Lucky Jinn

by Eule Grey

What’s a butch to do? Ignore everything she believes or listen to her heart?

Shelly is a straight-talking gardener who doesn’t believe in anything she can’t see. Give her a square patch of earth, and she’ll bring it to life. Hand over a power drill, and Shelly can knock together a fancy bedroom in under a day. Physical tasks are easy. If only people were as straightforward!

The problems arise when she begins work on a garden near the sea. The owner insists the property has a water issue and demands an excavation of the area. Shelly digs deep, but the ground is dry as sand. In frustration, she talks to the flowers. A sweet voice answers from inside an old lamp. It’s a beautiful Jinni who badly needs the help of a buff woman. Shelly insists the voice is nothing but her own subconscious playing tricks. After all, it’s been a year since her last relationship. Everyone gets lonely. Right?

Kind, loving Jinni. The unluckiest of magical spirits with a history of choosing the wrong mistress. All she’s ever wanted is the love of a strong woman exactly like Shelly. Can Shelly find the strength to believe what’s in front of her nose and make them both happy?

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Lesbian, Butch Femme

59 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2023

About the author

Eule Grey has settled, for now, in the north UK. She’s worked in education, justice, youth work, and even spread the butter in a sandwich factory.

Eule writes LGBTQI books with the characters she’s been seeking since childhood: neurodivergent villains, characters with mental health issues, conflicted thoughts, and a craving for cupcakes. Best of all, Eule adores writing romantic stories, often with a dash of the paranormal.

LINK TO INDIE INK AWARDS. PLEASE VOTE FOR MISSION SKYSCRAPER:
https://indiestorygeek.com/story/10661

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book I've read by the author with an unusual storyline but I've come to expect that from Eule Grey.
Her interpretation of the Alladin/Dream of Jeannie scenario is well written. It was very easy for me to picture character descriptions and Jinni's despair at being trapped for so long together with Shelly's bewilderment and shock when she starts hearing voices while gardening was heart tugging. Of course there's a bit of a twist to the plot but a welcome conclusion.
An enjoyable short story that I wanted to be much longer.

I rec'd a copy via BookSirens. My review is completely voluntary.

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lesbian I Dream Of Jeannie? YES PLEASE

This was a fun and quirky novella, featuring a butch gardener finding a kinda clumsy Jinn. Jinni is vivacious and both women long for connection.

It's fast moving but charming and lovely, just a feel good read to make you smile!

[Shimere Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky Jinn by Eule Grey is a charming and quick read that leaves readers pondering the power of belief and the consequences of our actions. With its parable-like narrative, the story explores themes of karma and personal growth, reminding us that our choices can shape our destinies.

The protagonist, Shelly, is a no-nonsense gardener who finds herself facing an unusual challenge. As she works on a garden project near the sea, she encounters a Jinni, a magical spirit in need of her assistance. Shelly, being a practical person, initially dismisses the idea of magic and believes the voice she hears is simply her own subconscious.

The author excels in creating a vivid setting and endearing characters. Shelly's straightforward nature and her knack for physical tasks add depth to her personality. The interactions between Shelly and the Jinni are heartwarming, as they both learn to trust and rely on each other.

The story's strength lies in its message of self-belief and the power of love. It serves as a reminder that sometimes we need to let go of our skepticism and embrace the extraordinary. The exploration of the Jinni's history and her desire for a loving relationship adds an emotional layer to the narrative, making the reader root for both characters.

However, where Lucky Jinn falls short is in the development of its plot and characters. The story is relatively short, and as a result, some aspects could have been further explored. More details about the magical world and the Jinni's past would have added depth and nuance to the overall story. Additionally, the ending, while satisfying, felt a bit rushed, leaving me wanting more resolution and closure.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Lucky Jinn remains an enjoyable read. Its brevity makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a quick dose of magic and a heartwarming message. Eule Grey's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, magical, quick read! There is very little angst and that angst isn’t what it seems when resolution comes calling 😉. There is amazing positivity, connection, tiny bit of spice and lovely hea. If anyone is looking for something sweet and loving in the midst of all the dark then definitely give this and other books from this author a try. (This is my second book from them and plan on reading many more!)

I received this as an arc and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kim Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's a short fantasy with a sweet and funny love story. When Shelly finds a buried lamp the last thing she expects to find is Jinni. Both of their lives will never be the same . I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Jos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad story but a little short. The pace was quite fast. At one point, the main character mentions that they should go in a few dates... but then they never really happen.

I liked the twist at the end.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful, hilarious little story, and I highly recommend it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Doreen HOWARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a sweet little story of magic and love. The theme being that those who feel they are unlovable or always messing up can still find love and happiness.

[Looby Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really short sweet story. Great imagination to turn the genie in the lamp into a jinni.

The perfect pick me up for a dull day, the ending was a total surprise than what was expected.

[Sha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute short story about a buff butch who meets the love of her life inside an old lamp. Since this is a short story, no need to expect world-building or a character arc. It does provide a short break from reality, and fun entertainment for an hour or two. If you're looking for a short bite of escapism I can warmly recommend this book.

T&T:
Tropes: butch/femme, damsel in distress, demons and magical beings, cute pet
Triggers: mentions of hell monsters, demonic side character
Rating: I try not to rate short stories because it's unfair to them. They simply don't have the space to develop the kind of complexity I search for. However, for the sake of the system, I give it 3 stars. I maintain this is quite an entertaining story and worth a read for those who seek a short escape.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ruby Ridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book complimentary from Book Sirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
I am becoming a big fan of Eule Grey not least because she does not do formulaic romances. The author has taken the Aladdin story, "I dream of Jeanie" and given them a Sapphic twist to come up with something sweet and unusual. No spoilers but the ending is - read it and see!
So, with all this high praise, why the missing star? Well, I know Eule Grey is a master of the long short story/short novella but her ideas just cry out for a full length novel

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Eule Grey is such a fun writer. The plots are always quirky and unique and I always have a good time. Jinni is a Jinn and Shelly is a gardener and comes across Jinni’s lamp. I thought both of them were incredibly likable and charming and the romance between them was so cute. The plot is so different and well written. The writing really helps with bringing the world and setting to life. It’s vivd and lush. Everything wrapped up well and I am always impressed with how full Grey can make a story feel in such a short amount of pages.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vicky Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-pace short story, where a lonely, butch gardener falls in love with a (not really lucky) genius.

It is fun and short, there are enough details to follow the tale even if at times it seems to jump around a bit.

I think the author has potential, it is the second book I have read by her and both were original stories, with a sense of humor and some unexpected twist at the end.
In both cases I think I would have enjoyed it more if she had developed the story, as the plot and characters she created really allow for that.

I recommend it as an original, witty, sweet short romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet read 🥰 I was looking for a novella that would hit the spot & I found just that. First book I’ve read from this author & I know it won’t be the last. Read it in afew hrs & thoroughly enjoyed it. Shelly & Jinni’s journey was sweet & I laughed a lot at Shelly’s thoughts in her head. The best part was being able to connect with both MCs in a short novella. No spoilers, but would highly recommended this book if you have afew spare hrs & a great story line.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Honestly, this was my favourite Eule Grey read yet. This story is about Shelly, a strong female labourer, who happens to find a lamp with Jinni inside while on one of her jobs. Their relationship thereafter is anything but conventional, but I think anyone would feel a sweet spot for Jinni. I felt such empathy reading Jinni’s journey to Shelly that I was hoping that Shelly would be everything that Jinni could ever want and then some. I will say, I was not disappointed. Loved the spice!

[A. Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute book. This is the second book I've read of Ms. Grey's and I'm beyond excited to read her others. I love the way she writes and the personalities of her characters. The lonely gardener just wants to get her job done and get out, but this cute jinn just wants to be loved. There are so many bits I found myself smiling at Shelly, trying to comprehend what's happening. This was a great story, and I would read it again. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terri Noftsger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelly is a strong butch woman who loves gardening and working with her hands. She is hired to excavate the garden of a property near the sea that has water problems. She doesn’t find the problem the owner is insisting is there, but she keeps doing her job. Shelly is lonely. She feels like an outcast, even in her own family. Out of loneliness, she asks a question out loud and hears someone answer. She decides it is her imagination because otherwise she is going crazy. She imagines a beautiful woman who would love her for her. Eventually she uncovers an ancient lamp. As she cleans it, out pops the beautiful woman she has been imagining. And the woman adores her. How can this be? The woman, Jinni, is afraid and all Shelly wants to do is protect her from a demon, the client who Shelly has been working for. Can Shelly protect Jinni from forces she didn’t even know existed? Can she believe in magic?
This is a novella that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is a sapphic retelling of the myth is Genies and it is delightful.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashleigh Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and sweet. If I got three wishes the first would be for everyone who wanted to, to meet their own Jinni, the other two would likely be needed to clean up the subsequent messes and dowse the unintentional fires. What a world it would be if it was filled with more like Shelly and Jinni.

[Chrone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rushed

I like the premise of the story. Great idea. However it reads like a college paper for creative writing class. I feel like it could have been flushed out and much more captivating. As is, it was still entertaining and enjoyable.

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, sweet, funny and romantic, this was a delightful take on the genie in the lamp theme!

Jinni was adorable and I'm so glad she found her Ms Right!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My full review can be found here: https://thereadingwife.com/lucky-jinn/

[brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

i got this book on a whim and i’m so happy i did! this is a perfect palate cleanser between long or heavy books. great for breaking a book slump as well.

read if you’re looking for lesbian romance, insta-love, fantasy elements, and light spice!

[Christina Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pretty fun book to read, and I enjoyed it for the most part.

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a unique and very quirky read. It was a lot of fun and I never knew where it was going.

Short and sweet!

[Leanne Geurts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot summary:
Shelly ends up working for Mrs Peters, Mrs Peters asks her to work in the yard and clean it up as it’s too moist from the seawater. Over time, the property evolved away from the nearby sea and became a somewhat decent house with a yard. However, as Shelly is going to find out, the sea brought more than just moistness.
Eule Grey grabs to the want/need technique in a nice way in "Lucky Jinn", the protagonist, Shelly, thinks she needs money to survive and as is dreadfully looking for work to support this need. However, as she digs through the soil in the yard, she finds what she really needs.

Critical analysis
It’s hard to be critical of a story like this, the story is sexy like attractive whipped cream on the cup of coffee you have been craving all day and although I finished the story rather quick, it leaves me glowing with a unexpected happiness.

Reviewer’s opinion based on their critical analysis
This is the note I made when I was half way through the story and I mean every word:
OMG Eule, I want a geenie Jinni, ‘ radiant woman laying on top of me, skin glowing orange-red-yellow-brown looked like anything but a ghost’. Eule, where have you been all my life, I so love love this story and I’m only half way in, I only wish they would offer Jinni’s like this in a secret section at Amazon!!

I imagine that Jinni is like Dobby in Harry Potter but Jinni is so much better, a full fletched woman who screams for your being and really really wants you!

The story is too short. But what I love about it is the somewhat ‘tell’ style that slowly floats into ‘show’ and this makes up for the length. It does (s)cream for more however. LOUDLY!