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Downside Ghosts #5.5
Close to You
The Holidays Are Hell
Churchwitch Chess Putnam has seen, and banished, her share of ghosts, but not of the Christmas Past variety—the holiday has been illegal since the Church of Real Truth defeated the undead and took control of the world in 1997.
Yet when she and her boyfriend, Terrible, make a trip to an abandoned auto junkyard, they find more than the rusted auto parts and spare tires they’d bargained for. They also run across a creepy Miss Havisham-type hell-bent on reuniting with her long-dead husband just in time for Christmas—even if it means taking Chess and Terrible down with her into the City of Eternity…
If Chess and Terrible don't manage to keep these ghosts in the past, they won't have a future…
Churchwitch Chess Putnam has seen, and banished, her share of ghosts, but not of the Christmas Past variety—the holiday has been illegal since the Church of Real Truth defeated the undead and took control of the world in 1997.
Yet when she and her boyfriend, Terrible, make a trip to an abandoned auto junkyard, they find more than the rusted auto parts and spare tires they’d bargained for. They also run across a creepy Miss Havisham-type hell-bent on reuniting with her long-dead husband just in time for Christmas—even if it means taking Chess and Terrible down with her into the City of Eternity…
If Chess and Terrible don't manage to keep these ghosts in the past, they won't have a future…
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2013
14 people are currently reading
946 people want to read
About the author
Stacia Kane
35 books2,535 followersStacia Kane is the author of the light-hearted romantic urban fantasy "Megan Chase" series starting with PERSONAL DEMONS.
She currently writes the gritty dystopian urban fantasy "Downside" series starring Chess Putnam and featuring ghosts, human sacrifice, drugs, witchcraft, punk rock, and a badass '69 Chevelle. She bleaches her hair and wears a lot of black.
She currently writes the gritty dystopian urban fantasy "Downside" series starring Chess Putnam and featuring ghosts, human sacrifice, drugs, witchcraft, punk rock, and a badass '69 Chevelle. She bleaches her hair and wears a lot of black.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 20, 2013
What a wonderful, sweet and messed up Christmas story with Chessie and Terrible.
One things for sure...I'll never think of hide and seek or one of my favorite Carpenter's song the same way again!!
But the good thing is that the magic between Chessie and Terrible is still as strong as ever. Thank Goodness!
One things for sure...I'll never think of hide and seek or one of my favorite Carpenter's song the same way again!!
But the good thing is that the magic between Chessie and Terrible is still as strong as ever. Thank Goodness!
November 24, 2013
Netgalley review
Does it get any better than Chess and Terrible? I think they are my favourite couple ever. They are stand out, one of a kind just the fricken best there is.
Close to you is just a short journey into Stacia Kane's brilliant dystopian urban fantasy series.
We get a crazy bride, a junk yard and almost like a sick and twisted Christmas horror at one point....with a twisted ghostly Santa and a Carpenters song that will stay stuck in your head for the rest of the day.. And of course we get some steamy moments where we get to be a fly on the wall with Chess and Terrible (go the mutton chops). For a short this really packed a punch for me, I always want more of this world almost immediately after finishing a book, its just an amazing series.
Have you read any of the previous? No? Then I advise you get on it!!
This world is dark and unlike anything you have ever read, and if you haven't read the previous books you are going to be a little lost reading this novella.
5 stars from me.
Does it get any better than Chess and Terrible? I think they are my favourite couple ever. They are stand out, one of a kind just the fricken best there is.
Close to you is just a short journey into Stacia Kane's brilliant dystopian urban fantasy series.
We get a crazy bride, a junk yard and almost like a sick and twisted Christmas horror at one point....with a twisted ghostly Santa and a Carpenters song that will stay stuck in your head for the rest of the day.. And of course we get some steamy moments where we get to be a fly on the wall with Chess and Terrible (go the mutton chops). For a short this really packed a punch for me, I always want more of this world almost immediately after finishing a book, its just an amazing series.
Have you read any of the previous? No? Then I advise you get on it!!
This world is dark and unlike anything you have ever read, and if you haven't read the previous books you are going to be a little lost reading this novella.
5 stars from me.
October 17, 2013
3.5 stars - Spoilers
Short story. Chess/Terrible visit a car junkyard/graveyard and meet a creepy old woman there.
This was an enjoyable little read, Chess/Terrible were as cute as ever and there was quite a bit of action… And the Mrs Havisham-esque lady, her dead husband, and her christmas obsession of sorts were quite entertaining.
I hope there'll be a new Chess book soon, because this wasn't enough to satisfy me.
Short story. Chess/Terrible visit a car junkyard/graveyard and meet a creepy old woman there.
This was an enjoyable little read, Chess/Terrible were as cute as ever and there was quite a bit of action… And the Mrs Havisham-esque lady, her dead husband, and her christmas obsession of sorts were quite entertaining.
I hope there'll be a new Chess book soon, because this wasn't enough to satisfy me.
June 22, 2017
Great short story. It was nice to read Chess and Terrible's reaction to a Christmas scene since it's illegal now. I love them together!
September 18, 2013
Chess and Terrible go out on a run to pick up some parts and find themselves trapped in a Christmas not to be forgotten.
Romantic moments, nasty ghosties, danger, fondling, kissing, blood, fear and love- it's all there is this short.
Romantic moments, nasty ghosties, danger, fondling, kissing, blood, fear and love- it's all there is this short.
November 4, 2013
Initial Thoughts: 3.0 - 3.5 stars. A very short Christmas story from the Downside Ghosts world.
I can't imagine having to listen to the Carpenter's Close to You over and over again. That is probably worse torture than having to battle a creepy old lady bent on conjuring up her ghostly husband.
The Review:
Close to You is a fairly short novella set in Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts world. The story begins rather playfully as Chess and Terrible play hide and seek in a junkyard, then in a true Downside Ghosts manner, things get spooky fast. Leave it to the pesky ghosts to ruin the fun.
It's always nice to visit with my favorite dysfunctional couple and I enjoyed watching their relationship progress. The story itself is dark and gritty and the song "Close to You" endlessly repeating adds a surreal feel to the narrative. I never would have thought such a syrupy song could be so haunting and serve as a backdrop to a ghost story.
I enjoyed this short story immensely but since I am a greedy reader, I want more Chess and Terrible. I would have loved more sexy times for them. I do appreciate snippets of their life as I patiently await the next installment of the Downside Ghosts series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a review copy of this book.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
I can't imagine having to listen to the Carpenter's Close to You over and over again. That is probably worse torture than having to battle a creepy old lady bent on conjuring up her ghostly husband.
The Review:
Close to You is a fairly short novella set in Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts world. The story begins rather playfully as Chess and Terrible play hide and seek in a junkyard, then in a true Downside Ghosts manner, things get spooky fast. Leave it to the pesky ghosts to ruin the fun.
It's always nice to visit with my favorite dysfunctional couple and I enjoyed watching their relationship progress. The story itself is dark and gritty and the song "Close to You" endlessly repeating adds a surreal feel to the narrative. I never would have thought such a syrupy song could be so haunting and serve as a backdrop to a ghost story.
I enjoyed this short story immensely but since I am a greedy reader, I want more Chess and Terrible. I would have loved more sexy times for them. I do appreciate snippets of their life as I patiently await the next installment of the Downside Ghosts series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a review copy of this book.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
September 19, 2013
That was what, 35 pages? Such a tease! Short as it was, I was happy to get a glimpse of Chess and Terrible again. Chess needs to go to rehab right now, and I need to play hide and seek with Terrible.
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Available to read on Heroes and Heartbreakers for a limited time!
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
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Available to read on Heroes and Heartbreakers for a limited time!
http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com...
November 9, 2013
Cool short story featuring Chess and Terrible. The pair have to deal with a psycho old woman and a ghost after visiting a car junkyard. My favourite part is seeing Chess and Terrible interact and the little insights into how they feel about each other. Can't wait for the next book, read this to keep you entertained until then.
October 8, 2013
4.5 stars
That was seriously so fucking creepy, and fucked up, and Stacia Kane totally ruined that song for me forever!
And I loved it :D
That was seriously so fucking creepy, and fucked up, and Stacia Kane totally ruined that song for me forever!
And I loved it :D
June 24, 2018
Short story featuring Chess and Terrible on Christmas. Super good as usual.
December 6, 2019
A different sort of Christmas tale. lol
December 16, 2013
Close To You is such an odd combination of creepy and sweet that somehow manages to really work. Chess and Terrible are hunting for auto parts in an old auto graveyard when they come face to face with a creepy/crazy old women with some decidedly macabre holiday plans of her own. At its heart, this is a holiday love story – albeit a love story with murderous ghosts, but still kind of touching in a weird way.
I’ve never read any books in the Downsides Ghosts series, although I’ve always been meaning to (who doesn’t love a tatted up, badass heroine?). I figured this short story was a great way to get a feel for it. It’s unbelievably short, so be aware (only 35 pages), but the storytelling style is so stellar that I find it’s a totally worthwhile read.
This short story is just dripping with voice and style. I love dialogue where you can tell who is talking just from their speech patterns, this is something you don’t see too often, but which it’s obvious that the writer excels in. Having never read the series before, I can tell you that this story stands on its own. Need to know information is given piecemeal along the way and I never felt lost.
I really loved Close To You; it’s short but worth it and I really recommend it. I ‘m absolutely going to have to start reading the Downside Ghosts series – this short story has just whet my appetite for more.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
I’ve never read any books in the Downsides Ghosts series, although I’ve always been meaning to (who doesn’t love a tatted up, badass heroine?). I figured this short story was a great way to get a feel for it. It’s unbelievably short, so be aware (only 35 pages), but the storytelling style is so stellar that I find it’s a totally worthwhile read.
This short story is just dripping with voice and style. I love dialogue where you can tell who is talking just from their speech patterns, this is something you don’t see too often, but which it’s obvious that the writer excels in. Having never read the series before, I can tell you that this story stands on its own. Need to know information is given piecemeal along the way and I never felt lost.
I really loved Close To You; it’s short but worth it and I really recommend it. I ‘m absolutely going to have to start reading the Downside Ghosts series – this short story has just whet my appetite for more.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
September 8, 2013
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a copy of this book at no cost from the publisher for the purpose of review.
I am a huge fan of the Downside Ghosts series. I love the world that Stacia Kane has created for Chess, Terrible and all of the other characters. Chess is deeply flawed drug user. Terrible is a great character that has been well developed within the series.
This short story is extremely well written. I did wish that it were longer but that is just because I am greedy and want to read the next book in this series now! This story takes place within a junk yard and includes both Chess and Terrible (because a short story without Terrible would not be nearly as good!). They get into some trouble with the woman who lives in the house there. I loved Kane's description of the home. I could see the filth from my own living room. Chess and Terrible work together and after some exciting moments are able to safely go home.
Even in this short piece, I could see that Chess and Terrible are both willing to sacrifice everything to protect each other. Both of these characters are quite flawed but their love for each other is very real and it feels real on the page.
I think that fans of the series will definitely enjoy this newest story even though it is probably not central to the overall plot line. It is more of a short self contained episode in their lives that we don't get to see between books.
I am a huge fan of the Downside Ghosts series. I love the world that Stacia Kane has created for Chess, Terrible and all of the other characters. Chess is deeply flawed drug user. Terrible is a great character that has been well developed within the series.
This short story is extremely well written. I did wish that it were longer but that is just because I am greedy and want to read the next book in this series now! This story takes place within a junk yard and includes both Chess and Terrible (because a short story without Terrible would not be nearly as good!). They get into some trouble with the woman who lives in the house there. I loved Kane's description of the home. I could see the filth from my own living room. Chess and Terrible work together and after some exciting moments are able to safely go home.
Even in this short piece, I could see that Chess and Terrible are both willing to sacrifice everything to protect each other. Both of these characters are quite flawed but their love for each other is very real and it feels real on the page.
I think that fans of the series will definitely enjoy this newest story even though it is probably not central to the overall plot line. It is more of a short self contained episode in their lives that we don't get to see between books.
October 8, 2013
"Hello, my name is Marsha and I am a Downside Ghost addict." I just cannot seem to get enough of the sexploits of Terrible and Chess. "Close to You" is a creepy little tale of Chess and Terrible's adventure while looking for a part for his Chevelle.
After locating the part they need in an auto graveyard, they beging hearing Karen Carpenter's song, "Close to You" eerily playing over and over in the distance. Just when they are ready to leave a creepy old lady named, Eliza, who is dressed in a tattered old bridal gown asks them to accompany her back to her house to pay for the part. Although Chess and Terrible can sense something is not right, they have no clue as to what Eliza Hudson is up to.
When Chess sees all of the outlawed Christmas decorations and Eliza comments on her husband returning to celebrate the holiday with her, she knows something bad is about to happen. This little novella was pretty creepy and perfect for the upcoming holidays. Unfortunately, it was entirely too short (about 35 pages). I don't know about anyone else but it is time for the next full story in the Downside series. I need more and I need it now!
For fans of the series, this little novella probably will not be enough to take the edge off of your obsession; however, it is certainly entertaining!
After locating the part they need in an auto graveyard, they beging hearing Karen Carpenter's song, "Close to You" eerily playing over and over in the distance. Just when they are ready to leave a creepy old lady named, Eliza, who is dressed in a tattered old bridal gown asks them to accompany her back to her house to pay for the part. Although Chess and Terrible can sense something is not right, they have no clue as to what Eliza Hudson is up to.
When Chess sees all of the outlawed Christmas decorations and Eliza comments on her husband returning to celebrate the holiday with her, she knows something bad is about to happen. This little novella was pretty creepy and perfect for the upcoming holidays. Unfortunately, it was entirely too short (about 35 pages). I don't know about anyone else but it is time for the next full story in the Downside series. I need more and I need it now!
For fans of the series, this little novella probably will not be enough to take the edge off of your obsession; however, it is certainly entertaining!
September 28, 2013
CLOSE TO YOU is a holiday themed novella set in the Downside Ghosts world. It’s not going to be your typical holiday story though. This is Downside we’re talking about. It’s far more creepier and a little sexier than you think. But that isn’t a complaint because I thoroughly enjoyed this little taste to tide us over to the next book.
Chess and Terrible (*swoon*) get caught up in a very creepy situation on Christmas Eve. Miss Havisham is a woman who loves in the extremes. She is adamant about spending time with her long dead husband for the holidays, which only seems to freak Terrible and Chess out more when she becomes combative.
At only 35 pages long, this novella seemed way too short a treat for any real character development or plot progression but nevertheless, it’s a nice taste of the holidays, Downside style.
October 9, 2013
This is an in-between-books short, Downside Ghosts No. 5.5, to be specific. It's a fun peek into Chess and her ghost-banishing skills. I think you should definitely read the rest of the series first, but if you don't mind reading between the lines, it's a fun bit of magic. Chess and Terrible (boyfriend) go to an abandoned auto junkyard and run into some trouble and a crazy wife who is willing to do anything to reunite with her dead husband.
This short has romance, steam, angry people and crazy ghosts. Fans of Chess and Terrible will have to download this and get every crumb of awesome from the two. Newbies won't understand their entire relationship (not that we fully do) but will appreciate getting to know the characters.
To see more recs check out the HEA Blog!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
This short has romance, steam, angry people and crazy ghosts. Fans of Chess and Terrible will have to download this and get every crumb of awesome from the two. Newbies won't understand their entire relationship (not that we fully do) but will appreciate getting to know the characters.
To see more recs check out the HEA Blog!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
October 12, 2013
As per norm, once it ended, i just wanted more to read!! (I'm greedy like that!)
More Chess and Terrible, please!
As usual with the Downside stories, this one was scary, filled with insane characters and a lot of gory details...and you know what i was thinking throughout the whole thing:
Aw, they're so sweet, and cute! I missed you guys!!
I'm hopeless!;)
September 21, 2013
Aww. I love Chess and Terrible. They both have issues but they complement each other so nicely.
This was a fun little peek back into the Downside world. Chess and Terrible stumble onto something unexpected and get a glance into both a forgotten tradition and an undying love. <3 it!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Close to You was a free read through Heroes and Heartbreakers on 09/20/13 and was read for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
This was a fun little peek back into the Downside world. Chess and Terrible stumble onto something unexpected and get a glance into both a forgotten tradition and an undying love. <3 it!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Close to You was a free read through Heroes and Heartbreakers on 09/20/13 and was read for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
December 12, 2013
*I received a free ARC of Close to You from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*
Very quick, and action-filled story. I love every second I can get in Chess and Terrible's company :) I just hope that ending is not foreshadowing!!
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Very quick, and action-filled story. I love every second I can get in Chess and Terrible's company :) I just hope that ending is not foreshadowing!!
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
October 13, 2013
Great Chess and Terrible novella! This one is a Christmas story and was very enjoyable. Chess and Terrible are one of my all time favorite couples and their love is so believable to be a work of fiction. Recommend this one for any Downside fan!
November 14, 2013
What a fun snippet into Chess and Terrible during the holidays... it's not what you expect and you get a little bit of Chessibomb and Terrible being in love and together. It was fantastic!
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
October 21, 2013*Recvd via NetGalley 10/21/2013 - Published: October 8th 2013 by St. Martin's Paperbacks
September 23, 2013
Weird, reading a Christmas story now, but I can never get enough Chess and Terrible!
October 16, 2013
Too short to pay $1.99 for and much less satisfying than Kane's other shorts.
October 9, 2013
I LOVE YOU STACIA KANE!!!
September 26, 2013
Wishing there was a Chapter 5 ...
December 22, 2014
Love Chess and Terrible! And this little novella was a great little read. I just wish the next book was out soon.
March 15, 2018
I couldn't get enough of the 'downside' series when it was first published, but after book 2 it started to go 'downhill' & wasn't worth the bother. What a shame.
June 11, 2020
Nice short! Makes me want to reread the other books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews