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The Witches of Canyon Road #2
Darker Paths
Sometimes the easy path is the worst one to take….
Humiliated in front of the entire Castillo witch clan, Miranda McAllister flees to take sanctuary with Simon Gutierrez, the one person in Santa Fe who seems to understand her and her troubles. Simon’s promise to help Miranda develop her awakening powers only makes his offer of refuge that much more enticing, and she vows never to have anything to do with the Castillos again.
Miranda’s fiancé Rafe Castillo embarks on a search to discover how the woman he loves disappeared right before his eyes. And with dark forces gathering around his clan, striking where they least expect it, Rafe fears he can’t possibly locate Miranda in time…and that he may lose her forever.
Darker Paths is the second novel in the Witches of Canyon Road series, a spin-off from Christine Pope’s bestselling Witches of Cleopatra Hill books.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2018
213 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
213 books1,093 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 27, 2018
Darker Paths by Christine Pope is the second book in the Witches of Canyon Road. You really need to read the first book in the series, Hidden Gifts, but you don’t need to read her other witch books first.
Miranda has been promised to Rafe since before she was born. Drawn together 21 years ago to fight the dark mage Joaquin Escobar, the Castillo clan (Rafe) and the McAllister clan (Miranda) agree to the match shortly before Rafe’s grandmother dies. But things don’t always work out the way they are supposed to!
At the end of the last book, Rafe was under some influence to say terrible things to Miranda in front of the entire church right before they were to be married. Miranda teleported out of there and hasn’t been seen since and Rafe can remember nothing that happened. Not what he said or who Miranda might be with. Luckily one of his sisters can see the black magic around him, so everyone understands it wasn’t his fault, but where is Miranda?
Meanwhile, Miranda is with Simon. He has always been nice to her and never asked anything of her. And now he says he can teach her how to use her magic! She certainly can’t go back to the Castillo household and her emotions are too raw for her to go home to her parents. If she goes with Simon, she can learn how to learn her magic and take something of value back to her parents. She is 21 after all! So Simon let’s her use his phone to call them. She has to leave a voice message, but that’s not too strange, right? They go off together to an estate in the middle of nowhere so they can be alone as Miranda learns magic. Miranda isn’t positive she’s doing the right thing, but she’s since talked to her parents and they know she’s safe. And she is learning! She is strong in magic, stronger than she ever dreamed.
Rafe meanwhile is trying to find Miranda and slowly going crazy. He has finalized realized that he is in love with her and will do anything to find her. And he has this nagging feeling that his is forgetting something important. Something to do with a wine tasting room downtown. But when he goes there, instead of remembering anything, all he feels is black magic.
Will Rafe find Miranda in time? Will Miranda figure out that Simon isn’t the good guy he pretends to be? What about the rest of the clans? Who else gets drawn into the web of deceit and black magic? And who will pay the ultimate price?
This was a great book! The author told it as two stories with one chapter devoted to Miranda and the next to Rafe. There were a couple of times I wanted to skip a chapter just so I could keep going on one storyline! The characters are well thought out and the plot is fast pasted and full of action. What a great ride! I can hardly wait for the next installment to come out!
Miranda has been promised to Rafe since before she was born. Drawn together 21 years ago to fight the dark mage Joaquin Escobar, the Castillo clan (Rafe) and the McAllister clan (Miranda) agree to the match shortly before Rafe’s grandmother dies. But things don’t always work out the way they are supposed to!
At the end of the last book, Rafe was under some influence to say terrible things to Miranda in front of the entire church right before they were to be married. Miranda teleported out of there and hasn’t been seen since and Rafe can remember nothing that happened. Not what he said or who Miranda might be with. Luckily one of his sisters can see the black magic around him, so everyone understands it wasn’t his fault, but where is Miranda?
Meanwhile, Miranda is with Simon. He has always been nice to her and never asked anything of her. And now he says he can teach her how to use her magic! She certainly can’t go back to the Castillo household and her emotions are too raw for her to go home to her parents. If she goes with Simon, she can learn how to learn her magic and take something of value back to her parents. She is 21 after all! So Simon let’s her use his phone to call them. She has to leave a voice message, but that’s not too strange, right? They go off together to an estate in the middle of nowhere so they can be alone as Miranda learns magic. Miranda isn’t positive she’s doing the right thing, but she’s since talked to her parents and they know she’s safe. And she is learning! She is strong in magic, stronger than she ever dreamed.
Rafe meanwhile is trying to find Miranda and slowly going crazy. He has finalized realized that he is in love with her and will do anything to find her. And he has this nagging feeling that his is forgetting something important. Something to do with a wine tasting room downtown. But when he goes there, instead of remembering anything, all he feels is black magic.
Will Rafe find Miranda in time? Will Miranda figure out that Simon isn’t the good guy he pretends to be? What about the rest of the clans? Who else gets drawn into the web of deceit and black magic? And who will pay the ultimate price?
This was a great book! The author told it as two stories with one chapter devoted to Miranda and the next to Rafe. There were a couple of times I wanted to skip a chapter just so I could keep going on one storyline! The characters are well thought out and the plot is fast pasted and full of action. What a great ride! I can hardly wait for the next installment to come out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2020
3 stars = I liked it with nits. This review contains spoilers for book 1, but most of them are in actually in the cover blurb. So, I am not really giving much away.
The ending of first book ( and the include sneak peak at the first chapter of this book) did a good job of making me want to read this book even though I had to shell out $$ this time - the first book was free. This picks up after Miranda leaves with Simon to learn about the powers she never thought she'd have. This story is told from Miranda and Rafe's point of view, with her learning her powers and trying to both recover from Rafe's betrayal and trying to sort out her feelings for Simon; and Rafe desperately trying to look for Miranda and figure out who ensorcelled him and stole her away.
Both parts were interesting enough, but I had two problems with this episode overall. First I had a big problem with Miranda going off and giving her trust to Simon, especially after he starts admitting how many things he's lied to her about, she spends a lot of time telling herself why his lies were okay and trying to manufacture deeper feelings for him - since he's done such a good job of 'helping' her. My other problem is more minor, while Rafe is looking for her he starts deciding that he loves her (they didn't have that many interactions and had know each other less than a week when she disappears in the first book) and I like smart characters, and while both Miranda and Rafe are likable, they are not smart, hence the nits.
Still Pope does have a knack for drawing you into wanting to read the next book - there's a big bombshell at the end and again the tease of the first chapter of the next book to hook the reader into wanting to know what happens next.
The ending of first book ( and the include sneak peak at the first chapter of this book) did a good job of making me want to read this book even though I had to shell out $$ this time - the first book was free. This picks up after Miranda leaves with Simon to learn about the powers she never thought she'd have. This story is told from Miranda and Rafe's point of view, with her learning her powers and trying to both recover from Rafe's betrayal and trying to sort out her feelings for Simon; and Rafe desperately trying to look for Miranda and figure out who ensorcelled him and stole her away.
Both parts were interesting enough, but I had two problems with this episode overall. First I had a big problem with Miranda going off and giving her trust to Simon, especially after he starts admitting how many things he's lied to her about, she spends a lot of time telling herself why his lies were okay and trying to manufacture deeper feelings for him - since he's done such a good job of 'helping' her. My other problem is more minor, while Rafe is looking for her he starts deciding that he loves her (they didn't have that many interactions and had know each other less than a week when she disappears in the first book) and I like smart characters, and while both Miranda and Rafe are likable, they are not smart, hence the nits.
Still Pope does have a knack for drawing you into wanting to read the next book - there's a big bombshell at the end and again the tease of the first chapter of the next book to hook the reader into wanting to know what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2019
This is a review of:
1. Hidden Gifts (2018)
2. Darker Paths (2018)
3. Mysterious Ways (2018)
4. A Canyon Road Christmas (2018)
5. Demon Born (2019)
Not nearly as good as some of her others . . . she writes so well that I always enjoy her style, but these just weren't as good except for the last one, A Demon Born.
The first three listed must be read together. They are basically one longer book. The reason I do not like these three books as well as others of hers was that I just didn't buy some of the facts/situations. Some examples: The author might have been able to convince me, or she might have thought up other reasons that would have supported her situations, but she didn't. Thin.
The Christmas Story was just meh. I mean, it was ok, and a nice, happy piece, maybe in the 3&1/2 to 4 range, but parts seemed so repetitive, and then towards the end, there was like a whole page of internal exposition by the protagonist that was absolutely repeated a few pages later almost verbatim. Snore! Either poor proofreading or trying to stretch? Not sure
Finally, the last one was fun. Well-paced, fun, I just liked it. I think you can skip the others and just read this one if you are like me . . . So many books, so little time.
1. Hidden Gifts (2018)
2. Darker Paths (2018)
3. Mysterious Ways (2018)
4. A Canyon Road Christmas (2018)
5. Demon Born (2019)
Not nearly as good as some of her others . . . she writes so well that I always enjoy her style, but these just weren't as good except for the last one, A Demon Born.
The first three listed must be read together. They are basically one longer book. The reason I do not like these three books as well as others of hers was that I just didn't buy some of the facts/situations. Some examples: The author might have been able to convince me, or she might have thought up other reasons that would have supported her situations, but she didn't. Thin.
The Christmas Story was just meh. I mean, it was ok, and a nice, happy piece, maybe in the 3&1/2 to 4 range, but parts seemed so repetitive, and then towards the end, there was like a whole page of internal exposition by the protagonist that was absolutely repeated a few pages later almost verbatim. Snore! Either poor proofreading or trying to stretch? Not sure
Finally, the last one was fun. Well-paced, fun, I just liked it. I think you can skip the others and just read this one if you are like me . . . So many books, so little time.
May 16, 2018
Darker Paths picks up almost immediately where Hidden Gifts ended. Miranda is in Simon’s apartment after being rejected at the alter by Rafe. Together they leave Santa Fe and head to a new place to hide out, so Simon can help Miranda with her abilities. As the days pass and Simon tutors Miranda in her new found magical abilities the Castillo Clan are frantically searching for Miranda. Meanwhile, Miranda begins to feel that something isn’t right. Follow the continued adventure of Miranda, Simon, and Rafe. Miranda and Rafe go through their own journeys to set things right and find each other once again.
I was sent an ARC copy of this book but it no way affects my opinions on the book. This was a great read, one that kept my on the edge of my seat with each chapter. The relationships between the characters was a great read. In this story there is a lot of growth to be seen in Miranda, not just magical wise but as a person. She becomes more confident and defiant but there’s still a softness to her. She’s a character that I easily connected to in some aspects of her life. I highly recommend this book, anything by Christine Pope is always wonderful to read. There were a few unexpected twists and turns that have left me in anticipation for the next book!
I was sent an ARC copy of this book but it no way affects my opinions on the book. This was a great read, one that kept my on the edge of my seat with each chapter. The relationships between the characters was a great read. In this story there is a lot of growth to be seen in Miranda, not just magical wise but as a person. She becomes more confident and defiant but there’s still a softness to her. She’s a character that I easily connected to in some aspects of her life. I highly recommend this book, anything by Christine Pope is always wonderful to read. There were a few unexpected twists and turns that have left me in anticipation for the next book!
April 29, 2018
This new generation of "Cleopatra Hill" Witches are not having an easy time of it!
Miranda McAllister was tied to Rafe Castillo from birth. She was sent off to be married to him on her 21st birthday. But neither are easy with this pact but eventually came around to realise that they want to go through with the wedding. But the friend Miranda made, Simon, was not all that he seemed and he meddled with Rafe and essentially made him dump Miranda at the altar!
Rafe is till reeling from what he was made to do, in front of his family and friends and most importantly what it did to Miranda. She fled the chapel and has now gone to ground. He has his family investigators searching for her but he needs some magical back up! As he reveals some of the mystery surrounding Simon, he realises that Miranda is in real peril and he may just have lost her forever!
The twists and turns in this are of epic proportions. You love Rafe, you worry about Miranda, you relish in the comeuppance you know Simon has coming. I read it in one sitting, I just could not put it down! There are so many loose ends that I need tidied up!
Miranda McAllister was tied to Rafe Castillo from birth. She was sent off to be married to him on her 21st birthday. But neither are easy with this pact but eventually came around to realise that they want to go through with the wedding. But the friend Miranda made, Simon, was not all that he seemed and he meddled with Rafe and essentially made him dump Miranda at the altar!
Rafe is till reeling from what he was made to do, in front of his family and friends and most importantly what it did to Miranda. She fled the chapel and has now gone to ground. He has his family investigators searching for her but he needs some magical back up! As he reveals some of the mystery surrounding Simon, he realises that Miranda is in real peril and he may just have lost her forever!
The twists and turns in this are of epic proportions. You love Rafe, you worry about Miranda, you relish in the comeuppance you know Simon has coming. I read it in one sitting, I just could not put it down! There are so many loose ends that I need tidied up!
April 27, 2018
Awesome Series…Recommend Highly
Darker Paths is the second book in the series of “The Witches of Canyon Road and it does not disappoint.
At the alter on her wedding day Miranda McAllister is humiliated by her fiancé Rafe Castillo. Feeling disgraced she flees the devasting scene, and connects with Simon Gutierrez, who she believes understands her and her troubles. Searching and hoping to find the woman he now realizes he loves, Rafe Castillo is up against dark forces surrounding him and his clan. His worst fear is that he will lose Miranda forever.
This is a dynamic read with characters who grab you into the story. It keeps you guessing and wanting to know how everything will turn out in the long run. The characters, the storyline, the suspense, and the action were absolutely excellent. I was totally engrossed and had a hard time putting the book down. Since I hate endings, I don’t mind if there is a cliff-hanger because it only tells me the author is going to continue where she left off. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series!!!!
Darker Paths is the second book in the series of “The Witches of Canyon Road and it does not disappoint.
At the alter on her wedding day Miranda McAllister is humiliated by her fiancé Rafe Castillo. Feeling disgraced she flees the devasting scene, and connects with Simon Gutierrez, who she believes understands her and her troubles. Searching and hoping to find the woman he now realizes he loves, Rafe Castillo is up against dark forces surrounding him and his clan. His worst fear is that he will lose Miranda forever.
This is a dynamic read with characters who grab you into the story. It keeps you guessing and wanting to know how everything will turn out in the long run. The characters, the storyline, the suspense, and the action were absolutely excellent. I was totally engrossed and had a hard time putting the book down. Since I hate endings, I don’t mind if there is a cliff-hanger because it only tells me the author is going to continue where she left off. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series!!!!
April 28, 2018
That black cat! I knew it had to be part of what develops into an intricate puzzle, although not quite the missing piece. Miranda comes into her own as she explores her many gifts, but has to stand up for who she is as a person, her beliefs, and what her heart forbids her in using her powers. She wrestles with the shadows that Raff left on her heart and her attraction to Simon. Christine proves again what a good writer she is as she twists the plot over and under and around, keeping we, the readers, in her magic until the very end. And then, we are left wanting the next book yet again!!
(Hard to write a review without succumbing to spoilers, but if you have enjoyed Christine's other paranormal books and are hooked like me; you, too, will be waiting with anticipation for July! So curl up in a comfy spot and JUST READ IT! ...enjoy)
(Hard to write a review without succumbing to spoilers, but if you have enjoyed Christine's other paranormal books and are hooked like me; you, too, will be waiting with anticipation for July! So curl up in a comfy spot and JUST READ IT! ...enjoy)
May 5, 2018
Ugh another cliffhanger!! I was disappointed that the first book in the series had a cliffhanger ending and even more so with Darker Paths. I had a difficult time connecting with Miranda in this book…she seemed just kind of clueless and wishy washy about dealing with the fallout from her non wedding to Rafe and then learning about using her gifts from Simon. Rafe and Miranda both show some growth as the book progresses. Pope writes a very evil character in Simon and while the reader can see it coming it is still a little startling when his true colors are shown. I wanted both the younger Castillo siblings to grow a pair and knock the Prima, Genoveva, down a peg or two. But then the cliffhanger ending….I will confess to intensely disliking cliffhangers but I will continue to read the series because I am now invested in it.
May 25, 2018
Wonderfully written book. A real pleasant surprise. Enjoyed reading this immensely. Was done too fast for me (basically read in a day - start at night, half done and finish next day). Cannot wait for the next one.
My first in this series ( have read one other by this author in another series). Was surprised how fast this book went. I did miss the introductions of the characters from the first book - which i will have to read for the continuation of the series. That took a minute to understand the characters. I admit that I was feeling for Simon and his feelings for 'jilted bride". Nice job there, author.
Was surprised to see this listed as paranormal romance. I thought it young adult fantasy.
I did receive this book as an ARC and this is my honest and freely given review.
My first in this series ( have read one other by this author in another series). Was surprised how fast this book went. I did miss the introductions of the characters from the first book - which i will have to read for the continuation of the series. That took a minute to understand the characters. I admit that I was feeling for Simon and his feelings for 'jilted bride". Nice job there, author.
Was surprised to see this listed as paranormal romance. I thought it young adult fantasy.
I did receive this book as an ARC and this is my honest and freely given review.
May 19, 2018
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Darker Paths by Christine Pope is the second book in The Witches of Canyon Road series. The Canyon Road series is an off shoot of The Witches of Cleopatra Hill series. These stories are amazing! You don't need to have read The Witches of Cleopatra Hill series to get into Miranda and Rafe's story. This series picks up twenty years after the conclusion of Cleopatra Hill. There is so much action, drama, magic and emotion packed into this storyline that you definitely shouldn't miss it. Christine Pope weaves a story that pulls you in and keeps you wanting more! If you have read Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison or Gena Showalter, you will love Christine Pope.
September 27, 2018
I consider it good timing to have been able to read an ARC of this book right as I completed Hidden Gifts, because it picks up almost immediately after book 1 ends. I would describe Simon as one of those as-seen-on-Tv deals mixed with a shady car dealer: you're talked up with the advertisement until you buy into the deal, only to end up overcharged and filled with regrets. Once again the story drags you in and takes you on a heck of a ride that you wonder if you'll see the end of. It does end with a cliffhanger, and while I'm not a huge fan of them, with this story I can manage. I received an ARC of this story and volunteered to review.
April 28, 2018
Great Continuation of the Story! Wow! I think Darker Paths was even better than Hidden Gifts, the first book in this series. I found myself telling the main character, Miranda: Don’t be stupid…think...think about what’s happening!!! All-in-all the story ended in a good sense (thank goodness) on one aspect but with a shocking and horrible consequence on another. Can’t wait for Book 3 to continue on with the story to see what will happen next!! I’m totally in suspense… I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 9, 2018
I was excited to get the second book in this series. I wasn't disappointed, as it followed on well from the first in the series. I was anticipating finding out about Simon's true nature, and his intentions for Miranda. The story kept me guessing, and I couldn't imagine what was next for Rafe. As usual, Pope's writing is flawless. All around, it was a satisfying read and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
December 4, 2019
Simon has helped Miranda learn to use her developing powers. He has her confused about her feelings concerning Rafe, who she feels has betrayed her. Rafe spends his time trying to find his fiance and prove that he didn’t mean what he said to break her heart. Simon claims to care for Miranda and wants to build a life with her but, she still has her heart set on Rafe. The plot thickens as Simon has more to his story.
May 20, 2018
I wasn't expecting that ending. Now I'm gonna have to get the next book. Christine Pope delivers on the 2nd installment in this series. I wanted to read this book all in one sitting, as it was that good. The storyline continues right after Hidden Gifts and we learn who this Simon character is. I recommend to anyone that wants to read a great suspenseful book.
June 21, 2018
This is the second book on the Witches of Canyon Road Series. Christine's writing talent never ceases to amaze me. Once I immerse myself in her books I can't leave the pages until finish. Always leave sme wanting more. I didn't want the book to end. I'll be waiting eagerly for Christine's Pope next book
October 2, 2018
I can't believe who Simon is truly. And he had a choice in his life 2 b good or evil but the way he talked about his childhood it feels like he did it 4 spite cause of how he was treated. Thank god that Raf found her finally. It really sick that a innocent cousin died. They all need 2 and 2gether more now than ever b4.
May 26, 2018
I loved the second installment to this series ! And the ending....... I really need to read the next book soon !
May 29, 2018
Darker paths
Christine pope is an amazing author and has you gripped from beginning to end. Cannot wait for the next one
Christine pope is an amazing author and has you gripped from beginning to end. Cannot wait for the next one
May 29, 2018
Great Read
Could not put it down!
Love the plot line and the fast paced read.
Recommend you read the 1st one before this.
Could not put it down!
Love the plot line and the fast paced read.
Recommend you read the 1st one before this.
January 2, 2020
Light action, family, romance and magic story
I enjoyed this book so much that I went right to reading book 3. My review for book 3 covers books 1, 2 and 3.
I enjoyed this book so much that I went right to reading book 3. My review for book 3 covers books 1, 2 and 3.
August 6, 2020
As usual, Christine Pope hasn’t disappointed, thoroughly enjoyed story line it’s all twists and turns
October 5, 2020
Amazing
October 6, 2020
This book is not opening how can I open this book
July 9, 2025
Great read
I love this author. This story line is intriguing and spell binding. It's appropriate for young adults and up. It isn't explicit but is suggestive.
I love this author. This story line is intriguing and spell binding. It's appropriate for young adults and up. It isn't explicit but is suggestive.
June 1, 2018
An usually slow read
I love her books but this one was very slow. I did skip parts because it dragged on. It started getting good towards the end and then it was over with a cliffhanger.
I love her books but this one was very slow. I did skip parts because it dragged on. It started getting good towards the end and then it was over with a cliffhanger.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews