In a Nutshell Reviews

In a Nutshell Reviews are my version of mini-reviews, because sometimes, you just want the highlights.

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Skip to the End by Molly James
Published by Forever on August 15, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction, Romance

Goodreads

In this joyful romance, one wild night results in three kisses—only one successful—and leaves a perpetually single Amy searching for her perfect match so she can find a happy ending.

Amy Daniels has a pretty nice life. Her career is on the up, she loves her friends, and she's about to buy her very own flat. On a good day, Amy could be described as a catch—so why is she perpetually single?

The trouble is, Amy can see something no one else the end. As soon as she kisses someone, she knows, in intimate, vivid detail, how their relationship will finish. A screaming argument in the middle of the supermarket over milk. An explicit email sent to the wrong address. A hasty escape through a bathroom window on the second date. At the altar—runaway-bride style. There seems to be no end to the unhappy endings.

After years of trying, and failing, to change a pre-written future, Amy has given up. But then she drunkenly kisses three men at her best friend's wedding and sees three possible two painful, one perfect. The problem is, Amy can't really remember who she kissed, and worse, what ending belongs to which person—the only thing she knows for certain is that she's determined to find out...

The family curse, uh gift, is that Molly can see the end of each relationship during her first kiss with a person. While celebrating her friend's marriage, Amy kisses three different men, one of which is THE ONE. After twenty years, she finally found THE ONE! The only problem was that Amy could not remember who he was. Not to worry, she and her friends are on a mission to find him.

What a fun premise, and I had a great time with Amy and her jolly gang looking for Mr. Right. It was rather obvious from the start who HE was, but I relished every second and eagerly anticipated that moment when Amy finally figured out who her forever-man was.

Though the central focus of this story was finding Amy's happily-ever-after, I loved seeing friendship spotlighted. Amy was still super tight with her school friends, and they were a warm, wonderful, and interesting bunch. I adored the found-family vibe I got from them and appreciated all the support they gave to Molly, not only with finding her man, but also with her mother who was in a care home for dementia.

Overall, this was a fun and frothy good time. I was so happy that Amy finally had a positive premonition and was very excited about this match. The wedding, the search, the rom-com moments, the friendship, and romance simmering in the background all resulted in a delightful read for me.

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Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot
Published by Avon on September 5, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads

A witchy rom-com from New York Times bestseller Meg Cabot about a plus size witch who must team up with a handsome stranger to help protect her village from an otherworldly force—but will she be able to protect her heart?

It’s Magic When You Meet Your Match In her teenage years, lovelorn Jessica Gold cast a spell that went disastrously wrong, and brought her all the wrong kind of attention—as well as a lifetime ban from the World Council of Witches.

So no one is more surprised than Jess when, fifteen years later, tall, handsome WCW member Derrick Winters shows up in her quaint little village of West Harbor and claims that Jess is the Chosen One.

She’s the Chosen One Not chosen by West Harbor’s snobby elite to style them for the town’s tricentennial ball—though Jess owns the chicest clothing boutique in town. And not chosen finally to be on the WCW, either—not that Jess would have said yes, anyway, since she’s done with any organization that tries to dictate what makes a “true” witch. No, Jess has been chosen to help save West Harbor itself...

As Summer Ends, Her Power Grows But just when Jess is beginning to think that she and Derrick might have a certain magic of their own—and not of the supernatural variety—Jess learns he may not be who she thought he was. And suddenly Jess finds herself having to trust Derrick and work with him to combat the sinister force battling to bring down West Harbor, or use her gift as she always to keep herself, and her heart, safe. Can she work her magic in time?

Could a banned witch really be The Chosen One who will save West Harbor from disaster? That's what mysterious witch, Derrick, claimed, but would Jess be able to trust this handsome stranger?

Enchanted to Meet You was a lot of fun, and I loved all the magical touches. It was great getting to know Jess, Esther, Derrick, and all the other fine folks of West Harbor. I also loved learning about their town, and its magical history.

Jess was a great character. She made a magical mistake as a teen and was still paying for it. She didn't let it stop her from making a great life for herself even if her high school nemesis will not let her forget. I loved that she used her magic to make others feel good about themselves. It highlighted what a fantastic person she was.

The magic and paranormal storyline ramps up when Derrick comes to town. He has a very interesting heritage which he kept secret until much later in the book. I found him to be a wonderful love interest for Jess even if she had a hard time trusting him with her heart.

Overall, I had a great time in West Harbor. I found this to be a strong start to the series, and I look forward to returning to this world.

Do you have a favorite witchy book?
Let us know in the comments!