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Ivy Morgan #1
Wicked Days
Librarian note: An alternative cover for this ASIN can be found here.
Have a witch of a good time …
Ivy Morgan is happy with who she is, and what she can do. She certainly doesn’t need to second guess her life, or her witchy ways ... that is until Shadow Lake’s newest police detective enters her life.
Jack Harker is haunted by a past he refuses to talk about, and he’s not looking forward to a future with anyone – especially a sassy witch with boundary issues.
Jack and Ivy find their paths crossing on a regular basis when a dead body is discovered on the edge of Ivy’s property. Jack doesn’t want any romantic entanglements, but there’s just something about Ivy that keeps drawing him in.
When the truth is finally revealed, Jack has to decide what he believes – and he has to do it before a murderer turns his attention to Ivy.
Can Ivy heal Jack’s wounds? Will she even get a chance to try?
Have a witch of a good time …
Ivy Morgan is happy with who she is, and what she can do. She certainly doesn’t need to second guess her life, or her witchy ways ... that is until Shadow Lake’s newest police detective enters her life.
Jack Harker is haunted by a past he refuses to talk about, and he’s not looking forward to a future with anyone – especially a sassy witch with boundary issues.
Jack and Ivy find their paths crossing on a regular basis when a dead body is discovered on the edge of Ivy’s property. Jack doesn’t want any romantic entanglements, but there’s just something about Ivy that keeps drawing him in.
When the truth is finally revealed, Jack has to decide what he believes – and he has to do it before a murderer turns his attention to Ivy.
Can Ivy heal Jack’s wounds? Will she even get a chance to try?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2015
1432 people are currently reading
1378 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
December 4, 2015
DNF. Unfortunately, I just couldn't wade through the hormonal disturbance that was this book.
If all the cheesy, melodramatic and overwrought romance was taken out of this book, it would've been a great mystery. It's one thing to introduce a little romantic spark, or a bit of sexual tension. It adds a little spice to a book. I get that. It's another thing to beat a reader over the head with pent-up in-your-face hot mess. If this book was a dance move, it would be a pelvic thrust. In your eye. Going on and on and on.
It would've been only 12 pages long, but it would've been a good mystery. So 1 star for plot, -4 stars for everything else.
If all the cheesy, melodramatic and overwrought romance was taken out of this book, it would've been a great mystery. It's one thing to introduce a little romantic spark, or a bit of sexual tension. It adds a little spice to a book. I get that. It's another thing to beat a reader over the head with pent-up in-your-face hot mess. If this book was a dance move, it would be a pelvic thrust. In your eye. Going on and on and on.
It would've been only 12 pages long, but it would've been a good mystery. So 1 star for plot, -4 stars for everything else.
May 19, 2018
I love when female characters are aware there’s a murderous wackjob in the city gunning for their head and still determinedly waltz out in the dark, alone, at night.
That aside...
Admittedly this wasn’t perhaps the most intellectual or complicated literary pursuit I’ve ever undertaken, but I’m easy to please. I just want a story where the leads genuinely like each other with a minimum of angst and an absence of third-party involvement and/or nefarious meddling.
More to the point: after enduring Rachel’s endless self-deprecation and Trent’s continuing assholism in The Hollows, I desperately needed something to cleanse the palate of that icky dysfunctional-relationship aftertaste. This definitely did the trick!
Ivy was a bit childish with her tantrums, but I genuinely liked Jack, and I like them together. Really, all I want out of a series is a nice couple who go on adventures together, facing obstacles as a unit rather than spending the pages on interpersonal turmoil. Looking forward to the upcoming eight novels in the series!
That aside...
Admittedly this wasn’t perhaps the most intellectual or complicated literary pursuit I’ve ever undertaken, but I’m easy to please. I just want a story where the leads genuinely like each other with a minimum of angst and an absence of third-party involvement and/or nefarious meddling.
More to the point: after enduring Rachel’s endless self-deprecation and Trent’s continuing assholism in The Hollows, I desperately needed something to cleanse the palate of that icky dysfunctional-relationship aftertaste. This definitely did the trick!
Ivy was a bit childish with her tantrums, but I genuinely liked Jack, and I like them together. Really, all I want out of a series is a nice couple who go on adventures together, facing obstacles as a unit rather than spending the pages on interpersonal turmoil. Looking forward to the upcoming eight novels in the series!
October 27, 2020
This book gave me a migraine. Why do I end up listening to audiobooks with a bad audio quality? Seriously, what's up with that... 30 minutes into the book I wanted to pick something else but I can be really stubborn when I want to even if it's not the best thing for me. I started getting used to it but then I focused on the plot and characters and I didn't love what I found.
One of the things that annoyed me was the romance/ attraction whatever you want to call it. What bothered me was that it was in your face 24/7 and not just from the monologues of the main characters but also the side characters who kept talking about it etc. The characters were a bit childish and annoying. They didn't even notice a dead body because they were too busy looking at each other. I wish the mystery was the main plot point especially during the beginning where we jumped into the book and immediately the so called "romance" was shoved in our faces.
Moving on to -let's hope- a book with a good audio quality.
One of the things that annoyed me was the romance/ attraction whatever you want to call it. What bothered me was that it was in your face 24/7 and not just from the monologues of the main characters but also the side characters who kept talking about it etc. The characters were a bit childish and annoying. They didn't even notice a dead body because they were too busy looking at each other. I wish the mystery was the main plot point especially during the beginning where we jumped into the book and immediately the so called "romance" was shoved in our faces.
Moving on to -let's hope- a book with a good audio quality.
January 30, 2017
There was an alarming amount of unneeded ellipses used in this book, a rather tremendous pet peeve of mine. I've been giving the audiobook a go in hopes that if I couldn't see them it wouldn't be so irksome. Alas, this was not the case. The actress proceeded to talk robotically to emphasize the ellipses I had tried so desperately to escape. What was worse, she pronounced most of the Michigan place names totally wrong, though I can't blame the book for that.
The characters are as flat as the sheet of paper they were written on. Their minds are apparently so hormone addled that they couldn't even pay attention to the body that was found because they were too busy looking at each other. It's hard to believe she feels guilty about being unable to help when she was so entirely blasé about it initially. The dialogue is totally unbelievable throughout.
The characters are as flat as the sheet of paper they were written on. Their minds are apparently so hormone addled that they couldn't even pay attention to the body that was found because they were too busy looking at each other. It's hard to believe she feels guilty about being unable to help when she was so entirely blasé about it initially. The dialogue is totally unbelievable throughout.
September 30, 2016
Too silly
I don't think I would recommend this book to someone looking for a good read. The writing is juvenile, and there seems to be a huge focus and much high-school like teasing in regards to the love life of the 2 main characters. I found the characters immature, especially the main female character who behaves like a spoiled, petulant child.
I listened to this book as an audio book, and the reader did nothing to enhance the reading experience. I probably won't be buying another book in this series.
I don't think I would recommend this book to someone looking for a good read. The writing is juvenile, and there seems to be a huge focus and much high-school like teasing in regards to the love life of the 2 main characters. I found the characters immature, especially the main female character who behaves like a spoiled, petulant child.
I listened to this book as an audio book, and the reader did nothing to enhance the reading experience. I probably won't be buying another book in this series.
January 7, 2020
I had no idea author, Lily Harper Hart is a pen name used by Amanda M. Lee (author of the Aisling Grimlock series and Mystic Caravan series). The snarky-ness of her female protagonist’s are the same and the male protagonists are similarly besotted. In the Ivy Morgan series, however, her sidekick is her brother instead of a gay best friend.
The story is enjoyable and I enjoy the mystery, clean romance and humor.
The story is enjoyable and I enjoy the mystery, clean romance and humor.
July 9, 2019
WHAT THE HELL I'M READING!!!
mostly about sexual tension and denial for both Jack and Ivy
mostly about sexual tension and denial for both Jack and Ivy
September 6, 2018
This is one of those books I have to write the review out before settling on a * rating. So Ivy lives in a small town and happens to be a witch. She's around 28 (I think- didn't mention ages, but I know (or assume) it's been at least 10 years since she's been out of high school). Jack is around 30. Jack had Something Bad happen and he decided to move to Shadow Lake from Detroit. Re: the Something Bad- I know he got shot and there is a mention of a betrayal. What happened (I'm assuming) will be revealed in a future book.
Ivy finds a body in her yard on Jack's first day on the job. There is an instant connection between Ivy and Jack. But, very little romance in this one. There is a lot (A LOT) of back and forth with Ivy and Jack. They felt younger than the ages they are supposed to be. Jack sees Ivy with her brother and automatically assumes she lied to him about having a boyfriend. Ivy was rude to her aunt.
I thought this was weird too- Ivy's father confronting Jack on his interest in Ivy/Ivy's interest in him. Um, Micheal, you just met Jack. Jack and Ivy have known each other for a few weeks? Just weird.
After all the "I'm not looking for a relationship," (from both) and the constant reminding of Ivy being a witch, I was just tired and irritated. At the least the mystery wasn't too bad.
Ivy finds a body in her yard on Jack's first day on the job. There is an instant connection between Ivy and Jack. But, very little romance in this one. There is a lot (A LOT) of back and forth with Ivy and Jack. They felt younger than the ages they are supposed to be. Jack sees Ivy with her brother and automatically assumes she lied to him about having a boyfriend. Ivy was rude to her aunt.
I thought this was weird too- Ivy's father confronting Jack on his interest in Ivy/Ivy's interest in him. Um, Micheal, you just met Jack. Jack and Ivy have known each other for a few weeks? Just weird.
After all the "I'm not looking for a relationship," (from both) and the constant reminding of Ivy being a witch, I was just tired and irritated. At the least the mystery wasn't too bad.
September 20, 2022
entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A funcast of characters and an entertaining storyline. IV Morgan is young woman in a small lower northern Michigan town. She owns a local nursery and has a little cottage not far away. She lives alone with her cat And lives a happy life. Until one morning when she finds a body at the end of her driveway. That’s it for the spoilers people. As events begin to unfold she meets the new detective in town along with his partner I seasoned detective who was born and raised in a little town. as time goes by Ivy ends up getting to know the new detective and helps fill in a few clues. Read on and follow the adventure of Ivy Morgan and this great series. A fun and entertaining read.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A funcast of characters and an entertaining storyline. IV Morgan is young woman in a small lower northern Michigan town. She owns a local nursery and has a little cottage not far away. She lives alone with her cat And lives a happy life. Until one morning when she finds a body at the end of her driveway. That’s it for the spoilers people. As events begin to unfold she meets the new detective in town along with his partner I seasoned detective who was born and raised in a little town. as time goes by Ivy ends up getting to know the new detective and helps fill in a few clues. Read on and follow the adventure of Ivy Morgan and this great series. A fun and entertaining read.
January 9, 2020
This is a 4 for the Cozy genre, which abounds with tropes, beautiful men and insta-love. I’ve read most of Lily Harper Hart (and her other nom de plume Amanda Lee) as I do enjoy my mind candy (e.g. no redeeming value if I were into mind nutrition). :-)
October 9, 2020
A fan of these characters, I was not
July 27, 2020
No está mal, aunque es un poquito floja en todo lo que tiene que ver con la investigación criminal.
No sé si leeré los siguientes libros de la saga.
No sé si leeré los siguientes libros de la saga.
September 23, 2015
Sparks Fly Between Ivy And Jack
The cover caught my eye. I downloaded it thinking it was a paranormal; however it turned out to a very interesting love story with a twist of paranormal. Ivy Morgan a single girl that many of the villagers believe she is witch because her lifestyle is different. She dresses odd, lives in the woods, has a fairy ring and makes herbal lotions. Jack Hacker is a homicide detective from Detroit who accepted a job in a small to forget his last case. He is ready for the peace and quiet of keeping a small town safe.
They meet when Ivy find a body with satanic symbols carved on it. Sparks fly between them as they explore the crime. I will read more of this series.
The cover caught my eye. I downloaded it thinking it was a paranormal; however it turned out to a very interesting love story with a twist of paranormal. Ivy Morgan a single girl that many of the villagers believe she is witch because her lifestyle is different. She dresses odd, lives in the woods, has a fairy ring and makes herbal lotions. Jack Hacker is a homicide detective from Detroit who accepted a job in a small to forget his last case. He is ready for the peace and quiet of keeping a small town safe.
They meet when Ivy find a body with satanic symbols carved on it. Sparks fly between them as they explore the crime. I will read more of this series.
November 19, 2018
Ivy Morgan is the local witch that everyone seems to have something to gossip about, weather it be good or bad. But when a dead body shows up in her front yard things start to go downhill. Add in the new hot police officer and things are looking complicated for Ivy and Jack.
This book was okay. I like the idea of it, however, it was really annoying how Jack and Ivy kept trying to say they couldn't be together, but then kept flirting with each other. That was frustrating, other than that though I really liked the mystery and all of the characters as well. I look forward to more in this series now.
This book was okay. I like the idea of it, however, it was really annoying how Jack and Ivy kept trying to say they couldn't be together, but then kept flirting with each other. That was frustrating, other than that though I really liked the mystery and all of the characters as well. I look forward to more in this series now.
August 11, 2015
Wickedly Entertaining!
The author states in a prologue "If you want a lot of magic right from the start you're probably not going to like this series...." She is correct that this first book is light on magic, however, it is heavy on mystery, a budding relationship, & cult like issues. I really enjoyed the verbal volleying between Ivy & her brother Max, & Ivy & Detective Jack Harker. I laughed out loud numerous times! I can't wait for book 2 - Wicked Dreams!
The author states in a prologue "If you want a lot of magic right from the start you're probably not going to like this series...." She is correct that this first book is light on magic, however, it is heavy on mystery, a budding relationship, & cult like issues. I really enjoyed the verbal volleying between Ivy & her brother Max, & Ivy & Detective Jack Harker. I laughed out loud numerous times! I can't wait for book 2 - Wicked Dreams!
August 18, 2015
Sweet and funny
This story was heavy on mystery and humor but pretty light on romance. Ivy and Jack are definitely into each other but fighting it all the way. They are both damaged and I hope we learn why Jack is in the next book. The side characters were great and it held my interest the whole time. This is a dual pov which I always love.
This story was heavy on mystery and humor but pretty light on romance. Ivy and Jack are definitely into each other but fighting it all the way. They are both damaged and I hope we learn why Jack is in the next book. The side characters were great and it held my interest the whole time. This is a dual pov which I always love.
January 26, 2018
Great book
I would recommend this book to any reader who wants a funny romantic mystery. The characters are great. I really liked Ivy. She is quirky.
I would recommend this book to any reader who wants a funny romantic mystery. The characters are great. I really liked Ivy. She is quirky.
June 23, 2021
3.5 Stars! Wicked Days is the first book in the Ivy Morgan Mystery series, and my first book by Lily Harper Hart. This author was recommended to me by a friend since I was looking for a good cozy mystery. I loved the synopsis and characters, but did find the story a little lacking on the magical front.
Summary:
Ivy Morgan is happy with who she is and where her life has taken her. After years of whispers, rumors, and finger-pointing, she’s content to ignore what others think of her and live her life the way she wants. As a natural witch. Her convictions take a hit when she comes face to face with Shadow Lake’s newest resident, though. Detective Jack Harker refuses to talk about his haunted past. He wants to forget it all and move on to a quieter life alone. Both Jack and Ivy feel the sparks and pull between them immediately after laying eyes on the other, but neither is looking for anything. And especially not with each other. But when a body is found on the edge of Ivy’s land, her and Jack’s paths will cross more than ever over the course of the investigation. And it’s not all about solving the whodunnit. There’s just something about Ivy that keeps pulling Jack to her, and Ivy can tell that Jack needs healing. Can they put their sizzling chemistry on the backburner before a killer sets his sights on Ivy?
Wicked Days was an okay read. The overarching mystery was interesting and surprised me a little, while the underlying romance kept me reading to see what would happen. We meet Jack first, and he intrigued me. It was obvious he had secrets, and I was dying to find out what they were. I’m still dying to know. We got pieces of his backstory, but I have no doubts that there are many layers to figure him out. Jack is a dedicated cop; committed to righting wrongs and helping people, but he’s seen evil firsthand, and been hurt by it. This makes him come off as standoffish and a loner. He’s definitely not looking for a relationship, and never anticipated meeting anyone who would change his mind. Ivy was quirky and a bit mysterious herself. She was confident in who she was, but at the same time sensitive to how she had been treated in the past. She’s prickly, but still compassionate and caring if you can get close enough. Together, Jack and Ivy have the potential to be explosive. I did love that the chemistry was so off the charts between them. It was probably my favorite part of the book, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing them give into more impulses. In the end, Wicked Days served its purpose for me. I wanted to be entertained and fall into a book with characters I could really look forward to getting to know. I was a lot bummed that magic wasn’t a greater focus in this book, though. Except for a few small eccentricities and feelings, it was mostly a run of the mill cozy mystery with no major paranormal aspects to speak of. That said, I do feel like there is a lot more to Ivy than what we saw here, and I really hope Ms. Hart explores and expands on that in future books right alongside the romance. This is a great read if you’re looking for a light cozy mystery with likeable characters and the promise of a healthy series. ♡
Summary:
Ivy Morgan is happy with who she is and where her life has taken her. After years of whispers, rumors, and finger-pointing, she’s content to ignore what others think of her and live her life the way she wants. As a natural witch. Her convictions take a hit when she comes face to face with Shadow Lake’s newest resident, though. Detective Jack Harker refuses to talk about his haunted past. He wants to forget it all and move on to a quieter life alone. Both Jack and Ivy feel the sparks and pull between them immediately after laying eyes on the other, but neither is looking for anything. And especially not with each other. But when a body is found on the edge of Ivy’s land, her and Jack’s paths will cross more than ever over the course of the investigation. And it’s not all about solving the whodunnit. There’s just something about Ivy that keeps pulling Jack to her, and Ivy can tell that Jack needs healing. Can they put their sizzling chemistry on the backburner before a killer sets his sights on Ivy?
Wicked Days was an okay read. The overarching mystery was interesting and surprised me a little, while the underlying romance kept me reading to see what would happen. We meet Jack first, and he intrigued me. It was obvious he had secrets, and I was dying to find out what they were. I’m still dying to know. We got pieces of his backstory, but I have no doubts that there are many layers to figure him out. Jack is a dedicated cop; committed to righting wrongs and helping people, but he’s seen evil firsthand, and been hurt by it. This makes him come off as standoffish and a loner. He’s definitely not looking for a relationship, and never anticipated meeting anyone who would change his mind. Ivy was quirky and a bit mysterious herself. She was confident in who she was, but at the same time sensitive to how she had been treated in the past. She’s prickly, but still compassionate and caring if you can get close enough. Together, Jack and Ivy have the potential to be explosive. I did love that the chemistry was so off the charts between them. It was probably my favorite part of the book, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing them give into more impulses. In the end, Wicked Days served its purpose for me. I wanted to be entertained and fall into a book with characters I could really look forward to getting to know. I was a lot bummed that magic wasn’t a greater focus in this book, though. Except for a few small eccentricities and feelings, it was mostly a run of the mill cozy mystery with no major paranormal aspects to speak of. That said, I do feel like there is a lot more to Ivy than what we saw here, and I really hope Ms. Hart explores and expands on that in future books right alongside the romance. This is a great read if you’re looking for a light cozy mystery with likeable characters and the promise of a healthy series. ♡
December 16, 2017
This book was a total surprise! I didn't expect to love it is as much as I did because it is not the kind of book that I usually read. I like grim and gritty Urban Fiction books not cozy paranormal stuff. Normally I find these kinds of stories to be ridiculous, full of over the top characters and the irritatingly nosy community troupe.
Now there are some meddling family members in this novel but the side characters are not written in a way that is overbearing. Instead of my usual distaste for cozy mysteries, I found myself adoring Wicked Days. This author knows what she is doing!
The main character, Ivy Morgan, is a likeable woman with a strong personality and an independent spirit. She becomes entangled in a murder mystery when a body is found in a ditch on her property. The body had strange symbols carved into it, and the bad thing is that Ivy is rumored to be a witch.
Someone is trying to frame Ivy and she is willing to help the police in any way she can. Luckily for her the detective on the case is the ever handsome Jack Harker. When the two meet they instantly click, they feel the electric zing that everyone knows means something special.
The two fight tooth and nail to keep away from each other because of bad past relationships. Men like looking at the pretty Ivy but bugger away from her because of her lifestyle. Jack is running away from something that haunts him and has decided to close himself off romantically.
While they work together to try to figure out who committed such a terrible crime, curiosity is peaked, imagination lingers, and sparks fly as they rely on one another to crack the case. Danger is lurking and all fingers eventually point to Ivy being in trouble.
Ivy's family adores her and they all see the way she looks at Jack and vice versa. They stick their nose in it a little bit, trying to nudge them both together. It's not too bothersome but really just adds more of a teasing, fluffy tone to the book so it's not too mystery heavy.
This was an enjoyable read all around! The mystery was good and had a nice twist at the end. I had my suspicions for a while about who the bad guy was and I was right. However I don't feel that having guessed right detracted from enjoying what was going on.
Hart made a fantastically charming book. It has everything I want! Mystery, suspense, witty banter, sweet romance, some sexual tension that isn't overbearing, and a male love interest that is not a neanderthal.
This was a fun ride of fluff and I like how it ended. It was happy and hopeful and I will be reading the next one! This is the perfect type of book to read when it's cold and raining out and you just want to read a feel good story. That is what this is! Absolutely loved it!
Now there are some meddling family members in this novel but the side characters are not written in a way that is overbearing. Instead of my usual distaste for cozy mysteries, I found myself adoring Wicked Days. This author knows what she is doing!
The main character, Ivy Morgan, is a likeable woman with a strong personality and an independent spirit. She becomes entangled in a murder mystery when a body is found in a ditch on her property. The body had strange symbols carved into it, and the bad thing is that Ivy is rumored to be a witch.
Someone is trying to frame Ivy and she is willing to help the police in any way she can. Luckily for her the detective on the case is the ever handsome Jack Harker. When the two meet they instantly click, they feel the electric zing that everyone knows means something special.
The two fight tooth and nail to keep away from each other because of bad past relationships. Men like looking at the pretty Ivy but bugger away from her because of her lifestyle. Jack is running away from something that haunts him and has decided to close himself off romantically.
While they work together to try to figure out who committed such a terrible crime, curiosity is peaked, imagination lingers, and sparks fly as they rely on one another to crack the case. Danger is lurking and all fingers eventually point to Ivy being in trouble.
Ivy's family adores her and they all see the way she looks at Jack and vice versa. They stick their nose in it a little bit, trying to nudge them both together. It's not too bothersome but really just adds more of a teasing, fluffy tone to the book so it's not too mystery heavy.
This was an enjoyable read all around! The mystery was good and had a nice twist at the end. I had my suspicions for a while about who the bad guy was and I was right. However I don't feel that having guessed right detracted from enjoying what was going on.
Hart made a fantastically charming book. It has everything I want! Mystery, suspense, witty banter, sweet romance, some sexual tension that isn't overbearing, and a male love interest that is not a neanderthal.
This was a fun ride of fluff and I like how it ended. It was happy and hopeful and I will be reading the next one! This is the perfect type of book to read when it's cold and raining out and you just want to read a feel good story. That is what this is! Absolutely loved it!
May 29, 2021
Dear sweet suffering Mother of Jesus (a phrase I remember from my childhood when someone was confronted with awfulness) this is a book with many, many problems. Just a couple of pages in we have:
"She (Ivy) watched as Brian parked the car, her gaze landing on the man in the passenger seat as she tried to hold on to her righteous indignation. It was hard because the handsome stranger was … breathtaking. Ivy could practically feel the masculinity rolling off of him.
He was dressed down in simple blue jeans and a button-down shirt. His brown hair was a little long, shaggy even. His brown eyes were the color of molten chocolate, though, and his chest was broad and strong."
"The man" in this case is Jack, newly appointed local police detective, and he is equally absorbed: "Ivy was wearing a basic black tank top, but her lithe frame was strong and well defined. She obviously kept herself in shape and, despite himself, Jack couldn’t help but be a little interested."
Maybe I have cosy overload, but this is about as predicable as it gets. If the two of them aren't at it like rabbits (insofar as cosies allow) by the end of the book, I'll be damned!
And there is more than a suggestion that Lily Harper Hart has been raiding the dictionary - there are a couple of odd words thrown in, 'blasé' and 'piqued' in quick succession - they are not necessarily wrong but they are a little out of place.
The book is likeable in an odd sort of way but it is mostly dreadfully written and all over the place. Ivy and Jack like each other, they rub each other the wrong way, they bicker constantly and behave like children, and then there's the problem of Ivy's non-existent boyfriend (would somebody, anybody, please just tell him it is her brother!!), not to mention solving a murder.
You don't need to be psychic to know that this scenario has lurve written all over it.
Life is too short, I gave up at the halfway point.
"She (Ivy) watched as Brian parked the car, her gaze landing on the man in the passenger seat as she tried to hold on to her righteous indignation. It was hard because the handsome stranger was … breathtaking. Ivy could practically feel the masculinity rolling off of him.
He was dressed down in simple blue jeans and a button-down shirt. His brown hair was a little long, shaggy even. His brown eyes were the color of molten chocolate, though, and his chest was broad and strong."
"The man" in this case is Jack, newly appointed local police detective, and he is equally absorbed: "Ivy was wearing a basic black tank top, but her lithe frame was strong and well defined. She obviously kept herself in shape and, despite himself, Jack couldn’t help but be a little interested."
Maybe I have cosy overload, but this is about as predicable as it gets. If the two of them aren't at it like rabbits (insofar as cosies allow) by the end of the book, I'll be damned!
And there is more than a suggestion that Lily Harper Hart has been raiding the dictionary - there are a couple of odd words thrown in, 'blasé' and 'piqued' in quick succession - they are not necessarily wrong but they are a little out of place.
The book is likeable in an odd sort of way but it is mostly dreadfully written and all over the place. Ivy and Jack like each other, they rub each other the wrong way, they bicker constantly and behave like children, and then there's the problem of Ivy's non-existent boyfriend (would somebody, anybody, please just tell him it is her brother!!), not to mention solving a murder.
You don't need to be psychic to know that this scenario has lurve written all over it.
Life is too short, I gave up at the halfway point.
May 1, 2020
The mc acts like a total jerk in the beginning and can't handle the echo but the author believes it's as much the victim's fault somehow as it is hers.
That irritated me. A lot. If you are a jerk you are not entitled to polite responses regardless of your gender. That's what equality means.
There were multiple incredibly awkward apologetical conversations reminiscent of grade school teachers forcing children to apologize to each other but then they suddenly can not stop apologizing. I understand that it is meant humorously but it misses the tone and is grossly overdone and frankly just cringeworthy, not funny.
This seems to be a general theme, cringeworthy and extremely stilted heart to heart conversations. I will never understand what people get out of these because they are everywhere. Do other people really have conversations like that? Maybe I am just weird.
The characters are just not well-written in general.
Some less important characters suffer 180° personality-switches out of nowhere and no one thought it weird or remarked about it for example.
I usually like this kind of nature witch theme and bantery dialogue, and this spark of attraction but the bad character work and sometimes poor dialogue, as well as awfully overplayed stereotypes, just spoiled it for me.
dnf around 50%
That irritated me. A lot. If you are a jerk you are not entitled to polite responses regardless of your gender. That's what equality means.
There were multiple incredibly awkward apologetical conversations reminiscent of grade school teachers forcing children to apologize to each other but then they suddenly can not stop apologizing. I understand that it is meant humorously but it misses the tone and is grossly overdone and frankly just cringeworthy, not funny.
This seems to be a general theme, cringeworthy and extremely stilted heart to heart conversations. I will never understand what people get out of these because they are everywhere. Do other people really have conversations like that? Maybe I am just weird.
The characters are just not well-written in general.
Some less important characters suffer 180° personality-switches out of nowhere and no one thought it weird or remarked about it for example.
I usually like this kind of nature witch theme and bantery dialogue, and this spark of attraction but the bad character work and sometimes poor dialogue, as well as awfully overplayed stereotypes, just spoiled it for me.
dnf around 50%
October 30, 2020
4.5 Stars... This read appealed to me in a variety of ways... First, a slow burn romance is definitely my cup of tea... The build up of chemistry between Ivy and Jack was a great blend of humor, sarcasm, wit, and sensuality... Their opposing personalities only added to the explosive encounters and the ongoing build up of heat... I also really enjoyed the secondary characters presented thus far; they added some additional humor and insight to the MC's while still maintaining their own individuality... The supernatural element was interesting because it was not straight up witches but leaned more toward the Wiccan practice which one does not see frequently enough... The exploration of Ivy's abilities will be intriguing as the series continues... Finally, I enjoyed the mystery element; it led me in directions that were a bit unexpected and even though the ending was somewhat predictable it was still exciting... I will certainly be continuing this series and look forward to watching the stories of these characters unfold:)
August 10, 2021
I like this book so much better than the Harper Harlow and Ofelia Archer series books. I can’t wait to start book 2 (Wicked Dreams).
This is from the man’s perspective and I am enjoying it. In the other reads, the women are so stubborn and so against being helped. It got to the point I wanted to reach through the books and smack the women around and tell them to just “Chill out and stop trying to be so tough!”
I like how there is a budding romance between Jack and Ivy. It is quite sweet and I’m assuming the next book will have the couple becoming…a couple. I also imagine that the next book will have Jack opening up to Ivy and telling her about what happened when he was shot. I’m sure some inner feelings of Jack, and probably Ivy, will be shared.
I want more to be said about the fairy ring and I’d like to see some magic there (like it was shown in Hart’s Covenant series). I also can’t wait to see if Ivy’s land/garden is described more in detail because I think it’s an amazing and magical place.
Onto book 2, Jack!
This is from the man’s perspective and I am enjoying it. In the other reads, the women are so stubborn and so against being helped. It got to the point I wanted to reach through the books and smack the women around and tell them to just “Chill out and stop trying to be so tough!”
I like how there is a budding romance between Jack and Ivy. It is quite sweet and I’m assuming the next book will have the couple becoming…a couple. I also imagine that the next book will have Jack opening up to Ivy and telling her about what happened when he was shot. I’m sure some inner feelings of Jack, and probably Ivy, will be shared.
I want more to be said about the fairy ring and I’d like to see some magic there (like it was shown in Hart’s Covenant series). I also can’t wait to see if Ivy’s land/garden is described more in detail because I think it’s an amazing and magical place.
Onto book 2, Jack!
November 16, 2021
I read the first book in the Harper Harlow series first but see this one was published before that one. They are basically the exact same book just a different location and some small changes. Eccentric strong-willed heroine – check, new sexy cop in town – check, annoying friend/sibling – check, all the men in town want heroine – check, murdered young woman who was student at local college – check. The exact same book with all the same annoyances.
The characters are older but act like 10-year-olds to include the siblings talking about putting each other in headlocks. It is very immature. The heroine and hero bicker a lot and I think the author sees it as flirty banter, but it is a lot of yelling and screeching. I couldn’t get into the mystery because I kept thinking I had been here before and that is because it is exactly the same as Ghostly Interests.
The narrator in the book doesn’t do the book characters any justice as her voice is very young sounding and when she does the men’s voices it sounds like a kid trying to deepen their voice.
The characters are older but act like 10-year-olds to include the siblings talking about putting each other in headlocks. It is very immature. The heroine and hero bicker a lot and I think the author sees it as flirty banter, but it is a lot of yelling and screeching. I couldn’t get into the mystery because I kept thinking I had been here before and that is because it is exactly the same as Ghostly Interests.
The narrator in the book doesn’t do the book characters any justice as her voice is very young sounding and when she does the men’s voices it sounds like a kid trying to deepen their voice.
March 27, 2021
Lily Harper Hart is a pseudonym of an author I have read a lot of during the pandemic. Life has been serious enough this past year so I have enjoyed her lighthearted books.
This book was just too silly though. The main female and male leads were both just so perfect that it was unrealistic and unnecessary. Two side characters main role was too continually remark on the chemistry between Ivy and Jack. It was pages of this encouragement for a romantic involvement between two characters that just met. It was beyond juvenile and a waste of pages that could have been spent character building.
The mystery was decent for a cozy. It’s a cozy so there aren’t a lot of layers but, it was intriguing.
None of the characters were that interesting and I don’t feel invested in any of them. I found most of the characters to be annoying, not quirky. I don’t care what happens next to any of them.
At this time I will not be continuing the series.
This book was just too silly though. The main female and male leads were both just so perfect that it was unrealistic and unnecessary. Two side characters main role was too continually remark on the chemistry between Ivy and Jack. It was pages of this encouragement for a romantic involvement between two characters that just met. It was beyond juvenile and a waste of pages that could have been spent character building.
The mystery was decent for a cozy. It’s a cozy so there aren’t a lot of layers but, it was intriguing.
None of the characters were that interesting and I don’t feel invested in any of them. I found most of the characters to be annoying, not quirky. I don’t care what happens next to any of them.
At this time I will not be continuing the series.
November 10, 2024
Another fun series from Lily Harper Hart
Once again, the characters are amazing. The reader is immediately transported in to Shadow Lake's community, and knows the central figures almost immediately. Ivy is a slightly damaged soul - she doesn't care about the idiots who bad mouth or shun her, but she is petrified of being hurt. She'd rather be alone. Jack is badly damaged emotionally, and refuses to care for anyone. And then they meet, and neither can ignore the explosive chemistry between them (although they sure do try!)
Ivy calls herself Wiccan, or more specifically a Sensitive Naturalist but doesn't believe she has any magical powers, although her aunt can see and read auras. She insists on helping with the investigation when suspicion leads to her ex-boyfriend. Jack insists on protecting Ivy when she is threatened. Can he protect her and keep his distance? And how did Ivy end up in Jack's dream?
May 14, 2017
Decent mystery-- I didn't see it coming too far ahead.
I read some of the previous reviews, which I try not to do before finishing a book. (I prefer my own opinions while I delve into a story.)
I did it this time, while I was still about 30% in, because I was having trouble with some of the persistent conversations.
+3 stars for story and likable characters. -2 stars for 'persistent conversations'.
I had to mark a passage that really struck me, in a good way. "...fiction book could somehow be turned into non-fiction by a group of believers."
Ahem.
******POSSIBLE SPOILERS******
I had such a hard time with people insistently pushing J & I together. How many times does someone have to say No, before the other people shut up about the topic? Yes, yes, we get it, neither are 'wookin pah nub', over-emphasize much?
I read some of the previous reviews, which I try not to do before finishing a book. (I prefer my own opinions while I delve into a story.)
I did it this time, while I was still about 30% in, because I was having trouble with some of the persistent conversations.
+3 stars for story and likable characters. -2 stars for 'persistent conversations'.
I had to mark a passage that really struck me, in a good way. "...fiction book could somehow be turned into non-fiction by a group of believers."
Ahem.
******POSSIBLE SPOILERS******
I had such a hard time with people insistently pushing J & I together. How many times does someone have to say No, before the other people shut up about the topic? Yes, yes, we get it, neither are 'wookin pah nub', over-emphasize much?
August 17, 2017
I did not finish this book, which makes me hesitant to rate it, but I have read 10 chapters.
Before I go further, I just wanted to say I wanted to like this book. It seemed cute and I thought it was right up my alley with it being paranormal and mystery, but god, I cannot take anymore.
I wish I had more to show for 10 chapters, but all I know is there was a murder, Ivy is a witch, and something happened to Jack when he was a cop in Detroit. Also, Ivy and Jack like each other, but are in complete denial.
This book constantly focused on Ivy and Jack's attraction to one another. I don't mind romance, but SOLVE the fucking murder. Plus, all the other characters were just focused on pushing them together. Give me something else other than the adolescent bickering of these main characters.
Don't get me wrong. The characters were okay, but together, they were insufferable.
Before I go further, I just wanted to say I wanted to like this book. It seemed cute and I thought it was right up my alley with it being paranormal and mystery, but god, I cannot take anymore.
I wish I had more to show for 10 chapters, but all I know is there was a murder, Ivy is a witch, and something happened to Jack when he was a cop in Detroit. Also, Ivy and Jack like each other, but are in complete denial.
This book constantly focused on Ivy and Jack's attraction to one another. I don't mind romance, but SOLVE the fucking murder. Plus, all the other characters were just focused on pushing them together. Give me something else other than the adolescent bickering of these main characters.
Don't get me wrong. The characters were okay, but together, they were insufferable.
September 22, 2017
Very enjoyable
I like her characters, they're well drawn. They are kind of predictable, but not completely so; the secondary bad guy was the only two dimensional character in the lot. I feel the test of the characters Wil get more fleshed out as the series continues, other than the main characters who get the most page time. The mystery is not the kind that you solve yourself, the clues are not there for you to find. I enjoyed reading this book. The only real problem is the claim that Ivy is a witch, because she shows no signs of it in the story; she is shown as someone with a lot of botanical knowledge (but she runs owns a nursery so...) and someone who practices Wicca, a nature religion. However, the author has a note at the front of the story that says her magic will strengthen as her relationship with Jack strengthens.
I like her characters, they're well drawn. They are kind of predictable, but not completely so; the secondary bad guy was the only two dimensional character in the lot. I feel the test of the characters Wil get more fleshed out as the series continues, other than the main characters who get the most page time. The mystery is not the kind that you solve yourself, the clues are not there for you to find. I enjoyed reading this book. The only real problem is the claim that Ivy is a witch, because she shows no signs of it in the story; she is shown as someone with a lot of botanical knowledge (but she runs owns a nursery so...) and someone who practices Wicca, a nature religion. However, the author has a note at the front of the story that says her magic will strengthen as her relationship with Jack strengthens.
January 18, 2020
A body covered in symbols stirs up more than trouble!
Ivy Morgan, a witch, finds a the body of a young woman at the end of her driveway and calls in the local police.
Jack Harker has just transferred in from the city following a life changing case which ended with him being betrayed and shot. Looking for a slower pace of life and having no interest in getting involved with anyone he's soon struggling to deal with the welter of emotions and flying sparks that appear whenever he's close to Ivy.
The case leads them round in circles with no real leads beyond some vague suspicions about Ivy's high school boyfriend Chad. Until Ivy's aunt realises the symbols come from a fictional story about a cult and then they'll need to work it out fast to ensure that the murderer can't claim anymore victims.
Cozy read, it might be murder but it's also comedy.
Ivy Morgan, a witch, finds a the body of a young woman at the end of her driveway and calls in the local police.
Jack Harker has just transferred in from the city following a life changing case which ended with him being betrayed and shot. Looking for a slower pace of life and having no interest in getting involved with anyone he's soon struggling to deal with the welter of emotions and flying sparks that appear whenever he's close to Ivy.
The case leads them round in circles with no real leads beyond some vague suspicions about Ivy's high school boyfriend Chad. Until Ivy's aunt realises the symbols come from a fictional story about a cult and then they'll need to work it out fast to ensure that the murderer can't claim anymore victims.
Cozy read, it might be murder but it's also comedy.
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