Witch Please

by Willow Sanders

Double, double, toil and trouble

Imogen Pilar preferred the quiet sanctuary of her library and the predictability of stage managing the university’s Literary Festival. This fall’s production of Macbeth was no different. It meant she could solve problems and encourage from the shadows, without ever having to step into the spotlight. Until of course, Sebastian Doyle entered the picture, stage left.

Finally free from the domineering thumb of the retiring Dr. Krane, Sebastian was free to produce Macbeth however he saw fit. With a waning box office in recent years, the production desperately needed a shakeup. There was just one small problem. He needed his resident Shakespeare expert to break free from her wallflower ways and step into the spotlight.

There wasn’t time for romantic feelings when the future of the theater was on the line. When egos and insecurities create a firestorm of bad press, will it be the final curtain on the most storied Shakespearean festival? Or will the pair bring down the house when they accept the other is the principal in their love story?

This October, twenty-four of your favorite contemporary romance authors are bringing you a month filled with sexy-spooky Halloween steam. Get ready for over-the-top love stories sure to set your spine — and other parts *wink* — tingling. Brew some cider, grab your favorite blanket, and snuggle up with these hot shorts. The Halloween Steam series is sure keep you warm and cozy all autumn long.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2021

About the author

Most of these are always written in third person, as if the author isn't the one actually writing them. So, I'm going to be a rule-breaker and write it in first person instead. I'm a native Chicagoan, vegetarian, and lover of big words. I randomly burst out into song, and have been known to carry on entire conversations (with those worthy of the challenge) in song lyrics. The same can also be said for movie quotes. I'm quirky, sarcastic, I've been told at times I can be a bit esoteric, but overall I'd rather be dancing in the rain than waiting for the storm to pass.


And I LOVE connecting with people- so go on, hit the "friend" button. :)

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

MacBeth . . .

Sebastian and Imogen are working together on the Fall Literary Festival. Her idea was to solve problems and encourage from the shadows, not having to step into the spotlight at all. But Sebastian Doyle wanted her in the spotlight, showing Shakespeare’s MacBeth as a modern play with Imogen playing the lead. Can he talk her into it? Can he get her out of her shyness to help make this play awesome? Or will she fight him on it until the production crashes and burns?

Sebastian was really annoying with his steamroller attitude. He almost ruined the story for me. I was cheering for Imogen to disappoint the controlling man! But then good could come out of this for her so I sat back in my chair and behaved. Grab your copy and see if Sebastian gets the result he was going for.

[Poppy Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, steamy chemistry + modernized Shakespeare plays = yes please!

[Sionna Trenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved the witches in MacBeth, so when I saw this witchy tale, of course I grabbed it! Was not disappointed!! The way Imogen’s wallflower personality unfurled into a beautiful blossom was so well written! I loved the fact that Sebastian recognized her “potential” even before her transformation. The developing relationship between the two held the hallmarks I love: heartwarming, amusing, and steamy. My favorite was the movie theater scene where they binged 3 different movies. The insight into both characters there was beautiful, and the steam perfect. Even the aftermath was perfect for both Imogen and Sebastian. And if Sebastian’s version of MacBeth is ever created in real life, I would totally be hooked by the twists he brought to it.

The reason I did not give 5 stars was that there was a small side story that appeared that, while intriguing, did not really have any bearing or impact on the main storyline. And while there was a conclusion to the side story, it still felt unfinished to me. I’m wondering if the author means to write a book based around the events in the future? Still, the side story was interesting enough that I am curious about the unanswered questions it left!!

In all, a lovely romance with enough theatrical twists to keep even the Bard happy.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the retirement of previous University's producer, Sebatian is ready update Macbeth in to modern times. Imogen is shy librarian, with a degree in British literature and has been the stage manager for many of the past productions. This year Sebatian decided that with the change in direction, he is going to need a strong woman to play one of the most pivotal roles in the play, blindsiding Imogen in his decision.

Witch Please will take you on ride the pulls at your heart and mind. Even though Imogen has known Sebatian for seven years, he has been in love with her of thirteen. The way Sebatian treated her was from his own feeling he is afraid to admit. Imogen is nothing but supportive of Sebatian, even when he pushes her out of her comfort zone. I love how the both reach out to their common friend, Patrick and at the end his response.

Another great story from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a hard time following along with this one. It was a short read but the first several chapters are confusing.

Imogen meets Sebastian at Dartmouth when he takes over Dr. Krane’s position as the literary festival. Sebastian play will be Macbeth and he is changing the script. Imogen is the Shakespeare expert, she will be Sebastian right hand. Sebastian has other ideas for her. He tells her she will be the witch in his play. She’s never acted in the play before. She only helps out. They have rehearsals. Sebastian takes Imogen out and they start dating. She gets upset when she finds out what he wants her to wear on stage. She finds something else to wear more to her liking. Imogen pulls off her character wonderfully. She is mingling with the afterparty. Someone takes what she says out of context. She has to defend herself to Sebastian, which she shouldn’t have to do. He realize what a mistake he made, he needs her in his life. He asks her to marry him. Apparently she says yes.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow Sanders joins the multi-author Halloween Steam series with Witch Please. Dr Imogen Pilar is happy being her reserved, academic self, teaching British literature and working in the library at Dartmouth, and being the long-running stage manager for the semi-annual Shakespeare festival. Her colleague Dr Sebastian Doyle has finally been handed the reins as director of the fall's production of MacBeth and is intent on giving it a modern spin to revive the dying festival. Part of Sebastian's vision involves casting Imogen as the lone witch in his retelling of the classic, and in the process, he helps her awaken to her real self. Imogen and Sebastian have intense chemistry, and this is an enjoyable, engaging read as part of a fun, Halloween-themed series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imogen prefers to be in the background not in the spotlight, managing the stage of Literary allows her to do so. Sebastian was finally able to produce Macbeth without the domineering eye of Dr. Krane, but he needed Imogen to step into the spotlight. The future of the theater is on the line.

I always love stories that bring in characters from other stories, Willow has done that with all the books I have read by her. Sebastian tries to bring Imogen out of her shell, it is a steamy read similar to her other books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebastian has loved Imogen for years but never told her. They both work at the same University and he's in charge of the Literary Festival this year. Imogen the production manager takes it upon herself to rewrite the script of the fall production of Macbeth without conferring with Sebastian. Of course he feels she's after his job so things are confrontational till he talks her into being his star performer. He's an egotistical guy she has secretly wanted for eight years. He pushes his 'little country mouse's way out of her comfort zone with an impromptu strip tease and a confession. Slow burn with an angsty patch to overcome.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our hero wants to make the Fall festival a success, but he needs the help of our heroine to really make that happen. And if he also has ulterior motives here, then who is to blame him?

This is a short contemporary romance with a Halloween/fall theme. The story is well written, easy to read and lots of fun. Both our lead characters are well developed, down to earth and fun. I particularly enjoyed our hero's efforts to coax our heroine out of her shell. The results were a wonderful story with a bit of steam, a perfect evening read.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Kirsten Pardini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how we revisit older Willow Sanders characters! Sweet and steamy story about a woman growing into herself, and learning she didn't give up a love life to follow her academia dreams! Also love that she's a grown who has figured out her career! My only dislike was sebastian seemed a little infuriating to me, I get the male ego is sensitive but he was a tad annoying. But by the end he works his shit out lol.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian and Imogen both have a love of theater, with him directing and she as the Shakespeare authority. To spice things up and get more people in the seats, he wants her to be in the play, but she is a shy one. The characters are terrific, with drive and determination. The storyline is well written and highlights these two during their transformation into a couple and also Imogen into a more open future. Loved the support and protectiveness of the two. Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Sebastian and Imogen and does not let go. They are tasked with working together to present the fall literary festival. He wants to present Shakespeare as a present day play and to have Imogen play the lead. Will he be able to bring her out of her shell so she can bring his vision to life?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an arc for my honest review

This was a story that I was so excited to read just on the basis of the title alone, I simply thought the wordplay was so funny. But unfortunately I wasn’t as excited when I started reading. This was by no means a bad story but I just found Sebastian so annoying that I had a hard time dealing with it. He redeemed himself in the end but for me it came a bit too late. But a well written story with an interesting storyline so points for that.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Sebastian and Imogen. The author brings them together working for the fall literary festival. It's an interesting story with Sebastian trying to bring Imogen out of her shell. It's both sweet and steamy and is an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I've read written by Willow Sanders; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is part of the Halloween Steam Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Imogen & Sebastian.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern day Macbeth

Witch Please by Willow Sanders is part of the multi-author Halloween Steam series. This was an enjoyable read with a deliciously sweet and spicy story that takes place at the Literary Festival with a modern day interpretation of Macbeth. You don't have to know Shakespeare to enjoy this book.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the story was well written and Sebastian and Imogene were wonderful together, I really had a hard time with the play aspect.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet and steamy and perfect for the spooky time of year. The story was longer than I expected but it flows quick and well so it didn't feel like it dragged on. The characters were fun and relatable and the story is just a fun one to read.

[Kanani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great book. Ms. Sanders painted sexy, sweet picture with Sebastian & Imogen's story. The characters were were great together. Their chemistry sizzled and their passion was off-the-charts. A good short story with a sweet HEA. Must read!

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and flirty story about two colleagues that had a crush on each other for years but in a kind of enemies to lovers kind of way. Now they finally get their chance.Sweet, steamy, fun to read with a sweet HEA👍👍👍

[John Hibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I will have to reread my favourite Shakespeare plays, they definitely did not give us the undertones when we read them in high school!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch.

So it's a guy with a big brain that needs a girl with a bigger brain. Oh and BTW, he's loved her from afar for 13 years. This is a fun book. The characters are great together. Read it, you'll love it.

[Julia E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch Please Was an interesting wonderful amazing sweet short romance story with entertaining characters

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great holiday themed story. Intense, fun and flirty loved this one! Can't wait for more from the author!

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed

I really enjoyed this steamy but sweet story. I loved that it was centered around this Shakespeare festival (theater is a big deal in my family) and it was a neat storyline.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! So Good!!

Well written story and well developed characters! The steam is impressive! The arrogant professor learns his lesson! So does the female character!

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Lizzie the Book Hoarder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imogen and Sebastian have been working together for years but something is different this year. While working on the fall literary festival sparks fly.
Cute story.

[Jeanette montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

highly recommend!!!!!

I love this authors books.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.

[Iluvbooks44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this authors books.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.

Highly recommend!!!!!!