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Where the Wild Things Grow #2
Spells in the Summertime
Forest trails, cactus flails, and little skunk tails, that's where I get my magic...
"Surprise, you're a witch." That's not exactly what I expected when I inherited a cozy little cottage in the woods. Nor to have a cactus as my new door guard or a skunk as my familiar! Still, this whole magic thing is growing on me.
The pair of hot boyfriends certainly helps make it easier to accept the insanity. But after dealing a serious blow to the coven of wixen who planned to enslave me, I'm kinda screwed. I may have won that battle, but I learned I do not know enough to stop the upcoming war - and a skunk can only teach me so much.
What I need is a little help here! Yet when it's offered by the bad boy of the coven, I'm not sure I can trust it. Never mind that he's my boyfriend's ex! Things are starting to get complicated, and I still can't find the lost wild things. If those die, magic will be lost forever!
How can I save them if I don't even know where they're being held? Worse, how can I do this? I still don't know what I'm doing! Or maybe I should just let magic die? That might be the only way to end this once and for all.
If you like found families, swoony romance, and paranormal problems, then you'll love this captivating tale. Spells In The Summertime is the second book in the Where The Wild Things Grow series, set in the larger Moonlight Universe. There are some situations in this book that may be triggering for some readers. Please check the front of the book via the "Look Inside" option for the 'Potential Sensitive Content' page for further details.
Suggested Reading for the Moonlight
"Surprise, you're a witch." That's not exactly what I expected when I inherited a cozy little cottage in the woods. Nor to have a cactus as my new door guard or a skunk as my familiar! Still, this whole magic thing is growing on me.
The pair of hot boyfriends certainly helps make it easier to accept the insanity. But after dealing a serious blow to the coven of wixen who planned to enslave me, I'm kinda screwed. I may have won that battle, but I learned I do not know enough to stop the upcoming war - and a skunk can only teach me so much.
What I need is a little help here! Yet when it's offered by the bad boy of the coven, I'm not sure I can trust it. Never mind that he's my boyfriend's ex! Things are starting to get complicated, and I still can't find the lost wild things. If those die, magic will be lost forever!
How can I save them if I don't even know where they're being held? Worse, how can I do this? I still don't know what I'm doing! Or maybe I should just let magic die? That might be the only way to end this once and for all.
If you like found families, swoony romance, and paranormal problems, then you'll love this captivating tale. Spells In The Summertime is the second book in the Where The Wild Things Grow series, set in the larger Moonlight Universe. There are some situations in this book that may be triggering for some readers. Please check the front of the book via the "Look Inside" option for the 'Potential Sensitive Content' page for further details.
Suggested Reading for the Moonlight
572 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2023
186 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 6, 2023
Lost the story
I really tried to finish this because I like the storyline, but I just couldn't take the repetitive dialogue of everybody checking in with everybody to make sure they're "okay". The author was beating a dead horse to the point where the story was completely buried behind all the unnecessary dialogue. We get they're trying something new, and they all want to make sure they're not stepping on any toes, but after it was explained once... Maybe even twice.. get back to the story please!
I really tried to finish this because I like the storyline, but I just couldn't take the repetitive dialogue of everybody checking in with everybody to make sure they're "okay". The author was beating a dead horse to the point where the story was completely buried behind all the unnecessary dialogue. We get they're trying something new, and they all want to make sure they're not stepping on any toes, but after it was explained once... Maybe even twice.. get back to the story please!
December 4, 2023
good but had a lot of fluff
This book was pretty slow for me and felt like there was a lot of fluff. It was a lot of mundane things happening. Resting, cleaning, making new friends for about the first 40% of the book. The first book was full of uncovering secrets, yet this book Syl decided to just let it all out to anyone who would listen. I loved the supporting characters, especially the development of the familiars. There was a lot of training and transitioning a supporting character to a main character. Zane was a nice addition to the bunch though. He brought a bad boy element to the otherwise good group. We finally got some real action at 90%. I love that Syl is still trying to figure it out. I hate when characters know how to do something after essentially no time.
Auryn will always make sure to be inclusive of the lgbtqa community and I love that. Actually, she’s inclusive of everyone. The FMC is a black woman. “Why” was used in abundance.
This book was pretty slow for me and felt like there was a lot of fluff. It was a lot of mundane things happening. Resting, cleaning, making new friends for about the first 40% of the book. The first book was full of uncovering secrets, yet this book Syl decided to just let it all out to anyone who would listen. I loved the supporting characters, especially the development of the familiars. There was a lot of training and transitioning a supporting character to a main character. Zane was a nice addition to the bunch though. He brought a bad boy element to the otherwise good group. We finally got some real action at 90%. I love that Syl is still trying to figure it out. I hate when characters know how to do something after essentially no time.
Auryn will always make sure to be inclusive of the lgbtqa community and I love that. Actually, she’s inclusive of everyone. The FMC is a black woman. “Why” was used in abundance.
October 19, 2023
Solid story but feels too familiar
This was an interesting follow up to book one and now that I’m aware that Hadley has a spin off planned set in the same world, I’m mildly curious about the other supernaturals that live outside Summerpoint.
Again the story was solid, but Hadley really needs to start deviating from her polyamorous couple playbook. The things discussed are all arguments/impassioned speeches I’ve read in every single one of her series that featured a polyamorous square of sorts, think Dark Orchid, wrath of the gods and the one that featured demons and evil angels.
It’s like beating a dead horse at this point. Which makes this entire story oddly predictable.
This was an interesting follow up to book one and now that I’m aware that Hadley has a spin off planned set in the same world, I’m mildly curious about the other supernaturals that live outside Summerpoint.
Again the story was solid, but Hadley really needs to start deviating from her polyamorous couple playbook. The things discussed are all arguments/impassioned speeches I’ve read in every single one of her series that featured a polyamorous square of sorts, think Dark Orchid, wrath of the gods and the one that featured demons and evil angels.
It’s like beating a dead horse at this point. Which makes this entire story oddly predictable.
March 19, 2025
DNF at 42%….
These books have potential but they are so slow paced and repetitive that I’m bored so I’m stopping here and at this time, don’t plan to come back to them.
These books have potential but they are so slow paced and repetitive that I’m bored so I’m stopping here and at this time, don’t plan to come back to them.
February 8, 2025
Just another insane story. The pair of hot boyfriends certainly helps make it easier to accept the insanity. It’s amazing, complex characters she creates have me coming back time after time.
Never trust a coven of wixen!
Never trust a coven of wixen!
September 16, 2024
As much as I love the characters and the world, this book was super repetitive and dragged on with the inclusive dialogue. All the main action was near the end. I understand teaching the reader about all the different types of people out there, but I felt like it was trying too hard. I plan on finishing the last book to see how the polyamorous group and HEA end up, but I'm not too enamored about the dialogue now...
Romance:
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Ratings - completed series:
#1 Magic in the Moonlight: ★★★★☆
#2 Spells in the Summertime (this book): ★★★☆☆
#3 Witchcraft in the Woods: ★★★☆☆
Romance:
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Ratings - completed series:
#1 Magic in the Moonlight: ★★★★☆
#2 Spells in the Summertime (this book): ★★★☆☆
#3 Witchcraft in the Woods: ★★★☆☆
March 14, 2024
Really disappointed in the repetitive dialogue. I'm completely dumbfounded how this is the same author who wrote some of my favorite book series. If all the extra "fluff" was removed from the book than there might be an intriguing story line. Sadly, I'm waving the white flag and giving up on reading the next book.
October 18, 2025
Just as exciting as the first one, I loved it. It’s been a while since I read this series last and while I remember parts of the story, a lot of the details have slipped my attention since. I enjoyed the story and the characters are great. I can’t wait to start the next book. Still 5 stars, still a favourite and still on my list of books to re-read.
September 27, 2023
This book was so good and absorbing, it made me dream about it the night after I had finished it.
I just love love love this world. It's so detailed, whimsical and wholesome, it makes me want to live in it. As always with Auryn's books, I really like the found family vibes (though not the founding families' vibes 🤣) and that this found family is now going beyond Syl, Reese and Jackson.
One thing I noted was with how much care the nonbinary side character in this series was introduced and handled in general. It felt very thoughtful, but also realistic at the same time. I like how the character's stance on their own pronouns and labels opened up a way to insert realistic small situations that deal with their loved ones adjusting to the change, without it leaving any bad aftertaste. I also really like the (platonic?) partnership that's brewing there and am excited to see how that evolves in the next book.
I really enjoyed how the skunklets grew up in this book and acted almost as an early hint towards how the story of the book would progress. I'm excited to see how they will play a role in the next book.
I just love love love this world. It's so detailed, whimsical and wholesome, it makes me want to live in it. As always with Auryn's books, I really like the found family vibes (though not the founding families' vibes 🤣) and that this found family is now going beyond Syl, Reese and Jackson.
One thing I noted was with how much care the nonbinary side character in this series was introduced and handled in general. It felt very thoughtful, but also realistic at the same time. I like how the character's stance on their own pronouns and labels opened up a way to insert realistic small situations that deal with their loved ones adjusting to the change, without it leaving any bad aftertaste. I also really like the (platonic?) partnership that's brewing there and am excited to see how that evolves in the next book.
I really enjoyed how the skunklets grew up in this book and acted almost as an early hint towards how the story of the book would progress. I'm excited to see how they will play a role in the next book.
July 15, 2024
Harbinger
Sylvia has her cottage in the woods. She has Reese and Jackson. She has Lupe, her familiar, the advice of a Wild Thing, and is making friends with the townsfolk. Everything should be perfect. Except for the dark cloud on the horizon: the coven. The evil coven that has Zane bound to it and wants to either drain her dry or kill her. She doesn't like either option. So, to start tipping the scales in her coven's favor they have to release the Wild Things the evil coven is using like batteries. Should be stupid simple, right? Ha!
Spoilers ahead.
This was a good sequel. No lag, none of the usual 2nd book flop. I love that Syl doesn't stop asking questions. She wants to learn. She doesn't become some superpower that can instantly solve everything. She works for it. And so do the guys. Their relationship doesn't become complacent or background. They also continue to work at it. Nothing ever just becomes background noise. I still have questions about Margie's involvement with Kingsley but maybe that gets answered in book 3? Because even loneliness isn't going to allow that kind of forgiveness.
Sylvia has her cottage in the woods. She has Reese and Jackson. She has Lupe, her familiar, the advice of a Wild Thing, and is making friends with the townsfolk. Everything should be perfect. Except for the dark cloud on the horizon: the coven. The evil coven that has Zane bound to it and wants to either drain her dry or kill her. She doesn't like either option. So, to start tipping the scales in her coven's favor they have to release the Wild Things the evil coven is using like batteries. Should be stupid simple, right? Ha!
Spoilers ahead.
This was a good sequel. No lag, none of the usual 2nd book flop. I love that Syl doesn't stop asking questions. She wants to learn. She doesn't become some superpower that can instantly solve everything. She works for it. And so do the guys. Their relationship doesn't become complacent or background. They also continue to work at it. Nothing ever just becomes background noise. I still have questions about Margie's involvement with Kingsley but maybe that gets answered in book 3? Because even loneliness isn't going to allow that kind of forgiveness.
Read
December 15, 2023Clearly it is a slow-build harem coz the 1st book was more of ménage, seems we now know who the 3rd guy will be though it was not the focus of the book…..like at all. The relationship (s) kinda took a backseat IMO with this book, fighting the Grimson coven was the focus plus other things I won’t mention coz…..no spoilers here.
The skunks, man, the skunks are probably the best part about this whole series.
Lots of action, an epic battle, fearless secondary characters and a lovable forest (kinda reminds of The Others series by Anne Bishop)
This is tagged as a feel good series and the 1st book definitely fell in that category but this one was “not-feel good” it has angst like Kitty Cox angst from Shades of Trouble and way less explicit scenes for a Hadley book 😳which was totally okay for me anyways. A review I read said that the story felt similar like an over-used plot wonder what she meant coz the bi-awakening happened way before in the storyline so we never saw that happening or was it a new woman coming to a small town and being the catalyst for change??
The skunks, man, the skunks are probably the best part about this whole series.
Lots of action, an epic battle, fearless secondary characters and a lovable forest (kinda reminds of The Others series by Anne Bishop)
This is tagged as a feel good series and the 1st book definitely fell in that category but this one was “not-feel good” it has angst like Kitty Cox angst from Shades of Trouble and way less explicit scenes for a Hadley book 😳which was totally okay for me anyways. A review I read said that the story felt similar like an over-used plot wonder what she meant coz the bi-awakening happened way before in the storyline so we never saw that happening or was it a new woman coming to a small town and being the catalyst for change??
November 28, 2023
Magical series
There are some things you just expect from this author, which is why I keep reading:
* Found families
* Acceptance of gender and desire differences
* Fairly bad@$$ female leads
* Multiple beautiful men with not a man card in sight.
This series also adds in a healthy dose of forest magic, which is my favorite part of it all.
An example of the writing:
"I didn't feel small. I felt like a curvy girl, like I could probably stand to lose a few pounds, eat less of my creations, and all of that.
But when Reese said that, he made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. It didn't matter that my skin was dark against his. It didn't matter that my hair had all these rules to it. It didn't even matter what number was printed on the inside of my jeans. When I was with him - or Jackson - I felt like a goddess."
There are some things you just expect from this author, which is why I keep reading:
* Found families
* Acceptance of gender and desire differences
* Fairly bad@$$ female leads
* Multiple beautiful men with not a man card in sight.
This series also adds in a healthy dose of forest magic, which is my favorite part of it all.
An example of the writing:
"I didn't feel small. I felt like a curvy girl, like I could probably stand to lose a few pounds, eat less of my creations, and all of that.
But when Reese said that, he made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. It didn't matter that my skin was dark against his. It didn't matter that my hair had all these rules to it. It didn't even matter what number was printed on the inside of my jeans. When I was with him - or Jackson - I felt like a goddess."
October 6, 2023
fantastic 2nd book!!
I adore everything Auryn Hadley writes and this book is right up at the top! It consistently makes me smile when I read it.
It has talking trees, a skunk familiar and a spunky cactus along with fantastic main characters and wonderful side characters. I love the found family that is created here and it keeps growing which is amazing.
This story continues immediately after the first ended so we see the aftermath of the battle and how everyone recovers.
I love the romance and relationship here there is so much love and open communication. The way they all work together is incredible to watch.
I can’t recommend this series enough and I can’t wait for the next book!!
I adore everything Auryn Hadley writes and this book is right up at the top! It consistently makes me smile when I read it.
It has talking trees, a skunk familiar and a spunky cactus along with fantastic main characters and wonderful side characters. I love the found family that is created here and it keeps growing which is amazing.
This story continues immediately after the first ended so we see the aftermath of the battle and how everyone recovers.
I love the romance and relationship here there is so much love and open communication. The way they all work together is incredible to watch.
I can’t recommend this series enough and I can’t wait for the next book!!
October 9, 2023
Loved it!
I fell in love with book 1, the skunks, wild thing, the poly relationship between Sylvia, Jackson and Reese. I was very excited when I saw the series was continuing. Book 2 was everything I had hoped for and more. Zane' s introduction into the storyline was fabulous and I'll call him a hero. I love the ending of this book, plus the journey to get the ending I hoped for. I am excited for book 3. This series is endearing to the idea of being a nature witch, communicating with the forest, trees vines and her house plant/cactus Lupe plus the family of skunks. I enjoyed the goodness of friends and lovers, and doing the right and good thing to end the evil witch coven. I just love this series.
I fell in love with book 1, the skunks, wild thing, the poly relationship between Sylvia, Jackson and Reese. I was very excited when I saw the series was continuing. Book 2 was everything I had hoped for and more. Zane' s introduction into the storyline was fabulous and I'll call him a hero. I love the ending of this book, plus the journey to get the ending I hoped for. I am excited for book 3. This series is endearing to the idea of being a nature witch, communicating with the forest, trees vines and her house plant/cactus Lupe plus the family of skunks. I enjoyed the goodness of friends and lovers, and doing the right and good thing to end the evil witch coven. I just love this series.
January 16, 2024
In the aftermath of Sylvia’s confrontation with the founding families (aka the coven), we find her desperate to learn more about magic before the coven can regroup. If only there was someone to help who didn’t also want to control her magic.
While I’m still very much enjoying this story, I find I’m skimming through the numerous minute descriptions and the repetition of conversations that took place with other characters. Overall, there’s plenty of drama & angst, some humour, and action along with several explicit sexual encounters including MM, MF and MFM.
I’m looking forward to the conclusion of this polyamorous, paranormal tale especially after Zane’s actions at the end of this installment.
While I’m still very much enjoying this story, I find I’m skimming through the numerous minute descriptions and the repetition of conversations that took place with other characters. Overall, there’s plenty of drama & angst, some humour, and action along with several explicit sexual encounters including MM, MF and MFM.
I’m looking forward to the conclusion of this polyamorous, paranormal tale especially after Zane’s actions at the end of this installment.
October 24, 2023
So I love the series, but at the same time, there are parts that are a struggle. Literally yank me out of the story and have me rolling my eyes. This series is spending way to much time preaching and telling readers how to think and act.
What I don't understand is her Bioluminescent series was pulled, because she felt it linked to much with the pandemic. Yet, has no problems shoving politics down our throats.
I love Auryn and all her books, it speaks volumes that even with this issue I am still rating 4 stars and hooked on the series. But it has the potential to be so much more.
What I don't understand is her Bioluminescent series was pulled, because she felt it linked to much with the pandemic. Yet, has no problems shoving politics down our throats.
I love Auryn and all her books, it speaks volumes that even with this issue I am still rating 4 stars and hooked on the series. But it has the potential to be so much more.
October 25, 2023
Spells in the Summer Time, the second book of the Where the Wild Things Grow series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). It's been a year since I read book one, Magic in the Moonlight, yet it was effortless to pick up the plot and characters as the story was so memorable and the characters well-drawn...gotta love the skunks, and the helpful (or hindering) foliage, oh, and the hunk contractors, Reese and Jackson. And, let's not forget about Zane. Okay, in retrospect, there's everything to like in this series. One of my top 3 series by this author.
September 15, 2025
It’s almost like it was written by a different author. It was basically just hours and hours of railroading a character into the mix. The starting scene was pretty cringe worthy, the buildup to and the actual party were even more cringy…it just didn’t have the feel or “magic” of the first book (please excuse the pun).
Really hope the third book picks back up, but this book made the characters/situation such a hodgepodge mess that I’m worried about it. For now, I almost wish I had stopped at the end of book 1…
Really hope the third book picks back up, but this book made the characters/situation such a hodgepodge mess that I’m worried about it. For now, I almost wish I had stopped at the end of book 1…
January 30, 2024
well thought out
great story. they are all a little too well adjusted which felt like too much. you want a perfect relationship with all the green flags? this book has it. thank goodness, zane the imperfect character came to shake things up or else all the perfection would’ve made things too… unbelievable…? even though this is a fantasy… i thoroughly enjoyed the planning and excitement of this book.
great story. they are all a little too well adjusted which felt like too much. you want a perfect relationship with all the green flags? this book has it. thank goodness, zane the imperfect character came to shake things up or else all the perfection would’ve made things too… unbelievable…? even though this is a fantasy… i thoroughly enjoyed the planning and excitement of this book.
March 22, 2024
I enjoyed it
The reason for one less star would be Zane. I wasn't really sure of him throughout the book. It always felt like he had the wrong motivations for doing whatever he was doing, then he kind of redeemed himself (or tried to) by being all self sacrificing. I don't know, I just thought he was a bit too much overdramatic..... But, other than that I loved all the other characters especially all the familiars 😄 (yes, I am including the guys too).
The reason for one less star would be Zane. I wasn't really sure of him throughout the book. It always felt like he had the wrong motivations for doing whatever he was doing, then he kind of redeemed himself (or tried to) by being all self sacrificing. I don't know, I just thought he was a bit too much overdramatic..... But, other than that I loved all the other characters especially all the familiars 😄 (yes, I am including the guys too).
December 31, 2024
I love this books exploration of all aspects of polyarmory. I love that gender identity is also brought up, and no one is judged. Although all the other drama of getting the Wild Things free had me bitting my nail, especially when they got trapped in the basement. The adorable skinks have claims their favorite person. There is so much to say on that, but gonna not spoil it. If you are thinking just how much could go wrong, it happens, and my heart nearly died once or twice.
October 11, 2023
Great storytelling
Really relatable FMC. Sweet supporting characters, including, or especially, the non-human ones. Auryn Hadley is a master storyteller, weaving the realistic with the fantastical. Throw in some love and spice, and you have the recipe for a truly enjoyable read.
Really relatable FMC. Sweet supporting characters, including, or especially, the non-human ones. Auryn Hadley is a master storyteller, weaving the realistic with the fantastical. Throw in some love and spice, and you have the recipe for a truly enjoyable read.
November 1, 2023
loved this book
I am absolutely loving this series. Being polyamorous, it is rare to see healthy relationships in romance books, and it is great and so very lovely to see it here. I’m in love with the magic and world building too. Everything comes together to make an enthralling book, and series.
I am absolutely loving this series. Being polyamorous, it is rare to see healthy relationships in romance books, and it is great and so very lovely to see it here. I’m in love with the magic and world building too. Everything comes together to make an enthralling book, and series.
October 11, 2023
Auryn doing her thing - well done
I really enjoy reading books written by Auryn. So far this series is keeping up with her usual quality. I much prefer her books to those written with Kitty - and those are good reading too.
I really enjoy reading books written by Auryn. So far this series is keeping up with her usual quality. I much prefer her books to those written with Kitty - and those are good reading too.
October 13, 2023
Amazing
I have been in such a book slump, and I haven’t really been in a reading mood. Does Auryn care? No. She just releases a book, and I must read it immediately. 🤣
It was awesome, and I’m so glad we get a new piece of eye candy in our gang! I love this coven that is being built, and I can’t wait to see those friendships flourish!
I can’t wait for the next one!
I have been in such a book slump, and I haven’t really been in a reading mood. Does Auryn care? No. She just releases a book, and I must read it immediately. 🤣
It was awesome, and I’m so glad we get a new piece of eye candy in our gang! I love this coven that is being built, and I can’t wait to see those friendships flourish!
I can’t wait for the next one!
November 5, 2023
So good!
I really loved this book. The first was sweet and charming but this was all that and exciting too. The way everyone has developed and the group keeps growing. I have truly enjoyed this series!
I really loved this book. The first was sweet and charming but this was all that and exciting too. The way everyone has developed and the group keeps growing. I have truly enjoyed this series!
November 16, 2023
Absolutely amazing
I can categorically say that this series is one of the best I've read in a long time, sometimes I just need the good guys to win more times than they lose throughout the different books, and this series does just that and more, it's an absolutely amazing read.
I can categorically say that this series is one of the best I've read in a long time, sometimes I just need the good guys to win more times than they lose throughout the different books, and this series does just that and more, it's an absolutely amazing read.
November 26, 2023
amazing book 2
Just like The First, the second book left me wanting more. Amazing character building and storytelling, Auryn weaves words effortlessly. I can’t wait for book 3. It’s going to be a long six days.
Just like The First, the second book left me wanting more. Amazing character building and storytelling, Auryn weaves words effortlessly. I can’t wait for book 3. It’s going to be a long six days.
December 13, 2023
If it were 100 pages shorter …
It would have been a much better,faster paced movie. Was it just me? This book seemed to drag at times. And this is my very first Auryn Hadley book I’ve ever rated less than five stars, so yeah.
It would have been a much better,faster paced movie. Was it just me? This book seemed to drag at times. And this is my very first Auryn Hadley book I’ve ever rated less than five stars, so yeah.
December 26, 2023
The Harkness
Ooooh how exciting and great and refreshing and utterly new and still magic
What can I say
Auryn Hadley magic at its best
No time to twiddle no time to lose
Got to go read another amazing book
Absolutely most definitely without any doubt Highly recommended
Ooooh how exciting and great and refreshing and utterly new and still magic
What can I say
Auryn Hadley magic at its best
No time to twiddle no time to lose
Got to go read another amazing book
Absolutely most definitely without any doubt Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews