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Charmed & Dangerous (Bronwyn the Witch, #1)

Charmed & Dangerous by Candace Havens

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I just now finished reading Charmed & Dangerous by Candace Havens. This is the first book in the author's "Bronwyn the Witch" series. I'm not sure if I'd categorize it as paranormal romance or urban fantasy. The narrative is told via Bronwyn's journal entries.

Bronwyn is a high witch, one of the most powerful in the world, and she has a great job traveling all over the world as she works to keep the British PM safe from harm. When not globetrotting, Bronwyn calls Sweet, Texas home. It's a safe haven for magical folk, guarded by the local coven, and benefitting from Bronwyn's presence.

Although Bronwyn is an accomplished witch, she's never been successful in the romance department. Men seem to find her intimidating. Therefore, it comes as a surprise to Bronwyn when she has not one, but two men vying for her affections: doctor and warlock Sam, and sexy sheik Azir. Her problematic love-life has to take a backseat, however, when Bronwyn learns that a powerful warlock is out for blood. Hers.

First of all, this story 'opened at the close', which I truly detest. I cannot fathom why an author will do that. I suspect it's meant to whet the appetite, but I find it gives too much away. That being said, I did enjoy the epistolary aspect of the story. Bronwyn is wry and witty, loyal and loving, brave and fierce. Since it wasn't clear at first who wanted her dead, I found myself suspecting several of her friends and confidants. The suspense was killing me! I was able to get a good sense of the other main 'characters' through Bronwyn's writing, and the action moved along at a good pace, with enough down time for her (and the reader) to relax and recharge.

Favorite lines:
♦ There's no sign here that says "No Demons Allowed" but you get the feeling that people here like to keep things on an even keel.
♦ It's so friggin' cold my tits actually hurt from pointing hard.
♦ Not everything in pants is something at an amusement park for you to ride.

Fun and sexy, four stars