Julia Taylor works as a recruitment consultant for Paranormal Personnel in London. Her normal day at the office consists of seeing clients, searching for new vacancies, updating CVs and visiting employers.
It seems as though she has an ordinary life but in reality Julia is half elf and she works for a recruitment agency for paranormals.
She is normally calm, confident and is not afraid to stand up for herself, but when the meeting with La Caz Corporation doesn’t go as well as she hoped, she wants to bury herself under the ground and die.
Nathaniel La Caz is a player and he wants to seduce Julia. The incredible sexual chemistry that builds up between them complicates her life to the point where she can’t control her magic. La Caz not only wants her but he also has a craving for her blood. Then her ex-boyfriend Jasper comes back on the scene and nearly exposes the whole paranormal world to humans when trying to protect her.
It doesn't end well when vampires and elves mix. The problems start escalating when Julia witnesses the kidnapping of her cousin Claudia on the busy street. From then on things only go from bad to worst. More elves and fairies begin to vanish in London without trace and the police suspect vampires. Julia is determined to find Claudia even if it means she will get herself into more trouble.
*Adult Paranormal Romance novel - contains adult situations, graphic sexuality, violence, suited for ages 18 and up*
Joanna Mazurkiewicz was born in Poland. She moved to United Kingdom when she was only nineteen and just finished high school. She had aspired to be a writer upon completion of the Harry Potter series but also enjoyed reading books like ‘Gone with the Wind’, ’Animal Farm’ and ‘The doll’. She graduated from Swansea University with a bachelor degree in American Studies. While studying in the UK she made a decision to start writing fiction in English. The “Whispers of the Sprite” is her first debut novel and she is currently working on other projects. Joanna lives in Cowbridge, a small town in South Wales near Cardiff with her boyfriend Bruce. She enjoys cycling around Welsh countryside some of which has become the settings in her first series.
0.5 I planned not to be harsh and just say I didn't like this, but after I suffered through this to find a freaking cliffhanger I am more than angry.
Let's see: the main character (Julia and her subconscious) is stupid. She gets these creepy calls for weeks and when her co-workers advise her to report it, she says she is too busy 'to worry about some nuisance calls'. And this is her behaviour regarding pretty much everything in this book.There are no spoilers here since everything is in the blurb anyway. In case you were wondering, Julia is one of those special characters. She is half fae and she smells great to vampires.
The plot: someone is kidnapping fairies, Julia's ex is back, she is attracted to a rich dhampir. If Julia hadn't been this stupid, if the whole La Caz/Julia relationship issues hadn't been this pronounced, this might have been a decent story. Oh, who am I kidding!
If the whole book is written in the first person, there is absolutely no need for occasional thoughts in italics. I got tired of her subconsciousness arguing with her.
I read the lead in for this story and thought it sounded good. I was disappointed. The first part of the first chapter started out well, but went down hill fast. Repeating the same words and thoughts over and over goes only so far, how many times can the main characters 'roar'? A lot. And I don't need told over and over the same things that were told in previous chapters...ie..grand mother does not approve of vamps I also felt the main characters forgot to take their bipolar meds. Emotions all over the place making it impossible to connect with any of them. Lastly, throwing the f word in ruined the rest of the read. I have no problem with the word just found it did not fit. Would suggest a complete rewrite before I would recommend this. There is also a missing paragraph towards the end which makes it even more confusing. The idea of the story was good but the author did not bring it.
While this doesn't come close to be the worst thing I've ever read, it has its issues worth noting. The overall story is a fairly standard paranormal romance set up, and there isn't a whole lot of flair or plot to be had, unfortunately. From the series title, I thought there would be more in terms of her job or her life outside of the love interest, unfortunately, that's not that case. Pretty much every aspect of this book revolves in some way around her personal relationships and if it edges past that it's just enough to have a hint of a larger plot in progress.
As for the main character, she's kind of bland and I don't feel like she had much of a personality. She is supposedly this woman who stands up for herself, but that's about it. Everyone in her life, men mostly, constantly tells her what to do even in positive situations and she's basically this sort of cookie-cutter place holder or self-insert. The love interest is honestly a bit of a creep and his charm seems to be more implied than actually shown.
There just isnt' enough here to have me interested in coming back to the series for more.
We have Julie, this half-elf supernatural being that is half of the time very much insecure, the other half this headstrong woman, and the remaining time, honestly crazy and VERY reckless. Confusing.
Her father is an elf, who married a human and never actually told his wife what he is. Let’s no even go there to discuss how wrong this is (btw, Julia does the same thing to her best friend keeping her in the dark, Ella has absolutely no idea of what Julia is, and of course, the only reason to maintain the secret is to protect her since he wouldn't be able to handle supernatural. Right If my bestie was a supernatural being and kept that away from me I would ask myself what kind of friendship we had to begin with.
She works in this agency to find job for the supernatural, since they live hidden from us. Fine. Anyway she has a meeting in this big company and it’s hot, filthy rich and powerful director, which happens to be half vampire. Julia looks at him and suddenly she cannot even answer his question anymore. For God’s sake. She turns mute for about 3 minutes because she SO POWERFULLY attracted to him. What the hell. Very conveniently her elf powers which never seem to work right or when she wants allows her to suddenly hear his thoughts. Very unprofessional thoughts, btw
She literally has to excuse herself to the ladies cause she cannot control herself of her powers because of their attraction. He follows her to the bathroom and they have a two minute conversation. Of course, she knows he’s out of her league and but "office friend” insists the he was undressing her with her eyes during the meeting PLUS only contracted their services because he wanted her. Again not very professional I would say. Is that the way people do business?
So, she sees her beautiful, perfect cousin being kidnapped and calls her dad to (finally) talk to him about the creepy calls she’s been receiving in the couple of weeks and the last one literally telling her elves would go missing in the next days. We also get to meet her controlling abusing and violent ex boyfriend.
Next day, Nathaniel filthyrichhotpoweful director goes see her in her office and literally (after spending 10 to 15 min with her the day before) says that he wants to have her on her table. Excuse me?
After that is just a rollercoaster (and not a good one) of Julie acting so reckless its stupid. She’s always in danger, people have to save her most of the time and she’s like “I know I almost died, but I want to help”. What?
Then the filthyrichhotpoweful director keeps chasing her because he has to have her and he’s
We have an awfully high number of men using the expression “she’s mine” in this book. So, the “investigation" about the kidnapping continues, while she wants/but suddenly don’t Nathaniel. He literally goes: And I had to roll my eyes to prevent myself of breaking my kindle.
He blows whatever he’s trying to have with Julia, she breaks down bec a man who said he doesn’t date doesn’t call her back. And suddenly their like teenagers with him saying he wants to try again and she saying they won’t never work together but at the same time asking him to stick with her.
When they finally get together
In the end everything regarding the kidnappings is solved, but he ultra sexy Nathaniel does not date so he won’t be with Julia.
The whole book it's such a mess. I can't even with it. To many cliches mixed up together and don't get me wrong, I can handle cliches, but this is just horrible.
It was very meh. And the grammar just bugged me so much, I felt like it needed a lot more editing.
Male hero was annoying, he didnt seem to have any decent personality traits and really bugged me.
I mean when your hoping something bad will happen to the male lead, I consider that bad writing.
And the more I got into the book the more I wanted him to get hit by a bus or something.
And the heroine, ohmygod I wanted her to please grow a backbone. Seemed like every 5 seconds she was breaking down in tears because he hadnt called/texted her. For gods sake he told her all he wanted was sex, did she really expect a flipping call?! And at the beginning she didnt want anything to do with him anyway!
And the ending! "you cant leave me because its your fault ive been hurt and im all burned." What a load of crap!
This was a decent story, it just felt really lacking and if I’m honest I was a tad bored. The characters lacked some depth, but weren’t really bad, the whole situation was just confusing. Our FMC Julia honestly just got on my nerves, she had this strong, independent woman vibe but was ignorant and reckless with it. Always running into situations I’ll prepared knowing she wouldn’t win and at the same time refusing almost every bit of help she could get. I am still confused about why her magic never works right. No real reasons were given other than she got bored with lessons. Seems super irresponsible to me. Any action scene was always the same with Julia going in weaponless and someone always having to save her. I am also really confused as to why Julia’s mother is kept out of the loop like she is. No one ever really gives a “good” reason for this. Not sure if this series is for me.
A placement agency for paranormal beings is such a unique place to start a series from. And it’s populated with unique and varied characters. Julia is so independent and feisty, with a fine-tuned sense of justice. Even though she doesn’t have much control over her powers, she’s still prepared to use them to right the world’s wrongs. Nathaniel’s still a bit of a mystery. There’s a strong connection compelling the two of them together, but he’s even more independent than Julia. He’s a powerful, dominant man who’s used to getting his own way, and she offers him a delicious challenge at every turn. Kidnappings and corporate espionage bring them together, but is whatever’s between them enough to overcome everything trying to keep them apart? I’m now very invested in reading the rest of Julia’s story and look forward to the next book.
From the very beginning, this book is completely action packed. I loved the dynamics between the characters, and the world building was impeccable. Julia and Nathaniel start off rocky, but something seems to pull them together - danger is lurking nearby and it seems Julia is always in the thick of it. She's determined to do whatever it takes to protect her family, but will she need to protect her heart from the vampire who has his sights set on her? I've read the entire original series (I own them all), but this rewrite is nothing short of amazing! I was thoroughly impressed; each of the characters come to life through written word. This is definitely a five-star, must-read! I can't wait for book two!
It is a complicated situation when a woman who is half elf finds herself attracted to her new vampire boss. Elves and Vamps don't mix. When danger is added to the situation, she has some tough choices to make.
I liked the storyline. It keeps you guessing as to who is behind the attacks. The romance also keeps you guessing. You are not sure if she should give him a chance or not. The story is told only from her point of view so you don't really know a lot about his reasons and only tidbits about his past.
It ends with a surprise and you wonder what is next for her and the other characters.
Interesting, sexy, Full of action and surprises. Julia is an half-elf that help find Job other sups. Nathaniel is a sexy vampire and billionaire. What will happen when tenison is touchable and sparks are flying? And add kidnappings Ale together with constant refusal by Julia! Interesting book. Book 2 needed!
First let me state, I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review.
OMG!!! This story is awesome. I laughed & I cried & I was angry. This story grabbed me & didn't let go. Julia is so strong & her magic is quirky. Nathanial is hot & a playboy. Elves & vamps don't mix, but these 2 did. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
This is a great story, the idea of a paranormal employment bureau is really novel and I like it. The stories plot is excellent and kept my interest all the way through. I am looking forward to the next book.
REVIEW: This is a series that holds nothing back, with suspense, mystery, romance, and anything and everything supernatural that will hook you right from the start. I had no idea what to expect, but Joanna Mazurkiewicz has gained a fan in me with her new series.
£6.19 per Witching Hour follows Julia a young half human half fae who works for the Paranormal Personnel. She is a top consultant who helps supernaturals find work in a world where humans don’t know they exist. When Julia gets a promotion her first task is to handle their new client whom is looking for many supernatural employees. She meets Nathaniel La Caz the head honcho of the La Caz Corporation and a vampire who sparks something inside her. But when these two start to get closer dangers from each other’s past stir up trouble in their lives and in the supernatural world.
Julia is your “average” girl who goes to work, goes home and just wants to read a book. But again she has fae blood and life in the supernatural world is anything but normal. She really enjoys her job and has to control her fae abilities at times when she’s nervous or stressed. I liked that no matter what she is an old fashioned kind of girl who likes have a real relationship and not just hit the sack with any guy. After meeting Nathaniel her life gets a bit more chaotic but their chemistry and banter just kept me hooked on these two and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. The readers also get to know Julia’s family, her human mother and fae father. Her father is very protective and is an officer for the supernatural side and we get some insight on his cases. But most importantly this story focuses on Julia and how she is trying to survive getting involved with a vampire. A fae and vampire dating is a big no in the supernatural world.
Nathaniel is one smoking hot vampire, well kind of vampire. He is complicated and see’s Julia as an addiction almost. He cant resists her and makes sure she knows how much he wants her. The readers get bits of insight about him and his past and see even though he’s rich and “perfect” he has a lot of enemies. It was interesting to watch his character try to “grow up” and be a real gentleman toward Julia who was in no mood to be with a guy who cant commit. Plus being with him brings all kinds of danger to light. I was frustrated with him at times and I hope he can wake up and see how Julia can take on any challenge that comes to her. She is one tough girl.
Overall I loved this story, it is one long book that doesn’t leave any details out and you’ll never feel bored. I was constantly trying to solve the mystery that is going on; Julia’s father has a particular case he’s investigating plus the twist and turns just kept on coming. I love the idea that the Supernatural world hasn’t come out yet to the humans and how much of a challenge it is to keep hidden. Plus the supernaturals are just like humans trying to survive and life a “normal life”. The ending was a bit of a shocker for me and now I’m suffering while waiting for the next book but I’ll defiantly be continuing this series.
RECOMMENDATION: This is an adult novel with lots of sexual and adult content that is for mature readers. Fans of Hannah Jayne’s Supernatural Detective Agency series and Phillipa Bornikova’s Linnet Ellery series will love £6.19 per Witching Hour by Joanna Mazurkiewicz.
I really, really don't like to pan books...not only because I would prefer to be supportive in some way to anyone who wants to be an author but because it means I just read something that I will never get my time back for. This is one of those. I've had this book on my Kindle shelf for years and it really could have just stayed there and I would never have missed reading it. I couldn't connect to any of the characters except maybe the protagonist's mother who was a human and didn't have a clue about what was going on with her half-elf daughter and the other magical creatures in her family. Everyone just put her on "pause" when they had to discuss a situation they didn't want her to ask questions about. Julia (the half-elf) meets Nathaniel (a corporate type who's a vampire). Vampire becomes crazed when they smell elf blood and the attraction is immediate. The rest of the book is back and forth between him trying to get her in bed and her stating she is not going to be his "f...buddy". The story is so repetitious juvenile that if I was one of those people who could just give up on a book, I would have. I'm glad I'm done with it.
ARR- I was given this book in exchange for a review
This has become one of my favorite series and I have only read the first book but I am a true fan after reading this. However I am a lot hurt that this book ended in such a fantastic CLIFFHANGER...
This book has it all, a cute half-elf who comes from a full elf father and human mother, to a rare breed of vampire and all the other super natural creatures in between. I was hooked from the first page and completely a mess by the last page because I was left wondering and WAITING for whats next. LOL
I loved this book and OMG it was great. I don't want to give anything away but I will say please check this out because it is great and I can not wait till the next installment. O yeah and the sexually chemistry between the 2 main characters are off the charts she literally breaks glasses and blows things up because it is so good LOL(read the story to find out the details) I LOVE THIS SERIES
I've had this book for a while and thought I'd see what it was about. In my opinion there was spelling mistakes and stuff that never made sense in the sentences that was being written.
Overall storyline was ok. Julia Taylor is a half Elf, Nathaniel La Caz is a drop dead gorgeous Dhampir (a half vampire). Julia works for Paranormal Personnel (a Personnel Agency in Croydon, even though they have branches in other places). Someone is stealing the fairies and elves, 1 of the elves that are missing is Claudia (Julia's cousin). Watch the sparks fly when Julia gets a contract from La Caz and the affair takes off. You won't be disappointed if this is the kind of book you want to read.
This book was a fun read, well written and well put together. I would classify this book in the same genre as Kelly Armstrong's writings, an world of supernatural beings hiding in plain sight with the rest of the human race. It has a good flow and interesting plot and characters. So if you are a fan of Kelly Armstrong you should like this series.
The characters seem confused in their personalities. It's shoved in your face repeatedly that Julia is suuuuper stubborn and can take care of herself and cares deeply about her missing cousin. Except it all feels flat and forced.
There's no realistic explanation for basically anything involving the investigation just her father yelling at her and being super judgey while repeating every chapter that they're following the leads and for Julia not to get involved. Even though she's a witness.
All of the males that are background characters are super laid back and meek. The main males are all agressive and override Julia every chance they get. Her feelings don't matter, they take away her choices, and despite how suuuuuper stubborn she is, she goes along with it.
Every single person that's supposed to be Julias friend or be on her side lectures and talks down to her at least once in the book, except for her grandfather.
The idea and mystery surrounding the plot is decent, and the slow burn between the two protagonists was great. I liked the world that was building in the book but with how much a Mary sue the main character is, i won't be looking into book 2.
Arrg I hate cliffhangers. Now that said that was an amazing book! It was so well-written and thought out. I love this new series and cannot wait for the next book.
This is Julia's story. She is a half elf who has caught the attention of a vampire and is trying not to fall for him, But it is really hard not to. When her cousin is kidnapped right in front of her she goes on a mission to find out what happened to her. Even when her dad tells her, to stay out of it and let him so his job. As her dad is the lead cop on the paranormal unit. But things keep happening to her and you will be so shocked when you find out who was behind it and who was helping the bad guys. As well as her ex keeps popping up causing problems. And man she is tough with all that happens to her she just shrugs it of and her current boyfriend can’t seem to see she is okay and dose something stupid.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too
While the premise is good, the writing is just bad. This reads like a first draft. No polish (no pun intended). Whatsoever!
The author has "A Note" before the start of the novel: "This book is written in British English and contains British spellings and idioms. This means that grammar and spellings may seem incorrect. This book has been professionally edited to British English standards [me: fire that 'professional'] however as with all books there is possibility of spelling mistakes etc missed in proofreading. [me: fire that proofreader]"
"British spellings and idioms" aside, the book reads as though it was churned out in a few days. Given the sheer abundance of Ms Mazurkiewicz' work, I suppose that's true. Profit by the numbers, quantity vs quality... something's working. She has an incredible (and by that I mean 'as opposed to credible') number of 4 and 5 stars reviews. When I read that English isn't her first language I had an 'aha!' moment. That explains a lot.
A placement agency for paranormal beings is such a unique place to start a series from. And it’s populated with unique and varied characters. Julia is so independent and feisty, with a fine-tuned sense of justice. Even though she doesn’t have much control over her powers, she’s still prepared to use them to right the world’s wrongs. Nathaniel’s still a bit of a mystery. There’s a strong connection compelling the two of them together, but he’s even more independent than Julia. He’s a powerful, dominant man who’s used to getting his own way, and she offers him a delicious challenge at every turn. Kidnappings and corporate espionage bring them together, but is whatever’s between them enough to overcome everything trying to keep them apart? I’m now very invested in reading the rest of Julia’s story and look forward to the next book.
I read the book. Starts out well. Half elf meets Dhampir and has instant attraction. She can't control her magic and he craves her blood. This sets the stage for all romance angst while they try to solve elf kidnappings. I found the book tended to drag and the heroine tended to be more on the whiney why is me sort. Book picks up speed when the heroine gets stupid and drinks too much which leads to poor choices. To be honest I was happy I finished the book but I don't plan on reading anymore in the series. There is no HEA ending and no true cliff hanger that makes you want to read the next book. As much as I admire authors....this book would have been better if you removed the sex element and made it a young adult book.
When the prey becomes the hunter… A deep connection with a vampire... And kidnappers on the loose... Will she risk it all to save her cousin?
A really enjoyable read that is full of mystery and a forbidden romance.
I loved learning about the MC's world, her magic and her desire for a certain male. Such an intriguing, stunning and alluring read that will make you sink your teeth into it. A worthwhile read that will leave you bloodthirsty for more...
Plus, that ending (not a cliffhanger!) but I need more. More, I tell you!
Full of various supernatural creatures, attraction, mystery, suspense, a forbidden romance, betrayal and magic.
Domineering Males (yes even the lead male) Gossipy damsels in distress (yes even the lead).
There are 2 conversation types :
Don't worry your pretty little head, men handle everything.
Gossip. Even the same gossip 8 times.
The main character only worried, waited, gossiped. Any progress she made in the investigation was an accident. Add side characters that can't be told apart even from the main character, the same uninspired conversations repeated over and over, and this book was very very hard to get through. I managed to skim the rest to give it a fair chance. Action picks up a little at the end, but even then the same patronizing male roles and vacant female roles persisted.
So I was reading this and enjoying every minute of it. Yes there's sections where the characters' speech is stilted. Yes there are times when you want to smack the crap out if the h/H but the storyline is entrancing up until the last chapter. Then the tale just stops. Stops! Smh. Overall a enjoyable read, but now I have to wait for more!! At one point I hated HATED Julia. I'm not sure on what to think of Nathaniel. We aren't really given enough on him before the end. There are so many unanswered questions. So many loose ends.
* I voluntarily reviewed a Advance Copy of this title. All opinions are my own and honestly stated.
Love With Fangs (The Witching Hour Series Book One) is a spectacular paranormal romance novel with vampires, elfs, witches, fairies, mermaids, humans, and dark magic. The premise of the novel is highly intriguing and right from the beginning you are enchanted until the end. The writing is well crafted along with well seasoned character's. The dynamics between the character's is fabulous. The world building descriptions and settings are well detailed and descriptive. This novel is brimming with suspense, a bit of mystery, plot twists, sexy lust , romance, & magic. I am looking forward to reading the next novel in this magical series.
This story has be bouncing from one emotion to another! I didn't know if I wanted to kill Nathaniel or kiss him! And Julia is such a strong half elf woman. But she's afraid she's just food for him. Even though he's told her he's going to change and try a relationship she's still not sure but gives him the chance. They are trying to find out who's kidnapping elf's and other paranormals ...Julia's father is head of the paranormal agency...he's trying to keep her safe. BUT.... If your looking for a good storyline and great characters this is it! Hang on for the ride!