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2blueshoes's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A cute ending to a cute series, but this book was just too cute and sweet for me. And OMG the SHEER AMOUNT of pregnancy in this book is beyond words. So. Many. Babies. I lost track.
A few small things:
- It didn’t feel like Henry’s gift was integrated into his relationship in the way other hero’s were.
- hearing Clara speak her mind and have a bit of a cheeky side was great, but I wished she had a bigger role in this book besides “Henry’s cheerleader”
- It was really a “sunshine and sunshine” romance, rather than a “sunshine and grumpy person” romance.
All in all, there’s nothing wrong with this book, especially if you like super romantic, lovey dovey novels. It just wasn’t for me. I do like this author and will read more of her books if she writes them.
A few small things:
- It didn’t feel like Henry’s gift was integrated into his relationship in the way other hero’s were.
- hearing Clara speak her mind and have a bit of a cheeky side was great, but I wished she had a bigger role in this book besides “Henry’s cheerleader”
- It was really a “sunshine and sunshine” romance, rather than a “sunshine and grumpy person” romance.
All in all, there’s nothing wrong with this book, especially if you like super romantic, lovey dovey novels. It just wasn’t for me. I do like this author and will read more of her books if she writes them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Blood, Child abuse, Murder, and Xenophobia
Minor: Stalking, Abandonment, Vomit, Sexual harassment, Torture, and Toxic friendship
siad's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy and Violence
Minor: Murder and Death
sultrytartreviews's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars
After finally finishing out this series, I've come to the conclusion that I've out grown Cross's writing. I loved the first three of this series when I was new to Kindle Unlimited and reading indie romance, but I struggled through books 4,5, & 6 (with 6 being the one I enjoyed most of the three). It saddens me that I wasn't more into the story since I found Henry and Clara very adorable in the first half of the book, but by the end I was skimming because I'd lost interest. For me, the romance storylines were not balanced enough with the mystery/secondary plot line. I wish Henry's depression and anxiety hadn't been treated like something to simply spell away (literally gave it a band aid fix instead of working through any issues and how this has been a lifelong struggle for him) and I was downright angry for him that those who supposedly loved him most kept insisting he should forgive his father for his childhood trauma. I just expect more nuance from authors on these topics now and those were two glaring points that I cannot gloss over. There was no healing journey or even real attempt to make a relationship with henry and his dad, really just an attitude that Henry should 'be over it by now' and 'grow up'--which is not how trauma or mental health works.
Perhaps if real world applications do not bother you as they do me this will be a more enjoyable read for you. I have a hard time removing myself from real world issues and applications the more contemporary a book is.
After finally finishing out this series, I've come to the conclusion that I've out grown Cross's writing. I loved the first three of this series when I was new to Kindle Unlimited and reading indie romance, but I struggled through books 4,5, & 6 (with 6 being the one I enjoyed most of the three). It saddens me that I wasn't more into the story since I found Henry and Clara very adorable in the first half of the book, but by the end I was skimming because I'd lost interest. For me, the romance storylines were not balanced enough with the mystery/secondary plot line. I wish Henry's depression and anxiety hadn't been treated like something to simply spell away (literally gave it a band aid fix instead of working through any issues and how this has been a lifelong struggle for him) and I was downright angry for him that those who supposedly loved him most kept insisting he should forgive his father for his childhood trauma. I just expect more nuance from authors on these topics now and those were two glaring points that I cannot gloss over. There was no healing journey or even real attempt to make a relationship with henry and his dad, really just an attitude that Henry should 'be over it by now' and 'grow up'--which is not how trauma or mental health works.
Perhaps if real world applications do not bother you as they do me this will be a more enjoyable read for you. I have a hard time removing myself from real world issues and applications the more contemporary a book is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Murder and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Child abuse
PTSD, depression, childhood traumanadiaherondale's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I'm gonna miss the Savoie sisters (or is this really the end of Stay a Spell as Cross' says in the Author's note). But if it ends it would be on a high note. I loved this, the subplot was interesting which is always a very welcomed surprise for me in a romance novel, and Clara and Henry were cute even if I'm not a big fan of certain tropes that were used towards the end
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Gun violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual harassment
downtown_kb's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
What the hell did I just read? This book is problematic.
A spoilery rant to follow.
I do not do book rants hardly ever for 2 reasons:
1. If I am hating a book, I just DNF and if I DNF I'm not going to leave a rating because I DNF.
2. People like what they like and just because I hate something doesn't mean everyone will so I can just calm down and walk away. Plus, I didn't write the book so I can just f*ck right off with my opinions.
However, I will rant if I find something that is problematic af. And that is the case here.
I was very excited for this book, the final in the series, and this couple was teased the entire series. So this, combined with the fact that I spent some money on it (not KU or library), compelled me to finish this book. I regret.
SPOILERS BELOW
It started out decently, Henry was a total simp for Clara but then this went too insta-love. (I am not an insta-love hater) These two went from pining for each other from a distance in all of the other books, I mean they rarely spoke words, to banging soulmates by 25%. Ok fine but there wasn't even any romance. In fact, we were told about how they got to know each other on one date and that was it. It started out cute and became cringy and sickeningly sweet really fast. UM, that bracelet with their couple name?!? Secondhand embarrassment.
So we find out Henry is a virgin – to the point he has never even kissed a girl before Clara - but he goes from a kiss on date one, to deep throating & dirty talk by date two and proudly proclaims he learned everything from p*rn….!?! No, thank you. Not hot.
Henry’s story had a lot of potential, as well as his cool grim reaper/necromancer magic. But there were plot canyons. His childhood trauma was vaguely explained. His strained relationship with his father was swept away with a few sentences. As the reader, we just had to disregard the years of silence between them because the man asked nicely this time, I guess? Also, he suppressed his magic his whole life but then when he had to wing it at the scene of his childhood trauma, basically in hell with lots of demons, he was like an ultra badass. Just like that.
Clara made me rage. She went from my favorite to I hate her. She was obnoxious as a narrator. She needs to learn boundaries and consent. She got Henry to call her dead friend's soul back form the dead so she could tell her she missed her and feel better, that way the rain caused by her tears didn't flood New Orleans? Maybe too soon to joke about New Orleans flooding. Also, who even was this lady she was so upset about? No one apparently bc as soon as she got to say her peace she was all better! She outed her sister’s pregnancy to the group before they wanted to tell. She basically made up Henry’s mind for him about helping his dad and revisiting his childhood trauma (regardless of if it was the right thing to do, she just told Silas Henry would do it in the moment without talking to Henry.)
and then the most toxic:
PSA: if stealthing is considered r*pe, then a partner claiming to take birth control and then not doing so responsibly, should be considered the same level of f*cked-up.
After having s*x several times Henry says (paraphrasing) “omg I’m such a jerk we didn’t use a condom!” Clara says, “It’s totally fine Henry, I’m on the pill.” And Henry says “oh thank you bc I don’t want any kids right now.” Fair enough, my dude, you have been dating this girl for maybe a week! Fast forward to the surprise pregnancy reveal that this set us up for…..ok, Clara tells Henry she’s pregnant (and by my calculations he’s about the 5th person to find out) She says (and this is direct quote from the book):
“And before you get mad..." she snapped when I hadn't made any response whatsoever. I was still frozen in place, blinking down at her.
"It's your responsibility too. I mean, yes, I know I told you I was on the pill, and that wasn't a lie. But I'm also not always good about taking them. Mostly, I am, but I forgot once or twice in the past month or so. I was distracted. You were distracting. Very distracting. Still, even if I hadn't forgotten, they're not one hundred percent effective.”
Hoooly sh*t….that is so toxic, hypocritical, and an abhorrent breaking of trust between partners.
Lets unpack: yes, birth control isn’t 100% effective and if they did not want kids and were still having s*x the ultra safe (but still not 100% effective) thing to do was condoms and birth control. HOWEVER, this assumes that the woman is taking her pill AS INSTRUCTED and if she isn’t then she is open with her partner about the increased risk of pregnancy from this slip. In this situation, as the reader, we can assume that Henry is assuming when she says “don’t worry I got you” that means “I take my pill responsibly and will let you know if that changes.” Because that is the right way to handle the situation. But she isn’t and she doesn’t and she treats it like it’s no big deal. And then tells Henry "dude, it's not my fault bc birth control isn't 100% effective". Yeah, Clara you're right, it's not (99% if taken as directed) but it's NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THAT IF YOU DON'T EVEN TAKE IT.
Yes, Henry has a right to be mad. But don’t worry romance friends, this is a romance book so Henry responds with a “yay, I am so happy.” I died inside.
Oh and then that epilogue was just…..SEVEN kids? I mean, because he wanted seven kids too or did she just keep forgetting her birth control?
Yep, no. this book was not good AND problematic.
A spoilery rant to follow.
I do not do book rants hardly ever for 2 reasons:
1. If I am hating a book, I just DNF and if I DNF I'm not going to leave a rating because I DNF.
2. People like what they like and just because I hate something doesn't mean everyone will so I can just calm down and walk away. Plus, I didn't write the book so I can just f*ck right off with my opinions.
However, I will rant if I find something that is problematic af. And that is the case here.
I was very excited for this book, the final in the series, and this couple was teased the entire series. So this, combined with the fact that I spent some money on it (not KU or library), compelled me to finish this book. I regret.
SPOILERS BELOW
So we find out Henry is a virgin – to the point he has never even kissed a girl before Clara - but he goes from a kiss on date one, to deep throating & dirty talk by date two and proudly proclaims he learned everything from p*rn….!?! No, thank you. Not hot.
Henry’s story had a lot of potential, as well as his cool grim reaper/necromancer magic. But there were plot canyons. His childhood trauma was vaguely explained. His strained relationship with his father was swept away with a few sentences. As the reader, we just had to disregard the years of silence between them because the man asked nicely this time, I guess? Also, he suppressed his magic his whole life but then when he had to wing it at the scene of his childhood trauma, basically in hell with lots of demons, he was like an ultra badass. Just like that.
Clara made me rage. She went from my favorite to I hate her. She was obnoxious as a narrator. She needs to learn boundaries and consent. She got Henry to call her dead friend's soul back form the dead so she could tell her she missed her and feel better, that way the rain caused by her tears didn't flood New Orleans? Maybe too soon to joke about New Orleans flooding. Also, who even was this lady she was so upset about? No one apparently bc as soon as she got to say her peace she was all better! She outed her sister’s pregnancy to the group before they wanted to tell. She basically made up Henry’s mind for him about helping his dad and revisiting his childhood trauma (regardless of if it was the right thing to do, she just told Silas Henry would do it in the moment without talking to Henry.)
and then the most toxic:
PSA: if stealthing is considered r*pe, then a partner claiming to take birth control and then not doing so responsibly, should be considered the same level of f*cked-up.
After having s*x several times Henry says (paraphrasing) “omg I’m such a jerk we didn’t use a condom!” Clara says, “It’s totally fine Henry, I’m on the pill.” And Henry says “oh thank you bc I don’t want any kids right now.” Fair enough, my dude, you have been dating this girl for maybe a week! Fast forward to the surprise pregnancy reveal that this set us up for…..ok, Clara tells Henry she’s pregnant (and by my calculations he’s about the 5th person to find out) She says (and this is direct quote from the book):
“And before you get mad..." she snapped when I hadn't made any response whatsoever. I was still frozen in place, blinking down at her.
"It's your responsibility too. I mean, yes, I know I told you I was on the pill, and that wasn't a lie. But I'm also not always good about taking them. Mostly, I am, but I forgot once or twice in the past month or so. I was distracted. You were distracting. Very distracting. Still, even if I hadn't forgotten, they're not one hundred percent effective.”
Hoooly sh*t….that is so toxic, hypocritical, and an abhorrent breaking of trust between partners.
Lets unpack: yes, birth control isn’t 100% effective and if they did not want kids and were still having s*x the ultra safe (but still not 100% effective) thing to do was condoms and birth control. HOWEVER, this assumes that the woman is taking her pill AS INSTRUCTED and if she isn’t then she is open with her partner about the increased risk of pregnancy from this slip. In this situation, as the reader, we can assume that Henry is assuming when she says “don’t worry I got you” that means “I take my pill responsibly and will let you know if that changes.” Because that is the right way to handle the situation. But she isn’t and she doesn’t and she treats it like it’s no big deal. And then tells Henry "dude, it's not my fault bc birth control isn't 100% effective". Yeah, Clara you're right, it's not (99% if taken as directed) but it's NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THAT IF YOU DON'T EVEN TAKE IT.
Yes, Henry has a right to be mad. But don’t worry romance friends, this is a romance book so Henry responds with a “yay, I am so happy.” I died inside.
Oh and then that epilogue was just…..SEVEN kids? I mean, because he wanted seven kids too or did she just keep forgetting her birth control?
Yep, no. this book was not good AND problematic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Grief and Pregnancy
thereadinghammock's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What an end cap to a series. I can't believe the Stay A Spell series is over! Clara and Henry's story was everything I wanted and more. We got brooding, only *brief* pining because, let's face it, we all knew it was happening at this point, so there wasn't any point in beating around that bush. My heart broke for Henry as we learned his back story, and watching him heal his trauma and overcome alot of his anxiety with Clara as partners was just so sweet.
The back half of the book was a bit of a punch in the ovaries for me, which I both love and struggled with. I wasn't expecting Isadora, Clara, AND Jules to be pregnant for the back half of the book, and for the epilogue to be an 11 year time skip and so chock full of babies and MORE pregnancies. It definitely triggered some big emotions for me that I wasn't expecting or prepared to deal with. So juggling those emotions PLUS the "oh no, the series is over" emotions has been a lot to process all at once.
I couldn't have hoped for a better ending for the Savoie sisters. I certainly hope for the occasional check in with these amazing characters, because I just love everything about the whole family so much. It's bittersweet to say goodbye!
The back half of the book was a bit of a punch in the ovaries for me, which I both love and struggled with.
I couldn't have hoped for a better ending for the Savoie sisters. I certainly hope for the occasional check in with these amazing characters, because I just love everything about the whole family so much. It's bittersweet to say goodbye!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Murder
Minor: Gun violence
basrina's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Death, and Violence
Minor: Gun violence
dkgreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
I love this series SO MUCH! Clara and Henry’s book is the one I’ve been looking forward to the most and it didn’t disappoint. It was just as adorable as I was hoping it would be!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Blood, Murder, and Violence
livetgjennomb_ker's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This book is disgustingly sweet, waaay too much sugar for me towards the end.
While I loved Henry’s povs, this is my least favourite of the Stay a Spell books. The cuteness started out fine, and then it got quite serious, but then… the predictable happened, and my stomach plummeted. I was really loving the book, genuinely, and then babies got involved. So. Many. Babies.
The pregnancy trope might be your thing, but it’s definitely not mine, so this might just be a taste thing, really.
I found myself missing some intensity from this, and I’m hoping the next Juliette Cross book I pick up will have that.
While I loved Henry’s povs, this is my least favourite of the Stay a Spell books. The cuteness started out fine, and then it got quite serious, but then… the predictable happened, and my stomach plummeted. I was really loving the book, genuinely, and then babies got involved. So. Many. Babies.
The pregnancy trope might be your thing, but it’s definitely not mine, so this might just be a taste thing, really.
I found myself missing some intensity from this, and I’m hoping the next Juliette Cross book I pick up will have that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Pregnancy, Body horror, and Child abuse
rainbowsandbookshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? N/A
4.75
I can't believe it's the end of the Stay a Spell series! I've been anticipating this book for years as Clara and Henry's story has been hinted at so much in the previous books and I'm so glad we've finally got it. I loved reading about them and especially getting to know Henry. Their sunshine/grumpy dynamic was lovely to see and I loved how well they matched each other. Another great story in the series, with all the cuteness mixed in with witty banter, wonderful interactions with the rest of the Savoie extended clan and lots of spice. I just love how much we see everyone in these books - the vast cast of characters that we see across the whole series repeatedly are what make the series so special to me.
That epilogue! It was perfect and made me tear up because of the love and finality of it all. I loved seeing where everyone ended up and the last moment with the sisters was just a perfect way to end. I loved each of them and their story and I'm so sad it's finally all done. Such a wonderful series that I can definitely see myself rereading!
That epilogue! It was perfect and made me tear up because of the love and finality of it all. I loved seeing where everyone ended up and the last moment with the sisters was just a perfect way to end. I loved each of them and their story and I'm so sad it's finally all done. Such a wonderful series that I can definitely see myself rereading!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
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