Getting all she's ever wanted may cost her everything.
After years of searching, Lady Gwen finally has a chance to find her missing sister and heal her wounded heart. All she must do is work a dangerous spell that punches a hole through the wall separating the mortal world from the Sunset Lands.
Before Gwen can decipher the spell, she discovers her youngest ward, Sam, is tangled up with the murderous leader of New London’s criminal underground. With no other options, she makes a thieve’s Sam’s freedom in exchange for a high-profile burglary.
But honoring her word has unintended consequences and exposes a conspiracy that endangers everyone she cares about. With a corrupt system on one side and the Cutthroat King on the other, Gwen must walk a knife’s edge to get out alive.
Can she protect her new family and bring her sister home, or will the bargain cost more than she can pay?
Nicole has been a soldier, photographer, freelance writer, and artist, but she truly found her home as the author of stories about magical worlds in which ordinary people become heroes through extraordinary circumstances…always with a little romance thrown in.
When she’s not writing fantasy novels or creating fantasy art, Nicole spends time with her husband and three boys, climbing, camping, hiking in the New Mexico wilderness, and daydreaming about chocolate chip cookies.
I'm genuinely grateful for the opportunity to read this eARC. Thank you to the lovely author. This is an honest (and unhinged) review. I can't help it.
Lady Gwen's quest to find her missing sister and the dangerous spell she must perform had me on the edge of my seat. The author's world-building is impeccable, and I felt like I was right there, living every thrilling moment alongside Gwen and her crew. The characters are so well-crafted and lovable; it's like revisiting old friends with every book. And I love every. single. one. Gwen is perfection; Aristotle remains a distinct favorite; Tony is stalwart and dependable and a great father figure to the kiddos; Sam and Sally are growing into young adults so quickly; I love everything about the Dutchess; and finally - I am fascinated by the Cutthroat King. I absolutely cannot WAIT to see where the author goes with this story. This is one of those books that feels like it's written for me especially. It has everything I love in it.
The plot is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and I was hooked from the first page. The story is so gripping, and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. It's one of those series that makes you wish you could dive right back into the magical world the moment you finish the last page. It lives rent-free in my head. And can we talk about the romance? It's sizzling! The author knows how to write the perfect balance of spice (there's a chapter to read without spice too for those who aren't interested), angst, and tender moments that left me swooning. I've never read such an amazing spice scene. I had to stare at the wall for SEVERAL minutes to just be in my feels for a minute.
McKeon's writing is simply outstanding. The way she weaves emotions, action, and intrigue into the story is masterful. Every book feels like a work of art, and 'Spellbound' is no exception. Each book in this series is better than the last - which seems impossible - but the author manages it all the same. I have such a special place in my heart for all these characters and this series. Chef's Kiss, my friends.
I can't wait to continue following Gwen's adventures. If you haven't started 'The Gwen St. James Affair' series yet, do yourself a favor and dive in. You won't be disappointed!
Some series lose steam after the sequel, but this series just got exponentially better with book 3! It's the best in the series so far. It had it all, intrigue, spicy romance, sword fights, multiple reveals and twists, a dreamy (but dangerous) faerie realm, and so much more!!
received ARC of this book for an honest review. Book 3!in the series and it continues the story beautifully. Held my attention and I couldn’t wait to see what happens. Leaves you still longing for more.
Another delightful installment-and I devoured it in under 24 hours. Some questions were finally answered, while many more popped up! Some twists and turns. While I was mildly annoyed with one turn of events-I think I know where we’re going with it. Looking forward to book 4, but also not because idk what I’ll do after I read it…
I’ve been an ARC reader for this series since Vanished, and if I thought I was invested before Spellbound, I am DESPERATE for more now.
Spellbound was captivating, so fast paced and thrilling! Gwen’s fierce protectiveness in her relationships plays a huge role in this series, but it takes her to a whole new world in this book, literally.
Her adventures into the Sunset Lands wasn’t the only bomb dropped in this book, as the events of the previous books are all connected together and left COMPLETELY UNRESOLVED AND I AM DYING FOR BOOK FOUR.
But in all seriousness, the author’s ability to wrap up each book with enough resolution for reader satisfaction and enough loose ends to keep us spellbound (get it?) is my favorite part of this series.
Do yourself a favor and start this series! You will not be disappointed! If you love historical fiction, the supernatural and a fun, strong female lead, this is your series!
When I tell you that it had so many unexpected twists and turns, I am not kidding! I couldn’t put it down because I just had to know what happened next. This one was definitely a bit more 🌶️ 🔥 than the previous ones and I’M TOTALLY HERE FOR IT!!!
If you want to read a series that just gets progressively better and better, then look no further!
I was a part of Nicole’s ARC reader group in exchange for my honest review - I am so thankful for the opportunity to have read these magical books! Totally in love with the characters. I read these on my Kindle but you better believe I’ll be getting the physical books so I can add them to my Library collection!
5 stars Wow… this book has been the craziest ride yet in Gwen’s adventure. Her connection with Aris aka mystery man is exactly what I wanted and hoped for. I just hope Tony finds his true love! This book was a whirlwind and very very different from the first two, this one was less gas-lamp fantasy and more of a world-building fantasy. I devoured this book even quicker than the other two which I didn’t think was possible. A must read for all fantasy and mystery fans!
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Excuse me but I was promised an excellent chapter 14 and spicy scene and this author delivered. Spellbound continues Gwen St James adventures and her main focus is finding her sister.
The description of the Sunset Lands was fantastic. The detail in visuals, auditory and smell gave me a full delve into this world.
The end was a heck of a cliffhanger and even though I love the “new” character, my heart strings pull for my dashing investigator. He is Bae.
I feel like nothing I say can do this book justice without spoiling something!
I truly love this series!! Unfortunately, I took longer to read this than normal, at no fault to the book or author. I lost my Kindle in a move and just discovered it in a box a week ago ish. So, of course I had to finish this book immediately once my kindle was charged!
I’m so thankful! I started the book over to do it justice. These characters are complex and relatable. The world building is easy to follow and picture. The magic type is simple enough to understand. The situations are gripping. And this one…this one even has some spice!
About the spice, I cannot get over it.
I love Gwen as the FMC. She’s smart, independent, capable, headstrong, and determined. I also love that she uses her life experiences the further her goals, not as an excuse. Her not being 18 is refreshing as well.
I cannot get enough of Nicole’s work. Seriously. This is a series that will become a comfort read for me. I need to start the next one ASAP!
My advice: if you want a different type of fae story with characters you just desperately want to cheer for as they solve mysteries and try to fight for those they love, look no further.
*I was provided an ARC of this book. This review is honest, voluntary, and my own views and opinions.*
have been an eARC reader for Nicole since I vanished, and I just want to say thank you for letting me continue to ARC read for you. This has been so much fun.
Spellbound is the 3rd book in the Gwen St James Affair series. It was a fast-paced read with quick-witted comebacks and banter. The world building is fantastic as always. It felt like I was there the entire time as I was reading the book. In book 3, there were some spicy moments. It was tastefully done. There were some moments of a roller coaster of emotions, and it had me tearing up at the end.
I love the growth development in all of the characters. Gwen and Tony really have become parental figures for Sally and Sam. Sam and Sally are getting older and want to be more involved with Gwen and Tonys missions. I like that we get to see more of the Dutchess. I was excited that we got to see more of Tonys personal home side. And Aristotle, I love that bird.
I absolutely love this series, with each new book that releases it gets better and better. I can't wait for the 4th book to come out. I'm so invested in all of the characters. I need to know what happens next!! 10/10 I would highly recommend it.
This book hooked me straight back into the series! I was up till way too late finishing it.
Gwen's story took some very unexpected turns this story. I loved exploring the new elements that were introduced into this book!! And Aristotle is really just the best character! Getting to see more of this world was exciting. I know it is also to do with the more fae elements coming through and what that looks like in this universe. I adore the journey these characters are going through.
As expected our blonde detective is sweet and lovely but Mr tall, dark, and mysterious has captured this readers interest. The children (Sally and Sam) are characters that continue to grow on me and I love seeing their growth.
There were a number of gasp worthy moments for me in Spellbound and Gwen's character growth is something I'm really enjoying witnessing over the time we're given in a longer series. I'm really rooting for her to let others in!! And I think we may get there but it'll take time, as it does with any character worth their weight.
I'm very excited for the next book and what the next leg of Gwen's journey will entail!!!
*I received this book in exchange for my honest review*
My heart feels like it was ripped from my chest. I am quite literally hooked on this series and on Gwen. Everything about her is so wonderful and I love every single time I (as the reader) am with her.
All of the characters are just absolute thrills and the author’s world-building of the Sunset Lands was phenomenal. The execution throughout this whole series so far has been top-notch in my opinion 💋✨
The absolute twist with the sister in this had me by the throat. This world has consumed my life to the point where all I could think about today at work was just coming home so I could devour the next book. Also the romance?! I’m sold - there is no love triangle anymore. It is just Gwen and my precious little raven boy 🐦⬛ (also glad to know my suspicions from the last book were not too out there). I’m sorry Tony, but I need to be honest. I like you, I do, but I need you to get the fuck out.
I truly cannot remember the last time a series has captivated me in the way that this series has. Truly outstanding and I’m so excited for the next one!
I will admit I did struggle with this one a bit more than the others. My real life stress might have added a bit too it, as it was difficult to find time to read… anyway, back to the point.
For me the beginning of this book was a bit difficult, it was not easy to get lost in the story as before and I am not sure what the reason for it was. But then something big happened, and from there on it was hard to be a responsible adult and to put down the book and go back to adulting.
We are introduced a new love interest? Well not really introduced as he appeared before, but well… I have mentioned in my review of the first book that I found it difficult to care about the love plot as I kinda spoiled myself for later books. Now this new love interest on the other hand… I was absolutely down for it and here for him from the first moment on.
Once again we are introduced some new interesting characters and the stakes get a lot higher building up more and more. And once again that ending… I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5/5⭐️🤩
This was such a good sequel! Personally I have loved this series from the start, at first I was worried I would lose interest with the sequels since it has happened before but let me just tell you that this series just keeps getting better and better. It is intriguing, it keeps your attention from the start and makes you want to binge read it all. The story is a rollercoaster that makes you feel all the emotions and the twist and turns are all so good! The romance is so well done and you can feel their chemistry so much. It has spice (you can read it without spice) angst and swoony moments. The writing is phenomenal, the story grips you and doesn’t let go and it is a series that you will want to keep reading. I absolutely recommend this series and cannot wait to se what else happens with this amazing gas lamp, fantasy and mystery book.
This series just will not leave me. Once I finish I want to start the next one not wanting to wait for Nicole to finish. I am so invested in the story and the characters; it feels like its something that I am a part of. Each character is unique and fun to read about. I want to learn more about each of the characters, especially the Cutthroat King and Delilah.
Spellbound continues the adventures of Gwen St James as she searches for a way to bring her sister home. She has run ins with the cutthroat king, corrupt politicians, and the Fae court. There are twists and turns that some I did not see coming and one that I knew. It was nice to have that validation.
If you like gas lamp, fantasy, mystery this book is for you. It is such a thrilling ride that I cannot get off of. This gets a 5 out of 5 from me. Thank you Nicole for giving me the opportunity to beta read this series.
I am grateful to have been given the first three books as an arc reader and have to say I have loved them all.
The author has just added layer upon layer to her world of New London, it’s becoming very familiar and reading about it and the characters who live there is like going home to visit family!!
This book was a little bit darker than the first two, but it had to be because of the topics it touched on. Also it has spice, loved the romance and chemistry which is so well done, along with the angst.
The story just has you wanting more!!! As any good series should and it will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end. Can’t wait to see what else is in store in the next book.
Again Oh My ARISTOTLE!!!!
I definitely recommend reading the first three books in this series, before the fourth comes out later in October!!!
Spoiler Warning: I've been enjoying this series so far. It's an interesting premise with the setting located in England in a world where people and creatures from legend are real. Gwen St. James is a likeable enough character, although she can be annoying at times. A big reason why I chose to read this series was the mention of the pet raven, as I have a particular interest in the birds. I could tell he was something more than a "regular" raven but he's turned into a second love interest for Gwen. I have a strong dislike for love triangles/overly complicated relationships. Give me a fairly straightforward romance, please. Ugh. I'll keep reading, I suppose, when the next book is released but I may skip over the "complicated" parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Things are ramping up. We’ve got answers to some of the questions since book one. Hints from other books have come to full light. Some of my theories have been proved correct (or correctish).
The spice level has started to ramp up, that might be a plus or minus depending on the reader. I pretended it was closed door, personally. 😂
I’m curious how the love interest angle will go. I don’t want to give anything away, though, so that’s all I’ll say.
The next book is the ARC! It comes out tomorrow so I might be a day or two late for my review on that, but I am absolutely eating these up!
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The books in The Gwen St. James Affair by Nicole McKeon just keep getting better and better. The cast of characters and the forces they face are delivered in exciting and and adventurous detail. Gwen's quest to rescue her sister Lia from the tyrannical Fae continues putting everyone at risk to a degree no one could have predicted. Well, perhaps a certain character understood but that's for readers to uncover. I am here for the remainder of this series as it delivers on a fantastic promise of mayhem, some spicy romance and a wonderful magic system that gets cooler with each novel. The characters are all fully-developed and you can't help but feel with them as the story keeps you guessing and intrigued all the way through. Thoroughly recommend.
Thanks again to the author for allowing me to read this series as an ARC.
I don’t know how much I can say about this book without giving spoilers… except that this one has some ACOTAR flavor, which for me meant that I didn’t like it quite as much as Book 1, but which other people will probably be more into. The descriptions are fantastic and the drama was *chef’s kiss.* I did miss the mystery and gaslamp elements as this book moved into pure fantasy territory, but I’m in it for the long haul with these characters. Also, I guarantee that if you’ve made it this far, this book will have you screaming as secrets are revealed. 😱 Also: here there be spice. 🌶️
Oh my goodness, this book took a turn that I was not expecting in the least. The jump into the fae world? Completely unexpected. Aris the fae being Aristotle the Raven? Well now that was not unexpected but I have so many mixed emotions about it. I do think him and Gwen have better chemistry than Gwen and Tony, though. I did find Aris and Gwen's sex scene a little icky because it wasn't from a two-sided place of love. But hopefully that changes. There are so many more secrets to unravel, like how are Gwen/Lia half-fae? Why do the fae want to come to the human world? Where is Lord Rutledge? What does the Cutthroat King (also a fae) want? I'm very happy to be introduced to Ophelia, she seems like a badass and she's clearly been through a lot in the fae world. Very excited to see how her character develops and the implications of her return to the human world!! Also Tony + Lia??? I ship it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This has been my favourite book in the series so far! And with the way it ended I can’t wait to start reading book 4.
I have really enjoyed seeing the characters grow and learn throughout the series so far. The world has also become so much more complex and detailed since the beginning of book 1. It has been so fun to see more places and learn more about the magic system throughout the books. I also really loved the romance in this book 👀
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I got so frustrated with Gwen while reading which for me it means I love it and got very deep into the book. Just like the previous books, I could not stop reading it. I yelled, sighed, grumbled and mumbled so many times with Gwen during this new phase in her adventure that I am invested. I need to know what comes next. I am a part of her world now and we need to save it. :)
Mini spoiler maybe?... my heart breaks for Tony. And did someone else reread the Chapter with Gwen and Aris more than once or was it just me?
Thank you again for the ARC and I am excited to dive into Book #4
5 stars! SO GOOD! Yea, good doesn’t cover it. There are plenty of references to items from this world (including Freud…) that suddenly feel out of place because of how different things are in New London and it’s a bit jarring but it’s all so captivating and heart breaking that I just can’t feel as though it’s a real complaint. We get ever more involved with Faerie and the plot thickens ever further with more characters and more layers to the ones we already know. Plus, I frequently want to shake Gwen and yet find myself cheering her on all the while. Also, Aris is super yummy.
How is it possible that this series just keeps getting better? I thought book 2 was superb, but this one puts it to shame. I adore Aris, and his relationship with Gwen. Idk how to root for, Aris or Tony. They both compliment Gwen in different ways and if this were a different genre it'd be a great "Why choose" romance kind of situation. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
10 outta 10 would totally recommend this whole series!
Such an exciting installment in The Gwen St. James Affair! This book will leave you wanting to turn the page and dive into the fourth the moment you finish.
In previous books we have been able to see more of the side characters POV and this one felt like there was much less of that. Considering the different settings, it makes sense. Switching back and forth probably would have been too distracting anyway.
This book was AMAZING! It absolutely blew me away! It made me feel all the things!! I was never ready for what came next I need Oct. 26 to get here so I can go to book 4. I’ve never loved a series more! The lead female is absolutely fierce!!! I can’t even put words for a review but I’m still processing how amazing it was!! I will be getting signed books of all of these to display proudly on my favorites shelf!!! I just can’t…. I just love them… idk what to say!!’