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A Violetta Massoni Adventure #1
Stir Until Petrified
Welcome to beautiful Palermo Bay, where the witches are fierce
...and the biscotti is to die for.
Violetta "Etta" Massoni is an Italian witch living and working with her overbearing family in the sleepy seaside town of Palermo Bay. Healing from tragedy, she wants nothing to do with the magic she was born with.
Etta soon finds herself forced into the world of magic that she had resisted for so long. The peaceful calm of her community is shattered by a string of attacks that leaves fifteen people trapped in their dreams. An ominous magic task force is sent to investigate, with Etta as their number one suspect.
Her family has never been able to mind their own business, and they aren’t about to start now! Dragging her grandmother from crime scenes will be the least of her worries. Join Etta and the whole Massoni girl gang on a perilous, hilarious adventure filled with magic, myth, and minestrone!
...and the biscotti is to die for.
Violetta "Etta" Massoni is an Italian witch living and working with her overbearing family in the sleepy seaside town of Palermo Bay. Healing from tragedy, she wants nothing to do with the magic she was born with.
Etta soon finds herself forced into the world of magic that she had resisted for so long. The peaceful calm of her community is shattered by a string of attacks that leaves fifteen people trapped in their dreams. An ominous magic task force is sent to investigate, with Etta as their number one suspect.
Her family has never been able to mind their own business, and they aren’t about to start now! Dragging her grandmother from crime scenes will be the least of her worries. Join Etta and the whole Massoni girl gang on a perilous, hilarious adventure filled with magic, myth, and minestrone!
- GenresUrban FantasyNew Adult
435 pages, ebook
Published May 13, 2018
17 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 13, 2018
Would Recommend.
Supernatural. UF. Super powerful, jaded, self-centered, witch heroine. Our star-crossed heroine Etta finds herself in a no-win situation. After defending herself with unlicensed magic, the Ossveratory (the supernatural community's police) gives Etta a choice die or work for them. In accordance, she starts working with a lying bastard, a cold bitch, a sexy fairy, and an emotional syphin water spirit, together they invastage a series of comatose victims of an unknown strega. Vallee's knows how to color a world with her descriptive narrative and bookish vocabulary. I really liked this story. I loved the MC's continueous wit and sarcasm. I'm hoping for more background and knowledge of each character in the next installment. Since this was the introduction and had a bunch of action going on you don't really get to know anyone. The characters definitely have their personalities though. They're all unique and stick to their written character. The plot mystery has layers, you can foresee some major suffering and hardships Etta will be subjected too. One thing on the plot that was a bit disapointing, the situations Etta finds herself in, they have a pattern. She's scared, uses a bunch of magic, gets captured, gets dealt a no-win, goes off being self absorbed again. It may just be everyone knows what's going on but her/her group but it was just a little mundane. Otherwise this story was intriguing and I will without a doubt be reading the next one. P.S. Vallee knows how to write those steamy scenes. 😉
Supernatural. UF. Super powerful, jaded, self-centered, witch heroine. Our star-crossed heroine Etta finds herself in a no-win situation. After defending herself with unlicensed magic, the Ossveratory (the supernatural community's police) gives Etta a choice die or work for them. In accordance, she starts working with a lying bastard, a cold bitch, a sexy fairy, and an emotional syphin water spirit, together they invastage a series of comatose victims of an unknown strega. Vallee's knows how to color a world with her descriptive narrative and bookish vocabulary. I really liked this story. I loved the MC's continueous wit and sarcasm. I'm hoping for more background and knowledge of each character in the next installment. Since this was the introduction and had a bunch of action going on you don't really get to know anyone. The characters definitely have their personalities though. They're all unique and stick to their written character. The plot mystery has layers, you can foresee some major suffering and hardships Etta will be subjected too. One thing on the plot that was a bit disapointing, the situations Etta finds herself in, they have a pattern. She's scared, uses a bunch of magic, gets captured, gets dealt a no-win, goes off being self absorbed again. It may just be everyone knows what's going on but her/her group but it was just a little mundane. Otherwise this story was intriguing and I will without a doubt be reading the next one. P.S. Vallee knows how to write those steamy scenes. 😉
September 12, 2020
After waiting for so long I finally got round to reading this! Oh my god! I don’t remember the last time I gave a 5* and enjoyed a book so much! I laughed I adore Etta and her family! It was packed with wit and so well written! The last character I loved this much was Charley Davidson from Darynda Jones’s books! I also learnt what a Benandanti was and that in this book I’d be expecting a knock at the door on his 10th birthday. Also my favourite quote which had me laughing out loud!
“Where am I supposed to sit?” I eyed the motorcycle’s seat, trying to calculate how much butt room there was. He handed me a helmet, pointing to the back of the bike. “You sit behind me. It’s called the bitch seat.” “Does that make where you’re sitting the prick perch?” I asked, climbing on behind him. As I’d feared, sitting made my shorts move so far up my nether region, I was positive we’d need a search and rescue team to get them out later.
I really can’t wait to read the next book!
“Where am I supposed to sit?” I eyed the motorcycle’s seat, trying to calculate how much butt room there was. He handed me a helmet, pointing to the back of the bike. “You sit behind me. It’s called the bitch seat.” “Does that make where you’re sitting the prick perch?” I asked, climbing on behind him. As I’d feared, sitting made my shorts move so far up my nether region, I was positive we’d need a search and rescue team to get them out later.
I really can’t wait to read the next book!
May 13, 2018
Lovingly Violent Violetta!
Whoo! This story took me on a wild adventure! Meeting Etta, her crazy family and her new friends, I couldn't help but love them and laugh with them during their fast paced adventures! The strength in Etta is astounding! The pain and heartbreak from her past, the future she must embrace, it all demonstrates the endless well of strength inside her. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she has the wackiest, fiercest, most loving family around! Etta hid herself and her pain from the world, but in this stroy, she is forced to stand strong and be the woman she was always meant to be, but she's not alone. The world the author created gave life to all the characters in this book, no one is secondary, they are all fully fleshed out and necessary to Etta's story. She is forced to contend with magical beings and organizations whose motives are not so clear. From being a baker to becoming an investigator of horrific crimes, there is so much for her to learn still. Everyone wants Etta for her power, but no one should underestimate this feisty heroine. She has what many do not have in this world, a protective family unit, kick ass friends, and a deep well of strength and love inside her. She also has Stella! There is a foxy man in the picture, and lots of heat between them, but Etta is still learning who she is, and she's still searching for answers and a resolution to her past. Multiple mysteries exist in Etta's world, and it will take her willpower, her family, and her magic to see her through, because the monsters aren't done messing with her. I can't wait for the next book so I can rejoin her exploits, cheer her on, and solve the mystery! This is a fantastic read, and will keep you up long into the night trying to finish it!
Whoo! This story took me on a wild adventure! Meeting Etta, her crazy family and her new friends, I couldn't help but love them and laugh with them during their fast paced adventures! The strength in Etta is astounding! The pain and heartbreak from her past, the future she must embrace, it all demonstrates the endless well of strength inside her. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she has the wackiest, fiercest, most loving family around! Etta hid herself and her pain from the world, but in this stroy, she is forced to stand strong and be the woman she was always meant to be, but she's not alone. The world the author created gave life to all the characters in this book, no one is secondary, they are all fully fleshed out and necessary to Etta's story. She is forced to contend with magical beings and organizations whose motives are not so clear. From being a baker to becoming an investigator of horrific crimes, there is so much for her to learn still. Everyone wants Etta for her power, but no one should underestimate this feisty heroine. She has what many do not have in this world, a protective family unit, kick ass friends, and a deep well of strength and love inside her. She also has Stella! There is a foxy man in the picture, and lots of heat between them, but Etta is still learning who she is, and she's still searching for answers and a resolution to her past. Multiple mysteries exist in Etta's world, and it will take her willpower, her family, and her magic to see her through, because the monsters aren't done messing with her. I can't wait for the next book so I can rejoin her exploits, cheer her on, and solve the mystery! This is a fantastic read, and will keep you up long into the night trying to finish it!
May 14, 2018
I have to say I was excited by the sound of this first book by this author and it really is everything and more than I hoped it would be.
Violetta or Etta as she prefers to be called, Nerina who is her sister and Gia, her cousin, are involved in casting spells, except Etta has never embraced this part of her life. Etta is coerced to go out to a nightclub with her sister and cousin where she meets Luc who seems enamoured with her. He ends up insisting on a date and this is where things really get interesting!
The humour throughout this story at times had me chuckling out loud and then at others out right laughing at the thigh slapping hilarity. Although sometimes there is no warning, for e.g. when Etta is going on her first date with Luc and her family are behind the door and she hears her American-Italian Aunt Sophia ask..“Do you think she still takes the birth controls?” 😂😂I had just taken a mouthful of coffee..well let's just say that didn't stay in my mouth for long! I can just picture her aunt asking and Etta quickly shutting the door.
Oh my, what fantastic characters there are in this story. From Brady, the giant, very muscled Fairy with the huge, shimmering, emerald green wings, a wicked sense of humour and enough energy to light up a city to Vellamo, the beautiful ocean creature who is a living lie detector and can calm you down with the gentle touch of her hand. Every character is unique and makes you want to find out more about them.
There is plenty of excitement, drama and action and twists in the plot to change things up, just to keep readers on their toes! I loved it! I cannot wait for this author's next book and totally recommend this to everyone, in fact I have even gifted a few copies to friends..my first ebook gifts!
Violetta or Etta as she prefers to be called, Nerina who is her sister and Gia, her cousin, are involved in casting spells, except Etta has never embraced this part of her life. Etta is coerced to go out to a nightclub with her sister and cousin where she meets Luc who seems enamoured with her. He ends up insisting on a date and this is where things really get interesting!
The humour throughout this story at times had me chuckling out loud and then at others out right laughing at the thigh slapping hilarity. Although sometimes there is no warning, for e.g. when Etta is going on her first date with Luc and her family are behind the door and she hears her American-Italian Aunt Sophia ask..“Do you think she still takes the birth controls?” 😂😂I had just taken a mouthful of coffee..well let's just say that didn't stay in my mouth for long! I can just picture her aunt asking and Etta quickly shutting the door.
Oh my, what fantastic characters there are in this story. From Brady, the giant, very muscled Fairy with the huge, shimmering, emerald green wings, a wicked sense of humour and enough energy to light up a city to Vellamo, the beautiful ocean creature who is a living lie detector and can calm you down with the gentle touch of her hand. Every character is unique and makes you want to find out more about them.
There is plenty of excitement, drama and action and twists in the plot to change things up, just to keep readers on their toes! I loved it! I cannot wait for this author's next book and totally recommend this to everyone, in fact I have even gifted a few copies to friends..my first ebook gifts!
June 9, 2018
A great read!
I hate romance stories where the protagonist of love interest has kids. It's a personal quirk, but it's enough to kill a story for me, so I usually avoid those books at all costs.
This book is one of the rare exceptions.
My only other issue is again a personal one, but when reading anything with an established supernatural order, as a reader I want that world explained to me. This book occasionally tosses out some lore and a broad idea of how things work but I was confused a lot while all the characters seemed to treat something like it was an established fact. An example is that witch stuff is supposed to be secret yet everyone goes to the bakery for healing, the priest knows and some rando guy gets pummeled in an unmistakable way by magic and instead of being afraid of going to the cops he calls her by her special witchkind name, strega like it's a well known slur for humans? Another is that there is some funky part-time mojo happening and neither of the main characters think it's suspicious enough to not touch until they know what in the neck is happening and way?
Otherwise the story is really good at sucking you in and making you care about the characters.
I hate romance stories where the protagonist of love interest has kids. It's a personal quirk, but it's enough to kill a story for me, so I usually avoid those books at all costs.
This book is one of the rare exceptions.
My only other issue is again a personal one, but when reading anything with an established supernatural order, as a reader I want that world explained to me. This book occasionally tosses out some lore and a broad idea of how things work but I was confused a lot while all the characters seemed to treat something like it was an established fact. An example is that witch stuff is supposed to be secret yet everyone goes to the bakery for healing, the priest knows and some rando guy gets pummeled in an unmistakable way by magic and instead of being afraid of going to the cops he calls her by her special witchkind name, strega like it's a well known slur for humans? Another is that there is some funky part-time mojo happening and neither of the main characters think it's suspicious enough to not touch until they know what in the neck is happening and way?
Otherwise the story is really good at sucking you in and making you care about the characters.
August 8, 2018
Stir Until Petrified was a great story. I LOVED all the strong, sassy females. And Stella has a great sass all her own. I look forward to seeing more of her. I’m hoping Etta will discover a way to reliably communicate with her.
I’m eager to read book 2, and I hope we’ll find out what the light show between Etta and Luc is. It’s a cool concept, whatever it turns out to be.
The entire story arc was an interesting concept, really. It felt very original to me, despite having seen many of the individual elements before.
The final conflict was especially satisfying. It felt appropriately difficult. No Harry Potter Syndrome here. That final fight had me wondering if anyone would make it out alive. Huge kudos to Ms. Vallee on that.
I knocked one star off for the errors I found, though. You know how I am by now. If I find a bunch of errors as I read, I take away a point.
But concept and story – 5 stars, so it gets a solid 4 stars from me overall. If you like witches, sass, or action, you definitely want to read Stir Until Petrified.
I’m eager to read book 2, and I hope we’ll find out what the light show between Etta and Luc is. It’s a cool concept, whatever it turns out to be.
The entire story arc was an interesting concept, really. It felt very original to me, despite having seen many of the individual elements before.
The final conflict was especially satisfying. It felt appropriately difficult. No Harry Potter Syndrome here. That final fight had me wondering if anyone would make it out alive. Huge kudos to Ms. Vallee on that.
I knocked one star off for the errors I found, though. You know how I am by now. If I find a bunch of errors as I read, I take away a point.
But concept and story – 5 stars, so it gets a solid 4 stars from me overall. If you like witches, sass, or action, you definitely want to read Stir Until Petrified.
May 25, 2018
A heroine I can relate to.
Etta is just so unapologetically herself. I loved her character and could really relate to her on a personal level. If you’re looking for a book with strong female characters, look no further.
My only caveat with the 4 stars versus the 5 stars is her relationship with Luc. I can’t say much more without spoilers. This could also be personal bias but I felt there was a huge disconnect between how she felt about his actions and what she actually does about it. Hoping there is more development in future books.
Etta is just so unapologetically herself. I loved her character and could really relate to her on a personal level. If you’re looking for a book with strong female characters, look no further.
My only caveat with the 4 stars versus the 5 stars is her relationship with Luc. I can’t say much more without spoilers. This could also be personal bias but I felt there was a huge disconnect between how she felt about his actions and what she actually does about it. Hoping there is more development in future books.
July 5, 2018
So many emotions
I actually had to read this book twice before I reviewed it. Not because I didn't like it but because it was so magical, you can tell it was written with love and spoke to me so deeply. No spoilers, I hate in depth reviews that basically read the book to you. I will say this however, stepping out of your shell, your comfort zone is so important in many ways. I hope that Etta's journey speaks to you in that way.
I actually had to read this book twice before I reviewed it. Not because I didn't like it but because it was so magical, you can tell it was written with love and spoke to me so deeply. No spoilers, I hate in depth reviews that basically read the book to you. I will say this however, stepping out of your shell, your comfort zone is so important in many ways. I hope that Etta's journey speaks to you in that way.
May 21, 2018
Great read
Fantastic read. Brilliant very enjoyable. Loved the world created and the characters. Unsure about Luc he is such a idiot at times . Cant wait to read the next book and get to know the new characters. I don't think everything is what it seams. Page turning read with laugh out loud moments.
Fantastic read. Brilliant very enjoyable. Loved the world created and the characters. Unsure about Luc he is such a idiot at times . Cant wait to read the next book and get to know the new characters. I don't think everything is what it seams. Page turning read with laugh out loud moments.
May 22, 2018
Awesome story!
Cool story about a witch who has had the butt end of life thrown at her. No friends, no money and her husband ran off with her daughter. I have to say, at first I wasn’t sure I would like Etta, but that quickly changed. She turned into a confident, snarky badass that punches death (and bitchy coworkers) in the face!
Cool story about a witch who has had the butt end of life thrown at her. No friends, no money and her husband ran off with her daughter. I have to say, at first I wasn’t sure I would like Etta, but that quickly changed. She turned into a confident, snarky badass that punches death (and bitchy coworkers) in the face!
May 23, 2018
4**
I laughed out loud, my heart melted, it’s original and very very well written. I do like this book but the f mc did feel sorry for herself and although she was kick ass in the the last chapter she got on my nerves a bit :-( (personal preference ) I’d still recommend because it is a well thought out piece of work :-)
I laughed out loud, my heart melted, it’s original and very very well written. I do like this book but the f mc did feel sorry for herself and although she was kick ass in the the last chapter she got on my nerves a bit :-( (personal preference ) I’d still recommend because it is a well thought out piece of work :-)
June 4, 2018
A fun read with lots of laughs and plenty of pasta
I enjoyed the story which was well written. It was obvious a lot of love and laughter went into this, as it shines through. The editing was rough, and there were several typos. But beyond that it was a good attention keeping story with a strong plot, told in a really fun way.
I enjoyed the story which was well written. It was obvious a lot of love and laughter went into this, as it shines through. The editing was rough, and there were several typos. But beyond that it was a good attention keeping story with a strong plot, told in a really fun way.
June 29, 2018
Love it!
I am an avid reader, so it's rare to find something different that is enjoyable. This book does that it aces! The characters are amazing, yet remaining bridge l believable. The action of non stop, the story line is riveting. It's a new take on an old story line. I can't recommend this book highly enough. You won't be disappointed!
I am an avid reader, so it's rare to find something different that is enjoyable. This book does that it aces! The characters are amazing, yet remaining bridge l believable. The action of non stop, the story line is riveting. It's a new take on an old story line. I can't recommend this book highly enough. You won't be disappointed!
May 15, 2018
Amazing!!
What an awesome debut book!! Theda Vallee knocked it out of the park!! I hope she makes this a series!!!! Oh and the steaminess does not disappoint 🔥🔥🔥.
Fantastic debut book!
What an awesome debut book!! Theda Vallee knocked it out of the park!! I hope she makes this a series!!!! Oh and the steaminess does not disappoint 🔥🔥🔥.
Fantastic debut book!
May 18, 2018
Speechless but in a good way
I can't think of enough words to say how much I loved this book! Through the laughs, the tears, the shocks and even a few fears, I was sucked in. If you need me, I will be anxiously rocking back and forth in my corner waiting for book 2...
I can't think of enough words to say how much I loved this book! Through the laughs, the tears, the shocks and even a few fears, I was sucked in. If you need me, I will be anxiously rocking back and forth in my corner waiting for book 2...
August 15, 2018
Really good story idea, strong series potential. Editing needed but that will come. Give this story a chance - it's completely intriguing. And the family feels just as crazy as a family should. So much more to come. And that cover is BEAUTIFUL!
June 26, 2018
Loving these characters
I can’t wait to read the next book. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens between Luc and Stella and the rest of the gain.
I can’t wait to read the next book. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens between Luc and Stella and the rest of the gain.
July 17, 2018
Amazing
I can't wait for book 2. This book caught me from the beginning and it did not let up until the last chapter.
I can't wait for book 2. This book caught me from the beginning and it did not let up until the last chapter.
July 31, 2018
It was really good. Starts off a little slow, but when it picks up it soars. I fell in Love, and can not wait to see what the author has in store.
July 22, 2021
It only improved in the last 20% of the book, and that includes the male lead.
July 24, 2022
I read the book in 1 sitting, i fell in love with all the characters especially noona i can't wait to read next book of this series 🥰🥰🥰
November 5, 2019
I’m not going to give any spoilers away because I’m not the type that does that.
So this is all I’m going to say about Stir Until Petrified and that is it is freaking amazing!
For this being Theda Vallee’s first book she’s definitely a mad story weaving genius because I absolutely loved every single page of this book.
I was completely glued to this book from the very beginning right up until the very end. She kept me held in suspense so many times and she also made me feel like I just ran a marathon as well!
Theda Vallee created the perfect heroine heck all the women in the book was both vulnerable and tough as nails and the same with the men.
So in so many words I thought this book, this story was perfect! I definitely look forward to the next book in this series!
So if you haven’t figured it out yet that is a big HECK YEAH I most definitely recommend this book!
Because it’s an absolutely awesome ride all throughout the whole story!!
I wish I was able to give this book more than five measly stars because it so deserves so many more!
So this is all I’m going to say about Stir Until Petrified and that is it is freaking amazing!
For this being Theda Vallee’s first book she’s definitely a mad story weaving genius because I absolutely loved every single page of this book.
I was completely glued to this book from the very beginning right up until the very end. She kept me held in suspense so many times and she also made me feel like I just ran a marathon as well!
Theda Vallee created the perfect heroine heck all the women in the book was both vulnerable and tough as nails and the same with the men.
So in so many words I thought this book, this story was perfect! I definitely look forward to the next book in this series!
So if you haven’t figured it out yet that is a big HECK YEAH I most definitely recommend this book!
Because it’s an absolutely awesome ride all throughout the whole story!!
I wish I was able to give this book more than five measly stars because it so deserves so many more!
October 20, 2019
Super awesome!!!
I just love this book and can't wait to read more about the Massoni family. It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end with the right amount of twists and turns to make you think who is responsible for all the comotion going on to find out your wrong!!! I'm proud to be a part of the this adventure!
I just love this book and can't wait to read more about the Massoni family. It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end with the right amount of twists and turns to make you think who is responsible for all the comotion going on to find out your wrong!!! I'm proud to be a part of the this adventure!
Read
May 13, 2018Yeah. Some good steamy scenes, mystery, action. All building well together. Luc and Etta are wonderful characters. Can't wait to see what happens to them!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews