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Demons of Bourbon Street (Jade Calhoun #3)
Demons of Bourbon Street (Jade Calhoun #3)
Deanna Chase | 2020 | Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
of 250
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Demons of Bourbon Street ( Jade Calhoun book 3)
By Deanna Chase

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

 
New Orleans coven leader, Jade Calhoun, is embarking on a hellish mission. Literally. A week ago her ex sacrificed himself to Hell in order to save Jade's mother. While he suffers, Jade will stop at nothing to bring him home...even if it means working with Lailah, an angel she's never trusted.

But the stakes are raised when Jade discovers her boyfriend, Kane, is marked by a demon. The very same one who tried seducing him right before Jade's eyes. Now Kane's life is on the line, and consequently, Jade's soul is compromised. She'll need all the help she can get, including Lailah's, as she fights her way through Hell to save her ex and Kane - and her entire existence.

This was my favourite so far! It was fast paced lots of action and a few surprises. I really enjoyed it. Jade finally has her mum back and her friend rescued let’s hope she can stay out of hell for a while.
  
The Shadow Cabinet
The Shadow Cabinet
Juno Dawson | 2023 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Firstly, I need to say how much I loved this.
Secondly, HMRC is a mess! The High Priestess is dead and her successor isn’t who anyone thinks she is, Theo’s powers seem to be dwindling, Leonie’s brother has disappeared and she needs to rescue him from Public enemy #1, and Elle’s marital problems take a rather drastic turn. Oh, and there are rather a lot of Witch-finders - and they are most definitely NOT good news. These men are Incels on steroids.

Everyone gets a say, with even a non-witch Prime Minister and his cronies getting a look in, and we learn about Luke’s backstory.

There’s a lot packed in to this story, but I didn’t feel as though any of it was rushed. Leonie’s trip to a long lost coven was fascinating and a bit traumatic (again, there’s a fair bit of trauma in this!)

But the main character in this (and I’m not going to say who it is!) is the real tour de force.

And the ending!!!!

I WILL be reading the third book, absolutely no question! I will be needing to find out how they will all deal with the small Lucifer problem…
  
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KittyMiku (138 KP) rated Witch's Bell in Books

May 23, 2019  
Witch's Bell
Witch's Bell
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was a free book on Amazon and the reviews make you wonder if you should even pick it up, but I still did and I have never been happier. I did find some of the complaints to be true to word, but I did enjoy the book way too much to just say it wasn't worth the read. However, we will be discussing Ebony Bell and her adventures and what Bell may have been done to make it better. Let's dive in.

So first of all, I fell in love with the idea behind this book and apparently the series. With characters like Nathan Wall and Ebony Bell, I couldn't help but be intrigued on whatever relationships was forming between them. I think this book was pretty well thought out considering it cold have left the scenes bare making it hard to visualize where the characters were and what was exactly going on. However, I did think there could have been a little less rambling about different things, though I feel it may be foreshadowing for other books. I feel that even though Ebony was pretty fleshed out, that there could have been a little more on the other characters we find ourselves following a bit. For example, Avery's mother is described by her looks and a bit of how she acted when Ebony was a child, but as a member of the Coven, I wanted a little more. Like how did she become apart of the Coven who were supposedly the strongest witches around as well as the oldest? It left a few questions popping to mind and hope they will be answered in the future. Nathan was another character I felt could have been fleshed out a bit more and not really semi revealed at the end. It left a lot to be desired, but again could just be information that makes you want to read on.

I loved, and I mean LOVED, how when Ebony had her magic blocked from her, the way she saw things changed a bit. Do not get me wrong, her outfits made me giggle, but seeing her actually notice the small things even though she didn't have to and hadn't noticed before, was kind of nice. You were able to see her actually begin to appreciate things she hadn't before. I always love seeing characters grow as a person. Ebony had learned to really appreciate what she was seeing as well as what she had. To see her struggle had brought some delight and I found myself a little mad at how she would forget the most important thing she had thought about until it was almost too late. I did find that the use of other characters did help make what was going on around her seem a little more dire.

I found the love interest between Ebony and Nathan to be a bit subtle, which was kind of nice since it left a lot of room for something to blossom a wonderful romance. I do like how Nate gets under Ebony's skin and no matter how hard she tries rattle him he is unfazed. This made them polar opposites, which made me smile a bit, Though I would have loved to see more between them in the form of witty banter and teasing. but what I was given, I didn't think it was all that bad, just could have been more.

Overall, I would rate this book 4 stars out of 5 stars. There could have been more given and even explained something better while not rambling on things that made you begin to question a character's mental state. I loved the story line and hope that as the books move forward we can figure it all out about our mysterious Detective Nathan Wall, the Coven and whoever is behind trying to rewrite Ebony Bell's story.
  
Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft
Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft
Variety of authors | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Toil & Trouble was a much-hyped anthology of YA stories, and I think it lived up to that hype. I really enjoyed almost every story in this book - only one or two of them were less than awesome. And they still weren't bad! Anthologies like this keep introducing me to yet more authors that I want to read, and just keep growing my TBR list! Some of the authors in this book I was familiar with; while I hadn't read her work yet, I met Zoraida Córdova at the Baltimore Book Festival, and she was amazing. I'm familiar with Brandy Colbert's work, and have not yet read Anna-Marie McLemore but desperately want to, and her story in this work (Love Spell) only increases that need.

I read this book just before Halloween, and it was a perfect choice. I'm not a fan of actual horror novels, which seem to be what everyone else is reading this time of year. Give me my strong witchy women! The stories in this book are all young women - teens to early adulthood - learning to rely on themselves. They embrace what family traditions mean to them, or break free of them entirely if they're the wrong path. They break social taboos and fall in love where they will. They FIGHT for what they want.

I think my favorite story in this book involved a woman whose powers had been bound by her coven until she was old enough to use them wisely, but had to watch her father die in an accident when she could have healed him if she'd had access to her magic. She went to an ancient place of power in the mountains and broke the binding, horrifying her coven. The story is actually about her defying them further in refusing her destined soul mate for the girl she's been in love with since she was a child, and Fate's punishment for that. The two girls fighting for each other and for their own magic was amazing. (The Heart in Her Hands, Tess Sharpe.) Unfortunately it doesn't look like it's part of a larger story, I was hoping for more in that world!

As far as I can tell, only one of the stories is part of something larger - I'm pretty sure Zoraida Córdova's story is part of her Brooklyn Brujas world. Other than that, they all appear to be standalones, which is a little sad as I'd like to see more of many of these worlds!

Toil & Trouble is an outstanding anthology of magical women, and I loved it.

You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
  
Assisting The Alpha (Soldati Security #1)
Assisting The Alpha (Soldati Security #1)
Finn Walton | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ASSISTING THE ALPHA is the debut novel in the Soldati Security series, featuring a multi-species ex-SAS team, led by Ethan. They want a contract from the mayor, but are lacking in one area, which is where Ayo comes in. He is a sorcerer with fluctuating power levels, so his cousin, who is also the head of the coven, won't let Ayo do anything more than admin. In a fit of pique, Ayo quits and gets a job with Soldati Security, which opens many doors as he is well-liked by pretty much everyone.

Although Ethan and Ayo are fated mates, it isn't instantaneous, and neither party is sure. That doesn't stop them from acting on the attraction between them, but before long, this story is so much more than just that. You have an inheritance, serial murder, plus getting to know the individuals of the team.

This was a great read, and I look forward to returning to this world for Raj's story.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 3, 2025
  
Foul Is Fair
Foul Is Fair
Hannah Capin | 2020 | Contemporary, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

It can be said about every book but, especially with this one, people are going to either love or hate Hannah Capin's Foul Is Fair. It is a dark novel of revenge, suicide, abusive relationships, murder, and a gang bang. Oh, and it is a Young Adult novel.

At a party thrown by one of the golden boys of St. Andrew's, the unthinkable happens. It turns out this was not the first time. This time, they picked the wrong girl. Jade has 3 close friends who will help her get revenge. The 4 of them are so close Jade refers to them as her coven. They do not practice witchcraft but their friendship is magical.

It is hard to make such dark themes enjoyable to read but Hannah Capin is able to do it well. If I had to describe this novel in 3 words I would say "dark but fun".

I found myself cheering for Jade and friends to succeed in exacting their revenge. The twists and turns are twisted and gritty. I enjoyed the narrative tone and humor used throughout. Golden boys beware! Something wicked this way comes.

I added Hannah Capin to my "authors to read" list.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/24/20.
  
Possessed (Hollow City Coven #1)
Possessed (Hollow City Coven #1)
Hazel Hunter | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Everyone has heard of the lost city of Atlantis, but how many have heard of the last city of Tenebris? Tenebris is part of Wiccan history that has been relegated to myth and legend - which is actually hard to do when you can live for thousands of years. Gillian loves to research and thinks that she has found a clue about where Tenebris actually is. She is determined to find it, but her Coven Master doesn't want her to go alone. She is assigned a 'bodyguard' in the form of Shayne. Sparks fly between the two before they even know each other.

This is a fast-paced romantic novella, with lots of action too. Wiccans have a very real enemy in the shape of Templars. Gillian appears to be more than she actually knows, so how do the Templars know about her already? What do they want her for? You are left with all these questions, but you still feel that you have started an excellent series.

If you like Paranormal Romance, then I can definitely recommend this new series by Hazel Hunter, and I am definitely looking forward to Book 2.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 8, 2015
  
Hexes and Hijinx (The Lost Witch #2)
Hexes and Hijinx (The Lost Witch #2)
Annie Anderson | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HEXES AND HIJINX is the second and final book in The Lost Witch series. You really need to read Book One as this one follows on from where that left off.

Theo and Fiona go from one thing straight to another. Her father is a piece of work and the thought of framing his daughter for the murders of a whole coven is nothing if it means he can escape.

Theo proves beyond any doubt that he means to stand by Fiona, no matter what! In return, Fiona is Theo's in all ways. Their combined grumpiness, spice and sass came through loud and clear, and I loved how the story flowed.

One thing for me was although Theo and Fiona's relationship moved forward, it almost felt as though it was on the back burner - which kind of makes sense considering what they were up against, but still. Personally, I would have liked a little more time with those two, rather than everyone else, but that's just me.

A great read and a brilliant finale to their story. I'm really hoping we return to this world. Definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!.
Oct 3, 2023
  
Blood Witch (Witches of Westwood Academy, #5)
Blood Witch (Witches of Westwood Academy, #5)
Gina Kincade, C.D. Gorri | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
BLOOD WITCH is the fifth book in the Witches of Westwood Academy and, to get the best, you really need to read these in order.

Mabe thinks she is a blood witch, who are reviled for being evil. She doesn't know any differently though, just going by her symptoms. With Arlo's help, she has been drinking blood bags from the infirmary which is all good until the Council sends an Enforcer to find out what's going on. Enter Fin.

As with all the others in this series, it is fast-paced and insta-love. The thing I loved about this one - more than the relationship with Fin - was how Mabe finally accepted she has a coven and friends, not just roommates. Now, going back to her relationship with Fin. Fan yourselves because it's a HOT one. Mabe claims him and I loved the others' reaction to it, mainly because I felt the same!

One character I really don't like, and haven't so far, is Leanna Stolbright! I really want to see her comeuppance and am hoping she gets it!

A great read, so long as you've read the others.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 8, 2023
  
Magic, Demons and the Hunter (Enchanted Ink #2)
Magic, Demons and the Hunter (Enchanted Ink #2)
JP Sayle | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MAGIC, DEMONS AND THE HUNTER is part of the Enchanted Ink multi-author series and features Eliphas and Pierre, who we met in A SCENT LIKE NO OTHER, in the FATED MATES ANTHOLOGY.

This time, Mondo is also around. He is the third part of their triad, and the one Pierre and Eli thought was dead. He is very much alive but missing a chunk of memories, including those that would have sent him to Pierre and Eli.

While I love the coven and the triad in particular, I would have preferred to know more about their world and the demons they face. As it is part of a series, I did feel as though I'd missed out on some world-building by not having read book one yet.

The overall arc isn't over by a long shot and I look forward to reading more in this series and seeing other characters find their mates. I just hope I see more of Mondo, Pierre, and Eli, as they are fantastic characters that made me smile.

Hot, dangerous, flirtatious, honesty - it's all here and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 14, 2023