Last month I picked Hex on the Beach as my first Judging a book by it's cover. I predicted accidental magic, Liquor and Romance. Before we get started let me give you the book synopsis I did not read.
All that changes when Lily’s assistant delivers a strange quiz to her, one titled A Magical Assessment for Normal Folks. With it comes the promise of a land she's never known existed. A land where Lily not only discovers her biological family for the first time, but a place where she can make a difference, change lives, and step into the role she’s destined to fulfill.
But first, Lily must admit she’s a witch. Then, she has to acknowledge that the tall, dark, and mysterious man who offers his help is strictly focused on business...at least, for now. When a body turns up dead and the next target is Lily, she must trust her powers and accept the help of her newfound friends. Otherwise, she'll never survive the trials of the magical island tucked far, far away in the frigid waters of Lake Superior.
Welcome to The Isle
Lily is a likable character if you like super nice pushovers. I understand why she was so nice, she just met her family (two cliche witch aunts and cousins similar in age) so I can understand why she thinks she needs to be nice. First thing I was wrong about was accidental magic. While there was some magic for a witchy book I was kinda surprised at the lack of it. The Isle was pretty cool, it was a beachy place that made me long for a warm salty breeze on a summer day (instead I'm starting at white snow). The Aunts were pretty cliche, there's the plump motherly one and the skinny tall mean one. I didn't like either one too much since the mean one had no redeeming qualities and basically accused Lily of murder just because of the town gossips. for being late twenties to early thirties Lily and her cousins were pretty immature.
While they had some liquor it really didn't have any, Lily's new powers include her being a mixologist, which is pretty much a potion maker. Most people apparently rely on her Mixologist powers. Unfortunately the last mixologist was killed and now they want Lily. I was right about the romance Lily and Ranger X (what the hell kind of name is that?) are of course undeniably attracted to each other, but Rangers can't get married. The ending was very lack luster and bit rushed so I was very disappointed about it.
The book was not bad, it's the first of the series, but unfortunately I don't think the series is for me.
Our next book will be :
The Spirit Tree by Kathryn M. Hearst The Cover is just so pretty with the colors and the tree. I'm also guessing this story will have romance. The main character would be a woman (probably the woman on the cover). Based on the title I'm guessing ghosts, maybe this is a paranormal romance? there's also what looks like potion bottles hanging from the tree, so this may have magic as well.
What do you guys think?
