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Josefina
Josefina Exposito is your average eccentric, elementary-school teacher who makes candles in her free time and absolutely loves all things spooky, much to the chagrin of her father who doesn’t believe in anything supernatural. When Professor Panty Melter enters her vendor tent at the Renaissance Faire on her 25th birthday, strange things start to happen. Wisps of shadowy smoke wrap around the man like a caress she can feel as if her hands were the ones touching him. Each time the tendrils of shadow manifest after that, however, they aren’t as innocuous, yet, he always seems to be there to make things better. Until, one day, he’s not.
Alistaire Seagal has a job to do, and teaching basic pharmacology to Master’s students isn’t it. He recognizes her from the moment he steps into that lecture hall to observe. The pull of her aura calls to him, and try as he might, he can’t stay away. Coven be damned, she is his to protect, not theirs to contain. He knows it, and worse, his demon knows it. Together, they will destroy everything to keep her safe…to keep her.
1st Person, present tense dual POV
Alistaire Seagal has a job to do, and teaching basic pharmacology to Master’s students isn’t it. He recognizes her from the moment he steps into that lecture hall to observe. The pull of her aura calls to him, and try as he might, he can’t stay away. Coven be damned, she is his to protect, not theirs to contain. He knows it, and worse, his demon knows it. Together, they will destroy everything to keep her safe…to keep her.
1st Person, present tense dual POV
300 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 9, 2025
Thanks to Leya Layne for providing me with an ebook copy of her new novel *Josefina*
When I saw a spooky candle maker with hidden powers and a demon possessed man who is pulled to protect her, I knew it would be right up my alley.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. The pacing felt pretty good and the yearning between the MCs was there from the beginning. I think it was set up really well. We only get small hints of the magic system - Josefina has smoke magic || her extended family is a coven of witches ||, Alistaire is is inhabited by a demon. I'm looking forward to learning more about how magic and the goddesses fit in this world in future books.
Unfortunately, I had some minor issues.
One other minor "issue" - which I struggle with calling an issue because it is 100% a me problem was the use of Spanish. 90% of the time I was able to get it from context clues in the text but there were a couple of times I had to pull up a translation app. Again, I fully admit to being an ignorant American who only speaks English (though I did take several years of French in high school and college), so that pulled me out a bit - but wouldn't be a problem for people who know Spanish.
The other thing that was a bit hard to follow was the large extended family. Once Josefina meets up with her tías and cousins, it got a little hard to follow. There were a couple places where multiple tías would be talking, but it was very difficult to follow who was speaking - it made it very difficult to parse who was the nice ones and the not so nice ones. I don't think it was helped because it felt like there were a couple quotation marks missing around dialog which made it a bit confusing. Though I appreciate the author throwing in the self realization in chapter 28 made me cackle "The tight-knit connections that come from addressing everyone as either tía or prima makes it hard to parse out details". I love when authors do this.
I had one other question that left me a little confused.
There were some things that I think could have been set up a bit better, but overall, I enjoyed this story and I will definitely be reading more in the series.
When I saw a spooky candle maker with hidden powers and a demon possessed man who is pulled to protect her, I knew it would be right up my alley.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. The pacing felt pretty good and the yearning between the MCs was there from the beginning. I think it was set up really well. We only get small hints of the magic system - Josefina has smoke magic || her extended family is a coven of witches ||, Alistaire is is inhabited by a demon. I'm looking forward to learning more about how magic and the goddesses fit in this world in future books.
Unfortunately, I had some minor issues.
One other minor "issue" - which I struggle with calling an issue because it is 100% a me problem was the use of Spanish. 90% of the time I was able to get it from context clues in the text but there were a couple of times I had to pull up a translation app. Again, I fully admit to being an ignorant American who only speaks English (though I did take several years of French in high school and college), so that pulled me out a bit - but wouldn't be a problem for people who know Spanish.
The other thing that was a bit hard to follow was the large extended family. Once Josefina meets up with her tías and cousins, it got a little hard to follow. There were a couple places where multiple tías would be talking, but it was very difficult to follow who was speaking - it made it very difficult to parse who was the nice ones and the not so nice ones. I don't think it was helped because it felt like there were a couple quotation marks missing around dialog which made it a bit confusing. Though I appreciate the author throwing in the self realization in chapter 28 made me cackle "The tight-knit connections that come from addressing everyone as either tía or prima makes it hard to parse out details". I love when authors do this.
I had one other question that left me a little confused.
There were some things that I think could have been set up a bit better, but overall, I enjoyed this story and I will definitely be reading more in the series.
October 10, 2025
Josefina is a strong FMC who starts to embark on a journey she never imagined while learning her family's history and the lies and truth of her life begins to unravel. When things begin to happen she meets Alistair a professor with such a seductive appeal that is both loving and sweet but gives you that whole you touch her and you die vibes as he becomes very protective of Josefina while he is trying to fulfill his duty without crossing a line and fighting with his own demons (literally). It was interesting to learn how their lives are so connected to one another.
I enjoyed the different POV's and how they intertwined giving you the different perspectives throughout the story, there was some overkill on the use of a certain F word that kind of annoyed me but I was able to look past that as overall it was a pretty good story that had me wanting to learn more of Josefina and her family's history. It also introduced a character Serafina in the next book which I'm looking forward to reading.
I enjoyed the different POV's and how they intertwined giving you the different perspectives throughout the story, there was some overkill on the use of a certain F word that kind of annoyed me but I was able to look past that as overall it was a pretty good story that had me wanting to learn more of Josefina and her family's history. It also introduced a character Serafina in the next book which I'm looking forward to reading.
October 11, 2025
Josefina has always been pulled towards the flames of her candles, even as a young girl making them with her mother. However, recently she’s begun to see shadows and feel strange things in her life that she can’t explain.
Professor Seagul, or Alistaire, just happens to stumble into her tent at a ren fair on her birthday. The attraction and pull to one another is instantaneous. He sings to her, and the rest is a romance story you have to read!
I know this book was to focus on Josefina and her story, but I really felt like it was just as much about Alistaire & I personally loved his story even more.
I did feel that there was a lot of build up to the Ascension, but then we never find out what happened during or after… maybe that’s to come? I had a lot of questions left unanswered at the end of the book, but it’s part of a series and maybe that was the intention! 😉
Professor Seagul, or Alistaire, just happens to stumble into her tent at a ren fair on her birthday. The attraction and pull to one another is instantaneous. He sings to her, and the rest is a romance story you have to read!
I know this book was to focus on Josefina and her story, but I really felt like it was just as much about Alistaire & I personally loved his story even more.
I did feel that there was a lot of build up to the Ascension, but then we never find out what happened during or after… maybe that’s to come? I had a lot of questions left unanswered at the end of the book, but it’s part of a series and maybe that was the intention! 😉
October 13, 2025
This book was good! But I felt like it was more about the MMC (Alistaire) than the FMC (Josefina). Because we don't get any answers about Josefina and her powers and what happened with them. The Tià's beat around the bush when it came to giving her answers. We did, however, get answers about Alistaire and his curse. I just felt like we ended up with more questions than answers.
Tropes: shadow witches, student/professor, family secrets, she ties him up with her shadows during spicy time.
Favorite Quote: "I'm not asking, Professor. I'm telling you that I want you naked, the knots of my shadows trailing up your beautiful body."
Tropes: shadow witches, student/professor, family secrets, she ties him up with her shadows during spicy time.
Favorite Quote: "I'm not asking, Professor. I'm telling you that I want you naked, the knots of my shadows trailing up your beautiful body."
October 2, 2025
Learning Josefina’s family history and Alistaire’s connection to the coven is both interesting and heartbreaking. Their interaction is filled with tension, the steamy kind, from the start and it only gets better along the way. Seriously, I love a protective man.
And you know it’s good writing when you wanna punch a fictional character lol.
I liked that the family wasn’t as trusting at first, rather than it being immediate acceptance. The friction gave some good drama and makes you want to know more about this particular coven.
And you know it’s good writing when you wanna punch a fictional character lol.
I liked that the family wasn’t as trusting at first, rather than it being immediate acceptance. The friction gave some good drama and makes you want to know more about this particular coven.
March 19, 2026
He calls her by a cute nickname in Spanish! Bam 5 ⭐️
Loved this book! Cool different and original story.
A young woman starts to see shadows around when her emotions are stirred. Hot professor/protector always comes at the right moment.
Turns out she is a witch, who is blessed with powers from both sides of the family but no one ever told her! She is thrown into this world of “magic” when she was raised to believe it never existed!
I loved every aspect of the family and love life in the book. I can’t wait to keep reading about the other women I. The family.
Loved this book! Cool different and original story.
A young woman starts to see shadows around when her emotions are stirred. Hot professor/protector always comes at the right moment.
Turns out she is a witch, who is blessed with powers from both sides of the family but no one ever told her! She is thrown into this world of “magic” when she was raised to believe it never existed!
I loved every aspect of the family and love life in the book. I can’t wait to keep reading about the other women I. The family.
October 9, 2025
Beware this will suck you right in! I know this was Josefina’s story, but it is also Alistaire’s, and I honestly cannot get enough of him. Alistaire is an absolute beast of a man! The protective nature he holds for Josefina is PRIMAL and WANTING! He will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means to go up against the high priestess.
…..
Josefina has unbelievable things starting to happen around her and has no one to answer her questions. Until one day she is told the truth. Heartbroken to discover the ones she held close lied to her, Josefina is sent to a group that can give her the answers she is looking for.
Finding Josefina is Alistaire’s dream come true. Beyond his orders he feels a bond to her like nothing he has ever felt before. He watches Josefina struggle to bloom into her new found life and does everything in his power to guide her through. But can he hold himself back or will he cross the line he was told to never cross.
…..
Josefina has unbelievable things starting to happen around her and has no one to answer her questions. Until one day she is told the truth. Heartbroken to discover the ones she held close lied to her, Josefina is sent to a group that can give her the answers she is looking for.
Finding Josefina is Alistaire’s dream come true. Beyond his orders he feels a bond to her like nothing he has ever felt before. He watches Josefina struggle to bloom into her new found life and does everything in his power to guide her through. But can he hold himself back or will he cross the line he was told to never cross.
October 18, 2025
I enjoyed this witchy story. It was pretty fast paced and kept me entertained! The characters were all interesting and diverse. There was definitely a danger factor to the story. I’d be intrigued to read more about these characters!
October 11, 2025
I loved the reality of this story. even though you may want it to be an escape from reality, it still gives you the feel of real reactions. No blind trust from entire families. No faithfully following without questions we all would have. And the chemistry between the characters lures you in like a bear to honey.
October 13, 2025
This book had me in it's clutches. I could not put it down for anything! I felt bad for poor Josefina, all the changes in her life blindsiding her! With no answers at that!
June 8, 2026
great series beginning
I love this couple! I can’t wait to read the rest of the books to see how all of them find their HEA
I love this couple! I can’t wait to read the rest of the books to see how all of them find their HEA
October 11, 2025
I received ARC, and I am so happy I did!!!! I couldn't but this down. Josefina has been lied to by to people she should trust beyond all others, her parents... She always felt something about her was different and whe she turned 25 all hell breaks loose. Good thing her sexy Professor and secret guardian Alistaire is there to watch her. These two have really been taken advantage of by Josefina's family. However the best thing to come from their shenanigans is their ❤️ 😍 💖.
October 12, 2025
I like the premise of this but the book spends too long getting to the explanation of who the FMC is and still doesn't give a clear explanation of it. Love the relationship that is established.
August 30, 2026
I loved this book. Josefina a witch who is just coming into her powers she didn't even know she had and her protector/demon Alistaire A family she did not know she had and what she must learn
July 26, 2026
So...is the demon also feeling the s*x? 🤭 Wait, is that a threesome?
November 20, 2025
A 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐star read for me. Josefina by Leya Layne is a paranormal romance that feels like stepping into a world where magic and mystery breathe on every page. Josefina Exposito, an eccentric teacher with a love for all things spooky, finds her life turned upside down at a Renaissance Faire when she meets Alistaire Seagal—a man whose presence is as magnetic as it is dangerous, mind you he has a demon in him too ! From that moment, shadows stir, and Josefina discovers powers she never imagined.
This isn’t just a love story—it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Josefina’s vulnerability becomes her strength, and her bond with Alistaire is electric, layered with tension and temptation. Together, they defy covens, battle demons, and confront truths that could shatter everything they know. Leya Layne’s writing is vivid and cinematic, painting emotions that linger long after the last page.
If you crave a story that blends romance, magic, and resilience, Josefina is unforgettable. It’s bold, atmospheric, and deeply human—a quiet storm that roars by the end. Highly recommended for fans of paranormal romance with depth and heart.
This isn’t just a love story—it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Josefina’s vulnerability becomes her strength, and her bond with Alistaire is electric, layered with tension and temptation. Together, they defy covens, battle demons, and confront truths that could shatter everything they know. Leya Layne’s writing is vivid and cinematic, painting emotions that linger long after the last page.
If you crave a story that blends romance, magic, and resilience, Josefina is unforgettable. It’s bold, atmospheric, and deeply human—a quiet storm that roars by the end. Highly recommended for fans of paranormal romance with depth and heart.
October 12, 2025
This read was SO GOOD. It captures the reader right away by creating more questions than answers. I really felt like I was on a journey with Josefina versus feeling like I already had the answers. I LOVED THAT.
The determination that Josefina had in having her questioned answered, and her ability to believe in herself was fascinating to read. I loved how patient (and obsessed) Alistair was for her. It was profound, deep, and such a treat to read. Together, their lost souls found each other and it worked. Not only was he able to meet her where she was, and protect her from harm as much as he could, she also protected and cared for him.
If you are looking for a read with a badass plus size FMC, a hot professor of an mmc who is actually in charge of her protection, and lots of moments that encapsulate both lightness and darkness... this one is for you!
The determination that Josefina had in having her questioned answered, and her ability to believe in herself was fascinating to read. I loved how patient (and obsessed) Alistair was for her. It was profound, deep, and such a treat to read. Together, their lost souls found each other and it worked. Not only was he able to meet her where she was, and protect her from harm as much as he could, she also protected and cared for him.
If you are looking for a read with a badass plus size FMC, a hot professor of an mmc who is actually in charge of her protection, and lots of moments that encapsulate both lightness and darkness... this one is for you!
October 15, 2025
I love how Alistair was drawn to Josefina. The tension is great. I will forever love this story if witchy vibes or your thing you definitely wanna read it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews