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Witches of Hollow Cove #3
Charmed Nights
They took my Merlin license away.
To get it back, I must complete the witch trials. Okay, so I have to pass a few magical trials. No big deal. Right? Wrong.
The trials are treacherous, ominous, and deadly. I’m not prepared for such brutal, magical tests, but I can’t stop. Stopping means failure, and too many people are counting on me.
But then the worst happens. While I’m trying to focus on the trials, the local baker in Hollow Cove is poisoned and killed. And someone I care about is blamed.
As the clues start to fit together, I realize I have to wade through a pack of lies to find the truth—and to find the real killer.
But first, I’ll need to survive the witch trials.
To get it back, I must complete the witch trials. Okay, so I have to pass a few magical trials. No big deal. Right? Wrong.
The trials are treacherous, ominous, and deadly. I’m not prepared for such brutal, magical tests, but I can’t stop. Stopping means failure, and too many people are counting on me.
But then the worst happens. While I’m trying to focus on the trials, the local baker in Hollow Cove is poisoned and killed. And someone I care about is blamed.
As the clues start to fit together, I realize I have to wade through a pack of lies to find the truth—and to find the real killer.
But first, I’ll need to survive the witch trials.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2020
1603 people are currently reading
753 people want to read
About the author
Kim Richardson
205 books1,246 followersKim Richardson is the award-winning author of the bestselling SOUL GUARDIANS series. She lives in the eastern part of Canada with her husband, two dogs and a very old cat. She is the author of the SOUL GUARDIANS series, the MYSTICS series, and the DIVIDED REALMS series. Kim's books are available in print editions, and translations are available in over 7 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
May 4, 2022
1.5
" Ser una Merlín significaba algo. Significaba respeto en nuestras comunidades paranormales. Significaba tener una posicion que realmente podía hacer una diferencia y ayudar a nuestra gente".
¿Sinceramente? Creo que ya en las otras reseñas dije lo que pensaba de estos libros. No ha cambiado nada. Me lo paso bien y punto. Creo que no hace falta decir nada más.
" Ser una Merlín significaba algo. Significaba respeto en nuestras comunidades paranormales. Significaba tener una posicion que realmente podía hacer una diferencia y ayudar a nuestra gente".
¿Sinceramente? Creo que ya en las otras reseñas dije lo que pensaba de estos libros. No ha cambiado nada. Me lo paso bien y punto. Creo que no hace falta decir nada más.
December 25, 2021
Charmed Nights
(Witches of Hollow Cove #3)
by Kim Richardson
In this book, Tessa has to get her Merlin's license to practice magic. In between testing and her supposed to be studying for it, she is trying to help solve a murder that her aunt is accused of.
(Witches of Hollow Cove #3)
by Kim Richardson
In this book, Tessa has to get her Merlin's license to practice magic. In between testing and her supposed to be studying for it, she is trying to help solve a murder that her aunt is accused of.
June 20, 2024
Charmed Nights is book three in the Witches of Hollow Cove series by Kim Richardson and Narrated by Devon Sorvari
Man what an ending. The story is a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. It’s loaded with mystery and full of emotions.
The audiobooks keep getting better as the series progresses. I love the Aunties. They are a hoot. As for Tessa she is still hot headed and quick to act without thinking it all through and in the end it kind of gets her into hot water. I like that she is loyal to her friends and aunts.
This time around she’s going through the Trials to get her Merlin license. She has to pass two of the three trials, but it doesn't help that one of the instructors hates the Davenport Witches.
But, the Trials aren’t the only issue. In her hometown someone is dead and one of her aunt’s confesses to it. The town sheriff, Marcus, is away and the acting sheriff arrests her. Tessa wants to clear her name, but all the evidence points to her aunt. What to do?
We see some development on the romance front, but still slow going. The secondary characters are getting more development and we see Tessa has some unusual powers.
Audio: Devon Sorvari continues to narrate and has become the voice of all the characters. I’m very much enjoying the audiobooks for the Witches of Hollow Cove series. Sorvari pulls us into the mysteries and keeps the storyline flowing.
Charmed Nights is a roller coaster mystery ride full of charm and witchy magic.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Man what an ending. The story is a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. It’s loaded with mystery and full of emotions.
The audiobooks keep getting better as the series progresses. I love the Aunties. They are a hoot. As for Tessa she is still hot headed and quick to act without thinking it all through and in the end it kind of gets her into hot water. I like that she is loyal to her friends and aunts.
This time around she’s going through the Trials to get her Merlin license. She has to pass two of the three trials, but it doesn't help that one of the instructors hates the Davenport Witches.
But, the Trials aren’t the only issue. In her hometown someone is dead and one of her aunt’s confesses to it. The town sheriff, Marcus, is away and the acting sheriff arrests her. Tessa wants to clear her name, but all the evidence points to her aunt. What to do?
We see some development on the romance front, but still slow going. The secondary characters are getting more development and we see Tessa has some unusual powers.
Audio: Devon Sorvari continues to narrate and has become the voice of all the characters. I’m very much enjoying the audiobooks for the Witches of Hollow Cove series. Sorvari pulls us into the mysteries and keeps the storyline flowing.
Charmed Nights is a roller coaster mystery ride full of charm and witchy magic.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
June 11, 2021
he audios in the Witches of Hollow Cove series get better with each installment. Tessa is still hot headed and quick to act, often to her own detriment. These traits would typically annoy me, but like Rachel Morgan (The Hollows) Tessa is loyal to her friends and aunts and her intentions are always good. For the reason she has grown on me.
In Charmed Nights, Tessa is going through the witch trials in order to obtain her Merlin license. There are three trails and she must pass the last two. It doesn’t help that one instructor hates the Davenport Witches. This was a fun thread but took a back seat through most of this story.
On the home-front, they found a town member dead, and Tessa’s aunt confesses to the murder! With Marcus away, the new chief has her arrested. Tessa wants nothing more than to clear her aunt’s name, but the evidence is stacked against her. Tessa’s Aunt is sweet, and a bit scatterbrained. Did she accidentally do it or is she being set up to take the fall?
Now the Davenports are reportedly some of the strongest witches, so I was not at all surprised when Tessa shows unusual skills. I am curious to see how she handles this skill and what the Merlin council will have to say about it.
We see some development with the romance thread which pleased me. The series isn’t without flaws but Richardson pulled me into the story and we are slowly seeing more depth and development of secondary characters.
Devon Sorvari continues to narrate the series and has become the voices of these characters. She captures their personalities and enhances the overall story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
In Charmed Nights, Tessa is going through the witch trials in order to obtain her Merlin license. There are three trails and she must pass the last two. It doesn’t help that one instructor hates the Davenport Witches. This was a fun thread but took a back seat through most of this story.
On the home-front, they found a town member dead, and Tessa’s aunt confesses to the murder! With Marcus away, the new chief has her arrested. Tessa wants nothing more than to clear her aunt’s name, but the evidence is stacked against her. Tessa’s Aunt is sweet, and a bit scatterbrained. Did she accidentally do it or is she being set up to take the fall?
Now the Davenports are reportedly some of the strongest witches, so I was not at all surprised when Tessa shows unusual skills. I am curious to see how she handles this skill and what the Merlin council will have to say about it.
We see some development with the romance thread which pleased me. The series isn’t without flaws but Richardson pulled me into the story and we are slowly seeing more depth and development of secondary characters.
Devon Sorvari continues to narrate the series and has become the voices of these characters. She captures their personalities and enhances the overall story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
May 28, 2025
This barely gets a 3 because Tessa acted like a brat throughout. She threw so many temper tantrums I think a 2 year old behaved better, why must the MFC be soooooo unlikeable???
November 24, 2021
I’m torn, it was good but bad at the same time
I wanted to like this, truly I did, but Tessa and this case irked me to new heights.
Overall, if this were a stand alone novella I would’ve given it a much more generous review. But it’s not, we’re asked to follow along and just go with everything despite what we already know and expect of certain characters due to their personality traits.
The Tessa & Marcus hookup was expected. They’ve been dancing around one another throughout the first two books. What I didn’t expect nor accept within the realm of the hothead/broken-hearted that was Tessa to just readily accept Marcus back after essentially ghosting her. Yes he had a plausible explanation, but are you sincerely telling me that he never left that area to get supplies or whatever in the THREE months he was there so that he can check on his job, coworkers, the plants he may have had in his apartment…something?
Also why was she so hypnotized by him? Yes he saved/took care of her after that first battle, but they shared one kiss and suddenly she’s after him with an open heart? Did we forget her boyfriend of 5+ years cheated on her and her first time dipping her toe back in the dating world was with a guy that put a killing curse on her? You’d think she’d be more guarded, especially after he detained her and treated her like a criminal and didn’t quite apologize for badmouthing her mom in front of her.
Not a fan of this case either… when has someone ever died and no one expect the spouse to have done it? No one followed up on motive/opportunity nothing. The whole thing with Ruth being the sole suspect makes you wonder if the owner of your local grocery store would be held liable for your poisoning if you bought expired medicine from them (despite their being an entire display of different varieties to choose from in the same packaging).
Not a fan of the trials either, Tessa is almost 30 and has a degree. If a college professor pulled that kind of BS, she would’ve demanded to know what email address was provided and asked to see the sent email that has the time and date on it. I mean they’re supposed to be investigators… investigate.
I wanted to like this, truly I did, but Tessa and this case irked me to new heights.
Overall, if this were a stand alone novella I would’ve given it a much more generous review. But it’s not, we’re asked to follow along and just go with everything despite what we already know and expect of certain characters due to their personality traits.
The Tessa & Marcus hookup was expected. They’ve been dancing around one another throughout the first two books. What I didn’t expect nor accept within the realm of the hothead/broken-hearted that was Tessa to just readily accept Marcus back after essentially ghosting her. Yes he had a plausible explanation, but are you sincerely telling me that he never left that area to get supplies or whatever in the THREE months he was there so that he can check on his job, coworkers, the plants he may have had in his apartment…something?
Also why was she so hypnotized by him? Yes he saved/took care of her after that first battle, but they shared one kiss and suddenly she’s after him with an open heart? Did we forget her boyfriend of 5+ years cheated on her and her first time dipping her toe back in the dating world was with a guy that put a killing curse on her? You’d think she’d be more guarded, especially after he detained her and treated her like a criminal and didn’t quite apologize for badmouthing her mom in front of her.
Not a fan of this case either… when has someone ever died and no one expect the spouse to have done it? No one followed up on motive/opportunity nothing. The whole thing with Ruth being the sole suspect makes you wonder if the owner of your local grocery store would be held liable for your poisoning if you bought expired medicine from them (despite their being an entire display of different varieties to choose from in the same packaging).
Not a fan of the trials either, Tessa is almost 30 and has a degree. If a college professor pulled that kind of BS, she would’ve demanded to know what email address was provided and asked to see the sent email that has the time and date on it. I mean they’re supposed to be investigators… investigate.
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May 30, 2023rtc
December 10, 2022
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https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
July 20, 2021
“Charmed Nights” is an intense installment in the Witches of Hollow Cove series. This time Tessa is a little melancholy when Marcus has to cancel their first date when an emergency pops up and he has to go out of town. Additionally, she gets a summons to attend the witches trial if she wants to keep her membership in the Merlin group. If that’s not enough the local baker is found dead and now Tessa’s Aunt Ruth is the only suspect.
With Marcus’ absence( for much longer than initially expected) a new Chief is appointed. Her name is Adria and she is s as vampire. The most important thing is that she is unyielding in her belief Ruth is guilty and she doesn’t like Tessa.
Meanwhile, the witch trials pose a special challenge of their own. It seems Greta, the woman in charge has it out for Tessa and plans to do everything in her power to keep Tessa from passing.
With nowhere to go Tessa is bound and determined to bring Marcus back to Hollow Cove yelling and screaming if need be because one thing for sure. If Ruth is to be saved from going to prison all hands will need to be on deck.
While I enjoyed this read, once again Tessa’s over the top immature actions and reactions somewhat got in the way of my reading enjoyment. Additionally I felt the consummation of Tessa’s relationship with Marcus was underwhelming at best especially since it took us three installments to get her. Oh well, we can’t always have it all.
With Marcus’ absence( for much longer than initially expected) a new Chief is appointed. Her name is Adria and she is s as vampire. The most important thing is that she is unyielding in her belief Ruth is guilty and she doesn’t like Tessa.
Meanwhile, the witch trials pose a special challenge of their own. It seems Greta, the woman in charge has it out for Tessa and plans to do everything in her power to keep Tessa from passing.
With nowhere to go Tessa is bound and determined to bring Marcus back to Hollow Cove yelling and screaming if need be because one thing for sure. If Ruth is to be saved from going to prison all hands will need to be on deck.
While I enjoyed this read, once again Tessa’s over the top immature actions and reactions somewhat got in the way of my reading enjoyment. Additionally I felt the consummation of Tessa’s relationship with Marcus was underwhelming at best especially since it took us three installments to get her. Oh well, we can’t always have it all.
May 18, 2021
This series absolutely improves with each book. I enjoyed the characters much more in this book, the mystery was both more compelling and less obvious (I didn't solve it ahead of time) and the MERLIN trials really propelled the story along.
Tessa has grown on me and her loyalty to friends and family has helped me to overlook my annoyance with her temper. It's how she deals, where some people would get sad she gets mad. Okay, I can understand that. In this book she talks about having grown "great big lady balls" about a million times though and I found that really annoying. There are other, less annoying ways, of expressing you have internal strength, grit, etc. I hope it's a 1 book phenomenon.
Her aunts have also become less flat - they still have their defining traits that are a bit caricature-like - but I also got to see them more as people, which was nice. And her love-hate relationship with Marcus progressed and improved in this book.
I don't love special snow-flake story lines and something of that is starting to emerge here. I guess I should have seen it coming because of how quickly she takes on abilities in each book. A little stronger hint of that is presented here, in the way she uses some skills for the MERLIN trials. Despite that, I did enjoy the MERLIN trials and they, combined with Ruth getting charged with a murder, made this book better than the other two for me.
The narration continues to be better than the first book, reaffirming my feeling that what bothered me in the first book wasn't actually the fault of narration but character development. I'm glad I didn't give up on listening to the series.
Tessa has grown on me and her loyalty to friends and family has helped me to overlook my annoyance with her temper. It's how she deals, where some people would get sad she gets mad. Okay, I can understand that. In this book she talks about having grown "great big lady balls" about a million times though and I found that really annoying. There are other, less annoying ways, of expressing you have internal strength, grit, etc. I hope it's a 1 book phenomenon.
Her aunts have also become less flat - they still have their defining traits that are a bit caricature-like - but I also got to see them more as people, which was nice. And her love-hate relationship with Marcus progressed and improved in this book.
I don't love special snow-flake story lines and something of that is starting to emerge here. I guess I should have seen it coming because of how quickly she takes on abilities in each book. A little stronger hint of that is presented here, in the way she uses some skills for the MERLIN trials. Despite that, I did enjoy the MERLIN trials and they, combined with Ruth getting charged with a murder, made this book better than the other two for me.
The narration continues to be better than the first book, reaffirming my feeling that what bothered me in the first book wasn't actually the fault of narration but character development. I'm glad I didn't give up on listening to the series.
April 19, 2025
Vaya tela el libro, una maravilla, me ha gustado mucho y ahora tengo ganas del cuarto libro 😃
Os recomiendo muchísimo a la autora 🤗
Cada libro tiene su magia y su aventura 😜
Os recomiendo muchísimo a la autora 🤗
Cada libro tiene su magia y su aventura 😜
March 20, 2022
2.5 stars for book 3, I might have given it 3 or 3.5 stars but I just couldn’t get over how many times I had to read “great big lady balls”. This is talked about so much in this book, it started to ruin the enjoyment I was finding with this book. Also, the lack of common sense used pulled down my rating.
Aside from the annoying “great big lady balls”, I did find that this book was a greater improvement than the first two. Still lot of inconsistencies with the story line/plot.
The Aunts are rapidly becoming my favorite characters. Their traits are becoming more defined and real to me. Still would love to have more back story on them.
Still struggling with Tessa. The over the top anger and new abilities with each book has irked me to new heights. I really want to like this character, but I really am having a hard time with it.
The Marcus and Tessa relationship, ugh!!!! He leaves to go take care of a case, he doesn’t call, text, email for 3 months. You sit around and whine about it. Then you finally use your “great big lady balls” and do a locator spell to find him because you need his help with keeping your aunt out of prison. Then you just accept his explanation why he didn’t text, call, etc… Yeah that was a hard unbelievable pill to swallow.
Was not a fan of Aunt Ruth being charged with murder. WTH, you don’t look at the spouse? All because someone says I made the potion that he drank and if that potion is what killed him then I must be a murderer. Again, WTH? My first thought was did the spouse do something to the potion? When the spouse was mentioned it was “she needed to be notified that her husband was dead”. UGH! I think I actually did a face slap.
Then the MERLIN trails… what you don’t ask for proof that a email was sent when you know they are trying to discredit you and make you fail. Come on you are supposed to be an investigator (granite you have no training) but use common sense!
Aside from the annoying “great big lady balls”, I did find that this book was a greater improvement than the first two. Still lot of inconsistencies with the story line/plot.
The Aunts are rapidly becoming my favorite characters. Their traits are becoming more defined and real to me. Still would love to have more back story on them.
Still struggling with Tessa. The over the top anger and new abilities with each book has irked me to new heights. I really want to like this character, but I really am having a hard time with it.
The Marcus and Tessa relationship, ugh!!!! He leaves to go take care of a case, he doesn’t call, text, email for 3 months. You sit around and whine about it. Then you finally use your “great big lady balls” and do a locator spell to find him because you need his help with keeping your aunt out of prison. Then you just accept his explanation why he didn’t text, call, etc… Yeah that was a hard unbelievable pill to swallow.
Was not a fan of Aunt Ruth being charged with murder. WTH, you don’t look at the spouse? All because someone says I made the potion that he drank and if that potion is what killed him then I must be a murderer. Again, WTH? My first thought was did the spouse do something to the potion? When the spouse was mentioned it was “she needed to be notified that her husband was dead”. UGH! I think I actually did a face slap.
Then the MERLIN trails… what you don’t ask for proof that a email was sent when you know they are trying to discredit you and make you fail. Come on you are supposed to be an investigator (granite you have no training) but use common sense!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2022
Tried really hard to like this series. The plot was semi-fresh so I plodded along. Made it into book 4 before realizing it wouldn’t ever get better. Even with some romantic development I felt the main character to be flat, immature, and unstable. When the side characters are the reason you’re still reading a book after 3+ in a series, it’s gonna be a no for me. 1.5 overall for the series. And I’m done.
August 13, 2023
DNF
I returned the novel just past the 50% read mark.
I really hated the "cutesy" narrative and dialog. I truly disliked the nonsensical reason that Marcus (main male character) was absent and unable to let anyone know of his whereabouts. And, I didn't appreciate the way the author was turning Iris (a secondary character) into really bad "humor fodder."
Sooooo.....
Returned this one as a DNF and, unfortunately, I won't be reading any more of this series.
I returned the novel just past the 50% read mark.
I really hated the "cutesy" narrative and dialog. I truly disliked the nonsensical reason that Marcus (main male character) was absent and unable to let anyone know of his whereabouts. And, I didn't appreciate the way the author was turning Iris (a secondary character) into really bad "humor fodder."
Sooooo.....
Returned this one as a DNF and, unfortunately, I won't be reading any more of this series.
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December 31, 2021I really tried
But even the interesting world building and dynamics cannot aide a main character that's just eugh. Too hot headed , never reasonable - not sure if the authors intent but I read 3?4? Had hoped they had been teething issues or some sort of growth but unfortunately not for me.
But even the interesting world building and dynamics cannot aide a main character that's just eugh. Too hot headed , never reasonable - not sure if the authors intent but I read 3?4? Had hoped they had been teething issues or some sort of growth but unfortunately not for me.
February 8, 2022
Good but...
I love the story in this series. I love that there are mysteries to solve and the enemies to lovers back story. However, Tessa acts like a spoiled brat and it got annoying in this installment. It is okay to be angry but it usually is necessary for an adult to throw a temper tantrum. I enjoyed it enough to read the next one. I just hope she has some personal growth.
I love the story in this series. I love that there are mysteries to solve and the enemies to lovers back story. However, Tessa acts like a spoiled brat and it got annoying in this installment. It is okay to be angry but it usually is necessary for an adult to throw a temper tantrum. I enjoyed it enough to read the next one. I just hope she has some personal growth.
February 14, 2022
I'd have said 4.0 except....... when I have run out of fingers and have to start counting on toes just how many times the term "lady balls" was used....... disappointing. :( (We get it, you dont have to keep trying to prove how grown up and "badass" the characters are. At least use differing terminology.)
February 21, 2023
Although these books can be read as standalones, you will really get more out of them by reading in order.
At the end of the last book, Tessa's Merlin license has been revoked and she's been ordered to take the trials. As this book opens, Tessa is nervous and hopes she really is ready for what's to come. After all it's been years since her aunts have done the trials.
When she arrives via the ley lines, she still has to walk a bit. She follows the buses arriving and hangs back for a bit. It appears it's more of an introduction first. With Greta whom she met at the Night Festival, presiding. All was going well except for Tessa muttering under her breath which Greta unfortunately hears. Now everyone in that auditorium is her enemy and rooting for her to fail.
She's barely made it back when Iris texts her there's been a death and to meet everyone at the bakery. The Merlins would be in charge since Marcus has been gone for two months now. He had to leave town on the day he and Tessa were supposed have their first date. The unsettling thing is she hasn't heard from him either.
Once they all arrive they find Bernard Thompson the baker dead on the floor, from just looking he appears to have died from natural causes. However, Ruth spies a vial that had contained a potion she made for him and now she's convinced she did something wrong and killed him.
To top it off, the Hollow Cove Security Agency has sent a new Chief. Apparently, they couldn't leave Marcus' position open any longer. Tessa really doesn't like the new chief and she's only had a brief encounter with the woman.
Unfortunately, Ruth has confessed and to Tessa's dismay has cuffed her with partial blocking cuffs. This allows Ruth to go about her daily business but not use any magic. Her court date is set for December 7, and in the meantime, Tessa still has to do the trials.
While Tessa knew she had a lot to overcome with the trials she never expected to be sabotaged right from the beginning. Apparently, everyone got an email changing the time of the written part to 7AM, except her. It's nowhere in her email and it didn't matter because there are no makeups for these tests. Worse still the second part of the test she had to fight herself. That was interesting until it was a low blow and the fake Tessa became her Aunt Ruth. Needless to say the Merlin Marina won that round by failing Tessa.
Returning home, Ronin and Iris are waiting to celebrate her victory, instead Tessa's determined to find Marcus so he can make things right. When she finds him it's really pretty funny that she interrupts Marcus' cousin thinking it was him.
With the Alpha problem solved and Marcus takes off via car while Tessa jumps the ley line home. Marcus was unable to anything to help Ruth since Aldira is the one who arrested her and made the court date. He was really trying to be supportive and investigating on his own to help clear Ruth.
Tessa second trial comes, and for this one Silas who has runes tattooed all over him is in charge. The test, get to the center of the labyrinth. I'm just going to say Silas cheats and Tessa is awesome.
There are so many twists in this book, with Adira as chief, then Tessa and Marcus' relationship. Not to mention Ruth's depression and everyone feeling helpless.
I am very much enjoying this series and I am working my way through all the available books.
At the end of the last book, Tessa's Merlin license has been revoked and she's been ordered to take the trials. As this book opens, Tessa is nervous and hopes she really is ready for what's to come. After all it's been years since her aunts have done the trials.
When she arrives via the ley lines, she still has to walk a bit. She follows the buses arriving and hangs back for a bit. It appears it's more of an introduction first. With Greta whom she met at the Night Festival, presiding. All was going well except for Tessa muttering under her breath which Greta unfortunately hears. Now everyone in that auditorium is her enemy and rooting for her to fail.
She's barely made it back when Iris texts her there's been a death and to meet everyone at the bakery. The Merlins would be in charge since Marcus has been gone for two months now. He had to leave town on the day he and Tessa were supposed have their first date. The unsettling thing is she hasn't heard from him either.
Once they all arrive they find Bernard Thompson the baker dead on the floor, from just looking he appears to have died from natural causes. However, Ruth spies a vial that had contained a potion she made for him and now she's convinced she did something wrong and killed him.
To top it off, the Hollow Cove Security Agency has sent a new Chief. Apparently, they couldn't leave Marcus' position open any longer. Tessa really doesn't like the new chief and she's only had a brief encounter with the woman.
Unfortunately, Ruth has confessed and to Tessa's dismay has cuffed her with partial blocking cuffs. This allows Ruth to go about her daily business but not use any magic. Her court date is set for December 7, and in the meantime, Tessa still has to do the trials.
While Tessa knew she had a lot to overcome with the trials she never expected to be sabotaged right from the beginning. Apparently, everyone got an email changing the time of the written part to 7AM, except her. It's nowhere in her email and it didn't matter because there are no makeups for these tests. Worse still the second part of the test she had to fight herself. That was interesting until it was a low blow and the fake Tessa became her Aunt Ruth. Needless to say the Merlin Marina won that round by failing Tessa.
Returning home, Ronin and Iris are waiting to celebrate her victory, instead Tessa's determined to find Marcus so he can make things right. When she finds him it's really pretty funny that she interrupts Marcus' cousin thinking it was him.
With the Alpha problem solved and Marcus takes off via car while Tessa jumps the ley line home. Marcus was unable to anything to help Ruth since Aldira is the one who arrested her and made the court date. He was really trying to be supportive and investigating on his own to help clear Ruth.
Tessa second trial comes, and for this one Silas who has runes tattooed all over him is in charge. The test, get to the center of the labyrinth. I'm just going to say Silas cheats and Tessa is awesome.
There are so many twists in this book, with Adira as chief, then Tessa and Marcus' relationship. Not to mention Ruth's depression and everyone feeling helpless.
I am very much enjoying this series and I am working my way through all the available books.
December 19, 2020
Tessa has to go through with the witches trails, she is nervous about what they entail. Tessa is also doesn't know what is going on with Marcus. She has not spoken to him since his last text message. Tessa decides to forgot about him, she has to pass her trials. Things don't go well the first day with her.
Tessa gets a call to help her Aunt's with a dead body. Tessa will have to deal with getting the body to morgue, since Marcus is now to be seen. Tessa also hears what her one of her Aunt's says. She is worried that she will confess to something she didn't do.
While at the morgue, Tessa meets the chief. The new chief just wants to be button it up, not investigate. Tessa lands in some hot water in defending her Aunt. Tessa has to pass her witch trials, find the killer and find Marcus.
This was really good to read. You will keep reading to see what happens next to these characters. You discover more about Tessa, her magic, and more in this book. Her relationship with Marcus is getting better even though a little rocky. The side characters are just as entertaining as Tessa. The ending of the book was perfect, I can't wait to reading the next book. I really didn't go into much of the story as I was not spoiling it for anyone, recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tessa gets a call to help her Aunt's with a dead body. Tessa will have to deal with getting the body to morgue, since Marcus is now to be seen. Tessa also hears what her one of her Aunt's says. She is worried that she will confess to something she didn't do.
While at the morgue, Tessa meets the chief. The new chief just wants to be button it up, not investigate. Tessa lands in some hot water in defending her Aunt. Tessa has to pass her witch trials, find the killer and find Marcus.
This was really good to read. You will keep reading to see what happens next to these characters. You discover more about Tessa, her magic, and more in this book. Her relationship with Marcus is getting better even though a little rocky. The side characters are just as entertaining as Tessa. The ending of the book was perfect, I can't wait to reading the next book. I really didn't go into much of the story as I was not spoiling it for anyone, recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2025
Roller Coaster Action and Intrigue
Tessa is on a Willllllld roller coaster ride filled with action and intrigue! So to sum up, she has to be tested for a Merlin license and the testers despise her, thinking she attempted to bypass the testing. NOT true, her aunts did, but they don’t know that.
Also aunt Ruth has been framed for murder and she said she did it. She did NOT, so what a mess! And Tessa’s hot chief Marcus who is her secret love interest is off on a secret mission and a fill in chief, Adria the vamp, who HATES Tessa on sight, is going to cart Tessa’s aunt off to prison.
Tessa has to pass the Merlin trials, find the REAL murderer, and hustle her hot honeybun Marcus BACK to town pronto and survive it all! The actions book 3 is off the charts so action movie enthusiasts will love this and get their thrills just from the read alone. The plot twists are Machiavellian and divine and the ending satisfies everyone including the romantics and is an absolutely worthwhile read
Tessa is on a Willllllld roller coaster ride filled with action and intrigue! So to sum up, she has to be tested for a Merlin license and the testers despise her, thinking she attempted to bypass the testing. NOT true, her aunts did, but they don’t know that.
Also aunt Ruth has been framed for murder and she said she did it. She did NOT, so what a mess! And Tessa’s hot chief Marcus who is her secret love interest is off on a secret mission and a fill in chief, Adria the vamp, who HATES Tessa on sight, is going to cart Tessa’s aunt off to prison.
Tessa has to pass the Merlin trials, find the REAL murderer, and hustle her hot honeybun Marcus BACK to town pronto and survive it all! The actions book 3 is off the charts so action movie enthusiasts will love this and get their thrills just from the read alone. The plot twists are Machiavellian and divine and the ending satisfies everyone including the romantics and is an absolutely worthwhile read
December 16, 2020
„Charmed Nights“ by Kim Richardson is the third book in the “Witches of Hollow Cove” UF series, which follows Tessa, a witch in her early thirties that left NY (after ten year trying to pursue a career in the city) broke and heartbroken, to come back home to Hollow Cove and now lives with her eccentric aunts in the family state: Davenport House.
As usually Tessa is in supernatural trouble, her Merlin license has been revoked and in order to get it back she has to complete the Witch Trials, and to make things worse, the baker has been poisoned, and a close ‘friend’ is the main suspect on the murder. But do not worry, this is Tessa, multitasking is her speciality.
“Witches of Hollow Cove” is a fast-paced UF series, that mixes eccentric witches, a supernatural town population, the occasional mystery and a snarky heroine into entertaining mix of murder mystery, supernatural UF and chick lit.
As usually Tessa is in supernatural trouble, her Merlin license has been revoked and in order to get it back she has to complete the Witch Trials, and to make things worse, the baker has been poisoned, and a close ‘friend’ is the main suspect on the murder. But do not worry, this is Tessa, multitasking is her speciality.
“Witches of Hollow Cove” is a fast-paced UF series, that mixes eccentric witches, a supernatural town population, the occasional mystery and a snarky heroine into entertaining mix of murder mystery, supernatural UF and chick lit.
November 25, 2025
it was good, but……
Usually when I read a book and rate it, it’s an author I like and so I usually like the story. I always enjoy reading Kim’s books. And although I mostly enjoyed this book, I gave it 4 stars because Tessa was really obnoxious, immature and bratty for halfway thru the book. She bragged about having big lady parts like it gave her permission to act soooo inappropriately. She showed irrational anger and even attacked the acting chief at the time. It wasn’t just that it was irrational, it was over the top and out of proportion for the story.
I enjoyed the overall story. I don’t quite understand the dramatic turn of attitude from Greta from the beginning to the end.
I love the sisters……and Iris. She is perfect for the half vampire! And I enjoyed watching Tess’s relationship with Marcus progress
Usually when I read a book and rate it, it’s an author I like and so I usually like the story. I always enjoy reading Kim’s books. And although I mostly enjoyed this book, I gave it 4 stars because Tessa was really obnoxious, immature and bratty for halfway thru the book. She bragged about having big lady parts like it gave her permission to act soooo inappropriately. She showed irrational anger and even attacked the acting chief at the time. It wasn’t just that it was irrational, it was over the top and out of proportion for the story.
I enjoyed the overall story. I don’t quite understand the dramatic turn of attitude from Greta from the beginning to the end.
I love the sisters……and Iris. She is perfect for the half vampire! And I enjoyed watching Tess’s relationship with Marcus progress
December 26, 2020
The most important test of her life. Tessa has to pass the Merlin Trials, but it seems the person in charge is trying to sabotage her tests and all the while she has to prove that her Aunt Ruth didn’t commit murder. And Marcus is still missing with not call to her, so the city installed a new chief who seems bent on putting her Aunt Ruth away in prison. Who is trying to mess with the Davenport witches and why? With everything and everyone seeming to be against her, Tessa will have to draw on her aunt’s and her few friends because she needs all the help she can get. Or she’ll lose the Merlin Trials and her aunt will be imprisoned. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2022
This book definitely had it's ups and downs, and captured my attention more than the previous 2 books. Still was not enough to have me read it all in one sitting but it kept me more on the edge of wanting to know what happens next.
The author's favorite phrase for this book is large lady balls, she used this wayyyyyyyyy too much. We got it the first time, no need to repeat it excessively.
Tessa is not my favorite main character, I have only had 1 other main character I wasn't fond of, so that's saying a lot. Maybe she will grow on me, but currently she's too impulsive, irrational and kind of just flying by the seat of her pants.
Again the story ended on a cliffhanger but one we been anticipating, so I am headed to the next book.
Overall, this series is decent.
The author's favorite phrase for this book is large lady balls, she used this wayyyyyyyyy too much. We got it the first time, no need to repeat it excessively.
Tessa is not my favorite main character, I have only had 1 other main character I wasn't fond of, so that's saying a lot. Maybe she will grow on me, but currently she's too impulsive, irrational and kind of just flying by the seat of her pants.
Again the story ended on a cliffhanger but one we been anticipating, so I am headed to the next book.
Overall, this series is decent.
December 21, 2020
Lots going on for Tessa Davenport. Marcus has been ghosting her, she had her Merlin license revoked and has to participate in the witch trials and now her beloved Aunt Ruth is facing murder charges.
Talk about working under pressure! Tessa doesn’t make things any easier for herself with her explosive temper. She nearly drives Marcus away and almost gets herself arrested a few times. Just when you think things are right in Tessa’s world, something new is popping up. Will have to wait for the next book to find out what is up with Tessa and her mom.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Talk about working under pressure! Tessa doesn’t make things any easier for herself with her explosive temper. She nearly drives Marcus away and almost gets herself arrested a few times. Just when you think things are right in Tessa’s world, something new is popping up. Will have to wait for the next book to find out what is up with Tessa and her mom.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2021
Good
The book picks up a couple of months after the end of the previous book.
Tess is getting ready for the Merlin trials, Marcus is in the wind, and Ruth manages to confess to a murder she didn’t commit.
It’s up to Tess to make sure Ruth is cleared, while trying desperately to pass the trials that the examiners seem determined to make her fail.
There’s a lot going on in this book, with movement on the romance and merlin fronts. A small mystery is explained (though not actually cleared up entirely), and it all ends in a book hook for the next book in the series.
An enjoyable and action packed return trip to Hollow Cove for paranormal cosy mystery lovers.
The book picks up a couple of months after the end of the previous book.
Tess is getting ready for the Merlin trials, Marcus is in the wind, and Ruth manages to confess to a murder she didn’t commit.
It’s up to Tess to make sure Ruth is cleared, while trying desperately to pass the trials that the examiners seem determined to make her fail.
There’s a lot going on in this book, with movement on the romance and merlin fronts. A small mystery is explained (though not actually cleared up entirely), and it all ends in a book hook for the next book in the series.
An enjoyable and action packed return trip to Hollow Cove for paranormal cosy mystery lovers.
January 3, 2023
Saving Aunt Ruth
A man dies in Hollow Cove with one of Ruth's indigestion remedies close at hand. Ruth confesses that the potion is hers and accepts responsibility for the death. With Marcus away a replacement Chief has been sent in; a vampire called Adira.
Adira puts iron bracelets on Aunt Ruth that prevent her from casting any magic or making any potions... Ruth sinks into a deep depression and refuses to fight her case.
Tessa is meanwhile heading off to the MERLIN trials... she has to pass 2 out of the 3 and with the issues at home and Greta, Marina and Silas putting the spotlight on her things don't go well.
Her final trial is to solve Ruth's case before midnight...
A man dies in Hollow Cove with one of Ruth's indigestion remedies close at hand. Ruth confesses that the potion is hers and accepts responsibility for the death. With Marcus away a replacement Chief has been sent in; a vampire called Adira.
Adira puts iron bracelets on Aunt Ruth that prevent her from casting any magic or making any potions... Ruth sinks into a deep depression and refuses to fight her case.
Tessa is meanwhile heading off to the MERLIN trials... she has to pass 2 out of the 3 and with the issues at home and Greta, Marina and Silas putting the spotlight on her things don't go well.
Her final trial is to solve Ruth's case before midnight...
May 27, 2024
Look I wasn't sure about this series at first but it's honestly just so fun I can forgive some of my earlier qualms. The dialogue can be cheesy and the MC a little stupid at times but the story is enjoyable and the relationship entertaining. I think our MC needs to control her temper though, I don't mind a quick wit woman but the author writing her as a time bomb makes her stupid and weak and ruins relationships. I honestly wouldn't blame Marcus or her aunt's if they kicked her out at this point for her anger problems. Hoping for some character development but will happily read the next book
October 10, 2024
Okay, I enjoyed the storyline of this one a bit more than the first two. Though I usually prefer a bit more spice in my paranormal reads, that didn’t detract from the overall story. The reason I didn’t do more than three stars for this book is due to the 300 times the term “lady balls” was used. Maybe not 300 times but it was definitely over used. Funny and clever the first 2 times I read it. But then it just kept popping up like a clingy ex you can’t get rid of. It was enough that I almost decided not to read the fourth book but I was reeled back in on the very last line of the book. So now I’m committed to starting the next one at least.
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