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Charmed & Dangerous #1
Potions and Predicaments
Kat Sullivan has a "potion for every problem" -- except this one.
When a competing shop opens in town, Kat knows she's in for some toil and trouble. The arrogant new girl Starla has it out for her and her mom’s more interested in her (lack of) love life. Things go from bad to worse when Kat finds her shop ransacked and rarest items stolen.
Oh, and one more thing: Starla turns up dead.
Suddenly the prime suspect in a murder investigation, will Kat and her magic be enough to clear her name? Or will she have to enlist the town’s most notorious (and handsome) informant to uncover the truth?
Joined by her bubbly best friend Pepper and her familiar Albus, she'll have to use every trick and tincture at her disposal. There’s a killer on the loose, and she might be next.
If you like humorous paranormal cozy mysteries full of snarky cats and sassy witches, then you’ll devour Potions and Predicaments, the first full-length novel in a fun new series. These are clean reads with no swearing, gore, or adult situations, so curl up and enjoy!
When a competing shop opens in town, Kat knows she's in for some toil and trouble. The arrogant new girl Starla has it out for her and her mom’s more interested in her (lack of) love life. Things go from bad to worse when Kat finds her shop ransacked and rarest items stolen.
Oh, and one more thing: Starla turns up dead.
Suddenly the prime suspect in a murder investigation, will Kat and her magic be enough to clear her name? Or will she have to enlist the town’s most notorious (and handsome) informant to uncover the truth?
Joined by her bubbly best friend Pepper and her familiar Albus, she'll have to use every trick and tincture at her disposal. There’s a killer on the loose, and she might be next.
If you like humorous paranormal cozy mysteries full of snarky cats and sassy witches, then you’ll devour Potions and Predicaments, the first full-length novel in a fun new series. These are clean reads with no swearing, gore, or adult situations, so curl up and enjoy!
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2020
154 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 25, 2020
To be fair, I couldn't get past the halfway mark in this book. The problem with cozies is that there has to be some reasonable basis upon which the amateur MC inserts herself (usually herself, might be sometimes himself) into an investigation. That is a sticking point for me and the reason I find most cozy series annoying rather than entertaining. In this case, the MC has an intruder enter her shop and do some damage. The proper thing to do, the law-abiding thing to do, is to report the B&E to the local authorities. But not, this less-than-intelligent woman decides to tromp over to her nemesis' shop and create a ruckus. And then she wonders why the police are not convinced that she is a law-abiding individual? Ah..No. Then she's going to solve the case by breaking BACK into the shop of the dead woman?? Again. Ah...No. Did not finish.
July 25, 2020
This was a good start to a new series. I assume there was a prequel or something, but I have not read it but wish I had. There were some things from the past that were referenced as if we should know it happened and since I have not read it, it seemed out of context and made me a bit lost. I will go back and look for it later.
This was a nice cozy mystery with a completed mystery ending but left some questions to be answered. Good story line, entertaining characters, engaging dialogue and good detailed descriptions.
Written as a 1st person, single pov with a completed mystery ending.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a nice cozy mystery with a completed mystery ending but left some questions to be answered. Good story line, entertaining characters, engaging dialogue and good detailed descriptions.
Written as a 1st person, single pov with a completed mystery ending.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2020
This is book one of the Charmed and Dangerous series and the main character is witch Kat Sullivan, owner of The Curious Cauldron which has been in her family for over a hundred years. She has a potion for every problem, is her motto! Now she has competition from a younger witch and newcomer who has opened another similar shop in the village of Haven. This newcomer is called Starla and she puts Kat’s back up, when she asks questions about her ingredients and where she gets them and when Kat refuses to tell her, makes the comment that she will get them, no matter what! When Kat’s shop is broken into the next night and some of those mentioned ingredients have gone missing, Kat immediately believes Starla is involved.
She has an argument in Starla’s shop and then unfortunately the next day she turns up dead and it seems something from Kat’s shop is the murder weapon and she is now the prime suspect! Kat has to rely on her best friend Pepper and her familiar Albus, a cat, to help her find who really killed Starla and why, before she is scapegoated by the police chief who needs to catch someone before the huge Beltane festival, when the village will be inundated with tourists. Bad for business! She even ends up having to ask her Grandma Crystal to use her magic on a note they find in the shop, but whoever wrote the note has used a spell to keep their identity hidden. It is suggested she ask one of the Wilder brothers, Chance, to help her find clues, not necessarily in a legal manner.
A close knit town of witches and non- witches, who muddle along together, without making too much of it. A series of strange occurrences which hurt one shop keeper, started a feud between neighbouring shops and then another witch ad her shop are targeted. Break-ins and theft, ending in a murder and no obvious suspect, apart from the victim really! Kit has to recruit Pepper and Chance to help her solve the murder, as the police chief is being harassed by his bosses, to get a result and soon. An easy read with a cozy mystery and the addition of the paranormal with witches and potions. An interesting start to the series and building up of the main characters in the town, ready for the next one. I look forward to reading some more of the series. I received an ARC copy of the book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She has an argument in Starla’s shop and then unfortunately the next day she turns up dead and it seems something from Kat’s shop is the murder weapon and she is now the prime suspect! Kat has to rely on her best friend Pepper and her familiar Albus, a cat, to help her find who really killed Starla and why, before she is scapegoated by the police chief who needs to catch someone before the huge Beltane festival, when the village will be inundated with tourists. Bad for business! She even ends up having to ask her Grandma Crystal to use her magic on a note they find in the shop, but whoever wrote the note has used a spell to keep their identity hidden. It is suggested she ask one of the Wilder brothers, Chance, to help her find clues, not necessarily in a legal manner.
A close knit town of witches and non- witches, who muddle along together, without making too much of it. A series of strange occurrences which hurt one shop keeper, started a feud between neighbouring shops and then another witch ad her shop are targeted. Break-ins and theft, ending in a murder and no obvious suspect, apart from the victim really! Kit has to recruit Pepper and Chance to help her solve the murder, as the police chief is being harassed by his bosses, to get a result and soon. An easy read with a cozy mystery and the addition of the paranormal with witches and potions. An interesting start to the series and building up of the main characters in the town, ready for the next one. I look forward to reading some more of the series. I received an ARC copy of the book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
March 25, 2024
The Cozy Mystery Book Club Bingo
Prompt : Sleuther is accused of the crime
This had the potential to be fun, but it fell very flat for me.
As a mystery first and foremost, when there is a huge plot hole from the start, I tend to not get very captivated.
This is coupled with one of my least favourite plot devices,
Other scenes I couldn’t get on board with were:
1 the whole breaking into the victim’s shop, and when the police arrives, Kat and CHase keep chatting about how she should hide and he can look after himself and what will you do and so on, instead of, you know, hiding. So he is arrested, which could have been prevented if they had hidden immediately! Also, she’s a witch!! Use your powers!!
2 Kat asks the detective if he knew of some guy having a relationship with Starla, he responds “yeah they were dating for a while”. Then I swear it was 5 pages later, this guy says that he used to date Starla and Kat goes “does the sheriff know that? I doubted it” like he just said he did. Where is the editor??
This is 2 stars and not 1 just because I feel bad shooting on the red cross, this is an indie book and there clearly was no professional editing or proofreading, but yeah I wouldn’t spend my money on this or the sequels.
Prompt : Sleuther is accused of the crime
This had the potential to be fun, but it fell very flat for me.
As a mystery first and foremost, when there is a huge plot hole from the start, I tend to not get very captivated.
This is coupled with one of my least favourite plot devices,
Other scenes I couldn’t get on board with were:
1 the whole breaking into the victim’s shop, and when the police arrives, Kat and CHase keep chatting about how she should hide and he can look after himself and what will you do and so on, instead of, you know, hiding. So he is arrested, which could have been prevented if they had hidden immediately! Also, she’s a witch!! Use your powers!!
2 Kat asks the detective if he knew of some guy having a relationship with Starla, he responds “yeah they were dating for a while”. Then I swear it was 5 pages later, this guy says that he used to date Starla and Kat goes “does the sheriff know that? I doubted it” like he just said he did. Where is the editor??
This is 2 stars and not 1 just because I feel bad shooting on the red cross, this is an indie book and there clearly was no professional editing or proofreading, but yeah I wouldn’t spend my money on this or the sequels.
July 24, 2020
Kat is known for her potions in Haven. She has new competitor that has set up shop across the street from her. Kat is at the stall at the local fair when the owner introduces herself. The conversation did not go well at all, sounded like the new owner Starla threatening her. Kat has to run to her shop since she needs something for her home. Kat is upset to see it was broken into, she goes to confront Starla over it.
Kat goes to work early to clean up the mess of the break in. The sheriff shows up to inform her that Starla is dead, that is is to come in for questioning. Kat knows that the argument and everything looks bad for her. Kat doesn't know what to do to clear her name. Kat goes to the family dinner, her cousin Emily gives her an idea of who can help. Kat decides to go over to see if they can help her with her situation at all. Kat gets to the garage where she meets on of the Wilder brothers. Kat is able to see Chance, he tells her he will try to help. He asks her out on a date. Kat goes out with him, but her mind is on the case. He helps her get into the shop, but before they can leave, they see the sheriff show up. Chance helps her get away and takes the heat.
Kat is able to speak to some to Ruby about her trouble with Starla, after a little magical help. She ends up pointing her finger at the Wilder Brothers. Kat is even more confused than she was before.
Thing get more out of control for Kat while trying to clear her name. Kat will need all the help she can get in order to find the person that did this. Kat will be surprised when she finds out who it is.
This story was well-written, well paced story. You get pulled in by the characters and the story. You will be entertained while reading this. It takes you away from the world for a bit. I am looking forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kat goes to work early to clean up the mess of the break in. The sheriff shows up to inform her that Starla is dead, that is is to come in for questioning. Kat knows that the argument and everything looks bad for her. Kat doesn't know what to do to clear her name. Kat goes to the family dinner, her cousin Emily gives her an idea of who can help. Kat decides to go over to see if they can help her with her situation at all. Kat gets to the garage where she meets on of the Wilder brothers. Kat is able to see Chance, he tells her he will try to help. He asks her out on a date. Kat goes out with him, but her mind is on the case. He helps her get into the shop, but before they can leave, they see the sheriff show up. Chance helps her get away and takes the heat.
Kat is able to speak to some to Ruby about her trouble with Starla, after a little magical help. She ends up pointing her finger at the Wilder Brothers. Kat is even more confused than she was before.
Thing get more out of control for Kat while trying to clear her name. Kat will need all the help she can get in order to find the person that did this. Kat will be surprised when she finds out who it is.
This story was well-written, well paced story. You get pulled in by the characters and the story. You will be entertained while reading this. It takes you away from the world for a bit. I am looking forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2020
So many things start to happen at once that it’s going to be difficult for Kat to find the murderer and clear her name! Kat owns a potions shop in town. The trouble all started when a competing shop with many of the same products opens nearby. Kat meets the new owner, Starla, at the local fair and it almost sounds threatening when Starla gives Kat a hard time. Returning to her own shop, Kat finds it has been ransacked and some items were stolen.
When Starla turns up dead, Kat becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation, especially because she was heard arguing with Starla. Will Kat be able to clear her name? And what will Chance Wilder be able to do for her? If she can’t find the killer, she could be the next victim!
This is a great start to a witchy cozy series with great characters and a good story line. Will Kat and her friends be able to find the killer? Why would someone want to kill a new shop owner?
When Starla turns up dead, Kat becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation, especially because she was heard arguing with Starla. Will Kat be able to clear her name? And what will Chance Wilder be able to do for her? If she can’t find the killer, she could be the next victim!
This is a great start to a witchy cozy series with great characters and a good story line. Will Kat and her friends be able to find the killer? Why would someone want to kill a new shop owner?
August 2, 2020
Kat has a grandma who id a butt kicking super witch. Crystal’s visions can be pretty consuming though. Some mystery surrounds the death of her late husband
Mommy dearest is a wanna be match maker, and pretty anti witchly things
Kat has a cool cousin Emily who is a tasty yummy treat making kitchen witch - a cupcake queen. New friend and witchy photographer Jack has a crush on Emily - a wise man. He also proves to be a real help at the monthly market and the potions shop for Kat
When a new potion making witch in town makes trouble for Kat and a few other witches, Kat finds herself under suspicion by the Sheriff.
Add a few brothers skirting the edges of the law, an apprentice trying to help his mom save her dress making and fabric shop, a very cantankerous kitty snd an apparently non magical bestie - there’s much ado in Haven.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mommy dearest is a wanna be match maker, and pretty anti witchly things
Kat has a cool cousin Emily who is a tasty yummy treat making kitchen witch - a cupcake queen. New friend and witchy photographer Jack has a crush on Emily - a wise man. He also proves to be a real help at the monthly market and the potions shop for Kat
When a new potion making witch in town makes trouble for Kat and a few other witches, Kat finds herself under suspicion by the Sheriff.
Add a few brothers skirting the edges of the law, an apprentice trying to help his mom save her dress making and fabric shop, a very cantankerous kitty snd an apparently non magical bestie - there’s much ado in Haven.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2022
sadly there were some issues with the telling of the story.
MC was all over the place (as was the story itself btw) and at times had a hang for being melodramatic
Plus the always explaining herself got annoying and distracting real fast. like she said or did something and then in her thoughts, or as part of her narration (first person pov) she explained what she'd just said or did or why she said/did it...
lots of inconsistencies. contradictions
Or Jack Harver becoming Jack Archer all of sudden only to be the son of Betsy Harver again 2 pages later...
The writing itself made no sense at times... sometimes it felt like the author was trying to say/ express something different than the words were spelling out. I don't mean hidden meanings or innuendo and such more like oddly chosen words.
Trying too hard to sound cool or make the h seem all that rather than simply taking us on the journey with her.. telling us a story
MC was all over the place (as was the story itself btw) and at times had a hang for being melodramatic
Plus the always explaining herself got annoying and distracting real fast. like she said or did something and then in her thoughts, or as part of her narration (first person pov) she explained what she'd just said or did or why she said/did it...
lots of inconsistencies. contradictions
Or Jack Harver becoming Jack Archer all of sudden only to be the son of Betsy Harver again 2 pages later...
The writing itself made no sense at times... sometimes it felt like the author was trying to say/ express something different than the words were spelling out. I don't mean hidden meanings or innuendo and such more like oddly chosen words.
Trying too hard to sound cool or make the h seem all that rather than simply taking us on the journey with her.. telling us a story
September 8, 2020
Normally you would think losing a rival would be a good thing, but not when you are suspected to killing her. Hmm, looks like we have a mystery on our hands.
This is book one of the series, so a fine place to start.
This is a cozy witch mystery. I love this genre as they usually provide a mix of mystery, humor and a touch of magic which just makes them the perfect stories to relax and enjoy. This one fits that to a tee with an excellent setting, great characters and an intriguing mystery all wrapped up in one. I enjoyed this introduction to the characters and setting and am definitely looking forward to seeing more of both.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes. -
This is book one of the series, so a fine place to start.
This is a cozy witch mystery. I love this genre as they usually provide a mix of mystery, humor and a touch of magic which just makes them the perfect stories to relax and enjoy. This one fits that to a tee with an excellent setting, great characters and an intriguing mystery all wrapped up in one. I enjoyed this introduction to the characters and setting and am definitely looking forward to seeing more of both.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes. -
October 13, 2020
Good mystery, an mild argument at a stand for her potions, a competive owner of a shop Starla. Issues over a rare hard to find berries. A break in to Kat's potion shop, a snarky cat familiar,missing items? the very hard to find rare berries the other shop owner had asked about? as well as an other item? well
Kat had to go visit her and ask about that! at Starla's shop she denied the break in and having the items missing. A day later Starla was murdered, guess who is to get the blame? This is a twisted, turns, wrong persons getting blamed.... no spoilers. This is a fun must read!
Kat had to go visit her and ask about that! at Starla's shop she denied the break in and having the items missing. A day later Starla was murdered, guess who is to get the blame? This is a twisted, turns, wrong persons getting blamed.... no spoilers. This is a fun must read!
November 14, 2020
I enjoyed this one. Good characters and an interesting plot. Great to see how Kat goes from being the number one suspect to the one solving the murder mystery.
Amazon synopsis - first few sentences: Kat Sullivan has a "potion for every problem" -- except this one. When a competing shop opens in town, Kat knows she's in for some toil and trouble. The arrogant new girl Starla has it out for her. Things go from bad to worse when Kat finds her shop ransacked and rarest items stolen. Oh, and one more thing: Starla turns up dead.
Amazon synopsis - first few sentences: Kat Sullivan has a "potion for every problem" -- except this one. When a competing shop opens in town, Kat knows she's in for some toil and trouble. The arrogant new girl Starla has it out for her. Things go from bad to worse when Kat finds her shop ransacked and rarest items stolen. Oh, and one more thing: Starla turns up dead.
August 1, 2020
Potions & Predicaments is the first book in the Charmed and Dangerous Cozy Paranormal Series.
I really enjoyed this book alot. Kat is the owner a potion shop. When a newcomer shows up in town and is competition for her, she is the prime suspect when the newcomer turns up dead. Kat sets to prove her innocence.
The characters are well developed and fun ! The mystery kept me guessing, with a great story line.
I also would suggest reading Ghosts and Garlands, a short story that came before this story as a nice introduction to the series.
I really enjoyed this book alot. Kat is the owner a potion shop. When a newcomer shows up in town and is competition for her, she is the prime suspect when the newcomer turns up dead. Kat sets to prove her innocence.
The characters are well developed and fun ! The mystery kept me guessing, with a great story line.
I also would suggest reading Ghosts and Garlands, a short story that came before this story as a nice introduction to the series.
August 1, 2020
Kat Sullivan runs a potion shop. When Starla comes to town and opens a similar shop, she ends up murdered. Since suspicion is on her, Kat investigates. Well written with interesting characters. Very enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
August 7, 2020
Who killed the witch?
I really enjoyed this book in a small town where there were magical people and non magical people. When a witch is murdered the police suspect the other witch she had an argument with. So who really killed the witch leads to all kinds strange adventures.
I really enjoyed this book in a small town where there were magical people and non magical people. When a witch is murdered the police suspect the other witch she had an argument with. So who really killed the witch leads to all kinds strange adventures.
August 15, 2020
I loved the style, I loved the banter, I loved the lightheartedness!
What a fun start to this series! I loved the characters, some quirkier than others and I love quirkiness! It was an entertaining read! I really enjoyed laughing along, going on that adventure with Kat, Albus, Emily and Pepper. I can’t wait for more!
What a fun start to this series! I loved the characters, some quirkier than others and I love quirkiness! It was an entertaining read! I really enjoyed laughing along, going on that adventure with Kat, Albus, Emily and Pepper. I can’t wait for more!
September 5, 2020
A fresh new book!
There are so many paranormal cozies out there, you can get overwhelmed or bored but this book was so different than the rest, you won’t get bored! Kat and Pepper have a great friendship, I love Grandma Crystal and the potential romance blossoming. The mystery was well written and plotted out, no rush or skim through.
There are so many paranormal cozies out there, you can get overwhelmed or bored but this book was so different than the rest, you won’t get bored! Kat and Pepper have a great friendship, I love Grandma Crystal and the potential romance blossoming. The mystery was well written and plotted out, no rush or skim through.
September 29, 2020
I am loving this new series! Kat and her bestie, Pepper, are great characters. I like the start of the romance suggested, too. Grandma Crystal is fantastic! Her visions are intense! I figured out the culprit, but I was very impressed with how it was all handled in the end. Great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2020
Kat Sullivan is owner of the Curious Cauldron and she has a little competition new in town. Starla is also selling potions and other witchy items. When Starla is found murdered, Kat is the prime suspect. And it looks like only Kat can find the real murderer. I enjoyed this book and the new characters.
October 31, 2022
This was a cozy paranormal mystery that was enjoyable but not groundbreaking.
It had good points - interesting characters and a novel resolution to the mystery that didn’t rely on shock value. But ultimately it kind is kind of mediocre and is far from a compelling read.
Likely won’t pick up the series any further.
It had good points - interesting characters and a novel resolution to the mystery that didn’t rely on shock value. But ultimately it kind is kind of mediocre and is far from a compelling read.
Likely won’t pick up the series any further.
August 1, 2020
This was a great way to start a series. There were some well developed characters and the story line was entertaining. The book had a good flow. I found myself laughing throughout the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book, it has a good storyline. This book is filled with action, adventure, and intrigue. The chemistry and interaction between the characters is great. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
August 9, 2020
An easy, fun read
The story follows a witch as she unintentionally gets drawn into a break-in and murder. Add in a magical and non magical town, a friend, a familiar, a tough non magic cop, and a handsome kind man. An easy pleasant read.
The story follows a witch as she unintentionally gets drawn into a break-in and murder. Add in a magical and non magical town, a friend, a familiar, a tough non magic cop, and a handsome kind man. An easy pleasant read.
October 7, 2020
I enjoyed this and I'm sure I will like and start reading the series.Kat owns a potion shop, when a new to town arrogant woman named Starla has words with Kat then later winds up dead, Kat is the number one suspect and she needs to clear her name.
June 11, 2021
Family friendly story
Enjoyed the small town setting and the characters that were witches living side by side the town people. Also enjoyed the main character and the love interest that I am sure will be interesting as the series continues.
Enjoyed the small town setting and the characters that were witches living side by side the town people. Also enjoyed the main character and the love interest that I am sure will be interesting as the series continues.
October 26, 2021
Good book!
I love a good cozy mystery and that is what this is. A few twists to keep things interesting. A lovavable witch, a wiley familiar, and a magical town gave me everything I look for in a good read,
I love a good cozy mystery and that is what this is. A few twists to keep things interesting. A lovavable witch, a wiley familiar, and a magical town gave me everything I look for in a good read,
September 24, 2023
Magic. Mystery. Heart.
Of those three qualities, I have absolutely no idea which to list first. All of them are plentiful in the book. Excellent first introduction to a series. Readers should be anxious to stay in the loop. Well done.
Of those three qualities, I have absolutely no idea which to list first. All of them are plentiful in the book. Excellent first introduction to a series. Readers should be anxious to stay in the loop. Well done.
July 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I want to read more!
August 7, 2020
Enjoyed
This was the first book of yours that I have read and enjoyed and I will be waiting for your next book.
This was the first book of yours that I have read and enjoyed and I will be waiting for your next book.
September 9, 2020
Great Start To A New Series
I really enjoyed reading this book. I wasn't sure who was going to be the culprit but I did have my suspicion who it was.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I wasn't sure who was going to be the culprit but I did have my suspicion who it was.
September 26, 2020
Interesting and entertaining
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews