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Easy Bake Coven #1
Easy Bake Coven
For Selene Warren being a witch is no big deal. She dabbles in harmless magic with her friends and never thinks much about it. However, when a stranger who seems to know her shows up at her studio and her grandmother is brutally attacked, her simple life becomes complicated.
A world of elves, half-elves, fae—and one peculiar Sekhmet named Femi open up to her. She will discover that fairy tales are real, politics are ugly in any world, and there is a lot more to her life than she ever dreamed possible.
This new reality threatens swallow Selene whole, but with a forgotten past beating down her door, she will have to dive in to save her future.
A world of elves, half-elves, fae—and one peculiar Sekhmet named Femi open up to her. She will discover that fairy tales are real, politics are ugly in any world, and there is a lot more to her life than she ever dreamed possible.
This new reality threatens swallow Selene whole, but with a forgotten past beating down her door, she will have to dive in to save her future.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2013
178 people are currently reading
2274 people want to read
About the author
Liz Schulte
55 books614 followersMany authors claim to have known their calling from a young age. Liz Schulte, however, didn't always want to be an author. In fact, she had no clue. Liz wanted to be a veterinarian, then she wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to be a criminal profiler. In a valiant effort to keep from becoming Walter Mitty, Liz put pen to paper and began writing her first novel. It was at that moment she realized this is what she was meant to do. As a scribe she could be all of those things and so much more.
When Liz isn't writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between.
When Liz isn't writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
December 4, 2013
This book does not match its description. I think the person that wrote the description did not read the book. I would make sure to read a couple reviews before buying it because of the description not giving you an accurate idea about what you would be reading. "The Abyss is watching her" i don't know why the description starts with this because the The Abyss is not important to the story. Selene is not in real coven and the story is not about witches, its about elves. There was a lot of build up to fight but fight was super short and really not that important. I also did not like the cliffhanger that the book ended on. I felt that i spend all this time reading this book and this is how it ends? Overall, i just could not get behind Selene and felt that she was just too weak. I got this book as Freebie from amazon so if you love free books you could check it out.
December 4, 2013
I guessed by the reviews that this would be a light, fun read. It was - sorta. It started out the way I expected and even when the fae twist came in, it was still interesting to follow. There were several typos/errors (for example, Cheney is spelled "Chaney" in 2 back to back instances) and could've used another edit. The chapters end at odd places, as though the author cut them in places because she felt she had to rather than because it made sense or built suspense for the reader.
But as I kept reading, I got tired of the whining - of the constant battle Selene has with herself because she is two halves of a whole, etc. etc. There was only one mention of a special gift Selene has that we don't see until two-thirds of the book later, and by that point I'd completely forgotten about it and it came as a somewhat cop out of a surprise. There was a ton of build up to this big battle and then when it came to, the battle happened so fast and suddenly that it was over before I realized it and I thought, "I read all that build up for THAT?" There was a twist at the end that clearly leads into a sequel or perhaps trilogy, though I was disappointed to see it wasn't a standalone novel (though admittedly that may be me getting tired of authors feeling everything has to be more than one book). It was an okay read, but I doubt I make time for the next ones in the series.
But as I kept reading, I got tired of the whining - of the constant battle Selene has with herself because she is two halves of a whole, etc. etc. There was only one mention of a special gift Selene has that we don't see until two-thirds of the book later, and by that point I'd completely forgotten about it and it came as a somewhat cop out of a surprise. There was a ton of build up to this big battle and then when it came to, the battle happened so fast and suddenly that it was over before I realized it and I thought, "I read all that build up for THAT?" There was a twist at the end that clearly leads into a sequel or perhaps trilogy, though I was disappointed to see it wasn't a standalone novel (though admittedly that may be me getting tired of authors feeling everything has to be more than one book). It was an okay read, but I doubt I make time for the next ones in the series.
September 2, 2014
This book was like a trainwreck, you didn't want to watch, but at the same time you couldn't look away either. While I didn't find the heroine to be as whiney as other reviewers had, I did find her to be quite annoying at times. Not only that I hated Cheney for pretty much the entire book, due to how controlling and manipulative he was. In addition to this, the book tied into a much larger universe, one that is explained in the author's other two series. While this read largely as a standalone series, I could tell at some points that I was missing pieces of a larger story, and I didn't like it. More than likely, I'll be deleting this off my Kindle, and will not be looking to read the other books in the series.
December 4, 2013
Easy Bake Coven is an unusual book in that it stars out chick-flick and humorous, but somewhere along the lines turns to fantasy. The title suggests a book about witches, but what you get is something else entirely.
The story is enjoyable and engaging enough, funny and sexy in places. But the main character, Selene, is never really challenged. She bumps along from one predicament to the next, with nothing to make you sit on the edge of your seat or bite your nails. She doesn't question anything she's told and lets other people guide her actions. Even when she thinks for herself it's because that's what someone else wants.
The story focuses on the fact that Selene doesn't know who she is. She has a past that she can't remember and spends her time being told what she was like by other people. Her thoughts and feeling fluctuate so much that it gets a tad boring.
Obviously this is the first in series, but just as the story hits a real nail-biter, it ends and I'm not sure I have the patience to get involved with Selene again to find out what happens.
The story is enjoyable and engaging enough, funny and sexy in places. But the main character, Selene, is never really challenged. She bumps along from one predicament to the next, with nothing to make you sit on the edge of your seat or bite your nails. She doesn't question anything she's told and lets other people guide her actions. Even when she thinks for herself it's because that's what someone else wants.
The story focuses on the fact that Selene doesn't know who she is. She has a past that she can't remember and spends her time being told what she was like by other people. Her thoughts and feeling fluctuate so much that it gets a tad boring.
Obviously this is the first in series, but just as the story hits a real nail-biter, it ends and I'm not sure I have the patience to get involved with Selene again to find out what happens.
January 4, 2014
What could have been an interesting book was tainted by punctuation, grammar, spelling and editing errors. Sometimes, there were complete words missing! While trying to manipulate a nurse into seeing a loved one after hours, the sentence reads "She all have, please". It ruined the experience for me.
Selene got on my nerves. She made her like so many other women in paranormal romances: bipolar, emotional with irrational responses to simple statements, flawless but self-conscious, stubborn. It gets really repetitive. Not to mention the random descriptions of her clothing and how it hugs her perfect body. I understand that the author needs to help the reader visualize the characters, but these descriptions were inserted at the oddest times. A good time to describe her outfit would have been while she was getting dressed or looking in a mirror, not while she was checking herself out as she slid into a bar booth. It only accomplished making the character seem incredibly vain.
Selene got on my nerves. She made her like so many other women in paranormal romances: bipolar, emotional with irrational responses to simple statements, flawless but self-conscious, stubborn. It gets really repetitive. Not to mention the random descriptions of her clothing and how it hugs her perfect body. I understand that the author needs to help the reader visualize the characters, but these descriptions were inserted at the oddest times. A good time to describe her outfit would have been while she was getting dressed or looking in a mirror, not while she was checking herself out as she slid into a bar booth. It only accomplished making the character seem incredibly vain.
November 21, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, fun elf/witch/vampire/dwarf story.
I am still wondering what the rest of the series holds as this book definitely dealt with possibly the most interesting part of Cheney and Selene's life together and whether it is something I want to carry on with
Looking to possibly come back to this
Easy going, fun and very much fictional!
I am still wondering what the rest of the series holds as this book definitely dealt with possibly the most interesting part of Cheney and Selene's life together and whether it is something I want to carry on with
Looking to possibly come back to this
Easy going, fun and very much fictional!
December 4, 2013
Well, I was looking for an fast, easy read after finishing "The Diamond Age". Perhaps this wasn't the best book to read after "The Diamond Age" simply because it is so two dimensional and borderline silly. Having said that, it's fun, but without any witty humor. How do you do that? You can, but it's kind of forgetable. Don't expect any introspection, unusual plot twists, well-developed characters that come alive on an individual level. It's kind of like sleep-walking... wasn't impressed.
July 6, 2016
3 solid stars
Kindle & audible version
Hate the cover art.
Loved the narrator.
The plot is a conundrum not bc it's a mess but bc of Selene's duel personality & memories. I suspect she may be led astray... We shall see.. I'm not a fan of Cheney.
Cliterary Genius A to Z book challenge. Letter E
Kindle & audible version
Hate the cover art.
Loved the narrator.
The plot is a conundrum not bc it's a mess but bc of Selene's duel personality & memories. I suspect she may be led astray... We shall see.. I'm not a fan of Cheney.
Cliterary Genius A to Z book challenge. Letter E
January 16, 2014
I don't read a lot of fantasy novels or paranormal romances, and this was sort of a mash up of those two genres. For the most part, I did enjoy testing out these new waters. The story of Selene, whose whole world is turned upside down as she finds out that she isn't who she thinks, clipped along at a nice pace and kept me turning pages until the end.
But...it was the end that knocked off a star from my review of this book. The entire plot up to this point focused on one goal and it seemed like when it finally came down to it, that issue just folded with much less fuss than we were led to believe would ensue. It was very anti-climatic, even with an intriguing plot twist thrown in to make SURE you read the next book in the series.
Overall, however, it wasn't a bad book. The magical mythology was incorporated interestingly and cleverly and as I stated earlier, the story line did progress in a way that wasn't overly predictable. I do agree with the fact that this particular edition really needed another look at from an experienced editor. There were a couple of issues where misspellings and continuity problems became rather annoying.
But...it was the end that knocked off a star from my review of this book. The entire plot up to this point focused on one goal and it seemed like when it finally came down to it, that issue just folded with much less fuss than we were led to believe would ensue. It was very anti-climatic, even with an intriguing plot twist thrown in to make SURE you read the next book in the series.
Overall, however, it wasn't a bad book. The magical mythology was incorporated interestingly and cleverly and as I stated earlier, the story line did progress in a way that wasn't overly predictable. I do agree with the fact that this particular edition really needed another look at from an experienced editor. There were a couple of issues where misspellings and continuity problems became rather annoying.
March 24, 2015
****I'm torn between 2.5 and 3.00****
Well, where to start. First, this book was riddled with all sorts of errors like grammatical, missing words, punctuation. If this was in fact edited, the editor needs to fired!
Secondly, the protagonist Selena is an emotional hot mess. she's either flying off the handle with little to no provocation, or head over heels, googly eyed, can't get enough in love.
Thirdly, this really didn't have so much to do with witches. The witches and coven were really more of a back drop to the story of elves. The book ended without ending, if that makes sense. It just left you hanging, which I'm sure was done purposefully so you'd have no choice but to read the second book of the series, if in fact you are that invested into the characters and story to begin with. Personally, I'm torn. I really kind of liked this, I mean it was an okay, fast, cutesy kinda story, no matter how badly edited. It certainly will never be a favorite of mine for sure however, if you are looking for something light hearted and not so unforgettable you may want to give it a try. With any hope, the following books in this authors series will be edited correctly.
Well, where to start. First, this book was riddled with all sorts of errors like grammatical, missing words, punctuation. If this was in fact edited, the editor needs to fired!
Secondly, the protagonist Selena is an emotional hot mess. she's either flying off the handle with little to no provocation, or head over heels, googly eyed, can't get enough in love.
Thirdly, this really didn't have so much to do with witches. The witches and coven were really more of a back drop to the story of elves. The book ended without ending, if that makes sense. It just left you hanging, which I'm sure was done purposefully so you'd have no choice but to read the second book of the series, if in fact you are that invested into the characters and story to begin with. Personally, I'm torn. I really kind of liked this, I mean it was an okay, fast, cutesy kinda story, no matter how badly edited. It certainly will never be a favorite of mine for sure however, if you are looking for something light hearted and not so unforgettable you may want to give it a try. With any hope, the following books in this authors series will be edited correctly.
May 24, 2014
I wanted to like this book. It had promise. But in the end I was left feeling like the book wasn't complete.. It had all this build up and no real release.
With a name like "Easy Bake Coven" I expected a fun, light read. Maybe something along the lines of the Stephanie Plum books.
I found most of the main characters hard to really like. I never really connected with any of them in a way that made me pull for them. Probably, mainly, because I never really knew who I could trust and who I couldn't.
I didn't hate this book. But I could have liked it a lot more. I think if it had ended differently, I would have liked it more and could have lived with the other minor things I didn't like. I just do not like being deprived of a climax.
With a name like "Easy Bake Coven" I expected a fun, light read. Maybe something along the lines of the Stephanie Plum books.
I found most of the main characters hard to really like. I never really connected with any of them in a way that made me pull for them. Probably, mainly, because I never really knew who I could trust and who I couldn't.
I didn't hate this book. But I could have liked it a lot more. I think if it had ended differently, I would have liked it more and could have lived with the other minor things I didn't like. I just do not like being deprived of a climax.
December 4, 2013
I really should like this book. The writing is pretty good. It seems like it is supposed to have a epic sort of romance. But I could not find anything to really like, or dislike about the two main characters. Selene seems basically nice, but rather self-absorbed and self-satisfied. Not enough to dislike, but also not enough to be particularly interesting. I read the story a little over halfway through hoping it would get better, but it didn't. The major characters just didn't resonate with me, and the minor characters were too minor to be interesting.
December 9, 2013
I don't know why I stuck it out with this book, other than that it was a decent mindless thing to read myself to sleep after getting off work at 4am. Formula driven, static, and full of cheap pop culture references.
April 17, 2024
Ugh, I need to take a break from reading all the free/uber cheap books I got from Bookbub over the years, because this has just been torture.
So my first groan is at the very beginning of the book. The tenets (or rules) she described at the beginning are Wiccan and do not apply to all witchcraft (especially the x3 bit). But acknowledging that they’re actually Wiccan doesn’t happen until you’re 83% into the book. And actually right before she introduces her tenets, they bash voodoo, which isn’t cool.
Unfortunately, the book barely has anything to do with the title. It started out light and fun, but then witchy stuff takes a back burner, and we’re flung into a relationship with a truly awful character. Cheney (sometimes Chaney) is so infuriatingly bad that I seriously considered DNFing this at multiple points (and now wish I had, especially after that ending). He’s narcissistic, manipulative, controlling, jealous, and basically no handle on his emotions. He constantly gets upset that things aren’t going his way, yells at Selene about how everything is not about her, and then proceeds to whine about himself some more. He has a lot of BPD traits as well. He super loves Selene, but as soon as he perceives any kind of or hint of rejection, he flies off the handle and hates her again (at one point he grabs Selene and pins her against the wall cuz he was pissed at her, but she has to repeatedly assure us that he’d never hurt her). Every time I was just starting to warm up to him and think he’s finally learning, he does some more immature shit that made me want to scream.
I almost forgot the first terrible relationship she’s in - with Michael. She’s trying to convince everyone (and herself) that he’s the perfect guy and it’s the perfect (like seriously, she uses “perfect/ly” 26 times in the book), when he’s far from it. They’ve been dating less than a year, never came close to discussing marriage, but then surprises her with a proposal. During said proposal she gets a call that her grandma is seriously injured in the hospital. So she obviously tries to leave, and he grabs her to make her answer his proposal. If that’s not bad enough, when she called him for the first time after seeing her grandma, he gets all whiny because she didn’t take her engagement ring with her. SERIOUSLY DUDE‽
So yeah, terrible choices in men. She lets them boss her around, constantly tries to convince herself everything is perfect, ignores her gut, takes everything Cheney says at face value and doesn’t really question any of the memories he’s implanting in her head, and he’s borderline abusive. If anyone ever says “you could do worse” with a relationship, run away from your partner and run away from whichever person told you that. 99% of the time you can do worse, but that doesn’t mean you’re in a good or healthy relationship.
This was NOT AT ALL what I was expecting from this book. And to put the cherry on top of this crap sundae - when they finally get to the big confrontation, it barely lasts a few pages and is very anti-climactic. Then there’s a major cliff hanger for the next book, but I don’t think I can put myself through it again. Which is disappointing, especially since the titles of these books are hilarious. However it baffles my mind that there were 2 editors and 4 beta readers, yet so many spelling errors (including spelling a main character’s name wrong!), grammatical errors, and flat out missing words were riddled throughout this book. If they all think how Cheney acts is normal or loving, then they need massive therapy to work out whatever trauma they endured in their life that taught them abusive behavior is okay.
I feel very duped. People shouldn’t be allowed to have fun punny titles for books if the content doesn’t match. Highly disappointing, and at some times triggering my PTSD (although I’m glad my BPD isn’t like Cheney lol).
Oh yeah, since I mentioned mental illnesses - this is yet another book that incorrectly uses bipolar. If someone is acting hot and cold (love then hate aka black and white thinking), ignore the Katy Perry song, because what you’re looking for is BPD (although having one trait doesn’t mean they’re diagnosable). I have both, but it drives me nuts how people throw any mental illness term around like it’s an okay adjective to use. It’s not. Especially since people quite often just flat out use them the wrong way. So, be better. Please stop.
Omg I almost forgot to mention the super awkward sex scenes. Including her orgasming when he played with her elf ear tip. Could not decide if we were supposed to be turned on or laughing at it.
So my first groan is at the very beginning of the book. The tenets (or rules) she described at the beginning are Wiccan and do not apply to all witchcraft (especially the x3 bit). But acknowledging that they’re actually Wiccan doesn’t happen until you’re 83% into the book. And actually right before she introduces her tenets, they bash voodoo, which isn’t cool.
Unfortunately, the book barely has anything to do with the title. It started out light and fun, but then witchy stuff takes a back burner, and we’re flung into a relationship with a truly awful character. Cheney (sometimes Chaney) is so infuriatingly bad that I seriously considered DNFing this at multiple points (and now wish I had, especially after that ending). He’s narcissistic, manipulative, controlling, jealous, and basically no handle on his emotions. He constantly gets upset that things aren’t going his way, yells at Selene about how everything is not about her, and then proceeds to whine about himself some more. He has a lot of BPD traits as well. He super loves Selene, but as soon as he perceives any kind of or hint of rejection, he flies off the handle and hates her again (at one point he grabs Selene and pins her against the wall cuz he was pissed at her, but she has to repeatedly assure us that he’d never hurt her). Every time I was just starting to warm up to him and think he’s finally learning, he does some more immature shit that made me want to scream.
I almost forgot the first terrible relationship she’s in - with Michael. She’s trying to convince everyone (and herself) that he’s the perfect guy and it’s the perfect (like seriously, she uses “perfect/ly” 26 times in the book), when he’s far from it. They’ve been dating less than a year, never came close to discussing marriage, but then surprises her with a proposal. During said proposal she gets a call that her grandma is seriously injured in the hospital. So she obviously tries to leave, and he grabs her to make her answer his proposal. If that’s not bad enough, when she called him for the first time after seeing her grandma, he gets all whiny because she didn’t take her engagement ring with her. SERIOUSLY DUDE‽
So yeah, terrible choices in men. She lets them boss her around, constantly tries to convince herself everything is perfect, ignores her gut, takes everything Cheney says at face value and doesn’t really question any of the memories he’s implanting in her head, and he’s borderline abusive. If anyone ever says “you could do worse” with a relationship, run away from your partner and run away from whichever person told you that. 99% of the time you can do worse, but that doesn’t mean you’re in a good or healthy relationship.
This was NOT AT ALL what I was expecting from this book. And to put the cherry on top of this crap sundae - when they finally get to the big confrontation, it barely lasts a few pages and is very anti-climactic. Then there’s a major cliff hanger for the next book, but I don’t think I can put myself through it again. Which is disappointing, especially since the titles of these books are hilarious. However it baffles my mind that there were 2 editors and 4 beta readers, yet so many spelling errors (including spelling a main character’s name wrong!), grammatical errors, and flat out missing words were riddled throughout this book. If they all think how Cheney acts is normal or loving, then they need massive therapy to work out whatever trauma they endured in their life that taught them abusive behavior is okay.
I feel very duped. People shouldn’t be allowed to have fun punny titles for books if the content doesn’t match. Highly disappointing, and at some times triggering my PTSD (although I’m glad my BPD isn’t like Cheney lol).
Oh yeah, since I mentioned mental illnesses - this is yet another book that incorrectly uses bipolar. If someone is acting hot and cold (love then hate aka black and white thinking), ignore the Katy Perry song, because what you’re looking for is BPD (although having one trait doesn’t mean they’re diagnosable). I have both, but it drives me nuts how people throw any mental illness term around like it’s an okay adjective to use. It’s not. Especially since people quite often just flat out use them the wrong way. So, be better. Please stop.
Omg I almost forgot to mention the super awkward sex scenes. Including her orgasming when he played with her elf ear tip. Could not decide if we were supposed to be turned on or laughing at it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2015
I'm starting to think that I'm broken. There has to be something wrong with me that I really hate this book When so many other people love it. I have three hours left and get bring myself to hit the play button.
First, don't be fooled by the cute cover or the title this book doesn't have anything to do with witches or a witches coven.
Second, my main issue is Selene...I can't stand her. She is hot and cold from one sentence to the next, for example: When our story starts Selene is dating the perfect Michael his handsome so handsome she can't even understand what he see's in her, and she pleased he doesn't have a large ego, we get to hear all his praises right before he pops the question, to which she can't believe this is happening and OMG freaks out and states she is filled with dread at the very idea, next breath 'he even picked out the perfect ring a ring I'd have picked for myself he's just so prefect,'...blah, blah, blah...
I don't and can't muster any caring for her or her trouble which is almost all at the point I stopped listening her own making.
Third, Cheney or (Chaney) whichever the big bad Prince of the elves is kind of an ass, more likable than Selene, but I care nothing about him or the trouble he has with his dad the King.
fourth, what really killed me, is they are married, regardless of whether she remembers it or not, which she doesn't, but when Cheney talks of overthrowing his dad again the King, in order to take the throne himself, Selene is actually surprised she will be Queen...that was when I stopped listening.
Fifth, back to the married people, they fight and fight often, one minute they are happy together the next they are fighting and honestly I have no idea about what...nothing happens to set either of them off, they just fight.
Sixth, last but not least after we find out about her halfness, she spends the next billion chapters talking about her elf side like it's the devil...*eye roll* she goes on and on and on some more.
At this point those last 3 hours seem more like 10 years, I might finish, as I loathe not finishing books, even bad, horrible ones...sigh.
First, don't be fooled by the cute cover or the title this book doesn't have anything to do with witches or a witches coven.
Second, my main issue is Selene...I can't stand her. She is hot and cold from one sentence to the next, for example: When our story starts Selene is dating the perfect Michael his handsome so handsome she can't even understand what he see's in her, and she pleased he doesn't have a large ego, we get to hear all his praises right before he pops the question, to which she can't believe this is happening and OMG freaks out and states she is filled with dread at the very idea, next breath 'he even picked out the perfect ring a ring I'd have picked for myself he's just so prefect,'...blah, blah, blah...
I don't and can't muster any caring for her or her trouble which is almost all at the point I stopped listening her own making.
Third, Cheney or (Chaney) whichever the big bad Prince of the elves is kind of an ass, more likable than Selene, but I care nothing about him or the trouble he has with his dad the King.
fourth, what really killed me, is they are married, regardless of whether she remembers it or not, which she doesn't, but when Cheney talks of overthrowing his dad again the King, in order to take the throne himself, Selene is actually surprised she will be Queen...that was when I stopped listening.
Fifth, back to the married people, they fight and fight often, one minute they are happy together the next they are fighting and honestly I have no idea about what...nothing happens to set either of them off, they just fight.
Sixth, last but not least after we find out about her halfness, she spends the next billion chapters talking about her elf side like it's the devil...*eye roll* she goes on and on and on some more.
At this point those last 3 hours seem more like 10 years, I might finish, as I loathe not finishing books, even bad, horrible ones...sigh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2014
Selene Warren is an attractive 20-something who runs a yoga studio and hangs out with her college bffs. She’s leading a safe, uncomplicated, quiet life with her cat, and dating a safe, uncomplicated, extremely handsome guy she loves but isn’t in love with. She and the bffs have a coven where they play at magic, but mostly for entertainment. One day a handsome stranger that only she can see shows up at her studio, her grandmother is brutally attacked and her life takes a sudden turn into loud and complicated.
I waffled a lot while reading this book. I almost ditched it about a third of the way in because of the paranormal elements (elves, halve elves, vampires, guardians, on and on and on); I like my paranormal a little more plausible; this was reminiscent of the Twilight series, and that didn’t really do it for me. There was something about Selene and the handsome stranger, however, that kept me reading.
I found the bffs to be one-dimensional. Sure they all have separate paranormal strengths, and an unbreakable bond due to their “outsiderness;” I wanted to like them, but they came across as only a frame for Selene. I was interested by that hint of odd-woman-out and would have liked to see it explored more. I also wanted to know more about what made each of them tick. Also, the cat disappeared about halfway through, and I spent the rest of the book wondering what happened to it and why it never entered her thoughts.
There are some interesting subthemes about racism, politics, and self-acceptance, and I was drawn in by the growing relationship between Selene and Cheney, the handsome not-so-stranger. I did enjoy seeing Selene grow into her talents, and find a backbone. This was an ok book for me – well written, moderately likable characters, average plot. If you like fantasy mixed in with a little mystery, this might be the story for you. I see there are more in the series – will I read them? Maybe, maybe not. But it was well-written enough that I will probably check out some of the author’s other work.
I waffled a lot while reading this book. I almost ditched it about a third of the way in because of the paranormal elements (elves, halve elves, vampires, guardians, on and on and on); I like my paranormal a little more plausible; this was reminiscent of the Twilight series, and that didn’t really do it for me. There was something about Selene and the handsome stranger, however, that kept me reading.
I found the bffs to be one-dimensional. Sure they all have separate paranormal strengths, and an unbreakable bond due to their “outsiderness;” I wanted to like them, but they came across as only a frame for Selene. I was interested by that hint of odd-woman-out and would have liked to see it explored more. I also wanted to know more about what made each of them tick. Also, the cat disappeared about halfway through, and I spent the rest of the book wondering what happened to it and why it never entered her thoughts.
There are some interesting subthemes about racism, politics, and self-acceptance, and I was drawn in by the growing relationship between Selene and Cheney, the handsome not-so-stranger. I did enjoy seeing Selene grow into her talents, and find a backbone. This was an ok book for me – well written, moderately likable characters, average plot. If you like fantasy mixed in with a little mystery, this might be the story for you. I see there are more in the series – will I read them? Maybe, maybe not. But it was well-written enough that I will probably check out some of the author’s other work.
January 6, 2016
"Easy Bake Coven" is the first in what I see right now in a trilogy written by author Liz Schulte.
The main protagonist, Selene Warren, is a witch who does not practice day to day magic due to her promising her grandmother she would not. Suddenly one day a mysterious stranger calling himself Cheney turns up saying cryptic warnings to her which coincides with her grandmother being hurt. Selene's world is then turned upside down she she finds out about her true history.
I don't want to get more specific than that in the review because Ms. Schulte really does turn things on her head with the trajectory of the novel.
I did really want to like this novel more than I did since I really do like the adult fantasy genre and am always on the lookout for a new series to read. However, it seems very apparent that Selene is 100 percent a Mary Sue and seems to be great at everything related to magic. Cheney though he was supposed to be dark and brooding I really didn't care for him at all due to the way he was introduced and the subsequent interactions with him and Selene.
I think that to world building on this scale it would have helped if things did not start off on some breakneck pace and Selene kept "remembering" things selectively here and there. I know because of this the plot holes in the novel could be explained away but it seemed an easy way out to have things that don't make sense explained away.
With an ending that really just kind of happened and left things on a cliffhanger I am assuming that storyline will be resolved with the sequel, "Hungry, Hungry Hoodoo". Too bad I have no intention of following up to see what becomes of Selene and Cheney.
The main protagonist, Selene Warren, is a witch who does not practice day to day magic due to her promising her grandmother she would not. Suddenly one day a mysterious stranger calling himself Cheney turns up saying cryptic warnings to her which coincides with her grandmother being hurt. Selene's world is then turned upside down she she finds out about her true history.
I don't want to get more specific than that in the review because Ms. Schulte really does turn things on her head with the trajectory of the novel.
I did really want to like this novel more than I did since I really do like the adult fantasy genre and am always on the lookout for a new series to read. However, it seems very apparent that Selene is 100 percent a Mary Sue and seems to be great at everything related to magic. Cheney though he was supposed to be dark and brooding I really didn't care for him at all due to the way he was introduced and the subsequent interactions with him and Selene.
I think that to world building on this scale it would have helped if things did not start off on some breakneck pace and Selene kept "remembering" things selectively here and there. I know because of this the plot holes in the novel could be explained away but it seemed an easy way out to have things that don't make sense explained away.
With an ending that really just kind of happened and left things on a cliffhanger I am assuming that storyline will be resolved with the sequel, "Hungry, Hungry Hoodoo". Too bad I have no intention of following up to see what becomes of Selene and Cheney.
May 3, 2013
Selene survived the death of her parents and was raised by her grandma who discouraged her to use her unique abilities in magic. Now an adult she runs a yoga studio and her boyfriend Michael is on the verge of proposing. With a new group of friends life is all hunky dory......well at least until Cheney appears. A gorgeous but mysterious guy who turns out to be no stranger. Her secret is out. Her friends are actually a coven of witches. She also discovers the truth that she is half human, half elf and bounty hunters are searching for her. So what's a girl to do? Each day brings new revelations and as her world is slowly falling apart her connection to the abyss and it's inevitable war brings her closer to who she truly is and to her true heart.
Selene is very humorous and likeable. Her world gets flipped upside down when her life as she knows it turns out to have been an elaborate scheme to keep her hidden and safe from the enemies that are now looking for her. I instantly was drawn to both her and the story. Cheney is full of surprises and irresistible. If you would be attracted to an elf he's your guy. The story gets quite complex as politics in this realm and fighting for your rights take an important turn in the story with Selene being right at the heart of the matter. The drama and action take new heights as you turn each new page.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Selene is very humorous and likeable. Her world gets flipped upside down when her life as she knows it turns out to have been an elaborate scheme to keep her hidden and safe from the enemies that are now looking for her. I instantly was drawn to both her and the story. Cheney is full of surprises and irresistible. If you would be attracted to an elf he's your guy. The story gets quite complex as politics in this realm and fighting for your rights take an important turn in the story with Selene being right at the heart of the matter. The drama and action take new heights as you turn each new page.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2014
It was really hard to choose my rating. On one hand I did like it. I became invested in the characters and the story. I really wanted to know what would happen to them, and how their lives will change. However, I was also bored with the book and I wanted the book to be finished faster than it needed to be. I was done with the characters and their problems when I was about 75% through the book.
In addition to wanting the book to be done faster, the plot also took a while to develop. You will not really start to see the plot developing until chapter five. Some of the book also just focus on our main character Selene training.
Being the first book of a series, I would love to see more development of the Abyss. Who is apart of it, how it was able to separate itself from the human world, and so forth. I would also love to see a bit more personal history, not just from Selene, but from Cheney and Edith, as well as some of the other characters. I felt that the book lacked that, and it needed it. I know that to understand Selene more as well as her point of view, we needed to be in the dark just like she was, but in the end, the book felt a bit meaningless.
I do not know if I can recommend this book. Even though it was good, I felt as though the parts that it lacked would be bothersome to other people. I started this book thinking it would be a cute easy read. Some parts of the book is cute, but it is just mostly boring and slow.
In addition to wanting the book to be done faster, the plot also took a while to develop. You will not really start to see the plot developing until chapter five. Some of the book also just focus on our main character Selene training.
Being the first book of a series, I would love to see more development of the Abyss. Who is apart of it, how it was able to separate itself from the human world, and so forth. I would also love to see a bit more personal history, not just from Selene, but from Cheney and Edith, as well as some of the other characters. I felt that the book lacked that, and it needed it. I know that to understand Selene more as well as her point of view, we needed to be in the dark just like she was, but in the end, the book felt a bit meaningless.
I do not know if I can recommend this book. Even though it was good, I felt as though the parts that it lacked would be bothersome to other people. I started this book thinking it would be a cute easy read. Some parts of the book is cute, but it is just mostly boring and slow.
October 3, 2013
4.0 Goodreads Stars! This was a witty, paranormal novel by Liz Schulte! I loved the characters (especially Cheney.. *hot*) and Selene. The plot was neat - Selene is a yoga studio owner who is half elf, half witch. Despite all of this, she lives a pretty normal life (besides her witch coven). That is, until Cheney walks into it. She has no idea that her "old" life was spelled from her memory. The book continues as Selene tries to believe her "past" life, battle her foreign emotions for Cheney and live up to everyone's expectations. I gave it 4 stars because of the heavy plot and the fact that I devoured it in two days!!!
The plot was good, but the only drawback was the ending. It was way too quick and buttoned up, but it didn't ruin the story. All in all, this was a very entertaining read. Kudos Ms. Schulte!
The plot was good, but the only drawback was the ending. It was way too quick and buttoned up, but it didn't ruin the story. All in all, this was a very entertaining read. Kudos Ms. Schulte!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2013
I absolutely love reading each and every book from this author. Although she ended her Guardian Trilogy series she has done what most authors can't or won't. She brought some of the characters over into this series. I especially love her character Femi. There is just something about her that adds character to any stories. I love how the author empowers her female characters they are not the weak, and gentle they can fight right along side of the men. I do have to say this author is the Queen of the Hiccup endings. I cant wait to read more in the series the next book was just released Hungry Hungry Hoodoo.
March 14, 2016
Magic, Romance and mayhem
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last. Beautifully written.
Selene is just an ordinary human with magical powers or so she thinks until an attempt is made on her life. She then finds out she is not only half elf but also involved with Cheney an Elvin Prince and future king. The king however hates half breeds and was the cause of Selene leaving Cheney the first time and living her life in the human world with no memory of her elf half.
Will she regain her memories and what does the future hold for her and Cheney.
Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last. Beautifully written.
Selene is just an ordinary human with magical powers or so she thinks until an attempt is made on her life. She then finds out she is not only half elf but also involved with Cheney an Elvin Prince and future king. The king however hates half breeds and was the cause of Selene leaving Cheney the first time and living her life in the human world with no memory of her elf half.
Will she regain her memories and what does the future hold for her and Cheney.
Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
November 13, 2013
This is a freebie this week and is the first book in Liz's Easy Bake Coven series, and it's quite humorous. Selene, a witch, has some telepathic skill and has tried to suppress them her whole life. On the other hand, we have an elf named Cheney who has been watching and waiting for Selena. The book is fun, it's free and now it has me looking for the next book in the series, Hungry, Hungry Hoodoo.
To see more recs check out the HEA Blog!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
To see more recs check out the HEA Blog!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
March 18, 2015
I didn't understand this book not one bit of it. It started out like it has other books in front of it but it clearly says this is the first book. Left me lost the whole time so I can't even tell you what the heck was happening. It didn't have anything to do with a Coven though.
September 21, 2013
Imagine singing karaoke in a paranormal bar.LOL This was a super fun read! I loved the plot and the characters. And the ending!!! How intriguing!!! Definitely following the whole series!
October 27, 2014
Fun adventure paranormal. Even though I do not believe in witches.
September 28, 2020
I liked this well enough to start reading the next in the series, even though the author used the old tried and true manipulation of ending on a cliff hanger. FWIW, that's what I attribute the incredible success of the Harry Potter books to. Every chapter ended leaving the reader anxiously awaiting to find out what would happen next. That's the only conclusion I can come to since I've read many books of this genre that are just as good, if not better, but they haven't received the adulation of H.P. But I digress...
I kept getting the impression that Selene chose to be a changeling which somehow differs from being a half-breed elf/human. What's the difference and how did she manage to accomplish this? I liked that she had loyal girlfriends/witches on which to rely since her life is being turned upside down. Her grandmother seems to be an old bat but essential to the storyline at this point. We'll see if that continues. Also, I hope to find out more about Selene's parentage since that hasn't really been addressed.
What can I say about Cheney? His devotion seems to be genuine, especially since there is some kind of magical connection between he and Selene. Speaking of magical relationships, what about the king, Cheney's father? His wife, Cheney's mother, died so is his soul in a state of constant emptiness or did that compulsion end with her death? Inquiring minds and all that. It would be sweet if he and the grandmother hook up but I'll just have to wait and see.
Cheney's apparent willingness to give up his heritage so he can be with Selene is commendable, but is it for real or a smokescreen for his real ambitions? These questions and many more will be addressed (hopefully) in the next episode of Easy Bake Coven.
I kept getting the impression that Selene chose to be a changeling which somehow differs from being a half-breed elf/human. What's the difference and how did she manage to accomplish this? I liked that she had loyal girlfriends/witches on which to rely since her life is being turned upside down. Her grandmother seems to be an old bat but essential to the storyline at this point. We'll see if that continues. Also, I hope to find out more about Selene's parentage since that hasn't really been addressed.
What can I say about Cheney? His devotion seems to be genuine, especially since there is some kind of magical connection between he and Selene. Speaking of magical relationships, what about the king, Cheney's father? His wife, Cheney's mother, died so is his soul in a state of constant emptiness or did that compulsion end with her death? Inquiring minds and all that. It would be sweet if he and the grandmother hook up but I'll just have to wait and see.
Cheney's apparent willingness to give up his heritage so he can be with Selene is commendable, but is it for real or a smokescreen for his real ambitions? These questions and many more will be addressed (hopefully) in the next episode of Easy Bake Coven.
July 20, 2024
I really like the cover and title, which left me wondering why I haven’t read this series before. I love a good paranormal romance and this looked like something I’d be into. I dove in without even reading the description, which might have been a mistake on my part. All the reviews will tell you that this is not about a coven or witches, but big bad elf politics.
Selene is a witch, so that much is true. She owns her own yoga studio, has a tight knit group of friends that are also in her coven (they have powers, too), and has some family drama. Oh, and she’s also in a relationship at the start with what seems to be the perfect guy. All of that blows up when Cheney shows up in her yoga studio to harass her. He really started at a defecit for me, and it took a while to get behind his story.
Turns out, Selene’s life has been a lie. She’s a changeling and things only get stranger from there. There’s powers, drama, politics, and rigorous training that all needs to come back to her in order for her to support this stranger/forgotten person in a big maybe war. It just seemed like the drama and complications for poor Selene just never let up. She took it in stride for the most part, but this book definitely doesn’t end in any sort of solid resolution here. I am not sure I would call it a cliffhanger, but we don’t end this book with all the answers or even in a “happy” place. I’m not sure I’ll continue, even though I’m that type of reader. Something about the character dynamic gave me the creeps, but that could just be my take.
Selene is a witch, so that much is true. She owns her own yoga studio, has a tight knit group of friends that are also in her coven (they have powers, too), and has some family drama. Oh, and she’s also in a relationship at the start with what seems to be the perfect guy. All of that blows up when Cheney shows up in her yoga studio to harass her. He really started at a defecit for me, and it took a while to get behind his story.
Turns out, Selene’s life has been a lie. She’s a changeling and things only get stranger from there. There’s powers, drama, politics, and rigorous training that all needs to come back to her in order for her to support this stranger/forgotten person in a big maybe war. It just seemed like the drama and complications for poor Selene just never let up. She took it in stride for the most part, but this book definitely doesn’t end in any sort of solid resolution here. I am not sure I would call it a cliffhanger, but we don’t end this book with all the answers or even in a “happy” place. I’m not sure I’ll continue, even though I’m that type of reader. Something about the character dynamic gave me the creeps, but that could just be my take.
December 20, 2019
I did enjoy this book, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting from the title. I presumed the book would be mostly about witches and a fun coven who did lots of baking! I rarely read reviews before reading a book to avoid spoilers and I'm not sure I even read the blurb of this one either, so the main character being something more than just a witch who dabbled in magic behind her strict grandmother's back was a surprise.
When a strange man appears in Selene's yoga studio demanding that he needs to speak with her, she's a bit freaked out. And when her grandmother is attacked in her own home, Selene can only presume this stranger has something to do with all this. He does, yet he doesn't at the same time and his appearance changes everything that Selene ever knew about her life.
With a new world and new powers being sprung upon her, she doesn't know who or what to trust, so goes with her gut instincts, although after the twist at the end, those instincts might not be telling her all she needs to remember!
When a strange man appears in Selene's yoga studio demanding that he needs to speak with her, she's a bit freaked out. And when her grandmother is attacked in her own home, Selene can only presume this stranger has something to do with all this. He does, yet he doesn't at the same time and his appearance changes everything that Selene ever knew about her life.
With a new world and new powers being sprung upon her, she doesn't know who or what to trust, so goes with her gut instincts, although after the twist at the end, those instincts might not be telling her all she needs to remember!
August 24, 2018
I originally thought this was a cozy, but I quickly realized the underlying mystery was not about murder - at least I don't think it is. This easy-to-read novel is about a young woman (Selene) who discovers that her witchy abilities are only the tip of the iceberg when she meets a mysterious man. What follows is a twisty-turny-steamy-snarky novel about love, dedication, betrayal and political intrigue. If you're looking for something out-of-this-world try Easy Bake Coven , the first in the series.
My only critique is that I found some editing errors that pulled me out of the story, but since no one is perfect, we'll just overlook that.
Enjoy!
My only critique is that I found some editing errors that pulled me out of the story, but since no one is perfect, we'll just overlook that.
Enjoy!
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