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Not Your Basic Witch #2
Resting Witch Face
Aris Calisto is no longer the newest student at Aether Academy but after her creepy headmaster finds out about her relationship with a professor, she’s finding her seemingly new home is quickly becoming hellsticks. To make matters worse, when someone leaks Aris’s new powers, her and her guys are faced with a Council inquiry.
Despite what should be an easy ‘potion to brew’, Aris quickly discovers that not all is as it seems in the capital of Akasha and soon enough, she and her men dealing with a cauldron full of problems-
fighting a not-so-friendly familiar face,
having to go on the run,
growing pains in their relationships,
portal hopping to places they’ve only read about.
With her capricious coven behind her, can Aris use her i’magic’nation to figure out what to do? Or will she find out that you need to be careful what you witch for?
Book 2 of the Not Your Basic Witch Series
Legends of Asteria Trilogy 1
The Not Your Basic Witch is a WhyChoose/Reverse Harem trilogy featuring MMFMMM meaning there is M/M content, and the female main character doesn't have to choose between her love interests. This trilogy is the first in a series collection consisting of six trilogies titled Legends of Asteria. Each trilogy should be read in order.
This book contains references involving violence, and other themes that some readers may find triggering.
Despite what should be an easy ‘potion to brew’, Aris quickly discovers that not all is as it seems in the capital of Akasha and soon enough, she and her men dealing with a cauldron full of problems-
fighting a not-so-friendly familiar face,
having to go on the run,
growing pains in their relationships,
portal hopping to places they’ve only read about.
With her capricious coven behind her, can Aris use her i’magic’nation to figure out what to do? Or will she find out that you need to be careful what you witch for?
Book 2 of the Not Your Basic Witch Series
Legends of Asteria Trilogy 1
The Not Your Basic Witch is a WhyChoose/Reverse Harem trilogy featuring MMFMMM meaning there is M/M content, and the female main character doesn't have to choose between her love interests. This trilogy is the first in a series collection consisting of six trilogies titled Legends of Asteria. Each trilogy should be read in order.
This book contains references involving violence, and other themes that some readers may find triggering.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2020
626 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Macey
65 books631 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author A.J. Macey has an addiction to coffee, cats, and swearing. Sucks at adulting and talking to people, so she'll frequently be lost in a book or running away with her imagination when she's not spending time with her husband, daughter, or two cats Thor and Loki. A.J. has a B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and previous coursework in Forensic Science, Behavioral Psychology, and Cybersecurity. Before becoming an author, A.J. worked as a Correctional Officer in a jail where she met her husband. She started writing just for fun when she was little and continued to create stories for years until finally sitting down to finish and publish a book in 2018!
Be sure to keep up with A.J. and her releases at:
https://www.facebook.com/author.ajmacey/
As well as join the reader group for teasers, giveaways, and other random shenanigans at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/27102...
Be sure to keep up with A.J. and her releases at:
https://www.facebook.com/author.ajmacey/
As well as join the reader group for teasers, giveaways, and other random shenanigans at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/27102...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 2, 2022
2.5 Stars
Eh. Didn't like this one as much as I thought I would.
But, the cliffhanger make sure that I would read the next book in the series.
Eh. Didn't like this one as much as I thought I would.
But, the cliffhanger make sure that I would read the next book in the series.
March 26, 2020
This book is trying so hard to be PC that it's a bad Millennial cliche. It has every negative millennial trope we can think of. I mean who is this book even for anyway? The main female is as basic as they come which is ironic. She is simply useless as well. I feel like all I'm doing is watching a damsel in distress trope. Plus she never learns anything. As of now, I'm almost done but I have to convince myself to read this book. That's not a good sign. She's also VERY childish. So much so that I feel like the she's 13 in an adult relationship with a grown man. I'm not even talking about the sex alone. It feels pervy. I don't even think that's part of the kink here so it's not even intentional. She's that annoying chick in the horror movie that you hope dies first. Why does she get an entire series? There's nothing interesting about the plot line either which is offensive. Why take so much time to write nothing? Did this really take months? To reference Rick and Morty, Aris acts like prey but is really a predator who uses other people's pity for her to lure in her victims. Her mates are the poor victims. That would be a way more interesting perspective in any case. This series hasn't given us a good reason as to why anyone should care about Aris or anything else in it. All I know about her is that she's a fuck up that fucks up and then says my bad with tears in her eyes. It's all completely derivative and adds nothing to the huge list of magical, harem, multi world books that already exist. It can't even copy the basics either. It's worst offence? It's boring.
April 1, 2020
This one wasn't as good as the first one. And I was a little annoyed with how the bad guys seemed to win so quickly. I'm anxious to read more though.
June 23, 2020
Exciting 2nd book
I was happy to read more information about Aris and her powers in this book. Plus the building of the relationships between Aris’s men was important and I’m glad to see that included in there. I am still left in the dark about the plot in its entirety with the council, the headmaster, and Delilah. There are small bits that we know but there is still plenty left to uncover as the series progresses.
There were a few times where I felt like things dragged on and my eyes glazed over, but overall I still enjoyed the book. Aris seems to have grown as a character and doesn’t seem nearly as overly bubbly or immature as the first book which I was happy about.
I love this series so far and I’m excited to read the final book in the trilogy to see everything come to an end for Aris and her men. I need to see their happy ending.
I was happy to read more information about Aris and her powers in this book. Plus the building of the relationships between Aris’s men was important and I’m glad to see that included in there. I am still left in the dark about the plot in its entirety with the council, the headmaster, and Delilah. There are small bits that we know but there is still plenty left to uncover as the series progresses.
There were a few times where I felt like things dragged on and my eyes glazed over, but overall I still enjoyed the book. Aris seems to have grown as a character and doesn’t seem nearly as overly bubbly or immature as the first book which I was happy about.
I love this series so far and I’m excited to read the final book in the trilogy to see everything come to an end for Aris and her men. I need to see their happy ending.
March 21, 2020
It’s not easy for two authors to write a book and have it mesh so well that you forget it’s two authors. It’s not easy for those two authors to do even freaking better on the second book, while still making it mesh so well you forget it’s two authors. AJ Macey and Jarica James have NAILED it with RESTING WITCH FACE, and I honestly shouldn’t be surprised. These two are great at what they do, and they wrote a second installment that’s even better than the first book.
There was action, there was romance, there was a lot of laughter, and there was even more drama. Aris and her coven have their lives run off the tracks and have to come together to survive, and they face a lot of growing pains along the way, but there’s still plenty of love.
Of course, there’s a cliffhanger, but it’s worth it. I can’t wait to see how this all comes together in WITCH PLEASE. I might just have to go back and reread this one while I wait.
** Special thanks to the authors for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review **
There was action, there was romance, there was a lot of laughter, and there was even more drama. Aris and her coven have their lives run off the tracks and have to come together to survive, and they face a lot of growing pains along the way, but there’s still plenty of love.
Of course, there’s a cliffhanger, but it’s worth it. I can’t wait to see how this all comes together in WITCH PLEASE. I might just have to go back and reread this one while I wait.
** Special thanks to the authors for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review **
March 17, 2020
Things at Aether Academy are becoming tenuous for Aris (FMC) and her guys - Kye, Xan, Drayce, Caspian and Torryn. With the threat of being found out, a skin crawling sleazy headmaster Tallis (just eugh!) and The Council. One bright part being new student Olive (still trying to work out if shes dodgy or not??). Loved the world hopping in the portals. It brought a different perspective to this book and also gave me time to see Aris and her guys together longer for once. Without the chance of being caught by someone. Blimey that cliffhanger ending??? Words fail me. Great book and series too
December 27, 2024
I’ve been provided with an ARC of Resting Witch Face with no obligation to write a review. This was another fun read with a lot of the same campy and puny elements from the first book lending it a lot of humor. This second book brought some new bad guys to light (that one guy is a super cringy creeper) and highlighted some societal problems that our heroes will likely be tackling. As with the first book I would have liked the pace to be a little faster. Even though there are some darker elements happening the group is still pretty upbeat and has a lot of light-hearted fun with each other causing the reader to smile right along with them. The editing was good throughout and the flow was great. This one does end on a cliffy which makes me want to bribe some authors to get book 3 ASAP.
March 26, 2020
I enjoyed the first book, but not the second. The first was a fun and flirty. This second one is just weird. I honestly couldn't get into it. So their on the run, but they don't try to use their magic to defeat themselves? The whole thing just didn't flow right for me. She was learning to change her hair color but not protect herself from a rapist?
July 14, 2020
It took me 10 days to finish this book, when it only took 1-2 days for me to read the first one. Why, you ask? Because my god, I was so bored. It went from a semi-unique situation and a quirky heroine, to becoming the standard trope for this particular genre. The girl realizes she’s more powerful than anyone thought, and now she and her boyfriends are on the run from the Council because they want to use her powers for evil.
If you take away the very brief chapters about them running into different realms and then immediately leaving, and swap witches for shifters, this would be a bit too similar to another very popular paranormal RH series for comfort. It was just way too predictable.
I was so disappointed to see the direction this series started going, considering the fact that I really enjoyed the first book and am also a previous fan of one of the authors. Sadly, I will not be reading the last book.
If you take away the very brief chapters about them running into different realms and then immediately leaving, and swap witches for shifters, this would be a bit too similar to another very popular paranormal RH series for comfort. It was just way too predictable.
I was so disappointed to see the direction this series started going, considering the fact that I really enjoyed the first book and am also a previous fan of one of the authors. Sadly, I will not be reading the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
After liking the first book I thought I'd like this one too. Nope. There is this whole conspiracy about Conduits being super powerful and possibly voted too dangerous by the council. So what does the FMC do? Not practice her magic or control in any way. She waits until she explodes at some bullies with an uncontrollable burst of power in front of an entire college. If I was the council I'd vote her too dangerous- stupid people can't wander around with unlimited and uncontrollable power... I had to stop reading after the 3rd burst of power.
Oh and when confronted by a bad guy she cowers and whimpers and wishes he would go away. SERIOUSLY? She has all the power, an opportunity to stop him and never get caught, half way through the series the FMC is still cowering and whimpering. When confronted about going out alone in the middle of the night and generally being idiotic she finally powers up and gets mad-- at the people that love and protect her.
Oh and when confronted by a bad guy she cowers and whimpers and wishes he would go away. SERIOUSLY? She has all the power, an opportunity to stop him and never get caught, half way through the series the FMC is still cowering and whimpering. When confronted about going out alone in the middle of the night and generally being idiotic she finally powers up and gets mad-- at the people that love and protect her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2020
Great!
Aris tries to keep a low profile at Aether Academy after her
meeting with the creepy/disgusting headmaster, but things go south when rumors spread about her being a conduit. The council get wind of that and request to see her. Except, as Aris and her guys expected, the council want to use her to their own gain and our girl has to go on a run.
I love Aris, even when things are tough, she tries to stay positive and keep smiling, not only for her own sanity, but for her guys'. She's the sweetest.
Caspian, Drayce, Xan, Kye and Torryn can be overbearing sometimes, but it shows how much they care about Aris and are worried about what can happen to her.
I really cannot wait to read book 3 and see Aris and her guys reunited!
Aris tries to keep a low profile at Aether Academy after her
meeting with the creepy/disgusting headmaster, but things go south when rumors spread about her being a conduit. The council get wind of that and request to see her. Except, as Aris and her guys expected, the council want to use her to their own gain and our girl has to go on a run.
I love Aris, even when things are tough, she tries to stay positive and keep smiling, not only for her own sanity, but for her guys'. She's the sweetest.
Caspian, Drayce, Xan, Kye and Torryn can be overbearing sometimes, but it shows how much they care about Aris and are worried about what can happen to her.
I really cannot wait to read book 3 and see Aris and her guys reunited!
May 25, 2025
i tried
The first book was pretty good. The story was interesting and kept my interest. This second book is…not great. The constant blowing kisses and winking at each other? People don’t do that as often as these characters are. The fmc wobbles back and forth from seeming mature, to acting like a little girl. I stopped reading after the 3 witches got arrested in human jail. It’s not accurate and the blasé attitude of all the people who were crammed in a cell, just no. If this book was written by 2 different people, you can definitely tell. Parts were so slow moving and tedious, it was hard to get through. I can’t read another book like this, so I won’t be finishing the series.
The first book was pretty good. The story was interesting and kept my interest. This second book is…not great. The constant blowing kisses and winking at each other? People don’t do that as often as these characters are. The fmc wobbles back and forth from seeming mature, to acting like a little girl. I stopped reading after the 3 witches got arrested in human jail. It’s not accurate and the blasé attitude of all the people who were crammed in a cell, just no. If this book was written by 2 different people, you can definitely tell. Parts were so slow moving and tedious, it was hard to get through. I can’t read another book like this, so I won’t be finishing the series.
March 20, 2020
Aris Calisto is NOT your basic witch. But being normal is vastly overrated. From creepy headmasters to suspicious government activity, Aris and her guys have come up against even more complications to their relationship. There is drama, there's suspense, there is romance, there's action... If I didn't know this was written by two authors, I would never have guessed based on how well each scene flows, keeping me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. AJ Macey and Jarica James have outdone themselves, proving that not all sequels suck. I can't wait to see what is in store next for this group of not so basic witches.
March 12, 2022
This was better than book 1. I felt that there was a little more of the relationships developing but still not quite enough. Xan’s character development was probably the best. As well, the relationship between Tor and Cas was nice.
With the portals coming into the story line, you got to take a look at the dragon, elf, vampire and human worlds however they were all rather quick glimpses except for the human world.
Story was great and writing was good. I’m not going crazy over it, but I will be reading the next book. Cliffhanger was good but reading the blurb for the next book gives away that it’ll likely be a quick move along from where it’s left off, sadly.
With the portals coming into the story line, you got to take a look at the dragon, elf, vampire and human worlds however they were all rather quick glimpses except for the human world.
Story was great and writing was good. I’m not going crazy over it, but I will be reading the next book. Cliffhanger was good but reading the blurb for the next book gives away that it’ll likely be a quick move along from where it’s left off, sadly.
April 6, 2022
Cliffhangers.. Ugh!
I don't really know how I feel about the direction the author has taken with this book series... I'm not sure if I want to continue reading this storyline, because she has made it all to angsty and complicated. When I started this series it was fun and cute now it just something I don't want to read anymore.. Maybe it's me and I'm just not in the mood anymore for this type of book.. 🤷🏾♀️ And I'm especially not going to pay for the 3rd book of this series with the way I'm currently feeling about the direction this going! So maybe I come back to it when the mood hits me, but it's needs to free to me on KU for sure! 😏
Overall Rating:
3* ~ Okay Read
I don't really know how I feel about the direction the author has taken with this book series... I'm not sure if I want to continue reading this storyline, because she has made it all to angsty and complicated. When I started this series it was fun and cute now it just something I don't want to read anymore.. Maybe it's me and I'm just not in the mood anymore for this type of book.. 🤷🏾♀️ And I'm especially not going to pay for the 3rd book of this series with the way I'm currently feeling about the direction this going! So maybe I come back to it when the mood hits me, but it's needs to free to me on KU for sure! 😏
Overall Rating:
3* ~ Okay Read
March 29, 2020
This second book didn't disappoint...I absolutely love and adore Aris! The bubblegum haired witch is one of my favorite FMC. We can't forget her intriguing group of gentleman either. I love how they all bring their own unique traits to their group as a whole. Oh and for some reason I can't get enough of Torryn. Swoon! In this book we got to see the group get a lot closer and have to tackle some major obstacles. I love how these ladies write the serious scenes but also put bits of lightheartedness, that fits this particular group so well. Bravo and keep it up ladies I can't wait for the next!
February 27, 2021
Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Aris can't seem to get a break. No wonder she had a resting witch face. Aris just couldn't get a break in this book and I feel sorry for her. I think anyone would be crushed in Aris's position. At least she has her guys to help her through it. She's safe but for how long?
I did a whole blog post for this book. I read this book as part of a book club that I joined. I have to say that I am throughly enjoying this series so far. I wonder how the rest of the series will play out.
I did a whole blog post for this book. I read this book as part of a book club that I joined. I have to say that I am throughly enjoying this series so far. I wonder how the rest of the series will play out.
September 22, 2021
So, now the book 2 in the series. As with book 1, it was fun to read and follows the style of book 1. A lot of witchy puns ;) And more from Aris and the guys. And a lot of new information and problems to tackle. We get to see more of the bad guys and of the society. Even with all the dark spots in the story, I always see a light too. Aris and her men stay positive.
Like with book 1, the story felt a little unnecessary prolonged. But overall a good, fun read with a cliffy at the end. But luckily for me: I only read finished series.
Like with book 1, the story felt a little unnecessary prolonged. But overall a good, fun read with a cliffy at the end. But luckily for me: I only read finished series.
March 18, 2020
I can not get enough of Aris, her men, and their familiars! Although, there was a few moments I wanted to smack some of them upside the head to get them to listen to each other, but I love the growth they all experience together. I just hope the headmaster and the council don't get away with whatever they have planned for Aris and her men. I have a feeling they will get what they deserve though :)
March 25, 2020
Hells Bells!
Things get more intense and the stakes higher as our group has to ban together against the council. We have some more baddies, some exploring and relationship development. The team is finding their rhythm with each other. Ends in a bit of a pickle...how will they reunite and take on the council? Love the familiars. Multiple povs. Light mm. Some sad/violent themes. Not scenes as well. Excited for the last book!
Things get more intense and the stakes higher as our group has to ban together against the council. We have some more baddies, some exploring and relationship development. The team is finding their rhythm with each other. Ends in a bit of a pickle...how will they reunite and take on the council? Love the familiars. Multiple povs. Light mm. Some sad/violent themes. Not scenes as well. Excited for the last book!
March 28, 2020
So happy to be back in this world.
AJ and Jarica just keep it coming in book 2 of Not Your Basic Witch. ❤
The world building in this series is, by far, my absolute favorite thing.
So much stuff is going on in this book that just has me reeling.
I really hope headmaster Tallis dies real soon.
Olive is my boo and I love the relationship she has with Aris
This book was better than the first in my opinion and after that cliffhanger I will be holding my breath until book 3 ❤❤❤
AJ and Jarica just keep it coming in book 2 of Not Your Basic Witch. ❤
The world building in this series is, by far, my absolute favorite thing.
So much stuff is going on in this book that just has me reeling.
I really hope headmaster Tallis dies real soon.
Olive is my boo and I love the relationship she has with Aris
This book was better than the first in my opinion and after that cliffhanger I will be holding my breath until book 3 ❤❤❤
May 29, 2020
This story picks up right after the ending of book 1. Aris and the guys are trying to figure out how to handle Tallis, and then just when things seem to be going smoothly, life is turned upside down for Aris and the guys. I like how Aris tries to look on the bright side. I like each of the guys, and I liked that we got to see more of Torryn and also learn more about his relationship with Cas. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
March 28, 2023
witchcraft
Readers are In for the ride of their lives with following Aris and her five partners. Not wanting to be enslaved and used for their unique combination of powers the family fled for their lives. During their travels they found themselves surrounded by roadblocks. A great ending with a cliffhanger which leaves readers wondering how will the group find a way to be united. I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Readers are In for the ride of their lives with following Aris and her five partners. Not wanting to be enslaved and used for their unique combination of powers the family fled for their lives. During their travels they found themselves surrounded by roadblocks. A great ending with a cliffhanger which leaves readers wondering how will the group find a way to be united. I look forward to reading the next instalment.
March 15, 2020
This story was fantastic, it had me captivated, absolutely loved it. Aris and her guys go through a lot in this book, relationships grow and or improve and interactions between characters was entertaining. The ending is a killer, cliffhanger. I can't wait to see where this will go and how they'll all get out of trouble.
March 15, 2020
😱 It can't end there! Aris and her coven end up on the run when news of their bond leaks. Experiencing earth (or Aureus as they call it) with her was fun. Plenty of threat and magic. Each character has their moment but not in a contrived way. Aris is just so charming that she can make friends anywhere - and she does 😂
March 17, 2020
Well, the hits just keep coming for our lovely little pink witch and her band of hotness. On the bright side, Aris finally gets to see the human world. This book left me breathless on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. There's a hell of a cliffhanger in this one so be prepared to wait for the 3rd book to get all the answers but it's well worth the read.
March 20, 2020
Wow! I think I loved this book even more than I did the first! It is amazing! I literally could not put it down! The storyline is stuffed full of action, suspense, love, drama, sexiness, and so much more! The characters are fantastic and sexy to the max! You do not want to miss out on this one! I cannot wait for the third book!
March 22, 2020
OUTSTANDING READ!
This book was a fatobulous addition to the series. An amazing plot and I absolutely love the fantastic characters and their quirky sayings. These are two of my favorite authors and combined on this series has made it exceptional. This is one of my favorite series so far and I can not give it enough praise. I'm impatiently waiting for the next book.
This book was a fatobulous addition to the series. An amazing plot and I absolutely love the fantastic characters and their quirky sayings. These are two of my favorite authors and combined on this series has made it exceptional. This is one of my favorite series so far and I can not give it enough praise. I'm impatiently waiting for the next book.
March 24, 2020
The second instalment in this series is just as griping and entertaining as the first. Aris is just such a fun character to read about. The world development we see in this book is really well planned out and comes across really well done. The easy flow of the writing is exceptional and Seamlessly done for a co-write book. If you are looking for a fun,sassy sexy book then this is a series for you
April 1, 2020
Amazing
Normally second books in series don't keep my interest. From start to finish this book kept me in it. These authors make magic bringing the characters alive. I am not the best review writer so if spoiler's are what your looking for mine is not it. The end leaves you wanting more. Best cliff hanger ever. If you have read the first then continue the story.
Normally second books in series don't keep my interest. From start to finish this book kept me in it. These authors make magic bringing the characters alive. I am not the best review writer so if spoiler's are what your looking for mine is not it. The end leaves you wanting more. Best cliff hanger ever. If you have read the first then continue the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews