Category: Paranormal / Fantasy

The Witch of Wall Street by M.J. Etkind

On By TracyIn Contemporary, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Witch of Wall StreetThe Witch of Wall Street by M.J. Etkind

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Miriam Blum and Nelson Copperfield have known each other for most of their lives and for most of that time Miriam has disliked the oh-so-perfect Nelson with his helpful magic, which is the direct opposite of her chaos magic! Years after graduating college, Miriam has learned to subdue her magic and is working for a Wall Street investment banking company, with hopes of making partner soon. When a new project comes her way, she feels like it is wrong, but it is also an opportunity to prove herself and finally achieve the success she has worked so hard for. She shoves down her misgivings and accepts the chance to lead the top-secret project. To ease her conscious, she attends a fundraiser for Housing Magic, a non-profit that provides housing for those in need – which happens to be the company that is in direct competition for the property at the heart of her business project. She is shocked to learn that Nelson is the executive director of Housing Magic and even more stunned that she is attracted to him. They spend an ill-advised night together and the next morning when she tries to leave, she learns that her bag containing her broomstick and the files concerning the project is missing, when Nelson tries to help her find it, he discovers that his enchanted taxi medallion is also missing.

Together they will have to find a way to work together to find their missing items. But Miriam can’t risk Nelson learning the truth about her project, something that is harder to do than she anticipated, especially when she begins to acknowledge that her feelings for Nelson are deeper than she wants them to be. Their time together makes her long for things she never thought she really wanted, things that could never be especially when he learns of her business project. But somewhere between feeling left behind by her coven, work mishaps, an enchanted dumpling shop, a jinn who is also a CPA, poisoned leather and a clay monster, she falls in love with the only man she can’t have.

I really enjoyed this magical rom-com, it was a quick and easy read with wonderful characters and a satisfying ending. This story has a lot going on; chaotic magic, enemies to lovers, magical beings, work obligations, ethical complications, secrets, hidden desires, coven problems, a slow burn romance and finally a solution that didn’t seem possible, ending with a happily for now and maybe forever. It took me a little while to warm up to Miriam, but by the middle of the book, I was firmly on her side. I do wish this book had more of a dual POV as Nelson was such a large part of the story and I never really felt like I got to know him. But overall, it was a delightful read and I would happily recommend it!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

The Watchmaker’s Daughter by C.J. Archer

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Watchmaker's Daughter (Glass and Steele, #1)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Glass and Steele #1
Publication Date: 6/28/16
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 302

I recently discovered this author and cannot seem to get enough of her books. I first found her Glass Library series (a spinoff of this series) and devoured all of them and I’m now anxiously awaiting the release of the next adventure in that series. To satisfy my craving, I came to this series and, if this book is any indication, I’m going to love it as well. The only drawback to having read the second series first is that I was already familiar with the characters and knew which characters would make alliances and which would still be around in 30 years. Frankly, I saw that as a good thing and it didn’t deter my enjoyment in the least.

This is the first book in the Glass and Steele series, and it introduces us to India Steele, who finds herself destitute after the death of her watchmaker father and betrayal by her fiancé. She has no money and no place to live when she meets the mysterious Matthew Glass – an American who immediately hires her as his assistant.

This is a delightful tale of magic, mystery, and romance – and perhaps a tad of steampunk. The author skillfully creates a world where science and magic coexist – but are at war. India is strong, resilient, talented, intelligent – and has absolutely no idea of her true power. Matthew is also strong, resilient, talented and intelligent – and is in desperate need of help – of the magical variety. The attraction and dynamic between India and Matt creates a tension where the chemistry is strong – probably stronger than they are.

The secondary characters added much to the story – I loved the pistol-toting, hard-wearing Willie Johnson and hated the duplicitous, vile fiancé, Eddie Hardcastle, as well as the entire Watchmakers Guild. The story does an excellent job of setting the stage and characters for the remainder of the books in the series – but it is a great standalone book if you never read another in the series. Though, I would wager you’ll quickly become hooked on the stories.

If you love historical romance, mystery, fantasy, adventure, and intrigue, you can’t go wrong with this book. I can hardly wait to start the next one