Step into the spellbinding world of Betwixt & Between, where forty-something women discover their magical powers in the witchy heart of Salem, Massachusetts! Darynda Jones’ paranormal romance series is a delightful blend of snarky humor, steamy romance, and supernatural mystery, perfect for readers who love a sassy heroine defying age stereotypes. With its quirky characters and enchanting lore, this saga invites you to embrace magic at any stage of life.
Centered on Defiance Dayne, a divorced restaurateur who inherits a mysterious house, the series unfolds with charm and a touch of danger. It’s a fresh take on paranormal women’s fiction that celebrates resilience, friendship, and rediscovery, all wrapped in Jones’ signature witty prose.
How Betwixt & Between Began
Darynda Jones, a New York Times bestselling author known for the Charley Davidson series, launched Betwixt & Between in 2020 to explore a new genre: paranormal women’s fiction. Inspired by the idea of empowering older heroines, Jones crafted a story about women embracing their magic later in life. Set in Salem, a town steeped in mystical history, the series reflects her knack for blending humor with heartfelt storytelling, drawing fans eager for a mature, magical adventure.
The Heart of Betwixt & Between
The series kicks off with Betwixt (2020), where Defiance Dayne learns she’s a witch—and a rare charmling—after inheriting a quirky, possibly haunted house. As she navigates her newfound powers, a mysterious handyman and pesky neighbors add intrigue and romance. Bewitched (2020) deepens the stakes as Defiance hones her magic while dodging supernatural assassins. Beguiled (2021) sees her embracing her destiny, tackling enemies, and exploring a steamy connection with the kilted Roane. Moonlight and Magic (2022), the fourth book, shifts to Defiance’s best friend Annette, uncovering her own charmling powers.
Themes of self-discovery, female friendship, and defying societal expectations shine through, set against Salem’s atmospheric backdrop. Jones’ snarky dialogue—“This house is gorgeous, Nette. It’s ancient and dank and dusty, yet it has so much potential?” “Like your vagina?”—keeps the tone light, while magical elements like charmlings and lacuna wolves add depth. The series’ mix of cozy mystery, urban fantasy, and romance appeals to fans of paranormal fiction craving humor and heart.
Why Betwixt & Between Resonates
Betwixt & Between stands out in paranormal romance for its focus on mature heroines, challenging the genre’s youth-centric norms. Readers praise its empowering message and laugh-out-loud moments, with reviews highlighting Jones’ ability to craft relatable, flawed characters who shine through adversity. The series has carved a niche in paranormal women’s fiction, inspiring readers to embrace their own potential, magical or otherwise, at any age.
Its impact lies in its community-building, with fans on platforms like Goodreads celebrating Defiance’s journey and the series’ witty banter. While not as globally known as Jones’ Charley Davidson series, Betwixt & Between has a dedicated following, proving there’s a hunger for stories about women rediscovering their power later in life.
- First Book Published: February 2020
- Number of Books: Four
- Genre: Paranormal Women’s Fiction, Romance, Urban Fantasy
- Setting: Salem, Massachusetts
Ready to dive into a world of witches, romance, and snarky banter? Grab Betwixt and let Darynda Jones whisk you away to Salem’s magical streets!