Review: Sweet and Spicy for the Magic Lover
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 17, 2010
Originally Posted at: [...]A new life!Annabeth Hanover never thought that her book of photos of her gnome sculptures would furnish her with the means to move out of her apartment in the city. She has found the perfect house in the perfect small community. Number Thirteen Oak Point Way is perfect, and the first time Abby saw it, she knew she was home.But there is more going on than meets the eye in this sleepy little place; it is a magical community, and soon everything will center around Abby. Soon after moving in, Abby meets her neighbors, and likes them all, especially her next door neighbor. Alexander Desmith makes Abby feel all warm and tingly, and he seems to feel the same.Imagine Abby's shock when, shortly after moving in, her gnomes come to life, she discovers her friends are all supernatural beings, and she is a powerful magic wielder herself. As Abby learns her role in this new life, can she accept what is happening? Can she and Xander build a relationship as she accepts what's happening? And just who is trying to kill the new Nexus and why?Viola Grace has created a unique community of magical characters in this, her first full-length book.Abby is delightful as the fledgling Nexus, leader of her band of assorted magical friends. At first she is surprised and confused at the powers surfacing in her, bur she becomes determined to succeed at her new responsibilities. Her band of friends and neighbors includes Laura the mermaid, SeeSee the Gorgon, Verne the werewolf, and Xander the wizard. Miranda is the only non-magical in the neighborhood, but she comes from a magical family.I loved the problems that arose as Abby learned to channel her magic, and the exploits of her newly animated gnomes as they became more knowledgeable. Xander is supposed to train Abby in the use of her magic, but like any man, all he can think of is her sexy rear-end.When the attacks begin, everyone is mystified on who would want to kill Abby. I loved how the neighbors and the gnomes worked to keep Abby safe, but I was especially happy to see her stand on her own and beat the culprit at her game. The romance between Abby and Xander grows slowly, and is sweet and sometimes spicy as well.This is a wonderful first book for this series, and I recommend it for anyone who wants the magic back.