What do you think?
Rate this book
Hex #1
Over Hexed
The key to finding true love...
Banished. Until their unconventional techniques land them in hot water, Dorcas and Ambrose are the matchmaking sex therapists for lovelorn witches and wizards. The Grand High Wizard has exiled them to the very conventional and unmagical town of Big Knob, Indiana. Population: 947. But that doesn't mean they've given up matchmaking....
...is a good hex life.
Now they're doing it for mere mortals--although all agree: Sean Madigan is something of a god. Because he's tired of being the town sex object, Dorcas and Ambrose strip him of his appeal and then introduce him to his destiny, Maggie Grady. This time winning a girl's heart won't be so easy for Sean. It means rediscovering the charms buried beneath a gorgeous surface, and finally proving himself to be more of a man than ever before.
Banished. Until their unconventional techniques land them in hot water, Dorcas and Ambrose are the matchmaking sex therapists for lovelorn witches and wizards. The Grand High Wizard has exiled them to the very conventional and unmagical town of Big Knob, Indiana. Population: 947. But that doesn't mean they've given up matchmaking....
...is a good hex life.
Now they're doing it for mere mortals--although all agree: Sean Madigan is something of a god. Because he's tired of being the town sex object, Dorcas and Ambrose strip him of his appeal and then introduce him to his destiny, Maggie Grady. This time winning a girl's heart won't be so easy for Sean. It means rediscovering the charms buried beneath a gorgeous surface, and finally proving himself to be more of a man than ever before.
319 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 2, 2007
18 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Lewis Thompson
522Ìýbooks1,528ÌýfollowersNew York Times and USA Today bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson believes love makes the world go around and laughter makes the trip worth taking. The recipient of RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of more than ninety books, Vicki pioneered a new kind of romance hero with Nerd in Shining Armor. Following the success of her nerd stories, Vicki launched a boisterous paranormal series featuring a matchmaking witch and wizard, an ADD dragon named George, and a black cat inspired by her own precocious feline, Eve.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 12, 2008
A cute and funny romance!
What can I say? While I’m a sucker for a happy ending, this one had me laughing in places as well.
Sean Madigan, the handsome, sexy stud muffin of Big Knob (okay, the synopsis had me laughing - who would give any town that for a name!), was just about every available women’s ‘go-to-guy� for great sex. And Sean, being a guy, wouldn’t say no. But it got to the point where sex wasn’t enough anymore and stopped - for nearly a year, even avoiding the women as much as possible. But the women don’t make it easy for him. I must say, the author was really inventive with the places and ’suggestions�. He’s thinking about settling down, and the women have him on the run.
The first line, and the rest of the paragraph, set up the story really well. You’re snorting, trying not to laugh right then and there. Just when you think the women are about to tear off his clothes in the middle of the street, Dorcas and Ambrose, unknowingly to Sean, come to the rescue. Serendipity, I’d say. They help him with what he wants - too well, I might add.
In comes Maggie Grady. She likes her boss, likes her job, but is getting desperate. As a location finder for SaveALot, she’d been out-bid by the rival store, MegaMart, too many times and is desperately seeking the perfect location. Then a surprising e-mail sets in motion the rest of the story. If the location is perfect, Big Knob is the ticket at saving Maggie’s job. But she doesn’t know what she’s in for�
What she wasn’t ready for was Sean. No longer a stud muffin to the rest of the women, sporting awful looking glasses and extremely unruly hair, he’s still very ’stud muffiny� to Maggie, and she doesn’t want to fall for him. Finding out that the location she’s looking at is the very one Sean has been working for doesn’t help the situation, and now Sean is determined to sway Maggie in another direction.
While the sex is erotic, it’s not overly graffic, which was a plus. It was nice to read something like this for a change - where words were chosen carefuly to give the reader the idea, but not graffic to the point of losing interest. But there’s a lot of it.
I did find that there could have been just a bit more to the plot, though. I mean, Sean had wanted help in the first place to back the women, but the more he thought about it, the more he was hoping that the great sex would distract and sway Maggie away from the property he wants. I did like, however, that the story proves the point that looks aren’t everything � and can be deceiving. And even with all the fumbling, he still swept her off her feet; not despite it but maybe because of it.
I sort of felt, however, that the whole George the dragon thing almost took away part of the story. I mean, Dorcas and Ambrose’s exile to Big Knob was the whole point for them - because of George. But it sort of really didn’t go with the story - almost a diversion.
Still, the story was cute, funny and I’m sure I’ll pick up the second book.
What can I say? While I’m a sucker for a happy ending, this one had me laughing in places as well.
Sean Madigan, the handsome, sexy stud muffin of Big Knob (okay, the synopsis had me laughing - who would give any town that for a name!), was just about every available women’s ‘go-to-guy� for great sex. And Sean, being a guy, wouldn’t say no. But it got to the point where sex wasn’t enough anymore and stopped - for nearly a year, even avoiding the women as much as possible. But the women don’t make it easy for him. I must say, the author was really inventive with the places and ’suggestions�. He’s thinking about settling down, and the women have him on the run.
The first line, and the rest of the paragraph, set up the story really well. You’re snorting, trying not to laugh right then and there. Just when you think the women are about to tear off his clothes in the middle of the street, Dorcas and Ambrose, unknowingly to Sean, come to the rescue. Serendipity, I’d say. They help him with what he wants - too well, I might add.
In comes Maggie Grady. She likes her boss, likes her job, but is getting desperate. As a location finder for SaveALot, she’d been out-bid by the rival store, MegaMart, too many times and is desperately seeking the perfect location. Then a surprising e-mail sets in motion the rest of the story. If the location is perfect, Big Knob is the ticket at saving Maggie’s job. But she doesn’t know what she’s in for�
What she wasn’t ready for was Sean. No longer a stud muffin to the rest of the women, sporting awful looking glasses and extremely unruly hair, he’s still very ’stud muffiny� to Maggie, and she doesn’t want to fall for him. Finding out that the location she’s looking at is the very one Sean has been working for doesn’t help the situation, and now Sean is determined to sway Maggie in another direction.
While the sex is erotic, it’s not overly graffic, which was a plus. It was nice to read something like this for a change - where words were chosen carefuly to give the reader the idea, but not graffic to the point of losing interest. But there’s a lot of it.
I did find that there could have been just a bit more to the plot, though. I mean, Sean had wanted help in the first place to back the women, but the more he thought about it, the more he was hoping that the great sex would distract and sway Maggie away from the property he wants. I did like, however, that the story proves the point that looks aren’t everything � and can be deceiving. And even with all the fumbling, he still swept her off her feet; not despite it but maybe because of it.
I sort of felt, however, that the whole George the dragon thing almost took away part of the story. I mean, Dorcas and Ambrose’s exile to Big Knob was the whole point for them - because of George. But it sort of really didn’t go with the story - almost a diversion.
Still, the story was cute, funny and I’m sure I’ll pick up the second book.
November 25, 2012
This gets only 3 stars because it's definitely not my genre (modern romance with a dash of the supernatural) -- but god, it's such a fun, sweet, and NICE read. I mean, seriously, it's simple, but so endearing.
There are no "nasty" characters -- people have their flaws, but all of them feel real, and sincerely nice people. It came to a place where I knew that the "dark moment" was close to happening, but I was almost screaming "NooooO! Just end now! Let them have their happy ever after!".
The book escapes all the trite clichés of romance (no love at first sight, no virginal heroine, no overly perfect man, etc) and the meddling of wizards (who are not the main characters) is outright hilarious.
Please, go read this if it sounds up your alley.
I admit was a little disappointed by the conflict of the end (seeing it was not related to the main characters) but I let it pass because I loved everything else, especially the Wizardring Duo, who ended up being the funniest and more interesting characters.
There are no "nasty" characters -- people have their flaws, but all of them feel real, and sincerely nice people. It came to a place where I knew that the "dark moment" was close to happening, but I was almost screaming "NooooO! Just end now! Let them have their happy ever after!".
The book escapes all the trite clichés of romance (no love at first sight, no virginal heroine, no overly perfect man, etc) and the meddling of wizards (who are not the main characters) is outright hilarious.
Please, go read this if it sounds up your alley.
I admit was a little disappointed by the conflict of the end (seeing it was not related to the main characters) but I let it pass because I loved everything else, especially the Wizardring Duo, who ended up being the funniest and more interesting characters.
October 12, 2011
Sean has a problem, every female he comes across wants him but he is sick of being used and groped, he wants something more. When he meets Dorcas and Ambrose they offer him a solution to his problem, turning off his sex appeal and making his appearance low-key;
Little does he know that Dorcas and Ambrose have the power to do just that very thing. When Sean runs into Maggie he is astonished that she isn’t fawning all over him but now is the time when his previous looks and desirable nature would have come in handy, he wants Maggie not only in his bed but also he needed her on his side to protect his family home from development. I didn’t really get the inclusion of George the dragon in the story, if that had been left out I wouldn’t have felt it was missing anything at all plot wise, though I did like the moment it created between Maggie and Sean;
Overall it wasn’t a bad read; it just didn’t particularly excite me or capture me. However if you are looking for something out the ordinary then it is worth thinking about reading.
“Sean thought about the women that mobbed him at every turn, his lack of freedom to move around town without being pinched or whistled at, his complete disinterest in sex. He lifted his glass and candlelight bounced off the cut crystal. The Lowells wouldn’t be able to do what he wanted, but what the hell, he’d ask.
“Turn off my sex appeal,� he said. Then he laughed because that sounded so impossible.�
Little does he know that Dorcas and Ambrose have the power to do just that very thing. When Sean runs into Maggie he is astonished that she isn’t fawning all over him but now is the time when his previous looks and desirable nature would have come in handy, he wants Maggie not only in his bed but also he needed her on his side to protect his family home from development. I didn’t really get the inclusion of George the dragon in the story, if that had been left out I wouldn’t have felt it was missing anything at all plot wise, though I did like the moment it created between Maggie and Sean;
“She nestled her head against his shoulder. “You were really brave.�
“I was really scared shitless�
“That’s what bravery is- being scared shitless and doing it, anyway�
He thought about that and felt sort of proud of himself. “Thanks. So were you scared shitless, too?�
“At first I was. But when he threatened to kill you, I just got mad�.
“Huh�. He liked thinking of her going into a rage on his behalf. He also liked standing here with his arm around her. There was nothing sexual or suggestive going on, just two people holding each other.�
Overall it wasn’t a bad read; it just didn’t particularly excite me or capture me. However if you are looking for something out the ordinary then it is worth thinking about reading.
September 2, 2015
Super cute.....a dragon named 'George', a witch & a wizard couple flying on broomsticks named Dorcas & Ambrose....and a matchmaking love story thrown in for good measure....a little like Beauty and the Beast with magick. A couple of parts were really funny, a couple of parts pretty steamy....not recommended if detailed descriptions of intimate encounters offend you....however, the 'heroine' of this novel was I thought super-neato.....loves food with a passion....lots of good descriptions of food as well....I could almost taste the cinnamon rolls.....Overall, I liked this a lot more than I thought I was going to......
April 23, 2019
Over Hexed (Hex, #1) by Vicki Lewis Thompson .....I read this book twelve years ago and loved it and I still do...This is Sean and Maggie's story ...but it is also Amborse, Dorcas, Sabrina and George's story too. There are plenty of laughs, angst, magic, a few twists and turns and plenty of steamy stuff all to get us to a very HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Happily Ever After Easy-to-read Whimsical Funny Witty Steamy Page-turner Wonderful characters Romantic Great world building
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Happily Ever After Easy-to-read Whimsical Funny Witty Steamy Page-turner Wonderful characters Romantic Great world building
September 5, 2018
Want a little magic in this world than this is the book for you. Imagine your favorite sexy male loosing his sex appeal just when he could use it the most. And in some small town, everyone knows everyone else, and you've the makings of a disaster or a romance. Add a little magic and you have a great read. I enjoyed it, easy, fun read.
May 12, 2019
This is just hilarious and romantic. Also heartwarming and even a little adventurous but mainly very realistically deals with learning to love a person based on their heart/actions instead of what they look like on the outside. The hexing is also interesting and a bit risque' lol. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
May 14, 2019
If you like a little magic with your slapstick, this is the book for you! I laughed all the way through it. The characters are fun and quirky, and the dialogue is snappy.
January 2, 2020
2.5 stars. Average and exactly as expected.
November 30, 2023
Fun to read , laughed a lot.
Read
December 16, 2023Going through my kindle and marking off books I've read. Read this forever ago and don't remember it well. Maybe it's time for a re-read of some of this author's books....
May 28, 2024
This is such an entertaining book. I absolutely loved it. It was a perfect mix of magical, romantic, silly and sexy.
December 15, 2014
It's no wonder Vicki Lewis Thompson is one of my favorite authors! Over Hexed is another wildly fun and sexy romance! Set in the small town of Big Knob (LoL), Sean Madigan has no problem getting women. In fact, after years of having the local women literally throwing themselves at him, he's sick of it. He's never had a real relationship, and he's ready to find the one. Lucky for him there's some new arrivals in his sleepy little town. First there's the new couple, Dorcas and Ambrose, who no one knows are really witches. Everyone just thinks they're eccentric. Soon they're followed by Maggie, a location scout for a superstore chain, who's there to buy up the property which Sean has had his eye on; his childhood home! After dinner with the odd couple, Sean is no longer Mr. Sex Appeal as he wished, but now he's having trouble charming the pants off of Maggie to get her to drop her bid! What's a guy to do?
I loved Dorcas and Ambrose, and not just because they added some magic to the story. This couple really is hilarious. They may be middle-aged but they have no shame in dropping hints about their adventurous sex life, much to Sean's embarrassment. Small town life isn't really for them, but they're stuck there until they can get the local dragon, George, to behave himself. While a giant reptile with ADD sounds like a fun time, I felt this little side-plot was unnecessary. We don't meet George until the very end and only for a brief moment. I could have done without it, but it didn't distract from the rest of the story in Over Hexed.
Even though Sean resented his Adonis-good looks for keeping him from having a real relationship, he does admit that he uses it to his benefit once it's gone. Maggie is all business and his first attempts to woo her don't go so well, since he's stuck with crazy hair and ugly glasses (not exactly hideous material, but it's Chick Lit!). However, once things get going, woah. I hadn't even realized that they had only known each other for a few hours, because I was totally invested in the story. Their sexual chemistry is through the roof and they get it on all over the place! Turns out that you don't need to look like a god to be good in bed...and at the table...and in the woods...and...
Anyway, Over Hexed is just a good time! I flew through it, and while I hate Chick Lit endings, I couldn't help but keep smiling. It's not the most original plot and yes, it was extremely predictable, but I enjoyed it. A lot. And that's what really matters.
Read more of my reviews at .
I loved Dorcas and Ambrose, and not just because they added some magic to the story. This couple really is hilarious. They may be middle-aged but they have no shame in dropping hints about their adventurous sex life, much to Sean's embarrassment. Small town life isn't really for them, but they're stuck there until they can get the local dragon, George, to behave himself. While a giant reptile with ADD sounds like a fun time, I felt this little side-plot was unnecessary. We don't meet George until the very end and only for a brief moment. I could have done without it, but it didn't distract from the rest of the story in Over Hexed.
Even though Sean resented his Adonis-good looks for keeping him from having a real relationship, he does admit that he uses it to his benefit once it's gone. Maggie is all business and his first attempts to woo her don't go so well, since he's stuck with crazy hair and ugly glasses (not exactly hideous material, but it's Chick Lit!). However, once things get going, woah. I hadn't even realized that they had only known each other for a few hours, because I was totally invested in the story. Their sexual chemistry is through the roof and they get it on all over the place! Turns out that you don't need to look like a god to be good in bed...and at the table...and in the woods...and...
Anyway, Over Hexed is just a good time! I flew through it, and while I hate Chick Lit endings, I couldn't help but keep smiling. It's not the most original plot and yes, it was extremely predictable, but I enjoyed it. A lot. And that's what really matters.
Read more of my reviews at .
August 3, 2011
I am not, generally, a fan of romance novels. This author was recommended as one who doesn't use the tropes that so turn me off most romance reads. I'm glad for the recommendation, because I really enjoyed it.
The story is about Sean Madigan, a small-town hottie who's sick of the attention. He can't go out in public without being groped and propositioned. He enjoyed the attention when he was young, but now he just wants to go about his days without worrying about who he'll bump into.
Then into his life come two magic practitioners who have been exiled to this odd little town, and who are bored. They take on his case, dampening his appeal and summoning his soul mate, pitting the two against one another.
I liked that the story is about taking down the alpha male a peg, ultimately. He's stripped of his good looks and made helpless by the number of crises the witch and wizard's meddling churn up. He's well out of his element, and completely befuddled. Stories about women having the upper hand in a romance tale are evidently what I've been missing.
The characters are a definite strength of the novel. Maggie, the love interest, is strong and independent and smart. Ambrose and Dorcas, the aforementioned witch and wizard, are mischievous and fun and they play off each other well. The weakest character, the dragon George, is more of a prop than a character, unfortunately. I thought George had a lot of potential. Maybe in later books. With the rest of the supporting cast, I had the feeling they all had their own back stories and their own things going on that had nothing to do with Sean and Maggie.
The weakest points of the story were the aforementioned dragon, which was more of a prop than a character or major plot point, and the dialogue. I've been watching a lot of the classic Dark Shadows, with its maid-and-butler exchanges, expositionary monologues, and overly insightful remarks, and I thought this book sounded similar enough that I imagined the writer taking notes on dialogue while watching soap operas.
Obviously the dialogue and silly use of the dragon wasn't enough to kill my enjoyment of the book. It detracted a bit, but not enough to make me quit reading. Overall, this book was an enjoyable page-turner, and I would recommend it to others who shy away from romance novels because the usual tropes are a turnoff.
If anyone wants to drop a comment recommending more trope-busting romance novels, I'll happily add them to my to-read list.
The story is about Sean Madigan, a small-town hottie who's sick of the attention. He can't go out in public without being groped and propositioned. He enjoyed the attention when he was young, but now he just wants to go about his days without worrying about who he'll bump into.
Then into his life come two magic practitioners who have been exiled to this odd little town, and who are bored. They take on his case, dampening his appeal and summoning his soul mate, pitting the two against one another.
I liked that the story is about taking down the alpha male a peg, ultimately. He's stripped of his good looks and made helpless by the number of crises the witch and wizard's meddling churn up. He's well out of his element, and completely befuddled. Stories about women having the upper hand in a romance tale are evidently what I've been missing.
The characters are a definite strength of the novel. Maggie, the love interest, is strong and independent and smart. Ambrose and Dorcas, the aforementioned witch and wizard, are mischievous and fun and they play off each other well. The weakest character, the dragon George, is more of a prop than a character, unfortunately. I thought George had a lot of potential. Maybe in later books. With the rest of the supporting cast, I had the feeling they all had their own back stories and their own things going on that had nothing to do with Sean and Maggie.
The weakest points of the story were the aforementioned dragon, which was more of a prop than a character or major plot point, and the dialogue. I've been watching a lot of the classic Dark Shadows, with its maid-and-butler exchanges, expositionary monologues, and overly insightful remarks, and I thought this book sounded similar enough that I imagined the writer taking notes on dialogue while watching soap operas.
Obviously the dialogue and silly use of the dragon wasn't enough to kill my enjoyment of the book. It detracted a bit, but not enough to make me quit reading. Overall, this book was an enjoyable page-turner, and I would recommend it to others who shy away from romance novels because the usual tropes are a turnoff.
If anyone wants to drop a comment recommending more trope-busting romance novels, I'll happily add them to my to-read list.
October 31, 2014
This book was funny and sweet all wrapped up into one package. Warning: There may be spoilers ahead!
I love the idea that a man would be so good-looking and sexy that he would wish he wasn't like that anymore. I also love that as soon as he gets that wish he wants it back to get what he wants from someone else.
Sean is the town hottie, and women all over town just want to find their way into his bed. Sean, after living with this all his life, is ready to get away from that and just wants to be left alone. That is where magic comes into play.
After being stripped of his ungodly sex appeal Sean meets the one woman who makes his body hot and she is also after his childhood home.
Maggie wants to use the land that his childhood home is sitting on to help save her job. The land is perfect for a one-stop shopping mega store and Maggie is desperate to have it or lose her job.
Now Sean has to win over Maggie using good old-fashioned charm that he has had to rely on before. Will she see through his odd ways and find the sweetheart beneath or is Sean simply nothing other than a pretty face?
I have to say that I love Sean. He seems like a really interesting guy and I like that he has to do so much to win Maggie over and despite everything learns that good looks aren't everything.
That is one thing I really love about Vicki Lewis Thompson's books. The characters are so real. In most romance novels it is a sexy guy and a sexy girl who would be sexy regardless of anything, but Thompson brings real life into the picture. Whether it's a nerd or a werewolf or a mortal being pulled around by a matching-making witch and wizard, they still retain that humanity.
The girls are beautiful, but they don't make normal girls feel unimportant or ugly. The guys are good-looking, but they seem to be realistic and the reader could feel like they could walk outside and see this guy on the street.
What I also like about Sean is that he had to find his own way. In the past it was the girls pursuing him, now he has to pursue her. It's new and unfamiliar territory for him and he treads on it lightly.
I also like Maggie because she too is real and can see past Sean's looks to find the guy underneath. I think this was a great book and can't wait to read the next in the series.
I love the idea that a man would be so good-looking and sexy that he would wish he wasn't like that anymore. I also love that as soon as he gets that wish he wants it back to get what he wants from someone else.
Sean is the town hottie, and women all over town just want to find their way into his bed. Sean, after living with this all his life, is ready to get away from that and just wants to be left alone. That is where magic comes into play.
After being stripped of his ungodly sex appeal Sean meets the one woman who makes his body hot and she is also after his childhood home.
Maggie wants to use the land that his childhood home is sitting on to help save her job. The land is perfect for a one-stop shopping mega store and Maggie is desperate to have it or lose her job.
Now Sean has to win over Maggie using good old-fashioned charm that he has had to rely on before. Will she see through his odd ways and find the sweetheart beneath or is Sean simply nothing other than a pretty face?
I have to say that I love Sean. He seems like a really interesting guy and I like that he has to do so much to win Maggie over and despite everything learns that good looks aren't everything.
That is one thing I really love about Vicki Lewis Thompson's books. The characters are so real. In most romance novels it is a sexy guy and a sexy girl who would be sexy regardless of anything, but Thompson brings real life into the picture. Whether it's a nerd or a werewolf or a mortal being pulled around by a matching-making witch and wizard, they still retain that humanity.
The girls are beautiful, but they don't make normal girls feel unimportant or ugly. The guys are good-looking, but they seem to be realistic and the reader could feel like they could walk outside and see this guy on the street.
What I also like about Sean is that he had to find his own way. In the past it was the girls pursuing him, now he has to pursue her. It's new and unfamiliar territory for him and he treads on it lightly.
I also like Maggie because she too is real and can see past Sean's looks to find the guy underneath. I think this was a great book and can't wait to read the next in the series.
May 8, 2015
I only meant to sample this book, but I got sucked in and stayed up all night to finish it. I normally don’t like books that have so much sex (because I feel it takes away from the story line). Vicki Lewis Thompson is the exception. Even though the characters have a lot of sex, it is always a necessary component of the story. I think she’s clever to make the plot hinge on the sex.
In Over Hexed, Ambrose and Dorcas are ‘exiled� to Big Knob to get the irresponsible dragon, George, under control. They meet Sean, who has an unusual problem: he’s too sexy. He is tired of women throwing themselves at him. They give him a potion that makes him less attractive.
Maggie is a land purchaser for Save-A-Lot. She comes to town and finds the perfect property to buy. The problem is that the property is where Sean grew up. He’s been planning on buying it and fixing up his old house. Maggie and Sean, naturally enemies, have to work through their attraction for one another.
I was familiar with Ambrose and Dorcas because I’ve read Blonde With a Wand and Chick With a Charm. I didn’t know they’d be in this series as well. I was pleasantly surprised because the couple is cute and funny. If you haven’t read either series, I recommend starting with this one first since the events in this book take place before the events in Blonde With a Wand.
I will definitely read the rest of the series. Book two is Wild & Hexy. Book three is Casual Hex.
If you haven’t read anything by Vicki Lewis Thompson, start with Over Hexed. It will give you a sense of her style and how her books are more than just wild sex. They have humor, romance, and usually a big problem that needs to be fixed. One thing I like a lot about her books is that usually magic alone isn’t the way to fix it. The magic is usually contingent upon personal development
May 21, 2015
Ms. Thompson specializes in atypical, nerdy men as her romantic leads and as such they have become a trademark of her romance novels. Here she tweaks her usual formula by starting off with a gorgeous guy and turning him into an average Joe, complete with lack of muscle definition, Clark Kent glasses and unruly hair. Played for giggles, this novel explores the lighter side of sex, sensuality and magic. While the rapidity with which Sean and Maggie fall into lust with each other is a bit disappointing (causing Maggie to become ambivalent about her need to lock down a land deal), the story manages to toss in a few questions about duty, family needs, community and smoking hot sex.
A couple of minor subplots about skunks and an ADD-addled dragon add to the quirkiness. But the supernatural element isn’t as important as the relationships. What really startles, surprisingly, is the sexual and amorous love between Ambrose and Dorcas, a pair of misplaced magic wielders in their 50s who act with the verve, frankness and randiness you’d expect of people half their age. Their confidence in their sexual feelings and their obvious love for each other are things you don’t often see in romance novels and it is refreshing to find it here. It’s a reminder that sex isn’t just for the young and love that lasts is what truly matters. For readers wanting more unusual tropes in their contemporary romances besides vampires, werewolves and demons, given Ms. Thompson a try.
A couple of minor subplots about skunks and an ADD-addled dragon add to the quirkiness. But the supernatural element isn’t as important as the relationships. What really startles, surprisingly, is the sexual and amorous love between Ambrose and Dorcas, a pair of misplaced magic wielders in their 50s who act with the verve, frankness and randiness you’d expect of people half their age. Their confidence in their sexual feelings and their obvious love for each other are things you don’t often see in romance novels and it is refreshing to find it here. It’s a reminder that sex isn’t just for the young and love that lasts is what truly matters. For readers wanting more unusual tropes in their contemporary romances besides vampires, werewolves and demons, given Ms. Thompson a try.
September 3, 2008
This is a light and fluffy cotton-candy type of book, and a very quick read. A predictable, sweet, paranormal romance.
Dorcas (F) and Ambrose (M), 50-something married witch and wizard matmakers screwed up a spell and are sent to babysit an inept dragon in Big Knob, Indiana as their punishment. This small town sports a very phalic looking rock formation, hence the name.
Sean Madigan has suffered from extreme attractiveness since he hit puberty. Women are constantly throwing themselves at him, and frankly, treat him like a piece of meat. He's sick of it. He complains to Dorcas and Ambrose about it and they dose him with a potion to take away his mojo. Meanwhile, they've engineered events to bring his soul mate to town- Maggie Grady. Maggie's put in a bid to buy Sean's childhood home. She plans to tear it down and put up a Walmart wanna-be. Sean's been saving for years to buy the old victorian house. Most of the book is Sean and Maggie trying to talk, or seduce, each other out of buying the property. The sex scenes are vanilla and sweet, and the ending is predictably happily ever after.
Dorcas (F) and Ambrose (M), 50-something married witch and wizard matmakers screwed up a spell and are sent to babysit an inept dragon in Big Knob, Indiana as their punishment. This small town sports a very phalic looking rock formation, hence the name.
Sean Madigan has suffered from extreme attractiveness since he hit puberty. Women are constantly throwing themselves at him, and frankly, treat him like a piece of meat. He's sick of it. He complains to Dorcas and Ambrose about it and they dose him with a potion to take away his mojo. Meanwhile, they've engineered events to bring his soul mate to town- Maggie Grady. Maggie's put in a bid to buy Sean's childhood home. She plans to tear it down and put up a Walmart wanna-be. Sean's been saving for years to buy the old victorian house. Most of the book is Sean and Maggie trying to talk, or seduce, each other out of buying the property. The sex scenes are vanilla and sweet, and the ending is predictably happily ever after.
November 10, 2014
Disappointed. I considered abandoning the read about 1/3 through but forced myself to finish. Very uneven - some amusing scenes where I giggled out loud (especially Juvenile Delinquent Dragon) and lots of hot sex scenes, but plot uneven and all over the place. At times it felt like a mid-write draft that needed another edit to pull it together. I think this is her third book with Dorcas & Ambrose and I find I like them less and less - no heart energy or compassion for their clients - they change Client's lives with weird spells and then throw them to the wolves with no info, no background, not really caring - sorry just did not feel right.
Loved the Hero Sean - he seemed really sweet and nice but his sudden 'in love' with the Heroine did not ring true for me. Found the Heroine very annoying, especially her hot/cold, hot/cold responses to the Hero as they were starting to get involved sexually - talk about mixed messages - found I really did not like her at the beginning 2/3 of the book so it was hard to care. Had the bare bones potential of a fun magical read, but did not live up to some of her other work.
Loved the Hero Sean - he seemed really sweet and nice but his sudden 'in love' with the Heroine did not ring true for me. Found the Heroine very annoying, especially her hot/cold, hot/cold responses to the Hero as they were starting to get involved sexually - talk about mixed messages - found I really did not like her at the beginning 2/3 of the book so it was hard to care. Had the bare bones potential of a fun magical read, but did not live up to some of her other work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2011
Sean Madigan has finally gotten his wish - he has lost the super sexiness that's plagued him all his life, so he can finally walk down the street without being bombarded by women. But it couldn't have come at a worse time, because Maggie Grady just blew into town and she's the first woman to attract him in who-knows-how-long, but she won't give him a second look. Complicating matters is the fact that she wants to buy the land his childhood home sits on and raze it for a big box store, while he wants to buy it and restore the house to its former glory.
This book is a really fun read, once you get past the very beginning where Maggie is kind of an unlikeable jerk. And if you can ignore the one bump at the end that breaks the rule of No Big Secrets Between the Hero and Heroine by the End. Yeah, aside from those two things, it's a great book. Thompson gets the sweetness between the main characters right, which makes watching them come together quite delicious. And the sensuality is right on!
This book is a really fun read, once you get past the very beginning where Maggie is kind of an unlikeable jerk. And if you can ignore the one bump at the end that breaks the rule of No Big Secrets Between the Hero and Heroine by the End. Yeah, aside from those two things, it's a great book. Thompson gets the sweetness between the main characters right, which makes watching them come together quite delicious. And the sensuality is right on!
May 11, 2011
This is one of those very fluffy reads. It is just so cheesy and over the top, annoyingly so at times, but overall fun. The story takes place in a small town of 947 people with a superstudly, over-pheromoned dude named Sean who can't get girls to leave him alone. He meets a wizard couple who give him a potion to make him unattractive. Then, he meets the girl of his dreams, Maggie, who is also trying to buy his childhood home and turn it into a bargain chain store. Unfortunately, Sean's lost his mojo and doesn't know how to woo her or convince her to look elsewhere for a store location. Insert some drama and antics, uninhibited sex, end with HEA.
Question here. Our stud Sean literally butters Maggie up with a stick of room-temp butter while they're getting it on in the kitchen. Was the author serious about that being sexy or was it more of a spoof on crazy sex? I'm not getting the sexiness in that, but maybe that's just me.
Question here. Our stud Sean literally butters Maggie up with a stick of room-temp butter while they're getting it on in the kitchen. Was the author serious about that being sexy or was it more of a spoof on crazy sex? I'm not getting the sexiness in that, but maybe that's just me.
January 12, 2015
Sean is the sexiest man in Big Knob. Women throw themselves at him constantly and he's always enjoyed it. For the last year he has remained celibate not sure what he wants just that he doesn't want to continue with the women in town. Enter Dorcas and Ambrose who are matchmakers. They lure Maggie to Big Knob to buy the property Sean wants and put up a SavALot store. They make Sean's wish come true to be unattractive which is why he can't win Maggie over like he's done with women in the past. The have an amazing connection and incredible sex but continue to disagree with the property. In the end, Sean is willing to give it up and so is Maggie. Sean ends up with the house but Maggie leaves town. She comes back and they live happily ever after. This is part of a series but I'm not sure if it is one I want to continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2008
Witchy couple Dorcas and Ambrose have been exiled to Big Knob, Indiana, and decide to pass the time with a little matchmaking. Sean Madigan is the town hunk, who has tired of the constant female attention and longs to be more normal. Dorcas and Ambrose grant his wish, just as a new arrival to town, Maggie, shows up wanting to bring a big superstore to town--on the site of Sean's dream house. Without his looks, Sean must connect with Maggie on a personal level.
This was such a fun book for a while, with a great twist on the "My Fair Lady" plotline--Sean becomes plain and nerdy. But small things just got on my nerves, and I *hated* the ending. Maggie just needed to grow up and stop being such a tool.
This was such a fun book for a while, with a great twist on the "My Fair Lady" plotline--Sean becomes plain and nerdy. But small things just got on my nerves, and I *hated* the ending. Maggie just needed to grow up and stop being such a tool.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2016
4 Stars:
I fell in love with the small town of Big Knob and it's corky towns folk. Thompson has once again written a quick wit funny romantic novel reminding me why she is one of my favorite authors.
Among some of my favorites. Outstanding literary work. The characters are well developed, interesting. The liked characters are likable and the hated are unlikable. The writing is captivating enough to keep you interested until the end and leave you wanting more. It has a fairly original or uniquely well-developed plot. The pretense and romance was well balanced and done with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and chemistry. Not so much predictable if at all. Overall, loved it, I recommend reading!!
I fell in love with the small town of Big Knob and it's corky towns folk. Thompson has once again written a quick wit funny romantic novel reminding me why she is one of my favorite authors.
Among some of my favorites. Outstanding literary work. The characters are well developed, interesting. The liked characters are likable and the hated are unlikable. The writing is captivating enough to keep you interested until the end and leave you wanting more. It has a fairly original or uniquely well-developed plot. The pretense and romance was well balanced and done with properly distributed amounts of hints, behaviors and chemistry. Not so much predictable if at all. Overall, loved it, I recommend reading!!
December 18, 2010
Over Hexed is the first in the series about Dorcas and Ambrose who are a witch and wizard. They got sentenced to live in Big Knob and take care of the dragon George. Unknowingly Sean a handsome man that all the women want, goes to them for help on being less attractive to women. After Sean transforms his looks into a loser he meets Maggie. They are both after the same house to buy. Sean wants it because it was his childhood home. Maggie wants it so that she can tear it down and turn the land into a shopping center and save her job. This is going to be a predictable series but a good one.
March 28, 2009
For a potion/spell that went wrong (A husband wanted a potion to make his wife seem sexy to him in support hose, but he ends up finding every woman in support hose sexy)Dorcas and Ambrose are exiled to Big Knob, Indiana to ensure that George the local dragon behaves and start earning his gold scales. Being Wizard/Witch Matchmakers with no wizards/witches around decide to start their matchmaking business with the locals, enter Sean and Maggie. . . .
This was cute, and a total bubblegum read and would be an excellent beach book.
This was cute, and a total bubblegum read and would be an excellent beach book.
July 10, 2011
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I never quite understood the overwhelming attraction certain people showed towards other people because it was just so... overwhelming. I do, however, really enjoy Vicki Lewis Thompson's writing, as every book I have read by her has elements of comedy, romance, magic, and a little bit of drama (just enough to make her books have a serious tilt every once in a while). I really liked all the characters I met in this book, even the ones you're probably supposed to hate. I like that the author makes the townsfolk so vibrant and interesting.
March 5, 2013
Fun characters (Dorcas and Ambrose) who are sent to a small Indiana town with an adolescent dragon who needs to be taken in-hand to perform his duties. This turns out to be a peripheral storyline about the community of people in Big Knob Indiana.
Yes, Big Knob and all those sly analogies and metaphors are explored in (ahem) depth.
A fun, romantic story with a good message - love is not selfish, not to be used to manipulate someone into doing something YOU want. This book also has a range of sexy scenes, fun manifestations of a spell (be careful what you wish for!).
Yes, Big Knob and all those sly analogies and metaphors are explored in (ahem) depth.
A fun, romantic story with a good message - love is not selfish, not to be used to manipulate someone into doing something YOU want. This book also has a range of sexy scenes, fun manifestations of a spell (be careful what you wish for!).
July 8, 2014
It took me a bit to get into this book but eventually I did and it was a great story.
The plot was cute, a super hot guy with lots of magnetism asks Dorcas and Ambrosia to make him "unhot".
The trendy and very sexually active couple grant his wish. Unfortunately, just as he is getting is reprieve and career oriented female shows up to steal him family home. He needs his looks and spark.
Sean manages to gain back his sex appeal and he learns what love is and what is important in life.
There were some steamy scenes and as usual, with this writer, it is a comical read.
Worth reading!
The plot was cute, a super hot guy with lots of magnetism asks Dorcas and Ambrosia to make him "unhot".
The trendy and very sexually active couple grant his wish. Unfortunately, just as he is getting is reprieve and career oriented female shows up to steal him family home. He needs his looks and spark.
Sean manages to gain back his sex appeal and he learns what love is and what is important in life.
There were some steamy scenes and as usual, with this writer, it is a comical read.
Worth reading!
September 8, 2008
I loved Vicki Lewis Thompson's 'Nerd' Series, so I thought I would give this new series a try. It was very cute! The characters are funny and have their own special quirks. Who wouldn't love a book with matchmaking witches and wizards, a two thousand pound dragon who is supposed to be guarding the forest, and an unsuspecting couple who just might find true love while fighting for the same piece of property? I can't wait to read book two of this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.