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A Midnight Magic Mystery #1
What's a Witch to Do?
From Book 1:
Mona McGregor’s To Do List
• Make 20 13 potions/spells/charms
• Put girls to bed
• Help with Debbie’s wedding
• Lose 30 pounds before bachelorette auction
• Deal with the bleeding werewolf on doorstep
• Find out who wants me dead
• Prepare for supernatural summit
• Have a nervous breakdown
• Slay a damn demon
• Fall in love
Praise:
"This has it all! Suspense, mystery, fantasy, characters that are completely unforgettable, and a hot romance, as well as a truly strong and hysterical main character! What better way to praise this novel than to say: this is one WICKED story!"—Suspense Magazine
"Hell's bells! Harlow's balanced blend of romance and intrigue makes this one a winner."—Kirkus Reviews
"An entertaining romp through a fantasy town where even murder has a little bit of magic involved." —Library Journal
323 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
27 people are currently reading
2013 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Harlow
27 books409 followersJennifer Harlow spent her restless childhood fighting with her three brothers and scaring the heck out of herself with horror movies and books. She grew up to earn a degree at the University of Virginia which she put to use as a radio DJ, crisis hotline volunteer, bookseller, lab assistant, wedding coordinator, and government investigator. Currently she calls Northern Virgina home but that restless itch is ever present. In her free time she continues to scare the beejepers out of herself watching scary movies and opening her credit card bills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
March 15, 2016
*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
OMG I loved this book so much! It's the perfect mixture of romance, mystery and humor. The characters are memorable and plain lovable and the story is so funny and sweet. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did and now I just want to praise it to everyone. I mean, seriously, this book deserves to make it big!
It tells the story of Mona McGregor, a 35 year old woman, single and a witch, who has dedicated her life to her family, her responsabilities and her job. No wonder she forgot to actually live her life... She's the High Priestest of her coven which means she is also a member of the Preternatural CoOp, an organization created with the objective of getting the different supernatural creatures, vampires, werewolves and witches, working together and helping each other. She also runs the Midnight Magic shop and is raising her two nieces, abandoned with her by her rebellious sister. With so many plates in the air it's no wonder she doesn't really have the time to, you know, get a life.
She's pretty much given up on men but that all seems to be changing now, since the new, and handsome, doctor in town seems to have noticed her all of a sudden.
As if her life is not usually complicated enough, this week she has to run the shop and prepare her orders, attend an auction, help organize a festival, organize a coven reunion, host the anual Preternatural CoOp meating and her younger sister is getting married... So, the last thing she needs is to find a wounded warewolf at her doorstep telling her someone from her coven wants her dead.
Adam is the Beta of his pack, meaning he's number two in command. They have know each other for eighteen years, ever since Mona assumed her grandmother's place at the co-op, and she always got the feeling he doesn't really like her that much. After all, he avoids contact with her at all cost... Which makes it even weirder for Mona when he declares he's there to protect her.
So, now, besides all of the other items on her agenda, Mona has to discover who it is that wants her dead all the while avoiding getting killed. And she'll still have time to fall in love...
I loved both Mona and Adam. I have to admit I really related to Mona, I mean, I'm like her in so many aspects. That's why I was rooting so much for her happy ending. She's devoted herself to her calling/job and to her family, she's overweight, doesn't fall in love easily and is still single (better to be alone than to be with someone you don't love) and she's always making to-do lists. Yeap, kinda reminds me of someone...
But Adam... OMG, Adam. He's like the warewolf version of Mr. Darcy. I wont elaborate on it cause I don't want to spoil the story to anyone, but let's just say he's made it to my very short list of fictional man I wished were real and took notice of me. Yeap, I want an Adam all to myself. Don't care if he's a warewolf. And I have dog fobia, so that really says it all.
And can't finish without mentioning Mona's nieces, two young girls who are still dealing with whatever traumas her mother has put them through, but who have finally started to blossom living a normal life with their aunt. Who they love and that loves them back to. And if at first Adam's presence at the house is looked upon with suspicion, gradually he starts connecting with the girls. He seems to have a special talent to interact with them.
Plus he's sexy as hell. So, now Mona goes from no suitor to two suitors. That's it, even if she manages to escape the killer, she's not sure she's gonna survive this week.
So, yes, I'm going to be reading the next book in the series, and as many more the author chooses to write, cause, to be honest, I already miss these characters and all the town of Goodnight.
OMG I loved this book so much! It's the perfect mixture of romance, mystery and humor. The characters are memorable and plain lovable and the story is so funny and sweet. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did and now I just want to praise it to everyone. I mean, seriously, this book deserves to make it big!
It tells the story of Mona McGregor, a 35 year old woman, single and a witch, who has dedicated her life to her family, her responsabilities and her job. No wonder she forgot to actually live her life... She's the High Priestest of her coven which means she is also a member of the Preternatural CoOp, an organization created with the objective of getting the different supernatural creatures, vampires, werewolves and witches, working together and helping each other. She also runs the Midnight Magic shop and is raising her two nieces, abandoned with her by her rebellious sister. With so many plates in the air it's no wonder she doesn't really have the time to, you know, get a life.
She's pretty much given up on men but that all seems to be changing now, since the new, and handsome, doctor in town seems to have noticed her all of a sudden.
As if her life is not usually complicated enough, this week she has to run the shop and prepare her orders, attend an auction, help organize a festival, organize a coven reunion, host the anual Preternatural CoOp meating and her younger sister is getting married... So, the last thing she needs is to find a wounded warewolf at her doorstep telling her someone from her coven wants her dead.
Adam is the Beta of his pack, meaning he's number two in command. They have know each other for eighteen years, ever since Mona assumed her grandmother's place at the co-op, and she always got the feeling he doesn't really like her that much. After all, he avoids contact with her at all cost... Which makes it even weirder for Mona when he declares he's there to protect her.
So, now, besides all of the other items on her agenda, Mona has to discover who it is that wants her dead all the while avoiding getting killed. And she'll still have time to fall in love...
I loved both Mona and Adam. I have to admit I really related to Mona, I mean, I'm like her in so many aspects. That's why I was rooting so much for her happy ending. She's devoted herself to her calling/job and to her family, she's overweight, doesn't fall in love easily and is still single (better to be alone than to be with someone you don't love) and she's always making to-do lists. Yeap, kinda reminds me of someone...
But Adam... OMG, Adam. He's like the warewolf version of Mr. Darcy. I wont elaborate on it cause I don't want to spoil the story to anyone, but let's just say he's made it to my very short list of fictional man I wished were real and took notice of me. Yeap, I want an Adam all to myself. Don't care if he's a warewolf. And I have dog fobia, so that really says it all.
And can't finish without mentioning Mona's nieces, two young girls who are still dealing with whatever traumas her mother has put them through, but who have finally started to blossom living a normal life with their aunt. Who they love and that loves them back to. And if at first Adam's presence at the house is looked upon with suspicion, gradually he starts connecting with the girls. He seems to have a special talent to interact with them.
Plus he's sexy as hell. So, now Mona goes from no suitor to two suitors. That's it, even if she manages to escape the killer, she's not sure she's gonna survive this week.
So, yes, I'm going to be reading the next book in the series, and as many more the author chooses to write, cause, to be honest, I already miss these characters and all the town of Goodnight.
June 9, 2013
Jennifer Harlow's "What's a Witch to Do? is a charming urban fantasy tale -- a mystery and a romance.
Mona McGregor is RESPONSIBLE. She is the High Priestess of a local witch coven, where she teaches classes to the other witches on various different issues. She was barely out of small clothes, when she rose to that position. Her younger sister, the irresponsible one, has left with Mona her ten and six year old girl daughters to raise.Her other sister is getting married and Mona is helping her with the wedding. Mona runs a bookstore in town that caters to the witch set making potions for the visitors and for online orders. Her life is so full there is not enough time for anything else. No men. She has not had a date in years.
Now a werewolf shows up at her door to warn her that someone wants her dead. In fact, he was hired to kill her
And the handsome Dr. Sutcliffe wants to date her, and that’s just the first 21 pages.
In the rest of this engaging story, Mona and Adam, the werewolf must find a way to thwart the evil witch who wants her dead. There is a showdown with an evil demon, a date with the good Dr. Sutcliffe, an auction of eligible women in town, a love potion, enough magic to shake a stick at and a few red herrings.
Mona is no super slim Vogue girl. She is a real woman with charm and caring, who has had to put her own life on hold. Now she is challenged to protect her girls, her town, and her way of life. She is definitely up for the challenge.
I liked that it was not clear who was the evil witch. Harlow drops a lot of false clues so the ending is surprising on that front.
The story is also a little obvious, however, because it’s clear from early on who will end up with the girl, but the romance is also adult and engaging. Harlow’s little witch story is full of charm, and that is no witch's spell.
Mona McGregor is RESPONSIBLE. She is the High Priestess of a local witch coven, where she teaches classes to the other witches on various different issues. She was barely out of small clothes, when she rose to that position. Her younger sister, the irresponsible one, has left with Mona her ten and six year old girl daughters to raise.Her other sister is getting married and Mona is helping her with the wedding. Mona runs a bookstore in town that caters to the witch set making potions for the visitors and for online orders. Her life is so full there is not enough time for anything else. No men. She has not had a date in years.
Now a werewolf shows up at her door to warn her that someone wants her dead. In fact, he was hired to kill her
And the handsome Dr. Sutcliffe wants to date her, and that’s just the first 21 pages.
In the rest of this engaging story, Mona and Adam, the werewolf must find a way to thwart the evil witch who wants her dead. There is a showdown with an evil demon, a date with the good Dr. Sutcliffe, an auction of eligible women in town, a love potion, enough magic to shake a stick at and a few red herrings.
Mona is no super slim Vogue girl. She is a real woman with charm and caring, who has had to put her own life on hold. Now she is challenged to protect her girls, her town, and her way of life. She is definitely up for the challenge.
I liked that it was not clear who was the evil witch. Harlow drops a lot of false clues so the ending is surprising on that front.
The story is also a little obvious, however, because it’s clear from early on who will end up with the girl, but the romance is also adult and engaging. Harlow’s little witch story is full of charm, and that is no witch's spell.
April 13, 2017
My Thoughts – 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! I bought this in 2013!
The cover is definitely intriguing and what drew me to the book because it had a beautiful wolf on the cover!
This is the first book in the series and also my first time reading Jennifer Harlow’s work. This is definitely an adult book.
I really liked Mona, but I think she is a bit OCD with the lists. She has good reason though because I’d need lists to remember everything she has to do too. It is like she takes care of everyone and no one looks after her until Adam. I really love Adam though he was definitely an enigma with his personality changes. You understand at the end though. I really enjoyed this world and can’t wait to learn more about it!
I recommend to any paranormal fan who wants a variety like witches, werewolves, vampires, demons, and more! Can’t wait to check out book 2!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! I bought this in 2013!
The cover is definitely intriguing and what drew me to the book because it had a beautiful wolf on the cover!
This is the first book in the series and also my first time reading Jennifer Harlow’s work. This is definitely an adult book.
I really liked Mona, but I think she is a bit OCD with the lists. She has good reason though because I’d need lists to remember everything she has to do too. It is like she takes care of everyone and no one looks after her until Adam. I really love Adam though he was definitely an enigma with his personality changes. You understand at the end though. I really enjoyed this world and can’t wait to learn more about it!
I recommend to any paranormal fan who wants a variety like witches, werewolves, vampires, demons, and more! Can’t wait to check out book 2!!!
April 1, 2013
In Goodnight, Virginia there is a witch who has a seriously busy life. Between raising her younger sister’s kids who were left on her doorstep by her sister to being the High Priestess of the largest coven in North America, Mona McGregor is exhausted. In her life she’s called upon 24/7 by other witches who need her help with spells that have gone awry; she owns the Magic Shop in town; she’s putting a wedding together; setting up the Founder’s Day events; and has a long ‘To Do’ list each and every day.
One night Mona gets a knock on her door and practically passes out cold. On her doorstep is Adam Blue, a werewolf who has been injured beyond belief and needs her help. She’s known Adam since they were young; not to mention the witches, werewolves and vamps have their own Preternatural Co-Op (PCO). They try to get together during the year and keep up a good working relationship with their social network. Adam is away from his pack in Maryland and begs Mona to help save his life. In addition, he asks her not to tell the Alpha of his pack that he’s there.
Although Mona is slightly frightened, she helps Adam and then finds out something far worse. Adam was actually given the job of hitman - someone wants Mona dead and they’ve taken out a contract on her life.
With everything else that’s going on, now Mona has to worry about the kids with a werewolf in the house, nosy neighbors, a family tree that is lager than a mob family, and deal with a werewolf who now wants to be her bodyguard that she’s extremely attracted to, while suddenly having to study everyone she knows in order to try and figure out who the heck wants her dead.
This has it all! Suspense, mystery, fantasy, characters that are completely unforgettable, a hot romance, as well as a truly strong and hysterical main character! Everyone will love “Aunt Mona” and will want to see this character again and again. What better way to praise this novel than to say: this is one WICKED story!
Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
One night Mona gets a knock on her door and practically passes out cold. On her doorstep is Adam Blue, a werewolf who has been injured beyond belief and needs her help. She’s known Adam since they were young; not to mention the witches, werewolves and vamps have their own Preternatural Co-Op (PCO). They try to get together during the year and keep up a good working relationship with their social network. Adam is away from his pack in Maryland and begs Mona to help save his life. In addition, he asks her not to tell the Alpha of his pack that he’s there.
Although Mona is slightly frightened, she helps Adam and then finds out something far worse. Adam was actually given the job of hitman - someone wants Mona dead and they’ve taken out a contract on her life.
With everything else that’s going on, now Mona has to worry about the kids with a werewolf in the house, nosy neighbors, a family tree that is lager than a mob family, and deal with a werewolf who now wants to be her bodyguard that she’s extremely attracted to, while suddenly having to study everyone she knows in order to try and figure out who the heck wants her dead.
This has it all! Suspense, mystery, fantasy, characters that are completely unforgettable, a hot romance, as well as a truly strong and hysterical main character! Everyone will love “Aunt Mona” and will want to see this character again and again. What better way to praise this novel than to say: this is one WICKED story!
Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
August 5, 2018
Children with scissors. Mona is one of the plethora of witches in Goodnight and has taken over raising her 2 nieces, Cora and Sarah, after her younger sister abandoned them on her doorstep. When one slices a stitch worthy scissors cut in her palm, it’s off to the med center, where an old nemesis sits as head nurse. The Dr in charge is their own version of McDreamy, and Mona does enjoy the dreams. The 2 nieces are quite aware of her interest, and even at 6 and 10, they conspire to make Mona’s dreams come true.
Goodnight is a quaint town of shops, cafes, parks, busybodies and relatives. Be it known, everything is.
Mona took over her grandmother’s coven after her death and is now High Priestess and the purveyor of spells, potions and all that’s needed to cultivate them.
A late pounding on her door presents a local werewolf who had been bettered by silver and strength. His culprit unmentioned, and his condition dire, added that he cannot transform back to his supernatural state to heal himself, render him abided to Mona’s hopeful magic. But then he reveals that there is intent to kill her from within her own coven and that he, himself, had been “assigned” that duty. Turning protector, they set off to find the errant witch and stop the plot.
Several climatic scenes follow (and more so along the way) in a rather tightly written, character driven cozy. Of course there is a love story element, a couple twists, bad turns good and visa versa. All the vitals in place and properly doled.
Harlow has done a good job leaving out the drivel cuteness of too many in this genre and gives us a good, easy read with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning.
September 18, 2019
As this is my second book I've read from Jennifer Harlow, I have to say that I've thoroughly enjoyed this a lot more than the first book of her F.R.E.A.K.S. squad series; not that that isn't fun in its own right, but this book definitely has a flavor of "urban fantasy" meets "cozy mystery", and I think it just overall hit a better note with me on impact.
I'm not sure what else to give you at this point, because the GR summary on here does a good job of getting you an idea of what you're getting into, and this is absolutely a story that is better experienced by the actual reading process itself. I'm sure a future re-read will, as I usually predict, help me get a better handle on what to give you in a review, but for now I'm going to enjoy having read it, because it was definitely good.
I'm not sure what else to give you at this point, because the GR summary on here does a good job of getting you an idea of what you're getting into, and this is absolutely a story that is better experienced by the actual reading process itself. I'm sure a future re-read will, as I usually predict, help me get a better handle on what to give you in a review, but for now I'm going to enjoy having read it, because it was definitely good.
August 24, 2024
Easy read and I liked the romance aspect, but it definitely felt outdated (it was published in 2013 to be fair). Also the twist was predictable.
May 16, 2013
Mona is a High Priestess in her little town of Goodnight Viriginia. This is a job that is hereditary until death. She is raising her sisters little girls while she runs and owns a magic shop. One night someone knocks on her door and it is someone she knows..Adam Blue. He is hurt and asks for help. She nurses him back to health using her magic and he tells her someone wants her dead...someone she trust..someone in her own coven! Now she has to help plan a wedding and find out who wants her dead..
From the back cover:
Mona McGregor’s To Do List
• Make 20 13 potions/spells/charms
• Put girls to bed
• Help with Debbie’s wedding
• Lose 30 pounds before bachelorette auction
• Deal with the bleeding werewolf on doorstep
• Find out who wants me dead
• Prepare for supernatural summit
• Have a nervous breakdown
• Slay a damn demon
• Fall in love
I love Mona wasn't some airhead size 0 but a plus size gal who kept going no matter what happened. She was strong, smart and sexy! I loved the magic parts of the story as well. Throw in a sexy werewolf and its a perfect combination! Mona and Adam have a great chemistry together. I kept waiting for them to get together and the wait was worth it! This is the perfect cozy to snuggle up in bed with and read!
This is the first book I read by Jennifer Harlow and I have to say I loved it, I hope there is a second book coming out!! SOON!
February 19, 2013
ennifer Harlow has made me an official fangirl; she writes great female leads, there is tons of lust/love and there is always a good mystery. Mona is the quintessential take charge woman; she runs her family business, cares for two young nieces, is planning her sister’s wedding and is the local High Priestess. Where in that picture is there time for romance? Nowhere. And that’s when Adam Blue steps out of the shadows and into her life. Adam becomes Mona’s self-appointed protector when she is threatened.
Harlow does a great job of balancing the mystery of who is trying to kill Mona with the growing relationship between her and Adam. After a few chapters I became genuinely invested in whether Mona would push Adam out of her life or take a chance on love. Why? Because Harlow made these characters real. Who doesn’t identify with the woman who sacrifices everything for her family or community and thinks that she has missed her shot at finding her one true love? Harlow taps into that with Mona and makes you want to sit her down and say “This guy is for real, give him a chance.” The story is well told and Harlow builds enough tension to keep you reading and wanting more.
Reviewed by Karon for Cocktails and Books
Harlow does a great job of balancing the mystery of who is trying to kill Mona with the growing relationship between her and Adam. After a few chapters I became genuinely invested in whether Mona would push Adam out of her life or take a chance on love. Why? Because Harlow made these characters real. Who doesn’t identify with the woman who sacrifices everything for her family or community and thinks that she has missed her shot at finding her one true love? Harlow taps into that with Mona and makes you want to sit her down and say “This guy is for real, give him a chance.” The story is well told and Harlow builds enough tension to keep you reading and wanting more.
Reviewed by Karon for Cocktails and Books
June 27, 2013
This book was so much fun to read. I was smitten by the fact that Mona’s physical appearance is pretty normal. She’s attractive, sure, but also unfashionably plump, and rarely perfectly groomed. I am so tired of thin, beautifully perfect heroines and gorgeous, domineering (alpha) males that sometimes when I read the physical descriptions in a book I tend to sort of zone out and my mind just rephrases the characteristics to something like…..yada, yada, blah blah. It is refreshing not to constantly compare myself (consciously or unconsciously) with such perfect specimens.
I loved Mona’s voice In this story. She made me laugh, and though her expertise and life experiences are vastly different from my own she was remarkably easy for me to relate to. The story was never boring. I thought it moved along at a good clip. The supporting characters are just as interesting, each in their own way. This paranormal mystery is well-crafted with outstanding characters, an interesting setting, and plenty of humor. I loved it!
Reviewed by Laurie-J
I loved Mona’s voice In this story. She made me laugh, and though her expertise and life experiences are vastly different from my own she was remarkably easy for me to relate to. The story was never boring. I thought it moved along at a good clip. The supporting characters are just as interesting, each in their own way. This paranormal mystery is well-crafted with outstanding characters, an interesting setting, and plenty of humor. I loved it!
Reviewed by Laurie-J
January 21, 2013
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I'm a big fan of magical realism and romance, and this book sort of combined the two. The protagonist, Mona McGregor is a witch, there are a bunch of werewolves, and a couple vampires. Someone's trying to kill Mona and the book follows her trying to stay alive (and protect all the people who rely on her) while also figuring out what the heck is going on with the two men who suddenly fell in love with her. I found it easy to relate to Mona, someone who is pulled in several directions by her different responsibilities. I've already recommended this book to someone who wanted a book with a character who was on WeightWatchers. Although the diet itself doesn't play a huge role in the book, there is a theme of accepting who you are and learning to be happy with it, which I found refreshing. Even though Mona wasn't a perfect size 6, she found love and happiness and was presented as beautiful and sexy.
July 21, 2013
Now I know I don't have these kinds of responsibilities...but I can identify with Mona McGregor. She has a full life of taking care of her shop, her house, her two nieces she inherited from her ne'er do well sister....and she has a huge coven of witches to lead.
And into her overfull life comes Adam, a wounded werewolf. He's yummy and a bit grumpy and he's here to help. There seems to be a demon out there who wants to kill Mona and Adam is in town to bodyguard.
The book is funny and has plenty of hurry-turn-the-page action of street and sheet kind both. Not always a fan of action in the sheets, but Jennifer does a good job of keeping it all even-steven.
Jennifer Harlow had me with F.R.E.A.K.S. and now has me diggin' on witches with werewolves in this new series. She can write no wrong as far as I am concerned.
And into her overfull life comes Adam, a wounded werewolf. He's yummy and a bit grumpy and he's here to help. There seems to be a demon out there who wants to kill Mona and Adam is in town to bodyguard.
The book is funny and has plenty of hurry-turn-the-page action of street and sheet kind both. Not always a fan of action in the sheets, but Jennifer does a good job of keeping it all even-steven.
Jennifer Harlow had me with F.R.E.A.K.S. and now has me diggin' on witches with werewolves in this new series. She can write no wrong as far as I am concerned.
April 3, 2015
My first venture in to Jennifer Harlow and I am smitten with her.
She can tell a tale!
She has the ability to change up the pace of the book from petal to the metal to a fun gentle read and then gas it up again.
I am now on my second in the series and feel the same way.
WOW
Anyway... this book is about a witch, head priestess, raising her niece and nephew, running her own business AND running a coven 150 strong. (Never have heard of a coven that big... but OK)
She runs a foul of a witch in her coven who calls a demon to eliminate her. The werewolf pack sends a wolf to protect her and the sparks fly.
Enjoy the read.
She can tell a tale!
She has the ability to change up the pace of the book from petal to the metal to a fun gentle read and then gas it up again.
I am now on my second in the series and feel the same way.
WOW
Anyway... this book is about a witch, head priestess, raising her niece and nephew, running her own business AND running a coven 150 strong. (Never have heard of a coven that big... but OK)
She runs a foul of a witch in her coven who calls a demon to eliminate her. The werewolf pack sends a wolf to protect her and the sparks fly.
Enjoy the read.
March 3, 2013
My hubby won this as a first reads... I swiped it :)
Having finished it in less than two days, due to being unable to put it down, I must say this book is a MUST READ! Though the first few 'chapters' were hard to get through (too little character info/too much setting detail), the story is awesome.
I highly recommend it for readers of Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series.
Having finished it in less than two days, due to being unable to put it down, I must say this book is a MUST READ! Though the first few 'chapters' were hard to get through (too little character info/too much setting detail), the story is awesome.
I highly recommend it for readers of Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series.
May 4, 2013
I enjoyed every single page of this book. It was engaging enough to keep me awake through
Dramamine even. I loved the little girls and the small town and the crossover with her other book series.
Dramamine even. I loved the little girls and the small town and the crossover with her other book series.
January 19, 2014
★★★½☆ Enjoyed this one more than I thought I would. Nice mystery. Nice love story.
May 2, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.
Quick & Dirty: Mona McGregor, High Priestess of a coven of witches, must team up with Adam Blue, beta werewolf, to figure out who wants her dead and to stop them before they succeed. This story will appeal to paranormal suspense, mystery and romance lovers.
Opening Sentence: “Aunt Mona! Aunt Mona! Cora’s bleeding!”
The Review:
Mona McGregor’s life could not get any busier than it already is or so she thinks. She is already juggling taking care of her nieces that her sister — Ivy just dropped on her door step and left, she’s also helping her other sister Debbie get ready for her wedding, running her business at Midnight Magic, helping with the Towns’ festival, getting ready for the supernatural co-op, and being high priestess of her coven. Then out of the blue a werewolf named Adam Blue shows up on her doorstep beaten so bad that he is almost unrecognizable. He tells her someone wants her dead. What is a girl to do? I was not sure I was going to like this book. I usually do not read books about witches or werewolves so I was very surprised when I really enjoyed this story. It took me a few pages to get into it but once I did, I did not want to put this book down. There is the mystery of who wants Mona dead, the suspense as she and Adam are trying to keep her alive long enough to figure out who wants her dead and then there is the romance that slowly blooms between Mona and Adam. All of this together makes for a wonderful story.
I enjoyed Mona’s character. She was a strong, independent woman who most of everyone looked up to. Of course sometimes she really should let someone else be the strong one and just let her feelings show. Like many women, she has had bad relationships and so is scared of falling in love and she pushes most guys away. Luckily for her, Adam isn’t most men. Despite the danger, Mona, keeps going. She puts everyone else before herself and tries to help them with their problems. Adam is my idea of the dream guy. Well, maybe except that he turns furry during the full moon. He isn’t very tall, but he is very muscular. He has light blue eyes and light brown hair that is softer than any man’s hair has the right to be. He is also so nice and loyal to a fault. I am actually shocked at Mona that her relationship with Adam did not develop faster. What woman could resist a man like that who wants to protect her with his life? The nice thing is that Harlow did not rush their relationship. It was a slow build that was actually believable. The other characters that were important to this story are Mona’s two nieces. Their mother showed up with them one day and the next day she was gone and she had left them behind with Mona. Sophie is ten years old and the oldest. She acts older than her years sometimes and knows things about black magic that no little girl should. She takes a while to warm up to Mona and she won’t tell Mona what happened when they were living with their Mom. The other niece is Cora; she is six years old and the complete opposite of her sister. Where Sophie is quiet and withdrawn Cora is bubbly and seems to always be talking. Sophie has a hard time warming up to people and even when she does she has a hard time showing it. Cora on the other hand seems to love everyone. When you put these two girls together you get trouble. It turns out that their Mom was teaching them black magic and they used it on someone. It didn’t hurt anyone physically but they did get into big trouble. There are many other characters, mostly Mona’s family because most of the towns folk of Goodnight, Virginia are related. The problem with this is that it means whoever wants Mona dead is most likely a relative.
Harlow did many things that strengthened the book. For example, the family tree in the beginning. It helps you know who is going to play a role in the story, at least among the witches in the story. I also liked how she has a to-do-list for each day to show just how much Mona really does have to do during a day. The funny part is that most days Mona does not stick with her to-do-list or even when she does she never seems to have time to finish everything she needs to do. This story should be a must read for adults who are into witches and werewolves. Even if you do not read this type of story usually give it a chance. I did and I truly enjoyed reading it.
Notable Scene:
I sit up straight in bed, every one of my nerve endings buzzing with warning. There are goose pimples all over and the hair on my arms stand on end. Danger. I’ve never felt this before, but instinctively I know the cause. I am beyond in trouble.
“Aunt Mona?” Sophie calls, voice filled with terror.
I leap out of bed and run to the door. Both girls stand in the hallway, Cora clutching onto her shaking sister. They’re as petrified as I am. “Are you okay?” I ask, trying and failing to hide my own fear.
The door across from me swings open, and we almost pee our pants. Adam steps out, hair wild from sleep. “What’s the matter?”
“You don’t feel that?”I ask
“What?”
“Demon,” Sophie says, voice quaking. “There’s a demon outside.”
FTC Advisory: Midnight Ink provided me with a copy of What’s a Witch to Do? No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Mona McGregor, High Priestess of a coven of witches, must team up with Adam Blue, beta werewolf, to figure out who wants her dead and to stop them before they succeed. This story will appeal to paranormal suspense, mystery and romance lovers.
Opening Sentence: “Aunt Mona! Aunt Mona! Cora’s bleeding!”
The Review:
Mona McGregor’s life could not get any busier than it already is or so she thinks. She is already juggling taking care of her nieces that her sister — Ivy just dropped on her door step and left, she’s also helping her other sister Debbie get ready for her wedding, running her business at Midnight Magic, helping with the Towns’ festival, getting ready for the supernatural co-op, and being high priestess of her coven. Then out of the blue a werewolf named Adam Blue shows up on her doorstep beaten so bad that he is almost unrecognizable. He tells her someone wants her dead. What is a girl to do? I was not sure I was going to like this book. I usually do not read books about witches or werewolves so I was very surprised when I really enjoyed this story. It took me a few pages to get into it but once I did, I did not want to put this book down. There is the mystery of who wants Mona dead, the suspense as she and Adam are trying to keep her alive long enough to figure out who wants her dead and then there is the romance that slowly blooms between Mona and Adam. All of this together makes for a wonderful story.
I enjoyed Mona’s character. She was a strong, independent woman who most of everyone looked up to. Of course sometimes she really should let someone else be the strong one and just let her feelings show. Like many women, she has had bad relationships and so is scared of falling in love and she pushes most guys away. Luckily for her, Adam isn’t most men. Despite the danger, Mona, keeps going. She puts everyone else before herself and tries to help them with their problems. Adam is my idea of the dream guy. Well, maybe except that he turns furry during the full moon. He isn’t very tall, but he is very muscular. He has light blue eyes and light brown hair that is softer than any man’s hair has the right to be. He is also so nice and loyal to a fault. I am actually shocked at Mona that her relationship with Adam did not develop faster. What woman could resist a man like that who wants to protect her with his life? The nice thing is that Harlow did not rush their relationship. It was a slow build that was actually believable. The other characters that were important to this story are Mona’s two nieces. Their mother showed up with them one day and the next day she was gone and she had left them behind with Mona. Sophie is ten years old and the oldest. She acts older than her years sometimes and knows things about black magic that no little girl should. She takes a while to warm up to Mona and she won’t tell Mona what happened when they were living with their Mom. The other niece is Cora; she is six years old and the complete opposite of her sister. Where Sophie is quiet and withdrawn Cora is bubbly and seems to always be talking. Sophie has a hard time warming up to people and even when she does she has a hard time showing it. Cora on the other hand seems to love everyone. When you put these two girls together you get trouble. It turns out that their Mom was teaching them black magic and they used it on someone. It didn’t hurt anyone physically but they did get into big trouble. There are many other characters, mostly Mona’s family because most of the towns folk of Goodnight, Virginia are related. The problem with this is that it means whoever wants Mona dead is most likely a relative.
Harlow did many things that strengthened the book. For example, the family tree in the beginning. It helps you know who is going to play a role in the story, at least among the witches in the story. I also liked how she has a to-do-list for each day to show just how much Mona really does have to do during a day. The funny part is that most days Mona does not stick with her to-do-list or even when she does she never seems to have time to finish everything she needs to do. This story should be a must read for adults who are into witches and werewolves. Even if you do not read this type of story usually give it a chance. I did and I truly enjoyed reading it.
Notable Scene:
I sit up straight in bed, every one of my nerve endings buzzing with warning. There are goose pimples all over and the hair on my arms stand on end. Danger. I’ve never felt this before, but instinctively I know the cause. I am beyond in trouble.
“Aunt Mona?” Sophie calls, voice filled with terror.
I leap out of bed and run to the door. Both girls stand in the hallway, Cora clutching onto her shaking sister. They’re as petrified as I am. “Are you okay?” I ask, trying and failing to hide my own fear.
The door across from me swings open, and we almost pee our pants. Adam steps out, hair wild from sleep. “What’s the matter?”
“You don’t feel that?”I ask
“What?”
“Demon,” Sophie says, voice quaking. “There’s a demon outside.”
FTC Advisory: Midnight Ink provided me with a copy of What’s a Witch to Do? No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
May 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read for me. I'm a pretty slow reader, but when I would pick this book up, the next thing I knew, I had read 50 pages in one sitting.
I really liked the main characters & the story line. I thought the main character Mona was very easy to relate to. The little twist at the end was very good too. I'm really glad my friend Jes recommended this book.
I really liked the main characters & the story line. I thought the main character Mona was very easy to relate to. The little twist at the end was very good too. I'm really glad my friend Jes recommended this book.
December 16, 2018
Highly enjoyable read which is quite well-written and entertaining in terms of plot and characterisation.
The romance was also well-written and not a terrible cliche even if generally speaking you knew what was going to happen. The main character was cool and I liked reading about her. I read this in one day and it's too bad that the next books in the series aren't about her, but it makes sense since it felt finished.
I recommend. :)
The romance was also well-written and not a terrible cliche even if generally speaking you knew what was going to happen. The main character was cool and I liked reading about her. I read this in one day and it's too bad that the next books in the series aren't about her, but it makes sense since it felt finished.
I recommend. :)
July 24, 2016
2.5 Stars
Ok, so I really wanted to love this book. The premise just sounds so fun. But the book was not what I was expecting and I really can't get behind the writing/ the narrative voice.
I thought this book was going to have more of an urban fantasy feel, but this book actually falls firmly under the paranormal romance with a smidge of mystery category. (Smidge is apparently not a real word, but it feels right so I'm sticking to it.)
I like that the main girl is an older woman who is raising her sister's kids and that she is smart and capable. That aspect is done well. The big BIG turn off in this book is the narrative voice. This book is told in first person pov from the main girl and it is not done well. She is over-descriptive, redundant and her repeated use of the word literally was driving me crazy! Seriously in just the first ten pages she has to drive "all the way across town" and it takes her ten minutes (ten minutes, what a big town) and on the way she describes people and places she passes. She is on her way to the hospital. Why is she taking so much time to think about all these people in such great detail.
It's just very jarring the way she talks and despite being a 30+ year old, it's very juvenile. It gets better as the book goes on, but not bby much. It's like she's striving for that tongue in cheek gumshoe commentary, but failing miserably and instead of being funny it's the kind of thing that would earn a pity laugh. And oh my gosh! I am not even kidding when I say the word literally was used like 5 times within the first 5 chapters. Sometimes with in a page of each other. My jaw dropped, literally. It's just not good. Don't say that when in your narration. More than once. It's annoying and weird. Also she kept using the word mo-ron. Actually it was mo-ron Why is it hyphenated? Why is it italicized? Why does this woman keep calling herself a mo-ron? It was very strange.
I also liked the premise of the mystery. Unfortunately it is all very obvious. Two different things are going on- One has to do with the main girl having two suitors and one with someone trying to kill her. Within twenty pages, once both things had been set up I knew exactly what was going on. I knew exactly who was trying to kill her. So it was not really surprising or exciting at the end, but there were a few twists to make it a little entertaining.
A note on the smut: There was one major smutty scene about 3/4ths through the book and then a few other references and it was the kind where... Well I read it aloud to my husband and it was really ridiculous. It was the kind where orgasms are compared to magic sparkles. (Ok that was an over exaggeration, but you know what I mean.) I don't judge though. Smut is hard to write.
Overall this was a fun way to spend a few hours on a Saturday morning, but there is nothing special about this book and I'm sure there are a lot more silly fun paranormal romances much better than this. But I don't regret reading it or anything...
Ok, so I really wanted to love this book. The premise just sounds so fun. But the book was not what I was expecting and I really can't get behind the writing/ the narrative voice.
I thought this book was going to have more of an urban fantasy feel, but this book actually falls firmly under the paranormal romance with a smidge of mystery category. (Smidge is apparently not a real word, but it feels right so I'm sticking to it.)
I like that the main girl is an older woman who is raising her sister's kids and that she is smart and capable. That aspect is done well. The big BIG turn off in this book is the narrative voice. This book is told in first person pov from the main girl and it is not done well. She is over-descriptive, redundant and her repeated use of the word literally was driving me crazy! Seriously in just the first ten pages she has to drive "all the way across town" and it takes her ten minutes (ten minutes, what a big town) and on the way she describes people and places she passes. She is on her way to the hospital. Why is she taking so much time to think about all these people in such great detail.
It's just very jarring the way she talks and despite being a 30+ year old, it's very juvenile. It gets better as the book goes on, but not bby much. It's like she's striving for that tongue in cheek gumshoe commentary, but failing miserably and instead of being funny it's the kind of thing that would earn a pity laugh. And oh my gosh! I am not even kidding when I say the word literally was used like 5 times within the first 5 chapters. Sometimes with in a page of each other. My jaw dropped, literally. It's just not good. Don't say that when in your narration. More than once. It's annoying and weird. Also she kept using the word mo-ron. Actually it was mo-ron Why is it hyphenated? Why is it italicized? Why does this woman keep calling herself a mo-ron? It was very strange.
I also liked the premise of the mystery. Unfortunately it is all very obvious. Two different things are going on- One has to do with the main girl having two suitors and one with someone trying to kill her. Within twenty pages, once both things had been set up I knew exactly what was going on. I knew exactly who was trying to kill her. So it was not really surprising or exciting at the end, but there were a few twists to make it a little entertaining.
A note on the smut: There was one major smutty scene about 3/4ths through the book and then a few other references and it was the kind where... Well I read it aloud to my husband and it was really ridiculous. It was the kind where orgasms are compared to magic sparkles. (Ok that was an over exaggeration, but you know what I mean.) I don't judge though. Smut is hard to write.
Overall this was a fun way to spend a few hours on a Saturday morning, but there is nothing special about this book and I'm sure there are a lot more silly fun paranormal romances much better than this. But I don't regret reading it or anything...
April 6, 2013
When I first requested this book I didn't know what to expect because I'd never heard of the author before and looking at the summary the book reminded me of the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris.
Thankfully, despite that fact What's a Witch To Do was much better than I expected. There was nothing that I didn't like about the book. I absolutely loved the plot. Finally someone has written a funny, witchy, paranormal mystery novel with a romantic twist that actually doesn't rely on old, overused clichés.
From the first page of the of What's a Witch To Do I was hooked and I read the book all in one shot it was that darn good folks. Mona, the high priestess of the coven in Goodnight, Virginia was a lovely heroine and one that varies from the stereotypical norm. Instead of the buxom supermodel figure that is often presented in this type of read. Instead we have a plus size heroine who is witty, charming and strong and completely lovable despite how hard some people put her down.
The rest of the cast of characters is just as eclectic as Mona. Young and old the book is full of vibrancy when it comes to the population of Goodnight. They're wacky and I absolutely loved them as their craziness helped push the book along.
The overall plot was also very good and the mystery aspect of the book was very well thought out and I kept me guessing. I was really surprised and pleased to find that the author put to much work into writing the mystery into the story because I've found that this genre can be pretty light on the actual mystery factor but there was enough twists and turns to keep me interested until the very end. Plus the romance in the book was just what I wanted. It wasn't the main focus of the book but neither was it swept to the wayside. It was just perfect.
Overall, I loved this book and ever since I finished it I've been recommending it to friends left and right. I hope this isn't the last we'll see of Mona and the witches coven in Goodnight and that Jennifer Harlow turns this into a series. Until then I'll just have to start reading her other series.
I would recommend this book to everyone who is a fan of the paranormal romance and mystery novels that are set in a small town and love a quirky mixture of characters. Especially if you want to laugh your butt off.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.
Thankfully, despite that fact What's a Witch To Do was much better than I expected. There was nothing that I didn't like about the book. I absolutely loved the plot. Finally someone has written a funny, witchy, paranormal mystery novel with a romantic twist that actually doesn't rely on old, overused clichés.
From the first page of the of What's a Witch To Do I was hooked and I read the book all in one shot it was that darn good folks. Mona, the high priestess of the coven in Goodnight, Virginia was a lovely heroine and one that varies from the stereotypical norm. Instead of the buxom supermodel figure that is often presented in this type of read. Instead we have a plus size heroine who is witty, charming and strong and completely lovable despite how hard some people put her down.
The rest of the cast of characters is just as eclectic as Mona. Young and old the book is full of vibrancy when it comes to the population of Goodnight. They're wacky and I absolutely loved them as their craziness helped push the book along.
The overall plot was also very good and the mystery aspect of the book was very well thought out and I kept me guessing. I was really surprised and pleased to find that the author put to much work into writing the mystery into the story because I've found that this genre can be pretty light on the actual mystery factor but there was enough twists and turns to keep me interested until the very end. Plus the romance in the book was just what I wanted. It wasn't the main focus of the book but neither was it swept to the wayside. It was just perfect.
Overall, I loved this book and ever since I finished it I've been recommending it to friends left and right. I hope this isn't the last we'll see of Mona and the witches coven in Goodnight and that Jennifer Harlow turns this into a series. Until then I'll just have to start reading her other series.
I would recommend this book to everyone who is a fan of the paranormal romance and mystery novels that are set in a small town and love a quirky mixture of characters. Especially if you want to laugh your butt off.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.
March 15, 2013
Mona’s life is busy. She owns her own shop, is the high priestess of a coven, and is the care giver for two nieces her sister left on her door step. It’s safe to say Mona has her work cut out for her. One night Adam Blue knocks on her door injured. She invites the werewolf in and helps him out. Adam didn’t knock on her door just for a potion. He tells her that she is in danger. One of her own coven wants to have her killed.
What’s a Witch to do? is Harlow’s first book in her new Midnight Magic Mystery series. It’s a cozy mystery and full on romance. It takes place in Harlow’s F.R.E.A.K.S series universe. Harlow pulls off romance with ease, maybe even better than her Urban Fantasy series. I call this a cozy mystery, but the truth is I know very little about cozy mystery novels. Usually I do Gothic romances, UF and anything bordering horror. This isn’t any of that, but I still enjoyed it.
Mona, the main character, leads a life that makes my skin crawl. She is not only domestic, but also involved in her community, and all around good person. The author gets the reader involved with Mona’s life by making a check list of daily things to accomplish. This also adds to the cute humor that runs throughout the novel. With Adam’s help, Mona is determined who wants to kill her, and juggle her already hectic life. Meanwhile the hot doctor Mona has had a crush on seems to be having one back, but she is slowly growing closer to her new werewolf companion.
Mona isn’t a dense character. She doesn’t always judge things correctly, but readers never feel as if she is an idiot either. Her want to be killer isn’t the forefront of the first half of the story. It snags the reader along with the romance, and the light humor. A demon becomes involved, kicking the tension of the story up a notch. The second half of the novel is more dangerous, and a lot more interesting. The romance never falls into the background, but fits nicely into plot.
I have one small negative thing. Mona, for all her good nature, she is a little judgmental of others, especially other women.
Mona’s story isn’t anything new for the genre. It’s not as steamy, and it doesn’t take a lot of risks, but it is a fun quick read. The romance felt gradual and organic, which is impressive considering what Mona discovers (No spoilers for you!). I am excited to see what else comes out of this new series.
Beth
What’s a Witch to do? is Harlow’s first book in her new Midnight Magic Mystery series. It’s a cozy mystery and full on romance. It takes place in Harlow’s F.R.E.A.K.S series universe. Harlow pulls off romance with ease, maybe even better than her Urban Fantasy series. I call this a cozy mystery, but the truth is I know very little about cozy mystery novels. Usually I do Gothic romances, UF and anything bordering horror. This isn’t any of that, but I still enjoyed it.
Mona, the main character, leads a life that makes my skin crawl. She is not only domestic, but also involved in her community, and all around good person. The author gets the reader involved with Mona’s life by making a check list of daily things to accomplish. This also adds to the cute humor that runs throughout the novel. With Adam’s help, Mona is determined who wants to kill her, and juggle her already hectic life. Meanwhile the hot doctor Mona has had a crush on seems to be having one back, but she is slowly growing closer to her new werewolf companion.
Mona isn’t a dense character. She doesn’t always judge things correctly, but readers never feel as if she is an idiot either. Her want to be killer isn’t the forefront of the first half of the story. It snags the reader along with the romance, and the light humor. A demon becomes involved, kicking the tension of the story up a notch. The second half of the novel is more dangerous, and a lot more interesting. The romance never falls into the background, but fits nicely into plot.
I have one small negative thing. Mona, for all her good nature, she is a little judgmental of others, especially other women.
Mona’s story isn’t anything new for the genre. It’s not as steamy, and it doesn’t take a lot of risks, but it is a fun quick read. The romance felt gradual and organic, which is impressive considering what Mona discovers (No spoilers for you!). I am excited to see what else comes out of this new series.
Beth
March 3, 2013
Through Netgalley for a tour in exchange of an honest review.
Mona is a High Priestess of a Witches Coven, she also raises two nieces that her sister left behind with her one night, and puts her jobs and responsibility first – no wonder Mona doesn't really have a personal life. When Adam Blue, a sexy Beta werewolf shows up injured on her doorsteps claiming that someone is out there trying to kill her, Mona ends up saving his life and enlisting him as her body guard. When the cute doctor suddenly fights for her attention and a demon out to get her, Mona teams up with Adam to hunt down the demon and find out the real man for her heart.
Touching story, I absolutely enjoyed this book. I picture Mona as an everyday average woman who battles weight issues, but who is also caring, and puts her family and responsibility first ahead of her issues. She was funny, and entertaining and in a way endearing. Love life does not come easy for Mona and when it starts to get out of control, she has a hard time dealing with it – aside from the fact that someone wants her dead so they can take her High Priestess spot.
The whole tone and the language was very amusing in the book and is more for people who are looking for a lighthearted read and are not easily offended as Mona does not hold back on her swearing ;) but that's what makes her Mona.
The plot, was amusing and kept me interested in the book. The whole mystery had me guessing, thought about more then half way in I was starting to see what was going on slowly. Aside of that, I loved Mona and Adam and the emotional moments between the two laced with both joy and sadness, enough to keep you completely involved. Both well rounded and realistic characters, I found myself rooting hard for Adam and by the middle of the book I couldn't help but squeal at the big reveal! But I won't ruin it, you guys will just have to pick this one up yourself and take a journey into Goodnight and join Mona on her epic adventure as she fights demons and keeps the entire Witch's Coven at bay!
Mona is a High Priestess of a Witches Coven, she also raises two nieces that her sister left behind with her one night, and puts her jobs and responsibility first – no wonder Mona doesn't really have a personal life. When Adam Blue, a sexy Beta werewolf shows up injured on her doorsteps claiming that someone is out there trying to kill her, Mona ends up saving his life and enlisting him as her body guard. When the cute doctor suddenly fights for her attention and a demon out to get her, Mona teams up with Adam to hunt down the demon and find out the real man for her heart.
Touching story, I absolutely enjoyed this book. I picture Mona as an everyday average woman who battles weight issues, but who is also caring, and puts her family and responsibility first ahead of her issues. She was funny, and entertaining and in a way endearing. Love life does not come easy for Mona and when it starts to get out of control, she has a hard time dealing with it – aside from the fact that someone wants her dead so they can take her High Priestess spot.
The whole tone and the language was very amusing in the book and is more for people who are looking for a lighthearted read and are not easily offended as Mona does not hold back on her swearing ;) but that's what makes her Mona.
The plot, was amusing and kept me interested in the book. The whole mystery had me guessing, thought about more then half way in I was starting to see what was going on slowly. Aside of that, I loved Mona and Adam and the emotional moments between the two laced with both joy and sadness, enough to keep you completely involved. Both well rounded and realistic characters, I found myself rooting hard for Adam and by the middle of the book I couldn't help but squeal at the big reveal! But I won't ruin it, you guys will just have to pick this one up yourself and take a journey into Goodnight and join Mona on her epic adventure as she fights demons and keeps the entire Witch's Coven at bay!
October 31, 2013
I loved this book! Sure, I love all books by Jennifer Harlow but What's a Witch to Do is definitely one of my favorites from her.
What's a Witch to Do follows witch Mona McGregor, who's the high priestess of her cover. When werewolf Adam Blue shows up beating bloody, claiming that someone wants to kill her, she's forced to suspect friends and family. Together with the sexy werewolf at her side, Mona starts investigating...
Jennifer Harlow really did a great job with this book. I adore her FREAKS book and What's a Witch to Do being in the same world as FREAKS was such a great surprise since I didn't know that. Especially when characters from that series came in this book and a certain vampire got mentioned. Hee Hee.
The story (as always) was very entertaining, with fun and witty dialogue + an intriguing mystery that I, just like Mona, wanted to solve.
As for Mona as a character... I really liked her and the lists she made were so awesome. Also it's amazing how she could keep it together the way she did with everything going on like trying to find out who's trying to kill her, trying not to doe by the hands of a demon and raising two little girls on top of that + a whole lot of other things... I also loved her relationship with Adam and how it didn't really came out of the blue (pun not intended). They did know each other for almost two years, although didn't see each other a lot but at least there was the connection. Adam was an amazing hero. I love, love, love, LOVE werewolves and he was just so swoon-worthy and too darn cute with those little girls.
Overall, What's a Witch to Do by Jennifer Harlow for me was like the love child of Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld and Kim Harrison's The Hollows series. A great urban fantasy/mystery that definitely fits with them. I enjoyed reading it so much and never got bored. And I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series and by this author.
What's a Witch to Do follows witch Mona McGregor, who's the high priestess of her cover. When werewolf Adam Blue shows up beating bloody, claiming that someone wants to kill her, she's forced to suspect friends and family. Together with the sexy werewolf at her side, Mona starts investigating...
Jennifer Harlow really did a great job with this book. I adore her FREAKS book and What's a Witch to Do being in the same world as FREAKS was such a great surprise since I didn't know that. Especially when characters from that series came in this book and a certain vampire got mentioned. Hee Hee.
The story (as always) was very entertaining, with fun and witty dialogue + an intriguing mystery that I, just like Mona, wanted to solve.
As for Mona as a character... I really liked her and the lists she made were so awesome. Also it's amazing how she could keep it together the way she did with everything going on like trying to find out who's trying to kill her, trying not to doe by the hands of a demon and raising two little girls on top of that + a whole lot of other things... I also loved her relationship with Adam and how it didn't really came out of the blue (pun not intended). They did know each other for almost two years, although didn't see each other a lot but at least there was the connection. Adam was an amazing hero. I love, love, love, LOVE werewolves and he was just so swoon-worthy and too darn cute with those little girls.
Overall, What's a Witch to Do by Jennifer Harlow for me was like the love child of Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld and Kim Harrison's The Hollows series. A great urban fantasy/mystery that definitely fits with them. I enjoyed reading it so much and never got bored. And I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series and by this author.
March 20, 2013
Not a bad read. I think it started off a bit slow for me, although the pace picked up quickly enough. I tend to prefer that the characters I read about are strong, independent women with sass, and while Mona is all of those things, she's also sporting a massive inferiority complex and there's a lot of 'ugly duckling' throughout the story. It's tempered well with the strong aspects of her personality, but it did detract from my enjoyment of the story overall.
The mystery itself should have been an excellent one but for some reason it was completely predictable to me. I was convinced of the culprit VERY early in the book. But I will give Ms. Harlow kudo's for making me work so hard for vindication. :) She was able to convince me several times I must be wrong, only to re-convince myself I must be right. It was definitely a roller coaster ride, this plot line. Lots of action too, with the story peaking at several points, something that kept me totally involved in the plot.
The rest of the cast of characters are likeable or seem likeable for a first outing. The oldest niece (Sophie?) needs an attitude adjustment but given the past she's supposed to have come from, I suppose it's in keeping with the story. Adam is very likeable and I liked reading the interactions between him and Mona. There's more "romance" in this story than I expected. I expected sexual tension, sex, etc. But the actually 'I love you so much I'll set you free/you have to really want this' romance was unexpected, although not over the top.
I liked that this new series will be taking place in the same universe as the F.R.E.A.K.S. series and the crossover of a couple of characters was fun. I look forward to the next book in the series, and finding out where Ms. Harlow intends to take this series.
The mystery itself should have been an excellent one but for some reason it was completely predictable to me. I was convinced of the culprit VERY early in the book. But I will give Ms. Harlow kudo's for making me work so hard for vindication. :) She was able to convince me several times I must be wrong, only to re-convince myself I must be right. It was definitely a roller coaster ride, this plot line. Lots of action too, with the story peaking at several points, something that kept me totally involved in the plot.
The rest of the cast of characters are likeable or seem likeable for a first outing. The oldest niece (Sophie?) needs an attitude adjustment but given the past she's supposed to have come from, I suppose it's in keeping with the story. Adam is very likeable and I liked reading the interactions between him and Mona. There's more "romance" in this story than I expected. I expected sexual tension, sex, etc. But the actually 'I love you so much I'll set you free/you have to really want this' romance was unexpected, although not over the top.
I liked that this new series will be taking place in the same universe as the F.R.E.A.K.S. series and the crossover of a couple of characters was fun. I look forward to the next book in the series, and finding out where Ms. Harlow intends to take this series.
March 23, 2013
OMG! This book is enough to make me go all fangirly. There is so much to love about it, I just don't know where to start.
OK, I do.
1. The cover is fantastic. In fact of all the cozy mysteries I've read this year, this is the cover that I love the most.
2. Mona! Best heroine ever. She's not a skinny youngun'! Can I get a woo hoo for that? It is nice to know that women out of their 20s are well represented in book and in a real manner. OK, well as real as you can be when the heroine is the High Priestess of a coven.
3. Adam. OMG! It is no wonder all the women in the book are panting and drooling over this werewolf.
4. The mystery. The whodunit is not who you think it is. Of course, when is it ever?
5. The love story. For a long time you aren't sure which guy is going to get Mona, but at the end you'll be happy with the results.
This was really a great cozy and it closed up the right loose ends and left enough open for the coming books, especially the stuff about Sophie and Cora and their mother, Mona's sister Ivy.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. Mona is a fantastic cozy heroine and I fell in love with her in this book.
OK, I do.
1. The cover is fantastic. In fact of all the cozy mysteries I've read this year, this is the cover that I love the most.
2. Mona! Best heroine ever. She's not a skinny youngun'! Can I get a woo hoo for that? It is nice to know that women out of their 20s are well represented in book and in a real manner. OK, well as real as you can be when the heroine is the High Priestess of a coven.
3. Adam. OMG! It is no wonder all the women in the book are panting and drooling over this werewolf.
4. The mystery. The whodunit is not who you think it is. Of course, when is it ever?
5. The love story. For a long time you aren't sure which guy is going to get Mona, but at the end you'll be happy with the results.
This was really a great cozy and it closed up the right loose ends and left enough open for the coming books, especially the stuff about Sophie and Cora and their mother, Mona's sister Ivy.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. Mona is a fantastic cozy heroine and I fell in love with her in this book.
March 24, 2014
Talk Supe review
Fun chick-lit supe story with a 35yo spinster witch, Mona, for a heroine and a chunky werewolf, Adam, the hero. You have spells going awry, a demon on the lose, a town full of crazy characters, lots of awkward moments and a witch gone batshit insane, putting a hit on High Priestess Mona.
I had fun reading WWTD, very entertaining and the chick-lit romantic part between Mona and Adam are cute. I miss the Harlow signature snark, biting comebacks and crazy antics that endeared F.R.E.A.K.S. to me. Mona, though a very fun heroine to follow, was a little tame and more polite than Beatrice.
review to follow at www.talkingsupe.com
Fun chick-lit supe story with a 35yo spinster witch, Mona, for a heroine and a chunky werewolf, Adam, the hero. You have spells going awry, a demon on the lose, a town full of crazy characters, lots of awkward moments and a witch gone batshit insane, putting a hit on High Priestess Mona.
I had fun reading WWTD, very entertaining and the chick-lit romantic part between Mona and Adam are cute. I miss the Harlow signature snark, biting comebacks and crazy antics that endeared F.R.E.A.K.S. to me. Mona, though a very fun heroine to follow, was a little tame and more polite than Beatrice.
review to follow at www.talkingsupe.com
July 28, 2013
My complete love for Mona earns this book 4 stars. Her personality, her caring heart & her "mother to all" nature reminds me so much of my older sister (who I adore) that Mona's character immediately became dear to me. Even the physical description of her is like that of my sister that I began to envision her as Mona.
Adam was great as well. His shyness in the beginning was sweet and made me smile more then once. Strong, steady and sexy - perfect for Mona.
Though I will say this - I KNEW who the villian was from the very beginning. Don't ask me how - I just knew. That was my only hang up with the entire book - that I was right about who the baddie was the whole time...
All in all, a cute story. I look forward to reading more of the series.
Adam was great as well. His shyness in the beginning was sweet and made me smile more then once. Strong, steady and sexy - perfect for Mona.
Though I will say this - I KNEW who the villian was from the very beginning. Don't ask me how - I just knew. That was my only hang up with the entire book - that I was right about who the baddie was the whole time...
All in all, a cute story. I look forward to reading more of the series.
October 14, 2014
3.5
I liked the story and the characters although Mona irritated me at some parts. All in all a good story. I'm thinking of trying her FREAKS series
I liked the story and the characters although Mona irritated me at some parts. All in all a good story. I'm thinking of trying her FREAKS series
February 25, 2013
Mona McGregor has always put family first. When her mother died, and her father shortly after, she took charge of her younger sisters Debbie and Ivy, practically raising the girls with the help of their Grandmother. And when Granny died, Mona took over the mantle as High Priestess of her coven. And just a few months ago when Ivy appeared on Mona’s doorstep pleading for help for herself and her two daughters, Sophie and Cora, Mona was there.
Mona always puts family first and herself second. So when Ivy disappeared in the middle of the night all those months ago, leaving Sophie and Cora in Mona’s care, she took a deep breath and prepared to dedicate the rest of her life to those two precious girls.
There’s a hectic few weeks ahead for Mona and her family. She’s busy running her Midnight Magic shop in Goodnight, Virginia, which caters to the thirty odd witches in town who Mona also oversees in her role as High Priestess of the local coven. Then there’s Debbie’s upcoming wedding, mere days away, which Mona has been helping to plan for her little sister. There’s little time left over for Mona’s love-life, which she is painfully reminded the lack thereof every time Sophie or Cora need a trip to the ER, and Mona is left to lust from afar over a certain handsome Dr. Guy.
So the very last thing Mona needs is a knock on her door late one night . . . a knock that heralds impending disaster not just for Mona, but her entire coven.
Adam Blue is bleeding on Mona’s doorstep. Adam is Beta to local Alpha werewolf, Jason Dahl, and Mona has known him for some eighteen years . . . but in all those years Adam has gone out of his way to avoid Mona, to the point that she thought he held a grudge against her. So she’s a little perplexed when Adam comes knocking for help, and bearing bad news that he got injured while trying to investigate a hired hit orchestrated against Mona. You see, someone within Mona’s coven hired Adam to assassinate her and pass the High Priestess title on. Only problem is, Adam doesn’t know who hired him. He only knows that Mona’s life is still in danger unless they find the guilty witch.
‘What’s a Witch to Do?’ is a new novel from Jennifer Harlow, and is a spin-off from her ‘F.R.E.A.K.S Squad Investigation’ series.
I was over-the-moon thrilled to learn that Harlow’s ‘What’s a Witch to Do?’ is the first book in a new cozy paranormal mystery series – because I am officially onboard and invested. I am a big fan of the cozy mystery subgenre, in which crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community. But I’m also very picky about those I read. I was first introduced to ‘cozies’ via Charlaine Harris, when I trawled through her backlist and read ‘Lily Bard’, ‘Aurora Teagarden’ and ‘Harper Connelly’ (even ‘Sookie Stackhouse’ is, technically, a cozy series). Since Harris, the only other cozy I've really loved is Josh Lanyon’s ‘Adrien English’ series – and the main reason Lanyon and Harris are my favourite cozy writers is because they don’t downplay the sex/violence/romance as so many other (more tepid) cozies do. So I was thrilled when I got about three chapters into Harlow’s book, and started to think that ‘What’s a Witch to Do?’ reminded me, deliciously, of the classic cozies of Charlaine Harris.
I was invested in Mona McGregor from the moment I realized how much she has sacrificed in her life for family. She practically raised her two younger sisters when she was little more than a child herself. And then when her unreliable sister, Ivy, dumped her nieces Sophie and Cora on her doorstep in the middle of the night, she selflessly agreed to dedicate the second-half of her life to children who are not her own. Mona openly admits to having a deplorable romantic history because of all that she has given to others, leaving little room for pleasing herself. I always like reading an underdog, and Mona is certainly that, but equipped with a backbone of steel and a determinedly positive outlook on life.
The first few chapters of the book are dedicated to catching readers up on Mona’s helter-skelter life. We get to know her mostly out-of-whack routine with young nieces, Sophie and Cora, who are prone to minor injuries that take them to the emergency room (resulting in town gossip about Mona’s irresponsibility, but also provides Mona with an opportunity to drool over new to town Dr. Guy). Sophie and Cora have only just started to settle into life with Mona, after their mother left a few months ago. Now Mona is able to stand back and really take stock of the psychological scars Ivy has left on the two girls – ranging from an initial fear of bathing, to them not quite believing that Mona won’t disappear like their mother did.
Mona is also High Priestess of her local coven owns her own magic shop and is playing wedding planner for young sister, Debbie. So when a bleeding werewolf by the name of Adam Blue comes knocking on Mona’s door for help – and to bear the bad news that someone has hired an assassin to take Mona out – her life spirals even more out of control.
Something I loved about Harlow’s world-building in this novel is that it remains firmly focused in the small town of Goodnight, Virginia. Harlow briefly contextualizes the wider paranormal universe to say that supernatural beings are ‘out’ – there’s mention of a Goodnight Massacre and Vampire/Werewolf War in the early eighties. Mona is also part of the P.C.O – Preternatural CoOp, and when trouble starts brewing she does call the F.R.E.A.K.S – Preternatural Police the Federal Response to Extra-Sensory and Kindred Supernaturals. But readers don’t need much more than this to sink happily into Harlow’s world and this being a cozy I appreciated that she kept the wider world politics at bay and only focused on the small town of Goodnight. I also appreciated that while there is mention (and brief introduction) of some vampire characters, Harlow doesn’t feel the need to reel them all out in this first book – instead we’re focused mostly on the witch coven, and minimally on the werewolf pack. I liked that Harlow left breadcrumbs concerning other supernaturals that I'd be interested to meet in future books. . .
The big ‘plus’ in this book for me, was the romance. It’s delicious and slow to unfold – but once things heat up, Harlow definitely delivers on the blushes. And, actually, the build-up of the romance is the best part – because there’s a little bit of mystery surrounding the ‘will-they-or-won’t-they?’
Now, I know that ‘What’s a Witch To Do’ is the first in a new series and it could go one of two ways and I'd still be back for the sequel – either the series focuses entirely on Mona, or those other supernaturals of Goodnight each get a turn in the spotlight. Personally, I’m rooting for a Mona-centric series, particularly because there are some interesting background hints concerning Sophie and Cora that I'd be interested to follow up with. But mostly I'd like to stick with Cora because the romance finishes in a very interesting place by book’s end – and I'd love to know what happens next.
He takes a deep breath to regain his composure. “Look, I know you’re used to doing everything on your own, but you cannot do this alone. You can’t. So, I am here to protect you and those girls so you don’t have to. But to do that, we all need to be here. Together. A cohesive unit working together. A pack, okay? And since you aren’t thinking clearly right now, I’ll do it for you. If you die, who will take care of them? They need to be near you, a strong you. If they go away, and you die, they will never ever recover. They have lost too damn much already.”
If there was any part of the novel that faltered for me, it was when the mystery heated up towards the end and takes a violent, deadly turn . . . something happens during Mona’s investigations that reveals a huge betrayal and puts her in immediate danger. But the fallout from this situation did not ring true to me. Actually, after this awful thing happens, Debbie’s wedding goes on as planned the very next day – and that was the only moment that Harlow made me pause and think “huh?” Because she’d set Mona up as this person who feels deeply and for so many people, I just wasn’t buying that she would carry on as planned after this awful thing happens. But that was, honestly, a relatively small blip in a book of awesome.
‘What’s a Witch to Do?’ has rekindled my love of the cozy paranormal mystery. I’m hoping this is the first in a (long!) series because I am completely, 100% in Mona McGregor’s corner and I desperately want to return to Goodnight, Virginia and further explore this fantastical, magical world that Jennifer Harlow has created. She’s as cozy-good as Charlaine Harris, but with a witchy flair that’s all her own. Superb, and I want more.
4.5/5
Mona always puts family first and herself second. So when Ivy disappeared in the middle of the night all those months ago, leaving Sophie and Cora in Mona’s care, she took a deep breath and prepared to dedicate the rest of her life to those two precious girls.
There’s a hectic few weeks ahead for Mona and her family. She’s busy running her Midnight Magic shop in Goodnight, Virginia, which caters to the thirty odd witches in town who Mona also oversees in her role as High Priestess of the local coven. Then there’s Debbie’s upcoming wedding, mere days away, which Mona has been helping to plan for her little sister. There’s little time left over for Mona’s love-life, which she is painfully reminded the lack thereof every time Sophie or Cora need a trip to the ER, and Mona is left to lust from afar over a certain handsome Dr. Guy.
So the very last thing Mona needs is a knock on her door late one night . . . a knock that heralds impending disaster not just for Mona, but her entire coven.
Adam Blue is bleeding on Mona’s doorstep. Adam is Beta to local Alpha werewolf, Jason Dahl, and Mona has known him for some eighteen years . . . but in all those years Adam has gone out of his way to avoid Mona, to the point that she thought he held a grudge against her. So she’s a little perplexed when Adam comes knocking for help, and bearing bad news that he got injured while trying to investigate a hired hit orchestrated against Mona. You see, someone within Mona’s coven hired Adam to assassinate her and pass the High Priestess title on. Only problem is, Adam doesn’t know who hired him. He only knows that Mona’s life is still in danger unless they find the guilty witch.
‘What’s a Witch to Do?’ is a new novel from Jennifer Harlow, and is a spin-off from her ‘F.R.E.A.K.S Squad Investigation’ series.
I was over-the-moon thrilled to learn that Harlow’s ‘What’s a Witch to Do?’ is the first book in a new cozy paranormal mystery series – because I am officially onboard and invested. I am a big fan of the cozy mystery subgenre, in which crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community. But I’m also very picky about those I read. I was first introduced to ‘cozies’ via Charlaine Harris, when I trawled through her backlist and read ‘Lily Bard’, ‘Aurora Teagarden’ and ‘Harper Connelly’ (even ‘Sookie Stackhouse’ is, technically, a cozy series). Since Harris, the only other cozy I've really loved is Josh Lanyon’s ‘Adrien English’ series – and the main reason Lanyon and Harris are my favourite cozy writers is because they don’t downplay the sex/violence/romance as so many other (more tepid) cozies do. So I was thrilled when I got about three chapters into Harlow’s book, and started to think that ‘What’s a Witch to Do?’ reminded me, deliciously, of the classic cozies of Charlaine Harris.
I was invested in Mona McGregor from the moment I realized how much she has sacrificed in her life for family. She practically raised her two younger sisters when she was little more than a child herself. And then when her unreliable sister, Ivy, dumped her nieces Sophie and Cora on her doorstep in the middle of the night, she selflessly agreed to dedicate the second-half of her life to children who are not her own. Mona openly admits to having a deplorable romantic history because of all that she has given to others, leaving little room for pleasing herself. I always like reading an underdog, and Mona is certainly that, but equipped with a backbone of steel and a determinedly positive outlook on life.
The first few chapters of the book are dedicated to catching readers up on Mona’s helter-skelter life. We get to know her mostly out-of-whack routine with young nieces, Sophie and Cora, who are prone to minor injuries that take them to the emergency room (resulting in town gossip about Mona’s irresponsibility, but also provides Mona with an opportunity to drool over new to town Dr. Guy). Sophie and Cora have only just started to settle into life with Mona, after their mother left a few months ago. Now Mona is able to stand back and really take stock of the psychological scars Ivy has left on the two girls – ranging from an initial fear of bathing, to them not quite believing that Mona won’t disappear like their mother did.
Mona is also High Priestess of her local coven owns her own magic shop and is playing wedding planner for young sister, Debbie. So when a bleeding werewolf by the name of Adam Blue comes knocking on Mona’s door for help – and to bear the bad news that someone has hired an assassin to take Mona out – her life spirals even more out of control.
Something I loved about Harlow’s world-building in this novel is that it remains firmly focused in the small town of Goodnight, Virginia. Harlow briefly contextualizes the wider paranormal universe to say that supernatural beings are ‘out’ – there’s mention of a Goodnight Massacre and Vampire/Werewolf War in the early eighties. Mona is also part of the P.C.O – Preternatural CoOp, and when trouble starts brewing she does call the F.R.E.A.K.S – Preternatural Police the Federal Response to Extra-Sensory and Kindred Supernaturals. But readers don’t need much more than this to sink happily into Harlow’s world and this being a cozy I appreciated that she kept the wider world politics at bay and only focused on the small town of Goodnight. I also appreciated that while there is mention (and brief introduction) of some vampire characters, Harlow doesn’t feel the need to reel them all out in this first book – instead we’re focused mostly on the witch coven, and minimally on the werewolf pack. I liked that Harlow left breadcrumbs concerning other supernaturals that I'd be interested to meet in future books. . .
The big ‘plus’ in this book for me, was the romance. It’s delicious and slow to unfold – but once things heat up, Harlow definitely delivers on the blushes. And, actually, the build-up of the romance is the best part – because there’s a little bit of mystery surrounding the ‘will-they-or-won’t-they?’
Now, I know that ‘What’s a Witch To Do’ is the first in a new series and it could go one of two ways and I'd still be back for the sequel – either the series focuses entirely on Mona, or those other supernaturals of Goodnight each get a turn in the spotlight. Personally, I’m rooting for a Mona-centric series, particularly because there are some interesting background hints concerning Sophie and Cora that I'd be interested to follow up with. But mostly I'd like to stick with Cora because the romance finishes in a very interesting place by book’s end – and I'd love to know what happens next.
He takes a deep breath to regain his composure. “Look, I know you’re used to doing everything on your own, but you cannot do this alone. You can’t. So, I am here to protect you and those girls so you don’t have to. But to do that, we all need to be here. Together. A cohesive unit working together. A pack, okay? And since you aren’t thinking clearly right now, I’ll do it for you. If you die, who will take care of them? They need to be near you, a strong you. If they go away, and you die, they will never ever recover. They have lost too damn much already.”
If there was any part of the novel that faltered for me, it was when the mystery heated up towards the end and takes a violent, deadly turn . . . something happens during Mona’s investigations that reveals a huge betrayal and puts her in immediate danger. But the fallout from this situation did not ring true to me. Actually, after this awful thing happens, Debbie’s wedding goes on as planned the very next day – and that was the only moment that Harlow made me pause and think “huh?” Because she’d set Mona up as this person who feels deeply and for so many people, I just wasn’t buying that she would carry on as planned after this awful thing happens. But that was, honestly, a relatively small blip in a book of awesome.
‘What’s a Witch to Do?’ has rekindled my love of the cozy paranormal mystery. I’m hoping this is the first in a (long!) series because I am completely, 100% in Mona McGregor’s corner and I desperately want to return to Goodnight, Virginia and further explore this fantastical, magical world that Jennifer Harlow has created. She’s as cozy-good as Charlaine Harris, but with a witchy flair that’s all her own. Superb, and I want more.
4.5/5
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