What do you think?
Rate this book
Carnal Magic
I want to run—so he can catch me. And ravage me like the beast he is.
I inherited a mountain in rural Arkansas and three million dollars from a great grandmother I never knew. But all these riches pale in comparison to the amazing magic that surges through me as soon as I step foot on my family’s land. Evidently the women of my family are powerful witches who are gifted with carnal magic.
I’d planned to claim my inheritance, take a few pictures of the old family house, and then drive back home. But the small town of Sweetbriar Hollow and Redwine Mountain refuse to let me go. From the very first night, I have vivid dreams of a hot spring hidden in the heart of my mountain—with even hotter men.
They’re only the bait to lure me… to him.
An ancient god of darkness lies in wait, plotting his revenge on the Redwine witches who left him trapped all these years.
He knows me. He smells me. He hears every beat of my heart. He tastes me and burns to drink my pleasure again and again. His monstrous hunger will never be satisfied, and he’s been waiting for centuries.
For me.
I inherited a mountain in rural Arkansas and three million dollars from a great grandmother I never knew. But all these riches pale in comparison to the amazing magic that surges through me as soon as I step foot on my family’s land. Evidently the women of my family are powerful witches who are gifted with carnal magic.
I’d planned to claim my inheritance, take a few pictures of the old family house, and then drive back home. But the small town of Sweetbriar Hollow and Redwine Mountain refuse to let me go. From the very first night, I have vivid dreams of a hot spring hidden in the heart of my mountain—with even hotter men.
They’re only the bait to lure me… to him.
An ancient god of darkness lies in wait, plotting his revenge on the Redwine witches who left him trapped all these years.
He knows me. He smells me. He hears every beat of my heart. He tastes me and burns to drink my pleasure again and again. His monstrous hunger will never be satisfied, and he’s been waiting for centuries.
For me.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2021
106 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Joely Sue Burkhart
118 books2,011 followersI write books. Sometimes I even finish them!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 27, 2022
Really great premise, not so great execution.
First, I wanna preface this by saying that I’ve read and enjoyed books by Joely Sue Burkhart. Hell, I read Shamrocked back to back with this one. But if you came looking for a book similar to Queen Takes Rook or the other Their Vampire Queen books you are sure to find disappointment. Lots of RH smut, can leave a rushed feeling in the romance but this entire book had a rushed sense to the writing. This very much felt like a first draft and I get that editors are expensive therefore not always feasible for self published works but I feel like this needs more time. In length and structuring of the narrative. The ending was so abrupt and very sudden.
Arwena I didn’t hate her, didn’t like her either. There was a lot of telling us… she's a witch but not really showing her power. Although she was hella stuck up and definitely seemed a tad too posh to be from the not super wealthy South. As someone from Missouri, I’ve always thought of Arkansas as part of the South but maybe I’m treading into a debate I don’t know nothin about. Needless to say, her reactions were not realistic. Also, the amount of talk about Popeye’s was super insane especially as mentioned in the book there are franchises in Arkansas. Should I count fried chicken as its own character?
The spirit/God/demon situation was just handled in such a rushed manner that I couldn't enjoy it. The idea of magic based on pleasure was quite interesting. The creation of a harem from his minions (there was a Despicable Me joke in the book) by the god for her was disconcerting. I would have preferred if the God and her’s relationship was open over a random last chapters addition to her love life. The 3 guys were stereotypes from the romance genre (not that I don’t like a Scottish man romance).
Overall, this isn’t my cup of tea (cold & sweet, obviously) but you might like it. (Also, it might just be my residual awkwardness from the talk with my mother in middle school but the concept of discussing sexual activities with my mom or grandma is frankly terrifying. And I don’t care if that grandma is a spirit guide at the time).
First, I wanna preface this by saying that I’ve read and enjoyed books by Joely Sue Burkhart. Hell, I read Shamrocked back to back with this one. But if you came looking for a book similar to Queen Takes Rook or the other Their Vampire Queen books you are sure to find disappointment. Lots of RH smut, can leave a rushed feeling in the romance but this entire book had a rushed sense to the writing. This very much felt like a first draft and I get that editors are expensive therefore not always feasible for self published works but I feel like this needs more time. In length and structuring of the narrative. The ending was so abrupt and very sudden.
Arwena I didn’t hate her, didn’t like her either. There was a lot of telling us… she's a witch but not really showing her power. Although she was hella stuck up and definitely seemed a tad too posh to be from the not super wealthy South. As someone from Missouri, I’ve always thought of Arkansas as part of the South but maybe I’m treading into a debate I don’t know nothin about. Needless to say, her reactions were not realistic. Also, the amount of talk about Popeye’s was super insane especially as mentioned in the book there are franchises in Arkansas. Should I count fried chicken as its own character?
The spirit/God/demon situation was just handled in such a rushed manner that I couldn't enjoy it. The idea of magic based on pleasure was quite interesting. The creation of a harem from his minions (there was a Despicable Me joke in the book) by the god for her was disconcerting. I would have preferred if the God and her’s relationship was open over a random last chapters addition to her love life. The 3 guys were stereotypes from the romance genre (not that I don’t like a Scottish man romance).
Overall, this isn’t my cup of tea (cold & sweet, obviously) but you might like it. (Also, it might just be my residual awkwardness from the talk with my mother in middle school but the concept of discussing sexual activities with my mom or grandma is frankly terrifying. And I don’t care if that grandma is a spirit guide at the time).
November 15, 2021
1.5 stars
The majority of this story was dull & the end felt rushed. I like the concept but If not for the author I’d have DNF’d it.
If you’re interested in this author’s work Queen takes rook (Their Vampire Queen) is the better series. It’s still RH smut but with an overreaching plot.
The majority of this story was dull & the end felt rushed. I like the concept but If not for the author I’d have DNF’d it.
If you’re interested in this author’s work Queen takes rook (Their Vampire Queen) is the better series. It’s still RH smut but with an overreaching plot.
November 6, 2021
This was an okay read. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. I loved the overall concept/storyline, it's just that at times, it felt like information dump that really didn't serve the plot well.
I didn't like Arwena. She came off as snooty and had preconceived notions about the town.
The first half of the book I muddled through, then the last 3 chapters are the very best, then it ends abruptly, so I wasn't such a big fan of the ending.
I didn't like Arwena. She came off as snooty and had preconceived notions about the town.
The first half of the book I muddled through, then the last 3 chapters are the very best, then it ends abruptly, so I wasn't such a big fan of the ending.
November 15, 2021
I'm very confused. This was pretty boring and I feel like I suffered my way through to get to monsters and a reverse harem that was like two pages long. Blah.
November 10, 2021
*3.5 stars
I really loved the concept/storyline and really enjoyed reading, but I think this would have been better as a full-length novel as opposed to a novella.
I get the impression it was initially supposed to be a longer book but the author got to their deadline and rushed to finish it. The reason I get this impression, aside from the really abrupt ending (which was a bit of a disappointment), is that there are aspects of the plot set up that if given time could have made for more organic reveals rather than the info-dumpy dreams with her great grandmother. I wish she had delayed release and we had gotten more, but it's possible she just ran out of ideas for where the story could go.
I really loved the concept/storyline and really enjoyed reading, but I think this would have been better as a full-length novel as opposed to a novella.
I get the impression it was initially supposed to be a longer book but the author got to their deadline and rushed to finish it. The reason I get this impression, aside from the really abrupt ending (which was a bit of a disappointment), is that there are aspects of the plot set up that if given time could have made for more organic reveals rather than the info-dumpy dreams with her great grandmother. I wish she had delayed release and we had gotten more, but it's possible she just ran out of ideas for where the story could go.
July 10, 2023
Overall, I enjoyed the world introduced, but the pacing and conclusion left something to be desired. The actual monster smut didn't happen until the last two chapters (90% into the novella), and the story ended super abruptly with the main MMCs barely introduced. I would have liked to learn more about the FMC's powers and who the MMCs were.
Romance:
Romance:
November 10, 2021
Ugh, this had so much potential, unfortunately there was a whole of a lot boring descriptions that lead to nowhere, the fun bits were only in the last chapters and those didn’t had enough details, so I’m really disappointed.
November 15, 2021
Meh… Honestly it’s been awhile since I’ve read an MF story let alone a reverse harem, and when this showed up in my emails as “new from this author” I thought “what the hell”.
Really it was just a big info dump… I can’t remember if “Their Vampire Queen” also started this way but I really don’t think so.
I might read the next one to actually get a feel on how the series might go, but for now my opinion is “not promising” I hope I’m wrong.
Really it was just a big info dump… I can’t remember if “Their Vampire Queen” also started this way but I really don’t think so.
I might read the next one to actually get a feel on how the series might go, but for now my opinion is “not promising” I hope I’m wrong.
October 30, 2023
2.5 stars —Beautiful cover, but just when this story started coming together – it ended. It felt unfinished. Even the “why choose one” aspect was disappointing. Arwena was a fun character, but we never got the full picture of what things were going to be like for her once her magic came to power. This was a lot of set up for nothing. We never got the true scope of “the dark god.”
I much preferred JSB’s Vampire Queen series. Long live House Isador!
I much preferred JSB’s Vampire Queen series. Long live House Isador!
October 3, 2022
I regret wasting my time on this. Love this author and I was expecting all the steaminess of her vampire series. However the steaminess in this was minimal if not almost nonexistent. It also took a very long time to get to any kind of action in the book—around 90% through. I was left feeling very bored. This was a total miss!
November 7, 2021
OH.MY.GODS! This book was deliciously dark and scorching hot! I loved it so hard!!!! The monsters draw you I and doesn't let go until you're a panting mess. I can't wait until the next book comes out. Welcome book hangover.
March 15, 2022
I initially really liked this and the idea behind it but the ending was so abrupt that it didn't make any sense with the all world building or started out with. This definitely could have gone somewhere as full length novel.
November 8, 2021
Just had to blow a good read by going woke
Had to throw in " white colonizing men"... ok. But then then to throw in ...how dare a white man hold her hand.... Well piss off with yourself you racist writer.
Had to throw in " white colonizing men"... ok. But then then to throw in ...how dare a white man hold her hand.... Well piss off with yourself you racist writer.
November 23, 2021
Ummm, what to say, what to say. This did not appeal to me at all. The sex scenes were all over the place, the dark lord kept morphing into other sizes shapes, in the clouds and steam, and up or laying down???
I mean, yes I would like to inherit 3 million dollars and 500 acres with passive income and have a magical house that makes my favorite foods but this story was all over the place. I couldn't figure who was a daughter, mother or granddaughter. They kept appearing to her if she thought about it hard enough?
The raunchy story was actually pretty tame, she just had to embrace the monster? Then she got all her dreams to come true? And the shadows to love her?
WTF did I just read?
I mean, yes I would like to inherit 3 million dollars and 500 acres with passive income and have a magical house that makes my favorite foods but this story was all over the place. I couldn't figure who was a daughter, mother or granddaughter. They kept appearing to her if she thought about it hard enough?
The raunchy story was actually pretty tame, she just had to embrace the monster? Then she got all her dreams to come true? And the shadows to love her?
WTF did I just read?
December 8, 2021
Finished way to abruptly. Felt like it was gonna be a full length book but stopped suddenly. This authors other books are nice but this one was pretty terrible. Feels like she’s just putting out short stories with RH for the sake of it- with the same echoes of the initial house of isador series but no actual story.
January 13, 2022
65% through and I dont believe I will finish this one. I usually like Joely Sue Burkhart, and the blurd sounded amazing, but this book(novella)didn't deliver.
Want to read
September 10, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/22/2022)! 🎁
November 14, 2021
3 stars for creativity and a way with words... not the book
This author has creativity and a way with words that are beyond compare.
This author seems to also have a chip on her shoulder about mediocre white men, small Southern towns, and bigotry. Unfortunately, she seems to think all three are related. As a result, she wrote an antagonistic main female character that I extremely disliked, and I almost quit reading the book because of her. Additionally, I've read almost all books written by the author. She's mentioned controversial topics before, but handled them without bias. She failed in this book, which is a disappointment.
This author has creativity and a way with words that are beyond compare.
This author seems to also have a chip on her shoulder about mediocre white men, small Southern towns, and bigotry. Unfortunately, she seems to think all three are related. As a result, she wrote an antagonistic main female character that I extremely disliked, and I almost quit reading the book because of her. Additionally, I've read almost all books written by the author. She's mentioned controversial topics before, but handled them without bias. She failed in this book, which is a disappointment.
December 9, 2021
Normally I love Joely’s stories, especially the monster ones but something about this didn’t sit right with me. Mainly it was the fact that the MC had characteristics of a black woman but was written as a white one. I definitely wanted to touch base with a black practitioner to see if my feelings were legit (and still might).
The ending seemed kind of rushed but since it was a stand-alone (I think) that may be the reason why.
Either way, not bad but not all that good either.
***sensitivity readers are gold, just fyi
The ending seemed kind of rushed but since it was a stand-alone (I think) that may be the reason why.
Either way, not bad but not all that good either.
***sensitivity readers are gold, just fyi
February 14, 2023
Don't get me wrong I love this authors other books.long live house isador. And although this was a quick read, it could have gone into far more detail. The premis was great the story line interesting and the writing as always was great. But it needed to be more in depth. Yes it kept my interest and I was finished it in a few hours but it could have been twice as long and it would have been brilliant.
We needed to see more use of FMC powers , I personally needed more 'action' at the end and how any relationships might work out going forward.
We needed to see more use of FMC powers , I personally needed more 'action' at the end and how any relationships might work out going forward.
November 3, 2021
Oh my goodness!
She did it again guys, I cannot get enough of this Fabulous ladies book! I did not read it when it was in an Anthology, because I tend not to enjoy those books - but I am not at all mad that I waited to read it until now. It was Fabulous, with amazing steamy scenes, a fantastic story line, a fun and not completely over done plot, and I really truly hope shes going to give us MORE of this as a series!
She did it again guys, I cannot get enough of this Fabulous ladies book! I did not read it when it was in an Anthology, because I tend not to enjoy those books - but I am not at all mad that I waited to read it until now. It was Fabulous, with amazing steamy scenes, a fantastic story line, a fun and not completely over done plot, and I really truly hope shes going to give us MORE of this as a series!
November 1, 2022
3.5 rounded up
I love and adore Joely. House Isador will forever be one of my top series. I picked this one up recently and just read it today. I thought the premise was super interesting, and Joely’s writing is always on point. My only issue was that it ended right as it was getting good! A tiny dash of spice at the end but barely any true RH interaction. I wish there’d been another 200 pages. I wanted so much more!
I love and adore Joely. House Isador will forever be one of my top series. I picked this one up recently and just read it today. I thought the premise was super interesting, and Joely’s writing is always on point. My only issue was that it ended right as it was getting good! A tiny dash of spice at the end but barely any true RH interaction. I wish there’d been another 200 pages. I wanted so much more!
February 16, 2023
Deliciously Dark
I liked Arwenna- she was relatable and made me want to try Popeyes chicken. The romance between all of themwas dark and delicious, which is something I've come to expect from this author. I liked the secondary characters and wish I had a family like she does. Overall, it was a good story that made you want to see just what Erebos meant by his last comment, because honestly it felt like it could go either way.
I liked Arwenna- she was relatable and made me want to try Popeyes chicken. The romance between all of themwas dark and delicious, which is something I've come to expect from this author. I liked the secondary characters and wish I had a family like she does. Overall, it was a good story that made you want to see just what Erebos meant by his last comment, because honestly it felt like it could go either way.
November 11, 2021
Left me wanting more!
Yes, yes, yes! I loved this dark RH story. I read the original concept in an anthology and was hoping it would be expanded upon. There is definitely a good story arc that can come from this first book. I cannot wait to see if the author continues in future books!
Yes, yes, yes! I loved this dark RH story. I read the original concept in an anthology and was hoping it would be expanded upon. There is definitely a good story arc that can come from this first book. I cannot wait to see if the author continues in future books!
November 12, 2021
I liked the idea of a generation of witches and the secret curse, the story of the god of the mountain, embracing the darkness inside. As always, Joely book was full of magic and desire mixed together, and strong women with dark desires and multiple men to pleasure them. Great short story for Halloween, wish there was more.
November 30, 2021
Witchy and Enticing
It's a fast paced read. Leaves you on the edge though. I don't know if there will be a part 2 but I'd like one. It gives BDSM vibes heavy on the sadism and masochism. Trigger warning for those not into beastiality as the Darkness is described as Beast like. Leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions which is why I took a star away. I liked it.
It's a fast paced read. Leaves you on the edge though. I don't know if there will be a part 2 but I'd like one. It gives BDSM vibes heavy on the sadism and masochism. Trigger warning for those not into beastiality as the Darkness is described as Beast like. Leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions which is why I took a star away. I liked it.
December 16, 2021
The Master of
Joley has struck again. Her reverse harem books are my absolute favorites, ranking right up there with Laurell K. Hamilton. Arwena lives a life that would be a dream for many of us that dwell within the witch elements. Is there going to be a continuation of her journey? One can hope.
Joley has struck again. Her reverse harem books are my absolute favorites, ranking right up there with Laurell K. Hamilton. Arwena lives a life that would be a dream for many of us that dwell within the witch elements. Is there going to be a continuation of her journey? One can hope.
January 26, 2022
What did I just read?! It was magical, steamy, mysterious, and the ending was not what I expected. I loved the mountain town and the description of the surroundings. Also not going to lie I enjoyed the sex scenes even if they were "dreams". The only complaint I have is that it wasn't long enough!!!! I love her style of writing. Can't wait to pick something else up by her!
January 31, 2022
Carnal Magic, a standalone Dark Monster reverse harem story, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Oh wow, where to start? I usually love this author, she has a vivid imagination and the ability to develop strong characters, but I was let down by this story. Too rushed and undeveloped. So much wasted potential.
March 1, 2022
Oh wow
You know I really love you books. I have commented on every one i have ever read. But, this one takes the cake I'm really sad it ended after 1 book I wanted to read more I wanted to see what happened next. UGH. Are you going to ride any more books about the witch and her dark lover? Please tell me you are...
You know I really love you books. I have commented on every one i have ever read. But, this one takes the cake I'm really sad it ended after 1 book I wanted to read more I wanted to see what happened next. UGH. Are you going to ride any more books about the witch and her dark lover? Please tell me you are...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews