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: Rescuing Rayne (Delta Force Heroes) by Susan Stoker

Rescuing Rayne is the first book in the Delta Force Heroes series by Susan Stoker. While it is connected to her previous series, it stands up wonderfully on its own.  As a flight attendant, Rayne Jackson is used to cancellations, but she never dreamed her latest would lead to a whirlwind tour of London with a handsome stranger, or a life-altering night in his bed. One evening is all the enigmatic man can give her, and Rayne greedily takes it, despite suspecting it will never be enough.  Heading home after another extreme mission, Keane "Ghost" Bryson hadn't planned to seduce someone during his layover, but Rayne is too sweet to resist. Being a Delta Force member means lying to protect his identity, which is unfortunate, considering Rayne seems made for Ghost, right down to the tattoo on her back. For the first time in his life, regret fills him as he slips away the following morning. Both are shocked when, months later, they meet again—under the worst possible circumstances. Seems fate has given them a second chance…if they can survive the terrorist situation they're in. If Rayne can forgive Ghost his lies. And if Ghost can trust Rayne to be strong enough to endure the secrets and uncertainty that come with loving a Delta Force soldier. 

Rescuing Rayne is a contemporary romance with plenty of action and the realities of healing after being in bad situations. I liked Rayne's character, she is sweet and strong at the same time. While she looks for the good she is more than capable to dealing with things if they go wrong, but does not take unnecessary risks- most of the time. A one night stand with Ghost her exception. When bad things do happen, she does what she needs to in order to survive. Keane, or Ghost, had to lie about his real name when he met Rayne, but when a horrible twist of fate trows them together again he wonders if she can forgive the lies, and deal with the missing information that is bound to happen in a relationship with a Delta Force member. I liked how they talked through the issues, and how hard Ghost worked to earn her trust- and even though he made mistakes was as honest as he could be about everything. The secondary characters and team mentality was a nice part of the book, and I loved seeing how the guys banded together to help each other- and anyone that a member of their team cared about. 

Rescuing Rayne is a solid suspenseful romance, with secondary characters that had me wondering about how they would find their own happy ending. While the book did not wow me, I am looking forward to reading more. 

Book Review: A Duke in the Night (The Devils of Dover) by Kelly Bowen

A Duke in the Night is the first book in The Devils of Dover series by Kelly Bowen. August Faulkner is a man of many talents, not the least of which is enticing women into his bedchamber. He’s known—and reviled—for buying and selling companies, accumulating scads of money, and breaking hearts. It’s a reputation he wears like a badge of honor, and one he intends to keep. Clara Hayward, the headmistress of the Haverhall School for Young Ladies, on the other hand, is above reproach. Yet when she’s reunited with August, all she can think of is the way she felt in his arms as they danced a scandalous waltz ten long years ago. Even though her head knows that he is only back in her life to take over her family’s business, her heart can’t help but open to the very duke who could destroy it for good.

A Duke in the Night is a historical novel that takes a little more of a look at characters hat have or are currently struggling financially. August and his family have been completely destitute- and through his hard work and smart choices he has brought them back to being more than just surviving, he has what amounts to a business empire. Clara and her family are currently struggling. When they come together again, not exactly by chance, they rekindle an attraction that they have both been trying to ignore. Money, lies, and the expectations for women in general (and August's younger sister in particular) keep raising tempers and conflicts between the two. Add in a suitor that has less that noble intentions and lots of realizations on August's part and it is a book that offers romance and some intrigue along with equality. I live that while August seems so ruthless and composed, he really is a soft touch that worries about those that cannot care for themselves or have fallen on hard times. It is his desire to help and protect that actually fuels his drive. I loved his character's duality and heart. Clara is smart and determined, and very much apologetically herself. There was a good bit of humor and fun in the story and I caught myself giggling at a few of the shenanigans and misunderstandings between characters. I liked her and her siblings, and the way they view the world. I am hoping that the siblings of both Hope and August are the stars of the next books in the series, because I liked them as much as the main players. I have not seen a historical romance with this amount of a push for equality and awareness before, at least not that I remember. While it was done well, I do think that it occasionally came close to the line that would have felt more preachy than entertaining.

A Duke in the Night is a solid historical romance with a social messages interwoven in the story. There is humor and a good character building. I was an entertaining read, but I will admit to while loving the concept and characters I had a hard time getting fully engaged in the read. 

Book Review: Guarding Mr. Fine by Helen Kay Dimon

Guarding Mr. Fine by Helen Kay Dimon is a contemporary romance novel. As an agent with the CIA’s special activities division, Seth Lang lives for risk, and yet he’s stuck playing bodyguard to the U.S. consul general in Munich. Although Seth’s last assignment nearly killed him, babysitting some desk jockey in a suit sounds way too easy. But when he lays eyes on the new top man, tactical expert Rick Fine, Seth’s thrilled to see just how hard this job is going to get. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Quiet has a body worth guarding, and he requires hands-on attention day and night. Dispatched to a German consulate to expose the murder of his predecessor, Rick finds himself in an extremely vulnerable position. He needs a man like Seth, in so many ways. This mission will inevitably plunge them both into jeopardy, but each new threat only brings them closer. Rick just hopes that he can keep his deepest, darkest secret hidden, or else risk imperiling a relationship they’re both fighting for their lives to protect.

Guarding Mr. Fine is a solid romance, with aspects of danger- both emotional and physical, that keep the reader guessing. I think both Seth and Rick have their issues, and hide away pieces of themselves for protection. I like that they are both capable and complex men, with a significant mystery surrounding the death of the previous consul general and the missing vaccines. I think the solution was a little too expected, as I had my suspicious about that particular character from the very beginning. However, the journey toward the reveal and later the happy ever after, were well worth it. I liked that the characters were open about their faults, even if they were not open about their secrets. I found the give and take, and gradual emotional growth from Seth to be very well done. 

I think many readers will enjoy Guarding Mr. Fine. There is suspense, romance, and an accurate portrayal of gay and bi characters. I would not recommend it to readers that do not enjoy same sex romances with men in the staring roles. However, readers that like contemporary, suspense, and military or undercover agent style romances will enjoy the read.

Early Book Review: The Duke (Victorian Rebels) by Kerrigan Byrne

The Duke is the forth book in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne and is currently scheduled for release on February 7 2017. The previous books are (in order) The Highwayman, The Hunter, and The Highlander. You do not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but the books are all great fun and give series readers a little extra insight on the secondary characters of this story and the missing time of Collin's life. I some how missed reading book two, which I do plan on remedying as soon as possible.


They say that now His Grace, Collin Talmage, Duke of Trenwyth has only one hand, he might finally be a mere mortal, but no one seems willing to test the theory. Rich as Midas, big as a Viking, beautiful as Adonis, and lethal as a feral wolf, he is the English Empire’s golden son. But now he’s lost everything. Most of his family died in a terrible accident, his protégé and closest friend betrayed him on the battlefield, and his left hand was cut off while he was a prisoner of war. The only thing that’s kept him going until now is the memory of a night spent in the arms of a mysterious raven-haired woman almost a year ago. Imogen Pritchard is a nurse by day, but a fallen woman by night. Seduced on the job years ago by a Duke who mourned for the loss of his family, Imogen has never shaken the memory of the man’s despair or the pleasure he brought to her. But as the threat of betrayals, blackmail, and secrets abound, Imogen and Collin are thrown back together in a dizzying swirl of dangerous games.

The Duke covers a good chunk of time, and like the previous Victorian Rebels books features a strong broody male and a woman that has seen some of the worst ills of society and the treatment of women and the poor of their time.  Imogen's struggles to pay off her father's gambling debt lead her to working to jobs to protect what is left of her family. When fate turns against her she takes steps to hide the things she has been forced to do, and to secure her younger sister's future. The fact that she cannot forget the man that took her virtue and than her job despite saving his life makes things even harder. Collin has faced loss and betrayal. He hunts for the woman that granted him peace before a disastrous mission does nothing but offer disappointment. Little does he know that she saved his life and is right next door. The secrets and danger color every exchange and keep things very interesting. I liked the level of intrigue and think that the understanding of both sides of the story make it very compelling. Stubbornness and fear are at the heart of the conflicts between Collin and Imogen- and seeing them find their way to each other was highly entertaining, though very emotional at times. I will admit to not knowing the full extent of who the serial killer was, and that aspect of the story was full of twists and turns. I am interested to see what might be next for one secondary character in particular, and fully expect more in this series.


The Duke is another solid historical romance from Byrne. Readers that are already fans will not want to miss it, and new readers who enjoy romance with secrets and strong characters will become new fans.