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© 2008, Michelle Hasker Reviews For WITCHY WOES Book 2: CANDACE by Michelle Hasker "The scenes between the two are
beyond decadent in some instances. I definitely recommend Witchy Woes:
Candace to everyone who read the first installment and certainly to
anyone just interested in a great book." "I am thrilled with this series
and can't wait to read the third title! If you want to be utterly enchanted,
charmed, and titillated, read this marvelous series." "This was a really cute story. I loved Candace and her coven and would let Brody keep me company anytime. I can't wait to read about Tamara, Camryn, Sandra, Macy and Allison. Well done, Ms. Hasker!" ~PNR Reviews The romance and the passion are exquisite and really took my breath away. Michelle Hasker is an author I love to recommend to readers and I can't wait for the next installment in this incredible series.~Dark Angel Reviews Just as charming and engaging as the
first book in the series, this one sizzles with humor and hot romance!
And that hot tub scene…WOW! One can use the coven of six witches in many unimaginable ways and I am looking forward for Ms. Hasker to pen a few more good ones. Witchy Woes: Candace has a magical mix of everything that makes a tale a good read. ~Reviewed by Mahaira Fatima, Just Erotic Romance Reviews Ms. Hasker has a way of making you mad
at Candace's love interest and in the next chapter wanting to reach
through and give him a big hug. I'll defiantly be watching for the next
Witchy Woes novella! Sample Chapter For WITCHY WOES Book 2: CANDACE by Michelle Hasker Candace jumped up and down as she tried to stay warm. It was unseasonably chilly, almost as if a warning not to perform tonight’s ritual. When she glanced around at the others, no one seemed to feel the same sense of foreboding, so she pushed it aside. Sandra was the one with Sight. If anyone knew what the outcome of this would be, it was Sandra. But since one could never see their own future, perhaps even Sandra didn’t know what would happen. “You made it! And on time. Thank you, Candace.” Sandra gave her a quick hug. Candace immediately missed Sandra’s body warmth as she stepped back. “I aim to please.” “No. You knew how important tonight was and you made it. Thank you, Sweetie.” Candace blushed and turned away, looking for something to keep her mind off how cold she was. She watched Camryn set her tools in the center of the circle. Camryn looked not only very nervous, but like death warmed over. The poor thing was probably terrified of screwing up another spell. A strong wind sent shivers up her spine. Candace stomped her feet, debating jogging around the circle for warmth. Even though it was the perfect night and place for the spell, the beach seemed intimidating and haunted. With the waning moon they had plenty of light, but she still wished it had been at one of their homes, or at least some place warmer. As soon as Camryn finished laying out the altar items, Sandra handed her the broom. “As I sweep, may the Besom…” Camryn seemed more confident as she began to cleanse the circle. Perhaps she would do well after all. The tattoo on Candace’s ankle warmed at Camryn’s words. A rose. Her symbol for earth. The earth which was where her power came from. Tamara held the power of fire, Allison held air and Macy had water. As their High Priestess, Sandra was their teacher, guide and best friend. Camryn was new to the coven and so far hadn’t exhibited any power or talent other than screwing up. Once Camryn finished sweeping, it was Candace’s turn. Candace shrugged off her jacket and set it on the ground. She took her spot and lifted her hands up to the heavens. “I call upon light and earth at the north to illuminate and strengthen the circle.” The sand beneath her bare feet sent a surge of strength to her. Candace gave a whisper of thanks to the Goddess. They needed all the help they could get tonight. She closed her eyes, reveling in the surge of energy from Mother Earth while the rest of her coven took their turns. “I call upon light and air at the east to illuminate and enliven the circle,” Allison said. A strong wind blew around the circle, whipping across her back, but not her front. Allison’s magic was strong tonight as well. “I call upon light and fire at the south to illuminate and warm the circle,” Tamara said as she lifted her hands up. Candace gasped as warmth filled her, chasing away the lingering chill and leaving her feeling loved. “I call upon light and water at the west to illuminate and cleanse the circle,” Macy said. As the next wave crashed on the shore, all doubt and hesitation fled as Candace felt her mind clear. Thank the God and Goddess that Macy’s power was so strong. Surely all of them had brought negativity to the circle, but now it was gone. Sandra lifted her athame and stepped forward. She stopped in front of the altar and said, “I draw this circle in the presence of the Lady and the Lord, that They may aid and bless us in our work.” As Sandra walked around the circle, Candace felt an answering hum from the earth. When Sandra finished, the ground shifted slightly and settled, but no one acted like they noticed. Continuing with the ritual as if nothing happened, Sandra chanted a spell to protect them while they cast tonight’s spells. Finished, Sandra moved back to the altar and blessed the salt which she then sprinkled in a circle around them. As it touched the ground, the color turned bright white and rose, wrapping over them until they were sealed inside a huge bubble. Again, they went around the circle, starting with Candace once again. “I call upon you, Guardians of the North, Element Earth, to guard this circle. By the body and strength that is ours, we ask you to attend this rite.” Before she finished speaking, a loud rumble sounded underneath them. This time she knew the others felt it when they smiled. “I call upon you, Guardians of the East, Element Air, to guard this circle. By our breath and thoughts we ask you to attend this rite.” Another strong gust of wind whirled around the outside of the circle. Allison grinned and turned to Tamara. “I call upon you, Guardians of the South, Element Fire, to guard this circle. By our energy and consumption of life we ask you to attend this rite.” As Tamara finished, flames leapt up surrounding the circle, reaching high and wide, like a protective shield. “I call upon you, Guardians of the West, Element Water, to guard this circle. By our emotions and blood in our veins, we ask you to attend this rite,” Macy said. A light rain drizzled down upon them, then ceased as Sandra lifted her arms up in the air, holding her athame up high. “Hail to the elements! Welcome to the Lady and Lord! We stand between the worlds surrounded by light, love and power.” Sandra poured wine onto the ground for the Lady and Lord, and turned to face Camryn. “I know we’ve done spells before, but the power you five hold is amazing,” Camryn said. Even though she shouldn’t feel pride at the words, Candace couldn’t help it. Magic was the only thing in her life she did right. “Are you ready to begin, Camryn?” Sandra asked. “I’m not sure where to start. I did spells for love, money, health, a job and looks.” “Did you follow my instructions?” “Yes, I did. But—” “No buts. Get your spells in order, Dear. Job, looks, health, love, money. Please start when you are ready.” Camryn nodded, but looked nervously around the circle. Oh dear. This doesn’t bode well. The cleansing obviously didn’t work on Camryn. But why and how had it failed? We’re doomed. Gritting her teeth together to keep back a groan, Candace watched as Sandra piled some small oak twigs inside the cast iron cauldron. Camryn rifled through her papers until she produced the one she wanted. After reading the paper, Camryn reached for the frankincense candle and lit it. “Please cleanse me, as I reverse the spells I cast in ignorance.” The flame flickered, but held strong. Then Camryn drew in a deep breath, looked down at the sheet and repeated the spell. Fortunately, this time the flame stayed strong and true. When Camryn finished, she dropped the paper in the cauldron. It burned with a brilliant flash of light. Camryn smiled and looked around the circle before she pulled out the next spell. As she read this one her confidence was more assured, giving Candace hope Camryn wouldn’t mess up the spells. When she finished the last spell, Camryn dropped the papers into the cauldron. A huge flame leapt out and split into five separate flames. One shot at each corner, and the last at Sandra as she stood next to the altar. A flame hit the ground at her feet, and immediately the sand parted, and her feet started to sink. “Shit! Goddess! Someone help!” Frantic, Candace looked around the circle and wept at the sight. Tamara lay on the ground, blue flames licking at her chest as she rolled back and forth. Macy flew out of the circle and landed in water, but didn’t come back up. Allison was nowhere to be seen, and Sandra lay in a crumpled heap near Camryn who appeared paralyzed or too stunned to move. “Cam! Camryn, help me!” Camryn’s eyes never moved toward her as she sank deeper and deeper into the ground. If this was quicksand, it would only be a few feet deep. As long as she didn’t struggle she’d float back to the surface. Instead she sank further, the ground shifting underneath her, splitting open and swallowing her whole. The last thing she saw was the ground closing over her head as she gasped for air. |