Book Review:Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave is the conclusion to the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. You really do not want to start at the end, that would just be silly and very confusing.

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plain for eternity – which is the appropriate amount of time to make a person stark-raving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently it is. Bummer. She’s missed Reyes and her daughter, Beep, but now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel. 

Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave is a solid ending to the series. There are a few doses of humor, but the world is at stake (again) and there are lies and mysteries that need to be dealt with in order to make it through. Charley makes it back to our world only to discover that a lot has happened while she was gone. Again, there are huge complications and dangers to deal with and some things come together in a very unique way. I like how some of the connections to characters were made, while the losses that happen in this conclusion are somewhat heartbreaking on different levels. I think those that started the series really need to get this far and finish it, it is a satisfying finish for the most part, and I am glad that I had the chance to read the whole thing, and share my feelings about it with you.

Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave is a conclusion that does a good job of wrapping up the series, and answers a good number of questions. My one issue was with the very, very end. Holy hint towards a related series and leaving one big ball up in the air. 

Book Review: Boundary Broken (Boundary Magic) by Melissa F. Olson

Boundary Broken is the fourth book in the Boundary Magic series by Melissa F. Olson. You do need to read this series in order to fully understand some of the character connections and back story. However, this series and the related Scarlett Bernard series (which you do not need to read to understand this one) are well worth the time investment. 

Years ago, boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther made a promise to an alpha werewolf. Now, just when the supernatural community in Colorado is enjoying a period of hard-won peace, the alpha turns up at Lex’s door to call in his marker. Two of his pack members have disappeared in the Colorado sand dunes, and he needs safe passage to hunt for them. With her friend Simon Pellar along for backup, Lex ventures into the dunes to search for the missing couple…but what they find is only the opening move in an ambitious assault against those who hold power in the Colorado Old World. An old enemy has returned to tear their peace apart, and Lex is soon embroiled in politics she doesn’t understand, from a time before she had magic. To save her friends and her way of life, Lex will have to cross every line she’s drawn since learning what she is—and it may still be too late.

Boundary Broken is a wonderfully told story with lots of character growth, drama, danger, and hope for the future. Lex has been through so much, and all she really wants is to protect others- which is sadly not always possible. I felt like returning characters were even more complex before, and I can see hints of future conversations that really need to happen. I admire Olson's ability to make beven characters with a minor role in the action complex and interesting enough that I want to know more about them and their history. There is so much going on here, with undercurrents that hint at future emotional moments. However, even when there is a ton of things going on emotionally and physically with the characters it never hit the point where it was over whelming or confusing. Rarely can an author have this level of world and character building and action without something getting lost- but it balanced close to perfectly here. I will admit it took me a few pages , and reading my review of the previous book, to get back into Lex's story and remember not only where we left off but also everything that had happened thus far. However, once I was back into it I had trouble putting the story aside to do important things- like feeding the family and getting everyone out the door for school and work. I just love the story, characters, and writing style. As you might have noticed, I have said nothing about the actual action of the story- because I do not want to ruin it for returning fans and new readers should really start at the beginning of the series, or even better at the start of Scarlett's series to really enjoy the read. 

Boundary Broken is yet another engaging book from Olson. My main issue is that I read them too fast, so I have to wait way too long for her next book. 

Book Review: The Trouble with the Twelfth Grave (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

The Trouble with the Twelfth Grave is the next Charley Davidson book by Darynda Jones. You do need to have read the previous books in the series at this point, since the characters and backstory are getting to be very important and complicated. 

Ever since Reyes Farrow escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley Davidson accidentally trapped him, the son of Satan has been brimstone-bent on destroying the world his heavenly Brother created. His volatile tendencies have put Charley in a bit of a pickle. But that's not the only briny vegetable on her plate. While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband, she also has to deal with her everyday life of annoying all manner of beings--some corporeal, some not so much--as she struggles to right the wrongs of society. Only this time she's not uncovering a murder. This time she's covering one up. Add to that her new occupation of keeping a startup PI venture--the indomitable mystery-solving team of Amber Kowalski and Quentin Rutherford--out of trouble and dealing with the Vatican's inquiries into her beloved daughter, and Charley is on the brink of throwing in the towel and becoming a professional shopper. Or possibly a live mannequin. But when someone starts attacking humans who are sensitive to the supernatural world, Charley knows it's time to let loose her razor sharp claws. Then again, her number one suspect is the dark entity she's loved for centuries. So the question becomes: Can she tame the unruly beast before it destroys everything she's worked so hard to protect? 

The Trouble with the Twelfth Grave is ramping up the drama and crisis level of the series up even more than I fully expected. There is an awful lot going on, and if you missed or skimmed any part other the series prior to this you might have a moment of two of confusion (this will hold true in the next book as well). There is just so much going on, so many keeping things close to their chests, and so many complications that this is not the light and amusing read that hooked me. It is an enthralling thrill ride with moments of humor, but so much danger and suspense that anyone could  die or switch sides at any moment. I love the read, but it is very different from the feel that hooked me into the series.

Once again, if you have read this far, keep going. The next book is the conclusion to this series. You need to keep going at this point.

Book Review: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Eleventh Grave in Moonlight is the next Charley Davidson book by Darynda Jones. You do need to have read the previous books in the series at this point, since the characters and backstory are getting to be very important and complicated. 

A typical day in the life of Charley Davidson involves cheating husbands, missing people, errant wives, philandering business owners, and oh yeah...demons, hell hounds, evil gods, and dead people. Lots and lots of dead people. As a part time Private Investigator and full-time Grim Reaper, Charley has to balance the good, the bad, the undead, and those who want her dead. In this eleventh installment, Charley is learning to make peace with the fact that she is a goddess with all kinds of power and that her own daughter has been born to save the world from total destruction. But the forces of hell are determined to see Charley banished forever to the darkest corners of another dimension. With the son of Satan himself as her husband and world-rocking lover, maybe Charley can find a way to have her happily ever after after all.

Eleventh Grave in Moonlight is  a solid continuation of Charley's story. I feel like the story is starting to get a little out of Charley's control and things are getting increasingly hard for her to stay on top of everything. Her friends and family all have their own issues going on, and no one (including Charley) seems inclined to share their individual worries and issues. Just like in real life, trying to handle everything yourself or shield others from problems tends to lead to bigger issues and complications. Charley tries to keep up the humor and flippant manner that has worked for her so well in the past, but even that seems to be falling out of her control. However, things are coming together, and I can see a conclusion on the horizon.

If you have read this far, you are going to want and need to finish off this series. You are almost there and I think the ride is well worth it.

Book Review: The Book of Secrets (The Last Oracle) by Melissa McShane

The Book of Secrets is the first book in The Last Oracle series by Melissa McShane.

Helena Davies just wants a job that will get her out of her parents’ basement. Abernathy’s Bookstore is disorganized, out of the way, and smells funny, but it pays well and promises to at least be interesting. By the end of the first day, Helena has a dead boss in the basement, an unexpected promotion, and the news that she is now a part of an endless war against creatures from another reality. As Abernathy’s newest custodian, Helena is responsible for its secrets, including the most important one: Abernathy’s isn’t just a bookstore. It’s the world’s only living oracle, producing prophecies to help fight the war against alien invaders bent on draining this world of its magic. Helena’s job is to find books to answer questions put to the oracle by the Wardens, fighters in the Long War. It seems simple enough, but Helena’s new job is anything but. She has allies: her best friend Viv, from whom she has no secrets; Harry and Harriet Keller, elderly magi skilled at uncovering secrets; and the enigmatic Malcolm Campbell, warrior magus and one of the few who have faith in Helena’s abilities. But not everyone is thrilled that an outsider now has charge of one of the world’s most powerful magical entities. Helena must defend herself against the antagonism of Judy Rasmussen, who’d expected to be the next custodian of Abernathy’s, and her father William, powerful leader of the Wardens and someone with an agenda of his own. Without training, without any knowledge of the magical world, and facing the hostility of those who’d wanted someone else to be Abernathy’s custodian, Helena must navigate the treacherous waters of her new world and find a place for herself within it. But there’s still a murderer on the loose, someone who intended to control Abernathy’s by killing its custodian—and Helena might be next on his list.

The Book of Secrets is a book that was not quite what I was looking for, but in a good way. I tend to pick up or request books based on a quick look and then put off reading them until I do not remember the blurb- so I had no clue what was I was getting into- and I loved the ride. Helena is a complex character with a good balance of stubborness, flaws, and courage to make her a realistic and relatable character. I loved her pragmatism and ability to think things through as the world goes crazy around her. If only we could all do that. I think she, her family, and her friends were introduced well, and I think her circle will continue to be interesting secondary characters as the story continues. I think that members of the magical community, and the complicated society they have, was also well laid out. Things were introduced in small portions, as Helena learned them, and readers discovered the information along with her. I was not sure of the guilty party- although I had some suspicions toward the end, and think that the mystery was extremely well done. I think this hits the mark for a great coming of age novel for adult, in particular the new adult market (although I am well past that demographic and loved it). I am a little annoyed that the teaser for possible future romantic interest was included- because a life changing new job and introduction to making as you come into your own is not enough- she apparently need the possibility of a man in her life to make it all worth it. This is my current pet peeve, and it does work in the book, but it still bothers me.

The Book of Secrets is a great paranormal mystery and urban fantasy. I think young adults, new adults, and us technically adult adults will all enjoy this read.

Book Review: Curse of the Tenth Grave (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Curse of the Tenth Grave is the next book in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. At this point in the series you really need to have read all the other books to understand some of the more complicated plot movements.

As a part-time PI and full-time grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister’s hair before she wakes up? But, “How do I trap not one malevolent god, but three?” was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension.There’s just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers? Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who’s been charged with murder, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying-gods thing, we’re saved.

Curse of the Tenth Grave is another foray into the more serious side of Charley and her life. Everyone is on edge, and keeping secrets in order to protect each other. And that never ends well. The twists and turns of the supernatural origins of our cast of characters becomes more twisted and complicated, and they need to deal with issues in trust, loss, and fear. Charley is still a little scattered, and has some cute asides. However, there are moments where her quirks start getting frustrating and make her feel more childish than amusing. The cast of characters is still extremely well done, and I love some of the twists and turns the story takes. I am still enjoying my binge read, working my way to the thirteenth and final book in the series. However, I am having more sympathy for the characters Charley has hassled earlier in the series than I am for her in some ways, and during some exchanges.

Book Review: Rough Trade (Woodbury Boys) by Sydney Bell

Rough Trade is third book in the Woodbury Boys series by Sydney Bell. I have not read the previous books, and aside from some character connections that returning readers will enjoy, this book stands up well on its own. 

Quick-witted hustler Ghost is no stranger to living dangerously; survival has always been the name of the game. He’s just always gone it alone. Now he’s got the wrong people breathing down his neck, and the only way out demands placing his trust in the unlikeliest of heroes: Duncan Rook, a gruff cop whose ethics are as solid as his body. Cozying up to a criminal is hardly what Duncan’s reputation on the force needs—especially when that criminal is temptation personified. Ghost is Duncan’s polar opposite, and the last person he expected to fall for. So then why does every imaginable scenario for taking down their common enemy end with Ghost in his arms?

Rough Trade is much more than  expected, and while having read the previous books would have made some of the secondary characters and wrap ups have more meaning to me, I still felt like i understood Ghost and Duncan fully and enjoy their story. I found the beginning hard to get into, but it was necessary to fully understand where Ghost was coming from and how he ended up in the situation that brings him to Duncan's door.  I found the banter and developing relationship between the two to be well done, and well balanced with the danger and issues that they had to face. I like that the traumas of their pasts were not glossed over, but the time and effort that it takes to deal with them is talked about and included in the story. I really enjoyed that while attraction and interest might have developed quickly, the relationship was not instant or ignoring problems. I think the confrontation of the issues is what made the relationship so strong in the end. There were a good amount of surprises, scares, and chase scenes- and a good deal of emotional moments. I think the story is realistic and well balanced character wise. It was a little heavier than my typical read- but I am glad I gave it a chance.

Rough Trade is a romance that deals with some hard, real issues. I liked that it was about the characters dealing with their own issues in the process of finding their way to an happy ever after.

Book Review: Eighth Gave After Dark (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

 Eighth Gave After Dark is part of the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.  I am still binge reading, and still recommend reading the series in order. Not only will it make the read more fun, but it is well worth the time.   

With twelve hellhounds after her, pregnant Charley Davidson takes refuge at the only place she thinks they can’t get to her: the grounds of an abandoned convent. But after months of being cooped up there, Charley is ready to pop. Both metaphorically and literally since she is now roughly the size of a beached whale. Fortunately, a new case has captured her attention, one that involves a murder on the very grounds the team has taken shelter upon. A decades-old murder of the newly-vowed nun she keeps seeing in the shadows is almost enough to pull her out of her doldrums. Charley’s been forbidden to step foot off the sacred grounds. While the angry hellhounds can’t traverse the consecrated soil, they can lurk just beyond its borders. They have the entire team on edge, especially Reyes. And if Charley didn’t know better, she would swear Reyes is getting sick. He grows hotter with every moment that passes, his heat scorching across her skin every time he’s near, but naturally he swears he’s fine. While the team searches for clues on the Twelve, Charley just wants answers and is powerless to get them. But the mass of friends they’ve accrued helps. They convince her even more that everyone in her recent life has somehow been drawn to her, as though they were a part of a bigger picture all along. But the good feelings don’t last for long because Charley is about to get the surprise of her crazy, mixed-up, supernatural life 

Eighth Gave After Dark is more emotionally charged than some of the previous books, and all the threads are coming together. I like that the characters continue to stay true to what readers know about them, even as new revelations and complications continue to arise. I think that this is really a turning point in the series were the goofiness of Charley's personality stops being quite so entertaining, and things are consistently more serious and complicated. Charley is still funny, but the really amusing bits seem further apart and the intrigue and danger really ramp up. The series is still a very engaging read, but the charm that captured my attention really seems to have faded a bit. I know it returns in the next book, because I have read ahead, and that all the serious moments are needed for the larger story line. However, this is where the series lost some of its shine for me. 

Early Book Review: In Her Sights (Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters) by Katie Ruggle

In Her Sights is the first book in the Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunter series by Katie Ruggle. Bounty hunter Molly Pax fought hard for everything she has, turning the bail recovery business she shares with her sisters into an unqualified success. So when their sticky-fingered mother jumps bail and puts the childhood home up as collateral, Molly's horrified. To make matters worse, every two-bit criminal in the Rockies now sees her family's misfortune as their next big break. She needs help, stat. Enter rival bounty hunter John Carmondy: six feet of pure trouble, with a cocky grin to match. John's the most cheerfully, annoyingly gorgeous frenemy Molly's ever had the pleasure of defeating...and he may be her only hope of making it out of this mess alive.

In Her Sights is has all the elements one expects from a Katie Ruggle book. Women working hard and doing what they need to survive despite some tough odds, and a strong guy that is working just as hard while trying to deal with attraction. Molly was well fleshed out, although I expect that there is more to her story than I fully know or understand even after finishing the read. Carmondy is a much bigger mystery. I feel like I still have no idea who he is, even after he and Molly figure things out. I am used to knowing much more about Ruggle's heros, and I am sad that I have no idea what was going on in his head through the entire book. Watching two great, flawed human being find their way together despite issues, danger, and explosions is what I love about the other books I have read by Ruggle- and I did not get nearly enough of that here. The set up is good, the action is good, and the character building for the secondary characters is good. Those all held up to my expectations, but since I knew so little about Carmondy I honestly expected him to be on the wrong side of things for the first few chapters and kept waiting to see the big reveal. However, I am not giving up on the author, I trust that this might be a fluke and her next book will have me just as engaged with the characters as everything else I have read from her. 

In Her Sights is not all I had hoped for. I am a huge fan of Ruggle, and usually find myself fascinated by the characters and what will happen next. With this one I never really connected with the characters, and while the action and story were good, it just felt like something was different from what I usually get.

Book Review: Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Fifth Grave Past the Light is part of the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, which I am currently binge reading and sharing about more slowly here on the blog. Please read it in order, it will be much more enjoyable and fun that way.

Charley Davidson isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She's more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth...but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma is the serial killer's next target, Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes's help. Arsonist or not, he's the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.

Fifth Grave Past the Light is a heavily packed addition to this series. I think I got so much more about Charley and exactly who and what else might be inhabiting her world in this book than I have so far in the entire series. She is not only facing her issues head on, dealing with relationship changes and challenges, and the changes in how the dead are approaching her all combine with her more mundane cases. I have to fess up that I look like an idiot when I am reading these books, because I find myself randomly grinning or cringing as Charley and crew entertain me. I really like that not all the danger Charley and her circle face are from the supernatural, 'normal' people are just as scary and dangerous as the paranormal and more likely to do serious damage. I liked the interactions between Reyes and Charley, and that they are tackling their relationship on several levels.  I admit that I was fully expecting a particular twist to arise, and still expect it to come up in the near future. Although I was floored with the surprise on the very last page of the book. 

Fifth Grave Past the Light is so much more than I had expected. Even the slightly cliffhanger ending was not the twist that I was expecting. I am diving into book six now!

Book Review: Crossroads of Bones by Luanne Bennett

Crossroads of Bones is the first book in the Katie Bishop series by Luanne Bennett. Katie Bishop would have taken her secret to the grave, but a bunch of fat cat society folks smelled her out and made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. Katie just wants to run her tattoo business quietly under the radar. But when a man walks into her shop and hands her a drawing of the same tattoo she’s been dreaming about for weeks, things start to spin out of control. The last two people who tried to apply that tattoo are dead. Only half human, it’s her other half that an elite group wants to hire—a group of Savannah’s more privileged citizens, including the city’s reigning coven of witches. There’s a rogue god on the loose, and Katie is the only one who can send him back to hell before he breaks open the crossroads and lets the underworld waltz right in—if he manages to get that deadly tattoo inked onto his back.

Crossroads of Bones is a solid urban fantasy, with plenty of character and world building. I have read a lot of this genre, and that left me with mixed feelings. There were moments that felt like I had missed a previous book and others when things seemed a little too familiar. I think I must have read a short story or excerpt from the author before and forgotten. However, that is my personal issue, and not something that is actually wrong with the read, I just want to preface my review so readers will know what colored my take on the story.

I really liked Katie's character. She hit a good blend of badass and vulnerable, and was honest with the people she cared about most. I enjoyed the paranormal world building, and like that there were some new takes and types that I do not remember ever having seen before. I found the cast of characters to be nicely varied, and like that some things were more slowly revealed than others. I think the big bad and layers of conflict and secrecy was fairly well done, although I was almost expecting another layer at some point but that could always come along in a future book. I will admit that I do get a little annoyed with the constant romance and being controlled by the beast or hormones that seems ingrained in the genre. Not everyone needs to be attracted to the main character, and said lead does not need to hop in the sack just because. And, if they are going to, at least make sure they make the pretense having of safe sex and having a mature discussion at some point- regardless of if pregnancy is even a consideration.

Crossroads of Bones is a good start to an urban fantasy series. I am not sure if I am going to keep going, but I think it will be a good choice for many readers.

Early Book Review: Circle of the Moon (Soulwood) by Faith Hunter

Circle of the Moon is the fourth book in the Soulwood series by Faith Hunter. It is currently scheduled for release on February 26 2019. This series is set in the same world as Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series and there is some significant cross over. However, you can enjoy one series without the other. I do recommend reading the Soulwood series in order, as newcomers will be missing quite a bit of important backstory. Those that read all of Hunter's books (like me) will get the most out of the story because of the interrelated characters. 

Nell can draw magic from the land around her, and lately she's been using it to help the Psy-Law Enforcement Division, which solves paranormal crimes. Joining the team at PsyLED has allowed her to learn more about her powers and the world she always shunned--and to find true friends. Head agent Rick LaFleur shifts into a panther when the moon calls him, but this time, something has gone wrong. Rick calls Nell from a riverbank--he's naked, with no memory of how he came to be there, and there's a dead black cat, sacrificed in a witch circle and killed by black magic. Then more animals turn up dead, and team rushes to investigate. A blood-witch is out to kill. But when it seems as if their leader is involved in the crime, the bonds that hold the team together could shatter at any moment.

Circle of the Moon is just as complex and exciting to read as everything else I have read from Hunter. I will admit that it has been long enough since the previous book in the series that I had to go back and look at my thoughts on the previous book to make sure I was up to speed before getting too far into the story, and I wished I have revisited the most recent Yellowrock book as well. There is a lot going on here, and I had to give the book my full attention to take in all the character and story line development. Nell continues to grow into her independence and understanding who and what she can be in the world. Mud, Rick, and Occam are only a few of the secondary characters that I loved getting to know better as the story progressed. The mystery and case that the unit is working on, and the people that become part of the larger story because of it, are very well done, and some are fascinating in their own right, even without the ties to Jane's story. The magic circles, vampires, and magic flying around are complicated and tangled, leaving the characters and most readers puzzled as to the end game, at least until it is almost too late. My only complaint with this book is that at times it felt too complicated and tied in with Jane's story that I think those that for one reason or another have not read those as well will be even more lost in the tangle of stories than those of us who think we are all caught up. That being said, when the book was over, I only wanted more, so I still consider it a must read for fans.

Circle of the Moon is another wonderful read by Hunter. This book had me wanting to go back and reread some Jane Yellowrock, and hoping that the stories written in this world continue on. 

Book Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

Third Grave Dead Ahead is the third book in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. I highly recommend reading this series in order. While there are explanatory asides to help newcomers and those that have gone too long between reading books, there is a lot of ground to cover and it is much more fun if you already know the major players when you start reading. 

Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she's drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because, every time she closes her eyes, she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan. Yes, she did imprison him for all eternity, but come on. How is she supposed to solve a missing persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hellbent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up? 

Third Grave Dead Ahead is a solid continuation of Charley's story. She wants to help Reyes, but they are still fighting with a serious trust issue and no matter what she does she cannot seem to sleep without a visitation from him. Her battles with sleep left me wondering a couple times what was real and what was dream, and Charley had the same concerns. I like Charley's dedication to finding the truth and helping people, even when it would have been easier to ignore the fishy missing person's case and focus on the drama unfolding with Reyes and her family. While not as funny as the previous books, because there was so much danger and so many crises involved, there were still some witty moments and plenty of humorous asides from Charley. Again, the book offers a good wrap up and some unexpected twists, but still left me eager for more.  

Third Grave Dead Ahead is another great installment of this series, which blends humor, danger, and emotion pretty close to perfectly. My binge reading will continue...

Book Review: In the Mood Fur Love by Eve Langlais, Milly Taiden, Kate Baxter

In the Mood Fur Love is a collection of three romances by Eve Langlais, Milly Taiden, and Kate Baxter. Bearing His Touch by Eve Langlais follows Becka who manages to escape her kidnapper and finds herself asking help of the man with the nice brown eyes. Stavros can’t say no, not when he knows Becka is his mate, but he does have one dilemma when it comes to claiming her. He'll have to find a way for her to bear his touch. Fake Mated to the Wolf by Milly Taiden is a story about a desperate woman trying to save her family, as a wolf is desperately looking to convince her to give him a chance. Looking for a mate to bring to a party? Wedding? Holiday gathering? Mates Fur Hire is right for you? But what happens when your fake mate ends up being your real one, from New York Times bestselling author Milly Taiden! The Witch, The Werewolf and The Waitress by Kate Baxter follows and witch and a wolf. For centuries, Lowman, Idaho has been Ellie Curtis's prison. A vengeful witch cursed her with immortality and locked her within the confines of Lowman's borders, sealing Ellie off from most of civilization for eternity. She's learned to make the most of it. But when she meets a cocky werewolf who's part of the elite supernatural law enforcement group, all bets are off. Colin instantly knew that Ellie was his mate, but when he discovers her secret, he's determined to help set her free. But in doing so, he might just lose the one thing he knows he can't live without. 

Often one story sticks out as better or less of my taste than the others in collections like this, but this felt pretty even. In Bearing His Touch I really enjoyed the characters and how the world and character building was paced through the story so that I never felt inundated or missing something important. I like that it had a good blend of danger, humor, and sweetness. I really liked Becka and her blend of vulnerability and strength, and how smart and determined Stavros is. A good story all around, and I will be looking for more from the author.

Fake Mated to the Wolf was also an entertaining read. I thought the depth of Shawna's love for her family and the trouble she found herself in could have used a little more building, but I understood the space constraints and how hard it is to get everything in a short story. I liked the determination of all the players, and how everything was resolved. There were some unanswered questions for me, some oddities that happened in the story that could have been part of the larger plot but just rather became brushed away, but I still enjoyed the read. Unfortunately the dating app or website thing has been done before. I have read some great series that use this, and have for quite awhile, so while a small part of the story here, and well done, this just did not feel fresh to me.

The Witch, The Werewolf and The Waitress is another fun and flirty story. I liked the balance of Colin and Ellie trying to solve their separate issues, while trying to figure out the mate situation. I liked Ellie's personality and her combination of sweet and strong. I thought Colin was a little weaker of a character, but still very well fleshed out. The combination of werewolf and witch's curse was cool, and I like how everyone seemed to handle the revelation of additional paranormal issues. I think I might have read something from this author before, or something similar. There were moments that seemed familiar in writing style and world building, but not in a bad way. Rather like I might have read something in a related series and I was reminded of those characters.

In the Mood Fur Love is a thoroughly enjoyable read with a touch of sweet, a touch of heat, and a whole lot of fur. I think this is a great collection to meet three authors I do not remember having read before, but hope to read again. 

Book Review: First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson) by Darynda Jones

First Grave on the Right is the first book in the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper. Meaning, she sees dead people, and it's her job to convince them to "go into the light." But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (like murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she's been having about an entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely. But what does he want with Charley? And why can't she seem to resist him? And what does she have to lose by giving in?

First Grave on the Right is an urban fantasy with a great blend of humor, danger, and steam. Charlie can see and interact with ghosts, she is also their portal into the afterlife. She is also a private investigator and consultant with the police department, work that is made significantly easier (but harder to explain) due to her ghostly communications. I love her snark, and find her inner vulnerability and concern for those that cannot defend themselves to be very well balanced and believable. I thought the Reyes storyline and the complication of their possible relationship to be well played and the larger storyline it leads to is intriguing, and I want more. I like the way that the cast of secondary characters were introduced, and how much depth each were given. There were moments that felt like I should already know something about a character, or that there might have been a prequel or backstory that I somehow missed, but most of those were quickly explained and fixed in the story. Ithink the fact that Charlie does not have all the answers but is figuring things right along with readers goes a long way to forge a connection between the reader and her character. I like that I was not able to solve the mystery, and that some things surprised me as much as they did Charlie. Too often I have my theories about who is pulling the strings too early in the story, but in this instance I was as shocked as the characters when certain reveals were made. As a whole I am engaged with the story and the characters, and while there was closure to the story, I still want more (in a good way).

First Grave on the Right is a fun and engaging read. While this is not a new series, I have read one of the more recent instalments and wanted to see where it all started. I was not disappointed. Now I need to binge read the whole series. I highly recommend that other urban fantasy fans that have somehow missed this series to pick it up.

Book Review: Don't Look Back (Unbroken Heroes) by Dawn Ryder

Don't Look Back is the sixth book in the Unbroken Heroes series by Dawn Ryder. I have read some, but not all, of the books in this series. Each book can stand up reasonably well on its own, but there are so many characters and interconnected plot-lines that I think returning fans will get the most out of this read since it ties up the loose ends from the entire series.

Shadow Ops Agent Thais Sinclair has sworn off falling in love for good. It’s what’s kept her calculated, steady, and on-task in a world dominated by men. She needs nothing and no one but her own wits and strength to guide her. But when she’s slated to shadow the one man who could reveal their entire operation, all bets are off. Dunn Bateson, illegitimate son of a Southern debutante, has always had to fight harder than the rest to get what he wants. Now, the last thing he needs is Thais following his every move. She is so strong, sly, seductive. . . No woman has ever captivated him so completely. Thais may only have room for her mission in her heart, but is Dunn up to the challenge of showing her that she’s worth every risk he is willing to take?

Don't Look Back is an entertaining read, but there is a lot going on here.  I do recommend reading this particular book as a stand alone- simply because there is a good portion of the story that is spent dealing with the consequences and reactions to everything that has happened earlier in the series. I really did enjoy the romance part of the story. I liked seeing Dunn and Thais face off and find their way through the walls they each had built, and share a little about their pasts. Dunn was a little too suave, and shared much less about himself than he knew about Thais, which bothered me a little. I think the danger and politics are very well done, scary, and frankly worrisome in this political climate. Made me more than a little worried about how much of this kind of stuff is really happening, because I really would not put it past some of the people currently in power. I was engaged in the story, and liked seeing some familiar characters return to the front lines. My biggest issue was with the number of voices used to tell the story. There seemed to be little to no indication as to when the narrator was changing, at least in the Kindle version, which sometimes became confusing. I had to go back and reread a few times just to figure out where those jumps happened to I could adjust with them.

Don't Look Back is a good conclusion to the story, and I was glad to see the loose ends all tied up, but with enough secondary characters still single that there could very well be a connecting series in the near future.

Book Review: Midnight Reynolds and the Spectral Transformer by Catherine Holt

Midnight Reynolds and the Spectral Transformer by Catherine Holt is the first book in a new middle grade series. When twelve year-old misfit Midnight Reynolds takes a job helping out eccentric Miss Appleby in the mansion down the street, she never imagined her work would involve battling ghosts. But as it turns out, Midnight and her new employer have quite a bit in common—they were both born on Halloween and have the power to see spirits of the dead. But when Midnight learns more about the history of her town, she starts to wonder if she’s fighting on the right side.

Midnight Reynolds and the Spectral Transformer is a wonderful middle grade novel. I will admit that it started a little slow for me, but once I got a good understanding of the characters, and Midnight's insecurities, I was fully engaged in the read. Midnight is tired of feeling different and wants to fit in more than just about anything. Unfortunately the popular girls that she wants to fit in are far from perfect. In her strides to appear cool she needs money, which leads her to working for Miss Appleby and embarking on a new adventure. I like Midnight's determination, even though she is not always working toward the best or healthiest goal. I really enjoyed Midnight's journey and how much she grew as a friend, daughter, and person in general. She found her place, her special skill set, and her bravery and learned how to use all of them for good. There were moments that had me cringinging, mainly because the middle school drama was right on point with what I remember, and what I worry about in the future for my kids. I really enjoyed the read and am disappointed in myself for letting it languish in my TBR pile for as long as I did. I have already gotten my hands on the sequel, and plan to get to that one much quicker.

Midnight Reynolds and the Spectral Transformer is a highly entertaining and relatable adventure. While readers might not have the ability to see ghostly energy, but at some point we have all felt like an outside or have been in search for our own special niche or place. 

Book Review: The Waking Land by Callie Bates

The Waking Land by Callie Bates is the first book in a series by the same name. Lady Elanna Valtai is fiercely devoted to the King who raised her like a daughter. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Elanna is accused of his murder and must flee for her life. Returning to the homeland of magical legends she has forsaken, Elanna is forced to reckon with her despised, estranged father, branded a traitor long ago. Feeling a strange, deep connection to the natural world, she also must face the truth about the forces she has always denied or disdained as superstition powers that suddenly stir within her. But an all-too-human threat is drawing near, determined to exact vengeance. Now Elanna has no choice but to lead a rebellion against the kingdom to which she once gave her allegiance. Trapped between divided loyalties, she must summon the courage to confront a destiny that could tear her apart. 

The Waking Land is a well built fantasy story with world and character development paced just about perfectly. Elanna is still a little niave- even after being kidnapped and raised in a corrupt court. She is a flawed character, but doing her best in the positions she finds herself in. My only issue with her was that she tended to be reactive rather than making her own choices. There are instances where that changes, but for the most par she is forced into action, which bothered me and made her a weaker lead in my eyes. I did think that the magic and political conflicts were very well handled, and twisted and complicated enough to keep interest, but not so complicated that I could not keep it all straight. I highly enjoyed the efforts of the secondary characters, and in some cases found them to be more interesting and strong willed than Elanna and her love interest. I think the romance was unnecessary- and I would have enjoyed more time with Rhia, Sophie, and Victorie- the secondary characters that really stole the show for me. I wanted to love the story, but bits of it just felt off or made me uncomfortable (like marrying the land) and Elanna's personality. The premise had real promise, and there is much that I can see in the author's voice that I like, but this book left me a little disappointed.

The Waking Land is an okay fantasy following the 'chosen one' trope. I think there is a market for it, but readers looking for something on par with Tamara Pierce will be left wanting. However, I see promise in the author's voice and will be willing to pick up a different series from Bates once this one is finished.

Early Book Review: Marriage Lessons (Off Guard) by Katie Allen

Marriage Lessons is the third book in the Off Guard series by Katie Allen, and is currently scheduled for release on October 15 2018. Each book does stand up on its own, with only brief mentions of the characters from the previous books. However, the books are all great, so I still recommend reading them all.

Falling for your boss—no matter how fast he makes your pulse race—is such a cliché. But it’s one Annabelle Shay can’t seem to avoid. Gallery owner Louis Dumont is stupid hot. Plus, he’s sweet, sensitive and a brilliant artist. But he’s also oblivious. Which is good because Annabelle loves her job too much to risk it. Louis hasn’t been with a woman since he was wounded in Afghanistan, remaining guarded about his body and his heart. But Annabelle is different. She keeps him grounded. Which is why protecting her—first pretending to be her husband to ward off unwanted attention, then inviting her to move in after her landlord kicks her out—feels so natural, even if it invites rampant temptation. Try as Annabelle might, there are some desires you simply can’t shake. Louis repeatedly joke-asking her to marry him isn’t helping, especially when their unbearable attraction upgrades them to roomies with benefits. But Louis is still keeping pieces of his past to himself, leaving Annabelle to wonder if he’ll ever truly be vulnerable with her—or if she stands to lose everything.

Marriage Lessons is a contemporary romance that hit all the right chords with me. Annabelle and Louis have chemistry from the very beginning- but work together and are friends but neither seems willing to take the risk. It is only after Annabelle faces unwanted attention at the gym, she needs a place to live, and she is attacked in the gallery they finally have to think about the attraction and where it might go. I thought Annabelle was a great character- she is strong, smart, and quirky. I liked Louis a lot, he is funny and thoughtful, with a humorous fear of ladies hunting him. I thought a little bravery- and conversation about how they felt might have wrapped things up a little quicker but I really enjoyed the ride. I liked the danger and suspense portion of the story- although I have a vague suspicion about the who and what before hand. I really wanted to get inside Louis's head, I wanted to know what he was thinking and how he felt- much like Annabelle wanted to. However, I was completely engaged with the characters and was left wanting more insight into the characters, and maybe a follow up to the series where all the characters get together and interact (maybe a weeding?). I just love the personalities in the entire series and want to see them all again.

Marriage Lessons is another wonderful book from Allen. The characters drew me in and never let me go, and I can not wait to read more.