Such a fun addition to the series! Bell, Book, and Scandal is so much fun to read with a complex witch society, conspiracy, blackmail, and the layered problems of a newly married couple. Josh Lanyon creates a world that is brilliantly woven with magic, society, and balances the structures of two worlds. John is entirely human and a police commissioner so he's firmly in the idea of normal as being no magic and being able to solve problems. Cosmo is a witch so he's aware that anything is possible and has this stretch of belief despite being part of this strict secret society. The witches are tight-lipped about their world and it creates some drama for the various characters such as Cosmo's friend who is dating an ordinary person. Lanyon excels at the complexities of this world with a society within a society that has its own rules, structure, status, and culture. The richness of the writing lends the story beyond the mystery and into an otherworld that makes you want to learn more.

The mystery revolves around scandal and blackmail with a touch of witchcraft thrown into the mix. This furthers the friction between the newlyweds as John insists Cosmo doesn't intervene in police business and Cosmo sees magical involvement everywhere. This doesn't take away from the romantic moments between the two or the growing pains in their relationship. Lanyon uses everything to further the story and to grow the characters together. They have friction and arguments which end with one teleporting out but that doesn't mean they don't have a strong foundation of love. It's easy to fall for them as a couple and it's how well-written their relationship is that makes you so invested in seeing them work out. A highly recommended read! ( )

urban-fantasy, m-m-mystery, relationships, relationship-issues, magic, law-enforcement, relatives, rivalry, erotica, LGBTQIA*****

Even though I haven't read the earlier books in series, the worldbuilding and characters are so good that I rarely skipped a beat. The personal relationship is the easiest to grasp, the witchcraft community was a little more involved, but I think that's because of other urban fantasies in my head. Good story except that now I WANT to see what I missed in earlier books!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from JustJoshin Publishing, Inc. via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )