1. In the previous installments, the magic was far more subtle than in Crystal Cove where it comes to the fore. The book has a much stronger PNR vibe. Did you enjoy this or would you have preferred the lighter touch of magic realism?
2. Jason is described as "a man without a soul". Did you originally think the author meant this literally or figuratively? What did you think of the way this aspect of his character was portrayed?
3. Justine in a natural born witch but seems to have rejected her heritage and has no control over her powers. What did you think of this?
4. Did you enjoy the romance between Jason and Justine? Was it easy to identify with them emotionally?
5. Kleypas diverges from her usual path with the sex scenes. Were they over the top or did they work with Jason and Justine's characters?
6. Some readers have compared Jason to Harry Rutledge from the Hathaways series. Do you see the similarities or is this way off base?
7. Did anyone else keep recalling the plot of Practical Magic (Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman) while reading about the Witch's Bane?
8. Justine's mother, Marigold, placed a spell on her daughter to prevent her from falling in love. Sage and Rosemary believed it was done out of love but Justine is convinced her mother did it to control her. What do you think?
9. Marigold is presented as a bitter, cold woman who is willing to allow her daughter to die in order to teach her a lesson. Do you think Marigold was always this way or did her life experiences make her like this?
10. Sage and Rosemary fulfill the mothering role that Justine is lacking from her own mother. What did you think of them and their relationship with Justine?
11. What did you think of the way the Witch's Bane is resolved? Do you believe in Soul Mates?
12. Jason's initial interest in Justine stems from wanting to get his hands on the grimoire. He eventually "borrows" the book. What did you think of his motivation and his actions?
13. Priscilla is very dedicated to her job. What did you think of her character and the lengths she was willing to go to in order to please her boss?
14. What did you think of the Fiveash family?
15. Is there a good balance between the romance and the descriptions of magic/witchcraft?
1. In the previous installments, the magic was far more subtle than in Crystal Cove where it comes to the fore. The book has a much stronger PNR vibe. Did you enjoy this or would you have preferred the lighter touch of magic realism?
2. Jason is described as "a man without a soul". Did you originally think the author meant this literally or figuratively? What did you think of the way this aspect of his character was portrayed?
3. Justine in a natural born witch but seems to have rejected her heritage and has no control over her powers. What did you think of this?
4. Did you enjoy the romance between Jason and Justine? Was it easy to identify with them emotionally?
5. Kleypas diverges from her usual path with the sex scenes. Were they over the top or did they work with Jason and Justine's characters?
6. Some readers have compared Jason to Harry Rutledge from the Hathaways series. Do you see the similarities or is this way off base?
7. Did anyone else keep recalling the plot of Practical Magic (Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman) while reading about the Witch's Bane?
8. Justine's mother, Marigold, placed a spell on her daughter to prevent her from falling in love. Sage and Rosemary believed it was done out of love but Justine is convinced her mother did it to control her. What do you think?
9. Marigold is presented as a bitter, cold woman who is willing to allow her daughter to die in order to teach her a lesson. Do you think Marigold was always this way or did her life experiences make her like this?
10. Sage and Rosemary fulfill the mothering role that Justine is lacking from her own mother. What did you think of them and their relationship with Justine?
11. What did you think of the way the Witch's Bane is resolved? Do you believe in Soul Mates?
12. Jason's initial interest in Justine stems from wanting to get his hands on the grimoire. He eventually "borrows" the book. What did you think of his motivation and his actions?
13. Priscilla is very dedicated to her job. What did you think of her character and the lengths she was willing to go to in order to please her boss?
14. What did you think of the Fiveash family?
15. Is there a good balance between the romance and the descriptions of magic/witchcraft?