Blue Diamond

Evans Witches #1

by Reut Barak

I used to have magic. I missed it every day after I gave it up, but I knew I had done it to save my family.

And then, I met Mark, my Charge—the human I was destined to love and protect.

He wasn’t what I’d hoped for, not someone with a simple life, and easy to protect. Instead, I got a famous New York entrepreneur with his own dangerous enemies, but also with playfulness, down-to-earth charm and gratitude for my role in his life. Nobody ever made me feel the way he did. Since the first moment we met. Plus, he looked great in a suit.

He was killed in front of my eyes by a corrupt guild leader who abused his power. I can still remember the bullet. It had all happened too quickly to stop.

But there were two things our attackers didn’t know about me: that right before it happened, my powers returned, and I was ready to give up my comfortable urban life for the dangerous spell-power of Scotland. And that in me was the same magic that had once created dragons.

From New York to Scotland: Meet Julie Evans, and Mark Ralston in Blue Diamond, an Urban Fantasy adventure.

Genres: Ebooks

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2024

About the author

My personal life - videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Once upon a time…

Reut was born in Camelot in the year 1201, following the famous explosion of the northern dragon tower.
She has a degree in fantasy and science fiction from the University of Atlantis and this record can be found in the central library, now twenty thousand leagues under the sea.

She likes phoenix riding, dragon fighting and painting the roses red.

And Grimm’s Fairy Tales

Evans Witches:
https://reutbarak.com/evans/

Connect with Reut:
www.reutbarak.com

Raw Munchies:
http://www.rawmunchies.org

Funny Fairy Tales:
www.funnyfairytales.org

Email list signup:
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Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ReutBarak

Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OW...
https://www.youtube.com/c/RawMunchies

Reviews

[Terry Herres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly one of the better books i've read in the past few years. The writing was descriptive, captivating, tangible, everything you hope from a book that helps you step into the protagonist's shoes. I could sense the panic of missing a small detail, the pain of loss, the overwhelming nature of the situation. This author also finds a way to include technology in a thoughtful and tasteful way which seems to be a challenge for many authors.

The tasteful loredump as part of a character arc was clever and well done, the bonds between characters were well established, the secondary characters were mostly well established and real feeling. I'm ready to dive into the next book today, tbh.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all ever finish a book and feel like your own powers just got plugged back in? That’s exactly what happened when I devoured Blue Diamond. I wasn’t just reading—I was there, walking alongside Julie Evans, heart pounding, magic flickering under my skin, and swooning over a suit-wearing hunk who turned out to be way more than a mission.

Julie isn’t your typical urban fantasy heroine. She gave up her powers to save her family (like, girl, SAME—I’d torch a universe for my people). But then fate rolls in, all smug and sexy, and tosses Mark in her path—her Charge, her destined love, and let me tell you… this man? Charisma. Humor. That sweet, slow-burn intensity that made me wish I was the one catching bullets and unleashing dragon-born fury in the name of love.

Mark isn’t just arm candy in a designer suit—he’s layered. Playful one second, emotionally grounded the next, and when things go dark (and oh, they do), he never feels like a throwaway love interest. He’s the kind of man a witch would burn her soul for. And Julie? She’s not afraid to go scorched-earth.

Now let’s talk magic. Reut Barak didn’t just build a world—she wove a living, breathing pulse of lore that slides under your skin and refuses to let go. The mystery is tight, the action hits hard, and the emotional moments? Cut deep. You can feel the weight of Julie’s choices and the slow reawakening of her power like it’s your own damn heartbeat. I didn’t just read this story—I felt it.

And when the bullets flew and the world cracked open around her? Julie stood tall with that quiet kind of fire I live for in a heroine. Her journey isn’t just about love or power—it’s about reclaiming every lost piece of herself. And you better believe I was right there, cheering her on, whispering “get him, girl” between page flips.

If you like:
✔️ Witches with complicated pasts
✔️ Bodyguard energy with a destined lovers twist
✔️ Enemies with guns, secrets, and no idea who they just messed with
✔️ A delicious slow-burn romance that scorches AND heals
✔️ Hints of dragons (yes, please) and world-building that slaps...

Then Blue Diamond is the gem you didn’t know you were missing.

Five enchanted stars and a stolen heartbeat for Julie and Mark.

My magic is humming, my TBR is growing, and I’m absolutely diving into book two like it’s my personal destiny.

Reut Barak, you’ve officially claimed a corner of my witchy little heart.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Julie comes from a long list of Guardians. She bound her powers when she was younger because a mage tried to steal her powers and it turn put she and her entire family in danger. She had been waiting several years to meet her charge, the man she was destined to love and protect. Mark is a billionaire and Julie meets him one night at a party and immediately realizes that he is her charge. They essentially fall in love instantly and she regains her powers within days and then they start running from the Guild who appear to want Mark dead. The Guild is an organization of powerful mages who can use the entire organizations power if needed through a Blue Diamond that they all wear that connects them all to each other. Julie and Mark embark on a journey to The Loch in Scotland where they seek protection from magical beings there and Julie's magic isn't as traceable there as it is anywhere else. This is an interesting read that I think any age will enjoy.
I received an advance copy for free, and I. am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so if you haven’t heard of Reut Barak and her paranormal trilogies, they are amazing! Of course I started with the first book in her latest trilogy which is also amazing. I sent the author a note telling her how much I loved the book and lucky me, she informed me that there are also two other trilogies in the Evans Witches world. Yay!

So the premise of these books is that each witch gets a charge that they are to guard with their magic. They know when they have found that person when a certain sign appears and then it’s “Guardian Love”. For example, the FMC’s parents married after five days. Now Julie, the FMC, had some horrible things happen to her and chose to bind her powers with the help of another witch. When she met her charge, her powers would return. She always hoped for something simple like the boy next door.

Enter our MMC, Mark, who is far from the boy next door. He is a tech billionaire and number four on NYC’s most eligible bachelor’s if I remember correctly. While they are destined to be together, Julie really does love the simple things in life. Mark is enamored.

Long story short, people are not who they seem to be, family is everything and they fight about whom is protecting whom. With each book I read, I think “this one is my favorite”. I think I am just going to have to include all of the Evans Witches books from now on because the author has done it again.

If you like epic love, billionaire romance, secrets, danger, magic and one heck of a powerful witch I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I would like to thank the author Reut Barak and BookSirens for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!

[Emma Taubman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Diamond is a well-written narrative that captivates readers with its compelling storyline. The author's writing style is engaging, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish. However, the plotline, while entertaining, tends to follow a somewhat predictable trajectory, which slightly detracts from the overall experience. Despite this, the book remains a satisfying read, offering moments of suspense and intrigue that keep readers invested until the end. Overall, Blue Diamond is a commendable effort, deserving of its 4-star rating, and is sure to entertain fans of the genre.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to start out saying that I absolutely love Reut Barak’s preface. It’s a rare treat when an author gives a personal look at how a story is born and shares it within then book itself. I always enjoy the world building in a new series. Even though it’s a relatively normal world it does change once the story moves to Scotland. I’m hoping that the flow of the wording gets better with this series. I found I had a hard time keeping interest because the voice of the characters lacked depth/maturity. That being said I still enjoyed the story and look forward to the second in this series. I received a free copy of this book via email Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good paranormal romance/urban fantasy story full of magic and mayhem . Lot’s of history and world building going on with the characters being well fleshed out and multidimensional. Julie and Mark (witch and charge ), meet and insta -live abounds, and with it multiple problems. Cameo appearances by dragons and possibly “Nessie”. Minimal bedroom heat, but lots of action. One or two major what the heck just happened moments, but no true cliffhanger, just a good set up for book 2, which I can’t wait to read. Slight lag in the story at the beginning, but once it gets going, couldn’t put it down. 4✨’s I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read with an ending I did not expect!

This story was a very slow start for me. Reading about the first couple of dates Julie and Mark went on made me think I was reading a Harlequin. After they had sex, boy did things change. There was magic and danger and chases and family and love, always love. I felt like I was right along with Mark and Julie as they tried to get answers while staying alive. I did not expect that ending either. I can’t wait to see where Reut Barak takes this series next. However, wherever she takes it, I know it will be a great read.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie & Mark
This is a totally new writing style that this author possesses, and It is wonderful. I loved this original and engaging story! Julie and Mark are great together and kept me interested in their story and their world. I Love This Book!!! I Highly Recommend! No Spoilers from me! Great characters and original story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

An amazingly fresh new take on magic, Avalon, dragons, even Camelot! I highly recommend giving it a read. The cliffhanger at the end has been salivating for the next book! Well done!

[Lynne Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This book is exciting and adventurous. Loved the characters and the story. Hope there is another book on the way!!

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical tale

I really enjoyed this book it had great characters and a well thought out plot I loved the Dragon toddlers a well deserved 5 stars

[Brittanee · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’d absolutely forced myself to 59% and just just couldn’t do it it anymore. No idea who is rating this so high.

[Reut Barak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author's Review - A Series is Born!:
The idea first came to me a few years ago, when I started writing a story about a witch and a Charge, who lived long ago in Camelot. That went into the drawer. It was just a summer thing. A hobby…or so I thought.
10 years passed and I discovered self publishing...I also came to Scotland, drawn to the beauty of the Highlands, and I stayed because I found love. During a walk along the coast, in my imagination, I saw a modern witch:

Julie Evans.

This is her story!

Linked back to those original ones, creating the magic of Evans Witches and a series of six books.

I related the most to Julie.
There are certain things here that are completely autobiographical, including surviving an incident when someone tried to drown me. Got your attention there.
I also have magical powers and my life partner is a billionaire. Kidding. I actually prefer a simple life where I can hike anonymously and without paparazzi taking pictures of me when I’m covered in mud, because, well, gravity doesn’t like me very much.

And Mark was amazing. Charismatic and smart, with ups and downs throughout the series, which made him a challenging character to write.

The research was fantastic:
“Hi, I’m writing a book. I need to know what your private jets look like from the inside.”

“Does your lighthouse have enough space at the top for a romantic dinner?”

“Thank you for putting me through to the Scottish police, could you explain hostage procedures to me?”
And, my all-time favorite:

“Hi, I’ve got a question about your airport’s regulations. Wait, what? You’re putting me through to flight control?!!!”

So here we are, FINALLY! Launching Blue Diamond! Enjoy :)
https://reutbarak.com/bluediamond/