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Cursed Luck #2
High Jinx
Curse weaver Kennedy Bennett has re-settled into her beloved hometown and opened a shop selling previously hexed antiques. When she fails to win an online auction for a notorious cursed painting, Aiden Connolly—the wealthy and swoon-worthy luck worker she is not dating—swoops in to buy it for her.
Crying Girl is one of a quartet of haunted legendary paintings. Kennedy knows that the “ghosts” are actually curses—fatal ones. The paintings have been missing for years, and Kennedy is thrilled at the chance to uncurse one…until Crying Girl disappears before they can collect it.
Kennedy and Aiden soon discover that the painting hasn’t been randomly whisked out of their reach. Someone used it to lure them in, and now that they’ve snatched the bait, they’ve been snared in a trap. Either the thief gets what they want…or the four paintings are going to find their way back into the world, and Kennedy and Aiden will be responsible for the deadly chaos the cursed portraits wreak.
Crying Girl is one of a quartet of haunted legendary paintings. Kennedy knows that the “ghosts” are actually curses—fatal ones. The paintings have been missing for years, and Kennedy is thrilled at the chance to uncurse one…until Crying Girl disappears before they can collect it.
Kennedy and Aiden soon discover that the painting hasn’t been randomly whisked out of their reach. Someone used it to lure them in, and now that they’ve snatched the bait, they’ve been snared in a trap. Either the thief gets what they want…or the four paintings are going to find their way back into the world, and Kennedy and Aiden will be responsible for the deadly chaos the cursed portraits wreak.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2021
142 people are currently reading
1005 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 206 reviews
February 7, 2022
I have to say that Cursed Luck & High Jinx have been overall fun reads with the added bonus of the novella Goddess of Summer Love, the easy type of reads that I always come to expect from Ms Armstrong and the type of read I always enjoy.
The main characters Kennedy & Connelly (Aiden) are both adorable, no real character leads, just a fun sharing adventure with others included along the way.
I really liked the fun aspect of the Greek Gods and how they are portrayed in the books but most of all I just simply enjoyed the adventure of both main books and the novella.
The main characters Kennedy & Connelly (Aiden) are both adorable, no real character leads, just a fun sharing adventure with others included along the way.
I really liked the fun aspect of the Greek Gods and how they are portrayed in the books but most of all I just simply enjoyed the adventure of both main books and the novella.
January 1, 2022
The problem with this universe, other than the simple fact that it is not Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld universe, is that it is too damn Rated G.
Here, there are brief descriptions of suicide, rotting corpses, and fear of sexual assault. There are jump scares from ghostly illusions. Multiple women are held captive, at least once with the prospect of a sham marriage.
But despite all that, the premise is all too light and fluffy. Kennedy is an attractive enough woman in her late 20s. She has magic powers, but "curse weaving" requires skill and time and effort, so she rarely seems to ever actually use her powers. Even though she can describe how sad it was when she lost each of her parents, they died from cancer and a car accident. Those are relatively common deaths, and it is relatively common for adult children to lose their aging parents at some point. Meanwhile, she and her sisters live in a quaint small town where the neighbors are so friendly, and everyone in the town is accepting of the supernatural.
Kennedy has a potential love interest whom is handsome, rich, supernatural, and totally into her. Their greatest conflict is that due to the nature of a curse Kennedy is under, their love must be "true." Which, okay, yeah. All of us hope that the person we're in love with feels "true" love for us. That's also pretty normal.
The best parts of this book were when there were real stakes. When there was risk of death, or kidnapping, or some suspense over finding out what a cursed painting was cursed to actually do. (The plot of this particular installment followed the mystery about 4 different cursed paintings.)
But there felt like a safety net was always in place. Kennedy and Connolly were assisted by the gods Athene and Mercury (Mercy) throughout this novel. Previously, they have interacted with Aphrodite and Ares, and fought against Hephaestus. Granted, Armstrong makes these gods much more limited. They are immortal magical beings, but they aren't really "gods" in the sense one would generally understand. Still, they routinely tell Kennedy and Connolly (their many-generations-removed relatives) to back off because the gods will handle this.
Despite some threats of death or financial ruin, the stakes never felt all that high. One way or another, Kennedy has her loving sisters in their quaint, supernatural small town. One way or another, Connolly and Kennedy love each other, and they just have to figure out how to express themselves and take the leap. One way or another, Kennedy says it doesn't really matter if her savings get wiped out, because she can recoup it all relatively easily. Connolly has poor little rich boy problems, in that his parents are so controlling. But no matter how controlling they are, he still drives a Lexus and owns his own business and partially owns prime real estate in downtown Boston.
They're going to be fine.
Maybe some people want a story like this, where the stakes are low. This is probably meant to be a comfort read.
But even at that, Kelley Armstrong needs help with her dialogue. It was more apparent with her YA books set in the Otherworld, but she has a problem with somehow making all her characters talk the same way. They always sound unusually competent. On point. Utterly reasonable and logical. When she does this with YA characters, it's more starkly uncharacteristic for teens. Real characters aren't always so sure of themselves, so logical. Sometimes, Armstrong, you need to let a character wallow in their neurosis for a while.
Here, there are brief descriptions of suicide, rotting corpses, and fear of sexual assault. There are jump scares from ghostly illusions. Multiple women are held captive, at least once with the prospect of a sham marriage.
But despite all that, the premise is all too light and fluffy. Kennedy is an attractive enough woman in her late 20s. She has magic powers, but "curse weaving" requires skill and time and effort, so she rarely seems to ever actually use her powers. Even though she can describe how sad it was when she lost each of her parents, they died from cancer and a car accident. Those are relatively common deaths, and it is relatively common for adult children to lose their aging parents at some point. Meanwhile, she and her sisters live in a quaint small town where the neighbors are so friendly, and everyone in the town is accepting of the supernatural.
Kennedy has a potential love interest whom is handsome, rich, supernatural, and totally into her. Their greatest conflict is that due to the nature of a curse Kennedy is under, their love must be "true." Which, okay, yeah. All of us hope that the person we're in love with feels "true" love for us. That's also pretty normal.
The best parts of this book were when there were real stakes. When there was risk of death, or kidnapping, or some suspense over finding out what a cursed painting was cursed to actually do. (The plot of this particular installment followed the mystery about 4 different cursed paintings.)
But there felt like a safety net was always in place. Kennedy and Connolly were assisted by the gods Athene and Mercury (Mercy) throughout this novel. Previously, they have interacted with Aphrodite and Ares, and fought against Hephaestus. Granted, Armstrong makes these gods much more limited. They are immortal magical beings, but they aren't really "gods" in the sense one would generally understand. Still, they routinely tell Kennedy and Connolly (their many-generations-removed relatives) to back off because the gods will handle this.
Despite some threats of death or financial ruin, the stakes never felt all that high. One way or another, Kennedy has her loving sisters in their quaint, supernatural small town. One way or another, Connolly and Kennedy love each other, and they just have to figure out how to express themselves and take the leap. One way or another, Kennedy says it doesn't really matter if her savings get wiped out, because she can recoup it all relatively easily. Connolly has poor little rich boy problems, in that his parents are so controlling. But no matter how controlling they are, he still drives a Lexus and owns his own business and partially owns prime real estate in downtown Boston.
They're going to be fine.
Maybe some people want a story like this, where the stakes are low. This is probably meant to be a comfort read.
But even at that, Kelley Armstrong needs help with her dialogue. It was more apparent with her YA books set in the Otherworld, but she has a problem with somehow making all her characters talk the same way. They always sound unusually competent. On point. Utterly reasonable and logical. When she does this with YA characters, it's more starkly uncharacteristic for teens. Real characters aren't always so sure of themselves, so logical. Sometimes, Armstrong, you need to let a character wallow in their neurosis for a while.
December 14, 2021
I just think this world is so fun and I love Kennedy and Aiden and I want a million more words about them and also about her sisters.
February 7, 2022
Like most urban fantasy, it is important to read the Cursed Luck series in order. It explains how curse weaver Kennedy Bennett ending up re-settling in her hometown and opened a shop selling previously hexed antiques. It also explains her romantic relationship with luck worker, Aiden Connolly.
Kennedy is trying to purchase a cursed painting, and someone is outbidding her. That is until Aiden buys it for her. What unfolds is an exciting mystery.
The Cursed Girl is part of a series of paintings with a strange curse attached to them and they are fatal. But someone is using these paintings to lure Kennedy and Aiden.
Family drama, suspense and danger await you in this fast-paced tale. I love the world Armstrong has created and loved spending more time with Kennedy and Aiden. The story takes place in our world, but the author has weaved in weavers, Greek mythology, gods, and more. It has classic Armstrong elements but offers up a lighter side.
The mystery was well done, with plenty of family issues and romantic elements. I slipped right in and lost track of time. It’s fresh, quirky and fun. It has a cozy vibe which I liked and found refreshing.
Told in first person and narrated by Carly Robins and Emily Durante this series lends itself perfectly to audio. The tones, pacing and voices make listening a must. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Kennedy is trying to purchase a cursed painting, and someone is outbidding her. That is until Aiden buys it for her. What unfolds is an exciting mystery.
The Cursed Girl is part of a series of paintings with a strange curse attached to them and they are fatal. But someone is using these paintings to lure Kennedy and Aiden.
Family drama, suspense and danger await you in this fast-paced tale. I love the world Armstrong has created and loved spending more time with Kennedy and Aiden. The story takes place in our world, but the author has weaved in weavers, Greek mythology, gods, and more. It has classic Armstrong elements but offers up a lighter side.
The mystery was well done, with plenty of family issues and romantic elements. I slipped right in and lost track of time. It’s fresh, quirky and fun. It has a cozy vibe which I liked and found refreshing.
Told in first person and narrated by Carly Robins and Emily Durante this series lends itself perfectly to audio. The tones, pacing and voices make listening a must. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 10, 2022
This was cute. I enjoyed it. I like the relationship that formed. Nothing insta. The premise is interesting and something i haven’t read before. Just a few complaints.
He’s rich, but not rich enough to pay back loans for student debt. Then he’s not rich. Harvard law degree, let’s say $100k a year. 7 years including undergrad is less than a million. But let’s round up to include incidentals like rent and food etc. If he doesn’t have a million or more in the bank, he’s not rich. If he has a trust fund for less, he’s not rich.
I think a better premise of why he was forced into that awful contract should have been conceived as I’m not buying this set up if he’s rich and has his own company. Outside of that, the rest was entertaining.
Narrator was great.
He’s rich, but not rich enough to pay back loans for student debt. Then he’s not rich. Harvard law degree, let’s say $100k a year. 7 years including undergrad is less than a million. But let’s round up to include incidentals like rent and food etc. If he doesn’t have a million or more in the bank, he’s not rich. If he has a trust fund for less, he’s not rich.
I think a better premise of why he was forced into that awful contract should have been conceived as I’m not buying this set up if he’s rich and has his own company. Outside of that, the rest was entertaining.
Narrator was great.
February 19, 2023
I loved this, but not quite as much as I did Cursed Luck. Getting to meet Mercy and Athene was great fun, exploring Aiden's family drama some more was interesting. The "forced marriage" aspect isn't really a trope I particularly enjoy. I also wish we had seen a bit more of Ani, Hope and Rian and I would've liked to dig a little deeper into how curse weaving and luck working works. Kennedy and Aiden's relationship moments, though, were as wonderfully adorable as ever and just what I'd been hoping for. That's what made the book for me.
[The ebook (kindle) file had a find-and-replace-gone-wrong issue that added a little mystery for me to solve. ;) For anyone else deeply confused what a "noise of Salvoy" is supposed to be: I'm pretty sure Salvoy = victory / Salvoian = Victorian (furniture). The painter of the cursed paintings is called Salvo Costa, but I guess he must've been called Victor in an earlier draft.
It really was only 3 or 4 times that this happened and it didn't bother me - at least not once I had solved it and the confusion had passed - and didn't affect my rating. I'm only mentioning it in my review so others reading High Jinx before the ebook is fixed won't be as confused as I was and don't have to figure it out for themselves. At least they won't have to figure it out for themselves if they stumble across my review first LOL
Update: The ebook has been fixed.]
Edit: February 2023: reread in audio format, good narration, available on Audible Plus
[The ebook (kindle) file had a find-and-replace-gone-wrong issue that added a little mystery for me to solve. ;) For anyone else deeply confused what a "noise of Salvoy" is supposed to be: I'm pretty sure Salvoy = victory / Salvoian = Victorian (furniture). The painter of the cursed paintings is called Salvo Costa, but I guess he must've been called Victor in an earlier draft.
It really was only 3 or 4 times that this happened and it didn't bother me - at least not once I had solved it and the confusion had passed - and didn't affect my rating. I'm only mentioning it in my review so others reading High Jinx before the ebook is fixed won't be as confused as I was and don't have to figure it out for themselves. At least they won't have to figure it out for themselves if they stumble across my review first LOL
Update: The ebook has been fixed.]
Edit: February 2023: reread in audio format, good narration, available on Audible Plus
December 22, 2021
I didn't get why this is a duology!!! I wanted things a little more drawn out.
March 30, 2022
Ahoy there me mateys! I love Kelley Armstrong! I discovered her through her young adult book,
sea of shadows
, and she became me most read author of 2016. I have not read all her stuff because not all of it appeals to me. This sounded interesting but it be urban fantasy which I don't usually like. However,
Matey Nicole's review
convinced me to give it a whirl. I did and then read book two.
I liked both and the duology is exactly as advertised. There is magic, a tiny bit of romance, some action, and some snark. I am not a romance book person but I really enjoyed Kennedy and Aidan's slow-burn friendship. The first book's plot about a cursed necklace is a bit silly and fun. I felt a bit like the magic world building didn't always make a lot of sense but went with it. The characters' interactions are the focus of the series. A there is a fun cat.
I must admit that I liked book one a bit better than book two which dealt with a series of cursed paintings. Book two's plot was a bit convoluted and the ending was silly. This didn't bother me too much because it was fun and the characters were me focus. I loved the motel scene. I got exactly what I wanted out of these books - hours of entertainment in another world. Enjoyable fluff. I am more than satisfied. Arrr!
Side note: The author wrote book one as an escape during Covid and posted it in installments online to help others have an escape. Cool.
I liked both and the duology is exactly as advertised. There is magic, a tiny bit of romance, some action, and some snark. I am not a romance book person but I really enjoyed Kennedy and Aidan's slow-burn friendship. The first book's plot about a cursed necklace is a bit silly and fun. I felt a bit like the magic world building didn't always make a lot of sense but went with it. The characters' interactions are the focus of the series. A there is a fun cat.
I must admit that I liked book one a bit better than book two which dealt with a series of cursed paintings. Book two's plot was a bit convoluted and the ending was silly. This didn't bother me too much because it was fun and the characters were me focus. I loved the motel scene. I got exactly what I wanted out of these books - hours of entertainment in another world. Enjoyable fluff. I am more than satisfied. Arrr!
Side note: The author wrote book one as an escape during Covid and posted it in installments online to help others have an escape. Cool.
February 16, 2022
This book was so much fun!!
I really loved CURSED LUCK but it didn’t have the extra oomph to make me rate it 5 stars. This book had that. I love Aiden Connolly. I love Kennedy Bennett. I love Umstable and Aidan’s complicated family dynamics and the way the Greek gods were handled and the gothic cursed paintings and especially that dang cheap motel scene. This book had me snorting with laughter at one am and grinning at the bus stop. It was everything I needed and I’m glad it just so happened that this was what I ended up reading on Valentine’s Day. It was perfect.
I listened to this on audiobook, and I would highly recommend it. I think Carly Robins might be my favorite audiobook narrator ever, and she’s perfect for Kennedy.
I really loved CURSED LUCK but it didn’t have the extra oomph to make me rate it 5 stars. This book had that. I love Aiden Connolly. I love Kennedy Bennett. I love Umstable and Aidan’s complicated family dynamics and the way the Greek gods were handled and the gothic cursed paintings and especially that dang cheap motel scene. This book had me snorting with laughter at one am and grinning at the bus stop. It was everything I needed and I’m glad it just so happened that this was what I ended up reading on Valentine’s Day. It was perfect.
I listened to this on audiobook, and I would highly recommend it. I think Carly Robins might be my favorite audiobook narrator ever, and she’s perfect for Kennedy.
January 22, 2022
I generally enjoyed this book, despite taking a day of no listening - life. I think I was a little meh at the drama introduced in the beginning, but I trusted Armstrong and she didn't let me down!
Other than that, I don't really have a lot to say. I was very happy to see that the short story Goddess of Summer Love was included in the back of this book. Wish I'd seen earlier, so I could have listened to it first, but oh well
Other than that, I don't really have a lot to say. I was very happy to see that the short story Goddess of Summer Love was included in the back of this book. Wish I'd seen earlier, so I could have listened to it first, but oh well
January 7, 2022
A delight! I would happily read much more in this world, but also I'm pretty happy with this being a completed duology.
December 28, 2021
ALL SPOILERS
Can I just say something first -- what the hell is the matter with the parents in this book?! That includes very dysfunctional parents of the Greek gods, although those are definitely more familiar to us reading all the mythology.
Aiden's parents are dangling over his life with debts and arranged marriage... his father actually kidnaps Kennedy and puts her in a locked room with curse paintings. His mother is adamant to think that Kennedy is a gold-digger (and probably dismiss his husband's affairs and cruelty). Then there's Theodora's parents (the woman arranged to marry Aiden) who is ready to "sacrifice" their daughters to Zeus. And ZEUS, who is willing to force any woman to marry him (because yes, we all know that Zeus is an a$$hole). OH. MY. GOD
That's the things that I am a bit disappointed with, to be honest. I would love to see Aiden's parents (okay, I forgive his mother a little bit) to get what he deserved. Theodora's parents too. Zeus is immortal so nothing anyone can do... but at least he doesn't get to marry Theodora this time. I'm up for blood, people. I want to see Aiden's parents rot in jail or something *hmph*
The whole cursed painting case is rather convoluted due to the plan on top of plan (from the king of gods himself). But I am rooting for Kennedy and Aiden all the way, anyway, and they get to spend a lot of time together too, working out their relationship progress. I think my friend says that it's a duology, so no more books about them, but I'm happy with how they end up in this book.
I guess my introduction to Armstrong's writing is a success. Maybe I'll check out her future series if it's in the same breath as this one.
Can I just say something first -- what the hell is the matter with the parents in this book?! That includes very dysfunctional parents of the Greek gods, although those are definitely more familiar to us reading all the mythology.
Aiden's parents are dangling over his life with debts and arranged marriage... his father actually kidnaps Kennedy and puts her in a locked room with curse paintings. His mother is adamant to think that Kennedy is a gold-digger (and probably dismiss his husband's affairs and cruelty). Then there's Theodora's parents (the woman arranged to marry Aiden) who is ready to "sacrifice" their daughters to Zeus. And ZEUS, who is willing to force any woman to marry him (because yes, we all know that Zeus is an a$$hole). OH. MY. GOD
That's the things that I am a bit disappointed with, to be honest. I would love to see Aiden's parents (okay, I forgive his mother a little bit) to get what he deserved. Theodora's parents too. Zeus is immortal so nothing anyone can do... but at least he doesn't get to marry Theodora this time. I'm up for blood, people. I want to see Aiden's parents rot in jail or something *hmph*
The whole cursed painting case is rather convoluted due to the plan on top of plan (from the king of gods himself). But I am rooting for Kennedy and Aiden all the way, anyway, and they get to spend a lot of time together too, working out their relationship progress. I think my friend says that it's a duology, so no more books about them, but I'm happy with how they end up in this book.
I guess my introduction to Armstrong's writing is a success. Maybe I'll check out her future series if it's in the same breath as this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2022
I loved this book!! The second book in this new series by Kelley Armstrong (one of my favourite authors) was even better than book one!
Kelley Armstrong REALLY knows how to pace a story. She always gives a reader just enough time to relax and get connected with the characters and nice things happening to them before she throws the proverbial bomb into the middle of everything, sending our characters off into the middle of drama, excitment and danger to try to save the day . . . and often themselves. It makes for such an exciting and thrilling ride and I loved every minute of it with this book.
The paranormal aspect here of the Greek gods being involved in what happens to Kennedy and Aidan is a unique and clever way to set up some very thrilling situations and really keeps things interesting. As someone who is interested in the pantheon of the gods I knew enough to really appreciate how the god characters were written, but you don't have to be an expert on gods to enjoy this story (that's just a bonus if you are into the gods). Kelley Armstrong just writes really, really good stories, filled with characters you can like and connect with and root for, and I am really, REALLY hoping she plans to write more books in this series, because I am LOVING IT!!
Kelley Armstrong REALLY knows how to pace a story. She always gives a reader just enough time to relax and get connected with the characters and nice things happening to them before she throws the proverbial bomb into the middle of everything, sending our characters off into the middle of drama, excitment and danger to try to save the day . . . and often themselves. It makes for such an exciting and thrilling ride and I loved every minute of it with this book.
The paranormal aspect here of the Greek gods being involved in what happens to Kennedy and Aidan is a unique and clever way to set up some very thrilling situations and really keeps things interesting. As someone who is interested in the pantheon of the gods I knew enough to really appreciate how the god characters were written, but you don't have to be an expert on gods to enjoy this story (that's just a bonus if you are into the gods). Kelley Armstrong just writes really, really good stories, filled with characters you can like and connect with and root for, and I am really, REALLY hoping she plans to write more books in this series, because I am LOVING IT!!
December 17, 2021
High Jinx is the sequel to Cursed Luck. It is the conclusion of this urban fantasy duology.
The narrator is Kennedy (1st person POV). She comes from a family of curse weavers.
The main male character is Aiden Connolly. He comes from a wealthy family of luck workers.
This book is set in our world. But there are a few characters who are curse weavers, and some who are luck workers. And we also have some Greek Gods.
This book has a mystery element. And in High Jinx this has to co with cursed paintings. There is also a lot of Aiden's family drama.
I absolutely loved everything in this book connected to Kennedy and Aiden's relationship. I find that Aiden reminds me so much of Gabriel from the author's Cainsville series.
I loved everything to do with Aiden's family. I enjoyed the mystery. But I'm not 100% sold on the Greek Gods stuff. Some of it I like. But other parts are too out there for me. Also I would have liked a lot more of Kennedy's sisters (Ani and Hope) and Aiden's brother Rian. But overall the romance and family drama aspects were perfection for me.
The narrator is Kennedy (1st person POV). She comes from a family of curse weavers.
The main male character is Aiden Connolly. He comes from a wealthy family of luck workers.
This book is set in our world. But there are a few characters who are curse weavers, and some who are luck workers. And we also have some Greek Gods.
This book has a mystery element. And in High Jinx this has to co with cursed paintings. There is also a lot of Aiden's family drama.
I absolutely loved everything in this book connected to Kennedy and Aiden's relationship. I find that Aiden reminds me so much of Gabriel from the author's Cainsville series.
I loved everything to do with Aiden's family. I enjoyed the mystery. But I'm not 100% sold on the Greek Gods stuff. Some of it I like. But other parts are too out there for me. Also I would have liked a lot more of Kennedy's sisters (Ani and Hope) and Aiden's brother Rian. But overall the romance and family drama aspects were perfection for me.
August 17, 2022
High Jinx was a great sequel. There's a new mystery/ plot involving some cursed paintings that was interesting to see play out. I liked seeing how Kennedy handled everything and I liked her slowly developing romance with Aiden. I wasn't a fan of the family drama surrounding Aiden, but did like how it got resolved. I thought Kennedy and Aiden made for a great couple. I liked the paranormal stuff, although I would've liked to see more of it.
March 23, 2023
Another fun fantasy adventure in the Cursed Luck series, starring a playful heroine who can un-curse (or curse) objects, an uptight hero who can affect luck, and a whole bunch of Greek gods creating havoc in the contemporary world. I enjoyed this one just as much as the first book in the series, and I'd be happy to read more.
August 28, 2022
J’ai aimé mais je ne sais pas … pas autant qu’un Rockton ou même Femmes de l’outremonde.
December 8, 2021
Loved reading this book, getting the conclusion to Kennedy and Aiden's story! Loved the adventure they have with the paitings!
December 16, 2021
Yeah, how do I tell Kelley that I'm going to need the next book right now...
December 10, 2021
The story line twists and turns! With cursed paintings and illusions! Good story!
February 11, 2022
Had a lot of potential. Really enjoy the characters. Don’t enjoy the “Greek gods”. This could be a sweet little paranormal mystery series, but the addition of the gods ruins it somehow. If there is going to be a big bad, then it should probably not feel light and fluffy. I like both. But you can’t combine big baddies with light and fluffy.
March 10, 2022
This is the second book in the series, so you will need to read the first book in the series Cursed Luck, to understand the relationships as well as the ability that Kennedy has. Plus it really is a fun read.
Kelley Armstrong’s Cursed Luck series is back with a hexed object that Kennedy cannot refuse:
Curse weaver and ultimate unhexer Kennedy is back in her home town and settling in to her new store. She is always on the hunt for new pieces when a chance spotting on eBay of a known cursed painting, that has been missing for years and responsible for a few deaths, she really wants it. But when the bid gets out of her reach, her friend Aiden steps in a buys it for her to make sure it is unhexed. What Kennedy does not realize that this is all part of a perfect plan and trap of Kennedy and there is more at risk here than a few hexed paintings.
This is a fun Urban Fantasy series and I really like the incorporation of the Greek Gods and how they still wish to play a part in people's lives especially their descendants, which as you can imagine it creates a whole new aspect to Family Drama (and let’s say this plays out in several forms in this book). The mystery aspect in regards to the paintings and who has commissioned them is really well done, and the paintings themselves have some very scary hexes on them. It seems like Kennedy and Aiden are going this way and that in order to not only find the paintings but unhex them as well, so there is really not a dull moment in the book.
It was interesting to get to meet Mercy and Athene and get their points of view of the world now, what they have seen and their father as well (and not everything is positive). They also add a bit of mischief to everything, especially Mercy but I think that is to be expected and well they are the source of some of the family drama.
I appreciate that Armstrong did not have Kennedy and Aiden rush into a relationship in the first book, there is a lot of stake for both of them and this is further seen in this book especially with more of an introduction to Aiden's family.
I missed the curse working and luck working aspects of the first book, and of course the magic 8 ball from the first book. I felt that Kennedy and Aidan's powers were downplayed in this book. They are mentioned a few times, but I can only remember them being used maybe twice throughout the book. Also we do not get too much from Kennedy breaking the curses like we did in the first book.
I will say that I appreciated Armstrong’s creativity in regards to what the hexes were on the paintings as they seem plausible. I mean we have all been near that painting where it feels like it is watching your every move.
I'm really enjoying this series, and I hope that Armstrong continues on with it. I find there are not as many authors writing in the Urban Fantasy genre these days and I almost always enjoy it when I read in it.
Enjoy!!!
Kelley Armstrong’s Cursed Luck series is back with a hexed object that Kennedy cannot refuse:
Curse weaver and ultimate unhexer Kennedy is back in her home town and settling in to her new store. She is always on the hunt for new pieces when a chance spotting on eBay of a known cursed painting, that has been missing for years and responsible for a few deaths, she really wants it. But when the bid gets out of her reach, her friend Aiden steps in a buys it for her to make sure it is unhexed. What Kennedy does not realize that this is all part of a perfect plan and trap of Kennedy and there is more at risk here than a few hexed paintings.
This is a fun Urban Fantasy series and I really like the incorporation of the Greek Gods and how they still wish to play a part in people's lives especially their descendants, which as you can imagine it creates a whole new aspect to Family Drama (and let’s say this plays out in several forms in this book). The mystery aspect in regards to the paintings and who has commissioned them is really well done, and the paintings themselves have some very scary hexes on them. It seems like Kennedy and Aiden are going this way and that in order to not only find the paintings but unhex them as well, so there is really not a dull moment in the book.
It was interesting to get to meet Mercy and Athene and get their points of view of the world now, what they have seen and their father as well (and not everything is positive). They also add a bit of mischief to everything, especially Mercy but I think that is to be expected and well they are the source of some of the family drama.
I appreciate that Armstrong did not have Kennedy and Aiden rush into a relationship in the first book, there is a lot of stake for both of them and this is further seen in this book especially with more of an introduction to Aiden's family.
I missed the curse working and luck working aspects of the first book, and of course the magic 8 ball from the first book. I felt that Kennedy and Aidan's powers were downplayed in this book. They are mentioned a few times, but I can only remember them being used maybe twice throughout the book. Also we do not get too much from Kennedy breaking the curses like we did in the first book.
I will say that I appreciated Armstrong’s creativity in regards to what the hexes were on the paintings as they seem plausible. I mean we have all been near that painting where it feels like it is watching your every move.
I'm really enjoying this series, and I hope that Armstrong continues on with it. I find there are not as many authors writing in the Urban Fantasy genre these days and I almost always enjoy it when I read in it.
Enjoy!!!
March 23, 2022
“High Jinx” is the perfect follow up to “Cursed Luck” where we met the three Bennett sisters and Aiden Connelly, millionaire. Each of the sisters was named after a curse and our heroine and trouble maker happens to be the middle sister, Kennedy.
It’s been a month since Kennedy met Aiden and each morning they have texted and exchanged pleasantries as well as find various reasons to get together but for the past week Aiden has semi ghosted Kennedy and she is at a loss as to why.
When Kennedy finally confronts Aiden she learns that his parents are opposed to them seeing each other and they have Aiden over a barrel because he signed an iron clad contract with them for an arranged marriage. They are calling in that contract and if he doesn’t agree they will ruin him and possibly Kennedy. As they maneuver the shark infested waters they also looking for one of four cursed paintings that was up for auction on eBay. When they go to retrieve it all he’ll breaks lose.
Cursed paintings, evil and manipulative parents and infuriating Greek gods! What’s not to love? There is plenty of action, humorous moments and all out fun in this read . This series is quickly becoming a favorite.
It’s been a month since Kennedy met Aiden and each morning they have texted and exchanged pleasantries as well as find various reasons to get together but for the past week Aiden has semi ghosted Kennedy and she is at a loss as to why.
When Kennedy finally confronts Aiden she learns that his parents are opposed to them seeing each other and they have Aiden over a barrel because he signed an iron clad contract with them for an arranged marriage. They are calling in that contract and if he doesn’t agree they will ruin him and possibly Kennedy. As they maneuver the shark infested waters they also looking for one of four cursed paintings that was up for auction on eBay. When they go to retrieve it all he’ll breaks lose.
Cursed paintings, evil and manipulative parents and infuriating Greek gods! What’s not to love? There is plenty of action, humorous moments and all out fun in this read . This series is quickly becoming a favorite.
December 28, 2021
This is the second book in a new series by Kelley Armstrong with a pretty unique premise. I'm not sure that I've ever read about a luck purveyor. Especially one who has to balance the "good" luck he uses with the inevitable "bad" luck that comes after it. Definitely a new and unique premise. And to add to that - the female MC Kennedy - she has the talent to "uncurse" items. Definitely different.
Anyway, in the first book we are introduced to these two and a lot of the book has Aiden acting like a complete jerk. A very handsome and wealthy jerk, but still a pretty arrogant guy. But somehow, he ends up growing on you.
This book is different though. Kennedy and Aiden have become friends. "Friends" is putting it loosely as it is becoming more and more obvious that they have feelings for each other. But we are also getting to get a better idea of Aiden's family and there is w whole lot going on behind the scenes with him.
While Kennedy is a fairly stable character (well, she hilarious and pretty self deprecating) but for the most part, she is NOT wealthy, arrogant and a jerk. We begin to find out - at the same time as Kennedy - what is really going on in the Connolly household.
There is still a story arc in this book, but this book tends to be more of a standard "middle book" that you would see in a trilogy. Not a ton of progression of the BIG story arc, but we are definitely given more info to begin to see the bigger picture.
Honestly, without going into spoilers, I was a bit disappointed in Aiden. For all the brashness that we saw in him in the first book, he wasn't really doing a great job standing up to his family. But...no spoilers, so let me just say that he finally does seem to get on the right path.
I enjoyed this book. It seems like it's going to be a fun series and when we finish the Kennedy/Aiden story arc, it seems like there are two more sisters that we just might get books on from this world as well. :)
Anyway, in the first book we are introduced to these two and a lot of the book has Aiden acting like a complete jerk. A very handsome and wealthy jerk, but still a pretty arrogant guy. But somehow, he ends up growing on you.
This book is different though. Kennedy and Aiden have become friends. "Friends" is putting it loosely as it is becoming more and more obvious that they have feelings for each other. But we are also getting to get a better idea of Aiden's family and there is w whole lot going on behind the scenes with him.
While Kennedy is a fairly stable character (well, she hilarious and pretty self deprecating) but for the most part, she is NOT wealthy, arrogant and a jerk. We begin to find out - at the same time as Kennedy - what is really going on in the Connolly household.
There is still a story arc in this book, but this book tends to be more of a standard "middle book" that you would see in a trilogy. Not a ton of progression of the BIG story arc, but we are definitely given more info to begin to see the bigger picture.
Honestly, without going into spoilers, I was a bit disappointed in Aiden. For all the brashness that we saw in him in the first book, he wasn't really doing a great job standing up to his family. But...no spoilers, so let me just say that he finally does seem to get on the right path.
I enjoyed this book. It seems like it's going to be a fun series and when we finish the Kennedy/Aiden story arc, it seems like there are two more sisters that we just might get books on from this world as well. :)
January 1, 2022
This one almost feels like there are 2 different parts to it. The first part is Kennedy and Aiden denying they have feelings for each other. Aiden fessing up to Kennedy just what he is facing with his family, which is horrible. It really doesn't seem like things could get worse for Aiden and how his family is, then the second part of the book kicks in. Kennedy and Aiden seem to be running around after very, very bad painting, pulled into a dust up by the gods, which becomes very ugly. Kennedy and Aiden and see the real side to his family and it's so very bad, they also see how ruthless the gods can be when they want something, damned what any one else wants. Things did end on a good note for Kennedy and Aiden, I just hope it can stay that way for them.
January 21, 2022
Fun story that is more light-hearted than most Armstrong stories. The heroine is a curse weaver, the hero works with luck. He's seriously rich, she's very middle class, and at the beginning of the story she's trying to decide if he's "ghosting" her, or if he has truly been busy. When he shows up, she's trying to buy a legendary cursed painting so she can uncurse it and resell it. Then the hero turns up and things get complicated. The whole Greek Pantheon, or a good bit of it, makes an appearance. The interpersonal complications are interesting. It's a fast, entertaining read. I liked it a lot.
February 3, 2022
Kelley Armstrong delivers another fun read in the second book in the Cursed Luck series. In this installment, Kennedy Bennet and Aidan Connolly are thrust into Mercury and Athena's orbit as they try to stop their father, Zeus, from ensnaring another bride. Zeus, of course, takes some time out from his plan to have some fun with Kennedy and Aidan as they chase after four cursed paintings that have been set lose on the world.
I'm always a fan of Kelley Armstrong and this is another quick, light journey into the magical world in Unstable and Boston.
3.5 stars.
I'm always a fan of Kelley Armstrong and this is another quick, light journey into the magical world in Unstable and Boston.
3.5 stars.
February 9, 2022
This was fun but I thought that this was the first. I will go back and read how it all started, but … loved it! This author is one of my favorites, I always look forward to her books. The characters from this duology are fun and entertaining.
May 6, 2022
The world was revealed in the first book and this is just a little more investment. I still thoroughly enjoyed the characters and picked this one up right after the first. It was not disappointing and I hope Ms. Armstrong continues in the world.
January 17, 2022
I read book 1 as it was posted on Ms. Armstrong's site and was looking forward to the second installment! A fan forever, Ms. Armstrong's books brought me back to fantasy and this series is not disappointing! The combination of various forms of paranormality and Greek god's is perfect! If you have not read this series, you are in luck....only two books so far, although I'm hoping for many, many more!
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