Scan barcode
daffz's review
4.0
I was eager to start the fifth book in this series, because I had really enjoyed the previous ones. It was an entertaining read like they had all been, and it was very easy for me to get into it. I immediately connected to the characters again, and felt invested in the story right away.
I still really enjoy the format of these books, as it gives you a chance to look in Sebastian's head too in between the two stories from Lily's perspective. The whole book was very suspenseful, and it kept me wanting to pick it up. The ending has made me really curious about the next book, and I can't wait to read it. This book definitely added a bunch of new elements to the series, all of which make me very curious.
All in all, a solid book as usual. I definitely recommend this series.
I still really enjoy the format of these books, as it gives you a chance to look in Sebastian's head too in between the two stories from Lily's perspective. The whole book was very suspenseful, and it kept me wanting to pick it up. The ending has made me really curious about the next book, and I can't wait to read it. This book definitely added a bunch of new elements to the series, all of which make me very curious.
Spoiler
I do wish Sebastian and Lily would stop arguing about small things, sometimes their arguments felt a little repetitive but that does add some realism to it.All in all, a solid book as usual. I definitely recommend this series.
noriboo's review against another edition
5.0
This was a slowburn. The first half was a bit slow, but once the action gets started and the ending, oof!
lolasreviews's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Love, Lies and Hocus Pocus: Betrayal is the fifth book in this fun urban fantasy series. It had been a while since I read the last two books, so it took me a while to get into this book. Luckily the author added enough hints and mentions of pasts events that I quickly got brought up to speed again. The start of a bit of a romantic scenes and while I loved reading it, I felt like the story really starts when we hear of the trouble that's going on.
I had expected the plot line to go on with the same evil guys that book 4 was about, but they have disappeared and there is no word about them. A new mystery pops up with witches who are causing trouble in their city. Or maybe it's all related after all, but that isn't clear yet by the end of this book. The plot line was an interesting one and I liked how it tied in with Sebastian's backstory. I felt like it really added something to his character, but I also felt so bad for what he has to go through in this book.
It was fun to be back in this world and spend some time with these characters. And see how Lily and her friends deal with this latest threat. There is character interaction, but also action and a bit of mystery. And magic ofcourse. I really like the magic system in this world.
I liked how we got to see this further stage in Sebastian's and Lily's relationship. They are sort of dating, but things definitely don't go as smoothly. I think it makes sense that they are clashing at times, although at some times I wish Lily stopped thinking about agent Grant and comparing Sebastian to him. It's almost like she wants to change him at times, but hey I think that's part of her character arc and struggles. And throughout the book their relationship keeps having those ups and downs. There are some really low moments and also some awesomely perfect moments where you really feel their connection.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger ending and I really am curious what's going on there. And Sebastian has to make a difficult choice and I am just not sure how they will deal with the consequences. I am already looking forward to the next book.
And Sir Kipling is awesome again as well in this book. I really like this talking cat that plays a big role in each story. I like his snark, but most of all I love how she is always by Lily's side. I also liked how this mystery ties in with the novella Cat magic, I was hoping that would be the case and having read that novella I enjoyed the few references back to it.
And there's also a reference to a character that gets introduced in the prequel novel A Study in Mischief. So it was fun to that character pop up in the main books as well. For those who haven't read the novella's all the relevant details are still mentioned so you don't miss anything.
In this book we get to learn a bit more about the demons and I liked how our knowledge of that part gets expanded a bit. I also enjoy seeing more of the wizard powers and the fae.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this latest installment in this fun urban fantasy series. Lily and Sebastian have a lot to deal with in this book, not only relationship struggles, but also a mystery surrounding a group of witches that is causing trouble. There are demons involved and it was interesting to learn a bit more about those. I also enjoyed the references to events that happened in the two novella's and how those tie in with this book. And Sir Kipling is a lot of fun to read about again as always. And while I like his snark, the moments he really stands by Lily are my favorite. Another great book in this series, it ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and I am curious to see how they will resolve that in the next book.
Love, Lies and Hocus Pocus: Betrayal is the fifth book in this fun urban fantasy series. It had been a while since I read the last two books, so it took me a while to get into this book. Luckily the author added enough hints and mentions of pasts events that I quickly got brought up to speed again. The start of a bit of a romantic scenes and while I loved reading it, I felt like the story really starts when we hear of the trouble that's going on.
I had expected the plot line to go on with the same evil guys that book 4 was about, but they have disappeared and there is no word about them. A new mystery pops up with witches who are causing trouble in their city. Or maybe it's all related after all, but that isn't clear yet by the end of this book. The plot line was an interesting one and I liked how it tied in with Sebastian's backstory. I felt like it really added something to his character, but I also felt so bad for what he has to go through in this book.
It was fun to be back in this world and spend some time with these characters. And see how Lily and her friends deal with this latest threat. There is character interaction, but also action and a bit of mystery. And magic ofcourse. I really like the magic system in this world.
I liked how we got to see this further stage in Sebastian's and Lily's relationship. They are sort of dating, but things definitely don't go as smoothly. I think it makes sense that they are clashing at times, although at some times I wish Lily stopped thinking about agent Grant and comparing Sebastian to him. It's almost like she wants to change him at times, but hey I think that's part of her character arc and struggles. And throughout the book their relationship keeps having those ups and downs. There are some really low moments and also some awesomely perfect moments where you really feel their connection.
The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger ending and I really am curious what's going on there. And Sebastian has to make a difficult choice and I am just not sure how they will deal with the consequences. I am already looking forward to the next book.
And Sir Kipling is awesome again as well in this book. I really like this talking cat that plays a big role in each story. I like his snark, but most of all I love how she is always by Lily's side. I also liked how this mystery ties in with the novella Cat magic, I was hoping that would be the case and having read that novella I enjoyed the few references back to it.
And there's also a reference to a character that gets introduced in the prequel novel A Study in Mischief. So it was fun to that character pop up in the main books as well. For those who haven't read the novella's all the relevant details are still mentioned so you don't miss anything.
In this book we get to learn a bit more about the demons and I liked how our knowledge of that part gets expanded a bit. I also enjoy seeing more of the wizard powers and the fae.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this latest installment in this fun urban fantasy series. Lily and Sebastian have a lot to deal with in this book, not only relationship struggles, but also a mystery surrounding a group of witches that is causing trouble. There are demons involved and it was interesting to learn a bit more about those. I also enjoyed the references to events that happened in the two novella's and how those tie in with this book. And Sir Kipling is a lot of fun to read about again as always. And while I like his snark, the moments he really stands by Lily are my favorite. Another great book in this series, it ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and I am curious to see how they will resolve that in the next book.
esprague2510's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
melodrama44's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
caclark1962's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tri_lo_bite's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. Reading this series is like being wrapped in a cozy blanket, and the whole time you’re wishing for some nice scones and a cup of tea. This book did not disappoint. And like usual, I’m left desperate for the next installment.
penwiper's review against another edition
3.0
Lots of arguing, some needlessly hurtful flipouts (guys, get it together already!) and a freaking cliff hanger type ending!
si0bhan's review against another edition
4.0
The Lily Singer Adventures continue with book five, Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: Betrayal, and it’s another great addition to the series. In fact, this one has left me desperate for book six.
It’s been a while since I read the first four books in this series, meaning when I jumped into this fifth it took my brain a while to catch up with what was going on. The moment everything clicked into place, I was gone. I was hooked, unable to put the book down, and things sucked me in so deep.
With book five, things continue to develop in wonderful ways. I admit, this one focuses more on the love and lies aspects than the hocus pocus, but it is vital to the storyline. Things come together well, and by the end we see how the two elements are vital to the hocus pocus of the series.
In truth, this one surprised me. Big things happened in book four, and I expected us to pick up the thread and follow it. We do, but not in the ways I had expected. New elements were introduced, and things developed in the most unexpected of ways. I adored it, was hooked, and I cannot wait to see how these new elements interact with the things introduced to us in the prior books.
As fun as the whole book was, it was the ending that really got me. It ends on a big note, on something that is going to have repercussions throughout the rest of the series, and I’m so desperate to get the next book. I need to know what happens, and I need to know now.
Without a doubt, I’ll be diving into book six the moment I get my hands on it.
It’s been a while since I read the first four books in this series, meaning when I jumped into this fifth it took my brain a while to catch up with what was going on. The moment everything clicked into place, I was gone. I was hooked, unable to put the book down, and things sucked me in so deep.
With book five, things continue to develop in wonderful ways. I admit, this one focuses more on the love and lies aspects than the hocus pocus, but it is vital to the storyline. Things come together well, and by the end we see how the two elements are vital to the hocus pocus of the series.
In truth, this one surprised me. Big things happened in book four, and I expected us to pick up the thread and follow it. We do, but not in the ways I had expected. New elements were introduced, and things developed in the most unexpected of ways. I adored it, was hooked, and I cannot wait to see how these new elements interact with the things introduced to us in the prior books.
As fun as the whole book was, it was the ending that really got me. It ends on a big note, on something that is going to have repercussions throughout the rest of the series, and I’m so desperate to get the next book. I need to know what happens, and I need to know now.
Without a doubt, I’ll be diving into book six the moment I get my hands on it.