Haunted Ever After - Review

Haunted Ever After (Boneyard Key, # 1)

By: Jen DeLuca

Publication: August 13, 2024 by Berkley

352 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Paranormal

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--It's love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone’s spirits in this new series from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca.

Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness. Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn’t have to run air-conditioning.

Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there’s something unusual with her new home (her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up), she’s charmed by the colorful history surrounding her. And she's catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order.

As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don't get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing. But Cassie's worried she’s in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing…and Nick's afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good.

I really enjoyed Jen DeLuca's book Well Met, and I was disappointed to be denied review copies for the other books in the series. That being said, I saw Haunted Ever After, and I got excited about a new book by her. Unfortunately, I struggle a little with magical realism as a genre. So I firmly placed Haunted Ever After in the fantasy column in my mind, which I don't have any issues reading. This might not make sense to anyone else, but that's what works for me.

Cassie buys a house in Boneyard Key, Florida, because she works remotely. The price for a recently renovated beachside condo was too good to pass up, and she realized the cost was likely due to some unseen issues associated with the house. Likely a ghost. Boneyard Key is a town where ghosts stick around instead of passing on when they die. Cassie thought this was a tourist attraction, but she learned it was real. 

Nick grew up in Boneyard Key. His family is one of the original families in the town. And well, he knows the ghosts are real because he lives with one. He owns the coffee shop Hallowed Grounds, which Cassie often comes to plug in her dead laptop. They get to know each other, and of course, there is attraction.

The drama comes when Cassie learns that her house is haunted. She didn't grow up with ghosts, and she's unsure if she wants to continue to share her home with a ghost. Nick has been hurt by others leaving him in the past, so he's worried about getting too close to Cassie only for her to leave. I have to say I didn't get why Cassie and Nick were "in love." Attraction, sure. But I didn't feel they shared enough to have reached the love stage. 

One thing I wasn't expecting to like as much as I did was the subtle lesson about seasons in life. Cassie used to fit into her friend group before she moved. But now, most of her friends are in a different season of life. They're married and have kids now. Everyone can relate to friendships growing apart. People are often only in our lives for a season. We grieve when the season is over, but trying to force the season to stay usually does more damage than moving forward. It doesn't work any better than trying to hold onto summer as the weather transitions into fall and then winter. 

Haunted Ever After was entertaining once I placed it in the fantasy genre in my mind. I wasn't surprised by the "twists." I did find Haunted Ever After a little predictable. But in this case, I didn't mind. Cassie and Nick had a quick relationship for me that went a little too fast, but I rooted for them all the same. I liked the history Jen DeLuca gave to the town and its residents and ghosts. Haunted Ever After gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Haunted Ever After? What did you think? Let me know!

Beneath These Cursed Stars - Review

Beneath These Cursed Stars

By: Lexi Ryan

Expected Publication: July 9, 2024 by HarperTeen

432 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Fae

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan comes a romantic fantasy in which a human princess armed with death’s kiss and a fae shifter on the run become unlikely allies when a mission to assassinate an evil king collides with a fatal prophecy.

Princess Jasalyn has a secret. Armed with an enchanted ring that gives her death’s kiss, Jas has been sneaking away from the palace at night to assassinate her enemies.

Shape-shifter Felicity needs a miracle. Fated to kill her magical father, she’s been using her unique ability to evade a fatal prophecy.

When rumors of evil king Mordeus’s resurrection spread through the shadow court, Jasalyn decides to end him once and for all. Felicity agrees to take the form of the princess, allowing Jas to covertly hunt Mordeus—and starting Felicity on the path that could finally take her home.

While Jasalyn teams up with the charming and handsome Kendrick, Felicity sets out to get closer to the Wild Fae king, Misha. Kendrick helps Jasalyn feel something other than anger for the first time in three years, and Misha makes Felicity wish for a world where she’s free to be her true self. Soon, the girls’ missions are at risk right alongside their hearts.

The future of the human and fae realms hangs in the balance as fates intertwine. Between perilous tasks, grim secrets, and forbidden romances, Jasalyn and Felicity find that perhaps their stars are the most cursed of all.

Beneath These Cursed Stars is a spinoff of These Hollow Vows series. Technically you don't have to read the first series first. I didn't. But I felt like I was missing out through the entire book. The events of the previous books affect this one but affect the characters and their relationships with each other the most. *I have since read the previous books and reviews for them will be coming soon.

Jasalyn was held captive by the previous king when her sister was the rightful heir to the throne. He tortured her but healed her wounds. She is suffering from PTSD and the trauma she endured. But at some point, she buys a magical ring from a witch which takes away her fear and turns her into an Enchanted Lady making everyone obey her every word. It also gives her the kiss of death. She's been using this to kill Mordeus's supporters and the guards who tortured her. Jasalyn is deeply affected by what she experienced, and she can't seem to be what everyone else wants her to be. She can't pretend she's healed or whole or normal.

Felicity is an Echo which means using someone else’s hair she can transform into their body when the hair is on their head. It also gives her one memory of the person she is turning into. Felicity is hiding from her birth father. As soon as she returns to her actual form her birth father will be able to locate her. Felicity and Jasalyn come to an agreement for Felicity to take Jasalyn's place visiting the Wild Fae court because Jasalyn needs some space to breathe, and Kendrick needs her for his mission. Felicity has a part of the mission which happens to include being at the Wild Fae court.

Kendrick is on a mission to save the realm of Elora from corruption. He spent time in the dungeon in a cell next to Jasalyn. She was younger then, but he encouraged her and connected with her through their shared trauma. Although Kendrick never knew the full extent of Jas's torture because she was healed before being returned to her cell. Kendrick needs Jas to help him succeed in his mission. So his friends kidnap her. Jasalyn agrees to help them because she loves Elora and still considers it her home. It represents the beginning of her life. Before she was kidnapped and tortured. 

And then there's Misha. He's the king of the Wild Fae court. He's a friend of Jasalyn's sister, Aribella. Aribella wants Jasalyn to stay with Misha for a while until she recovers a little more emotionally from her trauma. Aribella may also be attempting to play matchmaker. Misha never has seen Jasalyn romanticly but things change for him while she's in his court. Unfortunately, the Jasalyn with him is Felicity posing as Jasalyn with her permission. Misha spends his time trying to get Jasalyn out of her shell and teaching her to defend herself should she ever be faced with a situation where someone wishes her harm. You can imagine how he will feel when he finds out that Jasalyn is not who he has been spending time with. 

I have barely scratched the surface of the plot. Lexi Ryan does an outstanding job with character development and handling trauma. Of course, I have no experience in the trauma that Jasalyn specifically went through. But Lexi Ryan wrote in a way that felt realistic. The other characters have all been through their share of some trauma. No one is immune to heartbreak. And everyone has their missions and plans. It makes for an intricately woven web. 

Beneath These Cursed Stars sucked me in. We get a two-for-one in the romance department. Although, of course, the couples can't be happy right now because there's more to come from the series--at least one more book. But the more the merrier in my opinion. I didn't want to stop reading when I needed to. And I immediately went to find the previous series as soon as I finished this book. Beneath These Cursed Stars gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Beneath These Cursed Stars? What did you think? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review of A Queen of Thieves and Chaos

A Queen of Thieves & Chaos (Fate & Flame, # 3)

By: KA Tucker

Publication: September 5, 2023

606 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the third novel in her Fate and Flame series, an adult fantasy novel that should be read in series order.

"You betrayed your brother to steal a broken crown."

The kingdom stands on the brink of chaos. Atticus' grip on the realm is faltering, and as threats arise ever closer to home, he is driven to increasingly desperate acts to hold onto power.

With Islor's fate now in the balance, Zander stands to defend the Rift from the oncoming Ybarisan army. With the king's forces scattered, he must risk unlikely new alliances.

And behind the walls of Ulysede, secrets wait for its new queen. Romeria knows that the paths of the hidden city will lead her to answers. But will they be enough to save the realm – or is their fate already sealed?

A Queen of Thieves and Chaos was simultaneously one of my most anticipated books and also one of my most dreaded. I had a fear about the path these books were headed down and I didn't want to be right. In the end, I wasn't right or wrong. I will say that KA Tucker didn't go in the direction that I was concerned about...yet. Romy hasn't exactly surpassed Zander in that Zander is still acting in a monarchial role for Islor even though Romy has the rule of Ulysede and theoretical ties to Ybaris. Zander and Romy are working together, of course, but Romy isn't dictating to Zander because she's reached some status he's unable to attain. ...Yet anyway. KA Tucker could still go in that direction, but as of this book it didn't seem like that would be where she'd headed.

A Queen of Thieves and Chaos is different from the previous two books in that additional narrators have been added. Mostly, Atticus, Gracen, and Agatha. Atticus's POV was needed to know what was happening in the heart of Islor since Zander is on the run. Gracen is needed to humanize Atticus. Plus since Zander and Romy have made it to pretty solid ground in their relationship, the introduction of a new romance is great for holder reader's attention who also loves this aspect in books. *raises hand* Me. It's me. I'm that reader. Agatha was a little more boring for me because she's all technical behind-the-scenes information. Necessary, but not as interesting as the exciting bits of the story. Agatha is the Master Scribe. 

We have two big bads for the most part in this book. There's the original Princess Romeria's mom, Queen of Ybaris. And there's also Atticus who has taken control of Islor. Atticus is facing his own enemies. The royals that seek to overthrow him just as he overthrew Zander. And then, of course, Zander intends to take back his throne as well. Atticus is doing his best to strategize. And reading his perspective makes it easy to see what he sees, but Atticus isn't the best statistician. 

All of the side characters are important and come off the page as I'm accustomed to KA Tucker doing. There are old friends of Romy's that are still in Cirilea, some are still in the palace and have made friends with Gracen. Some a new. Of course, there's Jarek. He's one of my favorites. There was a chemistry or tension that seemed to float between him and Romy that I had to kind of question. Again, I was getting Blood and Ash vibes. Eden. Zander and Atticus's sister that I can't remember her name right now. Tyree. Elias. And others that are even spoilers.

Favorite quotes:

-"The rich don't like giving up being rich."

-"You have already lost. You just haven't realized it yet."

-"People believe what they want to believe, even when the truth is laid bare, unfiltered and undeniable, before them."

-"You ar the worthiest of causes I have ever met, that I ever will meet, and I will follow you into the rift if you ask it of me. But do not ever ask me to leave your side."

As I said A Queen of Thieves and Chaos was one of my most anticipated releases of 2023. I was dying to get my hands on it. Yet I was apprehensive about Zander turning into a subject of Romy's. So far that hasn't happened, and both are working together and separately to achieve their collective and individual goals. I like this approach. I felt like one of the Big Bads I mentioned above was handled a little too easily. There was a lot of build-up for a short conflict. Either way, I'm stoked to continue the series with book 4. Atticus and Gracen's relationship has helped to continue building interest beyond Romy and Zander. A Queen of Thieves and Chaos gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read A Queen of Thieves and Chaos? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

All Things Halloween Review of Grace & Glory

Grace and Glory (The Harbinger, # 3)

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Publication: June 1st 2021 by Inkyard Press

512 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Danger, betrayal, and enticing forbidden love... When Angels Fall

Trinity Marrow has lost the battle and her beloved Protector. Even with both demons and Wardens on her side, Trin may not win the war against the Harbinger.

Bringing Lucifer back to the world to fight the Harbinger is probably a really, really bad idea, but they’re out of options—and the world’s ultimate fallen angel is the only being powerful enough to impact the outcome.

As Trin and Zayne form a new and more dangerous bond and Lucifer unleashes Hell on earth, the apocalypse looms and the world teeters on the end of forever. Win or lose, one thing is certain—nothing will ever be the same.

Rage & Ruin ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. I can't remember if we get a glimpse of Zayne at the very end or if we think he's actually dead, but the description of Grace and Glory gives it away that he's alive and involved, at least somehow. And that leads me to a discussion topic that I need to type up, but the gist is that I actually have come to expect character rescurrections because they happen so frequently that I'm never surprised when some character finds their ways back from the dead. It's almost become more heroic (in the writing sense) for the author to allow the character to die and stay dead. Maybe I will leave this for now to be discussed in depth later.

Trinity, Roth, and Layla set in motion the plan to bring Lucifer to Earth to fight against Gabriel's plan to open a portal from Earth to Heaven. The idea was that Lucifer's pride wouldn't allow his brother to succeed at something as big as this, even though typically, one would think that doing something similar to this would be up Lucifer's alley. Controlling Lucifer is another story, though. Zayne, as I've already discussed, has come back from the dead as a Fallen Angel with his grace and wings, which apparently makes him nearly as strong as Lucifer.

I really struggled with Grace & Glory in the ways that they discussed God. It reminded me so much of the show Supernatural (which I used to love but ended up abandoning before it was over for the same reasons). To consider that God is just MIA or so completely hands off what's going on in our world feels sacrilegious to me. Funnily enough, Jennifer L Armentrout had to be familiar with the similarities of the Supernatural series to this one because Lucifer gets sucked into binge watching the show once he's on Earth. I think that's kind of funny. Ultimately, she handled enough of the biggest components of the book regarding this area in a way that I could say "okay" over, but mostly I felt majorly uncomfortable through the majority of reading these sections. I want to discuss this in more detail, but a lot would be spoilers.

Zayne and Trinity's relationship is the redeeming part of this book and the series.

Favorite or supporting quotes:

-What was happening to me wasn't the sum of who I was, but it was a part of who I was.

-"I dropped you in a pool." "I'll probably punch you for that when you least expect it..."

-"Maybe God has checked out..."

-"Maybe God just doesn't care anymore, forsaking the most treasured creations. Look throughout history. There were many times God could've stepped in and ended countless horrific and senseless tragedies but chose not to. God acts like the rules can't be broken when God is the one who created them." ... "Some say I'm the monster, the nightmare in the dark and the evil hiding in plain sight, but when a child dies needlessly, it is not a life I've taken. When a mother takes her last breath due to disease, it is not by my will. When a brother dies senselessly, it is not a part of my plan. Death and war and disease are not my creations." ... "But what is God? Because at the end of the day, God could take all that pain away. So tell me, who is the real monster?" "The father of lies," Zayne murmered...

I'm glad that Jennifer L Armentrout at least mentioned that Lucifer is the father of lies, and that indicates that all these things he just spent a long speech accusing God of doing and being are in fact lies. I know it wasn't the purpose of this book to counter argue these lies accused at God, but it feels so important to do so. Leaving things like this feels like leaving the reader with questions and no answers. And I guess she's trusting the reader to think for themselves. But it just left me feeling uncomfortable not to argue these points.

"And just think how many would have heard my words and believed me? Believed my legions?" "Based on what I've seen people believe on social media?" Layla whispered. "Millions."

Again, I'm glad this was mentioned. Social media is full of lies, and I'm here to attest that the mob mentality is almost always wrong, in my opinion.

-"Jesus," Jada whispered, and I bet she was regretting her decision to come here. I was starting to regret this decision. "As if," Lucifer replied, falling onto the chair by the window. "I am nothing like that whiney, all talk and very little action golden Boy."

See what I mean? Sheesh! How much more sacreligious can we get? Obviously, the character speaking here is Lucifer, and I wouldn't expect him to think highly of Jesus, but Scripture is full of instances of God protecting His name, and Jesus is the Name about all names. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I wouldn't think sacrificing Himself for the world is a bunch of talk and no action.

-"You know what people get so wrong about God? That He is an absentee father. That He doesn't care for His children, watch over them meticulously, day in and day out. That He doesn't interfere in the small ways--ways often and easily overlooked. That random choice to turn left instead of right on the way to work? The unexpected decision to stay home or stay out late? The unplanned trip or phone call, purchase or gift? None of that is random or unknown. That is God, doing what a good parent does. Stepping in when they can and knowing when there is nothing they can do. I never really understood how God could do all of that--be willing to do anything and everything to be near His children and yet be able to walk away."

Finally a quote about God that I can get behind.

-"You are all I ever wanted, even before I knew what I wanted. It was you. It was always you."

I feel torn over Grace and Glory. On one hand, I loved Trinity and Zayne. I'm happy they have the ending they did. There's some open ended stuff for if Jennifer L Armentrout wants to return to the series or do a spin-off from it. I loved the story with Peanut and how that played out. I was struggling through so many pages and quotes that felt irreverent to God. For some reason, I don't mind fantasy that is completely fiction, but to borrow upon real life and attribute things to God that just aren't true makes me uncomfortable. I was waiting for the redeeming ending, which unlike Supernatural, Jennifer L Armentrout did give me. I guess overall I give Grace & Glory a reluctant 4 Stars. Have you read Grace & Glory? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Can't Wait for A Queen of Thieves & Chaos

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

A Queen of Thieves & Chaos (Fate & Flame, # 3)

By: KA Tucker

Expected Publication: September 5, 2023

606 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the third novel in her Fate and Flame series, an adult fantasy novel that should be read in series order.

"You betrayed your brother to steal a broken crown."

The kingdom stands on the brink of chaos. Atticus' grip on the realm is faltering, and as threats arise ever closer to home, he is driven to increasingly desperate acts to hold onto power.

With Islor's fate now in the balance, Zander stands to defend the Rift from the oncoming Ybarisan army. With the king's forces scattered, he must risk unlikely new alliances.

And behind the walls of Ulysede, secrets wait for its new queen. Romeria knows that the paths of the hidden city will lead her to answers. But will they be enough to save the realm – or is their fate already sealed?

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Can't Wait for A Soul of Ash and Blood

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash, # 5)

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Expected Publication: July 18, 2023

608 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Vampires, Werewolves, Paranormal

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout revisits the first novel in her phenomenal Blood and Ash series. But this time…it’s Hawke’s turn to tell the story.

Filled with new scenes, insights, and a few surprises, A Soul of Ash and Blood is a must-read for fans of From Blood and Ash and the love story of Poppy and Hawke.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Moonlight & Magic

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Moonlight & Magic (Betwixt & Between, # 4)

By: Darynda Jones

Expected Publication: November 17th 2021

? pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Witches

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Forty-something Annette Osmund always knew she was psychic. She’s not, but that didn’t stop her from giving those non-existent abilities her all. What she is, however, is a very powerful witch who has just inherited magics she never dreamed possible.

Starting over in a new town with her BFF has been an adventure. Defiance’s status as a powerful type of witch called a charmling has kept Annette busy. But while Deph, a seeker, is still learning to use her magics, to control the power at her fingertips, Annette is overcome with powers of her own. Turns out, her being besties with Deph was not an accident. They were drawn to each other even before their powers emerged, and Annette learns she is also a charmling, a healer, and an alchemist. But what does that even mean?

Fortunately, there’s one way to find out. She consults the house they’re living in. Or, more to the point, the delicious entity haunting the house. Because, like her, he was once an alchemist. Maybe he will have the answers she so desperately seeks before she kills someone. The fact that he was once a stunning specimen of masculinity has nothing whatsoever to do with her desire to learn from a man who may or may not have been a powerful warlock.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire - Review

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash, # 2)

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Publication: September 1st 2020 by Blue Box Press

637 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Source: Personal Kindle Library (Christmas present from Husband)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice...

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire was so long that it is hard to remember exactly where it started compared to how far in the story things developed. Granted, the book didn't feel as long as its 637 pages. But it leaves me struggling to remember how much I need to comment on. I do know that From Blood and Ash ended with Casteel announcing that he plans to marry Poppy. So that's exactly where A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire began. Poppy is resistant mostly because she doesn't believe in Casteel's feelings for her considering his prior betrayal. But it doesn't take long for Casteel to outline the benefits of a marriage between the two of them to convince Poppy to agree even if she still doubts he has any true feelings for her.

Casteel's reasoning does make sense, but he's counting on some factors that he can't control, like his people falling in line and not questioning him and his father not risking their relationship. And of course, the reader suspects his feelings to be just as real as Poppy's even if neither is yet willing to admit them.

The story progresses quite a lot in this one book. The group leaves New Haven after some troubles there and finally progresses to Atlantia. Poppy's powers are growing in ways that she doesn't understand or expect. She doesn't know what changes might come next. And she finds herself hoping that the Atlantians accept her instead many fear and distrust her. Unfortunately, her growing powers do nothing to quench their fears. If nothing else, her powers create more fear. And we know that people often do terrible things out of fear.

Content is descriptive and language is certainly present. I also worry that Jennifer L Armentrout is slowly trying to prepare the reader for an upcoming sexual event that goes beyond my comfort zone. I hope she doesn't go there. Perhaps the suggestion is enough, but I feel like this is one of those things that wouldn't even have been mentioned if she weren't going there at some point. Either way, if language or descriptive scenes aren't your cup of tea, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire might not be for you.

Favorite quotes:

-“Make me feel incompetent and kill more than me, Princess.”

-"The world, no matter how big, is often smaller than we realize.”

-“Don’t,” he warned softly, and my hands froze. “I appreciate the gesture, but I don’t need you to take away my pain, nor do I want that.”...“Because the pain is a reminder and a warning. One I plan to never forget.”

-“When it comes to bacon, the answer is always yes.”

-And it was strange how revelations felt like they happened all of a sudden, but in reality, it took many small, almost indiscernible moments over the course of weeks, months, and years.

Given the length of this book, I read A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire quickly. I enjoyed every step of the way. I can't say I had any issues except the potential worry for some scenes to come. Casteel and Poppy's relationship has been such an enjoyable one to read about. Given this was one of my most anticipated reads, I was not disappointed at all. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire? What did you think? Let me know!

Layla - Review

Layla

By: Colleen Hoover

Publication: December 8th 2020 by Montlake

302 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Source: Personal Kindle Library (Christmas present from Husband)

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Goodreads description--From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love.

When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her—until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences.

Feeling distant from Layla, Leeds soon finds solace in Willow—another guest of the B&B with whom he forms a connection through their shared concerns. As his curiosity for Willow grows, his decision to help her find answers puts him in direct conflict with Layla’s well-being. Leeds soon realizes he has to make a choice because he can’t help both of them. But if he makes the wrong choice, it could be detrimental for all of them.

Sigh. I hate to admit it. It's taken me a while to come to terms with this, but I think Colleen Hoover and I are growing apart. After 24 books, I am just not surprised anymore. I feel a little bit like I've figured her out...as an author anyway. Colleen Hoover told us a long time ago that she only ever plans to write "happily ever afters". And what I've learned is that she's all about the big reveal. The payoff. The end result. It's like "as long as the characters end up happy then the journey to get there isn't as important." And I say that because I've realized I often don't enjoy the journey all that much. I usually devour her books, but looking back that has been due to the terrible situations she puts her characters in that propel you to please! find some measure of peace in the end. One of the biggest telling factors for me is that other than her Slammed series (which is still my favorite), I have had zero desire to re-read any of her books. Now that I know how they've ended, the journey wasn't enjoyable enough for me to want to experience again. I realize not everyone will take issue with this. Maybe it's only the payoff or the end result that you read for, but it's not for me.

Leeds and Layla have a whirlwind relationship from their first meeting. They pretty much go from two separate beings to a couple instantly. They enter into a relationship where they don't even really leave each other's presence for like 2 months. The two survive a life-changing experience, and ever since things have been different. Layla is struggling and Leeds decides to take her back to the place they fell in love. All of this sounds good.

I knew Layla was categorized as a paranormal romance, and so I was constantly looking for where and when the paranormal would come into play. It took a while. And I don't think it's too much of a spoiler to admit that it came in the form of a ghost. The book isn't exactly divided into "then" and "now" segments but that's basically what's happening. Leeds has involved a detective to help this ghost and the book swaps back and forth between Leeds interacting with the detective and him telling the story of his and Layla's past and how they came upon this ghost that needs help. I often struggle with "then and now" books but the sections were mostly focused on the telling of their history that it didn't really feel disjointed to me. I didn't get annoyed because I wasn't exactly pulled out of the story for constant back and forth.

My biggest problem with Layla was the fact that Leeds continues to follow a path he knows is selfish and wrong. I highlighted numerous quotes where he notes this to be the case. I just cannot support characters who do this. And it's especially troubling when said characters don't have any real consequences for their selfishness and all seems to work out for them in the end. This touches on one of my deal-breaker topics (highlight for spoiler cheating). And so I was doubly annoyed when everything ties up in this nice pretty bow in the end.

I could tell there was supposed to be a giant twist in the end. Maybe about the 75-80% mark. But I figured it out around 60%. I don't mean that to sound arrogant. I don't mean it that way. I simply state it because I felt like it was further proof (to me) of how I feel like I understand Colleen Hoover as an author. Others might have figured it out even sooner. Some might have been continually guessing until the reveal. Neither way is wrong or bad and I often enjoy the experience even more if I'm NOT able to figure it out ahead of time.

Ultimately, Layla gets 3.5 Stars from me. It wasn't a bad book. I can see why others would rate it much higher. But for me, the characters following a selfish, wrong path purposefully, repeatedly choosing this path, sits so wrong with me that I couldn't enjoy the journey or the ultimate payoff like I would have liked. I truly am afraid that I'm growing away from Colleen Hoover. At this point, I'll probably still read her future books, but I certainly won't anticipate them with the same level nor will I expect as much from them as I have in the past. Have you read Layla? What did you think? Let me know!

From Blood and Ash - Review

From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, # 1)

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Publication: March 30th 2020 by Blue Box Press

634 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Source: Personal Kindle Library

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Goodreads description--A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

So I've had two separate friends message me to tell me that I HAD to read this book. I wasn't in a rush because I was in the middle of a different JLA series. When I didn't get approved for book 2 of that series for review, I put it on hold and moved on to other books. Plus the 2nd friend warned me about content as she knows I'm not the biggest fan of descriptive content. Amazon gave me a $5 gift card for reading in November. (I mean, do they know me at all? Just continue to throw money at me Amazon. I don't mind.) So I used it to purchase From Blood and Ash, and I went into this book prepared for too much description. Perhaps my expectations were off. Certainly, the content exists, but it wasn't quite as bad as I expected it to be.

Poppy is the Maiden. She's gifted with the ability to feel others' pain. I'm not sure if it is the gift exactly that makes her the Maiden or not. That wasn't 100% clear. What also isn't clear is what being the Maiden means for the kingdom. She's a symbol and supposedly important for the future, but how so wasn't clear. I'm not even sure Poppy knew the reason either. But being the Maiden means she has to live differently from everyone else. She has to be veiled. She can't have any close relationships. She's not sure she even wants to be the Maiden. She does know that she just wants an opportunity to live and a choice of what happens in her life.

Poppy's attention is continually drawn to a new guard that works his way up the ranks until he becomes one of two personal guards for her. Hawke shows interest in her as a person. What her dreams are beyond her duty. She intrigues him and is continually surprising him. The two develop a connection with significant tension between them.

Twists abound in From Blood and Ash, but to be honest, none of them surprised me except the very last sentence of the book. But I found that I didn't even mind because the story was so engrossing that I was sucked in. I don't feel like this is anything spoiler related, but I also found the take on fantasy creatures unique-ish. Vampires and werewolves and maybe even zombie-ish creatures. All of it was new yet not.

Favorite quotes:

-...but lust was not love, it was not loyalty, and it was not long lasting.

-"I won’t ever prevent you from lifting a sword to protect your life or those you care about,” he said. “But I won’t let you shove that sword through your own heart to prove a point.”

From Blood and Ash was every bit as good as my two friends indicated. Yes, there is language and content if that's something you'd like to know about ahead of time, but my expectations were off due to warnings from my friend so I was actually expecting more than there was. I wasn't surprised by hardly anything within the story that I imagine were intended to be twists, but I didn't mind because the story and the characters made everything come alive. The cliffhanger ending had me dying to break down and purchase book 2 immediately. From Blood and Ash gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read From Blood and Ash ? What did you think? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review - The Dirt on Ninth Grave

The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson, # 9)

By: Darynda Jones

Publication: January 12th 2016 by St. Martin's Press

326 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Humor, Mystery

Source: Borrowed from the e-library

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Goodreads description--In a small village in New York lives Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around.

But no one can outrun their past, and the more lies that swirl around her—even from her new and trusted friends—the more disoriented she becomes, until she is confronted by a man who claims to have been sent to kill her. Sent by the darkest force in the universe. A force that absolutely will not stop until she is dead. Thankfully, she has a Rottweiler. But that doesn't help in her quest to find her identity and recover what she's lost. That will take all her courage and a touch of the power she feels flowing like electricity through her veins. She almost feels sorry for him. The devil in blue jeans. The disarming fry cook who lies with every breath he takes. She will get to the bottom of what he knows if it kills her. Or him. Either way.

I was a little unenthused going into The Dirt on Ninth Grave. Charley gets amnesia at the end of Eight. I find that I enjoy amnesia stories when I am learning about a character's past at the same time that they are, but I don't always enjoy stories as much when I know a significant amount of information that the character doesn't. So I worried that I wouldn't enjoy this book as much because it almost felt like starting over at the beginning of the series. Thankfully the cast of characters I've come to love was present much sooner than I expected.

So basically all of the crew shows up in the town that Charley wakes up in. Charley is working as a waitress in a restaurant and the other characters mostly just show up and are hanging around except Cookie who has also gotten a job as a waitress. The others barely interact with Charley at first but slowly do so more and more. Cookie just feels like Charley's new BFF. Charley obviously has the hots for Reyes but she can see he's not just human and tries to keep her distance. You can tell how difficult of a time Reyes is having by letting Charley take her time with things. And seeing his pain at her not recognizing him is evident.

This wouldn't be a Charley Davidson book without several mysteries to solve. And it was fun to see how much of Charley's personality remained despite not remembering her past. Charley obviously doesn't know that she was a private investigator or the grim reaper in the past but her desire to help the living and the dead push her into another case. All the while attracting the unwanted attention of a psychopath.

There were times when I was waiting for Reyes to show up based upon Charley's heightened emotions. At times it seemed like he was still able to read her, but other times I felt sure if he could then he would have shown up. I hated that this wasn't explained because it seemed like a gap or inconsistency at the least.

I also found myself wondering why Charley never questioned the information before her when it came to Cookie and Reyes specifically having a connection with her old self. They both mention someone close to them disappearing. For Reyes his wife and for Cookie her best friend. In Reyes's situation, he mentioned his wife, Charley feels an unexplainable draw to him and she knows she woke up in the alley wearing a wedding ring. Plus Cookie calling her Charley multiple times over the name, Janey, that she has been going by. Even though Charley did question Cookie, I felt like this was explained away too easily. Especially given other things she took note of or overheard.

How Charley did get her memories back was both satisfying and anticlimactic at the same time. I won't discuss more here in an effort not to spoil anything.

And then there was the twist ending. I don't know why but I wasn't surprised in the least. I figure there will be a workaround, but time will tell.

I kind of hate that I put off reading The Dirt on Ninth Grave a few months after finishing book 8 because the ending of the previous book wasn't as fresh in my mind as I'd have liked. Overall my worries over The Dirt on Ninth Grave were for nothing and I was hooked into the story very quickly. The Dirt on Ninth Grave gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Dirt on Ninth Grave? What did you think? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review - Eighth Grave After Dark

Eighth Grave After Dark (Charley Davidson, # 8)

By: Darynda Jones

Publication: May 19th 2015 by St. Martin's Press

293 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Mystery

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--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….

I had to take a short break between book 7 and this one. But the break didn't stop me from getting into Eighth Grave After Dark almost immediately. I was slightly thrown off by the time jump as all of the previous books are almost immediately one after the other. It's been eight months from where the last book left off. The time jump makes sense as the characters have been stuck on sacred ground for that time and it would be quite the boring book for them to never be able to leave for months. As it was, Eighth Grave After Dark does advance the overall storyline and Charley does have a mystery to solve (even from the safety of the convent). Yet it felt like not much was happening... probably due to the exact fact that Charley couldn't leave the convent.

I mentioned this before, but I love the pop culture references without name dropping. Name dropping always feels as if the author is trying too hard to be current, cool, or trendy. The way Darynda Jones does them is just right.

I've also mentioned this before, but I do get frustrated with the amount of information that's kept from Charley at times. She gets frustrated too. But since this has been going on for several books (or well...all of them) I'm a little beyond this being a plot tool.

I will also say that the alternate dimension pieces have increased and are getting so prevalent that I'm beginning to get a little frustrated. For some reason, this concept is something that I've always struggled with books. I hope that this doesn't cause me to lose interest in the series since I'm known to struggle with this type of thing.

Several things happened at the end of the book that has me excited about what's to come. Ultimately, Eighth Grave After Dark was probably my least favorite of the series so far. I still enjoyed it, but I certainly had more issues with this book than any of the prior ones. Eighth Grave After Dark gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Eighth Grave After Dark? What did you think?

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Seventh Grave and No Body - Review

Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson, # 7)

By: Darynda Jones

Publication: October 21st 2014 by St. Martin's Press

322 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Mystery

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there’s that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she’s ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.

A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it.

We’re doomed.

Okay guys, I took notes and refused to let myself start book 8 until I sat down to write this review. So hopefully this review will be better than my reviews for the previous books in this series.

I liked the pop culture references. Sometimes this bugs me because it can automatically date a book, but these weren't references like "I love watching Breaking Bad" or "Twilight is my favorite book." Instead, there's mention of Jesse Pinkman, Heisenberg, and Bella... You just know or don't know the references. Those are the kinds I like. Also, "Friendbook" is just funny.

This series has a way of shining light on some of the worst of humanity. I know the cases that Charley takes on are fiction, but they're not far-fetched in many aspects. (Some of them are because this is a fantasy series after all, but unfortunately, most of them are realistic.) And this makes me so sad for humanity. I appreciate this in fiction because the cases are compelling, but in some ways, it messes with my mind. Especially when my Husband was telling me a horrible story that was real that I could see blending right into Charley's world.

A complaint that I've had over the entire series but haven't had the wherewithal to mention until now is how so many people that meet Charley seem to be aware that she's capable of doing different things, but they're keeping information to themselves. I realize the idea is for Charley to learn herself and grow over the series, but it can be frustrating as a reader to constantly read that a character is capable of XYZ or should know XYZ but can't or doesn't. Finally, Charley makes some significant strides forward in her abilities.

I very much appreciate that while this series doesn't follow religious theology necessarily, it doesn't discount God. In fact, the opposite is true. Charley mentions God in a respectful way more than once. I feel like this is so missing from literature today but especially from the fantasy genre. Why mention God when you can make up an entirely new religion or deity? Super applause to Darynda Jones for the decision making where this is concerned (at least up until this point in the series). She could always screw this up for me in the next few books.

However, Charley has recently been described as being a god in the other plane that she was from. Alternate planes and realities are something I struggle within books. This hasn't been a huge issue for me in this series so far because while they are mentioned the characters aren't traveling back and forth between them. But more and more Charley is being described in a way concerning the other plane that is confusing to me. Her personality seems to clash with who she's supposed to be...not just royalty but as a "god". I'm hoping this doesn't become too much bigger of a plot point.

I'm never a huge fan of descriptive scenes. Thankfully they're not too frequent in each book and they don't derail from the plot nor do they go on and on and on as some books I've read. I will plead with Darynda Jones, however, to lose the word "suckled" during these scenes. I cringe every time I see this word. Especially during these scenes.

This series has become a favorite and Seventh Grave and No Body is probably my favorite of the series so far. The advance in the series plot finally moved forward a good bit. Seventh Grave and No Body gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Seventh Grave and No Body? What did you think? Let me know!

Sixth Grave on the Edge - Review

Sixth Grave on the Edge (Charley Davidson, # 6)

By: Darynda Jones

Publication: May 20th 2014 by St. Martin's Press

326 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Mystery

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--Few things in life can come between a grim reaper and her coffee, but the sexy, sultry son of Satan is one of them. Now that Reyes Farrow has asked for her hand, Charley Davidson feels it's time to learn more about his past, but Reyes is reluctant to open up. When the official FBI file of his childhood abduction lands in her lap, Charley decides to go behind her mysterious beau’s back and conduct her own investigation. Because what could go wrong?

Unfortunately, another case has fallen into her lap—one with dangerous implications. Some very insistent men want Charley to hunt down a witness who is scheduled to testify against their boss, a major player in the local crime syndicate. If Charley doesn't come up with an address in 48 hours, the people closest to her will start to disappear.

Add to that a desperate man in search of the soul he lost in a card game, a dogged mother determined to find the ghost of her son, and a beautiful, young Deaf boy haunted by his new ability to see the departed as clearly as he sees the living, and Charley has her hands full. The fact that Reyes has caught on to her latest venture only adds fuel to the inferno that he is. Good thing for Charley she's used to multi-tasking and always up for a challenge…especially when that challenge comes in the form of Reyes Farrow.

So we pick up Sixth Grave on the Edge with Charley and Reyes "nigh affianced". (Hehe I just wanted to say that and totally cracked up every time Charley called Reyes her "nigh fiance".) Really though, Reyes proposed and we're just waiting to see if Charley will accept.

Sixth Grave on the Edge is one of those books that makes it completely obvious that Darynda Jones planned this entire series before she ever started writing.

There hasn't been too much activity in the demon areas of the series. Although, we do meet a demon (or daeva) called the Dealer. Mostly the overall series story hasn't made too much progress. Well, there was one small bomb dropped at the very end of the book which I didn't see coming. And now that I think about another development too. But that's all.

I didn't feel like any one aspect of this individual book took over--it was about as well rounded of a book as possible. Charley's cases weren't too front and center, neither was the war, neither was her relationship with Reyes (there was just enough of this to make me happy). I do think a good bit of time was spent on Cookie and Uncle Bob, but I didn't really mind that. Other small side stories were woven in: Captain Erickson, Amber and Quienton, Miranda, etc. There's something up with Charley's Dad that was just hinted at. We'll see more of that in the coming book(s).

I did find a continuity error. FBI Agent Carson is called Agent Carter 3 times within one chapter. I don't know if this was in the published version or just the egalley that I received. Anyway, it threw me and had me thinking I was crazy for a bit until the correct name was used. Here's a screenshot of what I'm talking about.

All in all, Sixth Grave on the Edge might be my favorite of the series so far, and I'm giving it 4.5 Stars. Have you read Sixth Grave on the Edge? What did you think? Let me know!

Storm and Fury - Review

Storm and Fury (The Harbinger, # 1)

By: Jennifer L Armentrout

Publication: June 11th 2019 by Inkyard Press

384 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Source:

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Goodreads description--From the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY and internationally bestselling author of the fantastical Dark Elements and the Lux series comes a new novel set in a world of gargoyle protectors, rising demons and one girl with an explosive secret.

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

I've got to be honest guys, I almost DNF'd this one way early on. I'm so beyond certain things (political statements mostly) being included in books I'm trying to read for pleasure. But I pressed on and I'm glad that I did for the overall story's sake. It was close though. Really close.

Speaking of story, Jennifer L Armentrout isn't quite an auto-read author for me. I've read several of her books over the years and have enjoyed most of them. Yet a few have had some pretty big issues for me. While I won't say that Storm and Fury is perfect, her writing was really quite good in my opinion. I never had all of the pieces figured out. I wanted to keep reading to the point of being annoyed if I had to do real life things. I was rooting for the romance yet she put me off just enough to keep me salivating for more yet not without hope or to the point of frustration. And I was frankly disappointed that more books haven't been released (this one wasn't even officially released at the time of reading and writing this review) so that I could binge them. I need more immediately. At the very least, someone needs to get a listing for book 2 out on Goodreads so that I can start stalking it properly.

Trinity has a lot going on. She's living in a Warden compound, but she's not a Warden. She's not human either. (I was slightly annoyed with how long it took to reveal what Trinity is and I was a little disappointed by the time I got there because I'd already figured it out.) She doesn't quite belong. Her mother was killed a year ago, and her father is involved in a way yet not present. She has friends but she can't help but wonder if they would be her friends under any other circumstances. Her biggest issue is that she doesn't feel wanted. People could care less if she were there and some even hate that she is there. She has to train twice as hard as anyone else because she doesn't know when she'll be called to fight even though she's mostly protected and because, as the description states, she's going blind. So yeah...lots going on here. She's also impulsive and selfish. But those traits are somehow endearing on her.

Oh I want to discuss the side characters: Misha, Jada, Layla, Roth, and especially Zayne, but much of that feels like it ventures into spoiler territory. I will say there was one scene in particular between Zayne and Trinity that was so reminiscent of my high school days. Whew! So thankful those days are behind me.

A couple of pop culture references were included that I could have done without. I like these only in a specific way--hints and not spelled out in a way that will date the book. Just a small annoyance. Another small annoyance was toward the end. There was a continuity issue that is a bit spoiler-ish. Highlight if you want to read it. When Trinity and Roth go visit Faye she tells them that she agreed to provide the senator with the spell to control/influence humans on a larger scale because he promised them a Nephilim. He said he would have the Nephilim because he already had her Protector. This is backward in timing because he didn't have Misha in his custody when he made the agreement with Faye's coven. One could argue that he was claiming to have Misha's cooperation even if he didn't have him physically captured at that time, but Misha later tells Trinity the plan had been to capture them both at the same time.

Favorite quote:

-"I'm guessing the sky is full of stars?" "It is, but the only ones that matter are the ones you see."

Jennifer L Armentrout's personal experience with the same eye disease that Trinity has makes the story even deeper and meaningful. I know there are many others who appreciate stories including visual impairment, especially if it's similar to their own experiences, doubly so when Trinity is still totally awesome.

Storm and Fury wasn't perfect for me, but it came really close. I almost DNF'd it due to some political statements, but I'm glad I kept reading. Trinity is a character I won't soon forget, and I look forward to reading more about her--and Zayne... Can't forget him. I'm interested to see how things play out and whether this will end up being an epic series or not. Storm and Fury gets 4 Stars. Have you read Storm and Fury? What did you think? Let me know!

Fifth Grave Past the Light - Review

Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson, # 5)

By: Darynda Jones

Publication: July 9th 2013 by St. Martin's Press

339 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Mystery

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

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Goodreads description--Never underestimate the power of a woman on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high. - T-shirt

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.

Charley Davidson is at it again in the sexy, suspenseful, and laugh-out-loud funny fifth installment of the New York Times best selling series.

You guys, I did it again. I couldn't stop progress long enough to review book 5 until I'd finished book 6. *facepalm* I hate doing this because it's hard to separate the two books when it comes time to review them. And I also hate joint reviews. So I'll just do my best to discuss only book 5 and the previous events. And I think it's enough to know that I couldn't stop reading long enough to review this book to show that I enjoyed it.

The description has covered things pretty well. Charley suspects Reyes to be the main suspect in a string of arson crimes. He came to her on one of the nights of one of the crimes smelling like smoke. And it doesn't help that all of the buildings that are being burned down are places that Reyes lived with Earl Walker--the man who raised and abused him. Some of the information we're given regarding Reyes's time with Walker really made my stomach hurt. At the same time, Charley has been slowly bombarded and overrun with blonde women who all appear to have been killed by the same person. Considering Charley's sister Gemma is also blonde, Charley suspects one of Gemma's clients to be the killer.

I didn't feel like much happened in the overall story of the series. I guess we get a little bit of knowledge courtesy of Stokes. And Charley and Reyes continue to get closer. Eee for that ending though.

I'm not sure I have much more to say about Fifth Grave Past the Light at this time. I blew through it. It was really good. I enjoyed it just as much as the other books in the series. I'm excited to see where things are headed. And so yeah, Fifth Grave Past the Light gets 4 Stars. Have you read Fifth Grave Past the Light? What did you think? Let me know!

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet - Review

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

By: Darynda Jones

Publication: October 30th 2012 by St. Martin's Press

308 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Mystery

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Welcome to the world of grim reaper extraordinaire Charley Davidson. Try as she might, there’s no avoiding her destiny. Sometimes being the grim reaper really is, well, grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple of months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above...or at least get dressed. It becomes clear something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. But the more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved.

Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans in this hilarious fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling series.

***Spoilers for prior books included below!***

So let's just recap. Reyes's earthly father (the man who raised him) tortured Charley at the end of Third Grave Dead Ahead because Reyes used her as bait. This mimics the exact same situation her father put her in from Second Grave on the Left and Charley is feeling the betrayal deeply. In both situations, Charley would have liked to have been told she was being used as bait. Based on her prior decisions, I don't think she would have minded so much. Charley is now suffering from PTSD. I do wish some of this was explained better as Charley's neck was broken in book 1 and she healed quite quickly, but a few cut tendons (from the description of events) at the hands of Earl Walker and she's in the hospital for weeks. I wish we were give a more detailed explanation. Also, Reyes makes the comment in this book that he didn't really think Walker would come after her, but that's not consistent with what he tells her from the previous book where he knew Walker would come but he had expected to be there to intercept him when he did. Not huge things, but little inconsistencies that bug me.

Reyes was released from prison because the man he was accused of murdering proved himself to be alive when he tortured Charley. So now he's a free man. Yet he hasn't even seen Charley for two months. Reyes is in a position of knowledge and this is one of those situations where he rarely tells Charley what she could really stand to know. He does finally have a moment of opening up to Charley, but these two always seem to be moving forward and apart constantly. It drives me mad in the right kind of way. And I will say that these two made progress in the relationship and appear to be headed in a good direction, but knowing them it would easily swing in the other direction at any moment.

The war that has been hinted at seems to have kicked up a notch. Demons are now possessing people and Reyes it's trying to systematically hunt them down to keep them from getting to Charley. Charley makes one step forward in finding out what she's capable of as far as her abilities go, but we've yet to see how this will affect her mentally, especially considering she has PTSD.

Despite her father's attempts to get her out of the PI business, Charley takes a new case which actually does her good in getting her to take the first steps in her healing and at least leave the house. Again this is one place where Darynda Jones lets me guess correctly on the twists. She does a great job of letting me think I'm figuring things out while completely surprising me in other areas.

I do kind of wish that Charley had done more of the therapy work that Gemma suggested for her like writing the letters. Perhaps this will play a role in future books.

Favorite quotes:

-"They're liars, Dutch. Each and every one. They would lie when the truth would sound better."

I devoured Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet. I couldn't put it down. I mean truly I've read the first four books in this series within two weeks which for me lately is unheard of. I like the direction we're headed. I don't know if I'll read all twelve books in a row or if I'll need a break... Right now I'm picking up book 5 next. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet gets 4 stars. Have you read Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet? What did you think? Let me know!