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Ivy Morgan #9
Wicked Hearts
There’s no better time to be in love – and newly engaged – than Valentine’s Day. That’s what Ivy Morgan believes anyway. She’s happy, looking forward to spring, and eager to show her fiancé Jack Harker around Shadow Lake’s infamous winter festival. Unfortunately for Ivy, things don’t go as planned. While visiting the community barn, one of the girls prepping for the annual pageant falls ill and Ivy has a terrifying vision of the event before it happens. It turns out the girl has been poisoned, and in an effort to watch the remaining girls, Ivy signs up to be a mentor. The Festival of Love Pageant is anything but a serene environment. The girls are at each other’s throats, the pageant coordinator is wound a little tight, and someone keeps going after the contestants. Jack is on the case but the evidence is thin and he’s running out of time. He can’t do it on his own and he’s reluctant to involve Ivy and risk making her a target. That means they have to work together. It’s up to Ivy and Jack to figure out an intricate plot, unravel some emotional distress associated with Ivy’s past and come to grips with her growing abilities. It’s going to be one heck of a pageant … that is if everyone can survive until the final curtain call.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 19, 2018
Jack and Ivy are engaged now, and they are both very excited about it. But when the Valentine's day festival starts and the local beauty pageant begins things start to go bad. Ivy has some bad memories from the pageant she was forced into, and when one of the high school girls is poisoned, she decides to help out the investigation by helping out in the pageant.
That doesn't go over so well, and she and Max end up having some issues. Then she and Jack have to do what they can to find the culprit before it is too late.
This book was really very good, and we got to see another side to Ivy, and more in her past. It was really awesome, and I loved Ivy and Jack together. I was a little annoyed with Max though. Some of the things he did didn't make a lot of sense to me, but other than that I thought this one was good, and I was rooting for Ivy.
That doesn't go over so well, and she and Max end up having some issues. Then she and Jack have to do what they can to find the culprit before it is too late.
This book was really very good, and we got to see another side to Ivy, and more in her past. It was really awesome, and I loved Ivy and Jack together. I was a little annoyed with Max though. Some of the things he did didn't make a lot of sense to me, but other than that I thought this one was good, and I was rooting for Ivy.
November 9, 2017
I am just so blissfully in love with Ivy and Jack its getting a bit ridiculous lol
omg my worst nightmare a pageant, I nearly threw my ipad across the room in utter horror..........
and then there is Max big brother needs a hard kick up the butt after this story even if he didn't know the whole story he knows his sister better than everyone he should have backed Ivy no matter what....... I'm disappointed Max, really disappointed.
I love Aunt Felicity she needs to visit more often and Brian is just awesome and always entertaining.
But in the end it all comes back to Ivy and Jack and all I can say is ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, it really is true love and I love the schmaltz
omg my worst nightmare a pageant, I nearly threw my ipad across the room in utter horror..........
and then there is Max big brother needs a hard kick up the butt after this story even if he didn't know the whole story he knows his sister better than everyone he should have backed Ivy no matter what....... I'm disappointed Max, really disappointed.
I love Aunt Felicity she needs to visit more often and Brian is just awesome and always entertaining.
But in the end it all comes back to Ivy and Jack and all I can say is ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, it really is true love and I love the schmaltz
January 28, 2024
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
January 22, 2020
Wicked Pageants
It's February and the Valentine's Love Festival brings a whole world of anger, violence and hatred to Shadow Lake.
With the annual Love Pageant comes a world of bizarre behaviour and deadly attacks on the contestants. But who? Is it Simone the pageant coordinator? A previous winner of the competition, Simone is fixated on her daughter winning this year. She taunts Ivy into helping before the first attack and when Ivy finds out that Simone has changed the rules and dropped half the girls, including some of the front runners, the tension rises.
Aubrey is given water with antifreeze, Ivy's powers sense her collapse and they manage to get her to hospital in time but it's touch and go for the unlucky girl.
Simone is removed from her position, after Brian reports to the town council, and an unwilling Ivy is put in charge. With Max dating Simone and creating the backdrops for the show things get tense between the siblings, even more so after Ivy's home is vandalised and Max gives a gloating Simone an alibi.
Ivy saves another girl from the same fate as Aubrey but it's still impossible to tell who is the one doing it. Sam, Simone's daughter is driven to succeed, Peyton is angry she was cut, Mackenzie doesn't want to be there it's not her thing.. and the list goes on..
When Ivy reveals what happened to her when she entered and who was at fault it brings some light on the case but they are going to have to set a trap to flush out the truth.
It's February and the Valentine's Love Festival brings a whole world of anger, violence and hatred to Shadow Lake.
With the annual Love Pageant comes a world of bizarre behaviour and deadly attacks on the contestants. But who? Is it Simone the pageant coordinator? A previous winner of the competition, Simone is fixated on her daughter winning this year. She taunts Ivy into helping before the first attack and when Ivy finds out that Simone has changed the rules and dropped half the girls, including some of the front runners, the tension rises.
Aubrey is given water with antifreeze, Ivy's powers sense her collapse and they manage to get her to hospital in time but it's touch and go for the unlucky girl.
Simone is removed from her position, after Brian reports to the town council, and an unwilling Ivy is put in charge. With Max dating Simone and creating the backdrops for the show things get tense between the siblings, even more so after Ivy's home is vandalised and Max gives a gloating Simone an alibi.
Ivy saves another girl from the same fate as Aubrey but it's still impossible to tell who is the one doing it. Sam, Simone's daughter is driven to succeed, Peyton is angry she was cut, Mackenzie doesn't want to be there it's not her thing.. and the list goes on..
When Ivy reveals what happened to her when she entered and who was at fault it brings some light on the case but they are going to have to set a trap to flush out the truth.
May 16, 2020
I think this is one of my favorite books in the series so far.
Its coming up on Valentines Day and the town of Shadow Lake is having a beauty pagent for all the girls in a certain age range.. The woman that is running it Simone is a total jerk to Ivy, but at the same time asks her to help mentor the girls. Ivy turns her down flat, then one of the contestants Aubrey collapses and has a seizure. Turns out she has been poisoned with antifreeze. Ivy then takes simone up on her offer, so she can keep an eye out on the other contestants.
I didn't like Ivys brother Max for most of this story he ends up taking Simone to dinner a couple times, even after Ivy tells him that Simone tortured her when Ivy was forced to be in the pagent by her mom. She didn't want to give the full story, but multiple times she was an asshat to Ivy in front of max. Turns out she was even batshit crazier that everyone thought. Her and her daughter were completly delusional.. I mean like should be in a padded room in a lock down facility crazy.
I'm hoping that max can redeem himself in the future because even though he and Ivy made up, I thought he ended up being a total jerk.
Ivy and Jack are trying to figure out why Aubrey was targeted, and if other pagent girls are in danger. Ivy starts growing more powers, she seems to be developing the ability to see a few seconds into the future.
Over all I really liked this one and will def. continue on.
Its coming up on Valentines Day and the town of Shadow Lake is having a beauty pagent for all the girls in a certain age range.. The woman that is running it Simone is a total jerk to Ivy, but at the same time asks her to help mentor the girls. Ivy turns her down flat, then one of the contestants Aubrey collapses and has a seizure. Turns out she has been poisoned with antifreeze. Ivy then takes simone up on her offer, so she can keep an eye out on the other contestants.
I didn't like Ivys brother Max for most of this story he ends up taking Simone to dinner a couple times, even after Ivy tells him that Simone tortured her when Ivy was forced to be in the pagent by her mom. She didn't want to give the full story, but multiple times she was an asshat to Ivy in front of max. Turns out she was even batshit crazier that everyone thought. Her and her daughter were completly delusional.. I mean like should be in a padded room in a lock down facility crazy.
I'm hoping that max can redeem himself in the future because even though he and Ivy made up, I thought he ended up being a total jerk.
Ivy and Jack are trying to figure out why Aubrey was targeted, and if other pagent girls are in danger. Ivy starts growing more powers, she seems to be developing the ability to see a few seconds into the future.
Over all I really liked this one and will def. continue on.
February 26, 2023
Entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A phone cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. Ivy Morgan is a young woman who lives in northern Michigan and owns her own nursery and a little cottage just a short walk through some trees. Her fiancé Jack is a local police detective and her brother owns the local lumberyard. Ivy Jack and her brother Max along with a few other people always seem to get into twined in the different misery is the Jack and his partner much investigate. I’ve he has a unique ability that seems to be expanding. people around town always thought she was a little bit odd and even called her a witch. Since meeting Jack though she’s opened up a bit and it seems her abilities are expanding. Read on and find out what happens this time and what new adventure they embark on. Plenty of plot twists and white S and lots of mystery.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A phone cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. Ivy Morgan is a young woman who lives in northern Michigan and owns her own nursery and a little cottage just a short walk through some trees. Her fiancé Jack is a local police detective and her brother owns the local lumberyard. Ivy Jack and her brother Max along with a few other people always seem to get into twined in the different misery is the Jack and his partner much investigate. I’ve he has a unique ability that seems to be expanding. people around town always thought she was a little bit odd and even called her a witch. Since meeting Jack though she’s opened up a bit and it seems her abilities are expanding. Read on and find out what happens this time and what new adventure they embark on. Plenty of plot twists and white S and lots of mystery.
November 14, 2017
Another lovely read!
This book begins 6 weeks after jack and ivy got engaged in the last book. They both are still flying high after the proposal. This book delves into ivy's childhood and how one event impacted her life.
Its the love pageant. Teenage girls take part to be crowned. While ivy is showing jack around the venue where the pageant will be held, a young participant of the pageant falls face down from the stage. It is discovered that she was poisoned. There in starts the investigation into who, what and why she was poisoned. It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting the participants. To ensure their safety, ivy decides to act as a mentor to the girls.
Ivy's past with the pageant is delved into. Ivy's relationship with her brother, Max is strained in this book due to the choices he makes.
Its another fabulous read. Love this series. Eagerly awaiting the next book.
This book begins 6 weeks after jack and ivy got engaged in the last book. They both are still flying high after the proposal. This book delves into ivy's childhood and how one event impacted her life.
Its the love pageant. Teenage girls take part to be crowned. While ivy is showing jack around the venue where the pageant will be held, a young participant of the pageant falls face down from the stage. It is discovered that she was poisoned. There in starts the investigation into who, what and why she was poisoned. It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting the participants. To ensure their safety, ivy decides to act as a mentor to the girls.
Ivy's past with the pageant is delved into. Ivy's relationship with her brother, Max is strained in this book due to the choices he makes.
Its another fabulous read. Love this series. Eagerly awaiting the next book.
May 16, 2018
Not simply entertainment here, but some real in depth looks at small communities norms and shameful behaviors.
This particular story has been done and redone. I can understand how it would fit into the small Michigan community. Parents pushing their children into the limelight so they too could bask in bygone days and memories. Then pushing too hard that the kids and parent looses perspective on what the purpose of the extracurricular activity is intended.
Sadly, it brought out some of Ivy's harshest teen years and the bullying from others. It gives us more insight into her character, and the roles that she and each of her family members lived.
It made me sad as it reflects our current society and how do far we should have come developmentally, but yet how limited we truly are.
I guess that was the point.
This particular story has been done and redone. I can understand how it would fit into the small Michigan community. Parents pushing their children into the limelight so they too could bask in bygone days and memories. Then pushing too hard that the kids and parent looses perspective on what the purpose of the extracurricular activity is intended.
Sadly, it brought out some of Ivy's harshest teen years and the bullying from others. It gives us more insight into her character, and the roles that she and each of her family members lived.
It made me sad as it reflects our current society and how do far we should have come developmentally, but yet how limited we truly are.
I guess that was the point.
November 21, 2017
The happy couple are engaged. While they are enjoying telling everyone about the upcoming wedding, Ivy has new fears that are sinking into her mind. As if that wasn't enough, a new magical power presents itself when one of the girls in a local pageant gets hurt. Now Ivy really believes that Jack is going to leave her. Ivy also has some old baggage to deal with concerning the local girls beauty pageant. Of course, Jack is just sitting on the sidelines watching the love of his life and making sure she doesn't get hurt. Definitely a book to fall in love with.
November 30, 2017
Usual Ivy antics
This is a couple of hours of pleasant reading with a mild mystery and a little romance as Jack and Ivy continue their intimacy dance. However, I'm getting tired of Ivy whining about being a "freak". Lots of people would love to have her gifts. In my mind, the only thing making her a freak is her constant rejection of her gifts. It's time for Ivy to pull up her big girl panties, accept herself, stop caring what other people think and get on with it so we can keep liking these books.
This is a couple of hours of pleasant reading with a mild mystery and a little romance as Jack and Ivy continue their intimacy dance. However, I'm getting tired of Ivy whining about being a "freak". Lots of people would love to have her gifts. In my mind, the only thing making her a freak is her constant rejection of her gifts. It's time for Ivy to pull up her big girl panties, accept herself, stop caring what other people think and get on with it so we can keep liking these books.
December 14, 2017
I'm thankful I don't like the pageant life
I'm very thankful my kids nor I I've ever been interested in a pageant life. There is no way in the world I could deal with a bunch of teenage girls like these that Ms. Hart has described. I would literally go insane or I would slap a bunch of people. That being said this was an enjoyable read especially when you have two teenage daughters. It definitely made me thankful that my girls are not like the girls in this book. Look forward to the next one and I'm hoping there's not a lot of drama queens in it.
I'm very thankful my kids nor I I've ever been interested in a pageant life. There is no way in the world I could deal with a bunch of teenage girls like these that Ms. Hart has described. I would literally go insane or I would slap a bunch of people. That being said this was an enjoyable read especially when you have two teenage daughters. It definitely made me thankful that my girls are not like the girls in this book. Look forward to the next one and I'm hoping there's not a lot of drama queens in it.
September 27, 2020
All this over a pageant?!
Ivy is snarky, mouthy, and irrational; it must be a testament to the author's skill, therefore, that I actually like this character. Then again, she's also bighearted, loyal, and brave, so that helps. I generally enjoy the interactions between the players, but this pageant world is SO over the top! Disdain for these competitive nuts definitely lessened my engagement with the mystery, but the secret past history makes up for this. I enjoy this series and author.
Ivy is snarky, mouthy, and irrational; it must be a testament to the author's skill, therefore, that I actually like this character. Then again, she's also bighearted, loyal, and brave, so that helps. I generally enjoy the interactions between the players, but this pageant world is SO over the top! Disdain for these competitive nuts definitely lessened my engagement with the mystery, but the secret past history makes up for this. I enjoy this series and author.
August 15, 2021
Talk about delusional! Simone and Sadie are certifiable nutcakes. I mean, WOW. I realize Pageants are a way of life for some, but a way of death also?
Stick around and read about a couple crazy ladies!
This read was alright. Not my favorite Ivy Morgan book, but at least there wasn’t a ton of whining by Ivy. I can’t stand her when she acts crazy too much.
Onto book 10 Wicked Wishes. I really hope more of Ivy’s newfound visions are included. This pageant one gave us just a taste of that is hopefully to come.
Stick around and read about a couple crazy ladies!
This read was alright. Not my favorite Ivy Morgan book, but at least there wasn’t a ton of whining by Ivy. I can’t stand her when she acts crazy too much.
Onto book 10 Wicked Wishes. I really hope more of Ivy’s newfound visions are included. This pageant one gave us just a taste of that is hopefully to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2017
Didn’t see that coming
Nah, I did. Once again an amazing read from an amazing author. Ivy and Jack crack me up, throwing Max into and its better. I missed aunt Felicity so it was good to see her around again. Hmm one question, why didn’t Ivy talk to her about the visions? Oh well, looking forward to the next book of this series and the others. And thank you for giving me one each month.
Nah, I did. Once again an amazing read from an amazing author. Ivy and Jack crack me up, throwing Max into and its better. I missed aunt Felicity so it was good to see her around again. Hmm one question, why didn’t Ivy talk to her about the visions? Oh well, looking forward to the next book of this series and the others. And thank you for giving me one each month.
November 10, 2017
Ivy needs to grow
I adore this author, and think she weaves a great story. However, in this book, I found myself skimming a lot of dialogue because Ivy isn't evolving or maturing. I appreciate her quirks, but there needs to be some growing up to keep this character interesting. I liked this story very much, but was annoyed by Ivy for most of the book.
I adore this author, and think she weaves a great story. However, in this book, I found myself skimming a lot of dialogue because Ivy isn't evolving or maturing. I appreciate her quirks, but there needs to be some growing up to keep this character interesting. I liked this story very much, but was annoyed by Ivy for most of the book.
December 19, 2018
This was fun
I must admit this one was funny, but scary at the same time. The endings I always find to quick, like there being cut off before the climax. Who won the pagent? How was Ivy and Jack's Valentines date, did the find Simone's daughter Sarah alive because it sounded like mother killed her. Finally what happen to Simone and Sadie once they were charged, jail or asylum?
I must admit this one was funny, but scary at the same time. The endings I always find to quick, like there being cut off before the climax. Who won the pagent? How was Ivy and Jack's Valentines date, did the find Simone's daughter Sarah alive because it sounded like mother killed her. Finally what happen to Simone and Sadie once they were charged, jail or asylum?
August 16, 2019
Quite Unusual Setting
This novel takes place around an annual local teenager beauty pageant. Early on, one of the forerunners is poisoned, fainting immediately after Ivy has a vision of it happening. There is extra tension when she and Max have an intense disagreement. Worth reading , but all of these are much better read in order.
This novel takes place around an annual local teenager beauty pageant. Early on, one of the forerunners is poisoned, fainting immediately after Ivy has a vision of it happening. There is extra tension when she and Max have an intense disagreement. Worth reading , but all of these are much better read in order.
September 11, 2019
Makes you wonder...
What a trip! I know people in the real world go pageant nuts, but holy cow! Kinda make you wonder if this kind of stuff really does go on.
I don't know how Ms. Lee does it, but she keeps her stories amazing, funny and new. I just can't seem to get enough. Another 5* in the books from me.
What a trip! I know people in the real world go pageant nuts, but holy cow! Kinda make you wonder if this kind of stuff really does go on.
I don't know how Ms. Lee does it, but she keeps her stories amazing, funny and new. I just can't seem to get enough. Another 5* in the books from me.
November 9, 2017
Another good time
I love Ivy, Jack and all of the gang. It’s fun to come back to familiar characters and read about their lives. The mystery is always new though and adds even more entertainment.
I love Ivy, Jack and all of the gang. It’s fun to come back to familiar characters and read about their lives. The mystery is always new though and adds even more entertainment.
November 18, 2017
Another winner
I've read the whole series. They're really fun readings, with romance, suspense and a little magic. This one is another winner. Keep them coming Mrs. Harper Hart. I will be waiting.
I've read the whole series. They're really fun readings, with romance, suspense and a little magic. This one is another winner. Keep them coming Mrs. Harper Hart. I will be waiting.
January 19, 2018
Great series!
These books are thoroughly entertaining. I love watching characters come to life, and these are fascinating. The plots are always intriguing, and the dialogue snarky and cute. If you're looking for a great cozy mystery series this is it.
These books are thoroughly entertaining. I love watching characters come to life, and these are fascinating. The plots are always intriguing, and the dialogue snarky and cute. If you're looking for a great cozy mystery series this is it.
January 26, 2018
Attempted murder and mayhem over a small town beauty pageant. Mean girls grow up into mean women and raise mean daughters. A past of invasion of privacy, blackmail during a past pageant complicates the plot.
April 28, 2018
Another winner! I really liked learning more about Ivy's past, and I think Jack's response made me love him even more. I also felt like we learned more about Max as a character, and I am interested to see how he evolves.
June 18, 2018
Awesome add to the series. Another great story that will keep you guessing til the end. I loved this tie in to a Valentines day holiday, and the way to have a pageant was unique. Can't wait for the next.
October 17, 2018
More fun and a mystery at a pageant
Mayhem at a teenage beauty pageant complete with "mean girls". And Ivy has a pageant mystery of her own in her past.
It's fun watching the characters interact in their loving, arguing way.
Mayhem at a teenage beauty pageant complete with "mean girls". And Ivy has a pageant mystery of her own in her past.
It's fun watching the characters interact in their loving, arguing way.
December 10, 2018
This book is amazing but at the same time they need to make this girl deal with her issues, this is the 9th book and it's like she's not moving on. It's a great book to read a bit boring at first but gets better in the middle, leaves you with question which never gets answer
December 12, 2018
Excellent Mystery
I enjoyed this mystery very much. It takes Ivy back to a childhood trauma, and takes on issues that while bizarre, may have happened in real life. Somewhere, maybe. Actually the story mentions a real life incident. It too was bizarre. That made the story all the more fun.
I enjoyed this mystery very much. It takes Ivy back to a childhood trauma, and takes on issues that while bizarre, may have happened in real life. Somewhere, maybe. Actually the story mentions a real life incident. It too was bizarre. That made the story all the more fun.
March 28, 2019
Plot is always good and Ivy not as whiney
But still had to skip over a lot of the schmaltz dialog to make the p!ot interesting.. Needs a good editor to bring these books to the next level. I much prefer some of her other series.
But still had to skip over a lot of the schmaltz dialog to make the p!ot interesting.. Needs a good editor to bring these books to the next level. I much prefer some of her other series.
June 2, 2019
Pageants can be deadly
The local Valentine pageant is almost here, and someone is fixing the odds by poisoning some of the contestants. Ivy is drawn into a world she hates,, but she has to try and save the remaining girls.
The local Valentine pageant is almost here, and someone is fixing the odds by poisoning some of the contestants. Ivy is drawn into a world she hates,, but she has to try and save the remaining girls.
September 14, 2019
Good mystery
I enjoy the lighthearted way this series is written. The best part of this book is that Ivy doesn't have as many immature and nerve racking scenes. There are a few pageant crazy people around that take things to an extreme.
I enjoy the lighthearted way this series is written. The best part of this book is that Ivy doesn't have as many immature and nerve racking scenes. There are a few pageant crazy people around that take things to an extreme.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews