Tag: #TheWitchesBall

Lessons in Love; A Witches’ Ball Novella by Renee Bernard

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Novella, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Lessons in Love: A Witches Ball NovellaLessons in Love: A Witches Ball Novella by Renee Bernard

Tracy’s rating: 3.5/4 of 5 stars

Series: The Witches’ Ball, #2

Release Date: August 26, 2023

Arianna Holt is the illegitimate orphaned granddaughter of the Marquis of Halleforte, and she has lived most of her life under the care of her beloved uncle Edmund, her father’s youngest brother. Arianna is sheltered and feels most comfortable in the woods, her uncle has tried to make her feel loved, but her grandfather despises her and demands that she keep her silver-white hair covered and her silver-lavender eyes hidden behind dark glasses. She is content with her life, but her uncle wants more for her, he wants her to marry and have a family of her own. He convinces his father and older brother to let Arianna accompany his other niece Lady Persephone to the Witches Ball in Bocka Morrow. Arianna agrees to go as long as her uncle agrees to stop trying to matchmake when she returns. Arianna sets out counting the days until she can return home to her solitude, but this trip will change Arianna’s life in ways that she didn’t even believe possible and suddenly the thought of living in solitude no longer holds any appeal.

Wren Willow is a Fairy or Fei, he is one of the few that crosses the Veil and interacts with humans in the Broken Realm, as the Fei call it. This time he has made the trip to stop Arianna from attending the Witches’ Ball because he knows something she doesn’t, Arianna is half Fei and has a power that many would love to manipulate. Wren’s only task is to stop her from going to the ball, but once he meets her, he is drawn to her and wants more time, he breaks many rules and tells Arianna the truth of her lineage and her powers. He breaks more rules when offers to teach her how to control her power, knowing full well there will be a price to pay. Their feelings deepen, but all too soon it is time for Wren to pay for his transgressions, leaving their future in question.

This was an interesting addition to the series, especially since they never actually made it to Bocka Morrow. But Arianna and Wren are wonderful characters and their story is both joyous and heartwrenching. The story is not quite what I was expecting, but it was still a very good, no steam, slow-burn romance filled with magic, great secondary characters, a few tears, a couple of toe-curling kisses, and the promise of happily ever after. This book is loosely connected to the Witches’ Ball series, but could easily be read as a standalone title.

Moonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Novella, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Moonsight MagicMoonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Witches Ball, #5

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Lady Ninianne Morvoren, daughter of the Earl of Penhaven, is a water witch, but she also has an affinity to the moon, something that no other witch of her acquaintance has or has even heard of, she is also a sought-after curse breaker. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to break the curse placed on her friend Boult, a giant trapped in the body of a spriggan. So when she is invited to the Witches Ball at Nightshade Manor, Boult begs her to go and bring him with her, he has learned that there are reports of a giantess on Bocka Morrow and hopes that she will be able to break his curse. She agrees and they set out, she has no plans to marry, but fate may have other plans for her.

Mr. Tristan Tawstock has come to Nightshade Manor, not to find a bride but to make connections to advance his political career. Tristan is a Promethean, a warlock whose powers center on fire, light, as well as the gift of illusion, but what no one knows is he has an affinity with daylight, making his powers the mirror image of Ninianne’s. He is attracted to her, but tells himself now is not the time for romance. But, when their powers accidentally merge while trying to contain an evil entity, they experience something that will change them forever. But before they can explore it further, they will have to work together to find and stop the evil that has descended on Nightshade Manor.

This was such a great addition to the series! I love historical paranormal/magical stories and can never resist a visit to Bocka Morrow, so this author collaboration is a complete delight and seems to get better with each new installment. I loved Ninianne and Tristian, their connection is immediate and undisputable, even if neither of them wants to acknowledge it. The story is filled with magic, curses, great secondary characters, giants, a bit of dark magic, kisses, and the promise of HEA. This is the fourth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone title.

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