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Bronwyn the Witch #1
Charmed & Dangerous
She has no problem fighting bad guys-but lots of problems finding a good one.
With her globetrotting career of protecting the British Prime Minister, Bronwyn isn't your ordinary witch. But her powers can't help her decide between a sexy Sheik and the town doctor, who happens to be a warlock-and more than worthy of a liplock.
With her globetrotting career of protecting the British Prime Minister, Bronwyn isn't your ordinary witch. But her powers can't help her decide between a sexy Sheik and the town doctor, who happens to be a warlock-and more than worthy of a liplock.
261 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2005
About the author
Candace Havens
77 books973 followersBestselling author Candace Havens has published more than 25 books. Her novels have received nominations for the RITA's, Holt Medallion, Write Touch Reader Awards and National Readers Choice Awards. She is a Barbara Wilson Award winner. She is the author of the biography “Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy” and a contributor to several anthologies. She is also one of the nation's leading entertainment journalists and has interviewed countless celebrities from George Clooney to Chris Pratt. Candace also runs a free online writing workshop for more than 2000 writers, and teaches comprehensive writing classes. She does film reviews with Hawkeye in the Morning on 96.3 KSCS, and is a former President of the Television Critics Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
November 3, 2012
I have an addition to the review below. If you are sitting on the fence about this series I suggest you take a look. All quotes are directly from the book exactly the way they are published.
First Review Attempt
-to avoid confusion on why I did not like this book I have taken the time to finish reading this book. Therefore, my Second Review is my complete review for this book that I have read.
I did not originally rate this book due to only reading 6 pages and skimming the last 30, but upon further contemplation I decided I was doing other readers a disservice by not sticking with it. I saw very few reviews on why they did not like it and feel that I could help someone else save their time by finishing the book and writing a complete review with plenty of quotes. This way each reader will have a glimpse of the book before they decide to read or not to read.
Here is my First Review- this is before I finished reading & rated the book.
Warning: Everything is written as a journal entry.
Nope can't do it. I got 6 pages in before I turned and read/skimmed the last 30 pages and didn't see much to hold on to. Sorry this is just not my thing.
The journal style writing left me feeling frustrated and the ending seemed chessy and half-assed.
This is a no-go, turn-the-fuck-around read for me. If you enjoyed it great. I am happy for you. I can tell you right now if I read anymore I will end up writing a more snarky review for wasting my time.
Here is my Second Review - this is after I finished reading the book. I added the rating at this time.
I would like to point out a few things before I start in on this review.
1. I have this book on loan from the local library. I have not been given this book by author or publisher. This book was under my why-not-give-it-a-try shelf. I already knew the writing was iffy, however some of my friends enjoyed it so I gave it a try.
Due to this I spent my gas money driving to pick it up after my local library spent their gas money picking it up from another library. My money and my tax dollars all spent getting this book here.
2. I think it might be obvious but I want to point out that this is a paperback, not an E-book. It has to have been edited by someone.
3. It was published by penguin. This surprises me. I have yet to understand how or why it was given the green light when other, better books are turned down.
4. I started reading this book and only made it 6 pages in before I skimmed the last 30-40 pages. I was unimpressed and left my review above. I did not at the time rate it. If I don't read about 50% of the book I really don't feel right rating it.
5. If you want to know why I have decided to re-review this book you may ask below and I will explain. Needless to say, I am now going to break down this book in detail so there is no confusion about why I did not like it.
6. Since I will be reading more of the book and spending my time reviewing it I will rate it.
I made all of that clear when I first reviewed this book.
Now that I have laid out my reasons lets take a look at some quotes that should help explain why I had a hard time reading this book to begin with.
My biggest problem with this book is the lack of transitions and grammatical errors for a published book. Incomplete sentences, thoughts flying from one thing to another, this does not a good book make.
Pg.1-2
Prologue
Sunday, 5:30 A.M.
Sweet, Texas
This day has great possibilities. Actually ever day does, but this one is special because I woke up next to the man I love. Oh, it took me a while to realize it, but he’s the one.
For months he told me we belonged together, but I refused to believe him. What he didn’t seem to realize is witches don’t have boyfriends. It never works out.
The intimidation factor alone usually stands as the biggest turnoff. A lot of men can’t handle a woman with power. The whole reading-minds thing and the ability to turn them into toads sort of makes them insecure.
Even my clients are afraid of me, but they want to use my talents just the same.
Don’t get me wrong. I love being a witch. My world’s filled to the brim with exiting adventures and people.
But this love thing is all new. My heart’s full of an emotion I’ve rarely experienced. I’ve cared for people in the past, but loving is something I hardly ever allowed myself to do.
This man changed all of that. I must love him because there are no other possibilities. It’s much like being a witch. It is what I am and what I must be.
Look at him, lying there so peaceful. That jet black hair waving around his face and those bulging biceps. Ooh, baby! He’s a human cupcake and I could just eat him up.
I feel I need to stop right here and just say...Yuck! A human cupcake?! Really?! I am a little disturbed by that thought.
Now if only I can get him to come back to life it will be a great day. Because lonely as I get sometimes-I don’t fuck dead guys.
That is right, the yuck-factor just got bumped up. I don't want to picture anyone fucking a dead guy. Can you say necrophilia? Yeah, that's what I thought too.
Pg.4
9 P.M.
Casper, the unfriendly cat, is missing again. I don’t know what her problem is these days. She won’t stay put. Since I moved to the new house in November, she’s found a hundred ways to sneak out.
I wonder if she has a boyfriend. It’s not like her to take off for days at a time. She’s always considered herself my great protector, even though I’m certain she hates me.
Either you can talk to your cat and know why she is staying away from you or you can't. In that case you do not actually know if she considered herself [your] great protector, or even if she hates [you]. Does it even matter. A cat is a cat, they don't make sense.
Pg.5
But I don’t think they put up with any kind of deviant behavior here. There’s no sign that says “No Demons Allowed” but you get the feeling that people here like to keep things on an even keel. The sheriff and his deputies are always on patrol, and I haven’t heard much about any mischief.
Of course if there’s trouble near, it will find me.
The great thing is I’ll see it before it gets here because everything is so flat. And unlike the big cities, where demons warlocks, wizards and witches feed off of the hustle and bustle, here in Sweet it’s all about fresh air and peace.
What?! I am laughing too hard to even comment on that statement. Really?! You will be able to see trouble coming your way because it is flat?!
Continuation on pg. 5
11:30 P.M.
I’ve been out looking for Casper again and fell down in the blustery winds. Some days I hate that damn cat as much as she does me. I hope she freezes.
I think you can fall down because of the blustery winds. I believe that the wind technically moves around you not through you. Therefore, you can't fall in something that moves around your mass. Maybe you can pull a Pocahontas and paint with all the colors of the wind as well. It seems likely.
Gotta pack. Miles wants me in Norway on Thursday so I’m flying my Cessna to Dallas tomorrow and then hopping an international flight.
My brain just flashed to the prime minister.
There is that whiplash-effect that we all know and love. Transition? Nope. None. Nada. This happens throughout the entire book.
Pg 23
What a big goober.
Am I the only one that flashes to Spongebob and Patrick singing "I'm a Goofy Goober. Ya!" ???
Continuation of pg 23
1 P.M.
I’d just been thinking about how much I miss Simone and she called from L.A. The demon slayer has come across a tough nut and needs my help.
I sent her a protection spell long distance. Same one I sent the sheik and PM.
Gotta do some research on this demon.
Tough nut?! Let me grease your wheels baby. I mean really who uses the term tough nut? I understand that the author is going for, it's a hard case to crack, but the tough nut part just doesn't seem to flow with the rest. However, how much flow does this book really have?!
Pg 40
Sunday, 4:30 P.M.
Potions:2
Cute guys I want to sleep with :1
Sam brought lunch yesterday and ended up staying through dinner. We talked about everything and made a few potions together. When he left around midnight, he gave me a chaste kiss on the cheek, like we were in high school or something , and my heart did a double take.
Acceptable answers
1. my heartbeat sped up
2. my heart skipped a beat
3. my heart was beating erratically
4. my heart pounded in my chest
All those make more sense than my heart did a double take.
You don't hear people saying I was listening to music and my ears did a double take.
Continuation on page 41
I want to be a very bad girl and jump him. If doing the nasty with him kills me, well, what a way to go.
Doing the nasty? It's okay to say Fuck in the first two pages but sex has to be referred to as "doing the nasty" on page 41. Weird. Oh you are so bad for wanting to "do the nasty" with some guy. I don't think so.
10 P.M.
Argh! If I want to be a bad girl, I’m going to have to do it all on my own. At least when he dropped me off this time he kissed me on the lips.
I’m such a bad girl, but I don’t care. I want to have a mind-blowing roll in the hay with the man. And I know it would be mind-blowing because every time he touches me I melt. Wiggly knees, the whole bit. Geez.
If he touches me again I’ll have to invest in a vibrator. I mean, a girl can only take so much.
First off, her sexual frustration has turned her into a pirate, Argh Mattey! She is now calling herself a bad girl again because she wants mind-blowing sex.
To make it worse I now have Young Frankenstein stuck in my head with the roll in the hay statement. Not sexy at all.
I love how she knows that sex will be mind-blowing with him because of the way he touches her. lol Oh My God! His hands are made of Magic so his dick must be too.
Her knees don't get weak, nope she is a strong women no weak knees for her. But they do get wiggly. WTF?! Does she have piggly wiggly legs? Is she made of noodles instead of flesh and bone?
I am a little concerned for her health.
Let's not begin with the fact that just because he gives her a kiss on the lips she now needs a vibrator.
Pg 55-56
We ate and talked about everything except sex. It’s funny. Kept waiting for him to make his move. I may be a modern woman, but once in a while I like the guy to take charge. We discussed our favorite films and I brought up a particular scene in that old movie Blue Velvet, which honestly isn’t my favorite, but is very hot. He reminded me about scenes from Wild Things and 9 ½ Weeks. That’s when things took a turn for the sexy.
I think it was meant to be It was funny not It is funny. I thought it was written in past tense as in, it happened,not it is happening. Then the same thing happens with the last sentence. Plus the whole, took a turn for the sexy seems to me like it was put in another language originally and translated into English. You know what I mean. The wrong word or saying comes out when you translate a saying from one language into another. It becomes all fucked up.
Pg. 57
Tried to read his mind but he blocked me. I pushed through his brain and gave him a warning that I’d harm none as long as he behaved.
I am pretty sure she didn't push through his brain to give him a warning. How about we say, "I had to push through the mental barrier that he had built to keep others from accessing or reading his thoughts." I think that is a much better option.
Pg.80
At a display of gold bracelets I sensed a magical presence. Didn’t turn to look right away, but knew it had to be a warlock. Tried to tap into his brain and send a warning, but he totally blocked me. It takes a powerful warlock or witch to do that.
Extremely choppy and absolutely no flow of words. Trying to tap into his brain?! Is that like tapping into a keg?
Pg.89
Simone called. (this is her call to heroine, Bronwyn)
“Oh wow, you’ve got another call, hold on.” She clicked off and then came back on the line.
You've, should have been I've . Since Simone is the one talking about her phone beeping not Bronwyn's phone beeping. Just Saying!
“Hey, Bron, that’s Sam. He says to tell you hi. Gotta go. He’s picking me up and we’re gonna head down to some rodeo. Can you imagine it? Me at a rodeo? Ride ‘em cowboy!”
We hung up and I sat on the bed. Tried to call Kira to get her opinion of the situation but she wasn’t at the library or at home. Probably making out with Caleb in a car somewhere.
Won’t be long before Sam and Simone are headed that way. Great. Now I have images of Simone with her legs wrapped around Sam. Argh!
Sexual tension has turned her into a pirate again!
That’s it. No more men. Well, except for sex. Mind-blowing, house-shaking, bone-melting sex. Like I had with Sam that night when we did it on the stairs and the…No. Not going there.
Time to get to work on those charms. Better see if the packages have arrived. Now there’s someone you can count on. FedEx.
Maybe it is just me, but FedEx has been known to be unreliable as well.
Pg.96
As much as I appreciated his generosity, I decided it was time to set some boundaries where the sheik was concerned. A jet was one thing, but silk panties with lacy insets were quite another.
OMG! It is okay for someone to buy you a jet but not underwear. lol I mean really? It just seems that...well... the cost of a jet would be just as much of a bribe to get into your pants as underwear is.
Oh no, it's okay. Just leave the jet but you have to take the panties back. I only want to take things that cost way above my pay grade, thank you very much.
Pg 170-171
“Don’t you worry about a child or an idiot adult wandering in here and hurting themselves?”
I shrugged. “Don’t have many visitors, and usually those who do make it through the door know better. As for children, that’s why the poisonous ones are up high. Only the idiot adults need worry.”
This has got to be one of the oddest conversations she has with the Sheik. I am not sure that idiot was the right word choice. It seems like a stretch when all that could have been said was, "If the adult is stupid enough to touch it than that's their problem."
Pg.172
“Just because you want it so, doesn’t make it happen.”
Yet another phrase that seems to be lost in translation. I get where the author was going but the execution of it was all wrong.
Pg.188
The history of the place smacks you in the face at every turn.
I kept envisioning a ghost smacking them.
Pg. 222
I really felt like dog doo, rolled over by a lawn tractor.
What? Did you mean lawn mower? Because I am pretty sure that is what you meant. Also, why can you say Fuck and not say Shit?! Dog doo, not dog shit?! Weird.
Pg.223
Nipping my lip, he gently opened my mouth with his tongue and investigated every inch of it.
investigated past participle, past tense of in·ves·ti·gate (Verb)
Verb:
1. Carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth.
2. Carry out research or study into (a subject, typically one in a scientific or academic field) so as to discover facts or information.
I am not sure what he was trying to get information about. Maybe he was measuring how big her mouth was or the size of her teeth. Maybe he was investigating the truth! Did he find it?!
Whip cream and chocolate should not be abused in this manner.
Pg. 234
He has an early call at work in a few hours, but I think I may have to wake him with a little surprise. Time to return the delicious favor he served me. I think it will involve some lovely whipped cream and my own creative version of a banana split, a la Sam.
I have nothing wrong with people wanting to use food when having sex but the way it was stated made me want to gag. Be kind to whipped cream not raunchy.
Pg. 260
“You probably never even saw him. But no worries-he’s dead meat.”
His lips twitched. “You?”
“Yes, I took care of the bastard.”
If you tell someone he's dead meat it means that he is still alive and you are going after him. Yikes.
This is why I have rated this book 1 star. I would give it a 0 out of 5 but I want my rating to count, so one star it is!
I hope now you, my fellow readers, can decide for yourself if this book is worth reading.
First Review Attempt
-to avoid confusion on why I did not like this book I have taken the time to finish reading this book. Therefore, my Second Review is my complete review for this book that I have read.
I did not originally rate this book due to only reading 6 pages and skimming the last 30, but upon further contemplation I decided I was doing other readers a disservice by not sticking with it. I saw very few reviews on why they did not like it and feel that I could help someone else save their time by finishing the book and writing a complete review with plenty of quotes. This way each reader will have a glimpse of the book before they decide to read or not to read.
Here is my First Review- this is before I finished reading & rated the book.
Warning: Everything is written as a journal entry.
Nope can't do it. I got 6 pages in before I turned and read/skimmed the last 30 pages and didn't see much to hold on to. Sorry this is just not my thing.
The journal style writing left me feeling frustrated and the ending seemed chessy and half-assed.
This is a no-go, turn-the-fuck-around read for me. If you enjoyed it great. I am happy for you. I can tell you right now if I read anymore I will end up writing a more snarky review for wasting my time.
Here is my Second Review - this is after I finished reading the book. I added the rating at this time.
I would like to point out a few things before I start in on this review.
1. I have this book on loan from the local library. I have not been given this book by author or publisher. This book was under my why-not-give-it-a-try shelf. I already knew the writing was iffy, however some of my friends enjoyed it so I gave it a try.
Due to this I spent my gas money driving to pick it up after my local library spent their gas money picking it up from another library. My money and my tax dollars all spent getting this book here.
2. I think it might be obvious but I want to point out that this is a paperback, not an E-book. It has to have been edited by someone.
3. It was published by penguin. This surprises me. I have yet to understand how or why it was given the green light when other, better books are turned down.
4. I started reading this book and only made it 6 pages in before I skimmed the last 30-40 pages. I was unimpressed and left my review above. I did not at the time rate it. If I don't read about 50% of the book I really don't feel right rating it.
5. If you want to know why I have decided to re-review this book you may ask below and I will explain. Needless to say, I am now going to break down this book in detail so there is no confusion about why I did not like it.
6. Since I will be reading more of the book and spending my time reviewing it I will rate it.
I made all of that clear when I first reviewed this book.
Now that I have laid out my reasons lets take a look at some quotes that should help explain why I had a hard time reading this book to begin with.
My biggest problem with this book is the lack of transitions and grammatical errors for a published book. Incomplete sentences, thoughts flying from one thing to another, this does not a good book make.
Pg.1-2
Prologue
Sunday, 5:30 A.M.
Sweet, Texas
This day has great possibilities. Actually ever day does, but this one is special because I woke up next to the man I love. Oh, it took me a while to realize it, but he’s the one.
For months he told me we belonged together, but I refused to believe him. What he didn’t seem to realize is witches don’t have boyfriends. It never works out.
The intimidation factor alone usually stands as the biggest turnoff. A lot of men can’t handle a woman with power. The whole reading-minds thing and the ability to turn them into toads sort of makes them insecure.
Even my clients are afraid of me, but they want to use my talents just the same.
Don’t get me wrong. I love being a witch. My world’s filled to the brim with exiting adventures and people.
But this love thing is all new. My heart’s full of an emotion I’ve rarely experienced. I’ve cared for people in the past, but loving is something I hardly ever allowed myself to do.
This man changed all of that. I must love him because there are no other possibilities. It’s much like being a witch. It is what I am and what I must be.
Look at him, lying there so peaceful. That jet black hair waving around his face and those bulging biceps. Ooh, baby! He’s a human cupcake and I could just eat him up.
I feel I need to stop right here and just say...Yuck! A human cupcake?! Really?! I am a little disturbed by that thought.
Now if only I can get him to come back to life it will be a great day. Because lonely as I get sometimes-I don’t fuck dead guys.
That is right, the yuck-factor just got bumped up. I don't want to picture anyone fucking a dead guy. Can you say necrophilia? Yeah, that's what I thought too.
Pg.4
9 P.M.
Casper, the unfriendly cat, is missing again. I don’t know what her problem is these days. She won’t stay put. Since I moved to the new house in November, she’s found a hundred ways to sneak out.
I wonder if she has a boyfriend. It’s not like her to take off for days at a time. She’s always considered herself my great protector, even though I’m certain she hates me.
Either you can talk to your cat and know why she is staying away from you or you can't. In that case you do not actually know if she considered herself [your] great protector, or even if she hates [you]. Does it even matter. A cat is a cat, they don't make sense.
Pg.5
But I don’t think they put up with any kind of deviant behavior here. There’s no sign that says “No Demons Allowed” but you get the feeling that people here like to keep things on an even keel. The sheriff and his deputies are always on patrol, and I haven’t heard much about any mischief.
Of course if there’s trouble near, it will find me.
The great thing is I’ll see it before it gets here because everything is so flat. And unlike the big cities, where demons warlocks, wizards and witches feed off of the hustle and bustle, here in Sweet it’s all about fresh air and peace.
What?! I am laughing too hard to even comment on that statement. Really?! You will be able to see trouble coming your way because it is flat?!
Continuation on pg. 5
11:30 P.M.
I’ve been out looking for Casper again and fell down in the blustery winds. Some days I hate that damn cat as much as she does me. I hope she freezes.
I think you can fall down because of the blustery winds. I believe that the wind technically moves around you not through you. Therefore, you can't fall in something that moves around your mass. Maybe you can pull a Pocahontas and paint with all the colors of the wind as well. It seems likely.
Gotta pack. Miles wants me in Norway on Thursday so I’m flying my Cessna to Dallas tomorrow and then hopping an international flight.
My brain just flashed to the prime minister.
There is that whiplash-effect that we all know and love. Transition? Nope. None. Nada. This happens throughout the entire book.
Pg 23
What a big goober.
Am I the only one that flashes to Spongebob and Patrick singing "I'm a Goofy Goober. Ya!" ???
Continuation of pg 23
1 P.M.
I’d just been thinking about how much I miss Simone and she called from L.A. The demon slayer has come across a tough nut and needs my help.
I sent her a protection spell long distance. Same one I sent the sheik and PM.
Gotta do some research on this demon.
Tough nut?! Let me grease your wheels baby. I mean really who uses the term tough nut? I understand that the author is going for, it's a hard case to crack, but the tough nut part just doesn't seem to flow with the rest. However, how much flow does this book really have?!
Pg 40
Sunday, 4:30 P.M.
Potions:2
Cute guys I want to sleep with :1
Sam brought lunch yesterday and ended up staying through dinner. We talked about everything and made a few potions together. When he left around midnight, he gave me a chaste kiss on the cheek, like we were in high school or something , and my heart did a double take.
Acceptable answers
1. my heartbeat sped up
2. my heart skipped a beat
3. my heart was beating erratically
4. my heart pounded in my chest
All those make more sense than my heart did a double take.
You don't hear people saying I was listening to music and my ears did a double take.
Continuation on page 41
I want to be a very bad girl and jump him. If doing the nasty with him kills me, well, what a way to go.
Doing the nasty? It's okay to say Fuck in the first two pages but sex has to be referred to as "doing the nasty" on page 41. Weird. Oh you are so bad for wanting to "do the nasty" with some guy. I don't think so.
10 P.M.
Argh! If I want to be a bad girl, I’m going to have to do it all on my own. At least when he dropped me off this time he kissed me on the lips.
I’m such a bad girl, but I don’t care. I want to have a mind-blowing roll in the hay with the man. And I know it would be mind-blowing because every time he touches me I melt. Wiggly knees, the whole bit. Geez.
If he touches me again I’ll have to invest in a vibrator. I mean, a girl can only take so much.
First off, her sexual frustration has turned her into a pirate, Argh Mattey! She is now calling herself a bad girl again because she wants mind-blowing sex.
To make it worse I now have Young Frankenstein stuck in my head with the roll in the hay statement. Not sexy at all.
I love how she knows that sex will be mind-blowing with him because of the way he touches her. lol Oh My God! His hands are made of Magic so his dick must be too.
Her knees don't get weak, nope she is a strong women no weak knees for her. But they do get wiggly. WTF?! Does she have piggly wiggly legs? Is she made of noodles instead of flesh and bone?
I am a little concerned for her health.
Let's not begin with the fact that just because he gives her a kiss on the lips she now needs a vibrator.
Pg 55-56
We ate and talked about everything except sex. It’s funny. Kept waiting for him to make his move. I may be a modern woman, but once in a while I like the guy to take charge. We discussed our favorite films and I brought up a particular scene in that old movie Blue Velvet, which honestly isn’t my favorite, but is very hot. He reminded me about scenes from Wild Things and 9 ½ Weeks. That’s when things took a turn for the sexy.
I think it was meant to be It was funny not It is funny. I thought it was written in past tense as in, it happened,not it is happening. Then the same thing happens with the last sentence. Plus the whole, took a turn for the sexy seems to me like it was put in another language originally and translated into English. You know what I mean. The wrong word or saying comes out when you translate a saying from one language into another. It becomes all fucked up.
Pg. 57
Tried to read his mind but he blocked me. I pushed through his brain and gave him a warning that I’d harm none as long as he behaved.
I am pretty sure she didn't push through his brain to give him a warning. How about we say, "I had to push through the mental barrier that he had built to keep others from accessing or reading his thoughts." I think that is a much better option.
Pg.80
At a display of gold bracelets I sensed a magical presence. Didn’t turn to look right away, but knew it had to be a warlock. Tried to tap into his brain and send a warning, but he totally blocked me. It takes a powerful warlock or witch to do that.
Extremely choppy and absolutely no flow of words. Trying to tap into his brain?! Is that like tapping into a keg?
Pg.89
Simone called. (this is her call to heroine, Bronwyn)
“Oh wow, you’ve got another call, hold on.” She clicked off and then came back on the line.
You've, should have been I've . Since Simone is the one talking about her phone beeping not Bronwyn's phone beeping. Just Saying!
“Hey, Bron, that’s Sam. He says to tell you hi. Gotta go. He’s picking me up and we’re gonna head down to some rodeo. Can you imagine it? Me at a rodeo? Ride ‘em cowboy!”
We hung up and I sat on the bed. Tried to call Kira to get her opinion of the situation but she wasn’t at the library or at home. Probably making out with Caleb in a car somewhere.
Won’t be long before Sam and Simone are headed that way. Great. Now I have images of Simone with her legs wrapped around Sam. Argh!
Sexual tension has turned her into a pirate again!
That’s it. No more men. Well, except for sex. Mind-blowing, house-shaking, bone-melting sex. Like I had with Sam that night when we did it on the stairs and the…No. Not going there.
Time to get to work on those charms. Better see if the packages have arrived. Now there’s someone you can count on. FedEx.
Maybe it is just me, but FedEx has been known to be unreliable as well.
Pg.96
As much as I appreciated his generosity, I decided it was time to set some boundaries where the sheik was concerned. A jet was one thing, but silk panties with lacy insets were quite another.
OMG! It is okay for someone to buy you a jet but not underwear. lol I mean really? It just seems that...well... the cost of a jet would be just as much of a bribe to get into your pants as underwear is.
Oh no, it's okay. Just leave the jet but you have to take the panties back. I only want to take things that cost way above my pay grade, thank you very much.
Pg 170-171
“Don’t you worry about a child or an idiot adult wandering in here and hurting themselves?”
I shrugged. “Don’t have many visitors, and usually those who do make it through the door know better. As for children, that’s why the poisonous ones are up high. Only the idiot adults need worry.”
This has got to be one of the oddest conversations she has with the Sheik. I am not sure that idiot was the right word choice. It seems like a stretch when all that could have been said was, "If the adult is stupid enough to touch it than that's their problem."
Pg.172
“Just because you want it so, doesn’t make it happen.”
Yet another phrase that seems to be lost in translation. I get where the author was going but the execution of it was all wrong.
Pg.188
The history of the place smacks you in the face at every turn.
I kept envisioning a ghost smacking them.
Pg. 222
I really felt like dog doo, rolled over by a lawn tractor.
What? Did you mean lawn mower? Because I am pretty sure that is what you meant. Also, why can you say Fuck and not say Shit?! Dog doo, not dog shit?! Weird.
Pg.223
Nipping my lip, he gently opened my mouth with his tongue and investigated every inch of it.
investigated past participle, past tense of in·ves·ti·gate (Verb)
Verb:
1. Carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth.
2. Carry out research or study into (a subject, typically one in a scientific or academic field) so as to discover facts or information.
I am not sure what he was trying to get information about. Maybe he was measuring how big her mouth was or the size of her teeth. Maybe he was investigating the truth! Did he find it?!
Whip cream and chocolate should not be abused in this manner.
Pg. 234
He has an early call at work in a few hours, but I think I may have to wake him with a little surprise. Time to return the delicious favor he served me. I think it will involve some lovely whipped cream and my own creative version of a banana split, a la Sam.
I have nothing wrong with people wanting to use food when having sex but the way it was stated made me want to gag. Be kind to whipped cream not raunchy.
Pg. 260
“You probably never even saw him. But no worries-he’s dead meat.”
His lips twitched. “You?”
“Yes, I took care of the bastard.”
If you tell someone he's dead meat it means that he is still alive and you are going after him. Yikes.
This is why I have rated this book 1 star. I would give it a 0 out of 5 but I want my rating to count, so one star it is!
I hope now you, my fellow readers, can decide for yourself if this book is worth reading.
September 14, 2009
Bronwyn's job is not exactly conventional. She's a witch who not only fights off warlocks, demons, and evil zombies, but gets paid to do it. She protects the Prime Minister and is his personal body guard. She also murders, plots, and shoots fire from her hands while blowing up cars in the process. Bronwyn is not a witch to be reckoned with, although being a magical body guard does tend to get in the way of having anything that resembles a normal love life.
I made it to exactly page 35 of this book. Even then I had to resist the urge to throw it across the room, light fire to it, and put the ashes in the blender with a little bit of water, pour it down the drain and hit the garbage disposal. It was THAT bad.
The entire book is written in "diary" format. Every chapter has an "entry" as if the thing the Havens is talking about has already happened. There is absolutely no suspense and all the character does is whine about her lack of a love life. In every sense of the word this book should be a kid's book. If it weren't for the constant cussing, references to sex, and Havens constantly reminding me how horny the main character is it reminded me of a "Ramona" book from my childhood.
I cannot possibly express how horrid "Charmed and Dangerous" is. I can hardly believe Penguin Books decided to publish it. "Charmed and Dangerous" is really not even fit for reading and should be used as either toilet paper or fire kindling. I would not touch this book again with a 20-foot pole. I really hope someone else on paperback swap does NOT read this review and wants me to send it to them soon. I don't want this book contaminating any of my others with its foul writing, bad language, and inexcusably simple plot line.
I made it to exactly page 35 of this book. Even then I had to resist the urge to throw it across the room, light fire to it, and put the ashes in the blender with a little bit of water, pour it down the drain and hit the garbage disposal. It was THAT bad.
The entire book is written in "diary" format. Every chapter has an "entry" as if the thing the Havens is talking about has already happened. There is absolutely no suspense and all the character does is whine about her lack of a love life. In every sense of the word this book should be a kid's book. If it weren't for the constant cussing, references to sex, and Havens constantly reminding me how horny the main character is it reminded me of a "Ramona" book from my childhood.
I cannot possibly express how horrid "Charmed and Dangerous" is. I can hardly believe Penguin Books decided to publish it. "Charmed and Dangerous" is really not even fit for reading and should be used as either toilet paper or fire kindling. I would not touch this book again with a 20-foot pole. I really hope someone else on paperback swap does NOT read this review and wants me to send it to them soon. I don't want this book contaminating any of my others with its foul writing, bad language, and inexcusably simple plot line.
August 27, 2012
Author just used "funky" twice in the same sentence. All-time literature low? Sadly, probably not, but page 2 and I'm already totally sick of this book. Oh, sorry - page 5.
Made it all the way to page 14 before literally throwing the book in the garbage. And I almost never completely abandon a book. I at least make it halfway before leaving it for a few weeks to read something else, then coming back to it. This was just beyond terrible.
Made it all the way to page 14 before literally throwing the book in the garbage. And I almost never completely abandon a book. I at least make it halfway before leaving it for a few weeks to read something else, then coming back to it. This was just beyond terrible.
September 10, 2013
So I picked this one up against my better judgment. I’m so glad I did. I don’t mind epistolary novels as much as some people do, but only if they’re willing to abandon the conceit when it comes to dialogue. This is a good example of such. While technically epistolary, it functions more as a way to put it in first person limited (past tense) with timestamps to aid narrative flow. I see this as a good thing—or at least, not a strike against the book.
And the first person works well, here, because the main character has a fantastic voice. I’ve always liked strong women, and Bronwyn is that. She describes herself as one of the most powerful witches in the world and the story backs up her self-evaluation. But that isn’t what’s so attractive about her. There’s two things that save her from being merely arrogant (or a Mary Sue—though you could make a case for her being one): first, she has pledged to use her power as a “protector” (so she’s primarily defensive and that plays out very strongly and consistently); second, she’s genuinely caring in both her personal and professional activities.
So she’s an appealing protagonist. The secondary cast is a bit more lightly drawn, though they aren’t uninteresting, by any means. There’s something of a love-triangle throughout the book, and I didn’t care for Bronwyn’s hesitation in choosing between them. It seemed to me that there was a clear preference (and I don’t mean mine, I mean her own) and her hesitation was uncharacteristically indecisive—and just a little bit cruel to both, really. Also, there’s really no question where she’d end up in the end, so having her vacillate felt a little contrived. And it doesn’t help that Asir was a little too perfect to feel real with functionally unlimited resources and none of the baggage of his culture (indeed, working counter to the worst of its excesses).
That said, if you don’t fall a little in love with Sam yourself, you probably shouldn’t be reading this genre—he’s altogether lovely without being too contrived to buy into. He’s certain enough of himself that dating one of the most powerful witches in the world doesn’t phase him but without that arrogance that so many other heroes in the genre are “graced” with. What I’m saying is that he’s strong without feeling the need to force that strength onto others. Also, he screws up in completely believable ways without ever sacrificing his innate adorableness. It doesn't hurt that he’s a doctor and one of those whose practice and motivations are centered on serving others. And I’ll repeat: none of that feels contrived or unlikely—which is nothing short of amazing now I think of it.
Finally, the story itself is a rocking good tale with lots of action, a little mystery, and good pacing. Bronwyn is defensive by choice, but that doesn’t mean she sits back and waits for things to happen. There are a lot of threads in play, some of them a little gratuitous, but things never get confusing or overwhelming (to the reader, anyway). It helps that I felt invested in the characters and wanted them to succeed.
The book very nearly made it to five stars. Yeah, I was surprised, too. There’s just a hint of unchallenged misandry and the unnecessary romantic vacillation grated enough that I’m not able to go quite that far. Still, a solid four and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.
A note about Steamy: Bronwyn is unabashedly sexual. Indeed, Sam is the one applying brakes in the headlong rush she’d very much prefer. This actually works well, though it meant we only really had a couple of explicit sex scenes. Both were a little perfunctorily presented, which was something of a shame (and not just because it meant they were short). This was partially made up for by some pretty great “mere” kissing scenes.
And the first person works well, here, because the main character has a fantastic voice. I’ve always liked strong women, and Bronwyn is that. She describes herself as one of the most powerful witches in the world and the story backs up her self-evaluation. But that isn’t what’s so attractive about her. There’s two things that save her from being merely arrogant (or a Mary Sue—though you could make a case for her being one): first, she has pledged to use her power as a “protector” (so she’s primarily defensive and that plays out very strongly and consistently); second, she’s genuinely caring in both her personal and professional activities.
So she’s an appealing protagonist. The secondary cast is a bit more lightly drawn, though they aren’t uninteresting, by any means. There’s something of a love-triangle throughout the book, and I didn’t care for Bronwyn’s hesitation in choosing between them. It seemed to me that there was a clear preference (and I don’t mean mine, I mean her own) and her hesitation was uncharacteristically indecisive—and just a little bit cruel to both, really. Also, there’s really no question where she’d end up in the end, so having her vacillate felt a little contrived. And it doesn’t help that Asir was a little too perfect to feel real with functionally unlimited resources and none of the baggage of his culture (indeed, working counter to the worst of its excesses).
That said, if you don’t fall a little in love with Sam yourself, you probably shouldn’t be reading this genre—he’s altogether lovely without being too contrived to buy into. He’s certain enough of himself that dating one of the most powerful witches in the world doesn’t phase him but without that arrogance that so many other heroes in the genre are “graced” with. What I’m saying is that he’s strong without feeling the need to force that strength onto others. Also, he screws up in completely believable ways without ever sacrificing his innate adorableness. It doesn't hurt that he’s a doctor and one of those whose practice and motivations are centered on serving others. And I’ll repeat: none of that feels contrived or unlikely—which is nothing short of amazing now I think of it.
Finally, the story itself is a rocking good tale with lots of action, a little mystery, and good pacing. Bronwyn is defensive by choice, but that doesn’t mean she sits back and waits for things to happen. There are a lot of threads in play, some of them a little gratuitous, but things never get confusing or overwhelming (to the reader, anyway). It helps that I felt invested in the characters and wanted them to succeed.
The book very nearly made it to five stars. Yeah, I was surprised, too. There’s just a hint of unchallenged misandry and the unnecessary romantic vacillation grated enough that I’m not able to go quite that far. Still, a solid four and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.
A note about Steamy: Bronwyn is unabashedly sexual. Indeed, Sam is the one applying brakes in the headlong rush she’d very much prefer. This actually works well, though it meant we only really had a couple of explicit sex scenes. Both were a little perfunctorily presented, which was something of a shame (and not just because it meant they were short). This was partially made up for by some pretty great “mere” kissing scenes.
October 28, 2009
I was very disappointed with this book. From the first few paragraphs, I did not like the character's voice, but kept reading, hoping the story itself would engage me. The dialogue was stilted (though that may have just been in contrast to the main character's commentary).
Instead of showing us that this woman was a powerful witch, we saw unimpressive spells and had the other characters commenting on how powerfully she executed them. It seemed as though every other conversation her "great power" was mentioned (if she did not mention it herself).
While the two "perfect" love interests seemed like stock characters, I liked them more than I did Bronwyn the High Witch. There were also random details thrown in that would have been great subplots, and random subplots that didn't seem to serve a purpose, or the purpose served may have been better executed in a simpler manner.
Overall, I was very diappointed. I wanted to like the book.
Instead of showing us that this woman was a powerful witch, we saw unimpressive spells and had the other characters commenting on how powerfully she executed them. It seemed as though every other conversation her "great power" was mentioned (if she did not mention it herself).
While the two "perfect" love interests seemed like stock characters, I liked them more than I did Bronwyn the High Witch. There were also random details thrown in that would have been great subplots, and random subplots that didn't seem to serve a purpose, or the purpose served may have been better executed in a simpler manner.
Overall, I was very diappointed. I wanted to like the book.
Want to read
August 27, 2011I got to page 10 and couldn't take it any longer. I DO NOT like her style of writing.
May 30, 2011
3.5 stars.
This was a fun read and I really enjoyed Bronwyn. The book is written in diary-like days and I didn't like that at first but I got used to it.
Bronwyn is a very powerful 'High Witch' who works as a protector to the Prime Minister. Through this she has met Sheik Arik, who is working with the PM to help solve a world-wide energy crisis but someone is trying to kill them both. Bronwyn is asked to protect the Sheik as well.
Just to make things more interesting, someone has put a million dollar price on her head too. She is attracted to two wonderful men and afraid of being in love. Lots going on, a great sense of humor and I can't wait to read the next book.
This was a fun read and I really enjoyed Bronwyn. The book is written in diary-like days and I didn't like that at first but I got used to it.
Bronwyn is a very powerful 'High Witch' who works as a protector to the Prime Minister. Through this she has met Sheik Arik, who is working with the PM to help solve a world-wide energy crisis but someone is trying to kill them both. Bronwyn is asked to protect the Sheik as well.
Just to make things more interesting, someone has put a million dollar price on her head too. She is attracted to two wonderful men and afraid of being in love. Lots going on, a great sense of humor and I can't wait to read the next book.
November 2, 2012
I tried, I really did. I was ready for some fun, light reading. Pushed my way through to page 57 and just had to give it up. I tried to overlook the excessive use of crude sexual remarks, seemingly thrown in there for shock value. I rolled my eyes at the commonly heard of high end shoe designers, which seemed to be thrown in there to show the author watched SATC. But, the scene where the warlock strolls into the restaurant, intent on killing Bronwyn, and yells "You can't tell me what to do witch!" was more than I could handle. I could feel the intelligence seep out of my brain. DONE!
April 2, 2014
Fun and light witchy romance! A warlock is causing havoc in Bronwyn's charges lives and he must be stopped but first she has to figure out who the culprit is. While she is tring to protect her clients she has no clue who the culprit is really after or why and it's just a fluffy mystery as the story unfolds.
August 18, 2010
Don't miss this one. It's the start of a great witchy series.
November 21, 2020
This is the first book in the author's "Bronwyn the Witch" series. I'm not sure if I'd categorize it as paranormal romance or urban fantasy. The narrative is told via Bronwyn's journal entries.
Bronwyn is a high witch, one of the most powerful in the world, and she has a great job traveling all over the world as she works to keep the British PM safe from harm. When not globetrotting, Bronwyn calls Sweet, Texas home. It's a safe haven for magical folk, guarded by the local coven, and benefitting from Bronwyn's presence.
Although Bronwyn is an accomplished witch, she's never been successful in the romance department. Men seem to find her intimidating. Therefore, it comes as a surprise to Bronwyn when she has not one, but two men vying for her affections: doctor and warlock Sam, and sexy sheik Azir. Her problematic love-life has to take a backseat, however, when Bronwyn learns that a powerful warlock is out for blood. Hers.
First of all, this story 'opened at the close', which I truly detest. I cannot fathom why an author will do that. I suspect it's meant to whet the appetite, but I find it gives too much away. That being said, I did enjoy the epistolary aspect of the story. Bronwyn is wry and witty, loyal and loving, brave and fierce. Since it wasn't clear at first who wanted her dead, I found myself suspecting several of her friends and confidants. The suspense was killing me! I was able to get a good sense of the other main 'characters' through Bronwyn's writing, and the action moved along at a good pace, with enough down time for her (and the reader) to relax and recharge.
Fun and sexy, four stars
Bronwyn is a high witch, one of the most powerful in the world, and she has a great job traveling all over the world as she works to keep the British PM safe from harm. When not globetrotting, Bronwyn calls Sweet, Texas home. It's a safe haven for magical folk, guarded by the local coven, and benefitting from Bronwyn's presence.
Although Bronwyn is an accomplished witch, she's never been successful in the romance department. Men seem to find her intimidating. Therefore, it comes as a surprise to Bronwyn when she has not one, but two men vying for her affections: doctor and warlock Sam, and sexy sheik Azir. Her problematic love-life has to take a backseat, however, when Bronwyn learns that a powerful warlock is out for blood. Hers.
First of all, this story 'opened at the close', which I truly detest. I cannot fathom why an author will do that. I suspect it's meant to whet the appetite, but I find it gives too much away. That being said, I did enjoy the epistolary aspect of the story. Bronwyn is wry and witty, loyal and loving, brave and fierce. Since it wasn't clear at first who wanted her dead, I found myself suspecting several of her friends and confidants. The suspense was killing me! I was able to get a good sense of the other main 'characters' through Bronwyn's writing, and the action moved along at a good pace, with enough down time for her (and the reader) to relax and recharge.
Fun and sexy, four stars
August 21, 2018
Disclaimer: I did not finish this book. I wanted to stop after the first chapter, but I decided to give this book a fair shake, so I read the next three. I really wish I hadn't.
This book is atrociously written. Whoever was assigned to line-edit it must have been asleep. It's written as an epistolary novel but does a disservice to the form. At the sentence-level, it's poorly constructed, but the greater sin is the lack of talent or skill with which the story is told. In the first couple chapters, it's difficult to tell which events are important to the story, and which ones are there just for world-building.
Speaking of world-building, it needs a lot more of it. Is magic a well-known phenomenon in the world of the book, or is it something that's kept a secret? Is the Prime Minister (of England?) known to trust foreign nationals with sensitive diplomatic missions because there are no witches in England, or is there some sort of special reason he relies so heavily on a 20-something woman from Texas? How does magic work? Is it inherited, cultivated (anyone can do it if they try), or completely random? Why is Sweet, Texas so different from other towns? Why does it seem like everyone has their own Cessna to fly around? Who knows! Perhaps these issues are addressed later in the novel, but these are basic world-building questions that should be addressed in the exposition, and because they weren't, I was confused and skeptical for the four chapters I read.
I value my time too much to ever finish it.
This book is atrociously written. Whoever was assigned to line-edit it must have been asleep. It's written as an epistolary novel but does a disservice to the form. At the sentence-level, it's poorly constructed, but the greater sin is the lack of talent or skill with which the story is told. In the first couple chapters, it's difficult to tell which events are important to the story, and which ones are there just for world-building.
Speaking of world-building, it needs a lot more of it. Is magic a well-known phenomenon in the world of the book, or is it something that's kept a secret? Is the Prime Minister (of England?) known to trust foreign nationals with sensitive diplomatic missions because there are no witches in England, or is there some sort of special reason he relies so heavily on a 20-something woman from Texas? How does magic work? Is it inherited, cultivated (anyone can do it if they try), or completely random? Why is Sweet, Texas so different from other towns? Why does it seem like everyone has their own Cessna to fly around? Who knows! Perhaps these issues are addressed later in the novel, but these are basic world-building questions that should be addressed in the exposition, and because they weren't, I was confused and skeptical for the four chapters I read.
I value my time too much to ever finish it.
June 12, 2017
Its a bit hard to get into the book when A) everything is a diary entry with no read connectivity B) every single guys is some degree of good-looking....seriously? and C) there are so many references to people, places, and events that the reader has no history of that its a bit unreasonable to follow. I guess it would be a decent beach read if you don't want to sit down a read a book.
May 3, 2018
This, too, I read a long time ago. A very, very long time ago.
Sometimes I forget what made it awesome, but I think it was the helicopter and the whole 'I'm saving the Prime Minister. I'm on his beck and call with my magic right here. Let me fly up over there in this helicopter and save the country.' thing.
Yeah, that covers it.
Sometimes I forget what made it awesome, but I think it was the helicopter and the whole 'I'm saving the Prime Minister. I'm on his beck and call with my magic right here. Let me fly up over there in this helicopter and save the country.' thing.
Yeah, that covers it.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
August 7, 2020I gave this about 25 pages and in those pages the main character displayed so much prejudice that I couldn't make myself continue reading. Casual homophobia and racism, and off-handed insults about people doesn't fly with me. The writing style really isn't for me, either. Sometimes you just have to stop reading something after a handful of pages, and this was it for me.
February 5, 2021
This is the first book I've read by this author. Bronwyn is a powerful High Witch with a lot of responsibilities which makes it hard on this young witch's love life. The laughs and fun are all through this cute first book in the Bronwyn the Witch series. There is also a bit of sadness but a very good read. Looking forward to more.
April 12, 2022
*WARNING* intended for mature readers
This book was so good! It has action and a mystery to solve. All this being done by witches and warlocks! I adore the paranormal aspect of this story. Bronwyn is a fun sassy character will a great amount of witch power, that she only uses for good. Of course there are dark warlocks, but who is he?
This book was so good! It has action and a mystery to solve. All this being done by witches and warlocks! I adore the paranormal aspect of this story. Bronwyn is a fun sassy character will a great amount of witch power, that she only uses for good. Of course there are dark warlocks, but who is he?
April 6, 2018
A cute and quick read. It’s written in diary style which helped for the quick to read part. The main character took a bit of getting used to. For someone who’s supposed to be 25, she sounded more like a 15 year old a lot of the time.
October 9, 2019
x-rated. The Darkness is coming. Gorgeous gal pals, and men who love her, eat drink and make merry, helping her heal from black sludge attacks. Jet across the world. Concoct potions, assemble charms, "mote it be" spells.
June 26, 2017
I love this sarcastic chick.
April 16, 2018
A fun easy and enjoyable read
September 17, 2018
I liked this book. The author definitely has a different style than most but that’s fine. It’s a fast fun read. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
August 5, 2019
I thought this was really cute. This is a nice, light read with a good cast of characters.
March 8, 2021
Super cute!
March 24, 2022
I'm only 7% through, but the ENGLISH PM has referred to his trousers as 'pants'
September 22, 2022
Told in journal entries, this high witch tale reminds me a bit of Stephanie Plum, from the By the Numbers series by Evanovich. Can definitely see myself reading more of the series.
August 1, 2010
I know, some of you are going to ask how I came across these books, the simple answer is, I fell in lust with the cover of the Demon King and I, went on Candace Haven's website, got it and the sequel (both of which I really enjoyed and reviewed) and came across the Bronwyn books, loved the titles, thought the synopsis sounded fun and went off to search for them, and search I did. These books (with the exception of Charmed and Ready) were difficult to buy, which is why I love Amazon Market Place, I picked them up second hand and I just ordered book 3 that way.
The sad thing is I don't know why they are hard to get, they are great! I mean it 4+ frilly knickers for both of them! I hope it is because they are being republished because the word needs to spread about Bronwyn! And I am hoping you will all help me.
These are great fun, perfect pool reads, perfect for that rainy day, when you need to get a break from reality with something kiss ass, but also tipped with fun and frivolity, and I can't believe I am saying that about a series of books where everyone is trying to kill the heroine, but Candace Havens has worked magic with her words and developed a world where magic and danger and fun are intertwined, add to that sexy men, a love triangle, finding the love of her life, trying to keep him, friends, kick ass friends, kicking ass, politics, princes, demons, warlocks, prime ministers, free Private jets.... I WANT TO BE BRONWYN! Oh did I mention she is a kick ass witch?
Have I whetted your appetite yet?
I was a bit worried about the journal style writing of the book, but after a few pages I understood the need to Bronwyn to share her feelings, it is like we are reading her journal, (yes the book is first person, please don't let that put you off) but it is just like reading any other novel and much less fragmented than say Brigit Jones Diary, (yeah I know I am showing my age, think yourself lucky I didn't say the Secret Diary of Adrian Mole!) I liked the little notations at the beginnings of chapters, I have included an example in the synopsis of Charmed and Ready.
Bronwyn is a kick ass powerful witch who works as a bodyguard for the British Prime Minister, even though she lives in the small Texas town of Sweet. Her job takes her all round the world and she defends him from people trying to do the nasty. However this results in several bounties on her head, when he introduces her to Prince Amir passion flies, but whilst Amir loves Bronwyn, Bronwyn loves Sam, local lad and Doctor in the small town of Sweet. Thing is Sam is a warlock, non practicing, but Bronwyn has issues with warlocks, but she has fallen like a ton of bricks and Sam feels the same, so much so they share dreams, (often involving naked bodies and chocolate sauce.) But someone is out to kill Amir and and Bronwyn must protect him, but this BAD is after her too, and finally th fight is brought to Sweet.
Such a great story, Bronwyn is strong and fearless and so caring of those around her, we as a reader grow to love her and feel hurt when she does, men can really be ...well when she goes on her men are asses rants we nod our heads and agree! The side characters are equally as strong and interesting and help power the story as it twists and turns through the mystery of who is trying to kill Amir and why.
A great summer read, I give it 4 frilly knickers out of 5!
The sad thing is I don't know why they are hard to get, they are great! I mean it 4+ frilly knickers for both of them! I hope it is because they are being republished because the word needs to spread about Bronwyn! And I am hoping you will all help me.
These are great fun, perfect pool reads, perfect for that rainy day, when you need to get a break from reality with something kiss ass, but also tipped with fun and frivolity, and I can't believe I am saying that about a series of books where everyone is trying to kill the heroine, but Candace Havens has worked magic with her words and developed a world where magic and danger and fun are intertwined, add to that sexy men, a love triangle, finding the love of her life, trying to keep him, friends, kick ass friends, kicking ass, politics, princes, demons, warlocks, prime ministers, free Private jets.... I WANT TO BE BRONWYN! Oh did I mention she is a kick ass witch?
Have I whetted your appetite yet?
I was a bit worried about the journal style writing of the book, but after a few pages I understood the need to Bronwyn to share her feelings, it is like we are reading her journal, (yes the book is first person, please don't let that put you off) but it is just like reading any other novel and much less fragmented than say Brigit Jones Diary, (yeah I know I am showing my age, think yourself lucky I didn't say the Secret Diary of Adrian Mole!) I liked the little notations at the beginnings of chapters, I have included an example in the synopsis of Charmed and Ready.
Bronwyn is a kick ass powerful witch who works as a bodyguard for the British Prime Minister, even though she lives in the small Texas town of Sweet. Her job takes her all round the world and she defends him from people trying to do the nasty. However this results in several bounties on her head, when he introduces her to Prince Amir passion flies, but whilst Amir loves Bronwyn, Bronwyn loves Sam, local lad and Doctor in the small town of Sweet. Thing is Sam is a warlock, non practicing, but Bronwyn has issues with warlocks, but she has fallen like a ton of bricks and Sam feels the same, so much so they share dreams, (often involving naked bodies and chocolate sauce.) But someone is out to kill Amir and and Bronwyn must protect him, but this BAD is after her too, and finally th fight is brought to Sweet.
Such a great story, Bronwyn is strong and fearless and so caring of those around her, we as a reader grow to love her and feel hurt when she does, men can really be ...well when she goes on her men are asses rants we nod our heads and agree! The side characters are equally as strong and interesting and help power the story as it twists and turns through the mystery of who is trying to kill Amir and why.
A great summer read, I give it 4 frilly knickers out of 5!
February 21, 2023
As the first-born High witch in over 200 years, the heroine is extremely powerful and she uses that power on her quest to help others in any way she can. She's on call for PM of England and works with him to diffuse terrorist plots and other assassination attempts on world leaders. She herself is always a constant target for those looking to kill a power witch, especially as she is a good one. When on a trip to Norway she becomes aware of a plot of kill her PM as well as a wealthy sheik who is visiting. In the process, the heroine has earned herself a new client. One that feels it necessary to gift her with a million-dollar private jet in thanks. The heroine's life in Sweet, Texas is calm and peaceful. She has friends there and a life and a place to belong. She also has the attention of a sexy doctor who as it turns out also happens to be a wizard. At first this is a deal breaker to the heroine whose experiences with Wizards have gone from bad to worst in the past. But no matter how much she tries to stick to her rules, something about him just keeps drawing her in. She thinks about him constantly when she's away and becomes jealous of her friends who is apparently spending a lot of time with the good doctor. The heroine herself has something of a love triangle going on in her life. The sheik is a very compelling man in his own right and though she doesn't feel that same spark with him as she does with the hero, she cares deeply for the man. He is kind and sexy and obviously in to as he wants her to be around him all the time. He does have a rather sticky plot of murder surrounding his family and she's struggling to discover who is truly the villain. But the heroine is a badass and not one to be trifled with. She can handle dark magic and days on end without sleep but it seems the problem of which man to be with is turning out to be harder than she ever imagined. When the hero is attacked by the one linked to the Sheiks attacks she is devastated and, in that moment, when she fears the hero may very well die before she can tell him she loves him seals her fate. She chooses the man that will literally kill her if he should die....
I did not like the format of this book. It's written in diary entries. I just couldn't get lost in the story because every few paragraphs the setting changed and as I'm reading, I realized I didn't feel as engaged in the words. Something about it created a disconnect for me. I will say I liked the heroine as that powerful witch with an answer for most things but her love life. She had a lot of vulnerability and heart towards everyone around her and when she couldn't help, she felt horrible and desperately searched for a way to fix things. She had a nice sense of humor, opening every diary entry with either a tally of how many dead or wounded or how may pissed of witches there had been for that day so far. The hero, the doctor, was a kind man whose character wasn't explored as deeply as I would have liked but whom seemed to have a calm voice and a love for the heroine that will remain even if she didn't choose him. The sheik would have also made for a good hero if I'm being honest because he was a kind man as well and generous. Not my favorite book and while I can't say I didn't like it, the way it was written made it hard for me to lose myself in the pages like I would have liked to.
I did not like the format of this book. It's written in diary entries. I just couldn't get lost in the story because every few paragraphs the setting changed and as I'm reading, I realized I didn't feel as engaged in the words. Something about it created a disconnect for me. I will say I liked the heroine as that powerful witch with an answer for most things but her love life. She had a lot of vulnerability and heart towards everyone around her and when she couldn't help, she felt horrible and desperately searched for a way to fix things. She had a nice sense of humor, opening every diary entry with either a tally of how many dead or wounded or how may pissed of witches there had been for that day so far. The hero, the doctor, was a kind man whose character wasn't explored as deeply as I would have liked but whom seemed to have a calm voice and a love for the heroine that will remain even if she didn't choose him. The sheik would have also made for a good hero if I'm being honest because he was a kind man as well and generous. Not my favorite book and while I can't say I didn't like it, the way it was written made it hard for me to lose myself in the pages like I would have liked to.
October 25, 2007
This was a quick read that was moderately entertaining, but doesn't offer much to make it stand above the mass of paranormal fiction that's out there. There's just something that keeps me from caring too much about the main character, a witch named Bronwyn who works for the prime minister of England. She's the most powerful witch around, and with not one but two gorgeous guys lusting after her, comes a bit too close to Mary Sue territory for comfort. Her main object of lust is a doctor named Sam, about whom she initially has doubts because he is a warlock. This issue isn't really resolved, but seems to become less important the sexier Bronwyn finds him. The book is written as a journal, with each chapter beginning with a day and time, phase of the moon, and tallies such as Spells: 3 and Dead Guys:1, reminding one of Bridget Jones' Diary, but with a lot less charm (pun not intended). There was, however, a charming subplot involving an old man at a retirement home whose memory Bronwyn is helping to restore. Not a terrible book, and I might check out the later books of the series in case Havens improves, but there are definitely better out there.
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