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Bless Your Witch #1
Scared Witchless
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B01G0JZV9E
Dylan Apel is having one heck of a summer. She just learned she’s a witch—and she’s hardly the only one in town. She knows her hand-made clothing is special, but magical? Discovering that she's a witch is bad enough, but when Dylan realizes there are folks who’ll kill to possess her witchy powers— that’s enough to make a girl want to hide out in the back of her boutique. Only problem is, Queen Witch is in town, itchin’ to make sure Dylan learns to cast spells, and this witch won’t take no for an answer. Dylan must learn fast—someone just killed her best client with a poisoned gown meant for Dylan. Was it the tall, mysterious hottie in black, who's suddenly everywhere she goes? After all, the first thing Roman Bane says is he doesn't like witches. Is he here to save her, or kill her? Dylan is barely getting a handle on her new powers when she finds herself surrounded by witches bossing her this way and that, local police nosing about, and wary clients—death by clothing is not good for business. And the solstice is coming … a time when witch powers are at their peak. Can Dylan survive the chaos long enough to figure out her new life?
Dylan Apel is having one heck of a summer. She just learned she’s a witch—and she’s hardly the only one in town. She knows her hand-made clothing is special, but magical? Discovering that she's a witch is bad enough, but when Dylan realizes there are folks who’ll kill to possess her witchy powers— that’s enough to make a girl want to hide out in the back of her boutique. Only problem is, Queen Witch is in town, itchin’ to make sure Dylan learns to cast spells, and this witch won’t take no for an answer. Dylan must learn fast—someone just killed her best client with a poisoned gown meant for Dylan. Was it the tall, mysterious hottie in black, who's suddenly everywhere she goes? After all, the first thing Roman Bane says is he doesn't like witches. Is he here to save her, or kill her? Dylan is barely getting a handle on her new powers when she finds herself surrounded by witches bossing her this way and that, local police nosing about, and wary clients—death by clothing is not good for business. And the solstice is coming … a time when witch powers are at their peak. Can Dylan survive the chaos long enough to figure out her new life?
244 pages, ebook
Published June 28, 2016
1942 people are currently reading
1464 people want to read
About the author
Amy Boyles
158 books1,529 followersHey, I’m Amy,
I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life.
And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World.
If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me.
—In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office.
—I worked at Carnegie Hall.
—I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one.
If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life.
And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World.
If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me.
—In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office.
—I worked at Carnegie Hall.
—I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one.
If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
March 31, 2022
I think the idea is interesting. A fun cozy book. I like fantasy, mystery, and a bit of romance so it sounded great. But, at the same, I felt like everything was shallow. Not much of anything. Maybe because it's the first book, I hope the second one has a better investigation and more magic. Hopefully, the main character will be less rude as well.
January 14, 2018
Such a cute piece of needed fluff!
May 1, 2019
This was really cute....I laughed out loud a few times.
February 25, 2021
Wow
Dylan and Sera thought they were just promoting businesses they both own. But it actually turned out that because of a ad in the paper, they are hunted for being witches. But they had no idea and they don’t know how to use their powers
Dylan and Sera thought they were just promoting businesses they both own. But it actually turned out that because of a ad in the paper, they are hunted for being witches. But they had no idea and they don’t know how to use their powers
July 9, 2016
I'm so glad I stumbled across this book on social media! I instantly fell in love with the cute cover art and title, and the content of the book was just as much fun. Heroine Dylan Apel is a boutique owner/clothing designer in a small Alabama town. She has a special gift with needle and thread that makes her customers feel transformed when they put on her clothes. What she doesn't know is that her gift is a magical one (ditto for her sister who creates bliss-inducing desserts at the bakery next door). Dylan only learns the truth when her most obnoxious client is incinerated by a dress that Dylan had planned to wear herself. Seems a malevolent witch wants Dylan's powers and will stop at nothing to get them. So, Dylan has to learn how to harness her magic, figure out the intricacies of witchy politics, and stay safe until the Summer Solstice. Fortunately, she has her sisters, her kooky, just-revived-from-a-catatonic-state grandmother, the South's Queen Witch, and a sexy bodyguard to help her solve the mystery of who wants to hurt her.
This book has it all - magic, mystery, family secrets, humor, and romance, and it was a fast-paced, entertaining read from beginning to end! I appreciated that there were several twists and turns in the plot that I did not see coming. (I spent most of the book being sure I know who the evil, power-stealing witch was only to end up being dead wrong!) I've read quite a few books involving characters with supernatural powers, plus I've watched many TV shows in that genre (including all 8 seasons of Charmed which was about a trio of witchy sisters), so I didn't expect this book to feel as clever and fresh as it did. Kudos to Ms. Boyles for reinventing the wheel and doing some really imaginative world-building in this book. I particularly liked the idea of there being Witch Police and how strict (and scary!) they were.
As much as I enjoyed all of the female characters in the book, I ended up being most fascinated by Roman Bane, the enigmatic bodyguard Dylan finds herself crushing on despite knowing what a bad idea it is. Roman had such a complex and tragic backstory, plus let's be honest, he's HOT. (I kept imagining Alexander Skarsgard as the character since he was described as being tall, with longish blond hair.) I can't wait to see where the Dylan/Roman relationship goes in future books, especially since things left off in a very interesting place for them. Also, I want to find out what happens with Dylan's other sisters. (Middle sister Sera has powers and an unhappy love life while Reid, the youngest Apel sibling, seems to have missed out on inheriting any witchly gifts and she's got a thing for their hunky next-door neighbor.)
I will be counting down the days until Book 2 of this series is released!
This book has it all - magic, mystery, family secrets, humor, and romance, and it was a fast-paced, entertaining read from beginning to end! I appreciated that there were several twists and turns in the plot that I did not see coming. (I spent most of the book being sure I know who the evil, power-stealing witch was only to end up being dead wrong!) I've read quite a few books involving characters with supernatural powers, plus I've watched many TV shows in that genre (including all 8 seasons of Charmed which was about a trio of witchy sisters), so I didn't expect this book to feel as clever and fresh as it did. Kudos to Ms. Boyles for reinventing the wheel and doing some really imaginative world-building in this book. I particularly liked the idea of there being Witch Police and how strict (and scary!) they were.
As much as I enjoyed all of the female characters in the book, I ended up being most fascinated by Roman Bane, the enigmatic bodyguard Dylan finds herself crushing on despite knowing what a bad idea it is. Roman had such a complex and tragic backstory, plus let's be honest, he's HOT. (I kept imagining Alexander Skarsgard as the character since he was described as being tall, with longish blond hair.) I can't wait to see where the Dylan/Roman relationship goes in future books, especially since things left off in a very interesting place for them. Also, I want to find out what happens with Dylan's other sisters. (Middle sister Sera has powers and an unhappy love life while Reid, the youngest Apel sibling, seems to have missed out on inheriting any witchly gifts and she's got a thing for their hunky next-door neighbor.)
I will be counting down the days until Book 2 of this series is released!
June 9, 2016
I am a fan of any books that have to do with magic and witches. When the author reached out to ask me to review Scared Witchless, I was thrilled. This book was great, it had all the elements that create a great cozy mystery.
The main character, Dylan Apel owns a clothing shop and is unaware of her magical abilities. Her two sisters, Sera and Reid, are prominent characters in the book, along with their grandma and her caretaker.
When a customer tries on a gown that Dylan created for herself, she dies immediately, leaving everyone confused about her death.
Queen Witch Em shows up and is the one to tell the sisters about their powers. Unfortunately, Reid has no magical abilities, but her character is great, she is sarcastic and funny, a real down to earth young lady.
During the book you will meet some key players who really made this story come to life. Roman is a hunky bodyguard hired to protect Dylan, even though he hates witches.
If you enjoy a good, clean mystery with a lot of humor and a touch of romance, then this is the book for you.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
The main character, Dylan Apel owns a clothing shop and is unaware of her magical abilities. Her two sisters, Sera and Reid, are prominent characters in the book, along with their grandma and her caretaker.
When a customer tries on a gown that Dylan created for herself, she dies immediately, leaving everyone confused about her death.
Queen Witch Em shows up and is the one to tell the sisters about their powers. Unfortunately, Reid has no magical abilities, but her character is great, she is sarcastic and funny, a real down to earth young lady.
During the book you will meet some key players who really made this story come to life. Roman is a hunky bodyguard hired to protect Dylan, even though he hates witches.
If you enjoy a good, clean mystery with a lot of humor and a touch of romance, then this is the book for you.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
June 23, 2022
Surprisingly, I liked this one. It was cute, it was a fast read, a bit shallow but with promise of more to come. The premise of the sister not only learning about magic but that they are witches and the danger they face is interesting. The main character is sarcastic bordering on downright rude, so we will see if that becomes irritating in the books ahead. It’s a light magical/fantasy book with a hint of romance.
November 13, 2017
Well, I've read Book 1 and 2 and I won't buy further from this author. Usually I abstain from negative reviews - especially if you see a lot of others like a book (why rain on their parade?). But, I'm a tad horrified at the negative stereotypes about women being perpetuated in the books. Our heroine isn't surprised that witches are all about power, so therefor there's a major issue with them trying to capture and skin one another alive to get more power through that process (not just one or 2 psychos, but they should expect to be descended upon when it's known they have power and don't know how to protect themselves) because everyone knows when you have a group of women together there's always back biting and worse (Huh!). Really, if you have a job do you want your superior to think they can't promote you to a group because they'll be too many women in that group and everyone knows women can't work together? For Book 2, the theme is a witches convention and of course putting that many witches together - everyone in the book knows - means there will be (and are) horrible problems. Add to that that the group council over all witches - in treating their own - believes best to boil alive (no, not just strip of magic or something more reasonable) anyone doing magic in front of non-magic folk. Groups of 'powerful' women are viewed horridly in this series. So disappointed with the stereotypes I'd hoped were out-dated by now.
November 14, 2021
1.5 stars
This would normally be a 3-star cozy mystery for me ('it's perfectly fine but not exceptional') except for a number of issues I had with it. First of all, I'm not sure I particularly liked any of the characters - especially Dylan and her youngest sister. Everyone seemed immature and often bitchy. The pacing was odd and sometimes frenetic. No one ever seemed to do their jobs - certainly not the police who didn't appear to investigate motive, means, etc. And supposedly Dylan designed and made all the clothing in her shop, yet other than some alterations to a single wedding dress, she never actually worked on designing or making garments. And how would she have time do it if she worked on the floor of the shop every day? The author (and her characters) seemed pretty old-school in terms of gender stereotypes. And the way witches treated each other was too gruesome for a cozy mystery.
Also, the narrator, Angela Dawes, probably made things worse with her sharp, twangy Alabama accent. It was often difficult to listen to.
This would normally be a 3-star cozy mystery for me ('it's perfectly fine but not exceptional') except for a number of issues I had with it. First of all, I'm not sure I particularly liked any of the characters - especially Dylan and her youngest sister. Everyone seemed immature and often bitchy. The pacing was odd and sometimes frenetic. No one ever seemed to do their jobs - certainly not the police who didn't appear to investigate motive, means, etc. And supposedly Dylan designed and made all the clothing in her shop, yet other than some alterations to a single wedding dress, she never actually worked on designing or making garments. And how would she have time do it if she worked on the floor of the shop every day? The author (and her characters) seemed pretty old-school in terms of gender stereotypes. And the way witches treated each other was too gruesome for a cozy mystery.
Also, the narrator, Angela Dawes, probably made things worse with her sharp, twangy Alabama accent. It was often difficult to listen to.
February 24, 2017
Disappointing because it looked cute. The humor was good at times but then just immature. Ultimately I got bored and skimmed through. Technically DNF.
October 29, 2017
Probably not my kind of book. Thought I gave it try since I'm in my cozy mystery phase.
February 11, 2018
Another one that I tried to read, but just couldn't get through. The main characters were kind of bitchy, and skeptical, and rude. Not my favorite.
April 10, 2019
This was okay. I listened to the audiobook and the super heavy Southern accent was distracting, but otherwise it was a pretty fun cozy!
June 15, 2016
I've never read a witch mystery story before. So coming into this with a blind eye, so to speak, I found that i enjoyed this very much.
Dylan is a witch, but doesn't know it yet; Until a tragedy strikes in her boutique. From that point on, her powers are released and she must begin training to keep herself safe.
Among her safety precautions a bodyguard is hired. Roman Bane is one sexy piece of man taking his job seriously. Although, he hates witches.
From learning her skills as a witch to protecting herself she learns more about herself, her life and her family than ever before.
This cozy mystery will bring you some giggles, some eye-rolls, and some surprises.
This new world is well written and makes you feel like you are a part of this tiny town. I can't wait to see what else comes from the Apels!
*I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Dylan is a witch, but doesn't know it yet; Until a tragedy strikes in her boutique. From that point on, her powers are released and she must begin training to keep herself safe.
Among her safety precautions a bodyguard is hired. Roman Bane is one sexy piece of man taking his job seriously. Although, he hates witches.
From learning her skills as a witch to protecting herself she learns more about herself, her life and her family than ever before.
This cozy mystery will bring you some giggles, some eye-rolls, and some surprises.
This new world is well written and makes you feel like you are a part of this tiny town. I can't wait to see what else comes from the Apels!
*I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
May 31, 2017
Good book. I liked the characters and the story line. I figured out the killer early on, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. I would like to read more in this series. :)
December 21, 2024
Can you believe it?
"But why are we like that? We're gifted; that's what our grandmother always called it. We have a gift."
Dylan's a dressmaker and Sera's a baker and things are about to get interesting - if you call learning you're a powerful witch interesting. And someone is out to kill you to take your powers. Powers that someone would kill for.
In the meantime can we get Grandma back, find out why someone died in Dylan's shop and just how delusional it all sounds.
I have read other Any Boyles' books and I know this is first of a series so the ground work needs to be laid. I do hope that the characters and the stories grow in ability and interest. Recommended 4/5
"But why are we like that? We're gifted; that's what our grandmother always called it. We have a gift."
Dylan's a dressmaker and Sera's a baker and things are about to get interesting - if you call learning you're a powerful witch interesting. And someone is out to kill you to take your powers. Powers that someone would kill for.
In the meantime can we get Grandma back, find out why someone died in Dylan's shop and just how delusional it all sounds.
I have read other Any Boyles' books and I know this is first of a series so the ground work needs to be laid. I do hope that the characters and the stories grow in ability and interest. Recommended 4/5
January 2, 2020
This is just the most adorable book I've read in ages! I loved every moment and it kept me on my toes for the day and a half it took to read it!
October 21, 2020
I am so glad I read this!! Funny and it left me craving more. The narrator for the audio did a fantastic job.
September 19, 2021
I thought this was cute and funny. I really really enjoyed the characters. I thought the interaction of the sisters were adorable. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
July 16, 2017
Fun, wacky paranormal mystery. Likable characters, and good plot
September 29, 2020
This was just such a fun, magical, witchy book that had the most adorable characters to love. I mean, I can't even imagine learning that I am a witch and learning what that means as I go. Stunning myself, exciting myself, and being magical which would awe myself.
The mystery in this one was a paranormal one, and it includes three sisters: Dylan Apel (28 years old), Sera (the middle sister), and Reid (the youngest). I always perk up when I read about a trio of sisters because I have 2 sisters. They're completely different personalities, have different businesses, and they discover one day that they have magic powers. It's too fun to read and the mystery was good as well.
The mystery in this one was a paranormal one, and it includes three sisters: Dylan Apel (28 years old), Sera (the middle sister), and Reid (the youngest). I always perk up when I read about a trio of sisters because I have 2 sisters. They're completely different personalities, have different businesses, and they discover one day that they have magic powers. It's too fun to read and the mystery was good as well.
October 24, 2018
.
I was so excited to find this witchy mystery through Kindle Unlimited. I always look forward to an extended series, which gives the reader the opportunity to spend time with a defined group of characters, hopefully, who grow in depth. There was little character growth in this introductory installment.
This introduction starts out rather slow. It does have some eclectic characters, but none that are extremely compelling yet. The grandaughters just got their powers and are very inexperienced. Mostly the events are nonsensical and very little magic portrayed. Hopefully, the characters will grow and the events will become more believable.
There are some minor grammatical errors. However, it is a clean read and contains an H.E.A. regarding the dead body. It is able to stand on its own, but the series will probably be better understood if read in order.
I was so excited to find this witchy mystery through Kindle Unlimited. I always look forward to an extended series, which gives the reader the opportunity to spend time with a defined group of characters, hopefully, who grow in depth. There was little character growth in this introductory installment.
This introduction starts out rather slow. It does have some eclectic characters, but none that are extremely compelling yet. The grandaughters just got their powers and are very inexperienced. Mostly the events are nonsensical and very little magic portrayed. Hopefully, the characters will grow and the events will become more believable.
There are some minor grammatical errors. However, it is a clean read and contains an H.E.A. regarding the dead body. It is able to stand on its own, but the series will probably be better understood if read in order.
November 26, 2022
Started with the audiobook. Do not recommend. Made some horrible, selfish, bitchy characters even worse. Specifically the MC and her sisters. They are absolutely unlikeable.
Switched to the ebook and it made it a little more tollerable. At least the voice in my head would be a little calmer. Still the MC and her family were entirely unlikeable. By the 50% mark I had to give up and start skimming. There was nothing likeable about this family, their views, and their attitudes towards each others.
Reading this book was like sucking on a lemon. And the rest of this series belongs on my skip list.
Switched to the ebook and it made it a little more tollerable. At least the voice in my head would be a little calmer. Still the MC and her family were entirely unlikeable. By the 50% mark I had to give up and start skimming. There was nothing likeable about this family, their views, and their attitudes towards each others.
Reading this book was like sucking on a lemon. And the rest of this series belongs on my skip list.
July 17, 2024
Awful book, I really wanted to like it , but i was trying too hard to be funny, you could almost hear the canned laughter track in places, like in American sitcoms. When you watch them without the laughter track they just feel forced and awkward. That's how this felt. I managed to get through it to see if it got better but no, storyline was interesting though. Just not well written.
June 14, 2017
Cutesy southern paranormal mystery revolving around three sisters: the dressmaker, the culinary artist, and the archetypical clueless teenager. This is one instance where I wish that I had not bought it as audio.
September 1, 2021
I have no words for this drivel
This is nothing that I thought it would be based on the reviews. No way I would even consider the other books. Just not my taste or my interest. So sorry!
This is nothing that I thought it would be based on the reviews. No way I would even consider the other books. Just not my taste or my interest. So sorry!
May 19, 2018
Dylan Apel is a 28 year old woman who lives in a small town called Silver Springs, which is located somewhere in Alabama. She is the oldest of three girls. Sera being the middle child and Reid being the baby of the family.
Dylan owns a clothing store called 'Perfect Fit' and her sister Sera owns the bakery right next door. Supposedly the two ladies are amazing at their craft, but when an article about the girls gets posted in the town paper it brings about the wrong kind of attention.
We're talking the hocus pocus kind of attention! Apparently getting a rave review in the paper and having a lady say that a dress she tried on made her look '30 years younger' is enough for the bad folks in the magical community to descend on Dylan and her sisters.
I can't say that's a really convincing plot device because it's not. People exaggerate all the time and the fact that someone would take that as meaning something magical is at work is simply ridiculous! But this is a book so I have to keep that in mind. It's suppose to be entertaining! And it is, if I don't look at it too closely.
Now it seems that Dylan and her sisters are really in a world of trouble. Well, Dylan and Sera are. Reid has no magical ability so she is basically just around for comedic relief. Speaking of which, the 'humor' in this novel feels pretty forced. I was amused by some situations but I can't say that a lot of the 'funny' moments made me laugh. I think I may have actually groaned a time or two.
The girls initially have no idea they are capable of magic, which puts them at a great disadvantage when things take a nosedive. Wizards and magicians aren't suppose to be real! They're fictional characters made for nerds! But shortly after the article is printed out things go seriously wrong when a woman is found dead in Dylan's boutique. A woman who was wearing a dress that was intended for Dylan and is believed to have been tampered with.
Not long after the mysterious death happens at the shop, the Queen Witch of the south rolls into town and decides to help the girls come into their abilities. Both Dylan and Sera need to know how to harness their magic so they can defend themselves because right now they are sitting ducks and any bloodthirsty witch nearby will try to take them out so they can steal their power. How does a witch steal another persons power? Why skin them alive of course!
Which leads to another thing that I absolutely HATED about this book. The three stooges here could not take anything seriously. They always mocked, snipped, or flung sarcasm out and about, even at important times. I'm sorry but if you know someone is trying to skin you ALIVE, you should probably pay attention. Just my two cents!
The juvenile antics of the characters is rather frustrating. However the plot and pace of the story is quite good! I liked the flow of it and the action was fun. The Queen Witch hires a bodyguard for the girls named Roman Bane, who is this viking hulk of a man. Naturally you know that is going to lead to some kind of romance.
And it does, but the thing is that the romance progresses at a nice pace too. It's not fast and forced and seems to flow well with the story. Color me impressed! A lot of authors have a hard time making 'magic' happen between two people but the interactions between Dylan and Roman were quite cute.
The mystery of who the villain is was pretty good too! I had several ideas of who it could be but remained pleasantly surprised by the reveal. It's not hard to conceive who the bad person is but all the options of who it could be keeps the ending from feeling terribly predictable.
For the most part I enjoyed this first installment. The characters irritated me a lot with their immature banter and reactions. They are basically large, less endearing children! Every book has it's flaws though and when I can look past those irritants I can see that this series is worth continuing.
This was a light fluffy read with a good core story. It's hard to predict what the next novel will be about but I have high suspicions that there will be lots of romance in it along with the occasional mystical beastie sighting. It should be quite the fun read. I can't wait!
Dylan owns a clothing store called 'Perfect Fit' and her sister Sera owns the bakery right next door. Supposedly the two ladies are amazing at their craft, but when an article about the girls gets posted in the town paper it brings about the wrong kind of attention.
We're talking the hocus pocus kind of attention! Apparently getting a rave review in the paper and having a lady say that a dress she tried on made her look '30 years younger' is enough for the bad folks in the magical community to descend on Dylan and her sisters.
I can't say that's a really convincing plot device because it's not. People exaggerate all the time and the fact that someone would take that as meaning something magical is at work is simply ridiculous! But this is a book so I have to keep that in mind. It's suppose to be entertaining! And it is, if I don't look at it too closely.
Now it seems that Dylan and her sisters are really in a world of trouble. Well, Dylan and Sera are. Reid has no magical ability so she is basically just around for comedic relief. Speaking of which, the 'humor' in this novel feels pretty forced. I was amused by some situations but I can't say that a lot of the 'funny' moments made me laugh. I think I may have actually groaned a time or two.
The girls initially have no idea they are capable of magic, which puts them at a great disadvantage when things take a nosedive. Wizards and magicians aren't suppose to be real! They're fictional characters made for nerds! But shortly after the article is printed out things go seriously wrong when a woman is found dead in Dylan's boutique. A woman who was wearing a dress that was intended for Dylan and is believed to have been tampered with.
Not long after the mysterious death happens at the shop, the Queen Witch of the south rolls into town and decides to help the girls come into their abilities. Both Dylan and Sera need to know how to harness their magic so they can defend themselves because right now they are sitting ducks and any bloodthirsty witch nearby will try to take them out so they can steal their power. How does a witch steal another persons power? Why skin them alive of course!
Which leads to another thing that I absolutely HATED about this book. The three stooges here could not take anything seriously. They always mocked, snipped, or flung sarcasm out and about, even at important times. I'm sorry but if you know someone is trying to skin you ALIVE, you should probably pay attention. Just my two cents!
The juvenile antics of the characters is rather frustrating. However the plot and pace of the story is quite good! I liked the flow of it and the action was fun. The Queen Witch hires a bodyguard for the girls named Roman Bane, who is this viking hulk of a man. Naturally you know that is going to lead to some kind of romance.
And it does, but the thing is that the romance progresses at a nice pace too. It's not fast and forced and seems to flow well with the story. Color me impressed! A lot of authors have a hard time making 'magic' happen between two people but the interactions between Dylan and Roman were quite cute.
The mystery of who the villain is was pretty good too! I had several ideas of who it could be but remained pleasantly surprised by the reveal. It's not hard to conceive who the bad person is but all the options of who it could be keeps the ending from feeling terribly predictable.
For the most part I enjoyed this first installment. The characters irritated me a lot with their immature banter and reactions. They are basically large, less endearing children! Every book has it's flaws though and when I can look past those irritants I can see that this series is worth continuing.
This was a light fluffy read with a good core story. It's hard to predict what the next novel will be about but I have high suspicions that there will be lots of romance in it along with the occasional mystical beastie sighting. It should be quite the fun read. I can't wait!
July 13, 2024
This was a fun book. I really enjoyed the start of the book but by the middle it had slowed down and I was wondering if I was going to finish. I think this was because in the middle of the book it focused more on them and who they were dating, with the mystery getting pushed on the back burner. I did finish the book and it didn't pick up and got more entertaining as the mystery got solved, so hang in there. I liked the three sisters and the bond they have, the crabby and eccentric witch add some humour but got board of the romance angle. There was some unanswered questions like why the youngest sister has no powers, maybe as the series develops we will learn more. The story did keep me guessing as to who the killer was, maybe because they were to busy learning witch rules and spells to investigate. Has the potential to be good but not there yet.
With there grandmother in a fugue state, it up to Dylan as the oldest sister to keep the family together. To do this she agrees to allow the local newspaper to feature her dress making shop in an article but by doing this it turns her world upside down. She and her sister Sarah are witches and for years she has been using magic to create her winning dresses without knowing it. Now the world knows, which puts a target on her back, somebody wants to drain her of her magic before she comes fully into her powers. A customer dies in a dress Dylan was planning to wear. With the police looking closely at the sisters for the death, a body guard who hates witches and the Queen witch giving them lesson that won't even protect a fly, it's up to the three sisters to find the killer and survive. Oh and to top it all of there grandmother wakes up slightly crazy.
I like the narrator. She used some good sounding voices making it easy to tell the characters apart.
With there grandmother in a fugue state, it up to Dylan as the oldest sister to keep the family together. To do this she agrees to allow the local newspaper to feature her dress making shop in an article but by doing this it turns her world upside down. She and her sister Sarah are witches and for years she has been using magic to create her winning dresses without knowing it. Now the world knows, which puts a target on her back, somebody wants to drain her of her magic before she comes fully into her powers. A customer dies in a dress Dylan was planning to wear. With the police looking closely at the sisters for the death, a body guard who hates witches and the Queen witch giving them lesson that won't even protect a fly, it's up to the three sisters to find the killer and survive. Oh and to top it all of there grandmother wakes up slightly crazy.
I like the narrator. She used some good sounding voices making it easy to tell the characters apart.
August 18, 2017
Dylan is a dress maker and she makes great dresses and was even interviewed, she never knew that would cause so much trouble. When a lady wants to buy a dress she had made for herself it things go horribly wrong. The lady burst into flames and this sends Dylan and her sisters on one wild ride.
Someone is trying to kill Dylan and when a witch shows up declaring herself Witch Queen of the South they all thought she was crazy but apparently they have powers and are witches. Because they have never been told about their powers and something seen on the interview shows them as witches their are others out to kill them.
They don't have much time to try and figure out how to be witches and learn their powers (all except for Reed who doesn't seem to have powers), and figure out who is trying to kill Dylan. Em the Queen Witch hires Roman to be their bodyguard and this man has a past with witches and doesn't even like them but he does seem to like Dylan, who thinks he likes Sarah and tries not to think about how hot he is...lol.
This is a really fun read and I just love the characters. Dylan and her sisters are a hoot, but their grandmother is something else...lol. Dylan can be a bit sarcastic and it gets her in trouble a time or two with the Queen Witch... and there are a few blunders and new witches and all the rules. Nobody wants to be boiled alive for not obeying...lol. Roman sounds like quite the hotty even with his witch issues. I did have it figured out who the person was who wanted to kill Dylan but it wasn't until the reveal that I new my guess was right.
I can't wait to listen to the next one as I am sure more silly fun will ensue! Great for fans of cozies who like some light-hearted fun.
Someone is trying to kill Dylan and when a witch shows up declaring herself Witch Queen of the South they all thought she was crazy but apparently they have powers and are witches. Because they have never been told about their powers and something seen on the interview shows them as witches their are others out to kill them.
They don't have much time to try and figure out how to be witches and learn their powers (all except for Reed who doesn't seem to have powers), and figure out who is trying to kill Dylan. Em the Queen Witch hires Roman to be their bodyguard and this man has a past with witches and doesn't even like them but he does seem to like Dylan, who thinks he likes Sarah and tries not to think about how hot he is...lol.
This is a really fun read and I just love the characters. Dylan and her sisters are a hoot, but their grandmother is something else...lol. Dylan can be a bit sarcastic and it gets her in trouble a time or two with the Queen Witch... and there are a few blunders and new witches and all the rules. Nobody wants to be boiled alive for not obeying...lol. Roman sounds like quite the hotty even with his witch issues. I did have it figured out who the person was who wanted to kill Dylan but it wasn't until the reveal that I new my guess was right.
I can't wait to listen to the next one as I am sure more silly fun will ensue! Great for fans of cozies who like some light-hearted fun.
August 12, 2019
When Dylan's boutique is featured in the local paper, along with her sister Seraphina's bakery, the journalist describes them as "magical". Dylan is pleased by the praise, until she and Sera are visited by Esmeralda, the Queen Witch, who chastises them for outing themselves. Em warns them that now other, unscrupulous witches will be out to steal their fledgling power...by skinning them alive. It seems their only hope is to learn to control their power as soon as possible. Not only does Em begin training them, she also provides a bodyguard, the dark and enigmatic Roman Bane. Dylan is NOT attracted to him, or so she tells herself. However, when a woman tries on a dress in her shop and dies, Dylan realizes she needs all the help she can get.
Fortunately, she has two doting (if a trifle dotty) grandmothers, as well as her sisters. Reid may not be a witch, but she's a staunch supporter. That is, when she's not perving on the hottie next door. Dylan must learn magic, dodge the local police, try to reopen for business, and prepare for the upcoming Solstice. Solving a murder seems tame in comparison.
This book was light and lively. Dylan is an engaging character, and her Grandma Hazel was a hoot, what with her going on and on about flying monkeys. Other characters weren't quite so three-dimensional, but I expect that to change in later books.
Fortunately, she has two doting (if a trifle dotty) grandmothers, as well as her sisters. Reid may not be a witch, but she's a staunch supporter. That is, when she's not perving on the hottie next door. Dylan must learn magic, dodge the local police, try to reopen for business, and prepare for the upcoming Solstice. Solving a murder seems tame in comparison.
This book was light and lively. Dylan is an engaging character, and her Grandma Hazel was a hoot, what with her going on and on about flying monkeys. Other characters weren't quite so three-dimensional, but I expect that to change in later books.
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