Tag Archives: Darynda Jones

Sixth Grave on the Edge (Charley Davidson #6) by Darynda Jones-a review

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SIXTH GRAVE ON THE EDGE (Charley Davidson #6) by Darynda Jones-a review

Sixth Grave on the Edge May 14

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 20 2014

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.

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REVIEWS: SIXTH GRAVE ON THE EDGE is the sixth instalment in Darynda Jones’s paranormal/UF Charley Davidson series focusing on grim reaper Charlotte (Charley) Davidson. As with all of the Charley Davidson storylines we find our heroine the target of more than one being-some demonic, some corrupt, many dead but all wanting something in the end. Told from first person POV (Charley) SIXTH GRAVE advances the series but a few days.

There are several focuses in the storyline including a man who lost his soul in a game of cards and Charley’s dogged determination to uncover the truth about Reyes’s past. She knows some of the ugly details of his childhood but she will set her sights on the people she believes gave birth to the Son of Satan. When Reyes demands that she stop her investigation, Charley’s inquiring mind doesn’t necessarily want to hear the story behind the story.

We will be introduced to the Dealer-a demon from Hell who knows more about Charley’s predestination than Reyes has revealed. The Dealer offers up ‘a deal’ to those in need but his price is steep and beyond what most people can pay. Charley is drawn to the Dealer if for no other reason than to learn the truth about who and what she has been ‘born’ to do.

Angel, Charley’s forever thirteen year old ghostly assistant, will have a more active role in this particular storyline. We will learn the truth about his death and the woman who wants to know if her son is still on this plane of existence. Some stories are harder to tell and Angel’s story is one that has been building since book one.

Cookie is her usual manic self-from the brains behind Charley’s PI investigations to the woman who has fallen for Charley’s Uncle Bob, Cookie is a one woman power house who plays off of Charley’s natural sarcastic banter-a perfect combination in any storyline or series. When Charley sets up a series of dates for the voluptuous assistant, Ubie (or Uncle Bob) becomes suspicious when he recognizes one of the men with whom Cookie has been paired.

SIXTH GRAVE ON THE EDGE is not as dark as some of the previous instalments. Charley’s knack for putting herself into dangerous situations continues but any near death experiences will not result in weeks to months of rehabilitation as in the past. Charley has yet to say YES to Reyes proposal and he is a man possessed to make Charley his wife and his own.

The relationship between Reyes and Charley is imaginative, erotic and arousing-psychic sensuality is something we should all strive to achieve. Reyes is the epitome of sex; his allure is far reaching but he is intensely captivated by only one woman-a woman who was made especially for him.

The ending and revelation were not unexpected for this reader but it was a definite twist in the storyline development. When the prophecies have decreed that the Twelve Hounds from Hell will destroy Charley, there is another Twelve waiting to protect the daughter they have all been waiting to see.

Darynda Jones writes from the heart with humor, sarcasm, an astonishing concept of friendship and a brilliant mind. The Charley Davidson series is a phenomenal UF/paranormal series that focuses on a kick-a$$ heroine who knows there are limitations to her powers but has yet to reach her ordained levels prescribed in the hierarchy of all things supernatural and decreed.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Fifth Grave Past The Light (Charley Davidson #5) by Darynda Jones-a review

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FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT (Charley Davidson #5) by Darynda Jones

Fifth Grave Past the Light

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 9, 2013

Charley Davidson may not look like your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper, but she has vowed to reap grimness wherever she goes despite this unfortunate fact. Sadly, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. As he is the main suspect in her arson case, she is determined to stay away from him until she can find out the truth. According to her therapist, however, she lacks conviction.

When dead women start appearing in her apartment – lost, confused and terrified beyond reason – Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes’s help, especially when it becomes apparent that her own sister Gemma is the serial killer’s next target. With his ability to observe incorporeally, surely he can find out who’s responsible. And even if he can’t, he is 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…

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Charley Davidson Series

REVIEW: FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT is the fifth installment in Darynda Jones’s paranormal/UF/romance/contemporary Charley Davidson series featuring twenty-something Charley Davidson-part time PI/part time grim reaper/ and full time love of Reyes Farrow-the son of Satan. Like all of the previous installments, Fifth Grave is jammed packed with humor, sarcasm, witty one-liners, t-shirt slogans, bumper stickers, murder, revenge and of course, more sex and romance with Reyes Alexander Farrow.

Fifth Grave Past the Light reveals plenty of information and answers some of our questions about the mysterious map and the key, both of which are believed to be residing on earth, awaiting their destiny. But the story surrounding the key to the map reveals the destruction of the world and in this, the truth may be stranger than fiction and the person who revealed the information is someone who has been to hell and back-literally and figuratively. He has the inside information from both Satan and his son.

Once again, Charley’s private life will be invaded by a series of spirits-twenty seven to be exact- who are drawn to her light as the grim reaper but for some reason, none of the woman are willing to move on until Charley uncovers the truth behind their murders. And it will take one small, young spirit, not much older than seven or eight to help reveal the person who may be the only one able to identify the person responsible. And in this particular case, he has a connection to Charley and her family. Oh, and someone recognizes Mr. Wong in the corner of Charley’s apartment. Let’s hope his presence and identity is finally revealed.

Cookie and Uncle Bob return as Charley’s confidants and aids. And Charley will need Ubie more than she ever thought possible when the person she was hired to tail turns out to be more dangerous than she had ever suspected.

Charley’s abilities come into question when local authorities take a look at her unbelievable record of solving cold case files and crimes. And the latest cold case to come across her desk is frighteningly familiar and heartbreaking.

The relationship between Reyes and Charley is romantic, sensual, hot and well worth the wait. Reyes, as the son of Satan, has never known love but he has found his soul mate in Charley Davidson-the one woman who is capable of putting out the fire that burns within. The romance sparks within the story as Reyes makes his feelings known to Charley and for him to make them a permanent couple will take some tricky dialogue and promises on both of their parts. Reyes is the epitome of sex on a stick; the ultimate lover and sensual male; he oozes sex appeal by virtue of his looks and presence; and it is Charley Davidson-the grim reaper who will capture his heart and his soul-forever.

Fifth Grave Past the Light is one of the best installments in the series thus far. I am still hoping that Darynda gives some life to Donovan and the Bandits and writes a series or at the very least, a series of novellas so that the reader can be kept up to date on their travels. Angel, Rocket, Garret Swopes, Gemma and Leland Davidson all play pivotal roles throughout the story. And the ending comes with a couple of surprises and not the least is the possibility of a new direction for Charley and Reyes.

Darynda Jones takes an UF/paranormal storyline and adds her sarcastic wit and humor as she pushes her series into another direction. The humor, the sensuality and the action filled storyline make this a must read for anyone who wants it all in the stories they read. Charley Davidson is a heroine who is strong yet feminine; heroic yet vulnerable; loved and yet hated by those she seeks to reveal. Fifth Grave Past the Light is an amazing and fascinating installment in Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series.

Reading Order: Click on the link to read our review

First Grave on the Right
Second Grave on the Left
Third Grave Dead Ahead
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Fifth Grave Past the Light

Reviewed by Sandy

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Darynda Jones Prize Package Giveaway

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Darynda Jones Prize Package Giveaway

Giveaway Banner

Our FINAL One Year Anniversary giveaway prize package has been graciously donated by DARYNDA JONES. Darynda has donated the first three books in her Charley Davidson series: First Grave on the Right/ Second Grave on the Left/Third Grave Dead Ahead.

ONE giveaway winner will receive SIGNED COPIES of all three paper books from Darynda Jones.

Click HERE for Darynda Jones’ Website.

CharleyDavidsoncollage-1

TO ENTER: Giveaway open to 18 years of age and older

NOTE: Register at The Reading Cafe using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook etc, please post your email address with your comment, as Twitter etc does not account for email contact.

1. Open to US and CANADA only

2. Please post a comment telling us to enter you in the giveaway.

3. Giveaway runs until March 3, 2013

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COVER REVEALS for December 17, 2012

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COVER REVEALS for December 17, 2012

 

TITLE:  Avenging Angel

AUTHOR:  Cynthia Eden

SERIES:  Fallen Angels

RELEASE DATE:  May 2013

 

 

 


 

TITLE: The Devil’s Due

AUTHOR: Monique Martin

SERIES: Out of Time #4

RELEASE DATE: Available now

 

 

 

TITLE: His to Protect

AUTHOR: Katie Reus

SERIES: Red Stone Security

RELEASE DATE: January 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE:  Carniepunk

AUTHORS:  Rachel Caine/Jennifer Estep/Kevin Hearne/ Seanan McGuire/Rob Thurman

SERIES:  Anthology

RELEASE DATE:  July 2013

 

 

 

TITLE:  Fifth Grave Past the Light

AUTHOR:  Darynda Jones

SERIES:  Charley Davidson

RELEASE DATE:  July 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Buried

AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot

SERIES: Bone Secrets

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Hot Summer Nights

AUTHORS: Jaci Burton/Carly Phillips/Erin McCarthy/Jessica Clare

SERIES: Anthology

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

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Darynda Jones-Interview with the Author

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DARYNDA JONES-Interview with the Author

With the release of TWO upcoming novels-FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET and DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR (new YA series), The Reading Cafe would like to welcome the amazing Darynda Jones.

TRC: Hi Darynda and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the amazing success of your Charley Davidson series and the new release FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET and your new Young Adult series DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR.

Darynda: Thank you!!!! And thank you so much for having me here today!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Darynda: Absolutely! My name is Darynda Jones and I write the Charley Davidson series, a paranormal mystery/urban fantasy story about a female private investigator who was born the grim reaper, and like Charley, I live in New Mexico. Sadly, I am amazingly boring. I try to be cool, but it just doesn’t happen. I love to read. I love to write. I have two beautiful sons who are both taller than I am now. I have a degree in sign language interpreting (my oldest son was born Deaf) and was an interpreter for many years. I have been married longer than most of your readers have been alive and I’ve been writing forever. I sold my debut book, First Grave on the Right, in 2009.

TRC: Many authors develop their love of writing at an early age. What was the catalyst that sparked your interest in writing?

Darynda: I have been writing since I was a kid. Even before I could read and I’d pick up a stick and pretend to write a story. I was never a drawer like all my friends. When I doodled in the margins of my papers, I wrote words that I loved. I didn’t know I wanted to BE a writer until I was in Jr. High School. While not everything I write is strictly romance, everything I write has a strong romantic subplot, so yes. I love romance. There simply must be some kind of romance in every story I write.

TRC: FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET is the most recent release (October 30 2012) in the Charley Davidson series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

LINKS TO PRE-ORDER
Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes and Noble / Books a Million

Darynda: Sure! Here is the blurb.

Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple 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. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He 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.

TRC: Your sense of humor and use of sarcasm throughout the Charley Davidson series is one of the major attractions. Have you always had a sense of humor or is it something that developed out of necessity?

Darynda: People who are naturally witty have always amazed me. I always wanted to be the person who has a joke on the tip of her tongue, a comeback for any occasion. Sadly, that’s not me. I’m not that funny in person, but for some reason, I am much better at it while writing. I’m no Ellen Degeneres, unfortunately, but I hold my own in the written world.

TRC: The relationship between Charley and Cookie is very close and very real. What is the inspiration behind their friendship and bantering? Is there a Cookie in your life?

Darynda: Oh, don’t I wish! Everyone should have a Cookie. And if I ever find one, I’m going to kidnap her and force her to do research and go to the post office for me. LOL. As far as inspiration, I do have some very close friends who have taught me a lot about true friendship, and I watch a lot of sitcoms. 🙂

TRC: Are the characters in the series, based on people you know or have met in your life e.g. Cookie or Ubie?

Darynda: Cookie was physically based on a friend of mine. I will do that sometimes, just for a reference for physical characteristics. I like to combine people too. Like maybe the physical traits of someone combined with the sense of humor from someone else. Ubie is physically based on a former employer.

TRC: Rayaziel (Reyes) Alexander Farrow for all of his faults and evil heritage is one of the sexiest and sensual male characters. What do you think is his appeal to your readers?

Darynda: I think he is so hot partly because he is so dark and mysterious, but partly because he has had a very hard life as a human, and that makes him even more appealing. He has been abused and has flaws, but through it all he has loved Charley and protected her the best he could. That makes him a hero despite his dark side. I think the difficult part is making him hot, sexy, angry, and yet vulnerable all at the same time. Reyes is an alpha, so he is smart, tough, sexy as hell, and yes rough around the edges, but his vulnerabilities, namely his love and devotion to Charley, creates that soft spot in our hearts. We all want someone who, if we run up to him crying, takes one look at us and says, “Whose ass do I have to kick?”

 

TRC: The image of Reyes on your blogsite is an amazing representation. Do you know the name of the model who posed for that particular picture?

Darynda: Again, I wish! He is absolutely perfect!

TRC: If you could virtually cast the major players in the Charley Davidson series, which models or actors would best portray the characters (in your opinion)?

Darynda: There are so many actresses I could see playing Charley, oddly enough, but Reyes is much harder. I originally based him on Jason Behr. He has become darker and rougher than my original image, but I still think Jason could play him. He is an actor with a wide range of acting abilities. I could definitely see Melissa McCarthy as Cookie and Jim Beaver as Uncle Bob. Oh! And Shemar Moore or Columbus Short as Garrett Swopes.

TRC: Um…Donovan (sigh)….another bad boy with a very strong presence in the storyline? Have you considered writing a series around Donovan and The Bandits?

Darynda: Not until about five seconds ago. Now my head is buzzing with ideas. LOL! I do love me some Donovan.

TRC: The character of Quentin is a young teen who is deaf. Is your son the inspiration behind Quentin? And if so, does he have an opinion about the direction of this particular part of the storyline?

Darynda: Deep down inside, he is probably very much the inspiration, although I named the character after my little (he is 6’ 2”) brother. But he definitely has my son’s mannerisms, deep yet soft voice when he uses it, and beautiful blue eyes. When I told him I had a Deaf character in the book, my son just said, “Cool.”

TRC: What do you have planned for the next installment in the Charley Davidson series?

Darynda: Right now I’m working on book five, Fifth Grave Past the Light. I’m hoping, with all my fingers and toes crossed, to be able to pull off a few truly creepy scenes. I want this book to be a bit scarier, especially since the first books weren’t scary at all. Keeping that in mind, surely I can make this one stand out.

Basically, Charley is invaded by the ghosts of women who were murdered by a serial killer. It gets pretty creepy in her apartment, as they tend to scurry under her bed and across her ceiling at all hours of the night. Fun!

 

TRC: DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR is the first book in your new Young Adult DARKLIGHT series. Would you please tell us something about the series?

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / Books a Million

Darynda: Death and the Girl Next Door is about sophomore Lorelei MacAlister. Ten years ago,Lorelei’s parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. Life goes on and is as normal as can be until a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school and he seems to have a specific interest in Lorelei, something that never happens. To complicate matters even further, the school’s designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Jared and Cameron instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can’t have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real?

TRC: There are certain unwritten guidelines for writing Young Adult storylines but sometimes the lines blur, especially knowing many of the readers are adults. Where do you think the lines should be drawn as it pertains to sex and violence (graphic or otherwise) in young adult storylines?

Darynda: I think, as with any book, those elements should fit the story. They should never be gratuitous. I personally draw the line at sex, but only because I think in YA it would be gratuitous in almost any form. Violence, as long as it’s not completely graphic, is okay because it’s in everything we see on TV and in the movies. But again, that’s just my opinion. It totally depends on the story. Admittedly, I have fight scenes in my YA’s that are pretty violent. And there is, of course, sexual tension to the Nth degree throughout.

TRC: DEATH DOOM AND DETENTION is the second storyline (release date 2013). Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Darynda: Sure! The normal part of Lorelei MacAlister’s life didn’t just slip away quietly the day Jared Kovach came to town. Nope. The normal part of her life shattered. It exploded. It burst into a gazillion shards of fleeting light. It went out with a bang. Goodbye normal. Hello dark and eerie. While her best friend, Brooklyn, is focusing all of her energy on helping Lorelei hone her abilities, Lorelei is dealing with the reality that Satan’s second in command has taken up residence inside her body. Oh, and the fact that she has a crush on the Angel of Death. But what a beautiful death it is. If those weren’t bad enough, something sinister has come to town and it wants nothing more than to hear Lorelei’s dying breath as it strangles it out of her. Thank goodness the gang has a supernatural champion. But what happens when the only being who can save them switches sides midstream? How can a group of misfits capture one of the most powerful beings ever created? And will they find out how to bring Jared back to them before it’s too late?

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Darynda: The Darklight Series is a Trilogy, so just the three.

TRC: Writers Block is a very real phenomenon for many authors. How do you handle the stress and anxiety of writers block?

Darynda: If I get stuck, I have learned that it means something is inherently wrong with my manuscript. I force myself to step back and take a look deeper look at it. Oddly enough, it’s almost always something with my hero. They are so cantankerous. Or there’s something wrong with the story itself. Something just isn’t quite working and I know that deep down inside.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with other authors, friends or family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Darynda: Um, pretty much anyone who will listen. My sister is fantastic for bouncing around ideas, and my critique goddess, Tammy Baumann, as well as friends and even my husband’s family. They come over on Saturday nights. They are like hostages to my whims. Hehehe

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Darynda: Well, I just finished rewrites for the second in the Darklight Trilogy, Death,Doom and Detention. Now it’s on to Fifth Grave Past the Light, the fifth in the Charley Davidson series. I also have three other series started, but I’m trying to focus. Not easy when you really do have ADD. 🙂

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Darynda: Just a big fat thank you!!!! I am thrilled to be here!

LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food Anything Mexican

Favorite Dessert Cheesecake

Favorite TV Show Buffy forever!

Favorite Movie Pride and Prejudice

Last Movie You Saw Men in Black III (LOVED!)

Dark or Milk Chocolate Dark

Coffee or Tea Coffee

Last Vacation Destination Vegas

TRC: Thank you Darynda for taking the time to answer our questions. Your Charley Davidson series is one of my favorite series because of your humor and the sarcastic one on one banter between the characters. Congratulations on both of your new releases. We are looking forward to a continued friendship with all of your characters.

Darynda: Squee! Thank YOU!

You can follow Darynda at:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Darynda is giving away one copy of her new YA novel DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR.

Please click HERE for the rafflecopter and The Reading Cafe giveaways.

The Reading Cafe is offering a SECOND giveaway. Everyone who posts a comment on the Blog Tour Giveaway or the INTERVIEW with Darynda Jones will be entered into a SECOND giveaway for a copy of DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR.

The Reading Cafe GIVEAWAY is OPEN to anywhere THE BOOK DEPOSITORY delivers.

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DARYNDA JONES -Death and the Girl Next Door Blog Tour and Giveaway

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Darynda Jones-Death and the Girl Next Door Blog Tour and Giveaway

Death and the Girl Next Door (excerpt)

By Darynda Jones

I laughed to myself and headed toward the back of our favorite and pretty much only hangout. It sat a mere block from our alma mater, Riley High, and we practically lived in our corner booth. I ducked past the snack counter and into a very dark back hall. Judging by the boxes lining the narrow passage, I’d be taking my life into my hands if I risked a journey to the little senorita’s room without illumination, so I ran my hand along a paneled wall. Where would I be if I were a light switch? Just as the tips of my fingers found the switch, a silhouette stepped out of the shadows and brushed past me. I startled with a gasp.

“Excuse me,” I said, placing a hand over my heart.

“Sorry.” The guy paused slightly before continuing on his way, and in that instant, I saw the makings of utter perfection: a long arm with shadowy curves that dipped around the fluid lines of muscle; a tall, wide shoulder; dark hair that curled playfully over an ear and led to a strong, masculine jaw. Something inside me lurched, craving a closer look at his face, but he walked by too fast and the hall was too dark for me to catch anything else.

After a couple of seconds, I realized my hand had brushed against his arm. It was enough to send a vision crashing into me, like the flash of a nuclear bomb, bright and unforgiving. Tamping down my surprise— I hadn’t had a vision in a very long time— I pressed shaking fingers to my forehead to wait out the familiar storm, to see what treasures would wash ashore in the aftermath.

Yet the things I saw were unreal, impossible, and certainly not of this world: A desolate landscape lay before me with scorched clouds and a roiling, violet sky. The air was stagnant and so impossibly thick, breathing it took effort. Then I heard the clanging of metal. I turned to watch in horror as a being, a boy of no more than sixteen or seventeen, fierce and somehow not quite human, struggled with a dark, monstrous beast. The boy’s arms corded as tendon and muscle strained against the weight of the sword he wielded. He slashed again and again, but the monster was fast, with razorlike talons and sharp, gleaming teeth, and the boy knew what those teeth felt like when they sank into flesh, knew the blinding pain that accompanied defeat. But he also knew the power he himself wielded, the raw strength that saturated every molecule of his body.

Another herculean effort landed a thrust in the monster’s shoulder and continued through its thick chest. The monster sank under the boy’s sword with a guttural scream. The boy looked on while the beast writhed in pain, watched it grow still as the life drained out of it, and somewhere in the back of the boy’s mind, he allowed himself to register the burning of his lungs as he struggled to fill them with air.

Blood trickled between his fingers, down the length of his blade, and dripped to the powdery earth beneath his feet. I followed the trail of blood up to three huge gashes across his chest. Evidently three of the monster’s claws had met their mark, laying the flesh of its enemy open. I gasped and covered my mouth with both hands as the boy spun toward me, sword at the ready. Squinting against the low sun, I could almost make out his features, but the vision evaporated before I got the chance. A heartbeat later, I was back in the dark hallway, gasping for air, one palm pressed against my temple, the other against the wall for balance.
I squeezed my eyes shut, fought the memory of the vision, the fear that summoned the taste of bile in the back of my throat, the feel of blood dripping down the boy’s arm.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

REMINDER:  Our INTERVIEW with Darynda Jones on Monday October 22, 2012

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a RITA®, and a Daphne du Maurier. As 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.

 

For 2 chances to WIN a copy of DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR

1.  Enter the Rafflecopter thingee giveaway

2.  Enter The Reading Cafe giveaway by posting a comment along with your email address.  Everyone who posts a comment will be entered into a second giveaway from The Reading Cafe.

The SECOND chance to WIN a copy of DEATH AND THE GIRL NEXT DOOR: The Reading Cafe is offering a giveaway chance to everyone who posts a comment.  That’s right!!  Another copy of Darynda’s new YA release is up for grabs.

Open to anywhere The Book Depository delivers. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Death and The Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones – a Review

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Death and The Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones – a Review

 

Death and the Girl Next Door is the first book in Darynda Jones’s new YA series, Darklight. 

Right from the start, we meet our heroine, Lorelei McAllister, and she turns out to be an awesome heroine.  Lorelei is 16 years old, and lives with her grandparents.  She spends all her time with her two best friends, Brooke (short for Brooklyn), and Glitch (don’t ask for his real name lol). It is their friendship that makes this such a fun story, as they were fun, and enjoyable to watch them together, not to mention a loyal friendship.  Darynda Jones does such a fabulous job creating all these characters in this book.    

Lorelei is different, and her two friends know this, as she has visions.  Her parents disappeared years ago, and Lorelei does not remember anything of that fateful day. Her grandparents and her friends are always supportive and try not to let her be alone.  Of course the friendship between the three of them is hilarious, with a lot of Jones’ normal humorous comments, that she has become known for in her Charley Davidson series. 

In the beginning, Lorelei notices that she is being stalked by someone from her school, that she has known since childhood, but now distant.  We meet Cameron, a tall good looking hunk, who seems to only glower at everyone.  Why is Cameron stalking Lorelei?

Enter Jared, the new boy in school, who mesmerizes Lorelei immediately.  Jared looks like a god, with almost every girl in school unable to not stare at him.  But he only looks at Lorelei.  The one thing you see right away is that Cameron, the stalker, and Jared the new kid on the block, seem to hate each other.  They are always fighting, and glowering at each other. 

I did find myself a bit confused very early on, with things going back and forth.  But once things settled down, and you got to know the characters, and especially more about Jared and Cameron, and why they hate each other, then the story flowed. But it took a few things to happen, and some dangerous to Lorelei, to find out what was happening, and why.  So not to spoil things for you, Jared is not human, and does have an ulterior motive for visiting Lorelei.  Cameron, who is human, but has certain abilities, knows everything about Jared, hence his defensiveness toward Lorelei. She then understands that Cameron was not stalking her, but instead he was following Jared, who was following her.  lol

There is no love triangle in DATGND, as Lorelei and Jared are the couple in this story.  Despite what she learns about him, having saved her early on,  Lorelei does trust her feelings for Jared.  She is confused, and trying to understand why he is here for her, and frankly at this point, so are we.  We learn the truth about Lorelei’s visions, and what they mean, but we come to really like Jared.  I wasn’t totally crazy about Cameron, as he was always fighting, glowering, and nasty, but Brooke seemed to be the one to have some control over Cameron. 

The last half of the book was very exciting, tense, with multiple twists, questions and surprising answers.  Lorelei learns about herself, her abilities, as well as everything about Jared.  At times, she finds herself scared, but she knows he would never hurt her, and they do become a great couple that you find yourself rooting for.  She is also a wonderful heroine, as she is tough, compassionate, loyal, and has a nice kick to keep both boys behaving.  lol

The truth is revealed in an awesome plot, which is surprising, and more wide ranging then thought, with so many people involved.  This totally was different, and now there will be so many questions that will still need to be answered.  Darynda Jones has created a wonderful story, with a super heroine, and some great secondary characters.  This was an excellent story, with an unlikely romance that despite its odds, have you rooting for them.  Lastly, I love Darynda Jones’ writing, as she has a way of creating a storyline that puts you into tense action scenes, and out of blue, you find yourself cracking up with her humorous witty comments.  An amazing talent!  I for one, will be staying with this series, and can’t wait for the next book, Death, Doom & Detention. 

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / Books a Million

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publicist

 

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FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET by Darynda Jones-a review

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Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones-a review

FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET ( Charley Davidson #4) by Darynda Jones

FOURTH GRAVE BENEATH MY FEET is the fourth storyline (October 30, 2012 release) in Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series focusing on Charlotte “Charley” Davidson as the grim reaper and her no-nonsense approach to getting things done. Darynda continues her amazing and humorous writing style using one-liners and sarcasm, once again ensuring we laugh and nod in agreement with Charley’s take on the reality of the situation. Very few people are safe from our heroine’s tongue in cheek look at life and everything it has to throw at it.

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet finds Charley hoarding in her apartment about 2 months after her torture at the hands of a man once presumed dead. After her father turned her into the police and shut down her PI business, Charley felt it necessary to hold up in her tiny apartment maxing out credit cards on the Shopping Channel. How many turkey basters does one person need? Apparently 7!!! But hunger and poverty have a funny way of forcing her back into the real world when Charley accepts a new assignment investigating the strange accusations of a woman claiming she is being harassed. And to complicate matters, she hasn’t seen the man who weakens her knees in almost the same amount of time. The only contact with the outside world has been her assistant and BFF Cookie and Cookie’s daughter Amber, but things are about to change. Oh, and a rash of bank thefts by a group labeled the Gentlemen Thieves-the thieves all look very familiar to Charley.

Since her confinement, Charley has not seen her dad. Anger, hurt and feelings of betrayal surface whenever she thinks about the one man she could depend on in her life. But something is wrong with her father and no one has come forward. As she continues to ignore her father’s requests to talk, it becomes apparent that her father may be moving on without her –in more ways than one. The father-daughter dynamic is infinitely strained and worsens when he tries to prove that Charley has changed. He knows more about Charley than she ever thought possible.

The other constants in Charley’s life will continue to amuse us. Mr. Wong is currently buried beneath the rubble of boxes in Charley’s apartment she has labeled Area 51 and Aunt Lil will finally come to realize that she is no longer ‘living’ on this plane of existence but has no desire to cross over and miss out on all of the fun. Angel returns as Charley’s spiritual investigator, but when Charley begins to hunt for Reyes, it is Angel who will lead her into an impossible situation. And Darynda references many previous storylines and premises throughout every novel, to keep the reader well-informed without the need to look back and wonder what we missed.

Reyes is the Son of Satan, a warrior and Charley’s protector. And finding Reyes risking his life time and time again, will force Charley into some situations that will risk both of their lives. Hunted by demons, Charley is slowly learning that she is developing some impossible powers and abilities. But the demons want her to join them in a war between heaven and hell, and the only person standing in the way is the man with whom she is falling in love. And Charley has another guardian of sorts, when Artemis makes her presence known every time a demon attacks.

As Charley and Reyes grow closer, it will be an injured Reyes who reveals more about Charley’s heritage and direction in life. From birth, Charley has known she was the grim reaper, and with that acceptance also comes a price. As one of the demons has stated: they are waiting for the key of darkness to be inserted into the locket of light. Could Charley and Reyes mating be the beginning of the end?

Garrett Swopes returns as a skiptracer with the ability to locate people and things. But Garrett died in a shoot out a few months ago, and his return to the living has come with some complications and information that he would have rather not have experienced. Withdrawing from Charley is his only option when he learns the true nature behind Reyes’ existence and Charley’s potential involvement in the war between good and evil.

As Charley’s ‘harassment’ investigation continues so does the witty interaction with Cookie. Playing off each other’s fears and anxieties, curiosity and inquisitiveness, Cookie and Charley are like an old married couple who know exactly how the other will react. And it is Cookie’s reaction to the horror of Charley’s Shopping Channel nightmare that will leave the reader with a giggle or four.

Reyes and Charley’s relationship continues with the pull of the attraction and the push of fear. As Charley’s fear increases, so do the demon attacks and Reyes’s need to defend. The chemistry and heat between Charley and Reyes is palpable and a little intimidating. But it is Charley’s fear of what happened over two months ago that will have to be resolved before she can take the next step. And jealousy will rear its’ ugly head when it looks like both have someone else waiting should the other one fail.

In the end, a father and daughter will have to make a choice as to whether they will let the past come between them: a young girl will reveal that children are not oblivious to the world around them: what is on the surface can be misleading: and the love a ‘man’ has for a woman, will temporarily quiet the demons-if only until the next book: And a twist in the harassment investigation that you never saw coming.

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet is a well-written and fantastic instalment in the Charley Davidson series of books. Darynda has once again, drawn the reader into the storyline using humor, sarcasm and the face-to-face confrontations making you feel like you are part of the story. The people are as real as the people you meet everyday with the exception of the paranormal powers and beings. I hope Darynda continues this series for a long time to come. If you need to start a new series, I highly recommend Darynda Jone’s Charley Davidson series. You will not be disappointed.

Copy supplied by publisher.

READING ORDER
1. First Grave on the Right
2. Second Grave on the Left
3. Third Grave Dead Ahead
4. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
5. Fifth Grave Past The Light (2013)

LINKS TO PRE-ORDER
Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes and Noble / Books a Million

Reviewed by Sandy

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