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Betwixt & Between #3
Beguiled
Newly indoctrinated witch, and a charmling to boot, Defiance Dayne discovers there's more to life after forty than she'd ever imagined possible. Especially since one neighbor is trying to seduce her, another neighbor is trying to steal her house out from under her, and a third neighbor is trying to get her kicked off the planet. Oh for three, but things start to look up when a new witch moves to town, one who says she's been sent to thwart an attempt on the charmling's life. Dephne decides she has three things to do before she can die. Find out who killed her beloved grandmother, teach her BFF, Annette, the finer points of spellcasting before she blows up the world, and figure out how serious her relationship with the Adonis living in her basement really is. If it's heading in the direction she's hoping for, she can die happy. Though, admittedly, she'd rather not. None of that will matter, however, if she can't figure out how to foil the supernatural assassin who's been sent to kill her. Until then, it's business--and hopefully romance--as usual. Now if she can only figure out how to tame a lacuna wolf.
Audio CD
First published February 22, 2020
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About the author
Darynda Jones
60 books16.6k followersNYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 591 reviews
April 21, 2021
Absolutely loved this - and that ending!!!!
I need the next book now!
I need the next book now!
November 25, 2021
Beguiled
(Betwixt & Between #3)
by Darynda Jones
Wonderful! This was great! This answered many questions but it also was predictable but I didn't care. It's not hard to figure out who the third Charmling will be. I love the characters and the humor. Can't wait to read the next book!
(Betwixt & Between #3)
by Darynda Jones
Wonderful! This was great! This answered many questions but it also was predictable but I didn't care. It's not hard to figure out who the third Charmling will be. I love the characters and the humor. Can't wait to read the next book!
May 17, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The third book in any series is usually the make it or break it book for me. It is the one that either pushes me to be invested in the characters and overall plot or to walk away from the series. Beguiled, the third book in the Betwixt and Between series did enough to keep me really interested in our heroine and her ever growing list of enemies.
Defiance has finally accepted her magic and has stopped running away from the woman she is meant to be. I think this is the big change that let me enjoy this story more. I wasn't as frustrated with the main character so my enjoyment increased. She is living in a house haunted by her dead grandfather, with a handy wolfman who wears some sexy kilts, a best friend to have all the fun banter with, a child ghost that followed her home, something living in the attic and her grandmother who she kinda brought back from the dead. With a cast like that, there is a ton of potential for fun and shenanigans.
Defiance is trying to figure out who killed her grandmother in the first place and who might be trying to kill them all now. Weird things keep happening like the stove blowing up and possibly a poisoner in their midst. There is also a warlock hunter in town searching for Charmlings. Defiance is really trying to keep a low profile, but that really isn't her thing. There is danger on the horizon and a prophecy to face. Defiance is going to need to find the two other Charmlings if she has a chance to defeat the big bad on its way. Good thing one of them pretty much is dropped in her lap.
I'm finally enjoying the story more. Defiance is coming into her own and the people around her are finding their places in the story too. I have some pretty good ideas on who the other Charmling is and I'm excited to see when she will come into play as well. The romance aspect gained some good traction in Beguiled as well also adding to my enjoyment as I've liked Roan a lot since the beginning of the series. I'm finally feeling a connection to the series and will be continuing.
Narration:
Traci Odom has also been the narrator for the other two books in the series and plays the more matured voice of Defiance well. I love how she captures the banter between Defiance and her BFF as it is some of the best dialogue in the book. She performed the story really well yet again and I was able to listen to it at my usual 1.5x speed
Listen to the clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The third book in any series is usually the make it or break it book for me. It is the one that either pushes me to be invested in the characters and overall plot or to walk away from the series. Beguiled, the third book in the Betwixt and Between series did enough to keep me really interested in our heroine and her ever growing list of enemies.
Defiance has finally accepted her magic and has stopped running away from the woman she is meant to be. I think this is the big change that let me enjoy this story more. I wasn't as frustrated with the main character so my enjoyment increased. She is living in a house haunted by her dead grandfather, with a handy wolfman who wears some sexy kilts, a best friend to have all the fun banter with, a child ghost that followed her home, something living in the attic and her grandmother who she kinda brought back from the dead. With a cast like that, there is a ton of potential for fun and shenanigans.
Defiance is trying to figure out who killed her grandmother in the first place and who might be trying to kill them all now. Weird things keep happening like the stove blowing up and possibly a poisoner in their midst. There is also a warlock hunter in town searching for Charmlings. Defiance is really trying to keep a low profile, but that really isn't her thing. There is danger on the horizon and a prophecy to face. Defiance is going to need to find the two other Charmlings if she has a chance to defeat the big bad on its way. Good thing one of them pretty much is dropped in her lap.
I'm finally enjoying the story more. Defiance is coming into her own and the people around her are finding their places in the story too. I have some pretty good ideas on who the other Charmling is and I'm excited to see when she will come into play as well. The romance aspect gained some good traction in Beguiled as well also adding to my enjoyment as I've liked Roan a lot since the beginning of the series. I'm finally feeling a connection to the series and will be continuing.
Narration:
Traci Odom has also been the narrator for the other two books in the series and plays the more matured voice of Defiance well. I love how she captures the banter between Defiance and her BFF as it is some of the best dialogue in the book. She performed the story really well yet again and I was able to listen to it at my usual 1.5x speed
Listen to the clip: HERE
January 12, 2023
This was probably my least favorite of the trilogy (which is told through the POV of another character so not really a trilogy, I guess). I listened to the audiobook and though the narrator is excellent, this might be a book better suited to reading in paper because it is pure chaos from top to bottom and it was too much to track. There were a million little threads the writer tried to tie up and it was too distracting for me. Everything felt short-changed, including the potential for an excellent setting. I often forgot they were in Salem, Ma until a mention of the Gulu Gulu cafe was made - I guess what I'm trying to say is that the atmosphere was simply not there for me which is a real shame because Salem is SO unique. You should all get to visit.
Sometimes the humor did make me laugh but other times I got this:
“I caved like a spelunker.”
I mean, I was trying here but this book was often not doing its part 😩
And the track the romance took was UGH. Not for me. Emotional coercion is a no go.
Anyhow, this book gets rave reviews and some folks give the author a lot of grace because she has written a beloved series but I base my reviews book by book and this one didn't work out for me. You might love it though if you like constant action and chaos!
Sometimes the humor did make me laugh but other times I got this:
“I caved like a spelunker.”
I mean, I was trying here but this book was often not doing its part 😩
And the track the romance took was UGH. Not for me. Emotional coercion is a no go.
Anyhow, this book gets rave reviews and some folks give the author a lot of grace because she has written a beloved series but I base my reviews book by book and this one didn't work out for me. You might love it though if you like constant action and chaos!
February 27, 2021
This newest addition to the series was so disappointing it makes me doubt the accuracy of my 4-star ratings/remembered enjoyment of the preceding books. (Disclaimer: I have not read the previous books since their initial releases, so any references to things that occurred in previous books are based on my best recollections.)
Let’s start with Roane, since he is really my biggest issue. In fact, let’s keep the entirety of the review focused on him because omg UGH. Pressuring Defiance to get married out-of-the-blue like that was such a turn-off I went from enjoying the character to absolutely hating him. You cannot compare Defiance’s reluctance to get hitched to Gigi’s. Gigi and Houston have had 40 years(!) to solidify their relationship, get to know and love each other deeply, and, we can probably safely assume, discuss exactly why Gigi is reluctant to marry so that each can understand the other person’s side of things. You know, healthy relationship shit. I can understand why he might be tired of waiting after traumatically losing the love of his life and then miraculously getting a second chance with her. On the other hand, Defiance’s reluctance is not only a reasonable reaction to a literal stranger she’s known for a matter of days, she has good reason to tread carefully having been burned before. And Roane hasn’t exactly been gregarious and easy to get to know. It’s like the author is trying to make mysterious and withdrawn sexy in a life partner. That maybe works for the initial interest stage, but long-term that’s a big red flag. Defiance’s caution is part healing process and part wisdom and Roane shows zero respect for that. She’s reasonably asking for time to get to know Roane but he just lays down an ultimatum without even trying to understand her side of things. It’s utterly selfish. He even acknowledges that it’s problematic and he still doesn’t back down or even deign to explain why he’s suddenly gone from enigmatically maybe-sorta-kinda hot-n-cold flirting to demanding MARRIAGE NOW. His way or the highway. EW. Author hasn’t even set up any kind of insta-love mate bond to explain Roane’s huge rush. It sounds like there’s supposed to be SOME kind of bond there with the dream snippets but there’s no insta-love trope to try to excuse his behavior and that made me immediately turned off and even suspicious of him. Bottom line, it’s the complete opposite of romantic and I’m mad af.
And then at 60% through the book he totally backs down from demanding marriage rinow. No apology for the ultimatum, of course, and everything is hunkydory. (Really? We’re just going to let that emotional blackmail slide, huh?) So what was the point of all that toxic BS??? If it was so f-ing important that she marry him immediately, why is he backing down now? If it wasn’t that important why did he behave like an @$*hole and give an ultimatum? What the %#@$ is going through his head? What was the point of that roller coaster, for the characters and the readers??? So we can read about him telling Defiance that he’ll wait until the stars burn out or whatever? What a line. So good he had to use it twice in the same book, even. (Eyeroll.) Know what’s even more romantic? Go on. I’ll let you guess.
Look, this nonsense did nothing to meaningfully further their relationship and I cannot be the only reader who’s now looking at Roane and seeing nothing but red flags.
On top of all that, he then tries to get her to accept him as her guardian without letting her know the full extent of the “fine print,” as it were. A lie of omission. Just forcing his will on her YET AGAIN instead of discussing things like mature adults. Again showing a total lack of respect. I’m sensing a theme here. So did I only like him before because he was so withdrawn in the previous books there was nothing to get to know besides his abs?
And then, AND THEN Defiance asks Roane to marry her at the end of the book because trauma-bonding is a great foundation for a healthy, stable marriage/relationship to someone you still don’t know. Girl. No.
I TELL YOU I AM MAD AF.
And what is with Roane’s manners in this book? Washing his dirty boots in a KITCHEN SINK? Resting the sole of his boot against an inside wall in a home? And Gigi/Defiance is ok with this? I don’t think so. I don’t see the character disrespecting her/her home by doing things like that, either. He shows a lot of care and consideration and respect towards Gigi at other times so this seemed very out of character for him. He can still be mysterious/aloof/rebellious/devil-may-care without being an @$*hole.
The constant objectification of Roane by every single female character in his vicinity was ridiculous. We get it. He has muscles and tatts. Stop insinuating all of your female characters are swooning idiots every other line. It’s insulting. Also, we don’t need to read that Roane is “predatory” every time he takes a single step anywhere. We get it. He only tells everyone he’s a wolf with super-senses every five minutes. I’m not buying he can read fingerprints, though. Nice reach. Maybe all this book needed was an editor. Is that it? Is that the difference between the first two books and this third installment? I’m at such a loss.
One last thing about Roane. Why does he wear a kilt? I have been wondering about this since book one, but since I’m going off on him I’m laying it all out apparently. But seriously, why the kilt? Is it because the kilt is easier to get in and out of when he shifts? The author hasn’t led us to believe that. He’s got an Irish name, so let’s stick him in a kilt because Gaelic is Gaelic? I’m wondering if the author just thinks a dude in a leather kilt would be HAWTTTTTT and decided the character should be in one all the time for no other reason. Which would be super lame, but alas I have no reason to think otherwise.
Ok, wait, one thing on Annette really quick. Does the author want us to think Defiance is secretly in love with the “adorable” Annette, the “vibrant creature,” “the curly-haired vixen?” Every other sentence is about how adorable she is. It’s weird. It’d be totally fine/great/awesome if Defiance is in love with her bestie (witchy dream couple ftw, amiright?), but this sudden mooning about Annette had me super confused because I thought we were supposed to be rooting for Defoane. Doane. Rofiance. Whatever. Well, I guess mebbe not after his toxic BS in this book... Ok, that’s it, I’m rooting for Defette now! Think about it, Annette moved across the country for Defiance. That’s the kinda love and support Defiance needs in a life partner. Not ridiculously selfish ultimatums.
I’m almost tempted to go back and reread the previous books in this series because based on this one I have trouble believing they are really worthy of the 4 stars I gave them. There’s way too many other books out there that are calling my name, though. I’ll give Annette’s book a shot and hope the next installment is an improvement and that this one proves to be an anomaly, but yikes. Anything on my TBR list by this author is getting a little side-eye now. I do remember enjoying the first two books in this series, and here and there I can see a glimmer in the third book. A clever turn of phrase or a fun bit of dialogue. But it is decidedly not what I was expecting.
Let’s start with Roane, since he is really my biggest issue. In fact, let’s keep the entirety of the review focused on him because omg UGH. Pressuring Defiance to get married out-of-the-blue like that was such a turn-off I went from enjoying the character to absolutely hating him. You cannot compare Defiance’s reluctance to get hitched to Gigi’s. Gigi and Houston have had 40 years(!) to solidify their relationship, get to know and love each other deeply, and, we can probably safely assume, discuss exactly why Gigi is reluctant to marry so that each can understand the other person’s side of things. You know, healthy relationship shit. I can understand why he might be tired of waiting after traumatically losing the love of his life and then miraculously getting a second chance with her. On the other hand, Defiance’s reluctance is not only a reasonable reaction to a literal stranger she’s known for a matter of days, she has good reason to tread carefully having been burned before. And Roane hasn’t exactly been gregarious and easy to get to know. It’s like the author is trying to make mysterious and withdrawn sexy in a life partner. That maybe works for the initial interest stage, but long-term that’s a big red flag. Defiance’s caution is part healing process and part wisdom and Roane shows zero respect for that. She’s reasonably asking for time to get to know Roane but he just lays down an ultimatum without even trying to understand her side of things. It’s utterly selfish. He even acknowledges that it’s problematic and he still doesn’t back down or even deign to explain why he’s suddenly gone from enigmatically maybe-sorta-kinda hot-n-cold flirting to demanding MARRIAGE NOW. His way or the highway. EW. Author hasn’t even set up any kind of insta-love mate bond to explain Roane’s huge rush. It sounds like there’s supposed to be SOME kind of bond there with the dream snippets but there’s no insta-love trope to try to excuse his behavior and that made me immediately turned off and even suspicious of him. Bottom line, it’s the complete opposite of romantic and I’m mad af.
And then at 60% through the book he totally backs down from demanding marriage rinow. No apology for the ultimatum, of course, and everything is hunkydory. (Really? We’re just going to let that emotional blackmail slide, huh?) So what was the point of all that toxic BS??? If it was so f-ing important that she marry him immediately, why is he backing down now? If it wasn’t that important why did he behave like an @$*hole and give an ultimatum? What the %#@$ is going through his head? What was the point of that roller coaster, for the characters and the readers??? So we can read about him telling Defiance that he’ll wait until the stars burn out or whatever? What a line. So good he had to use it twice in the same book, even. (Eyeroll.) Know what’s even more romantic? Go on. I’ll let you guess.
Look, this nonsense did nothing to meaningfully further their relationship and I cannot be the only reader who’s now looking at Roane and seeing nothing but red flags.
On top of all that, he then tries to get her to accept him as her guardian without letting her know the full extent of the “fine print,” as it were. A lie of omission. Just forcing his will on her YET AGAIN instead of discussing things like mature adults. Again showing a total lack of respect. I’m sensing a theme here. So did I only like him before because he was so withdrawn in the previous books there was nothing to get to know besides his abs?
And then, AND THEN Defiance asks Roane to marry her at the end of the book because trauma-bonding is a great foundation for a healthy, stable marriage/relationship to someone you still don’t know. Girl. No.
I TELL YOU I AM MAD AF.
And what is with Roane’s manners in this book? Washing his dirty boots in a KITCHEN SINK? Resting the sole of his boot against an inside wall in a home? And Gigi/Defiance is ok with this? I don’t think so. I don’t see the character disrespecting her/her home by doing things like that, either. He shows a lot of care and consideration and respect towards Gigi at other times so this seemed very out of character for him. He can still be mysterious/aloof/rebellious/devil-may-care without being an @$*hole.
The constant objectification of Roane by every single female character in his vicinity was ridiculous. We get it. He has muscles and tatts. Stop insinuating all of your female characters are swooning idiots every other line. It’s insulting. Also, we don’t need to read that Roane is “predatory” every time he takes a single step anywhere. We get it. He only tells everyone he’s a wolf with super-senses every five minutes. I’m not buying he can read fingerprints, though. Nice reach. Maybe all this book needed was an editor. Is that it? Is that the difference between the first two books and this third installment? I’m at such a loss.
One last thing about Roane. Why does he wear a kilt? I have been wondering about this since book one, but since I’m going off on him I’m laying it all out apparently. But seriously, why the kilt? Is it because the kilt is easier to get in and out of when he shifts? The author hasn’t led us to believe that. He’s got an Irish name, so let’s stick him in a kilt because Gaelic is Gaelic? I’m wondering if the author just thinks a dude in a leather kilt would be HAWTTTTTT and decided the character should be in one all the time for no other reason. Which would be super lame, but alas I have no reason to think otherwise.
Ok, wait, one thing on Annette really quick. Does the author want us to think Defiance is secretly in love with the “adorable” Annette, the “vibrant creature,” “the curly-haired vixen?” Every other sentence is about how adorable she is. It’s weird. It’d be totally fine/great/awesome if Defiance is in love with her bestie (witchy dream couple ftw, amiright?), but this sudden mooning about Annette had me super confused because I thought we were supposed to be rooting for Defoane. Doane. Rofiance. Whatever. Well, I guess mebbe not after his toxic BS in this book... Ok, that’s it, I’m rooting for Defette now! Think about it, Annette moved across the country for Defiance. That’s the kinda love and support Defiance needs in a life partner. Not ridiculously selfish ultimatums.
I’m almost tempted to go back and reread the previous books in this series because based on this one I have trouble believing they are really worthy of the 4 stars I gave them. There’s way too many other books out there that are calling my name, though. I’ll give Annette’s book a shot and hope the next installment is an improvement and that this one proves to be an anomaly, but yikes. Anything on my TBR list by this author is getting a little side-eye now. I do remember enjoying the first two books in this series, and here and there I can see a glimmer in the third book. A clever turn of phrase or a fun bit of dialogue. But it is decidedly not what I was expecting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2021
Once again Jones has absolutely blown me away with the amazingly witty and fun characters that she creates and the leading men *fans self* are seriously some of my absolute favorites.
This series has been so much fun and has everything I love in Jones' writing. It has mystery and magic and chaos and steamy tension filled scenes. Lovable characters and friendships you wish you had. It truly has a little bit of it all.
I absolutely loved this latest book and I can not wait for Annette's story next! It promises to be just as fun and just as much as a wild ride as these last three books have been.
If you haven't tried this series yet I highly encourage you too. They truly are just so much fun and if you are a fan of hers, they are a must. Heck they are a must even if you've never tried her before. This is a great place to start!
This series has been so much fun and has everything I love in Jones' writing. It has mystery and magic and chaos and steamy tension filled scenes. Lovable characters and friendships you wish you had. It truly has a little bit of it all.
I absolutely loved this latest book and I can not wait for Annette's story next! It promises to be just as fun and just as much as a wild ride as these last three books have been.
If you haven't tried this series yet I highly encourage you too. They truly are just so much fun and if you are a fan of hers, they are a must. Heck they are a must even if you've never tried her before. This is a great place to start!
June 7, 2021
Well darn… more plot holes ahead
SPOILERS ALERT
It’s never been explained why a Jaime Frazier (Outlander) lookalike is walking around Maine everyday in a kilt. He’s not Scottish and I feel like that may have been taken out so we wouldn’t associate Rone with Jaime. Sadly no. And not one person questions or he explains the need to wear a kilt EVERYDAY without fail. I get it’s sexy. But it’s not plausible for no one to ask the question over three books????
So what to say from witchy t-shirts Def had no time to buy, yet she wore. Def herself mentioned she’d only been in town a week at that. All of that time was on the page. No… later… the next day or week… ever happened in this book.
Yet in conversation when only days had gone by she’d say in conversation it been weeks. When once again, no time shifts. All her waking moments on the page, she just can’t say in dialogue it been weeks and it’s true. Then chapters later, another conversation and it’s been months when literally this book happens over the course a days-3 maybe 4 tops.
And how is it early in the book in conversation with Rone, she says, I get my royal blood from GG when in book 1, GG says it couldn’t have been from her. Thankfully GG later in the book says it again. So either Def is stupid or the editor/beta/author missed this.
And the neighbors, I saw that in book 1. I’m surprised nobody else did.
Nothing in this book was a shook or surprising. I didn’t laugh like I did in Charley’s books.
The interruptions as plot devices was mediocre writing and didn’t heighten anticipation like with the relationship between Def and Rone. But also with the mystery aspect.
Overall, I find this series weak but oddly entertaining as I’m lacking reading material.
The whole Annette thing felt forced. I’m not sure I really want to move on if we get another character in a lame attempt to recreate Charley. Hopefully Annette will be more original and misunderstandings and interruptions won’t be used as often to move the plot forward.
The narration was good.
SPOILERS ALERT
It’s never been explained why a Jaime Frazier (Outlander) lookalike is walking around Maine everyday in a kilt. He’s not Scottish and I feel like that may have been taken out so we wouldn’t associate Rone with Jaime. Sadly no. And not one person questions or he explains the need to wear a kilt EVERYDAY without fail. I get it’s sexy. But it’s not plausible for no one to ask the question over three books????
So what to say from witchy t-shirts Def had no time to buy, yet she wore. Def herself mentioned she’d only been in town a week at that. All of that time was on the page. No… later… the next day or week… ever happened in this book.
Yet in conversation when only days had gone by she’d say in conversation it been weeks. When once again, no time shifts. All her waking moments on the page, she just can’t say in dialogue it been weeks and it’s true. Then chapters later, another conversation and it’s been months when literally this book happens over the course a days-3 maybe 4 tops.
And how is it early in the book in conversation with Rone, she says, I get my royal blood from GG when in book 1, GG says it couldn’t have been from her. Thankfully GG later in the book says it again. So either Def is stupid or the editor/beta/author missed this.
And the neighbors, I saw that in book 1. I’m surprised nobody else did.
Nothing in this book was a shook or surprising. I didn’t laugh like I did in Charley’s books.
The interruptions as plot devices was mediocre writing and didn’t heighten anticipation like with the relationship between Def and Rone. But also with the mystery aspect.
Overall, I find this series weak but oddly entertaining as I’m lacking reading material.
The whole Annette thing felt forced. I’m not sure I really want to move on if we get another character in a lame attempt to recreate Charley. Hopefully Annette will be more original and misunderstandings and interruptions won’t be used as often to move the plot forward.
The narration was good.
April 16, 2021
This is such a fun series. It is funny and full of magic. My only complaint is Deph and Nette's tendency to objectify men, especially Roane. I mean if two men did to a woman the same thing they do to him, we would call them creeps. Other than that though this book was really good. Full of steamy romance, fun friendships, and lots of magical mystery.
May 27, 2024
4 Stars for Beguiled: Betwixt & Between, Book 3 (audiobook) by Darynda Jones read by Traci Odom.
This is a fun series full of great magic and interesting characters.
This is a fun series full of great magic and interesting characters.
December 20, 2022
I'm really enjoying this series. I just love this authors humor and the sticky situations she is always putting the heroine in. It's very entertaining.
I'll admit, the first part of this book felt a little slow... but it wasn't long before things started picking up and had me sucked in.
This is one of those series where it ends on the current storyline but picks right back up in the next book with new adventures. It's best to read in order.
I'll admit, the first part of this book felt a little slow... but it wasn't long before things started picking up and had me sucked in.
This is one of those series where it ends on the current storyline but picks right back up in the next book with new adventures. It's best to read in order.
February 27, 2021
Beguiled by Darynda Jones was amazing! I love every one of the characters in this series. Defiance is one tough witch now that she is becoming a charmling and Annette was over the top funny and her growth through this book made me cheer for her. Character surprises, twists and one dramatic ending kept me glued to the pages.
May 11, 2021
We are back with Defiance and let me tell you there is never a dull moment at the Percy House! Defiance is determined to figure out who killed her grandmother, but she’ll also have to decide where her relationship is going with the sexy shifter, Roane. Keep Annette from killing them all and deal with meddlesome neighbors. Oh yeah, there is a new witch in town, and a hunter has been sent to kill her. Fun times!
First, I am over the moon excited that Annette will have her own story. Defiance’s BFF is hilarious, sweet and unique. I settled right back into the house Defiance inherited from her grandmother, the same grandmother she pulled from the Veil.
The romance between Defiance and Roane is hot. (fans-self) Any scenes with them and I am all ears! Jones had me excited, weeping and skipping with glee in Beguiled, particularly when it comes to our sexy wolf.
We get developments on the overall arc, discover something about Annette, and deal with a host of problems. Jones kept me listening as she threw in twists, caused problems and surprised the heck out of me.
The new cases wrap up even as Jones drops some news that has me excited for the next audiobook.
The Betwixt & Between series is available in Kindle Unlimited, but I recommend upgrading to audio. Traci Odem does a terrific job capturing these characters, the snark and the swoon-worthy moments. Her pacing, unique voices, accents and tones make listening a pleasure. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
First, I am over the moon excited that Annette will have her own story. Defiance’s BFF is hilarious, sweet and unique. I settled right back into the house Defiance inherited from her grandmother, the same grandmother she pulled from the Veil.
The romance between Defiance and Roane is hot. (fans-self) Any scenes with them and I am all ears! Jones had me excited, weeping and skipping with glee in Beguiled, particularly when it comes to our sexy wolf.
We get developments on the overall arc, discover something about Annette, and deal with a host of problems. Jones kept me listening as she threw in twists, caused problems and surprised the heck out of me.
The new cases wrap up even as Jones drops some news that has me excited for the next audiobook.
The Betwixt & Between series is available in Kindle Unlimited, but I recommend upgrading to audio. Traci Odem does a terrific job capturing these characters, the snark and the swoon-worthy moments. Her pacing, unique voices, accents and tones make listening a pleasure. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 18, 2022
Toe curling, hair pulling, drool worthy, sexy, scary, smoking hot, intense, suspense and more. Stuff happens here, big stuff, no I'm not telling you ! It's BIG ! read the series
March 9, 2021
I don't have much to say about this book in particular. This is a cute series, however, it's definitely not as engaging as the author's other books. Though the plot is decent and the protagonist is likeable enough, I don't really connect with the characters. Either way, it's still an entertaining and enjoyable series, just not holding up to all the 5-star reviews I am seeing for it on here.
May 18, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
🎧︎Beguiled is the third book in the Betwixt and Between series. We have returned to Salem, Massachusetts, to catch up on the latest events in Defiance’s life. Let me tell you when you hang with Defiance, her best friend Annette and all the supporting cast you can expect to have an interesting, fun and dangerous journey. This installment delivered all these elements in spades.
In this installment, Defiance focuses on finding out who murdered her grandmother. Added to that, it would seem someone wants to kill them all. Is the same person who killed her grandmother or is this a different threat? Defiance will need to figure it out before they all end up six feet under.
She also needs to figure out the next step in her relationship with Roane, the sexy shifter, who had every woman drooling over him. Then there is the neighbour who is hell bent on getting her to leave Salem and Annette’s magic is spiralling out of control. Did I mention that there is a new witch in a town and a warlock hunter whose may have nefarious intentions? Poor Defiance can’t seem to catch a break.
I had a blast with 🎧︎Beguiled. The mystery, romance and all the other events combined made or a compelling read. This is my favourite of the series so far. Defiance has grown throughout the series and this installment showcased her strengths, her confidence and her abilities.
The romance between Defiance and Roane sizzled an popped. I loved how much their relationship grew throughout the series. Roane protective nature shined throughout this installment. I had fun watching the two of them together and without a doubt they made the perfect couple. The only issue I had with their romance had to do with Roane's insistence on getting married, knowing of Defiance's caginess on subject based on her prior experience.
The mystery surrounded the murder of her grandmother was tied and I must good riddance to the perpetrator. Honestly, I never once suspected their involvement.
🎧︎Beguiled delivered some interesting revelati0ns, but also left me with some questions, which have me eager to pick up the next book. I am happy to report the focus of the next book will be on Annette, Defiance's bestie. That woman is a riot and and an absolute delight. I can't wait to see what she will bring to the series.
This series has been so much fun and I do recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries blended with urban fantasy with some magic and romance stirred into the mix.
Traci Odom continues to narrate the series. The versatility in her performance kept me glued to my listening device. This is a narrator I would listen to again and again. She captured the personalities of each of the characters, my favourite being the rapport between Defiance and Annette. Her tone, accents, and voices for the characters were on point.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
March 23, 2024
I love this series!! It's funny and heartwarming, with a touch of crazy, and lots oh so delicious mayhem. Honestly what I love most about her books is the female friendship. I will always recommend her books to anyone who has a great sense of humor and enjoys a little craziness. Can't wait for 'Nannette' book!!
April 17, 2021
3.5 - Kind of scattered, but the characters rock.
October 22, 2025
Still enjoying but not as much as the others. Ruminating on this one still.
October 19, 2021
This was another enjoyable entry into the series
February 26, 2021
See the full review & more at HarlequinJunkie
An HJ Top Pick!!
So crazy good that it had me alternately biting my nails and laughing my head off, Darynda Jones never fails to entertain. But I have to say that Beguiled was my favorite in Defiance’s trilogy, as part of the Betwixt & Between series.
Beguiled was the kind of book that I wanted to hurry through to find out who was after Defiance and her crew, but yet I wanted to take my time and savor the moments I got to spend with Darynda’s words. Because I absolutely adore her writing voice. The humor and snark. The heartfelt feeling of camaraderie and family. The exciting twists and turns. I’m in heaven every time I pick up one of Jones’s stories... Read More
An HJ Top Pick!!
So crazy good that it had me alternately biting my nails and laughing my head off, Darynda Jones never fails to entertain. But I have to say that Beguiled was my favorite in Defiance’s trilogy, as part of the Betwixt & Between series.
Beguiled was the kind of book that I wanted to hurry through to find out who was after Defiance and her crew, but yet I wanted to take my time and savor the moments I got to spend with Darynda’s words. Because I absolutely adore her writing voice. The humor and snark. The heartfelt feeling of camaraderie and family. The exciting twists and turns. I’m in heaven every time I pick up one of Jones’s stories... Read More
March 11, 2021
Beguiled
Betwixt & Between, Book 3
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Digital
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Dates Read: 2/22/21 - 3/10/21
Stars: 4 Stars
The Characters:
Defiance Dayne:
Roane Wildes:
Annette Osmund, Serinda McClain, Percy, Gigi, Chief Metcalfe, coven members
The Story:
Review to come...
The Random Thoughts:
Challenges:
Goodreads Book Bingo 2021 - I4 - A book published in 2021
TBR 20 in 21 - From your favorite author
Year of Smut 2021 - A book with an orange cover
Betwixt & Between, Book 3
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: Digital
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Dates Read: 2/22/21 - 3/10/21
Stars: 4 Stars
The Characters:
Defiance Dayne:
Roane Wildes:
Annette Osmund, Serinda McClain, Percy, Gigi, Chief Metcalfe, coven members
The Story:
Review to come...
The Random Thoughts:
Challenges:
Goodreads Book Bingo 2021 - I4 - A book published in 2021
TBR 20 in 21 - From your favorite author
Year of Smut 2021 - A book with an orange cover
May 1, 2022
I enjoyed this book and this series. I found the h.umor and sarcasm fresh. I like the characters a lot. The vast cast all add to the feel of this book. There was lots to savor between Defiance's discoveries, her skills and her passion to help others. There is enough romantic tension ax well. I am anxiously waiting for then next installment coming this year.
September 18, 2022
This is a fun series. Lots of magic and supernatural happenings, funny characters. All in Salem Massachusetts...
February 8, 2024
Reto lector 2024 PopSugar Reading Challenge 28. Un libro en el que el personaje principal tenga 42 años
La protagonista es parecidísima a Charlie pese a la diferencia de edad, habla igual que ella, su amiga es parecidísima a la de Charlie, los capítulos se inician como los de Charlie con un meme o una frase divertida... pero en menos.
Así que al principio pensaba que le pondría 3 estrellas o menos, según interés
No obstante la historia me resultó muy entretenida y esta tiene unos poderes menos estratosféricos pero que, sin embargo, dan mucho más juego a la hora de la verdad. Y los nuevos superpoderes de la otra me encantan. Así que acabó sorprendiéndome para bien, pese a sus peros. GLBis (Especial Betwixt & Between) y Reto 2024
La protagonista es parecidísima a Charlie pese a la diferencia de edad, habla igual que ella, su amiga es parecidísima a la de Charlie, los capítulos se inician como los de Charlie con un meme o una frase divertida... pero en menos.
Así que al principio pensaba que le pondría 3 estrellas o menos, según interés
No obstante la historia me resultó muy entretenida y esta tiene unos poderes menos estratosféricos pero que, sin embargo, dan mucho más juego a la hora de la verdad. Y los nuevos superpoderes de la otra me encantan. Así que acabó sorprendiéndome para bien, pese a sus peros. GLBis (Especial Betwixt & Between) y Reto 2024
February 24, 2021
My favorite so far in this series. Love all the characters. Can’t wait to read the next one!
June 8, 2023
Great characters, lots of action, tense moments, supernatural mysteries, and so much more. This book has it all and was a lot of fun. A great series that I am thoroughly enjoying.
July 30, 2021
Carrying over from the previous book, the zaniest things just keep happening for the inhabitants who live under Percy's roof and it was one boisterous, jolting adventure for characters and reader-listener alike. Can this series get better with each installment? Like that should even be a question.
Beguiled is the third installment of the Betwixt and Between paranormal women's fiction series of books that work best when taken in order.
Defiance Dane and her friends just made it through some harrowing adventures and particularly Nanette who barely survived. But, as exhausted as she is, the excitement isn't over. They still need to figure out who murdered Gigi and how they are going to hide her new bodily form from everyone, figure out how to keep the evil warlocks from getting to Def for her Charmling powers, and the list just gets longer when more poison shows up as does a warlock's hunter. What's up with Nette and that witch in town? Another desperate person seems to need Def's help. Oh, and Roan wants a permanent commitment like the 'put a ring on it' kind that scares Def more than anything else even the scary unknown behind the door at the top of the stairs.
Beguiled started slow for me and I felt very confused that it was picking up on the same day as the previous book ended. It took me the longest time to get that sorted out in my mind so I could pay attention to the story. Then, I had to sort out all the various strings to the plot and finally able to settle in to what was going on right about the time Roan pops the question waaay before I was expecting it taking me and Def by surprise. I do want them together, but after her history with men and the situation, I thought he was rushing her. Her response matched her middle-age maturity when she worked through the inner panic to give him a truthful, but not hopeless answer and he accepted her needs when they spoke again. I really love that they talk and don't pout.
As to Def getting used to her magic, I feel she has really come a long ways in a short time. She is truly coming into her own even if she leads with her heart and it rushes her into dangerous conditions without due thought. Fortunately, Roan is there as well as the rest to have her back.
Something happens in this one involving Annette that was fabulous and even more fabulous was what a giving, cheerleading friend Def could be for her. Can't wait to see how this new change will do for the situation going forward.
If I thought the beginning was meandering a little, the last half was one thrill after thrilling reveal. Beguiled finally brings the threat to the Charmlings close to home when a warlock's hunter comes to town. Things are building toward a big confrontation.
And, it was another startling finish- and I do mean the very last paragraph had a stunner in it.
Traci Odom continues to dazzle as the narrator of this series. She catches the shuck and jive between Def and Nette so well as well as the sultry moments between Def and Roan. But, that catch she gets in her throat when high emotions are happening is superb. She keeps the listener right in the moment.
All in all, Beguiled surged forward and shows the series getting stronger and more riveting as it goes. Like I said the first two times, this doesn't feel as much like paranormal women's fic to me as a cross between cozy mystery and urban fantasy. Basically, I can recommend it to nearly everyone who loves magic, friends, romance, mystery, and slow build action.
I rec'd an audio copy of the book from Tantor Audio to be listened to in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to this as a COYER Buddy Read with Berls.
Beguiled is the third installment of the Betwixt and Between paranormal women's fiction series of books that work best when taken in order.
Defiance Dane and her friends just made it through some harrowing adventures and particularly Nanette who barely survived. But, as exhausted as she is, the excitement isn't over. They still need to figure out who murdered Gigi and how they are going to hide her new bodily form from everyone, figure out how to keep the evil warlocks from getting to Def for her Charmling powers, and the list just gets longer when more poison shows up as does a warlock's hunter. What's up with Nette and that witch in town? Another desperate person seems to need Def's help. Oh, and Roan wants a permanent commitment like the 'put a ring on it' kind that scares Def more than anything else even the scary unknown behind the door at the top of the stairs.
Beguiled started slow for me and I felt very confused that it was picking up on the same day as the previous book ended. It took me the longest time to get that sorted out in my mind so I could pay attention to the story. Then, I had to sort out all the various strings to the plot and finally able to settle in to what was going on right about the time Roan pops the question waaay before I was expecting it taking me and Def by surprise. I do want them together, but after her history with men and the situation, I thought he was rushing her. Her response matched her middle-age maturity when she worked through the inner panic to give him a truthful, but not hopeless answer and he accepted her needs when they spoke again. I really love that they talk and don't pout.
As to Def getting used to her magic, I feel she has really come a long ways in a short time. She is truly coming into her own even if she leads with her heart and it rushes her into dangerous conditions without due thought. Fortunately, Roan is there as well as the rest to have her back.
Something happens in this one involving Annette that was fabulous and even more fabulous was what a giving, cheerleading friend Def could be for her. Can't wait to see how this new change will do for the situation going forward.
If I thought the beginning was meandering a little, the last half was one thrill after thrilling reveal. Beguiled finally brings the threat to the Charmlings close to home when a warlock's hunter comes to town. Things are building toward a big confrontation.
And, it was another startling finish- and I do mean the very last paragraph had a stunner in it.
Traci Odom continues to dazzle as the narrator of this series. She catches the shuck and jive between Def and Nette so well as well as the sultry moments between Def and Roan. But, that catch she gets in her throat when high emotions are happening is superb. She keeps the listener right in the moment.
All in all, Beguiled surged forward and shows the series getting stronger and more riveting as it goes. Like I said the first two times, this doesn't feel as much like paranormal women's fic to me as a cross between cozy mystery and urban fantasy. Basically, I can recommend it to nearly everyone who loves magic, friends, romance, mystery, and slow build action.
I rec'd an audio copy of the book from Tantor Audio to be listened to in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to this as a COYER Buddy Read with Berls.
February 24, 2022
Oh my goodness...for me, this fell flat on its face, and I can't continue. Given this was my first foray into Ms. Jones....I'll pass on future books.
The first book was interesting, it had annoyances, but I decided to persevere through. Book #2 I gave the benefit of being a middle child book, thinking everything would come out in book #3 and MAYBE Annette would become tolerable. Alas, book #3 went down in flames for me, along with the author.
First, I thought this was supposed to be a 3-book series, yet I see another (Moonlight and something) about Annette. IF this was a 3-book series NOTHING was answered/concluded (minus knowing who killed her grandmother and sorta what the thing behind the door is). It blows my mind that these female authors write 'mid-life' books (Ms. Jones isn't the only one) and make the female 'mid-life' character so naive and dumb. If I read Defiance say one more time, she was a charmling but had NO IDEA what that meant, I was going to scream. You've had THREE books to figure it out, are you still really that clueless? And still, the book ends with her still not really knowing OR embracing what she may be. AND these charmlings are so rare (only 3 in the world) yet Annette somehow becomes a charmling? What?
As mentioned, and since I never really liked Annette in any of the three unresolved books I just read, I will not be continuing with the next book/possible 3-book series about her. Buh-bye...
The first book was interesting, it had annoyances, but I decided to persevere through. Book #2 I gave the benefit of being a middle child book, thinking everything would come out in book #3 and MAYBE Annette would become tolerable. Alas, book #3 went down in flames for me, along with the author.
First, I thought this was supposed to be a 3-book series, yet I see another (Moonlight and something) about Annette. IF this was a 3-book series NOTHING was answered/concluded (minus knowing who killed her grandmother and sorta what the thing behind the door is). It blows my mind that these female authors write 'mid-life' books (Ms. Jones isn't the only one) and make the female 'mid-life' character so naive and dumb. If I read Defiance say one more time, she was a charmling but had NO IDEA what that meant, I was going to scream. You've had THREE books to figure it out, are you still really that clueless? And still, the book ends with her still not really knowing OR embracing what she may be. AND these charmlings are so rare (only 3 in the world) yet Annette somehow becomes a charmling? What?
As mentioned, and since I never really liked Annette in any of the three unresolved books I just read, I will not be continuing with the next book/possible 3-book series about her. Buh-bye...
June 29, 2022
4.5 stars
I can't help it--these books are like candy. Even if I am able to predict several things correctly, I just can't help flying through these books. Darynda Jones has once again created a wonderful heroine with an amazing cast of supporting characters and I end up laughing my way through the story. Like the second book, this one picks up exactly where the other one left off, but it manages to resolve several things while leaving us with a teaser for the next book. But it's what I've come to expect from these books, so that's totally fine with me. In this one, the mystery was a bit more extensive and while there is the major issue of warlocks out there going after Defiance/the Charmling, the main mystery in this one is solving Gigi's murder. Even though I was able to figure out the who and the why, there were plenty of other twists in this story to keep me guessing, and I loved every bit of it. I can't wait for the next one!
I can't help it--these books are like candy. Even if I am able to predict several things correctly, I just can't help flying through these books. Darynda Jones has once again created a wonderful heroine with an amazing cast of supporting characters and I end up laughing my way through the story. Like the second book, this one picks up exactly where the other one left off, but it manages to resolve several things while leaving us with a teaser for the next book. But it's what I've come to expect from these books, so that's totally fine with me. In this one, the mystery was a bit more extensive and while there is the major issue of warlocks out there going after Defiance/the Charmling, the main mystery in this one is solving Gigi's murder. Even though I was able to figure out the who and the why, there were plenty of other twists in this story to keep me guessing, and I loved every bit of it. I can't wait for the next one!
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