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Casual Magic #2
Earth Magic & Hot Water
Her first hate and first love are back in town. Things are about to get heated…
Cat Byrne seems sweet, but she’s hiding a volcanic temper. Her anger-fueled fire magic can melt tires off cars. Then her ex-best friend moves back to town, and the guy keeps popping up in inconvenient places, making sure she’s running at a constant simmer.
Rafael Aguado hopes to calm the waters between him and Cat, but that’s hard to do when she’d rather see him boil alive. Maybe the water elemental could cool her off with time, but he has romantic competition. Rafael lost Cat to a handsome earth elemental years ago, and he refuses to let his rival win again. Even if it means kissing the hell out of the magical man to throw him off balance.
Aspen Baumann’s last relationship taught him an important lesson: never settle for less. Determined to have both the people he wants in his bed, the earth elemental attempts to regrow the bond between the estranged pair–with him rooted directly in the middle.
Hopefully, enough indecently steamy encounters can wash away past mistakes…
Cat Byrne seems sweet, but she’s hiding a volcanic temper. Her anger-fueled fire magic can melt tires off cars. Then her ex-best friend moves back to town, and the guy keeps popping up in inconvenient places, making sure she’s running at a constant simmer.
Rafael Aguado hopes to calm the waters between him and Cat, but that’s hard to do when she’d rather see him boil alive. Maybe the water elemental could cool her off with time, but he has romantic competition. Rafael lost Cat to a handsome earth elemental years ago, and he refuses to let his rival win again. Even if it means kissing the hell out of the magical man to throw him off balance.
Aspen Baumann’s last relationship taught him an important lesson: never settle for less. Determined to have both the people he wants in his bed, the earth elemental attempts to regrow the bond between the estranged pair–with him rooted directly in the middle.
Hopefully, enough indecently steamy encounters can wash away past mistakes…
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
69 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Connolly
39 books1,259 followersLauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and magical romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 5, 2024
2.5 stars.
This book was a fail for me. If you're going to write a second chance romance, I want celibate characters who pine over their loved one, a GOOD reason things didn't work out the first time, and maturity that leads to a healthy relationship. This book had none of that.
1. All of them slept around with others during their separation. Rafael even hooks up during the book and makes out in front of Aspen. Cat, as the heroine, of course has terrible sexual partners and is somewhat of a hot mess.
2. The reasons they weren't together was because several of them were cowards.
3. The relationships were based on poor emotional health. All THREE of them are insecure and immature. Instead of learning to trust their partners, the book shows them having to interpret the fears of the partner and come to them when they run away from the relationship.
Bah. I do not recommend.
There's more, but these three things were enough to say the book is NOT good.
PS Why was it that only the woman needed to work on controlling her magic? All three of them lose control with certain emotions, but she's the only one who feels bad about losing control and the only one who everyone encourages (even going so far as to have an intervention) to get in control Why is that!?
This book was a fail for me. If you're going to write a second chance romance, I want celibate characters who pine over their loved one, a GOOD reason things didn't work out the first time, and maturity that leads to a healthy relationship. This book had none of that.
1. All of them slept around with others during their separation. Rafael even hooks up during the book and makes out in front of Aspen. Cat, as the heroine, of course has terrible sexual partners and is somewhat of a hot mess.
2. The reasons they weren't together was because several of them were cowards.
3. The relationships were based on poor emotional health. All THREE of them are insecure and immature. Instead of learning to trust their partners, the book shows them having to interpret the fears of the partner and come to them when they run away from the relationship.
Bah. I do not recommend.
There's more, but these three things were enough to say the book is NOT good.
PS Why was it that only the woman needed to work on controlling her magic? All three of them lose control with certain emotions, but she's the only one who feels bad about losing control and the only one who everyone encourages (even going so far as to have an intervention) to get in control Why is that!?
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July 3, 2024
3⭐️ I wanted to like it more than I actually did.
I love MMF/ poly books. I think the dynamics of relationships -all relationships- can be very difficult irl, but books make them safer and sweeter.
This story, however, was not that sweet. There's a lot of second chance romance plots intertwined in here and I don't really get it. I understand not getting over someone from your past, of course, but can someone forgive you just like that? After a decade of nothing? This book just basically arbitrarily decides when the FMC needs to get over it and forgive Rafael, and then boom, everything's chill. The "forgiveness" scene was more unrealistic to me than the superpowers.
So, yeah. Cool concept, not so great execution.
🌶️🌶️.5/ 5 - There's three people involved in almost every single open door scene, so I feel like that's at least 2 spicy peppers. Nothing too intense, mostly just cutesy steamy scenes.
I love MMF/ poly books. I think the dynamics of relationships -all relationships- can be very difficult irl, but books make them safer and sweeter.
This story, however, was not that sweet. There's a lot of second chance romance plots intertwined in here and I don't really get it. I understand not getting over someone from your past, of course, but can someone forgive you just like that? After a decade of nothing? This book just basically arbitrarily decides when the FMC needs to get over it and forgive Rafael, and then boom, everything's chill. The "forgiveness" scene was more unrealistic to me than the superpowers.
So, yeah. Cool concept, not so great execution.
🌶️🌶️.5/ 5 - There's three people involved in almost every single open door scene, so I feel like that's at least 2 spicy peppers. Nothing too intense, mostly just cutesy steamy scenes.
September 13, 2023
Over the story was good on allowing us get to know the characters and thier family's and friends. As well as see their insecurities and worries.
Cat has been dating losers since breaking things off with Aspen after he graduates due to feeling as if she's not good enough. She feels as if everyone in he life has grown up and knows what they want, and she's stuck. Also the struggles she's currently having with controlling her magic and anger.
Rafael has regrets from how he pushed Cat away and never reconciled back in high school. He's now moved back to town and is looking to win over the girl he's always loved. But at the same time, he has a fear of being like his father and not allowing himself to fully love who he wants.
Aspen is back in town after a breakup and goes back home to see his first love. He has dreamed of a relationship with the two people he loves and has to work to have them reconcile from past hurt. He also has fears from past relationships of not being a real part of the relationship but being a toy or add-on.
The growth you see this throuple make as they are navigating their way through this new relationship, and seeing each others fears and wants as well as showing how they care for each other. The banter between the three and their family and friends was fun to read.
I will definitely be going back to read book 1 and hoping that Sammy will get his own story in the future.
Cat has been dating losers since breaking things off with Aspen after he graduates due to feeling as if she's not good enough. She feels as if everyone in he life has grown up and knows what they want, and she's stuck. Also the struggles she's currently having with controlling her magic and anger.
Rafael has regrets from how he pushed Cat away and never reconciled back in high school. He's now moved back to town and is looking to win over the girl he's always loved. But at the same time, he has a fear of being like his father and not allowing himself to fully love who he wants.
Aspen is back in town after a breakup and goes back home to see his first love. He has dreamed of a relationship with the two people he loves and has to work to have them reconcile from past hurt. He also has fears from past relationships of not being a real part of the relationship but being a toy or add-on.
The growth you see this throuple make as they are navigating their way through this new relationship, and seeing each others fears and wants as well as showing how they care for each other. The banter between the three and their family and friends was fun to read.
I will definitely be going back to read book 1 and hoping that Sammy will get his own story in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
5⭐ I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy. I really loved this book. I don't think there is one book of Lauren Connolly's books I haven't enjoyed. It was the perfect mix of characters and the plot was fantastic. Had a bit of angst, but I think it strengthened the plot. Was overall hilarious. I love the use of the characters powers and their development during this book. Aspen was the sweetest MMC ever and the highlight of this book for me. Rafael is a hopelessly in love, well meaning simp. Cat had some identity issues, but overall I loved her character a lot. I think Cat, Rafael, and Aspen made for a really great couple and they all fit each other like a freaking puzzle. Can't wait for Harley's book.
September 19, 2023
Two men from Cat’s past have returned to town and are willing to do anything to get her back.
Earth Magic & Hot Water is the second book in the Casual Magic series. While it could be read as a stand-alone, I would highly suggest reading book one (Fire Magic & Ice Cream) first. It gives some necessary background and explains the magical system for the series. This is an open-door romance with plenty of spicy moments.
I was worried that there was going to be a love triangle but I’m glad I was wrong. The MCs balance each other so well, elementally and otherwise. A relationship between just a pair of them would not have been the same. There is a little bit of angst in the beginning but it is worth it.
I read the first two books in this series back to back. I’m very interested to see where the author takes the rest of the series and I look forward to seeing whose story readers will get to enjoy next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Earth Magic & Hot Water is the second book in the Casual Magic series. While it could be read as a stand-alone, I would highly suggest reading book one (Fire Magic & Ice Cream) first. It gives some necessary background and explains the magical system for the series. This is an open-door romance with plenty of spicy moments.
I was worried that there was going to be a love triangle but I’m glad I was wrong. The MCs balance each other so well, elementally and otherwise. A relationship between just a pair of them would not have been the same. There is a little bit of angst in the beginning but it is worth it.
I read the first two books in this series back to back. I’m very interested to see where the author takes the rest of the series and I look forward to seeing whose story readers will get to enjoy next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 10, 2024
Earth Magic & Hot Water, a paranormal MMF poly romance, stole my heart! This story features elemental magic - earth/plants, fire, and water - and I loved spending time in this paranormal world. The characters, Aspen, a bear of a man; Rafael, a prickly-on-the-outside, emotional-on-the-inside hero; and Cat, a heartbroken fire-wielder, find their ways along their growth journeys together. This one is spicy but not flaming-hot, with plenty of focus on the emotional connections among the characters. This romance reads well as a standalone, but now I have to check out the rest of the series!
December 21, 2023
3.5 stars
It was cute, I love a polyam book. I just didn’t really connect with the characters as much as I wanted too.
It was cute, I love a polyam book. I just didn’t really connect with the characters as much as I wanted too.
November 30, 2025
This book was a quick read for a snowy day. It served its purpose! Will I read the next one? Yeah, it was lighthearted and great filler between heavier things.
September 8, 2023
Seriously! I absolutely love this author. Her books are always amazing and this one is no different. The characters pull you into the story and you won’t be able to stop reading until your done!
September 14, 2024
Spicy, second chance throuple. Kind of unrealistic, though. People change so much after high school - pretty big coincidence all three are still interested in each other after going no contact (in Rafael’s case anyway).
September 19, 2023
Honestly loved this book. Cat, Aspen and Rafael were so together. Their relationship was so cute and couple goals. Their relationship worked so well together. Perfect amount of drama, romance and spice. Couldn’t put this book down once I started it. Loved this series so much and can’t wait to read the next one. The storyline was so cute. So glad I was able to arc read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Currently reading
September 21, 2023
🌵BOOK BIRTHDAY!!!🌵
Earth Magic & Hot Water is out in the world TODAY!!!
I loved writing this book so much. Well ... at first I didn't. Because at first I started writing a romance that was only between Cat and Rafael. After the second scrapped manuscript I realized Aspen NEEDED to be part of the relationship for this all to work. And that's how my first polyam romance came about!
Get ready for:
🌵 Enemies to lovers
🌵 A strong FMC who sets things on fire
🌵 Unrequited love w/ delicious pining
🌵 Swords crossing
🌵EM&HW BLURB🌵
Her first hate and first love are back in town. Things are about to get heated…
Cat Byrne seems sweet, but she’s hiding a volcanic temper. Her anger-fueled fire magic can melt tires off cars. Then her ex-best friend moves back to town, and the guy keeps popping up in inconvenient places, making sure she’s running at a constant simmer.
Rafael Aguado hopes to calm the waters between him and Cat, but that’s hard to do when she’d rather see him boil alive. Maybe the water elemental could cool her off with time, but he has romantic competition. Rafael lost Cat to a handsome earth elemental years ago, and he refuses to let his rival win again. Even if it means kissing the hell out of the magical man to throw him off balance.
Aspen Baumann’s last relationship taught him an important lesson: never settle for less. Determined to have both the people he wants in his bed, the earth elemental attempts to regrow the bond between the estranged pair–with him rooted directly in the middle.
Hopefully, enough indecently steamy encounters can wash away past mistakes…
🌵 https://books2read.com/EarthMagicHotW...
[image: Earth Magic & Hot Water cover. Cactus background. "The two of them were so wrapped up in each other they never saw me."]
September 17, 2023
Cat, the female fire elemental lead, has spent her life trying not be angry because her magic is triggered by anger and it’s not “nice” to be angry anyway. She’s avoided Rafael, one male water elemental lead and her ex-best friend, for years, since he dismissed her as a teen and never apologised, and he triggers her. Unfortunately, he’s now back and working at the aquarium, her favourite place. Her ex-boyfriend, Aspen, the other male lead and an earth elemental, is also back in town after a distressing breakup and, after assisting with security at her workplace (a strip club where she’s a waitress), he’s going to be working with her too. This is a problem because she only broke up with him because she felt he could do better when he went away to university and she didn’t leave town. The attraction between all three stems from their teenage years. Maybe it should have gone away but it really hasn’t. Can they make it work this time? Especially since they’re all dealing with their own insecurities…
This story is tri POV, well written, and a sexy, paranormal ménage romance. I enjoyed the significant and credible character development for all three lead characters, who each had major insecurity triggers to work through. I enjoyed the contrast between Cat’s initial positive feelings for Aspen compared with her negative feelings for Rafael, both tempered by unwanted attraction. I enjoyed seeing Aspen and Rafael work through their own mutual attraction and issues Rafael hadn’t wanted to deal with as a teen. I enjoyed the erotic intimate scenes and the serious and important communication between all three. I enjoyed the ending and the reality of the fact that not everyone would be pleased about their relationship.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
This story is tri POV, well written, and a sexy, paranormal ménage romance. I enjoyed the significant and credible character development for all three lead characters, who each had major insecurity triggers to work through. I enjoyed the contrast between Cat’s initial positive feelings for Aspen compared with her negative feelings for Rafael, both tempered by unwanted attraction. I enjoyed seeing Aspen and Rafael work through their own mutual attraction and issues Rafael hadn’t wanted to deal with as a teen. I enjoyed the erotic intimate scenes and the serious and important communication between all three. I enjoyed the ending and the reality of the fact that not everyone would be pleased about their relationship.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
September 13, 2023
New book from Lauren? Gimme!
Oh I love, love, love this book. Be prepared for Lauren to reach into your chest, grab a fistful of your emotions, swirl them all about, then set everything to rights again. It might sound intense - because it is at times - but you will thank her for it.
I have said it before, and I will say it again, it can be very tricky to successfully introduce and balance a menage, and Lauren has done a fantastic job.
Not many people are masochists enough to want to wallow in secondhand fictional jealousy, and yet jealousy is a very real emotion and so frequently an obstacle in poly relationships. Earth Magic & Hot Water doesn’t shy away from this, and throughout the book, we are masterfully guided through all the emotions, letting us feel them, but not dwelling on where is it is no fun to be. We are given a taste of the trials, and then enfolded in the lovely warm hug that is Lauren’s signature style.
Every time I read one of Lauren’s books, I am itching for more once the book is done, and have to ‘resort’ to diving into a re-read of her back catalogue while I wait for her next new release - yeah, that’s not a hardship!
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
Oh I love, love, love this book. Be prepared for Lauren to reach into your chest, grab a fistful of your emotions, swirl them all about, then set everything to rights again. It might sound intense - because it is at times - but you will thank her for it.
I have said it before, and I will say it again, it can be very tricky to successfully introduce and balance a menage, and Lauren has done a fantastic job.
Not many people are masochists enough to want to wallow in secondhand fictional jealousy, and yet jealousy is a very real emotion and so frequently an obstacle in poly relationships. Earth Magic & Hot Water doesn’t shy away from this, and throughout the book, we are masterfully guided through all the emotions, letting us feel them, but not dwelling on where is it is no fun to be. We are given a taste of the trials, and then enfolded in the lovely warm hug that is Lauren’s signature style.
Every time I read one of Lauren’s books, I am itching for more once the book is done, and have to ‘resort’ to diving into a re-read of her back catalogue while I wait for her next new release - yeah, that’s not a hardship!
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
May 28, 2024
I’ve become such a fan of Lauren Connolly’s books - I was introduced to her through Smartypants Romance and then I went through her paranormal catalogue to see what else was out there. I came across this newer series, Casual Magic. Last year I read book one and felt like I waited forever for book 2 to be released and then I let it sit in my KU library for ages!
I have also really been on an MMF and reverse harem kick in the last year or so, too, and this book filled both my MMF (yeah, swords cross, because we have some bi guys), and Connolly, and light paranormal needs. It’s not overwhelmingly paranormal which I really like, since that’s not really my jam. Connolly doesn’t go hard into things that way, as each is just an elemental magic wielding person so sometimes that comes out but it’s not the entire story.
Our three main characters (two of which we met in book one) have a history from back in high school. Cat was best friends with Rafael, until some incident that we learn later in the book. She later dated August, until he breaks up with her as he left for college. The boys were also attracted to each other and had a make out at a party once, before Cat and August started dating… before they left town. Now the boys are both home and things are getting very interesting, as both men really want to date Cat - and each other - and no one can decide what they should do!
I enjoyed it so much and definitely recommend this why choose ménage (so steamy), second chance, high school sweetheart and best friend, bi representation romance!
I have also really been on an MMF and reverse harem kick in the last year or so, too, and this book filled both my MMF (yeah, swords cross, because we have some bi guys), and Connolly, and light paranormal needs. It’s not overwhelmingly paranormal which I really like, since that’s not really my jam. Connolly doesn’t go hard into things that way, as each is just an elemental magic wielding person so sometimes that comes out but it’s not the entire story.
Our three main characters (two of which we met in book one) have a history from back in high school. Cat was best friends with Rafael, until some incident that we learn later in the book. She later dated August, until he breaks up with her as he left for college. The boys were also attracted to each other and had a make out at a party once, before Cat and August started dating… before they left town. Now the boys are both home and things are getting very interesting, as both men really want to date Cat - and each other - and no one can decide what they should do!
I enjoyed it so much and definitely recommend this why choose ménage (so steamy), second chance, high school sweetheart and best friend, bi representation romance!
September 21, 2023
Great story!
I loved the first book in this series, and I loved this 2nd book just as much. This book focuses on the youngest sister, Cat, who’s pyro magic is fueled by anger. And she is angry at her ex-best friend from high school even now 12 years later. Rafael, a water elemental, broke her heart and tore their friendship to shreds, and it still boils her – and now he is back in town. Also back in town is her ex-boyfriend, Aspen, who is an earth elemental. Aspen and Rafeal are both bi-sexual and both want Cat. Aspen has to try to figure out a way to get Cat to forgive Rafe so they can all be together – if Cat would be willing.
This was a great book! I loved reading it! Cant wait to see what happens next and with whom!
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the first book in this series, and I loved this 2nd book just as much. This book focuses on the youngest sister, Cat, who’s pyro magic is fueled by anger. And she is angry at her ex-best friend from high school even now 12 years later. Rafael, a water elemental, broke her heart and tore their friendship to shreds, and it still boils her – and now he is back in town. Also back in town is her ex-boyfriend, Aspen, who is an earth elemental. Aspen and Rafeal are both bi-sexual and both want Cat. Aspen has to try to figure out a way to get Cat to forgive Rafe so they can all be together – if Cat would be willing.
This was a great book! I loved reading it! Cant wait to see what happens next and with whom!
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2023
Wow!
Okay, this was hot. Really really hot.
Three fantastic MC, and a delicious build up to the HEA.
I love the world Lauren has created here, elemental magic isn't generally flashy or OTT, instead we have characters where their magic is very much just part of them and fits naturally in to the story. This is primarily a love story between our main characters ( with VERY spicy sex scenes) and explores the ties and friendship/romance that develops between them.
It's lovely seeing Quinn and August (Fire Magic and Ice Cream) showing up, and my personal favourite character so far,Harley. If you've read Lauren's first short story about elemental magic you'll love Terras cameo role as well!
Fantastic spicy romance 😀
Okay, this was hot. Really really hot.
Three fantastic MC, and a delicious build up to the HEA.
I love the world Lauren has created here, elemental magic isn't generally flashy or OTT, instead we have characters where their magic is very much just part of them and fits naturally in to the story. This is primarily a love story between our main characters ( with VERY spicy sex scenes) and explores the ties and friendship/romance that develops between them.
It's lovely seeing Quinn and August (Fire Magic and Ice Cream) showing up, and my personal favourite character so far,Harley. If you've read Lauren's first short story about elemental magic you'll love Terras cameo role as well!
Fantastic spicy romance 😀
October 7, 2023
This was so cute. And so angsty. It Combines the charm and warmth of best friends to lovers with the passion and spice of enemies to lovers. Cat, Aspen, and Rafael have known each other since they were very young, and never properly dealt with their feelings from that time. Coming back into contact with one another forces them to deal with their insecurities, anger, and jealousies. It pained me to see these three when they weren’t getting along, but when the stars aligned and they figured everything out, it was the most precious thing I’ve experienced in a while. Now, I can’t wait to see what this series brings us next, because there’s a couple of characters I desperately want to know more about.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
September 18, 2023
Can they get passed all the hurt?
Cat, Raphael and Aspen.
A really well written, enjoyable steamy ménage which followed three school friends whose bad decisions sent them all off on different paths in life.
Years later, with one man’s belief and quest to make a fantasy into what he hopes will be a happy three way relationship, he heads home to try and rebuild their fractured friendships.
This is a story filled with magic, hidden love, jealousy, lots of anger, misunderstandings and finally reconnection.
I loved this steamy, sexy and emotional story, a great read.
The characters had flaws but were also lovable and believable.
I received a copy of this story for my honest review.
Cat, Raphael and Aspen.
A really well written, enjoyable steamy ménage which followed three school friends whose bad decisions sent them all off on different paths in life.
Years later, with one man’s belief and quest to make a fantasy into what he hopes will be a happy three way relationship, he heads home to try and rebuild their fractured friendships.
This is a story filled with magic, hidden love, jealousy, lots of anger, misunderstandings and finally reconnection.
I loved this steamy, sexy and emotional story, a great read.
The characters had flaws but were also lovable and believable.
I received a copy of this story for my honest review.
September 19, 2023
This book was a refreshing read and I loved learning about how the magic worked for the elemental characters since it was so distinct to each one. The world was one I’d love to see expanded and explored especially with Sammy!
But as for our main characters Aspen, Cat, and RAF they each were lovable as they overcame their dividing issues to bring them together into one of the most adorable relationships I’ve read in a good while. I was so happily anticipating them being together and once they were it was worth the wait. I really enjoyed this journey they went on to find who they all belonged with.
But as for our main characters Aspen, Cat, and RAF they each were lovable as they overcame their dividing issues to bring them together into one of the most adorable relationships I’ve read in a good while. I was so happily anticipating them being together and once they were it was worth the wait. I really enjoyed this journey they went on to find who they all belonged with.
October 2, 2023
The fact that this is an enemies to lovers AND friends to lovers POLY open door romance story is AMAZING! I loved Cat and Aspen and Rafael on their own, but add them all together and it’s for sure relationship goals. There’s no way that any combination of these three in a couple would work. They all balance each other out perfectly and they’re all hot together.
This is the second in a series ad I cannot wait to go back and read the first and see what comes after.
The elemental aspect is so great. I’m not normally into fantasy, but this was done in a way that I really, really enjoyed.
I received an advanced reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the second in a series ad I cannot wait to go back and read the first and see what comes after.
The elemental aspect is so great. I’m not normally into fantasy, but this was done in a way that I really, really enjoyed.
I received an advanced reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2025
I love to see a throuple romance! While I reach for romance as "brain fluff" I still like to see representation and strong characters.
While this is still on the fluffy side, I thought it did a decent job at addressing some of the regular issues.
The characters are lovely, though with this short of a book and three main characters, it feels like they're all a little flat. The author did a great job within the word count. I just wish the book was a little longer.
Did I mention that I love this book comes with trigger warnings? I really appreciate that in a romance where, again, I want the fluff. Having a warning that there might be some things I'm not looking for is really helpful
While this is still on the fluffy side, I thought it did a decent job at addressing some of the regular issues.
The characters are lovely, though with this short of a book and three main characters, it feels like they're all a little flat. The author did a great job within the word count. I just wish the book was a little longer.
Did I mention that I love this book comes with trigger warnings? I really appreciate that in a romance where, again, I want the fluff. Having a warning that there might be some things I'm not looking for is really helpful
September 19, 2023
I love reading Lauren Connolly's books. This was a great story with real people problems and fun fantastical abilities. I think all these books allow you to test out relationships and situations that you might not identify as wanting but makes you understand people who do want them better. Our three main characters have a complicated past that has led them to be estranged adults back in their home town together. Running into each other again they have to face the things that separated them and see their relationship in a new light.
October 5, 2023
I enjoyed this unique, fun, and flirty story. It’s mostly contemporary with a paranormal flair. Sweet and sexy, with MF, MM, and MFM scenes. Seriously HOT (and not just because of Cat’s fire magic.) These characters definitely have some issues and insecurities they will need to work through if they want to be together, but it’s a fun ride to watch it come together. Not too serious or dramatic. This is the second book in the series, but it totally stands alone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2023
Hate to Love in a Combustible Romance
There’s some intense chemistry between Cat (fire), Aspen (earth) and Rafael (water) of them, along with some deep history and personal hang ups - can they make it work? I loved these characters and the rest of the secondary characters - such a great community story - plus the romance between Aspen, Cat and Rafael is red hot, emotional and just plain fun! This is my first book in this series and by Lauren Connelly, but I’m already on the hunt for book one and more!
There’s some intense chemistry between Cat (fire), Aspen (earth) and Rafael (water) of them, along with some deep history and personal hang ups - can they make it work? I loved these characters and the rest of the secondary characters - such a great community story - plus the romance between Aspen, Cat and Rafael is red hot, emotional and just plain fun! This is my first book in this series and by Lauren Connelly, but I’m already on the hunt for book one and more!
June 9, 2024
This was cute--and of course, pretty darn hot too ;)
I enjoyed the characters, and liked how seeing the past and present from their POVs helped us to understand their motivations. The worldbuilding was interesting, though constantly referring to people as "petal pushers," "pyros," "air heads," and "squids" was a little odd and I had to keep reminding myself it wasn't an insult. Still, I'd absolutely read more from this author--especially Sammy's book. Sammy's getting a book, right? :)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I enjoyed the characters, and liked how seeing the past and present from their POVs helped us to understand their motivations. The worldbuilding was interesting, though constantly referring to people as "petal pushers," "pyros," "air heads," and "squids" was a little odd and I had to keep reminding myself it wasn't an insult. Still, I'd absolutely read more from this author--especially Sammy's book. Sammy's getting a book, right? :)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 19, 2023
Great book!
I'm not usually a why choose fan. But I am a lauren Connolly fan, and I love the first book in the series, so I figured I'd give it a try. It was a great book. Very well done. I love the struggles and growth all three main characters make in the story. Even if you aren't necessarily a why choose fan, I urge you to read this book because it's that good. Can't wait to see what the next book in the series is.
I'm not usually a why choose fan. But I am a lauren Connolly fan, and I love the first book in the series, so I figured I'd give it a try. It was a great book. Very well done. I love the struggles and growth all three main characters make in the story. Even if you aren't necessarily a why choose fan, I urge you to read this book because it's that good. Can't wait to see what the next book in the series is.
September 20, 2023
This is the second book in the Casual Magic series. During their youth in high school Cat, Rafe and Aspen were in love with each other at different times and it took a bad turn. Years later they end up back in their old home town. Aspen wants them all to be together and love each other. Are they going to be able to get over being hurt? You’ll have to read this book to find out. It’s a cute story with spice.
September 25, 2023
This was a fun, easy read. Cat finds herself face to face with the two guys who meant the most to her in the past. One she still loves and one she hates - but you know she also loves.
The way everyone's powers would go haywire when they were together - all for different reasons - made me laugh.
I liked seeing Quinn and August again, from book 1. The characters in this series are such fun.
I enjoyed this story! Magic, drama, romance - what's not to like?
The way everyone's powers would go haywire when they were together - all for different reasons - made me laugh.
I liked seeing Quinn and August again, from book 1. The characters in this series are such fun.
I enjoyed this story! Magic, drama, romance - what's not to like?
January 24, 2024
Overall: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 5/5🌶️
HEA: 5/5💜
Why I loved: So much goodness all in one book! The relationships crumbling and then rebuilding. The magic of the elements. The kisses and spice. I loved this book. I’ve already recommended it to several friends. I also LOVE the small details that the author put in - the cactus on each start of chapter - I died when I realized what it was. I hope there will be more Casual Magic stories!!
Spice: 5/5🌶️
HEA: 5/5💜
Why I loved: So much goodness all in one book! The relationships crumbling and then rebuilding. The magic of the elements. The kisses and spice. I loved this book. I’ve already recommended it to several friends. I also LOVE the small details that the author put in - the cactus on each start of chapter - I died when I realized what it was. I hope there will be more Casual Magic stories!!
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