🎧︎Beguiled is the third book in the Betwixt and Between series. We have returned to Salem, Massachusetts, to catch up on the latest events in Defiance’s life. Let me tell you when you hang with Defiance, her best friend Annette and all the supporting cast you can expect to have an interesting, fun and dangerous journey. This installment delivered all these elements in spades.
Newly indoctrinated witch, and a charmling to boot, Defiance Dayne discovers there’s more to life after forty than she'd ever imagined possible. Especially since one neighbor is trying to seduce her, another neighbor is trying to steal her house out from under her, and a third neighbor is trying to get her kicked off the planet. Oh for three, but things start to look up when a new witch moves to town, one who says she’s been sent to thwart an attempt on the charmling’s life. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: Beguiled
Author(s): Darynda Jones
Series: Betwixt & Between #3
Also in this series: Betwixt , Bewitched
Narrator(s): Traci Odom
Published by Tantor Audio on May 11, 2021
Pages: 372
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Genre(s): Paranormal Women's Fiction, Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Format: Audiobook 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Dephne decides she has three things to do before she can die. Find out who killed her beloved grandmother, teach her BFF, Annette, the finer points of spellcasting before she blows up the world, and figure out how serious her relationship with the Adonis living in her basement really is. If it’s heading in the direction she’s hoping for, she can die happy. Though, admittedly, she’d rather not.
None of that will matter, however, if she can’t figure out how to foil the supernatural assassin who’s been sent to kill her. Until then, it’s business—and hopefully romance—as usual. Now if she can only figure out how to tame a lacuna wolf.
SUMMARY
In this installment, Defiance focuses on finding out who murdered her grandmother. Added to that, it would seem someone wants to kill them all. Is the same person who killed her grandmother or is this a different threat? Defiance will need to figure it out before they all end up six feet under.
She also needs to figure out the next step in her relationship with Roane, the sexy shifter, who had every woman drooling over him. Then there is the neighbour who is hell bent on getting her to leave Salem and Annette’s magic is spiralling out of control. Did I mention that there is a new witch in a town and a warlock hunter whose may have nefarious intentions? Poor Defiance can’t seem to catch a break.
I had a blast with 🎧︎Beguiled. The mystery, romance and all the other events combined made or a compelling read. This is my favourite of the series so far. Defiance has grown throughout the series and this installment showcased her strengths, her confidence and her abilities.
The romance between Defiance and Roane sizzled an popped. I loved how much their relationship grew throughout the series. Roane protective nature shined throughout this installment. I had fun watching the two of them together and without a doubt they made the perfect couple. The only issue I had with their romance had to do with Roane’s insistence on getting married, knowing of Defiance’s caginess on subject based on her prior experience.
The mystery surrounded the murder of her grandmother was tied and I must good riddance to the perpetrator. Honestly, I never once suspected their involvement.
🎧︎Beguiled delivered some interesting revelati0ns, but also left me with some questions, which have me eager to pick up the next book. I am happy to report the focus of the next book will be on Annette, Defiance’s bestie. That woman is a riot and and an absolute delight. I can’t wait to see what she will bring to the series.
This series has been so much fun and I do recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries blended with urban fantasy with some magic and romance stirred into the mix.
Narration
Traci Odom continues to narrate the series. The versatility in her performance kept me glued to my listening device. This is a narrator I would listen to again and again. She captured the personalities of each of the characters, my favourite being the rapport between Defiance and Annette. Her tone, accents, and voices for the characters were on point.
| Story Evaluation | |
|---|---|
| Plot | |
| Characters | |
| World Building | |
| Writing Style | |
| Pacing | |
| Cover | |
| Narrator (Audio) | |
| Enjoyment | |
| Ending | |
| Overall: | |
About Darynda Jones
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin’s Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women’s fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
- Undeniably Convenient: J. Saman - July 26, 2024
- One Little Sigh: Shannon Hollinger - July 22, 2024
- Tin God: Elizabeth Hunter - July 21, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Oh I have not checked out this series I love her Sunshine series thanks
You are welcome, Debbie.
Wonderful review! I haven’t read this series but I do enjoy the author. I have enjoyed some of the #PWF books although they feel cozy and I don’t read as much cozy as some other mystery genres.
Thanks Anne. Yes, they do have a cozy feel, but I do believe you would enjoy this series.
I just put this series on my TBR. It sounds like something I would enjoy! Terrific review, Nadene!
Thanks, Wendy. I do hope you enjoy it.
Yes!!! I loved this one so much. Can’t wait for Annette’s book. 🙂
That makes two of us.😊
ooh I am glad to see that this author still writing I know many readers adore her work. I do love seeing a romance develop over a series. I feel like it adds more depth than what you can get in one book sometimes,
Great review!
This is a series that I really do want to read. I am so glad to see that you enjoyed this installment.
I do believe you would enjoy it, Carole.
I am enjoying this series too. I love everything this author writes.
This is the only series of her I have read.
Sounds like you really enjoyed this one.
I sure did.