Matty has lost his soul, and it's up to Frankie to find it before his body gives up the fight for survival. But soon his isn't the only life at risk from the soulless condition. The affliction is spreading from Thunderbolt, Georgia, into the beating heart of the French Quarter and right up to Madam Vionette Fontenot's front door.
When Frankie returns to New Orleans in search of answers, she finds herself at the mercy of a god who covets her newfound powers as the guardian of the Alcheyvāhā. He makes it clear he's willing to do whatever it takes to wield her for his own benefit. Even if it costs Frankie everyone she loves.
Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.
I was certainly engrossed in Cheater Slicks. The pacing pulled me in, and the return to Frankie’s world—now set in a vividly drawn New Orleans—was exciting. The mystery surrounding Matty’s missing soul, which had left a major cliffhanger in the last book, was finally resolved, and that part of the plot delivered on its promise. Frankie continues to evolve, learning new powers, and the shift in setting adds a refreshing energy.
However, despite these high points, I did find myself frustrated by the ending. We’re now four books deep, and instead of deepening our understanding of the overarching mythology—particularly the gods and the broader worldbuilding—it felt like we took a step back. Clues were dropped but rarely followed through, and the narrative seemed to circle around key elements without delivering meaningful progress.
The relationship between Frankie and Kierce, while compelling, suffered from a lack of clarity. Kierce’s loyalty to his master was always going to be a major obstacle, so Frankie’s apparent shock and naivety at the end didn’t quite ring true. By this stage in the series, I expected more emotional maturity or at least self-awareness from her.
There are some strong character beats—most notably Harrow’s redemption arc. He’s stepped up in a big way and earned his place as a true ally. On the other hand, Josie and Carter’s storyline continues to stagnate. Their relationship is clearly in trouble, but rather than moving forward or breaking new ground, it just lingers unresolved.
In the end, while the plot delivered on some fronts—particularly the Matty arc—it left me wanting more in terms of relationship development and world progression. There’s so much potential in the series’ mythology and Frankie’s evolving role, but this instalment didn’t quite give it the attention it deserved.
Picking up a Hailey Edwards book like sitting down with a warm blanket and cup of hot chocolate.They are my comfort reads! I just love her voice, I love the fun and creative storylines and characters. I love the family aspect that is always present and I love the overall heart of everything she writes.
All are present in this story. It reads as more of a mystery through most of the book, but twists just a bit near the end and we get her signature action and suspense. It is just fun! I am getting tired of Dis Pater, however. It’s time for him to die and allow us and the characters to move on to more interesting villains… well, after we get Kierce back!
New favourite series??? Seems like it because I cannot wait for the next one Ride it Die to come out!! My love for Hailey's books is through the roof but this series seems to be even more addictive than usual 🔥
Also is it weird that I start to love Ankou 🫣 I'm definitely not a villain lover girlie but his character is somehow very endearing!
My personal reader theory is that he's working for Frankie's mom and he was truly trying to help her this whole time (however backwards that turned out lol) Gotta wait and see if I'm right too but in the meantime I'm so happy to discuss more so hmu in the messages here I wanna yap about these books so bad!!!
Frankie and her refusal/unwillingness to learn more about her powers and past definitely bit her in the butt on this one. Everyone suffered more because of it. I really don't like the gods. Josie is a crazy woman. I understand the Mary's have a vow but they made that when they were children, now might be a good time for them to revisit that.
Boo, I held off starting this series until it was finished... or so I thought! But this is not the end, so I did an oopsie. But I regret nothing, because it was a lot of fun.
*Source* Kindle Unlimited *Genre* Urban Fantasy *Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Cheater Slicks, by Hailey Edwards, is the Fourth installment in the author's The Body Shop series. I recommend that you have some knowledge of the past 3 installments before proceeding with this story, since previous characters are key to what happens in this story and why. While the series is usually set in Thunderbolt, Georgia, the author sends Frankie, Josie, and Kierce to New Orleans, one of the more unique cities in the country, to write a story about, after Frankie's mentor Vi seems to have been felled by the same curiosity as Matty.
As usual Hailey hits it out of the park with this release. I have never been disappointed in a book that I've picked up from her. They always capture me hook line and sinker. I'm dying to see how she gets Kierce back. I saw it was close to the end and knew I was going to be left hanging. Good news though, she seems to be releasing these pretty quickly
While things progressed a little and we got a change of scenery, I was still bored at times.
Anunit was by far the best character and she's hilarious. The humour was one of the few silver linings of this book.
Sooo many mysteries and questions. I know it's setting up for the big finale in the next book but it's annoying.
Speaking of annoying, it frustrates me to no end that this series is so lacking in the romance department. Too PG-13. The author's other series had the perfect amount of romance and intimacy but this one? So disappointing.
The rating remains flat at 3 stars because I made it this far and I'm invested to see it to the end but I am not impressed overall.
Just when you think you know the cat...um, cast...
Still great characters, nothing pat but layers between the relationships just like real family & friendships, some surprise twists with the coming & going of characters, everything for a great story. I really dislike (and typically knock off stars for) books that leave you with obvious cliffhangers and deny you closure. However, I rationalized this wrapped up the storyline - within this book - and just added another plot twist so I'd have to deal.
Love the world building and all of the twists and turns she takes us through. This one gutted me but I’ll definitely and eagerly dive into the next one
When Frankie accepted the mantle of guardianship for the Alcheyvāhā, I don't think she could imagine the pot she was about to stir. She thought she was doing the right thing (and she was), but she's tipped the balances of power for some of the old gods and THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET WILD! Or at least that's what it looks like.
First, however, she needs to figure out what's pulled Matty's soul from his body and what she needs to do to put him back together. Let's face it, if there's one thing Frankie is known for, it's her loyalty to those she considers family. She's not about to let Matty wither if there's something she can do about it. And when her mentor gets afflicted by the same condition, she is doubly motivated to figure out what's going on.
So she and her crew head out to New Orleans to pull the clues together. And if they have to deal with some seedy (and massively unwashed) individuals to get their answers, SO BE IT. Also, that information dealer was gross. Double also, she's sort of forced (by her innate sense of fairness) to forgive Harrow for past events and maybe that's not a bad thing.
On the downside, we see how deeply Dis Pater has his hooks in Kierce. Going back to Frankie's loyalty to those she cares about, I can't imagine she's not going to find a way to break that bond so Kierce can live free. Also, that ending with Kierce was rough. I know he can survive a lot, but OUCH.
All in all, a solid (and painful) entry in this glorious series. I'm always down with watching Josie terrorize those around her and see how Frankie does everything she can to protect those she loves. GOOD STUFF (except that painful ending, which was also good, just painful) ALL AROUND.
one of my must read series. It’s a series low on sexual content but highly recommended for excellent writing, great characters and fantastic world building.
Rating: 5⭐️
I really thought this was the series finale but was so thrilled to see I was wrong. There’s at least one, perhaps more to this fantastic, compelling series coming before it finished.
This picks up shortly after the cliffhanger ending of Midnight Auto Parts, where Frankie and friends found that Matty’s soul is missing from his body. To discover what happened to his soul, Frankie, boyfriend Kierse, and several otherworldly traveling companions head to New Orleans where souls are going missing too, including another one who is incredibly close to Frankie.
Edwards absolutely brings it here in here narrative. The characters are, throughout this story and events that occur, grow their magical powers, in storylines that build a new depth of emotion as well as a connection to each other. Edwards moves from really complex, stressful situations to hilarious moments and back to heartbreak with each new scenario and often frightening suspense filled scenes.
Yes, there’s another cliffhanger. And all the characters are pulling together, just as the mythology and world building is expanding even further. Totally amazing and highly imaginative elements that grab you!
This is one of my must read series. It’s a series low on sexual content but highly recommended for excellent writing, great characters and fantastic world building.
Love these covers.
Cover by Damonza Illustration by Marouane Hs
The Body Shop series : Fair Market Value #1 Amber Gambler #2 Midnight Auto Parts #3 Cheater Slicks #4 Ride or Die #5-tbd release
“Do you make sense to other people, or do you save your crazy for me?”
It’s up to Frankie to find out who took her brother, Matty. Actually…they just took his soul. Traveling back to New Orleans, where she trained with Madam Vi, to help discover what’s behind this mystery, she’s deeply troubled that this might be about her. Now that she’s been discovered as a demi-goddess (we don’t know which parent was a God, but that is neither here or there in the gist of things), and she’s being hunted by Gods now that she is a guardian of sacred bones.
This series was so fun! I’m not sure if the author is finished, but I certainly hope not. It was a great reprieve from some long stories. I’m quite enamored of the characters and hoping we get to meet them again. If you are looking for paranormal stories with emotion, good characters, and an overall fun vibe, this might just be up your alley.
Matty has lost his soul and Frankie has no idea what to do. She contacts Aunt Vi in New Orleans only to have Vi lose her soul as well. After talking to Romeo, Frankie finds out that the two are not alone, there are more people in New Orleans that have also lost their souls. Along with Kierce, Josie, two Suarez brothers’ ghosts and Matties body, they all head down. This leads to a mystery of what has caused this problem and how to fix it. Part of the problem seems to be related to Dis Pater as well as the Alcheyvāhā power she received by Anunit. This book is full of different problems, there is the background problem of Josie and Carter, Ankou makes another appearance, possibly to help, Harrow shows up in an unusual way. And something overheard by Frankie leads to some questions of her parents. This book doesn’t really have action but it does have suspense, surprises, and humour. It’s sort of a cliffhanger and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Frankie’s brother Matty has lost his soul and Frankie needs to find it before it’s too late for him. Then she hears of more souls going missing from the living, including her mentor’s. Frankie, Kierce, Josie and two of the Suarez brothers go to New Orleans to try to get to the bottom of the situation. Things get weirder and more desperate the longer they’re in New Orleans, including the interference of one god, and possibly more. This was a pretty intense story, with a lot of danger to them all, especially Frankie. But she’ll do anything to protect those she loves, even take on beings more powerful than she is. This story ended in upheaval, with some things up in the air and I can’t wait for the next book to find out what happens to Frankie and her family and friends.
I’m always so excited when this author publishes a new book, and since this series is so good, I was doubly excited. Poor Frankie has to deal with what happened to Matty in the previous book, and she then finds out her mentor is going through the same thing. We are led to New Orleans where the dead rule and are thrown parties when they die. This one is fun, and we get a better look at Vi’s life including Jean Claude and Rollo. I just love Frankie and her siblings, and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us in the next book. Well-written, entertaining, and so much darn fun. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
This book takes the whole crew to NOLA, trying to find Matty's soul. In part this should be a good thing, as Frankie lived there for a bit and has allies. However as they started to look for Matty, they found more than they bargained for and all of those allies were not available to help.
To make things worse, some things came out about Kierce, some good, some bad, but all of it will have a bearing on the future. It was touch and go for a bit, but Frankie did get Matty and a few others back, while keeping her own ass alive. Now they are going to have to deal with the aftermath, which you know will be all sorts of crazy.
So much to process. Things go haywire in a big way. But I know the author well enough to trust everything will work out somehow. I want the next book now, of course. But it will be here soon enough. There are some aspects I am still working though. It was a good book but… I don’t care for Frankie enough. I actually care about the other characters more as they have more depth. Plus, there’s some serious TSL stuff in there. Frankie overhears an important CLUE conversation and instead of mentioning it to the Mother of Darkness she just forgets to bring it up even when it might give her an option other than the path she sets out in the end of the book. So, 4 stars.
Well, alot happens, but not much seemed to move the story ahead. Matty's missing soul does get resolution. However, relationships are not solidified, Josie and Carter are still flailing, Kierce remains in limbo (in many ways), Frankie comes off like a naive idiot in the end. Armie is back in a very strange way. The setting changes to New Orleans so that was a bit of fun. We also got to spend more time with Vi and the NOLA crew. Frankie just seems to be lost and not able to accomplish much of what she tries to do. I guess I'll try another book in the series, but it seems to be spinning a bit right now.
I was so excited when this book came out cause I love this series and this book did not disappoint. Even though Frankie is in a difficult position trying to get her brothers and her friend V‘s soul back they’re still some humor in this book. Frankie, her sister, and a couple of her ghost friends with her boyfriend end up going to New Orleans to get her brother’s soul back. She also learned some disturbing things about her boyfriend. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Cheater Slicks, book four of the Body Shop series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). This is a series I can see myself reading multiple times, in fact when there's a new release I read the prior stories again, and again. Frankie is an interesting character, which is a trademark for this writer--always the unusual and unique. She gives body shop a whole new meaning. This wasn't my favorite sub plot line with Mattie, but there was great storyline progression, which was satisfying.
In this fourth book in the series Frankie is once again battling the gods though this time it is far more personal as she’s trying to find and save her brother’s and Vi’s souls thus saving their lives. She’s got some help from friends do and enemies as everyone has an agenda of their own. Das Pater is on her list big time!
Once again this book ends on a cliff hanger and that makes me nuts as it’s always a wait until the next book. It appears the action and the danger will be ramping up in book five!
Just when you thought you knew the characters, the author throws a wrench into your assumptions and everything is not what you think. I love that about this series. It’s what keeps you guessing and what keeps you coming back for more. This installment in the series is pivotal in my opinion, because more clues are uncovered, as well as some other things are tied up or so you think. I cannot wait for the next one.
UGHHHHHHHH…..the wait is brutal! I want to know what happens now! Dis Pater is such a dick! Feeding on them? WTF??? And poor Kierce! Who is Ankou’s god? Who is Smoke man? Who are Kierce and her anyway? Why were they separated? How is this war going to go down? Where is the god who took over the damn bird? I NEED ANSWERS! Thanks for listening to me vent. I hope she writes quickly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Something or Someone has come to mess with one of the siblings and that is just not an option, things go from Georgia to Louisiana, right up to the French Quarter and Frankie’s mentor door. Can Frankie figure out what is going on in time to save the souls of loves ones? Well read on, promise ya is a good one!