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Paranormal Problems: Necromancers #1
Deader than Dead
Even death can’t stop fate.
Professional thief, Bellamy, might have bitten off more than he can chew this time. Jobs have gone wrong before, but never this wrong. His moral code might be grayer than most, but it exists, and he finds himself facing an impossible choice that could cost him everything.
Necromancer, John Averill’s day just got ten times worse. One more job, his boss says. Well, that job sucks, because not only does he find himself with a gun pointed at his head, but the man he’s been hired to raise temporarily from the dead is none other than his fated mate… the man he’s been searching for all his life.
Their love story is over before it ever began. Or is it? Fate still has a few tricks up its sleeve, and the impossible might just become possible.
Deader than Dead is a Fated Mates MM paranormal novel featuring villains who will stop at nothing to get what they want, a stolen artifact, kidnapping, betrayal, lies, and two men determined to overcome death itself to be together.
Content warning for death and mention of suicide.
Please note that this is a revised version of a novella first published in the Fated Mates charity anthology. The story is now dual POV with 28k of added content. There have been some small changes to the story itself.
Professional thief, Bellamy, might have bitten off more than he can chew this time. Jobs have gone wrong before, but never this wrong. His moral code might be grayer than most, but it exists, and he finds himself facing an impossible choice that could cost him everything.
Necromancer, John Averill’s day just got ten times worse. One more job, his boss says. Well, that job sucks, because not only does he find himself with a gun pointed at his head, but the man he’s been hired to raise temporarily from the dead is none other than his fated mate… the man he’s been searching for all his life.
Their love story is over before it ever began. Or is it? Fate still has a few tricks up its sleeve, and the impossible might just become possible.
Deader than Dead is a Fated Mates MM paranormal novel featuring villains who will stop at nothing to get what they want, a stolen artifact, kidnapping, betrayal, lies, and two men determined to overcome death itself to be together.
Content warning for death and mention of suicide.
Please note that this is a revised version of a novella first published in the Fated Mates charity anthology. The story is now dual POV with 28k of added content. There have been some small changes to the story itself.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2024
128 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Day
48 books496 followersH.L Day is a teacher and a writer. She enjoys writing far too many different sub genres to stick to one thing so writes everything from rom-coms to post-apocalyptic sci-fi. It's just the way her brain works. H.L Day lives in the UK with her elderly black cat that she accidentally stole from her next door neighbour.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
March 12, 2024
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
✨💀🦴This was some cute, instalove pnr that was veeeeery light and easy to read! And while it's not my favourite from H.L. Day, there's still a lot of quirky fun to be had with this! Super low angst and cheesy sweet, with a bit of spice and boys with loaded heart-eyes! What's not to enjoy about that?!😍
✨💀🦴This was a quick little series opener that has an interesting and unserious necromancer vibe that promises a whole lot of silly fun, as the shenanigans continue on for The Paranormal Problems Bureau! Always happy to read anything by H.L. Day, (I'm positively mad for anything 13 Kingdoms and I've been saving the last couple books for future comfort reading!) and I'm very much looking forward to whatever the PPB gets up to next!🪦🧟♂️
✨💀🦴This was some cute, instalove pnr that was veeeeery light and easy to read! And while it's not my favourite from H.L. Day, there's still a lot of quirky fun to be had with this! Super low angst and cheesy sweet, with a bit of spice and boys with loaded heart-eyes! What's not to enjoy about that?!😍
✨💀🦴This was a quick little series opener that has an interesting and unserious necromancer vibe that promises a whole lot of silly fun, as the shenanigans continue on for The Paranormal Problems Bureau! Always happy to read anything by H.L. Day, (I'm positively mad for anything 13 Kingdoms and I've been saving the last couple books for future comfort reading!) and I'm very much looking forward to whatever the PPB gets up to next!🪦🧟♂️
March 7, 2024
While I love books that grab me and don't let me go, it's also dangerous. You suddenly find yourself reading while you should be doing other things, like eating. I read this book in half a day because I could not put it down. I don't think "gripping" is a strong enough word.
But the mix of strong emotions and ever constant push and pull of the plot wanting to move the characters and the characters wanting to just be dragged me with it and didn't let me go. This is the kind of book that makes me want to screech like a pterodactyl, keyboard smash, and remind everyone that I can't even
But the mix of strong emotions and ever constant push and pull of the plot wanting to move the characters and the characters wanting to just be dragged me with it and didn't let me go. This is the kind of book that makes me want to screech like a pterodactyl, keyboard smash, and remind everyone that I can't even
March 23, 2024
3.5 rounded up - I enjoyed this but it’s not terribly memorable. On a positive note though, I know when I’m in the mood for a fun pnr romance I can read this again and enjoy it as if it was the first time 😅
March 16, 2024
4.5 stars A great suspense drama romance written for the first book in the series.
John worked at the PPB in the necromancer's floor and liked nothing more than to give his coworkers a hard time.
Bellamy was really wanting a vacation but his boss had other ideas with a job to do as a professional thief.
Circumstances for Bellamy puts him in a tough decision and which ends the potential torture he would be given by the baddies. Deader than dead is Bellamy but not for long once John finds him But... no spoilers here..
Fast forward and a second chance at life and love when they reunite, I was curious as to what would happen when they meet a second time. John feels the loss of his mate being dead but a surprise was waiting at his door.
What happens next is a suspenseful drama as their lives are threatened. Includes an HEA with dual povs. I really liked this book as it kept me reading to find out what would happen next as the scenes progress. There’s the good guys and the baddies and there fighting over and object which could be used as bad or good in the hands of the holder. I loved the humor as both give a little cheek to their bosses and work mates. There were sexy times but the dangers kept blocking into their time together but they were hot. I’ll be looking forward to reading the next book into this series. A great book written by the author.
John worked at the PPB in the necromancer's floor and liked nothing more than to give his coworkers a hard time.
Bellamy was really wanting a vacation but his boss had other ideas with a job to do as a professional thief.
Circumstances for Bellamy puts him in a tough decision and which ends the potential torture he would be given by the baddies. Deader than dead is Bellamy but not for long once John finds him But... no spoilers here..
Fast forward and a second chance at life and love when they reunite, I was curious as to what would happen when they meet a second time. John feels the loss of his mate being dead but a surprise was waiting at his door.
What happens next is a suspenseful drama as their lives are threatened. Includes an HEA with dual povs. I really liked this book as it kept me reading to find out what would happen next as the scenes progress. There’s the good guys and the baddies and there fighting over and object which could be used as bad or good in the hands of the holder. I loved the humor as both give a little cheek to their bosses and work mates. There were sexy times but the dangers kept blocking into their time together but they were hot. I’ll be looking forward to reading the next book into this series. A great book written by the author.
April 23, 2025
I've given this a B at AAR.
The first book in H.L. Day’s new series of paranormal romances, Paranormal Problems: Necromancers , Deader Than Dead is a reworked/extended version of a story that originally appeared in a charity Fated Mates anthology in 2023. (The anthology is no longer available so I imagine the authors involved will eventually be republishing their stories, as well.) I freely admit that fated mates is one of the few tropes around that doesn’t really work for me – I like to see two characters falling for each other rather than suddenly finding their One True Love, but H.L. Day is a favourite author, so I decided to see if she could convince me to embrace the trope!
Professional thief Bellamy Farrell is hired to steal a piece of what his client refers to as “sentimental junk” from a private residence in Belgravia. When he arrives at the house, everything goes to plan and he soon enters the basement to which he’s been directed. Inside is the old wooden trunk he’s been told to retrieve; he’s supposed to just take it and leave but something compels him to look inside, and he opens the lid to discover a single, cloth-wrapped object within. He unwraps it to find an unadorned wooden mask (I was put in mind of the one in The Mask ), and the sense of unease that had begun to creep over him earlier becomes stronger – the job has been almost too easy, and why is someone prepared to pay him so much money to retrieve something so ordinary? He decides to try to find out more and takes the mask to Dice, a local fence, a man whose knowledge of artifacts and antiques is unrivalled. Dice recoils from the mask in horror, telling Bellamy that it’s a powerful occult artifact – and then to fuck off and never come back. With cold clarity, Bellamy realises he’s become mixed up in something really bad - but while he’s a thief, that doesn’t mean he’s entirely without a moral compass. He’s not prepared to simply hand over a very dangerous object to someone who is clearly up to no good.
Necromancer John Averill works for the Paranormal Problems Bureau, his assignments consisting mostly of bringing back the recently dead for a short time (which is all that is possible) so that grieving friends or relatives can have one last chance to say things they never got a chance to say while the person was alive. His most recent job, however, has him questioning his choice of profession when the young woman who has requested the resurrection of her much older dead husband starts berating the man and demanding to know where he’s hidden all the money. Ugh.
John is on his way home when his boss calls with another assignment, telling him he’s to get in, do the job and get out – no questions, no chit-chat, no poking his nose in to things that don’t concern him. John immediately gets the feeling that something isn’t right – but before he can say anything, his boss ends the call.
His feelings of foreboding intensify as he approaches the old, run-down tower-block he’s been directed to and sees three very large men – obviously hired muscle – standing outside, waiting for him. They lead him up several floors and into a flat that has seen better days – and that sense of dread washes over him again. Somehow he just knows that things will never be the same if the goes into the bedroom – and he’s right. Lying on the bare mattress is the body of a man John has never met – but who he’s been searching for his whole life. His other half. His fated mate.
And he’s been dead for too long for John to be able to bring him back.
That’s got to be one of the most unusual ways to begin a romance I’ve ever read. (Is there an opposite of a meet-cute? Because if there is, then this is it!) The fact that this is a romance will clue you in to the fact that Bellamy does return to the land of the living, but John’s heartbreak and the grief he feels at meeting the love of his life too late really pack an emotional punch. I won’t say anything else about the plot other than that there’s plenty of action, humour and danger along the way as John and Bellamy have to work together to outwit the bad guys and prevent the mask from falling into the wrong hands.
I enjoyed Deader Than Dead. I liked the characters, the story and the set-up for the other books in the series, but I’m still not swayed on the fated mates thing. Everything happens so fast - the attraction, the sex, the combining of lives, all within less than forty-eight hours (it’s insta-love on speed!) – although I will give the author props for making the point that while John and Bellamy know they love each other, they still have to get to know one another. Insta aside, I did like them as a couple and feel they’d have been good together even without the ‘fated to be’ thing.
The speed of the central relationship is my only real issue with the book, though. All in all, Deader Than Dead is a strong series opener with likeable leads, an intriguing premise and interesting secondary characters. I’m looking forward to reading more stories set in this world and will definitely be picking up book two, Dropping Like Flies, which is currently slated for release in late September 2024.
This review originally appeared at All About Romance .
The first book in H.L. Day’s new series of paranormal romances, Paranormal Problems: Necromancers , Deader Than Dead is a reworked/extended version of a story that originally appeared in a charity Fated Mates anthology in 2023. (The anthology is no longer available so I imagine the authors involved will eventually be republishing their stories, as well.) I freely admit that fated mates is one of the few tropes around that doesn’t really work for me – I like to see two characters falling for each other rather than suddenly finding their One True Love, but H.L. Day is a favourite author, so I decided to see if she could convince me to embrace the trope!
Professional thief Bellamy Farrell is hired to steal a piece of what his client refers to as “sentimental junk” from a private residence in Belgravia. When he arrives at the house, everything goes to plan and he soon enters the basement to which he’s been directed. Inside is the old wooden trunk he’s been told to retrieve; he’s supposed to just take it and leave but something compels him to look inside, and he opens the lid to discover a single, cloth-wrapped object within. He unwraps it to find an unadorned wooden mask (I was put in mind of the one in The Mask ), and the sense of unease that had begun to creep over him earlier becomes stronger – the job has been almost too easy, and why is someone prepared to pay him so much money to retrieve something so ordinary? He decides to try to find out more and takes the mask to Dice, a local fence, a man whose knowledge of artifacts and antiques is unrivalled. Dice recoils from the mask in horror, telling Bellamy that it’s a powerful occult artifact – and then to fuck off and never come back. With cold clarity, Bellamy realises he’s become mixed up in something really bad - but while he’s a thief, that doesn’t mean he’s entirely without a moral compass. He’s not prepared to simply hand over a very dangerous object to someone who is clearly up to no good.
Necromancer John Averill works for the Paranormal Problems Bureau, his assignments consisting mostly of bringing back the recently dead for a short time (which is all that is possible) so that grieving friends or relatives can have one last chance to say things they never got a chance to say while the person was alive. His most recent job, however, has him questioning his choice of profession when the young woman who has requested the resurrection of her much older dead husband starts berating the man and demanding to know where he’s hidden all the money. Ugh.
John is on his way home when his boss calls with another assignment, telling him he’s to get in, do the job and get out – no questions, no chit-chat, no poking his nose in to things that don’t concern him. John immediately gets the feeling that something isn’t right – but before he can say anything, his boss ends the call.
His feelings of foreboding intensify as he approaches the old, run-down tower-block he’s been directed to and sees three very large men – obviously hired muscle – standing outside, waiting for him. They lead him up several floors and into a flat that has seen better days – and that sense of dread washes over him again. Somehow he just knows that things will never be the same if the goes into the bedroom – and he’s right. Lying on the bare mattress is the body of a man John has never met – but who he’s been searching for his whole life. His other half. His fated mate.
And he’s been dead for too long for John to be able to bring him back.
That’s got to be one of the most unusual ways to begin a romance I’ve ever read. (Is there an opposite of a meet-cute? Because if there is, then this is it!) The fact that this is a romance will clue you in to the fact that Bellamy does return to the land of the living, but John’s heartbreak and the grief he feels at meeting the love of his life too late really pack an emotional punch. I won’t say anything else about the plot other than that there’s plenty of action, humour and danger along the way as John and Bellamy have to work together to outwit the bad guys and prevent the mask from falling into the wrong hands.
I enjoyed Deader Than Dead. I liked the characters, the story and the set-up for the other books in the series, but I’m still not swayed on the fated mates thing. Everything happens so fast - the attraction, the sex, the combining of lives, all within less than forty-eight hours (it’s insta-love on speed!) – although I will give the author props for making the point that while John and Bellamy know they love each other, they still have to get to know one another. Insta aside, I did like them as a couple and feel they’d have been good together even without the ‘fated to be’ thing.
The speed of the central relationship is my only real issue with the book, though. All in all, Deader Than Dead is a strong series opener with likeable leads, an intriguing premise and interesting secondary characters. I’m looking forward to reading more stories set in this world and will definitely be picking up book two, Dropping Like Flies, which is currently slated for release in late September 2024.
This review originally appeared at All About Romance .
April 2, 2024
2.5 Stars
Honestly, I liked the original short better. While this one has more content, the relationship development is still really lacking as is the romance, which is unfortunate. The 'I love you' phase happened way too quickly, even for a fated mates story.
Honestly, I liked the original short better. While this one has more content, the relationship development is still really lacking as is the romance, which is unfortunate. The 'I love you' phase happened way too quickly, even for a fated mates story.
May 17, 2024
I’m not usually an instalove fan but i guess paranormal books get the exception to that rule. The characters were true to character and i live their dynamic together. It is a novella and pretty short so the story was quite fast paced.
This was a cute start to an obviously interesting new series and i can’t wait to read more from this author and this world.
I received an arc copy of this book from GRR and this review is my honest opinion
This was a cute start to an obviously interesting new series and i can’t wait to read more from this author and this world.
I received an arc copy of this book from GRR and this review is my honest opinion
March 8, 2024
Fascinating start to a new necromancer series. All the players have their secrets that will unravel as their lives turn upside down. John is called in on a case to learn his soul mate has been taken from him before they could even meet. The story just begins here, though, with unknown magic of a mask. Bellamy and John are given a second chance to the life they deserve. The book will hook you from the start and not let go until the conclusion you don't see coming.
Yes, this is a love, a first sight fated mates story, yet it is handled so brilliantly it doesn't feel cliche. These men are put to the test right off the bat and show they were made to work together. I am looking forward to reading more from this series.
Yes, this is a love, a first sight fated mates story, yet it is handled so brilliantly it doesn't feel cliche. These men are put to the test right off the bat and show they were made to work together. I am looking forward to reading more from this series.
March 25, 2024
What more could one add when the premise says it all?
I can honestly say this was my first book where fated mates meet when one of them is dead. If it was meant to a shocker, it definitely was! Even though I was pre-warned by the description, I was still shocked. What a horrible, painful moment!
Luckily, it didn't last long. Maybe that is a spoiler..
I can't say this book goes very deeply into the world-building, the background, the characters and their motivations, because it does not. It is solely centered around the two main characters and everything else is just background noise. Even for the main characters it doesn't give too much depth to them, going straight to insta-love, fluffy goodness and their fight for their HAE. This book is not a terribly deep and emotional piece or a masterclass in world-building. I didn't mind that either. It is a sweet, easy, lovely read, full of insta-love and fluffiness, with a fair share of action and magic for some spice. It was perfect for my mood and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
I can honestly say this was my first book where fated mates meet when one of them is dead. If it was meant to a shocker, it definitely was! Even though I was pre-warned by the description, I was still shocked. What a horrible, painful moment!
Luckily, it didn't last long. Maybe that is a spoiler..
I can't say this book goes very deeply into the world-building, the background, the characters and their motivations, because it does not. It is solely centered around the two main characters and everything else is just background noise. Even for the main characters it doesn't give too much depth to them, going straight to insta-love, fluffy goodness and their fight for their HAE. This book is not a terribly deep and emotional piece or a masterclass in world-building. I didn't mind that either. It is a sweet, easy, lovely read, full of insta-love and fluffiness, with a fair share of action and magic for some spice. It was perfect for my mood and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
November 13, 2025
This was so damn addictive! 😍 Loved it! 🥰
February 29, 2024
Great start to a new series.
Necromancer John attempts to raise professional thief Bellamy from the dead but believes he’s unsuccessful. Circumstances bring these fated mates together again and there’s plenty of drama as they try to outrun and outwit the villains of the piece. With assistance from beyond the veil and the power of their bond, these two engaging characters overcome all obstacles and get their well deserved HEA.
I was fully invested from the very start of this enjoyable and engaging read. The action and drama is balanced nicely with the romantic elements which includes some steamy moments for the two wonderful main characters. There’s also some interesting side characters who have me excited for more in the series.
(This was originally a much shorter, single POV story in the Fated Mates Charity Anthology.)
Necromancer John attempts to raise professional thief Bellamy from the dead but believes he’s unsuccessful. Circumstances bring these fated mates together again and there’s plenty of drama as they try to outrun and outwit the villains of the piece. With assistance from beyond the veil and the power of their bond, these two engaging characters overcome all obstacles and get their well deserved HEA.
I was fully invested from the very start of this enjoyable and engaging read. The action and drama is balanced nicely with the romantic elements which includes some steamy moments for the two wonderful main characters. There’s also some interesting side characters who have me excited for more in the series.
(This was originally a much shorter, single POV story in the Fated Mates Charity Anthology.)
March 11, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Deader Than Dead is a cute and entertaining fated mates story that kicks off H.L. Day’s Paranormal Problems: Necromancers series. The story was originally published in the Fated Mates charity anthology and has now been expanded with 28k words of additional content. The book also now has dual POVs, adding in Bellamy’s narration, and there are some small story changes. I didn’t read the original story, but having read Bellamy’s chapters, I think the addition is helpful. Although he recaps for John the theft of the artifact and what lead up to his death, seeing it first hand through his eyes as it happens rounds out the story nicely.
Overall, I found this one fun with a really clever premise and some nice suspense. Day lays a nice foundation for the larger series and I am looking forward to continuing on.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Deader Than Dead is a cute and entertaining fated mates story that kicks off H.L. Day’s Paranormal Problems: Necromancers series. The story was originally published in the Fated Mates charity anthology and has now been expanded with 28k words of additional content. The book also now has dual POVs, adding in Bellamy’s narration, and there are some small story changes. I didn’t read the original story, but having read Bellamy’s chapters, I think the addition is helpful. Although he recaps for John the theft of the artifact and what lead up to his death, seeing it first hand through his eyes as it happens rounds out the story nicely.
Overall, I found this one fun with a really clever premise and some nice suspense. Day lays a nice foundation for the larger series and I am looking forward to continuing on.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
March 8, 2024
When I read and reviewed the "Deader than Dead" short story in the Fated Mates Charity Anthology I wrote that I wanted "more explanation to the world, the magic systems, and the characters, especially the non-necromancer of the pair. I hope that this might be lengethened at some point because this could be amazing with more detail." When I saw that the author HL Day wa releasing an expanded version of the story I had to read it and I am very happy that I did.
The core story is the same but there is more backstory leading up the where the story in the anthology started. This shows more of who the characters are and what happened that led up to John and Bellamy meeting as necromancer and corpse. This has changed into a a two POV story and that is a great change. Bellamy seemed like such an interesting character and his actions before he and John meet deserved more perspective. The additional information introduces more characters and leads into the formation of a series.
This is a fated mates story, so there is insta-everything. The attraction is immediate, the steam happens fast, and their lives combine after only a couple days of meeting. John and Bellamy seem like a fun couple who come from different perspectives and have different lives. Even with all the "insta" parts of their relationship, they seem like a solid couple and like they could be a solid without the fated part of their relationship.
I am curious as to where this series will go. There is a great set up to more fun and exciting things ahead for all the characters so far.
A copy of this book was provided at no cost and this is my honest and unbiased review.
The core story is the same but there is more backstory leading up the where the story in the anthology started. This shows more of who the characters are and what happened that led up to John and Bellamy meeting as necromancer and corpse. This has changed into a a two POV story and that is a great change. Bellamy seemed like such an interesting character and his actions before he and John meet deserved more perspective. The additional information introduces more characters and leads into the formation of a series.
This is a fated mates story, so there is insta-everything. The attraction is immediate, the steam happens fast, and their lives combine after only a couple days of meeting. John and Bellamy seem like a fun couple who come from different perspectives and have different lives. Even with all the "insta" parts of their relationship, they seem like a solid couple and like they could be a solid without the fated part of their relationship.
I am curious as to where this series will go. There is a great set up to more fun and exciting things ahead for all the characters so far.
A copy of this book was provided at no cost and this is my honest and unbiased review.
July 30, 2024
A very entertaining premise, I came to this story after reading the second in the trilogy so I kinda knew what happened. However, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. Both John and Bellamy were fun to read about – they lived such different lives and yet when they met, they were both more than ready to accept that what they had found was something special. The fact that Bellamy was dead when they met was neither here nor there!
The plot of the mask was really interesting, as was the view into a little more of Cade and the PPB. I’m sort of glad that I read the second book first – I’m not sure if I would have read more after this one because although I enjoyed it, it didn’t grab me as much as the second in the series.
A good set up for what sounds like an interesting show-down, as well as (hopefully) finding out more about Asher and the other members of the team, I’m glad I read this but I found book two more entertaining.
The plot of the mask was really interesting, as was the view into a little more of Cade and the PPB. I’m sort of glad that I read the second book first – I’m not sure if I would have read more after this one because although I enjoyed it, it didn’t grab me as much as the second in the series.
A good set up for what sounds like an interesting show-down, as well as (hopefully) finding out more about Asher and the other members of the team, I’m glad I read this but I found book two more entertaining.
March 15, 2024
Interesting, exciting and sweet. The perfect combination for evening reading, at least for me, before bed. I started it yesterday and literally couldn't put it down until I got to the last page and then I realized I was missing something - I wanted more!
Well, when you're disappointed at the end of the book that it's over, this definitely deserves 5 stars.
This is my first book from the author, but it certainly won't be my last. I should note that I am a fan of necromancers, magical worlds, etc. I also love when things happen at first sight. You can guess that I am talking about instalove and everything that comes with and after it.
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well, when you're disappointed at the end of the book that it's over, this definitely deserves 5 stars.
This is my first book from the author, but it certainly won't be my last. I should note that I am a fan of necromancers, magical worlds, etc. I also love when things happen at first sight. You can guess that I am talking about instalove and everything that comes with and after it.
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 16, 2024
This is the first book or novella in this series, and it promises an interesting world.
I really liked the first half as it was quite thorough and promising.
The problem for me was that for the complexity of the situation and how it developed, the author did not take enough to go through with it.
Maybe it is a bit that I am biased against novellas but this is a good example for me where a few pages more would have done a world of good (at least for me)
The next book has another MC, one who we never saw in this book.
All in all, it was an interesting idea with good bones. I would have liked it more when the author had taken more time to develop the story better.
I really liked the first half as it was quite thorough and promising.
The problem for me was that for the complexity of the situation and how it developed, the author did not take enough to go through with it.
Maybe it is a bit that I am biased against novellas but this is a good example for me where a few pages more would have done a world of good (at least for me)
The next book has another MC, one who we never saw in this book.
All in all, it was an interesting idea with good bones. I would have liked it more when the author had taken more time to develop the story better.
April 10, 2024
very good. interesting and intriguing. it kept me curious and it was well written. i enjoyed it a lot and cant wait for more to come
September 29, 2024
Necromancer John Averill is not happy when he is sent to another job just before his day is supposed to end. It turns out the job is so much more than he anticipated. He has a gun pointed at his head and the dead man turns out to be his fated mate, the one he has been searching for all his life. Bellamy Farrell, a professional thief, is that dead man. He took one last job and knows his morals will prevent him from completing this job. Is he dead or is there more to this story? Fate has other plans for John and Bellamy.
This the start of a new series called Paranormal Problems, Necromancer. John work for the Paranormal Problems Bureau. It is not unusual for him to be assigned many different types of job, but his latest is really unusual. Bellamy is his fated mate but he is dead before their story begins. Or is he? Pick this one up and find out what happens. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy.
This the start of a new series called Paranormal Problems, Necromancer. John work for the Paranormal Problems Bureau. It is not unusual for him to be assigned many different types of job, but his latest is really unusual. Bellamy is his fated mate but he is dead before their story begins. Or is he? Pick this one up and find out what happens. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy.
March 16, 2024
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.25 hearts.
A necromancer. A job that's gone wrong. And a raising from the dead is all it took for John to meet his fated mate, Bellamy. But how can you have a lasting relationship with someone already dead? Enter an artifact that is more than it seems.
Deader than Dead is the first book in the Paranormal Problems series. It is an excellent story that I enjoyed reading. However, despite being told in the first person, I often felt like I was in a room being told the story rather than experiencing it. Storytime at the library, as it were.
John works for the Paranormal Problem Bureau (PPB – sorry, but with this acronym, I couldn’t help thinking of Peanut Butter), London. He is a headstrong necromancer with a snarky tongue that is my kryptonite. Occasionally, he also has a melancholy side that had me tearing up. When his emotions hit, they hit hard. It was John’s reactions that got to me the most. Some of his page time was superbly written heartstring time. Conversely, his sardonic side had me smiling the most.
Bellamy is a thief with sketchy morals, but at least he has them. He’ll steal just about anything with the proper justification, and he’s good at his job. Bellamy’s reputation and paycheck are indicators of his skill. He loves a challenge and the thrill of a mystery.
Apart from their snarky temperaments, the other thing they both share is a constant internal monologue. When writing in the first person, I get why it is there, but sometimes it becomes a bit much. The thought process may have explained a lot, but it intermittently interrupted the dynamic of a scene. It may have been better to say that a hundred things were going through the character’s head instead of naming them. Not knowing everything can add to the mystery. And I think this disconnected me from some aspects of the story. Sometimes, less can be more.
I liked that the tale was set in a specific period instead of trying to fit a lifetime into too small a space. Therefore, the pace was to my reading tastes. The story arc is one of those that made me think – after the event rather than during. Was fate or a higher force engineering an outcome, and were the characters simply pawns in another game? A Monopoly/Cluedo combo. The extended cast, too, was small but varied enough to provide many scenarios for the future.
Deader than Dead is an excellent introduction to a series that holds much promise.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
A necromancer. A job that's gone wrong. And a raising from the dead is all it took for John to meet his fated mate, Bellamy. But how can you have a lasting relationship with someone already dead? Enter an artifact that is more than it seems.
Deader than Dead is the first book in the Paranormal Problems series. It is an excellent story that I enjoyed reading. However, despite being told in the first person, I often felt like I was in a room being told the story rather than experiencing it. Storytime at the library, as it were.
John works for the Paranormal Problem Bureau (PPB – sorry, but with this acronym, I couldn’t help thinking of Peanut Butter), London. He is a headstrong necromancer with a snarky tongue that is my kryptonite. Occasionally, he also has a melancholy side that had me tearing up. When his emotions hit, they hit hard. It was John’s reactions that got to me the most. Some of his page time was superbly written heartstring time. Conversely, his sardonic side had me smiling the most.
Bellamy is a thief with sketchy morals, but at least he has them. He’ll steal just about anything with the proper justification, and he’s good at his job. Bellamy’s reputation and paycheck are indicators of his skill. He loves a challenge and the thrill of a mystery.
Apart from their snarky temperaments, the other thing they both share is a constant internal monologue. When writing in the first person, I get why it is there, but sometimes it becomes a bit much. The thought process may have explained a lot, but it intermittently interrupted the dynamic of a scene. It may have been better to say that a hundred things were going through the character’s head instead of naming them. Not knowing everything can add to the mystery. And I think this disconnected me from some aspects of the story. Sometimes, less can be more.
I liked that the tale was set in a specific period instead of trying to fit a lifetime into too small a space. Therefore, the pace was to my reading tastes. The story arc is one of those that made me think – after the event rather than during. Was fate or a higher force engineering an outcome, and were the characters simply pawns in another game? A Monopoly/Cluedo combo. The extended cast, too, was small but varied enough to provide many scenarios for the future.
Deader than Dead is an excellent introduction to a series that holds much promise.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
July 5, 2024
This book did exactly what I needed it to do. It’s on the more superficial side so there wasn’t a lot of emotional investment. I love the whole premise of the world and wish that this book had been fleshed out further to really delve into the richness of the idea. However, the author does mention that this is a shorter read that was expanded upon a bit.
Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
Sure.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: I actually enjoyed both John and Bellamy for the short amount of time we were with them. I loved their situations and they truly were characters that felt fleshed out and would have flown off the page if given more room to truly fly. I’m not a fan of insta-love, so I didn’t feel there was much of an emotional connection between them simply because there wasn’t enough space for them to really get to know each other. But again, for the length of the story, it was well done.
PLOT: I absolutely love the main conflict that a necromancer has a fated mate and that John happens to meet his when he’s a corpse. There is so much to do with that and I truly wished there were more space to delve into exactly what happened and how they are connected. I keep mentioning the length because unfortunately there just wasn’t enough room to even flesh out this plot and let it bloom. But the bare bones of it? Really brilliant!
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
1 of 5/low. Exactly as needed.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. I didn’t have much investment so I already knew I wouldn’t have much of fulfillment, however, I did wish that the climactic moment wasn’t done and finished so quickly. In fact, by the time it ended, I was waiting for the buildup TO the climax. Oops! But again, for the bare bones of a story, I enjoyed the few hours I was immersed in the story.
Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
Sure.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: I actually enjoyed both John and Bellamy for the short amount of time we were with them. I loved their situations and they truly were characters that felt fleshed out and would have flown off the page if given more room to truly fly. I’m not a fan of insta-love, so I didn’t feel there was much of an emotional connection between them simply because there wasn’t enough space for them to really get to know each other. But again, for the length of the story, it was well done.
PLOT: I absolutely love the main conflict that a necromancer has a fated mate and that John happens to meet his when he’s a corpse. There is so much to do with that and I truly wished there were more space to delve into exactly what happened and how they are connected. I keep mentioning the length because unfortunately there just wasn’t enough room to even flesh out this plot and let it bloom. But the bare bones of it? Really brilliant!
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
1 of 5/low. Exactly as needed.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. I didn’t have much investment so I already knew I wouldn’t have much of fulfillment, however, I did wish that the climactic moment wasn’t done and finished so quickly. In fact, by the time it ended, I was waiting for the buildup TO the climax. Oops! But again, for the bare bones of a story, I enjoyed the few hours I was immersed in the story.
October 12, 2024
Plot: 1/5
Setting: 1/5
Character Dev/Romance: 1/5
Writing: 1/5
Diversity: 1/5 (No, our token Latino, Callisto, isn’t enough to qualify as representation)
This book was like eating empty calories. It wasn’t satisfying, enjoyable, and I was left feeling like I wasted my time. I have 3 main issues with this story: the plot became irrelevant, the romance was lukewarm, and the characters weren’t entertaining.
The main plot revolves around a mysterious artifact that an organization wants to retrieve. I had hoped there would be more to the plot than what we get. Over 2-3 days we get about 2-3 scenes with the bad guys. We learn nothing about them or even how they discovered this thing. We have no idea what it does or even what they do. Quite frankly the ONLY plot twists you get with the bad guys is that who we originally think is the “boss” is actually an underling of someone else. Lame. Also, this book ends with one of those scenes where someone just “explains” it all in the end but even the explanations suck.
Another issue I had was the romance, well really lack thereof. This is a fated mates story and those can sometimes be a little too insta-love. So much so that it seems ridiculous. However, even with an insta-love there’s a way to do it that makes sense. Like most romances, there needs to be something pushing the MCs away. There needs to be some obstacle/challenge they need to overcome to be together. While initially that exists in this story, it’s made irrelevant by the next chapter. We don’t even know exactly how it’s reversed but I know for a fact the MCs didn’t do anything to solve the problem. I hate deus ex machina plot devices like those.
Lastly, Bellamy and John kinda suck. They have no personality. John is supposed to be some acerbic, witty character but he just comes off as a loser. Bellamy has no personality. We don’t really get to know these characters because they don’t do anything. Either stuff is done for them or it happens off page. So while I’ve enjoyed my fair share of acerbic MCs like Kate Daniels from the Kate Daniels series or Patrick from the Soul bond series, the plot and writing screws over John and Bellamy. They’re never given any scenes to actually show us who they are.
Setting: 1/5
Character Dev/Romance: 1/5
Writing: 1/5
Diversity: 1/5 (No, our token Latino, Callisto, isn’t enough to qualify as representation)
This book was like eating empty calories. It wasn’t satisfying, enjoyable, and I was left feeling like I wasted my time. I have 3 main issues with this story: the plot became irrelevant, the romance was lukewarm, and the characters weren’t entertaining.
The main plot revolves around a mysterious artifact that an organization wants to retrieve. I had hoped there would be more to the plot than what we get. Over 2-3 days we get about 2-3 scenes with the bad guys. We learn nothing about them or even how they discovered this thing. We have no idea what it does or even what they do. Quite frankly the ONLY plot twists you get with the bad guys is that who we originally think is the “boss” is actually an underling of someone else. Lame. Also, this book ends with one of those scenes where someone just “explains” it all in the end but even the explanations suck.
Another issue I had was the romance, well really lack thereof. This is a fated mates story and those can sometimes be a little too insta-love. So much so that it seems ridiculous. However, even with an insta-love there’s a way to do it that makes sense. Like most romances, there needs to be something pushing the MCs away. There needs to be some obstacle/challenge they need to overcome to be together. While initially that exists in this story, it’s made irrelevant by the next chapter. We don’t even know exactly how it’s reversed but I know for a fact the MCs didn’t do anything to solve the problem. I hate deus ex machina plot devices like those.
Lastly, Bellamy and John kinda suck. They have no personality. John is supposed to be some acerbic, witty character but he just comes off as a loser. Bellamy has no personality. We don’t really get to know these characters because they don’t do anything. Either stuff is done for them or it happens off page. So while I’ve enjoyed my fair share of acerbic MCs like Kate Daniels from the Kate Daniels series or Patrick from the Soul bond series, the plot and writing screws over John and Bellamy. They’re never given any scenes to actually show us who they are.
March 9, 2024
This was a great start to the series. Both of the MC's are quite likable and i loved each MC's internal dialogue. Bellamy's a professional thief with a mortal code and is hired to steal an object in a trunking the basement of a home by an individual name O'Reilly. The job seems way to easy. Jon easily steals the object which just looks line a plain wooden mask but then he finds out that it is an occult item that has great power and could cause devastation in the wrong hands. He decides to not turn it over to O'Reilly which ends up causing him to be kidnapped by O'Reilly's hoodlums and knowing that he will not withstand torture he decides to take a cyanide pill hidden in his necklace. John Averill is a necromancer whose boss sends him out on one last job for the day. John is sent to sketchy neighborhood and is ushered into the building by huge men with guns. He is sent to a bedroom to bring back an individual so they can question him. This turns out to be Bellamy and when John sees him he realizes that Bellamy is his fated mate. He tries to bring him back but the ritual does not seem to work due to Bellamy being dead for too long. John barely escapes with his life. Later that night he is surprise when Bellamy turns up very alive on his doorstep and says that he woke in a strange room and somehow just knew how to find John. Since bringing people back from the dead only lasts 2-3 hours, Jon decides to make the most of his time with Bellamy before he dies again. After a passionate night together, Jon is surprised to find Bellamy still very much alive the next day. They each tell the other of their professions and Bellamy tells Jon about the mask. However, O'Reilly is now after them both an they have to find a way to stay alive and keep her from getting the mask. In the end, we learn how Bellamy was able to be brought back from the dead and stay alive when others aren't. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
August 22, 2024
Surface Level Cute
This book was sort of a random find for me but ticked multiple boxes that grasped my interest. Paranormal romance, fated mates, a little bit of suspense, a bit of snark and banter. And on those fronts it delivered. But everything about this book was just a little too simple to really get me invested in the story.
John and Bellamy meet under less than normal circumstances and it’s a bit heartbreaking, but from the moment they are together it’s very, insta lust, insta love, insta everything. And while I love a good fated mates storyline, this was a little too simple and cookie cutter. Sure there was the overarching plot that added a little drama and suspense, but as a couple it was just too boring. I get that fated mates are supposed to be perfect for one another and fill a part of them they didn’t realize was missing, but to seamlessly join their lives and friends together shouldn’t be so simple. There should be an aspect to them that still has to work towards making their two storylines become one.
Bellamy and John had interesting jobs and sort of interesting personalities but they weren’t unique enough to stand out. Often I forgot which perspective I was reading because the two came off so similar.
The side characters who will undoubtedly get their own books were kinda interesting but the story is so short it felt like we got only a few pages with those characters and the rest of the book they were forgotten. I enjoy getting to know the other side characters more so that I’m more invested in them having a future storyline.
In general the book was an easy, relatively entertaining story, and I’ll surely read the next. But I’m hoping the next delves a little deeper into the characters and storyline.
Tropes: Fated Mates, Paranormal, Necromancer/Human Romance, Action/Suspense
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM
This book was sort of a random find for me but ticked multiple boxes that grasped my interest. Paranormal romance, fated mates, a little bit of suspense, a bit of snark and banter. And on those fronts it delivered. But everything about this book was just a little too simple to really get me invested in the story.
John and Bellamy meet under less than normal circumstances and it’s a bit heartbreaking, but from the moment they are together it’s very, insta lust, insta love, insta everything. And while I love a good fated mates storyline, this was a little too simple and cookie cutter. Sure there was the overarching plot that added a little drama and suspense, but as a couple it was just too boring. I get that fated mates are supposed to be perfect for one another and fill a part of them they didn’t realize was missing, but to seamlessly join their lives and friends together shouldn’t be so simple. There should be an aspect to them that still has to work towards making their two storylines become one.
Bellamy and John had interesting jobs and sort of interesting personalities but they weren’t unique enough to stand out. Often I forgot which perspective I was reading because the two came off so similar.
The side characters who will undoubtedly get their own books were kinda interesting but the story is so short it felt like we got only a few pages with those characters and the rest of the book they were forgotten. I enjoy getting to know the other side characters more so that I’m more invested in them having a future storyline.
In general the book was an easy, relatively entertaining story, and I’ll surely read the next. But I’m hoping the next delves a little deeper into the characters and storyline.
Tropes: Fated Mates, Paranormal, Necromancer/Human Romance, Action/Suspense
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM
November 12, 2024
This is a new-to-me author and I was hooked from page one – I found this engaging, the characters had just enough emotional pull to keep me vested but not so much that I found the book angsty, and I greatly enjoyed the whole concept of a somewhat imperfect Paranormal Bureau. The plot had enough twisty turns and bends to pull me along and I had a hard time putting this book down!
The book blurb summarizes the overall premise well, so I won’t repeat. And what does a necromancer do when they find the corpse they’re supposed to revive is their fated soulmate?
I was absolutely delighted by how the author resolved that intriguing little detail! The romance that follows is definitely a whirlwind insta-love with lots of emotional punches. If I had one niggle about the overall plot, it would be this aspect. I’m not a huge fan of the insta-love plot trope, but I thought the author handled it well enough that I could (mostly) set my grumbles aside.
The supporting characters are exactly that – supporting. The reader is introduced to John’s co-necromancers and the Bureau’s founder and director and the director’s enigmatic personal assistant. What I liked is none of these characters are alike. The protagonist is driving the plot from a backseat position, which makes the final confrontation all that much more interesting. And frustrating. But I can’t say why because *major* plot reveal. Yeah, no spoilers – gotta read it for yourself!
When all is read and said, this pushed my happy buttons – paranormal aka necromancers, male/male romance, engaging and interesting plot, strong ending. I’m off to read book two!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
The book blurb summarizes the overall premise well, so I won’t repeat. And what does a necromancer do when they find the corpse they’re supposed to revive is their fated soulmate?
I was absolutely delighted by how the author resolved that intriguing little detail! The romance that follows is definitely a whirlwind insta-love with lots of emotional punches. If I had one niggle about the overall plot, it would be this aspect. I’m not a huge fan of the insta-love plot trope, but I thought the author handled it well enough that I could (mostly) set my grumbles aside.
The supporting characters are exactly that – supporting. The reader is introduced to John’s co-necromancers and the Bureau’s founder and director and the director’s enigmatic personal assistant. What I liked is none of these characters are alike. The protagonist is driving the plot from a backseat position, which makes the final confrontation all that much more interesting. And frustrating. But I can’t say why because *major* plot reveal. Yeah, no spoilers – gotta read it for yourself!
When all is read and said, this pushed my happy buttons – paranormal aka necromancers, male/male romance, engaging and interesting plot, strong ending. I’m off to read book two!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 16, 2024
Dead Pretty Boyfriend
Deader than Dead
HL Day
The Paranormal Problems Bureau, or PPB
John Averill, part of the Necromancer Team along with Griffin and Calisto, work for Cade Everleigh, who first set up the business.
Called to the office on his arrival, John is faced with Cade's very glamorous, ethereal assistant, Asher; with ice prince looks and persona.
As a necromancer, he's also destined to have a perfect match, that he will know instantly, the second he sees him.
Bellamy Farrell is a thief; a damn good one worth his weight in gold, though he does have a moral code, even if it's on the grey side, and don't deal in weapons.
Unfortunately for him, instead of dinner with his sister, he's talked into a job - when he's supposed to be on holiday - retrieving an artifact from a large house 'for sentimental reasons'.
More unfortunately for him, it's the Bontifi mask, a powerful occult artifact, and he's been conned.
He was dead wrong to take that last job.
Literally.
This is an incredibly fun book.
One of the best scenes in the book is where John has taken a necromancy job to raise Alfred for his 'grieving wife' Maria, and that part is dead funny, pardon the pun. It's definitely gallows humour, and John is kind of a laconic layabout, never on time, taking each day as it comes until the central job in the story arc starts.
He's also super snarky, especially his 'inside' voice. There are also very sweet and poignant moments too.
As well as the underlying mystery of what the mask is, what it does and why dead doesn't always mean 'dead'.
This was a great series intro with lots of intriguing characters, particularly Asher and Calisto, and I am one hundred percent invested in reading more.
Deader than Dead
HL Day
The Paranormal Problems Bureau, or PPB
John Averill, part of the Necromancer Team along with Griffin and Calisto, work for Cade Everleigh, who first set up the business.
Called to the office on his arrival, John is faced with Cade's very glamorous, ethereal assistant, Asher; with ice prince looks and persona.
As a necromancer, he's also destined to have a perfect match, that he will know instantly, the second he sees him.
Bellamy Farrell is a thief; a damn good one worth his weight in gold, though he does have a moral code, even if it's on the grey side, and don't deal in weapons.
Unfortunately for him, instead of dinner with his sister, he's talked into a job - when he's supposed to be on holiday - retrieving an artifact from a large house 'for sentimental reasons'.
More unfortunately for him, it's the Bontifi mask, a powerful occult artifact, and he's been conned.
He was dead wrong to take that last job.
Literally.
This is an incredibly fun book.
One of the best scenes in the book is where John has taken a necromancy job to raise Alfred for his 'grieving wife' Maria, and that part is dead funny, pardon the pun. It's definitely gallows humour, and John is kind of a laconic layabout, never on time, taking each day as it comes until the central job in the story arc starts.
He's also super snarky, especially his 'inside' voice. There are also very sweet and poignant moments too.
As well as the underlying mystery of what the mask is, what it does and why dead doesn't always mean 'dead'.
This was a great series intro with lots of intriguing characters, particularly Asher and Calisto, and I am one hundred percent invested in reading more.
March 5, 2024
I first read part of this story in the Fated Mates Anthology and it hurt my heart SO damn much to read about the possibility of finding your fated mate, the one created just for you, and to find out that they're dead.
So when I saw that H.L. Day came out with a revised edition with more content? The way I RAN.
I loved learning about Bellamy. I loved that we got more of his POV and bits and pieces of his daily life. I liked his own little moral code that he always tried to follow, even up to his last breath.
My favorite part? Honestly, it's a bit morbid but stay with me. When John discovers Bellamy and realizes it's the man he's supposed to raise from the dead along with being his fated mate. I loved how he talked to Bellamy knowing he wouldn't ever get a response. How John told him about himself, and asked what their lives would have been like, and how he would have loved him. It was SO damn heartbreaking, but luckily that didn't last too long and we got this precious baby back.
Especially when we get John's POV the night after they've met when he keeps putting off the fact that Bellamy is most likely dead in his bed. How he knew he would only get the one night and how he just can't bear to go in just yet.
Again, it's a bit morbid but the pining was just chefs kiss.
These two precious beans deserved their rough but well earned HEA and now that I know this is going to be a SERIES?! GAH. I cannot WAIT to see Griffin's book and perhaps we figure out why he's got so much alcohol stashed at his desk, or why he's rarely in at work.
So when I saw that H.L. Day came out with a revised edition with more content? The way I RAN.
I loved learning about Bellamy. I loved that we got more of his POV and bits and pieces of his daily life. I liked his own little moral code that he always tried to follow, even up to his last breath.
My favorite part? Honestly, it's a bit morbid but stay with me. When John discovers Bellamy and realizes it's the man he's supposed to raise from the dead along with being his fated mate. I loved how he talked to Bellamy knowing he wouldn't ever get a response. How John told him about himself, and asked what their lives would have been like, and how he would have loved him. It was SO damn heartbreaking, but luckily that didn't last too long and we got this precious baby back.
Especially when we get John's POV the night after they've met when he keeps putting off the fact that Bellamy is most likely dead in his bed. How he knew he would only get the one night and how he just can't bear to go in just yet.
Again, it's a bit morbid but the pining was just chefs kiss.
These two precious beans deserved their rough but well earned HEA and now that I know this is going to be a SERIES?! GAH. I cannot WAIT to see Griffin's book and perhaps we figure out why he's got so much alcohol stashed at his desk, or why he's rarely in at work.
March 16, 2024
I am not a big fan of fated mates stories, because I prefer to see relationships develop organically; however, I love stories about necromancers, who don't usually get to be the heroes. So, I gabbed the ARC for this first book in the Paranormal Problems: Necromancers series, and I loved it! John and Bellamy both have character flaws. Bellamy is a thief, stealing things for whoever is willing to pay, but he has morals, and won't complete jobs that would hurt innocents. John, on the hand, is a snarky, sarcastic necromancer, who gets paid to resurrect the recently deceased for loved ones. He too has a bit of a moral code, and tries to restrict himself to those seeking closure, and not those seeking to contact the deceased for greedy reasons. I liked the unique twists to the story related to necromancers having fated mates and the voices in John's head, and I really loved the way John and Bellamy worked together to outsmart the villain. The story has a nice HFN/HEA ending, but there is so much more to learn about Cade, Asher, and the other side characters, and I am hoping future stories will add more detail to their characters. And, O'Reilly is still out there, too. Wonder if we'll see them again. Fun story, a few surprises, some steamy moments, and not too much angst. Perfect read.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
January 20, 2025
Straight from Dropping Like Flies into Deader Than Dead. Yes, beam end before elbow. That’s me! Yet, in a way, I’m pleased I did this. There were a few references to DLF which I sniggered at, ie those particularly directed towards Griffin, and was like Yeah…he is like that as if I had insider knowledge. 😂
HLD has produced yet another diamond of a partnership between John and Bellamy with this book as they accidentally meet and become so much more than that. The suddenness of their need to be together was humorous not to mention perfectly written, especially when they themselves were even questioning their pace of events.
I don’t think there were any mehs in this story or they were so insignificant that I erased them from my brain.
The paranormal shenanigans were fabulous, especially one specific scene, where I was left thinking well I didn’t see that coming…even though I should have, apparently! However, one of the characters didn’t either, so I don’t feel so bad.😂
Deader Than Dead is the first book in the Paranormal Problems trilogy. The story held me a little tighter than DLF. When I’ve thought about that I reckon it was due to the suddenness of them finding each other and it being absolutely a normal progression. It was allowed and was they were both totally at one with it.
Another one recommend.
HLD has produced yet another diamond of a partnership between John and Bellamy with this book as they accidentally meet and become so much more than that. The suddenness of their need to be together was humorous not to mention perfectly written, especially when they themselves were even questioning their pace of events.
I don’t think there were any mehs in this story or they were so insignificant that I erased them from my brain.
The paranormal shenanigans were fabulous, especially one specific scene, where I was left thinking well I didn’t see that coming…even though I should have, apparently! However, one of the characters didn’t either, so I don’t feel so bad.😂
Deader Than Dead is the first book in the Paranormal Problems trilogy. The story held me a little tighter than DLF. When I’ve thought about that I reckon it was due to the suddenness of them finding each other and it being absolutely a normal progression. It was allowed and was they were both totally at one with it.
Another one recommend.
February 18, 2025
Even death can’t stop fate.
Professional thief, Bellamy, might have bitten off more than he can chew this time. Jobs have gone wrong before, but never this wrong. His moral code might be grayer than most, but it exists, and he finds himself facing an impossible choice that could cost him everything.
Necromancer, John Averill’s day just got ten times worse. One more job, his boss says. Well, that job sucks, because not only does he find himself with a gun pointed at his head, but the man he’s been hired to raise temporarily from the dead is none other than his fated mate… the man he’s been searching for all his life.
Their love story is over before it ever began. Or is it? Fate still has a few tricks up its sleeve, and the impossible might just become possible.
Deader than Dead is a 57k Fated Mates MM paranormal novel featuring villains who will stop at nothing to get what they want, a stolen artifact, kidnapping, betrayal, lies, and two men determined to overcome death itself to be together.
Content warning for death and mention of suicide.
Heather's Notes
This was not a bad story. I liked Bellamy and Jon. I liked how they worked together and figured things out. It was very instalove, but it worked for the story. I do not know if I will read more of the series or not.
Professional thief, Bellamy, might have bitten off more than he can chew this time. Jobs have gone wrong before, but never this wrong. His moral code might be grayer than most, but it exists, and he finds himself facing an impossible choice that could cost him everything.
Necromancer, John Averill’s day just got ten times worse. One more job, his boss says. Well, that job sucks, because not only does he find himself with a gun pointed at his head, but the man he’s been hired to raise temporarily from the dead is none other than his fated mate… the man he’s been searching for all his life.
Their love story is over before it ever began. Or is it? Fate still has a few tricks up its sleeve, and the impossible might just become possible.
Deader than Dead is a 57k Fated Mates MM paranormal novel featuring villains who will stop at nothing to get what they want, a stolen artifact, kidnapping, betrayal, lies, and two men determined to overcome death itself to be together.
Content warning for death and mention of suicide.
Heather's Notes
This was not a bad story. I liked Bellamy and Jon. I liked how they worked together and figured things out. It was very instalove, but it worked for the story. I do not know if I will read more of the series or not.
March 14, 2024
I have previously enjoyed H.L. Day and have been meaning to read more of their work. When I stumbled upon Deader Than Dead, I was instantly curious. I am always looking for interesting new paranormal stories to dive into, and this sounded like it would be perfect for me.
I will be honest and say that Deader Than Dead left me conflicted. I was instantly intrigued, eager to learn more about the world. There were lots of details that I wanted to explore, many elements that were introduced, and they all promise an intriguing world. While the world itself was intriguing, I did not care for the relationship between the characters. Everything was too quick and easy. I understand why it was done the way it was, linked to what had happened, yet the fact that they fell into everything so easily meant I never felt any of the connection between them. Due to this, that element of the story never held my attention. The bigger picture was intriguing, yet I was let down on the character level.
All in all, I can see this working for many. Unfortunately, for me, it is my least favourite read from the author. It had all the markers of something I would love, yet the relationship between the characters left me disappointed.
I will be honest and say that Deader Than Dead left me conflicted. I was instantly intrigued, eager to learn more about the world. There were lots of details that I wanted to explore, many elements that were introduced, and they all promise an intriguing world. While the world itself was intriguing, I did not care for the relationship between the characters. Everything was too quick and easy. I understand why it was done the way it was, linked to what had happened, yet the fact that they fell into everything so easily meant I never felt any of the connection between them. Due to this, that element of the story never held my attention. The bigger picture was intriguing, yet I was let down on the character level.
All in all, I can see this working for many. Unfortunately, for me, it is my least favourite read from the author. It had all the markers of something I would love, yet the relationship between the characters left me disappointed.
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