High Jinx (Cursed Luck, #2)

by Kelley Armstrong

[Berls]

4.5 stars
Once again, I really enjoyed the way the quirkiness of paranormal cozies comes together with mythology and urban fantasy in this series! I've read somewhere that this is the conclusion to the series (duology?), but I certainly hope that's not the case! In my opinion, it's far from concluded.

I think my favorite part of High Jinx was the character/relationship development. Kennedy and Aiden especially learn so much about each other and grow a lot closer in this book. I really enjoyed better understanding his family situation and felt exasperated on his behalf because of his parents - especially his father who I might just say is evil.

The mystery was also great. It involved some cursed paintings and once again the gods/immortals (Mercury and Athene -- and one other, but that would be a spoiler -- took center stage). I feel like we're gradually learning even more about the magical world through the mysteries, which is fun.

In the audiobook there's also a short novella - Goddess of Summer Love - included at the end. The placement is unfortunate as it falls before the events of this book (which is accurately displayed on Goodreads), but since I didn't know it was there, I read it after. I still enjoyed it quite a bit and it was fun getting the perspective of Venus/Vanessa - an immortal/god - on the relationships of all the key characters. And I also enjoyed the mystery. I just really wish it had been at the start of the audio book (or at the end of the first book).

The narration of High Jinx was done been Carly Robins and I think she does a great job of bringing the characters to life, complete with the snarky tone I've come to expect in my paranormal cozies. I listened at 2x speed (as I normally do) very comfortably.

The narration of Goddess of Summer Love was done by Emily Durante, a narrator I've listened to several times and enjoy. I think it was an appropriate narration change, as she has more of the urban fantasy voice than the paranormal cozy... if that makes any sense to anyone but me. I also was able to listen at 2x speed comfortably.