Happily Undead in Dark River

Dark River Days #2

by Grace McGinty

There was no wake-up call quite like almost exsanguinating your main love interest while being compelled by your unhinged Maker.

No longer hanging onto her past as Mika McKellen, human, Raine was determined to take her new life and live it at one hundred percent. She was no longer an unwilling victim. She was a badass vampire and the (slightly exhausted) lover of several supernatural hotties. She'd been through enough now, so she was ready for a happily-ever-after that was filled with love and rainbows and lots and lots of mind-blowing sex. Sure, there was still the looming threat of an investigation by the ruthless Vampire Nation, but she'd done nothing wrong.

But when her long overdue, first real date with the sexy Sheriff is interrupted by someone bleeding on the floor of the diner, Raine began to wonder if there was even such a thing as happily-ever-after? It sure seemed like the Universe was mad she hadn't died in that ditch all those months ago.

But no one was unlucky enough to die twice in one year, right?

Happily Undead in Dark River is the second book in the Dark River Days series. This is a cliffhanger-free book with a HEA. May contain romantic elements suitable for more mature audiences.

Genres: Reverse Harem, Vampires, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2020

About the author

When I was nine, my grandmother and her friends used to read and swap Harlequin Mills and Boons novels. When I was busted reading one, they started sneaking me boxes full of strong heroines and rugged men. Thus started a long love affair with the romance genre.
​
Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
​
Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?

Reviews

[Saint Fitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this quite a bit more than the first book. The second book kicks off right where the first one leaves off, and Raine keeps adding guys to the harem like Scooby-snacks. I think, perhaps, my mindset as a reader also changed which allowed me to just let go of all the little niggles from the last book and enjoy the romp.

First off--this book as way more sex. Like...homegirl gets it on with her guys at every opportunity. Her idea of "me-time" is going into the bathroom alone or showering alone and she is #thankful she gets to do that ("aaaw they are so thoughtful, sensing I need to go to my room alone to change"). It sounds effing exhausting, but okaaayyyy.

*shrugs...keeps reading*

Secondly--let us not forget Raine/Mika is (was) 19 years old when she was turned. And she inexplicably makes Monty Python jokes and is cool with all the things. For me, shifters, vampires, and magical vaginas aside, THIS was the point when I wanted to throw my iPad. The shark had officially jumped. Look-it. I'm around *those young whipper-snapper folks* a lot, and you cannot make me believe that Raine is sweet sexy curves kind cool dorky but funny knowledgable giving forgiving horny hot brave AND SHE KNOWS MONTY PYTHON. Also, she's 19 and she's beguiled thousands of year old vamps and Alpha shifters and OKAY I GUESS THIS IS FICTION I'LL JUST GIVE UP AND GO ALONG FOR THE RIDE.

So, I did. I gave up. And I ended up enjoying this book a lot more for it. I really like all the guys--Judge and Tex, in particular. I will likely read the third book, because, hello-dragons on the horizon and secret-Vamp powers. It feels a little like the author is just planning this as she goes, as major plot points are shooting out like boners out of just-unzipped pants. But okay. It's okay. I'll still read it, enjoying my me time.

[★Me Myshelf and I★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whiskey-nips?”
“What?” Was he having a stroke?
“Do you have nipples that give whiskey? Is that your new vamp power?”

I think it might be the whiskey-nips too cos this girl is collecting em like Pokemon.
There is defiantly some new vamp power going on here. I love all her additions though and my personal fav is of course the foul mouthed Brit. The tea making scene will forever be one of the funniest moments I’ve ever read.
I’m afraid it will always be ”Bendydick Cucumbercrotch” in my head from now on too.

It’s not the 5 star read the the first book was. It’s not one for those who don’t enjoy a bit of the fluff . It was super sweet and didn’t keep me turning pages just as quick as the first one did. A little too many sex scenes if you ask me. And yeah no one is asking me really. Some of them I did skim and some I had to read twice


Raine is still a loveable and hilarious MC and her harem makes me want to go and find Dark Rivers for myself. This one took us more into the pack lands than vampire town and it didn’t have the same shine.

That said it was a brilliant easy read. I’ll be on the look out for book 3!

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, HAPPILY UNDEAD IN DARK RIVER didn't have anywhere near the charm of the first book but it was still funny and certainly very spicy. The story was fast paced and super easy to read, so that's good, and Raine's snarky personality was still lots of fun. We also got the addition of two new guys, X and Nico, being added to the group of Walker, Judge, Tex, and Brody.

However, the plot just didn't seem to go anywhere. Raine is shuffled around from one attempted assassination to another, Judge and Walker hardly spend any time with Raine because they're gone, Tex doesn't seem to have any purpose except to be a sex toy for Raine and Judge, and all the friends she made in the first book are gone because everyone is still dealing with the fallout from discovering who her maker is. We do get to learn more about the shape-shifters and Nell was a delight but a bunch of the pack hate Raine because they don't like vampires.

I would have still given book 3 a chance but after the ending of this one I'm going to have to pass on book 3 because I have absolutely no interest in seeing Lucius become a love interest. He's a literal psychopath and he and his enforcers terrorized Raine and the town of Dark River, not to mention his long history of insanity and depravity as hinted at by the other characters. Yes, I looked at reviews for book 3 so I know how and why he "changes" but it's not for me.

Content Warning: Raine makes several internal comments about being glad she can't get fat now that she's a vampire; several characters are sentenced to be castrated as punishment; Raine makes a joke about an Enforcer having a small dick

[L T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as interesting as the first book.

Again there are editing issues. I don’t get authors spending so much of their time writing a book and not caring enough to fix spelling and wrong tenses of words. It’s distracting and poor workmanship. The book was boring. There are too many “love” interests. It just doesn’t work. If you are trying to tell me that Brody is an alpha shape shifter and runs a city a hour away and has time to “commute” between cultures and is fine with sharing her with 4-6 other guys I’m just not buying it. I didn’t feel there is any connection with walker or X or Nico. The book basically repeated itself every 30 pages. Someone tries to kill Raine and all the guys come running. Raine, judge and Tex have sex and on the next page someone tries to kill Raine and Judge, Tex and her have sex....... over and over...... the end. I doubt I’ll bother with the 3rd book.

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pages: 256
My rating: 3.5

The second book starts where the first book left off. We get to know more of the supernatural world of Dark River and the nearby Shifter territory. Like in the first book it took me a while to get into the book. The characters are lovable. They are of course all hot or good looking, beautiful. But their Characters are special. I liked that some of them have commitment issues with Raine, others were her mates even if she does not realise it and other just love her and take their time to express it. She is of course adding to her harem in this book. But it takes a lot of time until the applicants express that they want to be members.
And still the Harem might not be complete.
I enjoyed reading this book, after I got into it.


The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons

Mika McKellan renamed Reine Baxter: our FMC, new in town, starting a new life as a vampire, attacks men
The Guy so far:
Judge: Vampire, known as the Drifter, is mysterious, has a dark past he never talks about, doesn’t do commitment (he stays the night and is gone in before breakfast), Calls Raine: Raine Days and Sugar.
Brody: Shifter, he can shift in all kinds of mammals, Alpha of the native Canadian shifter pack, good tracker
Tex: Mika’s neighbour since they were little, could not believe she is dead and found her in Calgary where she was clubbing, Follows her to Dark River and finds Raine, is a shifter without that he knew, Brody suspects that he is half shifter and half human, is blind, is mated to Mika, Rockstar
Sheriff Walker Watson: Sheriff of Dark River, loves Raine from the very beginning but does not give in to his urges, because he wants to solve her case and can’t be involved in her harem while doing it (otherwise he is too distracted by Raine), liked by all people in the town

Applicants to the harem:
Nico: Elder and Town founder, made the rules, can compel people to tell the truth, Counsellor of the town with a very strange sense of interior design, wants to go on a date with Raine, often has a sad expression
X: Enforcer for the Vampire Nation, big guy, barges in with Judge to save Raine, a lot of scars, ask Raine about how to apply to her harem twice, has many secrets

The Town or Side Characters:
Tilda: person at the diner
Bertie/Bert: works at the diner as a cook
Beatrice: Owner of the Diner
Alice Sommer: Towns Doctor and supplier of blood bags
Angeline: Owner of the towns Bakery with bookshop and Cinema, rents an apartment to Raine, bakes the best things, girlfriend of Alice, hires Raine to run the bookshop which is basically a library and the filme nights
Ella: Boutique Owner, friend with Cresta and Angeline, gives Raine her first outfit
Cesta: Owner of the hairdresser’s shop, does a makeover of Raine
Miranda: Witch. Used to be the partner of Judge and X as an Enforcer team for the Vampire Nation. Miranda had an affaire with Judge knowing that X was into her. Because of that complications arise and they split, leaving the Vampire Nation. She ward Houses, Territories and other stuff. Has special skill set, which is not described in detail.

Shifters:
Nell: Grandmother of Brody and matriarch of the pack. She likes Raine is has no problems with Raine’s harem or that Raine is a Vampire.
Kelly: Brody’s sister. She is assigned to Raine to keep her safe.
Annie: Brody’s cousin. She and Kelly are assigned to keep Raine safe. She talks a lot. But is very professional when doing her job.
Ghost: Brody’s friend. He is one of the best protectors of the pack and looks after the Alpha family. He does not talk but uses sign language. He is also assigned to protect Raine. He is secretly in love with Annie, and when Raine finds out that he is into her, she tries to bring them together.
Bobby: Brody’s nephew. He is only 10 but already takes care of smaller or weaker kids. Raine thinks that he will be alpha after Brody. He helps a little girl called Lulu.
Lulu: is abused by her father. She is shy but has a heart of a lion. When she talks to Raine her father comes to get her telling her that she should not talk to the Death Dealer. He manhandles her to make her go with him.
Colton: Lulu’s older brother. He is abused by his father and is really down because of it.


Summery: detailed, lots of spoilers

At the beginning they are in Dark River. They know that the vampire Nation and their leader Lucius will arrive in a week. There will be enforcers too.
Angeline meets Raine in the Bakery. Angeline tells her that she can’t come back here, because Angeline knows that Raine is not at fault but seeing her hurts Angeline. Raine promises to keep away from Angeline.
Also others in town are very unfriendly regarding Raine. So only the owner of the Diner, her guys, X, and Nico are on her side. She leaves Ella and Cesta alone, as they are Angeline’s friends and she needs them.
The Vampire Nation arrives and the council, Walker, Judge and Brody meet with them. They terrorise the whole town, going from door to door. The also come to Raine’s cottage and try to terrorise her. The guys try to keep her hidden, but Raine confronts the Vampire Nation. Lucius is there too and she thinks that he is Nico, as they are identical twins. But she realises early on that it is not Nico. Then Nico arrives and makes Lucius go away. But Lucius promises Raine to see her again soon.
During the meeting Lucius decided to take Angeline to New York, to sentence her. Raine does not want her to get killed and sends X, Walker and Nico after her. Nico tells her that there is an older brother who is also part of the Vampire Nation, but he is more rational. They will try to get him to help them. While they are gone, Judge works as replacement Sheriff until Walker returns. Tex, Brody and Raine are send to the Shifter territory because no Vampire can enter there because of Miranda’s wards. When they arrive there, some shifters are okay with Raine being there others are not happy. After Brody reveals that Raine is his mate, a rebel group start plotting against Brody, Tex and Raine.
Brody and Tex show Raine around and Brody takes her and Tex to a hot spring. Somebody sneaks up to them and shoots an Ash arrow (an arrow that will injure a vampire so that the vampire can’t heal quickly). Raine is injured at her ear, but else nobody is injured. After that Brody assigns guards and a protector to Raine. One is his sister, another one her cousin, the third is a good friend.
When Brody, Tex and Raine go home some more sight seeing the next day, the house is bombed and Raine is injured badly. Tex and Brody are injured too. Raine’s skull was cut open by a beam and her arm was broken and Brody’s shoulder is injured too. Still they attend the Dinner at Nell’s house, where Nell is very unhappy about the bombing. Raine meets Bobby who signs her cast happily and brings other children too to sign the cast. When he brings Lulu Raine and Lulu chat and Lulu tells her how Bobby saves her from some bullies. But they are interrupted by Lulu’s father who is in the rebel group who are against vampires and half shifters.
Brody calls another meeting to make clear to the shifters that he is the alpha and Raine his mate. Raine sleeps because it is daytime and she is still light sensitive. She already hears Brody returning when she is zapped and rendered unconscious. When she awakes her skin is burning and she thinks she is in the sun, but can’t see anything, because she is blindfolded and she is also gagged. The Rebel group got to Raine and they want to torture here before selling her to the Vampire Nation. Colton a young shifter carries Raine to the shade and tells her quietly that he did not know what the group wanted to do to her. He tells her that he send a message to Annie to come and safe her. But then Raine compiles the rouge shifter to shift into sheep and she and Colton run and try to get to safety. On their way they run into Brody and Tex and Tex tries to kill Colton but Raine prevents it. After telling them what happened they decide to run to the shifter territory. Shortly before arriving there they are waylaid by Roul and other Vampire Nation enforcers. They want to take Raine and she agrees to go with them, if the shifters can go to their territory unharmed but Roul does not agree. Raine tells Colton to run to Nell and get help. One Enforcer goes after him but Raine tries to stop him long enough that Colton gets away. Brody takes another Enforcer down. Raoul threatens to kill Tex but Brody tells him if he wants to take up Alexander, who is Tex’s father. But Roul thinks that he is lying but he is not sure. Meanwhile Judge, Walker and Nico arrive and they all fight the enforcers. After Nico gives them the command to return to the Vampire Nation they leave. During the happy reunion Nico kisses Raine and Raine realises that it’s Lucius not Nico. He leaves but promises to come back to Raine.

They all go to Nell and the elders and tell them about the traitors. Brody has to look after some things so he stays, while the others go back to Dark River.

There they have another reunion. Raine asks why X is missing and finds out that he was mouthy about the capture of Angeline and he was put into a cell to cool down. He will arrive soon.

Finally Walker and Raine sleep together, seeing that there will alway be some disturbance and as long as they are together it is perfect in that moment. Also Nico breaks and kisses Raine and tells her he wants in on the harem.

At the end they find the head of Roul on Rains doorstep. While the others deal with it, Raine and Tex go to the Diner. Beatrice and Burt are happy that they are back. Then Angeline comes to the diner. She tells Raine that she will leave Dark River and that she realised while the Vampire Nation had her in jail, she acted just like them: knowing that Raine was a victim she cut her from her life. She gives Raine the Building of the Bakery for herself and leaves.
All guys come to the Diner and help to console Raine about the bad day she had.

Last scene is that she opens the door and a stranger is standing in front of her and there is a head at her feet. The stranger ask her about the head and she says that she just saw it there. Then he reveals that Raine has his son here. He tells her that he is Alexander the Dragon shifter. The book ends there with an open ending.

[Holly's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still a super slow burn with not enough smut. A fun read to pass the time

[vxhexn reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It happened, it happened, it happened!! Walker finally gave into his desires and claimed Raine 🖤

As the middle of a trilogy, this story took me into the thick of the things quickly. I found myself engrossed in the character development and enchanted by the goings-on. But seeing how integral the intimate relationships were to the solidification of each couple was what left me swooning.

We open not long after we left off last book. The Vamp Nations visit is nearing and the town is on high alert. No one really knows what to expect but they are expecting violence and an extremely uncomfortable experience.

In this book Raine finds herself in trouble at every turn. Not only are there vampires who despise her, there is a coup happening at Nîso. It seems the towns inhabitants aren’t very happy their Alpha has taken a ‘Death Dealer’ for a Mate.

Lucius’ mention at the end of last book, and his subsequent arrival, caused quite the stir for both Dark River and Nîso. Yet it’s his appearance that draws the most starting revelations. I won’t give it away but I will say unboxing the man will bring both frustration and joy to Raine’s life.

There is more of a shifter focus in this book, as we spend a lot of time on pack lands instead of in Dark River itself. It’s fascinating to see how much restraint Raine has as a fledgling vampire. Even with all those tempting heartbeats, she never once strikes out at someone she shouldn’t.

There are two people who I’m hoping will have more of a presence next book and that’s Ghost and Annie. I can see them becoming a very cute couple. The strong silent protector and his boisterously cheerful future mate. Now if only Ghost would get out of his own way and go after what he desires most.

Another soft cliffhanger ending that had me immediately downloading the next book and staring the first few chapter… before I even thought about stopping to write this review.

Meet the RH:
🐯 Brody - Mate. Alpha of Nîso Pack - Canadian Shapeshifters, best tracker in Canada
🐍 Tex Flanaghan - Mate. two natured python shifter, Mika’s childhood crush and next door neighbor
⚰️ Judge - it’s a nickname. Vampire, lives in the now not the past, old world charm, former Vamp Nation Enforcer, in love with Tex
⚰️ Sheriff Walker Walton - vampire, protector
⚰️ X - former Vamp Nation Enforcer, Shibari enthusiast

⚰️ Nico Flett - council member, ancient vamp, eclectic collection of decade memorabilia, courting Raine
⚰️ Lucius Flett - Leader of Vamp Nation Enforcers, courting Raine

Places:
🏠 Bert and Beatrice's Old Fashioned Diner
🏠 The Immortal Cupcake - closed by owner, unknown if forever
🏠 Baroque, the town’s boutique
🏠 Cresta's Beauty Solutions



𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, the pace is super fast, so much happens as h expands her harem. Lots of bad guys, luckily her powers sort of grew too, helps her to keep her guys safe. But she's in danger of turning into a Mary Sue, too gorgeous, too perfect and perhaps too many guys lining up to become part of her harem? Maybe I'm just jealous, I'll just have to buy the next book to see because I loved this one a lot.

[Krissreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️

——• 🖤

Oh my god I fucking knew it and am officially jealous of this bitch being surrounded in all that hotness and testosterone 24/7.. ughhh!!! I am all for X joining in on their little love feast because I think he is absolutely delicious but it’s Nico I’m put off by. I’m not sure what it is about him but he is supposed to be this big buff tattooed man yet his character is being perceived as super flamboyant so I’m really struggling to see how he fits in because I can’t picture him being so in love with Raine?

Anyway I will try to work on that but in the mean time, I love this storyline and how it has so much drama yet it’s all fun energy making me addicted!! GM’s writing style is definitely one of my favourites and the way she has written the dynamic between characters, couldn’t have been done any better. They all work well together, I mean there is so much understanding that their relationship is just easy making it a smooth read. Not to mention the banter between them, especially the shit that comes out of Raines mouth 😂💀💀

So yes, i’m still loving the series and have jumped straight in to book 3 but I’m saying this now, I don’t trust that witch bitch Miranda witch bitch or what’s his face, Nicos twin… 😒

The cliff hangers though… have me hooked 😩🫠🫠

The men.. 👅
Vamps - Walker, Judge, X and Nico
Shifters - Brody and Tex

——• 🖤

🔥Series Reading Order🔥

💚 Eden Academy Book 0.5 - The Lost and the Hunted (Did not read)

🖤 Dark River Days Book 1 - Newly Undead in Dark River

💚 Eden Academy Book 0.6 - Heart of the Hounded (Did not read)

🖤 Dark River Days Book 2 - Happily Undead in Dark River

🖤 Dark River Days Book 3 - Pleasantly Undead in Dark River

💚 Eden Academy Book 1 - Rebels and Runaways
👆🏼The shifter pup's books👇🏼
💚 Eden Academy Book 2 - Sweethearts and Savages

🧡 Shadow Bred Series Books 1 to 3 - Manix, Frenzy and Feral (Did not read)

🖤 Dark River Days Book 4 - Seductively Undead in Dark River

🧡 Shadow Bred Series Book 4 - Crave (Did not read)

There are more books to read between DRD book 3 and DRD book 4 as it's placed 15 years after the end of book 3 but they’re not really my cup of tea... However I reallllllly advise you to read the DRD series as they were all 5⭐️ books for me!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have been finished this last night but I got sidetracked by wow aggro.
This book was just as cute as the last..something was missing but I can't put my finger on it.
Either way, heading to the next book!

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review on read #2:

I decided to downgrade my rating from 4-stars to 3-stars since, similar to Klizbeth, I found that this story was full of a little too much fluff rather than either meaningful plot action or character development to make it a satisfying read.

The vampire FMC Raine doubled her harem in this book with plenty of insta-love, and it really did seem like she had a magical vagina. When I keep in mind that she was a 19-year-old new vampire, it was hard to believe why all these ancient powerful vampires found her so irresistible at first sight.

We got some more believable reasoning why the shifter Alpha Brody was instantly attracted to her, but I still felt it was rather hand-wavy, and not much about shifter Mate bonds was explained well. The shifters in general were problematic inclusions to Raine's harem IMO, and other than a source of magical blood, it was hard to see their usefulness. Speaking of the shifters, I felt that the author forgot that the half-shifter Tex was blind sometimes, especially in the FaceTime scene with Raine and the vampire Judge. It was explained that he could partially shift at one point, and it seemed like a large plot hole why he didn't just do that regularly to help him gain some vision back.

I did like how all the men were pretty distinct personalities though, and the humorous dialogue is still entertaining.
------
Ratings - completed series:
#1 Newly Undead in Dark River: ★★★★☆
#2 Happily Undead in Dark River (this book): ★★★☆☆
#3 Pleasantly Undead in Dark River: ★★★☆☆
#4 Seductively Undead in Dark River: ★★★★☆

[Cat H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 stars.
Ok. So I’m still enjoying it.
This was a rollercoaster of danger and relationships everywhere.

But I forgot to mention in my review of the first book that this whole series seems to be single POV.
We don’t get any of the guys POV in either of these two books, and I’m gonna guess that the next book is the same.
I hate that shit.
And in a RH where there are so many guys and none of them are on the exact same page, it would be really nice to know what’s going on in their heads.

I mean. Otherwise this series is pretty dang good so far.
Some of the relationship dynamics need Work. But I like all of the characters, so.🤷🏻‍♀️

[literaryobsessed_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

For a moment we all breathed peacefully thinking McGinty was going easy on us after this devilish book of twist and turns but she ends it with a mysterious new character and a head on the stoop! Can't wait for the next installment of this rollercoaster of a series

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was so good. Definitely funny moments, lots of sweet moments, and excitement to keep you going.

We get to spend this book a lot more with Brody and Tex. Raine goes to the Packlands while the vampires go to the Vampire Nation to try and free Angeline. There are a few attempts on her life while she’s there, and it was interesting to see how it played out.

We also get the addition of X in her harem, and Nico finally makes a move to try and join. Lucius, Nico’s psycho twin, also wants a piece of her. Now, if you’re wondering why all these ancient and powerful vampires wants a piece of her, you’ll find out in book 3.

I really liked reading how she saves herself for once when it comes down to it. Really interesting how she’s manifesting power as a baby vampire.

The scene with Tex and her mom made me so sad. I liked how there were still moments where she grieves her past life, even when it feels like she moved on and completely forgot about everything from before. I think sometimes i hoped she was a bit older than 19, because it seemed like she had tidbits of life that seemed like she should’ve been 22-23.

There were some editing issues again with grammar and such, but it doesn’t detract much from the story. There’s a lot of steam and MM.

As a whole for the series, I do wish we got background story on the guys. They’re ancient and have seen so much, but we really don’t know much about before. We know Walker loved someone who died for exsanguinating her previous husband and kids. And we know Judge had a physical relationship with the Witch Miranda while X loved her deeply. Beyond that though, we don’t know anything else. Why is Nico always smiling sadly at her? What’s his story? I just wanted a bit more from that, it would’ve added more to their histories.

[Bourbon, Books and Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a RH like Raine has… I wouldn’t mind being undead either!

*****
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 3 flames
Genre: PNR Reverse Harem with MM
*****
And we are back in Dark River and once again someone is trying to kill Mika/Raine again!

Once again, this was a steamy, sexy read with lots of suspense. I am struggling a bit with the fact that Raine is just so darn perfect. She has captured the hearts of ancient Vampires and Shifters alike, maybe it’s not Miranda with the magical vagina (her portal) but Raine. However, putting aside Raine’s perfection, it is an enjoyable read and the main male characters all have independent voices. Some of these characters really crack me up and I don’t feel like I am reading the same character with a different name if that makes sense.

I enjoyed this book, the characters, and the suspense and I will finish out this series.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happily in love with Grace and Dark River

Ah phew, the second book did not disappoint thankfully as we all know sometimes sequels just cannot keep up with the hype and wonder of the first in a trilogy, ya know what I’m saying right?

This book was a page turner as well and Grace’s quick witted humour sprinkles all throughout with lol moments that I am loving! There are a few harem surprises, and with them the hawtness continues to rise, yummy!

I enjoyed that we got to meet and know Brody’s pack better and spend most of the book getting introduced to knew characters.

I highly recommend this series and I’m so excited to have found such an awesome, talented author! Do yourself a favour and dive right in …

[Pene|ope • Temp Hyperfixation: WC & OMV · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ngl I skimmed a ton of this book because it's just filler and most of it is telling not showing. Pages and pages of telling without a dialogue line in sight. I've read some of this author's recent works and liked them much better. I may continue the series later but I think I'll read something else for now.

Also the answer to my question in my review for the first book is seven so far. Seven (7) men in her polycule and that's....too much testosterone.

[4foxsake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love!

I totally love this series! Raine is such a snarky badarse despite getting abducted, blown up and other fun things with people trying to make her dead dead when she just wants to live happily ever undead with her paramours. The authors writing is fantastic- sweet, stupid sexy and enough sass to keep it interesting. I definitely want to read more!

[Zen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another day in Deadsville

This is a fun group to follow. The personalities of the characters is well balanced and although there are a lot of them, the author does a good job of not overwhelming the reader. Yes sees more screen time than anyone else, but considering they have known each other since childhood, it seems to be expected.

[Ash - chasingwistoragic · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much fun! These books are just easy reads although I need everyone to chill out with my girl Raine and leave her alone with her harem! Girls just trying to live life…as an undead person. Anyways you know what I mean I can’t wait to get into book 3 and see what’s up with everyone and the newest possible member…

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another laugh out loud and captivating read. I love all the men that Raine is collecting and the plot is keeping me hooked. We know I’m a sucker for banter and constant life threatening drama. Bring it on.

I will say that I’m not the biggest fan of the spice scenes, but everything else is good enough that it kept me up all night to finish it.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely entertaining

I jusy love Raine and her group of men. This series is so very entertaining and full of hilarious moments. Also a few attempted murders and the odd severed body part. You really just have no idea what is coming next in this loved up sausage fest.

[Vr · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. This book is quite disappointing and feels unnecessary due to its highly repetitive nature. Raine either becomes sad, gets hurt, or attempts to rescue someone (unsuccessfully, I might add) every few chapters, and they have sex between these chapters. That's it, that's the entire "plot."

[Princess J. Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowed!

Well damn Grace, you showing out girl! :) this book was so much better then the first... Guys, Grace, gave us love, sex, action, power and a sassy heroine and her kickass alpha males! But damn Grace, did you have to leave us with one hellvua cliffhanger? I'm so satisfied right now with this book series so far.. Let's go Grace! Off to book 3!

Overall Rating:
4* ~ A Good Read

[Duchessbookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was way better than the first book! OMG, so freaking good.

[Valkyrie ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judge, Tex and X are some of the best harem boyfriends I’ve ever read. I’m obsessed. And that shibari scene 🥵

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as much story as book 1, but still a fun series. Enjoyed the additional m/m scenes although there are seriously too many men at this point. It’s kinda crazy ridiculous how large Raine’s harem is

[Birdie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series with all my heart. The harem growing bigger and bigger…fuck yeah dude

[Dana aka ♥Belladonna♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Klizbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread 1/2022

This is my first reread of book #2 in this series and I’m downgrading my rating from 4 stars to 3 stars. It felt like there was too much fluff in this book. Not a lot happened here. There wasn’t much progress towards any storyline. She did accumulate any new men. She worked at her job for one whole day in this book. The rest of the time she spends hiding, crying, or having sex.

Can we talk about how often Raine cries in this book? I swear she cries more than any woman I’ve ever met…except for pregnant women, but we can’t help it then! She cries about every little thing. Also, she argues with her men when they try to protect her. She’s all “I’m strong, I don’t need protecting!” Except any time she’s not with one of her men someone tries to kill her and she’s absolutely helpless. Crying, helpless, and horny describe Raine Baxter to a tee.

Raine has a bunch of men in her life. Tex, the boy who grew up with her, her mate, and half shifter. Brody, alpha shifter and mate. Judge, vampire badass. X, previously an executioner for the vampire council. Walker, the town sheriff. Nico and Lucius are prospective love interests. The men have distinct personalities and I mostly like them.

I just wish Tex wasn’t a character in this book. If Raine were monogamous he would make a good husband, but I don’t like him in her harem. First, it feels like she loves him and dotes on him way more than any of the other guys, but he doesn’t reciprocate to the same extent. That’s sad and I pity Raine a bit. Tex likes Raine, sure, but he wants her other men way more than he wants his ‘mate’. Tex is like your man stealing best friend. He has basically stolen Judge away from Rain altogether. Judge hasn’t had sex with Raine since Tex came along. Judge coddles Tex, cuddles him, hugs and kisses him, they have hot sex and they’re always pushed up against the wall feverishly kissing…they should just leave the harem together and stop pretending to love Raine. Tex is also well on his way to stealing X from Raine, and she hasn’t even had X at all yet!

Anyways, any plot present in this book is weak at best. It doesn’t feel like there are any overarching main plots point in this series. The story just drifts around with random bad things happening to her. The book starts off with the Vampire Council coming into town because..why? Something to do with Doc Alice, but that was already taken care of. There isn’t a legitimate reason for them to show up and start terrorizing everyone from what I can see. This ends up pushing Raine into the pack lands where everyone hates her and wants her dead. Bad things happen. Sex. End of story. Those are the bare bones of book number two, once you take away all the fribble.

Besides the weak plot and the man-stealing mate I enjoyed the story, but I’m downgrading it to 3 stars.

Exciting! 4 stars

4 awesome stars. I am really enjoying this series so far! I’ll do a series review after I’ve read the last book.