When I first saw the title, I was for sure hooked. I got married in New Orleans and I love it there. Overall this was a really unique book. I liked the characters and their quirks.

This was my first book by Kelly Siskind but if they are as romantic, sexy, and quirky as this one, it will not be my last! The author is a master of showing emotion rather than just telling. Beatrice and Huxley were both three-dimensional characters who grew tremendously over the course of the book. The buildup and tension of their relationship was slow and well worth the wait! I adored all the secondary characters, especially Huxley's brothers Axel and Fox. Finally, while this is not an enemies to lovers story, I totally got a similar vibe as The Hating Game by Sally Thorne in terms of writing style. I think fans of THG will love this.

Kelly Siskind has written a sweet cute, awkward characters that readers will fall in love with before they even get past a few chapters. The author creates fun banter along with families relationships that will keep readers wanting more from the author.

The story is cute, sweet romance with crazy fun characters and endless fun. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Everafter Romance for the advance copy of Kelly Siskind New Orleans Rush

Beatrice ends up in New Orleans because she followed her boyfriend there and was dumped 4 days later. Due to an unfortunate event, she meets a magician, Huxley, and becomes his assistant complete with outlandish costume. Oh yes, and Big Eddie is looking for her to collect her father's unpaid gambling debts. Cute romantic comedy with some laugh out loud humor.

emoji rating scale: 😩🙁😐😀😍
New Orleans Rush rating: 🙁

*Thank you to NetGalley, Kelly Siskind, and Everafter Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I did NOT dig this book, and I can’t believe so many people have been giving it 4+ star ratings. No. No. No. No. No. This cover drew me in — along with the RAVE reviews — but I was highly disappointed on this one, and I promise you, I don’t say that lightly.

I buddy read this with my fabulous book friend — romance.in.the.wild (go follow her) — and forced her not to DNF it so she could live through this struggle with me. I now owe her four bottles of wine, a box of chocolates, and a few hours of her life back.

This book follows Beatrice (Bea) as she moves to New Orleans with her boyfriend ex-boyfriend, gets drunk, keys a car, and meets a magician named Huxley. *halt right there, you heard me, magician* This artsy chick is on a mission to create a new life, hide from a loan shark, and enjoy the magic that New Orleans has to offer. *LITERAL MAGIC*

Huxley is not my dream dude. *sorry sir* This man walks around bars in a cape, gets *forced* to gamble, calls chicks his ‘unicorn’, never learned how to smile and apparently has a penis that is referred to as ‘his proud sword’. No thanks, I’m out. Is there a second choice for a love interest? If so, I pick Fox.

Enter the most insane plot twist I have ever encountered. A pissed off Bea, a crazy loan shark — wut up, Big Eddie — a tube of ketchup, a bee sting, a scorned ex-lover — hollering at you again, Big Eddie — and a gambling problem that ISN’T 👏 EVEN 👏 A 👏 GAMBLING 👏 PROBLEM. *stop freaking out, Bea*

I really wanted to love this writing — and this story — but I felt like the style was trying to be more descriptive than necessary and throwing way too much my way. When Bea and Huxley FINALLY hooked up — sorry for that spoiler — I legit laughed at loud at the craziness and stupidity that was their hookup. I wanted to love Bea — she’s an easy character to love — but the writing really started to put me off. Maybe next time, but this read was just not for me. Seems like I’m the odd one out on this front.

I wasn't a fan of this book. I thought it seemed rather mediocre and contrived. Bea falls into the harmful archetype of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl who's sole purpose for the plot is to allow the hero to overcome his obstacles while her growth isn't highlighted, crucial to the plot, or even that existent. Her quirkiness felt so forced and belabored, making it not particularly believable. I was also distracted by the repetitiveness of certain phrases over and over again throughout the story:
Surly
Magic Man
Watermelon woman
zigzag girl
unicorn (this one, in particular, made me cringe because who in all seriousness looks at another person and calls them a unicorn?)
any references to his penis being a 'proud sword'

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital ARC
I would really give this 2.5 stars but I'm rounding up. I wish I loved this book more than I did. It was a cute story and the meet cute was definitely unique but I didn't connect with the characters that much. I thought the story would go a different route than it did. I would have preferred either Bea or Huxley to have their money issues but not both. It just made it too convoluted and bogged down with going back and forth between both of their problems. Huxley's attempt to get the theater up to code and bring in business was far more interesting so I wish the author focused more on that problem and developed it more. I liked Bea's artistic side but it wasn't as developed as I would have liked. There's one too many things going on in this book to really love it but it make for a pretty quick read. One of the most interesting things to keep me going was trying to figure out what was in the box that Huxley's father left the brothers. I was kind of disappointed with how that ended up playing out. I was more disappointed that this version doesn't give the epilogue. I have to assume that the epilogue just doesn't give much more development. I don't think I would be recommending this one even though the book as a whole was cute...enough.

This was the first book I've read by Kelly Siskind, but it won't be my last. New Orleans Rush is a magical romp in the Big Easy. Having lived in Louisiana, I was delighted to be swept away in a love story set on the bayou. Bea and Huxley are MFEO (made for each other). What's charming is seeing how their love grows, as well as getting to know a delightful cast of ancillary characters. Bea is quirky cute, and Huxley is a bit surly. Together, they are pure magic. In a time when I am inundated with thrillers, it's wonderful to sit down with a fun rom com. It's release date is 4/23/19 - just in time for beach trips.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and EverAfter Romance for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Are you looking for something refreshing? Something different in the romance genre? Kelly’s newest book brings you just that. You have a heroine you want to be friends with and a hero with a heart that’s hidden beneath a magical cape. Not only do you instantly fall for the main characters but the amazing people that complete this wonderful world. Kelly has yet again created a world that is vivid, well rounded and magical. I’m ready for a re read already!!!!
I’m hoping we will get books about the other characters next!!!! Please!!!!!

New Orleans Rush is a romcom novel and it got me hooked since page 1. We follow the quirky and naive Beatrice into her life as an aspiring artist in New Orleans. I love how the author describe the hero and heroine, it's relatable because there is no overboard description, The hero on the book also has struggle of his own.

It also has a sweet happy ending, the one we rooted for in a light novel like this.

Thank you netgalley for providing the e-arc.

4.6 magical stars

My love of romance started at a very young age and has ranged from historical to paranormal but one always had a soft spot for me and that being chick-lit. This book is very reminiscent of that. It has the magic (in this case literally), the humor, the cuteness, and the feel-good feelings. I wasn't expecting that when I started this book. I have been a fan of this author for years after discovering her with the Wild Wish series and have always enjoyed her quick wit and sexy contemporary romance. This book, however, had a different vibe to it than her previous work.

From the beginning, I found myself smiling. this book made me feel good. There was no over the top angsty moments. It was just a story that was enriched in a city that I love with(New Orleans) something that always makes me light up--magic. Basically, in a nutshell, this story is pure unadulterated magic. Take the chance on Bea and Huxley. Bea, and her funny name calling and quirky yet optimistic personality and Huxley the magician who is in need of some magic in his own life are both pure joy.

This book is funny, quirky and all around magical! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one, the main characters were different than your normal romance novel. If your looking for something different in your romance reads, I recommend reading this story.

This is such a sweet, fun romance! Siskind really embraces the New Orleans setting and makes me want to take a trip there pronto. I loved the characters of Bea and Hux, from their meet-cute to HEA. Swoony, witty, so delightful — I have to read more from this author!

Fantastically fun and ridiculously cute, Bea and Hux will give your heart all the feel-good feels. It's not over the top with excessively dirty or mushy love scenes. It's quite perfect, actually! It's a magical story that was a delight to get lost in.

Beatrice is just quirky cute. I love her. If sunshine, happiness, and positivity could be bottled up and named, they would be called Bea. And when Huxley calls her Honeybee...I melted. She's his everything and he really doesn't even know it. Until it does. Hux is the stubborn older brother who shoulders all the responsibility and guilt. And when he discovers his quirky unicorn you will feel it warm your heart.

Like I mentioned before, it was a delightful story. An actual story. With a plot. And real characters with faults and issues. And laugh-out-loud moments with ketchup and flying peens, polka dot thigh-highs and magical "wands". There were a few scenes in the story where they were building and building and you were anticipating the outcome (whatever it would be), but then it jumped track and we were being given info about a past happening or another character, and it kind of deflated the actual climax of the scene. The info was good to have, and added to the story, but in the actual moment I feel like it was a speed bump in the perfect timing and slowed it down just enough to take away from the scene.

Sweet and cute heroine, Beatrice, is the perfect compliment to her Surly Smurf hero. I loved that Huxley wasn’t the perfect-looking stud muffin, and the meet cute? Fabulous. The magic of New Orleans is the perfect setting for this magic man and his honeybea to get their HEA. I hope there will be follow up books for all of the brothers. Especially Fox.Sweet and cute heroine, Beatrice, is the perfect compliment to her Surly Smurf hero. I loved that Huxley wasn’t the perfect-looking stud muffin, and the meet cute? Fabulous. The magic of New Orleans is the perfect setting for this magic man and his honeybea to get their HEA. I hope there will be follow up books for all of the brothers. Especially Fox.

This is such a cute story, with different, whimsical characters, built around a declining theater in the lovely city of New Orleans.
I loved Beatrice’s zest for life and natural brightness, which is just what our surly, wounded hero, Huxley, needs.
The slow-burn romance, the humor and a set of engaging secondary characters contribute to a wonderful storyline, although I felt the second half of the story dragged a bit.

New Orleans Rush by Kelly Siskind

Five magical 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Beatrice Baker "Bea" or "Honeybee" is whimsical,eccentric and eclectic, and I found her even more lovable because of her quirkiness. Everything about her makes you want to smile. Even though her life has been full of heartache and disappointment she still finds joy in life and everything around her.

Huxley Marlow "Surly Smurf" is so serious all work no play is trying so hard to make his dead father proud. He feels all the family business financial burden should fall on him because he's the oldest. That is until a beautiful red comes barreling into his life making him realize what's truly important in life. This book is full of so many wonderful characters that draw you into a amazing journey full magic, illusion, poker games and mobsters oh my!

This is one of my favorite quotes from the book.

"Life is unpredictable. You could get hurt. I could get hurt. But we can’t walk through the world bubble wrapped. Or in a net suit.” He ran his thumb over her bottom lip. “Then how do I protect you?” She leaned into his touch. “By eating beignets outside with me and dancing in jazzy clubs and painting and performing together. Loving me is protection enough.”

Five magical 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Beatrice finds herself regretting the night of drinking when she becomes the magicians assistant. He is sexy, smart, and a pain in the butt. How did she get herself in this predicament? Drinks that is how. This was a humorous, sexy, romantic and super fun book to read. The connection between the two main characters was a sight to behold and read about. Thank you NetGalley.

Omg. I loved this book! First of all, Kelly Siskind is amazing. I’ve read her other books and this one did not disappoint. Set in New Orleans (duh), Huxley and Bea meet and wowza! I loved Bea- she was so interesting and unique. And Huxley...what a man. Kelly’s writing was great because the chemistry was literally off the pages! Anyway, I loved everything about it, and I pretty please hope we get a book with the rest of the brothers! Thank you for the ARC!

This is one of the most delightfully unique stories I've read in a long time. New Orleans Rush reminded me so much of Jennifer Crusie’s books, with bizarrely quirky characters that immediately make you wonder, “How am I possibly gonna fall in love with this weirdo?” but then you do. I adored Huxley and Bea, as well as Axel, Fox, and Della. I really, really hope this is the first in a series and we get to meet the two missing Marlow boys. I must admit that I was skeptical about how much I would like this one, which just feels silly in hindsight. In the oversaturated realm of romance novels, this one is a standout. I have no doubt that I will remember this story, and these lovable characters, in a week, a month, a year, two years--you get the picture.

A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley, EverAfter Romance, and the author for providing an ARC for review.