Devraj and Isadora are relationship goals. Who wouldn't want a BF like him. So attentive to details. And the patience he displays with Isadora's phobia's, is amazing. He pursues her relentlessly and she is equally relentless about staying away. I adore Mateo and Evie but I stan these two hard.

ARC provided for voluntary review consideration.

Isadora Savoie is the introvert of her brood of sisters and is content to stay that way. She spends most of her time in her greenhouse and visiting her local animal shelter, using her Conduit powers of growth and healing. Isadora is happy to remain in the shadows, until she runs into flashy and flirty vampire, Devraj Kumar. Devraj has been sent to New Orleans to help on a case of missing women and to use his Stygorn powers to get a break in the case. When Devraj meets Isadora, he is amused by her resistance to his charms and it makes her that much more appealing. 

I have been preparing for Halloween and this book totally got me in the fall mood! I am a sucker (no pun intended) for stories that alternate between both protagonists and loved hearing both from Isadora and Devraj. This paranormal romance is STEAMY *fans self* and I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Isadora and Devraj. 

What I liked:
+I loved loved loved how the author talked about Devraj’s past, the customs and history of his 300 year old Bollywood star from India. It felt as though she really did her research and the effort was not lost on me. 
+This story is a romance with a slight undertone of a mystery. It was a fun added excitement that I wasn’t expecting. 
+THE. STEAM. My word, the author did an amazing job writing about not only the budding romance of these two characters, but y’all. Juliette Cross can write the steam *choo choo* 
What I didn’t like:
+There are a lot of characters to keep track of in this story and I found myself confused at times, trying to remember who was who. 
+This story started off a little slow for me (this might’ve just been me) but once it picked up, I was hooked! 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story! If you are looking for a paranormal romance going into fall, look no further. I look forward to hearing about the rest of the Savoie sisters, grab your copy today!

3.5 stars. This was a pretty good book. Don't Hex and Drive is a standalone book, within the Stay a Spell series. This series is a fun, paranormal romance series featuring a set of witchy sisters in New Orleans who each find love in their own books. This book is Isadora Savoie and Devraj's story. Isadora is a witch and is somewhat shy and reserved. She feels most at home with plants and animals. Devraj is a vampire and is a very charming, Bollywood actor. He is in town to help investigate a mystery of young women going missing, with vampires as the suspected culprits. Devraj moves next door to the Savoie sisters and one night, he accidentally hits Isadora with his car. She isn't hurt, luckily, but Devraj is intrigued by her and attracted to her. Isadora is reluctant to get involved with a seeming playboy, but the two soon strike up a romance, fall in love and solve the mystery.

I will say I liked this book, but not as much as book one, Wolf Gone Wild. It was an entertaining read with an interesting story. I did feel like it a little slow to start. I liked Isadora and Devraj in general but didn't completely love either one of them. Devraj has a history as a playboy in the press that he never fully explains to Isadora. She, herself, had low self esteem, while Devraj has a high self esteem, which made them feel unbalanced. I also felt like the relationship took too long to develop, lacked chemistry, and was at the very end before ILY's were exchanged. Still, this was a relatively enjoyable read in general.

Overall, this was an entertaining book, even if it's not my favorite in the series. I still enjoy this fun, paranormal series and look forward to the rest of the sisters' books.

3.5 stars

This is the second book in Cross's Stay a Spell series, which is set in New Orleans and focuses on a family of witch sisters in charge of the city's supernatural community. Isadora is a sweet, garden-loving witch who's uncomfortable around most people outside of her family, and who enjoys gathering herbs and enchanting them for sale at her family's witchy boutique. Devraj Kumar, a powerful vampire tasked with hunting down vampires who break their community's laws, accidentally hits her with his car and becomes enchanted with her, although Isadora at first wants nothing to do with him. They're thrown together further when young women begin disappearing from the New Orleans bar scene and it becomes obvious that vampires are involved, and Isadora and Devraj have to work as a team to take down the culprits.

I really love the supernatural worldbuilding that Juliette Cross develops in this series, from the witches and vampires to the mysterious Grims and artistic werewolves. I also love how she sprinkles in hints of relationships that will be the focus of future books (I cannot WAIT for the book focusing on Jules, the powerful head witch, and Ruben, the boss of the New Orleans vampires, who have great chemistry in every scene they're in). Cross is also great at writing romantic scenes, and I loved Devraj as a character--he's very complex, as one would expect from a centuries-old vampire who's been able to travel the world and live life to the fullest. I connected less with Isadora, who didn't have as strong of a personality as many of her other sisters, and who seemed much less dimensional than Devraj. Although I do really enjoy this series, as a whole I didn't enjoy this installment quite as much as I did the first book, Wolf Gone Wild, but I'm definitely looking forward to reading the other books in the future.

I received an eARC of Don't Hex and Drive via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The second in the Stay a Spell series, this book features Isadora, another one of the Savoie sisters. Like the rest of her sisters, she’s a witch, and she’s specifically a Conduit, which means she can heal people using her magic. Isadora is very much a homebody, content in her greenhouse and with her family and close circle of friends, partly because of her social anxiety. Her life revolves around gardening and selling potions at the family shop, and frankly, the only thing she thinks is missing is a dog. And then a hot vampire hits her bicycle with his car.

“Let me get this straight.” A shocked laugh belted up my throat. “You speed down an unfamiliar road, hit someone with your Porsche, send her flying into the air, injure her ankle, break her expensive, imported plant, and then decide to flirt with her?”


Devraj is an extremely powerful vampire – a Stygorn – who also happens to be an extremely attractive and rich retired Bollywood actor. He’s there at the request of the head New Orleans vampire, his friend Ruben, to help track down several human women who’ve gone missing from various bars around the city. He’s a jetsetter, fixing issues in one country before setting off for another, partying with actors, basically living a dream lifestyle. But it’s begun to pale lately and what he’s come to the realization that want he really wants is to finally settle down somewhere.

“I’d stopped dating a few years ago, immersing myself in happier pursuits. Like gardening. Men just didn’t compare to the joy of hyacinth in bloom, sorry to say. Not in my experience anyway.”


Devraj is attracted to Isadora initially because of how authentic she is, but it’s also that quality of hers that makes her think they can’t work out together. Sure, Dev’s actually a sweet and humble person, but his movie star lifestyle sounds like a nightmare to introverted Isadora. She describes herself at one point as Mr. Darcy, and there’s definitely some P&P similarities here in how she initially treats Dev. Plus Isadora know that as soon as the case is wrapped up, Dev will leave, so what’s the point of risking getting attached to someone who can’t – or won’t – stay?

Despite the mystery around the missing girls, this is a lighthearted book. Yes, it’s a bit over the top – he’s a retired actor AND a really powerful vampire AND rich AND a mama’s boy – with a side of insta-lust, but it’s ridiculously fun. There’s dates with delicious food, lots of Savoie sister banter, and the inevitable “well, we’ll just sleep together once to get it out of our systems” rationalization. Mmmhmm, we know how that works. Isadora and Devraj are just so cute together – not too mention their great chemistry – and basically everybody besides Isadora realizes that quickly. Luckily, it’s a lot of fun watching her figure that out!

Isadora has both social anxiety and anxiety related to being in a car. While everyone seems to accept that she’s the quiet Savoie sister just fine, I was a little off-put by how some of the other characters treated the car-related issues – her sister brushing off her worries and saying that the person was a good driver, Devraj deciding to teach her how to drive without asking if that’s something she even wants.

Overall, this was a sweet and funny paranormal romance, and I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for the next Savoie sister’s book!

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Don't Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross is book 2 in the Stay a Spell Series.  This is the story of Devraj Kumar and Isadora Savoie.  I have read the previous book which did add to my enjoyment of this one.  But, I do think you could make it a standalone book if you wish to do so. Devraj is a vampire who has seen and felt it all in his hundred of years. But when he meets the shy witch Isadora he starts to have new feelings and wants. They have been brought together to work on a mystery which is bring them closer and closer together. I am such a fan of this author's writing and always would recommend her book and of course this series.

I have had my eye on this beauty; ever since I read the first book – Wolf Gone Wild (Read My Review) –but i have been all the more excited ever since I found out the main lead in this second instalment in the series all about witches, vampires, warewolves and magic would be an Indian Bollywood star; I swear to everything I find holy; I figuratively stalked the author until she very kindly approved my request on Netgalley for an early copy!
And I just couldn’t resist diving into the book straightaway.

I swooned, adored and absolutely fell in love with not only, Devraj; the hunky, brooding Bollywood Star and a Vampire of an ancient Stygorn race but also the woman, who enchanted and enamoured him, right from the moment he hit her bicycle with his sports car – Isadora, a witch with immense power and an affinity for flowers and a love for all cuddly dogs.

The chemistry between Devraj and Isadora had me all hot and bothered – trust me, with always being used to reading only white men in romances, it was such a phenomenon reading about an Indian man as a romance hero – it had me giggling like crazy happy loon, enough so that my husband had to ask exactly what or rather who I was reading to have me so happy.

And Devraj did make me happy; not just because he was an authentic representation; but there were food items and cities mentioned + the act of tying Mangalsutra around the bride’s neck *chef’s kiss* - all the things that I know and recognized and it’s been one of the few times that has happened; and the first in a romance novel; at least for me.

Yes, I do wish that there were a little more mention s of the Indian traditions and culture – but the fact that an author has took the time to understand a different culture and took the help of sensitivity readers – is commendable.

As for the book itself, you know you have a winner when – it’s hilarious; and opposites attract, slow burn romance, with a mystery of young woman going missing + a whole slew of characters, who pique your curiosity and have you thirsting for the new book already!

I enjoyed this book so so much! This was the first book I read from Juliette Cross, and I think it won’t be the last. It was also the first book I read from this series and now I want more from this amazing, whimsical universe. I love everything with witchy vibe and this so fun and did not disappoint. This book manage to perfectly mix romance AND mystery. I highly recommend this book.

Such a good follow up to the first book of the series! There's more external mystery, which was fun, but still the same magic and chemistry that we expect from this series!

Okay so I loved this book! Love Love Loved it!!! 
Isadora is everything I love in a heroine. She's so very sweet, introverted and just adorable. Putting her with Vampire Devraj (ex Bollywood dancer - I mean come one!!!) made me smile so hard. I was a very happy reader. It's witty, it's hilarious, it's PNR at its best. If you enjoy your stories with humour and smarts then this is for you!

Devraj is a special kind of vampire so he gets called in to help on cases involving vampires from time to time. He's in Isadora's town for one such case and because Isadora is a witch she is also pulled in to help. 

Isadora and her sisters are witches, each with their own gifts. Isadora is shy and doesn't date much. But she has a huge heart and is a really likable person. 

When Isadora is riding her bike back home and gets hit by a car, it's Devraj that hits her and feels really bad about it. He tries to help her since she injured her foot but she isn't having any of it until he calls someone she knows and he tells her that Devraj is a good guy and she can trust him to get her home safely. Not exactly the best first impression he could have made but is sure was an interesting one. 

Devraj is a Bollywood dancer/actor as well a special kind of vampire. He's sexy, gorgeous and wealthy. But Isadora also thinks he's full of himself and stuck up because of his fancy suits, expensive car and lavish lifestyle, while she would rather be planting flowers, herbs and tending to her garden. The fact she's immune to his vampire charm makes her even more desirable and interesting to Devraj since he doesn't usually have to work so hard to get a woman to like him. 

As these two are thrown together time and time again because of a case involving missing girls, they get to know each other more and they can't deny they are attracted to one another. When they finally do give into their attraction, these two light up the pages. I loved Devraj, he can be fun, loving, and tender but he can be a lethal monster when he has to be. I loved the romance but the missing girls storyline really had me on the edge of my seat as it unfolded. I loved the first book in this series and think that this second book was just as great.

Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A highly entertaining and engrossing story that kept me hooked.
Excellent world building and character development, a lot of humour and a great romance.
I can't wait to read another book by this author, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Don't Hex and Drive, was totally unexpected, but totally worth it!!

I don't read paranormal or even fantasy, if I ever pick a book with those two elements is because the book seems really amazing or worth it and this was exactly the case...

Don't Hex and Drive is one of those stories that no matter if you're into or not into paranormal, it will blow your mind into space. This book has every element you need to keep yourself glued to your chair and continuously wanting to scream to everybody around you to shut up so you can continue reading this amazing story.

Isadora was an amazing heroine, she was smart and kind she was beautiful even if she didn't know it, her life and her sisters were full of magic, magic that will bring soon someone who will change her life forever even if that means getting hit by a car. 

Devraj Kumar a Stygorn with many years of experience, has everything, the power, the looks the fame people often confuse all these external threats for arrogance but Isadora knows deep in her heart that there is more to get to know than what Devraj Kumar let anybody see.

Devraj and Isadora chemistry was off the charts and I don't mean that in a figurative way, their scenes together were just fire, I didn't expect that passion and it was just melting. I love these two. they made me laugh, they made me scream but mostly they really made me smile and swoon. 

Favorite scene, the one with the vibrator LOL completely epic!!! love that part, it was totally unexpected.

The secondary characters especially, Isadora sisters were amazing, they really added so much to the story and even the main characters, each one has a special treat that will make you eager to know more about them and eventually I believe we will get that in the next books of this amazing series.

Don't Hex and Drive has love, friendship, passion, and a lot of fighting, and when I say fighting I mean fighting for the things you love, want, and need fighting for those who are really worth fighting for.

Overall I really enjoy this book I can actually say that I haven't enjoyed a book in maybe like two months or so this one really made me want to keep reading more and more.

The second book in the Stay A Spell series does not disappoint! This series is unique in the genre; most paranormal or supernatural romances feel the need to be "dark" to keep readers interested. This series, however, is all of the fun of a rom-com, plus vampires, witches, werewolves--oh my! After enjoying the first book in the series, I was very excited for Don't Hex and Drive, and now it's my new favorite. Don't Hex and Drive was a delightful read that I was able to finish in one day. Though it is the second in a series, I feel that it would stand alone well too; the author gives enough background about the world and the characters for it to be completely readable even if you haven't read Wolf Gone Wild. Additionally, this was the sexier of the two books in the Stay A Spell series. Devraj and Isadora's chemistry was off-the-charts hot and so much fun to read. Overall, this book was fun, though I did feel that the prose itself was occasionally flawed (not much depth, occasional cheesy dialogue). However, it was better than the first book in the series, and it was readable despite that.

I love this series and I absolutely loved this book.  I couldn't put the book down!

This book is about Isadora, the quiet, loner sister.  She's got powers, but they aren't as flashy as her sisters.  Instead, she likes to help people (or dogs) in a sneakier way.  All of that gets thrown up in the air when she gets hit while riding her bicycle home.  A vampire, Devraj, apologizes profusely, but Isadora has already made up her mind.  The stubborn challenge is all Devraj needs to make him practically obsess over Isadora.

All isn't just sexy fun and games (but don't worry, there's plenty of that!), and there is some crime they need to solve as part of Devraj's local assignment.  There is *a lot* of assuming and avoiding between these two, but one thing they agree on is that they need to put an end to this kidnapping ring.  Somehow they are able to overcome their own insecurities and come together to both solve the mystery and give themselves a wonderful HEA.  I hope these books keep ramping up as they go along, because I'm already hooked!

And here I thought that Mateo from Wolf Gone Wild (book 1 in this series) had my heart.. BUT.. I just hadn’t met Devraj who is just something else. You all are NOT ready for this man who almost made me want to fly to India during a pandemic. I swear to you, the second you start Don’t Hex and Drive you’ll be HOOKED. 

I really cannot explain my utter adoration for the Stay A Spell Series and having just finished book 2, says a whole lot about the writing of this author. She weaves a paranormal romance like no other I swear.. these books have it all; the romance, the comedic aspect, sister witches galore and men who are just too good to be true. 

Don’t Hex and Drive tells the story of our shy and introverted Isadora whose love of gardening and cute furry dogs rivals her dislike of people. (Which honestly just made me love her more cause, how relatable is that??) What Isadora never counted on was getting run over by a hot warrior vampire on his flashy sports car. What didn’t help matters was that he was a famous Bollywood actor who just so happened to be staying right next door to Isadora and her sisters to aid in a case of missing human girls. Isadora with her hate of socializing was immediately put off by the showy hot guy cause I mean.. just how DARE he do yoga shirtless?? Such bad neighboring right there. 

But one thing leads to another and Isadora comes to the realization that Devraj may be all she’s been looking for in life. With the answers to the case getting nearer and nearer though both characters have to make the tough decision of just what they are going to do about their feelings for each other. 

My words so so do not so justice to this amazing book. If there is one series I’d recommend in a heartbeat it would be this one so go pick both of these books up and suffer with me as I await book three!

The beginning was a struggle for me and I almost DNF’d this despite being excited for the sequel. The writing felt nothing like book 1 and the over-explaining of unimportant things drove me crazy. I had to set the book aside and come back to it later. 

Since I received and ARC of this book I decided to pick it back up and push through and I’m glad I did. I eventually got more into the story and I really enjoyed the suspense part of this book. The last 25% or so was my favorite and made the rest of it worth it. Devraj and Isadora have a very sweet and steamy relationship and seeing it come to fruition was really good. 

I think my main hang up was the writing on this one and the pacing not the love story or the suspense story. I am invested in the series and love the Savoie sisters so I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

4.25 stars-- DON’T HEX AND DRIVE is the second instalment in Juliette Cross’ contemporary, adult STAY A SPELL paranormal, romance series. This is witch Isadora Savoie, and vampire/Stygorn Devraj Kumar’s story line. DON’T HEX AND DRIVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Devraj and Isadora) DON’T HEX AND DRIVE follows the building relationship and romance between witch Isadora Savoie, and vampire/Stygorn Devraj Kumar. Devray Kumar is a vampire with special abilities, hired to uncover the person(s) responsible for a series of abductions and missing girls, potentially linked to a blood trafficking ring but literally running into his neighbor Isadora Savoie found Devray wanting something more from the witch, something he hasn’t thought about for a very long time. Isadora Savoie is a Conduit with the ability to heal herself and others but when Devray Kumar runs her over, Isadora takes an immediate dislike to our story line hero, a dislike based on first impressions and Bollywood good looks and ego to match. When the Ruben Dubois, the vampire overlord of New Orleans calls Devray for help, all bets are off, as Devray and Isadora work together, to take down the ring of potential vampire blood letters. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Devray and Isadora, and the potential fall-out as Devray’s time in New Orleans comes to a close, and Isadora’s struggles with issues of control.

Isadora Savoie is a powerful witch but struggles to ‘people’ and socialize in a world of social animals. Preferring to work in her garden or volunteer at the animal shelter, Isadora battles between head and heart when Devray makes her an offer, she cannot refuse. Devray Kumar suspects Isadora is his mate but our heroine refuses to give into her heart preferring to remain distant and aloof but when Devray offers a friends with benefits relationship, Isadora finds herself falling for a man who is about to break her heart.

The relationship between Devray and Isadora begins as an accidental meeting whereupon Isadora takes an immediate disliking to Devray Kumar. Believing our hero to be nothing more than a rich, stuck up albeit powerful vampire, Isadora battles her attraction but in the end, finds herself in love with a man who may not be willing to settle down. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of supernatural, magical and colorful secondary and supporting characters including  Isadora’s sisters Evie and Mateo (Wolf Gone Wild #1), Jules, Clara, Livvy,  Violet and their cousin Tia; Mateo’s cousin Nico; grim reaper Henry Blackwater, and  ancient vampire and New Orleans’ overlord Ruben Dubois.  The requisite evil has many faces.

DON’T HEX AND DRIVE is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; a story of betrayal and power, manipulation and blood. The premise is enchanting and imaginative ; the romance is sexy and spicy; the characters are flirty, spirited and sassy. DON’T HEX AND DRIVE is an energetic and sensual tale.


THE READING CAFÉ: http://www.thereadingcafe.com/dont-hex-and-drive-by-juliette-cross-dual-review/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3525435457


AMAZON. COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2J31CXVFCGOYM/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B085CMZH7X

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1707763332


B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) posted

4+ Stars

I had the best of times reading Don’t Hex and Drive! As unlikely the introvert gardener witch and the hot AF Bollywood superstar vampire seemed to be as a couple… they worked really well *wink*

Isadora is one of the Savoie sisters we didn’t get to meet in Wolf Gone Wild. I instantly felt a kinship with her and her people-I-don’t-know-are-exhausting view on the world. Happier to spend her time with plants and animals (soul-sister!) she had the biggest, softest of hearts… she just really didn’t like talking about it with people. She was funny and could throw some sass, but her quiet strength was the cherry on top (yes, it’s clear I have a girl-crush). 

Devraj at first seemed the complete opposite of Isadora. He was flirty, flashy and charming, and there was not one shy bone in the guy’s gorgeous body. If there was something to be done on this earth he gave it a go, but even an elite warrior who could get everything he wanted could get lonely after centuries. From the very first encounter he had with Isadora, he’s intrigued, and the more time he spent with her, the more he realized she might be exactly what he had been missing all this time.

I loved so many things about this story! Ms. Cross’s take on vampires and the supernatural world is exciting and fresh.. I mean, I’m pretty sure Devraj is my first vegetarian vampire! There’s suspense and a bit of action, sexy hot shenanigans and two very different individuals trying to fight the feelings they awake in each other. 

Don’t Hex and Drive is a fabulous follow up in the Stay a Spell series and I can’t wait to read what comes next!!!

I just loved this book and could not put it down! In this opposites attract romance, Don’t Hex and Drive had wonderful characters, an intriguing mystery, and a fabulous story line that brings the Stay a Spell world to life!

From the very first scene of the book I knew I was going to be in for a wonderful read, and Juliette Cross delivered just that. Isadora is an introvert by nature, but that doesn’t mean she’s a pushover. She knows what she wants and is upfront about what she needs. Devraj has lived a long life and is used to being in the limelight. Where some might say he’s demanding, I think he just knows what he wants and he isn’t afraid to go after it. And of course, he has his sights set on Isadora, which means we were treated to a fun story as Devraj tries to make Isadora his own. She sees no future with Devraj, since his job normally takes him all over and she can’t see herself ever leaving her sisters in NOLA; he sees his future with Isadora, and thinks that what he has been searching for lately may just be putting down roots, something he sees himself doing with Isadora. These two had chemistry that burned up the sheets – or would burn up the sheets if they could ever make it to a bed – but for two people who were pretty straight-forward with what they wanted, they could have used a little help in the communication department!

I enjoyed the mystery that took place that brought Devraj to town. I loved having Isadora play a part in things and the fact that Devraj never doubted her ability to play her role. It was also fun getting to see Ruben and Jules dance around each other and I loved getting to find out just a little bit more about what may be a past between these two.

The Savoie Sisters are all wonderful and I love the family they have built around them. Each sister brings something different to the table and it’s always fun when they get together and poke at each other as families do. There is no shortage of supernatural beings in this world, and I love the lore that the author has created for all of them and the world itself. From witches, to vampires, to werewolves, ghosts, and grims, you never know who is going to show up on the page and what kind of character they are going to be.

Juliette Cross has a way with words that makes them easy to read and was a wonderful balance between romance, suspense, and family drama, coming together perfectly to tell Isadora and Devraj’s story. I also love how she is setting up the next books in the series by dropping little scenes for some of the other sisters.

This was a light paranormal romance that should be enjoyed buy just about anyone!