5 stars. I liked Bewitched, but I LOVED Bespelled. Bespelled picks up right where Bewitched leaves off and you 100% need to read Bewitched first. With that said, I'm going to proceed with this review assuming that you've read book 1. If you have not, stop reading because there may be spoilers.

Bespelled starts with a couple page recap about what happened in book 1, which to be honest, I really appreciated. Although I just recently read Bewitched, I still found this recap incredibly helpful. But it wasn't so long as to be burdensome or tedious. I'm also thankful that Thalassa does not make us wait long before revealing what we've all been waiting for... exactly what happened 2000 years ago when Selene cursed Memnon, forcing him into several millennia of slumber. Bespelled takes everything that's good about Bewitched, and in my opinion, makes it even better. There's more action, more steam, and Memnon is just as morally grey as ever, but he's also pretty grovelly and contrite. And if that doesn't make you swoon for him, I don't know what will. As with Bewitched, in Bespelled we are still trying to figure out who is killing all of the Henbane witches, but a big theme of Bespelled is not knowing who to being able to trust, and that really ramps up the suspense of things. It also really drams Selene and Memnon closer together. All in all, this book is EXACTLY what I look for in paranormal romance (yes, I'm still sticking to my guns saying this is more PNR than romantasy, bu to be fair, I prefer PNR). There's also a little bit of a surprise at the end, which will leave you excited for book 3. All in all, I am LOVING this series. And I'm super grateful to Thalassa and Bloom for gifting me early copies of Bewitched and Bespelled in exchange for my honest review.

I liked it. It was a good follow-up to book 1, and several questions that had been left unanswered were finally addressed. However, I found Selene particularly irritating at times due to some of her thoughts and reactions.

Overall, I recommend it if you enjoyed book 1.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

5 ⭐
3.5 🌶️

Oh! This was worth the wait. I loved Bewitched, and the cliffhanger was painfully delicious. Bespelled picks right up where Bewitched left off and takes you on a fast-paced whirlwind of a spicy love story that spans time. If a centuries-old super high-powered sorcerer can be a cinnamon roll with a violent edge--Memnon is that. His adoration for Selene is all-encompassing, and he vows to help her find out what is happening and who is murdering all the witches from Selene's coven. High-powered magic and evil magical beings populate this urban fantasy. Memnon and Selene must deal with them all while Selene fights her feelings for Memnon and discovers her growing powers. It makes for an exciting ride cover-to-cover, with another cliffhanger to keep you guessing until the next book. I am looking forward to discovering how Memnon and Selene overcome the obstacles in their paths. You definitely need to read these books in order to get the story and all the greatness.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bloom Books, for the Advanced Reader Copy. These opinions are my own.

Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for an early copy of this book. This review is my honest feedback and given voluntarily.

It really is such a joy to read Thalassa's work and this second installment of the Bewitched series really did a fabulous job of picking up where we left off at the end of book 1. I had a great time reading this book. We get more revelations about Selene/Roxi and Memnon's history, more action, and of course more spice!

I really enjoyed the way Thalassa incorporated bits and pieces of Roxilana and Memnon's past into the story at the present. It really made me excited for their origin story/novelette that we'll be getting after this book!

I'm so glad Selene finally gets her memories back from her life as Roxi and finally gives Memnon the missing pieces of his demise. And boy does Memnon grovel! I was loving that. But why so resistant Selene?? Hmm?? You know you love this man, stop playin! I did really enjoy the deeper connection Selene and Memnon were able to achieve with one another in this book. That line where Selene says to him "But who takes care of YOU?" and he gives her this look of shock/surprise...uggghhhh, my heart! We love some progress, albeit stubborn, but still! I'll take it!

After a certain point, I did begin to wonder, "Why the hell does she keep insisting on going back to school now that she has all her memories back? Doesn't she know how to do all this magic stuff now??"

Loved that we got some more Nero action with this one, love that big cat!

The end had me like, "But but but waitamin! I need the whole story!!!" and of course, Laura cuts us off, no taper. No epilogue. Cold turkey. BLAST YOU LAURA! LOL!

Definitely still recommending this one, despite it being unfinished. I trust Laura. But if you're someone who doesn't like an unfinished series, then you'll have to wait, but I think it'll be worth it. Enjoy and happy reading!

Captivating, magical and bewitching, bespelled had me under it's spell from the very first page.

With her memories back and the secrets of the past revealed, Selene's true strength is revealed. Full of intense twists, betrayals and oaths, the continuation of Selene and Memnon's story was a punch to the feels and a squeeze of the heart. I can't wait for more of their story to be revealed.

5 stars and a bonding

This book was certainly a sequel. The second book of the Bewitched series. The first book ended on a cliffhanger and this book dives right in to the story. Memnon's character was very well developed and was easily the best part of the story. Unfortunately, Selene, the main character, fell short for me for a few reasons. First, she seems more weak willed in this book. In Bewitched, she had to overcome a lot and go through a ton of trials in her life and she kept getting up and kept going. This was not the case in this book. Second, it feels like the relationship with Memnon took over the plot and became more important than the story. I wanted to see Selene be even stronger from the information she learned about herself, but she wasn't. She let Memnon do everything and she acted immature most of the time. She showed strength at the end of the book and I hope to see that carry over in the third book.

Overall to me, it wasn't a bad book. It felt more of a filler episode with certain moments to watch, and then you skip to the next episode right away.

I absolutely adored Bewitched, the first book in this series, and Bespelled ensnared me with its charms just as effectively. I’m not the hugest fan of straight-up MF romance, but there’s just something about the way Laura writes her lead couples that sucks me every time and causes me to become heavily invested in them and their story. I can’t pinpoint what it is about them yet (yes, even though we’re at the end of the second book) that has me so captivated, but I know there has to be other authors out there that wish they could bottle this particular blend of writing witchcraft.

Bespelled picks up almost right where Bewitched left off, with Selene having been framed for the witch murders by Memnon, because someone’s still stuck on his tour of vengeance. Selene has the memories of her past life back, but it’s kind of hard to focus on anything but being, well, under arrest for crimes she didn’t commit. Luckily, the situation rights itself pretty quickly, and soon we get back to the incredibly charismatic push-pull dynamic between Selene and Memnon as they try and navigate each other, the situation they find themselves in now that Selene can remember the past, and what to do about the ongoing murders.

We get to meet a whole slew of supporting characters, see the overarching plot develop some more, see a new major plotline develop, see the rise and fall of a whole subplot within this book, and have it end with not a cliffhanger but a huge question mark. There’s a ton of magic, a whole bunch of intrigue, a great deal of action and violence, some great swoon-worthy romance, decent spice, and buckets of blood.

A lot happens in this book. I mean, a lot, a lot. Thalassa does a great job keeping the story moving and not letting everything get too tangled together at the same time. There is a pretty large infodump via looking into memories (not by flashback) near the beginning of the book, but I can’t in all fairness call it lazy storytelling in this instance because it falls in line with the way magic works in this series and the way the characters exist. There just wasn’t a better option to get the necessary information across to we readers.

It was a fantastic read and I’m absolutely anticipating the final book!

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Review/Book Series/Dark Fantasy/Dark Romance/Romantasy/Fantasy Series/Romance Series/Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy/Spice Level 2

If the first book of this series was the angst, this one is the action!
SO much happens in this book - and it is done well.
Selene, our heroine, wants the student experience she has worked so hard for, but this is the supernatural world and dark forces are afoot. Like any other college student, she makes questionable partying choices that land her in some pretty scary situations. Unfortunately, all of her friends have been compromised - & the big bad is out for Selene.
Memnon does a 180 in this book - due to Selene's recovered memories, but has SO much to make up for. The spice gets spicier. And the love triangle doesn't just disappear, but it does get a little softer. Memnon's "day job" plays a large part in the ending!
As a shifter lover, I wish the wolves weren't so soft in this book, but they do redeem themselves in the end too. The Alpha is too cautious, and the pack is too connected. It's almost a hive mentality.
This is one of my two favorite reads this month and I am excited for the next book in the series!

I received this book as an ARCA in exchange for an honest review.

I am eternally a hater of a second book in a series because the pacing is always just off for me and this book unfortunately was no different. We get more into the mind of Selene in this book as she discovers her past (as in the details of her past life as Roxilana) which included a ton of monologue that I really felt like was more fluff than anything. There was just a TON of back and forth and it made for a very wordy second installment which is the only reason this book received a 3 star rating from me. The complete 180 that Memnon does is also a bit much for me so early in the book… but that’s probably just me being a hater again.

There were plenty of great things in this book as well though: the banter was great and I mean like “giggling to myself as I read” great! The spice also picked up a good bit… it went from just teasing spice to about a 🌶️🌶️🌶️. The ending was so out of left field that I never saw it coming (which NEVER happens for me) but then again it was all masterfully tied together. The cliff hanger at the end was also SO good there’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m reading the next book.

Thank you Bloom Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC copy of Bespelled!

I am a massive Laura Thalassa fan, I adore her work. This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it was everything I wanted it to be. A MMC groveling, a badass FMC who is trying to prove she isn't a murderer and ancient mysteries slowly being unraveled and brought to light. I adored this second instalment, I love seeing Selene come into her own and really rise into her power. The sequel starts off strong and I found myself thinking about the characters even after I finished. Great novel overall!

Maybe I'm having a rough reading week? Maybe I expected a bit more? This was by no means a bad book at all. I was just kind of bored despite a lot happening? Selene. Please, girl. Do me a favor for the next book and act like you have some sense. Please. She made so many mistakes and idiotic decisions that I just wanted to shake her. Memnon was very contrite after finding out the truth about Selene and her "betrayal." I loved his grovel, and I was moved after reading what happened to him and his Queen in their first life together. Him and Nero are my favorite characters in this series. I'll read the next book for sure, though, because despite my issues with this book, I love Laura's writing. Fingers crossed in the next book, Selene matures and starts making better decisions.

4.5 Est Xsaya Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level 🌶️🌶️.5/5

I think I love this one a lot more than Bewitched because a lot of the unanswered aspects that were left dangling at the end of Bewitched are explored more in this book. Now you would think a sequel should do this? However I felt there were too many unanswered questions at the end of Bewitched, so I appreciated that these were resolved.

Please note this is Book 2 in a series that cannot be read as a standalone. As a result, there might be spoilers for Book 1 - so if you do not want to see those, I might advise not reading the rest of the review - I strongly suggest you read the review from Book 1 first and come back here after you have read the first instalment of Selene and Memnon's story. Book 1's Review can be found here

And this starts almost directly after the events of Book One. Seline now has all her memories of Roxilana in her mind and can remember everything about her current life and her previous life with Memnon. We have a multitude of reveals and aspects uncovered (as mentioned), two exciting ones being the weird conundrum of how Selene is two people and who put Memnon to sleep. I really enjoyed being shown elements of their past together and how their love for each other truly is as he says...eternal.

Their present relationship also deepens, as the two are still thrown into the mystery of the murders and secret cult that tried to kill her. This is action packed and believe me when I say you are going to be sitting on the edge of your seat, biting your nails at the tension and twists and turns. We are also given more of the world-building in this and slightly more insight into Witchy Lore.

Seline while still being slightly TSTL as she still winds up in ridiculous situations, does turn into a badass once she remembers who Roxilana is. She can balance her past feelings for Memnon while still coming into her new self as Selene who does not forget. She is feisty and pushes boundaries and continues to challenge things that are not right. I love how she came out as a character and grew in her strength, her power and her confidence giving her the ability to achieve whatever she sets her mind to.

Memnon continues to be walking sex on Legs. He oozes sex appeal and power. He is just as dangerous and sexually appealing as he was in book one, and if not exponentially more as we are shown various instances of the extremes of his power. I also love that he will literally burn the world down for Selene and will do anything and everything within his control and power to ensure she is safe, protected and has whatever she needs.

The spice in this is also upgraded in heat as these two steam up the pages with their unmeasurable attraction and pull towards each other.

Trope Summary:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Ancient Curses, Secrets and Reveals
▶ Paranormal Races (Witches, Werewolves Etc)
▶ Touch her and Die
▶ Sassy Animal familiars
▶ Soul Mates
▶ Love Triangle
▶ Mine
▶ Burn the World for You

Ultimately I highly recommend this book and series... I mean who wouldn't love soul mates, sassy familiars, curses and eternal love!

Thank you NetGalley, Laura Thalassa and Bloom Books for the gifted ARC Copy
All thoughts and opinions are my own

You know what they say about assuming, Memnon learned this lesson in real time!!
Memnon really thought he had it all figured out, he may be an ancient being but still only a man. BUT when he figured out how absolutely wrong he was, whew, did he grovel as only a man can. The groveling was so enjoyable and the fact that Selene didn't just immediately forgive him also worked for me.

Selene really comes into her own, I think not constantly losing memories allowed her to remember who she is and what she wants. She was witty and the banter with Memnon was so so good. I will say once she got her memories back, it seemed like she was able to reconcile both lives so easily which confused me.

The cliff was not my favorite, it seemed tired to make us question that part of the relationship again. We already have done that once, went through the grovel and trust Memnon again. So, it felt like drama for no reason. That is a small part of the book though and hopefully not a huge plot point in book 3.

Overall, this book felt complete - there was plot, character development, relationship development, spice, action, and the pacing of it all was on point.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

My oh my this book was everything!!!!! I am seriously obsessed with this series and I can’t wait for the next installment. The romance tension and build up was just uuugghhhh pulling all my heartstrings and I was loving every minute of it! Such an amazing Romantasy!

Ok, so I was about 10% into this book when I realised that I had done that thing where I don’t pay attention to anything and just dive headfirst without looking. I hadn’t realised that this book was a #2 in a series that definitely wasn’t a stand alone and I’d spent the whole time (unjustifiably) cussing out Laura for writing a book that made no sense. Obviously this was my error and not hers, but once I realised it was my error I just rolled with it and started enjoying it a lot more 😂

Once I had corrected my head, I actually really enjoyed it and now I kinda want to go back and read #1 so I can learn what happened. Selene and Memnon were fun together and I liked their vibes as he tried to prove himself after pretty much trying to ruin her life.

I look forward to seeing where this story goes!

Thanks to #NetGallery and publisher for a copy of this book.

Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Format: Digital
POV: Single
Tropes: forced marriage, fated mates/soul mates, thank goodness they have speedy healing powers, I’ll find you in any life, touch him/her and 💀
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ /5
Age suggestion: 18+

This book was certainly a sequel. Overall to me, it wasn't a bad book. It felt more of a filler episode with certain moments to watch, and then you skip to the next episode right away.

I enjoyed seeing the flashback through Roxilana's eyes, after that however it took around halfway for the plot to thicken, even then it was still pretty thin. I felt it was more focused on developing the relationship between Selene and Memnon in order, for the ending to be more meaningful to the reader. I wanted to see more plot than spice. Something would be mentioned, but (in my opinion) I found it to be skipped over, most likely left for the third book.
A character whom we met in this book had made their second re-apparence which I was looking forward to the entire time, but it was left as a cliffhanger. I do look forward to reading more of that character and if my new predictions of Memnon's intentions too be proven true or not.

Overall, it is not a bad book, just a classic filler to prepare for the next one.
(I also still want Kane and Selene together).

After an intense time reading book one, Bespelled surely did not change that opinion. Selene and Memnon are on an almost relationship/enemies basis with the pair still determined to find the witch killer and everyone involved in the secret magic circles that nearly killed Selene and Cara, the lycanthrope child. With things being tense on all fronts, Selene decides Memnon is a better ally than enemy. The two have a very intense push and pull in every interaction they have.
Again I think this very entertaining, like a TV show you have to watch until the end just so you know what happens. There was a lot more romance in this book, and at times it didn’t feel entirely necessary.
It was fun seeing more from past Memnon and learning all the necessary history that boosts the book forward. The mystery plot definitely gave way to an even bigger plot arc which wasn’t concluded in the second book. I’m excited to read the next book and seeing how Thalassa concludes this intense trilogy.

Overall great book! I was annoyed with Selene’s decisions, but to be honest, at 20 years old who isn’t making dumb decisions? I still don’t like the romance part too much because it feels like Memnon only likes her because of their past? Not for Selene herself.

That ending tho, I KNEW this was going to happen. KNEW IT.

I also need more Kane.

I love all of Laura's books and this one was no exception. The characters are morally grey, sometimes completely bad and just incredibly fun to read. I knocked off one star only because I started dragging about 50&ish percent of the way through and was ready for something to happen but that only last about 50 or so pages and then it was back and I couldn't put it down.i do hope there is a third book after that ending cause I need more of these characters

Bespelled starts off right after the events of Bewitched, in which twenty-something witch Selene Bowers wakes up the powerful Memnon from a two-thousand years old curse only to discover that she is his soul mate and wife and he is out for revenge. Now, after recovering all her memories, Selene remembers her past life as Roxi and the events that led to the curse. Discovering that Selene is not the cause of his fall and eager to prove himself to her, Memnon offers her a magic bond that gives her control over him and that will be broken only when she falls in love with him. But can she really trust him? Also, someone is still kidnapping and killing witches on campus and Selena is determined to find out the truth and stop the murders once and for all.

I must admit that I enjoyed this book more than the first. I liked how Selene develops and is more dependent and stronger and how, even though she finds herself in danger many times, she is determined to protect the witches from being murdered. Her relationship with Memnon is still full of banter and fun and steamy, but now she is the one with the upper hand and the power, although he doesn’t mind obeying her orders.

Bespelled is action-packed and full of twists. There is a swoony romance, there is horrifying murder, a morally gray handsome hero that doesn’t mind groveling for the woman he loves, a kickass heroine and, once again, an unexpected ending that makes me really look forward to the next book.