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Showing posts with label Darynda Jones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darynda Jones. Show all posts
Friday, July 5, 2013
Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration-Darynda Jones
Welcome to the Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration here at That’s What I’m Talking About!!
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original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com
banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy
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The celebration runs from July 1 through July 12, 2013, with guest posts, author and series spotlights and lots and lots of GIVEAWAYS!! In fact, each day there is a new post, there is new giveaway to enter! CLICK HERE for more information.
Today I’m here to share my love for the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. In addition, Ms. Jones is donating a signed copy of First Grave on the Right to give away, details below.
I was introduced to the Charley Davidson series via twitter, and the wonderful Marcela from The Bookaholic Cat gifted me the first book in the series, First Grave on the Right. I was immediately taken by the heroine, Charley Davidson, with her wild snark and humor. Her outlook on life is fun, even though so much bad happens around her. Charley is the Grim Reaper and dealing with dead people is just part of her everyday life.
Charley is the daughter of a retired cop, and her Uncle Bob (or Ubie as Charley likes to call him) is an accomplished detective for the Albuquerque Police Department. Charley has been helping them solve crimes since she was five years old. Currently, Charley runs a detective agency, which helps with her cover and allows her to actively work with the police. Not too many people know about (or believe in) her ability to talk to ghosts, and even fewer know about her true nature as the Grim Reaper. Among her inner circle is Ubie, her dad, her best friend (and assistant) Cookie, and a handful of helpful ghosts. In the past Charley has been hurt by people she trusted with the truth, so when she decides to let in free-lance skiptracer, Garrett, it really is big deal - and a fantastic emotional journey for the reader.
One of the BEST things about Charley is her perpetual sarcastic humor. She has a sharp tongue and a quick wit, poking fun at both herself and those around her. Although it is constant, the quips never come across forced or fake.
Currently there are four published full-length titles and one novella in the Charley Davidson series, with the fifth book due out next week on July 9, 2013.
Reading order (click title for review):
About Fifth Grave Past the Light
(St. Martin’s Press, 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 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…
I have one (1) signed copy of the first title in the Charley Davidson series, First Grave on the Right, to give away here at That’s What I’m Talking About. Thank you to Darynda for sponsoring the giveaway. To enter, please complete the Rafflecopter form, below, and leave a comment at the end of today’s post telling us your favorite funny/humorous character (book, TV, movies, etc.). Winner will be selected randomly from eligible entries. CONTEST IS OPEN INTERNATIONALLY, and prize will be mailed by the author. Contest open from July 5, 2013 until June 12, 2013 at 12:00 AM EDT-midnight. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. If you have problems with the Rafflecopter form, please email me at twimom227 at gmail dot com.
**NOTE: Author Darynda Jones noted in the comments that the winner may have his/her choice of any of her hardcover books!
**NOTE: Author Darynda Jones noted in the comments that the winner may have his/her choice of any of her hardcover books!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
UF Summer Reading Celebration Giveaways:
7/3: ML Brennan, signed copy of Generation V
7/2: Jennifer Estep, signed copy of Deadly Sting
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Monday, July 1, 2013
Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration
Welcome to the Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration here at That’s What I’m Talking About!!
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| original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy |
The celebration runs from July 1 through July 12, 2013, with guest posts, author and series spotlights and lots and lots of GIVEAWAYS!! In fact, each day there is a new post, there is new giveaway to enter! Here is what is in store:
July 2: Guest blogger, Liza from Blogging by Liza is going to share her love for the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep. In addition Ms. Estep is donating a signed copy of Deadly Sting for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 3: Debut UF author ML Brennan is going to talk about her new Fortitude Scott series. She is donating her recent release, Generation V, for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 5: I’m going to share my love for the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. Ms. Jones is donating a signed copy of First Grave on the Right for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 8: Suzanne Johnson stops by to talk with us about her fabulous Sentinels of New Orleans series and her upcoming Elysian Fields. She’s also donating winner’s choice of signed copy of either Royal Street or River Road plus a swag bag for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 9: The Magic Rises Blog Tour makes its stop at the blog today. It’s my turn to give praise to my favorite UF series, the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Today we will have FOUR chances to win great prizes... Authors Ilona and Gordon Andrews are donating a set of books to include: Magic Bites, Magic Burns, Magic Strikes, and Magic Bleeds plus Gunmetal Magic as a set. Plus, they are donating two (2) additional copies of Gunmetal Magic for the giveaway. IN ADDITION... Penguin Publishing is donating a copy of the upcoming book, Magic Rises and the first book in the series, Magic Bites, for the giveaway as part of the blog tour. That’s four chances to win!! Details HERE.
July 10: Jennifer from The Book Nympho is going to tell us all about Kristen Painter’s exciting House of Comarré series. In addition, Ms. Painter is donating a signed copy of Blood Rights for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 11: Once again, I’m up and I’ll be talking about the action-packed Jessica McClain series by Amanda Carlson. Ms. Carlson is donating a signed copy of Hot Blooded for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 12: Guest blogger Lori from Romancing the Dark Side will share her thoughts on the Edie Spence series by Cassie Alexander. In addition, I am donating one (1) ebook copy (either Amazon or Barnes & Noble) of either Nightshifted, Moonshifted, or Shapeshifted for the giveaway. Details HERE.
So... what do you think?? I’ve got eight great posts about eight fantastic urban fantasy series, with not one, not two... but EIGHT GIVEAWAYS! Come back tomorrow and enter to win!
NOTE: All winners will be announced on July 20, 2013!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Review: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Author: Darynda Jones
Release Date: Oct. 30, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Charley Davidson #4
ISBN: #978-1250014467
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (320 pgs), Paperback, e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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In Darynda Jones's Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet, 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.
What I’m talking about:
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*Note: In this series, each book builds upon story lines revealed in the previous releases. Therefore, there will be spoilers from the prior three titles in this review. This series is best enjoyed when the books are read in order.
It's been over two months of pajama-wearing, home-shopping-network-watching, never-leaving-her-apartment for our heroine Charley Davison. After being horribly tortured by a crazed killer, then abandoned by her sort-of boyfriend, and finally, at the request of her father, arrested while in the hospital, Charley has spent some downtime avoiding her problems, and who would blame her?
Charley’s life starts to pick up again, in baby steps, after she decides to take a case from a women who thinks someone is trying to kill her. Working on the mystery gets Charley out of her apartment, and we witness her spark begin to return once she starts using her brain for something other than watching TV.
Of course with Charley, nothing is ever linear, and although her case is not tied to her personal life, the two begin to intermingle. She’s got a score to settle with Reyes, she is actively avoiding her father, and she knows something is up with a set of bank robbers she views on the news. Oh, and it seems that there are a bunch of demons taking possession of humans and then trying to kill her.
Fans of Ms. Jones’ Charley Davidson series will be delighted with Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet. We get a lot more of what we love! First, there is Charley’s insanely brilliant humor. Although there are some serious moments, and Charley has been beaten down, she still dishes out the barbs at herself and those around her. Her view and critiques of life are laugh-out-loud hilarious. The humor allows an intimate bond to develop between Charley and the reader, allowing one to empathize with her condition and cause one to root for Charley to succeed. I don’t think I’ve read a more humorous character than Charley Davidson. But beware - her snark isn’t for everyone.
We also get more of Cookie, Charley’s best friend and assistant. Their relationship is so special - the kind one hopes to form in real life. The pair fit together so well - able to lift one another up and laugh at the insanity of life. In addition, there is more of Charley’s once estranged sister, Gemma. Charley is at her best when interacting with those she cares about.
And for those who want it... yes, there is more of the sexy Son of Satan, Reyes. While the pair share some extremely sensual and erotic moments (and yes, they finally get to interact in person!), I have to admit, I'm still not a big Reyes fan. It's not that I want to see Charley with anyone else, although she does have some promising would-be suitors. It's just that Reyes knows Charley can't control herself and her hormones around him, and he uses that - uses her - to suit his own needs. And while he may care deeply about what happens to her - let’s face it: he's an a$$. He expects a certain type of behavior from her, but won't give her the same courtesy with his actions. They have heat, but I just don't feel the emotions, and that is what I want from the pair as a couple.
In addition, there are lots of fun nuggets for those who read the series - we see prophet Sister Mary Elizabeth again. Aunt Lil is over-the-top this time around. And there is some interaction with the sexy motorcycle gang lead by Donovan. But I am disappointed at the lack of face time for one of my favorite characters, Garrett Swopes. Although their scenes were powerful and well-written, I was let down that there wasn’t more resolution over what has happened (read to find out!). I hope his near-death experience from the third book, and any subsequent fallout, gets more play time in the next book.
As Charley goes through the motions of solving the case, she begins her healing, but she still has a ways to go. The case itself was extremely gripping and full of twists that frankly, I just did not see coming. Although the surprises don’t have any ramifications on the overall plot arc, they made for exciting reading!
Importantly, both Charley and Reyes develop and grow. New powers/talents emerge for both Charley and Reyes. We see Charley take charge of her shattered life once again. Because of of these things, Charley takes some questionable actions. In the end, I like Charley, a lot. She's snarky, smart and loving. Her crazy ADD brain and way of thinking are engrossing and entertaining.
Overall, I completely adore the writing style of Darynda Jones. I devoured Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet in a day. It is a funny and smart read, with interesting and well-woven plots. Sure, I guessed early on who was trying to kill Charley's newest client… but I didn't know why. And while I did figure out who Charley’s new neighbor was going to be, it sure was fun watching Charley figure it out. The entire story from beginning to end was a complete joy.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones
Third Grave Dead Ahead
Author: Darynda Jones
Release Date: Jan. 31, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Charley Davidson #3
ISBN: #978-0312360825
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (320 pgs), Paperback, e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she's drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because every time she closes her eyes she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan.
Granted she did imprison Reyes for all eternity, but how is she supposed to solve a missing-persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell-bent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up on his plan of seduction..... and revenge?
What I’m talking about:
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The third outing in the wonderful Charley Davidson series kicks off about two weeks after the conclusion of Second Grave on the Left. Things ended pretty crazily the last time around when Charley bound Reyes to his mortal body to prevent him from killing himself. In addition, Charley reconnected with her estranged sister while bonding over the fact that her father basically set Charley up to be killed by a murderous stalker (honestly, it wasn’t as bad as it seems!). This time around, Charley is being haunted by Reyes every time she falls asleep. Reyes visits her, seduces her, but doesn’t want to be there. It’s making Charley miserable.
Things go from bad to worse as Charley’s dad continues to act weird - asking her... no demanding that she quit her work as a private eye solving crimes. In addition, Reyes is being, well... pardon my French - a total ass. Plus, Charley has taken on a missing persons case, with the likely culprit the husband that hired her; Reyes demands that she find his supposedly dead father; she’s got trouble with some gang members; and well... seriously, could more happen to her?!
The first thing I noticed while reading Third Grave Dead Ahead is that Charley is evolving. She’s gotten over her fears of being hurt by those she loves when she reveals the truth that she is more than a “ghost whisperer,” but the Grim Reaper herself. Right from the get go, Charley confides in her sister, the same one she only started talking to about 2 weeks ago. She also begins to expand her trust in Garrett, the hunky freelance skiptracer. In addition, she opens up to some of the biker gang members who own the creepy asylum where Charley talks to Rocket and learns if missing persons are dead or alive.
We finally get to meet the mysterious “Madame Marigold” who has been emailing around looking for “the Grim Reaper.” She is a delightful character and provides clues as to where things are headed with Charley, Reyes and an apparently looming battle between Heaven and Hell. She is a true prophet and I enjoy how her character interacts with her surroundings and Charley.
Reyes, on the other hand, is a huge disappointment for me this go around. Sure he’s upset with Charley, but his actions in this book are beyond awful. His constant anger weighs down the story. In addition, he is continually telling Charley that she has to learn “what she is capable of,” and the repetition of this vague message got on my nerves. I am not going to give away spoilers here, but Reyes broke my heart more than once. I could go on and on, but you’ll just have to read the book yourself (and then come back so we can chat)!
I also noticed a few continuity errors in the story, which were mildly distracting. There were only a handful, but it was enough for me to take note. Additionally, there were other repetitious thoughts and/or phrases that after a while, annoyed me - like the constant reminder that “Reyes is the Son of Satan.” I know... move on.
Another thing I feel I need to mention is that Third Grave Dead Ahead contains some pretty horrific and violent torture scenes. Charley is tough, but this went above and beyond the normal “action scene” of the first couple of books.
Overall, Third Grave Dead Ahead was a gripping tale; however, I didn't like it as much as the first two books. There was just too much pain and suffering for Charley without much of an upbeat ending. I was riding this series based on a couple of set perimeters ... and neither of these things held true in this book. It really brought me down.
With that said, it is a good tale, although there was too much going on during parts of the book. I liked the missing wife mystery and trying to solve the crime. Finding Reyes’ dad was also a good story--one needed in order to progress Reyes’ story forward. In addition, I liked the plot involving the biker gang, especially because good things came from it; however, I’m a little leery of where it is headed.
In the end, even with the "negatives" I had with Third Grave Dead Ahead, it was still a captivating book and I look forward to seeing what will happen to Charley. There are a lot of loose ends this time around, and I need some closure!
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Review: Charley Davidson Series (Books 1 & 2) by Darynda Jones
Charley Davidson Series Books 1 & 2
First Grave on the Right
Second Grave on the Left
Author: Darynda Jones
Release Dates: 02/01/2011 & 08/02/2011
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: #978-0312360801 & #978-1250005915
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover, Paperback, e-book
Book Source: Gift/ Purchased with my own funds
About the books:
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In First Grave on the Right, Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. 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.
Following up in Second Grave on the Left, Charley continues to see dead people and solve crimes. She also works around the clock to save the man of her dreams before he disappears forever.
What I’m talking about:
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NOTE: This review covers the first two books in the Charley Davidson series, and may reveal a few “spoilers” from the first book along the way. I think any spoilers are minimal and won’t impact your enjoyment reading, but be warned! Also, this review is going to be a little different from my normal, focusing mostly on what I enjoy about the series in whole and not specifically each book.
I was introduced to the Charley Davidson series via twitter, and the wonderfully generous Marcela from The Bookaholic Cat gifted me the first book in the series. Once I picked up First Grave on the Right, I could not put it down. I enjoyed how the book opened and introduced the reader to our heroine, Charley. Bits and pieces of her life are divulged as she explains the ropes of being dead to a "newbie" ghost.
Charley is the daughter of a retired cop, and her Uncle Bob (or Ubie as Charley likes to call him) is an accomplished detective for the Albuquerque Police Department. Charley has been helping them solve crimes since she was five years old. Currently, Charley runs a detective agency, which helps with her cover and allows her to actively work with the police. Not too many people know about (or believe in) her ability to talk to ghosts, and even fewer know about her true nature as the Grim Reaper. Among her inner circle is Ubie, her dad, her best friend (and assistant) Cookie, and a handful of helpful ghosts. In the past Charley has been hurt by people she trusted with the truth, so when she decides to let in free-lance skiptracer, Garrett, it really is big deal - and a fantastic emotional journey for the reader.
One of the BEST things about Charley is her perpetual sarcastic humor. She has a sharp tongue and a quick wit, poking fun at both herself and those around her. Although it is constant, the quips never come across forced or fake. Here are just a few samples of Charley’s droll disposition:
It was hard being such an utter disappointment to the woman who’d raised me, but gosh darn it, I gave it my all. I could have invented the wheel and she would have been disappointed. Or Post-it notes. Or bone marrow. (First Grave on the Right)
I toured them--also known as breaking and entering--regularly after accidentally discovering this asylum on night when I was fifteen. (Second Grave on the Left)
In the first book, Charley is busy solving two mysteries at once. First, who killed three lawyers and why? Second, who/what is her dream man (aka Reyes)? The two plots weave around one another in Charley’s stream of thought, therefore in the reader’s mind as well since we read the story from her POV.
Although Reyes only visits Charley in dreams, and later as some sort of non-corporeal being, he is every bit a solid man to Charley. Every encounter with Reyes is sensual, powerful, and engrossing. Charley has no idea what Reyes is, but she knows she can trust him, and the sexual chemistry is swoon-worthy. But Reyes is an enigma -- for example, why are other ghosts scared of him? First Charley must discover what Reyes is in First Grave on the Right, and then how to save him in Second Grave on the Left.
The opening of the second book has a different feel than first - it’s almost a bit darker, definitely a little more dire. Since Charley now knows who and what Reyes is, the reader gets more paranormal action right from the start, and Reyes is very worried about Charley’s well-being. Also, the latest mystery hits close to home with Cookie’s friend missing and a mysterious dead guy (ghost) in Cookie's car. Only one week passes between the first and second story.
The relationship with Reyes is slightly less hot and steamy in Second Grave on the Left, but mostly because Charley is determined to find Reyes corporeal body and won't let his seductive ways interfere with her search. The two spend a lot of the book at odds with each other, and I have to say that it dampened my feelings for the pair. Reyes is simply too cryptic, withholding information, and Charley is too determined to find him. They did have some quality chat time, which they didn't get much of in book one, and this allowed the reader to learn more about Reyes.
We also learn more as Charley discovers more about her powers and purpose. In addition, more people are coming into her inner circle of trust. In fact, Charley isn’t so bitter and is able to trust people and share her secrets. After a rough journey, she also has some excellent family bonding at the end of the book.
Both stories have highs and lows that create for a tremendous read. The juxtaposition of Charley’s successes with the realizations of her failures is poignant. The emotional journeys, coupled with romance, friendships, life lessons and humor, make the Charley Davidson series one I will continue to read. In the end, Ms. Jones leaves just enough of a hook to make me jonesing for the next book.
My Rating:
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First Grave on the Right
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Second Grave on the Left
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
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