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Something Wicked #1
Foul is Fair
I like my monsters like my coffee—strong, hot, and not trying to kill me.
I’m done with hunting down supernatural criminals. Fighting for my life everyday gets old. So, career change. Social worker for supernaturals is a way to use my skills in a no risk environment. Right?
Wrong.
It turns out the last witch in my role was slaughtered by a lycanthrope—and the prime suspect is my client who happens to be pure, forbidden deliciousness. Totally irrelevant. I get paid to support the vulnerable, not lust after them. Or assume they’re guilty unless proven innocent.
But the cops are outgunned. The wizards are morally bankrupt. And the lycans are concealing information.
There’s someone powerful, clever, and armed with inside knowledge who’s getting rich running drugs. Someone lurking behind a network of faeries and lycanthropes. Someone corrupt enough to kill to keep their secrets.
I’m a witch. I’m not going down without a fight.
I’m done with hunting down supernatural criminals. Fighting for my life everyday gets old. So, career change. Social worker for supernaturals is a way to use my skills in a no risk environment. Right?
Wrong.
It turns out the last witch in my role was slaughtered by a lycanthrope—and the prime suspect is my client who happens to be pure, forbidden deliciousness. Totally irrelevant. I get paid to support the vulnerable, not lust after them. Or assume they’re guilty unless proven innocent.
But the cops are outgunned. The wizards are morally bankrupt. And the lycans are concealing information.
There’s someone powerful, clever, and armed with inside knowledge who’s getting rich running drugs. Someone lurking behind a network of faeries and lycanthropes. Someone corrupt enough to kill to keep their secrets.
I’m a witch. I’m not going down without a fight.
334 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2023
56 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Elisse Hay
9 books34 followersElisse lives on the unceded land of the Kulin Nation in Australia. She has become the cat lady everybody promised she could be; her next goal is swamp hag.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 30, 2023
Foul is Fair is the first in the Something Wicked series. Aurora is a witch who protects supernatural citizens. Makes sure they’re staying on the right side of the law. She takes a new job after a devastating loss in her old one. I like the characters and I like the uniqueness of the storyline. Can I understand it? Most of the time, nope. Took me about half the book to sort of get it. I would like to see where Aurora goes next and hope it’s less confusing!
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
4.5 stars★★★★★
☞ Trigger warnings: **contains spoilers**
First read: Feburary 2023
Second read: June 2023
Something Wicked series reviews:
#1 Foul is Fair: ★★★★★
#2 Villains by Necessity: ★★★★☆
#3 Met by Moonlight: currently reading
⋆☾⋆ My review is also posted right here on my blog ⋆☾⋆
⋆☾⋆ My review for book #2 - Villains by Necessity: An Urban Fantasy Adventure is right here and on my blog ⋆☾⋆
Aurora wants a fresh start. She starts a new, safe job in Melbourne as a social worker for the supernatural. No more capturing criminal supernaturals. No more putting her life on the line on daily basis. No more seeing friends die. No more risk. Unfortunately, the reason for the job vacancy was the previous social worker who had been murdered. The prime suspect is the werewolf she has on her roster. No biggie, right?
Starting a new job is hard, but it makes it harder worrying one of your clients might have killed your predecessor and a boss who is a nepo baby, a misogynistic arsehole who pretends he's a feminist and is more worried about paperwork than clients. There is also the trauma you are still trying to work through.
The society Elisse Hay has established is a world where the supernatural is a known entity to the human world, with regulations and oversight. It means supernaturals must be registered, with paperwork, and subjected to particular laws. I felt the laws were prejudiced against the supernatural, overly constricting in order to control the supernaturals, but I can see it is the main tool to keep humans safe. The supernaturals are still secretive, regardless of laws and oversight. It seems like a precarious situation that isn't necessarily balanced or entirely effective.
I wouldn't necessarily call Aurora a good social worker. She has the compassion and empathy that makes her want to help people. Social work is a heavily regulated and bureaucratic field, with an insane amount of red tape to be effective. The red tape is there for clients protection and for workers. It is there for safety, but also because with goverment money comes micromanaging. Thats all to say that Aurora is no fan of micromanaging, bureaucracy and rules. Caring for her clients means she crosses the line of her professional capacity a time or two. It is endearing to go to bat for people who need help but that means Aurora gets stuck in some sticky situations.
Aurora is a traumatised badass with a weird relationship with her magic and thinks rules are more guidelines. She is snarky, cynical and constantly needs coffee and any form of potato in order to function. As we all know, hot girls only know how to eat hot chip and lie. Aurora especially as she is constantly eating hot chips and constantly lying to the people around her. Who can blame her. Hot chips are love. Hot chips are life.
The hard magic system relies on rhymes and herbs. Aurora is a rarity in which her skill lies in impenetrable wards but falters in doing more than one speel at once. I love a special snowlake chosen one story. Now I have no idea if Aurora is a chosen one per se but she gives the vibe that there is a reason for her magic to act a certain way. The implications intrigue me and I am excited to find out what it all leads too.
"Why was I the one witch who couldn’t hold two spells at once?"
The romance was a forbidden romance that was complicated further by family, laws, children, lies and trauma. I mean the whole thing should not have worked, and yet I was screaming about how cute Beo was and wanting my own family orientated, mountain of a man like Beo. He was sweet, attentive, sensitive, and just the right amount of needy. I think Aurora didn't know how to deal with someone like Beo but she was willing to try despite the complications. The chemistry and spice were top-tier with just enough sweet moments in between that made my heart burst. Beo is in my motherf*cking bones now.
“Bones, Rory. They…hold you up, even when nothing else is working. Keep you from being…nothing.” He looked up and my heart twisted, shuddered. “You’re in my bones,” he repeated, softly.
On my second read, I realised the intricacies of the drug running weren't explored much. It waas told the culprit was doing it, but we don't see the portal, we don't see the evidence of any of it and we don't even see the drugs that these people are even running. I wish we saw these so called portals or these criminals before we got to the big end scene. The worldbuilding was focused on Auroroa, Beo and the connections to her previous life.
I would like to also shout out to the author who started the book with an acknowledgment of country that Australians use as to pay respect to the traditional custodians of the land.
This story was written on the Wadawurrung lands of the Kulin Nation and is set in the lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation. I pay respect to First Nation Elders past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded.
Would I recommend this book?
Yes.
I recommend it for people who like Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson series, Ilona Andrews series Kate Daniels, the Charley Davidson series and the relatively unknown but also great Mackenzie Green series.
Will I re-read this book?
I have read Book 1 and Book 2. I am unsure if I will continue after that which bums me out because I loved book 1 so much and felt the potential of the series.
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January 22, 2023
Smooth reading fantasy. This stand alone but start of a series is my kind of entertainment. Witches, wizards, supernaturals, some possible love complications, and a murder mystery as well as a strong female lead. Aurora, a talented witch has been trying to keep people safe by bagging the bad guys but things went terribly wrong. Now she wants a change of pace and something less dangerous. But being a supernatural social worker might turn out to be even more dangerous as she juggles male ego’s, her own need for love and the fact the colleague she has taken over from was murdered. Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
March 2, 2023
My review is live on my blog for your viewing pleasure at www.justanothergirlandherbooks.com
I’ll move it here later when I remember that’s a task that needs doing.
I’ll move it here later when I remember that’s a task that needs doing.
May 29, 2023
Foul is Fair by Elisse Hay is a gripping supernatural mystery that keeps the reader on edge from start to finish. The story follows a witch who decides to switch careers to become a social worker for supernaturals after becoming tired of hunting down supernatural criminals. However, her new career takes a dark turn when her client, who is also her prime suspect, is accused of murdering the last witch in her role.
The protagonist, Beo, is a strong and relatable character who adds depth to the story. Despite the book's "forcefully woke" approach, the author does a great job of keeping the reader engaged with plenty of action and intrigue. The comic relief in the story also helps to break up the tension.
Hay's writing style is concise and descriptive, allowing readers to easily imagine the supernatural world she has created. The plot is well-constructed with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the end.
Overall, Foul is Fair is an enjoyable read that would be perfect for fans of supernatural mysteries. The book's fast-paced plot and engaging characters make it a worthwhile addition to any reader's bookshelf. I give it four stars.
The protagonist, Beo, is a strong and relatable character who adds depth to the story. Despite the book's "forcefully woke" approach, the author does a great job of keeping the reader engaged with plenty of action and intrigue. The comic relief in the story also helps to break up the tension.
Hay's writing style is concise and descriptive, allowing readers to easily imagine the supernatural world she has created. The plot is well-constructed with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the end.
Overall, Foul is Fair is an enjoyable read that would be perfect for fans of supernatural mysteries. The book's fast-paced plot and engaging characters make it a worthwhile addition to any reader's bookshelf. I give it four stars.
January 18, 2023
Review pending :)
April 8, 2023
Fraught with danger, sarcastic humor, and steamy romance, this novel has it all! “Foul is Fair” is the first in the “Something Wicked” series, and holds promise for many more entertaining stories to come.
Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 15, 2023
Aurora is trying to create a more tame life for herself after a traumatic encounter in her job, basically in magical SWAT. She withheld those credentials and is starting over in Melbourne as a magical social worker to help people and not be in life-or-death situations on the daily. It turns out the position she chose wasn't as safe as she thought it was; her predecessor was murdered by lycans, who might also be the clients she's supposed to be protecting. Rory has to find a way to solve the mystery, protect herself and her clients, get used to a new city without her support systems, and deal with a misogynistic boss..you know, everyday things.
I absolutely LOVED this book. I was so mad when it was over, I literally howled and threw my Kindle. I'm seriously considering just reading it again. It was so engaging; I love Rory and her witty badassery. Even the side characters were great and well-developed. It had all the action, mystery, trauma, social sensitivity, goo, spice, twists, and humor you could ever want. I laughed out loud so many times! I seriously can not believe this came from a first-time author (although I did see one typo) and I can not wait for more books in this series. The world-building was masterful, I so love the concept and I've spent a lot of time talking to my friends about it...while also trying to convince them to read the book so I can keep talking about it. Read it, you won't regret it.
I absolutely LOVED this book. I was so mad when it was over, I literally howled and threw my Kindle. I'm seriously considering just reading it again. It was so engaging; I love Rory and her witty badassery. Even the side characters were great and well-developed. It had all the action, mystery, trauma, social sensitivity, goo, spice, twists, and humor you could ever want. I laughed out loud so many times! I seriously can not believe this came from a first-time author (although I did see one typo) and I can not wait for more books in this series. The world-building was masterful, I so love the concept and I've spent a lot of time talking to my friends about it...while also trying to convince them to read the book so I can keep talking about it. Read it, you won't regret it.
November 18, 2023
Book: Foul is Fair
Read By: Ebook
Author: Elisse Hay
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I love it when. See a fellow Aussie putting in our homeland. Hell yes! So many fantasy books are based in the us or uk, and it is fantastic to see one based in Australia.
“Three husbands, fine, good for her, but seven cats? Who needs that many cats?”
One that is done so well it made me want to read every single book by this author!
Heels. Really high, killer heels. And a dress—something fitted, something black. All the better to hide the blood, spilled coffee, or wizard’s tears.
We need audio for these, I wanted to continue reading it when I had school pick up, I needed audio lol and headphone lets not forget that, this book isn't for kids to hear hahaha
All in all, I’d pissed off absolutely everyone. And it wasn’t even lunch.
I highly recommend it.
Read By: Ebook
Author: Elisse Hay
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I love it when. See a fellow Aussie putting in our homeland. Hell yes! So many fantasy books are based in the us or uk, and it is fantastic to see one based in Australia.
“Three husbands, fine, good for her, but seven cats? Who needs that many cats?”
One that is done so well it made me want to read every single book by this author!
Heels. Really high, killer heels. And a dress—something fitted, something black. All the better to hide the blood, spilled coffee, or wizard’s tears.
We need audio for these, I wanted to continue reading it when I had school pick up, I needed audio lol and headphone lets not forget that, this book isn't for kids to hear hahaha
All in all, I’d pissed off absolutely everyone. And it wasn’t even lunch.
I highly recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2023
First book in the Something Wicked Series.
I found it the writing style easy to get into and wrap me in the story. Aurora is an interesting character with a history that effects how she views the world and people.
Due to the incident at the start of the book, Aurora changes job for a change of pace to social worker witch. But then starts investigating the death of a colleague, as her instincts say there is something wrong.
I am looking forward to reading more of the series and seeing how the world develops.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found it the writing style easy to get into and wrap me in the story. Aurora is an interesting character with a history that effects how she views the world and people.
Due to the incident at the start of the book, Aurora changes job for a change of pace to social worker witch. But then starts investigating the death of a colleague, as her instincts say there is something wrong.
I am looking forward to reading more of the series and seeing how the world develops.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2023
I have wanted to get back into reading fantasy and this book was the perfect way to do so!
Personally, I felt that this book started quite slow but when it started to pick up, I was completely hooked! It was interesting, vivid and wonderful.
This book was the perfect mix of romance and fantasy. The variety of supernatural characters was absolutely amazing, and each were written and intertwined within the story so well that it didn’t feel like there was too much going on. The story progressed so fluidly. It was a wonderful read.
If you like romance and fantasy, I highly recommend this book!
Personally, I felt that this book started quite slow but when it started to pick up, I was completely hooked! It was interesting, vivid and wonderful.
This book was the perfect mix of romance and fantasy. The variety of supernatural characters was absolutely amazing, and each were written and intertwined within the story so well that it didn’t feel like there was too much going on. The story progressed so fluidly. It was a wonderful read.
If you like romance and fantasy, I highly recommend this book!
February 6, 2023
Our heroine decided on a career change as her old one was getting too dangerous. Turns out her new one isn't any better. With a supernatural crime lord in town, things are getting a little hot. But that is not something our heroine is going to just accept. He is in for a fight.
This is book one of the series, so all good on that front.
This is an urban fantasy series with witches, shifters and the like. The story itself is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting that is fun to explore. The characters are also well developed and lots of fun. I love our heroine who is tough and smart, just the way I like them. The story moves at a rapid pace with plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, this was a great start to the series and I definitely look forward to seeing more.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book one of the series, so all good on that front.
This is an urban fantasy series with witches, shifters and the like. The story itself is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting that is fun to explore. The characters are also well developed and lots of fun. I love our heroine who is tough and smart, just the way I like them. The story moves at a rapid pace with plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, this was a great start to the series and I definitely look forward to seeing more.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
March 23, 2023
Foul is Fair is thoroughly Enjoyable.
Crime Fighting, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy Romance all in one book. Such a Beautiful Easy read.
Rory is a Caretaker of the Supernatural. Caretakers are a Coven of Witches and Wizards. New to the role and assessing all her Clients, she realises some are incorrectly labeled in their Risk Levels. Finding out her Predecessor was Murdered and that her Lycan Clients are suspected of being the Murderers. Something doesn’t feel right about it all and Rory must Investigate further and get close to the Lycan Pack.
Beo is the Lycan Alpha runs a gym. He takes a liking to Rory. He knows that she is a witch and brings her into the pack and welcomes her as their Caretaker. She is then faced with some Morally Grey decisions.
I absolutely Enjoyed reading Foul is Fair and the Murder mystery solving was an awesome twist. There is some great spice 🌶 between the main characters that left me wanting more. 100% will be recommending to my fellow book friends.
Crime Fighting, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy Romance all in one book. Such a Beautiful Easy read.
Rory is a Caretaker of the Supernatural. Caretakers are a Coven of Witches and Wizards. New to the role and assessing all her Clients, she realises some are incorrectly labeled in their Risk Levels. Finding out her Predecessor was Murdered and that her Lycan Clients are suspected of being the Murderers. Something doesn’t feel right about it all and Rory must Investigate further and get close to the Lycan Pack.
Beo is the Lycan Alpha runs a gym. He takes a liking to Rory. He knows that she is a witch and brings her into the pack and welcomes her as their Caretaker. She is then faced with some Morally Grey decisions.
I absolutely Enjoyed reading Foul is Fair and the Murder mystery solving was an awesome twist. There is some great spice 🌶 between the main characters that left me wanting more. 100% will be recommending to my fellow book friends.
February 10, 2023
Exciting new UF
Excellent start to a new series. Rory is smart, resourceful and strong as hell while remaining vulnerable and human.
She gave me real Mercy Thompson vibes which is a huge compliment! I liked the representation and progressive attitudes along with the paranormal theme. Hope the next in the series is coming soon bc I’m looking forward to reading on!
Excellent start to a new series. Rory is smart, resourceful and strong as hell while remaining vulnerable and human.
She gave me real Mercy Thompson vibes which is a huge compliment! I liked the representation and progressive attitudes along with the paranormal theme. Hope the next in the series is coming soon bc I’m looking forward to reading on!
January 25, 2023
I both love and don’t love trying new authors, and this is one such new author. I will admit I wasn’t sure I was going to like this one, but by the end of reading this book, I am entirely hooked on this series. Rory at first seemed a little meek, but by the end, we see that’s she’s an exceptionally strong character. Add in the interesting other characters like Lillith, her dad, and her coven members, and this is a great book where I want to find out lots and lots more. I am still a little confused about Darkworld and parts of the universe, but I figure that will come in successive books. Well-written urban fantasy. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
February 1, 2023
I received a copy on the Early Reviewers page of The Library Thing.
Let me begin by saying I read this book in less than 24 hours. It was that good.
The protagonist, Rory, was a well-rounded character. She had enough of a tough side but was well-complimented with a soft one. She is not the "I can do it all and still look like I came out of a salon" but she felt more real.
Perhaps the romantic relationship could've been less cliched, but I didn't mind it one bit. The plot works in a good way and there are twists and turns, I honestly didn't expect the outcome in its entirety. I liked that about the book.
The supernatural world feels 'real' and not all wanky-made-up. It was interesting.
I would've loved to see the coven have more presence throughout the story, but since this is the first book of a series, I will not hold it against the author.
I will, for certain, be on the lookout for the following installments.
Let me begin by saying I read this book in less than 24 hours. It was that good.
The protagonist, Rory, was a well-rounded character. She had enough of a tough side but was well-complimented with a soft one. She is not the "I can do it all and still look like I came out of a salon" but she felt more real.
Perhaps the romantic relationship could've been less cliched, but I didn't mind it one bit. The plot works in a good way and there are twists and turns, I honestly didn't expect the outcome in its entirety. I liked that about the book.
The supernatural world feels 'real' and not all wanky-made-up. It was interesting.
I would've loved to see the coven have more presence throughout the story, but since this is the first book of a series, I will not hold it against the author.
I will, for certain, be on the lookout for the following installments.
February 5, 2023
Foul Is Fair
4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the cast of crazy characters: witches, wizards, fae, and lycanthropes.
Not going to lie, the pace was a little off for me. I'm not good at patience, and this book starts out slowly. Our main character stands out due to her intelligence, protectiveness, and ability to kick-ass. I love that her love interest matches her, and isn't an insta-love situation.
Overall, a great start to the series. I look forward to book 2. Thank you, NetGalley and City Owl Press, for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the cast of crazy characters: witches, wizards, fae, and lycanthropes.
Not going to lie, the pace was a little off for me. I'm not good at patience, and this book starts out slowly. Our main character stands out due to her intelligence, protectiveness, and ability to kick-ass. I love that her love interest matches her, and isn't an insta-love situation.
Overall, a great start to the series. I look forward to book 2. Thank you, NetGalley and City Owl Press, for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 25, 2023
I was hooked within the first chapter of this book, it was definitely a page tuner!!! If you enjoy wizards, witches and other supernatural beings with some mystery this is a great book for you!! 🙌
April 6, 2023
This is the first book in a new urban fantasy series. There is some intriguing world building, I really enjoyed the main characters and there's still a lot of mystery to be explored in future books.
January 26, 2023
Love!
I have a new favorite series! No typos, no whining, plenty of action and romance. I kinda like it. A lot!
I have a new favorite series! No typos, no whining, plenty of action and romance. I kinda like it. A lot!
January 28, 2023
This was such a fun read. Of course I love a strong, angsty heroine! This one even likes chips almost as much as I do. The story line is quite fast paced and a bit of romantic tension. Fight scenes can sometimes be terrible in a book but these are described well.
I enjoyed all the characters and look forward to more of her adventures!
I would have appreciated a guide to Aussie terms and witch terms!
The format of the line spacing and paragraph structure makes it a bit difficult to figure out who’s saying what in some sections.
I enjoyed all the characters and look forward to more of her adventures!
I would have appreciated a guide to Aussie terms and witch terms!
The format of the line spacing and paragraph structure makes it a bit difficult to figure out who’s saying what in some sections.
February 12, 2023
A different world.
This is sort of punk neuromancer but with magic instead of technology. Shifters and vamps, wizards and witches. Fairies but not the benevolent kind but rather the nasty evil kind. Started slow but built quickly. Looking forward to more!
This is sort of punk neuromancer but with magic instead of technology. Shifters and vamps, wizards and witches. Fairies but not the benevolent kind but rather the nasty evil kind. Started slow but built quickly. Looking forward to more!
August 28, 2024
I've read a lot of UF in recent years, and this book is definitely one of my favorites! The prose is snappy, the characters are striking (Lilith's the best!), and the concept of social workers for supernatural creatures is one of the most unique I've come across. Rory, the main character, is an absolute riot, and her thoughts are a delightful blend of irreverent and witty at all times. I'm excited to read about her next adventures!
June 29, 2023
Rory lost someone she loves and cannot longer work in retrievals (PNR police), she still want to help though. She decides to become a caretaker (PNR Social services) but the case she is assigned to might just need her as a retrieval as well.
This was an interesting read, not connect fully at the beginning! Rory feels like a closed person willing to help but not to forgive herself for her past mistakes. I loved how she is all in to do her job even if she had to turn a blind eye or bend the rules!
Beo in the other side, I wish we could've know him better. Weber some things but a bit superficial.
Not fully sold on future books of the series... We'll see!
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
This was an interesting read, not connect fully at the beginning! Rory feels like a closed person willing to help but not to forgive herself for her past mistakes. I loved how she is all in to do her job even if she had to turn a blind eye or bend the rules!
Beo in the other side, I wish we could've know him better. Weber some things but a bit superficial.
Not fully sold on future books of the series... We'll see!
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
April 25, 2023
This is book one of the Something Wicked series and the main character is Caretaker Aurora Gold, who prefers to be called Rory, and she has changed jobs to become a caretaker at one of the covens in East Melbourne. She is a witch and her previous job was as a specialist Retrieval agent, but she is unable to forget the death of Brandon, her best friend Aspen’s brother, after a lycan ambush and attack. She is unable to do two spells at once and she feels her healing skills are pretty rubbish, as she couldn’t save him. She wanted an easier role and had kept her former role pretty buried from her new job and those she would be working with. The coven members are mostly a lot older than her, with plenty of older witches who are pretty traditional and set in their ways, and have arranged a welcome party for her. Shame nobody told them that wasn’t something she would enjoy and she finally gets away by saying she needs to report to the wizard in charge, Arthur King. Unfortunately, she finds him to be a bit of a sleaze and surprisingly under prepared for the job. The previous caretaker Betty, was brutally murdered just a few weeks before, clearly by a lycan. Rory finds that Arthur and his uncle, the High Wizard of Melbourne, Edward King, seem to be of the same mindset when it comes to who the culprits are. Her first clients are the local lycan clan, who for some reason have been changed to high risk clients and deemed guilty without any real proof.
As Rory starts looking into matters, she finds herself having to accompany Arthur to a Jui-Jitsu class at the Alpha lycan’s gym, where he and Betty were apparently carrying out surveillance on the lycans! Arthur would take part in the class whilst Betty sat on the sidelines with her knitting. Not exactly undercover, especially when Arthur would turn up on the same day of the week, each time and never changed things up! The alpha is Beo Velvela and Rory finds herself drawn to him somehow, no matter how much the nightmare of her last job haunts her and should mean she never looked at a lycan that way. It seems her body’s responses can’t be tamed! There is talk of rogue lycans in the area, which Beo must surely know about, and she hears from the local police detective, Taig O’Malley, that there are rumours of lycans, and faeries coming through a rift, running illegal substances through it. Somehow, Betty must have gotten caught up in it and someone with a lot of power and money is facilitating it. Rory’s father is a wizard and has given his daughter certain protections and realises she is in trouble, as does her Oma (her gran) and her best friend Aspen. Her growing feelings for Beo and a small girl who needs to be kept safe, all pull at her ability to do what is right against what she should be doing for her job! Beo is the complete opposite of what she expected and he always seems to be there when she needs him, with his own lines in the sand about how he treats others. She knows little about lycan life in general and what many of them have gone through before managing to make it to the Overworld, where they now live. Someone with insider information is getting rich on the suffering of others and isn’t above killing to get what they want. The more she looks into Betty’s murder, the more she doesn’t know who she can trust. She won’t go down without a fight, but she has two main suspects for the head honcho and each point to the other. She is targeted and finds herself in danger at every turn, even making an error of judgement of her own when it comes to Beo. A nice bit of unexpected romance, but lots of misinformation, danger and betrayal. I can’t wait to see what might come next for the characters if the series continues. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
As Rory starts looking into matters, she finds herself having to accompany Arthur to a Jui-Jitsu class at the Alpha lycan’s gym, where he and Betty were apparently carrying out surveillance on the lycans! Arthur would take part in the class whilst Betty sat on the sidelines with her knitting. Not exactly undercover, especially when Arthur would turn up on the same day of the week, each time and never changed things up! The alpha is Beo Velvela and Rory finds herself drawn to him somehow, no matter how much the nightmare of her last job haunts her and should mean she never looked at a lycan that way. It seems her body’s responses can’t be tamed! There is talk of rogue lycans in the area, which Beo must surely know about, and she hears from the local police detective, Taig O’Malley, that there are rumours of lycans, and faeries coming through a rift, running illegal substances through it. Somehow, Betty must have gotten caught up in it and someone with a lot of power and money is facilitating it. Rory’s father is a wizard and has given his daughter certain protections and realises she is in trouble, as does her Oma (her gran) and her best friend Aspen. Her growing feelings for Beo and a small girl who needs to be kept safe, all pull at her ability to do what is right against what she should be doing for her job! Beo is the complete opposite of what she expected and he always seems to be there when she needs him, with his own lines in the sand about how he treats others. She knows little about lycan life in general and what many of them have gone through before managing to make it to the Overworld, where they now live. Someone with insider information is getting rich on the suffering of others and isn’t above killing to get what they want. The more she looks into Betty’s murder, the more she doesn’t know who she can trust. She won’t go down without a fight, but she has two main suspects for the head honcho and each point to the other. She is targeted and finds herself in danger at every turn, even making an error of judgement of her own when it comes to Beo. A nice bit of unexpected romance, but lots of misinformation, danger and betrayal. I can’t wait to see what might come next for the characters if the series continues. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
May 9, 2023
I love when a book suprises me and this urban fantasy which is set in Melbourne certainly did that. Although I was a touch confused in the beginning with the social worker / witch concept, I cottoned on pretty quick and grew to love the independence of Aurora and how she worked in her new role. Her addiction to coffee in this book fed mine and now everytime I think of this story something pings in my head that I need a coffee 🤣
....speaking of witch...
(I'll see myself out)
⬇️About the book⬇️
Aurora is a no nonsense, sassy witch who left her job as basically part of a magical SWAT team after a job went horribly wrong. To slow down the pace she takes up a new job as a witchy social worker for supernaturals. Here she has clients from all walks of life, but her biggest concern is with the pack of Lycans she is now charged with.
Of course nothing is ever as easy and simple as it seems and Aurora is basically thrown straight into the deep end. She doesn't know what exactly she's looking at but she knows something just aint right.
The Social Worker witch who's job she has taken over from was murdered and it looks like Lycans were responsible - but no one wants to talk. Aurora needs to find out who she can trust and as she's new to the coven she has no idea who has her best interests in mind.
Throw in a couple of potential love interests that she definitely shouldn't be meddling in and it makes her life very complicated indeed.
📚 Read if you like
♡Aussie settings
♡Supernatural elements
♡Snarky comments
♡A touch of spice
♡Forbidden relationships
♡Whodunit vibes
♡Mystery
....speaking of witch...
(I'll see myself out)
⬇️About the book⬇️
Aurora is a no nonsense, sassy witch who left her job as basically part of a magical SWAT team after a job went horribly wrong. To slow down the pace she takes up a new job as a witchy social worker for supernaturals. Here she has clients from all walks of life, but her biggest concern is with the pack of Lycans she is now charged with.
Of course nothing is ever as easy and simple as it seems and Aurora is basically thrown straight into the deep end. She doesn't know what exactly she's looking at but she knows something just aint right.
The Social Worker witch who's job she has taken over from was murdered and it looks like Lycans were responsible - but no one wants to talk. Aurora needs to find out who she can trust and as she's new to the coven she has no idea who has her best interests in mind.
Throw in a couple of potential love interests that she definitely shouldn't be meddling in and it makes her life very complicated indeed.
📚 Read if you like
♡Aussie settings
♡Supernatural elements
♡Snarky comments
♡A touch of spice
♡Forbidden relationships
♡Whodunit vibes
♡Mystery
November 30, 2023
“You’re in my bones,”
4🌟 Ohhhh this book was so interesting and intriguing! So entertaining and enthralling. The FMC is a totes baddie and I fell in love with her take no prisoner attitude almost instantly. The plot was great. Kept me on my toes all the way along. I had no idea what was going on. I was so clueless, and I loved every second of it.
The dialogue in this is great. Feels like I’m right there being a Melburnian myself and growing up in Ballarat, very authentic Aussie wit and banter, I freaking loved it.
For me, their relationship developed quite fast and it felt clunky. It felt like one minute they were like “oh no, we shouldn’t be together because it’s this weird dynamic between client and worker”, then they’re lusting over each other and then the next day they were in love. It felt quite fragmented for me. I didn’t experience the development of their relationship. I don’t know if it’s a fated mates thing or what but for me it felt quite rushed.
4🌟 Ohhhh this book was so interesting and intriguing! So entertaining and enthralling. The FMC is a totes baddie and I fell in love with her take no prisoner attitude almost instantly. The plot was great. Kept me on my toes all the way along. I had no idea what was going on. I was so clueless, and I loved every second of it.
The dialogue in this is great. Feels like I’m right there being a Melburnian myself and growing up in Ballarat, very authentic Aussie wit and banter, I freaking loved it.
For me, their relationship developed quite fast and it felt clunky. It felt like one minute they were like “oh no, we shouldn’t be together because it’s this weird dynamic between client and worker”, then they’re lusting over each other and then the next day they were in love. It felt quite fragmented for me. I didn’t experience the development of their relationship. I don’t know if it’s a fated mates thing or what but for me it felt quite rushed.
December 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this one and it was honestly a relief to read. There's a lot of action, gore, ptsd flashbacks, steamy sex, so a relief wouldn't seem true, but it also felt cozy and it didn't trigger My ptsd so I could read it in almost one go. I liked Rory and her people (I mean her parental figures, friends, people she has mutually supportive relationships with). Being in her head felt safe (minus the ptsd, but I get that too just not from the same monsters). She has weaknesses that make her a believable person and she is also a total badass. Her people want her to be safe but also don't smother her because they "know best." I love all the respect and boundaries that are here between Rory and her people. It was a relief to read a(n) UF novel that doesn't have the toxic relationships between the genders. There's some lgbt+ representation here, not the main characters that I can tell, but no biphobia! Besides one scene, all of the bits of queerness is as normal as being cis and/or hetero which I loved. I now need to get my hands on the rest of the trilogy.
April 11, 2023
Witches, werewolves, wrestling with your conscious and inner demons. Wonderful!
I was a bit apprehensive of the slow burn but it was sooo worth it. Rory is snarky, refreshingly honest and doesn’t do anything by half. Beo is large and in charge but super respectful and willing to bid his time. Suspicion is rife as a coven member dies under unusual circumstances and all fingers are pointed at the local werewolf pack. The build up to the climax was explosive and had me laughing and biting my nails in equal measure, particularly as we delve further into the intriguing world Elisse Hay has created. I’m really happy with how events played out and loved the representation. It’s the perfect blend of contemporary romance and fantasy with a fantastic roller coaster plot and it definitely gets my star approval and recommendation.
I was a bit apprehensive of the slow burn but it was sooo worth it. Rory is snarky, refreshingly honest and doesn’t do anything by half. Beo is large and in charge but super respectful and willing to bid his time. Suspicion is rife as a coven member dies under unusual circumstances and all fingers are pointed at the local werewolf pack. The build up to the climax was explosive and had me laughing and biting my nails in equal measure, particularly as we delve further into the intriguing world Elisse Hay has created. I’m really happy with how events played out and loved the representation. It’s the perfect blend of contemporary romance and fantasy with a fantastic roller coaster plot and it definitely gets my star approval and recommendation.
October 8, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.75*
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.75*
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
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