April's Fool (Northarbor Coven #2) by Jax Stuart

April's Fool (Northarbor Coven #2) Reviews

• 
  True Loveislovereview

  We know Damon as the hitman from book 1 as he’s involved with Cody. This story is where Cody meets his father, the demon Prince Mori. Damon and Mori have a connection. They’ll leave to Mori’s realm.
  
  Damon has to let Cody and his mate go, he’s back to being lonely. He has one friend, friend, and workmate Parker. Parker wants him to leave because Damon as a hitman became a target himself. Up he goes to the demon realm, to Cody and Toth, and even more importantly, Mori!
  
  They will finish Basil.
  Yes, Basil was still a problem.
  
  Without giving the story away, I can say, there’s a lot of entertainment, seriousness, and fun, but also a bunch of sexiness to enjoy!
  The realms created here were amazing, I loved every part of it. The characters were the best.
  The story is fun and exciting.
  
  
  
• 
  Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡

  "I jolted as I felt something wander up my leg. His tail. It reached my underwear and eased inside before circling me. The sensation was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. The tip was slightly cool from the morning air and made me shiver with lust as it tightened its grip on me."
  
  Like many paranormal readers, I am a sucker for some tail play and as an incubus who feeds off of sexual energy Mori sure knows how to use it to his advantage! Unfortunately, we have to wait a bit until he can put that tail to "proper" use since a certain son and bestie *cough ahem Cody cough* decides to be a bit of a cockblock so to speak. I honestly didn't blame Cody. He wanted to make sure both his father and best friend didn't end up hurt or even hurting the other. I think it also benefited both Mori and Damon in that it gave them time to really get to know one another instead of just burning up the sheets. Though have no fear, these two definitely do that as well!
  
  Plot wise we have a bit of a crazy pickle going on. Basil is still being a giant salty pain in the ass. I cannot stress enough how much I cannot wait for that witch to get what's coming to him. He's also got a few new tricks up his sleeve, but then again so does our beloved hitman! Not to mention there are a plethora of HOLY CRAP surprises in this book which I absolutely will not spoil here.
  
  "Be a good boy and let those horns and tail out."
  
  I enjoyed all the cameos from Toth and Cody. It was wonderful seeing them still so happy and in love. I also really liked Thyme, though something is definitely going on between him and Oak. And I cannot forget to mention Parker, Damon's handler and bestie. He's the closest thing Damon has ever had to family and I loved the bond that they shared. Oh, OH! and then there's sweet Barr! If you don't find him absolutely precious, then you probably have a heart of steel.
  
  Happily, this isn't the last we are going to see from the Northarbor Coven. There are still plenty of possible couples teased by Miss Stuart and the overarching plot is sure to continue in book 3. It's a toss up for me on who I'm hoping will be next, but either way I'll be reading it!
• 
  Devoted❤️Reader

  So much fun!
  
  A tail you won’t believe, or maybe you will and want more! I have a soft spot for hitmen and demons so when I learned that our Damon was going to find his HEA with Mori, well, I may have squeaked a lot.
  
  “When he kissed me, I gasped. Not out of a sense of him belonging to me, or some mystical sense, just a feeling of rightness.
  Home.
  Mori felt like every dream come to life.”
  
  Mori and Demon are superb together and I adore everything about them. They’re super sweet, utterly adorable, and pack a boatload of steam into every thing they do. And holy horns the surprises that this series has in store! I cannot wait for Basil to get his comeuppance and to see who’s next.
• 
  Molly Otto

  The follow-up to January Blues, where we get to see our favorite assassin again, meet his better half. Damon and Mori have that right balance where Mori knows what Damon needs to stay level-headed, while Damon is the protector he needs to be able to go between realms. And even better, we get to catch up with Sweetwater Pack to see how their live have changed since last visiting. So many new revelations are uncovered, making you just need more from this universe to see how it all plays out! Cannot wait to see what Jax has in store for us next!
• 
  Xanthe

  **4.5**
  *recommended to read January Blues first*
  April's Fool follows Damon, the human assassin we met in January Blues who was meant to kill Cody but discovered that was not at all above board, and Mori, a demon prince who Cody discovered was his father not long after that.
  We start this book when Damon takes on the hit for Cody but then goes along with his side of the story, moving quite quickly through until we meet Mori. There is clearly a connection between them even though neither quite understands what it is. There is the neverending worry throughout about what Basil, the witch who has it out for Cody, is up to and planning on next. Damon has to go into hiding as his name comes up as being a hit for sale and so heads to the demon realm to hide from human and witch assassins.
  I like how it is a low angst romance when it comes to Damon and Mori, the two just fitting seamlessly together. Despite Damon only trusting two people in his life, it happens so quickly with Mori. There was a slight doubt about how Cody would fake things but with so much going on, it's not his biggest worry. Basil is the cause of so much stress going on for everyone with his determination to take over as High Witch at the coven and doesn't care what he has to do, or who he has to hurt to get there. A lot goes on for both men throughout the book, with a big surprise or two in store and not necessarily happy ones but it all leaves me eagerly anticipating the third book of the series!
  I enjoyed the cast of characters we get to interact with, many from previous books. They really enhance the family feel that is built up among some of them and then the tension that grows between others.
  A highly recommended read set in a fantastic world by a wonderful author. I'm looking forward to the next of the series.
  I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
• 
  Scatteredashes

  I wanted to like Damon and Mori's story as I did enjoy January Blues. However, I just felt that I didn't really get a good feel on Damon and Mori. There was a lot to this story and I did enjoy parts of it, like meeting Barr and Parker meeting Gregoris. Overall though, the pacing felt off to me and much of the romance between Damon and Mori seemed a bit off screen. We were told that they talked many nights, but it would've been nice to have been part of that conversation. Instead, the focus seemed to be on finding Basil....except for when it wasn't. This one's a bit of a whirlwind and for me it just didn't work. I do normally enjoy Jax's writing but this one didn't get to me like others. The spicy scenes were well done and Mori definitely has "golden retriever" energy and is cute. The whole scene with Gregoris leaving didn't jive for me and neither did his replacement with his grandfather. I couldn't understand why Kerne was so cold to Mori when Gregoris and Mori were close friends.
  
  And my biggest reason for giving it three stars may be a bit SPOILERY..............here it is........
  
  
  I think this one kind of broke the fated mates reasoning in this universe. Many of the others in this series take the fact that fated mates are divinely set by the Goddess and so are perfect for each other. However, this one kind of spits in the face of that by saying chosen "mates" are better because their chosen. To me, it can't be both ways. Fate either knows what it's doing or it doesn't. This just didn't fly with me and almost lessens the other couples who were like...hey lets make this work because we're fated.
  
  This is just my opinion but I don't think this one is Jax's best. You could also get away without reading January Blues since there's enough recap.
• 
  Kendra Patterson

  Damon helps save his BFF and now he's dodging a hit on himself. Basil is still trying to get his hands on Cody but now he wants Damon too. Going to the demon world to be with his BFF Cody and his mate Toth, is the only thing to do. There he's safe right? Wrong. He's trying to navigate a new relationship, keep his BFF and his mate safe, and not get kidnapped himself. He doesn't know who is the next to fall under Basil's spells and sell him out. What is going on? Why is Basil so intent on taking out Damon, Cody and anyone helping them?
  
  Mori is Cody's father. He's trying to get to know him now that he's free of the demon and Cody is free of the witches. Every which way they turn there's something or someone coming after them. Those they think they can trust aren't so trustworthy after all. Now he's come across Damon and he's chosen him as his mate. Being a chosen mate is better than a fated mate right?
  
  This is a well written fantasy, paranormal, romance with some mystery thrown in. The world and character building is good. The characters are well fleshed out. The chemistry between the couples is well felt. The story is good and there's twists every which way they turn. Damon has the most to learn and the changes aren't to his liking but he's up to the challenge. I can't wait for when they take Basil down. I'm really liking this series and looking forward to book 3 (love the title BTW). There are also some LOL moments so the book isn't all heavy and dark. Definitely recommend this book and series.
• 
  Heather Duff

  
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  Mori is fantastic. The overeager, big-hearted demon Prince. But to say it’s complicated is an understatement. He’s crushing on his newly found son’s best friend. His bodyguard and best friend have feelings for him (and for the record, he’s got some explaining to do). And they are under attack by a power-hungry witch.
  
  Damon’s life has been turned upside down. First, he became best friends with the man he was supposed to kill. Now he’s developing feelings for his father. The golden-retriever demon whom you can’t help but be drawn to.
  
  And through it all, they are trying to figure out their feelings while dealing with interfering family and friends, and trying to stay alive. But when they do manage to get some alone time, hot damn, fire! Let me tell you Mori knows how to use his tale. Didn’t know that was going to become a kink, but here we are, with me pleading for some sexy bonus scenes.
  
  "Be a good boy and let those horns and tail out."
  
  The hunt for Basil and the ensuing drama will keep you on the edge of your seat, and there are lots of surprises along the way, enough to make you beg for the next book.
  
• 
  Becky

  This is one of those books that is really hard for me to review. Overall, I did like the story, but it seemed a little all over the place. There was so much going on with the plot and the story had a ton of twists and turns. There were times it didn’t feel like a cohesive story.
  
  The blurb recommends this book be read after January Blues. But the first ~20% of this book is basically a recap of book 1, just from Damon and Mori’s POV. It is a continuing storyline, but that might be enough for new readers to understand what’s going on
  
  There is an aspect of romance to this with Damon and Mori, but the book reads as more of an action story. Their relationship really takes a backseat in the plot compared to Stuart’s other books. There are a couple spicy scenes, but honestly they just left me with more questions
  
  This book wasn’t what I was expecting. While I enjoyed the overarching story, the execution didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I think this is the first book from this author I didn’t immediately love, so I’m hoping this was just a one off and do plan to continue the series. I’m dying to know what happens with Parker, so hopefully we see more of him soon!
  
  I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion
• 
  LC

  I LOVE this series!! I love magic and demons and witches. BUT also this is a series that is Sweetwater Pack adjacent. That means double the characters when they pop up.
  
  Mori is a demon. He was contracted by Cody’s grandpapa once upon a time. Since then he has patiently waited for Cody’s magical bonds to break to unleash his demon side. Now he gets to be a Dad to Cody and he is so excited. He’s like a rainbow and sunshine all mixed together. Damon is still a hitman, but he’s ready to move on, to have a real life. Saving Cody and then Toth put a bright light on him though. Now Basil wants him dead too. What’s a hitman to do?
  
  When Mori and Damon meet, sparks fly. These two are perfect for each other. I absolutely loved reading this story. Mori and Damon are the opposites that attract, the yin and the yang. Mori is giving and kind and recognizes the huge heart that Damon has. I could read this book over and over again. Knowing that there is so much more to the story, a mystery if you will, regarding Basil makes the story interesting beyond the romance as well. I love stories like this. I'm drawn to stories like this that have layers to peel back and so many characters to fall in love with.
• 
  Marion

  This is the second book in the Northarbor Coven series. You really need to read the first book January Blues first. Each book focuses on a different couple but there is an overlapping story arc. This is the story of Damon and Mori. Damon is a human hitman who was hired to kill Cody. Realizing that something was wrong, he saves Cody and they become good friends. It is in the demon realm that they meet Mori. Mori is a demon prince and Cody's father. They work together to save Cody's mate. This book continues on from that point. Only this time, there is a hit out on the hitman. Both him and his partner Parker are targeted. In order to come up with a plan, he goes to the demon realm. Once again Mori and Damon are in orbit around each other. Both are acutely aware of the other. Mori wants to protect Damon but Damon is used to protecting everyone else. They slowly learn about each other. The miserable bad guy Basil is still out and about causing havoc. They and the Stillwater Pack attempt to put an end to Basils attempt to destroy everyone and everything. This is their story. This is a very well written book. It is easy to read. I really enjoyed meeting the new characters in the story. Who doesn't love a shy hellhound? There is plenty of action and intrigue in the book. And in spite of all that, there is still the love story of Damon and Mori. I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the author's next book.
  
  I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Sheena

  This is the second in a series, it's not a standalone as it starts concurrently with the first book, January Blues. It's been a while for me since I read that book and I was a little confused at the start, but that's on me as I should have re-read that in preparation. This is a paranormal, chosen mates, with a dash of found family and a villain that just won't give up.
  
  I liked Damon and Mori in the first book, and even better here together. There was an instant connection between them, not unusual for mates but this was different as Mori chose Damon, and they're not fated. There's a lot of different threads of story going on here, but they do all come together neatly at the end, albeit with the one loose thread that I'm dying to see tied up.
  
  Mori and Damon have great chemistry, and truly do fit together so very well. I loved Damon's reveal too, and happy he found family in the end after being alone for so long.
  
  I really enjoyed this and do look forward to the next.
  
• 
  Lisa

  This book follows on from
  January Blues but focuses on Mori and Damon.
  Damon is having to hide as he has had a hit put out on him. He goes first to the Demon realm to stay with Cody but soon its not safe for him there.
  This story moves at a fast pace, and we are even introduced to Mori's parents and the lovely Barr. Parker meets his mate and war breaks out in Northarbor.
  
  The only thing that I didn't like about this book was that the first 20% was spent recapping on January Blues but from different view points. Almost all of my friends will read a series in the order its published and so would have been familiar with what was happening. If somebody hadn't read January Blues then I still think that they could have read April's Fool and not be lost.
• 
  Jeanette Waters

  Damon and Mori bond over their love and desire to protect half witch/half demon, Cody. Their attraction is immediate, but now isn't a good time because the hitman-in-retirement has a contract on his head. But what characters ever follow the sensible route.
  In a world of instant/fated mates, it was nice to see a chosen mate. Mori is an incubus, so even their kisses are page wrinkling hot. And the actual sex is quite fan your face, inferno hot. Mori and Damon's parenting of Cody and Toth is almost as overbearing as Mori's parents version. And just as funny.
  There's lots of portalling from Earth to the Demon Realm and back. This makes for great world building. The secondary characters are wonderful. The author gives us a cliffhanger. There are quite a number of issues that need to be resolved this November with book three.
  I received an advanced copy of this book
• 
  Raven and Chris

  I am so enthralled with the Northarbor Coven and the Sweetwater Pack. These are characters and stories that I just can’t get enough of! This is our favorite assassin Damon’s story now along with our cinnamon roll of a demon Mori. With Basil’s dark magical threats and his evil ways, our MC’s need all of the help they can get. Please read January Blues first so you can meet the guys properly and all in order. The beginning of this book overlaps a bit for backstory but reading them in the proper order will make much more sense. I did love the fact that we have chosen mates here as well as fated. They are both equally important and absolutely fabulous because who could deny that Mori is completely gone for Damon. Read this book! You won’t regret it. 🥰
  
• 
  Jenny Michelle

  Welcome back to Northabor ❤️
  We are back in the Northabor universe. The beginning of the book gives us Mori’s and Damon’s view from the first book which was interesting to read.
  It is a good way to recap or to get the story if one (foolishly) didn’t read the first book of this series 😂
  Mori and Damon are exactly what the other needs. Damon, a cutie pie retired assassin meets Mori a sweet and gentle demon in the demon realm as he goes into hiding.
  There is a lot of action going on in this book and I am here for it 😍 loved the crossover to the Sweetwater pack ❤️
  side note: Basil is still a giant pain in the bootie.
  It’s no secret I love that universe Jax created and this book is not exception ❤️
• 
  Cynthia M Brow

  April's Fool is book two of the Northarbor Coven series and is best read after book one January Blues. This is Damon a human hitman and Mori a demon princes story. I loved sweet Mori so much and prickly Damon is just perfect. Damon has been hurt so much in life that trust is hard. I loved the twist and turns this book took. I enjoy all Jax Stuart's books but this one is just so much more than even I expected. I loved all the characters and the world they are set in. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series or everything written by Jax Stuart.
  
• 
  Marta

  First of all this book is better understood if you read January Blues first at least and I recommend to read the Sweetwater Pack series too.
  Some of this book happens at the same time that January Blues and having Mori and Damon´s perspective allows a better understanding of everything.
  I liked how this author approaches bi-species relations, where there are moments of doubt and of discovering differences.
  Another good thing is that even being the good ones, they don´t win easily or quickly, because their enemies are clever and powerful, to me this gives the story depth and realism.
  A very good addition to the series, don´t miss it!
• 
  K-Me

  Damon is a hitman, and he is used to being completely in charge and choosing how and where to handle things on his own terms. But now Damon and his friend Cody are targets so they have gone to the demon world. This is where Cody's father Mori sets his eyes and heart on Damon. He wants Damon as his chosen mate. I loved the relationship twist here with Mori being a caring and sensitive demon while Damon is a strongheaded human assassin. Their romance is a bit complicated and there is tons of action and danger throughout the story.
• 
  Demetra Roussakis

  This is book 2 in the Northarbor series and must be read in order. This one features Damon and Mori. Mori is Cody’s father who was not able to see his son for 30 years; he was so excited to meet him. Damon was hired to take Cody out, but could not do it when they finally met. When Damon and Mori met, sparks flew. This was the start of their relationship and how they slowly go to know each other. Damon also finds out more of his history, which was quite the revelation. Love this world and here is hoping Barr gets a mate too. Cannot wait to read more from this author.
• 
  May

  sadly cannot continue with this book. I had trouble with the author's writing in a prior book but I wanted to give it another try since the premise was interesting (many of her stories seem like they would be good!) and the cover so pretty. (all the covers are so pretty).
  But nope, can't finish. DNF at 50% THe whole story was a lot of telling and not enough showing. I got so much into the story because it covered the events of book 1 and I thought the telling was part of that overlap. But by the time we get to 50% which I think is past the events of book one, it didn't get better.
• 
  Shawn

  The second book in this series and it doesn’t disappoint! I loved going to the demon realm and seeing more of that along with all the time in the human realm and the situation in NorthArbor Cove. The chemistry between Damon and Mori is fantastic and grows throughout the story. With a fantastic found/chosen family and the tie ins to the Sweetwater pack series I just absolutely adored this book.
  
• 
  Sue Milkovich

  FIVE STARS AREN'T ENOUGH!!!
  
  This Book is full of surprises and action. I love Books that keep me on my toes. Damon the hit man is on the run. Meeting Mori was the icing on the cake. So many moving parts in this story. JAX STUART is creating a unforgettable Series. The Demons, Witches, Shifters all are back to lend a hand. Damon and Mori have more pages to fill. I can't wait!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS NORTHARBOR COVEN SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
• 
  Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri

  So freakin awesome! I can not even get enough of this series! The characters are amazing and filled with so much soul and heart! Passion abounds in many forms in this story!
  
  I truly enjoy being surrounded by not only a few new characters but some “old” ones too! Brilliant read and I am so excited for what’s coming!
• 
  AL

  Great buildup on book one, continued storyline (so I strongly recommend starting at the beginning).
  Loved the action / romance balance and the plot!
  Jax Stuart is truly gifted when it comes to world building and it shows in this book as well. Pure pleasure to read!
• 
  Margaret

  I absolutely loved this story. This is the second book in this series and this time we get to see Damon’s story. I really enjoyed all of the characters and the story was so interesting. I didn’t want to put this down and I can’t wait to read the next story.