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Enchanted, Inc. #7
Kiss and Spell
With great power comes great danger.…
When a freak accident leaves Katie Chandler with magical powers, it seems like a wish come true for the former magical immune. But it also means she's vulnerable to magic, just when the dangerous Elf Lord is cooking up another scheme in his bid for power. Anyone who gets in his way disappears—including Katie and her wizard boyfriend, Owen Palmer.
Now Katie's under a spell that obscures her true identity, living a life right out of a romantic comedy movie in a Hollywood set version of New York. Will she be able to find her true Mr. Right in time to break the spell with a kiss and warn everyone, or will she be trapped forever, unaware of the doom facing her world?
When a freak accident leaves Katie Chandler with magical powers, it seems like a wish come true for the former magical immune. But it also means she's vulnerable to magic, just when the dangerous Elf Lord is cooking up another scheme in his bid for power. Anyone who gets in his way disappears—including Katie and her wizard boyfriend, Owen Palmer.
Now Katie's under a spell that obscures her true identity, living a life right out of a romantic comedy movie in a Hollywood set version of New York. Will she be able to find her true Mr. Right in time to break the spell with a kiss and warn everyone, or will she be trapped forever, unaware of the doom facing her world?
284 pages, ebook
First published May 9, 2013
134 people are currently reading
1279 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Swendson
40 books1,133 followersOnce upon a time ...
A little girl learned to amuse herself by making up stories in her head. She turned everyday activities into exciting adventures, and she made up new adventures for characters from her favorite movies, TV shows and books. Then one day she realized that if she wrote down those stories, she'd have a book! But that was crazy, she thought. Real people don't become novelists. That was like deciding you were going to be a movie star. You couldn't just go and do it.
But, it turns out, you can, and she did. She realized her dream of becoming a novelist and seeing her stories in bookstores.
And then she started to wig herself out by writing about herself in the third-person.
This is her story.
The Novelist's Journey
As I said above in that bit of silliness, I've always been a writer at heart. My favorite way to play was to create stories and act them out with my Fisher-Price people, my Barbie dolls or myself and a box of play clothes. If none of those things were available, I could just sit and make up stories in my head. I occasionally got into trouble for being a little too creative, such as the time when I embellished a bit on my kindergarten experiences (where's the dramatic hook in coloring, cutting out and pasting?).
When I was in seventh grade and a bit old for Fisher-Price people, Barbie dolls or the dress-up box, I started writing these stories down in spiral notebooks. Later, I found an old manual typewriter, taught myself to type, then wrote a lot of first chapters of novels on it. I still hadn't figured out how to actually be a working novelist who gets paid for writing (finishing a book instead of writing a lot of first chapters might have been a good start), so when it came time to go to college, I went to journalism school at the University of Texas. While getting my degree in broadcast news, I managed to structure a curriculum that might also help me in my real career plans. I took fencing (which I thought would be useful for writing fantasy novels), an astronomy course on the search for extraterrestrial life (in case I wanted to write science fiction), psychology, interpersonal communication, and parageography (the geography of imaginary lands).
I got serious about pursuing my novel-writing ambitions soon after I got my first job in public relations (TV reporting, it turns out, would have taken away from my writing time) when I started joining local writing organizations and reading books on how to write a novel. Then I took the big step of registering for a writing conference. With the registration fee, you could enter two manuscripts in a contest that went with the conference. I figured if I was paying that much money, I'd get the most out of it, so I wrote two entries. At the conference, I met a real, live editor, who encouraged me to submit, and one of my entries won the science fiction/fantasy category of the contest. I hurried to finish the novel the editor had asked for, then mailed a proposal.
She ended up rejecting the book, but encouraged me to keep trying. I ended up selling that novel elsewhere, then sold two more books to that publisher before I had another idea for that original editor. That book ended up selling, and then one more.
And then I hit the wall. Due to a number of circumstances, some of which weren't my fault and some of which were, I didn't sell anything else for eight years. But then I had the idea that became Enchanted, Inc., I wrote it, sold it, and here I am.
Other Life Stuff
I think I need to get a few more hobbies or something else going on in my life that isn't related to reading or writing because currently my bio in my books is shorter than the "about the typeface" section. Yes, a typeface has a more interesting life than I do.
When I'm not writing, I'm most often reading. Otherwise, I enjoy watching science fiction TV shows and then discussing them on the Internet, working crossw
A little girl learned to amuse herself by making up stories in her head. She turned everyday activities into exciting adventures, and she made up new adventures for characters from her favorite movies, TV shows and books. Then one day she realized that if she wrote down those stories, she'd have a book! But that was crazy, she thought. Real people don't become novelists. That was like deciding you were going to be a movie star. You couldn't just go and do it.
But, it turns out, you can, and she did. She realized her dream of becoming a novelist and seeing her stories in bookstores.
And then she started to wig herself out by writing about herself in the third-person.
This is her story.
The Novelist's Journey
As I said above in that bit of silliness, I've always been a writer at heart. My favorite way to play was to create stories and act them out with my Fisher-Price people, my Barbie dolls or myself and a box of play clothes. If none of those things were available, I could just sit and make up stories in my head. I occasionally got into trouble for being a little too creative, such as the time when I embellished a bit on my kindergarten experiences (where's the dramatic hook in coloring, cutting out and pasting?).
When I was in seventh grade and a bit old for Fisher-Price people, Barbie dolls or the dress-up box, I started writing these stories down in spiral notebooks. Later, I found an old manual typewriter, taught myself to type, then wrote a lot of first chapters of novels on it. I still hadn't figured out how to actually be a working novelist who gets paid for writing (finishing a book instead of writing a lot of first chapters might have been a good start), so when it came time to go to college, I went to journalism school at the University of Texas. While getting my degree in broadcast news, I managed to structure a curriculum that might also help me in my real career plans. I took fencing (which I thought would be useful for writing fantasy novels), an astronomy course on the search for extraterrestrial life (in case I wanted to write science fiction), psychology, interpersonal communication, and parageography (the geography of imaginary lands).
I got serious about pursuing my novel-writing ambitions soon after I got my first job in public relations (TV reporting, it turns out, would have taken away from my writing time) when I started joining local writing organizations and reading books on how to write a novel. Then I took the big step of registering for a writing conference. With the registration fee, you could enter two manuscripts in a contest that went with the conference. I figured if I was paying that much money, I'd get the most out of it, so I wrote two entries. At the conference, I met a real, live editor, who encouraged me to submit, and one of my entries won the science fiction/fantasy category of the contest. I hurried to finish the novel the editor had asked for, then mailed a proposal.
She ended up rejecting the book, but encouraged me to keep trying. I ended up selling that novel elsewhere, then sold two more books to that publisher before I had another idea for that original editor. That book ended up selling, and then one more.
And then I hit the wall. Due to a number of circumstances, some of which weren't my fault and some of which were, I didn't sell anything else for eight years. But then I had the idea that became Enchanted, Inc., I wrote it, sold it, and here I am.
Other Life Stuff
I think I need to get a few more hobbies or something else going on in my life that isn't related to reading or writing because currently my bio in my books is shorter than the "about the typeface" section. Yes, a typeface has a more interesting life than I do.
When I'm not writing, I'm most often reading. Otherwise, I enjoy watching science fiction TV shows and then discussing them on the Internet, working crossw
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
August 18, 2015
If you haven't read these they are the perfect representation of funny and fluffy chick lit/urban fantasy.
While most Urban Fantasy heroines tend to realize they're magical in some way, our leading lady Katie realizes just the opposite, she's a null, a veritable black hole to magic! She can't do spells and spells won't work on her, which actually makes her quite valuable in the magical world.
And thus starts the series and I'm actually kind of sad that it's ending because it provided me with lots of perfect lazy day read books.
This book was not the exception, after the events of the last books left Katie vulnerable to magic she falls into a spells that transports her into a romantic comedy version of NYC. And the representation of the rom com is just fantastic! It has all the little details: the uplifting music when she's walking down the street, the slow motion effects when something happens, the montages that speed up the pass of time. Someone should just make this book into a movie!
While most Urban Fantasy heroines tend to realize they're magical in some way, our leading lady Katie realizes just the opposite, she's a null, a veritable black hole to magic! She can't do spells and spells won't work on her, which actually makes her quite valuable in the magical world.
And thus starts the series and I'm actually kind of sad that it's ending because it provided me with lots of perfect lazy day read books.
This book was not the exception, after the events of the last books left Katie vulnerable to magic she falls into a spells that transports her into a romantic comedy version of NYC. And the representation of the rom com is just fantastic! It has all the little details: the uplifting music when she's walking down the street, the slow motion effects when something happens, the montages that speed up the pass of time. Someone should just make this book into a movie!
June 4, 2013
I've loved this series so much and am sad that this is supposedly the end. Since book six was incredibly underwhelming, I was relieved to enjoy this one very much. My one complaint would be that since most of the book takes place in a sort of alternate reality, we don't get any of the fun supporting characters that I love so much. We do, however, get a lot of good character development for Owen and Katie and a chance to see Katie realize how important she is.
January 14, 2014
OMG I'M SO EXCITED!!! THIS IS MY FAVORITE SERIES!!!!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT!
April 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this one but I'm sad to learn that this is possibly the last in the series! I feel they can explore more like Katie finally finding her place in the company to make her happy and feel like she's found 100% where she belongs at MSI inc. I'd also like to see Katie and Owen get married and what adventures they could get up to leading up to marriage, plus I'd like to see if they'd tell Katie's other brother and her parents about magic if they got married! I'd also love to see them take that vacation and see if they can manage it without running into further adventures while on holiday!
I'd kinda like to see if Rod is really ready to settle down as well and if it will be with Katie's best friend, not to mention I was hoping she'd get Teddy and Dean for visits as Dean had said he'd visit to learn more about magic and I'd think that if he visited Teddy would go with to keep an eye on him! Plus I'd like to maybe see Katie moving out of her apartment and in with Owen. Maybe the biggest issue with this being possibly the last book though is that I'm not ready to say goodbye to Katie and Owen and want more adventures with them!
I'd kinda like to see if Rod is really ready to settle down as well and if it will be with Katie's best friend, not to mention I was hoping she'd get Teddy and Dean for visits as Dean had said he'd visit to learn more about magic and I'd think that if he visited Teddy would go with to keep an eye on him! Plus I'd like to maybe see Katie moving out of her apartment and in with Owen. Maybe the biggest issue with this being possibly the last book though is that I'm not ready to say goodbye to Katie and Owen and want more adventures with them!
June 15, 2015
After that HEA this seems anticlimactic, but I have a few questions: who/what is Mr. Bones? Did Philip regain control of his family's company? What happened to Ari? (Or was I not paying attention? I skimmed rather than read this one. I think she ended up with the Council?) Will Grandma and Merlin end up creating a powerful hybrid of folk-techno-neoclassic magic? (Although that sounds like a new music genre more than anything.)
The end of this series. Feel kind of sad at having to leave behind Katie, Owen, Rod, Sam, etc. but also relieved for the author that she doesn't have to come up with another plot wherein the Bad Guy invents another villain/tries to make the good guy look bad, so he can swoop in and look like a hero plus take over the Verrld. Idris/Ramsay/Sylvester all seem to have signed up for the same How To Be Evil correspondence course.
Recycled plot aside, I really liked Katie's voice as the main POV. She has a good head on her shoulders, and is often the first one to make a quip about how absurd her situation is, and her being grounded in reality, in a meta way, helps keep up the whole conceit.
I also liked the entire concept of magical immunity, and how lack of power could be a power. Sure we all wished owls gave us a letter when we were ten, but Katie, as the Muggle version of Hermione, shows us that a sharp mind is the best weapon.
Although a super powerful hot nerdy wizard boyfriend can come in handy, too.
The end of this series. Feel kind of sad at having to leave behind Katie, Owen, Rod, Sam, etc. but also relieved for the author that she doesn't have to come up with another plot wherein the Bad Guy invents another villain/tries to make the good guy look bad, so he can swoop in and look like a hero plus take over the Verrld. Idris/Ramsay/Sylvester all seem to have signed up for the same How To Be Evil correspondence course.
Recycled plot aside, I really liked Katie's voice as the main POV. She has a good head on her shoulders, and is often the first one to make a quip about how absurd her situation is, and her being grounded in reality, in a meta way, helps keep up the whole conceit.
I also liked the entire concept of magical immunity, and how lack of power could be a power. Sure we all wished owls gave us a letter when we were ten, but Katie, as the Muggle version of Hermione, shows us that a sharp mind is the best weapon.
Although a super powerful hot nerdy wizard boyfriend can come in handy, too.
May 19, 2013
I got this as an eARC from NetGalley. I've been reading this series since it first appeared in paperback in 2005 with Enchanted, Inc. I was disappointed when the publisher dropped the series and delighted to discover this year that the author had continued to publish the series. They are very funny and romantic. I suppose you could call them urban fantasy since they are set in cities, but I'd call them contemporary fantasy romances with a good mix of humor. This is modern New York with magical folks living invisibly among regular folks, disguised by illusion, so no one realizes there are elves, fairies, gargoyles, etc. among us. The heroine of the series, Katie Chandler, is an immune, someone who is immune to magic, so all these illusions don't work on her. This turns out to be her superpower and makes her very useful to the good guys as does her practicality and levelheadedness. In this book, the seventh in the series, she has acquired magical powers and ends up being trapped because of it. Not sure what to say without giving the plot away, but I grinned throughout the book. New readers really should start with Enchanted, Inc. though. I don't think you can start with this book. Happily recommended to fans of the series! Go read it now.
October 9, 2017
Another cute, comical romp through the eyes of Katie Chandler.
Straddling the line between urban fantasy and chicklit, these books feature a frothy romance tempered by competent world-building. In Kiss and Spell, Swendson gives Katie and Owen some much-needed alone time. I expected things to heat up a bit - even if it was of the closed-door, fade-to-black variety - but Swendson keeps the romance very PG. I find the pair sweet, but I sometimes balk at their squeaky-cleanness.
But, all things considered, Owen and Katie don't have time to fit in anything naughty. In typical Swendson fashion, our leads are running to and fro in an attempt to thwart the most recent Big Bad, Sylvester. They're also dealing with Owen's notoriety and Katie's unprecedented change, as well as Granny's continued presence. And then there's the kidnappings. There's a lot going on and Katie and Owen work well together.
It being June, this series once again strikes me as a perfect vacation read. It's light and quick-moving and would perfectly complement a leisurely day spent poolside. I'm pleased Shanna Swendson decided to keep publishing them and look forward to more of Katie's NYC-based adventures.
Straddling the line between urban fantasy and chicklit, these books feature a frothy romance tempered by competent world-building. In Kiss and Spell, Swendson gives Katie and Owen some much-needed alone time. I expected things to heat up a bit - even if it was of the closed-door, fade-to-black variety - but Swendson keeps the romance very PG. I find the pair sweet, but I sometimes balk at their squeaky-cleanness.
But, all things considered, Owen and Katie don't have time to fit in anything naughty. In typical Swendson fashion, our leads are running to and fro in an attempt to thwart the most recent Big Bad, Sylvester. They're also dealing with Owen's notoriety and Katie's unprecedented change, as well as Granny's continued presence. And then there's the kidnappings. There's a lot going on and Katie and Owen work well together.
It being June, this series once again strikes me as a perfect vacation read. It's light and quick-moving and would perfectly complement a leisurely day spent poolside. I'm pleased Shanna Swendson decided to keep publishing them and look forward to more of Katie's NYC-based adventures.
June 2, 2015
I enjoyed the latest installment more than the last few. I felt that the story line from the previous books was getting pretty stagnant. "Kiss and Spell" finally made progress in Katie's and Owen's relationship. With the last few books, I was beginning to wonder why the two of them were together and if Swendson was ever going to make that clear. Her writing style hasn't changed, nor has her proclivity to give Katie powers and then take them away changed. She does flip flop whenever it suits her needs I guess. That being said, these are light books merely meant to entertain.
September 22, 2016
I was so sad to finish this series! I love Owen and Katie and I'm going to miss the MSI gang and all the magical problems they face together. They are so much fun to read I had to buy them - I know I'll reread them in the future.
I hope there will be more installments in the future!
*hint, hint Shanna Swendson*
I hope there will be more installments in the future!
*hint, hint Shanna Swendson*
October 8, 2018
3,5/5
September 8, 2023
I have enjoyed this series. This was not my favorite book, but it was still enjoyable. Owen and Katie and the rest of the players are fun to keep up with.
May 25, 2023
3.5 out of 5.
June 19, 2016
3 Stars
After the disappointment of No Quest For The Wicked, I did consider abandoning the series. However, I was on a roll with my one-per-day reading of this series and since there was only one book left to read, it seemed a shame to stop. So I powered through and finished the series. Kiss and Spell is certainly not as grandly disappointing as No Quest for the Wicked. Not by a long shot. In some ways it does revive some of the cuteness from the early books in the series. However, Swendson's growing contempt for this series is still evident in her writing. While not quite as hostile towards her characters, she is clearly driven to make sure the series ends with this book.
So while the ending is satisfying enough, it lacked true gratification. The happiness was only granted to shut fans up, not because the author wanted her characters to be live happily ever after. Swendson forces the "happiness" down the main characters' throats - basically stabbing her characters to death with a happy ending. But that "happiness" is so abrupt and underdeveloped that it was mostly a letdown. It was a hollow victory. Big Spoiler: Message received, Swendson. You are done with this series, and I am done with you.
I also thought all along that the character of her grandmother was overdone and was not pleased that she had a growing roll as the books went on. I would so much rather it feature more of her mother who was a more interesting character and more of a foil to Katie's character.
The author Q & A cleared up any doubt that some fans may have had about the series continuing. She in no uncertain terms states that the series is over. It is disappointing that a series that started out promising was so neglected by its author towards the end. There was plenty of room for both the characters and the plot to develop in better and more organic ways. But she only wanted to wash her hands of the series, and I suppose she succeeded in that regard.
P.S. Despite the self-sabotage at the end of the series, I still think that this would make a cute TV show. Someone please pass this information along to some TV producers. Just be sure to tell them to ignore the last two books in the series!
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
After the disappointment of No Quest For The Wicked, I did consider abandoning the series. However, I was on a roll with my one-per-day reading of this series and since there was only one book left to read, it seemed a shame to stop. So I powered through and finished the series. Kiss and Spell is certainly not as grandly disappointing as No Quest for the Wicked. Not by a long shot. In some ways it does revive some of the cuteness from the early books in the series. However, Swendson's growing contempt for this series is still evident in her writing. While not quite as hostile towards her characters, she is clearly driven to make sure the series ends with this book.
So while the ending is satisfying enough, it lacked true gratification. The happiness was only granted to shut fans up, not because the author wanted her characters to be live happily ever after. Swendson forces the "happiness" down the main characters' throats - basically stabbing her characters to death with a happy ending. But that "happiness" is so abrupt and underdeveloped that it was mostly a letdown. It was a hollow victory. Big Spoiler: Message received, Swendson. You are done with this series, and I am done with you.
I also thought all along that the character of her grandmother was overdone and was not pleased that she had a growing roll as the books went on. I would so much rather it feature more of her mother who was a more interesting character and more of a foil to Katie's character.
The author Q & A cleared up any doubt that some fans may have had about the series continuing. She in no uncertain terms states that the series is over. It is disappointing that a series that started out promising was so neglected by its author towards the end. There was plenty of room for both the characters and the plot to develop in better and more organic ways. But she only wanted to wash her hands of the series, and I suppose she succeeded in that regard.
P.S. Despite the self-sabotage at the end of the series, I still think that this would make a cute TV show. Someone please pass this information along to some TV producers. Just be sure to tell them to ignore the last two books in the series!
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
December 20, 2014
This is book 7 in the Enchanted, Inc series by Shanna Swendson. I received this as an eARC from Netgallery. I have to admit, the minute I saw this listed, I wanted it. I even called my sister as soon as I was approved and gave her the neener neener song. It went something like, "I get to read it and you-oo don't." *sigh* Not my finest adult moment, but I was excited! We had gone 4 long years between books 4 and 5, so being able to read and enjoy the series again with books coming out regularly is thrilling. I can't advise as to whether you could read this as a stand alone book, since I have read all the other book in the series. But looking back, I don't think you would be too lost if this was the first one you picked up.
This book takes place a few months after the exciting ending in No Quest for the Wicked. When Katie destroyed the magical broach, leaving her with magical powers instead of magical immunity, she has to learn how to use these new abilities. But on account of Owen was with her when it happened, he got his magical powers back too. And since the entire magical community is happier with Owen not having magical powers, they weren't supposed to tell anyone. This means that Katie has had to train in secret.
All is going great and she is having lots of fun using her magic powers. That is until she finds out that unlike all other magic users, she isn't going to get to keep them. The backlash from the broach simply activated the lanent magic inside her. Basically, when the magic she currently has runs out, she is back to being magically immune.
In the mean time, magic continues to work for her and on her. Just in time for the evil Elf Lord to put the whammy on her and Owen, locking them away in an alternate reality version of New York City. Katie is living out her very own Romantic Comedy. Too bad that Owen isn't her Mr. Right... or is he?
This was another great book in an exceptional series. Katie is a down to earth Texas girl, and even though she is in New York City, she hasn't lost any of that southern small town charm. Her interacts and reactions to both magic and big city life are a large part of what makes this series great. Add in the long running, slow moving relationship with Owen Palmer, wizard and hottie and it just gets better.
What has been great about the entire series and continues with this book is the growth of the main characters. They are maturing and changing little by little in each new book. Add in the fun plots and quirky secondary characters and these are just all round fun books to read. This one doesn't disappoint. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.
This book takes place a few months after the exciting ending in No Quest for the Wicked. When Katie destroyed the magical broach, leaving her with magical powers instead of magical immunity, she has to learn how to use these new abilities. But on account of Owen was with her when it happened, he got his magical powers back too. And since the entire magical community is happier with Owen not having magical powers, they weren't supposed to tell anyone. This means that Katie has had to train in secret.
All is going great and she is having lots of fun using her magic powers. That is until she finds out that unlike all other magic users, she isn't going to get to keep them. The backlash from the broach simply activated the lanent magic inside her. Basically, when the magic she currently has runs out, she is back to being magically immune.
In the mean time, magic continues to work for her and on her. Just in time for the evil Elf Lord to put the whammy on her and Owen, locking them away in an alternate reality version of New York City. Katie is living out her very own Romantic Comedy. Too bad that Owen isn't her Mr. Right... or is he?
This was another great book in an exceptional series. Katie is a down to earth Texas girl, and even though she is in New York City, she hasn't lost any of that southern small town charm. Her interacts and reactions to both magic and big city life are a large part of what makes this series great. Add in the long running, slow moving relationship with Owen Palmer, wizard and hottie and it just gets better.
What has been great about the entire series and continues with this book is the growth of the main characters. They are maturing and changing little by little in each new book. Add in the fun plots and quirky secondary characters and these are just all round fun books to read. This one doesn't disappoint. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.
September 13, 2013
I love how Shanna Swendson continues to keep this series so entertaining by tweaking what happens with the main characters' magical lives--i.e. in this volume granting Katie magical powers she's never had before. In the previous book, Owen had to cope with magical immunity for the first time ever. It gives Swendson a chance to play "what if" with her characters, to discover how they would react, adapt, and work together.
In book #7, Katie is delighted to spend her days receiving private magic lessons from Owen & Rod. The secrecy isn't terribly fun, but she gets to experience life as a magical being. Soon she realizes that something odd is happening at the office, but before they can get to the bottom of the mystery, she wakes up in an alternate New York City, where she works at a coffee shop in a bookstore that Owen has just purchased. Only the occasional memory flash pokes Katie to wonder if something just might be awry. Some folks just seem so familiar, though....
My favorite thing about this volume in the Enchanted, Inc., series is that Katie and Owen finally get a chance to go on real dates and actually deepen their relationship. They finally have a chance to build a more solid foundation, to learn more about each other, and to confirm that no matter the reality, they really are meant to be a couple. It's the much-needed eye of the storm. But don't worry--the fast-paced action returns quickly.
For readers' advisors: story and character doorways, setting is secondary. No sex, and I don't remember any bad language.
In book #7, Katie is delighted to spend her days receiving private magic lessons from Owen & Rod. The secrecy isn't terribly fun, but she gets to experience life as a magical being. Soon she realizes that something odd is happening at the office, but before they can get to the bottom of the mystery, she wakes up in an alternate New York City, where she works at a coffee shop in a bookstore that Owen has just purchased. Only the occasional memory flash pokes Katie to wonder if something just might be awry. Some folks just seem so familiar, though....
My favorite thing about this volume in the Enchanted, Inc., series is that Katie and Owen finally get a chance to go on real dates and actually deepen their relationship. They finally have a chance to build a more solid foundation, to learn more about each other, and to confirm that no matter the reality, they really are meant to be a couple. It's the much-needed eye of the storm. But don't worry--the fast-paced action returns quickly.
For readers' advisors: story and character doorways, setting is secondary. No sex, and I don't remember any bad language.
February 20, 2020
This book starts with a sad note in the synopsis: "This may be the end of the series." I'm happy to inform that is not the case. There are two more books after this one (at the time I write this review). This is the best series I've read in two and a half years and I hope there are even more to come after the ninth.
Katie and Owen become trapped in a romantic comedy illusion. They don't remember who they really are, but somehow, they find each other and fall in love all over again - without magic or magical immunity. The transition from reality to illusion is abrupt as Chapter 5 starts. I don't recall if I had difficulty with this the first time I read it, but not so much the second time.
Yes, that's right ... "the second time." I don't know why I didn't review this the first time. I loved it, but I think I was anxious to jump right into the next book. The temptation is there even now. It's not a cliffhanger ending. It could actually ended the series well, but knowing another book lies ahead, I look forward to it with joy and anticipation. It has a "happily ever after" ending that might bring a tear to your eyes.
After the lack of relationship experiences in the previous book, this one makes up for it. In fact, it's overflowing with it. I truly love this series.
Katie and Owen become trapped in a romantic comedy illusion. They don't remember who they really are, but somehow, they find each other and fall in love all over again - without magic or magical immunity. The transition from reality to illusion is abrupt as Chapter 5 starts. I don't recall if I had difficulty with this the first time I read it, but not so much the second time.
Yes, that's right ... "the second time." I don't know why I didn't review this the first time. I loved it, but I think I was anxious to jump right into the next book. The temptation is there even now. It's not a cliffhanger ending. It could actually ended the series well, but knowing another book lies ahead, I look forward to it with joy and anticipation. It has a "happily ever after" ending that might bring a tear to your eyes.
After the lack of relationship experiences in the previous book, this one makes up for it. In fact, it's overflowing with it. I truly love this series.
June 7, 2014
This series has been fun and exciting from the very beginning - Kiss and Spell is no different. Silly and entertaining all the way through while still capable of keeping a semi-serious air when needed.
Certainly worth the read, especially for the elven "foray" into the eighties.
As with many of the series I consume, read the previous books, first.
Certainly worth the read, especially for the elven "foray" into the eighties.
As with many of the series I consume, read the previous books, first.
June 5, 2013
My only gripe is the ending. Sigh. I just feel like it was so quick and neat with a bow and I just wanted more!
August 24, 2014
More, more, more please! This is such a neat series. I also love the narration on the audio versions. BLISS :)
September 8, 2017
As a disclaimer I am reviewing the whole series (8 books) in this review because I read them all within a week, so while they are their own separate thing, I really view them as just one whole. I will likely cut and paste this review into each books review spot, with perhaps a comment or two about the individual book itself.
That said, I really enjoyed this book, and this whole series. It was a bizarre modern magical romp through New York (and occasionally Texas). I really appreciated the corporate take on the magical industry, and I really enjoyed all of the characters. It was especially interesting looking at this magical world through the eyes of a magical immune (someone unaffected by magic), our heroine Katie Chandler. She is an interesting character. I would have liked her better if she had been more secure and confident in herself and her abilities. I think one of my favorite parts of the entire series is Merlin, I love him. His character portrayal was fabulous. The romance is fun, and sweet. Occasionally I felt like descriptions of our hero's physical "hotness" was a bit repetitive, but that may have been due to the fact that I read all of these books back to back in such quick succession. On that note of repetitiveness, the beginning of each book felt a little like a babysitters club book in that the setting had to be reintroduced and it seemed like the first chapter of each book was a recap of up to that point. This is probably necessary, but when reading them all together, like I did, it becomes slightly boring (luckily it's only the first chapter of each book, then your right back into the action-which there is plenty of).
As far as content these books are quite clean. Despite the fact that this series is riddled with innuendo it's actual content on the steaminess scale is extremely low (nothing beyond kissing). I think the author did a really good job of portraying a modern working girls life, particularly love life, with out entering into sordid bedroom details. Don't get me wrong I like sex as much as the next person, but I feel no desire to watch or read about the details in anyone else's sex life.
Sorry, back off my soap box... All in all, I thought this was a fun series and I really enjoyed reading it. It was fast paced, funny, and light. Great books for when your in a lighthearted, funny, romance mood.
That said, I really enjoyed this book, and this whole series. It was a bizarre modern magical romp through New York (and occasionally Texas). I really appreciated the corporate take on the magical industry, and I really enjoyed all of the characters. It was especially interesting looking at this magical world through the eyes of a magical immune (someone unaffected by magic), our heroine Katie Chandler. She is an interesting character. I would have liked her better if she had been more secure and confident in herself and her abilities. I think one of my favorite parts of the entire series is Merlin, I love him. His character portrayal was fabulous. The romance is fun, and sweet. Occasionally I felt like descriptions of our hero's physical "hotness" was a bit repetitive, but that may have been due to the fact that I read all of these books back to back in such quick succession. On that note of repetitiveness, the beginning of each book felt a little like a babysitters club book in that the setting had to be reintroduced and it seemed like the first chapter of each book was a recap of up to that point. This is probably necessary, but when reading them all together, like I did, it becomes slightly boring (luckily it's only the first chapter of each book, then your right back into the action-which there is plenty of).
As far as content these books are quite clean. Despite the fact that this series is riddled with innuendo it's actual content on the steaminess scale is extremely low (nothing beyond kissing). I think the author did a really good job of portraying a modern working girls life, particularly love life, with out entering into sordid bedroom details. Don't get me wrong I like sex as much as the next person, but I feel no desire to watch or read about the details in anyone else's sex life.
Sorry, back off my soap box... All in all, I thought this was a fun series and I really enjoyed reading it. It was fast paced, funny, and light. Great books for when your in a lighthearted, funny, romance mood.
September 20, 2021
I am getting through this series by sheer will of just wanting to see how it ends at this point. The books seem to have no linear through line at this point, and are only miniscule connected. It has made me come to hate the characters that I loved in the first couple of books, and the series being dragged as long as it has is just kind of ridiculous. Especially given that the author won't even round it out to an even 10 so it is on an awkward 9 books not including novellas.
The premise should have been right in my alley, but it was resolved too quickly to make it enjoyable and I felt like they could have leaned more into the romcom aspect of it and had fun with it instead of snapping them out of it entirely. I have no idea how these books are going to end, and it feels like it will be disappointing. Doesn't help that the audiobook narrator has a voice that frankly doesn't fit, sounding much older than the main character is said to be. And the fact that the character is so techphobic given how the state of the world was even at the time of the book release is honestly just laughable, and makes me wonder if the author is projecting a bit.
Ok I suppose but reminds me why I don't think series should be dragged out like this.
The premise should have been right in my alley, but it was resolved too quickly to make it enjoyable and I felt like they could have leaned more into the romcom aspect of it and had fun with it instead of snapping them out of it entirely. I have no idea how these books are going to end, and it feels like it will be disappointing. Doesn't help that the audiobook narrator has a voice that frankly doesn't fit, sounding much older than the main character is said to be. And the fact that the character is so techphobic given how the state of the world was even at the time of the book release is honestly just laughable, and makes me wonder if the author is projecting a bit.
Ok I suppose but reminds me why I don't think series should be dragged out like this.
August 28, 2022
Kiss and Spell on Books On Track
RTC
Previous book reviews:
✦ No Quest For The Wicked (Enchanted, Inc., #6) ~ ★★★ (19/08/2022)
✦ Much Ado About Magic (Enchanted, Inc., #5) ~ ★★★ (26/12/2021)
✦ Don't Hex with Texas (Enchanted, Inc. #4) ~ ★★★★ (17/01/2012)
✦ Damsel Under Stress (Enchanted, Inc. #3) ~ ★★★ (19/11/2011)
✦ Once Upon Stilettos (Enchanted, Inc. #2) ~ ★★★★ (25/01/2010)
✦ Enchanted, Inc. (Enchanted, Inc. #1) ~ ★★★★ (23/01/2010)
✦ Criminal Enchantment (Enchanted, Inc. #0.5) ~ ★★★ (22/08/2022)
October 22, 2019
I really didn't enjoy the whole "magical Matrix" thing going on in this book. In fact, I skimmed a LOT until Katie finally figured things out. After that, I skimmed a little. Owen's whole "I can't do what needs to be done, because people will judge me as evil" thing is just awful. They will judge him anyway. At least by doing what he thinks is best he might save some people along the way. One thing I just can't understand is why Sylvester went to the trouble of devising a magical "prison" where everyone is supposed to be happy. It took tons of man (or elf) power and was likely a massive power drain. Now your smart super villain would just kill his opponents and incinerate the bodies. I also didn't like the sudden light speed fast forward in Katie and Owen's relationship. I understand that the author may have thought this was the final book and wanted to wrap things up, but it didn't work. I don't buy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2017
So I've read the previous 6 books in this series. I'm going along on this last book and turn the page and it's like reading a whole different book. Some of the characters are the same but it was just the weirdest thing. I turned back a couple of pages to see if I missed something. But no, the whole thing just changed. So I kept reading thinking it will all make sense and it finally did, I get it, but it took so many chapters I was just disappointed. Once I figured out what she was doing I just didn't care anymore. I guess a lot of the suddenly new characters were supposed to be the likeness of the original characters but I just can't believe after 6 books this author couldn't have just finished what she started, the way it already was. The best part of the whole book was the very, very end. Oh well. On to the next series.
March 1, 2024
Katie and Owen know that people and elves are disappearing. Are they quitting their jobs at MSI, Inc. to avoid working and being around wizards or are they disappearing, as in vanishing without a trace? Owen and Katie go to investigate with the help of Earl, an elf who left his evil, "take over the world boss" to find comfort & protection while working at MSI, Inc. When they get too close to what the Evil Elven Lord Sylvester is plotting, they too disappear. It's a little weird the way the story jumps from NY City to something that kinda sorta resembles NYC, but misses the mark. You have to pay attention. There are battles to be fought, clues to decipher, secret meetings and kidnappings, don't forget the kidnappings. I'll be honest, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the first 6; I hope you enjoy this book more than I did.
November 10, 2017
I'm well into this series and like most of the characters. The plots are interesting and there's plenty of action and some romance brewing. The plot of this particular installment didn't really grab me and for a short portion of the book just seemed to ramble like a kudzu vine. I thought what should have been a very climatic romantic moment in the book fell flat and was disappointed in that. I'll continue to read what comes next with the hope for a revival of my pleasure in reading this series.
December 21, 2023
Could not put this down. I love the premise of this book! I love the cliqués while staying true to character and letting the main character play with “what if?” This author does a great job of exploring the various what ifs in her series. I LOVE IT. I just want the main two characters to love each other forever!!! I love the healthy relationship they have that is personal and unique and down to earth. Katie is relatable.
April 28, 2020
Katie ends up in a "fake" reality that seems built on a romantic movie.
What I enjoyed:
* Katie and Owen's relationship is great
* Granny is still a hoot
* the whole "disco" scene a the end
What could be better:
* The minutia of daily life caught in the spell went on too long
What I enjoyed:
* Katie and Owen's relationship is great
* Granny is still a hoot
* the whole "disco" scene a the end
What could be better:
* The minutia of daily life caught in the spell went on too long
November 13, 2020
A grudge read finish to a series that should've ended four books ago. When you resort to having characters lose their memories and start anew, then their story is clearly over. I didn't care a thing for Katie or Owen by this point, which is a shame, because I enjoyed them at the beginning of it all. But this last book? Enchanted it was not.
May 18, 2021
This book was neat because you actually got to feel like the characters when they were "whammied."
It was like being in the twilight zone. And I loved how it ended, so perfect for Owen and Katie! And Katie's grandmother made an appearance as well, love her! Really liking the elves being more involved in the series too.
It was like being in the twilight zone. And I loved how it ended, so perfect for Owen and Katie! And Katie's grandmother made an appearance as well, love her! Really liking the elves being more involved in the series too.
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