Pretty Potions and Sexy Spells, Volume 1 Read online

  PRETTY POTIONS AND SEXY SPELLS

  by

  Juliet Cardin

  TORRID BOOKS

  www.torridbooks.com

  Published by

  TORRID BOOKS

  www.torridbooks.com

  An Imprint of Whiskey Creek Press LLC

  Copyright © 2015 by Juliet Cardin

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  ISBN: 978-1-63355-665-2

  Credits

  Cover Artist: Kelly Martin

  Editor: Fran Mathieson

  Printed in the United States of America

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  HELP, I’VE BEEN ABDUCTED BY AN ALIEN

  As well as having the heat turned up, Help, I’ve Been Abducted by an Alien! is also full of adventure. After finding out about Earth’s fate, Jen is desperate to return to Earth and warn the human race. Lysander knows of the consequences and more, which is partly why he keeps her with him. But Jen’s character is strong and so is her will!

  As well as having fun, believable characters and an enjoyable storyline, it is also well written and flows nicely. I do love how Juliet Cardin has gained the reader’s attention by beginning the story with Jen as a non-believer in the abductees stories but then having to believe them after she shares a similar experience. It is certainly a read I would love to read again. Any sci-fi erotic romance fan is sure to love this little story!

  ~ Caroline Barker, Areadersreviewblog

  SURVIVOR PLANET

  Amanda and Ayres. This is a story that will make you think of Hunger Games, but then I also thought about Lord of the flies and Star Trek as I was reading it. There are layers of intrigue and reality that are slowly revealed. A short read, it still covers a lot of ground and I already look forward to the sequel. It's not a cliffhanger, but you just know that there are adventures waiting in the future. Amanda has lived in psychiatric institution since she was found unconscious among the remains of her uncle and aunt. She has hallucinations and a troubled past. Ayres is an enigma represented by her crazy ex-lover, or is he?

  There's politics and aliens and games reminiscent of the Roman's Colosseum. What's a girl to do when she is abducted by aliens, except go with the flow? This story isn't really what I was expecting. I was expecting a 'Mars needs women' type of story, but it is actually much better and not nearly as predictable. You kind of have to do as the heroine does and just strap on your seat belt and enjoy the ride.

  ~ Cheesecake’s Reviews, Goodreads

  THE TULPA KNIGHT

  The Tulpa Knight was a sweet read. I really enjoyed the easy flow to the story and its characters. Kallie is a strong woman who finally realizes just what true love is. Jamie is a great man who finds a way to gain back what he looses. The love and the emotions that grow between Kallie and Jamie are a wonderful read. Juliet Cardin makes us once again want to believe in the magic of true love and what it can do. If you enjoy a quick and romantic read this is a book that you should not miss.

  ~ Got Romance Reviews

  SOLAR SLICK

  I would recommend this novella to those who enjoy sci-fi erotica/romance. It’s an enjoyable read, which is highly entertaining and full of intrigue. More books are sure to be in the future, and I for one am looking forward to them!

  5/5 flaming hearts for hotness.

  ~ sslyblog.wordpress.com

  Other Books by Author Available at Torrid Books:

  www.torridbooks.com

  Planet sEx

  Divisive Dome

  Observation Deck

  Across the Distance

  Male Order Alien

  Solar Slick

  Galaxy Glitch

  Step in Time

  The Tulpa Knight

  Help, I've Been Abducted by an Alien!

  Survivor Planet Series

  Survivor Planet

  Survivor Planet II

  JUST THIS NIGHT

  “The time is now, the hundredth year, the moment has arrived.

  Beauty and grace will come to rest, the loneliness—survived.

  For one eve, I call to the West, the East, the South and North.

  The mate I seek for just this night, I ask that he come forth.

  Passion shall rule us and make us whole. Attraction at first sight.

  Let me know how love should feel, if only for one night.”

  As Glenna completed the incantation, she dropped the last sprig of meadowsweet into her caldron. She hummed as she stirred the heady potion set upon the sturdy wooden table before her. Slylock, her black cat, turned figure eights around her legs leaving dark fur on Glenna’s stockings. The faded black dress Glenna wore was old and shabby, barely covering her knees. She brushed aside her long dark hair, which hung like a heavy cape down her back, and set her spoon aside. She picked up a chalice and held back her sleeve as she dipped it in the caldron and snatched up some of her brew. Putting the chalice to her lips, she drank back the entire contents.

  It took only a moment or two before she began to feel the magical effects. Already her body felt sleeker and tighter. Her hands opened and closed easily, and her legs bent without any hint of pain or discomfort. She turned circles around the room, never once losing her balance. Slylock followed her, purring his excitement. Glenna bent and picked him up and stroked his soft sleek coat.

  “Aye, my darling. I am beautiful, and I shall attract a man this All Hallows Eve.”

  “Meeroow,” Slylock agreed.

  Glenna dropped the cat onto an old dusty couch in the attic and then journeyed down the three flights of stairs. She strode purposefully into the foyer of her three-hundred-year-old manor and walked directly before an eight-foot-high, intricately framed mirror—the only mirror in her home. She carefully pulled away the long, dark mantle, which hid her reflection. Placing the mantle aside, she stepped forward and peered at her image.

  Noting her beautiful large brown eyes and perfect brows, Glenna smiled. Her lips curved into a succulent bow, and she could see a row of perfect pearl-white teeth. She bent to lift the hem of her dress and pulled the offending piece of fabric up over her head and off her shapely body. Her long white slip came off next and landed in a heap at her feet along with her dress. Now she was completely naked, and Glenna couldn’t help but stare long and hard at her exquisite, luscious curves. Her legs were long and shapely, her breasts firm and high; her waist was narrow and curved out into temptingly wide hips.

  Slylock padded across the room and came up to sit on his haunches before the mirror. He too seemed to be enjoying the image displayed.

  “See me, darling? Am I not beautiful?” Glenna asked in wonder. She could not remember her true appearance, it being well over five hundred years since she had last seen herself. But she remembered how the young men had teased her then, called her ugly and witch-like. If they had actually known she was a witch, they may not have teased her so. But Glenna had not forgotten their laughter, and she had vowed nev
er to see her reflection again. Centuries had passed, and she had traveled much, keeping mostly to herself and careful to keep her true identity a secret. She’d eventually left England to settle in the New World and had a home built that would last for centuries and keep her hidden from prying eyes.

  It was true she had not aged since her eighteenth birthday, but she felt the burden of the years in her weary bones. She spent her time in solitude, rarely venturing outside the high stone walls that surrounded her home. When she did go out, about once a month to get supplies from the small town nearby, she’d don her long cloak with a hood to hide her hideous appearance.

  Then, one day, while she was going through the trunk in the attic that held her spell books, she had come across the magical verse. The beauty spell that could only be said on All Hallows Eve, once every one hundred years. This was the first time she had used the spell, and Glenna was extremely pleased with the results, even if they were temporary. Come midnight, the spell would be over, and she would revert back to her ugly self.

  The bong of the old grandfather clock gained Glenna’s attention. “Eight o’clock,” she gasped. “I haven’t a moment to spare.” Quickly she raced back up the stairs to her bedchamber. She had bought a beautiful modern dress especially for this grand occasion, and she couldn’t wait to try it on. Slylock hurried up the stairs behind her, and now he jumped onto the bed to watch Glenna get ready.

  “Oh, how that woman in the store smirked at me when I bought this dress,” she told the cat as she dressed. “She almost outright laughed at me as she rang it in. Lucky for her I was in a good mood, or I would have turned her into a toad.”

  When she was ready, Glenna grabbed her new high-heeled shoes and rushed back downstairs to stand before the mirror once more. She had already placed a brush and some cosmetics she’d purchased on the small table by the mirror. Now she brushed her hair with long strokes until it shone and then applied the cosmetics the way she’d learned from fashion magazines. She even had a little purse that matched her dress to hold her lipstick if it required a touch-up while she was out. There were several magazines around the huge old manor house. Glenna had read them and learned all about what men in this modern world liked and how she should act with a man when she got him alone.

  Men expected women to be more outgoing and adventurous nowadays. No longer were women to sit idly by and wait to be pursued. Now a woman could go out to taverns—bars—and pick up any man she liked. It was all quite daring.

  Once Glenna had finished applying her makeup, she felt confident she could leave her refuge without causing a panic in the streets. Her shoes had taken her over a week of practice before she could walk in them without stumbling. She’d even rehearsed conversations, although they’d been one-sided, since Slylock could only meow in response. Hopefully, no one would notice her lack of social graces.

  Glenna climbed into her little car. She would prefer to fly her broom, but knowing folks wouldn’t take kindly to having a real witch in their midst, she’d relented and bought the modern vehicle. The contraption had been more difficult to figure out than a horse and carriage. She was grateful for the several acres of land surrounding her home, which had enabled her to learn to drive.

  As she cruised the streets of town she noticed the little children, dressed as ghosts and goblins, out trick-or-treating. No one came to her house. The imposing stone walls and high iron gate, not to mention the “Beware of Dog” signs—not that she had one—kept visitors to a minimum.

  When she reached her destination, The Fool ‘n’ Fowl Bar and Grill House, Glenna parked her car and headed toward the entrance. She took a deep breath before she opened the door and began to step inside.

  “Outta the way, lady!” a giant brute suddenly yelled in her face.

  Glenna stepped aside just in time to see a young man clutched by his shirt and pants tossed outside like yesterday’s rubbish. The young man landed in a heap on the hard cement and let loose a torrent of foul words. Glenna watched in shock as he got to his feet and brushed himself off. She feared he’d try to gain entrance past her, but the giant who’d flung him still stood there guarding the door.

  “Are you all right?” the big fellow asked her.

  Glenna nodded mutely, and the man gave a grunt and walked away into the darkened room. She followed him, taking three steps forward, but feeling the eyes of everyone in the room upon her, she paused. Perhaps this had been a mistake? Even though she appeared to be like everyone else, she knew deep down how different she actually was. Despite her beauty, people were gawking at her just as they had before. She suddenly felt old and ugly and out of place.

  Glenna sighed. This had been a mistake. Coming here only made her feel self-conscious. She’d been a fool to think that muttering a few words and drinking a potion would allow her to find love this night. She was about to leave when suddenly, from across the room, she saw him...

  Sitting at the bar, the most handsome man Glenna had ever laid eyes upon lifted his gaze to meet hers across the smoke-filled room. Almost like a dream, he got to his feet and practically floated toward her until they stood only inches apart. He took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips to press a lingering kiss upon her knuckles.

  “May I introduce myself?” he asked.

  Glenna only nodded, fearing her voice would surely fail her if she attempted to speak.

  “Richard Barrentine.”

  “Barrentine?” The name seemed somehow familiar to Glenna, though at the moment she could not place it.

  “An old English name. And, beautiful lady, may I ask your name?”

  He still held her hand in his, and Glenna could feel the heat of his skin against her fingertips. “Aye—I mean, yes. Glenna. Glenna Cosworth.”

  “Could I interest you in a drink, Glenna?” he asked.

  “N...no!” she said, digging in her heels when he attempted to pull her gently toward the bar. When he raised a curious brow at her, Glenna explained, “I mean...would you...mind...if we left?”

  The little smile on his face grew larger. Richard tucked Glenna’s hand snuggly around his arm as he turned and began leading them toward the door. “You don’t have to ask me twice.”

  When they reached the parking lot, Glenna paused. “Did you drive? I’d really rather we take my car.”

  “Ah, no. I came with someone, but they left,” he said.

  “I hope you don’t think me too forward, but I’d feel more comfortable at my house.” Glenna led him over to her car and blushed prettily as he opened her door and waited for her to climb inside.

  They drove in silence until they reached Glenna’s home. Then Richard blew a low whistle. “Wow! This is some place you have here.”

  “I like my privacy.” Glenna shrugged. She’d enjoyed the way Richard’s gaze had remained upon her as she’d guided the car along the winding road out of town. She’d turned to peek at him every few minutes and had to resist the urge to pinch herself to see if she was truly awake.

  Richard was every woman’s fantasy. Every male model she’d seen in her magazines had been so very handsome, but still they didn’t compare to Richard. He was taller, broader and much more divine. His eyes looked dark, but she had yet to see them in the light. She could, however, tell that his hair was very dark, and long. It brushed his shoulders in what Glenna was certain were silky soft waves.

  Glenna waited while the electric gate opened. Then she pulled the car up around the circular driveway and parked before the double doors of the manor. Richard jumped out and held open her door before she had a chance to open it herself. It’s the spell, she thought, pleased that it was working so well. Richard certainly seemed smitten with her.

  Once inside, Glenna pushed open the tall windows in the spacious but comfortable living room to allow a breeze to enter within. She offered Richard a drink, and they relaxed on the sofa before the fireplace. Richard asked if she minded if he lit a small fire, and Glenna nodded her approval, knowing the cool outside air would offset the
warmth of the flames.

  “Something about a fire seems so romantic somehow, don’t you think?” he asked, kneeling down before the hearth.

  “Mm-hmm.” It was hard to keep her mind on his words when his tight little derriere was bent at such an appealing angle.

  When Richard had completed his task, he sat back down beside Glenna. He took a sip of his wine before replacing it on the table. He reached out to take Glenna’s glass and put it aside. Taking her hand in his, he lifted it up to his lips. This time, instead of kissing her knuckles, he turned her hand and kissed her palm. Glenna shivered when she felt the tip of his tongue dart out to taste her flesh. She couldn’t help leaning closer to him.

  Richard put his arms around her and pulled her even closer. It was only moments later when his lips found hers. His kiss was searing, and Glenna had to turn her head and gasp over the incredible heat she felt. He again claimed her lips, and when she felt his tongue slip into her mouth, she almost came undone. She wanted him so badly. His hand stroked her hair, and when he pressed against her, she lay back upon the sofa. Lying over her, Richard continued kissing her passionately. His lips trailed down her throat toward her chest. His hand found her breast, and Glenna shuddered when he pinched her nipple through the fabric.

  He wants me as much as I want him! She was deliriously happy, until the voice of her cruel conscience taunted her. Only because of the spell! He wouldn’t want you if he saw who you truly are!

  “Stop it!” Glenna cried, unaware she had spoken aloud until she felt Richard freeze.

  “What’s wrong? I thought you wanted me?” he asked. He sat up and looked down at her, concern in his expression.

  Glenna smiled at him ruefully. “I do want you. I’m sorry, I wasn’t yelling at you. I was yelling at the stupid voice of reason in my head that was telling me to slow down,” she lied.

  Richard appeared unconvinced. “Are you certain? We don’t have to...you know...”

  Glenna cursed her conscience. Still lying back on the sofa, she reached up her hand to caress his cheek. “I want you, Richard.” It was extraordinary, these feelings he brought to the surface in her. It was true they were strangers, united by magic, but Glenna couldn’t help but feel a connection to him. It was as though she’d known him forever.