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Blood and Magic #1
Bad Bones
Fabulous superpowers? Check.
Strong urge to right wrongs and bring villains to justice? Check.
Impulse control problems? Check.
Your girl's got a brand new job. And Washington DC does not know what’s going to hit it. Okay, I might be seriously under-qualified for the job of Enforcer, I'll admit. The Enforcer is supposed to be a human, for starters. It's usually an ex-special forces guy with big muscles and even bigger balls, and a knack for sorting out petty squabbles between the witches and vampires and shifters in the city. And I'm just a technically-dead nail tech – an animated skeleton with a talent for illusion magic and gold gel manicures. But I've recently discovered that I can manifest some pretty big muscles of my own. I've already got the big balls, so I'm halfway there. It's the 'sorting out petty squabbles' part that I might have trouble with. I'm usually the one to start the fights, not finish them. But a girl has got to grow up sometime.
My first job is finding a missing person – a half-pixie girl vanished from her home a week ago, and if she doesn't surface soon, the local Fae diplomat is going to raise Hell. Her uncle is blaming vampires, her boyfriend is pointing the finger at the local shifters. The clock is ticking. I'm determined to find her alive, and prove to the supes of DC that I've got what it takes to keep this town on the straight-and-narrow.
Strong urge to right wrongs and bring villains to justice? Check.
Impulse control problems? Check.
Your girl's got a brand new job. And Washington DC does not know what’s going to hit it. Okay, I might be seriously under-qualified for the job of Enforcer, I'll admit. The Enforcer is supposed to be a human, for starters. It's usually an ex-special forces guy with big muscles and even bigger balls, and a knack for sorting out petty squabbles between the witches and vampires and shifters in the city. And I'm just a technically-dead nail tech – an animated skeleton with a talent for illusion magic and gold gel manicures. But I've recently discovered that I can manifest some pretty big muscles of my own. I've already got the big balls, so I'm halfway there. It's the 'sorting out petty squabbles' part that I might have trouble with. I'm usually the one to start the fights, not finish them. But a girl has got to grow up sometime.
My first job is finding a missing person – a half-pixie girl vanished from her home a week ago, and if she doesn't surface soon, the local Fae diplomat is going to raise Hell. Her uncle is blaming vampires, her boyfriend is pointing the finger at the local shifters. The clock is ticking. I'm determined to find her alive, and prove to the supes of DC that I've got what it takes to keep this town on the straight-and-narrow.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2023
1448 people are currently reading
1005 people want to read
About the author
Lauretta Hignett
53 books470 followersA raving fangirl for all things paranormal, supernatural, supernormal and fantastical, Lauretta writes fun Urban Fantasy, PNR and Superhero adventures with a dash of sweet romance and humour.
She's a massive fan of Young and New Adult fiction, loves a plot twist, hates cliffhangers, and always keeps her readers on their toes.
When she's not writing, Lauretta enjoys fad diets, sunshine, her two little children, weird craft projects and massive amounts of dark chocolate
She's a massive fan of Young and New Adult fiction, loves a plot twist, hates cliffhangers, and always keeps her readers on their toes.
When she's not writing, Lauretta enjoys fad diets, sunshine, her two little children, weird craft projects and massive amounts of dark chocolate
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
June 12, 2024
This Urban Fantasy has an interesting protagonist with a brand new job of supernatural Enforcer. I had some issues with her first case that I'll get to, but in general I rather liked Prue and her determination to do a good job.
The biggest issue I have is the fae throwing random wrenches into the works so that she'll fail. The story is that they're creating a pretext for ditching the agreement that holds all supernaturals in check. But the reason for it doesn't hold up to any scrutiny at all. I mean, if they're made of stupid maybe it'd work. Pop quiz: a big bad that eats the magic of others to become stronger is about to wake up do you : a) feed it an entire world of magic so it takes an extra couple years to get to you or b) work with the folks who helped you put it down in the first place? If you're the fae in this world, you betray your former partners and feed them to the beast so that it's super extra strong when it finally gets to you. This makes any kind of sense? To anyone? Even completely amoral, self-serving, human-torturers would know this is a bad plan.
I get the sense that the author needed extra tension, so the fae inventing deadlines for nefarious reasons and then meddling to make it harder just to ramp up tension. Only, for me, any tension I felt was aimed at the author for making people stupid.
And speaking of the author making a setup more complicated, Prue is totally in love with a hottie McWolf-pants of an alpha werewolf. Max is everything you'd want in a strong alpha. He's protective, supportive, and hyper-conscious of stepping on the will or self-direction of the people who look up to him. So I totally want these two to be together. Only Prue's new job means being "independent" and that means she can't be involved with the were representative. So there's lots of yearning and stuff.
Only, again, this is complete crap and stupid to boot. Everybody knows they're into each other. If Prue's impartiality is in doubt, it is already clearly compromised! All the other supers are completely aware that she's into him and he's into her. Them being physically intimate is the least important part of their attachment as far as anybody else should be concerned.
Offsetting these annoyances is that I really liked Prue. Her background is unimaginable trauma, having drowned as a three year-old and brought back by her witch mother. Only not alive. So her body is dead and she's just still attached to it. This broke up the familial love she knew pre-trauma and made her a pariah to her sisters (sort of understandable because gross), but her mother's guilt and shame limited the love she was able to give young Prue as well. This is horribly tragic and I admired Prue for turning her negative into a positive and letting her help other people. The positive? She has full control over her body and can literally be anything she wants to be pretty much at whim. Which was cool. And cooler still that she wants to use that ability to help others.
Anyway, this is an easy three stars for Prue and Max. They're lovely. It's too bad there was so much stupid packed around them and throwing weird plot twists around. I did like the bones (heh) of the plot. It was an interesting investigation and with a strong resolution. It was just all the "enhancers" that drove me nuts. I'm not sure if I'm up for more in the series. Maybe?
A note about Chaste: Prue and Max have missed their window, apparently. So there's no shenanigans. There are scenes in a fetish club, so there's talk of weird sex play and background of weird sex play, but nothing actually graphic on the page. So this is a very close call and I'm likely erring a bit on the side of chaste.
The biggest issue I have is the fae throwing random wrenches into the works so that she'll fail. The story is that they're creating a pretext for ditching the agreement that holds all supernaturals in check. But the reason for it doesn't hold up to any scrutiny at all. I mean, if they're made of stupid maybe it'd work. Pop quiz: a big bad that eats the magic of others to become stronger is about to wake up do you : a) feed it an entire world of magic so it takes an extra couple years to get to you or b) work with the folks who helped you put it down in the first place? If you're the fae in this world, you betray your former partners and feed them to the beast so that it's super extra strong when it finally gets to you. This makes any kind of sense? To anyone? Even completely amoral, self-serving, human-torturers would know this is a bad plan.
I get the sense that the author needed extra tension, so the fae inventing deadlines for nefarious reasons and then meddling to make it harder just to ramp up tension. Only, for me, any tension I felt was aimed at the author for making people stupid.
And speaking of the author making a setup more complicated, Prue is totally in love with a hottie McWolf-pants of an alpha werewolf. Max is everything you'd want in a strong alpha. He's protective, supportive, and hyper-conscious of stepping on the will or self-direction of the people who look up to him. So I totally want these two to be together. Only Prue's new job means being "independent" and that means she can't be involved with the were representative. So there's lots of yearning and stuff.
Only, again, this is complete crap and stupid to boot. Everybody knows they're into each other. If Prue's impartiality is in doubt, it is already clearly compromised! All the other supers are completely aware that she's into him and he's into her. Them being physically intimate is the least important part of their attachment as far as anybody else should be concerned.
Offsetting these annoyances is that I really liked Prue. Her background is unimaginable trauma, having drowned as a three year-old and brought back by her witch mother. Only not alive. So her body is dead and she's just still attached to it. This broke up the familial love she knew pre-trauma and made her a pariah to her sisters (sort of understandable because gross), but her mother's guilt and shame limited the love she was able to give young Prue as well. This is horribly tragic and I admired Prue for turning her negative into a positive and letting her help other people. The positive? She has full control over her body and can literally be anything she wants to be pretty much at whim. Which was cool. And cooler still that she wants to use that ability to help others.
Anyway, this is an easy three stars for Prue and Max. They're lovely. It's too bad there was so much stupid packed around them and throwing weird plot twists around. I did like the bones (heh) of the plot. It was an interesting investigation and with a strong resolution. It was just all the "enhancers" that drove me nuts. I'm not sure if I'm up for more in the series. Maybe?
A note about Chaste: Prue and Max have missed their window, apparently. So there's no shenanigans. There are scenes in a fetish club, so there's talk of weird sex play and background of weird sex play, but nothing actually graphic on the page. So this is a very close call and I'm likely erring a bit on the side of chaste.
November 13, 2024
Bad Bones is a highly enjoyable and exciting urban fantasy novel with an awesome kick ass female lead. If you’re a fan of awe-inspiring heroines and urban fantasy then this fast paced thrill ride should be on your TBR.
Prudence Nakai is a sexy and resilient supernatural with a unique backstory and fascinating powers. As the new enforcer for the supernatural community Prue is tasked with finding missing half fae Denise Pangalarian. Throughout Prues investigation she goes toe to toe with the fae, rescues a pixie girl, teams up with wolf shifters, stops an interspecies incident, brawls with vampires, and deals with sister drama. If all that wasn’t enough there’s also multiple costume changes and a sexy brooding love interest.
Prue has her work cut out for her but she’s tough enough to handle it. This novel was outrageously fun and full of nonstop action. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this novel. If you’re looking for a new urban fantasy series with a formidable female lead character than Bad Bones is not to be missed.
Prudence Nakai is a sexy and resilient supernatural with a unique backstory and fascinating powers. As the new enforcer for the supernatural community Prue is tasked with finding missing half fae Denise Pangalarian. Throughout Prues investigation she goes toe to toe with the fae, rescues a pixie girl, teams up with wolf shifters, stops an interspecies incident, brawls with vampires, and deals with sister drama. If all that wasn’t enough there’s also multiple costume changes and a sexy brooding love interest.
Prue has her work cut out for her but she’s tough enough to handle it. This novel was outrageously fun and full of nonstop action. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this novel. If you’re looking for a new urban fantasy series with a formidable female lead character than Bad Bones is not to be missed.
June 12, 2024
I wrote an award-winning review of this story (😜) but GR dumped it right before I hit the “done” button. Therefore you missed out and I don’t have time to re-write the entire thing right now…. Maybe later. :)
In the meantime, suffice it to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the premise but was confused with the whole reasoning of the fae and super annoyed at the romance/not romance, “We can’t be together” silliness.
In the meantime, suffice it to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the premise but was confused with the whole reasoning of the fae and super annoyed at the romance/not romance, “We can’t be together” silliness.
February 4, 2025
Although this was entertaining, it felt like a dozen recent reads, only with a big bad that didn't feel believable. Yes, this is an urban fantasy, but even in the realm of fantasy, the big bad just doesn't hold up. Then there was the case, we spent an entire book with a whatever count down and the feeling that the missing girl was a part of a huge plot... then we get to what actually happened and what?!? That's it?? Like I said, I was entertained enough to finish this, but I ended up having to listen to it on 3x speed and won't be picking up the next book.
March 15, 2023
This book was so fun! Who would think a living skeleton would be such a wonderful character?
Prue had an accident when she was a toddler. She died. So why is she alive and kicking now? Magic. Forbidden magic. Now she's been made the enforcer of the local magical community, but since everyone knows her as a nail tech, she's having a hard time throwing her weight around.
Plus on top of it all she has to find a missing girl, or unleash the fae kind of armageddon. Luckily, on her first interview, she saves a tiny little gothflower, a type of pixie. Together, the skeleton and the pixie can handle it all! (Plus there is a sexy alpha werewolf...who doesn't love that?)
Loved the premise, the book was fun, funny, heartfelt, and a serious page turner. All the things I love about Lauretta Hignett's books! She can make the most ridiculous situation seem completely logical, and I love that!
I can't wait for the next one. This is your next bingeable series. Pick it up today!
Prue had an accident when she was a toddler. She died. So why is she alive and kicking now? Magic. Forbidden magic. Now she's been made the enforcer of the local magical community, but since everyone knows her as a nail tech, she's having a hard time throwing her weight around.
Plus on top of it all she has to find a missing girl, or unleash the fae kind of armageddon. Luckily, on her first interview, she saves a tiny little gothflower, a type of pixie. Together, the skeleton and the pixie can handle it all! (Plus there is a sexy alpha werewolf...who doesn't love that?)
Loved the premise, the book was fun, funny, heartfelt, and a serious page turner. All the things I love about Lauretta Hignett's books! She can make the most ridiculous situation seem completely logical, and I love that!
I can't wait for the next one. This is your next bingeable series. Pick it up today!
September 20, 2023
Prue is a great character.
Pure was three when she died, but unfortunately or fortunately she didn't stay dead. Her mother was a very powerful witch and she used blood magic to bring her back from the dead. But......you must be very careful of blood magic for it gives you what you wish for while at the same time denying you. Prue's soul came back and was reunited with her body yes,........but Prue's body was still dead and what do dead things do?........they decompose so over time after a very gross disgusting period Prue became a skeleton. Magic again helped give Prue the semblance of a body, Prue thought it was a spell an illusion but she recently learned she has her own magic and is creating her own form. Pure can make herself look like anyone, different hair, skin and eye colours, body types, she just has to visualize a shape and there it is and she doesn't just look the part if Prue needs muscles she also.gets the strength and power that goes with them, so Prue can be anyone she pleases. For a living Prue is.a.nail technician and a very good one at that but now she's taken on a new job. That of enforcer........she is responsible for seeing that the peace treaty between the Witches, Shifters, Vampires, Humans and Fae is not broken. If the treaty were ever broken that would be bad for everybody...................... Pure is an entertaining character with a wicked sense of humour the story just lost a star for me though due to the "romance" between Prue and Max (wolf alpha) they've known each other for ten years, are intensely attracted to one another, yet for some.reason have never after on that attraction and now, now they can't as a relationship between the Enforcer and any leader (from any of the groups) is forbidden as the Enforcer must remain impartial. I don't know why the author would back herself.into a corner like this as it really doesn't make sense why they would have not acted on their feelings before Prue took her new job.............
Pure was three when she died, but unfortunately or fortunately she didn't stay dead. Her mother was a very powerful witch and she used blood magic to bring her back from the dead. But......you must be very careful of blood magic for it gives you what you wish for while at the same time denying you. Prue's soul came back and was reunited with her body yes,........but Prue's body was still dead and what do dead things do?........they decompose so over time after a very gross disgusting period Prue became a skeleton. Magic again helped give Prue the semblance of a body, Prue thought it was a spell an illusion but she recently learned she has her own magic and is creating her own form. Pure can make herself look like anyone, different hair, skin and eye colours, body types, she just has to visualize a shape and there it is and she doesn't just look the part if Prue needs muscles she also.gets the strength and power that goes with them, so Prue can be anyone she pleases. For a living Prue is.a.nail technician and a very good one at that but now she's taken on a new job. That of enforcer........she is responsible for seeing that the peace treaty between the Witches, Shifters, Vampires, Humans and Fae is not broken. If the treaty were ever broken that would be bad for everybody...................... Pure is an entertaining character with a wicked sense of humour the story just lost a star for me though due to the "romance" between Prue and Max (wolf alpha) they've known each other for ten years, are intensely attracted to one another, yet for some.reason have never after on that attraction and now, now they can't as a relationship between the Enforcer and any leader (from any of the groups) is forbidden as the Enforcer must remain impartial. I don't know why the author would back herself.into a corner like this as it really doesn't make sense why they would have not acted on their feelings before Prue took her new job.............
October 12, 2023
3.75
Overall, this book was as advertised; a fun, snarky, fast paced urban fantasy.
The reasons I couldn't give this 4 stars were two fold.
1. The relationship history and constraints between the alpha werewolf and Prue. At the first of the book, the author sets up their relationship as antagonistic going on multiple years (maybe this was seen in a previous series)? However, when we see them together for the first time there is no antagonism ... Whatsoever. He has a sad look on his face and she's yearning for what could have been. Didn't make sense/ was not logical from the history we'd been presented with. This yearning continued with what felt like fake constraints. She was obviously friends with him and the head witch and therefore would already have bias. Furthermore, this job had been dropped into her lap. If it really meant giving up the love of her life, then she is pretty stupid.
2. Why all the political shoveling?? I read to escape this crap. Yes, humans treat other humans poorly ... Just like the fae? Who knows, they're fictional.
The good:
Prue is a fantastic character! She's sarcastic and temperamental, which makes for some funny situational setups. I'm not sure how the author will keep her power from being all powerful, but I'm interested to see if she can accomplish it.
Overall, this book was as advertised; a fun, snarky, fast paced urban fantasy.
The reasons I couldn't give this 4 stars were two fold.
1. The relationship history and constraints between the alpha werewolf and Prue. At the first of the book, the author sets up their relationship as antagonistic going on multiple years (maybe this was seen in a previous series)? However, when we see them together for the first time there is no antagonism ... Whatsoever. He has a sad look on his face and she's yearning for what could have been. Didn't make sense/ was not logical from the history we'd been presented with. This yearning continued with what felt like fake constraints. She was obviously friends with him and the head witch and therefore would already have bias. Furthermore, this job had been dropped into her lap. If it really meant giving up the love of her life, then she is pretty stupid.
2. Why all the political shoveling?? I read to escape this crap. Yes, humans treat other humans poorly ... Just like the fae? Who knows, they're fictional.
The good:
Prue is a fantastic character! She's sarcastic and temperamental, which makes for some funny situational setups. I'm not sure how the author will keep her power from being all powerful, but I'm interested to see if she can accomplish it.
November 2, 2023
This book tries to address political issues like workforce exploitation but the main character is utterly unable to to argue against even the weakest of strawman arguments and the entire discussion lacks any and all nuance which is incredibly frustrating. Even worse, the book utterly distorts reality just to make these arguments work.
Until this point, I was on board with the story. It's kind of a self-congratulatory power fantasy story but it is still fun to read.
But if you are just trying to aim for a fun story then just leave shallow and badly researched political takes out of it. This is just not the place.
But the bullshit doesn't stop there either. The entire core plot motivation is absolutely ridiculous and demonstrates an utter lack of even the most basic understanding of how politics work.
To be fair it is not always fair to project incompetence and stupidity of a character onto the author.
Even though it very much feels like this is at least somewhat justified in this case because of the wish-fulfillment nature of the MC, even when giving the author the benefit of the doubt, the plot just doesn't work. This is a mild spoiler of the inciting incident of the main plot. I am willing to take a lot of very strange and absurd premises on faith as long as the story that follows from there is internally consistent to some degree but that is just not the case here.
None of the actions of the main cast make any sense because of the fundamentally flawed foundation.
It's disappointing to see a book that, while shallow, could have provided a few hours of light and fun entertainment, fall apart on this just terribly constructed premise and a whole bunch of tstl.
Until this point, I was on board with the story. It's kind of a self-congratulatory power fantasy story but it is still fun to read.
But if you are just trying to aim for a fun story then just leave shallow and badly researched political takes out of it. This is just not the place.
But the bullshit doesn't stop there either. The entire core plot motivation is absolutely ridiculous and demonstrates an utter lack of even the most basic understanding of how politics work.
To be fair it is not always fair to project incompetence and stupidity of a character onto the author.
Even though it very much feels like this is at least somewhat justified in this case because of the wish-fulfillment nature of the MC, even when giving the author the benefit of the doubt, the plot just doesn't work. This is a mild spoiler of the inciting incident of the main plot. I am willing to take a lot of very strange and absurd premises on faith as long as the story that follows from there is internally consistent to some degree but that is just not the case here.
None of the actions of the main cast make any sense because of the fundamentally flawed foundation.
It's disappointing to see a book that, while shallow, could have provided a few hours of light and fun entertainment, fall apart on this just terribly constructed premise and a whole bunch of tstl.
did-not-finish
November 29, 2023DNF at 2%. The heroine seems unlikable.
December 16, 2023
Late 20s, Funny, badass FMC...she's also zombie...technically a zombie. Except she still has her spirit, and she has a unique ability connected to her magic.
I love that we fall into the story running. Straight away, we see our FMC in an uncomfortable situation, new job, and trying to turn a new leaf. And we get to see her morals, sass, trouble, badass moves, and smartness in the way she deals with the situation. Instantly, I'm invested.
The Dark event is the past events and how she's been and still is treated by some family, bullying and emotional abuse...and how she became a technical zombie. Yet she still opens up her heart, and that has to be because she still had her mothers love instead of blame or bitterness. Looks like she inherited a love hard, fight hard gene.
There is a love interest, and he is a wolf shifter. But, the love interest is complicated. He's there and so close, but frustratingly forbidden due to her new job and his role. So no smut from them.
But that doesn't mean the world is light and clean. Nope, they talk straight-up sex in passing. So, the biggest heat is the incredibly intense spark between FMC and her love interest.
This doesn't take away from the world or character building. The writing reminds me of some of my other favourite authors with sassy, fierce, badass, child scarred, FMCs, like Ilona Andrews - Kate Daniels series; Debra Dunbar - Imp series; or Ella Summers - Legion of Angels....I think I'm going to like this authors style 😉
4 stars
I love that we fall into the story running. Straight away, we see our FMC in an uncomfortable situation, new job, and trying to turn a new leaf. And we get to see her morals, sass, trouble, badass moves, and smartness in the way she deals with the situation. Instantly, I'm invested.
The Dark event is the past events and how she's been and still is treated by some family, bullying and emotional abuse...and how she became a technical zombie. Yet she still opens up her heart, and that has to be because she still had her mothers love instead of blame or bitterness. Looks like she inherited a love hard, fight hard gene.
There is a love interest, and he is a wolf shifter. But, the love interest is complicated. He's there and so close, but frustratingly forbidden due to her new job and his role. So no smut from them.
But that doesn't mean the world is light and clean. Nope, they talk straight-up sex in passing. So, the biggest heat is the incredibly intense spark between FMC and her love interest.
This doesn't take away from the world or character building. The writing reminds me of some of my other favourite authors with sassy, fierce, badass, child scarred, FMCs, like Ilona Andrews - Kate Daniels series; Debra Dunbar - Imp series; or Ella Summers - Legion of Angels....I think I'm going to like this authors style 😉
4 stars
November 27, 2024
The FMC is NOT the typical snarky PI who has more sass than sense. Bones is smart and calculating. She also doesn’t rush into danger which is refreshing. It just goes to show you can still have an interesting storyline, mystery and a snarkY PI without being a cliche. Which was very refreshing. It was interesting and the mystery was well thought out. I enjoyed all the characters that we met. I absolutely HATED Leslie and loved how the story ended with her. She was a complete bitch and I loved that the author portrayed that and stuck with it, not giving her excuses or the but she’s family bullshit. Bitch was abusive, selfish and every time she entered the scene I wanted to hit her. And that final scene with her *chefs kiss*
I enjoyed this audio book. I wish they had gotten a male narrator as well bc the female narrating the male voices just was a little off putting but that’s my only complaint.
I’m excited to start the next one and that hasn’t happened to me in months!
I enjoyed this audio book. I wish they had gotten a male narrator as well bc the female narrating the male voices just was a little off putting but that’s my only complaint.
I’m excited to start the next one and that hasn’t happened to me in months!
January 16, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
2.75
Interesting world.
Interesting premise.
Different MC supernatural 'type'.
I mostly like the characters.
A plot point lost at least a half star rating. (see spoiler below)
It lost another star due to plot stupidity. (see spoiler below)
Okay I'm a few pages in and can I just say the previous enforcer was a genius to recommend the MC to the role.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Probably, at least book 2 to see if it gets better.
Would you recommend?: Possibly.
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
2.75
Interesting world.
Interesting premise.
Different MC supernatural 'type'.
I mostly like the characters.
A plot point lost at least a half star rating. (see spoiler below)
It lost another star due to plot stupidity. (see spoiler below)
Okay I'm a few pages in and can I just say the previous enforcer was a genius to recommend the MC to the role.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Probably, at least book 2 to see if it gets better.
Would you recommend?: Possibly.
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
August 23, 2024
Prue is a completely different lead character, accidental death at age 3 when her witch mother attached her soul to her rotting body. The high witch give her what she things is illusion magic to cover her bones. But what you see is not what you get.
She has been chosen as the Supernatural Protector for the DC area and her first case is unusual.
This is an enjoyable book with all types of surprises, a mystery, problems at every turn. There is an adorable gothflower pixie who certainly adds to the story and the alpha werewolf that she can’t be with due to politics.
A fairly quick, easy read and am looking forward to the next book
She has been chosen as the Supernatural Protector for the DC area and her first case is unusual.
This is an enjoyable book with all types of surprises, a mystery, problems at every turn. There is an adorable gothflower pixie who certainly adds to the story and the alpha werewolf that she can’t be with due to politics.
A fairly quick, easy read and am looking forward to the next book
December 27, 2023
Freaking. Epic. Love this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series!
March 28, 2025
I’ve read this book before and was not too impressed and slightly confused it didn’t help that I hadn’t read the pre series’ however this time reading I’m up to date on the lore and history!
January 12, 2024
Interesting concept
Interesting concept, very strong woman pragtagonist. All the major supernaturals groups involved. Will be interesting to see how the story evolves.
Interesting concept, very strong woman pragtagonist. All the major supernaturals groups involved. Will be interesting to see how the story evolves.
March 12, 2023
My real score is rounded down to 3.5 stars instead of a solid 4.
1) it isn't made clear that any books should be read before this one-- I literally stopped reading to check the author's website. But they should. This definitely happens in the same world as the Immortal series (which I had only read the first book of so far, and this is definitely after that), but nothing guides you to a related reading order. 2) the backstory for this is really interesting, and not something I've ever read before. But it's weird how the book starts out like you should already know the backstory, because everyone else in the story obviously does. So it feels a bit strange that it takes so long for the reader to be let in on it all. 3) there is a character who is presented as a bully to the MC. The reader is clearly supposed to feel sympathetic to the MC over this relationship... But... The MC did something *incredibly* unsympathetic just so there could be a confrontation with this person. MC goes to this person's house, to speak to this person's college age daughter. The daughter who meets her at the front door. But MC barges into the house for literally NO reason anyway, as her reason for being there was already with her! The daughter tries to stop MC from going inside. MC doesn't listen. Then MC is shocked to find the owner of the house, who she knows absolutely hates her guts. And yet she's so hurt when said owner gives her a hostile greeting? For barging into a place where that person lives? For no reason other than a contrived confrontation that I guess the author wanted us to see...? 4) MC has to talk to her police liaison contact at about the 40% mark. I hated how she handled this interaction SO MUCH that I put the book down for a week. She didn't have to be a petulant child in that interaction. She could have handled it so much better. But, she basically stuck her tongue out at the end and told him he was a bed-wetting doody-head.
Like I said, I had to convince myself to pick this back up after those two events. But it was much better on the other side of 40%. There were still moments that refer to things from earlier books that no one tells you you need to have read. Which I hate. And the barging in scene took some of the catharsis out of a later scene. But the plot got spicy and Prue (MC) got moderately professional-- or at least professional in the things that matter-- and that was nice too see. And the plot started unique, at least for my experience. Which is nice in this genre.
But the earlier stuff still was a little off. To me, you don't get to write off one of the most powerful characters in the book you've built because of vague reasons that are probably included events in another book that literally nothing tells you to read first. Honestly there was a lot of things needling me about things I hadn't read before this book, from what would seem to be separate series, based on how things are presented on the author's website, Goodreads, and Amazon. As well as inside the book itself where it would normally list series/reading order. So, a 3.5, but a 3.5 with some promise of something better.
1) it isn't made clear that any books should be read before this one-- I literally stopped reading to check the author's website. But they should. This definitely happens in the same world as the Immortal series (which I had only read the first book of so far, and this is definitely after that), but nothing guides you to a related reading order. 2) the backstory for this is really interesting, and not something I've ever read before. But it's weird how the book starts out like you should already know the backstory, because everyone else in the story obviously does. So it feels a bit strange that it takes so long for the reader to be let in on it all. 3) there is a character who is presented as a bully to the MC. The reader is clearly supposed to feel sympathetic to the MC over this relationship... But... The MC did something *incredibly* unsympathetic just so there could be a confrontation with this person. MC goes to this person's house, to speak to this person's college age daughter. The daughter who meets her at the front door. But MC barges into the house for literally NO reason anyway, as her reason for being there was already with her! The daughter tries to stop MC from going inside. MC doesn't listen. Then MC is shocked to find the owner of the house, who she knows absolutely hates her guts. And yet she's so hurt when said owner gives her a hostile greeting? For barging into a place where that person lives? For no reason other than a contrived confrontation that I guess the author wanted us to see...? 4) MC has to talk to her police liaison contact at about the 40% mark. I hated how she handled this interaction SO MUCH that I put the book down for a week. She didn't have to be a petulant child in that interaction. She could have handled it so much better. But, she basically stuck her tongue out at the end and told him he was a bed-wetting doody-head.
Like I said, I had to convince myself to pick this back up after those two events. But it was much better on the other side of 40%. There were still moments that refer to things from earlier books that no one tells you you need to have read. Which I hate. And the barging in scene took some of the catharsis out of a later scene. But the plot got spicy and Prue (MC) got moderately professional-- or at least professional in the things that matter-- and that was nice too see. And the plot started unique, at least for my experience. Which is nice in this genre.
But the earlier stuff still was a little off. To me, you don't get to write off one of the most powerful characters in the book you've built because of vague reasons that are probably included events in another book that literally nothing tells you to read first. Honestly there was a lot of things needling me about things I hadn't read before this book, from what would seem to be separate series, based on how things are presented on the author's website, Goodreads, and Amazon. As well as inside the book itself where it would normally list series/reading order. So, a 3.5, but a 3.5 with some promise of something better.
October 12, 2023
“Bad Bones” is great fun as manicurist Prudence (Prue) Nakai eases into her new job as Supernatural Enforcer in Washington DC. She’s uniquely unqualified for the job, or maybe she’s just the Shapeshifter needed.
Because Prue is more than she seems – when she died as a child her mother, a powerful witch, used Blood Magic to bring her back. But the results of Blood Magic are never what the user expects and Prue decomposed until all that was left was a skeleton, albeit a living one.
It took years before a glamour was placed on her, allowing her to appear human. But she is finding out that it is more than a glamour, much more.
Her first job is to find a missing half-Girl, Denise Pangalarian. Should be a cake walk but it turns out that the very existence of the world will be in doubt unless Prue finds her within three days. It’s deliberately over the top and no mistake about it – the author, Lauretta Hignett, likes to play fast and loose to keep the book moving along nicely.
What I particularly liked about it were the secondary characters. Cindy, a gothflower, has a very interesting personality and sense of humour. Daniel, the abused Wolf Shifter, has the morality of sex-crazed teenager (bringing him to a fetish club was probably not the best idea Prue ever had!) And, of course, there’s Dolly-Mae Clements …
It’s a roller-coaster ride with some genuinely touching moments. And Prue’s doomed (?) romance with Alpha Wolf Shifter Max was a nice touch.
“God damn.” I sighed. “We’ve almost collected the full set. We’ve got a human as the most likely suspect. The other suspects are her half-pixie uncle, a mysterious vamp girl with a ridiculous made-up name, and now a blood witch. We just have to get a shifter in on this and we’ve collected the complete set.”
4.5 Stars, reduced to 4 Stars. I only give 5 Stars to books which have stood the test of time.
Because Prue is more than she seems – when she died as a child her mother, a powerful witch, used Blood Magic to bring her back. But the results of Blood Magic are never what the user expects and Prue decomposed until all that was left was a skeleton, albeit a living one.
It took years before a glamour was placed on her, allowing her to appear human. But she is finding out that it is more than a glamour, much more.
Her first job is to find a missing half-Girl, Denise Pangalarian. Should be a cake walk but it turns out that the very existence of the world will be in doubt unless Prue finds her within three days. It’s deliberately over the top and no mistake about it – the author, Lauretta Hignett, likes to play fast and loose to keep the book moving along nicely.
What I particularly liked about it were the secondary characters. Cindy, a gothflower, has a very interesting personality and sense of humour. Daniel, the abused Wolf Shifter, has the morality of sex-crazed teenager (bringing him to a fetish club was probably not the best idea Prue ever had!) And, of course, there’s Dolly-Mae Clements …
It’s a roller-coaster ride with some genuinely touching moments. And Prue’s doomed (?) romance with Alpha Wolf Shifter Max was a nice touch.
“God damn.” I sighed. “We’ve almost collected the full set. We’ve got a human as the most likely suspect. The other suspects are her half-pixie uncle, a mysterious vamp girl with a ridiculous made-up name, and now a blood witch. We just have to get a shifter in on this and we’ve collected the complete set.”
4.5 Stars, reduced to 4 Stars. I only give 5 Stars to books which have stood the test of time.
did-not-finish
October 9, 2023I knew that I should not have purchased this book. I knew that the main character would irritate me and chances were slim that the world and other characters would make up for it. I resisted the temptation to buy it so many times but then there was a sale and I caved. The cover is just too beautiful and I love the idea of a dead girl walking around being a magical enforcer.
Unfortunately this book met all my expectations, exceeded them even. I dropped it at 15%. Prue is irritating and preachy. She also displays some stunning insecurity and compliment fishing. I did not bond with any of the other characters particularly the love interest. The other 3 on page characters were bland and uninteresting. Also the supernatural creatures are referred to as "sups" and the full humans are called "normies" which is just grating for me.
The top 3 things that made me drop this:
1. The shopping cart conversation. I don't really have adequate words to describe just how weird and out of place that particular topic felt. It was actually the final straw for me though I knew I was done with the book right then.
2. Certain female fairies do not poop or pee instead they excrete fairy dust. In some species of Fairy this dust can be used as an aphrodisiac. Again I am lost for words. I wish I could wipe that particular fairy lore out of my brain but I fear I will never forget it.
3. The second chapter is a flashback. I do not tolerate flashbacks well especially when they alternate with chapters based in the present. I sometimes overlook that but only if the world and characters have hooked me. Obviously not the case here.
I have a very long TBR and limited reading time so I am dropping this and it s unlikely that I will pick it back up.
Unfortunately this book met all my expectations, exceeded them even. I dropped it at 15%. Prue is irritating and preachy. She also displays some stunning insecurity and compliment fishing. I did not bond with any of the other characters particularly the love interest. The other 3 on page characters were bland and uninteresting. Also the supernatural creatures are referred to as "sups" and the full humans are called "normies" which is just grating for me.
The top 3 things that made me drop this:
1. The shopping cart conversation. I don't really have adequate words to describe just how weird and out of place that particular topic felt. It was actually the final straw for me though I knew I was done with the book right then.
2. Certain female fairies do not poop or pee instead they excrete fairy dust. In some species of Fairy this dust can be used as an aphrodisiac. Again I am lost for words. I wish I could wipe that particular fairy lore out of my brain but I fear I will never forget it.
3. The second chapter is a flashback. I do not tolerate flashbacks well especially when they alternate with chapters based in the present. I sometimes overlook that but only if the world and characters have hooked me. Obviously not the case here.
I have a very long TBR and limited reading time so I am dropping this and it s unlikely that I will pick it back up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2023
Prue is one of the most unique characters I've read in urban fantasy. After a devastating childhood accident, she has grown into a formidable adult who just discovered she has abilities that far exceed anything she could have imagined. (Literally and figuratively!)
This is first in a series that immediately follows the three book series Foils and Fury. I highly recommend reading that series first - she is introduced there and much of her backstory is shared. We get to know her brash and quirky personality. Bad Bones can definitely be read as a stand alone, too.
Prue has unexpectedly taken on the formidable responsibility of being the Enforcer of supernaturals in the Washington DC area. Not only must she bring the bad guy in to the proper authorities, she has to figure out who the bad guy is! Brains and brawn are required!
Having just discovered this shocking and very useful ability, she has to contend with profound self doubt and is thrown into a very challenging first case. She is following in the footsteps of Conrad Sinclair, a powerful and intimidating force of nature. That would be daunting enough, but no one is taking her seriously -- the locals have known her as a wild and crazy character who has made doing manicures into an art form - hardly adequate preparation for going after bad guys. She has a lot to prove to the community - and to herself. Luckily, she has the total support of the werewolf she's been in love with for a long time. It's a great slow burn romance.
Bad Bones is a well written and imaginative series that is light, has great characters and a suspenseful plot. It is suitable for YA. (No spice.) Highly recommend!!
This is first in a series that immediately follows the three book series Foils and Fury. I highly recommend reading that series first - she is introduced there and much of her backstory is shared. We get to know her brash and quirky personality. Bad Bones can definitely be read as a stand alone, too.
Prue has unexpectedly taken on the formidable responsibility of being the Enforcer of supernaturals in the Washington DC area. Not only must she bring the bad guy in to the proper authorities, she has to figure out who the bad guy is! Brains and brawn are required!
Having just discovered this shocking and very useful ability, she has to contend with profound self doubt and is thrown into a very challenging first case. She is following in the footsteps of Conrad Sinclair, a powerful and intimidating force of nature. That would be daunting enough, but no one is taking her seriously -- the locals have known her as a wild and crazy character who has made doing manicures into an art form - hardly adequate preparation for going after bad guys. She has a lot to prove to the community - and to herself. Luckily, she has the total support of the werewolf she's been in love with for a long time. It's a great slow burn romance.
Bad Bones is a well written and imaginative series that is light, has great characters and a suspenseful plot. It is suitable for YA. (No spice.) Highly recommend!!
October 1, 2024
After bingeing and falling in love with The Waif In The Wilds series I was eager to read the other interconnected books in this world and so decided on Prue's story to read next. And oh boy I was not disappointed...
Meet Prue Nakai, newly appointed enforcer for magical beings. She's also a skeleton with wicked illusion magic and a sassy attitude to boot. On the her first day on the job, she is handed a case to find a missing part fae girl. But now she racing against the clock when the fae diplomat threatens to challenge the Great Agreement, which could destroy the mortal realm. Having to face off with vampires, blood witches and everyone in between to find the girl, she's also got to prove to the supernaturals in town that she has got what it takes to keep everyone in line.
Prue is just fantastic. Funny , sarcastic and with her fair share of trauma she wants nothing more than to just help people, while those around her underestimate her ability to do so. Well almost everyone, there's the smoldering Alpha Shifter, Max who has got her back in any situation, plus there's a burning
attraction on both sides with these two. Unfortunately due to her new job and a no touching spell they are off limits to each other. (Damn it)
Yep Lauretta has done it again with another feisty kick ass character I love immediately.
Throw in a tiny gothflower pixie with a big attitude and you are in for a hell of a good time.
I absolutely loved this and it seems every time I start a new series by this author I just simply fall in love with the world she creates. Looking forward to book two to see what trouble Prue can get herself into next. Highly recommend. 😁
Meet Prue Nakai, newly appointed enforcer for magical beings. She's also a skeleton with wicked illusion magic and a sassy attitude to boot. On the her first day on the job, she is handed a case to find a missing part fae girl. But now she racing against the clock when the fae diplomat threatens to challenge the Great Agreement, which could destroy the mortal realm. Having to face off with vampires, blood witches and everyone in between to find the girl, she's also got to prove to the supernaturals in town that she has got what it takes to keep everyone in line.
Prue is just fantastic. Funny , sarcastic and with her fair share of trauma she wants nothing more than to just help people, while those around her underestimate her ability to do so. Well almost everyone, there's the smoldering Alpha Shifter, Max who has got her back in any situation, plus there's a burning
attraction on both sides with these two. Unfortunately due to her new job and a no touching spell they are off limits to each other. (Damn it)
Yep Lauretta has done it again with another feisty kick ass character I love immediately.
Throw in a tiny gothflower pixie with a big attitude and you are in for a hell of a good time.
I absolutely loved this and it seems every time I start a new series by this author I just simply fall in love with the world she creates. Looking forward to book two to see what trouble Prue can get herself into next. Highly recommend. 😁
July 3, 2023
Good
Note: Prune’s backstory is apparently covered in the Foils and Fury series beginning with Oops I Ate a Vengeance Demon. Since there is a lot of assumptions regarding knowing Prue’s abilities, and it was quite frustrating not knowing it, I do recommend reading that first.
Prue is not entirely alive, having once been taught to project an image of what her body should look like since she was nothing but a skeleton, but it seems that her abilities are more than just that.
In fact, she has just been sworn in as the paranormal Enforcer, and her first case involves a missing half half-pixie.
Now if only she could get everyone to take her seriously…
Although this is the first in the series, it’s written as part of an entry in the author’s ‘verse, which left me rather confused until the small note at the end indicating where we can find Prue’s initiation as enforcer and new understanding of herself.
She’s an interesting character though, brash, and yet amusing. Her abilities are different, and personally I’m rooting for the purple kraken over the scorpion idea!
She has a very intriguing set of friends (and yes, enemies too), and I look forward to learning more.
This is a fast paced, snark filled, action packed urban fantasy, for UF fans that enjoy their main characters a little out of the ordinary.
Note: Prune’s backstory is apparently covered in the Foils and Fury series beginning with Oops I Ate a Vengeance Demon. Since there is a lot of assumptions regarding knowing Prue’s abilities, and it was quite frustrating not knowing it, I do recommend reading that first.
Prue is not entirely alive, having once been taught to project an image of what her body should look like since she was nothing but a skeleton, but it seems that her abilities are more than just that.
In fact, she has just been sworn in as the paranormal Enforcer, and her first case involves a missing half half-pixie.
Now if only she could get everyone to take her seriously…
Although this is the first in the series, it’s written as part of an entry in the author’s ‘verse, which left me rather confused until the small note at the end indicating where we can find Prue’s initiation as enforcer and new understanding of herself.
She’s an interesting character though, brash, and yet amusing. Her abilities are different, and personally I’m rooting for the purple kraken over the scorpion idea!
She has a very intriguing set of friends (and yes, enemies too), and I look forward to learning more.
This is a fast paced, snark filled, action packed urban fantasy, for UF fans that enjoy their main characters a little out of the ordinary.
June 22, 2025
I’m struggling a little with this series so far, and I think maybe I need to go back and read Sandy’s series in spite of there not being an audio version. The way Prue and Max are together is a bit much right out of the gate, there HAS to be something I’m missing from the series between Imogen and Prue, right? I mean, these two seem to be some sort of soulmates, fated mates, something like that, with the way her thoughts were written, but the way their interactions actually worked out was more like lovesick teenagers. Even though I’m missing the origins, I did like how they ultimately talked about making it work as soon as they could. That was sweet even if it is frustrating seeing them have to circle around things. Although, it led me to the thought of, why now all of a sudden are they all in? Again, I must be missing something from Sandy’s series.
Additionally, I took away a star in this book for giving me more info about vampires that seems almost contradictory to what little we learned in Imogen’s books. Hell, Imogen’s love interest is a vampire and we really never learned anything about how the vampires behave in this magic system. Seems odd we are learning about it in this book, which seems different than Rafael and his vampires operated.
I find the storyline good, I like the characters well enough, but I don’t understand why Isobel is as awful as she is, we dont learn much about their mother until later in the book, and by then we don’t know if she’s dead or alive. There seems to be hints she’s still alive, but we don’t know. Look, I’m all for leaving some mysteries in a book for some sort of twist to come later, but talking around it to the point where it becomes frustrating to the reader is not good. It makes more sense to spell things out instead of repeating vague comments or having the main character question what she knows to be true.
Additionally, I took away a star in this book for giving me more info about vampires that seems almost contradictory to what little we learned in Imogen’s books. Hell, Imogen’s love interest is a vampire and we really never learned anything about how the vampires behave in this magic system. Seems odd we are learning about it in this book, which seems different than Rafael and his vampires operated.
I find the storyline good, I like the characters well enough, but I don’t understand why Isobel is as awful as she is, we dont learn much about their mother until later in the book, and by then we don’t know if she’s dead or alive. There seems to be hints she’s still alive, but we don’t know. Look, I’m all for leaving some mysteries in a book for some sort of twist to come later, but talking around it to the point where it becomes frustrating to the reader is not good. It makes more sense to spell things out instead of repeating vague comments or having the main character question what she knows to be true.
July 4, 2023
Bones is take down criminals but can't stand up to her own bully.
The teaser at the back is got me chomping at the bit to download the next book. Not going to lie there was some gross stuff so if you are squeamish I wouldn't read it. Then you add in the disgusting fetish stuff & I almost stopped reading. As it is I've been debating on changing the stars. Oh too late, I did it. I'm not sorry. I will try the next story because the main character & Max are so good. Prue died when she was 3 years old. She remembers the whole thing. Her mother was a witch & did blood magic to keep her spirit here. Her mother was a powerful witch but she made a mistake when she tried to fix her child. Because of that mistake her mom lost her magic, her position, she became catatonic. He sisters became mean especially, the oldest. She blamed everything that happened on the baby Prue. In this Prue is a nail technician turned enforcer of supernatural law. Max is the smexy wolf shifter helped young wolves with bad home situations. Prue & Max have never dated. Everyone in town knows they like each other. As the enforcer Prue can't show that she's partial to any supernaturals.
The teaser at the back is got me chomping at the bit to download the next book. Not going to lie there was some gross stuff so if you are squeamish I wouldn't read it. Then you add in the disgusting fetish stuff & I almost stopped reading. As it is I've been debating on changing the stars. Oh too late, I did it. I'm not sorry. I will try the next story because the main character & Max are so good. Prue died when she was 3 years old. She remembers the whole thing. Her mother was a witch & did blood magic to keep her spirit here. Her mother was a powerful witch but she made a mistake when she tried to fix her child. Because of that mistake her mom lost her magic, her position, she became catatonic. He sisters became mean especially, the oldest. She blamed everything that happened on the baby Prue. In this Prue is a nail technician turned enforcer of supernatural law. Max is the smexy wolf shifter helped young wolves with bad home situations. Prue & Max have never dated. Everyone in town knows they like each other. As the enforcer Prue can't show that she's partial to any supernaturals.
December 4, 2023
I'd recommend reading the Foils and Fury Series first. I personally didn't like it as much. But, since this story comes after those events, it'll give you a better understanding of how things work and more information about other characters.
The romance is secondary to me in this story, so I don't mind it. The MMC is quite nice anyway. But the true star of this is the heroine. A true badass and fun protagonist (without overdoing the whole thing). Since the setting is not overly dramatic nor serious, her personality is well-suited. She's no Kate Daniels, tho. So it might be better if you don't compare this to some urban fantasy books like those. It is truly enjoyable on its own, with a lighter tone. Like Izombie maybe (the TV series). Although, it is a little annoying that maybe we'll have some "forbidden attraction" dragging the romance subplot. Apparently, she has to be impartial in her role as an Enforcer. Having a romance with one of the leaders of some supernatural sector would be seen as conflict of interest. So there's that.
The romance is secondary to me in this story, so I don't mind it. The MMC is quite nice anyway. But the true star of this is the heroine. A true badass and fun protagonist (without overdoing the whole thing). Since the setting is not overly dramatic nor serious, her personality is well-suited. She's no Kate Daniels, tho. So it might be better if you don't compare this to some urban fantasy books like those. It is truly enjoyable on its own, with a lighter tone. Like Izombie maybe (the TV series). Although, it is a little annoying that maybe we'll have some "forbidden attraction" dragging the romance subplot. Apparently, she has to be impartial in her role as an Enforcer. Having a romance with one of the leaders of some supernatural sector would be seen as conflict of interest. So there's that.
September 6, 2023
2.5/5 - Cringey and Stupid
The premise had so much potential, but this book is just not for me. First of all, despite the subtitle, this book is neither fun nor fast-paced. The beginning is super slow because the first ten chapters alternate between the present and the past. Nothing happens for the first third or so of the book.
The FMC is borderline TSTL. People say she starts fights, and it took me a while to realize that it's not because she's a good fighter. It's because she's a idiot who mouths off to people stronger than her. Apparently we're supposed to think it's cute that she's kind of a dick.
There's also a lot of cringey stuff that's trying to be modern, like "trauma dumping."
Finally, the romance with the MMC was shit. They've got this Romeo and Juliet thing where they want each other but can't be together. It's angsty, not fun. Also, he's literally stalked her for years without her knowledge, and she thinks it's romantic. Wtf?
The mystery was pretty good, but it didn't make up for the rest of the book.
The premise had so much potential, but this book is just not for me. First of all, despite the subtitle, this book is neither fun nor fast-paced. The beginning is super slow because the first ten chapters alternate between the present and the past. Nothing happens for the first third or so of the book.
The FMC is borderline TSTL. People say she starts fights, and it took me a while to realize that it's not because she's a good fighter. It's because she's a idiot who mouths off to people stronger than her. Apparently we're supposed to think it's cute that she's kind of a dick.
There's also a lot of cringey stuff that's trying to be modern, like "trauma dumping."
Finally, the romance with the MMC was shit. They've got this Romeo and Juliet thing where they want each other but can't be together. It's angsty, not fun. Also, he's literally stalked her for years without her knowledge, and she thinks it's romantic. Wtf?
The mystery was pretty good, but it didn't make up for the rest of the book.
November 4, 2023
It was an entertaining read with a well constructed "crime plot".
The backstory of "Bad Bones" is tragic and the complicated family history makes her vulnerable (cue the astonishing solution in the end - that was hasty and very unplausible).
I noticed after a few chapters that it is taking place in the same universe as Imogen Gray - but a different corner of that world.
I found the love interest story a bit strange, but ok. Max is a good male love interest, a genuinely good guy.
I liked the little goth pixy, the recalcitrant niece and a few other things.
All in all, it was an interesting and entertaining enough read, but to be honest, if it wasn't free (aka included in kindle unlimited) I wouldn`t continue reading it.
That is a bit of a test for me - like anything Ilona Andrews writes? Auto-buy as fast as I can click on Amazon. Same with a few others. But I have to mournefully accept, that I haven't managed in all the years of searching to find any author who comes close to that for me.
So. Nice enough read.
The backstory of "Bad Bones" is tragic and the complicated family history makes her vulnerable (cue the astonishing solution in the end - that was hasty and very unplausible).
I noticed after a few chapters that it is taking place in the same universe as Imogen Gray - but a different corner of that world.
I found the love interest story a bit strange, but ok. Max is a good male love interest, a genuinely good guy.
I liked the little goth pixy, the recalcitrant niece and a few other things.
All in all, it was an interesting and entertaining enough read, but to be honest, if it wasn't free (aka included in kindle unlimited) I wouldn`t continue reading it.
That is a bit of a test for me - like anything Ilona Andrews writes? Auto-buy as fast as I can click on Amazon. Same with a few others. But I have to mournefully accept, that I haven't managed in all the years of searching to find any author who comes close to that for me.
So. Nice enough read.
July 31, 2024
This was okay book, I feel like it could have used a little more to it. You can tell it was written by a women for straight women... the romance side was a little too perfect. Max wasn't really a person but a little too mary sue ish. I was okay with the magic shape changing for Prue but.... taking on the abilities that person hand is a little too much for me. Its not really pratical and makes her a little too powerful (if she were to use it to the most of its extents)
That being said... I liked this book. It was funny and a little bit snarky. The characters were interesting. I could use some more world building. Theres also some very obvious forshadowing that you can see that will probably be a "Big reveal" later on.... I'm willing to read book two to see if thats true, or if something else happens on instead. The missing fae's powers? HILARIOUS. The fact that that continued to be a plot point just made it better, but maybe thats just because Ive got the humor of a 12 yr old boy, and am within the kink community too (not my kink but still)
That being said... I liked this book. It was funny and a little bit snarky. The characters were interesting. I could use some more world building. Theres also some very obvious forshadowing that you can see that will probably be a "Big reveal" later on.... I'm willing to read book two to see if thats true, or if something else happens on instead. The missing fae's powers? HILARIOUS. The fact that that continued to be a plot point just made it better, but maybe thats just because Ive got the humor of a 12 yr old boy, and am within the kink community too (not my kink but still)
July 3, 2023
Prue drowned in the bath when she was 3, and her mother, a powerful witch managed to tether her soul to her body without taking into account that her body was dead and would decompose. Eventually, all that was left was bones, and trauma, when she was 5 her mother contacted another witch for help. Now Prue can make herself look however she wants.
Prue, a nail artist, was just hired as the Supernatural Enforcer for Washington D.C. and her first case is to locate a missing half pixie. The mystery was a good one, though easy to suss out, the danger of Prue not solving the case in a timely manner is really drove the story. Her first task in the book is to save a Gothflower, a type of pixie, from enslavement and in doing so, gains a handy sidekick. Cindy is a great character.
I loved this book and will absolutely be reading the rest of the series. (Which is good, because I've already bought them all.)
Prue, a nail artist, was just hired as the Supernatural Enforcer for Washington D.C. and her first case is to locate a missing half pixie. The mystery was a good one, though easy to suss out, the danger of Prue not solving the case in a timely manner is really drove the story. Her first task in the book is to save a Gothflower, a type of pixie, from enslavement and in doing so, gains a handy sidekick. Cindy is a great character.
I loved this book and will absolutely be reading the rest of the series. (Which is good, because I've already bought them all.)
July 22, 2023
Absolutely Intriguing!!!!!!
This is my first book by Lauretta Hignett and let me say I am so very impressed. I absolutely love this story. It is a story that keeps you glued to it. It is unique and original. It action packed with drama, suspense and mystery. I loved Prue and her sense of humor and her personality. She is definitely a different breed of character and the things she can do quickly show how intriguing she is. She has a great cast of friends around her that add so much depth to the story. I loved how she faces the doubts about her ability to be the new enforcer. The story is extremely well written and developed. The way the Lauretta wove the humor and the action and drama together makes the story so intriguing that you just have to find out what happens. The story doesn’t necessarily end in a cliffhanger but yet it sets it up for the next book and frankly I can not wait to see what Prue and her associates get up to next.
This is my first book by Lauretta Hignett and let me say I am so very impressed. I absolutely love this story. It is a story that keeps you glued to it. It is unique and original. It action packed with drama, suspense and mystery. I loved Prue and her sense of humor and her personality. She is definitely a different breed of character and the things she can do quickly show how intriguing she is. She has a great cast of friends around her that add so much depth to the story. I loved how she faces the doubts about her ability to be the new enforcer. The story is extremely well written and developed. The way the Lauretta wove the humor and the action and drama together makes the story so intriguing that you just have to find out what happens. The story doesn’t necessarily end in a cliffhanger but yet it sets it up for the next book and frankly I can not wait to see what Prue and her associates get up to next.
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