Good morning! I have crawled out of my editing hermit to bring you a much-anticipated review for me! The first book in LR Friedman’s newest duet! I love all things spooky and witchy, on top of that include a dash of emotional realism and sexy witches and I am hooked.
**Be warned** this book deals in mature themes such as post-partum depression, spicey moments after having a baby. Please check the trigger warnings before diving in they can be found on the last page of the paperback.
Spice level: 3/5
Blurb:
Any witch would be lucky to live in Celestial Haven.
At least that’s what new mom Oakley Brooks tells herself when she moves to the idyllic supernatural suburb with her sister. If raising a witchling and adjusting to a new neighborhood wasn’t hard enough, Oakley has a sinful secret.
Her magic is running out.
And if the truth about her dry spell is uncovered by the tight-knit coven’s rumor mill, she’ll be sent packing.
After her sister doesn’t return home from a night on the town, Oakley begins to worry and enlists the help of two of her neighbors: a charming personal trainer who conjures up once-forgotten feelings and the coffee truck’s resident brewista who’s as broody as he is enigmatic.
Could her magic be playing tricks on her or are these two tasty treats actually interested in the hot mess mom down the street?
The full moon closes in—the perfect opportunity to recharge her magic. Oakley must decide if she can accept the consequences of her gift or if she’ll let her magic disappear forever.
As they continue to search for answers about her sister, two things become clear:
Secrets never stay hidden and something wicked is brewing on Starry Night Lane.
Wicked in the Pines is the first part of a supernatural MMF why choose paranormal romance duet set against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. For readers looking for Practical Magic and Wednesday vibes with a splash of spice and a dash of mystery.
My Thoughts:
I jumped into this with all my excitement. I dove into this book not knowing it was exactly what I needed. I love hearing about new mom’s overcoming the struggles that come with being post partum (It gives me hope for when I have a child of my own that I’ll get through the bad days) and add in the fantasy elements and this story is beautiful. Beautifully written, gorgeous cover, and a message that I think every woman (Especially the ones who plan on having, have had a baby) should hear.
I love the worldbuilding of these suburbs, and the way that Friedman shows us through the characters how this community differs from the mortal world. It’s also a story that felt like witchy desperate house wives but in a good way. (I loved that show don’t come at me.) I love the way magic is used, replenished and how it still incorporates the love of nature that you find in a lot of witchy practices.
Now let’s talk characters.
Oakley is a bad ass. Periodt (yes, with a t.) She’s still adjusting to being a new mom, little Aspen is only about 5 months old, while also trying to manage her own emotions while juggling her missing sister and a new man. I feel like that would be a lot for anyone. I love Lynx and Saros. I love how attentive and helpful Lynx is. Saros is the quiet protector, and it’s nice to see those little protective things as they come out. You can see how they all have a past, and they all have their own kind of baggage they’ve been carrying with them. I love seeing them accept each other. Baggage and all. I’m interested to read the second book and see how Hazel (Oakley’s sister) plays into the second part of this story.
Thie book is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback and the e-book is on kindle unlimited!