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Bandit Creek #17
Witch in the Wind
Bandit Creek (Montana), has a new magical dimension, The Otherland. When murder strikes in Bandit Creek, and the victims aren’t who they seemed, powerful guardian warlock, Marcus Egan, is sent from The Otherland to investigate. What he doesn’t expect to find is Avalon Gwynn, the grieving daughter of the victims, who has no idea she’s an extraordinary, hereditary witch. And Avy’s pent up magical abilities have just been set free in the mortal world. Can Marcus catch a killer while making sure Avy doesn’t bring Crow Mountain crashing down on the town—destroying Bandit Creek for the second time?
This is a Paranormal Romance Novella
Approx. 45,000 words
This is a Paranormal Romance Novella
Approx. 45,000 words
149 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 9, 2012
Had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of WITCH IN THE WIND and what a pleasure it was. Wonderful world building, a compelling plot, and a mysterious, magical hero to die for. Great emotion throughout as the heroine, Avy discovers who she really is while dealing with the murder of her parents. It's a paranormal-mystery-coming-of-age story with a sweet romance thrown in for good measure. A captivating, fast-paced read.
February 12, 2020
What a fun ride! I fell into this story so easily. Loved the characters, the setting, the magic, everything about it! Brenda kept me turning pages and absolutely entertained the entire time. And when I had to take a break to work, to eat etc, I couldn’t wait to get back at it!
July 23, 2017
This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings on January 30, 2013.
This book is fantastic. It's paced well, and the romance between the two main characters Marcus and Avy is perfect. It goes at just the right speed, not too fast so as to be insta-love, but not so slow that you're wondering if they're even worth reading about.
The blending of the real and magical worlds is excellent. I really enjoyed the separation of the non-magical world from The Otherland. There was just enough information to keep you hooked and wondering about The Otherland, but not so much as to overwhelm you. The book does a great job of incorporating the rules of Wicca, especially it's main covenant "And harm to none." I really liked that the book took them time to lay out these rules and to continue to follow and mention them throughout. A lot of times in books that deal with witchcraft, the setup can be so quick that the rules like these are forgotten or passed over, but it shows that the author took her time in planning to incoroporate the Wiccan elements.
One thing that always sticks out for me is an author's use of color in their descriptions. I'm not sure why, but this is a particular detail that I tend to gravitate toward. There are great mentions of color in this story as well. Particularly in the descriptions of auras and the characters eyes. People from The Otherland have unique eye colors that they have to hide when they are trying to pass as human, and the descriptions of these unique eye colors are excellent.
This story is actually part of a much larger series, but it works very well as a standalone story. Personally, I'm not quite interested in the rest of the series just the storyline for these particular characters. I can't wait to see what comes next for them.
This is an action packed story and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes stories with well written romance and witchcraft.
This book is fantastic. It's paced well, and the romance between the two main characters Marcus and Avy is perfect. It goes at just the right speed, not too fast so as to be insta-love, but not so slow that you're wondering if they're even worth reading about.
The blending of the real and magical worlds is excellent. I really enjoyed the separation of the non-magical world from The Otherland. There was just enough information to keep you hooked and wondering about The Otherland, but not so much as to overwhelm you. The book does a great job of incorporating the rules of Wicca, especially it's main covenant "And harm to none." I really liked that the book took them time to lay out these rules and to continue to follow and mention them throughout. A lot of times in books that deal with witchcraft, the setup can be so quick that the rules like these are forgotten or passed over, but it shows that the author took her time in planning to incoroporate the Wiccan elements.
One thing that always sticks out for me is an author's use of color in their descriptions. I'm not sure why, but this is a particular detail that I tend to gravitate toward. There are great mentions of color in this story as well. Particularly in the descriptions of auras and the characters eyes. People from The Otherland have unique eye colors that they have to hide when they are trying to pass as human, and the descriptions of these unique eye colors are excellent.
This story is actually part of a much larger series, but it works very well as a standalone story. Personally, I'm not quite interested in the rest of the series just the storyline for these particular characters. I can't wait to see what comes next for them.
This is an action packed story and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes stories with well written romance and witchcraft.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book is fantastic. It's paced well, and the romance between the two main characters Marcus and Avy is perfect. It goes at just the right speed, not too fast so as to be insta-love, but not so slow that you're wondering if they're even worth reading about.
The blending of the real and magical worlds is excellent. I really enjoyed the separation of the non-magical world from The Otherland. There was just enough information to keep you hooked and wondering about The Otherland, but not so much as to overwhelm you. The book does a great job of incorporating the rules of Wicca, especially it's main covenant "And harm to none." I really liked that the book took them time to lay out these rules and to continue to follow and mention them throughout. A lot of times in books that deal with witchcraft, the setup can be so quick that the rules like these are forgotten or passed over, but it shows that the author took her time in planning to incoroporate the Wiccan elements.
One thing that always sticks out for me is an author's use of color in their descriptions. I'm not sure why, but this is a particular detail that I tend to gravitate toward. There are great mentions of color in this story as well. Particularly in the descriptions of auras and the characters eyes. People from The Otherland have unique eye colors that they have to hide when they are trying to pass as human, and the descriptions of these unique eye colors are excellent.
This story is actually part of a much larger series, but it works very well as a standalone story. Personally, I'm not quite interested in the rest of the series just the storyline for these particular characters. I can't wait to see what comes next for them.
This is an action packed story and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes stories with well written romance and witchcraft.
This book is fantastic. It's paced well, and the romance between the two main characters Marcus and Avy is perfect. It goes at just the right speed, not too fast so as to be insta-love, but not so slow that you're wondering if they're even worth reading about.
The blending of the real and magical worlds is excellent. I really enjoyed the separation of the non-magical world from The Otherland. There was just enough information to keep you hooked and wondering about The Otherland, but not so much as to overwhelm you. The book does a great job of incorporating the rules of Wicca, especially it's main covenant "And harm to none." I really liked that the book took them time to lay out these rules and to continue to follow and mention them throughout. A lot of times in books that deal with witchcraft, the setup can be so quick that the rules like these are forgotten or passed over, but it shows that the author took her time in planning to incoroporate the Wiccan elements.
One thing that always sticks out for me is an author's use of color in their descriptions. I'm not sure why, but this is a particular detail that I tend to gravitate toward. There are great mentions of color in this story as well. Particularly in the descriptions of auras and the characters eyes. People from The Otherland have unique eye colors that they have to hide when they are trying to pass as human, and the descriptions of these unique eye colors are excellent.
This story is actually part of a much larger series, but it works very well as a standalone story. Personally, I'm not quite interested in the rest of the series just the storyline for these particular characters. I can't wait to see what comes next for them.
This is an action packed story and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes stories with well written romance and witchcraft.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
March 7, 2013
Ok, so I did this tour knowing that this was book SEVENTEEN in the series. Although this is a novella I did realize that there was no way for me to catch up prior to the tour date. So, knowing this I do feel like I missed out on some things. I think this can stand on it’s own but I do want to know more, a LOT more.
Brenda’s writing is really good! It’s phenomenal to read something that is given to you straight, no lolly gagging behind a bunch of useless words! She does describe the situation but she skips crap that we just plain don’t need! Could this have been a full book? Probably! But I’m glad that she does this. I was able to get into the meat of the story very quickly and become interested in the characters much faster because of the way she writes but stuff does happen very quickly because of this. And at the same time it almost takes away from getting to know these characters. I mean the two main characters were kissing and I was like, wait, you don’t even KNOW each other! That’s kind of pivotal right?
Although, if I were to meet someone like Marcus, I don’t think I would be too worried about not knowing him very well. Especially during the kissing part! ;) Avy is a very interesting characters as well. Distraught over her parent’s death but not in a “damsel in distress” way. Oh no, she’s about to tear some stuff up!! Busby though, ohhh Busby! You were my favorite cuddly character!! Can I adopt you please!?
That being said, there was something missing. Maybe it is the first 16 parts! I’m not sure but I didn’t feel a connection, like, totally in love with the characters as they moved through the plot. That’s not to say that I didn’t have fun reading this, because I totally did. The paranormal element was RIGHT up my alley. The plot was really good, I just want more!
So, I think I’m going to start with the first 16 parts and then come back and redo this review! I think that would be fair to Brenda, to you, to myself and to her wonderful story!
Brenda’s writing is really good! It’s phenomenal to read something that is given to you straight, no lolly gagging behind a bunch of useless words! She does describe the situation but she skips crap that we just plain don’t need! Could this have been a full book? Probably! But I’m glad that she does this. I was able to get into the meat of the story very quickly and become interested in the characters much faster because of the way she writes but stuff does happen very quickly because of this. And at the same time it almost takes away from getting to know these characters. I mean the two main characters were kissing and I was like, wait, you don’t even KNOW each other! That’s kind of pivotal right?
Although, if I were to meet someone like Marcus, I don’t think I would be too worried about not knowing him very well. Especially during the kissing part! ;) Avy is a very interesting characters as well. Distraught over her parent’s death but not in a “damsel in distress” way. Oh no, she’s about to tear some stuff up!! Busby though, ohhh Busby! You were my favorite cuddly character!! Can I adopt you please!?
That being said, there was something missing. Maybe it is the first 16 parts! I’m not sure but I didn’t feel a connection, like, totally in love with the characters as they moved through the plot. That’s not to say that I didn’t have fun reading this, because I totally did. The paranormal element was RIGHT up my alley. The plot was really good, I just want more!
So, I think I’m going to start with the first 16 parts and then come back and redo this review! I think that would be fair to Brenda, to you, to myself and to her wonderful story!
June 15, 2012
The Bandit Creek Books are sexy and funny romances involving a small mountain town. The stories are interrelated in that the characters overlap and all occur in the same town. That is where the similarities end. Each story focuses on specific individuals in Bandit Creek and they all have different authors.
In this story we meet Avy, a local witch who doesn’t know she is a witch, who has been gone for the past five years. She has come home because her parents have died, actually been murdered. The sheriff is investigating the murders, but someone else is also investigating. The other investigator is a wizard, Marcus, from “the otherworld” who has been sent to retrieve artifacts.
Marcus is first met in “Skin Deep” another Bandit Creek Book when he substitutes as the local vet for Kai, a skinwalker. Avy and Marcus share an immediate connection which results in Marcus finding out things he isn’t sure he wants to know about his home (not giving anything away because this is good). Avy also has an animal protector.
This is a fabulous romance with a great underlying storyline that I am sure we will hear more about in up-coming Bandit Creek stories. I give this 4.5 out of 5 clouds.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews
In this story we meet Avy, a local witch who doesn’t know she is a witch, who has been gone for the past five years. She has come home because her parents have died, actually been murdered. The sheriff is investigating the murders, but someone else is also investigating. The other investigator is a wizard, Marcus, from “the otherworld” who has been sent to retrieve artifacts.
Marcus is first met in “Skin Deep” another Bandit Creek Book when he substitutes as the local vet for Kai, a skinwalker. Avy and Marcus share an immediate connection which results in Marcus finding out things he isn’t sure he wants to know about his home (not giving anything away because this is good). Avy also has an animal protector.
This is a fabulous romance with a great underlying storyline that I am sure we will hear more about in up-coming Bandit Creek stories. I give this 4.5 out of 5 clouds.
This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews
January 10, 2013
Bandit Creek, Montana, wasn’t much of anything. Until you looked a bit deeper, then you saw them: witches, warlocks, daemons and other thingies. Avy’s parents were killed so she is called home to wrap up the loose ends. Funerals, house, bills, that kind of stuff. She is a bit taken back to find their house trashed and an odd-looking dog hiding under the porch.
She immediately takes to the dog which is good because he doesn’t act like he’s leaving anytime soon. Christened Busby the dog won’t leave her side, especially when she hauls him to the vet for a check-up. The vet isn’t too fond of Busby as he recognizes a familiar when he sees one. After all, Avy is the reason he’s currently in Bandit Creek! Marcus works for the Council – those who hold all the power in a system tightly controlled. Two Council members cannot have a child together. It is impossible. But there Avy is standing in his exam room with a mongrel.
Someone is NOT happy. They want Avy “put down” as a mutant. She doesn’t even know what magical power she has! In fact, she didn’t know her parents’ history at all!! Strange things keep happening as she finally realizes she has something someone wants very badly – but what?
An excellent story with great characters and part of a series. Look them up and get them all!!
She immediately takes to the dog which is good because he doesn’t act like he’s leaving anytime soon. Christened Busby the dog won’t leave her side, especially when she hauls him to the vet for a check-up. The vet isn’t too fond of Busby as he recognizes a familiar when he sees one. After all, Avy is the reason he’s currently in Bandit Creek! Marcus works for the Council – those who hold all the power in a system tightly controlled. Two Council members cannot have a child together. It is impossible. But there Avy is standing in his exam room with a mongrel.
Someone is NOT happy. They want Avy “put down” as a mutant. She doesn’t even know what magical power she has! In fact, she didn’t know her parents’ history at all!! Strange things keep happening as she finally realizes she has something someone wants very badly – but what?
An excellent story with great characters and part of a series. Look them up and get them all!!
January 18, 2013
This book is a part of a much larger series but reads perfectly well as a stand-alone. Bandit Creek is a small mountain community that has been rocked by a double murder. Avalon Gwynn returns home after learning of her parent’s untimely demise to find her childhood home ransacked and worse. A friendly dog shows up who she immediately feels connected to. As she tries to make sense of the tragedy, Busby, her new pet gives her solace.
Marcus Egan is a powerful guardian who is sent from The Otherland to investigate the unusual murder in Bandit Creek. There he discovers Avy, a young, grieving witch, with tremendous power; untrained, frightened, and angry. The Council instructs Marcus to retrieve two powerful amulets and then kill Avy because they fear her unbridled powers.
This exciting story kept me glued to my kindle. Avy is a sympathetic character with a lovely voice. She and Marcus are a delightful couple. There is plenty of action and humor in this clean romance that moved along without any sags or bogs. I enjoyed the adventure, loved the characters, and thought the remote setting of Bandit Creek perfect for this story.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
Marcus Egan is a powerful guardian who is sent from The Otherland to investigate the unusual murder in Bandit Creek. There he discovers Avy, a young, grieving witch, with tremendous power; untrained, frightened, and angry. The Council instructs Marcus to retrieve two powerful amulets and then kill Avy because they fear her unbridled powers.
This exciting story kept me glued to my kindle. Avy is a sympathetic character with a lovely voice. She and Marcus are a delightful couple. There is plenty of action and humor in this clean romance that moved along without any sags or bogs. I enjoyed the adventure, loved the characters, and thought the remote setting of Bandit Creek perfect for this story.
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
June 27, 2012
Witch in the Wind is a novella in the continuing saga of Bandit Creek, a small Montana town where everyone’s lives are intertwined for better or for worse. This is the story of Avy, a young witch just coming into magical powers she is unprepared for and Marcus, who has been sent by the council to investigate the suspicious death of Avy’s parents. Neither is expecting the rapid unfolding of events that wraps them up and binds them together.
Collins creates beautiful and believable characters who discover new facets of their personalities and become the people the always had to potential to be. Her character development is surprisingly good in such a short space. She has realistically portrayed a world of magic, deceit and love which draws the reader in until they breathlessly race to the end of this moving story.
Collins has a knack for painting vivid pictures that bring her stories to life and leave a lasting impression at their conclusion.
I am hooked on Collins’s writing and the world of Bandit Creek. All I can say is; I want more. More Bandit Creek, more Collins and more Avy and Marcus.
Collins creates beautiful and believable characters who discover new facets of their personalities and become the people the always had to potential to be. Her character development is surprisingly good in such a short space. She has realistically portrayed a world of magic, deceit and love which draws the reader in until they breathlessly race to the end of this moving story.
Collins has a knack for painting vivid pictures that bring her stories to life and leave a lasting impression at their conclusion.
I am hooked on Collins’s writing and the world of Bandit Creek. All I can say is; I want more. More Bandit Creek, more Collins and more Avy and Marcus.
December 22, 2013
3.5 STARS!
As I said before, this is a book that it's part of a series but when I signed up to review it, I was told I didn't need to read the previous ones, and now I know they were right.
It totally reads as an only book.
It's a short story, entertaining, though the real action began at around 40%. The first half was a little slow.
I liked the main characters, they have some mystery around them but couldn't relate to them much (probably because of the length of the book). But I found very touching the storm scene and how she relates to her inner energy.
The familiar is probably my favorite :)
The writing is nice and simple. The cover is beautiful.
And we have a little bit of romance and a little bit of magic, which are a perfect combo for me.
I surely want to know what will happen in the next book. This one didn't blow my mind, but I truly enjoyed it.
January 30, 2013
It wasn't until I was finished reading and looked online that I learned this book is part of a series. The books in the series are set in the same town and apparently have characters who carry over from series to series but read as stand alones.
Witch in the Wind was a one sitting read. I read it on my kindle but it is a novella that is probably only about 100 pages in length. It was an entertaining story that moved along quickly. It mixed elements of romance, mystery and the paranormal to create a story that kept my interest.
Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book
Content: Mild language throughout but otherwise clean
Source: Kindle copy for review as part of a blog tour
Genre/Age Level: Paranormal Romance suitable for older teens and adults
Witch in the Wind was a one sitting read. I read it on my kindle but it is a novella that is probably only about 100 pages in length. It was an entertaining story that moved along quickly. It mixed elements of romance, mystery and the paranormal to create a story that kept my interest.
Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book
Content: Mild language throughout but otherwise clean
Source: Kindle copy for review as part of a blog tour
Genre/Age Level: Paranormal Romance suitable for older teens and adults
Want to read
February 15, 2016146p Everything happens in Bandit Creek when WITCHES, WARLOCKS, and CANINE FAMILIARS slip through the portal from THE OTHERLAND
Bandit Creek (Montana), has a new magical dimension, The Otherland. When murder strikes in Bandit Creek, and the victims aren 19t who they seemed, powerful guardian warlock, Marcus Egan, is sent from The Otherland to investigate. What he doesn 19t expect to find is Avalon Gwynn, the grieving daughter of the victims, who has no idea she 19s an extraordinary, hereditary witch. And Avy 19s pent up magical abilities have just been set free in the mortal world. Can Marcus catch a killer while making sure Avy doesn 19t bring Crow Mountain crashing down on the town 14destroying Bandit Creek for the second time?
Bandit Creek (Montana), has a new magical dimension, The Otherland. When murder strikes in Bandit Creek, and the victims aren 19t who they seemed, powerful guardian warlock, Marcus Egan, is sent from The Otherland to investigate. What he doesn 19t expect to find is Avalon Gwynn, the grieving daughter of the victims, who has no idea she 19s an extraordinary, hereditary witch. And Avy 19s pent up magical abilities have just been set free in the mortal world. Can Marcus catch a killer while making sure Avy doesn 19t bring Crow Mountain crashing down on the town 14destroying Bandit Creek for the second time?
May 5, 2012
Avy hasn't been back to Bandit Creek in years, her parents often visiting her in the city. But the sheriff from Bandit Creek calls her. Her parents are dead.
Avy has lots of questions. Who would want to kill her new-agey, tree-hugger-type parents? Was it discrimination against their choice of religion (Wicca) in a conservative community? What were the murders looking for when they ransacked the house? What caused the huge burn marks in the yard? Where did this large dog come from, and why does he act like he's mine? And what are the feelings I'm having around Marcus, the temp vet? And what, exactly, is going on with his eyes? And why are all these strange things happening to me?
Avy has lots of questions. Who would want to kill her new-agey, tree-hugger-type parents? Was it discrimination against their choice of religion (Wicca) in a conservative community? What were the murders looking for when they ransacked the house? What caused the huge burn marks in the yard? Where did this large dog come from, and why does he act like he's mine? And what are the feelings I'm having around Marcus, the temp vet? And what, exactly, is going on with his eyes? And why are all these strange things happening to me?
January 21, 2013
Avy returns home to Bandit Creek due to the murder of her parents. The crime scene is peculiar. Her childhood home is in shambles.
She is introduced to a world that mortals are unaware of. The Otherland is the realm of witches and wizards- with their own governing system.
Marcus, the substitute vet, is in Bandit Creek to investigate the murders of members of the magical community.
There are magical and romantic sparks. The romance is clean and it is a quick and fun book to read. While this book is part of a series, it can be read without reading previous books in the series.
My only caution would be some mild swearing,
She is introduced to a world that mortals are unaware of. The Otherland is the realm of witches and wizards- with their own governing system.
Marcus, the substitute vet, is in Bandit Creek to investigate the murders of members of the magical community.
There are magical and romantic sparks. The romance is clean and it is a quick and fun book to read. While this book is part of a series, it can be read without reading previous books in the series.
My only caution would be some mild swearing,
April 24, 2014
What happens when you find out you are more than you realized, that family secrets may endanger your life and help might come in the form of a good looking guy - who is not what he seems? This fun, fast, paranormal romance is a recommended for those who want a relaxing, happy when you're finished but wondering what happens next kind of read.
July 25, 2016
I loved the intensity of this story. Right from the beginning, the reader is pulled into Avy's loss as she deals with the death of her parents. Add in magic, forbidden love and orders for her death and things just start getting interesting. I would recommend this book to others.
September 15, 2015
Witch in the wind
Great story. I could not put the book down until I finished the entire story. All her books are wonderful.
Great story. I could not put the book down until I finished the entire story. All her books are wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews