Hexing with a Chance of Tornadoes

Grimm Cove #2

by Mandy M. Roth

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B084S325D5

I've been told I'm a force to be reckoned with. That I blow onto the scene like a tornado.

At age forty I've stopped caring if that's a compliment or a dig. Now I just wear it like a badge of honor. So when life threw me a curveball and I ended up going from a cushy job in New York City to the tiny Southern town of Grimm Cove I thought I was ready for anything.

Ha! Not quite.

You see, Grimm Cove is teeming with supernaturals. Since I've known they exist all of like a hot minute, I'm still in a state of total shock. When I learn that I come from a long line of witches and demon slayers, the stakes (pun intended) get even higher and sharper. These monsters aren't make-believe. They're out for blood. I'm trying to decide if having the head of the local wolf-shifter pack nipping at my heels is an asset in this fight, or if he's one more person I need to watch my back around. Thank the estrogen goddesses I have my besties with me or I'm not sure I could survive being what most would label middle-aged, hunted by demons, and the heat that comes along with the South.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Witches

370 pages, ebook

First published April 21, 2020

About the author

NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Mandy M. Roth® loves 80s music and movies and wishes leg warmers would come back into fashion. She also thinks the movie The Breakfast Club should be mandatory viewing for…okay, everyone. When she’s not dancing around her office to the sounds of the 80s, she’s busy writing paranormal operatives and kick-butt urban fantasy heroines. Mandy lives in Oxford, Mississippi with her husband and three boys. She has sold over 2 million books. Mandy has published with Harlequin, Random House/ Virgin Books, numerous small presses, and has had an amazingly successful indie career. She’s had bestselling books in a multitude of categories and genres at Amazon, Nook, Google Play, Apple Books, and Kobo.

Reviews

[julia ☆ [owls reads] · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star.

*

I was looking forward to this book quite a bit because I loved Dana in the previous book, but I guess this is what I get for having expectations. Let's break this down:

→ The Kindle version of this was said to have 370 pages and, if that's true, most of them were spent on things that weren't Dana and Jeffrey and their relationship.
→ Too much Poppy and Brett plus a rehash of what happened in the first novel and how the two of them got together and were mates. We know this already. This took up quite a chunk of the story in the first few chapters and left little time for Dana and Jeffrey.
→ The entire book took place in a day and there was no time to developed anything. Everything was rushed and had zero emotional impact because of it. Some examples: Dana's reason for coming to Grimm Cove, why she was against falling in love, the Van Helsing reveal, Jeffrey coming to terms with it, them accepting what they were for each other, any sort of discussion around them having kids, Dana learning the truth about her family and her dad.
→ Even with the rushing, Dana and Jeffrey still only got together after the 70% mark. And when they finally did? It was pretty underwhelming because there was no build up to it. I'd say there was more tension and emotion between them in the previous book than in this one. The focus also shifted a lot to the other characters and the new people Roth decided to introduce in this novel.
→ It just seemed to me this was written in a rush so it could be published in a rush? Like Roth slapped it together without caring to develop the characters and story--as if she was counting on this to be funny and sweet enough so it'd be considered good. It was a huge drop in quality from the previous book and incredibly disappointing. Don't think I'll continue with the series.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

I do wish that Goodreads would allow half stars. This is a super cute fun series that you can read (each book) in a sitting. Definitely great for a little mindless fun that will get you away from the problems of the world right now.

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hexing with a Chance of Tornadoes is book two in the Grimm Cove series by Mandy M. Roth.

It’s an adorably cute and fun read. Full of magic, mayhem, humor, supernatural hijinks, and more.

Grim Cove is a hotbed of supernatural weirdness. I like where the series is going overall.

We meet Dana and Jeffrey in Book 1, Cloudy with a Chance of Witchcraft. It was nice to learn more about Dana and the reveal on who her family is. Jeffrey is an Alpha, but he’s a bit clueless on all those pesky emotions. As for their relationship; Dana and Jeffrey clash repeatedly and it’s fun to watch their relationship grow, though I do wish we had more time with them as a couple. The characters aren’t fully flushed out; because we spend more time with other characters than with Dana and Jeffry.

Hexing with a Chance of Tornadoes was an enjoyable read.

Rated: 4 Stars

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series and was looking forward to this book. Dana was so independent and snarky in that first book that I knew that her and Jeffrey were going to clash repeatedly in their own book. They did and it was fun watching their relationship grow. I enjoyed reading about Dana's past and how she developed into the woman that she has become. I would have liked to see Dana and Jeffrey have more time together to actually get to know each other and for readers to get know them more as a couple. A fun read for an afternoon and I've got book three already at the top of my TBR mountain.

[Snarktastic Sonja · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was disappointing to me. Not because I didn't like the characters. Not because I didn't like the story. Not because I didn't like the setting. I liked *all* of those things. This story was disappointing to me simply because it was too short. It was too short to develop all those things.

It starts actually before the previous book in the Grimm Cove series, before Dana even went to SC. Yet, it didn't include the phone call from Poppy that set the chain of events to motion. In fact, it included very little information to guide or show us exactly *why* Dana decided to go to Grimm Cove. She was in New York . . . and then she was in Grimm Cove. And, then, the stuff in the first book just happened and was alluded to. So, we had before and after and no during. And, the time jump was confusing and unexplained.

Basically, 3 things happen in this story. Dana goes for a run. Dana and Jeffrey make out. The gang fights the big bad. That's it. All of it. The story in a nutshell. No character development. No fleshing out of ideas. Not even any amazing sarcastic repartee so prevalent in the first book.

So. Yes. This book was utterly disappointing. It was readable, but it could and should have been so much more. The author is capable of it. :) I am disappointed and disappointed that I was disappointed. :( And, Oh yes - I paid $5 for this. Just packing on the disappointment. This story was not long enough or developed enough to justify that price.

3 stars. Because I read it. And, I didn't hate it. :D (ETA - I updated this to 2 stars. :D because as time went on, I remembered disliking it more than this review shows.)

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked book 1 in this series, but I felt like this one felt a little short in comparison. I had it in my head that Dana's family name had been revealed in book 1, but everyone from Grimm Cove seemed surprised when she admitted to being a Van Helsing and...it confused me. I'll freely admit I might be wrong about the book 1 reveal, but I absolutely had it in my head her family connections had been established already and I was a little thrown when the GC crew were all shocked by her admission.

That said, I do like where the series is going overall. Grimm Cove is a hotbed of supernatural weirdness and Dana's been thrown right in the middle of things. Honestly, she's not handling things all that well and that's perfectly understandable. But she has her friends and, well, more family than she knows what to do with suddenly and she's figuring things out.

As for Jeffrey, he's...kinda clueless about all those pesky emotions he's feeling. And also kind of picked on for an Alpha. Which I didn't love, but since he now has Dana to get all huffy when people do her man wrong, I guess it's okay.

I didn't feel like this book was quite as well developed as book 1, but I'm MIGHTY intrigued by the direction Marcy's story looks to be taking. MIGHTY intrigued. Let's see how it all plays out.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not an enjoyable read

I have really been enjoying the new PWF genre. It’s been great reading mature characters in fun paranormal settings. I read all of the original 13 books and have begun reading any of the secondary books that have been released. I liked the first book in this series okay & was looking forward to a new PWF book. I wish I had not wasted my time on this one. The characters were not given any time to develop any depth.

The main character may have been given the age of 40 but, I felt she was seriously lacking in maturity and emotional intelligence. The romance went from zero to 60 in 48 hours and was full of teenage-like angst. The men treated the women like idiots throughout the story and kept up with constant stupid pet names that I just found irritating. I had difficulty even finishing the book. I’m making the choice to leave Grimm Cove for good.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were so many things I like about this book, that I had to give it 3 stars, even though there were a lot of things I didn't like.
This book is the second in a series. Like the first book, I love the story and the characters, but the whole thing is rushed. Once again the story just runs from beginning to end, with this book taking place over a day. One day. I want more of this story. The author keeps introducing these fun amazing characters, but doesn't take time to flesh them out. And the big baddie? Disappointing.

Mild to moderate spoilers ahead.

So out of the three women featured prominently in the books, two didn't know what they really were until like three days ago, AND they are still discovering powers. So I struggle with them defeating two bad guys in two days. I think the author contributes it to the power of three and the power of finding a mate, not to mention the latent powers they had...but I still don't think it's believable. It's much too fast. And that's a shame, because these are really cool women who kick serious butt!

And once again, spoilers everywhere...a lot of the characters can see the future, see what's going on in people's heads, read it in the cards...but it's all too clear. I wish the author had made more allusions to what was coming instead of spelling it out.

I'm also not crazy about some of the dialog, it feels forced, kind of like the author needed the conversation to go in a certain way so that important things could be revealed. It just wasn't always done very smoothly.

Overall, once again, I feel like I was cheated. This is like a cliff notes version of a great book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dana & Jeffrey’s Story

I really loved Dana and Jeffrey in book 1. So I was happy to learn that this book would have their POVs.
I liked learning more about Dana and her story. Although I still feel like there’s a bit more to learn about her family. The first 4 chapters does not start off where the last story ended. So just be aware of that. It’s a bit of a past view. I didn’t feel like the charachter es were fully fleshed out. This was a fast pace listen and I can’t wait to listen to the next one!
The narrator does a wonderful job portraying all of the characters.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Grimm Cove series. Book 2 is Jeffrey and Dana's story. Filled with magic, mayhem , supernatural hijinks, great humor, hunky alphas and sassy heroines. The chemistry is fantastic and the plot great! I really enjoyed the cast of characters and the enthralling paranormal/supernatural action 🎬. I can't wait for book 3.


My Rating: 4.4 stars ********

[Amyiw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, fun. Will like to get the third of the group. Easy read.

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! Fun read!

[Jessica Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still Cute but Still Disappointed

I love being able to read book one and follow it immediately with the next in a series. I enjoyed Dana and Jeffery as a match and love Dana’s character. Her witty banter did get a few smirks from me. However, this book felt much like the first, rushed with many areas of information overload. This story took place in the span of a day. Each of their personalities were strong and opinionated but by the end of the book they seemed washed out for the sake of getting to point B. There were some extra tid-bits of info that could have been left out for the sake of eliminating confusion and there were parts that could have been elaborated on much more thoroughly for the sake of closure. I liked this book but it could have been way better.

[Sydney M Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fly with the wind
What an amazing second story in this series! The author had me completely enthralled from the first page. She took the characters I loved from the first book and embellished and enhanced everything about them. I love that Dana didn’t lose any of her snark when she was connecting with her mate while wearing the bits of her enemy. This book is full of so many surprises and was that a little bit of a love connection there at the end? I really hope the author keeps this series going. I need to know what Stratton is and if he finds his mate, and Marcy needs to find someone who will love her quirkiness, and what about Jeffery’s sister. The author could keep this series going on forever and I would never get bored. I can’t wait to read the next book to see how she tops this one.

[Lauren Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

No plot to speak of

Without giving out details I'll try to explain my issues with this one. First we have too much prologue. We just don't need that much back story on these characters leading up to present day. Then it's suddenly present day, our make can't get a date, our female gets attacked and he runs to her rescue. Old trope it is. Suddenly out of the blue we are mates, shagging ignoring the enemy. Which is no problem at all because just as we are done with shagging and dinner the big bad shows up for a nicely scheduled dessert. Fight. Done, cut curtain falls, it's a wrap. That is not a plot, that is sophomoric writing at its worst.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who says life is all downhill after forty? They sure haven't met Dana. When Jeffery, pack alpha and more, meets her he is in for it. Oh, not as much as he'd like. He's given up on finding his mate and has plenty of non-committed hookups. He's amazed at his feeling for Dana and that she keeps turning him down. No woman turns him down.

The relationships with the living-in ghosts, her witchy friends, their relations with special abilities, and finding out more and more about her own abilities make for a fun, action-packed read full of surprises, steam, and some literary fun as well. The spunk and strength of the women in the story and their sassy comments keep the reader laughing out loud. Let's just say these alpha males are not prepared for the women they want. When things get scary don't expect them to hide behind the guys.

Be prepared for some fun and a real page-turner.

[Tammy Kenney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book I enjoyed. This one, not so much. If you can get past the first 1/3 of the book the rest is better. I feel like some of the others that have read this book, that the author rushed to get it published. It would have been a better read if this story started where the 1st book left off with some of the backstory throughout the book. Instead I felt lost through the first portion of the book trying to figure out what was going on. Table of contents - 1 Jeffrey, 2 Dana, repeat. I like the characters and once I got first the first several chapters I enjoyed the book. I don't think I will buy the next book in the series until I see what others say. I hope the author puts more thought into the next story and less into making a deadline.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whirlwind in the forecast

Dana doesn't want to believe that she's anything more than an attorney, but she fought a succu-witch with her friends and came out mostly unscathed. Now, darkness comes and instinct takes over. She discovers she's one of the legendary Van Helsings and her mate is a shifter.
I loved Dana's story and how the characters are growing. Marcy is still her same funny self and I'm looking forward to her story. Hope there are more after that, though. I really like Grimm Cove and don't want it to end.

[Marcia Esders · Rating 5 out of 5]

PWF Win

The Fab 13 has done it again! Each and every one of the stories continue to blow me away. The characters are rich and interesting, the settings easily conjured in the mind, and the plot keeps me on the edge of my seat. And Jeffrey and Legs are no exceptions. Their snarky relationship along with a whole set of unusual family and friends continue to entertain.... and then there’s Nonna who will never allow me to hear the word cannoli without a smirk. Great job!

[Gale Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun filled drama

As we know, Dana is a firecracker with much more behind her than even she knows! Being attacked by demons, ghouls and vampires, Dana finds out the truth of her origins and her heritage. Likened to a whirlwind, Dana does not disappoint in this book. The Alpha of the wolf pack is her bounded mate. What an unconventional union they had! I am looking forward to the next book!

[Jennifer Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was phenomenal. I am loving Grimm's Cove! Jeffrey is great with Dana. I love her! She is so feisty and just totally kick butt. Her Nonna is just beyond all things awesome. I love this book. I never review with spoilers but oh when you find out who the man was from the first book with the limo... Ahh, it's too good. I love all of Nancy's books but as a 43 year old this so such a fantastic series! More please, more!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing the sparks between Dana and Jeffery in the first book in this series. Mandy did not disappoint with this book. I do not want to give away any spoilers but things aren't always what they seem in Grimm Cove. People who you think are long gone make a reappearance. This story is a must read...it is full of sass, comedy and steamy scenes. I could not put the book down and I CANNOT wait to see what Mandy has in story for us next.

[Dawn Dohey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me that this series is something new and exciting from Mandy M Roth is a must read . Filled with fast paced action and sexy alpha males. This story however is tailored to the woman in her 40's. Yup you read that right gals like us in our 40's can have it all too....meet hot sexy men at this time in our lives , fresh starts but still faced them age older problems of getting older. Why should all the younger gals have it all..... well it HAPPENED to Dana when she least expected it. New life, new love and new family she never knew she had or thought she lost so long ago.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grimm-tastic!

Wow, what a whirlwind of a ride! Dana comes to Grimm Cove with her friends Poppy and Marcy. She feels drawn there but doesn't know why. Meeting the head shifter Jeffery feels wrong, but also so right. When the shift hits the fan, will they come out alive?

Wonderful characters and great world building make this a great read.

[Geri Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the series, stubborn, smart lady, who can take care of herself. Sexy Alpha wolf who’s sometimes smarter than he looks (but not before he comes ll that close, before he realizes what he’s going to lose) She kicks ass, even with all the chaos in her life. He drools and is protective as all ‘get out’, or as much as she’ll let him. Cute, fun and fast read. Anxiously awaiting third.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This second book is An incredibly well-written book.
and let me tell you this book didn’t disappoint.
Well people get reading this steamy and action packed book, you will not be disappointed. Very much looking forward to book three.

[Dragana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt a little repetitive and too similar to the previous book. Things happen but all feels the same.
I will read the third book since it's about my favorite character in this series, but it will be a deal-breaker.

[Selina Durio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! Friends Poppy, Marcy and Dana are an unstoppable trio and as they each find their mate they become even more. The references to old vampire lore in this book is ingenious. I want to be Nonna when I grow up.

[Jennifer Lowrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A force to be reckoned with kind of says it all! I thought this book must have had a shorter page count - by a lot - than the 1st book... but it didn't! I'm a slow reader by choice, I like to take my time and enjoy the books I read. But this one took seemingly NO time to read! I've said before on other books that I couldn't put them down, but this one... this one was different, time seemed to stop until I finished it. Best one yet!!

[AmandaJR · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of fun!

What a lot of fun that was! I knew I would like Dana and Jeffery’s story from their interactions in the previous book and I was not disappointed!