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Betwixt & Between #2
Bewitched
Forty-something Defiance Dayne only recently discovered she comes from a long line of powerful witches. Added to that was the teensy, infinitesimal fact that she is what’s called a charmling. One of three on the entire planet. And there are other witches who will stop at nothing to steal her immense power, which would basically involve her unfortunate and untimely death.
No one told her life after forty would mean having to learn new lifeskills—such as how to dodge supernatural assassins while casting from a moving vehicle—or that the sexiest man alive would be living in her basement.
Whoever said life begins at forty was clearly a master of the underappreciated and oft maligned understatement.
No one told her life after forty would mean having to learn new lifeskills—such as how to dodge supernatural assassins while casting from a moving vehicle—or that the sexiest man alive would be living in her basement.
Whoever said life begins at forty was clearly a master of the underappreciated and oft maligned understatement.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2020
1331 people are currently reading
2906 people want to read
About the author
Darynda Jones
59 books16.6k followersNYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 774 reviews
April 10, 2021
Another AMAZING book from Darynda Jones
I am absolutely loving this series, Defiance is such an amazing character and coupled with the fun side of Ms Jones's writing, we have a 45 year old Changeling coming into her powers... with everything else that is going on it makes for fantastic reading!
Bring on book 3! (even better because these are on Kindle Unlimited UK)
I am absolutely loving this series, Defiance is such an amazing character and coupled with the fun side of Ms Jones's writing, we have a 45 year old Changeling coming into her powers... with everything else that is going on it makes for fantastic reading!
Bring on book 3! (even better because these are on Kindle Unlimited UK)
September 2, 2021
Bewitched by Darynda Jones
2nd book in the Betwixt and Between series. Paranormal women’s fiction. Best read as part of the series.
Defiance learns more about her witch powers, her protective house, and a threat that overshadows her whole life.
Snarky, hilarious, and entertaining. The full cast of characters from the grandmother, to her fathers, her best friend and the sexy werewolf make this story a full bodied romp that you won’t want to put down. Secrets and untrained powers takes the unusual to a heart pulsing turn, then the humor makes you snort and reread that last paragraph.
I’m glad book 3 is ready on my shelf but oh, it’s going to be agonizing waiting for book 4.
So much fun!
2nd book in the Betwixt and Between series. Paranormal women’s fiction. Best read as part of the series.
Defiance learns more about her witch powers, her protective house, and a threat that overshadows her whole life.
Snarky, hilarious, and entertaining. The full cast of characters from the grandmother, to her fathers, her best friend and the sexy werewolf make this story a full bodied romp that you won’t want to put down. Secrets and untrained powers takes the unusual to a heart pulsing turn, then the humor makes you snort and reread that last paragraph.
I’m glad book 3 is ready on my shelf but oh, it’s going to be agonizing waiting for book 4.
So much fun!
November 10, 2021
Bewitched
(Betwixt & Between #2)
by Darynda Jones
This was definitely better than book #1. Lots of great fantasy, excitement, humor, romance, and some suspense. Fantastic plot and characters! Loved it!
(Betwixt & Between #2)
by Darynda Jones
This was definitely better than book #1. Lots of great fantasy, excitement, humor, romance, and some suspense. Fantastic plot and characters! Loved it!
October 16, 2020
4.5 Stars!
I absolutely adore this series and it's witty lovable characters. Jones is so well known for memorable characters full of sass and sarcasm, not to mention the hot male leads and this series is right up there with the best of them. However, this seriously needs a really really good editor. It was riddled with errors and typos, which isn't usual for her books so it was a bit distracting which is the only reason I'm not giving this five full stars but instead, 4.5 stars.
I absolutely adore this series and it's witty lovable characters. Jones is so well known for memorable characters full of sass and sarcasm, not to mention the hot male leads and this series is right up there with the best of them. However, this seriously needs a really really good editor. It was riddled with errors and typos, which isn't usual for her books so it was a bit distracting which is the only reason I'm not giving this five full stars but instead, 4.5 stars.
December 14, 2022
Just as fun as the first book. My favorite scenes are when she is actively using her powers to solve puzzles or saving people. This book took a bit to get to that part due to Defiance's denial. Hopefully, she is past that now and the rest of the books will be all about her helping others.
January 4, 2022
4 Stars for Bewitched: Betwixt & Between Series, Book 2 (audiobook) by Darynda Jones read by Traci Odom.
This story started out kind of slow for me. I guess we are still getting to know the characters. Things did get a little spicier near the end so I’m still interested in where things are going.
This story started out kind of slow for me. I guess we are still getting to know the characters. Things did get a little spicier near the end so I’m still interested in where things are going.
May 10, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I had so much fun with this installment. After that bombshell ending in Betwixt I was looking forward to listening to Bewitched and Jones did not disappoint. It is the second book in the Betwixt and Between series. To recap the series tells the story of a forty something divorcee who discovered she had magical powers.
Picking up six months from the ending of book one, the story provide humour and magic. It had me in stitches from the get go. Defiance fears her newly discovered powers, which is understandable. Discovering powers, which had been repressed and has the potential to both do harm and good while placing her in danger must have been scary. Her fears grew to the point that she lied to friends and family that she had lost her powers. The one person she could not fool was Roane. I loved how he called her out on her lie. However, magical events to include passageways magically appearing, vines serving as her guardian and hidden dungeons left her reconsidering her stance. Then with the residents seeking her help and revelations about her past how could she not stay.
I enjoyed the rapport shared between the characters, I especially the ones sheared between Defiance and her best friend Annette. Annette is such a riot. She brought her own brand of humour to the story. In addition to the humour, were the sizzling moments Defiance shared with Roane, which often got interrupted by her dads. Those interruptions made me giggle.
As much she tried avoiding it, danger landed on her doorstep, placing her in the position to use her magic to protect those she loves. At this point she gradually becomes confident in the use of her powers and embracing her destiny.
Narration
Once again Traci Odom narrated and she did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. She voiced each of the characters distinctively so I always knows who is speaking. She made adjustments to the voices where needed. An incident involving Annette, required her to make changes to her tone and she made the adjustment perfectly to fit the situation.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, a great addition to the series. Looking forward to see what is next in store for Defiance and company. I would recommend it to fans of paranormal cozy mystery, paranormal women's fiction and unban fantasy.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Picking up six months from the ending of book one, the story provide humour and magic. It had me in stitches from the get go. Defiance fears her newly discovered powers, which is understandable. Discovering powers, which had been repressed and has the potential to both do harm and good while placing her in danger must have been scary. Her fears grew to the point that she lied to friends and family that she had lost her powers. The one person she could not fool was Roane. I loved how he called her out on her lie. However, magical events to include passageways magically appearing, vines serving as her guardian and hidden dungeons left her reconsidering her stance. Then with the residents seeking her help and revelations about her past how could she not stay.
I enjoyed the rapport shared between the characters, I especially the ones sheared between Defiance and her best friend Annette. Annette is such a riot. She brought her own brand of humour to the story. In addition to the humour, were the sizzling moments Defiance shared with Roane, which often got interrupted by her dads. Those interruptions made me giggle.
As much she tried avoiding it, danger landed on her doorstep, placing her in the position to use her magic to protect those she loves. At this point she gradually becomes confident in the use of her powers and embracing her destiny.
Narration
Once again Traci Odom narrated and she did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. She voiced each of the characters distinctively so I always knows who is speaking. She made adjustments to the voices where needed. An incident involving Annette, required her to make changes to her tone and she made the adjustment perfectly to fit the situation.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, a great addition to the series. Looking forward to see what is next in store for Defiance and company. I would recommend it to fans of paranormal cozy mystery, paranormal women's fiction and unban fantasy.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
October 5, 2020
3.75
Still loving the amazing female friendship going on in this series!
We also get a little more magic, a little more romance, a little more mystery, and a lot more danger.
Looking forward to seeing how Defiance grows into her new life and power.
Still loving the amazing female friendship going on in this series!
We also get a little more magic, a little more romance, a little more mystery, and a lot more danger.
Looking forward to seeing how Defiance grows into her new life and power.
September 28, 2022
Book one ended on a cliffhanger but I read it four months ago and I have no idea what the heck made me go "oh nooooo, not the dreaded cliffhanger" when I finished it, but it doesn't really matter because the author filled me in soon enough. And all without a huge eye-glazing info dump thankfully! Phew!
This is a fun, breezy PNR with no real stakes or painful angst or trauma that features a lot of humor and magic. But alas the coitus interruptus employed to drag out the sexy times over numerous books is a little aggravating here since this heroine is in her 40s and should really know better than to attempt to get wild on a kitchen counter in a house that always has people and spirits barging in. This tactic is so worn out. I had flashbacks to Stephanie and Joe in those early Stephanie Plum books.
This book reads fast, and it feels super busy but there isn't any big plot thing happening. Defiance is fighting her powers and lusting over her wolfy man and running around Salem, MA saving folks. There appears to be a threatening Big Bad coming but it, like the consummation, does not happen in this book so it all felt a bit chaotic. Anyhow, the humor is great when it hits, and I'll definitely be reading more of the series because despite all of my complaining it was an amusing read.
3 stars means I liked it!
This is a fun, breezy PNR with no real stakes or painful angst or trauma that features a lot of humor and magic. But alas the coitus interruptus employed to drag out the sexy times over numerous books is a little aggravating here since this heroine is in her 40s and should really know better than to attempt to get wild on a kitchen counter in a house that always has people and spirits barging in. This tactic is so worn out. I had flashbacks to Stephanie and Joe in those early Stephanie Plum books.
This book reads fast, and it feels super busy but there isn't any big plot thing happening. Defiance is fighting her powers and lusting over her wolfy man and running around Salem, MA saving folks. There appears to be a threatening Big Bad coming but it, like the consummation, does not happen in this book so it all felt a bit chaotic. Anyhow, the humor is great when it hits, and I'll definitely be reading more of the series because despite all of my complaining it was an amusing read.
3 stars means I liked it!
October 1, 2020
I think my biggest problem with this series is that Defiance is exactly like every other protagonist Darynda Jones has written. She has nothing that really and properly separates her from the other characters that came before her and that just doesn’t do it for me anymore. That doesn’t mean this book didn’t have potential. If you’d never read Charley Davidson (why haven’t you?) then you might truly enjoy this. Of course, you’d have to get over the fact that nothing ever happens until the last 25% first, but I’m not saying you couldn’t. I just don’t like the idea that the only thing worth sticking around for happened in the last (and I seriously mean last) moments of the books.
I’ll probably read the next one if only because they’re cheap and I read too much for my health but I’ll also probably skim it until I get to the good bits like I did this one.
I’ll probably read the next one if only because they’re cheap and I read too much for my health but I’ll also probably skim it until I get to the good bits like I did this one.
January 16, 2024
Muy fresca y ligera. Rápida y divertida. Esta me recordó a Charley Davidson algo más que el anterior. En su forma de humor y cómo habla ella, sobre todo.
Tanto la abuela como el abuelo se me están haciendo personajes entrañables. De hecho, creo que me interesan más ellos que los "casos".
Sus papis también me caen bien. El universo es de lo más original. Divertido. GL Bis (Especial Betwixt & Between)
Tanto la abuela como el abuelo se me están haciendo personajes entrañables. De hecho, creo que me interesan más ellos que los "casos".
Sus papis también me caen bien. El universo es de lo más original. Divertido. GL Bis (Especial Betwixt & Between)
December 13, 2022
Audiobook -Fun, Sexy, Fun, mysterious, fun, suspense, fun and a leather kilt. I love Darynda Jones writing, it make me happy, lightens the days and leave me smiling, Winner for me. Her men are smokin' !
November 14, 2020
I liked the first book, but with this one often Defiance came off as a whiny bitch. She didn't want to accept that she had magic, then when she did was reckless in what she did. Maybe not reckless in what she did, more reckless in how she went about it, not taking any one of the many who would go with her to watch her back, wanting to Lone Ranger things. She often ended up in trouble and needed help herself.
I did like how Defiance reacted when she learned more of her history from her Grandmother, that could have gone wrong. I also liked how Defiance reacted to Percy to thank him and how she seems to find strays that need people and bring them home. But her other behavior made me not like her so much in this one.
I will probably check out the next book, just because I want to find out what happens after Grandma revealed one last secret at the end.
I did like how Defiance reacted when she learned more of her history from her Grandmother, that could have gone wrong. I also liked how Defiance reacted to Percy to thank him and how she seems to find strays that need people and bring them home. But her other behavior made me not like her so much in this one.
I will probably check out the next book, just because I want to find out what happens after Grandma revealed one last secret at the end.
March 5, 2021
Salem, MA. Present day. Darynda Jones’ Bewitched (Betwixt & Between #2) tells Defiance Daynes’ story that even shocks Defiance. Defiance learns that she “comes from a long line of powerful witches.” In addition to that news, she also discovers that she is a ‘charmling’ of which there are only 3 in the entire world. A charmling is an extremely powerful being, and this fact makes witch hunters and warlocks over-the-top jealous. Thus, a new ‘game’ that involves Defiance and those who care about her begins. Objective: warlocks, etc. kill Defiance and take all of her powers which are numerous indeed! Who knew that at the age 44 - no, 45 now - that Difiance would have to learn all new life saving skills (and the life she saves may be her own) while also attempting to comprehend all the powers she has at her disposal? If life does begin at 40, very clear directions for someone in Defiance’s position should be mandatory in this ‘life begins at 40’ kit. One last point - why is People’s Sexiest Man Ever living in her basement? 4.25 stars.
March 20, 2021
This book was just hilarious. I loved it. What really made this book was Roane. I feel that he might be a bit underdeveloped but it is getting better. He sounds super yummy. I just adore the covers on these books and it nice to read a fantasy book where the character isn't just barely into adulthood for once.
November 30, 2020
Oh, lord Jones can make me laugh and her heros are always mysterious and swoon-worthy. This isn’t a romance, but the attraction and shenanigans between our heroine 45-year-old Defiance Dayne and a kilt-wearing shifter was positively delightful.
This story picks up 6 months after Betwixt ended and if you haven’t read it, I suggest you begin there. Both are available in Kindle Unlimited, ebook and print. The third book, Beguiled releases in February 2021.
After the events of the previous book, Defiance isn’t sure she wants to stick around, but vines, secret passages, and discovers about her repressed magic soon have her caught up in things. Then there is what happens in the village, demands for help and Roane, the wolf. Eep!
I had such a fun time with this story, from laugh out loud moments to suspenseful twists and discovers. I am a sucker for a magical manor filled with enchanted objects, and pesky dead grandfathers. Of course there are Defiance’s Dads who seem to always interrupt moments with Roane, her grandmother, and meddling best friend Annette.
Annette and Defiance are a hoot together, and I really want to know what Annette did to a piss of a certain witch. These two remind me of Cookie and Charley, but have their own unique quirkiness. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
This story picks up 6 months after Betwixt ended and if you haven’t read it, I suggest you begin there. Both are available in Kindle Unlimited, ebook and print. The third book, Beguiled releases in February 2021.
After the events of the previous book, Defiance isn’t sure she wants to stick around, but vines, secret passages, and discovers about her repressed magic soon have her caught up in things. Then there is what happens in the village, demands for help and Roane, the wolf. Eep!
I had such a fun time with this story, from laugh out loud moments to suspenseful twists and discovers. I am a sucker for a magical manor filled with enchanted objects, and pesky dead grandfathers. Of course there are Defiance’s Dads who seem to always interrupt moments with Roane, her grandmother, and meddling best friend Annette.
Annette and Defiance are a hoot together, and I really want to know what Annette did to a piss of a certain witch. These two remind me of Cookie and Charley, but have their own unique quirkiness. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 6, 2021
Wholly plot holes Batman... le sigh.
SPOILERS SHEAD
Okay- do in this beginning of this book, Def admits she’s known Rone a total of four days as she slept through the rest of the time. And the book progresses a few more days and she says she goes to her an Annettes favorite restaurant. How? when? All her days were on the page. She was awake a week in total. When did she get a favorite restaurant in Salem???
Then she makes reference to witch history at some point during day 4-7. She hasn’t had time to understand her powers let alone know witch history. It isn’t a spell which by the world building she just knows. It’s historical facts about witches??? Again, she didn’t know she was a witch or even have an affinity for witchy things according to the story.
Still, I read on. The whole interruption in sex so YA, it annoyed me.
But I’m starting the next book and we begin where we left off like a week into her being aware of being a witch and awake and she says she’s wearing a t-shirt with a catchy witch phrase. When did she have time to buy when her life and others have been in peril the entire time???
Still since I’ve moved on, I’ll round up this rating as well.
PS- the narrator is really good.
SPOILERS SHEAD
Okay- do in this beginning of this book, Def admits she’s known Rone a total of four days as she slept through the rest of the time. And the book progresses a few more days and she says she goes to her an Annettes favorite restaurant. How? when? All her days were on the page. She was awake a week in total. When did she get a favorite restaurant in Salem???
Then she makes reference to witch history at some point during day 4-7. She hasn’t had time to understand her powers let alone know witch history. It isn’t a spell which by the world building she just knows. It’s historical facts about witches??? Again, she didn’t know she was a witch or even have an affinity for witchy things according to the story.
Still, I read on. The whole interruption in sex so YA, it annoyed me.
But I’m starting the next book and we begin where we left off like a week into her being aware of being a witch and awake and she says she’s wearing a t-shirt with a catchy witch phrase. When did she have time to buy when her life and others have been in peril the entire time???
Still since I’ve moved on, I’ll round up this rating as well.
PS- the narrator is really good.
April 29, 2022
This series remains a lot of fun. I hope at some point Defiance starts trusting all of the people that have allied themselves with her a bit more. And maybe at some point she stops taking off on her own, which inevitably ends up with a need for someone to rescue her. But on the other hand, she has spunk, and it’s hard not to like her. And the cast of characters, that seems to be expanding quickly, is very entertaining. I want to live in Percy’s house! With the wolf and the crow and the ghost boy. And we can’t forget the witches! 😊
February 12, 2022
I loved this one. It was amazing1
Something different from what I'm used to reading. It was a really good story and I can't wait to read more.
Something different from what I'm used to reading. It was a really good story and I can't wait to read more.
April 5, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Bewitched is the second book of the series Betwixt and Between series, which follows a middle-aged woman who recently found out she has magic when her grandmother died and left her a house possessed by the spirit of her dead father. It picks up about six months after the end to the Betwixt, after Defiance does some pretty heavy duty magic that knocks her out for awhile.
Defiance and I aren't clicking really well yet. Sometimes I really like her and all the funny witty stuff that comes out of her mouth. But, mostly I'm really frustrated by her well defiant nature. She is so busy trying to get out of being magical and wanting to run away from her new life that I struggle with the woman who just found out she has some very awesome magic and is more powerful that most witches.
A few things this series really has going for it are the plucky best friend, Annette and the love interest, Roane. Annette is so funny and free spirited that she is just so much fun to see on page with Defiance as they girl banter and play off each other. Roane, well he is just hot. I love a good Alpha man that is patient and doesn't take and bullshit from the heroine, especially as Defiance is trying to convince everyone her magic is gone.
Thrown into more danger and getting a better feel for the powers she is trying to deny, Defiance is really coming into her own. Between finding some lost things, helping those in danger, fighting a malevolent spirit and being kidnapped she is having a heck of a week. A little more of the magic is fleshed out in Bewitched and the romance is progressing along nicely.
I really want to like this series, so I'm hoping as Defiance comes into her own and embraces the magic a little more, she and I will bond a little better. The side characters have been fun so far, so there is a lot of potential to the series.
Narration:
Traci Odom is a good pick for the series. She again brings a fun interpretation of Defiance that seems to fit well. I do like her voice and feel like she transitions into the other characters well too. I was able to listen to this at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to the clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Bewitched is the second book of the series Betwixt and Between series, which follows a middle-aged woman who recently found out she has magic when her grandmother died and left her a house possessed by the spirit of her dead father. It picks up about six months after the end to the Betwixt, after Defiance does some pretty heavy duty magic that knocks her out for awhile.
Defiance and I aren't clicking really well yet. Sometimes I really like her and all the funny witty stuff that comes out of her mouth. But, mostly I'm really frustrated by her well defiant nature. She is so busy trying to get out of being magical and wanting to run away from her new life that I struggle with the woman who just found out she has some very awesome magic and is more powerful that most witches.
A few things this series really has going for it are the plucky best friend, Annette and the love interest, Roane. Annette is so funny and free spirited that she is just so much fun to see on page with Defiance as they girl banter and play off each other. Roane, well he is just hot. I love a good Alpha man that is patient and doesn't take and bullshit from the heroine, especially as Defiance is trying to convince everyone her magic is gone.
Thrown into more danger and getting a better feel for the powers she is trying to deny, Defiance is really coming into her own. Between finding some lost things, helping those in danger, fighting a malevolent spirit and being kidnapped she is having a heck of a week. A little more of the magic is fleshed out in Bewitched and the romance is progressing along nicely.
I really want to like this series, so I'm hoping as Defiance comes into her own and embraces the magic a little more, she and I will bond a little better. The side characters have been fun so far, so there is a lot of potential to the series.
Narration:
Traci Odom is a good pick for the series. She again brings a fun interpretation of Defiance that seems to fit well. I do like her voice and feel like she transitions into the other characters well too. I was able to listen to this at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to the clip: HERE
November 27, 2020
Defiance Dayne is more comfortable in her new skin as charmling witch and she is more prepared to defend herself from other witches who want to take her power. In this installment, there are powerful beings at play that will push her into her true powers. The rest of the characters have also settled in their new lives in supporting Defiance. It’s all so exciting.
I was super happy to find out that I didn’t have to wait long for this second installment of Betwixt & Between. I enjoyed every bit of it. Darynda stepped up her game and increased the humor, mystery/suspense, and she definitely upped the love game. She also established all the characters’ roles and placed them where they are supposed to be in Defiance’s new life. We get more page times for Roane and Annette in this book. They remind me of the characters in the Charley Davison series which I absolutely love. The funny banters, hilarious awkward moments, and the sweet interaction with Defiance’s friends and family. It also follows a similar theme to the Charley Davidson series. There’s a main plot which will focus on Defiance’s story and a subplot which focuses on a smaller mystery. So if you love Charley, you will absolutely love Defiance. They have a very similar vibe.
Reviewed by Angela ❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
January 7, 2024
Huh... This was a massive downgrade from the first book in the series. There just really wasn't a lot of substance.
Biggest plus side: The romance and character development of Roan. However, parts of the romance reminded me a LOT of Cat & Bones in the Nighthuntress Series. Some cool new abilities from Defiance. A few funny moments.
Now the bad: Defiance's grandma digressed as a character and didn't have much to add except a few background tidbits. I didn't feel the closeness of the dads' relationship in the same way it was portrayed in the first book.
The abilities of Defiance are just there. Defiance does something: Oh wow, how did that happen? Meh, oh well.. let's move on with life. This just doesn't add up for me as a reader.
I don't know what was going on with this book. I don't know if Darynda rushed it or had to meet a deadline, but it didn't feel as complete and well done as the first novel. I will give book 3 a chance and hope these issues disappear.
Overall, it just wasn't more than ok for me. 2 Stars
Biggest plus side: The romance and character development of Roan. However, parts of the romance reminded me a LOT of Cat & Bones in the Nighthuntress Series. Some cool new abilities from Defiance. A few funny moments.
Now the bad: Defiance's grandma digressed as a character and didn't have much to add except a few background tidbits. I didn't feel the closeness of the dads' relationship in the same way it was portrayed in the first book.
The abilities of Defiance are just there. Defiance does something: Oh wow, how did that happen? Meh, oh well.. let's move on with life. This just doesn't add up for me as a reader.
I don't know what was going on with this book. I don't know if Darynda rushed it or had to meet a deadline, but it didn't feel as complete and well done as the first novel. I will give book 3 a chance and hope these issues disappear.
Overall, it just wasn't more than ok for me. 2 Stars
April 9, 2023
I LOVE this series. It is so refreshing to read a book about a heroine who is in her forties. Defiance is spunky and fun. The antics between her and her best friend are a hoot. The romance is HOT!!! Roane is sexy as hell. I cannot wait to read the next book to see what the gang gets up to next.
Thank you Darynda and Dana for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I already pre-ordered the next book.
Thank you Darynda and Dana for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I already pre-ordered the next book.
May 16, 2022
Still so good!
In this second book we learn a little more about Defiance and mysteries surrounding her life. She knows there is an evil after her and we don't know what that is yet, but she has surrounded herself with friends and family. I can't wait to read the next book!
In this second book we learn a little more about Defiance and mysteries surrounding her life. She knows there is an evil after her and we don't know what that is yet, but she has surrounded herself with friends and family. I can't wait to read the next book!
March 29, 2021
Oh, lord Jones can make me laugh and her heros are always mysterious and swoon-worthy. This isn’t a romance, but the attraction and shenanigans between our heroine 45-year-old Defiance Dayne and a kilt-wearing shifter was positively delightful.
This story picks up 6 months after Betwixt ended and if you haven’t read it, I suggest you begin there. Both are available in Kindle Unlimited, ebook and print. The third book, Beguiled releases in February 2021.
After the events of the previous book, Defiance isn’t sure she wants to stick around, but vines, secret passages, and discovers about her repressed magic soon have her caught up in things. Then there is what happens in the village, demands for help and Roane, the wolf. Eep!
I had such a fun time with this story, from laugh out loud moments to suspenseful twists and discovers. I am a sucker for a magical manor filled with enchanted objects, and pesky dead grandfathers. Of course there are Defiance’s Dads who seem to always interrupt moments with Roane, her grandmother, and meddling best friend Annette.
Annette and Defiance are a hoot together, and I really want to know what Annette did to a piss of a certain witch. These two remind me of Cookie and Charley, but have their own unique quirkiness.
While issues wrapped up as we came to the end, a new mystery emerged and I cannot wait to dive into Beguiled. I was told this was a trilogy, but I do hope Jones gives us more.
Updated March 29, 2021 to include audiobook review: I loved reading the story, but listening added a whole new level of enjoyment from character interaction to antics. Traci Odom beautifully captures the voices and personalities of these characters.
This story picks up 6 months after Betwixt ended and if you haven’t read it, I suggest you begin there. Both are available in Kindle Unlimited, ebook and print. The third book, Beguiled releases in February 2021.
After the events of the previous book, Defiance isn’t sure she wants to stick around, but vines, secret passages, and discovers about her repressed magic soon have her caught up in things. Then there is what happens in the village, demands for help and Roane, the wolf. Eep!
I had such a fun time with this story, from laugh out loud moments to suspenseful twists and discovers. I am a sucker for a magical manor filled with enchanted objects, and pesky dead grandfathers. Of course there are Defiance’s Dads who seem to always interrupt moments with Roane, her grandmother, and meddling best friend Annette.
Annette and Defiance are a hoot together, and I really want to know what Annette did to a piss of a certain witch. These two remind me of Cookie and Charley, but have their own unique quirkiness.
While issues wrapped up as we came to the end, a new mystery emerged and I cannot wait to dive into Beguiled. I was told this was a trilogy, but I do hope Jones gives us more.
Updated March 29, 2021 to include audiobook review: I loved reading the story, but listening added a whole new level of enjoyment from character interaction to antics. Traci Odom beautifully captures the voices and personalities of these characters.
March 30, 2021
Another fun read/listen from Darynda Jones. I find myself falling in love with these characters easily and I really look forward to the rest of their journey.
As always, I laughed my way through this book. From the "quotes" at the start of each chapter to the banter between Defiance and her best friend Annette and Defiance's internal (sometimes hilariously external) monologue the laughs keep coming. And I think the fact that Defiance is in her 40s -- 45 for this book -- just makes it that much more enjoyable for me. You don't have to be a 20 something to have an adventure!
I love all the characters - her dad's, Gigi, Percy, Roan, the Sheriff - they're all well developed and I'm coming to love them all. And I think we've picked up a couple more that will be around moving forward, maybe? There's also a cozy mystery element, this time Defiance slept for 6 months and woke up very afraid and with a lot of people waiting for her to help them - plus there's the bigger thread of Defiance coming into who she is and learning about the mysteries of her magic and her past.
Traci Odom is doing a great job bringing this cast to life for me and I'm enjoying every moment, even at 2x speed. So glad to be listening to these and really looking forward to the next book!
As always, I laughed my way through this book. From the "quotes" at the start of each chapter to the banter between Defiance and her best friend Annette and Defiance's internal (sometimes hilariously external) monologue the laughs keep coming. And I think the fact that Defiance is in her 40s -- 45 for this book -- just makes it that much more enjoyable for me. You don't have to be a 20 something to have an adventure!
I love all the characters - her dad's, Gigi, Percy, Roan, the Sheriff - they're all well developed and I'm coming to love them all. And I think we've picked up a couple more that will be around moving forward, maybe? There's also a cozy mystery element, this time Defiance slept for 6 months and woke up very afraid and with a lot of people waiting for her to help them - plus there's the bigger thread of Defiance coming into who she is and learning about the mysteries of her magic and her past.
Traci Odom is doing a great job bringing this cast to life for me and I'm enjoying every moment, even at 2x speed. So glad to be listening to these and really looking forward to the next book!
October 21, 2025
Yeee more shifters for sure and I didn’t see the shifter bird coming AT ALL. These always end on a cliff hanger though huh 🤔 hoping I can get the latest then 😳
November 16, 2020
Bewitched
Betwixt and Between, Book 2
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: ebook
Stars: 4
The Characters:
Defiance Dayne:
Roane Wildes:
Annette, Chief Mecalf, Gigi
The Story:
These characters are some of my favorites of all time. Not surprising considering the author. While the characters were lovable I think the story dragged a bit. I didn’t know what was going on for way too long. And I still don’t know that we got to the point. (I read this some weeks ago and can’t remember)
I like that Roan and Defiance are getting closer but Oh My Blueballs can they just get it on already!
Overall I enjoyed my time in Salem.
The Random Thoughts:
The Score Card:
Betwixt and Between, Book 2
I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.
Media Type: ebook
Stars: 4
The Characters:
Defiance Dayne:
Roane Wildes:
Annette, Chief Mecalf, Gigi
The Story:
These characters are some of my favorites of all time. Not surprising considering the author. While the characters were lovable I think the story dragged a bit. I didn’t know what was going on for way too long. And I still don’t know that we got to the point. (I read this some weeks ago and can’t remember)
I like that Roan and Defiance are getting closer but Oh My Blueballs can they just get it on already!
Overall I enjoyed my time in Salem.
The Random Thoughts:
The Score Card:
August 20, 2022
This is book 2 in the series and it's fun. Made me laugh out loud a few times which is always good for a book.
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