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Don't Hex and Drive

Don't Hex and Drive

by Juliette Cross 2020 350 pages
4.07
18.4K ratings
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Plot Summary

Collision of Fates

A fateful accident sparks connection

Isadora Savoie, a gentle, introverted witch with a gift for healing, is cycling home through New Orleans, lost in thoughts of flowers and magic, when her world is literally upended by a speeding car. The driver is Devraj Kumar, a charismatic, powerful vampire and former Bollywood star, newly arrived in town. Their collision is more than physical: it's a clash of personalities, values, and supernatural energies. Isadora's precious plants are destroyed, her ankle injured, and her trust shaken. Devraj, guilt-ridden and intrigued, insists on helping her home, setting off a chain of events that will entwine their lives. The accident is the catalyst for a reluctant, electric connection—one that neither can ignore, despite their best efforts.

Reluctant Neighbors

Proximity breeds reluctant fascination

Devraj moves into the house next door to Isadora and her coven of sisters, making avoidance impossible. Isadora, fiercely private and wary of vampires, finds her sanctuary invaded by Devraj's presence—his loud music, shirtless yoga, and effortless charm. Meanwhile, Devraj is both amused and frustrated by Isadora's resistance to his overtures, her refusal to be charmed, and her steadfast independence. Their interactions are a dance of irritation and attraction, each encounter deepening their awareness of the other. The neighborhood becomes a stage for their growing tension, as the supernatural community buzzes with rumors and the threat of missing girls looms in the background.

Brewing Tensions

Mystery and desire simmer

As Isadora and Devraj's paths cross at family dinners, the local bar, and the metaphysical shop, their banter grows sharper and more intimate. Isadora's sisters, each with their own magical gifts and personalities, encourage the match, while Isadora clings to her boundaries. Devraj, haunted by loneliness and a longing for home, finds himself drawn to Isadora's quiet strength and kindness. Meanwhile, the city is gripped by fear as young women go missing, and the supernatural community suspects a vampire is behind the abductions. Devraj, a Stygorn—an elite vampire enforcer—joins the investigation, and Isadora is pulled into the case, her healing magic needed more than ever.

Unlikely Alliances

Partnership forged by necessity

The investigation into the missing girls forces Isadora and Devraj to work together, despite their mutual reluctance. Isadora's empathy and magical insight prove invaluable, while Devraj's skills as a hunter and interrogator bring them closer to the truth. Their partnership is fraught with tension—professional, magical, and romantic. As they share late-night stakeouts, healing sessions, and moments of vulnerability, their defenses begin to crumble. The case becomes personal, and the lines between duty and desire blur, drawing them into each other's orbits in ways neither anticipated.

Flirtation and Friction

Desire ignites amid danger

The chemistry between Isadora and Devraj becomes undeniable, manifesting in heated arguments, playful banter, and stolen glances. Isadora's resistance is tested by Devraj's persistence and unexpected tenderness, while Devraj is captivated by her authenticity and the peace she brings to his restless soul. Their flirtation is complicated by misunderstandings, jealousy, and the ever-present threat of violence in the city. When Isadora's private life is exposed—her vibrator delivered to Devraj by mistake—their dynamic shifts from antagonism to intimacy, setting the stage for a passionate, transformative encounter.

Secrets and Surveillance

Uncovering darkness beneath the surface

The investigation deepens as Devraj and his allies, including a mysterious grim reaper with advanced surveillance technology, close in on the vampire trafficking ring. Isadora's healing of a rescued victim reveals the horrors inflicted on the missing girls, fueling her determination to help. The team devises a risky plan: Isadora will act as bait to lure the kidnappers, trusting in Devraj and her sisters to protect her. The stakes are raised as secrets come to light—about the Bellingrath family's involvement, the political dangers of the supernatural world, and the vulnerabilities of the heart.

The Bait is Set

Courage and trust are tested

Isadora, nulled of her magic to appear human, bravely steps into the role of bait, supported by her sister Livvy and watched over by Devraj and his team. The plan is fraught with peril, as the Bellingrath brothers—one a cunning ringleader, the other a sadistic enforcer—close in. Isadora's courage is matched by Devraj's fear for her safety, his protective instincts warring with his respect for her autonomy. The operation spirals out of control when Isadora is drugged and abducted, her fate uncertain and Devraj's worst fears realized.

Blood and Betrayal

A race against time and evil

Devraj's relentless pursuit of Isadora leads him through the city and beyond, following the faintest traces of her scent and the echoes of her magic. The rescue is a brutal confrontation—Devraj unleashes his full power on the Bellingrath brothers, exacting justice for the women they've harmed. Isadora, traumatized but alive, is brought home to her sisters, her healing powers needed to mend not just her own wounds but those of the other victims. The aftermath is a reckoning for the city's supernatural community, as old alliances are tested and new bonds are forged.

Into the Lion's Den

Facing fears and forging bonds

In the wake of the rescue, Isadora and Devraj confront their deepest fears—of loss, of vulnerability, of not belonging. Isadora's phobia of driving is gently challenged by Devraj, who teaches her to trust herself and him. Their relationship, once defined by boundaries and caution, becomes a space of healing and growth. The couple navigates the complexities of their differences—Devraj's glamorous past, Isadora's quiet life, the expectations of their families and communities. Through shared challenges and small victories, they discover the strength of their connection.

Rescue and Reckoning

Justice, forgiveness, and new beginnings

The trial of the Bellingrath brothers brings closure to the case, but also stirs up old wounds and new questions. Isadora's family rallies around her, their bonds strengthened by adversity. Devraj, once a wanderer, contemplates putting down roots in New Orleans, drawn by the promise of love and belonging. The couple's journey from collision to commitment is marked by forgiveness—of themselves and each other—and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The city, once shadowed by fear, begins to heal, its magic restored by the courage of those who fought for justice.

Facing the Heart

Vulnerability leads to transformation

Isadora and Devraj, now lovers, must confront the reality of their feelings. Isadora's fear of abandonment and Devraj's longing for home collide in moments of honesty and tenderness. Their intimacy deepens, both physically and emotionally, as they learn to trust in the possibility of lasting love. The couple's differences—once sources of conflict—become strengths, each teaching the other to embrace life more fully. Through vulnerability, they find the courage to claim happiness, even as the future remains uncertain.

Healing and Homecoming

Love redefines family and self

With the case closed and the city safe, Isadora and Devraj turn their attention to building a life together. Isadora's healing magic, once a source of isolation, becomes a bridge to community and purpose. Devraj, no longer a restless wanderer, finds peace in the rhythms of daily life and the warmth of Isadora's family. Together, they adopt a rescue dog, Archie, symbolizing their commitment to nurturing and protecting what they love. The couple's home becomes a sanctuary—a place where magic, love, and laughter flourish.

Love in the Light

A public declaration and a promise

In a joyful, cinematic gesture, Devraj serenades Isadora in front of her family and neighbors, declaring his love and intent to stay. The couple's engagement is celebrated by all, their union a testament to the power of vulnerability, courage, and hope. Isadora, once afraid to risk her heart, embraces the future with open arms, while Devraj, once rootless, finds belonging at last. Their story, born of accident and adversity, becomes a beacon for others—a reminder that love, in all its messy, magical forms, is worth fighting for.

Epilogue: New Beginnings

A new chapter for all

The Savoie family and their supernatural friends gather for a raucous karaoke night, celebrating victories, new ventures, and the bonds that hold them together. Isadora and Devraj, now partners in life and love, look to the future with hope and excitement. Their journey—from collision to commitment, from fear to trust—has transformed them both, and the city they call home. As new stories begin and old wounds heal, the message is clear: love, in all its forms, is the greatest magic of all.

Characters

Isadora Savoie

Gentle healer, reluctant heroine, heart of the story

Isadora is the quiet, introverted middle sister of the powerful Savoie witch family. A Conduit, she channels healing magic into plants, animals, and people, preferring the company of her greenhouse and rescue animals to the chaos of the outside world. Isadora's deep empathy and selflessness often leave her vulnerable, both to the needs of others and to her own fears—of driving, of intimacy, of not being enough. Her journey is one of gradual awakening: from reluctant participant in her own life to courageous heroine, willing to risk everything for love and justice. Her relationship with Devraj challenges her boundaries, teaching her to trust, to desire, and to claim happiness on her own terms. Through adversity, Isadora discovers her strength, her worth, and the transformative power of vulnerability.

Devraj Kumar

Charismatic vampire, restless soul, seeker of home

Devraj is a centuries-old Stygorn vampire—an elite enforcer, former Bollywood star, and master of charm. Beneath his dazzling exterior lies a deep loneliness and a longing for belonging, shaped by loss and a lifetime of wandering. Devraj's confidence masks a fear of vulnerability, and his pursuit of pleasure is a shield against emptiness. Meeting Isadora upends his world: her authenticity, kindness, and resistance to his charm captivate him, drawing out his gentler, more introspective side. As he becomes entangled in the investigation and in Isadora's life, Devraj is forced to confront his own desires—for love, for home, for meaning. His arc is one of transformation: from restless playboy to devoted partner, willing to fight for a future he never thought possible.

Violet Savoie

Sharp-tongued Seer, fierce protector, secret softie

Violet, one of Isadora's twin sisters, is a Divine Seer with a punk-rock aesthetic and a razor wit. She delights in pushing boundaries, both magical and social, and is fiercely protective of her family. Violet's sarcasm and bravado mask a deep loyalty and a keen intuition—she sees more than she lets on, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Her readings and interventions often nudge Isadora and Devraj toward honesty and action, and her own subplot hints at future romantic entanglements. Violet's arc is one of embracing vulnerability, both in herself and in those she loves.

Livvy Savoie

Magnetic Influencer, creative force, supportive sister

Livvy, another Savoie sister, wields the power of influence—magical and otherwise. Outgoing, tech-savvy, and always ready with a scheme, Livvy is the family's marketing genius and social butterfly. She encourages Isadora to take risks, both in love and in life, and provides comic relief and emotional support throughout the story. Livvy's own journey is one of balancing ambition with authenticity, and her friendship with Isadora is a source of strength for both.

Jules Savoie

Stoic Enforcer, family anchor, secret romantic

Jules, the eldest Savoie sister, is the Enforcer of New Orleans' supernatural community—a position of immense power and responsibility. Calm, disciplined, and fiercely protective, Jules struggles with her own vulnerabilities, particularly in matters of the heart. Her complicated relationship with Ruben, the vampire overlord, adds depth and tension to the narrative. Jules's arc is one of learning to trust others, to delegate, and to open herself to love, even as she shoulders the burdens of leadership.

Clara Savoie

Joyful Aura, emotional glue, gentle spirit

Clara, the youngest Savoie sister, is an Aura witch who radiates peace and happiness. Her empathic magic soothes those around her, and her optimism is a balm in times of crisis. Clara's sweetness and innocence are balanced by quiet strength, and she often serves as the emotional glue of the family. Her support helps Isadora heal, both physically and emotionally, and her subplot hints at future growth and adventure.

Ruben Dubois

Vampire overlord, old friend, stoic leader

Ruben is the enigmatic, impeccably dressed leader of New Orleans' vampires and Devraj's oldest friend. Calm, calculating, and deeply principled, Ruben is both a mentor and a foil to Devraj. His own romantic struggles with Jules mirror the central couple's journey, and his leadership is tested by the crisis of the missing girls. Ruben's arc is one of balancing duty with desire, and his loyalty to his friends and city is unwavering.

Darren Webber

Reluctant accomplice, pawn in a larger game

Darren is a young vampire caught up in the trafficking ring, more follower than leader. His fear and guilt make him susceptible to Devraj's persuasion, and his cooperation is key to unraveling the case. Darren's arc is one of reckoning—with his actions, his loyalties, and the consequences of complicity.

Blake and Adam Bellingrath

Entitled predators, faces of corruption

The Bellingrath brothers are the privileged, ruthless masterminds behind the vampire trafficking ring. Blake is the arrogant ringleader, while Adam is the true power—a sadistic, cunning enforcer with both vampire and witch heritage. Their actions drive the central conflict, and their downfall is a reckoning for the city's elite. Their arc is one of hubris, cruelty, and ultimate justice.

Archie

Rescue dog, symbol of healing and hope

Archie, the scruffy terrier mix adopted by Devraj and Isadora, is more than a pet—he's a symbol of their commitment to nurturing, healing, and building a home together. His presence brings joy, comfort, and a sense of family, embodying the story's themes of rescue and belonging.

Plot Devices

Collision as Catalyst

A literal and metaphorical crash sets the story in motion

The opening accident between Isadora and Devraj is both a plot device and a symbol: it forces two opposites into each other's lives, breaking down barriers and setting off a chain of events that neither can control. The collision is echoed in their emotional and magical clashes, driving the narrative forward.

Enemies-to-Lovers Arc

Tension, banter, and reluctant attraction fuel romance

The story employs the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, using sharp dialogue, misunderstandings, and forced proximity to build chemistry and emotional stakes. The gradual shift from irritation to intimacy is mirrored in the characters' internal journeys, as they confront their fears and desires.

Dual POV and Interwoven Subplots

Alternating perspectives deepen emotional resonance

The narrative alternates between Isadora and Devraj's points of view, allowing readers to experience their vulnerabilities, motivations, and growth firsthand. Subplots involving the Savoie sisters, Ruben and Jules, and the supernatural community enrich the world and provide contrast to the central romance.

Supernatural Mystery and Suspense

A high-stakes investigation raises tension

The missing girls plotline introduces urgency, danger, and moral complexity. The use of magical surveillance, undercover operations, and political intrigue weaves together romance and suspense, keeping the stakes high and the pace brisk.

Magical Realism and Symbolism

Magic as metaphor for emotion and healing

The story uses magic not just as a plot device, but as a metaphor for vulnerability, connection, and transformation. Isadora's healing powers, Devraj's glamour, and the sisters' unique gifts all symbolize aspects of love, trust, and self-acceptance. The adoption of Archie, the rescue dog, serves as a symbol of hope and new beginnings.

Foreshadowing and Tarot

Prophecy and intuition guide choices

Violet's Tarot readings and Seer abilities foreshadow key events, providing both guidance and tension. The readings serve as both plot device and thematic anchor, reminding characters (and readers) that fate is shaped by intention, courage, and the willingness to risk the heart.

Analysis

A modern fairy tale of vulnerability, courage, and belonging

"Don't Hex and Drive" reimagines the paranormal romance as a story not just of magic and danger, but of emotional honesty and personal growth. At its core, the novel is about two outsiders—one a gentle healer afraid to risk her heart, the other a charismatic wanderer longing for home—who collide, challenge, and ultimately transform each other. The book explores themes of trust, self-acceptance, and the courage to embrace love despite fear. Through its blend of humor, suspense, and sensuality, the story invites readers to consider the ways we protect ourselves from pain, and the risks we must take to find true connection. The supernatural elements serve as both metaphor and catalyst, amplifying the stakes and illuminating the universal struggles of intimacy, forgiveness, and hope. In the end, the lesson is clear: love is the greatest magic, and the willingness to be seen, to heal, and to belong is the bravest spell of all.

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Review Summary

4.07 out of 5
Average of 18.4K ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Don't Hex and Drive receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising the chemistry between Isadora and Devraj, the witty banter, and the steamy romance. Many enjoy the paranormal New Orleans setting and the Savoie sisters' dynamics. Some reviewers found Isadora frustrating at times, but overall appreciated the character development. The mystery subplot adds depth to the story. Fans of the series eagerly anticipate the next installment, highlighting the book's entertaining blend of humor, magic, and romance.

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4.56
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About the Author

Juliette Cross is a multi-published author specializing in paranormal and contemporary romance. Her best-selling Stay A Spell series has garnered a dedicated following. A native of Louisiana, Cross resides in Cajun country with her husband, four children, and various pets. When not writing, she enjoys binge-watching television shows with her husband while indulging in red wine or whiskey. Cross actively engages with her readers through social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. She maintains a newsletter to keep fans informed about upcoming releases and news. Her writing is characterized by its blend of humor, magic, and steamy romance, set against vibrant paranormal backdrops.

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