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Bewitched by Chocolate #4

Blood, Sweets and Tears

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Alternative cover edition of ASIN B074KMQT4G

Magical chocolates, missing jewels and murder...

When novice witch Caitlyn Le Fey heads to the outdoor cinema festival at a beautiful Cotswolds manor, the last thing she expects is for the evening to end in murder. But when a dead man is found with fang marks in his neck and her old vampire uncle, Viktor, is arrested, Caitlyn must use all her newfound magic powers to clear his name.
Sleuthing isn't simple, however, with so many strangers arriving at her grandmother's enchanted chocolate shop: there's the secretive village tenant with creepy Goth tastes, the inscrutable new butler at Huntingdon Manor--and a charming Frenchman keen to win Caitlyn's heart. And that's before she has to master the art of making the perfect chocolate soufflé or deal with a Levitation spell gone horribly wrong! Still, at least she has the help of a friendly English mastiff and her naughty kitten, Nibs, not to mention her sassy American cousin and all the village gossips!
Then a wild goose chase leads to an unexpected discovery and Caitlyn realises that she's missed a clue under her nose all along. Can she solve the mystery--and maybe even discover Lord James Fitzroy's real feelings for her? Or will she succumb to a vampire's fatal bite?

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 3, 2017

1273 people are currently reading
940 people want to read

About the author

H.Y. Hanna

66 books1,089 followers
USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.

Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.

You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com

And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
August 25, 2017
“Witch Chocolate Bites” earns 5+/5 Pots of Decadent Chocolate Soufflé!

This is in my Top Five of all-time favorite series...

Lord Fitzroy is passionate about proving to the Tillyhenge citizens that he has their best interest at heart. They were reticent when he became Lord of Huntingdon Manor that he might introduce too many modern ideas effecting their heritage and traditions. But everyone seems thrilled with the new Tillyhenge Open-Air Cinema presented on the manicured lawn of the estate. Caitlyn Le Fey has only been a member of the community for a few months, but so much has happened during that time: discovering a long lost family, learning she is a witch, friending a guardian ‘vampire,’ and solving a few suspicious deaths. The horror spoof movie showing at tonight’s premier has made her cringe; she finds herself becoming very sensitive to the jokes and stereotypes many villagers expound on magic, witches, and vampires, but it’s just a movie. Until a curious man seemingly out of place winds up dead, puncture wounds in his throat, and her guardian ‘vampire’ Viktor Dracul, who had argued about the insult to vampires in the movie poster, pronounced himself a vampire, and was found covered in a suspicious red liquid—is arrested. Tillyhenge is becoming less quaint and relaxing and more dark and secretive. Cool!

In the fourth book of H.Y. Hanna’s Bewitched by Chocolate series, we are treated to an exciting and engaging continuation of Caitlyn’s journey of self discovery, magical apprenticeship, and murder investigations along with, as we are warned, a few “Hahaha-s.” In between Hanna’s mouthwatering descriptions of Widow Mag’s delectable chocolate soufflé and other chocolate delights, the story unfolds with her signature twists and turns: an odd Goth tenant, a real British butler, friends visiting from London, a very enticing Frenchman; all have their own perspectives, suspicions, and tales to tell. This leads to an “Oh, my…” ending that makes one wanting more. I greatly enjoyed following Caitlyn’s personal growth and slow and steady magical awareness and her ‘big sister’ style attitude toward her newly discovered cousin Evie. Evie isn’t as astute at casting spells which always adds a wonderful comic relief to the dangers that keep interfering with quaint village life. Fans of the paranormal will find fascinating some of Hanna’s theories about ‘vampires.’ Viktor is a fun, centuries-old vampire taking seriously his charge to protect Caitlyn, but he isn’t your typical ‘blood-sucking’ menace. He is a ‘fruitarian’ who morphs into a fruit bat and loves ‘wild raspberries.’ I highly recommend starting at the beginning with “Dark, Witch & Creamy” and read each of the next three books in order. Although, this story has much of the characteristics of a standalone because the murder mystery concludes, there are issues that weave through the series that make it much more satisfying to read the books in order…you won’t be disappointed.

“Disclosure: I received this book for free, but am voluntarily reviewing."
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,565 reviews23 followers
August 6, 2017
Wow! Once you start, you can't put this book down! So much laughs, so much fun and a murder to solve!

Each book in this series is great, but they do keep getting better and better and the characters have become like friends. You just love the cantankerous but loveable Widow Mags, the novice witch, Caitiln our protagonist and her cousin, Pomona, and then there is Evie, who is trying so hard to control her magic and Caitlin's Aunt-Evies mother,.The book begins with an outdoor vampire movie on Lord Jame's estate. Where we meet a lot of new characters with James having his college buddies coming up for the weekend and the renting of two cottages on the estate property to two strange visitors. Of course, Caitlin and her cousin Pomona are just waiting for the lights to go out for the movie after meeting one of Jame's friends, who didn't even wait around for the movie to being. The lights go out and there's a shrill scream! Seems there is a murder and there are puncture wounds on the neck of the victim. Caitlin's Uncle Viktor just happened to be walking by the victim with wild raspberry juice on his face which starts a Vampire panic! Of course, no one but Caitlin's family know that Uncle Viktor is a Fruit bat, so when the old guy tries to say he is a vampire fruit bat not an old geezer, no one believes him and he becomes a suspect in the murder. While helping the Widow Mags, her grandma at the chocolate shop, Caitlin and Pomona have to investigate the murder to clear her uncle, who is driving everyone at the police station crazy trying to convince them he is a Bat! With Bran, Jame's Mastiff and the shared custody of Nibs the kitten and all the possible suspects and so many funny missteps and red-herrings and the flirting going on between James and Caitlin and so much action, you just can't put this book down! Can Cailin and Pomona clear Uncle Viktor and find the real murderer. And what does missing jewels from a jewel heist have to do with anything. And what does the phrase, "Bats in the Belfry" have to do with anything? I had to read this book in one sitting because It just grabs you and doesn't let go! AND the ending has a cliff hanger you have to read to see. WOW - Now I just have to get my teeth (ha ha) into the next book to see just what will happen next! I received an ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are stricly my own!
Profile Image for Jeannie and Louis Rigod.
1,991 reviews39 followers
August 5, 2017
I simply can not get enough of this on-going murder/romance/folklore story quick enough. My Mother was born British/Scottish in America. Being educated and raised in Kent, UK, she often spoke of 'Bats in your Belfry' and other colorful phrases. Not only do I truly enjoy these mysteries, but a bit of my childhood returns, fondly.

Our amateur Witch, Caitlin Le Fey, and her Californian cousin, Pomona, are excited for the outdoors cinema show. Uncle Viktor...is not! An insult to Vampires is what it is...or is it? Then there is a murder and Uncle is nabbed for it...after all, he says he is a Vampire...?

Caitlin quickly learns there are jewels missing and strange outsiders in the village. She, and Pomona must find the culprits to save Uncle Viktor...

Oh, yes...the Bats in the Belfry? Well, you must read to see how that plays into this chocolate extravaganza which makes you crave chocolate and you turn the pages rapidly to see what is going to happen... Just when is the next book out???

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
2,833 reviews8 followers
August 15, 2017
An enjoyable 4th installment! Ms. Hanna knows how to write an intriguing mystery, and even though there were several suspects, I did guess the murderer. I really like Caitlyn as a lead, and it was fun to see her experiment a bit with her magic. I have been (im)patiently waiting for her and James to finally get together, and some progress was finally made in this book! I was surprised by the ending, but I am glad that it seems this topic will be addressed sooner rather than later.

I am also really intrigued about Pomona! She is a great supporting character, and I really want to see what is happening with her and Thane!

Overall, this book really left me wanting more! I can't wait to see where book 5 takes us!
Profile Image for Kevin.
1,990 reviews34 followers
October 19, 2019
The series seems to have taken a darker turn with the last book and this one continues that darker theme. The fun and humor so prevalent in the early books seems over shadowed by the apocalypse and a dark vampire army. The high point of the books for me are always when Viktor appears in a scene and he has lots of chances to shine in this book.
Profile Image for ✨ Gramy ✨ .
1,382 reviews
January 20, 2019
.
Welcome to a bewitching cozy mystery series, with a splash of magic. It was set in Britain and follows British English spelling and usage. You will be introduced to charming and lovable characters that entertain the reader through the twists and turns of each mystery, not easily solved. The heroine of this story is named Caitlyn Le Fey. After her mom passed away, she discovered that she was actually adopted after having been abandoned on the side of the road near Tillyhenge, a tiny English village. Caitlyn goes to Tillehenge, where her life changes dramatically. She lives in a room above a chocolate shop owned by her grandmother, when she isn't staying at Huntingdon Manor and is always eager to do some magic sleuthing whenever another dead body is discovered in their small village.

In this fourth installment, the reader is provided with more magic and mayhem including magical chocolates, missing jewels, and murder (when Caitlyn's guardian vampire uncle, Viktor, is taken in for questioning). The murder for this story occurs at the outdoor cinema festival, featuring vampires, on the grounds at Huntingdon Manor. There is no blood at the scene, but there are mysterious marks of the neck of the victim, suggesting a vampire may be involved. Caitlyn and her cousin, Pomona, work together following clues. Caitlyn follows clues down different paths until she is sure she has discovered the culprit. Is she right? You must read it yourself to find out.

And then the unthinkable happens when James witnesses Caitlyn doing magic (trying to undo a spell her cousin Evie placed on her grandma's spectacles -- causing them to fly around on their own and then Evie enhances her stilettos, which give Caitlyn a merry chase through the manor) . . . can she explain her way out of it this time or must she confess her magical heritage? Does James actually have feelings for Caitlyn and will he reveal them at last?

This is a clean read, which is I enjoy immensely. I was delighted to discover the lack of any typos or editing errors with this Kindle Unlimited edition (oh how this does deliver a more enjoyable read). The books in this series are able to stand on their own, but reading them in order assures that you don't miss any delightful details. The conclusion delivers an H.E.A. regarding the murder, but there will definitely be more entertainment from the band of merry characters in the remainder of the series!
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,342 reviews118 followers
August 6, 2017
Witch Chocolate Bites by H.Y. Hanna
Bewitched by Chocolate #4

Chocolate, magic, murder and a bit of romance are found in this ongoing cozy mystery series. Caitlyn and her cousin Pomona are on the grounds waiting to watch a movie on the lawn when the murder to be solved in this book occurs and Caitlyn is NOT one to let the constables do their job without a bit of sleuthing of her own. Throw in the possibility of vampires, witches, belfries, potential truth in local legends, thievery and unusual characters and you have a delightful tale that has Caitlyn and James growing closer to one another (maybe) and Pomona disappearing with an intriguing fellow named Thane Blackmort and you have a reader (me) wanting to know what will happen next.

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3.5 Stars
238 reviews14 followers
August 7, 2017
Witch Chocolate Bites is another SUPERB installation of the Bewitched by Chocolate series. I absolutely LOVED this book and was hooked from start to end. There was lots of humorous moments, especially with Uncle Viktor, and lots of action throughout the whole story. There is an additional element of paranormal to this story which I thought was pretty interesting. And of coz Widow Mags never fails to make me drool with her delicious creations - this time a wonderful french chocolate souffle which I kept dreaming about even after the story ended. Can't wait to read more of this series and of coz the ending of the story makes me wonder what is going to happen next!

** I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own
Profile Image for Cozybooklady .
2,177 reviews120 followers
August 6, 2017
Witch Chocolate Bites is the fourth book in this killer series by H.Y. Hanna.
Caitlyn Le Fey is still coming to terms with her witchy skills and family history.
When her Uncle Viktor finds himself in a bit of trouble, Caitlin feels responsible and begins her own investigation.
Magical chocolate and missing jewels are the highlight in this fantastic addition to the series.

I enjoy the friendship and flirtatious ways between Caitlin and James and I know this next book is going to be truly explosive.

I received an ARC of this book provided by the author. This review is a reflection of my own opinion.
Profile Image for Julia Stephanie.
2,109 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2017
Like all of the other books by H.Y. Hanna, I loveloveloved it! Part of me keeps being sad that James and Caitlyn have only made marginal steps in their courtship, but then I try to remember each book spans maybe a week or two rather than a longer period of time as others books do. Viktor was my favorite character in this installment, I love him to pieces! I also loved how the supernatural aspect is finally beginning to fill in and can't wait to read more in the next book and hopefully we'll get more info on Thane!! Maybe even on Caitlyn's mother and Pomona, too!

P.S. These are never long enough! I hope one day they'll all be in an anthology!
1,063 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2017
Great read

What a fun cozy with characters you will love and a story that will keep you turning the page I can't wait till the next one
Profile Image for Bri_winter.
159 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2024
Bewitched by Chocolate #4
Paranormal Cozy. Still the same as the ones before.
Viktor to the rescue!
Profile Image for Lola.
1,986 reviews275 followers
August 9, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I am always looking forward to the next book in this series as it's such a fun series! Witch Chocolate Bites was another great book in this series and I flew through it. It's a bit silly at times, but mostly a lot of fun. The author combines the mystery with the paranormal elements really well, the magic and paranormal add a nice touch and enhances the story instead of detracting from it.

The mystery part of this novel was well done, although I was able to predict the murderer very early on already, which was a bit of a shame. I thought it was a bit too obvious, even while there were numerous suspects. I also was 100% about someone who I was sure wasn't the murderer and I was happy to be right about that. But there was a nice twist toward the end that I hadn't predicted and I liked how everything fell on it's place at the end and we find out the why's behind everything. the paranormal aspect was present as well as part of this mystery and I can't help but think this is all building up towards something big paranormal related. It's also nice to see all the little clues and hints the author sprinkled throughout the story when looking back once you finished the book.

I liked being back in this small town in the Cotswold and following Caitlyn and her friends. I even agreed with Pomona a few times in this book, which usually doesn't happen. There are some fun scenes again, a hint of romance and some trouble Caitlyn finds herself in. I didn't really care for the attempt to create a sort of love triangle in this book, but by the end of this book I think things are resolved surrounding that. The ending is a bit of a shocker and I really want to know what happens next.

This book focuses a bit more on vampire lore and vampires, which is a topic that got touched upon a bit with Cailtyn's vampire uncle Victor in previous book, but never got addressed in much depth. So it was great to read a bit more about how vampires work in this world. And there even was a bit of a tie in with the murder. And we see more of Victor as well.

I enjoyed reading about the delicious chocolate creations in this book and the chocolate souffle they made in this book sounds delicious! There is a bit of magic as well, although it did bother me a bit how the characters weren't as careful with displaying magic as I thought they would, given that they want to keep their magic a secret, but ofcourse that all ties into the plot in most cases so it had a function.

To summarize: I had a lot of fun reading this book! I enjoyed returning to this small village in the Cotswold with it's magic and murder. The mystery was well done, although I did guess from the start who was the murderer. There was a nice twist toward the end that I hadn't predicted though, so that was a nice surprise. The paranormal aspects are nicely woven throughout the story and add a nice touch. In this book we learn a bit more about vampires, which was fun as so far we only got a few bits and pieces. There are also some great descriptions of the chocolate goods they sell and a slight hint of a possible romance. Another great book in this series!
30 reviews
August 8, 2017
Predictable - not

First my disclaimer: I do not generally enjoy paranormal mysteries. However, I love chocolate and this series is written with a great deal of self-effacing humor featuring "magically delicious" chocolate. There are vampires, witches, a cute kitten, dogs, jewel thieves and a murder mixed with murder and mayhem. The supporting character vampire is of the proud, elderly, "fruitarian" variety who finds himself unjustly accused of murder. It is up to our heroine to prove his innocence. Her witchcraft is primarily chocolate-centric, but then she's just learning. Hence at least part of the mayhem. This is a lighthearted mystery to be enjoyed like a delicious morsel of chocolate. The problem is that you're left hungry for more. I want my next book in the series already!
Profile Image for Teresa Barrera.
283 reviews8 followers
May 21, 2019
I can't get enough of this series. The mysterious murders, the mysterious newcomers, the magical happenings, the budding romance, the comedy. There's so much to enjoy within this series.
Oh, I must say, by golly it seems Caitlyn and James can't get a break and I'm practically waving my hands in the air yelling, "Kiss already!", lol, but I like how the series is building up their relationship instead of throwing them together in the first few chapters at the beginning of the series like other books. But, I must say, I'm anxiously hoping James finding out some things doesn't keep them apart in the next book. Bwaaa, give a reader a break and give them their magical moment!
I'm looking forward to, *grins and rubs hands in excitement*, continuing to the next book.
The narrator has done an excellent job at bringing this series to life and making the characters stand out.
This has become my favorite series.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,202 reviews31 followers
November 13, 2021
I did not like this one as much as most other reviewers have. I really thought it was the weakest of the four books so far. The bad guy is obvious the minute he shows up. And I really hate books with stupid gaps in logic. Caitlyn needs to find something in a house. She uses a finding spell to locate a spare key to the house. Then, when she gets in the house, she doesn't know where to look for the thing she came for. Ummmm, maybe use the finding spell? Yes, I understand it's not supposed to be great literature, but please . . . This book just didn't have the charm for me that the other books had.
Profile Image for Karen.
694 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2017
Book number four does not disappoint!
I recommend you read this series in order.
I adore this series and find it just gets better with each new story.
The characters are interesting and well written and the setting is a place I wish I could visit.
The latest whodunit kept me guessing and I completely guessed it wrong!
I highly recommend this series and look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
1,024 reviews20 followers
August 7, 2017
Ms. Hanna has done it again; this book is another total hit. Love this series!!! Caitlyn and James are still trying to figure out what the future holds for them. All while the ‘end of times’ almost comes to pass. How much can one woman handle at a time. This was a wild ride, so much was packed into the story and it was a fast paced reading experience. Totally, totally recommend this book your will enjoy reading it. Cannot say enough about the talent of this author, really love her work.
Profile Image for Michelle.
20 reviews
August 6, 2017
Five stars doesn't seem enough... Without doubt the best one yet!

It's felt like a long wait for this book, even though it's only been just over 2 months, such is my addiction to this series. Yet again H.Y.Hanna has come up trumps, with in my opinion, her best story yet and still including all the ingredients we've come to expect in each book. I just love her wonderful imagination, and if I'm honest the uniqueness of the world she creates within this series reminds me of another author(JKR) who also created herself a unique & fantastic magical world. Please don't misunderstand I'm not saying that the books are similar, or the worlds the authors have created are similar. For me the similarity is actually in the fact that they have both managed to create something totally fresh and that gives a whole new slant on what is generally a stereotypical character (e.g witch or vampire).

Right from the start of this series I have adored Uncle Victor and it's great he is more involved in this tale. As usual there were some delightful laugh out loud antics, I will avoid any spoilers and just say 'feral' and 'babies'. When you get there you will know what I mean & this really tickled me! Even thinking about it as I write this has me chuckling. I also enjoy 'all' the other furry characters in the series and am totally in love with both Nibs and Bran. Once again I'm now eagerly awaiting the next book, please keep them coming!


Profile Image for JoAn.
2,460 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2017
Witch Chocolate Bites by H.Y. Hanna is the fourth book in this series and was even better than the last one. I sat down to read and didn't stop until the end.

Caitlyn is still trying to find her footing in the village and with her magical abilities. Her cousin, Pomona, is still visiting and the story starts off at an outdoor cinema at Sir James' manor. What starts out as a lovely evening ends in murder and Viktor is arrested since the victim seems to have died at the hands of a vampire. I do love Viktor because he is "old school" and yet devoted to protecting Caitlyn. We also get to meet several new visitors to the village which gives Caitlyn many suspects to investigate. The twists and turns of this fast paced plot kept me guessing and with the new paranormal influences that are beginning to develop,I could only guess who the vampire was that did it. There are a of couple cliff hangers at the end that just beg me to read the next book right now! I do enjoy this series and without the cliff hangers I would still be impatiently waiting for the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Linniegayl.
1,365 reviews32 followers
January 21, 2018
I enjoyed the latest in the authors "Bewitched by Chocolate" series quite a bit, but had some of the same frustrations I've had in the past. Once again, Caitlyn and James (the new Lord of the manor in town) are interrupted every time they seem to be starting to get close. And this time, we're left with a whopping cliff hanger at the end.

This is definitely a cozy mystery series, with numerous paranormal twists. This time we learn more about the mysterious painting introduced in the last book in the series, and learn more about the potential apocolypse that could come ( I know, that all sounds dark, but the series is light!).

More paranormal elements are introduced here, in addition to Caitlyn, the fledgling witch, and her relatives (mostly far more experienced witches). We also get a glimpse once again of a clearly dark force.

While light, and with some problems, I do look forward to the next in the series. I would give this a B-, so four stars here.
Profile Image for Daniele.
1,077 reviews41 followers
September 4, 2017
3.5 stars

WITCH CHOCOLATE BITES, the fourth book in the Bewitched by Chocolate Mystery series, is yet another enjoyable adventure in the Cotswolds with witch Caitlyn and her friends and family. Each book in this series is entertaining and lighthearted.

This time around, a visiting antique jeweler is murdered during a community movie night on the grounds of Huntington Manor. Mr. Rochat is found with puncture wounds a la vampire attack on his neck, and Caitlyn’s guardian vampire uncle Viktor is in the wrong place at the wrong time, with “blood” on his fangs, near the body. Viktor is quickly taken in for questioning, but Caitlyn is sure he is innocent. After all, he is a fruitarian and would never drink blood, let alone commit murder. There are plenty of newcomers to town that make convenient suspects, including a Goth English teacher on holiday, a widow who gardens, Lord James Fitzroy’s new butler, as well as others. I was able to figure out whodunit quite early in the book, but figuring out the “why” of the crime made it worth reading.

My favorite thing about WITCH CHOCOLATE BITES is Hanna’s fresh take on vampire lore. Viktor is one of my favorite characters, and it was nice to see him highlighted in this story. I would love for him to be featured even more in the future. The descriptions of Widow Mag’s chocolate creations never fail to make this reader hungry. It is possible that I gain weight just thinking about all of the goodies. I think there is something big headed to Tillyhenge, and the secrets this book unveils make me impatient with anticipation for the next installment. The only thing I did not care for is the faint bit of a love triangle (why must cozy mysteries have a love triangle?), but it is squashed by the resolution of the mystery, and we even get some insight into James’ feelings for Caitlyn.

I recommend WITCH CHOCOLATE BITES to fans of paranormal cozies and look forward to many more adventures with Caitlyn and crew.

I received an ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Profile Image for Heather Belleguelle.
189 reviews10 followers
August 19, 2017
Ms Hanna’s Bewitched by Chocolate series continues to entertain and, in fact, I enjoyed this book, for the most part, more than the last one. The story is really solidly constructed and the characters continue to be well developed. I was delighted that there’s a lot more focus on Viktor in this book than in previous ones, and that he has become more of a main character than simply a secondary one. I just love him – he’s so funny and had me laughing out loud at several points.

Until about three-quarters of the way through, the book is quite light, despite the murder that has taken place, and I really enjoyed the variety of amusing little incidents and scenes. Many of those scenes either involve Viktor, or Evie and her magic “skills” which don’t seem to be improving! From a personal point of view, I wasn’t so keen on the fact that the book is a bit more paranormal than fairytale magic, but that’s just my preference.

We also have, of course, the ongoing “will they, won’t they” not-quite-romance between the gorgeous James and our heroine, Caitlyn. Add to that a sexy Frenchman, a real English butler, and the irrepressible Pomona, and there are plenty of characters to hold a reader’s interest. And that’s without the murder mystery or the Widow Mag’s latest drool-worthy chocolate creation. My biggest disappointment about this book was that it doesn’t include the recipe!

Overall, I would say that they story is well written and watertight. I had no idea of the who and how of the murder right up until it was revealed, but all those ends are tied up nicely. However, the author has left plenty of little ongoing story threads open to keep us anticipating the next book. I shall look forward to seeing what happens next to Caitlyn, James, and all our other friends in Tillyhenge.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
160 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2017
I am addicted to this series. I have read all four books in the series, and am absolutely hooked. This time, the story deals with the murder of an aristocratic Frenchman on Lord James' estate, and the accused murderer is none other than Caytlin's elderly uncle Viktor. Caitlyn then has to find the real culprit to prove that the sweet old man, who happens to be a vampire, did not commit the murder.

This is book four in the Betwitched by Chocolate series. Each book in this series contains its own murder mystery, which is solved by the end of the book, so in this sense, it can be considered a standalone. But there are continuing side stories, such as the mystery behind Caitlyn's mother and the budding relationship between Caitlyn and Lord James, which we see developing little by little over the course of the series. In this story, James finally learns the identity of Caitlyn's friend Viktor, and realizes he doesn't have to be jealous anymore. But be warned, this particular storyline ends in one huge cliffhanger as to James and Caitlyn. And by the way, where is Pomona?

The author really loves animals, because in both of her series of books that take place in or near Oxford, she keeps introducing us to new animal characters for us to fall in love with. In this story, we meet a new dog, a little terrier named Rocco, who I'm sure we'll be seeing in future stories. And remember Bran, Lord James' big dog? Well, he was terrorized by this little terrier, while Nibs, the tiny black kitten, is the one who terrorizes Rocco when he tries to get near. It will be fun seeing the dynamics between these three in future books.

I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Celia.
214 reviews26 followers
August 29, 2017
What a great series -- it just keeps getting better and better, and that is saying a lot because it started out brilliantly. When there is a murder that looks like it was committed by a vampire, and Caitlyn's guardian fruitarian vampire, Viktor, is briefly suspected, she is determined to find out what really happened. On top of that, a gang of jewel thieves is said to be hiding out in Tillyhenge after pulling off a big robbery in London, which leaves the residents uneasy and wondering if some of James Fitzroy's new tenants could be involved.

Caitlyn Le Fey and her cousin Pomona are such a great duo, and when they put their heads together to do something (almost always Pomona's idea), sparks usually fly. Caitlyn is slowly becoming more comfortable with the fact that she descends from a family of witches specializing in out of this world chocolate, but so much has happened to her so quickly since she came to Tillyhenge in the Cotswolds, that she is still a bit awkward with things. Throw in a crush on Lord of the Manor, James Fitzroy, and Caitlyn needs all of her wits about her, especially when a handsome Frenchman, Antoine de Villiers, comes to town and appears to be very interested in Caitlyn. Unfortunately, Pomona gives Caitlyn the dire news that Sir James' father dabbled in the occult, much to the dismay and dislike of his son, and that James has no patience or liking for people "pretending" to be witches or interested in the occult arts.

All of the characters we have come to love are featured in this book, and poor Caitlyn's cousin Evie is still trying to execute a successful spell (don't do it Evie!) with the funniest and unexpected consequences. The mystery deepens the more Caitlyn and Pomona delve into it, and there is quite a shocking conclusion at the end that has left me anxious for the next book in this series to be released.

H.Y. Hanna definitely has a hit with the Bewitched by Chocolate series, and I highly recommend it and think it will become one of your favorite series too, as it has for me!
Profile Image for Mary A. Muchowicz.
189 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2020
Caitlyn and her cousin, Pomona are at the Huntingdon Manor estate for Open Air Cinema night. Caitlyn is not too happy that it is a comical vampire movie, but her cousin really wanted to go. Her cousin is chatting with a French gentleman, Pierre Rochat while Caitlyn went to get chairs for them. She meets James' friend, Antoine de Villiers (another Frenchman) who helps her with the chair. The movie barely gets started and there is a scream. Pierre has been murdered and there are two puncture marks in his neck. Of course, the villagers are going to start talking about a vampire murderer. Caitlyn tries to figure out who the murderer possibly could be. She learns that Pierre was actually a fence and not just an antique jewelry dealer. The police think that head of a notorious jewelry theft gang, the Blue Magpies, may actually be hiding out in the Cotswolds. When Caitlyn realizes that Pierre had freshly baked dutch cookies and realizes that the woman renting one of the cottages on the estate had been baking those same type of cookies, she decides to look into Gertrude Smith. With Gertrude and her mean terrier away, Caitlyn finds an extra key to the back door and discovers the horde of jewels hidden in a dog toy. About that time, the murderer stops her demanding the jewels and he also intends to take her life. Thanks to Bran, James' Mastiff . . . . James arrives in time to save Caitlyn . . . . but the murderer also gets away . . . . . and Caitlyn makes a mistake practicing her magic not knowing that James was watching her.
Profile Image for Katie.
111 reviews20 followers
August 14, 2017
Witch Chocolate Bites is the 4th book in the Bewitched by Chocolate series by H.Y. Hanna.
With cozy mysteries, when you start getting further into the series, things can sometimes get stale. NOT with this series. It just keeps getting better and better!

When I'm reading this series (as well as the Oxford Tearoom Series) I feel like I am visiting with old friends again. I am always anxious to see what some of my favourite characters are up to this time! I also love how each series mentions the other in some way.

I always write that I'm really not a huge fan of the paranormal, but this series just does it so well. I'm not turned off by it whatsoever, in fact I find it very charming, and full of lots of laughs too. I'm glad that Uncle Viktor is featured more in this installment. I've liked his character right from the beginning and hope he's featured a bit more in future reads. I can't praise this series enough, honestly. The way this one ended (I won't give any spoilers, you need to read to find out for yourself) has me really anxious to get to the next one! My jaw dropped while reading the last and I thought.....no! The story can't be over NOW!!

Seriously if you haven't read this series yet, you're really missing out on a fantastic cozy series. It has everything a good cozy does and you're doing yourself a disservice by not checking it out. So... go do it. Really!


I received a copy of this book from the author as an ARC. My review is completely my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you H.Y. Hanna for yet another awesome cozy mystery!
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