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Moonstone Bay #1
Witchin' USA
Hadley Hunter has lived a normal life, in a normal suburb, with a normal job and a normal father. All that changes when a grandmother she didn’t even know existed dies and leaves her a fabulous lighthouse on Moonstone Bay Island.
Hadley, ready for an adventure, decides to check things out and finds herself plunged into a world she never envisioned.
From the naked woman swimming in the ocean outside her back door, to the hot sheriff who seems to be hiding a secret, Hadley is intrigued from the start. That’s before magical things start happening – including to Hadley – and a body washes up on the beach.
It seems Moonstone Bay has a killer on the loose … and he may be stalking Hadley, although no one can figure out why.
Things are about to spiral for Moonstone Bay’s newest reluctant – and baffled – witch. She has to learn about the past, investigate the present and hold on to her future for dear life. Along the way she will meet a bevy of new friends who have a few particular abilities … and a lot of really odd quirks.
Set sail for adventure, because once you visit Moonstone Bay, you’ll never be the same again.
Hadley, ready for an adventure, decides to check things out and finds herself plunged into a world she never envisioned.
From the naked woman swimming in the ocean outside her back door, to the hot sheriff who seems to be hiding a secret, Hadley is intrigued from the start. That’s before magical things start happening – including to Hadley – and a body washes up on the beach.
It seems Moonstone Bay has a killer on the loose … and he may be stalking Hadley, although no one can figure out why.
Things are about to spiral for Moonstone Bay’s newest reluctant – and baffled – witch. She has to learn about the past, investigate the present and hold on to her future for dear life. Along the way she will meet a bevy of new friends who have a few particular abilities … and a lot of really odd quirks.
Set sail for adventure, because once you visit Moonstone Bay, you’ll never be the same again.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2017
1883 people are currently reading
1573 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
303 books2,898 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
February 23, 2018
Witchin' USA: A Moonstone Bay Cozy Mystery 1
In A Nutshell: Hadley inherits a lighthouse from a grandmother she did not know existed. She jets off to a small island and discovers she is a witch. More obvious sexual references than Lee's usual work but all the same characters. It's like the Wicked Witches of the Midwest Mystery series on an island.
Amanda Lee’s latest series is set on Moonstone Bay Island in the sun, off the coast of Florida. But the characters are the 'same old same old' with that slightly misogynistic sense of humour and snark, which is usually girls ‘bitching’ at each other.
So, Galen, a police officer with magical powers, replaces Landon as the law enforcement agent and hero to Bay Winchester the witch protagonist who always needs saving. And Hadley is the protagonist who always needs to be saved by a man hero. Like Bay, she is a 20 something immature person who is also a witch. Unlike Bay, Hadley does not have blonde hair which will be frequently referenced as a thing of beauty or a sign of stupidity. Thank god for small mercies.
Hadley takes up stupid aka ditzy from the same level Bay Winchester has sunk too. And of course, there is harmless lightweight violence. Gaylen the beau, two days after making Hadley's acquaintance, orders her into the truck. When Hadley hesitates to ‘get in the truck’ he tries to ‘push Hadley in the truck’ then tells her to get in 'giving her another shove’. And of course, the girls in the books bitch and have a catfight literally. In this story, however, they don’t say ‘eat dirt’
Unlike the Witches of the West, this series lacks the drawing power of Aunt Tillie.
If you love Amanda Lee this is for you, but if you want a more original read I don’t think there is sufficient character development to hold onto. However, if you want lightweight witchy fun and you haven't read them already I would recommend the Stacy Justice Mystery Series . Or the wonderful the Lazy Girl's Guide to Magic Series
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next oneor reread ?: Unlikely
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1*Finished the book butdidn't like it Bored!
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
In A Nutshell: Hadley inherits a lighthouse from a grandmother she did not know existed. She jets off to a small island and discovers she is a witch. More obvious sexual references than Lee's usual work but all the same characters. It's like the Wicked Witches of the Midwest Mystery series on an island.
Amanda Lee’s latest series is set on Moonstone Bay Island in the sun, off the coast of Florida. But the characters are the 'same old same old' with that slightly misogynistic sense of humour and snark, which is usually girls ‘bitching’ at each other.
So, Galen, a police officer with magical powers, replaces Landon as the law enforcement agent and hero to Bay Winchester the witch protagonist who always needs saving. And Hadley is the protagonist who always needs to be saved by a man hero. Like Bay, she is a 20 something immature person who is also a witch. Unlike Bay, Hadley does not have blonde hair which will be frequently referenced as a thing of beauty or a sign of stupidity. Thank god for small mercies.
Hadley takes up stupid aka ditzy from the same level Bay Winchester has sunk too. And of course, there is harmless lightweight violence. Gaylen the beau, two days after making Hadley's acquaintance, orders her into the truck. When Hadley hesitates to ‘get in the truck’ he tries to ‘push Hadley in the truck’ then tells her to get in 'giving her another shove’. And of course, the girls in the books bitch and have a catfight literally. In this story, however, they don’t say ‘eat dirt’
Unlike the Witches of the West, this series lacks the drawing power of Aunt Tillie.
If you love Amanda Lee this is for you, but if you want a more original read I don’t think there is sufficient character development to hold onto. However, if you want lightweight witchy fun and you haven't read them already I would recommend the Stacy Justice Mystery Series . Or the wonderful the Lazy Girl's Guide to Magic Series
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1*Finished the book but
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
March 7, 2018
Well, I won't get those hours or money I've wasted back...
Amanda M. Lee has a knack for writing bitchy pushover female characters. They're borderline annoying and one dimensional characters. Every book I've read from her is the same female character in a different setting. Then there's the always oversexed male lead who wouldn't understand the word no when he received a lethal injection.
Then there's this always bubbly character and the broody on...
In this particular story we have actually a pretty interesting setting and at first Hadley seems very interesting. But when the story reaches the point where the male lead basically roofied her it just goes downhill (BTW every character seems to be fine with drugging someone here).
It's just one mental breakdown and screaming match after another then. Also killing the "villain" here is perfectly normal in front of the police who actually wanted to kill him too without repercussions.
So, can I recommend this book? Hell no, but if I had to recommend something from this author then it'd be her Wicked Witches of the Midwest series. More likable characters although still as described as above.
Amanda M. Lee has a knack for writing bitchy pushover female characters. They're borderline annoying and one dimensional characters. Every book I've read from her is the same female character in a different setting. Then there's the always oversexed male lead who wouldn't understand the word no when he received a lethal injection.
Then there's this always bubbly character and the broody on...
In this particular story we have actually a pretty interesting setting and at first Hadley seems very interesting. But when the story reaches the point where the male lead basically roofied her it just goes downhill (BTW every character seems to be fine with drugging someone here).
It's just one mental breakdown and screaming match after another then. Also killing the "villain" here is perfectly normal in front of the police who actually wanted to kill him too without repercussions.
So, can I recommend this book? Hell no, but if I had to recommend something from this author then it'd be her Wicked Witches of the Midwest series. More likable characters although still as described as above.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
This was a really cute book. I honestly thought it was going to be a dnf but it was actually quite cute. To be fully honest, it wasn't cliche. It wasn't lame. It had a little mystery. It was cute, sassy, and some little funny moments. I saw this on my kindle for Halloween reads. It sounded like a YA read (which it was) but it was nicely written. I took a star off because I hadn't realized it was a YA. It wasn't labeled as such. I'm in my 30s, I'm not so keen on YA but...I've a read a few that were actually decent including this one.
To recap: A young adult book read and it's definitely cute. I'd say it's a good read for Halloween. It's not scary or spooky. Nothing to have nightmares over. However, it was a good decent read.
To recap: A young adult book read and it's definitely cute. I'd say it's a good read for Halloween. It's not scary or spooky. Nothing to have nightmares over. However, it was a good decent read.
February 26, 2023
This book was so cute!! It had everything I love in a book: romance, a mystery, great characters, a supernatural aspect, and a short page count. Can’t wait to read the next in the series!
January 7, 2018
Predictable
Seems like all of Amanda M. Lee's heros and heroines are the same. It gets monotonous. Every hero is in law enforcement of some kind. Every heroine is beautiful and doesn't know it. She always says she doesn't need help, yet everyone acts like a protector.
The guilty party was obvious. Wasn't really a mystery.
The title also seems out of place.
I do enjoy the author's humor, but I am bored of reading the same characters over and over again.
Seems like all of Amanda M. Lee's heros and heroines are the same. It gets monotonous. Every hero is in law enforcement of some kind. Every heroine is beautiful and doesn't know it. She always says she doesn't need help, yet everyone acts like a protector.
The guilty party was obvious. Wasn't really a mystery.
The title also seems out of place.
I do enjoy the author's humor, but I am bored of reading the same characters over and over again.
October 23, 2021
A great start to a new series! Review to come!
November 19, 2018
This story begins when Hadley finds out she had a grandmother that recently died, and she left her her house. Now, Hadley goes to a new place and starts to learn some secrets from her past that she never knew of. Hadley must figure out what she wants to do next with a little help from some new friends as well.
I thought this book was really good, and a great start to this series. I liked the relationship between the hero and heroine. However, I didn't like the side female character at all, and I had a hard time with how similar the hero was to other hero's written by this same author. Other than that I'm excited and looking forward to more.
I thought this book was really good, and a great start to this series. I liked the relationship between the hero and heroine. However, I didn't like the side female character at all, and I had a hard time with how similar the hero was to other hero's written by this same author. Other than that I'm excited and looking forward to more.
January 15, 2025
Ugh. Cute premise, amusing world, likable side characters. JHFC, the heroine is a maroon (I know how to spell moron, I just choose not to because I don't get to use maroon often enough in life) and a shallow one at that.
Cute enough otherwise, that I'm willing to try another and hope the heroine improves. (Future Me: Spoiler! Heroine continues with a fatal case of suckage. Yeah, stop giving authors the benefit of a doubt.)
Cute enough otherwise, that I'm willing to try another and hope the heroine improves. (Future Me: Spoiler! Heroine continues with a fatal case of suckage. Yeah, stop giving authors the benefit of a doubt.)
March 15, 2023
if you need a break from a long series, draining book, or just want something easy, funny & "cute" to read? readdddd this this this!
January 26, 2018
Mysteries and the past
I cannot begin to say I am already hooked on these characters. Moonstone Bay is an interesting place to start over but when you wake up on your second day of you stay and find not only dead body but an incredible hottie asking questions what else could go wrong. Just about everything.
Amanda Lee’s new series is the start of good things to come with its fun and sarcastic cast of characters. I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series.
I cannot begin to say I am already hooked on these characters. Moonstone Bay is an interesting place to start over but when you wake up on your second day of you stay and find not only dead body but an incredible hottie asking questions what else could go wrong. Just about everything.
Amanda Lee’s new series is the start of good things to come with its fun and sarcastic cast of characters. I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series.
August 5, 2022
This for me was a great start to this series. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I have to say yes it is similar to Amanda Lee's other series (or at least the 3 series I have read so far, I got over 3 more to go! ) but I really enjoyed it. I love the discovery of the characters and I can't wait to read more! Great book and a great start to a new series.
January 30, 2019
I loved this book; fun, witty and interesting
February 11, 2019
Great!
I loved her snarking personality and the romance. The mystery was a bit lacking though. Really loved the island atmosphere too. Will post the full review on my blog soon.
I loved her snarking personality and the romance. The mystery was a bit lacking though. Really loved the island atmosphere too. Will post the full review on my blog soon.
January 9, 2023
Idk
I couldn't really get into this one. I think there waa too much going on at once it felt a bit all over the place to me.
I couldn't really get into this one. I think there waa too much going on at once it felt a bit all over the place to me.
February 24, 2024
4.5 Stars:)
October 12, 2024
A fun first read in this witchy series. Entertaining with lots of characters and the potential for plenty of intriguing plots.
August 17, 2019
Not what I expected
Very depressing book, considering the genre. I expected a bit more light- heartedness, but it was like the author wanted to get as much information out in as little time/words possible. You don't end up really getting to know the characters, and many of those you may learn about, you don't like. I kept reading hoping for loose ends to be tied up, but was really left wanting.
Very depressing book, considering the genre. I expected a bit more light- heartedness, but it was like the author wanted to get as much information out in as little time/words possible. You don't end up really getting to know the characters, and many of those you may learn about, you don't like. I kept reading hoping for loose ends to be tied up, but was really left wanting.
June 5, 2019
Spectacular
I don't know how Amanda M. Lee does it but she can skin a good yarn and play with mutt emotions my family think I'm losing it alternatively wooing tears from my eyes then giggling like a loon!!! I love reading her books and highly recommend this series! It certainly starts with some shockers and keeps them coming right to the last chapter!!
I don't know how Amanda M. Lee does it but she can skin a good yarn and play with mutt emotions my family think I'm losing it alternatively wooing tears from my eyes then giggling like a loon!!! I love reading her books and highly recommend this series! It certainly starts with some shockers and keeps them coming right to the last chapter!!
December 13, 2020
Stupid heroine, Rapey love interest
Predictable, boring, utterly trash.
Not the slightest bit romantic and anyone who thinks the way the the love interest talks to the main character is romantic clearly needs masses of help with their mental help or is just so utterly stupid that they shouldn't be allowed to procreate
Predictable, boring, utterly trash.
Not the slightest bit romantic and anyone who thinks the way the the love interest talks to the main character is romantic clearly needs masses of help with their mental help or is just so utterly stupid that they shouldn't be allowed to procreate
December 25, 2019
Horrible writing and characters, amateurish plots, infuriating bickering. Cannot believe this author is popular. This is crap-tier, basically on par with various shitty LitRPG novels I've read.
November 14, 2023
Enjoyed this light-hearted read. Good paranormal cozy mystery. Pretty formulaic but totally enjoyable. I actually liked all the characters in this book and am looking forward to book 2 (and beyond).
October 16, 2021
Story was witty but predictable. The main character can sound very immature and annoying at times. Quick read.
December 24, 2023
Booker bir kere daha ‘shut up lilac’ deseydi ipadimi kıracaktım. Aşırı kötüydü. Hadley ne zaman duygulanacak olsa dağ ayısı polis bağırmaya başlıyordu. ACAB gerçekten
June 27, 2021
I’ve really been in a paranormal/UF mood with a witchy specification, and Hadley’s journey in Witchin’ USA was the perfect fit.
Summary:
Hadley Hunter has always led a normal life. She grew up with a normal single father, in a normal Detroit suburb, went to a normal college, and ended up with a normal job. When the will arrives, normal goes out the window. Suddenly, Hadley has a dead grandmother she never knew existed, and an inheritance that will turn her whole world upside down and challenge everything she’s ever believed. Hadley heads for Moonstone Bay and the amazing lighthouse home that has been passed down throughout the generations of her family. But things are definitely not normal in Hadley’s new island home. From the naked woman swimming in the ocean, the hot, secretive sheriff, and secret meetings where she is the topic of conversation, Hadley’s about to land in what some might call a fantasyland. If that’s not overwhelming enough, a body washes ashore in her backyard on her first day in town. It seems a killer is on the loose in her new home, and she may just be the next check on his list. Hadley will have to open her mind to a lot of the impossible, accept help from her new friends, and hold on to her hope for the future in order to make it through the new adventure.
I was hoping this would be a series that had a lot of magical elements in it, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was surprised that Hadley was such a novice. It made this first-in-series all the more entertaining. Hadley was hilarious. She pretty much had her world turned upside down, and even with a few mild mental breakdowns, she kept on going. I admired that she was determined to make her new life work if only to learn all she could about her mother’s family. I liked her snark and sass, and following along with her while learning all the elements of her new life was fun. She was overwhelmed at times, but her reactions and demeanor were laugh out loud funny. There wasn’t a lot to speak of in the way of romance here, but there is a potential love interest. I liked Galen okay. We don’t get his POV or very much about his life other than him being sheriff, so I feel like there may be more to him. I did like how firm and confident he was. He had an alpha air about him, and I really liked this. I’ll be interested to see if the smattering of flirty behavior becomes more. Overall, I had a great time reading this book. There were times I even laughed out loud at certain scenes or dialogue. The mystery was good for the first half or so, but fell kind of flat towards the end. I did guess who the “bad guy” was early on, but that didn’t detract from what I was reading. I was still happy to see Hadley find her way to the same conclusion. My issue came with how it just ended. I didn’t feel that the motive was explained in enough detail to understand why it was essential to the culprit. That said, it was still a fun read and I got a kick out of getting to know some of the Moonstone Bay residents. Booker is especially mysterious and I’m anxious to learn more about him. A promising start to the series. I hope it keeps the humor and sarcasm throughout. ♡
Summary:
Hadley Hunter has always led a normal life. She grew up with a normal single father, in a normal Detroit suburb, went to a normal college, and ended up with a normal job. When the will arrives, normal goes out the window. Suddenly, Hadley has a dead grandmother she never knew existed, and an inheritance that will turn her whole world upside down and challenge everything she’s ever believed. Hadley heads for Moonstone Bay and the amazing lighthouse home that has been passed down throughout the generations of her family. But things are definitely not normal in Hadley’s new island home. From the naked woman swimming in the ocean, the hot, secretive sheriff, and secret meetings where she is the topic of conversation, Hadley’s about to land in what some might call a fantasyland. If that’s not overwhelming enough, a body washes ashore in her backyard on her first day in town. It seems a killer is on the loose in her new home, and she may just be the next check on his list. Hadley will have to open her mind to a lot of the impossible, accept help from her new friends, and hold on to her hope for the future in order to make it through the new adventure.
I was hoping this would be a series that had a lot of magical elements in it, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was surprised that Hadley was such a novice. It made this first-in-series all the more entertaining. Hadley was hilarious. She pretty much had her world turned upside down, and even with a few mild mental breakdowns, she kept on going. I admired that she was determined to make her new life work if only to learn all she could about her mother’s family. I liked her snark and sass, and following along with her while learning all the elements of her new life was fun. She was overwhelmed at times, but her reactions and demeanor were laugh out loud funny. There wasn’t a lot to speak of in the way of romance here, but there is a potential love interest. I liked Galen okay. We don’t get his POV or very much about his life other than him being sheriff, so I feel like there may be more to him. I did like how firm and confident he was. He had an alpha air about him, and I really liked this. I’ll be interested to see if the smattering of flirty behavior becomes more. Overall, I had a great time reading this book. There were times I even laughed out loud at certain scenes or dialogue. The mystery was good for the first half or so, but fell kind of flat towards the end. I did guess who the “bad guy” was early on, but that didn’t detract from what I was reading. I was still happy to see Hadley find her way to the same conclusion. My issue came with how it just ended. I didn’t feel that the motive was explained in enough detail to understand why it was essential to the culprit. That said, it was still a fun read and I got a kick out of getting to know some of the Moonstone Bay residents. Booker is especially mysterious and I’m anxious to learn more about him. A promising start to the series. I hope it keeps the humor and sarcasm throughout. ♡
June 29, 2018
Reviewed at Haunted Bookshelf
Witchin’ USA is my first Amanda M. Lee book, yes, I know there are others out there but I wanted to start with a shorter series… and it seems I managed that as the second book isn’t available yet. So. Where do I begin?
Well, I can say that I liked the story, even though our heroine, Hadley could be very annoying, very often. I got that she’s just been handed a piece of her life that she never knew existed. Inheriting a lighthouse on an island far out from the Florida coast isn’t the usual way that we meet our grandmothers… or at least learn of them. It doesn’t take long to figure out that the island has some special qualities, or that all of the residents and tourists aren’t quite completely human. Moonstone Bay is a magical island, home to witches, shifters and so much more. And Hadley has been set down in the middle of it all totally confused… and in danger.
It didn’t really take long to figure out who the bad guy was… the why took up until the reveal to get straight. In the meantime there is a lot going on in Hadley’s life. Attacks, new experiences with the magical residents, some strange encounters on the beach, some talking ghosts… and one handsome sheriff to tangle with in so many delicious ways.
I really liked that the author states clearly in the author’s notes at the end of this book that not everyone is going to like her books or her sense of humor. For me it was 75% liked this book and 25% didn’t like Hadley. And probably the reasons that I’m not a Hadley fan is the constant sarcasm, the snark and the inability to actually listen to good advise from anyone, especially Galen. I just could not like the main character… yet, in an unexplainable way Hadley does grow on you, so I’m giving her the benefit of wait and see. I adored Galen, even liked the secondary characters and hope to learn more about them at some point. So, I liked the story, will continue the series when the next book comes out … and we’ll see on the other series. Would I recommend Witchin’ USA? Yes, but I do think you need to have a distinctive personality to enjoy the sarcasm and snark… and some days I do and some I don’t.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Witchin’ USA is my first Amanda M. Lee book, yes, I know there are others out there but I wanted to start with a shorter series… and it seems I managed that as the second book isn’t available yet. So. Where do I begin?
Well, I can say that I liked the story, even though our heroine, Hadley could be very annoying, very often. I got that she’s just been handed a piece of her life that she never knew existed. Inheriting a lighthouse on an island far out from the Florida coast isn’t the usual way that we meet our grandmothers… or at least learn of them. It doesn’t take long to figure out that the island has some special qualities, or that all of the residents and tourists aren’t quite completely human. Moonstone Bay is a magical island, home to witches, shifters and so much more. And Hadley has been set down in the middle of it all totally confused… and in danger.
It didn’t really take long to figure out who the bad guy was… the why took up until the reveal to get straight. In the meantime there is a lot going on in Hadley’s life. Attacks, new experiences with the magical residents, some strange encounters on the beach, some talking ghosts… and one handsome sheriff to tangle with in so many delicious ways.
I really liked that the author states clearly in the author’s notes at the end of this book that not everyone is going to like her books or her sense of humor. For me it was 75% liked this book and 25% didn’t like Hadley. And probably the reasons that I’m not a Hadley fan is the constant sarcasm, the snark and the inability to actually listen to good advise from anyone, especially Galen. I just could not like the main character… yet, in an unexplainable way Hadley does grow on you, so I’m giving her the benefit of wait and see. I adored Galen, even liked the secondary characters and hope to learn more about them at some point. So, I liked the story, will continue the series when the next book comes out … and we’ll see on the other series. Would I recommend Witchin’ USA? Yes, but I do think you need to have a distinctive personality to enjoy the sarcasm and snark… and some days I do and some I don’t.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
February 2, 2021
I'm honestly not sure what to make of this one.
I love the humor, the snark and the sarcasm. It's full of fun, quirky, oddball characters that are literally "full of character".
The story itself is also quite intriguing. (even though the whodunit was a no-brainer) I like that for once we see the mc actually struggle to come to terms with their new reality, which frankly seems a lot more plausible than a momentary freak-out and after that they act like it's no biggie.
The romance is just as quirky as the rest of the story. There's no wooing or dancing around each other or anything, it's like he simply decided that she's his and that's that. Only he forgot to let her know. Still, they are somehow funny and cute together.
Now for the annoying and frustrating bits:
There's a lot of cryptic and enigmatic stuff (which I loathe , fiercely so).
You know, all the hinting at stuff, but never clarifying. "We'll talk about it later", "That's a discussion for another time",
Or "We have much to talk about" but never actually get around to it.
And to really rub it in these very same people that refuse to explain and tell her stuff then laugh at/make fun of her ignorance even though they are the ones refusing to tell her.
It also bugged me how pretty much everyone from May, to Lilac to Galen has a tendency to simply disregard anything Hadley is saying, repeatedly simply make decisions for her without so much as asking, like she's a child. a lot of patronizing, teasing, making fun of her, but very little in the way of actually giving answers, providing vital information. What's worse is, she lets them get away with it. As much as I like Hadley I wish she had a bit more of a backbone/ would assert herself a bit more.
I just hope this gets better once she get's a bit more settled in her new home.
So yeah a lot of fun, with a bunch of laugh out loud moments, but also quite annoying at times and there are a lot of things, questions left unanswered. Let's hope these her setups for future stories and we finally start getting some answers in the coming book.
I love the humor, the snark and the sarcasm. It's full of fun, quirky, oddball characters that are literally "full of character".
The story itself is also quite intriguing. (even though the whodunit was a no-brainer) I like that for once we see the mc actually struggle to come to terms with their new reality, which frankly seems a lot more plausible than a momentary freak-out and after that they act like it's no biggie.
The romance is just as quirky as the rest of the story. There's no wooing or dancing around each other or anything, it's like he simply decided that she's his and that's that. Only he forgot to let her know. Still, they are somehow funny and cute together.
Now for the annoying and frustrating bits:
There's a lot of cryptic and enigmatic stuff (which I loathe , fiercely so).
You know, all the hinting at stuff, but never clarifying. "We'll talk about it later", "That's a discussion for another time",
Or "We have much to talk about" but never actually get around to it.
And to really rub it in these very same people that refuse to explain and tell her stuff then laugh at/make fun of her ignorance even though they are the ones refusing to tell her.
It also bugged me how pretty much everyone from May, to Lilac to Galen has a tendency to simply disregard anything Hadley is saying, repeatedly simply make decisions for her without so much as asking, like she's a child. a lot of patronizing, teasing, making fun of her, but very little in the way of actually giving answers, providing vital information. What's worse is, she lets them get away with it. As much as I like Hadley I wish she had a bit more of a backbone/ would assert herself a bit more.
I just hope this gets better once she get's a bit more settled in her new home.
So yeah a lot of fun, with a bunch of laugh out loud moments, but also quite annoying at times and there are a lot of things, questions left unanswered. Let's hope these her setups for future stories and we finally start getting some answers in the coming book.
October 8, 2020
An island that is It's own unique reality; with zombies, witches, ghosts, shifters, and more
I found Amanda M. Lee through my sister who gave me the 1st book of the Wicked Witches of the Midwest for my birthday in 2019. I was thrilled with that series. It was very enjoyable. I would recommend it. Give it a try, beware, the snark. It maybe too much for some readers.
After reading that series, I decided to read other Amanda M. Lee books. This is the 1st Amanda M. Lee book I picked up in my search for additional entertaining, cozy paranormal mysteries by Amanda M. Lee. The paranormal aspects of the 2 series were very different. However Amanda M. Lee's snarkiness, Is still evidence in all the dialog. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development, because of the snark, bickering, and general poking at each other that all characters seemed to excel. This dialog however is not for everyone if you do not enjoy snark and you feel that adults participating in bickering and gossiping etc. is childish, you shouldn't read Amanda M. lee.
The book starts with, the main female lead, Hadley, inheriting a lighthouse, on an island. She moves to the island to Learn more about her family and gain her inheritance. When you move, you obviously expect your life to change. However you do not expect, Your whole world view to change. For Hadley, everything she has ever believed about her family and about the supernatural Is uprooted and thrown away by her move. Hadley learns paranormal beings are real and she's one of those beings, a witch. She grapples with trying to understand a world view containing; zombies, vampires witches, ghosts and more. But Hadley's struggles are just beginning. Not only does she have to find her way in her paranormal world, but she also has to stay alive long enough to enjoy her inheritance. Someone is suddenly trying to kill her!!
Is it a benefit or hindrance that suddenly she finds herself with powerful magic powers?
I found Amanda M. Lee through my sister who gave me the 1st book of the Wicked Witches of the Midwest for my birthday in 2019. I was thrilled with that series. It was very enjoyable. I would recommend it. Give it a try, beware, the snark. It maybe too much for some readers.
After reading that series, I decided to read other Amanda M. Lee books. This is the 1st Amanda M. Lee book I picked up in my search for additional entertaining, cozy paranormal mysteries by Amanda M. Lee. The paranormal aspects of the 2 series were very different. However Amanda M. Lee's snarkiness, Is still evidence in all the dialog. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development, because of the snark, bickering, and general poking at each other that all characters seemed to excel. This dialog however is not for everyone if you do not enjoy snark and you feel that adults participating in bickering and gossiping etc. is childish, you shouldn't read Amanda M. lee.
The book starts with, the main female lead, Hadley, inheriting a lighthouse, on an island. She moves to the island to Learn more about her family and gain her inheritance. When you move, you obviously expect your life to change. However you do not expect, Your whole world view to change. For Hadley, everything she has ever believed about her family and about the supernatural Is uprooted and thrown away by her move. Hadley learns paranormal beings are real and she's one of those beings, a witch. She grapples with trying to understand a world view containing; zombies, vampires witches, ghosts and more. But Hadley's struggles are just beginning. Not only does she have to find her way in her paranormal world, but she also has to stay alive long enough to enjoy her inheritance. Someone is suddenly trying to kill her!!
Is it a benefit or hindrance that suddenly she finds herself with powerful magic powers?
January 30, 2019
2019 Grade A--
Definitely a fun read although I suspect it will only earn a B+ the next time I read it. Technically the book is a murder mystery in addition to being fantasy. But the mystery is a rather minor part of the book. Mostly it gives the protagonist (Hadley) a reason for wandering around, doing stupid things, and getting into trouble. The story mostly concerns Hadley learning about her past, her new home, and the magic powers that come with it.
The first half of the book is delightful. About half way through, I got tired of Hadley's self doubt and self reproach. She also mostly reacts to other people's actions instead of being proactive. I like stronger and less mentally damaged characters. By about 80% of the way through, I did a little speed reading. Not too much though since the conclusion starts not long after that point.
The conclusion was a little bit of a let down. No one figured out who the killer was ahead of time - the killer just showed up at Hadley's door intent on killing her too. Although Hadley delayed her death by talking, she still did not rescue herself. Where was the magic now that she needed it? In the end, she had to be saved by three of the supporting characters.
This version of the magic world is one of the most enjoyable that I have ever encountered. Add that to the entertaining characters and dialog the author writes and it is quite enjoyable. Even the five supporting characters are unique and different. We don't see much depth in them because it is only told from Hadley's point of view, but it doesn't matter. The prose flows along smoothly and is easy to read - it is very well written.
A recommended story.
Definitely a fun read although I suspect it will only earn a B+ the next time I read it. Technically the book is a murder mystery in addition to being fantasy. But the mystery is a rather minor part of the book. Mostly it gives the protagonist (Hadley) a reason for wandering around, doing stupid things, and getting into trouble. The story mostly concerns Hadley learning about her past, her new home, and the magic powers that come with it.
The first half of the book is delightful. About half way through, I got tired of Hadley's self doubt and self reproach. She also mostly reacts to other people's actions instead of being proactive. I like stronger and less mentally damaged characters. By about 80% of the way through, I did a little speed reading. Not too much though since the conclusion starts not long after that point.
The conclusion was a little bit of a let down. No one figured out who the killer was ahead of time - the killer just showed up at Hadley's door intent on killing her too. Although Hadley delayed her death by talking, she still did not rescue herself. Where was the magic now that she needed it? In the end, she had to be saved by three of the supporting characters.
This version of the magic world is one of the most enjoyable that I have ever encountered. Add that to the entertaining characters and dialog the author writes and it is quite enjoyable. Even the five supporting characters are unique and different. We don't see much depth in them because it is only told from Hadley's point of view, but it doesn't matter. The prose flows along smoothly and is easy to read - it is very well written.
A recommended story.
May 4, 2022
I wish that the one star rating at goodreads meant "I hated it," because I truly hated this book. I started out thinking I was going to like this book, but as one sexual innuendo after another kept piling up, I just wanted it to make it stop. I didn't like any of the characters. I realize I was not the target audience for this book. I wish the author cared more about the age group to whom this will appeal. It sends so many wrong messages.
The worst part was the whole slut shaming vs prude shaming. I feel sorry for teenage girls of today. Those who decide to have sex are called sluts and those who refuse are called prudes. Having the main character get into a protracted public argument where so called adult females are hurling charges of slut and prude at each other is just so wrong! Even worse is having the main character waking up in bed with a man who drugged her and then crawled into bed with her supposedly to protect her. To quote Erika Jong. "Beware of the man who wants to protect you; he will protect you from everything but himself."
Then a few chapters later, she once again wakes up in bed with the same man who is naked this time. She automatically assumes they had sex even though she has no memory of it, and instead of trying to find out if he raped her, she tells the town gossip who tells everybody that she had sex with him but just can't remember. Instead of everybody thinking he had raped her, they call her a slut! She even blames herself. WRONG MESSAGE TO SEND TO YOUNG GIRLS!!!!!!!
The worst part was the whole slut shaming vs prude shaming. I feel sorry for teenage girls of today. Those who decide to have sex are called sluts and those who refuse are called prudes. Having the main character get into a protracted public argument where so called adult females are hurling charges of slut and prude at each other is just so wrong! Even worse is having the main character waking up in bed with a man who drugged her and then crawled into bed with her supposedly to protect her. To quote Erika Jong. "Beware of the man who wants to protect you; he will protect you from everything but himself."
Then a few chapters later, she once again wakes up in bed with the same man who is naked this time. She automatically assumes they had sex even though she has no memory of it, and instead of trying to find out if he raped her, she tells the town gossip who tells everybody that she had sex with him but just can't remember. Instead of everybody thinking he had raped her, they call her a slut! She even blames herself. WRONG MESSAGE TO SEND TO YOUNG GIRLS!!!!!!!
July 31, 2018
I've read several of this author's series, under both pen names. I get that this is a paranormal romance mystery novel but I would kill for a bit more variety. Firstly the majority of the male leads are all the most eligible bachelors who are the handsomest men in the area, all in some kind of law enforcement/security position who always instantly fall for the female lead within DAYS. It does get a bit boring with the same cookie cutter characters, and repeated vocabulary. Idk how many more times I can read the words "schmaltz" & "snark". I also really dislike that the characters are constantly repeating themselves! It's so frustrating to be reading the same thing over and over again. Her earlier books also had a lot of errors which really took something away from the experience.
On the plus side, I enjoy her humor and writing style. Like I said I read a lot of her stuff, I keep coming back. I liked the various additional paranormal characters, like a syren, shifters, etc. being all together. I think her writing is much better in this book, not a single "schmaltz" or "snark." I also think the story flows much better, not a lot of repetition like on other books. And the editing is great! I hate reading & running across mistakes, it completely pulls me out of the story. Even though the characters were typical, I really liked it. The concept of a magical village with a varied paranormal community was very refreshing. I enjoyed reading it & looking forward to more books.
On the plus side, I enjoy her humor and writing style. Like I said I read a lot of her stuff, I keep coming back. I liked the various additional paranormal characters, like a syren, shifters, etc. being all together. I think her writing is much better in this book, not a single "schmaltz" or "snark." I also think the story flows much better, not a lot of repetition like on other books. And the editing is great! I hate reading & running across mistakes, it completely pulls me out of the story. Even though the characters were typical, I really liked it. The concept of a magical village with a varied paranormal community was very refreshing. I enjoyed reading it & looking forward to more books.
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