I want to start by saying that The Four Horseman series and The Bargainer series by this author are a hard act to follow for me and while this series is different than those, it’s still intriguing and good. I really enjoyed the characters and smut. The story line was a little confusing but it wasn’t bad. I definitely wished it wasn’t so all over the place but I thoroughly enjoyed the read despite it. I will definitely be reading the third book.

This sequel was a lush, dark gem of a book and I loved every second of it. Thalassa is exceptionally talented when it comes to writing villainous men whom are incredibly romantic with their MCs, and Memnon's character arc in this book was everything I wanted for the story. He stepped up and showed up for Selene every step of the way, and my heart melted alongside hers! I also appreciated that Selene's friend, Sybil, took on a more active role in this book and contributed to driving the plot forward.

Loved being able to jump back into this world and keep up with Selene and Memnon's story, especially after the cliffhanger from book one. Loved getting to see this relationship evolve and the spicy scenes were top notch!

An enjoyable sequel!

You can expect:
▪️Paranormal romance.
▪️A plethora of supernatural beings including: witches, fae, werewolves, sorcerers, demons and more!
▪️An in depth magic system.
▪️Fated mates.
▪️He ‘hates everyone but her’ and ‘touch her and die’ vibes.
▪️Murder mystery.
▪️On page spice.

Some of my thoughts:
📍Generally speaking, I did enjoy my time with this book. I found Memnon and Selene to be likeable characters and I was happy with the shift in their dynamic from book one. Additionally, the world has been cleverly thought out and I appreciated that!

📍I confess, I did lose some interest between 30% and 60%. The plot pacing seemed to slow here and I was simply not invested in the murder mystery aspect. I also found what was happening in the romance at this point to be very ‘low stakes.’ Their attraction and devotion was evident, despite Selene’s constant denial.

📍I do feel that Memnon’s character could have used a bit more development. I’m not even sure who he truly ‘is’ outside of his obsession with Selene. More in depth character traits / flaws or even hobbies / interests would have helped. At one point it was revealed that he is a good cook and I ate that up (figuratively 😅). That stood out to me as a sole deeper look into his character. Some chapters in his POV would have been wonderful.

📍I loved the last 20% of the book and felt it really stepped up! The reemergence of an ancient enemy was intriguing and I’m keen to see Memnon tackle his new role.

📍All in all, this was a solid sequel and I’d happily pick up book three!

No one told witch Selene Bowers having a soul mate would be so difficult. Nor did they warn her that he might be a vengeful, ancient sorcerer who would frame her for murder, force her to remember a past life he swears she lived, and then coerce her into an unbreakable marriage pact. But that’s exactly what happens the night of the Samhain Ball, when Selene finds herself in a jail cell.

After waking from enchanted sleep, Memnon swore to discover why Selene betrayed him long ago. But when his soul mate’s memories return, the truth reveals something else entirely. Horrified by his own actions and desperate to make amends, Memnon offers Selene the unthinkable: a magic bond that will give her full control over his will. And Selene is desperate enough to accept it.

This is the second installment that started with Bewitched. This one is better paced, and I really like the romance building in this one. Other than some questionable choices made by Selene, I loved this. Well-written and fast-paced! When can I read the next one?

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

Honestly this fell so short for me. The fmc and mmc were bland versions of themselves from the first book. It was super weird how they kept bringing up “former crush” ever. single. time. Kane was mentioned. We literally had like 2 interactions with supposedly her best friend. There was a lot of things that just didn’t make sense. Why was her magic eating her memories from this life if the memories had nothing to do with memnon? And multiple times questions are asked in the book but it’s never brought back around and answered.

And the whole forged bond thing felt soooo forced and weird.

It was a fun read, I really all of it but it didn’t feel like it didn’t anything for the story.


Honestly cannot decide if I’d give this a 2 or a 3 ⭐️

5/5 ⭐
2/5 🌶️

Ohmygodessss this book. The last 25% or so had my heart racing as we barreled toward the end of this installment. It was jam packed with action and suspense and I truly didn't know how things were going to end up okay there MULTIPLE TIMES. I finished 15 minutes ago and I'm still not feeling back to normal.

The groveling. By gods. Memnon had his work cut out for him after he realized he was a complete donkey for no reason. But he found a way to show Selene he would do anything and everything for her and boy did it pay off. I know some people felt icky about this, but I really enjoyed it. It was freely given and I didn't find Selene to abuse it's power. I think it also allowed her to find her trust in herself as well.

Can we get a series about Kane too? Because I keep hoping for an MFM only for Selene to remind me she wants no part of that and my heart keeps breaking for that poor pup. He's clearly so smitten with her and I've kinda fallen for the wolf and I'm really hoping he gets an HEA too.

I'm really excited for book three, which I thinkkkk is the finale? Regardless, I'm here and so dang ready for more Memnon and Selene and everyone else. Bring it on, Laura.

This is the second book in the Bewitched series. The first book ended on a cliffhanger and this book dives right in to the story. Memnon's character was very well developed and was easily the best part of the story. Unfortunately, Selene, the main character, fell short for me for a few reasons. First, she seems more weak willed in this book. In Bewitched, she had to overcome a lot and go through a ton of trials in her life and she kept getting up and kept going. This was not the case in this book. Second, it feels like the relationship with Memnon took over the plot and became more important than the story. I wanted to see Selene be even stronger from the information she learned about herself, but she wasn't. She let Memnon do everything and she acted immature most of the time. She showed strength at the end of the book and I hope to see that carry over in the third book. I received this ARC from NetGalley and this review and my opinions are all my own.

Memnon will forever be my favorite villainous MMC. Laura really knows how to make you fall head over heals for the bad guys. This sequel did not disappoint. It was fast-paced, thrilling, action-packed, and full of delicious angst.

As always, I absolutely adore Memnon's devotion and love for his Selene. Even more so in this story. What I found even more precious was her slow realization of what their connection and love truly meant.

I wanted to savor and take my time with this one, and it was everything I could've wanted and more. I'm really excited for what's to come with this series.

Bespelled by Laura Thalassa is a captivating, fast-paced novel that immediately draws readers in and keeps them engaged until the final page.

A great sequel! I blew through this and enjoyed it immensely. This would be the perfect series to read during fall, it has great witchy, mystery vibes.

Thanks to Laura Thalassa and Bloom books for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Spice 3/5
This is an improvement in pacing and romance from the first book. I enjoyed Memnon alot more in this book compared to book 1 and i enjoyed watching their banter while trying to solve the mystery behind the murders at Henbane. I do feel we lost some of the stakes with the change in Selenes magic. I think Selene is an interesting character who just seems to make very dumb decisions which is fine for plot progression but started to lose me. 3 stars is for the general vibes and some unique parts to the premise of the book. But deducted stars for the frustrations of some decisions that Selene made that seemed a bit childish/naive.

4.5!!!! Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! I was SO excited for this and I’m so happy it did not disappoint!!! I love Memnon and Selene with every fiber of my being and this book just added fuel to the fire! The pacing is amazing, there is genuinely never a dull moment as there are many, many actions scenes balanced out with character development and of course spicy scenes. I had visceral reactions to the anticipatory moments and starting at 70% my stomach was genuinely twisted in knots, I had to finish the book in one sitting to know what happens! Personal preference wise, I didn’t love the crime syndicate/mafia-esque vibes just bc I hate mafia plots and I did predict who would be the kind of overall villain but it makes good sense so it really isn’t that much of a ding. Overall I was so happy to be back in this universe and I can’t wait to see Selene grow even more powerful and viscous but please no more playing with their relationship let them be happy and in love😭😭😭

First, thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books/Source Books for the early digital copy of this book. I have been eagerly awaiting it since I read Bewitched, book one of this series featuring Selene and Memnon.

Laura Thalassa is one of my favorite authors. I fell in love with her writing after experiencing the Four Horsemen series and now I greedily inhale anything she writes. Book one ended on a heck of a cliffhanger and this book, Bespelled, picks up directly following the events of book one and ends with another cliffhanger that leaves you reeling.

In Bespelled, the focus is less on the enemies to lovers trope and more on the second chance romance trope. Selene has her memories back, she knows who she is AND who Memnon is, and she is angry with Memnon for how he’s treated her. After making her make that unbreakable oath to marry, they alter the terms, and Selene forges a willing bond with Memnon, giving her the ability to command him to do her bidding.

So much happens in this book that your head will spin, but the chemistry between Selene and Memnon — that is so beautiful and grounding. Memnon works hard to get Selene back but he doesn’t just do so while pretending to be a perfect male. He is unapologetically himself — the former warlord who kills and conquers.

The ending, while wrapping up the first and second books really well, sets us up for book three and leaves us second guessing everything we thought we learned in book 2.

I absolutely cannot wait for book three to come out and I hope it’s this year, not next, because I don’t want to wait that long!!

Read this if you love romantasy, spicy reads, enemies to lovers, witches/sorcerers/werewolves, second chance romance, he falls first, and touch her and die vibes. Note: this series is set in the same world as Laura’s Bargainer series!!

This series is too good! I love that in this one we’re seeing Selene come into her power more, she’s starting to accept her past and generally becoming a badass. Memnon of course is still a little unhinged but also really sweet in this one, he loves Selene so much and is determined to prove himself to her. Giving her complete control over him? Top tier groveling.

The glimpses into Selene’s past life were heartbreaking and enlightening, the action just kept coming, and the spice was taken up several notches. Memnon and Selene continue to be hilarious, and Nero is still the best. Once again Laura has written an ending that has me dying to know what will happen in the next book.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom for the ARC!

Laura Thalassa has done it once again! I absolutely loved “Bewitched” and had high expectations for this sequel — I was not disappointed. I found this sequel to be spicy, intense, and dramatic. I would never have been able to predict where this was going from the first book & I was pleasantly surprised when my suspicions were incorrect.

This book picks up right where the previous left off: our morally gray Memnon will do anything to keep his beloved mate safe. Selene has her memories back from this life and her previous one as Queen Roxilana, which is quite the adjustment for someone is used to keeping track of everything in her journals or else she’ll forget it . The relationship between Memnon and Selene intensifies as more insanity is revealed from the coven and community. My admiration and appreciation for Nero is off this charts in this book - he’s definitely my favorite character and a devoted familiar. The character development in this novel is chef’s kiss along with the dramatic plot.

I had so many emotions while I read this — there were moments of deep belly laughs, tears falling down my face, anger and rage building up within me, and moments where I was blushing from the spiciness. I would highly HIGHLY recommend this book to witchy fantasy lovers who enjoy some good smut with quality storytelling. Selene is a flawed yet lovable character who I felt my own unique bond with. I truly cannot wait to see how this all wraps up in the final installment - the ending of this one is abrupt and leaves me with a lot of questions…..

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for access to this ARC in exchange for my review. Laura’s writing is outstanding and I look forward to consuming more from her!

In Laura Thalassa's "Bespelled," readers can expect a captivating blend of elements that make for an irresistible read. From the very start, the novel delivers on its promise of groveling, with Memnon's heartfelt apologies and efforts to right past wrongs. The chemistry between the characters sizzles with intensity, represented by the 🔥🔥🔥 rating, while their banter adds a delightful touch of humor that will leave readers grinning from ear to ear.

Building on the foundation laid in "Bewitched," "Bespelled" seamlessly continues the story, picking up right where its predecessor left off. Selene's regained memories and the revelation of past betrayals set the stage for a tale of second chances and newfound understanding.

For fans of Laura Thalassa's signature blend of humor, spice, and darker elements, "Bespelled" is a must-read. It's a captivating continuation of the series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Buckle up, because Laura Thalassa is back with another heart-pounding installment in her latest series, "Bespelled". If you thought "Bewitched" was a wild ride, just wait until you dive into this one!

Thalassa's signature blend of steamy romance, dark intrigue, and magical twists is on full display once again. She effortlessly navigates the fine line between sensual and shocking, delivering a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

In "Bespelled", we dive deeper into the complex relationship between Memnon and Selene. Memnon may be a definite gray character, but his unwavering love for Selene adds a layer of depth and dark to the intricate plot. And Selene proves herself to be a formidable counterpart, even when she doesn't realize it yet.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Thalassa novel without a few dark and twisted moments sprinkled throughout. But isn't that what makes the journey so exhilarating? You never know what's around the next corner, and that's what keeps you turning the pages.

So, if you're ready for another adrenaline-fueled adventure filled with danger, desire, and deliciously complicated relationships, then "Bespelled" is the book for you. Just be prepared for another jaw-dropping cliffhanger. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

Laura Thalassa is fast becoming one of my favorite authors! It’s so hard to write these reviews and not use spoilers. That being said I knew the two worlds would combine whether in the book or the next. I also have a suspicion of what may happen between Kane and Selene moving forward but I will have to wait and see if I’m right. Laura has a way of pulling your attention in and hoping it hostage until the book is completed. Her characters have so many twists and turns but also so many truly admirable parts as well. I absolutely can’t wait until the next book and I hope I get the wonderful opportunity to continue to ARC read for this fantastic author,

How can you not love a badass witch with a panther familiar and a pension for docs and chucks? Covens, compelling and sassy incantations, bonds, spell circles, treachery, ley lines and one hot sorcerer culminate in this explosive book that will have you glued to the pages. Sorry Kane—Selene and Memnon have me routing for them through all the things! ✨♥️🔥