Reviews

Always Practice Safe Hex by Juliette Cross

hazelgirl21's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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lovebooksaddict's review against another edition

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5.0

5 Stars!

Tropes: Grim and witch pairing, enemies to lovers

Likes: Grims aren’t something I’ve really read about in romance novels, but boy does Gareth make me want to hunt out some more! He’s the perfect combination of broody dominance and softheartedness. He really just needs to be shown he can be loved, and who better for the job than feisty witch Livvy. While all the books in this series are steamy, this one seemed to top the charts for me. If you like a touch of bdsm in your romance, then look no further.

Dislikes: That I have to wait until October to finally get my Jules and Rueben fix!!!

OM/OW safety: OM tries to sexually harass and assault h on a couple of occasions.


Merged review:

5 Stars!

Tropes: Grim and witch pairing, enemies to lovers

Likes: Grims aren’t something I’ve really read about in romance novels, but boy does Gareth make me want to hunt out some more! He’s the perfect combination of broody dominance and softheartedness. He really just needs to be shown he can be loved, and who better for the job than feisty witch Livvy. While all the books in this series are steamy, this one seemed to top the charts for me. If you like a touch of bdsm in your romance, then look no further.

Dislikes: That I have to wait until October to finally get my Jules and Rueben fix!!!

OM/OW safety: OM tries to sexually harass and assault h on a couple of occasions.

bookishlynomes's review against another edition

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5.0

This book... This freaking book... Yes!

I cannot begin to put into words how big my heart-eyes were while reading this freaking book. Juliette Cross is an absolute magical being with how much heart and soul, and sheer love she put into this book. I felt it all with every word.

Livvy Savoie is a beautiful, badass witch on a mission. The mission? To win the public relations contest she's entered, promote her public relations services, and bring forth positive change to the magical world. The only thing in her way is her attractively broody teammate and fellow competitor in said contest, Gareth Blackwater.

Gareth is a Grim, an incredibly powerful mystical being few (including other supernaturals) know anything about. More so, he's a Grimlock--an even more rare designation within the Grim community. I won't say too much about Grims' abilities--you'll have to read this series yourself to find out--but I was far from disappointed. I've always been intrigued and drawn to anything grim reaper-related when it comes to paranormal fiction and so I knew this was going to be the book for me (though, I'm still anxiously awaiting Henry and Clara's book!). Gareth was just as deliciously dominant as he was soulful and sweet, and Livvy enjoyed every minute of his seduction. They couldn't have been more perfect for each other.

I enjoyed that we got to see more of the actual contest they were participating in as it gave further depth to how they related to other supernaturals within the community and how their budding relationship was impacted by working together side-by-side all day long. Additionally, we got to see more of the Savoie sisters, their respective (and potential) partners, and various beloved family and friends.

Fun fact: The men's game night scene officially lives rent-free in my head.

Overall, Always Practice Safe Hex has been one of my favourite reads this year and the entire Stay a Spell series is one I will gladly re-read many times over. My only gripe is how long it's going to feel waiting on the next book. I am beyond ready for Jules and Ruben to get together. That hint about Ruben's plans to rekindle their relationship has me on the edge of my seat! As for Henry and Clara, I have been waiting for their book since they were first introduced in Wolf Gone Wild (Stay a Spell #1). More of Clara's personality was revealed in Always Practice Safe Hex, and Henry has no idea what's coming his way but I guarantee he's going to love it!

Merged review:

This book... This freaking book... Yes!

I cannot begin to put into words how big my heart-eyes were while reading this freaking book. Juliette Cross is an absolute magical being with how much heart and soul, and sheer love she put into this book. I felt it all with every word.

Livvy Savoie is a beautiful, badass witch on a mission. The mission? To win the public relations contest she's entered, promote her public relations services, and bring forth positive change to the magical world. The only thing in her way is her attractively broody teammate and fellow competitor in said contest, Gareth Blackwater.

Gareth is a Grim, an incredibly powerful mystical being few (including other supernaturals) know anything about. More so, he's a Grimlock--an even more rare designation within the Grim community. I won't say too much about Grims' abilities--you'll have to read this series yourself to find out--but I was far from disappointed. I've always been intrigued and drawn to anything grim reaper-related when it comes to paranormal fiction and so I knew this was going to be the book for me (though, I'm still anxiously awaiting Henry and Clara's book!). Gareth was just as deliciously dominant as he was soulful and sweet, and Livvy enjoyed every minute of his seduction. They couldn't have been more perfect for each other.

I enjoyed that we got to see more of the actual contest they were participating in as it gave further depth to how they related to other supernaturals within the community and how their budding relationship was impacted by working together side-by-side all day long. Additionally, we got to see more of the Savoie sisters, their respective (and potential) partners, and various beloved family and friends.

Fun fact: The men's game night scene officially lives rent-free in my head.

Overall, Always Practice Safe Hex has been one of my favourite reads this year and the entire Stay a Spell series is one I will gladly re-read many times over. My only gripe is how long it's going to feel waiting on the next book. I am beyond ready for Jules and Ruben to get together. That hint about Ruben's plans to rekindle their relationship has me on the edge of my seat! As for Henry and Clara, I have been waiting for their book since they were first introduced in Wolf Gone Wild (Stay a Spell #1). More of Clara's personality was revealed in Always Practice Safe Hex, and Henry has no idea what's coming his way but I guarantee he's going to love it!

rachelcofo's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

phitney's review

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emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

sierrawithers13's review against another edition

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4.0

4.6 LOVED this one. the grim aspect is so good

amandanunes's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

cassire's review against another edition

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4.0

There is nothing like a good series to binge. I have been enjoying this one. I am on to the next.

Merged review:

There is nothing like a good series to binge. I have been enjoying this one. I am on to the next.

aharper07's review against another edition

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3.0

Always Practice Safe Hex is a paranormal enemies to lovers, forced proximity, kind of office romance. It's the 4th book in the Stay A Spell series but can be read as a stand alone.
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Livvy and Gareth end up being working together on a competition to raise money for a cause. Livvy doesn't like Gareth much, and thinks he's full of himself but Gareth wants Livvy. As sparks fly for Livvy and Gareth, Livvy becomes thr recipient of unwanted attention from a warlock, causing Gareth to go all Alphaman, and truly test himself for Livvy.

I haven't read the other 3 books in the series, so I was a little confused on the world that was created, mostly Gareth being a Grim Reaper. My thoughts were of what we traditionally think, black clock and scythe. He may be that sort of Grim but not exactly, it eventually gets explained.
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I enjoyed the harsh topic of foster care, and what their cause was for the competition. The steam on this was pretty steamy, with a sort of Dom/sub vibe. I loved how caring Gareth was with Livvy, how he did sweet things for her. I loved Livvy's family. I loved that Livvy was accepting of Gareth with all his secrets. However, I wasn't a fan of how by 91% through the book the climax finally happened, and it was very quickly solved, by 92% through, with final repercussions of said problem by 97%. But that final solution was more of a closure for the characters.

meloworld's review against another edition

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4.0

Grim magic, steamy witch/grim romance, and Good vs.Evil

This is a wonderful new Stay a Spell story focused on Savoie sister Livvy (Lavinia), a complex character with a passion for helping others. Juliette Cross brings us another steamy adventure when Gareth and Livvy are forced to work together on a PR campaign competition.

Our heroine Livvy ends up facing her own contradictory feelings and launches herself towards her career and love goals in one fell swoop. There is major conflict and danger in her journey: will the villain succeed in thwarting her plans?

One finds oneself shouting at the book's characters in an attempt to help them through situations. Luckily for us, Juliette Cross never lets her characters truly fall to evil hands and she always ensures a HEA.

This reader particularly loved the insight into Grims in this book. In fact, with hints at Gareth's cousin's story it makes one barely able to contain one's excitement about the next book in the series!

If you adore the supernatural, strong female leads, true love, overcoming challenges, characters finding their life's purpose, and (of course) steamy romance then you'll love this book. Although it isn't necessary to read the previous Stay a Spell books this reader HIGHLY recommends that you do so!

Merged review:

Grim magic, steamy witch/grim romance, and Good vs.Evil

This is a wonderful new Stay a Spell story focused on Savoie sister Livvy (Lavinia), a complex character with a passion for helping others. Juliette Cross brings us another steamy adventure when Gareth and Livvy are forced to work together on a PR campaign competition.

Our heroine Livvy ends up facing her own contradictory feelings and launches herself towards her career and love goals in one fell swoop. There is major conflict and danger in her journey: will the villain succeed in thwarting her plans?

One finds oneself shouting at the book's characters in an attempt to help them through situations. Luckily for us, Juliette Cross never lets her characters truly fall to evil hands and she always ensures a HEA.

This reader particularly loved the insight into Grims in this book. In fact, with hints at Gareth's cousin's story it makes one barely able to contain one's excitement about the next book in the series!

If you adore the supernatural, strong female leads, true love, overcoming challenges, characters finding their life's purpose, and (of course) steamy romance then you'll love this book. Although it isn't necessary to read the previous Stay a Spell books this reader HIGHLY recommends that you do so!