Widower Tanner Rutland couldn't believe it when he found himself tiptoeing through a redwood forest looking for a dead body. How could he think, even for a second, that Fluffy had witnessed a murder? It was no use. One look into her gorgeous eyes—Lili's, not Fluffy's—and Tanner was a goner. And when he finally kissed her…pure magic. Now he had to decide if Lili's gift with animals really did exist—or if she just had a screw loose. But deep down, his heart was telling him to find the real killer and prove his Dr. Dolittle was innocent.
If you like your romantic suspense fast-paced and laced with humor, try award-winning author Jennifer Skully. Jennifer adores quirky characters. The whackier the better! And you’ll find a whole cast of them in each and every Jennifer Skully book. Of course, being in the same body with alter ego Jasmine Haynes, she doesn’t let you down on the hot, sexy love scenes either.
It Must Be Magic is a quirky, funny, sexy, suspense read. I enjoyed it even though I'd figured out who the killer was pretty early on. I loved watching the hero and to an extent the heroine come out of their comfort zones and take risks where their relationship was concerned. There's a secondary romance that has me intrigued so I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend this book to those who love contemporary romance with a hint of magic.
ARC provided by author in exchange a honest review
Blurb: Everyone believes in carpe diem... don’t they?
For flower shop clerk Lili Goodweather, that’s what life is all about--savoring the precious moments and all the beauty the world has to offer. So it breaks her heart when 12-year-old Erika Rutland can no longer see the magic in everyday moments.
No, not everyone believes in carpe diem… or telepathic communication with animals.
A firm believer in all things practical, widower Tanner Rutland doesn’t want his daughter’s mind filled with Lili’s fanciful tales—especially her claims that she can communicate with cats. And worse, that his daughter’s cat Fluffy has witnessed a murder. When Lili asks him to help search for the dead body that just absolutely has to be out in the redwoods—she claims—he’s forced to confront whether Lili is just plain crazy or her gift with animals is real.
But after that first delicious kiss, he starts to think he’s the one who’s gone completely crazy. Because suddenly there’s something about Lili that Tanner just can’t resist.
Can this single-minded career man give up everything he believes for a little touch of magic?
An engaging paranormal mystery featuring Lili Goodweather who can communicate with animals. Animals don’t talk to Lili, but she sees their auras as well as scenes of what the animal has witnessed. In this case, her twelve-year old neighbor, Erika Rutland, has brought her cat Fluffy to Lili. Fluffy has been traumatized and Erika is asking for Lili’s help…although she doesn’t believe that Lili talks to animals or can even help. While reading Fluffy, Lili believes that Fluffy witnessed a murder. Erika’s father, Tanner, finds out about Erika’s visit to Lili and does not believe in Lili’s abilities or that there has been a murder. Tanner, a widower, finds himself becoming attracted to Lili and finally agrees to assist her in locating the body…if there really is one...then what? How does Lili let the police know that there has been a murder in the woods behind her house? How does she tell them that she got the information from a cat? I so enjoyed this magical, lighthearted romantic mystery by Jennifer Skully. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
This had an intriguing storyline which I loved and enjoyed tremendously........ Lili was such a very endearing person and the book was so well written ... It really emphasized some profound philosophies. As a professional medium I had to go through some of the same fears and doubts as she did and I appreciated the way it was presented and how she finally accepted herself as she was. Accepting who you are is very important in all our lives no matter who you are or what your dream is. Ericka, Roscoe and Tanner, Fluffy and Einstein were such wonderful characters.... and the love story between Lili and Tanner was extremely steamy and yet so sweet.... The perfect romance to keep you engrossed and riveted to the story!!!!! I highly recommend this book; can t wait to see what else Jennifer has written because this was the first book I read by her and I enjoyed her writing style tremendously!!!!! 😊
DNF at chapter 5; I am not the target audience for this type of couple.
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
In a nutshell, this book is the ‘90s sitcom Dharma & Greg. Lili is too much, the stereotypical pretty beyond measure, aura-reading hippy flake, while Tanner’s the buttoned up, rigid, white collar corporate guy. Of course that means she’ll help him “lighten up” and he can’t resist her. It’s kind of ridiculous, and there’s no way I’ll believe an HEA for these two; I didn’t buy it for Dharma & Greg, either.
I wish that Tanner’s daughter, Erika, had a larger part early on, considering she and her cat are the catalyst for the story. I had a hard time caring about what I was reading and couldn’t force myself to continue. I’m sure it works for someone, just not for me.
Good plot, very sympathetic characters with little charming quirks, and good storytelling make this a really enjoyable book to read! Lilli Goodweather can talk to cats and believes in magic; when she meets 12-year old Erika, daugher of her widowed neighbour Tanner, it breaks her heart how pragmatic Erika is, how goal-oriented - and how much she's not believing in magic. When Lilli discovers that Erika's cat Fluffy apparently has witnessed a murder, Tanner decides to intervene so as not to have Erika involved, and to put a stop to all this magic nonsense. His problem are the sparks flying between him and Lilli, although none really trusts the other. As I said, plot, character and good narration come together to make this a really charming book, with lots of witty dialogues, misunderstandings and, of course, cats. I would love to get my hand on more books in this series.
I'm absolutely loving this series. Tanner is the perfect dad. Trying to make sure his daughter is taking care and then bam...Lili walks into their li3ve and things get turned upside-down. They take these twists and turns they we don't see coming right away but when they happen it's fate. Tanner finds it hard to try and love again after they way his first marrige ended. They show us that if we fight for what we want , we can achieve it. They story was one of pure and total love. I can't wait to see what the next story is like. I give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
I loved this magical, sweet with just enough steam book. Lili is so loveable and sweet yet strong and determined. Tanner is your typical brooding hero who can't seem to see past his hurt. Every additional character adds to an already wonderfully charming read. I felt a connection to all of them. This is book 3 in the series, but I had not read the first two, so it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. There are some character cross overs, but Skully does an amazing job adding them to enhance the story, and the reader never feels lost. I will definitely read the other books in this series.
I'm a huge fan of Jennifer & her twin, Jasmine!! Previous reviewers have alluded to this being paranormal but imho it's a magical, slightly mystical romcom with strong characters, flawed, of course, with an undeniable sexual attraction the hero tries to deny but thankfully fails miserably. The heroine is intriguing & it's instalove between her & the hero's smart & sassy young daughter, he didn't stand a chance! Did I mention the toe curling sex scenes? Sigh! I received an arc & this is my honest unsolicited review.
This was a great, fun read, and it kept me smiling all the way through. Totally delightful! Although it's not a comedy, there are some great comedic moments and it's just... well... funny! I LOVE the intertwining of her absolute belief in her abilities and his absolute disbelief in anything of the kind, and the 12 y/o Erika's struggles between belief and disbelief. And don't get me started on the Sheriff... I was all set for the whole "she's out of her mind" cliche thing... instead he was the coolest of the cool! I could happily have read more about the Sheriff!
Not really a bad book, but so slow and annoying. I need to complain a little, so, spoilers next. The male main character isn't good, mistreats the female protagonist, and allegedly learns from his mistakes in about a week. It all happens in a week. They met, they fall in love, he insults her repeatedly, she forgives him, HEA. And even being so rushed, it felt like forever to read this. SO. ANNOYING. Probably didn't dnf'd it because of the mystery of the crime. Only aspect that make this a two stars instead of one.
I enjoyed reading this because it's well balanced...it's magical, romantic and suspenseful, which the author really does a great job blending. The connection between the main characters feels real and stirs up the emotions. Lili is special in tune with her abilities but she is leery, Tanner has some old baggage that is hindering his magic, lol. Their chemistry is like a spark that turns into the flame.
I got so mad at the hero at times, I could shake him! But he made it all right in the end.
This author really knows how to write sex scenes!😍. Be still my heart!
The mystery was just as good as romance but this was definitely an ensemble cast - the grandfather, the daughter, the pinochle players, the old man in the woods, the crazy lady and the cats!
I believe that people can understand animals, just like they understand us. This a bit nerve racking at times but it was a great story. And I'm glad all the kitties are getting new homes.
This is a cute story. Even though there is a mystery going on as seen by her cat, the real angst is between her and Tanner. While I read it and I like a little magic in stories, this one just did not resonate with me. It’s cute but I wasn’t captivated.
Very well written book. Full of possibilities. A little romance, airless mystery, a little murder. All thrown together and having to be sorted out. Funny, mysterious, scary. Enjoy!!
Lily can talk to animals. Tanner love next door and his daughter 's cat , Fluffy saw a murder. A now with the help of Lilly will the murder be solved and will Tanner believe she talk to the cat? Great mystery?
A very entertaining read. The characters are well thought and there are surprises through out. There are a few twists and turns that make you say 'aha '. I highly recommend this book and author.
A weird story for me, I believe there are people who communicate with animals, but whether the animals communicate with them I do not know, my cat let's me know if things are right in his world, but doesn't actually speak to me.