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Bronwyn the Witch #2

Charmed & Ready

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After spending most of her life single-practically an occupational hazard for a witch-Bronwyn's finally found a sexy warlock to love. But it's going to take more than a few love spells to keep him from getting jealous about her latest gig-protecting a rock star named Zane from the creepy Goth guys in cloaks who keep showing up at his concerts and zapping his mojo. Bronwyn would like nothing better than to blow them up in an inferno of Love That Red smoke, but they're proving elusive. And in the meantime-what girl wouldn't want to hang with the hottest man in music?

245 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2006

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About the author

Candace Havens

70 books1,016 followers
Bestselling author Candace Havens has published more than 25 books. Her novels have received nominations for the RITA's, Holt Medallion, Write Touch Reader Awards and National Readers Choice Awards. She is a Barbara Wilson Award winner. She is the author of the biography “Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy” and a contributor to several anthologies. She is also one of the nation's leading entertainment journalists and has interviewed countless celebrities from George Clooney to Chris Pratt. Candace also runs a free online writing workshop for more than 2000 writers, and teaches comprehensive writing classes. She does film reviews with Hawkeye in the Morning on 96.3 KSCS, and is a former President of the Television Critics Association.

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5 stars
370 (30%)
4 stars
427 (35%)
3 stars
324 (27%)
2 stars
61 (5%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
400 reviews47 followers
November 2, 2019
Another clear 3.5 star rating, if only that were possible here; automatically rounded up. I got this book from the library to take breaks from reading High Voltage, and it served that purpose splendidly--it has all the action scenes I wanted & didn't find in the other book. I really enjoy the action & adventure side of urban fantasy, and our main character Bronwyn and her good buddy Simone, both of them wielding major magical powers, tackle (and are tackled by) some spectacularly nasty demons. As our first-person narrator Bronwyn explains,
This is one of the reasons high witches like me don't do well with boyfriends. The powerful ones, and I'm one of them, usually work as metaphysical bodyguards or hunters. Both jobs are equally dangerous. The bodyguards protect world leaders and other dignitaries; the hunters go after the evil in the world and eradicate it. I do a little of both, which means double the fun.
High self-esteem and a positive attitude to her work, that's Bronwyn.

So the action was the really good part--the romance was a flop. Neither Bronwyn nor Sam (also magical) are at all good at working out a relationship, and unfortunately for me their scenes didn't rise to the level of comedy either; nothing here like the hearty laughs I got from, for example, Stephanie Rowe's Date Me, Baby, One More Time. Yes, Sam and Bronwyn save each other's lives from time to time but that's in those exciting action scenes, not the endless "don't be jealous, it didn't mean anything" stuff. Really, Sam, get over it. And Bronwyn, do you really want someone who won't trust you?

I'll try to avoid more spoiler tags. Bronwyn obviously has a history with Sam, Sheik Azir, and the prime minister of an unnamed country (the UK?) from book #1 in this series, Charmed & Dangerous, which I haven't read, but that didn't spoil my fun on this outing with them. The prime minister gets Bronwyn to work as bodyguard for world-famous rock star Zane, who's swarmed by paparazzi and a few evil cloaked figures and shows his charming side by funding humanitarian projects and protecting his little daugher Zoe (he seems to have full custody following a divorce). He bops around the world doing concerts, mainly London and L.A. in this book, and when Bronwyn has to recuperate from demon poison her demon-slaying buddy Simone stands in for her. Both Bronwyn and Simone have a raft of superpowers: besides zapping demons, they can sense magic, pick up thoughts, and--new to me--channel telepathic video-communication between non-magical people (in this case Zane and Zoe from L.A. to London), something like a witchy Skype.

As characters go, Bronwyn and Simone are both well developed, Zane and Sam less so. Recommended, with the reservations I've noted.
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,311 reviews2,153 followers
September 11, 2013
This book is a lot like the first book in the series, and that's not entirely a good thing. I still enjoyed Bronwyn immensely. And the epistolary format functioned about the same. But I didn't appreciate the relationship turbulence and found that Zane left me rather cold. Some of that is the lazy shorthand for "he's a good person" being his advocacy for starving children (because being a good person is all about the causes you promote in public, right?). Indeed, Zane comes off as a pale echo of Azir, only without the charm or warmth.

Don't get me wrong, Bronwyn doesn't falter or imagine she has feelings for Zane. And Zane doesn't really make any but the most casual play for her. It's just that her dealings with him didn't have the same punch as her dealings with Azir.

But don't take the grumbles too seriously. The pacing was great, the story gripping enough to keep me up late to finish, and I still like the characters, even Sam when he's being a dork. I really hope Havens has a better plan for their relationship in the last book. Yeah, Bron and Sam both have legitimate excuses for screwing up, but neither has managed to do anything too devastating for quite some time, now, so it's time to move on to the next level. You know, the one that has "stable relationship" written all over it...

A note about Steamy: This book had less steam than the first. One (and maybe a half) explicit scenes. Again the sex was a tad perfunctory. And sadly, there was less of the knock-out kissing as well (which is a true shame).
Profile Image for Charlotte.
2,121 reviews80 followers
April 25, 2022
*WARNING* intended for mature readers
Bronwyn is a great character! I adore reading about the messes she gets in. Between demons and bad warlocks, she doesn't have much time to rest. I like that Bron in a powerful witch, but I'm glad she can die, it makes her more "human". I did read book 1 and it was great, but I think this could be read without reading book 1. Simone is also a great character and plan checking to see of she has her own books. Kira is also great character and I will be looking to see if she has her own books as well. Bron has a man, but I think it's amazing that she is strong and competent without relying on Sam. Recommended!
Profile Image for Elle Hartford.
Author 35 books301 followers
January 27, 2022
A fun and light-hearted read! I actually haven't read the first one but had no trouble following along. I found Bronwyn funny and liked most of the other characters, too. Will probably read more!
15 reviews
March 5, 2025
This book was a fun read for me, especially for someone who grew up on charmed. It kind of has a similar vibe to me
Profile Image for Cherie.
416 reviews22 followers
January 7, 2009
Bronwyn is a Witch, and Charmed & Deadly is the second book in the Bronwyn the Witch series featuring Bronwyn herself. This time around, Bronwyn, who regularly does security detail for the Prime Minister, has now been asked to take this next job as a favor to him for a friend. And what a delicious flavor... ahem, I mean favor, it is. ;) Rock star and heartthrob Zane is getting zapped by creepy Goth guys with strange eyes and black cloaks at his concerts, in addition to some other weird things have been happening to him. So now Bronywn's on the job. Zane's really a great guy though, and quite fun to be around, on the A-list at all the hottest clubs in London and LA. So now Bronwyn is trying to keep her client from getting killed while also trying to keep her boyfriend Sam from getting too jealous, especially since she seems to showing up in all the tabloids on Zane's arm!

I really enjoyed this book, and wonder why I waited so long after reading the first one, Charmed & Dangerous , to pick up this one. Most likely just too many other commitments and I forgot how much I enjoyed it. I really like Bronwyn and relate well to her character on so many levels, the least of which is her potty mouth. LOL

Charmed & Deadly, along with the other books in the series, is written in journal format. I feel this sometimes hinders the progress of the book at times however, particularly when Bron is telling the story of something that's happening in the here and now, but because it's supposed to seem like she's writing it in her journal after the fact—or in some other instances when there's a bit of a time warp—you have to assume she's writing these entries no matter where she is. But that's probably just me being overly picky with things. Because I can also see how the author might be using the journal outlet to allow Bronwyn to express herself in ways that might be more difficult to do otherwise. So I suppose it's a give and take. In that regard, it doesn't really detract from the story line, and the action just keeps on going non-stop, but it may cause some readers to say hmmmm.

This book is actually classified as a paranormal romance, but it's more of the MaryJanice Davidson chick-lit classification, or even urban fantasy possibly, as opposed to Christine Feehan. More chick lit and kick-ass girl than mushy, gushy, you are my hero crap! LOL Overall, a most excellent read and a definite thumbs up! :)
Profile Image for Kristen.
2,599 reviews88 followers
August 5, 2012
I like the Bronwyn the witch series by Candace Havens, although it isn't my favourite of her books [that's the Carruthers sisters series - which I'm waiting impatiently for another book on] but it's a good, solid paranormal story with interesteing plots, good entertaining characters and plenty of magical mayhem to keep things interesting.

In book two, Bronwyn's recuperating from almost dying at the end of book one. But the PM of Britain really needs her help protecting rock star Zane from what seems to be magical attempts to harm him.

Bronwyn agrees to to to England, against her own better judgement, and the wishes of her boyfriend Dr. Sam, who also nearly died in book one. Once she arrives she can't seem to pinpoint the source of the evil magical currents that seem to be swirling around Zane. And things willl - naturally - get much worse before they get better!

The story of Bronwyn is mostly about the magical demon fighting and figuring out who's trying to do what to whom. But there are a few moderately explicit sex scenes between Bronwyn and Sam, although they are infrequent and relatively brief. There's also what I would describe as a moderate level of violence as Bronwyn and her demon-slayer pal Simone try to defeat the bad guys, but nothing over-the-top, especially if paranormal fiction is your genre.

The Bronwyn character comes off as slightly selfish and self-absorbed to me, which is why this series isn't my favourite, but I like the way Candace Havens writes, and the storyline is entertaining and exciting. A decent read for paranormal fans.
Profile Image for Juju221.
167 reviews
August 1, 2010
As good as the first! Loved it so much, that when I got to the end, I got online and found myself a book 3! I am not saying that these are the greatest books I have ever read, but I loved them, I loved the fun and sunshine and optimism which is juxtaposed against the danger and demons and death. I mean who wouldn't smile when after almost being killed again Bronwyn voices the thing all girls know, let me set the scene, she almost died, she is not meant to have sex for another 2 days, her boyfriend is there, she is frisky and frustrated, she believes frustration raises her blood pressure more than sex will, he won't so she does what every horny girl would do. Goes goes down on him, and yes it works!

Another great book, one where her relationship with Sam is put under extreme pressure and Brownwyn faces the ignored messages and him in a mood, all things we can relate to! Will she and Sam survive? Will she survive? Someone else is out to kill her, but is it all connected? You will find out if you read the book because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. One of the great additions to this book is the rock star Zane, he is so fun and it also allows to to see more of Bronwyn's demon slayer friend Simone!

Great book, great summer read and another 4, no it made me smile so much I am going to go 4.5 frilly knickers out of 5. Every girl needs a friend like Bronwyn! A huge recommendation on the both for summer reads.
Profile Image for Kat.
275 reviews
September 10, 2012
I'm so mad. I want her to end it with Sam. He's been a pain in my side since book one. The sheik is much more interesting. Zane is wittier, funnier. Sam? Bleh. All he does is complain, get jealous, and just be overall annoying. He distracts Bron from her job, and even has the audacity to ask her to stop doing her job! Now, I know he was secretly, and unconsciously fighting Blackstock, and everything, but did he really have to act so bitchy all the time? And what was with him "dating" his old friend for? He said he'd been trying to forgot Bron, but had he even called her to say something like, "Hey Bron, sorry this isn't working out, so we should stop. I'm going to try dating others now."? No. He just ignored her and tried to get over her without even letting her have a chance to defend herself. I don't know. First book, I could tolerate him. This book I just wish him gone. And what's up with Candace Havens giving us so many delicious male characters? Zane, Azir, Cole, Caleb, etc. All Great. And I have a prediction that Simone and Cole will have something going on soon. Or at least I hope this is so. But as I sadly know, Havens is one author who has disappointed me with her couples. Overall, a two for disappointing relationships, and hot males carrying slimy eggs in place of six packs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ana.
1,247 reviews35 followers
July 19, 2016
I would like to be able to tell you this book is better than the first or that it's at least in the same level but I can't. I really can't. That powerful main character I bragged about? I have no idea where she went but she is definitely not in this book. She comes strolling once in a while but never stays long or maybe that's just what it felt like when I read page after page of whining and crying and moaning about Sam. Such a powerful woman reduced to a cry baby by a man. She has people to protect and keeps distracting herself thinking about the guy. Why? I never much liked him...now I can't really stand him. And Bron? She's pissing me off constantly too. They can't seem to act as adults regarding their relationship. Not that it's much of a relationship between all the time they spend arguing and her travels. I really do not see anything worth keeping between them. I really don't. I don't get why she's so hung up on him and certainly cannot understand her attitude about it. She's always apologizing. He doesn't trust her. She doesn't trust him. Why the hell are they together in the first place?? Jesus. They give me a headache! I love the main story arc but the romance (or what passes for it in this book) is really disgusting. Makes no damn sense.

PS: And that ending. I think I got a little nauseated.
Profile Image for Sherri.
278 reviews36 followers
February 17, 2011
3.5 stars out of 5

Charmed & Ready is book two in the Bronwyn the Witch series. Bronwyn lives in Sweet, Texas, where she moved for peace and quiet, but that seldom happens. In this latest adventure, she continues her witch/bodyguard duty in protecting Zane, who is a rock star. She gets into all sorts of trouble trying to find out who is attempting to kill Zane.

Her adventures with Zane become the lead stories for the paparazzi which doesn't make her boyfriend Sam, a doctor, all to happy. Add into the mix her demon-hunting friend Simone, mysterious goth figures and demons and Bronwitch is in for a real misadventure.

This book is more light chick-lit type paranormal than the dark mysterious genre, but it is a fun quick read and Bron is a fun character. Ms. Havens writing is light and quirky and just to note the book is written in a journal type format. If you are looking for a beach or pool read and like a bit of paranormal thrown in, you should check out Charmed & Ready.
Profile Image for Wendi WDM.
236 reviews11 followers
January 27, 2010
Well, if you're not expecting a classic piece of literature, then you have a fun book. This is one of those books that I pick up from time to time when even Shopaholic seems to be too much for me. I'm stressed at work, I'm stressed at home, I'm stressed all over the place I need something that doesn't require me to think.
TA-DA!
But seriously, this book is kind of dull too. Maybe I should have read the first book, but I grabbed this one because it was there.
The book is kind of all over the place, almost as if Havens had a hard time trying to get to her point. And your main character dying and almost dying 3 times - yeah, overkill.

So I don't know. Be prepared for cliches. Be prepared for fluff. All of the main character's friends are funny and smart and rich and perfect. So is the 25-year-old main character. (Nothing against 25 year olds, but the chick in this book doesn't read to me like a 25 year old.)

So okay, in the end...it kind of sucked.
Profile Image for SHR.
425 reviews
May 27, 2016
This is the second in the Bronwyn series. It has the same diary format, which is written as if things are happening in the moment, which I find a little irritating for a diary – she wants us to believe she carries her journals everywhere – even to drunken parties, where she goes off to the toilet to write in them (yeah, right!!).

I also find the way the relationship between Sam and Bronwyn is developed is mixed, with it sometimes being very juvenile. The voice is not quite consistent – one minute valley girl, and teenager-ish and the next minute mature adult – having said that I can be inconsistent, so I guess it is OK for characters to be and hopefully this will level out as more books are added to the series and the author really decides who Bronwyn is.

The mysteries have some very predictable elements but others not so, and are interesting enough to keep me reading. Despite all the flaws I enjoyed the book and will definitely be reading the 3rd.
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2015
Fun urban fantasy/paranormal romance, the diary style definitely added to the fun.


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Profile Image for Linda.
156 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2012
Being a powerful witch isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Bronwyn has finally found the man of her dreams and everything seems to be looking up. When the Prime Minister asks her to look after his buddy, the gorgeous rock star Zane, things start to get muddled. Her boyfriend keeps taking the photos of her and Zane out dancing the wrong way. Evil warlocks and demons keep showing up trying to kill her and her charges. How can she get it through to her love that he is the only one for her and will she survive another attack from the evil’s after her and her friends? Candace Havens takes us on a whirlwind adventure with demons and warlocks threatening Bronwyn and her friends.
Profile Image for Amanda (The Literary Hoarders).
333 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2012
Ok I do like this series and I feel the passion in the relationship between Bron & Sam BUT I have a huge problem with the fact that Sam gets jealous sooo easily and would act like a baby and stop talking to her when he's mad and he is always thinking she is cheating on him and making her feel terrible to have male friends because of that. I really think that she should take a break from him and let him work out his trust issues because he is going to drive her to another man. Other than that the book was good, loved Zane he was too much but in a good way but good book hoping third is just as enjoyable.
Profile Image for Diana.
1,746 reviews
September 29, 2007
After taking care of Sam following his near-death at the hands of the warlock Blackstock, Bronwyn must now return to work. This time she must protect swinging rock star Zane, who finds himself the target of supernatural attacks. Her protecting him, however, may have consequences on her relationship with Sam.

Lots of twists take this story on a rollicking ride. Bronwyn shows a bit too much angst with her relationships, but when it comes to magic, she rocks. Good ending that restores things to the way it should be.
6,202 reviews41 followers
January 24, 2016
Bronwyn is up to her usual problems, what with various demons, etc, but this time she also has to watch out over a famous rock star. There's also some questions about her relationship with Sam and whether or not that will continue, especially when he sees photos of her and Zane together.

The second book continues the diary-like approach of the first, with her summarizing what had happened since a certain time, and this is a technique that works very well. All the favorite places and characters of Sweet are there. A good second book in the series.
Profile Image for Bitten_by_Books.
625 reviews113 followers
January 12, 2009
Charmed & Ready is book two in the Bronwyn the Witch series. Bronwyn lives in Sweet, TX where it is supposed to be quiet and she can stay out of trouble, but somehow it always seems to find her...

For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of Charmed & Ready in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
Profile Image for Erika.
70 reviews
February 7, 2010
All I can say is that if I were with Sam, I'd consider him abusive and break-up with him regardless of the excuse for his behavior that he gets in the end. What is it about the stereotypical romance hero? Ugh.

This is a fun, quick read, but don't expect to get anything else out of these books. The plot is missing.
Profile Image for Ronda.
1,699 reviews47 followers
September 6, 2010
Ok, I really like Candace Havens' sense of humor and love the characters in this series. The only reason I didn't rate this book higher was that, by the time I got to the end, I was ready to strangle Bronwyn AND her boyfriend/not boyfriend/maybe boyfriend, Dr. Sam. That said, I enjoyed the story and getting to see some "old friends" (Kira and Caleb from Like A Charm) and meet some new.
Profile Image for Jessica.
832 reviews6 followers
August 30, 2012
I picked this book up on accident. I really disliked the first one in the series so I wasn't going to continue. Then I grabbed it anyway forgetting and I am kinda glad I did. I am not sure if the story is growing on me or if I have just gotten use to it but I thought this book was much better than the first. I may even pick up the last book on purpose. LoL
Profile Image for Kassandra Baxter.
24 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2013
I really did not expect to enjoy this book and honestly, I got it for a dollar and figured if I got around to it then I got around to it. Surprised, I have found that I really enjoyed this book. It is a very easy read and I think it is easy to stay involved in. I read this book quite quickly because of such and would have no problem saying that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
114 reviews13 followers
February 13, 2015
I didn't read the first book in the series but felt this could stand alone. Bronwyn is a witch. She has fallen in love with a warlock, who was recently killed and is recuperating. She gets hired to serve as a bodyguard to a rock star, who of course is talented and handsome. This causes problems with her fairly new relationship with Sam, the warlock.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
194 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2008
I found this book quite entertaining. I am now wishing that there were more books in this series. I have now read 3 and 2, and I am still needing 1. You definitely do not need to read these in order. The writing style just makes me smile as I am reading.
Profile Image for Vee.
183 reviews25 followers
June 20, 2011
This is possibly one of my favorite series. I adore Bronwyn. She is such a likeable character and those she surrounds herself with are realistic type personas. This book was so full of fun along with drama it has been my favorite thus far. I kinda want her to end up with Azir though
Profile Image for Beverly Brooks.
118 reviews
July 30, 2011
I really enjoyed this book, once I started reading could not put it down. Same as the first on in the series. Glad I have the next one Charmed & Deadly, starting it now. Highly recommend the Charmed books!!!!
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