Title: No Rest for the Wicca
Author: Toni LoTempio
Published: September 7, 2010
Words: 82,362 (approximate)
My Copy: Book Lovin’ Bitches eBook Tours
Communing with the dead is an everyday occurrence for PI Morgan Hawkes. A half-Wiccan witch who can commune with spirits of those caught between worlds, Morgan uses her talents to exorcise the trapped ghost or demon as part of the Paranormal Investigation Squad – until a string of murders with a voodoo slant prompts the Special Forces Agency to ask for her assistance. Someone’s killing pureblood witches- and the SFA’s convinced Morgan’s heritage (her father was a voodoo priest) could be instrumental in solving the mystery. Teamed with dashing SF agent Cole St. John – an Inheritor Vampire that sets her blood racing – the two of them fight their attraction for each other as they race to stop a madman from unleashing a demonic force upon the world.
At first glance No Rest for the Wicca seems like your run-of-the-mill indie book. The cover isn’t an eye catcher but the synopsis had potential in my eyes and is the main reason why I added it to my to-be-read pile. After reading the first few pages I realized that this novel was going to be “one of those”, a story that I just couldn’t put down! Lovable characters, heart-pumping action and great world-building make this book a must read.
My favorite part by far was Morgan. She’s an amazing character with a past that’s just as colorful as her present. At first, she turns down the chance to work on a special assignment that’s offered to her but when her cousin’s life is threatened she quickly reconsiders. I can’t help but admire someone who’s willing to fight tooth and nail for those they love. Morgan had locked her voodoo half away after a previous mistake on the job but forces herself to revisit it. She’s incredibly hard-headed, fiercely independent and never walks away from a fight. One of the things about her personality that made me love her even more was the fact that she doesn’t believe in being promiscuous. Too many urban fantasy heroines jump into bed within the first few chapters of a book but not Morgan. Don’t get me wrong, I love r-rated action as much as the next girl but it’s nice to come across a protagonist with strong morals with regards to sex for a change.
The storyline is equally as captivating. It’s well developed and Toni LoTempio does an excellent job of tying up all of the lose ends. Things that I’d forgotten about or disregarded as trivial came into play in the final chapters. The author’s attention to detail is admirable! The murder investigation side of the plot transformed the book into a real page turner. Just when I thought the case was solved all neat and tidy like things blow up and nothing is as it seems. LoTempio skillfully steers the investigation into a different direction, one that I didn’t see coming but ends up making perfect sense. Well played!
Cole is another great character. At first I disregarded him and thought that he was a jerk. But after he and Morgan become partners we start to see that there’s more to St. John than meets the eye. He’s a vamp but with a few added twists on the standard breed. Cole and Morgan eventually do get it on so don’t worry. Her resistance efforts were admirable but I was happy when she gave in. I know, I’m contradicting myself. I don’t like the female lead to jump into bed too easily but I still do want her to get it on… eventually!
I only touched on my favorite aspects of this book but there are plenty more. I strongly encourage you to read No Rest for the Wicca and discover your own preferred elements. Don’t be put off by the cover, this book has a lot going for it and it would be a shame for you to miss out on this jem because of a decision that’s based only on your first impression. I expected the worst from this book but instead I was surprised by the quality of the writing.
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About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I haven’t really seen a whole lot in the way of wiccans involved in urban fantasy, so I might give this one a try. 🙂 Thanks for the review, Carmel!
DJL
djlibrarian3@gmail.com
I felt exactly how you described in your first paragraph! The cover certainly throws me off but the story sounds pretty great! I really must try and join you ladies at the Book Lovin’ Bitches E-Book Tour since I finally got my own e-reader!
Thanks for the great review Carmel!
PS. I Tweeted about this post!
averys.book.nook@hotmail.ca
Interesting review! The cover originally put me off but your review makes me consider reading it now!
lilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
This was an interesting one for me. The cover is very off putting. But the review is good, so I may have to check this one out!
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
@DJL Exellent point!
@Avery It’s one of those hidden jewels. Congrats on the eReader!
@jeanette8042I can’t reiterate enough that the cover is deceiving!
@Vivien I was on the fence at first about reading this one too. 🙂
Thanks for the review. I havent heard of this one before but it sounds pretty good.
tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/49335092514009088
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I’ve read so many great reviews for this book. I’m hoping to pick it up soon.
sarah.setar@gmail.com
I’ve tweeted this at: http://twitter.com/#!/SweetNSensible
sarah.setar@gmail.com
This is the next book I am going to be reading on BLB and I agree the cover didn’t catch me either but the blurb did I can’t wait to read it. Awesome review 🙂
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
@donnas No problem. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
@IdentitySeeker It’s definitely worth your time if you’re a fan of the genre.
@BLHmistress Glad to hear that I’m not the only one who thought the blurb had potential. Hope you enjoy it!
wow… I didn’t know about this book… but if you like it I am considering to try it sometime.
Syki
sykorova.p@gmail.com