Hopeful Leigh

Literal Leigh Romance Diaries #3

by Melanie James

If Leigh has learned anything this summer, it’s that magic can be chaotic. Despite some headline making disasters in her last diary, Leigh is eternally hopeful. With Four-bitten Fangtasy behind her, Leigh decides to write a little paranormal erotica with her newest disasterpiece, Bangin’ the Billion-were. She even takes on a rehash of the popular YA dystopian genre, in her novella Regurgitant. It seems that even the editing of other author’s writing can make her unwittingly fire up her literal-witchcraft. Leigh finds out how bad things can get when her friends ask her to edit their own cowboy-biker book, Steel Stetsons. Despite the flurry of writing, Leigh’s romantic heart is racing. Her boyfriend, Hunter will finally graduate from the Chicago Police Academy. Will Leigh and Hunter finally be able to enjoy some quality time on a camping trip? What will Leigh think of Hunter’s unique family? What is Luna capable of when pushed to an act of desperation?
It seems Randy “Johnson” (Designer at Paranormal Chic) and Gertie have unwittingly uncovered a new mystery for Leigh and her hapless coven to sort out. Now, the upcoming Witches Halloween Gala is in jeopardy, not to mention the future of civilization. Follow these magical misfits, as they travel half way around the world to a hexed Scottish Castle and take on the very essence of evil, in Hopeful Leigh.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Witches, Fantasy, Humor, Magic

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2014

About the author

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, Melanie James spent 14 years as an IT systems administrator before tiring of the hustle and bustle of the technology world. She's doing what she loves, by writing paranormal comedy, steamy paranormal, and contemporary romance books. Melanie has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Leadership and Development, with a minor in Women's Studies. She is working on her Master's Degree in Adult Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Melanie is married to a wonderful man who supports her dreams and goals. She has two children, three step-children, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and an adorable grand-baby.

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Reviews

[K.M. Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the three books I have read this has been the best one. When I started book 3 I was afraid that I was just reading the same over and over again. However, book 3 turned out to be more eventful. I still found a lot of it cringe worthy for a teacher but nothing is normal in Leighs life. Hopefully book 4 can live up to this one and have more twisting adventures.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The madcap crew is back in the 3rd book of the Leigh series. Double, double, toil and trouble~~~~~~~

Leigh's friends, Lindsey and Kelly, want Leigh to do a tune up story on their hottie boyfriends, Derek and Luke. As usual, things do not go as planned in real life. Leigh is also writing two other stories, "Banging the Billion-were" (about a billionaire werewolf) and "Regurgitant" (about zombie vampires from the Ice Age called Zompires). Can you imagine the trouble she gets into from these titles?

Then there is a new witch, Emily, who also causes mayhem. Gertie and Brad come together again and Leigh and the girls give Gertie some sex education-oh boy!! There's a castle in Scotland that has a painting of Leigh's witch desk-why? Hunter has graduated from the police academy and is now a bone fide policeman. As a treat he and Leigh are going on a camping trip to Minne-goddam-sota and she'll meet his family, including his hippie parents. Gertie made the girls some magical dresses-hee hee!! Loved the nice pink "worm" that was slithering around too!

There is so much going on in this story and I was laughing so hard throughout it all. Each book better and funnier. So looking forward to the next one, Haunting Leigh, and I'm sure this one is going to be a doozy!!

This book was a gift from the author.

[T.M. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Hopeful Leigh (Literal Leigh Romance Diaries #3)
Author: Melanie James
Publication Date: 9/27/2014
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW
This is the 3rd installment in the Literal Leigh Romance Diaries Series and man was I floored with laughter.

Leigh and that desk of hers can not seem to get anything right.. Anything that could go wrong does go wrong. Hunter is coming home from the police academy and who does he lay a shocker on Leigh.
Then we have Luke and Derek these poor guys don’t have a chance in hell of a normal time with Kelly and Lindsey.

Oh my goodness and the girls are trying to teach Gertie all about well sex education too funny.

We also meet some new characters in this book which was hilarious as well.

Go pickup your copy and get reading.. I do suggest you start from book #1 so you get the whole story and can continue on Leigh’s crazy journey with her magic desk .

I love this series it is extremely funny , witty, romantic , and HOT .. What more could you ask for?

[N Swaffar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading about Leigh from the Literal Leigh Romance Diaries is always fun. Leigh and her friends always get into miss adventures, that is always laugh out loud funny. From turning Gertie’s hot fireman into a crazy pick up line of a mess, to turning Leigh friends into cows. OMG I cannot forget about Leigh’s friend getting busy with her pink dong, without even knowing she was ever transported in Leigh’s house while busy with her toy and back to her apt without even realizing it.

Of course, my most favorite part of the series is the relationship Leigh have with her boyfriend Hunter congraduates from the Police Academy. They are always so cute and sweet.

I cannot wait to read the next book in this series The Haunting Leigh, to see what kind of trouble Leigh and her friends will get into next…

Thx for sharing your book with me Author Melanie James, I always enjoy reading them..

[Terri Carle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really thought I had reviewed this book, because this whole series has had me just loving them! I have read them all so far and I have enjoyed them all so much. They are funny and make me laugh out loud. I love it

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

Book three somehow manages to get even better. At times it borders on inappropriate levels of funny. Early on I was laughing so hard someone asked me what the joke was and there was no way I was explaining how this particular spell had worked out. I like that more of the characters are experimenting with magic in different ways, and Leigh's books genuinely sound like great novels. Too bad they're ALL magical, no matter how innocent the intentions.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, lighthearted, and witty. Warning: Don't eat or drink while reading this book, or you might end up having to clean it up. Laugh out loud funny, and just the right amount of dirty, this will keep you reading until the last page. Highly recommend for all readers who like just a little raunch with a lot of tongue-in-cheek with your paranormal romance.

"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

The deeper down the rabbit hole Leigh goes with becoming a witch and learning her powers, the more lol moments we get 😂😂😂

Gertie gets her HOT fireman.

We end up with two calves 😳😳😳

A Dragon, wolves and Hunters family are all thrown into the mix.

Oh and a vindictive witch 😉

[Christiane Lamoureux · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book to read at some moment i was laughing so much that i had to get myself under crontol to continue reading.I simply love the way that it is written.Hope very soon to have the possibility to read the other books in this series.Thank you so much for it.Christiane.

[Anita Hargreaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Surprised to get this free on kindle, mid series. It is a complete story and raunchy at times but inoffensive. Happy to read more witchy tales.

[Tara Holman · Rating 2 out of 5]

3rd book of this series and it's getting a little old to me. What started out as a fun lighthearted read and has become hard to get into and repetitive. This particular book is primarily around the history of Leigh's writing desk and the background of the witches. I did not like it nearly as much as I did the other two and may not read anymore in the series as a result.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

so stinking funny.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series!!!

[Nancy Bodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it,

This is a well written story! I wish I would have found this series sooner! This is totally binge worthy!

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I listen to the series the more I fall in love with Leigh. Diving into the next book now because I can’t get enough of this amazing series.

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. It’s written very well. The performance is brilliant, Hollie really brings these characters alive.

[Lorri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still cute and cheesy. I'll enjoy reading the whole series but likely won't buy physical copies or reread.

[Angela Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Literal Leigh Romance Diaries. And let me say Melanie James does not let you down, she has another amazing read. I love this series... especially when I need a good laugh. This is a feel good story, but I only recommend this for adults. This book could be read as a stand alone, it does pick up where book two leaves off. There is enough details that you are not lost in the story, but I recommend for you to read the other books to get the full hilarious story. I simply love Leigh and Luna, how they have become so close... even talking to each other. And Hunter wow, he takes everything in stride... true love.


This is the third about Leigh Epstein a elementary school teacher, who is on vacation right now. And I can say her vacation has been full of toil and trouble, literally. Leigh has a writing desk with magical powers, and when she sits down to write well something innocent can become something well... outrageous. Even though she is always there to correct her err... mishaps, some are out of her element. Not to forget Hunter who is Leigh's boyfriend and knows nothing about her magic, will be coming home for in a few weeks and he has huge plans. Can she keep her secret much longer and will he understand?

Poor Luke and Derek have ended up again at the desks mercy. Meanwhile Leigh and her friends have set out to get much needed answers and end up in the middle of what could be devastating. They meet new friends along the way, and spend some smoking good times with her friends. Before Leigh can go home to spend some quality time with Hunter, she has a mystery to solve. Can they solve the problem before its too late? Can magic save them? And has Luna claimed Hunter?

Favorite passages:
"Yes drawn together. In a way that shipwreck survivors might find themselves."
"I don't believe in destiny. I would prefer to think we all write our own futures."
"On an adventure that would carry me and my friends to the other side of the world, to battle an evil witch and her minions. No sh**."
"I would always see those furry, winged, rodent basta*** flapping around the streetlights."
"I've seen snowmen with better tans." <3
"These few, the proud, the literary executioners-have the ability to whip out a piece of sarcasm coasted mockery with a side of caustic vulgarity, faster than a Chicago politician can dodge a subpoena." <3
"Hey! What do you not like about BBW books?" Kelly ran her hand down her full, curvy and sexy body."
"You're now Sugar Bear, the charming pimp and this is Cherry Poppins, the disadvantaged sex worker."
"Randy! Holy unicorn horn!" Gertie laughed. "I had no idea!"
"What was that? Did you just sniff me? And wink at me after calling me tasty hors d'oeuvre?"
"What am I to this cat? Chopped liver?"
"A magic desk, a hexed broom, a bewitched boyfriend, a spell-casting cat, and batty friends."

[Jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie James continues the Leigh story that of a young rookie witch and the magic and mayhem that follow the little band of misfits. Find out what sort of mischief they all get into and the solutions they come up with to fix things. Another easy lighthearted read.

If Leigh has learned anything this summer, it’s that magic can be chaotic. Despite some headline making disasters in her last diary, Leigh is eternally hopeful. With Four-bitten Fangtasy behind her, Leigh decides to write a little paranormal erotica with her newest disasterpiece, Bangin’ the Billion-were. She even takes on a rehash of the popular YA dystopian genre, in her novella Regurgitant. It seems that even the editing of other author’s writing can make her unwittingly fire up her literal-witchcraft. Leigh finds out how bad things can get when her friends ask her to edit their own cowboy-biker book, Steel Stetsons. Despite the flurry of writing, Leigh’s romantic heart is racing. Her boyfriend, Hunter will finally graduate from the Chicago Police Academy. Will Leigh and Hunter finally be able to enjoy some quality time on a camping trip? What will Leigh think of Hunter’s unique family? What is Luna capable of when pushed to an act of desperation?

It seems Randy “Johnson” (Designer at Paranormal Chic) and Gertie have unwittingly uncovered a new mystery for Leigh and her hapless coven to sort out. Now, the upcoming Witches Halloween Gala is in jeopardy, not to mention the future of civilization. Follow these magical misfits, as they travel half way around the world to a hexed Scottish Castle and take on the very essence of evil.

[Phaedra Seabolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story, Leigh is super excited that Hunter will be finishing his police academy training. However, she also has the unfortunate task of trying to fix some of her mistakes in the past. Her best friends have written a book of their own and Leigh has decided that she will help them to get the guys they obviously idolize. She casts a little spell on their boyfriends to turn them into sexy cowboys...Unfortunately the spell doesn't go as planned, as usual. On top of that, Gertie, her witchy friend and mentor, goes missing. Now she is tasked with undoing her magic on her best friend's boyfriends, finding Gertie, and finishing her own books.

It's a funny story with a lot of twists to it. I get a kick out of how everything Leigh does seems to backfire on her. Her words get so twisted that it makes me wonder why any witch with the writing power would ever write anything on the magical writing desk. Though it does seem that even things she writes not at the desk and just sets on it actually turn into magic spells as well. It's a romantic comedy to me. Very entertaining.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this E-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I am a part of the Review Team @ The Paranormal Bookshelf.

Category: romance, humor, paranormal, witches
Spoilers: NONE
Book #3 in the Literal Leigh Romance Diaries Series

After reading this book I must say that author Melanie James has definitely made a great series up to this point. I have so far enjoyed all of her books in this series and after reading this one, I was not disappointed. Book 3 continues right where book 2 had ended and creates even more depth to the characters old and new as well as new twists to Leigh's life. Once again the author gave plenty of humorous moments that made me chuckle out loud. There were a few grammatical issues throughout the end of the book but nothing that throws off the readers rhythm.
I gave it 4.5 stars out of 5, with the only drawback being that the last chapter seemed a bit rushed. Not horrible but I would have liked to have seen a little more to that event. But all around a fun and great read. Can't wait to read the next.

[Stephanie Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transferred my review from audible

"HOPEFULly you will love LEIGH as much as I did!"

What made the experience of listening to Hopeful Leigh the most enjoyable?
The mixture of the story and Hollie Jackson's narration!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hopeful Leigh?
Brad began to sing. Of all things, he sang. And he sang familiar and completely innocent advertising jingle-- in a very suggestive tone, complete with stripper dance moves. He unbuttoned his jeans and grabbed the tab of his zipper. "My bologna has a first name, it's O S C A R. My bologna has a second name, it's M A Y E R--"

Have you listened to any of Hollie Jackson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
Yes, I have listened to Hollie Jackson in the other Leigh books in this series and she is AMAZING!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
YES!

Any additional comments?
Melanie has brought yet another amazing book and Hollie has brought it to life! They both deserve 10 stars each!

[Jessica Enoch-mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 Had me laughing so hard that I was crying, I was crying so hard I couldn't read though the paragraphs.. I had to take a couple moments for each line in order to get though.. Leigh is still trying to get a handle on her new found magic, and learning she can do more than what she thought though the short stories that Leigh, Kelly and Lindsey came up with. As always the desk brings more mischief than good..... Derek, Luke, got more than what they asked for, and Hunter and Brad learns what their girlfriends really are...(I really need me some of that magic dust.) Mischief just keeps on finding Leigh.. A sour witch has it out for Leigh and her desk in this book because of Leigh's powers. Will Leigh and Her friends be able to come together and save a friend as well new friends? Will Hunter understand what Leigh is and accept her? Excellent Book Series I defiantly recommend..... Cant wait to see the Mischief that Leigh and her friends get into the next book...

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the next chapter of Leigh's life, Hunter finally graduates from the police academy,so now the happy couple can finally go camping...only before they can leave, Leigh finds out that Gertie is missing and not just out delivering a dragon to a witch and coming right back,like she normally does.. so the whole group goes to Scotland and find that Gertie is trapped in the castle and can't come out. Gertie tells the group to go into the woods to find the 2 wolves,and they will be able to help them to break the spell so Gertie will be freed. They find the wolves and also that they are humans that had a spell cast on them by the evil witch who is now living in their castle...all is fixed and every one is freed, Leigh and Hunter finally go camping, meet up with Hunters family...and are ready to come back home to Chicago,to start their lives together as a couple.... this book is a fun read with some witching excitement that the author,Melanie James does well...on to book # 4 !!!!!!!!!

[Anna Salamatin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chuckled and laughed my way through this installment.... Leigh has done it again...Lindsey & Kelly want Leigh to do a "tune-up" on Derek & Luke, but due to a few errors in her writing the end result was, oh, I'd say quite unexpected! And on top of that Leigh is writing two other stories at once. Knowing her the way that we do, we know this isn't going to end well!
I will tell you that we meet a new witch, "Emily" with her own agenda....
Zombies, werewolves and a dragon to be dealt with.
Hunter learns that Leigh is a witch.,,
Leigh meets Hunter's family which is it's own adventure!...
Wait til you see what Gertie has made in the way of a dress!....and oh yeah!....Luna can do spells!
I so enjoy the adventures of Leigh. Each installment is better than the last, so I am really excited to read "Haunted Leigh" next!

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeful Leigh is the third book in this series and was just as delightful as the first two. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hollie Jackson and she does a great job. Each character has a distinctive voice and the emotions are all there in her narration.

Leigh has decided to enter a publishing contest with two new books. Now you would think she would know better by now not to write but she really does love it. As she is plotting a paranormal erotica and a YA dystopian paranormal, real life comes calling with her friends Kelly and Lindsey who have also written a story. Gertie and Randy are back to visit and bring Leigh a little mystery. Marie Laveau and Esmeralda also pay a visit. So many misadventures and laugh out loud moments as they meet two new witches, a real werewolf, and a dragon. I will be starting the fourth book immediately.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie James does it again, in this 3rd installment of Literal Leigh romance Diaries. You would think that Leigh would have learned her lesson with her magic writing desk by now and to be overly careful in her writings, yet mischief and mayhem abound in this book. Leigh is busy helping her friends, trying to protect Gertie, planning a camping trip with Hunter and writing 2 stories (of course her friends persuade her to help with their short story as well) and all craziness ensues! With Calves, Zompires, Billion-weres and a cheesy talking firefighter, what's a new witch to do? Oh and their is another witch that wants to control your powers. Another fun, hilarious read, with some sexy romance. A read I know you will enjoy as much as I did!!

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving this review for author Melanie James. This is part 3 of the Literal Leigh Romance Diaries by the author.

Leigh is working on the idea of 2 books that somehow start a chain of events that Leigh and her 2 friends try to smooth over. With everything going on Leigh still has a little time for romance with Hunter until she can see him. Misadventures and antics and lots of laughs are in this book.

I love the way the author writes her story. The flow is constant and very free flowing and her characters interaction with the others is great.

This book is a very good paranormal comedy romance story and you will laugh in some places till you cry. A great addition to any readers library.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read by the talented Melanie James


Leigh is still with Hunter who is about to Graduate the Police Academy, Gertie friend and witch teacher to Leigh still has the hots for Brad the hunky fireman. Kelly and Lindsey who have the misfortune of having their boyfriends turn into baby cows due to Leigh's magical writing desk. When Gertie goes missing can they all come together to find her and what happen's when Hunter learns that Leigh is a witch.

As with the first two books lots of laughing through out esp about a certain pink object. I also enjoy the mention of Dr Matilda Schmidt who is a character of one of my other favourite authors Cynthia St. Aubin.

Can't wait to start the next book Haunting Leigh

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took me a bit longer to get into than the others, but it definitely included some really funny scenes unfortunately the series continues to make the conflicts too easy to resolve with little real drama or struggle. Additionally I didn't really care for the passages of their actual writing in this story. As in the characters are all writing really bad books that the reader is forced to endure passages of that I'd rather have skipped. Finally I'd like to know when Leigh and Hunter had time to fall in love with all the crap that's been going on. As far as I can see they only when on a couple of dates and had sex once or twice, true love that doesn't really make in my personal opinion. It's a good story but not as great as it's predecessor.