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"You will want to believe in magic!" -Kerrelyn Sparks, New York Times bestselling author of The Vampire and the Virgin
"Cute, quirky, and charming...a romantic, action-packed tale!" -Jennifer Estep, author of the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series
He needs to change his luck, and fast!
Matt Ewing would gladly hunt down a fortune in lucky pennies if he thought it would help save his business. But for all his hoping, Matt's clueless when his long-awaited lucky charm falls in his lap in the form of a beguiling genie. He just can't believe that this beautiful woman could be the answer to his prayers...
She's been bottled up for far too long!
Spending 2,000 years in a bottle would make any woman a little stir-crazy. So when Matt releases Eden from her luxurious captivity, she's thrilled to repay him by giving him the magical boost he needs...
But for all her good intentions, Eden's magical prowess is a little rusty and her magical mistakes become more than embarrassing. And though Eden knows falling in love will end her magic and immortality, she can't help but be drawn to the one man who wants her just for herself...
Judi Fennell is an award-winning author. Her romance novels have been finalists in Gather.com's First Chapters and First Chapters Romance contests as well as the third American Title contest. She spends vacations at the Jersey Shore, the setting for some of her paranormal romance series. She lives in suburban Philadelphia, PA.
Chapter 1
Scheherazade, the famed Arabian storyteller, had to come up with a thousand and one nights' worth of tales to save herself.
Eden should have it so easy. But at least her life wasn't on the line like Scheherazade's, so that was a plus. Her mind, though, was another matter. There was only so much magic a genie could do to pass three thousand years of confinement and not go mad.
Unwilling to succumb to such madness, Eden flicked her wrists and snapped her fingers, her magic sending the butterflies, hummingbirds, and twirling glass balls she'd bewitched toward the ceiling of her bottle so she could have a better view through the hazy saffron glass. The rain of yet another Pacific Northwest storm streaked the storefront display window she'd inhabited for the last forty-five years, two months, and thirteen days. If the Arabian weaver of tales had used Eden's last half century as the basis of the stories that had saved her life, the poor woman would have been dead before her first sunrise.
"Mornin', babe." Obo, the cat she'd been cursed-or blessed, depending on one's viewpoint-to share this latest part of her penance with, leapt onto the shelf beside her bottle, licking his Egg McMuffin breakfast from his whiskers. The cat was a master forager. "Whatcha lookin' at?"
"Wilson." Eden nodded to the tree in front of the store. She'd watched it grow from a sapling to its current block-the-rest-of-the-world-from-view size for so long that she'd named it.
"Kind of pitiful that you named a tree after a volleyball."
"It worked for Tom Hanks."
"Yeah, but he was stranded on a deserted island. You've got the bustle of the city and hundreds of people right in front of you to keep you company."
Hundreds of people she couldn't interact with. She was on the outside looking in-well, actually, she was on the inside and wanting to get out. But the High Master had sealed her bottle with so much magic that nothing short of an explosion would set her free.
"And me, of course." The cat winked at her, his yellow eyes against his black fur making the motion noticeable.
"You've always got me. I know I'm the bright spot in your day."
"In your dreams, Romeo."
"Speaking of lover-boy, has he been by yet?" Obo nudged the copper ashtray with the mermaid cigarette holder out of the way and curled his tail around her bottle before plunking himself onto his belly. Mr. Murphy, the store owner, hadn't shown up yet, so Obo could get away with hanging out here. Once the man did, however, all bets were off.
It was a sad state of affairs to look forward to these daily chats with Obo, who was high on her list of Least Favorite Beings ever since he'd let her take the fall for his necklace heist from Ramses II's tomb. It showed just how lonely and bored she was that she even deigned to talk to him, let alone looked forward to it. Other than her thoughts and her magic, she had only him to keep her company.
Oh, and "lover-boy" Matt Ewing. Couldn't forget him. And she didn't. He was pretty unforgettable, and heavens knew, she thought about him more than she should.
"No, he hasn't been by. I guess this weather's keeping him inside." Almost every morning, Matt jogged around the corner of the store in those tight, formhugging running clothes. The perspiration slicking his face, that sexy curling hair, the controlled, even grace of his movements had fueled her fantasies ever since Mr. Murphy had moved her glass bottle to the front window.
"Or he could have had a hot date last night and it carried over."
Eden curled her legs under her, the curly toes of her slippers catching on the piping around the edge of the new sofa. She propped her elbow on the back cushion and plopped her chin onto her palm. "Thanks, Obo. That's helpful."
The cat licked his paw and swiped it over his ear. "Just callin' it like I see it."
Eden turned to look at him, brushing a wayward hummingbird out of the way, her gold shackle, er, bracelet flashing in the lone weak beam of sunlight that somehow fought its way through Wilson's leaves and the steady rain. "And how do you see it, Obo? You've been to his house. What's his world like?"
The cat shuddered and tucked his paws beneath his chest. "A damn sight wetter than yours. You should be thankful you're in this place. It's a monsoon out there." The cat could be tight-lipped when he wanted to be. Which was often. All she asked for was news of the outside world and its people, descriptions of the smells and sounds, and the general feeling of being free to come and go as she pleased, but other than getting Matt's name out of Obo, the cat barely shared anything else. He had no idea how lucky he was to have the ability to go where and when he wanted.
She definitely didn't understand why he chose to be here. In this musty old shop, surrounded by things other people wanted to get rid of. How Mr. Murphy stayed in business was beyond her, because most of the stuff had been here as long as she had, and there certainly hadn't been any runs on antique plant stands or tarnished brass headboards.
Flicking her wrists again with the accompanying finger-snap that completed her Way of doing her magic, Eden arced a rainbow from one side of her bottle to the other, the purple ray disappearing into the shadow of the bottle's neck. The butterflies immediately began flying through it, and the hummingbirds raced along the ribbons of color that matched their wings.
She snapped her fingers again, and Humphrey poofed onto her arm like a trained parrot. The dragonlet, a baby dragon about the size of her palm and her latest "foster child," reminded her of Bogart in his early movies, with a long face, high forehead, and large eyes, hence the name, though the dragon's eyes were blue to Bogart's brown. In that, Humphrey reminded her of the High Master, but Adham was such a lofty name for such a tiny thing. And besides, like the Humphrey of those on-demand movies, this Humphrey was on loan, too-until he reached unmanageable proportions, which, with a dragon, was usually around the one month mark, meaning she had about five days left with this one before the hormones kicked in.
She stroked Humphrey's golden scales, then pointed to the rainbow. He gave her the tiniest nip on her palm-full blown dragon love could be really painful-then fluttered his little wings, his strength increasing daily. Today was probably the last day he could fly with the butterflies. The hummingbirds were fast enough to evade his beak-like jaws, but the butterflies wouldn't be a match; they'd more likely be lunch. But for today, he could play among the colors with them. Dragons loved rainbows.
LASR_Reviews
Posted January 10, 2011
When fun, fear, family, and far-away places get mixed up with the two-thousand-year-old cat Obo, with Eden, a fantastic looking genie that's been bottled up for centuries, and Matt Ewing, an ordinary small-business owner, I Dream of Genies becomes a warp-speed adventure that pits these three against seemingly insurmountable odds. The magic, mayhem, raging hormones, and irrepressible humor take the reader on a journey full of fantastic places, places from history, myth, legend, and fairytales. How about making love on a flying carpet! WOW!
Like all genies, Eden (yes, Eden) lives a life of servitude and must do what her master asks. She never expects to receive but expects to always give and do someone else's bidding. The one thing she wants most is FREEDOM. After being rather unceremoniously dumped out of her bottle, Eden's magic is all messed up. Her control is out of whack. The humor that arises from this lack of control makes events sparkle as the plot is propelled along toward a destiny that will not be reached until Eden, Matt Ewing and the cat Obo are tested to their limits.
The good-hearted Matt Ewing helps Eden who was knocked unconscious when dumped from her bottle. He does not know she is a genie-a genie that has been fascinated with him for a long time. With a struggling business to keep out of bankruptcy, he has no time for foolishness, but what's he to do with a confused genie with no place to live, no suitable clothes, and with an allure that dives him crazy. Thus begins his adventure of a lifetime-oh, yes, speaking of life, he comes close to losing his time and again as he and Eden work to free her from the clutches of Farug, the powerful, evil vizier of the High Master.
The mysterious, self-centered Obo the cat knows his way around (as he should after 2000 years). He is entangled in the survival of Eden and Matt as they all three work to outsmart or trick mythical and magical evil forces that would thwart their plans.
I Dream of Geniesis full of phenomenal characters like the baby dragon Humphrey (what a surprise to learn who he really is), the butterflies, hummingbirds, the mythical beast in the garden, the drunk, talking gargoyle and his companion the drunk skunk, pixies, goddesses and on and on.
Judi Fennell's breathtaking imagery and exquisite descriptions create a world that lures the reader in to see true love take root and grow as scary adventures, fun adventures, and humorous side trips take place. Ms. Fennell's imagination, humor, and her literary knowledge creates a tale of giving love where both Eden and Matt have their wishes come true-a tale that shimmers, shines, sparkles, and sizzles with mind-blowing love scenes and world-rocking adventures.
I Dream of Genies is a respite from the usual, a spellbinding flight into fantasy with a gentle, safe landing back into a happy-ever-after.
Originally posted at The Long and Short of It Romance Reviews
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 1, 2011
Great escapist romance, sweetly funny
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MomsGarden
Posted May 31, 2012
I Also Recommend:
Fun to read! I love a good romantic historical novel and fantasies (but not too far out there!). This one's pretty enjoyable! Cute, funny, an easy read. Here are some other easy-reads you may enjoy, too! Thanks for a fun story, Judi Fennell!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 11, 2011
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Susan51
Posted April 16, 2011
I Also Recommend:
Judi Fennell has struck gold with another fun and fantastic romance! This one starts a new trilogy of genie themed books. If you love Aladin and Arabian Nights tales you'll love this. Fennell's imagination and endearing characters make this a story you won't want to miss!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I dream of genies is a funny action packed carpet ride that keeps you wanting more! I love the character of Eden and found all of her magic uh ohs to be quite hilarious! Throw in her in hunky wood working love interest Matt...a smart cracking talking cat Obo and a baby dragon and you are on a wild ride you won't want to end! I can't wait for book 2 in the series Genie knows Best due out on November!
Froggy
Froggarita's Bookcase
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Even when author Judi Fennell was a child she had her nose in a book and her head in the clouds. Her mother would implore her to "Get outside," when all she wanted was to watch "Bewitched" or "I Dream of Jeannie" on television. Now she is an award-winning author and a three-time finalist in online contests after studying Spanish at Penn State. Titles in her Mer series include: In Over Her Head, Wild Blue Under, and Catch of a Lifetime. Genie Knows Best and Leave it to Genie follow this book in the series. She resides in Pennsylvania with her family.
Eden has spent most of her immortal life serving her many masters in the Service as a genie. As if that wasn't bad enough, she's spent the past two thousand years trapped in a bottle as punishment for something she's not sorry for. So when mortal Matt Ewing releases her from the bottle, she relishes her new found freedom. Matt's been trying to save his business, and Eden is more than willing to help. Except her magic is a little rusty, and her "mistakes" are becoming more than a little embarrassing. Worse, her freedom is only temporary, unless she can break the chains of magic holding her to service. But that too comes with a price, for someone is after her, and he's more powerful than either of them. And his motives mean much more than Eden's freedom, it could mean Matt's life.
First, the premise for this book seemed really cheesy and cliché to me, that is, before I actually read the book. Though not a lot of books have used this foundation, Judi Fennell was able to break a few of the norms we'd associate with genies and write a truly unique read. My only criticism is the few times we are in the antagonists head, Faruq, was kind of like reading a hilarious Stephen King segment, sporadic and unnecessary.
In saying that, I was sincerely pleased with how much I enjoyed this book. The quirky humor and character antics had me laughing from page one. It was a beautiful blend of humor, romance, and fantasy. Throw in a talking cat and an unruly baby dragon and you have yourself one heck of a ride. What I wasn't expecting is spending more time in the fantasy realm than the real one. Bravo. Nicely done and highly recommended.
Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
Bookpleasures
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 18, 2012
I Also Recommend:
A hilarious story of genie antics gone wrong. Think pink stop signs and donkeys in the yard! Eden has been stuck in her bottle for a very long time, then one day accidentally gets free, right into the lap of her crush, Matt. Then the wild and crazy adventures start!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 7, 2012
Jkkiuihv
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.mellis
Posted January 18, 2012
This is a good, funny and quirky kind of book. You will enjoy this.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 17, 2012
Lighthearted romp through a fantasy romance. It is not likely to be a classic, but it was clever.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Not very realistic
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 5, 2011
GREAT READ
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 1, 2011
This is a cute fun read. I enjoyed the banter and the crazy cat.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 15, 2011
Loved this book. Was f fun read.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 15, 2011
I loved the Egyptian and Arabic influence in the book. While I Dream of Genies plays on the "I Dream of Jeannie" idea, the book makes it's world with consequences.
The High Master reminds me a bit of the more chess-playing Dumbledore in Harry Potter with the same overall omnipotence yet there's a playful side that is interjected within the story. And that extends to every character. Eden was a likeable character that you rooted for while Matt was similarly not two-dimensional. The bad guys were horrible but didn't cross any irredeemable lines that brought down the entire book. The Dijinn world was complete and made sense, down to the hierarchy. Even the pantheon of gods and goddesses. And the special mentions of notable Egyptian historical figures.
The only thing I wish was more fine-tuned was the romance, hence the lack of 5 stars and just 4, but it book works even without the fully explained love. In the middle of my heavy classwork load, I still managed to complete the book in a matter of days because I couldn't put it down. Definitely worth buying.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 12, 2011
I really enjoyed this book and found it very entertaining.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Her three thousand year anniversary of confinement is arriving soon with no end in sight. Eden has begun feeling more than just claustrophobic living inside a bottle for almost two millennia though her abode is quite comfortable. Her problem is watching the hunk run past her everyday from the window of Murphy's Antiques as she wants him in uncontrollable lust.
Matt Ewing is a nice person who believes his perfect brother has all the Luck of the Irish; whereas Matt irritated by the comparison lives under a dark cloud. Eden wishes to escape at the same Matt wishes his luck changed. When she lands in his lap unconscious, he thanks the Lord for dropping the lovely miracle on him and considers receiving her with a kiss. However, he soon believes his luck remains twisted; as the woman he now cherishes turns out to be the world's most incompetent genie, but in his mind the world's greatest lover.
I Dream of Genies is a terrific romantic fantasy that pays homage to the TV show that made belly buttons in NASA. The story line is brisk lighthearted fun with seemingly incompetent boobs as the lead couple who prove that a minus times a minus equals a positive. The support cast (including her BFF Wilson the tree outside named after a stowaway volleyball) adds to the endearing romantic comedy.
Harriet Klausner
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 28, 2011
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Anonymous
Posted March 14, 2012
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Overview
"You will want to believe in magic!" -Kerrelyn Sparks, New York Times bestselling author of The Vampire and the Virgin
"Cute, quirky, and charming...a romantic, action-packed tale!" -Jennifer Estep, author of the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series
He needs to change his luck, and fast!
Matt Ewing would gladly hunt down a fortune in lucky pennies if he thought it would help save his business. But for all his hoping, Matt's clueless when his...