Member Reviews
This book was amazing and didn't disappoint. Can't wait for what's next. Anyone like the movie The Mummy and not for the leads, but for the initial love story? If so, this book scratches that itch. I love confident and strong females leads, not a damsel. I love males who will burn the world for their females. Check and check. Spice is great. Favorite line (which doesn't spoil anything) "If you think I'm stopping just because you came quick, here's your notice - I'm not." Received ARC through netgalley and publisher. Thank you! Opinions are my own.
The second book in a series that I have been waiting for SO impatiently !
I must admit that this was one of the books I was most looking forward to this year and having it two months early ?? It was like Christmas before Christmas !
(Which explains why I read it in one day or rather one night ><)
What I particularly liked :
- the universe which is still so fascinating ! I loved discovering more details about Memnon's past, of course, but I also fell in love with the witches' way of life (special mention for Samhain night !)
- the plots that fascinated me ! After the end of the first book, I was super curious to know what really happened in the past ... And I wasn't expecting that AT ALL ! (Horrible !) And the plot around the murders was absolutely horrible but it also completely gripped me !
- the main characters who are still so cruelly endearing ! I really enjoyed seeing the evolution of Selene who has now regained her memories and of course I have an absolute crush on Memnon who is sexy and cruel ... But also strangely adorable and romantic ><
- the romance THE PFIOULALA ROMANCE ! Laura Thalassa is a queen when it comes to writing romances with morally grey characters and here it is a total success ! I loved everything Memnon did to win Selene back and he is so romantic (and who doesn't love it when heroes are cruel and willing to kill anything that can endanger the one they love ??)
And the sex scenes ... Phew !
- this end BUT THIS END ! So Machiavellian >< (half the neighborhood must have heard me squeal at 98% ><)
In short, the second book of a captivating series that I devoured ! For fans of Laura Thalassa, her Bargainer series or more generally fantasy romances with deliciously bad characters, I recommend it =D
If you are a fan of Laura Thalassa’s other books, then you will also enjoy this series! It’s a lovers to enemies to lovers trope, where the MMC will *literally* do anything the FMC wants. I very much enjoyed the chemistry between Memnon and Selene, especially as Selene re-falls in love with Memnon. I’m excited to see where the next book goes!
Riveting! What a great continuation of Selene and Memnon's story. It leaves the reader wanting so much more, I was dialed in the whole time. Bewitched left off on a major cliff hanger and of course this one does as well .We leave off from Memnon's ultimatum, and he will do anything to regain Selene's trust/love. She regains all her memories from her current and past lives and discovers the truth of Memnon's curse. Memnon begs for her forgiveness by swearing an unbreakable bond. They try to solve the mystery of who is killing these witches while also trying to find trust in each other. I normally do not like this genre of fantasy, but the writing is so good and original that I could not put it down. I fee like the next book could be the conclusion, which I am highly anticipating.
Bespelled picks up right where Bewitched left off, and it's just as addictive. All the answers we wanted from the first book are right here. AND YES THERE'S A LOT OF MEMMON GROVELING FOR FORGIVENESS. But don't be fooled, he's still an anti-hero.
It was amazing to witness Selene's development, as she discovered her powers, grew increasingly powerful, and fell in love with Memnon all over again.
BUT THEN WE GET TO THE END AND OMG MEMMON YOU SNEAKY LITTLE DEVIL, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE????
I can't believe I have to wait another year for the sequel. 😩
Thank you to Laura Thalassa, Sourcebooks bloom books and NetGalley for the EARC.
I had a really hard time rating this book because I could go either way. There are things I really loved about it. Like watching Selene fall in love with Memnon again. Seeing her discover her magic without memory loss. Learning about their past life together. Loved the spice. Loved that there was much less of a love triangle tone. There are also things that I disliked. The main point being that I wanted more from Selene. I wanted her to save herself and it felt like every time she had the chance to there was an underlying negative feeling about the power she used. And she called out to Memnon when she was in trouble so much that it felt a little redundant and like she was just waiting for him to get there and save her. I just wanted to see a glimpse of Roxi in her much sooner than when she finally gave in to her feelings to Memnon. Roxi gave up her life in such a powerful way and it was frustrating to see Selene fight that reasoning. It just left me wanting more from her that I hope to see in the next book!
(Copy provided by NetGalley)
First of all, I like how Selene thought, if that makes sense. Not with some unparalleled wisdom or anything like that but as regular barely-out-of-her-teens girl.
Some things I predicted, other not and honestly I didn't like some things how they were developed but book was overall good. Nothing spectacular, but I will have to re-read the series in future and of course, the next book in it.
I wondered if this book would hold me captive like Bewitched did. And yes, it did. This love story between Memnon and Selene spanning a millennia, bespelled me to finish this book in just one day, desperate for more.
If there's one thing that entices me the most in a Dark Paranormal Romance is the hero who is uber-powerful, willing to ruin the world, accept his mistake, and grovel till he wins the heart of his heroine back. And trust me, this book has one of the best groveling tropes I have ever read in a romance book.
If you haven't read Bewitched, you should. Bespelled is the second in the series and it is as unique, sexy, steamy and full of action and suspense, heartbreaking moments, as in the first book. It kept me hooked, on my toes, giggling at the main characters' budding romance, the angst, the broken trust that Memnon does his best to repair, a strong heroine - Selene, who made Memnon work for it, for her and for their future.
Memnon took me by surprise. I remember being fearful of him and his intentions for Selene in the first book. Bespelled dives more into his personality, his motivations. What drives him is his ultimate love for Selene. Although he is manipulative, cunning, always strategizing to be in the position of power, he realized the mistake he made, and surrendered his power to Selene for the time being (or did he? LOL).
He's lonely, a little lost in this modern world, but he has an anchor in Selene, and their past incomplete love story. He wants her and he'll have her. He is an alpha male, completely about Selene and protective and possessive of her. I loved him in this book.
Selene is a badass witch. Written completely in her POV, we understand what she's going through. Her struggle reconciling her past and present self, and Memnon. She is as powerful as him, and I loved her character development in this one. She is true to herself. Despite several set-backs, she doesn't lose the kindness she has and I hope she doesn't harden much in the future.
Honestly, the the plot is weaved so beautifully. The major focus is on the romance, Memnon's path to redemption, and Selene finding herself, and trying to understand her king. There's a mystery surrounding the coven, and both will do their best to reveal it and fight their enemies along the way.
The book ends on a minor cliffhanger, and it's perfect actually, making you guess what's in store for us in the next one.
I loved this book. And I highly recommend everyone who is fan of: Paranormal, Witches, Suspense, Obsessive Possessive Alpha Hero and a strong heroine.
I received Bespelled as an ARC reader for which I'm extremely grateful for. For context, I really liked Bewitched (the first novel in the series). I've reread Bewitched over twenty times from cover to cover since it's release. It is one of my favorite Laura Thalassa's novels because it embodies a good balance of romance, fantasy, spice and humour. I had no doubt Bespelled would be equally as wonderful as the first book in the series.
I was wrong. Bespelled was far, far better. The development of Mennon and Selene's past and present relationship, the relationship Selene has with her familiar and her relationship with her community captured me from the first chapter. I absolutely loved how raw the main characters were willing to be. There were so many scenes in Bespelled that left me feeling like my heart had been ripped out and stomped on. Bespelled broke me in the best possible way. I wish I could go back in time to read it for the 'first' time. Instead, I will have to 'settle' for re-reading it a second time instead of studying!
Ok. Was this the sequel I was expecting? No. Did i still enjoy it? YES!
Star taken off for that cliffhanger - seemed a bit repetitious in nature. I'll leave it at that for now! But my goodness. - MEMNON. In this installment, he was everything. His love for Selene is just beautiful.
There aren't words in Samaritan, Latin, or modern tongues to describe my feelings for Bespelled. It threw my head back in audible laughter, it compelled my heels to kick and my voice to squeal. My heart was wrenched and remade. It had a legacy to uphold from Bewitched, and it did so masterfully. The characters were a wonderful spectrum of grey and the darkest abyss. The MCs tote luminous red flags, but you can't help falling for them. The banter is exemplary, the animal companion is the best boy, and the excitement never ends.
Here's to making love in war and always remember- stab first, ask questions later.
Okay I'm in shock, I just finished this lovely book and I have a few things to say. First Memnon this guy is killing it, I mean he was everything that he needed to be and more and that's a lot to say. Selene she is a queen, in this book I have learnt to expect the unexpected. Moving on side characters Sybil is my comfort character, Kane you need to come down as T.S. said and that's all for the character. Recommendation for everyone reading the book is try to not think ahead, enjoy the moment and be loud when you get to see the whole plot. Bonus thing is Nero my sweet friend he is amazing.
This was my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it! I loved the characters, the setting, and the magic. I need to go read the first book in the series.
Fantastic worldbuilding and interesting characters. Spicy contemporary fantasy with romance and action.
A wonderful sequel to Bewitched; I highly recommend this series!
Title: Bespelled By Laura Thalassa
Release date: May, 28th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
Bespelled by Laura Thalassa is like diving headfirst into a cauldron of enchantment! This spellbinding tale weaves together magic, romance, and danger in a way that'll leave you utterly bewitched! (See what I did there ;))
Selene Bowers, a witch with a knack for getting into magical mischief, finds herself smack dab in the middle of a spellbinding love story. When she learns that her soul mate is the ancient sorcerer Memnon, known for his vengeful streak, Selene's world turns upside down. Framed for a crime she didn't commit and coerced into a marriage pact with Memnon, Selene must navigate through a labyrinth of danger and desire.
With enemies lurking in every shadow and secrets waiting to be uncovered, Selene must choose between embracing the magic bond with Memnon or risking it all to thwart their adversaries. But with the bond demanding that Memnon can only be released if Selene falls head over heels in love with him, things get even trickier.
Selene and Memnon's tumultuous relationship is the heart of the story, and their chemistry crackles like magic in the air.
With Thalassa's signature blend of wit, charm, and intrigue, Bespelled casts a spell that's impossible to resist. So grab your broomstick and get ready for a rollercoaster ride of love, mystery, and all things magical!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely LOVE this series. Laura really created a universe I can so easily get lost in. Witches, ancient curses, shifters, magical coven, fated mates… there's literally everything I love in a good paranormal/fantasy romance book. Bespelled was an amazing sequel, it answers so many questions we had in Bewitched and doesn't end on a terrible cliffhanger which makes the wait for the third and final book more than bearable, even though I am SO excited for it!