Advance Review Copy generously provided by the author
in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:

Will a dark history doom their future together?

New York copper Tom Halloran is a man with a past. If anyone finds out he once ran with the notorious O’Connell tunnel gang, he’ll spend the rest of his life doing hard time behind bars. But Tom’s secret is threatened when a horrible murder on his beat seems to have been caused by the same ancient magic that killed his gang.

Cat shifter Cicero is determined to investigate the disappearance of one friend and the death of another, even though no one else believes the cases are connected. When the trail of his investigation crosses Tom’s, the very bohemian Cicero instinctively recognizes the uncultured Irish patrolman as his witch. Though they’re completely unsuited to one another, Cicero has no choice but to work alongside Tom…all the while fighting against the passion growing within.

Tom knows that taking Cicero as his familiar would only lead to discovery and disaster. Yet as the heat between them builds, Tom’s need for the other man threatens to overcome every rational argument against becoming involved.

But when their investigation uncovers a conspiracy that threatens all of New York, Tom must make the hardest decision of his life: to live a lie and gain his heart’s desire, or to confess the truth and sacrifice it all.

Stats:

Rating:     ????????.5

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Review:

For anyone who has ever read one of my reviews for a paranormal story, you may recall that this is typically a genre I shy away from. I don’t have any qualms about self-deprecating and voicing my inane fears.

In theory, paranormal books scare the crap out of me. In reality, I typically need to just suck it up and dive in, then I’ll get drawn in, and I’ll love it. Usually. Unless they do, in fact, scare the crap out of me. Then I’ll read between the fingers covering my eyes and holding my breath until I’m blue…and if all elements of the story are there, then I’ll still love it. I’m fickle like that.

I also need to disclose that this series is my first foray into reading Jordan’s books. I admit I’ve been circling her books for a few years now attempting to muster the courage to start because reviews and the hype can’t be ignored. But I was doing a pretty good job of digging my heels in. Then the woman had to go and request an ARC. Then I had to go and accept. With umm…unadulterated glee–no, really! I could no longer put it off, backed into a corner, such as I was. The PRESSURE!

This?

Yeah, well…..drumroll, please…..

I loved it.

I’m glad I grabbed the short prequel and gave it a quick read before starting this. It helped lay the foundations to this magical world, and I felt mostly prepared stepping into a 1898 witchified, hexified New York. So, that’s a recommendation from me to you…start with the prequel, you won’t regret it. Or not, there’s plenty of world-building goodness that didn’t feel repetitive from one book to the next. But it was fun, so I still suggest giving it a go.

This story of Cicero and Tom was far more than I ever dreamed with an imbroglio of mystery, suspense, deceptions, and intrigue to sort through. At every turn a new clue, a new riddle got tossed into the fray, and I could not figure out the whys and what-fors.

The world building was superb. Really. I have a hard enough time wrapping my head around regular contemporary and the things people do sometimes. Behavior often astounds me. So toss in magic, hexes, witches, familiars who morph into animals and all the supernatural phenomena and I might get a bit tetchy. That’s asking a lot of me. But I was there…so there this time and I got it. It made this mystery business a whole lot of fun…and kinda creepy (in a good way).

I loved the cat characteristics of the familiar, Cicero, even in human form he’d rather curl up in a ray of sun for a nap, sip cream, nuzzle Tom, and pitch a fit in the rain. And when he’s pissed or affronted…just as contrary and aloof as a feline. And don’t call him cute, by god.

Hurly-burly Tom was just a big, kind teddy bear who kept Cicero guessing at every turn. He’s got secrets, dark ones, but overall has paid his penance in good deeds and public service. He was an unexpected, yet perfect counterpoint to Cicero’s sleek and independent charm.

The writing was sharp, on point, and fantastic with the world building and painting the landscape of old New York with just a few factual elements tossed in. I ran the gamut of emotions from laughter, nervousness, worry, and might have just come close to shedding a tear.

I had a few minor niggles where the ends of some scenes and resolutions of problems felt a bit rushed, especially toward the end. And there were so many facets to the mystery that I’m still uncertain that I completely followed all the parts, parcels, and players to see how it all fit. It could be that’s all set up for future books in the series and maybe some threads were left hanging for good reason. Or it could be that I just wanted MORE.

Overall, I this was thoroughly engaging and fun. I’m hooked and will definitely be following the series. Eagerly. And…while I await the next books, I think I’ll finally get busy reading some of Jordan’s other books. Watch out!

This review also posted on GoodReads.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Amazon UK | ARe | Smashwords | Kobo | iBooks | Nook

?Bonus Mini-Review?

Review: The 13th Hex, by Jordan L. Hawk

Note: The 13th Hex was purchased by me and was soley my choice to purchase, read and review in conjunction with Hexbreaker. 

Blurb:

Romance. Magic.
Murder.

Dominic Kopecky dreamed of becoming a member of New York’s Metropolitan Witch Police—a dream dashed when he failed the test for magical aptitude. Now he spends his days drawing the hexes the MWP relies on for their investigations.

But when a murder by patent hex brings crow familiar Rook to his desk, Dominic can’t resist the chance to experience magic. And as the heat grows between Dominic and Rook, so does the danger. Because the case has been declared closed—and someone is willing to kill to keep it that way.

The 13th Hex is the prequel short story to the all-new Hexworld series. If you like shifters, magic, and romance, you’ll love Jordan L. Hawk’s world of witch policemen and the familiars they bond with.

NOTE: This is a previously published work. The title, author, and/or publisher may have changed.
The 13th Hex was originally published as part of the Charmed & Dangerous anthology. Only minor details have been altered for this reissue.

Stats:

Rating:     ????????

Review:

So, as these things go…I can’t seem to read books out of sequence. In poking nervously at Hexbreaker, I found there was a prequel The 13th Hex. I thought it best to dip a toe in a short story before taking my chances of getting eaten alive by the big book.

I’m SO glad I read this. It’s a short, sweet, quick little mystery that might be a just a tad too insta-love and too quickly resolved, but whatever. It was loads of fun that I obviously survived (with my toes intact, even).

And! It serves the purpose of laying the foundations to a magical late 19th century New York. It also introduces Rook and Dominic…a hot as hell duo I was glad to meet.

As with all short stories I was hoping for more because I was so thoroughly involved…and then it ended. Blast it!

Hopefully, we’ll get loads more of Rook and Dominic in upcoming books.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Amazon UK | ARe | Smashwords | Kobo | iBooks | Nook