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Southern Sanctuary #3
To Wrangle A Witch
Serena Chastain, former reality TV - sparkly purple shorts wearing – starlet, and Earth Witch is having a really bad five months. Imprisoned in a mental facility by two Chaos demi-gods bent on revenge, Serena is drained of her magic and only days away from dying.
Truth Mage Locke Valhalla battles evil every day… in the boardroom, wielding the contents of his briefcase like a sword, his platinum credit card his shield. His life is pretty much perfect. He’s established very firm boundaries to ensure his loving but interfering family are kept at bay and his immaculate home is the equivalent of the fortress of solitude – only much cleaner and better decorated with a big screen TV plus an expensively stocked bar.
Unfortunately Locke’s perfect world is about to come crashing down. Blackmailed into rescuing Serena, what’s a three piece suit wearing corporate lawyer with a slight dirt phobia supposed to do when he’s saddled with an Earth Witch with a bounty on her very fine - but definitely off limits – ass? A woman who insists upon rolling around in the mud to reconnect with her magic! A woman who refuses to wear clothes and seems to take great delight in twitching all her mouth-watering assets in his face at every opportunity!
With a Kiss of Vampire Assassins also chasing that very fine butt, it’s up to Locke to protect Serena from the bad guys whilst the Earth Witch teaches him that only good things come to those who are willing to wrangle with a Witch.
Truth Mage Locke Valhalla battles evil every day… in the boardroom, wielding the contents of his briefcase like a sword, his platinum credit card his shield. His life is pretty much perfect. He’s established very firm boundaries to ensure his loving but interfering family are kept at bay and his immaculate home is the equivalent of the fortress of solitude – only much cleaner and better decorated with a big screen TV plus an expensively stocked bar.
Unfortunately Locke’s perfect world is about to come crashing down. Blackmailed into rescuing Serena, what’s a three piece suit wearing corporate lawyer with a slight dirt phobia supposed to do when he’s saddled with an Earth Witch with a bounty on her very fine - but definitely off limits – ass? A woman who insists upon rolling around in the mud to reconnect with her magic! A woman who refuses to wear clothes and seems to take great delight in twitching all her mouth-watering assets in his face at every opportunity!
With a Kiss of Vampire Assassins also chasing that very fine butt, it’s up to Locke to protect Serena from the bad guys whilst the Earth Witch teaches him that only good things come to those who are willing to wrangle with a Witch.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2014
7 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Jane Cousins
22 books152 followersAn optimist, yet overly sarcastic. Big on bringing the laughs and the heat to her paranormal romance and cosy mystery series. A huge fan of snark, with a side order of bickering and a double heaping of banter. Delivering to the page sweet alpha males and their more than a match female counterparts. Before wrapping it all up in a hugely satisfying HEA each and every time.
Living in Melbourne, Australia, with her blue tongue lizard, that pokes it head out from under the porch twice a year. When not writing, can generally be found reading.
The Beast of Gloomenthrall - a snarky, fun & hot stand alone romantasy - Released January 2025
Currently hard at work on book 15 - To Crave A Curse (Southern Sanctuary series)
Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JaneCousinsW... or Twitter for all the latest - @JCousins_Author
or - become a fan on Goodreads, read my blog and get all the latest news.
Living in Melbourne, Australia, with her blue tongue lizard, that pokes it head out from under the porch twice a year. When not writing, can generally be found reading.
The Beast of Gloomenthrall - a snarky, fun & hot stand alone romantasy - Released January 2025
Currently hard at work on book 15 - To Crave A Curse (Southern Sanctuary series)
Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JaneCousinsW... or Twitter for all the latest - @JCousins_Author
or - become a fan on Goodreads, read my blog and get all the latest news.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 6, 2019
This is a really old reference, but did you ever see the old television show Frasier? You know his brother, the fussy guy who would dust off his chair before sitting down? The guy in this book made me think of him. The hero is a lawyer who is a cross between Frasier's brother and American Psycho. He is persnickety about everything and a total snob about designer labels and clothes. He lists out every designer label he wears. At one point he looks at a woman's shoes and realizes that they were the new season's designer label. In other words, NOT SEXY.
So not sexy!
The girl is an earth witch, and dances in the dirt naked. She's a hot mess, but since there is the word "hot" in the mix, Mr FussyPants finds her irresistible. She is staying at his house because there is a group of vampire assassins coming to kill her.
Vampire assassins? Okay, I'm still here.
There are worse ways to go...
The chemistry between these two never felt all that real. He was just too uptight and prissy for her. But, I overall like the world and the characters so I'm moving on to the next couple.
So not sexy!
The girl is an earth witch, and dances in the dirt naked. She's a hot mess, but since there is the word "hot" in the mix, Mr FussyPants finds her irresistible. She is staying at his house because there is a group of vampire assassins coming to kill her.
Vampire assassins? Okay, I'm still here.
There are worse ways to go...
The chemistry between these two never felt all that real. He was just too uptight and prissy for her. But, I overall like the world and the characters so I'm moving on to the next couple.
February 5, 2017
I'm about to start gushing... again, but how can I not? This series is just so much darn fun. The author has an amazingly deft touch - providing a layered info-dump free magical world, action, snappy (LOL) dialogue and yet another hot, hot, romance that still managed to have a side serving of sweetness about it.
Loved Locke, our H, gorgeous and smart but completely OCD when it comes to loving his designer suits and hating dirt. Pairing him up with Serena, an earth witch who loves to roll around in the dirt is inspired.
We got to catch up with some of the awesome secondary characters: Hadleigh, Darcy and all the Maat warriors.
So far the meddling match maker is batting a thousand, loved watching Locke and Serena butt heads, even as they fell in love, just wonderful. Can't wait to see who is next on the list.
Loved Locke, our H, gorgeous and smart but completely OCD when it comes to loving his designer suits and hating dirt. Pairing him up with Serena, an earth witch who loves to roll around in the dirt is inspired.
We got to catch up with some of the awesome secondary characters: Hadleigh, Darcy and all the Maat warriors.
So far the meddling match maker is batting a thousand, loved watching Locke and Serena butt heads, even as they fell in love, just wonderful. Can't wait to see who is next on the list.
October 11, 2016
Loved it. If I wasn't laughing out loud, I was smiling. What a refreshing meet-cute. Our OCD lawyer, Locke, and his truth powers - rescues from an insane asylum - earth witch Serena, who loves nothing more than communing with nature in the nude and rolling around in the mud.
The vampy queen and her minions were a nice bad-guy touch.
This was all about the romance, developing from sexy/sweet into something hot, hot, HOT!
We had appearances from some MVP secondary characters - not the least was Darcy, gotta love that psycho girl.
For some reason, this series feels fresh and light. The Maat warriors are clearly a group of nice Alpha guys. The community of magic in Australia is a unique idea, and cleverly executed to feel natural. This author has once again delivered a great H&h, who have major sparks, lots of witty fun dialogue and get into a few scrapes along the way to their well deserved HEA.
The vampy queen and her minions were a nice bad-guy touch.
This was all about the romance, developing from sexy/sweet into something hot, hot, HOT!
We had appearances from some MVP secondary characters - not the least was Darcy, gotta love that psycho girl.
For some reason, this series feels fresh and light. The Maat warriors are clearly a group of nice Alpha guys. The community of magic in Australia is a unique idea, and cleverly executed to feel natural. This author has once again delivered a great H&h, who have major sparks, lots of witty fun dialogue and get into a few scrapes along the way to their well deserved HEA.
July 5, 2016
This was brilliant. Plenty of laughs, awesome witty dialogue, some tension, some action. It had it all.
An OCD hero? Who relies more on his smarts than his brawn? What a refreshing change.
Sexy truth mage lawyer who hates dirt and is over protective of his suits - meets a gorgeous earth witch who can't stay out of the mud or keep her clothes on. What a wonderful at odds - but obviously perfect for one another - couple.
Loved this third in the series. And it was great to see characters from earlier books pop up. The menacing vampires made excellent bad guys... hopefully we get to see more of the slutty vamp queen.
Wonderful creative series. Just plain fun to read with a large heaping of sexy romance as the main dish.
An OCD hero? Who relies more on his smarts than his brawn? What a refreshing change.
Sexy truth mage lawyer who hates dirt and is over protective of his suits - meets a gorgeous earth witch who can't stay out of the mud or keep her clothes on. What a wonderful at odds - but obviously perfect for one another - couple.
Loved this third in the series. And it was great to see characters from earlier books pop up. The menacing vampires made excellent bad guys... hopefully we get to see more of the slutty vamp queen.
Wonderful creative series. Just plain fun to read with a large heaping of sexy romance as the main dish.
August 14, 2017
Have you heard of this series yet? It's freaking good! This is the 3rd book and it's still so much fun!
July 5, 2018
I like this series. The characters are interesting and nicely intertwined though work or family.
What I enjoyed:
* supporting characters - It was great to see Hadleigh, the Warriors, Darcy and Nell again.
* Serena was a cool character. The idea of an Earth Witch who gets her power from plants and the earth. She isn't at all self conscious and seems pretty fun to be around.
* Vaughn is just awesome! He totally has Locke's number as he gets him to stop calling Hadleigh Gigantor, blackmails him into saving Serena and gets out of owing him a favor later.
What could have been better:
* Locke - I would have liked to see his power used more. And where did he get his obsession with cleanliness? I'm amazed he survived his childhood.
*
What I enjoyed:
* supporting characters - It was great to see Hadleigh, the Warriors, Darcy and Nell again.
* Serena was a cool character. The idea of an Earth Witch who gets her power from plants and the earth. She isn't at all self conscious and seems pretty fun to be around.
* Vaughn is just awesome! He totally has Locke's number as he gets him to stop calling Hadleigh Gigantor, blackmails him into saving Serena and gets out of owing him a favor later.
What could have been better:
* Locke - I would have liked to see his power used more. And where did he get his obsession with cleanliness? I'm amazed he survived his childhood.
*
July 24, 2019
This book (and series) totally brings the feel good factor. Found myself laughing and smiling as I read it - and once finished, walked around with a goofy smile on my face, because the HEA was pretty darn satisfying.
Locke, is not your normal kind of Hero (and that was kind of refreshing) he loves his suits, hates dirt/germs and is very set in his ways. Liked his Lawyer/truth magic, connecting to the truths of the world to manipulate people. And Serena was connecting to mother nature Earth Witch, rolling around in the dirt. Opposites are thrown together - can't fight that inevitable attraction. Throw in a posse of vampire assassins who want Serena's blood and you just have fun, fun, fun.
Special mention has to go to Declan - hotness, love him messing with the Maat warriors. And who could deny how awesome Darcy is, flits in, we get more info on her magic mark, and how its driving her crazy. Hadleigh, Vaughn, Drum, Nell - all appear and its great to re-visit with them.
Laughed. Sighed. Plenty of fun. Think the sizzle factor could have been dialled up another notch, but still loved this couple.
Locke, is not your normal kind of Hero (and that was kind of refreshing) he loves his suits, hates dirt/germs and is very set in his ways. Liked his Lawyer/truth magic, connecting to the truths of the world to manipulate people. And Serena was connecting to mother nature Earth Witch, rolling around in the dirt. Opposites are thrown together - can't fight that inevitable attraction. Throw in a posse of vampire assassins who want Serena's blood and you just have fun, fun, fun.
Special mention has to go to Declan - hotness, love him messing with the Maat warriors. And who could deny how awesome Darcy is, flits in, we get more info on her magic mark, and how its driving her crazy. Hadleigh, Vaughn, Drum, Nell - all appear and its great to re-visit with them.
Laughed. Sighed. Plenty of fun. Think the sizzle factor could have been dialled up another notch, but still loved this couple.
February 21, 2018
Earth witch meets germaphobe - Hilarious. Opposites attract. The whole idea of Locke using the truth to disable opponents - genius. Loved Serena getting naked all the time (no coy Miss here)
Could have used a little more action - but saying that there was so much else to love here. All the secondaries, a big helping of Darcy, the Maat Warriors, Hadleigh.
Liked that it was set in Australia and not another grim, dark pnr.
Excellent layers in world building - so you are immersed, rather than dumped. Lots of little extra touches - so funny, that pull it all together and leave you wanting more.
Snappy smart dialogue sets this apart - and your far from average hero with his OCD ways made this unique and fresh. (Come on, they can't all be sworn wielding Alphas)
Could have used a little more action - but saying that there was so much else to love here. All the secondaries, a big helping of Darcy, the Maat Warriors, Hadleigh.
Liked that it was set in Australia and not another grim, dark pnr.
Excellent layers in world building - so you are immersed, rather than dumped. Lots of little extra touches - so funny, that pull it all together and leave you wanting more.
Snappy smart dialogue sets this apart - and your far from average hero with his OCD ways made this unique and fresh. (Come on, they can't all be sworn wielding Alphas)
March 5, 2014
Third in series - loving this world. Surprised at how funny the hero was this time, his hatred of dirt - his love for his suits. Thought he was just great and a nice change from the usual type of muscle bound hunk we are often presented with.
Also loved the female lead - she was sassy and confident, naked at the drop of... well any article of clothing.
A great (and different) kind of match.
Loved the bad guys - the Vampire Queen especially and the set up for the next book in the series was neatly done.
Kudos also to all the extra characters, the family, Maat's warriors and the Southern Sanctuary inhabitants.
Funny, light and just good fun.
Also loved the female lead - she was sassy and confident, naked at the drop of... well any article of clothing.
A great (and different) kind of match.
Loved the bad guys - the Vampire Queen especially and the set up for the next book in the series was neatly done.
Kudos also to all the extra characters, the family, Maat's warriors and the Southern Sanctuary inhabitants.
Funny, light and just good fun.
July 7, 2020
Jane Cousins is my new drug. Whilst I'm reading her books I find myself smiling and laughing almost constantly and when the last page is done, I'm walking around on a HEA cloud for a while. I love that cloud, and I am loving this author who manages to bring the funny, the snark, action, and hot (yet sweet) romances to the page.
Magic. Witches. Vamps. Matchmaker. Interfering Goddess.
Locke is not your typical Hero. Given his OCD ways, I was worried I might find him too finicky. But you know what, it was kind of refreshing not to have a strapping Alpha in the lead. Locke uses his wits, his charm and his truth magic to make his way in the world.
Serena, our earth witch, is his perfect foil, her love of dirt, insistence upon shedding her clothes constantly. She was feisty and smart.
I thought the action took a while to get going - but once it did it didn't stop. Previous MC characters pop back for a visit and its nice to catch up - they add but don't take over the story, plus there are a heap of secondary characters that bring layers and the funny - I assume some will be getting their own stories in the future. Darcy, who is mad as batshit - I need her story like now. And the set up for the next book in the series was neatly done.
Brings the funny and a wonderful HEA. Going in the love basket.
Magic. Witches. Vamps. Matchmaker. Interfering Goddess.
Locke is not your typical Hero. Given his OCD ways, I was worried I might find him too finicky. But you know what, it was kind of refreshing not to have a strapping Alpha in the lead. Locke uses his wits, his charm and his truth magic to make his way in the world.
Serena, our earth witch, is his perfect foil, her love of dirt, insistence upon shedding her clothes constantly. She was feisty and smart.
I thought the action took a while to get going - but once it did it didn't stop. Previous MC characters pop back for a visit and its nice to catch up - they add but don't take over the story, plus there are a heap of secondary characters that bring layers and the funny - I assume some will be getting their own stories in the future. Darcy, who is mad as batshit - I need her story like now. And the set up for the next book in the series was neatly done.
Brings the funny and a wonderful HEA. Going in the love basket.
July 4, 2020
This would have been a good four star book if it weren’t for some obvious typos, spelling errors, and format issues. Also, the repetitive words and lines got extremely annoying. See notes and highlights. There wasn’t a lot of sex (just one scene really). Though I feel any more just would have felt fake.
We are constantly told that Serena can handle herself if someone attacks. This is not ever proven and falls into the TELL and not SHOW category. She’s a pathetic fighter and being a witch does little to help for her defenses. Loche’s gift of TRUTH doesn’t stand up to snuff either. You’d expect him to have used it to cripple his enemies. But he doesn’t and it also becomes a TELL instead of SHOWING. In essance, both these characters don’t satisfy the criteria for functional protectors or fighters. It was disappointing.
It’s still a good series to read if you enjoy the fantasy/paranormal/urban fiction type stories and there is humor in there to balance it out. It’s a good go to when no other stories are making reading enjoyable.
It’s a sold 3 stars.
We are constantly told that Serena can handle herself if someone attacks. This is not ever proven and falls into the TELL and not SHOW category. She’s a pathetic fighter and being a witch does little to help for her defenses. Loche’s gift of TRUTH doesn’t stand up to snuff either. You’d expect him to have used it to cripple his enemies. But he doesn’t and it also becomes a TELL instead of SHOWING. In essance, both these characters don’t satisfy the criteria for functional protectors or fighters. It was disappointing.
It’s still a good series to read if you enjoy the fantasy/paranormal/urban fiction type stories and there is humor in there to balance it out. It’s a good go to when no other stories are making reading enjoyable.
It’s a sold 3 stars.
July 8, 2019
You don't realise you have had your fill of overly muscular ugh, ugh, Alpha Heroes until a new type of Hero comes along - Locke, a lawyer, with truth magic (he can enforce universally held beliefs) is a refreshing kick in the pants for this reader. He has OCD tendencies. Loves his hard wood floors. Hates germs. And beyond measure treasures his bespoke suits.
This funny, creative author has proven yet again that she can populate this magical world with unique, interesting characters that I want to be best friends with.
Pairing up Locke with Serena, an Earth Witch who loves to role around in the dirt to connect with mother nature made for instant issues and fun hurdles for our Hero to climb. Add in some vampire assassins who need some witch blood and you have a fun storyline.
The matchmaker drops by, as does the delightful Darcy, Hadleigh and the Maat Warrior gang, and a few new intriguing characters to bring this world to a delightful bubble of trouble, laughs and fun.
LOL fun to had here, and a nice romance to tie it all up in that happily ever after bow.
Cannot buy book four fast enough, click, click, click.
This funny, creative author has proven yet again that she can populate this magical world with unique, interesting characters that I want to be best friends with.
Pairing up Locke with Serena, an Earth Witch who loves to role around in the dirt to connect with mother nature made for instant issues and fun hurdles for our Hero to climb. Add in some vampire assassins who need some witch blood and you have a fun storyline.
The matchmaker drops by, as does the delightful Darcy, Hadleigh and the Maat Warrior gang, and a few new intriguing characters to bring this world to a delightful bubble of trouble, laughs and fun.
LOL fun to had here, and a nice romance to tie it all up in that happily ever after bow.
Cannot buy book four fast enough, click, click, click.
April 19, 2021
This book is kind of a mix pf fun moments and disappointing elements.
The writing quality continues to grind on my nerves... especially the pov that jumps between exclusive third person to head-hopping and back when convenient without consistency. Although there were some interesting word choices, in agood way, there were plenty of weirdly constructed sentences as well...
I enjoy the story details and details of characters personalities, as well as dialogues, but the approach to the romance (that is supposed to be the central pint of this, I suppose...) is actually rather boring and uninspired... the insta-lust/love, the denial, the 'lets lie to ourselves!'...
The writing quality continues to grind on my nerves... especially the pov that jumps between exclusive third person to head-hopping and back when convenient without consistency. Although there were some interesting word choices, in agood way, there were plenty of weirdly constructed sentences as well...
I enjoy the story details and details of characters personalities, as well as dialogues, but the approach to the romance (that is supposed to be the central pint of this, I suppose...) is actually rather boring and uninspired... the insta-lust/love, the denial, the 'lets lie to ourselves!'...
June 19, 2017
I really wanted to like it but it was boring. Had to make several attempts to pick it up and finish it. Locke sounded good on paper but I guess there were just so many unnecessary events going on. I was more interested in Declan tbh.
January 14, 2018
Ok
Serena and Locke are the classic opposites attract story. This fell. A little flat for me because Locke just wasn’t that interesting a character.
Serena and Locke are the classic opposites attract story. This fell. A little flat for me because Locke just wasn’t that interesting a character.
January 24, 2019
Read : January 24rd 2019
Rating : 3,5 Stars
Rating : 3,5 Stars
January 17, 2021
Still good stuff in line with the previous ones. Still a lot of errors, but not a bad as it has been
February 21, 2021
I never ever need to read the phrase “bee stung lips” again. It’s been done to death in this book
Otherwise an interesting tale with good romance
Otherwise an interesting tale with good romance
November 25, 2021
Obsessed with this author and on to the next.
January 3, 2017
I binge read 4 of the 9 books of this series back-to-back. The premise is that there's a part of Australia where a bunch of magic users live and have powered up this grid using the libidos of the happily married. Only the young ones aren't getting hitched fast enough and the grid's in a precarious situation, so they recall Great Aunt Alma the famed matchmaker and all the younguns are running scared.
First book, Alma tricks Valhalla warrior Haleigh into working for the Maat Warriors on a hiding-in-plain-sight reality show about ghost hunting.
Second book, Nell the magical physician meets her bad-boy mate and gets sucked into a courtship dispute between magical creatures.
Third book, earth witch Serena and Haleigh's lawyer brother Locke are drawn together as she evades vampire assassins.
Forth book, Siren Charisse and world-class flirt Nate take on the big bad vamp and solve her personal problems with a rock.
All of them are funny, action packed, and heartwarming. Loved every second of them and will read all the rest.
First book, Alma tricks Valhalla warrior Haleigh into working for the Maat Warriors on a hiding-in-plain-sight reality show about ghost hunting.
Second book, Nell the magical physician meets her bad-boy mate and gets sucked into a courtship dispute between magical creatures.
Third book, earth witch Serena and Haleigh's lawyer brother Locke are drawn together as she evades vampire assassins.
Forth book, Siren Charisse and world-class flirt Nate take on the big bad vamp and solve her personal problems with a rock.
All of them are funny, action packed, and heartwarming. Loved every second of them and will read all the rest.
October 28, 2015
This is the third book in the series and while I think it could be read by itself, I recommend reading the books in order. This story is a wonderful mix of humor, action, steamy romance, and paranormal/fantasy. The hero and heroine are quirky and it is fun getting to know them. The secondary characters enrich the story and are delightful to see again and again. The story has a HEA for the main couple, but the major story arc continues on. I recommend this story and the previous two in the series are even better. I can't wait to read more in this series.
August 29, 2014
Really enjoyed this one; I think it was my favorite since the first in the series. This was a really inventive take on the Siren mythology, very creative.
Still, too much "Maat" and "Goddess" exclamations. I really wish the author would ease up on those, because it becomes distracting and really detracts from what is a great series.
Still, too much "Maat" and "Goddess" exclamations. I really wish the author would ease up on those, because it becomes distracting and really detracts from what is a great series.
March 7, 2014
3.5 to 4 stars, much better than the last book IMO.much quicker, faster pace. It didn't seem to drag as much.
February 7, 2017
Not my fav thus far but still an entertaining read. Looking forward to Nate and Darcy getting their own stories in the future.
June 20, 2025
Edited 20.06.25
I have no idea why I had such a reaction when I first read it, this my second read I loved it. Serena is fabulous and I really enjoyed her and Locke together.
I have no idea why I had such a reaction when I first read it, this my second read I loved it. Serena is fabulous and I really enjoyed her and Locke together.
March 28, 2017
Love that serie. It's a very good holiday serie. It's a light reading with nothing very surprising in the story but well written. It's a must read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews