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Magical Dating Agency #2

Love & Magic Shaking

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A billionaire phoenix, a berserker in a long coat, and a rebellious brownie walk into a jazz bar…

I wish I was joking.

My shapeshifting attacker may be gone, but the bastards who gave the order are alive and kicking. They’re not the only ones after a chunk of my perky, cupid butt. The Nepos Bureau of Crime are digging around and asking questions that really aren’t good for my lifespan.

I’ve never had more incentive to leave Nepos, yet Vera Calzane has agreed to meet me for reasons unknown. If there’s even a tiny chance she’ll agree to unmake the curse—if romance, sex, and love can be returned to me after three disastrous years—then I have to stay.

But now the smoking-hot Detective Vincori is making unusual proposals, and the poltergeist mafia is sending me letters. A mind-shattering event leaves me tangled in bedsheets, and then there’s a drunk unicorn who… actually… you know what? You can discover that shituation for yourself.

The long and short of this? When it comes to the heart, Venus doesn’t care that my life is a freakin’ shambles. So this gal needs an espresso martini. Better make it two.

If you enjoy books by Shannon Mayer, Linsey Hall, Raven Kennedy, or Annette Marie, then you’ll love this fun and vibrant supernatural society where magical creatures burst from every storefront and love is ever-complicated.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2022

238 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read

About the author

Kelly St. Clare

68 books3,242 followers
When USA Today bestselling author, Kelly St Clare is not reading or writing, she is lost in her latest reverie.

Books have always been magical and mysterious to her. One day she decided to start unravelling this mystery and began writing.

The Tainted Accords was her debut series. The After Trilogy is now available.

A New Zealander in origin and in heart, Kelly currently resides in Australia with her soon-to-be husband, a great group of friends, and some huntsman spiders who love to come inside when it rains. Their love is not returned.

Find out more at her website, and claim a free paranormal dystopian short story, coloring book, and free bonus chapters from The Tainted Accords.

http://www.kellystclare.com/free-gift

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5 stars
1,507 (47%)
4 stars
1,097 (34%)
3 stars
469 (14%)
2 stars
66 (2%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
Profile Image for Ronda.
890 reviews179 followers
August 29, 2022
OMG I don't think I'm ever going to grow tired of reading Ms St. Clare's work, here I am at the end of yet another book that has left me aching for the next chapter (obviously I've bought and downloaded the final book ready)!

What started out as a storyline that I didn't think was for me at the beginning of book 1 has definitely progressed to the favourite shelf even before book 1 ended. This second book in the Magical Dating Agency has proved to be a nail biter! Full of mystery, romance, attempted romance and much more, this series has become a firm but surprising favourite. I just can't get enough!
Profile Image for Rhiannon Chillingworth.
836 reviews220 followers
February 27, 2022
4.5.

This such a refreshingly fresh Urban Fantasy series. Kelly really manages to weave a delicate balance of fluffy, light-hearted humour, intrigue and mystery and romance in this series.

I love the originality of the world building with the different descendants and the supernatural creatures that belong to each line. Just like her Vampire Towers and Shifter Wars series had a totally fresh fake on werewolves and vampires, so this series does when focused on a range of supernaturals in the community.

Cerys is such an unusual character in Urband Fantasy. She's presented as girly and compassionate, but with a loyal and fierce personality, as well as being very courageous. She's not kick ass or snarky or powerfully confident like so many UF heroines.

My only teeny criticism is I feel like Dev needs a smidge more personality. He is a great character and partner for Cerys, but I feel like he's not as well realised as Cerys and Soleil. But I still love them together.

I highly recommend this book and all of the authors previous work.
Profile Image for Tracy D..
364 reviews54 followers
March 6, 2022
Needed this!

'Security. Connection. Two things that we all took for granted and that were lost in the business of everyday life.

If the curse had taught me one thing, it was to appreciate the small gestures and words. Not just in romance, but in friendship and everyday exchanges.'

I thought this excerpt was particularly poignant, not just for me, but for everyone. I think people often really do take things for granted. It's refreshing to read a female MC that doesn't.

This is NA UF. I recommend to people that believe in love.

Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,802 reviews18 followers
March 5, 2022
Love this book

Another amazing book. I am so enjoying getting to know more about this world. The more I learn the more I want to know. there's so much happening that I just can't wait to find out the reason why they are after her. This book will keep you turning page after page
Profile Image for Deanna.
584 reviews96 followers
July 4, 2022
4.25 stars! Again, another fun read by Kelly St. Clare. I like how everything is tying together, though I won't pretend that I'm not sometimes confused by the mystery of how everything is interrelated. I'm excited to read the last book, and can't wait for Cerys to finally get the dose of love and happiness she deserves!

I love the strength of her and Soleil's friendship and how Devereaux is so supportive. He's not a typical Alpha Hero, but I love his protective streak. Her curse makes it so that they HAVE to take things slow and it'll only make the pay-off *that* much better in book 3.
"Do you want to hear this?"
"I'm the guy who might get to try this all for himself." He flashed me a grin. "You'll only kill me with the description."
<—Dev, hearing about her past exploits and everything she's done with other dates to try and break the curse. See? So supportive. :')
"How much do you like your apartment, Devereaux?"
He stopped breathing. "Not that much. Let's break it."
Profile Image for Katie.
749 reviews639 followers
June 17, 2022
"Security. Connection. Two things that we all took for granted and that were lost in the business of everyday life. If the curse had taught me one thing, it was to appreciate the small gestures and words. Not just in romance, but in friendship and everyday exchanges."

This series was seriously like a cup of hot cocoa warming my heart. There were so many fun hi-jinks with Cerys and her magical cupid ways. I loved the romance between her and Devareux as well - so cute!!! This was such a fun world with so many different creatures, all descended from the Roman gods and living in a modern day city. And I loved how supportive Cerys and Soleil's friendship was. I've honestly never read anything like this series and it's definitely a new fave cozy fantasy!!!!
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,091 reviews120 followers
March 4, 2022
Not sure

Im.not sure how I felt about this second book. I love the storyline, I swear I laughed for 10 minutes str8 in the beginning. And I was seriously hooked. My issue now is our Cupid herself. I'm not really understanding her mind set. She wants everyone to be upfront with her, yet the pile of secrets she keeps is over flowing. She has people in her corner, yet she keeps dangerous secrets to herself. At this point she not keeping herself safe anymore, she's all but putting herself in way more danger on then ever before. The ending? I just couldn't believe she was even entertaining what was happening. Again all in her head, she wants to be the lone wolf to handle it all and save everyone. Its starting to become a tstl character flaw that I just can't stand. I enjoyed the push and pull of her and the detective. And I really thought we were getting somewhere, even that took 10 steps back in the end. Not sure I want to read on after this.
Profile Image for Hetal.
804 reviews112 followers
May 25, 2022
I decided to that reading the ARC was so much fun, I had to it to. And let me tell you. The narrator? FANTASTIC!!

She brings the emotion and frustration that comes with Cerys' situation. She also absolutely just nailed Soleils voice.

The book ends on an nail biting cliffhanger and lucky for you guys book 3 is out.

What can you look forward to?
- A little romance for Soleil , and the ultimate wing woman that is Cerys.
- a drunk unicorn
- more evil and danger brought on by the 12
- A certain Detective that isn't scared of any curses.

Don't sleep on book 2 of Magical Dating Agency because it is so. Freaking. Fun!
Profile Image for KLynn.
1,510 reviews25 followers
May 31, 2023
3.5
This book had definite four star moments, but once again, I don't see myself rereading it.

In this second book, Cerys gets a little further in breaking her curse with the help of a sexy detective. The plot also progresses in the upcoming confrontation with the 12. However, even though there is early progress towards the resolve of many plot points in the early part of the book, the last 20% we see all of it unravel.

I think I need a break before reading book three, even though the recommendations appear to be good.
Profile Image for Daisy Delfin.
1,493 reviews179 followers
August 24, 2024
I binged this series. When I was thinking about what to write about this series I came across the reviews of a gr friend of mine. She wrote such good reviews, that I will just quote them here with links, because she said it all and much better than I could.
I definitely recommend this series!

Love & Curse Makeing:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Love and Magic Shaking:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Love and Heart Breaking:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
78 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2024
The talking in jazz gets me every time, and the poltergeist language too. Consider me charmed!
Profile Image for Kindra Binder.
106 reviews9 followers
February 27, 2022
This story just keeps getting better. It is adorable in so many ways, and also heartbreaking.

In this installment we learn more about Austin and it is rough. It actually made me super sad to know the impossible situation he is in and the impossible decisions he has made.

The personality change in the detective has been so heartfelt. It makes me giddy. And being excited over a held hand or slight touch? I am still unsure how Kelly made me this excited to see Cerys get closer to a damn kiss!

Sol is the ultimate friend. So fierce and loyal. Reading about her issues with a certain drunk is almost like reading another story while in a story. I feel like I have read so many books with the drunks personality, I can almost see exactly how this situation goes.

Cerys though, the poor girl needs a break. She is always seeing the positive side and I admire her for it. Seeing her have happy and funny moments is always good. Knowing she also has breakdowns is just as important.

I kind of saw exactly where this was going though. And I’m hoping it ends up positive for Cerys, Sol, Dev, and Austin.
Profile Image for Laura.
285 reviews7 followers
March 3, 2022
Baseball uniforms and dirty talking jazz speak

Are you ready for your next date? Dive right into Love and Magic Shaking, second of three in the Magical Dating Agency Series by Kelly St Clare. 

Desperate to break the curse that keeps Cerys from finding true love and companionship - read that as the longest dry spell ever - she keeps dating her way through the male population of Nepos in the hope that a touch from an attractive man doesn't cause all out destruction, havoc and chaos.

Joining forces with the sexy detective Devereux Vincori, Cerys has her first taste of hope, until their questions and mutual attraction, threatens the status quo of the powerful families that run Nepos.

You'll laugh, you'll cheer on the simmering romance between Cerys and Dev. You'll wonder just what Venus has in mind with her wild and crazy love matches. There's much to enjoy in this fun, funny, and flirty outing of the Magical Dating Agency Series. Grab your copy and enjoy

Profile Image for Alicia.
2,580 reviews82 followers
May 15, 2022
Lots of drama in this one, mostly because Cerys is a bit of a hypocrite with her secret keeping. She's always busy too. You've never seen a character running around as much as this one who isn't out saving the world. No wonder the poor thing is exhausted; she never stops and always has ten thousand things going at once.
The comedy aspect is toned down in this one, which I did prefer. I like some brevity, but it was a little too outlandish in book one, so I appreciated the change. There was some great character growth: they’ve definitely matured since the first book and the decisions make more sense with the changes.
Those of you familiar with her other series will notice it ends very similarly to the second Vampire Towers book, especially regarding character motivation.
And I really need to know what’s in her tote! If there isn’t some huge reveal in the final book where it pays off for some epic moment I’m going to be mighty disappointed.
Profile Image for Dolce.
1,243 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2022
3.75 stars. Shoot. This was a little disappointing. I love Cerys and Dev and I dig some of the major plot developments (one of them being Soleil and Bain) but there was just too much scheming and not enough hot action for my tastes. Sigh.
Profile Image for Noemi.
1,289 reviews
May 5, 2022
Cerys is such a strong main character. She has been cursed by a witch who took away her ability to be close with someone, something that for Cerys (a cupid) is fundamental. However, the 12 families in Nepos are still aiming at her claiming that she is more than what she says, no matter how many times Cerys disprove them. Thankfully, she has Dev on her side who is willing to help her however he can, even by breaking the curse on her.

Cerys never gives up and she'll do anything to protect the people she love. I can't wait to read the next book to figure out what happens next.
Profile Image for Jessica Willoughby.
1,577 reviews12 followers
May 10, 2022
So Frickin Good

This series is so fun. You have a main character who loves love, has a secret, and people to help. Plus a bunch of awesome supernaturals around it. Amazing
Profile Image for Stephanie Martinez.
494 reviews16 followers
June 24, 2022
This was a typical middle book in that in was on the slower side and setting up for the final book. I still enjoyed it and am looking forward to see how it all ends and hoping Cerys gets her HAPPY ending 😉
Profile Image for BB.
526 reviews7 followers
August 24, 2024
The writing style is "let's see how much I can write without actually advancing the plot"

So far we're about an inch and a half from where the FIRST book started. I get at some point there ends up being filler/fluff books in a series but I'd say in 2 books, it's been 1.5 fluff going in circles around the same generic vague bad guy conspiracy plot.

Which would be fine if it meant there was a lot of character development to invest in. But no, the descriptions of her commutes are longer than any conversation/anything that happens with whatshisname or the best friend.

I think the thing to do is wait for a series to be done, then just read the final book because it's going to recap and snail pace you to everything that's already happened minus some frustration of all the nothing that goes on.

KindleUnlimited.
Profile Image for Andrea.
2,147 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2022
[I'm] vined to the date who’d just introduced me to his parents at his uncle’s funeral. And it still wasn’t my worst date.

description

More shenanigans, jazz talking pixies, a fight with the Twelve heating up, and some burgeoning romance!

I'm having more and more fun with the characters and storyline as the series continues- glad I kept reading- on to the next!
Profile Image for LainieLibrary.
542 reviews30 followers
March 5, 2022
4 Stars

I really enjoyed this addition! I'm kind of obsessed with this series since the characters are so likable, the plot is awesome, and it's light and funny. Pretty much everything in my review of book 1 remains true here!

I love how things are continuing to grow more complex. Cerys finds out more about herself and her powers, and the people hunting her. Her relationship with the detective continues to grow, and I honestly love them together. There is a bit of romance in works for her friend too, which is a fun addition. Overall, this is a very solid read. It's funny, keeps me hooked, and the characters are all amazing. Seriously, I love Cerys, but all her secrets are becoming frustrating. She needs help, and needs to be so much more transparent with those around her. Especially when she's insisting on everyone else being open and honest to her.

The only reason I can't give this more stars is because the romance between Cerys and Dev is pretty light. There are great moments between the two, but by the end I feel like we are exactly where this book started. Don't get me wrong, the plot progressed really well, but the romance (which is mostly why I'm reading this) was just on the back burner. I really hope for my progression between Cerys and Dev (and way more spice) in the next book.
Profile Image for Courtney Delgado.
95 reviews6 followers
March 6, 2022
Your Next Date Is Here…

Cerys, the cursed Cupid, is back! And this time the hijinks and twists are even better. Building on the world established in book one, Cerys and Soleil continue their quests. I really enjoy Cerys character, she is so relatable, even under these mythical circumstances. And her growing relationship with the detective, is so cute! The angst and adventure is building and I cannot wait to read more. Love & Magic Shaking is an outstanding 4.5 star read. From drunk unicorns, corrupt phoenixes, and an irreverent alpha wolf to baseball uniforms, togas, and dates in the dark, this story has a great mix of feel-good escapism, drama, and mystery.

How was the date?

💗Length: Novel
💗Genre: Urban fantasy/RomCom
💗POV: First person, female main character
💗Age: New Adult/Adult
💗Warnings: Language, adult joking/conversation, innuendo
💗Spice: Mild, there is some intense heat building though
💗Violence: Mild, action-focused
💗Editing: Well written and edited
💗World: Nepos, Roman mythology background
💗Series: Book 2 Magical Dating Agency – must read book 1
💗Tropes: Grumpy/sunshine, cursed love, ride or die best friend, magical creatures, fated mates
💗Ending: Immediate story has a resolution, but there is a hook for the next book, so “semi-cliffhanger-ish”
💗Re-read? Yes, adding this series to my “feel good” reads
Profile Image for red_head_reads_.
37 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2024
A magical cupid, sexy siren, drunk unicorn, fangless vampire, silently raging berserker and blue phoenix can all be found in this urban fantasy/romance trio. Residing in Nepos, the territory just on the other side of the human lands, best friends Cerys Concordia and Soleil run a dating agency. From mermaids to fire mages, everyone is welcome at Yearning Hearts. I love the true bond these best friends share. It feels so genuine and heart-warming. Once detective Vincori comes into the picture, along with a handsome office assist, things get very interesting for the cursed cupid and her bestie. I found the banter between Cerys and the detective funny and charming. I was in tears, laughing at her "dates". Especially with the succubus and forest nymph. As the series develops, there's a mystery to be solved and much danger coming from a powerful enemy.   The ups and downs in books two and three kept it interesting. However, I did not realize when I started reading the first book that it was part of a series. Wanting to find out what happened next, I continued with the next installments. Due to this, while interesting, they moved slower for me. At another time I think I would have finished the series much faster. I still loved the series as a whole. I only wish there had been more spice. Much more spice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for C. Erani Kole.
1,709 reviews51 followers
May 13, 2022
amazing but sour taste ending

I was high as a kite with this book. I enjoy the author and this series she started, and I really enjoyed the thing with the beserker. Constantly teasing hot stuff and never actually doing it is an awesome way of hooking in a reader while simultaneously adding depth to a pair of characters who can enjoy each other for more than just sex.

The ending was a sour taste in my mouth. I hate it when characters throw a pity party and lose focus of everything else. And I hate the feeling of helplessness and just giving in. There’s a reason I enjoy heroines who are unapologetically loud and opinionated. And Cerry is an adorable, kind-hearted soul who boarders naïveté and it’s her “image”. I love her for all she is. But ending the book with her poor face in tears was just gross. (Okay not GROSS but I’m not exactly jumping for sadistic joy right now.)

Overall this was entertaining. Loved her thing with Dev. I LOVE that he seemed more like a person than a mysterious hot smart thing. I love that a lot more details got dropped about the families and “hidden power players” in the series. It added depth.

Her support system is great and the bad guys are icky. Good job.
Profile Image for Lana  (Lore & Lullabies).
175 reviews37 followers
March 6, 2022
Witches, Beserkers, Sirens, Pheonix's and Cupids. This book has it all with exciting high stakes plot and romance that's heart melting!!

St Clare has a rare and seamless way of blending romance, mystery, humour, and chaos into her books that boggles the mind.

I read a lot of books in this genre and they can get repetitive. This never seems to be the case with St Clare.

Magic and Love Shaking is a look at the stakes from a wider and more indepth lense and see how deep in poop Cerys and her friends really are.

We get to know more about Austin and even book ones favourite douchebag and I was here for it. We learn more about the 12 families and the inner workings of their elitist bs (Generation Seige was brilliant!!)

I would like to take a second to please acknowledge the big, staunch intimidating Love interest that doesn't subscribe to the toxic masculinity narrative. Can I get an Amen!!!

This is a romance novel. There's and expectation of romance. But the new romance in book 2 was the one I shipped the most. I can't wait to see this Love story play out its just so cute and heart warming.

This is the perfect series is a quick and enjoyable way to cleanse your palate after a dense fantasy series or a wholesome slow burn to break up the spice that has you drooling and twitching in the corner. Just do yourself a favour and read this!
Profile Image for Brandy  G..
45 reviews
March 6, 2022
Love & Magic Shaking is the second book in the Magical Dating Agency series by Kelly St. Clare. This book is intended to be read after the first book, but hey, if you're feeling like shaking things up a bit, go ahead and read this one first! I was fortunate to receive an early reader copy. This is a completely spoiler free review, and all opinions are my own.

Book two draws us further into the lovely Cupid Cerys' cursed life. Her cursed dates in book one were epic, but we don't see quite as many in book two. Don't worry though, there are still plenty of surprises due to the curse! You will snort-laugh at the shenanigans Cerys faces during her attempts to loosen her curse.

I loved that we learned more about Soleil in this installment. We get to understand her a bit more, and hopefully we see her getting her own books in the future! I felt like the story continues to develop well and we see some good character growth from supporting characters along the way, including the mysterious Detective Devereaux Vincori!

Love & Magic Shaking is a perfect middle book in a 3 book series- now I'm anxiously awaiting book 3!
Profile Image for The Caffeinated Grimoire.
734 reviews5 followers
May 4, 2022
Fun Read 💖

I'm loving this series so far it's so different to your typical PNR book and I find i have a constant smile of my face from giggling hahaha Dev what a guy seriously 💖

In this book Cerys agrees to date Dev exclusively in hopes that her attraction to him will help weaken the curse more which it does... But the curse isn't the only thing on Cerys mind someone is still after her and she still can't figure out why but when something turns up in her apartment one morning all her biggest fears come rushing toward her... believing she was only a cupid and convincing everyone will be a different story and if anyone realizes what she really is her life will be in danger in more than one way. But who can she really trust besides soeli with her new secret? She may be falling hard for the detective but letting her walls down completely could spell disaster.
The powerful 12 families who run her city may be behind the attacks on her but when the witch who cast the spell on her sells the rights to them they may be the only ones who can end her misery but at what cost....

Definitely Recommend Reading 📚
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