Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland is the story of a dysfunctional family with gifts and what happens when Sage Flores comes home. Magical Realism, an “enemies to lovers” romance, fantasy and paranormal woo-woo await you. Grab a pumpkin spice latte and curl up with this addictive tale.
by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Genres: Magical Realism
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Legend goes that long ago a Flores woman offended the old gods, and their family was cursed as a result. Now, every woman born to the family has a touch of magic.
Sage Flores has been running from her family—and their “gifts”—ever since her younger sister Sky died. Eight years later, Sage reluctantly returns to her hometown. Like slipping into an old, comforting sweater, Sage takes back her job at Cranberry Rose Company and uses her ability to communicate with plants to discover unusual heritage specimens in the surrounding lands.
What should be a simple task is complicated by her partner in botany sleuthing: Tennessee Reyes. He broke her heart in high school, and she never fully recovered. Working together is reminding her of all their past tender, genuine moments—and new feelings for this mature sexy man are starting to take root in her heart.
With rare plants to find, a dead sister who keeps bringing her coffee, and another sister whose anger fills the sky with lightning, Sage doesn’t have time for romance. But being with Tenn is like standing in the middle of a field on the cusp of a summer thunderstorm—supercharged and inevitable.
Sage Flores left her home after her sister Sky died and things became heated between her and her sister Teal. When Sage loses her job teaching a jewelry class, it forces her to return to her Appalachian home. Sage and her sisters have gifts. Sage is a plant whisperer and Teal’s mood can affect the weather. Sage also has a secret. She can see and communicate with Sky her dead sister, who leaves her coffee.
This was an interesting tale about healing with character growth and some neat twists. Cranberry Rose Company, her previous employer, offers her a job. The job involves scouting for plants they can reproduce and sell. They partnered her with Tennessee Reyes, the boy, now man who broke her heart in high school.
The tale offers a romance filled with secrets and passion. Sage has a lot of growing up to do and we see her do just that. I wasn’t always happy with her behavior and actions, but in the end, I was happy.
I loved the magical realism from the plants to lightning. The story involving Sky was unique and kept me curious. A strong thread involving their dysfunctional family held me captive. The story, despite the heated romance, felt like we should shelve it in the women’s fiction section.
Witch of Wild Things delivered a heartfelt story, and I would certainly try this author again.
Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland offers a tale of healing, romance and magical realism. Perfect for a fall afternoon. #bookreview #NewRelease Share on XAbout Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Raquel Vasquez Gilliland is a Mexican American poet, novelist, and painter. She received an MFA in poetry from the University of Alaska, Anchorage in 2017. She’s most inspired by fog and seeds and the lineages of all things. When not writing, Raquel tells stories to her plants and they tell her stories back. She lives in Tennessee with her beloved family and mountains. Raquel has published two books of poetry. Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything is her first novel.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
DEBBIE HAUPT
Ok Kimberly this sounds right up my alley thank you
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Love the cover on this one, and it sounds good! Great review!
Stormi
Thanks for the review as I have been kind of curious about this one. I didn’t realize it was going to have such a heated romance, so that is good to know!
Barb @ Booker T's Farm
This sounds like a good read. I think my library just got a copy so I’ll see if I can grab it sometime soon.
Katherine
This looks really good and I’m a big fan of magical realism. It’s definitely a genre I want to read more of.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’m picking this one up next so I’m happy to see you enjoyed it! Love that cover!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I haven’t read much magical realism. I like the connection with plants / weather / the natural world here.
DEBBIE HAUPT
love this genre, love new to me authors and if you love it I know I will, well that is unless it involves zombies 😉 lol, that’s one genre you never managed to sway me too.
I’m checking it out, love the cover
sherry fundin
Definitely the season for a good witchy story. 🙂
Felicity Grace Terry
OOH! This appealed to me on so many levels that I’m glad to learn that it was as good as I’d hoped it would be. Away to add it to my Wish List, thank you.