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Embracing Darkness Collection
Spellbound
A dark and twisted fantasy standalone romance, where hate and love collide in a world filled with snarky witches and vengeful gods. Perfect for fans of To Kill a Kingdom and Kingdom of the Wicked
Grieving being torn from her beloved sister, who remained behind in the human kingdom, Elle makes it her life purpose to become a keeper in her cursekeeper coven.
But this calling won’t be an easy one.
The magic possessed by her small coven of four casts them as outsiders throughout the kingdom. Yet when witches are found murdered in the woods, the cursekeepers quickly become the town’s only hope.
Many believe the murders are the work of a god. An old one returned in search of vengeance. Elle, on the other hand, suspects Viktor, the new warlock to town, is somehow linked to the violent deaths. However, his agenda doesn’t stop there.
Infiltrating her coven.
Charming everyone around him.
Threatening her plans to become a keeper.
This rivalry quickly becomes personal.
When the truth behind the murders surfaces, Elle finds herself thrust into a dangerous new world, trapped between twisted hearts and terrifying beings. With the victims piling up, she must decide who to trust and who to protect before it’s too late.
Embraced by Darkness is a collection of standalone books set in the same world without an overarching plot, which means you can start with any books in the series and pick and choose which ones you want to read. This collection of novels follows different couples as they go from enemies to friends to lovers, while facing dangerous obstacles in a world split between humans, witches and gods, set in two kingdoms that separate them.
Grieving being torn from her beloved sister, who remained behind in the human kingdom, Elle makes it her life purpose to become a keeper in her cursekeeper coven.
But this calling won’t be an easy one.
The magic possessed by her small coven of four casts them as outsiders throughout the kingdom. Yet when witches are found murdered in the woods, the cursekeepers quickly become the town’s only hope.
Many believe the murders are the work of a god. An old one returned in search of vengeance. Elle, on the other hand, suspects Viktor, the new warlock to town, is somehow linked to the violent deaths. However, his agenda doesn’t stop there.
Infiltrating her coven.
Charming everyone around him.
Threatening her plans to become a keeper.
This rivalry quickly becomes personal.
When the truth behind the murders surfaces, Elle finds herself thrust into a dangerous new world, trapped between twisted hearts and terrifying beings. With the victims piling up, she must decide who to trust and who to protect before it’s too late.
Embraced by Darkness is a collection of standalone books set in the same world without an overarching plot, which means you can start with any books in the series and pick and choose which ones you want to read. This collection of novels follows different couples as they go from enemies to friends to lovers, while facing dangerous obstacles in a world split between humans, witches and gods, set in two kingdoms that separate them.
ebook
Published September 3, 2021
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About the author
Rebecca L. Garcia
19 books92 followersRebecca writes dark fantasy romance, usually with gothic elements and always with morally gray characters. Originally from England, she lives in Texas with her husband, and two sons. She loves anything with enemies to lovers, slow burn, and lots of angst.
Find out more about Rebecca and check out her books here:
Website: www.rebeccagarciabooks.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rebeccalgarciabooks
Find out more about Rebecca and check out her books here:
Website: www.rebeccagarciabooks.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rebeccalgarciabooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
August 29, 2021
I was so excited to receive an ARC of Spellbound, the first in her new series Embraced by Darkness. This is a captivating paranormal love story filled with action, danger, a swoon-tastic enemies-to-lovers romance, and more. The standalone book is the first in the series, and each subsequent book will be a standalone set in the same world.
Elle is a compelling protagonist. Smart, brave, and loyal, she often doesn’t give herself enough credit. And I love the found family aspect of the story. Elle was ripped from her sister when she was young and placed in this coven where she was embraced by its members. They’ve formed a wonderful unit, and I like how much they tease, encourage, and challenge each other. Above all, they are there for each other. It is so natural and loving and so different from the childhood Elle experienced.
Elle also has a deep connection to her sister, who she was torn from when Elle’s magic was discovered. It’s been years since Elle has seen her sister, and she is determined to reunite with her. That’s why she so desperately wants to become a keeper of her coven. This will give her the opportunity to find her sister and possibly return to the coven with her. I love this part of the story and how strong their sisterly bond is. There is nothing Elle wouldn’t do for the people she loves, her sister included.
Of course, my favorite part of the story is the romance. The chemistry between Elle and Viktor is fantastic from the beginning! They have this love-hate, will-they-or-won’t-they kind of relationship that I totally adored. Some of their conflict stems from the fact that they are both vying for the same position within their coven. Elle is also a bit suspicious of Vicktor when she first meets him, and she questions his ulterior motives. Viktor is so enigmatic, and his flirtatious banter really pulls Elle in. He changes Elle’s life exponentially, and their relationship is riddled with obstacles, many of which are deadly. Through it all, Elle and Viktor have a ton sexual tension, and I loved how their relationship progressed. Plus, their spicy scenes are pretty sexy.
The fantasy elements and world-building are also intriguing. Gods and goddesses, witches and warlocks, magic, supernatural beasts, the underworld, and more create this vivid and immersive world. Elle has lived in two very different places – one of magic and one that hates magic. Though most of the novel takes place in the magic-wielding kingdom, both are unique and vividly depicted. The author also uses these immersive worlds to enhance and highlight the tone of the story, which is really well done.
The story follows Elle as she works her way up in her coven, faces new competition, struggles with relationships, and faces a much more dangerous future than she ever expected. There are also many unusual, violent, and inexplicable murders that Elle and the others must try to solve while they act as Cursekeeprs for their kingdom. And just when I thought I knew which direction the story was headed, it went in a surprising direction. I love the twists and turns throughout the novel and the unpredictability of the plot.
A dark and romantic story with excellent world-building and compelling characters, Spellbound is an immersive and suspenseful story. This author never disappoints with her storytelling, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! I’m so thankful to Rebecca L. Garcia for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Elle is a compelling protagonist. Smart, brave, and loyal, she often doesn’t give herself enough credit. And I love the found family aspect of the story. Elle was ripped from her sister when she was young and placed in this coven where she was embraced by its members. They’ve formed a wonderful unit, and I like how much they tease, encourage, and challenge each other. Above all, they are there for each other. It is so natural and loving and so different from the childhood Elle experienced.
Elle also has a deep connection to her sister, who she was torn from when Elle’s magic was discovered. It’s been years since Elle has seen her sister, and she is determined to reunite with her. That’s why she so desperately wants to become a keeper of her coven. This will give her the opportunity to find her sister and possibly return to the coven with her. I love this part of the story and how strong their sisterly bond is. There is nothing Elle wouldn’t do for the people she loves, her sister included.
Of course, my favorite part of the story is the romance. The chemistry between Elle and Viktor is fantastic from the beginning! They have this love-hate, will-they-or-won’t-they kind of relationship that I totally adored. Some of their conflict stems from the fact that they are both vying for the same position within their coven. Elle is also a bit suspicious of Vicktor when she first meets him, and she questions his ulterior motives. Viktor is so enigmatic, and his flirtatious banter really pulls Elle in. He changes Elle’s life exponentially, and their relationship is riddled with obstacles, many of which are deadly. Through it all, Elle and Viktor have a ton sexual tension, and I loved how their relationship progressed. Plus, their spicy scenes are pretty sexy.
The fantasy elements and world-building are also intriguing. Gods and goddesses, witches and warlocks, magic, supernatural beasts, the underworld, and more create this vivid and immersive world. Elle has lived in two very different places – one of magic and one that hates magic. Though most of the novel takes place in the magic-wielding kingdom, both are unique and vividly depicted. The author also uses these immersive worlds to enhance and highlight the tone of the story, which is really well done.
The story follows Elle as she works her way up in her coven, faces new competition, struggles with relationships, and faces a much more dangerous future than she ever expected. There are also many unusual, violent, and inexplicable murders that Elle and the others must try to solve while they act as Cursekeeprs for their kingdom. And just when I thought I knew which direction the story was headed, it went in a surprising direction. I love the twists and turns throughout the novel and the unpredictability of the plot.
A dark and romantic story with excellent world-building and compelling characters, Spellbound is an immersive and suspenseful story. This author never disappoints with her storytelling, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! I’m so thankful to Rebecca L. Garcia for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
September 26, 2022
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
First time with this author and this narrator and I'm really pleased with both!
It's also my first time reading fantasy standalone and not a trilogy/full series and i looooved, cause there's never a dragging moment and everything is fast paced.
Elle is a great character full of strength but also a bunch of human fears, while living and growing up between witches. She's trying to fit between them, cause her only blood family is living with the humans.
Viktor is that guy that we hate to love, but do it anyway! He's cocky, handsome, skilled and a fierce protector of her.
Together they're like fire and gasoline going through a love and hate relationship that i couldn't stop listening!
They go from rivals, to friends to lovers, so the romance is slow burn, but there's so much going on with the story, the different enemies and their quests, that it didn't bothered me.
The side characters, the witches, the family build between different personalities on the same coven, Edmund fatherly relationship with Elle were everything that i didn't know i needed!
The fast pace worked for me, since it's a standalone, but i wish the smut part wasn't so rushed to the point where their actions looked out of blue and out of place.
The time period confused me a little, cause one time looked like old times, with a gothic vibe, where a mascara was a huge thing to create on makeup, and in the next she was talking about a cellphone that they didn't have. So I still don't know where they fit and it didn't matter anyway.
🎧 About the Audiobook Narration 🎧
Narrated by Krystal Hammond.
The narration was brilliant!
I really have zero complains about it and it definitely helped me to love the story!
Usually single narration ain't my thing, but she was incredibly talented with the details and intonation, bringing emotion and life to every scene!
I'll definitely be looking forward to her audiobooks.
August 12, 2021
I loved Rebecca’s Fate of Crowns trilogy, so I knew I was going to love this new series. I kinda expected it to be a little darker and heavier on the angst since it was enemies-to-lovers. But I still enjoyed it! It made a nice break from another painful and angst-filled story I was reading before I received this ARC.
I adored the found family in this, Maddox was my favorite character aside from “Viktor.” 😏 There’s a whole world of possibilities to explore here, I can’t wait to see what characters will be introduced in the next book.
I adored the found family in this, Maddox was my favorite character aside from “Viktor.” 😏 There’s a whole world of possibilities to explore here, I can’t wait to see what characters will be introduced in the next book.
September 7, 2021
Witches, warlocks, vengeful gods and goddesses, romance to die for, and an excellent fantasy world, what more could one ask for!
Rebecca L Garcia’s Spellbound is sure to leave your senses reeling, well, if you have so many gods and goddesses and you have them mostly as villains and have mere mortals trying to save the world, it becomes extremely hard to pull one’s head out of the immersive fantasy land.
This is my first book by the author and what impressed me the most is the word building. There’s a magical quality to her flawless writing. The human and the witch world, the otherworld, the underworld, the prison realms, each part of this fantasy world was spectacular. And even though I went in expecting an electrifying romance, what attracted me most was the familial bonds shown in the story. Elle and Viktor, definitely do burn the sheets and cause walls to collapse 😉 😉 😉 with their sizzling chemistry but equally impressive was the friendship between Naomi, Maddox, and Elle. The fatherly Edmund and the motherly Dora adds to this feeling of coziness and warmth that a tight-knit family provides. There’s also the sibling relationship between the gods and goddesses that evokes a happy feeling.
Another aspect that I wanted to mention is the growth of the main character Elle in the story. The beginning shows her as this no-confident woman, afraid to face her own future, happy to remain as an apprentice without attempting to move up as the curse keeper although the position would offer her a chance to meet her sister in the human world. But by the end of the story, she’s faced so many dangers and had to fight for the lives of her loved ones, she becomes this kick-ass heroine that all readers would root for and it is not a sudden change too, the first war between the gods actually shows her watching helplessly while it is Naomi with her magical illusions who steps up. Part 1 of the story takes its time to hook the reader in, but Part 2&3 have so much going on that even romance takes a backseat.
Spellbound keeps you spellbound! ☔☔☔☔☔
Many thanks to Net Galley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
Rebecca L Garcia’s Spellbound is sure to leave your senses reeling, well, if you have so many gods and goddesses and you have them mostly as villains and have mere mortals trying to save the world, it becomes extremely hard to pull one’s head out of the immersive fantasy land.
This is my first book by the author and what impressed me the most is the word building. There’s a magical quality to her flawless writing. The human and the witch world, the otherworld, the underworld, the prison realms, each part of this fantasy world was spectacular. And even though I went in expecting an electrifying romance, what attracted me most was the familial bonds shown in the story. Elle and Viktor, definitely do burn the sheets and cause walls to collapse 😉 😉 😉 with their sizzling chemistry but equally impressive was the friendship between Naomi, Maddox, and Elle. The fatherly Edmund and the motherly Dora adds to this feeling of coziness and warmth that a tight-knit family provides. There’s also the sibling relationship between the gods and goddesses that evokes a happy feeling.
Another aspect that I wanted to mention is the growth of the main character Elle in the story. The beginning shows her as this no-confident woman, afraid to face her own future, happy to remain as an apprentice without attempting to move up as the curse keeper although the position would offer her a chance to meet her sister in the human world. But by the end of the story, she’s faced so many dangers and had to fight for the lives of her loved ones, she becomes this kick-ass heroine that all readers would root for and it is not a sudden change too, the first war between the gods actually shows her watching helplessly while it is Naomi with her magical illusions who steps up. Part 1 of the story takes its time to hook the reader in, but Part 2&3 have so much going on that even romance takes a backseat.
Spellbound keeps you spellbound! ☔☔☔☔☔
Many thanks to Net Galley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
July 17, 2021
Another brilliant must read story! Realms collide in a spellbinding new world filled with danger and mystery.
- Adventures in Ink
An absolute emotional roller coaster!
- Adventures in Ink
An absolute emotional roller coaster!
August 11, 2021
I devoured this book in a day and I loved it. I was so intrigued with the premise of witches and gods and the story did not disappoint.
The world building was magical with found family, steamy romance and learning to push through fears. I found the snarky banter between Elle and Viktor to be so delightful and it was laced with so much sexual tension you had to wonder when it would break.
It was a rollercoaster of a ride and I was never quite sure how it would end. With moments of angst and heartbreak I had to keep reading to see how it would end.
This is a standalone NA fantasy book but there will be other books within this world and I know how difficult it can be to write a standalone fantasy but the author did an amazing job to write the story without feeling like the ending was rushed. Thank you Rebecca for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
The world building was magical with found family, steamy romance and learning to push through fears. I found the snarky banter between Elle and Viktor to be so delightful and it was laced with so much sexual tension you had to wonder when it would break.
It was a rollercoaster of a ride and I was never quite sure how it would end. With moments of angst and heartbreak I had to keep reading to see how it would end.
This is a standalone NA fantasy book but there will be other books within this world and I know how difficult it can be to write a standalone fantasy but the author did an amazing job to write the story without feeling like the ending was rushed. Thank you Rebecca for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
August 15, 2021
Spellbound
Rebecca L. Garcia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elle is ripped from the only life she's known all because she was trying to protect her sister.
Now all she can do is try her hardest to become a keeper in her cursekeeper coven.
But this is not easily obtained.
The magic possessed by her small coven of four casts them as outsiders throughout the kingdom. When the dead bodies of witches are found murdered in the woods, the cursekeepers are in need, and the towns only hope.
Many think that the murders are the work of a vengeful god.
Elle doesn't believe that though. She believes that it could be Viktor, who's the new warlock in town. Ever since he came, he has charmed everyone around him and passed every test with lightning speed.
When the truth behind the murders comes to light, Elle finds herself adrift in a dangerous new world, trapped with twisted hearts, and horrific beings. With so many victims piling up, she has to trust her judgment and also learn who to trust and who to protect before its too late.
Rebecca L. Garcia is absolutely brilliant. She knows just how to take a fantasy and weave it into what her readers want. This book had me from the get go. The characters were incredibly believable and the plot simply fantastic. I couldn't put this book down, but when I did I was itching to pick it up again. I savored this book and truly enjoyed it.
Rebecca L. Garcia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elle is ripped from the only life she's known all because she was trying to protect her sister.
Now all she can do is try her hardest to become a keeper in her cursekeeper coven.
But this is not easily obtained.
The magic possessed by her small coven of four casts them as outsiders throughout the kingdom. When the dead bodies of witches are found murdered in the woods, the cursekeepers are in need, and the towns only hope.
Many think that the murders are the work of a vengeful god.
Elle doesn't believe that though. She believes that it could be Viktor, who's the new warlock in town. Ever since he came, he has charmed everyone around him and passed every test with lightning speed.
When the truth behind the murders comes to light, Elle finds herself adrift in a dangerous new world, trapped with twisted hearts, and horrific beings. With so many victims piling up, she has to trust her judgment and also learn who to trust and who to protect before its too late.
Rebecca L. Garcia is absolutely brilliant. She knows just how to take a fantasy and weave it into what her readers want. This book had me from the get go. The characters were incredibly believable and the plot simply fantastic. I couldn't put this book down, but when I did I was itching to pick it up again. I savored this book and truly enjoyed it.
September 3, 2021
It was so nice to read a book with a totally different and unique story. The characters just come to life. Within realms are gods/goddesses, witches, Lucifer, warlocks and humans. Raiden and Elle are the two main characters who weave their love-hate relationship in the day to day happenings in their lives. Raiden a god and Elle a witch compete against one another in order to achieve the honor of, one of a few, a keeper of dark objects! Truly a must read!!
August 24, 2021
Wow! Dark and magical. This enemies to lovers is a great story with a couple twist I didn't see coming. The attention to details is definitely there building a visual for me that I can see clearly.
What would you do for family? What would you do for love? What would you do with immortality?
What would you do for family? What would you do for love? What would you do with immortality?
August 11, 2021
Such a captivating fantasy!!! By far my favorite book from this Author so far. Such a different world but it pulls you in all the same.
September 26, 2021
I pushed through to the 60% mark before skimming ahead to ~75% to see if it'd get better, but I'm ultimately dnf'ing. I was drawn into the concept of the story at first, but I just felt like the characters behaved immaturely and I never got any of the chemistry between Victor and Elle. There would be some scenes I'd have to reread because something major would happen but it would be glossed over in a sentence, and the parts that were supposed to be emotional just didn't land. Petty actions were happening left and right, and I just think a bit more fleshing out of the story, the world, and the characters would've been helpful.
August 26, 2021
Upon discovering that she is a human born witch at the age of eleven, Elle is taken from her sister, the only family she has left. She is sent to a magical realm, where she is expected to join a coven, and become a respected member of it. Elle is willing to do anything in the hopes of finding her sister again, and she’s worked for years to be promoted to Keeper, a position that will give her the means to travel back to the mortal realm to see her sister. But when Viktor, an arrogant human born warlock, arrives out of now where, he threatens Elle’s position in the coven. While Elle immediately dislikes Viktor, his presence in her life also stirs feelings within her that she immediately pushes away. But as Elle becomes more and more entangled with Viktor, his past comes back to haunt him, endangering not just him… but the entire coven.
Oh. My. Gosh. This book completely bewitched me. Garcia’s enchanting writing style had me hooked from the very first page! Elle was an extremely snarky, honest character, and she was both relatable and believable. Viktor was an extremely complex character that you couldn’t help but love. Elle and Viktor’s chemistry was absolutely sizzling, and I loved how their relationship develops over the course of the novel. Can I give this infinity stars?
Oh. My. Gosh. This book completely bewitched me. Garcia’s enchanting writing style had me hooked from the very first page! Elle was an extremely snarky, honest character, and she was both relatable and believable. Viktor was an extremely complex character that you couldn’t help but love. Elle and Viktor’s chemistry was absolutely sizzling, and I loved how their relationship develops over the course of the novel. Can I give this infinity stars?
August 13, 2021
Spellbound takes us on a magical, fantasy adventure with witches, warlocks, demons and gods.
Elle and her sister was separated from the orphanage when Elle suddenly came into her powers and became a witch. In this world humans and witches/warlocks live in two different kingdoms separating them from each other. Elle is determined to become a keeper in her coven so she can see her sister again. Then when Victor, a new warlock arrives and becomes part of Elle’s coven, he also wants to become a keeper, threatening Elle’s plans.
Spellbound was an enchanting story and was amazing! If you want a standalone book with witches, warlocks and gods you should check out this great book!
Elle and her sister was separated from the orphanage when Elle suddenly came into her powers and became a witch. In this world humans and witches/warlocks live in two different kingdoms separating them from each other. Elle is determined to become a keeper in her coven so she can see her sister again. Then when Victor, a new warlock arrives and becomes part of Elle’s coven, he also wants to become a keeper, threatening Elle’s plans.
Spellbound was an enchanting story and was amazing! If you want a standalone book with witches, warlocks and gods you should check out this great book!
August 12, 2021
I got an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. This in no way impacted my rating.
I loved her Fate of Crowns series so when I got the chance to read Spellbound I couldn't get my hands on it fast enough. If I didn't have to go to work I wouldn't have put this down at all.
What I loved:
Strong female character who I was rooting for all the way through
The best side characters I've read in a while. They were just as developed as the main characters and they need their own book
Steamy scenes that weren't overdone but were 'hot, hot, hot'
A new book boyfriend to brood over and great romance
Unexpected plot twists
Fun banter and great friendships
Great imagery, well-written action scenes and no fluffy filler
I loved this one so much. I highly recommend for anyone who likes romantic fantasy
I loved her Fate of Crowns series so when I got the chance to read Spellbound I couldn't get my hands on it fast enough. If I didn't have to go to work I wouldn't have put this down at all.
What I loved:
Strong female character who I was rooting for all the way through
The best side characters I've read in a while. They were just as developed as the main characters and they need their own book
Steamy scenes that weren't overdone but were 'hot, hot, hot'
A new book boyfriend to brood over and great romance
Unexpected plot twists
Fun banter and great friendships
Great imagery, well-written action scenes and no fluffy filler
I loved this one so much. I highly recommend for anyone who likes romantic fantasy
August 27, 2021
Spellbound By Rebecca Garcia
5/5
Spellbound by Rebecca Garcia is the first standalone in the Embraced by Darkness collection, standalones set in the same fantasy world. This book is the perfect fall read! It is witchy, spooky, dark, loaded with fantasy, a bit of romance… oh, and did I mention gods?
The main character Elle is ripped from the human realm as a child and is forced to grow up away from her sister. Elle is taken to Istinia where she learns and practices witchcraft, lore, and history with her coven of four. She needs to put her name in for the calling but she massively doubts herself and her magical abilities. If she doesn’t put her name in and become a keeper she may never see her sister again.
Mysterious murders keep occurring throughout the land when a new human born witch, Victor, is brought to Elle’s coven. Elle doesn’t trust anyone and won’t let a new know it all stand in her way. She must dive into the dangerous world of gods and monsters to protect her coven and the witch world.
Elle is a classic case of mistaken identity or imposter syndrome. She never believes in herself. She has stayed an apprentice longer than normal and her judgment is clouded by anxiety and her worth to her coven. Throughout the book, she finds the part of herself that is willing to fight and have something or someone to live for. She is tenacious, driven, and at times so stubborn it hinders her ability to think logically.
Rebecca Garcia has created a beautiful world in which magic, fantasy, and mythology meet the modern world. Garcia’s writing style has a way of sucking you into the book and not letting you escape its pages until you have a brand new tale to share.
August 28, 2021
I love the snarky, vengeful god and goddesses! And the whole world building in this book.
Elle and Viktor is loveable, but I love Maddox the most! All the characters are interesting tho.
It was a bit slow in plot progress and a bit too fast in romantic development, but that might be my personal preference. If you like fast-attraction and lush god-goddesses background story, this is your book.
Overall, it was a nice standalone romance-fantasy! :))
<< Thanks to author for the ARC. Review is 100% honest >>
Elle and Viktor is loveable, but I love Maddox the most! All the characters are interesting tho.
It was a bit slow in plot progress and a bit too fast in romantic development, but that might be my personal preference. If you like fast-attraction and lush god-goddesses background story, this is your book.
Overall, it was a nice standalone romance-fantasy! :))
<< Thanks to author for the ARC. Review is 100% honest >>
August 16, 2021
Aptly named, Spellbound swished magic my way with every swipe of the page! With a spoonful of mystery, a dash of intrigue and a sprinkle of horror, Rebecca L. Garcia brings you a tale that doesn't dissapoint!
Gladys ~ #XOXOtheNerdGirl
Gladys ~ #XOXOtheNerdGirl
August 12, 2021
NO SPOILERS…
I was luckily enough to get ARC of this book. OMG…… I couldn’t put this book down. The story is split into 3 parts. I did find part 1a little slow but this allowed the characters to be built. At first I wasn’t too sure about the FMC as I thought she was a little whiny however as the book progressed she literally did a 180. Spellbound is full of twists and there’s a lot going on but it doesn’t disappoint. If you like witches, Gods and NA romance then this is definitely a book for you.
I was luckily enough to get ARC of this book. OMG…… I couldn’t put this book down. The story is split into 3 parts. I did find part 1a little slow but this allowed the characters to be built. At first I wasn’t too sure about the FMC as I thought she was a little whiny however as the book progressed she literally did a 180. Spellbound is full of twists and there’s a lot going on but it doesn’t disappoint. If you like witches, Gods and NA romance then this is definitely a book for you.
August 11, 2021
A captivating and hot book with the right amount of sexual tension. I loved Elle and thought she was a fierce friend and fighter.
By far this authors best work. Thank you for an arc of Spellbound.
By far this authors best work. Thank you for an arc of Spellbound.
August 11, 2021
I was on the edge of my seat this entire book! It’s amazing. I love Elle and how relatable she is and man the battles and the story are just incredible!!
December 31, 2021
Absolutely amazing! This was my first step into Garcia's writing, and I'm hooked now. I need more.
This story is one of fantasy and romance, with spellbinding tension to keep you reading through the night. The writing is well done and the characters are dynamic. I just really enjoyed this read, honestly. Highly recommend.
This story is one of fantasy and romance, with spellbinding tension to keep you reading through the night. The writing is well done and the characters are dynamic. I just really enjoyed this read, honestly. Highly recommend.
August 25, 2021
Spellbound
is the first novel in the author’s new Embracing Darkness collection, which is a series of standalone novels set in the same universe. Each novel within the collection contains its own characters and stories, so you can select the ones you want to read and the order. The novel begins nine years before the main story with the main character, Elle, being taken from her home in the human kingdom of Salvius and separated from her sister, Mona. Elle’s new home is in the town of Deadwood in the witches and magic territory of Istinia. To make her way back to her sister, Elle is determined to become a keeper of her new coven, but nothing is simple and there are many obstacles along the way.
Elle is a member of the cursekeeper coven with her fellow witches, Edmund, Maddox, and Dora. As Elle just turned twenty, Edmund is pushing for her to take the keeper exam as there is an opening for one on their team and he believes she is ready. Elle is nervous, as she does not think she is ready and does not want to fail since those that do not pass have to wait three years to take the exam again. Things change, however, when a new human-born witch arrives from Salvius. Viktor shows a lot of promise as he masters many of the skills quickly, giving Elle more motivation to try to pass the test with newfound dislike of Viktor, who now threatens her spot in the exam. This beginning section of the novel, which has three parts, is an excellent set-up for the characters and an introduction into the world. There is a lot of information about the covens, the magic system, and the characters themselves without it feeling like an info dump. Viktor is a mysterious character where he reveals himself more over time and it is done at a great pace where the reader, at least for me, becomes very invested to figure out his secrets.
For me, I originally thought the main story would focus on Elle’s journey as a witch, but it became so much more. There is a lot of exploration into the gods and goddesses of the universe, including Lucius, Ruler of the Underworld and God of Justice. It is not fully apparent how the different pieces tie together in the first place. There is some predictability to the plot, which is expected in almost every story, but there are multiple unexpected twists and turns to make it a very captivating piece of work. Although I love all of the characters in this story, especially Maddox, Elle was a standout main character. She was incredibly gifted, but she had to work at it. Nothing came easily and she made many mistakes during learning. She also would rather sleep in than get up early to study. I appreciated these characteristics as it made her more relatable. She goes through a lot of character growth in this story and I loved her adaptability to try and come up with new plans to ensure those she cared about were safe.
The Fate of Crowns trilogy was my introduction to this author. Spellbound has a similar ease to the reading experience and style where it is apparent the same author writes them, but they are two different types of stories. Spellbound skews to a more mature audience (upper YA to adult) based on some of the romance elements, while maintaining the tension and natural build-up that I enjoyed in the Crowns trilogy. The romance in this story was very well done as it was full of tension, heartbreak, and naturally fitting conflict. Based on the characters and the situations, the romance was weaved together well with the love of a found family. All the different elements with the characters were well put together and I loved how the romances and friendships were written throughout. All the relationships were realistic as none of them were perfect, but the characters worked through any obstacles and tried their best to keep their found family intact.
Overall, this novel was an excellent read. The mythology created by the author with a unique set of gods/goddesses and how they related to the witches/magicians and humans was well done. Each element of the story has a place within the plot, which I enjoyed as it kept the flow moving at a decent pace. There are many details in the writing, but each was given bit by bit, so it did not seem overwhelming. There is magic, friendships, family, romance, murder, and adventure that all come together to make a very captivating story. It was very difficult to put this novel down and this could have easily have been read in a day if my scheduled allowed it. I am excited to give the author’s set novel in the collect, Heart of a Witch, when it becomes available!
**I give a special thank you to the author, Rebecca Garcia, for the opportunity to read this fantastic novel. The opinions expressed are completely my own.**
Elle is a member of the cursekeeper coven with her fellow witches, Edmund, Maddox, and Dora. As Elle just turned twenty, Edmund is pushing for her to take the keeper exam as there is an opening for one on their team and he believes she is ready. Elle is nervous, as she does not think she is ready and does not want to fail since those that do not pass have to wait three years to take the exam again. Things change, however, when a new human-born witch arrives from Salvius. Viktor shows a lot of promise as he masters many of the skills quickly, giving Elle more motivation to try to pass the test with newfound dislike of Viktor, who now threatens her spot in the exam. This beginning section of the novel, which has three parts, is an excellent set-up for the characters and an introduction into the world. There is a lot of information about the covens, the magic system, and the characters themselves without it feeling like an info dump. Viktor is a mysterious character where he reveals himself more over time and it is done at a great pace where the reader, at least for me, becomes very invested to figure out his secrets.
For me, I originally thought the main story would focus on Elle’s journey as a witch, but it became so much more. There is a lot of exploration into the gods and goddesses of the universe, including Lucius, Ruler of the Underworld and God of Justice. It is not fully apparent how the different pieces tie together in the first place. There is some predictability to the plot, which is expected in almost every story, but there are multiple unexpected twists and turns to make it a very captivating piece of work. Although I love all of the characters in this story, especially Maddox, Elle was a standout main character. She was incredibly gifted, but she had to work at it. Nothing came easily and she made many mistakes during learning. She also would rather sleep in than get up early to study. I appreciated these characteristics as it made her more relatable. She goes through a lot of character growth in this story and I loved her adaptability to try and come up with new plans to ensure those she cared about were safe.
The Fate of Crowns trilogy was my introduction to this author. Spellbound has a similar ease to the reading experience and style where it is apparent the same author writes them, but they are two different types of stories. Spellbound skews to a more mature audience (upper YA to adult) based on some of the romance elements, while maintaining the tension and natural build-up that I enjoyed in the Crowns trilogy. The romance in this story was very well done as it was full of tension, heartbreak, and naturally fitting conflict. Based on the characters and the situations, the romance was weaved together well with the love of a found family. All the different elements with the characters were well put together and I loved how the romances and friendships were written throughout. All the relationships were realistic as none of them were perfect, but the characters worked through any obstacles and tried their best to keep their found family intact.
Overall, this novel was an excellent read. The mythology created by the author with a unique set of gods/goddesses and how they related to the witches/magicians and humans was well done. Each element of the story has a place within the plot, which I enjoyed as it kept the flow moving at a decent pace. There are many details in the writing, but each was given bit by bit, so it did not seem overwhelming. There is magic, friendships, family, romance, murder, and adventure that all come together to make a very captivating story. It was very difficult to put this novel down and this could have easily have been read in a day if my scheduled allowed it. I am excited to give the author’s set novel in the collect, Heart of a Witch, when it becomes available!
**I give a special thank you to the author, Rebecca Garcia, for the opportunity to read this fantastic novel. The opinions expressed are completely my own.**
September 1, 2021
Spellbound had everything you could want in a fantasy romance: Gods and Goddesses, witches and warlocks, humans and demons, adventure, magic, romance, non stop action and so much more.
This story grabbed me from the first page and did not let go. I was easily immersed in this world and was captivated with the remarkable world building the author gave us. The story was well written and layered and every detail flowed smoothly creating such vivid imagery it was like watching a movie in your mind.
The main characters were likable and were supported by a cast of colorful secondary characters who all brought so much to the story. The character development was exceptional. Elle really comes into her own as she faces her fear in the story and becomes brave and fierce. The journey she went through really did make her stronger. I loved the romance with Victor. Their enemies to lovers relationship was filled with obstacles but I loved seeing the progression of their relationship.
The plot was separated into sections each coming together to make the story a phenomenal tale. With so many twists and turns the story was unpredictable and kept me guessing throughout. Spellbound will take you on a fantastic journey from beginning to end. It was an engrossing captivating novel you will not want to put down. Without a doubt one of my top reads for this year, I would highly recommend this novel to all lovers of fantasy romance.
This story grabbed me from the first page and did not let go. I was easily immersed in this world and was captivated with the remarkable world building the author gave us. The story was well written and layered and every detail flowed smoothly creating such vivid imagery it was like watching a movie in your mind.
The main characters were likable and were supported by a cast of colorful secondary characters who all brought so much to the story. The character development was exceptional. Elle really comes into her own as she faces her fear in the story and becomes brave and fierce. The journey she went through really did make her stronger. I loved the romance with Victor. Their enemies to lovers relationship was filled with obstacles but I loved seeing the progression of their relationship.
The plot was separated into sections each coming together to make the story a phenomenal tale. With so many twists and turns the story was unpredictable and kept me guessing throughout. Spellbound will take you on a fantastic journey from beginning to end. It was an engrossing captivating novel you will not want to put down. Without a doubt one of my top reads for this year, I would highly recommend this novel to all lovers of fantasy romance.
August 31, 2021
This new adult fantasy romance is utterly spellbinding! Creatively written, this magical and fantastical novel kept me enthralled from beginning to end. It is an original story with a well executed plot and the world building is nothing short of spectacular. The author’s attention to detail made it seem as though I was actually present within the book.
Elle is a likable heroine and really comes into her own as she faces her fears and embarks on an adventurous and dangerous journey that will have you on the edge of your seat. The author does an impressive job with Elle’s character development. She is a flawed heroine with her strengths and vulnerabilities. She has her struggles, but it was very satisfying to witness Elle gain confidence and become fierce and brave when she needed to be.
Spellbound is a fast pace novel full of action, adventure, intrigue, and romance. I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers side of the novel as well as familial aspect. I loved Elle and several of the secondary characters including Viktor. The author also created the ultimate villain which was perfect for the story. There are several clever twists and turns. Some of which I didn’t see coming. Spellbound is my first read by this author, but it surely won’t be my last.
I voluntarily read an early version of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Elle is a likable heroine and really comes into her own as she faces her fears and embarks on an adventurous and dangerous journey that will have you on the edge of your seat. The author does an impressive job with Elle’s character development. She is a flawed heroine with her strengths and vulnerabilities. She has her struggles, but it was very satisfying to witness Elle gain confidence and become fierce and brave when she needed to be.
Spellbound is a fast pace novel full of action, adventure, intrigue, and romance. I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers side of the novel as well as familial aspect. I loved Elle and several of the secondary characters including Viktor. The author also created the ultimate villain which was perfect for the story. There are several clever twists and turns. Some of which I didn’t see coming. Spellbound is my first read by this author, but it surely won’t be my last.
I voluntarily read an early version of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
September 1, 2021
Love, darkness, steam, tension, and magic abound in Spellbound! I love Rebecca L. Garcia’s books and it was fun to switch to a standalone. I’ve previously read her series The Fate of Crowns.
Spellbound is the first in a new series Embraced by Darkness. Each next book will be a standalone set in this same world.
A brutal world full of magic & monsters in all forms. Loved how I got God of War mixed with Hercules vibes, but if these had a female MC instead of a male MC. These vibes would come up during different parts of the story which revolve around the vengeful gods.
The only reason I’m giving Spellbound 4 stars instead of 5 is because it did take me till almost halfway to get really into it. To feel like I didn’t want to put it down.
My favorite elements besides the love, darkness, steam, tension, and magic were the unpredictability and the mystery aspect of the plot. I was satisfied with the ending as well!
I received an ebook ARC copy free of charge from the author: Rebecca L. Garcia. It was my choice to read and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Spellbound is the first in a new series Embraced by Darkness. Each next book will be a standalone set in this same world.
A brutal world full of magic & monsters in all forms. Loved how I got God of War mixed with Hercules vibes, but if these had a female MC instead of a male MC. These vibes would come up during different parts of the story which revolve around the vengeful gods.
The only reason I’m giving Spellbound 4 stars instead of 5 is because it did take me till almost halfway to get really into it. To feel like I didn’t want to put it down.
My favorite elements besides the love, darkness, steam, tension, and magic were the unpredictability and the mystery aspect of the plot. I was satisfied with the ending as well!
I received an ebook ARC copy free of charge from the author: Rebecca L. Garcia. It was my choice to read and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2021
WOW! Where do I even begin to start? This book was hot as fuck and its what I needed. I LOVE a dark fantasy romance. The romance, the world, and the magic is a *chef's kiss. And Rebecca sure knows how to write a .fight. scene. And the tension between Elle and "Viktor" was WHOA! It got hot in here! And family Elle makes after being forced to leave her sister is so good. They always have each others back like a family should. I need more to the story after that ending. But luckily, there is a second book coming out in December 14 in 2021 called Heart of a Witch! (Remember this book -Spellbound- and Heart of a Witch are standalone books) So to summarize if you like a dark fantasy romance this is the PERFECT book for YOU!
And Thank You Rebecca L Garcia for an eARC to this book!!!
And Thank You Rebecca L Garcia for an eARC to this book!!!
August 27, 2021
This book is named perfectly. I was completely captivated. I couldn’t get enough of this story and the characters. This book definitely gave me all the feels. Elle & Raiden are absolutely amazing together. I’m so glad that this book wasn’t predictable like most books, it kept me intrigued and I fell in love with all the characters. Truly an unputdownable 5 star read that everyone must check out.
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
August 28, 2021
Received this as an ARC
Omg what a book loved it from start to finished hooked me all the way through, love the characters there loveable in there way, story story line, this is a must read ladys definitely
Omg what a book loved it from start to finished hooked me all the way through, love the characters there loveable in there way, story story line, this is a must read ladys definitely
August 26, 2021
Magic, Witches & Gods - what more does a great story need ? I read this book within a day, I just couldn't put it down. The story is amazing and there are so many unexpected plot twists. I loved the Characters and I definitely have a new book boyfriend ;).
August 30, 2021
This book was super addicting and I devoured it in less than 24 hours!
Definitely a wonderful 4 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you, like me, are a fan of witches, gods and goddesses, and interesting magical societies? This is a book for you! Especially if you like spicy 🌶 romance along with it! I love me some morally grey characters when it comes to a fantasy romance!
I was super excited to read this book and was not disappointed! It was definitely hard to put down and kept me up way too late. There is so much adventure, a seemingly impossible quest, and a snarky best friend. How could this book not be good?!
My only complaint (not a real complaint) with this book, is that I think it would have made for a nice series. There was a lot that happened in this book, which if you want a super intense, quick story, that is perfect, but I think it could have been lovely to see this extended into a duology or trilogy. That would have let some of the scenes develop a little more!
But overall, I loved it!
Thank you Rebecca for the eARC of the book! This in no way affects my review.
Definitely a wonderful 4 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you, like me, are a fan of witches, gods and goddesses, and interesting magical societies? This is a book for you! Especially if you like spicy 🌶 romance along with it! I love me some morally grey characters when it comes to a fantasy romance!
I was super excited to read this book and was not disappointed! It was definitely hard to put down and kept me up way too late. There is so much adventure, a seemingly impossible quest, and a snarky best friend. How could this book not be good?!
My only complaint (not a real complaint) with this book, is that I think it would have made for a nice series. There was a lot that happened in this book, which if you want a super intense, quick story, that is perfect, but I think it could have been lovely to see this extended into a duology or trilogy. That would have let some of the scenes develop a little more!
But overall, I loved it!
Thank you Rebecca for the eARC of the book! This in no way affects my review.
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