The Knitter's Guide to Banishing Boyfriends

Sweet Pea Mysteries #2

by Kathryn Moon

A Stitch Witch trapped in a cage, a Demon in search of a challenge, and old enemies creating unlikely allies.June Byrne, stitch witch and unofficial leader of the Sweet Pea coven, just wants a little peace and quiet. She has everything under control, even the demons of Hell’s Bells MC, until a stranger steps into her knit shop asking for help. Sucked back into her ugly past with her ex-boyfriend and his coven, June's peace is shattered.When the bonds of the Sweet Pea coven fracture too, June turns in an unexpected direction. What will be the cost of tangling her troubles with a dangerously handsome demon?Ashtaroth is no King of Hell. He’s the demon with the skills and determination to unravel even the most intricate problems. He can carve away at a civilization like a sculptor digging the human frame out of a hunk of marble. And when he’s done? He can shatter the remnants into an unsalvageable mess.June Byrne appears to be the perfect puzzle to solve; a witch so guarded with charms, she blends right into the background. Ashtaroth has her in his sights and he will make an art out of breaking her walls down, as long as she doesn’t catch him in her threads first.

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

282 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2021

About the author

Kathryn Moon is a country mouse who started dictating stories to her mother at an early age. The fascination with building new worlds and discovering the lives of the characters who grew in her head never faltered, and she graduated college with a fiction writing degree. She loves writing women were are strong in their vulnerability, romances that are as affectionate as they are challenging, and worlds that a reader sinks into and never wants to leave. When her hands aren't busy typing they're probably knitting sweaters or crimping pie crust in Ohio. She definitely believes in magic.

You can reach her on Facebook and at ohkathrynmoon@gmail.com

Reviews

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate]]

Tragically, I completely lost interest in this story.

I really liked book one, and I was looking forward to book two. But then I made the unpleasant discovery that this essentially featured an ensemble cast. Bell and Josie from book one took up serious page time, and this meant that June and Ash's romance suffered. They were like the secondary couple, in their own book! I couldn't feel any chemistry between them, and I started to get seriously annoyed with Josie, who comes off pretty badly in this book.

I may skip the rest of the series until it's time for June's sister's book. I can't remember her name, but she's like the 'bad sister', so I'm hoping it'll be good.

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been forever and a day since I've written a proper review tbh, as a matter of fact reading on the whole has taken a back burner for the first time in my life. Nonetheless this author is a favorite of mine, I do think these books aren't as romance centric as I'd prefer but I'm really loving this series .

[Ciru · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved June's story! It was more vibrant, more captivating than Josie's story. And the ending! So looking forward to Rosa's book.

Ash was such a wonderful character. I loved the fact that he's basically big, protective and the King of hobbies/crafts, but he was also able to gauge the moments where he needed to step back and let June literally feel her way through what was going on or the moments he'd just briefly let her know through all that was taking place, that he had her back.

I also loved that Josie+Bell's story continued and did not overwhelm June+Ash's story. With how the book ends, I'm happy with where the two couples are, I am looking forward to Rosa's book and since, for all intents and purposes, Imogen has sort of been relegated to an off screen character, I know her book will be fire!!!

My only question is what will happen to Vinny, Aim and Barbie? Especially Vinny coz if they all do end up getting individual books, he'll need a whole transformation story because he's currently on my shit list. And I actually get him going crazy due to all that happens and essentially due to a loss of purpose coz it seems everyone is defecting, but he is just a straight up asshole.

Anyway, consumed and loved this. Looking forward to reading more from the series and more from K.M.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashtaroth is my new book boyfriend. Knits AND rides a motorcycle?? I'm sold.

[Suella.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

June and Ash

Hell’s Bell’s Demons are set to destroy the town of Sweet Pea, but they are in for a surprise in the form of 4 witches that will protect their town at all cost. I loved Josie’s book(the first book of this series) but I LOVED June’s book! The main story line is amazing, and June and Ash have the BEST chemistry!🔥🔥 We also get some small updates about Josie and Bell. I love this series and can’t wait for the next one!!

[Jami Kehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU GUYS!!! Kathryn is a freaking Genius! The characters that make their home in her brilliant head are so complicated. The "peeling process" or the introduction to her characters is so well developed. Nothing happens without a reason in a Moon book.

In The Knitter's Guide June comes across pretty alone, not really a people person.. even when she's surrounded. She's a protector for her sister and definitely not interested at all in any sexy demons.. Nope, not at all. No interest there...

Enters Ashtaroth aka Ash...The sexy as sin demon with an uncanny knack for knitting. Doesn't scream sexy.. I know but ladies and gents this one hits all the buttons and then some. Ash is confused.. is June an enemy or is the cold knitter more..

Add in some serious skeletons from the past and a sister set on self destruction.. This book is AMAZEBALLS filled with tons of choices and the repercussion that come afterwards. Don't miss out on this delightful series!

[Lauren Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn Moon somehow managed to inject a sweet richness into her writing of the first Sweet Pea Mystery, perfectly matching her main character and her entire vibe. Similarly, she weaves this stitch witch's story with an almost tangible coziness, giving her words a physical embodiment that wraps you in a hug. Oh, and you'll definitely need that hug, because you'll spend so much time clenching this book with white knuckles while June's past traumas begin seeping into her present. Although any of us would be jumping a demon named Ashtaroth, June is compelled to lean into him when she finds herself raw with emotion and in need of solace and someone that complements her magic as she prepares to challenge her monsters in the dark. The beefy, knitting demon and the stitch witch have magnetic chemistry that had me sweating from their heat while I also suffered heart palpitations of a different sort as the mysterious workings of the cult-like coven from June's past were revealed. I do not want to stress Kathryn's muse out, but I also want to immediately start pressuring her for the next in this series, especially after the jaw-dropping epilogue!

[Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth|| · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! It was thrilling and sweet, mysterious and sexy. June and Ash were quite the pair. The give and take, the sass and banter was so much fun. While June struggled with her personal demons, but despite it all she came out stronger than ever with friends supporting her along the way. And Ash...goodness gracious this demon was one smooth talker but he stood by his words. June and Ash made for one eclectic and interesting pair that had me smile, laugh, and swoon. The devotion Ash showed to June and vice versa was beautiful!

I also genuinely loved getting to see more of Josie and Bell’s relationship as it unfolded and became stronger than ever. Also, the Sweet Pea coven, I just love their bond. I am SO EXCITED to see what happens in Rosa’a story!!

I loved this book so much, there is just something so special about these characters! I can’t wait for more <3

[Norma's Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn Moon always writes so cleanly. Her stories are polished perfection with a great combination of interesting plot, well developed characters, and such great steam. The Knitter's Guide to Banishing Boyfriends was absolutely incredible. June was such a different kind of character. I won't into specifics because it would spoil too much, but I went from indifferent to crazy about her. Ash was so much fun to read, his thoughts and dialogue always a slight reminder that he is far from human. There's more from Josie and Bell, and a nice, exciting glimpse of what comes next. It was exciting, easy to get lost in, and had a very satisfying ending with hook that I cannot wait to see play out in Book 3. Definitely a 5 star read for me.

[Kathryn Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweeeeet Pea!!! I’m so happy to get back to this little town, this coven, and those demons. Just like the previous book, this is strictly MF and feels a bit like a cozy mystery romance. This is absolutely my favorite kind of series. Each book is a new couple and previous characters all make appearances. This one focuses on June and Ashtaroth, and they are lovely. June’s past comes back to bite her in the form of an evil ex, who’s not only a ephebophile but who grooms them to steal and use their powers. June also has some shady shit going down with her sister Imogen and problems in the coven because of her. Absolutely loved this and cannot wait to see which demon falls next. 💜

[Heather Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. The book shifted character perspectives a lot at the beginning again, like the first. But it wasn’t as jarring when you’re already familiar with the characters. I knew I’d like this one more cuz of the knitting witch. But I’m not sure how much the author knows about knitting. Some of it seems more like describing crochet and she talks about knots a lot, which are the bane of a knitters life. But I’d love for a demon to weave in all my ends. Or maybe even do my blocking lol. I especially enjoyed that she included a bit about the curse of the boyfriend sweater.
Can’t wait for the next book!

[Gayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent writing, engaging characters and plot twists with each book

I am loving this series. Kathryn Moon is a wonderful writer.
The characters are funny and believable
The dialogue is funny and well written.
The plot line is engaging and not perfectly predictable.
The magic is believable as well.

My only complaint is that sometimes it’s hard to tell who is speaking. Not even sure how to fix it,but it doesn’t ruin the story. Just slows it up a little as I go back and try to figure out what I missed.

I would still recommend this series and this writer.
I’ll have to go find a new book by this author while I wait for the next in the series to get published.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continues the cozy vibes of four witches and the demons they seem to love to hate or is it hate to love?!?! Anyways, this book features the same ensemble cast of characters and their subsequent relationships as the last book, with its main focus on June, the stitch witch. I loved reading about her magic and her knitting practice. Deffo made me want to get my yarn bag out, though I'm a crochet wench rather that a knit witch. Hoping this mystery series will continue, because this world is so fun. Cozy and witchy with a side of demon spice. Ash (a demon) is particularly sweet. I love him and his squishy self made heart. ❤❤❤

[Megan Kornegay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic return to Sweet Pea

A Knitter’s Guide to Banishing Boyfriends is the second Sweet Pea story. You’re given a short recap of book one, but I’d highly recommend you read it first (great story too).

I loved June and Ash’s story arc. June has to overcome a serious personal revelation and reading how Ash helped her was so sweet. The interactions between all the characters was entertaining and immediately sucked me into the story. I’ll patiently wait for book 3 to see how the relationships already formed in the series continue to grow.

[Jessica Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've decided I like this different format.

If you got to this second book, you already know that this series is written a bit differently - with multiple POVs that don't include the love interests and sometimes we don't even get a HFN. We get peeks back into Bell and Joisie's relationship in this one, although the focus is on Ash and June.this actually feels more realistic for the story and relationships in general as we don't get these discrete and sequential relationshipd forming. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally addictive

First of all I don't receive or seek freebies or promos...So a lot of writers don't care for my reviews because I'm honest and don't BS when they are Badly written. This series is completely different. So well written I was actually pis*** off when I finished Book 2 and there was no book 3. If you haven't read book 1 the general story is haha...The devil came down to Ga...noo wait...Virginia and got more than they bargained for upon meeting the local coven. Read a sample and get hooked.

[Lauren Gassman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe this is on me for reading the second book in a series and not the first but this was gifted to me so I wanted to read it for her. I was SO confused on who everyone was. I almost wrote a family tree to keep myself straight. Characters had nicknames that were hard to connect to their full names. The third person omniscient perspective was really generous and I felt like it switched so much it was hard to keep track of who we were reading about. I can’t decide if I should go back and read the first one and/or if I want to read the third one but I feel incomplete either way. Please advise!

[Krys DeCantillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a sweet story. I’m so use to Kathryn Moon writing reverse harem, this was a pleasant surprise. I loved June and Ash’s characters. The chemistry those two have is fire. I don’t know how I feel about Imogen. Time will tell with that one. Josie and Bell crack me up. I love their relationship. I hope Rosa and ensnare Pie with her witchy charms. This book was a great feel good sugary sweet story. Get ready for a tooth ache.

[kels · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the peeks into Josie and Bel's relationship, since I felt like it was left hanging a bit in their story. I didn't find myself super invested in June and Ash though, and I don't know if it's because they were cheated by the split focus or if I just didn't care about them as characters. I didn't love how the ex storyline was handled, although June and Imogen's reactions did feel very realistic. In the end, this book just lacked pay-off for me. I'm excited for Rosa's story though!

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a surprising read. I didn't expect it to be so deep and intricate in its plot.
It's really better to read the first book, which I didn't. I got all the important details though and it was fun and exciting with all the twists and turns. I would prefer more relationship and character building of the main couple though. The knitting parts were cool and Ash the perfect knitting partner. I'm envious. 🤩🙈
.
#spooktober book nr 1

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so fun and cozy and mystical. I love it!! I wish I could read Rosa’s book now but alas it’s been dropped down the To Be Written list order by KM 🥲 I’m still holding out hope!! 🤞🏻

I loved Ash!!!!!!! Oh my GOD the devotion!! the unwavering support!! the mischievous balance to her ironclad grip of control 🥹🥹 and the “Weathering” scene when June’s cage is unleashed and her magic and emotions are released??? Divine!! Amazing!! Transcendent!!

[Snow Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hells Bells are back and looking to take over the Town of Sweet Pea. Will they be able to or will the Coven stop them. This story follows June, the knitting witch who has caught the eye of Ash. She is dealing with trouble with her sister and issues with why they had to leave their other Coven. When the past won't leave you alone sometimes you just might need to make a deal!

[Peyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witch who knits and is emotionally repressed? Sign me up! I loved June and her journey so much, particularly around her feelings about her sister and her past. And wow is the chemistry between June and Ash aka Ashtaroth, a demon from Hell, great! He also knits haha. And I liked seeing where Josie and Bell progressed after the first book. SUCH a fun series - can't wait for the next book!

[Margaret Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun!

Love this series! Sweet and fun with a little mystery too to leaven it so it's not too cloying. Four witches protecting the town of Sweet Pea from demons.trying to sully it. This is the story of June, an extremely buttoned down witch and Ash, demon of science, mathematics, architecture and crafts. The contest between them is a hue part of the charm.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moon has an amazing ability to bring you into her stories and keep you there always wanting more. This story is no different it made my heart have some strong feelings. We are back in Sweet Pea! A feel good sweet story with some angst thrown. Can they overcome the past to find the future.

[Caryn Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can demons be sweet?

In the second installment of the Sweet Pea stories, Ash and June’s story begins. Freaking awesome book. Slow burn, more story than sexy times. I can’t wait for Rosa’s story.

[Celeste Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Paranormal Romance

Ms Moon continues the sizzling story of witches and demons in a dance of passion and power. The plot is intriguing and the characters are fascinating. The emotional drama is riveting and the romance is steamy. I can't wait for the next installment!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love June's story. This has an amazing storyline. It has an incredible mix of intrigue, mystery, humor, and chemistry/tension . I had a really fun time reading this book and am very excited for the next installment.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

of course I loved it

But, to be a bit nit picky, the author did not accurately described what jambalaya actually is. And as a Cajun girl that broke my heart a little.
However, I will forgive Mrs. Moon because she has an addictive writing style and I want a third book pronto!!!!

[Salamander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is getting darker and more complex, like one of Josie’s chocolate tarts or June’s knits. And I love it.
ARC thanks to author.