Rivals and First Sparks

Lavinia "Livvy" Savoie and Gareth Blackwater meet as rivals in a high-stakes supernatural PR contest. Both are ambitious, talented, and fiercely competitive, but their initial antagonism is laced with undeniable attraction. Livvy, a powerful Influencer witch, is drawn to Gareth's brooding, enigmatic presence, while Gareth, a grim reaper with a dark past, is both irritated and fascinated by Livvy's confidence and wit. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry electric, and as they're forced to work together on a team project, the lines between rivalry and desire begin to blur. Beneath the surface, each senses the other's secrets and vulnerabilities, setting the stage for a collision of wills and hearts.

Contest of Causes

The contest requires the trio—Livvy, Gareth, and Willard—to select a cause for their campaign. Each proposes a deeply personal issue: Livvy wants to fight for werewolf rights, Willard for vampire den regulation, and Gareth for supernatural orphans. As they debate, Gareth's passion for helping orphans exposes his own painful childhood in the foster system, marked by neglect and abuse. Livvy, moved by his vulnerability, concedes that his cause is the most urgent. This moment of empathy shifts their dynamic, forging a fragile alliance and deepening their emotional connection. The team unites around Gareth's vision, setting their campaign in motion and planting the seeds of trust.

Tension and Temptation

As the campaign progresses, Livvy and Gareth's mutual attraction intensifies, complicated by their professional rivalry and personal boundaries. Their banter becomes increasingly flirtatious, each testing the other's limits. Gareth's telepathic abilities and Livvy's magical influence create a charged atmosphere, blurring the line between competition and seduction. Outside the office, chance encounters—like a steamy dance at a club—push them closer to the edge. Both are haunted by fantasies of surrender and control, but pride and fear keep them from giving in. The tension is palpable, and the risk of crossing the line grows with every interaction.

Unveiling Vulnerabilities

A series of late-night conversations and shared confidences reveal the scars beneath Livvy and Gareth's facades. Gareth confesses the horrors of his childhood: orphaned young, abused in foster care, and forced to unleash his grim powers in self-defense. Livvy, in turn, grapples with her own patterns of seeking control in relationships and her fear of true vulnerability. Their honesty deepens their bond, but also exposes them to new dangers—both from within and without. As they begin to trust each other, they must also confront the darkness that lives inside Gareth, and the possibility that love might be the only force strong enough to tame it.

The Pin-Up Fundraiser

The team's first major event—a supernatural pin-up photo shoot—tests their ability to collaborate under pressure. Livvy's charisma and organizational skills, Willard's tech savvy, and Gareth's strategic mind combine to create a successful, high-profile fundraiser. The event draws attention to their cause and to their growing partnership. However, the public spotlight also brings new challenges: Gareth's protective instincts flare when Livvy is harassed by a predatory contest liaison, Richard Davis. The threat of workplace harassment and the need for mutual support force Livvy and Gareth to rely on each other, blurring the boundaries between personal and professional even further.

Dangerous Liaisons

Richard Davis's inappropriate advances toward Livvy escalate, triggering Gareth's possessive and protective side. Livvy, used to handling herself, is unsettled by both Richard's aggression and Gareth's intensity. The situation exposes the dangers women face in male-dominated spaces, and the limits of magical self-defense when fear and power imbalances are at play. Gareth's darkness surfaces as he confronts Richard, barely restraining his urge for violent retribution. The incident brings Livvy and Gareth closer, as they find solace and safety in each other's arms, but also foreshadows the greater threat Richard poses—and the monster Gareth keeps caged within.

Lines Crossed

Unable to resist any longer, Livvy and Gareth finally give in to their passion. Their first night together is a heady mix of surrender and dominance, trust and risk. Livvy, always in control, offers Gareth the reins, seeking his trust in return. Gareth, for the first time, allows himself to be vulnerable, revealing the full extent of his grim powers and the monster that lives inside him. Their lovemaking is both tender and feral, a dance of equals who find freedom in each other's arms. The experience transforms them, forging a bond that is as much about healing as it is about pleasure.

The Wet T-Shirt Event

The team's next fundraiser—a werewolf wet t-shirt contest—becomes a raucous celebration of supernatural community and acceptance. Livvy's leadership and Gareth's behind-the-scenes support make the event a resounding success, raising both money and awareness. The public victory is bittersweet, however, as Richard's threat looms ever larger. Gareth's monster is drawn to the surface, both by the thrill of Livvy's submission and the need to protect her from harm. The couple's private explorations of darkness and trust mirror the public struggle for safety and belonging, as they learn that true intimacy requires both courage and surrender.

Monster Unleashed

In a moment of heightened passion, Livvy invites Gareth to show her his true self—the monster within. Gareth's darkness is unleashed, and their encounter becomes a test of limits, trust, and love. Livvy submits willingly, craving the intensity and danger that only Gareth can offer. The experience is both terrifying and ecstatic, pushing them to the brink of pain and pleasure. When it's over, Gareth is wracked with guilt, fearing he's gone too far. But Livvy, empowered by her choice and his vulnerability, reassures him that she wants all of him—light and dark. Their love, forged in the crucible of risk, emerges stronger than ever.

Truths and Trust

With their relationship deepening, Livvy and Gareth open up to their families and friends. Gareth reveals the grim's secret history and the true nature of his powers, breaking the code of secrecy for love. Livvy's sisters embrace Gareth, and the couple finds acceptance and belonging in the Savoie family's warmth. Together, they face the aftermath of trauma, the challenges of healing, and the promise of a future built on honesty and mutual support. The contest nears its end, but the real prize is the home and family they create together—a place where even monsters can be loved.

The Final Assault

Just as victory seems within reach, Richard Davis strikes. Using his Enforcer powers, he strips Livvy of her magic and attempts to assault her in the office. Livvy's terror and helplessness are palpable, but her mental cry for help reaches Gareth, who arrives in time to save her. Gareth's monster nearly kills Richard, but Livvy's plea for mercy and justice prevails. The aftermath is harrowing: Livvy must heal from the trauma, Gareth must confront the consequences of his darkness, and together they must face the legal and emotional fallout. The experience cements their bond, proving that love can survive even the darkest trials.

Justice and Healing

Richard is brought to supernatural trial, where the full extent of his crimes—including multiple murders—are revealed through the grim's unique magic. Gareth and his cousin Henry use their powers to summon the ghosts of Richard's victims, providing irrefutable evidence. Justice is served, and Richard is executed for his crimes. The ordeal brings closure, but also leaves scars. Livvy, surrounded by her sisters and Gareth's unwavering support, begins to heal. The contest ends with all three teammates recognized for their work, but the true victory is the love and community they've built. Gareth and Livvy, now fully committed, look to the future with hope.

Love Beyond Darkness

In the aftermath, Livvy and Gareth move in together, blending their lives and families. Gareth, once an orphan on the outside, finds a home in the Savoie clan and the supernatural community. Livvy, once afraid of surrender, learns the power of trust and vulnerability. Together, they navigate the challenges of love, magic, and the ever-present shadow of Gareth's darkness. Their relationship is a testament to the transformative power of acceptance, forgiveness, and passion. As they plan for a future—including the possibility of children—they know that their love, forged in fire and shadow, is strong enough to withstand anything.

Epilogue: More Than Love

Months later, the Savoie family gathers to welcome new life—Evie's triplets—into the world. Gareth, once an outsider, is now an integral part of the family, embraced by Livvy's sisters and parents. The supernatural orphan program they championed is underway, and the community is stronger for their efforts. As Gareth holds a newborn in his arms, he reflects on the journey from loneliness and darkness to love and belonging. Livvy, radiant and content, knows that their story is just beginning. Together, they have found a love that is, in Poe's words, "more than love"—a force that redeems, heals, and endures.

Characters

Lavinia "Livvy" Savoie

Livvy is a powerful Influencer witch, the second eldest of the Savoie sisters, known for her charisma, wit, and drive. She thrives on control, both in her professional life and relationships, often seeking partners she can dominate. Beneath her confident exterior, Livvy fears vulnerability and the loss of agency, a pattern rooted in her need for excitement and challenge. Her rivalry with Gareth Blackwater awakens desires she's never allowed herself to feel—craving both surrender and trust. As she confronts workplace harassment, trauma, and the darkness within her lover, Livvy's journey is one of learning to let go, accept help, and embrace the transformative power of love. Her arc is a testament to resilience, courage, and the willingness to risk everything for connection.

Gareth Blackwater

Gareth is a grim reaper—part warlock, part vampire—marked by a traumatic childhood in the foster system. Orphaned young, he endured neglect and abuse, developing a cold, controlled exterior to survive. His powers are formidable: telepathy, telekinesis, and the ability to unleash a literal monster of darkness within. Gareth's intelligence and strategic mind make him a formidable rival, but his true longing is for belonging and love. Livvy's challenge and compassion crack his icy shell, forcing him to confront his past and the beast inside. His journey is one of learning to trust, to accept love, and to believe in his own worth. Gareth's arc explores the tension between power and vulnerability, and the redemptive potential of being truly seen.

Richard Davis

Richard is the contest liaison and a powerful Enforcer warlock, whose charm masks a predatory nature. He uses his position to harass and threaten Livvy, escalating from inappropriate advances to violence and attempted murder. Richard's entitlement and misogyny are rooted in a deep-seated need for control and dominance, making him a chilling antagonist. His crimes extend beyond Livvy, as revealed in the trial—he is a serial killer who preys on vulnerable women. Richard's arc is a study in unchecked power, the dangers of institutional complicity, and the necessity of justice. His downfall is both a reckoning and a warning.

Willard Thompson

Willard is the third member of the contest team, a healer warlock with a gentle spirit and a passion for justice. Socially awkward and often overlooked, Willard finds his voice and confidence through the campaign, especially with Livvy's encouragement. His proposal to regulate vampire dens is rooted in personal experience and a desire to protect others. Willard's arc is one of growth, as he learns to step into the spotlight, trust his instincts, and contribute meaningfully to the team. He represents the quiet strength of those who work behind the scenes, and the importance of every voice in the fight for change.

Clara Savoie

Clara, the youngest Savoie sister, is an Aura witch with the ability to sense and influence emotions. Sweet, nurturing, and wise beyond her years, Clara serves as the emotional anchor for her family and friends. She sees through facades, offering gentle but incisive insights into Livvy's patterns and Gareth's pain. Clara's own romantic arc with Henry Blackwater mirrors the main couple's journey—she patiently waits for him to be ready, trusting in the power of timing and connection. Clara embodies the healing potential of empathy, the strength of gentleness, and the quiet courage to love without fear.

Henry Blackwater

Henry is Gareth's cousin and fellow grim, struggling with his own darkness and the burden of his powers. He has blocked off part of his magic, fearing its destructive potential, and lives with anxiety and self-doubt. Henry's relationship with Clara offers him hope and a path to healing, as her light balances his shadow. His pivotal role in the trial—summoning the ghosts of Richard's victims—demonstrates both the danger and necessity of embracing one's gifts. Henry's arc is about facing fear, accepting help, and finding redemption through love and service.

Jules Savoie

Jules, the eldest Savoie sister, is an Enforcer witch and the de facto head of the New Orleans supernatural community. She is calm, decisive, and fiercely protective of her family, serving as both judge and advocate in times of crisis. Jules's presence anchors the narrative, providing moral clarity and a model of female leadership. Her own romantic subplot with Ruben, a powerful vampire, hints at the complexities of power, trust, and interspecies relationships. Jules represents the possibility of wielding authority with compassion, and the importance of community in the face of adversity.

Violet Savoie

Violet is the wild child of the Savoie clan, a Seer witch with a penchant for trouble and a heart of gold. Her journey from outsider to beloved partner mirrors the larger themes of acceptance and belonging. Violet's relationship with Nico, a werewolf, challenges the prejudices of the supernatural world and paves the way for greater inclusion. Her support for Livvy during times of crisis is unwavering, and her own struggles with trauma and healing add depth to the family dynamic. Violet embodies the power of defiance, the necessity of forgiveness, and the joy of living authentically.

Nico Cruz

Nico is a werewolf and Violet's mate, whose love story with her is a subplot of reconciliation and hope. As a member of a marginalized supernatural group, Nico's journey is about fighting for acceptance, both for himself and his pack. His loyalty, strength, and willingness to challenge the status quo make him a key ally in the campaign for supernatural orphans and werewolf rights. Nico's arc is about the courage to claim one's place in the world, and the transformative power of love across boundaries.

Queenie

Queenie, Gareth's three-legged rescue dog, is more than a pet—she is a living symbol of survival, resilience, and the possibility of finding home after trauma. Her presence in Gareth's life marks his capacity for care and vulnerability, and her acceptance by Livvy and the Savoie family signals Gareth's integration into a loving community. Queenie's journey from abandoned to cherished mirrors the central themes of the novel: that even the most wounded can find healing, and that love is the truest form of magic.

Plot Devices

Enemies-to-Lovers Dynamic

The narrative structure hinges on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, using professional competition as a stage for personal transformation. Livvy and Gareth's initial antagonism is a mask for mutual fascination, and their banter serves as both foreplay and emotional armor. The contest forces them into close proximity, requiring collaboration and compromise. As they move from rivals to partners, the tension between control and surrender becomes both a source of conflict and a path to healing. This device allows the story to explore themes of trust, vulnerability, and the ways in which love can be both a risk and a reward.

Dual POV and Telepathy

The novel alternates between Livvy and Gareth's points of view, offering insight into their inner worlds and the misunderstandings that fuel their conflict. Telepathy, as a supernatural ability, becomes a metaphor for emotional transparency and the dangers of true intimacy. Mind-to-mind communication allows for moments of raw honesty, but also exposes each character's deepest fears and desires. This device heightens the stakes of their relationship, making every act of trust a leap into the unknown.

Magical Consent and Power Exchange

The story uses supernatural abilities—telekinesis, influence, and the unleashing of Gareth's monster—as metaphors for the dynamics of power, consent, and surrender in relationships. Livvy's journey from control to submission is mirrored by Gareth's struggle to trust himself and accept love. Their sexual encounters are charged with questions of agency, risk, and the boundaries of pleasure and pain. The narrative foregrounds the importance of explicit consent, the dangers of unchecked power (as embodied by Richard), and the healing potential of mutual vulnerability.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

Early hints of Gareth's darkness, Livvy's patterns of control, and Richard's predatory nature foreshadow the climactic assault and its aftermath. The subplot of supernatural orphans parallels Gareth's own journey from abandonment to belonging, while the campaign for werewolf rights echoes the larger theme of acceptance. The use of family, both chosen and biological, as a source of strength and healing is woven throughout, culminating in the epilogue's celebration of new life and community.

Supernatural Justice System

The supernatural trial, with its unique blend of magic, testimony, and the summoning of ghosts, serves as both a narrative climax and a device for closure. It allows for the public exposure of Richard's crimes, the validation of Livvy's experience, and the restoration of order. The trial also provides a stage for Gareth and Henry to use their powers for good, breaking the grim code of secrecy in service of justice. This device underscores the novel's commitment to accountability, healing, and the possibility of redemption.

Analysis

Always Practice Safe Hex is a contemporary paranormal romance that deftly blends humor, heat, and heart with a sharp-eyed exploration of trauma, consent, and the redemptive power of love. At its core, the novel is a meditation on the ways in which our greatest strengths—magic, intelligence, ambition—can also be our greatest vulnerabilities. Through the enemies-to-lovers arc of Livvy and Gareth, the story interrogates the dynamics of power, control, and surrender, both in the bedroom and in the wider world. The supernatural setting amplifies real-world issues: workplace harassment, the legacy of childhood trauma, the struggle for acceptance, and the necessity of community. By foregrounding consent, mutual healing, and the courage to be seen in one's entirety—light and dark—the book offers a vision of love that is both fiercely passionate and deeply restorative. In a world where monsters are real, Always Practice Safe Hex insists that even the most wounded can find home, and that true magic lies in the willingness to risk everything for connection, justice, and joy.

Last updated: October 19, 2025