AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: SUMMONED TO THIRTEENTH GRAVE

 Patrol Log:  13308302020

Audiobook Review on Summoned To Thirteenth Grave, ( Charley Davidson, Book 13)

By Darynda Jones

Narrated by Loerlei King

RATED IT

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plain for eternity – which is the appropriate amount of time 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 Reyes and her daughter, Beep, but 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? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.

The end of the line for Charley and Reyes...or is it?

Summoned to Thirteenth Grave was released back in January 2019, and I waited til now to listen to it because I didn't want their story to be over, but is it over?

Now I'm not about to give any spoilers because frankly if you're reading this, you've been reading the series, so nothing I say at this point will be a surprise. If by some chance you haven't been reading the series and you are reading this review, stop now and save yourself, and me some grief.

So all of you know ever since Beep was born the story line has had this big build up to Beep fighting the good fight with evil and all the people Charley knows that will be in her army...right? We've all been on the edge of our seats as we read on through countless attempts on evil's part to find Beep and kill her, with Charley and Reyes trying to cleverly find a way to keep her safe. Well, with this supposedly being the last book to the series I must say I was a little disappointed. Yes, we've had some big questions answered, yes, we all love Charley and Reyes, but the build up the author created for this last chapter of the story was so great that in the end what happened fell short for me. It was like being dropped off from a date with a handshake goodnight, after having a wonderful flirtatious night on the town with him. And to make things confusing, a question was asked at the end to imply more to come. What I'm saying is, this is suppose to be the last book of the series and when you build a story up that much, you have to reach down to the depths of your soul and unleash the most unimaginable on the reader for the ending and Mrs. Jones did not. What's so disappointing is that I know she could do it, I've seen her do it in her other stories. It felt like she held back and I don't understand why.

Narrator Review

Lorelei King delivered another phenomenal performance! I love her tone, and her comedic timing, plus the sarcasm. She is an amazing actress and storyteller. Don't ever stop what you're doing because you have a God given talent.  Rated it, 5 Fangs!

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BOOK REVIEW: UNDER PRESSURE

Patrol Log:  13203312020

Book Review On Under Pressure, Redwood Ridge Book 5

By Kelly Moran

**Book provided by the author for an honest review**

RATED IT

You have the right to remain...sexy.

As sheriff of Redwood Ridge, Parker Maloney has learned to bite his tongue at the ridiculous antics of the town's matchmakers. He's just grateful they've never messed with him before. Except it kind of seems like he's their next target. They keep sending him on one wild goose chase after another with a single common denominator--Madeline Freemont. Whatever. Maddie spent their youth terrorizing him and he has zero interest in reopening the claw marks. No matter how beautiful or intuitive or funny he finds her. Nope. He's laying down the law on this one. Yet there's something to her hot-as-hell spine of steel act he can't figure out and she's beginning to unlock the cell on his restraint.

Maddie Freemont's no newcomer to the cold shoulder. Most of the town never warmed up to her. Or tried. So when her ex leaves her high, dry, and so in debt she's forced onto the street, it's no shock there aren't any offered helping hands. She's making due by taking any odd job she can to scrape by. Even though she would've done anything for Parker's attention once upon a time, the last thing she needs is to be on his radar now. Why they suddenly keep crossing paths is a mystery. But it's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore his handsome, subtle charms--and how he's working his way under her resolve to expose desires she long ago shoved aside.

Parker Maloney, who was born and raised in Redwood Ridge, is now the towns Sheriff. Being the most eligible bachelor and also the all knowing of the whole town, how is it Parker has never ran into her until now. Madeline Freemont moved back to Redwood Ridge three years ago to right a wrong. Hated by many, Maddie did her best to be invisible and it worked until she ran into him. Will Parkers liked by everyone good natured soul be able to help Maddie rise from the ashes of her past and accept the love she deserves from herself, him and the town?

Redwood Ridge is a quirky little town that we all daydream about every now and then, which is also depicted a lot in those adorable Hallmark movies. Parker Maloney, the towns Sheriff, was described beautifully by the author as having jet black hair, emerald green eyes and the body of a line backer. Between that and Maddies depiction of Parker as “he had a strong moral code, ethics, a huge heart, good intentions, and an untainted soul” made my heart throb and panties melt all at the same time! I was all in until his love interest was introduced... Madeline Freemont. Madeline was the rich bitch in town growing up. She was the “mean girl” that all other girls wanted to be like and liked by. She was literally the opposite of Parker but unbeknownst to him, he's who she had her sights set on as a teenager. After Madeline's father and fiance were convicted of scamming money from the towns people, Madeline was left with nothing. Forced to quit college and crawl back to Redwood Ridge, she was on a mission to right the wrong her family had done to the town.

The story was real and I'm still not sure if the main focus was meant to be on Parker or Madeline. It was great to read a story where the two main characters story touched my heart. Even before reading about Madeline's journey, reading how she lived and how the towns people treated her had me feeling indignant and angry for her! Overall the very statement Maddie made about Parker was true about herself as well but she just didn't or couldn't see anything good about herself because of the guilt and actions of others. I loved the plot that brought them together, the characters that set the tone, and the humanity at it's greatest feeling the author gave the story. The last chapter had me in tears and feeling so optimistic that good people and love do prevail. The moral of the story on second chances and don't judge a book by it's cover can always stand the test of time. This was a heart warming story that fed my soul. The sexy guy and steamy sex helped too ;)

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BOOK REVIEW: CONFESSIONS OF A PUNK ROCKER

Patrol Log:  13103212020

Book Review On Confessions Of A Punk Rocker

By Nessie Strange

RATED IT

Jack Norris has just lost his best friend—who also happened to be his band's drummer—to a drunk driving accident. As he struggles to deal with the band's uncertain future and his own personal demons, those issues soon become unimportant. His dead friend has come back. And he's not showing any signs of going away. Questioning his own sanity, Jack finds his life spiraling out of control. But when a new acquaintance not only hooks him up with a drummer, but promises to help get rid of his ghostly stalker, Jack's life does a one-eighty.

Drew MacLellan, the new drummer, is more than just a new set of sticks—he's the brother of the insanely hot Jen MacLellan, who's definitely not Jack's biggest fan. Jen is nothing like the women Jack's dated in the past, but the more he gets to know her, the deeper he falls. The only problem is she's got a boyfriend. Caught between his growing attraction and the desire to do the right thing, Jack does everything he can to keep his distance. But the more he sees of her, the more he realizes he can't. He's determined to win Jen's heart, if only he can figure out how to help his dead friend rest in peace...permanently.

Jack Norris is the lead singer of a fast rising punk rock band, until his best friend and drummer are killed in a car accident. Grieving for his friend Eben lends Jack no motivation to seek out a new drummer for the band. With nothing to lose and a small push Jack finds himself scouting Drew MacLellan with a little help from his deceased friend Eben. Will Jack be able to face his guilt about Eben's death and move forward with his band, or will Eben's spirit lingering drive Jack insane?

Jack's story is sad and pathetic as it's all laid out in the first part of the book. To be honest the story went a tad slow for my liking, but with hope that the story would build some speed and layers to it, I stuck with it. I am soooo glad I stuck with it, Jack's story exceeded all preconceived ideas I was having. You see, Jack was portrayed quite the loser. He had a part time entry level job, only to shut his older brother and manager Ashton up. Jack's main focus was his band, he lived the rock star life to his full potential. Jack had no responsibilities nor did he give a fuck to have any. He drank too much and slept with any mini skirt that would have him. So when the new drummer Drew and his older sister Jen entered the picture that is when the magic really started for Jack.

The story had many layers to it to keep your interest and lay a great foundation for what's to come. This book wasn't just about Jack's band or him falling in love. It was about Jack growing into a man, an honorable, dedicated man. It was so great to read Jack's character develop in such a short period of time, (page count wise). And so you don't feel cheated, there is magic. Confessions of a Punk Rocker had me feeling so many emotions throughout the story, sadness, sympathy, disgust, anger and love. Who doesn't love a great story with psychics, seances and ghosts?!

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: CRAVEN STREET

Patrol Log:  13002232020

Audiobook Review On Craven Street, Whitechapel Paranormal Society #0.5

By E.J. Stevens

Narrated by Melanie A. Mason & Anthony Bowling

RATED IT

The discovery of bricked up skeletal remains at 36 Craven Street point to something more diabolical than an illegal anatomy school. The tool marks on the bones, arcane sigils of great power, indicate more than mere butchery, more than enlightened experimentation. The signs, omens, and portents support the crown's greatest fears. A great evil is being unleashed upon the gaslit streets of London, a blood-drenched shadow reaching skeletal fingers beyond the slums of Whitechapel.

Collecting human souls is a thankless job, nearly as tedious as acting as solicitor to the fae. But when the demon Forneus enters an opium den searching for men eager to trade their souls for the ill-smelling weed, he stumbles on a plot so devious, so heinous, he's jealous that he hadn't thought of it himself.

Cora Drummond is an agent for the Whitechapel Paranormal branch of the British police force. Her job is to monitor and gauge any paranormal threats to the Queen and country. When Forneus, the Grand Marquis of Hell, approaches her for help to capture demons that are doing evil bidding without the knowledge of their Lord and Master, Cora then realizes that major trouble is headed her way. Will the women of Whitechapel Society have enough power and skill to stop what evil lurks on the other side of their realm?

The author clearly depicts what life was like for women in the Victorian Era. Cora and her fellow agents of Whitechapel have been bullied by the men of the same division. Their male counterparts have made it very clear that they will neither see or treat them as equals. So during Cora's investigation, she and the other female agents are left to rely on each other. The world building for this series is pretty impressive. All the characters play a vital role within Whitechapel, to which each person has a paranormal skill unique to them. As Cora tries to maneuver through her city to solve this mystery of dead bodies and demon activity, I got a sense of what kind of woman Cora is. I appreciated the fact that Cora was written as a whole person and not some pathetic victim. She does have powers that she does not yet fully have a handle on, nor does she realize her full potential, but I'm sure that will come in time as the series moves on. **Please excuse my spelling, I have not read the book I listened to the audio version** I love the character Flan. She's a sassy, strong willed psychic/empath. I was happy that although Flan appeared to not like Cora much, she was still there when Cora needed someone, even when she didn't know she needed help.

The story and characters were engaging. The dynamic within Whitechapel was interesting enough to raise the hackles on the back of my neck. I want to hear more, especially if the male agents have some major karma kick them in the ass. I give the book 4 Fangs.

Narrator Review

Melanie's interpretation of Cora's character did not fit well. Cora has a good sense of who she is, but Melanie's tone gave a brass, matter of fact life to Cora that I don't agree with. I feel like Melanie did a good job with her British accent, but she didn't give Cora the life her character deserved with her voice. I also listened to Melanie in the sense of as a story teller. Her story telling skills are a bit monotone for my liking. During each scene, Melanie lacked the emotion in her voice. When we get excited or upset our voice goes up and when we are sad or down our voice gets low. We voice our emotions! That is why it's so funny to watch and hear a person talk about how excited they are when their face and voice are displaying the total opposite. You know what I'm talking about, right? Imagine talking to Grumpy Cat...

Anthony I feel did a fine job with Forneus and the demons. Anthony embraced the characters fully and his voice brought forth the correct emotions in me that should have been. Good job Anthony! Overall I am giving the narration 3 Fangs. The rating reflects both narrators combined.

RATED THEM 

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GIVEAWAY: WIN A SIGNED COPY OF PASSION UNLEASHED

Patrol Log:  12902162020

Giveaway:  Win a signed copy of Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione

FORBIDDEN TEMPTATIONS

Serena Kelley is an archaeologist and treasure hunter-and a woman with a secret. Since she was seven, she's been the keeper of a powerful charm that grants her health and immortality . . . as long as she stays a virgin. But Serena isn't all that innocent. And when a dangerously handsome stranger brings her to the brink of ecstasy, she wonders if she's finally met the one man she cannot resist.

FATAL DESIRES

Wraith is a Seminus demon with a death wish. But when an old enemy poisons him, he must find Serena and persuade her to give him the only known antidote in the universe-her charm. Yet, as she begins to surrender to his seductions and Wraith senses the cure is within his grasp, he realizes a horrible truth: He's falling for the woman whose life he must take in order to save his own.

HOW TO ENTER:

Subscribe, Comment and Share for your chance to win a signed copy of Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione, plus a bonus swag pack from various authors!

Giveaway ends February 29, 2020.  US Residents Only Please.

BOOK REVIEW: A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE

Patrol Log:  12801272020

Book Review On:  A Bad Day For Sunshine, Sunshine Vicram Book 1

By Darynda Jones

**Advanced Readers Copy**

RATED IT

Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o’ joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose.

Del Sol, New Mexico is known for three things: its fry-an-egg-on-the-cement summers, its strong cups of coffee—and a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff--an election her adorably meddlesome parents entered her in--and she expects her biggest crime wave to involve an elderly flasher named Doug. But a teenage girl is missing, a kidnapper is on the loose, and all of it's reminding Sunny why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that trouble at her daughter’s new school and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and Sunshine has her hands full.

Enter sexy almost-old-flame Levi Ravinder and a hunky US Marshall, both elevens on a scale of one to blazing inferno, and the normally savvy sheriff is quickly in over her head. Now it’s up to Sunshine to juggle a few good hunky men, a not-so-nice kidnapping miscreant, and Doug the ever-pesky flasher. And they said coming home would be drama-free.

Sunshine Vicram has worked hard at putting her past to rest, but when she wins the election in her home town of Del Sol, NM as the new Sheriff, her strength to face her past is put to the test. Can Sunshine continue to protect her daughter Auri from the truth and still win mother of the year?

The story begins with Sun and Auri preparing for their first day in Del Sol. Neither of them are new to the town, but this is Sun's first day back living in Del Sol with her daughter. See, after waking up from a coma due to a traumatic experience when she was 17-years-old , Sunshine split from Del Sol. Auri has a new high school and new people to friend, Sun has a new job as Sheriff and an angry Mayor to prove something to. On Sunshine's first day as sheriff, she is presented with a kidnapping of a teenage girl named Sybil St. Aubin. Sybil comes from a rich family with a lot of clout. Forest St. Aubin, Sybil's father brings in the Feds along with a very demanding Mayor to find his daughter, which the Mayor believes Sun is incapable of doing alone. The funny and mysterious part of this story is that Sunshine never entered the race for Sheriff. Her parents, Cyrus and Elaine Freyr are the duo that entered her without her knowledge and won the election for her! The story only gets more convoluted and insane as I read on, but more importantly I was hooked from chapter 1!

Sun's background is a little complicated and very sad. The story teller gives the reader just enough to make your mind reel wondering what the hell happened. As I was trying to piece the puzzle together the author distracted me with some pretty delicious men. Quincy Cooper, (Sun's BFF and Deputy) Levi Ravinder, (sexy love interest from her past and owner of a very well to do Distillery) as well as a Marshall, Federal Agent, and ex-Sheriff. With that being said, the story continues to take all kinds of twists and turns by adding another missing teen, an escaped fugitive and a seriously mean bitch that is fucking with Auri at school. So just when you think one crisis is adverted, another happens! I loved every minute of it!

The characters: Sunshine Vicram; she's smart, gorgeous and knows what she wants, a total bad ass. She was a bit closed off when it came to her traumatic past but she was very warm and loving to those who mattered to her the most. I really connected with Sun's character. Quincy Cooper; best friend to Sun since Kindergarten. Gorgeous, funny and totally loyal and loving to Sun and her family. He is family. They had a brother/sister relationship that was adorable and awesome to read about. Cyrus and Elaine Freyr; supportive and loving to their daughter and granddaughter, but sketchy as fuck! I'm still not sure what they are involved in or how, but I will find out! Exactly the kind of parents I wish I had! Levi Ravinder; oh Levi, I can't help but drool just typing his name. Levi is part of one fucked up clan! Him and his family have never been kind to anyone, including Sun. Despite that fact, Sun has day dreamed about him from a young age. Levi has been building his Distillery on his own, trying to break free from his organized crime family all the while carrying some kind of torch for Sun on the sly. So many questions arise with Levi's character that I am dying to read more about. Lieutenant Bo Britton; where the fuck is Bo?! Sun has been asking for him from day one and no one knows this guy?! The dialogue was great, such a great sense of humor, but also had it's serious tone when called for. The people in town were corky, but it fit Sun's life somehow. The sense of community of the people is just what Sun and Auri needed in their life. It was very heart warming. The only thing I have left to say is when is Book 2 coming out?

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**BOOK WILL BE RELEASED ON APRIL 7, 2020**

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