What do you think?
Rate this book
Charley Davidson #5
Fifth Grave Past the Light
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Paranormal Fantasy (2013)Never underestimate the power of a woman on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high.-T-shirt Charley Davidson isnt your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. Shes more of a paranormal private eyegrim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth...but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma, is the serial killers next target, Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyess help. Arsonist or not, hes the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what comes at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2013
534 people are currently reading
11116 people want to read
About the author
Darynda Jones
59 books16.6k followersNYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...
She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,069 reviews
July 17, 2013
Sneak Peek
He’d gone back to staring into his wine, to running his finger along the rim of his glass. The movement mesmerized me. Without breaking his gaze, he said, “Come here.”
–Fifth Grave Past the Light (July 2013)
His mouth sought mine, the contact rough, raw, and he drank me in as though my kiss were the only thing keeping him alive.
–Fifth Grave Past the Light (July 2013)
He’d gone back to staring into his wine, to running his finger along the rim of his glass. The movement mesmerized me. Without breaking his gaze, he said, “Come here.”
–Fifth Grave Past the Light (July 2013)
His mouth sought mine, the contact rough, raw, and he drank me in as though my kiss were the only thing keeping him alive.
–Fifth Grave Past the Light (July 2013)
July 15, 2013
"His mouth sought my ear. 'You would still feel pity for me?' He nipped at my earlobe. The small amount of pain caused a sharp spike of arousal. 'I am a monster, Dutch. A demon. Unworthy of you.'"
I previously claimed to hate erotica. Did I really mean that? Nooooooooo. Not when Reyes is involved. Give me more of that shit.
Saying Charley Davidson is an interesting character is saying Homer Simpson's a little bald, or Mr. Burns is a little evil. It's a wee bit of an understatement. Here, we have our fifth installment of the Charley Davidson series, and I am so happy to say that Darynda Jones did not let me down (Hear that, Richelle Mead? Sometimes a formula works for a reason. Don't mind me, I'm just a little bitter over Gameboard of the Gods).
There is a fine, fine...I'd say 0.1mm fine line between a character's snark that separates it from humor to dislikeable bitchiness. For me, Charley's brand of sarcasm and smartassery leans far towards the side of enjoyable. There was not a single page that did not make me think, that did not make me smile. More often than not, I laughed. Charley's character and personality will not be to everyone's taste. Some will find her irredeemably annoying; her tendency of making a joke out of everything will get on their nerves. I am not one of those people. I absolutely loved Charley in the previous books, and my unabashed worship of her continues through to this latest installment in this immensely enjoyable series. If you liked Georgina in the Succubus Blues series, let me just say, Charley is Georgina on steroids. It is snark to the extreme, and you know what? I love it.
Charley Davidson, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love her humor.
I love her foolhardiness style and her brave front during dangerous situations. It's not TSTL when it's our Charley Davidson. Never call her that.
I love her complicated relationship with Reyes.
"I closed my eyes, tried to stop the flood of lust that rushed between my legs. Our relationship was a lot like underwear in a dryer without a static control sheet. One minute we were floating through life, buoyant and carefree. The next we were attached at the crotch."
I love her habit of naming everything.
"Then I saw his shower. And I knew the true meaning of happiness. Two minutes later, I was thoroughly enjoying a massage beneath a waterfall made of stone and marble. I named this ingenious invention George and decided to leave my own shower, Hector, for him. Some loves were just meant to be."
I love that beyond her tough as a nut exterior, she's got a heart that's softer than my Pillow Pet (a Love Puppy, for those who are curious).
I love her unashamed sexuality.
Reyes. Good god, that man will be the death of me. He may be the son of the devil, but he oozes sexuality. And his taste in books? FUCKING FLAWLESS, PEOPLE.
"Scattered on the floor was everything from George R. R. Martin and Tolkien to Ursula Le Guin and Asimov. He was a reader. And he liked fantasy and science fiction. It was like he was created for me and me alone."
IF CHARLEY DOESN'T WANT HIM. I'LL TAKE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Me and the other 97.5% of readers, male and female, on Goodreads. I can hardly imagine a more tortured (literally and figuratively), complicated, humanly inhuman character than Reyes. His singleminded devotion to the often frustratingly pigheaded Charley is beautiful to read and swoonworthy in every sense of the word. And make no mistake, if anyone can be pigheaded, it's Charley. She's not perfect. She frustrated me at times with some pretty stupid lines of thinking. I mean...you fell in love with the son of the devil who's done all sorts of atrocious things in order to survive and you're worried about the fact that he could possibly be an arsonist? Priorities, my dear Charley. You no haz them.
The plot is interesting, the mysteries episodic, like in other books, Charley is in the middle of her own case as well as pursuing other leads as ghosts appear in her life. The plot unfolds at a natural pace, doesn't jump around from A to Q to D, and never left me confused. The other characters have their cameos, Charley's dad, Uncle Bob, Angel, Cookie...etc. The recurrent cast is there, and they are delightful. The writing is spectacularly funny. You know how you can kind of tell in what mental state a person is in while reading a sample of their writing? Well, I can't imagine how much sugar Darynda Jones must have consumed while writing this, but whatever it is, I'd be happy to do my share, and show her my love and appreciation for this continued series by sending her a dozen cream-filled donuts. Do I gush? Yes, I do. Because this book deserves to be gushed over.
Now, when's the next book coming out?
I previously claimed to hate erotica. Did I really mean that? Nooooooooo. Not when Reyes is involved. Give me more of that shit.
Saying Charley Davidson is an interesting character is saying Homer Simpson's a little bald, or Mr. Burns is a little evil. It's a wee bit of an understatement. Here, we have our fifth installment of the Charley Davidson series, and I am so happy to say that Darynda Jones did not let me down (Hear that, Richelle Mead? Sometimes a formula works for a reason. Don't mind me, I'm just a little bitter over Gameboard of the Gods).
There is a fine, fine...I'd say 0.1mm fine line between a character's snark that separates it from humor to dislikeable bitchiness. For me, Charley's brand of sarcasm and smartassery leans far towards the side of enjoyable. There was not a single page that did not make me think, that did not make me smile. More often than not, I laughed. Charley's character and personality will not be to everyone's taste. Some will find her irredeemably annoying; her tendency of making a joke out of everything will get on their nerves. I am not one of those people. I absolutely loved Charley in the previous books, and my unabashed worship of her continues through to this latest installment in this immensely enjoyable series. If you liked Georgina in the Succubus Blues series, let me just say, Charley is Georgina on steroids. It is snark to the extreme, and you know what? I love it.
Charley Davidson, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love her humor.
I love her foolhardiness style and her brave front during dangerous situations. It's not TSTL when it's our Charley Davidson. Never call her that.
I love her complicated relationship with Reyes.
"I closed my eyes, tried to stop the flood of lust that rushed between my legs. Our relationship was a lot like underwear in a dryer without a static control sheet. One minute we were floating through life, buoyant and carefree. The next we were attached at the crotch."
I love her habit of naming everything.
"Then I saw his shower. And I knew the true meaning of happiness. Two minutes later, I was thoroughly enjoying a massage beneath a waterfall made of stone and marble. I named this ingenious invention George and decided to leave my own shower, Hector, for him. Some loves were just meant to be."
I love that beyond her tough as a nut exterior, she's got a heart that's softer than my Pillow Pet (a Love Puppy, for those who are curious).
I love her unashamed sexuality.
Reyes. Good god, that man will be the death of me. He may be the son of the devil, but he oozes sexuality. And his taste in books? FUCKING FLAWLESS, PEOPLE.
"Scattered on the floor was everything from George R. R. Martin and Tolkien to Ursula Le Guin and Asimov. He was a reader. And he liked fantasy and science fiction. It was like he was created for me and me alone."
IF CHARLEY DOESN'T WANT HIM. I'LL TAKE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Me and the other 97.5% of readers, male and female, on Goodreads. I can hardly imagine a more tortured (literally and figuratively), complicated, humanly inhuman character than Reyes. His singleminded devotion to the often frustratingly pigheaded Charley is beautiful to read and swoonworthy in every sense of the word. And make no mistake, if anyone can be pigheaded, it's Charley. She's not perfect. She frustrated me at times with some pretty stupid lines of thinking. I mean...you fell in love with the son of the devil who's done all sorts of atrocious things in order to survive and you're worried about the fact that he could possibly be an arsonist? Priorities, my dear Charley. You no haz them.
The plot is interesting, the mysteries episodic, like in other books, Charley is in the middle of her own case as well as pursuing other leads as ghosts appear in her life. The plot unfolds at a natural pace, doesn't jump around from A to Q to D, and never left me confused. The other characters have their cameos, Charley's dad, Uncle Bob, Angel, Cookie...etc. The recurrent cast is there, and they are delightful. The writing is spectacularly funny. You know how you can kind of tell in what mental state a person is in while reading a sample of their writing? Well, I can't imagine how much sugar Darynda Jones must have consumed while writing this, but whatever it is, I'd be happy to do my share, and show her my love and appreciation for this continued series by sending her a dozen cream-filled donuts. Do I gush? Yes, I do. Because this book deserves to be gushed over.
Now, when's the next book coming out?
March 25, 2014
It all started with a key, a cheating man and a gun shot.
Charley, my book BFF has gotten into it again. She confronts a clients nasty husband, she is confronted by questions from the police, she's forced into therapy, her room is filled with blonds, she has a horrible life/death experience and Reyes is just down the hall in all his pure hot steamy sexyness. No, that is not all of it just the holy crisps parts for me. The best was of course Reyes just down the hall, va va voom ! The worst, the bridge. I will have nightmares of that rusty evil place.
Reyes, Holy Hot Tamales warmed in fire is he hot in this book. He takes his romantic side out from under the bed and hangs it out for us to enjoy. if you didn't lust/love him before,(you're crazy? LOL) you will after this. He gives Charley, his attention, his heart ?, gives her security, gives her comfort, gives her food and trust.
He really shocked me with his total devotion to giving it all. Reyes has opened hi security wall and let her in. He asks her at one point to let him in and the result is spine tingling ! His line at the end, he got the last words (don't you go and peek it will ruin the book) was WOW, oh Double WOW...
Ms. Jones pulled a meanie by ending it right there. I forgive her, kind of. She wrote a fabulous entertaining story that had me giggling, swooning, sweating and crying and even praying. What a ride, I think my arse is sore from all the bumps, thrills and hard turns.
I do love him, I do. Why can't he be a real boy ?
July 14, 2013
It's just another day in the crazy life of private eye ~ and grim reaper Charley Davidson as her apartment slowly fills up with dead blonde women. But it's never anything as simple as just a serial killer case for Charley...there's an arsonist that just may or may not be her sexy neighbor, Reyes, and a whacked out cheating husband that she has to set up!
Okay, so things never change with Charley. Yes, the case with the blonde women was really intriguing. I really enjoyed how everything set up. The twist with the whacked out husband was a bit of a surprise...I didn't see that one coming...and neither did Charley unfortunately! In the end, it was great the way she was able to handle things.
But I just can't go on about the cases when there's someone so much better to talk about! You guessed it...the super yummy REYES!!
~sigh~
But in this book, we get a deeper look at Reyes and if you're paying attention, there are all kinds of clues! (hint: C and R Industries...I LOVE that!) And the sticky notes...Reyes is sooo romantic ~ who would've thunk? Seriously, the man is such a planner...it's amazing to see all the things that he has done. Of course, it helps to have all his abilities but still. And he's a provider and he takes care of the people he loves....sometimes to Charley's detriment. But even that is forgivable.
I am a bit concerned about where this is headed. I want to have good positive thoughts about their relationship and I was very happy with the info that Garrett came up with. But...I just don't want them to fizz out. I know, I know what you're thinking...it couldn't possibly happen with Reyes and Charley but it does happen - all. the. time. I guess we'll all just have to keep our *fingers crossed*.
Speaking of Reyes and Charley, how did you like that ending? And if you haven't read it...what are you waiting for? The ending is to die for! Short and sweet and sooo to the point! OMG...I really don't want to wait an entire year!
P.S. Please forgive me for not addressing all our favorite other characters...they are great and wonderful and so much fun in the story. You will really enjoy them....as usual.
Favorite quotes:
♦ "The only thing missing from his collection was Sweet Savage Love. I'd have to lend him a copy."
♥ "I want you, Dutch, body and soul. I want you in my bed every night. I want you there when I wake up in the morning. I want your clothes strung across my apartment and your scent on my skin.”
♥ "That was amazing," I said at last.
He nodded. "Told you. Correspondence course."
♥ I’d rather be in Virginia. —T-SHIRT WORN OFTEN BY REYES FARROW
{i LOVE this!!}
♦ "I realized I could have a bright future as a corrections officer, going around and correcting people when they got things wrong. I wondered what that paid."
♥ "That man loved Post-its."
Okay, so things never change with Charley. Yes, the case with the blonde women was really intriguing. I really enjoyed how everything set up. The twist with the whacked out husband was a bit of a surprise...I didn't see that one coming...and neither did Charley unfortunately! In the end, it was great the way she was able to handle things.
But I just can't go on about the cases when there's someone so much better to talk about! You guessed it...the super yummy REYES!!
~sigh~
But in this book, we get a deeper look at Reyes and if you're paying attention, there are all kinds of clues! (hint: C and R Industries...I LOVE that!) And the sticky notes...Reyes is sooo romantic ~ who would've thunk? Seriously, the man is such a planner...it's amazing to see all the things that he has done. Of course, it helps to have all his abilities but still. And he's a provider and he takes care of the people he loves....sometimes to Charley's detriment. But even that is forgivable.
I am a bit concerned about where this is headed. I want to have good positive thoughts about their relationship and I was very happy with the info that Garrett came up with. But...I just don't want them to fizz out. I know, I know what you're thinking...it couldn't possibly happen with Reyes and Charley but it does happen - all. the. time. I guess we'll all just have to keep our *fingers crossed*.
Speaking of Reyes and Charley, how did you like that ending? And if you haven't read it...what are you waiting for? The ending is to die for! Short and sweet and sooo to the point! OMG...I really don't want to wait an entire year!
P.S. Please forgive me for not addressing all our favorite other characters...they are great and wonderful and so much fun in the story. You will really enjoy them....as usual.
Favorite quotes:
♦ "The only thing missing from his collection was Sweet Savage Love. I'd have to lend him a copy."
♥ "I want you, Dutch, body and soul. I want you in my bed every night. I want you there when I wake up in the morning. I want your clothes strung across my apartment and your scent on my skin.”
♥ "That was amazing," I said at last.
He nodded. "Told you. Correspondence course."
♥ I’d rather be in Virginia. —T-SHIRT WORN OFTEN BY REYES FARROW
{i LOVE this!!}
♦ "I realized I could have a bright future as a corrections officer, going around and correcting people when they got things wrong. I wondered what that paid."
♥ "That man loved Post-its."
February 1, 2018
Freaking men. It didn't matter what the problem was, they saw only three solutions to it: food, sex, war.
because if you don't, he might start a war
I love Charley! I can relate to all of her snark and some of her silliness. (Luckily, none of her almost-getting-killed, constantly-being-beat senseless.) She names everything - all of her body parts, car, furniture, even her shower (Hector). I have a pillow that I sleep with that I named Phil, so I get it. My husband is totally jealous of Phil. Whatevs, if he wasn't as hot as a the surface of the sun when he sleeps, maybe I'd cuddle him instead of Phil. Probably not, though.
In this book Charley's apartment is completely filled with dead women. They are everywhere, and they are pretty rude houseguests. They are climbing walls, getting in Hector with her, hanging from the ceiling, and refusing to talk to her. She knows there is a serial killer out there who prefers blondes.
not always..
The only thing worse than rude houseguests who overstay their welcome is annoying neighbors who leave notes on your door!
sheesh! I can't believe they don't like my pan flute! Everyone's a critic!
That's right, Reyes has moved in next door and he has discovered Post-it notes. He gave Charley a key to his apartment and wants her to use it. I've been waiting for Reyes to turn into a good enough guy to be worthy of Charley, and in this book he finally does it. Only took 5 books.
This book was much better than the last one and I'm glad to see the romance finally heading in a good direction. Also, the last line in the book?
because if you don't, he might start a war
I love Charley! I can relate to all of her snark and some of her silliness. (Luckily, none of her almost-getting-killed, constantly-being-beat senseless.) She names everything - all of her body parts, car, furniture, even her shower (Hector). I have a pillow that I sleep with that I named Phil, so I get it. My husband is totally jealous of Phil. Whatevs, if he wasn't as hot as a the surface of the sun when he sleeps, maybe I'd cuddle him instead of Phil. Probably not, though.
In this book Charley's apartment is completely filled with dead women. They are everywhere, and they are pretty rude houseguests. They are climbing walls, getting in Hector with her, hanging from the ceiling, and refusing to talk to her. She knows there is a serial killer out there who prefers blondes.
not always..
The only thing worse than rude houseguests who overstay their welcome is annoying neighbors who leave notes on your door!
sheesh! I can't believe they don't like my pan flute! Everyone's a critic!
That's right, Reyes has moved in next door and he has discovered Post-it notes. He gave Charley a key to his apartment and wants her to use it. I've been waiting for Reyes to turn into a good enough guy to be worthy of Charley, and in this book he finally does it. Only took 5 books.
This book was much better than the last one and I'm glad to see the romance finally heading in a good direction. Also, the last line in the book?
August 10, 2020
Easily the best book in the series so far. This one was genuinely funny and full of entertaining details like how Charley manages to live in an apartment full of ghosts, including one under the bed, and another in the shower.
Best of all was the complete turn around of Reyes' character. Suddenly he is the guy next door, working as the chef in Charley's father's bar and actually being nice. I must admit I was well over grumpy Reyes in the last book but I can really enjoy this new version. Hope it lasts.
I also loved the post it notes. Has any one checked to see if this is really Reyes or is it an impostor. I mean Reyes - funny post it notes? Really??? Especially that last one. Can't wait now to read the next book:)
Best of all was the complete turn around of Reyes' character. Suddenly he is the guy next door, working as the chef in Charley's father's bar and actually being nice. I must admit I was well over grumpy Reyes in the last book but I can really enjoy this new version. Hope it lasts.
I also loved the post it notes. Has any one checked to see if this is really Reyes or is it an impostor. I mean Reyes - funny post it notes? Really??? Especially that last one. Can't wait now to read the next book:)
June 21, 2024
I would sell my soul to Darynda Jones if it meant she wrote these books in half the time and promised not to stop. Never stop writing Jones, NEVER STOP.
Fifth Grave was just as good, if not better than the first four. I know I've expressed how much I love Charley and the gang before, but you guys, I feel like I can't even physically express how much Iobsess about adore them!
Okay, so this maybe sums it up...
Ok, ok, I'm trying to rein it in, I promise!
Some things I loved about Fifth Grave Past the Light:
1.) Reyes. So.much.more.Reyes.
2.) We find out a lot more back story about Charley, Reyes, Heaven, Hell, and what they will have to face in the future.
3.) The mystery with the dead girls had a little more twist to it than previous mysteries. I totally fell for it. I like when things surprise me!
4.) I want sooooo bad for Ubie and Cookie to get together. It's going the speed of molasses, but it's progressing. Slowly.
5.) Quentin. I seriously melt whenever he shows up. I'm totally Team Quentin and Amber.
6.) THAT ENDING. I may have shed a tear or two. Don't judge me.
If you haven't read this series yet, then shame on you. You are missing so much laughter and awesomeness from your life. I hope you remedy that pronto. I'll even be with you every step of the way. I NEVER miss an opportunity to gush over some Charley Davidson books!
Fifth Grave was just as good, if not better than the first four. I know I've expressed how much I love Charley and the gang before, but you guys, I feel like I can't even physically express how much I
Okay, so this maybe sums it up...
Ok, ok, I'm trying to rein it in, I promise!
Some things I loved about Fifth Grave Past the Light:
1.) Reyes. So.much.more.Reyes.
2.) We find out a lot more back story about Charley, Reyes, Heaven, Hell, and what they will have to face in the future.
3.) The mystery with the dead girls had a little more twist to it than previous mysteries. I totally fell for it. I like when things surprise me!
4.) I want sooooo bad for Ubie and Cookie to get together. It's going the speed of molasses, but it's progressing. Slowly.
5.) Quentin. I seriously melt whenever he shows up. I'm totally Team Quentin and Amber.
6.) THAT ENDING. I may have shed a tear or two. Don't judge me.
If you haven't read this series yet, then shame on you. You are missing so much laughter and awesomeness from your life. I hope you remedy that pronto. I'll even be with you every step of the way. I NEVER miss an opportunity to gush over some Charley Davidson books!
November 15, 2015
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
A copy of Fifth Grave Past the Light was provided to me by St. Martin's Press for review purposes.
'The dead guy at the end of the bar kept trying to buy me a drink. Which figured. No one else was even taking a second look and I'd dressed to the nines.'
Charley Davidson is, as usual, up to her elbows in work and she's the only one equipped to handle it. Her apartment has suddenly been taken over by a few dozen ghostly blonde women who show no interest in passing, she almost gets shot after she enlists Cookie to help her in a recent PI case and add to that the ever-distracting Reyes is an arson suspect and he's officially moved in right next door to her.
"My dad put himself through college by setting up cons and selling moonshine. He was a pretty famous moonshiner, actually."
"My dad's pretty famous too." We all turned to stare at Reyes.
This series never disappoints and has gotten better and better with each installment. Charley Davidson is one of my all-time favorite female leads: she's hilarious and snarky and totally badass but not in excess. And if Charley is one of my favorite female leads, Reyes definitely earns a spot on my favorite male leads. Fair warning, the steamy is in abundance in this installment! And oh my GOSH that ending! Not quite a cliffhanger but definitely leaves a smile on your face and makes you infinitely anxious for the next book.
"No, your other - Fuck, how many boyfriend's do you have?"
"Including Herman, the maintenance guy at the Jug 'N Chug who talks to celery?" If I didn't know better, I could've sworn Reyes ground his teeth. I couldn't blame him. I mean, who talks to celery in this day and age?
Fifth Grave Past the Light really begins to branch out as far as possibilities for future installments... and let me tell ya, I like the looks of it. This installment really spoke of the future development, the purpose and the potential of Charley Davidson. Darynda Jones has been slowly maturing and expanding on Charley's character taking her past the snarky girl that we've all grown to love and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where she continues to take it. This series is a highly entertaining and sexy supernatural mystery that is incredibly easy to fall in love with.
____________________________
I may or may not have screamed (with joy) after opening my mail today.
A copy of Fifth Grave Past the Light was provided to me by St. Martin's Press for review purposes.
'The dead guy at the end of the bar kept trying to buy me a drink. Which figured. No one else was even taking a second look and I'd dressed to the nines.'
Charley Davidson is, as usual, up to her elbows in work and she's the only one equipped to handle it. Her apartment has suddenly been taken over by a few dozen ghostly blonde women who show no interest in passing, she almost gets shot after she enlists Cookie to help her in a recent PI case and add to that the ever-distracting Reyes is an arson suspect and he's officially moved in right next door to her.
"My dad put himself through college by setting up cons and selling moonshine. He was a pretty famous moonshiner, actually."
"My dad's pretty famous too." We all turned to stare at Reyes.
This series never disappoints and has gotten better and better with each installment. Charley Davidson is one of my all-time favorite female leads: she's hilarious and snarky and totally badass but not in excess. And if Charley is one of my favorite female leads, Reyes definitely earns a spot on my favorite male leads. Fair warning, the steamy is in abundance in this installment! And oh my GOSH that ending! Not quite a cliffhanger but definitely leaves a smile on your face and makes you infinitely anxious for the next book.
"No, your other - Fuck, how many boyfriend's do you have?"
"Including Herman, the maintenance guy at the Jug 'N Chug who talks to celery?" If I didn't know better, I could've sworn Reyes ground his teeth. I couldn't blame him. I mean, who talks to celery in this day and age?
Fifth Grave Past the Light really begins to branch out as far as possibilities for future installments... and let me tell ya, I like the looks of it. This installment really spoke of the future development, the purpose and the potential of Charley Davidson. Darynda Jones has been slowly maturing and expanding on Charley's character taking her past the snarky girl that we've all grown to love and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where she continues to take it. This series is a highly entertaining and sexy supernatural mystery that is incredibly easy to fall in love with.
____________________________
I may or may not have screamed (with joy) after opening my mail today.
July 10, 2013
2.5 stars - Spoilers and Lots of Ranty Thoughts
I'm not sure how to rate this, I mostly liked it but I also had loads of issues with it. So for now, I'm giving it 2.5 stars. However, I may or may not change it to 3 stars once I'm not quite so pissed off.
I do think fans of Reyes, and the series in general will love Fifth Grave. Unfortunately for me, I LOATHE Reyes, and he was the main reason I wasn't impressed with Fifth Grave.
Random ranty thoughts:
-I couldn't take Charley and Reyes's relationship seriously. Not when all it seemed to consist of was 1. Charley feeling lusty for Reyes if he so much as moved 2. Charley being in awe of Reyes's sexy body and 3. Charley fangirling over Reyes every time she saw him or thought about him. Where was the depth? It was all so shallow.
-I hated Reyes. I don't care how fuckable or sexy he was meant to be, he was still an abusive bastard. I was so sick of Reyes constantly threatening Charley - that's how abusers act towards there victims. I wouldn't be surprised if Reyes became a wife beater.
-Yes, lets all just forget about Reyes using Charley as bait and getting her tortured by a sadistic fucker. Was there any mention of Reyes doing that? No, it was brushed under the carpet and instead we had Charley and co gushing about how sexy and protective he was of her, and how Reyes was such a hero. BULLSHIT. Him saving Charley a few times doesn't erase the fact that he knowingly put her life in danger. What kind of man puts the woman he's meant to love in the crosshairs of a rapist fucker? How was that swoony? How was that showing how much he loved Charley? How was that romantic?
Reyes has never properly apologised or redeemed himself or shown any remorse or guilt about what he did, and the suffering Charley went through. Why? Because he didn't care about Charley or her feelings. He wasn't bothered that she suffered. If the author wanted me to believe otherwise then the whole event shouldn't have been forgotten about after a lame, insincere apology from Reyes. And not only that, Charley should stop banging on about how heroic Reyes is and she should stop acting like Reyes has only ever protected her - I'm not buying that bullshit. I need to see Reyes redeeming himself through his actions and dialogue — him suddenly acting heroic or Charley shoving Reyes's heroics down my throat isn't going to convince me of Reyes worthiness. He needs to do that himself.
-I'm sick of Reyes throwing hissy fits. Calm the fuck down, and act like an adult.
-Reyes wanted Charley to use the key to his flat, he wanted them to be close and by the end he was proposing to her yet the fucker couldn't even tell Charley he'd gotten a job working for her dad. WTF?! How can he want to share a life with her when he can't he even tell her about his new job? All he did was lie, hide things and manipulate Charley. Yet he still wanted to get married to her. WTF?!
-How was Reyes so sexually experienced? He wasn't with anyone as a teen and then he was in prison for 10 years. Was his experience from his demon life or something? I wonder if he was sexing up loads of women after he saw and supposedly fell madly in love with celestial-Charley.
Oh and utensil sex. Really?
-I was so pissed when Charley threatened Rocket and his fragile sister because her pwecious demon boyfriend might die. So what if he did die? His incorporeal self would still be alive. Also, he deserves to die, he's a demon and he must have murdered millions and committed loads of disgusting crimes.
The respect I had for Charley's character seriously plummeted after she cruelly bullied and threatened two vulnerable and mentally unwell ghosts. What a horrible self-centered cow.
-Why the fuck did idiot Gemma blab to a complete stranger about Charley being supernatural?! Is there anyone that doesn't know about Charley's powers?! WTF?! How have the demons not found and killed Charley yet?
-WTF is with the synopsis? Gemma was never in any danger. And Charley only suspected she was for all of 5 minutes at the very end. So yea, WTF?!
-When Charley called Reyes for help because she thought her sister was in danger, instead of supporting, reassuring and helping Charley, that wanker Reyes blackmailed her and said he'd only help Gemma if Charley promised him sexual favours. Wow, what a gentlemen, the woman he supposedly loves was in fear for her sister's life but did the fucker try to calm her fears or help her without first getting something out of it? No. He didn't give a fuck about Charley's feelings, he wanted her scared and he wanted power over her. The dick.
-I'm not convinced AT ALL of Reyes's love for Charley. Him being horny and murdering for her doesn't equal love. He didn't trust her with the simplest things, he kept important information from her, and he was always threatening to hurt her. Where was the love? The only genuine feelings of love he had was for his sister. Other than that, there was nothing.
-Where the fuck was the million dollars Reyes owed Charley? He still didn't give it to her! Or were the various buildings he bought in Charley's name meant to be payment? I'm presuming he spent her million on the warehouse and the building she lives in. Who the bloody fuck did he think he was doing that?! He had no right to decide how she should spend HER money. He should have given her the money she was owed instead of assuming he knew what was best for her. Did he not think she could make her own decisions on how to spend her OWN fucking money?! What a bastard. He probably thinks women aren't able to sort out their own finances and investments. The sexist pig.
-Why did Reyes take so long to tell Charley that he bought that warehouse where Rocket lived? He knew she visited Rocket regularly so WTF? The dick must have kept it a secret so he could make things difficult for her. Nice.
-Where the hell was Reyes when Charley was nearly raped and killed?! I thought he sensed when she was in danger. Did he ignore her? Could he not be bothered?
-I guess I was meant to sympathise with Reyes over his abuse but I didn't, not one bit. All I kept thinking of was all the abuse and threats he issued out to Charley ever since he met her.
-I was sick of Reyes's fucking beauty. He even had fangirls and websites dedicated to him. His good looks and abusive behaviour was all there was to him.
A sure sign of a two dimensional hero is one where he becomes unattractive/undesirable/no-longer-swoony if one imagines him to be average looking.
-The serial killer/murdered women/girls mystery was engaging up until the reveal at the end — it was all so anti-climactic.
-What's taking Bob so long to ask Cookie out? Maybe he wants to sleep around first or something? The douche.
-Good: Charley wasn't whiny or self-pitying but her upbeat attitude and constant humour did grate. If she toned it down a notch, she'd be far more tolerable.
-Good: Getting more information on Charley and Reyes's purpose on Earth.
-Good: Garrett stabbing Reyes. It was beautiful.
-Good: Bob and Charley's relationship. So much better than Charley's relationship with her useless bastard dad.
-Good: I loved Rocket, Angel and SS/Strawberry. They were brill. It was so funny when SS used a toilet brush to comb Charley's hair.
-Good (sort of): Reyes's case been bought up at the end.
I'm actually interested to know about his real parents. Are they even his "real" parents? He's the son of Satan so his earthly family aren't really his true family. He existed thousands of years before them and he's older them, so they really shouldn't be all that important to him especially since they didn't raise him.
It'll be daft if he does think of them as his parents because hasn't he been born on earth numerous times before? So he must have dozens maybe hundreds of "birth" parents. Does he still think of all of them as his parents? If not, then his "birth" parents this time around shouldn't mean that much to him either. So yea, I'm interested in Reyes and his so called family.
All in all, I wasn't impressed - Reyes pissed me off way too much.
I'm not sure how to rate this, I mostly liked it but I also had loads of issues with it. So for now, I'm giving it 2.5 stars. However, I may or may not change it to 3 stars once I'm not quite so pissed off.
I do think fans of Reyes, and the series in general will love Fifth Grave. Unfortunately for me, I LOATHE Reyes, and he was the main reason I wasn't impressed with Fifth Grave.
Random ranty thoughts:
-I couldn't take Charley and Reyes's relationship seriously. Not when all it seemed to consist of was 1. Charley feeling lusty for Reyes if he so much as moved 2. Charley being in awe of Reyes's sexy body and 3. Charley fangirling over Reyes every time she saw him or thought about him. Where was the depth? It was all so shallow.
-I hated Reyes. I don't care how fuckable or sexy he was meant to be, he was still an abusive bastard. I was so sick of Reyes constantly threatening Charley - that's how abusers act towards there victims. I wouldn't be surprised if Reyes became a wife beater.
-Yes, lets all just forget about Reyes using Charley as bait and getting her tortured by a sadistic fucker. Was there any mention of Reyes doing that? No, it was brushed under the carpet and instead we had Charley and co gushing about how sexy and protective he was of her, and how Reyes was such a hero. BULLSHIT. Him saving Charley a few times doesn't erase the fact that he knowingly put her life in danger. What kind of man puts the woman he's meant to love in the crosshairs of a rapist fucker? How was that swoony? How was that showing how much he loved Charley? How was that romantic?
Reyes has never properly apologised or redeemed himself or shown any remorse or guilt about what he did, and the suffering Charley went through. Why? Because he didn't care about Charley or her feelings. He wasn't bothered that she suffered. If the author wanted me to believe otherwise then the whole event shouldn't have been forgotten about after a lame, insincere apology from Reyes. And not only that, Charley should stop banging on about how heroic Reyes is and she should stop acting like Reyes has only ever protected her - I'm not buying that bullshit. I need to see Reyes redeeming himself through his actions and dialogue — him suddenly acting heroic or Charley shoving Reyes's heroics down my throat isn't going to convince me of Reyes worthiness. He needs to do that himself.
-I'm sick of Reyes throwing hissy fits. Calm the fuck down, and act like an adult.
-Reyes wanted Charley to use the key to his flat, he wanted them to be close and by the end he was proposing to her yet the fucker couldn't even tell Charley he'd gotten a job working for her dad. WTF?! How can he want to share a life with her when he can't he even tell her about his new job? All he did was lie, hide things and manipulate Charley. Yet he still wanted to get married to her. WTF?!
-How was Reyes so sexually experienced? He wasn't with anyone as a teen and then he was in prison for 10 years. Was his experience from his demon life or something? I wonder if he was sexing up loads of women after he saw and supposedly fell madly in love with celestial-Charley.
Oh and utensil sex. Really?
-I was so pissed when Charley threatened Rocket and his fragile sister because her pwecious demon boyfriend might die. So what if he did die? His incorporeal self would still be alive. Also, he deserves to die, he's a demon and he must have murdered millions and committed loads of disgusting crimes.
The respect I had for Charley's character seriously plummeted after she cruelly bullied and threatened two vulnerable and mentally unwell ghosts. What a horrible self-centered cow.
-Why the fuck did idiot Gemma blab to a complete stranger about Charley being supernatural?! Is there anyone that doesn't know about Charley's powers?! WTF?! How have the demons not found and killed Charley yet?
-WTF is with the synopsis? Gemma was never in any danger. And Charley only suspected she was for all of 5 minutes at the very end. So yea, WTF?!
-When Charley called Reyes for help because she thought her sister was in danger, instead of supporting, reassuring and helping Charley, that wanker Reyes blackmailed her and said he'd only help Gemma if Charley promised him sexual favours. Wow, what a gentlemen, the woman he supposedly loves was in fear for her sister's life but did the fucker try to calm her fears or help her without first getting something out of it? No. He didn't give a fuck about Charley's feelings, he wanted her scared and he wanted power over her. The dick.
-I'm not convinced AT ALL of Reyes's love for Charley. Him being horny and murdering for her doesn't equal love. He didn't trust her with the simplest things, he kept important information from her, and he was always threatening to hurt her. Where was the love? The only genuine feelings of love he had was for his sister. Other than that, there was nothing.
-Where the fuck was the million dollars Reyes owed Charley? He still didn't give it to her! Or were the various buildings he bought in Charley's name meant to be payment? I'm presuming he spent her million on the warehouse and the building she lives in. Who the bloody fuck did he think he was doing that?! He had no right to decide how she should spend HER money. He should have given her the money she was owed instead of assuming he knew what was best for her. Did he not think she could make her own decisions on how to spend her OWN fucking money?! What a bastard. He probably thinks women aren't able to sort out their own finances and investments. The sexist pig.
-Why did Reyes take so long to tell Charley that he bought that warehouse where Rocket lived? He knew she visited Rocket regularly so WTF? The dick must have kept it a secret so he could make things difficult for her. Nice.
-Where the hell was Reyes when Charley was nearly raped and killed?! I thought he sensed when she was in danger. Did he ignore her? Could he not be bothered?
-I guess I was meant to sympathise with Reyes over his abuse but I didn't, not one bit. All I kept thinking of was all the abuse and threats he issued out to Charley ever since he met her.
-I was sick of Reyes's fucking beauty. He even had fangirls and websites dedicated to him. His good looks and abusive behaviour was all there was to him.
A sure sign of a two dimensional hero is one where he becomes unattractive/undesirable/no-longer-swoony if one imagines him to be average looking.
-The serial killer/murdered women/girls mystery was engaging up until the reveal at the end — it was all so anti-climactic.
-What's taking Bob so long to ask Cookie out? Maybe he wants to sleep around first or something? The douche.
-Good: Charley wasn't whiny or self-pitying but her upbeat attitude and constant humour did grate. If she toned it down a notch, she'd be far more tolerable.
-Good: Getting more information on Charley and Reyes's purpose on Earth.
-Good: Garrett stabbing Reyes. It was beautiful.
-Good: Bob and Charley's relationship. So much better than Charley's relationship with her useless bastard dad.
-Good: I loved Rocket, Angel and SS/Strawberry. They were brill. It was so funny when SS used a toilet brush to comb Charley's hair.
-Good (sort of): Reyes's case been bought up at the end.
I'm actually interested to know about his real parents. Are they even his "real" parents? He's the son of Satan so his earthly family aren't really his true family. He existed thousands of years before them and he's older them, so they really shouldn't be all that important to him especially since they didn't raise him.
It'll be daft if he does think of them as his parents because hasn't he been born on earth numerous times before? So he must have dozens maybe hundreds of "birth" parents. Does he still think of all of them as his parents? If not, then his "birth" parents this time around shouldn't mean that much to him either. So yea, I'm interested in Reyes and his so called family.
All in all, I wasn't impressed - Reyes pissed me off way too much.
July 12, 2013
BREAKING NEWS:
Reyes Alexander Farrow, the prodigal son of Satan and self-appointed protector of the grim reaper, one Ms. Charlotte Jean Davidson, has been seen laughing in public and showing all signs of an actual sense of humor. This unexpected display of real human emotions has caused an uproar in all of New Mexico. Female residents of Albuquerque have stopped all their activities and rushed to witness this miracle. Traffic has yet to return to normal.
Darlings, if you liked Reyes before now, by the time you finish Fifth Grave Past the Light, you are going to be hopelessly in love, but don’t worry your pretty little heads over it. You won’t be alone in your misery. I always thought Reyes was too otherworldly and untouchable to serve as a proper book boyfriend, but in Fifth Grave, Darynda really took him a step further. She took him well past his usual glowering and threatening and added humor and just a touch of vulnerability. The end result is a more human, approachable Reyes, finally Charley’s match not just in otherworldly matters (and, ummm, in bed), but in day to day things as well.
He quirked a brow. “How would you like your eggs?”
I tried. I really did. But I glanced at his crotch and it came out anyway. “Fertlized?”
I dare say that Fifth Grave represents a turning point for this series, and I’m very hopeful Darynda will keep threading the road she took. We are finally offered some real answers about the nature of Charley’s powers, a progress has been made between her and Reyes, and things are coming together exactly as they should. That’s not to say life with Charley is about to become boring, though. She is still a huge magnet for trouble, and she still handles things in her usual hilarious manner, but under slightly different circumstances.
The old gang is still in full swing, but some new characters are introduced as well, two of them very promising and I hope we’ll see more of them in future installments. I’m not a fan of love triangles, but I love the situation that is slowly forming between Cookie, Garrett and Uncle Bob. Cookie deserves all the male attention she can get.
Darynda and Charley have warmed my heart and forced me to laugh myself into stitches more times than I can count. Both of them deserve their extremely loyal fanbase, of which I am a proud member. Wherever we go from here, I have no doubt it will be endlessly entertaining.
Darlings, if you liked Reyes before now, by the time you finish Fifth Grave Past the Light, you are going to be hopelessly in love, but don’t worry your pretty little heads over it. You won’t be alone in your misery. I always thought Reyes was too otherworldly and untouchable to serve as a proper book boyfriend, but in Fifth Grave, Darynda really took him a step further. She took him well past his usual glowering and threatening and added humor and just a touch of vulnerability. The end result is a more human, approachable Reyes, finally Charley’s match not just in otherworldly matters (and, ummm, in bed), but in day to day things as well.
He quirked a brow. “How would you like your eggs?”
I tried. I really did. But I glanced at his crotch and it came out anyway. “Fertlized?”
I dare say that Fifth Grave represents a turning point for this series, and I’m very hopeful Darynda will keep threading the road she took. We are finally offered some real answers about the nature of Charley’s powers, a progress has been made between her and Reyes, and things are coming together exactly as they should. That’s not to say life with Charley is about to become boring, though. She is still a huge magnet for trouble, and she still handles things in her usual hilarious manner, but under slightly different circumstances.
The old gang is still in full swing, but some new characters are introduced as well, two of them very promising and I hope we’ll see more of them in future installments. I’m not a fan of love triangles, but I love the situation that is slowly forming between Cookie, Garrett and Uncle Bob. Cookie deserves all the male attention she can get.
Darynda and Charley have warmed my heart and forced me to laugh myself into stitches more times than I can count. Both of them deserve their extremely loyal fanbase, of which I am a proud member. Wherever we go from here, I have no doubt it will be endlessly entertaining.
August 30, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
I wish Charley was my friend. We could get drinks, gossip about people (both alive and dead), maybe smoke a little oui'd in our pyjamas and then pass out watching Rick & Morty.
This time around Charley is dealing with a lot. And it starts from page one - a cheating husband, gunfire, being confronted by the police about how exactly she manages to solve cases the way that she does. Not to mention, her apartment is filled with dozens of dead women who may or may not have been murdered by a serial killer. They are the worst houseguests too – climbing her walls (literally), hanging from the ceiling (also literally), straight-up ignoring her requests to communicate but then also getting in the shower with her, as you would.
Speaking of her apartment, Reyes has somehow managed to move in right next door by surprise. How convenient.
At this point, I kind of loathe him. He's possessive, threatening, glowering and mildly abusive. And hey, maybe some readers are into it and find the whole smouldering do it because I said so schtick to be super sexy. But I do not. I would never tolerate a man threatening to not help me in my time of dire need unless I did a striptease for him. Are you fucking kidding me?
In this, Reyes is given a touch of humour, a bit of humanity and vulnerability. Some of his otherwordly douchebagness is stripped away a smidge. Perhaps to make him more palpable as boyfriend material? Objectively, fans of Reyes will love him in this.
I’ve never gotten it. Charley is just too strong in her sense of self to be all googly-eyed over such a controlling boob-punch. I’m just not into this overused plot trope of a badass woman turning into a life-sized dripping vagina whenever a sexy man is around.
But despite my loathing of Reyes, there was a lot of good stuff in this book. A little more information on Charley’s purpose on Earth for one, plus non-stop action and the serial killer angle was a twisted mystery for Charley. I love that Bob is into Cookie. Plus, my favourite: a cliffhanger ending!
This might have been my favourite book in the series so far.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
I wish Charley was my friend. We could get drinks, gossip about people (both alive and dead), maybe smoke a little oui'd in our pyjamas and then pass out watching Rick & Morty.
This time around Charley is dealing with a lot. And it starts from page one - a cheating husband, gunfire, being confronted by the police about how exactly she manages to solve cases the way that she does. Not to mention, her apartment is filled with dozens of dead women who may or may not have been murdered by a serial killer. They are the worst houseguests too – climbing her walls (literally), hanging from the ceiling (also literally), straight-up ignoring her requests to communicate but then also getting in the shower with her, as you would.
Speaking of her apartment, Reyes has somehow managed to move in right next door by surprise. How convenient.
At this point, I kind of loathe him. He's possessive, threatening, glowering and mildly abusive. And hey, maybe some readers are into it and find the whole smouldering do it because I said so schtick to be super sexy. But I do not. I would never tolerate a man threatening to not help me in my time of dire need unless I did a striptease for him. Are you fucking kidding me?
In this, Reyes is given a touch of humour, a bit of humanity and vulnerability. Some of his otherwordly douchebagness is stripped away a smidge. Perhaps to make him more palpable as boyfriend material? Objectively, fans of Reyes will love him in this.
I’ve never gotten it. Charley is just too strong in her sense of self to be all googly-eyed over such a controlling boob-punch. I’m just not into this overused plot trope of a badass woman turning into a life-sized dripping vagina whenever a sexy man is around.
But despite my loathing of Reyes, there was a lot of good stuff in this book. A little more information on Charley’s purpose on Earth for one, plus non-stop action and the serial killer angle was a twisted mystery for Charley. I love that Bob is into Cookie. Plus, my favourite: a cliffhanger ending!
This might have been my favourite book in the series so far.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
September 21, 2016
Dear Charley,
We need to talk.
It's not you, it's me. I'm tired of every female out there drooling over Reyes and being reduced to a va-jay-jay every time he enters a room. I'm tired of former best friends who do their best to hurt you.
But most of all, my dear, I'm tired of you getting tortured over and over again. It feels that all Mrs. Jones thinks about are new and creative ways to hurt you physically. Don't get me wrong. I'm all in for a little tormenting, but I've been getting that lately with every book.
Best wishes,
Alex.
P.S. Maybe we'll hook up again someday.
We need to talk.
It's not you, it's me. I'm tired of every female out there drooling over Reyes and being reduced to a va-jay-jay every time he enters a room. I'm tired of former best friends who do their best to hurt you.
But most of all, my dear, I'm tired of you getting tortured over and over again. It feels that all Mrs. Jones thinks about are new and creative ways to hurt you physically. Don't get me wrong. I'm all in for a little tormenting, but I've been getting that lately with every book.
Best wishes,
Alex.
P.S. Maybe we'll hook up again someday.
June 17, 2019
Oh my! Yes, yes, yesyesyes!
This is probably my favourite one in the series so far. Along with the usual snark and steamy supernatural sex, we've got one of the most interesting mysteries Charley's had to date, and we finally get some real info about how Charley became the Grim Reaper. Oh! And some lovely feel-good moments too (not just the spicy ones,either).
Nicely done, Ms. Jones. Nicely done, indeed!
This is probably my favourite one in the series so far. Along with the usual snark and steamy supernatural sex, we've got one of the most interesting mysteries Charley's had to date, and we finally get some real info about how Charley became the Grim Reaper. Oh! And some lovely feel-good moments too (not just the spicy ones,either).
Nicely done, Ms. Jones. Nicely done, indeed!
June 15, 2019
This was an intense story and loved every bit of it. I am really enjoying this series and need to get the next book :)
Learned a little more of Reyes but in the end who could say no to that gorgeous man. I know I wouldn't.
Re-read: 6/14/19
Still love this series. Some parts in this book was hard but it shows how human Charley is and that she can be just as vulnerable as anyone else. I have to say as her series continues I feel as if Charley is starting to come into her own personal team. Though she always had her group that believed and loved her for who she is but now it seems to be more.
I think with Swopes around Charley may start to want more info on who she is and what she can really do. I know Reyes doesn’t want to tell her because he wants her to learn on her own but I think he’s coming around.
Really loving this series and enjoyed the chats with my friends 😁
Learned a little more of Reyes but in the end who could say no to that gorgeous man. I know I wouldn't.
Re-read: 6/14/19
Still love this series. Some parts in this book was hard but it shows how human Charley is and that she can be just as vulnerable as anyone else. I have to say as her series continues I feel as if Charley is starting to come into her own personal team. Though she always had her group that believed and loved her for who she is but now it seems to be more.
I think with Swopes around Charley may start to want more info on who she is and what she can really do. I know Reyes doesn’t want to tell her because he wants her to learn on her own but I think he’s coming around.
Really loving this series and enjoyed the chats with my friends 😁
July 13, 2013
More Charley??? YESSSS!!!!
May 2, 2017
And that, folks, is how you perfectly write a cliffhanger. I'm so excited to read what Charley's response will be!
I'm on the fifth installment of this series, and I swear, I'm not exaggerating when I say that it just keeps getting better and better. When I read book 4, I thought to myself, "Oh, this book is the best in the series. Surely, nothing can top this." but then I read this one, and I was taken aback, because it was...much better.
The unconventional relationship between our female lead (Charley Davidson, a.k.a. the Grim Reaper) and our male lead (Reyes Alexander Farrow, a.k.a. the Son of Satan) never ceases to amaze me. And in this book, we see their relationship evolve and gain serious momentum (still with a dose of hilarity and sarcasm c/o Charley).
I'm so pleased that Reyes is now more open to Charley - yes, there were still secrets we discovered later on that are pretty shocking - but it was a significant leap from the Reyes who used to be as closed off as an oyster.
What I particularly love about Reyes is that he is always faithful to Charley. He never once looked at another woman, because in his words (to Charley), "Nothing and no one interests me besides you." He protects her at all costs (Charley would probably be dead by now if he doesn't have a lovesick supernatural being guarding her ass since she was a baby). But make no mistake, Charley is not a damsel in distress, she's got a lot of spunk, I tell you (it's just that she can be crazy sometimes and lures danger into herself).
It was really surprising to know that Reyes has a sweet bone in his body, and I was swooning over the moon when he told Charley, "We should date." I didn't even recognize the love-struck Reyes who said these lines:
"I want you, Dutch, body and soul. I want you in my bed every night. I want you there when I wake up in the morning. I want your clothes strung across my apartment and your scent on my skin."
Now, I know it's not that romantic and maybe he could have inserted more poetic words in it for our liking, but if you were reading this series since book 1, then you know that those lines were rich coming from Reyes. Heck, to me, it's equivalent to a marriage proposal already, and if I were Charley, I would have been jumping up and down while shouting "Yes!" like a mad woman.
It's also funny to see these two confident supernatural beings feel a spark of jealousy: Reyes getting jealous over Garrett and Donovan (and he would have broken their spines and killed them already if not for Charley) and Charley getting jealous over the other women swarming Reyes like flies (and while Reyes is well aware of his effect on these women, he all but ignores them, because he only has her eyes on Charley).
So there, you've met my favorite couple. An odd pair, yes, but they match perfectly, and they are the main reason why I love this series (other than the fact that Charley and her sarcastic lines are my ultimate happy pill).
If you haven't read this series, and if you have a dry sense of humor like I do and don't mind a story about grim reaper, son of Satan, dead people (lots of them, some may even be naked), demons, and solving murder mysteries, then you should give this series a try.
I'm on the fifth installment of this series, and I swear, I'm not exaggerating when I say that it just keeps getting better and better. When I read book 4, I thought to myself, "Oh, this book is the best in the series. Surely, nothing can top this." but then I read this one, and I was taken aback, because it was...much better.
The unconventional relationship between our female lead (Charley Davidson, a.k.a. the Grim Reaper) and our male lead (Reyes Alexander Farrow, a.k.a. the Son of Satan) never ceases to amaze me. And in this book, we see their relationship evolve and gain serious momentum (still with a dose of hilarity and sarcasm c/o Charley).
I'm so pleased that Reyes is now more open to Charley - yes, there were still secrets we discovered later on that are pretty shocking - but it was a significant leap from the Reyes who used to be as closed off as an oyster.
What I particularly love about Reyes is that he is always faithful to Charley. He never once looked at another woman, because in his words (to Charley), "Nothing and no one interests me besides you." He protects her at all costs (Charley would probably be dead by now if he doesn't have a lovesick supernatural being guarding her ass since she was a baby). But make no mistake, Charley is not a damsel in distress, she's got a lot of spunk, I tell you (it's just that she can be crazy sometimes and lures danger into herself).
It was really surprising to know that Reyes has a sweet bone in his body, and I was swooning over the moon when he told Charley, "We should date." I didn't even recognize the love-struck Reyes who said these lines:
"I want you, Dutch, body and soul. I want you in my bed every night. I want you there when I wake up in the morning. I want your clothes strung across my apartment and your scent on my skin."
Now, I know it's not that romantic and maybe he could have inserted more poetic words in it for our liking, but if you were reading this series since book 1, then you know that those lines were rich coming from Reyes. Heck, to me, it's equivalent to a marriage proposal already, and if I were Charley, I would have been jumping up and down while shouting "Yes!" like a mad woman.
It's also funny to see these two confident supernatural beings feel a spark of jealousy: Reyes getting jealous over Garrett and Donovan (and he would have broken their spines and killed them already if not for Charley) and Charley getting jealous over the other women swarming Reyes like flies (and while Reyes is well aware of his effect on these women, he all but ignores them, because he only has her eyes on Charley).
So there, you've met my favorite couple. An odd pair, yes, but they match perfectly, and they are the main reason why I love this series (other than the fact that Charley and her sarcastic lines are my ultimate happy pill).
If you haven't read this series, and if you have a dry sense of humor like I do and don't mind a story about grim reaper, son of Satan, dead people (lots of them, some may even be naked), demons, and solving murder mysteries, then you should give this series a try.
February 7, 2023
Holy Moly! Best one so far.
Book 5, Charley's main case is solving a possible 20 year serial killer case. A lot of dead women ages 7 and up, all with the same M.O., showed up in her apartment at the same time. Based off clothing, she can tell they died in different year spans.
Some side cases involve Charley investigating a cheating spouse, and she is still searching for the arsonist from book 4. This time she has as an inkling who the arsonist is and turning that person in could be tricky. No matter how small a case is, they do seem to have a big impact in the story. Just a hint, I was biting my nails by the end of the book because of one of these smaller cases.
A new side character was introduced in book 4. I wasn't sure he would continue on and I'm happy to say he made an appearance in this book as well. Quinton is the deaf boy who was possessed by a demon to get to Charley in the previous book. After freeing him from that possession, what we learn about him just makes you fall in love with him and I love that he is continuing on with the series.
A new side character was introduced and her story is fascinating. I think she is going to add a lot to this series depending on if the author really utilizes her special talent. I'm hoping she does.
We got a few more pieces to the puzzle that is Charley. Some new abilities and more to her and Reyes story. We finally got to see some real movement to their relationship. Fingers crossed it keeps heading the way it is. A prediction was revealed that has me truly nervous.
I'm absolutely loving this series. it's highly entertaining with some great side characters. Charley is so funny and her interactions with Cookie really had me laughing in this book. On to book six!
OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION: Heroine, Charley Davidson, Private Investigator and Grim Reaper. She's a portal for the dead to pass through to heaven. Hero, Reyes Alexander Farrow, Son of Satan and portal to Hell. Since Charley can see and talk to the dead, she has helped her former cop father and current cop uncle solve cases. The main focus in each book are the cases Charley solves with the help of her best friend Cookie, her uncle and the dead victims. The side focus is the romance between Charley and Reyes and the impending war with the demons that is predicted.
Book 5, Charley's main case is solving a possible 20 year serial killer case. A lot of dead women ages 7 and up, all with the same M.O., showed up in her apartment at the same time. Based off clothing, she can tell they died in different year spans.
Some side cases involve Charley investigating a cheating spouse, and she is still searching for the arsonist from book 4. This time she has as an inkling who the arsonist is and turning that person in could be tricky. No matter how small a case is, they do seem to have a big impact in the story. Just a hint, I was biting my nails by the end of the book because of one of these smaller cases.
A new side character was introduced in book 4. I wasn't sure he would continue on and I'm happy to say he made an appearance in this book as well. Quinton is the deaf boy who was possessed by a demon to get to Charley in the previous book. After freeing him from that possession, what we learn about him just makes you fall in love with him and I love that he is continuing on with the series.
A new side character was introduced and her story is fascinating. I think she is going to add a lot to this series depending on if the author really utilizes her special talent. I'm hoping she does.
We got a few more pieces to the puzzle that is Charley. Some new abilities and more to her and Reyes story. We finally got to see some real movement to their relationship. Fingers crossed it keeps heading the way it is. A prediction was revealed that has me truly nervous.
I'm absolutely loving this series. it's highly entertaining with some great side characters. Charley is so funny and her interactions with Cookie really had me laughing in this book. On to book six!
OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION: Heroine, Charley Davidson, Private Investigator and Grim Reaper. She's a portal for the dead to pass through to heaven. Hero, Reyes Alexander Farrow, Son of Satan and portal to Hell. Since Charley can see and talk to the dead, she has helped her former cop father and current cop uncle solve cases. The main focus in each book are the cases Charley solves with the help of her best friend Cookie, her uncle and the dead victims. The side focus is the romance between Charley and Reyes and the impending war with the demons that is predicted.
November 4, 2018
3.5 stars, really....
I love the tone of the books! I love Charley! I love the concept!!! I hate how shallow the love interest is!!! As a good GR friend of mine says, Charley is fangirling on Reyes at all times, he wants to posses her, f*%k her, and leach her out of any self-confidence and respect, does not help any of Charley's causes, takes decisions that concern her unilaterally, pressures her into whatever he wants, and we are still supposed to believe that HE is a GREAT GUY???? It just does not work! Charley is waaaaaaayyyy to good for him and out of his league! He might be the sexiest dude alive, but if this makes this relationship work, it would be the shallowest relationship out there and does the wonderful series a disservice... If we are to believe in their togetherness, something has to evolve in his character...
In defense of the series, us readers get that emotional involved only when the story and the world it represents have become part of us and we become taking everything personally. I believe that this emotional involvement of the readers leads to some of the lower star ratings - you stop looking at how amazing the writing and the world-building is, because you take this for granted - after all, it is why you keep reading the darn things, you are already in love with them. But what becomes a factor is the emotions that the character's actions and decisions bring and we react to how we would have liked things to go on instead of where the writer has derided to take us. We have a steak, albeit only emotional, in what happens from here on, and when we want to scream: "Charley, get the hell out of his room!!!!" and she does not, we are so immersed in the story, we forget we are not writing it - the author has an agenda and is following it, weather we like the tactics or not...
Saying all that, I think I will trust Darynda Jones to not mislead us and will leave the rains to her, thus looking foreword to the next installment!!!
I love the tone of the books! I love Charley! I love the concept!!! I hate how shallow the love interest is!!! As a good GR friend of mine says, Charley is fangirling on Reyes at all times, he wants to posses her, f*%k her, and leach her out of any self-confidence and respect, does not help any of Charley's causes, takes decisions that concern her unilaterally, pressures her into whatever he wants, and we are still supposed to believe that HE is a GREAT GUY???? It just does not work! Charley is waaaaaaayyyy to good for him and out of his league! He might be the sexiest dude alive, but if this makes this relationship work, it would be the shallowest relationship out there and does the wonderful series a disservice... If we are to believe in their togetherness, something has to evolve in his character...
In defense of the series, us readers get that emotional involved only when the story and the world it represents have become part of us and we become taking everything personally. I believe that this emotional involvement of the readers leads to some of the lower star ratings - you stop looking at how amazing the writing and the world-building is, because you take this for granted - after all, it is why you keep reading the darn things, you are already in love with them. But what becomes a factor is the emotions that the character's actions and decisions bring and we react to how we would have liked things to go on instead of where the writer has derided to take us. We have a steak, albeit only emotional, in what happens from here on, and when we want to scream: "Charley, get the hell out of his room!!!!" and she does not, we are so immersed in the story, we forget we are not writing it - the author has an agenda and is following it, weather we like the tactics or not...
Saying all that, I think I will trust Darynda Jones to not mislead us and will leave the rains to her, thus looking foreword to the next installment!!!
May 11, 2020
I'm really starting to notice just how much this action-filled mystery/UF has become an eros-fest. Not that it's TOO much out of place, considering just how much regular, plain geekiness shines on the pages from this, my hometown Albuquerque.
So I've got a big handful of steamy sexiness on one hand and a huge-ass spicy burrito on the other. Sometimes it's REALLY hard to choose. Trust me. Give me Christmas or give me death.
Fortunately, our favorite Grim Reaper is surrounded by both Christmas and Death and an extra-whopping serving of Reyes. I think that's satisfying most folks reading this series. Seriously. But, me? I'm still in it for the supernatural (with an actual reference to Supernatural), the geekiness, and the cool mysteries.
So I've got a big handful of steamy sexiness on one hand and a huge-ass spicy burrito on the other. Sometimes it's REALLY hard to choose. Trust me. Give me Christmas or give me death.
Fortunately, our favorite Grim Reaper is surrounded by both Christmas and Death and an extra-whopping serving of Reyes. I think that's satisfying most folks reading this series. Seriously. But, me? I'm still in it for the supernatural (with an actual reference to Supernatural), the geekiness, and the cool mysteries.
June 21, 2014
Yaaaayyy!! I hope there are TONS of this series, it's just so GOOD!!! As long as Charley & Reyes end up together & have a bunch of babies I'll be a happy camper!
UPDATE!!
EEEEEPPPPPPPP!!!! I may have to curse in order to express my emotions for this one. I FUCKING LOVED THIS BOOK!!! This is probably my favorite in the series just because of the progression in Charley's & Reyes' relationship. They are so fucking adorable together I can't handle it. I get giddy & giggle, smiling like a loon. Reyes is incredibly sexy. As always. That's why he's my favorite book BF. Between he & Zsadist from BDB, I swear my panties melt right off. I wish I could see a real life Reyes, but I even have trouble picturing him sometimes since his sexy is so off the charts. I feel like anything I see or imagine is not sufficiently hot/sexy enough to do him justice. The closest I can picture is Paul Marron in the one picture that he's in brown briefs. (I'm on the Goodreads app & don't know how to post pictures through here) [image error] . Oh Reyes....::sigh:: Charley is just so awesome I can definitely imagine being friends with her. OH, & she quoted the fricking Sandlot!!!!! Can't get any cooler than that in my book. "You're killing me, Smalls!" Aaahhhh ❤❤❤❤ The scene towards the end with Charley & that whole situation (dont want to give anything away) had me sobbing. However, I liked seeing that softer, vulnerable side of Charley that came afterwards though. She always seems do tough, that it rounded it her character even better. Cookie & Ubie, can that happen sooner rather than later please?! We get introduced to some new characters, woo hoo. I don't want to go in to too much detail because I don't want to give anything away, but good cases to solve. She investigated & worked but it didn't overwhelm the story & we get to focus on the more personal aspects. All I can say is to read this book. READ IT! NOW! The way this book ends just made me so excited.
Dear Darynda Jones,
I know I said it on your FB page, but I have to say it again here. I LOVE YOU!!
UPDATE!!
EEEEEPPPPPPPP!!!! I may have to curse in order to express my emotions for this one. I FUCKING LOVED THIS BOOK!!! This is probably my favorite in the series just because of the progression in Charley's & Reyes' relationship. They are so fucking adorable together I can't handle it. I get giddy & giggle, smiling like a loon. Reyes is incredibly sexy. As always. That's why he's my favorite book BF. Between he & Zsadist from BDB, I swear my panties melt right off. I wish I could see a real life Reyes, but I even have trouble picturing him sometimes since his sexy is so off the charts. I feel like anything I see or imagine is not sufficiently hot/sexy enough to do him justice. The closest I can picture is Paul Marron in the one picture that he's in brown briefs. (I'm on the Goodreads app & don't know how to post pictures through here) [image error] . Oh Reyes....::sigh:: Charley is just so awesome I can definitely imagine being friends with her. OH, & she quoted the fricking Sandlot!!!!! Can't get any cooler than that in my book. "You're killing me, Smalls!" Aaahhhh ❤❤❤❤ The scene towards the end with Charley & that whole situation (dont want to give anything away) had me sobbing. However, I liked seeing that softer, vulnerable side of Charley that came afterwards though. She always seems do tough, that it rounded it her character even better. Cookie & Ubie, can that happen sooner rather than later please?! We get introduced to some new characters, woo hoo. I don't want to go in to too much detail because I don't want to give anything away, but good cases to solve. She investigated & worked but it didn't overwhelm the story & we get to focus on the more personal aspects. All I can say is to read this book. READ IT! NOW! The way this book ends just made me so excited.
Dear Darynda Jones,
I know I said it on your FB page, but I have to say it again here. I LOVE YOU!!
May 4, 2019
I think this was my favourite so far!
It starts off a little slow, but when it picks up it gets really exciting!!!
It starts off a little slow, but when it picks up it gets really exciting!!!
September 9, 2021
Halloween Bingo 2021
3.5 stars?
Once again, I am shirking my reading responsibilities and having silly fun with Charley Davidson. I may have to throw a library book or two back unread, but I had to follow my bliss in this case. It seems that each year I can find a way to read another Darynda Jones book for Bingo.
Jones keeps Charley's life pretty frantic. This outing, she ends up with the ghosts of 27 victims of a serial killer inhabiting her apartment—a definite impetus to discover the man responsible. Add to that a fire arms course for Cookie, an angry philanderer, a strong suspicion about an arsonist, a wary chief of police who would like to know how she solves so many crimes, and the fact that Reyes, the man who sets her panties on fire, is now the cook at her father's restaurant. Among other things. All done while cracking wise at every opportunity.
Truth be told, I like all the action very much and I like Charley's role as a grim reaper, but the amount of joking around sometimes gets on my nerves. But I keep coming back for another book, so it can't be too bad.
3.5 stars?
Once again, I am shirking my reading responsibilities and having silly fun with Charley Davidson. I may have to throw a library book or two back unread, but I had to follow my bliss in this case. It seems that each year I can find a way to read another Darynda Jones book for Bingo.
Jones keeps Charley's life pretty frantic. This outing, she ends up with the ghosts of 27 victims of a serial killer inhabiting her apartment—a definite impetus to discover the man responsible. Add to that a fire arms course for Cookie, an angry philanderer, a strong suspicion about an arsonist, a wary chief of police who would like to know how she solves so many crimes, and the fact that Reyes, the man who sets her panties on fire, is now the cook at her father's restaurant. Among other things. All done while cracking wise at every opportunity.
Truth be told, I like all the action very much and I like Charley's role as a grim reaper, but the amount of joking around sometimes gets on my nerves. But I keep coming back for another book, so it can't be too bad.
July 17, 2013
I FINALLY got around to reading this .... all I have to say is ... HOLY EFFING HELL!!!!! My favorite one so far!!!!
He asked her to marry him! He frickin asked her to marry him!!!!!!! Gah!!! Now I gotta wait for the next one... Really?!?!? My only complaint is that the book wasn't long enough.... I need Sixth Grave like NOW....
I was also doin a lot of this throughout the book... ESPECIALLY during the end!!
He asked her to marry him! He frickin asked her to marry him!!!!!!! Gah!!! Now I gotta wait for the next one... Really?!?!? My only complaint is that the book wasn't long enough.... I need Sixth Grave like NOW....
I was also doin a lot of this throughout the book... ESPECIALLY during the end!!
Want to read
December 14, 2013And now I need to wait 7 months and 28 days until the next installment. 240 days. 5760 hours. 20736000 seconds.
Not that I am counting or anything but that is totes BULLSHIT!
Not that I am counting or anything but that is totes BULLSHIT!
November 17, 2018
Okay. Feeling a bit back on track with this series now. I think this was honestly my favourite so far. We got a lot of new information, we had a really great Murder of the Week mystery, and the romance didn't manage to annoy me. Win!
While I do sorta have an issue with the stunning amount of trouble Charley gets herself into -- shot and stabbed and abducted and etc etc -- Jones did actually weave some of that into the narrative to make it kind of tongue in cheek.. only to literally pull the rug out from under her character and mess her the hell up again anyway. And, to be fair, it's been a running theme in the series and why certain characters have tried to steer Charley into a different line of work, so.
While this protagonist is still super OTT and sometimes not funny at all (infact despite the fact that I normally love lady besties in books I do feel like Cookie is half of the problem..), sometimes she is and if nothing else she's unique and totally memorable. At this point I'm just excited to see more of this story head towards the inevitable endgame. There is definite special snowflake syndrome here but it's not in a way that's remotely rehashed by anything I've read before so I'm giving it a pass. At least for now..
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
While I do sorta have an issue with the stunning amount of trouble Charley gets herself into -- shot and stabbed and abducted and etc etc -- Jones did actually weave some of that into the narrative to make it kind of tongue in cheek.. only to literally pull the rug out from under her character and mess her the hell up again anyway. And, to be fair, it's been a running theme in the series and why certain characters have tried to steer Charley into a different line of work, so.
While this protagonist is still super OTT and sometimes not funny at all (infact despite the fact that I normally love lady besties in books I do feel like Cookie is half of the problem..), sometimes she is and if nothing else she's unique and totally memorable. At this point I'm just excited to see more of this story head towards the inevitable endgame. There is definite special snowflake syndrome here but it's not in a way that's remotely rehashed by anything I've read before so I'm giving it a pass. At least for now..
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
August 18, 2021
I hadn't read this series for a long time and I wasn't sure if I would still like it and remember what it was about. But I was unnecessarily worried.
As a rule, I don't like funny books. I just rarely find them amusing, and most often they irritate me. This is one of the exceptions. I admit that this series balances on a very fine line between what amuses me and what makes me roll my eyes. But so far, most of the time, it has managed to stay within this boundary.
Charley is a heroine that is impossible not to like. For some reason I don't understand myself, I forgive her everything I don't usually like about other characters. Like the reaction to Reyes, for example, this absurd attraction to him. And her specific sense of humor. Much of this is because she is a really strong heroine and always has her heart on the right side. And of course who she is makes her so unique and fascinating.
The case Charley was working on was also very interesting, if a little macabre. I like the fast pace so I really enjoyed the last few chapters where the whole thing is starting to get resolved. I also appreciate the twists that the author came up with. However, I warn all those who are particularly sensitive to violence against women that this is not a story for them. There are quite drastic descriptions towards the end of the book.
I also really like the direction Reyes and Charley's relationship is taking. I like what the author does with it.
I don't know why I haven't read this series for so long, but I will no doubt continue it.
As a rule, I don't like funny books. I just rarely find them amusing, and most often they irritate me. This is one of the exceptions. I admit that this series balances on a very fine line between what amuses me and what makes me roll my eyes. But so far, most of the time, it has managed to stay within this boundary.
Charley is a heroine that is impossible not to like. For some reason I don't understand myself, I forgive her everything I don't usually like about other characters. Like the reaction to Reyes, for example, this absurd attraction to him. And her specific sense of humor. Much of this is because she is a really strong heroine and always has her heart on the right side. And of course who she is makes her so unique and fascinating.
The case Charley was working on was also very interesting, if a little macabre. I like the fast pace so I really enjoyed the last few chapters where the whole thing is starting to get resolved. I also appreciate the twists that the author came up with. However, I warn all those who are particularly sensitive to violence against women that this is not a story for them. There are quite drastic descriptions towards the end of the book.
I also really like the direction Reyes and Charley's relationship is taking. I like what the author does with it.
I don't know why I haven't read this series for so long, but I will no doubt continue it.
Want to read
February 21, 2013I've recently discovered this series and I'm so glad I got to read the four books in a row because, as much as I enjoy them, the snail pace at witch the story arc is developing is maddening.
From the blurb, it looks like the Reyes/Charley relationship is finally getting somewhere. I hope this will be accompanied by more focus on Charley's powers and her discovering what they actually are. Less tell, more show, please !
Oh, and on a totally shallow note, here is my fan-casting if this is ever made into a movie:
Reyes (Tyler Hoechlin)
Charley (Kate Mara)
From the blurb, it looks like the Reyes/Charley relationship is finally getting somewhere. I hope this will be accompanied by more focus on Charley's powers and her discovering what they actually are. Less tell, more show, please !
Oh, and on a totally shallow note, here is my fan-casting if this is ever made into a movie:
Reyes (Tyler Hoechlin)
Charley (Kate Mara)
July 12, 2013
Review.. Soon!
July 14, 2013
He handed me a glass of red wine. Another nicety I hadn’t expected.
“A toast?” he asked, raising his glass.
“What are we toasting?” I clinked our glasses together, then brought mine to my lips.
“The fact that a girl I know named Charley survived another day.”
I'll drink to that too. But before I do, I want to share my feelings with the world...
The number you have called if currently unavailable because the owner is lying dead on the floor due to too much fangirling and crying and generally going crazy over this awesome book. Please try again when the next book is published, because until then she will remain in this state...
Yup, that about covers it... HOLY BANANAS, I don't know how she does it, but Darynda Jones keeps blowing my mind, rocking my world, and reducing me to a begging-for-the-sequel kind of girl. Not that I mind of course *grins*
And what's best? The series keep getting better and better! You know that sometimes a series starts out great and then as more books get published the series slowly dies? Well, I can assure you that this series is that polar opposite of that. Every single thing about this book was amazing and like I said, this gives a new definition to the word "awesome".~
Well, by now, we all know Charley. Strong, independant, sassy as they come, awesome as a person (well, actually, a grim reaper) can be and the best detective in town! She is smart, she is loyal, but above all, she is real. What I absolutely LOVE about Charley is that she is not one of those badass girls that feel no fear and feel no pain and can do no wrong. *yawns sarcastically* She is a person, and even though she has those extraordinairy powers, she can be broken, she does feel pain and lonliness and fear and yet, she must be one of the strongest characters I've ever know.
That's how things are and she is not afraid to admit it or to ask for help. She is who she is, she is proud of it and she is ready to face any challenges. Well, along with a healthy dose of sarcasm and sass that is :D
It would take a miracle to solve this case. Luckily, I believed in miracles. No, wait, that was testicles. I believed in testicles.
We were so screwed.
And sometimes it's like you push a button and BOOM!
It's hilarious to witness and it makes my day every single time. Oh and let's not forget her hating everything that has to do with early mornings and absence of coffee makes her a kindred spirit :D
I’m not 100 percent certain, but I think my cup of coffee just said, “You’re my bitch.”
—STATUS UPDATE
Never underestimate the power of a woman on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high.
—T-SHIRT.
Enter Reyes, aka Son of Satan, aka sex on a stick. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that I wanted to lick a (book) guy's abs that bad in a loooooong time :D Damn that boy is hot, he has qualities *ahem* and he knows how to use them *ahem x2*
A huge smile spread across his face. “True enough. So what’s eating you? Because, sadly, it’s not me.”
“Keep up, mister, or before you know it, life will pass —” I squeaked when he stepped inside and drew me against his chest – the airbrushed one – then bent
down to nibble on my neck. An electric current shot down my spine before I came to my senses. “Hey, wait,” I said, pulling back, “you are the son of Satan. Maybe we need a safe word.”
His grin morphed into something wickedly charming. “Okay, how about, ‘Oh, my god, it’s so big.’ ”
And yet, he is so... so... so infuriating! My God, sometimes I wanted to crawl inside the pages of the book, grab him by the collar and slap some sense into him... or kiss some sense into him... or... ughhh, okay, back to the review now... I understood where he stood (huh, that sounds weird if you read it outloud), but still!
But then, he has those moments and says those things that make you go all make you go all gooey inside and you just can't be agry anymore... All you want to do is grab his face and kiss him until both of you are blue in the face!
“Oh, my god, I don’t know. What do you want?”
“You,” he said, his voice lowering an octave. “I want you, Dutch, body and soul. I want you in my bed every night. I want you there when I wake up in the morning. I want your clothes strung across my apartment and your scent on my skin.”
I also love (as usual of course) all the characters that are involved in the story. Ubie and Cookie are amazing, Amber and that mini-hot guy Quentin, everyone is just so damn amazing! And while reading the book, you get that warm feeling of belonging, because in a way, you belong to their family for just a little while. And trust me, it's one of the most amazing feelings in the world!
And lets not forget the cases that Charley is solving while dealing with everything and everyone. Each one has its own little story and its own little magic, and it's like you live in different worlds at the same time: the read world and the magical world of Charley! Plus, I think they caused me a heart attack once or twice... And that last case... I didn't know whether to be scared or start crying... That was when I really got how stong Charley really is, and at that moment I really admired her. Because she was really extraordinairy...
But, in order to lighten the mood a little bit, lets all remember all those times (yes, I've lost count by now) when Charley says something so freaking awkward and embarassing that even the reader wants to crawl under a rock and then die...
He drew in a deep breath and tried again. “H-he only hits on women who are more s-substantial than you.”
Oh, that wasn’t offensive at all. “I have depth. I’ve read Proust. No, wait, that was Pooh. Winniethe- Pooh. My bad.”
Several patrons dived behind the bar while a couple of the offduty cops tackled Tidwell and Cookie to the ground. Tidwell would not be a happy camper. Cookie would enjoy every moment of being groped by a hot cop. She was such a hussy.
“I don’t know. You just seem different now. Distant. Like you have PTSD.”
I knew from where I spoke. My TSD got P’d when I was tortured by a monster named Earl.
I don't even know how the author comes up with those lines... :D:D
And finaly (yes, I'm getting there!), the final scene... I think I am still in denial... DID THAT REALLY JUST HAPPEN! Because if it did, I think I might just die of joy. It's just too much to handle...
And as much as I'd love for that to actually happen, I just can't see it! I mean there's just too much... and then those two... but everyone else... Jesus, that's it, I need that next book pronto!!
So, all in all, I give it a 6 stars out of 5, and I can now officially annunce that this series is my new drug :D
*****
“Oh,” Cookie said, caught off guard, “I’ll take a whiskey sour.”
Teri winked and began practicing her magic.
“A whiskey sour?” I asked Cook.
Cookie stared ahead as though standing before a firing squad. “Liquid courage,” she said. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
“That’s what they said about nuclear energy on Three Mile Island.”
She cast me a horrified look.
Several patrons dived behind the bar while a couple of the offduty cops tackled Tidwell and Cookie to the ground. Tidwell would not be a happy camper. Cookie would enjoy every moment of being groped by a hot cop. She was such a hussy.
I closed my eyes, tried to stop the flood of lust that rushed between my legs. Our relationship was a lot like underwear in a dryer without a static control sheet. One minute we were floating through life, buoyant and carefree. The next we were attached at the crotch.
I exited the app before he could finish his sentence. It seemed wrong to cut him off prematurely, but I could take only so much heavy breathing before inappropriate thoughts involving whipped cream and a Ping-Pong paddle crept into my mind.
His gaze darted toward me. “Escape is impossible. You know, in case you’re planning a trip.”
Odd thing was, he seemed serious. Like a trip to the underbelly of the supernatural world was within the realm of possible vacation spots.
“I’m not. I thought I might write an article. Or a book. I’ve always wanted a Pulitzer. Or I could get really lucky and score a Nobel Peace Prize. I’d kill for a Nobel Peace Prize.”
My phone pinged. It was a text from Cookie.
I’m not that good at cocking guns.
Really? Did she not know me at all?
I texted her back.
You can do this. Learn the cock, Cookie.
Know the cock.
Be the cock.
Exasperated, I nudged him out the door and closed it. Freaking men. It didn’t matter what the problem was, they saw only three solutions to it: food, sex, war.
*****
Ask me about life after death.
—T-SHIRT OFTEN SEEN ON CHARLEY DAVIDSON, A GRIM REAPER OF QUESTIONABLE MORALS
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
—T-SHIRT
667: The neighbor of the beast.
—BUMPER STICKER
I am currently unsupervised. It freaks me out, too, but the possibilities are endless.
—T-SHIRT
It’s all fun and games until someone loses a testicle.
—T-SHIRT
Whoever is in charge of making sure I don’t do stupid shit is fired.
—T-SHIRT
My goal in life is to have a psychiatric disorder named after me.
—T-SHIRT
Life is short. Buy the shoes.
—INSPIRATIONAL POSTER
If it weren’t for physics and law enforcement, I’d be unstoppable.
—T-SHIRT
If god is watching us, the least we can do is be entertaining.
—BUMPER STICKER
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us
—T-SHIRT
“A toast?” he asked, raising his glass.
“What are we toasting?” I clinked our glasses together, then brought mine to my lips.
“The fact that a girl I know named Charley survived another day.”
I'll drink to that too. But before I do, I want to share my feelings with the world...
The number you have called if currently unavailable because the owner is lying dead on the floor due to too much fangirling and crying and generally going crazy over this awesome book. Please try again when the next book is published, because until then she will remain in this state...
Yup, that about covers it... HOLY BANANAS, I don't know how she does it, but Darynda Jones keeps blowing my mind, rocking my world, and reducing me to a begging-for-the-sequel kind of girl. Not that I mind of course *grins*
And what's best? The series keep getting better and better! You know that sometimes a series starts out great and then as more books get published the series slowly dies? Well, I can assure you that this series is that polar opposite of that. Every single thing about this book was amazing and like I said, this gives a new definition to the word "awesome".~
Well, by now, we all know Charley. Strong, independant, sassy as they come, awesome as a person (well, actually, a grim reaper) can be and the best detective in town! She is smart, she is loyal, but above all, she is real. What I absolutely LOVE about Charley is that she is not one of those badass girls that feel no fear and feel no pain and can do no wrong. *yawns sarcastically* She is a person, and even though she has those extraordinairy powers, she can be broken, she does feel pain and lonliness and fear and yet, she must be one of the strongest characters I've ever know.
That's how things are and she is not afraid to admit it or to ask for help. She is who she is, she is proud of it and she is ready to face any challenges. Well, along with a healthy dose of sarcasm and sass that is :D
It would take a miracle to solve this case. Luckily, I believed in miracles. No, wait, that was testicles. I believed in testicles.
We were so screwed.
And sometimes it's like you push a button and BOOM!
It's hilarious to witness and it makes my day every single time. Oh and let's not forget her hating everything that has to do with early mornings and absence of coffee makes her a kindred spirit :D
I’m not 100 percent certain, but I think my cup of coffee just said, “You’re my bitch.”
—STATUS UPDATE
Never underestimate the power of a woman on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high.
—T-SHIRT.
Enter Reyes, aka Son of Satan, aka sex on a stick. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that I wanted to lick a (book) guy's abs that bad in a loooooong time :D Damn that boy is hot, he has qualities *ahem* and he knows how to use them *ahem x2*
A huge smile spread across his face. “True enough. So what’s eating you? Because, sadly, it’s not me.”
“Keep up, mister, or before you know it, life will pass —” I squeaked when he stepped inside and drew me against his chest – the airbrushed one – then bent
down to nibble on my neck. An electric current shot down my spine before I came to my senses. “Hey, wait,” I said, pulling back, “you are the son of Satan. Maybe we need a safe word.”
His grin morphed into something wickedly charming. “Okay, how about, ‘Oh, my god, it’s so big.’ ”
And yet, he is so... so... so infuriating! My God, sometimes I wanted to crawl inside the pages of the book, grab him by the collar and slap some sense into him... or kiss some sense into him... or... ughhh, okay, back to the review now... I understood where he stood (huh, that sounds weird if you read it outloud), but still!
But then, he has those moments and says those things that make you go all make you go all gooey inside and you just can't be agry anymore... All you want to do is grab his face and kiss him until both of you are blue in the face!
“Oh, my god, I don’t know. What do you want?”
“You,” he said, his voice lowering an octave. “I want you, Dutch, body and soul. I want you in my bed every night. I want you there when I wake up in the morning. I want your clothes strung across my apartment and your scent on my skin.”
I also love (as usual of course) all the characters that are involved in the story. Ubie and Cookie are amazing, Amber and that mini-hot guy Quentin, everyone is just so damn amazing! And while reading the book, you get that warm feeling of belonging, because in a way, you belong to their family for just a little while. And trust me, it's one of the most amazing feelings in the world!
And lets not forget the cases that Charley is solving while dealing with everything and everyone. Each one has its own little story and its own little magic, and it's like you live in different worlds at the same time: the read world and the magical world of Charley! Plus, I think they caused me a heart attack once or twice... And that last case... I didn't know whether to be scared or start crying... That was when I really got how stong Charley really is, and at that moment I really admired her. Because she was really extraordinairy...
But, in order to lighten the mood a little bit, lets all remember all those times (yes, I've lost count by now) when Charley says something so freaking awkward and embarassing that even the reader wants to crawl under a rock and then die...
He drew in a deep breath and tried again. “H-he only hits on women who are more s-substantial than you.”
Oh, that wasn’t offensive at all. “I have depth. I’ve read Proust. No, wait, that was Pooh. Winniethe- Pooh. My bad.”
Several patrons dived behind the bar while a couple of the offduty cops tackled Tidwell and Cookie to the ground. Tidwell would not be a happy camper. Cookie would enjoy every moment of being groped by a hot cop. She was such a hussy.
“I don’t know. You just seem different now. Distant. Like you have PTSD.”
I knew from where I spoke. My TSD got P’d when I was tortured by a monster named Earl.
I don't even know how the author comes up with those lines... :D:D
And finaly (yes, I'm getting there!), the final scene... I think I am still in denial... DID THAT REALLY JUST HAPPEN! Because if it did, I think I might just die of joy. It's just too much to handle...
And as much as I'd love for that to actually happen, I just can't see it! I mean there's just too much... and then those two... but everyone else... Jesus, that's it, I need that next book pronto!!
So, all in all, I give it a 6 stars out of 5, and I can now officially annunce that this series is my new drug :D
*****
“Oh,” Cookie said, caught off guard, “I’ll take a whiskey sour.”
Teri winked and began practicing her magic.
“A whiskey sour?” I asked Cook.
Cookie stared ahead as though standing before a firing squad. “Liquid courage,” she said. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
“That’s what they said about nuclear energy on Three Mile Island.”
She cast me a horrified look.
Several patrons dived behind the bar while a couple of the offduty cops tackled Tidwell and Cookie to the ground. Tidwell would not be a happy camper. Cookie would enjoy every moment of being groped by a hot cop. She was such a hussy.
I closed my eyes, tried to stop the flood of lust that rushed between my legs. Our relationship was a lot like underwear in a dryer without a static control sheet. One minute we were floating through life, buoyant and carefree. The next we were attached at the crotch.
I exited the app before he could finish his sentence. It seemed wrong to cut him off prematurely, but I could take only so much heavy breathing before inappropriate thoughts involving whipped cream and a Ping-Pong paddle crept into my mind.
His gaze darted toward me. “Escape is impossible. You know, in case you’re planning a trip.”
Odd thing was, he seemed serious. Like a trip to the underbelly of the supernatural world was within the realm of possible vacation spots.
“I’m not. I thought I might write an article. Or a book. I’ve always wanted a Pulitzer. Or I could get really lucky and score a Nobel Peace Prize. I’d kill for a Nobel Peace Prize.”
My phone pinged. It was a text from Cookie.
I’m not that good at cocking guns.
Really? Did she not know me at all?
I texted her back.
You can do this. Learn the cock, Cookie.
Know the cock.
Be the cock.
Exasperated, I nudged him out the door and closed it. Freaking men. It didn’t matter what the problem was, they saw only three solutions to it: food, sex, war.
*****
Ask me about life after death.
—T-SHIRT OFTEN SEEN ON CHARLEY DAVIDSON, A GRIM REAPER OF QUESTIONABLE MORALS
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
—T-SHIRT
667: The neighbor of the beast.
—BUMPER STICKER
I am currently unsupervised. It freaks me out, too, but the possibilities are endless.
—T-SHIRT
It’s all fun and games until someone loses a testicle.
—T-SHIRT
Whoever is in charge of making sure I don’t do stupid shit is fired.
—T-SHIRT
My goal in life is to have a psychiatric disorder named after me.
—T-SHIRT
Life is short. Buy the shoes.
—INSPIRATIONAL POSTER
If it weren’t for physics and law enforcement, I’d be unstoppable.
—T-SHIRT
If god is watching us, the least we can do is be entertaining.
—BUMPER STICKER
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us
—T-SHIRT
September 6, 2019
Title: Fifth Grave Past the Light (Book 5, Charley Davidson series).
Author: Darynda Jones
Published: June, 2013
Format: audiobook via www.audible.com
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Genre: Fiction, adult fiction, mystery, mystery-thriller, paranormal, fantasy, steamy-sexy scenes, adult themes/language/situations, murder mystery, crime, law enforcement, private investigator, female MC.
Read: (listened to) July 3-5, 2015
My goodreads rating: 4.5 "I'm addicted to this series" stars. (1-5 scale).
Brief remarks:
I've gotta tell y'all, I'm over the friggin' moon for this darn series!
Listening to these books has made the experience so amazing! I can't bring myself to switch and read instead; damn fine narration job by Lorelei King. She really does a kickass job being Charley to "life" (haha).
One of the biggest positives for me is how each book actually picks up RIGHT where we left off in the previous book; no huge time gaps or big changes. It is so groovy! Of course, I'm noticing this even more as I'm binge-listening to the series right now!
I really can't say enough about how much I'm enjoying this series; the characters are fabulous-developed really well; the relationships are fascinating and complex; each story is fabulously intense as well humorous at times. (I laugh to myself, though out loud, a lot.) I'm also hopelessly addicted to one Reyes...Oh Reyes. Le siiiiiigh. Lol.
I'm on a paranormal kick lately and I really like the Grim Reaper twist as well as the Satan's Son addition in this series. Simply fascinating!
Oh, I could go on and on but then I'll just end up spoiling things; I don't wanna do that. If you have this series on your list, I recommend you move it up to "very soon" status! ;)
If you have any specific questions about this novel or any of the others thus far, feel free to comment here or shoot me a message....I'd be happy to help if I can! :D
Cheers, friends!
Lisa (@NurseLisainOhio/NetGalley, Twitter, Pinterest, IG, etc....lol).
Author: Darynda Jones
Published: June, 2013
Format: audiobook via www.audible.com
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Genre: Fiction, adult fiction, mystery, mystery-thriller, paranormal, fantasy, steamy-sexy scenes, adult themes/language/situations, murder mystery, crime, law enforcement, private investigator, female MC.
Read: (listened to) July 3-5, 2015
My goodreads rating: 4.5 "I'm addicted to this series" stars. (1-5 scale).
Brief remarks:
I've gotta tell y'all, I'm over the friggin' moon for this darn series!
Listening to these books has made the experience so amazing! I can't bring myself to switch and read instead; damn fine narration job by Lorelei King. She really does a kickass job being Charley to "life" (haha).
One of the biggest positives for me is how each book actually picks up RIGHT where we left off in the previous book; no huge time gaps or big changes. It is so groovy! Of course, I'm noticing this even more as I'm binge-listening to the series right now!
I really can't say enough about how much I'm enjoying this series; the characters are fabulous-developed really well; the relationships are fascinating and complex; each story is fabulously intense as well humorous at times. (I laugh to myself, though out loud, a lot.) I'm also hopelessly addicted to one Reyes...Oh Reyes. Le siiiiiigh. Lol.
I'm on a paranormal kick lately and I really like the Grim Reaper twist as well as the Satan's Son addition in this series. Simply fascinating!
Oh, I could go on and on but then I'll just end up spoiling things; I don't wanna do that. If you have this series on your list, I recommend you move it up to "very soon" status! ;)
If you have any specific questions about this novel or any of the others thus far, feel free to comment here or shoot me a message....I'd be happy to help if I can! :D
Cheers, friends!
Lisa (@NurseLisainOhio/NetGalley, Twitter, Pinterest, IG, etc....lol).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,069 reviews