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Witch Sense: A Lara O'Connell Urban Fantasy
All witch Lara O'Connell wanted to do was dump her neglectful boyfriend and get on with her life. But thanks to a show of power he thought would charm her, her ex is stuck in wolf form. And until she turns him back, she’s stuck with him shedding all over her stuff. The local Alpha werewolf, Stephen, will help her turn her ex back into a human—for a price. He needs Lara’s sensitivity to magic to figure out who is killing his people. But with the FBI looking into Phillip’s disappearance, an Alpha trying to make kissy face with her, and a killer who can’t be too happy to have her on his trail, Lara’s problems are just getting started.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2016
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 7, 2016
Perfect book to cure insomnia. 1 star
December 20, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a different twist to witches and other paranormals. Witch Sense was my first read by Alexis Kade. I really enjoyed the different take on witches. Most of the books I have read don't distinguish much between witches. This had a lot of action and fumbling around to figure out answers. I enjoyed the story and the secondary characters. It lagged a bit for me in the middle of the book but picked up not long after and got more interesting. I'm hoping there is a follow up book to see if more things get resolved. Like what is there between Stephen and Lara, and what's the deal with Roxie and Greg? What happens to Phillip?
This was a different twist to witches and other paranormals. Witch Sense was my first read by Alexis Kade. I really enjoyed the different take on witches. Most of the books I have read don't distinguish much between witches. This had a lot of action and fumbling around to figure out answers. I enjoyed the story and the secondary characters. It lagged a bit for me in the middle of the book but picked up not long after and got more interesting. I'm hoping there is a follow up book to see if more things get resolved. Like what is there between Stephen and Lara, and what's the deal with Roxie and Greg? What happens to Phillip?
June 15, 2017
I didn't realize that the entirety of the Witch Sense serial was a part of the Spellbound boxed set, which has been kinda languishing (forgotten) on my Kindle since its release date a while back. My boxed set one-click bad habit aside, Witch Sense was a surprise and a delight, and even if it's the only entry in the collection that I enjoy I can say that it was .99 cents well-spent.
I like Kade's witchy, supernatural world. The interplay and tension between the different races of supernaturals was interesting, and made for suspenseful, sometimes comically awkward moments when they had to interact.
The murder-mystery plot was well done, and I didn't see it coming until fairly late in the game when everything came to a head. I usually get bored with the urban fantasy mystery niche because too many of them are predictable. Not the case here!
Lara is a good narrator and a likable character, if a bit naive and quick to blame herself at times. The whole mess she is involved in basically boils down to a guilt-trip she's laid on herself over her ex's magical stupidity. She can't seem to catch a break, either! It seems like she's always being exploited for one thing or another, and there's a plot thread involving a vampire and a favor left dangling. I'd like to see where that leads! Or where things lead with Roxie, Greg, and Phillip. I think there are some sequels in the works, and I'll among the first in line to read whatever comes next.
I like Kade's witchy, supernatural world. The interplay and tension between the different races of supernaturals was interesting, and made for suspenseful, sometimes comically awkward moments when they had to interact.
The murder-mystery plot was well done, and I didn't see it coming until fairly late in the game when everything came to a head. I usually get bored with the urban fantasy mystery niche because too many of them are predictable. Not the case here!
Lara is a good narrator and a likable character, if a bit naive and quick to blame herself at times. The whole mess she is involved in basically boils down to a guilt-trip she's laid on herself over her ex's magical stupidity. She can't seem to catch a break, either! It seems like she's always being exploited for one thing or another, and there's a plot thread involving a vampire and a favor left dangling. I'd like to see where that leads! Or where things lead with Roxie, Greg, and Phillip. I think there are some sequels in the works, and I'll among the first in line to read whatever comes next.
December 24, 2017
rcvd an advanced reader copy for giving my two cents. we meet Lara who just broke up with her bf philip, when he uses a spell to change him...into a wolf. fast Forward a few months...philip is now living with lara in that she is taking care of him and trying to figure out how to change him back. her bff Roxie tells her that they are going to meet the Alpha werewolf as he may be able.to.help....jusy great. arriving at the club, lara sees a handsome man in the corner who exceeds power...low and behold the Alpha. Stephen explains that he needs her services ad a witch to help solve murders. way in over her head she agrees. three murders later lara is no closer to the truth. the last murder she is at the victims house with her bff and they run for their lives. smtg doesn't add up. there is a magic signature that lara can't figure out. while sleeping, Philip wakes her up and he knows smtg or someone is in her house. she barely makes it out alive...with slashes and cuts all.over her body. she learns she was used by the Alpha and is pissed. lara is done...she is getting screwed either way and all she wanted wad to help return Philip human. not to.mention an FBI agent is lurking around too. will lara learn the truth? will she turn Philip back? will lara find the murderer?
May 7, 2018
Good start
What’s a witch to do when her boyfriend turns into a wolf because she breaks up with him? Hide. Human transformation is illegal. Now all she wants is to change him back and get him out of her life. Suddenly Lara is thrust into a world where the rules of the magic community are blurred and there are scarier things than weres going bump in the night.
I thought this was a good start to a new series of books. The people were interesting and annoying by turns: Phillip is self-centered, Lara is kinda lazy, Roxie is rebelling against her parents, Stephen is an arrogant jerk, and Anthony is just trying to do his job. The story was intricate enough to make me want to keep reading. However, I wasn’t on the edge of my seat with anticipation. Still, I’m looking forward to the next book.
Genre: Paranormal, urban fantasy, with bits of romance
Romance: Not established, fledgling
Sexy stuff: Kissing
Editing: Good, no discernable grammar problems or spelling mistakes
Violence: Murder scenes, some fights
Storytelling: Very good
Narrative: First person
What’s a witch to do when her boyfriend turns into a wolf because she breaks up with him? Hide. Human transformation is illegal. Now all she wants is to change him back and get him out of her life. Suddenly Lara is thrust into a world where the rules of the magic community are blurred and there are scarier things than weres going bump in the night.
I thought this was a good start to a new series of books. The people were interesting and annoying by turns: Phillip is self-centered, Lara is kinda lazy, Roxie is rebelling against her parents, Stephen is an arrogant jerk, and Anthony is just trying to do his job. The story was intricate enough to make me want to keep reading. However, I wasn’t on the edge of my seat with anticipation. Still, I’m looking forward to the next book.
Genre: Paranormal, urban fantasy, with bits of romance
Romance: Not established, fledgling
Sexy stuff: Kissing
Editing: Good, no discernable grammar problems or spelling mistakes
Violence: Murder scenes, some fights
Storytelling: Very good
Narrative: First person
December 22, 2017
This was a lot of fun. The world Alexa Kade created for her Witch Sense novel is well crafted and pretty darn cool with all its supernaturals interacting (or at least trying to) and the mystery he puts his lead character Lara O'Connell into is a pretty nifty one that had some well done unexpected twists and turns. With a great cast of characters centered around Lara, nice chemistry working between Lara and werewolf Alpha Stephen, a great friendship with rebellious magician friend Roxi (with the beginnings of what I’m guessing will be her own romance in a future book), and loads of fun, this is a top tier urban fantasy. I’m definitely looking forward to my fun with Lara & Co. In the meantime this book is highly recommended.
December 18, 2017
This a exciting twist on the genre of supernaturals. Lara is a ‘natural’ witch - a born witch with limited powers, as opposed to a ‘ritual’ witch - a human that uses ingredients and spell rituals for power. However, she is in need of help when her (ex)boyfriend accidentally changes into and gets stuck as a wolf; but (un)luckily Stephen the werewolf alpha needs her help and offers his assistance in return!
There is plenty of action, unexpected twists and turns as well as interesting characters and a compelling storyline. I really liked Lara and Stephen and am looking forward to a forward to any follow up books!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
There is plenty of action, unexpected twists and turns as well as interesting characters and a compelling storyline. I really liked Lara and Stephen and am looking forward to a forward to any follow up books!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 3, 2019
I received an ARC of this story through Hidden Gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.
If you're looking for paranormal action, adventure, and mystery this is the book for you! If you're expecting another typical paranormal romance, the likes of which are currently flooding the market, this isn't that. All that aside now, I really enjoyed this book. It started a little slow for me, but the mechanics of this world Alexis Kade has created are really cool and different than what I've read before. This was like paranormal with a fresh, new twist on all the typical races. I'm interested to see where the story goes from here!
If you're looking for paranormal action, adventure, and mystery this is the book for you! If you're expecting another typical paranormal romance, the likes of which are currently flooding the market, this isn't that. All that aside now, I really enjoyed this book. It started a little slow for me, but the mechanics of this world Alexis Kade has created are really cool and different than what I've read before. This was like paranormal with a fresh, new twist on all the typical races. I'm interested to see where the story goes from here!
December 17, 2017
**I voluntarily received an Advance Reader Copy of this book.**
This is a murder mystery with a twist. It takes the who done it to a new level! The question now is what done it? This story has a put all the supernaturals into a real world setting.
The part of this story that I like the most starts at the very beginning. It starts with a breakup. Truly the most unique breakup ever. Even broken up their relationship stays strong. Each protecting the other the best way they know how.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next story in the series.
This is a murder mystery with a twist. It takes the who done it to a new level! The question now is what done it? This story has a put all the supernaturals into a real world setting.
The part of this story that I like the most starts at the very beginning. It starts with a breakup. Truly the most unique breakup ever. Even broken up their relationship stays strong. Each protecting the other the best way they know how.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next story in the series.
December 17, 2017
A very good read ,
July 17, 2017
Lara is a natural witch, she is good with plants. On the day she tries to break with boyfriend Phillip, he turn into wolf and is unable too turn back. So.. she is kind of stuck with him. No matter what she and her best friend Roxie do, they can no turn him back. Roxie is a ritual magician, she has to relay on ritual and spells to do magic.
Local Alpha werewolf will help her ex back to human, if she agrees to help him. Something is killing werewolves and no one can find any clues. Stephen need her to see if there is any magical trace left on the crime scenes.
Because Phillip has been wolf for few week, he is starting to lose himself to wolf. Lara has very little time to save him. When FBI start to look into his disappearance thing start to really complicate.
I just love reading Urban Fantasy in this is really good one. I love the way romance takes time to develop, it kind of cute.
Local Alpha werewolf will help her ex back to human, if she agrees to help him. Something is killing werewolves and no one can find any clues. Stephen need her to see if there is any magical trace left on the crime scenes.
Because Phillip has been wolf for few week, he is starting to lose himself to wolf. Lara has very little time to save him. When FBI start to look into his disappearance thing start to really complicate.
I just love reading Urban Fantasy in this is really good one. I love the way romance takes time to develop, it kind of cute.
May 24, 2016
I have to start by saying that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.. Business aside, now for the meat.
I didn't think it possible, but it actually happened --- I found not one, but TWO books in as many months that belong on the "Dangerously Good Reads" shelf. This is something that hasn't happened to me in a good ten year years' time. Witch Sense certainly fills the bill because in going back to check details for the review, I looked up to discover that I had become so engrossed in the story again that 25 or so pages had gone by.
In Witch Sense Alexis Kade brings us the story of Lara O'Connell, a natural witch who uses her gifts as a landscaper, working and living in the Chicago area. On the day she finally screws up the courage to break up with her boyfriend, Phillip, he uses his natural magic to turn himself into a wolf.
Fast forward to a month later. Phillip is still a wolf, and despite everything that Lara and unlikely best friend, Roxie, do, Phillip remains a wolf. Unlike Lara, Roxie comes from a family of Ritual Magicians, the erstwhile ruling class among witches. Even working their craft in tandem, they have made no progress in reversing the transformation to Phillip's old human shape. Options for getting Phillip back into his human form are dwindling, and both ladies know that if they take Phillip's problem to those in power, he would likely be locked up for attempting the illegal transformation in the first place. Worse yet, Lara feels guilt because she is operating under the notion that the power she used to try and stop the transformation spell could have accidentally given Phillip the boost he needed to carry it out in the first place.
Enter Stephen, the Alpha of the local werewolf pack. Someone or something has been murdering members of his pack, and in exchange for knowledge of how to turn Phillip back into a human, Stephen engages Lara to use her ability to sense the magic used at the murder scenes to hide from the weres. Even more baffling is when a witch is murdered in the same manner as the werewolves.
I won't give any spoilers about the plot, but the way that Alexis Kade depicts the witching world and how they interact with other magical beings sheds a fresh and welcome light on what has become a crowded niche in paranormal writing.There are definitely tensions between the different groups, but they are portrayed in a believable way that makes sense as to why the different factions can work together when the need arises. I particularly appreciated the vampire who looked like a college student who never got the message that grunge went out in the 90's.
The plot is quick, suspenseful, and full of twists and turns that will keep the readers of writers like J.D.Robb or Tom Clancy happy. It's also nice that the main character is a gutsy lady who doesn't need to go in, guns-a-blazing, to solve whatever situation the mystery throws at her. In short, there's enough to keep both the gents and ladies happy.
I should note here that there is definitely some gore in the book, as well as adult language, but it is not used to shock readers simply for the sake of shocking them. It is believable when and how it is employed. I would suggest that it is not a choice for Christian readers or those whose sensibilities might be offended by this subject matter and style. This means that I definitely wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 16, but you parents know the maturity level of your kids best, so checking it out in advance will best serve as a recommendation as to whether or not you allow them to read it. Who knows? You might even find a great new thriller author you'll want to come back to.
All in all, I found Witch Sense good enough that I would have paid for it after reading a sample, something I regularly do for authors I'm not familiar with.I can't wait for the sequel to see how Alexis Kade ties up the open points from this book, and I will be saving my pennies until the release.
I didn't think it possible, but it actually happened --- I found not one, but TWO books in as many months that belong on the "Dangerously Good Reads" shelf. This is something that hasn't happened to me in a good ten year years' time. Witch Sense certainly fills the bill because in going back to check details for the review, I looked up to discover that I had become so engrossed in the story again that 25 or so pages had gone by.
In Witch Sense Alexis Kade brings us the story of Lara O'Connell, a natural witch who uses her gifts as a landscaper, working and living in the Chicago area. On the day she finally screws up the courage to break up with her boyfriend, Phillip, he uses his natural magic to turn himself into a wolf.
Fast forward to a month later. Phillip is still a wolf, and despite everything that Lara and unlikely best friend, Roxie, do, Phillip remains a wolf. Unlike Lara, Roxie comes from a family of Ritual Magicians, the erstwhile ruling class among witches. Even working their craft in tandem, they have made no progress in reversing the transformation to Phillip's old human shape. Options for getting Phillip back into his human form are dwindling, and both ladies know that if they take Phillip's problem to those in power, he would likely be locked up for attempting the illegal transformation in the first place. Worse yet, Lara feels guilt because she is operating under the notion that the power she used to try and stop the transformation spell could have accidentally given Phillip the boost he needed to carry it out in the first place.
Enter Stephen, the Alpha of the local werewolf pack. Someone or something has been murdering members of his pack, and in exchange for knowledge of how to turn Phillip back into a human, Stephen engages Lara to use her ability to sense the magic used at the murder scenes to hide from the weres. Even more baffling is when a witch is murdered in the same manner as the werewolves.
I won't give any spoilers about the plot, but the way that Alexis Kade depicts the witching world and how they interact with other magical beings sheds a fresh and welcome light on what has become a crowded niche in paranormal writing.There are definitely tensions between the different groups, but they are portrayed in a believable way that makes sense as to why the different factions can work together when the need arises. I particularly appreciated the vampire who looked like a college student who never got the message that grunge went out in the 90's.
The plot is quick, suspenseful, and full of twists and turns that will keep the readers of writers like J.D.Robb or Tom Clancy happy. It's also nice that the main character is a gutsy lady who doesn't need to go in, guns-a-blazing, to solve whatever situation the mystery throws at her. In short, there's enough to keep both the gents and ladies happy.
I should note here that there is definitely some gore in the book, as well as adult language, but it is not used to shock readers simply for the sake of shocking them. It is believable when and how it is employed. I would suggest that it is not a choice for Christian readers or those whose sensibilities might be offended by this subject matter and style. This means that I definitely wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 16, but you parents know the maturity level of your kids best, so checking it out in advance will best serve as a recommendation as to whether or not you allow them to read it. Who knows? You might even find a great new thriller author you'll want to come back to.
All in all, I found Witch Sense good enough that I would have paid for it after reading a sample, something I regularly do for authors I'm not familiar with.I can't wait for the sequel to see how Alexis Kade ties up the open points from this book, and I will be saving my pennies until the release.
February 28, 2017
Great book hope there is follow on
This was a great book...I hope there is a follow on to this and it becomes a series.....too many what if.....loved the characters, the story line and the action....
This was a great book...I hope there is a follow on to this and it becomes a series.....too many what if.....loved the characters, the story line and the action....
March 31, 2016
Lara O'Connell is a witch trying to break up with her boyfriend. Right in the middle of the breakup, he turns himself into a wolf. Lara tries to use her magic in the middle of the transformation to stop him and feels responsible when afterwards he can't be turned back into a human. Now what can she do? Her friend Roxie gets Lara an introduction to the local werewolf Alpha, Stephen, for whom Lara feels an immediate attraction. Stephen agrees to help her with Phillip's problem if she helps him discover who is killing his wolves. Will they find the killer in time to save Phillip from losing himself to being a wolf? Or will the murderer kill them all?
This was a delightful book! I'm glad I read it as a whole collection, not as a serial because I really couldn't have waited to see what happened. Writing was well done, the plot was original, and I really liked the characters...well, I didn't really like Phillip, but as he was a wolf for most of the book, I think that was OK. I have to admit I was a little confused between the two different types of witches. I kept thinking I understood, but then I'd realize I didn't. Also, the mystery was a little light. However, I did consider that this was a serial and more of a short book so it was easy to not let this bother me. I really hope there are more books in the future set in this universe as I would really like to see more of Lara, Roxie, Agent Anderson, and Greg. I really recommend this book/serial!
Thanks to the author and Choosy Bookworm for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review. This exact review will be posted on both Amazon and Goodreads.
This was a delightful book! I'm glad I read it as a whole collection, not as a serial because I really couldn't have waited to see what happened. Writing was well done, the plot was original, and I really liked the characters...well, I didn't really like Phillip, but as he was a wolf for most of the book, I think that was OK. I have to admit I was a little confused between the two different types of witches. I kept thinking I understood, but then I'd realize I didn't. Also, the mystery was a little light. However, I did consider that this was a serial and more of a short book so it was easy to not let this bother me. I really hope there are more books in the future set in this universe as I would really like to see more of Lara, Roxie, Agent Anderson, and Greg. I really recommend this book/serial!
Thanks to the author and Choosy Bookworm for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review. This exact review will be posted on both Amazon and Goodreads.
August 28, 2016
Lara is a natural witch, her best friend is a ritual witch, and her ex-boyfriend is something else entirely. Lara becomes entangled in a stream of bad situations, most of which are not of her making. Between her ex-boyfriend, who has changed himself into a wolf, and a crazed killer who now has her on her radar she is in a sticky fix.
Kade has created an interesting world which boasts many differences from other paranormal stories. Lara’s character has a great witchy ability, and she teams up with various other characters who have equally interesting abilities. The story works really well and kept me hooked from the start. I like that the romance took a back seat but was present as an undercurrent throughout the story.
I think there could be more stories woven into the magical world in the future.
Kade has created an interesting world which boasts many differences from other paranormal stories. Lara’s character has a great witchy ability, and she teams up with various other characters who have equally interesting abilities. The story works really well and kept me hooked from the start. I like that the romance took a back seat but was present as an undercurrent throughout the story.
I think there could be more stories woven into the magical world in the future.
July 24, 2016
Witch Sense
This book is such a good read, I loved it. This is the first book that I have read from this author, Alexis Made and I can't wait to read another. She has a little of all the paranormal in this story, witches, werewolves, vampires and a few others. The main character is a Natural Witch, Lara, gets into some tight spots trying to help an ex boyfriend who transformed himself into a wolf and can't change back. Then she meets some werewolves that need some help in solving some murders in his pack. And that is just the beginning, get the book and read, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
I was given this book in return for a honest review.
This book is such a good read, I loved it. This is the first book that I have read from this author, Alexis Made and I can't wait to read another. She has a little of all the paranormal in this story, witches, werewolves, vampires and a few others. The main character is a Natural Witch, Lara, gets into some tight spots trying to help an ex boyfriend who transformed himself into a wolf and can't change back. Then she meets some werewolves that need some help in solving some murders in his pack. And that is just the beginning, get the book and read, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
I was given this book in return for a honest review.
June 26, 2016
Want part twl
So part one was awesome, the collection fills in the blanks til part two.
Never imagined it was Poe. Now I definitely need part two.
So part one was awesome, the collection fills in the blanks til part two.
Never imagined it was Poe. Now I definitely need part two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2016
Mature
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. It's a paranormal story with some mature content. I would recommend it for mature adults.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. It's a paranormal story with some mature content. I would recommend it for mature adults.
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