If Wishes Were Curses

The Steel City Genie, Book 1

By: Janeen Ippolito

Narrated by: Melissa Schwairy

So I accidentally killed a shifter. On purpose.

With genie powers I shouldn’t be able to use, thanks to my curse mark.

In my defense, the damn grizzly was threatening civilians and might have been a vampire as well. Pittsburgh is safer without him. Only the fae court doesn’t believe my story, and the shifters are out for blood.

Now I’ve lost my job as a romantic investigator, and I’m on death row. My only hope is an oddly outgoing vegetarian vampire lawyer who seems strangely familiar. Too familiar. Almost like we’ve met before, and this whole thing was a setup to take us both down. Wishing won’t get us out of this mess. But my forbidden wish magic just might.

A snarky urban fantasy with a heart, some romance with heat (nothing graphic), and gleeful send ups of many tropes, all wrapped up with an otter-shifter in the bargain.

©2019 Janeen Ippolito (P)2019 Janeen Ippolito

Fun and Creative

Wonderful venture into an alternate universe full of magic. Enjoyable listening. Loved the otters and coffee!

Deep worldscape and intriguing characters

The Steel City Genie series by Janeen Ippolito, Author is a PG 13 world with deep worldscape building and really fun characters. In Urban Fantasy there are two primary deviations - either the Other (creatures, magic) is known by all, or it is hidden. In this case, elves and shifters and genies work together and are integral to society.

I enjoyed Alice, the FMCs, growth as she discovered how and why her abilities mattered. All of the characters were very relatable as they worked through issues we all could relate to. I really enjoyed the little pieces of worldscape that made you want to visit!

The author integrates the flavor of Pittsburg into the story in a great way.

Highly recommend! Bonus recommendation - the audiobook reader delivers the story magnificently.

Snarky fantasy with serious depth

If wishes were curses is everything I've always wanted in an urban fantasy. Sarcastic character who make lots of pop culture references and is just fun. Even the dark parts of this story are full of laughs and hope.

this novel's message of belonging and self worth are timely and much needed for everyone to hear.

the performance by Melissa Schwairy was perfect for the first person narrative. Main Character, Allis's trademark Whit and snark shine through Melissa's reading.

great storytelling

I don't like urban fantasy, vampires, or romance. But I could. not. stop. listening to this book! Ippolito created a fun yet complex magical system and characters I'd like to be friends with. Compelling romance that's not over the top and otter-shifters. The narration was honest and beautifully done. Looking forward to book 2!!! (I was given a free code for this book in exchange for an honest review.)

Good story

Fun story that is fast paced and full of magic and magical beings as well as a heroine who isn't afraid to stand up for herself and say what she is thinking.