Witchy Sour

Magic & Mixology Mystery #2

by Gina LaManna

Book 2 of the Magic & Mixology Mystery Series by USA TODAY bestselling author Gina LaManna!

A dark stranger. A deadly potion. A school for scoundrels...

Lily Locke has barely had time to sink into her role as The Isle's newest Mixologist, when a series of events sends her world spiraling out of control. Her vampire cousin is overtaken by a serious bout of blood intolerance issues, and the key ingredient for the antidote is missing.

Meanwhile, Zin is training day and night under the watchful eye of Grandma Hettie to break into the elite, male-dominated world of the Ranger security force, but it's a constant uphill battle. Then, Ranger X turns Lily's world upside down when he breaks the longstanding rules of the island and throws both her heart and her head into a tailspin.

Hooded strangers, dangerous potions, and a budding romance threaten to ruin all that Lily's worked to achieve. Add in a stolen spellbook, and Lily's barely able to hold her head above water.

When a body turns up on the beach, Lily must catch the murderer before a true battle begins...

Welcome back, Islanders.

** **

This novel is a full-length, humorous cozy mystery featuring a splash of magic, a handful of witches, and a dash of romance. It's rated PG-13 due to mild language and some romance.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery, Romance, Magic, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2016

About the author

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.

Reviews

[Joy Novel Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful follow up to the first book in this series!

Lots of ups and downs twists and turns. Heartbreak and swoony moments. My heart literally leapt in my chest while reading this book! I even cried some happy tears! I will be anxiously waiting for the third book!

[Thomas Tymstone · Rating 2 out of 5]

★★SPOILER ALERT★★

Btw - the first book.in the series wasn't available so I started with the second.

I feel like a scratched record or an echo of myself. Why are the female main characters in the books I've read in the last two years soo lame. Thankfully not all of them, sadly this one for sure is on that LAME list.. On one hand she's like 14 yo girl, all sass for no reason, then she's like a love struck aunjanue begging and flirting. Finally she's like a dim brained parrot repeating everyone's sentences back to them to prove she doesn't understand. I won't give examples because I'd be here all day. Let's just say if they were looking for a weak and confused person with a mostly good heart to be their Mixologist on that magical island then they are in luck.
★As often happens I do like the premise and some of the supporting characters.
Some folks liked it....even after all that talk I'll give it one more book to grow on.

[Ksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel keeps pace with the first one. Romance blossoms, secrets are revealed, and magic thrives. Lily continues her training as the new Mixologist while still learning about her past and her place in the future of the Isle.

Just as fast paced as the first book, this one does not leave room for boredom. Be prepared to squeal from cuteness, stare from shock, and numerous other actions.

[JennyWithThe📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is great

I have really enjoyed these book! They are funny, witty, sarcastic with a little bit of romance. Perfect blend! I can't wait for the next book!

[Miki’s⚠️ Safety Reviews & Rants⚠️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for the whole series
⭐️This is a review for the WHOLE 8 book series. I did the audiobooks. In my opinion this was a perfect audiobook read.

My rating is based on MY ENJOYMENT of this series not necessarily because it was the best series or books I have ever read. It just hit the spot for me.

🌟Brief Summary:
‼️Such a fun and delightful series! Gah I loved it.
♥️SAFE!
‼️Closed door romance
‼️Cozy Magical world
‼️Building storyline w each book
‼️Great Audiobook
‼️Likeable characters
‼️Sweet and swoon Romance
‼️Quick short books that are jam packed


‼️This series follows Lily when she finds out she isnt human but a witch with magical powers. She is THE Mixologist. There is only one in the world at a time and she is the MOST powerful to come along maybe EVER.
She is taken by her two aunts to a magical island where her family lives and she has a whole mixology bungalow and store.

‼️We follow Lily as she finds out secrets about her mom and dad, falls in love, learns about magic and becomes more powerful.
She is very kindhearted and always has to solve mystery each book BUT also the over arching plot builds and gets better with each book.

♥️The Romance is so sweet. To me it was very balanced w the mystery and plot WHICH I LOVE. It’s hard to find decent Romance in these types of books that are not set to the background.

Around book 4 the mystery and plot line does get slightly darker. Not a crazy amount but the stakes get higher and higher.

Things I Did 💔 Not Like

-As the books go on I found myself confused by Lilys Reactions to things sometimes. At times she was just immature and jumped to extreme judgement without all the facts. It got annoying after a while.

-Zin is not m fav character she is very selfish. Infact sometimes certain members her family annoyed me

-This sometimes reads very YA. When these characters are late 20s early 30s.

🥀 Hero:
Ranger X- Lead Ranger on the island
He’s Hot 🔥
He’s super swoon😍
He is head over heels in love with Lily ♥️

He’s very powerful and very secluded from any form of relationship or romance. It’s his job that keeps him that way. The way of a Ranger is that they don’t have personal connections. But our boy changes EVERYTHING to be with his one true love ♥️

🦋 Heroine:
Lily- THE Mixologist
She is kind hearted
At times immature and reactive
Sometimes takes a while to get the clues together
But overall is sweet and kind and doing a great job with what she has been thrown at her.
I can’t say I always understood her but overall the good out weighed the bad

💭 POV:
Single first person POV told through the h

😡/😍 Angst level:
Low with occasional medium

❤️‍🔥 Sex & Burn Rate:
Slow build but def tons of chemistry throughout there is immediate attraction but it’s not acted on. By the end of book 3 they are together but still have issues to work through
-Closed door-

🌓 Push/Pull:
Mild for the first few books. There is reasons they cannot pursue a relationship so there are complications.


☠️ OW/OM Drama:
None

🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None

🤬 Cheating:
None

👰🏼‍♀️ Virgins:
None
No history given for either,
No past brought up
Neither had loved anyone before

⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
None
They def have lots to work through but once together they never separated

🎧AUDIO
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ great I think the narrator did great. She showed emotion, changed her voice for diff characters and she had a good clear voice.

Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Nothing major typical bad guy stuff but there was some death in the family and some bad daddy issues

🌈Epilogue:
There is a few lead ins to a spin off connected to this world with new characters small and short.

Yes! Not far in the future but def starting to work HEA!

🥂HEA:
Yes! Married and got the big baddie

❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.❌
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall: 4 Narration: 5 Story: 4

The second in The Magic & Mixology Mystery series from Gina LaManna is the first I’ve read in this series, and believe me, there was plenty to keep me guessing. Already a fan of LaManna’s snarky, sarcastic and cleverly plotted mysteries, this was a fun opportunity to get into a new book. Lily is ‘learning’ to mix potions, and her mentor is more than a bit demanding. But when her spellbook disappears and Gus goes looking, she’s completely left to her own devices to find the missing ingredient that her cousin Poppy needs. When you add in another cousin trying to pass his ranger’s test, and Ranger X makes her heart go pitter-pat, there are plenty of distractions to Lily’s time.

Oh I liked Lily very much: she was determined to find the answers she needed, even when everything (and that is almost literal) is conspiring against her. Fun, funny and quite able to find the humor in almost every situation, the threats were dire, but she never lost her focus, even as the distractions did seem to increase. And to top it all off – the forest is loaded with Fae with attitude, and strangely cloaked men are wandering everywhere and leaving people vaguely unsettled. Fast-paced, twisty and full of surprises, the fun never ends in this.

Narration for this book is provided by Wendy Tremont King, and as with every title I’ve listened to that she’s narrated, each character is unique and distinct, easily distinguished from the others and even provides a touch of foreshadowing of intentions in the voice. Evil characters feel grimy and a bit off, while the emotional influences on others (confusion, anger, happiness) are palpable and clearly add to the listen.

I’d suggest that you start with the first in this series – and give it a listen. You won’t go wrong with this fun, witchy-enhanced mystery.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Sandy Geach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, funny, love the romance and mystery!!!

[Tracy Montefour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just have to read something fun and lite! Love this series so far. Stumbled upon it at a used book store. Very glad I did. Read each in about 3 evenings. Can't wait to read the rest.

[Sabrina Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun quick read. I really enjoy the characters. It was fun having most of the book a challenge. It will be interesting to see what happens with Zin for sure.

[Suzanne Galbraith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun stuff but a confusing mess

Couldn't finish. I powered through the first one hoping the second got better, but the characters are like cardboard cutouts. And Ranger X? Come on. I felt like I was reading a first draft before the author decided what the name of the character is. ("I want him to be like the Ranger character in the Stephanie Plum series. I can't decide on a name. For now I'll just call him Ranger X.") It doesn't help that he's so brooding and perfect in eeeeeeevrry way and of course everyone knows who she is and wants to date her and the world has been waiting for her and she's so amazing and powerful. And I'm supposed to be emo that Mary Sue and Marty Stu can't be together. I feel like a little more character decisions and development for ALL of the inhabitants of the island would have made this so much better. Everything else was fun, but in the end if you don't care about the characters, or they are so incoherent they don't even make sense, how can I care about a mystery that, according to the first book, doesn't even matter? If she's so amazing and powerful and has memorized the book, why does she suddenly need it so badly? I'm bummed because I LOVE the covers and the premise.

I'm going to see if the author has written things since because I really would like to read something with this kind of premise, but better executed.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Gina LaManna fan, you will know that she is a very talented young author. I am undoubtedly enjoying this series. It has a perfect mix of mystery and magic put together, with a hint of romance.

In this second book, Lily is still studying hard as the new Mixologist with Gus racking the whip everyday. Her supernatural cousins are around, although poor Poppy has been feeling under the weather with her blood issues and Zin is determined to crack the Rangers test. Things are a bit off altogether with the Mixology book missing, then cloaked men roaming the Island. And just when you think it is safe to visit the Forest, the Fae have other ideas!

A great mystery will have you guessing, thinking ahead, gasping and take you on a twist and turn adventure, and that is what you will find with this book, and series. There is more emphasis on the mystery, the supernatural beings are not unbelievable, and the events are intriguing. Another job well done Miss LaManna.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something wicked is going on on the Isle. There is the presence of cloaked strangers, a deadly elixir, a handsome stranger, the missing spell book, and trouble afoot. Can Lily get to the bottom of it all before it gets to her?
Things kick up a notch when a handsome stranger walks in, but when the cloaked figure shows up, Lily's life starts going downhill. She is sent into tailspin while looking for her missing spell book and trying to figure out her love life.
Gina LaManna has written another wonderful and exciting magical book.
From the very beginning, you feel as if you've been inserted into the story as you follow Lily along her trials and tribulations. Once I started reading this I couldn't stop, I had to finish. You will laugh, cry, cheer, and gasp with surprise. I can't wait to visit the Isle again!!

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witchy Sour is the delightful continuation of The Magic and Mixology Series. Not surprisingly I loved this book even more than Hex on the Beach. The first novel had so much to introduce us to that, as good as it was, the story was broken up into two major parts. WS flows beautifully and we already love the characters and have some background on each of them. Most of the characters moved at least on step forward in their lives, some have whole new worlds opening up for them for good or bad only time will tell. The cousins and Hettie kept me laughing and Ranger X kept me sighing. I loved the way Lily's adventure wrapped up things we has seen throughout the book.

[Bea Brugge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey continues

What can I say? I'm a fan of Gina LaManna. I enjoyed Hex on the Beach and Witchy Sour. I cannot wait to start the third book in the series. I'm so happy to see Lily and Ranger X moving in the right direction.
This is a must read, but read her first book first or you will be a bit lost.

[Deborah Turton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Could not put it down. Refreshing change .Great summer reading. Can't wait to read the next book. Fun colorful characters

[Cierra McCauley (Cierra's Corner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

So much action love this author! And the characters are so loveable and fun! I can't wait to read the next installment

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light reading

Really enjoy this series. Lilly is developing as the heroine, while building a firm base world and great characters. Here's to the next book being as good..

[Elissa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the second book in the Magic and Mixology book series and, as book 1 ends on a cliff hanger, I read it in direct succession of the first book. We continue with following Lily as she learns the ropes of her new position as Mixologist for the Isle where the magical people live. We continue from the cliffhanger of missing spell book and join Lily on her journey to find her book.

This book delves deeper into Lily's world and we learn more about the inhabitants of the island and the political workings of the society. On the upside, this brings a new dimension to the story arc, on the downside, some of these elements are not fully fleshed out in this book and confuse the plot a bit. The main romantic arc of the series is still ongoing and is beginning to become tiresome as it got hot and heavy very quickly for such a drawn out story line. As we leave this book, we are at the climax of the story line (I hope. I think there are only 3 books to this series. I hope so as I don't believe this plot can sustain a 4th book). Our hero and heroine have reached their impasse and the Isle appears on the brink of battle.

I'm a bit weary of the story, but am also curious as to how this will end. I'm going to move on to book 3 and hope Ms. LaManna can fulfill the promise she has set out this far. The writing is still fresh, which is not something you can say about all series. All things considered, this is a solid 2nd book and I hope it leads to a good finale. On to book 3.

[Nae · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 2nd book opens with a *cute scene* between Lily & Ranger X, who just previously agreed to be only friends and here he is with wine, at night, giving her a shoulder massage. I can already tell their romance is going to get stretched out ridiculously long before they agree to be together and I’m not into that angst.

There are all these details that don’t make sense - he’s wearing a suit so he “must have come from the office” but he’s a ranger - read cop - on this island, so why does he wear 3 piece suits around the island and forest? Then he has a scratch and she’s like, "you’re injured" and he pulls the cheesiest line ever of “you should see the other guy,” but like - where is all this crime coming from on this tiny island they keep saying is just a small town? And then that reminds me of all my other questions with this world like why is the entire Magic population on one small island in Lake Superior?

Better than the first...the world building expands a bit and there’s more going on. Still wish the titular drinks were somehow cooler and able to be used more than for one specific instance in the plot - who’s ordering these ever?

Can’t be bothered to read the rest of the series, but readers who like long multi-book cozy series should give this a go.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time to mix

Much better than the first book. The book is missing and no one has a clue where it is or who stole it. Plus she is asked to make the Elixir for a customer. People who ask for it are dying but this let's the die quicker whilst being able to be a ghost with power for a specific future task. Throw in another secret faction (with only 4 out of 5 members remaining), a goal of killing off most of the supernaturals on the island, her cousin's need for her special vampire mix, her other cousin's desire to join the Rangers, her growing attachment to her favourite Ranger and more besides to give you a great read. Will they all come out unscathed or will this leave a permanent stain? Plus who has put her Granny's name out for assassination? The characters are developing and you can see not only them in your mind's eye but also the links that bind them.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun! And this once mainstream young woman turned resident of a secret island witch has learned a lot but there's far more yet to discover. Of course there is always chaos when others conspire to eliminate her from her inherited post as Mixologist. For fans of fantasy characters - witches, vampires (who suffer from blood intolerance) and a very sexy Ranger that keeps Lily's head spinning and her pulse racing, this is a vacation in book form. I read at night and it's frequently a problem to keep quiet when giggling at the antics Lily, her cousins and Grandmother Hettie get up to every day of the week. It's a non-stop romp from start to finish and you'll be racing to find part 3 Jinx & Tonic right away.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new mixologist

Lily is settling in her new life on the Island and has made great strides in her role of the Island's new Mixologist. She is learning from her mentor, Gus and becoming more talented as time passes. Just as exciting as her new role and title, she and Ranger X are discovering their new relationship.

Ms. LaManna weaves an intriguing story and develops her characters in such a way that you are transported to this magical and mystic island, becoming part of this fantastic and ongoing story.

I can sincerely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys this magical world.

[Cindy Kerwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the idea of the story, the main character and the grandma. I like parts of the story but most of the time everyone is so whiny and ask such stupid questions on why things are happening or happening to them, its just annoying. For now, I don't think I'm going to listen to the rest of the books. I have a feeling they aren't going to get better, and even though I don't mind a corny romance-if done right, there are parts of this that just are kind of embarrassing to read. Its as if the person who wrote this had never had a relationship before and they're going off what they've seen on the Hallmark channel. Maybe when I have nothing else to listen to, I'll try again.....?

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gina LaManna is Fantastic!

This is the 5th series of hers I've started reading, and like all the others, I'm grabbed right into the story.

In my opinion, magic related stories are difficult. It can't be too out there that it's not believable, it can't be silly because, you know, magic does exist and it's not silly, and it can't take away from the storyline.

Gina makes this believable, the characters relatable and a story you want to lose yourself in. Can't wait to read more.

[Anameeka · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a light Fluffy read. I didn't enjoy this as much as the first one in the series, but it was fun seeing Lily and her zany relatives again. I think this author's strength is her world building. This is a series and has a number of books so the character development and the romance are on a slow burn. That's ok with me, especially as the events in each book take place in several days to a week.

[Jenica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witchy Sour was again amazing. I inhaled it while on a beach vacation. A lot happens in this book and I loved it. We get more of Ranger X (yum) and more of Lily's crazy family. We get to see Lily really embrace her new future. Even though there is great joy in her new job there is also great sadness too. But the author took that and made it work in the end which I loved. Another solid read and I'm on to the 3rd book!

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Lily grows into her role as Mixologist, she is finding it's getting more mysterious...and dangerous. Her Spellbook is stolen, she is asked to brew a dangerous Elixir and she is questioning the trust she has in her assistant, Gus, when she overhears a secret he hasn't shared with her. Love the Ranger X romance aspect! This author has a very vivid imagination which make the books very enjoyable.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book after enjoying the first one so much. But I had to really struggle to finish this one. It was more about the romance between Lily and Ranger X and the story seemed to get lost because of this. Not sure if I will bother with book 3 in this series. Very disappointing.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and worth reading

I've read the first book m, Hex on the Beach yesterday and found it fun and interesting. Witchy Sour was just as good and now I plan on reading the next book in the series. I look forward to learning more about the mysteries surrounding the main character.

[Beth Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Second Book

Another fun read in the series. This one seems to have settled in its own groove. Less clumsiness on the part of the main character, better character and relational development. Leaves a lot of questions hanging so there's plenty of space for the series to grow. All in all a seriously fun read.