Book Review: The Highlander's Enchanted Healer (Spellbound Hearts #2) by Julie Johnstone

 

Blurb: 

Love bloomed in the ashes of betrayal—fragile, furious, and unstoppable.

Elena
I came to Campbell castle to destroy them, not to fall in love.
The witch’s goblet promised any wish, any power. I stole it to avenge my murdered family. But magic always comes with a price and every time I use my gift, I’m in danger. And the Campbell laird, Ross—fiercely honorable, maddeningly protective, and impossible to ignore—was never part of my plan.
Posing as a healer was supposed to bring me closer to my adversaries. Instead, every secret I uncover pulls me closer to Ross—and to the truth about who really betrayed us both. Now, the man who is supposed to be my enemy is the only person I cannot live without.

Ross
She came to me cloaked in secrets, a healer with fire in her soul. She challenged me, intrigued me, stoked desire in me—and slowly tore down walls I had meticulously built. She was everything I couldn’t let myself need. I never intended to give her my heart. She took it. But then I discover she’s a Gordon spy—the woman who placed my clan in peril. Now, I must decide whether I can trust the lass sent to crush me.
And even as battle looms and treachery surrounds me, I can’t stop loving her.

Amazon: Amazon.com: The Highlander's Enchanted Healer (Spellbound Hearts Book 2) eBook : Johnstone, Julie: Kindle Store

Bookbub: The Highlander’s Enchanted Healer (Spellbound Hearts Book 2) by Julie Johnstone - BookBub

Goodreads: The Highlander's Enchanted Healer by Julie Johnstone | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I really enjoyed this story. Revenge turned to love. Elena had been cursed by her wish to read minds. With revenge on her mind, she headed to the Campbell fortification. I loved her willingness to risk her life to avenge her family, to use her curse to heal a child and Ross's sister, despite the risk. Ross showed her nothing but kindness, which led to her doubting her plan. Elena gave Ross something to live for. Danger, anger, loyalty, and love had me turning pages. A wonderful journey.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

Blitz: Magic Macy and the Ogre by Mark Robertson

 

Magic Macy and the Ogre

by Mark Robertson

A Magic and Adventure Bedtime Illustrated Chapter Story Picture Book for Kids Ages 3 to 9

Children's Books,  Magic Fantasy Adventure

Date Published: July 17, 2025

Join Magic Macy on Her Magical Adventures!

Step into a world of wonder with Magic Macy and The Ogre, the first enchanting book in the Magic Macy series – a heartwarming and imaginative tale perfect for early readers and bedtime dreamers aged 3–9 years old.

An Epic Adventure Across the Globe

Macy is just like any other 8-year-old girl living in Buckinghamshire… until the night after her birthday, when a mysterious rata-tat-tat on her bedroom window changes everything. Princess Amelia has come calling – and Macy has been chosen to save the endangered Woodlands People from a fearsome, grumpy Ogre.

To do so, Macy must lace up her Magic Trainers with rainbow laces, leave the safety of her room, and embark on a breathtaking journey across seas, continents, and landmarks like Big Ben, Red Square, the Eiffel Tower, and even Hawaii.

A Tale of Bravery, Friendship & Kindness

With help from woodland creatures and new magical friends, Macy discovers the power of courage, compassion, and uniqueness. Her glowing heart and desire to help those in need make her the only one who can stop the Ogre’s dark plan. Along the way, she learns that bravery isn’t about being the strongest—it’s about showing up for others, trying something new, and believing in yourself.

Magical Learning Moments

This delightful tale gently weaves in themes that help children learn and grow:

 

•        Geography – Explore countries, capitals, seas, and famous landmarks

•        Empathy & Kindness – Helping others in need

•        Friendship & Teamwork – Working together to overcome challenges

•        Courage & Self-Discovery – Facing fears and finding one’s purpose

•        Imagination & Creativity – Discovering a magical world beyond the bedroom

 

Perfect for Bedtime or Early Readers

Featuring beautiful hand-drawn illustrations, this chapter book is a joy for both parents and children. Whether read aloud or enjoyed independently, Magic Macy and The Ogre makes bedtime a magical and soothing ritual.

Fans of The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Peter Rabbit, The Snail and the Whale, and The Tiger Who Came to Tea will fall in love with Magic Macy’s whimsical world of adventure and kindness.

Why You’ll Love Magic Macy and the Ogre:

•        A magical story that inspires empathy, bravery, and imagination

•        Ideal for children aged 3–9

•        Supports early literacy, geography learning, and emotional growth

•        Encourages positive bedtime routines

•        The first book in a charming new series of magical adventures

 

Get your copy today and let Magic Macy and The Ogre take your child on an unforgettable adventure beneath the stars. Because every night is a new chance to dream, explore, and believe.

The magic begins the moment you open the book.

  

About the Author

 

 Mark Robertson is a family man who loves his sport, travelling and exploring the world and has a keen interest in history and creative writing. Mark has a strong imagination and is a great story teller. He has a penchant for imagining characters and their adventures, which he shared as a bedtime treat for his little ones. The Magic Macy series was first imagined at these bedtimes with his children. Magic Macy was one such character and he imagined Macy helping people and creatures who were in difficulty and she would venture around the world making good. The stories come to life with carefully crafted illustrations to inspire the imaginations of children and adults alike. We hope you will enjoy Magic Macy as much as Mark's children do at bedtimes.

 

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Book Review: Unholy Cross (Deadly and Ruthless #1) by Beth D. Carter

 

Blurb: 

Aera Cross is a man forged by hardship. His childhood, marred by pain and abuse, has left him with scars that run deeper than the skin. Survival has been his only mantra, that he’s learned to navigate with a hardened heart. But when a desperate father approaches him with a plea to rescue his ‘daughter’ from the clutches of a sadistic doctor, Cross finds himself at a crossroads.

The photo of Lorelei, a girl with an ethereal beauty, ignites something within him—a flicker of hope amidst the darkness. Lorelei possesses a gift that is both a blessing and a curse. But this extraordinary ability has made her a target, sold to the highest bidder and forced to perform for those who seek to exploit her. Each transaction chips away at her soul, leaving her a mere shadow of the girl she once was.

On the night of her daring escape, Lorelei stumbles into Cross’s world. Though she is wary of this rugged stranger, she has no choice but to trust him. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, where danger lurks at every corner and the lines between savior and sinner blur.

Amazon: Unholy Cross (Deadly & Ruthless Book 1) - Kindle edition by Carter, Beth D.. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Unholy Cross (Deadly & Ruthless, #1) by Beth D. Carter | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Unholy Cross eBook by Beth D. Carter - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: Unholy Cross (Deadly & Ruthless Book 1) by Beth D. Carter - BookBub

Goodreads: Unholy Cross (Deadly & Ruthless Book 1) by Beth D. Carter | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

I enjoyed this story. It was full of grit, steam, love, and danger. Lorelei was special and treated without regard, with violence. Cross was paying penance for all his misdeeds in the past, including the loss of his position within his MC. Their journey together was full of danger, threats, pain, pleasure, and love. Lorelei had heart, courage, defiance, and trust in the right people. Cross had to trust family in order to help himself and Lorelei. I look forward to more in this series.

I received a copy through RABT Book Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Tour: Under Realm Assassins Box Set (Books 1-3) by Amanda Greene with an excerpt

 

Box Set 1

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: 07-01-2025

A Bewitching Christmas

It has been seven years since Analette Dyson stopped practicing magic and headed to New York, where she created a new life, complete with a fabulous job, an apartment in Central Park West, and a sexy werewolf fiancé. She never planned on returning to her small home town in Maine, but when she learns her grandmother is ill, she decides to pop over for a visit and what better time than Christmas? Excited for her fiancé to meet her family, they head up a day early.

Worst idea ever!

After doing some last minute Christmas shopping, Analette returns to their hotel to find her fiancé in bed with another woman. Cursing the universe for her never ending bad luck with men and dreading telling her family about her cheating fiancé, she heads to the bar to self medicate.

Not one to celebrate the holidays, vampire and assassin, Cole McRae, has followed a lead to a rustic town in witch territory. But after a few days of research and waiting for his target to show, he begins to suspect he has wasted his time. That is, until he meets a curvaceous blonde with bewitching green eyes at the local bar. One night with the enchanting Analette could make this useless trip well worth his time.

Their passion is undeniable and unbeknownst to them, their fates are intertwined. Magic and romance will strike on Christmas, changing their lives forever.

 

Surrender to the Chase

A year after the tragic death of his close friend and fellow assassin, Ethan Halstead is ready to take up his sniper rifle once more. But his first assignment is nothing he ever expected. Ethan must hunt and retrieve a beautiful, spirited, alluring werewolf.

Knowing no other way to escape an arranged marriage, Fraya flees from her pack. As she contemplates slipping across the border and heading to South America, she is captured by a dangerously seductive vampire who plans on escorting her back to her family. Even as Fraya vows to make Ethan’s mission as difficult as possible, she can’t resist the riotous desire he sparks within her.

But Ethan isn’t the only predator that pursues Fraya. A powerful rival pack’s alpha wants to make her his mate. Will Ethan be able to keep Fraya safe and return her to her pack? Or will he surrender to temptation and claim Fraya as his own?

 

Wicked Passion

James Stonewoll is an Elite Assassin for the Under Realm Syndicate—an expert hunter and merciless killer. As a former pirate, he thrives on danger, the more perilous the mission, the better and he can't resist his newest contract: eliminate a rebel shape-shifting magic thief that stalks the border of the Under Realm kidnapping and murdering innocent Others. But never did the centuries old vampire anticipate playing hero to a mythical temptress with luscious curves, tantalizing lips, and hypnotic eyes.

Captured and held prisoner, Katya Moro was trapped in a seemingly endless loop of unimaginable agony as her magic was slowly being torn from her soul. A gasp away from death, she is rescued by a sinful kiss and awakens in the strong arms of a powerful warrior whose roguish smile, sharp fangs, and intense strength unlock dormant instincts within her, an all-consuming madness that demands complete surrender.

Gazing down at her, James knew he had to kill her. Dark Magic Wielders, like the beautiful female he’d found, were a grave threat to human society and were not permitted to roam the mortal world. But Katya’s smoky voice and sweet kisses stir a fierce hunger inside him. She is unpredictable, uncontrollable and wickedly seductive—his perfect kind of dangerous. To keep her safe, James will protect her from the magic thieves that hunt her and his fellow assassins until he can find a way to return Katya to her home in the Under Realm.

Can Katya’s passion conquer the darkness within his soul?

 

Excerpt: 

Surrender to the Chase

She felt his lips brush her ear as he said, “Run from me again and I will sink my fangs into your pretty little neck.”

Would his bite bring agonizing pain or blissful euphoria?

He took in one last deep breath, inhaling her scent before he pushed himself back. He remained on his knees, keeping her trapped beneath him. Their eyes met as lightning splintered the heavens. Fraya was struck speechless as a blistering curse fell from his lips. His piercing green eyes burned with ravenous desire. She knew his gaze mirrored her own. She wanted him. The animal inside her howled, demanding she surrender to this male. She shifted beneath him, barely resisting the urge to arch her back and roll her hips in invitation. 

What was happening to her? She was losing her mind. Yes, that must be it. She had been on the run. The constant stress, lack of sleep, and ever-present hunger must be getting to her.

“Why did you chase me?”

“Why did you run from me?” he countered.

Fraya tried to sit up, but he gently pushed her back down. With an irritated sigh, she answered, “I wasn’t running from you in particular. I was running from the alpha.”

“Stick with me and you needn’t worry about the alpha.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Really?”

He nodded. 

She was skeptical. “Why should I trust you?”

“You can run as far and as fast as you like, but the alpha will eventually track you down. An unmated pureblood female werewolf without her pack,” he shook his head, “sweetheart, you’re fair game.”

Fraya couldn’t argue against that, but she wasn’t in the market for a bodyguard. She needed to travel light and fast. She needed to get to Chile like yesterday and he would just slow her down.

“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll take my chances.” 

With a shrug of his large shoulders, he stood. He held out his hand, offering to help her to her feet. She hesitated, staring at his outstretched hand for a moment before she took it. The chilled bite of metal locked around her wrist. 

Rage swept through like an inferno. Her lips pulled back, baring her own set of fangs. Her wolf was rising.

“Stay calm,” he said, his voice smooth and way too even. 

“What the hell are you doing?” she snarled.

“I politely offered you my protection, but you didn’t want it. Now, I really must insist.”

Fraya’s vision began to turn red. How dare this stranger restrain her? She should rip his throat with her teeth. “Who are you?”

He shook his head. “My name isn’t important, but I’ll be the vampire escorting you home.”

Horror twisted her stomach. “No. You can’t. I won’t go back!” She fought against the cuff, using all of her strength, but unlike normal steel, the bracelet held true. “Are you working for my father?”

He clasped the other cuff around his wrist, binding them together. “I work for no individual man.”

She grabbed his arm. Panic heightened her voice, “I’ll double whatever my father is paying you. I can’t go back. You don’t understand−”

The wind whipped around them, yet he could still smell her fear. With a frown, he asked, “You would rather test your luck against the alpha than return home?”

“Please, I can’t go back,” she begged. “I will triple your pay.”

He raised a brow. “Triple?”

“Yes!”

He captured her cuffed wrist and pulled her hard against him. Desire crashed over her, robbing her of breath. “Money doesn’t interest me.”

Oh, God. Her pulse kicked up, her heart pounded so fast she could hear it. “What does interest you?”

His alluring lips slowly lifted into a charming smile, which was made sexy by his long lethal fangs. “You’re coming with me, little wolf.” 

About the Author

Amanda J. Greene is the author of the captivating Rulers of Darkness and enticing Under Realm Assassins series. Fans of Nalini Singh’s, Gena Showalter, and J.R. Ward will fall in love with Ms. Greene’s dangerously sexy heroes and strong, kick your teeth in heroines.

Within the chaos of life she finds time to write and create detailed worlds with exciting characters for her ravenous readers.

"Amanda's vampires are seriously sexy and I can't get enough!" - Kristina's Books & More

"Fans of Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changeling series, Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld, and J.R. Ward’s BDB are in for a treat..." - VampBard review of Caressed by a Crimson Moon on That's What I'm Talking About

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Instagram

Purchase Link

Amazon

Nook

Kobo

Book Review: Magic in the Music (Magic and Mystery #4) by Jane Charles

 

Blurb: 

There is nothing magical about Cassian Jourdain, nor does he come from a magical family, but Nightshade Manor was his home. This is where he had expected to grow old and die a bachelor. Except, now he has an opportunity to go back and claim what had been lost, which he intends to do until he meets Lady Samantha Ellis. Now he is torn between duty and his heart.

Lady Samantha Ellis has always loved music. She can hear it in the wind, laughter, tears, and nearly every person’s tone, except for Mr. Cassian Jourdain’s. It is a conundrum that her mother insists is not unusual, but Samantha remains intrigued and wonders if she is drawn to him because he is handsome and fascinating or because he is an enigma that may have stolen her heart.

However, when Lady Samantha faces a danger that had been foretold, Cassian realizes that his fortune and destiny are tied to hers. But without magic of his own, will he be able to save her, or will she be lost to him forever as their fortunes converge and predictions come true.

Amazon: Magic in the Music (Magic and Mystery Book 4) - Kindle edition by Charles, Jane. Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Magic in the Music (Magic & Mystery, #4) by Jane Charles | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: Magic in the Music eBook by Jane Charles - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: Magic in the Music (Magic & Mystery, #4) by Jane Charles - BookBub

Goodreads: Magic in the Music (Magic and Mystery #4) by Jane Charles | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I could not put this one down. I read every time I had a moment. Samantha's ability proved unavailable in the presence of Cassian, and she did not trust her feelings to be real or curiosity. She was determined and strong. Cassian doubted himself but was drawn to Samantha. I enjoyed the secondary characters with their support as these two survived danger and misunderstandings to find the truth in their hearts.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Tour: Unholy Cross (Deadly and Ruthless #1) by Beth D. Carter with a giveaway and my review

 

Unholy Cross

Deadly & Ruthless, Book 1

by Beth D. Carter

Dark Romance

Date Published: May 7, 2025

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Aera Cross is a man forged by hardship. His childhood, marred by pain and abuse, has left him with scars that run deeper than the skin. Survival has been his only mantra, that he’s learned to navigate with a hardened heart. But when a desperate father approaches him with a plea to rescue his ‘daughter’ from the clutches of a sadistic doctor, Cross finds himself at a crossroads.

The photo of Lorelei, a girl with an ethereal beauty, ignites something within him—a flicker of hope amidst the darkness. Lorelei possesses a gift that is both a blessing and a curse: she can heal with a touch. But this extraordinary ability has made her a target, sold to the highest bidder and forced to perform for those who seek to exploit her powers. Each transaction chips away at her soul, leaving her a mere shadow of the girl she once was.

On the night of her daring escape, Lorelei stumbles into Cross’s world. Though she is wary of this rugged stranger, she has no choice but to trust him. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, where danger lurks at every corner and the lines between savior and sinner blur.

 

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

I enjoyed this story. It was full of grit, steam, love, and danger. Lorelei was special and treated without regard, with violence. Cross was paying penance for all his misdeeds in the past, including the loss of his position within his MC. Their journey together was full of danger, threats, pain, pleasure, and love. Lorelei had heart, courage, defiance, and trust in the right people. Cross had to trust family in order to help himself and Lorelei. I look forward to more in this series.

About the Author

 

 I’m passionate about weaving tales of romance and connection, inviting readers into worlds where love conquers all. Crafting heartfelt stories and steamy scenes that make the pulse race, as well as dreaming up the next swoon-worthy adventure. I love to weave emotions into my stories that punch you in the gut. I try to write characters who aren't cookie cutters and push myself to write complicated situations that I have no idea how to resolve, forcing me to think outside the box. I strive to create characters who are complex and full of flaws. Deep passion romance between heroes and heroines who find redemption through love.

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Publisher

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Preorder: Magic in the Music (Magic and Mystery #4) by Jane Charles

Magic in the Music

Series: Magic and Mystery #4

by Jane Charles

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Available for Preorder

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/3G6yyK

Blurb:

There is nothing magical about Cassian Jourdain, nor does he come from a magical family, but Nightshade Manor was his home. This is where he had expected to grow old and die a bachelor. Except, now he has an opportunity to go back and claim what had been lost, which he intends to do until he meets Lady Samantha Ellis. Now he is torn between duty and his heart.

Lady Samantha Ellis has always loved music. She can hear it in the wind, laughter, tears, and nearly every person’s tone, except for Mr. Cassian Jourdain’s. It is a conundrum that her mother insists is not unusual, but Samantha remains intrigued and wonders if she is drawn to him because he is handsome and fascinating or because he is an enigma that may have stolen her heart.

However, when Lady Samantha faces a danger that had been foretold, Cassian realizes that his fortune and destiny are tied to hers. But without magic of his own, will he be able to save her, or will she be lost to him forever as their fortunes converge and predictions come true.

 

Release: Under Realm Assassins Boxset 1 (A Bewitching Christmas, Surrender to the Chase, Wicked Passion) by Amanda Greene

Box Set 1

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: 07-01-2025

A Bewitching Christmas

It has been seven years since Analette Dyson stopped practicing magic and headed to New York, where she created a new life, complete with a fabulous job, an apartment in Central Park West, and a sexy werewolf fiancé. She never planned on returning to her small home town in Maine, but when she learns her grandmother is ill, she decides to pop over for a visit and what better time than Christmas? Excited for her fiancé to meet her family, they head up a day early.

Worst idea ever!

After doing some last minute Christmas shopping, Analette returns to their hotel to find her fiancé in bed with another woman. Cursing the universe for her never ending bad luck with men and dreading telling her family about her cheating fiancé, she heads to the bar to self medicate.

Not one to celebrate the holidays, vampire and assassin, Cole McRae, has followed a lead to a rustic town in witch territory. But after a few days of research and waiting for his target to show, he begins to suspect he has wasted his time. That is, until he meets a curvaceous blonde with bewitching green eyes at the local bar. One night with the enchanting Analette could make this useless trip well worth his time.

Their passion is undeniable and unbeknownst to them, their fates are intertwined. Magic and romance will strike on Christmas, changing their lives forever.

 

Surrender to the Chase

A year after the tragic death of his close friend and fellow assassin, Ethan Halstead is ready to take up his sniper rifle once more. But his first assignment is nothing he ever expected. Ethan must hunt and retrieve a beautiful, spirited, alluring werewolf.

Knowing no other way to escape an arranged marriage, Fraya flees from her pack. As she contemplates slipping across the border and heading to South America, she is captured by a dangerously seductive vampire who plans on escorting her back to her family. Even as Fraya vows to make Ethan’s mission as difficult as possible, she can’t resist the riotous desire he sparks within her.

But Ethan isn’t the only predator that pursues Fraya. A powerful rival pack’s alpha wants to make her his mate. Will Ethan be able to keep Fraya safe and return her to her pack? Or will he surrender to temptation and claim Fraya as his own?

 

Wicked Passion

James Stonewoll is an Elite Assassin for the Under Realm Syndicate—an expert hunter and merciless killer. As a former pirate, he thrives on danger, the more perilous the mission, the better and he can't resist his newest contract: eliminate a rebel shape-shifting magic thief that stalks the border of the Under Realm kidnapping and murdering innocent Others. But never did the centuries old vampire anticipate playing hero to a mythical temptress with luscious curves, tantalizing lips, and hypnotic eyes.

Captured and held prisoner, Katya Moro was trapped in a seemingly endless loop of unimaginable agony as her magic was slowly being torn from her soul. A gasp away from death, she is rescued by a sinful kiss and awakens in the strong arms of a powerful warrior whose roguish smile, sharp fangs, and intense strength unlock dormant instincts within her, an all-consuming madness that demands complete surrender.

Gazing down at her, James knew he had to kill her. Dark Magic Wielders, like the beautiful female he’d found, were a grave threat to human society and were not permitted to roam the mortal world. But Katya’s smoky voice and sweet kisses stir a fierce hunger inside him. She is unpredictable, uncontrollable and wickedly seductive—his perfect kind of dangerous. To keep her safe, James will protect her from the magic thieves that hunt her and his fellow assassins until he can find a way to return Katya to her home in the Under Realm.

Can Katya’s passion conquer the darkness within his soul?

About the Author

Amanda J. Greene is the author of the captivating Rulers of Darkness and enticing Under Realm Assassins series. Fans of Nalini Singh’s, Gena Showalter, and J.R. Ward will fall in love with Ms. Greene’s dangerously sexy heroes and strong, kick your teeth in heroines.

Within the chaos of life she finds time to write and create detailed worlds with exciting characters for her ravenous readers.

"Amanda's vampires are seriously sexy and I can't get enough!" - Kristina's Books & More

"Fans of Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changeling series, Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld, and J.R. Ward’s BDB are in for a treat..." - VampBard review of Caressed by a Crimson Moon on That's What I'm Talking About

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Instagram

Purchase Link

Amazon

Nook

Kobo

 

Book Review: By Hook or by Book (The Charmed Inn Mysteries #1) by Misty Simon

 

Blurb: 

Roxy Gleason, an innkeeper by trade and a bibliomancer by birth, has lived in the same small town on the Susquehanna River in Central Pennsylvania for her entire life. Tradition is strong here. Roxy understands the rules and is willing to play by them most of the time. She runs the Charmed Inn, which has been in her family for decades.

The inn is all set to host a writers’ professional business weekend that’s been planned down to the very last hand-folded napkin, and Roxy is ready for the influx of creatives. She knows she’ll have a lot of different and sometimes unusual personalities to deal with, but this is a yearly function, so she’s not expecting anything to go awry.

Her expectations are completely tanked when she finds a dead body on her daily walk by the river’s shore. Owen Schultz had checked in for the conference a few hours ago, and she’d last seen him having tea with her aunt in the dining room.
How did he get down here on the ferry, and who killed him?


Fans of Lucy Score, Melissa F. Miller, Dianne Harman, Lynn Cahoon, Deany Ray, Kathi Daley, and Merryn Allingham will enjoy Misty Simon.

Amazon: Amazon.com: By Hook or By Book (The Charmed Inn Mysteries 1) eBook : Simon, Misty: Kindle Store

B&N: By Hook Or By Book (The Charmed Inn Mysteries, #1) by Misty Simon | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: By Hook Or By Book eBook by Misty Simon - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: By Hook or By Book by Misty Simon - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: By Hook or By Book (The Charmed Inn Mysteries 1) by Misty Simon - BookBub

Goodreads: By Hook or By Book (The Charmed Inn Mysteries 1) by Misty Simon | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This story kept me turning the pages. Roxy had her abilities which she did her best to keep hidden from guests, and suddenly, they enhanced. In the middle of all this, a murder occurred in the Inn. She was so much fun as she stumbled through the investigation, learning of her ability, and possibly finding a little romance. The secondary characters, guests, police, added to the storytelling, and I look forward to more in this series. Well worth the read.

I received a copy through Rowan Prose Publishing, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: The Laird's Magical Lass (Spellbound Hearts #1) by Julie Johnstone

 

Blurb: 

An Outlander meets Discovery of Witches enemies-to-lovers romance.

Freya

Aye, I stole a goblet. A magical one. From a witch.
In my defense, I returned it.
I just… took too long.
I was trying to save myself from a loveless marriage, not doom my future.
But witches don’t take kindly to thievery that cost them dearly.
She granted my wish—then twisted it into a curse.
Now I’m thrice wed, never for love.
Men want me for my sight, not my heart.
And when they don’t heed my visions, they die.
I've been taken again, this time by Colin bloody MacDonald.
A brute. A Highland warlord. My father’s greatest enemy.
He says he’s not like the others. I say he’s worse.
He married me to ruin my clan.
He thinks he can use me.
But I’ve had my fill of being used.
And yet… he’s careful with me. Fiercely so.
Worse still, he’s handsome when he’s not scowling,
and kind when he thinks I’m not looking.
I won’t give him my heart.
But I fear it may no longer be mine to keep.

Colin

I didn’t want a wife.
I needed leverage. A weapon. A way to end this war.
Freya MacLeod is all of that—and more trouble than I bargained for.
I forced her hand, aye. But I swore not to touch her until she’s willing.
And now, every day she refuses me feels like its own kind of curse.
She’s fire and prophecy, steel wrapped in silk.
And I’m starting to forget I married her for vengeance.
Starting to wonder what it would mean to earn her trust.
There’s no room for softness in war.
No space for hearts in bargains.
But when it comes to Freya, I’ve already lost more than I meant to give.

Amazon: Amazon.com: The Laird's Magical Lass (Spellbound Hearts Book 1) eBook : Johnstone, Julie: Kindle Store

Bookbub: The Laird’s Magical Lass (Spellbound Hearts Book 1) by Julie Johnstone - BookBub

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My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I found this to be a gripping tale. Would they overcome their pasts? Freya had put up with a lot of abuse as her father bartered her for power and connections. She was strong enough to survive, was loyal and protective of her sister, and willing to lower her walls when she realized her true feelings. Colin made a death-bed promise that had him fallowing in pain and guilt, but he remained convinced that peace was the way to go. He did what he felt was necessary, not realizing it was the right thing. I loved his devotion to clan and siblings, and then his protectiveness of Freya. I had tears of sadness and joy, smiles for Freya's witty comments, and a full heart by the end.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.