Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an adorable book. I read it to my 5-year-old who absolutely loved it. It is about an unconventional witch who wants to make changes. Definitely teaches lessons on embracing oneself and being true to oneself. This is the second book by Tricia Gadrella I have read to my daughter. She’s definitely talented. We are looking forward to more books to read. A cute Halloween themed book.
Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dark is the Wood by Kristin Ward was such a good book! I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers trope- normally not my fav but I thought it was well delivered and written here. I was insanely frustrated with Marius- how hard it was for him to see the selfish monster he had become over the centuries. Really loved the resolution at the end and the HEA that I wasn’t sure was going to happen. Very well written and enjoyable to read. Had a hard time putting it down.
House of Arsceneaux by Caterina Novelliere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is absolutely amazing!!! Both reluctant to meet for business dealings neither of them is interested in, Caitlin and Evarist are both strong willed and bullheaded, yet charming and enjoyable, sweet, and lovable. Their relationship is so fun, as they get to know each other while also rediscovering themselves. The author does such an amazing job creating characters that are so real with such incredible back stories. Every time you think you are figuring everything out; she throws in another head spinning plot twist. The Characters and lore intertwined into this story is so detailed and thought out making this a truly fascinating story or stories 😉
Review by @valerieanderson5121
Cursed Whispers by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow I loved this continuation into the Broderick Coven Series! This book can be triggering so please check trigger warnings. But I absolutely loved following Max Broderick and Claudia and her daughter Katia. There were so many tender moments of healing and it felt therapeutic just to read in my opinion. I love AJ Renee’s world building and these stories surrounding the Broderick clan and this book only continued and added to my awe. Highly recommend this book!
Reviewed by @prettybird-marie
Cursed Sight by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have had the Broderick Coven books on my TBR for an embarrassingly long time, and I finally had an opportunity to devote some devoted reading sessions to these books. So glad I made this happen because these books are everything I wanted them to be! I love a good paranormal storyline and this is really serving us some fantastic world building and plot! We follow the main characters of Ethan Broderick and Serena High Priestess of the Coven. Absolutely loved watching these two develop and grow together! Absolutely fantastic and highly recommend this series!
Reviewed by@prettybird-marie
Cursed Whispers by A.J. Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book #3 in the Broderick Coven series and I adored it! This book took me all over the place emotionally. There were many parts I could not stop smiling, and then there were others that I wanted to break down and cry. Max and Claudia’s story was beautiful and bittersweet at the same time.
Max was a witch and Claudia was a werewolf. To be mates was being outside of the same species was a rarity, but a gift all in itself. Claudia was on the run with her daughter from her abusive captor. She was bruised and broken mentally and physically and felt she could never be a mate to anyone. The damage was intensive and she did not believe she would ever successfully move forward until she was brought into the Alumbra Wolf pack. There she found a true family and Max. Max was patient, kind, and was willing to wait an eternity for Claudia if he had to. It was a great story and truly emphasized that when you find your mate nothing and no one will stop fate, and no matter what they have endured that love and time can help heal wounds.
Her Dark Love by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 4th book in the Dark Spells series. I have enjoyed all these books but this one is really special.
This book is proof that people aren’t always what they seem and that some life event makes them the way they are.
This book goes back to when Isra goes to Wingdom’s Academy to learn all about her gifts as a witch. This is a side of Isra we haven’t seen before when she is sweet, innocent and good. Isra is only has good in her heart and even though she’s not very social she makes friends with Everilda.
However the friendship turns nasty when Irsa finds herself involved in a love triangle with Everilda and Johnathan. Everilda knows about Isra’s feelings for Johnathan but she still pursues him.
Feeling hurt and betrayed by the 2 people she cares for and trusts this is the turning point where Isra goes from good to dark.
Meanwhile Isra is being watched as she is part of a prophecy. Does Isra need to remain good or is that the main reason for her turning to the dark side.
This book is full of adventure and betrayal. It also answers a lot of questions about what made Isra the way she is
Cursed Whispers by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Claudia never knew a kind soul, and after a decade in captivity, abuse and confinement had become the norm. Until faced with the thought of her daughter living the same existence, and then Claudia escaped with Katia running towards something, a whisper of kindness.
Max, found her the same way.. by listening. Another of the Broderick Coven strengthening his mystical skills, he spoke to Claudia in her Werewolf form, quieting her trauma and letting the Siblings do what they do best, band together to make things right.
I very much appreciated the careful way A.J. Renee dealt with trauma and the hopeful healing Claudia went through. The nod in the front of the book linking to the National Human Trafficking hotline is well done by the author.
Join Max and Claudia as they find romance, and the rest of the Broderick clan, Bishop Coven and the Alumbra Pack, in this paranormal adventure, Book Three of the Broderick Coven!
Cursed Sight by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Two of the Broderick Coven series follows Serena and Ethan on their journey to strengthen Ethan’s Oracle powers. Each page brings adventure, and a deliciously brewing romance. Ethan and the six Broderick siblings form a tight bond that Serena, the Bishop Coven’s high priestess finds challenging after being an only child and solitary for many years..
Enjoy the front row seat as Serena and Ethan fall deeper into love, and Serena learns to belong to a family.. Through a few scrapes and adventures well crafted by the author we start to learn the mettle of all the Brodericks, each learning their new found powers.
This was a great read by A.J. Renee, I’m looking for Book 3 now!
Cursed Whispers by A.J. Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cursed Whispers by AJ Renee is the third book in the Broderick Coven series. This series is centered around the Broderick family. The siblings have discovered that they come from a family of witches and that they all have powers. Each book centers around a sibling as that sibling learns more about their powers. This book is about Max Broderick. He has the gift of hearing animals’ thoughts and talking to them in their head. This comes in handy when he meets an injured werewolf. I have really enjoyed this series and enjoyed this book as well. But an important note – there is a trigger warning for anyone affected by rape or sex trafficking. This book was also pretty graphic in the sex scenes. I still enjoyed watching Claudia overcome all that she had been through as well as meeting her adorable daughter Katia. Fantastic series with relatable characters!
Cursed Sight by A.J. Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cursed Sight by AJ Renee in the second book in the Broderick Coven series. The series is centered around the Broderick family. The siblings have discovered that they come from a family of witches and that they all have powers. Each book centers around a sibling as that sibling learns more about their powers. This book is about Ethan Broderick. He has the gift of sight and sees things that will likely happen. He falls in love with Serena, but someone wants her dead. He keeps having visions of Serena’s death and of her being hurt. Will he be able to find who wants to hurt her and save her in time? Will they be able to use his visions to have their happily ever after? Find out in Cursed SIght!
Cursed Sight by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There was no doubt in my mind book two of the Broderick Coven series was going to be a knockout. AJ Renee is GOALS as a wannabe author. She spins an incredible tale with action, adventure, and romance. Allowing you to go through all the emotions! The story of Ethan and Serena was one I just couldn’t put down! As always the author has outdone herself, such a balanced fun read that leaves you wanting more, more, more!
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is amazing! I’m so happy with how it came out. The perfect sequel to the perfect series! 8/10 would recommend! I’m so happy I stayed with it through the ups and downs, I felt like I was actually in the story and that the characters were my friends!
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Carnival of Shadows is the second book in the Firewater Springs series. This book is a page turner and has me looking forward to more! Teagan Blackmore is the local Swamp Witch of Firewater Springs who is still recovering from the murder of her beloved Grandmother when a strange carnival rolls into town.
Leslie Scott really brings her characters to life and makes it easy to feel their emotions. Where they go, you go. It won’t matter if you are into paranormal, romance or mystery, there is something for everyone in this book. I am very much looking forward to another installment of this series.
Her Blackened Rose by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Her Blackened Rose is the third book in the Blackened Series by Isra Sravenheart. I highly recommend reading the series in order because the story continues throughout the books. This time the dark Lady Isra is challenged with trust and deception. Whom can she trust? Astrid and Isra are facing issues and then there is a missing man whose family blames Isra for the disappearance. In this book, the stakes are higher and there is more action and suspense to the story. I like how the series has developed and I have become more interested in Lady Isra’s story. Also, there is an interesting development of what constitutes dark and evil. Perceptions change when there is more knowledge.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing what happens with Lady Isra next.
Her Blackened Heart by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Her Blackened Heart by Isra Sravenheart is the second book in the Blackened series. I recommend reading the first book before this to enjoy the book fully. The story takes us and gives us insight into the past of Lady Isra. There are battles of light and dark and of mortal and immortal. I really enjoyed the new characters and the development of Lady Isra and Astrid. I also enjoyed the development of the ongoing story and am curious as to what will happen as the series progresses. I look forward to reading the next book in this series soon.
Her Blackened Soul by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Her Blackened Soul by Isra Sravenheart is the first book in the Blackened Series. Lady Isra is a dark witch and the primary character of this book. I enjoyed the idea of the story from the villain’s point of view. She is a dark character who has taken on powers that limits who can see her. I liked that the story is from a different view and that she is a relatable character despite being bad. The story kept me reading and wanting to know how this would work with Lady Isra and her powers. I am looking forward to reading more in this series soon.
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 2 in the series. I so enjoy immersing myself in this world where there’s witches, demi-demons, ghosts, werewolves, and more.
Teagan is a kick ass witch who is still exploring who she is as a woman, and now add on being the new Swamp Witch, and all that entails. She cares deeply about her renters and local community, and will put herself at risk for their safety. And the sexual tension Teagan experiences will have you panting for more!
I loved how the focus of the book was on the mystery of who the Carnie people are and what do they want, but tinged with romance. The Carnies were alluring in their creepiness, as well as in their capacity to care. I loved the contrast between those ruling the show and those who were just “along for the ride.”
I also enjoyed reading more about supporting characters Shelley, Oliver and Anna, and how those relationships have grown to have formed a community.
I cannot wait to read more featuring Teagan and gang!
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Carnival of Shadows (Black Water Magic Book 2) by Leslie Scott – Review by Krista Vaughan
I love a good paranormal story with strong characters and strong bonds between characters. This book has a unique and interesting story of Teagan the new Swamp Witch and her challenges in getting used to new and unfamiliar powers while battling a carnival of demons looking to destroy her town and kill the people. Teagan has a scary ex, and a new love interest that is just as scary. I guess the powerful women go for the dangerous guys? This was really a great escape into a battle between saving the good from evil. Definitely recommend.
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott is the second book in the Black Water Magic series. It should be noted that I did not read the first book, but that did not take anything away from this book. It meshed well and did not make me feel bad for coming into book two. I will be gong back to read book one, if only to get more of a backstory.
Teagan Blackwater is a witch, that much is for sure, but she is so much more. When a paranormal carnival comes to town, Teagan is given a few warning to get out of town. Teagan being the willful independent woman she is, does not heed these warnings. The excitement and story that ensues is one that was not easy to put down.
This book was filled with action, drama and romance. Not to mention all the paranormal that comes. This is a book that will be going on my re-read list for sure.
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After Teagan’s grandma dies, she is left with a magical inheritance to work with. Then, the carnival comes to Firewater Springs, FL, and, with it, a whole host of awesome, paranormal characters. This is the second book in the Blackwater Magic Book series, and I admit to not having read the first one beforehand. That being said, it was still super easy to fall into the pages and get wrapped up in Teagan’s story and the stories of her friends, specifically Oliver. I had no problems keeping up with the story and enjoyed all aspects despite not having read book number one. This is a quick read, but it is not lacking in imagination and creativeness. I took in this book quickly and need to get my hands on the first book in the series. I give Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott 4 out 5 stars.
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Teagan Blackwater is a young woman with extraordinary power, she is still reeling from the loss of her grandmother and the reality that it was her mother who killed her, she is finding the house too quiet and the routine impossible to settle into, not to mention keeping her young teenage friend out of trouble and running the trailer park in Firewater Springs she has inherited. Thankfully, she has her friends to help her out and keep her grounded, that is until a Carnival rolls into town and starts to disrupt the tenuous control she has over herself.
Talking of her teenage neighbour, she has a slight problem, her teenage hormones have gotten the best of her and she has managed to do something a little drastic when her current flavour of the month was moving too fast for her liking, it is easily sorted out, but the revelation which comes with it is less appealing. The cover up is a bit easier, a local police officer turns up after getting a call about a drunken teenager, however, after his vest camera is turned off, he asks for the truth of the matter, and when Teagan tells him some of the truth, he understand that things are not as they seem around there, that could be because he is one of those something else’s, he exudes a certain power which can only mean one thing, he is supernatural as well and he is smoking hot too! When he leaves, after asking Teagan on a date, he throws in that the MC club nearby is looking a bit too quiet and that maybe Teagan should go check it out seeing as she used to date one of them and owes a favour to another, however, when she gets there, things are definitely not good, she gets the feeling that she shouldn’t be there and that she also isn’t wanted there and she knows this means that when demi-demons are worries, that something is terribly wrong.
After this experience, she decides to ask the local hottie cop to meet her to talk about what she has just seen and heard and so she decides to go to a local watering hole to try and steady her nerves and meet him there to kill two birds with one stone, however, things don’t go to plan when she is given another warning by a set of supernatural twins and then is party to a show of the powers the Circus contains. This power is nothing she has seen before and it is so strong that everyone around her is affected by it, apart from her and the cop, their combined influence keeps them safe, but also opens them up to something even more dangerous, each other, especially when an ex brings out the testosterone in the group.
While Teagan and her friends come up with a plan to defeat this Circus of Shadows, Teagan is more and more drawn to the cop and asks him for help investigating the Carnival and the paranormal freakshow it contains, but when they find out who is behind it and what they are after, life becomes even more dangerous and complicated than it already is. Will Teagan and her friends be able to defeat the Carnival before Firewater Springs succumbs to its demands, or will the place they love fall into the clutches of the Shadows surrounding them? This is a paranormal romance with plenty of supernatural action which will pull you along with the investigation and have you rooting for Teagan and the others all the way to its conclusion, but to find out how it ends, you have to read it to believe it.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really good book! Teagan Blackwater, the Swamp Witch, protects her town from all unsavory demons and monsters that infiltrate her protective wards. Her powers were taught to her by her grandmother who raised her, as her mother is a dark witch with black blood magic. When the evil carnies come to town, she is forced to step up her game and learn how to send demi-demons packing.
Loved the character of Teagan, she was powerful but complex and vulnerable at the same time. The story is a race, and the battle scenes are full of action and very fun. I didn’t realize when I picked this book up that it was the second book in the series. I wish I had read that one first, as I suspect I missed some of the history and connections, but despite that I really liked this work. I would definitely read more by Leslie Scott.
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Witches and demons and werewolves, oh my! If you like any (or all) of those you are going to love this book and series! Carnival of Shadows (Black Water Magic Book 2) is the second book in this Urban Fantasy series by Leslie Scott, and frankly, I really hope there is a third!! I loved how the characters were developed and each had a specific way of helping Teagan.
Teagan Blackwater is just trying to get on with her life after her mother killed her grandmother Nola. This meant Teagan became the swamp witch of Firewater Springs and now she is responsible for protecting the town!
When a not-so-typical carnival arrives in town, Teagan must rush to save the residents of Firewater Springs before it is too late. With the help of the local sheriff, Sean, who just so happens to be her new beau, her ex-boyfriend a biker demi-demon, and friends Oliver, Shelley, and Anna, can they defeat the ringmaster and save the residents and Firewater Springs? You will just have to read it and find out!
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Who thought going to the carnival could be so adventurous and quite dangerous? Yet having Colby, a sexy Nordic MC biker, and Sean, a HOT werewolf Sheriff can make a girl feel a little better, if they aren’t ready to go at each other. Teagan Blackwater is just trying to get her life back together after her mother killed her grandmother. Along comes the twisted carnival with their evilness. Teagan, along with Colby and the rest of the MC, Sean,, Olive, Shelley, and Anna have to figure out how to stop them. Lots of adventure, action-packed drama, surprises and twists. I was sitting on the edge of my seat rooting for Teagan feeling like I was going through it with her. The author did a fantastic job of making the characters feel real and very personable. I love the plot. It felt real, kept the flow and you just couldn’t put the book down because it kept you hooked. Didn’t see that ending. Can’t wait to see more from this author!
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Carnival of Shadows is the second installment to Ms. Scott’s Blackwater Magic series, after being so captured by her first installment Blackwater Magic I personally could not eat to read Carnival of Shadows and Ms. Scott did not disappoint. In fact she wrote such a great novel that this reader for one can’t wait for book three. Leslie Scott gives us everything we hope for in this new series including wonderful well-developed characters that are personable and relatable, a great story full of witches, a mysterious carnival, and a very compelling heroine. While some authors take a few books to reveal all of their wonderful characters and their personalities Ms. Scott has given us so much in two books, that I can’t wait to see why she throws at us next. While you could read Carnival of Shadows by itself I personally recommend reading the whole series, trust me you won’t be disappointed.
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Carnival of Shadows: A Teagan Blackwater Urban Fantasy Novel (Black Water Magic Book 2) by Leslie was a quick and exciting read. The story follows Teagan as she takes on the role of swamp witch in Firewater Springs. It seamlessly weaves her thoughts with each character she encounters and you can feel each of her emotions as she struggles to find her way. I found myself rooting for her as she made difficult decisions and feeling heartache as she encountered it. If you enjoyed The Mortal Instruments series, this is the perfect book for you. Hoping to see more adventures with Teagan and the gang in Firewater Springs.
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Teagan Blackwater is now Swamp Witch of Firewater Springs after her Nola was murdered by her own mother, Mercia. Everyone in Firewater Springs still believes that her grandmother is missing. In this book Mercia is back to take the children of Firewater Springs to feed her demon that is helping her create her army. Teagan must defeat her mother and demon to prevent her town from being destroyed. With the help of her friends and her boyfriend Sean who is the sheriff of Firewater Springs they are able to defeat them and keep the town safe doe the time being. This book was so well written and kept me on edge the entire time I was reading it. Leslie Scott has an amazing style and I absolutely loved this book. Hoping more is to come from Teagan Blackwater and her friends.
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd book in the Black Water series and even though I didn’t read the first book I was able to pick up the story and follow it with ease. That being said I think if you read the 1st book you will get a better understanding of the lead character Teegan and how she got to the point we find her at now.
I love the mix of magic, Paranormal and romance. The author does a great job of bringing the characters to life and helping you to see them as more than just their magical side.
Teegan is still coming to terms with the loss of her grandma as well as finding her way as a witch. When the carnival comes to town their is something sinister about it. Now it’s a race against time for Teegan and her friends to save the town before the Carnaval demons take over. As she struggles to get her life on track, get over her demi-demon ex and figure out what is happening relationship wise with the hot prime alpha. Can she keep things together or will she turn them against her without the help of the carnival ringmaster influence.
Carnival of Shadows by Leslie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Witches, demons, and werewolves?! What more could you ask for? How about a little mystery and some romance and you have one amazing story!! I loved Teagan’s attitude and just her character in general, I felt like I could relate to her. Also the whole concept of the circus and how it works into the whole story and the mystery behind it! The way Leslie Scott writes just sucks you into the story and you can escape reality for a little bit. If you want an amazing series to binge read pick this up now!
