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Witch's Brew #1
The Cat's Meow
When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby, an enchantress, is determined to discover who is behind the odd deaths. But being a witch gifted by the Goddess won’t protect her from the talented warlock the Coven sends to assist her. Kale weaves a spell more powerful than any she’s ever seen--and he's sexy as sin. But why he's even needed for such a simple mission is beyond her.
While having some muscle around can't hurt her investigation, fighting her growing attraction for Kale is worse than a hex, especially considering she knows he—and their Coven—are hiding something from her. When she turns up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats, though, the elusive warlock isn't the her only concern. She now has a political rebellion on her hands, too. And when the truth about who she really is begins to surface, the only person Libby can trust is herself.
While having some muscle around can't hurt her investigation, fighting her growing attraction for Kale is worse than a hex, especially considering she knows he—and their Coven—are hiding something from her. When she turns up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats, though, the elusive warlock isn't the her only concern. She now has a political rebellion on her hands, too. And when the truth about who she really is begins to surface, the only person Libby can trust is herself.
256 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2012
8 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Kennedy
120 books2,396 followersStacey Kennedy is a USA Today bestselling author who writes contemporary romances full of heat, heart, and happily ever afters. With over 50 titles published, her books have hit Amazon, B&N, and Apple Books bestseller lists.
Stacey lives with her husband and two children in southwestern Ontario—in a city that’s just as charming as any of the small towns she creates. Most days, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors with her family or venturing into the forest with her horse, Priya. Stacey’s just as happy curled up indoors, where she writes surrounded by her lazy dogs. She believes that sexy books about hot cowboys or alpha heroes can fix any bad day. But wine and chocolate help too.
Stacey absolutely loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at stacey@staceykennedy.com.
Stacey lives with her husband and two children in southwestern Ontario—in a city that’s just as charming as any of the small towns she creates. Most days, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors with her family or venturing into the forest with her horse, Priya. Stacey’s just as happy curled up indoors, where she writes surrounded by her lazy dogs. She believes that sexy books about hot cowboys or alpha heroes can fix any bad day. But wine and chocolate help too.
Stacey absolutely loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at stacey@staceykennedy.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 16, 2013
4.5 magical stars!!
First of all I'd like to say dont let the cover put you off this book, It didn't draw me in at all, but it's just a cover and the book is great.
Libby is an enchantress living in charleston working for her coven. She is called to investigate a case of multiple cat killings.
Peyton is her best friend and can sense magic, dark or white. While investigating she introduced to a new warlock Kale (swoon), well one things for sure Libby doesn't trust warlocks as far as she can throw one, and physically that wouldn't be far, but with her magic she could as she is good at her job.
When Libby gets called to the coven to speak with the priestess, we get to meet her mother. Kale is a mystery though, no one will tell her anything and to say his elusive is not close enough. She gets ordered to work with this annoying man/warlock so she grudgingly does. Even she can't deny to herself there is some electricity between them, he makes her tingle in places she forgot!
The investigation continues and it appears someone from Libby's past could be involved.....there is dark magic being used.
This book is really good, so much better than expected, the magical aspect, the sexual tension between Kale and Libby, the twists and turns. There is also comical lighthearted moments in this book my favourite was a dream sequence ;).
In the end there is a mystery to solve and danger to stop, secrets to be told and maybe grovelling to be done!!!!!!
Well worth a read. The is a long wait for the getting together scene, and it's hot when it happens .
Will look out for book two.
*i received this copy from the publisher via netgalley for an honest review*
First of all I'd like to say dont let the cover put you off this book, It didn't draw me in at all, but it's just a cover and the book is great.
Libby is an enchantress living in charleston working for her coven. She is called to investigate a case of multiple cat killings.
Peyton is her best friend and can sense magic, dark or white. While investigating she introduced to a new warlock Kale (swoon), well one things for sure Libby doesn't trust warlocks as far as she can throw one, and physically that wouldn't be far, but with her magic she could as she is good at her job.
When Libby gets called to the coven to speak with the priestess, we get to meet her mother. Kale is a mystery though, no one will tell her anything and to say his elusive is not close enough. She gets ordered to work with this annoying man/warlock so she grudgingly does. Even she can't deny to herself there is some electricity between them, he makes her tingle in places she forgot!
"I glanced over at Kale, and sex-packaged-in-jeans looked troubled with his dark expression."
The investigation continues and it appears someone from Libby's past could be involved.....there is dark magic being used.
This book is really good, so much better than expected, the magical aspect, the sexual tension between Kale and Libby, the twists and turns. There is also comical lighthearted moments in this book my favourite was a dream sequence ;).
In the end there is a mystery to solve and danger to stop, secrets to be told and maybe grovelling to be done!!!!!!
Well worth a read. The is a long wait for the getting together scene, and it's hot when it happens .
Will look out for book two.
*i received this copy from the publisher via netgalley for an honest review*
March 11, 2013
Wow, what a letdown this book was, I was really looking forward to a new smexy urban fantasy series that didn’t star vampires.
Too start I really didn’t like Libby very much, she tried too hard to be funny, was a bitch when it wasn’t necessary, and was just unlikable in general. She liked being a bitch too much, thought to much of herself, and thought she was witty when she came off as trying too hard.
The story was really predictable, cookie cutter even, with its insta lust with the mysterious bad boy, a HUGE misunderstanding, and neon flashing arrows pointing to the bad guy.
Yeah, plus mutilated dead kitties.
Soooo…anywho…this book get a big old flying…
Too start I really didn’t like Libby very much, she tried too hard to be funny, was a bitch when it wasn’t necessary, and was just unlikable in general. She liked being a bitch too much, thought to much of herself, and thought she was witty when she came off as trying too hard.
The story was really predictable, cookie cutter even, with its insta lust with the mysterious bad boy, a HUGE misunderstanding, and neon flashing arrows pointing to the bad guy.
Yeah, plus mutilated dead kitties.
Soooo…anywho…this book get a big old flying…
d-n-f
July 13, 2017Jesus Christ, can somebody please just kill Libby and put everyone out of their misery? This woman is a rude, mouthy, TSTL bitch. Awful, just awful.
February 23, 2013
This review can also be found on Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell-blog.
In Charleston there have been several magical cat murders and it’s time for thePet Detective local Enchantress to step in and put a stop to it.
In the “About the Author” section it says:
Having read The Cat’s Meow I can vouch for the lighthearted fantasy part with a good chuckle or three. The heart-squeezing element relied heavily on my overactive imagination as Kale Griffin was kept as a mystery for far too long and his personality was mostly built on a handful of action descriptions and guesswork. This would apply to the thigh-clenching part too, because once Kale was allowed a moment of honesty and openness the book rushed to its inescapable conclusion.
The fast-action and life-threatening moments make this book a compulsively readable and fun as long as the reader has firmly switched off their brain and any sign of logical thought. The big bad villain was unfortunately of the cardboard sort—easily sketched and depthless—and burned down just as easily as any paper doll would. It’s fun and entertaining as long as you’re not expecting the story to be anything more than a simple romp.
Libby as a character has her good moments. She’s a witch responsible for tracking down and stopping anyone who practices dark magic or threatens to expose the magical community to humans. She mostly stands up for herself against the Alchemy, her mother, and the occasional free-range warlock. She has clear motives for protecting herself and her friends from harm, she’s smart enough to figure out Kale’s secret mostly on her own, and she doesn’t let her sex-addled brain dictate her actions. Until she does. This again is my complaint about the ending—the speed. I’d have much preferred had Libby’s and Kale’s relationship taken several books to develop to the point it reached here.
So all in all, it’s a quick and fun read for the fans of paranormal romance.
Unless you’re one of those people who actually care about accurate portrayal of Wicca and respect for other religions. I admit Kennedy never uses the word Wicca or its equivalents and that I’m not an expert on the subject, but I know enough to be miffed. Very much so. I would have gladly let Kennedy get away with murder in her portrayal of modern magic, had she not dragged in the Goddess and made the deity an integral part of Libby’s characterisation. None of the witches or warlocks show appropriate respect towards their Goddess while practicing magic. Would this be a Christian praying, I have no doubt the handling would be very different.
I also didn’t particularly care about the patriarchy bleed into this system of magic or the general attitude shown by men—even the hero—towards women. Men are the strong ones in power and women, no matter how special, are weak and to be protected.
If you want to read a light witch version of The Southern Vampire Mysteries, this might be the book for you. If you expect anything thought provoking or progressively feminist, you’d be better off skipping The Cat’s Meow.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
In Charleston there have been several magical cat murders and it’s time for the
In the “About the Author” section it says:
Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments, and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed.
Having read The Cat’s Meow I can vouch for the lighthearted fantasy part with a good chuckle or three. The heart-squeezing element relied heavily on my overactive imagination as Kale Griffin was kept as a mystery for far too long and his personality was mostly built on a handful of action descriptions and guesswork. This would apply to the thigh-clenching part too, because once Kale was allowed a moment of honesty and openness the book rushed to its inescapable conclusion.
The fast-action and life-threatening moments make this book a compulsively readable and fun as long as the reader has firmly switched off their brain and any sign of logical thought. The big bad villain was unfortunately of the cardboard sort—easily sketched and depthless—and burned down just as easily as any paper doll would. It’s fun and entertaining as long as you’re not expecting the story to be anything more than a simple romp.
Libby as a character has her good moments. She’s a witch responsible for tracking down and stopping anyone who practices dark magic or threatens to expose the magical community to humans. She mostly stands up for herself against the Alchemy, her mother, and the occasional free-range warlock. She has clear motives for protecting herself and her friends from harm, she’s smart enough to figure out Kale’s secret mostly on her own, and she doesn’t let her sex-addled brain dictate her actions. Until she does. This again is my complaint about the ending—the speed. I’d have much preferred had Libby’s and Kale’s relationship taken several books to develop to the point it reached here.
So all in all, it’s a quick and fun read for the fans of paranormal romance.
Unless you’re one of those people who actually care about accurate portrayal of Wicca and respect for other religions. I admit Kennedy never uses the word Wicca or its equivalents and that I’m not an expert on the subject, but I know enough to be miffed. Very much so. I would have gladly let Kennedy get away with murder in her portrayal of modern magic, had she not dragged in the Goddess and made the deity an integral part of Libby’s characterisation. None of the witches or warlocks show appropriate respect towards their Goddess while practicing magic. Would this be a Christian praying, I have no doubt the handling would be very different.
I also didn’t particularly care about the patriarchy bleed into this system of magic or the general attitude shown by men—even the hero—towards women. Men are the strong ones in power and women, no matter how special, are weak and to be protected.
If you want to read a light witch version of The Southern Vampire Mysteries, this might be the book for you. If you expect anything thought provoking or progressively feminist, you’d be better off skipping The Cat’s Meow.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 22, 2013
I'm absolutely new to this author, so I hope I'll not offend her or her fans with this "review".
This is going to be one of those in which I'm compelled to say again that the rating is really my experience with the book, not a value of the book in itself.
The Cat's Meow is Urban Fantasy with a romance thread. As a UF it would have been much nicer without the insta-lust and the forced HEA at the end.
I like the plot and the characters, but the world-building was somehow not enough to keep the story afloat. For all the book I kept wondering "why". And I couldn't enjoy it a tiny bit as it was a constant refrain in my mind. There's no explanation on why the heroine doesn't stop the train wreck and start expecting truth and collaboration. At the end of the tunnel there are murders and satanism. You do no simply go on because the story says so. As a reader I need a logical explanation why she doesn't confront her coven and demands the truth. Why she simply doesn't refuse them her help without more info. And so on.
My pet-peeves with TCM were many, from a somewhat weak beginning to a worse end.
Beginning. Libby is written off as a mouthy woman. Mouthy as in blabbering, more than sassy. Not particularly pleasant. It gave the story almost a chick-lit dress (which I wasn't interested in). Luckily it's only at the start.
End. Sorry, I really disliked it. Kale behaved exactly as all the other warlock she despises. Moreover, he forces his presence at her house on his power over her life (again why?). It's a no-no for me. He refuses to go away when she asked him to and go on to "seduce" her. Sorry this isn't acceptable to me. As I found unbelievable/unacceptable the justifications. The way he chose to behave is in no way the same Libby did with her best friends (this is the excuse for "forgiving"). No, no way. She kept some of the truth from the best friend to protect her from depression (a real threat). He kept all of the truth from her to manipulate her. He put her life at risk. How these two behaviour are alike?
I understand he might have not a choice (but I didn't see him trying to change it), it doesn't mean I as the "victim" have to like or accept it. He's not evil, but he doesn't deserve the heroine at the end of the book nor her help. Worse of all this thread really really stunk of a forced feeding to romance junkies. Love is trust. When there's none, it's simply lust. Nothing wrong with it, but don't wrap it in a different paper.
Really, really personal: I hate "religious" overtones, whatever the religion. I'm (wrongly) incensed when someone says because "God will it so" as a justification. Here many of Libby's choices were based on the theme the goddess says so or similar. Pagan or Christian, it's something I dislike. The choices should be mine. Responsibilities too.
It wasn't strong, mind you. But it was another notch on the do not like list.
So, with a different ending I might have thought about book 2 to see if the world-building might have improved and how the story kept on (both the overall plot and the "romance"). As it is, I'm sorry to say "no, but thanks no".
This is going to be one of those in which I'm compelled to say again that the rating is really my experience with the book, not a value of the book in itself.
The Cat's Meow is Urban Fantasy with a romance thread. As a UF it would have been much nicer without the insta-lust and the forced HEA at the end.
I like the plot and the characters, but the world-building was somehow not enough to keep the story afloat. For all the book I kept wondering "why". And I couldn't enjoy it a tiny bit as it was a constant refrain in my mind. There's no explanation on why the heroine doesn't stop the train wreck and start expecting truth and collaboration. At the end of the tunnel there are murders and satanism. You do no simply go on because the story says so. As a reader I need a logical explanation why she doesn't confront her coven and demands the truth. Why she simply doesn't refuse them her help without more info. And so on.
My pet-peeves with TCM were many, from a somewhat weak beginning to a worse end.
Beginning. Libby is written off as a mouthy woman. Mouthy as in blabbering, more than sassy. Not particularly pleasant. It gave the story almost a chick-lit dress (which I wasn't interested in). Luckily it's only at the start.
End. Sorry, I really disliked it. Kale behaved exactly as all the other warlock she despises. Moreover, he forces his presence at her house on his power over her life (again why?). It's a no-no for me. He refuses to go away when she asked him to and go on to "seduce" her. Sorry this isn't acceptable to me. As I found unbelievable/unacceptable the justifications. The way he chose to behave is in no way the same Libby did with her best friends (this is the excuse for "forgiving"). No, no way. She kept some of the truth from the best friend to protect her from depression (a real threat). He kept all of the truth from her to manipulate her. He put her life at risk. How these two behaviour are alike?
I understand he might have not a choice (but I didn't see him trying to change it), it doesn't mean I as the "victim" have to like or accept it. He's not evil, but he doesn't deserve the heroine at the end of the book nor her help. Worse of all this thread really really stunk of a forced feeding to romance junkies. Love is trust. When there's none, it's simply lust. Nothing wrong with it, but don't wrap it in a different paper.
Really, really personal: I hate "religious" overtones, whatever the religion. I'm (wrongly) incensed when someone says because "God will it so" as a justification. Here many of Libby's choices were based on the theme the goddess says so or similar. Pagan or Christian, it's something I dislike. The choices should be mine. Responsibilities too.
It wasn't strong, mind you. But it was another notch on the do not like list.
So, with a different ending I might have thought about book 2 to see if the world-building might have improved and how the story kept on (both the overall plot and the "romance"). As it is, I'm sorry to say "no, but thanks no".
June 18, 2017
Fun and flirty UF
This was a good read with lots of potential for future plots. I've read a number of promising starters in the last 6 months in the Urban Fantasy genre, which is as exciting as it is daunting. Joining a series so early means a commitment of 5-6 years of waiting for new releases, sometimes after crippling cliffhangers, so only the really good ones will I pick up for books two, three, four... This is one I will continue with, for sure.
It was a fun, exciting and well-paced story following a likeable young witch (an Enchantress, actually) called Libby, who is working a case for her coven. The ritualistic killing of cats leads her to discoveries way above her usual pay grade. Since she's so far out of her depth, you'd think she'd be happy to have a darkly handsome and enigmatic warlock turn up to assist her. Right? Yeah, not so much. Libby's past experiences with warlocks have led her to be wary and slow to trust. And that's putting it very mildly. Something Libby probably wouldn't bother to do. She's more the 'say it as you see it' kind of gal. Her smart mouth was entertaining and only once or twice did I think she took it too far with the wrong people. I really liked Libby's "voice" and felt for her as the frustrations of dealing with her new and extremely evasive shadow got her down.
Warlock Kale, the potential love interest and a man who answers questions with yet more questions, or simply diverts, distracts or fails to answer at all, was so annoyingly interesting I wanted to scream! And so did Libby by the end. He takes secretive to a whole new irritating level and yet I still liked him. I loved how slowly their relationship developed—largely because of his refusal to give away any information about himself—but it was something that I was invested in nonetheless and had me turning the pages like a crazy woman. And although it was slow to start, it had a more than satisfying conclusion!
Can't wait to find out what happens next after all the shock revelations in this book. Bring it on!
4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good read with lots of potential for future plots. I've read a number of promising starters in the last 6 months in the Urban Fantasy genre, which is as exciting as it is daunting. Joining a series so early means a commitment of 5-6 years of waiting for new releases, sometimes after crippling cliffhangers, so only the really good ones will I pick up for books two, three, four... This is one I will continue with, for sure.
It was a fun, exciting and well-paced story following a likeable young witch (an Enchantress, actually) called Libby, who is working a case for her coven. The ritualistic killing of cats leads her to discoveries way above her usual pay grade. Since she's so far out of her depth, you'd think she'd be happy to have a darkly handsome and enigmatic warlock turn up to assist her. Right? Yeah, not so much. Libby's past experiences with warlocks have led her to be wary and slow to trust. And that's putting it very mildly. Something Libby probably wouldn't bother to do. She's more the 'say it as you see it' kind of gal. Her smart mouth was entertaining and only once or twice did I think she took it too far with the wrong people. I really liked Libby's "voice" and felt for her as the frustrations of dealing with her new and extremely evasive shadow got her down.
Warlock Kale, the potential love interest and a man who answers questions with yet more questions, or simply diverts, distracts or fails to answer at all, was so annoyingly interesting I wanted to scream! And so did Libby by the end. He takes secretive to a whole new irritating level and yet I still liked him. I loved how slowly their relationship developed—largely because of his refusal to give away any information about himself—but it was something that I was invested in nonetheless and had me turning the pages like a crazy woman. And although it was slow to start, it had a more than satisfying conclusion!
Can't wait to find out what happens next after all the shock revelations in this book. Bring it on!
4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2013
As we follow Libby and Kale through their investigation of slaughtered cats, it seems like only a few answers were unfolded after each scene which became frustrating. The magic was a bit confusing. There’s some inner goddess (no, not like the one from 50 Shades) in Libby who grants her the power and magic. This goddess was never really explained and we don’t know where she came from or if everyone has a goddess or not. I would have liked to understand and feel for Libby more. If only there were more details about her past (besides her ex-boyfriend), magic and family as well as more history about her coven and the Alchemy, it would have given me a better connection to the story.
Kale is a mystery. Libby nor the reader has any idea who he is. He doesn’t answer questions nor share any details about himself. Libby thinks he’s there to spy on her as she thinks her coven is out to get her. We slowly learn that he is a badass Warlock with some massive power but we still don’t get any answer on his motive of helping Libby and her investigation until way later in the book. I do think that the sexual tension between Libby and Kale was done well. Their attraction for one another jumps off the page. However, I do think that Libby thought about Kale’s attractiveness a little too much while she should had focused more on the investigation.
Overall, this book was okay. Its magical world confused me at times and the story was rather slow until about the 60-65% mark where it finally picked up. The action and the magical moments towards the big showdown were done well. I was anxiously turning pages to find out the outcome. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I enjoyed it enough to finish it.
2.5-3 Stars
Kale is a mystery. Libby nor the reader has any idea who he is. He doesn’t answer questions nor share any details about himself. Libby thinks he’s there to spy on her as she thinks her coven is out to get her. We slowly learn that he is a badass Warlock with some massive power but we still don’t get any answer on his motive of helping Libby and her investigation until way later in the book. I do think that the sexual tension between Libby and Kale was done well. Their attraction for one another jumps off the page. However, I do think that Libby thought about Kale’s attractiveness a little too much while she should had focused more on the investigation.
Overall, this book was okay. Its magical world confused me at times and the story was rather slow until about the 60-65% mark where it finally picked up. The action and the magical moments towards the big showdown were done well. I was anxiously turning pages to find out the outcome. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I enjoyed it enough to finish it.
2.5-3 Stars
February 20, 2013
For this review and more visit my blog
I really enjoyed this paranormal romance; it was funny, quirky and interesting. It had great characters, a great storyline and a swoon worthy romance. It grabbed my attention from the start and didn’t let go.
The writing and storytelling was really good and I like the way Kennedy subtly uses humour. It was not in your face but it managed to make me giggle often.
I really love the characters. Libby is a lot of fun; she is sassy, funny and stubborn in the best way possible. I loved that this book was told from her point of view only instead of split POV between her and Kale, because I liked her voice and personality.
Kale is also awesome, he is dashing and charming. He is tough as nails but also possesses a gentler side that comes out when Libby is around. I did get annoyed with all his secret keeping and has refusal to tell Libby the truth about himself. I understand that he had no choice but the deception lasted a little to long for me. What I liked about that situation was his acknowledgement that he had caused Libby pain, and that her pain caused him pain. It showed he really cared and it made me love him just that little bit more.
The Cat’s Meow is a very entertaining and enjoyable book. it was a lot better than I thought it would be and also a lot of fun.
The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for and honest review
I really enjoyed this paranormal romance; it was funny, quirky and interesting. It had great characters, a great storyline and a swoon worthy romance. It grabbed my attention from the start and didn’t let go.
The writing and storytelling was really good and I like the way Kennedy subtly uses humour. It was not in your face but it managed to make me giggle often.
I really love the characters. Libby is a lot of fun; she is sassy, funny and stubborn in the best way possible. I loved that this book was told from her point of view only instead of split POV between her and Kale, because I liked her voice and personality.
Kale is also awesome, he is dashing and charming. He is tough as nails but also possesses a gentler side that comes out when Libby is around. I did get annoyed with all his secret keeping and has refusal to tell Libby the truth about himself. I understand that he had no choice but the deception lasted a little to long for me. What I liked about that situation was his acknowledgement that he had caused Libby pain, and that her pain caused him pain. It showed he really cared and it made me love him just that little bit more.
The Cat’s Meow is a very entertaining and enjoyable book. it was a lot better than I thought it would be and also a lot of fun.
The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for and honest review
January 30, 2013
This is my first read by Stacey Kennedy and it will not be the last. I picked up this book and did not put it down until the very last page. I tried a few times because I was super tired, but I could not do it. I do not know if it was the magical world she created, the feisty and intelligent heroine, Kale in all his power and hotness, or the mystery that kept me glued to the pages. I imagine it was all of the above. Whatever the case, this book is not one you should start if you only have a few minutes before the you have to start dinner because your family will be stuck fending for themselves.
I am going to lay it out there. If you are a cat lover, the first chapter may be a bit tough for you. It was for me. The mystery starts with a deceased cat. Not an easy thing to read. Have no fear though. Once you get over that very short hurdle, all is good. I promise.
I admit I was a bit surprised by some of the things that happened as Libby worked on the case. This always makes me happy because I hate knowing who done it from the very beginning. It takes away the fun. Speaking of fun. I love the lore of this world. I was excited when I saw on the cover that this book is book one. It means there is more awesomeness to come. The story was complete, if you are looking for a one time read and do not want to commit to a series, but the possibility for more is out there. Happy Dance.
I am going to lay it out there. If you are a cat lover, the first chapter may be a bit tough for you. It was for me. The mystery starts with a deceased cat. Not an easy thing to read. Have no fear though. Once you get over that very short hurdle, all is good. I promise.
I admit I was a bit surprised by some of the things that happened as Libby worked on the case. This always makes me happy because I hate knowing who done it from the very beginning. It takes away the fun. Speaking of fun. I love the lore of this world. I was excited when I saw on the cover that this book is book one. It means there is more awesomeness to come. The story was complete, if you are looking for a one time read and do not want to commit to a series, but the possibility for more is out there. Happy Dance.
January 17, 2013
I only got to the 22% point on this book before dropping it. I just couldn't buy the main character as a person, I'm afraid. Her motivations were a jumble of random impulses that don't fit together very well and her relationship with her coven was oddly ill-defined. Libby jumps to fifteen different conclusions just from the fact that Kale has been assigned to work with her on a case (which she accepts as he strolls into a magical crime scene with zero verification, BTW, which I thought was kind of odd) and none of her conclusions made any kind of rational sense. Either the author was hiding the reasons behind those conclusions or Libby is a spaz assuming things she had no reason to. Either way, and along with a lot of emotionally-laden hyper response to Kale's manness, I found it annoying enough that I just didn't feel like slogging through.
February 19, 2013
Original Romancing the Dark Side Review:
A fun and sexy urban fantasy mystery!
This is another great addition to Stacey Kennedy's fun and flirty supernatural world! The Cat's Meow is more than just a pretty cover, it's an entertaining, fast paced read with a few twist and turns and some sassy characters. The world of witches and warlocks depicted in this story is quite unique and keeps you turning the pages to learn more.
Enchantress Libby is investigating a string of recent feline sacrifices when her superiors surprise her by sending in a warlock to work along side her on the case. With little regard for authority and a dislike of warlocks, Libby finds herself in the middle of a dark and sinister plot against her world with the irresistible Kale by her side who is just as mysterious as her latest case. Needless to say, things get more interesting with every turn of the page.
Saying Libby is an outspoken heroine is an understatement. She's snarky and bold which tends to come off as rude sometimes but her heart's in the right place. I thought she was a bit immature in certain situations and could not understand her hatred towards Kale and warlocks, even when her past was finally revealed. Smart-mouth and all, Libby has some unique magical powers that come in handy and I love her devotion to protect the ones she loves. I would have liked a little more of the softer side and less of the sass from her but she's a fun character in either facet.
The love interest Kale didn't instantly get my heart racing. I was expecting an outspoken alpha who would match Libby's strong personality and got a laid back, patient warlock instead. His sexy side shows up in Libby's dream (I won't say any more) and quickly made up for his nonchalant attitude. Kale and Libby have some great sexual tension which is not a surprise if you've read Ms. Kennedy's books, she's a master at it! I'm not a fan of insta-love and was thankful that we saw a lot of interaction and banter between these two before anything happened.
The Cat's Meow is a delightful read with a little suspense, magic and cheeky humor! A magical world of witches and warlocks filled with politics and rebellion keeps you guessing but never loses momentum. No matter the genre, I always know I'm in for an adventure with smart heroines, swoon-worthy heroes and plenty of passion when I pick up a book by Stacey Kennedy and The Cat's Meow meets all those requirements!
{ebook courtesy of author in exchange for review.}
A fun and sexy urban fantasy mystery!
This is another great addition to Stacey Kennedy's fun and flirty supernatural world! The Cat's Meow is more than just a pretty cover, it's an entertaining, fast paced read with a few twist and turns and some sassy characters. The world of witches and warlocks depicted in this story is quite unique and keeps you turning the pages to learn more.
Enchantress Libby is investigating a string of recent feline sacrifices when her superiors surprise her by sending in a warlock to work along side her on the case. With little regard for authority and a dislike of warlocks, Libby finds herself in the middle of a dark and sinister plot against her world with the irresistible Kale by her side who is just as mysterious as her latest case. Needless to say, things get more interesting with every turn of the page.
Saying Libby is an outspoken heroine is an understatement. She's snarky and bold which tends to come off as rude sometimes but her heart's in the right place. I thought she was a bit immature in certain situations and could not understand her hatred towards Kale and warlocks, even when her past was finally revealed. Smart-mouth and all, Libby has some unique magical powers that come in handy and I love her devotion to protect the ones she loves. I would have liked a little more of the softer side and less of the sass from her but she's a fun character in either facet.
The love interest Kale didn't instantly get my heart racing. I was expecting an outspoken alpha who would match Libby's strong personality and got a laid back, patient warlock instead. His sexy side shows up in Libby's dream (I won't say any more) and quickly made up for his nonchalant attitude. Kale and Libby have some great sexual tension which is not a surprise if you've read Ms. Kennedy's books, she's a master at it! I'm not a fan of insta-love and was thankful that we saw a lot of interaction and banter between these two before anything happened.
The Cat's Meow is a delightful read with a little suspense, magic and cheeky humor! A magical world of witches and warlocks filled with politics and rebellion keeps you guessing but never loses momentum. No matter the genre, I always know I'm in for an adventure with smart heroines, swoon-worthy heroes and plenty of passion when I pick up a book by Stacey Kennedy and The Cat's Meow meets all those requirements!
{ebook courtesy of author in exchange for review.}
January 27, 2013
Today's review is on The Cat's Meow by Stacey Kennedy
This is the first book I have read by Kennedy and I have to say that I'm an instant fan. Her writing presents a clear picture of the characters, their surroundings, and the dangers they face. Gone are the days where the women are in the background. Now they are strong, independent, and able to take care of themselves, and Libby is no different.
Libby is her covens Enchantress, and though she tries to follow the rules she doesn't exactly like all of them and in fact finds herself on the coven's "shit list" more often than not. But Libby is an exceptionally strong Witch, and her spells are stronger than any of the others. That's why she is called in to work on a case involving the slaughter of cats around Charleston. Then the coven sends a Ward to work with Libby and she is beyond insulted.
Kale is a powerful Ward, not to mention sexy-as-hell, and Libby finds herself immediately attracted to him. Even so, Libby has had nothing but bad experiences with Warlocks. Her father left her mother when she told him she was pregnant and her ex took all the credit for solving a case that Libby pretty much lead. But according to Libby, that's a Warlock for you. Self-serving and competitive, always wanting to prove they are better than Witches. This is why she has written them all off.
But Kale seems different. As the case moves from the murder of cats to the murder of humans, Kale shows great concern for Libby's safety. He complements her about her magic, and he is so gentle at times. And the sexual tension? WOW!! And though Kale is anything but forthcoming with much information about himself, Libby cannot control her body's reaction to his closeness or his touch.
These two are so obviously in love that it's painful to know that the secrets Kale is keeping from Libby may be the one thing that could ruin his chances. Even though it is for her safety and protection.
Everything listed in Kennedy's About the Author section is true. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next installment!!
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
This is the first book I have read by Kennedy and I have to say that I'm an instant fan. Her writing presents a clear picture of the characters, their surroundings, and the dangers they face. Gone are the days where the women are in the background. Now they are strong, independent, and able to take care of themselves, and Libby is no different.
Libby is her covens Enchantress, and though she tries to follow the rules she doesn't exactly like all of them and in fact finds herself on the coven's "shit list" more often than not. But Libby is an exceptionally strong Witch, and her spells are stronger than any of the others. That's why she is called in to work on a case involving the slaughter of cats around Charleston. Then the coven sends a Ward to work with Libby and she is beyond insulted.
Kale is a powerful Ward, not to mention sexy-as-hell, and Libby finds herself immediately attracted to him. Even so, Libby has had nothing but bad experiences with Warlocks. Her father left her mother when she told him she was pregnant and her ex took all the credit for solving a case that Libby pretty much lead. But according to Libby, that's a Warlock for you. Self-serving and competitive, always wanting to prove they are better than Witches. This is why she has written them all off.
But Kale seems different. As the case moves from the murder of cats to the murder of humans, Kale shows great concern for Libby's safety. He complements her about her magic, and he is so gentle at times. And the sexual tension? WOW!! And though Kale is anything but forthcoming with much information about himself, Libby cannot control her body's reaction to his closeness or his touch.
These two are so obviously in love that it's painful to know that the secrets Kale is keeping from Libby may be the one thing that could ruin his chances. Even though it is for her safety and protection.
Everything listed in Kennedy's About the Author section is true. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next installment!!
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
January 3, 2013
View more of my review and others at my blog: www.mynotsovacantshelf.blogspot.com
Swoon. Swoon. Swoon. That’s what happens when I basically come across a guy who dresses like a biker. Well he sort of does. Black jeans, or jean and a dark plain t-shirt. Oh. So. Sexy. That is Kale for you. And, yet he is frustrating. I really don’t blame Libby for wanting to punch him in the face. I loved this novel. I’ve read a lot of books that contain witches, but I have yet to read one about someone who says thanks to the Goddess, which is what Liddy does being an Enchantress. It was pretty awesome. The mystery behind this novel was a very interesting and I had no clue what was really happening, however the mystery that surrounds Kale I sort of had it figured out but not exactly. It was interesting to find out who he was after all the vague comments, and evading Libby’s questions. Sometimes I wanted to yell for her. And not just him it seems like everyone was against and refused to tell her anything. It was frustrating, but in a great way. There was humour, there was passion, and there was some butt kicking. And I really liked that Libby did kick butt. At first she was hesitant, but she really started to come through. Libby is someone I really liked even the butt-kicking aside. She refuses to take anyone’s BS, is determined, and basically trusts no-one. Sometimes a girl can just relate.
Good:
Libby—A Kick-butt, sassy, no holds-bar kind of girl
Kale—Man of mystery, that is tall, dark, and hansom.
Bad:
I wish that Kale would have been more romantic, I know the reason he held back some, but I wish there were many many more stolen kisses.
Overall (Writing style, story line, and general):
Overall, the story was easy to read and follow and never had me questioning or having to re-read. I never found a boring part as this short 190 page read kept me entertained the entire time. I liked the characters, which included a large variety, and it left me with the appropriate amount of questions and therefore anticipating the next book in the series.
Swoon. Swoon. Swoon. That’s what happens when I basically come across a guy who dresses like a biker. Well he sort of does. Black jeans, or jean and a dark plain t-shirt. Oh. So. Sexy. That is Kale for you. And, yet he is frustrating. I really don’t blame Libby for wanting to punch him in the face. I loved this novel. I’ve read a lot of books that contain witches, but I have yet to read one about someone who says thanks to the Goddess, which is what Liddy does being an Enchantress. It was pretty awesome. The mystery behind this novel was a very interesting and I had no clue what was really happening, however the mystery that surrounds Kale I sort of had it figured out but not exactly. It was interesting to find out who he was after all the vague comments, and evading Libby’s questions. Sometimes I wanted to yell for her. And not just him it seems like everyone was against and refused to tell her anything. It was frustrating, but in a great way. There was humour, there was passion, and there was some butt kicking. And I really liked that Libby did kick butt. At first she was hesitant, but she really started to come through. Libby is someone I really liked even the butt-kicking aside. She refuses to take anyone’s BS, is determined, and basically trusts no-one. Sometimes a girl can just relate.
Good:
Libby—A Kick-butt, sassy, no holds-bar kind of girl
Kale—Man of mystery, that is tall, dark, and hansom.
Bad:
I wish that Kale would have been more romantic, I know the reason he held back some, but I wish there were many many more stolen kisses.
Overall (Writing style, story line, and general):
Overall, the story was easy to read and follow and never had me questioning or having to re-read. I never found a boring part as this short 190 page read kept me entertained the entire time. I liked the characters, which included a large variety, and it left me with the appropriate amount of questions and therefore anticipating the next book in the series.
January 7, 2013
Oh my Goddess this was such a great story! The Cat’s Meow follows Libby, an enchantress witch, and Kale, a mysterious warlock, as they try to discover who is killing cat’s around the Charleston area. While that may not sound all that entertaining on its own, Libby is quickly pulled into a much deeper mystery where she has to rely on Kale and her own abilities to keep her safe. I must say that this story kept me thoroughly entertained and I wish it was longer.
Libby is a great character. While she does seem to waffle quite a bit on her feelings for Kale (and who wouldn’t? He’s yummy and mysterious) she is still her own person and a very strong witch in her own right. She’s also fun, a bit of a smart a** and funny. Kale (ah Kale….okay all better) is very mysterious for most of the book. From the beginning of the story he pushes Libby’s buttons with his evasions and half answers. He also is very sweet and kind to her when she shows her vulnerabilities and he makes an effort to protect her whenever it’s needed. As the story progresses we get to see both characters progress and grow and the outcome is great!
While I can’t give much of the plot away without giving spoilers I will say that it was very entertaining. There were several twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and I was pleasantly surprised at how it all turned out. I would love to read more about these characters and find out what happens after the last chapter. There isn’t a cliffhanger but Kennedy did leave the story open enough that I do expect there to be another book in the series (pretty please?!) Overall a great read and I look forward to reading more.
Read and reviewed for thejeepdiva.com
Libby is a great character. While she does seem to waffle quite a bit on her feelings for Kale (and who wouldn’t? He’s yummy and mysterious) she is still her own person and a very strong witch in her own right. She’s also fun, a bit of a smart a** and funny. Kale (ah Kale….okay all better) is very mysterious for most of the book. From the beginning of the story he pushes Libby’s buttons with his evasions and half answers. He also is very sweet and kind to her when she shows her vulnerabilities and he makes an effort to protect her whenever it’s needed. As the story progresses we get to see both characters progress and grow and the outcome is great!
While I can’t give much of the plot away without giving spoilers I will say that it was very entertaining. There were several twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and I was pleasantly surprised at how it all turned out. I would love to read more about these characters and find out what happens after the last chapter. There isn’t a cliffhanger but Kennedy did leave the story open enough that I do expect there to be another book in the series (pretty please?!) Overall a great read and I look forward to reading more.
Read and reviewed for thejeepdiva.com
January 7, 2013
The Cat's Meow introduces us to Libby Jenkins, an Enchantress - a witch gifted to work spells, and Kale Griffin, a Ward - a warlock who draws runes. There have been some cat slayings and Libby is out to find out why. Kale is sent in to assist her.
I am a big fan of Stacey Kennedy's writing. I love her Frostbite series. This one, however, lacked something for me. The world building was present, but there were still things I didn't get. There is tension between witches and warlocks, but I'm not sure why. Typically I love a smart mouth on a heroine, but Libby's tone felt forced for me at times. Why is she questioning the coven? Also, I found Kale to be a snore-bore until we learn what he's really up to.
But, don't let my 'it was lacking' statement steer you away, you may enjoy it more than I did. There were interesting aspects - mainly, the unique powers held by these witches and warlocks.
I am a big fan of Stacey Kennedy's writing. I love her Frostbite series. This one, however, lacked something for me. The world building was present, but there were still things I didn't get. There is tension between witches and warlocks, but I'm not sure why. Typically I love a smart mouth on a heroine, but Libby's tone felt forced for me at times. Why is she questioning the coven? Also, I found Kale to be a snore-bore until we learn what he's really up to.
But, don't let my 'it was lacking' statement steer you away, you may enjoy it more than I did. There were interesting aspects - mainly, the unique powers held by these witches and warlocks.
December 30, 2012
4.5 Stars
The MC was great, she stood up for herself, she was smart, and she didn't take crap from anyone. The plot had a great twist at the end which I didn't see coming at all, just how I like it. The romance was really spot on, kept their distance till things were resolved and went from there. If you like books about witches this one is a must read!
The MC was great, she stood up for herself, she was smart, and she didn't take crap from anyone. The plot had a great twist at the end which I didn't see coming at all, just how I like it. The romance was really spot on, kept their distance till things were resolved and went from there. If you like books about witches this one is a must read!
July 10, 2016
I thought this would be something new and exciting to read but I just couldn't get into it.
Libby was so suspicious of Kale and went round in circles as to his motives it drove me crazy. She was also too bitchy with no reason to be.
DNF
Libby was so suspicious of Kale and went round in circles as to his motives it drove me crazy. She was also too bitchy with no reason to be.
DNF
October 17, 2013
Three and a half stars: A smoldering, tension filled romance with an exciting paranormal mystery.
Libby isn't exactly thrilled when she is sent to find the culprit behind the string of cat murders occurring in Charleston. Things get worse when she learns that she is paired with her Coven's newest Warlock, Kale. Libby, thanks to her rocky past, has no patience for warlocks, but she is inexplicably drawn to Kale, despite the fact that he is extremely tight lipped when it comes to revealing anything about himself. The pair soon discover there is something much more sinister afoot in Charleston than a few dead cats. They uncover a plot to take down the very foundations of their magical community. They must put a stop to it, but can Libby learn to work with a Warlock, especially one who seems to be keeping plenty of secrets?
What I Liked:
*The driving force behind this story is the romance. It is one of those romances that takes the entire book to show its true colors, so it moves nice and slow for all of you who detest insta love. However when Libby and Kale first meet, there is an undeniable attraction between the two. Libby, time and time again, tells herself that she will not get involved with a warlock so she attempts to push him away. Her antagonistic behavior back fires and it ends up attracting Kale even more. This is a romance with lots of chemistry and a smoldering attraction underneath all the tension. It builds and builds until it finally explodes into fiery passion. I think all of you who love a hot romance in your urban fantasy will be delighted with the way this one plays out.
*I enjoyed Kale and Libby. Libby is a fiery witch who is on the brink of getting kicked out of her coven for rebellious behavior. She is a girl after my own heart as she refuses to follow rules or to be pushed around. I loved watching her take a stand even when confronted by seemingly dire circumstances. Libby doesn't take kindly to strong males telling her what to do either, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her take on the big boys. Aside from her fireball nature, Libby is also a talented witch who cares deeply for those who are close to her. She is willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. I thought Libby was a great character. Kale is very mysterious and a bit difficult as he refuses to tell Libby anything about himself. Even though there is strong sexual tension between them, Libby refuses to trust him. I wavered back and forth throughout regarding his true intentions, and in the end he does not disappoint. Kale is a total bad ass as well and I loved watching him in action. The two of them together are sizzling, and I cannot wait to watch them work together in the next book.
*I liked the mystery and the suspense. In the beginning, in seems that Libby is out to solve a simple case. As Libby puts together the pieces, she finds that there is something evil lurking. The tension continues to mount as you wonder who is behind the diabolical plot and what Kale is hiding. I was certainly surprised when everything was revealed especially when it comes to Kale. I really liked the twists and surprises.
*I was pleased that most of the story lines resolve at the end and there is not a cliffhanger. There are some interesting plots upcoming in book two that I am anxious to continue, and I can't wait for the story to move to New Orleans.
And The Not So Much:
*The world building was shaky. I actually went back and checked to make sure I was reading the first book because I honestly felt a bit lost. I was thrust into this magical world of witches and warlocks with little background information. I have not read too many witch books so a lot of the ideas and terms were confusing to me, and there was not enough explanation. For instance, who is the Goddess that the witches all serve? What is the sabbat and Battat? What is the Alchemy and what does it do? The same goes for the Coven? If the author would take the time to provide a bit more explanation and detail, and flesh out her story this book would really shine.
*Libby has a close friend, Peyton, whom she insists on shielding and protecting. Peyton seems to be a sensitive soul who has been traumatized by some dramatic events in her past. I was frustrated with this relationship because I didn't feel that Peyton's character was developed enough, and I didn't have a clear understanding as to why she was so fragile. There is a brief mention of something that happened in her past that involved the death of a teenager but the whole story isn't revealed. Also there is bit of discussion on the murder of Peyton's murder, but I still wanted more details. I also didn't feel like the friendship was fully defined. Why was Libby so close to Peyton?
*I was excited to find that the story was set in Charleston, I was looking forward to traversing the city with Libby and Kale and learning more about this famous city. Unfortunately, the author does not take advantage of the background, and there is practically nothing in regards to the city. I love when authors take the time to make the city a part of the story, and that did not happen here. I am hopeful that in the next installment, Ms. Kennedy will bring New Orleans to us with all its mystery and uniqueness.
The Cat's Meow was an entertaining and sexy start to a fun Urban Fantasy series. It has a wonderful romance that takes its sweet time to develop. I enjoyed learning more about witches and warlocks and their abilities. Overall, I liked this book and I look forward to continuing the series. I am hopeful in the next book that the world building will further develop to make this an outstanding series.
Favorite Quotations:
"Sure, but the need to eat and actually being able to cook are two different things,"
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Published@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Libby isn't exactly thrilled when she is sent to find the culprit behind the string of cat murders occurring in Charleston. Things get worse when she learns that she is paired with her Coven's newest Warlock, Kale. Libby, thanks to her rocky past, has no patience for warlocks, but she is inexplicably drawn to Kale, despite the fact that he is extremely tight lipped when it comes to revealing anything about himself. The pair soon discover there is something much more sinister afoot in Charleston than a few dead cats. They uncover a plot to take down the very foundations of their magical community. They must put a stop to it, but can Libby learn to work with a Warlock, especially one who seems to be keeping plenty of secrets?
What I Liked:
*The driving force behind this story is the romance. It is one of those romances that takes the entire book to show its true colors, so it moves nice and slow for all of you who detest insta love. However when Libby and Kale first meet, there is an undeniable attraction between the two. Libby, time and time again, tells herself that she will not get involved with a warlock so she attempts to push him away. Her antagonistic behavior back fires and it ends up attracting Kale even more. This is a romance with lots of chemistry and a smoldering attraction underneath all the tension. It builds and builds until it finally explodes into fiery passion. I think all of you who love a hot romance in your urban fantasy will be delighted with the way this one plays out.
*I enjoyed Kale and Libby. Libby is a fiery witch who is on the brink of getting kicked out of her coven for rebellious behavior. She is a girl after my own heart as she refuses to follow rules or to be pushed around. I loved watching her take a stand even when confronted by seemingly dire circumstances. Libby doesn't take kindly to strong males telling her what to do either, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her take on the big boys. Aside from her fireball nature, Libby is also a talented witch who cares deeply for those who are close to her. She is willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. I thought Libby was a great character. Kale is very mysterious and a bit difficult as he refuses to tell Libby anything about himself. Even though there is strong sexual tension between them, Libby refuses to trust him. I wavered back and forth throughout regarding his true intentions, and in the end he does not disappoint. Kale is a total bad ass as well and I loved watching him in action. The two of them together are sizzling, and I cannot wait to watch them work together in the next book.
*I liked the mystery and the suspense. In the beginning, in seems that Libby is out to solve a simple case. As Libby puts together the pieces, she finds that there is something evil lurking. The tension continues to mount as you wonder who is behind the diabolical plot and what Kale is hiding. I was certainly surprised when everything was revealed especially when it comes to Kale. I really liked the twists and surprises.
*I was pleased that most of the story lines resolve at the end and there is not a cliffhanger. There are some interesting plots upcoming in book two that I am anxious to continue, and I can't wait for the story to move to New Orleans.
And The Not So Much:
*The world building was shaky. I actually went back and checked to make sure I was reading the first book because I honestly felt a bit lost. I was thrust into this magical world of witches and warlocks with little background information. I have not read too many witch books so a lot of the ideas and terms were confusing to me, and there was not enough explanation. For instance, who is the Goddess that the witches all serve? What is the sabbat and Battat? What is the Alchemy and what does it do? The same goes for the Coven? If the author would take the time to provide a bit more explanation and detail, and flesh out her story this book would really shine.
*Libby has a close friend, Peyton, whom she insists on shielding and protecting. Peyton seems to be a sensitive soul who has been traumatized by some dramatic events in her past. I was frustrated with this relationship because I didn't feel that Peyton's character was developed enough, and I didn't have a clear understanding as to why she was so fragile. There is a brief mention of something that happened in her past that involved the death of a teenager but the whole story isn't revealed. Also there is bit of discussion on the murder of Peyton's murder, but I still wanted more details. I also didn't feel like the friendship was fully defined. Why was Libby so close to Peyton?
*I was excited to find that the story was set in Charleston, I was looking forward to traversing the city with Libby and Kale and learning more about this famous city. Unfortunately, the author does not take advantage of the background, and there is practically nothing in regards to the city. I love when authors take the time to make the city a part of the story, and that did not happen here. I am hopeful that in the next installment, Ms. Kennedy will bring New Orleans to us with all its mystery and uniqueness.
The Cat's Meow was an entertaining and sexy start to a fun Urban Fantasy series. It has a wonderful romance that takes its sweet time to develop. I enjoyed learning more about witches and warlocks and their abilities. Overall, I liked this book and I look forward to continuing the series. I am hopeful in the next book that the world building will further develop to make this an outstanding series.
Favorite Quotations:
"Sure, but the need to eat and actually being able to cook are two different things,"
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Published@Rainy Day Ramblings.
May 8, 2017
Once in a while I meander off to a genre I hardly read because I like the blurb, or a cover, or both, as is with this story.
I have to say this wasn't bad, but it left me confused and disappointed by the end of it. Characters lacked in development and the plot was predictable. The pace however had me finishing this in two sittings because it moved the story to its inevitable conclusion.
If you're in a fan of paranormal romances, I think you might like it, but be warned. This romance lacks that most important ingredient: chemistry.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
I have to say this wasn't bad, but it left me confused and disappointed by the end of it. Characters lacked in development and the plot was predictable. The pace however had me finishing this in two sittings because it moved the story to its inevitable conclusion.
If you're in a fan of paranormal romances, I think you might like it, but be warned. This romance lacks that most important ingredient: chemistry.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
December 3, 2023
My only gripe with this book is that the female characters were portrayed as weak and dim-witted, at least until the end. Otherwise, the writing was great and I would have loved to see a sequel.
January 8, 2013
Well, well, well! Stacey Kennedy does it again for me. My forays into Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasies that focus on witches and magic have been few and far between mostly because the other paranormals interested me more, but I accepted the book on faith because of who wrote it and my faith was not in vain. This story wove its magical spell over me from the beginning and even now that I've turned the last page it still has me entranced.
The reason for my enjoyment comes from the fact that there is a wonderful blend of my favorite elements in a story: strong plot involving a mystery, loveable characters, and access to a creative and fantastic magical world.
The introduction to this new world was handled well in that explanations were given on the fly as the plot took me along instead of pauses for info dumps that would have bogged down the story's pace.
Libby is an enchantress witch and she works for her local coven sort of like a detective who wields magic to help her solve her cases and track down the offenders. She is called in on a weird case. Several dead cats have been found around the city. Not long after she arrives on the scene and determines that black magic hasn't been used, an unknown warlock appears out of the blue and announces that he is to assist her on the case at the coven's desire.
Libby sees red when she sees Kale. Even if it weren't for the fact that he's evasive and she doesn't trust him while suspecting that he has been sent to keep an eye on her for the purpose of finding evidence to get her kicked out of the coven, there is still the huge matter that he is a warlock. Libby hates warlocks with a passion. She hasn't had a good past track record with them and has no plans to think that this time will be different.
Reluctantly, Libby accepts Kale along and she begins to hunt down the reason for the dead cats, but not long after an even bigger mystery turns up and she switches her focus. Libby and Kale are now dealing with the death of a human where they uncover true danger and black magic. It takes all their skill to continue the case and stay alive even while Libby fights to keep her mind focused on her mission and not the alluring man who attracts her like nobody else ever has even though she knows he is a huge walking enigma. The build up (yes, I refer to sexual tension too) in the plot led to one explosive ending that had me turning pages like mad straight through to the end.
Now, when I first began this book I was excited that this was going to be about a witch who solved mysteries and magical crimes and then added to this mix was the biggest mystery of all for her to solve- Kale. I got a little uneasy as I got going because of Libby's fixation on her hatred of warlocks. You see, I don't have much patience on stubborn and stupid when it comes to book characters and I wondered if her stubborn fixation was going to lead her into doing stupid things. But not to worry, while she irritated me a tad at first until I discovered where the underlying hatred came from, she also had many other qualities that kept her on my good side too. I enjoyed watching Libby grow from this early point in the story where she was set in her thinking to when she was open to the possibility that there might actually be worthy warlocks out there in the world and finally to the point where she had to take what she was learning and believe it.
The story is told all from Libby's perspective and that really worked because it left Kale more of a shadowy figure until all his secrets are out. While I would loved to know what he was thinking when he directed certain looks her way, it wasn't like there were no clues to him even from Libby's prejudiced perspective. And I loved the tease through the story of wondering what his big secrets were especially when he was so worried about how Libby would take them. I liked the juxtaposition of seeing a big bad warlock made vulnerable because he cares about Libby and what she thinks of him (those expressive eyes of Kale-mmm).
In conclusion, I now have a second series by Stacy Kennedy that I love and must wait for the next installment (grrr). I'm not sure I wish to thank her for providing this copy to obtain my honest review because I think it is a form of mental torture to await a new series installment. I'm just kidding and to show I have no hard feelings (sort of), I'll even recommend this to those who love slow to build tension packed paranormal or urban fantasy romances involving feisty witches and alpha male hot warlocks.
The reason for my enjoyment comes from the fact that there is a wonderful blend of my favorite elements in a story: strong plot involving a mystery, loveable characters, and access to a creative and fantastic magical world.
The introduction to this new world was handled well in that explanations were given on the fly as the plot took me along instead of pauses for info dumps that would have bogged down the story's pace.
Libby is an enchantress witch and she works for her local coven sort of like a detective who wields magic to help her solve her cases and track down the offenders. She is called in on a weird case. Several dead cats have been found around the city. Not long after she arrives on the scene and determines that black magic hasn't been used, an unknown warlock appears out of the blue and announces that he is to assist her on the case at the coven's desire.
Libby sees red when she sees Kale. Even if it weren't for the fact that he's evasive and she doesn't trust him while suspecting that he has been sent to keep an eye on her for the purpose of finding evidence to get her kicked out of the coven, there is still the huge matter that he is a warlock. Libby hates warlocks with a passion. She hasn't had a good past track record with them and has no plans to think that this time will be different.
Reluctantly, Libby accepts Kale along and she begins to hunt down the reason for the dead cats, but not long after an even bigger mystery turns up and she switches her focus. Libby and Kale are now dealing with the death of a human where they uncover true danger and black magic. It takes all their skill to continue the case and stay alive even while Libby fights to keep her mind focused on her mission and not the alluring man who attracts her like nobody else ever has even though she knows he is a huge walking enigma. The build up (yes, I refer to sexual tension too) in the plot led to one explosive ending that had me turning pages like mad straight through to the end.
Now, when I first began this book I was excited that this was going to be about a witch who solved mysteries and magical crimes and then added to this mix was the biggest mystery of all for her to solve- Kale. I got a little uneasy as I got going because of Libby's fixation on her hatred of warlocks. You see, I don't have much patience on stubborn and stupid when it comes to book characters and I wondered if her stubborn fixation was going to lead her into doing stupid things. But not to worry, while she irritated me a tad at first until I discovered where the underlying hatred came from, she also had many other qualities that kept her on my good side too. I enjoyed watching Libby grow from this early point in the story where she was set in her thinking to when she was open to the possibility that there might actually be worthy warlocks out there in the world and finally to the point where she had to take what she was learning and believe it.
The story is told all from Libby's perspective and that really worked because it left Kale more of a shadowy figure until all his secrets are out. While I would loved to know what he was thinking when he directed certain looks her way, it wasn't like there were no clues to him even from Libby's prejudiced perspective. And I loved the tease through the story of wondering what his big secrets were especially when he was so worried about how Libby would take them. I liked the juxtaposition of seeing a big bad warlock made vulnerable because he cares about Libby and what she thinks of him (those expressive eyes of Kale-mmm).
In conclusion, I now have a second series by Stacy Kennedy that I love and must wait for the next installment (grrr). I'm not sure I wish to thank her for providing this copy to obtain my honest review because I think it is a form of mental torture to await a new series installment. I'm just kidding and to show I have no hard feelings (sort of), I'll even recommend this to those who love slow to build tension packed paranormal or urban fantasy romances involving feisty witches and alpha male hot warlocks.
Read
March 6, 2013Libby works for her coven as their Enchantress – that is a witch who can conjure spells as her gift from the Goddess. It also means that whenever anything strange or bad happens in their area, Libby is sent out to find out what happened and track down who was behind it so they can be punished. Right now she has a case where cats are being killed and something about it is strange. However, Libby is going to find out who is behind it. Now it seems she has been given some unexpected help from the coven, a mysterious and sexy warlock named Kale.
Kale might be a new ward for the coven but he knows exactly what his job is and he is certainly strong enough to keep Libby safe. Kale also has his own reasons for being assigned to Libby. What Kale didn’t expect was to enjoy Libby’s sass as much as he did nor did he expect the immediate attraction that hit him hard when they met.
Libby believes that the only reason Kale was assigned to “help” her is because the coven is looking for a reason to get rid of her because of her attitude. Now she is determined to show Kale just how good she really is at her job and begins to pull out some spells she had been working on but hadn’t really tried much yet. Kale is very impressed by Libby and he tries to tell her that he isn’t trying to judge her for the coven. Libby still isn’t sure, especially since he won’t answer her questions about who he is and what he’s doing. When their investigation proves that there is something much larger going on and it’s directed at one of the largest foundations of the magical community, Libby and Kale are going to need to find a way to trust each other and to accept the passion that has been growing between them. All the events have led to one night and a major showdown; it’s a do or die situation for Libby, Kale and the entire magical community. When the morning comes who will have won the night and have the many secrets Kale kept from Libby ended any chance they have at a future together?
Take one sassy and take charge witch and one sexy and fierce warlock, stir well and you have a passion that will rock the magic community for a good long while which was the formula for The Cat’s Meow. The instant distrust at the same time as the instant attraction told me right off, this was going to be an interesting book. Libby and Kale’s personalities were the exact opposites and it seemed so was their magic. I loved watching as Libby began with an aggressive offense against what she believed Kale was really doing as much as I felt sorry for Kale trying to prove he was a good guy and not out to do anything to her while not being able to answer her many questions. As the danger became clearer, I could tell that Libby and Kale were becoming much closer even with the trust issue. I also loved how Libby was being given a chance to become an even more powerful enchantress with Kale’s help. The night of the final battle, many of the answers became clear, which was both good and bad for Libby and Kale’s relationship. They might have won the battle but I was so afraid that Kale and Libby had lost their war, but the night wasn’t over yet and I discovered that Kale was the master of many things – including the passion between him and Libby.
The Cat’s Meow was fast paced and a mixture of sass filled comments, a building passion with explosive potential, and a magical suspense – all of which had me wondering what each new page would bring. I ended up reading this in one sitting (sleep is so overrated) because I just couldn’t wait to see what new thing would be introduced to Libby and Kale. I had to Joyfully Recommend The Cat’s Meow because of the fulfilling plot line and the fact that the entire book had me smiling and laughing even when I want to shake my head in disgust at something that was going on. It is a great addition to any magic library – on the lighthearted side – yes, even with the intense suspense, I found.
Reviewed by Jo for Joyfully Reviewed
Kale might be a new ward for the coven but he knows exactly what his job is and he is certainly strong enough to keep Libby safe. Kale also has his own reasons for being assigned to Libby. What Kale didn’t expect was to enjoy Libby’s sass as much as he did nor did he expect the immediate attraction that hit him hard when they met.
Libby believes that the only reason Kale was assigned to “help” her is because the coven is looking for a reason to get rid of her because of her attitude. Now she is determined to show Kale just how good she really is at her job and begins to pull out some spells she had been working on but hadn’t really tried much yet. Kale is very impressed by Libby and he tries to tell her that he isn’t trying to judge her for the coven. Libby still isn’t sure, especially since he won’t answer her questions about who he is and what he’s doing. When their investigation proves that there is something much larger going on and it’s directed at one of the largest foundations of the magical community, Libby and Kale are going to need to find a way to trust each other and to accept the passion that has been growing between them. All the events have led to one night and a major showdown; it’s a do or die situation for Libby, Kale and the entire magical community. When the morning comes who will have won the night and have the many secrets Kale kept from Libby ended any chance they have at a future together?
Take one sassy and take charge witch and one sexy and fierce warlock, stir well and you have a passion that will rock the magic community for a good long while which was the formula for The Cat’s Meow. The instant distrust at the same time as the instant attraction told me right off, this was going to be an interesting book. Libby and Kale’s personalities were the exact opposites and it seemed so was their magic. I loved watching as Libby began with an aggressive offense against what she believed Kale was really doing as much as I felt sorry for Kale trying to prove he was a good guy and not out to do anything to her while not being able to answer her many questions. As the danger became clearer, I could tell that Libby and Kale were becoming much closer even with the trust issue. I also loved how Libby was being given a chance to become an even more powerful enchantress with Kale’s help. The night of the final battle, many of the answers became clear, which was both good and bad for Libby and Kale’s relationship. They might have won the battle but I was so afraid that Kale and Libby had lost their war, but the night wasn’t over yet and I discovered that Kale was the master of many things – including the passion between him and Libby.
The Cat’s Meow was fast paced and a mixture of sass filled comments, a building passion with explosive potential, and a magical suspense – all of which had me wondering what each new page would bring. I ended up reading this in one sitting (sleep is so overrated) because I just couldn’t wait to see what new thing would be introduced to Libby and Kale. I had to Joyfully Recommend The Cat’s Meow because of the fulfilling plot line and the fact that the entire book had me smiling and laughing even when I want to shake my head in disgust at something that was going on. It is a great addition to any magic library – on the lighthearted side – yes, even with the intense suspense, I found.
Reviewed by Jo for Joyfully Reviewed
February 4, 2013
THE CAT’S MEOW (Witches Brew #1) by Stacey Kennedy
ABOUT THE BOOK: Libby is an Enchantress—a witch gifted by the Goddess to conjure spells. When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby takes the case to uncover the reasons behind the odd deaths. Much to her displeasure, the coven also sends a sexy warlock, Kale, to assist her.
While having the muscle around proves to be useful, fighting the attraction between them is worse than a hex, especially considering Kale is keeping secrets. But soon, Libby has bigger problems than the elusive warlock when her spells turn up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats.
Now Libby has landed herself in the midst of an uprising. She trusts no one and isn’t safe—not from the warlocks stirring up trouble. Not from the worrisome rebellion she can’t escape. And certainly not from Kale, who is weaving a very dangerous spell over her heart
**********************
REVIEW: The Cat’s Meow is my first Stacey Kennedy novel and not knowing what to expect was a little disconcerting. Although going into a storyline blind, as in not knowing anything about the author or the series, I had nothing with which to compare so I had to do a little research.
Stacey Kennedy takes the reader on roller coaster ride that sees Libby, a witch and an Enchantress, following the orders of her Coven as she must uncover the strange happenings involving dark magic, dead cats and a mysterious warlock who is keeping secret the real reason he has been sent to look after and guard the young witch. But it is Kale’s presence in Libby’s life that forces her to look at the bigger picture-not all is at it seems-there are secrets she is determined to uncover; warlocks with hidden agendas; feelings of betrayal; and someone from her past who is willing to sacrifice everyone she holds close. There is a cast of colorful secondary characters that have the potential to add something to future storylines-but there was little in the way of development in the first book.
Kale is a warlock but the more involved in Libby’s case Kale becomes, the more his true identity slowly unravels. And Kale is under orders not to reveal the whole truth to the woman with whom he is falling in love. This particular part of the premise fueled much of the storyline. As Libby worked to uncover a plot that would see demons, witches and warlocks at war, Kale was an ever-present question on her mind-why was he there and who sent him?
Kale and Libby’s relationship was tenuous at best. The sexual chemistry was almost nil and I did not feel the connection between Libby and Kale. Whether Libby was oblivious to Kale’s attraction or her refusal to accept anything beyond the obvious; or the fact that she was a single-minded heroine with enough attitude to spare-Kale’s refusal to reveal the truth amped up the heroine’s anxiety and in doing so forced an invisible wall between the couple that caught me in the middle. At one point I was rooting for Libby-understanding why she was confused and felt betrayed-then I was rooting for Kale-knowing that he had no choice but to conceal his identity from Libby-although everyone else in the storyline knew the truth-which did not make any sense. THE CAT’S MEOW is labeled under the Urban Fantasy genre but I would place the storyline in the combination of UF and fantasy.
Overall, I enjoyed THE CAT’S MEOW even though I did not feel the connection between Libby and Kale. Hopefully Stacey can bring this couple together in such a way that I feel their wants and desires.
Copy supplied by the publisher.
see all of my reviews at thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Libby is an Enchantress—a witch gifted by the Goddess to conjure spells. When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby takes the case to uncover the reasons behind the odd deaths. Much to her displeasure, the coven also sends a sexy warlock, Kale, to assist her.
While having the muscle around proves to be useful, fighting the attraction between them is worse than a hex, especially considering Kale is keeping secrets. But soon, Libby has bigger problems than the elusive warlock when her spells turn up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats.
Now Libby has landed herself in the midst of an uprising. She trusts no one and isn’t safe—not from the warlocks stirring up trouble. Not from the worrisome rebellion she can’t escape. And certainly not from Kale, who is weaving a very dangerous spell over her heart
**********************
REVIEW: The Cat’s Meow is my first Stacey Kennedy novel and not knowing what to expect was a little disconcerting. Although going into a storyline blind, as in not knowing anything about the author or the series, I had nothing with which to compare so I had to do a little research.
Stacey Kennedy takes the reader on roller coaster ride that sees Libby, a witch and an Enchantress, following the orders of her Coven as she must uncover the strange happenings involving dark magic, dead cats and a mysterious warlock who is keeping secret the real reason he has been sent to look after and guard the young witch. But it is Kale’s presence in Libby’s life that forces her to look at the bigger picture-not all is at it seems-there are secrets she is determined to uncover; warlocks with hidden agendas; feelings of betrayal; and someone from her past who is willing to sacrifice everyone she holds close. There is a cast of colorful secondary characters that have the potential to add something to future storylines-but there was little in the way of development in the first book.
Kale is a warlock but the more involved in Libby’s case Kale becomes, the more his true identity slowly unravels. And Kale is under orders not to reveal the whole truth to the woman with whom he is falling in love. This particular part of the premise fueled much of the storyline. As Libby worked to uncover a plot that would see demons, witches and warlocks at war, Kale was an ever-present question on her mind-why was he there and who sent him?
Kale and Libby’s relationship was tenuous at best. The sexual chemistry was almost nil and I did not feel the connection between Libby and Kale. Whether Libby was oblivious to Kale’s attraction or her refusal to accept anything beyond the obvious; or the fact that she was a single-minded heroine with enough attitude to spare-Kale’s refusal to reveal the truth amped up the heroine’s anxiety and in doing so forced an invisible wall between the couple that caught me in the middle. At one point I was rooting for Libby-understanding why she was confused and felt betrayed-then I was rooting for Kale-knowing that he had no choice but to conceal his identity from Libby-although everyone else in the storyline knew the truth-which did not make any sense. THE CAT’S MEOW is labeled under the Urban Fantasy genre but I would place the storyline in the combination of UF and fantasy.
Overall, I enjoyed THE CAT’S MEOW even though I did not feel the connection between Libby and Kale. Hopefully Stacey can bring this couple together in such a way that I feel their wants and desires.
Copy supplied by the publisher.
see all of my reviews at thereadingcafe.com
January 29, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
My Review:
Those poor cats. They gave their all to set the stage for this sizzling paranormal romance. Even I think it was a worthy sacrifice. (Don't worry, this is not as bad as it sounds. Really.)
Libby is an Enchantress who doesn't trust warlocks. While she has good reason for her mistrust, it does put her in one heck of a fix. Warlocks ooze sex appeal, it's part of their power. And her coven has assigned her one while she investigates a sudden surge in magically-related feline deaths.
There hasn't been ritual cat slaying in Charleston in months, so four popping up all at once has alarmed the coven. Libby's their one and only Enchantress, so that automatically puts her on the case.
But Libby doesn't have a clue why they've set the mysterious Kale to guard her while she figures out what's going on. She's sure it's some kind of test. That they're looking for an excuse to get rid of her because she's rubbed them the wrong way one too many times. Make that one dozen too many times.
Even if her mother is one of the Priestesses of the coven, Libby's sure they're just checking up on her.
And even her connection with her Goddess tells her that Kale is hiding a whole bunch of secrets from her. If there's one thing she can't stand, it's a warlock playing her. She's been there and done that, and will fight tooth and claw to keep from going there again.
It turns out that Libby was right about that test. Just very, very wrong about exactly who is doing the testing. And that warlock who played her before...he's doing it again...just not in the romantic sense this time.
The stakes are much, much higher than that.
Escape Rating A-:This was a fantastic paranormal romance/urban fantasy! The worldbuilding was also really well done. It felt a tiny bit like Buffy, not because they were teenagers, but the whole need to patrol the city to keep evil from getting a toe-hold. That need for "constant vigilance".
The relationship between Libby and Kale is not just hot, but they have terrific chemistry and I love the unresolved/unrelieved sexual tension that absolutely permeates the whole story. They can't resolve what they feel because Libby has a ton of issues about warlocks and Kane knows he's keeping back too many secrets. He wants something real with Libby, and it can't be real if he's lying by omission. So he holds back. And she's completely conflicted. She likes him when he's honest, but he's honest so seldom that she doesn't trust him.
Sex appeal is part of a warlock's natural "bag of tricks". Libby can't always tell whether what she feels is because she's being played, or because she really feels it. Her caution is totally justified.
The reveal was a complete surprise. Not about who the evil dude was. I guessed that. And I guessed that Libby was being tested for bigger things. But the nature of exactly what things. And exactly how evil evil turned out to be, along with the fact that Libby's testers had way underestimated pretty much everything was particularly cool. I always love seeing pomposity get popped.
I'm looking forward to more stories in this world. I'm very happy to see that this is labeled as #1 in a series. Bring on brew #2!
My Review:
Those poor cats. They gave their all to set the stage for this sizzling paranormal romance. Even I think it was a worthy sacrifice. (Don't worry, this is not as bad as it sounds. Really.)
Libby is an Enchantress who doesn't trust warlocks. While she has good reason for her mistrust, it does put her in one heck of a fix. Warlocks ooze sex appeal, it's part of their power. And her coven has assigned her one while she investigates a sudden surge in magically-related feline deaths.
There hasn't been ritual cat slaying in Charleston in months, so four popping up all at once has alarmed the coven. Libby's their one and only Enchantress, so that automatically puts her on the case.
But Libby doesn't have a clue why they've set the mysterious Kale to guard her while she figures out what's going on. She's sure it's some kind of test. That they're looking for an excuse to get rid of her because she's rubbed them the wrong way one too many times. Make that one dozen too many times.
Even if her mother is one of the Priestesses of the coven, Libby's sure they're just checking up on her.
And even her connection with her Goddess tells her that Kale is hiding a whole bunch of secrets from her. If there's one thing she can't stand, it's a warlock playing her. She's been there and done that, and will fight tooth and claw to keep from going there again.
It turns out that Libby was right about that test. Just very, very wrong about exactly who is doing the testing. And that warlock who played her before...he's doing it again...just not in the romantic sense this time.
The stakes are much, much higher than that.
Escape Rating A-:This was a fantastic paranormal romance/urban fantasy! The worldbuilding was also really well done. It felt a tiny bit like Buffy, not because they were teenagers, but the whole need to patrol the city to keep evil from getting a toe-hold. That need for "constant vigilance".
The relationship between Libby and Kale is not just hot, but they have terrific chemistry and I love the unresolved/unrelieved sexual tension that absolutely permeates the whole story. They can't resolve what they feel because Libby has a ton of issues about warlocks and Kane knows he's keeping back too many secrets. He wants something real with Libby, and it can't be real if he's lying by omission. So he holds back. And she's completely conflicted. She likes him when he's honest, but he's honest so seldom that she doesn't trust him.
Sex appeal is part of a warlock's natural "bag of tricks". Libby can't always tell whether what she feels is because she's being played, or because she really feels it. Her caution is totally justified.
The reveal was a complete surprise. Not about who the evil dude was. I guessed that. And I guessed that Libby was being tested for bigger things. But the nature of exactly what things. And exactly how evil evil turned out to be, along with the fact that Libby's testers had way underestimated pretty much everything was particularly cool. I always love seeing pomposity get popped.
I'm looking forward to more stories in this world. I'm very happy to see that this is labeled as #1 in a series. Bring on brew #2!
July 11, 2013
When Libby and her best friend, Peyton, are sent to investigate the discovery of a dead, disemboweled feline, the magic wrapped around it has both of them confused. Peyton has the ability to sense the presence of magic, but what looks like a ritualistic death of the cat, doesn't contain dark magic elements. Libby is brought along now that this is cat number four. Her coven, located in Charleston, has begun to worry that these animal deaths are related to something sinister. Lilly is an "Enchantress, a witch gifted to work spells" (Kennedy, S., 2012, pg. 7) that the coven calls on to solve some of the higher profile cases.
The mysterious, non-dark magic laced cats are not high profile or are they something that Libby would usually be part of. Then in the middle of staring at the poor, dead kitty, a warlock named Kale intrudes with the news that he's been placed with Libby to help her on this particular case. This really confuses Libby and what happens throughout much of the next few chapters has her convinced that the coven is just looking for a way to kick her out.
If only it were that simple and uncomplicated. There is something a lot more sinister going on than the deaths of four cats. Something that requires the assistance of the Alchemy, and ultimately, Libby herself.
There are a lot of tight-lipped witches and warlocks that surround Libby; including Kale and, to her surprise, Libby's own mother. No one tells Libby anything and by the end of the novel has a such a huge emotional breakdown that I wanted to be there to console her with a box of tissues. I felt every ounce of the betrayal that she felt, the loss she felt about her ex-boyfriend, and her frustration.
The chemistry between Libby and Kale was beautifully written and executed perfectly. Her body seems to not agree with her brain about the extreme dislike for warlocks and betrays her whenever she's near Kale. He is pretty obvious about his attraction, too, and does some really sweet things that I know won my heart.
The plot was so strong that I didn't figure out the magical mystery ahead of time. I let it all play out and culminate into one huge battle between good and evil. I didn't even really figure out the extreme depths of the treachery involved. I was too busy enjoying this excellent novel to sit and analyze every little bit of information ~ that would have so taken away from my enjoyment. The fact that I didn't figure it out while I read along at my nice and easy pace means that this book was executed very well.
Stacey Kennedy's writing style is fantastic and I really enjoyed reading the entire novel word-for-word; no skimming or skipping anything. The Cat's Meow is very descriptive but not overdone. We get enough character back story so there aren't any questions about origins or why Libby has warlock issues. Libby is a fiercely loyal friend, a smart ass, and can most certainly hold her own, whether it's a verbal joust or wielding her magic.
I can't wait to see where the author takes us in the next book!!
Please note: There is adult language and steamy, oh so dreamy, adult scenes.
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Stacey Kennedy, via the tour host, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
The mysterious, non-dark magic laced cats are not high profile or are they something that Libby would usually be part of. Then in the middle of staring at the poor, dead kitty, a warlock named Kale intrudes with the news that he's been placed with Libby to help her on this particular case. This really confuses Libby and what happens throughout much of the next few chapters has her convinced that the coven is just looking for a way to kick her out.
If only it were that simple and uncomplicated. There is something a lot more sinister going on than the deaths of four cats. Something that requires the assistance of the Alchemy, and ultimately, Libby herself.
There are a lot of tight-lipped witches and warlocks that surround Libby; including Kale and, to her surprise, Libby's own mother. No one tells Libby anything and by the end of the novel has a such a huge emotional breakdown that I wanted to be there to console her with a box of tissues. I felt every ounce of the betrayal that she felt, the loss she felt about her ex-boyfriend, and her frustration.
The chemistry between Libby and Kale was beautifully written and executed perfectly. Her body seems to not agree with her brain about the extreme dislike for warlocks and betrays her whenever she's near Kale. He is pretty obvious about his attraction, too, and does some really sweet things that I know won my heart.
The plot was so strong that I didn't figure out the magical mystery ahead of time. I let it all play out and culminate into one huge battle between good and evil. I didn't even really figure out the extreme depths of the treachery involved. I was too busy enjoying this excellent novel to sit and analyze every little bit of information ~ that would have so taken away from my enjoyment. The fact that I didn't figure it out while I read along at my nice and easy pace means that this book was executed very well.
Stacey Kennedy's writing style is fantastic and I really enjoyed reading the entire novel word-for-word; no skimming or skipping anything. The Cat's Meow is very descriptive but not overdone. We get enough character back story so there aren't any questions about origins or why Libby has warlock issues. Libby is a fiercely loyal friend, a smart ass, and can most certainly hold her own, whether it's a verbal joust or wielding her magic.
I can't wait to see where the author takes us in the next book!!
Please note: There is adult language and steamy, oh so dreamy, adult scenes.
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Stacey Kennedy, via the tour host, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2013
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with the ARC of this book.
Summary
Libby Jenkins is no ordinary member of the Charleston coven. She is an Enchantress, a witch gifted by the Goddess with the ability to cast spells. Her job is to investigate uses of dark magic and the help catch the witch or warlock who is breaking the rules.
When cats start turning up dead, Libby is called in by her coven to figure out what's happening to the cats and who is responsible. That isn't the only mystery she has to solve; there's a new warlock in town by the name of Kale Griffin, and for some reason her coven has him helping her with the investigation. Libby doesn't trust warlocks, and she's convinced there is another reason for Kale's presence at her crime scene, one that she's determined to figure out.
But dead cats and new warlocks will soon become the least of Libby's worries when she discovers something evil happening in Charleston. It will take ever ounce of Libby's magic and complete trust in the Goddess if she plans to make it out alive.
My Impression
Libby is a pretty dynamic heroine. Though she is a member of a coven, Libby has a clear dislike for the coven's hierarchy; she is willing to follow their orders and solve the crimes they request of her, but outside of that she avoids them. Libby has her own code, and above all she respects and trusts the will of the Goddess. I liked that Libby had an attitude and was willing to speak her mind when she felt like a pawn. I definitely liked that she didn't always get away with her attitude, and that there was an undercurrent of possible repercussions for her behavior.
I also liked the romance in this book. While there is a clear attraction between Libby and Kale, Libby's distrust of warlocks and her suspicion that Kale isn't being honest with her caused her to fight their attraction, which I found realistic. If the characters had immediately fallen into bed I wouldn't have been able to trust Libby as a character, especially since it is pretty obvious from the beginning of the book that she despises all warlocks, with the exception of her best friend's boyfriend.
I struggled a bit with the background of this book. While the book explained what some of the different characters are (Enchantress, warlock, Sentinel), I was unclear about the role of some of the members of the hierarchy. Libby's coven has four Priestesses, and the Alchemy, the governing body for all witches and warlocks in the US, has four High Priests, but the only thing the book explains about these positions is that they are leaders and that they have more power than the general witches and warlocks. I wanted to know more about how these leaders are select and what specific roles they have besides giving orders.
Why I Picked Up This Book
I found this book on NetGalley, and I thought the description of the book sounded interesting.
Summary
Libby Jenkins is no ordinary member of the Charleston coven. She is an Enchantress, a witch gifted by the Goddess with the ability to cast spells. Her job is to investigate uses of dark magic and the help catch the witch or warlock who is breaking the rules.
When cats start turning up dead, Libby is called in by her coven to figure out what's happening to the cats and who is responsible. That isn't the only mystery she has to solve; there's a new warlock in town by the name of Kale Griffin, and for some reason her coven has him helping her with the investigation. Libby doesn't trust warlocks, and she's convinced there is another reason for Kale's presence at her crime scene, one that she's determined to figure out.
But dead cats and new warlocks will soon become the least of Libby's worries when she discovers something evil happening in Charleston. It will take ever ounce of Libby's magic and complete trust in the Goddess if she plans to make it out alive.
My Impression
Libby is a pretty dynamic heroine. Though she is a member of a coven, Libby has a clear dislike for the coven's hierarchy; she is willing to follow their orders and solve the crimes they request of her, but outside of that she avoids them. Libby has her own code, and above all she respects and trusts the will of the Goddess. I liked that Libby had an attitude and was willing to speak her mind when she felt like a pawn. I definitely liked that she didn't always get away with her attitude, and that there was an undercurrent of possible repercussions for her behavior.
I also liked the romance in this book. While there is a clear attraction between Libby and Kale, Libby's distrust of warlocks and her suspicion that Kale isn't being honest with her caused her to fight their attraction, which I found realistic. If the characters had immediately fallen into bed I wouldn't have been able to trust Libby as a character, especially since it is pretty obvious from the beginning of the book that she despises all warlocks, with the exception of her best friend's boyfriend.
I struggled a bit with the background of this book. While the book explained what some of the different characters are (Enchantress, warlock, Sentinel), I was unclear about the role of some of the members of the hierarchy. Libby's coven has four Priestesses, and the Alchemy, the governing body for all witches and warlocks in the US, has four High Priests, but the only thing the book explains about these positions is that they are leaders and that they have more power than the general witches and warlocks. I wanted to know more about how these leaders are select and what specific roles they have besides giving orders.
Why I Picked Up This Book
I found this book on NetGalley, and I thought the description of the book sounded interesting.
February 13, 2013
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I knew Stacey Kennedy by her Frostbite series that I really appreciate. When this new novel came out I was very intrigued to find out how it was. In addition to that, I had the opportunity to read some very nice reviews, and I must say that I completely agree with them.
Libby is a young enchantress who is badly seen by her convent because of her attitude, but her gifts are still a rather important asset. But when she finds herself on an investigation to find out who is behind a series of cats murders, she is forced to team up with a newcomer, the wizard, Kale. But our young heroine does not trust wizards, especially since each of them hurts or disappoints her in one way or another. But Kale is different from all the men she has known and although she doesn’t trust him, an alchemy between them is growing, an alchemy which she is determined to resist. As she never had any partners, she has a lot of questions about that, and she tries to find out if he is there to watch her, or help her. One thing is certain, it seems like he’ll do anything to keep her alive and protect her.
Their investigation takes them far beyond our two heroes would have thought, in the heart of a great rebellion, which could destroy them all. And oddly, all clues point to the former Libby’s boyfriend.
I enjoyed this novel, Kale is a man who has many facets, including many secrets. We're intrigued when we discover him and we hope to learn more and understand what he is hiding. But it is much more difficult than expected, and especially strange when everyone tells Libby she should trust him. They all know who Kale is really, although he does not want her to know the truth. And I must say that it makes her crazy not to manage to determine what everyone knows. In addition to that, this man has some extraordinary talents which differentiate him from all other wizards she knows. As I said, it’s difficult for Libby to trust him, and she tries to make him pay for all the things he does. It was very funny to watch their exchanges, to see how our heroine would react. I could not wait to see what their relationship would evolve, and it is true that I was pretty surprised. There are big revelations at the end of the story and I was surprised to see how Stacey Kennedy came to lead us throughout the plot, surprising us repeatedly.
It was a very good volume and I am more than curious to have the chance to read more now! I will be watching closely the next novel.
My English review
I knew Stacey Kennedy by her Frostbite series that I really appreciate. When this new novel came out I was very intrigued to find out how it was. In addition to that, I had the opportunity to read some very nice reviews, and I must say that I completely agree with them.
Libby is a young enchantress who is badly seen by her convent because of her attitude, but her gifts are still a rather important asset. But when she finds herself on an investigation to find out who is behind a series of cats murders, she is forced to team up with a newcomer, the wizard, Kale. But our young heroine does not trust wizards, especially since each of them hurts or disappoints her in one way or another. But Kale is different from all the men she has known and although she doesn’t trust him, an alchemy between them is growing, an alchemy which she is determined to resist. As she never had any partners, she has a lot of questions about that, and she tries to find out if he is there to watch her, or help her. One thing is certain, it seems like he’ll do anything to keep her alive and protect her.
Their investigation takes them far beyond our two heroes would have thought, in the heart of a great rebellion, which could destroy them all. And oddly, all clues point to the former Libby’s boyfriend.
I enjoyed this novel, Kale is a man who has many facets, including many secrets. We're intrigued when we discover him and we hope to learn more and understand what he is hiding. But it is much more difficult than expected, and especially strange when everyone tells Libby she should trust him. They all know who Kale is really, although he does not want her to know the truth. And I must say that it makes her crazy not to manage to determine what everyone knows. In addition to that, this man has some extraordinary talents which differentiate him from all other wizards she knows. As I said, it’s difficult for Libby to trust him, and she tries to make him pay for all the things he does. It was very funny to watch their exchanges, to see how our heroine would react. I could not wait to see what their relationship would evolve, and it is true that I was pretty surprised. There are big revelations at the end of the story and I was surprised to see how Stacey Kennedy came to lead us throughout the plot, surprising us repeatedly.
It was a very good volume and I am more than curious to have the chance to read more now! I will be watching closely the next novel.
February 20, 2013
Don't let the cover fool you: THE CAT'S MEOW isn't nearly as silly as you might expect based on the cover art. I think the book got something of a raw deal with this cover (no offense to the designer) since it doesn't really capture the full spirit of the novel and might have people discounting it. I know I was expecting something really fluffy and smexy when I first saw it and I was on the fence but I decided to request a review copy when I was won over by reading an excerpt.
Don't get me wrong. There are definitely some sexy moments between Libby and Kale but there's a great mystery at the heart of THE CAT'S MEOW: Libby and Kale are investigating a slew of mutilated cats, which eventually puts them on the trail of some serious dark magic. Libby's used to investigating on her own as her coven's Enchantress so she's a little put out and confused by Kale's presence. Kale is a new warlock in her coven, which puts her back up because (a) Libby has a grudge against warlocks and (b) she knows he's keeping secrets from her. Watching her overcome her prejudices and some justified anger made THE CAT'S MEOW a fun, engaging read.
To be honest, though, there are some predictable elements in the story, especially if you tend to read a lot of romance, paranormal or otherwise. I was able to guess what Kale's secret was, for example, but the predictability didn't detract overmuch from my enjoyment of THE CAT'S MEOW since I was still charmed by Libby and Kale's blossoming relationship, and by Libby herself. And a lot of the book's elements are less obvious, so there were still moments that came as a surprise, particularly as the plot builds to the book's climax. There are some really cool moments in the last third of the book and I was flying through the pages to discover what was really going on with all the dark magic around Charleston.
Plus, I can get past some predictability as long as the characters keep me hooked, and that was the case in THE CAT'S MEOW. I really enjoyed watching Libby and Kale fall for each other, and I really enjoyed Libby as a character on her own, right from the start. It took me a little bit longer to warm up to Kale, partially because he's named after a vegetable and partially because of the walls he's got up to maintain his mystery.
On the whole, despite some obvious plot points, I enjoyed reading THE CAT'S MEOW and look forward to seeing what comes next for Libby, since this is the first book in a series. I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled at the library when the next book comes out. I may not need THE CAT'S MEOW on my shelf but I'd definitely enjoy revisiting this world and these characters down the road.
http://www.tyngasreviews.com
http://ireadgood.wordpress.com
Don't get me wrong. There are definitely some sexy moments between Libby and Kale but there's a great mystery at the heart of THE CAT'S MEOW: Libby and Kale are investigating a slew of mutilated cats, which eventually puts them on the trail of some serious dark magic. Libby's used to investigating on her own as her coven's Enchantress so she's a little put out and confused by Kale's presence. Kale is a new warlock in her coven, which puts her back up because (a) Libby has a grudge against warlocks and (b) she knows he's keeping secrets from her. Watching her overcome her prejudices and some justified anger made THE CAT'S MEOW a fun, engaging read.
To be honest, though, there are some predictable elements in the story, especially if you tend to read a lot of romance, paranormal or otherwise. I was able to guess what Kale's secret was, for example, but the predictability didn't detract overmuch from my enjoyment of THE CAT'S MEOW since I was still charmed by Libby and Kale's blossoming relationship, and by Libby herself. And a lot of the book's elements are less obvious, so there were still moments that came as a surprise, particularly as the plot builds to the book's climax. There are some really cool moments in the last third of the book and I was flying through the pages to discover what was really going on with all the dark magic around Charleston.
Plus, I can get past some predictability as long as the characters keep me hooked, and that was the case in THE CAT'S MEOW. I really enjoyed watching Libby and Kale fall for each other, and I really enjoyed Libby as a character on her own, right from the start. It took me a little bit longer to warm up to Kale, partially because he's named after a vegetable and partially because of the walls he's got up to maintain his mystery.
On the whole, despite some obvious plot points, I enjoyed reading THE CAT'S MEOW and look forward to seeing what comes next for Libby, since this is the first book in a series. I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled at the library when the next book comes out. I may not need THE CAT'S MEOW on my shelf but I'd definitely enjoy revisiting this world and these characters down the road.
http://www.tyngasreviews.com
http://ireadgood.wordpress.com
January 14, 2013
How it starts...
"I scrunched my nose as my spaghetti dinner threatened to make an appearance at the sight of the slaughtered black cat on the forest floor."
I can't say as I've read many books containing witches and warlocks. Not that I don't like them but I rarely find one that interests me enough to read it. I fell in love with the cover and after reading the synopsis, decided to give it a try.
I liked the world of magic that the author created even though I did feel like there should've been more magic in the story. For a while there, I was wondering if I was going to see anything cool and it wasn't until the end of the book at the big climatic point that I got to see anything overly interesting. Not that the story wasn't good but I kept forgetting that I was reading a book about witches. Kale comes in the picture at the beginning and is supposed to be this warlock who has this awesome power, only he can't tap into it just yet. So for the majority of the book, he's just muscle and intimidation. However when the fight scene came, I was wrapped in the story.
It's not that the characters weren't interesting but I just didn't find myself really caring for them. Libby is very smart mouthed, and not in a "haha she's so witty" kind of way. Kale is extremely secretive the entire time. So I think with those two things mixed in, I didn't find myself really grabbing at the story. I personally think it was just that it was the fact that the author was trying to set up the world and there wasn't a whole lot of story to it just yet. Once everything was laid out on the table I started to really enjoy the story and that really redeemed the book for me. At first, I wasn't overly sure if I'd continue with the story but now, I'm interested in what happens next with Libby and Kale.
Favorite part...
If you haven't guessed it already, my favorite part is the fight scene. Kale throws up a protective bubble around Libby when the crap hits the fan. And for me that was an extremely sweet gesture considering his power play are runes, which he needs time and concentration to draw and the first thing he does is protect Libby. I also like this scene because we finally get to see not only what Kale is made of but Libby kicks some major butt as well.
"I scrunched my nose as my spaghetti dinner threatened to make an appearance at the sight of the slaughtered black cat on the forest floor."
I can't say as I've read many books containing witches and warlocks. Not that I don't like them but I rarely find one that interests me enough to read it. I fell in love with the cover and after reading the synopsis, decided to give it a try.
I liked the world of magic that the author created even though I did feel like there should've been more magic in the story. For a while there, I was wondering if I was going to see anything cool and it wasn't until the end of the book at the big climatic point that I got to see anything overly interesting. Not that the story wasn't good but I kept forgetting that I was reading a book about witches. Kale comes in the picture at the beginning and is supposed to be this warlock who has this awesome power, only he can't tap into it just yet. So for the majority of the book, he's just muscle and intimidation. However when the fight scene came, I was wrapped in the story.
It's not that the characters weren't interesting but I just didn't find myself really caring for them. Libby is very smart mouthed, and not in a "haha she's so witty" kind of way. Kale is extremely secretive the entire time. So I think with those two things mixed in, I didn't find myself really grabbing at the story. I personally think it was just that it was the fact that the author was trying to set up the world and there wasn't a whole lot of story to it just yet. Once everything was laid out on the table I started to really enjoy the story and that really redeemed the book for me. At first, I wasn't overly sure if I'd continue with the story but now, I'm interested in what happens next with Libby and Kale.
Favorite part...
If you haven't guessed it already, my favorite part is the fight scene. Kale throws up a protective bubble around Libby when the crap hits the fan. And for me that was an extremely sweet gesture considering his power play are runes, which he needs time and concentration to draw and the first thing he does is protect Libby. I also like this scene because we finally get to see not only what Kale is made of but Libby kicks some major butt as well.
February 16, 2013
This review was originally posted at Paperback Princess. To view this review and more pls visit Paperback Princess.
Libby is an Enchantress who works for her local coven as a detective. Kale is a new warlock brought in to work with Libby. Their first case revolves around the slayings of cats in the Charleston area. What seemed like a basic case ended up being one of the most dangerous adventures Libby has ever faced in her life. There are evil warlocks, demons and even the Prince of Hell makes an appearance. There's twists and turns that keeps the Readers turning the pages rapidly. People and things aren't what they seem with an exciting battle at the end.
The Cat's Meow (not thrilled by the title) is a fast paced, well developed story. The characters are likeable and their interaction and relationship were believable and enjoyable to read about. There's Libby and Kale's sexual tension, the constant bickering between them as they try to fight off their feelings for each other was amusing. There's Libby and her relationship with her Mother and then Libby and Peyton's relationship, all were very sincere, genuine and entertaining. There was not any dialogue between the characters that were unbelievable. You know those corny lines between characters that you totally cringe when you read it...well none of that stuff.
Characters were true to their nature. Libby was sweet but with an inner bitch that came to play quite often or when she wanted to, Kale, the elusive but kind heart throb who seemed pained at not being able to tell Libby everything, Peyton, the sweet best friend, and Libby's Mother, the sarcastic powerful witch but a Mother at the core of it all. I loved them all!
Then there's the story, which was a mixture of paranormal, mystery and romance. The story grips you from the very beginning and it doesn't let you go til the end. The story never got boring, it was well paced with enough mystery and twists and turns to keep the readers glued to every page. Stacey Kennedy certainly did a fantastic job and I'm not only eagerly anticipating the release of the second book to The Witch's Brew series I'm also going to be checking out Stacey Kennedy's other books.
Libby is an Enchantress who works for her local coven as a detective. Kale is a new warlock brought in to work with Libby. Their first case revolves around the slayings of cats in the Charleston area. What seemed like a basic case ended up being one of the most dangerous adventures Libby has ever faced in her life. There are evil warlocks, demons and even the Prince of Hell makes an appearance. There's twists and turns that keeps the Readers turning the pages rapidly. People and things aren't what they seem with an exciting battle at the end.
The Cat's Meow (not thrilled by the title) is a fast paced, well developed story. The characters are likeable and their interaction and relationship were believable and enjoyable to read about. There's Libby and Kale's sexual tension, the constant bickering between them as they try to fight off their feelings for each other was amusing. There's Libby and her relationship with her Mother and then Libby and Peyton's relationship, all were very sincere, genuine and entertaining. There was not any dialogue between the characters that were unbelievable. You know those corny lines between characters that you totally cringe when you read it...well none of that stuff.
Characters were true to their nature. Libby was sweet but with an inner bitch that came to play quite often or when she wanted to, Kale, the elusive but kind heart throb who seemed pained at not being able to tell Libby everything, Peyton, the sweet best friend, and Libby's Mother, the sarcastic powerful witch but a Mother at the core of it all. I loved them all!
Then there's the story, which was a mixture of paranormal, mystery and romance. The story grips you from the very beginning and it doesn't let you go til the end. The story never got boring, it was well paced with enough mystery and twists and turns to keep the readers glued to every page. Stacey Kennedy certainly did a fantastic job and I'm not only eagerly anticipating the release of the second book to The Witch's Brew series I'm also going to be checking out Stacey Kennedy's other books.
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