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Sam Quinn #3
The Wicche Glass Tavern
I’m Sam Quinn, the werewolf book nerd owner of the Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar. Clive, my vampire gentleman caller, has asked me to marry him. His nocturne is less than celebratory. Unfortunately, for them and the sexy vamp doing her best to seduce him, his cold, dead heart beats only for me.
As much as my love life feels like a minefield, it has to take a backseat to a far more pressing problem. The time has come. I need to deal with my aunt, the woman who’s been trying to kill me for as long as I can remember. She’s learned a new trick. She’s figured out how to weaponize my friends against me. To have any hope of surviving, I have to learn to use my necromantic gifts. I need a teacher. We find one hiding among the fae, which is a completely different problem. I need to determine what I’m capable of in a hurry because my aunt doesn’t care how many are hurt or killed as long as she gets what she wants. Sadly for me, what she wants is my name on a headstone.
I’m gathering my friends—werewolves, vampires, wicches, gorgons, a Fury, a half-demon, an elf, and a couple of dragon-shifters—into a kind of Fellowship of the Sam. It’s going to be one hell of a battle. Hopefully, San Francisco will still be standing when the dust clears.
As much as my love life feels like a minefield, it has to take a backseat to a far more pressing problem. The time has come. I need to deal with my aunt, the woman who’s been trying to kill me for as long as I can remember. She’s learned a new trick. She’s figured out how to weaponize my friends against me. To have any hope of surviving, I have to learn to use my necromantic gifts. I need a teacher. We find one hiding among the fae, which is a completely different problem. I need to determine what I’m capable of in a hurry because my aunt doesn’t care how many are hurt or killed as long as she gets what she wants. Sadly for me, what she wants is my name on a headstone.
I’m gathering my friends—werewolves, vampires, wicches, gorgons, a Fury, a half-demon, an elf, and a couple of dragon-shifters—into a kind of Fellowship of the Sam. It’s going to be one hell of a battle. Hopefully, San Francisco will still be standing when the dust clears.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2021
201 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Seana Kelly
19 books465 followersShe lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and one fish. When she's not dodging her family, hiding in the garage and trying to write, she's working as a high school teacher-librarian. She's an avid reader and re-reader who misses her favorite characters when it's been too long between visits.
She's represented by the delightful and effervescent Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency
She's represented by the delightful and effervescent Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 11, 2023
5 stars★★★★★
First Read: 4th October 2022
Second Read: 2nd December 2023
The Sam Quinn series reviews:
#1 The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar: ★★★★★
#2 The Dead Don’t Drink at Lafitte’s: ★★★★★
#3 The Wicche Glass Tavern: ★★★★★
#4 The Hob and Hound Pub: ★★★★☆
#5 Biergarten of the Damned: ★★★★☆
#6 The Viper’s Nest Roadhouse & Cafe: ★★★★☆
#7 The Bloody Ruin Asylum & Taproom: release date: 1st October 2024
Blog ✿ Goodreads ✿ Twitter ✿ Instagram ✿ Pinterest ✿ StoryGraph ✿ Discovery ✿
October 7, 2021
****3.5****
I like this series, but something keeps it from crossing that threshold from good to great. I was trying to put my finger on it, and I think part of it is that Sam is grievously injured - like, in danger of death - probably 3-4 times per book. I can think of 3 for sure times where if someone didn't come heal her, she'd have died in this book. But I think there may have been a 4th too...?
I think that is perhaps having an overall effect of undercutting the danger. I don't even bat an eye when Sam gets beaten nearly to death or gutted in a book anymore, because it happens so often and I know it doesn't have any lingering consequences. Like, any - they get a healer in there and she's back to normal the next day.
There's no way to dial that higher, to make some critical climactic battles feel extra dangerous. And so everything just feels like it is running at this same level, no highs and lows, no real danger, just the latest fight leaving her near death for a couple hours.
But I like the stories. I like the world and the characters. Overall it is fun. I'd just like a little more up and down to the drama.
I like this series, but something keeps it from crossing that threshold from good to great. I was trying to put my finger on it, and I think part of it is that Sam is grievously injured - like, in danger of death - probably 3-4 times per book. I can think of 3 for sure times where if someone didn't come heal her, she'd have died in this book. But I think there may have been a 4th too...?
I think that is perhaps having an overall effect of undercutting the danger. I don't even bat an eye when Sam gets beaten nearly to death or gutted in a book anymore, because it happens so often and I know it doesn't have any lingering consequences. Like, any - they get a healer in there and she's back to normal the next day.
There's no way to dial that higher, to make some critical climactic battles feel extra dangerous. And so everything just feels like it is running at this same level, no highs and lows, no real danger, just the latest fight leaving her near death for a couple hours.
But I like the stories. I like the world and the characters. Overall it is fun. I'd just like a little more up and down to the drama.
October 14, 2022
The Wicche Glass Tavern is the third book in the Sam Quinn series about a San Francisco-based werewolf-necromancer and her vampire lover, Master of the City, Quinn. If this sounds like the Anita Blake books, then yes, they’re like a more wholesome version of the early books in that series. I really enjoyed the first two, and bought this a while back, so when I decided to read something that wasn’t an ARC or Crime, it felt like a good option. I did like it, Sam is a good character, but got really fed up with the repetitiveness of the plot.
Sam Quinn has battled for her place in the supernatural society of San Francisco, and just wants to run her bar and be with her hot English thousand year old fiancé Clive. Unfortunately, people keep trying to kill her. After an attack by a friend, she learns that her evil aunt Abigail has learned to possess her friends and using them to try and end her. Meanwhile Clive has his own problems - an evil vampire is trying to kill him too! With threats on all sides, it’s lucky they have such powerful friends…
The problem here is the book is basically Sam being attacked and nearly killed in a variety of different ways, by a range of different supernatural beings, then being magically restored to perfect health by one of her friends, then having sex with Clive. Over, and over again. Honestly, I lost count of the number of times she nearly dies, but there’s no tension since you know full well she won’t. In between there’s a fair bit of talking, but very little else actually happens. As for the sex scenes, I really liked that the first two books left that to our imagination. Not so here, undeterred by the fact that the whole nocturne know what she’s doing, every shag is described in detail, but it’s not remotely sexy, just really boring - and not just because it’s as vanilla as you can get.
The best part of the book are the minor characters - Belvair the scary grande dame dragon shifter, Gloriana the capricious faerie Queen, Audrey the vampire hairdresser, Galadriel the warrior elf who has to remind everyone that Tolkien named his character after HER! There are good masked characters too but most were introduced in the first two books.
I like Sam’s sarky humour and refusal to let Clive boss her around. We get Clive’s origin story, and the baddies who have been tormenting him and Sam are finally dealt with, and I liked the way this ended. I will continue the series, but hope Sam’s increasing power and abilities mean a break from all her near death experiences going forward and we can have more action, twists and suspense.
Sam Quinn has battled for her place in the supernatural society of San Francisco, and just wants to run her bar and be with her hot English thousand year old fiancé Clive. Unfortunately, people keep trying to kill her. After an attack by a friend, she learns that her evil aunt Abigail has learned to possess her friends and using them to try and end her. Meanwhile Clive has his own problems - an evil vampire is trying to kill him too! With threats on all sides, it’s lucky they have such powerful friends…
The problem here is the book is basically Sam being attacked and nearly killed in a variety of different ways, by a range of different supernatural beings, then being magically restored to perfect health by one of her friends, then having sex with Clive. Over, and over again. Honestly, I lost count of the number of times she nearly dies, but there’s no tension since you know full well she won’t. In between there’s a fair bit of talking, but very little else actually happens. As for the sex scenes, I really liked that the first two books left that to our imagination. Not so here, undeterred by the fact that the whole nocturne know what she’s doing, every shag is described in detail, but it’s not remotely sexy, just really boring - and not just because it’s as vanilla as you can get.
The best part of the book are the minor characters - Belvair the scary grande dame dragon shifter, Gloriana the capricious faerie Queen, Audrey the vampire hairdresser, Galadriel the warrior elf who has to remind everyone that Tolkien named his character after HER! There are good masked characters too but most were introduced in the first two books.
I like Sam’s sarky humour and refusal to let Clive boss her around. We get Clive’s origin story, and the baddies who have been tormenting him and Sam are finally dealt with, and I liked the way this ended. I will continue the series, but hope Sam’s increasing power and abilities mean a break from all her near death experiences going forward and we can have more action, twists and suspense.
April 19, 2022
The Wicche Glass Tavern
By Sean a Kelly
This continues the story with Sam's aunt still trying to kill her by using everyone around Sam. Lots of action! There is more steamy scenes in here then the other books which I thought wasn't necessary. The other books were wonderful without it. The scenes weren't as steamy as some other books, and the plot didn't suffer.
More family surprises are exposed. The happy couple finally gets hitched.
Great narration.
By Sean a Kelly
This continues the story with Sam's aunt still trying to kill her by using everyone around Sam. Lots of action! There is more steamy scenes in here then the other books which I thought wasn't necessary. The other books were wonderful without it. The scenes weren't as steamy as some other books, and the plot didn't suffer.
More family surprises are exposed. The happy couple finally gets hitched.
Great narration.
March 29, 2025
3.5/5; 4 stars
I think this author is getting stronger with each book in the series. A good sign!
I enjoyed the supernatural creatures and the conclusion of a few of the plot lines. I will definitely read more in the series.
I think this author is getting stronger with each book in the series. A good sign!
I enjoyed the supernatural creatures and the conclusion of a few of the plot lines. I will definitely read more in the series.
April 9, 2025
A step down from the other two. I enjoyed the dragon dame, but the first half was depressing. So many losses with her prized locations and everyone has turned rather grumpy. The author gets into the recycled fae and fae world visit that so many of these series do, which I find overdone and irritating. The fae are almost always super powerful and frustrating douches. It looks like the next book will continue with this unfortunately. This is something that pops up a lot in these UF series, but at least we got the dangerous visit out of the way. :/
The ending battles were a bit anticlimactic but I was more than ready to see a few of these villains go. I didn't like an announcement Clive made at the very end, but their romance stays sweet. I like this position where it is currently and was hoping Sam would eventually grow on everyone - we'll see. I love the dynamic with his second and third in command where they're in their group, but alas...
I'd have enjoyed more development with her wolf heritage and perhaps the necromancy but now we are adding on something else. (Fae) Unfortunately it seems the next will be focused on fae and out of the city again. I'd like more development locally, but the series is not yet over so there's hope.
Oh, and Sam again gets attacked, knocked out and carried. That doctor works overtime for her as well as Lilah the healer.
The ending battles were a bit anticlimactic but I was more than ready to see a few of these villains go. I didn't like an announcement Clive made at the very end, but their romance stays sweet. I like this position where it is currently and was hoping Sam would eventually grow on everyone - we'll see. I love the dynamic with his second and third in command where they're in their group, but alas...
I'd have enjoyed more development with her wolf heritage and perhaps the necromancy but now we are adding on something else. (Fae) Unfortunately it seems the next will be focused on fae and out of the city again. I'd like more development locally, but the series is not yet over so there's hope.
Oh, and Sam again gets attacked, knocked out and carried. That doctor works overtime for her as well as Lilah the healer.
February 23, 2023
And of course Sam gets attacked in the first chapter already. Her aunt is back and this time, using her friends to hurt her. She gets attacked, almost dies, heals, attacks again. I feel kinda exhausted for her.
October 24, 2021
I was so glad when this arrived. I enjoyed the first 2 books in this series so very much. Again, I love the characters. I love the friendships. I also like that the plot flows nicely throughout the series. I do feel as though the time reading between the 2nd and 3rd books in the series caused this one to suffer in my retention . . . there were things I just did not remember from book 2. (I know - old age - it hasn't been *that* long ago.)
Another series I *highly* recommend. It does not have the heart and soul of a Kate Daniels or a Mercy Thompson, but it has its own heart and soul. This book also concluded what I would call the first trilogy. The first story is concluded and the next begins.
I cannot remember how I found this series, but I'm quite happy I stumbled into it.
Another series I *highly* recommend. It does not have the heart and soul of a Kate Daniels or a Mercy Thompson, but it has its own heart and soul. This book also concluded what I would call the first trilogy. The first story is concluded and the next begins.
I cannot remember how I found this series, but I'm quite happy I stumbled into it.
July 21, 2023
3.5 Stars
Slower than the previous two books in the series, but I did enjoy the Fae characters.
Slower than the previous two books in the series, but I did enjoy the Fae characters.
October 7, 2021
Ok
I like Sam and Clive. I like this world. I didn’t really enjoy this book though. Lots of bad things happen then suddenly all resolved quickly at the end. Their relationship is essentially reduced to sex scenes not much in the way of character development or emotional connection which I think was a disservice to them.
I like Sam and Clive. I like this world. I didn’t really enjoy this book though. Lots of bad things happen then suddenly all resolved quickly at the end. Their relationship is essentially reduced to sex scenes not much in the way of character development or emotional connection which I think was a disservice to them.
February 26, 2022
“Sometimes the only path forward is one of heartbreak.”The Wicche Glass Tavern begins with Sam reopening her bookstore and bar, The Slaughtered Lamb. A fun reunion of friends quickly reminds Sam that her crazy Aunt must be stopped before life can return to any semblance of normalcy.
⇰ Side note: Sam's reactions to Clive's "old friend" Liang cracked me up! ... Liang finally moved to our table and sat on Clive’s other side, her hand briefly on his arm as though encouraging him to calm. The presumption of laying hands on my mate made me want to tear off her arm and smack her across the face with it. 😆
I was suddenly struck by how much my life had changed, how full it had become when I wasn’t looking.Previously, Sam was, as Clive said "...in a different place, just trying to survive, occasionally peeking out of [her] hobbit hole before ducking back in ...", now she has allies, she's learned more about her family history and the power that comes with and she's more prepared to battle her Aunt. Now, she's on her way to meet someone who can teach her how to use her necromancer abilities. What she learns surprises her more than she could've imagined. Sam's abilities continue to grow, allowing her to assist her mate and his vampires in new ways. Her world and circle of friends continues to grow as well. It's a good thing because this time Sam and Clive must fight their battles on two fronts, working independently, as well as together when possible.
⇰ Side note 2: Clive getting a piggyback ride from Sam ... hil-ar-ious image! 🤣
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. The relationship between Sam and Clive is fun to watch unfurl; Sam's abilities are wicked and continue to grow as she learns more about them; the side characters are always entertaining; and now, with a major storyline resolved, I'm anxious to see how things progress for Sam. I barely avoided reading the sneak peek into The Hob and Hound Pub because I want it all to be new when I get my greedy hands on it in April.
November 15, 2021
Each audiobook in this series strengthens the character and story arc while pulling me further into their story. Sam is a necromancer werewolf and bar owner. She is dating vampire lord Clive Fitzwilliam. Until recently, Sam was protected and hidden from her aunt. Now, her aunt is seeking her and won’t stop until she is dead. With each installment, we learn more about Sam and her newfound skills, heritage and more.
A lot happens in The Wicche Glass Tavern and, like most urban fantasy series, it is important to read/listen to them in the order of their release. Sam no sooner reopens the Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar when her aunt uses patrons and friends alike to attack her. She seeks the aid of a family member she didn’t know she had and with this discovery come more questions.
On the home front, a vampire named Leticia wants Clive dead. We learn a lot about his history as Sam gathers vampires, the fae, werewolves and others to address both threats. We even get to travel to Fae!
Sam has several near-death experiences and suffers loss. Listeners are treated to climatic battle scenes, magic and more. Between her bar patrons and the friendships she has forged, Sam’s allies offer aid. We see growth in her superntural abilities and her ability to trust.
I love the supernatural elements. The creatures comprise werewolves, vampires, witches, gorgons, furies, half-demons, an elf, and a couple of dragon-shifters. Then we’ve got the magic, necromancy and kickassery. Toss in bookish talks, snark, and swoons and you’ve got some pretty cool elements for a series.
The romance feels genuine, but with all the action, it is a sidebar. We get sprinkled moments of intimacy and tender words. With Sam’s near-death experiences, she makes clear her wishes should one prove fatal.
Samantha Desz, does a stellar job of capturing Sam and other secondary characters and creatures. I wish Clive’s voice wasn’t so soft spoken, but it suits his mannerisms. Desz uses tone and pacing to enhance the tale and makes listening a pleasure.
We get some resolution and teasers of things to come, leaving me curious about the next installment. Fans of urban fantasy, shifters, magic and the fae will enjoy the Sam Quinn series.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
A lot happens in The Wicche Glass Tavern and, like most urban fantasy series, it is important to read/listen to them in the order of their release. Sam no sooner reopens the Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore and Bar when her aunt uses patrons and friends alike to attack her. She seeks the aid of a family member she didn’t know she had and with this discovery come more questions.
On the home front, a vampire named Leticia wants Clive dead. We learn a lot about his history as Sam gathers vampires, the fae, werewolves and others to address both threats. We even get to travel to Fae!
Sam has several near-death experiences and suffers loss. Listeners are treated to climatic battle scenes, magic and more. Between her bar patrons and the friendships she has forged, Sam’s allies offer aid. We see growth in her superntural abilities and her ability to trust.
I love the supernatural elements. The creatures comprise werewolves, vampires, witches, gorgons, furies, half-demons, an elf, and a couple of dragon-shifters. Then we’ve got the magic, necromancy and kickassery. Toss in bookish talks, snark, and swoons and you’ve got some pretty cool elements for a series.
The romance feels genuine, but with all the action, it is a sidebar. We get sprinkled moments of intimacy and tender words. With Sam’s near-death experiences, she makes clear her wishes should one prove fatal.
Samantha Desz, does a stellar job of capturing Sam and other secondary characters and creatures. I wish Clive’s voice wasn’t so soft spoken, but it suits his mannerisms. Desz uses tone and pacing to enhance the tale and makes listening a pleasure.
We get some resolution and teasers of things to come, leaving me curious about the next installment. Fans of urban fantasy, shifters, magic and the fae will enjoy the Sam Quinn series.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
July 6, 2022
I’m definitely loving this series. Sam is learning more about not only her powers but also herself. She’s a lot more powerful than even she could ever imagine and than can be both beneficial and dangerous. Her aunt is still searching for her to kill her, this time using her friends to make attempts on her life; the vampires in the nocturne still dislike her, but she’s determined to ignore them and carry on. Facing danger from within and without the home, she knows Clive is always on her side, she discovers family who prove to be helpful in training her to use her necromancy powers, and the Fae.
October 11, 2021
4.5/5.0
All kinds of fun, and a perfect ending!!!
All kinds of fun, and a perfect ending!!!
March 29, 2023
Book #3 in which one story line is ended and the second is referred to the next book in the series. Our favorites are back: Dave the half demon, vampires Russell and Godfrey, Owen the wicche and his boyfriend George the Dragon, Meg the Fury, and Stheno the Gorgon. Sam makes two new friends in Amber the vampire and Charlotte the ghost and finds another protector in Gloriana the Fairie Queene. She and Clive celebrate their engagement. And so life (or not) goes on. Lots of fun.
October 6, 2021
I adore this series
Having subscribed to Kindle Unlimited it's not often that I buy books anymore but I pre-order this series as soon as I'm able! The fantasy & mythology aspects of the universe Seana Kelly has created are intriguing & the characters engaging. I hope this series continues for many more books to come ☺
Having subscribed to Kindle Unlimited it's not often that I buy books anymore but I pre-order this series as soon as I'm able! The fantasy & mythology aspects of the universe Seana Kelly has created are intriguing & the characters engaging. I hope this series continues for many more books to come ☺
October 7, 2021
It seems like there have been a lot of changes in Sam's life lately, this book brings out a bunch more and Sam learns more about her family. Sam's ready to open her bookstore/bar again, but that one pesky family member that is after keeps causing problems there, making it so that her one safe place isn't safe any more. Clive and his inner circle try to help, but they have someone gunning after them. Sam figures out a way to key into her this is, much to Clive's surprise. This leads Sam to the fae and things there don't go as planned, but Sam does come away with a powerful ally. This whole book it seems like Sam is going from one disaster to another, all the while having her friends at her back. By the end of the book we get a bit of quiet that everyone can find some joy in.
April 9, 2023
The FMC has enough narcissism to believe that everyone’s actions are her fault. I absolutely hate this trope. When the big bad hurts, kills, maims etc it is the big bad’s fault. Unless the FMC hired the big bad or threw someone in front of the big bad it isn’t her fault. Why do authors confuse regret/sorrow with guilt. There’s a lot of emotions one can feel when something happens to a friend but it shouldn’t be guilt unless the person actually did it.
October 7, 2021
In this latest installment, Sam’s evil aunt constructs a treacherous method to kill Sam. She casts black magic spells upon Sam’s friends who become unwitting assassins bent on Sam’s death.
Sam discovers a connection to help her unveil a fuller depth to her necromancer abilities. She’ll partner with supernatural allies to defeat her powerful, albeit deranged aunt.
Kelly delivers another wickedly entertaining read.
Sam discovers a connection to help her unveil a fuller depth to her necromancer abilities. She’ll partner with supernatural allies to defeat her powerful, albeit deranged aunt.
Kelly delivers another wickedly entertaining read.
February 27, 2022
This book was perfect, all the things that make a great series is in this book. We had the story ark and we have a lot of things get answered.
Sam and Clive are so awesome together. I think Dave is my second favorite character. I love that his love is a banchee who would have thought.
We get soo many cool and wonderful characters. I hope we get more from this series.
It ended in the prefect way!
Loved the narration.
Sam and Clive are so awesome together. I think Dave is my second favorite character. I love that his love is a banchee who would have thought.
We get soo many cool and wonderful characters. I hope we get more from this series.
It ended in the prefect way!
Loved the narration.
October 6, 2021
Awesome
We learn more and more about Sam, Clive and their friends. Letitia is hunting Clive. Abigail is still trying to kill Sam. It gets very close in both cases. Sam ends up going to Faerie to take a message to the Queen. All in all, an exciting and romantic book. Thoroughly enjoyed.
We learn more and more about Sam, Clive and their friends. Letitia is hunting Clive. Abigail is still trying to kill Sam. It gets very close in both cases. Sam ends up going to Faerie to take a message to the Queen. All in all, an exciting and romantic book. Thoroughly enjoyed.
October 6, 2021
Keeps getting better
I absolutely loved this book. I’d been waiting for weeks for its release and I was not disappointed. Sam has grown so much from book one. She’s gained so many allies and friends that’s it’s difficult to believe she’d basically started out as a lone wolf. Clive is swoon worthy as always and so supportive of Sam. I already can’t wait to read the next book.
I absolutely loved this book. I’d been waiting for weeks for its release and I was not disappointed. Sam has grown so much from book one. She’s gained so many allies and friends that’s it’s difficult to believe she’d basically started out as a lone wolf. Clive is swoon worthy as always and so supportive of Sam. I already can’t wait to read the next book.
October 6, 2021
Outstanding
This series continues to rock, and I look forward to the next entry. This particular book involves Sam's further growth and understanding of her magical abilities. This makes for some losses but also the deepening of the love between her and Clive. Great stuff!
This series continues to rock, and I look forward to the next entry. This particular book involves Sam's further growth and understanding of her magical abilities. This makes for some losses but also the deepening of the love between her and Clive. Great stuff!
October 10, 2021
I liked it and will carry on, but I found the take down of the “baddies” pretty anti-climactic. Like it was over in a line or 2. 3 books about them and vanquished in a sentence. Oh well. Still better then some other books I’ve read recently.
October 7, 2021
Best one yet! The series just keeps getting better and better.
June 8, 2023
Can we have just one book, I mean one book whr Sam isn't damn near murdered
April 8, 2024
4.5 Stars:)
October 30, 2024
Lost steam halfway. The whole book is repetitive - Sam & friends almost get killed, they recover, Sam & friends are injured again blah blah. No progress in the story at all.
July 29, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ my favorite so far!! I love all the characters in this series. They all have important roles and connecting the dots made it so much more fun. Book four here we go!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews