Divorced, desperate, and destitute, former restaurateur Defiance Dayne finds out she has been bequeathed a house by a complete stranger. She is surprised, to say the least, and her curiosity gets the better of her. She leaves her beloved Phoenix and heads to one of the most infamous towns in America: Salem, Massachusetts. She’s only there to find out why a woman she’s never met would leave her a … a house. A veritable castle that has seen better days. She couldn’t possibly accept it, but the lawyer assigned to the case practically begs her to take it off her hands, mostly because she’s scared of it. The house. The inanimate structure that, as far as Dephne can tell, has never hurt a fly. Though it does come with some baggage. A pesky neighbor who wants her gone. A scruffy cat who’s a bit of a jerk. And a handyman bathed ink who could moonlight as a supermodel for GQ. She decides to give it three days, and not because of the model. She feels at home in Salem. Safe. But even that comes to a screeching halt when people begin knocking on her door day and night, begging for her help to locate their lost objects. Come to find out, they think she’s a witch. And after a few mysterious mishaps, Dephne is beginning to wonder if they’re right.
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“Darynda Jones brings her original style to paranormal women’s fiction, and I for one couldn’t be happier. Also, maybe be wary of inheriting from strangers…or not. Go get this book!” —Michelle M. Pillow, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
I gave myself thirty minutes to read this morning and didn’t come up for air until hours later when I finished Darynda Jones’s Betwixt. I laughed, I sighed, I gobbled. What a fantastic book! Now I have to read the rest. Thanks for this Darynda.
From the first page, Jones hooks you into the story with a fast-moving plot full of suspense and magic. Her characters are vividly portrayed and lovable (especially the mysterious male with the tattoos). Her prose is silky smooth. You hardly realize you’re reading. It’s truly an amazing book.
I recommend it for women who like paranormal fiction or just a really good story.
My friend, Deb, has been urging me to read Darynda’s books FOREVER, so when I saw she had a paranormal women’s fiction out, I gave it a shot. So glad I did! It was amazing! Could NOT put it down and I’m impatiently waiting for the next one!
Another fabulous WPF novel!
I didn’t mean to read this in one sitting, and how it came to be half past one in the morning when I finished, I have no idea. But it’s that kind of book; fast-paced and easy to read. The main characters, Defiance and Annette feel familiar from Charlie Davidson books, with similar friendship dynamics and a habit of drinking all the coffee than Charlie and Cookie, so I loved them instantly. And if Defiance isn’t an ADD personality like Charlie, she isn’t exactly fully focused either. This isn’t a laugh-out-loud kind of book like the other series, but it has its funny moments.
However, the book feels incomplete. It’s like I was reading the first third of a longer book, with the characters being introduced and the basis of the plot set. And then it ended. There were all sorts of interesting things brought up with no follow-up, like why the house is so scary some people won’t enter it. It did nothing in this book but just shook a bit. Defiance is in mortal peril, but no one came after her. And there is a whole world of witches, but we don’t meet any of them. There are two more books coming, and I’m guessing the main action happens in those, but I can’t judge this book based on what I don’t have.
I also have a small issue with Defiance’s age. She’s supposed to be forty-four, which is fine (I like reading characters my age). I like the little hints of age, like creaky knees. But she has no past. There’s a mention of college, and then she marries at thirty-nine, and also starts a business. What has she done during the almost twenty years in between? I don’t need a day-by-day report, but the gap was glaring, especially since she behaved like a woman who hasn’t done living through that twenty years, with no wisdom or experience gained. If the point of this series, and the books from the writing collective this is a part of, is to introduce urban fantasy heroines that are middle-aged, I’d like them to show the life they have lived to reach that age. They should feel and act differently from the twenty-year-olds.
But I liked Defiance and if I imagine her to be twenty-something, I can forget all the rest. And since the book ended with a whopper of a cliff-hanger, I’m definitely going to read the next book.
Really enjoyed to listening to this with possible romance in the future, paranormal surprises and fun at times.
Darynda Jones never disappoints, and this book had me from the moment the main character inherited a house in Salem. It’s funny, romantic, magical, and a great read. I loved Defiance’s dads, and her love interest wears a kilt and has tattoos. Need I say more?
Betwixt is the 1st in Darynda Jones’ betwixt and Between series. Love Darynda Jones’ paranormal books—every series is such fun—and this one is a wonderful start to the new series.
This was the first book my Ms. Jones I’ve read. While this was a fun read, I wanted to like it more than I did. I love the MC’s name – Defiance. I also was on board with the premise. However, instead of behaving like the 40+ adult she’s supposed to be, Defiance acts more like an angry teenager with her first crush. I kept thinking I’d read her age incorrectly.
She learns about her past, but instead of listening to the person trying to explain her heritage and guide her through to safety, she keeps getting angry with her and cutting her off. As she keeps slamming the door in the banker’s face, even though I think every reader knows what he’s there to tell her.
Percy, the house, is innovative and fun. I love Defiance’s two dadas, and of course, Roane and Ink—probably the two best characters. Annette was by turns a great best friend and irritating as heck.
I was also very disappointed when the book just suddenly ended. I love series books, but want each book to stand-alone.
This is my first book from Darynda, but I will definitely check out more of her works. The characters might be a bit immature for being in their 40’s, but they are definitely hilarious. I was laughing throughout most of this book, and shared numerous scenes/sayings with my husband. The idea of the magics that surround Defiance is unique and interesting. Some bits and pieces are not easily explained though; ergo, magic.
I wish that Defiance and Annette were a bit less childish though. Their maturity level is my main criticism of the book. But, I can also understand that not all adults act like adults either; so it’s not necessarily a deal breaker for me. Maybe it will allow for them to grow as characters. The characters themselves though are very developed which makes everything interesting. My other criticism is that when Defiance is learning her magic, she seems to procrastinate a lot by asking unimportant questions instead of focusing on the task at hand. Maybe it’s to show she lives up to her namesake, but it’s just downright annoying. I think there are better ways of showing it than dragging it out.
Overall though, I devoured this book in a few short hours, and with the massive cliffhanger ending, I need the next book ASAP so I can know what will happen next.
Page turner
Ms, Jones has a magical way with words that brings her characters to life. From the first page to the last I was entranced. I loved this book but the ending … Let’s just say, one heck of a teaser for the next book. It’s not a cliffhanger, because she wraps the story up. She just gives you a lead-in into the next that will have you going to your favorite e-tailer to buy the second book. I feel like I just watched a season-ending episode. Luckily I don’t have to wait months to find out what happened.
Here’s some of what I liked. Awesome characters you can’t help but love. Sexy guy in a leather kilt and workbooks with lots of killer ink. A cute scruffy cat, who might or might not shift shapes with the hot hunk in the kilt. A best friend that not only hilarious but always has your back, and loves coffee as much as you. Then there is Defiance (yep, that’s her name) who is our heroine, and the proud new owner of Percival, a spectacular with a decidedly strong personality. Either that or it’s haunted. Get ready for lots of laughs, a few tender moments, as well as a couple of WTF moments.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves good paranormal women’s fiction. That would be a more mature (nice word of older, not ancient) heroine, lots of quirky people, and humor that doesn’t stop. One of the things I love in Darynda Jone’s books is her chapter headings. They always make me laugh.
Betwixt by Darynda Jones
Paranormal women’s fiction. 1st book in the Betwixt and Between series. A witch in Salem.
Cliffhanger for the series.
Defiance Dayne inherits a home in Salem, Massachusetts. Once she signs the paperwork, she is introduced to her own grandmother and finds out her inheritance is more than just a house. Defiance learns she is a witch. Neighbors are knocking on her door morning and night asking Defiance to help them find lost items. Defiance also learns she’s in danger.
Irreverent, snarky, entertaining and amusing.
I loved this first book. Many laugh out loud moments as well as touching scenes with her adoptive Dads. A hint of romance and best friend antics added to the joy. Corny play on words were irresistibly funny – ie playing with the wieners. Dogs!
I can’t wait to read the rest. This did end unresolved and unfinished in a cliffhanger. I’d be mad, but it was just too much fun. Plus I already have books 2 and 3 (of 4) ready to go.
I listened to the audio version by Traci Odum. She did a phenomenal job on the narration. I also have a paperback and ebook copy to keep and share.
Delightful and fun read.
A very good and fast read. Read it in one setting. There’s so many times I laughed out loud at the patter between best friends. The little sayings (from memes, quotes, t-shirts, etc) were very witty and laugh worthy. Fun paranormal women’s fiction story. Looking forward to book two.
I can always count on Darynda Jones to provide that much-needed escape from reality.
Love the start of the new series, the characters are fun, mostly, have a silly off the wall sense of humour, bit like the author and her deliciously silly side kick 😉 It’s a fast paced little book of fun to take your mind of the day to day shhtuff.
The book has some gradually unfolding mystery which is done so artfully with much thought as to make it feel effortless. A most enjoyable read I look forward and I say this after I’ve second instalment.
Dephne Dayne has been willed a house by a deceased stranger. The house is in Salem, Massachusetts, and when she arrives, Dephne is greeted by a very nervous real estate agent, that all but tosses paperwork at her and makes a run for it. The house has a name, Percival.
Dephne is taken by the house and enters to check out the inside, while on the phone with her best friend having a conversation about a private matter, when Dephne spots a man standing in her kitchen. Threats of having 9-1-1 on the line sank, after learning the man had overheard her.
Roane Wildes hands Dephne a note with a URL with a recorded message from Ruthie Goode. Before Dephne can hear the entire recorded message, people start knocking on her door asking for her help to find humans and objects. Dephne has no clue why.
This was an absolutely fun read! I laughed quite a lot over people’s reactions to the house, the conversation that Roane had overheard and poked fun at, and Dephne’s snarky comments. I can’t wait to read book 2!
Loved it!
A really fun read with a hot love interest, what more could you want?
I enjoyed this book and read it very quickly. I am currently reading the second in the series and it is just as fun. I love Dephne, and Nette, and witty, handsome, sexy, Roane *swoon*. Ahem. Anyway, the characters are relatable and unique and the story is fast-paced and funny. And of course, there’s magic and witches, what more could I ask for?!