Words cannot express just how much i enjoyed reading this book!! It was stunning and a perfect follow on from the first book. It picked up straight away from the moment that the first book ended on, throwing us back into the action happening between my two favourite characters Selene and Memnon!!
Honestly, i don't know how Laura was able to fit so much into this book but it genuinely felt like something was constantly happening, both good and bad, and i again can't believe just how much of a fun time i had reading this!! Usually the second book in a series falls a bit flat and doesn't have the same impact as the other books and almost always feels a but unnecessary, but there wasn't a single moment that i was bored or wanted to stop reading. Everything had me hooked, from the plot to the romance, to the banter and scheming between characters, it was so intense, had me on the edge of my seat multiple times!

It was also really fun to see Selene and Memnon work together as opposed to all the fighting that they were constantly doing in book 1. Yes Selene still didn't want anything to do with him but knew there was no way around their oath, so she made the best of a bad decision *wink wink*. Can't say i blame her either because not only is he hot as sin and stupidly powerful, but he is low-key such a sweetheart and completely smitten with her. All he really wants is for them to have the chance at a life they missed out on, which had me nearly sobbing.
Speaking of sobbing, Memnon does a lot of grovelling in this book too. Yes, he's always been flirty and tried to win her over, but it really amped up in this book. Even more so when the truth of their final moments together in their past life were revealed. I'm not gonna give anything away because it's a huge part of the book and changes everything entirely, but my god was it soul crushing, gut wrenchingly good. He felt so heartbroken and i was sobbing along with him.

The main plot is still apparent in this book too, with Selene obviously getting attacked a bunch more from that weird cult she saved the shifter from, but we find out exactly who is behind it as well as a lot more gruesome details. It's a lot more complex than just some witches going missing, there's a while secret society that revolves around an insanely powerful crime family who are doing hella shady shit.
There was a lot of forced betrayals and plot twists too that i did not see coming at all!! So glad that Memnon and Selene had each other otherwise it would have been a mess...

Even though Memnon and Selene were technically together throughout this book, there actually wasn't that many spicy scenes between them, and shockingly i feel like it really helped overall. It made the moments where they were together intimately feel more special, and to be honest they had a lot bigger things going on than being with each other in that way. Saying that though, what did happen between them was explosive and intense as fuck, with Memnon's teasing side really coming out to play...

I also can't freaking believe how it ended!!! Are you kidding me?!?! I knew it was gonna be too much for them to get a fairytale happily ever after, but i hoped OK! Yes they're in love and safe and can finally be together which is great, but Kane just had to go and stick his foot in and is trying to make Selene question everything again. Not cool man. I take back everything i said about book 1 having a love triangle that i liked, cannot stand Kane at all...
And that's not to even mention the lurking danger of someone from their past coming back again. I don't even wanna think about it, book 3 is gonna be insane and i'm not mentally ready for it at all. Just gonna live in ignorant bliss imagining that they're having a great happy time and nothing bad is ever gonna happen to them again.

But seriously, this was a phenomenal read and so unique to the rest of the fantasy romance books that are out their right now! I cannot stress enough just how well thought out everything is from the world building and characters to all of the little details that really bring everything together. Laura Thalassa will always be one of my auto buy authors for this exact reason!!
Cannot wait to see what happens in the future with this series (even if i'm not ready for that roller coaster)

A million thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author herself for giving me the opportunity to read this book!!

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ok so where do I start? First of all I LOVED this one. The first book, Bewitched, was good but I didn’t just love it. This one was more of what I expected from a Laura Thalassa book. I feel like we got to know our MCs more in this book. I had already like Memnon but I grew to like him even more in this book. Now I was not really a fan of Selene in the first book but I grew to like her in this one. She still wasn’t my favorite, I like my girls a little more morally gray/cunning (think Aelin from Tog), but she definitely came out to play this book. Honestly I think I would’ve enjoyed Roxilana more than Selene. I loved the chapter we got from her and loved seeing her fight for her man/family. It gave a beautiful recap of her and Memnons relationship and was a little heartbreaking. I honestly could’ve lived without that (won’t mention the part due to spoilers but if you’ve read it you know which part) as it really affected me. That’s a soft spot for me and I truly was horrified for them. Moving right along. I didn’t really care for Sybil one way or the other in the first book but I grew to like her this book. I still think she was kind of a bad best friend but now (won’t mention specifics due to spoilers) it makes sense. Kane was like an annoying gnat that won’t go away. Lol. Nero we love you! ❤️ I will say I wish the familiars had a little more going for them. Like extra strength or they can communicate with their witch, idk but something special. I still think this coven situation is weird. It’s like a college but not. They have assignments but it doesn’t seem like anything is ever graded. There’s no “degree”, not tests, no real riposte other than living with other witches. Are there no witches who don’t want to go to “college” around, do they not live in other places unhidden? I was a little worried about how Thalassa was going to get readers to love Memnon after the first book but I think she did an excellent job. I personally never disliked him but I know from others reviews some felt very strongly about things he did. We see a certain someone show up this book and I wish they had been smited, smote (?), where they stood but hey something to look forward to. Lol. This review is all over the place because I had so many feelings about this book. Anywho now I’m mad I received and read this ARC because it means there’s just that much more time before I can read the next book! 😭 Seriously I’m going to having major withdrawals. The cliffhanger was probably meant to be shocking but like it didn’t shock me nor did it make me even the slightest bit upset with a certain sexy sorcerer so Selene better not do anything stupid! I get why others might have an issue with it but I feel like Selene shouldn’t. Also what was up with that sniff Kane did, I’m getting thoughts and the thoughts I’m thinking are making me smile so we shall see. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC and all opinions are my own.

This was exactly what I wanted from this sequel!

The cliffhanger at the end of book one had me stressed out and more than ready to get my hands on this, so I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed. There is a consistent tension between the characters that I loved, and the little flashbacks to Selene and Memnon's past definitely had me craving more of that story line. It was great to learn more about them and see how their previous relationship affected this one. I liked the break from the main storyline and the little bits of information we got about them through those moments.

As always with Laura's books, the romance is perfect. I really love these two together and I think that has a lot to do with the fact that they've been connected for far longer than most characters I've read before. The very long and complicated connection makes for a lot of big and complicated feelings, something that translated well on page.

All of my questions were answered in this one, so I'm curious to see where Laura takes the rest of the series, especially after the little plot twist in those last few pages.

This book follows on from the previous book and exceeded all my expectations. The reincarnation part is interesting and how some live millions of years, this was a slow burner, lots of adventure and romance I loved it.

This book picks up immediately where 'Bewitched' left off and get us right back into things! Continuing with the back and forth of Memnon and Selene's relationship, and finally getting to experience the past and reasons behind the betrayal, were seamless. While the banter and animosity does feel a bit overly drawn out, once the past has been revealed, it's fairly easy to understand why. One thing hard to understand about Selene is why her magic is so weak. Clearly, she is tough and resourceful, but why does her magic deplete so easily? Finally, we get down the bones of the mystery and why certain individuals are being taken and the big plot! However, the cliffhanger...this author is good at those. Mostly wrapping up the story, while effortlessly transitioning right into another...wow! The wait for the next book will be excruciating!

Omggggg. This book was everything I needed it to be and more! It was clear after I finished Bewitched that I *had* to see if Memnon could ever redeem himself. I mean, I’m a huge fan of a morally grey MMC, but Memnon was NOT HOLDING BACK on exacting his revenge.

Luckily, Bespelled picks up exactly where Bewitched left off and all I can say is that the author expertly crafted every scene to not only cajole Selene into falling for her long lost mate—but she also does the same with her readers. I might have gone into this book wanting to shake some sense into Memnon, but this book had me very slowly but surely doing a 180°. (Then again, I love a villain archetype, lol)

What you can expect:
Witchy ceremonies in graveyards🪦
Broomstick mayhem🧹
Groveling 🙌🏻
Touch her and 🔪 vibes
He’s only soft for her
Mysteries and murder 😳

The way the author artfully weaved in memories of the past to help us better understand both characters, their individual character evolutions, and watching them rediscover who they could be in this new version of themselves was probably my favorite part of this book.

I can’t wait for the nex

Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! As usual, reading Laura Thalassa was a joy!

This book continues the story of Selene and Memnon where it left off with touch of drama in the last book. I loved the plot twist near the beginning, as I was honestly super curious to find out where the author was going to take the story with the way Bewitched ended. I was not disappointed…and Memnon got his comeuppance in a ways that is both satisfying and endearing, a balm to the reader who wondered if Memnon wasn’t going a liiitle overboard with his revenge in the last book against someone he repeatedly proclaims his undying love for.

“[M]y head is filled with memories of his touches, his whispered pledges of undying love, and his sheer magnetism.” Memnon's love is intense, nonchalant, and yes, a little feral…and I’m not mad about it. Let's be honest, who doesn't love a good, steamy mating bond?

The story develops from there along two tracks—the uncovering of the plot (who is killing supernaturals? Why?), and the evolution of Selene’s feelings for Memnon and about herself. And then there’s the spice. 🥵 These things together really drew me through the story, eager to hear what comes next. I am excited to listen to this story on audiobook again once it comes out.

This book has everything: action, romance, enough plot twists to make your head spin, and spice levels that'll leave you wanting more. Plus, the world-building gets even cooler, with glimpses into the fae realm and the underworld (because apparently, trouble follows Selene wherever she goes). Seriously, grab this book, and maybe stock up on fire extinguishers... just in case.

P.S. Author, if you're reading this, a few chapters from Memnon's POV would be the ultimate gift. We all know that brooding exterior hides a heart of... something. Don't leave us hanging!

Thank you NetGalley, Laura Thalassa and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely love Laura Thalassa, her books are amazing!
Firstly I read bewitched which I loved! And Bespelled is the 2nd book in this series...after how much I adored the first book, Bespelled did not let me down-I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!!! My favourite part of the first book continues in book 2-with the FMC's internal dialogue in both of the books in this series being hilarious and also the MMC is 🤩🔥 (and even moreso in Bespelled)!..This book is for fantasy romance lovers with steam 🌶🌶🫢! I cannot wait for the next one!!!!!

This is the second installment but not the last. Laura Thalassa truly blows you away with her story telling. She has truly got the ability to make us hate, then love, then hate Memnon all over again. Selena has been through so much yet still gets back up and does it all over again. Of course it ends on a cliffhanger but what a cliffhanger. I want to know ASAP where this is going. Which is why Laura is so amazing. The grip she has on us. We can’t get enough and beg for more.

Laura Thalassa doesn't disappoint.
This was a super good second book .
And I would recommend it to other readers

I don’t Fangirl very often, but I think I have to this time. I’m pretty sure I sprinted through this book. It is full of mystery and passion and a good amount of suspense. Please be aware of some possible triggers as there is some abuse, (not by a partner and not sexually) but it doesn’t last very long. With that being said. WOW. Just wow. I absolutely loved this. You finally meet the Dark High Priestess, and you get to find out who is murdering the witches. Selene aka Roxi turns into a real badass and comes into her own. And let’s not forget all the wonderful spicy bits. The buildup between Selene and Memnon is perfect and amazing.

I only have two complaints. I am not a fan of the last chapter aka. The cliff hanger. I mean I get it, you want the reader coming back. BUT, can we stop with the I love him I hate him. I trust him, I don’t trust him. I can see where this is most likely going but I really could have done without the last page. My second complaint and this is the biggie… When do I get to read the next book?

i was so excited for book 2 in this series and being able to read it ahead of time made me so giddy! this book was everything i wanted it to be and more. it had drama, it had so much groveling (that I lived for), it had answers, and oh boy did it have spice. i laughed, i cried, i gasped, and i fell more and more in love with Memnon and Selene.

my man Memnon is so damn swoon worthy it’s not even funny. the groveling he does had me all in my feels. you can definitely feel the love he has for his est amage, Selene. Selene herself is a power to be reckoned with. she is the epitome of “i don’t need no man” and she rocks it. i love that Memnon will burn her enemies down for her, but he also encourages her to do it herself because he knows she can.

one thing I really love about this series is that even though it’s fantasy, it’s also in the “real” world. don’t get me wrong i love escaping into fantasy lands but being able to see modern day things in a magical story is refreshing.

One of my favorite authors. She did not disappoint with this book. Everything I needed explained she did. I like the blurb in the beginning that explains what happened in book 1 and I wish every book had a little description in the beginning

Bespelled by L. Thalassa is the second book in the Bewitched Duet. This is not a stand alone, I strongly recommend to read the books in order. The previous book is Bewitched, the beginning of Selene and Memnon's epic story.
Review of book one: Bewitched by L. Thalassa, published by Sourcebooks Bloom Books, is the first installment in this new series.
Memnon is a trapped entity who's waiting for his wife to find him for eons. His beautiful wife Roxilana, who has no clue what she really is.
Spoiler:
Selene is a witch who wants to attend a coven university. But time and time again she was denied for reasons unknown to her.
She has a , lets call it a medical condition, means using magic leads to losing her memory, how fitting for the powers that want to keep her away from her mate.:
The story ends in a majorcliffie and continues in the next installment.
A fast paced, complex read that had me in suspense from start til the last page, 4,5 stars.
Back to book two.
The story picks up where the previous one was leftt off. Memnon is back and graduadely he discovers why his soulmate did what she did. And he can't believe what HE did. The powerful sorcerer has his work laid out for him to win her trust and love again. A spellbinding read, literally unputdownable, twistsy and suspenseful.

Amazing follow up, loved it, happy to be back to this world and this characters. Really enjoy Laura writing and this series , im seriously enjoying.

5/5 stars!

This is the second book in the Bewitched series, and it picks up right where we left off. Selene regains her memories and Memnon’s revenge comes to a screeching halt once he learns what actually happened in their past to lead to his entombment.

I really enjoyed Bewitched, but I felt like something was missing. Bespelled brought it!

First, let’s all take a moment to appreciate Memnon… Memnon is the ultimate morally grey MMC. He is loyal to no one except Selene, but he loves her so hard that his actions often cross into immoral territory; however, he never steps in unless she specifically asks for help, and he always believes in her even when she doesn’t believe in herself. Selene has a lot of character growth in this book due to her regained memories, and she becomes a total baddie. Memnon never fails to remind her that she was, and still is, a fierce Queen!

I appreciate how original this series is. I haven’t read anything quite like it. There are a few common themes (i.e., magical academy, fated mates, enemies to lovers, etc.), but the plot was extremely well thought out and I did not anticipate all the twists and turns. Some of Selene’s inner dialogue literally had me laughing out loud, and good lord… Memnon’s mouth!

Thank you to Laura Thalassa, Sourcebooks Bloom Books, and NetGalley for the eARC! My only disappointment is that we have to wait for the next installment!

#tropes

🖤 enemies to lovers
🖤 curses
🖤 touch her and 💀
🖤 bonds

I loved how I could seamlessly go from book 1 and into book 2. This book topped book 1 and I went through this so fast. Memnon and Selene are 🔥🔥 and their relationship and chemistry that continues to grow even through the continued story of theirs with this one. Absolutely a page turner and will have to wanting more by the ending. Hurry and grab this series! You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you @netgalley, @bloombooks and the author of this book for an opportunity to review this e-ARC.

4.5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Memnon, you’re shady but I love you.
Selene, girl. Your man is an ancient king cut him some slack, okay? Cause every time you needed his help, he was there for you. Thats what counts!

The pacing was good, and I feel like a lot of the plot has come together and we got a lot of answers. I really loved the look we got into Selene and Memnon’s background and their history together. It was woven together perfectly. I feel like Selene made some questionable decisions and I really hope that ending doesn’t harbor a miscommunication trope.

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-ARC!

I have been eagerly waiting for this book. I needed to know how Selene was going to get out of jail and away from Memnon. The author certainly took us for a ride with this 2nd installment: Memnon begging for Selene's forgiveness, getting a job and not totally being an evil sorcerer. I'll take that as growth. I can't wait for the next book!

I created my account on NetGalley specifically to be able to request arc of Bespelled by Laura Thalassa. This book was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024 so I’m really grateful I was lucky enough for my request to be approved!

But as is often the case I’m yet again a bit disappointed by book I was so desperate to read right now.

I’m not the kind of person to make notes while reading but with Bespelled? I have few pages where I aggressively scribbled „Selene is an IDIOT”, „Selene is acting stupid”, „Selene acts like brainless bimbo”, „Selene is so gullible!” ect… So yeah… Me and Selene are not friends right now…

I do understand Memnon treated her BADLY in first book, but cut that man some slack! He had every reason to think she REALLY betrayed him. Now when he knows the truth – he GROVELS… And she still treated him as villain for most of the book.

When we got that scene of their last moments together in previous life I was heartbroken… (But it was obvious Eislyn will still be a problem in their current lifetime…)

I’m not going to lie, the criminal plot was actually boring for me. We didn’t get much backstory about Fortuna Family so even that plot is an integral part of this book, I wasn’t invested.

For me this book was about Selene acting stupid!... We got SOOOO MANY scenes with her being an idiot it’s not even funny… I was so ANGRY at her for 90% of this book (but I guess it could be interpreted as character well written – character that gives you some FEELS… but please – I really hope for some positive character development for Selene in next book, I don’t want to be THAT ANGRY again!)

But why was I so angry at her you may ask? Well, let me get you some examples… She knew she was wanted by some witch called Lia, there were killings and kidnappings across her coven university and she still lived there… she still went to celebrate Samhain! (almost all that scene was awful!).
There were more scenes like that – scenes where because of Selene stupid actions something went TERRIBLY WRONG… Because she lived by saying „caution be damned”, she almost lost Nero and Memnon was badly injured!

In my opinion that girl deserved every bad thing that happened to her and every second of pain she was in! She did that to herself! But did it teach her anything? The answer is NO.

Bespelled had some sweet moments between Selene and Memnon and Nero was being disarmingly cute but few good scenes isn’t enough for me to rate this book higher than 3/5 :(

I will read next one, but maybe I’ll try to lower my expectations and then I won’t be that disappointed.

Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.