DNF 7% in.

Thank you to Bloom Books for providing me with an arc.

I keep trying to get into this book but unlike Rhapsodic that instantly sucked me in, I feel like I am forcing myself through this one. I may try to read it again but for now I am dnfing as it was boring for me. The writing was decent but at 7% in the magic was already confusing which puts me off.

‘Bewitched’ by Laura Thalassa casts a spell of dark enchantment and thrilling suspense, wrapping you in a world where magic is a double-edged sword and love is as complex as the spells woven by its characters. Selene Bowers, our charming yet troubled protagonist, embarks on a journey to the prestigious Henbane Coven, only to find her life entwined with Memnon the Cursed, a figure shrouded in mystery and darkness.

Selene's magical abilities, which come at the cost of her memories, create a unique and poignant struggle. Every use of her powers is a gamble, making each scene where magic is wielded a heart-wrenching experience. The intricate blend of magic, memory, and emotion Thalassa blends is nothing short of mesmerizing, propelling the narrative with an intensity that grips you from the first page.

Memnon, the brooding anti-hero, is a character that defies easy categorization. Dark, intense, and enigmatic, he challenges both Selene and the reader’s perceptions, balancing on the fine line between villain and victim. Their relationship, a mysterious and a slow-burning romance, is the beating heart of the story, as it oscillates between tension, passion, and deep emotional complexity.

The world of ‘Bewitched’ is richly imagined, combining a modern times witch academia with the allure of ancient curses and shadowy pasts. Thalassa’s writing style, both lyrical and sharp, sets the perfect tone for this gothic fantasy, immersing you in an atmosphere that is as dark as it is enchanting.

Despite its darker elements, the book is infused with moments of humor and wit, primarily through Selene's lively personality and her interactions with a diverse cast of paranormal beings. The novel’s pace is brisk, ensuring a thrilling read, yet it never sacrifices the depth of its characters or the intricacy of its world-building.

Magic always has a price dearie.
Whenever selene uses her powers she loses parta of her memories.
When she drunkingly books a trip she awakens someone
Someone who happens to be her sould mate

I realllly liked this one! I picked it up and before I knew it, I was halfway through and devouring it. I've read a lot from Laure Thalassa and I haven't found a book I didn't vibe with. The FMC is SO interesting, the fantasy piece, the twist and turns and that MMC? Yes please. A memory loss trope I actually enjoyed! I need the second book immediately.

I had a great time with this! Urban witchy fantasy romance is such a great combo and this book did it so well!

I picked up this book because I enjoyed another series written by this author. I thought that this was a good story and the pacing was nice. It was and interesting concept, although I didn't find myself interested in the MMC.

absolutely stellar book by Laura Thalassa. i loved how atmospheric this was. the intrigue kept building up throughout the course of the book and im pumped to read the next one. immensely enjoyed getting to know the characters and the world. her writing is also super easy to get into so 100% recommend checking it out if you're looking for an easy to read fantasy romance

The main characters are unlikable. Selene is a witch that loses memories every time she practices her magic. Because of this we don't trust anyone in the story at any time because our narrator is unreliable.

Memnon is a hunk of a warlock trapped in the jungles of South America for centuries by his mate, the love of his life, Roxy. Who might also be Selene? But she doesn't remember and she also kind of has a crush on a werewolf who's all about consent so there's that.

Memnon is having no trouble adjusting to venmo, wearing jeans, and being an ex-king now homeless in the 21st century. He is super cranky and unhinged though, while plotting revenge for his sleeping beauty phase. Selene insists she didn't curse him but no one is buying it.

Is this book the mystery it thinks it is or can we guess everything that's going to happen?

I'd recommend this book to people that do adult coloring books. Those that do not think of leeches or brain eating amoeba when seeing exotic bodies of water. Fast readers. Because it is not worth days of your life.

DISAPPOINTING.

The writing and the characters aren't just it. The whole book really did a number, and one of its favorite things to do is be nothing but disappointing.

Don't get me wrong, the premise is promising. The spatial setting is also there, but I believe it needs more development.

The depth and character writing were just the most disappointing parts aside from mediocre writing.

I've read that some reviews that Memmon carried the book and Selene is just infuriating bitch. BUT HE DID NOT. They were right about Selene in some parts. She's really a waste of potential. Memmon, on the other hand, is just an asshole. Again, I read some reviews that something about Memmon finding another woman in the 2nd and some bullshit on Selene clearly shows the misogyny there, Miss Ma'am . Let's correct some what they said.

1. Memmon is an asshole and who cares if he finds another woman.

2. What Selene needs perhaps is character development, which they are right in some parts. She's entitled to be frustrated with the whole fuckery after all considering her circumstances and yes, Memmon also had some fuckery going on but give Selene some more credit here.


Now, as for the whole plot and conflict. It's another charade of giving nothing. Like sure, something is going on there, but if you look at it, it's just a never-ending of circus without actual character developments and advancements of the main plot.

Needless to say, this was a certified wasteland. The writing could also need some improvement.

2⭐️ for the premise.


THANK YOU NETGALLEY FOR THE COPY

Bewitched by Laura Thalassa is a fantasy romance novel that follows the story of Selene Bowers, a young witch who hopes to be accepted into Henbane Coven, an academy for young witches. The book is set in a world where supernatural forces exist and Selene’s journey takes her to South America where she discovers an ancient evil, Memnon the Cursed, who mistakes Selene for his long-dead wife who betrayed him.

The book is a wild ride to the magical dark side and Laura Thalassa’s writing style has a way of pulling you in and keeping you hooked till you reach the end. The plot and the characters’ storyline are developed so well, it kept me on my toes, questioning every action and motive, and the twist in the story at the end!

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy romance novels. It is a great read and will keep you entertained throughout.

Very cute story! The cover was attention grabbing and modern/polished - would look great on a shelf.

I wanted to love this, I'm such a big fan of the Rhapsodic series. this started out strong and promising, but I quickly grew tired of the juvenile writing style, and I found the premise/plot honestly a bit bizarre. Not for me.

I had been waiting for something new from Laura Thalassa for what feels like forever. Bewitched felt completely different from her previous works, while still giving me all the feels she always does as one of my auto-buy authors.
I love that Bewitched was set in a school for witches- with a fast character lineup and a diverse paranormal community. There was top-notch banter and the wonderful character development I’ve learned to expect from this author.
Bewitched was a five star read hands down!

YESSSSSSSSS!

Bravo, Laura Thalassa! I am not mad about reading this book so late. It was the PERFECT spooky season romance to finish in September.

Selene is a great character. I loved all of her quirks and ferocity. The magic eats your memories plot was unique and interesting, making her adaptable. Her motivation and determination to continue to follow her dreams, despite the cost of using her magic, was empowering. Plus, having a panther familiar is BADASS!!

I am usually not a fan of slow burns, just too impatient, but DAMN this one is worth it. The spice feeds in so many ways, even though Memnon doesn't hit a home run. But, the spice that is there HOLY WOW!

Great job! Loved it! Can't wait to get into the next book!!!

I ended up not finishjng this one because it wasn’t as intriguing as Laura’s other books have been. While set in the Bargainer world it just didn’t have the same development as that one did and the protagonist felt lacking in personality.

This book didn't work for me. It started off well enough, and I was intrigued by the world-building that was introduced. The main character's original introduction to the love interest was incredibly unique and I thought had a lot of potential. But once she got into the school, the story quickly took a turn for the worse. The love interest kept randomly popping up and being threatening and then would immediately disappear again. This irregular pacing left me unable to truly connect to either the story or the the love story that we were supposed to be invested in. Increasingly, I became more and more frustrated with both characters and lost most interest in the book. It was too bad, as I think it did have potential.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was my first book by this author and it won’t be the last! I enjoy the writing style and the worldbuilding is excellent.

Sadly this book just didn’t grab as much as I hoped it would. I put it down and picked it up multiple times but I just couldn’t connect with it. Super bummed.

Laura Thalassa is a MASTER in world building. She does such a wonderful job creating rich fantasy worlds that grow and build; with heroes who are morally dark (far darker than morally grey). The pacing in Bewitched was a bit more slow than other books in her catalog BUT it is clear that she is setting the grounds and foundation for a reading experience that will be second to none. I cannot wait to see where this series goes!

Laura Thalassa always hits it out of the park--I wanted to scream and cry at the same time while reading this. Romantic yet infuriating, sweet yet manipulative, the love in this story is twisted and unusual, but still had be hanging on, hoping, waiting, anticipating the next.