Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.41 AVERAGE
3.41 AVERAGE
I had such high ho[pes for this book! It was a new to me author but I thought it could be a fun take on paranormal but it fell kind of plate for me. Aiden I think was supposed to be charming and he mostly seemed like a jerk and I never really felt the chemistry between Selene and Aiden. Selene was interesting but I wanted more... action? Magical action? I don't know. It was well written and I liked the representation behind it but I can't really give it more than three stars.
This is a totally fun read!
Aiden is a paranormal investigator with a hit internet show. He's the snarky skeptic to his best friend Eddie's hopeful believer. They roll into Brimrock for the holidays to stay with Eddie's family and investigate local paranormal rumors. Selene is a young witch whose family is the source of those rumors. When their paths cross, things are obviously going to get interesting!
I loved the storyline here. Pairing a skeptic with a magical being is genius and made for wonderful character development. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters, the town being one of them. It's also a powerful look into learning who you are as a person separate from your family and others' expectations. The writing was cheesy at times and a bit repetitive, but it made for a quick, easy read. I was engaged the entire time and couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
I recommend this one for readers of romance, especially paranormal ones. Many thanks to NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Aiden is a paranormal investigator with a hit internet show. He's the snarky skeptic to his best friend Eddie's hopeful believer. They roll into Brimrock for the holidays to stay with Eddie's family and investigate local paranormal rumors. Selene is a young witch whose family is the source of those rumors. When their paths cross, things are obviously going to get interesting!
I loved the storyline here. Pairing a skeptic with a magical being is genius and made for wonderful character development. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters, the town being one of them. It's also a powerful look into learning who you are as a person separate from your family and others' expectations. The writing was cheesy at times and a bit repetitive, but it made for a quick, easy read. I was engaged the entire time and couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
I recommend this one for readers of romance, especially paranormal ones. Many thanks to NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
This is my first book I've read by Mila Nicks, but it won't be my last!
This book has a good deal of positive representation in it, from healthy female relationships, to positive body image, to dress how you want, healthy male relationships, different sexual orientation of characters, semi-healthy family relationship...you know, positivity!
I really enjoyed the level of snarky sarcasm coming out of Aiden. I guess I kind of enjoy reading about a guy with a dry sense of humor and the woman who can easily keep up with it with her own sass, Selene. Their relationship is kind of a whirlwind affair, but the author spends a lot of time developing it so it doesn't feel like it's any sort of insta-romance, which is something I really appreciate.
The relationship is front and center and the paranormal mystery kind of takes a backseat until 68% of the way through the book (I had an ebook copy), which I was completely fine with because it made the relationship between the two of them more believable. This is a relationship you could actually see potentially developing in real life. Full of awkward points, innocent sarcasm, and a few 'massive' blunders that you can totally see being mortifying in real life. But you know that the characters get over them (and even start joking about the one) and it just adds another tale to the story of their love.
For those of you wondering, yes there are some adult scenes in this book and one of them is horribly awkward for the characters involved, but it's nice that the author is also including it in her book because I can honestly say that I have never read a book that even touched on such a situation. True to its form, the book is positive about the blunder and encourages a redo on the whole situation. Doing so has much better results. ;-)
In Conclusion
This is a nice little fluff read about an adorable witch and a sarcastic bookworm turned paranormal investigator coming together in life, both to solve a mystery, break a curse, and to date. It's cute and I can't wait for the next one!
This is my first book I've read by Mila Nicks, but it won't be my last!
This book has a good deal of positive representation in it, from healthy female relationships, to positive body image, to dress how you want, healthy male relationships, different sexual orientation of characters, semi-healthy family relationship...you know, positivity!
I really enjoyed the level of snarky sarcasm coming out of Aiden. I guess I kind of enjoy reading about a guy with a dry sense of humor and the woman who can easily keep up with it with her own sass, Selene. Their relationship is kind of a whirlwind affair, but the author spends a lot of time developing it so it doesn't feel like it's any sort of insta-romance, which is something I really appreciate.
The relationship is front and center and the paranormal mystery kind of takes a backseat until 68% of the way through the book (I had an ebook copy), which I was completely fine with because it made the relationship between the two of them more believable. This is a relationship you could actually see potentially developing in real life. Full of awkward points, innocent sarcasm, and a few 'massive' blunders that you can totally see being mortifying in real life. But you know that the characters get over them (and even start joking about the one) and it just adds another tale to the story of their love.
For those of you wondering, yes there are some adult scenes in this book and one of them is horribly awkward for the characters involved, but it's nice that the author is also including it in her book because I can honestly say that I have never read a book that even touched on such a situation. True to its form, the book is positive about the blunder and encourages a redo on the whole situation. Doing so has much better results. ;-)
In Conclusion
This is a nice little fluff read about an adorable witch and a sarcastic bookworm turned paranormal investigator coming together in life, both to solve a mystery, break a curse, and to date. It's cute and I can't wait for the next one!
This was a cute love story with a witchy/holiday vibe! The main characters are sweet, awkward, and generally very cute. This was my second paranormal romance and I think I liked it! It's definitely not my go-to romance subgenre, but if you're looking for a paranormal mystery with a romance then this is absolutely the book for you! I'd give it a 2/5 for steam.
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Black Witch Magic is a fun paranormal, holiday romance with lots of subtext on racism and microagressions! Selene Blackstone is a curvy Black girl living in a small town (Brimrock), working in the library by day, but is secretly a witch. Oh, and she is living with a family curse that traps her in Brimrock and destroys her attempts at having a relationship. Aiden O'Hare is the skeptic on a paranormal investigation show, spending the holidays with his friend and partner Eddie. Also, he is not the biggest fan of Christmas. I won't say too much more about the plot, but this was a great blend of romance, humor, and peril.
It also has tons of subtextual commentary on racism and microagressions. You can definitely read it at face value, but it's pretty clear that much of the fear, dislike, and consistent microagressions that Selene faces because people think she comes from a family of evil witches is a stand-in for the very real things Black people deal with, especially in small towns where most people are not non-witches *cough* white people *cough*. Even the arc involving Aiden coming to terms with witches being real parallels the importance of the white partner in an interracial relationship recognizing and grappling with what their partner faces on a regular basis. Oh and the big bad (without getting specific) turns out to be a self-righteous white woman. It's great.
But also you can read this as an engaging paranormal romance, and I'm betting plenty of readers won't pick up on what's really going on. But it's definitely there and I thought it was smart while still being a fun story. I would definitely read more from this author in the future! I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Black Witch Magic is a fun paranormal, holiday romance with lots of subtext on racism and microagressions! Selene Blackstone is a curvy Black girl living in a small town (Brimrock), working in the library by day, but is secretly a witch. Oh, and she is living with a family curse that traps her in Brimrock and destroys her attempts at having a relationship. Aiden O'Hare is the skeptic on a paranormal investigation show, spending the holidays with his friend and partner Eddie. Also, he is not the biggest fan of Christmas. I won't say too much more about the plot, but this was a great blend of romance, humor, and peril.
It also has tons of subtextual commentary on racism and microagressions. You can definitely read it at face value, but it's pretty clear that much of the fear, dislike, and consistent microagressions that Selene faces because people think she comes from a family of evil witches is a stand-in for the very real things Black people deal with, especially in small towns where most people are not non-witches *cough* white people *cough*. Even the arc involving Aiden coming to terms with witches being real parallels the importance of the white partner in an interracial relationship recognizing and grappling with what their partner faces on a regular basis. Oh and the big bad (without getting specific) turns out to be a self-righteous white woman. It's great.
But also you can read this as an engaging paranormal romance, and I'm betting plenty of readers won't pick up on what's really going on. But it's definitely there and I thought it was smart while still being a fun story. I would definitely read more from this author in the future! I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
I am not an own voices reviewer so please check out various Black reviewers, bloggers, booktuber and bookstagrammers for a more comprehensive and honest review.
I have this book a 4.25 out of 5 stars.
I really enjoyed reading this book. What first caught my eye was the title and the cover. Like Black witches? Sign me up! I thought this was a great book that really read like a cozy mystery/paranormal romance. Which in my opinion, is a fantastic combination. I enjoyed the witchy elements, and the mystery elements. I loved that Adrian’s character was part of a paranormal buster duo like Buzzfeed Unsolved. He did remind me of Shane with his skepticism.
I think the strongest part of this story is the budding romance between our main characters, Selene and Adrian. They were so cute together and the chemistry was sizzling! Those kiss scenes were hot! Although, it was insta-lovey at first, their feelings and attraction towards one another built as the story progressed. I loved how Adrian was protective of Selene and defended her to the towns people and how irresistible he found her.
I also enjoyed Noelle’s character who is Selene’s BFF and fellow witch. I loved how she stuck with Selene through and through even if they have their disagreements. I didn’t really enjoy Eddie’s character though because he was pushy and somewhat forcing certain views of his onto Adrian. Also he had an issue with Selene which is an underlying message about racism and how Black women are seen through the lens of White society. Like the town's whole issue with Selene and her family had an underlying tone and message about how White people view Black people (i.e. criminal and evil).
So if you like paranormal interracial romances with Black witches and messages throughout and some fun, this is for you! Can't wait for the sequel!
I have this book a 4.25 out of 5 stars.
I really enjoyed reading this book. What first caught my eye was the title and the cover. Like Black witches? Sign me up! I thought this was a great book that really read like a cozy mystery/paranormal romance. Which in my opinion, is a fantastic combination. I enjoyed the witchy elements, and the mystery elements. I loved that Adrian’s character was part of a paranormal buster duo like Buzzfeed Unsolved. He did remind me of Shane with his skepticism.
I think the strongest part of this story is the budding romance between our main characters, Selene and Adrian. They were so cute together and the chemistry was sizzling! Those kiss scenes were hot! Although, it was insta-lovey at first, their feelings and attraction towards one another built as the story progressed. I loved how Adrian was protective of Selene and defended her to the towns people and how irresistible he found her.
I also enjoyed Noelle’s character who is Selene’s BFF and fellow witch. I loved how she stuck with Selene through and through even if they have their disagreements. I didn’t really enjoy Eddie’s character though because he was pushy and somewhat forcing certain views of his onto Adrian. Also he had an issue with Selene which is an underlying message about racism and how Black women are seen through the lens of White society. Like the town's whole issue with Selene and her family had an underlying tone and message about how White people view Black people (i.e. criminal and evil).
So if you like paranormal interracial romances with Black witches and messages throughout and some fun, this is for you! Can't wait for the sequel!
*3.75 Stars*
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Black Witch Magic is a paranormal romance centered around Selene, a twenty-six year old witch who's been cursed years before she was even born. She supposedly can't live her town nor find happiness in love.
Enters Aiden, a paranormal investigator, who's spending the holidays with Eddie, his best friend and colleague along with Eddie's family. But Aiden does not like the holidays and the constant cheer is getting to him so he keeps escaping on his own.
Anyway, sparks fly but trust is haaaaaaaaaaard.
I enjoyed this book for the most part, it wasn't perfect but it was nice and I had a good time reading it. I didn't see the big twist coming, I thought someone else was the big bad.
The romance felt a bit too insta-love-y for my taste and I didn't really fell for the main characters. My favorite characters was Selene's best friend and her aunt and we didn't see them nearly enough.
I guess something didn't click for me in the romance department but I really did enjoy the rest of the plot.
Anyway, this was fun and I will most likely read book 2.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Black Witch Magic is a paranormal romance centered around Selene, a twenty-six year old witch who's been cursed years before she was even born. She supposedly can't live her town nor find happiness in love.
Enters Aiden, a paranormal investigator, who's spending the holidays with Eddie, his best friend and colleague along with Eddie's family. But Aiden does not like the holidays and the constant cheer is getting to him so he keeps escaping on his own.
Anyway, sparks fly but trust is haaaaaaaaaaard.
I enjoyed this book for the most part, it wasn't perfect but it was nice and I had a good time reading it. I didn't see the big twist coming, I thought someone else was the big bad.
The romance felt a bit too insta-love-y for my taste and I didn't really fell for the main characters. My favorite characters was Selene's best friend and her aunt and we didn't see them nearly enough.
I guess something didn't click for me in the romance department but I really did enjoy the rest of the plot.
Anyway, this was fun and I will most likely read book 2.
Selena Blackstone is a librarian, a book lover, and a witch. She is an outcast in her small town of Brimrock and most days prefers books over people anyway. It's good she can find peace in books because she is actually cursed that she can never leave her town because her grandmother did an awful thing and was cursed for it.
Enter Aiden O'Hare, an introverted paranormal investigator who really doesn't believe in the paranormal. He travels the world to investigate strange happenings, and tries to disprove them. With the story of Selena’s grandmother being a witch, he is soon brought to town to investigate.
Investigating leads him to Selene, and Selene tries to do everything in her power to get him to stop his investigation.
This was a nice cute read and I enjoyed my time with the book.
Enter Aiden O'Hare, an introverted paranormal investigator who really doesn't believe in the paranormal. He travels the world to investigate strange happenings, and tries to disprove them. With the story of Selena’s grandmother being a witch, he is soon brought to town to investigate.
Investigating leads him to Selene, and Selene tries to do everything in her power to get him to stop his investigation.
This was a nice cute read and I enjoyed my time with the book.
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Black Witch Magic was such a fun, fluffy mystery romance! Set in a small town, we follow Selene who uses her witch magic to help her with her job at the library, and Aiden who runs a paranormal YouTube series with his best friend Eddie. This book is a dual perspective adult romance with some mystery thrown in!
I did really enjoy this book, but I kind of guessed the plot twist, and I also thought this was a Halloween book? The cover has that vibe as well as I think some of the marketing but it is actually set during Christmas. The writing was good but at times overly descriptive and the dialogue was spotty. Overall, I’m giving it a 3.5 stars!
Black Witch Magic was such a fun, fluffy mystery romance! Set in a small town, we follow Selene who uses her witch magic to help her with her job at the library, and Aiden who runs a paranormal YouTube series with his best friend Eddie. This book is a dual perspective adult romance with some mystery thrown in!
I did really enjoy this book, but I kind of guessed the plot twist, and I also thought this was a Halloween book? The cover has that vibe as well as I think some of the marketing but it is actually set during Christmas. The writing was good but at times overly descriptive and the dialogue was spotty. Overall, I’m giving it a 3.5 stars!
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of Black Witch Magic!
You know how sometimes you just get on Netgalley and scroll and request, scroll and request, along with scrolling and requesting?
Well, that's what was happening when I came across Black Witch Magic. I had never read anything by Mila Nicks prior requesting, but the synopsis intrigued me. Black main character who happens to be a witch taking place in a small New England town?! How could I NOT want to read this novel?!
Reading Black Witch Magic was a good time. The pace was good, the writing was easy to follow and I really enjoyed that we got both perspectives, Selene's and Aiden's. I really enjoy when romance novels include both POV's because I am someone who loves to overthink and jump to conclusions. I really appreciate when authors allow for my brain to take a pause.
There were two cons:
I didn't really understand the timeline in regards to Selene's grandmother. She stated that her mother had to grow up without her grandmother, but Selene is 25 while her grandmother disappeared 30 years prior? I thought I missed something, but it was mentioned multiple times and it still didn't make sense to me.
The other thing made me roll my eyes every time was that there are repeated references to Harry Potter. I know HP has played a big role in a lot of people's lives, authors included, but I really think that we need to move on from HP as a reference. This may not bother some people, but it really felt unnecessary to have it in the story, especially more than once. It's really time to move on and have another witchy series be our muse.
Other than that I enjoyed my time with Black Witch Magic. I will be picking up the second installment once it is out and highly recommend, especially as a Christmas/Holidays read.
You know how sometimes you just get on Netgalley and scroll and request, scroll and request, along with scrolling and requesting?
Well, that's what was happening when I came across Black Witch Magic. I had never read anything by Mila Nicks prior requesting, but the synopsis intrigued me. Black main character who happens to be a witch taking place in a small New England town?! How could I NOT want to read this novel?!
Reading Black Witch Magic was a good time. The pace was good, the writing was easy to follow and I really enjoyed that we got both perspectives, Selene's and Aiden's. I really enjoy when romance novels include both POV's because I am someone who loves to overthink and jump to conclusions. I really appreciate when authors allow for my brain to take a pause.
There were two cons:
I didn't really understand the timeline in regards to Selene's grandmother. She stated that her mother had to grow up without her grandmother, but Selene is 25 while her grandmother disappeared 30 years prior? I thought I missed something, but it was mentioned multiple times and it still didn't make sense to me.
The other thing made me roll my eyes every time was that there are repeated references to Harry Potter. I know HP has played a big role in a lot of people's lives, authors included, but I really think that we need to move on from HP as a reference. This may not bother some people, but it really felt unnecessary to have it in the story, especially more than once. It's really time to move on and have another witchy series be our muse.
Other than that I enjoyed my time with Black Witch Magic. I will be picking up the second installment once it is out and highly recommend, especially as a Christmas/Holidays read.