I was entirely convinced I would love this series after sinking into the first book. Sadly, not so much.

It’s absolutely a me problem- I just can’t mesh with Selene, our heroine, anymore. A lot of her actions felt too juvenile, and were frustrating. I’ll concede that she has a lot of agency, wanting to look into things on her own, or her way, but good lawwwd she makes some moronic choices. Once her ancient memories were recovered, she maybe would be smarter and more calculating, considering she was a Queen. But no.

And Memnon, now had acclimated fully to the modern era, still wants to be with Selene?! I didn’t want eternal love for him anymore. I kept thinking he was way out of her league. 😬 Age gap doesn’t bother me. But he’s an adult and she’s giving YA.
It wasn’t working for me anymore. I want more of their past and the newer storylines didn’t just hook me. While a few of the “twists” added to the layers of the story, I felt them to be unnecessary, or just not what I want from the story. Me problem 🤷🏻‍♀️

I still absolutely love Laura Thalassa’s gorgeous writing and can really appreciate the world building she did here. 3 ⭐️


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review.

Solid 4 stars."
HUGE improvement from the first book.
The main characters relationship became significantly healthier, and I felt like i could relate a lot better to Selene's decision-making compared to the first one. What enjoy a lot about Laura's writing is that she is able to blend fantasy elements with real-life situations/locations in a way that keeps the story entertaining and immersive. personally have issues with a lot of stories that end up blending fantasy and modern day, out she pulls it off well here as well as with the Bargainer series.

"Spoilers*
I did enjoy getting to know the shifters a little more in depth, although Kane is getting kind of annoying. I wish we had more time with Sybil and some of the other witches too. I did notice the reoccurring theme that every time the witches partied together some shit would go down, which got to be a bit predictable.
The ending where Memnon takes over the business seems weirdly rushed? (Like it was a last minute decision without a lot of setup… but it also wouldn’t surprise me if that was the goal anyway).

Looking forward to the next one :)

I had the privilege of receiving an ARC of *Bespelled* by Laura Thalassa, and let me just say, this book is an enchanting masterpiece that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. Thalassa weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and magic that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

In this captivating story, witch Selene Bowers finds herself entangled in a web of ancient sorcery, past lives, and unbreakable bonds that push the boundaries of love and sacrifice. The dynamic between Selene and Memnon is electric, their chemistry leaping off the pages as they navigate a world filled with danger and intrigue. Thalassa's exquisite storytelling draws readers into a realm where magic and mystery collide, leaving us spellbound with every twist and turn.

What truly sets *Bespelled* apart is its ability to blend romance and fantasy seamlessly, creating a narrative that is as heart-wrenching as it is enchanting. The complex characters, rich world-building, and intricate plot twists keep readers guessing and gasping until the very end. Selene's journey of self-discovery and redemption is a testament to the power of love and forgiveness, making her a protagonist that readers will root for with all their hearts.

In conclusion, *Bespelled* is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance, offering a mesmerizing blend of magic, passion, and intrigue that will leave you breathless. Laura Thalassa's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this gripping tale, showcasing her talent for crafting unforgettable characters and compelling narratives. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read that will sweep them off their feet and transport them to a world where love truly knows no bounds.

Laura Thalassa weaves an enchanting tale that immerses readers in a world of witches, curses, and forbidden love. Selene Bowers, is a relatable and complex character. Her struggle to regain her lost memories adds a compelling layer to her journey. Thalassa's world-building is meticulously crafted, creating a vivid and immersive setting. The wilderness that Selene traverses is both treacherous and awe-inspiring, while the presence of ancient witches and powerful artifacts adds an air of mystery and enchantment.
The forbidden romance between Selene and Memnon the Cursed is a central focus of the plot. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between their desire and the consequences of their connection keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Beyond Selene and Memnon, the cast of characters is equally well-developed. From the enigmatic witch Morwen to the loyal companion Nyx, each character brings unique motivations and complexities to the story.
In addition, Bespelled explores themes of identity, memory, and the sacrifices one must make for those they love. Selene's quest for her past forces her to confront her true nature, while Memnon's curse challenges him to question his own destiny. Overall, this was a captivating read and a must read.

I was on the fence about this series after book 1, but book 2 has stepped up in the places where I felt like the first book fell flat. Selene went from being a timid, whiny, dumb dumb to a confident, powerful, BA. Just the type of FMC I love!

Honestly, after all the crap Memnon did to Selene in book 1, I wasn't sure I could forgive him and see him as a REAL love interest. I was wrong. Once we learn the real reason Selene locked him up, his utter devastation at blaming Selene is so genuine that it's hard to stay mad.

The story wrapped up nicely at the end, but left a bit of a final cliffhanger, hinting at a book 3. I can't wait to see what's in store next for Selene and Memnon!

"Cities can burn and centuries can pass and none of it means anything to me without you."

*squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeal*

This book absolutely makes up for that brutal cliffhanger in Bewitched (that I was mad at, bc it meant I had to wait an absolute eternity for that particular itch to get scratched.)

We get Memnon groveling (yes!), already badass Selene really coming into her badassery (YES!), lots of spice and lols bc Selene's inner monologue is truly hilarious.

Laura Thalassa strikes again. 5 stars.

4.5 ⭐️
I absolutely loved this installment of the Bewitched series- it was everything I was hoping for, and more. The story continues to be exciting, fresh and engaging, and the writing, as always, is top tier.

The FMC, Selene, definitely experiences a lot of growth as a character, as she comes into her powers. And I loved watching the dynamic between her and the villainous but loveable Memnon, as he enters his groveling era. The dialogue and banter are superb, and the spice is delectable.

This book was definitely darker, deeper, and a bit more fast-paced than the first, and I am here for it. Cannot wait to see where the story goes!

I can't say enough how much I love this book. It is everything!

Selene's smart mouth and quippy attitude had me falling in love with her more through this entire book. She is more than capable of standing on her own two feet and we really get to see it throughout the story.

I love love LOVE the way Laura Thalassa writes female main characters. Selene's inner monolouge had me laughing out loud!

The developments between Memnon and Selene kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't get enough of it.
I also liked that we got to spend more time getting to know the shifters.

This whole book moves at such a great pace and it's a top fantasy read of the year for me.
Thank you so much to the publisher, NetGalley, and the author for an ARC of this book!

Holy **** I don't think I can put into words how amazing this book was. Non stop action from the very beginning. The groveling, the spice, the danger! Aaaahhhhhh I need book 3 NOW!!!!!

This was a solid follow up to Bewitched! I loved watching the relationship between Memnon and Selene grow. He proves that he is the right person for her in the way he lets her be independent. In a lot of books where there are mates the mate is very overprotective, but in this case Memnon has faith in Selene to take care of herself. Of course that means she ended up in trouble a couple of times….and with one of the attacks on her I was left wondering how on earth it was taking him so long to get to her! I did find some of the wording he used that we’re supposed to be sexy a bit off putting…I’m sure that is personal taste though. We are thrown a couple of curve balls at the end of the story so I look forward to seeing where the story goes!

Thank you netgalley and bloom books for this arc - I actually really enjoy this story. I read this book in 2 days.

There are a few things that I feel like keep me from giving it a 5 star. I don’t love that her parents are involved in this story. It doesn’t quite make sense to me. I don’t think her being upset at him for so long was necessary. I think by the end they should have already been married

Also the ending - what’s the big deal that he took over the company?

But definitely looking forward to book 3. I love memnon. He is chefs kiss

Bespelled follows Selene after she gets back all her memories as she tries to solve the murders that she has been framed for. This was the perfect sequel to Bewitched, I really liked the relationship development between Selene and Memnon. I enjoyed us finding out more about their past life now that Selene has her memories, and we can see the love she had for Memnon. I, also, feel like we got to know Memnon better in this book, which helped me connect with it more.

One thing that I didn’t enjoy was how Selene would make stupid decisions that were out of character for her just for the plot to move forwards. It took away from the character development I wanted to see in this book for her. The twists in this book were a little too predictable but I wasn’t expecting to be shocked anyways. I will most likely pick up the next book when it comes out.

Thank you Netgalley, Bloom Books and Laura Thalassa for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

Me gustó más el primer libro. En en este la protagonista es un poco desesperante y molesta, odia a Memnon pero tampoco lo odia a pesar de que recupera su memoria y a la vez siente un gran deseo por él. Constantemente Selene ocupaba ser rescata y eran situaciones fácil de prevenir. Me gustó que Memnon constantemente le pidiera perdón y le profesara su amor eterno.
Esperaba más del villano, todo fue muy light.
En general no me enganchó lo suficiente para continuar leyendo la serie.

Where to start? I was obsessed with the Bargainer series and the Four Horsemen series and knew I had to start this one.

I found the characters to be incredibly likeable and I couldn’t wait to pick up the second book after I’d finished the first. I read through it in a couple of hours. I could not put it down!! The grovelling was perfect and I love the way Laura Thalassa writes her MMCs. I cannot wait for the next instalment!

I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC for my honest opinion!

Selene has recovered her memories, and has the answers to questions that have plagued her for years. Unfortunately, she's still no closer to solving the murders of the supernatural women around her, and she's going to have to rely on the dark and powerful Memnon to get answers...

This is a thoroughly gripping romantasy series that I devoured in no time at all. Some bits of the plot felt a touch unnecessary and so the book was a little longer than it needed to be. But that's my only complaint - otherwise, I adored it!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I loved book 1 in this series. It felt refreshing and I was itching to read more about Selene and Memnon’s relationship. I’m glad we saw some groveling on Memnon’s part but I was very annoyed by Selene.

It got confusing to follow. She got her memories back but still hated Memnon. But also didn’t hate him because she was consistently asking for help and lusting after him.

The language took me out of the story a handful of times too. Sometimes it read YA and then other times very NA.

I did love the murder mystery aspect. It kept my attention and was exciting to read.

Overall feeling is eh. Not my fave.

get prepared to be sick of me!

this review will be veryyy vague bc no spoilers! But wow if you’ve read Bewitched and have been patiently waiting (or gnawing at the bars of your enclosure like me) for Bespelled, let me tell you it’s sooo worth the wait!

So much is revealed that you won’t see coming and leave you shook, much like I was more than once. The plot almost felt quicker than the first book, with even more unique magic revealed and continued world building- both of which I found to be so so interesting! Like I said for Bewitched, I seriously love the use of ancient worlds and languages, and that’s definitely built upon in book two.

As for the characters, we get an even deeper look into their relationships and worlds. Our morally grey king (literally) Memnon is such perfection; he really worships the ground Selene walks on and I’m so here for it. He’s such a rich, complex character that just makes me love him more. At his core though, he is the epitome of touch her, you die and I’m obsessed lol. Our girl Selene has some fabulous growth and is such a badass and kind FMC. Her personal journey through Bespelled was super interesting to see and compelling to read. I also found the writing to have a good balance of modern fantasy colloquialisms and a beautifully written romance, which is a hard balance to strike!

Ok- that’s it for now! I can’t get into toooo much detail since the book isn’t out yet but keep an eye out for a full review after the book is released in May!!

I don't want to give a bad review because I don't think I am the target audience for this series. The first book was a fun quick read and so I wanted to try out the sequel. It just reads a bit too young for my tastes. And Selene's inner dialogue is cute and funny but it gets to be annoying after a while. Like she is trying to be too funny. I definitely think someone younger would love this series though! I can definitely see the redeeming qualities and would recommend to a YA fantasy lover.

Thank you Laura and Netgalley but HOW COULD YOU GIVE ME A CLIFFHANGER LIKE THIS???! WHEN IS THE 3RD BOOK COMING OUT?! I NEED IT!!

I would just like to update that I finished this book 5 days ago but I still think of it whenever my mind wanders :(((

Oh. My. Goddess. This book is everything. I hated Memnon in the first book. And I mean HATED. But holy cow… talk about redemption!

“Neither magic nor time can keep us apart.
We are like the stars. Eternal.”

We pick up right where we left off in Bewitched. I won’t spoil it in case you haven’t read it yet, but I will say that based on the ending to that book, I had no idea where this one was headed. Not only am I pleasantly surprised, but I am in agony at now having to wait a whole year for the next one. Because that cliffhanger, man!

“There’s no one worse than you.”
“I’m counting on that.”

I am obsessed with this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.