Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom

Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom -- 368 pages

Delia Merriweather does not believe in magic. But she does believe in family, and her family happens to identify as witches. Their lack of magic doesn’t dampen this heartfelt belief, because according to lore and legend, they’re hexed. Convenient? Yes. True? Probably not.

Thanks to a weird birthmark, the eccentric circle of Merriweather women believe that Delia is their blue witch. In other words, she’s supposedly the person capable of restoring magic to the Coven Merriweather. However, A) magic isn’t real and B) the spell is truly horrific and illegal in all fifty states. Who’s going to boil a baby, for crying out loud? So, they’re all completely blown away when Delia accidentally breaks the hex (sans baby-boiling obviously). Chaos and mayhem ensue, drawing the attention of the invisible witching world. And that includes the sexy, brooding, and excessively irritable Max Halifax who has recently moved in next door to settle his uncle’s estate.

Just when Max thinks he’s done with his endless tour of duty—keeping an eye on the bumbling Merriweather women—he discovers Delia Merriweather has somehow broken the hex placed by his great-great grandfather. He worries that beneath the Merriweathers’ seemingly harmless antics, lies the very real possibility that this gaggle of clueless witches will somehow stumble into their power and, like their ancestors, threaten to rule the witching world by controlling the hearts of men. Maybe it’s even starting already. Because Max’s heart beats erratically whenever Delia Merriweather is around.

The Fang Arrangement by Sarah Blue

The Fang Arrangement by Sarah Blue -- 328 pages

It was a stupid mix up. A string of bad decisions tethering me to one of the most powerful vampires in Louisiana. When I agreed to go out on a date with a wolf shifter, I didn’t think the night would end with me covered in vampire blood and accused of murder. My options were simple: make a deal to be Warin Auclair’s on call witch, or face the vampire council. Warin might be manipulative, scheming, and rude, but he promises me his protection.
Vampires and witches don’t mix. There’s no way any of this can end well.
Danger keeps lurking around every corner, from deadly vampire slayers to precarious secrets. Yet, he shockingly keeps his promise, ensuring my safety, and amid all the threats, showing me who he truly is. I shouldn’t be falling for the attractive vampire. He’s immortal and I’ll never abandon my coven. So why do I want him to sink his teeth into me and never let go?

The Marriage Hex by Sarah Blue

The Marriage Hex by Sarah Blue -- 305 pages

It was a stupid wish. One that’s come to haunt my doorstep fourteen years later. When I made a pact with my best friend to marry each other if we were both still single at thirty, I had no idea it would be magically bound… by me. Time and circumstance have separated us, and we’re no longer the naïve teenagers we once were. I’m thriving with my coven and Silas is the newly appointed Alpha of the local shifter pack. Which is why this marriage will never work.

The Celestial Coven and the Moon Walker Pack have had an ongoing feud that spans generations. My former best friend has now become my sworn enemy. Unfortunately, my magic hasn’t gotten that memo and my nemesis/husband is now living under my roof and walking around my house topless in gray sweatpants. I don’t want him. I shouldn’t want him. But why do I find myself stalling at figuring out a counter curse?

Wolf Blood by Lola Glass

Wolf Blood by Lola Glass -- 399 pages

The werewolf who's been keeping me alive with his blood for the last few months just declared me his. He also says he isn't mine, so that's fantastic. At least we're not soulmates. Yet. Being a turned vampire has been rough for me, but I'm determined to survive long enough to make sure that my best friend has a support system of some kind when I'm gone. It doesn't help that my mother is somehow behind the murders that nearly took her out, though. Or that the wolf who's claimed me isn't willing to let me go. Somehow, I have to keep myself sane just long enough for everything to fall into place… and I have to do it without falling for a werewolf.

Bleach, Vol. 3 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, Vol. 3 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, 192 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Ichigo Kurosaki was a little boy when his mother passed away. One rainy day, Ichigo, whose ability top see the undead is a blessing and curse, tried to stop young girl from drowning in a nearby river. His mother, Masaki, ran after them, frantically trying to rescue her only son. Then everything went black, and Ichigo awoke only to discover his mother dead and the little girl gone.

It's the anniversary of Masaki's death, and the entire Kurosaki clan, along with former Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki, head to the cemetary to pay their respects. Sleeping demons rarely ever stay still and pretty soon Ichigo confronts the Grand Fisher, the Hollow that may be responsible for his mother's demise.

Sweet Blood by Lola Glass

Sweet Blood by Lola Glass -- 522 pages

A werewolf showed up to investigate a murder in my office building—then bit me, and accused me of being the killer. When I'm proven innocent, he admits the truth: We’re soulmates. Unfortunately for both of us, I’m a vampire. Our people are mortal enemies, so we have no choice but to ignore the connection we share until it eventually fades. The only problem? His instincts won’t let him walk away, and he isn't trying to fight them. When I’m nearly offed by the murderer myself, all bets are off. My werewolf will take out the killer and make me his… or we’ll both die trying.

A Rebel Without Claws by Juliette Cross

A Rebel Without Claws by Juliette Cross -- 320 pages

After yet another bar fight and arrest, bad boy Ronan Reed leaves Texas to live with his uncle Shane, alpha of the Blood Moon pack. Since werewolf cage fighting isn’t illegal in Louisiana, Ronan makes big plans to lead his own team in the ring. But when he sets eyes on sweet Celine Cruz, his whole world stops and she becomes a tantalizing distraction he doesn’t need.

As an Aura witch, Celine always wants to help heal the broken. She knows all too well what it’s like to battle anxiety, and so she’s dedicated her life to helping those in need. But the second she meets Ronan, she knows she’s in trouble. He’s everything her close-knit family would hate: a werewolf with a hot temper and a sinful grin to match, who runs with a dangerous crowd. So why can’t she stay away?

Ronan thinks she’s a good girl. Little does he know, all Celine wants is to do wicked things with the bad boy werewolf, who revels in breaking all her rules. But as their forbidden romance becomes too tempting to resist, Ronan notices that the wolves are circling . . . and they’re coming after his mate.

The Fourth Wife by Linda Hamilton

 

The Fourth Wife by Linda Hamilton - 305 pages

Hazel Russon’s life in 1879 Utah territory is defined by three the Mormon church, polygamy, and the men who control both. She knows she’s supposed to suppress her sinful dreams of a monogamous life with her sweetheart, and her desire for the freedom to play her beloved piano. Every Mormon woman’s duty is to live obediently and meekly, devoted to her husband and her calling as a sister wife. Her eternal salvation depends upon it.

Commanded to become the fourth wife of a man she’s never met, Hazel is relieved that Jacob Manwaring is attentive and handsome. However, she is shocked to discover that instead of living separately as is custom, all of Jacob’s wives and children live in the same house—a large, dilapidated manor that inexplicably fills Hazel with dread. 

Despite Jacob’s tenderness, Hazel senses dark secrets and resentments among her sister wives. She hears strange music, sees blood oozing from the very walls, and glimpses apparitions that grow more terrifying every day. And as her nightmares worsen, Hazel can’t be sure if she has more to fear from the living—including her mysterious husband—or from a sinister presence that seems to animate the house itself . . .

Drawing on little-known Mormon folklore and the author’s own polygamous ancestors, this fascinating, suspense-filled historical novel debut is by turns darkly romantic, spine-tingling, and wholly unforgettable.

This book was ok, I normally don't like historical fiction but I liked the idea of this one since it leans horror, but is really more thriller.  The author does a good job of developing each character and unfolding the tale.  I didn't mind this, I wish it were scarier, although come to think of it being in a plural marriage does seem pretty horrific anyway....  

Dive Bar at the End of the Road by Kelley Armstrong

 

Dive Bar at the End of the Road by Kelley Armstrong - 288 pages

Final Destination meets The Cabin at the End of the World in this supernatural horror from New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong, in which a series of car accidents traps a group of strangers at a dive bar.

A forested road at night, slick from the pounding rain and eerily illuminated by flashes of lightning. Just before midnight, a car swerves to avoid something—or someone—mysteriously standing in the road, only to slam into a fallen tree instead. In the pitch black, four more cars follow in a pileup no one can seem avoid.

Stumbling out of the wreckage, soaked from the rain and nursing various injuries, five strangers find themselves in a backwoods dive bar, waiting for daybreak and hoping for cell service. But as tensions rise and the storm rages on outside, the occupants of the dive bar start to notice that not everything is as it seems. Time is moving differently, and they quickly learn that going outside—whether to assist another accident victim or to hike for help—is a very bad idea.

There’s something in the woods, something that isn't natural. Could the figure in the road have been a warning? Or something more sinister? None of this is normal, and they'll need to work together to figure out what’s happening if they have any hope of surviving through the night.

OMG this was so good!  It was entertaining from beginning to end.  Loved it and will seek out more books by this author.  I could easily see this being made into a movie.

Anathema by Nick Roberts

 

Anathema by Nick Roberts - 226 pages

Bryan and Ellie Stockton hope they left behind their demons when they move to their idyllic new home in southern West Virginia. Above all, they want a fresh start for their young son, Derrick, who witnessed the tumultuous first years of their marriage – years that were rife with substance abuse, rage, and resentment. Their bright hope for the future is darkened when a child disappears from their neighborhood. The couple becomes suspicious of a reclusive resident with a degenerative brain disorder. Strange events begin to happen in their house just as Derrick tells them about a new friend who visits him at night. Their son may be acting out from the trauma he endured, or he could be the obsession of something much more sinister.

This was just ok, not as good as others by this author.  It seemed to drag a bit and wasn't as suspenseful as I'd hoped.

Grim and Bear it by Juliette Cross

Grim and Bear it by Juliette Cross -- 364 pages

Not even Death can take her from him.

Clara Savoie is so confused. She is absolutely positive that Henry Blackwater is practically in love with her. But for some strange reason, he won’t even ask her on a single date. Time to take matters into her own hands.

When Clara shows up on his doorstep with an unusual invitation, tempting cupcakes, and naughty innuendo, Henry has no choice but to say yes. Now he’s the newest member of the High Tea Romance Book Club. While Clara learns the haunting secrets of her broody grim, Henry shows her what commitment from a necromancer truly means. But when his father is arrested for murder, Henry is dragged back into the nightmare he’s been avoiding all his life. When he steps back into his father’s world, he isn’t just endangering himself but also the bright, beautiful woman he can no longer live without. But he just might have to.

Resting Witch Face by Juliette Cross

Resting Witch Face by Juliette Cross -- 366 pages

Twelve years ago, Jules Savoie ended her relationship with the vampire overlord of New Orleans, Ruben Dubois. For good reasons. A woman in power must often make sacrifices to protect others. She knows the truth of it down to her aching heart.

When Ruben watches his best friend Devraj get married, a stinging realization hits him hard…he’s done waiting. They say time heals all wounds. In this case, it merely sharpened the pain and made one fact crystal clear. Jules Savoie is his soulmate, and nothing would keep him from her. Not anymore. Forced to work side by side to fight for the werewolf cause, they campaign together at covens from New Orleans to London. The reignited spark burns hotter than ever before. But when a power-hungry vampire sets his predatory sights on Jules, will their love be strong enough against black magic? Or will he lose her again? And this time, maybe…for good.

Always Practice Safe Hex by Juliette Cross

Always Practice Safe Hex by Juliette Cross -- 381 pages

There's a reason no one messes with a grim...

Livvy Savoie is a people person. Not only does she have the magical gift of persuasion, but her natural charisma charms everyone she meets. She hasn’t met a person she didn’t like. Until her annoyingly brilliant competitor walks through the door. No matter how hard she denies it, loathing isn’t the only emotion she feels for him.

Grim reaper Gareth Blackwater is rarely, if ever, moved beyond his broody, stoic state. But the witch he’s partnered with in the public relations contest is destroying his peace of mind. He’s convinced that the flesh-melting attraction he feels for her is merely her witchy magic at work. But forced proximity proves there is more than magic sparking between them. Livvy learns this enigmatic grim’s abilities are beyond any supernatural she has ever known. And when Livvy becomes the obsessive target of a dangerous wizard, Gareth proves just how powerful he truly is. Because no one is going to hurt his Lavinia.

Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross

Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross -- 392 pages

Violet Savoie has a plan. A dream, rather. To open her own tattoo shop, which caters to supernaturals in need of permanent charms. As a powerful Seer, she has the potent magic to cast every kind of spell. Except the kind to give werewolves control over their beastly side. And her business partner Nico needs help in the worst kind of way.

Nico Cruz has a secret. A motive, rather. To subtly stalk and seduce Violet until she finally recognizes they are fated to be together. Ever since their heated encounter in Austin on New Year’s Eve two years earlier, he’s been dying to get his hands—and his tongue—back on her body. He knows a woman like Violet can’t be courted in the usual way. Luckily, Nico has no scruples about misbehaving to get what he wants.

But when his former pack roams into town, and an old friend is far too interested in Violet, his focus shifts to the threat venturing into his territory. Nico may come across as the quiet, broody one, but the intruders are about to regret stepping foot in New Orleans. And when Violet goes missing, no charm or spell can keep Nico’s wolf at bay.

Don't Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross

Don't Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross -- 350 pages

Notoriously bad at peopling, Isadora Savoie spends most of her time in the greenhouse or at the local animal shelter, using her Conduit powers of growth and healing. Content to remain in the background of the Savoie sister shenanigans, she’s reluctantly roped into the mystery of missing neighborhood girls. Now, she’s partnered with a flashy, flirty vampire to find them before it’s too late.

Devraj Kumar has seen and done it all. Three hundred years roaming the earth as a Stygorn — a legendary vampire warrior who operates in the shadows — has its perks. But ennui has set in. That is, until he has a run-in — literally — with an intriguing witch while on a new assignment in New Orleans. Fascinated by her resistance to his charms, Devraj can’t help but push her buttons in an effort to get to know the shy witch. Fortunately for him, she’s been recruited by the Lord of Vampires to assist Devraj on the case. Between a Bollywood marathon, supernatural dating app, secret package, and sexy driving instruction, Isadora is in over her head. And Devraj? After just one taste, he’s playing for keeps.

Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross

Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross -- 378 pages

What's the worst thing that can happen to a werewolf? Unable to shift for three months, Mateo Cruz knows all too well. His wolf has taken up residence in his head, taunting him night and day with vividly violent and carnal thoughts. Convinced he's cursed, he needs the help of a powerful witch before he literally goes insane.

​Evie Savoie has always obeyed the house rules of her coven — no werewolves. They're known for being moody and volatile. So, when a distempered, dangerous werewolf strolls into the bar and almost strangles one of her late-night customers, she's ready to bounce him through the door. But the desperation in his eyes when he begs her to help him softens her heart and convinces her to bend the rules. What Evie doesn't know is that Mateo's wolf has a mind of his own. And now that she's in his sights, he wants only one thing. Her.

Bleach, Vol. 2 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, Vol. 2 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, 192 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Immediately after checking into the Kurosaki Clinic with a mysterious scar on his back, the muscle-bound Chad goes AWOL. Accompanying Chad is a talking parakeet imbued with the soul of a young boy named Yūichi. It doesn't take newbie Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki long to surmise that a Hollow must be involved. By far the strongest spirit he's faced to date, Ichigo is about to discover that not every soul is bound for the Soul Society, especially if it's tainted with innocent blood.

Bleach, Vol. 1 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, Vol. 1 by Tite Kubo

Bleach #1, 192 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Ichigo Kurosaki never asked for the ability to see ghosts—he was born with the gift. When his family is attacked by a Hollow—a malevolent lost soul—Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper, dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping the tortured spirits themselves find peace.

Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain

Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain -- 421 pages

La Cachette, Louisiana, is the worst place to be if you have something to hide. This tiny town, where seventeen-year-old Grey spends her summers, is the self-proclaimed Psychic Capital of the World--and the place where Elora Pellerin, Grey's best friend, disappeared six months earlier.

Grey can't believe that Elora vanished into thin air any more than she can believe that nobody in a town full of psychics knows what happened. But as she digs into the night that Elora went missing, she begins to realize that everybody in town is hiding something - her grandmother Honey; her childhood crush Hart; and even her late mother, whose secrets continue to call to Grey from beyond the grave.

When a mysterious stranger emerges from the bayou - a stormy-eyed boy with links to Elora and the town's bloody history - Grey realizes that La Cachette's past is far more present and dangerous than she'd ever understood. Suddenly, she doesn't know who she can trust. In a town where secrets lurk just below the surface, and where a murderer is on the loose, nobody can be presumed innocent--and La Cachette's dark and shallow lies may just rip the town apart.

The World's Most Haunted Places by Matt Chandler

 The World's Most Haunted Places by Matt Chandler - 32 pages

Imagine visiting a place where a gruesome murder or a terrible battle once occurred. Do the spirits of the victims still haunt the halls? Are the ghosts of dead soldiers still wandering the countryside? Enter the most haunted places imaginable, and learn what happened to the people who are said to still linger in them.

Cute and simple read.