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Sisters of the Craft #2
Heat of the Moment
A spell that tore three sisters apart is broken four hundred years later, when the magic in their blood reunites them. Now, one of them will discover her gift-and reignite a love long thought lost...
Flame-haired Becca Carstairs was born to be a veterinarian. Since childhood, her affinity for animals has been special, and her healing touch nothing short of magic. But only Becca knows the truth-that she alone can hear the creatures' voices. She's always trusted her sixth sense...until a string of missing pets, an attempted murder, and a face from her past converge into one explosive mystery, with her at its center. Is haunted Owen McAllister, the boy who broke her heart ten years ago, related to the sinister crimes that have peaceful Three Harbors, Wisconsin, on its guard? Or is his reappearance part of the answer to questions that have troubled her all her life? As Becca delves into her strange heritage, she'll have to fight for her life...and the man she will always love.
In the second book of this spellbinding new series, New York Times bestselling author Lori Handeland delivers breath-taking danger, desire, and the dark heart of magic.
Flame-haired Becca Carstairs was born to be a veterinarian. Since childhood, her affinity for animals has been special, and her healing touch nothing short of magic. But only Becca knows the truth-that she alone can hear the creatures' voices. She's always trusted her sixth sense...until a string of missing pets, an attempted murder, and a face from her past converge into one explosive mystery, with her at its center. Is haunted Owen McAllister, the boy who broke her heart ten years ago, related to the sinister crimes that have peaceful Three Harbors, Wisconsin, on its guard? Or is his reappearance part of the answer to questions that have troubled her all her life? As Becca delves into her strange heritage, she'll have to fight for her life...and the man she will always love.
In the second book of this spellbinding new series, New York Times bestselling author Lori Handeland delivers breath-taking danger, desire, and the dark heart of magic.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
40 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Lori Handeland
128 books1,348 followersLori Handeland is a five-time nominee and two-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, as well as the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over sixty novels spanning the genres of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, contemporary romance, historical romance and historical fantasy.
After a quarter-century of success and accolades, she began a new chapter in her career with her women’s fiction debut, Just Once (Severn House, January 2019), which received a coveted, starred review from Library Journal and was optioned as a feature film by Catalyst Global Media.
Lori lives in Southern Wisconsin with her husband of over thirty-five years. In between writing and reading, she enjoys long walks with their rescue mutt, Arnold, and visits from her two grown sons, awesome daughter-in-law and perfectly adorable grandchildren.
After a quarter-century of success and accolades, she began a new chapter in her career with her women’s fiction debut, Just Once (Severn House, January 2019), which received a coveted, starred review from Library Journal and was optioned as a feature film by Catalyst Global Media.
Lori lives in Southern Wisconsin with her husband of over thirty-five years. In between writing and reading, she enjoys long walks with their rescue mutt, Arnold, and visits from her two grown sons, awesome daughter-in-law and perfectly adorable grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
August 25, 2015
The second book curse is a thing and Heat of the Moment confirms it.
It started pretty good. Becca, a local veterinarian, has always had a special way with animals. As we already know, she inherited her abilities from her mother. Owen was the town's troublemaker, and of course Becca and he had the hots for each other.
Watching the two come together after ten years sounded interesting and I wanted to see how it's gonna happen, but honestly it was a let down. One moment Becca is telling Owen to stay away from her and the next she professes her love for him. She was borderline pathetic about it, too.
The reason for their falling out makes me so angry. It makes me even angrier how Becca never really confronted Owen about it.
It bothered me a lot how disloyal Becca was to the family that brought her up. They kept a big secret from her, I get it, but they brought her up as if she was their own flesh and blood, they made her feel loved and they never made any differences between Becca and their biological children. And yet, special snowflake that she is, she always felt like she didn't belong.
But she instantly loves her real witch sister, ghost father and wolf mother and I'm pretty sure things don't work that way. When a complete stranger tells you you're siblings, you can't automatically love them. We're not wired like that.
The book's saving grace was the paranormal aspect, because whenever magic was involved, the story picked up and it started getting exciting. Honestly though, In the Air Tonight was better on that point too.
I tried to get into this with as little expectations possible and yet I can't help but feel a little bit let down.
A big thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an arc via NetGalley.
It started pretty good. Becca, a local veterinarian, has always had a special way with animals. As we already know, she inherited her abilities from her mother. Owen was the town's troublemaker, and of course Becca and he had the hots for each other.
Watching the two come together after ten years sounded interesting and I wanted to see how it's gonna happen, but honestly it was a let down. One moment Becca is telling Owen to stay away from her and the next she professes her love for him. She was borderline pathetic about it, too.
The reason for their falling out makes me so angry. It makes me even angrier how Becca never really confronted Owen about it.
It bothered me a lot how disloyal Becca was to the family that brought her up. They kept a big secret from her, I get it, but they brought her up as if she was their own flesh and blood, they made her feel loved and they never made any differences between Becca and their biological children. And yet, special snowflake that she is, she always felt like she didn't belong.
But she instantly loves her real witch sister, ghost father and wolf mother and I'm pretty sure things don't work that way. When a complete stranger tells you you're siblings, you can't automatically love them. We're not wired like that.
The book's saving grace was the paranormal aspect, because whenever magic was involved, the story picked up and it started getting exciting. Honestly though, In the Air Tonight was better on that point too.
I tried to get into this with as little expectations possible and yet I can't help but feel a little bit let down.
A big thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an arc via NetGalley.
June 6, 2016
4 - "He's out." Stars!
Book two in the Sisters of the Craft Series, takes off literally where book one finished. But this is a new town; Three Harbors, Wisconsin, and focuses on a different sister. Becca Carstairs, has always been a little bit different, being the town Veterinary Surgeon those differences, namely that she can understand the language of animals, means that her patient loss rate is virtually non-existent.
”There’s hurt… then there’s agony.”
Owen McAllister back in town after a ten year hiatus, is hoping to get in, get his mother’s house sold and get out again. The last decade has taken him far away from the path his life followed as the son of the towns ‘mad-woman’. Injured, and carrying more battle scars internally and mentally, as well as his K9 colleague Reggie, Owen is really not looking for a reconnection with the one woman, who held his heart all those years ago, the girl who loved him for who he was and didn’t judge him for his mother’s crimes, especially in a town where appearances are everything.
For him, a room that contained Becca Carstairs was devoid of anything else worth noticing.
Lori Handeland has such a distinctive way of writing, you cannot help but become immersed in the story that she is telling, blunt and to the point, but also beautifully descriptive and quirkily humorous.
I dreamed of him weekly, thought of him daily, missed him hourly.
But it was Owen that stood out in this book for me, as although the story is based around the spate of animal sacrifices that has sprung up in town, not to mention the attempts on Becca’s life, from initially unknown enemies. It was his story and his internal monologue that kept me glued to the pages.
The Venatores Mali and the threat to the sisters as a whole is still very apparent, the appearance of Raye and Bobby (In the Air Tonight) towards the end of this book ties up the two really well together, it also gives us a really great cast and strong story-line to follow on with, moving onto the third and final book; Smoke on the Water which is due August 2015.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Book two in the Sisters of the Craft Series, takes off literally where book one finished. But this is a new town; Three Harbors, Wisconsin, and focuses on a different sister. Becca Carstairs, has always been a little bit different, being the town Veterinary Surgeon those differences, namely that she can understand the language of animals, means that her patient loss rate is virtually non-existent.
”There’s hurt… then there’s agony.”
Owen McAllister back in town after a ten year hiatus, is hoping to get in, get his mother’s house sold and get out again. The last decade has taken him far away from the path his life followed as the son of the towns ‘mad-woman’. Injured, and carrying more battle scars internally and mentally, as well as his K9 colleague Reggie, Owen is really not looking for a reconnection with the one woman, who held his heart all those years ago, the girl who loved him for who he was and didn’t judge him for his mother’s crimes, especially in a town where appearances are everything.
For him, a room that contained Becca Carstairs was devoid of anything else worth noticing.
Lori Handeland has such a distinctive way of writing, you cannot help but become immersed in the story that she is telling, blunt and to the point, but also beautifully descriptive and quirkily humorous.
I dreamed of him weekly, thought of him daily, missed him hourly.
But it was Owen that stood out in this book for me, as although the story is based around the spate of animal sacrifices that has sprung up in town, not to mention the attempts on Becca’s life, from initially unknown enemies. It was his story and his internal monologue that kept me glued to the pages.
The Venatores Mali and the threat to the sisters as a whole is still very apparent, the appearance of Raye and Bobby (In the Air Tonight) towards the end of this book ties up the two really well together, it also gives us a really great cast and strong story-line to follow on with, moving onto the third and final book; Smoke on the Water which is due August 2015.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
November 2, 2025
Triplets, identical in appearance except for hair color, were sent forward in time to save them from being burned at the stake as witches...but the evil has followed them to the future. Now, it is imperative that they reunite or the evil they escaped will not only destroy them but all magic kind.
Becca is a vet with a magical gift towards animals, not that she would ever expose that in her small, gossipy town. But the town suddenly has more to gossip about when animals start to go missing.
Owen is an injured war vet returning to his hometown with his military canine. He left as the boy from the wrong side of town but the town seems to be trumpeting him as a hero. Conflicted with his emotions, life changes and most definitely Becca, Owen struggles with his new lot in life. Owens emotional and mental scars provide strong obstacles for the couple to over come.
Wonderfully edgy, this fast paced, riveting urban fantasy is a reading gem. Handeland storytelling is vividly written, capturing the reader and emotionally investing you in the characters plight.
Heat of the Moment is absolutely spellbinding.
I received this ARC copy of Heat of the Moment from St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 30, 2015.
Becca is a vet with a magical gift towards animals, not that she would ever expose that in her small, gossipy town. But the town suddenly has more to gossip about when animals start to go missing.
Owen is an injured war vet returning to his hometown with his military canine. He left as the boy from the wrong side of town but the town seems to be trumpeting him as a hero. Conflicted with his emotions, life changes and most definitely Becca, Owen struggles with his new lot in life. Owens emotional and mental scars provide strong obstacles for the couple to over come.
Wonderfully edgy, this fast paced, riveting urban fantasy is a reading gem. Handeland storytelling is vividly written, capturing the reader and emotionally investing you in the characters plight.
Heat of the Moment is absolutely spellbinding.
I received this ARC copy of Heat of the Moment from St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 30, 2015.
June 6, 2015
Triplet girls, sent far into a time where no one believes in witches anymore, three contemporary women, unknown to each other, must meet, join as sisters and defeat evil. Lori Handeland’s Heat of the Moment uncovers the tale of Becca, a small town veterinarian who has a gift with animals. Not that she would tell anyone about it, small towns, big gossips, small minds. What would people say?
Owen left Becca and his tainted life behind to become a Marine, where he was judged as a soldier and a man, instead of the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. And he broke Becca’s heart by running off suddenly without a word. He said he loved her, but he left anyway, a question that has tormented Becca for years. Now he’s back, a war hero, with his canine partner, injured both physically and emotionally. Can Becca survive round two of all things Owen?
Something dark is happening, brutal animal tortures and ritualistic murders, and no one has a clue as to what is going on. Is someone trying to bring Becca’s powers out into the open? Confused, Becca’s talent will dig up some amazing clues as to what is going on and her true past will be revealed. Is she ready?
Edgy, intense and detailed, once again, Lori Handeland brings her talent into the forefront as a gifted story-teller who knows how to package her tales into riveting urban fantasy with a side of romantic intrigue. Fast-paced, full of everything required for magnetic reading that casts its own spell over each reader, this one will grab at your heart, while it feeds your need for fantasy and the magic of books!
I received an ARC edition from St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Sister's of the Craft - Book 2
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN-13: 9781250019769
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Intrigue
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Owen left Becca and his tainted life behind to become a Marine, where he was judged as a soldier and a man, instead of the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. And he broke Becca’s heart by running off suddenly without a word. He said he loved her, but he left anyway, a question that has tormented Becca for years. Now he’s back, a war hero, with his canine partner, injured both physically and emotionally. Can Becca survive round two of all things Owen?
Something dark is happening, brutal animal tortures and ritualistic murders, and no one has a clue as to what is going on. Is someone trying to bring Becca’s powers out into the open? Confused, Becca’s talent will dig up some amazing clues as to what is going on and her true past will be revealed. Is she ready?
Edgy, intense and detailed, once again, Lori Handeland brings her talent into the forefront as a gifted story-teller who knows how to package her tales into riveting urban fantasy with a side of romantic intrigue. Fast-paced, full of everything required for magnetic reading that casts its own spell over each reader, this one will grab at your heart, while it feeds your need for fantasy and the magic of books!
I received an ARC edition from St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Sister's of the Craft - Book 2
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN-13: 9781250019769
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Intrigue
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 14, 2015
**WARNING: I stayed away from spoilers, but this review talks about all the books in the Sisters of the Craft Series**
You can't read one of the books in the Sisters of the Craft series without reading them all so I decided to write a series review instead of individual book reviews.
IN THE AIR TONIGHT follows Raye. I found her to be strong and loyal, but lonely. Being adopted has made her a bit of an outsider in the town she great up in, but she doesn't really have a want to go anywhere else. Bobby drew her attention pretty quickly and they had a lot of chemistry. He has some issues believing in the supernatural so has a hard time with Raye's abilities.We learn a lot about where the sisters come from and why the conflict exists in IN THE AIR TONIGHT.
HEAT OF THE MOMENT follows Becca. She has a great family and never knew she wasn't a blood part of it. She is independent, confident in her career, but we find out that she is still heartbroken over her teenage love OWEN. They both have to work through their pasts to make it to the future stronger and together. I really loved Reggie. I don't know how someone couldn't, he was a great addition to the story.
SMOKE ON THE WATER follows Willow. Everyone, including Willow thinks she's crazy. She currently resides in a psychiatric facility. When the man she's been having visions of for years walks into her life as her new psychiatrist she doesn't know what to think besides the fact that they belong together and he is going to save her. I don't have a ton of thoughts on the events of SMOKE ON THE WATER that revolves around getting to know Willow. That part of the story was a little slow, but I enjoyed the addition of Mary in her story and it really drew the other books into the story before the sisters actually all met up. The relationship between Willow and Sebastian wasn't as smooth as the other couples, but it really couldn't be easy because of where they were and their relationships.
I actually loved each of the sisters in their own way. They were all able to complement each other and work together from the start. Each book did a great job in continuing the major storyline and building up the world it takes place in. The story was wrapped up nicely at the end of SMOKE ON THE WATER and although I would have loved to read more about the sister's futures, I was happy with the way things ended. The Sisters of the Craft series gave me a great few days of reading. If I was you, I would wait until they are all out so you can read them back to back.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
You can't read one of the books in the Sisters of the Craft series without reading them all so I decided to write a series review instead of individual book reviews.
IN THE AIR TONIGHT follows Raye. I found her to be strong and loyal, but lonely. Being adopted has made her a bit of an outsider in the town she great up in, but she doesn't really have a want to go anywhere else. Bobby drew her attention pretty quickly and they had a lot of chemistry. He has some issues believing in the supernatural so has a hard time with Raye's abilities.We learn a lot about where the sisters come from and why the conflict exists in IN THE AIR TONIGHT.
HEAT OF THE MOMENT follows Becca. She has a great family and never knew she wasn't a blood part of it. She is independent, confident in her career, but we find out that she is still heartbroken over her teenage love OWEN. They both have to work through their pasts to make it to the future stronger and together. I really loved Reggie. I don't know how someone couldn't, he was a great addition to the story.
SMOKE ON THE WATER follows Willow. Everyone, including Willow thinks she's crazy. She currently resides in a psychiatric facility. When the man she's been having visions of for years walks into her life as her new psychiatrist she doesn't know what to think besides the fact that they belong together and he is going to save her. I don't have a ton of thoughts on the events of SMOKE ON THE WATER that revolves around getting to know Willow. That part of the story was a little slow, but I enjoyed the addition of Mary in her story and it really drew the other books into the story before the sisters actually all met up. The relationship between Willow and Sebastian wasn't as smooth as the other couples, but it really couldn't be easy because of where they were and their relationships.
I actually loved each of the sisters in their own way. They were all able to complement each other and work together from the start. Each book did a great job in continuing the major storyline and building up the world it takes place in. The story was wrapped up nicely at the end of SMOKE ON THE WATER and although I would have loved to read more about the sister's futures, I was happy with the way things ended. The Sisters of the Craft series gave me a great few days of reading. If I was you, I would wait until they are all out so you can read them back to back.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2016
HEAT OF THE MOMENT is the second book in the Sisters of the Craft series by Lori Handeland, but it’s my first book I’ve read from this author. I’ve had this series sitting on my bookshelf for a while and I decided to try it out on a whim. I was surprised that I was able to jump right in without having read the first book in the series, which for me, is a total win.
More surprisingly is the fact that Handeland is able to incorporate different aspects to this story that I have never seen done before in fiction. Our heroine, Becca, has a very special ability involving animals. She can hear their voices and as a veterinarian, that helps her out a lot. The hero, Owen, has a military trained dog that is able to understand German commands. As I mentioned, this isn’t something I’ve ever read before so I was immediately transfixed by this concept.
While the paranormal aspect of the book is very much there, I would say that Handeland creates a good balance between the paranormal and the real-life conflict happening between Owen and Becca. They were once something a long time ago, and as we explore the past that neither one of them want to revisit, we get to understand a lot more about the characters apart from their supernatural abilities and I really liked seeing that.
I was also really surprised about the humor in this book. There are some really fun moments and one-liners that made me smile. By the cover and blurb of the book, I thought it would be a very dark book, but it actually has a nice balance. I’ll definitely be looking into reading more of Lori’s books in the future.
March 5, 2018
*NOTE: This is a review of the entire trilogy. I will try to keep it as spoiler-free as possible*
For whatever reason, I rarely read paranormal romance books. I'm not sure why because it's a genre that I usually enjoy. I have a bunch, but I always seem to skip over them and pick up a fantasy book instead. I was browsing through my unread books, and came across the Sisters of the Craft trilogy. I decided to give it a try because it had been a while since I read a book about witches, and the covers are gorgeous. Unfortunately, I really didn't like the trilogy at all.
I think my biggest problem with the trilogy, in general, is that the writing and plot were very simplistic. It felt like a bad soap opera that your grandma would force you to watch with her when you stayed home sick from school. Everything was over the top, and nothing felt original. It felt like a combination of every paranormal romance I had read, like it took bits and pieces from different stories and combined them to make a plot. The one thing that I really did love about the books was Reggie and Grenade, and they were only in one book, never to be seen again. The sex scenes in each book weren't even very descriptive. It felt like an eighth grade boy was trying to write them.
The first book, In the Air Tonight, was very slow paced. It took about seventy-five percent of the book for things to really get going, and to catch my interest. The second book, Heat of the Moment, went better but I think that's because I liked Reggie so much. I really loved hearing his thoughts. The third book, Smoke on the Water, started off interesting, but quickly went downhill. I was involved until about fifty percent into the book. Then things started dragging on and on. By the time I got about sixty percent, I had to resist the urge to skim read the rest because I was that bored. What should have taken me a day to read, took about three because it just dragged so badly and I kept losing interest. The only bright part of that book was Mary. I loved her snarky sense of humor. It had me chuckling a few times.
I was sad that the first paranormal romance series I picked up in such a long time turned out to be a letdown. I really wanted to like it, but unfortunately, that isn't the case. I disliked this trilogy so much that I felt a sense of relief when I finished the third book. If it wasn't for the fact that I got all three to review, I probably wouldn't have continued reading past the first book. I don't think I will read any more of Lori Handeland's books in the future. I think her writing style just isn't for me.
For whatever reason, I rarely read paranormal romance books. I'm not sure why because it's a genre that I usually enjoy. I have a bunch, but I always seem to skip over them and pick up a fantasy book instead. I was browsing through my unread books, and came across the Sisters of the Craft trilogy. I decided to give it a try because it had been a while since I read a book about witches, and the covers are gorgeous. Unfortunately, I really didn't like the trilogy at all.
I think my biggest problem with the trilogy, in general, is that the writing and plot were very simplistic. It felt like a bad soap opera that your grandma would force you to watch with her when you stayed home sick from school. Everything was over the top, and nothing felt original. It felt like a combination of every paranormal romance I had read, like it took bits and pieces from different stories and combined them to make a plot. The one thing that I really did love about the books was Reggie and Grenade, and they were only in one book, never to be seen again. The sex scenes in each book weren't even very descriptive. It felt like an eighth grade boy was trying to write them.
The first book, In the Air Tonight, was very slow paced. It took about seventy-five percent of the book for things to really get going, and to catch my interest. The second book, Heat of the Moment, went better but I think that's because I liked Reggie so much. I really loved hearing his thoughts. The third book, Smoke on the Water, started off interesting, but quickly went downhill. I was involved until about fifty percent into the book. Then things started dragging on and on. By the time I got about sixty percent, I had to resist the urge to skim read the rest because I was that bored. What should have taken me a day to read, took about three because it just dragged so badly and I kept losing interest. The only bright part of that book was Mary. I loved her snarky sense of humor. It had me chuckling a few times.
I was sad that the first paranormal romance series I picked up in such a long time turned out to be a letdown. I really wanted to like it, but unfortunately, that isn't the case. I disliked this trilogy so much that I felt a sense of relief when I finished the third book. If it wasn't for the fact that I got all three to review, I probably wouldn't have continued reading past the first book. I don't think I will read any more of Lori Handeland's books in the future. I think her writing style just isn't for me.
May 10, 2015
I received this ARC from St. Martin's Press Via Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
The Venatores Mali have risen.
Okay, I'll jump straight into the plot.
One Sister of the triplets was nearly murdered in order to bring Roland back to life, when they failed to kill Raye, they decided it's time to find the other sister. Becca.
Becca is a simple Vet, she loves what she does and has an affinity for animals...it's almost like she can hear them.
While running one night in the woods, she stumbles on a crime scene.
Someone has used small animals for a satanic ritual.
Digusted and frightened, Becca also stumbled on her old flame, the man who has owned her heart since she was six and broke it when she was 17.
The Venatores Mali have decided one thing.
Becca must die.
So the plot thickens! Honestly though, I didn't like Becca's story as much as I enjoyed Raye's!
In the first book, it was full of suspense, i even wanted Bobby and Raye to fall for each other!
In this one, it wasn't as much of a thriller as the first was.
Even the Love story. I really liked Raye and Bobby, but Owen and Becca...I mean it was cute, but not like the first book.
Warning: This is still VERY much of an adult book. So there is mature content and *cough, cough* scenes.
Overall, I liked it. It didn't have the allure of the first, but it's still a good book.
I'm curious at how they'll find the third sister! Still no sight of her, anywhere!
I'll leave you here in fear of spoilers.
stay wonderful!
-The Book Herald
tweet me- @thebookherald
The Venatores Mali have risen.
Okay, I'll jump straight into the plot.
One Sister of the triplets was nearly murdered in order to bring Roland back to life, when they failed to kill Raye, they decided it's time to find the other sister. Becca.
Becca is a simple Vet, she loves what she does and has an affinity for animals...it's almost like she can hear them.
While running one night in the woods, she stumbles on a crime scene.
Someone has used small animals for a satanic ritual.
Digusted and frightened, Becca also stumbled on her old flame, the man who has owned her heart since she was six and broke it when she was 17.
The Venatores Mali have decided one thing.
Becca must die.
So the plot thickens! Honestly though, I didn't like Becca's story as much as I enjoyed Raye's!
In the first book, it was full of suspense, i even wanted Bobby and Raye to fall for each other!
In this one, it wasn't as much of a thriller as the first was.
Even the Love story. I really liked Raye and Bobby, but Owen and Becca...I mean it was cute, but not like the first book.
Warning: This is still VERY much of an adult book. So there is mature content and *cough, cough* scenes.
Overall, I liked it. It didn't have the allure of the first, but it's still a good book.
I'm curious at how they'll find the third sister! Still no sight of her, anywhere!
I'll leave you here in fear of spoilers.
stay wonderful!
-The Book Herald
tweet me- @thebookherald
June 6, 2015
I sort of expected Becca to be more skeptical of things. Instead she rolled with the punches, even with her ex coming back to town. I wondered too if there might be fireworks between Becca and Owen, about why he left when Becca found out, but once again Becca seemed to roll with the punches again.
I did love it when Becca finally got to meet her sister, Raye. The two of them were funny.
I actually was more interested in Riley and his antics. I thought it funny how he interacted with Pru and how he picked up a new friend.
I did love it when Becca finally got to meet her sister, Raye. The two of them were funny.
I actually was more interested in Riley and his antics. I thought it funny how he interacted with Pru and how he picked up a new friend.
June 28, 2015
Another great addition to this series. The more I read, the more I like this :)
Once again, snippets of humor lightened this up. I loved hearing what all the animals were thinking. Especially Reggie.
I have a suspicion about who the third sister is. I can't wait to see if I'm right.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Once again, snippets of humor lightened this up. I loved hearing what all the animals were thinking. Especially Reggie.
I have a suspicion about who the third sister is. I can't wait to see if I'm right.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
May 3, 2015
Sometimes two people in love have to separate because someone thinks it’s best for everyone. What happens though when that same couple gets reunited 10 years later at a crime scene. Becca had a way with animals and she was destined to be a veterinarian because she hears what animals are thinking. Ten years ago her heart was broken when her boyfriend Owen left to join the marines. Owen was from the wrong side of the tracks. He was raised by a mentally ill mother and felt he had to leave Three Harbors, Wisconsin in order to make something of himself.
One night Becca was jogging by Owen’s old home and is surprised to see him home. Even more surprising is that evidence inside the house shows that some missing pets were murdered there. A murderer is on the loose in Three Harbors and Becca is next on the list of potential victims. To make things even more complicated Becca finds out she may not be who she thought she was and has a power that others are willing to kill for.
Heat Of The Moment by Lori Handeland is the second book in the Sisters Of The Craft trilogy and a great stand alone novel. I’ve read a few books by Lori Handeland and I feel like this is the best book I’ve read by her. In most romance novels(and this book is more than just a romance novel) I feel like I know where the story is going. In this one I had a feeling I knew where it was going but wasn’t sure how the story was going to get there.
What really sold this story for me was the character of Owen. This is a man who had nothing going for him except Becca, the whole town of Three Harbors seems to be against him or so he thinks. Owen had low self-esteem and was known as the crazy woman’s kid. He at least had Becca which was the reason he had to leave town. My favorite part of the book was when Owen sees Becca performing a miracle as a veterinarian and realizes that if he would have stayed, Becca could have never become who she was.
Perceptions aren’t always reality though. Owen has just returned from Afghanistan with a bad injury and is not sure what will happen next and some people in town make it obvious that they don’t want him around. As the story moves along we see that Owen was a hero in the war and some people in town see him that way but he still sees himself as the low life he use to feel like. Another great scene in this book was a flashback where Owen and Becca meet for the first time as kids. It was the type of scene that if you saw it in a film it you would think of it as one of the great moments in a romantic movie. From that point you are rooting for the couple to get back together in the present.
Just in case romance isn’t your thing there is a lot more going on in the Heat Of The Moment that might tickle your fancy. There is a good mystery going on, some great supporting characters and a story of a woman finding out that she has power. There is magic in this book that leads into a whole mythology that fans of romance and mystery will love.
One night Becca was jogging by Owen’s old home and is surprised to see him home. Even more surprising is that evidence inside the house shows that some missing pets were murdered there. A murderer is on the loose in Three Harbors and Becca is next on the list of potential victims. To make things even more complicated Becca finds out she may not be who she thought she was and has a power that others are willing to kill for.
Heat Of The Moment by Lori Handeland is the second book in the Sisters Of The Craft trilogy and a great stand alone novel. I’ve read a few books by Lori Handeland and I feel like this is the best book I’ve read by her. In most romance novels(and this book is more than just a romance novel) I feel like I know where the story is going. In this one I had a feeling I knew where it was going but wasn’t sure how the story was going to get there.
What really sold this story for me was the character of Owen. This is a man who had nothing going for him except Becca, the whole town of Three Harbors seems to be against him or so he thinks. Owen had low self-esteem and was known as the crazy woman’s kid. He at least had Becca which was the reason he had to leave town. My favorite part of the book was when Owen sees Becca performing a miracle as a veterinarian and realizes that if he would have stayed, Becca could have never become who she was.
Perceptions aren’t always reality though. Owen has just returned from Afghanistan with a bad injury and is not sure what will happen next and some people in town make it obvious that they don’t want him around. As the story moves along we see that Owen was a hero in the war and some people in town see him that way but he still sees himself as the low life he use to feel like. Another great scene in this book was a flashback where Owen and Becca meet for the first time as kids. It was the type of scene that if you saw it in a film it you would think of it as one of the great moments in a romantic movie. From that point you are rooting for the couple to get back together in the present.
Just in case romance isn’t your thing there is a lot more going on in the Heat Of The Moment that might tickle your fancy. There is a good mystery going on, some great supporting characters and a story of a woman finding out that she has power. There is magic in this book that leads into a whole mythology that fans of romance and mystery will love.
June 22, 2015
This book had a solid start. Becca and Owen had a lot of chemistry right from the beginning, which made me extremely excited to see the development of their relationship. However, their romance was kind of a let down for me. The chemistry between Becca and Owen was the only thing that kept me interested in their relationship. Becca was always so hot and cold with their relationship. One second she would be telling Owen that she was in love with him, and then the next second, she was telling him to stay away from her. Becca just came off as really whiny and immature when it came to the romance department. It also drove me insane that Becca never confronted Owen about their falling out. I just was not a huge fan of Becca or the romance.
Another thing that I didn't like in this book was how Becca treated the family that raised her. I understood that she was upset that they kept a secret from Becca. However, they were still her family! They raised her and took her in when they didn't have to. Becca just seemed so disrespectful. What annoyed me even more was that as soon as she met her biological family, she instantly loved them. She was horrible to the family that was wonderful to her (besides keeping that one secret), but then was completely wonderful to total strangers who claimed to be her biological family members?
The one aspect that I enjoyed in this book was the paranormal aspect. The book was always extremely interesting and addictive whenever magic was involved. The reason I was able to give this book a 3 out of 5 was because of the magic aspect of this book. I am a sucker for magic, and I found the magic aspect in this book to be very intriguing.
This book was good, but it wasn't great. I thought the book was quite enjoyable at times, but really frustrating at other times. I think this book has great bones, but it just wasn't executed the way I was hoping. I will continue this series though, because I am very interested to see how the series will continue to develop!
3 / 5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
Another thing that I didn't like in this book was how Becca treated the family that raised her. I understood that she was upset that they kept a secret from Becca. However, they were still her family! They raised her and took her in when they didn't have to. Becca just seemed so disrespectful. What annoyed me even more was that as soon as she met her biological family, she instantly loved them. She was horrible to the family that was wonderful to her (besides keeping that one secret), but then was completely wonderful to total strangers who claimed to be her biological family members?
The one aspect that I enjoyed in this book was the paranormal aspect. The book was always extremely interesting and addictive whenever magic was involved. The reason I was able to give this book a 3 out of 5 was because of the magic aspect of this book. I am a sucker for magic, and I found the magic aspect in this book to be very intriguing.
This book was good, but it wasn't great. I thought the book was quite enjoyable at times, but really frustrating at other times. I think this book has great bones, but it just wasn't executed the way I was hoping. I will continue this series though, because I am very interested to see how the series will continue to develop!
3 / 5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
June 11, 2015
This second book in the Sisters of the Craft trilogy was better in some ways than book 1 (In The Air Tonight) and worse in others but it was still a great story and I was dying to get back to it anytime I had to put it down to take care of some real life nonsense.
As with book 1 this sister Becca has no clue she is a witch, she also has no clue that she has two other sisters since we can add not know she is adopted to that list of ignorance.
This book was a better story I thought but at the same time it was much more predictable than book 1 which did not keep me from enjoying it but there were only a few real surprises (towards the end was a major one)
I will keep this short, this is the middle book of a trilogy and in most trilogies the middle book suffers because of the stuff the reader already knows (or should) and the stuff the author can't use because it does not show up until the last book.
Keeping all that in mind I think this was a great middle book since it DID keep my attention and I loved the story, the characters were a bit thin but still enjoyable so even with my complaints about the weakness of this book it is moving a story towards the final book and gave you more information about the second sister and ended with a bang. 4 Stars and I will probably push my other reviews aside so I can go right to book 3 because this IS a good story told in 3 books.
As with book 1 this sister Becca has no clue she is a witch, she also has no clue that she has two other sisters since we can add not know she is adopted to that list of ignorance.
This book was a better story I thought but at the same time it was much more predictable than book 1 which did not keep me from enjoying it but there were only a few real surprises (towards the end was a major one)
I will keep this short, this is the middle book of a trilogy and in most trilogies the middle book suffers because of the stuff the reader already knows (or should) and the stuff the author can't use because it does not show up until the last book.
Keeping all that in mind I think this was a great middle book since it DID keep my attention and I loved the story, the characters were a bit thin but still enjoyable so even with my complaints about the weakness of this book it is moving a story towards the final book and gave you more information about the second sister and ended with a bang. 4 Stars and I will probably push my other reviews aside so I can go right to book 3 because this IS a good story told in 3 books.
August 23, 2015
Reviewers Note: Reviewing forCocktails and Books, I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
4 Stars!
“I very much enjoyed how the author set up the mystery in this book, then slowly peeled away each layer until all the pieces are revealed, all the while throwing in bits of sweet, angsty romance, some intense and surprising twists and enough emotionally charged scenes to keep your heart invested while also giving you one thrilling plot to sort out.” - Hazel w/Craves the Angst, Reviewing for Cocktails and Books
Read Full Review at Cocktails and Books
4 Stars!
“I very much enjoyed how the author set up the mystery in this book, then slowly peeled away each layer until all the pieces are revealed, all the while throwing in bits of sweet, angsty romance, some intense and surprising twists and enough emotionally charged scenes to keep your heart invested while also giving you one thrilling plot to sort out.” - Hazel w/Craves the Angst, Reviewing for Cocktails and Books
Read Full Review at Cocktails and Books
June 30, 2015
This is the second Sisters of the Craft book. If you haven't read the first, I highly recommend. This book is about Becca. She is a veterinarian in Three Harbors. A very good one. It helps that she can hear the thoughts of animals, though she's pretty sure that's just her imagination. Owen is home from the marines to recover from an injury. He doesn't plan to stay. He doesn't feel like he's good enough for Becca, even after 10 years. This is a second chance romance wrapped in an exciting paranormal mystery with witches and magic. I love this series and I can't wait to read about the third sister.
March 15, 2021
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the Sisters of the Craft series by Lori Handeland.
Wow, after the first book, I couldn’t wait to get into this one. Becca is a vet and has no idea that she is really one of three triplet witches. A guy she knows comes back home from the military with a K-9 companion who is on a brief respite while trying to sell his mother’s house, which is now his house. Comes home from Afghanistan to find animal sacrifices in his living room. First to stumble upon the scene, however is his old friend, Becca.
Owen really goes through a lot in this book and many ways more than the main characters do. Becca discovers she has powers which come more into fruition when Raye, her sister from book one shows up. Becca has always been able to hear animals but never thought it was a particular witchy power, just insight after being a vet for so long.
This story really keeps you guessing and it is an edgy thriller with paranormal and supernatural elements. Quite a fun ride if you ask me. Definitely want to put this author on my must read list for sure!
Definitely a first class book. Highly recommended.
If you like romance with a dash of paranormal/supernatural, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the Sisters of the Craft series by Lori Handeland.
Wow, after the first book, I couldn’t wait to get into this one. Becca is a vet and has no idea that she is really one of three triplet witches. A guy she knows comes back home from the military with a K-9 companion who is on a brief respite while trying to sell his mother’s house, which is now his house. Comes home from Afghanistan to find animal sacrifices in his living room. First to stumble upon the scene, however is his old friend, Becca.
Owen really goes through a lot in this book and many ways more than the main characters do. Becca discovers she has powers which come more into fruition when Raye, her sister from book one shows up. Becca has always been able to hear animals but never thought it was a particular witchy power, just insight after being a vet for so long.
This story really keeps you guessing and it is an edgy thriller with paranormal and supernatural elements. Quite a fun ride if you ask me. Definitely want to put this author on my must read list for sure!
Definitely a first class book. Highly recommended.
If you like romance with a dash of paranormal/supernatural, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
October 14, 2021
I liked the first one better but this one is good too. An ending was unexpected. I’m looking for the third in the series.
July 3, 2015
The Sisters of the Craft trilogy follows three gifted sister witches as they learn the secret of their origins, the truth of the powers they inherited from their parents, and the evil that stalks them in their current time. I’ve previously described the first book of the series, In The Air Tonight, as Charmed meets Ghost Whisperer, the second book in the series is more like Charmed meets Dr. Dolittle – in a good way, I promise.
Becca is a small tourist town veterinarian with the ability to communicate with animals; Heat Of The Moment is her story. Becca Carstairs grew up as the oldest of four siblings in one of the oldest families in Three Harbors, Wisconsin, eventually becoming the town’s beloved veterinarian. Although she’s had an affinity for animals since a young age, she has no idea that she’s all that different from those around her. When animals go missing from town, Becca tries to do her part to find out what happened. Her attempted investigation leads her right to the door of Owen McAllister, Becca’s childhood sweetheart who only recently returned to town.
Owen McAllister enlisted right after graduation and never looked back. He’s back in Three Harbors to take care of some business; he never expected to come home to a mess of animal mutilations in his living room. He just wants to get it cleaned up and take care of what he came home to take care of, but then someone attacks Becca – there’s no way Owen can turn his back on the attempted murder of the women he’s always loved. While trying to figure out who’s behind the attack, help comes from unexpected places: a wolf with human eyes and a sister Becca never knew about. With their help Becca learns the truth about her birth and the magic that runs through her blood – and about the group of evil witch hunters out to kill her for both.
The book alternates from the first person perspective of Becca and the third person perspective of Owen. The romance between the injured vet and animal vet (I just realized they’re both technically vets – I like that, that’s cute) with a healing touch was heated from the beginning, first with the heat of old wounds from their breakup and later with the burn of passion as they can’t keep their hands off each other. The bond between Reggie, the military working dog Owen brings home with him, and Becca was cute as well – especially since for most of the book Becca doesn’t really think she can communicate with animals, she thinks she has an active imagination that makes up the voices in her head and she’s really just talking to herself.
I couldn’t put this book down, it just hooked me right in from the beginning. Great characters, magic, mystery, and romance – it’s got a bit of everything. I really love this series, I’m super excited to jump into the next book in the series and meet the next, and last, sister. I can’t wait to see the dynamic between the three once they’re all reunited.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
Becca is a small tourist town veterinarian with the ability to communicate with animals; Heat Of The Moment is her story. Becca Carstairs grew up as the oldest of four siblings in one of the oldest families in Three Harbors, Wisconsin, eventually becoming the town’s beloved veterinarian. Although she’s had an affinity for animals since a young age, she has no idea that she’s all that different from those around her. When animals go missing from town, Becca tries to do her part to find out what happened. Her attempted investigation leads her right to the door of Owen McAllister, Becca’s childhood sweetheart who only recently returned to town.
Owen McAllister enlisted right after graduation and never looked back. He’s back in Three Harbors to take care of some business; he never expected to come home to a mess of animal mutilations in his living room. He just wants to get it cleaned up and take care of what he came home to take care of, but then someone attacks Becca – there’s no way Owen can turn his back on the attempted murder of the women he’s always loved. While trying to figure out who’s behind the attack, help comes from unexpected places: a wolf with human eyes and a sister Becca never knew about. With their help Becca learns the truth about her birth and the magic that runs through her blood – and about the group of evil witch hunters out to kill her for both.
The book alternates from the first person perspective of Becca and the third person perspective of Owen. The romance between the injured vet and animal vet (I just realized they’re both technically vets – I like that, that’s cute) with a healing touch was heated from the beginning, first with the heat of old wounds from their breakup and later with the burn of passion as they can’t keep their hands off each other. The bond between Reggie, the military working dog Owen brings home with him, and Becca was cute as well – especially since for most of the book Becca doesn’t really think she can communicate with animals, she thinks she has an active imagination that makes up the voices in her head and she’s really just talking to herself.
I couldn’t put this book down, it just hooked me right in from the beginning. Great characters, magic, mystery, and romance – it’s got a bit of everything. I really love this series, I’m super excited to jump into the next book in the series and meet the next, and last, sister. I can’t wait to see the dynamic between the three once they’re all reunited.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
December 31, 2015
I really liked this second Sisters of the Craft book. Heat of the moment was a lot different from the first book, In the Air Tonight, there is less of the suspense feel and more interactions between leading lady Vet animal whisperer, Becca Carstairs, and her former teen love wounded war hero, Owen McAllister. It also helped a lot that as the second book the story wasn't as weighed down by the need to thoroughly explain the setup - though witch parents last moments are revisited - or the rules of how witch powers work in this world.
Returning to his childhood hometown after serving in the Marine's as a K9 handler - both he and his partner bomb dog Reggie suffered serious injuries - Owen also carries emotional scars from his past from being the screw up child with a crazy mom. Even though he left Becca behind, his feelings for her are still strong, and despite the hurt of his abandonment Becca still loves him as well, but she has no intention of letting him close again.
I love wounded warriors and I really liked Becca - I liked her power of communicating with animals more then her sister's ghost whispering - and I really liked how aspects of her power fit so well with her profession. I also really liked Owen's second chance with her - she literally and emotionally allow him to become whole again. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the role that K9 Reggie played in the story, I thought that he wa a great supporting player - and I'm not even a dog nut.
Add to all that, appearances by Rate and Bobby from the first book and the FBI group including Cassandra from the Night Creatures series and Heat of the Moment is my favorite of the stupid so far.
I still really like these covers as a set
ARC courtesy of St Martin's via NetGalley. Release date 6/30/15.
Returning to his childhood hometown after serving in the Marine's as a K9 handler - both he and his partner bomb dog Reggie suffered serious injuries - Owen also carries emotional scars from his past from being the screw up child with a crazy mom. Even though he left Becca behind, his feelings for her are still strong, and despite the hurt of his abandonment Becca still loves him as well, but she has no intention of letting him close again.
I love wounded warriors and I really liked Becca - I liked her power of communicating with animals more then her sister's ghost whispering - and I really liked how aspects of her power fit so well with her profession. I also really liked Owen's second chance with her - she literally and emotionally allow him to become whole again. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the role that K9 Reggie played in the story, I thought that he wa a great supporting player - and I'm not even a dog nut.
Add to all that, appearances by Rate and Bobby from the first book and the FBI group including Cassandra from the Night Creatures series and Heat of the Moment is my favorite of the stupid so far.
I still really like these covers as a set
ARC courtesy of St Martin's via NetGalley. Release date 6/30/15.
June 18, 2016
HEAT OF THE MOMENT is the second book in the Sisters of the Craft series by Lori Handeland, but it’s my first book I’ve read from this author. I’ve had this series sitting on my bookshelf for a while and I decided to try it out on a whim. I was surprised that I was able to jump right in without having read the first book in the series, which for me, is a total win.
More surprisingly is the fact that Handeland is able to incorporate different aspects to this story that I have never seen done before in fiction. Our heroine, Becca, has a very special ability involving animals. She can hear their voices and as a veterinarian, that helps her out a lot. The hero, Owen, has a military trained dog that is able to understand German commands. As I mentioned, this isn’t something I’ve ever read before so I was immediately transfixed by this concept.
While the paranormal aspect of the book is very much there, I would say that Handeland creates a good balance between the paranormal and the real-life conflict happening between Owen and Becca. They were once something a long time ago, and as we explore the past that neither one of them want to revisit, we get to understand a lot more about the characters apart from their supernatural abilities and I really liked seeing that.
I was also really surprised about the humor in this book. There are some really fun moments and one-liners that made me smile. By the cover and blurb of the book, I thought it would be a very dark book, but it actually has a nice balance. I’ll definitely be looking into reading more of Lori’s books in the future.
*Review copy provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie
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June 29, 2015
***I received this ebook from NetGalley and the Publisher in return for my honest opinions. All opinions are my own.***
I enjoyed how this book was written, while it is the second in a series, I felt like even if you were starting with this one and not the first one, you would do fairly well understanding what was going on. No you wouldn't understand who some people were or who the really evil guy is, but you would get the idea anyway.
I loved Becca's gift. For my whole life I have wanted to know what animals are thinking....to the point that I often speak for them lmao. Yes that is right folks, I'm the weirdo that talks to her animals and answers herself back in another voice lol. I absolutely wish there had been more interactions with the animals than there were, but it was great with that there was.
This book has carried on sort of where the last one left off, we do finally get to meet Becca and although we know she has two sisters, she is unaware of this. When the sheriff makes her aware of some pets coming up missing that are all black, Becca thinks it strange but thinks it may be kids just up to no good since Halloween is around the corner. When she finds Owen digging a grave and finds the corpses of the animals in his former home she and he both are concerned.
While Becca has always cared for Owen, he left her when they were younger and she didn't know the real reason. When her meddling father finds out he is back he goes again to talk to him and tells him to stay away from her again. After much drama in town and attempted murder to boot, we find out all is not as it appears and things go from weird to worse. Becca is to be a sacrifice and the evil Roland is trying to come back to this side of things.
I would say this book has a rating of four stars with a steamy rating of three. I really like this series and I cannot wait to begin the last in the series!
I enjoyed how this book was written, while it is the second in a series, I felt like even if you were starting with this one and not the first one, you would do fairly well understanding what was going on. No you wouldn't understand who some people were or who the really evil guy is, but you would get the idea anyway.
I loved Becca's gift. For my whole life I have wanted to know what animals are thinking....to the point that I often speak for them lmao. Yes that is right folks, I'm the weirdo that talks to her animals and answers herself back in another voice lol. I absolutely wish there had been more interactions with the animals than there were, but it was great with that there was.
This book has carried on sort of where the last one left off, we do finally get to meet Becca and although we know she has two sisters, she is unaware of this. When the sheriff makes her aware of some pets coming up missing that are all black, Becca thinks it strange but thinks it may be kids just up to no good since Halloween is around the corner. When she finds Owen digging a grave and finds the corpses of the animals in his former home she and he both are concerned.
While Becca has always cared for Owen, he left her when they were younger and she didn't know the real reason. When her meddling father finds out he is back he goes again to talk to him and tells him to stay away from her again. After much drama in town and attempted murder to boot, we find out all is not as it appears and things go from weird to worse. Becca is to be a sacrifice and the evil Roland is trying to come back to this side of things.
I would say this book has a rating of four stars with a steamy rating of three. I really like this series and I cannot wait to begin the last in the series!
May 29, 2015
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
This is the second book in the Sisters of the Craft Trilogy and it was brilliant. This trilogy is seriously addictive. Once you open the pages you don’t want to stop reading until you have devoured every last delicious word. Lori Handeland is becoming a new favorite author for me, and I can’t wait to read the final installment in this wonderfully exciting series. Fast paced it moves swiftly and excitingly from start to finish leaving you breathless and beginning for more. I adored it.
The Review:
Four Centuries ago, in a small Scottish village, three baby girls escape the wrath of a witch hunter. Today, one young woman will learn about her secret history, her heart’s destiny, and the sisters she never knew she had…
Flame-haired Becca Carstairs was born to become a veterinarian. Her affinity for animals and her healing touch is nothing short of magic. But only Becca knows the truth, she can hear the creature’s voices. She’s always trusted her sixth sense, until a string of missing pets, an attempted murder, and a face from her past converge into one explosive mystery, centered around her.
She begins to wonder if Owen McAllister’s reappearance, related to the sinister happenings that have the peaceful town of Three Harbors, Wisconsin, on its guard. Or, is the man who broke her heart ten years ago, part of the answers to the questions that have troubled her all her life. As Becca delves into her strange heritage, she’ll have to fight for her life and the man she has always and will always love
FTC Advisory: Annie Hulkower through Net Galley provided me with a copy of Heat of the Moment by Lori Handeland. Published through St. Martin’s Press. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
This is the second book in the Sisters of the Craft Trilogy and it was brilliant. This trilogy is seriously addictive. Once you open the pages you don’t want to stop reading until you have devoured every last delicious word. Lori Handeland is becoming a new favorite author for me, and I can’t wait to read the final installment in this wonderfully exciting series. Fast paced it moves swiftly and excitingly from start to finish leaving you breathless and beginning for more. I adored it.
The Review:
Four Centuries ago, in a small Scottish village, three baby girls escape the wrath of a witch hunter. Today, one young woman will learn about her secret history, her heart’s destiny, and the sisters she never knew she had…
Flame-haired Becca Carstairs was born to become a veterinarian. Her affinity for animals and her healing touch is nothing short of magic. But only Becca knows the truth, she can hear the creature’s voices. She’s always trusted her sixth sense, until a string of missing pets, an attempted murder, and a face from her past converge into one explosive mystery, centered around her.
She begins to wonder if Owen McAllister’s reappearance, related to the sinister happenings that have the peaceful town of Three Harbors, Wisconsin, on its guard. Or, is the man who broke her heart ten years ago, part of the answers to the questions that have troubled her all her life. As Becca delves into her strange heritage, she’ll have to fight for her life and the man she has always and will always love
FTC Advisory: Annie Hulkower through Net Galley provided me with a copy of Heat of the Moment by Lori Handeland. Published through St. Martin’s Press. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
July 1, 2015
Becca Carstairs has always had an affinity for animals and she’s always trusted her sixth sense…until pets goes missing, someone tries to kill her and a face from past all converge into one explosive mystery in this spellbinding paranormal romance.
Becca discovers that her heritage is stranger that anything she could have ever dreamed and the reader can’t help but get caught up in all emotional turmoil, intrigue and romance as Becca has to fight for her life… and the man she will always love. The attraction between Owen and Becca still burns as hot as it did years ago but the relationship is plagued with secrets and emotional issues which grip the heart. The strong bewitching characters cast their spell from the very beginning ensuring that they have the reader’s attentions from the very beginning while the fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps anticipations high with lots of suspense, magic, and romance.
Excitement is easy to come by in this story as the danger to Becca escalates and the more she learns of her past the more expectation builds keeping readers on their toes along with unexpected twists and betrayals that keeps them guessing. Well written scenes and details bring the story to life and make it easy for the reader to picture every scene while the intriguing events ensures that the readers can’t put the story down until they have read every last word.
Once again, the sisters have cast their spell and I was completely caught up in the story from the very beginning and with all the suspense building in the story, I sure can’t wait to meet the third sister and find out what happens next, especially after that “OMG – no way” scene that happened to Becca and I can only imagine that chaos that could form from such an evil being unleashed.
Becca discovers that her heritage is stranger that anything she could have ever dreamed and the reader can’t help but get caught up in all emotional turmoil, intrigue and romance as Becca has to fight for her life… and the man she will always love. The attraction between Owen and Becca still burns as hot as it did years ago but the relationship is plagued with secrets and emotional issues which grip the heart. The strong bewitching characters cast their spell from the very beginning ensuring that they have the reader’s attentions from the very beginning while the fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps anticipations high with lots of suspense, magic, and romance.
Excitement is easy to come by in this story as the danger to Becca escalates and the more she learns of her past the more expectation builds keeping readers on their toes along with unexpected twists and betrayals that keeps them guessing. Well written scenes and details bring the story to life and make it easy for the reader to picture every scene while the intriguing events ensures that the readers can’t put the story down until they have read every last word.
Once again, the sisters have cast their spell and I was completely caught up in the story from the very beginning and with all the suspense building in the story, I sure can’t wait to meet the third sister and find out what happens next, especially after that “OMG – no way” scene that happened to Becca and I can only imagine that chaos that could form from such an evil being unleashed.
April 7, 2015
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review .. I loved this book,it has a wonderful story line,the characters seem to pull you in for the adventure,it has mystery,romance .. and sometimes something completely unexpected.. a truly wonderful read..In this book you meet Becca,she is the 2nd daughter of Prudence and Hugh... Welcome to Three Harbors Wisconsin,and meet the town Veterinarian Becca Carstairs,she has an affinity with animals all her life,she can hear them and talk to them.Becca's life isn't what it seems,that her parents aren't really her parents,an she finds out she has two sisters(you meet her sister Raye in book one of the series In the Air Tonight)So along wit a string of missing animals,learning about her past,and an attempt on her life .. you get the picture.Owen McAllister is the son of the town witch,and he returns home from the Military with Reggie,his MWD dog to heal and sell his Mothers house.Owen and Reggie were almost killed on their last mission..And yes,Owen and Becca have a past,with unhealed hurts still on both sides. When he gets to his Mothers house,he finds the bodies of animals that were killed ...sacrificially ..Did Owen do this Crime ? Will Becca and Owen be able to heal their hearts and find the evil lurking in their town ?? I won't delve further into the story,I want you as a reader to check it out,and follow along on Owen and Becca's adventure.open your imagination.I would suggest you read bk 1 In the Air Tonight first,and meet her sister Raye,who will make an appearance in this book ..you're in for a treat with this series !
July 6, 2015
Becca Carstairs is a veterinarian in Three Harbors, WI. No one in the town was surprised by that because she’s always been very, very good with animals. What the townspeople, and even her family, don’t know is that she can hear all the animals talk. That’s why she is so good at her job. When black animals start turning up missing, the chief of police turns to her for help. Coincidentally, her old love Owen McAllister returns from the Marines, broken and injured. When the missing animals turn up mutilated and killed, they realize something more is going on. Then Becca herself is assaulted and almost killed. Could the two heinous acts be connected? Will Becca survive? And, will Becca and Owen find their way back to each other?
Getting this second book was such joy! The first book was great, and the second was just as good. I really enjoyed Joaquin and Reggie, two of the minor characters, as much as the major characters. The second book was very well-written, plot was interesting, and the characters were completely different than the ones in the first. I sometimes don’t like a story arc with the same characters over three books because I see all the characters interact with each other and when it’s the third couple’s turn, I am a little like why did it take so long? However, this series has not suffered from that. Each book has been fresh and completely different. I can’t recommend this book more. Do yourself a favor and buy these books. It is completely worth it!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eBook.
Getting this second book was such joy! The first book was great, and the second was just as good. I really enjoyed Joaquin and Reggie, two of the minor characters, as much as the major characters. The second book was very well-written, plot was interesting, and the characters were completely different than the ones in the first. I sometimes don’t like a story arc with the same characters over three books because I see all the characters interact with each other and when it’s the third couple’s turn, I am a little like why did it take so long? However, this series has not suffered from that. Each book has been fresh and completely different. I can’t recommend this book more. Do yourself a favor and buy these books. It is completely worth it!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eBook.
June 21, 2015
*ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Heat of the Moment is the second book in the Sisters of the Craft series. I assumed I was going to like this book better than the first one, but that wasn't the case. It was still a pretty good read, though.
We meet the second sister, Becca, in this story. Ever since she was a child, she could hear the thoughts of animals, but hid her talent as she got older because she didn't want anyone thinking she was crazy. Throughout most of the book, she says she can hear the animals, but then she turns around and says it's just all in her mind (like she's only answering herself). Which was a bit annoying.
Then, she runs into Owen, a guy she was in love with ten years earlier before he left to join the military. With all the weird stuff going on in Three Harbors, (animal sacrifices, talk of witches) Becca finds comfort in Owen's arms again, but the witch hunters are back and Becca has become their next target.
There for a minute I thought this book was just going to be a repeat of the first one. They both held my interest better around the middle of the book and the big sacrifice scenes seemed to be almost the same, but then it took a different turn and the ending was great! I wasn't too surprised by the identity of the two witch hunters at the end, but it was a fine twist to the story. It is possible to read this as a standalone, however, I would suggest reading In the Air Tonight first. Still, I would recommend this series to fans of Charmed. There's even a wolf named Pru.
Heat of the Moment is the second book in the Sisters of the Craft series. I assumed I was going to like this book better than the first one, but that wasn't the case. It was still a pretty good read, though.
We meet the second sister, Becca, in this story. Ever since she was a child, she could hear the thoughts of animals, but hid her talent as she got older because she didn't want anyone thinking she was crazy. Throughout most of the book, she says she can hear the animals, but then she turns around and says it's just all in her mind (like she's only answering herself). Which was a bit annoying.
Then, she runs into Owen, a guy she was in love with ten years earlier before he left to join the military. With all the weird stuff going on in Three Harbors, (animal sacrifices, talk of witches) Becca finds comfort in Owen's arms again, but the witch hunters are back and Becca has become their next target.
There for a minute I thought this book was just going to be a repeat of the first one. They both held my interest better around the middle of the book and the big sacrifice scenes seemed to be almost the same, but then it took a different turn and the ending was great! I wasn't too surprised by the identity of the two witch hunters at the end, but it was a fine twist to the story. It is possible to read this as a standalone, however, I would suggest reading In the Air Tonight first. Still, I would recommend this series to fans of Charmed. There's even a wolf named Pru.
January 19, 2016
I read book 1 and 3 first. It was not planned just heard about the series and was real interested in reading it. Then BAM saw book 1 & 3 in the library and I had to take them out. Thus, that is how I ended up reading them somewhat out of order. Great series. I give this book 4.5 stars!
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Spoiler
Note to Self: Wisconsin
Becca Carstairs(Dr.,Veterinarian,"adopted"sis,biological triplet sis,witch,healer,animal telepath, formerly deceased,ex)+Owen McAllister(Sergeant,Marine,K-9 unit,partner,28yo,son,ex),Reggie (Belgian Malinois,military working dog,partner) &Grenade(Reggie's kitten),Mary McAllister(mom, voice hearer,Schizophrenic,committed to psychiatric hospital,died),Henry Taggart(ghost,witch, 400+yo,her dad)+Prudence Taggart(Pru,400+yo,witch,black wolf,midwife,her mom),Raye Larsen (triplet sis, air witch,telekinetic,kindergarten teacher,ghost seer)+Bobby Doucet(fiance, ex-New Orleans homicide detective, sheriff),Dale Carstairs(her adoptive dad,dad,farmer)+Pam(her adoptive mom,mom)=Jamie & Joe Carstairs(17yo, twin bro), Melanie Carstairs(Mellie,sis,future farmer), Joaquin Ramos(15yo,Mexican,Vet assistant),Edward Mandenauer(Jager-Suchers leader, grandfather),Nic Franklin(FBI agent,Jager-Suchers mem,pal0)+Elise(Edward's granddaughter, virologist,were,Jager-Suchers mem),Cassandra Murphy(voodoo priestess,pal0),Peggy Dalberg (Mary's case worker,psych hospital,WICCA witch, died),Billy Gardiner(25yo,cop).
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Spoiler
Note to Self: Wisconsin
Becca Carstairs(Dr.,Veterinarian,"adopted"sis,biological triplet sis,witch,healer,animal telepath, formerly deceased,ex)+Owen McAllister(Sergeant,Marine,K-9 unit,partner,28yo,son,ex),Reggie (Belgian Malinois,military working dog,partner) &Grenade(Reggie's kitten),Mary McAllister(mom, voice hearer,Schizophrenic,committed to psychiatric hospital,died),Henry Taggart(ghost,witch, 400+yo,her dad)+Prudence Taggart(Pru,400+yo,witch,black wolf,midwife,her mom),Raye Larsen (triplet sis, air witch,telekinetic,kindergarten teacher,ghost seer)+Bobby Doucet(fiance, ex-New Orleans homicide detective, sheriff),Dale Carstairs(her adoptive dad,dad,farmer)+Pam(her adoptive mom,mom)=Jamie & Joe Carstairs(17yo, twin bro), Melanie Carstairs(Mellie,sis,future farmer), Joaquin Ramos(15yo,Mexican,Vet assistant),Edward Mandenauer(Jager-Suchers leader, grandfather),Nic Franklin(FBI agent,Jager-Suchers mem,pal0)+Elise(Edward's granddaughter, virologist,were,Jager-Suchers mem),Cassandra Murphy(voodoo priestess,pal0),Peggy Dalberg (Mary's case worker,psych hospital,WICCA witch, died),Billy Gardiner(25yo,cop).
June 21, 2015
I love this series! I loved the first book, and I loved this one; actually I tend to love all of Handeland's books. The witch angle was interesting, and I enjoyed reading about the main character having to discover her ancestry. I think Becca is great, she's intelligent, funny, and she's chill, and I loved how she goes for what she wants. I really liked Owen too, he's perfect for Becca, and they have excellent chemistry, and they were just adorable together. I like that the characters who have magic actually use magic; I hate when characters have these magic skills, and they rarely use them. The book kept interested the whole time, and having someone out to get Becca kept the suspense going, and I really like small towns; it makes for some interesting side characters. The author did a good job of having a good amount of both romance and the unveiling of the other storyline; I would've liked maybe a little bit more romance, but that's just because I love romance, but I still loved it. Having the addition of the other characters from the previous book show up was really great because I loved them in the first book, so I'm glad they carried over to this book as well, and I'm really hoping the characters from both books will be in the next book, and it's looking as if that's going to be the case. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series, I know I'll love it!
July 10, 2015
Becca is a veterinarian who animals have always been drawn to. She’s always been able to hear their thoughts and had conversations with them, but due to others thinking she was nuts, even lies to herself that she’s actually doing it. Owen, the only man Becca ever loved, is a K-9 handler and both he and his dog Reggie were injured in Afghanistan and are currently recovering. He’d broken her heart when joining the Marines ten years earlier and she isn’t sure she wants to see him now. But when someone attempts to kill her, there’s no keeping him away.
The focus is now on the second sister, but her sister Raye and the people we met in the first book do show up for intel and planning, including Cassandra and Edward. It’s obvious to the reader who one of the bad guys is, but another one is actually shocking.
I absolutely loved both Reggie (the dog) and Pru, the girls’ natural mother who is now a wolf. Raye is able to see and speak with their father’s ghost. Becca can communicate with their mother. The characters are easily likeable, including Becca’s family and the boy that works for her. Hope to see him again.
What I didn’t like were a couple of repeats from the first book: the father that raised the girls each telling the boyfriends to stay away, and how the boyfriends react when told who and what the girls are. But those are fairly minor issues.
The focus is now on the second sister, but her sister Raye and the people we met in the first book do show up for intel and planning, including Cassandra and Edward. It’s obvious to the reader who one of the bad guys is, but another one is actually shocking.
I absolutely loved both Reggie (the dog) and Pru, the girls’ natural mother who is now a wolf. Raye is able to see and speak with their father’s ghost. Becca can communicate with their mother. The characters are easily likeable, including Becca’s family and the boy that works for her. Hope to see him again.
What I didn’t like were a couple of repeats from the first book: the father that raised the girls each telling the boyfriends to stay away, and how the boyfriends react when told who and what the girls are. But those are fairly minor issues.
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