Powerpuff Girls Review and Giveaway: Hex Appeal

Another Powerpuff Girls Review! Both Katie (Blossum) and Ana (Bubbles) got review copies so what better way to go about it than to have another one of our joint efforts? By now, you must know the drill, Bubbles writes her thoughts here, Blossum at her place and we learn what each other thought – and we usually agree on our opinions. What will happen this time?

You may (or may not) be wondering, “but what of the third Powerpuff girl, Buttercup AKA Thea”? Well, believe it or not, naughty Buttercup is spending some time with Batman. I am not sure whether they are having an affair (ooooo, the jealousy!) or if Buttercup is just trying to be the next Robin, but I am telling you, that girl is going places!

So, for this review, we were joined by Dot Warner A.K.A JenB! Aw, she is so cute (and crazy).

Dot will be posting her review today as well, it will be interesting to learn what she has to say!

Title: Hex Appeal

Author: Lisa Wisdom

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/ Series: Book 2 of the Hex series. Book 1 was 50 Ways to Hex your Lover

Summary: The second book in the Hex series features feisty witch Jazz and her drop-dead gorgeous vampire cop boyfriend in a new installment. On again, off again for over 300 years, Jazz and Nick are finally back together, but then Jazz thinks Nick has bitten her. Separated again, upset and angry, the two of them start having violent, recurring dreams in which each one figures in disturbing and menacing ways. They can’t sleep, they can’t eat, and they finally figure out they’d better get together and discover who’s poisoning their dreams—and their relationship.

Why did I read the book: I read book 1 upon recommendation of Katiebabs and when I was offered a review copy of book 2 I was glad to accept it.

Review:

Hex Appeal is the second book in the Hex series and it is as fast-paced and full of action as the first one, 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover. A lot happens here: they are still living the repercussions of last book’s adventure when they destroyed evil Clive Reeves; then there are the dreadful nightmares that both Jazz and her now steady boyfriend, vampire-detective Nick are having which are causing a backlash to their relationship – they are both dreaming of the things that scare them the most. On top of everything, Jazz’s adorable (yeah, right) bunny slippers have been accused of murder and Jazz has little time to find the real culprit before they are arrested and possibly, terminated.

Plus, she still has her day-time job as curse eliminator and her night time job as limo driver for the paranormal creatures. It’s a lot of stress for one person, but if someone can do it, it’s Jazz, damn it!

Working together with Nick to figure out who has been attacking them via dreams proves to be more agreeable than they first thought and their relationship takes a new turn. After 300 years of an on and off affair, maybe they are ready for something else?

The book is populated with interesting characters – my favourite being room-mate and Internet mogul Krebs. But really, Hex Appeal (much like 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover) belongs to Jazz. She is a very likeable character and her antics have a je ne sais quoi that makes her even more adorable. Maybe it’s the Scarlett O’Hara’s disregard for reality maybe it’s the whimsical feel of the whole book that reminds me of the Queen Betsy books by MaryJanice Davidson. In fact, Jazz and Betsy have a lot in common with their penchant for not thinking things through and just going with the flow but with a difference: the Hex book have a bit more of a clear plotline, as the story is obviously proceeding to a yet- to–be revealed but clearly defined point.

My main peeve with the story is the relationship between Nick and Jazz. I have been hoping for a bit more – most specifically a little bit more of communication between them. There are many things left unsaid, many things left in the air and 300 years of history between them that we know very little about. We see from their internal monologue that they indeed love each other a lot but very little in their actions or conversation actually point to that fact. I find that quite frustrating. It wouldn’t be a huge problem if the book wasn’t categorized as “Paranormal Romance” – I was promised romance so I want romance! Although to be honest, the story reads more like Chick Lit to me – Jazz is the epitome of Girl Power: assertive, independent and very powerful on her own. And she knows how to have fun.

Notable Quotes/ Parts: I know Katie loves the slippers Fluff and Puff but I am in love with Jazz’s new stiletto crocodile shoes: Croc and Delilah, they are such girls, they blow kisses, use makeup, change colours according to Jazz’s outfits and try to snuggle with Krebs and Nick. They are really funny and cute.

Additional Thoughts: WE HAVE ONE COPY OF HEX APPEAL TO GIVEAWAY (US AND CANADA RESIDENTS ONLY) . ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LEAVE A COMMENT HERE! The contest closes on Saturday at midnight (PST)! Good luck!

Verdict: Hex Appeal is a light, fun read. I recommend it for funs of MaryJanice Davidson and Marta Acosta .

Rating: 6, good

Reading Next: To be confirmed!