Book Review: Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble (Jolie Wilkins, Book 1) by H.P. Mallory

Description from author's site:

A self-deprecating witch with the unique ability to reanimate the dead.
A dangerously handsome warlock torn between being her boss
and her would-be lover.
A six hundred year old English vampire with his own agenda;
one that includes an appetite for witches.
The Underworld in a state of chaos.
Let the games begin.

Life isn’t bad for psychic Jolie Wilkins. True, she doesn’t have a love life to speak of, but she has a cute house in the suburbs of Los Angeles, a cat and a quirky best friend. Enter Rand Balfour, a sinfully attractive warlock who insists she’s a witch and who just might turn her life upside down. Rand hires her to help him solve a mystery regarding the death of his client who also happens to be a ghost. Jolie not only uncovers the cause of the ghost’s demise but, in the process, she brings him back to life! Word of Jolie’s incredible ability to bring back the dead spreads like wildfire, putting her at the top of the Underworld’s most wanted list. Consequently, she finds herself at the center of a custody battle between a villainous witch, a dangerous but oh-so-sexy vampire, and her warlock boss, Rand.
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This e-book packs a lot of punch. Although things in the story seem to progress quickly, it does not feel rushed or glossed over. The writing is descriptive and during the moments you find yourself asking "how" or "why" things are explained so you don't feel lost. The first bit of the book is about Rand revealing to Jolie that she is a witch and has a lot of power. She has an ability that no other witch has, which is bringing back the dead, and that makes her a hot commodity in the Underworld. The rest of the book is about her trying to stay out of the clutches of an evil witch and rallying creatures to join the "good" side. There is plenty of sexual tension between Jolie and the warlock Rand, but that is not all...she has werewolves, vampires, and fairies hot for her too. The heat level was just right for the introduction to the series and it seems promising that it will get a few degrees hotter in future installments. Although this book is supposed to be an urban fantasy/paranormal romance hybrid, I think it leans a little more towards paranormal romance. I think readers of both genres will enjoy this one.

Jolie is a pretty admirable lead character. Although she starts out with almost no confidence in herself, towards the ends she has made progress. She also has a lot of spirit and backbone which was nice to see. Yes she does have to rely on men at times, but that does not make her a weak miss. Sometimes a person has to accept help. Another thing I love about her is that she does not immediately fall into bed with a guy just because she thinks he is sexy. I'll admit there were moments I was rooting for her to do the deed, but I think the wait will only make it hotter when she finally caves and indulges.

Read the first chapter HERE
Purchase download for only $2.99 HERE

5/5

An e-book copy was provided for review by the author, H.P. Mallory. Any opinions expressed are my own.