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Black Souls #1
Charmed Souls
They say blood is thicker than water, but I was never proud of mine. A female born into the Kamlock bloodline was destined to possess three things they couldn’t change—a crazy as hell mother, an unfair amount of beauty, and a Charmed soul that was as black as night.
All a Kamlock woman ever desired in life was to use her beauty to destroy wealthy men and take their riches. A century had passed since a generation of Kamlock sisters had been anything other than gold diggers.
All I ever wanted was to be free of them. I knew I couldn’t change my cursed birth, but I could change its legacy. I had a job, I had friends, and I was slowly gaining my independence.
Until Rathe Scott crashed into my life and tore it apart.
He made me feel what I had spent my entire life never wanting to feel. He brought out a darkness I’d not known was inside me. And just when I thought I was becoming everything I had sworn I would never become…
He was gone.
All a Kamlock woman ever desired in life was to use her beauty to destroy wealthy men and take their riches. A century had passed since a generation of Kamlock sisters had been anything other than gold diggers.
All I ever wanted was to be free of them. I knew I couldn’t change my cursed birth, but I could change its legacy. I had a job, I had friends, and I was slowly gaining my independence.
Until Rathe Scott crashed into my life and tore it apart.
He made me feel what I had spent my entire life never wanting to feel. He brought out a darkness I’d not known was inside me. And just when I thought I was becoming everything I had sworn I would never become…
He was gone.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2020
265 people are currently reading
5443 people want to read
About the author
Abbi Glines
118 books86.4k followersAbbi Glines is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Smoke, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, Field Party and Existence series. She never cooks unless baking during the Christmas holiday counts. She believes in ghosts and has a habit of asking people if their house is haunted before she goes in it. She drinks afternoon tea because she wants to be British but she now lives in New England and that's as close as it is going to get. When asked how many books she has written she has to stop and count on her fingers. When she’s not locked away writing, she is reading, watching Netflix and all the introverted stuff.
You can connect with Abbi online in several different ways. She uses social media to procrastinate.
You can connect with Abbi online in several different ways. She uses social media to procrastinate.
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January 10, 2020Today I really relied on reading to pull me out of my head, I needed that escape and I was excited to start this one being that it was from an author I'd not read anything of for a while. But sadly this just didn't do it for me. I tried to get past the heroines woes of her beauty and people not seeing the real person she was made for hard reading and I just couldn't. Maybe when I'm in a better head space I'll re-pick this one up again.
June 20, 2025
This book is about people who are perfect on the outside but in reality they are a far cry from that inside with a lot of cheesy lines and names from a soap operas (telenovelas).
And for the whole book almost nothing major happened, just at the end.
Like I said - telenovela:
•awful, jelaous sisters ✔️
•awful mother ✔️
•somebody is supposed to be dead but isn’t✔️
•lovers who are not supposed to be together and their instant chemistry✔️
•kind of “love triangle”✔️
•kind of everyone is beautiful ✔️
•the MC is the most “beautiful, clever, good...”, naive woman✔️
•the sexy love interest whose muscles have muscles✔️
•jealous rivalry✔️
•best friend who is secretly in love with the MC, everybody knows that but the MC doesn’t✔️
•everybody in the family is evil but there is one person who is the MC’s ally✔️
•people who are so rich that they can wipe their butts with money✔️
•and lot more...
Things that I didn’t like:
1. „I was born into a family whose greatest power was their outward beauty. It was disgusting. I had fought against it most of my life.“
Okay, I understand what she means by that, but come on! Is she really going to pity herself and whine about it every 5 seconds?
That must be totally “terrible” to be so beautiful.
Update: The rest of my review kinda magically disappeared here, so that’s why it’s ending so sudden. But I don’t have the strenght to write this again.
And for the whole book almost nothing major happened, just at the end.
Like I said - telenovela:
•awful, jelaous sisters ✔️
•awful mother ✔️
•somebody is supposed to be dead but isn’t✔️
•lovers who are not supposed to be together and their instant chemistry✔️
•kind of “love triangle”✔️
•kind of everyone is beautiful ✔️
•the MC is the most “beautiful, clever, good...”, naive woman✔️
•the sexy love interest whose muscles have muscles✔️
•jealous rivalry✔️
•best friend who is secretly in love with the MC, everybody knows that but the MC doesn’t✔️
•everybody in the family is evil but there is one person who is the MC’s ally✔️
•people who are so rich that they can wipe their butts with money✔️
•and lot more...
Things that I didn’t like:
1. „I was born into a family whose greatest power was their outward beauty. It was disgusting. I had fought against it most of my life.“
Okay, I understand what she means by that, but come on! Is she really going to pity herself and whine about it every 5 seconds?
That must be totally “terrible” to be so beautiful.
Update: The rest of my review kinda magically disappeared here, so that’s why it’s ending so sudden. But I don’t have the strenght to write this again.
January 9, 2020
A wonderful addition to your library.
Abbi Glines has written another spectacular book and it does not disappoint. Definitely dont bypass this when you're looking for your next read.
Abbi Glines has written another spectacular book and it does not disappoint. Definitely dont bypass this when you're looking for your next read.
February 7, 2020
I was the evil they all should fear.
Charmed Souls was the type of book that was easily devoured. The characters were effortless to connect with, the story line was beyond addicting and I loved how magic floated through the pages. With friendship, a romance that had a forbidden feel to it and humor, Charmed Souls completely bewitched me and left me begging for more. If you love paranormal romance or new adult stories then definitely add this one to your tbr!
The darkness had always calmed me. Even as a child, nighttime was my favorite. The quiet, the beauty of the stars, the comfort of being alone.
I liked Catalina, aka Cat, right away. She stood up for herself, took care of her friends and worked her hardest to be good, since she was born into a toxic bloodline. Cat was a witch, who not only cast spells and enchantments, but could also control some of the elements and see ghosts. Her mother and sisters, oh my gosh you guys, they were trashy and mean. They used their siren abilities to control and use men. And take all of of their money. Cat's tumultuous relationship with them hurt my heart, but it was addicting to watch since she stood up to them. So Cat didn't let men get close to her, she would not be like her family. Until Rathe walked into her world.
His dark expression was exciting. “You are going to fucking destroy me, and I will relish every moment.”
Rathe moved in with Cat's best friends, Heath and Margo. And Cat tried her best to keep her distance. To act indifferent towards him. Yet Rathe enraptured us in his spell and I wanted to know all there was about him. He was kind, thoughtful and caring. Yet something simmered below the surface of him. It made his charm even more alluring. And while he was a player, I was intrigued that he seemed to only act as a friend towards Cat. Especially when he seamlessly embed himself into her life.
“Maybe I’m crazy!”I called out to him, as I walked, trying to break the tension that had unintentionally built.
“Or maybe you’re darker than you want to accept,” was his response.
Charmed Souls felt like an addicting reality tv show, with paranormal aspects splashed across the pages. This story was set during the college years and I loved watching the parties unfold. And while Cat lived at home with her family, I loved how she could escape to her friends apartments. Unfortunately I can't say much more about this story, because it's best discovering it for yourself, but I loved Cat's cousin, Duely. Be prepared for some TMI, but his heart was always in the right place. Duely, Margo and Heath loved Cat inside and out. It made my heart oh so happy since her home life didn't even have an inkling of that.
Things started clicking into place. Things I didn’t want to connect. Things that I wanted to be a lie.
I thought I knew exactly where this story was going. I even screamed outloud, I knew it! Twice. But there were some things that were twisted in a way that I didn't see coming. It was beyond exciting and now I'm desperately waiting for that next book! So yes, I definitely recommend Charmed Souls! If you love magic, drama, a strong heroine and an addictive book boyfriend then definitely put this one on your list!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
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January 20, 2021
Erin ~
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this. I hadn’t read any reviews or even the blurb in its entirety, all I knew is that it was paranormal and that Abbi Glines wrote it and I was sold! I knew that I had to read this book and wow, what a ride! I was intrigued from the start and my curiosity continued to grow the more that I read. Glines has created such a complex and exciting world and we’ve only just scratched the surface in this installment. Romance, magic, suspense, and so much more, I was mesmerized. We are left dangling off the edge and desperate for more.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this. I hadn’t read any reviews or even the blurb in its entirety, all I knew is that it was paranormal and that Abbi Glines wrote it and I was sold! I knew that I had to read this book and wow, what a ride! I was intrigued from the start and my curiosity continued to grow the more that I read. Glines has created such a complex and exciting world and we’ve only just scratched the surface in this installment. Romance, magic, suspense, and so much more, I was mesmerized. We are left dangling off the edge and desperate for more.
January 7, 2020
3.5 Stars 🌟
January 6, 2020
Abbi Glines, you totally bewitched me with Charmed Souls! It was absolutely brilliant and had everything I'm looking for in paranormal romance: intriguing and multi layered characters, a great story line and many unexpected twists and turns. I loved how the story was magical and mysterious, yet felt very realistic at the same time. Thanks to Abbi's beautiful and poignant writing I could see everything like a movie happening in front of my eyes. Her talent truly shined on every page!
I knew deep down that there's something very special about Catalina Delvaux and her magical powers. Despite being cursed with the beauty and charmed black soul of the Kamlock bloodline, she refused to be a heartless gold digger like her mother and sisters. Cat knows that she carries a potential darkness inside her, but chooses to be a good hearted, compassionate and loving person. Having to hide her truth from her best friends, the twins Heath and Margo is hard, but she loves them and desperately wants to protect them from harm. Her only confidante is her warlock cousin Duely who detests her mother and sisters for treating her badly. I really wanted to find out why Persephone hated and feared Cat so much. Was it because she was more powerful then them? Or was it something entirely else?
As soon as her best friend's new roommate Rathe was introduced, I felt that there was more to him than meets the eye. This otherworldly handsome and intriguing guy came out of nowhere, managing to get past Cat's walls and making her feel things she spent her entire life running away from. She watched too many men fall victim to the Kamlock charm and beauty and paying a very high price for that! Catalina wanted to protect Rathe from such fate and desperately tried to keep him away, while constantly fighting her growing attraction and feelings for him.
But as always the heart wants what it wants, and no matter how much they both fought it, they couldn't stay away from each other. The chemistry was too strong! Just as some secrets come to light that will change Cat's live forever, the unexpected happens... Rathe is gone.
Now I'm left with so many questions and no answers. Abbi, I need book two - Cursed Souls - asap! If you're looking for a highly entertaining and unputdownable read about dark magic, witches and family secrets, then this book is for you! I'm putting this gem of a book on my top favorite reads shelf and giving it 5+ stars.
I knew deep down that there's something very special about Catalina Delvaux and her magical powers. Despite being cursed with the beauty and charmed black soul of the Kamlock bloodline, she refused to be a heartless gold digger like her mother and sisters. Cat knows that she carries a potential darkness inside her, but chooses to be a good hearted, compassionate and loving person. Having to hide her truth from her best friends, the twins Heath and Margo is hard, but she loves them and desperately wants to protect them from harm. Her only confidante is her warlock cousin Duely who detests her mother and sisters for treating her badly. I really wanted to find out why Persephone hated and feared Cat so much. Was it because she was more powerful then them? Or was it something entirely else?
As soon as her best friend's new roommate Rathe was introduced, I felt that there was more to him than meets the eye. This otherworldly handsome and intriguing guy came out of nowhere, managing to get past Cat's walls and making her feel things she spent her entire life running away from. She watched too many men fall victim to the Kamlock charm and beauty and paying a very high price for that! Catalina wanted to protect Rathe from such fate and desperately tried to keep him away, while constantly fighting her growing attraction and feelings for him.
But as always the heart wants what it wants, and no matter how much they both fought it, they couldn't stay away from each other. The chemistry was too strong! Just as some secrets come to light that will change Cat's live forever, the unexpected happens... Rathe is gone.
Now I'm left with so many questions and no answers. Abbi, I need book two - Cursed Souls - asap! If you're looking for a highly entertaining and unputdownable read about dark magic, witches and family secrets, then this book is for you! I'm putting this gem of a book on my top favorite reads shelf and giving it 5+ stars.
January 16, 2020
What did I just read? I have to admit that I haven’t been loving anything new by Abbi Glines for a few releases now. I was excited to see that she was releasing another paranormal romance because I did enjoy her Existense series back in the day. However, there was so much missing and a lot of things were never explained. I’m going to try and keep this one short. Most of this will be about the characters because it was SUCH a character based book. Hardly any of the magic was talked about.
All of the characters were very one dimensional and I couldn’t connect with any of them. I wanted to love Catalina but she didn’t make it easy. It felt like we really didn’t get to know her. All we got was that she and her family were witches. What kind? I don’t know. It really wasn’t elaborated on and there were even talks of her being having siren qualities, but that was never talked about again.
The supporting characters were so typical and forgetful. They fit a stereotype and weren’t fleshed out at all. You have the typical best friend, a love interest with a mystery to them, and of a course a guy friend in love with the heroine who doesn’t see it. While not all of the attributes are bad, it just made the story flat because she didn’t make these characters worth caring about.
All in all, I have to say that this book is highly forgetful and I really don’t picture myself reading the next book in the series.
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All of the characters were very one dimensional and I couldn’t connect with any of them. I wanted to love Catalina but she didn’t make it easy. It felt like we really didn’t get to know her. All we got was that she and her family were witches. What kind? I don’t know. It really wasn’t elaborated on and there were even talks of her being having siren qualities, but that was never talked about again.
The supporting characters were so typical and forgetful. They fit a stereotype and weren’t fleshed out at all. You have the typical best friend, a love interest with a mystery to them, and of a course a guy friend in love with the heroine who doesn’t see it. While not all of the attributes are bad, it just made the story flat because she didn’t make these characters worth caring about.
All in all, I have to say that this book is highly forgetful and I really don’t picture myself reading the next book in the series.
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January 6, 2020
This fantastic first installment in the Black Souls Trilogy has absolutely blown my mind. It was utterly addictive and unputdownable. Abbi Glines put me under her magical spell with this PNR new adult mix of friends to lovers and forbidden romance and I'm now totally invested in this intriguing story and charming characters and can't wait to see what this incredibly talented and versatile author has in tow for them in the future.
It's really hard to write a book in this particular genre where you have to do some world building and simultaneously introducing multiple characters and their often complex relationships with each other within only a few pages while keeping the reader's attention. Abbi managed that effortlessly and with great expertise. The story was well-paced, the plot highly entertaining and the characters multi-layered and relatable.
Catalina - Cat - Kamlock was born into a family of powerful witches. The females of this bloodline are known for their ethereal beauty and for being ice-cold, calculating gold diggers. They capitalise on their looks in order to seduce and destroy rich and powerful men. Cat never saw any pride in being a Kamlock. All she ever wanted was to be free of her evil, manipulating mother and sisters. She is the complete opposite of them - caring, humble, protective and good-hearted. Although she never experienced any kind of love coming from her family - except from her cousin Duely - Cat is capable of compassion and sympathy.
Rathe is still a little bit of a mystery to me. He is Catalina's best friends' new roommate and a handsome womanizer. He crashes into her life and turns it on its axis. Cat promised herself to not open her heart to him but she was powerless against his charm. There is something about him that she can't explain but that however speaks to a darker side of her being. And let me tell you guys when these two collide there're sparks flying everywhere. Their instant sizzling chemistry is palpable and will set your reading devices on fire!
This book ends on a huge cliffhanger. I had to pick up my jaw from the floor while processing all the information Abbi threw at us. There are still some mysteries left to solve and truths to be uncovered and I'm so ready for them! I applaud this author for delivering a truly outstanding book and give this new top favorite of mine 5+ stars!
It's really hard to write a book in this particular genre where you have to do some world building and simultaneously introducing multiple characters and their often complex relationships with each other within only a few pages while keeping the reader's attention. Abbi managed that effortlessly and with great expertise. The story was well-paced, the plot highly entertaining and the characters multi-layered and relatable.
Catalina - Cat - Kamlock was born into a family of powerful witches. The females of this bloodline are known for their ethereal beauty and for being ice-cold, calculating gold diggers. They capitalise on their looks in order to seduce and destroy rich and powerful men. Cat never saw any pride in being a Kamlock. All she ever wanted was to be free of her evil, manipulating mother and sisters. She is the complete opposite of them - caring, humble, protective and good-hearted. Although she never experienced any kind of love coming from her family - except from her cousin Duely - Cat is capable of compassion and sympathy.
Rathe is still a little bit of a mystery to me. He is Catalina's best friends' new roommate and a handsome womanizer. He crashes into her life and turns it on its axis. Cat promised herself to not open her heart to him but she was powerless against his charm. There is something about him that she can't explain but that however speaks to a darker side of her being. And let me tell you guys when these two collide there're sparks flying everywhere. Their instant sizzling chemistry is palpable and will set your reading devices on fire!
This book ends on a huge cliffhanger. I had to pick up my jaw from the floor while processing all the information Abbi threw at us. There are still some mysteries left to solve and truths to be uncovered and I'm so ready for them! I applaud this author for delivering a truly outstanding book and give this new top favorite of mine 5+ stars!
January 18, 2020
I love romance but can't stand paranormal/magical books I just have a hard time keeping interest I dont even watch the syfi channel, this being said I will be buying every one of Abbi's magical books I read this book in one day! I did not go to bed untill I was done! Thank you Abbi for opening up to new things!
January 17, 2020
Charmed Souls was predictable I had it pegged pretty much from the beginning. It was also quite repetitious with not much happening until late. The main character, Cat was very contradictory, she said things about herself that her actions didn't back up. I didn't find the romance believable at all. I wanted to love it but it just didn't work for me at all. Even though I'm intrigued by the ending I'm not sure if I'll read the next book in the series.
Copy won in a contest
Copy won in a contest
January 7, 2020
This book! I can’t wait for more! I loved the slow burn and it kept you guessing until the last page! Oh em gee Duely was soooo freaking funny and I’m glad she had a great support system around her. I want to know more about Mary and why she was trying to protect Heath and Margo. I’m sad her family is like that but then I love how strong she is to not accept their ways and forge her own path. Book 2 is on its way and I’m so excited!!!!
Quotes
I was the evil they all should fear.
If we had crossed paths, I’d have noticed.”
I was a Kamlock female and we were lethal. Even if I was careful, even if I was different than my sisters and mother. My soul was cursed.
I wasn’t scared of many things but becoming my mother was at the top of that short list.
Being born into a family of witches, whose greatest power was their siren ability, required some magical power to dull men’s senses when they saw me.
“I like to believe those who leave us are never really gone. We just lose the ability to see them.”
“I didn’t know one could find so many Hollyhocks in the southern part of the US.” “And I didn’t know you were a Botanist,” I shot back, wishing he’d shut up and stop being smart. Did he need to be both attractive and a walking encyclopedia?
“Seems a bit unfair to outshine the bride.” I paused. Goosebumps covered my arms and I inhaled deeply while trying to decide if I should respond.
Men were charmed easily by Kamlock women. Women weren’t as easily fooled.
“I’m not a supporter of marriage but some couples manage to make it work.” I glanced back at him. He had no idea how quickly this marriage would be destroyed. “Good people, those who know how to love, who understand commitment and sacrifice. They make it work. My sister is not one of those,” I said, the last part full of sorrow for Miles.
He did study me in a way that made me both warm and uncomfortable at the same time. This evening his eyes seemed more blue than steel. The voices around us were fading, and I heard the evening breeze in the trees, a bird nearby finding her nest, and Rathe’s breath. Being held in his gaze was like a drug. “All Kamlock women aren’t the same, it would seem.” His words were low, almost a whisper.
I turned my attention to Margo, thankful to be free of those hypnotic eyes. He was proving to be too observant. I would have to be careful around him. He saw too much.
The memory of my father and his goodness was all I had ever needed to keep the evil buried.
Not only was I doing a terrible job at not liking Rathe, but I was also lashing back at Leanne’s nastiness. Both were stupid things to allow myself to do.
I kept my eyes on Heath and made sure not to look at Rathe. I hated that it was impossible not to see him even when you weren’t looking. His presence was frustratingly addicting, and he smelled so good.
“Poor guy has been in love with you for so damn long it’s like a habit, and the new one, Rathe, well, he knows you’re attracted to him and that the Leanne thing pissed you off. I think he regrets it,” Duely said matter-of-factly.
She was not strong enough to handle this. I hadn’t ever felt the need to protect my mother and now that I was choosing to do it made me worry about my own darkness. Was it growing inside me and I didn’t notice it?
My father had loved the campus grounds, and in the fall months, he said it was magical. As a child, I’d loved to think of things being magical. It sounded beautiful and exciting. Although mother didn’t teach us our abilities until after my father was killed, I had always known I was different. Seeing spirits and realizing at a young age that no one else saw them was one of my earlier clues that I wasn’t like everyone else.
There were no distractions here. No mother or sisters. Just me and my--“Considering enrolling?” Rathe’s voice broke the quiet. It seemed as if I couldn’t escape those who bothered me.
“Do you not have somewhere to be? A class maybe?” I asked. His deep, low chuckle made me feel funny inside, and I was suddenly very uneasy. “At the moment, I can’t think of anywhere I need to be,” he paused then added “what about me bothers you so much, Catalina?” Hearing him say my full name made the strange tingle he was causing intensify. Dang it. Not this guy. I knew being attracted to a man who wasn’t a caster was pointless. There was no future in it. Yet my body was overpowering my good sense. Everything but my brain was attracted to Rathe. Simply because my brain knew he was too weak for a Kamlock female. He’d fallen under Leanne’s spell too easily. I may not be like my mother and sisters but their cursed blood was also mine.
I had yet to meet a man who sought a woman’s inner beauty first.
Duely was all I had when it came to the world of the charmed. I trusted no one else.
That shit isn’t normal. Casters aren’t born knowing Latin, Cat. We are taught it by our mothers. You’re more fucking powerful than you realize, and your mother knows. You scare her. I think you scare them all.” He grinned then. “Damn wish I knew what you were. Why you’re so badass. Better yet I’d like to see you unleash that shit on my dear aunt and cousins.”
Yet, as painful as it would be, they were lucky they had experienced it. They’d known his love. Having him and losing him was better than never having him.
He wasn’t meant for me. No man was meant for me. I needed to remember that.
No one wanted to admit it, but every human had a vein of selfishness they didn’t want to acknowledge.
Even without magical blood and the ability to cast spells, he could charm a room full of females. He’d managed to charm me, and I was the one who had been born charmed. That thought made me grin.
His perfect face was scowling. He looked beautiful when he was angry, too. I swallowed my bite of food then beamed at him. Maybe he was hungry, too. That always made men angry. When they were hungry, they got ornery. It was something one couldn’t miss when they served people food for a living. “Hello Rathe!” I said a little too loudly. Why was I yelling? Or was I?
“I didn’t mean to fall asleep on top of you. I guess I was more exhausted than I realized. You should have pushed me off and gone to your bed where it’s more comfortable.” He grinned that half smile that made his dimple appear. “You were peaceful and I didn’t want to take my delicious scent from you.” I covered my face and groaned. I had said that out loud. Great. I had hoped that was the only thing I shared with him. “I do smell pretty damn good.” He was definitely amused.
My breath caught in my throat, and I wanted to run from this and cling to him at the same time. Every reason I should leave faded as he pressed his lips to my ear then moved to kiss my temple.
Even Rathe’s rejection couldn’t make me want to be like the other women in my family. I’d choose to be rejected over and over by men than to end up like my mother.
The darkness had always calmed me. Even as a child, nighttime was my favorite. The quiet, the beauty of the stars, the comfort of being alone.
His response shouldn’t bother me, but it caused yet another pang in my chest. Time would help with this. I was sure of it. I smiled brightly even if I didn’t feel it. He smiled then, too and his dimple appeared. I might get over his hair, those eyes, his body soon enough, but it was going to much harder to get over that dimple.
“You love me,” I said, with the emotion clogging my throat. “Of course I fucking love you. It’s us against them. It always has been.
I was half my father. Rathe was reminding me of that with every emotional crack he caused in me.
“Open the door, Catalina,” he called from the other side of the door. I stuck my tongue out at the closed door.
He shouldn’t be able to make me feel like he’d just kissed me senseless with just words.
I was poison. I fought it, and I did my best to be normal, but if I allowed myself to lose control of anything. Especially, my heart. If I let myself freely fall for this man, I could lose control. I had no idea what could happen and that scared me.
“They’re probably dazzled but intimidated. You don’t seem to welcome attention and that can scare men off,” he explained, as if that made complete sense. He was wrong. I knew it was the spell that kept them away. Without that spell, men would treat me like they did my sisters.
“I may not love you...yet, but I could. So easily.” Oh. Hell.
“You are going to fucking destroy me, and I will relish every moment.”
Loving Rathe was selfish... but I wouldn’t change it.
How was it that the evil inside me was what had made me better?
Quotes
I was the evil they all should fear.
If we had crossed paths, I’d have noticed.”
I was a Kamlock female and we were lethal. Even if I was careful, even if I was different than my sisters and mother. My soul was cursed.
I wasn’t scared of many things but becoming my mother was at the top of that short list.
Being born into a family of witches, whose greatest power was their siren ability, required some magical power to dull men’s senses when they saw me.
“I like to believe those who leave us are never really gone. We just lose the ability to see them.”
“I didn’t know one could find so many Hollyhocks in the southern part of the US.” “And I didn’t know you were a Botanist,” I shot back, wishing he’d shut up and stop being smart. Did he need to be both attractive and a walking encyclopedia?
“Seems a bit unfair to outshine the bride.” I paused. Goosebumps covered my arms and I inhaled deeply while trying to decide if I should respond.
Men were charmed easily by Kamlock women. Women weren’t as easily fooled.
“I’m not a supporter of marriage but some couples manage to make it work.” I glanced back at him. He had no idea how quickly this marriage would be destroyed. “Good people, those who know how to love, who understand commitment and sacrifice. They make it work. My sister is not one of those,” I said, the last part full of sorrow for Miles.
He did study me in a way that made me both warm and uncomfortable at the same time. This evening his eyes seemed more blue than steel. The voices around us were fading, and I heard the evening breeze in the trees, a bird nearby finding her nest, and Rathe’s breath. Being held in his gaze was like a drug. “All Kamlock women aren’t the same, it would seem.” His words were low, almost a whisper.
I turned my attention to Margo, thankful to be free of those hypnotic eyes. He was proving to be too observant. I would have to be careful around him. He saw too much.
The memory of my father and his goodness was all I had ever needed to keep the evil buried.
Not only was I doing a terrible job at not liking Rathe, but I was also lashing back at Leanne’s nastiness. Both were stupid things to allow myself to do.
I kept my eyes on Heath and made sure not to look at Rathe. I hated that it was impossible not to see him even when you weren’t looking. His presence was frustratingly addicting, and he smelled so good.
“Poor guy has been in love with you for so damn long it’s like a habit, and the new one, Rathe, well, he knows you’re attracted to him and that the Leanne thing pissed you off. I think he regrets it,” Duely said matter-of-factly.
She was not strong enough to handle this. I hadn’t ever felt the need to protect my mother and now that I was choosing to do it made me worry about my own darkness. Was it growing inside me and I didn’t notice it?
My father had loved the campus grounds, and in the fall months, he said it was magical. As a child, I’d loved to think of things being magical. It sounded beautiful and exciting. Although mother didn’t teach us our abilities until after my father was killed, I had always known I was different. Seeing spirits and realizing at a young age that no one else saw them was one of my earlier clues that I wasn’t like everyone else.
There were no distractions here. No mother or sisters. Just me and my--“Considering enrolling?” Rathe’s voice broke the quiet. It seemed as if I couldn’t escape those who bothered me.
“Do you not have somewhere to be? A class maybe?” I asked. His deep, low chuckle made me feel funny inside, and I was suddenly very uneasy. “At the moment, I can’t think of anywhere I need to be,” he paused then added “what about me bothers you so much, Catalina?” Hearing him say my full name made the strange tingle he was causing intensify. Dang it. Not this guy. I knew being attracted to a man who wasn’t a caster was pointless. There was no future in it. Yet my body was overpowering my good sense. Everything but my brain was attracted to Rathe. Simply because my brain knew he was too weak for a Kamlock female. He’d fallen under Leanne’s spell too easily. I may not be like my mother and sisters but their cursed blood was also mine.
I had yet to meet a man who sought a woman’s inner beauty first.
Duely was all I had when it came to the world of the charmed. I trusted no one else.
That shit isn’t normal. Casters aren’t born knowing Latin, Cat. We are taught it by our mothers. You’re more fucking powerful than you realize, and your mother knows. You scare her. I think you scare them all.” He grinned then. “Damn wish I knew what you were. Why you’re so badass. Better yet I’d like to see you unleash that shit on my dear aunt and cousins.”
Yet, as painful as it would be, they were lucky they had experienced it. They’d known his love. Having him and losing him was better than never having him.
He wasn’t meant for me. No man was meant for me. I needed to remember that.
No one wanted to admit it, but every human had a vein of selfishness they didn’t want to acknowledge.
Even without magical blood and the ability to cast spells, he could charm a room full of females. He’d managed to charm me, and I was the one who had been born charmed. That thought made me grin.
His perfect face was scowling. He looked beautiful when he was angry, too. I swallowed my bite of food then beamed at him. Maybe he was hungry, too. That always made men angry. When they were hungry, they got ornery. It was something one couldn’t miss when they served people food for a living. “Hello Rathe!” I said a little too loudly. Why was I yelling? Or was I?
“I didn’t mean to fall asleep on top of you. I guess I was more exhausted than I realized. You should have pushed me off and gone to your bed where it’s more comfortable.” He grinned that half smile that made his dimple appear. “You were peaceful and I didn’t want to take my delicious scent from you.” I covered my face and groaned. I had said that out loud. Great. I had hoped that was the only thing I shared with him. “I do smell pretty damn good.” He was definitely amused.
My breath caught in my throat, and I wanted to run from this and cling to him at the same time. Every reason I should leave faded as he pressed his lips to my ear then moved to kiss my temple.
Even Rathe’s rejection couldn’t make me want to be like the other women in my family. I’d choose to be rejected over and over by men than to end up like my mother.
The darkness had always calmed me. Even as a child, nighttime was my favorite. The quiet, the beauty of the stars, the comfort of being alone.
His response shouldn’t bother me, but it caused yet another pang in my chest. Time would help with this. I was sure of it. I smiled brightly even if I didn’t feel it. He smiled then, too and his dimple appeared. I might get over his hair, those eyes, his body soon enough, but it was going to much harder to get over that dimple.
“You love me,” I said, with the emotion clogging my throat. “Of course I fucking love you. It’s us against them. It always has been.
I was half my father. Rathe was reminding me of that with every emotional crack he caused in me.
“Open the door, Catalina,” he called from the other side of the door. I stuck my tongue out at the closed door.
He shouldn’t be able to make me feel like he’d just kissed me senseless with just words.
I was poison. I fought it, and I did my best to be normal, but if I allowed myself to lose control of anything. Especially, my heart. If I let myself freely fall for this man, I could lose control. I had no idea what could happen and that scared me.
“They’re probably dazzled but intimidated. You don’t seem to welcome attention and that can scare men off,” he explained, as if that made complete sense. He was wrong. I knew it was the spell that kept them away. Without that spell, men would treat me like they did my sisters.
“I may not love you...yet, but I could. So easily.” Oh. Hell.
“You are going to fucking destroy me, and I will relish every moment.”
Loving Rathe was selfish... but I wouldn’t change it.
How was it that the evil inside me was what had made me better?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2020
My first Abbi Glines book was Existence back in the day when indie authors were just starting out. This is the book that made me fall in love with her writing. Can you imagine my excitement at the news she was going to write a new paranormal? Then I got nervous. What if it didn’t live up to the Existence Trilogy for me? But I dove in and thank goodness I did!
Charmed Souls charmed the hell out of me! Sassy southern witches? Yes, please! Thank you Abbi for going back to PNR because you are a superstar! Needless to say, I am dying for the next book!
Charmed Souls charmed the hell out of me! Sassy southern witches? Yes, please! Thank you Abbi for going back to PNR because you are a superstar! Needless to say, I am dying for the next book!
January 21, 2021
Brilliant!
I did not expect such a good story!
But it’s Abbi, after all!
Can’t wait for the next!
I did not expect such a good story!
But it’s Abbi, after all!
Can’t wait for the next!
January 6, 2020
Great pnr read
I always love Abbi’s books. This book was just like the rest...a great, entertaining read. I loved Cat and felt her pain and anguish. I can’t wait to get some answers from Rathe in the next book!
I always love Abbi’s books. This book was just like the rest...a great, entertaining read. I loved Cat and felt her pain and anguish. I can’t wait to get some answers from Rathe in the next book!
January 6, 2020
Great Book
Easy read and I am excited for the next one! Glad Abbi is writing paranormal again, I've missed them as I loved all the Existence books.
Easy read and I am excited for the next one! Glad Abbi is writing paranormal again, I've missed them as I loved all the Existence books.
January 6, 2020
Must read!
Abbi Glines really knows how to keep a reader entranced. Cliffhanger left me wanted more, of course! Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Abbi Glines really knows how to keep a reader entranced. Cliffhanger left me wanted more, of course! Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
January 9, 2020
A breathtaking cross-over of The Mortal Instruments, dark Witches of East End and Fallen
Abbi Glines is back with a phenomenal adult paranormal! She is one of my go-to author, and also the book is .99 and supporting Australia, how can anyone say no?
Catalina is cursed all her life. She accepts, but at the same time, doesn't embrace herself fully. She just wants to be normal. She has a life with just enough happiness from her friends; until her whole world gets turned upside down. She doesn't know her family anymore. She doesn't understand her own ability anymore.
I would say I was not so hooked when I first saw the blurb. I have not been a fan of witchcraft or any other fantasy stuff for the past few years. I don't know what to expect from Abbi, since this is a new experience for her too.
Abbi's blown my mind though! She has a talent for making her books irresistible. Every high and low point of the book is captured perfectly. The story vividly carved inside my heart. I'm aching for Cat, for the pain, for the doubt of herself.
I'm in love with her storytelling. Abbi Glines slowly brings us to this magical world, slowly opens the trapdoor with layers and layers of secrets. Deep down, everyone is only 'human'. We are our own worst judges. It's hard to let anyone in if we aren't even true to ourselves.
If he was something for me, it had to be the magic in my blood drawing him, not just me.
I fit in nowhere. I was back to feeling sorry for myself. I didn't do self pity. It was weak and a waste of time.
No one can create characters the way Abbi Glines does. She gives just enough backstory for everyone. I love all the characters. Yes, even the villain. She just has a way with making characters relatable in different perspectives. Everyone is charming and mysterious. Especially the main male, but that's for each of you guys to discover.
Charmed Souls starts a bit slow and I don't think I fully understand all the descriptions being thrown out. There is something off here and there during the book. It's in the adult paranormal genre but the vibes of the book are still debatable. Sometimes it still feels so much like the characters are high school students, with all the drama and parties. She did mention the "mature" side of things but it kind of faded away. And also the swear words. Normally, I'm down with it. But it just feels off this time. Maybe all of those problems got to do with the whole young adult - adult transformations she are experiencing for the first time writing.
I'd say it's a perfect crossover of all my favourite paranormal series. Anyone see The Mortal Instruments City of Bones right there? With Simon in Heath? Jace in Rathe? Magnus in Duely? Valentine in Diabolus? Forbidden love from Fallen's immortal Lucinda and Daniel? No? Maybe it's just me. I'm not saying this book is unoriginal. It's unique in its own way. Rather than making it black and white, Abbi Glines keep everything grey. Nobody is all bad. Nobody is all good.
No one wanted to admit it, but every human had a vein of selfishness they didn't want to acknowledge.
Family isn't blood. Family is about love and loyalty. The open ending makes me so impatient for the next installment of the series.
January 9, 2020
This was a great start to a new series and I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes. If you like magic and mystery with your protective males you’re going to love this.
We meet Catalina (Cat) who comes from a long line of female witches or the charmed as they’re sometimes referred too. Cat has always denied her mother and sisters; siren men eating ways and embraced her father’s human way. Even going as far as to spell herself to repel men or at least try to counteract her natural lure.
Cat meets her best friends’ new flat mate Rathe (The male lead) who is appealing from the start, I really liked the mystery that surrounds his arrival and presence. I definitely would have been happy with lots more of him. Alas, we are drip fed those bits of delicious tension.
A warlock is stalking Cat, the same time she is learning things about herself and giving in to her attraction to Rathe. The scenes with Cat and Rathe, hot hot hot, I love some good sex scenes with my story.
Everything seems to come together all at the same time, her warlock stalkers identity is revealed along with Cats own, and also Rathes.
While answering a lot of the mystery it also leaves me asking so many more questions. Although this book wasn’t fast paced or filled with action, it was a suspenseful journey that kept me reading well into the night trying to get all the answers and read more of Cat & Rathe.
I can’t wait to read the next one and find out what Cat will do now and what Rathe was up to! This book set a great beginning for magical series that reads like it will be quite a big world after all.
3.5/5 Stars – Loved the story – If it had, had some fast past action I would’ve given this a 5. Otherwise I’m hooked and ready for book 2.
January 30, 2021
I loved this book. As soon as you start, it hooks you in. The characters were amazing. I loved Rathe so much and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book :)
January 9, 2020
Finally I can give her a 4/5 star rating again.
This is the best book she's written in a long time. It was exciting and had an actual build up for the romance. It didnt feel shallow or fast paced like her past few books. By fast paced I mean there was no 'one day she meets him the next she's inlove and having sex with him'. Many of her books the past couple of years have been too simple and shallow before this one. I needed this. I'm so happy to know she can still write books that I love. My only issues is it's so short. I feel like I read half of the first book. I read books all the time that end in a cliffhanger. But I think there wasn't enough story. Idk it just felt lacking in a full book sort of way. I guess I'm just use to longer books. Last issue is the sex was boring. Where was all the sexy talk? Where was him worshiping her and loving on her? It felt so quick. ☹ there was barely any detail compared to her other books. Anyway I am digging Rathe btw.. He seems like I'm really going to like him once I know more.
This is the best book she's written in a long time. It was exciting and had an actual build up for the romance. It didnt feel shallow or fast paced like her past few books. By fast paced I mean there was no 'one day she meets him the next she's inlove and having sex with him'. Many of her books the past couple of years have been too simple and shallow before this one. I needed this. I'm so happy to know she can still write books that I love. My only issues is it's so short. I feel like I read half of the first book. I read books all the time that end in a cliffhanger. But I think there wasn't enough story. Idk it just felt lacking in a full book sort of way. I guess I'm just use to longer books. Last issue is the sex was boring. Where was all the sexy talk? Where was him worshiping her and loving on her? It felt so quick. ☹ there was barely any detail compared to her other books. Anyway I am digging Rathe btw.. He seems like I'm really going to like him once I know more.
January 11, 2020
No one wanted to admit it, but every human had a vein of selfishness they didn’t want to acknowledge.
This is one of those books that gets under your skin wheter you wanted it or not.
I have so much love for the heroine. May it be for her friends, may it be for her family, her love life, her job,... whatever it was, I wanted the best for her. And underneath it all, I was simply captivated by her. There is something about her that draws me in, there is something about her that peaks my interest, there is something much more about her (some of her gifts are already revealed to us and I have a feeling we are still to be shoked in the future ) and I can not wait to find out. To find the depths of Cal.
I loved it.
This is one of those books that gets under your skin wheter you wanted it or not.
I have so much love for the heroine. May it be for her friends, may it be for her family, her love life, her job,... whatever it was, I wanted the best for her. And underneath it all, I was simply captivated by her. There is something about her that draws me in, there is something about her that peaks my interest, there is something much more about her (some of her gifts are already revealed to us and I have a feeling we are still to be shoked in the future ) and I can not wait to find out. To find the depths of Cal.
I loved it.
January 7, 2020
Omg absolutely an amazing read that I absolutely loved. I love Abbi books and her writing a paranormal romance, I knew I had too one click ASAP. This book will have you hooked from the beginning. I love Rathe & Cat together and I knew something was not right with him. Rathe will definitely have you rooting for him maybe not at first but you will definitely come around. I really enjoyed the interaction between Duely and Cat, he will have you lol. I need the next book ASAP, hopefully it will release very very soon.
January 11, 2020
Oh My!!!
What an intriguing beginning! This at first reminded me of a Cinderella-like story, then it became so much more. Wicked mother, lazy sisters and a witch who wishes she wasn't. Wasn't beautiful, wasn't charmed, wasn't Persephone's daughter. Wishes she were normal.
That Cat is all that is what makes her lovable. It also makes her human. Then enters Rathe and things become so complicated. But when are relationships easy? There is much left unexplained, it just makes me wish for the next book to arrive quickly.
What an intriguing beginning! This at first reminded me of a Cinderella-like story, then it became so much more. Wicked mother, lazy sisters and a witch who wishes she wasn't. Wasn't beautiful, wasn't charmed, wasn't Persephone's daughter. Wishes she were normal.
That Cat is all that is what makes her lovable. It also makes her human. Then enters Rathe and things become so complicated. But when are relationships easy? There is much left unexplained, it just makes me wish for the next book to arrive quickly.
January 7, 2020
This book is phenomenal. The amazing characters you get from Abbi are even better and more developed in this book. There's such an amazing cliffhanger, I'm not even mad. I just can't wait for the next one. Is it paranormal? Yes. But it's a new adult paranormal. No other words. Just amazing. ❤ if you're familiar with Abbi's work, this book is like rediscovering the Rosemary Beach and Sea Breeze series-but with the anticipation of a paranormal. Do yourself a favor and get it.
January 8, 2020
I've been charmed
This book is so different from any of Abbi's prior books and stories. I just fell in love with the characters and the story! Not the ending I expecting but it was fabulous and I cannot wait for the next book! This book will not disappoint you!
This book is so different from any of Abbi's prior books and stories. I just fell in love with the characters and the story! Not the ending I expecting but it was fabulous and I cannot wait for the next book! This book will not disappoint you!
January 8, 2020
I don’t normally go for paranormal romance but for Abbi Glines i did. While it was well written the story lacked something. It didn’t quite pack a punch. I expected more. Hope the next ones in this trilogy will be better
January 14, 2020
Book received from The Next Step PR
This book has a lot of mixed reviews. People either love it or they hate it. I fall into the middle of them. Abbi is one of my favorite authors, and maybe I just had too high of expectations. Maybe contemporary is just her genre; I don’t know. But I have mixed feelings by this book.
It started out quite interesting. Catalina is a witch, one born with a black soul that urges her to attract men, make them fall in love with them, and ultimately conveniently they end up dead while the women capitalize on their death. Catalina shies away from her curse and avoids men to avoid leading them to their death. I was so intrigued by the concept of the curse.
Unfortunately, Catalina really fell short for me. She avoids her curse, but personally, I would have preferred if she didn’t . Rathe ends up immune to her, so it would have actually been more interested (and funny) if she tried to use her curse on Rathe only to find it not working and for real feelings to emerge. This book is about witches. Why must the main characters always try to be good? I would rather a dark paranormal in which she embraced her witch curse. In the end, this just made her boring. She didn’t stand out in comparing her to Abbi’s other characters, despite her powers. She tries to be good, have her friends, and avoid men. She’s too goody. Too basic for a NA paranormal.
Ultimately, when Rathe shows up, she does decide to pursue this, just not at first. Other than that...not much happens in the book. They become friends. She hangs out with her other friends. And investigates the mysterious man that pops around at times. Basically, I was very bored reading this. It is a slow read. From 30-90%, I consistently looked at the percentage, hoping I was nearing the end.
As for the other characters, Rathe didn’t stand out to me either. I knew he was something because he didn’t react to her spells. He’s just there, until she decides to hook up with him. In fact, I quite hated him in the beginning. He flaunts other women in front of her, takes a new one out each night. He’s a player and didn’t exactly excite me. He’s not like Abbi’s other men. There’s her friends. One a girl friend, the other a guy friend that has had a long-term crush on her that she’s never noticed. Ultimately, they are all fairly two-dimensional and I didn’t love any of them.
At this point, I’m rating it 3 stars. Then the final 10% happened and it got quite good and extremely interesting, and does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. We find out about Rathe and the mysterious man, and more about Catalina that will really set the stage for book 2. So now we’re talking 4 stars and a reader who is quite eager for book 2.
Overall, it was a good book, just not a great one. I think more could have been done to the middle (or made it shorter), I think the characters could have been more developed, and a romance should have also been more developed. I see a definite decline in Abbi’s writing quality and execution, but positive feelings toward her ideas and storytelling. I will continue the series, and even look forward to it. I hope now that groundwork has been laid, book 2 will be more exciting as well.
This book has a lot of mixed reviews. People either love it or they hate it. I fall into the middle of them. Abbi is one of my favorite authors, and maybe I just had too high of expectations. Maybe contemporary is just her genre; I don’t know. But I have mixed feelings by this book.
It started out quite interesting. Catalina is a witch, one born with a black soul that urges her to attract men, make them fall in love with them, and ultimately conveniently they end up dead while the women capitalize on their death. Catalina shies away from her curse and avoids men to avoid leading them to their death. I was so intrigued by the concept of the curse.
Unfortunately, Catalina really fell short for me. She avoids her curse, but personally, I would have preferred if she didn’t . Rathe ends up immune to her, so it would have actually been more interested (and funny) if she tried to use her curse on Rathe only to find it not working and for real feelings to emerge. This book is about witches. Why must the main characters always try to be good? I would rather a dark paranormal in which she embraced her witch curse. In the end, this just made her boring. She didn’t stand out in comparing her to Abbi’s other characters, despite her powers. She tries to be good, have her friends, and avoid men. She’s too goody. Too basic for a NA paranormal.
Ultimately, when Rathe shows up, she does decide to pursue this, just not at first. Other than that...not much happens in the book. They become friends. She hangs out with her other friends. And investigates the mysterious man that pops around at times. Basically, I was very bored reading this. It is a slow read. From 30-90%, I consistently looked at the percentage, hoping I was nearing the end.
As for the other characters, Rathe didn’t stand out to me either. I knew he was something because he didn’t react to her spells. He’s just there, until she decides to hook up with him. In fact, I quite hated him in the beginning. He flaunts other women in front of her, takes a new one out each night. He’s a player and didn’t exactly excite me. He’s not like Abbi’s other men. There’s her friends. One a girl friend, the other a guy friend that has had a long-term crush on her that she’s never noticed. Ultimately, they are all fairly two-dimensional and I didn’t love any of them.
At this point, I’m rating it 3 stars. Then the final 10% happened and it got quite good and extremely interesting, and does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. We find out about Rathe and the mysterious man, and more about Catalina that will really set the stage for book 2. So now we’re talking 4 stars and a reader who is quite eager for book 2.
Overall, it was a good book, just not a great one. I think more could have been done to the middle (or made it shorter), I think the characters could have been more developed, and a romance should have also been more developed. I see a definite decline in Abbi’s writing quality and execution, but positive feelings toward her ideas and storytelling. I will continue the series, and even look forward to it. I hope now that groundwork has been laid, book 2 will be more exciting as well.
January 5, 2020
For only 180 pages, this book sure made me rolled my eyes at every single page.
I just can't deal with these heroines who are incredibly beautiful and yet didn't know that they are. The male best friend who secretly in love with her since foreveerrrr and she never realized it. The insta love that so typically done. The oh-so-woe-is-me attitude she had.
My god. The tropes.
I just can't.
I just can't deal with these heroines who are incredibly beautiful and yet didn't know that they are. The male best friend who secretly in love with her since foreveerrrr and she never realized it. The insta love that so typically done. The oh-so-woe-is-me attitude she had.
My god. The tropes.
I just can't.
January 7, 2023
Slow but interesting.i liked the writing. The ending was predictable. I hate reading it without reading about the series. The books ends with a cliffhanger but the second book is not published yet even though it was supposed to be published in 2020😵
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