Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti

Some of the charm of the first book is missing from this one. This book still gives a nice sense of community and magic. The mystery and side characters were also interesting. What pulls this book down is the love triangle.

We are forced to spend way too much time on the love triangle. Steve is just the worst as well. Calling the main character by a nick name she hates. Showing up at her house and forcing a date. Worst still is how clearly better Declan being. This man has so much patience and a great ability to take things as they come.

There didn’t seem to be enough time to focus on the mystery, her spellbook club, or even the new mysterious detective. All this became second to the triangle of annoyance. All that made the first book so good took a back seat.

The book is not the worst, but it could have been better. I am hoping the next book will redeem the series.

I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first in the series (which is saying something!). It's really fun to see Katie develop as a character, along with the people around her. The book ends with a revelation, too – not a cliffhanger, but a tidbit that definitely left me wanting the third book. The mystery was intriguing and really reflected the shortcomings of the characters surrounding the murder. I'd recommend it, but it's worth your time to check out Brownies and Broomsticks first. :)