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Paramour Bay #2
Bewitching Blend
Welcome back to Paramour Bay as USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne continues her cozy paranormal mystery series that will have you brewing up a cup of tea well past midnight...
It's been two months since Raven Marigold discovered she was a witch, and she is handling her situation with grace. Well, if you discount the fact that she caught her blouse on fire and made her cat's tail go numb for four hours. The bottom line is that Raven is succeeding in her pursuit of this new mystical life she's been given.
Someone must have missed that memo, though. Raven finds herself smack dab in the middle of another murder investigation. Every piece of evidence points to the town treasurer as being the guilty party, but she isn't so sure the case is that cut and dried.
It is then that Raven gets the brilliant idea of using a bit of witchcraft to help out the handsome, young sheriff. After all, what could go wrong with a bewitching blend, an enchanted spell book, and a haunted inn on the edge of town?
It's been two months since Raven Marigold discovered she was a witch, and she is handling her situation with grace. Well, if you discount the fact that she caught her blouse on fire and made her cat's tail go numb for four hours. The bottom line is that Raven is succeeding in her pursuit of this new mystical life she's been given.
Someone must have missed that memo, though. Raven finds herself smack dab in the middle of another murder investigation. Every piece of evidence points to the town treasurer as being the guilty party, but she isn't so sure the case is that cut and dried.
It is then that Raven gets the brilliant idea of using a bit of witchcraft to help out the handsome, young sheriff. After all, what could go wrong with a bewitching blend, an enchanted spell book, and a haunted inn on the edge of town?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2018
479 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
158 books661 followersKennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 14, 2022
This was a 3.5-4 stars. Not bad but not the best. Raven comes across as cavalier in terms of learning about her magic while demanding that her mom acknowledging their “gift”. The mystery is good, the characters are slowly being developed, overall not a bad series so far.
October 12, 2022
Good novella
This is a good novella. Raven is a great character.
This is an interesting book to have been a murder mystery.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is a good novella. Raven is a great character.
This is an interesting book to have been a murder mystery.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 9, 2018
A bewitching blend of humour and mystery😍
Another Paramour Bay mystery needs to be solved and no matter where poor Raven goes in this small town, she appears to be drawn into the detective work almost like Nancy Drew😀 Suffice to say this story was interesting and that cat, Leo, absolutely cracks me up! Looking forward to the next one❣️
Another Paramour Bay mystery needs to be solved and no matter where poor Raven goes in this small town, she appears to be drawn into the detective work almost like Nancy Drew😀 Suffice to say this story was interesting and that cat, Leo, absolutely cracks me up! Looking forward to the next one❣️
May 9, 2023
A fun 2nd addition to this paranormal mystery series. Interesting characters and great narration.
July 16, 2025
The story is ok, but I’m still not very invested in any of the characters. I’m giving the next book a shot, but I don’t think it’ll get better.
February 18, 2021
UGH what is with author's and breaking the 4th wall? It takes me right out of the story! This author did it over and over in this book. The worst one being when she spent pages having the MC tell the reader what happened in the previous story. She even started with something along the lines "Tell the readers...". Yes, she used the word readers!
Then there were so many grammatical errors. I don't mean the typical ones found when a book is translated into electronic text and the publisher/author can't be bothered to pay for somebody to proofread it. I mean wrong words were used in the wrong context. Those aren't translation errors.
Perhaps if the story or characters were compelling, then I would be willing to overlook these things.
They aren't.
Again just like in book 1, I liked the friend more than the MC. I agree with the crazy zombie cat, Heidi would have made a better witch. She definitely would have made a better MC!
Instead we are stuck with Raven. A bumbling, immature, too-stupid-to-live idiot. GAH.
And it was boring.
OMG WAS IT BORING.
The story dragged and dragged.
There is potential here. The characters could have been interesting. The execution was lacking and I frankly am not interested enough in any of these characters to continue reading the series.
Then there were so many grammatical errors. I don't mean the typical ones found when a book is translated into electronic text and the publisher/author can't be bothered to pay for somebody to proofread it. I mean wrong words were used in the wrong context. Those aren't translation errors.
Perhaps if the story or characters were compelling, then I would be willing to overlook these things.
They aren't.
Again just like in book 1, I liked the friend more than the MC. I agree with the crazy zombie cat, Heidi would have made a better witch. She definitely would have made a better MC!
Instead we are stuck with Raven. A bumbling, immature, too-stupid-to-live idiot. GAH.
And it was boring.
OMG WAS IT BORING.
The story dragged and dragged.
There is potential here. The characters could have been interesting. The execution was lacking and I frankly am not interested enough in any of these characters to continue reading the series.
April 17, 2023
I wanted to like it; I really did. As another reviewer mentioned, the storyline and the characters had potential. However, the main character is simply too stupid to live.
1. She admittedly knows nothing about the town, her gift, or her family, and she admits that her familiar knows all of that information AND can foretell events, BUT she repeatedly ignores every single thing of significance he tells her and does the exact opposite. She then tends to ask follow-up questions after she’s done the stupid thing he warned her not to do.
2. Every single character who understands what’s going on has told her not to share that information with others, because doing so is dangerous. You guessed it though. She ignores them and insists on leaving things lying around, carrying them on per person or outright telling others.
3. She knows that her gift has a way of earning her when danger is near. The same method of warning happens at least 10 times per story. Annnnnnnnd yet, she ignores it every time or acts like she’s confused by it.
4. Each time she’s warned against a particular person, it’s like she’s magnetized towards them. Annoying.
5. She periodically asks pertinent questions, but either doesn’t wait for the answers or never revisits them after the inevitable distraction happens immediately thereafter.
6. Shall I go on? Ok, one more. Her best friend, who is completely ignorant of the things she has supposedly learned, somehow still has better decision making skills and more common sense about the scenarios that present themselves.
Le sigh. I tried, but I just can’t understand why 89.9% of cost protagonists must be TSTL. Is there an unspoken rule that they can’t be intelligent, minimally observant and capable of NOT ignoring clues obvious to the reader and every other character?
1. She admittedly knows nothing about the town, her gift, or her family, and she admits that her familiar knows all of that information AND can foretell events, BUT she repeatedly ignores every single thing of significance he tells her and does the exact opposite. She then tends to ask follow-up questions after she’s done the stupid thing he warned her not to do.
2. Every single character who understands what’s going on has told her not to share that information with others, because doing so is dangerous. You guessed it though. She ignores them and insists on leaving things lying around, carrying them on per person or outright telling others.
3. She knows that her gift has a way of earning her when danger is near. The same method of warning happens at least 10 times per story. Annnnnnnnd yet, she ignores it every time or acts like she’s confused by it.
4. Each time she’s warned against a particular person, it’s like she’s magnetized towards them. Annoying.
5. She periodically asks pertinent questions, but either doesn’t wait for the answers or never revisits them after the inevitable distraction happens immediately thereafter.
6. Shall I go on? Ok, one more. Her best friend, who is completely ignorant of the things she has supposedly learned, somehow still has better decision making skills and more common sense about the scenarios that present themselves.
Le sigh. I tried, but I just can’t understand why 89.9% of cost protagonists must be TSTL. Is there an unspoken rule that they can’t be intelligent, minimally observant and capable of NOT ignoring clues obvious to the reader and every other character?
December 1, 2025
4 Stars
Bewitching Blend (Paramour Bay Book #2)
The Paramour Bay Series by Kennedy Layne proved to be full of fun cozy mysteries full of paranormal intrigue, and heartwarming charm. Set in the enchanting seaside town of Paramour Bay, the series follows Raven Marigold, who is a relatable and endearing character who discovers she’s a witch. From the very first book, I was drawn into a world filled with magical mishaps, quirky townsfolk, and a touch of humor that kept the tone light and engaging.
Paramour Bay came alive with its quaint shops, mysterious coves, and a community that’s as eccentric as it is lovable. Ms. Layne’s writing style is approachable and immersive, making it so easy for me to lose myself in the pages (in a great way – NOT in a ‘I have no idea of what’s going on’ way 😊). Each book introduces a new mystery, often tied to the supernatural, and the twists are clever without being overly complex - perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.
So, whether you’re a fan of paranormal tales, cozy mysteries, or simply looking for a feel-good series to curl up with, Paramour Bay is a magical escape that will leave you smiling. It’s a perfect brew of mystery, magic, and heart. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a touch of whimsy with their whodunits.
Let the Binge Begin.
Happy Reading…
Bewitching Blend (Paramour Bay Book #2)
The Paramour Bay Series by Kennedy Layne proved to be full of fun cozy mysteries full of paranormal intrigue, and heartwarming charm. Set in the enchanting seaside town of Paramour Bay, the series follows Raven Marigold, who is a relatable and endearing character who discovers she’s a witch. From the very first book, I was drawn into a world filled with magical mishaps, quirky townsfolk, and a touch of humor that kept the tone light and engaging.
Paramour Bay came alive with its quaint shops, mysterious coves, and a community that’s as eccentric as it is lovable. Ms. Layne’s writing style is approachable and immersive, making it so easy for me to lose myself in the pages (in a great way – NOT in a ‘I have no idea of what’s going on’ way 😊). Each book introduces a new mystery, often tied to the supernatural, and the twists are clever without being overly complex - perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.
So, whether you’re a fan of paranormal tales, cozy mysteries, or simply looking for a feel-good series to curl up with, Paramour Bay is a magical escape that will leave you smiling. It’s a perfect brew of mystery, magic, and heart. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a touch of whimsy with their whodunits.
Let the Binge Begin.
Happy Reading…
December 9, 2022
GOT ME!
I LOVE A GREAT MURDER MYSTERY! Especially when I don't figure out who did it by half way through the book. This author keeps you engaged and twist and turns but in such away that in the end you say to yourself, yep should of saw that. JUST LOVE THE HUMOR! Great narrator. Already bought the next 4 books to get me through a couple of days. Who am I kidding tomorrow I'll be buying the remaining ones on Audible. I'm highly disappointed that she stopped recording this series. I hate that some authors do that. I enjoy listening to books way more than reading these days I have close to a thousand now that I've listened to since March. Yep spent a lot of money and time with my books. And right now I'm into my witches and murders. Try my girl out here she won't disappoint you if you just want a nice cozy tea murder mystery with a little coffee and witchcraft!
I LOVE A GREAT MURDER MYSTERY! Especially when I don't figure out who did it by half way through the book. This author keeps you engaged and twist and turns but in such away that in the end you say to yourself, yep should of saw that. JUST LOVE THE HUMOR! Great narrator. Already bought the next 4 books to get me through a couple of days. Who am I kidding tomorrow I'll be buying the remaining ones on Audible. I'm highly disappointed that she stopped recording this series. I hate that some authors do that. I enjoy listening to books way more than reading these days I have close to a thousand now that I've listened to since March. Yep spent a lot of money and time with my books. And right now I'm into my witches and murders. Try my girl out here she won't disappoint you if you just want a nice cozy tea murder mystery with a little coffee and witchcraft!
December 30, 2018
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
January 18, 2019
An enjoyable read
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
This author has taken the new witch story & murder to a new level. Raven Marigold did not know she was a witch until she was 30. She has been left her grandmother's home and tea shop in Paramour Bay. She becomes involved with another murder! This time the body is at an inn & she was in the presence of another person, so she can't get blamed for this death. With her power increasing, her mother's help in grounding herself, her best friend finding out she's a witch, & the ever sarcastic Leo by her side, Raven is determined to help find the murderer!
Highly recommended for those who enjoy cozy mystery books with a hint of magic!
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
This author has taken the new witch story & murder to a new level. Raven Marigold did not know she was a witch until she was 30. She has been left her grandmother's home and tea shop in Paramour Bay. She becomes involved with another murder! This time the body is at an inn & she was in the presence of another person, so she can't get blamed for this death. With her power increasing, her mother's help in grounding herself, her best friend finding out she's a witch, & the ever sarcastic Leo by her side, Raven is determined to help find the murderer!
Highly recommended for those who enjoy cozy mystery books with a hint of magic!
April 7, 2019
Raven Marigold is settling into her new life. She goes to the local bed and breakfast to discuss a tea order when she hears a scream. One of the team of auditors who are in town to audit to the town's books. Once again, Raven is pulled into the investigation as she wants to help the sheriff, Liam. And Liam acts on the attraction between the two of them as he asks her for a date.
I enjoyed this book. We get to know the characters better and are pulled into the story. I look forward to the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this book. We get to know the characters better and are pulled into the story. I look forward to the rest of the series.
April 22, 2021
A good read
I'm enjoying my visits to Paramour Bay; Raven is such a charmer, and it's good that she's building a support system for herself and a place in the town. A newbie witch who's interested in learning is a greatly appreciated character, and the magical elements are appropriate. The red herrings adequately distract from the trivial reason for the murder, but interesting questions are raised for the backstory. What does Gertie know, and how does she know? Who is Rye (another 'R')? And where are the Marigold males? Can't wait to find out!
I'm enjoying my visits to Paramour Bay; Raven is such a charmer, and it's good that she's building a support system for herself and a place in the town. A newbie witch who's interested in learning is a greatly appreciated character, and the magical elements are appropriate. The red herrings adequately distract from the trivial reason for the murder, but interesting questions are raised for the backstory. What does Gertie know, and how does she know? Who is Rye (another 'R')? And where are the Marigold males? Can't wait to find out!
October 16, 2018
I really am enjoying this series, the twist and turn of the plots have you guessing to the end. Leo the talking familiar gives humour to the story telling. The best friend and Mother adding their perspective to her grown gift gives another angle for us to enjoy. Murder mystery wise the small town having people turning up dead, involving the twin folk as potential killers add a whole new layer to sleepy town syndrome. Looking forward to the next book.
February 16, 2019
What a lovely cozy mystery!!
At first I was a little aggravated with the learning curve of this series, then book two irritated me with all the coverage from series one. Now that it’s over, I’m pretty darn happy with the outcome and look forward to book 3. I wish authors would stop with the back peddling and ‘stand alone’ books. Darn it, tell people to get book 1 and quit wasting my time. (Sorry. Not trying to be offensive! All new readers are welcome!!)
At first I was a little aggravated with the learning curve of this series, then book two irritated me with all the coverage from series one. Now that it’s over, I’m pretty darn happy with the outcome and look forward to book 3. I wish authors would stop with the back peddling and ‘stand alone’ books. Darn it, tell people to get book 1 and quit wasting my time. (Sorry. Not trying to be offensive! All new readers are welcome!!)
July 3, 2019
Blame game
Raven Marigold found out that she is a witch, two months ago, after she inherited her magical powers. Along with her familiar cat, Mr Leo, she is learning to be a witch. Raven is casting spells on her tea blends as she tries to run her teashop, on a business delivery to a bed and breakfast inn, she runs into another murder! Raven needs to use her magic and keep a proper perspective.
Raven Marigold found out that she is a witch, two months ago, after she inherited her magical powers. Along with her familiar cat, Mr Leo, she is learning to be a witch. Raven is casting spells on her tea blends as she tries to run her teashop, on a business delivery to a bed and breakfast inn, she runs into another murder! Raven needs to use her magic and keep a proper perspective.
October 3, 2023
The perfect witchy cozy mystery particularly for fall. The MC inherited more than just a home from her grandmother. She’s a witch too! When a murder happens in her small town she just can’t help but poke her nose in it. A cute story about friendship murder and mystery with a paranormal twist. I particularly admire the fact that while it was written as a series the author fills in the gaps, so that it may be read as a stand alone. I wish more authors did this!
October 5, 2018
Loved It!
Although this series is different from other series I’ve read from Kennedy Layne, it’s just as enjoyable and solidifies all Kennedy Layne books as one-clicks for me! This was a great addition to the series - it’s a cute, enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
Although this series is different from other series I’ve read from Kennedy Layne, it’s just as enjoyable and solidifies all Kennedy Layne books as one-clicks for me! This was a great addition to the series - it’s a cute, enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
January 17, 2020
The second in the Paramour Bay series with Raven, Mr Leo, Ted and Heidi.
After learning she's a witch, Raven sets about learning her craft, together with solving a murder, shouldn't be too difficult, should it?
Humour throughout this book, especially between Raven and Mr Leo, good one liners.
Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
After learning she's a witch, Raven sets about learning her craft, together with solving a murder, shouldn't be too difficult, should it?
Humour throughout this book, especially between Raven and Mr Leo, good one liners.
Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 2, 2020
Another good series
This series is fun. You have a thirty year old who just learned she is a witch, a cat that resembles something Stephen King would imagine and a best friend who doesn't suspect her friends ability. If you like a little magic with your mysteries, you are sure to like this series.
This series is fun. You have a thirty year old who just learned she is a witch, a cat that resembles something Stephen King would imagine and a best friend who doesn't suspect her friends ability. If you like a little magic with your mysteries, you are sure to like this series.
August 18, 2020
It's a slightly different take. Or at least to the similar series I've read so far. A little on the short side. I will say I'm really not fond of talking to the reader. Super cringe. For how short this book is, there is a lot of rehashing the previous book. I like series that keep this to a minimum. Honestly, if you're picking up mid series, you deserve to be lost.
September 24, 2022
While I’m enjoying these books, I have to make two nitpicky comments.
First, Heidi is clearly supposed to be a New Yorker, but at times the narrator sounds more like a weird Australian.
Second, what her Nan was selling wasn’t Homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy is basically water and if (and this is a big if) the remedies are tea leaves and magic, they would probably actually work, unlike homeopathy.
First, Heidi is clearly supposed to be a New Yorker, but at times the narrator sounds more like a weird Australian.
Second, what her Nan was selling wasn’t Homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy is basically water and if (and this is a big if) the remedies are tea leaves and magic, they would probably actually work, unlike homeopathy.
July 31, 2023
I do understand these books are supposed to be "cozy mysteries", but is the MC stubbornness and stupidity part of EVERY book? I mean, can't the MC have a regular personality. This MC is really unlikable. I don't get the premise of "helping" by being an annoying busybodies. Is expecting an 'intelligent written " book too much? Onto the next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
November 2, 2023
Interesting premise coming alive into an entertaining story. I like the small town. Fun, and diverse secondary characters. Now Raven, the main character, is . . . Your basic thirty year old trying to figure out who she is as well as where and how she fits into the world - with a quirky twist. I am liking how this is developing. I think I will be continuing with the series.
December 27, 2023
I thought the first book was “OK”, not great, but OK to listen to as I drove back and forth to work. So I decided to give book 2 a try. Ugh. Repetitive (Yes, we know you’re 30 years old. Yes, we know Heidi is your best friend in all the world. Yes, we know you love coffee) and insulting to the elderly (Yes, we know that Gertie walks with a cane. Why be snarky about it?). Dull. Boring. Just, no.
March 3, 2024
In this second book in the series, while Raven is visiting the inn to place a tea order, a murder occurs. Raven proceeds to investigate with the use of magic.
This was a fun book to listen to on audiobook. The characters are so hilarious, especially Mr. Leo with all his snarky comments. I didn't guess the killer right away and I also enjoyed the touch of romance.
This was a fun book to listen to on audiobook. The characters are so hilarious, especially Mr. Leo with all his snarky comments. I didn't guess the killer right away and I also enjoyed the touch of romance.
April 17, 2025
A quick, cute read. I don't know what it is about witches that have newly discovered their powers...maybe it's all the bumbling inaccuracy. In this series, I love her wonky cat familiar. Second book in the series, 2nd murder to investigate. This time around, she's a little more confidant and decides to help out the sheriff by whipping up a new cup of tea...what could go wrong!?
February 13, 2019
Not bad, but too slow-paced for me. A bit confusing and therefore boring. Possible love interest, but if the same speed, they'd get together in 5 years.
Won't continue the series for now, maybe someday.
2.75 stars
Won't continue the series for now, maybe someday.
2.75 stars
February 26, 2019
A witch in a small town encounters another murder to solve.
Typos: periods outside end quote mark, missing word, have for after ("I sit here night have night having to watch"), misled spelled as mislead.
Typos: periods outside end quote mark, missing word, have for after ("I sit here night have night having to watch"), misled spelled as mislead.
March 7, 2019
Bewitching Blend
I really enjoyed reading this book about Raven's continued journey as a new witch and the mysteries she solves. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I really enjoyed reading this book about Raven's continued journey as a new witch and the mysteries she solves. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews