A Bit of Hocus Pocus

Holidaze in Salem #1

by Kelly Elliott

Hollie Craft has a problem.

After casting a spell on Lucas Dayton, Hollie believes she is truly a witch when certain types of events start to happen to Lucas.

Is it just a bit of hocus pocus, or is it fate?

To Make a Man Fall …

Eye of newt
Toad stool powder
Wing of bat
Hair of man
Spirit of raven
Snake venom
Spider legs

Mash it, crunch it, mix it all together. Say his name three times and put him in sunder.

A Bit of Hocus Pocus is book one in a four book novella. Please note it ends on a cliffy.
A Bit of Holly Jolly releases on December 25, 2022
A Bit of Wee Luck releases on March 17, 2023
A Bit of Razzle Dazzle releases on July 4, 2023

Genres: Halloween, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Novella, Holiday

141 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2022

About the author

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.

www.kellyelliottauthor.com

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little holiday treat from Kelly Elliott. If you love reading books to go with the season or holiday this novella is one you will want to read. It is not a paranormal story but it does have a fun touch of “magick”.

I loved Hollie and Lucas’s characters. They were fun and lovable. This is an enemies to lovers story. Their banter will have you laughing but also rooting for them!!

I look forward to the next book in this series!!

If you are a fan of Kelly’s books pick this one up. It is what we expect from Kelly but also a new fun side of her writing.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

UPDATE 11-11-2022: THE AUTHOR HAS NOW EDITED THE DESCRIPTION OF THIS BOOK TO ADVISE READERS IT IS A CLIFFHANGER AND BOOK 1 OF 4.

ORIGINAL REVIEW 11-01-2022:
****** BEWARE ENDS IN A CLIFFHANGER ******

Okay. This was a super cute story and I really loved watching Hollie and Lucas realize what they had both been missing since they were young kids. There’s some magic and some laughs and it’s really sweet.

What I wasn’t expecting was the little ex drama and then the book ending. So heads up. The description for this book does NOT in any way suggest this isn't a complete story. After finishing, I found and read the description for book 2 where I learned there are 4 books in this series. So I guess we not only have several more books to read to get our HEA, but we'll be spending a little extra money in order to get the complete story.

I'm honestly very disappointed. I personally don’t like cliffhangers so I would have waited until all the books were released before starting. The author should have disclosed this and because of that I have dropped my rating.

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a simply adorable story. I loved hollie..She has had a crush on lucas. He doesn't seem to know she's alive. Well lets put a spell on him.

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with Kelly Elliott's books and this one wasn't exception. This one was exactly in the spirit of Halloween and I loved it. It had everything: witches, magic, love, spice...everything. I can not wait for the next book in the series.

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm usually pretty forgiving when it comes to Holiday romances. I mean, they get to be a little more everything but this one. Well, this wasn't that great. It could have been and I wanted it to be but it wasn't.

It was just too juvenile and there were so many errors. I just struggled.

I don't know if I'll continue. I loved the idea of a series of books based on Holidays but I just don't know if I can stomach Hollie and her immaturity.

I'd give it two stars but since I'm nicer when it comes to Holiday romances I'll give it three and that's me being super generous.

Bummer.

[The Bosnian · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun to read! MY FULL REVIEW & MORE as always on my Review Blog -> CLICK HERE

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m super excited to read more of this story! I loved it so much. And such a fun Halloween read on top of it!!

[Nana Pickrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware! It's a cliffhanger. If I had known that I would have waited until all books were out before reading them.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun!

Once I started reading this....It was very hard to put down...especially to work my actual job!!!😆😆 Hollis and Lucas are pure Magick and practically leap of the page whenever together. So many laugh out loud moments and such an enchanting story. But that cliffhanger though???!!!?!?!?!

[Angela D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a fun little read - of course I’m in the mood for all things Halloween now. Kelly teases us with a new series that started off hilarious but ends on a cliff hanger ! Gahhhhhh! I need the next one ASAP! I can’t wait for A Bit of Holly Jolly!!!!! Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC- now I can’t wait to discuss it with my bestie on October 31!!!

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Halloween gift from Kelly Elliott. I absolutely loved A Bit of Hocus Pocus by Kelly Elliott, the first book in her new Holidaze in Salem series! Kelly Elliott has once again delivered another wonderful romance with A Bit of Hocus Pocus and has once again provided her readers with amazing characters. I love all the characters in A Bit of Hocus Pocus and how feel like best friends! Who does not love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, and loving friends, who always support one another? Kelly Elliott continues to deliver all that and so much more. I have read other books by Kelly Elliott and have always enjoyed her wonderfully written love stories. Kelly Elliott has once again proven that she is an incredible storyteller. A Bit of Hocus Pocus truly did not disappoint, it was impossible to put it down and I loved every moment on every page. One of my favorite parts is how Kelly Elliott incorporated the title of the book and the picture on the cover into the love story. I love that Kelly Elliott writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. A Bit of Hocus Pocus is filled with secrets shared and discovered. A Bit of Hocus Pocus is a wonderful love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a Kelly Elliott love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing aloud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. A Bit of Hocus Pocus is filled with such moments, and with so much more. A Bit of Hocus Pocus is about childhood rivals Hollie Craft, owner of party planning company Holidaze in Salem and Lucas Dayton, city archaeologist. Hollie and Lucas run into each other outside of Lucas’s mother, Rose’s house where Hollie was setting up for her book club meeting. Rose suggested that Lucas and Hollie work together to plan a surprise engagement party for Lucas’s brother, Greg and his girlfriend, Janet on Halloween. After a night of drinking with her best friend, Kristin, Hollie thinks that she casts a spell on Lucas so that he notices her, instead she puts a bad luck curse on him. Hollie learns that Lucas has been suffering a series of accidents, the last one ends with Lucas being treated at the hospital. Hollie heads to her Aunt Lucy’s store to figure out how to solve her dilemma. Hollie’s sister, Sarah and her Aunt Lucy have special powers and they revealed to Hollie that their mother also has the special powers. When Lucas is released from the hospital, Hollie takes him home and discloses that she put a bad luck curse on him and what must be done to remove it. I enjoyed all the plot twists that threatened to disrupt their relationship, but their love prevailed. As Hollie and Lucas begin to spend time together planning Greg and Janet’s engagement part, they both realize that they have feelings for the other since they were in middle school. I love that the picture on the cover is the outfit that Hollie wears to the Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball, and how their relationship changes at the ball. A plot twist at the end causes a cliffhanger ending. A Bit of Hocus Pocus is filled with bittersweet and poignant moments and the surprise plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in Kelly Elliott's stories. A Bit of Hocus Pocus is an incredibly written love story, and I loved every moment. I especially love the cliffhanger ending of the story. I love how Kelly Elliott includes the details of the dresses on the cover of the book in the story. Highly recommend this beautifully written story. Looking forward to reading A Bit of Holly Jolly the next book in the series.

[Jupiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Estoy muy sorprendida, la última vez que leí a la autora fue con su serie Wanted y es un drama drama, también tiene algunos aspectos de su escritura que me dejaron mal sabor de boca, así que desde entonces no me atrae.

Esta historia ha sido buenísima, aunque es corta me gusto muchísimo, noto un gran cambio en la escritura, la narración, sus personajes me parecen que tiene una gran construcción.

Ame a Hollie y Lucas, ver esa enemistad que tienen resquebrajándose para mostrar lo que en verdad esconden ambos protagonistas, y además disfrute de los momentos cómicos, me reí tanto, lo volvería a leer.
Estoy encantada de que hay más libros, quiero saber que más les pasará a los personajes.
Recomendado 👌.




🍃📚🍂

I am very surprised, the last time I read the author was with her series Wanted and it is a drama drama, she also has some aspects of her writing that left a bad taste in my mouth, so since then it does not attract me.

This story has been very good, although it is short I liked it very much, I notice a great change in the writing, the narration, its characters seem to me that it has a great construction.

I love Hollie and Lucas, see that enmity they have cracking to show what both protagonists really hide, and also enjoy the comic moments, I laughed so much, I would read it again.

I am delighted that there are more books, I want to know what else will happen to the characters.

Recommended 👌.

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A must-read Halloween romance that has thrills, chills, spells and spice. Kelly Elliott delivers a story that is not what it seems, and has something up its spooky sleeve! -TheBritishBibliophile

As a reader of Kelly's for almost a decade, you bet your literary pants I was excited to see her announce not one, but four brand new standalone novellas in a series all its own! Behold, dear readers, the Holidaze in Salem series. First up, A Bit of Hocus Pocus.

Keeping things in time with the seasonal spirit and by the name of the book's title, A Bit of Hocus Pocus our first trip to Salem, Massachusetts, kicks the series off with a Halloween-themed romance between Lucas Dayton and Hollie Craft. The latter--according to the blurb--put a spell on the former, and now both of their paths are linked until said spell can be broken.

After all, there's only so long a person can be in sunder.

My biggest compliment to this book and to Kelly, has to be the amount of laughs I had while reading it. Kelly always injects some humour into her stories one way or another, but I haven't laughed while reading a book like this for a very long time. You'll all get to read what happens when Lucas is in sunder, and it gave me flashbacks to another rather unlucky character from a story way back when. Truitt Carter from Lucky in Love , book four in Kelly's Southern Bride series. The two are very alike in the lacking in luck department, but I have to hand it to Lucas, he knows how to woo a woman. Talk about swoon central!

I can honestly say that despite not being a Halloween person myself, I did enjoy this story more than I thought I would. I'm a Christmas person through and through, so I surprised myself with this one. There was never any doubt in Kelly or her creative abilities, and I'm glad that I put in a request to read this delightful novella.

All in all, I'm over-the-moon happy with this and the fantastic potential the rest of the series possesses already. Is it Christmas yet?

Five stars!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just in time for Halloween and boy Kelly Elliott didn't disappoint at all. We have two people who by all counts have competed in everything and yet in a way it sounded like foreplay with their love brewing all these years.The thing is that Hollie is unlike any woman and Kelly Elliott shows us a side of her that even she never saw coming. Seeing Hollie embrace her talents was beautiful with the questions swarming in her head wondering if she is going crazy or is it really real her witchery talents. Not only do we see Hollie and Lucas finally admitting their feelings but man the fireworks when they get in on so to speak is way beyond any simple spell it is passion all the way. Now Lucas definitely a charmer all the way and good lord does Kelly Elliott know how to tease Hollie with his kisses and seduction. All in all this is a great read for Halloween and cannot wait to see what she does next in Salem with Hollie and Lucas.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

[Dioana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leer este libro fue como ver un capitulo de Los Hechiceros de Waverly Place. El personaje masculino poco llamativo pero ahí y la mujer protagonista graciosa y con toques de una personalidad aniñada; es más, creo que esta novella puede entrar en la categoría de Young Adult.

Fue corto, entretenido, perfecto para ir sumando el reto de lectura, sin embargo, tal como lo mencionó la autora los finales quedan en suspenso y para saber la razón del final de este libro hay que leer el siguiente pero en lo personal no es que me motive mucho leerle los siguientes libros.

Y finalmente tal como lo he mencionado en otras reseñas, las novellas al ser tan cortas dejan de lado muchas cosas del desarrollo de la historia, pero creo que es posible que capte al lector y le den ganas de leer más sobre ella si está bien escrita. Misteriosamente no sé por qué solo hay una autora a la que me ha llegado a encantar sus novellas, tal vez porque sea mi favorita pero también porque tiene algo que de una atrape a quién lo lee.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m Positively Spellbound!

Cliffhanger!
Book 1 of what appears to be 4
Told from both POVs
Enemies to lovers romance
Quite a few editing errors which isn’t normal for this author

I was hooked the second I started reading this book and couldn’t put it down until I finished. I just wish I knew it was a cliffhanger. I wasn’t ready to have to wait until December to see what happened next!

Hollie and Lucas have basically know each other their entire lives. While they both have harbored feelings for each other, rather than admit it, they both handled it like mature adults and covered their feelings with insults and glares. Lol

After drunkenly putting a spell on Lucas though, Hollie has to somewhat come clean. From their they finally admit their feelings for each other, the problem is, Lucas’s ex and Hollies biggest enemy isn’t just going to let them walk off into the sunset together.

Here’s to December when we can find out what happens next!!!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read this one & figured this was a good time since it’s close to Halloween. I loved this short book! It was a fun, comedic read. Holly Craft lives in Salem and comes from a family of witches, however all her life she was told she wasn’t a witch. After casting a spell on someone she secretly likes (Lucas Dayton), things happen, making her believe she’s actually a witch. Lucas always picked on Holly, which made her dislike him most days. Now that they are grown adults, things have changed a little. It was fun getting to know the characters and their personalities. The banter was great, the accidental moments were hilarious and the chemistry was felt between the characters. This book did not feel short at all, nor did it feel like it was lacking anything. The only issue I kind of had was trying to keep all the characters straight, but that wasn’t too much of a big deal. Now my issue is to see if I can wait til December to read book 2, A Bit of Holly Jolly. LOL

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…
What a fun, entertaining introduction to the Holidaze in Salem Series and if A Bit of Hocus Pocus us anything to go by then Ms Elliott will have another hit series on her hands. This book really shows us how talented and diverse thus author is and honestly this is a genre I’m not normally drawn to but I’m so glad I picked this one up.
This is Holly Craft and Luca Dayton’s story and boy do they have a tale to tell. Their journey is mixed with passion, romance, witty banter and a few spells that seem to cause a lot of problems. If you are looking for the perfect read for Halloween and a book that will leave you smiling look no further than this well written, entertaining story. Can’t wait for the next instalment from Salem.

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book kicks off a new four-book novella series for this author. I’ve been a huge fan of her books for way too many years to mention now, so even though this seemed to be a very different concept from her norm, I had to see where she took it. I tried to hold out for all the books to release, but despite hating cliffhangers, I gave in. And despite said cliffhanger, I’m so glad I did. It’s fun, funny, flirty, and a bit paranormal-y. I mean, what could possibly go wrong when a witch who doesn’t know she’s a witch casts a spell on her enemy?! It’s light on angst, heavy on fun, and has me hooked already. Lucas and Hollie’s enemies-to-lovers story will have you anxiously moving on to the next book.

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun cute read

A Bit of Hocus Pocus is such a fun cute read. I'm hooked and this is just book 1. Hollie never believed that she had powers or practice witchcraft like the rest of her family. She has loved Lucas from a far forever. Lucas has hid his feelings from Hollie for years. After years of bickering, a string of bad luck Lucas and Hollie finally spend time together. I love the chemistry build. I love Hollie and Lucas together so much. I cannot wait for the next book. I need more Hollow and Lucas. This is just a bit of witchcraft fun that you will fall in love with. Go one click this now and get to know Hollow and Lucas now.

[Jac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute short story of Hollie Craft and Lucas Dayton
Hollie is a very successful party planner and has made a name for herself in the town of Salem and Lucas works for the council of Salem as a archaeologist.
Salem is known for a little Hocus Pocus and Hollie might just discover that she is true a witch.
Hollie and her BFF get a little too tipsy and just might set a spell on Lucas who becomes quite accidental prone.
The banter between Lucas and Hollie will have you laughing, along with other characters.
Watch this story unfold - CLIFFHANGER
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Keely · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 A cute and quick read with a Halloween and witch theme. Definitely different than the average Kelly Elliott book, but I still enjoyed it for something different during the fall season. Does leave off on a cliffhanger. Hollie just accepted the fact that’s she’s a witch after accidentally putting a hex on Lucas (whom she secretly has liked for a long time). Lucas ended up with bad luck, but Hollie was able to reverse it with another spell. They spent some more time together and finally realized they both secretly had feelings for each other…they finally got together, but an ex sent something to Hollie that could maybe end everything.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollie and Lucas have been enemies and rivals since grade school

Lately things have gotten muddled! Each realizes that the should stop sniping and smile more. When a drunken Hollie tries to cast a spell that would have Lucas like her things go horribly wrong and he ends up having multiple mishaps. Her family suggests another spell to remove the bad luck and they end up kissing. She's a talented party planner who's just starting to explore her gift. He's working for the city excavating old sites. They bond over the engagement party she's organising with Lucas at the behest of his mother.

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
Witchy rom-com
Small-town setting
Accidental love spell
Holiday magic
Fate vs. coincidence

Hocus Pocus is one of my favorite spooky movies ever, so when I saw the name of this book, I immediately picked it up—and it did not disappoint! Hollie never expected her love spell to actually work, but when Lucas starts acting a little too enchanted, things in Salem get both spooky and sweet.

This was such a cute and fun read! Between the cozy fall setting, the crackling chemistry, and the lighthearted magic, Kelly Elliott delivered the perfect seasonal novella. That cliffhanger though—I’m already counting down for book two!

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas & Hollie

Oh I loved this one soooo much! Who doesn’t love an enemies to lovers romance. Lucas has hated Hollie since elementary school. Or so she thought. She on the other hand was in love with him. She struggled with the fact that her family has some Magickal powers and the attention it garnered her. When Lucas’ mother hires Hollie to plan a surprise engagement for Lucas’ older brother they wind up working together on it. Will they be able to put their past behind them and make a little magick of their own???

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in what is going to be a fabulous series from the always amazing Kelly Elliott!!! I have been a fan of Kelly's since I ran across her first book on Amazon years ago!!! I will freely admit that I was a bit nervous to start this one with it being one of 4 in a series and it being a continuation!!! It was well worth the cliffhanger ending to get started with this story!!! She once again has provided a hero and heroine that you are fully invested in from the first chapter all the way to the end!!! I can't wait to dig in to book 2 to see where this story takes us next!!!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollie and Lucas have been in a competition to see who is better at things most of their lives. These two don't realize how each other feel and Hollie casts a spell not knowing that it would work. When she hears about Lucas's accidents she tries to reverse the spell and ends up needing his help. Lucas goes along with Hollie so he can spend more time with her. When her best friend accidentally tells Lucas some information things get interesting. Hollie is so cute. The ending was a shocker and I can't wait to read the next book!!

[Lana-White Hot Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute book. I love the cover and of course Hollie and Lucas. These two are enemies to lover who have secretly liked each other since junior high. When Hollie tries casting a small spell on Lucas, it does not go as planned and she has to try and fix it. As these two finally come to terms with their feelings, something happens and your left with what just happened. Looking forward to the next one.

[Lisa Waugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, this Halloween treat by Kelly was better than any candy could ever be!

Kelly’s newest series (Holidaze in Salem) featuring Lucas and Hollie was the right mix of sweet, spicy with a little bit of mischief to make for one heck of a story! This enemies to lovers story with wrong spells and reversals was hilarious!

You better go get this story or Hollie just might place a hex on you!!!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are in the need of a fun holiday novella series look no further! This was such a fun and cute read!! I was hooked immediately and couldn’t put it down!! It was a great start to a new series!! If you like enemies to lovers, short reads, and some spice you will love this one! Beware though….it will leave you with a cliffhanger and another reason to look forward to Christmas! I absolutely recommend this one!

Received a arc for a honest review.