Conjuring Moonlight

Tooth & Spell #2

by Jasmine Silvera

Evie Acaz lost faith in magic when it failed to save her family, but she'll never escape its influence. Her talent with numbers makes her indispensable to a power-hungry mob boss, and her ability to see death coming brings a warning she knows better than to ignore. Her only a risky ruse that ends in her vanishing without a trace. A summer fling in the woods with an enchanting stranger is not part of her plan. A job for Prague’s most prominent gentleman’s club is the chance Mark Vogel needs to get his fledgling construction company off the ground. Keeping his crew away from the scantily clad women is easy. Overlooking his client’s ties to the mob is harder. Pretending not to recognize the club’s bookkeeper from the woods last summer—the one who makes his wolf’s nose twitch? Impossible. Evie is the first person who doesn’t want or need Mark’s help, but his wolf recognizes the jaws of the trap at her feet. And she can’t pretend she isn’t intrigued that his is the one death she can’t see. Forbidden passion is tested when Evie and Mark uncover the terrifying secret hidden within the criminal’s books, but neither divines the danger the discovery brings. Now the only thing standing between magic and the mob are a witch and a wolf with everything to lose.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

354 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2022

About the author

Jasmine Silvera spent her impressionable years sneaking "kissing books" between comics and fantasy movies. She's been mixing them up in her writing ever since. She is the author of three books in the Grace Bloods series: Death's Dancer, Dancer's Flame, and The Talon & the Blade. Binding Shadows, the first book in the Tooth & Spell trilogy, is forthcoming in 2020.

Jasmine loves hearing from readers, find her online at:

www.jasminesilvera.com
www.facebook.com/jassilvera
www.twitter.com/jassilvera

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Reviews

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5.0
A bit of a disappointment considering I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series. This one starts with two complete strangers hooking up, sneaking out and having sex with each other every day for weeks, then leaving and following their separate lives (without either of them knowing anything at all about the other) for the first 40% of the book. Evie is a bookkeeper for a mob boss and Markus is in construction. The separate lives stuff continues through the next part of the book, even after they meet up again. The problem with all of this is, by the time they finally start a "real" relationship, it isn't believable. The reader has never seen any depth or reason for that relationship other than a whole bunch of nameless sex to connect with! Without some kind of emotional relationship building earlier on in the book, how can one believe an undying, can't live without love? Especially when Evie plans to leave throughout the entire story?

Oh, and Barbara's act of sending Evie away? NOT good and REALLY not conducive to what her character was in the last book. The super quick forgiveness on Markus' part didn't ring true as well... especially if we are trying to believe Evie really is "the one".

*sigh* So.. just didn't connect with this story - as much as I wanted and tried to.

[Cait · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh I'm so mad at how average this was, especially after book 1 being a real delight.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Tooth & Spell #2
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!

Wow! This was just as action packed and emotional as the first book. After reading the first book I didn’t expect to be addicted to the second as much, but I was wrong. I couldn't put this one down either. Mark and Evie’s story was just as good as Tobias and Barbara’s was!

Markus Vogel has been taking care of his family all his life. He is a protector and a good man, so of course he can’t look away from the beautiful bookkeeper that is clearly trying to get away from the mob. Mark is a hardcore big brother. He is constantly trying to take care of everything and doesn’t want to lean on others. I really loved seeing Markus finally be vulnerable with someone and learn to lean a little.

Evie Acaz is an extremely independent and tough woman, but also very traumatized. She has spent the past two years as a bookkeeper for a mob boss and she knows it's just a matter of time before she will have to run. Evie was a wonderful heroine who struggles to let anyone close, especially since she can see people's deaths when she looks at their faces. I loved seeing this strong woman open up to Markus and let him in. It is my favorite part of any romance. Markus and Evie’s relationship starts as just a fling because they know it is too dangerous for more. I really enjoyed the pacing of their relationship, especially considering the danger they faced and Evie’s past trauma.

The situation with the mob was very interesting and kept me hooked to the story. I loved how Evie handled the situation and made multiple contingency plans and caches in the event she had to run. I love the Vogal family even more after this book. They are constantly putting themselves in danger to protect their family and others, and I just love them for it. Also, I loved the dinner scene.

Overall, this was a wonderful addition to this series. I am loving learning more about this world and all the different abilities that the witches can have. Also, I just love seeing the Vogal boys fall in love. I can’t wait for the next one now.

Trigger warnings: death of family during war; PTSD; attempted sexual assault referenced; human trafficking; death (referenced and on page); physical abuse

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Elle Beauregard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels at once like sipping hot tea on a blustery day, and a wild romp through the forest. From the settings to the characters, the descriptions are lush and delicious. Nothing about this book feels hurried even while the story moves along at the perfect clip with a well-balanced juxtaposition of comfort and tension. Just like in Binding Shadows, Silvera's take on werewolves is fresh and unique. Mark's relationship with his wolf is so very different than his brothers' but handled with the same care and detail. Evie's story is heartwrenching and sensitively written. Silvera encapsulates not just the story, but the very texture of the setting with her words in a way that makes me want to linger in the world, absorbing every moment.
*I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Conjuring Moonlight from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Viola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as much if not more than the first, and this series overall continues to really draw me into the world Jasmine Silvera has built. The original series didn’t always work for me personally, but these prequel books have really developed the world in interesting and unpredictable ways. This one leans a little more on the fated mates trope: Mark and Evie meet and are immediately drawn to one another and from there it’s really not long before they’re declaring their love. I loved the complexity of Evie’s character in particular as she reckons with the trauma she’s suffered. There’s also some truly gorgeous imagery as Evie glimpses starlight as she looks at Mark, and during the scenes that take place beneath the moonlight.

Bebe from the previous book makes a choice here that I thought felt a little out of character for her, but I really liked seeing her developing brother/sister relationship with Mark, who was kinda antagonistic in book one. Looking forward to seeing where Silvera goes for Christof’s book, which I assume is next! (Also, I would absolutely read a prequel to the prequel about Beryl and Lukas, who remain the best.)

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super into Binding Shadows and then the one copy of Conjuring Moonlight was checked out from my library, so I had to wait. But when I got the notification that it was my turn, I most definitely jumped on it! Totally worth the 2 week wait and I probably sound like a broken record because the last one was my favorite so far, but this is my new favorite so far. I feel like Mark annoyed me a lot in the other books, but he really grew on me. It was interesting to see him even note internally that he knew exactly which buttons to press on his family members so it makes sense why he was so frustrating in their books. Evie was such a cool character. I loved her skills in math because that seemed like a really unique magical ability along with her other unique skills. And Mark and Evie were so gone for each other. I enjoyed the relationship between Tal and Evie as well. I look forward to the next book by Jasmine Silvera!

[Megan Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! I never gave Markus a lot of consideration beyond being one of the brothers. This book really fleshed him out and made me glad to make his acquaintance. Evie is the real star of the show though. Smart, cool under pressure, and resourceful she is fun to watch as she discovers her potential. You can see that with some training and practice she would be freaking deadly.

This book also gives us some quick glances at Azreal and his inner circle from the outside. I always like seeing characters I already know from a third-party’s perspective. It makes me want to pick up my copy of Death’s Dancer for another read to see how this story line fits into the first one.

Strong writing, characters, and fun all around from Jasmine Silvera, as we have grown accustomed to. I look forward to whatever she graces us with next.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly magical book! Something for everyone to enjoy: magic, violence, mobsters, dancers, friendship and love. Evie and Mark, simply strangers turned lovers. A few weeks of secret meetings turns to more. Their world outside of this mini adventure is quite dangerous and wrapped up in something evil. Mark’s family is unique in that all the boys are wolves, mom is a witch while dad and Isela are considered normal. Isela has her own story as a God’s dancer as she develops a relationship with a necromancer. They come together in battle for this stranger, Evie, who has bonded with their brother. Evie has a tragic past which has made her stronger as she develops her own witch abilities. The two of them together are quite simply magic. I was thrilled to receive an early copy.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was worth waiting for! Jasmine Silvera truly knows her craft! Mark was my least favorite Vogel brother. Conjuring Moonlight like The Talon and The Blade took a character I didn't like and made him lovable. Mark's character was so well developed I fell in love with him by the second chapter. Don't even get me started on the story! It starts out with spice and quickly turns into something more. Mark and Evie are perfect for each other. Their love story defied all odds. I'm so glad they get their happily ever after.

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

YESSSSSSS. It felt like I waited for eons for this book (I don't think I waited any longer than anyone else...), and it delivered! I love love love Silvera's writing. Her characters are amazing -- even Mark, who is such an ass in the other books, was written in a way that he was still the same ass... but with more layers that ultimately made him good. And of *course* his book had a mob story arc. That's the perfect kind of setting for a macho asshole. I adored and savored the read, and thought I'd be finished days ago but forced myself to slow down. Worth it.

[BookWormYami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that at first, I wasn't excited to have Mark's story. I was indifferent to to him compare to his other 2 brothers but I'm so glad I read his story. I love Mark and Evie so much!!! They are so freaking cute together! I especially love how the wolf in Mark acts with Evie. It's so freaking adorable! 😍

Overall, this was a great story with magic, love and action. I would definitely recommend this book. This series!

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy delving back into this amazing world the author has built. It is unique and I always feel like I've been on a journey after finishing. This is Mark and Evie's story. I confess I really didn't like Mark before. I'm still not a huge fan but I understand the character much more. Evie was even more than I expected. Their story has a little something for everyone, including the mob. You never know what you're going to get with the Vogle's. Excellent read!

[Blondietex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC copy. This book continues the prequel trilogy(?) of the author’s Grace Bloods trilogy.

Excellent world building that is on par with Ilona Andrews. You wish the story wouldn’t end (or the next book comes soon). If you enjoy paranormal urban fantasy with a solid romance mixed in, read all of her books (but you can read this as a stand alone).

[Mikelle Ericson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page-turner by Jasmine Silvera

Hard to put down. I went back and read her previous books to read this one, and I missed some important pieces…so back to the bookshelf I go.
So excited for the next one.

[Salpy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

That ending was too abrupt! I would have liked at least one scene where they are together without any stress or threat hanging over them.

The pace was a little too slow for me. The story was good, but it took awhile to really get going.

I’m going to read that third book but I’m in no real rush

[Steph Beaudoin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Markus and Evie, WOW! The oldest brother in the middle of the book trilogy is a super interesting approach. I loved reading how these two were growing.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Evie and Mark were intriguing and I felt like they just fit together. I loved the scenes where Mark's wolf just contentedly spent his nights lounging with Evie in her home. I also thought the Vogel family dynamics felt so authentic. The way family can sometimes really annoy you and butt in, but at the end of the day, you know you can count on them to be there for you. Mark always felt a sense of strong responsibility towards his family, and it was interesting to watch him realize they have grown and changed, and maybe, it was time his view of them grew and changed as well. I'm looking forward to seeing where Chris' book takes him.