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Mystic Springs #1
Bigfoot and the Librarian
Something in the Water?
Marnie Somerset’s new job at the Mystic Springs Library seems almost too good to be true. Yes, the small Alabama town is populated with more than its share of odd people, and she did have a flat tire on her way into town and hallucinate Bigfoot crossing the road, which made for less than a stellar start. But the library is fantastic, her new house is charming, and the hot local writer keeps crossing her path.
In more ways than one.
Clint Maxwell is drawn to the new librarian, even though he knows getting involved with someone from outside Mystic Springs would be a very bad idea. Marnie’s not a Springer, and she won’t last long in a town awash with magic. Still, when she’s threatened he feels compelled to protect her. Is she meant to be his? Is this the woman he’s been waiting for?
Marnie Somerset’s new job at the Mystic Springs Library seems almost too good to be true. Yes, the small Alabama town is populated with more than its share of odd people, and she did have a flat tire on her way into town and hallucinate Bigfoot crossing the road, which made for less than a stellar start. But the library is fantastic, her new house is charming, and the hot local writer keeps crossing her path.
In more ways than one.
Clint Maxwell is drawn to the new librarian, even though he knows getting involved with someone from outside Mystic Springs would be a very bad idea. Marnie’s not a Springer, and she won’t last long in a town awash with magic. Still, when she’s threatened he feels compelled to protect her. Is she meant to be his? Is this the woman he’s been waiting for?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2019
459 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Linda Winstead Jones
184 books377 followersLinda Winstead Jones is the bestselling author of more than eighty romance novels and novellas across several sub-genres. She’s easily distracted (Look! A squirrel!) and writes the stories that speak to her in the moment. Paranormal. Romantic Suspense. Twisted Fairy Tales. Cowboys. Her books are for readers who want to escape from reality for a while, who don’t mind the occasional trip into another world for a laugh, a chill, the occasional heartwarming tear. Where will we go next?
More information can be found at lindawinsteadjones.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, and at www.facebook.com/LindaWinsteadJones or www.facebook.com/LindaHowardLindaJones.
More information can be found at lindawinsteadjones.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, and at www.facebook.com/LindaWinsteadJones or www.facebook.com/LindaHowardLindaJones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 10, 2024
1 stupid Star. I’m DNFing this sad little tale having only read to PAGE 11!! Why, you might ask? Because by pg 11, most of the female population on this planet have been insulted.
First, the silly MFC’s car gets a flat tire and she DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO CHANGE IT!!! She walks down an empty, desolate country road hoping to get to the nearby town. Is it far away? Close by? Who the hell knows, and certainly not our incredibly stupid female protagonist. She passes by a scary shack, but eh, no biggie. Then she comes upon a strange hairy monster creature up ahead and she decides to run back to the scary shed place. But no worries! It’s actually a backwoods bar filled with local men, one of whom is a gorgeous hunk who volunteers to help out the lil lady as soon as he finishes up his burger! Yay! (But no burger for Silly Sally! That’s too fattening!) But the final straw for me was this literary pearl, and I quote, “Short women and carbs don’t mix”. Adios.
First, the silly MFC’s car gets a flat tire and she DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO CHANGE IT!!! She walks down an empty, desolate country road hoping to get to the nearby town. Is it far away? Close by? Who the hell knows, and certainly not our incredibly stupid female protagonist. She passes by a scary shack, but eh, no biggie. Then she comes upon a strange hairy monster creature up ahead and she decides to run back to the scary shed place. But no worries! It’s actually a backwoods bar filled with local men, one of whom is a gorgeous hunk who volunteers to help out the lil lady as soon as he finishes up his burger! Yay! (But no burger for Silly Sally! That’s too fattening!) But the final straw for me was this literary pearl, and I quote, “Short women and carbs don’t mix”. Adios.
April 2, 2025
I wanted to like it so much more!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🙂🥰😎😄
Narration: 🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The heroine: Marnie - after dropping her gym-bro boyfriend, she got a new job as a librarian in the small town of Mystic Springs. She didn’t know much about the town, but the job came with a small house, so it seemed a good place to start over. All the pictures she found online of the town and the house where she would live seemed to be blurry, so she didn’t quite know what to expect, but when she saw the house and the library, she was pleasantly surprised.
The Hero: Cliff - He is a Bigfoot shifter and a writer of horror novels who lives in Mystic Springs. His father was also a Bigfoot shifter, though he often just started shifting at random times like when the family was at dinner. His father would just start sprouting hair and took off for a run in the forest. Cliff has complete control of his shifts but still needs to go for runs every so often so his ability to shift didn’t go away. He had a lot of power from controlling his shifts.
The Story: Marnie met Cliff at a bar on the edge of town after she got a flat tire on her way into Mystic Springs. He and the other few customers at the bar weren’t very welcoming so she was wary of her new job. Cliff was attracted to Marnie but knew that she would most likely move away soon as she was not a “Springer”. Non-Springers didn’t tend to stick around as they eventually started to see things they couldn’t explain, not many saw the magic of the town and stayed, keeping what they knew of the place a secret.
After Marnie was given a chilly reception by some of the people in Mystic Springs, she thought she might rethink her new life. Though after seeing, what looked like a Bigfoot outside her house one night, she got curious and did some research on the subject of Bigfoot. This book was hard for me because I really wanted to like it, because I really love these small towns with secret monster type series, but I wasn’t too fond of Marnie. She gets this author/cryptozoologist to come to Mystic Springs because of her Bigfoot sightings right in the middle of her crushing on Cliff and starts romanticizing the new guy as some kind of Mr. Darcy character because of his posh accent. The narration also bugged me quite a bit, and added to my dislike of Marnie.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view and was narrated in solo narration by Loretta Rawlins. She has a southern accent and is more of a reader than a voice actor. You could definitely tell by her unnatural tempo that she was reading, and it bothered me. She also didn’t use any different tone of voice for the male characters.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🙂🥰😎😄
Narration: 🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The heroine: Marnie - after dropping her gym-bro boyfriend, she got a new job as a librarian in the small town of Mystic Springs. She didn’t know much about the town, but the job came with a small house, so it seemed a good place to start over. All the pictures she found online of the town and the house where she would live seemed to be blurry, so she didn’t quite know what to expect, but when she saw the house and the library, she was pleasantly surprised.
The Hero: Cliff - He is a Bigfoot shifter and a writer of horror novels who lives in Mystic Springs. His father was also a Bigfoot shifter, though he often just started shifting at random times like when the family was at dinner. His father would just start sprouting hair and took off for a run in the forest. Cliff has complete control of his shifts but still needs to go for runs every so often so his ability to shift didn’t go away. He had a lot of power from controlling his shifts.
The Story: Marnie met Cliff at a bar on the edge of town after she got a flat tire on her way into Mystic Springs. He and the other few customers at the bar weren’t very welcoming so she was wary of her new job. Cliff was attracted to Marnie but knew that she would most likely move away soon as she was not a “Springer”. Non-Springers didn’t tend to stick around as they eventually started to see things they couldn’t explain, not many saw the magic of the town and stayed, keeping what they knew of the place a secret.
After Marnie was given a chilly reception by some of the people in Mystic Springs, she thought she might rethink her new life. Though after seeing, what looked like a Bigfoot outside her house one night, she got curious and did some research on the subject of Bigfoot. This book was hard for me because I really wanted to like it, because I really love these small towns with secret monster type series, but I wasn’t too fond of Marnie. She gets this author/cryptozoologist to come to Mystic Springs because of her Bigfoot sightings right in the middle of her crushing on Cliff and starts romanticizing the new guy as some kind of Mr. Darcy character because of his posh accent. The narration also bugged me quite a bit, and added to my dislike of Marnie.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view and was narrated in solo narration by Loretta Rawlins. She has a southern accent and is more of a reader than a voice actor. You could definitely tell by her unnatural tempo that she was reading, and it bothered me. She also didn’t use any different tone of voice for the male characters.
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July 20, 2023
UPDATE: I frequently reread books that have made me smile in the past. I again enjoyed BIGFOOT AND THE LIBRARIAN and look forward to continuing the series.
ORIGINAL POST:
Fun! This was a great “take” on the Bigfoot legend. I would be very pleased to see additional novels stem from this idea and location!
I recently read the western Running Wild by both Linda (Winstead) Jones and Linda Howard. Normally a Linda Howard fan, Running Wild was my first Linda W Jones novel. I decided to check out other books written by Linda Jones and then Bigfoot and the Librarian was newly released, so I purchased it.
Bigfoot and the Librarian is a paranormal-shifter novel that takes place in the secluded town of Mystic Springs, AL. Marnie/h is a librarian who has recently been hired to work in their small town. Clint/H is the town’s local author and has lived there his entire life. Sighting something unusual the day of Marnie’s arrival, she finds herself first curious then quickly becomes justifiably concerned as unexplained occurrences and threats surround her. Marnie soon finds not only does the town hide more than a few secrets but Clint, who she thought might be a friend, has a few of his own as well.
I found Bigfoot and the Librarian a delightfully fun introduction to a magical town with fascinating residents. I read paranormal novels to be entertained and to escape from reality for a just a little while. Bigfoot and the Librarian accomplished that. I enjoyed it so much, that I looked back at other novels Linda Winstead Jones has written and ordered 3 more titles from her contemporary and time travel genres.
Bigfoot was a fairly quick read for me. It had a romance while leaving the intimacy mostly to the imagination and I found the language non-offensive. I generally hear worse when someone dumps their morning coffee on themselves. ;). This was a delightful escape.
ORIGINAL POST:
Fun! This was a great “take” on the Bigfoot legend. I would be very pleased to see additional novels stem from this idea and location!
I recently read the western Running Wild by both Linda (Winstead) Jones and Linda Howard. Normally a Linda Howard fan, Running Wild was my first Linda W Jones novel. I decided to check out other books written by Linda Jones and then Bigfoot and the Librarian was newly released, so I purchased it.
Bigfoot and the Librarian is a paranormal-shifter novel that takes place in the secluded town of Mystic Springs, AL. Marnie/h is a librarian who has recently been hired to work in their small town. Clint/H is the town’s local author and has lived there his entire life. Sighting something unusual the day of Marnie’s arrival, she finds herself first curious then quickly becomes justifiably concerned as unexplained occurrences and threats surround her. Marnie soon finds not only does the town hide more than a few secrets but Clint, who she thought might be a friend, has a few of his own as well.
I found Bigfoot and the Librarian a delightfully fun introduction to a magical town with fascinating residents. I read paranormal novels to be entertained and to escape from reality for a just a little while. Bigfoot and the Librarian accomplished that. I enjoyed it so much, that I looked back at other novels Linda Winstead Jones has written and ordered 3 more titles from her contemporary and time travel genres.
Bigfoot was a fairly quick read for me. It had a romance while leaving the intimacy mostly to the imagination and I found the language non-offensive. I generally hear worse when someone dumps their morning coffee on themselves. ;). This was a delightful escape.
unfinished
April 28, 2020I'm a sucker for this kind of title. Too cheesy for words. I've got to give it a try. Will report back...
Okay, I'm back and I'm out of here at 41%.
I'm simultaneously bored and irritated, so it's time to move on to something else. A common problem I have with romantic fantasy is authors who don't bother to think out and plan their magical worlds --who just want to hand wave away all the what, why, where, when, how, and who questions instead of doing the actual work of world building. This book is not worse than many I've read but it is a good example of lack of world building.. By 41%, I should have more plot investment, and have had some attempt made to answer some of those questions. Nope. We just have some sexual attraction, which I could care less about since these characters are b.o.r.i.n.g.
I don't want to pick on this book any more. But if you want suggestions for (imo) better fantasy romance authors, books, or series, I have opinions and suggestions. Let me know in comments if so.
Okay, I'm back and I'm out of here at 41%.
I'm simultaneously bored and irritated, so it's time to move on to something else. A common problem I have with romantic fantasy is authors who don't bother to think out and plan their magical worlds --who just want to hand wave away all the what, why, where, when, how, and who questions instead of doing the actual work of world building. This book is not worse than many I've read but it is a good example of lack of world building.. By 41%, I should have more plot investment, and have had some attempt made to answer some of those questions. Nope. We just have some sexual attraction, which I could care less about since these characters are b.o.r.i.n.g.
I don't want to pick on this book any more. But if you want suggestions for (imo) better fantasy romance authors, books, or series, I have opinions and suggestions. Let me know in comments if so.
August 23, 2020
After Marnie Maxwell loses her job and breaks up with her boyfriend, she gets such a fantastic position as a librarian in the small town of Mystic Springs, it almost seems to be too good to be true. The library is a dream, and the job comes with a charming fully furnished house!
As she's driving into town, a shadowy figure that looks shockingly like Bigfoot runs across the road. From there, things get a little weird...
This was a really a great paranormal story, that was as much about Marnie figuring out the magical nature and mystery surrounding the town as it was about her romance with hunky resident Clint Maxwell who's a horror writer and a Bigfoot shifter.
Bigfoot and the Librarian ticks the boxes for a romance, but if romance isn't your thing, there's plenty of magic and mayhem to make this a worthwhile read.
As she's driving into town, a shadowy figure that looks shockingly like Bigfoot runs across the road. From there, things get a little weird...
This was a really a great paranormal story, that was as much about Marnie figuring out the magical nature and mystery surrounding the town as it was about her romance with hunky resident Clint Maxwell who's a horror writer and a Bigfoot shifter.
Bigfoot and the Librarian ticks the boxes for a romance, but if romance isn't your thing, there's plenty of magic and mayhem to make this a worthwhile read.
March 4, 2025
Fun, quick and easy read while I was trying to figure out what I wanted to read next.
Kindle version is currently still free on Amazon.
Kindle version is currently still free on Amazon.
January 17, 2021
Very straightforward with traditional shifter romance formula, but the town of Mystic Springs is charming and I found myself really enjoying this. Marnie arrives to be the new librarian, and naturally begins noticing things supernatural quirks. Clint is, no surprise really, Bigfoot. Marnie is in danger, etc. Mystic Springs, though, is a delightful twist on the usual town of monsters, with a variety of gifts and characters. Don't expect this to be something it's not, and you'll enjoy it too.
January 4, 2023
This might have ranked higher, but Marnie was pretty irritating at the outset and I had to push to make sure I gave her a chance. Things improved, but it was a rough start. 3 stars - overall, I did like it.
Marnie (h) is a new arrival to the town of Mystic Springs, excited to take over as head librarian in this small AL town. Clint (H) is a local author living in town. This town has its secrets, though, and as things get hairier, Marnie will have to decide if she could ever feel at home with this strange town and unusual man and new job - none of which is quite what she'd ever pictured for herself.
This was a fast and light supernatural romance, set in a magical small town with a touch of mystery to boot. Fairly clean (characters do have sex, but it's not described in detail and mostly off-screen). Might be one for fans of The Artist Cries Wolf and the other Moonchuckle Bay stories. This one didn't have quite the same sense of humor about it, but still - along those same lines.
Definitely insta-love. The whole story happens in about a week and a half. They actually do have reservations about feeling so strongly so fast, but yes, they accept it by the end, despite personal reservations, because it's kinda a magical place, so who's to say what's normal? (Yeah, pretty much why I roll with insta-love in my SPN romances better than in 'normal' ones). However, with it all happening in a week, it does feel a bit rushed. I'd've loved to see the town opening to her more, Clint coming around past his fears on relationships (whever happened to Jenna anyway?), Marnie adjusting to everyday magic - even Nelson coming to terms with things (maybe he'll get his own book?). I definitely would have liked to see Clint and Marnie as a couple more. As it was, we got a lot of sex and secrets, but not as much of the satisfying side of them coming together.
Marnie, though, was not my favorite lead. Had a whole buncha issues with her, and while she did grow through the story, it was a rough beginning. Maybe she had those irritating quirks at the outset so that we could see her grow, but at the same time, I can see a lot of people not putting up with her and giving up before she improves. Part of that rushed feeling - Nelson comes into town and says a lot of the same things she did, has a lot of the same attitude, and she starts feeling defensive for the town, sees him as annoying. In just a few days? Again, positive growth, but it felt very rushed.
I'll go ahead and spoiler her issues, but here were my big complaints:
3rd person POV, mostly from Clint and Marnie's views. No love triangle (thank goodness the Nelson storyline didn't go that way!!), no cheating, and no OW/OM drama. Insta-love without much depth, which was a bit disappointing - the characters seem good for each other. Would have loved more growth to the Marnie/town folk relationship too. Didn't like Marnie all too much - comes off as flighty and condescending and a touch b*tchy through much of the first portion of the story. She does improve greatly, but it's a rough start to things. A touch of mystery and some bigger spells at work, but no cliffhangers. HEA and a brief epilogue. Several characters introduced who'd be fun in future stories.
Would I read more in this series/from this author? Yes. Ultimately, I did enjoy it. Marnie was irritating and unrealistic (and frankly, a touch unlikable) to start, but she did grow, though I'd wish we'd seen more of it. This could be a fun little town to visit. Not as much fun as Moonchuckle Bay, perhaps, but still fun.
Marnie (h) is a new arrival to the town of Mystic Springs, excited to take over as head librarian in this small AL town. Clint (H) is a local author living in town. This town has its secrets, though, and as things get hairier, Marnie will have to decide if she could ever feel at home with this strange town and unusual man and new job - none of which is quite what she'd ever pictured for herself.
This was a fast and light supernatural romance, set in a magical small town with a touch of mystery to boot. Fairly clean (characters do have sex, but it's not described in detail and mostly off-screen). Might be one for fans of The Artist Cries Wolf and the other Moonchuckle Bay stories. This one didn't have quite the same sense of humor about it, but still - along those same lines.
Definitely insta-love. The whole story happens in about a week and a half. They actually do have reservations about feeling so strongly so fast, but yes, they accept it by the end, despite personal reservations, because it's kinda a magical place, so who's to say what's normal? (Yeah, pretty much why I roll with insta-love in my SPN romances better than in 'normal' ones). However, with it all happening in a week, it does feel a bit rushed. I'd've loved to see the town opening to her more, Clint coming around past his fears on relationships (whever happened to Jenna anyway?), Marnie adjusting to everyday magic - even Nelson coming to terms with things (maybe he'll get his own book?). I definitely would have liked to see Clint and Marnie as a couple more. As it was, we got a lot of sex and secrets, but not as much of the satisfying side of them coming together.
Marnie, though, was not my favorite lead. Had a whole buncha issues with her, and while she did grow through the story, it was a rough beginning. Maybe she had those irritating quirks at the outset so that we could see her grow, but at the same time, I can see a lot of people not putting up with her and giving up before she improves. Part of that rushed feeling - Nelson comes into town and says a lot of the same things she did, has a lot of the same attitude, and she starts feeling defensive for the town, sees him as annoying. In just a few days? Again, positive growth, but it felt very rushed.
I'll go ahead and spoiler her issues, but here were my big complaints:
3rd person POV, mostly from Clint and Marnie's views. No love triangle (thank goodness the Nelson storyline didn't go that way!!), no cheating, and no OW/OM drama. Insta-love without much depth, which was a bit disappointing - the characters seem good for each other. Would have loved more growth to the Marnie/town folk relationship too. Didn't like Marnie all too much - comes off as flighty and condescending and a touch b*tchy through much of the first portion of the story. She does improve greatly, but it's a rough start to things. A touch of mystery and some bigger spells at work, but no cliffhangers. HEA and a brief epilogue. Several characters introduced who'd be fun in future stories.
Would I read more in this series/from this author? Yes. Ultimately, I did enjoy it. Marnie was irritating and unrealistic (and frankly, a touch unlikable) to start, but she did grow, though I'd wish we'd seen more of it. This could be a fun little town to visit. Not as much fun as Moonchuckle Bay, perhaps, but still fun.
September 14, 2020
Hated the writing style. Returned after first few pages. Just couldn't get into it at all.
did-not-finish
March 16, 2025DNF at 37%.
For a book with such a campy cover, this is sure a downer. It's not a bad book but it's kinda depressing and I'm not in the mood.
For a book with such a campy cover, this is sure a downer. It's not a bad book but it's kinda depressing and I'm not in the mood.
August 26, 2020
The love of her library
What a new and exciting concept for a shifter. This was my first experience with this author and only my second time reading about a Bigfoot shifter. I love how the author made Bigfoot such a gentle giant and she created the perfect lady for him. Although the townspeople seem mean and hateful, I enjoyed watching their real personalities unfold. The author paired my love of books and the unknown with a dangerous adventure and I absolutely loved it. I have already lined up the next two books in my to be read folder, and I am really looking forward to reading whatever the author creates after that.
What a new and exciting concept for a shifter. This was my first experience with this author and only my second time reading about a Bigfoot shifter. I love how the author made Bigfoot such a gentle giant and she created the perfect lady for him. Although the townspeople seem mean and hateful, I enjoyed watching their real personalities unfold. The author paired my love of books and the unknown with a dangerous adventure and I absolutely loved it. I have already lined up the next two books in my to be read folder, and I am really looking forward to reading whatever the author creates after that.
March 28, 2020
Mystic Springs, Alabama is a dying supernatural town. Within the town limits, supernaturals have all kinds of powers, but once they leave, their powers fade. And like many small towns, the population is aging and shrinking, which is why some people feel they need to entice new people to town. Enter librarian Marnie Somerset, whose dream library and dream cottage can't quite make up for the weirdness (and sometimes hostility) of the town. She's drawn to author and good Samaritan Clint Maxwell (a Bigfoot-shifter), who offers to show her around after helping her with car problems.
The conflict of isolation vs. openness between the factions of Mystic Springs citizens gets short-shifted -- it's interesting and I would have like to see more of that, and more about the town itself, rather than the subplot about a Bigfoot hunter coming to town and turning into a Bigfoot. But overall, it's a decent book and an introduction into an interesting world.
The conflict of isolation vs. openness between the factions of Mystic Springs citizens gets short-shifted -- it's interesting and I would have like to see more of that, and more about the town itself, rather than the subplot about a Bigfoot hunter coming to town and turning into a Bigfoot. But overall, it's a decent book and an introduction into an interesting world.
December 26, 2021
Cute. Granted, the h’s thoughts got on my nerves, particularly in the beginning. Was entertaining though as she came to grips with the reality that there were people with ahhh differences. Was also ironically funny what happened with the would-be Bigfoot hunter.
April 4, 2022
I DECIDED TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT I NORMALLY DON'T READ ABOUT SHIFFTERS. I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED I REALLY ENJOYED ALL THE QUIRKY CHARACTERS AND THE STORYLINE. THIS REMINDED ME A LITTLE OF THE MOVIE "THE BUTCHER'S WIFE" A WHIMSICAL FANTASY. NOT SEXUALLY EXPLICIT SORT OF Y/A. ;D
September 27, 2019
Enchanting
Ms. Jones always writes an incredible tale, and this one was no exception. This is a truly enchanting tale, about an enchanted town, filled with the most enjoyable cast of characters I've read about in a long time.
Ms. Jones always writes an incredible tale, and this one was no exception. This is a truly enchanting tale, about an enchanted town, filled with the most enjoyable cast of characters I've read about in a long time.
October 14, 2019
Set in the isolated town of Mystic Springs, Alabama, this is a fun and romantic take on the Bigfoot tale. If you've never read a book by LWJ, grab this one. It's a fast, well-written story and will put you in a fantastic mood.
January 20, 2020
Just did not get my attention in a positive way.
September 11, 2020
Marnie Somerset’s new job as Mystic Springs librarian seems too good to be true. The small town is filled with odd people but the library is amazing. The hot author who keeps crossing her path isn't bad either. Now if she could just deal with the fact that she keeps seeing bigfoot.
While I have some issues with this book, I did enjoy it. It was an interesting town, filled with interesting and grumpy people. Clint is a bigfoot, or Dyn Gwallt as he preferred to be called. I really liked Clint. He was a horror writer, a kind man, and is determined to keep his town from dying. I do wish we had more expansion on his race and if there are other types of bigfoot like creatures out there, like yeti’s.
Marnie was a librarian who wore heels and had high aspirations for her future library career. I had a lot of issues with Marnie. First, her wearing heels for a librarian job is not realistic. Yes you can wear heels but it's not practical. You are on your feet all day and it can be a safety hazard when moving boxes, carts, etc. She also expects her career to go really far in a very short amount of time, which isn’t realistic at all in this field. Yes this is a fictional world, but as someone who is a librarian this was annoying to me because that's not how it works.
My biggest issue with Marnie though was her attitude. She came across as very judgemental and snobbish at times, which really brought the fun of the book down. At one point she basically demeans parents about how they raise their kids and goes on about how she will raise kids so much better, which you should never do if you don’t have kids. She is also looking for someone sophisticated and comes across as very judgemental of Clint,’s appearance at first. She just wasn’t my favorite heroine, especially in the beginning.
Overall, I enjoyed this story but wish I had liked the heroine more. I think the town of Mystic Springs sounds fascinating and I am considering reading the next book but we will see.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
While I have some issues with this book, I did enjoy it. It was an interesting town, filled with interesting and grumpy people. Clint is a bigfoot, or Dyn Gwallt as he preferred to be called. I really liked Clint. He was a horror writer, a kind man, and is determined to keep his town from dying. I do wish we had more expansion on his race and if there are other types of bigfoot like creatures out there, like yeti’s.
Marnie was a librarian who wore heels and had high aspirations for her future library career. I had a lot of issues with Marnie. First, her wearing heels for a librarian job is not realistic. Yes you can wear heels but it's not practical. You are on your feet all day and it can be a safety hazard when moving boxes, carts, etc. She also expects her career to go really far in a very short amount of time, which isn’t realistic at all in this field. Yes this is a fictional world, but as someone who is a librarian this was annoying to me because that's not how it works.
My biggest issue with Marnie though was her attitude. She came across as very judgemental and snobbish at times, which really brought the fun of the book down. At one point she basically demeans parents about how they raise their kids and goes on about how she will raise kids so much better, which you should never do if you don’t have kids. She is also looking for someone sophisticated and comes across as very judgemental of Clint,’s appearance at first. She just wasn’t my favorite heroine, especially in the beginning.
Overall, I enjoyed this story but wish I had liked the heroine more. I think the town of Mystic Springs sounds fascinating and I am considering reading the next book but we will see.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
August 22, 2020
I bought this book because I thought the premise sounded fun, in that a Bigfoot was actually a shifter. It was an entertaining read, with lots of interesting characters in the town of Mystic Springs, but I did have some issues with it. It gets 3 stars from me.
The next book in the Mystic Springs series is expensive, and this one was just OK, so I won't be continuing the series.
My main issue with this book was that it was just too short to have enough character development. I needed more backstory on the couple, as well as more world building in the town of Mystic Springs.
The instalove between Clint and Marnie just wasn't realistic. They were definitely in lust, but I didn't believe that they were in love. They didn't know each other well enough, her actions endangered him and his town, and he hid his shifter side from her. I simply didn't buy that they were in love so quickly.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
The next book in the Mystic Springs series is expensive, and this one was just OK, so I won't be continuing the series.
My main issue with this book was that it was just too short to have enough character development. I needed more backstory on the couple, as well as more world building in the town of Mystic Springs.
The instalove between Clint and Marnie just wasn't realistic. They were definitely in lust, but I didn't believe that they were in love. They didn't know each other well enough, her actions endangered him and his town, and he hid his shifter side from her. I simply didn't buy that they were in love so quickly.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
July 18, 2022
Holy crap, where have I been that I hadn't read this author before (except when she co-authors with my number one Linda Howard)?
I know a lot of people will pick this up and think, oh goody a shifter book. Not quite and if that's what you are looking for, you'll probably be disappointed. This is like Cinderella meets the Wicked Witch of the North, and throw in a few jokes and comic characters to break it all up. I loved it. I sat when I should have been doing a dozen other things, and read it straight through.
The characters, in this book, didn't have to be developed too deeply, because it was the present day actions that formed the book. There wasn't any real backstory to speak of, but there didn't need to be (yes, I really said that. Me, yes me, who always looks for deep character development and a big, heavy duty backstory). I didn't miss any of that in this book, I was too taken with the town of Mystic Springs with its hardware store where you don't have to ask for what you want, and the restaurant where everything tastes like your favorites, and the bakery where nothing has calories (yes, I could definitely get into that). On top of a great book, I also enjoy reading her posts on social media, her humor is understated and connects with the real world.
This book was a cross between a shifter story, a fantasy story, and a fairytale, all written with a strong, deft hand for fiction. I understand why some people may not like the story, and I understand that they might be disappointed that it wasn't a straight shifter story with lots of angst. Instead the angst was done in a way that was enchanting. I rarely read shifter stories, am not real strong on fantasy, sci-fi is not at all interesting to me, but this book, this fairytale of this beautiful little town? Yea, I liked it.
I know a lot of people will pick this up and think, oh goody a shifter book. Not quite and if that's what you are looking for, you'll probably be disappointed. This is like Cinderella meets the Wicked Witch of the North, and throw in a few jokes and comic characters to break it all up. I loved it. I sat when I should have been doing a dozen other things, and read it straight through.
The characters, in this book, didn't have to be developed too deeply, because it was the present day actions that formed the book. There wasn't any real backstory to speak of, but there didn't need to be (yes, I really said that. Me, yes me, who always looks for deep character development and a big, heavy duty backstory). I didn't miss any of that in this book, I was too taken with the town of Mystic Springs with its hardware store where you don't have to ask for what you want, and the restaurant where everything tastes like your favorites, and the bakery where nothing has calories (yes, I could definitely get into that). On top of a great book, I also enjoy reading her posts on social media, her humor is understated and connects with the real world.
This book was a cross between a shifter story, a fantasy story, and a fairytale, all written with a strong, deft hand for fiction. I understand why some people may not like the story, and I understand that they might be disappointed that it wasn't a straight shifter story with lots of angst. Instead the angst was done in a way that was enchanting. I rarely read shifter stories, am not real strong on fantasy, sci-fi is not at all interesting to me, but this book, this fairytale of this beautiful little town? Yea, I liked it.
June 4, 2023
Marnie Somerset is looking for a new start. She's recently lost her job at the Birmingham Public Library and broken up with her boring boyfriend. When she sees an ad for the Mystic Springs Library, she's ready for adventure.
She wasn't expecting to have a flat tire on her way to town and see Bigfoot cross the road ahead of her though. Bigfoot isn't the only strange thing about Mystic Springs. Most of the people are strangely unwelcoming. However, the library is fantastic, her new house feels like home right away, and the local writer is interesting even though he writes horror.
Clint Maxwell has always lived in Mystic Springs. Even when he goes out on author tours, he tries to not be away for more than ten days at a time. Clint has a secret: he is one of the few remaining Bigfeet. If he's gone too long his magic diminishes. Other residents of the town are witches, warlocks, werewolves. All have different opinions on whether or not Mystic Springs should join the greater world and let the magic spread or become another Brigadoon and withdraw from the world.
Marnie is a librarian. Her go-to is to do research and read books. She finds one about the search for Bigfoot and emails the author. She doesn't expect the author to show up in town wanting to film Bigfoot for a new cable television series. The new arrival is a modern-day Mr. Darcy but not nearly as interesting to Marnie as Clint who is a much more rugged type.
Things heat up when Marnie learns that the former librarian, whose house she's living in, was murdered for her role in the debate about the town. It looks like she had hidden something that might tip the scales one way or the other and some of the residents are determined to find it whether or not Marnie gets in their way.
This was an entertaining paranormal romance/urban fantasy. It begins a series.
She wasn't expecting to have a flat tire on her way to town and see Bigfoot cross the road ahead of her though. Bigfoot isn't the only strange thing about Mystic Springs. Most of the people are strangely unwelcoming. However, the library is fantastic, her new house feels like home right away, and the local writer is interesting even though he writes horror.
Clint Maxwell has always lived in Mystic Springs. Even when he goes out on author tours, he tries to not be away for more than ten days at a time. Clint has a secret: he is one of the few remaining Bigfeet. If he's gone too long his magic diminishes. Other residents of the town are witches, warlocks, werewolves. All have different opinions on whether or not Mystic Springs should join the greater world and let the magic spread or become another Brigadoon and withdraw from the world.
Marnie is a librarian. Her go-to is to do research and read books. She finds one about the search for Bigfoot and emails the author. She doesn't expect the author to show up in town wanting to film Bigfoot for a new cable television series. The new arrival is a modern-day Mr. Darcy but not nearly as interesting to Marnie as Clint who is a much more rugged type.
Things heat up when Marnie learns that the former librarian, whose house she's living in, was murdered for her role in the debate about the town. It looks like she had hidden something that might tip the scales one way or the other and some of the residents are determined to find it whether or not Marnie gets in their way.
This was an entertaining paranormal romance/urban fantasy. It begins a series.
March 17, 2025
Mystic Springs is one of those little towns that's chock full of secrets. Most of them of the paranormal variety seeing as this is the home of various and sundry witches, monsters, and other creatures straight out of myth. And the new librarian? She's decidedly not of the paranormal variety.
In fact, Marnie is very human. And she's not sure what to think about the strange things she keeps glimpsing around town. One of those things being Clint. Although he's less of a glimpse and more of a big, broody beast of a man. Yeah, she might look his looks, but she DOES NOT need to start anything with a local while she's barely getting settled in.
On Clint's end, he's a long-time Mystic Springs resident AND the local Bigfoot. He's not thrilled that the town council has hired an outsider, but he's also kind of intrigued by the sweet librarian. He's not necessarily looking to start anything with her, but...oh, heck. Yeah, he is. He's just going to absolutely keep his more beastly side locked down and under control. Probably.
One unwanted monster hunter rolling into town, one very strange welcoming party, a little danger, a broody Bigfoot who doesn't want to like the pretty human who just moved into town, and one lady who has a much more open mind than she thought she did. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
In fact, Marnie is very human. And she's not sure what to think about the strange things she keeps glimpsing around town. One of those things being Clint. Although he's less of a glimpse and more of a big, broody beast of a man. Yeah, she might look his looks, but she DOES NOT need to start anything with a local while she's barely getting settled in.
On Clint's end, he's a long-time Mystic Springs resident AND the local Bigfoot. He's not thrilled that the town council has hired an outsider, but he's also kind of intrigued by the sweet librarian. He's not necessarily looking to start anything with her, but...oh, heck. Yeah, he is. He's just going to absolutely keep his more beastly side locked down and under control. Probably.
One unwanted monster hunter rolling into town, one very strange welcoming party, a little danger, a broody Bigfoot who doesn't want to like the pretty human who just moved into town, and one lady who has a much more open mind than she thought she did. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 28, 2022
Magically enchanting
I haven't read this author before and I was caught totally off guard. I thought it was about a guy who was maybe called Sasquash but no, he really is. I feel in love with most of the characters. Clint has never met anyone like Marnie. He wants to protect her from the crazy and sometimes dangerous things that could happen to an outsider like her. Actually he wanted to do more than just protect her but there were problems with a relationship with a non springer. Marine accepted the job as librarian wanting to shake things up in her life and have an adventure. Before she got to the town she was thinking this may not be the kind of adventure she wanted. She fell in love with the library and felt a zing upon meeting Clint and that made her determined to try to make a go of it.
I don't want to give away the story. It is much different than what I usually read and I am so happy I found this author. I have downloaded another of her books as soon as I finished this one. You will be entertained and taken to a place you have never been before.. I hope you try it.
I haven't read this author before and I was caught totally off guard. I thought it was about a guy who was maybe called Sasquash but no, he really is. I feel in love with most of the characters. Clint has never met anyone like Marnie. He wants to protect her from the crazy and sometimes dangerous things that could happen to an outsider like her. Actually he wanted to do more than just protect her but there were problems with a relationship with a non springer. Marine accepted the job as librarian wanting to shake things up in her life and have an adventure. Before she got to the town she was thinking this may not be the kind of adventure she wanted. She fell in love with the library and felt a zing upon meeting Clint and that made her determined to try to make a go of it.
I don't want to give away the story. It is much different than what I usually read and I am so happy I found this author. I have downloaded another of her books as soon as I finished this one. You will be entertained and taken to a place you have never been before.. I hope you try it.
August 26, 2020
When I saw this I thought "what a ridiculous title" but having read it, it was fun, well-written and engaging and I really enjoyed it!
I quite liked Marnie. I mean, considering what she is faced with upon accepting the librarian job in a town filled with magical beings when she doesn't realize magic exists, I think she deserves some slack for how she reacts to the weird things she sees. All things considered, I think Marnie handles things better than a lot of people would.
The supporting characters are fun as well. I liked learning about who - and what - was who in the town, and their quirks were entertaining.
There was a part of the story towards the end that caught me off-guard, but made sense in the end. The story was well-paced and moved along well with plenty of excitment and drama for Marnie and Clint as their inevitable romance developed.
This book was a fun, fast easy read, and if you like paranormal romance stories, this is a good one for anyone looking for a light quick read that will entertain you.
I quite liked Marnie. I mean, considering what she is faced with upon accepting the librarian job in a town filled with magical beings when she doesn't realize magic exists, I think she deserves some slack for how she reacts to the weird things she sees. All things considered, I think Marnie handles things better than a lot of people would.
The supporting characters are fun as well. I liked learning about who - and what - was who in the town, and their quirks were entertaining.
There was a part of the story towards the end that caught me off-guard, but made sense in the end. The story was well-paced and moved along well with plenty of excitment and drama for Marnie and Clint as their inevitable romance developed.
This book was a fun, fast easy read, and if you like paranormal romance stories, this is a good one for anyone looking for a light quick read that will entertain you.
December 12, 2023
Looking for something light-hearted, cozy with just a touch of mystery? This book (and likely the series) might be what you are looking for. LWJ has a great time telling this story (and Loretta Rawlins nails the narration) of a magical town tucked into the backwoods of Alabama, somewhere around Birmingham--but not. The folks in Mystic Springs guard their secrets zealously. When the long-time librarian dies, a city councilwoman advertises out in the real world and Marnie Somerset, having just lost her job with the Birmingham library system, applies. She's hired--and besides a good salary, the job comes with a free house. On her way into town, she has a flat and has to walk in the summer heat, in high heels, to get help because no cell phone service. She has a bigfoot sighting...And the fun begins. If cozy paranormals are your catnip, this is a good one. 4.5 cozy stars
August 20, 2020
Send me to Mystic Springs Please!!!
I’ve only read a few Bigfoot shifter books, I loved those and this book was just as amazing. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last. The mystery behind Mystic Springs kept me on the edge of my seat and when we read about librarian Marnie coming to town and it starts off with a string of bad luck and one of those was seeing Bigfoot. She is very skeptical about this town because everything seems off even some of the residents hating her for no reason. Then several run in with Clint and she starts to think she could adjust to this place with him there. The suspense of things happening kept Marnie wanting to leave but Clint kept asking her to stay. Clint is her knight in aging flannel but he has his own secrets so can they navigate things, can he protect her, will she leave and never look back? All these are answered and I loved all of it. Can’t wait to read more.
I’ve only read a few Bigfoot shifter books, I loved those and this book was just as amazing. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last. The mystery behind Mystic Springs kept me on the edge of my seat and when we read about librarian Marnie coming to town and it starts off with a string of bad luck and one of those was seeing Bigfoot. She is very skeptical about this town because everything seems off even some of the residents hating her for no reason. Then several run in with Clint and she starts to think she could adjust to this place with him there. The suspense of things happening kept Marnie wanting to leave but Clint kept asking her to stay. Clint is her knight in aging flannel but he has his own secrets so can they navigate things, can he protect her, will she leave and never look back? All these are answered and I loved all of it. Can’t wait to read more.
March 7, 2025
Cute small town paranormal that gave me a strange sense of dejavu. I was sure I'd read another paranormal romance set in this town, but don't have any record of it... weird.
Librarian Marnie accepts a position as sole librarian in Mystic Springs, but when she arrives she realises the small town is very strange. In reality, the town is populated by mystical beings (shifters, witches etc) who don't usually accept non-magical newcomers.
Clint is a bigfoot shifter born and raised in Mystic Springs. He stops to help Marnie with a flat tire the day she arrives, and is selected by the local council to keep watch over her, ultimately to decide if she should stay or be given an amnesia tonic and be sent out of town.
This is a sort of fated mates, insta lust storyline with an edge of danger as Marnie is targeted by a fundamentalist faction of townspeople.
This book contains mildly descriptive love scenes.
Librarian Marnie accepts a position as sole librarian in Mystic Springs, but when she arrives she realises the small town is very strange. In reality, the town is populated by mystical beings (shifters, witches etc) who don't usually accept non-magical newcomers.
Clint is a bigfoot shifter born and raised in Mystic Springs. He stops to help Marnie with a flat tire the day she arrives, and is selected by the local council to keep watch over her, ultimately to decide if she should stay or be given an amnesia tonic and be sent out of town.
This is a sort of fated mates, insta lust storyline with an edge of danger as Marnie is targeted by a fundamentalist faction of townspeople.
This book contains mildly descriptive love scenes.
March 8, 2025
Bigfoot Lives in Alabama
This was a good paranormal romance. And the first one I’ve read with Bigfoot as the hero. But the author did such a good job with building the world, that it works and works well.
In this one, Marnie is a librarian who was “downsized” from her job when another one pops up in an ad. Before she knows it, she is headed for Mystic Springs as the new head (and only) librarian. Then things get really strange. On her way there, she has a flat tire - and swears she saw Bigfoot. And the people in the small town—quite a few of them—aren’t exactly friendly to her. Except for a few, like Susan, who invited her there, and Eve, who runs the local diner, and then there’s Clint. A lumberjack-type man who captures her interest, and her heart.
All is definitely not as it seems in the mystical small town, but there is a HEA that satisfies for the romantics at heart.
Recommended.
This was a good paranormal romance. And the first one I’ve read with Bigfoot as the hero. But the author did such a good job with building the world, that it works and works well.
In this one, Marnie is a librarian who was “downsized” from her job when another one pops up in an ad. Before she knows it, she is headed for Mystic Springs as the new head (and only) librarian. Then things get really strange. On her way there, she has a flat tire - and swears she saw Bigfoot. And the people in the small town—quite a few of them—aren’t exactly friendly to her. Except for a few, like Susan, who invited her there, and Eve, who runs the local diner, and then there’s Clint. A lumberjack-type man who captures her interest, and her heart.
All is definitely not as it seems in the mystical small town, but there is a HEA that satisfies for the romantics at heart.
Recommended.
March 2, 2025
First off, Mystic Springs is a cool place. You can get anything you need there without shopping out of town. The food is always delicious. The library- well, I wants it and it is my precioussss. Er, I mean “the library is nice”. And the residents are magical. I think it sounds like a great place to live.
Add to that an incredibly hot guy and the perfect cottage to live in…
I’m sold. I’m packing my shit right now.
MMC/FMC- Clint and Marnie (which is such a cool name)
Genre- Monster Romance
Length- about 200 pages.
Heat- the act itself happens but is definitely glossed over. Mostly kissing.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- language, sex, arson, discussion of violence, heroine obsessed with Jane Austen.
Tropes- You Know What They Say About A Man With Big Feet; Shifters, Witches, Bigfoot, and Other Paranormal Beings; Instalove; Madam Librarian; Adorable Moppet; Fish Out of Water.
Add to that an incredibly hot guy and the perfect cottage to live in…
I’m sold. I’m packing my shit right now.
MMC/FMC- Clint and Marnie (which is such a cool name)
Genre- Monster Romance
Length- about 200 pages.
Heat- the act itself happens but is definitely glossed over. Mostly kissing.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- language, sex, arson, discussion of violence, heroine obsessed with Jane Austen.
Tropes- You Know What They Say About A Man With Big Feet; Shifters, Witches, Bigfoot, and Other Paranormal Beings; Instalove; Madam Librarian; Adorable Moppet; Fish Out of Water.
July 27, 2025
a cozy monster romance
A short and cozy delight with a magical twist!
This charming read packed a full story into under 200 pages, and it truly delivered. I loved the warm, whimsical community of magical creatures, it felt like stepping into a snug little world I didn’t want to leave.
I originally picked this up during a Stuff Your Kindle tour, and I’m so glad I did! Not only was the ebook worth the read, but the included audiobook added an extra layer of immersion.
One of the standout elements was the emotional depth the author gave Clint, the monster MMC. He wasn’t just a love interest, he felt like a fully fleshed-out character with real heart and vulnerability, which made the romance all the more compelling.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy magical monster romance with heart, warmth, and a touch of whimsy, this one’s a gem worth curling up with
A short and cozy delight with a magical twist!
This charming read packed a full story into under 200 pages, and it truly delivered. I loved the warm, whimsical community of magical creatures, it felt like stepping into a snug little world I didn’t want to leave.
I originally picked this up during a Stuff Your Kindle tour, and I’m so glad I did! Not only was the ebook worth the read, but the included audiobook added an extra layer of immersion.
One of the standout elements was the emotional depth the author gave Clint, the monster MMC. He wasn’t just a love interest, he felt like a fully fleshed-out character with real heart and vulnerability, which made the romance all the more compelling.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy magical monster romance with heart, warmth, and a touch of whimsy, this one’s a gem worth curling up with
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