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Ramos Family Trilogy #2
Medium Rare
Rose Ramos was a reference librarian, until she inherited her grandmother’s house—and the family talent for connecting with the other side…
Moving into the lovely Victorian in San Antonio’s King William District is a dream come true for Rose—and also a nightmare. That’s the only explanation she has for the man hovering above her bed. But Skag is a ghost who’s been part of Rose’s family for generations. And now he’s all hers.
When Evan Delwin, a reporter out to debunk the city’s newest celebrity, posts an ad looking for a research assistant to investigate a famous medium making his home in San Antonio, Skag suggests that Rose apply for the job. Delving into the dark side has its own dangers for Rose—including trying to resist Delwin’s manly charms. But as the investigation draws them closer together, the deadly currents surrounding the medium threaten to destroy them all…
Moving into the lovely Victorian in San Antonio’s King William District is a dream come true for Rose—and also a nightmare. That’s the only explanation she has for the man hovering above her bed. But Skag is a ghost who’s been part of Rose’s family for generations. And now he’s all hers.
When Evan Delwin, a reporter out to debunk the city’s newest celebrity, posts an ad looking for a research assistant to investigate a famous medium making his home in San Antonio, Skag suggests that Rose apply for the job. Delving into the dark side has its own dangers for Rose—including trying to resist Delwin’s manly charms. But as the investigation draws them closer together, the deadly currents surrounding the medium threaten to destroy them all…
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2013
30 people want to read
About the author
Meg Benjamin
40 books501 followersMeg Benjamin is an award-winning author of romance. Her newest series, the Folk, is a paranormal series from Soul Mate Publishing set in Colorado. Meg’s Konigsburg series is set in the Texas Hill Country and her Salt Box and Brewing Love trilogies are set in the Colorado Rockies (all are available from Entangled Publishing). Along with contemporary romance, Meg is also the author of the paranormal Ramos Family trilogy from Berkley InterMix. Meg’s books have won numerous awards, including an EPIC Award, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Holt Medallion from Virginia Romance Writers, the Beanpot Award from the New England Romance Writers, and the Award of Excellence from Colorado Romance Writers. Meg’s Web site is http://www.MegBenjamin.com. You can follow her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/meg.benjamin1), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/megbenjamin/), Twitter (http://twitter.com/megbenj1) and Instagram (meg_benjamin). Meg loves to hear from readers—contact her at meg@megbenjamin.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 6, 2019
This was another great read from Meg Benjamin, although it was had a darker tone than the first book in this series and wasn't as playful. I think that's because Evan, the hero, was a real skeptic about the supernatural whereas Danny, the hero of the first book was not as intense and more likely to just go with the flow. Also, Rose, the heroine, was already in "the business" working as a locator of lost valuables with the help of Skag, her ghost advisor, and she knew that Evan wouldn't be happy when he found out that she was medium, so that secret was hanging over her head and keeping her from feeling fully comfortable with him. On the other hand, Helen and Lenore definitely provided some much needed comic relief. I'm looking forward to reading the final book.
September 15, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
Inheriting a Victorian pile in the snooty King William district of San Antonio from her grandmother comes as an unexpected shock to librarian Rose Ramos for any number of reasons.
First of all, she could only remember meeting her Grandmother Caroline Riordan three times at most. Secondly, her mother, meaning Grandmother Caroline’s daughter, was very much still alive, so Rose couldn’t figure out why the house hadn’t gone to her. Third and foremost in her mind, as much as she was enjoying the pleasure of owning the beautiful old monstrosity, grand old houses need a lot more money to maintain than she could imagine squeezing out of a librarian’s paycheck. (A thought to which I can only say “Amen sister!”)
Then the family ghost appears above her bed in the guise of Hannibal Lecter (he switches his appearance when she shrieks in terror, and who wouldn’t), and Rose discovers how Grandmother Caroline, as well as Grandmother Siobhan before her, really kept house and home together. The ghostly Skag coolly informs Rose that she, just like all the women in the Riordan family, is a powerful medium. The family business is talking with the dead.
This should descend into camp, but it doesn’t. Rose does not become the kind of medium who conducts séances, for one thing. Instead, she finds stuff for people. And there’s a money back guarantee. People will pay quite a bit to find out where their dead relatives hid the equivalent of the family silver.
Medium Rare fast forwards two years. The recap of those two years sounded like so much fun I bought a copy of the first book in the series, Medium Well, and reviewed it over at Book Lovers Inc.
Even though Rose makes her living by finding stuff for people, with the family ghost asking the dead for assistance in the finding, there are still plenty of mediums around San Antonio who hold seances. It’s easy for Rose to make her talent look like good old-fashioned library research.
A séance looks like woo-woo. It can look silly, or it can be fraud. There’s a new guy in town who might have tipped over the line from magic tricks to outright fraud, and there’s a psychic debunker in San Antonio who’s out to catch him.
That’s where the fun begins.
Evan Delwin is an investigative journalist who is just positive that all psychic practitioners and mediums must be frauds. Evan knows how all the tricks works. His dad was a famous magician, The Great Dell--until a trick went horribly wrong.
Now Evan works with the police to expose fraudulent so-called psychics, and he has his eye on one William Bradford, who has recently set up a very expensive operation in San Antonio. But everyone knows who he is. He needs an assistant.
Skag wants Rose to work with Evan, because Skag senses that there is more going on than just a worldly fraud.
Skag may be right, but the minute that Evan and Rose meet, they want to do one hell of a lot more than just work together. The problem is that Evan distrusts all psychics, and Rose isn’t telling him that she is one.
Then the hellhounds come to call…
Escape Rating B: A paranormal romance without either vampires or werewolves. And a hearty thank you to the author for not having the ghost be the love interest! I like my romances with a reasonable chance of happy ending. (Stacey Kennedy managed it once and terrifically with Supernaturally Kissed, but let’s not all go there)
Anytime a librarian is the hero or heroine, it’s cool with me.
But speaking of Rosa and Evan, these are two people who shouldn’t get together, but not for any of the usual reasons, which was a very interesting twist. He debunks what she is. Very cool. It’s not just that he doesn’t believe, it’s that he’s sure she’s a fraud. She starts out lying to him, and as the story goes on, we discover that he’s kind of lying to himself.
Two of the most fun characters in the story are Helen and Lenore. Especially Helen. She is an absolutely marvelous piece of invention; an over-protective hellhound who is invisible to everyone but Rosa and Evan, but who is still eating the very real furniture. I adore her, but I’m glad my couch is safe from her.
The third book in this series will be Happy Medium. My mind was going to the steak metaphor; medium well, medium rare, and I had a mental block about what the third state of “doneness” might be. So happy to have that resolved, and I’m looking forward to the book, too!
Inheriting a Victorian pile in the snooty King William district of San Antonio from her grandmother comes as an unexpected shock to librarian Rose Ramos for any number of reasons.
First of all, she could only remember meeting her Grandmother Caroline Riordan three times at most. Secondly, her mother, meaning Grandmother Caroline’s daughter, was very much still alive, so Rose couldn’t figure out why the house hadn’t gone to her. Third and foremost in her mind, as much as she was enjoying the pleasure of owning the beautiful old monstrosity, grand old houses need a lot more money to maintain than she could imagine squeezing out of a librarian’s paycheck. (A thought to which I can only say “Amen sister!”)
Then the family ghost appears above her bed in the guise of Hannibal Lecter (he switches his appearance when she shrieks in terror, and who wouldn’t), and Rose discovers how Grandmother Caroline, as well as Grandmother Siobhan before her, really kept house and home together. The ghostly Skag coolly informs Rose that she, just like all the women in the Riordan family, is a powerful medium. The family business is talking with the dead.
This should descend into camp, but it doesn’t. Rose does not become the kind of medium who conducts séances, for one thing. Instead, she finds stuff for people. And there’s a money back guarantee. People will pay quite a bit to find out where their dead relatives hid the equivalent of the family silver.
Medium Rare fast forwards two years. The recap of those two years sounded like so much fun I bought a copy of the first book in the series, Medium Well, and reviewed it over at Book Lovers Inc.
Even though Rose makes her living by finding stuff for people, with the family ghost asking the dead for assistance in the finding, there are still plenty of mediums around San Antonio who hold seances. It’s easy for Rose to make her talent look like good old-fashioned library research.
A séance looks like woo-woo. It can look silly, or it can be fraud. There’s a new guy in town who might have tipped over the line from magic tricks to outright fraud, and there’s a psychic debunker in San Antonio who’s out to catch him.
That’s where the fun begins.
Evan Delwin is an investigative journalist who is just positive that all psychic practitioners and mediums must be frauds. Evan knows how all the tricks works. His dad was a famous magician, The Great Dell--until a trick went horribly wrong.
Now Evan works with the police to expose fraudulent so-called psychics, and he has his eye on one William Bradford, who has recently set up a very expensive operation in San Antonio. But everyone knows who he is. He needs an assistant.
Skag wants Rose to work with Evan, because Skag senses that there is more going on than just a worldly fraud.
Skag may be right, but the minute that Evan and Rose meet, they want to do one hell of a lot more than just work together. The problem is that Evan distrusts all psychics, and Rose isn’t telling him that she is one.
Then the hellhounds come to call…
Escape Rating B: A paranormal romance without either vampires or werewolves. And a hearty thank you to the author for not having the ghost be the love interest! I like my romances with a reasonable chance of happy ending. (Stacey Kennedy managed it once and terrifically with Supernaturally Kissed, but let’s not all go there)
Anytime a librarian is the hero or heroine, it’s cool with me.
But speaking of Rosa and Evan, these are two people who shouldn’t get together, but not for any of the usual reasons, which was a very interesting twist. He debunks what she is. Very cool. It’s not just that he doesn’t believe, it’s that he’s sure she’s a fraud. She starts out lying to him, and as the story goes on, we discover that he’s kind of lying to himself.
Two of the most fun characters in the story are Helen and Lenore. Especially Helen. She is an absolutely marvelous piece of invention; an over-protective hellhound who is invisible to everyone but Rosa and Evan, but who is still eating the very real furniture. I adore her, but I’m glad my couch is safe from her.
The third book in this series will be Happy Medium. My mind was going to the steak metaphor; medium well, medium rare, and I had a mental block about what the third state of “doneness” might be. So happy to have that resolved, and I’m looking forward to the book, too!
August 20, 2013
Amanda‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
4 STARS
When I was asked to read a new story about my home town San Antonio and about supernatural abilities I jumped at the chance to read Meg Benjamin’s Ramos/Medium series. Her second book is coming out soon and it was an absolute delight of good writing with a hint of suspense, mystery and romance. Medium Rare is the second book in the series and this is Rose Ramos’ story and her supernatural adventure.
Rose inherited her grandmother’s old home and also an occupant of a ghost that has been with the family for years. She soon realizes that she also inherited the talent like the other members in her family and can converse with others from the other side. She quits her job as a librarian and starts her own business with the help of her house ghost Skag, locating lost things for people.
Evan Delwin, an investigative reporter, is out to debunk the newest medium celebrity in town, and needs help with his investigation. He advertises for an assistant and Rose answers his ad. She keeps her ability a secret in order to figure out what his true angle is with mediums and finds herself in deep with mystery and danger and a bit of an attraction to her boss.
I know I might be considered a wimp when it comes to suspense and murder mystery, but I think this story gives me just enough scare to not give me the creeps, and enough mystery to hook me to figure it out. This story is plot driven to figure out who is causing these bad things to happen and how they are going to stop it. Of course things get really personal when Rose’s own mother gets caught in the crossfire and her life is on the line. I love it when I read both point of views from both Rose and Evan because they are both feeling each other out. The deeper they get into the investigation they need to reveal more of them and see how the other will accept them. What I liked about these two characters is their chemistry together. They were reserved in the beginning and then their attraction turned to chemistry, finally to caring and love. Throw in ghost animals and their impact in the story and you have a recipe for a fun ride.
Medium Rare is a great story with great visual images of places and scenes that engaged me to want to finish it quickly. I love reading stories about places I’ve been and San Antonio is one special place to me. I’m fascinated with the ability that people have to speak with people on the other side and this story does take it to an extreme with a dark, demonic force at play. The story has a good pace and then picked up speed at the end for a great climatic ending. It can be read as a stand-alone so there is no hurry to read the first story about Danny and his adventure. If you are interested in intrigue with your romance I definitely recommend reading Medium Rare.
Review copy provided for an honest review
4 STARS
When I was asked to read a new story about my home town San Antonio and about supernatural abilities I jumped at the chance to read Meg Benjamin’s Ramos/Medium series. Her second book is coming out soon and it was an absolute delight of good writing with a hint of suspense, mystery and romance. Medium Rare is the second book in the series and this is Rose Ramos’ story and her supernatural adventure.
Rose inherited her grandmother’s old home and also an occupant of a ghost that has been with the family for years. She soon realizes that she also inherited the talent like the other members in her family and can converse with others from the other side. She quits her job as a librarian and starts her own business with the help of her house ghost Skag, locating lost things for people.
Evan Delwin, an investigative reporter, is out to debunk the newest medium celebrity in town, and needs help with his investigation. He advertises for an assistant and Rose answers his ad. She keeps her ability a secret in order to figure out what his true angle is with mediums and finds herself in deep with mystery and danger and a bit of an attraction to her boss.
I know I might be considered a wimp when it comes to suspense and murder mystery, but I think this story gives me just enough scare to not give me the creeps, and enough mystery to hook me to figure it out. This story is plot driven to figure out who is causing these bad things to happen and how they are going to stop it. Of course things get really personal when Rose’s own mother gets caught in the crossfire and her life is on the line. I love it when I read both point of views from both Rose and Evan because they are both feeling each other out. The deeper they get into the investigation they need to reveal more of them and see how the other will accept them. What I liked about these two characters is their chemistry together. They were reserved in the beginning and then their attraction turned to chemistry, finally to caring and love. Throw in ghost animals and their impact in the story and you have a recipe for a fun ride.
Medium Rare is a great story with great visual images of places and scenes that engaged me to want to finish it quickly. I love reading stories about places I’ve been and San Antonio is one special place to me. I’m fascinated with the ability that people have to speak with people on the other side and this story does take it to an extreme with a dark, demonic force at play. The story has a good pace and then picked up speed at the end for a great climatic ending. It can be read as a stand-alone so there is no hurry to read the first story about Danny and his adventure. If you are interested in intrigue with your romance I definitely recommend reading Medium Rare.
October 29, 2013
FTC: I requested this book from NetGalley as I really really wanted to read it. I have read previous contempts from this author but this is the first UF.
This book is a creepy, creepy look into the world of the supernatural and I really did enjoy it. Rose is a medium who is used to investigating things for relatives of the recently deceased with the help of her spirit guide Skag. She comes from a long line of Mediums and takes the family business seriously. This is why it becomes an issue when she teams up with skeptic Evan who is the very man that has been systematically dismantling the community in his quest to weed out the fakes.
I loved the chemistry between these two. From the off, there was a smoldering tension that burned but Rose knew that, if he found out her true identity, he would never act upon it. She kept her distance and kept up the pretense. When weird stuff started happening, the skeptic started to believe and that really set the story alive. Once he loosened up, their chemistry exploded and what I got was a hot love story that was thwarted by supernatural forces. I loved it and will be continuing with the series.
Both Rose and Evan were engaging characters. Rose both loved and loathed her calling but I got the feeling that she knew that she what she did was important. Evan was a bit of a mystery to me. I didn’t really understand his motivation until much later in the book and I won’t spoil that one for you. There was a lot of humour added to the tale to lighten what would have otherwise been a very dark book. Rose’s spirit guide Skag, was hilarious. His appearance was chosen to make his medium more comfortable but unfortunately, the first time he appeared to Rose, he decided to appear as Hannibal Lector as he didn’t do his research properly. His over dramatic character both added to the tension and relieved from it in accordance with the scene. I’ll be interested to see if he appears in any other tales as he would be a big draw for me. I also loved the addition of the supernatural bar and animals; they were all really good fun!
Overall, this is a very hot love story set in a very dark book. With murder, mystery and mayhem keeping the tension high, the pages kept turning and I was finished before I knew it. I will be keeping with this series.
This book is a creepy, creepy look into the world of the supernatural and I really did enjoy it. Rose is a medium who is used to investigating things for relatives of the recently deceased with the help of her spirit guide Skag. She comes from a long line of Mediums and takes the family business seriously. This is why it becomes an issue when she teams up with skeptic Evan who is the very man that has been systematically dismantling the community in his quest to weed out the fakes.
I loved the chemistry between these two. From the off, there was a smoldering tension that burned but Rose knew that, if he found out her true identity, he would never act upon it. She kept her distance and kept up the pretense. When weird stuff started happening, the skeptic started to believe and that really set the story alive. Once he loosened up, their chemistry exploded and what I got was a hot love story that was thwarted by supernatural forces. I loved it and will be continuing with the series.
Both Rose and Evan were engaging characters. Rose both loved and loathed her calling but I got the feeling that she knew that she what she did was important. Evan was a bit of a mystery to me. I didn’t really understand his motivation until much later in the book and I won’t spoil that one for you. There was a lot of humour added to the tale to lighten what would have otherwise been a very dark book. Rose’s spirit guide Skag, was hilarious. His appearance was chosen to make his medium more comfortable but unfortunately, the first time he appeared to Rose, he decided to appear as Hannibal Lector as he didn’t do his research properly. His over dramatic character both added to the tension and relieved from it in accordance with the scene. I’ll be interested to see if he appears in any other tales as he would be a big draw for me. I also loved the addition of the supernatural bar and animals; they were all really good fun!
Overall, this is a very hot love story set in a very dark book. With murder, mystery and mayhem keeping the tension high, the pages kept turning and I was finished before I knew it. I will be keeping with this series.
August 21, 2013
Rose Ramos was a reference librarian, until she inherited her grandmother’s house—and the family talent for connecting with the other side…
Moving into the lovely Victorian in San Antonio’s King William District is a dream come true for Rose—and also a nightmare. That’s the only explanation she has for the man hovering above her bed. But Skag is a ghost who’s been part of Rose’s family for generations. And now he’s all hers.
When Evan Delwin, a reporter out to debunk the city’s newest celebrity, posts an ad looking for a research assistant to investigate a famous medium making his home in San Antonio, Skag suggests that Rose apply for the job. Delving into the dark side has its own dangers for Rose—including trying to resist Delwin’s manly charms. But as the investigation draws them closer together, the deadly currents surrounding the medium threaten to destroy them all…
Review:
Can I just say I love Meg's books, she makes them relate-able and you get invested with the characters.
Now this is the second book in the series, but is stand alone. I loved the mix of contemporary time line and the supernatural plot.
The story is about Rose Ramos, who inherits her Grandmother's house and in the process sets in motion her going from Librarian to Medium. Skag is a ghost who has been helping the women on the Riordan family for generations connect to the other side. The flashback scene where Rose and Skag meet for the first time is great....he thinks he is going to make Rose more comfortable by showing up as a face she know, Hannibal Lecter...lol...so not the person to show up as ;) Rose is a smart, determined, strong character. When she goes undercover to assist a renowned debunk-er, Evan Delwin, the sparks fly between them and the paranormal activity increases. Evan is smart, handsome and a skeptic and the a perfect partner for Rose. The action and suspense are top notch and kept me on edge and entertained. The scenes where the hellhounds are chasing Rose and the ravens are attacking the house and then they somehow end up adopting a Helen (a hellhound) and Lenore (a raven) are exciting and fun.
A must read book and series!!!!
4 stars
Moving into the lovely Victorian in San Antonio’s King William District is a dream come true for Rose—and also a nightmare. That’s the only explanation she has for the man hovering above her bed. But Skag is a ghost who’s been part of Rose’s family for generations. And now he’s all hers.
When Evan Delwin, a reporter out to debunk the city’s newest celebrity, posts an ad looking for a research assistant to investigate a famous medium making his home in San Antonio, Skag suggests that Rose apply for the job. Delving into the dark side has its own dangers for Rose—including trying to resist Delwin’s manly charms. But as the investigation draws them closer together, the deadly currents surrounding the medium threaten to destroy them all…
Review:
Can I just say I love Meg's books, she makes them relate-able and you get invested with the characters.
Now this is the second book in the series, but is stand alone. I loved the mix of contemporary time line and the supernatural plot.
The story is about Rose Ramos, who inherits her Grandmother's house and in the process sets in motion her going from Librarian to Medium. Skag is a ghost who has been helping the women on the Riordan family for generations connect to the other side. The flashback scene where Rose and Skag meet for the first time is great....he thinks he is going to make Rose more comfortable by showing up as a face she know, Hannibal Lecter...lol...so not the person to show up as ;) Rose is a smart, determined, strong character. When she goes undercover to assist a renowned debunk-er, Evan Delwin, the sparks fly between them and the paranormal activity increases. Evan is smart, handsome and a skeptic and the a perfect partner for Rose. The action and suspense are top notch and kept me on edge and entertained. The scenes where the hellhounds are chasing Rose and the ravens are attacking the house and then they somehow end up adopting a Helen (a hellhound) and Lenore (a raven) are exciting and fun.
A must read book and series!!!!
4 stars
October 17, 2013
***Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW for providing me with a copy for review***
3.5 stars
Librarian Rose Ramos was very surprised to find out what her family's business really was after moving into her grandmother's home in San Antonio's ritzy King William District--a ghost appears to her and becomes her guide in running the family business, Locators, Ltd. With the help of Skag, Rose helps people find things that the dead have placed where the living can't find.
Skag encourages Rose to apply for a job with Evan Delwin, a journalist who is researching William Bradford, a so-called medium that Evan is trying to debunk. Rose, with her research librarian skills, gets the job! Evan and Rose fight their mutual attraction, but eventually give in. However, Evan distrusts all mediums instinctively, and when he finds out that Rose has Skag, he leaves her. Can they face their problems (and the demon who has inhabited Bradford's body) and survive with their relationship intact?
I enjoyed this book. It had a decent plot, semi-decent romance, and okay character development. However, I really had to force myself to read this book so I could review it for NetGalley. It could just be that I'm really not into the whole paranormal romance thing (though this was better because it wasn't women getting with shapeshifters, or werewolves or some other non-human creature) or it could be that there really wasn't anything moving the story forward. You can read it and decide. I don't think I'll be reading the rest in the series. One thing that I really enjoyed though, were the spirit animal characters--Helen, the huge hell hound who eats anything and everything Rose leaves out for her, and Lenore, a sarcastic raven who calls Evan a Moron every time she sees him. The book was worth reading just for them.
3.5 stars
Librarian Rose Ramos was very surprised to find out what her family's business really was after moving into her grandmother's home in San Antonio's ritzy King William District--a ghost appears to her and becomes her guide in running the family business, Locators, Ltd. With the help of Skag, Rose helps people find things that the dead have placed where the living can't find.
Skag encourages Rose to apply for a job with Evan Delwin, a journalist who is researching William Bradford, a so-called medium that Evan is trying to debunk. Rose, with her research librarian skills, gets the job! Evan and Rose fight their mutual attraction, but eventually give in. However, Evan distrusts all mediums instinctively, and when he finds out that Rose has Skag, he leaves her. Can they face their problems (and the demon who has inhabited Bradford's body) and survive with their relationship intact?
I enjoyed this book. It had a decent plot, semi-decent romance, and okay character development. However, I really had to force myself to read this book so I could review it for NetGalley. It could just be that I'm really not into the whole paranormal romance thing (though this was better because it wasn't women getting with shapeshifters, or werewolves or some other non-human creature) or it could be that there really wasn't anything moving the story forward. You can read it and decide. I don't think I'll be reading the rest in the series. One thing that I really enjoyed though, were the spirit animal characters--Helen, the huge hell hound who eats anything and everything Rose leaves out for her, and Lenore, a sarcastic raven who calls Evan a Moron every time she sees him. The book was worth reading just for them.
March 22, 2014
With a great set of protagonists, fascinating secondary characters and a storyline that intrigues, Meg Benjamin has penned a story I very much enjoyed.
I loved having a medium and a skeptic paired together. Realistically attracted to each other, but aware of the pitfalls of their attraction made for an interesting bit of tension. Rose kept mum about her abilities for a very long time, because how to do you explain to someone like Evan that you have a ghost in your house who helps commune with the other side in order to locate missing items?
Evan has surprises of his own ... things that are a surprise even to him. He was believable and interesting and just a really three dimensional character.
I loved, LOVED Helen and Lenore ("moron"). Every time they showed up in a scene I had to smile. Really, they completed a well rounded cast of characters here, and of everyone I was most attached to them.
There weren't many downsides. I did think Rose took having a ghost in the house a little too smoothly. And the story was a little slow to start, but interested me enough that I wasn't tempted to stop reading. Thankfully, despite being second in a series, it stands alone quite well. There were a few allusions to things that happened in the first book, but this story itself is quite solid on its own.
Ms. Benjamin is quite a master of prose. I enjoyed her voice and commend her on her skill. But, truly what makes this book something I can happily recommend are the characters, even though the plot (once it really got rolling) was definitely a page-turner.
Well done!
I loved having a medium and a skeptic paired together. Realistically attracted to each other, but aware of the pitfalls of their attraction made for an interesting bit of tension. Rose kept mum about her abilities for a very long time, because how to do you explain to someone like Evan that you have a ghost in your house who helps commune with the other side in order to locate missing items?
Evan has surprises of his own ... things that are a surprise even to him. He was believable and interesting and just a really three dimensional character.
I loved, LOVED Helen and Lenore ("moron"). Every time they showed up in a scene I had to smile. Really, they completed a well rounded cast of characters here, and of everyone I was most attached to them.
There weren't many downsides. I did think Rose took having a ghost in the house a little too smoothly. And the story was a little slow to start, but interested me enough that I wasn't tempted to stop reading. Thankfully, despite being second in a series, it stands alone quite well. There were a few allusions to things that happened in the first book, but this story itself is quite solid on its own.
Ms. Benjamin is quite a master of prose. I enjoyed her voice and commend her on her skill. But, truly what makes this book something I can happily recommend are the characters, even though the plot (once it really got rolling) was definitely a page-turner.
Well done!
December 31, 2013
Rose and Evan were great in book 2 of Meg Benjamin's Ramos Family series. I loved how Rose embraced her family's gift and her part in that - being a medium to help the living find things that are lost. I loved how Evan (a skeptic) found that he has some of his own gifts. Their partnership in investigating what they considered a fraudulent medium was full of action and surprises.
I would have loved to get more glimpses of the characters from book 1, but we did get a couple of brief moments with Rose's mom, Deidre. Skag was a new character to the series, and boy was he a character! I loved his sarcasm, his charm, and his overall contribution to this book.
Where this book fell a bit flat for me was in the paranormal aspects. I enjoyed Rose and Skag's interactions, but the demonic and spirit animal aspects of this book were a bit far-fetched. If you enjoy paranormal romance, you should still give this book and this series a try.
Rating: B- (3 1/2 Stars)
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
I would have loved to get more glimpses of the characters from book 1, but we did get a couple of brief moments with Rose's mom, Deidre. Skag was a new character to the series, and boy was he a character! I loved his sarcasm, his charm, and his overall contribution to this book.
Where this book fell a bit flat for me was in the paranormal aspects. I enjoyed Rose and Skag's interactions, but the demonic and spirit animal aspects of this book were a bit far-fetched. If you enjoy paranormal romance, you should still give this book and this series a try.
Rating: B- (3 1/2 Stars)
Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
September 12, 2013
4.5 Lightning Bolts from Storm Goddess Book Reviews
Did someone say ghosts? Or see one?
Hmm....
Okay, it's no secret I'm a sucker for a good story that involves a ghost..or more. And I've also been a fan of Ms. Benjamin's work, so hey, what a combination! And I certainly wasn't disappointed.
Now, I'll admit, I haven't read the first one, because this is the first I've heard about them. Wait, what? How could that be? Well, no matter now, because I'm onto your little secret!
I absolutely enjoyed this book! It has the right amount of mystery, humor and romance that kept me turning the pages, eager to know more. I'm loving this! Yep, so I'm going to have to go back and grab the first one and devour that, too.
Rose is a great leading character, and I loved the insight on her life and her new venture. Ms. Benjamin's writing style is easy to follow and very enjoyable, so i always find myself lost in her stories. This one was no different. I love that she's taken a new venture into a bit of a paranormal feel and I can't wait to see what's next.
Did someone say ghosts? Or see one?
Hmm....
Okay, it's no secret I'm a sucker for a good story that involves a ghost..or more. And I've also been a fan of Ms. Benjamin's work, so hey, what a combination! And I certainly wasn't disappointed.
Now, I'll admit, I haven't read the first one, because this is the first I've heard about them. Wait, what? How could that be? Well, no matter now, because I'm onto your little secret!
I absolutely enjoyed this book! It has the right amount of mystery, humor and romance that kept me turning the pages, eager to know more. I'm loving this! Yep, so I'm going to have to go back and grab the first one and devour that, too.
Rose is a great leading character, and I loved the insight on her life and her new venture. Ms. Benjamin's writing style is easy to follow and very enjoyable, so i always find myself lost in her stories. This one was no different. I love that she's taken a new venture into a bit of a paranormal feel and I can't wait to see what's next.
May 19, 2014
The star rating given reflects my opinion within ‘the official goodreads rating system’. (Notice the two important words... OPINION and RATING)
1 star: Didn’t Like it
2 stars: It’s Okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really Liked it
5 stars: It Was Amazing
I don’t really give a rat-fuck that there are some who think I ‘owe’ an explanation for my opinion. Nope, nada, and not sorry about it.
Sometimes I may add notes to explain what my opinions are based on, and sometimes I don’t. I do this for me, on my books, in my library and I don’t ‘owe’ any special snowflakes a thing. Fuck off if you don’t like it and stop reading my shit.
Particularly given the ‘modifications’ to reader’s personal content going on (and outright censorship), unless particularly motivated I will not comment in detail.
It would help if GR was forthcoming in the new ‘appropriate’ and would make a site-wide announcement delineating the new focus from a reader-centric site to one that is now for authors and selling.
1 star: Didn’t Like it
2 stars: It’s Okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really Liked it
5 stars: It Was Amazing
I don’t really give a rat-fuck that there are some who think I ‘owe’ an explanation for my opinion. Nope, nada, and not sorry about it.
Sometimes I may add notes to explain what my opinions are based on, and sometimes I don’t. I do this for me, on my books, in my library and I don’t ‘owe’ any special snowflakes a thing. Fuck off if you don’t like it and stop reading my shit.
Particularly given the ‘modifications’ to reader’s personal content going on (and outright censorship), unless particularly motivated I will not comment in detail.
It would help if GR was forthcoming in the new ‘appropriate’ and would make a site-wide announcement delineating the new focus from a reader-centric site to one that is now for authors and selling.
August 21, 2013
I suppose this novel should be labeled paranormal, but it is so much more. It was Romantic Suspense at it's finest. This book is the second in a series, but stands alone quite well. The pacing was fast, the suspense well plotted. Meg Benjamin keeps the readers on their toes with this one - the what's next factor is high.The main characters and secondary characters were well written, the settings evoked quite a strong response, ghosts, demons and sex blend together perfectly in Medium Rare. And, oh by the way, the romance was really strong and satisfying.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2013
Medium Rare is well written, but even more important is the fact that it's interesting. The premise is different from most romance suspense novels, even from the paranormal categories. Readers who look for page-turning suspense and realistic characterization will gravitate to this story. Though it's book two of a series, it works very well as a stand alone. Ghosts, puffy-haired mediums and things that go bump in the night, move over. There's a new ghost-hustler in town. Her name is Rose, but don't let that sweet name fool you. She's no shrinking wall flower. If you're looking for a fun, fast-action paranormal, this is it.
Book Bling gives this 4 1/2 stars!
Book Bling gives this 4 1/2 stars!
August 1, 2013
In Medium Rare, the second book in Meg Benjamin’s Medium Trilogy, we read Rosie’s story.
Rosie has inherited her Grandma Riordan’s house, a home and person her mother left to marry and have a family with Rosie’s father. Rosie, to her knowledge, had never met her Grandma, and is happy, but a bit baffled, to have inherited the family home. Rosie will soon find out that that’s not all she’s inherited from her Grandma. Read More
Rosie has inherited her Grandma Riordan’s house, a home and person her mother left to marry and have a family with Rosie’s father. Rosie, to her knowledge, had never met her Grandma, and is happy, but a bit baffled, to have inherited the family home. Rosie will soon find out that that’s not all she’s inherited from her Grandma. Read More
December 31, 2016
This second romance of Benjamin's trilogy set San Antonio's King William district is the most interesting of the three. The sister among the three Ramos siblings inherits the old house which had belonged to her grandmother and great-grandmother, the ones with special "gifts." It's no ordinary house and along with it come some extraordinary creatures. Learning to use her own "gifts" while coping with the creatures and engaging in the required plot fixtures of modern romance make the book a page-turner.
September 12, 2013
First, I would like to thank the author Meg Benjamin for giving me this book for an honest review. I loved this story, it pulls you in from the beginning and keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Rose is a very likable character, Evan was a strong male character and Scag could be funny if not irritating to Rose. There is plenty of mystery and suspense along with the paranormal. I look forward to reading more in this series.
August 29, 2013
I enjoyed the first in this series, but this one is even better. I love the chemistry between the main characters, and I enjoyed all the secondary characters!
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