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Love Potions
An incompetent witch, a cursed elf, and the wizard who wants to kill them both.
Witch-in-training, Marion, is about to flunk her Potions class because of a serious case of 'love block'. If her love potions keep exploding like stink bombs, she won't graduate to the magical defense classes she really wants to take. A problem because her ex-boyfriend is out of prison and wants to pick up where they left off...with his hands around her throat.
When Marion learns she'll never make a love potion if she doesn't fall in love, she takes a risk on Aidan, a handsome, charming elf...cursed to break her heart.
Love Potions is a 30,000 word count novella, about 100 print pages. Includes exclusive excerpts of Ashley L. Willis' The Calling and Michelle McCleod's forthcoming Urban Fantasy, Crime Bites.
Excerpt
Wrapping her arms around herself, Marion stood by the glass sliding doors in the breakfast nook and stared out at the forest that made up Aidan's backyard. It looked so peaceful, so idyllic. There were even deer grazing the sparse green grass, although not for long. As if sensing her tension, they bolted, white tails flickering between the trees.
"Good morning." Aidan's husky baritone sounded behind her.
She jumped and turned to face him. "You scared me."
"I've been here watching you. You were daydreaming."
She frowned at him. "Are you always so quiet?"
"Do you always hold grudges?"
Marion gasped and Aidan grimaced.
Running a hand through his hair, he said, "Sorry. I shouldn't have said that." He brushed past her, not meeting her eyes, and poured himself a glass of orange juice, which he swallowed in one gulp.
Slamming the glass down on the counter, he said, "Look Marion, I'm sorry."
"For what? Using me or getting caught?"
"Both, but worse, I'm sorry I like you so much that I even care." He held up a hand when she started to tell him what he could do with his apology. "Just listen. I thought about you all night. About us."
She snorted. "Us? There's no us, Aidan. Without the curse, I'm nothing to you."
He ignored her and pressed on. "I wouldn't have chosen you Marion if I hadn't felt some pull, some attraction to you. Truth be told, I'm not really fulfilling the curse as the Lady intended and I don't care if I ever do right now. Something in you drew us together and it had nothing to do with
the curse. I wish I could go back and meet you all over again, but I can't. All I can do is tell you the truth and hope you'll forgive me." He moved to stand in front of her, capturing her hand in his as he met her gaze.
She stared into his eyes for a long moment. They were pleading and over-bright. A dimple danced in his cheek as he clenched his jaw, waiting for her to respond.
"How do I know if I can trust you?" she whispered.
"By trusting me."
"That's asking a lot."
"I know. I want to give you more back though."
"Like what?"
"Your life. I want to get rid of Eric for you. I want to love you until you can't recall a time when you weren't adored and cherished, until Eric will seem like a bad dream, one you can barely remember."
When she didn't say anything for a long moment, he sighed. "I guess it's too late." He moved to release her hand, but she tightened her grip, holding him in place.
"I want to trust you Aidan, I do, but...
Witch-in-training, Marion, is about to flunk her Potions class because of a serious case of 'love block'. If her love potions keep exploding like stink bombs, she won't graduate to the magical defense classes she really wants to take. A problem because her ex-boyfriend is out of prison and wants to pick up where they left off...with his hands around her throat.
When Marion learns she'll never make a love potion if she doesn't fall in love, she takes a risk on Aidan, a handsome, charming elf...cursed to break her heart.
Love Potions is a 30,000 word count novella, about 100 print pages. Includes exclusive excerpts of Ashley L. Willis' The Calling and Michelle McCleod's forthcoming Urban Fantasy, Crime Bites.
Excerpt
Wrapping her arms around herself, Marion stood by the glass sliding doors in the breakfast nook and stared out at the forest that made up Aidan's backyard. It looked so peaceful, so idyllic. There were even deer grazing the sparse green grass, although not for long. As if sensing her tension, they bolted, white tails flickering between the trees.
"Good morning." Aidan's husky baritone sounded behind her.
She jumped and turned to face him. "You scared me."
"I've been here watching you. You were daydreaming."
She frowned at him. "Are you always so quiet?"
"Do you always hold grudges?"
Marion gasped and Aidan grimaced.
Running a hand through his hair, he said, "Sorry. I shouldn't have said that." He brushed past her, not meeting her eyes, and poured himself a glass of orange juice, which he swallowed in one gulp.
Slamming the glass down on the counter, he said, "Look Marion, I'm sorry."
"For what? Using me or getting caught?"
"Both, but worse, I'm sorry I like you so much that I even care." He held up a hand when she started to tell him what he could do with his apology. "Just listen. I thought about you all night. About us."
She snorted. "Us? There's no us, Aidan. Without the curse, I'm nothing to you."
He ignored her and pressed on. "I wouldn't have chosen you Marion if I hadn't felt some pull, some attraction to you. Truth be told, I'm not really fulfilling the curse as the Lady intended and I don't care if I ever do right now. Something in you drew us together and it had nothing to do with
the curse. I wish I could go back and meet you all over again, but I can't. All I can do is tell you the truth and hope you'll forgive me." He moved to stand in front of her, capturing her hand in his as he met her gaze.
She stared into his eyes for a long moment. They were pleading and over-bright. A dimple danced in his cheek as he clenched his jaw, waiting for her to respond.
"How do I know if I can trust you?" she whispered.
"By trusting me."
"That's asking a lot."
"I know. I want to give you more back though."
"Like what?"
"Your life. I want to get rid of Eric for you. I want to love you until you can't recall a time when you weren't adored and cherished, until Eric will seem like a bad dream, one you can barely remember."
When she didn't say anything for a long moment, he sighed. "I guess it's too late." He moved to release her hand, but she tightened her grip, holding him in place.
"I want to trust you Aidan, I do, but...
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2011
2 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Michelle McCleod
5 books22 followersMichelle McCleod saw her first ghost at the age of 4 and has been running scared ever since. She also stole a rock from a real vampire who is probably still looking for her. On top of that, any psychic tendencies she has are dyslexic. Basically, the safest thing for her to do is stay indoors and write what she knows:Paranormal. Readers can find her online at: http://michellemccleod.blogspot.com/ and on Twitter at @MichelleMcCleod.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 23, 2011
Cute, Fun & Enjoyable!
This was such a cute story. It had lots of great elements in it that kept my interest from the very first page. It was fast paced and had me smiling and even laughing at some of the parts in the story. The plot of the story was exciting as Marion’s ex-boyfriend (wizard) gets out of prison to hunt her down and Aidan does everything he can to protect her. I found it very amusing and humorous as Aidan calls in favors from his friends - a shape-shifter, a siren, and a pixie.
To top it off Marion (Witch) and her best friend Raven (Herbest) are a pair of females you don’t want to mess with. I loved what they did to the ex-boyfriend with the hangers – too funny with Marion beating him in the head.
Aidan (Fey) and Marion are perfect together and their erotic romance steams up pretty good. All the characters in the story connected real good which made for a perfect story. I loved the ending and I always find it amazing how love always prevails and wins.
Great story!
This was such a cute story. It had lots of great elements in it that kept my interest from the very first page. It was fast paced and had me smiling and even laughing at some of the parts in the story. The plot of the story was exciting as Marion’s ex-boyfriend (wizard) gets out of prison to hunt her down and Aidan does everything he can to protect her. I found it very amusing and humorous as Aidan calls in favors from his friends - a shape-shifter, a siren, and a pixie.
To top it off Marion (Witch) and her best friend Raven (Herbest) are a pair of females you don’t want to mess with. I loved what they did to the ex-boyfriend with the hangers – too funny with Marion beating him in the head.
Aidan (Fey) and Marion are perfect together and their erotic romance steams up pretty good. All the characters in the story connected real good which made for a perfect story. I loved the ending and I always find it amazing how love always prevails and wins.
Great story!
January 23, 2016
Book Synopsis
An incompetent witch, a cursed elf, and the wizard who wants to kill them.
Witch-in-training, Marion, is about to flunk her Potions class because of a serious case of 'love block'. If her love potions keep exploding like stink bombs, she won’t graduate to the magical defense classes she really wants to take. A problem because her ex-boyfriend is out of prison and wants to pick up where they left off...with his hands around her throat.
When Marion learns she’ll never make a love potion if she doesn’t fall in love, she takes a risk on Aidan, a handsome, charming elf with a heartbreaking secret.
My Thoughts
A misguided witch in training Marion cannot get her Love Potions to stop exploding, her best friend Raven is a man magnet while Marion has not dated since leaving behind her psychotic ex boyfriend who is also a powerful wizard. Along comes Aidan who has been banished from Faery for insulting his Queen and has been sent on a quest to redeem himself, meeting Marion seems like the answer to his problems in one fell swoop. Mix the romance with the drama and you have a read that is both sizzling and suspenseful and that makes this little novella a sweet love story that has just the right amount of dramatic tension to add spice to the plot. As a debut the novella was just long enough to provide complete and interesting characters, just short enough to enjoy in one sitting and leave the reader wanting more. Taking this journey with Marion and Aidan is something you really do not want to miss!
[e-copy of the book provided by author in exchange for an honest review]
November 24, 2011
I was lucky enough to win this book recently and due to the cover and book blurb I decided to bump it to the top of my tbr list.
It was a short and quirky tale, filled with passion and paranormal excitement that I enjoyed, but it didn't engage me as much as I would have liked.
One thing I can't stand, no matter what circumstances is the male or female protagonist cheating, or under any circumstances being with another lover in a way that would hurt the feelings of the person they are meant to be in love with and unfortunately that was the case with this story. It was only minor and the reasoning behind it was understandable and unavoidable, but I am too much of a jealous bitch to be able to get over it. It is a fault of my own and definitely wasn't a horrible scene, I just didn't enjoy it.
I also would have liked to have seen more depth between Marion and Aidan. I understand that it is a lot harder for a romance to be convincing in a short story, so again, I didn't think much of it, But I wanted a to see more romance between them so that the happily ever after was more believable.
I did enjoy this short story and my points were only minor. It was easy to read and I will definitely take a look at more stories from this author in the future.
It was a short and quirky tale, filled with passion and paranormal excitement that I enjoyed, but it didn't engage me as much as I would have liked.
One thing I can't stand, no matter what circumstances is the male or female protagonist cheating, or under any circumstances being with another lover in a way that would hurt the feelings of the person they are meant to be in love with and unfortunately that was the case with this story. It was only minor and the reasoning behind it was understandable and unavoidable, but I am too much of a jealous bitch to be able to get over it. It is a fault of my own and definitely wasn't a horrible scene, I just didn't enjoy it.
I also would have liked to have seen more depth between Marion and Aidan. I understand that it is a lot harder for a romance to be convincing in a short story, so again, I didn't think much of it, But I wanted a to see more romance between them so that the happily ever after was more believable.
I did enjoy this short story and my points were only minor. It was easy to read and I will definitely take a look at more stories from this author in the future.
October 11, 2011
I admit to being pleasantly surprised by this book. Based on the description, I wasn’t sure if I was in for a young adult type novella or a novella that was going to be a bit too rushed. McCleod manages to balance the plot of the book with enough of the characters’ back stories to make us care for them in such a limited scope. The love scenes between Aidan and Marion are definitely hot and worth the read.
A couple characters introduced do seem to be unneeded; it’s possible that a more expanded novel would have put them to use more, but that’s just a minor quibble in my overall impression. My only disappointment was getting to the end of the story. I wished there had been more!
A couple characters introduced do seem to be unneeded; it’s possible that a more expanded novel would have put them to use more, but that’s just a minor quibble in my overall impression. My only disappointment was getting to the end of the story. I wished there had been more!
October 1, 2011
First chapter impressions:
We are introduced to Marion and Raven, roommates, presumably both witches. They are also students attending witch school, which seems to be like a college of sorts.
To me, Marion seems a bit mousy, and she is trying to work a love potion so she can move on to magical defense courses. Raven seems wild, and is portrayed as a tad promiscuous.
Moving on...
Here we have a world where magic is everywhere. Witches, elves, wizards, pixies - it's all mainstream and not something of fantasy.
First we meet Marion, a mortal witch. She is shy, a little reserved, and as the synopsis says, incompetent. She needs to gain some life experiences so that she can add that extra bit of knowledge into her magic.
Enter Aidan, an elf in the security guard of the Queen. He is instantly attracted to Marion. With this I had questioned myself, "why?" When he first describes her dancing "... like she was possessed" and that it was "...a frantic desperation of her movements that called to him". He says he is riveted.... Then he tells her she is a good dancer. Maybe I am old (ok, I am). But this to me says that they are younger, maybe dancing like that of a techno rave party. Dancing like you are possessed and frantic is not something I would normally call attractive. However, this is the instance where he first sees her, and you know that instantly, there is no turning back for him.
There was a funny exchange between them, it made me giggle. Marion was asking him if he was an elf, checking to make sure he wasn't a vampire or something worse.
Marion: You look like an elf.
Aidan: I do?
Marion: Well, you have pointy ears. Vampires don't have pointy ears.
Aidan: No, they have pointy teeth.
I just thought that was cute. The moment it was in, the mood that it was set, it seemed to me to be a coy, lovable conversation. It warmed me up to Aidan, that he has some fun wit to him.
Basically this is a novella, a short story. We get a small glimpse into the lives of these people without a ton of backstory. I think that some more backstory in this case would have been nice. In the first quarter of the book I felt there were some unanswered questions that I had, that never really got answered fully. However, I should note that they weren't of anything of real consequence.
Marion is in danger, and Aidan is the guy to help her. We have some lusty scenes, some sweet encounters, misunderstanding, fighting and danger. The only question is, will it all work out for these two? That's something you will have to read (and I recommend that you do) to find out for yourself.
We are introduced to Marion and Raven, roommates, presumably both witches. They are also students attending witch school, which seems to be like a college of sorts.
To me, Marion seems a bit mousy, and she is trying to work a love potion so she can move on to magical defense courses. Raven seems wild, and is portrayed as a tad promiscuous.
Moving on...
Here we have a world where magic is everywhere. Witches, elves, wizards, pixies - it's all mainstream and not something of fantasy.
First we meet Marion, a mortal witch. She is shy, a little reserved, and as the synopsis says, incompetent. She needs to gain some life experiences so that she can add that extra bit of knowledge into her magic.
Enter Aidan, an elf in the security guard of the Queen. He is instantly attracted to Marion. With this I had questioned myself, "why?" When he first describes her dancing "... like she was possessed" and that it was "...a frantic desperation of her movements that called to him". He says he is riveted.... Then he tells her she is a good dancer. Maybe I am old (ok, I am). But this to me says that they are younger, maybe dancing like that of a techno rave party. Dancing like you are possessed and frantic is not something I would normally call attractive. However, this is the instance where he first sees her, and you know that instantly, there is no turning back for him.
There was a funny exchange between them, it made me giggle. Marion was asking him if he was an elf, checking to make sure he wasn't a vampire or something worse.
Marion: You look like an elf.
Aidan: I do?
Marion: Well, you have pointy ears. Vampires don't have pointy ears.
Aidan: No, they have pointy teeth.
I just thought that was cute. The moment it was in, the mood that it was set, it seemed to me to be a coy, lovable conversation. It warmed me up to Aidan, that he has some fun wit to him.
Basically this is a novella, a short story. We get a small glimpse into the lives of these people without a ton of backstory. I think that some more backstory in this case would have been nice. In the first quarter of the book I felt there were some unanswered questions that I had, that never really got answered fully. However, I should note that they weren't of anything of real consequence.
Marion is in danger, and Aidan is the guy to help her. We have some lusty scenes, some sweet encounters, misunderstanding, fighting and danger. The only question is, will it all work out for these two? That's something you will have to read (and I recommend that you do) to find out for yourself.
November 2, 2011
more can be found at behindtherows.com
**MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**
Love Potions is a short and quirky story about a witch living in a world where magic is commonplace and elves mingle with humans. The story opens with Marion, a witch about to fail potions class in witch school, blowing up her kitchen in hopes of perfecting a love potion. Even with all of the most expensive and best equipment, Marion still can't figure out where she went wrong.
Raven, friend and fellow witch, convinces Marion that what she needs is a night out to let go of all her frustrations.
Aidan is an elf that has been cursed to this human world on a mission from the Queen to satisfy a girl that is less than perfect. Never did he believe that the curse would mean he would fall in love with a broken witch running from her past.
Together, Aidan and Marion fight for love and the hope of banishing the evil in their life.
This is a cute and fun read. If you are looking for a light-hearted and quick story, pick up Love Potions. I don't think this is the story to pick up if you are looking for anything serious. McCleod takes a fun look into the world of fantasy and adds a big heap of sexy.
**MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS**
Love Potions is a short and quirky story about a witch living in a world where magic is commonplace and elves mingle with humans. The story opens with Marion, a witch about to fail potions class in witch school, blowing up her kitchen in hopes of perfecting a love potion. Even with all of the most expensive and best equipment, Marion still can't figure out where she went wrong.
Raven, friend and fellow witch, convinces Marion that what she needs is a night out to let go of all her frustrations.
Aidan is an elf that has been cursed to this human world on a mission from the Queen to satisfy a girl that is less than perfect. Never did he believe that the curse would mean he would fall in love with a broken witch running from her past.
Together, Aidan and Marion fight for love and the hope of banishing the evil in their life.
This is a cute and fun read. If you are looking for a light-hearted and quick story, pick up Love Potions. I don't think this is the story to pick up if you are looking for anything serious. McCleod takes a fun look into the world of fantasy and adds a big heap of sexy.
November 2, 2011
I really loved this book. Lol. I feel like I say that a lot. But I'm reading a lot of really great books.
Anyhow, Marnie is a witch who is having some problems in the love potion area. Mainly because she's never really loved. Aiden is an elf who was cursed. Eric is Marnie's crazy ex who wants to kill her. There's definitely a lot going on in this book. I really like the way that Michelle weaves this story with a seamless effort. I felt really bad for Marnie, she was trying to hard to get that potion right and she just couldn't. Also, she obviously had some issues with her ex, Eric.
I think that Aiden really helps Marnie grow and vice versa. I really liked seeing Marnie learn to like Aiden and I liked seeing Aiden floundering with a woman who, gasp, didn't want anything to do with him.
This is a really fun book to read. It's a quick, engaging, awesome book. Make sure you check it out.
Anyhow, Marnie is a witch who is having some problems in the love potion area. Mainly because she's never really loved. Aiden is an elf who was cursed. Eric is Marnie's crazy ex who wants to kill her. There's definitely a lot going on in this book. I really like the way that Michelle weaves this story with a seamless effort. I felt really bad for Marnie, she was trying to hard to get that potion right and she just couldn't. Also, she obviously had some issues with her ex, Eric.
I think that Aiden really helps Marnie grow and vice versa. I really liked seeing Marnie learn to like Aiden and I liked seeing Aiden floundering with a woman who, gasp, didn't want anything to do with him.
This is a really fun book to read. It's a quick, engaging, awesome book. Make sure you check it out.
December 29, 2011
I was a little surprised that I enjoyed this book. I downloaded it on my phone yesterday and read it last night in just under two hours. I'm not usually a fan of novellas but every time I decided it was time to go to sleep, I just kept reading. The story was a good idea but I do think it could have been more elaborate and lasted longer so more information was introduced. It was a quick fun read and I'd say overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars. I really liked the Aidan/Marion romance but I think there should have been more to it.
April 5, 2012
Even though the big cities have accepted and embraced witchcraft as a suitable degree program, her hometown had not. But that was ok with Marion. She had practiced long and hard at being invisible, and most times slid right on by without being noticed. The wall was her friend and blending into the background had become a second nature. That and staying away from men. Her potions class was her biggest problem right now. She just couldn’t get the love potion right. Love bombs are what she seemed to create. Who was it that said art imitated life? Maybe her potions were trying to warn her that she was doomed. It seemed like no matter how hard she tried it just kept blowing up. Her teacher explained that the reason it wasn’t working was because she had no experience in the field of love. So she needed to experience love in order to pass this class? Where was she, the sweat pants and oversized t-shirt queen, going to find love?
Aiden was cursed. No literally he was cursed. He said the wrong thing to the Queen and she threw him out of Fairy with a curse. His lucky day. So now he was stuck at this bar, because the Queen had stated that he must meet her at this bar, looking for the not-so-perfect woman to break the curse. Right. He was in beautiful silicon and Louie Vatton heaven. Good luck with that one. He went to dance off some of his frustration and stress. That’s when he noticed her. Oversized shirt and too long skirt, dancing like something was trying to jerk out of her body. Interesting. Maybe this was his lucky night?
I am an absolute sucker for short hot stories and this little sizzle was my cup of tea. Two people with a lot of secrets, one extremely determined roommate, and one psycho x turn this short tease into a delightful adventure. Not to mention the Barbie fairy or the giant. The main characters are all lovable and this story leaves you with warm fuzzies rolling over your skin. Even the local Siren is completely enchanting and true to her nature! The author had a fresh outlook on bringing several mythologies together and blending them together delightfully! I truly enjoyed this little story and look forward to more from this author!!!
Aiden was cursed. No literally he was cursed. He said the wrong thing to the Queen and she threw him out of Fairy with a curse. His lucky day. So now he was stuck at this bar, because the Queen had stated that he must meet her at this bar, looking for the not-so-perfect woman to break the curse. Right. He was in beautiful silicon and Louie Vatton heaven. Good luck with that one. He went to dance off some of his frustration and stress. That’s when he noticed her. Oversized shirt and too long skirt, dancing like something was trying to jerk out of her body. Interesting. Maybe this was his lucky night?
I am an absolute sucker for short hot stories and this little sizzle was my cup of tea. Two people with a lot of secrets, one extremely determined roommate, and one psycho x turn this short tease into a delightful adventure. Not to mention the Barbie fairy or the giant. The main characters are all lovable and this story leaves you with warm fuzzies rolling over your skin. Even the local Siren is completely enchanting and true to her nature! The author had a fresh outlook on bringing several mythologies together and blending them together delightfully! I truly enjoyed this little story and look forward to more from this author!!!
August 23, 2015
Hogwarts, college edition meets “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” does not necessarily make a good plot!
Marian is a human witch student that keeps blowing up love potions because of her limited experience in… falling in love. She was hurt in the past by her ex-boyfriend who attempted to kill her when she asked him to split. After a nudge by her best friend, she meets sexy elf Aidan who was thrown cursed out of Fairy (land) because of an unfortunate remark on the Queen’s bottom attributes. Aidan approaches her with the goal of redeeming the Queen’s imposed curse – to satisfy a less-than-perfect girl or not be awarded entrance in Fairy again – and Marion takes advantage of his interest in order to pass her potions class. Add to the mix a malicious wizard ex-boyfriend who wants Marion’s pieces after he is released from prison, and this is what the story is all about.
The paranormal world the story was placed in, just didn’t make sense to me. Everything, from fairies to giants to elves and witches just seemed to coinhabit in the human world in harmony, blending the contemporary with the paranormal without a blink of an eye. Characters and behaviors were inadequate to attract attention, dialogue was poor, plot was off by a longshot. The story tried to keep everything in a light mood with a touch of humor but on the next turn the heroine was posed as a scarred girl with a difficult past, implying more depth to it, but not delivering it. Which confused me even more, as if the writer couldn’t decide what the story’s narration voice would be. Gloomy and serious or giggling fun?
I felt as too many elements were put together in a salad that contained everything but cohesiveness, with the final result being my yawning indifference to whatever was going on. Story just didn’t grab me and I didn’t care about the characters. Not everyone can be J.K. Rowling, you know, no matter how many potions classes, witches or elves you add to the mix – even if you try to spice it up by making it an adult read...
I gave 1,5 stars for “Love Potions”, story was just all over the place that I couldn’t get into it…
Marian is a human witch student that keeps blowing up love potions because of her limited experience in… falling in love. She was hurt in the past by her ex-boyfriend who attempted to kill her when she asked him to split. After a nudge by her best friend, she meets sexy elf Aidan who was thrown cursed out of Fairy (land) because of an unfortunate remark on the Queen’s bottom attributes. Aidan approaches her with the goal of redeeming the Queen’s imposed curse – to satisfy a less-than-perfect girl or not be awarded entrance in Fairy again – and Marion takes advantage of his interest in order to pass her potions class. Add to the mix a malicious wizard ex-boyfriend who wants Marion’s pieces after he is released from prison, and this is what the story is all about.
The paranormal world the story was placed in, just didn’t make sense to me. Everything, from fairies to giants to elves and witches just seemed to coinhabit in the human world in harmony, blending the contemporary with the paranormal without a blink of an eye. Characters and behaviors were inadequate to attract attention, dialogue was poor, plot was off by a longshot. The story tried to keep everything in a light mood with a touch of humor but on the next turn the heroine was posed as a scarred girl with a difficult past, implying more depth to it, but not delivering it. Which confused me even more, as if the writer couldn’t decide what the story’s narration voice would be. Gloomy and serious or giggling fun?
I felt as too many elements were put together in a salad that contained everything but cohesiveness, with the final result being my yawning indifference to whatever was going on. Story just didn’t grab me and I didn’t care about the characters. Not everyone can be J.K. Rowling, you know, no matter how many potions classes, witches or elves you add to the mix – even if you try to spice it up by making it an adult read...
I gave 1,5 stars for “Love Potions”, story was just all over the place that I couldn’t get into it…
October 20, 2011
Love Potions is set in my favorite type of paranormal world, one where the non-human beings are not hidden from the remainder of the world.
I know novellas tend to rush some. There are so few pages that an author has to squeeze in so much content. The events did not seem to move smoothly in this book. I felt it had a choppiness to the flow of the content. I felt like I was rushed from one event to another along with the characters.
Aidan has been cursed by The Lady, the Queen of Fairy. He must enjoy/pleasure a less than perfect woman. Marion’s Potions instructor has suggested perhaps she needs let a man into her heart so that she may experience love and successfully complete a love spell. The fact that these two fell in love with each other in less than forty eight hours due to forced circumstances kept me from relating to their romance.
I wish I had more to say about the novella. I didn’t’ have to push myself to finish it. I kept hoping that I would reach a wow moment and be happy that I kept going. I never reached that conclusion. I was left wondering why Aidan and Marion were so deeply in love.
I know novellas tend to rush some. There are so few pages that an author has to squeeze in so much content. The events did not seem to move smoothly in this book. I felt it had a choppiness to the flow of the content. I felt like I was rushed from one event to another along with the characters.
Aidan has been cursed by The Lady, the Queen of Fairy. He must enjoy/pleasure a less than perfect woman. Marion’s Potions instructor has suggested perhaps she needs let a man into her heart so that she may experience love and successfully complete a love spell. The fact that these two fell in love with each other in less than forty eight hours due to forced circumstances kept me from relating to their romance.
I wish I had more to say about the novella. I didn’t’ have to push myself to finish it. I kept hoping that I would reach a wow moment and be happy that I kept going. I never reached that conclusion. I was left wondering why Aidan and Marion were so deeply in love.
January 25, 2012
It’s a short read with an entertaining plot. The writing is a bit all over the place and slightly confusing but had a good solid pace that kept me in tune with the story. I also really enjoyed the characters. Marion is a human turned witch and a not very good witch either and to make matters worse she is very much a fraidy-cat. Her best friend and room-mate is a bit of a slut but she’s full of heart. Then we have Aidan and elf guard to the queen or he would be if he could keep his foot out of his mouth, something that never changes through out the book. The characters are flawed in such away that I couldn’t help but find them adorable.
For more of the review pls visit: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
For more of the review pls visit: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
October 2, 2011
3.5 STARS
Marion is a human witch who is struggling to pass her Potions class. No matter how hard she tries, the only thing that comes of it is a big mess. Much like her love life, both past and present. Marion must past the Potions class in order to take the class she needs most, Magical Defense. Until then, she lives in fear, and for good reason. Eric, Marion's violent ex, has been released from prison, with revenge in mind.
You can read the rest of my review at prufreads.blogspot.com
Marion is a human witch who is struggling to pass her Potions class. No matter how hard she tries, the only thing that comes of it is a big mess. Much like her love life, both past and present. Marion must past the Potions class in order to take the class she needs most, Magical Defense. Until then, she lives in fear, and for good reason. Eric, Marion's violent ex, has been released from prison, with revenge in mind.
You can read the rest of my review at prufreads.blogspot.com
October 20, 2011
I loved this story. It has just the right mix of suspense, hot and sweet to leave you swooning from all of it. Marion has specific goals in mind and she’s not accomplishing much on her own. Enter Aiden, who very definitely has his own agenda as well, and the two quickly realize that their own plans may well be second place to something far more important.
The pace is fast and the world draws you in. The characters are likable and believable; there’s a lot of room for more from this world. It’s a novella, so you’ll also probably be left wanting more.
The pace is fast and the world draws you in. The characters are likable and believable; there’s a lot of room for more from this world. It’s a novella, so you’ll also probably be left wanting more.
January 25, 2012
Full Review: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
The author could have taken the time to elaborate on some details. I didn’t always understand the world, as to whether all the humans know about the paranormal beings and how does a human become a witch? Then there was a point in the book were the ex intends to kill Marion but he wants her to put on a leather jacket and helmet before getting on the motorcycle. Is this maybe because of motorist laws or is he just a considerate killer?
The author could have taken the time to elaborate on some details. I didn’t always understand the world, as to whether all the humans know about the paranormal beings and how does a human become a witch? Then there was a point in the book were the ex intends to kill Marion but he wants her to put on a leather jacket and helmet before getting on the motorcycle. Is this maybe because of motorist laws or is he just a considerate killer?
February 22, 2012
LOVE POTIONS was a fun, light read. I do love stories with magic & magical creatures. I wish there had been a lot more magic in the story, the potential was there for it. I would have liked to know more about FAIRY too.
October 29, 2011
Review to follow shortly.
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