Some women get flowers. I got a hot flash in the toy aisle and a monster manager who carried me out like I was precious cargo.
My name is Maggie.
I'm forty-two. I make soap. I live in a witchy, seaside town that's still figuring out how to handle the monsters who showed up after the Convergence.
And I just face-planted in SuperMart surrounded by screaming children who thought Merida was spontaneously combusting.
Enter Bram.
check. check. Amber eyes that see right through my hot mess double check.
He scooped me up, drove me home, and somehow ended up in my kitchen eating homemade bread while I tried to keep my hormones in check.
But when a monster man looks at you like you're the answer to every question he's been afraid to ask? When his careful hands and wolfish instincts make you feel claimed and cherished all at once?
Well.
Some mistakes are worth making twice.
A short & steamy monster romance featuring a perimenopausal witch who refuses to apologize, a barghest who's been useful for too long and needs to be wanted instead, knotting with feelings, and a small town that's about to get an education in interspecies dating.
This book contains explicit content, creative anatomy, and a hero whose tail has opinions. Readers who prefer doors closed, should probably sit this one out.
Raised on a healthy mix of Scooby Doo and Dark Shadows, it's no surprise that she grew up writing about the things that go bump in the night. Stephany Simmons is the author of Voodoo Dues, Vampire Blues and the upcoming Black Magic. She crafts an urban fantasy series filled with magic, mayhem, and a touch of humor. With a passion for creating rich, supernatural worlds and unforgettable characters, Stephany draws readers into thrilling adventures where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. She finds great joy in turning convention on its ear, twisting tropes and adding her own spin to conventional ideas.When she’s not writing, she’s usually exploring thrift stores, studying folklore, or working on her skoolie.
I received this book as an ARC through BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the last one. I can’t exactly pinpoint what made it better, but I think it was the plot. This book had a lot more plot than the other one, despite it being only about a 100 pages long. The pacing was still fast, but the added plot depth made it feel more balanced rather than rushed, which I enjoyed.
This book would be a great pick for readers looking for a quick, cozy read or for anyone in a reading slump.
Overall, this book was a solid read that I would recommend.
Cozy, sweet, gentle kind of love that slowly settles in your bones making you feel warm, seen. Great little story. Lunch-time or anytime. Maggie has great wit to Bram’s stoicism. Perfectly balanced pair. Great story.
*** Recommended ***
MMC: ✨Bram FMC: ✨Maggie HEA/Cliffhanger: ✨HEA Series: ✨ Convergence Quickies: Book 2 Tropes: 👉small town romance 👉cozy monster romance 👉monster x witch 👉later in life - 40s Triggers: 💥18+ 💥sex 💥profanity Burn Speed: ✨fast Spice Level: ✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ✨MF
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The witch and the hound Book 2 of The Convergence Quickies series
She's witchy She's bold And she might just set you on fire with her menopausal hot flushes
He's big He's a softy He has a tail
This fast paced romance is filled with sweet heart filled moments. The longing of being seen and understood, Maggie and Bram not only balance each other but stand true to the saying of 'to be loved, is to be seen'
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a quick-paced romance with a moment of sweetness between the characters more towards the end. It’s set in the same universe as the first, and features a Barghurst (wolf demon) as the MMC.
Because of the rapid escalation of the relationship, I didn’t enjoy this one as much although I appreciated the inclusion of an older FMC, as well as the debilitation of a hot flash being used as a plot point.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC!
Thank you BookSirens, and Stephany Simmons for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Holy moly this was amazing!
It was incredibly cozy, and full of depth. I loved the theme of feeling like you have to be useful to belong, and watching the characters work through that together.
I don't think I've read anything with a barghest before, and there really needs to be more stories about them. They are such interesting fae creatures. The spice was smoking hot, and when you have a canine based partner, things always get extra interesting if you know what I mean.
Both Maggie and Bram are so sweet, and perfect for each other. Bram is the strong quiet type, with a fierce need to belong. He hasn't quite figured out how to integrate with the humans, and feels so "other". Once you crack that surface, he is the sweetest of cinnamon rolls. Of the two main characters, he is hands down my favorite.
Maggie also feels a bit lost in the world. I wish we had gotten more details about her backstory, it feels like there was some deep loss there. The burnout she has that comes from being in a public service job like police, fire, emergency medical and other public services is very real. It's a thing that needs talked about a lot more, and it's nice to see it in a book.
Overall this was a fantastic quick read with some deeper themes that was hard to put down.
This was cute! Did I pick this book because it included a mature FMC?!?!?! 100% I do love romance books with older FMCs. I can't relate to YA or late 20's anymore. I love reading about a woman in her prime who gets the guy(s)... or in this case... a Barghest. Monster romance is right up my alley these days. This was a fun read where, following the convergence, the human race is assimilating with the demon/monster race(s). It was a swoon-worthy read where he saves our FMC, Maggie, when she has a hot flash in the middle of a store that the MMC, Bram, manages. He takes her home and they connect almost immediately.
*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***
Following the convergence, some monsters simply landed in the human realm and had to figure out how to "be". Bram has felt isolated and lonely for a year. His draw to Maggie was instant, but he was very hesitant to let anyone in. He was fearsome of his new world, but wanted to be truly "seen". Maggie, although a witch, she is equally lonely and has isolated herself for 5 years, after she left the police force. Both are lonely and find comfort in their situations. This was cute read and had some very tender moments. I wish there was more spice, but for a short read, the scenes that were spicy, were really well written.
I liked this story and enjoyed it from start to finish.
The world building for the Convergence Quickies is cute and fairly simple, a world almost like ours where suddenly supernatural creatures started finding themselves dropped in our world.
I did receive an advanced copy of this book for free so that I could review it, I am reviewing it voluntarily.
The book is so sweet, and it even made me cry toward the end! The descriptions are vivid and the similes are hilarious and witty. The story about an ex-cop and a warehouse store manager is told in first person, bouncing between characters. If you like being in a character's head and being privy to all their thoughts, you will love this book. It was nice to see a curvy character who was also not in her 20s.
I have one minor pet peeve that irritated me in the book, the author describes the MMC's skin as velvet like 10 times and I would prefer more variation, but I think this is more of a personal issue so I am still rating it 5-stars.
Overall, the story is sweet and it's a nice short read if you don't have a lot of time.
I’m giving this one 3 out of 5 stars. While I liked the characters and the overall story, it really felt like two separate books were mashed together. It just felt discordant, and the flow was so off that it really bugged me.
First off, the beginning with the menopause hot flash was just a bit much. I have never in my life fallen down in a toy aisle feeling like I was going to die from a hot flash, it felt like a bit of a drama-filled mess! But then the book shifts so fast. They are banging each other the very same day, and then suddenly it’s magically Halloween, he’s saving a kid, and he’s a hero in the newspaper. It moved so fast it didn't feel like the start and end of the same story.
I did like the grocery store manager; he was a total cutie patootie. The witch was a little snarky for my taste, but the main issue was just how much the pacing jumped around. It was an okay read, but it definitely didn't flow properly for me!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This review copy was freely provided to me by the author via Booksirens - thank you!
A delightfully small palate cleanser that fits right in with the current Halloween season.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4) | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3)
This is a small but mighty story. For the series being named "Convergence Quickies," I didn't expect our main characters to feel as full as they did.
Maggie has a whole career behind her, a business she built from scratch, and personality. She's a loveable mess.
Bram is understated, and through Maggie's eyes we see how he's shaped himself post-convergence in order to survive. It was serious and I love that it didn't take away from the light hearted tone of the story, but I do wish we'd received any information about Bram or where he was from pre-convergence. That alone is where my rating fell a star.
Regardless, I read this in about an hour, and it was time well spent. I'm excited for the third installment of the series!
Maggie is a witch in her fourties with a good calm life making artisanal soaps but an interesting past that I wish we could have seen more of.
And Bram is a sweetheart! The "monster manager" of a supermarket (really), a Barghest to be precise, who arrives at the scene of a public meltdown and rescues the FMC making sure she gets home safe.
And when she gets home, Maggie locks herself in the bathroom to search for Barghest porn (I know it sounds mad, but it happened!).
Their relationship develops easily and the sudden "missing person's case" at the end serves to bond the couple even more.
This was an easy read that left me wanting for more. And the spice was good; level-wise I give it 🌶️🌶️.
This is my second book by this author and again I wish she had written more, I wanted this book at least two chapters longer.
I got this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
4 ⭐️ 3 🌶️ Contemporary Paranormal Romance Tropes: Small town, Strangers to Lovers
Well another example of me blindly requesting books and not realizing it’s technically part of a series. But the introduction had some brief world building so I didn’t feel out of the loop.
This was a cute quick read. This wasn’t insta-love but more insta-attraction, which I really appreciated. It’s fun to see different “monster” types. The FMC learning about the MMC was both hilarious and realistic.
At times I did feel like I was missing some context, which was probably due to the fact that this is a novella. It didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment but it was noticeable.
I would probably read more of this series/author in the future.
Thank you BookSirens for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A short and steamy monster romance with a sweet ending!
Thank you BookSirens and Stephany Simmons for the ARC of this book for free. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
Maggie has a hot flash in a toy aisle of a store, and the Barghest monster manager comes to her rescue. They quickly get the hots for each other and one thing leads to another. This story is not only steamy and funny, but it also is a beautiful story about inclusion! Most of Stephany Simmons books that I read include powerful stories of inclusion to those who are different from what we are used to, and accepting them as they are. I truly love that aspect. This was a great book, I loved the spice, and I loved the overall message of the book.
"A Fantastic Monster paranormal Romance series" "A Fantastic Monster paranormal Romance series" The story is funny,quirky, exciting, and steamy hot! The characters are unique with awesome personalities. Maggie is a soap making witch. Who used to be a magical cop. She runs out of ingredients to make her soap. To get the amount she needs. Maggie had to take the bus to the nearest city. She goes to the large supermarket there. Then before she can make it out of the store. Maggie collapses from a hot flash. Not only this but her magic goes haywire! The stores sexy monster manager comes to her rescue. Bram is drawn to Maggie, and even volunteer to drive her home. Maggie is so attracted to Bram. That she wonders if she can keep her hands off him! Could they be fated mates?
Quick and easy read, the world building after the convergence is somewhere I want to be. Maggie and Bram are the cutest, Imagine being a premenopausal witch just out here making soap and living your best little witchy life when BAM! Hot flash leads to hottie meet cute. Is he a hound from hell? Sure but so polite and eager to please!
Bram has come into our world trying to be small and polite and quiet to stay out of the way but Maggie drags him out to be seen and the world is here to welcome him with open arms. When Bram and Maggie go one their date they had no idea a side adventure would be the real theme of the night!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Keep them coming Stephany!
There is romance, randomness, and lovely humour throughout this book:
"Fantastic. I'd gone from magical woman of mystery to Disney damsel in distress in under sixty seconds. At least they'd picked the right princess: wild, red curls, questionable decision-making, and all." & "my body betrayed me by cataloguing every single detail like evidence I wanted to pull out and examine later. Alone. Possibly in the bath."
Both MMC & FMC are just so "normal": "Feed me pizza. Take me to bed. We can do the fancy restaurants later."
+ Maggie's sister (Riley) is just great.
In short, I loved this book!
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
Lovely gun and very sweet read. I know Maggie is human and a witch and Bram is very not human but the story is basically about two people who are very different. These two creatures come together and they fit. They love each other and are able to seee past their differences to where deep down they are more alike then they first thought. They decide to try to make a relationship work then they open themselves up to not only each other but to a community who needs them and accepts them for who they are. Love is possible no matter the form.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to BookSirens for access to the eArC, all opinions are mine and are not influenced in anyway. Stephany Simmons the writer that you are !!! This is my third book from you and it’s safe to say that I’m a big fan of your work. The way that you make each character so distinct from each other , making me feel for each of them in less than 200 pages at that !! Loved how much growth Bram and Maggie had and the fall vibes as well were immaculate. And the way I thought this would be an erotic novella and ended up being so much more than that . Will definitely be going through more of your books that’s for sure
Loved this - and I am way to attached to these characters for it to be quickie 🥹
Our MMC and FMC are living on earth during a time known as post convergence - it’s giving - Men In Black, if the visitors were fairytales and the vehicle for their arrival was reality itself bending and folding… aliens and UFOs are so last century … 👽
I laughed, I cried, there were some “oh me’s” and “oh my’s” and I’ll be setting a google alert for the announcement of a Berghest… IYKYK
Will be recommending and it’s the perfect time of year for delightful cosy quickies with reading goals winding up 🧚🏼♀️
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I Loved: 🖤 Bram is a tender, longing monster man (horns + tail + heart of gold) 🔥 The chemistry is instant, weird, and so fun 🌿 Witchy small-town vibes that feel warm and lived-in 😂 Maggie’s 40+ humor is perfection — chaotic, relatable, and honest
What Didn’t Hit as Hard: ⏳ It’s short, so a few moments felt rushed ✨ But the emotional payoff still lands
Final Vibe: A funny, steamy, unexpectedly sweet monster romance about being seen, wanted, and loved — even when you feel like a hot mess. I definitely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is another entertaining and engaging addition to the series and I love that this one also features a more mature gal. Maggie experiences a hot flash in a store and Bram, a monster, is quick to rescue her. These two definitely have insta-lust and work their way to a fab HEA ;P She's a bit snarky but he doesn't ever seem to mind. They do have great communication skills, though, and I loved that. Also love that inclusion is a big theme in these romances. Expect to feel the heat, and some drama to keep things hopping, when you dive into this fun read. I'm looking forward to more books set in this world :D
Thank you, Booksiren and Stephany Stevens, for allowing me to read this ARC and share my thoughts voluntarily, for free.
This book was an incredible, snappy, short and full of love. I one hundred percent recommend this book for those who enjoy cute, witchy, small-town romances. I loved the main character Maggie's humour as she faces unfortunate situations. Plus, the fall vibes were vibing, and I finished in under an hour. Overall, I would recommend it and look forward to reading other books by this author.
So cute!! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for free of The Witch & The Hound and I’m completely obsessed! I wanted something sweet, cozy, and fun—and this book was exactly that! Bram stole my heart, and watching his growth made me love him even more. This story had me smiling the whole way through, and I devoured it in one sitting. It’s short and simple in all the best ways! My only complaint? I want more!! If Stephany ever writes a second part, I definitely wouldn’t complain! I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute, fun story that’ll leave you smiling.
“The Witch & The Hound: Convergence Quickie #2” by Stephany Simmons
-A tender, lightly magical romance where Maggie’s wit plays beautifully against Bram’s steady calm. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Their connection grows with warmth, humor, and a touch of heat that never overwhelms the cozy tone. Themes of inclusion and embracing differences give the story surprising emotional depth.
A short, sweet read perfect for readers who love charm, spice, and a mature heroine who shines.
This is a cute later in life romance that showcases restarts in life. Both main characters have a lot of baggage, but that is balanced out by how cute and open hearted they are. Some sentiments are a bit trite, and the moral lessons are quite obvious as they are fed to the reader. Overall this is a pleasant short story about small town acceptance and second chances.
Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
A witch and a Bargest make the perfect pairing. Short, sweet, and spicy read. Braum and Maggie were fantastic together and they were great to read about. The story got right to the point and so did Braum if you know what I mean. If I could ask for anything it would be for the story to be longer. 10/10 would read again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Interested in the Convergence, I accepted a copy of this novella.
I'm really enjoying the Convergence Quickies. Maggie is just the right amount of snarky and Bram isn't affected by it in the least. I love that he's so blunt and honest about everything and that she likes to make little quips to relieve tension. There was even a couple of chapters that left me genuinely worried! It's good to have a bit of plot. But mostly, I'm all about the spice.
I read about two lines of the synopsis of this book and had to grab the ARC. It takes place after the "Convergence" when monsters joined the human world. Bram was so wonderful and patient with the humans who were not adjusting very quickly. I loved that Maggie appreciated him right from the beginning. Her being menopausal also really resonated as I am close to that age. It was a lovely story of acceptance and I want to check out some other stories from this series!
I really enjoyed this novella about main characters who are building new lives after each of them leaves their previous lives behind. I loved the vulnerability they showed each other and the development of both their relationship with other and with the people of the town where they live. A feel good story with added spice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thought this was so so sweet! I loved both the main characters. I enjoyed the small town vibes and I loved that the story was simple but moved. There was anticipation, there was quiet joy, and there was acceptance. This feels like Hallmark meets fantasy but as a quick read. Can’t wait to read more! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review joyfully and voluntarily.
Okay why was this the sweetest read ever?!? Like Mr Dog Man seriously?!? And the whole Merida being kidnapped by a monster SuperMart scene! How cute! And Lily… Stephany you had me crying over that!! I was not expecting to cry reading this book! But I loved it! Light cute/spicy and quickest read ever. I tried not to spoil but omg I just couldn’t resist! I am loving the Convergence Quickies!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.