Reviews with content warning for Sexism - Always Practice Safe Hex

Somehow more horny than the previous books, probably because of the initial rivalry of Livvy and Gareth. It is kind of an inworld set-up with the whole "Grim auras bring dark urges to the surface and Influencers can make people like them automatically" deal, so their own denial of actual attraction at first is a bit funny. But I liked the tried and true method of building closeness by spending time with each other and actually getting to know one another in order to get to a point where screwing each other's brains out isn't a mental exercise in compartmentalized. Both MCs get good characterization movement, and the plot moves at a good pace too.

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cassiesbookishcorner's review against another edition

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emotional funny

3.5

Another win for the Stay a Spell series!! At this point, we know and love the family and surrounding characters so it's like meeting up with friends every time you open the next book.

That being said, I think this story holds up, on its own. The relationship is dynamic, and sexy, and the trials that come up although dark (check trigger warnings), and laced with magic, feel very real.

Also, I love the way the family is growing, and seeing everyone's dynamic together, is such a plus.

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beccisays's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing 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? No

4.5

At this point, I think almost all of the stories in the Stay A Spell series get close to 5 stars automatically. This world is my guilty pleasure or happy place at the moment. I can’t believe there’s only 2 left to read.

The narrator for the male POV in the audiobooks (Aiden Snow) knocked it out the park yet again. Although it was quite strange to lust after a character named Gareth of all things, you manage it quickly with all the shadow play, binding, mind links & BDSM.

I did think it was a strange choice to leave Jules/Ruben & Clara/Henry’s books to last as they are the most intriguing potential couples but this little diversion into Livvy’s world did end up being a welcome distraction.

That shaving scene was a nope from me tho 😬👎🏻

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thereadinghammock's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

And the Grims have it folks! These dark, mysterious harbingers of all those dark thoughts and impulses aren't all brooding and brimstone. Ok, so there's still a fair amount of brooding (looking at you Henry!) but they're also total softies underneath with hearts of gold!

We return to NOLA and the Savoie sisters, following Lavinia (Livvy) this time as she goes toe-to-toe with Grim Gareth Blackwater in a PR competition to benefit the supernatural community. Each of the 3 finalist contestants brings an idea forward before deciding which to go forward with as a team, but Gareth is determined to see his win, as it's a personal mission too. Don't want to spoil too much, so you'll just have to read too very <i>those</i> details.

Meanwhile, the competition liason is an older warlock trying to make moves on Livvy. While she can put the best misogynist in their place, Gareth's Grim senses are saying there's more than just a sleezy old lech there and will make sure nothing happens to Lavinia on his watch. A few social run-ins turned dates, and these one-time rivals can't keep their hands off each other.

Once their rivalries got out of their way, I loved seeing dark, broody Gareth turn into heart-eyes Gareth. Seeing his "tough scary Grim" exterior get chipped away with every chapter was so rewarding, especially after a 3 book lead up to the question, "So what exactly do Grims <i>do?</i>" First learning he was a foster kid who was bounced around until his magic came in. Then his 3-legged mop dog Queenie. On top of owning Livvy's favorite club, being an active and vocal feminist, wicked smart, and being devastatingly handsome?? I think my ovaries exploded several times while reading this book.

And the kink. 🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥 there were definitely things that weren't for me (the shaving scene, while hot, didn't quite do it for me), I also didn't know I would enjoy a bit of the primal and restraint scenes. Oh lawdy, Grims do not mess around!

I was so excited to finally learning their background/origin! And there's still so much we don't know, like if Gareth is in an elite class as a Grimlock, what is the extent of Henry's power that he can communicate with the dead, but that he felt he needed to cut himself off from his magic for 10 years?!?!? And is Sean going to be a Grimlock too, or is he just a dumb teenage boy growing into his magic? And I want more Aunt Lucille!!

CW/TW: sexual harassment/sexual assault on page. The assault was minor for me, but you know yourself best and please be safe with yourself

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