Hocus Pocus

Blending elements of magic, erotica, and romantic comedy, Hocus Pocus (2007), Teresa Roblin’s romantic fantasy novel, centers on Amanda Santorelli, a mousy office assistant and the sexy, often humorous turns her life takes after her witchy aunt places a spell on her. The drastic personality changes that overtake Amanda embolden her to such a degree that her boss, Mark Abbott, takes new notice of her, and soon they are on the road to romance.

Amanda dreams of being breezily confident and naturally sexy. She often retreats into her imagination, spinning elaborate daydreams in which she exudes poise and assuredness, commands respect from her coworkers, and has the adoring devotion of her handsome CEO boss, Mark. Despite her most vivid fantasies, in the real world, Mark barely takes notice of her, even though she is his assistant, and she often feels invisible both in her professional and private lives. When she attracts any attention at all, Amanda is uncomfortable. One of the few people who seem to bear her just slightly more than a passing thought is Agnes, a professional rival who was also gunning for the job as assistant to Mark Abbot. When Amanda won the role, Agnes resented her greatly. However, that likely had much more to do with the fact that Agnes was in love with Mark than it did with any professional slight.

Though she is devoted to her job, Amanda secretly pines for Mark, too. The close proximity in which they work only makes her crush that much more difficult to bear. She finds herself sneaking glances at him throughout the day, taking note of his handsome features, muscular physique, and impeccable clothing.



One day, Amanda overhears Mark in conversation with one of their colleagues, the womanizing Greg. During the exchange, Greg refers to her as a "mouse." He also admits that she is a hard worker, and people never really even notice that she is there. Amanda is stung by his words.

Fortunately, she has at least one person on her side at the office. Security guard Peter is the only person who goes out of his way to be kind to her. He reassures her that "some tips on makeup and more daring clothes" are all that it will take to get her to come out of her shell.

While Amanda doesn't believe him, she also brooks no illusions about the source of her shyness. She is fully aware that the reason for her inhibition lies with the person in the mirror. "I don’t make waves and I wear the clothes I do so I can blend into the background," she says to herself as she hears Greg's words repeating in her mind. Even after arriving home after work to the house she shares with her sister Sarah and her Aunt Lilly, Amanda is still miffed about the incident. She shares what happened with Sarah, and during the course of their discussion, Lilly comes outside with an ancient book she found in the attic. She announces she is going to cast a spell to help Amanda attract a man.



Later, Amanda decides to humor Lilly and let her cast the spell. Though she initially feels a little nauseous, and the flames of the candles Lilly lights dance around during the ceremony, Amanda is certain that it's all nonsense. Spells aren't real, right?

The following Monday, Amanda is on her way to work when she begins to notice strange changes in her behavior. She blurts out whatever thoughts come to mind whenever someone asks her a question. It all starts at a stoplight. She verbally unleashes on a fellow motorist who angrily asks her what she's waiting for when she doesn't immediately move after the light turns green.

From then on, people pay attention to Amanda Santorelli.



One of those people is Mark Abbott. He is shocked to watch his assistant undergo such an extreme makeover. She not only transforms into someone sassy and outspoken who tells off her colleagues, but she also dresses differently. Sarah and Lilly sneak into Amanda's room, get rid of all her frumpy clothing, and replace it with a new and provocative wardrobe. Gone are the big, baggy business suits. Now Amanda wears revealing clothing that inspires Mark to consider her in an entirely different light.

There is just one obstacle: Mark has a firm rule about keeping boundaries between the personal and the professional. He is hesitant to start a relationship with someone with whom he works. As intrigued as he is by the new Amanda, he consciously pulls away.

Soon, however, Mark is driven to distraction. He wants the old Amanda back. She, too, is confused by the sudden changes that have swept over her. Feeling baffled and ashamed, she goes off by herself to try to get a grip on what has happened and to avoid making any more scenes. However, once she is gone, Mark realizes he misses her. When he learns of the spell, he joins forces with Lilly to help him lure Amanda back into his life…and into his heart. His attempts to win her are successful; he proposes, and she accepts.



Hocus Pocus has a sequel that focuses on Amanda's sister, Sarah. In Now You See It…, Aunt Lilly strikes again, setting the stage for another Santorelli sister romance. A love spell brings Sarah back into the life of her ex, and the two have a second chance at love.