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Cursed Luck #1.5 - Goddess of Summer Love
Hex on the Beach
Girls Night Out has never been so much fun–but what are they going to do with all these bodies?
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost, and Melissa Marr deliver a sexy summer read with this novel-length anthology containing three all-new stories from their Cursed Luck, Night Huntress, and Faery Bargains worlds. Kennedy, Cat, and Gen are just trying to enjoy their respective getaways, but when immortals, vampires, and witches come out to play, things are bound to go awry. Let the supernatural hijinks begin!
A GRAVE GIRLS’ GETAWAY by Jeaniene Frost
Vampire Cat Crawfield Russell is looking forward to a little down time with her best friend, Denise. But when witches crash the party, a fun getaway turns into a paranormal showdown.
GODDESS OF SUMMER LOVE by Kelley Armstrong
The goddess of love sets her sights on the Bennett sisters for a little Memorial Day matchmaking. The plan is to resurrect a local unsolved mystery for the sisters–and their love interests–to solve. But, of course, nothing goes according to plan.
DAQUIRIS AND DAGGERS by Melissa Marr
A fun spa weekend away with friends in a city free of monsters, what could be better? Gen’s necromancy had been on the fritz, so a recharge sounds perfect–until she arrives in San Diego to discover that either the spa is too steps beyond weird or there’s magic afoot.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost, and Melissa Marr deliver a sexy summer read with this novel-length anthology containing three all-new stories from their Cursed Luck, Night Huntress, and Faery Bargains worlds. Kennedy, Cat, and Gen are just trying to enjoy their respective getaways, but when immortals, vampires, and witches come out to play, things are bound to go awry. Let the supernatural hijinks begin!
A GRAVE GIRLS’ GETAWAY by Jeaniene Frost
Vampire Cat Crawfield Russell is looking forward to a little down time with her best friend, Denise. But when witches crash the party, a fun getaway turns into a paranormal showdown.
GODDESS OF SUMMER LOVE by Kelley Armstrong
The goddess of love sets her sights on the Bennett sisters for a little Memorial Day matchmaking. The plan is to resurrect a local unsolved mystery for the sisters–and their love interests–to solve. But, of course, nothing goes according to plan.
DAQUIRIS AND DAGGERS by Melissa Marr
A fun spa weekend away with friends in a city free of monsters, what could be better? Gen’s necromancy had been on the fritz, so a recharge sounds perfect–until she arrives in San Diego to discover that either the spa is too steps beyond weird or there’s magic afoot.
253 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2021
225 people are currently reading
1882 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
302 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
July 9, 2021
• Goddess of Summer Love by Kelley Armstrong - 3.5 ⭐️
“I was an uncommonly attractive child, which my family prayed was a sign they’d finally been blessed with an immortal. When I was ten, I drowned. The story is that I slipped off a rock. The truth is that my father held me under the water while my mother watched, so that they might test my immortality.”
- Vanessa (Goddess of Love, Aphrodite)
“Two pairs of seedlings to nourish and coax closer to one another. One pair to separate, gently, encouraging them to flourish in their own rows. I am Aphrodite, goddess of love, and if I cannot tend to my own garden right now, I will tend to others.”
- Vanessa (Goddess of Love, Aphrodite)
“This wasn’t about them, I was projecting. Or transferring. Or whatever a therapist might call it. It was about me. What I need. What I’m not sure how to get. I was meddling in their love lives when the one I’m really worried about is my own.
I know I’m difficult. I’m dramatic, and I’m demanding, and it can be too much. Far too much.”
- Vanessa (Goddess of Love, Aphrodite)
——
• A Grave Girls Getaway by Jeaniene Frost - 4.5 ⭐️
“I’d never be ready to say goodbye to Bones, even if I had over a thousand years with him. And Katie…How did you begin to say goodbye to your child?”
- Cat
“I’d almost died, plus I had a gruesome supernatural surgery in front of me, but now that I was free of pain, free of a deadly spell, free of the fear that I’d doomed my best friend, and free to go home with the man I loved, I was in the best mood ever.”
- Cat
“I was an uncommonly attractive child, which my family prayed was a sign they’d finally been blessed with an immortal. When I was ten, I drowned. The story is that I slipped off a rock. The truth is that my father held me under the water while my mother watched, so that they might test my immortality.”
- Vanessa (Goddess of Love, Aphrodite)
“Two pairs of seedlings to nourish and coax closer to one another. One pair to separate, gently, encouraging them to flourish in their own rows. I am Aphrodite, goddess of love, and if I cannot tend to my own garden right now, I will tend to others.”
- Vanessa (Goddess of Love, Aphrodite)
“This wasn’t about them, I was projecting. Or transferring. Or whatever a therapist might call it. It was about me. What I need. What I’m not sure how to get. I was meddling in their love lives when the one I’m really worried about is my own.
I know I’m difficult. I’m dramatic, and I’m demanding, and it can be too much. Far too much.”
- Vanessa (Goddess of Love, Aphrodite)
——
• A Grave Girls Getaway by Jeaniene Frost - 4.5 ⭐️
“I’d never be ready to say goodbye to Bones, even if I had over a thousand years with him. And Katie…How did you begin to say goodbye to your child?”
- Cat
“I’d almost died, plus I had a gruesome supernatural surgery in front of me, but now that I was free of pain, free of a deadly spell, free of the fear that I’d doomed my best friend, and free to go home with the man I loved, I was in the best mood ever.”
- Cat
December 31, 2021
Honestly, I was just so relieved to read something from some of my favorite authors, even if these aren't necessarily my favorite series of theirs, that I was willing to overlook the fluff.
Kelley Armstrong's story from the Cursed Luck universe was very PG. No real deaths, an old missing girl mystery with no real stakes, and an underlying premise that Aphrodite was very bad at playing matchmaker. I infinitely prefer Armstrong's Otherworld series, and might actually be willing to pay money to bring it back. (Normally, I just support the library that I'm trustee of and read through them.)
Melissa Marr's story was a bit confusing for me because I actually haven't read her Faery Bargain books yet. But since the protagonist is a draugr/witch/fairy hybrid, I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series now. My only complaint is that after the protagonist recovered her magic (that she had apparently lost in a previous book that I have not yet read), she was then a bit too overpowered. What did it matter if she was hunting the undead if she has near-total power over the undead? She doesn't need to have any great skill with a blade if she can simply order the undead person to stand still while she inexpertly saws away at his neck.
Then, I'm embarrassed to admit that I almost gave this book 5 stars over the Jeaniene Frost story with Cat and Bones. I started out reading the Night Huntress series as a bit of a guilty pleasure experiment. Then I am ashamed that I read every book and short story. Because I enjoy the powers, and I can follow the plot just fine. I'm just embarrassed as a feminist to read a series that features so many examples of women getting held prisoner by "alpha" men, whom sometimes change the women into vampires without their knowledge or permission. (And yes, sometimes fully with permission as well.) The issue isn't just my feminist street cred, but simple narrative boredom. The books in this universe follow too much of a pattern; female protagonist encounters a rich, handsome, powerful "master" vampire, and he then may transform the female protagonist into a vampire, and/or she may already have some preexisting supernatural status. With the exception of Cat and Bones (especially in this particular story), the couple never have children. The women never ask to give birth via sperm donor before agreeing to be transformed, nor do the couples ever decide to adopt a child after the woman has been transformed.
This Night Huntress story by Jeaniene Frost is practically the first time we have EVER seen characters in her universe actually act as parents. Or talk about the emotions involved with trying to parent a child, and feeling like you're failing all the time. It's a refreshing change of pace. Then, someone finally addressed the possibility of adopting after marrying a vampire man. Finally. The novelty is jarring.
But I also almost gave this 5 stars just because I was so grateful for the familiar. What does that say about me? I'm feeling pretty good about the 4-star rating, though, because Frost managed to spoil her own feminist triumph. This Night Huntress story is one of the best she has ever written, and it was amazing that it showcased the badass friendship of Cat and Denise without any men around. ... Until there are some men around. You came so close, Frost. You almost let your strong female leads carry the day without the intervention of a man, but you just couldn't bring yourself to do it, could you?
Kelley Armstrong's story from the Cursed Luck universe was very PG. No real deaths, an old missing girl mystery with no real stakes, and an underlying premise that Aphrodite was very bad at playing matchmaker. I infinitely prefer Armstrong's Otherworld series, and might actually be willing to pay money to bring it back. (Normally, I just support the library that I'm trustee of and read through them.)
Melissa Marr's story was a bit confusing for me because I actually haven't read her Faery Bargain books yet. But since the protagonist is a draugr/witch/fairy hybrid, I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series now. My only complaint is that after the protagonist recovered her magic (that she had apparently lost in a previous book that I have not yet read), she was then a bit too overpowered. What did it matter if she was hunting the undead if she has near-total power over the undead? She doesn't need to have any great skill with a blade if she can simply order the undead person to stand still while she inexpertly saws away at his neck.
Then, I'm embarrassed to admit that I almost gave this book 5 stars over the Jeaniene Frost story with Cat and Bones. I started out reading the Night Huntress series as a bit of a guilty pleasure experiment. Then I am ashamed that I read every book and short story. Because I enjoy the powers, and I can follow the plot just fine. I'm just embarrassed as a feminist to read a series that features so many examples of women getting held prisoner by "alpha" men, whom sometimes change the women into vampires without their knowledge or permission. (And yes, sometimes fully with permission as well.) The issue isn't just my feminist street cred, but simple narrative boredom. The books in this universe follow too much of a pattern; female protagonist encounters a rich, handsome, powerful "master" vampire, and he then may transform the female protagonist into a vampire, and/or she may already have some preexisting supernatural status. With the exception of Cat and Bones (especially in this particular story), the couple never have children. The women never ask to give birth via sperm donor before agreeing to be transformed, nor do the couples ever decide to adopt a child after the woman has been transformed.
This Night Huntress story by Jeaniene Frost is practically the first time we have EVER seen characters in her universe actually act as parents. Or talk about the emotions involved with trying to parent a child, and feeling like you're failing all the time. It's a refreshing change of pace. Then, someone finally addressed the possibility of adopting after marrying a vampire man. Finally. The novelty is jarring.
But I also almost gave this 5 stars just because I was so grateful for the familiar. What does that say about me? I'm feeling pretty good about the 4-star rating, though, because Frost managed to spoil her own feminist triumph. This Night Huntress story is one of the best she has ever written, and it was amazing that it showcased the badass friendship of Cat and Denise without any men around. ... Until there are some men around. You came so close, Frost. You almost let your strong female leads carry the day without the intervention of a man, but you just couldn't bring yourself to do it, could you?
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July 6, 2021Review to come……
More Cat & Bones?………Hell yeah!!! ❤️
July 26, 2021
This was the perfect, quick, pleasant escape that I needed this weekend. It’s a collection of three novellas are urban fantasy stories centered on women with special abilities. I hadn’t read any of the Melissa Marr series, but the story was still easy to follow. Gen tries to take a girls weekend, but finds the spa to be a bit more on the evil side than they were hoping. I read Cursed Luck by Kelley Armstrong recently and it was honestly the reason I was so motivated to read this book. I liked that it centered more on Vanessa (aka Aphrodite) and her thoughts/perspective. Kennedy invites the gang to her grand opening and Vanessa dangles a mystery in front of her and Aiden to try to strengthen their bond. I’ve read a lot about Cat and Bones, but I can tell I haven’t read them all. Regardless I enjoyed Jeaniene Frost’s novella as well. Cat gets herself in over her head when she scents blood and stops a teenage boy being sacrificed.
July 6, 2021
Goddess of Summer Love by Kelley Armstrong—This was a unique twist on Olympians, curses and supernatural abilities. Add in an old cold case to solve and I was set!
I liked the characters, even Rian and his drama-and am now curious to go read Cursed Luck! Without reading the first book, I didn’t have any issues following the story/characters here.
A Grave Girls Getaway by Jeaniene Frost—Leave it to Cat and Denise to stumble upon a hornet’s nest while on a girls weekend! A nasty coven of witches, ritual sacrifices, and help from an unexpected corner, it was a blast revisiting the Night Huntress world!
Daiquiris and Dagger by Melissa Marr—This story was a madcap adventure in a spa of all places! I haven’t read the novels in the Faery Bargain series and admit I was a little lost at the start, but I finally got my bearings and hung along for the crazy ride.
I liked the characters, even Rian and his drama-and am now curious to go read Cursed Luck! Without reading the first book, I didn’t have any issues following the story/characters here.
A Grave Girls Getaway by Jeaniene Frost—Leave it to Cat and Denise to stumble upon a hornet’s nest while on a girls weekend! A nasty coven of witches, ritual sacrifices, and help from an unexpected corner, it was a blast revisiting the Night Huntress world!
Daiquiris and Dagger by Melissa Marr—This story was a madcap adventure in a spa of all places! I haven’t read the novels in the Faery Bargain series and admit I was a little lost at the start, but I finally got my bearings and hung along for the crazy ride.
August 3, 2021
I just read the Kelley Armstrong, which I really enjoyed. It's in the Cursed Luck world, which is one I'm enjoying.
August 28, 2021
Goddess of Summer Love by Kelley Armstrong:
3.5 stars
This novella takes place after Cursed Luck and it's told in the POV Vanessa, the goddess of love. Kennedy is back in Unstable, where she is having the grand opening of her shop. Everyone is invited to the party, including Vanessa, whose goal is to do a little matchmaking with Aiden and Kennedy.
This was a short and sweet novella; not much development in the Aiden and Kennedy romance department. We did get some insight from Jonathan about his friendship with Ani. Overall, this was a good transitory novella with a cozy mystery vibe. There was not a lot of magic or un-cursing, which I was fine with because I liked catching up with the characters and the world itself. There were definitely some sprinkles of future storylines here and there. I'm excited for more books in this series!
A Grave Girls' Getaway by Jeaniene Frost:
5 stars
This novella cannot be read as a standalone. It contains lots of spoilers from the Night Huntress series. This one is only for die-hard Night Huntress fans who are caught up with the series. Cat and her best friend Denise go away for a girls trip, but their party gets crashed by evil witches.
WHAT. A. BLAST. OMG I forgot how much I LOVE being inside Cat's head. I always have so much fun reading her narration and her inner dialogues. She's such a hoot. I feel so at home with the Night Huntress characters and I did not realize how much I missed them 🥺
I had lots of fun catching up with Cat, Bones, Denise, and Spade. And of course, everyone's favourite demon, Ashael, who by the way, NEEDS HIS OWN STORY!! Please make it happen, Ms. Frost!!
The paranormal showdown in this novella was epic. Jeaniene Frost always ends up surprising me in the best possible ways. Do not mess with Cat and Denise, that's all I will say 😂
Note: I skipped the Melissa Marr novella because I have not read that series. I didn't want to read a novella set in an established world that I am not familiar with. Maybe I'll give that series a try sometime in the future!
3.5 stars
This novella takes place after Cursed Luck and it's told in the POV Vanessa, the goddess of love. Kennedy is back in Unstable, where she is having the grand opening of her shop. Everyone is invited to the party, including Vanessa, whose goal is to do a little matchmaking with Aiden and Kennedy.
This was a short and sweet novella; not much development in the Aiden and Kennedy romance department. We did get some insight from Jonathan about his friendship with Ani. Overall, this was a good transitory novella with a cozy mystery vibe. There was not a lot of magic or un-cursing, which I was fine with because I liked catching up with the characters and the world itself. There were definitely some sprinkles of future storylines here and there. I'm excited for more books in this series!
A Grave Girls' Getaway by Jeaniene Frost:
5 stars
This novella cannot be read as a standalone. It contains lots of spoilers from the Night Huntress series. This one is only for die-hard Night Huntress fans who are caught up with the series. Cat and her best friend Denise go away for a girls trip, but their party gets crashed by evil witches.
WHAT. A. BLAST. OMG I forgot how much I LOVE being inside Cat's head. I always have so much fun reading her narration and her inner dialogues. She's such a hoot. I feel so at home with the Night Huntress characters and I did not realize how much I missed them 🥺
I had lots of fun catching up with Cat, Bones, Denise, and Spade. And of course, everyone's favourite demon, Ashael, who by the way, NEEDS HIS OWN STORY!! Please make it happen, Ms. Frost!!
The paranormal showdown in this novella was epic. Jeaniene Frost always ends up surprising me in the best possible ways. Do not mess with Cat and Denise, that's all I will say 😂
Note: I skipped the Melissa Marr novella because I have not read that series. I didn't want to read a novella set in an established world that I am not familiar with. Maybe I'll give that series a try sometime in the future!
July 1, 2021
Goddess of Summer Love by Kelley Armstrong
5 stars or 🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱 or 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
Such a sweet and fun novella from Vanessa's POV. Lots of matchmaking that doesn't work out the way she planned... The mystery she brings Kennedy and Aiden was fun and the novella also tells us a bit more about the Olympians' family history. I hope we'll get to meet more of them in future Cursed Luck stories. There were also some sweet moments for the various couples Vanessa is so invested in... including her and Marius a.k.a the one couple whose relationship is actually her business. ;)
***
A Grave Girls Getaway by Jeaniene Frost
4 stars
Fun to catch up with Cat and everyone after the series ending! Cat and Denise are on a short vacation together and get into some trouble with a coven of witches. Lots of ass-kicking ensues! I especially liked that Ashael was in it, too. (He was my favorite part of Wicked All Night.)
***
Daiquiris and Daggers by Melissa Marr
3 stars
I wasn't familiar with this world or the characters before, and while I didn't feel lost and could follow the story just fine, I didn't get enough out of it to really start caring about Genevieve. It was entertaining enough, but doesn't make me eager to read more of this series. (Also, this story seemed less edited than the other two. I noticed quite a few typos and such.)
5 stars or 🎱🎱🎱🎱🎱 or 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
Such a sweet and fun novella from Vanessa's POV. Lots of matchmaking that doesn't work out the way she planned... The mystery she brings Kennedy and Aiden was fun and the novella also tells us a bit more about the Olympians' family history. I hope we'll get to meet more of them in future Cursed Luck stories. There were also some sweet moments for the various couples Vanessa is so invested in... including her and Marius a.k.a the one couple whose relationship is actually her business. ;)
***
A Grave Girls Getaway by Jeaniene Frost
4 stars
Fun to catch up with Cat and everyone after the series ending! Cat and Denise are on a short vacation together and get into some trouble with a coven of witches. Lots of ass-kicking ensues! I especially liked that Ashael was in it, too. (He was my favorite part of Wicked All Night.)
***
Daiquiris and Daggers by Melissa Marr
3 stars
I wasn't familiar with this world or the characters before, and while I didn't feel lost and could follow the story just fine, I didn't get enough out of it to really start caring about Genevieve. It was entertaining enough, but doesn't make me eager to read more of this series. (Also, this story seemed less edited than the other two. I noticed quite a few typos and such.)
July 2, 2021
Jeaniene Frost's novella is my fave!!!
July 5, 2021
This was a fantastic collection of stories, I loved seeing all of these worlds and characters, and they were all so great to read!
July 15, 2021
4 1/2 stars. I read the Cat and Bones book and I really liked it but I'm not gonna lie I wanted more Bones. but lets be honest there will never be enough Bones.
July 24, 2021
I picked up Hex on the beach mainly for Kelley's and Melissa's stories. Goddess of summer love by Kelley Armstrong is an add on to her Cursed luck novella from last year (or this year, depending on when you read it) - And had the Bennett sisters trying to enjoy Memorial Day with family and friends when the Goddess of Love decides to try match make with two of the sisters with a local unsolved mystery -- but of course does anything go according to plan?
Daquiris and daggers by Melissa Marr is the third installment to her Faery bargains series. Gen really needs a girls weekend away after what just happened -- especially since her necromancy magic in on the fritz. What could be better than a luxurious spa weekend with her gal pals! Until they arrive at the San Diego spa and something just isn't right...I was first introduced to this series in the Christmas anthology, Under a winter sky, and was really intrigued by it, and went back and read the first book.
The third story is A grave girl's getaway by Jeaniene Frost. As this is a series I haven't started yet, I am not going to read it right away...I really prefer to read stories in order and I do plan on starting this series soon.
I love the stories I read, and I love anthologies. It gives authors a chance to write quick stories or novellas to highlight characters from their series; or maybe give them a chance to write something they have been wanting to without the confines of a full blown novel. It also gives the writer to find new authors. This is how I came across Patricia Briggs, a now favourite author.
For me sometimes it gives me something to read when I have finished a heavy book, and just want to read something but dont want to something new before going to bed. I can quickly read a couple of short stories and note down new authors I want to check out!
Daquiris and daggers by Melissa Marr is the third installment to her Faery bargains series. Gen really needs a girls weekend away after what just happened -- especially since her necromancy magic in on the fritz. What could be better than a luxurious spa weekend with her gal pals! Until they arrive at the San Diego spa and something just isn't right...I was first introduced to this series in the Christmas anthology, Under a winter sky, and was really intrigued by it, and went back and read the first book.
The third story is A grave girl's getaway by Jeaniene Frost. As this is a series I haven't started yet, I am not going to read it right away...I really prefer to read stories in order and I do plan on starting this series soon.
I love the stories I read, and I love anthologies. It gives authors a chance to write quick stories or novellas to highlight characters from their series; or maybe give them a chance to write something they have been wanting to without the confines of a full blown novel. It also gives the writer to find new authors. This is how I came across Patricia Briggs, a now favourite author.
For me sometimes it gives me something to read when I have finished a heavy book, and just want to read something but dont want to something new before going to bed. I can quickly read a couple of short stories and note down new authors I want to check out!
July 18, 2021
I bought this book mainly for the Kelley Armstrong story. I did consider reading the rest of the stories as well, but considering that I don't have a relationship to the other writers or their books, as well as my general trouble reading, I will not be reading them. So this book is rated solely on the Kelley Armstrong story, and I'm a lot more lax with short story ratings than with regular ratings. While I gave the short story a higher rating than reflected above, I'm aware that I'd have given it a 4/5 star rating if it was a full length novel, so that's what the collection gets as well.
Goddess of Summer Love/Kelley Armstrong
A fun little story set from Vanessa's POV. As with most of KA's stories, it's a mix of character driven story and mystery that blends well. Even the general romance of it all was nice. I really appreciate everything it had to say about love and relationships.
5/5
Goddess of Summer Love/Kelley Armstrong
A fun little story set from Vanessa's POV. As with most of KA's stories, it's a mix of character driven story and mystery that blends well. Even the general romance of it all was nice. I really appreciate everything it had to say about love and relationships.
5/5
July 4, 2021
These ones were fun to read. Each author set their short story within a series they write. With Armstrong's story, I liked how this one was resolved. A few knew the real truth, but most had the decades old ghost story. With Marr's and Frost's story, it shows that fictional characters shouldn't go on vacation as they tend to find themselves hip deep in trouble by trying to do some good.
July 6, 2021
Some things will always hold true. The sun will always rise in the East, the Currents of the Oceans will flow, I will always pre-order a Jeaniene Frost book.
I have read every single book written by Ms. Frost and I have loved the adventure, snark, emotion, and heart stopping moments in all of her stories. Cat and Bones are my OTP and who can forget our beloved Vlad and his wife Leilah! There's Spade and Ian and their lovely ladies and of course Mencheres the Mega Master himself and his beloved Kira (can we get more books about them? PLEASE?).
Hex on the Beach is an anthology of short stories by three heavy hitters in this PNR genre. I have read books from the other two authors and I have liked them in the past, not as much as Frost's universe but a good amount none the less, so of course I was excited for this trilogy of stories to hit my kindle. I was giddy with excitement, crossing off the days until the release of this one book, and I was not disappointed. My only critique is that it wasn't long enough I finished this book in a few hours.
All three stories captivated my imagination. I found the Greek Gods in the first story hilarious and now I need to go read that series!
The second story was jus as good!
In Frost's new short story we get a glimpse of Cat and Bones as mom and dad to their genetically altered daughter and it is sooo cute!! We also get Cat and Denise back together again as the dynamic duo seeks to take down a coven of witches!
Hex on the Beach is by far the best anthology I've read this summer. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun beach/poolside read.
I have read every single book written by Ms. Frost and I have loved the adventure, snark, emotion, and heart stopping moments in all of her stories. Cat and Bones are my OTP and who can forget our beloved Vlad and his wife Leilah! There's Spade and Ian and their lovely ladies and of course Mencheres the Mega Master himself and his beloved Kira (can we get more books about them? PLEASE?).
Hex on the Beach is an anthology of short stories by three heavy hitters in this PNR genre. I have read books from the other two authors and I have liked them in the past, not as much as Frost's universe but a good amount none the less, so of course I was excited for this trilogy of stories to hit my kindle. I was giddy with excitement, crossing off the days until the release of this one book, and I was not disappointed. My only critique is that it wasn't long enough I finished this book in a few hours.
All three stories captivated my imagination. I found the Greek Gods in the first story hilarious and now I need to go read that series!
The second story was jus as good!
In Frost's new short story we get a glimpse of Cat and Bones as mom and dad to their genetically altered daughter and it is sooo cute!! We also get Cat and Denise back together again as the dynamic duo seeks to take down a coven of witches!
Hex on the Beach is by far the best anthology I've read this summer. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun beach/poolside read.
July 12, 2021
There are some names in the supernatural book world that are the backbone of the beginning, yet continue to impress after all this time. These three authors are some of those, and reading this anthology was amazing. Each of their contributions to Hex on the Beach are so unique and absolutely enthralling. Kelley Armstrong reminded me how much I love her style, while Melissa Marr's characters and locale demand your full absorption. The finishing touch is Jeaniene Frost, whom I haven't read in years but what a wonderful way to get re-acquainted with her style!
In a typical summer reading list full of romance books and sun drenched beaches, these women remind you that summer nights and star-dusted ocean - plus some badass women - are equally in order. I already am considering a second read, so if you’re considering this you definitely should give it a go.
In a typical summer reading list full of romance books and sun drenched beaches, these women remind you that summer nights and star-dusted ocean - plus some badass women - are equally in order. I already am considering a second read, so if you’re considering this you definitely should give it a go.
November 7, 2022
Great stories from 3 outstanding authors.
July 5, 2021
I wanted to read this book after reading Kelley Armstrong's latest book Cursed Luck because the novella follows it and tells what happens next to those characters. I had not ready anything by Melissa Marr or Jeaniene Frost before because I'm not really a big fan of vampires (other than the St. Germaine series by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro).
I totally enjoyed Goddess of Summer Love by Armstrong. The Luck series is a return to a more lightheaerted worldview after her equally compelling but much more serious Rockville series. It fit beautifully with the expectations left in Cursed Luck and gave readers a deeper look into the characters.
Melissa Marr's Daqueris and Daggers was an interesting introduction to the Faery Bargains series. In this novella Genevieve Crowe, a half witch, half draugar (a form of Icelandic vampire) who is engaged to the Crown Prince of Elphame, decides to go on a girls' spa weekend with her 3 best friends and after ditching the body guards assigned to her by the King of Elphame, near disaster ensues (as one would expect). It was actually hugely fun and I enjoyed it, the characters, and the world in which this all takes place very much, even though the end of it foreshadows not-so-happy things to come.
A Grave Girl's Getaway by Frost, however, just didn't appeal to me at all. I didn't find Catherine Crawford or Bones, her husband, or their friends particularly interesting and I found the world created in this series to be too dark and violent for my tastes. After reading the first couple of chapters of the novella, I skipped to the last few chapters, which pretty much cemented my dislike of the story. The one character I did like was Cat's daughter, Katie, who really only appeared in the first chapter and the epilogue, and I might be interested in reading more about her. If you're a fan of Frost and the Night Hunter series, you'll probably love this story, and it's also possible that had I read the series from the beginning, I might have enjoyed this story as well, because it was well-written.
I totally enjoyed Goddess of Summer Love by Armstrong. The Luck series is a return to a more lightheaerted worldview after her equally compelling but much more serious Rockville series. It fit beautifully with the expectations left in Cursed Luck and gave readers a deeper look into the characters.
Melissa Marr's Daqueris and Daggers was an interesting introduction to the Faery Bargains series. In this novella Genevieve Crowe, a half witch, half draugar (a form of Icelandic vampire) who is engaged to the Crown Prince of Elphame, decides to go on a girls' spa weekend with her 3 best friends and after ditching the body guards assigned to her by the King of Elphame, near disaster ensues (as one would expect). It was actually hugely fun and I enjoyed it, the characters, and the world in which this all takes place very much, even though the end of it foreshadows not-so-happy things to come.
A Grave Girl's Getaway by Frost, however, just didn't appeal to me at all. I didn't find Catherine Crawford or Bones, her husband, or their friends particularly interesting and I found the world created in this series to be too dark and violent for my tastes. After reading the first couple of chapters of the novella, I skipped to the last few chapters, which pretty much cemented my dislike of the story. The one character I did like was Cat's daughter, Katie, who really only appeared in the first chapter and the epilogue, and I might be interested in reading more about her. If you're a fan of Frost and the Night Hunter series, you'll probably love this story, and it's also possible that had I read the series from the beginning, I might have enjoyed this story as well, because it was well-written.
October 19, 2021
3.5 stars. Rating Jeaniene’s Frost portion
Eh, it wasn’t bad, although it did not interest me as much as her books do usually. The lack of romance or Bones in general for the majority of the book let me down. For how much I love Denise, that’s not who I wanted to read about.
The plot was probably the best part and I liked that it was still a mini adventure with real stakes. Still does not explain why Bones was not part of it until like the very end.
Lastly, I don’t know if this is just me noticing it now or if it’s a new feature of Frost’s writing, but to many times she spelled things out for the reader as if not trusting us to put together the simplest of situations. So many times things were over-explained and it just dumbed down the narration.
I’d still recommend it to fans because it’s entertaining, but it doesn’t add much to the saga. Plus I’m a bit bummed by how gods are now the new baddies. Their rules keep changing and it’s unclear how to beat them. Altho I guess with Cat and Bones so powerful now it’s hard to create a scary vamp or ghoul. Still wish we would go back to those villains, though.
Eh, it wasn’t bad, although it did not interest me as much as her books do usually. The lack of romance or Bones in general for the majority of the book let me down. For how much I love Denise, that’s not who I wanted to read about.
The plot was probably the best part and I liked that it was still a mini adventure with real stakes. Still does not explain why Bones was not part of it until like the very end.
Lastly, I don’t know if this is just me noticing it now or if it’s a new feature of Frost’s writing, but to many times she spelled things out for the reader as if not trusting us to put together the simplest of situations. So many times things were over-explained and it just dumbed down the narration.
I’d still recommend it to fans because it’s entertaining, but it doesn’t add much to the saga. Plus I’m a bit bummed by how gods are now the new baddies. Their rules keep changing and it’s unclear how to beat them. Altho I guess with Cat and Bones so powerful now it’s hard to create a scary vamp or ghoul. Still wish we would go back to those villains, though.
July 13, 2021
Required: Love of Kick-Ass Heroines!
I have long been a fan of Jeannine Frost and Melissa Marr, but this is the first time I have read anything by Armstrong - and it won’t be the last! I was drawn to this book bc it has been so long since I have read a new story about Kat and Bones, and esp. with Katie- their series was one of the first “best” series I have read. Melissa’s is after her last book in her Faery Bargains series, with all of Gen’s. favorite girlfriends - and men-friends - and packs an amazing amount of imagination for a novella. “Shoes that melt in the water”??????
Run, don’t walk to read these short stories about some of your favorite characters - some you haven’t seen in quite a while!
I have long been a fan of Jeannine Frost and Melissa Marr, but this is the first time I have read anything by Armstrong - and it won’t be the last! I was drawn to this book bc it has been so long since I have read a new story about Kat and Bones, and esp. with Katie- their series was one of the first “best” series I have read. Melissa’s is after her last book in her Faery Bargains series, with all of Gen’s. favorite girlfriends - and men-friends - and packs an amazing amount of imagination for a novella. “Shoes that melt in the water”??????
Run, don’t walk to read these short stories about some of your favorite characters - some you haven’t seen in quite a while!
July 14, 2021
I received a free copy of this book. Of the three series that these stories are based on, I had read all of Jeaniene Frost’s books in the Night Huntress series, but I hadn’t read the other two series. I think most of the short stories could be read without having read the original series. I enjoyed the “ghost mystery” in the first story. I was interested enough in the story to want to read Cursed Luck by Kelley Armstrong. I loved her Otherworld series. The Melissa Marr short story was probably my least favorite of the three. I liked the Jeaniene Frost short story. It was great reading more about Cat, Bones, Denise, and Spade.
July 4, 2021
I primarily bought this book for Goddess of Summer Love by Kelley Armstrong. I loved reading Cursed Luck as she released chapters a few times a week during lockdown last year.
Goddess of Summer Love did not disappoint. It gave a great background to Vanessa and Marius and the Olympians past. There was a mystery for the group to solve over the weekend, and the whole crew gets involved. It was narrated by Vanessa though, and I don't know, I just missed Kennedy and being in her head, you know?
Daquiris and Daggers. I almost didn't read on, because I'm not really familiar with Melissa Marr's work. In hindsight, I probably should have skipped this story. The first chapter I was intrigued and liked Gen and how the story was being told. Then as it continued I was completely lost about who everyone was and how they connected to each other. It just didn't work as a standalone for me, and I think is best for those familiar with the world it's set in.
A Grave Girls' Getaway. Again, I'm not familiar with Jeaniene Frost and so perhaps not the target audience for this story. I quite enjoyed it though. It was easy enough to follow who was who and how they connected. There was enough back story that I wasn't completely lost, without overwhelming with an info-dump. I'm keen to check out more in this world.
As with most anthologies, a bit hit and miss, but overall a fun way to spend a miserable, rainy weekend!
Goddess of Summer Love did not disappoint. It gave a great background to Vanessa and Marius and the Olympians past. There was a mystery for the group to solve over the weekend, and the whole crew gets involved. It was narrated by Vanessa though, and I don't know, I just missed Kennedy and being in her head, you know?
Daquiris and Daggers. I almost didn't read on, because I'm not really familiar with Melissa Marr's work. In hindsight, I probably should have skipped this story. The first chapter I was intrigued and liked Gen and how the story was being told. Then as it continued I was completely lost about who everyone was and how they connected to each other. It just didn't work as a standalone for me, and I think is best for those familiar with the world it's set in.
A Grave Girls' Getaway. Again, I'm not familiar with Jeaniene Frost and so perhaps not the target audience for this story. I quite enjoyed it though. It was easy enough to follow who was who and how they connected. There was enough back story that I wasn't completely lost, without overwhelming with an info-dump. I'm keen to check out more in this world.
As with most anthologies, a bit hit and miss, but overall a fun way to spend a miserable, rainy weekend!
July 7, 2021
I bought this book because I really like these three authors. I’d read Cursed Luck so reading Goddess of Summer Love was special. Who knew the Olympians were still around and they kept tract of some of their descendants? There was a mystery to solve, and plenty of fun trying to solve it.
While I’ve read some of Melissa Marr’s books, I hadn’t read this series, and what could be more fun than a fae prince married to a necromancer who is half draugr (kind of an Icelandic vampire) and half witch and has a bit of fae from her husband, who calls her Bonbon. A girls’ vacation to a spa turns out to be not so relaxing.
I’ve read a few of Jeanine Frost’s books, so was happy to reconnect with her characters. This was a more serious story, a little intense, some violence. The best was meeting Cat and Bone’s daughter, Katie.
While I’ve read some of Melissa Marr’s books, I hadn’t read this series, and what could be more fun than a fae prince married to a necromancer who is half draugr (kind of an Icelandic vampire) and half witch and has a bit of fae from her husband, who calls her Bonbon. A girls’ vacation to a spa turns out to be not so relaxing.
I’ve read a few of Jeanine Frost’s books, so was happy to reconnect with her characters. This was a more serious story, a little intense, some violence. The best was meeting Cat and Bone’s daughter, Katie.
July 14, 2021
Fun short stories... can't wait for more of the Luck series by Armstrong.
September 4, 2021
Read this for the Kelley Armstrong: great filler story, desperate for book 2 though.
June 26, 2021
I have little familiarity with the Cursed Luck and Night Huntress worlds, I was pleased to read this book. Much of my lack of satisfaction stems from lack of familiarity with the rest of both series, and I read this largely to read more of the Faery Bargains tale.
I was actually rather surprised by how much I enjoyed the mystery in Goddess of Summer Love despite unfamiliarity with the characters: out of context, I found most of the characters one-note, but did enjoy the main character’s behaviors towards them and her own conflict in her presently uncertain relationship with her on-and-off partner, and I still like Kelley Armstrong’s writing style.
A Grave Girl’s Getaway, I felt a little more lost with for similar reasons, but found the presence of a combination of supernatural characters a good balance without skimping on details of any one type, ranging from the form of shapeshifter Denise is, to the main character’s state as having been a dhampire, to the acknowledgment of magic having only recently ben deemed legal for witches. While this largely takes the backseat, I was intrigued by the main character’s relationship with her daughter.
Lastly, Daiquiris and Daggers was a surprise I had hoped for. For Faery Bargains, I had previously found Genevieve’s relationships to her friends and her friends’ own characterization lacking, but the ladies have the spotlight here. Moments sometimes feel a little too fast-paced—I would have enjoyed some conversations and conflicts to last a little longer—I felt relief in knowing that my main criticism for this series so far is now improving. I feel confident that Melissa Marr will still give some focus to Genevieve’s friends and flesh them out more.
I was actually rather surprised by how much I enjoyed the mystery in Goddess of Summer Love despite unfamiliarity with the characters: out of context, I found most of the characters one-note, but did enjoy the main character’s behaviors towards them and her own conflict in her presently uncertain relationship with her on-and-off partner, and I still like Kelley Armstrong’s writing style.
A Grave Girl’s Getaway, I felt a little more lost with for similar reasons, but found the presence of a combination of supernatural characters a good balance without skimping on details of any one type, ranging from the form of shapeshifter Denise is, to the main character’s state as having been a dhampire, to the acknowledgment of magic having only recently ben deemed legal for witches. While this largely takes the backseat, I was intrigued by the main character’s relationship with her daughter.
Lastly, Daiquiris and Daggers was a surprise I had hoped for. For Faery Bargains, I had previously found Genevieve’s relationships to her friends and her friends’ own characterization lacking, but the ladies have the spotlight here. Moments sometimes feel a little too fast-paced—I would have enjoyed some conversations and conflicts to last a little longer—I felt relief in knowing that my main criticism for this series so far is now improving. I feel confident that Melissa Marr will still give some focus to Genevieve’s friends and flesh them out more.
July 11, 2021
I loved all three stories written by each author. I'm thinking of starting some of the Kelly Armstrong and Melissa Marr series . I've read all of Jeanine Frost. Some of the other two but those stories got me interested again.
August 22, 2021
I only read Jeaniene Frosts story. It was so nice to have another Cat & Bones story. I intend on reading the rest of the book at a later time.
July 6, 2021
Three short stories from Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost, and Melissa Marr reflecting some fantastical events when the girls have a Girls' Night Out with too many bodies to count.
The Series
"Goddess of Summer Love", Cursed Luck #1.5
"Daiquiris and Daggers", Faery Bargains #2.5
"A Grave Girls' Getaway", Night Huntress #7.6
The Stories
Kelley Armstrong's "Goddess of Summer Love"
Do read Cursed Luck , 1, first, as it makes this short story more enjoyable. (It has only been a couple weeks since Cursed Luck.)
This was a fun read that's really all about Vanessa, her past, her relationships with her siblings — especially Marius, and her assessment of her fellow gods as well as the multiple stories humans have concocted about them.
Never one to shirk, Armstrong includes Kennedy and Aiden's relationship starts and his relationship with his parents. Of course there's the grand opening of Kennedy's new store and the mystery of the disappearances of Dolly and Lisa Lake as well.
Armstrong uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Vanessa's perspective, and we learn all about her desire to be seen as a person. I did crack up with her comments about being seen as an "old" person. She's also keen on matchmaking, and this weekend her sights are set on just that . . . or not.
We also get a good bit of Vanessa's backstory — hoo, boy. Not in a good way. More backstory comes with Lisa and her sister's lives with their holy roller parents. Jeez.
Armstrong also does a nice job of creating a weakness for these magic workers.
The Characters
The Olympians include . . .
Vanessa, a.k.a. Aphrodite or Venus, the so-called goddess of love, adores matchmaking. Marius, a.k.a. Ares, is the god of battle luck. The worst of Marius' children is Havoc, the goddess of discord who hates Vanessa.
Zeus and Hera's children include Hector, a.k.a. Hephaestus, who is a very abusive man and Vanessa's ex; Athene; Paulo, a.k.a. Apollo; Artie, a.k.a. Artemis, is Paulo's twin who loved to hunt; Denny, a.k.a. Dionysus, would swoop in with presents; Marius, who wanted to be friends; and, Mercy, a.k.a. Mercury or Hermes, the trickster goddess.
Unstable, Massachusetts, has . .
. . . welcomed the paranormal for years. Kennedy Bennett is a curse breaker — her specialty is joker jinxes and is one of a long line of curse weavers. She's recently moved home to Unstable, Massachusetts, from Boston after events in Cursed Luck . Her sisters are Ani, the oldest who loves to organize, and Hope, who loves being the exasperating, embarrassing younger sister and is interested in Rian. All three sisters are descendants of Mercy. Ani and Hope took over the family business, Unhex Me Here.
The prim and proper Aiden Connolly (based in Boston) is the scion of a wealthy family of luck workers with his own business. Rian is Aiden's younger, irresponsible brother who is the face of the family business, Connolly Enterprises, whom their disinterested parents expect Aiden to police. Both brothers are many greats-grandsons of Marius'.
Jonathan is a librarian in Unstable who spends a lot of time with Ani. Salazar is the chief of police. Old Man Cooper makes more money over the summer than when he planted crops. Mitch, the local IT guy, and Jackie Keeling, who's a medium specializing in retrocognition (and probably a very distant relative of Athene) are a couple. Jackie's aunt Ricci was the tour guide that night back in 1969. Ms Dowling will be this time's tour guide.
Lisa Lake is the teenager who disappeared in 1969 and remains an unsolved mystery. Her parents are avid churchgoers. Dolly had been a milkmaid.
Melissa Marr's "Daiquiris and Daggers"
Poor Geneviève. She had a power spike and used too much. Now she's struggling with a lack of her power in this paranormal fantasy. And her sweetie has organized a Girls' Weekend for her.
Marr uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Geneviève's perspective and raises more questions for me in this world she's created. It's actually rather confusing and makes me appreciate those authors who provide the extra information about the characters and their pasts. Yeah, it can be repetitive for readers who read through the series in one go, but for first time readers in a series . . .
Whoa, I think I love Eli too! "He understood me. He saw me as an equal. And he never tried to change me." How can you not love the guy? I do think I missed something, as the start of the story says Geneviève is freaking out about the wedding, and then she's suddenly married by the end of the book . . .?
The drink concoctions Alice comes up with are interesting. Leave out the blood, and I'd enjoy them. That spa though . . . no, I don't think so. That was so freaky!! And definitely not the place I'd go for eats, drinks, OR therapy!
The Characters
Geneviève Crowe of Stonehaven, a.k.a. Bonbon and Death Maiden, a witch and necromancer based in New Orleans who freelances for the NOPD and the queen of the draugr. Her father had been a walking corpse and her Jewish mother a witch, which makes Geneviève half-dead and half-witch. She's bonded to the self-exiled Prince Eli of Stonecroft, the heir to the fae throne and freaking about marrying him.
The widowed Alice Chaddock, a.k.a. Allie, wealthy in her own right, is her assistant who tried to murder Geneviève last year. I reckon I'll have to read the Faery Bargain series, if only to understand why Alice would be working as an assistant, why she tried murder . . . Harper is Geneviève's current fight buddy. Christy Zehr is Eli's bar manager and one of Geneviève's closest friends. Sera is another friend. Tres.
Tomes and Tea is the bookstore in which Geneviève has a half-share. Jesse, Christy's boyfriend, is her partner in the shop.
The Fae
Uncle Marcus is the king of Elphame who has an unexpected desire. The Fae Royal Service are security guards and include Roisin, Eli's former training mate.
Lady Beatrice, who rules the fanged monsters of New Orleans, is Geneviève's dead grandmother who, um, lives in the Outs, once known as Slidell. The fifteen-year-old-looking Eleanor is Lady B's assistant. Mama Lauren loves to garden and is Geneviève's mother.
The spa in San Diego . . .
William of Diego is the regent. Misty is a spa guide.
Millicent Johnson was 18 and dead . . . and infected with draugr venom. Her parents want her in a T-Cell House. Bill's Tavern. Iggy is a dead Hexen whom Geneviève restored to life. Draugr are blood drinkers of Icelandic folklore. Mr Woods is trying to buy a book Tea and Tomes will NOT sell. Chester is powerful and maintains balances, assassinates, and educates.
Jeaniene Frost's "A Grave Girls' Getaway"
It's a paranormal fantasy in which, between fear and guilt, Cat needs to understand her daughter, and it's gonna be a hard road to hoe. As Frost uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Cat's perspective, we know all her thoughts and emotions.
It helps explain why Bones reckons Cat needs some time away to relax, but the girl is so used to rescuing people. And falls into a nasty predicament that could kill everyone she loves. It does lead to Cat getting high, and is it ever funny! Then there's Denise as she embraces her ability to shapeshift.
Poor Cat. She and Denise discover that they're getting older and clubbing just ain't what it used to be, lol.
I love the lesson Cat's learned here:
Catherine "Cat" Crawfield Russell, a.k.a. Red Reaper, a vampire who doesn't drink human blood. She's married to Crispin "Bones" Russell, a master vampire, has recently acquired telekinetic abilities. They live in hiding in Mission, British Columbia, Canada. Ten-year-old Katie is their newly discovered, unique daughter, who had been trained to kill and loves to dance.
Justina is Cat's mother, and she's married to Tate. Cat's uncle, Don Williams, is a ghost and floats around.
Charles "Spade" is Bones' best friend. Denise, his wife who was branded by a shapeshifting demon, is Cat's best friend. Nathaniel is a relative of Denise's. The perverted and rebellious vampire, Ian, is Bones' sire who's been illegally practicing magic. Veritas, a half-vampire, half-demigod, is his new wife, and they're on an extended honeymoon. Ashael is Veritas' half-brother and a mostly not evil demon as well as half-demigod. He's a sneaky one . . . Demons are the walking embodiment of magic.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, California is . . .
. . . right on the beach.
The Coven . . .
. . . worships a sea goddess. Morgana is the evil vampire/witch leader.
The Cover and Title
The cover is deep in blues with a city skyline in the background and a suspension bridge crossing from the left to the right. There's a tree on the left behind the bridge, and the lighter blue sky is reflected in the still waters of the river, waves crashing ashore in front of the woman (with her back to us) wearing blue jeans and a black tank top. She has long black hair blowing in the breeze with an empty scabbard on her back. In her left hand is a green bottle of wine and the right carries a sword pointing to the ground. At the very top is an info blurb in pale yellow with the three authors' names in white, crossing the woman's upper back. The title starts at her butt with a fancy serif font in a gradated white to yellow.
The title is those negative experiences Geneviève and Cat have with a Hex on the Beach. I don't really see Vanessa's experience as being on the beach.
The Series
"Goddess of Summer Love", Cursed Luck #1.5
"Daiquiris and Daggers", Faery Bargains #2.5
"A Grave Girls' Getaway", Night Huntress #7.6
The Stories
Kelley Armstrong's "Goddess of Summer Love"
Do read Cursed Luck , 1, first, as it makes this short story more enjoyable. (It has only been a couple weeks since Cursed Luck.)
This was a fun read that's really all about Vanessa, her past, her relationships with her siblings — especially Marius, and her assessment of her fellow gods as well as the multiple stories humans have concocted about them.
Never one to shirk, Armstrong includes Kennedy and Aiden's relationship starts and his relationship with his parents. Of course there's the grand opening of Kennedy's new store and the mystery of the disappearances of Dolly and Lisa Lake as well.
Armstrong uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Vanessa's perspective, and we learn all about her desire to be seen as a person. I did crack up with her comments about being seen as an "old" person. She's also keen on matchmaking, and this weekend her sights are set on just that . . . or not.
We also get a good bit of Vanessa's backstory — hoo, boy. Not in a good way. More backstory comes with Lisa and her sister's lives with their holy roller parents. Jeez.
Armstrong also does a nice job of creating a weakness for these magic workers.
The Characters
The Olympians include . . .
Vanessa, a.k.a. Aphrodite or Venus, the so-called goddess of love, adores matchmaking. Marius, a.k.a. Ares, is the god of battle luck. The worst of Marius' children is Havoc, the goddess of discord who hates Vanessa.
Zeus and Hera's children include Hector, a.k.a. Hephaestus, who is a very abusive man and Vanessa's ex; Athene; Paulo, a.k.a. Apollo; Artie, a.k.a. Artemis, is Paulo's twin who loved to hunt; Denny, a.k.a. Dionysus, would swoop in with presents; Marius, who wanted to be friends; and, Mercy, a.k.a. Mercury or Hermes, the trickster goddess.
Unstable, Massachusetts, has . .
. . . welcomed the paranormal for years. Kennedy Bennett is a curse breaker — her specialty is joker jinxes and is one of a long line of curse weavers. She's recently moved home to Unstable, Massachusetts, from Boston after events in Cursed Luck . Her sisters are Ani, the oldest who loves to organize, and Hope, who loves being the exasperating, embarrassing younger sister and is interested in Rian. All three sisters are descendants of Mercy. Ani and Hope took over the family business, Unhex Me Here.
The prim and proper Aiden Connolly (based in Boston) is the scion of a wealthy family of luck workers with his own business. Rian is Aiden's younger, irresponsible brother who is the face of the family business, Connolly Enterprises, whom their disinterested parents expect Aiden to police. Both brothers are many greats-grandsons of Marius'.
Jonathan is a librarian in Unstable who spends a lot of time with Ani. Salazar is the chief of police. Old Man Cooper makes more money over the summer than when he planted crops. Mitch, the local IT guy, and Jackie Keeling, who's a medium specializing in retrocognition (and probably a very distant relative of Athene) are a couple. Jackie's aunt Ricci was the tour guide that night back in 1969. Ms Dowling will be this time's tour guide.
Lisa Lake is the teenager who disappeared in 1969 and remains an unsolved mystery. Her parents are avid churchgoers. Dolly had been a milkmaid.
Melissa Marr's "Daiquiris and Daggers"
Poor Geneviève. She had a power spike and used too much. Now she's struggling with a lack of her power in this paranormal fantasy. And her sweetie has organized a Girls' Weekend for her.
Marr uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Geneviève's perspective and raises more questions for me in this world she's created. It's actually rather confusing and makes me appreciate those authors who provide the extra information about the characters and their pasts. Yeah, it can be repetitive for readers who read through the series in one go, but for first time readers in a series . . .
Whoa, I think I love Eli too! "He understood me. He saw me as an equal. And he never tried to change me." How can you not love the guy? I do think I missed something, as the start of the story says Geneviève is freaking out about the wedding, and then she's suddenly married by the end of the book . . .?
The drink concoctions Alice comes up with are interesting. Leave out the blood, and I'd enjoy them. That spa though . . . no, I don't think so. That was so freaky!! And definitely not the place I'd go for eats, drinks, OR therapy!
The Characters
Geneviève Crowe of Stonehaven, a.k.a. Bonbon and Death Maiden, a witch and necromancer based in New Orleans who freelances for the NOPD and the queen of the draugr. Her father had been a walking corpse and her Jewish mother a witch, which makes Geneviève half-dead and half-witch. She's bonded to the self-exiled Prince Eli of Stonecroft, the heir to the fae throne and freaking about marrying him.
The widowed Alice Chaddock, a.k.a. Allie, wealthy in her own right, is her assistant who tried to murder Geneviève last year. I reckon I'll have to read the Faery Bargain series, if only to understand why Alice would be working as an assistant, why she tried murder . . . Harper is Geneviève's current fight buddy. Christy Zehr is Eli's bar manager and one of Geneviève's closest friends. Sera is another friend. Tres.
Tomes and Tea is the bookstore in which Geneviève has a half-share. Jesse, Christy's boyfriend, is her partner in the shop.
The Fae
Uncle Marcus is the king of Elphame who has an unexpected desire. The Fae Royal Service are security guards and include Roisin, Eli's former training mate.
Lady Beatrice, who rules the fanged monsters of New Orleans, is Geneviève's dead grandmother who, um, lives in the Outs, once known as Slidell. The fifteen-year-old-looking Eleanor is Lady B's assistant. Mama Lauren loves to garden and is Geneviève's mother.
The spa in San Diego . . .
William of Diego is the regent. Misty is a spa guide.
Millicent Johnson was 18 and dead . . . and infected with draugr venom. Her parents want her in a T-Cell House. Bill's Tavern. Iggy is a dead Hexen whom Geneviève restored to life. Draugr are blood drinkers of Icelandic folklore. Mr Woods is trying to buy a book Tea and Tomes will NOT sell. Chester is powerful and maintains balances, assassinates, and educates.
Jeaniene Frost's "A Grave Girls' Getaway"
It's a paranormal fantasy in which, between fear and guilt, Cat needs to understand her daughter, and it's gonna be a hard road to hoe. As Frost uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Cat's perspective, we know all her thoughts and emotions.
It helps explain why Bones reckons Cat needs some time away to relax, but the girl is so used to rescuing people. And falls into a nasty predicament that could kill everyone she loves. It does lead to Cat getting high, and is it ever funny! Then there's Denise as she embraces her ability to shapeshift.
Poor Cat. She and Denise discover that they're getting older and clubbing just ain't what it used to be, lol.
I love the lesson Cat's learned here:
"Just be who you are. . . . Not who you think you should be. Who you are is enough . . . It will always be enough."The Characters
Catherine "Cat" Crawfield Russell, a.k.a. Red Reaper, a vampire who doesn't drink human blood. She's married to Crispin "Bones" Russell, a master vampire, has recently acquired telekinetic abilities. They live in hiding in Mission, British Columbia, Canada. Ten-year-old Katie is their newly discovered, unique daughter, who had been trained to kill and loves to dance.
Justina is Cat's mother, and she's married to Tate. Cat's uncle, Don Williams, is a ghost and floats around.
Charles "Spade" is Bones' best friend. Denise, his wife who was branded by a shapeshifting demon, is Cat's best friend. Nathaniel is a relative of Denise's. The perverted and rebellious vampire, Ian, is Bones' sire who's been illegally practicing magic. Veritas, a half-vampire, half-demigod, is his new wife, and they're on an extended honeymoon. Ashael is Veritas' half-brother and a mostly not evil demon as well as half-demigod. He's a sneaky one . . . Demons are the walking embodiment of magic.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, California is . . .
. . . right on the beach.
The Coven . . .
. . . worships a sea goddess. Morgana is the evil vampire/witch leader.
The Cover and Title
The cover is deep in blues with a city skyline in the background and a suspension bridge crossing from the left to the right. There's a tree on the left behind the bridge, and the lighter blue sky is reflected in the still waters of the river, waves crashing ashore in front of the woman (with her back to us) wearing blue jeans and a black tank top. She has long black hair blowing in the breeze with an empty scabbard on her back. In her left hand is a green bottle of wine and the right carries a sword pointing to the ground. At the very top is an info blurb in pale yellow with the three authors' names in white, crossing the woman's upper back. The title starts at her butt with a fancy serif font in a gradated white to yellow.
The title is those negative experiences Geneviève and Cat have with a Hex on the Beach. I don't really see Vanessa's experience as being on the beach.
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