2024 was a great reading year. But it was also a year filled with quite a few reading slumps. While I did read a lot of new books, I also ended up reading backlists and quite a few re-reads as well.
I ended the year having read a total of 103 books. I didn’t do a top 10 or top 20 list this year, but rather a compilation of my favorite reads based on sub-genre. I did include 2 arcs {thank you Berkley Romance for the gifted copies} that aren’t released until 2025 – Deep End by Ali Hazelwood and First-Time Caller by BK Borison. I loved both and highly recommend them!
**I read a majority of these books as advanced reader copies courtesy of the publishers. Thank you Berkley Romance, Bloom Books, LibroFM, PRHAudio, SimonTeen, Dutton for the gifted copies**
I read quite a few amazing rom-coms this year! The Risk was a re-read, but I ended up loving it more the second time around. The Love of my After Life was amazing on audio {thank you PRH Audio for the gifted copy}. First Time Caller and Deep End are releasing in 2025 {thank you Berkley for the gifted arcs}.
If there’s one thing about me – it’s that I absolutely love a good book that makes me cry, especially when the story resonates with my own experiences and emotions, drawing me into its world and leaving a lasting impression on my heart. LOVED these books!
I read so many good fantasy books this year and these were a few of my favorites. Overall a great romantasy reading year.
This was the year I started reading more dark romances and I enjoyed them! Definitely not a sub-genre for everyone, but I’m looking forward to reading more dark romances.
So many amazing books that I read in 2024 and I can’t wait to see what books will make my favorites list in 2025.
Did we happen to read any of the same books? What were your favorite books of 2024?
I received a complimentary copy and audiobook from publisher.
SYNOPSIS
A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again…
Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….
Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she’s ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.
REVIEW
Add Bride to your tbr if you love -were x vampyre -marriage of convenience -mystery & drama -slow burn -lots of “my wife” moments -🌶🌶
Misery is a vampyre that’s been living in the Human world for years now. She feels like she blends in as much as a vamypre can. She has a human best friend, she files down her canines and doesn’t hunt humans to drink their blood – she grabs blood from a blood bank of course.
When extenuating circumstances force Misery into accepting an alliance with the Were’s by marrying their alpha Lowe Moreland she tries to make the best out of a not so ideal situation. Misery’s father may be using Misery as collateral for this makeshift alliance, but Misery has her own agenda. Her best friend Serena went missing weeks ago and the only clue she left behind had to do with the Were alpha. Misery has to try to figure out what if anything Lowe knows about Serena’s disappearance.
The Were pack have each other’s back and they all listen to their Alpha. They don’t have any love for a Vamypre living among them even if she is Lowe’s wife. But soon enough Misery finds that her only friend might be a little girl who just happens to be Lowe’s sister. The more time Misery finds herself spending with the pack, the more she ends up liking them and their fearsome, protective Alpha. Will Lowe and Misery learn to trust each other while they are contracted to stay married for at least a year?
I also had the opportunity to listen the audiobook of Bride and really enjoyed it! The narration was performed primarily by Thérèse Plummer with the chapter introductions done by Will Damron. I enjoyed Thérèse Plummer’s narration as Misery. Her voice was perfect for Misery and I could always feel the depth of emotions from her narration – everything from humor and sarcasm to sadness and longing. If you’re a fan of audiobooks I highly recommend listening to this one.
I loved loved loved Bride. While this book felt completely different from Ali’s previous contemporary novels, I couldn’t stop reading it fast enough. It was darker and yet had all of the same traits I love about Ali’s books – smart heroines with plenty of sass and wit and a hero who loves her unconditionally. I love Misery and Lowe together and didn’t want this book to end. And that ending?! I definitely need more books in this universe.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
SYNOPSIS
Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson.
Mackenzie Carter has had some very bad dates lately. Model train experts, mansplainers, guys weirdly obsessed with her tail—she hasn’t had a successful date in months. Only a year out of residency, her grandmother’s obsession with Mackenzie finding the perfect mate to settle down with threatens to drive Mackenzie barking mad. Out of options, it feels like a small thing to tell her grandmother that she’s met someone. That is, until she blurts out the name of the first man she sees and the last man she would ever date: Noah Taylor, the big bad wolf of Denver General.
Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?
Mackenzie will keep her grandmother off her back, and Noah will get a chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate—a mutually beneficial business transaction, they both rationalize. But when the fake-mate act turns into a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realize love is a whole different kind of animal.
REVIEW
What you can expect to find in The Fake Mate -STEM leads -alpha/omega pairing -🌶🌶🌶 scenes -grumpy/sunshine -fake dating(mating)
Dr. Mackenzie Carter needs her grandma to get off of her back. She’s not quite ready to settle down yet and her recent string of bad dates isn’t helping matters. Dr. Noah Taylor has been working as a cardiologist for a number of years, but he’s hiding a secret. He’s an alpha shifter and an anonymous tip has let the board know about his secret. He needs to nip the stigma in the bud. When a chance opportunity presents itself – Mackenzie and Noah find themselves pretending to be fake mates. Mackenzie gets her grandma off her dating life and Noah is able to put the board at ease. Win-win, right? Except the more time Mackenzie and Noah spend with one another the more they seem to want to turn their fake relationship into something real. Will these two find a way to give their budding relationship a chance?
Did I have to google “what is the omegaverse” while reading The Fake Mate? Yes, yes I did 🤭 And oooohhh does Lana bring the heat in The Fake Mate. My pages were smoking while reading this spicy, shifter romance. If you read Lana’s debut The Nanny you know that Lana can write a spicy scene and she did not disappoint in The Fake Mate.
This shifter romance was so spicy but also very sweet. Noah was always so gentle with Mackenzie. And I loved how badass and fearless Mackenzie was. The third act breakup felt a bit forced and I felt not entirely necessary, but I still ended up binging this shifter romance.
If you’re looking for a sweet, spicy, shifter romance with the fake dating/mating trope – I recommend you pick up The Fake Mate.
I’ve been reading a lot more YA fantasy romance this year and it’s definitely because of books like Powerless. The chemistry + the angst + the tension was so good and I could not stop reading. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fast paced fantasy romance! **not sponsored**
SYNOPSIS
She is the very thing he’s spent his whole life hunting. He is the very thing she’s spent her whole life pretending to be.
Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya—the exceptional, the empowered, the Elites.
The powers these Elites have possessed for decades were graciously gifted to them by the Plague, though not all were fortunate enough to both survive the sickness and reap the reward. Those born Ordinary are just that—ordinary. And when the king decreed that all Ordinaries be banished in order to preserve his Elite society, lacking an ability suddenly became a crime—making Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity.
Surviving in the slums as an Ordinary is no simple task, and Paedyn knows this better than most. Having been trained by her father to be overly observant since she was a child, Paedyn poses as a Psychic in the crowded city, blending in with the Elites as best she can in order to stay alive and out of trouble. Easier said than done.
When Paeydn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilyas princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites’ powers—the very thing Paedyn lacks. If the Trials and the opponents within them don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for certainly will if he discovers what she is—completely Ordinary.
REVIEW
What to expect in Powerless: -forced proximity -girl thief x prince boy (they’re both morally gray) -TENSION – gah so much tension -secrets, lies, betrayals -Hunger Games style setup -top tier flirting + banter + chemistry -close door but so much angst -who did this to you moments -ballroom dancing (!!!)
Ok, listen. I have been influenced on more than one occasion to pick up a book I’ve seen on social media. When I keept seeing Powerless I figured I should at least add it to my tbr and see what the fuss was about. When I tell you that I literally could not keep the grin off of my face while reading this book please believe me 🤭 I was giggling, blushing and devouring the pages. I loved loved loved Paedyn + Kai together. They have that kind of chemistry that seriously sizzles on page. Everything out of that man’s mouth was pure poetry.
I don’t want to give the plot away too much, because there’s so much going on and all of it is important. I will say that Lauren Roberts knows how to weave a story that comes full circle. I felt so much while reading this book.
I have pages upon pages of highlights between Kai and Paedyn. I mean he calls her darling as a sarcastic endearment and every time he did I was 🫠. Kai was such a complex character. He’s the future enforcer to the King, so he’s trained to be a killer and yet he would go to any length to keep Payedyn safe. The way he’s a complete golden retriever for her was giving me all the feels 🥹. He was giving Aaron Warner, Cardan Greenbriar & Rhysand vibes…swoon.
And holy shit that ending 🤯 … I did not see it coming. My heart was hurting after finishing Powerless 😭
Okay that’s enough rambling thoughts for now. I just loved this book and I cannot wait until next year for Reckless
This year has been the year of reading YA fantasy romance for me. I picked up Once Upon a Broken Heart earlier this year and became obsessed with Stephanie Garber’s writing style. I even went back and read her entire backlist! I was anxiously awaiting the release of A Curse for True Love, especially after absolutely LOVING The Ballad of Never After! I don’t think I was this excited for a book in a really long time. If you’ve read the series I’d love to know which book was your favorite!
**SPOILERS AHEAD** if you haven’t read the book – there are definite spoilers in my review proceed at your own caution!
SYNOPSIS
Two villains, one girl, and a deadly battle for happily ever after.
Evangeline Fox ventured to the Magnificent North in search of her happy ending, and it seems as if she has it. She’s married to a handsome prince and lives in a legendary castle. But Evangeline has no idea of the devastating price she’s paid for this fairytale. She doesn’t know what she has lost, and her husband is determined to make sure she never finds out . . . but first he must kill Jacks, the Prince of Hearts.
Blood will be shed, hearts will be stolen, and true love will be put to the test in A Curse for True Love, the breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogy.
REVIEW
I’m not even lying when I say that A Curse for True Love was one of my most anticipated releases – definitely this year if not ever? The Once Upon a Broken Heart series has been a favorite. I only recently picked up this series after seeing it all over booktok, but it was so good. The Ballad of Never After is up there as one my favorite books this year. I loved the angst, the yearning and the slow burn between Evangeline and Jacks. I was ready for A Curse for True Love. I needed to know how this series would play out after that ending.
In A Curse for True Love Evangeline doesn’t remember much. She has bits and pieces of her memories, but she can’t recall her handsome husband the Prince and not Lord Jacks who everyone keeps talking about. Soon her life is in danger and it seems that anytime someone tries to hurt her, a guard named the Archer is there to rescuer. We know that Archer is Jacks himself, but Evangeline doesn’t know this and our heart is breaking on Jacks behalf. Does Evangeline regain her memory? Will Jacks and Evangeline get the ending that they deserve?
SPOILERS AHEAD * * * * * * *
I had such high hopes for A Curse for True Love, but gah! why so many chapters with Apollo’s point of view???? When I discovered that Stephanie Garber was writing this book with three different points of view I was so excited. But I feel like we hardly got any Jacks :(. I loved the banter between Evangeline and Jacks, but I didn’t feel as much angst or longing as I did when I read The Ballad of Never After. And yes, I do realize that this book is classified as YA, but I honestly felt like the spicy-ish scenes in the previous two books (the night Jacks was bit and then the hollow) were so much angstier/spicier than any of the scenes in A Curse for True Love.
I will still recommend this series and I’m so glad that Evangeline and Jacks got their happily ever after. But there were a lot of plot holes that were unanswered. Why does Jacks eat the apples? What about the last kiss that Jacks didn’t collect? Where was Luc? Is Evangeline still human and Jacks a fate? Why did Jacks become a fate? There were so many directions that this book could have gone to answer any of these questions and it felt like missed opportunities.
Maybe Stephanie is setting up Lala’s book. There was some delicious tension between Chaos and Lala and I hope that leads to somewhere. I just feel like I was left with a lot of questions – but maybe that’s how Stephanie intended for it to be?
Now that this series is complete…what will I obsess over now??
I picked up this book after seeing it all over my social media. While this was my first book by Kerri Maniscalco, it definitely won’t be my last! Loved the banter and the chemistry between Prince Envy and Camilla!
SYNOPSIS
Sinner. Villain. Wicked.
The Prince of Envy has never claimed to be a saint. But when a cryptic note arrives, signaling the beginning of a deadly game, he knows it will take more than a hint of sin to win and save his falling demon court. Riddles, hexed objects, anonymous players, nothing will stand in his way, though none of his meticulous plans prepare him for her, the frustrating artist who ignites his sin like no other…
Virtuous. Darling. Liar.
The trouble with scoundrels and blackguards is that they haven’t a modicum of honor, a fact Miss Camilla Antonius learns after one desperate mistake allows Waverly Green’s most notorious rake to blackmail her. To avoid a ruinous scandal, Camilla is forced to enter a devil’s bargain with Envy, little expecting his game will awaken her true nature . . .
Together, Envy and Camilla must embark on a perilous journey through the Underworld—from glittering demon courts to the sultry vampire realm and beyond—while trying to avoid the most dangerous trap of all: falling in love.
REVIEW
What you can expect to find in Throne of the Fallen -Historical Romance x Fantasy Romance -morally gray hero -independent heroine -only one night/I’m not catching feelings -spicy spicy spicy -mystery
Camilla Antonius loves her life. She’s an accomplished artist in her small town, she has great friends and she doesn’t need much more. When the Prince of Envy happens to need Camilla’s artistic ability she’s not quite sure what game he’s playing. Soon these two are thrust into the Underworld where they’re playing a deadly game and only one person can be victorious.
Throne of the Fallen was my first book by Kerri Maniscalco and I honestly had no idea what to expect. I love the crossover of Historical Romance x Fantasy Romance and I feel like she did such a good job! I love both genres so it’s fun to see this happen.
The Prince of Envy and Camilla were so much fun together. Their banter had me giggling and kicking my feet! I was always left intrigued as to what was going to happen next between the two. And Kerri Maniscalco knows how to bring the spice. The warring emotions between the two – jealousy, envy, lust – were done so well. I was rooting for these two to get together from the beginning! I loved the twists and turns throughout the book.
I read this book as a complete stand alone and I felt like it read fine – I haven’t read any other books by Kerri Maniscalco.
If you’re looking for an adult fantasy romance with a bit of suspense/mystery I would definitely recommend Throne of the Fallen.
**updating my rating to five stars because I can’t stop thinking about this book and recommending it to friends!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
SYNOPSIS
SHE LIVES BY HER INTUITION. HE FEEDS ON HER PLEASURE.
Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure.
Born with an intuition that never fails, Calista knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, she grants him information.
When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warning―and promise. Today he’ll bring her joy. One day he’ll be her doom.
When the Baron takes an interest in the traveling prince and the prince takes an interest in Calista, she becomes the prince’s temporary companion. But the city simmers with rebellion, and with knights and monsters at her city gates and a hungry prince in her bed, intuition may not be enough to keep her safe.
Calista must follow her intuition to safety or follow her heart to her downfall.
REVIEW
What to expect in Fall of Ruin and Wrath -fast paced word building -🌶🌶🌶🌶 -who did this to you? -found family -political intrigue …and an ending that leaves you begging for more
If Jennifer L Armentrout is writing a romantasy book I am first in line to want to read it. Which was exactly the case with Fall of Ruin and Wrath. Calista has a gift that not many know about – the foresight to see in to the future. The current Baron, Claude, realizes what a precious gift that is and is hiding Calista in his court as his courtesan. When Calista inadvertently ends up saving the life of a prince – Thorne – he takes an interest in her and wants her at his side while he is visiting the Baron. But the prince turns out to be far more intriguing and full of secrets. With an imminent danger approaching is he a person that Calista can trust?
While Fall of Ruin and Wrath started a bit slowly for me (as most fantasy romance novels do), I ended up absolutely tearing through the pages. I couldn’t get enough of Calista and Thorne. Their chemistry and banter left me with a grin on my face!
I genuinely cared about all of the characters in Fall of Ruin and Wrath – not just Thorne and Calista, but also Calista’s best friends Grady and Norma and even Claude.
I’m already hooked and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
SYNOPSIS
The heart is a battlefield.
All Talasyn has ever known is the Hurricane Wars. Growing up an orphan in a nation under siege by the ruthless Night Emperor, Talasyn has found her family among the soldiers who fight for freedom. But she is hiding a deadly secret: light magic courses through her veins, a blazing power believed to have been wiped out years ago that can cut through the Night Empire’s shadows.
Prince Alaric, the emperor’s only son and heir, has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating any threats to the Night Empire’s rule with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, Alaric has never been bested. That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. In a clash of light and dark, their powers merge and create a force the likes of which has never been seen.
Talasyn and Alaric both know this war can only end with them. But a greater threat is coming, and the strange new magic they can create together could be the only way to overcome it. Thrust into an uneasy alliance, they will confront the secrets at the heart of the war and find, in each other, a searing passion–one that could save their world…or destroy it.
An exquisite fantasy brimming with unforgettable characters, sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, and richly drawn worlds, The Hurricane Wars marks the breathtaking debut of an extraordinary new writer.
REVIEW
What you can expect to find in The Hurricane Wars -romantasy -enemies to lovers -marriage of convenience -slow burn -angst -she’s sassy -he falls hard and fast -diverse characters
Talasyn a lightweaver is fighting as a soldier against the Night Empire in the Hurricane Wars. Prince Alaric is uses his Shadow magic and hasn’t met his equal until he fights Talasyn in the battle field. Soon these two discover that when their magic is combined they create something powerful. With a threat looming in the near distance these two must decide if they are willing to come together to defeat a threat larger than both of their forces.
From the moment I started reading The Hurricane Wars I was intrigued. I will say that it did take me a bit to get into the book as the word building is extensive. But what kept me coming back was the chemistry between Talasyn and Alaric – gah how I love these two! Talasyn is amazing in her own right – she doesn’t take crap from anyone and isn’t afraid to voice her opinions. And Alaric is absolutely gone for her – it was so much fun to watch!
I have to say that the writing by Thea Guanzon is so lyrical and beautiful. I had passages after passage highlighted because of the vivid imagery. And let’s be honest – nothing makes me love a book more than a marriage of convenience trope. The slow burn between Talasyn and Alaric was slooooooow, but the tension and angst was always there which I love in a romantasy.
There were so many twists and turns in this book and I am already dying to read book 2. If you’re looking for a enemies to lovers, fantasy romance with diverse characters I highly highly recommend The Hurricane Wars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
I had been seeing Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros all over my social media and wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this fantasy romance that also involved…dragons(!!). I’ve been reading a lot of fantasy romance for the past year and was really excited to dive into Fourth Wing when the publisher sent me an advance reader copy.
I started this book and while it took a while to get into it (as most fantasy romances do), I really ended up falling in love with the characters. Violet & Xaden had that explosive enemies-to-lovers chemistry that I love! They didn’t “hate each” other for a minute before falling in love – and the way they antagonized each other was pure perfection. I’m a sucker for nicknames, so the fact that Xaden calls Violet Violence was perfect!
The romance, the dragons (love the dragons), the academy, the suspense and the found family aspect of Fourth Wing really made it a stand out fantasy romance read for me! I’m so excited for the next book in the series Iron Flame to be released later this year.
SYNOPSIS
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.
REVIEW
In Fourth Wing expect to find: -enemies to lovers -who did this to you -slow burn -dragons -spicy -angsty/swoony
Violet Sorrengail has been training her whole life to become a Scribe where she would live a life among the scholars. It would have been a peaceful life for her, but her mother (the commanding general) has decided that Violet will study instead to become a dragon rider. Everyone seems out for themselves and Violet doesn’t consider anyone a friend – especially Wingleader Xaden Riorson. Violet doesn’t want anything to do with this life, but she has one mantra that she chants I will not die today.
That’s really about all I’m going to say without giving anything away 😬.
I went in not knowing much about Fourth Wing and ended up enjoying every part of this romantic fantasy. The enemies-to-lovers component felt like a true enemies-to-lovers romance and I loved that Xaden and Violet didn’t pretend to hate each other for a minute and then fall head first in love. They had a lot to work through and it wasn’t easy. Their angsty/swoony/spicy romance was *chefs kiss.* I loved the banter and chemistry between these two. I’ve already gone back to read my favorite parts and I seem to love them more and more.
And the dragons! I haven’t read many romances with dragons, but safe to say I’m definitely a fan.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!! Highly highly recommend Fourth Wing if you love fantasy romance.
Links to order the books mentioned above:
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After loving the first book in the Hex series, Go Hex Yourself, I am so excited to read Penny’s story in What the Hex!
Penny is so eager and excited to become a familiar to a witch. Only one small problem – no one is hiring familiars at the moment. When an opportunity presents itself to apprentice for a forbidden warlock – Penny takes the chance! Willem Sauer is a banned warlock, but needs a familiar to help with the limited magic he can practice.
These two don’t immediately get along, but when someone starts targeting Penny – they must work together. Will their forced proximity bring them closer together while they try to keep Penny safe?
SYNOPSIS
Enemies-to-lovers has never been more enchanting in this witchy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of Go Hex Yourself .
Penny Roundtree wants nothing more than to be a familiar to a witch. She’s been a member of the Society of Familiars ever since she was old enough to join the Fam. There’s just a small problem—no one’s hiring. Witches and warlocks are so long-lived that there are far more familiars available than witches to train them. So when an unorthodox arrangement to apprentice under the table to a forbidden warlock presents itself, she takes it.
Willem Sauer is banned from having a familiar due to past transgressions, thereby limiting his magic-casting abilities. Unfortunately for the surly, Prussian warlock, he has no choice but to work with enthusiastic Penny as a familiar. They immediately clash like dried roan horsehair and honeycomb gathered by moonlight (it’s a terrible spell combination, ask anyone).
Casting spells has delightful perks Penny never could have dreamed of, but also greater dangers. Someone is targeting Penny. Willem and Penny must work together to catch their enemy, and if their ploy requires a little kissing on the side, who is to question the rules of magic?
EXCERPT
WHAT THE HEX – Excerpt
PENNY
There’s nothing better than a well-established routine.
I love knowing what to expect. I love everyone playing their individual part, and watching it all come together. Maybe that’s me romanticizing even the mundane aspects of life, but the best kind of progress happens when the system works like a well-oiled machine. That’s why I don’t mind the weekly meeting of the Society of Familiars. Some people might find it boring, but I love it.
Well, most nights I love it. The current president of our society is . . . a bit difficult to listen to for long periods of time, if I’m being honest. I stifle a yawn as Derek Chapman bangs a gavel on the meeting table and then drones on. “Any other news to discuss before the society?”
It’s silent.
“Anyone? Anyone?”
I glance out at the gathered audience. There are twenty people here tonight. There should be all fifty of our local members out there, but a lot of them lose faith and stop attending, or they come around just enough to renew their dues and then disappear again for another year. I’m doing my best to make coming to society meetings more fun, but sometimes it feels like an uphill battle since no one else is putting in effort. I don’t blame them for feeling down about things. It’s hard to keep being positive when year after year, there’s no opportunity to apprentice. But I believe in positivity, and I’m sure our situation will change at some point. We just have to keep on.
“Anyone?” Derek drones out again.
Derek doesn’t think he’s part of the problem with the Fam, as we call the Society of Familiars. It’s an ironic name, because none of us are actually familiars. We’re the pool of candidates in waiting to become familiars. We’re here because we have the bloodlines and the inclination, and we’re just waiting for a witch or a warlock to come along with an opening for an apprentice. Until that glorious moment happens, all we have is the Fam.
And Derek isn’t exactly a dynamic leader. He’s dry and boring. He reads in a monotone from manuals instead of learning the information and speaking about it from the heart. He hyperfixates on tiny things about the society, like dues and attendance, and focuses less on the people themselves and what they bring to the group. As a result, our attendance numbers keep dwindling. You don’t have to attend all the meetings to be in the society, of course, but as someone that loves to be part of the group, it’s hard for me to watch everyone peel away under Derek’s lead.
“This is your opportunity to speak up,” Derek continues in the same colorless voice. He rubs his nose rather wetly, examines his fingers, and then peers out at the group. “Might I remind you that attendance and joyful participation will be considered by some warlocks and witches as a sign of enthusiasm.”
Ugh. Please. There’s a hierarchy to our group. Names are put on the list in order of how long we’ve been waiting and rarely get shuffled. The warlock or witch then pulls from the top candidates. It doesn’t have anything to do with “joyful participation.” That’s just Derek being, well, Derek.
I raise my hand and bounce to my feet, clutching my notes. Time to save the day. “I just wanted to say to please remember to bring your cookies for next week’s baking swap! All cookies, cupcakes, and brownies are welcome, but remember that if you use known allergens or rare spell components in your baking, to please label your goods accordingly.” I glance around the room, smiling at everyone as warmly as I can. “I also wanted to get volunteers for the car-wash fundraiser for Abby this weekend, and a reminder that several of us are going out for drinks after this. Everyone is of course invited!”
“Thank you, Penny,” Derek replies, his monotone drowning the shot of fun I just tried to inject. “Any other familiar business?”
No one speaks up. There’s a polite cough in the back.
“Then I’d like to close the meeting-” Derek begins, lifting his gavel like he’s a judge.
“Wait.” Someone in the audience stands up. It’s Cody, a good friend of mine. We’re about the same age and in the same situation-as in, we’re both from a long line of familiars, and yet we have no one to serve. “When are we opening up membership again?”
I look over at Derek, who frowns. “We’re not.”
In the audience, Cody looks unhappy with this bit of information. “Why not?”
Derek blinks. He’s elderly, and for a moment, I wonder if he’s forgotten where he’s at, and my heart squeezes with pity. Poor old thing. But then he turns to me, a hint of confusion on his face. “Why not?”
I have to answer? I stammer for a moment, then try to frame it in as positive a light as possible. “Right now we’re focusing on our existing members to give them the best opportunity for familiarship possible.”
“So in other words, we’re not letting in new people because it’d make things too competitive?” Cody crosses his arms, his pose challenging. “Doesn’t that seem a little unfair?”
I look over at Derek, but he’s still watching me, so I bite back a sigh of frustration and keep a bright smile on my face. I shouldn’t be surprised that Derek is making me do part of his job. I kinda end up doing it anyhow. “Membership being open or closed is voted upon at the annual meeting. If everyone feels really strongly about opening up for new applicants, we can take a vote then. Or you can send a formal request to have it added to a future agenda-“
Cody waves a disgusted hand at me and sits back down.
Oh. Well then. I keep smiling and look over at Derek. I guess it’d be impolite to point out that not only did Derek propose that we close enrollment, but he’s supposed to be the one enforcing it, not me. Then again, if he’s having trouble remembering where he’s at, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised he’s forgetting this, too.
Derek bangs the gavel. “Business concluded for this evening. See you all next week.”
“Drinks at the Alehouse around the corner,” I call out cheerily. At least now it’s time for my favorite part of meeting nights. “We’d love to see you guys there!”
Despite my warm invitation, less than half the group migrates over to the Alehouse. I buy a few rounds of drinks to encourage people to stick around, and sip my amaretto sour as my friends talk about nothing in particular. Darcy is complaining about her job at a bookstore, and Megan just broke up with her boyfriend. Nathan asks if my job is hiring, but he always asks that. We’re never hiring for my part of the job, unfortunately. There’s a guy that works weekends at the front, but for spell component fulfillment? It’s just me. I get why he asks, though. Of all of us in the Society of Familiars, I’m the only one that has regular contact with any witches or warlocks. The rest of them just sit back and . . . wait.
I head for the bar once my drink is gone, ready to order another round. To my surprise, I run into Derek. He’s sitting at the bar instead of with the rest of us, and I feel a twinge of pity. I put a hand on his back and tap it to let him know of my presence. “I didn’t know you were here! Why didn’t you join us?”
He waves an irritated hand at me. “No one wants to sit with an old man like me.”
Oh dear. Derek’s words are slurred. I frown at the cluster of empty beer glasses in front of him. “You’re not old,” I say cheerfully. “You’re just distinguished.”
“I’m seventy-eight.” He leans over toward me. “And I never, not once, served a witch.”
“Because you’ve made your life all about the Society of Familiars, right?” Derek moved here recently from out of state, and ever since, he’s been determined to be involved in our local group. I’m thrilled that someone’s showing interest other than me, but I just wish he were a more dynamic leader.
But Derek just shakes his head. “No one wants an old familiar. I’m never gonna get to serve.” He peers over at me through beer-glazed eyes. “You’re gonna age out soon, too.”
That stings. Ouch. “I just turned thirty. There’s plenty of time for me yet.”
“Yes, but there’s always someone younger,” Derek says in a lofty voice. “You’re like me. The society is gonna be your life.” He nods sagely and then taps my arm. “Play your cards right and you can be where I am someday.”
I smile politely and grab the tray of drinks from the bartender the moment he sets them on the bar, practically flinging down my tip. Somehow, I manage to keep smiling as I make my way over to the table again, even though Derek’s words are ringing in my ears like a death knell.
The society is gonna be your life.
Do I even want that? I’m here because I want to learn witchcraft. I’m here because I want to serve as a familiar. I want to grow in my own power and live hundreds and hundreds of years, and I can do that only if a witch or warlock takes me under their wing and teaches me. But the problem is that because most witches are so long lived, they don’t like swapping out apprentices. They don’t like change. So anyone that apprentices can expect to be serving for a few decades at least before being taught to go out on their own.
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