Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P Mallory review

You can purchase Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble from Smashwords.

A self-deprecating witch with the unique ability to reanimate the dead. A dangerously handsome warlock torn between being her boss and her would-be lover. A six hundred year old English vampire with his own agenda; one that includes an appetite for witches. The Underworld in a state of chaos. Let the games begin.

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I was lucky enough to have the author contact me to review this ebook. Jolie owns a new age shop in Los Angeles, where she gives readings and has the occasional vision. Jolie's life is thrown into turmoil when an extremely handsome man asks her for a reading. He also books an appointment for the next three weeks. After their last reading, Jolie finds out he is a Warlock, whose name is Rand, and that he wishes to hire her. She's skeptical, but he is offering her a nice sum for her troubles. They head off to Chicago as Rand has a client who wishes to find out who murdered her father. Here she discovers that she can bring back the dead. And not into zombies, but exactly as they when they were alive. It seems she is a witch and her whole life is about to change. She has become the focus of Bella, who is trying to align all the creatures of the Underworld. Bella will do anything to have Jolie but with Rand's help they begin their own recruitment process. In the meantime Jolie is falling for Rand, dating a werewolf she 'reanimated', getting kidnapped by Vampires and being forced to work for Bella, She escapes with an unlikely ally and tries to have the fairy King side with them. It seems everyone wants Jolie to further their own plans, without asking Jolie what she wants. Of course this annoys her and she can be pretty feisty. I liked Jolie. She wasn't stunningly beautiful, more of a girl next door type. Although she does have some serious self confidence issues. It's never annoying, she doesn't really complain but treats it as a fact of life. This novel reminded a bit of MaryJanice Davidson's Queen Betsy series. I liked her personality, she was kind, funny and a little quirky. It takes her awhile to accept what she is and even longer to believe she can actually make a difference. Rand is rather distant from her, and she pretty much has to squeeze answers to her questions out of him. He really fights his attraction to Jolie, and tries to push her away. Of course when he succeeds her is jealous, whether he wants to admit it or not. You can feel the chemistry between, and it literally sparks of the page(or screen, as the case may be). I felt like slapping Rand to wake up to himself and just admit what he feels for Jolie. Rand is hot, distant, stubborn, arrogant and all male. It's fun reading about him trying to deny his feelings for Jolie, and when she realizes the effect she has on him she tries to convince him they should be together. He can switch from warm and cuddly to cold and aloof so quickly, it almost gave me whiplash. Her best friend is the tall, beautiful one, and Jolie  is sometimes envious of her friends looks and can't help comparing herself to Christa. Christa can come off a little ditzy, but in her seems to be charming. She has an interest in photography and is actually quite good. Jolie really tries to encourage her pursuit of her hobby. Their friendship is strong, and they bring out the best in each other. She is sometimes the comic relief, but it doesn't feel like it's on purpose. I was glad Jolie had such a great friend to help her through her troubles.

Bella is the villain and is sufficiently evil. She seems to get what she wants, and does anything so that she always will. She has no qualms about stepping on or destroying anyone in her path. She's one that you love to hate. 

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble is great read and I found it light and funny. The conflict between the characters keeps you interested and I really found myself wanting to read more. The premise of the story grabs your attention, with an impending war, that Bella seems intent on instigating. This story is a great addition to the Urban Fantasy genre. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in Jolie's story, which the author has also graciously allowed me to read.

I give it 4/5. Stay tuned for an interview and giveaway with H.P Mallory.

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