Member Reviews
Oh this was a fun and really quick read for me! I loved the romance, soulmates, and definitely the witchy vibes. The chilli peppers are definitely there for this one.
Thank you to netgalley and City Owl Press for providing me with an ARC of this novel to review.
Rosemary Bay has met her soulmate...and he happens to be her small community's new sheriff. She also happens to be one of five sister witches, have a penchant for some herbal drugs, and run around naked fairly frequently.
And could the timing be worse? There's a warlock after her and her sisters because of some past life shenanigans, the fact that they sort if imprisoned his sister in what they call the Hedge Wood, and a family curse states that anyone who takes the blood of the Bay sisters will steal their power.
This was a fun, "fluffy" read that centered on witches and other supernatural beings living in mostly-secret among humans in the modern world. There's definitely a fair amount of detailed spice, which isn't a thing I look for when choosing a book and I usually don't enjoy smut because of how ridiculous it can get. It definitely gets a little ridiculous here, but I think it works because the book doesn't take itself too seriously.
There is an interesting sort of interlude for a couple of chapters that changes the focus and pacing of the story during the middle point. It flashes to a shared past life between two characters and introduces a few darker themes (discussion of potential rape, murder, death, starvation). I found the change of pace welcome initially, but it soon felt like it went on a bit too long.
I did also make the mistake of picking this up without realizing that it's the second in the series. I didn't feel completely lost or like I missed anything in a first book that was critical to understanding the plot of this one, so that worked out better for me than it could have. I do get the sense that this will be a good series to pick up if you're in the mood for something light, fun, and flirty - just make sure you start with the first book!
Another quick, fun read by Colleen Delaney.
I actually felt this book was stronger than the first, and I really enjoyed Rosemary and Ash's story.
It was cozy, and moved at a great pace. The spice was also *spicing*.
I thought Ash's back story was really well done, in addition to his previous life flashback.
The Bay witches are such a lovely group and I look forward to the next book.
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4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
And my, my, a shocking 🌶🌶🌶
This book was a quick, and fun ride.
Think Practical Magic, meets Charmed.
Wholesome, happy ending and a perfect way to finish off the day.
And thank you to NetGalley and City Owl Press for the chance to read this ARC.
Will absolutely read future books in this series.
An interesting modern magical romance with lots of flowers and true love found. Good for anyone who likes modern magic.
Looking for a witchy read? Look no further. I am not talking about the commercial, cute and full of sparkles. I mean the real deal, connected to the earth, with curses, pain, and love that transcends lifetimes.
Rosemary wants to meet her soulmate. When he finally appears as Sheriff Asher Evans, a human cop with no connection to her world of spells and curses, Rosemary is thrown for a loop. How can a human fit into her life brimming with magic and mayhem?
Asher came to Star Island looking for a fresh start and peace from his past, but his plans are quickly upended when he meets Rosemary. The pull between them is undeniable, and although he can’t explain it, he feels an instinctual need to protect her. However, their budding connection is threatened when a figure from their past lives reappears, bent on tearing them apart and reigniting a centuries-old curse that has haunted Rosemary’s bloodline.
The chemistry between Rosemary and Asher is palpable. As they face a relentless villain and unravel ancient mysteries, the stakes grow higher, testing their love and courage.
I loved how raw the story was. How the pain and fury of the past can haunt the present and how full of life a close family can be, connected both by magic and love.
As a downside, I would have preferred less of the s** spells, I find them not in line with the story and the allure of the characters.
This spellbinding novel is ideal for anyone who loves the idea of witches, villains, past lives, and curses.
Thank you, Netgalley, for this arc.
Bewitching Rosemary is a bewitching, romantic addition to Colleen Delaney’s *Witches of Star Island* series that beautifully blends magic, destiny, and a hint of danger. Rosemary Bay, a garden witch with a knack for love spells, has always anticipated meeting her soulmate. But when that soulmate turns out to be the charming and practical Sheriff Asher Evans, she finds herself questioning how a human could fit into her enchanted life.
Rosemary’s free-spirited character, with her unrestrained, vibrant energy, is so enjoyable to follow—especially in contrast with Asher’s grounded, no-nonsense demeanor. Delaney has created a rich sense of sisterhood between the Bay sisters that adds depth and warmth to the storyline, as they navigate magical mishaps and looming threats together. Their camaraderie and distinct personalities give the book a lovely familial undertone amidst the romance.
The story also dives into Rosemary and Asher's shared past life, a compelling subplot that unveils layers of lost love, bravery, and sorrow, providing an extra layer of emotional depth. The past-life narrative of Gundrun is especially well-crafted, and it brings a poignant, unexpected tenderness to the story. While the ending could have explored the guardians’ backstory in a bit more detail, the main plot ties up nicely, leaving readers both satisfied and eager to learn more about Star Island’s mystical world.
With a dash of well-balanced spice and enchanting magical elements, *Bewitching Rosemary* is perfect for readers looking for a cozy, romantic escape that’s equal parts whimsy and heart. Highly recommended for fans of witchy romance with a hint of danger and a lot of charm.
Thanks for the ARC, Netgalley and Colleen Delaney. I would first say there is a lot of spice but of course my opinion. Rosemary’s character is pretty straight forward and fun and just free. The Bay sisters have great relationships with each other, definitely a good sisterhood. There could’ve been more info regarding Asher! It was an interesting read if you’re into witches.
I love this book! I got drawn into the story right away, I loved Rosemary and her hippie ways and her sisters too! The main man was great as well. Loved it!
Rosemary Bay has been dreaming about meeting her soulmate since she was 16. One night, he unexpectedly shows up at her door in the form of Sheriff Asher Evans looking into the disappearance of a witch she helped her sister banish to another world. The missing witch's brother, Ivan, has been heckling the Sheriff Evans about the disappearance and is convinced that the Bay sisters had something to do with it. How will Rosemary and the new sheriff navigate the pull between each other?
Perfect read for a witchy October! I really enjoyed Rosemary's free spirit and hippie vibes, naked dancing is always an added bonus. I enjoyed the relationship between the 5 Bay sisters and their camaraderie. I was confused for a little bit when she was living through her past life but then get pretty sucked into that life. The love, grief, and bravery of Gundrun, you go girl! The spice was an added bonus. I made the mistake of starting with book 2 so I will need to go back and read book 1.
Thank you Netgalley and City Owl Press for providing me with an ARC!
I received this ARC on Netgalley for honest feedback.
After reading The Hedge Witch, I knew I wanted more of the Bay sisters. I'm so ready for the other three sisters to get their books.
This book follows Rosemary and her sisters, who are all witches. The authors take on how witchcraft, past lives(reincarnation), and a bit of spice thrown in is really well done. The characters have real development, and feel like you know them.
This book was just as cozy and spicy as the first in the series. Spice wasn't the main focus, and there was actual plot with the story. 3/5 🌶️
Lovely, cozy and smutty read. Loved it! The idea with the sisters is fantastic and cant wait to read about the others! Would recommend to anybody that likes the mated mates/soulmates trope, some nice smut and an overall cozy vibe with a lovely family setting.
What I liked:
- the smut, really well written, good amount, no complains
- the family, the sisters, its just great and adds so much to the feeling of the book
- the story idea with the soulmates, a curse and a small mystery for each sister to discover their part
What I didnt like:
- the past life part dragged a bit for me and was kind of sad, I see the importance of it and how it enhanced the story but still I feel like it could have been shorter?
- I have so many magical questions that I only hope will be answered in the following books
Thanks to netgalley and City Owl Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I am seriously eating this series up, no crumbs left behind. The Hedge Witch was a great first book of the series and I know the other sister’s books are going to be even more amazing because they will keep adding to the story. They’re not insanely long, so it doesn’t ever feel like the plot drags on.
Rosemary is such a fun character, I love that she is so free but sure of herself, she has relatable flaws and I think it’s amazing she’s a confident sexual being. The spice in this is just the perfect amount too.
I really liked the addition of other magical types of people in this, knowing there’s some type of underground witchy government (the councils) also gives the plot some depth to it too. I did think the introduction of the guardians at the end was a bit rushed, I would have liked a little bit more from the conversation with Asher’s biological dad’s friend.
Also, the past lives aspect of this one was insanely well done, Gundrun’s story was heart wrenching and beautiful it actually made me tear up. I feel very lucky to have been able to read this arc and would definitely recommend.
This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I adore the sisters and their journey to find their soulmates while grappling with their curse. Rosemary and Asher made a sizzling couple—there's nothing quite like the combination of a wild witch and a cop, right? I appreciate how the story weaves in past life regression; I hope this theme carries on for the other sisters, as it truly adds a unique touch to the narratives.
I truly enjoyed this book! I loved the main idea of the story and thought that the writing style was very unique. It is easy to read, a fun/fast paced book, and very entertaining. I loved seeing into the main characters past lives. I did think that many parts of the story needed a little more detail and that the author was trying too hard to include sex into the book. Don’t get me wrong, I am all about a spicy scene. But sex magic that fixes roads, a blowjob spell that makes people trust you… yikes. It felt very forced. The scenes were well written and didn’t use any of the phrases that make us readers roll our eyes. I really did like the plot and will continue to follow the series.
Rosemary is the second sister to find her soul mate. While this book is Rosemary and Asher's story and can be read alone it was great knowing the background connections from the first sisters book. I love the island Colleen has created as well as the past lives being intertwined but separate. I enjoyed the family coming together but each being their own person with skills and pasts.
The island descirption and quirky-ness make you want to take a vacation to visit them. The sisters comes across as down to earth even in their witchiness. I can't wait for the other 3 sisters books.
Dude, I *fly* through these. They’re so quick and fun. Rosemary was such a good time as a main character. (I wanna be her sister so bad. Let me in pleaseeeee, I wanna be a witch.)
I really like this series, I gotta continue it.
I really enjoyed the story! I haven't read the first book, but I had no problems jumping in. I love how carefree Rosemary is and how comfortable she is with herself and her body. Her reaction to Asher was hilarious and honestly, relatable. How many times have we met an attractive person and been like "Oh no" and made a quick exit?
I'm still not sure how I feel about the past life stuff. I felt like it took me out of the book a bit. I would've rather had just learned more about Asher and Rosemary in the present, and seen them more as a couple. It was interesting but obviously I'm still on the fence about it.
While Rosemary 100% knew who she was and what she wanted, it felt like Asher did too but then he did a complete change. He went from someone who only wanted to be a cop, to someone who was ready to quit. With his history, it made some sense but it still felt a little off to me.
All in all, I enjoyed the vibes and spice! It was a fun little read for this time of year.
This was a strong sequel in the Witches of Star Island series, it had that element that I enjoyed from the first book. It had that element that I was looking for from the fantasy element and really enjoyed the overall story. Colleen Delaney has that spark from the world and glad it had that feel that I wanted. I hope there is more in this series and from Colleen Delaney.
A cute romance with small town vibes. A bit spicier than I was expecting and liked. I felt the insta love was a little too simple for me. It was nice seeing Asher get settled into the town and first meet Rosemary, but then it’s like he totally changed. There were hints of themes from Practical Magic that I liked. I haven’t read the first book, so I didn’t really have a lot of context to the story.