Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️

I like this authors story telling and world building. I love reincarnated soulmates, and the magic is a bonus. There is mystery, love triangle, and a familiar! Selene and Memnon’s backstory as King and Queen should be interesting.

Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.

Bespelled by Laura Thalassa
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 4 chilis
Pub date: 5/28

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks for my complimentary copy.

Bespelled is the second book in Laura Thalassa’s Bewitched series, and I have to say that I liked it better than the first book! Although I hated Memnon in book one, I was in love with him by the end of book two and loudly rooting for him and Selene to get their HEA.

This book has everything I was hoping for! Magic, suspense, mystery, lots of action and drama, a full recounting of Selene’s past, and a ton of groveling from Memnon. Not to mention a very scary villain and a surprise character I didn’t see coming. It’s also VERY steamy, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Selene really came into her own in this one. She was fierce without her memories, but with them back, she’s a true force to be reckoned with. I love the way Memnon speaks to her like she’s a queen (which technically she once was), and his belief in her makes her even stronger. These two would literally burn the world down for each other, and I am here for it.

This book is a little darker than the first one, so check trigger warnings before diving in!

With its addictive writing, strong MCs, and unique plot, this series has me hooked! I’m hoping that Selene and Memnon continue to be a united front in the next one because I have a feeling there is more drama to come! If you’re looking for a new fantasy series to obsess over, I highly recommend this one! Bespelled is available now.

“Neither magic nor time can keep us apart. We are like the stars. Eternal.”

An eternal love, a loyal familiar, enemies both near and far, and a battle that rages within are all the things that Selene Bowers will find herself facing in this story. I love Memnon and Selenes story so much. The love/hate, will they/won’t they aspect is the best. Anytime they’d squabble back and forth I’d find myself laughing at the relatability of their interactions and the things they’d say. I was equally frustrated with both of them at times while also being able to understand where they were coming from, It was so easy to step into their shoes and find points to connect on because of how Laura writes them, but that tension and chemistry between them was everything, and when the spice hits…oh my goodness it’s just perfection! Easily one of my top five favorite reads for the year.

Book Name: Bespelled
Author:  Laura Thalassa

ARC
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books  for an ARC of Bespelled by Laura Thalassa

Stars: 5
Spice: 4

Book 2 of Unfinished Series
Cliffhanger -ish
Fast Paced
Urban Fantasy Romance

- Thoughts.
- Enemies to…
- Sorcerer Witch Werewolf Love Triangle
- Murder Mystery
- All the Magic and Excitement of the Bargainer Series
- MMC is Imhotep from the mummy and Khal Drogo coded
- It included a “previously on” section… Thank you!!!!
- Loads more SPICE than prior series

Laura Thalassa has proved she is an impressive author with The Bargainer series and The Four Horsemen. I enjoy her creative direction, character building and storytelling. I was disappointed by the first book in this series, Bewitched, however I was willing to look past it and continue on hoping the many issues I had would flesh themselves out as a rocky start. This was not the case.

Bespelled is the second book in the Bewitched series following Selene Bowers/Roxilana's life in the aftermath of her recovering her memories of her current life and past life as well as dealing with waking up her husband from her past life, Memnon, that she had a falling out with. In the last book the carrot was dangled before us, what did Memnon do? Why did Roxilana curse him to an eternal slumber? After Bespelled we are still wondering why this happened and I am over it. Instead of creating intrigue and stoking curiosity this teasing has completely doused any interest I still harbored. In addition Selene is perhaps turning into the worst version of herself and it's becoming increasingly difficult to root for her/follow her story.

When the main character becomes this unlikable I find it difficult to recommend this book to anyone. Instead I would say to read The Bargainer series, it's leagues better.

Long time reader of Laura Thalassa and I read this after the first book, bewitched.

Honestly, I love this series! Laura writes incredibly well and the story is so unique! When supernaturals continue to end up missing or dead, Selene makes it her mission to bring down the whole operation and enlists her lover/ husband/boyfriend/fiance /soul mate from a thousand years ago? Who doesn’t want a shadow daddy who is the most powerful wizard in millennia and who is also completely obsessed with you….yes please!

I love the past lovers/amnesia romance between the two main characters, it makes for a few extra spicy scenes 😏🌶️🌶️. The continuation of the last book into this one was seamless and the story of Selene and Memmon is always breathtaking and tumultuous in the best possible way. The plot was steamy and action heavy but the balance between the two was perfect!

My only complaint here is that the FMC Selene can get a bit repetitive and she just does the same stupid thing over and over again and her behaviors/Memmons reactions become predictable and a bit boring. Still 100000% worth the read, I just hope Selene grows up a bit in the next book 🙏🏼

Laura knows how to write a cliffhanger and book 1 was no exception. This book sucks you in from the very beginning, giving you some of the answers you were looking for. Memnon, my dude. Groveling bestie say it with me. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship start to change and take form. The magic system in this book is really interesting and i love the little nod to her rhapsodic series that we get. You've got enemies to lovers, witches, wolves, sorcerers, ghosts, and fae running around. If you love romantasy and spice this one is for you.

Bespelled by Laura Thalassa is a paranormal romance. I have been waiting for this sequel since I read Book 1. Laura Thalassa truly is a very talented author who can pour magic into her work. The plot is intriguing and keeps you up at night wondering what is going to happen next. I am not one to write fluffy reviews so when I say all this I truly mean I stayed up all night reading this.

Selene is starting to adjust to Memnon. Of course as with all books this means there is going to be a shake up. Memnon wouldn’t be the morally grey character he is without a little shaking of his own. Just when you think they are even ground the cliffhanger re appears.

I can not wait to see what else Laura Thalassa has in store. I really enjoyed this book and will be waiting with anticipation for the next.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Bloom for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm so sorry, but I do not like where the plot is going in this series. This plot seems so whacky and I feel like I have missed chuncks of the book even though I have not skimmed a single page. The tension between Memnon and Selene is weird to me and their sex scenes honestly feel like they come out nowhere because I do not believe the romance between the two. I will not be continuing on in this series going forward.

First of all I want to say thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an ARC of Bespelled by Laura Thalassa. Bespelled is a delectable witchy brew that throws enemies-to-lovers romance, second-chance sparks, and a dash of murder mystery into its bubbling cauldron.

What I Loved -
The amnesia trope takes a fresh turn, and the mystery surrounding Selene's past life keeps you guessing until the very end. What truly shines is the banter between Selene and Memnon, the brooding ancient sorcerer who also happens to be her soulmate.

Overall Impression -
Laura Thalassa masterfully weaves a unique plot that's far from predictable. With its witty dialogue, empowering heroine, and suspenseful plot, it will leave you spellbound and eager for more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

“𝙉𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘, 𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚, 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩. 𝙒𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨. 𝙀𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡.”

Bespelled picks up right where Bewitched left off! Selene has her memories back and Memnon spends the entire book groveling to earn back her trust and love, which I thought was going to be a turnoff for me. Buuut the banter was still there and it didn’t change his personality too much! Not sure why I doubted Laura, I’ve loved every book I’ve read from her thus far and she knows how to write morally grey men. There was a ton of mystery and suspense in this one and I loved seeing Selene come into her power! I also loved watching her and Memnon’s relationship grow and evolve 🥹 The cliffhanger?? I didn’t realize there were more books to come in this series, so the ending really threw me!!

Overall, I really enjoyed it! I do wish we got to see more of their past life together, but I believe there’s a novella coming out that will cover that.


𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✨ fated mates
✨
 morally grey MMC
✨ lovers-to-enemies-to lovers
✨ groveling

✨ murder mystery 

✨ magic

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloom Books, and Laura Thalassa for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 🌟3 🌶️

Witches. Werewolves. Banter. Spice. Fantasy. Flashbacks. Betrayal. Torture.

This book was fantastic! The banter between the two main characters in this book is so great. 🙌
One of my favorite things were the flashbacks to the past that the main character has.
Memnon 🥵 I mean I am so obsessed with him.
I cannot wait for book three!!

The sequel to “Bewitched” not only exceeds all expectation, but is more magical than its predecessor!

“Bespelled” picks up where book 1 leaves off—with Selene Bowers trying to make sense of her restored memories and the unbreakable marriage pact she was coerced into by her soul mate Memnon. However, once Memnon learns the truth behind why Selene betrayed him long ago, he is 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. There’s still a killer out there targeting the witches at Henbane Coven and if Selene wants to stop them, she’ll need Memnon’s help.

I love books with groveling and grovel Memnon did! Once Selene retained her memories, she put him in his place and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him make up for his mistakes. While I didn’t necessarily like that Memnon relinquished his free will to Selene (it made me question what was consensual), I did like how he gave her the space she needed to sort through her feelings while also being by her side when she needed him most. He is protective of her, but also constantly reminds Selene of how fierce and capable she is on her own. Their dynamic of being caught between hate and love is incredibly entertaining and I adored that they eventually found a way to unite their pasts and present selves to rekindle their romance.

Heartbreaking as it was, I really liked the direction this book took with regard to the murder mystery sub-plot. Thalassa handles sensitive subjects (specifically pertaining to the victims) with care and adds elements of suspense, both of which further invested me in the storyline. With the introduction of new supernatural creatures and villains, I am interested in seeing how things play out in book 3.

I am going to borrow the word Laura Thalassa used in author's note to describe this book. Pure indulgence. The author let her imagination and creativity flow free and I could only hold onto the story with my dear life. This plot is complex to say the least. The author was balancing the supernatural world suspense and drama with a millenia old soulmate love. I was treated with all the extremes. The magic and fantasy and darkness. The chemistry. The soul crushing love. I was taken to a real rollercoaster and now that I have gotten down, I am thinking did that really happen?

This is book two of a series and ends in a cliffhanger. The all powerful sorcerer and conquerer Memnon thought that Selene (who used to be his soulmate Queen Roxilana) has betrayed him and so he wanted revenge. That means hurting her. But Selene's memory has been unblocked by him and she knows she never ever did it. Memnon knows too. Now it's his turn to earn forgiveness and love of his mate. Selene needs to know who is behind the murder of her fellow witches and hurting of the supernaturals. And she knows she need help of her enemy. Can she stop falling in love with Memnon?

This book is Memnon's redemption arc or at least I believe so. Because I don't think we have seen the last of the cunning dark side of Memnon. Of course, he is ruthless for his enemies and he would do and did anything to save Selene. But the ending shocked me as much as Selene. She matured a lot here. We have to remember she was just a witch student at the beginning of the series and now she has suddenly been thrown into a mess with a huge knowledge of past and of her past power. She cannot forgive Memnon so easily. He hurt her so much. I know the forged bond will be controversial but I feel this is the only reasonable defense she had against the all powerful Memnon. He would have barged through all her efforts if she didn't have the bond. Trust was broken and the bond was a tether. There is a lot of action and drama going on around. Forced bond( not to be confused with forged bond). Auction of unwilling supernaturals. Lycanthropes getting involved. And Selene being target of the vicious evil group of supernaturals. Memnon did the grovel so beautifully but he is still the antihero and he literally cracked through Selene's armour. It was like a game of chess. Every fulfilled promise, every dedicated act, every act of protection, every bit of support, every bit of necessary cruelty..brought him back in Selene's heart. This book is hotter than first book, for obvious reasons. I love how Selene has discovered her long buried ancient powers but she still holds a refreshing naivety and innocence. She is a perfect mix of dangerous and sweet now. This one is full of plot mines so play attention!

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

Bespelled picked up right where Bewitched left off. Selene's feelings toward Memnon experience a roller coaster as she reconciles her past life, her memories, and his work.

This second book has a lot of twists and turns as Selene and Memnon try to solve the murders and attacks. The tension with the lycanthropes, especially with Kane, and determining who to trust continues in this book.

There are times in this book where it feels like Selene is caught in a whirlpool. She makes the same mistakes and is slow to learn. And I have to remember that she's a college-aged young adult who will inevitably make dumb decisions. We did get more backstory on Roxilana and see the universe expand. Like Bewitched, this one ends on a cliffhanger, and while I enjoyed reading Bespelled, I don't know how many more books I'd want to read with few conclusions at the end.

This book!! Let’s just say, i stayed up until 3am reading this and didn’t even realize it was that late. I was hooked so fast and just couldn’t put it down. Give me all of the morally grey Memnon and the touch her & die vibes please! 😮‍💨😮‍💨

It was a real roller coaster ride reading this book! I enjoyed every bit, even the cliffhanger 👀. Even though it left me thinking “say WHAT?!?!” Like I need the next book…..now!

It is filled with suspense, betrayal, battles, death, some Oh SH!T moments, spicy moments that’ll have you fanning yourself, and laugh out loud moments. It’s such a great read!! I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Memnon Memnon MEMNON!! This man can make you say WTF while being the sweetest 🤣. I loved that he did some groveling for his actions in the first book. Salene made that man work to win her back and that was just fantastic. The flashbacks were a great way to help the reader understand the actions and why Salene and Memnon behaved how they have up until now.

One of my favorite things Laura did is give a recap of book 1 at the beginning of this book. It definitely helped to refresh my memory and set the stage for the second book.

ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher for reviewing purposes.

Well, I have to say this was not what I wanted from this book. I really enjoyed the first book, Bewitched. I reading it in one sitting and it was one of the most entertaining books I read last year, so I was so excited to get Bespelled early through NetGalley. Unfortunately, this book does not have near the charm that the first installment did. The first book held my attention because I enjoyed Selene, there were good mysteries and plot progress, and I was intrigued by the love story. This book gave me none of that. The mystery of the dead witches continues, but, as I saw another reviewer say, you could skip the middle half of this book- literally jump from 30% to 70% through and you would miss nothing. It’s all Selene wondering if she should just give in and be in love with Memnon, plus some unnecessary love triangle with a werewolf bs. I got to 50% and just stopped reading this book for about a month because I just didn’t care. The last 25-30% got things moving again, but it didn’t really feel like the stakes were real because of how much filler the first part of the book had been. Not to mention her best friend almost disappearing as a character when she was so big in the first book, and the college setting barely mattering except as a plot device to get her in a shared living space, when she was so excited about witch college in the first book. Overall, I found this to be a pretty unsatisfying sequel. 2.5 stars rounded up.

Bespelled picks up the story where Bewitched had ended with Selene now fully aware of her deep connection with Memnon and all that happened millennia before. But with the return of her memories, for Memnon comes the realisation that his quest for vengeance has been misplaced and the knowledge that he must atone to his queen for his sins and just saying no one grovels quite like a sorcerer!

This book set a fantastic pace picking up the story with witches still going missing or turning up horrifically mutilated with Selene and Memnon teeming up to solve the mystery. The development of Selene’s character over the series so far has been great to read as, now free from the curse that was stealing her memories, she’s really coming into her magic and realising her own abilities. With a plot full of twists and turns, love and betrayal with danger lurking for Selene from unknown enemies, I was gripped from the start and playing out in the background was the epic love story that was Selene and Memnon’s even as she swung between hate and love but there’s no escaping fate. I love a morally grey hero and Memnon definitely delivers that and more as he plots and schemes, always with his own agenda even as he fights to win back the love of his queen. Ending on another cliff hanger I can’t wait for the next book in this amazing series.

Bespelled by Laura Thalassa is the second book in the Bewitched Series and I’m completely obsessed with Selene and Memnon‘s story.
 
After absolutely loving Bewitched, I was so excited to see how this story continues and this sequel totally delivered, and I’m equally obsessed with this book.
 
Selene is one of my fav heroines and she is so strong and tough, and I love her so much. She developed beautifully in this book also because she learns a lot about her past and lost memories. And her familiar Nemo is just the best and there was one scene with him in this book that gave me quite the shock. Memnon is his usual mysterious self and I liked how he gave more reign to Selene. It’s still unclear if he can be fully trusted and that is so intriguing. There were some beautiful moments between the two that were spicy and romantic. They are truly soul mates and I loved seeing how they work together more. One of my favorite parts was how the past and present timelines are interwoven and it makes you understand the dynamic of the story and of the soul mates more.
 
Overall, Bespelled just has it all from an intriguing and immersive plot to fabulous characters and it’s one of my new favorite romantasy reads. And it only deepened my love for this world and series. 5 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)