Suddenly Spellbound

Ivie McKie #2

by Erica Lucke Dean

Something witchy this way comes.

Kindergarten-teacher-slash-sorceress Ivie McKie has officially sworn off magic. With her father back from the dead — just in time for her upcoming wedding to sexy former magician Jackson Blake — Ivie has plotted a course straight to happily-ever-after-ville. And she won’t let anything get in her way this time.

But Daddy Dearest has something sneaky up his sleeve. When “just one more spell” goes horribly wrong and detours her into the path of her father’s dangerously hot new apprentice, Ivie has to scramble to get the magic… and her love life… back on track.

Along the way, she encounters a promise made before she was born, a clan of Scottish sorcerers in kilts, and yet another goat.

Suddenly Spellbound is a new madcap adventure featuring Ivie McKie from Suddenly Sorceress.

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

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2016

About the author

After walking away from her career as a business banker to pursue writing full-time, Erica Lucke Dean moved from the hustle and bustle of the big city to a small tourist town in the North Georgia Mountains where she lived in a 90-year-old haunted farmhouse.

Tired of being woken up in the middle of the night by a pesky poltergeist, the author of contemporary young adult, romantic comedy, and paranormal romance moved into a cute little cabin in the woods, where she lives with her husband, her dogs, and the occasional bear. Much like the characters in her books, Ms. Dean is a magnet for disaster, and has been known to trip on air while walking across flat surfaces.

How she’s managed to survive this long is one of life’s great mysteries.

You can find out more about Erica, in addition to her humorous blog posts and disasters, on her website.

Represented by: Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Follow me on Bookbub to get notified when my books go on sale. https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erica...

Reviews

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to to Net Galley for giving me an ARC for this book.

I actually didn't read, and hadn't even heard of, Erica Lucke Dean prior to getting the ARC for this book. WOW! So glad that I snagged this little gem! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from start to finish and was quickly hooked. This is the type of book that I would categorize as a "beach read" because it's a light and easy to follow, but not generic or cheap plot. It was very well written and there were no obvious things that the author did that bugged me, which was pleasant. Sorry for the short review, but I have to go and start reading the 1st Ivie McKie book now!

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Sorceress Ivie McKie is a Kindergarten teacher and, after a bad couple of experiences, has decided to retire from her short-lived foray into the arena of magic. This suits her fiancé, veterinarian Jackson Blake, quite well, but her back-from-the-dead father who wasn’t dead at all, but a dog then a cat, won’t let her just be happy. He’s determined to settle a debt with an archaic practice and he’ll do anything to make sure it happens.

I’m going to start off by saying I loved book 1 in this series, Suddenly Sorceress. It was quirky and funny and quite a fun adventure. Which makes my disappointment in Suddenly Spellbound all the more heartbreaking. Everything I loved in the first book is missing here. The book is well-written, but I can’t get past all of the shitty behavior. Ivie is a Class A moron. She trips along from disaster to disaster with not brain one in her head. Letting her dad rule her life is another thing that irritated me and it’s this daddy thing that leads me to the thing that pissed me off the most.

Ivie’s dad is the one with magic in the family. Because he’s been in animal form for so many years, Ivie makes excuse after excuse after excuse for him every time he does something weird or dangerous. But when he asks her to do a spell and lies about what kind of spell it is and she blindly agrees despite promising Jack she wouldn’t do any more magic, the result is her father and his “apprentice” giving Ivie a magical roofie and magically violating her. They took away her free will with magic (the roofie) and lied the entire fucking book about it. They used magic to manipulate her and even though Ivie knew something wasn’t right, she kept allowing her dad to do shit to her magically. I am so not ok with this. In fact, I almost just stopped right there, but decided I should hang in and see if Ivie rips her dad a new asshole about this shit. Nope. That is NOT what happens. Ivie continually lies to Jack about the shit that’s going on, completely disrespecting him and their relationship, all the while drooling over the “apprentice” all because of the magical roofie. On top of all of this, toward the end, there are more instances of Ivie being a total moron and it ends in a cliffhanger. I will not be reading any more in this series. I’m completely soured on the whole Ivie and Jack relationship now and I wash my hands of them.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever come across one of those books that as soon as you get it you have to drop all others and read it? Suddenly Spellbound was one of those books for me, I absolutely loved the first book in The Ivie McKie Chronicles, Suddenly Sorceress. Ivie and her friends on their adventure was just so hilarious that I was still thinking about it and getting a bit of a laugh days, if not weeks later. Definitely one of my favorites last year so needless to say I was excited to get a copy of the second book to review.

I don't want to say too much about the plot since this is the second book in the series but in Suddenly Spellbound we pick up with Ivie and her friends again shortly after their adventure in the first book. Ivie's father is back in her life and has a scheme of his own pulling Ivie back into the world of magic much to Jack's dismay.

Really, all I want to say here is run out and read this series!! Erica Lucke Dean has done it again with another fun adventure in magic but this time we go a little deeper and even have a few touching emotional moments mixed with the laughter. The book still kept the overall light hearted feel to the story though even with the direction the story line takes in the book keeping the reader still laughing all throughout.

Anything Ivie seems to do with magic still turns into one big outrageously comical adventure and I absolutely love spending time with all of the characters in this series so far and joining them on one mishap after another. My only complaint came at the end of the book when it ended on a cliffhanger, but then I ended up excited that it means I should get to enjoy another book in this series someday.

Overall, highly enjoy this series, definitely recommend to any fan of chick lit and/or paranormal.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The initial book in this series was one which had me laughing out loud and thoroughly entertained throughout as Ivie discovered she is a sorceress and started using her innate powers - usually with unexpected and unwanted consequences. In this follow up story there isn't quite as much humour as Ivie starts to plan to wed her beloved. The main problem this time is her Dad and his new apprentice who seem determined to drive her and Jack apart whilst encouraging her to give Liam her love. With magical mayhem, historic agreements, a powerful scorned love and so much more, this continues the saga of Ivie as she continues to make magical mistakes, bringing mayhem to her life and those around her. However, her father is even more culpable as his magical interference instigates unexpected and unwanted changes in Ivie's life. Will she and Jack stand any chance of achieving their HEA together or will she choose Liam, instead? Can she overcome her father's meddling ways? What about the powerful sorceress who seems to have other plans for Ivie and her future?

This is a brilliant addition to this great series, an easy read, amusing, magical misadventure that is great to escape into for anyone looking for a light hearted tale with plenty of twists and turns which don't guarantee to have everything fully resolved just yet. The ending has everything seemingly coming together, but be ready for even more angst and turmoil! I really want to eat the next book in this series a soon as possible to discover how so many different aspects are eventually resolved.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suddenly Spellbound, The Ivie McKie Chronicles Book 2,  Erica Lucke Dean

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance

This is a perfect example of not giving up on an author just because one book hasn’t worked for you. I’d read Craving Caine and I didn’t like it – just a two star, but this is a different genre and sounded such fun. It was, and I really wish I’d asked for book one when it was on for review – I read the sample just to get a flavour of the background, and now having enjoyed this so much I’m going to buy that when there’s a gap in the TBR list.

So, having learned she’s a sorceress, turned her ex into a skunk – the wild furry type - and back, brought back her dad from his animal spell, when everyone thought he’d been dead for many years Ivie is finally looking happy. Has a job she loves, great friends and is about to marry the wonderful Jack and live happily ever after...except this is Ivie, and trouble sticks to her like s hit to a blanket ( one of my nan’s favourite sayings when I was a kid!)
Ivie’s dad is being very strange, but she feels she owes him, he’s her dad and she’s not seen him for so long. When he asks her to help him and his new apprentice Liam with a tiny, simple spell she feels she has to. She’d promised Jack not to do magic as it brought her into such trouble each time but surely he’ll understand, its only something simple and its her dad, she can’t say no. Of course nothing is simple or easy when it comes to her dad and Ivie ends up caught in another disaster.

The book goes like this all the way through, with poor Ivie getting into more and more trouble, and having to try to find a way out of the mire her dad has landed her in. Its hard to say too much without giving important elements away but Ivie has to make some really hard choices towards the end and I feel for her.
When I started reading I thought this would be a light, simplistic read but its got surprising depth among the humour, and the balance is just perfect. Its an easy read, the writing flows well, the plots build on each other and there are some wonderful characters and I really really enjoyed this read.
The end though – gah! I hate cliff-hangers, even though this one is tinged with humour. I’ve no doubt Ivie will work her way through it but hope its not too long before book three comes out :-)
 
 
Stars: Five, a fun easy read with some unexpected depth to it.
 
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers for honest review
 
 

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oops, she did it again. (an audio review)

Warning: Ends with a goat of a cliffhanger

I’ll be honest and say I struggled a bit with Book 2 of the Ivie McKie series. As with Book 1, I loved the beginning, found the cliffhanger a hoot, and can’t wait to read the next book (in this case, the final installment). But as with the first book, I found the middle a little convoluted. Some of that is to be expected because – let’s be honest – this is about a sorceress, meddling parents, and magic.

Throw in a fashion-obsessed best friend, wedding-dress shopping, and a hot fiancé, and it’s all good, right?

Enter an ancient Scottish curse, men clad in kilts (yummy), a crazy and powerful sorceress, and it’s clear Ivie is in over her head. Again, the secondary characters are often as much fun as Ivie.

There were moments of humour in this book – and another goat – but I didn’t find myself laughing out loud as I had while listening to the first book. Overall, I enjoyed it and will definitely listen to Book 3 when it comes out.

Now, I have to address the narrator. I adored Kathryn Merry, narrator of the first book. Her comedic timing and voices for Ivie and her crew were perfect. I understand sometimes it is necessary to switch narrators, but the choice of Jorie Raine Fradella was unfortunate. I know finding narrators capable of highbrow British, faux-French, ragin’ Cajun, and Scottish brogue would be a challenge, but Ms. Fradella simply wasn’t up to the task. I truly dislike saying anything bad, but listeners need to be warned. For many, it won’t matter. For me, unfortunately, it did. If she narrates the third book, I will still listen. It’s just too bad as she detracts from the quirky book. That being said, it is still worth a listen.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Team Jack all the way!

Ivie's world is about to be turned upside down when Liam comes to town to fulfill his destiny with Ivie. While Liam sounds nothing short of hot and sexy, you can't help but feel sorry for Jack as he fights for Ivie's love in the end. Suddenly Spellbound takes you on a twisting ride as you follow Ivie's struggle to realize who her true love is, and when you think there's a silver lining, well, let's just say there's nothing like going back to the first time Ivie met Jack.

Suddenly Spellbound is a good follow-up to the original Suddenly Socreress. There's fewer mishaps than the first book since Ivie is learning to control her magic with help from hunk Liam, but if you've missed the crazy twist and turns that come with her life (and her crazy friend Chloe), this is definiately worth the read. I can't wait for the next crazy installment of Ivie McKie!

-Disclaimer: I was given a copy to review-

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun, easy read! I could have easily sat down and read it cover to cover in one sitting, if it weren't for real life interrupting. I didn't read the first book in the series, Suddenly Sorceress, and didn't find that to be a drawback, but it might not be a bad idea to read the series in order.

The author has written an amazing magical adventure, full of romance and humor. Ivie is one of the unluckiest witches I have ever read about--every time she attempts magic, something goes comically wrong. Most of the trouble she finds herself in during this story seems to come from her parents, mostly her father. There are a lot of ups and downs to this plot, and the book ends on a cliffhanger which left me anxious for the next release.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

[Cheryl Lybrook · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I had read this book, instead of listening to the audiobook, I might have rated it higher.
The narrator was breathy and read in a stilted, jerky way that made me almost make this one of my few DNF books.
It was like a breathy female version of a cross between Yoda and Spock.
But, the worst part? Her really weird Scottish accent.
If there’s a third book in this series I sincerely hope that they go back to the original narrator from Suddenly Sorceress!

[kim caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhanger warning!

I really enjoyed the first book, and liked this one as well. A sorceress without training will be bound to cause disasters, but this is one her father created, and she is bound to. Liam confuses her, and her love for Jack is on the line. I hated that I was left hanging at the end!!!!!

[pam buzbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great but i really don't like her f rather and I wish she would zap Marion into a mouse and feed her to the cat

See above
Report i mess up a!good the timea
A week ago when ok thanks man that is what
you

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful romp!

I enjoyed the 2nd as much as the first! The mayhem continues in the second one and dad g if it isn't as enjoyable as the first! I was not disappointed and am anxious to go d the next and devour it also!

[Melissa Martinez-Miraglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series so far hoping for more. According to this it's been 2 years since it has been out. Thank God I've only listened to this series over the past couple of days. I hope next one comes along soon.

[Zachary · Rating 3 out of 5]

BLUF: Not as horny as the first book, plot heavy, still fun

Not gonna win any awards, but the book was a fun read. Horrible narrator voice for the dad; she attempted to do a Scottish brogue that sounded like she had gravel in her mouth.

[Vivienne Darden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spellbound

This book being a sequel to the first book leaves a person hanging at the end. It's easy enough to figure out.

[Krista Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense book

I really enjoyed this book.. But its a cliff hanger. I want to read more and more. Fabulous series. Great author

[Beccam105 · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read

[Penny Christmas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spellbinding....

A good follow up book, will now read the third in the series, hope it is as good as the first two.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something witchy this way comes.

Kindergarten-teacher-slash-sorceress Ivie McKie has officially sworn off magic. With her father back from the dead—just in time for her upcoming wedding to sexy former magician Jackson Blake—Ivie has plotted a course straight to happily-ever-after-ville. And she won’t let anything get in her way this time. But Daddy Dearest has something sneaky up his sleeve. When “just one more spell” goes horribly wrong and detours her into the path of her father’s dangerously hot new apprentice, Ivie has to scramble to get the magic… and her love life… back on track. Along the way, she encounters a promise made before she was born, a clan of Scottish sorcerers in kilts, and yet another goat.

Suddenly Spellbound is a new madcap adventure featuring Ivie McKie from Suddenly Sorceress.

What did I like? I’m a fan of the “I dream of Genie” era where Samantha just twitched her nose and all kinds of fun things happened. Well this book is so close to one of those types of stories and it kept me in stitches all the way through. I laughed and really enjoyed every escapade that Ivie got involved in. Ivie is the “the girl next door” type that all of know and sure wish that there were more of them around today. She has the dangest time keeping herself out of trouble and even though she really does not want to do magic cause it only seems to get her into more trouble, it just happens and watch out here comes the fun.

What are you going to like? You will love every single one of the cast except one and that one is the one that makes the book so much fun towards the end. The interactions between each of the cast are going to keep you laughing and yet there is a very serious love affair going on, the kind that all of us dream of having. The storyline is very developed and the author has put a lot of work into it as it shows in all the important ways. I love a book that is filled with humor, a little sex, a little more drama and a ton of laughter type situations. This one if filled to brim and will keep you reading till you’re done. I have confirmed that the author is working on the next book and is excited to get it finished. I do want to comment that there is a little sexual content involved in this book but it is all done very tastefully and even to the extent of humorous. I can’t wait to get my hands on book three.

I received this for being an advanced reader for the author. Besides getting all the good books in advance of hitting the market and have the opportunity to share my remarks, I love to be part of the team that watches a young author as they develop their own style and become better and better with each book that they pen. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book about a witch whose father casts a spell to get her and his new apprentice together, making things a bit awkward between her and her fiancé, Jack. The story was okay and moved along nicely. I just find cliff hangers not really to my liking. Ivie Mckie, a would-be kindergarten teacher and fiancée of Jackson Blake, a former magician, has sworn off magic because magic does strange things to her and usually gets her in some sort of absurd and difficult situation. However, her father, who has just returned to Ivie’s life, after years as the victim of a spell that turned him into a cat, butts into Ivie’s life, casting a spell to make her attracted to his new apprentice, Liam, and Liam, in turn, to Ivie. Things with her fiancé Jack soon go downhill after this happens. In this story, Ivie tries to figure out what is going on and to somehow rectify things, while ending up in outrageous situations because of her magic and sometimes her father. Generally, every time Ivie is involved in magic, regardless how or why, comical and strange things happen to her and her world. Thus, she has promised her fiancé Jack to stay away from magic, but still cannot help being drawn into it by her father or her want to do things correctly and the easier way.

I have not read the earlier book in the series, but this stand-alone still was interesting and fascinating. However, I found it difficult at times to accept Ivie as she is, because she easily lets herself get into some pretty crazy situations. Obviously, this allows for a lot of madcap humor while keeping the story lively. Still, I found some of the antics not to my liking and had to breeze through them quickly and suspend my hope for a more grounded main character. Ivie is a woman growing into herself and her magic side, while trying to just live her every-day life. The book is a quick read that will keep you chuckling and wondering what will happen to this witch next, as well as how she will cope with events and hopefully make them right again. I enjoyed the book, but not as much as I have others of a similar vein and storyline. Sometimes, as I said, Ivie was just too crazy and too gullible (and sucked in by people and events) for me. Still, I enjoyed reading the book as will readers who enjoy this sort of genre, and I will look for a follow-on as well as the other book in the series I missed. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suddenly Spellbound by Erica Lucke Dean

“Something witchy this way comes.”
Erica Lucke Dean’s words always cast a spell on me. Her prose is easy to read and draws the reader in with believable dialogue and well set scenes. There are many twists in this story that have Ivie grasping for her sanity. The story is told through her eyes so we only know as much as she does. Her father, Angus, has secrets he has not shared with anyone. These secrets are now back to haunt not only him, but they also affect Ivie’s future and she sees no way out.
Angus has more than one secret and keeps digging his hole deeper as time passes. Suddenly, he has a new apprentice. A handsome Scottish man named Liam McDougall, who just happens to be Ivie’s age. He also seems to know more magic than Angus. The worst part is the barely controllable sexual pull Ivie feels when Liam is near. Daddy has done some dickering around and drawn Ivie into a few spells, which she had sworn off, and her hair is bright red. Jack is understandably jealous, especially when Liam shows up at every turn of events that are plaguing Ivie.
It’s a fun romp until the whole McDougall clan shows up, including Liam’s mother. It seems she and Angus knew each other as children. The IRS and the FBI both have questions for Ivie’s mother and father concerning Angus’s life insurance policy that was collected after his supposed death. There is trouble brewing all around and you must read this to see how it all turns out. There is a surprising twist at the end that leaves a few things unresolved…

FYI: Suddenly Spellbound is book 2 in The Ivie McKie Chronicles. While it could be read as a standalone, I don’t understand why you would want to. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** February 28, 2016
Format/Typo Issues: No significant issues.

[Silvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivie is kindergarten teacher and sorcerer. She lives her dream engaged soon to be married to handsome ex-magician Jack. She brings back from dead her father mighty wizard. When she thinks that everything is happy ever after suddenly something happened and all secrets from the past hunting her, but she is not aware of it.

I don’t read the first book of this series and I only can imagine how wonderful it’s when Ivie finds out that she is a sorcerer. I totally enjoy this book couldn’t put it down until the end. The end is unexpected, and I can hardly wait to read the third book and see how Ivie will manage the situation and finally finds her happy ever after.

The plot is captivating and entertaining with a twist and turns in the easy and funny way. I must admit that this is the first book from this author that I read and is a real revelation for me. I usually don’t read paranormal books, but this is one of those books that I enjoy. The characters are so genuine and exciting it easy to imagine them and feel nothing but empathy reading about them. Ivie’s paranormal ability doesn’t bother me at all, but it was interesting for a change to read about them. The entire book is from the Ivie’s point of view.

Ivie is very smart, so sweet and thoughtful that makes me think that she is a little bit naïve. I enjoy when she uses magic and gets a red hair. Her relationship with Jack is fantastic; there was part of the book that I was little suspicious about him, but I right away change my mind.

Jack is a thoughtful, kind, decent man and handsome.The author doesn’t describe his appearance (I suppose she did in the first book) but from Ivie’s remarks for him, everything is evident that he is adorable.

I recommend this book to everyone who enjoy in good and easy reads.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

We join this wild and crazy witch and her fiancé soon after the end of the stellar first book in this series. There are a lot of ups and downs throughout the book (including a cliffhanger), but you definitely get a healthy dose of Ivie McKie and her antics.

Ivie’s life is looking up – she’s got her dad back from being a cat, she’s engaged to a man she’s madly in love with, and she has sworn off magic. All of that gets thrown up in the air when her dad tricks her into participating in a spell with a mysterious Scottish stranger. This spell sets off a series of events that gets Ivie in all sorts of new and disturbing trouble. I’ll admit that I was pretty bothered by some of the questionable consent scenes in this one, so if that is something you’re concerned about: beware. With spells involved, the lines get a little blurry. Ivie is forced to re-assess her life, her loves, her family’s motivations and take her best guess at a solution.

While the first book was zany antics and non-stop action, this book definitely goes somewhere completely different. Sure, there is craziness and some spells that transform people into animals, but it was decidedly more serious than the first book of the series. The end of this book certainly guarantees that there will be another installment. I just hope we don’t have to wait too long after that cliffhanger!

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began the second book in the Ivie McKie's adventures expecting the same kind of madcap story line that introduced the gang Suddenly Sorceress (The Ivie McKie Chronicles Book 1). Ivie is new at being a sorceress and halfheartedly trying to get a hang of it, but her life is otherwise going great. Her relationship with Jack is growing, her father is human again (well, sorcerer), and all seems to be as it should. Except it isn't, as her father's past and secrets will affect everyone she loves and herself. Not all is what it seems.

The more the book progressed and the more entangled and hopeless the situation became, the more I got into it, searching for a solution together with the heroes and ready to do damage to the villains as tensions rose. And as the author dangled a hopeful ending, she maneuvered the story toward a cliffhanger that hopefully won't take over two years to untangle. I almost wish I had discovered the series sometime in the future when book 3 is available (or, if more cliffhangers are in the works, when the series is all nicely tied up), because right now I have a decompression headache and there's a constant whiny inner voice that NEEDS to know the fates of these newly discovered acquaintances I got to care for.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suddenly Spellbound is from an author that I love. Erica Lucke Dean has a style of writing that pulls the reader in, makes them forget everything else, and get so invested in the characters that they cannot stop reading. This book is no exception. I started and finished Suddenly Spellbound within the same 24 hour time frame.

The trouble that Ivie McKie manages to get into had me laughing out loud and shaking my head. It takes a special talent to be able to cause so much trouble and still lives to tell about it. Her father and Liam are the causes of a lot of her troubles yet she still keeps going back to them. The “one more spell” chant from her dad hooks her every time. Yet with each spell her worlds seems to tilt a little more off axis. Luckily she has Jack, her fiancée. Their relationship is rocky when magic is involved. I did like how Jack called her on it, held her responsible, but still supported her and never truly turn his back on her.

The ending… oh the ending… the best. I never saw it coming. I should have. I am so glad that I didn’t. Erica Lucke Dean through a great twister in at the ending. I know that this series of books will be on my MUST READ list.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book from the author for the purposes of providing a review.

Ivie has a wacky sense of humor, and I laughed out loud several times while reading Suddenly Spellbound.

Ivie is surrounded by a family of both blood and love, and enjoys her life, with one possible exception: her dad has been acting so weird since she changed him from a cat to a human. Long story.

So Dad asks for Ivie to swing by his work really quickly, and when she does, he pulls her into a little spell. Turns out not to be so little, and boy is her fiance pissed when he picks her up at the police station later.

After the spell, Ivie is stuck in a love triangle, but it's not what you might imagine, and the resolution of this triangle is funny and dramatic and suspenseful and sad and unexpected.

If you're looking for a contemporary romance with humor, more than a touch of paranormal, and a happily ever after...well, two out of three ain't bad. It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but there's a twist on the final pages of the book, and in the overall scheme of Ivie's life, well, it's just another day.

I look forward to reading what happens next.

On the technical side, I found few errors and no formatting issues.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suddenly Spellbound by Erica Lucke Dean

What started out as a fun read quickly became quite frustrating...there was just too much of Ivie allowing her father to make decision, after decision, after error, resulting in not only keeping her away from the man she loved, Jack, but also getting arrested, and loosing her job. Her mother was vaguely missing in many key moments a mother should be with her daughter, and then Ivie was having inappropriate feelings for another man, whom her father wanted her to marry, rather than Jack, the man she loved...and it was all because of a decades old commitment her father ran out of. The entire story was Ivie's father trying to use her to right his mistakes.

All these quirky incidents were over the top as they were supposed to be magic by design, but seemed stuck into the story to make it seem plausible. The ending was a complete disappointment and such a let down that I don't know if I would want to read the next installment in the series.

This book was provided by the author for my honest review.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivie is a kindergarten teacher and suddenly also a sorceress, Ivie’s dad is back in her life and has schemes of his own. Pulling her back into the world of magic. Jack is Ivie’s fiance and the are planning their wedding , he is not happy with her dad appearing again. Ivie’s dad’s apprentice is Liam and her dad wants to break Ivie and Jack up so Ivie can marry Liam. Ivie’s dad is Augus and he wants to settle a debt so he casts a spell to get Liam and Ivie together. Ivie continues to make magical mistakes and brings chaos to her life.
I didn’t read the first book but still enjoyed this story and will go back.Ivie is quiet the character and I really liked her. This was a light read and easy to follow. It was also well written. I laughed at different times while reading thous story. Augus interfering in Ivie’s life didn’t make me very happy , he should just want her to happy.But I also understand his selfish reasoning. I loved the twists and turns of this story especially the ones including Ivie. I recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just another reason i Iove Erica's books. Laughter, suspense, emotion and cliff hangers. Erica delivers what the reader wants in this sequel novel of her awesome book "Suddenly Sorceress". Ivie is back for another hilarious adventure in her new magical life.
It seems Ivie can't catch a break. From all the craziness in the first novel (which I can't give away because I loathe spoilers) you would think she'd have a break but that is not going to happen. Ivie embarks on yet another crazy sorceress escapade.

It is so difficult to talk about how much I adored this novel without giving away important plot points. What I will say is this: this author has been a long time favorite of mine. Her novels always make me laugh. She has such a humorous way of writing that just captures me right from the beginning.

Do yourself a favor and download this on your reading device and devour it right away, just as I did.

[Kel (Faerie-bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Suddenly Spellbound
Author: Erica Lucke Dean
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Ebook
Pages: 200
Rating: 4

Setting: Georgia

Main Characters: Ivie, Jackson

Supporting Characters: Liam, Chloe, Ivie’s parents

Summary: Just weeks before Ivie’s wedding to Jackson her father asks for help with a spell with his apprentice, Liam. Because Ivie just got her dad back she agrees and now for some reason she is drawn to Liam even though she still loves Jack.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this, I laughed and got a little teary eyed. It was a little predictable, I had some idea what had happened I just didn’t know why until close to the end. Speaking of the end, it made me laugh and scream (warning, it’s a doozy). So with another cliffhanger I look forward to reading the next installment!

I received a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review.