Member Reviews
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Yet another great book from Laura Thalassa that I could not put down once I started it. The story continues on Selene and Memnon and how they got where they are now, which results in them working together to solve the murders that are happening around them and how these murders relate to them.
Although their relationship is on a better grounds there are still battles between them however their angsty relationship keeps the reader entertained and the spice is enough but not over the top.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
“Neither magic, nor time, can keep us apart. We are like the stars. Eternal.”
From bestselling author and TikTok favorite Laura Thalassa comes the next installment of a witch fantasy set in the world of the Bargainer series. On a quest through the wilderness, Selene Bowers learns the tragic cost of her powers—her memories—and only the dangerously handsome Memnon the Cursed can help her find the answers she seeks...if she doesn't lose her heart first.
Bespelled is the second book in the series. The first book "Bewitched” ended on a nasty cliffhanger, which is why I was really looking forward to this moment. I have to admit that I'm a little jealous of the people who will start the series in a few years, when all the parts of the series have been published.
After absolutely loving “Bewitched,” I was so excited to see how the story continued. The sequel totally delivered and I am just as obsessed with this book and Selene and Memnon‘s story. Ofc there are still far too many unanswered questions that keep me waiting for the next book, but at least some aspects were clarified in this one. To find out what was answered exactly, you'll have to read the book yourself and we can wait for book 3 together. Have fun reading it!
Wow, Laura has done it again! The second book installment, Bespelled, picks up where we left off in Bewitched, and I thoroughly enjoyed the recap because it had been a while since I read the first book. It filled in a few gaps I couldn't quite remember, which was nice.
I was so hoping we would get more romance and more of Selene's back story, and we did! We had the perfect amount of groveling from Memnon, and I was begging Selene to give in to him and fall right back in love. Who can resist a big, powerful sorcerer with only eyes for you? Touch her, and you die, seriously.
There were many plot points in the story related to some pretty serious stuff that I was not expecting, but it made the story that much more intense. The end of the book had me on the edge of my seat, and I can't believe how it ended because now I have to wait for the next book to come out, and I don't want to!!!
Thank you NetGalley, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, for providing an eARC of Bespelled. This review is being left voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
Massive thank you to Net Galley and Laura Thalassa for the free arc book in exchange for an honest review! 🫶🏻
WOW I am in love with this book. I finished it a few hours before writing this and it is all I’ve been able to think about for days and since finishing it.
I really enjoyed Bewitched and was unsure if it would be able to be topped, but I am so happy I was wrong. What an amazing series so far.
For Bespelled, I adored the character growth in this book. Seeing Selene not only grow as a character but also in her confidence and power as well made me so happy. While some of her decisions may have seemed rash and not very smart, I like to think she had so much going on in her life, and I would probably also make decisions like that (plus, they made for amazing plot points).
Memnon on the other hand….sir….please keep doing what you’re doing. I loved seeing how he developed in this book and really started to love him more and more. I can’t say too many thoughts as I am trying to leave this as spoiler free as possible, just know that I am dying for the next book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am so excited to see how the series progresses from here. If you haven’t already, you NEED to read these books!!
“Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?” I want to ask him for more, but I’m not brave enough. Memnon uses his other hand to run his knuckles over my cheek. “Of course, Empress.“
NEW TOP BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT🚨😮💨
ahhhh I can’t even deal with how much I absolutely adored this book!! Laura Thalassa is one of my favorite authors in the world and this book was just next level AMAZING!!! I literally tabbed and highlighted almost the entire book because every page had me squealing and kicking my feet!!
after the many things Memnon did to Selene in the name of revenge during book 1, now he’s back - ready and more than eager to GROVELLLLL FOR HIS QUEEN!!! ahhh I can’t!!! the groveling in this book should be the blueprint tbh it was everything!!!!
“I can do anything to you, est xsaya?” I ask. It’s not really a question of whether I literally can. He’s already given me that power over him. It’s a question of whether he’s okay with it. “Anything,” he agrees fervently. “I am yours.”
***SWOOOOON****
I truly have no words for how much I loved this book and these characters 😭 yall need to read it and you’ll understand why I’m so obsessed 🤭
This might be one of my least favorite Laura Thalassa book, which is unfortunate as it was one of my vacation reads. I'm not vibing with the plot mainly because I can vibe with Selene. I would have loved to have a more worldly main as she's supposed to be a reincarnation of a badass lady. Memnon is a morally gray/black character and I'd appreciate it if Selene was more like his OG wife as it would make the plot and relationships feel more real. I likely won't be reading more of this series, mostly because of Selene and her mismatch as a character in this world.
Bespelled is an awesome continuation of Bewitched. Laura’s writing is so amazing. She develops worlds that suck a reader in doesn’t let go. The continued character development kept me super invested in Memnon and Selene.
I’ve been a huge fan of Laura’s books since The Bargainer series. I loved this follow up to Bewitched! Incredible writing and amazing characters. I can’t wait to read the next installment!
The Memnon redemption story continues... Selene has her memory back for better or worse. These two have made some really bad choices in their past and present. And reconciling those choices and actions is gonna be difficult in order to have a healthy relationship. It'll be interested in seeing where the next book goes but I really need these two to get on the healthy relationship train to feel like they have HEA.
"We are eternal."
I enjoyed Bespelled more so than I did Bewitched! I felt a stronger connection between Selene and Memnon, and was happy to have gotten an explanation for their past and the reason why Memnon was hidden away in the tomb.
I feel like there was a lot more significant plot in this one, and we learn about so many secrets and so much betrayal. Memnon's only goal throughout the entire story was to protect Selene and keep her safe, and it made me like his character significantly more. Be prepared for a significant amount of groveling. He was not great in the first book, so to see his character development was great. Selene didn't have much character development, and I'm not fully invested in her character.
There is a significant plot twist at the end of this book, that at first I did not see coming, and then as I was reading, I started to put pieces together and I figured it out. But I am interested in the next book, to see where things go.
Read if you enjoy:
- eternal lovers
- enemies to lovers
- touch her and you die
- witches/sorcerers
- soulmates
- second chance
- ancient curses, secrets and reveals
- love triangle
Thank you to Laura Thalassa, Sourcebooks Bloom Books and NetGalley for the eArc of Bespelled, available now!
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint. Laura will forever be an instant-buy author for me. Memnon and Selene. So many moments broke my heart then picked up the pieces. The things these two souls have gone through not only for themselves, but each other is beautifully written. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds.
Mood Readers: This series is for the spicy romance readers who also love a strong mystery plot full of surprises.
Would you recommend this book?
Selene, our heroine, loses parts of her memory every time she uses her magic. An ancient king is certain that she is his wife, and also his enemy. Bespelled is the second book in the series and it’s imperative that you start at book one. Bespelled picks up right at the moment when Selene has her full memories returned. Her journey leading up to that moment with Memnon is crazy, and a little devastating tbh, but it’s worth the ride. Beyond their sizzling romance, we are deep in a dark and sinister plot. Witches are being murdered, while other supernaturals are being magically bound as slaves to an unknown witch leader. Despite both Selene and Memnon being a suspect in the murders, they set aside their personal turmoil, and take great risks to uncover the truth. The mysterious plot against witches is not overshadowed by the romance, and yet Selene and Memnon are very irresistible. I highly recommend this series, and really can’t wait for the next installment.
What was most surprising about Bespelled?
Laura Thalassa had a steep task of giving us a valid reason to stick it out with Memnon. At the start of Bespelled, I was ready to hex him back into his tomb. Thalassa's writing talent really shined to persuade me to like him again, let alone love him as I do.
I loved this book, maybe even more than the first one. Witchy vibes were immaculate, and the magic was so much fun. I can’t wait to read more from Laura Thalassa. 5 stars!
AMAZING!!!!
Bespelled is the second book in the series, by Laura Thalassa.
I love and adore Laura’s writing style so much. I once again ate this book up just as fast as the first one.
If you love slow burn, touch her and die romantasy then this one is for you!
Bespelled opens right where Bewitched left off. The plot in Bespelled unravels so many unanswered questions I had in book one.
Get ready for a ride! You will be getting so must character development in this book. Selene and Memon’s banter…. chef kiss. As much as Memon’s drove me crazy, I was still on the edge of my chair sweating and laughing a lot.
Also, can I just say that Selene is one bad ass witch and I wish she could be my best friend. She will forever be my favorite.
Beware of plot twist in the last chapter! I’m going to need the next book asap!!!!
Why aren’t people talking more about how amazing Laura Thalassa books are? I need to see these book more on IG and TT.
Trope Summary:
- Slow Burn
- Enemies to Lovers
- Paranormal
- Magic
- Fated Mates
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹:🌶🌶🌶🌶
Hight recommend it to lovers of witches and werewolves.
Bespelled is very much a worthy follow up to Bewitched! Laura Thalassa is a fantastic romantasy author and I’m very much enjoying this series.
The dynamic between Selene and Memnon is a stroke of genius in my opinion. As with all of Laura’s books the romantic relationship is alluring, hot and never cheesy. What makes theirs unique is that in its familiarity lies the allure, which is a balance that at least I haven’t seen achieved yet.
So yes this is a sexy read, obviously, but the world building and setting is also clever and detailed, the plot is super exciting and keeps you guessing, while it’s never boring or predictable.
I will say however that some aspects of this book are incredible cruel and violent, quite disturbingly so. I found certain chapters difficult to read, while I’d also say that that part of the story became a bit drawn out and I felt my interest waning. Great cliffhanger at the end though, can’t wait for the next book!
Absolutely love book 2, I love how we get to see more of Selena and Memnons back story and how he totally had it all wrong and she was only ever trying to protect him 🥺 and the love that they had for each other 🫶🏻
✨Bewitched (#1) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 / 🌶️.5 (out of 5)
✨Bespelled (#2) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 / 🌶️🌶️.5 (out of 5)
👑 “I knew you would come, my queen.” 👑
Laura Thalassa knows how to write romantasy because the Bewitched series made me GIDDY ya’ll — I threw away plans and priorities to devour this series in 2 days. Although the Bargainer will always have my heart as my favorite MMC from Laura Thalassa, Memnon can GET IT 👀🌶️
One of the reasons I couldn’t put these books down was because of how interesting the premise was. Selene is a witch, but every time she uses her magic, she loses her memory. In order to join a coven and finally find a place where she feels like herself, she must go on a magical quest. While on this quest, she accidentally unleashes a supernatural force—Memnon—who believes Selene is his ancient wife Roxilana who betrayed him. Of course, chaos ensues from there 🤯🤯🤯
That alone hooked me and made me sprint through Bewitched AND Bespelled. I love love LOVE romantasy stories that have both an intriguing plot and a romance that gives me all the feels. Enemies to lovers is my FAVORITE romance trope, but Laura Thalassa made me discover I actually love enemies to lovers BACK to enemies. There’s something about the pining and the anger that just works 👏🏻
Memnon and Selene’s energy and banter is addictive. There are so many plot twists and moments where I gasped, and I enjoyed seeing Selene come into her power and confidence. The mystery-elements were a nice touch too, and based on the reveal at the end of book 2, I know the next book is going to be just as good. I also need Memnon and Roxilana’s love story. I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
Oh, man, y’all… I hate to say, I really really do, but this wasn’t the five star experience I was expecting. First of all, Laura Thalassa is one of my favorite romantasy authors. I’ve read nearly everything she has written, and will continue to do so. The first book in this series was so freaking good. I fell in love with the characters and the story world. But this second book was very underwhelming for me. The one thing I did love was the direction that Memnon and Slelene’s relationship went. I thought that the development that happens in this book was so great and I was eating it up. But the plot progression was severely lacking in my opinion. The pacing was quite slow for the first 75% probably. I just needed more from it in this way. I needed higher stakes, more suspense and building tension, and just more action in general. It wasn’t going anywhere and I wasn’t feeling compelled to keep turning the pages. And I must say, that is definitely not something I’m used to from this author, as one of the reasons I love her books so much is that she does such a great job of equally balancing plot and romance. I did enjoy how we got to learn so much more about past events, those chapters were some of my favorites. I’m also not sure how much I care nor am I feeling the seriousness of the cliffhanger at the end? But I will withhold judgment on that until I see where it leads in the next book. I expected to absolutely love this, and I ended up thinking it was just okay. Regardless, as of right now, I still think this series is worth the read and hopefully will continue to be so. And I still definitely think this series deserves way more hype and attention!
Bespelled" by Laura Thalassa, the second installment in the Bewitched series, continues the gripping tale of a young witch and her soulmate as they confront a series of mysterious murders within her coven.
The story picks up immediately where the first book left off, with Selene imprisoned for the murders and grappling with the flood of memories unleashed by the lifted curse. These memories encompass not only her current life but also her past life, revealing truths that challenge her sense of self. Her complex emotions towards Memnon evolve from anger at his imposition of memories to heartbreak over their shared history and sacrifices made for love.
Memnon's character undergoes a profound transformation as well. While retaining his ruthless demeanor befitting an ancient king and warlord, he exhibits genuine remorse and a willingness to earn Selene's forgiveness. His softer, more vulnerable side gradually emerges, adding depth to their evolving relationship.
The narrative maintains a brisk pace compared to its predecessor, focusing on unraveling the murder mysteries and developing the burgeoning romance between Selene and Memnon. Unexpected twists and revelations keep the reader engaged, reminiscent of Thalassa's signature storytelling in the Fallen World series.
Overall, "Bespelled" is a devour-worthy read that delivers answers while raising compelling new questions. It amplifies the intensity with heightened romantic tension, making it a must-read for fans of high-stakes fantasy romance.
If you enjoy intricate plots woven with passionate romance, this book comes highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley for this wonderful book!
I have read all books written by Laura Thalassa and she dis not disappoint.. the second of this series, I was keenly waiting for Bespelled. The easy flowing writing made me read this in two sitttings! Please write more.. thanks