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Maggie's Grove #3
Of Shadows and Ash
Overprotective dryad Ashton Ward is pissed off. His mate Selena has been tortured by humans who hunt supernaturals, and she's flat-out refusing to let him near her as she heals. Her magic is so compromised that just being near her puts him in danger, but he's sure he can help ease her pain if she'll just let him.
To keep Ash safe, witch doctor Selena Giannone wants to handle the fallout from her nightmare alone. But she might be dealing with more than the agonizing loss of her powers—something's haunting her house so badly the land itself is afraid. A demon so powerful nothing in Maggie's grove can tame it alone.
Terrified, exhausted and out of options, Selena turns to Ash for help. The enemy needs two things to Selena's powers, yes, but also it needs her fear. And if there's a magic that can save her, it lies with Ash—with his touch, and with their bond.
84,000 words
To keep Ash safe, witch doctor Selena Giannone wants to handle the fallout from her nightmare alone. But she might be dealing with more than the agonizing loss of her powers—something's haunting her house so badly the land itself is afraid. A demon so powerful nothing in Maggie's grove can tame it alone.
Terrified, exhausted and out of options, Selena turns to Ash for help. The enemy needs two things to Selena's powers, yes, but also it needs her fear. And if there's a magic that can save her, it lies with Ash—with his touch, and with their bond.
84,000 words
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2014
28 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Dana Marie Bell
56 books1,936 followersDana Marie Bell wrote her first short story when she was thirteen years old. She attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts for creative writing, where freedom of expression was the order of the day. When her parents moved out of the city and placed her in a Catholic high school for her senior year she tried desperately to get away, but the nuns held fast, and she graduated with honors despite herself.
Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.
You can learn more about Dana at:
http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com
Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.
You can learn more about Dana at:
http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 9, 2021
I'm really glad that Ash and Selena didn't dance around each other for this book. Instead they seemed good with the mating and moved on to figuring what the heck was going on with Selena. It seemed like at one point everyone in the town came and helped diagnose things. When they finally figured it out, they quickly worked out a game plan to get rid of the trouble. It was fun to see so many come together again to "fix" Selena and to see it work, so that she and Ash could start living their lives instead of hiding away.
November 20, 2014
Dana Marie Bell is my go to author, I love her imagination and I know her weird and twisted mind will cook up something amazing with kick-ass characters, hot sex and hysterical dialogue, so it pains me to give one of her books such a bad rating. I wish I could say that I enjoyed this book as much as all her others but alas, it's not to be.
This book started off great, I was enjoying the story and really loved Ash, but after a while this book just started to drag. I didn't love Selena and I think that's what made this book so frustrating for me. I felt like the excitement of the story got lost in this annoying character who keeps whining and I felt like everyone else had to do things for her. In fact, I enjoyed reading about the side characters so much more. I love Greer and can't wait to read his story, and as always Parker was amazing.
I'm sad that I didn't like this book but I love this series, it's actually my favourite from DMB, so I'll definitely be reading the next one.
This book started off great, I was enjoying the story and really loved Ash, but after a while this book just started to drag. I didn't love Selena and I think that's what made this book so frustrating for me. I felt like the excitement of the story got lost in this annoying character who keeps whining and I felt like everyone else had to do things for her. In fact, I enjoyed reading about the side characters so much more. I love Greer and can't wait to read his story, and as always Parker was amazing.
I'm sad that I didn't like this book but I love this series, it's actually my favourite from DMB, so I'll definitely be reading the next one.
December 22, 2014
I absolutely adore Dana Marie Bell, and this series has been one of my favorites, but something felt a bit off about this one. Still a good book by a great author, but not what I've come to expect from her books.
September 20, 2014
LOVED IT. I love this series.
July 31, 2015
I enjoyed this the third story of the series! It was better than the second! Selena, the witch doctor, is haunted by a demon!
January 7, 2018
Possessions, Shadows, Demons, Oh My
Dana Marie Bell has once again provided an amazing story. In a town where being paranormal is the norm you meet a spunky witch doctor, and the dryad that knows he should be her mate. When the doctors powers go on the fritz, and a demon takes possession, this story is hard to put down. The amazing characters in the group make you wish that you live in Maggies’s Grove. I’m on to the next book!
Dana Marie Bell has once again provided an amazing story. In a town where being paranormal is the norm you meet a spunky witch doctor, and the dryad that knows he should be her mate. When the doctors powers go on the fritz, and a demon takes possession, this story is hard to put down. The amazing characters in the group make you wish that you live in Maggies’s Grove. I’m on to the next book!
October 28, 2019
Lots of action. Lots of strings being gathered to end the suspense of who is the traitor. Loved the wedding!
March 11, 2017
Selena the witch doctor has found her mate Ash the dryad but before they can claim each other they have to get rid of the demon possessing Selena will they get rid of it.
August 9, 2019
If you’re the type of person, like myself, who reads the wikipedia entries for horror movies instead of seeing them and then still has nightmares anyway... then brace yourself and maybe don’t read this right before bedtime because there is freaky ghost/demon/exorcism bullshit all up in this book. It was good, but it definitely was not a relaxing and calming read. I did really like Ash and Serena together and I thought they made a compatible pair.
October 14, 2014
This is book three in this series that charts the lives of all those magical folks who live in and around Maggie's Grove and this time the plot is set firmly around the Dryad,Ash and the woman he wants to call mate, Selena. All does not run smoothly though as Selena has only recently been rescued from vicious kidnappers who poisoned her and even now her magical powers are most definitely on the fritz! Selena is more than just a witch she is a healer but her powers are so out of whack that any spell she casts seems to go horribly wrong. Ash does not want to watch his potential mate suffer but the stubborn Selena refuses to involve him and insists he returns home to the Grove .
Ash may not want to leave Selena at all but realises if he is to claim her as his mate he must first convince the woman! Reluctantly stepping back Ash is adamant that should Selena need him he will be there for her so when something starts haunting her there's no way Ash will not be by her side. Selena realises that she needs help as whatever is stalking her seems to be gaining power but putting Ash in danger is the last thing she wants but maybe just maybe they are stronger together and it's high time they found out!
First off I wish to state that I love this authors work and have read several of both her shifter and her Fae books. Unfortunately I had not read the previous book in this series Throne of Oak and I feel my enjoyment was marred somewhat by that. There are an awful lot of characters to get straight in the readers head and particularly initially there is a lot of references to events from previous books which I feel might irk some readers who don't enjoy reprising old story lines . I hasten to add that as the book got underway it became far more enjoyable and the romance angle progressed quite nicely but simply because of all the assorted and diverse characters it felt a little stilted to me. Much as I adore the uber protective hero Ash and I thought Selena was a very stubborn and brave heroine I just did not connect with this series as much as I have with others from the author. Nevertheless it was an interesting storyline and I'm quite taken by the vampire Parker who definitely has potential as a leading man but unfortunately not my favourite book by this author. I would happily though urge readers to check out her Grey Court series as they are simply a fabulous read and I think it's fair to say that if it's a series then it's far better to read in order. This does work as a standalone but for this reader only just!
Ash may not want to leave Selena at all but realises if he is to claim her as his mate he must first convince the woman! Reluctantly stepping back Ash is adamant that should Selena need him he will be there for her so when something starts haunting her there's no way Ash will not be by her side. Selena realises that she needs help as whatever is stalking her seems to be gaining power but putting Ash in danger is the last thing she wants but maybe just maybe they are stronger together and it's high time they found out!
First off I wish to state that I love this authors work and have read several of both her shifter and her Fae books. Unfortunately I had not read the previous book in this series Throne of Oak and I feel my enjoyment was marred somewhat by that. There are an awful lot of characters to get straight in the readers head and particularly initially there is a lot of references to events from previous books which I feel might irk some readers who don't enjoy reprising old story lines . I hasten to add that as the book got underway it became far more enjoyable and the romance angle progressed quite nicely but simply because of all the assorted and diverse characters it felt a little stilted to me. Much as I adore the uber protective hero Ash and I thought Selena was a very stubborn and brave heroine I just did not connect with this series as much as I have with others from the author. Nevertheless it was an interesting storyline and I'm quite taken by the vampire Parker who definitely has potential as a leading man but unfortunately not my favourite book by this author. I would happily though urge readers to check out her Grey Court series as they are simply a fabulous read and I think it's fair to say that if it's a series then it's far better to read in order. This does work as a standalone but for this reader only just!
March 9, 2021
Of Shadows and Ash was given to me for an honest review by Manic Readers
Maggie’s Grove’s resident witch doctor, Selena, brought a little friend with her when she was rescued from the Van Helsings and it is scaring the hell out of her. Then you add in her very possessive and over protective mate, Ashton the Dryad, it’s no wonder the woman’s recovery has taken months instead of days.
As the threat from the shadow continues to escalate and the romance between mates turns steamy the only questions that remain is what bloody demon is controlling the shadow and can they stop it before it consumes Selena and then Maggie’s Grove.
Of Shadows and Ash starts out pretty slow but once it got moving I was riveted to every page. I am undecided about my feelings on Ash and Selena and found myself more interested in the scenes with Parker and Amara as well as those that Greer and Mollie were either in or were being discussed. With the scenes with Parker and Amara in them being my favorites, that being easy to guess with my chosen favorite quotes coming from them. Maybe perhaps my next reading will enlighten me with thoughts of the main characters for I most definitely plan to read Of Shadows and Ash again sometime in the future although the when of that event is probably several years out.
Of Shadows and Ash had so few edits that they aren’t even worth editing but I really like the new word I have recently added to my vocabulary and even though I think I have an idea of the definition, I am curious as to Dana’s definition of ‘adorkable’, I have to say I absolutely love that word.
This Review was originally posted here https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
Maggie’s Grove’s resident witch doctor, Selena, brought a little friend with her when she was rescued from the Van Helsings and it is scaring the hell out of her. Then you add in her very possessive and over protective mate, Ashton the Dryad, it’s no wonder the woman’s recovery has taken months instead of days.
As the threat from the shadow continues to escalate and the romance between mates turns steamy the only questions that remain is what bloody demon is controlling the shadow and can they stop it before it consumes Selena and then Maggie’s Grove.
Of Shadows and Ash starts out pretty slow but once it got moving I was riveted to every page. I am undecided about my feelings on Ash and Selena and found myself more interested in the scenes with Parker and Amara as well as those that Greer and Mollie were either in or were being discussed. With the scenes with Parker and Amara in them being my favorites, that being easy to guess with my chosen favorite quotes coming from them. Maybe perhaps my next reading will enlighten me with thoughts of the main characters for I most definitely plan to read Of Shadows and Ash again sometime in the future although the when of that event is probably several years out.
Of Shadows and Ash had so few edits that they aren’t even worth editing but I really like the new word I have recently added to my vocabulary and even though I think I have an idea of the definition, I am curious as to Dana’s definition of ‘adorkable’, I have to say I absolutely love that word.
This Review was originally posted here https://laurasbookbinge.wordpress.com...
January 5, 2016
Wow, I think I might be in the minority when I say I did not really enjoy this. I love Dana Marie Bell. She's an autobuy for me. This however was just ok. I won't remember this in a week. It just annoyed me for some reason. I found myself skipping pages and rolling my eyes at most of it. I can't even put my finger on what I disliked about it. Maybe it has something to do with Selena having a 180 personality flip. In the previous books she was so strong and ready to go up against anything. In this book she was basically scared of every freaking thing. Total turn off.
Ash on the other hand was totally awesome. He put up with a lot and I think he deserved better in some cases.
The saving grace that kept me reading this to the end was Parker!! I still love Parker. He is still my favorite character of the series. I hope he's in the next book because I already hate Mollie so we will have to see how well I hold up in finishing the next one. Sigh:(
Ash on the other hand was totally awesome. He put up with a lot and I think he deserved better in some cases.
The saving grace that kept me reading this to the end was Parker!! I still love Parker. He is still my favorite character of the series. I hope he's in the next book because I already hate Mollie so we will have to see how well I hold up in finishing the next one. Sigh:(
October 25, 2014
This was a good read.
This was a solid good read. I felt that the pace and flow of this book was a little slow and boggy if that makes sense. It was just a lot of dark heavy info. The hot sexy times were just a little sparse I think. Though the Rom as nice was deep and heartfelt it was overwhelmed by the demon. I am hopeful that the next installment is smuttier and flows better.
This was a solid good read. I felt that the pace and flow of this book was a little slow and boggy if that makes sense. It was just a lot of dark heavy info. The hot sexy times were just a little sparse I think. Though the Rom as nice was deep and heartfelt it was overwhelmed by the demon. I am hopeful that the next installment is smuttier and flows better.
May 14, 2015
I enjoyed this, but I'm still a bit confused about Ash's power as the whole Guardian of the forest, dryad thing has never really been clear to me the way that the witchcraft stuff has. Hopefully thing will become clearer in Greer and Mollie's story next year.
March 19, 2015
Excellent!
Oh, this book was so good. The suspense of them trying to figure out how to get rid of the Shadowman. He is a powerful foe. The development of the love between Ash and Selena was awesome. Would she accept him or fight it. In the end love always conquers all.
Oh, this book was so good. The suspense of them trying to figure out how to get rid of the Shadowman. He is a powerful foe. The development of the love between Ash and Selena was awesome. Would she accept him or fight it. In the end love always conquers all.
June 14, 2015
Awesome.
Had to go back to prior book to refresh memory.
This is the continuation of the maggie grove series.
Ash and Selena. No cliff hanger,but a segue into 4th book at end.
Read read read. It's good
Had to go back to prior book to refresh memory.
This is the continuation of the maggie grove series.
Ash and Selena. No cliff hanger,but a segue into 4th book at end.
Read read read. It's good
February 15, 2016
Mainly read this so I would be caught up for Mollie & Greer's book. Selena wasn't a character I really liked in the other books, and she was only okay in this. I miss the humor that was in the first book, and this one had several editing errors that took me out of the story.
October 19, 2018
So I have a thing for dryads?
May 11, 2015
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
November 10, 2016
The time line in the book bothered me a bit. I felt like a lot of time passed in between figuring out the problem, the solution and applying it. The overall story wasn't too bad though.
October 17, 2014
couldn't get enough of it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews