As You Wish (Time of Transition #2) by Gabi Stevens: Review by AimeeKay

Born into a magical family, Reggie Scott is content to live out her life as a normal human until the moment she’s informed that she’s a newly appointed fairy godmother. Left struggling to deal with powers the never thought she’d have, Reggie faces a curse, a plot to overthrow the Arcani, and an entirely too enthusiastic mother—all in a matter of days.

Jonathan Bastion is a man of power and wealth—and a dangerous secret. He desperately hopes that Reggie's new powers will hold the answer to his problem and he isn't above using her to achieve his goals. What he doesn't expect is how much Reggie will affect him. Her honor, her honesty, and her strength quickly make cracks in his ruthless exterior.

As danger from the Arcani swirls around them both, Jonathan realizes that what was once a ploy to get Reggie to assist him has become a battle to keep her safe and protected…in his arms.

*whew* Flew through this one about as quickly as I did the first. I really enjoyed the world that Gabi Stevens has created. As I said before a great way to describe her world is a Harry Potter for grown-ups. She introduced more of the Arcani society in this one, as well as more of the magical creatures that exist. I love Alfred the gnome and his friends that he brings to help out at the bakery. I also really Reggie's other assistants at the bakery, Joy and Tommy. It was a unique way to work in how the magical world isn't that different from the groundling world when it comes right down to it. In both its people and in the way they can be biased against even their own kind.

As for the main characters, Reggie and Jonathan aren't xerox copies of Kristin and Tennyson. So while they were the main characters, and yes they are each others romantic interest in the story, their story is definitely their own. I think the only real similarities between Kristin and Reggie are that they both didn't have magic til they were 27, they are both strong women and they both think outside the box. Kristin knew nothing of magic til she was thrown into it when she became a fairy godmother. Reggie, however, was born to an Arcani family. She never thought she would get powers, but she knew that magic existed. As for the boys, while they are both incredibly handsome and sexy on the outside, their insides couldn't be more different. Tennyson was a grouch yes, but he wasn't manipulative or trying to take advantage of Kristin. Jonathan however has his secrets and while he eventually falls for Reggie, his intentions aren't as noble as they could be in the beginning.

As for complaints about the story...I had a few, but they weren't major, and they didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. First there was no scenes with Callie and Zach. Yes I know they are the friends of the hero and heroine of the first book, but I really like Callie, I thought she was sweet and I wanted to find out how things are working out between them.
Also I had pretty much figured out Jonathan and Nate's secrets by the middle of the book. But, as I said before, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story and seeing how the author finally revealed their secrets.

It's a romance. Yes it is part of a series, so the story, while not a straight drop cliffie, is still open at the end. But the characters do get their own Happily Ever After at the end. I love those so I'm not complaining I'm just letting those who don't do Romance because it's too predictable know ahead of time. I still think they should give the books a chance though because they are a fun read. Also as a reminder these are not kid books. No matter how pretty the cover or fun they are! There is sex. The story doesn't just act as filler between them, but they are still there. So don't let the little ones read it. As for the adults reading it, the sex scenes are decent and while they are graphic they aren't erotica, so I don't think anyone would be that offended by them. I'm off to read the next book in the series!!!

Also as an added incentive to buy this book, 10% of the royalties from this book are going to support Best Buddies. Very cool!

Thanks again to Melissa for letting me read this one, it's been great so far. Fingers crossed the third one is just as enjoyable.

til next time,

AimeeKay