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Cocktails in Hell #1
A Twist of Demon
Potions, portals, and one very annoying demon—Violet’s life is about to go straight to hell.
Want longer hair, whiter teeth, or a smaller nose? Violet can whip up a potion faster than you can say “enchanted facelift.” Need to hex your ex or curse your boss?
Well…it will cost you.
By day, Violet is a charlatan running a tourist-trap potion shop in New Orleans. By night, she’s the real deal—a rare Potion Master whose store sits smack on the portal between Earth and Hell, serving magical creatures who should absolutely not be allowed in public.
She’s also the official protector of both realms, which is unfortunate because she is objectively terrible at her job.
When the last Potion Master dies a gruesome death and a handsome, obnoxiously hot demon drags Violet out of anonymity, her powers spike, her shop transforms, and her life immediately goes to hell. Literally.
Now supernatural beings either want to date her or kill her, and Violet’s not sure which fate is worse.
With a demon glued to her side and danger lurking in every shadow, she has to master her magic, figure out who wants her dead, and maybe stop drooling over her demonic babysitter—before she ends up the next Potion Master with her own tragic obituary.
S.E. Babin delivers wicked humor, chaotic magic, and sizzling paranormal tension in A Twist of Demon. Fans of snark-filled urban fantasy and flirty demon romance will devour Violet’s misadventures as she tries—and mostly fails—to keep the realms from falling apart.
Want longer hair, whiter teeth, or a smaller nose? Violet can whip up a potion faster than you can say “enchanted facelift.” Need to hex your ex or curse your boss?
Well…it will cost you.
By day, Violet is a charlatan running a tourist-trap potion shop in New Orleans. By night, she’s the real deal—a rare Potion Master whose store sits smack on the portal between Earth and Hell, serving magical creatures who should absolutely not be allowed in public.
She’s also the official protector of both realms, which is unfortunate because she is objectively terrible at her job.
When the last Potion Master dies a gruesome death and a handsome, obnoxiously hot demon drags Violet out of anonymity, her powers spike, her shop transforms, and her life immediately goes to hell. Literally.
Now supernatural beings either want to date her or kill her, and Violet’s not sure which fate is worse.
With a demon glued to her side and danger lurking in every shadow, she has to master her magic, figure out who wants her dead, and maybe stop drooling over her demonic babysitter—before she ends up the next Potion Master with her own tragic obituary.
S.E. Babin delivers wicked humor, chaotic magic, and sizzling paranormal tension in A Twist of Demon. Fans of snark-filled urban fantasy and flirty demon romance will devour Violet’s misadventures as she tries—and mostly fails—to keep the realms from falling apart.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2023
649 people are currently reading
2038 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Babin
86 books392 followersS.E. Babin has a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it's romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel.
Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf's Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl spent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin. She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 11, 2026
I'm giving this a really tentative 4 stars.
It was a fun book, but it is one of those that moves at a super fast clip, and is hand-wavy at all the details, alluding to some big mystery that we'll slowly learn about. And while that's cool in theory, I've been burned a lot by series like this that never move out of the hand wavy stage.
I'm also tentative because Violet (FMC) made some huge, life-changing leaps and decisions in this book, all while moving at a break-neck pace with the only info coming from untrustworthy sources who may very well actually be the problem. Yes, looking at you here, Max. Now she's allowed herself to be bonded to Lucifer for freaking eternity, with almost no information.
And we, readers, also have no information. So while this seems really, really stupid to me, maybe it isn't?
I'll read on,... probably.
It was a fun book, but it is one of those that moves at a super fast clip, and is hand-wavy at all the details, alluding to some big mystery that we'll slowly learn about. And while that's cool in theory, I've been burned a lot by series like this that never move out of the hand wavy stage.
I'm also tentative because Violet (FMC) made some huge, life-changing leaps and decisions in this book, all while moving at a break-neck pace with the only info coming from untrustworthy sources who may very well actually be the problem. Yes, looking at you here, Max. Now she's allowed herself to be bonded to Lucifer for freaking eternity, with almost no information.
And we, readers, also have no information. So while this seems really, really stupid to me, maybe it isn't?
I'll read on,... probably.
October 29, 2023
I feel like this author is going to be similar to Annette Marie books. Where there really isn’t any actual romance or steam, just the illusion. Basically a long drawn out burlesque show, without the beautiful costumes and great dance moves.
I don’t mind low steam but I hate when book after book it’s one long cock-tease or maybe I should say clit-tease. For no other reason but to be a tease or maybe the author isn’t comfortable with things like romance, love, steam. Which I interpret as an author who isn’t comfortable with intimacy and is definitely not sex positive. I’ve read plenty of books with asexual characters that had more romance and intimacy than the 3 books in this series.
There’s lots of daydreams and inner monologues about liking someone but nothing actually happens or if a rare something does happen it’s incredibly tame. This might as well be a “clean” book. There are brief references to romance, steam, intimacy in people's past but none in the actual story. It’s even more jarring since the h is supposedly really old. Though it’s hard to pinpoint how old she is. The perceived age keeps changing. The h supposedly was married in her past (lives?) but yet seems very uncomfortable with her sexuality. It feels like her past relationships are a smokescreen or the equivalent of a girlfriend/boyfriend in Canada that you met in band camp over the summer.
The story and characters are good. The plot is solid. The author didn’t use the tropes I hate.
I don’t mind low steam but I hate when book after book it’s one long cock-tease or maybe I should say clit-tease. For no other reason but to be a tease or maybe the author isn’t comfortable with things like romance, love, steam. Which I interpret as an author who isn’t comfortable with intimacy and is definitely not sex positive. I’ve read plenty of books with asexual characters that had more romance and intimacy than the 3 books in this series.
There’s lots of daydreams and inner monologues about liking someone but nothing actually happens or if a rare something does happen it’s incredibly tame. This might as well be a “clean” book. There are brief references to romance, steam, intimacy in people's past but none in the actual story. It’s even more jarring since the h is supposedly really old. Though it’s hard to pinpoint how old she is. The perceived age keeps changing. The h supposedly was married in her past (lives?) but yet seems very uncomfortable with her sexuality. It feels like her past relationships are a smokescreen or the equivalent of a girlfriend/boyfriend in Canada that you met in band camp over the summer.
The story and characters are good. The plot is solid. The author didn’t use the tropes I hate.
June 14, 2023
Funny AF!
I really enjoyed this book and would've given it 5 stars, except there are a few editing issues throughout.
But this book is hilarious and the premise and plot are excellent!
I really enjoyed this book and would've given it 5 stars, except there are a few editing issues throughout.
But this book is hilarious and the premise and plot are excellent!
October 7, 2024
A paranormal romance set in New Orleans
When I think of New Orleans, I think of its rich, paranormal heritage—voodoo, ghosts, and, of course, beignets. While this book certainly delivers on the beignets, it misses the mark on just about everything else related to New Orleans’ unique culture and history.
Let me begin by saying that I’ve read another series by this author, The Goddess Chronicles, which focuses on Greek mythology. Given its context, the overwhelmingly white cast made sense in that world. But this series is rooted in Middle Eastern mythology—God, angels, demons—and yet, somehow, every character is white. We all know how Christianity was “reimagined” in Europe, turning biblical figures into pale, blue-eyed caricatures, but this? This is something else
By the time Judas shows up in book three as a tall, Nordic-looking blonde with icy blue eyes, I could no longer give the author the benefit of the doubt. How, in any version of Middle Eastern mythology, is Judas imagined as a Scandinavian model? The whitewashing became impossible to ignore, and it felt deliberate.
The setting only makes it worse. We’re in New Orleans—a city that is not only predominantly Black but is also steeped in its own rich history of mysticism and paranormal lore. Yet in this series, set in such a culturally vibrant and diverse city, only one character so far has been described as having dark skin. One. Out of the five books I’ve read so far in this series.
I’m not saying that every book needs a perfectly balanced, multicultural cast. But when you’re pulling from a Middle Eastern religious tradition and setting it in one of the most famously diverse cities in America, the complete erasure of non-white characters feels jarring and inauthentic. At the very least, be subtle about it. This was blatant.
When I think of New Orleans, I think of its rich, paranormal heritage—voodoo, ghosts, and, of course, beignets. While this book certainly delivers on the beignets, it misses the mark on just about everything else related to New Orleans’ unique culture and history.
Let me begin by saying that I’ve read another series by this author, The Goddess Chronicles, which focuses on Greek mythology. Given its context, the overwhelmingly white cast made sense in that world. But this series is rooted in Middle Eastern mythology—God, angels, demons—and yet, somehow, every character is white. We all know how Christianity was “reimagined” in Europe, turning biblical figures into pale, blue-eyed caricatures, but this? This is something else
By the time Judas shows up in book three as a tall, Nordic-looking blonde with icy blue eyes, I could no longer give the author the benefit of the doubt. How, in any version of Middle Eastern mythology, is Judas imagined as a Scandinavian model? The whitewashing became impossible to ignore, and it felt deliberate.
The setting only makes it worse. We’re in New Orleans—a city that is not only predominantly Black but is also steeped in its own rich history of mysticism and paranormal lore. Yet in this series, set in such a culturally vibrant and diverse city, only one character so far has been described as having dark skin. One. Out of the five books I’ve read so far in this series.
I’m not saying that every book needs a perfectly balanced, multicultural cast. But when you’re pulling from a Middle Eastern religious tradition and setting it in one of the most famously diverse cities in America, the complete erasure of non-white characters feels jarring and inauthentic. At the very least, be subtle about it. This was blatant.
July 16, 2024
I’m a bit torn on this one. There is a lot to like about Violet.
One of the sticking points for me is the Violet/Max dynamic. I couldn’t tell if it was deliberately done but their interactions were so uneven, swung from ‘are they enemies’ to ‘maybe friendly adversaries?’ and back again (not to mention the tiniest flavouring of a possible romantic connection) that I got pulled out of the story kinda regularly.
The other big sticking point is the big tease towards the end where it seems like you’ll get answers to some of the big questions (who is Violet?!?!? can Max be trusted? who are Violet’s parents? why does Violet have to hide her power?) but all that you get is a mishmash of… clues, I guess? Hints, yes, but nothing that satisfies.
I didn’t feel as though the story was complete. I don’t mean ‘solved,’ I mean the events had a full arc, told a complete story even if there are elements that will move the overarching story forward in the next book. Nope. Grrr.
I liked Landry, Lex, and Keelie (and Dave!) and I liked Violet's potions and drinks. I wish there had been more of those elements in the story. I will read the next book because it’s on Kindle Unlimited and so I won’t have any reason to grumble about lost money if book two also pulls these shenanigans. Also, I did mostly enjoy it.
One of the sticking points for me is the Violet/Max dynamic. I couldn’t tell if it was deliberately done but their interactions were so uneven, swung from ‘are they enemies’ to ‘maybe friendly adversaries?’ and back again (not to mention the tiniest flavouring of a possible romantic connection) that I got pulled out of the story kinda regularly.
The other big sticking point is the big tease towards the end where it seems like you’ll get answers to some of the big questions (who is Violet?!?!? can Max be trusted? who are Violet’s parents? why does Violet have to hide her power?) but all that you get is a mishmash of… clues, I guess? Hints, yes, but nothing that satisfies.
I didn’t feel as though the story was complete. I don’t mean ‘solved,’ I mean the events had a full arc, told a complete story even if there are elements that will move the overarching story forward in the next book. Nope. Grrr.
I liked Landry, Lex, and Keelie (and Dave!) and I liked Violet's potions and drinks. I wish there had been more of those elements in the story. I will read the next book because it’s on Kindle Unlimited and so I won’t have any reason to grumble about lost money if book two also pulls these shenanigans. Also, I did mostly enjoy it.
November 27, 2023
for such a short book it felt long and drawn-out. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen and then the parts that should be interesting or funny fell flat. Didn't care for this book at all.
June 11, 2024
A little bit on the shorter side
I enjoyed this and am enjoying getting to know all the characters and to see what comes next, but I can’t help but feel I’m missing backstory - especially with Ellie & Az. I feel almost like we should have a series featuring them or at least a prequel. But I don’t see one.
Anyway, I am definitely eager to find out what happens next.
I enjoyed this and am enjoying getting to know all the characters and to see what comes next, but I can’t help but feel I’m missing backstory - especially with Ellie & Az. I feel almost like we should have a series featuring them or at least a prequel. But I don’t see one.
Anyway, I am definitely eager to find out what happens next.
December 19, 2025
The description is totally wrong on this book. 1. Her bar is not located on the portal 2. she doesn't have anyone set to protect her. The book is literally about her trying to stay hidden but some fallen brings demons to her door. She is hundreds of years old and isn't learning her craft at all. I have never seen a book description so terribly wrong, and there is a typo (someone's name) on page 8. Because the story is ongoing and semi-interesting, I may keep reading, which is why this book got 3 stars instead of the 1 it probably deserved with some many inaccuracies.
April 24, 2024
For all some of us may wish it, we can't burn the blood of our parentage out of our veins. Violet Swan has more reason to wish for a parentage do-over than most. Apparently born of the darkest of evil, she keeps her magic locked away deep in her soul under layers of wards and a tendency to run at the slightest idea that she may have been recognized.
Now, with the appearance of a stranger trailing a pack of demons, Violet's world is being rattled to its core. And while the stranger seems naive and almost innocent in many ways, this creature knows too much and is digging for more. A fog of lies and deceit is soon laid bare, and darkness is rolling all around her life and the lives of those she loves. A Faustian bargain lies before her. Does she dare to hide right under the nose of the literal Devil?
I found the author through "Thee Psychic Cleaner" cozy mysteries series and loved the books. This is no cozy series, rather a darker style and a more hardened heroine, but it was a great start to this new to me series. Ms. Babin could use a good set of beta readers to catch typos, but the instances are not prolific and did not detract from the read. I look forward to working through this new world and its characters. In the words of the brilliant Mr. Bradbury, "Something wicked this way comes," and the scent of betrayal is thick in the air.
Recommended for lovers of the darker side of the paranormal, there is no love interest at this point, which I respect, and Violet's pain is present and real while not smothering. On to the next...
Now, with the appearance of a stranger trailing a pack of demons, Violet's world is being rattled to its core. And while the stranger seems naive and almost innocent in many ways, this creature knows too much and is digging for more. A fog of lies and deceit is soon laid bare, and darkness is rolling all around her life and the lives of those she loves. A Faustian bargain lies before her. Does she dare to hide right under the nose of the literal Devil?
I found the author through "Thee Psychic Cleaner" cozy mysteries series and loved the books. This is no cozy series, rather a darker style and a more hardened heroine, but it was a great start to this new to me series. Ms. Babin could use a good set of beta readers to catch typos, but the instances are not prolific and did not detract from the read. I look forward to working through this new world and its characters. In the words of the brilliant Mr. Bradbury, "Something wicked this way comes," and the scent of betrayal is thick in the air.
Recommended for lovers of the darker side of the paranormal, there is no love interest at this point, which I respect, and Violet's pain is present and real while not smothering. On to the next...
October 31, 2025
I know the best way to hook a reader is with the promises of learning secrets (who can resist?!), but I feel like there was too much information/story left out of this book. Especially at the end.
Read a second time to refresh my memory.
Read a second time to refresh my memory.
dnf
October 15, 2023Dnf 55%
It just wasn't really going anywhere and I was rather confused too.
It just wasn't really going anywhere and I was rather confused too.
January 29, 2024
3⭐️
… I am intrigued, but not much happened…
I am really trying to get a lock on Violet. Her age, her naïveté, her heritage. I have so many questions!!!
… I am intrigued, but not much happened…
I am really trying to get a lock on Violet. Her age, her naïveté, her heritage. I have so many questions!!!
June 17, 2024
Prepare yourself readers because I'm about to gush! Like major gush! Today I've got a new-to-me series and it was definitely love-at-first-chapter!
Violet is a bartender in New Orleans. In a city where there is a mecca of paranormals, one of which is Violet herself. She's used to the darker side of life, but when her bar becomes swarmed with demons she's worried that her hidden identity might be found out.
I haven't read a lot of fantasy this year. Many years ago, fantasy was my main reading choice, especially Kelley Armstrong and Rachel Caine. When I discovered S.E. Babin had a cozy mystery series, I was all ready to start, when this book cover screamed at me "read me"! So I did... and oh wow! I loved this book SO MUCH!
A Twist of Demon reads like a cozy fantasy, with it's sharp wit and compelling characters. To say I couldn't put it down is the understatement of the year! From the outset we don't know what paranormal Violet is, and in typical "get the reader hooked" fashion, S.E. Babin doesn't reveal all her secrets just yet. Just enough to tantalize and tease and hook readers into wanting more!
I loved this version of New Orleans, being a mecca to all things paranormal, and all the creatures mingling at Violet's bar, Swan Noveltini. Think potions, cocktails and books! Absolutely my idea of heaven! Well without the demons that are willing to kill you in the carpark.... but I won't give everything away!
A Twist of Demon is a perfect first book in this fantasy series. I'm already hooked and ready to cast aside all my other books and binge this series!
Violet is a bartender in New Orleans. In a city where there is a mecca of paranormals, one of which is Violet herself. She's used to the darker side of life, but when her bar becomes swarmed with demons she's worried that her hidden identity might be found out.
I haven't read a lot of fantasy this year. Many years ago, fantasy was my main reading choice, especially Kelley Armstrong and Rachel Caine. When I discovered S.E. Babin had a cozy mystery series, I was all ready to start, when this book cover screamed at me "read me"! So I did... and oh wow! I loved this book SO MUCH!
A Twist of Demon reads like a cozy fantasy, with it's sharp wit and compelling characters. To say I couldn't put it down is the understatement of the year! From the outset we don't know what paranormal Violet is, and in typical "get the reader hooked" fashion, S.E. Babin doesn't reveal all her secrets just yet. Just enough to tantalize and tease and hook readers into wanting more!
I loved this version of New Orleans, being a mecca to all things paranormal, and all the creatures mingling at Violet's bar, Swan Noveltini. Think potions, cocktails and books! Absolutely my idea of heaven! Well without the demons that are willing to kill you in the carpark.... but I won't give everything away!
A Twist of Demon is a perfect first book in this fantasy series. I'm already hooked and ready to cast aside all my other books and binge this series!
August 17, 2025
I originally picked up a different series by S. E. Babin, only to realize I needed to start here first. That led me back into Violet’s world, an eight-book pre-series, and I decided on a reread to catch myself up before moving forward.
At the center is Violet, the owner of a bar that serves both humans and paranormals. More than just a bartender, she crafts magical drinks that give temporary boosts—confidence, dance moves, even the ability to talk like a pirate. Raised by her adopted fallen-angel parents, Violet has long suppressed the powers passed down from her birth parents. Everything changes when she lands on the radar of Lucifer himself.
The book mixes Violet’s unfolding origin story with side threads: a missing-wife mystery, demons scrambling for influence, and the reappearance of her father’s best friend—once Lucifer’s right-hand man. While the bigger conflicts keep the high, the charm lies in the details: the bar doubling as a free book exchange on s beautifully crafted bookshelf made by her stepfather, Violet and her father’s pirate banter spilling into a battle scene, and her hard-won lessons in negotiation against tricksters —and possibly even the devil.
Revisiting this story reminded me why I enjoyed it so much the first time. The revelations still pack a punch, and Violet’s voice makes this blend of humor, danger, and supernatural intrigue an easy book to fall back into.
At the center is Violet, the owner of a bar that serves both humans and paranormals. More than just a bartender, she crafts magical drinks that give temporary boosts—confidence, dance moves, even the ability to talk like a pirate. Raised by her adopted fallen-angel parents, Violet has long suppressed the powers passed down from her birth parents. Everything changes when she lands on the radar of Lucifer himself.
The book mixes Violet’s unfolding origin story with side threads: a missing-wife mystery, demons scrambling for influence, and the reappearance of her father’s best friend—once Lucifer’s right-hand man. While the bigger conflicts keep the high, the charm lies in the details: the bar doubling as a free book exchange on s beautifully crafted bookshelf made by her stepfather, Violet and her father’s pirate banter spilling into a battle scene, and her hard-won lessons in negotiation against tricksters —and possibly even the devil.
Revisiting this story reminded me why I enjoyed it so much the first time. The revelations still pack a punch, and Violet’s voice makes this blend of humor, danger, and supernatural intrigue an easy book to fall back into.
May 20, 2025
Violet is a bartender in New Orleans, but a NoLo that includes paranormal entities of all sorts. She mixes cocktails and many of her creations have a serious magical kick, because she is also a potion maker (or apothecaire).
Of course, she has a hidden backstory. A VERY hidden backstory. And her paranormal relatives include a fallen angel.
This book sets up her status as a Guardian of a portal to Hell. There is a lot of (good) worldbuilding and some serious brawling.
A significant plot point involves her fighting style, which involves quickly picking and flinging potions. This is a unique combat style in the genre. It is interesting, but is a bit strange. But, sure.
Things I found a bit so-so...
1. We get basically no New Orleans color. It is just used for the name. Which is a shame.
2. For the plot to work, Violet needs to be very highly skilled and trained at her craft, but also very, very clueless about the world structure. Which gets pretty odd -- like why does she not know about the powers and responsibilities of the Guardians? Especially since they are Potionmasters?
So far a very enjoyable read.
Of course, she has a hidden backstory. A VERY hidden backstory. And her paranormal relatives include a fallen angel.
This book sets up her status as a Guardian of a portal to Hell. There is a lot of (good) worldbuilding and some serious brawling.
A significant plot point involves her fighting style, which involves quickly picking and flinging potions. This is a unique combat style in the genre. It is interesting, but is a bit strange. But, sure.
Things I found a bit so-so...
1. We get basically no New Orleans color. It is just used for the name. Which is a shame.
2. For the plot to work, Violet needs to be very highly skilled and trained at her craft, but also very, very clueless about the world structure. Which gets pretty odd -- like why does she not know about the powers and responsibilities of the Guardians? Especially since they are Potionmasters?
So far a very enjoyable read.
July 21, 2025
Violet runs a bar and bookshop, a bar that I would find interesting. Her drinks have interesting names and may have powers to affect the drinker. For example, there is a pirate themed drink which makes the drinker talk like a pirate for an hour or so. She is also a master potion maker, with potions that can do almost anything from help to explode into a t-rex named Sue.
After a small battle with some Demons, a fallen angel, Max, comes to say that Violet is actually a Potion master and is needed to fill a vacancy of Guardian of the gate between Hell and Earth. He is both a friend and enemy.
This book has some magic, action, humour, interesting characters and a unique (at least to me) premise. Besides magic, there are witches, demons, Lucifer and fallen angels.
I found this an easy, entertaining read although there are parts that seemed to be missing. The background of Violet and her foster parents, Az and Ellie, need further explanations. Hopefully that will come in the future books.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed enough that I will be reading more of her work.
After a small battle with some Demons, a fallen angel, Max, comes to say that Violet is actually a Potion master and is needed to fill a vacancy of Guardian of the gate between Hell and Earth. He is both a friend and enemy.
This book has some magic, action, humour, interesting characters and a unique (at least to me) premise. Besides magic, there are witches, demons, Lucifer and fallen angels.
I found this an easy, entertaining read although there are parts that seemed to be missing. The background of Violet and her foster parents, Az and Ellie, need further explanations. Hopefully that will come in the future books.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed enough that I will be reading more of her work.
July 28, 2025
Grab this funny action filled book. Secrets,Lies,Sassy FMC and Hot Males.
What an extremely fun book. I enjoyed all the unanswered questions and how the secret of who truly Violet is ,is left open ended. My favorite scene includes a certain ancient fossil and a mysterious PITA. I don’t want to give anything away.
I have recommended this book to a group of ladies in hopes to spread this enjoyable story. I would 100% say to read this book but be prepared to laugh,get angry and be confused.
The FMC is cute, sassy and independent with a secret that could get her killed should it come to life. The MMC is confusing as we are introduced to two or more possible future romance partners. One the Fallen who holds secrets of his own as he continues to mourning a wife who died 1,000’s of years ago, a moody bartender who surprises you and the FMC constantly and the last I will not say.
Definitely grab this book!
What an extremely fun book. I enjoyed all the unanswered questions and how the secret of who truly Violet is ,is left open ended. My favorite scene includes a certain ancient fossil and a mysterious PITA. I don’t want to give anything away.
I have recommended this book to a group of ladies in hopes to spread this enjoyable story. I would 100% say to read this book but be prepared to laugh,get angry and be confused.
The FMC is cute, sassy and independent with a secret that could get her killed should it come to life. The MMC is confusing as we are introduced to two or more possible future romance partners. One the Fallen who holds secrets of his own as he continues to mourning a wife who died 1,000’s of years ago, a moody bartender who surprises you and the FMC constantly and the last I will not say.
Definitely grab this book!
January 28, 2024
A fun, well written urban fantasy
I've actually read all the books that are out so far in this series, and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the next (possibly last...but probably not given the number of loose ends to be tidied) book in April.
This is a fun series, lots of depth to the world building and the characters. The protagonist is strong, loyal, quirky, and a bit of a loose cannon - in the best way.
It's hard to get into details without spoilers, but I will mention that the writeup is misleading. Our heroine is not at all 'bad at her job' - arguably the whole flow of the series comes from the fact that she is too good at her job and it gets her noticed. I don't think I'll spill anything major by pointing out this is a blooming tale, in that she has been deliberately hiding for a long time and is now coming into her own. Always fun to watch.
I've actually read all the books that are out so far in this series, and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the next (possibly last...but probably not given the number of loose ends to be tidied) book in April.
This is a fun series, lots of depth to the world building and the characters. The protagonist is strong, loyal, quirky, and a bit of a loose cannon - in the best way.
It's hard to get into details without spoilers, but I will mention that the writeup is misleading. Our heroine is not at all 'bad at her job' - arguably the whole flow of the series comes from the fact that she is too good at her job and it gets her noticed. I don't think I'll spill anything major by pointing out this is a blooming tale, in that she has been deliberately hiding for a long time and is now coming into her own. Always fun to watch.
March 4, 2024
Fallen angels, demons, mysterious parentage, & potions.
Not what I was expecting considering I've read all her other series. I don't agree with the beliefs that set the world up but this is fiction. I like the characters. Especially, Keelie the fairy. She is loyal to Violet. I love her fiery spunk. Olive didn't know who she was messing with! Poor Violet being forced to hide who you are all your life. She couldn't go to school when Jer magic came in. She was to powerful. She had to learn to control it & lock it away. She also has other powers she isn't supposed to have. She opens up a cool bar that has books to read. Plus she uses her awesome Powers to makes drinks that make you talk like a parrot. Some give you confidence. Another can relieve impotence. More demons keep coming after her. It all conveniently happy for
Not what I was expecting considering I've read all her other series. I don't agree with the beliefs that set the world up but this is fiction. I like the characters. Especially, Keelie the fairy. She is loyal to Violet. I love her fiery spunk. Olive didn't know who she was messing with! Poor Violet being forced to hide who you are all your life. She couldn't go to school when Jer magic came in. She was to powerful. She had to learn to control it & lock it away. She also has other powers she isn't supposed to have. She opens up a cool bar that has books to read. Plus she uses her awesome Powers to makes drinks that make you talk like a parrot. Some give you confidence. Another can relieve impotence. More demons keep coming after her. It all conveniently happy for
June 9, 2025
good
Violet is a woman of unusual talents. An Apothecaire, she brews potions to do all kinds of magical things. It’s a skill she has had millennia to perfect, and now it has caught the eye of one of the fallen…
Violet is an intriguing person, and I admit I am quite excited to learn more about who and what she is. Unfortunately, this first book merely hints rather than tells, and it’s just an introduction to Violet, her foster parents Az and Ellie, her barkeeper Landry, and the mysterious Max.
It’s a fairly quick read, set in New Orleans, with a lot of magical characters in it, a good half of whom are rather secretive about themselves. I’m looking forward to reading more about them too!
If you’re a fan of urban fantasy and paranormal fiction, then this is a quick, unique read with some interesting plot twists.
Violet is a woman of unusual talents. An Apothecaire, she brews potions to do all kinds of magical things. It’s a skill she has had millennia to perfect, and now it has caught the eye of one of the fallen…
Violet is an intriguing person, and I admit I am quite excited to learn more about who and what she is. Unfortunately, this first book merely hints rather than tells, and it’s just an introduction to Violet, her foster parents Az and Ellie, her barkeeper Landry, and the mysterious Max.
It’s a fairly quick read, set in New Orleans, with a lot of magical characters in it, a good half of whom are rather secretive about themselves. I’m looking forward to reading more about them too!
If you’re a fan of urban fantasy and paranormal fiction, then this is a quick, unique read with some interesting plot twists.
November 27, 2023
Omg this is an absolute must read!
Honestly what can I say but read this NOW! I had no freaking idea I would fall for this book so hard and it is only the first one. The plot outline drew me in and it will you too.... but my goodness you will die laughing when the pirates enter the story... I will say no more for fear of spoilers but I will give this warning..... make sure to drink cautiously while reading for fear of it being spurted out your nose in laughter.... make sure you have gone pee before reading in fear of wetting your pants while giggling so hard. I am almost scared to see what the next book brings and if it is physically safe for me to read.... if I don't leave any more reviews you will know what happened.
Honestly what can I say but read this NOW! I had no freaking idea I would fall for this book so hard and it is only the first one. The plot outline drew me in and it will you too.... but my goodness you will die laughing when the pirates enter the story... I will say no more for fear of spoilers but I will give this warning..... make sure to drink cautiously while reading for fear of it being spurted out your nose in laughter.... make sure you have gone pee before reading in fear of wetting your pants while giggling so hard. I am almost scared to see what the next book brings and if it is physically safe for me to read.... if I don't leave any more reviews you will know what happened.
October 3, 2025
“A Twist of Demon”, first in the 'Cocktails in Hell' series, raises more questions than it ever attempts to answer.
Violet runs a bar/bookshop in New Orleans - it's not very successful.
She's also a Potionmaster, one of the most powerful around.
Right from the get-go Violet admits to being far more than the sum of those parts alone - but to openly use her full power (whatever it may be) would cause her death.
And then all hell breaks loose, she's suddenly the bull on the demon dart board.
And a Fallen Angel who has been MIA for thousands of years wants her help.
It all leads to a climax that's really nothing more than a cliffhanger.
If you are looking for a tradition beginning, middle and end, look elsewhere.
I quite liked it.
3,5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
Violet runs a bar/bookshop in New Orleans - it's not very successful.
She's also a Potionmaster, one of the most powerful around.
Right from the get-go Violet admits to being far more than the sum of those parts alone - but to openly use her full power (whatever it may be) would cause her death.
And then all hell breaks loose, she's suddenly the bull on the demon dart board.
And a Fallen Angel who has been MIA for thousands of years wants her help.
It all leads to a climax that's really nothing more than a cliffhanger.
If you are looking for a tradition beginning, middle and end, look elsewhere.
I quite liked it.
3,5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
December 29, 2025
This was ok. There is absolutely no world building beyond the bar and her home - which sounds like a falling down catastrophe. There are lots of hints but no absolutes about most of the main characters. I actually double checked to see if I missed another series about Az and Ellie - they seemed fully developed outside this plot. There was more explanation about their background than Violet's (fmc). Absolutely no info about her "hidden powers" beyond their potential for getting her killed should they be revealed. Max's character was a bit of a tease. His waffling as good/not-so-good, basic attraction - as in, will he or won't he be a love interest. The ending threw another kink in that potential also. I will at least try Book 2 to see where the plot might develop further.
January 16, 2026
This a fun, quick read with lots happening in this book and even more set up for future story arcs. I liked the bar setting and Violet's magic. Potion making of her calibre is unusual in a MC but provides fertile ground for humour and action. The found family trope feels central in this book and perhaps series and it was so well crafted. The pacing was fast, as you'd expect in a book of this length but everything tracked well. I liked the sentient daggers and hope to see more of them.
The narrator did female voices well but her male ones were a bit odd. Still a good listen though.
The narrator did female voices well but her male ones were a bit odd. Still a good listen though.
April 7, 2024
outstanding
This book captured my whole attention and I am not ready to let go. The characters were well developed and intriguing. The plot was quick, humorous at times and kept me wanting to know more. This story moved along without oodles of take about nothing that really mattered. No boring descriptions of nonessential things and no how-to pages of sexy time are used as filler. I adore this beginning series book. I look forward to reading the other books. Highly recommend this one.
This book captured my whole attention and I am not ready to let go. The characters were well developed and intriguing. The plot was quick, humorous at times and kept me wanting to know more. This story moved along without oodles of take about nothing that really mattered. No boring descriptions of nonessential things and no how-to pages of sexy time are used as filler. I adore this beginning series book. I look forward to reading the other books. Highly recommend this one.
January 2, 2024
A Twist of Demon, book one of the Cocktails in Hell series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). I almost skipped over this one because of the cover, but the title caught my interest , then the blurb did. So glad I took a chance, because this series was a winner for me. Violet is a unique character, outside a lot of the common urban fantasy tropes. The story was funny, smart, and fun.
August 25, 2025
Warning extreme Christian hate
Let me start by saying I read a lot of fantasy so this is not me bashing fantasy or getting all worked up because the author talks a lot about demons. This is about constant in your face, the Bible is wrong demons are good guys, angels are perverts who constantly lie and the one true God, her words, is evil and also constantly lies. This is more so the second book which I couldn't finish. Do yourself a favor and skip these books
Let me start by saying I read a lot of fantasy so this is not me bashing fantasy or getting all worked up because the author talks a lot about demons. This is about constant in your face, the Bible is wrong demons are good guys, angels are perverts who constantly lie and the one true God, her words, is evil and also constantly lies. This is more so the second book which I couldn't finish. Do yourself a favor and skip these books
December 18, 2025
Best surprise
I read so much that sometimes it's all just a blur blending together. But always, always, I hold hope that I will find another great story teller, those that are unfortunately very rare. I'm smiling because I found one! Original, fantastic and witty dialogue, world building, never a dull moment. I'm stoked that there are many more books waiting to be read. Thank you.
I read so much that sometimes it's all just a blur blending together. But always, always, I hold hope that I will find another great story teller, those that are unfortunately very rare. I'm smiling because I found one! Original, fantastic and witty dialogue, world building, never a dull moment. I'm stoked that there are many more books waiting to be read. Thank you.
January 11, 2026
This was pretty funny! Love the descriptions when she’s making her potions and her potion belt magic is super cool.
Overall the story is interesting but short! I want more! I feel like it was only a taste of a book but it was still a good one.
I’ll be reading the next one. I’m hoping for a bigger role for the sentient objects!
Thank you to the author and Goodreads Giveaways for the free ebook!
Overall the story is interesting but short! I want more! I feel like it was only a taste of a book but it was still a good one.
I’ll be reading the next one. I’m hoping for a bigger role for the sentient objects!
Thank you to the author and Goodreads Giveaways for the free ebook!
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