This book was a let down. I've tried two series so far by this author and I wasn't a huge fan of either of them. This one wasnt any different. I was hoping that it would be more interesting power dynamics with her losing memories for the sack of using power but it ended up being more annoying than anything. Plot wise the book was predictable. I had no clue why she would let someone be free that was cursed and had all those warnings. It wasn't being brave it was being stupid. It was very convenient that she was able to also get a bad ass familiar the way she did. I didn't care for the romance either and hated how they treated each other.

This was my first Laura Thalassa book! I loved it. It was such an amazing book the way that the world was build. The book was fast paced for me in a good way. I will definitely be continuing on with the series.

When witch Selene Bowers has to prove herself to join Henbane Coven, she inadvertently releases Memnon the Cursed from a thousands-year slumber. And Memnon thinks she is his long-lost wife, which he both loves and loathes. Bewitched is a fun adventure with murder, mystery, humor, and a smoldering flirtation with power.
I loved Selene and how relatable she was! Her friendship with BFF Sybil and how she copes with memory loss every time she uses magic are what make her three-dimensional.
Laura Thalassa's writing hooked me in, and now I'm dying to know what happens next!

I absolutely adore Laura Thalassa and have books from her other series. I felt like the beginning was rushed and getting to the awakening of Memnon. However the rest was written and paced perfectly. Ready to read the next one!

<i> I received an arc via Netgalley, and am leaving an honest review about the book. I’m thankful to the publisher and the author for giving me this wonderful opportunity!</i>

I remember starting this book and loving it in the beginning. I mean, c’mon, the premise is just great. A “reincarnation” trope? An FMC who loses her memories when she uses her magic? An MMC whom the FMC had sealed off years ago, who just now got unsealed and planned his revenge?

You’d expect it to be good. And for the most part, it was.

Until it wasn’t.

The FMC, Selene, isn’t just naive, she’s plain stupid, too. So much so that I wonder if her memories aren’t the only thing her magic takes away, but also her IQ. There is genuinely no reason for her to be attracted to the MMC this quickly, even if he’s her lover and she just doesn’t remember him. This case of betrayed body syndrome and Stockholm syndrome is so intense, I just straight up cringe. She lacks self-control, self-awareness, and not to mention, self-respect.

I think there is a fine line between not giving your enemy an inch and using your enemy to your own benefit. The MMC gives the FMC his powers, and yeah, maybe you shouldn’t be giving him an inch, but goddamn use what’s given to you! If his powers are available to you, my god, you need to stop being stubborn because those aren’t “independent girl boss” moments, that is just plain stupidity. There are so many incidents like this that I’m like, be so fucking for real, girl.

I think her having consistent memory loss is such a great idea, because there are instances where Selene realizes she’s said something she doesn’t remember, done something she doesn’t remember, and everything along the lines, and the angst that emerges is so good. She clearly hates having her memories get taken away. It is burdensome to her. But then when the MMC tells her he can bring her memories back, she has this long internal monologue where she’s like “why can’t someone love me for ME? Why do I have to have all my memories for someone to love me? I am who I am because of my memory loss. No, I don’t want my memories back” and it’s honestly the most cringiest shit I’d ever read. While the MMC had his own motives for wanting her to have her memories back, he mostly suggested them because she LAMENTED THEIR LOSS.

Anyway, time for the MMC. Memnon is by far one of the most hateful MMCs I’ve ever had the utmost displeasure of knowing. There are morally gray MMCs who redeem themselves, and then there are MMCs like Memnon, who, with their name alone, should just never be forgiven.

But the poor choice of his name is far from the point, even if it’s a very valid one.

This man torments the FMC. He panders to her when he needs to, and then he switches it around to hurt her (even if it’s not physical). He claims he does so out of vengeance, but at the same time, he also claims to love her and wishes for them to move on once the revenge is completed.

The audacity of this creature astounds me. He is so narcissistic and arrogant that it is INSANE. He burns her notebooks where each and every one of her memories are in (she keeps everything that she believes is important inside of those journals so she can read them to remember a memory she’s lost), ridicules her, and tells her once she reverses the curse, they can just live happily ever after. She begs him to stop and he burns her journals right in front of her face.

Even after all of that, despite the anger and rage, this pitiful FMC <i>still</i> has those very contagious, very lethal cases of Stockholm syndrome and Betrayed Body Syndrome, because he just needs to be in her presence for her to suddenly forget he’s just not a good person or a lover.

Anyway, back to Memnon. Then we find out that he’s the one who’s framed the FMC, thus adding to that guilt and worry and pain the FMC has been going through, and uses all of this to force her into not only breaking the curse, but marrying him, too, this time as Selene instead of who she was before.

And this delusional ass man still has the audacity to say he loves her. The FMC also has no spine, so when she recovers her memories, the first thing she thinks of is Memnom and his “beautiful” love for her—and then without literally NOTHING that shows us why she sealed him off (and instead telling us how he protected her and loved her as Roxilana), she basically says “I have unleashed a monster on this world.”

Like, girl, what?

My god, are these characters beyond insufferable. I know this wouldn’t happen, but I seriously want them to never end up together, because this relationship is abusive, plain and simple. And more importantly, Memnon isn’t even that hot, so it’s not even worth it.

I gave this book two stars for a few reasons.
1. Nero is kinda cute, but I’m also over the whole “familiar/pet accepting the love interest just because he’s the love interest”. Though Nero did slash and wound Memnom at the end, even if it was pages too late.
2. The best friend, Sybil, was ok. I thought she was forgettable as hell, but she was loyal and the kind contemporary romance best friends need to be like, except a lot less forgetful and a lot more involved.
3. The plot was good.

I have just enough interest to read book two, and I’ll probably hate read it, too. This is such a shame, because I really was enjoying the first 50-70% of the book.

I have seen Laura Thalassa's books around (I've seen a few post on the Four Horsemen series and Rhapsodic), but I hadn't had a chance to read anything from her. So I jumped at the chance to read this book when I saw it available on NetGalley. Honestly, it was a fun beginning to the series.
It's interesting, because our main character loses her memory throughout the books. This in a way make it interesting in the way she is interpreting the things happening around her, especially when it comes down to Memnon. How many times in other books you get annoy, because it seems so unreal that the main character missed some details that in turn reveal the main plot twist. Here, there is that feeling of unreliability with Selene's point of view, because she's forgetting things she has lived herself.
Honestly, I really enjoyed it. The dynamic between Selene and Memnon was interesting, and to see that kind of push and pull between them, from both sides in many ways. And I'm already really looking forward to reading book 2. It makes me kind of disappointed I didn't request both when they were offered in Read Now option on NetGalley. It's a fun paranormal romance, and I'm now definitely trying out Laura Thalassa's other series.

It took me a little while to get into this book but once I did I found myself entranced. I am extremely intrigued to find out Memnon and Roxilana’s history, what made her turn against him like she did. I also love how strong Selene is, especially while dealing with stolen memories - even at times of weakness she is strong, quick and smart.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC of Bewitched!

Looking for a book that has thrills, mystery, romance and magic? Look no further than the first in a new series by Rhapsodic author Laura Thalassa! With her usual humor, snark, and magical world building, Thalassa transports the reader into a novel that captures you from the first few pages and will not let you go.

Most witches have their deficits—usually a physical marking or something that shows their usage of their magic. Selene Bowers’ happens to be that she loses memories with every use of her magic. This won’t stop her from trying to enter Henbane Coven, a place that could give her a sense of belonging in a world where her own magic is against her. When she is almost denied once again, she is given the chance to show them what she can do and why she’s worthy, and of course, she jumps at the chance.. However, Selene didn’t plan to undo a magic seal and awaken a thousands of years old sorcerer as she did so.

Selene’s persistence and resilience to prove herself spoke volumes to her character development and her place in the world that Thalassa created. She doesn’t let anything stop her, even when she is not entirely sure what to do. I loved her sassy personality and her ability to make waves, directly or indirectly.

After reading Thalassa’s other series, I was expecting a lot more spice than there actually was, but the tension between Selene and Memnon was palpable and it made the small amount of spice worth it. The plot wavered in some places (meaning it dragged imo) but it pulled itself in by the end, leaving the readers on a small but tense cliffhanger.

For fans of dark romantasy, this book is for you!

I was so excited for this book having loved other series by this author but from the get go this just wasn’t for me. I really struggled to get through it.

I think for me because the start was too rushed I wasn’t able to get attached to the story therefore I didn’t connect to anything that was happening.

The concept of the coven and how her magic is linked to her memory was such a great plot point

Unfortunately this wasn’t for me but if you like a spicy witchy book then this could be a 5 star read for you

This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and man did I enjoy it! I absolutely loved the two main characters, Salene and Memnon! Salene was a confidant and badass fmc but she was also hilarious and I found myself laughing quite a few times at her inner monologue! I loved Memnon but I think he’s definitely an mmc who wouldn’t be for everyone! There’s definitely a love/hate relationship going on between the two main characters throughout this whole book so it’s a slow burn! Boy do sparks fly when they are together!

I love the plot of the book and I found myself needing to know what was going to happen because I couldn’t quite figure it out. I’m so glad I snagged the ARC of the second book especially after that ending! If you enjoy witchy, dark and possessive male main characters then this is the book for you!

4.5 Stars

The cover on this one called to me, so I said why not, went in blind, and let me say there are no regrets. This book was such an enjoyable read. The world building was exciting but not too much that I couldn’t follow, and the traveling scenario by the FMC, Selene was so fun and intriguing, especially when she hears the disembodied voice of the MMC, Memnon.

Selene was hilarious, and I adored her. Her inner monologues had me cackling at times. Traveling to a different country on a magical quest to get accepted into one of the with covens, would be a daunting task, I believe, but Selene took it in stride and got herself quite an adventure. I admired her tenacity and determination to get what she wanted. She was so brave igniting her magic despite the scary consequence of losing memories, which she had no control over.

Memnon was the anti-hero you hate to love, and I didn’t know what to make of him. He had me yo-yoing between rooting for him as he attempted to win Selene’s heart and wanting to beat him for some of the underhanded things he did to win her heart. There’s a reason his attempts get shady, but that’s something you will need to find out on your own, and maybe you’ll be yo-yoing like I am LOL

Kane, you sweet, sweet werewolf. This man was one of my fave side characters. I don’t know if Laura would do a twist with this character or what his role will be as the series continues, but at this moment, I am totally enamored with him. I’m a sucker for why choose, so you know I’ll take both Kane and Memnon.

This was such a great paranormal romance. I couldn’t get enough of the witchy magic vibes and the slow burn romance. I’m nervous to find out what happens to Selene and all her memories, and after that cliffhanger, I need the next book stat.

“Bewitched” is a captivating new urban fantasy series set in the same world that Laura Thalassa created in her popular Bargainer series. This book gives readers new perspectives into this vast world along with captivating new characters.
I throughly enjoyed this book. Thalassa has perfected writing the “enemies to lovers* trope, which is a prevalent trope in this book. I love how this is a very character driven story and the plot takes a backseat to let the two main characters shine without overshadowing it.
I could not put this book down. I absolutely loved the caring and strong tendencies of Selene while Memnon is wrathful and cunning. They really do compliment each other as main characters. This story definitely gives off “The Mummy” vibes. You have old magic, witches, fae, werewolves, ancient curses, soulmates, and a murder mystery that keeps you on your toes. All in all, I highly recommend this book.

Looking for a thrilling book that you won't want to put down? Look no further than this must-read novel! With a fast-paced plot and unexpected twists, you'll be left guessing until the very end. And the best news? The sequel, Bespelled, is set to release on May 24, 2024 - so you won't have to wait long to continue the story.

Follow Selene, a determined witch on a magical quest and to find her familiar, a panther, in South America. Along the way, she uncovers a tomb and awakens the cursed Memnon - who also happens to be her soulmate. But Selene has a problem: whenever she uses magic, she loses her memories. Once she's accepted into the Henbane Coven, strange things start happening - murder, memory loss, and dark magic abound.

This fast-paced novel will leave you on the edge of your seat. Selene is a strong and resourceful character who always stands up for the innocent. I was particularly impressed by her system of recording her memories so that she can access them later, even when she's lost them due to magic. And the final chapters leave you with tantalizing questions that I can't wait to see answered in the next book. Don't miss out on this spellbinding read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloom Books and the author for the gifted e-book.

I am a huge Laura Thalassa fan! I am grateful for this copy of the book and so grateful for this addition to her work! I’m excited to read what’s in store for this series!

In this magical world, it’s filled with everything Laura promises in her books: intrigue, tension, fantasy action, steamy romances and twists!

I could not put this book down!

This was an interesting storyline! I really enjoyed the idea of loosing memories with magic!

This was a decently paced book and while I loved the world building the story felt a bit chaotic to me. I feel it’s a bit longer than what I think would’ve worked better. I enjoyed the first half more than the ending but I’m still intrigued to find out what happens after the cliffhanger. Not my favorite but not the worst fantasy either. I did love the authors writing though.

3.5 stars

Read this if you like:
•enemies to lovers
•soulmates
•witches / sorcerers/ werewolves

This book was fast paced and so much fun. I can’t wait to dive into book 2!

Thank you Bloom for the eARC!

I’ve been dying to read this an bespelled. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read them!

I’m a sucker for amazing world building and both books had just that. Im obsessed with Selene, it was so fun reading about her. This was such a great book and start to an even better series!

So intruiging!
I found this entire book premise to be so interesting. A witch who loses her memories when she uses her magic? Throw in a moody familiar, a fierce best friend, some murder, magic, and of course, a crazy (literally) but also scorching hot MMC and you’ve got an instant must-read!
This book is great at giving you little tastes of what it has to offer but never quite the full treat, leaving you eagerly awaiting the next book!

I loved this book, Memnon could be such a jerk, but he also had moments where he was someone so much more caring. I loved Selene she was a great FMC I can’t wait to see how it all pans out for them in the future books, especially after that ending.

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 1.5 🌶️

While this is not the first book by Laura Thalassa that I own, it is the first one I have read so far.....I have to say, now that I have finished this one, I really need to start reading her other series!

Selene was a very likeable and relatable FMC, and I can't wait to hear more about her memory loss and magic.
Oh Memnon, our possessive, obsessive, and sometimes frightening MMC. I really hope we get to see a lot more backstory for this character because I am itching for it all! I am also ready for that full on spice (maybe book 2?)!

Overall, this book was extremely fast paced, and I enjoyed the writing style. It had amazing world building and a unique plot (which often is hard to find these days!). As this was written as a single POV, I can't help but wonder what Memnon was getting himself into all the time. I feel like I have so many unanswered questions that I need to get the second book immediately!

I definitely recommend checking this one out for a fun read!

Read this book if you enjoy:
🖤 Witches/sorcerers
🖤 Werewolves
🖤 Enemies to lovers (sorta?)
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🖤 Soulmates
🖤 The Mummy franchise

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the ARC!