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Witch's Brew #1

Spell Hell; An Undercover Witch

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Casting Hell…one spell at a time. Who knew that a single witch could have so many forces troubling her community? Everyone seems to get a case to work except Sophie Dexter, but when the Witches' Council finally assigns her one, it comes along with an egotistical, jerky vampire that seems to have it out for witches. At least, that’s what Sophie suspects. Riverdale, Colorado is where it all begins. Witches go missing, and then are found...murdered. What do they all have in common, besides being dead? They were all hired-and subsequently fired-by the jerky vampire and powerful software magnate himself, Drake Jacobi. Sophie must go undercover as one of Drake’s secretaries in order to discover what is really going on at his company. Will her arsenal of spells prevent her fate from becoming the same as the others before her? Or will her own destiny be even worse if she falls under the spell of the handsome vampire?

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2016

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About the author

N.L. Hoffmann

30 books185 followers
N.L Hoffmann is a paranormal romance author. She was born in Germany to her German native mother and her American soldier father. The family moved home to the states, where she grew up in a rural farm town in Michigan with her parents and two younger brothers. There, in her pre-teens, is when she began writing and developed her love for literature.
Today, Hoffmann resides in Missouri with her husband and three children, where she published her first book Blood Slaves in January 2014. When Hoffmann isn't busy putting words on the page she enjoys reading, drawing, playing loving pranks on her husband, and spending time with her family.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Just Jules and her Book.
154 reviews79 followers
January 12, 2017
Well written, vividly graphic, heart grasping sexy, intoxicating and inviting...It's dangerously delicious, yet fun! - Nook Books and More Blog

Spell Hell a new series is by far one hell of a ride. I really enjoyed the twist of vampires and witches entwined with the legend of Merlin. That gives it a different feel of the average paranormal read. It made the plot thicken that much more. It intrigues me to learn more. Perhaps a spin off from that story is in the future. I sure hope so.

Sophie works for the witch counsel. She's beautiful, witty, yet very independent and all the sass warped into one kick ass heroine. She has a problem with the head counsel perhaps it's jealousy? Who knows. You'll have to read to find out. She discovers through her ancestors pretty powerful things for her destiny. She's a tough cookie with the sensitivity that most women have.

She meets Drake one hot vampire with charm. Drake is domineering yet sexy and sophisticated. It's hard to focus around this man because he bleeds sex. Together they embark on journey to try to solve these murders. Will they survive the powers set against them? We will see.

Other characters are brought in to make the twist and mystery seem that much more tantalizing. Each relationship pulls you in wanting more. There is a sense of darkness with a hint of insularity through the story that make you feel on edge.

But wait the story doesn't stop there! It seems, no matter which direction the these characters seem to turn, someone or something is trying to come between them. Though sometimes they put it on themselves, the journey is epic as it continues to play out! The twist and turns are phenomenal. I couldn't put it down! Each character comes to life and bleeds off the pages with their own unique style and freshness.

As usual the last book I read from this author the words flow effertly off the page with no problem at all following through the plot. You stay focused throughout the book not getting lost like some authors in their adventure scenes. I loved the different characters and they draw you into their world making you feel as though you are really their. The right balance of hotness, steamy scenes to back up with a true heroine kick ass feel that you crave!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews134 followers
Want to Read
April 14, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/14/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Llaph .
1,066 reviews29 followers
April 8, 2017
Interesting characters, interesting world, and interesting backstory for the characters.

I just didn't like the way they were put together a lot of the time. It seemed to be rushed at parts, especially the emotions of the main characters. It was almost like a bunch of stuff happened off screen that I might've missed. I wanted to learn more about Sophie and Drake themselves as I felt that I just got a superficial sort of run down of them. Their emotion changes seemed pretty jerky and easy to do a 180 flip at times.
I found the storyline with Merlin being her dad and the roots harkening back to Avalon and the Lady of the Lake pretty cool. The ancestors themselves were intriguing on their own. I look forward to seeing how they are utilized in later books personally.
I really like this author and though, for me, her books and parts of them have been hit or miss I still enjoy her stories and imagination.
2,408 reviews6 followers
September 9, 2022
First book in the series.

I enjoyed this story. Sophie and Drake join forces to catch the murderer of several witches. There are twists in the plot. I never guessed who commented the murders and why. I will be reading this series .
Profile Image for Sherri.
231 reviews7 followers
November 2, 2022
N.L. Hoffman has managed to write another book, the start to a new series that has blown me away. If you like paranormal, witches and vampires then you should definitely give it a try.

The book is well written, smooth flowing and easy to read. The book kept me captivated from the first page through the last and left me wanting more. Thankfully book 2 is already out and I can't wait to read it. The author does an amazing job portraying the characters, their emotions and the experiences they go through.

Sophie is a witch. She is on the Witch Council, but is at the bottom of the totem pole. She is a bit spicy and has been know to fall asleep during meetings. She believes the current Head Mistress has it out for her. Regardless of who her parents and grandparents are, she gets no respect. With a new mission, she is bound and determined to show her worth to everyone. There's just one little problem with that. Her suspect is sexy, distracting and oh so yummy. Will she be able to do her job?

Drake is a Vampire. He is under investigation for the murders of several of witches who he employed. Witches and Vampires have been at war with each other for as long as anyone can remember. The Vampire Council is investigating the murders and so is the Witch Council. When Sophie makes an appearance in his life, his world is about to be flipped all around.
Profile Image for Tracy.
418 reviews19 followers
January 9, 2017
This was my first book from this author but will definitely not be my last. Sophie's character was awesome! Definitely a fierce and protective witch. She would never guess what could transpire from her and Drake meeting. He was a mega businessman that was thought to be the killer of witches! He was anything but. He has a sweet and caring side to him but don't get him angry because it will turn sour very quick. Their relationship got off to a rocky start but I love that Sophie listened to her heart . Their families and that crazy Daphne gave them a challenge but together they can be intense and completely kick some butt! Definitely a great read by this author!
Profile Image for Sue.
1,031 reviews10 followers
February 19, 2019
I like the overall storyline to this, witches, Vampires and a spate of killings that need to be solved but at times it was confusing, a bit rushed. There’s lots of information to keep you interested and hooked to the story but I felt it could be pulled together a little tighter.
Sophie has an interesting lineage and her and Drake have an instant connection that makes it obvious they are meant to be together.
At one point one of the Vampires names became Dexter instead of Drake and there were a couple of spelling errors but nothing major. All in all an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Edith .
784 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2019
Fun

A Witch and A Vampire in a club meet... Sounds like the beginning of a dirty joke right???
I enjoyed this action-mystery-romance packed story. I always wondered what happened to Merlin and about the witches from Avalon. Well this book answered a few of them. Through in a murder or three, a Vampire with a sexy Irishaccent and you have one hell of a take! There were plot twists and it kept me guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Noelia Irizarry.
11 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2019
A most read!!!!

Sophie and Drake'a story will keep you on the edge of your chair from the beginning to the last chapter!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Millie.
54 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2017
Good start to a new series

I really enjoyed this book. No love triangle. Good characters with depth and good storyline. Humor flowed within the context of the story and was forced. Writing has a good flos
Profile Image for Sarah.
218 reviews5 followers
January 7, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

***Warning! Possible spoilers****

I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this book, though I can say this is a definite 3.5 star book. On one hand I found it quite humorous and I loved some of the characters, and on the other it was confusing, a bit rushed, with a serious case of insta-love that I don't find quite believable (although that may be due to the fact that the main character finds pretty much every male she meets/talks about lust worthy).

Starting with the good stuff - this book is seriously funny! Peoples' actions, the stuff they say, the situations they get themselves into were all highly amusing, and I'm pretty sure my family thinks I'm insane due to all the laughter coming from my room. Character-wise, I quite liked Sophie - she was a bit man-crazy, a bit air-headed (that's actually not quite right, it's more she lives too much in her own head, if you get my meaning. Although she really doesn't think things through so maybe air-headed is correct) and has a little crazy in her, courtesy of her father. I must say though that I didn't like how child-like she was. For someone in their fifties, she acted like she was eighteen - you know the age where you think you know everything and don't think anything through. Okay, she's not that bad but she is seriously naive, and it's only cute for so long. However, like I said before, I do actually quite like Sophie. This book feels like it should be part of a series (at the very least a trilogy) so I hope to see some character growth and maturity in Sophie in future books.

***Spoilers ahead***

Now onto the bad - the insta-love.... Now I don't have a problem with insta-love in books, as long as it's believable and for me, this just wasn't. I'm in two different mindsets about Sophie and Drake, on one hand I think their insta-love may be a case of instant recognition of their soulmate in each other (in which case, great!), and on the other, I can't help thinking that Sophie may end up with someone else as her 'one true love'... maybe a certain head vampire??? (This is purely my own hypothesis and am probably wrong but something about him intrigues me, much more than Drake does. Also this is based on their being more than one book to this series).
Pace - at times this book was perfectly paced and then BAM!!! tonnes of information at once, and it's hard to follow what is actually happening. Probably doesn't help that there are characters popping up every which way during these situations with little explanation i.e. the vampire inspector guy supposedly being best friends with Drake... who knew bar for that one random mention....?

Overall, if this book is the start of a new book series - great! I think it is a perfect introduction. However, if this is a one off...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,828 reviews47 followers
January 9, 2017
I was given this book and here is my honest review

I have been following this author for awhile and was so excited to find out there was a new book coming out Spell Hell is the first book in a new series. Meet Sophie Dexter. she works for the witches council well she sits on the witches council . She hasn't gone on any missions yet but she is working on it. She has so much going against her . She doesn't know why the head of the council is doing everything in her power to disgrace Sophie. Going on her first assignment she is determined to get experience . Who knew she would fall for the handsome Drake Jacobi , software magnate and vampire . Will they survive the person trying to kill Sophie . Will Sophie get a hold of her powers and will they survive each other .

I loved the characters in this book . Sophie is such a sweet character who is trying hard to fit in with the other witches . She is trying but not being successful, she is her own unique woman . She is a strong character but she needs to grow into her strength . She is tough but also really sensitive.. but there are some faults to her also. To me sometimes she seems very childlike and does some whining and she seems to blame everyone else but herself . But you do see her start to take responsibility for herself and her magic . Now Drake is well Drake is hot sexy and oh so vampire . He is bold and domineering and so damn sexy . You want to just climb him like a spider monkey and use him . He is a great character , he is just so hot . He is like the force of nature that will hit you like a ton of bricks . You will be swept of your feet . The other characters are a mixture of good and evil and you really can't figure out who is the actual murderer until the very end and you will be oh so surprised.

This is a great start to a serious that I can see growing and with characters and great story lines . I started reading and before I knew it I was done . I just flew through this one , I loved the characters an the story was good . The only thing I didn't like was sometimes the story was just a little tangled but it does work its way out . Over all I was really impressed with the story and the characters .The story line is good and I can't wait to see where the author takes them in the next books . So if you want a good story with witches and hot sexy vampires . Check it out I promise you will like this book .
Profile Image for Sharon Richmond.
1,118 reviews11 followers
January 12, 2017
Spell Hell: An Undercover Witch Brew Book 1 by N.L. Hoffman 5 Stars

I found myself really getting into this story, lol. It wasn't what I had originally thought it might be about and I'm glad that it was different

The character Drake, vampire hottie and the one being investigated by the Witches Counsel for the recent murder of witches. Sophie is the witch to investigate Drake and try to find answers, only her assignment turns into one heck of a story
It's fun and exciting, laughable at times, scary at other times but a great story all around. I would catch myself laughing at something Sophie would think or say and more so at the end of the book, Her ancestors are unbelievable and not nice at times. If your a visual reader then they would look pretty scary to you.

Oh and wait till you meet Daphne the head mistress.

As Sophie, Drake, his brother Roake and some of Sophie's friends are on a adventure that I believe all YA readers will love.
You can get lost in their quest and find yourself reading it till the very end.
I hope this saga is going to be continued. I'm curious to read more about Drake, Sophie and the gang .
Very enjoyable read.

Suitable for YA readers, there is some sexual content but not over the top.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book by the author.
Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.
Profile Image for Vanessa Charles.
145 reviews22 followers
January 5, 2017
This is the first time that I read a book from this author and I have to say that I will definitely read more book from her. This story was captivating and intriguing. I love this twist on the legend of Merlin, witches, and vampires. Very different from any other witches stories. I couldn't put this book down literally in which I read it in one day. If you love paranormal, you should give this book a try because you will fall in love with Drake and crack up at Sophie's wittiness. I'm looking forward to the next book.
4 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2017
This story was an amazing read. The characters were so vivid and interesting that I could picture them and be right there in the book with them. N. Hoffmann has brought this story to life and exceptional job keeping the reader hooked through the whole story. It leaves you panting through steamy scenes and waiting for the end with a baited breath. Great job. Love her writing.
Profile Image for Amy Jensen.
2 reviews
April 15, 2017
I love this author, I have read everything she's written and have never been disappointed. Her books are always a fun rollercoaster ride. Her characters are relatable and likable, or not likable depending on which way she wants the reader to go. Sophie is a kick butt strong woman and doesn't really care what others think of her, which I like. Drake is a strong take no crap man. Its and easy and fun read. I also love how she incorporates humor in the stories too. I had a hard time putting the book down, and when I was finished I was sad and wanted more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves some powerful woman and a great fun story.
Profile Image for Ariel C.
38 reviews18 followers
April 30, 2017
I'm not entirely sure what to make of this book, I was expecting a magic filled fantasy read with suspense, mystery and romantic elements.
Despite the presence of an abundance of supernatural beings, there is little magic in this title.

Spell Hell: An Undercover Witch is mainly a witch-vampire romance with some fabulously steamy scenes and a few funny jokes early on.
Characters include: vampires, ghosts and witches- both good and evil.
However, there is nothing remotely resembling suspense or mystery.

This book has major structural issues, it could really benefit from a professional copywriter and some editorial assistance.
Early chapters were promising and the back story of the two main characters is engaging.
Butt overall the plot is weak, the narrative is long winding, the majority of the dialogue rather dull and pacing is all over the place.
A lot of minor characters appear and disappear having served little purpose in the story.
Several villains make cursory appearances; primarily projecting an image of one dimensional viciousness, rather than a nefariously sinister antagonist whose every word or deed enthralls the reader with a spine-chilling power.

Sophie and Drake do make a good couple, their chemistry is the one aspect of this book that sparkles.
Linking Sophie's genealogy to Arthurian legend was great- Sophie as Merlin's daughter and also maternally descended from The Lady of the Lake makes for a unique, intriguing back story and one very paranormal family.

A short read but far from a magical reading experience.
Not too bad light reading but rather lacking in the power to captivate readers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews