She’s sexy-fierce, resourceful—and will do anything to protect victims as innocent as she once was. But this kick-ass reaper never bargained on meeting her not-quite-human match…or putting their very souls on the line.
A luxury Caribbean cruise is Ruby Dawson’s idea of hell even under the best circumstances. Too many bad memories bubble up—especially of the wrenching injustice that made her a reaper. It doesn’t help that Jack Deverell is making this routine soul-collecting job twice as difficult with his devilish good looks and not-so-innocent questions. Now, as several unscheduled, unexplainable deaths throw passengers and crew into a panic, Jack becomes the prime suspect. The only way Ruby can save him is to challenge the decades-old curse threatening his soul. And as a malevolent unstoppable force turns their immortality into a fatal weakness, Ruby and Jack must risk their fragile humanity to save Fate’s delicate balance and their own unexpected destiny…
RUNNERS UP: E-copy of Grave Intentions to two (2) runners up (Kindle or Nook format)
A Reaper and a soul cursed with a Demon both take a Caribbean cruise…is it possible for them to find love against the background of the high seas, murder and mayhem? Lori Sjorberg’s Grave Destinations, book two of her Grave Series spotlights Ruby, a reaper who hates anything nautical, but she has an assignment, capture a soul scheduled to depart this world and deliver it to her boss. Jack was cursed with a demon decades ago and is on a quest to find a priestess to help in ridding himself of said nameless demon before they are the cause of another death. They meet, there is an instant attraction and Jack realizes Ruby is NOT human, but what is she besides, mysterious, intriguing and beautiful? When people start dying onboard, Ruby isn’t sure who is doing it, but these people were not on her “to do” list. Is Jack’s demon to blame or is there another evil entity onboard? Death has a schedule, but souls are turning up when it’s not their time to move on.
Part mystery, part romance, and all paranormal entertainment, Grave Destinations is a well-written tale with two amazing main characters, each hiding their own “true” selves, each fighting the attraction they feel for each other. Ruby is a strong, smart, independent woman with a heart and a job to do, but can she tame Jack’s inner demon and still stay on track?
I have say, Lori Sjorberg did an amazing job of creating that special magnetic pull that drew me in, without relying heavily on s-e-x, but more on the mystery, the “I’m attracted to you dance,” and well-developed characters in a setting that came alive on the ‘big screen’ in my head. Great pace, great twists, mystery and romance, I like it!
I received this copy from Kensington Books in exchange for my honest review as part of the Lori Sjoberg's GRAVE DESTINATIONS BOOK BLAST & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender January 22, 2014.
Series: Grave Series, Book 2 Publication Date: January 2, 2014 ISBN: 9781601830050 Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance Number of Pages: 247 Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
3.5 Demon worthy stars. Okay- lately I have not been in a sci-fi, paranormal mood- but shame on me because I am missing alot. Grave Destinations is book 2 in the Grave series by Lori Sjorberg but to me it was a stand alone book. The story follows Ruby who is a reaper sent to reap the souls of those who are dying. Ruby's mortal life ended tragically but she is given a chance to continue on as a reaper. Ruby's latest mission is aboard a majestic cruise ship set forth in the Carribean. Sounds like a nice trip, right? Wrong- Ruby's path is filled with demons, her own past issues, and a man she finds herself having feelings for that she does not need on her mission.
Ruby's is sent to collect certain souls and is normally only to collect what is scheduled but when people start messing with Fate and people start dying who are not meant to, Ruby enlists the help of Dmitri a fellow reaper.
Jack is searching for an answer to freeing himself from his demon. He has been walking the Earth for a long time searching for an out and when he comes upon Ruby he knows he has found something he hasn't had in a long time.
But Jack and Ruby's road or should I say, cruise is a bumpy one. Dmitri does not trust nor like Jack and even after a demon is caught people are still dying, so there are twists and turns both Jack and Ruby have to face their own demons to move onward as well.
*This Honest review was done in exchange for an Arc through Netgalley from Kensigton Books and Lori Sjoberg- THANK YOU!*
This book is the second in this new paranormal series featuring Reapers, yes those that come to claim our souls at the moment of death . This follows on from the authors previous book Grave Intentions and still has some of the original characters playing a part. Ruby has been dead for a long time and serves as a Reaper. Her job is simple, be there at time of death and remove the soul until it can be safely sent on its way. Not the worse job but still at times it can be harrowing. This time her boss has sent her on a cruise liner to await her next soul and she hates being on water, too many bad memories. The only bright spark on her damned horizon is the very tempting Jack. Now there's a guy who she could really like but Ruby doesn't fall easy. Problem is Jack is no ordinary guy! He isn't just there to enjoy a cruise no, he's a man under a curse and hoping that a priestess on the Islands can rid him of it. Tempted by the distant and intriguing Ruby Jack finds himself more and more wanting to be with her but he doesn't want his deadly curse to hurt her. Fate may have sent Ruby but evil is stalking the decks too! When those not scheduled to die turn up dead it looks as though Ruby is going to need help. Worse still it looks as if Jack could be involved! How can Ruby trust her instincts when surrounded by mounting chaos and will Jacks curse damn them all? I thought this was a fun read full of mystery and romance. It was so nice to read a story that didn't just rely on sex to entertain. Yes it's essentially about Reapers but the author has written a story with a plot and characters that are interesting.
Ruby is a Reaper and made a bit of an appearance in book 1 of the series Grave Intentions (The Grave Series) and this one will keep you on your toes.
This is a romance at heart but spends most of its time as a murder mystery interspersed with a bit of humor all of which makes this a great reading experience.
Jack has been cursed and Ruby is a Reaper, neither of them are looking for a relationship because they both think they really have nothing to offer to a long term relationship. They are wrong of course and the main story along with the background info on both of them makes this a great novel. I read it almost constantly in one day since there was not a good place to stop reading for more than a few minutes.
Bottom Line: Great mystery you don't solve until the author does it, great romance that the two main characters keep trying to deny, add in a real surprise or two and you have a really good time for any reader. While it is not required I would suggest reading book 1 first since you can't really appreciate Samuel without it. 4.5 Stars rounded to 5
I enjoyed this sequel more than the first version. Ruby is a reaper who keeps her emotions and her feelings on a tight leash. Then she's assigned to a job on a cruise ship and she meets Jack. But Jack has a secret too.
In this book we focus on Ruby who was a secondary character in the first Grave story line. She tough. She's resourceful and she's nobody's fool, which makes her a character easy to like when she lets down her walls.
So much more than a romance story, Grave Destinations has action enough to suit any taste. The cruise ship setting is perfect for the plot, giving so many places for the killer to hide and strike next. I was left guessing until the end!
It's not often I wish I could give a book a rating higher than the highest. While, and after reading this book though, I really really wished I could. Grave Destinations takes us back to the world of reapers, and this time we're with Ruby, the flirty no-strings-attached redhead, and the man of mystery Jack Deverell.
When I read a book, I usually take notes on the side of the things I either liked or disliked about it. It helps me remember all that I want to say about the book, but in this case I couldn't bring myself to leave the story long enough to scribble a few words aside. I absolutely loved Ruby and Jack's story. It was full of mystery and action and sexy romance that had me curse my current single state.
It's so refreshing to read heroes in a paranormal story who are hard and possessive and yet playful and ready with a smile and a hearty romanticism. Lori Sjoberg's heroes in this series so far has these characteristics in common, and I have to say a gal can get used to this type of hero. Like David, the hero of the previous book, Jack is a man who's very much a gentleman. Though he's clearly intended to look and act like a one night stand man only and always, his demeanor changes greatly after he meets with Ruby, and in a very sexy good way. He's got a mystery of his own for us to unravel, and this makes him an even more interesting and endearing character. As for Ruby, she scores high in regard to heroines I absolutely love. She's a tough cookie, but she's also surprisingly compassionate and in tune with emotions considering her line of work. Together with Jack, they made an enviable couple. The understanding and love these two felt for each other almost came off the pages and made me genuinely smile whenever they interacted. Of course, their sync wasn't just outside the bedroom, because let me tell you, they made a pretty hot couple with Jack's attention to detail, and Ruby's fiery personality. I wonder if I can get a Jack of my own?
I usually don't get into detail about the other characters in a story, but I feel like I must get this off my chest because otherwise there's a serious danger of me bursting in flames while waiting, and that is that I simply loved and melted for Dmitri. Yes, the cold blooded Russian who's clearly had his fair share of tough life, the one who's merciless in his dealings and is the kind of dangerous hero one can appreciate, I cannot wait for his story. We've had enough glimpses into his character from these first two books, and believe me when I tell you he makes a damn good hero material.
Another great story from the world of reapers, one that was filled with not just romance but also a good dose of mystery and action, I couldn't recommend this book enough.
Ruby Dawson is a kickass reaper, but when her boss sends her on a cruise to collect a soul she’s not so happy. Ruby hates the water - for good reason, too. When she meets sexy and charming Jack Deverell, things start looking up. But the shit hits the fan before they can really heat up the sheets and they end up hunting a killer.
This is a great read. The characters are well-rounded with great back stories, the plot is interesting, there’s humor and steaminess, and reapers are involved. What can I say? I like reapers. I really wanted to read book 1 before this one, but didn’t have time, and that’s ok. This can be read as a standalone in the series. I wasn’t lost at all. I will go back at some point though and I’ll read the next one, too. Because I really want to read Dimitri’s story. Yum.
This is a 2nd book in a series, but I was assured you don’t need to read the first to enjoy the second – and they were right! I adored this book. I’ve been reading a lot of paranormal romance recently and this one really stands out for three reasons: The Relationship, The Setting and The Mystery. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, and although I’m not really into murder mysterious, there was enough paranormal in there to keep me happy as I Agatha Christie’d my way to the end.
From a writer’s perspective, the relationship between Jack and Ruby was built up nicely, along with the tension of the overall plot. There was never a point where I wanted to stop reading (a good sign you’re enjoying a book) and the story was very imaginative and different from the normal paranormal romance where the two main characters are instantly attracted to each other and never really seem to individually ‘come alive’.
The front cover could prove a little misleading with a surfer on it. There’s no real obvious paranormal edge to it and it might not inspire the more visual reader to pick it up. I keep saying how over-crowded and competitive this genre is and a front cover should represent the main points of the book – getting across to the potential reader why they should pick it up. Don’t get me wrong, surfer dude is good, but there really should be more made of the Reaper angle (I realise there is one on the surf board, but I only picked that up when I really stared at it) and Ruby deserves to be on the book cover too.
Overall I’d give Grave Destinations 5 out 5 stars. If you can’t afford to go on a cruise this year – at least pick up this book and do a bit of supernatural murder mystery indulgence. Go on, you deserve it!
After finishing Ms. Sjoberg's first book, Grave Intentions, I searched, and to my dismay it was her only book. At last, the wait is over, her second book is out and she does not disappoint. She is a master at world building, and with a solid story, fantastically appealing characters, she takes you along an action-packed ride, all the while introducing the romantic part, and giving us a fresh, exciting angle on paranormal romance. At some point, a character tells another they know what they are, and I got chills ! This is a must read, along with her first book. She is a new star in the paranormal romance world. Don't miss it ! I don’t know what to make of the surfer dude on the headless surfer dude on the cover: while there are two very appealing male protagonists, it’s a paranormal romance where our hero, Ruby, a woman who kicks serious butt, and the action takes place on a cruiser.
I didn't read the first book in the series, however, I don't think I missed out on anything, other than reading a good book, in this book.
Ruby Dawson is a reaper and Jack Deverell is a collector of souls that has been cursed... And the only person who can save him is Ruby.
These two are a great couple even when they don't have what it takes to be a couple. I really liked reading this story because it was full of mystery and you didn't know what was going to happen until it happened.
I am going back to read book one because I was told I would get a character or two that showed up in this book but didn't play a HUGE roll.
5 stars for a well developed story. I love the characters and the guessing. I read this book in one day! Loved it! ~ Anna
I liked this book a lot. Lori Sjoberg creates characters with such great chemistry. Much like the first book in this series, Grave Intentions, the reader has the pleasure of actually seeing and understanding why and how the characters fall for each other. I really like that in a romance - too often I feel like readers are simply told the two characters want each other, without any real explanation.
Anyway, very sexy story, lots of action and mystery, demons and reapers on a cruise ship. Very enjoyable book.
Jack and Ruby are HOT...HOT...HOT!! Someone get me a fruity drink with a colorful umbrella in it so I can sit by the poolside with this fast paced steamy paranormal romance. Ruby has attitude in spades and Jack is just delicious. Put those two together and the sparks fly!
Jack is a yummy hero!Great Paranormal Romance.The writing is fun and intelligent.Can't wait to read more books in this series.:)Really recommend that you read this if you love Paranormal Romance.
Absolutely love these Reapers!! They are loyal to each other, treat each other as siblings; hilariously! The story of Jack, his Demon and Ruby is fast and intense with some great twists and turns! Jack and the Demon both fall for commitment shy Ruby - and life gets crazy when there are some unplanned deaths.. Fate is not happy!! Great ride and I am heading off for the next book in the series... hope there are many more!!!
3.5 Maybe I am creepy, or maybe I should blame Darynda Jones but I have a thing for Reapers. Grave Destinations is the second book in the Grave Series by Lori Sjoberg. Her twist on why these souls are reapers, combined with suspense and romance have made this a fun series. Each can be read as a standalone, but each time we learn a little more about Fate, and the organization running this elite team of Reapers. Mini review: spicy but clean, suspenseful and action packed.
Reaper, Ruby Dawson, hates water, but she has a soul to collect and finds herself booked on a luxury Caribbean cruise. The cruise is a painful reminder of why she became a reaper in the first place. What should be a routine soul collections turns into anything but when she meets Jack Deverell. Not only is he smexy, but he asks a lot of questions. When unscheduled deaths start happening aboard ship, Ruby is faced with trusting her gut or believing Jack is the prime suspect. The tale that unfolds is suspenseful and romantic. Will fate keep them together or tear them apart?
Each of the reapers has a complicated soul. To atone for their actions in life they serve Fate by collecting souls who die of unnatural deaths. Ruby is no exception, and I found her back story fascinating. She builds walls around herself, never allowing anyone to get to close. Jack turns her emotions upside down and I loved the growth we see in her. Jack Deverell doesn’t quite depict the image that the cover gives us; in fact he is a whole lot sexier. From his old world charm, to his sexy eyes and broad shoulders. He also isn’t quite human thanks to a curse. It was interesting learning his story and seeing how he handles his affliction. The chemistry between them worked, and I got caught up in their story. Demons and Dmitri; Ruby’s boss and fellow reaper, make appearances, adding both suspense and humor.
Grave Destinations had me craving the all you can eat buffet at the Windjammer and longing to go on a cruise again. Sjoberg mixed in suspense and paranormal elements as we worked to solve the mysterious deaths. The characters had unique voices, and Sjoberg allowed me to connect with them. The banter between Dmitri and Jack had me giggling as these two alphas went head to head a few times. Ruby is a strong character, and I loved the set-down she gave them. The plot and pacing was well done keeping me engaged. Towards the end, there is a scene that felt was too much of a coincidence, but it didn’t hinder my overall enjoyment. The story itself wrapped up nicely, leaving me eager for the next reapers’ story. I really want Dmitri’s story. The author hints about his complicated past, and he is such a flawed and sexy alpha.
: GRAVE DESTINATIONS is the second instalment in Lori Sjoberg’s contemporary paranormal Grave Series but can be read as a stand alone-the first two stories are not connected although one or two characters will overlap. The premise focuses on Ruby Dawson-a reaper-whose latest assignment is to ‘reap’ a soul on board a cruise ship but when a second death occurs within a short time period, Ruby knows something is wrong.
Enter Jack Deverell- Ruby’s prime suspect-and the man who would steal her heart. But when a third unexpected death happens, Ruby must call in reinforcements who will make Jack’s life a little more difficult on board the ship.
The relationship between Jack and Ruby is one of instant attraction-both looking for a no-strings attached night of passion but one that brings into focus the who and what that is Ruby and Jack. We learn their back stories and histories; their heartbreak and regrets. And we also learn that Jack is a little more than what he appears to be. Not quite human, Jack holds a secret that could very well end in everyone’s death.
The secondary characters are colorful and play an active role in the storyline especially Ruby’s immediate superiors. You know there is a potential for a few more storylines when Ruby says goodbye to the man who has always had her back.
GRAVE DESTINATIONS is a fast paced, interesting storyline focusing on reapers and the souls they direct into the afterlife. There is a little bit of mystery; a little bit of sex; and a little bit of humor all rolled into a story about death and crossing over. If you like a paranormal storyline with a strong heroine who knows a thing or two about surviving, then Grave Destinations is the story for you.
I loved Ruby in the first installment of this series so I was so excited to see her getting a book, she's one of those women who are high powered, and strong, "I'll let you go back to checking out all the pretty girls. See you around, Jack." He watched while she took a leisurely stroll across the deck, appreciating the rear view almost as much as he'd enjoyed the front." With Ruby there is nothing off the table for subject matter, "then why didn't you accept my invitation last night?" She looped up at him, the heat in her eyes unmistakable. "You left me so keyed up I had to take matters into my own hands." Seriously there is no wrong time of place for her to blurt things out, "Ruby collapsed on top of him, her face buried in the crook of his shoulder. "Do you always curse when you come?" I enjoyed this story of Ruby although I missed the other characters from the previous book I'm hoping the next one will have the whole gang in it.
Grave Destinations is book 2 of the Grave series. This is an excellent addition to the series. I couldn't put it down till I reached the end of the book. Grave Destinations is the story of Ruby Dawson who is a reaper and Jack Deverell who is not all human. Ruby meets Jack on a cruise to the Caribbean. Ruby hates boats because it drums up bad memories for her. Jack is on his way to find a cure to his curse. Ruby was chosen by Fate for the reap job to test her. She is attracted and intrigued by Jack for she knows that he is not all human. Jack is fighting the curse due to being attracted to Ruby. Jack wants to cure his curse. Ruby finally found what David found and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep it. She will help Jack if she can to find a cure. To find out what happens grab your copy of Grave Destinations. I give Grave Destinations 5 stars. It was the perfect mix of mystery, action, and romance. I would recommend this series to anyone that loves paranormal romances.
Book two was just as awesome as the first one. I was glad to see the characters from the other book mention in the story. It makes it more interesting, how they do for each other? I loved everything about it; that once you start reading; you won't be as to put in down. Anxious to see who's next to find love.