Deanna Chase

Allow me to begin by saying that this really isn't normally my type of book. I was intrigued by the promise of a tale of hauntings and huntings - but this is a romance novel as well. So, having registered my general lack of interest in romances - paranormal or otherwise - I must confess that I liked the book and enjoyed the story. Though some of the romance parts were a bit over the top for my taste (perhaps not for someone who is more into it), the story is well written and well imagined. show more Ms. Chase weaves her own particular spell around the reader even as her characters cast their spells to exorcise the spirits that haunt Bourbon Street. Her characters are well developed and their relationships create empathy with the reader drawing us steadily into the story seeking the resolution of the conflict and hoping for their relationships with each other to succeed. Her writing style is easy to read and her story telling piques the reader's interest and gives form to the characters. So, no, I have not become a romance novel convert, but I did find the book to be thoroughly enjoyable and well written. show less

The Shifter’s First Bite by Deanna Chase takes us to Witch Island. Zinnia Franklyn is working on werewolf cookies for the crew filming Engaged to a Werewolf on the island when Reed Sinhawk walks into the bakery. Zinnia fell in love with Reed with she was a teenager, but she did not hear from him after he left to make it big in Hollywood. Reed is one of the stars of Engaged to a Werewolf and has been supposedly dating his co-star, Krissy Kimble. Zinnia only has to take one look at Reed to show more verify she still is attracted to him and her love has not faded. Reed has only ever loved one person, and he is determined to win her heart. To get his happily ever after, he will have to deal with Krissy, overzealous reporters, the network and his father. Will Reed’s inner wolf get the bite it desires?

The Shifter’s First Bite is a humorous and steamy story. Deanna Chase has an engaging writing style that draws the reader into her world. Reed is a sexy, handsome man who left Witch Island at eighteen to become an actor. He has succeeded, but love is missing from his life. Zinnia has been in love with Reed since she was a teen. She wrote to him after he left, but Zinnia never received a response to her chatty letters. Now they have a second chance, but there are obstacles in their way. The desire between Reed and Zinnia is palpable. I am surprised the hot springs they enjoyed did not reach the boiling point. Krissy, though, keeps getting in their way. There are some highly entertaining scenes that will have you in stitches (just thinking about it has me chuckling). A person should know to wear underwear when trampling through the woods because you never know what you might fall into. The Shifter’s First Bite does have foul language (unfortunately) and graphic intimate scenes between our main characters. While The Shifter’s First Bite is the third book in Witch Island Brides, it can be read alone. The island’s healer, Mystia appears in this story along with Zinnia’s sister, Frankie. The Shifter’s First Bite is a quick read that has cute characters, humor, romance, magic and passion. show less

Honor-Bound Witch by Deanna Chase is the second book in the Miss Matched Midlife Dating Agency. I do recommend reading Star-Crossed Witch first (it provides needed background information on Marion). I like Deanna Chase’s writing style. It makes her stories easy to read. Marion finds herself searching for a friend with a troubled past. Kennedy, Ty’s boyfriend, ends up in a spot of trouble. It seems trouble is the name of the game with many of Marion’s friends and loved ones experiencing show more it. Marion’s magic is changing as well. Honor-Bound Witch has mystery, intrigue, and suspense. I enjoyed the hunt for Marion’s missing friend (I love solving mysteries). The book does contain foul language and intimate situations. The book starts off with a bang with a bachelorette party at a male strip club (men showing off their oiled muscles with the bump and grind). Marion’s ghost employee is humorous at times (I am not a fan of her ribald remarks). The ending was unexpected and will have you wondering what will happen in Outmatched Witch. Honor-Bound Witch is an intriguing tale with an absent betrothed, a blue blade, an indomitable brother, magical chaos, and an unforeseen visitor. show less

Witching for Hope by Deanna Chase has Hope Anderson celebrating her forty-sixth birthday. Hope just wishes that Lucas King had not returned to town. He has broken her heart twice but Hope still finds herself drawn to him. Her mother has arrived to stay with Hope which brings out her feelings of anger and resentment towards her because she took off after Hope turned eighteen. It turns out that Hope’s mother is there is to help her with the curse that affects all Anderson women when they show more turn forty-six. Hope is unprepared for this new development. However, she finds it is helpful when people begin experiencing terrible side-effects from a new drug circulating around town. Hope with help from Grace and Joy set out to find who is distributing this deadly drug. Witching for Hope is the 2nd book in the Premonition Pointe series. It can be read as a standalone, but I feel it is beneficial to have read Witching for Grace. This book contains Deanna Chase’s trademark writing. The story is easy to read with interesting witchy characters and humor sprinkled throughout. I had to laugh when Hope’s spell to appear ten years younger went awry. I can always count on Deanna Chase to provide laugh-out-loud moments. I liked following the mystery and trying to figure out who is the person behind the drug ring. There is romance as Lucas tries to woo Hope. I can understand why Hope is hesitant to trust Lucas again after he has broken her heart twice. The book does contain foul language and intimate situations. We get a sneak peek at what will happen in Witching for Joy. Joy deserves a happy ending after what she has been going through with her husband. Witching for Hope is a humorous tale with hair humiliation, a drug disaster, connubial cacophony, and a beguiling beau. show less