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Magic & Mayhem #3
Midwinter Magic
After an eye-opening congressional hearing, former corporate shark Jack Morgan redirects his ill-gotten gains toward charity work. However, his attempts to bring holiday cheer to a Bolivian village meet with one disaster after another: canceled flights, crumbling luggage, implacable customs officials. His plans disintegrate further when he runs into a sexy tourist with . . . wings?
As Jack's guardian angel, Sarah Phimm has her work cut out for her. When his latest volunteer mission risks his life, she's forced to reveal herself to him—but only in part. She can't risk him knowing the truth. He's everything her immortal heart desires, but can never have. She soon discovers that keeping him safe amidst death bridges and tumbling telephone poles is far easier than guarding her heart.
"Midwinter Magic" first appeared in the holiday romance anthology TIS THE SEASON.
As Jack's guardian angel, Sarah Phimm has her work cut out for her. When his latest volunteer mission risks his life, she's forced to reveal herself to him—but only in part. She can't risk him knowing the truth. He's everything her immortal heart desires, but can never have. She soon discovers that keeping him safe amidst death bridges and tumbling telephone poles is far easier than guarding her heart.
"Midwinter Magic" first appeared in the holiday romance anthology TIS THE SEASON.
200 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2019
135 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Erica Ridley
133 books2,213 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 23, 2019
Ugh, I was so done with this trilogy by the time Smitten by Magic ended. I barely made it though.
I think that, individually, the Magic & Mayhem books are cute, but all together... whew, they grated on me.
First of all, I was beyond creeped out that the female MC has watched over the male MC since he was a baby, and then fell in love with him. And I mean, watched every interaction. It felt very creepy-stalker, and I know it was her job, but STILL.
The world-building was a total afterthought. I know these are supposed to be comedy-ish, but the humor didn't work for me. I wanted an actual world that made sense, and the author didn't really care about those details.
The story had cute moments, but overall, I found it to be tiresome. Happy the trilogy is over.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I think that, individually, the Magic & Mayhem books are cute, but all together... whew, they grated on me.
First of all, I was beyond creeped out that the female MC has watched over the male MC since he was a baby, and then fell in love with him. And I mean, watched every interaction. It felt very creepy-stalker, and I know it was her job, but STILL.
The world-building was a total afterthought. I know these are supposed to be comedy-ish, but the humor didn't work for me. I wanted an actual world that made sense, and the author didn't really care about those details.
The story had cute moments, but overall, I found it to be tiresome. Happy the trilogy is over.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
November 25, 2013
This is pretty much exactly what you'd expect from the blurb: a cute, sentimental Christmas novella, though perhaps a tad spicier than you'd normally expect when you have a heroine who's an guardian angel. Angels don't seem to be specifically religious in this world though, but part of a large, painfully bureaucratic organization of all kinds of mythical beings. (Nether-Netherland.)
The world-building seems more for giggles than anything else, and I found it a little icky that Sarah (last name Phimm -- groan!) falls in love with Jack after having watched over him literally since the day he was born. But it was a sweet story, with some down to earth moments that kept it from seeming sappy.
(reviewed from e-arc provided by NetGalley)
The world-building seems more for giggles than anything else, and I found it a little icky that Sarah (last name Phimm -- groan!) falls in love with Jack after having watched over him literally since the day he was born. But it was a sweet story, with some down to earth moments that kept it from seeming sappy.
(reviewed from e-arc provided by NetGalley)
September 18, 2019
Sarah has been a guardian angel for centuries, and none of her charges have given her half as much trouble as Jack.
I received a free copy as part of the Magic & Mayhem boxset, from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jack was a go-getting businessman, he worked tirelessly and has amassed a fortune by taking advantage of a grey area that's not-quite-illegal.
Jack decides to atone for all the damage he's done by giving away most of his money to charity, and using the rest to fund repairs in his ancestral home of Bolivia, of which he will be doing most of the manual labour.
Sarah is a guardian angel, she has to protect her assigned human, and she has long been one of the best at the job. Jack is really testing her to the limit, as he seems to have no concept of self-preservation. When they accidentally collide, Sarah has to pretend to be human, and runs the risk of falling for Jack.
This was definitely the best book in the boxset.
Jack and Sarah are really cute together.
I really liked that, despite his growing feelings for Sarah, Jack puts his mission first. He aims to give an isolated Bolivian village the Christmas they deserve. He wants to repair roofs, get the kids back to school, and show them they are not forgotten by the world.
And Sarah is just as much a workaholic, in her own angelic way. She is an immortal, and her job has been her calling for her very long life. It was such an interesting twist to see her realisation that she might not be the envy of everyone back home, and that observing life, is not the same as living it.
I very much enjoyed this story.
I received a free copy as part of the Magic & Mayhem boxset, from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jack was a go-getting businessman, he worked tirelessly and has amassed a fortune by taking advantage of a grey area that's not-quite-illegal.
Jack decides to atone for all the damage he's done by giving away most of his money to charity, and using the rest to fund repairs in his ancestral home of Bolivia, of which he will be doing most of the manual labour.
Sarah is a guardian angel, she has to protect her assigned human, and she has long been one of the best at the job. Jack is really testing her to the limit, as he seems to have no concept of self-preservation. When they accidentally collide, Sarah has to pretend to be human, and runs the risk of falling for Jack.
This was definitely the best book in the boxset.
Jack and Sarah are really cute together.
I really liked that, despite his growing feelings for Sarah, Jack puts his mission first. He aims to give an isolated Bolivian village the Christmas they deserve. He wants to repair roofs, get the kids back to school, and show them they are not forgotten by the world.
And Sarah is just as much a workaholic, in her own angelic way. She is an immortal, and her job has been her calling for her very long life. It was such an interesting twist to see her realisation that she might not be the envy of everyone back home, and that observing life, is not the same as living it.
I very much enjoyed this story.
November 25, 2013
3.5 stars. Cute story! This was a fun, sexy, magical holiday novella about a guardian angel, Sarah, falling for her human Jack Morgan.
Jack shed his corporate cutthroat life of greed and power, and is now focused on spending his time and fortune to help make the world a better place. His latest adventure is to help a poor village in Bolivia, but his trip from Los Angeles to South America is riddled with strange obstacles.
Sarah has been watching over humans for over a millennium, but Jack may be her most difficult assignment yet. He has been a thrill seeker, risk taker, and rule-breaker his entire life. But this trip to Bolivia will be her biggest challenge yet to keep him safe.
Jack stumbles across a beautiful, quirky lady in the-middle-of-nowhere-Bolivia, which sets off a fun adventure for these two as they treck to a nearby village to help rebuild a leaky roofs, school rooms...etc. And he soon discover she is not what he first believed.
The sparks between Jack and Sarah fly quickly, and Sarah is soon pressured to break all of the rules she knows. She wants to be with Jack more than anything, but will true love prevail? Or will she lose her job?
I enjoyed this steamy little Christmas story, and loved the Bolivia setting. My heart went out to the kids and families of the village. Jack and Sarah made a cute couple.
My only small gripe is I wish the story wasn't told using mostly the narrative voice. It was told primarily through the eyes of the author, and comparatively had very little dialogue between Jack, Sarah and even the villagers. That unfortunately made Jack and Sarah a bit harder to get to know. They were so fun when they spoke, it just wasn't enough for me to fully round out their characters.
Overall, I did enjoy this one. And while it was more than a bit predictable, I didn't care. The magic, holiday and romance combination is a recipe I love. I saw the ending coming a mile away but I couldn't wait to get there anyway.
Thanks to Netgalley.com for providing the free ARC.
Jack shed his corporate cutthroat life of greed and power, and is now focused on spending his time and fortune to help make the world a better place. His latest adventure is to help a poor village in Bolivia, but his trip from Los Angeles to South America is riddled with strange obstacles.
Sarah has been watching over humans for over a millennium, but Jack may be her most difficult assignment yet. He has been a thrill seeker, risk taker, and rule-breaker his entire life. But this trip to Bolivia will be her biggest challenge yet to keep him safe.
Jack stumbles across a beautiful, quirky lady in the-middle-of-nowhere-Bolivia, which sets off a fun adventure for these two as they treck to a nearby village to help rebuild a leaky roofs, school rooms...etc. And he soon discover she is not what he first believed.
The sparks between Jack and Sarah fly quickly, and Sarah is soon pressured to break all of the rules she knows. She wants to be with Jack more than anything, but will true love prevail? Or will she lose her job?
I enjoyed this steamy little Christmas story, and loved the Bolivia setting. My heart went out to the kids and families of the village. Jack and Sarah made a cute couple.
My only small gripe is I wish the story wasn't told using mostly the narrative voice. It was told primarily through the eyes of the author, and comparatively had very little dialogue between Jack, Sarah and even the villagers. That unfortunately made Jack and Sarah a bit harder to get to know. They were so fun when they spoke, it just wasn't enough for me to fully round out their characters.
Overall, I did enjoy this one. And while it was more than a bit predictable, I didn't care. The magic, holiday and romance combination is a recipe I love. I saw the ending coming a mile away but I couldn't wait to get there anyway.
Thanks to Netgalley.com for providing the free ARC.
December 12, 2013
3 Stars.
This is my second seasonal offering from Erica Ridley, Let It Snow being the first, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Midwinter magic is completely different in that it is fully based in present day, and there are no frozen cursed castles or Princesses in it!
I have to say I am a sucker for angels, in whatever shape or form, good bad, fallen or guardian, I generally enjoy anything I read that has one (or more) in it. This book is certainly a box ticker in that it contains all of the necessary ingredients required to pull together and enjoyable romance story with a seasonal twist.
Jack and Sarah are likeable characters with admirable qualities, and their verbal sparring was quite funny in places. I would have liked the story to have been in their voice more than the author’s narrative, just so more of their thoughts and verbalizations were provided, I think it would have also provided more depth of character to them both as well.
All in all a really cheeky, cute enjoyable seasonal read, with a few deeper messages running through it. Worth a look if you have an evening free.
ARC provided through Netgalley, and I am happy to provide the above honest review.
This is my second seasonal offering from Erica Ridley, Let It Snow being the first, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Midwinter magic is completely different in that it is fully based in present day, and there are no frozen cursed castles or Princesses in it!
I have to say I am a sucker for angels, in whatever shape or form, good bad, fallen or guardian, I generally enjoy anything I read that has one (or more) in it. This book is certainly a box ticker in that it contains all of the necessary ingredients required to pull together and enjoyable romance story with a seasonal twist.
Jack and Sarah are likeable characters with admirable qualities, and their verbal sparring was quite funny in places. I would have liked the story to have been in their voice more than the author’s narrative, just so more of their thoughts and verbalizations were provided, I think it would have also provided more depth of character to them both as well.
All in all a really cheeky, cute enjoyable seasonal read, with a few deeper messages running through it. Worth a look if you have an evening free.
ARC provided through Netgalley, and I am happy to provide the above honest review.
July 24, 2019
Former corporate shark Javier Rodriguez plans to redirect his money and attention toward family and good works. Unfortunately, his attempts to make things better meet with one disaster after another. His plans disintegrate further when he runs into a sexy tourist with... wings?
As Javi’s guardian angel, Sarah Phimm has her work cut out for her. When his latest charitable scheme risks his life, she's forced to reveal her existence.
Another well written page turning book. The story flowed well & the characters have plenty of depth & are very likeable. This is a re release of Midwinter Magic. A fun, sexy read that had me smiling, it did feel a bit strange reading a Christmas story in the middle of a heatwave, this is the third book in the trilogy & I’ve thoroughly enjoyed escaping to a different genre from my usual reads but as they say a change is as god as a rest.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
As Javi’s guardian angel, Sarah Phimm has her work cut out for her. When his latest charitable scheme risks his life, she's forced to reveal her existence.
Another well written page turning book. The story flowed well & the characters have plenty of depth & are very likeable. This is a re release of Midwinter Magic. A fun, sexy read that had me smiling, it did feel a bit strange reading a Christmas story in the middle of a heatwave, this is the third book in the trilogy & I’ve thoroughly enjoyed escaping to a different genre from my usual reads but as they say a change is as god as a rest.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 3, 2024
Very Cute
This was so cute and entertaining. I love the spin on angels and fairytale land. If you need something different and quick to reset your reading or listening, this is ideal. It's only a few hours long.
This was so cute and entertaining. I love the spin on angels and fairytale land. If you need something different and quick to reset your reading or listening, this is ideal. It's only a few hours long.
December 4, 2013
I received a copy of this book from Intrepid Reads through Netgalley
Sarah Phimm is a guardian angel with a very difficult assignment: to guard Jack Morgan.
Ever since he discovered his life as a corporate shark had made him the indirect source of a lot of misery, Jack is determined to right every wrong he can for as long as he lives. So he marches into third-world countries distributing medicine, building schools, repairing houses, and generally placing himself in mortal danger at least 5 times a day. Sarah is at her wits' end.
Which is how, while being distracted going over Jack's crazy itinerary, she inadvertently bumps into him. Now Jack is aware she exists, since she had to stop herself being invisible (except for her wings, of course). She just has to wait for the right opportunity to make herself invisible again and maybe, just maybe, she won't get fired.
I really loved the first book of the Nether-Netherland series: Charmed. And Midwinter Magic had everything to be just as enjoyable.
Except for one tiny thing, which may be something that only bothers me: Sarah was Jack's guardian angel since the moment he was born. She was right there, in fact. She was always by his side, since he took his first breath. ...and now she's in love with him? ...they're in love with each other?
I mean... I guess it can be okay, since she's his guardian angel and all, and not even technically human, right?
December 23, 2013
Midwinter Magic by Erica Ridley originally appeared in the holiday novella collection Tis the Season. You may now purchase this book as a stand alone in the Amazon kindle store.
I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Midwinter Magic by Erica Ridley is a fantasy novella.
Jack Morgan was once on the Fortune 500 list. But, those days are long gone. Now he is more or less a wanderer. At the moment he is in Bolivia. Instead of limos and private jets he is handing out Christmas gifts to kids that are beyond poverty. But, Jack's world really tips over on it's axle when he comes face to face with his guardian angel- Sarah Phimm.
I love that name- Sarah Phimm! Cute. This Christmas fantasy is heartwarming story. There are touching moments, funny moments and some sexy moments too. This story makes great a addition to your holiday reading.
This one gets a B+
I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Midwinter Magic by Erica Ridley is a fantasy novella.
Jack Morgan was once on the Fortune 500 list. But, those days are long gone. Now he is more or less a wanderer. At the moment he is in Bolivia. Instead of limos and private jets he is handing out Christmas gifts to kids that are beyond poverty. But, Jack's world really tips over on it's axle when he comes face to face with his guardian angel- Sarah Phimm.
I love that name- Sarah Phimm! Cute. This Christmas fantasy is heartwarming story. There are touching moments, funny moments and some sexy moments too. This story makes great a addition to your holiday reading.
This one gets a B+
July 20, 2019
Smitten by Magic is the third and final book in the Magic & Mayhem series by Erica Ridley.
Javier Rodriguez was a corporate businessman until he made a huge amount of money at the expense of other people. Rather than be thrilled like his colleagues at a legal loophole that allowed them to get that money and keep it, he is horrified. Jaded at what he has become, Javier decides to make good use of the money by helping people in need with it. His current quest is to help a poor village in Bolivia. Despite a horrendous amount of bad luck trying to get from the USA to Bolivia, Javier beats the odds and eventually makes it there safely.
Unknown to him, he has a guardian angel. Sarah Phimm is her name and she is the one that put all the obstacles in his way to try to prevent him from leaving America. She figured there were too many dangers in Bolivia which would make looking after him more difficult. Much better for him to stay on home soil. But she hadn't reckoned on his determination and finds herself in Bolivia with him.
A lapse in her concentration ends with Javier walking into her. It is a big no-no for him to see her or for him to find out she is his guardian angel, so Sarah pretends to be a tourist in the area too. She has fallen in love with her charge over the years, so to finally be able to spend time with him and to physically be in his presence is wonderful for her. Of course, it makes it harder to keep him safe without showing that she is anything other than human.
Spending time together working on helping the small village to have habitable homes, plus for all the children to have a Christmas they won't forget, soon brings Sarah and Javier close. It's not long before they are sharing passionate moments together. Now all Sarah has to do is keep him safe, and enjoy these weeks until it's time for her to go invisible again. Life will have to go back to normal because it is forbidden for humans and angels to have relationships. They definitely can't have a future together, or can they?
Of the three books in this series, this is the one I loved the most. Javier's quest to make a special Christmas for the village in Bolivia was wonderful to read about. The children's lives certainly improved, not only from safer houses but from the excitement of Christmas and gifts too. Javier sets up a school, transport there and back. He gives them everything that they need. Reading his exploits was a real pleasure. Also reading about how poor Sarah struggled to keep him safe over the years, and how much she yearned for him was very moving. I was so thrilled when they shared their first kiss and then much more. They certainly had some seriously steamy moments despite Sarah being a guardian angel.
It was a pleasure going back to Nether-Nether land too which features in the second book in the series. Despite there being references to characters from the second book in the series you really don't need to have read it in order to fully enjoy this story. I absolutely recommend this book and the series 100%.
Javier Rodriguez was a corporate businessman until he made a huge amount of money at the expense of other people. Rather than be thrilled like his colleagues at a legal loophole that allowed them to get that money and keep it, he is horrified. Jaded at what he has become, Javier decides to make good use of the money by helping people in need with it. His current quest is to help a poor village in Bolivia. Despite a horrendous amount of bad luck trying to get from the USA to Bolivia, Javier beats the odds and eventually makes it there safely.
Unknown to him, he has a guardian angel. Sarah Phimm is her name and she is the one that put all the obstacles in his way to try to prevent him from leaving America. She figured there were too many dangers in Bolivia which would make looking after him more difficult. Much better for him to stay on home soil. But she hadn't reckoned on his determination and finds herself in Bolivia with him.
A lapse in her concentration ends with Javier walking into her. It is a big no-no for him to see her or for him to find out she is his guardian angel, so Sarah pretends to be a tourist in the area too. She has fallen in love with her charge over the years, so to finally be able to spend time with him and to physically be in his presence is wonderful for her. Of course, it makes it harder to keep him safe without showing that she is anything other than human.
Spending time together working on helping the small village to have habitable homes, plus for all the children to have a Christmas they won't forget, soon brings Sarah and Javier close. It's not long before they are sharing passionate moments together. Now all Sarah has to do is keep him safe, and enjoy these weeks until it's time for her to go invisible again. Life will have to go back to normal because it is forbidden for humans and angels to have relationships. They definitely can't have a future together, or can they?
Of the three books in this series, this is the one I loved the most. Javier's quest to make a special Christmas for the village in Bolivia was wonderful to read about. The children's lives certainly improved, not only from safer houses but from the excitement of Christmas and gifts too. Javier sets up a school, transport there and back. He gives them everything that they need. Reading his exploits was a real pleasure. Also reading about how poor Sarah struggled to keep him safe over the years, and how much she yearned for him was very moving. I was so thrilled when they shared their first kiss and then much more. They certainly had some seriously steamy moments despite Sarah being a guardian angel.
It was a pleasure going back to Nether-Nether land too which features in the second book in the series. Despite there being references to characters from the second book in the series you really don't need to have read it in order to fully enjoy this story. I absolutely recommend this book and the series 100%.
July 28, 2019
An adventure featuring a guardian angel, Sarah, having watched over Javier all his life is desperate to keep him safe. When Jack goes to Bolivia to help the less fortunate, Sarah has to come to earth and help him so he will come to no harm.
Such a magical story that will take you to another land with these two who find that and angel and a human can definitely work together and as they do, they find a strong attraction. But can she stay with Jack? Just as the other two stories in this series, I loved it!
Such a magical story that will take you to another land with these two who find that and angel and a human can definitely work together and as they do, they find a strong attraction. But can she stay with Jack? Just as the other two stories in this series, I loved it!
November 22, 2013
Can forbidden love conquer all, including the angel council and its unions? Midwinter Magic by Erica Ridley is a tale of a corporate big shot Jack Morgan, who was forced to re-evaluate his life, his money and the path he had chosen. Along for the ride his entire life, secretly watching over him was his guardian angel, Sarah Phimm, a perky and quirky angel who takes her job seriously, so when Jack becomes a beacon of good will and charity, undertaking humanitarian work in Bolivia, Sarah has her work cut out for her keeping him safe. One thing she hadn’t counted on was needing to reveal herself to Jack, a big No-No in the angel world. The other was falling for her charge. Can she keep him safe and alive until his time is up on Earth? Must she choose between doing the right thing and doing her job?
Erica Ridley has created two completely lovable characters, the quirky Sarah, whose huge heart is filled with goodness and caring, and whose attitude can sometimes get her in trouble with her “higher ups.” Jack is like any driven “A” personality, if he applies himself and desires something, it will happen, defeat is not a word in his vocabulary! Watching Sarah’s frenzied attempts to keep Jack safe becomes both sweet and comical, especially when Jack just assumes she will take care of the details of his often dangerous, but truly big-hearted plans! Ms. Ridley has colored her world with caring, love and several shades of funny is this light-hearted, magical romance between Heaven and Earth! You MUST add this to your Holiday reads!
I received an ARC edition from Erica Ridley and Intrepid Reads in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: December 1, 2013
Publisher; Intrepid Reads
ISBN: 9781939713100 (Paperback)
Genre: Adult Contemporary Holiday-Theme Romance
Page Count: 200
This Novella also appears in the Tis the Season 2013 Holiday anthology!
Erica Ridley has created two completely lovable characters, the quirky Sarah, whose huge heart is filled with goodness and caring, and whose attitude can sometimes get her in trouble with her “higher ups.” Jack is like any driven “A” personality, if he applies himself and desires something, it will happen, defeat is not a word in his vocabulary! Watching Sarah’s frenzied attempts to keep Jack safe becomes both sweet and comical, especially when Jack just assumes she will take care of the details of his often dangerous, but truly big-hearted plans! Ms. Ridley has colored her world with caring, love and several shades of funny is this light-hearted, magical romance between Heaven and Earth! You MUST add this to your Holiday reads!
I received an ARC edition from Erica Ridley and Intrepid Reads in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: December 1, 2013
Publisher; Intrepid Reads
ISBN: 9781939713100 (Paperback)
Genre: Adult Contemporary Holiday-Theme Romance
Page Count: 200
This Novella also appears in the Tis the Season 2013 Holiday anthology!
August 17, 2019
Smitten by Magic
Sarah Phimm is Javier’s guardian angel. She’s been there since the day he was born, and he was blissfully unaware of it—until now. Forced to reveal herself, Sarah struggles to do her job by keeping Javier alive as he battles his conscious by performing risky good deed after risky good deed. The setting lost me mid-story though: where did that hardware store come from in the middle of nowhere? Why did Javier have cell phone service? Little details like that detracted from the believability factor of the setting, which was quite the contrast right after reading Must Love Magic. Regardless, this story had me hooked until the end, when it dropped off in an extremely rushed and convenient ending .
Magic and Mayhem series remarks
The Magic and Mayhem series by Erica Ridley consists of books that were previously released before and are being edited and re-released. Out of the three, I had only read Kissed by Magic in the past when it was titled Let It Snow. The book Must Love Magic was previously released as Charmed, and Smitten by Magic was previously released as Midwinter Magic.
What I really enjoy about Erica Ridley’s writing is that her books are fast-paced, adventurous, and full of character development. While each title varies in the depth in which that is accomplished, she writes memorable stories that will stick with you in the days that follow.
Magic and Mayhem‘s books are all lighthearted and fun as well as a bit sexy. They each feature magic in different ways, from fairy tale castles to a paranormal courtroom to a bureaucracy of angels. There’s curses and talking horses and backfiring mechanical wands that turn things into pumpkins. Each book promises a fun fantasy adventure with a HEA.
The one thing the stories suffer from is something I find myself mentioning more and more often: the endings can be sudden and there’s no epilogues. When I spend time taking that romantic journey with the story’s main characters, I also want either an ending that doesn’t feel rushed or a glimpse into the future to show that yes, things continued to work out. I don’t need all the answers, but I do desire some reassurance.
I received an ARC of the entire Magic and Mayhem series via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Check out my full series review or my Goodreads reviews for #1: Kissed by Magic and #2: Must Love Magic.
Sarah Phimm is Javier’s guardian angel. She’s been there since the day he was born, and he was blissfully unaware of it—until now. Forced to reveal herself, Sarah struggles to do her job by keeping Javier alive as he battles his conscious by performing risky good deed after risky good deed. The setting lost me mid-story though: where did that hardware store come from in the middle of nowhere? Why did Javier have cell phone service? Little details like that detracted from the believability factor of the setting, which was quite the contrast right after reading Must Love Magic. Regardless, this story had me hooked until the end, when it dropped off in an extremely rushed and convenient ending .
Magic and Mayhem series remarks
The Magic and Mayhem series by Erica Ridley consists of books that were previously released before and are being edited and re-released. Out of the three, I had only read Kissed by Magic in the past when it was titled Let It Snow. The book Must Love Magic was previously released as Charmed, and Smitten by Magic was previously released as Midwinter Magic.
What I really enjoy about Erica Ridley’s writing is that her books are fast-paced, adventurous, and full of character development. While each title varies in the depth in which that is accomplished, she writes memorable stories that will stick with you in the days that follow.
Magic and Mayhem‘s books are all lighthearted and fun as well as a bit sexy. They each feature magic in different ways, from fairy tale castles to a paranormal courtroom to a bureaucracy of angels. There’s curses and talking horses and backfiring mechanical wands that turn things into pumpkins. Each book promises a fun fantasy adventure with a HEA.
The one thing the stories suffer from is something I find myself mentioning more and more often: the endings can be sudden and there’s no epilogues. When I spend time taking that romantic journey with the story’s main characters, I also want either an ending that doesn’t feel rushed or a glimpse into the future to show that yes, things continued to work out. I don’t need all the answers, but I do desire some reassurance.
I received an ARC of the entire Magic and Mayhem series via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Check out my full series review or my Goodreads reviews for #1: Kissed by Magic and #2: Must Love Magic.
August 12, 2019
3.5 stars
{Insert 80's Angel Movie - Date with an Angel- images}
Ok, this whole book I had those movie images and Send Me an Angel by Real Life playing in my head (and maybe some Aerosmith images too). If you have no idea what I'm talking about... well then, I'm sad for you. Go back to the '80s, it was awesome.
Javier is trying to redeem himself after living a life fraught with corporate greed. He is attempting to redirect his money and attention towards philanthropy, starting with his Bolivian roots. He is met with one disaster after another until he runs into a sexy tourist.
Sarah (his guardian angel) is desperately trying to keep Javier at home where he is safest and puts as many obstacles in his way to try to keep him there. But due to an unfortunate habit of navel (er... clipboard) gazing, she finds herself in having to not only apparate but actually traveling in Bolivia with him.
There were a couple of pop-culture references here, aside from the constant '80s magical-ness playing in my head, that I appreciated but then forgot.
I enjoyed this read, I mean who isn't a sucker for angels? (not he angels from Daughter of Smoke & Bone series, cuz those guys were bad dudes but you get my gist) There was a mention of characters from Must Love Magic but it doesn't detract from the storyline or create the necessity to read prior to this one.
Smitten by Magic is a re-release of Midwinter Magic.
All in all, the Magic and Mayhem series was light, cute, magical good fun. I recommend for those that need a little bit of magic boost to their day.
This was an ARC generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
{Insert 80's Angel Movie - Date with an Angel- images}
Ok, this whole book I had those movie images and Send Me an Angel by Real Life playing in my head (and maybe some Aerosmith images too). If you have no idea what I'm talking about... well then, I'm sad for you. Go back to the '80s, it was awesome.
Javier is trying to redeem himself after living a life fraught with corporate greed. He is attempting to redirect his money and attention towards philanthropy, starting with his Bolivian roots. He is met with one disaster after another until he runs into a sexy tourist.
Sarah (his guardian angel) is desperately trying to keep Javier at home where he is safest and puts as many obstacles in his way to try to keep him there. But due to an unfortunate habit of navel (er... clipboard) gazing, she finds herself in having to not only apparate but actually traveling in Bolivia with him.
There were a couple of pop-culture references here, aside from the constant '80s magical-ness playing in my head, that I appreciated but then forgot.
I enjoyed this read, I mean who isn't a sucker for angels? (not he angels from Daughter of Smoke & Bone series, cuz those guys were bad dudes but you get my gist) There was a mention of characters from Must Love Magic but it doesn't detract from the storyline or create the necessity to read prior to this one.
Smitten by Magic is a re-release of Midwinter Magic.
All in all, the Magic and Mayhem series was light, cute, magical good fun. I recommend for those that need a little bit of magic boost to their day.
This was an ARC generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2019
Javier Rodriguez, formerly ruthless businessman, is determined to make up for his wicked past by helping others, starting with a village in Bolivia. Things are not working out as he planned. His trip from Malibu to Santita has been miserable. At each juncture, another obstacle – delayed flights, diverted flights, broken (destroyed) luggage, and the list goes on. Sarah Phimm is a guardian angel, his guardian angel. It is her responsibility to keep him safe. She doesn’t just take her job seriously; she’s an over achiever. She’s the one throwing obstacles in Javier’s path (in an effort to keep him at home where he is safe). Her plan isn’t working out as planned either. What unfolds after they meet (BIG mistake on her part) is an exciting and enjoyable story with adventure, fun, some twists and surprises, and wonderful characters. It is a story about changing, about caring, about choices and consequences. Things are working out for the project and Javier and Sarah, and then on Christmas Eve, tragedy strikes. Where does a grief-stricken, angry guardian angel go for help? Sarah goes home to Nether-Netherland and straight to the Governing Council of Heavenly Beings. Can they help her? Will they help her? Has she lost her chance to find True Love? I enjoyed this lovely story and recommend it.
August 3, 2019
I was smitten with this charming and magical tale.
Javier is a business mogul. Instead of spending his time running a successful business, he is determined to give up the life that he knows and put all his efforts into helping others.
Sarah is a Guardian Angel who follows the rules. She loves her job, but has secretly pined for Javier. Revealing herself would be against the rules. Whilst planning one of his benevolent undertaking, Javier is hit by several inconvenient and disastrous setbacks. He carries on regardless. When, he puts his mind to achieve something, nothing can stop him. Then he meets Sarah in the least expected manner. As strange as everything she does is, they strike a comfortable friendship. Despite, her quirks, he is attracted to her and soon the friendship turns into something else. How far will she go to break the rules when it's a matter of life and death?
This is more of a fairy tale come true. The interactions between Javier and Sarah are fun. They are loving and lovable. The end is rather endearing and rewarding.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Javier is a business mogul. Instead of spending his time running a successful business, he is determined to give up the life that he knows and put all his efforts into helping others.
Sarah is a Guardian Angel who follows the rules. She loves her job, but has secretly pined for Javier. Revealing herself would be against the rules. Whilst planning one of his benevolent undertaking, Javier is hit by several inconvenient and disastrous setbacks. He carries on regardless. When, he puts his mind to achieve something, nothing can stop him. Then he meets Sarah in the least expected manner. As strange as everything she does is, they strike a comfortable friendship. Despite, her quirks, he is attracted to her and soon the friendship turns into something else. How far will she go to break the rules when it's a matter of life and death?
This is more of a fairy tale come true. The interactions between Javier and Sarah are fun. They are loving and lovable. The end is rather endearing and rewarding.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
September 20, 2019
This romantic fantasy is a little over-the-top at times, but it generally balances a tender romance with witty banter and moments of suspense. The main characters can be a bit obsessive, but also charming and funny. It took me a little while to get drawn into the story and warm up to Javier and Sarah, but as the story progressed, I enjoyed their exchanges and was hoping they could find a happy ending together.
I liked the way the plot surprised me. For such a quick read, this book packs in a lot of emotion and a very sweet ending. And considering the fantastic elements, the characters’ actions and reactions felt surprisingly real at times.
This is the third book in Erica Ridley’s Magic & Mayhem series, and while it does include secondary characters from the previous book, each book is about a different couple and stands alone. This is an updated version of a story previously published as "Midwinter Magic." Note that the book contains some swearing (including two f-bombs), dangerous situations, and explicit sex scenes.
I was provided an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.
I liked the way the plot surprised me. For such a quick read, this book packs in a lot of emotion and a very sweet ending. And considering the fantastic elements, the characters’ actions and reactions felt surprisingly real at times.
This is the third book in Erica Ridley’s Magic & Mayhem series, and while it does include secondary characters from the previous book, each book is about a different couple and stands alone. This is an updated version of a story previously published as "Midwinter Magic." Note that the book contains some swearing (including two f-bombs), dangerous situations, and explicit sex scenes.
I was provided an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.
July 23, 2019
This is the third book in this revised series by Erica Ridley, each with a different setting and different protagonists from the Nether-Netherland universe.
Javier after a huge epiphany, has decided his way of life has to change. He since, tries to redeem himself for what he thinks is his unforgivable faults. By doing it, he endangers his own life and his guardian angel can’t accept it.
Sarah has spent her whole existence taking care of one charge after another. And Javi is one hell of an assignment, as he seems willing to put his life in line if he can get what he is looking for.
During their time together, each has some growing up to do, even Sarah the Angel as by concentrating on other priorities and tasks she passed by her own life, living only by procuration but never for herself.
A cute tale of taking your life in your hands.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author but purchased this whole series, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Javier after a huge epiphany, has decided his way of life has to change. He since, tries to redeem himself for what he thinks is his unforgivable faults. By doing it, he endangers his own life and his guardian angel can’t accept it.
Sarah has spent her whole existence taking care of one charge after another. And Javi is one hell of an assignment, as he seems willing to put his life in line if he can get what he is looking for.
During their time together, each has some growing up to do, even Sarah the Angel as by concentrating on other priorities and tasks she passed by her own life, living only by procuration but never for herself.
A cute tale of taking your life in your hands.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author but purchased this whole series, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
July 30, 2019
This was a fun story about being an angel. Whether you are a guardian angel, or a mortal angel, you are important.
Both main characters are angels in their own way and both have had their eyes opened to their own imperfections.
Javier has been a corporate giant, riding on the lives of others and now he is trying to change that. He is spending his time helping those he has previously ignored. Sarah is supposed to help keep him safe and stay invisible, but she breaks the guardian angel rules and falls in love with him. Only then does she realise how empty her life has been.
These two characters work well together and are funny. Sarah’s strange fashion style is vividly described and easy to imagine, it will put a smile on your face. The climax is something out of a superhero disaster scene and equally as heart wrenching. Don’t despair there is an unexpected HEA.
A lovely story about doing your best for others. It’s positive and fun.
Both main characters are angels in their own way and both have had their eyes opened to their own imperfections.
Javier has been a corporate giant, riding on the lives of others and now he is trying to change that. He is spending his time helping those he has previously ignored. Sarah is supposed to help keep him safe and stay invisible, but she breaks the guardian angel rules and falls in love with him. Only then does she realise how empty her life has been.
These two characters work well together and are funny. Sarah’s strange fashion style is vividly described and easy to imagine, it will put a smile on your face. The climax is something out of a superhero disaster scene and equally as heart wrenching. Don’t despair there is an unexpected HEA.
A lovely story about doing your best for others. It’s positive and fun.
August 26, 2019
This book is set in the same universe as the second in the series Nether-Netherland and features some of the same secondary characters, but it can be read as a standalone.
Sarah has been Javi's guardian since the day he was born. With him for every moment of his life. A lapse in concentration allows Javi to discover Sarah's existence. to keep him safe, she is forced to help him as he risks his life to bring Christmas to an impoverished village.
Of the three books in the series, this is the book I liked the least. It lacked in the humour evident in the others. If I hadn't read the other two, I would have thoroughly enjoyed it, but my expectations had been raised, and this fell a little short.
This book was previously released as Midwinter Magic and has been re-edited and rereleased.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sarah has been Javi's guardian since the day he was born. With him for every moment of his life. A lapse in concentration allows Javi to discover Sarah's existence. to keep him safe, she is forced to help him as he risks his life to bring Christmas to an impoverished village.
Of the three books in the series, this is the book I liked the least. It lacked in the humour evident in the others. If I hadn't read the other two, I would have thoroughly enjoyed it, but my expectations had been raised, and this fell a little short.
This book was previously released as Midwinter Magic and has been re-edited and rereleased.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 23, 2019
In the last and final book of the trilogy, we meet Javier Rodriguez. He is a former corporate businessman who wants to do all he can to forget what big corporations can do do people and to the environment. He did not realize all the harm that was caused, and now he is working very hard to undo as much suffering as possible. Sarah Phimm is his guardian angel and has a lot of guarding to do.
When Javier decides to go to third world countries, she must protect him at all costs.
Unfortunately, when Sarah is not watching Javier, he bumps into her and sees her. She is supposed to stay invisible or she can get into trouble. He insists on seeing her so she shows herself.
She can't disappear again because Javier would wonder where she went. So she remains visible and still continues to protect him.
This story is very sweet and unusual. I did like this story. I hope you enjoy the Magic and Mayhem series.
When Javier decides to go to third world countries, she must protect him at all costs.
Unfortunately, when Sarah is not watching Javier, he bumps into her and sees her. She is supposed to stay invisible or she can get into trouble. He insists on seeing her so she shows herself.
She can't disappear again because Javier would wonder where she went. So she remains visible and still continues to protect him.
This story is very sweet and unusual. I did like this story. I hope you enjoy the Magic and Mayhem series.
July 26, 2019
ONE WONDERFUL DELIGHT!!!
Roughing it! Erica spins another refreshing storyline and exciting plot with a multitude of twists that keep you on your toes. This baby hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Dealing with the trials and tribulations struggling with all the drama and suspense that hurls this baby to life fluidly. A swirling throng of vexing contingents and a bevy of surprising events launch those swirling emotions bursting into play. Throw in a little intrigue and mystery and you have one exciting, page flipping delight. The characters traits and qualities are well balanced and blended with enough spice to add flavor to the mix. Emotions, personalities, attitudes and dynamics are written with such realism it thrust this bad boy to life flawlessly. Amazing job Erica, thanks for sharing.
Roughing it! Erica spins another refreshing storyline and exciting plot with a multitude of twists that keep you on your toes. This baby hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Dealing with the trials and tribulations struggling with all the drama and suspense that hurls this baby to life fluidly. A swirling throng of vexing contingents and a bevy of surprising events launch those swirling emotions bursting into play. Throw in a little intrigue and mystery and you have one exciting, page flipping delight. The characters traits and qualities are well balanced and blended with enough spice to add flavor to the mix. Emotions, personalities, attitudes and dynamics are written with such realism it thrust this bad boy to life flawlessly. Amazing job Erica, thanks for sharing.
July 28, 2019
A charming short story of a guardian angel Sarah and her charge Javier. The story lightly covers his life as a corporate raider and now with a reformed conscious he wants to do good for others. Sarah's objective is to keep him alive at all costs till it is his time to go. He went to Bolivia for sentimental reasons providing supplies where needed. On his way to a remote village he accidentally met his guardian angel Sarah. She did not reveal herself as an angel just a fellow traveler. They worked together meeting the needs of others until they fell in love. But then the greatest trial in Sarah's life came and she had to choose who to save. Either choice was disastrously deadly. I thought I would enjoy this more than I did. It was too fantastical for me. I don't mind fantasy but I think this was too much in that vein. It felt like a children's story.
July 29, 2019
I just completed a binge-fest of Erica Ridley’s Magic & Mayhem books, reading Must Love Magic (Book 2) and Smitten by Magic (Book 3) in one (long) sitting. I couldn’t help it. The books were just too addictive and I felt compelled to just read “one more page” until many hours later I finally ran out of pages. Different couples in each book bit the magical connection is as strong as the truly excellent romantic tie in each. They’re skid, quite frankly, tremendously fun. Well-written and filled with well-crafted casts too. Can’t really ask for more. If not for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. These two books definitely deserve it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that each book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend both of them.
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August 17, 2019Guardian Angel Sarah has just one job, keep Javier safe until he's 70. But the new leaf that has Javier jaunting off to the most dangerous and impoverished of places is making Sarah's job hard. And it is even harder when the normally invisible Sarah slips and lets Javier see her and finally get a chance to actually interact with the man she admires.
I thought that this was cute. Javier is working off a debt of conscience by trying to make as many lives better as he can to make up for years of corporate success. Sarah is pretty cute as the protector who falls for her charge. I liked this story for the most part, up until the never never land part that wraps up the story.
I read this as a part of a three part ARC with re-released versions of older magical romances which also included Must Love Magic, and Kissed by Magic.
ARC via NetGalley courtesty of the publisher
I thought that this was cute. Javier is working off a debt of conscience by trying to make as many lives better as he can to make up for years of corporate success. Sarah is pretty cute as the protector who falls for her charge. I liked this story for the most part, up until the never never land part that wraps up the story.
I read this as a part of a three part ARC with re-released versions of older magical romances which also included Must Love Magic, and Kissed by Magic.
ARC via NetGalley courtesty of the publisher
July 6, 2018
What a lovely story! Jack, former CEO with no regards of the repercussions of his actions, turns completely around and tries to do good with his money by bringing holiday cheer to children in Bolivia, in the most remote areas. Sarah, his guardian angel, is desperately trying at the same time to keep him out of harm's way. When an accident forces her to become visible to him, sparks begin to fly between them.
A very different approach on guardian angels and their - erm- organisation and rules, and as a result occasionally downright hilarious in Sarah's interactions with Jack. Both protagonists were quite lovable, the plot was amusing and interesting, the narration itself fluent and easygoing - in short, storytelling at its best.
A very different approach on guardian angels and their - erm- organisation and rules, and as a result occasionally downright hilarious in Sarah's interactions with Jack. Both protagonists were quite lovable, the plot was amusing and interesting, the narration itself fluent and easygoing - in short, storytelling at its best.
October 28, 2019
Sarah is a guardian angel, and Javier proves to be her most difficult mission.
Knowing him from birth, Sarah knows what Javier is capable of... and let's say, for much of his life he has done his best and impossible to achieve his goals. Until he did it.
Now, with a kind of weight in his conscience, he decides to donate much of his fortune, and one of his goals is to do a good deed in the land of his ancestors.
Traveling to Bolivia is a scary adventure, and Sarah has to reveal who she really is.
But the feelings are already mixed.
Javier in love with a guardian angel? And Sarah in love with someone she have protected since birth?
All very confusing... but the story is fiction, fairytale and romantic.
3 stars
Knowing him from birth, Sarah knows what Javier is capable of... and let's say, for much of his life he has done his best and impossible to achieve his goals. Until he did it.
Now, with a kind of weight in his conscience, he decides to donate much of his fortune, and one of his goals is to do a good deed in the land of his ancestors.
Traveling to Bolivia is a scary adventure, and Sarah has to reveal who she really is.
But the feelings are already mixed.
Javier in love with a guardian angel? And Sarah in love with someone she have protected since birth?
All very confusing... but the story is fiction, fairytale and romantic.
3 stars
July 21, 2019
Javier is a business mogul gone do gooder. He wants to make reparations for all the devastation his business decisions have cost others. So, he returns to his home land of Bolivia and works tirelessly to help people.
Unbeknownst to him, Sarah, his guardian angel, has tried to prevent him from going to Bolivia to protect him. She’s trying to keep him alive to age 70, so he can do all he’s supposed to.
By accident, they meet, she helps him, both miraculously and humanly, and they fall in love. She makes a choice to save others that gets her in hot water, but it works out in the end for both of them.
I received this as a free ARC, and I’m happy to recommend it as a fun, funky read.
Unbeknownst to him, Sarah, his guardian angel, has tried to prevent him from going to Bolivia to protect him. She’s trying to keep him alive to age 70, so he can do all he’s supposed to.
By accident, they meet, she helps him, both miraculously and humanly, and they fall in love. She makes a choice to save others that gets her in hot water, but it works out in the end for both of them.
I received this as a free ARC, and I’m happy to recommend it as a fun, funky read.
July 23, 2019
Smitten by Magic (Magic & Mayhem Book 3) by Erica Ridley ... I think this was my favorite of the three MAGIC & MAYHEM books. Thanks to Erica Ridley for letting me preview this book. Javier Rodriguez (reformed corporate shark who wants to repair some wrongs) Sara Phimm (guardian angel who has her hands full trying to keep him safe) This story has laughs, tears, angst, warm feelings, view of hardships around the world and some steam all getting us to a very HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Funny Informative Great world building Wonderful characters Easy-to-read Entertaining Unpredictable Action-packed Romantic Happily Ever After Whimsical SteamyPage-turner
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Funny Informative Great world building Wonderful characters Easy-to-read Entertaining Unpredictable Action-packed Romantic Happily Ever After Whimsical SteamyPage-turner
July 24, 2019
I'm not usually a fan of this genre but Errica Ridley has me hooked on this series. In this third book Smitten by Magic a Guardian Angel is accidentally seen my her charge and after interacting together to help a small town in Bolivia they begin to fall in love.
While she might be HIS guardian Angel, he shows himself to be a human guardian angel to the residents of the village. As Christmas draws near he not only works to shore up the housing he plans to make sure everyone in the village has a good Christmas.
Can an angel and human every find a Happily Ever After? It's worth reading this book to find out.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
While she might be HIS guardian Angel, he shows himself to be a human guardian angel to the residents of the village. As Christmas draws near he not only works to shore up the housing he plans to make sure everyone in the village has a good Christmas.
Can an angel and human every find a Happily Ever After? It's worth reading this book to find out.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
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