Hex Sells: Babylon Boy Book Two

Babylon Boy #2

by T.A. Moore

Jonah Carrow just wants a quiet, hex-free life. It’s harder than he’d thought.

Despite his best efforts, though, magic trouble just keeps finding him. If it’s not his dead relatives trying to turn breakfast into a ouija board, it’s a crow with bad tidings at his door.

Jonah doesn’t know what’s worse, that warlock biker Shiloh has decided to call in his marker…or that he only did it to get him to pass on a message. It turns out that Luke, Jonah’s not-exactly boyfriend, hasn’t been taking the Crossroad Crows calls. …

but when things go wrong, despite not being in the first draft, Jonah gets roped in to find answers. Now he’s knee-deep in secrets, curses, and the sort of temptation in lean, blond Shiloh that is definitely not going to help Jonah stay on the straight and mundane.

On top of all that? He’s getting sick. Without a hex to help put a thumb on the scales, Jonah really can’t catch a break.

Genres: Urban Fantasy

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2024

About the author

TA Moore is a Northern Irish writer of romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance novels. A childhood in a rural, seaside town fostered in her a suspicious nature, a love of mystery, and a streak of black humour a mile wide. As her grandmother always said, ‘she’d laugh at a bad thing that one’, mind you, that was the pot calling the kettle black. TA Moore studied History, Irish mythology, English at University, mostly because she has always loved a good story. She has worked as a journalist, a finance manager, and in the arts sectors before she finally gave in to a lifelong desire to write.

Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided.

Website: www.nevertobetold.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TA.Moores
Twitter: @tammy_moore

Reviews

[Anastasiia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this second installment even more than the first. Knowing a bit more about what to expect made it easier to get into, and it felt more descriptive and engaging overall. It's still pretty vague and weird in places, but in a good way. I'm definitely hooked and excited to see what happens next.

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what crazy lurks in TA Moore 's mind, but I'm thankful for it. Another really engaging book with brilliant world building. It's got magic, hexes galore, gore, loads of action, and Jonah. I love me a tortured MC, and Jonah fits the whole trope in spades. He really just wants a quiet life, maybe explore what could be with Luke, but ain't gonna happen. Especially with Ms Moore at the helm. As usual the lady's given us a story that's creative, with lots of twists and turns, interesting characters and intrigue. I'm keen to find out what's going to happen next.

[Harrison Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the previous story in this series quite a bit, but ended up loving this one even more. The author has set up an intriguing world of magic and dropped the character of Jonah Carrow into the middle of it. Jonah is a fascinating case of someone trying to escape his past (he's trying to not use magic), yet can't bring himself to completely break from it by moving far enough away to leave it completely behind.

Jonah is also hiding who he really is, as he comes from a powerful magical family, because he just wants to be left alone but trouble seems to find him in the form of the Crows, a magical "gang" he becomes entangled with, especially Shiloh, a younger warlock who tempts Jonah into a push pull dangerous flirtation. All the while, Jonah is trying to make a go of a dating relationship with Luke, his semi-boyfriend from the previous book.

When magical events start to target the Crows, Jonah is called on his debts and must solve the mystery of who's behind it all. And quite a mystery it is, as Jonah's magical world is expanded in fascinating and original ways. In this book magic is dangerous even to the wielder, and always has a price to be paid. Jonah knows this better than most as he must navigate the dangers and solve the mystery while trying to keep a lid on his attraction to Shiloh. The solution to the mystery is satisfying and the plot moves at a very good pace. My only quibble was that I felt things got a bit confusing towards the end with the actions of a few characters being rushed a bit.

This is definitely not a romance. I've seen others describe it as an urban fantasy with several gay male characters and I would agree. But where I think the book excels is the magical world Moore has built, complete with an incredible atmosphere, one with a pervading sense of horror lurking around every corner. Yet the story is not oppressive, as Jonah's stubbornness in the face of it all and black humor lighten it up somewhat.

There's definitely some true horror in this tale, so basically most trigger warnings about violence would apply. But there's also some beautiful writing here, with some great passages. One from earlier in the book reflects Jonah's view towards the world of magic -"Jonah's gran had never been much of a one for comfort. She's always said it was just another way to lie to people. The worst is going to happen, she'd always said. It can either happen to you, or you can be it."

All of this leads to quite the bombshell of a revelation at the end, one that could lead to some interesting paths to come. I'm definitely hoping that Moore continues with the story, as this novel has ended up surprising me quite a bit and is a contender for one of my favorite tales of the year.

[Autumnal Eyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m conflicted about this one. I went mad for the first book. It was eerie and atmospheric and mysterious. The world building & magic system was hella creepy. Love the horror movie vibes. Was super intrigued by our protagonist and the slow drip of information about his backstory. What worked in the first book became a problem in the second. He kept getting his ass beat by every single other character on screen, and always has JUST the curse to make them pay on the tip of his tongue. I kept waiting for him to finally get pushed too far & actually prove that he’s a badass. But he resisted even in the final confrontation & it worked because of the addiction & recovery them.

But it book 2 it was the same thing and I was honestly getting fed up. You can’t just keep telling me he’s tough and powerful and badass and never give me a crumb of him actually being awesome on screen. I get weary of him taking shit and beatings from everyone.

I think this story is suffering from the fact that this is taking place during what seems to be the most boring time of Jonah Carrow’s life. I’m starting to wish I was reading about him being a psychotic megalomaniac voodoo wizard back in Babylon instead.

Still can’t wait to read book 3! Hopefully we get to see his relationship develop with Shiloh and what’s going on with the Carrow box.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have many questions, the most important ones: Will there be a book 3 and if so, when?
It's clear to see that there are plot points for more books, so I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for a continuation of the series.

I thoroughly enjoy this one, but not as much as the first book. There were some small inconsistencies and some illogical things that broke my immersion. And the overall vibe of the book was a bit different. Hex Work had a bit more of a horror vibe to it, while this one had more of an action vibe. There were still a lot of gruesome things that happened, but not in that same creeping suspenseful way. That being said, I'm a slow reader and I read this book in one day. So yes, I enjoyed it a lot.

The plot was well thought out and once again very twisty with a few surprises along the way. I wish there would have been a few more glimpses of Jonah's past, something to clearly show why he's trying to live a hex-free life. It's obvious that it's something he's willing to go to great lengths for, but it's not so obvious how he ended up with that conviction. Here's to hoping we'll get to know why in a third book.

[Bronwyn Heeley]

What a ride we are going on. I enjoy TA Moore’s writing, I love the way they build a world, dropping us in and giving us just enough to keep on moving while allowing for the rest of the world to develop as the story moves on. I also love the darker edge their writing works with said worlds. I always know the tone I’m going to get even when I’m unclear of the word they are putting us in.

This one works off the first book, Jonah is a torture soul that just wants to be left alone but that’s just not possible with who he is, and definitely not with who he’s attracted too. I overall am enjoying this story and love how it’s building. It’s a ride that’s for sure and I’ll there for it.

Troupes:
Ménage à trois
MC Club
Dark | Morally Grey
World Building
Magic | Hexes
Action | Mystery

[EQUUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again - great writing. I love this author's attention to the details. it creates the right atmosphere and makes her characters memorable.
But If you expect a love story - this isn't it - yet. It's an urban fantasy/mystery with gay protagonists. The story continues from the first book so you already know that there's a lot of very grafic gory details that are maybe not for everyone. I don't mind, because I love this author's imagination. As for the possible deeper relationship between Shiloh and Jonah - it shows a lot of promise, but the shocking revelation at the end of the book might be a problem. I hope that the next book is coming soon because this is a grandaddy of all cliffhangers.

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dropped into the series here and you can bet your twitchy tongue I am going back to the beginning
I have to know how our sweet Jonah got to where he is

Speaking of Jonah, he just oozes tortured soul vibes
He wants to live his life quietly.
Keep his secrets tucked in their lock boxes.
Enjoy a carefree life
A hex-free life
A Carrow free life
Alas not one of those things is happening

This was packed with action, lots of "Oh Hades No" moments, twists that had me turning the page quickly to ensure we all survived, and betrayals, the kind that cut deeply.
Ending with a heart-stopping "No flippin' way" scene

This will keep you entertained from that first knock on the door to the subtle shove over the cliff ending

I so need book three now!

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest installment in the Babylon Book series will keeps reader hooked with its intricate plot and unexpected twists. Jonah, Luke, and Shiloh are back, with Jonah struggling to manage his turbulent past while dealing with the relentless Crows. The chemistry between Jonah and Shiloh is palpable, but Jonah’s lingering feelings for Luke create additional tension. The book captivates from beginning to end, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

[T.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Hexes

Jonah is trying to not use magic or being in that world. He keeps being sucked into the magic world by The Crows with the hexes and curses against them. Jonah has to try to figure out who is causing all of it. He does.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and series. The ending has a surprise/hint. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonah is a fascinating character in his own right, and he shines amidst the chaos of a world full of magic, hexes, action, and intrigue. He’s doing the best he can to balance wants, hopes, needs and necessities and it’s super easy to get caught up in his story along the way.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Lynn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

I could not put this book down. It was very fast paced and the characters great with continuous development from the first book. I love a series that follows the same characters.

I wouldn’t say This story ended on a cliff hanger but am guessing that there is more to come! There are open questions at the end.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

no end in sight

Caution another series from this author that leaves a lot of unanswered questions and of course there’s a cliffhanger. I’m actually disappointed in the love triangle thing going on too. Am I supposed to be rooting for Shiloh- I’m not

[Coni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Mewenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point I don’t think T.A. Moore can write something I won’t read.

The worlbuilding in this series is great and Jonah’s constant struggle to keep « sober » and not use magic and not choose the easy out that would stroke his ego but hurt the people around him is very believable. And you can really feel how it’s hard for him and he really wants to. The plot was… actually the plot was okay but what it showed us of the characters, their secrets and the magic system made up for it.

I really enjoyed that Jonah struggled in his relationship with Luke, though I expect some people might not like it as much.

So, yeah, I love how Moore’s characters have to work to be good people and how the world they live in has sharp teeth and no one is just nice for free, or at least when they are it comes at a cost for themselves.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hex Sells by TA Moore is the second book in the Babylon Boy Series. Jonah has not laid an hex in 320 days and has yet to make it a full year. Things are quiet on that front until the Crows enforcer Shiloh shows up with a message to make sure his kind of boyfriend Luke answers when the Crow calls or he will be used as an example of what happens  when you ignore their calls. When Jonah’s marker is called in again he does everything he can to try and figure out why the Crow Crew has been marked with a curse, who laid it and if he can save them all. TA Moore has the unique ability to describe the dark underbelly of the magic world come to life. I loved this book for the intricacies of different hexes and curses and the conflicts Jonah has with himself as he tries to continue his streak of no laying hexes to save himself, Luke and Shiloh.