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Wicked Witch #1

You Say Witch Like It's A Bad Thing

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Come for the boo, stay for the brew, that’s my motto. But although I’m getting a heck of a lot of boo, right now, I’m not getting my fair share of brew.

I draw the line at drinking alone, my friends. And I am currently a witch very much alone.

The Witches’ Council won’t answer my calls. That would be fine at any other time, but right now, I need some direction.

My coven is missing. All that’s left in the crypt is a dust-free rectangle where our grimoire used to be. And someone must have let the dog in because the sanctuary smells like wet fur.

But that’s not all. This dude keeps following me around. He’s big and muscly, got tattoos all over his tanned arms, and has the most delicious chocolate brown eyes I’ve ever seen.

Would it be wrong to accidentally-on-purpose let him bump into me? It sure as heck would be better than trying to solve this unsolvable mystery.

Besides, haven’t I already said? I don’t like drinking alone. Tall, Dark and Brooding might make a good booze buddy.

Among other things, of course.

Meet Iris Wardwell and her witchy sidekicks in a new magical series set in the Kindred World. She’ll put a spell on you, for sure. Or just invite you to share a drink or two. You’ve heard of witch hags? Well, this one’s a booze hag.

A booze hag having a very bad day and she’s just run out of liquor.

225 pages, ebook

Published May 15, 2022

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About the author

Nicola Claire

80 books735 followers
Nicola Claire lives in beautiful Taupo, New Zealand with her husband, two teenage boys and a Miniature Schnauzer named Rudy.

A bit of a romance junkie, she can be known to devour as many as half a dozen books a week if she drinks too much coffee. But her real passion is writing sexy, romantic suspense stories with strong female leads and alpha male protagonists who know how to love them.

So far, she’s written well over 70 books. She might have caught the writing bug; here’s hoping there’s no cure!

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie.
860 reviews30 followers
May 12, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this first installment of the Wicked Witch series. Having just finished, I’m just sort of sitting here in awe of the magical world I was just transported to.

Summary:
Iris Wardwell is a witch who knows her brews, and she doesn't often turn down the chance to have one. But today is different. She's having a very bad day. And who wants to drink alone? And she is. Alone, that is. Her entire coven is missing, leaving behind an empty house and a clean spot amongst dust where their grimoire used to be. Needless to say, something very big is not right, and Iris is the last witch standing. If that weren’t alarming enough, a muscle-bound, tattooed Maori guy keeps following her around. That’s creepy, but it’s what his presence does to her body that scares her most. At first. There’s more than meets the eye with that one, but Iris has bigger fish to fry. There’s an unsolvable mystery afoot. She has to find a way to solve it or risk being a lone witch forever.

I loved YSWLiaBT! I was a little nervous going in because I know this series is a spinoff of the Kindred series and set in that world, but I’m happy to say it didn’t hinder me in reading at all. I do think my enjoyment and understanding of relationships and the supernatural of this particular world would have been even greater had I read all of Kindred first, but it wasn’t strictly necessary. Iris was so fun! She had a great sense of humor, was loyal, and didn’t take anything too seriously. Despite being a little bit of a party witch, I admired that Iris stood up to the challenges facing her immediately upon realizing something was wrong. I really had no big criticisms of Iris other than I thought she held onto her ignorance and naiveté a little too long. At one point in particular, I felt she didn't prepare at all for a battle that seemed inevitable. It was almost as if she didn't think about it, it wasn't happening. That said, Iris is a novice witch with her world flipped on its ear, so a little grace is needed. Hemi gave me mixed feelings. I wanted to love him and all the hawt that he brought to the page, but he was just so mysterious and secretive. That really got on my nerves because Iris already has enough questions. Trying to navigate his motivations, truthfulness, and loyalty just made the situation that much more frustrating. I did like him, for the most part, but I think I was just as taken aback as Iris when we learned just a bit of what he'd been up to. With that, I think he'll need to earn my trust right alongside Iris's. As a character, though, Hemi was fascinating. He was unique, and I loved that cultural addition to the story. As a couple, Iris and Hemi's chemistry practically sparked off the page. That kiss was 🔥🔥🔥. It definitely ratcheted up the heat while also adding yet another complex layer onto an already tense situation. I'm more than excited to see how their relationship plays out given what we know so far. In the end, I devoured YSWLiaBT. It was a pretty quick read, but so enchanting. Nicola has always been skilled at bringing me fully into the complex worlds she creates. This book was no different, and I loved every moment. I also love that Nicola's descriptions are so detailed (without being tedious) that I can truly envision myself right next to our hero/heroine and immerse myself in the beautiful New Zealand locations. Supporting cast was sparse given the situation Iris found herself in, but I have a feeling there is a lot more to come. I loved Beatrice or Buzz as Iris calls her. She was snarky, loyal, and incredibly supportive to Iris, helping to dissipate the loneliness Iris felt. I look forward to more scenes with her, and definitely more of the story. Iris's journey has just begun and I'm going to be with her every step of the way. In the meantime, I think I'll go back to where it all started and finally read Kindred because I want that whole picture. Great job Nicola! Just a great read! ♡
Profile Image for Amy Henderson.
240 reviews
August 1, 2022
A good and fast paced read.

As always this author serves up another book to love. It falls into the Kindred world and keeps the love of that world going with new characters to fall in love with, and mysteries to solve while battling to survive against deadly forces. If you haven't read the Kindred series I suggest you add it to your list of books to read, today.
12 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2022
What can I say WOW. Nicola has done it again, ensnared me in a world of magic. From the moment you start reading "You say witch like it's a bad thing" you are transported to Iris's world. Nicola's descriptive writing draws you in and keeps you wanting more.
For anyone who has read Kindred this is a must read and from the first few chapters you will know who or what has made Iris in such a state. Nicola however leads us down a path of wonder and worry. What is happening in NZ and what is Iris going to do about it. Throw in a sexy man and a mangy cat and you have magic.
May 12, 2022
I am always in awe of Nicola Claire's world building skills, she transports me to truly magical places and I love getting immersed in her stories. You Say Witch Like It's a Bad Thing is set in the same world as the Kindred series (another must read, by the way!) and it is utterly addictive. Iris is everything I hoped she would be, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I need to re-read the Kindred series now while I wait for more Iris and Hemi!
1 review
May 10, 2022
We’re back in the Kindred world but with a new twist! Iris is all alone, but then there’s Hemi and things are getting hot! I loved these new characters and couldn’t put this book down. I’m hoping the next in the series comes soon because I need to know!! Highly recommended, as are all Nicola’s books ❤️
261 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2022
This story grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. You feel Iris’s pain and confusion, Hemi’s anger and it is all wrapped up in a world that is so amazing you just want to be there. The only caveat I have is – if you hate cliffhanger’s wait until the next book comes out because the wait is going to kill me!
May 7, 2022
Loved the new series related to Kindred series! The characters are quirky and interesting and I am looking forward to the next book to find out more about Iris and Hemi!!
56 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2022
Lost her touch.

Having read every one of Ms Claire's novels I am sad that this one falls short. We are given each fault and transgression committed by Iris over and over again almost used as infill material to a story losing ground. I will have to think long and hard whether to continue with the next in the series. Sorry!
Profile Image for JadeShea.
3,161 reviews60 followers
June 1, 2022
This book was really funny at times, but the heroine was very hard to like. She bothered me a lot, especially with the way she would get lost in thought during important events. Other than that, I enjoyed this one, and I'm interested in more.
Profile Image for Connie Lazenby.
44 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2023
Excellent

I love the Kindred world and the way Nicola brings it to life. Excellent worldbuilding, great character development, top-notch editing, with the bonus of sitting at the edge of your seat drama.
2,719 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2022
A fun start to a new series! I'm definitely in the Halloween mood, so this book was right up my alley. As usual, I am so impressed with the world this author creates. I was so intrigued by Iris and Hemi as soon as we meet them, and I am completely invested in their journey. There is a lot of intrigue here, but the author answers just enough questions in this installment to leave you feeling somewhat satisfied but wanting more. I can't wait for book 2!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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