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Southern Witch #5
Casually Cursed
From the national bestselling author of Slightly Spellbound comes the latest Southern Witch novel featuring Tammy Jo Trask.
Tammy Jo rarely sets a toe outside Texas, but when she learns her mother is in trouble, Tammy is determined to save her—even if it means going to hell and back…
Fresh off her engagement to wizard Bryn Lyons, Tammy Jo is surprised to make another new family connection when she meets the twin sister she never knew she had. After being spirited away to the fae kingdom of Never as an infant, Kismet has finally escaped, and arrived in Duvall, Texas, with some terrible news: their mother, Marlee, is a prisoner of the Seelie fae.
Crossing the ocean to battle the fae isn’t Tammy Jo’s idea of a romantic getaway, but Bryn refuses to let her go alone—as do her aunt Edie and her ex-husband Zach. Unfortunately, their plot to free Marlee is foiled when they are caught by the fae queen. And the only chance the queen gives them to save Marlee’s life may be an impossible quest…
Tammy Jo rarely sets a toe outside Texas, but when she learns her mother is in trouble, Tammy is determined to save her—even if it means going to hell and back…
Fresh off her engagement to wizard Bryn Lyons, Tammy Jo is surprised to make another new family connection when she meets the twin sister she never knew she had. After being spirited away to the fae kingdom of Never as an infant, Kismet has finally escaped, and arrived in Duvall, Texas, with some terrible news: their mother, Marlee, is a prisoner of the Seelie fae.
Crossing the ocean to battle the fae isn’t Tammy Jo’s idea of a romantic getaway, but Bryn refuses to let her go alone—as do her aunt Edie and her ex-husband Zach. Unfortunately, their plot to free Marlee is foiled when they are caught by the fae queen. And the only chance the queen gives them to save Marlee’s life may be an impossible quest…
344 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 3, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 26, 2018
This is fifth in a series and there's a lot of embedded lore and relationship history by this time, so you really should read these in order.
Spoilers for previous books in the series abound in this review. I didn't get far enough to have meaningful spoilers for this one.
Normally, by this time in a series I can say something like "by now you know what you're in for". This is not the case, I'm afraid. The last book had a lot of changes in core relationships and many of those were not for the better. I've never found Edie amusing but at least as a ghost she was contained to a relatively limited sphere. It turns out that her antics now that she's corporeal are stupid, rude, and annoying. Zach is a pain, but I had hoped he'd fade into the background. But now Edie is dragging him around like a puppy, so they can't ditch him even by going to England. I had hopes for a sister, because double the Tammy Jo has to be fun. Only Kismet is boringly cliché with a side of sociopath. I should have known just by the name that she was going to be a dubious addition. A half-fae assassin the Seelie Queen really wants back and sizzling chemistry with a fae knight/trainer? This background might have been generated by one of those UF plot generators you can find online. And Cruz was a drag in the previous book and his presence hasn't gotten any better here.
And then they let the Association (that is so corrupt literally a single member has escaped tangling with Tammy Jo and Bryn without them having to kill them in self-defense) twist their arm into a mission that has dubious written all over it with one of those giant man-sized crayons? That whole threat was silly and stupid. Objecting to their marriage because it might "dilute strong magical bloodlines" might work in a medieval brood farm, but Bryn and Tammy Jo have proven the strength of their relationship time and time again on the bodies of their enemies—at least half of whom were Association mages and the last of whom was a freaking lich nobody had been able to withstand in a century. So yeah, that "threat" isn't convincing, doesn't compute, and Bryn (who is not stupid) should have called that dumb bluff right up front. Frankly, "diluted bloodline" is better than "zero bloodline" is a picture so easy to draw that a drunk frat pledge could manage it using nothing but a catcher's mitt on the end of a pole. Held in his teeth.
And at that point, I couldn't stand it any more and quit. Unlikeable new characters, Zach refuses to go away, Edie went from annoying but contained to a smoking, drinking ball of stupid, and being in England means you take away one of my very favorite Tammy Jo hold cards (the occasional application of superior firepower in the shape of highly-motivated bits of metal).
I hate how much I hate this. I am so disappointed.
Spoilers for previous books in the series abound in this review. I didn't get far enough to have meaningful spoilers for this one.
Normally, by this time in a series I can say something like "by now you know what you're in for". This is not the case, I'm afraid. The last book had a lot of changes in core relationships and many of those were not for the better. I've never found Edie amusing but at least as a ghost she was contained to a relatively limited sphere. It turns out that her antics now that she's corporeal are stupid, rude, and annoying. Zach is a pain, but I had hoped he'd fade into the background. But now Edie is dragging him around like a puppy, so they can't ditch him even by going to England. I had hopes for a sister, because double the Tammy Jo has to be fun. Only Kismet is boringly cliché with a side of sociopath. I should have known just by the name that she was going to be a dubious addition. A half-fae assassin the Seelie Queen really wants back and sizzling chemistry with a fae knight/trainer? This background might have been generated by one of those UF plot generators you can find online. And Cruz was a drag in the previous book and his presence hasn't gotten any better here.
And then they let the Association (that is so corrupt literally a single member has escaped tangling with Tammy Jo and Bryn without them having to kill them in self-defense) twist their arm into a mission that has dubious written all over it with one of those giant man-sized crayons? That whole threat was silly and stupid. Objecting to their marriage because it might "dilute strong magical bloodlines" might work in a medieval brood farm, but Bryn and Tammy Jo have proven the strength of their relationship time and time again on the bodies of their enemies—at least half of whom were Association mages and the last of whom was a freaking lich nobody had been able to withstand in a century. So yeah, that "threat" isn't convincing, doesn't compute, and Bryn (who is not stupid) should have called that dumb bluff right up front. Frankly, "diluted bloodline" is better than "zero bloodline" is a picture so easy to draw that a drunk frat pledge could manage it using nothing but a catcher's mitt on the end of a pole. Held in his teeth.
And at that point, I couldn't stand it any more and quit. Unlikeable new characters, Zach refuses to go away, Edie went from annoying but contained to a smoking, drinking ball of stupid, and being in England means you take away one of my very favorite Tammy Jo hold cards (the occasional application of superior firepower in the shape of highly-motivated bits of metal).
I hate how much I hate this. I am so disappointed.
February 17, 2015
Tammy Jo’s family has been taken prisoner and she’ll have to go on an impossible quest to save them all in this exciting urban fantasy.
Learning she has a twin sister explains a few things for Tammy Jo but sends her life into a tailspin as her mother has been taken prisoner by the Seelie Queen and the only way to save her is to obtain an object that the Queen has set her sights on putting everyone Tammy Jo cares about in danger. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the adventure with the all the pulse pounding excitement as they fight impossible odds, go up against enraged werewolves and of course all of the fae that the Queen commands. The strong compelling characters of the Southern Witch series know how to command your attention and ensure that you always come back and the steady to fast paced plot keeps readers on the edge of their seat with suspense, action, magic and a little romance.
The well written scenes and details paint vivid images that make it easy for the reader to believe they are part of the action and the well orchestrated events draw the reader deeper into the story and ensure that they never want to leave. Tammy Jo is emotionally thrown through the wringer with every move she makes as she has to outweigh the cons, outwit the enemies and bravely pretend she has everything in control in order to accomplish her quest and the fact that her new fiancé and her ex is along for the ride adds some additional spice the story as does the hidden agendas and betrayals.
Let me recommend that if you haven’t read the previous books in this series to do so would be best, not that you couldn’t catch on and enjoy this one just as much as I did, but you would probably feel as if you are missing something along the way.
- Eva
Learning she has a twin sister explains a few things for Tammy Jo but sends her life into a tailspin as her mother has been taken prisoner by the Seelie Queen and the only way to save her is to obtain an object that the Queen has set her sights on putting everyone Tammy Jo cares about in danger. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the adventure with the all the pulse pounding excitement as they fight impossible odds, go up against enraged werewolves and of course all of the fae that the Queen commands. The strong compelling characters of the Southern Witch series know how to command your attention and ensure that you always come back and the steady to fast paced plot keeps readers on the edge of their seat with suspense, action, magic and a little romance.
The well written scenes and details paint vivid images that make it easy for the reader to believe they are part of the action and the well orchestrated events draw the reader deeper into the story and ensure that they never want to leave. Tammy Jo is emotionally thrown through the wringer with every move she makes as she has to outweigh the cons, outwit the enemies and bravely pretend she has everything in control in order to accomplish her quest and the fact that her new fiancé and her ex is along for the ride adds some additional spice the story as does the hidden agendas and betrayals.
Let me recommend that if you haven’t read the previous books in this series to do so would be best, not that you couldn’t catch on and enjoy this one just as much as I did, but you would probably feel as if you are missing something along the way.
- Eva
January 1, 2025
The final book in the series sees Tammy Jo and Bryn going UnderHill into Feary after being blackmailed by the witches organization. Tammy Jo’s family is just all around toxic. Well except maybe for her mom and dad whom she meets for the first time in Faery. I NEVER liked Zach even from book 1 and this book solidifies why,he’s a 💩💩 Tammy Jo is also lucky that Brynn has been patient and understanding throughout all of this dumb love triangle.
August 6, 2015
I liked this one much better than book four. Finally, Tammy Jo cuts ties with Zach for good. (I do wish we would have been able to see more of the conversation with Evie regarding Zach)
Lots of surprise family members appear in this one. Bryn and Merc are the ever faithful men in her life. Edie/Evie still doesn't give Bryn a fair shot IMO.
I could see the twist a mile away, but I still enjoyed the story. Ms. Frost tied up the loose ends well.
Lots of surprise family members appear in this one. Bryn and Merc are the ever faithful men in her life. Edie/Evie still doesn't give Bryn a fair shot IMO.
I could see the twist a mile away, but I still enjoyed the story. Ms. Frost tied up the loose ends well.
March 12, 2015
This book didn't seem to match the rest in the series. All the new family that showed up seemed to bore me, along with the trip to Never. What a mess that the Never was, almost as much as WAM. I found it a bit hard to believe that Tammy Jo managed to get one over on everyone and learn bad things about Zack. With that all being said, I did like how this one ended.
February 8, 2018
I've loved this series from the very beginning and while I did love all that transpired in this, well, maybe not exactly with Zach, I did want more. The ending felt somewhat rushed and thrown together and that epilogue? Could have been way more detailed and way longer. I wanted to see and know how everyone was. Where were they at in their lives, what exactly happened. I didn't want any open endings or guessing on my part.
But, that's okay. I guess now I get to imagine it all how I want it to be instead of maybe how it was.
This was a great conclusion to the series though and it was good, I just wanted a bit more in the that ending.
But, that's okay. I guess now I get to imagine it all how I want it to be instead of maybe how it was.
This was a great conclusion to the series though and it was good, I just wanted a bit more in the that ending.
June 11, 2018
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I really appreciated the previous volumes and I was very happy to see that Ada edition also had released some volumes in French! I bought this last novel when it came out, but it took me a long time to read it. So of course, I forgot a lot of events in the story as usual …
Tammy Jo gets to know early in the story her twin sister Kismet who was abducted by the fae when she was still a baby. The meeting is pretty great and I was eager to learn more about her. But it’s true that I was surprised to see their differences and to see how impulsive Kismet was. Yet it is true that it is quite touching to see K. understand that she is no longer alone in this world. But now, her arrival also announces new changes. Indeed, it seems that Marlee, the mother of twins finds herself in a complicated situation in the Never and Tammy Jo is determined to go there to understand what exactly is happening. But she will not be alone because Eddie, Bryn, but also Zach, will be there to accompany her on this new journey.
I really enjoyed seeing more of the Never after hearing so much about it, seeing how this kingdom was governed. However, it is true that as often in all novels, this place is not simple even if it contains extraordinary things. Tammy Jo will have to face some obstacles but also to protect those who accompany her to be able to advance. I really liked to discover the parents of the two girls and I admit that it is not really what I expected.
I struggled to get into the story but finally I had a good time with it. I do not know if there will be more one day but in any case it was a nice series to read.
My English review
I really appreciated the previous volumes and I was very happy to see that Ada edition also had released some volumes in French! I bought this last novel when it came out, but it took me a long time to read it. So of course, I forgot a lot of events in the story as usual …
Tammy Jo gets to know early in the story her twin sister Kismet who was abducted by the fae when she was still a baby. The meeting is pretty great and I was eager to learn more about her. But it’s true that I was surprised to see their differences and to see how impulsive Kismet was. Yet it is true that it is quite touching to see K. understand that she is no longer alone in this world. But now, her arrival also announces new changes. Indeed, it seems that Marlee, the mother of twins finds herself in a complicated situation in the Never and Tammy Jo is determined to go there to understand what exactly is happening. But she will not be alone because Eddie, Bryn, but also Zach, will be there to accompany her on this new journey.
I really enjoyed seeing more of the Never after hearing so much about it, seeing how this kingdom was governed. However, it is true that as often in all novels, this place is not simple even if it contains extraordinary things. Tammy Jo will have to face some obstacles but also to protect those who accompany her to be able to advance. I really liked to discover the parents of the two girls and I admit that it is not really what I expected.
I struggled to get into the story but finally I had a good time with it. I do not know if there will be more one day but in any case it was a nice series to read.
October 5, 2017
Zany fun as usual. Glad she wrapped up plot points from previous books. Loved the series!
January 2, 2016
Fun series. Quirky characters and crazy situations. Love this author. Series all done more or less.Contented Sigh.=0)
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Spoiler:
Note to Self:
Tamara Trask(Tammy Jo,witch,divorced,twin sis,born half fae&human,23yo,preg)&Mercutio(ocelot companion,Merc)+Bryn Lyons(wizard, lawyer,selkie,pal)
Kismarley Trask(Kismet,Kis,twin sis,born half fae&human,23yo,ex,Seelie,Queens assassin,full fae now, new Queen)&Benvolio(Ben,Benny,wild horse)
Crux(fae Knight,Seelie,ex-bf,died)
Marlee Trask(Mar,mom,sis1,McKenna witch)+Caedrin(fae golden Knight,dad)
Melanie Trask(39yo,sis1,her aunt,McKenna witch)
Evangeline Rhodes(now Edie,great-aunt,former ghost,McKenna witch,body possessor)
Zach(ex-husband,deputy sheriff,Druman champion)
Andre Knobel(pal,wizard,physicist)
Royal(fairy,half brownie&pixie)
Shakes(fairy,half brownie&pixie)
Osmet(Fae,Oz,cousin)
Elhard(bro,were chieftain)
Action(were,Silver Loch Clan,bro,ex amber bearer)
Colis (Fae,tree keeper)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spoiler:
Note to Self:
Tamara Trask(Tammy Jo,witch,divorced,twin sis,born half fae&human,23yo,preg)&Mercutio(ocelot companion,Merc)+Bryn Lyons(wizard, lawyer,selkie,pal)
Kismarley Trask(Kismet,Kis,twin sis,born half fae&human,23yo,ex,Seelie,Queens assassin,full fae now, new Queen)&Benvolio(Ben,Benny,wild horse)
Crux(fae Knight,Seelie,ex-bf,died)
Marlee Trask(Mar,mom,sis1,McKenna witch)+Caedrin(fae golden Knight,dad)
Melanie Trask(39yo,sis1,her aunt,McKenna witch)
Evangeline Rhodes(now Edie,great-aunt,former ghost,McKenna witch,body possessor)
Zach(ex-husband,deputy sheriff,Druman champion)
Andre Knobel(pal,wizard,physicist)
Royal(fairy,half brownie&pixie)
Shakes(fairy,half brownie&pixie)
Osmet(Fae,Oz,cousin)
Elhard(bro,were chieftain)
Action(were,Silver Loch Clan,bro,ex amber bearer)
Colis (Fae,tree keeper)
July 5, 2015
I loved this series and have recommended it as a fun read. The trouble these twins could get into...so crazy blast to read
March 1, 2015
Man I love this series. Tammy Jo and Bryn are one of my favorite couples.
Definitely a must read.
Highly recommend!!!
Definitely a must read.
Highly recommend!!!
April 15, 2021
I'm going to be honest, I read about half this book and then just jumped to the ending to see how it all wrapped up, because this story was just frustrating and dragged. The characters just don't set right. With Edie in Vangie's body, she's all the more irritating, and honestly that's really screwed up and kind of a violation. I loved Vangie in the last book, and would've loved it to have been her character along for the ride, it maybe would've made this better. Zach is also being just a terrible person, and it's like Frost wanted to emphasize that Tammy made the right decision by choosing Bryn, but we didn't need Zach to change personalities completely for that to happen. He had become a good accepting guy, and now I just want him gone. Once again WAM is plain evil, and Tammy's own family is being terrible to her. Plus the fact that they're saying they could keep them apart to keep from diluting the magic in them like their cattle makes no sense. It's like Frost is just trying to force drama into their love story now that the love triangle is out of the way, and that was just frustrating. Honestly this was only worth reading the end with a Happily Ever After which we all knew was coming.
April 2, 2018
A great reality vacation! Letting the mind wonder in a parallel world so that you can feel refreshed at the end and maybe just a bit more open minded to any possibility. The characters are built and developed over the series so that it appears more like a real life; perhaps the next town over or maybe just around the block.
March 6, 2021
This book felt like something was missing in the end. Good series overall, but a piece of Tammy Jo and Bryns relationship seems missing....it only felt like that in last few chapters...like I said though a very fun series overall.
January 11, 2018
3.5 rating
March 20, 2018
OMG the ending though. Totally perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2021
A great way to wrap up the last few books!
June 21, 2021
Heartwarming
I hope this is not the end of the series! If it is, it was a good ending! I look forward to reading more books by this author!
I hope this is not the end of the series! If it is, it was a good ending! I look forward to reading more books by this author!
September 17, 2022
Not my favorite of the series but I'm a sucker for Tammy-Jo
October 31, 2024
A great ending to this awesome series. The gang heads to fairyland and many adventures ensue. There was hilarity than in previous books and I was less captivated, but still a good time.
February 5, 2015
Review to at The Book Nympho 4 stars
http://thebooknympho.com/2015/02/casu...
I’ve read every book in Southern Witch series in 2014, including this ARC at the end of the year. I love the characters and the zany antics. Magic is my favorite paranormal thing. The previous two books, HALFWAY HEXED and SLIGHTLY SPELLBOUND, where among my favorite reads in 2014.
So I was excited to read CASUALLY CURSED. I knew it would involve more of the fae side of the family and more of Tamara’s relatives. I was worried the relatives would be horrible to Bryn or somehow separate him from Tamara. And of course, there would be some big adventure or why would there be a book?
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Tamara and her sister, Kismet. They were the focus of this story. There was also the dilemma of their mother being somewhat trapped in the fae world. I was interested to learn more about their father, too. It was nice to see Tamara come into her own more and figure out some things herself.
I did not enjoy the way Edie and Zach treated Bryn. In general, I am pissed off at Zach. He was not fun, in any way, in this story. I’ve never liked him very much since he always thought he should tell Tamara what to do and who to be. I like him even less now.
That is probably because I have always loved Bryn. This story didn’t really have much time with Tamara and Bryn in intimate conversations or working together against the bad guys. I mean, they were together, but the attention was on Tamara and her sister. I wanted more interaction with this couple. There was just one sexy scene. I’m really just as enamored by dialog, however. I put an example of one kind of banter I want, as my giggle-worthy quote, below.
I’ll be interested to see where the Southern Witch series goes from here with many of the bad guys stopped and mysteries solved in this installment. I look forward to more, even though CASUALLY CURSED was not my favorite book of the series.
Giggle worthy quote:
I got a suite with two big beds and a couch. My jaw dropped at the price, but I bit my lip and slid the card across the desk.
“May I see your ID? And can you sign your card, please?”
I pulled the card back to me and flipped it over. I walked to Bryn with a pen. “New card. huh? You forgot to sign the back.”
“Your card. You sign,” he said, then closed his eyes.
“My….” I stared at him. He’d picked this moment to give me the card. A time when he was sick and probably knew I wouldn’t argue. Bryn’s real rich. And I’ve told him I don’t plan on spending his money. But we kind of disagree about that. He wants me to feel like we’re together in everything. Only he made all his millions before he met me, so that doesn’t seem exactly fair to me. And I don’t want people thinking I got together with him for his loot.
“Sneaky timing. You are such a lawyer sometimes,” I whispered in my own raspy voice. “We’re gonna have a fight about this later. Just so you know.”
Bryn gave me a thumps-up, which struck me as absurd, so I laughed. He smiled, too, without opening his eyes.
Series Reading Order:
Would-be Witch
Barely Bewitched
Halfway Hexed
Slightly Spellbound (reviewed at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks)
http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...
Casually Cursed
http://thebooknympho.com/2015/02/casu...
I’ve read every book in Southern Witch series in 2014, including this ARC at the end of the year. I love the characters and the zany antics. Magic is my favorite paranormal thing. The previous two books, HALFWAY HEXED and SLIGHTLY SPELLBOUND, where among my favorite reads in 2014.
So I was excited to read CASUALLY CURSED. I knew it would involve more of the fae side of the family and more of Tamara’s relatives. I was worried the relatives would be horrible to Bryn or somehow separate him from Tamara. And of course, there would be some big adventure or why would there be a book?
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Tamara and her sister, Kismet. They were the focus of this story. There was also the dilemma of their mother being somewhat trapped in the fae world. I was interested to learn more about their father, too. It was nice to see Tamara come into her own more and figure out some things herself.
I did not enjoy the way Edie and Zach treated Bryn. In general, I am pissed off at Zach. He was not fun, in any way, in this story. I’ve never liked him very much since he always thought he should tell Tamara what to do and who to be. I like him even less now.
That is probably because I have always loved Bryn. This story didn’t really have much time with Tamara and Bryn in intimate conversations or working together against the bad guys. I mean, they were together, but the attention was on Tamara and her sister. I wanted more interaction with this couple. There was just one sexy scene. I’m really just as enamored by dialog, however. I put an example of one kind of banter I want, as my giggle-worthy quote, below.
I’ll be interested to see where the Southern Witch series goes from here with many of the bad guys stopped and mysteries solved in this installment. I look forward to more, even though CASUALLY CURSED was not my favorite book of the series.
Giggle worthy quote:
I got a suite with two big beds and a couch. My jaw dropped at the price, but I bit my lip and slid the card across the desk.
“May I see your ID? And can you sign your card, please?”
I pulled the card back to me and flipped it over. I walked to Bryn with a pen. “New card. huh? You forgot to sign the back.”
“Your card. You sign,” he said, then closed his eyes.
“My….” I stared at him. He’d picked this moment to give me the card. A time when he was sick and probably knew I wouldn’t argue. Bryn’s real rich. And I’ve told him I don’t plan on spending his money. But we kind of disagree about that. He wants me to feel like we’re together in everything. Only he made all his millions before he met me, so that doesn’t seem exactly fair to me. And I don’t want people thinking I got together with him for his loot.
“Sneaky timing. You are such a lawyer sometimes,” I whispered in my own raspy voice. “We’re gonna have a fight about this later. Just so you know.”
Bryn gave me a thumps-up, which struck me as absurd, so I laughed. He smiled, too, without opening his eyes.
Series Reading Order:
Would-be Witch
Barely Bewitched
Halfway Hexed
Slightly Spellbound (reviewed at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks)
http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...
Casually Cursed
May 29, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Bryn and Tammy Jo are back again, this time to save her mother and her sister.
Opening Sentence: “From under the brim of a large straw hat, Melanie Trask glanced at her sister, Marlee, who tackled the weeds in their flower beds like they were vermin that might attack the house at any moment.”
The Review:
Tammy Jo is back and getting to know her twin sister, Kismet, for the first time. She has learned that her mother is dangerous, and for the first time ever they all leave Texas to travel to Ireland so they can save her. Bryn and Tammy Jo also have to overcome the Magic Association’s objections to their upcoming wedding. All while dodging Scottish werewolves and trying to outmaneuver the fae.
Tammy Jo, Kismet, Bryn, Zach and Aunt Edie all are involved in the dangerous quest to free Marlee. Tammy Jo also gets to meet her father, the fae knight, for the first time. Will they be able to save Marlee, or will Tammy Jo become the next member of her family to be held captive by the fae.
If you haven’t read any of this series, don’t read this review! Go back and start with Would-be Witch. This felt like the ending of the series, and as far as I can tell it is, but don’t quote me on that. I actually had read this series, so ha-ha, I didn’t have to go back and read them before reviewing this one. That being said, I didn’t quite love the last two books as much as the first three. There is still the humor, but I think the back and forth with Zach was kind of over done by the 4th book, and this one, I think all the new additions character wise, just took away from the charm the first three had.
I still enjoyed this, and like the rest of them Casually Cursed is a quick easy read. Tammy Jo is finally getting the hang of things, so not so much on the magical mishaps that are in the earlier books. Bryn is here, but he almost felt like an afterthought. I still can’t quite figure out why Zach was along and I adore Edie as always! This wasn’t a blow you away ending, but it did wrap all the loose ends and tie up the series so in that aspect it was great. If you enjoy wit, mishaps and big dose of southern these books are so for you!
Notable Scenes:
“Even before the child started hearing the wind whisper and the brooks babble, Tammy’s laughter sometimes sounded like wind chimes, musical and pretty, and vaguely unnatural.”
“She eyed him like he was a raptor who might in a blur of speed at any moment to attack us.”
“I had to keep that secret at all costs, and I’d almost let it slip out.”
“The last thing I should be doing was smiling, but when you’ve got friends and family close at your side, things don’t feel as bad.”
If we’d been standing at the top of that long stairwell, I would’ve give that Seelie queen a shove and pushed her right down it.”
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Casually Cursed. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Bryn and Tammy Jo are back again, this time to save her mother and her sister.
Opening Sentence: “From under the brim of a large straw hat, Melanie Trask glanced at her sister, Marlee, who tackled the weeds in their flower beds like they were vermin that might attack the house at any moment.”
The Review:
Tammy Jo is back and getting to know her twin sister, Kismet, for the first time. She has learned that her mother is dangerous, and for the first time ever they all leave Texas to travel to Ireland so they can save her. Bryn and Tammy Jo also have to overcome the Magic Association’s objections to their upcoming wedding. All while dodging Scottish werewolves and trying to outmaneuver the fae.
Tammy Jo, Kismet, Bryn, Zach and Aunt Edie all are involved in the dangerous quest to free Marlee. Tammy Jo also gets to meet her father, the fae knight, for the first time. Will they be able to save Marlee, or will Tammy Jo become the next member of her family to be held captive by the fae.
If you haven’t read any of this series, don’t read this review! Go back and start with Would-be Witch. This felt like the ending of the series, and as far as I can tell it is, but don’t quote me on that. I actually had read this series, so ha-ha, I didn’t have to go back and read them before reviewing this one. That being said, I didn’t quite love the last two books as much as the first three. There is still the humor, but I think the back and forth with Zach was kind of over done by the 4th book, and this one, I think all the new additions character wise, just took away from the charm the first three had.
I still enjoyed this, and like the rest of them Casually Cursed is a quick easy read. Tammy Jo is finally getting the hang of things, so not so much on the magical mishaps that are in the earlier books. Bryn is here, but he almost felt like an afterthought. I still can’t quite figure out why Zach was along and I adore Edie as always! This wasn’t a blow you away ending, but it did wrap all the loose ends and tie up the series so in that aspect it was great. If you enjoy wit, mishaps and big dose of southern these books are so for you!
Notable Scenes:
“Even before the child started hearing the wind whisper and the brooks babble, Tammy’s laughter sometimes sounded like wind chimes, musical and pretty, and vaguely unnatural.”
“She eyed him like he was a raptor who might in a blur of speed at any moment to attack us.”
“I had to keep that secret at all costs, and I’d almost let it slip out.”
“The last thing I should be doing was smiling, but when you’ve got friends and family close at your side, things don’t feel as bad.”
If we’d been standing at the top of that long stairwell, I would’ve give that Seelie queen a shove and pushed her right down it.”
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Casually Cursed. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
February 17, 2015
Ahhh… I’ve been waiting for this book for what seems like forever!! Tammy Jo and Bryn’s news as well as a surprise relative for Tammy Jo at the end of the last book left me wondering where Frost would take these two characters in Casually Cursed. Things are never easy for Tammy Jo and I knew that it wouldn’t be easy for her relationship for Bryn when The Conclave is involved. It seems as if her quests are never ending and guess what… there’s another magical quest just itchy for Tammy Jo to solve!
Frost has a niche for writing w itty yet somewhat clumsy character such as Tammy Jo. She’s a true southern belle witch and she’s finally found the right beau for her even if he’s a wizard. Tammy Jo’s love life has always been a little bit muddy in the sense that her ex-husband, Zach, and herself are still friends. Frost’s literary touches of adding in a wildcat named Mercutio is by far one of my favorite things about this series.
Casually Cursed brings more of the fae side of the story into play. Without giving too much away, Tammy Jo’s trip into Underhill is very… enlightening. Their trip there throws into motion a new kind of problem for Tammy Jo and Bryn to face and solve. The intimate details that are shared about her father and family is VERY interesting and will lead the way for a major plot reveal as this story progresses.
All in All, I loved Casually Cursed. It is another great edition to the Southern Witch Series. My only complaint would be the lack of Bryn and Tammy Jo’s fiery romance. I missed the passionate scenes between the two of them. I know that they may have been sacrificed to let more of the main plot take the forefront, but I still missed them. Also, I have no concluded that Zach is an asshole… just sayin’. The ending kind of took me for surprise because it’s written in a way that this could be the end of the series. I have yet to confirm that in fact this is the last book so I am holding onto hope that there will be more Southern Witch novels in the future.
April 28, 2015
So it took me over two months to read, whatever... school is difficult! I always talk about how long it took me to read every book, what a useless addendum to each review.
I really liked this one. I'm a little concerned though, is this the last one? That epilogue very much felt like it was hastily added on to wrap up the storyline quickly. I would have really liked to read a longer chapter about Bryn and Tammy Jo's wedding, we've spent so long with them and it would have been nice to experience. Not to mention all the things after, the reception and their officially moving in together, them being parents! I feel like there's a lot left in this world and I hope Ms. Frost returns to it again.
I've never been a fan of Zach and though I was irritated that he was even along on the trip to the UK, it was handled in a better way than I expected. Him hating magic and using the skills he's learned to try and destroy magic in the world was a great illustration of the fundamental disconnect between him and Tammy Jo. The love triangle, though, is almost never the best narrative path to take, especially when the previous four books have been largely dedicated to one of the relationships, with the other just occasionally popping up in relevance.
Visiting the Never was an exciting decision, and I was glad to meet Caedrin and the Seelie queen and finally put faces and personalities to the many names that have been thrown about previously! The relationship between Tammy Jo and Kismet was wonderful and a great choice to hinge this final (?) book on. Tammy becoming fully witch and Kismet becoming fully fae was a fascinating development, and I'm curious as to how this affects them in the long term. I was expecting a game changer, as these books tend to have, especially in long battle sequences, but I was just dreading the death of Bryn or Merc or Kismet or Tammy's mother. The division of the powers was a welcome suprise, and more interesting to boot!
If this is the last Southern Witch novel, the series did end on a high note, even with the extremely rushed epilogue. I'm very glad that I picked up Barely Bewitched in Murder by the Book all those years ago!
I really liked this one. I'm a little concerned though, is this the last one? That epilogue very much felt like it was hastily added on to wrap up the storyline quickly. I would have really liked to read a longer chapter about Bryn and Tammy Jo's wedding, we've spent so long with them and it would have been nice to experience. Not to mention all the things after, the reception and their officially moving in together, them being parents! I feel like there's a lot left in this world and I hope Ms. Frost returns to it again.
I've never been a fan of Zach and though I was irritated that he was even along on the trip to the UK, it was handled in a better way than I expected. Him hating magic and using the skills he's learned to try and destroy magic in the world was a great illustration of the fundamental disconnect between him and Tammy Jo. The love triangle, though, is almost never the best narrative path to take, especially when the previous four books have been largely dedicated to one of the relationships, with the other just occasionally popping up in relevance.
Visiting the Never was an exciting decision, and I was glad to meet Caedrin and the Seelie queen and finally put faces and personalities to the many names that have been thrown about previously! The relationship between Tammy Jo and Kismet was wonderful and a great choice to hinge this final (?) book on. Tammy becoming fully witch and Kismet becoming fully fae was a fascinating development, and I'm curious as to how this affects them in the long term. I was expecting a game changer, as these books tend to have, especially in long battle sequences, but I was just dreading the death of Bryn or Merc or Kismet or Tammy's mother. The division of the powers was a welcome suprise, and more interesting to boot!
If this is the last Southern Witch novel, the series did end on a high note, even with the extremely rushed epilogue. I'm very glad that I picked up Barely Bewitched in Murder by the Book all those years ago!
February 22, 2015
Ok, I loved this series and would high recommend it as a fun read. That being said, I have to admit, I enjoyed this one least of all five. Really a let-down. Not much of her Southern charm humor. Tammy Jo acts kind of jerky to Bryn, and there's no romance or any of that same intense connection from the first books between them at all!! She Says she loves Bryn more than anyone, but everything she Does is contrary to that. There was none of their working together in this book. Felt like she just ran the show, and he was welcome to tag along if he cared to. (HUGE disappointment!) Very disjointed, and the end felt Extremely rushed! Like she was given a certain number of pages that she couldn't exceed, so she was trying to cram as much as she could into a limited space. So much left hanging. (Like what on earth happened with Zach?!?! He was a captive back in the Never, but she didn't explain at ALL how that came about or why he was there.) She mentioned her magic changed, but she didn't explain how. And she made unbelievable things happen for the sake of convenience. Like, all of a sudden, everyone from the Never is gathered together at the end to witness the Queen's fight? How did Everyone suddenly know what was happening throughout the whole land? Just unbelievable and took away a lot of the validity of the story. The dialogue was so abrupt and unfinished. Just missed the good stuff from the first books - especially 3 and 4. The plot took an interesting twist in this book, but it was missing everything that made me fall in love with the story and the characters to begin with. Felt like a shell of the real deal. Still worth reading as part of the series, but was left very disappointed.
December 26, 2015
Originally posted at http://kimheniadis.com
I read the first two books in the Southern Witch series while we were on vacation in Virginia, so this series holds a special place in my memories. The first four, I would give a five star rating to, without any hesitation. But not so much for Casually Cursed. In fact I briefly thought of giving it three stars, but the parts with some of the secondary characters was so enjoyable, I decided to go with four stars.
The biggest let down with this book is Tammy Jo and Bryn, and how Tammy Jo treats him throughout the book. In the previous books there was the attraction between the two of them that was very hot. This book, it was just luke warm. Granted they were constantly getting chased or trying to find things, but still.
The other problem with their relationship this book is Tammy Jo was bitchy to Bryn a lot. And they just didn’t seem to work together as much, or as well, as previous books. Unfortunately they are the main characters so their relationship took up a lot of the book.
The bits with the secondary characters, Tammy Jo’s aunt and ex-husband were more entertaining, especially her Aunt Edie.
The main adventure that Tammy Jo and her gang is as engaging as the first four books, which is why I enjoy this series so much. Although I could see what was going to happen with Tammy Jo and her twin, Kimet, pretty early on in the book, I was taken by complete surprise with her ex-husband. So that was a wonderful twist.
Looking forward to seeing where the next book goes, since this one ended with some questions. And I would really love Aunt Edie to have a book/series of her own. I think reading about her past adventures would be a hoot.
I read the first two books in the Southern Witch series while we were on vacation in Virginia, so this series holds a special place in my memories. The first four, I would give a five star rating to, without any hesitation. But not so much for Casually Cursed. In fact I briefly thought of giving it three stars, but the parts with some of the secondary characters was so enjoyable, I decided to go with four stars.
The biggest let down with this book is Tammy Jo and Bryn, and how Tammy Jo treats him throughout the book. In the previous books there was the attraction between the two of them that was very hot. This book, it was just luke warm. Granted they were constantly getting chased or trying to find things, but still.
The other problem with their relationship this book is Tammy Jo was bitchy to Bryn a lot. And they just didn’t seem to work together as much, or as well, as previous books. Unfortunately they are the main characters so their relationship took up a lot of the book.
The bits with the secondary characters, Tammy Jo’s aunt and ex-husband were more entertaining, especially her Aunt Edie.
The main adventure that Tammy Jo and her gang is as engaging as the first four books, which is why I enjoy this series so much. Although I could see what was going to happen with Tammy Jo and her twin, Kimet, pretty early on in the book, I was taken by complete surprise with her ex-husband. So that was a wonderful twist.
Looking forward to seeing where the next book goes, since this one ended with some questions. And I would really love Aunt Edie to have a book/series of her own. I think reading about her past adventures would be a hoot.
February 21, 2015
"Casually Cursed". By Kimberly Frost
"The Doublemint Twins on Steroids!"
It took a couple chapters for my interest in this book to emerge- possibly because I have not read the other four books in this series- but then WHAM! I felt be-spelled to continue reading as if I were eating a chocolate glazed donut, I just couldn't imagine putting it down halfway through!
Tammy Jo and Kismet (twin heroines) sparked my secret desire to have a sibling of my own to share thoughts, danger, adventures and affection. Being an only child may have fed into my enjoyment of their story but I found it very engaging. I also enjoyed the other cast of characters that accompanied Tammy on this mission...who wouldn't want an ocelot for a "pet", a layer wizard for a fiancé and a "ghostly" aunt from the roaring 20's to share in your adventure!
Even without a lot of background information I quickly became engrossed in the pattern of the "yin and yang" personalities of the twins. Their ability to call upon the strengths of each other to combat the evil "Fae" queen, rescue friends and family from not only the "Fae" underworld but the controlling witch Conclave promoted faith that there just may be a lot of good in the supernatural community, mixed heritage or not.
I found myself rooting for the relationship Tammy Jo had with her wizard fiancé. Even though Tammy was portrayed as a strong and strong willed character, I didn't see her as an overbearing female lead with annoying characteristics. I thought that very refreshing after reading many books that make you want to "throttle" the impudent lead character.
Danger, love, humanity and perseverance were the continuing theme throughout this book as Tammy Jo and Kismet take you on a wild ride to "Hell" and back!
"The Doublemint Twins on Steroids!"
It took a couple chapters for my interest in this book to emerge- possibly because I have not read the other four books in this series- but then WHAM! I felt be-spelled to continue reading as if I were eating a chocolate glazed donut, I just couldn't imagine putting it down halfway through!
Tammy Jo and Kismet (twin heroines) sparked my secret desire to have a sibling of my own to share thoughts, danger, adventures and affection. Being an only child may have fed into my enjoyment of their story but I found it very engaging. I also enjoyed the other cast of characters that accompanied Tammy on this mission...who wouldn't want an ocelot for a "pet", a layer wizard for a fiancé and a "ghostly" aunt from the roaring 20's to share in your adventure!
Even without a lot of background information I quickly became engrossed in the pattern of the "yin and yang" personalities of the twins. Their ability to call upon the strengths of each other to combat the evil "Fae" queen, rescue friends and family from not only the "Fae" underworld but the controlling witch Conclave promoted faith that there just may be a lot of good in the supernatural community, mixed heritage or not.
I found myself rooting for the relationship Tammy Jo had with her wizard fiancé. Even though Tammy was portrayed as a strong and strong willed character, I didn't see her as an overbearing female lead with annoying characteristics. I thought that very refreshing after reading many books that make you want to "throttle" the impudent lead character.
Danger, love, humanity and perseverance were the continuing theme throughout this book as Tammy Jo and Kismet take you on a wild ride to "Hell" and back!
February 15, 2018
Review time:
Last book, number five of the Southern Witch Novels. “Casually Cursed” by Kimberly Frost.
Well, first of all, I hate that it’s over. I really enjoyed these books. I could have read many more.
Tammy Jo has to go Underhill to save her mother; to meet her father; to free her twin sister; to discover what it means to be half-fae. And she does all that, and more. With the love of her life, Bryan, and her best friend, an ocelot named Merc, by her side, Tammy Jo goes on the biggest adventure yet. A trip into the Never, where things don’t quite work the way she expects.
This book ended the series well. The big plot lines were tied off neatly, but it was left open enough for the audience to imagine what could happen next. Tammy Jo ends up happy, and no one important dies - well, none of the main people die anyway.
This was a fantastic series that puts a southern twist on the world of magic, both witch and faery. Frost clearly grows as a writer throughout the series, and I’m very interested in picking up other books by her.
Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Last book, number five of the Southern Witch Novels. “Casually Cursed” by Kimberly Frost.
Well, first of all, I hate that it’s over. I really enjoyed these books. I could have read many more.
Tammy Jo has to go Underhill to save her mother; to meet her father; to free her twin sister; to discover what it means to be half-fae. And she does all that, and more. With the love of her life, Bryan, and her best friend, an ocelot named Merc, by her side, Tammy Jo goes on the biggest adventure yet. A trip into the Never, where things don’t quite work the way she expects.
This book ended the series well. The big plot lines were tied off neatly, but it was left open enough for the audience to imagine what could happen next. Tammy Jo ends up happy, and no one important dies - well, none of the main people die anyway.
This was a fantastic series that puts a southern twist on the world of magic, both witch and faery. Frost clearly grows as a writer throughout the series, and I’m very interested in picking up other books by her.
Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 1, 2015
Another excellent book in the Southern Witch series. I just hope it's not the last. With that ending it could go either way...spoiler alert...at least it's a very happy ending.
But I get ahead of myself.
I have loved this series from the beginning, poor Tammy Jo gets into so much trouble even though she never goes looking for it. She sure knows how to deal with it. But after all the practice at it, it's no wonder she's gotten really good.
In Casually Cursed she's dealing with a twin sister who suddenly appeared at the end of Slightly Spellbound. Tammy never knew Kismet existed. This family has kept so many secrets...but in this book they are coming out. We finally get to meet more of Tammy's family and learn about their history. It's great- and Frost seamlessley weaves the history and family stories into the book without it seeming like an info dump.
And Zach... I know many readers might be on his side but I have always been team Bryn. Bryn has always loved Tammy for exactly who she is. Zach only loves part of her...and we really see his true colors in this book. I wasn't surprised- but Tammy Jo is way more forgiving than I would be.
It just seals the bond between Tammy and Bryn. They belong together.
The story is smooth, fast paced, and as always leaves you wanting more.
I hope this is not the last we see of Bryn and Tammy Jo.
But I get ahead of myself.
I have loved this series from the beginning, poor Tammy Jo gets into so much trouble even though she never goes looking for it. She sure knows how to deal with it. But after all the practice at it, it's no wonder she's gotten really good.
In Casually Cursed she's dealing with a twin sister who suddenly appeared at the end of Slightly Spellbound. Tammy never knew Kismet existed. This family has kept so many secrets...but in this book they are coming out. We finally get to meet more of Tammy's family and learn about their history. It's great- and Frost seamlessley weaves the history and family stories into the book without it seeming like an info dump.
And Zach... I know many readers might be on his side but I have always been team Bryn. Bryn has always loved Tammy for exactly who she is. Zach only loves part of her...and we really see his true colors in this book. I wasn't surprised- but Tammy Jo is way more forgiving than I would be.
It just seals the bond between Tammy and Bryn. They belong together.
The story is smooth, fast paced, and as always leaves you wanting more.
I hope this is not the last we see of Bryn and Tammy Jo.
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