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Touch of Magic Mystery #2
Couture and Curses
When sparks and curses fly, more than just high-profile weddings are thrown into danger.
Every wedding-planning witch worth her wand knows that the dress must be an Aurelia custom creation. The magical fashion designer to the who's who of the Seattle Haven is in high demand with a waiting list that would make most wedding planner's eyes water.
Luckily for her clients, witch wedding-planner extraordinaire Anastasia Winters has inside access to the famed fashion designer and a knack for making deals. However, on an after-hours errand to pick up a dress, Anastasia finds herself walking into a battleground. When the dust settles, Aurelia is locked in the grips of a powerful - and seemingly unbreakable - curse, and Anastasia is the only one who witnessed the vicious magical attack.
When she starts having visions and nightmares, she knows she has to act soon or risk losing her friend and haven fashion icon, forever.
Every wedding-planning witch worth her wand knows that the dress must be an Aurelia custom creation. The magical fashion designer to the who's who of the Seattle Haven is in high demand with a waiting list that would make most wedding planner's eyes water.
Luckily for her clients, witch wedding-planner extraordinaire Anastasia Winters has inside access to the famed fashion designer and a knack for making deals. However, on an after-hours errand to pick up a dress, Anastasia finds herself walking into a battleground. When the dust settles, Aurelia is locked in the grips of a powerful - and seemingly unbreakable - curse, and Anastasia is the only one who witnessed the vicious magical attack.
When she starts having visions and nightmares, she knows she has to act soon or risk losing her friend and haven fashion icon, forever.
Audible Audio
Published November 26, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 17, 2024
Wedding planner Anastasia is at a fashion show, admiring dresses, and Aurelia, the hot designer of the moment is all the rage. Except then a fight breaks out between designers, and later, Aurelia is found cursed in her wedding dress shop. This was a cute, short cozy paranormal mystery. This is a nice series for the dash of paranormal and all the wedding planning fun!
December 12, 2019
Couture and Curses is the second audiobook in Danielle Garrett’s A Touch of Magic mysteries series feature wedding planning Anastasia Winters. The stories take place in Seattle Haven and I am loving this new paranormal mystery series set in the world Garrett has created.
This story picks up after the events of book one, and Anastasia and local detective Caleb are still dating. They’ve settled into a routine involving movie nights and takeout. When Anastasia is almost hurt and the top wedding designer in all of Haven ends up in a coma, Caleb and the force investigate but so does Anastasia!
This was fast-paced with a creepy paranormal edge that I enjoyed. I loved the characters and how her career factors in to these cases. Who knew weddings were so dangerous!
Amanda Ronconi has become the voice of these characters and is perfectly paired with Garrett’s series.
A fun mystery with twists, jewels, sisterly squabbles and high fashion. Heck, there might even be some smooching. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
This story picks up after the events of book one, and Anastasia and local detective Caleb are still dating. They’ve settled into a routine involving movie nights and takeout. When Anastasia is almost hurt and the top wedding designer in all of Haven ends up in a coma, Caleb and the force investigate but so does Anastasia!
This was fast-paced with a creepy paranormal edge that I enjoyed. I loved the characters and how her career factors in to these cases. Who knew weddings were so dangerous!
Amanda Ronconi has become the voice of these characters and is perfectly paired with Garrett’s series.
A fun mystery with twists, jewels, sisterly squabbles and high fashion. Heck, there might even be some smooching. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 29, 2020
This is the second story in the Touch of Magic Mysteries. This series follows magical wedding planner, Anastasia Winters. After listening to the second book in the series, I can say that I don’t enjoy this series as much as the other books I’ve read from Danielle Garrett. I think it comes from my dislike of weddings. While this series is more about the mysteries, there is still a lot about the wedding stuff (as per usual for cozy mysteries). I’ve never liked weddings. I was never a girl dreaming of a wedding as a child and when I did get married, it was at the courthouse in jeans.
In this story, someone attacks the notable wedding dress designer, which puts her in a coma-like state. Anastasia not only wants to help her friend, but also needs to help her clients who need dresses from the designer.
Even though I wasn’t a fan of the wedding parts of the story, I did enjoy the mystery and the characters are a lot of fun. It was the other things that made me still able to enjoy the story. I also like seeing things inside the Haven where no one has to hide their nature, unlike all the other stories, which take place in our world, that doesn’t know about magic, vampires and shifters.
I still have one more book in this series, which I will listen to for sure. I’m not sure if I will request any more in this series (at least not right now). Not because I don’t like the series, I’m just limited on the number of books I can listen to right now and there are a lot that I want to get caught up on. I will also continue with the other series by Garrett. I do feel that my issues are more of a me issue than the story.
Narration
Amanda Ronconi continues to knock it out of the park with the narration. It doesn’t seem to matter what you throw at her, she’s able to handle it I can’t say enough about her narration. Just try her if you haven’t yet.
**I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
In this story, someone attacks the notable wedding dress designer, which puts her in a coma-like state. Anastasia not only wants to help her friend, but also needs to help her clients who need dresses from the designer.
Even though I wasn’t a fan of the wedding parts of the story, I did enjoy the mystery and the characters are a lot of fun. It was the other things that made me still able to enjoy the story. I also like seeing things inside the Haven where no one has to hide their nature, unlike all the other stories, which take place in our world, that doesn’t know about magic, vampires and shifters.
I still have one more book in this series, which I will listen to for sure. I’m not sure if I will request any more in this series (at least not right now). Not because I don’t like the series, I’m just limited on the number of books I can listen to right now and there are a lot that I want to get caught up on. I will also continue with the other series by Garrett. I do feel that my issues are more of a me issue than the story.
Narration
Amanda Ronconi continues to knock it out of the park with the narration. It doesn’t seem to matter what you throw at her, she’s able to handle it I can’t say enough about her narration. Just try her if you haven’t yet.
**I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2021
How fun! This book starts off at a wedding expo event, with Kaleb (SPA Agent from Newly Wed and Slightly Dead) in tow. I really liked this way of kicking things off – we immediately know they are indeed still dating and that he wants to spend time with her badly enough that he’s willing to accompany her to the expo (for work). And if you’ve ever been to one of these things, they can be crazy WITHOUT magic to add to it. Anyway, this book is about the mystery of why wedding dress designer Arelia is attacked at her shop. There’s a “shadow” figure that Anastasia keeps seeing that no one else does, likely because she was there when Arelia was attacked and this time it’s putting her in danger. So her being part of this investigation makes a lot more sense. The work stress is ever present – with her rival Kate a never ending problem along with her boss who continues to levy unrealistic expectations and criticism. I’m continuing to enjoy watching Harmony grow and mature, taking classes and working on her potion skills. Oh and we meet Meryl here! I had no idea she appeared somewhere before Beechwood Harbor. That was fun :)
July 8, 2020
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first one. I did like her own romance taking shape and there was some humor within it. The mystery was good and I like the idea of the Shadow man and the jewel. I found that I got bored half way through.
August 1, 2025
another fun entry!
December 4, 2025
rating: ★★★★
audio narrated by Amanda Ronconi
This had a really interesting mystery and shadow character!
audio narrated by Amanda Ronconi
This had a really interesting mystery and shadow character!
April 11, 2019
I loved it!
This is such a great series. If you like cozy mysteries that tend to run on the witty side and are a little edgier than your normal cozy, you’ll really enjoy this. There isn’t anything outlandish but there are more real life scenarios that play out s f make it s great book.
This is such a great series. If you like cozy mysteries that tend to run on the witty side and are a little edgier than your normal cozy, you’ll really enjoy this. There isn’t anything outlandish but there are more real life scenarios that play out s f make it s great book.
April 30, 2021
Anastasia returns in this paranormal cozy mystery. When a friend and famous wedding dress designer is cursed, Anastasia and friends need to find a way to break the curse. I found this mystery and story engaging and exciting. There is some really dark magic in this story. I enjoyed the whole book as they battle dark magic and try to save the weddings of those impacted by the magic.
August 25, 2022
Anastasia acted like a bit of a brat in this book 🙄 trying to solve the mystery of who put her friend Aurelia into a magical coma. Anastasia blunders her way through the Haven until a dead body is discovered. Discovering a dead body, a missing sapphire, and the connection, Anastasia and the gang set out to solve the mystery before the shadows claim her as the next victim.
June 28, 2019
Not as good as the first one but still pretty enjoyable.
3,5 stars
3,5 stars
December 19, 2022
Yet another fun cozy mystery in this series. Another fast read.
October 6, 2024
3.25 stars: A light and enjoyable paranormal mystery. The mystery in this one was definitely stronger than in the last and much more interesting. Nothing earth shattering but a fun listen.
March 23, 2019
This is book #2 in what looks to be a trilogy with a spin-off character from the author's Beechwood Manor series. A quick read, well-written, entertaining and enjoyable - looking forward to the last book!
November 26, 2019
Picking up roughly six months after the conclusion of book one, Newly Wed and Slightly Dead, Couture and Curses brings listeners up to speed on magical wedding planner Anastasia Winters and her boyfriend, SPA agent Kaleb, as they make the circuit around the Seattle Haven’s Wedding Show. While they aren’t there for personal reasons, the fact that Kaleb is willing to go to the show just to spend time with Ana is telling of how much their relationship has progressed since we last saw the pair. I really enjoy how the author is progressing this couple - they are happy together, not in a rush to marry, but know there may be a future together. The drama is limited to the murder investigation, and the pair deals with any personal issues by talking it out.
A famous wedding dress designer, and friend to Ana, is struck with a curse and Ana happens to be in the blast radius. She turns to her boyfriend and the SPA to help solve the case. I liked that Anastasia isn’t obsessed with crime fighting or catching the bad guy. She just happens to be in the middle of the investigation, once again, and wants to help save the life of her friend. Anastasia is a solid character - an “average” woman trying to make ends meet and live her life. Nothing crazy or out of the ordinary, and even her magic isn’t above average. Although there are some hints something great may be coming for Ana.
There is more drama at Ana’s office, and once again Ana finds herself with bad publicity and in a difficult spot with her job. Since this just happened in the previous book, I wasn’t a fan of seeing it again in Couture and Curses, especially since the repercussions of what happened aren’t addressed by the end of the book.
Narration: I’ve been listening to Amanda Ronconi read the two Beechwood Harbor series, and now this spin-off, for over a dozen books or so, and she has consistently done a wonderful job. The Touch of Magic Mysteries is voiced from the first person POV of Anastasia. Ms. Ronconi gives Ana a solid presence, without confusing me as to the other main characters Holly and Scarlet (although neither are in this book). She provides enough differences between character voices to make each distinguishable from the next. Her male voices are generally deeper and fitting and familiar if you’d listened to the other series. However the characters and setting/story are different enough not to cause confusion when listening.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: A-
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
A famous wedding dress designer, and friend to Ana, is struck with a curse and Ana happens to be in the blast radius. She turns to her boyfriend and the SPA to help solve the case. I liked that Anastasia isn’t obsessed with crime fighting or catching the bad guy. She just happens to be in the middle of the investigation, once again, and wants to help save the life of her friend. Anastasia is a solid character - an “average” woman trying to make ends meet and live her life. Nothing crazy or out of the ordinary, and even her magic isn’t above average. Although there are some hints something great may be coming for Ana.
There is more drama at Ana’s office, and once again Ana finds herself with bad publicity and in a difficult spot with her job. Since this just happened in the previous book, I wasn’t a fan of seeing it again in Couture and Curses, especially since the repercussions of what happened aren’t addressed by the end of the book.
Narration: I’ve been listening to Amanda Ronconi read the two Beechwood Harbor series, and now this spin-off, for over a dozen books or so, and she has consistently done a wonderful job. The Touch of Magic Mysteries is voiced from the first person POV of Anastasia. Ms. Ronconi gives Ana a solid presence, without confusing me as to the other main characters Holly and Scarlet (although neither are in this book). She provides enough differences between character voices to make each distinguishable from the next. Her male voices are generally deeper and fitting and familiar if you’d listened to the other series. However the characters and setting/story are different enough not to cause confusion when listening.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: A-
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
June 17, 2025
This series just keeps delivering. I didn’t think wedding planning and supernatural crime-solving would make such a perfect pair, but here we are, and I’m not mad about it.
This time around, Anastasia found herself deep in cursed couture—literally. A routine dress pick-up turned into a full-blown magical crisis when the ultra-talented and famously private wedding dress designer, Aurelia, collapsed under a powerful curse. And from that moment, things spiraled fast. Between trying to keep her clients calm, managing a suspicious boss, and juggling her increasingly complicated personal life, Anastasia had more than enough on her plate… and that’s before dark magic starts making repeat appearances.
The mystery here wasn’t so much a traditional whodunit but more of a how-are-they-doing-it and can-we-stop-it-before-it-happens-again, which I loved. There was something constantly unraveling—thread by thread, no pun intended. There were twists involving cursed objects, questionable magical alliances, and even a few tense moments that veered into the dangerous.
I genuinely enjoy Anastasia as a protagonist. She’s witty, practical, and just the right amount of nosy. It’s refreshing to have a character who isn’t completely reckless, but still can’t help poking around when people she cares about are in trouble. Her dynamic with her friends—especially frenemy-turned-ally Raven—is such a fun part of the story. And Caleb? Still swoon-worthy, still not a jerk.
And honestly, I’m impressed that the series is still fresh. The whole “murder at a wedding” concept could’ve grown stale by now, but this installment turned the focus just enough to keep things exciting—raising the stakes without losing the charm. Cursed wedding gowns, magical sabotage, and character-driven mystery? I’m in.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
This time around, Anastasia found herself deep in cursed couture—literally. A routine dress pick-up turned into a full-blown magical crisis when the ultra-talented and famously private wedding dress designer, Aurelia, collapsed under a powerful curse. And from that moment, things spiraled fast. Between trying to keep her clients calm, managing a suspicious boss, and juggling her increasingly complicated personal life, Anastasia had more than enough on her plate… and that’s before dark magic starts making repeat appearances.
The mystery here wasn’t so much a traditional whodunit but more of a how-are-they-doing-it and can-we-stop-it-before-it-happens-again, which I loved. There was something constantly unraveling—thread by thread, no pun intended. There were twists involving cursed objects, questionable magical alliances, and even a few tense moments that veered into the dangerous.
I genuinely enjoy Anastasia as a protagonist. She’s witty, practical, and just the right amount of nosy. It’s refreshing to have a character who isn’t completely reckless, but still can’t help poking around when people she cares about are in trouble. Her dynamic with her friends—especially frenemy-turned-ally Raven—is such a fun part of the story. And Caleb? Still swoon-worthy, still not a jerk.
And honestly, I’m impressed that the series is still fresh. The whole “murder at a wedding” concept could’ve grown stale by now, but this installment turned the focus just enough to keep things exciting—raising the stakes without losing the charm. Cursed wedding gowns, magical sabotage, and character-driven mystery? I’m in.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
December 17, 2020
The plot of this book was great. It was different than any of the other paranormal cozy mysteries that I've read. I applaud the author for thinking outside the box on this one.
I do have a couple of issues with these books. One is the lack of describing how the characters look, that is very important to me. I can't get a sense of connection to these characters if I can't visualize them in my head. All I know about Ana is that she has dark brown hair (excuse me, chestnut... *eye roll*). I don't know what color her eyes are, I don't know if her hair is straight or curly, I don't know if she has freckles, I don't know how tall she is and that's all incredibly frustrating.
I want to give these books 5-star rating because they are so well done. However, I can't because I am struggling with "seeing" the characters.
I love that Caleb is good at his job. So many of these books make the law enforcement act like bumbling idiots so that the MC can solve the case. I also love that Ana isn't some idiot putting her nose in police business. I also love that there is very little bickering in these books. The three things above are standard plot devices in these types of books and it's refreshing to see it not being used here.
I do have a couple of issues with these books. One is the lack of describing how the characters look, that is very important to me. I can't get a sense of connection to these characters if I can't visualize them in my head. All I know about Ana is that she has dark brown hair (excuse me, chestnut... *eye roll*). I don't know what color her eyes are, I don't know if her hair is straight or curly, I don't know if she has freckles, I don't know how tall she is and that's all incredibly frustrating.
I want to give these books 5-star rating because they are so well done. However, I can't because I am struggling with "seeing" the characters.
I love that Caleb is good at his job. So many of these books make the law enforcement act like bumbling idiots so that the MC can solve the case. I also love that Ana isn't some idiot putting her nose in police business. I also love that there is very little bickering in these books. The three things above are standard plot devices in these types of books and it's refreshing to see it not being used here.
May 17, 2024
This is such a fun series I am loving it. I wouldn't have thought you could build a series around wedding planning, there is only so many mother of the groom or bride you can kill off after all but some how the author has managed to keep it fresh and entertaining. She has done this by targeting the wedding designer. The mystery isn't really a who done it but the drama and magic unfolds at a quick pace, keeping the listener hooked and wondering what is going on. I think this series works because of the characters. I really like Anastasia who is a great main character, although she is backed up by a good supporting cast. Off to start the next book.
Anastasia is busy planning the next big wedding but a mix up of dresses has her arriving at the wedding dress designers shop to pick up a dress. She arrives just in time when the designer Aurelia
is attacked by a curse which leaves her in a coma. Aurelia was all about her work and with nobody to visit her in hospital, Anastasia finds herself stopping by. The problem is doing so puts herself on the killers list. Can Anastasia survive the shadow man and help her friend?
I like the narrator for the series, she is one of the better ones out there.
Anastasia is busy planning the next big wedding but a mix up of dresses has her arriving at the wedding dress designers shop to pick up a dress. She arrives just in time when the designer Aurelia
is attacked by a curse which leaves her in a coma. Aurelia was all about her work and with nobody to visit her in hospital, Anastasia finds herself stopping by. The problem is doing so puts herself on the killers list. Can Anastasia survive the shadow man and help her friend?
I like the narrator for the series, she is one of the better ones out there.
March 23, 2019
Smoke and shadows
Another great read. A plot full of magic, hexes and threats. The ending has a nice twist at the end not only in the killer's identity but also in a new power that she has. A wonderful return to the characters were have grown to know but why does Ceecee have to get a new job. It really won't be the same without her.
Spending time together is hard as both have demanding jobs but taking him to a wedding fair probably wasn't on the list of suitable venues. However she is glad she did when two designers start raising their wands in anger. However when one is sent it on a coma from a hex and her shop devastated by an explosion she is glad to have close ties to the SPA especially as she was attacked by a shadow. Add in stolen items sold at an estate sale, a murder and more attacks by the shadow. Can they find out who and why before her death becomes part of the tally?
Another great read. A plot full of magic, hexes and threats. The ending has a nice twist at the end not only in the killer's identity but also in a new power that she has. A wonderful return to the characters were have grown to know but why does Ceecee have to get a new job. It really won't be the same without her.
Spending time together is hard as both have demanding jobs but taking him to a wedding fair probably wasn't on the list of suitable venues. However she is glad she did when two designers start raising their wands in anger. However when one is sent it on a coma from a hex and her shop devastated by an explosion she is glad to have close ties to the SPA especially as she was attacked by a shadow. Add in stolen items sold at an estate sale, a murder and more attacks by the shadow. Can they find out who and why before her death becomes part of the tally?
May 7, 2019
Great
This series is the 4th (if Macy's book counts as it is just 1book so far) that I've read by this author. The main character in each all are spun off from "Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries" series with Holly being the center. I've enjoyed every one and will be perfectly happy to read the next book or series.
The author develops the character well and also the side character. The mystery isn't necessarily easy even though cozy. There are sparks and romance and sometimes a hint of more without being cloying or obvious. They also have lives outside of each other or the mystery.
Anastasia looks like she will be developed more magically (she struggles {which is great since she isn't perfect or a super witch}). She has a very realistic relationship with her sister, they love each other but they bug each other and fight too.
I recommend this series and her others. Looking forward to the next.
This series is the 4th (if Macy's book counts as it is just 1book so far) that I've read by this author. The main character in each all are spun off from "Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries" series with Holly being the center. I've enjoyed every one and will be perfectly happy to read the next book or series.
The author develops the character well and also the side character. The mystery isn't necessarily easy even though cozy. There are sparks and romance and sometimes a hint of more without being cloying or obvious. They also have lives outside of each other or the mystery.
Anastasia looks like she will be developed more magically (she struggles {which is great since she isn't perfect or a super witch}). She has a very realistic relationship with her sister, they love each other but they bug each other and fight too.
I recommend this series and her others. Looking forward to the next.
November 1, 2025
Wild wedding madness and mayhem ensues for sweet wedding planner extraordinaire Anastasia.
Her friend Aurelia, international wedding dress designer is attacked, suddenly unconscious and hospitalized- and they are both cursed by a magical fiend for unknown purposes.
Anastasia is in a race against time, supported by her boyfriend SPA agent Caleb McCord, her sister Holly, a talented potions witch, and the wonderful characters that make this series so enjoyable to read - all band together to find the warlock who has cursed both Ana and Aurelia.
They intend to force the villain to release the bindings on them and unlock the intriguing mystery in this bizarre case.
There are no obvious links to tie together, so everyone in the search must really work together to solve the mystery- and the villain in the end is quite a shocker. Great characters, villain reveal and resolve, and an absolutely worthwhile read
Her friend Aurelia, international wedding dress designer is attacked, suddenly unconscious and hospitalized- and they are both cursed by a magical fiend for unknown purposes.
Anastasia is in a race against time, supported by her boyfriend SPA agent Caleb McCord, her sister Holly, a talented potions witch, and the wonderful characters that make this series so enjoyable to read - all band together to find the warlock who has cursed both Ana and Aurelia.
They intend to force the villain to release the bindings on them and unlock the intriguing mystery in this bizarre case.
There are no obvious links to tie together, so everyone in the search must really work together to solve the mystery- and the villain in the end is quite a shocker. Great characters, villain reveal and resolve, and an absolutely worthwhile read
September 18, 2025
Anastasia Winters knows the value of wedding contacts as a wedding planner, and one of her most prized contacts is Aurelia, one of the top wedding dress designers in the supernatural world. When Aurelia and Anastasia end up getting cursed and Aurelia is ultimately in a coma as Anastasia desperately tries to figure out how to undone the curse.
---------------------------------------------------
I generally don't have any thoughts about this trilogy? It's a pretty easy paranormal read.
I liked how the mystery unfolded, though the romance progression was a little frustrating. They didn't really grow as a couple. They had a similar issue like in the previous, and I don't get why it's not addressed.
I also wish there were more time spent on Anastasia's background and just more personal drama?
---------------------------------------------------
I generally don't have any thoughts about this trilogy? It's a pretty easy paranormal read.
I liked how the mystery unfolded, though the romance progression was a little frustrating. They didn't really grow as a couple. They had a similar issue like in the previous, and I don't get why it's not addressed.
I also wish there were more time spent on Anastasia's background and just more personal drama?
February 9, 2020
Too much cozy, too little mystery.
The main characters are boring, both as individuals, at work, as well as a couple (are they a couple?!), they have little depth and growth; the investigation is superficial, there is no tension building nearing the resolution. The resolution itself lacks emotions and the explanation of the culprit's motives is relegated to a few words in the last chapter. No one in the cast of side characters we're introduced to is really involved in the crime, furtherly reducing the reader's involvement through theorizing and speculation.
The magical element is just an afterthought, an accessory.
It would also benefit of a more accurate copy editing (checks on timelines, worldbuilding rules, misspellings, repetitions, consistency).
The main characters are boring, both as individuals, at work, as well as a couple (are they a couple?!), they have little depth and growth; the investigation is superficial, there is no tension building nearing the resolution. The resolution itself lacks emotions and the explanation of the culprit's motives is relegated to a few words in the last chapter. No one in the cast of side characters we're introduced to is really involved in the crime, furtherly reducing the reader's involvement through theorizing and speculation.
The magical element is just an afterthought, an accessory.
It would also benefit of a more accurate copy editing (checks on timelines, worldbuilding rules, misspellings, repetitions, consistency).
August 29, 2021
Shadows and gems
Ana ends up in another tangle with a bad guy after a dress designer friend is attacked, ending up unconscious. Ana also gets attacked but seems to be ok although she has seen a shadow man that no one else can see. She then learns from a client that a gem is missing, a sapphire, and it seems to be the key to the whole mess. Ana helps Caleb track down the info on the gem then lands herself in the safe house after the shadow man tracks her down. The final battle is pretty creepy too.
Loved getting meet Meryl in this story. And i love that Ana is changing for the better and realizing the important things in life. I almost suspected the shadow man was a ghost of some sort!!
Ana ends up in another tangle with a bad guy after a dress designer friend is attacked, ending up unconscious. Ana also gets attacked but seems to be ok although she has seen a shadow man that no one else can see. She then learns from a client that a gem is missing, a sapphire, and it seems to be the key to the whole mess. Ana helps Caleb track down the info on the gem then lands herself in the safe house after the shadow man tracks her down. The final battle is pretty creepy too.
Loved getting meet Meryl in this story. And i love that Ana is changing for the better and realizing the important things in life. I almost suspected the shadow man was a ghost of some sort!!
September 22, 2024
Cute. Everything that can be expected from a cozy mystery. Not too dark or serious and leaning more into comedy than drama.
Really, most of the stuff in book one could have happened without there being any magic element to the story. This one tries to emphasize the magical element of the series. By the end, I felt like this could have just been a regular serial killer, and the story would have been the same.
I would have loved this as an Urban Fantasy more, but this is still cute and a decent listen.
With any genre, I hate when the bad guy is some random person. 😑
Amanda Ronconi is now just THE narrator for this cozy magical series. I've come to expect her voice for these stories. When you're good you're good.
Really, most of the stuff in book one could have happened without there being any magic element to the story. This one tries to emphasize the magical element of the series. By the end, I felt like this could have just been a regular serial killer, and the story would have been the same.
I would have loved this as an Urban Fantasy more, but this is still cute and a decent listen.
With any genre, I hate when the bad guy is some random person. 😑
Amanda Ronconi is now just THE narrator for this cozy magical series. I've come to expect her voice for these stories. When you're good you're good.
October 30, 2024
Couture and curses- Danielle Garrett
📚 paranormal romance
⭐️ 4/5
🔥 0/5
After a heated argument between 2 wedding dress designers Anastasia’s boss sends her to pick up a dress for an upcoming wedding from one of the designers. Only things seem weird during them pickup. Thinking she must be overthinking things Anastasia heads to her company car only to realize she’s forgotten her keys on the counter. However while heading back inside there’s a burst of green light and an explosion inside the shop. Anastasia being the only witness to what happened is now desperate to find out who’s attacked her friend who’s now in a coma like state. Only whoever has attacked her isn’t willing to go down without a fight. I finished this book in literally 1 day. Couldn’t get enough of it. On to the next.
📚 paranormal romance
⭐️ 4/5
🔥 0/5
After a heated argument between 2 wedding dress designers Anastasia’s boss sends her to pick up a dress for an upcoming wedding from one of the designers. Only things seem weird during them pickup. Thinking she must be overthinking things Anastasia heads to her company car only to realize she’s forgotten her keys on the counter. However while heading back inside there’s a burst of green light and an explosion inside the shop. Anastasia being the only witness to what happened is now desperate to find out who’s attacked her friend who’s now in a coma like state. Only whoever has attacked her isn’t willing to go down without a fight. I finished this book in literally 1 day. Couldn’t get enough of it. On to the next.
January 9, 2025
I enjoyed this story. It's cozy and an easy read.
It's a little repetitive (I've read the last two books in the last two days so everything is fresh in my mind. If you space the books out it's probably not as bad). The sisterly dispute felt like an unnecessary repeat.
Overall though I enjoyed the book and the characters. I liked Anastasia and hope that in the next book there's some development of her powers (a lot of focus in the last few books that she doesn't have powers and a lot of focus on other characters awesome abilities). This book hints at that possibility so my fingers are crossed.
I have to say that I loved the aspects about dresses and wedding planning as I love those topics in real life. I feel like if I ever met the author, we would be fast friends. :)
It's a little repetitive (I've read the last two books in the last two days so everything is fresh in my mind. If you space the books out it's probably not as bad). The sisterly dispute felt like an unnecessary repeat.
Overall though I enjoyed the book and the characters. I liked Anastasia and hope that in the next book there's some development of her powers (a lot of focus in the last few books that she doesn't have powers and a lot of focus on other characters awesome abilities). This book hints at that possibility so my fingers are crossed.
I have to say that I loved the aspects about dresses and wedding planning as I love those topics in real life. I feel like if I ever met the author, we would be fast friends. :)
March 5, 2024
Much more witchcraft and demons in this book.
A friend and business associate of Anastasia is in a come after a bomb blows up her wedding dress studio. Anastasia is there to pick up a dress and is almost killed.
A shadow ghost is terrorizing A. and Caleb is not happy.
A bride gave Aurelia a sapphire heart to be sawn into the sash of her dress for something old and blue.
The heart is nowhere to be found at the shop. The man behind the shadow is pulling the strings and has the heart around his neck. He said it holds his soul so he will never die.
A. who is not so great with spells grabs the heart and compresses it into dust. End of bad man.
His death should restore Aurelia.
A friend and business associate of Anastasia is in a come after a bomb blows up her wedding dress studio. Anastasia is there to pick up a dress and is almost killed.
A shadow ghost is terrorizing A. and Caleb is not happy.
A bride gave Aurelia a sapphire heart to be sawn into the sash of her dress for something old and blue.
The heart is nowhere to be found at the shop. The man behind the shadow is pulling the strings and has the heart around his neck. He said it holds his soul so he will never die.
A. who is not so great with spells grabs the heart and compresses it into dust. End of bad man.
His death should restore Aurelia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2021
Going to a wedding conference might not be the best idea for a newly dating couple but Anastasia Winters is a planner and this is the day that she and SPA agent Caleb have time together. Caleb gamely comes along and is treated to the sight of two designers in a fight. One is Aurelia, a friend of Ana's. Then, later, when Ana is picking up a dress from Aurelia, she sees a green light and suddenly the dress shop explodes. Now Aurelia is in a coma and there's a shadowy figure that seems to be hunting Anastasia.
Some plot holes but a fast, fun, and fluffy book.
Some plot holes but a fast, fun, and fluffy book.
July 18, 2022
Loved it!
Another great read! The characters are entertaining and the plot believable, in a paranormal way. And no sex to destroy the flow of the storyline! This is a book that is enjoyable because of the author's ability to spin a tale.
Danielle Garrett is an author whose work I will be purchasing more frequently as she is, quite frankly, a wonderful story teller, and worth the price.
Another great read! The characters are entertaining and the plot believable, in a paranormal way. And no sex to destroy the flow of the storyline! This is a book that is enjoyable because of the author's ability to spin a tale.
Danielle Garrett is an author whose work I will be purchasing more frequently as she is, quite frankly, a wonderful story teller, and worth the price.
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