Hadley Hunter thinks she’s seen everything – okay, maybe not everything but a lot of things – but she’s never seen a cupid convention. When her good friend Booker’s fellow cupids descend on Moonstone Bay, she thinks it’s going to be fun and games. Instead, it’s mayhem and mystery when a rash of suicides and attempted suicides hit random island residents. That means it’s off to the races to solve another mystery. Hadley has been doing a lot of thinking about her life. She wants a career, not a job. She also wants to uncover a murderer. Even though her boyfriend Galen tries to keep her out of the case, she’s bound and determined to be in the thick of things. Galen’s fears come to fruition when something starts calling to Hadley in her dreams and he’s convinced whatever creature convinced the others to try to kill themselves is now after Hadley. Between egocentric cupids who are at war with each other, a big mystery regarding the origin of some of Hadley’s favorite paranormal friends, and her own determination, Hadley isn’t giving up without answers. She’s used to having magical backup at every turn. This time, she’s going to have to fight the ultimate battle alone. Is she up to the challenge? She’d better be. Everyone she loves is in danger and she’s the only one who can save them. It’s time to witch up … and she’s ready.
When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail. Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
To Spell with It is another hilarious story in this awesome series. I loved the heroine, and I adored her and the hero together as well. The only thing that bugged me about this story was it felt like the heroine has a lot of the exact same conversations and seems to forget about previously having them. That's beyond annoying, but other than that, it's really interesting and funny!
Awesome fast paced read with lots of humor and action, twists and turns, snarky interaction between the characters, great storyline and lots of blossoming romance
So, I liked the book, but the author made changes In this book that I didn’t like. Hadley supposedly inherited enough money so that she didn’t have to work, but now all of a sudden she has limited savings, and she has to work?? I accidentally started book 5 before this one, and again, it’s the same thing. She has limited funds & has to work. Also, At one point Hadley & Galen have this “argument” that seemed to go on forever. There is also a lot of repetitive information. Talk about beating a dead horse b/c there’s so much of it. It was just really annoying. Other than that, I really do like this series. Just seems that the author “forgot” her main character.
I am still finding the books wonderfully hilarious but several serious inconsistencies have cropped up.
1) In the first book it is stated the female lead was left enough money by her grandmother she could be, and I quote, 'a lady of leisure'. Her and the bartender have a whole conversation about it using that term. In this book, the female lead indicates she is getting low on funds and needs to find a job.
2) In the course of first two books, the female lead discovers her mother did not die birthing her and was cremated but instead died seven years later and her body was shipping back to the island and buried there (she plans to find out the truth from her dad but this never goes anywhere). In the third and this book, she makes it sound like her mother did die birthing her and her father allowed the body to be shipped back to the island and buried there to make up for not allowing her grandparents to get to know her.
3) The female lead is stated to a powerful witch but, despite getting repeatedly targeted by murderers, doesn't bother to get her grandmother to teach her how to consciously, instead of just instinctively, use her powers (to at least ward her home, if nothing else) but, in this book, she decides she is going to get her grandmother to teach her how to be a fortune teller as if that is more important that protecting herself and her home (especially given the third floor library has also been a target twice), not to mention the people she has grown to love.
Am going to keep reading but this is taking some of the shine off.
I love that there are supernatural creatures we don't usually have in books, such as cupids.
However, I wish the timeline was longer. It just isn't believable that an island that has only one death in a month, including the natural deaths, would have 4 serial killers within 2 months. They basically have reached their yearly quota in 8 weeks.. I feel like this could have been over a 6-8 month period and it would have left some time for the characters to evolve.
Another detail that bothers me is Hadley's lack of training from May. If the island is this dangerous, and she's that powerful, things should be exploding all the time. I have watched Charmed and there was a lot of dishes to replace when the girls came into their powers! ;-)
Hadley does not evolve at all in her magical powers. She just stumbles through it all. I feel like there should be more magical training from May. Also, May is scarce. She supposedly stayed to get to know Hadley, yet she seems to spend most of her time with Wesley. In the end, i kind of feel like May's character does not really have a purpose and she doesn't add that much to the story. I am not clear on what role she plays in the plot, apart from the arguments with Wesley which are funny. I must be missing something..
Don't get me wrong, I like the attitude of all the characters in the series but I feel like May is added just for the attitude while she could be adding such wisdom...
Galen and Hadley are perfect though. I also really like the Hadley /Booker/Galen interactions and the fact that even though Hadley's fond of Booker and vice versa, there is no love triangle whatsoever. It is refreshing.
Add the mystery to the mix and you've got a light, fun and enjoyable read that will keep you guessing on the culprit.
This installment is a riot, not just of laughter of which there is plenty; but good grief there is plenty of action here and then some more! Hadley and Galen have their hands full with all the mysteries on a full time basis but when Booker's mom decides to have the Cupid Convention on Moonstone Bay a whole new cart of crazy comes in with them. while the backstory stays intact, the world building is nowhere near finished while the series is still going strong; and as another song says "Good golly Miss Molly". The reveals don't begin to slow down and some of them are absolute showstoppers! Hadley is now an integral part of the core team and she is continuously growing in magical strength and more tricks show up daily and while many are impressed to say the least and in awe to say the most, there are many that are taking her growth as a personal challenge keeping Galen, Booker, Lilac, Aurora and even her grandpa Wesley on their toes to help her through the transitions. I still recommend this as a family friendly book and a definite must have for any personal collection.
A great paranormal cozy mystery with awesome characters!
I'm not sure what it is about this series but I am really enjoying it! I can't read the books fast enough! Hadley is learning how to be a witch. She lives in a lighthouse in Moonstone Bay that her grandmother left her. Her boyfriend is Galen who is the sheriff. Her friends are Lilac, Booker, and Aurora. Her grandfather Wesley is funny and kind. I wish her grandmother May who is a ghost played a bigger part but she is around. In To Spell With It, there is a Cupid Convention being held in town and the Cupids are causing all kinds of trouble especially Booker's Mom. There is a lot going on and the book kept me entertained learning about different paranormals especially Hadley's friends. The finale was awesome! The best part of this series are the friendships and the relationship between Hadley and Galen. if you have an aversion to sexual innuendos and couples sleeping together you might want to skip this series. It is mostly funny and not too desciptive. It is well worth reading if you enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries with great characters and humor! #ToSpellWithIt #MoonstoneBayCozyMystery
It's not all hearts and flowers when the cupids get together.
A wonderful read. Loved the plot. Taking cupids and making them into power hungry obsessive supernaturals that only have one thought - how to keep everyone else in line with what they want. Not your traditional view of the cute fat, diaper wearing baby with a small bowl and arrow. But it sure does make a terrific read. The characters blended into the story perfectly and gave credence to it. Plus the romance between her and Galen is just too sweet! The news that the cupid conference is going to take place on the island is slightly overshadowed by the death of a prominent member of the island's elite. Things go downhill from there. Another 'suicide' attempt, attacks on her, surprise that she is immune to the pheromones of the cupids, new powers, a bad flying experience and a talisman that they want badly. Will they find who or rather what is behind the attacks? Is the talisman real? What are cupids anyway? Is she strong enough to fight back?
As the Cupid Convention comes to town for its biggest election in decades the friends find themselves in a heap of trouble as things start to kick off.
For starters Booker's mother, Judy, and her younger sister, Darlene, show their true colours and those colours are not very pleasant at all. Hadley can't work out how sweet, helpful, caring Booker could have been brought up by the devious, greedy, evil Judy and whilst the sisters are sworn enemies that doesn't mean Darlene has any redeeming qualities herself.
Hadley is under attack from a swathe of cupids all trying to prove she's not immune to their charms, a suicide and a suicide attempt, which Hadley manages to prevent, bring a worrying edge to events. When Hadley herself is attacked Galen is sure there's more to it than just out of control cupids but even he didn't know just how far one was prepared to go to gain control.
To Spell With It Amanda M Lee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviewer: Gail Daley aka Mystery Loves History
I’ve found that most series seem to have a tone. This one is no exception and I’m hoping it will settle in soon. It has a more lighthearted feel than the Grimm series (which despite its ah—grim—subject matter often reads like a middle school diary; Aislinn is so entitled). And less zaniness than the Winchester’s (Aunt Tillie just has to be a Leo). What all the series have in common is humor laced with peril. In this latest book, we learn more about how four of the paranormal races inhabiting the island came to be and more about Hadley's powers. The bad girl in this case didn't really come as a surprise (there were only two choices after all), but the reason for going after Hadley was interesting. To say more about the murders would be a spoiler, so I won't. I recommend the book.
Thankfully, the horrid Ainsling only showed up for a brief moment for a video call. Seriously - worst character ever.
I'm enjoying the fact that series has an overarching plot as well as the individual plots from each book. One of my favorite authors has done the same, and it helps keep things interesting.
This time, we got to find out more of the history of the characters and see a bit of where things are headed in the future.
There was a whole chapter where Hadley acted like a spoiled brat, similar to Ainsling, and that was just awful to read. The character is supposed to be growing and maturing, not acting like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
If this author turns this character into an Ainsling, I'm quitting the series. No one with brain cells wants to read a book with a main character like that who never grows up.
This was a great book for plot lines and big happenings. It will be fun to see where things go next!
Ms. Lee’s writing is bewitching! I wanted to read a few before leaving a review in case the books didn’t hold my interest. I can say it now. I’m not one for reading mysteries or paranormal anything, but lately I’ve been reading some of these kinds of books. This Moonstone Bay series has been well worth reading. They haven’t been trashy - as in strong sexual content and loads of profanity. They have been books that hold a readers interest with odd humor and friendship. All of the main and supporting characters, Lilac, Aurora, Booker, Wesley, May, and Galen, are well written into the storyline. The way they come together to aid Hadley is heartwarming. The humor, snark, and overall tone of Lee’s writing is just FUN! It’s also been refreshing to read these past four books without loads of profanity in them. This I can’t say enough. I’m hooked on the series and can’t wait to venture on to book five!
While I did enjoy this book, I think it was a bit darker than the previous books. Hadley and Galen have taken their relationship to another level by dropping the "I love yous" and are seeming to become more serious. The narrator stated that they spend each night together, which means we can assume them moving in together may be the next step in their relationship.
I like that with each book, we learn more about the creatures on the island and how they work within their community. This book focus on cupids and how they work on and off the island. We also get a brief history of St. Valentine, Incubi, and what happens when the four magical elements join forces.
I think the coming books should be interesting to see who we get to learn more about next, and hopefully, we will finally see Galen's mother meet Hadley.
Another extraordinary story from one of my favorite authors. A great cast of characters in a great supernatural urban fantasy/cozy mystery series. A supernatural tourist tropical island where everyone is a supernatural. Hadley inherits her grandmothers lighthouse and learns she is a witch. Her sheriff boyfriend and all of the rest of her friends solve murders and mystery and try to stay out of Mayham. A very well written series in a magical world that this author writes multiple series. The different series occasionally crossover into each other and intermingle the characters. Every book she has written has been the most entertaining stories you can imagine. Check them all out you will not be disappointed
I chose this rating because I loved the entire book from beginning to end. It was my favorite thus far. I have gotten to know all the characters and they are all well developed and I feel like we are friends. I also enjoy the romance between the 2 characters. I'm not going to tell you, just entice you. Lol! I love the plots you use in your books. They are very creative and thought out. My favorite reason why I love these books so much is the humor. You use snark very well, but without the need to use swear words or God's name in vain. To me that is a great sign of intelligence and heart! Thank you for these books! I have enjoyed them immensely and am hoping for more!
This was a fun, fast paced read. Loved that the Grimlocks had a quick cameo. They should have been the most dysfunctional family around, but no. It turns out that Booker’s family is waaaay worse. I mean, this took the Cupid trope and turned it on its ear. I wouldn’t want to be within 10 miles of a Cupid (except Booker) after seeing how petty, power hungry and cruel they can be. The author delved into the origins of the supernatural factions and had a really interesting take on it. Loved that.
What can I say. I liked the plot, the characters are as fun as always, and after meeting Booker’s crazy mum I can only imagine what’s in store for Hadley when she meets Galen’s mum in the future.
My favorite book in this series, so far. There was a lot of action and a lot of different paranormal entities at play with different talents.
Hadley came across a couple new “tricks” within herself, so I can’t wait to see what else pops up! I’m still waiting for Wesley to practice with his own powers, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen.
When Hadley found a hidden cubby, she fell into a black hole and found her grandmother there along with several other people. Some of that scene was confusing and wasn’t coming together in my brain, but in the end of the book it all made sense in that basically air, earth, water, and fire had to work together to overcome the bad.
Next book is Hex Type Thing (A Moonstone Bay Cozy Mystery Book 5)
A fun quirky supernatural mystery, just how I love my Hadley Hunter stories.
To Spell with it brings a Cupid Conference to the island, in other words, total chaos, and mayhem, I now understand why Booker lives on the Island and pretends he's the only Cupid in the world...lol his Mother is... well she is seriously deranged for one thing...lol
Hadley is growing in her powers, each day is a new and exciting twist I love waiting to see what she can do next and Galen well the poor sap...lol is going to have a heart attack very soon but Haldey is worth it. I seriously love Wesley he cracks me up.
The plot was great, engaging and left me wondering more about Cupids and Incubi which I loved.
I really enjoyed this book. Timeline wise it seemed to occur before the recent short " Cupid In Crisis." It was really fun and interesting. I liked to see Hadley use her Powers with a little focus. She's learning. Booker, Aurora, and especially Lilac was great. Loved seeing more of them. Their part at the end was hopefully just the beginning of something {¿?) great. Lol.
Looking forward to reading about regardless. All Amanda M Lee's books are worth reading as well as her books as Lily Harper Hart.
I loved this story! Hadley and Galen are such a fun couple. When the cupids show up for their annual conference all heck breaks loose. People are dying and Hadley's friends are miserable, especially Booker! With his mother in town, life has just gotten horrible for him! Between cupid mind games and personal attacks on Hadley, Galen is for to be tied!
I love all the snarky dialog in Amanda M Lee's books! Add in wonderful characters and exceptional storytelling and you have a story that's exceptional from start to finish!
One of her best, very exciting and of course funny. Please write a new one soon. Also love the new series spells angels. And death gate grim reapers. I enjoy the world's she imagines and the people she populates them with. And of course I can't leave out the best, the conversations, wonderfully light hearted and funny. Why can't all books be an enjoyable funny light hearted escape?
Another great one! I hate that I have to wait for the next one! Amanda is one of my favorite authors and I have read everything she has written! Her stories are funny captivating and you feel like the characters are your neighbors, you know them so well! I hate how I have to wait, if it was up to me I would read her books every day! I search all the time for new ones and count down the days to new releases!
One of my favorite series, hands down. Amanda M Lee has a way of creating a world that you just want to lose yourself in. You won’t want to put this one down!! This book is number 4 in the series and gives the reader a better understanding of how the elementals from the far past have influenced the evolution of magical beings today. Fantastic read!! I can’t wait for number 5!
Hadley is growing more powerful and she and Galen drop the L bomb. Copies warring with each other and wanting to take over the world. Thankfully, Hadley and her friends represent the four elemental and are able to stop everything. The island may be a paradise but it definitely has a dark side. Another wonderful book from Amanda Lee. As soon as I finished the book all I wanted was to read the next one. Please keep them coming.
This book captured my attention from the first page. I love seeing the relationship between Hadley and Galen develop. Not only is their relationship growing but the development of each supernatural creature is getting better and better. Little by little we learn more about each type of creature as Hadley grows into her magic. Can't wait to see what is in store for the island next. Galen's mom maybe?
I am starting to think this girl is an idiot, granted she's much better than the others in books I read, just a little bit doe. She's a witch who still has her granny around you would think she would start learning and try to control her power not to mention , you would think that she would actually see if there's some kind of boundary spell to keep certain people out of her house. Its like she's a witch for no dam reason
Hadley, Galen and the gang are back and trying to figure out what the cupids are up to when they descend on Moonstone Bay for a convention. I like the dynamics between the friends that Hadley has made on the island in this book. What I'm really looking forward to is some more character development from Hadley, she's far too whiny in this book for my taste. The only thing that kept me reading is that other characters were calling her on it, which gave me hope.