CHARLEY DAVIDSON BLOG TOUR

This whole grim reaper thing should have come with a manual.

Or a diagram of some kind.
A flow chart would have been nice.

Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper. Meaning, she sees dead people. Really. 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?

With scorching-hot tension and high-octane humor, First Grave on the Right is your signpost to paranormal suspense of the highest order.

Release Date: February 1, 2011

St. Martin's Press

Charley Davidson #1

Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Liza's Review:

I bought First Grave on the Right for my kindle after seeing lots of talk on twitter, many blogs, and one very long conversation with a bookseller in the Elizabethtown, KY B&N store (who says actual bookstores aren’t still a good thing?). I’m glad I went with my gut instinct and downloaded it to my kindle as soon as I walked out of B&N that day (parking lot Wi-Fi doesn’t restrict kindle like some B&N store Wi-Fi does). 

Charley Davidson is one of the best characters I’ve ever read about. She is the grim reaper and dead people see her as sparkly. She works as a PI to help dead people who have been murdered find their killers so they can move on. She also has been having some really hot dreams involving Reyes, who she remembers seeing from the very first moment she was born. Charley remembers every single thing that has happened since the day she was born. She can be pretty snarky at times, but she is also super smart and I love smart women in books.

While Charley is helping the police solve the murder of 3 attorneys, she is also trying to figure out who and what Reyes really is. She also has to deal with skip tracer Garrett Swopes, who knows her secret thanks to her Uncle Bob, who gave up her secret after having a few too many beers one night. Uncle Bob is on the police force and Charley uses her talents to help him solve crimes, much as she did for her dad before he retired. Garrett doesn’t know what to do about Charley. I could see he was attracted to her, but didn’t believe she could really see and talk to dead people. Charley’s focus throughout the entire book was really saving Reyes. She knew he had been in her life since she was born and wanted to know who he really was, especially since he didn’t seem to age.

I liked First Grave on the Right when I read it originally. I found myself really loving it on my most recent reading. The humor in this series really is something that started with this very first book and it has kept me coming back for more. I also highly recommend the audiobooks in this series. Lorelei King absolutely brings the characters and the story to life with her narration.

Original Review Rating: 4 Stars (B+)

Updated Review Rating: 4.5 Stars (A)

 Q&A with Darynda Jones

How did you come up with Charley?

So, I’m lying in bed one morning, waiting for my turn in the shower, when Charley popped into my head in all her glory. I loved her from the get-go. I will add that I was looking for her. I had just typed The End on my second complete manuscript, a YA titled Death and the Girl Next Door which later sold to my amazing editor along with the Charley books. So, I was craving another project. I knew I wanted it to be adult and paranormal. That was all I had. And then Charley walked in.

What has it been like to planning and writing this series, and how does it feel to be wrapping it up?

I had no clue! I dreamed, of course. We all do that. But for that dream to become a reality…it’s quite surreal. I have the best job in the world. Planning and writing the last two books have been bittersweet. I love writing these books so much, so the fact that it’s coming to an end is a little heartbreaking, but I want to go out with a bang. Like a HUGE one. I hope everyone loves reading them as much as I’ve loved writing them.

Are there any side characters or plots you wish you would have developed more?

Actually, yes. In Fifth Grave Past the Light, I brought in a character named Nicolette Lemay, gave her an insanely cool gift, then never brought her back in again. We see her briefly in Twelfth Grave, but I wish I’d done more with her.

Can you give us a sneak peek into how it all ends? What do you hope readers feel as they reach the last page?

I am very hopeful that readers will feel a sense of happiness, closure and (dare I dream?) euphoria. All I can say is that this book is truly darkest before the dawn. Charley and Reyes have accidentally opened a hell dimension within our own, and they have to figure out how to close it before it takes over the world. But it’s expanding exponentially, and soon there will be nothing left of the world as we know it. But with a little help from Charley's departed mother, one clue leads Charley in the right direction and, hopefully, to the secret to stopping the hell dimension and save all of humanity. Sadly, she only has three days to do it. 

What's the next project you're working on?

Right now I am working on a brand new series, a trilogy set in a small town in New Mexico with a sheriff named Sunshine, a missing girl named Olivia, and a murder suspect named Levi. Too bad she is in way over her head, especially since the missing girl is her daughter's best friend and Sunshine has been in love with Levi since she could breathe. 

Enter for a chance to win the entire Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, an ARC of the epic finale, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, plus fun swag! Open to the US ONLY. Runs through November 14^th.

https://read.macmillan.com/promo/charleydavidsonseriessweeps/

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the final installment of Darynda Jones’ New York Times bestselling paranormal series! 

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plane for eternity—which is exactly the amount of time it takes 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 her daughter. She’s missed Reyes. She’s missed Cookie and Garrett and Uncle Bob. 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 for a broken heart? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.

BUY LINK:
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250149411

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author DARYNDA JONES won a Golden Heart and a RITA for her manuscript First Grave on the Right. A born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

DARYNDA’S SOCIAL LINKS:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Darynda
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/darynda.jones.official
Website: http://www.daryndajones.com/

SMPRomance Twitter: https://twitter.com/heroesnhearts& https://twitter.com/SMPRomance
SMP Romance Website: https://heroesandheartbreakers.com/

DIAMOND FIRE (HIDDEN LEGACY #3.5)

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.

Release Date: November 6, 2018

Avon Impulse

Hidden Legacy #3.5

Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Review copy provided by publisher/Edelweiss

Liza's Review:

Diamond Fire is a novella set in the Hidden Legacy world. I was super excited to get Nevada and Rogan's wedding story, and really enjoyed getting to learn more about Nevada's sister Catalina. I will say I wish we had gotten a little bit more from Nevada's point of view, but did love her sharing how she first met Rogan's mother at the start of the book.

Catalina and her sister Arabella are forced to become the wedding planners/coordinators when Nevada pretty much can't work with anyone else. When a Rogan family heirloom goes missing, Catalina makes it her main job to find it before the wedding. While Catalina had been a part of the Hidden Legacy series, she was more a supporting character and I felt like she just is starting to come into her own in Diamond Fire. I enjoyed seeing Catalina's style of investigating, and seeing her explore her magic powers and how they could work to get the answers she needs. I felt like Nevada was more a fly by the seat of her pants investigator; Catalina tends to be methodical in her investigating. 

I really enjoyed Diamond Fire and seeing Nevada and Rogan get their happily ever after. I also really loved getting to know Catalina more. I'm excited to read future Hidden Legacy novels from Catalina's point of view and see her grow even more in her magic and as a character.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (B+)

ARCHANGEL'S PROPHECY (GUILD HUNTER #11)

Return to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly passionate Guild Hunter world, where human-turned-angel Elena Deveraux, consort to Archangel Raphael, is thrust center stage into an eons-old prophecy....

Midnight and dawn, Elena’s wings are unique among angelkind…and now they’re failing. The first mortal to be turned into an immortal in angelic memory, she’s regressing. Becoming more and more human. Easier to hurt. Easier to kill.

Elena and Raphael must unearth the reason for the regression before it’s too late and Elena falls out of the sky. Yet even as they fight a furious battle for Elena’s very survival, violent forces are gathering in New York and across the world.

In China, the Archangel Favashi is showing the first signs of madness. In New York, a mysterious sinkhole filled with lava swallows a man whole. In Africa, torrential monsoon rains flood rolling deserts. And in Elena’s mind whispers a haunting voice that isn’t her own.

This time, survival may not be possible…not even for the consort of an archangel.

Release Date: October 30, 2018

Guild Hunter #11

Berkley Publishing Group

Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

The Guild Hunter books were the first series of books I read from Nalini Singh. I absolutely fell in love with Elena and Rafael from the moment I started the series. I devour each new book as soon as it hits my kindle. I usually finish reading a book from Nalini Singh and immediately start talking about it on social media and telling everyone to read it as soon as it comes out. I firmly believe once again readers should devour Archangel's Prophecy, but with one major warning...be prepared for the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers. I seriously wanted to email Ms. Singh as soon as I finished reading to beg for the next book right now!

I absolutely adored getting another book with Rafael and Elena as the focus. There is just so much more we learn with each new installment in this world, but it seems like we get more and more changes in the world when the book focuses on Rafael and Elena. I love we get to see so many favorite characters from the series and especially got to spend time with Bluebell. The world has grown so much since the first book, yet Ms. Singh keeps the interactions with the different characters on point every single time. I loved the number of times I actually laughed out loud while reading this book; especially with how intense it was much of the time. Ms. Singh gave her readers a book that will keep them on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next. So many times I kept thinking OMG could it get any more intense?!?! The ultimate answer being absolutely!!! 

I won't lie, when I reached the end of the book, I kept hitting my kindle screen believing there had to be more to the story. I needed more to the story. I'm honestly not a huge fan of a cliffhanger usually, but have to say this one was done so well. I was completely surprised by so much in this book, yet once again it only made me want to be back in the Guild Hunter world soon. I highly recommend the Guild Hunter series to fans that love Paranormal Romances.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (A-)

Excerpt from ARCHANGEL’S PROPHECY

By Nalini Singh

Illium turned in a direction that would take them to the Catskills if they kept on going.

Sweeping closer to him, she said, “You just want to fly?”

Hair rippling in the quiet but cutting wind, he twisted down in a complicated fall before flying back up to her side. She laughed at his showing off. That was Illium. An angel of violent power who had a heart that might almost be mortal. And, these days, she could appreciate his tricks again. Not a single angel in the city had been ready to witness his acrobatics in the immediate aftermath of the day he’d crashed out of the sky.

Elena would never forget her screaming fear.

To his credit, Illium had flown with absolute discretion for months, letting the memory dull and fade.

When he returned to her side today, his face was flushed, the gold of his eyes rich. “Sky’s too beautiful to shut ourselves away in a club.”

“Just don’t forget I’m not as fast as you. Also, I’m currently lame.”

Illium lifted one cupped hand close to his shoulder, the other moving back and forth . . . and she realized he was playing a tiny violin in response to her morose tone.

“Crossbow, Bluebell.” Narrowed eyes. “Remember the crossbow.”

He dived, his wicked laughter floating up on the night air. Lips twitching, Elena continued to glide, letting the air currents sweep her along with cold but gentle hands. Illium, meanwhile, flew circles around her—but he never went far, always close enough to halt her descent should she tumble.

She landed a number of times to rest her wings, once in an isolated park whispering and dark. A luminescent insect appeared then disappeared from sight before she could truly see it, an earthbound star. The ghostly owl sitting on a tree branch watched her with eyes even more luminous.

A sigh deep in her mind, an old, oldpresence restless in Sleep.

The hairs rose on her arms.

Then Illium shot them both up into the sky again, and together, they flew far beyond the diamond-bright skyline of the city and over the sleeping homes of ordinary people who lived in a world of vampires and angels, blood and immortality.

Another rest stop for Elena.

Another throb of pain from the cut on her forearm.

Another watchful owl, this one landing on Illium’s shoulder without his knowledge. Ashwini had told her not to be afraid of the owls, so Elena ignored the goose bumps and said, Hello, with her mind. A good night to fly.

A vein began to throb at her temple.

The answer came a long time later, after they were in the air again, the glow of the sinkhole visible from the distance.

It has been an eon since I flew.

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Nalini Singh, 2018.

VAMPIRE'S FAITH (DARK PROTECTORS #8)

The Dark Protectors are Back!
Vampire King Ronan Kayrs wasn’t supposed to survive the savage sacrifice he willingly endured to rid the world of the ultimate evil. He wasn’t supposed to emerge in this time and place, and he sure as hell wasn’t supposed to finally touch the woman who’s haunted his dreams for centuries. Yet here he is, in an era where vampires are hidden, the enemy has grown stronger, and his mate has no idea of the power she holds.

Dr. Faith Cooper is flummoxed by irrefutable proof that not only do vampires exist . . . they’re hot blooded, able to walk in sunlight, and shockingly sexy. Faith has always depended on science, but the restlessness she feels around this predatory male defies reason. Especially when it grows into a hunger only he can satisfy—that is if they can survive the evil hunting them both. 

Release Date: June 19, 2018

Lyrical Press

Dark Protectors #8

Paranormal romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Nikki’s Review:

This is the first book I've read by Rebecca Zanetti. I was told that this book is a good place to jump into this established series. I suppose that's true, but I did sometimes feel like I was missing out on something.

The beginning of the book packs a bit of a punch. The excitement starts straight away and drew me in. I immediately knew that I was going to like the heroine, Faith. And well, the hero, Ronan seemed pretty damn delicious.

I enjoyed the parts where Ronan was trying to figure all the modern advances in technology. It was both awkward and funny. 

The chemistry between the hero and heroine was fiery and exciting. The live scenes were drool worthy!

Like I said, this is my first book by this author, and I'm happy that I decided to read it. I think I may have to go back and start the series from the beginning. The writing is exciting and very detailed The plot was fast paced and kept me engaged. 

This book had all the ingredients that I look for in a good paranormal novel. I don't often step into the PN world of romance novels, but Ms. Zanetti has made me want to visit more often!

Rating: 3.5 Stars (B+)

OCEAN LIGHT (PSY-CHANGELING #17)

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh dives beneath the surface of her Psy-Changeling world into a story of passionate devotion and selfless love...

Security specialist Bowen Knight has come back from the dead. But there's a ticking time bomb in his head: a chip implanted to block telepathic interference that could fail at any moment--taking his brain along with it. With no time to waste, he should be back on land helping the Human Alliance. Instead, he's at the bottom of the ocean, consumed with an enigmatic changeling...

Kaia Luna may have traded in science for being a chef, but she won't hide the facts of Bo's condition from him or herself. She's suffered too much loss in her life to fall prey to the dangerous charm of a human who is a dead man walking. And she carries a devastating secret Bo could never imagine...

But when Kaia is taken by those who mean her deadly harm, all bets are off. Bo will do anything to get her back--even if it means striking a devil's bargain and giving up his mind to the enemy... 

Release Date: June 12, 2018

Berkley Romance

Psy-Changeling #17, Psy-Changeling Trinity #2

Paranormal Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Ocean Light is the newest release in the Psy-Changeling series from Nalini Singh and picks up about 8 weeks after Silver Silence ends. With Ocean Light we finally get a book with major focus on BlackSea changelings, and I couldn't be happier.

Ocean Light is Bowen and Kaia's story and they form a bond pretty much from the first moment they see one another. While Bo is the head of the Human Alliance and lives on land, Kaia is a BlackSea changeling who lives in the deepest part of the ocean. I loved these two such different individuals hated to be apart from one another so quickly. Of course the fact that Kaia is the one to inform Bo he might have a trader in the midst of the Alliance was a bit of a strain for a time. All evidence available to Black Sea is pointing to someone in the Alliance being responsible for the missing members of the BlackSea clan. I loved that while Bo trusted his people, he didn't brush off the evidence and immediately wanted to investigate, even while waiting to see if the procedure to stabilize the chip in head will work.

I was completely charmed by Ocean Light. I can't say that I wanted Bowen to get his book right now, but as soon as I met Kaia, I knew there was no other individual that was more perfect for him. Watching them fall for one another gave me all the happy feels, even as I knew they had so many challenges ahead of them. They were very open with communication and really did seem to be real friends before moving on and becoming lovers. 

The mystery of the Consortium and who is running it remains as strong as ever. Yes we are learning a bit about those individuals who would sell out their people to help them, yet I didn't feel like we saw any solid leads to the group. I do feel like we made strides with the Alliance, Psy, and Changelings being true allies for the future.  I also loved that we finally learned more about the water changelings. While they are still a bit of a mystery, I have to say spending so much time with BlackSea did answer some questions I've had about the group since we first met them. 

I really enjoyed Ocean Light and thought it was a wonderful addition to the series. It was filled with romance, action, and intrigue. 

Rating: 4.5 Stars (B+)

USA/Canada

Ebook: BAM, iBooks, Kindle, Kindle.ca, Kobo, NOOK 
Hardcover: Amazon, Amazon.ca, B&N, BookDepo, BAM, Chapters, IndBnd, PRH, Powells 
Audiobook: Amazon, Audible, iTunes

PLANET DRAGOS (ELDER RACES #9.8)

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Thea Harrison comes the final novella featuring Pia and Dragos…

Pia’s latest pregnancy has become a daily challenge, her relationship with Dragos strained with argument. That hasn’t stopped them from achieving a compromise and traveling to Las Vegas to celebrate their friend Rune’s wedding to his mate Carling.

From the moment they arrive, the trip goes awry. Death walks in Vegas, and Pia is kidnapped as an ancient enemy makes a move to destroy the Great Beast once and for all.

But the Great Beast has other plans.

On Planet Dragos everything goes the way he arranges it—unless someone decides to cross him, and God help them then, because he doesn’t know how to back down, and he doesn’t ever, ever let up…. 

Release Date: May 14, 2018

Elder Races #9.8

Teddy Harrison, LLC

Paranormal Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

Pia and Dragos are pretty much my favorite characters in the Elder Races world. I knew before I ever started reading Planet Dragosthis was the final story for Dragos and Pia's point of view, and I really did try to make the story last as long as possible, which sadly wasn't long enough.

I love there is always and adventure when Pia and Dragos are together and Planet Dragoswas no different. Dragos must do anything and everything within his powers to rescue Pia before she gives birth to their new baby when he has no idea who has taken her or why. I loved seeing his teamwork with anyone necessary to find Pia. 

Planet Dragoswas such a wonderful story. Fans got to see Pia and Dragos acting pretty much how they have from the moment we first met them and they met each other. I laughed so many times at the banter and antics of these characters and loved every moment. The fact that we had time with Rune and Carling made me pretty happy too. Of course no story that involves Pia and Dragos would be complete without meeting their new baby and having their oldest Liam be part of the story. While I'll miss stories from Dragos and Pia's point of view in the future, I love stories about all the other Elder Races as well and look forward to more stories from Ms. Harrison.

Rating: 5 Stars (A)

THE THIEF (BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD #16)

New enemies rise from the shadows in the next novel of the New York Times bestselling paranormal romance series the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Having allied themselves with the Band of Bastards, the Brotherhood is committed now more than ever to eradicating the Lessening Society. Recovering from their most recent battle against the last of the lessers, the Brotherhood comes to realize that the fight against their enemies is far from over. 

Throe, Xcor’s former second in command, is using an ancient tome to summon a new army engineered by a force more dangerous and evil than the Omega. 

And now the brothers of the Black Dagger Brotherhood will be tested both at home and on the battlefield.

Release Date: April 10, 2018
Ballantine Books
Black Dagger Brotherhood #16
Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy



Liza's Review:

I was so not excited when Ward announce that The Thief would be about Assail and Sola. I liked Sola, but she was so whiny when she left Assail, and I just didn't love Assail in other books. However, Ward did an amazing job with this story, as I not only liked it, but ended up really loving it. I have to say Sola's grandmother is one of my most favorite characters pretty much ever. She cracked me up so much and I loved how she helped Sola and Assail finally get to see one another again, so they could finally admit their love for one another. 

We also got to spend lots of time with V and Jane in this book. I really haven't felt like they were much of a couple in the last few books, but almost more like roommates. I wanted to kick V's butt as the story started and totally got Jane being so angry with him. Their romance has never been my absolute favorite of the original books, because I've never felt like we got their entire story. I felt like we finally got to see their romance deserve the HEA like the other couples. I want to imagine all the characters never have any issues after they are mated, yet much like any married couple they still have to work to make everything work. I think seeing V and Jane finally work on their relationship made me fall back in love with them as a couple.

Ward had revealed much about the Scribe Virgin at the last Q&A, so I didn't have any surprises there, plus I had suspected the truth for several years and loved seeing the SV in a whole new light. We also finally got time with Murhder and it was well worth the wait!!! I can't wait to see what Ward does with his character in future books!

While I've loved the storyline of the Lessers, I was intrigued by the new "shadows" that were created. I knew Throe was behind everything, and even have a really good idea how he came to have the book that helped him create the "shadows", so it will be interesting to see what happens in future books between the BDB and Throe and his creations. 

I've read every single book in the BDB series and have to say I loved that The Thief had the feel of the early books in the series. There was so much focus on the relationship between the couples that I found myself pulled into the story better than in the later books that have focused more on the battles. I felt like The Thief had the perfect balance between moving forward in the BDB world and keeping the romance as a strong focus in the story. I also loved the amount of time spent between the brothers themselves. That too was limited in some of the books, and I think it is very important for them to have their time together in each book to keep the brotherhood feel to the books. 

Honestly, The Thief has ended up being one of my favorite books in the series, especially of the books released in the last few years. Ward did an amazing job and has me pretty excited about the future of the series. 

Rating: 4.5 Stars (A-)

THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE (CHARLEY DAVIDSON #12)

Grim Reaper Charley Davidson is back in the twelfth installment of Darynda Jones’ New York Times bestselling paranormal series.

Ever since Reyes escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley accidently 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?

Release Date: October 31, 2017

St. Martin's Press

Charley Davidson Series #12

Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

With each new installment in the Charley Davidson series, I am reminded how much I enjoy this series. I know the series is coming to an end with the next book in the series and have to say I felt like The Trouble with Twelfth Grave took us back to the old school Charley books. 

Once again in Twelfth Grave, there is lots going on and I don't want to share too much to avoid posting spoilers. I will say I loved the interactions between Charley and Reyes/Rey'azikeen. Rey'azikeen says that Reyes is no more, but there was just something about the interactions between them that make me know the real Reyes was still there underneath all the swagger of Rey'azikeen. 

I loved that Amber and Quentin wanted to start a PI agency much like the one Charley runs. Amber is such an inquisitive individual and has such a big heart; it made perfect sense for her to want to find a way to help others. I absolutely adored all the questions Amber had for Charley about her work and seeing Amber take her new roll as in investigator so very seriously. I also loved that Charley was smart enough to make sure Amber kept her mom in the loop by suggesting she talk to Cookie about the behind the scenes work involved in keeping everything running.

I have to say the friendship between Charley and Cookie remains one of my favorite things about this series. There is just something about best friends working together and totally and completely getting each other that keeps me coming back for more. I love that Charley will do anything in her powers (which she is still learning about at this point) to protect Cookie and everyone she loves. I also love the crazy banter between Charley and Cookie. I have found myself laughing out loud at some of their conversations they are so funny.

I knew something big would happen in The Trouble with Twelfth Grave, but had no idea that I would pretty much scream what the hell when I finished the story, and then promptly go back and re-read what I just read to make sure I read it right the first time. Do I think it could have happened any other way? Absolutely not. This ending was classic Charley taking care of everyone she loves. It honestly only made me want the final book even more than I already did. Darynda Jones knows how to leave her readers wanting more even as she pretty much rips out our hearts along the way. I am not on the countdown to see where Ms. Jones takes us in the final installment of the series. 

Rating: 5 stars (A-)

THE SOUND OF SILENCE (THE PENUMBRA PAPERS #4)

Seeker of Justice. Guardian. Gargoyle.
Roman Montagne was created to keep humanity safe from the evil in the world. Appointed by the Concilium Magicae to be the Legate of New Orleans, Roman balances on the narrow line between his duties as First Sentinel of the Gargoyles and his responsibility as Legate. The first rule of Gargoyle Club is “Don’t fall for a human…especially a witch.”

Orphan. Fortune Teller. Witchling.
Verity La Croix doesn't quite know what she is. Despite being raised by a powerful witch in the bayous, she's stuck telling fortunes in Jackson Square. Stalked by a sorcerer dealing in the black arts and seduced by a gargoyle, Verity might be the missing piece of a prophecy’s puzzle. Cursed at birth, is she innocent or doomed?

Judge. Jury. Executioner.
If the woman he loves proves to be the prophesied Crucible of Eve, Roman’s duty is clear. He must uphold his honor and slay the enemy of his kindred. But is she innocent? And if she is, will he turn renegade to save the woman who holds his heart?
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Come back to New Orleans, the favorite Halloween haunt of mundanes and magicks alike. In this latest tale in the award-winning series The Penumbra Papers set in the world of FBI Agent Sade Marquis, an ancient prophecy comes to life—one that threatens to destroy the precarious truce among the magical races.

Excerpt

Roman kissed her closed eyelids, then found her ear. His erotic whisper put a sweet smile on her face. She reached for him, her movements languid. He was hyper-aware of her, as if she’d been imprinted on his body. She sighed, her breath teasing the skin on his neck as he held her.

“Clothes,” she murmured, as desire bloomed despite her sleep-blurred mind.

He smiled and pushed off the bed. Roman kicked off his boots and stripped, his clothes dropping on the floor without a thought. When he rejoined Verity on the bed, he was determined to go slow. To ease her into this…thing…these feelings he had no name for because he had no experience with them. All he was certain of was that he wanted to savor this time with Verity. To go slow. He buried his nose against her throat. She smelled of… His brain fought to decipher emotions and his overloaded senses. Mate. His. Yes. Compelled to claim her, he tasted her, shaped her body with his hands, learning her. Committing everything about her to his memory.

“Forever,” he whispered as she moved beneath him. 

The staggering fatigue drained away, replaced by quixotic awe as she rose to meet him, to accept him. He would give her everything he had to give, knowing what he bequeathed to her would be returned tenfold. She was his solace, his peace. She offered comfort with her touch, her kisses, the simple fact of her being.

Verity stroked him, fully awake now. His skin was chilled and when she looked deep into his eyes, she saw a coldness buried so deep she feared touching it. But she would. She was patient. Her hands on his skin were already warming it. She smiled and her eyes misted. She might not be able to say the words but she could tell him this way that he was loved, that he was desired.

Words came then, though she didn’t understand them. She thought they might be French but they weren’t. They came from a place far older, more remote. Roman murmured them against her skin, in her ear, in between the kisses he bestowed upon her. Something in her stilled, listened, understood, and the horrible ache, the excruciating loneliness eased. His words were a caress, and a promise.

Roman was a warrior, a guardian, a man taught not to seek comfort. Verity knew this instinctively, just as she knew she was the one chosen to care for him, to tend the gentle heart he hid beneath his stone facade. He filled her slowly and she rode the sensation—a long sweet wave. She threaded her fingers through his thick, silky hair and pulled him down to her. “Yes,” she murmured in his ear.

He spoke more words, from his heart, his soul. She gave them back to him, words from her own heart. He just wanted to touch her, to hold her close, cherish her. She was a miracle. His miracle.

They made love. Long. Slow. Sweet. They touched. They kissed. They each gave in turn. Together they rode the rising waves of passion, cresting on one and crashing down on another until it felt like a hurricane was breaking around them. The waves eventually gentled as their desire was spent.

Roman cradled Verity to his heart. She wrapped around him, holding on to him. “Sleep, little witchling,” he whispered into her hair.

She looked up at him and he was staggered by what he saw. The trust in her eyes was a living thing—fragile, a gossamer thread of spider’s web easily broken by a careless word. He stopped breathing for a moment, struck by the wonder of it. He would die before he erased that look.

He felt her slip away as dreams took her. Roman was exhausted and should follow her into sleep but he couldn’t. He lay awake for a long time, to ensure no nightmares chased her but that was only half truth. He wanted to cherish this time with her. She was his touchstone, had become his truth. She was his constant. And that terrified him down to the very center of his heart of stone.

Release Date: October 31, 2017

Buy Link: Amazon link. http://amzn.to/2zlzJGt

Silver James

Take a Walk on the Wild Side
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