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The Witches of Cleopatra Hill #1 - Darkangel
Magic in the Desert
Three Paranormal Romance Series Starters Set in the American Southwest
DARKANGEL
Finding the man of your dreams can be a real nightmare….
As the future prima, or head witch of her clan, Angela McAllister is expected to bond with her consort during her twenty-first year, thus ensuring that she will come into her full powers at the appointed time. The clock is ticking down, and her consort has yet to make an appearance. Instead, her dreams are haunted by a man she’s never seen, the one she believes must be her intended match.
But with time running out, and dark forces attempting to seize her powers for their own, Angela is faced with a terrible choice: give up her dreams of the man she may never meet and take the safer path, or risk leaving her clan and everyone in it at the mercy of those who seek their ruin.
BAD VIBRATIONS
She thought she could see it all…
He showed her so much more.
Psychic Persephone O’Brien thinks she’s always prepared for the unexpected, but when she reaches out to distractingly attractive ufologist Paul Oliver for help, the two of them soon find themselves drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy that sends them on the run — as well as into each other’s arms. And after Paul is captured by sinister agents, Persephone must join forces with an unlikely group of UFO hunters to rescue Paul and derail an alien plot before it’s too late.
CHOSEN
When a fatal fever nearly wipes out the entire world's population, the survivors of what became known as "the Dying" believe the worst is in the past. Little do they know….
In the aftermath of the Dying, survivor Jessica Monroe searches for sanctuary in a world unlike any she's ever known before. As fear and isolation envelop her, Jessica encounters the sensitive and helpful Jace, who she believes is another survivor. But Jace has a past and secrets of his own that's he not ready to disclose. Soon she realizes that the destruction of humanity might actually be the first step in a larger, more complicated plan — a plan that may very well involve her. Struggling to discover her role in a terrifying new world where everything has changed, Jessica must decide who she can trust. But is the price for that trust just too high?
DARKANGEL
Finding the man of your dreams can be a real nightmare….
As the future prima, or head witch of her clan, Angela McAllister is expected to bond with her consort during her twenty-first year, thus ensuring that she will come into her full powers at the appointed time. The clock is ticking down, and her consort has yet to make an appearance. Instead, her dreams are haunted by a man she’s never seen, the one she believes must be her intended match.
But with time running out, and dark forces attempting to seize her powers for their own, Angela is faced with a terrible choice: give up her dreams of the man she may never meet and take the safer path, or risk leaving her clan and everyone in it at the mercy of those who seek their ruin.
BAD VIBRATIONS
She thought she could see it all…
He showed her so much more.
Psychic Persephone O’Brien thinks she’s always prepared for the unexpected, but when she reaches out to distractingly attractive ufologist Paul Oliver for help, the two of them soon find themselves drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy that sends them on the run — as well as into each other’s arms. And after Paul is captured by sinister agents, Persephone must join forces with an unlikely group of UFO hunters to rescue Paul and derail an alien plot before it’s too late.
CHOSEN
When a fatal fever nearly wipes out the entire world's population, the survivors of what became known as "the Dying" believe the worst is in the past. Little do they know….
In the aftermath of the Dying, survivor Jessica Monroe searches for sanctuary in a world unlike any she's ever known before. As fear and isolation envelop her, Jessica encounters the sensitive and helpful Jace, who she believes is another survivor. But Jace has a past and secrets of his own that's he not ready to disclose. Soon she realizes that the destruction of humanity might actually be the first step in a larger, more complicated plan — a plan that may very well involve her. Struggling to discover her role in a terrifying new world where everything has changed, Jessica must decide who she can trust. But is the price for that trust just too high?
850 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2016
710 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
214 books1,093 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 28, 2017
This collection contains the first book from three different paranormal romance series. These are not YA books - two out of three are sexually explicit, the third is highly suggestive and contains a rape-bait heroine.
Dark Angel was my least favorite of the three. This is the one with the rape-bait heroine, both because of the books situation and because of the nature of her own powers. Strangely, the book ends before she actually has sex with anyone, but the 'will they or won't they' situation it leaves her in is pretty heavy handed.
Bad Vibrations was my favorite of the three. The protagonist has a few Mary Sue characteristics (as in she has incredibly strong powers within the scope of the story) but is not perfect and does not provoke arbitrary positive or negative reactions from the other characters. The world and situations are interesting, and I might seek out other books in the series.
Chosen, the third included book, was readable. It's the first supernatural apocalyptic romance novel I've come across, and it's a curious piece.
Dark Angel was my least favorite of the three. This is the one with the rape-bait heroine, both because of the books situation and because of the nature of her own powers. Strangely, the book ends before she actually has sex with anyone, but the 'will they or won't they' situation it leaves her in is pretty heavy handed.
Bad Vibrations was my favorite of the three. The protagonist has a few Mary Sue characteristics (as in she has incredibly strong powers within the scope of the story) but is not perfect and does not provoke arbitrary positive or negative reactions from the other characters. The world and situations are interesting, and I might seek out other books in the series.
Chosen, the third included book, was readable. It's the first supernatural apocalyptic romance novel I've come across, and it's a curious piece.
September 7, 2017
Teaser
This is a well written beginning of a story. It is apparently the first of a series of three that leaves you hanging. A teaser to get you to buy the next books. I really dislike stories with no ending!
This is a well written beginning of a story. It is apparently the first of a series of three that leaves you hanging. A teaser to get you to buy the next books. I really dislike stories with no ending!
May 22, 2020
Witches and genies and UFO's, oh my!
Not a trilogy. And my fault for not Reading the title. Three first books in the different series. I have to say, the author has one heck of an elastic imagination. From Witch hierarchy and feuds in one, to apocalyptic djinn in the next, to alien takeovers in the third. None are really my style, but I'm going to try a couple of her other books just because she writes so well.
Not a trilogy. And my fault for not Reading the title. Three first books in the different series. I have to say, the author has one heck of an elastic imagination. From Witch hierarchy and feuds in one, to apocalyptic djinn in the next, to alien takeovers in the third. None are really my style, but I'm going to try a couple of her other books just because she writes so well.
April 3, 2017
Inconsistent writing and liberal use of just barely short of hard core porn masquerading as "romance", drags this down. Stories range from soft core to outright hard core porn. This "boxed set" needed and didn't have an "adult content" warning.
added-it
June 26, 2024FREE on Amazon today (11/06/2017)!
July 21, 2018
It was ok
I liked the first "book" I went and got the others that follow. Second and third "books" eh 😖 third one for me was boring. My opinion nevertheless...
I liked the first "book" I went and got the others that follow. Second and third "books" eh 😖 third one for me was boring. My opinion nevertheless...
March 2, 2021
I found this to be a real mixed bag.
I liked Bad Vibrations very much. I liked the characters and the premise and the action kept moving so that the story didn't start dragging. I would give this book 5 stars.
Chosen I also liked, although not as much as Bad Vibrations. I quite liked Jessica and thought she handled a terrible situation very well. My real issue was that nothing much really seemed to happen until the very end. Even knowing that this was the first book of a series, I thought that too much time was spent establishing the world--the book just sort of floated along with no real challenges once Jessica made it to Santa Fe. It wasn't boring, exactly, it just...was. I would give this book 4 stars.
Darkangel I just did not like. I liked the premise, but even in a fantasy setting, the story just didn't work for me. Angel is the prima-in-waiting, and yet there's no indication that she actually does anything to prepare for the position--no classes or training to increase her knowledge or develop her skills, no acting as the Prima's second to learn the duties as the position; she just works in her aunt's shop and waits for her soul mate to show up before her 21st birthday in the few weeks that take place during the story because, after all, she can't really access her full powers until he does, so why bother doing anything. And the ending really, really upset me, even though the identity of her soul mate was exactly who I expected it to be. I didn't hate the characters, and I the fact that Angel could talk to ghosts was interesting (but not especially useful to the story), but overall the story just fell flat and I have absolutely no interest in reading any of the other books in this series. I would reluctantly give this book 2 stars.
I liked Bad Vibrations very much. I liked the characters and the premise and the action kept moving so that the story didn't start dragging. I would give this book 5 stars.
Chosen I also liked, although not as much as Bad Vibrations. I quite liked Jessica and thought she handled a terrible situation very well. My real issue was that nothing much really seemed to happen until the very end. Even knowing that this was the first book of a series, I thought that too much time was spent establishing the world--the book just sort of floated along with no real challenges once Jessica made it to Santa Fe. It wasn't boring, exactly, it just...was. I would give this book 4 stars.
Darkangel I just did not like. I liked the premise, but even in a fantasy setting, the story just didn't work for me. Angel is the prima-in-waiting, and yet there's no indication that she actually does anything to prepare for the position--no classes or training to increase her knowledge or develop her skills, no acting as the Prima's second to learn the duties as the position; she just works in her aunt's shop and waits for her soul mate to show up before her 21st birthday in the few weeks that take place during the story because, after all, she can't really access her full powers until he does, so why bother doing anything. And the ending really, really upset me, even though the identity of her soul mate was exactly who I expected it to be. I didn't hate the characters, and I the fact that Angel could talk to ghosts was interesting (but not especially useful to the story), but overall the story just fell flat and I have absolutely no interest in reading any of the other books in this series. I would reluctantly give this book 2 stars.
August 29, 2017
Great story, but a cliffhanger
I really hate cliffhangers. It is an incomplete book. I'm good with a series if they wrap up one plot and continue a new conflict in the next story. This one is just a cliffhanger. Interesting story though.
I really hate cliffhangers. It is an incomplete book. I'm good with a series if they wrap up one plot and continue a new conflict in the next story. This one is just a cliffhanger. Interesting story though.
November 22, 2017
A fantastic collection of love against evil
This "Magic in the Desert", was a great success by Christine Pope. I felt that the plots for each book was masterly accomplished with depth and feeling. If you love paranormal romance, this is the series for you.
This "Magic in the Desert", was a great success by Christine Pope. I felt that the plots for each book was masterly accomplished with depth and feeling. If you love paranormal romance, this is the series for you.
October 7, 2018
Good stories
Interesting reads. - somewhat long drawn out chapters. "Dark Angel" is cliff hanger if you want to spend the money. The other two books are also this first book in a series. Be prepared to look for the rest of the books.
Interesting reads. - somewhat long drawn out chapters. "Dark Angel" is cliff hanger if you want to spend the money. The other two books are also this first book in a series. Be prepared to look for the rest of the books.
October 20, 2020
Magic in the Desert
5 star rating Great writing and imagination is beyond belief! Magic in the Desert is absolutely unbelievable in its story lines! Interesting concepts of writing.
5 star rating Great writing and imagination is beyond belief! Magic in the Desert is absolutely unbelievable in its story lines! Interesting concepts of writing.
July 17, 2023
Loved the first book
I loved the first book. The other two were not my favorites but still interesting. As the name says, they all took place in the desert, but the last one was closer to Los Alamos, in the US.
I loved the first book. The other two were not my favorites but still interesting. As the name says, they all took place in the desert, but the last one was closer to Los Alamos, in the US.
August 2, 2023
Great book
I really got into this book. The characters are awesome. A little sad but also exciting when the heat came for the people of earth. The chosen must feel really bad that everyone else has to perish. A must read!
Samantha
I really got into this book. The characters are awesome. A little sad but also exciting when the heat came for the people of earth. The chosen must feel really bad that everyone else has to perish. A must read!
Samantha
October 15, 2023
Another Amazing writing
Be sure to read anything that Christine writes. She always has a nack of keeping me reading her constant page turners!
I absolutely adore everything she writes!
Be sure to read anything that Christine writes. She always has a nack of keeping me reading her constant page turners!
I absolutely adore everything she writes!
February 28, 2017
A wonderful creation
I loved all the characters ! The story s were amazing. I loved them all. I would definitely recommend this starter set to everyone!!!
I loved all the characters ! The story s were amazing. I loved them all. I would definitely recommend this starter set to everyone!!!
October 11, 2017
I had a really hard time getting through this box set. I liked reading dark angel but as for the rest I wasn't interested even though I tried.
September 22, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
April 27, 2019
Good book
Different and unusual. The story was a surprise and the twists and turns are a little odd. But, still good to read.
Different and unusual. The story was a surprise and the twists and turns are a little odd. But, still good to read.
October 27, 2020
Great starter selection.
Plenty of intrigue and action, very diverse stories with some very interesting concepts. Looking forward to continuing the journey in the next book
Plenty of intrigue and action, very diverse stories with some very interesting concepts. Looking forward to continuing the journey in the next book
December 6, 2020
Magic
Beginnings of three series will have you searching for more. Diverse characters in chaotic situations causing the heart fate to jump and throb with angst. Good read.
Beginnings of three series will have you searching for more. Diverse characters in chaotic situations causing the heart fate to jump and throb with angst. Good read.
November 20, 2023
I found the stories good, but some smaller parts are a bit boring to me. I would not mind to read more.
August 7, 2024
Oh my
You are a naughty woman throwing all those twists and turns in this book. I really was hooked and then you ended it. Ahhhhhh. Loved. It.
You are a naughty woman throwing all those twists and turns in this book. I really was hooked and then you ended it. Ahhhhhh. Loved. It.
November 21, 2024
Interesting books on aliens and the paranormal.
Two of the three stories are cliffhangers. Two had a romance component to the plot. All had violence or death.
Two of the three stories are cliffhangers. Two had a romance component to the plot. All had violence or death.
December 31, 2024
All 3 good books!
I liked all 3 of these books and they all left me wanting to read more. I really liked the way they were written and the characters.
I liked all 3 of these books and they all left me wanting to read more. I really liked the way they were written and the characters.
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkangel
Angela McAllister is the future prima of her witch clan, pressured to bond with her consort by her 21st birthday to unlock her full powers. Haunted by dreams of a mysterious man, Angela faces dark forces threatening her and her clan. She must choose between giving up her dreams or risking everything to protect those she loves. This story blends witches, fate, and romance with a haunting Southwestern setting.
Bad Vibrations
Psychic Persephone O’Brien believes she’s prepared for anything — until she meets Paul Oliver, a captivating ufologist. When they stumble into a vast conspiracy involving sinister agents and alien plots, Persephone and Paul must run for their lives. Their growing connection is tested as they fight to stop an otherworldly threat. This one mixes paranormal romance with sci-fi conspiracy and suspense.
Chosen
In the aftermath of a deadly fever that nearly wiped out humanity, Jessica Monroe struggles to find safety in a radically changed world. She meets Jace, who may not be the ally he seems. As secrets unfold, Jessica discovers that humanity’s destruction might be the first chapter of a larger, darker plan — one that could involve her directly. This story combines post-apocalyptic tension, supernatural elements, and romance.
Darkangel
Angela McAllister is the future prima of her witch clan, pressured to bond with her consort by her 21st birthday to unlock her full powers. Haunted by dreams of a mysterious man, Angela faces dark forces threatening her and her clan. She must choose between giving up her dreams or risking everything to protect those she loves. This story blends witches, fate, and romance with a haunting Southwestern setting.
Bad Vibrations
Psychic Persephone O’Brien believes she’s prepared for anything — until she meets Paul Oliver, a captivating ufologist. When they stumble into a vast conspiracy involving sinister agents and alien plots, Persephone and Paul must run for their lives. Their growing connection is tested as they fight to stop an otherworldly threat. This one mixes paranormal romance with sci-fi conspiracy and suspense.
Chosen
In the aftermath of a deadly fever that nearly wiped out humanity, Jessica Monroe struggles to find safety in a radically changed world. She meets Jace, who may not be the ally he seems. As secrets unfold, Jessica discovers that humanity’s destruction might be the first chapter of a larger, darker plan — one that could involve her directly. This story combines post-apocalyptic tension, supernatural elements, and romance.
September 16, 2016
BAD VIBRATIONS
This is an alien invasion series and is a mix of adventure, conspiracy theories and alien hunting! It was a great break from reality! It's fast paced and had me hooked in no time!
Persephone is a psychic, a real one, and with her spirit guide Otto, she has made a name for herself dealing with Hollywood types and steering them away from disasters in their careers. When an new client tells her about the strange antics of his girlfriend, she gets pulled into the mayhem of alien hunting!
Paul is an academic and alien hunter. His beliefs got him binned from his Astrophysics position at university and he is now part of the underground network dealing with aliens usurping certain bases and using humans as disposable test subjects.
When Otto leads her to Paul they end up on the run and meet up with others in the network in Sedona: Kara, Kiki, Lance and Matthew. They make an awesome group of alien hunters, each with their own ideas on what is happening and each with a little something extra to make them invaluable to Paul and Persephone as the danger mounts.
The plot is well paced and as long as you like alien type stories you will get sucked right in! Please disconnect from reality and enjoy this adventure with awesome characters and the eponymous Men in Black (there is definitely more to them than the usual government agent).
Chosen
This was a different read for me. I usually like straight up paranormal romances, which this is, but with a liberal dose of apocalypse.
Jessica is a Postgrad and a pretty average girl. A new disease strikes quickly and indiscriminately in the world and Jessica quickly loses those she loves. She is guided by a voice in her head, hich comes to her in moments when she doubts herself or when she is about to walk into a dangerous situation. The "voice" also physically intercedes on occasion. She is led to an isolated house which is packed with the necessities. The story then evolves into a love story with the arrival of Jace.
I don't want to tell too much more of the story line. Suffice to say this is a very atmospheric story, and I genuinely had hairs on end at parts. I loved the references to current TV shows which had a similar feel to the book, the Walking Dead for example.
Jessica is a strong, sympathetic but capable female lead. Jace is perfect as the mysterious stranger. Is he one of the good guys or bad guys? I thoroughly enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next in the series.
This is an alien invasion series and is a mix of adventure, conspiracy theories and alien hunting! It was a great break from reality! It's fast paced and had me hooked in no time!
Persephone is a psychic, a real one, and with her spirit guide Otto, she has made a name for herself dealing with Hollywood types and steering them away from disasters in their careers. When an new client tells her about the strange antics of his girlfriend, she gets pulled into the mayhem of alien hunting!
Paul is an academic and alien hunter. His beliefs got him binned from his Astrophysics position at university and he is now part of the underground network dealing with aliens usurping certain bases and using humans as disposable test subjects.
When Otto leads her to Paul they end up on the run and meet up with others in the network in Sedona: Kara, Kiki, Lance and Matthew. They make an awesome group of alien hunters, each with their own ideas on what is happening and each with a little something extra to make them invaluable to Paul and Persephone as the danger mounts.
The plot is well paced and as long as you like alien type stories you will get sucked right in! Please disconnect from reality and enjoy this adventure with awesome characters and the eponymous Men in Black (there is definitely more to them than the usual government agent).
Chosen
This was a different read for me. I usually like straight up paranormal romances, which this is, but with a liberal dose of apocalypse.
Jessica is a Postgrad and a pretty average girl. A new disease strikes quickly and indiscriminately in the world and Jessica quickly loses those she loves. She is guided by a voice in her head, hich comes to her in moments when she doubts herself or when she is about to walk into a dangerous situation. The "voice" also physically intercedes on occasion. She is led to an isolated house which is packed with the necessities. The story then evolves into a love story with the arrival of Jace.
I don't want to tell too much more of the story line. Suffice to say this is a very atmospheric story, and I genuinely had hairs on end at parts. I loved the references to current TV shows which had a similar feel to the book, the Walking Dead for example.
Jessica is a strong, sympathetic but capable female lead. Jace is perfect as the mysterious stranger. Is he one of the good guys or bad guys? I thoroughly enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next in the series.
February 24, 2017
Good starter
So I didn't realize that it was three separate books but in the end they are all great starters for each series
So I didn't realize that it was three separate books but in the end they are all great starters for each series
February 4, 2017
Fantastic boxset
Interesting three reads of love, hate, hope, fear and all that paranormal. Interesting reads that have a follow on story in the series.
Interesting three reads of love, hate, hope, fear and all that paranormal. Interesting reads that have a follow on story in the series.
April 24, 2017
If you liked the first volume, buying the set to get the next two volumes which complete the story makes sense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews