Audiobook Review: Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones, Narrated by Lorelei King

Sixth Grave on the Edge uses the typical Charley Davidson formula of mysteries to be solved (standard and paranormal) using detective skills (also standard and paranormal) combined with a little romance. I'm not going to talk about those mysteries today. What I am going to talk about is Charley and her co-conspirators. The characters in Sixth Grave are people/ghosts/dogs/supernatural beings we've grown fond of over the series. Each has her/his part in advancing the story and each grows a little in this installment of the Charley Davidson series.

First up - Charley Davidson herself. One line from Sixth Grave on the Edge sums up one of my all time favorite fictional characters. Who said it? The kid ghost – Angel. Kids can be so wise.

“You never listen. You're like those kids who poke forks in electrical outlets.”

And that is the essence of Charley Davidson. Always looking for the facts, Charley will poke into any outlet that might help her solve her case forward. And a few outlets that just happen to get in her way. Charley has a delightful, snarky sense of humor. She is willing to dive headlong into any situation to solve the case, save a soul or prevent the end of the world. Or whatever other good cause happens to land in her caseload. She always thinks she is ready for what will happen on these dives, but sometimes, help from her friends is the only thing that keeps her alive. Thank God for Garrett, Ubie, Cookie, Reyes, and Angel.

Oh, and Artemis. Love Artemis! The ghostly Rottweiler is both lovable and scary. But only demons need fear her. She protects Charley and Charley lets a Artemis sleep next to her.

Lets get back to Angel. He is a kid, but he is not. He has been around a long time. In Sixth Grave, more of the story of Angel comes out. It brought tears to my eyes. I blame that on both Darynda Jones storytelling and on narrator Lorelei King's interpretation.

Since I am discussing Charley's friends, I guess should include Reyes. Reyes has been pretty much an ass in previous books, but he is working on that. His character was pretty sedate in Sixth Grave. I am not sure if that is good or that is bad. He is more interesting as an ass. In Sixth Grave, Reyes is a better person, continues to watch out for Charley and comes to her aid if needed. But as far as I am concerned, he is a secondary character. Perhaps he will rise in importance a later chapter.

Ubie and Cookie are truly Charley's best friends. Cookie is always there when she needs a shoulder to cry on - or coffee. In the past, Ubie has had a tendency to save the day. Is it any wonder that the people that take care of Charley should be attracted to each other? The attraction has been going on for a while and Charley has had enough. Charley's antics to get them together are devious and complex. So complex, they just might backfire.

Then there is Garrett. Once dead, but resurrected, Garrett has been studying the prophecies concerning the son of Satan and Charley. Maybe. It is prophecy and you know how prophets are. They speak in mystery and allegory and code and gibberish. So who knows what they are really about. Or if they will come about. If we knew, there would not be a need for any other books. I like Garrett. He has gone to hell and back for Charley. He needs a bigger roll and more appreciation!

Once again, I was lucky to be able to listen to the audiobook version of this Charley Davidson installment. Honestly, I can't imagine experiencing the Charley Davidson series any way other than through the narration of Lorelei King. Her voice conveys Charley's sense of humor, compassion and heroics and make the character and the series memorable!

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ARC Review: The Deepest Well by Juliette Cross

The Deepest Well is supernatural tale that starts in historical London about 200 years ago. The action travels to several places, including an alternate plane of existence, possibly hell, skips forward in time, and even includes a stop in New Orleans. I was expecting a paranormal/historical novel, but I got a bit more.

Lady Katherine Blakely and Lord George Draconis meet at a party. It was one of those intense attraction-at-first-sight meetings. There are two problems. Katherine is married and George is a demon slayer. Katherine's husband is a monster, figuratively only, so George can't slay him. In a time when husbands control everything, women have no rights and divorce is practically unheard of, there is little Katherine can do. But George plans to do everything he can to get Katherine into his arms.

When everything George can do entails going up against some of the most powerful demons to save Katherine, desperation and hope are constantly battling each other. Both Katherine and George experience these extremes. One will succumb to desperation and the other will force hope to win out.

Katherine is not a well developed character. She is beautiful and rich. So what. I could not empathize with her despite the fact that her husband was less than ideal. So when she got into real trouble, I had a hard time feeling her pain. I think my main issue with Katherine is that she seem to have no real purpose in life. Other than to be George's love interest.

On the other hand, George is the great dragon slayer (really). His life has purpose. To protect the world from demons is a noble cause. Saving Katherine is just another task in his daily routine. Okay, maybe she is a bit more than just another task. What I am getting at is, George is a nicely developed character that I could root for. So when his love was in trouble I ached for him.

The first two thirds of this book seemed to drag for me. I blame that on my lack of interest in Katherine. But the last part of the book was just the opposite. It felt extremely rushed. In that time, Katherine goes through some key psychological changes and she gets some purpose in her life. In short, she becomes a more interesting character. However, the path to those changes is very short. You don't get much detail. It felt like a few chapters got left out. This could have been the best part of the book, but it fell short.

Despite my complaints, The Deepest Well is a good story. I see The Age of Gray series as having a good deal of potential, what with all the fighting of demons leading up to an apocalyptic battle at the end of The Deepest Well. With any luck, subsequent books in the series will have many characters with depth and purpose.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Lady Who Lived Again by Thomasine Rappold

The Fair Five. Misty Lake NY's clique made up of beautiful, flirtatious girls that were always more concerned about wearing the latest fashion than acknowledging the average people on the street. Then the accident happened. Four of the friends were killed in a wagon accident. Strike that. The day after the town doctor proclaimed her dead, M Sutton awoke from the coma she had been in.

Waking with terrible injuries, Maddie was told she would never walk again. But her determination and her newly manifested healing ability got her on her feet again. Maddie's strength made me appreciate her from the beginning of the story. She never seemed to blame anyone even if she had just cause. Overnight, Maddie went from being a member of the youthful Fair Five to a young woman who was forced to grow up before she was ready. Good thing. I have little interest in reading about immature characters. So I liked Maddie. She is not totally grown up though, so expect some behavior that is not well not thought out. To make the story interesting.

Maddie's new found strength doesn't get her very far with anyone except her grandfather. Grandfather did not have a huge role in this book, but he was inspiring and pivotal to Maddie's story. But to the rest of the residents of Misty Lake, the sole survivor of the town's greatest tragedy is both blamed for the accident and considered an abomination.

Enter the new town doctor. Though anxious to establish himself and fit in, Dr. Jace Merrick still defends Madeline against Misty Lake's narrow mindedness. He is disgusted with their attitudes and does everything he can to help her to become a part of the community again. Including masquerading as her fiance' so she can attend her friend's wedding.

I really tried to like Jace. He was great when he was defending Maddie. But his arrogance and lack of interest in Maddie's opinions really irritated me. Yes, I get the whole 'I'm a Doctor. I am confident and arrogant.' thing. But his attitude really made me wonder what Maddie saw in him. Jace's mindset prevents Maddie from telling him about her special healing talent. There is no way he would ever understand. Jace's arrogance makes him as close-minded as the Misty Lake residents that anger him when they misjudge Maddie.

However, since Jace does stand up for Maddie – a lot – I finally decided he was okay. Besides, it is a romance. If Maddie is going to like him and even fall in love with him, the least I can do is give him a chance.

Other characters in the book are just as easy to like or dislike. On the like list is Dolly whose physical demeanor enables her to appreciate the unfairness of Maddie's treatment. On the dislike list is Pastor Hogle who encourages the town's attitude toward Maddie. The Lady Who Lived Again is comprised of uncomplicated characters. They make it easy to draw the line between the good guys and the bad guys. The question is, will any of the good guys be redeemed. Or should they be?

I was actually looking for a bit more complexity to the story, but the plot of The Lady Who Lived Again is as straightforward as its characters. Maddie's paranormal ability is not so much of a plot device as it is a character motivation.

The story moves along and can be read in one quiet evening. I enjoyed it, though not enough to continue with the series. It appears that each story in the Sole Survivor series will stand alone. If you enjoy a little bit of the paranormal combined with your historical romance, you might enjoy The Lady Who Lived Again.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Feel the Burn by G.A. Aiken

Kachka Shestakova, formerly of the Black Bear Riders of the Midnight Mountains of Despair in the Far Reaches of the Steppes of the Outerplains. She thrives on action and killing those who deserve it. Kachka doesn't think much of dragons in either the human or flying form, but unfortunately Garbhán Isle is littered with them. On the isle, she is bored, needing a purpose other than hunting, preferably one that involves fighting. And so she is delighted when Annwyl the Mad Queen gives her a quest.

During her quest, Kachka has the opportunity to save a Royal. He has been captured by a priestess of the Chramnesind cult. The cult Kachka has been sent to hunt down and kill. Coincidence or destiny? You must be the judge.

Gaius Domitus, Iron dragon, one-eyed Rebel King from the West. He likes to play to Kachka's impression of a spoiled Royal. His vanity appears to rival that of Gwenvael the Handsome. And he pretends that Kachka can't keep her hands off him. But Gaius is a tough, don't-mess-with me, true Rebel King. He has people to protect and a sister to avenge.

The dialog between Gaius and Kachka is truly delightful. These two are the very definition of the attraction of opposites. As I read, I sensed the underlying feelings of attraction, affection, and devotion all with a healthy topping of humor. Gaius himself has an awesome sense of humor. There is a particularly amusing scene where he introduces the Kachka and her Riders with their entire extremely long names (see first sentence of this review) just to irritate irritating people. It is much funnier to read in the book than to read about it in this review. I promise.

Feel the Burn is the 8th book in the Dragon Kin series. If you are a follower, you will enjoy being reunited with all the favorite characters from the previous books. Annywl the Bloody is there (or the Mad Queen). She still violently hates to be interrupted when reading. I can relate. Gwenvael the Handsome, my favorite dragon is there too. He is still very concerned with aesthetics, but has grown beyond vanity to concern for others. 'Don't worry,' Gwenvael says, 'I'll make sure you have a beautiful funeral.' Many of the events of the past books are relevant to the plot of Feel the Burn, so it does help to have read the series.

Can you enjoy Feel the Burn if this is your first Dragon Kin book? Sure. I will tell you why. This is kind of a confession. I don't read the Dragon Kin books because of the hot (literally – you know - dragons) romance, the shape-shifting dragons, the epic battles, the evil villains or the non-stop adventures. Sure these are all important elements of the Dragon Kin saga. But I read these books because they are absolutely hilarious! With larger-than-life, exquisitely depicted characters that make me laugh out loud! I'm into this series for the giggles and that's it. Feel the Burn had me grinning through practically every page.

So, if you like laugh, read book. Kachka guarantee much smiling!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: A Talent for Trickery by Alissa Johnson

It has been eight years since Charlotte BalesformerlyWalker has seen Owen Renderwell. Eight years since Charlotte's con-man father, William Walker, was killed attempting to rescue a kidnapped noblewoman. Eight years since Renderwell was rewarded with a title for rescuing that noblewoman.

Now, Owen is back in Lottie's life. Things are little tense between them. But they are just going to have to work past that. A woman has been murdered and Owen believes the key to the identity of the murderer is in William Walker's old journals. Coded journals that detailed Walker's con games.

I liked the suspense/mystery part of A Talent for Trickery. Despite the fact that they changed their name to Bales and relocated, the Walker family past is haunting the present. The current investigation reveals more about dear old dad's past and brings danger closer to the family. Which may have a side effect of bringing Lottie closer to Owen.

A Talent for Trickery is historical romance combined with suspense. The Walker/Bales family along with Owen Renderwell and his team spend several tense days together. While Owen and Lottie sift through Walker's journals they must also sift through their feelings. I like this process in the book. All sorts of things – facts, journals, opinions, codes and feelings – get revealed in this investigation.

On the romance side, the process is slow burning, though sometimes painful. Lottie has a habit of saying one thing and then thinking the exact opposite. This contradictory inner dialog became a little annoying at times. Which made the point where Lottie overcame this annoying habit very much of a relief!

Overall, I enjoyed A Talent for Trickery. If you like mystery with your historical romance, I betting you will like it too.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Autumn Thorns by Yasmine Galenorn

Autumn Thorns is the perfect book for fall. As I was reading about Kerris Fellwater experiencing the cool and sometimes stormy fall weather of the Northwest, cool Autumn temperatures were arriving in my part of the country. The first chapter really made me want to make a cup of hot chocolate and settle on the couch with my book.

And once the author set the atmosphere, I was hooked on the story. Kerris Fellwater is a 50th generation spirit shaman. It is her job to make sure the spirits of the recently, and the not-so-recently, departed end up in their place on the other side of the Veil. She tried to avoid her duty for several years, but after her grandmother's death, the Crow Man has summoned her home to Whisper Hollow. Every resident of Whisper Hollow knows that if the Crow Man calls, it is best not to ignore him.

In Whisper Hollow, the spirits have been walking more than they typically do. Even while her grandmother was still alive, ghost activity was unusually high. The ghosts are usually kept in check by the spirit shaman and her guardian as well as the lament singer and the Veil's Gatekeeper, Penelope. Now, though, it seems the newest spirit shaman will have her work cut out for.

When Kerris returns to Whisper Hollow, she and her three cats move into her grandmother's house. Kerris starts digging through desks, trunks and other hiding places for any information she can find to help her with her spirit shaman duties. What she finds in the trunk that belonged to her mother, who disappeared when Kerris was young, has her digging into a decades old mystery. The investigation, along with her official spirit shaman duties, make sure there is never a lull in the action for Kerris.

Luckily, Kerris does not have to solve the mystery or perform her duties alone. Ellia is her lament singer, and Bryan is her guardian and neighbor. Bryan also turns out to be her mate. The road from neighbor to mate/lover was very short. Too short, as it did not even seem to be a love at first sight romance. More like suspicion turned to lust turned to love in an awkwardly short span of time. Still, as a couple, Kerris and Bryan will be a major force in the battle between dark and light in Whisper Hollow.

Another force to be reckoned with is the secret Crescent Moon Society. CMS could be helpful if they can get past the politics. The CMS is dedicated to protecting the town from the evil creatures that like to hang around. They even have a fixer to handle things the local law enforcement really can't touch.

A large part of this first book of a new series is about setting the scene in Whisper Hollow. Ms. Galenorn paints the town with charming names of places, roads and businesses. I love the name of Whisper Hollow and my favorite road is Fogwhistle Way. She also does a fine job of explaining the culture of the small town resting on the crossroads of ley lines. She does so using the many character's action and dialog, which makes it easy to take in. Unfortunately, the need to familiarize the reader with all of the background and all of the characters doesn't leave much time for the story. When the story was over, I felt like there should have been more, even though there was a satisfying resolution to the main plot line. There is much more to be resolved though. It appears a series is needed to make sure all is right in Whisper Hollow. Having done such a great job of setting the scene in book 1, Ms. Galenorn has a series with all sorts of potential!

This book releases on October 27th. The timing is perfect. Yes, it really feels like the titular season of Autumn, but the creatures of the night that Kerris deals with in the book will get you in the spirit of Halloween and things that go bump in the night. Ghosts, stormy nights and other creatures abound. I am just going to say a name and then let you read an awesome description of him. Diago. So, in addition to that cup of hot chocolate you have by your side when you are reading Autumn Thorns, I suggest you also leave all the lights on!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Audiobook Review: Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones, Narrated by Lorelei King

Fifth Grave Past the Light was my introduction to Darynda Jones, Lorelei King and Charley Davidson. I won the audiobook in a Heroes and Heartbreakers giveaway. I gave it 5 stars in my original review 2 years ago and I'm still giving it 5 stars today. The only thing about my original review that turned out not to be true is that I said I would not go back to the beginning of the series. In fact, I have been making my way through the Charley Davidson series in audiobook and when I finished with #4, I decided to re-listen to #5.

My perspective on Charley has changed considerably, knowing more about her past. Not just knowing it, but experiencing it with along with her. The first time I read Fifth Grave, Charley seemed much more easy going. Now, knowing her history, I see her as a bit more seasoned and toughened. I am pleased I have been getting caught up on the series. Oh, you can still enjoy Fifth Grave Past the Light as a standalone. Obviously I did in 2013. But I highly recommend reading the series!

Fifth Grave Past the Light is the story of Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper and private detective who is dating the son of Satan. She helps dead people to cross over - when they are ready. When a couple dozen terrified ghosts take over her apartment, and they aren't ready to move on, nor do they talk to her, Charley has a real mystery on her hands. At the same time, Charley is working cases for and about live people - a cheating husband and an arson case. Talk about a full slate!

Charley is, of course, my favorite character. Oh! To have that perfect thing to say in every situation like Charley always does would be a great superpower. Charley is always irreverent, tells it like it is, is not afraid to snoop and claims to have an attention deficit issue. She surrounds herself with people who are similarly afflicted with a sense of humor.

Charley is not perfect though. She has an addiction to coffee that is so bad that she waxes poetic about it all the time. She says “Coffee was that place where the sun comes up over the horizon and lights the heavens in a burst of vibrant colors.” (Eck!) And she is dating Reyes, the Son of Satan. In previous reviews of other books in this series, I have called Reyes an ass. While he has reformed somewhat in Fifth Grave, I'm not ready to change my opinion. In a critical moment, when Charley asks Reyes for helps (and you know it is super important because Charley usually goes solo), Reyes wants to know what's in it for him. If he really cared about her, he would jump when she asks for help. True?

Uncle Bob (UB) is the hero in this book. UB always has Charley's back, no matter what trouble she finds. Likewise, Charley's best friend Cookie is ever present when Charley needs a friend. UB and Cookie need to hook up because they are characters truly deserving of happiness.

One more character I need to mention is Garret. Things are getting interesting in that there-is-a-big-crisis-on-the-way thing. Garret appears to be a critical player here, but I'm not at all sure what his role is. I'll have to keep reading.

I really liked this book! Mostly because it made me laugh out loud. (Not LOL. You have to spell it out because it was really funny!) There was a lot going on, but it did not get too complicated, with everything mostly and nicely wrapped up at the end. I say 'mostly' because there are all sorts of indications of things to come. That is how a good author writes a series.

Before I end this, I'd like to mention Lorelei King. Ms. King's narration of the Charley Davidson series keeps me coming back for more. When I am listening, I loose all track of time and the next thing you know, the book is done. Lorelei King's delivery is absolute perfection!

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ARC Review: Nightwalker by Jacquelyn Frank

Reading Nightwalker by Jacquelyn Frank is a bittersweet experience. It is the finale to a long and fascinating journey that covers three series, several years, many cultures and some truly wonderful characters. It began in 2006 with the story of Jacob and Bella and ends now with last installment in The World of Nightwalkers series.

Because of the epic scope of Nightwalker and my personal journey with all of the Nightwalkers, I'm going to bring up a little bit of history. Many years ago, well, maybe 6 or 7 year ago, I picked up a novel by a new-to-me author. Elijah by Jacquelyn Frank. To me, Elijah was original, fresh, and fascinating. Emphasis on original. When I realized that Elijah was #3 in the series, I circled back to the bookstore for books 1 and 2. Since then I've devoured The Nightwalkers, The Shadowdwellers, and The World of Nightwalkers series as well as several other books by Jacquelyn Frank.

When I started this journey, my book exposure was limited to what was on the shelf. Other than for work, I was not online at all. Now I've broadened my book exposure by shopping online and connecting with other readers and authors online. 6 or 7 years later, I still say that the Nightwalkers series are remain among the most original paranormal romance books that I have read.

What is original about them? That is easy. The paranormal beings. Ms. Frank's treatment of the more commonly fictionalized Demons, Vampires and Lycanthropes is unique. Add Shadowdwellers, Druids, Mistrals, Night Angels, Djinns, Bodywalkers, Phoenixes, Wraiths, and Mysticals to the mix and you have a truly wonderful, complex and creative world. 12 races - did I get them all?

So, as I said before, Nightwalker is the grand finale (sniff). With some trepidation I read it. Finales are often disappointing as it is very difficult to wrap up an epic adventure without being anti-climatic. But if you are a fan of these series, I don't think you will be disappointed. Nightwalker is finely balanced between the reunion with favorite characters from other books, the final showdown with the big bad and the love story of Kamen and Viève.

Viève is a Wraith. Perhaps you have heard that wraiths can kill with a touch and they do so often enough to make them the most hated of the Nightwalker races. However Viève is a half-breed. Her father was human, but she was raised by her mother. She knows only that the Wraiths detest half-breeds. She has lived her life among people that shun her and would prefer she was never born.

Kamen is a Bodywalker, the race that is the focus of The World of Nightwalkers series. The race is split into those that ancient souls share the body they inhabit with the original soul (Body Politic) and those that suppress the original soul (Templars). Kamen comes from the Templars. So right off you know he is not a good guy. But Kamen has come to realize he has done some terrible things, including inadvertently loosing the god Apep into an unprepared world. He truly wants to set things right.

Kamen and Viève play the lead role in attempting to bring the 12 Nightwalker races together. It is believed that they will need all 12 races in order to defeat Apep. So, here we have the formerly evil Kamen uniting with Viève, a representative of the evil Wraiths. Both feel unworthy, either due to past actions or circumstance of birth. Yet they undertake a momentous task. If they fail, Apep's threat to the world will become a reality. This is my favorite part of the book - the fact that the 'unworthy', 'evil' characters play such a key role for the good guys! And by the way, saving earth is not the only thing on their agenda. They tend to sizzle a little when they get together. You know what I mean.

Speaking of characters, Apep is really something else. He has a terrible god-complex. Well, I suppose that is okay, he is a god. But talk about self-centered, egotistical and maniacal. It was actually funny, if disturbing!

Some of my favorites from the previous series are back in Nightwalker: Noah, Jacob, Bella, Sagan, and Kat. Also Ram and Docia, whose story was my favorite in the current series. It is not a re-union of all the former characters. That would just be overdoing it. But the few that are there bring back nice memories. And they each have a role to play in the battle against Apep.

I've said that the originality of these series is what I appreciate about them. However, Ms. Frank's talent as a writer is what kept me coming back for book after book. Her beautiful writing sets her apart from other writers in the paranormal romance genre. I tend to want to read every word, rather than miss a passage of lovely prose. She exquisitely combines action and emotion to create a plot that whisks you away from your own life, if only for a short while.

From my perspective of having read the three related series, it is difficult to imagine what it would be like to read Nightwalker without the benefit of the background I've gotten from the books. I suspect such a reader would feel that something is missing.

However, if you have read all three series, or even just The World of Nightwalkers series, I truly think you will enjoy the ending in Nightwalker. The perfect combination of memories, action, and beautiful romance lead to a satisfying conclusion of this wonderful adventure.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Even Vampires Get the Blues by Sandra Hill

I've read a couple of books in Sandra Hill's Deadly Angels series, but I haven't kept up. That is no reflection on the series. I did enjoy them. However, there are just too many good books to read and not enough time before I die. But no worries! The fact that I have only read books 2 and 3 did not adversely affect my experience reading book 6 - Even Vampires Get the Blues.

In the Deadly Angele series, a group of seven Viking brothers have been condemned to live as evil-battling Viking/Vampire/Angels. Why? Because of the seven deadly sins they committed in their first flesh and blood lives. Harek Sigurdsson was guilty of greed. Back in the old country in the 9th century, Harek was a greedy, hedonistic SOB and he didn't mind using people to increase his wealth and acquire pretty things. In the current day, Harek still likes pretty things, but he is also one of the archangel Michael's soldiers, fighting Satan's evil Lucipires (demon vampires).

In Even Vampires Get the Blues, Harek Sigurdsson meets his match in Navy WEAL Camille Dumaine, when the Vangels (easier to say than Viking/Vampire/Angels) team up with the Navy SEALS, WEALS and other US forces. Their mission is to strike at an increasingly violent Islamic extremist group that has been abducting young girls for nefarious purposes. The group has been infiltrated by Lucipires, making it even more of a target for the Vangels. Harek and Camille both bring their own expertise to the strike force. Techno-guru Harek gathers intelligence information as easily as a child gathers dandelions. Camille, or Camo as she is known in the Navy, is an expert at disguises and blending in. Both will play critical roles in the dangerous mission in Nigeria.

But before they even get to Nigeria, Harek and Camille are 'forced' to spend a weekend in New Orleans where Camille's brother is getting married. 'Forced' is probably not the best word. At their initial meeting neither was truly impressed with the other. Harek thinks Camille is plain. Camille thinks Harek's hair is over-moussed. However, the fact that they try to ignore each other does not mean that there is no attraction. In fact, Harek is smelling roses and Camille is smelling chocolate. Vangel translation - the mating scent. But both Harek and Camille prefer to deny, deny, and deny any chemistry between them.

The New Orleans excursion was the heart of the book. It is where Harek and Camille get to know each other and get past those initial first impressions. In fact, Camille is smart and drop-dead gorgeous and Harek is charming and intelligent. Their courtship is sometimes sweet, sometimes hot and always funny!

After the courtship phase, the mission in Nigeria seemed to be an afterthought. While there was quite a bit of time spent building up to it, I guess the romance of Harek and Camille really grabbed my attention. Asking my attention to shift was kind of like having to put the dishes away after you have washed them. But the perilous operation does put our hero and heroine in dicey situations, so some heroic actions will be called for. And once the mission was complete there was a sense of satisfaction.

At the end of the story, I found a glossary. I wish I had realized it was there while I was reading the book, since my built in e-reader dictionary does not recognize all terms. The copy I read is an ARC, so I can't say how this will be presented in the final cut. Just know that it is there to help with medieval, military and New Orleans terminology.

The word that comes to mind when thinking about this book is funny. I think Ms. Hill managed to infuse humor into absolutely every paragraph. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are a lot of laugh out loud moments in Even Vampires Get the Blues. Any book that makes me laugh so much gets 5 stars. Just so happens there is a pretty good plot to go with the humor!

**ARC provide by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Possession of a Highlander by Madeline Martin

Two words will give you a pretty good impression of what you will find if you read Possession of a Highlander by Madeline Martin. Intrigue. Passion.

Intrigue.

Brianna Lindsey's father is dead. But his death is a secret. A secret that is keeping Brianna in charge of Edzell Castle and its lands, but barely. Her legitimacy has always been questioned and now her despicable cousin Robert is even more of a threat. He wants her lands and will use any underhanded method he can to get them.

Colin MacKinnon also wants Edzell. But he wants to gain it by wooing Brianna. Colin proves his worth, taking over the Captain of the Guard position and training her fighting men.

Brianna is determined to keep Edzell for herself. Robert and Colin are determined to have it also. Will it come down to a choice of the lesser of two evils?

Secrets, spying, false accusations, treachery and blackmail. You will find all of these elements in this book. Sometimes I like to guess at who the bad guy is and sometimes it is good to be able to boo and hiss at them throughout the story. In Possession of a Highlander, the bad guys are not subtle. They stick out like a sore thumb. You just want someone to run a sword through them. Or something.

Passion

Colin's wooing of Brianna is sweet and often humorous. Brianna has always preferred her independence, her books and taking care of Edzell. There is no place for a man in her life. But slowly, Colin chips away at that stoic heart. Well, maybe not all that slowly since, very quickly, Brianna discovers that she is actually attracted to Colin. The relationship is bound to heat up!

One of the things I enjoyed about Possession of a Highlander is that Brianna is as much the heroine as Colin is a hero. They both do their share of saving each other. And getting into trouble. And being noble. But here is what I liked the best. Both Brianna and Colin are asked to make a life-changing decision when they finally get what they have always been seeking. Kind of a duet of opportunities, if you will. Difficult circumstances. Difficult choices. In the end, their choices are perfect, leading to a satisfying end to this heartfelt love story.

Though it is book 2 in Madeline Martin's Highlander series, Possession of a Highlander very enjoyable as a standalone story.

**ARC provided by Author**

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