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Diminishing Magic #1
Jewels of Clay
Desperation drove me to insanity. It’s the only reason I can give for my quest to be admitted into the magic Conclave. If I hadn’t been facing the repossession of my grandmother’s home, with zero career prospects on the horizon, and flat broke, I wouldn’t have ended up in a werewolf camp facing my almost-assured destruction.
Yet here we are.
In order to prove my—and my species'—worth to the Conclave, I entered into a magic Perception contract with the surliest and frustratingly hot of the pack’s beta wolves. He wants me to complete some specially designed—ahem, impossible—trials to prove my worth and if I fall short? Well, let’s just say, I don’t get to go back to my life knowing I tried my best. Nope. He gets to kill me the second he perceives me unworthy.
Outlook not so good.
If I can’t use my gnome craftiness—yeah, I said gnome and no, I don’t have a pointy red hat. It's a beanie—my epitaph will read HERE LIES TERRA. SHE DIED DROOLING OVER A WOLFHOLE WITH PURPLE EYES AND INSANE ABS. SHE DIED BROKE, BUT HAPPY.
This is a steamy, slow-burn romance with enemies to lovers and a pack of hot shifters, full of humor, heart, and heat. It's perfect for fans of Kelly St. Clare or Leia Stone. Or anyone who ever used a Magic 8-ball.
EARLY REVIEWS FROM ADVANCE
Absolutely loved the story I couldn't put it down. - MC
I loved every second of the book. And she really knows how to have the readers get hooked on the story and characters.
-Excerpt from Goodreads review
Yet here we are.
In order to prove my—and my species'—worth to the Conclave, I entered into a magic Perception contract with the surliest and frustratingly hot of the pack’s beta wolves. He wants me to complete some specially designed—ahem, impossible—trials to prove my worth and if I fall short? Well, let’s just say, I don’t get to go back to my life knowing I tried my best. Nope. He gets to kill me the second he perceives me unworthy.
Outlook not so good.
If I can’t use my gnome craftiness—yeah, I said gnome and no, I don’t have a pointy red hat. It's a beanie—my epitaph will read HERE LIES TERRA. SHE DIED DROOLING OVER A WOLFHOLE WITH PURPLE EYES AND INSANE ABS. SHE DIED BROKE, BUT HAPPY.
This is a steamy, slow-burn romance with enemies to lovers and a pack of hot shifters, full of humor, heart, and heat. It's perfect for fans of Kelly St. Clare or Leia Stone. Or anyone who ever used a Magic 8-ball.
EARLY REVIEWS FROM ADVANCE
Absolutely loved the story I couldn't put it down. - MC
I loved every second of the book. And she really knows how to have the readers get hooked on the story and characters.
-Excerpt from Goodreads review
- GenresParanormalFantasy
379 pages, ebook
Published January 23, 2023
16 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Cat Collins
14 books9 followersCat Collins is the #1 bestselling author in her home. No really, her husband wrote a training manual for work once. Sold one copy to his boss. She writes what she likes to read: swoony alphas, witty dialogue, and steamy scenes that make your heart (and various other parts) flutter.
Her Diminishing Magic series has garnered praise from reviewers and a 5-start Readers’ Favorite review for its hilarious banter, sexual tension between characters, and turns you never see coming. Described as a "twisty bundle of fun,” and a “rollercoaster ride you won’t want to get off,” the series includes elemental magic, wolf shifters, and a main character who's full of sass.
A reading interventionist by day, and a reader and binge-watcher by night, Cat lives in the Southern US with her aforementioned husband, two kids, and two cats, one of whom likes to edit as Cat is writing by jumping on the keyboard unexpectedly. Any stray typos must certainly be the work of Poe.
She loves connecting with readers on social media. Check her out @CatCollinsBooks on most platforms.
Her Diminishing Magic series has garnered praise from reviewers and a 5-start Readers’ Favorite review for its hilarious banter, sexual tension between characters, and turns you never see coming. Described as a "twisty bundle of fun,” and a “rollercoaster ride you won’t want to get off,” the series includes elemental magic, wolf shifters, and a main character who's full of sass.
A reading interventionist by day, and a reader and binge-watcher by night, Cat lives in the Southern US with her aforementioned husband, two kids, and two cats, one of whom likes to edit as Cat is writing by jumping on the keyboard unexpectedly. Any stray typos must certainly be the work of Poe.
She loves connecting with readers on social media. Check her out @CatCollinsBooks on most platforms.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 18, 2023
This book was chefs kiss, I loved the twists and turns as well as the tension between Wells and Terra, the only part that makes me sad is that I have to wait for book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
This was good! A little weird and unusual in places but funny!
I loved all the different references to other tv shows and films, or just other pop culture things in recent times. It was so cool when I recognised them, and helped me feel like I was connecting with the main character.
I liked how there was smutty references in this book, but not too much that it distracted from the story. It kept it light, and you were interested in the story, but then it was also fun.
Overall, good!
I loved all the different references to other tv shows and films, or just other pop culture things in recent times. It was so cool when I recognised them, and helped me feel like I was connecting with the main character.
I liked how there was smutty references in this book, but not too much that it distracted from the story. It kept it light, and you were interested in the story, but then it was also fun.
Overall, good!
Want to read
May 17, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/17/2023)! 🎁
January 21, 2023
The sexual tension is top notch and real! So much nakedness, innuendos, spicy anecdotes, laughs and twists and turns! You think you know what’s going to happen next only to get whiplash from the plot twist! It went to all these places I didn’t think the story would go, but that’s what kept it fun and entertaining. Only to be left with the biggest cliffhanger and your jaw on the floor! Book 2 where are you?
The story is heartwarming with a found family. Not only for Terra, but Tristan and the betas as well. I really loved Tristan. He seems like he would be the best BFF. He cooks and he is there for you when you need him. Plus, he is a blast! More than half the stuff he’d done or said made me arch a brow. Now Tristan is raunchy. So are the betas, and they are very verbal about it. There is more talk than actual on-page spice. Don’t let the cover fool you, this is not Narnia. There is a lot of dirty talk throughout the book. And I’m all for it. Cat Collins’ writing is very relatable and upbeat, Terra’s inner thoughts often mirror my own. “Do not drool over your potential murderer in front of all these people.” Need I say more?
Two years after her grandma’s passing, Terra is left penniless and desperate. She can’t afford to pay the mortgage and she only has one option, one last sliver of hope before she gets evicted. To get Gnomes to join the Conclave and go to Aetheria! Only problem is convincing 5 werewolves to allow Gnomes, the least magical beings, to join. Determined, she captures an amorous fairy named Tristen to aid in her plans. And by using him she manages to score a deal! Only to later find out that she has to complete 4 trials and if she fails any, she dies. What could possibly go wrong? Not only is death on the table, she’s now bonded to Wells, the broodiest of the Alpha’s Betas. He will be the one to decide whether she is worthy or not. The odds are not in her favor.
I’d recommend Jewels of Clay to anyone who enjoys a light hearted read with a bit of mystery, magical creatures, hot shifters, found family, and playful naughtiness. There are lots of laughs, especially with Gram’s Gramisms. I really did ponder a few of them and can only guess she is 100% accurate! Let’s just say Gram must have been a traveler, because she got around. Humor aside, the book does also touch on loss and moving on, finding your place in the world and acceptance.
Warning: Reading this book may make you stick your bare feet in the dirt. May make you go hunting for fairies to befriend. May make you more creative with bubbles. May make you drink the fairy wine. Read responsibly.
*I was given an arc copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*
The story is heartwarming with a found family. Not only for Terra, but Tristan and the betas as well. I really loved Tristan. He seems like he would be the best BFF. He cooks and he is there for you when you need him. Plus, he is a blast! More than half the stuff he’d done or said made me arch a brow. Now Tristan is raunchy. So are the betas, and they are very verbal about it. There is more talk than actual on-page spice. Don’t let the cover fool you, this is not Narnia. There is a lot of dirty talk throughout the book. And I’m all for it. Cat Collins’ writing is very relatable and upbeat, Terra’s inner thoughts often mirror my own. “Do not drool over your potential murderer in front of all these people.” Need I say more?
Two years after her grandma’s passing, Terra is left penniless and desperate. She can’t afford to pay the mortgage and she only has one option, one last sliver of hope before she gets evicted. To get Gnomes to join the Conclave and go to Aetheria! Only problem is convincing 5 werewolves to allow Gnomes, the least magical beings, to join. Determined, she captures an amorous fairy named Tristen to aid in her plans. And by using him she manages to score a deal! Only to later find out that she has to complete 4 trials and if she fails any, she dies. What could possibly go wrong? Not only is death on the table, she’s now bonded to Wells, the broodiest of the Alpha’s Betas. He will be the one to decide whether she is worthy or not. The odds are not in her favor.
I’d recommend Jewels of Clay to anyone who enjoys a light hearted read with a bit of mystery, magical creatures, hot shifters, found family, and playful naughtiness. There are lots of laughs, especially with Gram’s Gramisms. I really did ponder a few of them and can only guess she is 100% accurate! Let’s just say Gram must have been a traveler, because she got around. Humor aside, the book does also touch on loss and moving on, finding your place in the world and acceptance.
Warning: Reading this book may make you stick your bare feet in the dirt. May make you go hunting for fairies to befriend. May make you more creative with bubbles. May make you drink the fairy wine. Read responsibly.
*I was given an arc copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*
December 31, 2023
Cat Collins: Jewels of Clay
First in a series
• 🌶️🌶️ Spicy
• ⌚️Timed trials
• ⌚️Timed spicy fun
• 🧚Funny pixie sidekick
• 🎱Magic 8 ball phrases
• Girl gets more power as the story evolves
• M/F
• Single POV, first-person
I love the blurb, and it accurately portrays the whole vibe. Terra is a bit zany, so when her grandma dies and she realizes that she is in deep, deep trouble, she concocts a harebrained scheme to join the conclave of supernaturals. No gnome has ever been worthy before because their magic is not significant //eyecatching// enough.
The wolf pack in charge of the conclave arrives just for the free food, but they leave with her in tow on a trial basis. This would not be a problem except failing the trial results in her death. Does this sound familiar? Don’t dismiss this novel, because the trial is actually a nice transition into self-enlightenment as the heroine gains confidence and capability through (surprise) effort.
It’s funny. The plot has some interesting twists, and the pacing is consistent.
The world:
I really adore a good sense of the world. Despite having magic, this is a paranormal romance where the elf experiments with a fusion of magic and biochemistry to change the wolves, the Djinns are a hive mind like the Borg, and there are magic relics. But they still have cars and smart watches.
❤️ The romance: ❤️
Of course, I have to mention the romance. Terra had written down phrases to remember her grandmother, and they were astoundingly saucy…LOL. I loved that. There is so much teasing between Terra and Wells that the magic 8 ball says the outlook looks good. Expect some payoff near the end 👀 (twice).
The rating: a 4 means I loved it but not enough to consider rereading soon, nor will I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it.
First in a series
• 🌶️🌶️ Spicy
• ⌚️Timed trials
• ⌚️Timed spicy fun
• 🧚Funny pixie sidekick
• 🎱Magic 8 ball phrases
• Girl gets more power as the story evolves
• M/F
• Single POV, first-person
I love the blurb, and it accurately portrays the whole vibe. Terra is a bit zany, so when her grandma dies and she realizes that she is in deep, deep trouble, she concocts a harebrained scheme to join the conclave of supernaturals. No gnome has ever been worthy before because their magic is not significant //eyecatching// enough.
The wolf pack in charge of the conclave arrives just for the free food, but they leave with her in tow on a trial basis. This would not be a problem except failing the trial results in her death. Does this sound familiar? Don’t dismiss this novel, because the trial is actually a nice transition into self-enlightenment as the heroine gains confidence and capability through (surprise) effort.
It’s funny. The plot has some interesting twists, and the pacing is consistent.
The world:
I really adore a good sense of the world. Despite having magic, this is a paranormal romance where the elf experiments with a fusion of magic and biochemistry to change the wolves, the Djinns are a hive mind like the Borg, and there are magic relics. But they still have cars and smart watches.
❤️ The romance: ❤️
Of course, I have to mention the romance. Terra had written down phrases to remember her grandmother, and they were astoundingly saucy…LOL. I loved that. There is so much teasing between Terra and Wells that the magic 8 ball says the outlook looks good. Expect some payoff near the end 👀 (twice).
The rating: a 4 means I loved it but not enough to consider rereading soon, nor will I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it.
February 5, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Twisty bundle of fun!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2023
This book is a must-read, I absolutely loved it! The amount of action, spice, and sassy attitude were fantastic! I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I NEED to know what happens!
Terra has the perfect amount of snark to lend to the dialogue in this book! I love Terra’s new BFF Tristan and Wells and his friends are the perfect amount of fun for everyone. Let me just say Holy Hotness🔥🔥!
The plot led to a great storyline. The enemies to lovers and the slow burn before the good spice kept me wanting more!
Please pick this book up and support a great author!! I received this as an ARC and I am so happy that I was introduced to Cat Collins and her story. I can’t wait to read more of her work!
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2023
This book is a must-read, I absolutely loved it! The amount of action, spice, and sassy attitude were fantastic! I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I NEED to know what happens!
Terra has the perfect amount of snark to lend to the dialogue in this book! I love Terra’s new BFF Tristan and Wells and his friends are the perfect amount of fun for everyone. Let me just say Holy Hotness🔥🔥!
The plot led to a great storyline. The enemies to lovers and the slow burn before the good spice kept me wanting more!
Please pick this book up and support a great author!! I received this as an ARC and I am so happy that I was introduced to Cat Collins and her story. I can’t wait to read more of her work!
February 16, 2023
Confession, I never read fantasy. I do not typically enjoy books filled with fantasy, spice, or romance. Let's get real, I don't like reading in general. I read Jewels of Clay because I know Cat personally. She gave me an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. When I started reading, it was more to see what Cat was capable of as a writer. My curiosity about her abilities drove me to open the book, but the excellent writing made me continue. By chapter three, I was intrigued by the story. By chapter five, I was engrossed in the life of Terra. I had to know what was going to happen to her. If life had not gotten in my way, I would have read until I finished the book. I did not want to put it down, to leave the magical world. I'm a little glum that I have to wait for book two. You better believe I'll be ordering a copy as soon as it's available in print form.
January 30, 2023
Humorous
World Building
Shifters
Sassy FMC
Slow burn
Magic
Terra and Wells start out rocky but the tension, snarky remarks, and back-and-forth banter lead to some hilarious dialogue. Tristen, the “trusty” sidekick was comical also! If you love books about wolfs, binding spells, tension, and a FMC who is desperate enough to walk into the wolf’s den (literally) then run and grab this book! I love that Cat had to build an entire world and magic system, which is different from all other fantasy books but didn’t need to make the book extremely long! Don’t pass up on this book!
I look forward to book 2!
World Building
Shifters
Sassy FMC
Slow burn
Magic
Terra and Wells start out rocky but the tension, snarky remarks, and back-and-forth banter lead to some hilarious dialogue. Tristen, the “trusty” sidekick was comical also! If you love books about wolfs, binding spells, tension, and a FMC who is desperate enough to walk into the wolf’s den (literally) then run and grab this book! I love that Cat had to build an entire world and magic system, which is different from all other fantasy books but didn’t need to make the book extremely long! Don’t pass up on this book!
I look forward to book 2!
January 13, 2023
Oh my. This Book was Amazing. I loved every second of the book. And she really knows how to have the readers get hooked on the story and characters. I laughed so hard in some parts and I could totally relate to how Terra felt throughout this whole journey. I give this book 2 thumbs up and say you need to read this story. It has it all. I cannot wait to see what more she has in store for us cause all I can say is I’m hooked.
January 13, 2023
What a great book. I loved all the characters. I do wish we got to see more more of Tristan. The sexual tension between terra and wells is 🔥🔥🔥. the story ended Leave you wanting\needing more The only disappointment I have Is the second book isn't it out yet. I do hope we get to see more of the fae in future books in the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2023
I was surprised by how much I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Usually, I'm not a fan of first person pov in books, but I really didn't want to put this one down. The twists and turns in the book were enjoyable, the characters amusing, and the tension between Terra and Wells was great. highly recommend, can't wait for the second book to be released!
January 21, 2023
This was a wonderful first book to what I believe is going to be a great series! The tension between characters is amazing, and the main character is someone I can relate to (aside from the gnome and magic powers part). There are some great twists that keep you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend reading this book as soon as you get the chance!
January 30, 2023
Love this book! I seriously could not put it down. The characters take you on a crazy emotional ride! I laughed and cried! There's sexual innuendo's, definitely some sexual tension between characters. I love how the relationships build and evolve. I totally relate to Terra and wanted all the happy endings for her! Can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!
September 22, 2024
I had a hard time getting into this book. But, once I started letting the character flaws go, it grabbed me and didn't let go. The book ends on a cliff hanger, and perhaps this really isn't the end of the reluctant heroine. There is just too much left to unravel. What I liked best about this book, the never-ending twists They were unpredictable. That kept me hooked.
January 25, 2023
I loved these characters, they all felt well thought out and I didn’t get annoyed by any of them lol. I loved all the sexual tension!!! I loved the characters!!! I loved this book. It was just what I needed to read at the start of the year.
September 30, 2023
def getting book 2!
I found this book when sharing good reviews and added it to my TBR. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Loved the banter and wittiness, along with the innuendos and grammisms. Bravo! Now I’m off to book 2!
I found this book when sharing good reviews and added it to my TBR. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Loved the banter and wittiness, along with the innuendos and grammisms. Bravo! Now I’m off to book 2!
September 22, 2024
I really loved this book. It needs some additional editing, and the “love” seemed a little quick. However, the plot, unique characters (how often do you read about a gnome?), and the chemistry between the main characters really snagged me. I’ll be continuing the series.
January 24, 2023
Loved this sassy new series from debut author Cat Collins. The fairies are fun and the wolves are hot and Terra must figure out a way to survive them or die drooling.
February 25, 2023
If you love the savage fea books, you will love this! I was hooked at leprechaun.
February 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the next in the series when it is out. Have to know how Terra's story continues!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews