Fresh Old Bounties

Good Bad Magic #3

by Isa Medina

Bad magic and good witches don’t mix, but I make it work.

Spellbooks are a witch’s best friend, especially when they’re passed down from your beloved dead Grandma. So, when an anonymous caller is interested in buying mine, my answer is nope, not ever, go away.

Problem is, they won’t take no for an answer. With suspicious newcomers in town and the increasing odds someone thinks my spellbook is full of dark magic, I find myself with no shortage of motives or suspects.

Good thing I’m dating Ian, the world’s sexiest paranormal problems expert.

Bad thing said world’s sexiest paranormal problems expert thrives on secrets. When part of his bounty hunter past suddenly rears its ugly head, the question is: are both things unrelated, or, as Grandma used to say, have old bounties come back to bite us in our proverbial peaches?

Join Hope in her quest to have the best witch shop in the Urban Fantasy world of Good Bad Magic, featuring witches, shifters, demons, one sexy bounty hunter, and all kinds of magical creatures. Full of humor, banter, plenty of heart, and a slow-burn romance.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Romance, Contemporary, Witches

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2024

About the author

Isa Medina loves writing and reading Urban Fantasy books, playing MMORPGs, and scouring the Internet for pet pictures and beautiful art.

As a child, she was first introduced to the world of Fantasy through Dragonlance and she has never looked back. She also has a soft spot for Gothics and treasures all her old Victorian Holt paperbacks. If it has Fae, ghosts, vampires, demons, mythical creatures, or magic in it, she's all in.

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5.0

*Disclaimer* This rating is purely a personal preference issue.

So here’s my problem with “humorous” books… it is VERY hard to keep one laughing and enjoying the schtick while still creating an actual story that has depth and is interesting. Once in a while it works beautifully, sometimes it kinda works, often it just doesn’t. This story - for me - is in the last category. It is all fluff with no feel. Along with the dippy antics, I wanted at least a little meat in this story darn it!! Things can only float along that silly surface for so long until I start clambering for something underneath.

Still, I agree there are times one just wants a completely brainless romp to pass an evening. If so, this one is perfect.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Bad Magic is a fun and light cozy fantasy series with a sunshine witch and her grumpy bounty hunter (who also happens to be a shifter), speckled with the occasional mystery. It's infused with Medina's usual humour, and I cannot wait for the next book. Highly recommended to all fans of the genre!

[Traci Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still lots of fun!

Hope wasn’t her normal bubbly self in parts of this book - for good reason! - but the book was still lots of fun and made me want the next one immediately!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Avery's most beloved possession is her dead Grandma's spellbook. So when she gets an anonymous call from someone who wants to buy it, she of course says no. But when the caller doesn't give up Hope realises that he thinks the book contains dark magic. Now Hope has to clear her Grandma's name, because she certainly was no dark witch!

It's lovely to spend time with Hope, Ian, Dru and the others again! Not to mention the dogs, Fluffy and Rufus! This series is like a mix of paranormal fantasy and cosy mystery - with a hint of romance. Hope and Ian have begun dating, but they’re taking it slow. The chemistry is definitely there, and their dialogues are usually funny, because of their different personalities (grumpy/sunshine). Quite a lot of mysterious things happen in this story, almost to the extent that I'm having trouble keeping up. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series!

* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone wants the spell book of Hope’s grandmother and she has no idea why. Then add in something from Ian’s background and we have a mystery.
While trying to figure out what went wrong, help Dru figure out what her ex is doing as well as getting ready for Halloween, this book is full of things happening.
There are some twists and turns, surprises and ah ah moments mixed in. There is also humour, some romance (slow), interesting characters, wonderful dogs. All in a quick, easy fun read.
And of course it ends on a note that makes you want to get into the next book right away.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the third book in this series and YES! I have fallen so much in love with Hope, Ian, Dru, and the rest of these characters, and Bounties was the perfect next installment in their story. More fun mysteries and Olmeds hijinks, more fantastic slow burn with the sexy bounty hunter, and so many questions of where book 4 will take us. This series is such a much read for all cozy fantasy lovers.

[Shamell Klinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

Oh I really enjoyed this one even more then the others. I'm crushing on Ian pretty bad here myself. Definitely pick this series up. Its fast paced funny good romance.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you take a not very powerful witch, who chants affirmations every morning, who's plagued by a.... ghost, who's trying desperately to make her shop a success, who's trying to appease the magic community without dabbling in dark magic, who's trying to keep the Witches Council happy, who's got a thing for a rather hunky shifter, has the cutest dog ever (well, ok, he's not REALLY hers) who's trying to keep herself...umm....alive, yep, you get Hope! One of the sweetest, most trusting witches I've come across, someone who's an awesome friend. Can I love her more? Doubtful! I was literally rubbing my hands with glee when I started reading it, I just want more of Hope and her crazy life. She's not crazy, but the situations that befall her are. How she handles them, how she navigates through all of this, is super cool and super comical. I love how much fun the author infuses into her character, how utterly delightful Hope's thoughts and reasonings are, how incredibly positive she is, so true to her name. Like this particular thought: 'She was a lovely, shiny egg, easily washed, not rotten' I honestly had a grin plastered on my face throughout most of the book. That is, when I wasn't swooning over Ian, who's probably the best book boyfriend a gal can get!

Hope idolises her late grandmother, so when someone or someone's are trying to defile her memory with innuendos and nefarious information, you bet your bottom dollar that Hope will do whatever it takes to clear grandma of all ill intent. And all roads lead back to the rather snooty person... eventually! I enjoyed the mystery and the unraveling as it happened, one cog at a time, until, wham, it's all crystal clear. Add in the wonderful banter, the humourous thoughts and the solidifying of friendships and yes, you have the whole package! Oh and I did mention Ian, did I not? HE'S included in this package...A Bounty Hunter who, although initially aloof, is kindness personified. His correctness and willingness to help Hope is why I said he's the best book boyfriend!

These characters are unbelievably funny, all of them. Ok, they're serious too but the way the author fleshes them out, what she brings out in them, is a wonder. To be able to "get" a character so fully, warts and all, and yet tease us with unknowns, is superb! Dru is a hoot, love her! Initially rather snooty and stoic, she and Hope have a beautiful friendship going. A demon with a heart so hidden, you really have to plow big time to get a glimpse! She's so sassy, she's so abrasive, she's so.... Dru! I really enjoyed her past being explored, her ex boyfriend, her family. Although only touched on, it's great to get insight and boy is there a story there! In fact, there are little stories within the story, and I personally love how the author delves into these, I mean, there's a kraken in the pipes, now THERE'S a story just waiting to be elaborated on!

This book is an easy, delightful read, I got to the end before I was even aware of it, each element propelling me forward, each event enticing me to read further. Hope is definitely one of my favourite witches, I KNOW there's more to her, i love the path the author takes me on, I love how beautifully paced the book is, and I love the skill the author portrays in her storytelling, in this very entertaining and amusing read. And the best? Well, Ms Medina has an incredible knack to have me wanting more....

[Motive of the Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I even don't know where to start because a lot is happening in "Fresh Old Bounties". Hope is busy with her tea shop; dealing with dark market customers; Dru's ex-boyfriend and mysterious person, who wants to buy Hope's Grandma spell book. This book is a wild ride, you don't have time to think twice because Isa Medina keeps you busy.

Hope in this book is a little bit different person, she grows a lot from the first book, her relationship with Olmeda's local community changed, but she has still a lot of things to learn. Hope is still a little bit chaotic with organizing herself and plan what she wants to do with all the problems.

Ian aroused conflicting emotions in me. From one hand, he is so sweet and helpful, but from other he is a little bit barbarian with expressing his thoughts on his face. I really like that Hope can count on him and they resolved the misunderstandings quickly. I loved them dialogue about Hope being upset with him.

Dru is really obsessed with he ex in this book. I agree with Hope that it's better to have Dru in your corner than against you. I'm really curious how her story will continue in the next book.
Finally, Bagley, she is sarcastic, sassy and bad to the spine, but I see that she starts to have soft spot, Hope. She suggests her a good things.

I really like the world building and how Isa leads the story. The reader is occupied all the time and cheered Hope. Olmeda's society is interesting and complicated. Some of them could eat something, but I don't complain because they create interested mix of characters.
Hope's grandma's story and its solution surprised me. It wasn't that dramatic, I would say it was more prosaic. I loved it because it was unique and I hardly ever see the solutions like that.

I can't wait for next book in the series. It's relaxing, cozy story.

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Good Bad Magic series. This time, someone is trying to get Hope's grimoire that was handed down from her grandmother. At the same time, Dru's ex comes to town looking to buy the Corner Rose. Dru is convinced the 2 are related and won't let it go. There is lots going on in this book! When the shop is robbed, we get a peek at the "goldfish" ghost in the pipes (just as I wondering if we will ever figure out what is in the pipes!). Hope and Dru begin an investigation into the ex and who would be trying to get the spellbook, and eventually Ian and the strays get involved as well. And Hope is determined to prove that her grandmother was not an evil blood witch.
I love all the characters in this series. Hope is the eternal optimist, but even she is finding her limits to kindness, generosity and finding the good in everything. She becomes quite vulnerable and it makes her so much more relatable than before. She is also becoming slightly passive aggressive, which for her is downright mean. (Sitting right on Bagley while she resides in a chair!) Ian is still Ian (and we get to learn more about his back story and his ex bounty hunter partner) and Dru is really growing to like Hope. I even love Bagley in all her evil ghostly ways.
This is such a fun and light cozy mystery series. It has humor, slow burn romance ( a few kisses here and there) and lots of amatuer "detective" work. I am already excited for the next book!

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh Old Bounties is the third book in the Good Bad Magic series and I just loved it! A mysterious caller is trying to get Hope to sell her grandmother’s grimoire and the idea that her Grandma may have been a dark witch is very unsettling for Hope. In addition to that, Dru’s evil ex is trying to buy the store next door which neither Dru nor Hope want. If only Hope could locate Bagley’s old accounts perhaps she could help Dru submit a counter offer, but Hope still has no idea where her black magic ‘clients’ are sending their payments. On top of that, someone’s looking for info on Ian’s old bounties which has some surprising revelations.

I just love how optimistic Hope is, and because of that, when she started getting depressed in this book I felt really bad for her. Ian’s a great match for her and I love his unwavering support for Hope and what he did to try to cheer her up. I was thrilled that we finally found out more about the ghost in Hope’s pipes, that was a great moment! I was happy with how things worked out by the end of the book, and I am looking forward to the next book to see how the Halloween celebrations go. This is such a fun series, and I will happily keep reading it as long as the author keeps writing it!

[Kreela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let the Grandma was not evil campaign begin.
I just wanted to cheer when I read this.

The Plot was summed in another paragraph:
“Grandma’s reputation and legacy were still actively being tainted, I hadn’t found Bagley’s money, and Dru and I still hadn’t uncovered a better reason to stop Preston from taking over the Corner Rose beyond shop local and because he’s an ass.”

Did we get to Halloween yet? No. But who cares? I enjoyed the ride. The entire time I read this I thought this was a case of making up conspiracies where they don’t exist. And I learned a couple of things:
• Leave investigations to the police. If you take the task on, you have to pay for all those bribes yourself.
• Evil old ladies can be nice grandmothers, too

The ending was perfect. It made me laugh. It surprised me.

• Dru has an Ex. And his smarm is too much to be another demon.
• The accountant is probably the best secondary character we love to hate.
• Part of a series.
• Sort of a cliffhanger ending.

[OnTheSamePaige · Rating 2 out of 5]

Waaaaay too many small plots running at once. Half of the time, to shift between plots the author made the heroine go "Oh, I forgot all about doing that thing! Guess I'll shift gears now!" I HONESTLY thought there would be a new plot that someone had cast a forgetful spell on her, because she couldn't pay attention or remember anything. Nope. Author just thinks she's a dummy.
There is barely any romance in this series and then they try to throw up a 3rd act roadblock out of nowhere. Also dumb. Girl can't even handle the IDEA of sex. Sleeping in the same bed? As flustered as a shy virgin, which she tells us she is not. This is less titilating than a Christian or Amish romance. A Christian HISTORICAL romance. Shit is CHASTE.
I don't care about the plots and she is making me dislike characters I used to like. Even the dead grandma and her cringe affirmations. There is no way I can continue this series. It's not cozy, it's deadly dull and unfocused.

[Katja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of an ARC copy.

While I enjoyed this continuation of Hope's adventures through her new chapter in life, this one didn't leave me on such a high as the previous parts.

Things progressed and we get new information on some things -- I think the title gives away that whose past we get a peek into -- the mystery Hope & co are solving in this felt rushed to me, and some things came... too easy and coincidental? Or maybe just not explained in the depth for me to understand them as one is supposed to.

Hope's bright attitude continues to carry through the book, but I was left hoping she'd learned more from the past, and I felt thinking of her maybe not being the brightest for not realising some things (though her thinking process was explained, it just didn't 'click' with me). I was hoping for Hope having more growth at this point.

What it comes to Hope and Ian, some sparks are flying, and there's moments I'm swooning over these two. But then at times I don't understand how these two can be a couple, and that Hope especially needs to learn how to communicate before they can have a mature relationship.

On the positive, I love seeing Dru, Bagley and OMG the pipe goldfish ghost! Absolutely in love with that. And of course Fluffy! If anything ever happens to Fluffy, I might not recover nor forgive. She's fine on this book, as she should. <3

In general, while the series vibe was there, this one felt rushed somehow. But might've also been my mood while reading it? Still eagerly waiting for the next one!

[Barbara’s Booknalysis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot of fun to be had in this book. Where else will you find a mini kraken ghost, an old biddy haunting a t-shirt and a witch doing fake dark magic potions?

I love the interactions between the characters in this series. Hope, with her daily affirmations, is such an engaging character. And she has some very entertaining friends! The slow burn relationship with Ian is also building well.

I'm thoroughly enjoying all aspects of this series and will be front of the queue when book 4 comes out in May. Thank you to Isa Medina fit my copy of this ebook. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Avery has issues in this book. Someone from the Dark web is out to get her beloved Grandmothers' spellbook, implying she was a dark witch which can't be, so Hope needs to figure out who's looking and why. On top of that, Dru's Ex is lurking and up to no good, but Dru is still a delight.

The characters in this book are awesome, it has wonderful banter, and Hope's humorous dialogue, both inside and out loud, is so freaking funny. I continue to recommend this series for fans of fun mysteries and urban fantasy with a slow burn romance.

#CozyMystery #AnimalSideKicks #ReleasetheGhostKracken

[A Story Explorer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another interesting adventure with Hope, Ian, and the gang. While we still get the optimistic Hope and same grumpy Ian, I kind of was hoping for a little more growth in themselves and with each other. It's an extreme slow burn and might be a little too slow for me. I found myself skipping ahead because need a faster pace, more story development, and while I enjoy the writing and some of the humor I will sadly end my journey with this series here. If you like fluffy but gradual stories, I think you'll like this series.

2 out of 5 rating for me!

(An ARC was provided for an honest review. I leave this review voluntarily.)

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each book I love Hope even more. This series is so much fun. I managed to get the early copy and yet again, I am not disappointed with it. Hope and Ian ❤️ this is definitely my favourite series and I can't recommend it enough. It has everything you want in a series, it will keep you hooked, needing to turn the page for more, the characters keep growing and it feels like your growing with them, you're there with them. I'm so eager for the next installment. If you read jist one series, make it this one

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three and there is so much going on! Someone wants to buy grandma’s grimoire which was left to Hope and are not taking no for an answer, Dru’s ex has popped into town and is trying to but the store next door which no one wants plus Grandma’s rep is still being tarnished as having dark magic so Hope wants to change that, So as I said a lot going on in this 3rd book. Non stop, exiting, enthralling, fun and full of mystery and suspense and a little slow burn romance and you have a delicious and captivating addition!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

after liking the last book so much, this kind of went down for me, only because the 'mystery' was kind of solved with an 'oops a mistake happened in the past and so everyone thought wrong'. like it wrapped up the mystery but it seemed kind of lazy?

what i liked from this book: hope is really finding her community and has people to back her up now. she's not an outcast and you gotta give credit to that girl for really trying! her and ian are moving from friend to lover territory and it's still a SLOW BURN but it's burning.

still will continue this series, but unsure for how long!

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several questions are answered in this book, including Why does someone wants to buy your Grandma's spell book? Is it a good idea to get on Dru's bad side? What will Ian do to cheer Hope up? and, most importantly- What is the ghost in Hope's pipes?
This was a great read, I love how Hope and Ian's relationship is developing, he really is showing her how much he cares for her-it's subtle but it is there!
Also, I am really loving Dru-don't mess with her, that's all I'll say!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this is my favorite book in the series so far! I love the main characters development, she seems more real. Things are just starting to heat up between her and Ian. She struggles with her optimism a bit but doesn’t let it get her down as she develops friendships and solves mysterys. If you read the other books definitely keep reading! I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of action in this book of the series. We have all the usual characters with a few more of the locals introduced plus Dru’s ex boyfriend. A couple of mysteries happening at the same time, are they related or not? You will have to read to see if they are. I love the slow burn relationship between Hope and Ian, looking forward to seeing how that progresses in the next book also how the Halloween celebrations go. I received a review copy of this book but can genuinely recommend it.

[James Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilariously Funny

Oh, she's back, and she's determined. Our heroine wants to have a graveyard tour. Her new bestie ( sort of) has an ex in town she needs to take down and stop. She needs to prove her Saint of a grandmother wasn't a black witch, and best of all, drunk singing going viral! It has it all, and it's a great fun read. This series is getting better book by book. Check it out.

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope is back and trying to figure out who is tarnishing her grandma's good name. Someone wants grandma's spellbook and is willing to pay. Except they think she was into alchmey and Hope is sure she wasnt. After 2 break-ins, she and Ian do some sleuthing. Hope has to prove Grandma's innocence. And convince Ian to open the cemetary for Halloween. All in a days work for our positive witch. Oh and stop Dru's ex from getting the Corner Rose. No biggie.

A super fun book. Loved it!

[Carol Stefanik · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books by this author are always fun to read no matter which series you are reading. The romance is light but titillating. Just enough tension to keep you reading through the next chapter. Bad guys that range from slightly scary to comical. Only issue I had with this story is that the number of conclusions to which the characters jump is exhausting. But it is a feel good story you will enjoy.

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope is struggling, she still has her affirmations and Ian is still her boyfriend, but they think that her Grandma had been a bad witch and an old bounty on her had been placed and investigated by Ian's dead partner. The question of why leads to a lot of running around, but eventually they solve the problem. I really enjoy this and already waiting for the next one.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little mystery, a little romance, some paranormal activities, and a good ending. The characters are vivid and so interesting, even the antagonist ones. The plot is straightforward, and the premise is proving the main character's grandma was a good witch, NOT evil. Attempted robberies in both hers and Ian's abodes and chase scenes galore. I definitely recommend this book.

[Delaney Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am devouring this series as fast as humanely possible. I love it. But this book wouldn’t rank among my favourites of the series.

The mystery aspect of this one lacked something. Maybe because the first two had two giant show downs to end the books and this one was like “ha just a misunderstanding”

It was an easy, cozy read nonetheless.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is again, fun, light, and clever. The sunshine fmc finally found a cloud and it is fun to watch her rally to find the answers.

My only complaint? I want more Ian and more kissing! 😆

Such a great series