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Spell to Pay: Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries No. 2
When fairy weddings last four days, trouble tends to RSVP…
Kinley Paigewright is certain the worst has happened. She slipped and accidentally asked her friend’s pocket-sized dragon to be her wedding date instead of the witch himself. Kinley is certain everything else will go according to plan and her loyal friend Azura will have her fairy dream wedding. Until the threats start trickling in.
From one wedding event to the next, the danger escalates, and it soon becomes clear they’re not dealing with a harmless prank. They’re dealing with a dangerous criminal who will do anything to get the wedding called off…including injure those Kinley holds dear. With a petty new detective on the case who proves less than helpful, Kinley must investigate with the help of her sentient bookshop, exuberant feline familiar, and quirky friends.
Soon, Kinley will be forced to rely on magic that hasn’t exactly been cooperating. But whether or not her magic steps up, Kinley is certain of one thing—there will be spell to pay for messing with her chosen family.
Spell to Pay is the whimsical second book in the Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries series. If you like immersive settings, charming cats, and twice-hexed mischief, then you’ll love Elle Wren Burke’s enchanting tale.
Buy Spell to Pay to fly into a fairy wedding today!
Kinley Paigewright is certain the worst has happened. She slipped and accidentally asked her friend’s pocket-sized dragon to be her wedding date instead of the witch himself. Kinley is certain everything else will go according to plan and her loyal friend Azura will have her fairy dream wedding. Until the threats start trickling in.
From one wedding event to the next, the danger escalates, and it soon becomes clear they’re not dealing with a harmless prank. They’re dealing with a dangerous criminal who will do anything to get the wedding called off…including injure those Kinley holds dear. With a petty new detective on the case who proves less than helpful, Kinley must investigate with the help of her sentient bookshop, exuberant feline familiar, and quirky friends.
Soon, Kinley will be forced to rely on magic that hasn’t exactly been cooperating. But whether or not her magic steps up, Kinley is certain of one thing—there will be spell to pay for messing with her chosen family.
Spell to Pay is the whimsical second book in the Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries series. If you like immersive settings, charming cats, and twice-hexed mischief, then you’ll love Elle Wren Burke’s enchanting tale.
Buy Spell to Pay to fly into a fairy wedding today!
- GenresParanormalCozy Mystery
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 20, 2026
Kinley Paigewright is excited, and a bit nervous, as she prepares to attend a fairy wedding. The bride is her good friend, Azura. It’s a four-day event leading up to the big wedding day. Kinley wants to invite her detective friend, Ryland, to be her date, but mistakenly invites his familiar dragon, Midnight. Her own feline familiar, Twilight, will accompany Ryland. A cute double date!
Things don’t go exactly as planned, though, when dangerous things happen at each event. Originally, they are brushed off as pranks, but it becomes obvious that something more sinister is happening. Someone out there wants to stop the wedding and doesn't care who they hurt to do it.
Kinley, Twilight, and their friends are on the case. The detective assigned is no help at all. Kinley is determined that nobody is going to get hurt on her watch.
The author does a great job of writing descriptions that transport the reader into the fantasy of Sea Sprite Isle. The characters are well-developed, each with their own personalities (and magical traits!) There’s also a sentient bookshop involved, along with a sassy cat. Both come up with some great one-liners.
This series is filled with charm, fantasy and a great cast of characters. The storyline is exciting and kept me guessing until the end.
My favorite part of this book, and the entire series, are the scenes with Twilight. She says the funniest things.
It’s a fast read and so much fun. I recommend reading this series in order. There’s a continuing thread that runs through each book. The mystery itself is solved in this book, but there is a side story that carries through.
I could easily see this as a movie or a TV series. I’m looking forward to the next book.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Things don’t go exactly as planned, though, when dangerous things happen at each event. Originally, they are brushed off as pranks, but it becomes obvious that something more sinister is happening. Someone out there wants to stop the wedding and doesn't care who they hurt to do it.
Kinley, Twilight, and their friends are on the case. The detective assigned is no help at all. Kinley is determined that nobody is going to get hurt on her watch.
The author does a great job of writing descriptions that transport the reader into the fantasy of Sea Sprite Isle. The characters are well-developed, each with their own personalities (and magical traits!) There’s also a sentient bookshop involved, along with a sassy cat. Both come up with some great one-liners.
This series is filled with charm, fantasy and a great cast of characters. The storyline is exciting and kept me guessing until the end.
My favorite part of this book, and the entire series, are the scenes with Twilight. She says the funniest things.
It’s a fast read and so much fun. I recommend reading this series in order. There’s a continuing thread that runs through each book. The mystery itself is solved in this book, but there is a side story that carries through.
I could easily see this as a movie or a TV series. I’m looking forward to the next book.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2026
I loved this book. Wow. This whole book was shocking. The characters are great and as always loads of fun.
May 6, 2026
In this installment, Kinley Paigewright's fairy friend, Azura, is getting married. The event is sure to be epic with four days of celebrations, each one centering around a different element - earth, fire, water, and air. Unfortunately, for the couple and their guests, threats start coming in that make each event more and more dangerous. Who is sending these threats and what is their motivation? Can they be stopped before someone gets killed?
Once again, I loved the characters in this book. They all have unique personalities and I enjoyed spending time with them. However, there were a lot of them and I did frequently forget who each character was. I highlighted their names in my Kindle, but a list of the cast of characters at the beginning of the book would have been even more helpful. There is a theme among the familiars' names, so that helped me remember who they were. But there were plenty of other characters too.
The majority of the setting in this installment is quite different than in book one. I wished we spent more time in the sentient bookshop, but I did enjoy the setting for each component of the wedding event. The descriptions were so vivid that I felt like I was a guest at the wedding.
While this isn't your typical cozy mystery, it was compelling and the stakes were high enough that it held my interest from beginning to end. I also felt emotionally connected to some of the main characters. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that eventually led to the big reveal. I would have liked to see more "breadcrumbs" along the way, though. Late in the book, a lot of information was revealed all at once that felt a little overwhelming.
I was not able to figure out the whodunnit, but it made sense in the end. Part of the reason I couldn't figure out who the culprit was, was because there were so many characters and we didn't get to know them as well as I would have liked, but it was also because the mystery was so well-crafted. There were clues and misdirection that made it a fun ride. There were also quite a few humorous scenes that made me laugh out loud. Twilight, Paige's familiar, is especially comical.
I love how the author incorporates disability into this book. As a physically disabled person myself, I appreciated elements like steps that morph into a ramp if you have trouble with stairs. It was the perfect way to address accessibility in a magical cozy mystery and it made me feel like I would be welcome there. I also really appreciate the way mental health is briefly addressed with one of the supporting characters.
If you like a bit of romance in your cozies, you'll be pleased to know there is a budding relationship in Spell to Pay. The way Paige and her love interest end up attending the wedding events together was really cute and creative. Their date is done in a way that I've never seen in a cozy before.
I'm excited that a third installment in this series is in the works. I'm looking forward to seeing how the subplot unfolds and what kind of chaos will ensue next. As with most cozies, this is a self-contained mystery that is solved in the end, but in order to appreciate the growth of the characters, their relationships, and the subplots, I highly recommend starting with What the Spell? and reading them in order.
Thank you to Elle Wren Burke for providing me with an eARC of Spell to Pay.
Read my full review here: https://caboodleofcozies.blogspot.com...
Once again, I loved the characters in this book. They all have unique personalities and I enjoyed spending time with them. However, there were a lot of them and I did frequently forget who each character was. I highlighted their names in my Kindle, but a list of the cast of characters at the beginning of the book would have been even more helpful. There is a theme among the familiars' names, so that helped me remember who they were. But there were plenty of other characters too.
The majority of the setting in this installment is quite different than in book one. I wished we spent more time in the sentient bookshop, but I did enjoy the setting for each component of the wedding event. The descriptions were so vivid that I felt like I was a guest at the wedding.
While this isn't your typical cozy mystery, it was compelling and the stakes were high enough that it held my interest from beginning to end. I also felt emotionally connected to some of the main characters. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that eventually led to the big reveal. I would have liked to see more "breadcrumbs" along the way, though. Late in the book, a lot of information was revealed all at once that felt a little overwhelming.
I was not able to figure out the whodunnit, but it made sense in the end. Part of the reason I couldn't figure out who the culprit was, was because there were so many characters and we didn't get to know them as well as I would have liked, but it was also because the mystery was so well-crafted. There were clues and misdirection that made it a fun ride. There were also quite a few humorous scenes that made me laugh out loud. Twilight, Paige's familiar, is especially comical.
I love how the author incorporates disability into this book. As a physically disabled person myself, I appreciated elements like steps that morph into a ramp if you have trouble with stairs. It was the perfect way to address accessibility in a magical cozy mystery and it made me feel like I would be welcome there. I also really appreciate the way mental health is briefly addressed with one of the supporting characters.
If you like a bit of romance in your cozies, you'll be pleased to know there is a budding relationship in Spell to Pay. The way Paige and her love interest end up attending the wedding events together was really cute and creative. Their date is done in a way that I've never seen in a cozy before.
I'm excited that a third installment in this series is in the works. I'm looking forward to seeing how the subplot unfolds and what kind of chaos will ensue next. As with most cozies, this is a self-contained mystery that is solved in the end, but in order to appreciate the growth of the characters, their relationships, and the subplots, I highly recommend starting with What the Spell? and reading them in order.
Thank you to Elle Wren Burke for providing me with an eARC of Spell to Pay.
Read my full review here: https://caboodleofcozies.blogspot.com...
April 13, 2026
As a long-term bibliophile (ever since Mom taught me to read when I got the measles at age 4, just to keep me in bed and away from my 3-month-old sister) I DO envy Kinley her bibliomancy. And kudos to Elle Wren Burke for coming up with this arcane form of magic!
Now back to the actual story.
Since the Sea Sprites told Kinly Paigewright her mother is still alive, she's been searching for clues to her whereabouts with the help of hunky MBI detective Ryland Fores, with little success, though. And while they've spet a lot of time together, she's been putting off inviting him to be her plus one at her friend Azura's wedding. With 2 days to go before the first of the 4-night ceremony, she invites Ry's familiar, Midnight, as her date, and Ry will accompany her familiar, Twilight. Things don't go smoothly, though. Before the ceremony starts, Azura receives an anonymous messagge to call off the wedding or else.... She thinks it's just a prank, but Kinley is worried, as this isn't the first supposed prank played on the island. Then the tree Azura and Birch planted to celebrate Earth is defaced, and the Fire night is ruined by the fire going off more than it should... Who's behind the attempts on the couple happiness? As one of the guests, Ryland is cut off from investigating, but the assigned detective is such a bundler Kin and Ry decide to take on the task with the help of their friends.
Another great book by Elle Wren Burke.
The characters are lively and well rounded. Twilight, the Clueless-obsessed cat, is my absolute favorite. Feisty, mischievous, slightly violent (in thought if not in action), loyal. The perfect familiar. Not to mention Page, the sentient bookshop. Such a great and inventive idea. Even secondary characters, such as Mark, the aware sunflower, have their own personality.
The story itself... Wow! enough red herrings to make it interesting without being convoluted. The friendship between Kin and Ry is progressing, slowly, but steadily, towards romance.
This series is rapidly growing on me and I can't wait for the next installment. And meanwhile, I'll read other books by Elle Wren Burke.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now back to the actual story.
Since the Sea Sprites told Kinly Paigewright her mother is still alive, she's been searching for clues to her whereabouts with the help of hunky MBI detective Ryland Fores, with little success, though. And while they've spet a lot of time together, she's been putting off inviting him to be her plus one at her friend Azura's wedding. With 2 days to go before the first of the 4-night ceremony, she invites Ry's familiar, Midnight, as her date, and Ry will accompany her familiar, Twilight. Things don't go smoothly, though. Before the ceremony starts, Azura receives an anonymous messagge to call off the wedding or else.... She thinks it's just a prank, but Kinley is worried, as this isn't the first supposed prank played on the island. Then the tree Azura and Birch planted to celebrate Earth is defaced, and the Fire night is ruined by the fire going off more than it should... Who's behind the attempts on the couple happiness? As one of the guests, Ryland is cut off from investigating, but the assigned detective is such a bundler Kin and Ry decide to take on the task with the help of their friends.
Another great book by Elle Wren Burke.
The characters are lively and well rounded. Twilight, the Clueless-obsessed cat, is my absolute favorite. Feisty, mischievous, slightly violent (in thought if not in action), loyal. The perfect familiar. Not to mention Page, the sentient bookshop. Such a great and inventive idea. Even secondary characters, such as Mark, the aware sunflower, have their own personality.
The story itself... Wow! enough red herrings to make it interesting without being convoluted. The friendship between Kin and Ry is progressing, slowly, but steadily, towards romance.
This series is rapidly growing on me and I can't wait for the next installment. And meanwhile, I'll read other books by Elle Wren Burke.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2026
Spell to Pay
Have you ever been to a fairy wedding? That is the main event in this fantasy tale where humans with magical powers speak with books and visit with all manner of beings as they prepare for the festivities. Kinley, the chief character, came late to Sea Sprite isle where only those with special powers could live. She was told her mother abandoned her in the outer world, but later learned that her mother once lived on the Isle and might have left secrets for her to find. She did not know at first that she was a kitchen witch and drawn to books. Kinley even found a familiar, a kitten who soon bonded and stayed close to her.
As the date of the wedding approaches, Kinley is conflicted about inviting Ryland, a cool guy who just happens to be a police detective with amazing spell-making skills. He helped her try to fund some documentation of her mother's time on the island. To cover her shyness, she compromised by asking his familiar, a tiny dragon, to be her date, knowing Ryland would come along.
The fairy wedding was scheduled to take place over four days, with each day focused on a certain element known to them: earth, water, fire, or wind. A threatening note is found telling the couple not to go forward, but it is ignored. When a tragedy is averted after the first ceremony, suspicions are raised about who would be against this wedding, and Ryland and Kinley decide to investigate.
The concept for this story is solid; the descriptions are lush and colorful, and the characters are mostly well-drawn. The backstory about losing her mother is tenuous but may be developed better in future books in thts series.
Read this series to learn more about the threats, about another police detective and other species in the mix, why Ryland was told to step back, and more. What memories from the past provided clues? How did the dragon become fluorescent? Who was the surprise villain?
I received an advance reader copy of this book and have reviewed it fairly.
Have you ever been to a fairy wedding? That is the main event in this fantasy tale where humans with magical powers speak with books and visit with all manner of beings as they prepare for the festivities. Kinley, the chief character, came late to Sea Sprite isle where only those with special powers could live. She was told her mother abandoned her in the outer world, but later learned that her mother once lived on the Isle and might have left secrets for her to find. She did not know at first that she was a kitchen witch and drawn to books. Kinley even found a familiar, a kitten who soon bonded and stayed close to her.
As the date of the wedding approaches, Kinley is conflicted about inviting Ryland, a cool guy who just happens to be a police detective with amazing spell-making skills. He helped her try to fund some documentation of her mother's time on the island. To cover her shyness, she compromised by asking his familiar, a tiny dragon, to be her date, knowing Ryland would come along.
The fairy wedding was scheduled to take place over four days, with each day focused on a certain element known to them: earth, water, fire, or wind. A threatening note is found telling the couple not to go forward, but it is ignored. When a tragedy is averted after the first ceremony, suspicions are raised about who would be against this wedding, and Ryland and Kinley decide to investigate.
The concept for this story is solid; the descriptions are lush and colorful, and the characters are mostly well-drawn. The backstory about losing her mother is tenuous but may be developed better in future books in thts series.
Read this series to learn more about the threats, about another police detective and other species in the mix, why Ryland was told to step back, and more. What memories from the past provided clues? How did the dragon become fluorescent? Who was the surprise villain?
I received an advance reader copy of this book and have reviewed it fairly.
April 10, 2026
Get Ready for Some Magical Mayhem!
"Spell to Pay," the second delightful book in the Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries series by Elle Wren Burke, transports us to the enchanting world of Sea Sprite Isle for a fairy wedding like no other. Kinley’s close friend, Azura, is about to tie the knot in a grand, four-day celebration. However, what starts as a magical festivity quickly spirals into chaos with a series of dangerous threats. These escalating so-called pranks threaten to turn the joyous "I dos" into heartbreaking "I don'ts," compelling Kinley to step in when the new detective proves useless in solving the mystery.
The ethereal Sea Sprite Isle, a hidden sanctuary for paranormal beings, serves as the perfect backdrop. With its magical portals and whimsical vibe, the island comes alive, especially during the fairy wedding events. It's not just a setting, but a character in its own right. With its exquisite, detailed, and vivid imagery, I felt as though I was right there alongside Kinley in every moment.
The supporting characters bring both depth and humor to the narrative. From Azura, the spirited fairy bride, to Kinley's clever and mischievous cat familiar, Twilight, and Page, the sentient bookstore with a sassy, opinionated, yet intuitive personality, each character enhances the community. Together with many others, they create Kinley's "chosen family," exemplifying fierce loyalty and love amid magical chaos.
From the first page, the book races along, keeping me glued with its perfectly placed clues and unexpected twists. Just when I thought I had the mystery solved, another twist would leave me guessing. The conclusion was wonderfully satisfying, wrapping up the tension beautifully while leaving me eager for the next installment.
So, if you're ready for a story that will enchant your senses with magic, humor, and heart, "Spell to Pay" is a spellbinding read you won't want to miss. Don't wait for a better "spell"—dive into this magical adventure today!
"Spell to Pay," the second delightful book in the Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries series by Elle Wren Burke, transports us to the enchanting world of Sea Sprite Isle for a fairy wedding like no other. Kinley’s close friend, Azura, is about to tie the knot in a grand, four-day celebration. However, what starts as a magical festivity quickly spirals into chaos with a series of dangerous threats. These escalating so-called pranks threaten to turn the joyous "I dos" into heartbreaking "I don'ts," compelling Kinley to step in when the new detective proves useless in solving the mystery.
The ethereal Sea Sprite Isle, a hidden sanctuary for paranormal beings, serves as the perfect backdrop. With its magical portals and whimsical vibe, the island comes alive, especially during the fairy wedding events. It's not just a setting, but a character in its own right. With its exquisite, detailed, and vivid imagery, I felt as though I was right there alongside Kinley in every moment.
The supporting characters bring both depth and humor to the narrative. From Azura, the spirited fairy bride, to Kinley's clever and mischievous cat familiar, Twilight, and Page, the sentient bookstore with a sassy, opinionated, yet intuitive personality, each character enhances the community. Together with many others, they create Kinley's "chosen family," exemplifying fierce loyalty and love amid magical chaos.
From the first page, the book races along, keeping me glued with its perfectly placed clues and unexpected twists. Just when I thought I had the mystery solved, another twist would leave me guessing. The conclusion was wonderfully satisfying, wrapping up the tension beautifully while leaving me eager for the next installment.
So, if you're ready for a story that will enchant your senses with magic, humor, and heart, "Spell to Pay" is a spellbinding read you won't want to miss. Don't wait for a better "spell"—dive into this magical adventure today!
April 2, 2026
Good
WARNING! Cliffhanger! Mostly a hook, this is lower on the trauma scale, but there is definitely something you will have to wait and see about!
Kinley, having accidentally asked Ryland’s dragon Midnight to be her date for Azora’s wedding, is enjoying her friends’ special four day event, right up until someone starts threatening the happy couple.
They want Azora and Birch to cancel the wedding, but Kinley and her friends aren’t willing to let it happen…
Kinley is beginning to find her way in her new magical reality, her bruised heart is healing and she has started to make some new friends- there is even a new potential love interest in her life (and definitely a green flag).
Each step she makes, leads her along the path of self-discovery, so that she learns a bit about who she is, what she can do, and what happened in her past to make her parents give her up, and more.
While some of those questions get answers, a few of them just become more complicated!
Meanwhile, there are mysteries to solve, and being that Kinsey’s new friend is one of the victims, she is determined to help- especially considering the detective in charge is NOT Ryland, and really wants to take the easy route!
Kinsey’s familiar Twilight is her usual delightfully diva-ish self, providing us with comic relief, while Ryland’s familiar Midnight provides all the cute factor. Fortunately Ryland is not overshadowed by them, and manages to be extremely competent, supportive, and the source of good humour.
Settle in for an enjoyably entertaining cosy mystery read that fantasy mystery lovers will definitely enjoy.
WARNING! Cliffhanger! Mostly a hook, this is lower on the trauma scale, but there is definitely something you will have to wait and see about!
Kinley, having accidentally asked Ryland’s dragon Midnight to be her date for Azora’s wedding, is enjoying her friends’ special four day event, right up until someone starts threatening the happy couple.
They want Azora and Birch to cancel the wedding, but Kinley and her friends aren’t willing to let it happen…
Kinley is beginning to find her way in her new magical reality, her bruised heart is healing and she has started to make some new friends- there is even a new potential love interest in her life (and definitely a green flag).
Each step she makes, leads her along the path of self-discovery, so that she learns a bit about who she is, what she can do, and what happened in her past to make her parents give her up, and more.
While some of those questions get answers, a few of them just become more complicated!
Meanwhile, there are mysteries to solve, and being that Kinsey’s new friend is one of the victims, she is determined to help- especially considering the detective in charge is NOT Ryland, and really wants to take the easy route!
Kinsey’s familiar Twilight is her usual delightfully diva-ish self, providing us with comic relief, while Ryland’s familiar Midnight provides all the cute factor. Fortunately Ryland is not overshadowed by them, and manages to be extremely competent, supportive, and the source of good humour.
Settle in for an enjoyably entertaining cosy mystery read that fantasy mystery lovers will definitely enjoy.
April 21, 2026
Purrfectly divine storyline from Elle Wren Burke ,this feline is in charge she’d like to think and it does work ,it’s divine. Kinley Pageright has a bit of a fright when she’s asking for a date but it doesn’t turn out right. You see ,when is a guy not a guy ? When his alter ego goes by instead of him ,leaving Kinley feeling dim. Because she made a slip and asked her friend’s pet dragon for a date instead of him.
It becomes clear though that evil is at play and her loyal friend Anura’s wedding isn’t facing just a little array. Someone or something is out to make it not go to plan . These occurrences are not just thanks to pranks but evil doing . And here they were thinking that all she had to worry over was living happily ever after in clover with her lover .
There’s threats to be met and a new detective on the case who’s inept at best and just a waste of resources which is all they need before the first courses…So of course the intrepid sleuth will out and soon get the truth out ,what’s going on . Hopefully before the day is done and Azura and her mate have a day that’s great.
Talking of witch ,erm I mean which this guy she set her sights high to woo ,what do you think they do? How does it pan out ,I mean she asked a wee dragon out ? Let your imagination run riot and smile awhile ,whilst reading this story it’s absolute bliss . Fun ,with puns spun .Awesome characters too . I enjoyed this storytelling immensely and so will you .
It becomes clear though that evil is at play and her loyal friend Anura’s wedding isn’t facing just a little array. Someone or something is out to make it not go to plan . These occurrences are not just thanks to pranks but evil doing . And here they were thinking that all she had to worry over was living happily ever after in clover with her lover .
There’s threats to be met and a new detective on the case who’s inept at best and just a waste of resources which is all they need before the first courses…So of course the intrepid sleuth will out and soon get the truth out ,what’s going on . Hopefully before the day is done and Azura and her mate have a day that’s great.
Talking of witch ,erm I mean which this guy she set her sights high to woo ,what do you think they do? How does it pan out ,I mean she asked a wee dragon out ? Let your imagination run riot and smile awhile ,whilst reading this story it’s absolute bliss . Fun ,with puns spun .Awesome characters too . I enjoyed this storytelling immensely and so will you .
April 12, 2026
After having read book one and book 1.5, I could not start this book fast enough!! And on top of that, now I must wait until the next installment arrives!! As luck had it, this book actually arrived earlier than expected!! 😍
Anyway, just to back up a tiny bit. Book 1.5 is Spell If I Know, and is about The Astrologer's Armoire, a local antique store. Allie had inherited the store from her father.
Page, the sentient bookstore and friends help Allie discover the reasons for two antique tomes being destructive through the fragile antique store.
Book two, has to do with Azure & Birch's wedding plans -- four evenings of special events.
However, someone does not want this wedding to take place!!
Meanwhile, due to some thefts, vandalism, & threats, another MBI Detective is assigned to the case, and everyone can't believe how he is handling this case -- esp. since the wedding events are also being threatened!!
This CREATIVE & FANTASTIC story (as well as the series) is well described so much I could actually see it as a movie!! The costumes as well as the four forest venues are described in a way that makes you feel part of the story!!!
Extremely well thought out & written, this book is full of adventures, problem solving, camaraderie, humor, deception, and LOVE!!!!
Thank you, Elle, for including some of your personal attributes as well!!
💝🤗💖 Leona
Anyway, just to back up a tiny bit. Book 1.5 is Spell If I Know, and is about The Astrologer's Armoire, a local antique store. Allie had inherited the store from her father.
Page, the sentient bookstore and friends help Allie discover the reasons for two antique tomes being destructive through the fragile antique store.
Book two, has to do with Azure & Birch's wedding plans -- four evenings of special events.
However, someone does not want this wedding to take place!!
Meanwhile, due to some thefts, vandalism, & threats, another MBI Detective is assigned to the case, and everyone can't believe how he is handling this case -- esp. since the wedding events are also being threatened!!
This CREATIVE & FANTASTIC story (as well as the series) is well described so much I could actually see it as a movie!! The costumes as well as the four forest venues are described in a way that makes you feel part of the story!!!
Extremely well thought out & written, this book is full of adventures, problem solving, camaraderie, humor, deception, and LOVE!!!!
Thank you, Elle, for including some of your personal attributes as well!!
💝🤗💖 Leona
April 24, 2026
I have absolutely adored this series for multiple reasons, but one of the main reasons is how practical the magic is. For example, clothes that are enchanted to fit every (and I do mean every) body or scarves that are enchanted to keep the wearer warm, on top of being stylish! Some authors you want to jump feet-first into their world and never come out… Elle Wren Burke is one of them. I also adore how she incorporates puns into the names of her shops and often find myself snickering as her character moves through the village.
In this installment, Kinley has waited until the last minute to ask Ryland to go to a 4-day wedding with her, so she ends up taking his dragon familiar, Midnight, who is a charming and attentive date. Meanwhile, Ryland takes Kinley's familiar Twilight to the ceremony, which is adorable.
Unfortunately, there is someone spell-bent on stop the nuptials, so Ryland, Kinley, Midnight, and Twilight spend most of the wedding trying to keep everyone safe, especially the bride and groom.
This was a fun, entertaining, and well-paced read! I can't wait to see what the author has in store for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this installment, Kinley has waited until the last minute to ask Ryland to go to a 4-day wedding with her, so she ends up taking his dragon familiar, Midnight, who is a charming and attentive date. Meanwhile, Ryland takes Kinley's familiar Twilight to the ceremony, which is adorable.
Unfortunately, there is someone spell-bent on stop the nuptials, so Ryland, Kinley, Midnight, and Twilight spend most of the wedding trying to keep everyone safe, especially the bride and groom.
This was a fun, entertaining, and well-paced read! I can't wait to see what the author has in store for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
What a great paranormal cozy mystery. Kinley, Ryland and their familiars are awesome as they attend a wedding event of friends that is spread over 4 nights in the land of the faeries.
Kinley starts things off by asking Ryland's familiar to be her date in error, so Ryland asks her familiar. This humorous twist sets the stage for what starts out as a probable prank on the wedding couple. Things quickly take a turn and Kinley realizes that the threats and potential prank are more dangerous than the inept police detective believes. As they search for clues and navigate the twists and turns Kinely continues to get hints about the mystery involving her mother's disappearance. The search for clues as the threats to the couple worsen opens them up to dangers and multiple intrigues. The cast of characters helps make things fun,engaging and real. Like all good stories that involve a mystery, a bit of romance and likable characters it keeps you up past bedtime to see who done it.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kinley starts things off by asking Ryland's familiar to be her date in error, so Ryland asks her familiar. This humorous twist sets the stage for what starts out as a probable prank on the wedding couple. Things quickly take a turn and Kinley realizes that the threats and potential prank are more dangerous than the inept police detective believes. As they search for clues and navigate the twists and turns Kinely continues to get hints about the mystery involving her mother's disappearance. The search for clues as the threats to the couple worsen opens them up to dangers and multiple intrigues. The cast of characters helps make things fun,engaging and real. Like all good stories that involve a mystery, a bit of romance and likable characters it keeps you up past bedtime to see who done it.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2026
I am an ARC reviewer for BookSirens and this is my honest review. This is book 2 and I didn't read book 1, so it is possible to read them out of order. Because, yes they are this book is that good, you will want to read the rest of the series. Kinley is a newly found witch in her 30's. She is a bibliophile witch and runs the book store "Perfect Page" that has been in her family for generations. She and Page (the book store) can match the customer with the perfect book for them. She is good friends with Detective Ryland Fores and his familiar is a mini dragon called Midnight (name matches the color of his scales). Kinley's familiar is Twilight and she is a very opinionated cat who madly loves Kinley. They will be going to the big Fairy wedding this week. It occurs over a period of 4 days. The bride and her 2 attendants are Kinley's best friends but only fairies can be attendants to fairies. The storytelling is magnificent, the characters become your friends almost instantly and the plot is so well constructed, you cannot possibly guess what's going to happen. This has earned a 5*+++ from me.
Read on 03/27/26.
Read on 03/27/26.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spell to Pay is the second book in the Spell booked Magical Cozy series by Ellen Wren Burke.
I absoutelly loved the first book in the series What the Spell?: Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries No. 1
Eeeeek! I love this book. There are so many unique types of magic that keeps the story so exciting.
A sentient book store aka Page a fantastic character! Kinsley with her bibliomagic.
One of Kinsley's best friends is attending her fairy wedding, which lasts 4 days!!!!
I love how she invites Ry's familiar dragon Midnight to be her plus one.
There is a new face in town, a detective who is not doing so great.
Meanwhile every day of the 4 day wedding something bad happens.
I was so excited about a new revelation in Kinsley's magic.
This is such a great story with found family, magic and incredible characters.
Highly recommend!
I absoutelly loved the first book in the series What the Spell?: Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mysteries No. 1
Eeeeek! I love this book. There are so many unique types of magic that keeps the story so exciting.
A sentient book store aka Page a fantastic character! Kinsley with her bibliomagic.
One of Kinsley's best friends is attending her fairy wedding, which lasts 4 days!!!!
I love how she invites Ry's familiar dragon Midnight to be her plus one.
There is a new face in town, a detective who is not doing so great.
Meanwhile every day of the 4 day wedding something bad happens.
I was so excited about a new revelation in Kinsley's magic.
This is such a great story with found family, magic and incredible characters.
Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wedding ceremony that lasts 4 days? Well Fairy weddings do. One ceremony for each element with clothing to fit each element. Being like sisters, Kenly is attending all four ceremonies. Just before the first, a note appears. Azura picks it up, reads it and it vanishes! It is a warning to call off the wedding! Between a hardware store being broken into, the threat, the tree planted at first night the officer in training is assigned both incidents. Detective Ryland who is attending the 4 day affair is frustrated because he sees things the rookie is missing, but is not allowed to Intervein. Who is doing this? With wards to protect, night two, the fire element has an explosion that burns the groom and his aunt. Is is Azura's ex boyfriend? Is it the grooms cousin who was not willed a home when their uncle passed? The list goes on and on and the suspense builds up to the point that when I read the book I could not put it down! Intrigue and adorable familiars included, I was left with...NOPE , not going to tell you my feeling at the end. You have to read it for yourself!
April 5, 2026
I need to state before getting into this review that I was given this book through BookSirens. Now that has been stated, I can now get into the book review. There are going to be spoilers in this review.
This was such a fun paranormal cozy mystery! I had a really good time with this one. The four-day fae wedding setting was so much fun, and I loved all the chaos that came from what first seemed like a prank but turned into something much more serious.
Kinley continues to grow on me with every book, and I really liked seeing her learn more about herself, her past, and her magical world. Ryland was supportive as always, and Twilight and Midnight completely stole so many scenes.
There’s mystery, humor, a little romance, and just enough danger to keep things interesting. And that ending definitely has me ready for the next book!
Now for the star ratings I’m giving this book.
I’m giving this book an overall rating of 4 of out of 5 stars.
The story is getting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
The writing style is getting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
This was such a fun paranormal cozy mystery! I had a really good time with this one. The four-day fae wedding setting was so much fun, and I loved all the chaos that came from what first seemed like a prank but turned into something much more serious.
Kinley continues to grow on me with every book, and I really liked seeing her learn more about herself, her past, and her magical world. Ryland was supportive as always, and Twilight and Midnight completely stole so many scenes.
There’s mystery, humor, a little romance, and just enough danger to keep things interesting. And that ending definitely has me ready for the next book!
Now for the star ratings I’m giving this book.
I’m giving this book an overall rating of 4 of out of 5 stars.
The story is getting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
The writing style is getting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
April 14, 2026
A four-day wedding and a date.
Kinley Paigewright is a guest at her friend Azura's wedding, and instead of just asking her detective friend to be her date at the four-day fairy wedding, she asks his dragon familiar to be her plus one. But the event turns out to be less a dream wedding and more of a nightmare when the happy couple begins receiving threats that could be deadly. With a newly hired detective on the case Kinley decides that she will investigate the threats to her new chosen family and catch the dangerous criminal, with a little help from her friends and familiar, of course.
These are beautifully written and quirky characters that made me laugh and kept me engrossed in the pages of this book. Magic, mystery, suspense, witches, familiars, fairies, and unexpected twists kept me riveted until the last page. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.
Kinley Paigewright is a guest at her friend Azura's wedding, and instead of just asking her detective friend to be her date at the four-day fairy wedding, she asks his dragon familiar to be her plus one. But the event turns out to be less a dream wedding and more of a nightmare when the happy couple begins receiving threats that could be deadly. With a newly hired detective on the case Kinley decides that she will investigate the threats to her new chosen family and catch the dangerous criminal, with a little help from her friends and familiar, of course.
These are beautifully written and quirky characters that made me laugh and kept me engrossed in the pages of this book. Magic, mystery, suspense, witches, familiars, fairies, and unexpected twists kept me riveted until the last page. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.
April 16, 2026
This is the second book in the Spellbooked series and, full disclosure, I have not read book 1. You don’t need to! I really enjoyed this book. The story stands on its own. The sentient bookstore, Page, is such a fun character.
Kinley’s friends Azure and Birch are getting married and she really wants to act Detective Ryland to be her date but accidentally asks his mini dragon Midnight to be her plus one. He in turn takes her familiar as his date for each night of the 4 nights of festivities. Unfortunately, each night brings a new calamity (and threat) to the betrothed couple. Will Kinley and Ryland be able to find the culprits before someone is really hurt or even killed? The balance of humor, whimsy, whodunit and high stakes is fantastic. This was a fun cozy read. I will have to go back and read Azure and Birch’s story in book 1!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kinley’s friends Azure and Birch are getting married and she really wants to act Detective Ryland to be her date but accidentally asks his mini dragon Midnight to be her plus one. He in turn takes her familiar as his date for each night of the 4 nights of festivities. Unfortunately, each night brings a new calamity (and threat) to the betrothed couple. Will Kinley and Ryland be able to find the culprits before someone is really hurt or even killed? The balance of humor, whimsy, whodunit and high stakes is fantastic. This was a fun cozy read. I will have to go back and read Azure and Birch’s story in book 1!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 27, 2026
"Love centers us, if we let it. If we find that place inside ourselves where love lives, and we plunge into it, it will bring us what we need."
As a newly magical Kinley is still learning exactly what she can do. And her magical bookstore, her friends, and her familiar - the ever snarky Twilight are helping her learn her way.
At the four wedding services wedding of her close fairy friends she runs snack dab into another mystery with ties to the past. Without a good grasp of her own magic she figures out how and more importantly why it's happening in a great addition to this intelligent series. Come for the magic, stay for the familiers ( you'll see what I mean with Twilight and Midnight) Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author. However in no way did it affect my reading and reviewing and I have since purchased a copy]
As a newly magical Kinley is still learning exactly what she can do. And her magical bookstore, her friends, and her familiar - the ever snarky Twilight are helping her learn her way.
At the four wedding services wedding of her close fairy friends she runs snack dab into another mystery with ties to the past. Without a good grasp of her own magic she figures out how and more importantly why it's happening in a great addition to this intelligent series. Come for the magic, stay for the familiers ( you'll see what I mean with Twilight and Midnight) Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author. However in no way did it affect my reading and reviewing and I have since purchased a copy]
April 12, 2026
Kinley Paigewright, bookstore owner of The Perfect Page bookstore likes Detective Ryland Fores a lot but, in her nervousness, she asked his small dragon familiar to attend as her date to an upcoming fairy wedding instead. Luckily, Ryland has agreed to attend with her too. Attending the fairy wedding for one of her best friends, Azura, is exciting and she is so happy for her. But when threats to the couple arrive and then deadly accidents begin occurring Detective Fores begins to investigate until the case is given to an incompetent and uninterested detective and is told keep away from investigating. This magical mystery has a great storyline, witches, fun familiars, a fairy wedding and a beautiful location. I loved it. A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
April 25, 2026
Who is trying to stop Azura and Birch’s wedding from taking place?
That is the mystery Kinley Paigewright is trying to solve. One thing I enjoy is reading cozy mysteries and something I enjoy even more is when it’s a supernatural cozy mystery so this Spellbooked Mystery is a book I was bound to love and I do! This story is unbelievably well written and the plot is amazing. I did not see that coming. I absolutely adore the familiars, Midnight the tiny dragon and especially Kinley’s cat, Twilight. All of the characters are so richly described, I feel as if I know them all. While Ellen Wren Burke may have solved the mystery, she did leave a cliffhanger for an ending and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see how that turns out.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That is the mystery Kinley Paigewright is trying to solve. One thing I enjoy is reading cozy mysteries and something I enjoy even more is when it’s a supernatural cozy mystery so this Spellbooked Mystery is a book I was bound to love and I do! This story is unbelievably well written and the plot is amazing. I did not see that coming. I absolutely adore the familiars, Midnight the tiny dragon and especially Kinley’s cat, Twilight. All of the characters are so richly described, I feel as if I know them all. While Ellen Wren Burke may have solved the mystery, she did leave a cliffhanger for an ending and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see how that turns out.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2026
Azura and Briar’s wedding is approaching and Kinley is trying to work up the courage to ask Ryland to go with her. Instead she ends up asking his familiar, Midnight which gives Twilight Ryland as her date. When Azura receives a note warning her to call off the wedding, she dismisses it as a prank. But a series of escalating events after each step of the celebrations proves that someone is determined to stop the marriage. The perpetrator has been careful to avoid leaving clues that Kinley’s bibliomancy can trace, unaware that this new found witch has another power waiting to emerge.
Elle Wren Burke’s newest series continues with a plucky heroine, found family, and the cutest familiars. I adored the scenes with Kinley and Midnight, and her lowering her walls to Ryland in. The fairy wedding traditions were nicely thought out and added to the magic of the book. Kinley already has impressive magic with her bibliomancy, and her new power is very intriguing as well. We get a bit more information about her mother as Kinley discovers the liminal spaces and secret passages in her new house. I can’t wait to read more in this wonderful new world.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Elle Wren Burke’s newest series continues with a plucky heroine, found family, and the cutest familiars. I adored the scenes with Kinley and Midnight, and her lowering her walls to Ryland in. The fairy wedding traditions were nicely thought out and added to the magic of the book. Kinley already has impressive magic with her bibliomancy, and her new power is very intriguing as well. We get a bit more information about her mother as Kinley discovers the liminal spaces and secret passages in her new house. I can’t wait to read more in this wonderful new world.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 20, 2026
Kinley has been invited to a fairy wedding which takes 4 days and she needs a “plus-one”. Jokingly she invites Ryland’s little dragon familiar, Midnight, to be her date & so Ryland asks Kinley’s familiar, Twilight, to be his date! So they get to go together! Something happens in the town that the new policeman rates as a prank. Then something happens that upsets the bride to be on the first day of the celebrations, and that night a tree is desecrated with stuff that was most likely stolen. Each day of the celebrations something happens & eventually it all comes to a head and Kinley finds out she has two kinds of magic!
March 29, 2026
I had read the pen name of this author before, but I hadn’t read any of hers, so I was excited to try this one. I hadn’t read the first book, but I had no problems at all in following along, with not even an inkling I was missing something. I just adored Kinley and Ryland’s friendship with a dash of something more, and I quite enjoyed the other characters, too. While the mystery was just a little bit convoluted, I thought this was a touching, well-written, and fun cozy paranormal. I am excited about reading more in the series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
April 13, 2026
Do you remember when you were a kid, and you'd invent fantasy worlds, and the best part was always coming up with all the clothes and customs that made up that world? Well Ms Burke does, and she channelled that energy into this book. Seriously, why else would you have a 4 day fairy wedding if NOT to describe the fancy dresses and mysterious rituals required?
This book was a great time, very charming and cozy. I love getting to explore this world, and thankfully the author never makes it feel expository. I did have a bit of trouble following the conclusion, but not enough to take me out of the story.
This book was a great time, very charming and cozy. I love getting to explore this world, and thankfully the author never makes it feel expository. I did have a bit of trouble following the conclusion, but not enough to take me out of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kinley has been invited to a fairy wedding; two of her best friends are getting married. She means to ask Ryland to be her plus one, but instead invites his mini dragon familiar, who turns out to be an excellent date. Someone wants to stop the wedding, and with the help of her friends, the sentient bookstore Page, and her familiar, Twilight, Kinley is determined to ensure that no harm comes to her chosen family. If you are looking for a book with likable characters that transports you to a world very similar to ours but more magical, I definitely recommend Spell to Pay.
March 30, 2026
This story was just as awesome as the first! Kinley's friends, Azura and Birch are getting married and Kinley asks Ryland's dragon, Midnight, to be her plus-one for the wedding - which is a 4 day affair!! Unfortunately, someone keeps trying to stop the wedding. The murderer is also a member of the family and a witch that wants to be a fairy!! Kinley discovers she has other powers besides her bibliomancy! With all her powers she was able to save the wedding and her friends and familiars!
I'm sad that we have to wait until March 2027 for the next story!!
I'm sad that we have to wait until March 2027 for the next story!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Our MC is opening her life to familiars and found family who she cherishes as they also cherish her. She is learning to trust herself and her instincts and claiming her own worth while allowing herself grace handling physical ailments.
The mystery is intriguing and twisty with the crime’s motive both selfish and sad.
And, I do so love Page, the sentient bookstore!
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
The mystery is intriguing and twisty with the crime’s motive both selfish and sad.
And, I do so love Page, the sentient bookstore!
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was just awesome!! I love that the author gave a full ending to the chaos created at the weddings, the murder of Citrine, the search to what happened to Kinley's mother and her grandmother's house. I love the relationship between Kinsley and Ryland and Midnight and Twilight. I love the four ceremonies and the clothes that were chosen. It all sounds awesome. Everything was so inner woven, each reveal gave an understanding to what happened. Well done, author!!
March 28, 2026
Amazing story!
This book, as are all Elle's books, is amazing! This story was so interesting and exciting to read that I couldn't stop reading once I started and read the whole book in 2 days. Elle's books are so much fun to read. I am working my way through the other books Elle has written and am enjoying them all so far! I would recommend Spell To Pay to anyone who enjoys fantasy books with romance and laughter at the same time!
I wholeheartedly recommend Spell To Pay !
This book, as are all Elle's books, is amazing! This story was so interesting and exciting to read that I couldn't stop reading once I started and read the whole book in 2 days. Elle's books are so much fun to read. I am working my way through the other books Elle has written and am enjoying them all so far! I would recommend Spell To Pay to anyone who enjoys fantasy books with romance and laughter at the same time!
I wholeheartedly recommend Spell To Pay !
April 19, 2026
Spell to Pay Book 2 of Spellbooked by Elle Wren Burke is an absolutely fabulous story and I couldn't get enough! I haven't read the first book yet, which I will remedy soon and wasn't lost for a second. This story is so interesting, so intriguing and so much fun to read! A wedding, a murder and a book dragon...I want a book dragon! I want more so much more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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