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Spells and Sins #1
Pride and Magic
Magic always comes back... Always.
Samantha Harris walked away from her family, and magic, years ago. But when a string of murders rocks New York City, Sam can't help but notice that the placement of the bodies screams magic. Except no one in her family seems to pick up the connection.
When she tries to give the lead detective a quick hint to send him in the right direction, Sam gets sucked further into the investigation than she ever thought possible. Now Detective Derek Pierce has to put together the half truths Sam is giving him and the facts of the case that get stranger by the second.
The killer is closer to Sam than she could've imagined and Derek is the only one who can stop him from tearing her family apart, but only if he knows the whole truth. And the whole truth is exactly what could kill him.
Samantha Harris walked away from her family, and magic, years ago. But when a string of murders rocks New York City, Sam can't help but notice that the placement of the bodies screams magic. Except no one in her family seems to pick up the connection.
When she tries to give the lead detective a quick hint to send him in the right direction, Sam gets sucked further into the investigation than she ever thought possible. Now Detective Derek Pierce has to put together the half truths Sam is giving him and the facts of the case that get stranger by the second.
The killer is closer to Sam than she could've imagined and Derek is the only one who can stop him from tearing her family apart, but only if he knows the whole truth. And the whole truth is exactly what could kill him.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2019
535 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
Melody Raven
33 books56 followersMelody Raven is a Michigan girl through and through. She is overly attached to her rescue pit bull, Rigby, and spends her time not writing chasing all sorts of worldly pleasures.
She travels all over the world, devours entertainment in any form, from books to movies to podcasts, and collects amazing experiences like a hoarder on a TV show.
Melody also writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance under the name Mallory Crowe. Her life's motto is "if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing".
She travels all over the world, devours entertainment in any form, from books to movies to podcasts, and collects amazing experiences like a hoarder on a TV show.
Melody also writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance under the name Mallory Crowe. Her life's motto is "if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 25, 2019
At first glance, Sam seems like a bit of a loser. She's unemployed, smokes pot all the time, and basically keeps to herself until she realizes that her neighbor, Detective Derek, has employed some shady psychics to help him on his current serial killer case. She convinces Derek that they are frauds and reveals herself as a witch. Turns out all that loser behavior is because she has sworn off magic and is in painful withdrawal. Sam helps Derek track down the killer and in doing so, he must come to terms with magic being real. He also runs into trouble when Sam's witch family doesn't take to kindly to Derek poking his nose into the family business.
I think this was a good start to the series. I didn't think I was investing in the characters until I suddenly realized I was hooked. It snuck up on me. I didn't like the ending at all and I want to see things turned around. I think now that some of the groundwork has been laid, things will only improve in the series and I'm willing to read more to find out.
I think this was a good start to the series. I didn't think I was investing in the characters until I suddenly realized I was hooked. It snuck up on me. I didn't like the ending at all and I want to see things turned around. I think now that some of the groundwork has been laid, things will only improve in the series and I'm willing to read more to find out.
January 5, 2021
3.5 stars - Free on Kindle and Kobo, Jan. 4, 2021.
April 22, 2019
Yea this was enjoyable and I really like where the start of this series is headed. I will say that there for a bit I thought maybe I had lucked onto a magical detective series and was going to be ecstatic about it but I'm pretty sure this is not headed in that direction after all. I was a tiny bit disappointed when it turned some different direction honestly but I still feel like we will get the mystery/crime solving in the next book maybe because we still have no clue who or what is really going on and that is exciting.
Samantha Harris, our FMC, is a recovering witch, after having decided to leave behind the magic life after withdrawal symptoms and a whole lot of trouble as well as symptoms that continue in her day to day life. She has stood by her decision not to get involved with "the families" and their mess, and is just trying her best to take each day as it comes. That is until, her neighbor, lead detective and MC Derek, becomes involved in a case that looks to have supernatural implications. Samantha recognizes that Derek has turned to a couple con artists recommended by his boss for help and decides to set him straight only to become involved in a multiple murder case that has implications much closer to home than she realizes.. It looks like there is a plot involving "the families" in some way and now that she is involved she is caught in the crossfire. Samantha becomes torn between her family and finding the truth and doing what is right as well as wanting to both help Derek and save him from the people she knows are trying to keep him clueless. She must now make a decision to get back into the fold and practice her magic in order to save Derek whom she has developed feelings for, or else she may fall to the same fate as the victims she is trying to help.
I really like that Samantha as an FMC was strong, a tad humorous but as a whole a little weak for now even though she has the potential if she can figure it out and actually put forth the effort. I'm hoping for great things from her as the story progresses. We aren't really left on a cliffhanger but you can definitely tell we are no where near the end. Can't wait to see where this is headed.
Samantha Harris, our FMC, is a recovering witch, after having decided to leave behind the magic life after withdrawal symptoms and a whole lot of trouble as well as symptoms that continue in her day to day life. She has stood by her decision not to get involved with "the families" and their mess, and is just trying her best to take each day as it comes. That is until, her neighbor, lead detective and MC Derek, becomes involved in a case that looks to have supernatural implications. Samantha recognizes that Derek has turned to a couple con artists recommended by his boss for help and decides to set him straight only to become involved in a multiple murder case that has implications much closer to home than she realizes.. It looks like there is a plot involving "the families" in some way and now that she is involved she is caught in the crossfire. Samantha becomes torn between her family and finding the truth and doing what is right as well as wanting to both help Derek and save him from the people she knows are trying to keep him clueless. She must now make a decision to get back into the fold and practice her magic in order to save Derek whom she has developed feelings for, or else she may fall to the same fate as the victims she is trying to help.
I really like that Samantha as an FMC was strong, a tad humorous but as a whole a little weak for now even though she has the potential if she can figure it out and actually put forth the effort. I'm hoping for great things from her as the story progresses. We aren't really left on a cliffhanger but you can definitely tell we are no where near the end. Can't wait to see where this is headed.
Want to read
March 15, 2019Free on amazon UK/US 15th March 19
Want to read
March 18, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/18/2019)! 🎁
Want to read
January 24, 2021Yay for free ebooks! I love the cover for this.
July 28, 2021
I was gonna give it a 3 star but that cliffhanger 😩✋🏽
August 13, 2021
This was kind of fun. I read it about a month ago. I remember bits of it. I don't know that I care enough to continue.
April 1, 2019
what a big (and great) surprise!!
I'm not really into PNR books, they are not exactly my thing, so when I started, I was a little apprehensive, without knowing what to expect from it, or if the story would get me.
It turns out: it totally did!! The pace was fast but coherent and the plot was intense and addictive! The book was so great!!!
Samantha is a witch who is trying to get away from magic, even if that choice makes her phisically weaker. Derek is a detective who lives in the same building as her and is trying to stop a series of murders. When Sam realizes these murders were based on magic and some weird dark ritual, she steps up to help the investigation.
Even being a non believer, Derek is forced to admit that there are some strange mistical things happening, and as the investigation goes on, they get closer and closer.
So now, after so many things they lived and survived together, they have a turning point: either stay together and fight the evil as partners and as a couple, and that includes stepping up against her own family, or they get apart, deny their feelings and what might be a pontentially great relationship and somehow fight apart for the same cause!
And that decision is what I'm about to find out in the next book
I'm not really into PNR books, they are not exactly my thing, so when I started, I was a little apprehensive, without knowing what to expect from it, or if the story would get me.
It turns out: it totally did!! The pace was fast but coherent and the plot was intense and addictive! The book was so great!!!
Samantha is a witch who is trying to get away from magic, even if that choice makes her phisically weaker. Derek is a detective who lives in the same building as her and is trying to stop a series of murders. When Sam realizes these murders were based on magic and some weird dark ritual, she steps up to help the investigation.
Even being a non believer, Derek is forced to admit that there are some strange mistical things happening, and as the investigation goes on, they get closer and closer.
So now, after so many things they lived and survived together, they have a turning point: either stay together and fight the evil as partners and as a couple, and that includes stepping up against her own family, or they get apart, deny their feelings and what might be a pontentially great relationship and somehow fight apart for the same cause!
And that decision is what I'm about to find out in the next book
January 3, 2021
Book 1
Sam Harris lives in the same building as detective Derek Pierce, so when she sees something about a case he is working on, she decides to tell him.
It leads to Sam getting heavily involved in a case that seems to involve magic, which means that somehow, Sam’s family is involved.
Sam is a witch who has refused to use her magic, working with Derek drags her back in, and threatens both their lives!
This is the first book in the series, and introduces two strong minded and stubborn characters.
Sam is convinced her magic is bad, Derek doesn’t even know it exists.
Derek is a cop cut from true blue cloth, and works hard to always get his man. Sam is from a family that routinely does bad things...
Part urban fantasy, part mystery, this book drags you into a world that is both confusing and compelling. The confusion is mostly because you don’t really understand the way it all works, because Sam (the main narrator) as part of the magic world, does, and she doesn’t really think about the hows. This doesn’t detract from the book too much, as it later plays into the story. You learn as you go along, in best urban fantasy style!
Because the book is part of a series, it is best read with the idea that it doesn’t exactly finish by the final page. It’s not exactly a cliffhanger, the mystery is solved fairly early on, but there is a secondary mystery that isn’t, and there are definitely unresolved issues that need to be addressed.
All that being said, it was a thoroughly enjoyable quick read. The mystery is definitely not cozy, and the overarching background story will make you want to know “what happens next?”.
Those that enjoy their urban fantasy on the gritty side, with a little mystery thrown in, and fans of series like Kim Harrison’s The Hollows, will probably enjoy this book.
Sam Harris lives in the same building as detective Derek Pierce, so when she sees something about a case he is working on, she decides to tell him.
It leads to Sam getting heavily involved in a case that seems to involve magic, which means that somehow, Sam’s family is involved.
Sam is a witch who has refused to use her magic, working with Derek drags her back in, and threatens both their lives!
This is the first book in the series, and introduces two strong minded and stubborn characters.
Sam is convinced her magic is bad, Derek doesn’t even know it exists.
Derek is a cop cut from true blue cloth, and works hard to always get his man. Sam is from a family that routinely does bad things...
Part urban fantasy, part mystery, this book drags you into a world that is both confusing and compelling. The confusion is mostly because you don’t really understand the way it all works, because Sam (the main narrator) as part of the magic world, does, and she doesn’t really think about the hows. This doesn’t detract from the book too much, as it later plays into the story. You learn as you go along, in best urban fantasy style!
Because the book is part of a series, it is best read with the idea that it doesn’t exactly finish by the final page. It’s not exactly a cliffhanger, the mystery is solved fairly early on, but there is a secondary mystery that isn’t, and there are definitely unresolved issues that need to be addressed.
All that being said, it was a thoroughly enjoyable quick read. The mystery is definitely not cozy, and the overarching background story will make you want to know “what happens next?”.
Those that enjoy their urban fantasy on the gritty side, with a little mystery thrown in, and fans of series like Kim Harrison’s The Hollows, will probably enjoy this book.
March 20, 2019
This is Pride and Magic, book 1 of the Spells And Sins series written by Melody Raven. Quite an interesting read! Sam has stayed as far away from the magical world as possible for a long time. Something forces her to re-enter the magical world and things pick up speed super fast. Add a hot cop who may, or may not, be interested in her, some corrupt witches and chaos ensues. I'm still not sure where the real evil is coming from. I can’t wait to read book 2!
March 17, 2019
I really liked this book! I love how good Melody is at writing interesting books, with just enough sex/love/romance to enjoy, but not so much that I feel like I'm reading a porno. And, just like some of her other books, she always has an interesting take on the paranormal world, witches in particular for this book. I will definitely continue reading this series!
April 19, 2019
Pretty good
I like the story idea. Characters are good. Wish there was more depth to them. Good start to the series
I like the story idea. Characters are good. Wish there was more depth to them. Good start to the series
January 18, 2021
Re-read 2021
So, I picked this up as a free e-book. As I started reading, it all sounded familiar. It seems that I read this two years ago and had completely forgotten it. For the most part, I enjoyed this one. I agree with my past self that the ending was a little rushed, but I think I'll pick up book two,
Read 2019
Kindle Unlimited.
Ehh...this was ok. The ending was a little flat for me.
So, I picked this up as a free e-book. As I started reading, it all sounded familiar. It seems that I read this two years ago and had completely forgotten it. For the most part, I enjoyed this one. I agree with my past self that the ending was a little rushed, but I think I'll pick up book two,
Read 2019
Kindle Unlimited.
Ehh...this was ok. The ending was a little flat for me.
November 13, 2019
Sam was an underachieving woman who spent most of her time smoking pot. She has her reasons and while they may be valid, it doesn't make her any more likable. She yelled. A lot. I would rather have the author show me how upset, angry or whatever emotion she was feeling instead of just having her yell. I really didn't like the ending. I won't be continuing this series.
March 9, 2019
I read this book under its previous name, The Bewitching Hour by Mallory Crowe.
Samantha Harris is a witch. Born to a family of witches, she doesn't like the things that magic does and is on a magic-starvation diet. (Also, she is not very good at using her magic, so that doesn't make her want to depend on it.) This does not work out well for her since she is literally sick all the time, sorta like alcohol withdrawals. Derek Pierce, Detective Derek Pierce, lives in her building, but she does not really know him except to speak. When he is investigating a string of murders that she can't help but think are magic related, she tries to steer him away from the two, fake, "psychics" he is working with. His captain asks her to use her witch powers to assist in solving the case, how the heck did he know she had those? Well, her family is pretty famous in certain circles, but does she really want to attempt a spell that might give the police a lead?
Deciding she likes Derek, probably not a good idea, she makes up a potion that will help her "see" what one of the victims saw. She can see the evil, but it doesn't have an actual face. She does get a thought from the victim that leads them to friend who knows more than she has admitted to the police.
What Sam finds and does, puts her in conflict with her grandmother. Claudia is a very powerful witch, and she really does not like Derek poking into her magic. What will she do to him to try and get him off her case? You will have to read and see.
Samantha Harris is a witch. Born to a family of witches, she doesn't like the things that magic does and is on a magic-starvation diet. (Also, she is not very good at using her magic, so that doesn't make her want to depend on it.) This does not work out well for her since she is literally sick all the time, sorta like alcohol withdrawals. Derek Pierce, Detective Derek Pierce, lives in her building, but she does not really know him except to speak. When he is investigating a string of murders that she can't help but think are magic related, she tries to steer him away from the two, fake, "psychics" he is working with. His captain asks her to use her witch powers to assist in solving the case, how the heck did he know she had those? Well, her family is pretty famous in certain circles, but does she really want to attempt a spell that might give the police a lead?
Deciding she likes Derek, probably not a good idea, she makes up a potion that will help her "see" what one of the victims saw. She can see the evil, but it doesn't have an actual face. She does get a thought from the victim that leads them to friend who knows more than she has admitted to the police.
What Sam finds and does, puts her in conflict with her grandmother. Claudia is a very powerful witch, and she really does not like Derek poking into her magic. What will she do to him to try and get him off her case? You will have to read and see.
June 13, 2021
Alright, so the initial set-up in this book was great. There were interesting characters, a cool magic system and our main girl was well-developed, self-confident and was trying her hand at some amateur murder solving. All things I can get behind.
And then everything just... happens? A snow-ball effect of events occurs and things get thrown at you a mile-a-minute. Suddenly our main character is in love but we never actually see her falling? Our Hero gets the equivalent of magical roofied, sleeps with our girl, asks her to be his girlfriend, gets beaten, kidnapped, saved and then dumps his newly acquired girlfriend all within like 20 pages? The development of characters and relationships is almost non-existent past the initial introduction, which is a larger problem when you want your story to hinge on one of those relationships.
I guess I should have known there would be a pacing issue when the big murder mystery was wrapped up by the 30% mark though. Oh well. Onto the next one.
And then everything just... happens? A snow-ball effect of events occurs and things get thrown at you a mile-a-minute. Suddenly our main character is in love but we never actually see her falling? Our Hero gets the equivalent of magical roofied, sleeps with our girl, asks her to be his girlfriend, gets beaten, kidnapped, saved and then dumps his newly acquired girlfriend all within like 20 pages? The development of characters and relationships is almost non-existent past the initial introduction, which is a larger problem when you want your story to hinge on one of those relationships.
I guess I should have known there would be a pacing issue when the big murder mystery was wrapped up by the 30% mark though. Oh well. Onto the next one.
March 11, 2019
A Magical Start To This Series, A 5 Star Read 🌟
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
This is an intriguing & kinda creepy, in a good way 😎, read. It's about a Homicide Detective, Derek & a Witch, Sam, that cross paths, initially, due to living in the same building, She's crushing on his sexy self hard whilst he thinks she's just a junkie pot head. He doesn't know anything about witchcraft 'The Families' or the fact that she is going through withdrawals from magic!!!
They end up helping each other on a case & their slow burn romance begins, but once they do ignite they are on fire!!🔥😍🔥 Unfortunately it's also the start of their involvement in some of the darkest magic Sam has ever seen!!😱 Sam's Mother wants him controlled or his memories wiped, her sister just wants him & Sam is determined to help & protect him no matter the cost to herself!! Then Claudia becomes involved, Her Grandmother, the most powerful witch alive, and she wants him dead!!😳
The writing in this book is on point, the characters & world building have set up this series so well. The storyline is captivating & I love the melding of to two genres - magic & a procedural, it's really clever.🌟 I 100% recommend it. I can't wait to start the next book!!👍
Debbie, 1970, UK
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
This is an intriguing & kinda creepy, in a good way 😎, read. It's about a Homicide Detective, Derek & a Witch, Sam, that cross paths, initially, due to living in the same building, She's crushing on his sexy self hard whilst he thinks she's just a junkie pot head. He doesn't know anything about witchcraft 'The Families' or the fact that she is going through withdrawals from magic!!!
They end up helping each other on a case & their slow burn romance begins, but once they do ignite they are on fire!!🔥😍🔥 Unfortunately it's also the start of their involvement in some of the darkest magic Sam has ever seen!!😱 Sam's Mother wants him controlled or his memories wiped, her sister just wants him & Sam is determined to help & protect him no matter the cost to herself!! Then Claudia becomes involved, Her Grandmother, the most powerful witch alive, and she wants him dead!!😳
The writing in this book is on point, the characters & world building have set up this series so well. The storyline is captivating & I love the melding of to two genres - magic & a procedural, it's really clever.🌟 I 100% recommend it. I can't wait to start the next book!!👍
Debbie, 1970, UK
June 25, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
I re-organised my shelves and managed to delete some favourite books, so this is a re-add. It's too hot to figure out a more detailed review, sorry!
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I re-organised my shelves and managed to delete some favourite books, so this is a re-add. It's too hot to figure out a more detailed review, sorry!
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
June 26, 2019
Just when I don't think Melody Raven can top a series, she goes above and beyond! I LOVE this new series. I am not a fan of witches and magic, but this, this I liked. Sam and Derek have to be the most intense and fiery couple in a book series I have read in a long time. Sam isn't the typical witch, in fact, she is trying to keep that part of her at bay, and she isn't the typical heroine either. She is a, for lack of a better word, mess at the beginning, but it doesn't take long for her to step up and try. It helps she is working with a very attractive and sometimes overwhelming detective on the case, Derek. He is the perfect example of a no-nonsense, straight laced hard worker, but it doesn't take long for him to start to soften when Sam is involved. They are the perfect power couple (for work and... well...;) ), and although they definitely have a fight ahead of them, it seems apparent they are capable of a lot together. Thank you Melody Raven for writing another FANTASTIC series I can obsess over. On to book 2!
March 19, 2019
Samantha Harris is a witch who's sworn off magic until a series of murders with magical connections have thrown her into the path of hot homicide detective Derek Pierce. He doesn't believe in the supernatural but Sam makes him question everything he's ever believed and before he knows it he is caught up in the world of old and powerful magical families that will stop at nothing, not even murder, to protect their secrets.
Great writing, strong characters, and an exciting storyline had me riveted to my seat. This story had me from the first page and I didn't quit until I hit the end of the book, and even though nothing is resolved, I loved it. Sadly, Derek and Sam are farther apart than ever, but their story isn't over. This book has a taste of romance and I can only hope it heats up even more in book two because these two characters are meant to be together! This book is a great read.
Great writing, strong characters, and an exciting storyline had me riveted to my seat. This story had me from the first page and I didn't quit until I hit the end of the book, and even though nothing is resolved, I loved it. Sadly, Derek and Sam are farther apart than ever, but their story isn't over. This book has a taste of romance and I can only hope it heats up even more in book two because these two characters are meant to be together! This book is a great read.
January 11, 2021
As of today's writing, this book is still a free Kindle download and I'm glad it was or I never would have discovered this author.
For those of you sick to death of Pride and Prejudice rewrites, this is not one of them. I liked the characters, I'm interested in the world the author has created, and I want to read the next book. I skipped the one sex scene and I appreciated that the book wasn't full of how hot they were for each other. These were two people who thought the other was good looking, got thrown into an adventure together and decided they wanted a relationship but it wasn't the focus of the story.
The story focused on the witch world and I want to learn more about it.
For those of you sick to death of Pride and Prejudice rewrites, this is not one of them. I liked the characters, I'm interested in the world the author has created, and I want to read the next book. I skipped the one sex scene and I appreciated that the book wasn't full of how hot they were for each other. These were two people who thought the other was good looking, got thrown into an adventure together and decided they wanted a relationship but it wasn't the focus of the story.
The story focused on the witch world and I want to learn more about it.
March 7, 2019
Sam...
Sam has left her "witch's nature" behind her...or attempted to...at a cost to her physical health. Her family is not thrilled with the fact, but they still love her and try to protect her.
Derrick Pierce is a police Detective trying to solve some grisly murders with the aide of two brothers claiming to be psychics.
Enter the witch...
Great set up for the series. These books will not be standalone stories and their endings will leave you wanting more...which you WILL receive...in the next book!
Sam has left her "witch's nature" behind her...or attempted to...at a cost to her physical health. Her family is not thrilled with the fact, but they still love her and try to protect her.
Derrick Pierce is a police Detective trying to solve some grisly murders with the aide of two brothers claiming to be psychics.
Enter the witch...
Great set up for the series. These books will not be standalone stories and their endings will leave you wanting more...which you WILL receive...in the next book!
January 6, 2021
A magical murderer, a magical group of families that believe they are above the law and a mortal police detective wanting to find justice. Sam Harris doesn't want to use her magic, she has gone cold turkey and relies on pot to calm her nerves. Until women start turning up dead and its not a mortal doing the killings. Sam is trying to keep the police detective from learning the truth but the truth is out. And, the police detective will come close to dying before Sam realizes you need to fight magic with magic. Its an easy read.
February 1, 2021
This story was a good mix of magic and police work. The protagonist was certainly dysfunctional. She was trying very hard to figure out where she really fit as the world moved around and past her. We see very up and down response to the inputs which come into her life.
She falls in love - maybe, as everything seems to get shutdown.
The story did pull me along and I enjoyed the story, but struggled a little with the response of the characters. However that is the type of people they were, so I really was not misled.
She falls in love - maybe, as everything seems to get shutdown.
The story did pull me along and I enjoyed the story, but struggled a little with the response of the characters. However that is the type of people they were, so I really was not misled.
March 10, 2019
It's like a modern day version of a medieval fairy tale : beautiful - modest - good princess, righteous knight with shining gun and evil witches to boot! I just couldn't put it down, I inhaled it and wanted more - I guess I'm hopelessly addicted. It has everything - a thickening plot, a fast pace and surprising characters - you're always thrown by friend or foe.
Very well written, get it and you won't be able to stop.
Very well written, get it and you won't be able to stop.
March 16, 2019
Awesome characters, wonder plot, interesting story! Full of magic, mystery, mayhem, murder, evil, a handsome detective, a mixed up witch, and her powerful family! Will they solve the mystery of who is murdering the young women? Will he believe in magic, the powerful magic her family holds? Will she be able to protect him? Can she save him in time? What will the future hold for them, can their love survive? Great story keeps you hooked till the end, and then you want more!
January 9, 2021
I couldn't put it down. I was only going to read a few chapters before I went to sleep. Everytime I came to the end of a chapter, I had to know what happens next, so I told myself I would just read one more. When I finished the book and looked at the clock it was just after 4am. Good thing it's the weekend and I can sleep in.
Curl up with a cup of tea and spend the afternoon with this book. You won't regret it.
Curl up with a cup of tea and spend the afternoon with this book. You won't regret it.
February 2, 2021
I love it!! Already downloaded 2 and 3, Sam and Derrick are great characters and very well written. Derrick is stubborn but a good cop that just wants to do it his job right and get justice where it is needed and Sam just wanted to live her life her way but did seem a bit of a loaner/pothead at first and he ended up helping her come out of her funk and grow. I am excited to see more of the Sam/Jackson/Derrick drama and to see how Claire masters her new found abilities.
September 3, 2022
This one had really great bare bones. A kind of mafia-esque urban fantasy world where witches were hidden in plain sight and lived outside the human law. When women start dying in an almost ritualistic manner, a witch who has been avoiding her magic, even at the cost of it impacting her health, gets sucked into the murder investigation a detective, who just so happens to be her neighbor, is heading up.
The only thing I didn’t fully feel was the build up of the romantic tension between the love interests. I know Sam and Derek were set up to be love interests, but I never got that vibe from their interactions. Sure, there came a point where is was blatantly stated, but I never felt the chemistry between the two. I think it would’ve been a great setup to keep the first book focused on a slowburn, getting to know one another aspect of the romance rather than a smack-in-the-face suddenly we’re it for each other kind of love.
My issues with the romance aside, I did love the magic system for this book. It was a fascinating lore with magic being so wholly apart of a witch that abstaining would essentially draw out their life or enjoyment in other things. Sam literally had to self-medicate often in order to cope without magic in her life, but she did it to avoid the danger that comes from using her magic. Most other witches give in to the greed of their power no matter the cost, but Sam was an interesting and slightly quirky character who was trying to resist the darker impulses of wielding magic.
While the romance may not have been my favorite setup, I will say the magic and the mystery did make up for it. I’d recommend for anyone wanting to checkout an urban fantasy murder mystery with witches and dark magic.
The only thing I didn’t fully feel was the build up of the romantic tension between the love interests. I know Sam and Derek were set up to be love interests, but I never got that vibe from their interactions. Sure, there came a point where is was blatantly stated, but I never felt the chemistry between the two. I think it would’ve been a great setup to keep the first book focused on a slowburn, getting to know one another aspect of the romance rather than a smack-in-the-face suddenly we’re it for each other kind of love.
My issues with the romance aside, I did love the magic system for this book. It was a fascinating lore with magic being so wholly apart of a witch that abstaining would essentially draw out their life or enjoyment in other things. Sam literally had to self-medicate often in order to cope without magic in her life, but she did it to avoid the danger that comes from using her magic. Most other witches give in to the greed of their power no matter the cost, but Sam was an interesting and slightly quirky character who was trying to resist the darker impulses of wielding magic.
While the romance may not have been my favorite setup, I will say the magic and the mystery did make up for it. I’d recommend for anyone wanting to checkout an urban fantasy murder mystery with witches and dark magic.
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