thaddeus's wife killed him for his money. Thinking it will be easy money, Merritt is stumped by both the late man's wife and the lack of spirit to communicate with. Suddenly finding himself in a murder mystery with a hot and sometimes bothered widow in tow, Merritt have to find the person who locked away the soul and at the same time, not be caught ogling the widow by his employer.
This book had a little bit of everything. A well established world, with paranormal elements that fit and worked within the story. I could really loose myself within the world and just enjoy the banter, the story and the style.
I enjoyed the characters. Merritt Sloan was well formed and fit well into the story. Ivy Thaddeus worked well as a second main character with good characteristics and traits.
At times I did feel that their relationship were a bit scripted, the chemistry didn't always hit the spot, but not really to a point that disturbed the reading experience. I also found some inconsistencies, and a bit of lacking in character information. For example, there were points where parent and sibling information were thrown into the mix, with no further explanation or names. The reader got the feeling that this was previously know information, yet it is not mentioned.
I was a bit disappointed by the third act of the book. The tension was not rising well and the climax need some revising. One line that bothered me was "Then all hell broke loose." which is written after all characters have already moved. The resolution also felt lacking and a bit "convenient". I felt that I expected more from such a established author.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and think this would be the perfect beach read during summer!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced review copy of this book for free. Receiving this book for free has in no way, shape or form affected the honesty of this review.
Spellbound by Jessica Marting is the fifth book in a stand alone series called Magic & Mechanicals. Set in Steampunky Victorian England, our private detective have been hired to solve the murder of late Dr. Thaddeus, who passed away almost two years ago. Our detective, Merritt Sloan who happens to be a necromancer and talks to dead people, is hired by the son of the deceased, to find evidence that the late Mr. Thaddeus's wife killed him for his money. Thinking it will be easy money, Merritt is stumped by both the late man's wife and the lack of spirit to communicate with. Suddenly finding himself in a murder mystery with a hot and sometimes bothered widow in tow, Merritt have to find the person who locked away the soul and at the same time, not be caught ogling the widow by his employer.
This book had a little bit of everything. A well established world, with paranormal elements that fit and worked within the story. I could really loose myself within the world and just enjoy the banter, the story and the style.
I enjoyed the characters. Merritt Sloan was well formed and fit well into the story. Ivy Thaddeus worked well as a second main character with good characteristics and traits.
At times I did feel that their relationship were a bit scripted, the chemistry didn't always hit the spot, but not really to a point that disturbed the reading experience. I also found some inconsistencies, and a bit of lacking in character information. For example, there were points where parent and sibling information were thrown into the mix, with no further explanation or names. The reader got the feeling that this was previously know information, yet it is not mentioned.
I was a bit disappointed by the third act of the book. The tension was not rising well and the climax need some revising. One line that bothered me was "Then all hell broke loose." which is written after all characters have already moved. The resolution also felt lacking and a bit "convenient". I felt that I expected more from such a established author.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and think this would be the perfect beach read during summer!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced review copy of this book for free. Receiving this book for free has in no way, shape or form affected the honesty of this review.
June 1, 2023
I've never read any steampunk inspired books before and so this was an entirely new experience for me - and I really enjoyed it! I loved the weaving of the Victorian, steampunk, magic and romance themes and found myself reading it whenever I had a spare moment (like when waiting for my coffee to be made!) So I could find out what happened next!
The two main characters were appealing and well-written - I found myself really caring what happened to them. I particularly liked that their romance was mature - and in particular that Ivy stood her ground on things that were important to her. This made me like her all the more.
The only area where things slipped slightly was where modern language crept into the text - it was so rare, however, and the rest of the writing so good and enjoyable that it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment at all.
Definitely going to be downloading the rest of the series and discovering more about this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The two main characters were appealing and well-written - I found myself really caring what happened to them. I particularly liked that their romance was mature - and in particular that Ivy stood her ground on things that were important to her. This made me like her all the more.
The only area where things slipped slightly was where modern language crept into the text - it was so rare, however, and the rest of the writing so good and enjoyable that it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment at all.
Definitely going to be downloading the rest of the series and discovering more about this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2023
Our hero has an ability that usually makes solving murders pretty easy, but when the soul itself has been destroyed, things get a lot more complicated. Add in the grieving widow that has her own reasons for helping and things get really complicated (and fun) really quickly.
This is book five of the series, but it is written as a standalone. No prior reading is needed to enjoy this one.
This is a steampunk story with murder and romance to boot. I love this genre for all the full tech and bits of magic. The story is well written, with a fascinating setting that was fun to explore. The characters are also strong and well developed which brings the story to life. The plot moves at a good pace and includes plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, I definitely enjoyed the story and look forward going back for the earlier books in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book five of the series, but it is written as a standalone. No prior reading is needed to enjoy this one.
This is a steampunk story with murder and romance to boot. I love this genre for all the full tech and bits of magic. The story is well written, with a fascinating setting that was fun to explore. The characters are also strong and well developed which brings the story to life. The plot moves at a good pace and includes plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, I definitely enjoyed the story and look forward going back for the earlier books in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
April 21, 2023
I liked the setting and the characters. For such a short book the author did a really good job of fleshing out the main characters. I haven't read any of the other books and even though you don't need to, I still felt like I was missing out on something that I should already know.
I did find the plot a bit thin. I thought there would be more twists and second guessing who was responsible for what, but it was fairly straightforward. The slow burn romance was done well. Much better than quite a few best selling paranormal romance authors.
The ending felt rushed and abrupt. That is why I am only rating it 3 stars. 3 stars is good though. It means I liked it and I would recommend to others that enjoy this genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did find the plot a bit thin. I thought there would be more twists and second guessing who was responsible for what, but it was fairly straightforward. The slow burn romance was done well. Much better than quite a few best selling paranormal romance authors.
The ending felt rushed and abrupt. That is why I am only rating it 3 stars. 3 stars is good though. It means I liked it and I would recommend to others that enjoy this genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2023
It was good, not quite what I was expecting and ended up not being quite my norm but it was still a good read. Well if you can get past the fist scene. It’s tacky, pointless, does nothing for the story, oh and it’s and annoying, it gets MUCH better. However the writing is a little disjointed and it could use a bit more editing. A few missing words and some odd phrasing. The story is good if a little too fast paced and easy. As in everything was too easy. The “mystery”, the relationships, everything was resolved without much effort. The mystery wasn’t much of a mystery. All in it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, and not sure I’d read it again. But it was a decent, light, quick read, and good for when you don’t want to think!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
Since it's the 5th in a series, I went back and read all of them. You don't need to do that. The books are all set in the same steampunk world, but only lightly connected. I am hoping for more books and connections!
Private Investigator, Merritt, is hired to investigate the death of a rich patent medicine manufacturer. There are family issues between the son and very young step mother. Neither know that Merritt is a necromancer and solves his cases by talking with the dead. But the spirit is around, not like he's gone to a different plane, but missing.
There are sparks between Merritt and Ivy, the widow, but nothing can happen since he's been hired by her son-in-law...or can it?
Good story with adventure and false starts and ghosts, lots of ghosts!
Since it's the 5th in a series, I went back and read all of them. You don't need to do that. The books are all set in the same steampunk world, but only lightly connected. I am hoping for more books and connections!
Private Investigator, Merritt, is hired to investigate the death of a rich patent medicine manufacturer. There are family issues between the son and very young step mother. Neither know that Merritt is a necromancer and solves his cases by talking with the dead. But the spirit is around, not like he's gone to a different plane, but missing.
There are sparks between Merritt and Ivy, the widow, but nothing can happen since he's been hired by her son-in-law...or can it?
Good story with adventure and false starts and ghosts, lots of ghosts!
May 14, 2023
An effortless blend of mystery, paranormal and steampunk! Merritt Sloan private detective, necromancer and part fae is offered an enormous amount of money to prove that a woman murdered her husband by his son. Being a necromancer Sloan believes this will be an easy case. Call up the spirit, have a chat get the answer and collect his fee. What happens instead involves a captivating witch, dark dark magic, a fraud who happens to be a necromancer and a man driven by greed. We as readers are treated to a delightful story with something for everyone. Mystery, romance, ghosts, witches and other paranormal elements and steampunk done right! A wonderful story that had me hooked from start to finish! I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 12, 2023
Jessica Marting is a superb storyteller. I really enjoy the steampunk twist she gives to the Victorian era stories in this series.
This story was a very interesting murder mystery with a slow burn romance on the side between detective Merritt Sloan and Ivy, the dead man’s widow. Supernatural forces were at play that required Merritt’s necromancy skills and Ivy’s witch skills to join in order to solve the mystery. As with the other stories in this series, the steampunk vibe set a veil of whimsy over this very entertaining story sprinkled with spooky elements.
I highly recommend this story and the entire series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story was a very interesting murder mystery with a slow burn romance on the side between detective Merritt Sloan and Ivy, the dead man’s widow. Supernatural forces were at play that required Merritt’s necromancy skills and Ivy’s witch skills to join in order to solve the mystery. As with the other stories in this series, the steampunk vibe set a veil of whimsy over this very entertaining story sprinkled with spooky elements.
I highly recommend this story and the entire series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 18, 2023
I thought this book was well done. I enjoyed the various elements of the paranormal world. And the mystery aspect. I think showing the stages of grief through Ezra was a nice touch because he wasn’t a main character, but the story essentially happens because of him.
I did tire of the back and forth uncertainty of the main characters and their feelings for each other. And the resolution seemed a little rushed. I’m interested in Ben and Elora’s reaction to the events. I wish that they had included a letter from them as well.
Overall I would give this a 4.5. For something to be a 5 it is something I have to think about for days after. Or leave me with more of an emotional reaction.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did tire of the back and forth uncertainty of the main characters and their feelings for each other. And the resolution seemed a little rushed. I’m interested in Ben and Elora’s reaction to the events. I wish that they had included a letter from them as well.
Overall I would give this a 4.5. For something to be a 5 it is something I have to think about for days after. Or leave me with more of an emotional reaction.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2024
Apt title for a book as I was spellbound and read this one as fast as I could turn the pages. Magic, some paranormal, regency, and steampunk! Right, and a bit of steam as well. Merritt and Ivy are a force together, Ezra surprising, and Claudia, delightful. Villains are in play, as are ghosts and a protective, outspoken mother. I love the writing, the story, and the action. My only complaint, it was not long enough as it did come to, for me, an abrupt end. It was not enough to stop me from craving more. Cannot wait to read the next story in this series. This is the first book I have read by this author. It will not be the last. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this story. The storytelling was great and had a good pace. I wish it lasted just a bit longer!
I loved the character development throughout the book and enjoyed the delightful slow burn between the main characters as they unraveled the mystery surrounding Ivy's late husband's death. The setting and mythical beings in the story were also interesting and I could see more stories that follow these characters as they solve more mysteries.
I would love to read more about Merritt and Ivy or Ezra and Claudia and see the world they live in expanded upon even further!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the character development throughout the book and enjoyed the delightful slow burn between the main characters as they unraveled the mystery surrounding Ivy's late husband's death. The setting and mythical beings in the story were also interesting and I could see more stories that follow these characters as they solve more mysteries.
I would love to read more about Merritt and Ivy or Ezra and Claudia and see the world they live in expanded upon even further!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2023
A great paranormal mystery with fascinating characters.
This is part of a series but I had not read the earlier ones and it didn't seem to affect my understanding of the story. I liked the fact that the point of view moved between the two main characters from chapter to chapter. I also really liked the attention given to the minor ghostly characters that appeared in the story. The writer had great attention to detail.
I wasn't a bit fan of the sex scenes but they were not often enough to bother me completely.
I'm looking forward to reading other books in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is part of a series but I had not read the earlier ones and it didn't seem to affect my understanding of the story. I liked the fact that the point of view moved between the two main characters from chapter to chapter. I also really liked the attention given to the minor ghostly characters that appeared in the story. The writer had great attention to detail.
I wasn't a bit fan of the sex scenes but they were not often enough to bother me completely.
I'm looking forward to reading other books in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 9, 2023
A fun paranormal read in a steampunk setting
Although I found this story a bit slow at the start, it is well plotted, and the plot actually moved quite swiftly at the end. I enjoyed the push and pull between the main characters, and found them realistic - despite the paranormal setting.
As with other stories in this series, the world building is rich, and it is clear that there are many other stories set in this world - either already told, or yet to be revealed.
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
Although I found this story a bit slow at the start, it is well plotted, and the plot actually moved quite swiftly at the end. I enjoyed the push and pull between the main characters, and found them realistic - despite the paranormal setting.
As with other stories in this series, the world building is rich, and it is clear that there are many other stories set in this world - either already told, or yet to be revealed.
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
May 14, 2023
Another great installment in the Magic & Mechanicals series. I have so many comments but they all involve spoilers. :) The romances in this series while having spicy scenes also feel very healthy (consent, respect, etc.) which i really enjoy. You don't need to read the other books before jumping into this one, but past books are mentioned, characters make an appearance so it does make for a richer experience if you read them in order.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2023
Spellbound, book five in the Magic and Mechanicals series is a good read with its elements of the Paranormal, Steampunk, and Romance gathered together in a trendsetting Victorian mystery as a necromancer detective leads a search for a missing spirit.
Excellent characters within a well written narrative will keep the reader charmed as the engaging storyline begins to take shape within its highly envisioned alternate world.
Steampunk lovers rejoice!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellent characters within a well written narrative will keep the reader charmed as the engaging storyline begins to take shape within its highly envisioned alternate world.
Steampunk lovers rejoice!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2023
Except for the mention of a flapping copter, there is not much Steampunk in the story. The writing is good and the ML and FL are Ok, but I could not connect with them or the mystery. This is my first time reading this author. The story may be for others but not for me, it is slow moving and I did not get a glimpse of Steampunk until the end of Chapter 3. I will not be reading the next book or previous books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
This was a fantastic attention grabber. This was the fifth book in the Magic & Mechanicals series. I went back and read the other four, but found that this could very well be a standalone. I was obsessed with Merritt Sloan. He's a necromancing private detective with duel personalities who is hired by the son-in-law of the recently deceased. I loved the twist and turns that were not so far fetched that I could guess and feel gratified. I also looooooooved the excruciatingly slow burn.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 28, 2023
A nice easy read with several twists and turns
A witch and a necromancer team up to find out what really happened to her now deceased husband
Quite an obvious who dunnit but not so easy to work out how
It makes me want to know how the pair will team up in future stories if there are any.
Several spelling/grammar errors which need ironing out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A witch and a necromancer team up to find out what really happened to her now deceased husband
Quite an obvious who dunnit but not so easy to work out how
It makes me want to know how the pair will team up in future stories if there are any.
Several spelling/grammar errors which need ironing out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2023
Spellbound started out amazing, but in the middle it started to be repetitive and a little boring. I found myself putting my Kindle down a lot to read other books.
This was a nice little mystery with vampire's, ghosts, witches, and people who could see and talk to ghosts.
All in all, it was an alright book, but I wouldn't pick it up again.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This was a nice little mystery with vampire's, ghosts, witches, and people who could see and talk to ghosts.
All in all, it was an alright book, but I wouldn't pick it up again.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 3, 2023
The book offered a good reading experience with a well-established world and paranormal elements. The characters were well-formed, although their relationship and chemistry had room for improvement. Overall, for a first time read from this specific author, I did enjoy myself and would be open to reading more books from them.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced review copy of this book for which I am leaving a voluntary review
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced review copy of this book for which I am leaving a voluntary review
May 17, 2023
The fifth book in the Magic & Mechanicals series. Another suspense filled story that kept me turning pages. Private detective and necromancer Merritt Sloan and widow Ivy Thaddeus and her adult step-son Ezra. What a story once I started reading I was not putting the book down until I was finished. The story is well written with a paranormal storyline. It was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2023
I'm relatively new to these kinds of stories and I gotta say I really enjoy them. It helps that Jessica Marting is a great writer and knows how to craft an engaging story with unique characters. So this was my first witch-necromancer romance - won't be my last! Really enjoyed the incredible world-building. I got lost in this world for a long time and am now going to read all the others in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2024
jessica marting, you just wrote my new comfort read.
i feel like i lived 3 lives in the span of the week it took me to read this (you may have heard of the disaster that were the romanian presidential election), but this kept me sane, entertained & distracted.
and for that, i am grateful.
p.s.: the fact that merritt & ivy are the sweetest people and their relationship is honestly ✨ chef's kiss✨ helped a lot too.
i feel like i lived 3 lives in the span of the week it took me to read this (you may have heard of the disaster that were the romanian presidential election), but this kept me sane, entertained & distracted.
and for that, i am grateful.
p.s.: the fact that merritt & ivy are the sweetest people and their relationship is honestly ✨ chef's kiss✨ helped a lot too.
April 15, 2023
It's an intriguing balance between a past age with some modern twists. Enjoyed the different take on magic. Both Merritt and Ivy were interesting standalone characters and made a fantastic pair together. Felt like some of the relationship scenes were unnecessary. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2023
this was a strong fifth book in the Magic & Mechanicals series, it had everything that I was hoping for in this series. The characters worked with the previous entries in the series. Jessica Marting has a great concept and this series is executed well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2023
This was a wonderful story, and was Ivy and Merritts story. The storyline was well written fast paced and interesting. The characters had a wonderful chemistry together or appealing, and I enjoyed watching them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2023
3.5-4 stars
I enjoyed the 1880's steampunk vibe, the pacing, and the story. I will definitely read more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the 1880's steampunk vibe, the pacing, and the story. I will definitely read more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 18, 2023
Love it! The worldbuilding, the lonely and mad ghost Claudia, the connection between H and h, how they work together, the murder case, the mystery, the solution ….
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews