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Santorelli #1
Hocus Pocus
Trying to outwit the spell only makes matters worse.
Shy and quiet Amanda Santorelli is unhappy watching the world go by around her. When her well-meaning but wacky aunt casts an assertive spell on her, Amanda’s orderly world is turned upside-down. Unable to control herself, Amanda blurts out whatever is on her mind every time someone asks her a question. With no control over her own mouth, it’s only a matter of time before her boss discovers her secret.
Mark Abbott is happy with the way his unassuming assistant runs his office. But all of a sudden she’s become a new person—both in attitude and appearance—and he’s not sure he likes the effect on his orderly work routine. With each passing day, he finds himself waiting to see what will come out of her mouth next. Before long, he can no longer deny the truth—the new Amanda is seriously making him reconsider his vow never to mix business with pleasure.
Mark doesn’t know if it’s love—or if he’s just a victim of Hocus Pocus.
Hocus Pocus was originally published in 2004 with Ellora's Cave. Scenes have been added and the novel has been professionally edited.
Shy and quiet Amanda Santorelli is unhappy watching the world go by around her. When her well-meaning but wacky aunt casts an assertive spell on her, Amanda’s orderly world is turned upside-down. Unable to control herself, Amanda blurts out whatever is on her mind every time someone asks her a question. With no control over her own mouth, it’s only a matter of time before her boss discovers her secret.
Mark Abbott is happy with the way his unassuming assistant runs his office. But all of a sudden she’s become a new person—both in attitude and appearance—and he’s not sure he likes the effect on his orderly work routine. With each passing day, he finds himself waiting to see what will come out of her mouth next. Before long, he can no longer deny the truth—the new Amanda is seriously making him reconsider his vow never to mix business with pleasure.
Mark doesn’t know if it’s love—or if he’s just a victim of Hocus Pocus.
Hocus Pocus was originally published in 2004 with Ellora's Cave. Scenes have been added and the novel has been professionally edited.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2005
4 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Roblin
3 books6 followers"Teresa has a tendency to daydream in class. She should pay more attention."
That's what one of my elementary teachers wrote on my report card. As an adult, I haven't changed a bit.
I wrote my first book, Hocus Pocus, within seven months. Naïve daydreamer that I am, I thought this is it, I'm going to get published. Optimistic, I entered my first contest and placed last in the paranormal category.
So what did I do? I joined RWA, my local chapter, took writing courses, on-line workshops, talked to other writers and joined a critique group. By 2004, I was winning awards.
Now, everyone can read my books and understand why I usually walk around with a grin on my face.
That's what one of my elementary teachers wrote on my report card. As an adult, I haven't changed a bit.
I wrote my first book, Hocus Pocus, within seven months. Naïve daydreamer that I am, I thought this is it, I'm going to get published. Optimistic, I entered my first contest and placed last in the paranormal category.
So what did I do? I joined RWA, my local chapter, took writing courses, on-line workshops, talked to other writers and joined a critique group. By 2004, I was winning awards.
Now, everyone can read my books and understand why I usually walk around with a grin on my face.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 4, 2009
This book took about two hours to read. I wish I could have them back.
When I read the synopsis on Amazon, I was excited about the book. It seemed like a funny idea and got decent reviews by other readers. Unfortunately, it was a good idea executed horribly. The heroine spends 90% of the book complaining about how she hates saying what she really thinks and 10% of the book telling people that this is how she's going to be from now on. Oh- but wait- this is just a spell, not really her. Except wait- she's really sassy and funny, why can't we all see that? Ugh. I wanted to hit her. Clearly a classic TSTL heroine. And the guy she spends the book trying to catch is just as annoying.
That was the real flaw in the execution of this story. I hated both the main characters and the secondary characters were so two-dimensional that I just didn't care about them at all. The story had potential. The Aunt character could have been fun to watch with her witch craft and meddling, but instead we never really got to know her. The sister could have been a helpful friend that pushes Amanda in the right direction but instead just comes across as whiny and useless. And Amanda could have been the mouse turned into a lion that the story's premise is built on, but instead is just a mouse who hates herself. Blech.
What really makes me mad? I paid $14.95 for this crap. I could have bought TWO books for that price.
When I read the synopsis on Amazon, I was excited about the book. It seemed like a funny idea and got decent reviews by other readers. Unfortunately, it was a good idea executed horribly. The heroine spends 90% of the book complaining about how she hates saying what she really thinks and 10% of the book telling people that this is how she's going to be from now on. Oh- but wait- this is just a spell, not really her. Except wait- she's really sassy and funny, why can't we all see that? Ugh. I wanted to hit her. Clearly a classic TSTL heroine. And the guy she spends the book trying to catch is just as annoying.
That was the real flaw in the execution of this story. I hated both the main characters and the secondary characters were so two-dimensional that I just didn't care about them at all. The story had potential. The Aunt character could have been fun to watch with her witch craft and meddling, but instead we never really got to know her. The sister could have been a helpful friend that pushes Amanda in the right direction but instead just comes across as whiny and useless. And Amanda could have been the mouse turned into a lion that the story's premise is built on, but instead is just a mouse who hates herself. Blech.
What really makes me mad? I paid $14.95 for this crap. I could have bought TWO books for that price.
September 1, 2015
Amanda is seen as a plain Jane and a quiet mouse around her workplace, if she is noticed at all, but she has been harbouring a huge crush on her boss. Knowing Amanda will not take matters into her own hands, her Aunt Lily casts a spell, which makes Amanda answer every question she is asked with the bluntest of truths, resulting in funny and serious consequences for her relationship with her boss.
This feel good, light-hearted romance comedy was a great break from reading adrenaline inducing thrillers and made me laugh and get invested in the characters. There were not many cringeworthy moments in this rom com style novel and once I could suspend disbelief and immerse myself fully into this feel-good fiction I thoroughly enjoyed it. So if you're on the lookout for an entertaining romance, look no further.
This feel good, light-hearted romance comedy was a great break from reading adrenaline inducing thrillers and made me laugh and get invested in the characters. There were not many cringeworthy moments in this rom com style novel and once I could suspend disbelief and immerse myself fully into this feel-good fiction I thoroughly enjoyed it. So if you're on the lookout for an entertaining romance, look no further.
September 19, 2015
This was a really cute romance! The spell was somewhat unique, and I loved what it made Amanda say! It really helped her blossom into the woman she was supposed to be!
Mark was a jerk for much of the book, but I could see why and how Amanda's transformation was changing him. He grew into what she needed, that's for certain!
The cast of secondary characters was rich and vibrant, and after finishing this book, I immediately wanted to read the next one! I would highly recommend this to romance readers looking for a bit of fun!
Mark was a jerk for much of the book, but I could see why and how Amanda's transformation was changing him. He grew into what she needed, that's for certain!
The cast of secondary characters was rich and vibrant, and after finishing this book, I immediately wanted to read the next one! I would highly recommend this to romance readers looking for a bit of fun!
December 10, 2015
Very funny! Want to read more by this author
December 14, 2018
Staying quiet means you have nothing to say, while being polite means knowing when not to say anything.
This is exactly what i needed to help me relax after my exams. Loved every bit of this book and how the characters were portrayed. I would not want to be in Amanda's shoes, my mind is my diary and just blurting out whatever i was thinking would not work for me, i would jut avoid any human interaction.
This is exactly what i needed to help me relax after my exams. Loved every bit of this book and how the characters were portrayed. I would not want to be in Amanda's shoes, my mind is my diary and just blurting out whatever i was thinking would not work for me, i would jut avoid any human interaction.
March 26, 2008
Hocus Pocus by Teresa Roblin is magically adorable. The story is focused around what calamities can befall a person from the innocent casting of one spell. A definate chuckle bubbles thoughout the book.
Amanda Santorelli is a shy catapillar in a cocoon just waiting for something to happen but what she doesn't know. Baggy clothes, hair in a strict bun, she goes unseen from here to there as if invisable. She's brilliant at her job, loves her boss and life is just wonderful, well at least most of it is. Her love life could use a major overhaul and unfortunately for her, Amanda's family decides to take things into their own hands to try and help out.
Mark Abbott is a great boss, hard worker and ladies man which of coarse comes with most men working in a high office position. Great eye candy he can have any woman he wants but he is extremely paranoid due to his last lasting relationship exploding in his face. As with most men he doesn't notice the story behind the cover with his personal assistant.
Aunt Lily is the cute little old lady that any of us would love to have in our lives. Caring, attentive, nosy and a wee bit goofy she boggles most things her hands touch. With well intentioned actions things don't necessarily turn out as they should, but she really does mean well.
Ever hear the old addages, "Becareful what you say as it might come back and bite you in the butt later"or "Open mouth, insert foot". Those very things take Amanda on a journey down the yellow brick road of misery leaving her victims in total utter astonishment.
This story is a silly romance from beginning to end but gets the help of a little magic. Speak some Hocus Pocus and you never know what trouble you might get into. A light, fluffy, constant chuckling read this will definately tickle your funny bone. No erotica here so if that's what you're looking for you won't find it.
I have to say that I found this story delightful and a breath of fresh air. It's almost like reading Cinderella but with a magical twist. You can even envision Aunt Lily as the Fairy Godmother with her wand in a tizzle.
Will Amanda find her "Happily Ever After"? You'll have to read to find out.
Amanda Santorelli is a shy catapillar in a cocoon just waiting for something to happen but what she doesn't know. Baggy clothes, hair in a strict bun, she goes unseen from here to there as if invisable. She's brilliant at her job, loves her boss and life is just wonderful, well at least most of it is. Her love life could use a major overhaul and unfortunately for her, Amanda's family decides to take things into their own hands to try and help out.
Mark Abbott is a great boss, hard worker and ladies man which of coarse comes with most men working in a high office position. Great eye candy he can have any woman he wants but he is extremely paranoid due to his last lasting relationship exploding in his face. As with most men he doesn't notice the story behind the cover with his personal assistant.
Aunt Lily is the cute little old lady that any of us would love to have in our lives. Caring, attentive, nosy and a wee bit goofy she boggles most things her hands touch. With well intentioned actions things don't necessarily turn out as they should, but she really does mean well.
Ever hear the old addages, "Becareful what you say as it might come back and bite you in the butt later"or "Open mouth, insert foot". Those very things take Amanda on a journey down the yellow brick road of misery leaving her victims in total utter astonishment.
This story is a silly romance from beginning to end but gets the help of a little magic. Speak some Hocus Pocus and you never know what trouble you might get into. A light, fluffy, constant chuckling read this will definately tickle your funny bone. No erotica here so if that's what you're looking for you won't find it.
I have to say that I found this story delightful and a breath of fresh air. It's almost like reading Cinderella but with a magical twist. You can even envision Aunt Lily as the Fairy Godmother with her wand in a tizzle.
Will Amanda find her "Happily Ever After"? You'll have to read to find out.
March 26, 2015
Sweet Romantic Comedy
Sweet, shy Amanda is so timid and unpretentious. She couldn't believe her luck when she landed the coveted position of assistant to the dashing, CEO, Mark Abbott.
Amanda is truly the perfect employee for Mark. She is efficient, dependable and completely trustworthy. Another plus for Mark was Amanda’s appearance, she dressed very conservative, almost dowdy and she wore big glasses which were always sliding down her nose. Her attire and her introverted personality made it easy for Mark to forget about her each time she left his office.
Amanda often daydreamed of what a romantic relationship with Mark would be like. She would give just about anything for him to be drawn to her.
Amanda lives with her slightly “nutty” Aunt Lilly and her sister Sarah. Amanda’s life is soon turned upside down when her aunt finds a book of magic spells in the attic. A spell is performed and frumpy Amanda quickly transforms into a sexy, outspoken woman, which makes Mark’s life a nightmare.
This romantic comedy is filled with uncomfortable situations, which in turn, makes this story wickedly humorous, deeply touching and totally bewitching. Rating: 4.1 Stars
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
Sweet, shy Amanda is so timid and unpretentious. She couldn't believe her luck when she landed the coveted position of assistant to the dashing, CEO, Mark Abbott.
Amanda is truly the perfect employee for Mark. She is efficient, dependable and completely trustworthy. Another plus for Mark was Amanda’s appearance, she dressed very conservative, almost dowdy and she wore big glasses which were always sliding down her nose. Her attire and her introverted personality made it easy for Mark to forget about her each time she left his office.
Amanda often daydreamed of what a romantic relationship with Mark would be like. She would give just about anything for him to be drawn to her.
Amanda lives with her slightly “nutty” Aunt Lilly and her sister Sarah. Amanda’s life is soon turned upside down when her aunt finds a book of magic spells in the attic. A spell is performed and frumpy Amanda quickly transforms into a sexy, outspoken woman, which makes Mark’s life a nightmare.
This romantic comedy is filled with uncomfortable situations, which in turn, makes this story wickedly humorous, deeply touching and totally bewitching. Rating: 4.1 Stars
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
December 18, 2021
This wasn’t much of an enjoyment for me, I was hoping for something related to the movie, I was so beyond confused.
I became a bit uncomfortable just a quarter of the way to the end.
To my vision: I was imagining that this might’ve been Winifred’s story before she became a witch.
We all start at the beginning of the time when, little girls are such dearest until Amanda…
well, that’s all I’ll say!
Not my kind of Romance type…
I became a bit uncomfortable just a quarter of the way to the end.
To my vision: I was imagining that this might’ve been Winifred’s story before she became a witch.
We all start at the beginning of the time when, little girls are such dearest until Amanda…
well, that’s all I’ll say!
Not my kind of Romance type…
July 24, 2024
I just reread this for the first time probably in almost 10 years and the internalized misogyny killed me a little inside. It is quite literally a direct quote of the female lead that she is “not like other girls”.
Not badly written and a somewhat cute concept but mildly frustrating at best.
Not badly written and a somewhat cute concept but mildly frustrating at best.
Read
April 22, 2015review pending
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews