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Witches of Keating Hollow #17
Rise of the Witch
Briggs Williams has a problem. For years he’d been unable to control his magic. But all that changed when he moved to Keating Hollow. There’s just something about the enchanted town that settles him. But when an old flame shows up in Keating Hollow out of the blue, his magic flares out of control again. Suddenly he’s a walking disaster. And there appears to be only one person that can help him keep his magic in check—Melissa Benson, the one woman he wants but knows he can never have.
Melissa Benson is determined to find her Mr. Right, instead of Mr. Right Now. If only she had a little bit of magic, she’d cast a love spell to help her find him. Unfortunately, she’s never been magical. It appears her only talent is dating emotionally unavailable men. Which is why she has sworn off the very handsome Briggs Williams, who has made it clear he’s not interested in anything permanent. But when his ex walks into town and Briggs asked Melissa to pretend to be his fiancée, she finds herself unable to refuse his insane request. Now she’s spending all her time with a man she can’t resist who is destined to break her heart.
Just when Melissa is determined to break off the charade, it becomes clear that she has magic after all, and if she leaves Briggs’s side now all hell will break loose. In order to keep Briggs and the residents of Keating Hollow safe, Melissa has no choice but to go through with the fake engagement at least until Briggs can regain control of his magic. But will she lose her heart in the process, or will she and Briggs find they can’t live without each other after all?
Melissa Benson is determined to find her Mr. Right, instead of Mr. Right Now. If only she had a little bit of magic, she’d cast a love spell to help her find him. Unfortunately, she’s never been magical. It appears her only talent is dating emotionally unavailable men. Which is why she has sworn off the very handsome Briggs Williams, who has made it clear he’s not interested in anything permanent. But when his ex walks into town and Briggs asked Melissa to pretend to be his fiancée, she finds herself unable to refuse his insane request. Now she’s spending all her time with a man she can’t resist who is destined to break her heart.
Just when Melissa is determined to break off the charade, it becomes clear that she has magic after all, and if she leaves Briggs’s side now all hell will break loose. In order to keep Briggs and the residents of Keating Hollow safe, Melissa has no choice but to go through with the fake engagement at least until Briggs can regain control of his magic. But will she lose her heart in the process, or will she and Briggs find they can’t live without each other after all?
- GenresRomance
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2025
372 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Chase
135 books1,702 followersDeanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 22, 2025
I really like rise of a witch. It’s a great story with a man who’s magic is out of control, a jealous insecure ex and a fake fiancé who think she’s not a witch, but can help him cool his magic Melissa and Briggs go through a lot and end up saving the day. This is a must read and a great series. Looking forward to another book.
August 29, 2025
This was a terrific book! I have enjoyed this series a lot. The characters and plots keep getting better! I strongly recommend this series and this book,
Amazon synopsis:
Briggs Williams has a problem. For years he’d been unable to control his magic. But all that changed when he moved to Keating Hollow. There’s just something about the enchanted town that settles him. But when an old flame shows up in Keating Hollow out of the blue, his magic flares out of control again. Suddenly he’s a walking disaster. And there appears to be only one person that can help him keep his magic in check—Melissa Benson, the one woman he wants but knows he can never have.
Melissa Benson is determined to find her Mr. Right, instead of Mr. Right Now. If only she had a little bit of magic, she’d cast a love spell to help her find him. Unfortunately, she’s never been magical. It appears her only talent is dating emotionally unavailable men. Which is why she has sworn off the very handsome Briggs Williams, who has made it clear he’s not interested in anything permanent. But when his ex walks into town and Briggs asked Melissa to pretend to be his fiancée, she finds herself unable to refuse his insane request. Now she’s spending all her time with a man she can’t resist who is destined to break her heart.
Just when Melissa is determined to break off the charade, it becomes clear that she has magic after all, and if she leaves Briggs’s side now all hell will break loose. In order to keep Briggs and the residents of Keating Hollow safe, Melissa has no choice but to go through with the fake engagement at least until Briggs can regain control of his magic. But will she lose her heart in the process, or will she and Briggs find they can’t live without each other after all?
Amazon synopsis:
Briggs Williams has a problem. For years he’d been unable to control his magic. But all that changed when he moved to Keating Hollow. There’s just something about the enchanted town that settles him. But when an old flame shows up in Keating Hollow out of the blue, his magic flares out of control again. Suddenly he’s a walking disaster. And there appears to be only one person that can help him keep his magic in check—Melissa Benson, the one woman he wants but knows he can never have.
Melissa Benson is determined to find her Mr. Right, instead of Mr. Right Now. If only she had a little bit of magic, she’d cast a love spell to help her find him. Unfortunately, she’s never been magical. It appears her only talent is dating emotionally unavailable men. Which is why she has sworn off the very handsome Briggs Williams, who has made it clear he’s not interested in anything permanent. But when his ex walks into town and Briggs asked Melissa to pretend to be his fiancée, she finds herself unable to refuse his insane request. Now she’s spending all her time with a man she can’t resist who is destined to break her heart.
Just when Melissa is determined to break off the charade, it becomes clear that she has magic after all, and if she leaves Briggs’s side now all hell will break loose. In order to keep Briggs and the residents of Keating Hollow safe, Melissa has no choice but to go through with the fake engagement at least until Briggs can regain control of his magic. But will she lose her heart in the process, or will she and Briggs find they can’t live without each other after all?
August 20, 2025
Briggs and Melissa . . .
Briggs Williams had a control issue with his magic, but moving to Keating Hollow somehow settles him. The arrival of a former ex-fling Kassie Kinny, however, brings back the loss of magical control until Melissa Benson is able to calm him down again. She semi-reluctantly agrees to pretend to be his fiancee to help him fend off the aggressive ex, especially when they find out Kassie is here to record her new album and is expecting to stay with Briggs who works for Austin’s recording studio and had done the sound mixing on her last album. Staying with Briggs (unannounced) had been Kassie’s idea which Melissa quickly corrects by telling her to get a room at the inn. However, Kassie claims her credit card was maxed out and she knew Briggs would welcome her. Austin’s studio needs her business, but Briggs cannot go through this craziness with Kassie again. So Melissa reluctantly agrees to stay at his house with him for one night. And she expects breakfast in bed!
But she knows Briggs isn’t serious about a relationship with her. When they stop faking, will she lose the magic she discovers in herself? Will Briggs continue to not tell her how he actually feels about her? Or will they both finally realize what they mean to each other and accept the HEA they deserve? (And maybe they can “magic” Kassie away if they combine their powers?)
Briggs Williams had a control issue with his magic, but moving to Keating Hollow somehow settles him. The arrival of a former ex-fling Kassie Kinny, however, brings back the loss of magical control until Melissa Benson is able to calm him down again. She semi-reluctantly agrees to pretend to be his fiancee to help him fend off the aggressive ex, especially when they find out Kassie is here to record her new album and is expecting to stay with Briggs who works for Austin’s recording studio and had done the sound mixing on her last album. Staying with Briggs (unannounced) had been Kassie’s idea which Melissa quickly corrects by telling her to get a room at the inn. However, Kassie claims her credit card was maxed out and she knew Briggs would welcome her. Austin’s studio needs her business, but Briggs cannot go through this craziness with Kassie again. So Melissa reluctantly agrees to stay at his house with him for one night. And she expects breakfast in bed!
But she knows Briggs isn’t serious about a relationship with her. When they stop faking, will she lose the magic she discovers in herself? Will Briggs continue to not tell her how he actually feels about her? Or will they both finally realize what they mean to each other and accept the HEA they deserve? (And maybe they can “magic” Kassie away if they combine their powers?)
August 17, 2025
Hard to believe that Rise of the Witch is book 17! Book 17! That is amazing and I loved it so much!
I have been a long-time reader of Deanna Chase's and I will never get tired reading her books. She is one author that I know I am going to love her books and read it within 2 days. That is exactly what I did. Most books take me 3-7 days to read because I just don't have the attention span that I used to have. I lose interest in a book easily if it isn't well written. Deanna Chase does this for me.... she keeps my attention, and her books are well written. I fall in Love with Keating Hollow all over again when I read a new book from the series. I have said it since day one, Keating Hollow if it was a real place I would move there in a heartbeat. It is so magical, wonderful characters and a life lesson usually thrown into the book.
Melissa and Briggs brings the story alive and explosive. They are so good together even when they are faking a relationship. The nemesis, Kassie, you really hate her. Self-centered, pain in the butt, and nerve wracking. But in the end, you feel some pity for her.
All around another 5 star story from the author! I wish I could give it more stars because it deserves it. I always said Keating Hollow should be a Hallmark series and I will stick to that.
Highly recommend if you like magical, explosive, well written story.
I have been a long-time reader of Deanna Chase's and I will never get tired reading her books. She is one author that I know I am going to love her books and read it within 2 days. That is exactly what I did. Most books take me 3-7 days to read because I just don't have the attention span that I used to have. I lose interest in a book easily if it isn't well written. Deanna Chase does this for me.... she keeps my attention, and her books are well written. I fall in Love with Keating Hollow all over again when I read a new book from the series. I have said it since day one, Keating Hollow if it was a real place I would move there in a heartbeat. It is so magical, wonderful characters and a life lesson usually thrown into the book.
Melissa and Briggs brings the story alive and explosive. They are so good together even when they are faking a relationship. The nemesis, Kassie, you really hate her. Self-centered, pain in the butt, and nerve wracking. But in the end, you feel some pity for her.
All around another 5 star story from the author! I wish I could give it more stars because it deserves it. I always said Keating Hollow should be a Hallmark series and I will stick to that.
Highly recommend if you like magical, explosive, well written story.
August 27, 2025
Back in Keating Hollow, we catch up with Briggs and Melissa. Briggs has been doing his best to keep his magic under control and avoid chaos, but Melissa isn’t looking for Mr. Right Now—she’s holding out for Mr. Right. So how does she end up as Briggs’s pretend fiancée? Well, when his over-the-top ex shows up, how could she possibly say no?
What makes things even more interesting is how Briggs’s magic seems to spiral whenever his ex is around, but Melissa has this calming effect on him. Try as she might, Melissa finds herself falling for the very man she’s only supposed to be pretending with.
And as for the ex… let’s just say she’s a walking disaster who brings trouble everywhere she goes. She manages to land Briggs in a predicament that nearly costs him his life, and it’s Melissa who has to figure out how to deal with both him—and his chaos-inducing ex.
Rise of the Witch is a fun, magical ride full of drama, danger, and just the right amount of romance.
What makes things even more interesting is how Briggs’s magic seems to spiral whenever his ex is around, but Melissa has this calming effect on him. Try as she might, Melissa finds herself falling for the very man she’s only supposed to be pretending with.
And as for the ex… let’s just say she’s a walking disaster who brings trouble everywhere she goes. She manages to land Briggs in a predicament that nearly costs him his life, and it’s Melissa who has to figure out how to deal with both him—and his chaos-inducing ex.
Rise of the Witch is a fun, magical ride full of drama, danger, and just the right amount of romance.
August 20, 2025
Explosive chemistry and magic
Have you ever just wanted to lose control? I have envisioned it but after reading about Briggs I have changed my mind. Briggs is a Keating Hollow transplant who has flirted and skirted a relationship with Melissa, a Keating Hollow native. Briggs has troubles controlling his magic and Melissa has none. Due to a small lie to help Briggs avoid is psycho ex Melissa and Briggs are forced together out of necessity but are drawn together by an attraction they cannot avoid. I love the Keating Hollow books because I get to revisit past characters and see what they are up to these days. I love the couples stories and the Happily Ever Afters more. Great read to escape reality for a few hours.
Have you ever just wanted to lose control? I have envisioned it but after reading about Briggs I have changed my mind. Briggs is a Keating Hollow transplant who has flirted and skirted a relationship with Melissa, a Keating Hollow native. Briggs has troubles controlling his magic and Melissa has none. Due to a small lie to help Briggs avoid is psycho ex Melissa and Briggs are forced together out of necessity but are drawn together by an attraction they cannot avoid. I love the Keating Hollow books because I get to revisit past characters and see what they are up to these days. I love the couples stories and the Happily Ever Afters more. Great read to escape reality for a few hours.
December 31, 2025
Briggs Williams had trouble controlling his magic. He moved to Keating Hollow, and that seemed to have helped until his ex, Kassie, showed up. When Briggs found out Kassie was showing up to work on a recording, he asked his friend Melissa to pretend to be his fiancée. Things did not go well with his magic because Kassie could stir Briggs' emotions, and not in a good way. However, Melissa was able to keep him from doing too much damage with his out-of-control magic. This led Melissa to learn that she, too, was a witch.
Like all of the Keating Hollow series, Deanna Chase creates a likable community. But adds some mystery and mayhem. If you like magic, romance with a bit of mystery, and family drama, this book and this series are for you.
Like all of the Keating Hollow series, Deanna Chase creates a likable community. But adds some mystery and mayhem. If you like magic, romance with a bit of mystery, and family drama, this book and this series are for you.
August 14, 2025
I’ve been reading this author for a very long and know exactly what I’m getting from this series and similar ones by her. And, sometimes, that’s the very thing you need when you are not sure what you want to read next. This latest in the series is Melissa and Briggs, and they are the cutest couple. I loved how the author made me love and hate Kassie in equal measures; I’m still divided about her even until the end. Anyway, this is a fun, simple, well-written romance with a touch of suspense, and fans of this author and series will devour this latest. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
August 17, 2025
Rise of the Witch by Deanna Chase 4 stars, pub August 25
Briggs & Melissa
He's not for to settle. She wants to settle. So--even the attraction won't make them work. Until an ex of his again revs up pursuit. He begs Melissa to pretend to protect him. Ok. What harm can it do? Oh, lots. Read to find out just what happens.
He knows his magic doesn't work right--unless Melissa happens to be around. He did promise. Funny thing, though, when he's near, his control is different. How long can they maintain?
He wasn't prepared, and neither was she. What's going to happen when a stalker gets added to their lives?
Briggs & Melissa
He's not for to settle. She wants to settle. So--even the attraction won't make them work. Until an ex of his again revs up pursuit. He begs Melissa to pretend to protect him. Ok. What harm can it do? Oh, lots. Read to find out just what happens.
He knows his magic doesn't work right--unless Melissa happens to be around. He did promise. Funny thing, though, when he's near, his control is different. How long can they maintain?
He wasn't prepared, and neither was she. What's going to happen when a stalker gets added to their lives?
August 24, 2025
This was a quick, fun read. Boy meets girl, Boy gets ambushed by a former fling, boy begs girl to save him by posing as his fiancée... And somewhere in this sweet tale, boy and girl fall in love.
In Briggs and Melissa's story, Briggs works in the musical industry and is tasked with helping his former fling, a woman who can't take a hint, create her follow-up album, after she has maxed out her credit cards after a seemingly successful tour.
I love re-immersing myself in the lore of Keating Hollow. I love how Ms. Chase has updates from the previous books, which are so much fun! And, of course, I LOVE how Ms. Chase writes the friendships that we all need in our lives.
In Briggs and Melissa's story, Briggs works in the musical industry and is tasked with helping his former fling, a woman who can't take a hint, create her follow-up album, after she has maxed out her credit cards after a seemingly successful tour.
I love re-immersing myself in the lore of Keating Hollow. I love how Ms. Chase has updates from the previous books, which are so much fun! And, of course, I LOVE how Ms. Chase writes the friendships that we all need in our lives.
August 16, 2025
A Breezy Delight with Fresh Twists
This installment in the series is a light, engaging read that draws you in from the very first chapter. The introduction of new faces adds a refreshing dynamic, breathing new life into familiar territory. It’s the kind of book you can breeze through in an afternoon, yet still feel satisfied by its depth and charm. The ending is especially rewarding—clever, heartfelt, and perfectly tied together. A must-read for fans of the series and a welcoming entry point for newcomers alike!
This installment in the series is a light, engaging read that draws you in from the very first chapter. The introduction of new faces adds a refreshing dynamic, breathing new life into familiar territory. It’s the kind of book you can breeze through in an afternoon, yet still feel satisfied by its depth and charm. The ending is especially rewarding—clever, heartfelt, and perfectly tied together. A must-read for fans of the series and a welcoming entry point for newcomers alike!
August 19, 2025
Love Keating Hollow and the characters of this series. Briggs and Melissa are no different. Melissa steps in to help Briggs when an ex comes to town. While she knows he is not the settling down type, she begins to fall for him.
Briggs has an issue with his magic but he seems to be able to control it when he is with Melissa. The ex brings out his worst and things go a bit sideways.
This is a fun and easy read. I read it in one evening. Can’t wait for the next book to get back into Keating Hollow.
I voluntarily reviewed the book.
Briggs has an issue with his magic but he seems to be able to control it when he is with Melissa. The ex brings out his worst and things go a bit sideways.
This is a fun and easy read. I read it in one evening. Can’t wait for the next book to get back into Keating Hollow.
I voluntarily reviewed the book.
August 24, 2025
Keating Hollow is a great place to go back and visit. And Briggs and Melissa's story was no different. Personally I love stories where two people pretend to be involved then realize they actually love each other. Briggs isn't looking for forever but Melissa is. Could Briggs lose his heart to Melissa? Or will Melissa be broken hearted when their fake engagement is over? This was an excellent addition to the Keating Hollow series and I already ordered Charm of the Witch.
August 22, 2025
Great read!
This has to be one of my favorite Keating Hollow visits so far! Briggs isn’t looking for commitment, but when his ex comes into town begs Melissa to pretend to be his finance.. unfortunately for Melissa she is looking for Mr. Forever.. I cannot wait to visit Keating Hollow again soon!
This has to be one of my favorite Keating Hollow visits so far! Briggs isn’t looking for commitment, but when his ex comes into town begs Melissa to pretend to be his finance.. unfortunately for Melissa she is looking for Mr. Forever.. I cannot wait to visit Keating Hollow again soon!
August 22, 2025
Sweet story
I’ve read the entire series and this is an engaging book to add to the mix. I found it interesting enough that I read it in one evening. I would have enjoyed a bit more time spent on Briggs magical control issue and how Melissa helps. The next book has an interesting start in the last chapter of this book. Looking forward to it.
I’ve read the entire series and this is an engaging book to add to the mix. I found it interesting enough that I read it in one evening. I would have enjoyed a bit more time spent on Briggs magical control issue and how Melissa helps. The next book has an interesting start in the last chapter of this book. Looking forward to it.
August 24, 2025
What a fantastic story!!!! I know I’m always going to enjoy a trip back to Keating hollow, this one definitely didn’t disappoint.
Briggs and Melissa are great one with strong uncontrollable magic one who didn’t think she had magic, they really were made for each other.
A romance with a difference.
A love that grows and blossoms.
I can’t wait for more on Dutton he was an unexpected surprise.
Briggs and Melissa are great one with strong uncontrollable magic one who didn’t think she had magic, they really were made for each other.
A romance with a difference.
A love that grows and blossoms.
I can’t wait for more on Dutton he was an unexpected surprise.
January 1, 2026
Another hit
I really don't believe that Deanna Chase knows how to write anything but great books with fantastic characters, well thought plots and storylines. I can't wait for the next book is this series. Don't take my word for it read it for yourself,, however if you haven't read the other books in this series I suggest you start there. I think you will be pleased.
I really don't believe that Deanna Chase knows how to write anything but great books with fantastic characters, well thought plots and storylines. I can't wait for the next book is this series. Don't take my word for it read it for yourself,, however if you haven't read the other books in this series I suggest you start there. I think you will be pleased.
August 17, 2025
Melissa and Briggs are another great story in the magical Keating's Hallow! Melissa and Briggs are made for each other. I love how intricate the real are and how we get a peak into past characters in all the books!
August 18, 2025
I do like me some Keating Goolw
I’ve rest this entire series and a few others from Deanna and find them to be just feel good reads. No matter what is going on in my life I can sit down with one of her books and just get pulled into the book. And I am never disappointed!
I’ve rest this entire series and a few others from Deanna and find them to be just feel good reads. No matter what is going on in my life I can sit down with one of her books and just get pulled into the book. And I am never disappointed!
August 26, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book, it has an engaging storyline and the interaction between the characters is entertaining. I can't wait for the next book. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
August 27, 2025
Love this author
I've been reading everything Deanna Chase writes. This book was a bit different but always a great read with witches, magic, love, and HEA. This book in her series kept me glued to my Kindle. I actually read it in one go.
I've been reading everything Deanna Chase writes. This book was a bit different but always a great read with witches, magic, love, and HEA. This book in her series kept me glued to my Kindle. I actually read it in one go.
February 17, 2026
Complicated Magic
They have an attraction to each other when an old friend shows up expecting things from him. Funny moments, scary ones too and a romance to warm your heart. The ending was fun and has hints of the next book. I can’t wait to read it!
They have an attraction to each other when an old friend shows up expecting things from him. Funny moments, scary ones too and a romance to warm your heart. The ending was fun and has hints of the next book. I can’t wait to read it!
August 15, 2025
Keating Hollow is my favorite magical.town. Reading this series feels like visiting your home town. Familiar but with good changes.
I really enjoy this series. Briggs and Meliisa's story was a fun read. The chaos of Briggs magic and the calmness of Melissa just works. The ex brings a bit of tension into the mix.
Looking forward to the next book
I really enjoy this series. Briggs and Meliisa's story was a fun read. The chaos of Briggs magic and the calmness of Melissa just works. The ex brings a bit of tension into the mix.
Looking forward to the next book
August 16, 2025
loved it, as always
Love all of her books! Can’t wait for the next one! I don’t know what else to say. Thanks for all the great books
Love all of her books! Can’t wait for the next one! I don’t know what else to say. Thanks for all the great books
August 19, 2025
This is an enjoyable addition to the Keating Hollow series. The story is a fun and engaging read.
August 21, 2025
ok
Was ok, seems like the same story but different names and scenarios. Nothing memorable. was just mailing it in. Time for a change. Lack luster.
Was ok, seems like the same story but different names and scenarios. Nothing memorable. was just mailing it in. Time for a change. Lack luster.
August 28, 2025
super
Another story I couldn’t put down. I was hooked as soon as I picked it up. Thanks for the great stories.
Another story I couldn’t put down. I was hooked as soon as I picked it up. Thanks for the great stories.
September 2, 2025
Can't recommend her books enough
Great world building
Great world building
September 3, 2025
Another good story set in Keating Hollow. I just love this series and always enjoy books by Deanna Chase.
September 5, 2025
A good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews