When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail. Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
The obsession the author has with food, especially seafood, shellfish in particular. Every chapter sees the main characters meeting up at restaurants (or in their own kitchens for breakfast) where they use the meals to catch up on events and plan their next move. It is the same in every series, Joan over. These are fun reads with just the right amount of mystery and danger, the main draw (for me) are the friendships and relationships which build with every book. Hadley is a strong female character she has to be to keep up with Galen (an alpha shifter) then there's Lilac who is half fire demon and suffers with control issues (or used to) them Booked (my favourite) a Cupid, irresistible when he puts his mind to it. Aurora a Siren, who has been close friends with Galen and Booked since childhood and lastly Brody, the newcomer to the island, he's a shark shifter (great white) who is falling hard for Aurora. Hadley herself is a witch something she only found out when she moved to Moonstone Bay after the death of her grandmother, her magic is strong though and together with her friends she fights to keep supernatural threats from endangering the islands population.......... This book carries on where the previous one left off dealing with the aftermath of defeating the Merrow................
I admit the first 50, or so, pages were confusing and too political for my enjoyment, but I continued to read because there haven’t been any books by Amanda M Lee or Lily Harper Hart that I haven’t liked. I knew it’d get better and it did.
Hadley is surprisingly getting along well with Galen’s mother these days and I like that because I can’t stand beeshy and mean people. And speaking of beeshy and mean people, how about that Jennifer, huh? Ya, she’s rude, but don’t worry because Hadley finally says something to her she wasn’t expecting.
And what’s this about Lilac having twins? Hmmm… I wonder what book number that’ll be!
I also wonder when in the world Galen and Hadley will finally get married and if that’ll change their relationship any. Nah, prolly not! They’ve been engaged forever.
Another 🌟 ⭐️ 🌟 ⭐️ 🌟
My next choice in reads is by Lily Harper Hart (a lady Amanda M Lee knows VERY well. 😜) That book was published the same day (01/07/25) as this one by Lee: “The First Curse is the Deepest,” A Return to Magic Cozy Mystery series, Book 8 of 9. FYI - Book 9 of 9 is “Skeletons in the Closet” in A Return to Magic Cozy Mystery series is due to release on May 6, 2025.
I enjoyed the story, I like the characters in this series and I’m really excited about the setting every single time I pick up a new book in this series. Again 5 stars and just what I expected.
"Better Luck Hex Time" by Amanda M. Lee is the 15th installment in the captivating Moonstone Bay Cozy Mystery series. This book plunges readers back into the enchanting world of Moonstone Bay, where Hadley Hunter and her quirky crew of paranormal powerhouses find themselves embroiled in yet another perplexing mystery.
Lee's writing style is as engaging as ever, effortlessly weaving together elements of magic, humor, suspense, and a touch of romance. The story is rife with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The plot flows smoothly, and the villains are far from obvious, making for a riveting read.
One of the highlights of this series is the well-developed and charming characters. Hadley, Galen, Lilac, Booker, Aurora, and Brody are all back, and their unique personalities and interactions continue to delight. Readers feel like they are part of this tight-knit community, invested in their lives and their individual struggles.
In "Better Luck Hex Time," the discovery of a hidden village adds an intriguing layer to the Moonstone Bay lore. As Hadley and her friends delve into the mysteries of this new village, they uncover secrets that have been buried for centuries. The stakes are higher than ever as they face new threats and challenges.
While this book can be enjoyed as a standalone, fans of the series will appreciate the ongoing character development and the progression of the overarching storyline. Lee expertly balances the individual mystery with the larger narrative, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
I have to admit I was disappointed in this book. I normally really like this series. But the last book for this series, number 14 was way back in Jan. 2024 and this was just a coninuation of it. In the last book we are told Hugo, the Mohan aka Witch Doctor, wants Hadley to be his powerful Queen. But in this book that gets pushed aside and we're told Hugo was going to give Hadley to his evil sidekick, a Fear Demon that has helped him rule over and control his little Utopia for countless years. And the Fear Demon has taken on local islander, Jennifers appearence. She was in the last book wondering around confused. Turns out, the real Jennifer never made it out, she was eaten by the giant worms. But, it's really obvious that Jennifer is 'Off', and she seems to be everywhere, and super into Galen. So it's no surprise at all when everything's revealed. Sure she wants Hadleys powers and she wants Galen to Love/Mate with her. It's no surprise when we discover Chase, leader of the Shifters, is a drug growing bad guy either. Nor when one of Galens jerky officers is a bad guy as well. I just feel let down by this book. I hope the next one is better.
... that there's rather more to the mystery village than anyone first thought. It might have all gone rather too easy, in fact.
With the empty village under Hadleys protection, the last thing Galen expected to find was a body laid out in the temple. Somewhere around a week ago, from the aroma, the wards were breached, and a murder took place. But does this mean The Morant is still alive? Or could it be that all along, he had an accomplice, and if he did, where are they now?
With the pack opium issues and the village site still to be investigated Galen's hands are full enough but when someone tries to get Hadley into the cemetery to kill her through her dreams his plan to handcuff her to himself overnight might not be quite so much saucy as a matter of the difference between life and death.
I've liked this series for the most part. I just am tired of all the repetitive "snark". Just like in the Wicked Witch series where it's "On my list" and "I'll make you eat dirt". Here it's "We're going to fight" and "I'm mad at you". The whining is a bit better, but find something else to be a come back, please. This book is a continuation (Part 2) from Book 14. We get some closure finally to the whole hidden village in ways not expected. Demons and werewolves are coming from all sides. Hadley steps up with some magic. She would be much more (according to some) if she would just embrace it. Maybe that's next?
I've been eagerly waiting for the next book in the series, and as always it was worth the wait. The storyline was a surprise, but a good one. All I will say is... the village. No spoilers. These stories need to be read in order. Galen, Hadley, and the gang are faced with a new danger, that is only new to them. It's going to take all of them working together to figure out who is out to get them, and what their ultimate goal is. The bad guys better watch out! With the good guys on the hunt, their days may be limited; and it's gonna hurt!
Definitely read the previous book before this one, even if you don't always read them in order. Most of the books stand alone easily, but 14 and15 feel like a two parter. That said, I read it pretty much straight through. I look forward to seeing what comes from the two books they found, and admire the restraint of not having anyone say "It's Greek to me". BTW, The book described as 3rd c. BCE would have to be a copy anyway. In that period Greeks wrote on scrolls A folio type book wasn't available.
I love visiting moonstone bay. There were some interesting twists and turns in this mystery which I loved. Hadley, Galen, Lilac, Booker, Aurora and Brody make up our crew they really are a force to be reckoned with. As friends and partners they are all loyal to a fault and as a powerhouse within moonstone bay they are coming into their own.
Amazing storytelling with characters that draw you in and make you feel like you are part of the world. My only complaint is the wait for the next book!! lol Every book weaves a detailed narrative that makes you feel like part of the family and you can’t wait to see what happens next in their lives.
Perhaps it's just me, but the plot had me confused at times, as to who was whom. I didn't get a good grasp as to, again, who was who. Good guys, bad guys too many names and not enough character identity. Still, as always I enjoyed Amanda Lee's story, the narrator was fantastic.
I enjoyed this book. I see Hadley growing in so many ways. I think it's great her becoming part of the town. I feel her story is just beginning in some ways. There were a few hints that we might find some answers to questions we didn't know we were looking for. I love seeing the relationships change and become stronger over time.
I love reading this series but I hate that they are always so into each other to the point of missing so many clues. Honestly this girl is still in denial about embracing her powers, if only she just accepted it fully and embrac been the mayor. I do want a book where her dad come back again.
I like the books but I am becoming weary of the repetitive themes and phrases used over and over. The characters are the best in every way. They are the strongest, smartest, most powerful, biggest, good looking and most loyal characters and keep telling each other that.
Your Moon stone Bay books are wonderful when I finish one I want the next one ready for Me to read Please keep writing them love all the characters. Going to read other books you have written if they are half as good as these I won't be disappointed
I know anytime I pick up one of these books I'm gonna have a fun read. I'm glad the 4 of the main characters well there's really 6, are coming into their own. I can't wait to see what the 6 of them do next!
It's always difficult to wait for the next book in a series, this is well worth the wait. The story is fantastic and the writing is exceptional, hopefully the next is out soon. Great job, really loved it, and don't see why this series can't go into book 40 or more.
A lot happened here, we have a village with no people any more, a dead body, opium fields, and a very egotistical demon. Did I get everything? Oh, well I can't wait for more from Moon stone Bay. When does the circus come to town? On to the next adventure!!💚💙😉
In this installment, Hadley finally is appearing to grow up and not be so whiney and childish in character. The plot flows with twists and turns with the villains not being the obvious characters. Loved it
While I enjoy this series the storylines have been getting a bit repetitive and predictable, however this book had a good mystery and was more interesting than the last ones. Good paced and imaginative plot which kept me engaged until the very end.
It is as good as the other books in the series. With all of the characters we know and love fighting to save the island from another evil being. This time the enemy was right in front of them.
Amanda is back! This book was really good and kept me guessing. The banter was good but not over the top, thankfully. There wasn’t a bunch of whining. It seems as though her writing is back to when I first discovered her series. It makes me so happy!
Another fun read from Moonstone Bay. I’m enjoying watching the characters grow and develop. This was a good story with a good twist. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The story could be great if Hadley would learn some table manners and stop being such a glutton. Its the same in every single book and it really gets old. Hadley is not a great lead character she's too whiny and never seems to grow.
Love this series. Great characters with a charm and personality all their own. I enjoy their interactions and the unique blend of their personalities. Great storylines that holds your attention cover to cover.
These are becoming my go to books, when I need laughter, and feel good endings. Fabulous characters, well written, really good stories, and the happy endings make them a total win! Love Amanda M. Lee.
What a wild ride that started in the previous book. I never know what crazy level of magic is going to be popping up in Moonstone Bay, but it is never boring. What will these come up against now?