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Heart's Desire #2
Hecate's Own
Someone’s hot for teacher.
Heart’s Desire Book 2
Zachary Beckett has been a screw-up most of his life, but he's finally done something right. He saved his brother's life at great personal cost, and now he's on his way to Cleveland to train as a witch. There’s only one problem: he screws up so badly he’s banished…to a class filled with ten year olds. Judgmental ten year olds.
There he meets Johra Yashodar, the teacher of those ten year olds. It isn't long before Zach realizes he's seriously hot for teacher, but all she sees is a monumental screw-up.
Jo has never met a Karma bomb like Zachary Beckett before. He's the worst witch she's ever met, but Jo is determined to help him. To do that she'll fight the attraction she feels towards him tooth and nail.
Zach heads home, determined to prove he can be the witch he’s always wanted to be. There he casts the Beckett mating spell, and who answers the call? None other than Jo. Zach is terrified he’s cast a love spell, but bigger problems arise than Zach’s love life. Between hexes, old enemies, and meddling brothers, it’s up to Zach and Jo to save each other from a fate worse than death.
Heart’s Desire Book 2
Zachary Beckett has been a screw-up most of his life, but he's finally done something right. He saved his brother's life at great personal cost, and now he's on his way to Cleveland to train as a witch. There’s only one problem: he screws up so badly he’s banished…to a class filled with ten year olds. Judgmental ten year olds.
There he meets Johra Yashodar, the teacher of those ten year olds. It isn't long before Zach realizes he's seriously hot for teacher, but all she sees is a monumental screw-up.
Jo has never met a Karma bomb like Zachary Beckett before. He's the worst witch she's ever met, but Jo is determined to help him. To do that she'll fight the attraction she feels towards him tooth and nail.
Zach heads home, determined to prove he can be the witch he’s always wanted to be. There he casts the Beckett mating spell, and who answers the call? None other than Jo. Zach is terrified he’s cast a love spell, but bigger problems arise than Zach’s love life. Between hexes, old enemies, and meddling brothers, it’s up to Zach and Jo to save each other from a fate worse than death.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2013
20 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
About the author
Dana Marie Bell
56 books1,937 followersDana Marie Bell wrote her first short story when she was thirteen years old. She attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts for creative writing, where freedom of expression was the order of the day. When her parents moved out of the city and placed her in a Catholic high school for her senior year she tried desperately to get away, but the nuns held fast, and she graduated with honors despite herself.
Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.
You can learn more about Dana at:
http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com
Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.
You can learn more about Dana at:
http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 6, 2013
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
A LASR BEST BOOK!!
Zachary Beckett is youngest of four brothers, and the one most likely to mess up. Born into a family of powerful wizards, Zach feels like he has always let his family down, being the weakest member of the family, with unpredictable magic. When his brother’s mate (did I mention the Beckett men are cursed to be wolves, too?) discovers why Zach’s magic goes wrong, he starts to feel a bit of hope. Seems Zach is not a wizard at all, but actually Lana tells him he is a witch, and a powerful one at that. When he is sent for witch training, he still has difficulty with control, and is finally put in a novice class taught by Johra Jo Yashodhar. Jo has no idea why Zach can’t control his magic, even Prince Roland is ready to bind his powers, but when evil threatens Zach’s family, a little research reveals that Zach is one of the rarest of witches, one of Hecate’s Own, chosen by the Goddess herself to fight evil magic and rogue warlocks. And Jo is his destined mate, causing all kinds of complications. When the evil stalking his family threatens Jo, Zach’s family unites to stop the Godwin’s at all costs, even accepting help from unexpected places. Can Zach keep Jo safe, after seeing visions of one possible fate for his mate? Can Jo accept Zach and his wolf into her life? Can they accept the help from one very powerful and unexpected ally?
Hecate’s Own is the second of Dana Marie Bell’s Heart’s Desire series, and set in a world both magical and dangerous. This is a well-crafted world, with multi-dimensional and charismatic characters. The Becketts are the good guys here, and are fighting the evil warlocks to stay alive. The fight from book one has gone undercover in this one, with the Godwins hiding until they are ready to strike. I love this world, where people use magic as easy as breathing, well all but Zach, that is. Ms. Bell has given Zach the role of underdog, always trying to prove himself, and making messes along the way. But there is also lots of humor here as well, to lighten the dark and dangerous threat.
Zachary Beckett is smart, handsome and tired of being the one who can do nothing right. In a family filled with strong magic, he feels like a failure, until Lana and her grandmother discover why Zach’s magic fails. I like Zach, he is adorable, and so hard on himself I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him at times. When he learns that Jo is his mate, he thinks he may have accidentally cast a love spell, and he wants her to become his mate voluntarily. I liked watching him come into his own, and learn how to use his gifts to protect family and friends. Watching as he realized Jo wasn’t under a spell and really cared for him was a delight.
Johra ‘Jo’ Yashodhar is one of the strongest witches of her generation, second in magic only to Prince Roland. She is smart, talented, and has a sarcastic edge to her wit that is a delight. I loved her early dialogs with Zach, when she believed he was the biggest menace to the magical community, and I loved that she was able to admit she was wrong when Zach’s true power was revealed. I loved that she didn’t just fall right into Zach’s arms, but let him take the time to convince her of his worth before she convinced him she wanted him.
There is a lot of magical danger in this one, both overt and a bit behind the scenes. The Godwins have continued to turn to evil, and have begun to practice the darkest of magic, including blood rites to increase their power. I found the family unity, with all of the Becketts uniting to stop the evil, to be a powerful thread throughout this story. I also liked that the other two Beckett men have learned who their mates are, though it could get complicated at times. The secondary characters, Annabelle, Prince Roland and Princess Arianna, and the Beckett men are all as well crafted as Zach and Jo, and the passion that builds steadily between them turns blazing hot when Zach finally claims Jo as his. I enjoyed the surprise of who became their ally in the fight against the Godwins, and hope to see her with a story in the future. This one is for all those who want some suspense and danger, and more than a little magic with their romance.
A LASR BEST BOOK!!
Zachary Beckett is youngest of four brothers, and the one most likely to mess up. Born into a family of powerful wizards, Zach feels like he has always let his family down, being the weakest member of the family, with unpredictable magic. When his brother’s mate (did I mention the Beckett men are cursed to be wolves, too?) discovers why Zach’s magic goes wrong, he starts to feel a bit of hope. Seems Zach is not a wizard at all, but actually Lana tells him he is a witch, and a powerful one at that. When he is sent for witch training, he still has difficulty with control, and is finally put in a novice class taught by Johra Jo Yashodhar. Jo has no idea why Zach can’t control his magic, even Prince Roland is ready to bind his powers, but when evil threatens Zach’s family, a little research reveals that Zach is one of the rarest of witches, one of Hecate’s Own, chosen by the Goddess herself to fight evil magic and rogue warlocks. And Jo is his destined mate, causing all kinds of complications. When the evil stalking his family threatens Jo, Zach’s family unites to stop the Godwin’s at all costs, even accepting help from unexpected places. Can Zach keep Jo safe, after seeing visions of one possible fate for his mate? Can Jo accept Zach and his wolf into her life? Can they accept the help from one very powerful and unexpected ally?
Hecate’s Own is the second of Dana Marie Bell’s Heart’s Desire series, and set in a world both magical and dangerous. This is a well-crafted world, with multi-dimensional and charismatic characters. The Becketts are the good guys here, and are fighting the evil warlocks to stay alive. The fight from book one has gone undercover in this one, with the Godwins hiding until they are ready to strike. I love this world, where people use magic as easy as breathing, well all but Zach, that is. Ms. Bell has given Zach the role of underdog, always trying to prove himself, and making messes along the way. But there is also lots of humor here as well, to lighten the dark and dangerous threat.
Zachary Beckett is smart, handsome and tired of being the one who can do nothing right. In a family filled with strong magic, he feels like a failure, until Lana and her grandmother discover why Zach’s magic fails. I like Zach, he is adorable, and so hard on himself I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him at times. When he learns that Jo is his mate, he thinks he may have accidentally cast a love spell, and he wants her to become his mate voluntarily. I liked watching him come into his own, and learn how to use his gifts to protect family and friends. Watching as he realized Jo wasn’t under a spell and really cared for him was a delight.
Johra ‘Jo’ Yashodhar is one of the strongest witches of her generation, second in magic only to Prince Roland. She is smart, talented, and has a sarcastic edge to her wit that is a delight. I loved her early dialogs with Zach, when she believed he was the biggest menace to the magical community, and I loved that she was able to admit she was wrong when Zach’s true power was revealed. I loved that she didn’t just fall right into Zach’s arms, but let him take the time to convince her of his worth before she convinced him she wanted him.
There is a lot of magical danger in this one, both overt and a bit behind the scenes. The Godwins have continued to turn to evil, and have begun to practice the darkest of magic, including blood rites to increase their power. I found the family unity, with all of the Becketts uniting to stop the evil, to be a powerful thread throughout this story. I also liked that the other two Beckett men have learned who their mates are, though it could get complicated at times. The secondary characters, Annabelle, Prince Roland and Princess Arianna, and the Beckett men are all as well crafted as Zach and Jo, and the passion that builds steadily between them turns blazing hot when Zach finally claims Jo as his. I enjoyed the surprise of who became their ally in the fight against the Godwins, and hope to see her with a story in the future. This one is for all those who want some suspense and danger, and more than a little magic with their romance.
February 12, 2014
I'm not sure what it is about this series, I enjoy reading them, but think they are just ok. The highlight to this one was Zack. He was a grown man, but acts like a big child. I know I shouldn't have, but I kept laughing when Zack's magic kept going wrong, especially when things got turned to M&M's. I did like that we learned what was wrong with Zack, a big deal in their world, and how that didn't change how his family treated him.
I loved how the brothers interacted, like they were all still 10 years old, even pulling the mates and others in.
The ending had me laughing, mostly because Zack got to thumb his nose at all those that made fun of him at the start.
I loved how the brothers interacted, like they were all still 10 years old, even pulling the mates and others in.
The ending had me laughing, mostly because Zack got to thumb his nose at all those that made fun of him at the start.
October 12, 2016
This is Book 2 in the Heart’s Desire series. I loved this series but out of all 4 books this is the one I like least. I know you're asking yourself but why? Well I am not a fan of the beginning part of the relationship between Zach and Jo. There was no real heart felt depth to the formation of their relationship. But the series is still worth reading!
April 16, 2013
Enjoyable. I liked the conflict between the family members, the witches and 'weres and the groveling from a variety of different individuals. I am looking forward to the next one.
March 14, 2018
A really engrossing and enjoyable read.
I found the start of this book sad with the way Zachary was being treated by those who should know better. The children I understand but Jo was just mean and I am not sure what Prince Roland’s problem was.
Once this book gets going it is a do not put down read.
It was a bit hard to really like Jo due to her early interactions with Zach but by the end of this book I had come around.
Zach was just a big sweetie. Feeling out of place all his life and having his brothers mock him for being a weak wizard, he is naturally unsure of himself. Finding out at his age that he was different from his family was a shock but also explained so much.
Finding out how special Zach really was, was such a great treat and having another Own turn up was interesting.
Lots happening with the evil Godwins, including having a Godwin turn out to be on the side of good.
We get time with the main characters from book 1 without it overshadowing what is going on here. We also have the other two brothers Daniel and the future Wizard King Gareth start the interweaving of their future stories too.
I have read and reviewed from the back of this book previously but review is missing.
I found the start of this book sad with the way Zachary was being treated by those who should know better. The children I understand but Jo was just mean and I am not sure what Prince Roland’s problem was.
Once this book gets going it is a do not put down read.
It was a bit hard to really like Jo due to her early interactions with Zach but by the end of this book I had come around.
Zach was just a big sweetie. Feeling out of place all his life and having his brothers mock him for being a weak wizard, he is naturally unsure of himself. Finding out at his age that he was different from his family was a shock but also explained so much.
Finding out how special Zach really was, was such a great treat and having another Own turn up was interesting.
Lots happening with the evil Godwins, including having a Godwin turn out to be on the side of good.
We get time with the main characters from book 1 without it overshadowing what is going on here. We also have the other two brothers Daniel and the future Wizard King Gareth start the interweaving of their future stories too.
I have read and reviewed from the back of this book previously but review is missing.
April 7, 2018
French & English reviews
J'avoue que j'ai fini par m'attacher à la famille Beckett et j'avais notamment très envie d'en savoir plus sur Zach le sorcier de la famille lié à Hécate et qui semble être hyper puissant x) Et je n'ai pas été du tout déçu !!
J'ai beaucoup aimé ce livre même si mon coeur s'est serré pour Zach et pour tout ce qu'il a subi ...
J'ai adoré le roi et la reine des sorciers qui m'ont beaucoup fait rire (j'aurais beaucoup aimé avoir un livre sur leur passé !!)
Bref, un deuxième livre que j'ai apprécié comme le précédent x) J'ai hâte de lire le prochain !!
PS: bon les couvertures sont toujours très moches par contre =D
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I must admit that I ended up loving the Beckett family and I particularly wanted to know more about Zach the wizard of the family related to Hecate and who seems to be hyper powerful x) And I wasn't disappointed at all !!
I loved this book even though I have a lump in my throat for Zach and for all he suffered ...
I loved the king and the queen of witches who made me laugh a lot (I would have loved to have a book on their past!)
In short, a second book that I enjoyed as the previous one x) I can't wait to read the next book !!
PS: well the covers are still very ugly =D
J'avoue que j'ai fini par m'attacher à la famille Beckett et j'avais notamment très envie d'en savoir plus sur Zach le sorcier de la famille lié à Hécate et qui semble être hyper puissant x) Et je n'ai pas été du tout déçu !!
J'ai beaucoup aimé ce livre même si mon coeur s'est serré pour Zach et pour tout ce qu'il a subi ...
J'ai adoré le roi et la reine des sorciers qui m'ont beaucoup fait rire (j'aurais beaucoup aimé avoir un livre sur leur passé !!)
Bref, un deuxième livre que j'ai apprécié comme le précédent x) J'ai hâte de lire le prochain !!
PS: bon les couvertures sont toujours très moches par contre =D
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I must admit that I ended up loving the Beckett family and I particularly wanted to know more about Zach the wizard of the family related to Hecate and who seems to be hyper powerful x) And I wasn't disappointed at all !!
I loved this book even though I have a lump in my throat for Zach and for all he suffered ...
I loved the king and the queen of witches who made me laugh a lot (I would have loved to have a book on their past!)
In short, a second book that I enjoyed as the previous one x) I can't wait to read the next book !!
PS: well the covers are still very ugly =D
September 25, 2017
The book was ok, for some reason I didn’t love it though. It got boring towards the end. Maybe other readers would love this as there’s no cheating.
January 12, 2018
Perfect
The story is sweet and pure. Well likeable characters with a well laid out story. Can't wait to read the next one!!!!!!!!!
The story is sweet and pure. Well likeable characters with a well laid out story. Can't wait to read the next one!!!!!!!!!
August 2, 2024
Entertaining enough. Great for a rainy day read with excitement. I liked the characters and look forward to the next book.
July 15, 2013
In book one of this series, Shadow of the Wolf, we get introduced to the fantastical world of witches, wizards and warlocks that DMB created. I loved every page of book one and fell in love with the quirky Beckett wolf-boys, as expected, this book was no different.
I really enjoyed this storyline, you feel for Zack in the beginning and want to kill all the witches who treat him bad, even Jo and the king. I did love how Zack was with his family, how playful they were and the protectiveness they share. Jo is a great, spunky witch that you would love to be friends with. I really liked her conviction and the fact that she trusted her instincts and Zack.
I must say Bell really created a captivating story with this one, while the werewolf aspect wasn't as big as the first book you still knew the story behind it and it was a pivotal part of how things played out. The intricacies of how the world works in amazing and, as I would expect from Bell, you really get attached to the characters. Zack's "problem" was clever and made total sense, I also like that Bell has set up the other books in the series in a way that makes you so excited to read them. She also made sure you're salivating to read Chris's story and then made sure to keep you on your toes, as the next one is about Gareth.
Yet again, another amazing book from DMB full of excitement, passion, humour and HOT sex! Bring on the next one!
I really enjoyed this storyline, you feel for Zack in the beginning and want to kill all the witches who treat him bad, even Jo and the king. I did love how Zack was with his family, how playful they were and the protectiveness they share. Jo is a great, spunky witch that you would love to be friends with. I really liked her conviction and the fact that she trusted her instincts and Zack.
I must say Bell really created a captivating story with this one, while the werewolf aspect wasn't as big as the first book you still knew the story behind it and it was a pivotal part of how things played out. The intricacies of how the world works in amazing and, as I would expect from Bell, you really get attached to the characters. Zack's "problem" was clever and made total sense, I also like that Bell has set up the other books in the series in a way that makes you so excited to read them. She also made sure you're salivating to read Chris's story and then made sure to keep you on your toes, as the next one is about Gareth.
Yet again, another amazing book from DMB full of excitement, passion, humour and HOT sex! Bring on the next one!
October 3, 2015
I have to say, I did like the humorous insertions from our heroine about feeling like she was in a fantasy romance novel. Pretty cute and not overdone. What was overdone? I don't know... telling us how Gareth feels about Gen every other page after she's introduced? I got it after the third time. Actually, after the first. Luckily this story was more about Jo and Zach.
Johra Yashodar is second in line in her coven, right after her mother. She's also a teacher. So when 24-year-old Zachary Beckett walks into her novice class, she's surprised.
But no more than Zach was in learning that he was a witch -- especially since he comes from a long line of wizards. But it seems like he can't even get that right. He keeps screwing up. So when Prince Roland tells Zach to leave the court, Zach decides it's time to go home. At least his family loves him. In spite of the screw ups. But Jo feels like something is wrong. So she follows her hottie-mctottie student home.
Is it any surprise (this is a romance people!) that when Zach casts his spell for a mate that Jo is the one to show up? Once they can get past the hurdle of her being two years older, a hex that's been put on Zach, and, you know, the family of warlocks that's after them all.
A nice, steady book.
Johra Yashodar is second in line in her coven, right after her mother. She's also a teacher. So when 24-year-old Zachary Beckett walks into her novice class, she's surprised.
But no more than Zach was in learning that he was a witch -- especially since he comes from a long line of wizards. But it seems like he can't even get that right. He keeps screwing up. So when Prince Roland tells Zach to leave the court, Zach decides it's time to go home. At least his family loves him. In spite of the screw ups. But Jo feels like something is wrong. So she follows her hottie-mctottie student home.
Is it any surprise (this is a romance people!) that when Zach casts his spell for a mate that Jo is the one to show up? Once they can get past the hurdle of her being two years older, a hex that's been put on Zach, and, you know, the family of warlocks that's after them all.
A nice, steady book.
April 24, 2013
I think I enjoyed this more than the first Book. The characters are more defined and the story is quite interesting. Zach was a good male lead and quite funny. Although hedealt quite quickly with his previous problems as 'faiure of the family'. I really liked Gareth and even Daniel was interesting and likeable. But I have to admit I have some problems with the female characters which iS quite disappointing. Jo was not really my type of heroine.
I liked the Addition of Gen who is more complex than Jo and Lana
My biggest negative Point is the Love story because it lacks tension.it iS nice reading about the feelings but in my opinion something iS missing.
Nevertheless I like the series and I will definitely read the next two Books as well
I liked the Addition of Gen who is more complex than Jo and Lana
My biggest negative Point is the Love story because it lacks tension.it iS nice reading about the feelings but in my opinion something iS missing.
Nevertheless I like the series and I will definitely read the next two Books as well
September 12, 2014
This one did nothing for me honestly. I felt like I was reading the Reunion of the Original Power Rangers. Every time they got together it was always some tearful remembrance of some tragic occurrence the happened some time ago that made their bond as brothers and wolves that much stronger.
Really!
And the women, my got was the women plain and boring. Running around in circles, spouting big speeches about being big girls then bam! panties hit the floor and welcome emotional roller coaster.
Talk about repetitive, basically was a rewritten version of the first.
Really!
And the women, my got was the women plain and boring. Running around in circles, spouting big speeches about being big girls then bam! panties hit the floor and welcome emotional roller coaster.
Talk about repetitive, basically was a rewritten version of the first.
July 20, 2014
Probably my fav of the series so far. There was something really compelling and charming about Zachary. Plus I liked that everyone thought he was a screw up. The plot of each of these books is fairly similar - magic guy casts family spell to bring mate to him. Danger Will Robinson. That other magic family is bad news. Love? Sexytimes. Looooove.
Yeah, that's about it. But Bell made the journey a lot of fun.
Yeah, that's about it. But Bell made the journey a lot of fun.
April 16, 2013
This was a quick fun read. I love how Dana Marie Bell creates charming characters like delicious Beckett brothers and their strong and sassy female counterparts. The humor of the situations had me laughing aloud and the steam was of volcanic proportions. Highly enjoyable and I will be looking forward to the next story.
June 17, 2013
I enjoyed this. After it was discovered Zach was a witch, not a wizard, he was sent to get training as a witch - but was failing badly at that too. The book starts to get interesting when his teacher Jo figures out why, and how special Zach really is.
April 21, 2013
Great book. First book I actually laughed out loud on some of the antics
April 10, 2013
really liked it almost loved it not sure what i felt was missing .... maybe reading it until 2am messed my rating ..,.will have to read it again to be sure!!
April 9, 2013
This was a great read. The world building in this book was so rich and believable. The love scenes are detailed and numerous with out over shadowing the story.
April 10, 2013
Now I have to wait until June for the next book (by Dana, not in this series) why do I read so fast and why can't I resist the awesome that is Dana Marie Bell?
April 11, 2013
I loved this and I lol'd lots.
Sweet romance, great characters, including a henery singing heroine!
DMB is becoming a fast favourite author.
Sweet romance, great characters, including a henery singing heroine!
DMB is becoming a fast favourite author.
January 13, 2016
3.5 stars
*rubs face to get rid of grin* I can't decide whose book I want next… Gareth's? Or Daniel's?
*rubs face to get rid of grin* I can't decide whose book I want next… Gareth's? Or Daniel's?
April 12, 2013
Wow. Just Wow.
January 23, 2016
3.5-4 stars.
Read
January 12, 2020Poor Zach. I think he deserved better in love and in life. I honestly think that he got gypped. I liked the quirkiness of Zach but it was dampened by other characters treatment of him at times.
November 10, 2014
My favorite thing about this book was the Beckett brothers. Their dynamics make up the story. Jo was a throw away heroine who accepted her fate too easily.
November 14, 2014
3.5 stars
October 5, 2015
I'd say 3.5 on this one. Wasn't bad. A little fluffy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews