When Lily Locke receives a royal decree summoning her to the Kingdom of Crystalvia, she can hardly turn down the request. However, the invitation doesn’t come without a catch. When the queen begs Lily to crack a curse that has held their village captive for three years, Lily promises to do everything she can to free them. If she doesn’t, the kingdom will eventually languish… and disappear forever.
However, as Lily digs deeper into the mystery behind the endless winter, she finds the truth is a lot more than she bargained for. And when her father becomes involved, the situation turns more dangerous than ever. Still, only one thing is for certain: If Lily can’t fix the curse before the clock runs out, someone will die… and her name is up next.
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.
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
The writer definitely turned the magic up a notch w/this one. We have the inclusion of a kingdom complete w/royalty, as well as mermaids & Father Time. Oh my! They need the mixologists help. Lily's personal problems are present in the back of her mind so this was the perfect diversion from them. Lots of surprises along the way. So cool to see the cross-over again w/Det DeMarco. And the return of Liam. I know he's kind of a bad guy but I still like him. Now Lily's father...that's a whole 'nother matter. There's a deal between them and I wondered how the writer was going to resolve that overhanging issue. I thought LaManna wrote a creative way to deal with that particular issue. (sorry no spoilers) I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I hope there's a wedding in there somewhere. (fingers crossed! 😀)
Thank you to the writer for an advanced copy of the book.
So after six previous books in the series, it’s still as fresh and exciting as the first time I figuratively stepped foot on The Isle. I really could live in the world that Gina has masterfully crafted – her ideas never cease to amaze me and I have no idea where it springs from but I am so glad it does!
Gina’s books are always an adventure and I never know what new aspect of the world she’s created will come out next. The royal kingdoms were interesting and I do hope to see them return in some fashion going forward. I’m especially intrigued by the Black Diamond and Pearla – I want to glimpse what’s inside those kingdoms too.
Since Lily wasn’t raised with magic we get to learn about all it encompasses as she does – so we feel just as surprised as she is when she learns something new. I don’t think Lily’s kind of magic as the Mixologist will ever cease growing but she is learning to be intuitive in her craft based on her heart and her mind. Her relationship with Ranger X is much as it was in the previous book but they’ve worked through a majority of the problems they have been faced with and their consequences. It was a joy to get a cameo appearance from Dani (Mysteries from the Sixth Borough) even if it was fairly brief.
As usual with Gina’s books, I devoured Magic Julep. I often turn to her magical series when I need something on the lighter and fun side of reading. I would highly recommend this book and obviously the entire series to readers who enjoy magic, mysteries, fantasy, and light romance – you wouldn’t necessarily have to read the entire series but you would be missing out on quite a bit of background. I would very much like to thank Gina and LaManna Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC – all opinions are my own.
Lily Locke is busy working on a potion for Magic, Inc., when she receives a royal decree, summoning her to Crystalvia. They have been cursed with a spell that keeps them in perpetual winter. The queen begs her to find a cure before it is too late. The closer Lily gets to the truth though, the more dangerous it becmes for her. Not only does she have that to deal with, but her father is back and causing chaos, and only she can stop him. I loved this book. I am a huge fan of this series and this was one of my favorites. Lily is the ultimate female protagonist and I love the magical elements surrounding everything. I am especially excited with the way it ended on a cliffhanger. I look forward to reading a lot more books in this series. This is perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Elizabeth Hunter, or Darynda Jones. I highly recommend this entertaining series.
Almost done with this series and I've been enjoying this magical world created. Am excited to read the 8th book...gonna be a bit bummed after I finish it. Low key would love for a tv mini series.
Lily is struggling with a potion MAGIC inc have asked of her, she is still reeling from the events with The Faction and her father and the information The Quilter dropped on her. So what do you do, as the Mixologist when you get a royal decree from a secretive royal country you didn't know existed until you got the decree? Especially when your cousin begs to be your plus 1. Well you go, right? In Crystalvia It becomes clear that Lily is not just there for her sparkling wit, there is a curse on the land and they are begging Lily for help, before time runs out. There are twists and turns and treachery, who can she trust? Up is down Left is right strange characters who either speak in generalities or riddles, Yet nobody seems to be being straight with her! When all ends seem to meet together and there is always a bump in the road.
Can she save Crytalvia before it's to late? Just when she thinks her dance card is full...
Lily feels like a small cog in a very big clock.
There is intrigue in spades, Funny how time goes faster when your having fun!
What an amazing episode, When I read this I could not put it down, In Lily, Gina Lamanna has created a character you care for. Thrust into a world she had not known existed Lily has excelled at every challenge that has been put her way. You care for Lily and Ranger X, heck you even care for Hettie but you would be loathe to admit it. I must admit it always seems like everyone else knows a little bit more than they care to share, but that just goes to show the stellar writing of Lamanna, every book in this series has played in my minds eye like a movie, she paints such a good vision with words. Your heart rate speeds up as you get carried along on this adventure, and I assure you it is a hell of an adventure. If you have not started this series you really need to read it from book 1 so you can appreciate the continued storyline.
What a way to welcome us back to the Isle Gina LaManna! I simply LOVED Magic Julep - book 7 in “The Magic & Mixology Mystery Series”!
Lily Locke is back at it again, tasked with saving the world in more ways than one with her intuitive mixology skills! With so much on her plate and so many depending on her, she does the only thing she can do, momentarily freaks out, then keep on keeping on!
Magic Julep was a particularly wild magic carpet ride! I loved the atmospheric tones and the ways the setting and characters pulled me in right from the start - as they do every time! Book 7 is my favorite in the series so far and book 8, “Mermaid Mimosa” is supposed to be even more exciting! Definitely one of my all-time favorite series!
“The Magic & Mixology Mystery Series” was my introduction to the works of Gina LaManna, back when I binge read books 1-6 about a year or two ago! I’ve been hooked on Gina LaManna’s writing ever since, just waiting to get back to the Isle! Magic Julep was exactly what I needed!
I'd recommend starting this series straight from the beginning and enjoying every bit of it! Then, of course, check out her Hex Files series if you're like me and just can't get enough of this magically delicious world! Fans of Janet Evanovich will surely love her writing style!
Many thanks to LaManna Books for my gifted copy. I have honestly and voluntarily reviewed this title.
So, wow. After a long time (I checked and it was at the beginning of 2019) we have another Magic & Mixology book! And I have missed Lily, Ranger X and the other characters.
Again a warning if you are interested in starting this series: please start at the beginning. As it is not a standalone. Actually, this would be a great binge-worthy series.
Lily is mixing a potion for MAGIC INC. when she receives a special invitation from the royal family of Crystalvia, one of the magic Kingdoms. Together with an excited Poppy she attends dinner and is asked to help the Kingdom with defeating a horrible curse, that has been lasting for 3 years. Next to that, Lily is still grappling with the predictions the The Quilter did in the last book and - again - is contacted by The Quilter as something is wrong with fate and time. Lily has to make some hard decisions in this book and I am again at awe of the imagination of the author.
I think we are nearing the end of this wonderful series. We ended on a - very minor - cliffhanger and I look forward to the next book Mermaid Mimosa!
*** I received an ARC but all opinions are my own and I bought my own digital copy! ***
This installment of the Isle mysteries is quite the adventure. Lots of threats and lots of action. Lily is taking on more than she can handle (or more than she thinks she can handle.) She has several big and powerful people seeking her help and time is of the essence. There are several mysteries that take place in this book, and some of them started (at least partially) in previous books in the series, but I feel they are explained enough that if you haven't read any others, you should still be able to follow, but you won't be getting the full experience of the story if you don't. Having said that, the main mystery that is focused on does start and end within the pages of this book. The characters are well written, as are all the descriptions and details. It reads easily. While it is a supernatural/paranormal read, it is easy to envision what is taking place. It is written strictly from Lily's (the Protagonist) POV. There is a small amount of romance included, but everything is clean and safe for teens and up.
WOW!!! Each book in this series adds more and more for our protagonist, Lily Locke, to have to confront as the mixologist. This book in the series creates so many twists and turns you just can't put it down from the first page to the last and now you want more to see what happens next. Lily is called by the Queen of Crystalvia to help break a spell on the kingdom. Seems they are in perpetual winter and if she can't help, the entire kingdom will disappear! Can she do it? Things take a crazy turn when Lily gets closer to the truth and when her evil father is involved things get even worse. Is Lily in danger herself now? You just have to read this book to find out more! I can't wait for the next one to see what happens next! I love this series and with all the author's series the writing flows and keeps you turning pages making it difficult to put down! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Gina LaManna has a genre for everyone, from the Mafia starting Lacey Lucci to the magical Isle with mxologisetst Lily and her fiance Ranger X. She has opened my mind and eyes to fantastic different story telling. Her brain is a avenue of some of the best storytelling and runs rampart in her books. Open your mind, open a Gina LaManna book and start on Any series and don't stop until you have read them all. Magic Julep finds Lilly Locke torn between three different worlds trying to save them and herself. This was my favorite in this series, but Gina has tipped us off that the next book in this series is the best yet. If you are looking for a good book to take away the stress of life, time for you and you alone, open a Gina LaManna book and start reading today.
Good to be back on the Isle and what an adventure this one was... I love the ever expanding magical world Gina LaManna is building and how she is linking everything into a magical web, I can’t wait to see what happens next. As for this magical mystery it was full of awesome twists and turns some connecting with previous threads some expanding to new threads and all making me gasp in surprise at times. Lily Locke is certainly coming into her own as a Mixologist and a soon to be married woman lol I love how her relationship with Ranger X is growing, how they are becoming more one with each other, it’s beautiful to follow and their romantic journey has on,y just begun.
The series just keeps getting better and Gina is such an amazing story teller. Lily's magical adventure continues with her crew to deal with a curse. Just when we thought her father would temporarily go away, he is wreaking havoc that only Lily can help solve. It is an addicting page turnover that you won't regret reading right now. Can't wait for the next one and it's coming in May. Keep this series coming, we need more!
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm so glad LaManna has finally published a new book in this series. The author hasn't published anything in this series in two years but at least she did not disappoint. Wow, this story was full of creative and imaginative elements that was mind bending crazy. This is a complicated plot with lots of twist and she doesn't kill off any of the long time protagonist like she did in another of her paranormal series. She almost lost me as a reader but I'm so glad I have this book a chance. MSp
This was a fabulous instalment in the Mixologist series, it was wonderful to be back with Lily and X and all the quirky characters on The Isle. The book didn’t disappoint, it was bursting at the seams with excitement and intrigue, as Lily was yet again required to mix the right potions to save the day... but that it really just the tip of the iceberg, she yet again put her blood, sweat and tears into saving magic and humanity alike.
An amazing series and a wonderful book, which I highly recommend.
This book was a exciting addition to the series. I couldn't put it down. Everything was great. Lily has grown so much in her time as mixologist. This book puts her to the test of how to trust herself. She goes on a trip to a few new places. I'm wondering if they will show up later in other books. We stay busy with everything Lily has to do we don't see much of X. which is fine. They both have jobs and are busy. It was comfortable to see them as the couple they have settled into. I can't wait for the next book.
I received this book to write a review. I consider it a YA book. There is very mild sex and most teens that are my friends would also find it hardly worthy of note. I liked it. I may read more in this series. The story is fast-paced and I absolutely adored the characters. My only negative thought is it needs a map and a list of characters. Yes, I love books with maps and/or a list of characters, but there is a bunch of traveling from land to land and a map would make it easier to follow.
Magic Julep (Book 7 in “The Magic & Mixology Mystery” series
I really have enjoyed reading this book and this series. This specific one had lots of twists and turns and was full of excitement. I started this series because I read “The Hex Files” by her twice and am planning on reading the series again. It has turned into one of my all-time favorite series and I really hope she continues the storyline using the same, wonderful characters but using Gray as the main character. I plan on reading everything she has written.
Amazing! There were so many twists and turns and questions throughout that I couldn't put the book down! I read it straight through! Lily goes through so much in this book that is an emotional roller coaster not only for her but for the reader as well! There's mysteries to be solved, romances to root for, and even some action scenes! A little bit of everything for everyone! I voluntarily received and read an ARC for an honest review.
I absolutely love this series! It was so good to get back to the Isle and reconnect with my favorite characters. I feel like in this installment Lily is faced with a huge amount of issues and this time she really has to face them alone. Between personal problems with her father to saving a nation and then saving the world this book was a definite page turner!
Lily is completely overwhelmed in this book, between trying to create a potion for Magic Inc, trying to save a Royal kingdom, planning a wedding and anything else Fate seems to want to throw her way. I did like her interactions with her father in this book and hope that they will be able to repair their relationship somewhat. Definitely looking forward to what happens next with the mermaids!
Poor Lily can’t get a break edgewise. I love me some Ranger x. This book was the most intense. The part of the story where you found out who the antagonist was, could have been a little deeper. But it was good. I say this all the time, the thing I ask mostly about for her books is to make them more culturally diverse. This is a world of magic, the people can be of any color of the palette.
Wow! What a roller coaster ride! The details, the magic, the personalities, the thought processes, the storylines, the settings - I just don’t understand how Ms. LaManna writes like she does. I could not put this book down! I love this series and have throughly enjoyed every book, but this one blew me away! So many storylines coming together so smoothly. I can’t wait for the next one!
This series is out of this world fabulous. I adore the characters, they are well developed and relatable. The plot hooked me from the very first page and I wasn’t able to put it down. This new installment in The Magic & Mixology series is amazing and did not disappoint. I look forward to the next installment.
💕 Addicting, page turning, magical ride! Each book in the series is better than the last! Gina LaManna weaves an enchanted world of magic, mystery, love, and intrigue. Lily Locke races against time to complete special, magical spells to save a kingdom in ruin and Magic, Inc. She also finds out that she has her own race against time.
If you are looking for a fun, creative, magical entertaining read, you’ve found it. Lily’s adventures are many in this story and she’s got a lot going on. But it’s written in a way that flows. Love the characters and the creativity. And getting the crossing over of characters from the author’s other series.
Gina writes stories that are engaging and complex without dragging the pace. She's a master chef (or Mixologist) putting in just exactly the right ingredients, using the exact amounts required, at exactly the right time to produce a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
Sometimes when you get to book 7 in a series it gets boring but this book breathed some new life in it for me. I feel like Lily is finally gaining self confidence in herself . Bravo to LaManna for another great book. If you want a clearer understanding read the Wicked and Magic, Inc.series too.
I enjoyed returning to the Isle and the mixologist. Another great story and a bunch of new characters. It’s great to learn more about the magical world this series belongs to. Who doesn’t love a happy ending, especially in a crystal castle! Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I came across this series by cha once and got hooked with hex on the beach! I love the characters and detail. I can see everything which is exactly what I need when I'm ready to escape for a little bit! I can't wait for the next one!