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Bottled Magic #1
I Dream of Genies: A Light-Paranormal Fantasy Contemporary RomCom
He needs to change his luck, and fast!
Matt Ewing would gladly hunt down a fortune in lucky pennies if he thought it would help save his business. But for all his hoping, Matt's clueless when his long-awaited lucky charm falls in his lap in the form of a beguiling genie. He just can't believe that this beautiful woman could be the answer to his prayers...
She's been bottled up for far too long!
Spending 2,000 years in a bottle would make any woman a little stir-crazy. So when Matt releases Eden from her luxurious captivity, she's thrilled to repay him by giving him the magical boost he needs...
But for all her good intentions, Eden's magical prowess is a little rusty and her magical mistakes become more than embarrassing. And though Eden knows falling in love will end her magic and immortality, she can't help but be drawn to the one man who wants her just for herself...
*re-release from 2010
Matt Ewing would gladly hunt down a fortune in lucky pennies if he thought it would help save his business. But for all his hoping, Matt's clueless when his long-awaited lucky charm falls in his lap in the form of a beguiling genie. He just can't believe that this beautiful woman could be the answer to his prayers...
She's been bottled up for far too long!
Spending 2,000 years in a bottle would make any woman a little stir-crazy. So when Matt releases Eden from her luxurious captivity, she's thrilled to repay him by giving him the magical boost he needs...
But for all her good intentions, Eden's magical prowess is a little rusty and her magical mistakes become more than embarrassing. And though Eden knows falling in love will end her magic and immortality, she can't help but be drawn to the one man who wants her just for herself...
*re-release from 2010
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2010
30 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Judi Fennell
111 books266 followersAward-winning, best-selling author Judi Fennell loves to laugh and loves love, so it’s no surprise there’s a little bit of each in every book she writes. Check out her flirty fun… seriously sexy light-hearted tongue-in-cheek paranormal and romantic comedies. From mermen to genies, to men in maids’ uniforms and male strippers, there’s always a laugh and love to be had.
And, in her copious (?) amounts of spare time, she helps authors with all aspects of writing and indie-publishing with her formatting, cover/promotional design, editorial company, www.formatting4U.com.
Judi lives in suburban Philadelphia with a menagerie of four-legged friends, and the minute those creatures start A) singing, B) sewing clothing, or C) cleaning the house will be the day she retires from writing…
And, in her copious (?) amounts of spare time, she helps authors with all aspects of writing and indie-publishing with her formatting, cover/promotional design, editorial company, www.formatting4U.com.
Judi lives in suburban Philadelphia with a menagerie of four-legged friends, and the minute those creatures start A) singing, B) sewing clothing, or C) cleaning the house will be the day she retires from writing…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 29, 2010
Eden, a genie, has been trapped in her bottle longer than she wants to think about. But one day, when her bottle is thrown out with the trash, she finds herself free -- and sprawled all over Matt Ewing, the cute guy she's been admiring for some time now. At first, Matt doesn't believe that Eden's a genie, but a dragon, talking cat, and several mishaps later, and he can't deny what she is -- or his attraction to her. Too bad there's a bad guy out there who will do whatever it takes to control Eden -- even threaten Matt's life ...
This paranormal romance by Judi Fennell is a lot of fun. Eden and Matt are both likable characters, and I really enjoyed Obo, the talking cat. (What can I say? I'm a sucker for talking animals in books.) I also liked all the pop-culture genie references that Fennell throws in.
There's a lot of action in the book, as Matt and Eden go from one adventure to the next, and the book sort of reads like the movie Romancing the Stone, but with genies/magic.
Overall, this book is just light-hearted, zany fun. If you're looking for something different to read besides vampires/werewolves, give this book a try when it comes out in January 2011.
Note/disclaimer: I was given an advanced reading copy and asked by the author to provide a cover blurb for this book.
This paranormal romance by Judi Fennell is a lot of fun. Eden and Matt are both likable characters, and I really enjoyed Obo, the talking cat. (What can I say? I'm a sucker for talking animals in books.) I also liked all the pop-culture genie references that Fennell throws in.
There's a lot of action in the book, as Matt and Eden go from one adventure to the next, and the book sort of reads like the movie Romancing the Stone, but with genies/magic.
Overall, this book is just light-hearted, zany fun. If you're looking for something different to read besides vampires/werewolves, give this book a try when it comes out in January 2011.
Note/disclaimer: I was given an advanced reading copy and asked by the author to provide a cover blurb for this book.
September 19, 2015
2.5 Stars
I really wanted to love 'I DREAM OF GENIES'. The premise sounded like such fun and as it was the holiday season and I had time off over the new year (when I began reading it) I was looking for a really good romance novel, and as it was about genies I was also looking forward to a fresh take on paranormal romance - no vampires or werewolves in sight.
It started off well: Eden, a beautiful genie in a bottle, an atmospheric dusty old antique shop, a talking cat, baby dragons called 'dragonlets' breathing little smoke ring puffs, and a delicious hero called Matt. Sounds like a recipe for a fabulous paranormal romance doesn't it.
Sadly, after about a hundred pages things just went down hill. Repetitive prose, annoying heroine, irritating hero and a scattered plot. It read like a bad screwball rom-com movie. There were moments that captured my imagination and kept my attention but for the most past I was happy when I reached the end.
There is an innocence to Eden's character which I liked and went well with what I imagine for a female genie. I also thought the addition of Eden's magic coming out all wrong was funny and matched her personality - she became quite endearing. There were a few other humorous moments and I enjoyed most of Eden's interactions with Matt. However, once the story moved from the human world to the world of the genie, the story lost it's magic for me.
Matt is an ok hero, but a little bit whiny. He's having monetary problems and his business isn't doing too well. He also has a huge chip on his shoulder concerning his family. This is mentioned quite a bit but is never resolved, which begs me to question why it was added in the first place. More surplus sub-plots which really needn't have been there.
There were also too many lovemaking scenes and main one where Eden and Adam hook up for the first time went on for far too long. Twelve pages in fact. I am not adverse to a love making scene or two, but keep them short and sweet please - I personally don't need to read twelve pages of kissing and licking and sucking....boring! Unfortunately there was a lot of this. Eden and Matt groped each other at every opportunity; lots of "I want you's" and "tongue's in mouths", even when they were running for their lives sex was not far from their minds. It took away from the romance a little bit for me. A loving look can say a thousand words, having the characters constantly maul each other and want to have sex wherever they are isn't always necessary to portray love.
The ending was good and fitting for the characters with a little surprise twist. It was satisfying, and for those that love a happy every after won't be disappointed.
VERDICT:
Overall I DREAM OF GENIES was a bit of a let down - it's also at least a hundred pages too long. There were a few aspects I enjoyed but for the most part 'I DREAM OF GENIES' just didn't do it for me...I think I'll stick to my vamps and weres!
I really wanted to love 'I DREAM OF GENIES'. The premise sounded like such fun and as it was the holiday season and I had time off over the new year (when I began reading it) I was looking for a really good romance novel, and as it was about genies I was also looking forward to a fresh take on paranormal romance - no vampires or werewolves in sight.
It started off well: Eden, a beautiful genie in a bottle, an atmospheric dusty old antique shop, a talking cat, baby dragons called 'dragonlets' breathing little smoke ring puffs, and a delicious hero called Matt. Sounds like a recipe for a fabulous paranormal romance doesn't it.
Sadly, after about a hundred pages things just went down hill. Repetitive prose, annoying heroine, irritating hero and a scattered plot. It read like a bad screwball rom-com movie. There were moments that captured my imagination and kept my attention but for the most past I was happy when I reached the end.
There is an innocence to Eden's character which I liked and went well with what I imagine for a female genie. I also thought the addition of Eden's magic coming out all wrong was funny and matched her personality - she became quite endearing. There were a few other humorous moments and I enjoyed most of Eden's interactions with Matt. However, once the story moved from the human world to the world of the genie, the story lost it's magic for me.
Matt is an ok hero, but a little bit whiny. He's having monetary problems and his business isn't doing too well. He also has a huge chip on his shoulder concerning his family. This is mentioned quite a bit but is never resolved, which begs me to question why it was added in the first place. More surplus sub-plots which really needn't have been there.
There were also too many lovemaking scenes and main one where Eden and Adam hook up for the first time went on for far too long. Twelve pages in fact. I am not adverse to a love making scene or two, but keep them short and sweet please - I personally don't need to read twelve pages of kissing and licking and sucking....boring! Unfortunately there was a lot of this. Eden and Matt groped each other at every opportunity; lots of "I want you's" and "tongue's in mouths", even when they were running for their lives sex was not far from their minds. It took away from the romance a little bit for me. A loving look can say a thousand words, having the characters constantly maul each other and want to have sex wherever they are isn't always necessary to portray love.
The ending was good and fitting for the characters with a little surprise twist. It was satisfying, and for those that love a happy every after won't be disappointed.
VERDICT:
Overall I DREAM OF GENIES was a bit of a let down - it's also at least a hundred pages too long. There were a few aspects I enjoyed but for the most part 'I DREAM OF GENIES' just didn't do it for me...I think I'll stick to my vamps and weres!
December 8, 2010
First off let me say that I enjoyed Judi's Mermaid series immensely but I Dream of Genies makes the rest of them pale in comparison. This book is such a hoot! I started laughing right from the very first page and couldn't stop even after I finished the book. I still giggle when I think about so many different scenes. If you want to start your New Year off with a bang and full of laughter then this is something you must read. It rates right up there with Godiva chocolates everyone! YUMM!
Poor Eden our heroine has been stuck inside a bottle for nearly two thousand years. Not that she's been deprived in said bottle for all the creature comforts but hey we all need some shopping, sex, chocolate, sex, fresh air, sex. Get my drift? Guess there are a few drawbacks to having all the creature comforts. LOL!
Matt Ewing is luscious. Works out everyday running past Eden's bottle only to unknowingly torture her with a body of Adonis. He's as kind and the sun is bright but has the Luck o the Irish, or is it bad luck you might say. Try as he might he just can't seem to get things to go the way he would like them and he puts all his effort and skills into whatever he tackles. That's enough to give anyone a complex. And if that's not bad enough, his brother is perfection personified which irritates the Hell out of Matt to no end.
The story starts out with Eden wishing like crazy for a way out of her glass prison and Matt wishing for a break. Well I guess you can say they both get their wish when Matt happens to be in the right place at the right time to have Eden land face first in his lap unconscious and he just doesn't know what to do. Should he thank God for this delivery or try and wake up this raven beauty before someone thinks he might have done her harm. Talk about an opener to a book. Whew..........!!!
Judi Fennell has really done her homework here. This story is ripe with one liners, unpredictable predicaments, Genie on the run, poor sap as a hero that just can't seem to keep his flag from flying at full mast and a array or quirky hilarious characters. This goes from giggle mode to all out laughter in less time than it takes to snap your fingers.
Poor Eden our heroine has been stuck inside a bottle for nearly two thousand years. Not that she's been deprived in said bottle for all the creature comforts but hey we all need some shopping, sex, chocolate, sex, fresh air, sex. Get my drift? Guess there are a few drawbacks to having all the creature comforts. LOL!
Matt Ewing is luscious. Works out everyday running past Eden's bottle only to unknowingly torture her with a body of Adonis. He's as kind and the sun is bright but has the Luck o the Irish, or is it bad luck you might say. Try as he might he just can't seem to get things to go the way he would like them and he puts all his effort and skills into whatever he tackles. That's enough to give anyone a complex. And if that's not bad enough, his brother is perfection personified which irritates the Hell out of Matt to no end.
The story starts out with Eden wishing like crazy for a way out of her glass prison and Matt wishing for a break. Well I guess you can say they both get their wish when Matt happens to be in the right place at the right time to have Eden land face first in his lap unconscious and he just doesn't know what to do. Should he thank God for this delivery or try and wake up this raven beauty before someone thinks he might have done her harm. Talk about an opener to a book. Whew..........!!!
Judi Fennell has really done her homework here. This story is ripe with one liners, unpredictable predicaments, Genie on the run, poor sap as a hero that just can't seem to keep his flag from flying at full mast and a array or quirky hilarious characters. This goes from giggle mode to all out laughter in less time than it takes to snap your fingers.
January 6, 2011
Eden is a genie and has spent the last 2,000 years in a bottle, and she's about had her fill of it and wants out. She first spotted Matt while stuck in her bottle and has been crushing ever since. Now poor Matt Ewing, his business isn't doing so great -- but he never thought what he was looking for was in a bottle.
I Dream of Genies is magical adventure, with action and a hot romance. I love watching reruns of 'I Dream of Jeannie' so I was really curious what this book would be like. For me Ms. Fennell's books are pure fun, and that's definitely true with this one. I love the fantastical worlds she creates. This was a good read. If your looking for an escape, I recommend giving this book a try.
I Dream of Genies is magical adventure, with action and a hot romance. I love watching reruns of 'I Dream of Jeannie' so I was really curious what this book would be like. For me Ms. Fennell's books are pure fun, and that's definitely true with this one. I love the fantastical worlds she creates. This was a good read. If your looking for an escape, I recommend giving this book a try.
January 24, 2011
“I Dream of Genies” is a whimsical carpet ride of mishaps and mirth. Judi Fennell brings her signature cheeky humor that served her so well during her Mer series, Tritone Trilogy (In Over Her Head, Wild Blue Under, and Catch of a Lifetime) that is smart, sassy, and just a little bit slapstick. Once again the animal sidekicks have a way of stealing scenes from the two protagonists, Matt and Eden. I guess the advice of never working with children and animals is as true in books as it is in film. Obo is pure magic.
October 9, 2011
She could wish for anything, except for her own freedom and Matt's love.
It was just another sad, lonely day in Eden's bottled life with only a talking cat for company when everything changed. 2,000 years of living in her bottle watching as the rest of the world goes by is her penance for committing Master murder. Good thing she still has her magic to brighten things up and a dragonlet to care for, and then of course there's Matt. He unknowingly runs by her bottle everyday, providing a delicious view she's never grown tired of watching, it's just too bad he doesn't even know she exists. Well today her wish is about to come true.
Matt's on one of the worst day's yet, when he literally runs into a half-naked gorgeous woman knocking her unconscious. Bad luck has always been his specialty and the last damsel-in-distress he rescued willingly went back to her distressful situation, so he's learned to be cautious. Having never measured up for anything else in his life when pitted against his stepbrother, Matt finds it difficult to believe that someone like Eden would even want to want him. Her actions, however, speak louder than words and soon he finds himself embroiled in a journey full of magic and mayhem. All for the love of a genie who can't love him in return.
“Zift!” Talk about one hot magic comforter ride! Yeah, that's right I said comforter. If you really want all of the juicy details you'll definitely want to read the story. In the meantime, let me just say this being my first djinn experience, I thought I was prepared for anything, but definitely not magical sex while flying. It was both an original and memorable experience and one not to be missed. However, I was a tad disappointed in the romance between our hero and heroine early on in the story. Matt and Eden came together and fell for each other a bit too hard, fast, and unbelievable. It took some convincing and after getting to know the characters a bit more, I was able to see and feel that they are meant for one another.
The rest of the cast, played their respective roles quite well in this colorfully creative new world. Even Humphrey the adorable orphaned dragonlet captured not only my imagination, but my heart as well since his introduction in the story. I have feeling we haven't seen the last of Obo the mischievous feline or Faruq the vile vizier, but all’s well that end's well for now.
Vivid characters, bouts of humor, lustful moments, and an out of this world adventure is the recipe to this great story. The epilogue supported ending was chock full of surprises from the one person I hadn't expected to hear anything from, yet was the one most talked about throughout the story. If there's one thing I learned it's that Ms. Fennell knows her complex djinn world quite well and I'm excitedly ready for the next in her Bottled Magic series to begin.
It was just another sad, lonely day in Eden's bottled life with only a talking cat for company when everything changed. 2,000 years of living in her bottle watching as the rest of the world goes by is her penance for committing Master murder. Good thing she still has her magic to brighten things up and a dragonlet to care for, and then of course there's Matt. He unknowingly runs by her bottle everyday, providing a delicious view she's never grown tired of watching, it's just too bad he doesn't even know she exists. Well today her wish is about to come true.
Matt's on one of the worst day's yet, when he literally runs into a half-naked gorgeous woman knocking her unconscious. Bad luck has always been his specialty and the last damsel-in-distress he rescued willingly went back to her distressful situation, so he's learned to be cautious. Having never measured up for anything else in his life when pitted against his stepbrother, Matt finds it difficult to believe that someone like Eden would even want to want him. Her actions, however, speak louder than words and soon he finds himself embroiled in a journey full of magic and mayhem. All for the love of a genie who can't love him in return.
“Zift!” Talk about one hot magic comforter ride! Yeah, that's right I said comforter. If you really want all of the juicy details you'll definitely want to read the story. In the meantime, let me just say this being my first djinn experience, I thought I was prepared for anything, but definitely not magical sex while flying. It was both an original and memorable experience and one not to be missed. However, I was a tad disappointed in the romance between our hero and heroine early on in the story. Matt and Eden came together and fell for each other a bit too hard, fast, and unbelievable. It took some convincing and after getting to know the characters a bit more, I was able to see and feel that they are meant for one another.
The rest of the cast, played their respective roles quite well in this colorfully creative new world. Even Humphrey the adorable orphaned dragonlet captured not only my imagination, but my heart as well since his introduction in the story. I have feeling we haven't seen the last of Obo the mischievous feline or Faruq the vile vizier, but all’s well that end's well for now.
Vivid characters, bouts of humor, lustful moments, and an out of this world adventure is the recipe to this great story. The epilogue supported ending was chock full of surprises from the one person I hadn't expected to hear anything from, yet was the one most talked about throughout the story. If there's one thing I learned it's that Ms. Fennell knows her complex djinn world quite well and I'm excitedly ready for the next in her Bottled Magic series to begin.
April 10, 2014
Review from Backchatting Books
Genie Eden did a bad, bad thing to her former master and has been locked up in a bottle ever since as punishment. Her only companion was an egocentric cat called Obo until the owner of the antique shop where she was incarcerated decided to toss out her bottle. The garbage truck's mechanical jaws free Eden and plop her into the path of Matt Ewing. Eden and Matt try to avoid the attention of vizier Faruq who is determined to possess Eden.
Eden sees being a genie as a form of slavery and has fought the system (unsuccessfully) for years. When we meet her, she has been incarcerated for so long that the Home Shopping Network and raising orphan dragons are her only forms of entertainment. Eden's magic backfires after her release which provides much of the humour.
Matt is fairly whiny as his business is failing but he is too proud to accept help from his step-father and brother. He likes to see himself as a knight in shining armour that rescues damsels in distress but that is fairly difficult when he's competing with magic. I didn't see him undergoing any great transformation throughout the course of the book which was a shame.
The plot started well but quickly went downhill as the two leads failed to a) stay hidden and b) find the bottle. I get that the first one is hard when butterflies appear out of nowhere once you start having sex but they were so totally inept at it. Lust obviously kicks in fairly quickly for this couple with Eden wanting to jump Matt's bones almost immediately wearing an "I Dream of Genie" harem outfit no less. By the time I had sort of wrapped my head around a genie in the modern world, we were transported to the fantastical town of Al-Jarrah. This was so abrupt that it divided the book in two. I got a distinctly Aladdin movie vibe from the town from the inept but creepy villain Faruq to the Aladdin style cave. I probably would have enjoyed the book more if these extreme flights of fancy had been toned down and the two halves of the book were more compatible. The cat however stole every scene he was in and was an absolute delight.
Writing a book based around genies has to be hard as we have such a clear mental image of how they are supposed to look and act from popular culture. I think Fennell tried to squeeze too much of the fantastical elements in to cater for this and the romance suffered as a result.
Genie Eden did a bad, bad thing to her former master and has been locked up in a bottle ever since as punishment. Her only companion was an egocentric cat called Obo until the owner of the antique shop where she was incarcerated decided to toss out her bottle. The garbage truck's mechanical jaws free Eden and plop her into the path of Matt Ewing. Eden and Matt try to avoid the attention of vizier Faruq who is determined to possess Eden.
Eden sees being a genie as a form of slavery and has fought the system (unsuccessfully) for years. When we meet her, she has been incarcerated for so long that the Home Shopping Network and raising orphan dragons are her only forms of entertainment. Eden's magic backfires after her release which provides much of the humour.
Matt is fairly whiny as his business is failing but he is too proud to accept help from his step-father and brother. He likes to see himself as a knight in shining armour that rescues damsels in distress but that is fairly difficult when he's competing with magic. I didn't see him undergoing any great transformation throughout the course of the book which was a shame.
The plot started well but quickly went downhill as the two leads failed to a) stay hidden and b) find the bottle. I get that the first one is hard when butterflies appear out of nowhere once you start having sex but they were so totally inept at it. Lust obviously kicks in fairly quickly for this couple with Eden wanting to jump Matt's bones almost immediately wearing an "I Dream of Genie" harem outfit no less. By the time I had sort of wrapped my head around a genie in the modern world, we were transported to the fantastical town of Al-Jarrah. This was so abrupt that it divided the book in two. I got a distinctly Aladdin movie vibe from the town from the inept but creepy villain Faruq to the Aladdin style cave. I probably would have enjoyed the book more if these extreme flights of fancy had been toned down and the two halves of the book were more compatible. The cat however stole every scene he was in and was an absolute delight.
Writing a book based around genies has to be hard as we have such a clear mental image of how they are supposed to look and act from popular culture. I think Fennell tried to squeeze too much of the fantastical elements in to cater for this and the romance suffered as a result.
April 28, 2011
This was a book that I could not finish because of the "And she fell on top of his dick" type stories.
I do love paranormal romances, you know the ones? Boy meets girl, boy and girl fall instantly in love - shit hits the fan and they need to overcome and in the end they have a HEA. Usually these types of stories also involve lots of sex which is fine also.
HOWEVER, this one was just not my cup of tea. Chapter two and the heroine was literally falling all over the hero's dick and wanting in his pants before he even knew who she was!! So not my thing.
Anyways, I am sure a lot of people love this sort of thing and back in the day I would have too.. I am just not in the mood for a story that is all sex and no character building so I just couldn't finish this book.
I do love paranormal romances, you know the ones? Boy meets girl, boy and girl fall instantly in love - shit hits the fan and they need to overcome and in the end they have a HEA. Usually these types of stories also involve lots of sex which is fine also.
HOWEVER, this one was just not my cup of tea. Chapter two and the heroine was literally falling all over the hero's dick and wanting in his pants before he even knew who she was!! So not my thing.
Anyways, I am sure a lot of people love this sort of thing and back in the day I would have too.. I am just not in the mood for a story that is all sex and no character building so I just couldn't finish this book.
March 24, 2011
This is maybe really a 2-1/2 star book for me. It had a great premise but it didn't really hold my interest. The middle section where they were in the entirely too too too whimsical hidden genie city really dragged. It was just like a mad festival, Carnival if you will, of magic. I felt a bit like I was in some psychedelic children's song. The end of the book picked up again but was pretty syrupy sweet. Thankfully this was light hearted so I didn't have to invest much in trying to understand the world or make sense of any magical rules. I also am fairly certain that I won't be interested in picking up the next one in the series when it comes out.
March 25, 2011
I Dream Of Genies is not your typical paranormal romance cause there are no wolves,vampires, or Demons! quite enjoyed reading it and thought there were some fun twists in the author's imagination.
Eden is a genie and has spent the last 2,000 years in a bottle, and she's about had her fill of it and wants out. She first spotted Matt while stuck in her bottle and has been crushing ever since. Now poor Matt Ewing, his business isn't doing so great -- but he never thought what he was looking for was in a bottle.
Eden is a genie and has spent the last 2,000 years in a bottle, and she's about had her fill of it and wants out. She first spotted Matt while stuck in her bottle and has been crushing ever since. Now poor Matt Ewing, his business isn't doing so great -- but he never thought what he was looking for was in a bottle.
August 11, 2011
I really liked this book and enjoyed reading it. I found I had trouble putting it down (much to my family's annoyance). I loved all the pop culture references in the book. The main characters of Eden and Matt were great a wonderful couple and I really liked how they interacted with each other. Obo the cat was a definite highlight of the story.
I am looking forward to reading more of Judi's books. She is a great writer.
I am looking forward to reading more of Judi's books. She is a great writer.
August 20, 2011
I'm about halfway and I really wanted to like this book. So far I think it's one of the stupidest books every written.
This did not capture my attention. I started and stopped and only finished due to pure determination. I can't say that I hated this but it's definitely on the more stupid side of silly. But then, I've never seen the attraction about I Dream of Jeanie. I'm more of a I Love Lucy fan.
This did not capture my attention. I started and stopped and only finished due to pure determination. I can't say that I hated this but it's definitely on the more stupid side of silly. But then, I've never seen the attraction about I Dream of Jeanie. I'm more of a I Love Lucy fan.
March 12, 2012
Fun read, looking forward to reading the next in the series!
May 17, 2020
At times this book was hard to follow. I didn’t know if the cat was talking, or if the genie was dreaming. It felt more like- I Dream of Inception - on various hallucinogens with a hint of beer. Of course the genie in this story- Eden, refuses to fall in love and give up her freedom. I hear ya girl! - but she still gets trapped even though she bottles up her feelings quite tightly. A couple of things that I felt didn’t need to be in the book, one being how Eden was jailed due to accidentally killing her previous Master. The book alluded to him possibly harming his children. That was strange. If you’re going to throw out something dark like that, I personally wouldn’t have said the murder was an accident. Own your murder. Kidding of course but the whole bit was not vibing with me.
The other thing was the High Master orchestrating the whole entire episode because he loved Eden like a daughter, and spied into her present, and future, including sex scenes with Eden’s love interest- Matt.
That was weird. Like incest weird? Old pervy man weird?
I don’t know? Other than that it was cute, fun, easy read except for the strange animals that talk and appear for no reason. Except the cat. He was one cool cat.
The other thing was the High Master orchestrating the whole entire episode because he loved Eden like a daughter, and spied into her present, and future, including sex scenes with Eden’s love interest- Matt.
That was weird. Like incest weird? Old pervy man weird?
I don’t know? Other than that it was cute, fun, easy read except for the strange animals that talk and appear for no reason. Except the cat. He was one cool cat.
April 5, 2019
I had such high hopes for this book since the theme and plot was different and fresh, but I was left hanging.........from a noose cuz the writing style was not my cup of tea. EVERYTHING about the heroine was absolutely perfect including her minor flaws, same thing applied to the hero. Real people aren't perfect and when I'm reading a book I don't expect the characters to BE perfect. Long story short the world building was sorely lacking so too were the characters. I don't mind a little smut in my books but damn, the sex in this book was boring and mechanical oh and not to mention 'PERFECT' 😑
June 17, 2019
I haven't read too many books with djinn in them... maybe 2. I really enjoyed this one. I loved how smart Eden is. I liked Matt as well. He was determined to help her despite the chaos that she brought into his life. The little references to "I Dream of Jeannie" definitely added to the story. It made me smile because I always found that tv show so amusing and fun. I will definitely be reading book 2. I can't wait to see what wild ride it takes us readers on.
September 26, 2019
This is "I Dream of Jeannie" with VERY mature content added.
There is a mortal hero, Matt Ewing, and a raven-haired genie named Eden. Also a sidekick cat, Obo, (reminded me of Salem in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch; he even has black fur) and an evil Grand Vizier, Faruq, who wants Eden for himself (I pictured Jafar from the Aladdin movies).
Matt and Eden have to outwit Faruq, and pass some extremely dangerous tests, before they can have their Happily Ever After ...
There is a mortal hero, Matt Ewing, and a raven-haired genie named Eden. Also a sidekick cat, Obo, (reminded me of Salem in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch; he even has black fur) and an evil Grand Vizier, Faruq, who wants Eden for himself (I pictured Jafar from the Aladdin movies).
Matt and Eden have to outwit Faruq, and pass some extremely dangerous tests, before they can have their Happily Ever After ...
May 9, 2017
I liked it but for some reason I struggled to get through it. It may have been because I was stressed while I was spending time in the hospital with my husband, but it just didn't draw me like many books. I will read another by this author and see if it was just the circumstances
December 15, 2011
~* 2.5 Stars *~
Didn't Really Work For Me
It doesn't matter how palatial the bottle, being sentenced to spend three thousand years locked up in one, with only a talking cat and the random dragon hatchling as company, is harsh. Yes, Eden is technically responsible for the death of her master, but she only meant to scare him and she had very good reason to do so. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as mitigating circumstance for the djinn High Master.
Halfway through her sentence, Eden's existence revolves around the Home Shopping Network (her bottle has an excellent cable package), raising dragons, and waiting for Matt Ewing to jog past the window of the shop in which her bottle sits. Day in, day out, that is her life. No human contact, magic limited to what she can do in her bottle without drawing attention, and shameless ogling.
Until, that is, the day that the shop owner was late. He finally swept into the store hours past normal opening time, gathered up some of the merchandise in boxes - her bottle included - and cleaned out his office. Just like that, the genie Eden had been thrown away.
Struggling contractor Matt Ewing has been having a rough few months. Work isn't going well and he's teetering on the brink of failing at the dream that was his father's legacy. Jogging is something that helps clear his mind and he tries to do it every day. Who knew that having a half-naked woman dressed up like a harem girl slam him to the ground would work even better?
Okay, that is sort of a no-brainer. Anyway...
Ever since Eden dropped, quite literally, onto his lap, Matt's eyes have been opened to a world of magic he hadn't known existed. Problem is, just because Eden's bottle popped open and she tumbled out doesn't mean her sentence is over, and the djinn High Master's vizier Faruq, a power-hungry djinn with an unhealthy obsession with Eden, knows she's free. Eden knows Faruq will be coming for her, sooner or...well...sooner, and he'll have no compunction about going through the mortal - but sexy! - Matt like tissue paper if necessary. Anything he has to do to make Eden his slave.
~*~
Despite the imagination and attention to detail that Fennell evidenced in this series debut, as well as several other positives that usually serve me very well in my reading, I struggled through I Dream of Genies and had difficulty connecting to the characters and the story. It wasn't the writing, either. Most of my issues are strictly preference-based and completely subjective.
Eden's character was a little too close to sitcom stereotype for my taste and Matt was too much of a Debbie Downer for the first part of the book. The romance thread didn't work for me at all. The relationship seemed to consist of little more than Eden and Matt getting groiny at every opportunity. As large a fan as I am of lusty good times, I do prefer romances that have a bit more depth than that.
The thing that bothered me most, though, was the overall tone. There were things in the book that made me chuckle out loud, and several passages I highlighted for their quirkiness, intelligence, or charm, but in the end, I'm not as big a fan of the lighter toned, fluffier paranormal or fantasy romance. Which seems like a complete contradiction, even to me, because I love when a book makes me laugh.
Maybe it's the type of comedy that gave me problems in this book. The almost slapstick nature in the comedy of Eden's wacky magic, combined with the over-the-top acid trip that was the trip to Al-Jannah, pushed me into inexplicable magic overload.
I had a different sort of problem with the villain of the story. For all Faruq's threat, he's the sort of bumbling villain who can do no right - who, maybe not coincidentally, reminded me too much of Jafar from Disney's Aladdin in job position (vizier), creepiness factor, feelings of self-importance, and effectiveness as a villain. My preferences lie in villains who pose a more serious threat.
There were several truly imaginative and wonderful aspects of Fennel's series debut, and I liked seeing a paranormal about genies. Unfortunately in this case, the book strained too many of my personal reading preferences to be consistently appealing. The romance, which can improve my overall appreciation of a novel if it's done well, didn't have enough development or content for me to elevate my appreciation of the rest. This book, sadly, just wasn't for me.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Didn't Really Work For Me
It doesn't matter how palatial the bottle, being sentenced to spend three thousand years locked up in one, with only a talking cat and the random dragon hatchling as company, is harsh. Yes, Eden is technically responsible for the death of her master, but she only meant to scare him and she had very good reason to do so. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as mitigating circumstance for the djinn High Master.
Halfway through her sentence, Eden's existence revolves around the Home Shopping Network (her bottle has an excellent cable package), raising dragons, and waiting for Matt Ewing to jog past the window of the shop in which her bottle sits. Day in, day out, that is her life. No human contact, magic limited to what she can do in her bottle without drawing attention, and shameless ogling.
Until, that is, the day that the shop owner was late. He finally swept into the store hours past normal opening time, gathered up some of the merchandise in boxes - her bottle included - and cleaned out his office. Just like that, the genie Eden had been thrown away.
Struggling contractor Matt Ewing has been having a rough few months. Work isn't going well and he's teetering on the brink of failing at the dream that was his father's legacy. Jogging is something that helps clear his mind and he tries to do it every day. Who knew that having a half-naked woman dressed up like a harem girl slam him to the ground would work even better?
Okay, that is sort of a no-brainer. Anyway...
Ever since Eden dropped, quite literally, onto his lap, Matt's eyes have been opened to a world of magic he hadn't known existed. Problem is, just because Eden's bottle popped open and she tumbled out doesn't mean her sentence is over, and the djinn High Master's vizier Faruq, a power-hungry djinn with an unhealthy obsession with Eden, knows she's free. Eden knows Faruq will be coming for her, sooner or...well...sooner, and he'll have no compunction about going through the mortal - but sexy! - Matt like tissue paper if necessary. Anything he has to do to make Eden his slave.
~*~
Despite the imagination and attention to detail that Fennell evidenced in this series debut, as well as several other positives that usually serve me very well in my reading, I struggled through I Dream of Genies and had difficulty connecting to the characters and the story. It wasn't the writing, either. Most of my issues are strictly preference-based and completely subjective.
Eden's character was a little too close to sitcom stereotype for my taste and Matt was too much of a Debbie Downer for the first part of the book. The romance thread didn't work for me at all. The relationship seemed to consist of little more than Eden and Matt getting groiny at every opportunity. As large a fan as I am of lusty good times, I do prefer romances that have a bit more depth than that.
The thing that bothered me most, though, was the overall tone. There were things in the book that made me chuckle out loud, and several passages I highlighted for their quirkiness, intelligence, or charm, but in the end, I'm not as big a fan of the lighter toned, fluffier paranormal or fantasy romance. Which seems like a complete contradiction, even to me, because I love when a book makes me laugh.
Maybe it's the type of comedy that gave me problems in this book. The almost slapstick nature in the comedy of Eden's wacky magic, combined with the over-the-top acid trip that was the trip to Al-Jannah, pushed me into inexplicable magic overload.
I had a different sort of problem with the villain of the story. For all Faruq's threat, he's the sort of bumbling villain who can do no right - who, maybe not coincidentally, reminded me too much of Jafar from Disney's Aladdin in job position (vizier), creepiness factor, feelings of self-importance, and effectiveness as a villain. My preferences lie in villains who pose a more serious threat.
There were several truly imaginative and wonderful aspects of Fennel's series debut, and I liked seeing a paranormal about genies. Unfortunately in this case, the book strained too many of my personal reading preferences to be consistently appealing. The romance, which can improve my overall appreciation of a novel if it's done well, didn't have enough development or content for me to elevate my appreciation of the rest. This book, sadly, just wasn't for me.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
March 19, 2017
I gave it 3 stars until chapter 32. The story went into the Twilight Zone, that's when I quit. It's a shame, because the author seemed like she had potential!
I'm glad it was a free read. I wouldn't pay for this one.
I'm glad it was a free read. I wouldn't pay for this one.
November 6, 2013
I Dream of Genies by Judi Fennell was an unexpected and fascinating story. I was expecting something cute, funny and light-hearted but mostly set in a contemporary setting. While it did have the previously mentioned aspects it had much more. Magic and fantasy abound in this book, and it will capture your imagination.
Eden and Matt were likable characters in their own ways. Eden was a charming if slightly socially-awkward (you'd be too if you were trapped in a bottle for some 1700+ years) genie who never really wanted nor intended to be a genie. Matt was a pretty average guy who's dream is to continue on with his father's dream on his own terms. Both of them have their own issues, which collide when they first meet, via Eden being knocked unconscious and landing on top of Matt. They had this really great chemistry between them, and I enjoyed watching them on their adventure - from the simple mundane (like dinner with the family - his not hers) to their travels through Al-Jannah. They are not your typical hero and heroine, he's not a super-soldier, kicking asses and taking names while torturing himself with his self-punishing antics about his tortured past and she's an occasionally inept genie (though that isn't really her fault - her magic was on the fritz).
Eden and Matt were fun, but I have to admit that Obo really stole some of the scenes along with Humphrey, the dragonlet. The characters (with the exception of the bad guy) were a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed seeing them outwit Faruq. What also drew me in was the world itself. Not so much the contemporary, "normal" world featured in the book but the world of Al-Jannah, and it's creatures and plants - I wouldn't have minded spending more time there, but I did appreciate the vivid descriptions. I particularly enjoyed the journey to get the dijinn eggs, and the Hadhayosh - the way they tricked him in the end was quite amusing - especially his reaction.
My only complaints were that at times, especially when they made the transition to Al-Jannah, the pacing was a bit off, it went from a slower pace and jumped straight into action that didn't really let up. It's not a bad thing the pacing was just a bit jarring. It felt like a lot of details were just being pushed onto it at once - I think I would have preferred it taking place in just one setting (or at least allowing us to have some idea of the second setting before dropping us into it). The last thing ties in - I wanted to know more about not just the world (Al-Jannah) but the creatures - I know it's not realistic of me to have all my questions explained (because I had a lot - quite a few of which didn't really have anything to do with the storyline) but I really wanted more of this world, and felt a little cheated we didn't get to spend more time there.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I was a little surprised by the ending, to say anymore would spoil it - but I was pleased nonetheless. Though not quite as humorous as I was expecting, there was certainly enough humor to satisfy my need for it. It was the fantasy aspect that really shone through. I look forward to reading more from this author. 4 stars.
Eden and Matt were likable characters in their own ways. Eden was a charming if slightly socially-awkward (you'd be too if you were trapped in a bottle for some 1700+ years) genie who never really wanted nor intended to be a genie. Matt was a pretty average guy who's dream is to continue on with his father's dream on his own terms. Both of them have their own issues, which collide when they first meet, via Eden being knocked unconscious and landing on top of Matt. They had this really great chemistry between them, and I enjoyed watching them on their adventure - from the simple mundane (like dinner with the family - his not hers) to their travels through Al-Jannah. They are not your typical hero and heroine, he's not a super-soldier, kicking asses and taking names while torturing himself with his self-punishing antics about his tortured past and she's an occasionally inept genie (though that isn't really her fault - her magic was on the fritz).
Eden and Matt were fun, but I have to admit that Obo really stole some of the scenes along with Humphrey, the dragonlet. The characters (with the exception of the bad guy) were a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed seeing them outwit Faruq. What also drew me in was the world itself. Not so much the contemporary, "normal" world featured in the book but the world of Al-Jannah, and it's creatures and plants - I wouldn't have minded spending more time there, but I did appreciate the vivid descriptions. I particularly enjoyed the journey to get the dijinn eggs, and the Hadhayosh - the way they tricked him in the end was quite amusing - especially his reaction.
My only complaints were that at times, especially when they made the transition to Al-Jannah, the pacing was a bit off, it went from a slower pace and jumped straight into action that didn't really let up. It's not a bad thing the pacing was just a bit jarring. It felt like a lot of details were just being pushed onto it at once - I think I would have preferred it taking place in just one setting (or at least allowing us to have some idea of the second setting before dropping us into it). The last thing ties in - I wanted to know more about not just the world (Al-Jannah) but the creatures - I know it's not realistic of me to have all my questions explained (because I had a lot - quite a few of which didn't really have anything to do with the storyline) but I really wanted more of this world, and felt a little cheated we didn't get to spend more time there.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I was a little surprised by the ending, to say anymore would spoil it - but I was pleased nonetheless. Though not quite as humorous as I was expecting, there was certainly enough humor to satisfy my need for it. It was the fantasy aspect that really shone through. I look forward to reading more from this author. 4 stars.
April 8, 2012
It is me again! I know, twice in one week, who would have known? I am using my holiday time (and inactivity due to chest infection) as a chance to get caught up on some reviews, and this is one I have been wanting to do for a while.
I was lucky enough to be given a copy of I Dream of Genies when I attended AAD in Philadelphia last year, even luckier to be able to get it signed by Judy Fennell, who is such a lovely lady. I have always loved Genies, as a child I would watch reruns of I Dream of Jeannie and wonder.... is that really JR Ewing? My dad having told me it was, and me thinking... but he looks a lot older! Yip, I was that little! But I loved Jeannie, I loved the costumes, the chaos... the fun! That is what I was hoping to find in I Dream of Genies, romance, frivolity and fun, guess what, that is what I found and I really enjoyed it.
This is a great summer book.
I really need to start my Minxy list of summer reads and this is definitely one I shall be putting on it. It is perfect for sitting round the pool, reading at the airport or on the plane.
But why? It is a really cute romance, Eden is a genie with a past, imprisoned in her bottle for something she did, something that we perhaps don't totally believe something that we learn the truth about as the novel develops. When we meet her she is baby sitting a Dragonette (a baby dragon called Humphrey) and talking to a cat called Obo, I did tell you it was cute! Obo is a cat with a mysterious past, there is much more to him than what we first see. Their topic of conversation, Matt Ewing, the sexy man who jogs past Eden's bottle every day. The man Eden lusts after, and the man who she ultimately falls in love with.
When her bottle is thrown out she is eventually released and lands in the lap of Matt, literally, in full 'Jeannie costume' Matt takes her in and looks after her, as payment she uses her magic to help him. Just one problem, it is a bit rusty and goes wrong, outing her as a genie. Matt takes this remarkably well, but then faced with a dragonette on his head and a donkey in the kitchen he really doesn't have much choice!
Factor in the evil Faruq who wants Eden for himself, trust me he has very dodgy choice in clothing too! A quest to find the truth and freedom, fighting Faruq and falling in live make this a really fun romance. And yes there are some rather hot scenes... can we say sex that is so hot it makes you float!
I give I Dream of Genies 3.5 frillies out of 5, a great fun summer read. So pull out your bikini and shades, grab I Dream of Genies and settle down for some fun.
I was lucky enough to be given a copy of I Dream of Genies when I attended AAD in Philadelphia last year, even luckier to be able to get it signed by Judy Fennell, who is such a lovely lady. I have always loved Genies, as a child I would watch reruns of I Dream of Jeannie and wonder.... is that really JR Ewing? My dad having told me it was, and me thinking... but he looks a lot older! Yip, I was that little! But I loved Jeannie, I loved the costumes, the chaos... the fun! That is what I was hoping to find in I Dream of Genies, romance, frivolity and fun, guess what, that is what I found and I really enjoyed it.
This is a great summer book.
I really need to start my Minxy list of summer reads and this is definitely one I shall be putting on it. It is perfect for sitting round the pool, reading at the airport or on the plane.
But why? It is a really cute romance, Eden is a genie with a past, imprisoned in her bottle for something she did, something that we perhaps don't totally believe something that we learn the truth about as the novel develops. When we meet her she is baby sitting a Dragonette (a baby dragon called Humphrey) and talking to a cat called Obo, I did tell you it was cute! Obo is a cat with a mysterious past, there is much more to him than what we first see. Their topic of conversation, Matt Ewing, the sexy man who jogs past Eden's bottle every day. The man Eden lusts after, and the man who she ultimately falls in love with.
When her bottle is thrown out she is eventually released and lands in the lap of Matt, literally, in full 'Jeannie costume' Matt takes her in and looks after her, as payment she uses her magic to help him. Just one problem, it is a bit rusty and goes wrong, outing her as a genie. Matt takes this remarkably well, but then faced with a dragonette on his head and a donkey in the kitchen he really doesn't have much choice!
Factor in the evil Faruq who wants Eden for himself, trust me he has very dodgy choice in clothing too! A quest to find the truth and freedom, fighting Faruq and falling in live make this a really fun romance. And yes there are some rather hot scenes... can we say sex that is so hot it makes you float!
I give I Dream of Genies 3.5 frillies out of 5, a great fun summer read. So pull out your bikini and shades, grab I Dream of Genies and settle down for some fun.
December 6, 2012
"He needs to change his luck, and fast! She's been bottled up for far too long!"
I Dream of Genies starts out with introducing us to Eden, a genie who is trapped in her bottle and has been for 1,800 years as a punishment for a crime she committed against her last master. Soon enough she accidently gets released from her bottle and falls into the arms, literally, of handsome Matt. Together they have to find her bottle, figure out a way to free her from her wrist cuffs and escape the clutches of The High Masters vizier, who wants Eden all to himself.
I wanted to read something a bit different from the usual shapeshifters, vampires or faeries and when I came across I Dream of Genies I thought it would be the fresh air I needed. The book starts out pretty slowly and the first couple of chapters were just a massive info dump. I found myself a little confused as to who all of the characters were that were being introduced. Things started to pick up a little about a quarter of the way into the book though and by then I had figured out all of the characters. The beginning of the story definitely could have been pared down a bit considering this was an almost 400 page book.
I did a lot of skimming with this book but overall it was a decent read. It kept my interest enough for me to finish the book and I will be picking up the second in the series. I did have a couple of gripes though (obviously they weren't bad enough for me to stop reading the book). There were a lot of similarities between this book and the Disney Aladdin movie. It came complete with a magic carpet ride (two of them in fact) where Matt says its like he is in "a whole new world". Plus there was a 'Cave of the Unknown' that they were trapped in for a while. I realize that the whole genie thing is very similar already to Aladdin but it's not necessary to add in more Aladdin.
Another gripe was that the sex scenes could have been done better. There were a total of three and with two of them I felt like I was reading the same scene over again. It was also very cheesy with butterflies magically appearing and a floating comforter that acted like a flying carpet.
Anyways if your looking for something different give this one a try, just don't expect it to knock your socks off.
December 21, 2010
I Dream of Genies is a Romance Novel by Judi Fennell from SourceBooks Casablanca.
Book Blurb:
He Needs To Change His Luck, And Fast!
Matt Ewing would gladly hunt down a fortune in lucky pennies if he thought it would help save his business. But for all his hoping, Matt's clueless when his long-awaited lucky charm falls in his lap in the form of a beguiling genie. He just can't believe that this beautiful woman could be the answer to his prayers...
She's Been Bottled Up For Far Too Long!
Spending 2,000 years in a bottle would make any woman go a little stir-crazy. So when Matt releases Eden from her luxurious captivity, she's thrilled to repay him by giving him the magical boost he needs...
But for all her good intentions, Eden's magical prowess is a little rusty and her magical mistakes become more than embarrassing. And though Eden knows falling in love will end her magic and immortality, she can't help but be drawn to the one man who wants her just for herself...
I Dream of Genies was submitted for review.
My thoughts:
Eden is a djinni - a genie, in The Service - but, to her, it is really nothing more than slavery. A genie has a master and the genie is bound to the person who holds their bottle. And they have to do whatever their master bids them do.
When Eden can no longer stomach what her master is doing - she threatens him. But the threat turns real when she accidentally kills him - breaking genie law.
Because Eden is the 'daughter' of the High Master, he is able to change her death sentence into a 3,000 year prison sentence.
YaY! So much better.
Having spent 1,800 years of her 3,000 year sentence stuck in her bottle, with only a cat as her companion - Eden is more than ready for a change of scenery - a little fresh air - a little romance. And she has the perfect man in mind - Matt Ewing.
Matt Ewing is not having the best of luck. He just can't seem to get all of his ducks in a row - and he really wants to get his business off the ground - to prove to himself and his family that he can be successful.
Then he meets Eden.
And his whole world is turned upside down.
Eden and Matt are trying to keep Eden off the radar of Faruq, the High Master's vizier - and Genie Compliance monitor - because if he finds Eden - he will put her back in the bottle.
I Dream of Genies is a fun, quirky story that I enjoyed reading.
I give I Dream of Genies 3 out of 5 stars.
M
Book Blurb:
He Needs To Change His Luck, And Fast!
Matt Ewing would gladly hunt down a fortune in lucky pennies if he thought it would help save his business. But for all his hoping, Matt's clueless when his long-awaited lucky charm falls in his lap in the form of a beguiling genie. He just can't believe that this beautiful woman could be the answer to his prayers...
She's Been Bottled Up For Far Too Long!
Spending 2,000 years in a bottle would make any woman go a little stir-crazy. So when Matt releases Eden from her luxurious captivity, she's thrilled to repay him by giving him the magical boost he needs...
But for all her good intentions, Eden's magical prowess is a little rusty and her magical mistakes become more than embarrassing. And though Eden knows falling in love will end her magic and immortality, she can't help but be drawn to the one man who wants her just for herself...
I Dream of Genies was submitted for review.
My thoughts:
Eden is a djinni - a genie, in The Service - but, to her, it is really nothing more than slavery. A genie has a master and the genie is bound to the person who holds their bottle. And they have to do whatever their master bids them do.
When Eden can no longer stomach what her master is doing - she threatens him. But the threat turns real when she accidentally kills him - breaking genie law.
Because Eden is the 'daughter' of the High Master, he is able to change her death sentence into a 3,000 year prison sentence.
YaY! So much better.
Having spent 1,800 years of her 3,000 year sentence stuck in her bottle, with only a cat as her companion - Eden is more than ready for a change of scenery - a little fresh air - a little romance. And she has the perfect man in mind - Matt Ewing.
Matt Ewing is not having the best of luck. He just can't seem to get all of his ducks in a row - and he really wants to get his business off the ground - to prove to himself and his family that he can be successful.
Then he meets Eden.
And his whole world is turned upside down.
Eden and Matt are trying to keep Eden off the radar of Faruq, the High Master's vizier - and Genie Compliance monitor - because if he finds Eden - he will put her back in the bottle.
I Dream of Genies is a fun, quirky story that I enjoyed reading.
I give I Dream of Genies 3 out of 5 stars.
M
December 20, 2010
I Dream of Genies by Judi Fennell
Paranormal Romance- Jan. 1st, 2011
4 stars
Eden is a genie who is totally bored. Being imprisoned in a bottle for almost 2,000 years for a crime she never committed really blows! Eden was framed for a stolen necklace. As her punishment, has been sealed in a bottle with a troublesome cat named Obo, who let her take the rap for the loss of his necklace. But Obo is her only companion. And her only source of information since he can leave the bottle and she can’t. The only entertainment she gets is the attractive human named Matt Ewing as he jogs by her bottle everyday in his tight clothes! He is certainly eye candy and Eden's only relief except for her satellite TV. Poor Eden has 100s of years before she is to be released. That is until her bottle suddenly opens!
Matt is startled when a strange if beautiful woman half dressed in harem garb literally drops into his lap. The unconscious woman worries him and with the freezing weather, he decides to take her to his place to recover before taking her to the hospital. But poor Matt is getting much more than he expects! Especially when the crazy, if stunning woman claims to be a magical genie! Thing couldn’t be crazier and their attraction for each other only complicates matters.
But more trouble lurks on the horizon as Faruq, the High Master's Vizier and the authority in charge of Genie Compliance, discovers Eden has escaped. Faruq will stop at nothing to get her back. Eden realizes she is on borrowed time but her magic is going screwy and Matt thinks she is mad. Can she convince Matt she is a genie and find love before it is too late?
This is a fun, fun story. Eden is very sweet, likeable, and a wonderful match for Matt. Eden fights for her love with Matt and is willing to sacrifice all she has been to be with him. (The cat, Obo brings a lot of character to the story.) Matt is a fantastic hero, a noble guy who won't make a wish because he wants to do things for himself. He thinks about other people and lives by his principles. I love that he saves Eden and finally accepts her. This love story is touching and engaging. The perfect book to amuse and entertain. This plot is a bit improbable but the author makes it work and uses her imagination to create a funny and heartwarming read.
Lighthearted and lot of laughs, this book is a joyous and magical paranormal to read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance- Jan. 1st, 2011
4 stars
Eden is a genie who is totally bored. Being imprisoned in a bottle for almost 2,000 years for a crime she never committed really blows! Eden was framed for a stolen necklace. As her punishment, has been sealed in a bottle with a troublesome cat named Obo, who let her take the rap for the loss of his necklace. But Obo is her only companion. And her only source of information since he can leave the bottle and she can’t. The only entertainment she gets is the attractive human named Matt Ewing as he jogs by her bottle everyday in his tight clothes! He is certainly eye candy and Eden's only relief except for her satellite TV. Poor Eden has 100s of years before she is to be released. That is until her bottle suddenly opens!
Matt is startled when a strange if beautiful woman half dressed in harem garb literally drops into his lap. The unconscious woman worries him and with the freezing weather, he decides to take her to his place to recover before taking her to the hospital. But poor Matt is getting much more than he expects! Especially when the crazy, if stunning woman claims to be a magical genie! Thing couldn’t be crazier and their attraction for each other only complicates matters.
But more trouble lurks on the horizon as Faruq, the High Master's Vizier and the authority in charge of Genie Compliance, discovers Eden has escaped. Faruq will stop at nothing to get her back. Eden realizes she is on borrowed time but her magic is going screwy and Matt thinks she is mad. Can she convince Matt she is a genie and find love before it is too late?
This is a fun, fun story. Eden is very sweet, likeable, and a wonderful match for Matt. Eden fights for her love with Matt and is willing to sacrifice all she has been to be with him. (The cat, Obo brings a lot of character to the story.) Matt is a fantastic hero, a noble guy who won't make a wish because he wants to do things for himself. He thinks about other people and lives by his principles. I love that he saves Eden and finally accepts her. This love story is touching and engaging. The perfect book to amuse and entertain. This plot is a bit improbable but the author makes it work and uses her imagination to create a funny and heartwarming read.
Lighthearted and lot of laughs, this book is a joyous and magical paranormal to read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
January 20, 2011
Even when author Judi Fennell was a child she had her nose in a book and her head in the clouds. Her mother would implore her to "Get outside," when all she wanted was to watch "Bewitched" or "I Dream of Jeannie" on television. Now she is an award-winning author and a three-time finalist in online contests after studying Spanish at Penn State. Titles in her Mer series include: In Over Her Head, Wild Blue Under, and Catch of a Lifetime. Genie Knows Best and Leave it to Genie follow this book in the series. She resides in Pennsylvania with her family.
Eden has spent most of her immortal life serving her many masters in the Service as a genie. As if that wasn't bad enough, she's spent the past two thousand years trapped in a bottle as punishment for something she's not sorry for. So when mortal Matt Ewing releases her from the bottle, she relishes her new found freedom. Matt's been trying to save his business, and Eden is more than willing to help. Except her magic is a little rusty, and her "mistakes" are becoming more than a little embarrassing. Worse, her freedom is only temporary, unless she can break the chains of magic holding her to service. But that too comes with a price, for someone is after her, and he's more powerful than either of them. And his motives mean much more than Eden's freedom, it could mean Matt's life.
First, the premise for this book seemed really cheesy and cliché to me, that is, before I actually read the book. Though not a lot of books have used this foundation, Judi Fennell was able to break a few of the norms we'd associate with genies and write a truly unique read. My only criticism is the few times we are in the antagonists head, Faruq, was kind of like reading a hilarious Stephen King segment, sporadic and unnecessary.
In saying that, I was sincerely pleased with how much I enjoyed this book. The quirky humor and character antics had me laughing from page one. It was a beautiful blend of humor, romance, and fantasy. Throw in a talking cat and an unruly baby dragon and you have yourself one heck of a ride. What I wasn't expecting is spending more time in the fantasy realm than the real one. Bravo. Nicely done and highly recommended.
Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
Bookpleasures
Eden has spent most of her immortal life serving her many masters in the Service as a genie. As if that wasn't bad enough, she's spent the past two thousand years trapped in a bottle as punishment for something she's not sorry for. So when mortal Matt Ewing releases her from the bottle, she relishes her new found freedom. Matt's been trying to save his business, and Eden is more than willing to help. Except her magic is a little rusty, and her "mistakes" are becoming more than a little embarrassing. Worse, her freedom is only temporary, unless she can break the chains of magic holding her to service. But that too comes with a price, for someone is after her, and he's more powerful than either of them. And his motives mean much more than Eden's freedom, it could mean Matt's life.
First, the premise for this book seemed really cheesy and cliché to me, that is, before I actually read the book. Though not a lot of books have used this foundation, Judi Fennell was able to break a few of the norms we'd associate with genies and write a truly unique read. My only criticism is the few times we are in the antagonists head, Faruq, was kind of like reading a hilarious Stephen King segment, sporadic and unnecessary.
In saying that, I was sincerely pleased with how much I enjoyed this book. The quirky humor and character antics had me laughing from page one. It was a beautiful blend of humor, romance, and fantasy. Throw in a talking cat and an unruly baby dragon and you have yourself one heck of a ride. What I wasn't expecting is spending more time in the fantasy realm than the real one. Bravo. Nicely done and highly recommended.
Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
Bookpleasures
April 30, 2012
I really don't know why I didn't love this. It's all light-hearted and kitschy, with kind of a wacky premise. It should be right up my alley! But for some reason reading this book was like watching Dancing with the Stars, at least for me. It was entertaining enough, but when the commercials hit I found myself flipping channels looking for something better. (Seriously. It took me nine days to finish. Nine days!!) It was just kind of blah.
After having thought about this for a couple of days, I think I have to lay the blame at the characters' feet. I feel like so much of the story was focused on the "hey, it's a genie story, isn't that wacky?!" tone that we never really got to know the characters. Which is kind of frustrating, when I think about it, because we got some tantalizing and interesting tidbits. I wanted to hear more about Eden's doomed parents, and her nebulous but apparently important relationship with what's-his-name, the head genie master guy. And I wanted to know more about Matt's apparently really nice stepfather and stepbrother, who seemed to me to be long suffering and unendingly patient with the crazy resentment Matt was sending their way for no real reason I could determine. (Seriously, when a character admits that their behavior has little to do with reality and then shrugs and continues on, that makes for a raised eyebrow or two.) We get the outlines of characters that could be interesting, but I never really got to know them and so I found it difficult to care overly much about how they would wiggle out of their tight spot. It's a romance novel. I knew going in that would get out of their difficulties, and that was enough for me. The whys and hows were irrelevant. I think I would have liked a bit more character here, even if wacky genie land had been a little less wacky as a result.
So, to make a short story long, it wasn't a bad book. But it could have been a lot better.
After having thought about this for a couple of days, I think I have to lay the blame at the characters' feet. I feel like so much of the story was focused on the "hey, it's a genie story, isn't that wacky?!" tone that we never really got to know the characters. Which is kind of frustrating, when I think about it, because we got some tantalizing and interesting tidbits. I wanted to hear more about Eden's doomed parents, and her nebulous but apparently important relationship with what's-his-name, the head genie master guy. And I wanted to know more about Matt's apparently really nice stepfather and stepbrother, who seemed to me to be long suffering and unendingly patient with the crazy resentment Matt was sending their way for no real reason I could determine. (Seriously, when a character admits that their behavior has little to do with reality and then shrugs and continues on, that makes for a raised eyebrow or two.) We get the outlines of characters that could be interesting, but I never really got to know them and so I found it difficult to care overly much about how they would wiggle out of their tight spot. It's a romance novel. I knew going in that would get out of their difficulties, and that was enough for me. The whys and hows were irrelevant. I think I would have liked a bit more character here, even if wacky genie land had been a little less wacky as a result.
So, to make a short story long, it wasn't a bad book. But it could have been a lot better.
June 28, 2013
Eden did a very bad thing, and for punishment, was taken out of service and banished to her bottle for centuries. But Eden really desires her freedom, so when a freak accident occurs and her bottle stopper falls out, she will do whatever it takes not to return.
Matt Ewing just wanted to help the damsel who was obviously in distress, what with her barely there harem outfit and laying out cold in his lap. He didn't anticipate the beauty to throw herself at him, literally, and want ravished.
Although tempted he pushes Eden away and helps her remove the golden manacles on her wrists. But Eden convinces Matt she is a real bonafide genie and offers him a gratitude wish for helping her. Even though his construction business is hurting, he declines her offer.
But when Eden explains that until she finds her bottle, and has that and the manacles and the stopper in her possession, her keeper can still entrap her back to the service. Unfortunately, Faruq wants Eden for himself and will do whatever it takes to locate her, even if it means removing the mortal Matt from existence.
With the help of a talking cat, Obo, some magical antics, flying carpet, and romance, I Dream of Genies will capture your imagination and your heart and won't let go. Eden knows that if she falls in love, she loses her magic and becomes mortal, but is Matt worth it? Matt isn't looking for a serious relationship, but there is something about Eden that makes his heart soar. Can he let her go back into Genie Service or will he listen to his heart?
If your looking for a magical romance, with quirky genie antics, a talking cat, humorous situations and hot sizzling love scenes, look no further than I Dream of Genies. Barbara Eden ( I Dream of Jeannie) may have set the standard for Genies, but Eden has raised the bar! Spectacular!!
Matt Ewing just wanted to help the damsel who was obviously in distress, what with her barely there harem outfit and laying out cold in his lap. He didn't anticipate the beauty to throw herself at him, literally, and want ravished.
Although tempted he pushes Eden away and helps her remove the golden manacles on her wrists. But Eden convinces Matt she is a real bonafide genie and offers him a gratitude wish for helping her. Even though his construction business is hurting, he declines her offer.
But when Eden explains that until she finds her bottle, and has that and the manacles and the stopper in her possession, her keeper can still entrap her back to the service. Unfortunately, Faruq wants Eden for himself and will do whatever it takes to locate her, even if it means removing the mortal Matt from existence.
With the help of a talking cat, Obo, some magical antics, flying carpet, and romance, I Dream of Genies will capture your imagination and your heart and won't let go. Eden knows that if she falls in love, she loses her magic and becomes mortal, but is Matt worth it? Matt isn't looking for a serious relationship, but there is something about Eden that makes his heart soar. Can he let her go back into Genie Service or will he listen to his heart?
If your looking for a magical romance, with quirky genie antics, a talking cat, humorous situations and hot sizzling love scenes, look no further than I Dream of Genies. Barbara Eden ( I Dream of Jeannie) may have set the standard for Genies, but Eden has raised the bar! Spectacular!!
June 14, 2011
Posted at http://oh-my-books.blogspot.com/2011/...
I was really excited about I Dream of Genies. It sounded different and I really want to read paranormal romance sometimes that doesn't involve vampires / werewolves.
Eden is a beautiful genie trapped in a bottle. Her only company is a talking cat and baby dragons. But luckily, that will change and she will be able to talk to Matt.
I liked the characters because they were different from what I usually read in romance books. Eden was a little bit innocent and strong, but what I liked more was that she was funny. Her magic always came out wrong and at the worst moments.
Matt wasn't the typical hero, he isn't strong as Eden and kind of whiny sometimes, and I didn't saw him as the perfect romance hero. It was interesting to see a protagonist as him in romance, because he wasn't just the guy, he had money issues, family issues, even romance issues. But still, I think I like the typical strong and perfect hero in my stories.
I was really liking the story and the multiple romance scenes, but at some point it turned repetitive. I just felt as it was too long, and I got bored. I think it was the moment when they left the human world. But, I kept reading it and was happy with the ending, which was a perfect HEA.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I was expecting a little bit more. Still, I will try to read the next one in the series, called Genie Knows Best, which is going to be released November 2011.
I was really excited about I Dream of Genies. It sounded different and I really want to read paranormal romance sometimes that doesn't involve vampires / werewolves.
Eden is a beautiful genie trapped in a bottle. Her only company is a talking cat and baby dragons. But luckily, that will change and she will be able to talk to Matt.
I liked the characters because they were different from what I usually read in romance books. Eden was a little bit innocent and strong, but what I liked more was that she was funny. Her magic always came out wrong and at the worst moments.
Matt wasn't the typical hero, he isn't strong as Eden and kind of whiny sometimes, and I didn't saw him as the perfect romance hero. It was interesting to see a protagonist as him in romance, because he wasn't just the guy, he had money issues, family issues, even romance issues. But still, I think I like the typical strong and perfect hero in my stories.
I was really liking the story and the multiple romance scenes, but at some point it turned repetitive. I just felt as it was too long, and I got bored. I think it was the moment when they left the human world. But, I kept reading it and was happy with the ending, which was a perfect HEA.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I was expecting a little bit more. Still, I will try to read the next one in the series, called Genie Knows Best, which is going to be released November 2011.
January 2, 2011
Eden has learned the hard way what happens when you piss off the High Master. She has had two thousand years to ponder on it. The only bright spot in this whole situation is that at least Eden has a window view of the world and she has a companion in Obo. One moment Eden was sitting in her bottle minding her business and the next moment she awakes to find her dream has come true.
Matt Ewing is having a bad day. To make matters worse, he bumps into a woman. She lands in his lap. Matt didn’t know what a huge upheaval his life was about to receive when he brought Eden home.
I Dream of Genies is the first book in a brand new series from author, Judi Fennell. I have been waiting to read this new series since; I finished reading the last series. Just like the last series, Mrs. Fennell brings the charm, humor, exciting characters and a fun story line to I Dream of Genie. I found it funny that Eden’s first name was the last name of Barbara Eden, the actor that played the Original Genie in the television show, I Dream of Jeannie. Matt had a charm about him that made him endearing. He is a sweetheart. Watching Eden use her magic to conjure up things was funny. Just her thinking about something could almost guarantee trouble. Heave forbid that Eden thought about a donkey, one would appear. I Dream of Genies is a dream come true!
Matt Ewing is having a bad day. To make matters worse, he bumps into a woman. She lands in his lap. Matt didn’t know what a huge upheaval his life was about to receive when he brought Eden home.
I Dream of Genies is the first book in a brand new series from author, Judi Fennell. I have been waiting to read this new series since; I finished reading the last series. Just like the last series, Mrs. Fennell brings the charm, humor, exciting characters and a fun story line to I Dream of Genie. I found it funny that Eden’s first name was the last name of Barbara Eden, the actor that played the Original Genie in the television show, I Dream of Jeannie. Matt had a charm about him that made him endearing. He is a sweetheart. Watching Eden use her magic to conjure up things was funny. Just her thinking about something could almost guarantee trouble. Heave forbid that Eden thought about a donkey, one would appear. I Dream of Genies is a dream come true!
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