Book Review: An Imperfect Witch

by Debora Geary

Another series! I'm so happy. Debora's Witch Central books are like soothing balm after dealing with the real world. There is so much love and laughter. Lizard is back in this one - yeah! Josh is still with her, but he is losing patience. She needs to relax and let him in. Her problem is she doesn't like to plan ahead - she never really knew what her life would be like the next day much less the next year. But hopefully he can get her to just go with the flow more, take risks. And yes, commitment is considered dangerous to poor Lizard.

She also gets a big surprise in this book. And really, I won't spoil it. You'll have to read it yourself. This is very light reading, especially after reading something depressing. I'm now halfway through the next in this new series - An Unlikely Witch. It's just great to see all the characters that we know and love and catch up as their lives keep moving forward.

And Debora Geary is an exclusive Amazon seller, but she will hook you up if you need a Nook version. Simply purchase the Amazon e-book, e-mail (deborageary@gmail.com) her the receipt and she'll e-mail the file back to you.

Book Review: Tiger's Eye

by: Barbra Annino

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Stacy Justice is looking forward to a lazy summer of hot dogs and beer; swims in the lake with her Great Dane, Thor; and hanging with her rekindled old flame, Chance. But when she gets a creepy anonymous call hinting that her father’s “accidental” death fourteen years ago was actually a murder, she’s too unsettled to relax. Stacy has blamed herself for his death all along—in fact, it’s the reason she’s fought so hard against being a witch. But who’d want to kill an innocent small-time newspaperman?

That’s the question on Stacy’s mind when she casts a spell that goes horribly wrong. And between the white tiger that keeps appearing out of thin air, the body in the lake, the feisty razor-toothed Chihuahua, and the gun-toting maniac, she suddenly has her hands full once again. But solving the mystery of her father’s death is Stacy’s number-one priority…and avenging it, if necessary, is a very close second.

Continuing the thrilling Stacy Justice saga, Tiger’s Eye drives the reluctant witch deeper into the mysteries of her family’s past…and the darker regions of her soul.

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I've had the pleasure to review the previous Stacy Justice tales. I would say Stacy Justice is like Stephanie Plum, but that's not really true. Stacy Justice is smart, competent and a witch. She's better! And Tiger's Eye is the best one yet. There's some awkwardness with Leo, but Stacy has really settled down with Chance. So her love life is less of a mess, but her family still needs fixing.

Her father died when she was young, and her mother is in witch jail in Ireland, I think. They just say "The Old Country" but I think that's what they mean. Before Stacy has been reluctant to acknowledge her status as a witch and start training with the Geraghty Girls, her grandmother and 2 great-aunts. In this novel she finally accepts her purpose. She is happy to get trained by her family so she can save her mother. But first, she has to figure out who murdered her father.

There are no shortages of surprises and mysteries. We also learn more about Stacy and her family. I really enjoyed this one and I stand by what I said, best one yet!

Book Review: A Different Witch

by: Debora Geary

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
A Note from Debora: For those of you who haven't discovered my witches yet, I invite you to start with book one, A Modern Witch. Some series can be read out of order - this isn't one of them :).

For the rest of you who have been eagerly awaiting this release... happy reading - and thank you!

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Witch Central welcomes everyone. Or does it?

Twenty months ago, Jamie and Lauren crashed a coven meeting in Chicago - a visit they barely remember. For Beth Landler, it was the moment that fractured her circle and awakened her need for an entirely different kind of magic.

The kind only found in Witch Central. If she can dig up the courage to go.

A Different Witch is book five of the top-rated A Modern Witch series. Light contemporary fantasy with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and characters you won't want to leave.

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I agree with Debora's note, that's why I included it. You really should start with book 1, which I have also reviewed. Oh I have reviewed them all! They fall under paranormal, but not really romance. Plus they are light and fun, big problems that are still light compared to man-eating werewolves. I guess I'm saying, it's low on the violence and gore scale.

This is the 5th book in the Modern Witch series. There are a whole bunch of characters that we've been learning more about along the way, and new ones in each book that don't seem to go away quietly. The witches of Witch Central, what they call themselves in Berkley, CA...and a little bit from Nova Scotia. Having fully figured out how to transport through the Witch Central game, travel is no longer an issue.

I love how Debora can keep it fresh, in what is really the 8th book she's written about some of these people. And this was unique in that the new witch has Aspergers and was taken without warning. A cross between the fetching spell and the travel spell and Beth found herself way outside her comfort zone. Beth came through, though with less scaring than poor Nell. See, Nell is a fighter and she just doesn't know how to get through to Beth without succumbing to her own frustrations.

All in all, it was another fantastic story in a long line of them. These really are quite easy to take. Not a lot of violence or even sex, I would let my teens read them without pause.

Additional note - if you have a Nook instead of a Kindle, you can purchase the Kindle version and send your receipt to Debora. She will then get you an ePub copy for your Nook.

Book Review: To Have and to Code

by: Debora Geary

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
Nell Sullivan is fiery, easily distracted by cookies, and doomed to wear the peach monstrosity at her best friend’s wedding.

And she’s a witch.

Daniel Walker is a former baseball player turned bored hacker looking for a challenge. Hacking Nell's online gaming world is going to get him a lot more than he bargained for.

A prophecy says they will make babies together – but when it comes to the love life of a modern witch and a hacker, prophecy might not get a vote.

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I swear, Debora's books is like eating warm chocolate chip nutella cookies. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I always receive them when I really need them, too. It's always a great follow-up to anything dark. Even full of witches, they are full of so much light.

I love that we get a good look at Nell and Daniel, two central characters that don't get too much face time. They are parents of the sparkly triplet girls and the most powerful witchling to date.

This goes into how they meet and ultimately get hitched. And I'm not sorry about giving something away, this was written after we already know them as a couple. Still a wonderful story to read. Especially since Nell is such a powerful fire witch and Daniel is a muggle (hey do you like the cross reference?).

Run and grab this sweet witchy romance.

Book Review: A Nomadic Witch

by: Debora Geary

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
Spring brings a traveler to Nova Scotia - a tiny babe who will turn Marcus's life upside down and reincarnate the horrifying events of his past.

Can Marcus find his way through the pain to love and healing? And can the witching community finally learn to keep their astral travelers safe?

A Nomadic Witch is book four of the top-rated A Modern Witch series. Light contemporary fantasy with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and characters you won't want to leave.

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If you've followed me for any length of time you know I'm going to gush here. It's a paranormal tale that is so sweet. It just radiates a warm and cozy feeling.

There are some really technical parts to these novels, the witches do not shy away from technology. But Debora has the story so centered on the people, that the technology and magic they use are background to the love, patience and understanding as a person moves toward healing.

We've seen Marcus before, and he is such a sourpuss I was dying to see where the other witches would take him. When Morgan shows up on his doorstep the path is then set. It's not just Marcus having to finally come to terms with the death of his twin, but to love and protect another traveler.

How did Morgan get there? Is Evan still alive somehow? Can Marcus get through his grief so he can care for the girlchild? You'll have to read to see.

Yet another rich, delightful Modern Witch tale. All these powerful little witches has me so curious where it's going to end up. Something big is building. There are supposed to be 7 book in this series.

Character Interview for Faythe Reclaimed

LW – Please welcome Taylor from the novel Faythe Reclaimed. Taylor, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Taylor – Criminy! Nothing like putting a girl on the spot right off the bat, yeah? Um… well, I’m twenty-one, and I live in Hanaford Park, California. I love coffee, chocolate, Grey’s Anatomy and all things girlie.

LW – Where were you born?

Taylor – Perth, Western Australia

LW – What is your most cherished childhood memory?

Taylor – Probably the time my parents took me to Australia Zoo in Queensland. I had a major crush on the Crocodile Hunter. Like, MAJOR crush. I cried for days after he died. So sad.

LW – How old are you? And can you describe your appearance?

Taylor – I’m bloody hawt! A real sexy beast, lol. j/k! I’m twenty-one, about 5’7, and have long brown hair. Martha and Jessica refer to me as “exotic” which weirds me out a little. To me, exotic refers to snakes and other wildlife type creatures in the bush. I’m pretty comfortable in my skin, and Gabriel seems satisfied, so I’ve got no complaints.

LW – I usually avoid politics, but would you say you are more liberal or conservative?

Taylor – I’m with you on avoiding political discussions. I’m definitely more liberal, than conservative.

LW – Once you were over the shock of time travel, what did you miss the most from modern times?

Taylor – Running water and a modern loo. Relieving myself in a crude outside dunny was beyond gross!

LW – How do you plan to get yourself out of this situation?

Taylor – How do I get back home, or how do I deal with the loo situation? Lol! I really had no idea how to get back home. My main concern was survival. Living in a village with a bunch of bible thumping, holy rollers eager to brand people as witches was nerve-wracking and awful. I felt the smartest thing to do would be to lay low. Didn’t work out so well.

LW – What would you do if you were alone with Lucian (the one who sent you back in time)?

Taylor – I’d jab him in the throat! In all truth, though it’s easy to joke about him now that he’s dead, if he were alive, I wouldn’t put myself in a situation where I would be alone with him. Gabriel wouldn’t allow it. In fact, I’m pretty sure Gabriel would kill him. He doesn’t suffer maniacal assholes very well.

LW – Thank you so much for taking the time to share yourself with my readers!

Taylor - Thanks for having me! This was fun. G’day!
You can read my review of Faythe Reclaimed here
You can purchase your own copy here: Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Faythe Reclaimed

by: Lisa Sanchez

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Running through a strange forest with a bloodthirsty demon hot on her heels wasn’t Taylor’s idea of a rockin’ evening. Then again, neither was soaring backward through time and space. Time travel chafed and left a rank, nasty aftertaste. So, when she finds herself floundering amidst a sea of Commandment-loving holy rollers who fling accusations of witchcraft and bedevilment like hotcakes in a diner, finding her way home jumps to the top of her to do list. Too bad she can’t remember who she is or where she came from. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Taylor has to fall for the mysterious Latin warlock living on the edge of Salem Village and who comes to her rescue, Gabriel Castillo.

Battling an identity crisis and lost in a time that’s not her own, Taylor is determined to find her way back to twenty-first century Hanaford Park. But first, she and Gabriel must work together to uncover the dark scourge lurking in Salem's shadows, and in doing so, save their own lives, and the lives of countless innocents from a lethal date with the hangman’s noose.

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This is the 3rd book in Lisa Sanchez' Hanaford Park Series, and I do wish I had read the first 2. Don't panic! You don't have to read the other books, I am sure they all stand alone as this one does. But it was SOOOO good. I'm not often a big fan of paranormal romance, but this plot and these characters all demanded my attention.

When Taylor was sent back, I felt scared with her. When Gabriel and Taylor (aka Faythe) first met, and the sparks flew, I was ecstatic. Their relationship is so romantic and fiery HOT, but the storyline in Salem during the witch trials was scary, weird and loosely based on what happened there. Lisa wrote them as an insane mob, with one hell of a twist. And that's all you'll get out of me!

There's paranormal, romance sex, witches, demons and time travel. If you like any of that, you'll enjoy this book.

Book Review: The Vampire's Witch

by: Kiki Howell

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
The Willows is a resort town run by vampires, werewolves and witches. Here, their true identities are kept secret from humans, and intimate relations between the individual clans are strictly forbidden.

When it becomes known that the vampire Amberlyn has fallen in love with the werewolf Kane, the tedious line of their co-existence has been crossed. Caught in the crossfire of this revelation, Drake, the vampire clan leader and Amberlyn’s maker, is killed along with an innocent witch. These deaths spark a series of horrific events leading to an all out War In The Willows.

Unexpected close encounters, bodies ripe with need, and situations beyond their control lead to forbidden relationships. Now three vampires, a witch, a werewolf and a human must ride along the edges of the rules. They will attempt once unthinkable romantic entanglements despite all those who oppose their relationships, while fighting for their lives as well.

With the Willows full of violence and bloodshed, meetings and magic amiss, will the clans ever be able to find peace among them again? Or, will this war destroy the Willows?

In Book 1, Amberlyn’s vampire brother, Isaac, always one to kick ass first and deal with the consequences later, kidnaps a witch, Winter. He intends to find out what type of retaliation the witch clan is planning against the vampires and werewolves. In doing so, he finds so much more then he bargained for.

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This is the first adult book I've read by Kiki Howell. And it was delicious! Good plot, great characters and sexy enough to raise the temperature in my house about 20 degrees. Isaac is a vampire who wants to avoid the brewing war. So he kidnaps a witch and brings her to his home. Turns out she majorly has the hots for him and won't take no for an answer.

It's a very fast read, only about 50 pages. But it's a real page turner!

Short Story Review: AlmaMia Cienfuegos

by: Magaly Guerrero

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
In dreams, nine-year-old AlmaMia Cienfuegos chokes on the tears and blood that bubble out of her eyes, while her sister, Soledad, gloats over the younger girl’s broken body.

Mamabuela, AlmaMia’s grandmother, insists Soledad means no harm; and AlmaMia knows the difference between nightmares and reality, but her sister still frightens her. When AlmaMia refuses to hand in a family heirloom, Soledad’s rage sends the Cienfuegos family over the edge.

Set in the Dominican Republic, “AlmaMia Cienfuegos” tells a story where blood deceives, nightmares rot, and sisters wage war on each other.

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That beautiful cover is by Sunshine Shelle, you can find more of her work at her Etsy store. That was exciting to find out, her art has been featured on Magaly's blog for some time, and it's always haunting and cute. And we can all agree that's a tricky genre of art. And as a compliment to both, it gives this story a professional look.

The story itself is quite short, but full to bursting with emotion. You will finishing this story wishing you could bring AlmaMia home with you. She's such a young girl, and has such a horrid sister and mother. She actually lives with her grandmother, and hates to go home. I don't blame her, I'd rather be left alone rather than visit those 2 as well.

There is a super twist at the end that explains the sister and mother's behavior, somewhat. It's still unforgivable, but at least understandable.

The e-book is $1.99 at Amazon, which I think is a little steep for a short story. On the other hand, it's still only $2 and you know you are supporting the artist and not a publishing house. We are super spoiled with the low priced e-books. So, worth the price? You have to decide that one on your own but I would have been fine after reading the tale. It will stick with you.

Dark Earth

by: Jason Halstead

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
Hunted since before her birth, Jessica Baxter relies upon the protection of her father to keep her safe from harm. What neither of them knows is that her father has his own dark legacy bequeathed by a father he never knew. The bonds of family are tested as the fate of two Earths, each a shadow of the other, rests upon the hunted becoming the hunter.

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I found this ebook free on Amazon and I thought it looked like something I would read should I ever have the time. Well this weekend I found myself stuck in a kindergarten class with nothing but my blackberry...which thankfully had this loaded in the kindle reader on it. I thought it looked very dark and exciting, but it starts out like a chick lit kind of story. Eric loses his wife in a car accident but his unborn baby girl is saved. They move back to Norther Michigan (my backyard) and set up home there for the past 11 years.

Then the man who killed his wife shows up and tries to murder his daughter. Now that's the only thing that bugged me because the detective said the crash was ruled an accident. But then the detective says: "he was out in seven years for good behavior." Now why would the guy get jail time for something ruled an accident? I'm not a lawyer though, but it seemed odd to get that much time when the guy was clean.

So I'm seriously wondering if I am reading the wrong story here, where are the werewolves and witches and stuff...oh yeah...right about here he smacks you with it. And don't get me wrong here, it's not boring at ANY point in this book. But right about this point it gets insane...

I want to go on and on, but I can't. The girl is 13 and very bright but still very much a kid. I love how he wrote her character because you can't help but adore her, but as very bright she is he doesn't (as so many authors have) forget she is still a kid. Even Harry Potter wasn't very childlike. And Eric, Jess's father, he's such a manly man...I think I have a crush on him. lol Living about as far north in Michigan as you can, to where the power company hasn't even gotten out there yet...fishing for his income...and then kicking ass for his little girl. Eric rules!

*squeal* just saw this is book 1. I wonder if there's a book 2 out yet...

Yes you should get this book. It's one of those where you get to the end and have to stop and breath for a little bit. And it has it's moments of violence but I think it could easily be appropriate for young adults.

Witches in Flight

by: Debora Geary

Available at Amazon

Synopsis:
Ghosts from Lizard's past--and the man who wants to be her future.

The empty places in Elsie's soul--and the temptations of raspberry-laced courage.

Walk once more with Jennie's students as they come to the end of their WitchLight journeys.

Ah--just read it. You know you want to :-).

Witches Under Way is the final book in the WitchLight spin-off trilogy, set in the world of the A Modern Witch series.

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You know my favorite thing about reading this WitchLight Trilogy? It's the burst of self confidence I get, the desire to fly free toward my bliss. Everyone should be able to find what they love, that's not always easy but everyone should be able to find some happiness. And there's nothing like a dose of Lizard and Elsie to remind me what I'm striving for.

The other thing I love, is the healing calm her stories carry. They make me weep with the unconditional love all the witches have for each other, this is present in both the WitchLight Trilogy and A Modern Witch series. The easy manor they impart wisdom, and even take criticism. It is best imbibed after reading a dark tale. This time it followed Jonathan Kellerman's newest novel, Victims. And that was a pretty horrid tale. I didn't even wait before picking up this book, I closed the one and opened the other. It healed my heart. (And don't misunderstand me, I LOVED Mr. Kellerman's novel too, but it can get dark!)

And finally, I love (am jealous of) the way those witches can eat cookies and ice cream like it's going out of style and not gain weight. Granted they are burning through it, it just makes me wish I were a witch like in her books. Sadly the reality does not come with the metabolism boost. lol

In this novel, the girls are finishing up their time on parole. They have learned so much, and worked so hard to...not even reinvent themselves. To grow, and live up to their potential. Lizard always put herself down as being too stupid, although she's a fracking genius! And Elsie, she's working to keep that stick out of her bum. lol

These are just the main characters the story revolves around. There are a mess of other witches and regular people that have love to share and laughs to give. There will be laughter, tears, and sharp intakes of breath. But this is a smooth read that weaves a tale that will live with you long after you finish.

I truly can't say anymore. If you haven't read these, pick up from the 1st one, Witches on Parole. Next is Witches Under Way. Oh and if you don't have a Kindle, you can purchase the book from Amazon, then e-mail your receipt to Debora Geary to get a version for your e-reader of choice. Just visit her website here.