by Darynda Jones
Series: Betwixt & Between #2
Narrator: Traci Odom
Length: 7 hours and 39 minutes
Genres: Paranormal Women's Fiction
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
Forty-something Defiance Dayne only recently discovered she comes from a long line of powerful witches. Added to that was the teensy, infinitesimal fact that she is what’s called a charmling. One of three on the entire planet. And there are other witches who will stop at nothing to steal her immense power, which would basically involve her unfortunate and untimely death.
No one told her life after forty would mean having to learn new lifeskills—such as how to dodge supernatural assassins while casting from a moving vehicle—or that the sexiest man alive would be living in her basement.
Whoever said life begins at forty was clearly a master of the underappreciated and oft maligned understatement.
Bewitched is the second novel in Darynda Jones’ Betwixt & Between about a changeling who discovers her powers during a midlife crisis. Humor, a haunted manor, a sexy shifter and danger await you in this delightful paranormal women’s fiction.
Oh, lord Jones can make me laugh and her heros are always mysterious and swoon-worthy. This isn’t a romance, but the attraction and shenanigans between our heroine 45-year-old Defiance Dayne and a kilt-wearing shifter was positively delightful.
This story picks up 6 months after Betwixt ended and if you haven’t read it, I suggest you begin there. Both are available in Kindle Unlimited, ebook and print. The third book, Beguiled releases in February 2021.
After the events of the previous book, Defiance isn’t sure she wants to stick around, but vines, secret passages, and discovers about her repressed magic soon have her caught up in things. Then there is what happens in the village, demands for help and Roane, the wolf. Eep!
I had such a fun time with this story, from laugh out loud moments to suspenseful twists and discovers. I am a sucker for a magical manor filled with enchanted objects, and pesky dead grandfathers. Of course there are Defiance’s Dads who seem to always interrupt moments with Roane, her grandmother, and meddling best friend Annette.
Annette and Defiance are a hoot together, and I really want to know what Annette did to a piss of a certain witch. These two remind me of Cookie and Charley, but have their own unique quirkiness.
While issues wrapped up as we came to the end, a new mystery emerged and I cannot wait to dive into Beguiled. I was told this was a trilogy, but I do hope Jones gives us more.
Updated March 29, 2021 to include audiobook review: I loved reading the story, but listening added a whole new level of enjoyment from character interaction to antics. Traci Odom beautifully captures the voices and personalities of these characters.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Anne - Books of My Heart
The only #PWF I’ve read is those of Elizabeth Hunter but Darynda Jones is the next one I want to try. Fabulous review!
Jen
Gah! I’m already two books behind! I was hoping for audiobooks on these, but… Maybe someday. They sound so delightful.
Lover of Romance
You just gotta admire an author that can make you laugh and entertain so wonderfully. Glad you had a fun time with this one.
Berls
Man, I’m falling behind! I loved the Charley Davidson series so I’m not surprised that this good and has you laughing. Do you know if it’s on audio (and whose narrating)? I can look it up, just wondering if you know. I loved Lorelei King for Charley.
Kimberly
The first book is coming to audio in 2021 through Tantor Audio. Traci Odom will narrate.
Jackie
I’ve been debating getting the first book in this series. I know I will like it but I want them all! 🙂
Hena Tayeb
Sounds like a fun read.
Flora Gatehouse
I wasn’t blown away with Betwixt, it was OK but not what I was expecting from the blurb. Your review of this next instalment is persuasive. I have to give the series another try.
Debbie S Haupt
You know I think I’ve got book one somewhere, maybe it’s time to dig it out before it’s gets to book 10 before I start the series. LOL Great review and I’m looking forward to reading her again.
Nick @ The Infinite Limits of Love
Oh, I had no idea Darynda Jones had a new series! I love the sound of the older heroine – we don’t see that too often in PNR! ANd it’s on KU! I’m excited to hear that!
Kimberly
Yes, Nick, she along with 12 other authors are writing books in this genre featuring women in their 40s. Look up Paranormal Womens Fiction on Facebook, they have a group PWF.
Nadene
I am glad to see book two was a hit.
Melliane
I have the first book but I still need to read it