Spellbound : A Diverse Paranormal Romance

by C.L. Donley

What happens when you finally meet the girl you've been dreaming about your entire life?

For pro football player Colin Schaeffer, the answer is as easy as his entire life has been. Since childhood, Colin Schaeffer has been destined for greatness. Descended from a line of football stars, Colin was born to play the game. And despite the tragic death of his mother and his subsequent picture-perfect family, everything in life had gone pretty much according to plan. There was only one thing that stumped him, and that was the dreams he had of a mystery girl, one that he assumed was a part of his future. He never told anyone of these supernatural premonitions he'd had since childhood. It was the only supernatural thing about his life. At least, that's what he thought until he one day lays eyes on the mystery girl right before football season. With the help of his best friend and teammate Matt Myers, Colin decides the best course of action is to engage with the mysterious woman and find out exactly what she knows-- if anything. As it turns out, Kaya knows much more than Colin can even begin to imagine. Now that she's here, can she finally become a permanent part of Colin's life? Or will he find out that he's only destined to lose her?

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2023

About the author

C.L. Donley is a future New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of multicultural and interracial romance, who believes romance novels that are impossible to put down are the only kind that should exist! Armed with a B.A. in English and M.A. in Writing, she is new to the romance game, having written her first novel, Amara's Calling, after discovering the romance genre in September 2017. Donley writes in a style she calls "romantic realism" that is sophisticated yet simple, grounded yet unaplogetically escapist, and character-driven rather than plot-driven. This style creates a unique, modern reading experience ideal for book club discussions, personal epiphanies, satisfying re-reads, and the occasional spiraling reviewer! Love it or hate it, fans and critics alike can't deny her talent, and always find themselves coming back for more!

Reviews

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had an interesting premise but the execution fell that for me.

Our h gets her HEA but not with the H we’ve spent 80% of the book with!! Around 70% I started seeing signs that this wasn’t going to go the way I expected.


This missed the mark for me but maybe you’ll feel differently.

[Kolby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read. I didn't really understand why the MCs loved each other, but meh. It was whiplash when the time jumps occurred. I wasn't sure what universe I was in, so those transitions were jarring. Also, first time in a long time that I didn't like the ending. I know it's meant to be paranormal, but it was definitely more sci-fi to me.

[Lesley]

DNF at 40%

I struggle with 3rd person writing so much and I just couldn’t get into the storyline. I thought Colin wasn’t a very interesting character and I just couldn’t do it. Maybe I’ll come back to this book in the future.

[Dyjonnay Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read!

I definitely almost didn’t read the story, and I definitely would have regretted it this book with something different, very unique, and in a good way. It definitely gave me the feels. I would have liked to see them more together at the end is an actual couple thriving longer. Also, curious about his family in this life they live now. My heart broke for the FMC I really wish the MC would have just taken her advice from the beginning in not lean more into his past, but then it will probably be a different story. Definitely didn’t like Matt in any part of the story. but it was a good read.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I really enjoyed this story, and the characters were very entertaining. The storyline holds your attention, and you want to keep reading to see what is happening next. I loved the chemistry between Colin and Kaya, which was very intense and smoking hot 🔥. The way it ended makes you think there is more on the way.

[Tijuanna Ruffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different but Good

This was a different kinda story, but was surprisingly good. The paranormal can sometimes be too much, but this was just right because it held my interest and had my feelings all over the place. Colin and Yara's love was so strong that their connection followed them through different universes. Definitely a worthy read.

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 Must read

I honestly have never read a book that kept me so enthralled, I keep coming back to read this book. “The Butterfly effect” (2004) is one of my favorite movies ever and this book really gives those feeling of watching it for the first time every time I reread this book.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

different but interesting story

This was an enjoyable read and held my interest. I would definitely recommend if looking for a different kind of love story. Gave it four points because of the typos . Kudos to the author

[Nadineevans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from C.L. Conley

I thouroughly enjoyed this love story. What a beautiful twist on this genre. Our hero and heroine are both down to earth and the happy ending left me smiling. I highly recommend this story

[Tarsha Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate

Ever felt as you been somewhere or met someone and the scenario seems more or less as you have been there done that before? Meant to learn or be in that person life or learn from them.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic

It was perfect. There’s nothing else to say. It was perfect and I loved every second of that. I hope y’all will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great from beginning to end

I absolutely loved all the twist and turns this book took me through. Almost didn’t want it to end and I would love a follow up with this couple

[Tressa Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I love all the books by this author she really has way to make you feel from sadness to happiness definitely worth reading her books

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

the girls who love angst will get it
Chefs kiss

[Thona · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A STORY

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

eh

The plot was great, but the execution not so much. I didn’t really like it unfortunately. My actual rating is 2.5.

[ZLB · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.L. Donley's "Spellbound" is a diverse paranormal romance that weaves a tale of love, mystery, and magic. The novel combines engaging elements with a few hiccups along the way.

Slow Start:
At the outset, the story may drag a bit in places, especially in its initial chapters. We get a first look at our male lead, Colin, a somewhat famous NFL quarterback who seems stuck in one place - with his career and love life. Unable to move on. However, patience proves rewarding as the narrative evolves.

A Tale of Two Personalities:
The book excels in presenting two distinct personalities within Colin. In the first universe, we see a broken Colin; in the second, it's a total opposite. And this duality adds depth and intrigue to the character, making him all the more fascinating to read.

Supernatural vs. Sci-Fi:
Although the supernatural theme is central to the story, the narrative could have been improved by taking a more science-fiction approach instead of focusing solely on witchcraft. This could have added a unique twist to the tale. Additionally, the author could have convinced me of the validity of witchcraft if there was more explanation and content. Therefore, a science fiction approach would have been more suitable as it would have provided a more familiar setting and feel.

Well-Constructed Story Flow:
The story showcases an impressive level of craftsmanship in its narrative structure. The author seamlessly weaves together two distinct universes, each with its own unique tone and atmosphere. The delicate balance between these worlds is skillfully maintained throughout the story, resulting in a thoroughly engaging read. All in all, "Spellbound" is a prime example of how masterful storytelling can transport readers to other worlds and leave them in awe.

Engaging and Emotionally Charged:
Although I usually prefer books written in first-person, I found the story to be complete and compelling despite its third-person perspective and primary focus on the male lead. The emotions of the characters drew me in, and I experienced their feelings in a deeply resounding manner.

Realism in Intimacy:
The intimate scenes are refreshingly realistic, reflecting the natural flow of emotions and conversation during such moments, particularly between Colin and Kaya. In such situations, two people do not have long paragraphs of conversation right in the middle of intimacy and thankfully, the author avoided this and just got right into it. Yes... no... are enough