Big Little Spells by Hazel Beck

Title: Big Little Spells

Series: Witchlore

Author: Hazel Beck

Narrator: Natalie Duke

Release Date: August 29, 2023

Publisher: physical, Harlequin Trade Publishing; audio, Harlequin Audio

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Source: audio, Hoopla

TW: grief, suicide attempt, terminal illness, bullying, death of parent, death, moderate sexual content, gaslighting

Synopsis

Is her magic a threat to witchkind…or is she simply powerful enough to save the world?

Rebekah Wilde was eighteen when she left St. Cyprian, officially stripped of her magic and banished from her home. Ten years later, she’s forced to return to face the Joywood Coven, who preside over not just her hometown but the whole magical world. Rebekah is happy to reunite with her sister, and with her friends, but the implications of her return are darker and more dangerous than they could have imagined.

The Joywood are determined to prove Rebekah and her friends are a danger to witchkind, and her group faces an impending death sentence if they can’t prove otherwise. Rebekah must seek help from the only one who knows how to stop the Joywood—the ruthless immortal Nicholas Frost. Years ago, he was her secret tutor in magic, and her secret impossible crush. But the icy immortal is as remote and arrogant as ever, and if he feels anything for Rebekah—or witchkind—it’s impossible to tell.

Thoughts

I was immediately drawn back into the town and storyline, eager to see the paths taken by both main and supporting characters in this second installment. As Rebekah, the heroine, returns home, she faces numerous emotional challenges, and I found her character arc convincingly portrayed. Despite her ten-year absence, she quickly reverts to familiar behavior patterns, which felt very realistic to me. Her romance with Nicholas involves two broken souls coming to terms with their pasts and accepting each other, which added a lot of emotional depth to the story.

The narrative beautifully weaves in themes of sisterly love, friendship, and family bonds. I loved how the story is rich with chemistry and emotional depth, offering a sense of found family and romance. The compelling mystery/suspense plot, as Rebekah and her sister uncover dark secrets lurking in their town, kept me on the edge of my seat. Each secret revealed added layers to the story, making it more intriguing and engaging. The balance between the romance and the mystery elements was well-maintained, making the book a satisfying read.

Rebekah's character development was another highlight for me. Seeing her navigate the complexities of her past and present, and her interactions with Nicholas, was fascinating. Nicholas, with his icy exterior and hidden depths, was the perfect counterpart to Rebekah. Their relationship, filled with tension and eventual acceptance, was beautifully written. It was heartwarming to see how they both evolved and supported each other through their respective journeys.

I also appreciated the attention to detail in the world-building. The town of St. Cyprian felt alive, almost like a character in itself. The magical elements were seamlessly integrated into the story, enhancing the overall atmosphere without overwhelming the plot. The author's ability to create such a vivid setting contributed to my immersion in the story.

One of the standout aspects of this book was the narration by Natalie Duke. She did a fantastic job bringing all the characters to life in the first book, and her consistency in the second book made it feel like a true continuation. Her voice work added an extra layer of engagement, making the listening experience even more enjoyable. It felt like I was right there in St. Cyprian, experiencing everything alongside the characters.

In conclusion, this second installment in the series exceeded my expectations. It delivered a perfect blend of romance, mystery, and emotional depth. The characters were well-developed, the plot was compelling, and the narration was top-notch. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series, curious to see where the story will go next.