Eighth Grave After Dark

Charley Davidson #8

by Darynda Jones

Sometimes I wonder if the purpose of my life
is to serve as a cautionary tale to others.
- T-shirt

Charley Davidson has enough going on without having to worry about twelve hellhounds hot on her trail. She is, after all, incredibly pregnant and feeling like she could pop at any moment. But, just her luck, twelve deadly beasts from hell have chosen this time to escape onto our plane, and they've made Charley their target. And so she takes refuge at the only place she thinks they can't get to the grounds of an abandoned convent. Of course, if hellhounds aren't enough, Charley also has a new case to hold her the decades-old murder of a newly-vowed nun she keeps seeing in the shadows of the convent.
Add to that the still unsolved murder of her father, the strange behavior of her husband, and Charley's tendency to attract the, shall we say, undead, and she has her hands full...but also tied.

Charley Davidson


"Sexy, sassy...with c heeky charm and sarcastic wit." - The Associated Press

" A true paranormal princess. " - Night Owl Reviews

"W isecracking, wickedly funny ."- RT Book Reviews

Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Mystery, Demons

293 pages, Hardcover

First published May 19, 2015

About the author

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Click here to read one of the more popular short stories by Darynda called The Monster:
https://theneverneath.com/2018/02/02/...

She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 1 out of 5]

BR with Liz, Aly∞, Jo, Robin, Alexa & Jaime starting May 19, 2015.



DNF at 27%

▧ Warning #1: I'm in a very bad mood today. I've only slept for three hours. And I feel like punching someone. This is not going to go well.

▧ Warning #2: this review contains spoiler. And I don't give a damn. I'm insensitive like that.

▧ Warning #3: this review might contain spoilers about Fever. Yes Fever. And I'm not sure I give a damn about that either at this point. Hell JZB would probably kick my ass if he knew. Actually, I think I'd rather like that. Him kicking my ass I mean. I'm digressing aren't I? Yeah, JZB tends to have that effect on a girl's two grey cells.



►► I've always had mixed feelings about this series. Most instalments were kind of meh. Two of the books were pretty great but don't ask me which ones because I can't remember and can't be bothered to check right now, I've wasted enough time with this crap as it is. I almost gave up on the series after book 6 and its Reyes-is-a-sick-love-puppy-and-the-most-boring-Son-of-Satan-ever-fest. But I still read book 7. Don't judge. I can be stupid like that. The most surprising thing is, I LOVED it. I must have been high at the time. Or drunk. Or both. Anyway, I enjoyed book 7 so much I decided to read this lovely book right here. I should have reread Who's Holding the Baby? instead. I already told you not to judge didn't I? Thought so.

►► I should have known this wouldn't go well. I mean, Charley was pregnant by the end of book 7. Charley Davidson. Pregnant. Most ridiculous idea in the history of ridiculous ideas. And most ridiculous idea in the history of ridiculous ideas #2: she and Reyes getting married. You have got to be kidding me. The Freaking Son of Satan getting married????!!!!! I don't think so.

►► This was a disaster waiting to happen. And it did. Happen. The disaster I mean. To say it was one of Epic Proportions doesn't even begin to cover it.



✘✘ PART I: what I read and thought was utterly pathetic ✘✘

① My husband husband husband is sexy sexy sexy hot hot hot beautiful beautiful beautiful = please kill me somebody

Okay. So Reyes Alexander Farrow is, in Charley's own words, sexy as fuck. We know that. Darynda Jones has been rehashing it to us STOOPID readers who don't get it since book 1. You'd think she'd get past this by book 8 wouldn't you? Hahaha you're so funny! This book right here is an ode to the Son of Satan's Glorious Body: muscular chest, broad shoulders, strong jaw, thick and dark lashes, full mouth sculpted to perfection ← Arrrggghhhh!!!!!!! I think I just got trapped in a freaking PNR novel!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someone please get me out of here!!!!!!!!!!!! NOOOOWWWWWW!!!!! By the way, in case you didn't know, the Son of Satan is hot. The Son of Satan is Charley's HUSBAND. The Son of Satan is sexy. The Son of Satan is Charley's HUSBAND. The Son of Satan is beautiful. The Son of Satan is Charley's HUSBAND. The Son of Satan is handsome. The Son of Satan is Charley's HUSBAND. Major swooning and sighing and fainting happen whenever he's around. Poor pathetic Charley gets weak in the knees just looking at him. Even when she's walking down the aisle at her best friend's wedding. She just stops and stares. The Freaking Son of Satan is THAT hot. And Charley's HUSBAND. And sexy as fuck. And Charley's HUSBAND. And beautiful. And Charley's HUSBAND. And handsome. And Charley's HUSBAND ← are you getting bored yet? Consider yourselves lucky, this is the decaffeinated version of the ode. A complete joke compared to what you have to go through when you read the actual book.



② The Cheese Fest = you make me want to stab myself with a fork

Charley Davidson. Lovey Dovey Inc?!! Seriously?!! Out of character much? Did you get a personality transplant or something? Oh wait, it must be the pregnancy hormones kicking in. Because women are like that you know, they get all silly-romantic when they are pregnant. You can't blame them you know, they're only poor, pathetic females and can't help it ← hey Darynda Jones, have you ever considered writing romance novels? I can see a great future for you in that genre. I mean, there's more cheese here than in the last two romance novels I read. Quite an achievement.



③ Manufactured drama = the last straw

So Reyes expressly told Charley not to go and look for his adoptive parents. And what does I'm-supposed-to-be-an-adult-but-I-behave-like-a-10-year-old-Charley do? She hires a P.I. to look for Reyes' adoptive parents ← what seems to be the problem Darynda Jones? Have you no inspiration left? Did you suddenly develop early signs of Alzheimer's and completely forgot that there once was an interesting plot in this series? I'm sorry, I'm probably getting it all wrong here. Because it's obviously much more interesting to come up with pathetically manufactured sub-plots about the Son of Satan's freaking adoptive parents than to talk about what once was the series arc.


►► At this point I couldn't take it anymore and decided to DNF, because there's only so much crap I can take. But my dear friend Robin-the-Star (read her review here!) was lovely enough to send me a recap of the book when she finished reading it. And man, am I glad I DNFed this piece of crap!

✘✘ PART II: what I didn't read and thought was utterly pathetic ✘✘

① The pathetically manufactured drama collapses like a soufflé
It turns out Reyes had already contacted his adoptive parents before Charley decided to look for them ← that's like, what? 20/30 pages wasted for absolutely nothing? Pretty much yeah. Did I say pathetic already? I guess I did.

② Charley is really a god from another realm
I kid you not. Mr Wong, who's been hovering around in total silence for the last 7 instalments is actually her general from the other realm ← sorry? What did you say? A bit far-fetched? A teensy bit ridiculous? Now now, don't be so harsh. This is pure genius just in case you were wondering, YES, this is me being sarcastic.

③ The twelve hounds really are the twelve fluffy bunnies
Yes they are. They were summoned by the ever-silently-hovering-Mr-Wrong to protect Beep (Charley's delightfully named daughter) ← those of you who read the previous instalments in the series might remember the twelve hounds fluffy bunnies trying to kill Charley repeatedly. Strange isn't is? That's what I recalled as well. People, we have to stop drinking vodka while we read. It obviously alters our memories of events dramatically.



④ Charley kind of explodes and pop outs in New York suffering from amnesia
Sigh. Do I really have to comment on this? Because this is so ridiculous I'm not sure I have the strength in me anymore. I mean, WHAT THE HELL Darynda Jones? Did you decide to put into this book every freaking STUPID idea that ever came up in that little head of yours??? Yep, it looks like you did. Great job you did of it, too.

→ Fever spoilers dead ahead. Why the warning? Strangely enough I feel more lenient towards KMM than towards Darynda Jones. Don't know why. The woman sure doesn't deserve it ←

⑤ Darynda Jones pulls a Ryo/Dani KMM stunt on us
Yes she does. Because it turns out nearly immortal Ryo Osh is destined to be with teenager baby Dani Beep. Hey, he's immortal, he can wait for her to grow up. And if he's not patient enough (he might be immortal but he is, after all, a man) I'm pretty sure Darynda Jones can ask KMM to rent her the silvers. Throw baby Beep through one of them and tada! She comes back all hot, sexy and grown up. Ripe for the picking and all that. Cool YES, this is me being slightly sarcastic again.



►► What's left for me to say? THANK YOU Darynda Jones. Yes. THANK YOU. Because after reading 27% of this piece of crap there is no way in hell I will be continuing with this series. And do you have any idea how happy that makes my ever-expanding to-be-read shelf and my little self right now? You probably don't. Well let me tell you, we're so ecstatic I think we might have a party to celebrate. Less shelf space for crap, more shelf space for awesomeness. SO THANK YOU. From the bottom of our hearts.

[Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies · Rating 2 out of 5]

Charley Davidson...I have always been your biggest fan.

When did you become so dull?

[*P*u*r*p*l*e* Masochist · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.

BEFORE READING:

Dear Book,

What I expect from you:

a) Epic Battle of Good vs. Evil

b) Reyes, Charley & the rest of the gang on the winning side

c) Arrival of Beep

That about sums it up...

No more unnecessary drama, por favor!


AFTER READING:

Now, after I've read the book, I must admit that even though I did like the story despite some "issues", I also can understand the more critical/negative reviews and even side with some of the issues the other fans of this series pointed out and which I'll list now in short in my review too.

But before the negative stuff, I have to say that these characters are still dear to my heart. There were some parts of the story that I loved and I'm definitely going to continue with the series. It's just that I don't think that the story is on the same level yet as my favorite series of this genre (Fever series by K. M. Moning, Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh.)

The reasons for 3 stars rating (NO SPOILERS):

~ The main reason for my 3 stars rating is the ending where the epic battle or rather epic failure of the battle between the good guys vs. the bad guys took place. Why failure? Well, it had all the elements to be epic, but in my opinion it was poorly developed and concluded. No offense, but it was rushed and kind of sloppy.

How come the best and the most expected part of the story happened in less than 20 pages? And what about the poor portrayal of the new, important characters who instead of scary, bad-ass and ruthless turned out weak and boring? You all know whom I mean.

~ Charley's constant reckless and naive behavior. When are we finally see some character growth ???

~ Confusing theory about Charley's origin. This constant re-adjusting of her origin theory is only confusing me more and more and resulting in loopholes. First she is this, then she is that and now she is smth else etc.

~ Charley & Reyes being secretive with each other even now. Trust issues, trust issues everywhere.

All in all, I liked the book, but I didn't love it. I'm sure the majority of the Charley fandom will love it though. Considering all the amazing books I've read so far, this is a 3 stars read for me.

[Ferdy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars - Spoilers

This was difficult to rate, on the one hand I hated it for a multitude of reasons but on the other I enjoyed the familiarity of the characters and the world, and there were parts that were enjoyable in a mindless, fluffy kind of way. And underneath all of Charley's idiocy and hornyness for Reyes there was actually a solid story.

What I Liked:

-Skipping ahead to the end of Charley's pregnancy. I really didn't want to read more than one book of Charley acting all cute and precocious with her pregnancy.

-The convent setting with everyone dropping in and out and helping each other. It was just a nice back drop to the comfortable dynamics and interactions that were going on between Charley's people.

-Charley's group of people, they were what made the story. It was great how they'd all become close through Charley and were kind of like a family.

-Finally getting some answers and insight into Charley, her powers, the prophecy, the hellhounds and Mr Wong. Although, why did it take Mr Wong so long to actually do something to help and protect Charley? How would standing in a corner help in any way?

-The whole Charley being a ghost god from another realm, it was an interesting twist on things. Also, liked the reasons behind Beep having to stop Lucifer instead of Charley.

-The Reyes's parents arc finally being resolved, it was perfect timing with them being able to take Beep and look after her away from all the danger. Also, it was quiet fitting and sweet how they got to have a second chance at being parents with Beep. I would have felt sorry for Reyes and Charley losing Beep, but both were too selfish to be good enough parents.

-The set up to what Reyes/Charley would have to face in the future from the three gods/twelve baddies Lucifer sent to destroy Beep.

-Cookie and Ubie getting married, I also hated this though because we didn't get to see their relationship develop. In the last book they just began dating and in this one they were married. At the very least I wanted to read about Ubie's proposal, and whether he'd gotten advice from Charley or Reyes or if he asked Amber's permission before proposing. I would have also liked to know about their home life - was Ubie even living with Cookie? How was his relationship with Amber like? Was he doing dad stuff with her?

What I didn't like:

-The case-of-the-week with the missing girl was really boring and felt out of place with everything else that was going on. Thankfully, it didn't take up too much page time and I did appreciate how it actually ended up serving a purpose and led to Charley visiting hell and finding out Lucifer was no longer there.

-The AWFUL, ANNOYING, REPETITIVE, STUPID Reyes fangirling and the STUPID, UNNECESSARY, LONG, BORING descriptions of Reyes's sexy face, body and clothes. What the hell did that actually achieve story wise? His supernatural sexiness and the fact that every woman was horny for him had already been established a million books ago. It wasn't needed!

-Charley's dumb reactions to Reyes, like her being so dumbfounded by his looks that she stood and stared at him for what was probably five fucking minutes when she was in the middle of going down the bloody aisle for her best friend's wedding! Was that meant to be endearing or funny or cute? It wasn't. It was embarrassing and ridiculous.

-What was with Gemma sticking up for Denise and trivialising everything Charley had gone through with her? Denise had been nothing but vile to Charley for her whole life, she made her feel unwanted and unloved. That would have been bad enough but she also made sure that Charley felt like a freak and outcast all whilst showering all her motherly love on Gemma. But Gemma acted like Charley was the one in the wrong and made her feel petty despite being the one who had grown up hated. Denise punishing Charley and being vile towards her and pushing her out of her own family for years and years was unforgivable. I hated how Denise was made out to be some poor, lonely, misunderstood victim and Charley the bad guy. Never mind that Charley was a child when she suffered all of Denise's vitriol, apparently it was still Charley's fault and she had to just get over it and be nice to Denise and let her be a part of her baby's life. Ugh, the whole thing was beyond fucked up and Gemma was seriously the worst sister ever.

-I was pissed with Charley's doormat ways, I hated her forgiving her step-mum and excusing all the bad her dad had done to her. She didn't need to hate them or stay angry at them forever, but I at least expected her to always be at least a little bitter and resentful at them when there were legitimate reasons for it. Forgiveness and closure doesn't equal forgetting everything and being all nicey nice and never having a bad thought or feeling about the person being forgiven. Charley would have been so much more interesting if she hadn't excused all the crap her parents had done over the years. What was wrong with her having a relationship with them without forgiving and forgetting all they'd done? A couple of heart to hearts and her mum and dad doing some basic parenting after years of crap parenting didn't erase all the hurt feelings and all their years of awfulness.

-The bad guys conveniently leaving all of Charley's friends alone. It was only Denise who was targeted by them, everyone else carried on with their lives like normal despite being leverage to get at Charley. The bad guys had so many opportunists to kill off or hurt Charley's friends but somehow nothing happened to them.

-What was with Reyes holding Charley's throat whenever he was mad at her or horny for her? Was it meant to be sexy or something? Because it was more abusive and threatening than anything. He manhandled her and was violent around her, he was one step away from being a wife beater. The scene where they returned from hell was especially uncomfortable, he was so close to beating her bloody, if there hadn't been an audience he would have beaten the crap out of her. What really took the piss though was Charley acting all apologetic and feeling guilty for going to hell (even though she did it to save a young girl's life), she had every right to risk her own life and Reyes had no right getting all angry and righteous, especially when he was happily risking his own life throughout the book. And why was Charley more concerned for Reyes's man-pain than his threatening behaviour towards her? She should have been more worried about her safety. Reyes being mad at her didn't give him the right to grab her throat or hair or punch a wall beside her head. It was classic abusive behaviour, but oh no it was just brushed off as Reyes being scared and worried. Ugh, just fucking ugh.

-Hated the double standards between Charley/Reyes. It was one rule of him and another for Charley, he was allowed to lie, keep secrets, and risk his life and Charley just had to be cool with it. But she wasn't allowed to do any of that without Reyes getting violent or sulky about it.

-Why did Reyes keep hiding things from Charley? He knew she was stupid and impulsive, especially when she was curious. Didn't he think it would be safer to simply tell Charley what he was up to than hide it from her and have her end up in danger? It almost read like he was purposefully not telling her stuff just so she could do something stupid and endanger herself.

-WTF was with Reyes testing out Charley's honesty? He was a bigger, fatter liar than she was, they both hid things but he had WAY more secrets than Charley. Him acting like Charley was the dishonest liar in the relationship was fucking ridiculous.

-What was with Charley falling over all the time? Her clumsiness was downright stupid and incongruous, it didn't fit with her being a super, awesome, shiny, light bulb god.

-How was it with all the combined powers Charley, Reyes and Osh had they were unable able to figure a way to get Charley out of the well she'd fallen into? Really? I just can't picture super powerful beings who are able to destroy all kinds of evil being defeated by a rusty old well.

-Since when has Osh been more powerful than Reyes? He's one of many slave demons whereas Reyes is the son of Satan and one of a kind. It makes no sense that Osh would suddenly be made more powerful than Reyes, no matter how old he is.

-The hellhounds were actually the good guys and were trying to protect Charley? What? Didn't they keep attacking Charley in the last book? I think I need to skim the last one because I'm sure I remember them biting her and fighting her.

-I'm so pissed at Jacob and Rennesmee 2.0. WTF?! Beep's barely a few days old and she already has a creepy old guy as a love interest! Charley had some sort of premonition in which she said Osh would love Beep when she was older and that he would be the one who would tip the balance as to whether Beep could destroy Lucifer and save the world.
Ugh, the whole Osh/Beep set up was sickening. He's even older than her centuries old dad and has seen and experienced countless things and done so much evil. Someone like that being romantically connected to an innocent baby is beyond fucked up! He was even there at her birth and he held her and must have fed and changed her, he also flirted with her mum and purposefully tried to turn her mother on. It's just so disturbing.
I can just imagine when Beep grows up that he'll watch her from a distance to 'protect' her (and no doubt cockblock her too) like the grade A pervert he is or he'll drop in and out of her life and more or less try to groom her. Sick, sick, sick. All of it was sick.

-Why the hell was Charley not bothered that Osh, an old screwed up demon who looked after baby-Beep, would one day love Beep? I'm hoping Osh's love for Beep will be platonic, but that doesn't seem to be the case what with Charley repeatedly stressing how much Osh looks like a teen, not just a teen, a very sexy teen. Not to mention Beep's destiny being so intertwined with his and him being so dark and tortured and needing to be saved from sin and temptation, it's like he's being set up so that all he needs is the love of a good woman/speshul snowflake/Mary Sue to save him from himself or some rubbish. Ugh.

-No doubt Osh will be panting after teen Beep as soon as he can and she'll be getting all lusty over how dark and mysterious and sexy he is. I really hope I'm dead wrong because Osh/Beep is disgusting. A baby shouldn't have a love interest like she's in some sort of supernatural arranged marriage, and if she does need to have a love interest at least make them the same bloody age, instead of someone who's even older than their centuries old dad!

-There better not be a YA spin off with speshul snowflake teen Beep trying to take down Lucifer whilst getting all hot for Osh, who will no doubt smolder at her, make cryptic remarks, and act like a douche. No doubt, he'd conveniently leave out being good friends with her parents and that he loved acting sexual towards her mother. No thanks. There also better not be some supernatural thing that speeds up her age Renesmee style. Ugh, Beep was ruined for me as soon as she was given a nasty, old love interest before she was even born.

-I really wasn't impressed with Charley conveniently losing all her memories at the end. That means the ninth book will have a clueless Charley running around trying to figure who she is and what's going on, and Reyes will no doubt be there withholding information and making cryptic remarks. It's like a huge step back in the series, Charley just got to know about herself and her powers and now that's all been taken away - the story and characters should be moving forwards, not backwards. I really hope Charley regains ALL her memories back quickly, I don't want her amnesia to last the entire book. What would be the point in that? It's just filler and dragging things out.

-I hope by the end of the series Charley goes back to her own realm instead of leaving it and her people weak and unprotected. She doesn't need to play grim reaper on Earth or stay with Reyes because she just loves him oh so much, her own realm and people should come first to her. But I doubt that'll happen, she'll probably give her powers to Mr Wong or something and send him back to look after her universe whilst she pisses around with Reyes and spends eternity as a grim reaper just so she can be with him.

All in all, it was good in some ways but bad in more. I'm still invested in the story and characters, but I need less fangirling and filler and more character growth and movement in the story. Oh, I also need Reyes to stop his wife beater, overbearing, hypocritical ways.

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Why Don't I Love You Stars

Buddy Read with some great girls Liz, Aly∞, oOSarahOo, Jo, Alexa and Jaime at Buddies Books and Baubles

This is one of my favorite series to read so it totally pains me to say ‘I didn’t really like it’. I’ve pondered my feeling about this for a few days now and there are a few things that I just can’t let go. Have you ever read a book in the series and wondered if you remembered everything from the previous book incorrectly? As we were wrapping up this book that is totally how I felt.



There is one glaring thing that happens in this book and even after it is explained I didn’t buy it. I looked at my notes from book 7 and still didn’t buy it. It is one of those things that I either loved everything else in the book so much that you just let it go….or the book is just ho-hum so it is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I’m so sad to say it was the later for me.

BUT….I have loved many of the books in this series so while I didn’t like a lot of stuff in this one I will still read the next book. In a series this long there is bound to be one possibly two that I didn’t adore.

❣ Some of the Good Stuff ❣

Charley is still funny and punny and full of spunk. She has an A.D.D. quality that really makes me laugh and if you are at book 8 with me well then I’m pretty sure you feel that way too. There is still some fun dialogue and antics between her and the other characters.

“Do you need anything else?”
“Pitocin?”
One corner of his mouth rose. “What’s that?”
“It induces labor. It’s about time for Beep to move out. Cut her hair. Get a job. I need a flat belly.”
“Have you tried crunches?”
“I just don’t get it. I’m supernatural. You’re supernatural. Why can’t we have one of those quick pregnancies like Bella and Edward? Gwen from Torchwood. Scully. Deanna Troi. Or even Cordelia when that demon impregnated her. Twenty-four hours later, bam! Demon child.”

The Chapter headings still always hilarious.

My death will probably be caused by being sarcastic at the wrong time. – TRUE FACT

The side characters are always wonderful. I adore Cookie, Amber and Quinton. There are a plethora of others and Osh is becoming more interesting all the time.

BEST PART OF THIS BOOK – I finally know who/what Mr. Wong is. I mean I needed to read eight books for him to finally do something but FINALLY, one question answered. There are a few more answered about the Army and the Twelve but honestly some of that was just confusing, I had a hard time picking out who was supposed to be who.

I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the ending of this book. I both liked and hated it for practically the same reason. But…I hope that it leaves a really good set up for book 9 which I will definitely read but no commitments past that.

☁ And now to Rain on the Parade☁



I was a little worried about this because anytime you write a baby into a story you have a chance of becoming a little boring or losing that thing that made you character interactions great. Charley used to run around town solving crime and getting into all sorts of trouble. But that is really hard to mimic when you are trapped in a convent and 8 ¾ months pregnant. All the characters have to come to Charley since she can’t leave and even though everyone comes to the convent….and I mean everyone it just wasn’t the same.

Charley still gets into plenty of trouble even when on the ground but some of it just seemed stupid to me. I mean she just had a baby in a well and decides to go to hell to find a spirit. Where is that mothering instinct and need to protect herself so she can protect her child.

There was a ton of time spent being all lovey dovey. Reyes is totally to most understanding a puppy love husband ever. WHERE IS MY SON OF SATAN.....he just lets Charley walk all over him and get herself into dangerous situations with no consequences and not being really mad. GRRR….I miss Reyes of books 3,4,5 and 7. He seems like he went from a Wild Tiger to a housecat.

There was a little situation that was supposed to introduce some contrived tension between Reyes and Charley but that ended up being nothing at all in the end. It was almost like D.J. changed her mind half way through and went a different direction in the story. I just didn’t even understand why it was even in there. Charley is keeping secrets from Reyes and Reyes is keeping secrets from Charley and both of them had stupid secrets to be keeping so I didn’t buy into it.

The ending is a little jumbled some big revelations are made. I’m just going to say that I didn’t buy into the revelation with the Hell Hounds at all. It didn’t make much sense even after rereading my notes from book 7. Also who is who in Beep’s army was also not well defined but I guess we definitely know who the 13th warrior to tip the scales will be. There was also the Denise of it. I’ve never cared for her but I also wonder when exactly was the swap made because she had ample time to kill Beep but never capitalized on it.

I also don’t think I like most of the ending. Seriously don’t click this until you have finished The Amnesia at the end. Sure I get it, this will create new sexual tension between Reyes and Charley in the future but I’m not sure I like that plot. There is also the fact they had to give up their daughter to keep her safe. I understand it is really hard to go running around saving the world when you have a kid in tow but I still have iffy feelings on that currently. Holding out final judgment until the next book though.

∞ Hope for the Future ∞

With how everything ends in this book there is a lot of hope for the next. The story might have a more clear direction for the future. Reyes might get to be a PoV because of what happened there at the end and all in all things might shake out for the better.

I’m really hoping D.J. has a definitive plan and plot moving forward as I’ve enjoyed most of this series and I really hope my dislike of book 8 is just a fluke.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I finish the 7th book so quickly? I just couldn't stop myself! I had to keep reading. I need my fix for Reyes, Charley's crazy humor, Cookie's awesomeness, and SERIOUSLY what is with these endings! THATS how you're going to end it? I need to know what's going on now. That Dealer is looking better and better. Oh and have you seen the cover? Love it :)

Review:
Wow! Darynda, how do you do it?! 5 stars and I'd give it more if I could! Just wow! This book answered so many questions I've had for so long and it was so great to have some things come to light. I was so wrong about a lot of things. That makes me happy though. Means the book was not in any way predictable. I guess I still have a lesson to learn since I read this in pretty much one day( work and kids tried to distract me. Not gonna happen!) I know the next one will be worth the wait (doesn't mean I like waiting though!) Well, time to go find my next read and get lost in those worlds until I can return to the incredible world that is Charley Davidson

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - 4.5 ★'s

Charley's well into her pregnancy and well into going stir crazy from having to staying on the covenant grounds in order to be safe from the hellhounds. Of course, that doesn't stop her from looking into cases or from cases looking for her!

Another action packed fast paced story from Darynda Jones. As always it had me sucked in from the beginning even if it started a bit slow. It was worth catching up on things and finding out what Charley and Reyes have been up to!

I couldn't imagine how Charley would be able to do any cases but DJ was able to work things out so that she could...of course! I loved that Cookie is just as addicted as Charley is...sometimes I forget that she's more than just a glorified secretary. And I especially loved how involved Amber has become.

Reyes is still up to his old tricks...keeping secrets and seducing Charley. The best part hands down was when she was reading Lover Awakened for the twenty-eighth time!! Gotta say that I'm pretty sure Reyes put Z to shame!



There's always so much going on in these books but I really love when everyone comes together. I guess a wedding will do that! It was great how no one wanted to leave!

There's some interesting twist and turns and we find out a lot...as does Charley. And unfortunately, there's some huge heartbreak but the good thing is that leads to the best plot twist ever!

OMG...I cannot wait for the next book! The plot twist isn't original but I don't really care. I can't wait for them to go through it all again!


The Good Stuff:

Dual Pov's? Just Charley's except the last chapter is from Reyes' POV.

Steam Factor? (Scale 1 - 5) Never enough but OMG that one scene...smokin'!!

Angst? (Scale 1 - 5) Ahhhh...the heart break, that was pretty bad.

Next book? The Dirt on Ninth Grave comes out January 5, 2016.




Favorite quotes:

♥ "I robbed the cradle."

♥ "I'll do that thing with my tongue."

♥ “Lover Awakened.” He nestled his head on my shoulder. “Weren’t you reading this book last month?”

“No.”

He raised a brow.

“Yes. I can’t stop. I’ve read it twenty-seven times in a row.”

He chuckled. “Do you need to be awakened?”

“’Parently.”

“You know, you don’t need a manual for that. I can walk you through it step-by-step.”

(And boy, did he!!) ;)

[Kira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the first 5 books in the series, but they have gone progressively downhill since. This series used to be UF/PNR. Now it’s practically a cozy mystery with a paranormal twist because Charley doesn’t do shit and figures everything out by talking to people. Except she doesn’t talk to anyone she really needs to and winds up in trouble because she thinks she knows best. The thing this book needed most was a plot. Almost nothing happened. The only reason I finished it was because I heard the end was surprising, which it was. But was it good? That’s debatable. Where is the series headed? It’s gone off in an odd direction.

I desperately miss the old Reyes. He was a bad ass, edgy and unpredictable. He used to live by his own rules and didn’t listen to anyone else. Now he doesn’t do anything but protect Charley. Every move he makes is so obvious because it’s all about Charley. He’s the son of Satan FFS! Do something that is mildly interesting. Wow me with your awesomeness. On the bright side he’s still sexy (yes I am being sarcastic). Charley and every other woman in the book noticed constantly. Apparently being the most gorgeous man alive is supposed to make me forget that he’s gotten soft.

Some long awaited questions were finally answered and were a big letdown. What Charley is was revealed, which didn’t add much to the story. It’s already been said that she’s all powerful, which is lame anyway. What is exciting about a character that can’t be bested and has no limitations? Nothing. Frankly she isn’t deserving of being special. She’s not dumb but lacks forethought. How many times can she put her life in danger without any serious consequences? Shouldn’t someone with her powers be able to think ahead and do what is best for the long run instead of what is best for right now? If she keeps going at this rate, she’ll end up destroying the universe out of some misguided attempt to save one person. And if she really cares so much about people, then why doesn't she actively seek out people to help instead of only helping when she's asked?

I expected to be blown away when Mr. Wong’s identity was revealed. I was sorely disappointed there. I hadn’t figured out who he was, but after all of this build up I thought it would have been epic. His general role in the series was what I expected it to be, but why and how he got there wasn’t.

The prophecy is focusing more on the daughter than Charley and Reyes now. Is a big time jump coming where she is grown up? It appears the story may shift in that direction although I could be completely wrong about that. As creepy as it is, there are hints the baby may have a love interest already, which is really gross. It is not appealing for a grown man to watch a child grow up and fall in love with her as an adult.

The end definitely changed things. Based on the problems Charley was facing, it seems like the simple solution would be to tell her her real name in the next book. Of course it won’t play out like that because there wouldn’t be any point to the next book. It’s sad to say but I’m no longer interested in the overarching storyline. This series took a wrong turn with Charley being a mother.

[Carmel (Rabid Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.

This was the first time that I’ve read a CHARLEY DAVIDSON novel, so I was a little worried that the story just wouldn’t be the same without Lorelei King’s narration, and yes I did miss her sultry voice (audiobook’s been pre-ordered!), but I regret nothing. EIGHTH GRAVE AFTER DARK was the installment that I’ve been craving since Darynda Jones began laying her trail of breadcrumbs in FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT. We get answers to oh so many questions, to the point that I’ll be hitting play on my iPhone the moment it shows up because one pass wasn’t nearly enough.

Lately this series has been on my ‘easy listening’ playlist thanks to it’s snarky humour, scorching romance, and the fact that it’s, for the most part, mindless entertainment. Well, that all changes with this latest addition; Charley’s working a case—from the confines of a convent no less—and her latest problematic spooks aren’t stalking her in order to cross over. Oh, and she’s eight months preggo. AND, the prophesy is not even close to being done with her yet. I typed up a list of must-remember events, and I have sixteen bullet points. SIXTEEN!

I found that the author waited a touch too long to fill readers in on what’s what; it seemed like she saved every single reveal for this installment, and as much as I loved finally getting to open Pandora’s Box, it was a bit much to take in all at once. Practically every page had an ah-ha moment, but as gratifying as the discoveries were, this novel wasn’t nearly as funny as some of the previous volumes, so while it was a strong addition in many respects, it didn’t deliver in all areas. Still, the Mr. Wong mystery was solved, that’s all that matters.

Jones definitely hit all of the right notes where my favourite characters were concerned. Cookie & Ubie are sneaking up on Charley & Reyes, and I’m really diggin’ Osh too. I even started to like Denise, Davidson’s witch of a stepmom, which was weird, but I’m so over her now. I was however disappointed that there’s still drama between the lead couple; they persist on doing stuff behind each other’s backs. I mean, it’s looking like their kid might be Earth’s only hope, so maybe they should get their act together because the fate of humanity quite possibly hangs in the balance. Just a thought.

EIGHTH GRAVE AFTER DARK was a critical book in the CHARLEY DAVIDSON series, and despite my minor quibbles, I will be downloading the audio on Tuesday, and spending the next nine hours with Darynda Jones and Lorelei King for a repeat performance!

[Maja (The Nocturnal Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, it’s finally that time of the year – Charley Davidson is back with us, in all her glory, to amuse and entertain, to make us laugh and even break our hearts.

Charley’s world is becoming more complicated by the second. Eighth Grave finally offers some answers, but with them come even more questions and uncertainties. Darynda Jones knows how to give us just enough, intrigue us even more, and leave us begging for the next installment.

Eighth Grave is more static than the previous book due to Charley and Reyes being geographically limited. Instead of running all over the place and jumping from one case to the next, Charley is closed up in a convent, unable to leave the premises. This limits her ability to investigate, but she wouldn’t be Charley if she didn’t find ways around her. Mystery follows our girl everywhere, why should an abandoned convent be any different?

Eighth Grave may be a slower book, but it’s a game changer nevertheless. It’s one of the most emotionally charged Charley Davidson books to date and as usual, you can expect laughs and tears both. Most of us who read Seventh Grave already suspected that things would never be the same, but none of us could have predicted where Jones would choose to take it all in the end. The changes are scary for Charley and they’re very scary for us fans. For the first time since the beginning, even after all the hardship, the injuries and the losses, we don’t know how our beloved character might change.

The ending is not a cliffhanger as such, but it’s wide open and it gives us a clear idea of what to expect in the next book, which will undoubtedly be very emotional for all of us. However, the set up, the brand new situation our heroes find themselves in, will likely be a source of hilarity too. Things usually are where Charley’s involved. The release of Ninth Grave has been pushed to 2016, which I’m none too thrilled about, but I’d wait forever for Charley and Reyes. What’s nine months between friends?

[Jilly · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Lover Awakened... Weren't you reading this book last month?"

"No."

He raised a brow.

"Yes. I can't stop. I've read it twenty seven times in a row."


sigh

So, Charley is prego and about to pop. I like that she constantly has to pee and lives her life from one food moment to the next. That's about right. Along with this:

I weighed too much. It was Beep's fault. Apparently, she weighed around eighty-seven pounds.

Silly, fat babies! They make us gain 30 pounds during pregnancy and then have the nerve to come out weighing 7 pounds. What the hell?
(Although, I admit that I barely gained 10 pounds in my last pregnancy. That was because my little bugger decided to push into mommy's belly so she couldn't eat (after she puked her guts out for the first 3 months)).

But, I won't allow some of these sex descriptions at over 9 months pregnant. Let's just say, that as a person who has experienced quite a bit of pregnancy, once you are over-due, sex is only seen as a way to induce labor. (They don't tell you that part in sex-ed, do they girls?) (And, I'm not even going to go into the horror show that is your poor poor girl-parts later. (safe sex, girls. Safe sex.)).

This book reminds me of the Harry Dresden series when it went completely off the rails. Every series needs a shake-up, and this is the one. It starts out all boring - Cookie and Uncle Bob's wedding, but then shit gets soap-opera crazy at the end. Seriously, I was expecting Charley's evil twin to finally make her appearance.

So, yeah. Amnesia is the only way to fix that which has been broken.



The bright spot?
"Osh," I said, covering my eyes. "I knocked. What the hell?"

A wicked grin spread across his handsome face. I knew this only because my fingers were accidentally open. It wasn't my fault I could see him in the almost-buff. While he looked nineteen, he was centuries old.. But somehow that knowledge didn't make me feel less perverted every time I took in his slim, muscular form."

I personally have no problem with this. If he's centuries old, he's slightly older than me. That means he is fair game to enter my book-boyfriend community. And, Osh is definitely there! I've set him up in a really cool warehouse loft.

[Choko · Rating 4 out of 5]

So now I have to wait for E V E R for the next 3 books - that sucks! This series has become one of my favorite Urban Fantasies, almost at the level of Kate D. and I resent that they are both still developing... I used to have a rule that I do not read a series before its last book is published, but I have not been good at keeping with it lately...

I still do not like Reyes. He is still a domineering jerk and I wish he would learn to listen to others... This first-react-later-think is what is wrong with people to begin with, it should not be a valued feature in the hot love interest... He is secretive and dishonest with all, including the love of his life, and tends to justify that, but blame all others for the same things - not cool! The only attractive thing about him as I see it is still his physical hotness, and that is just not enough!

Charley, well there are many things that annoy the s@h%t out of me, but as a whole she is actually growing on me. I like her imperfections and insecurities, but I do wish she would stop excusing her husband's abuse and stand up for herself a bit more, when it comes to him... She constantly feels he was this poor abused victimized child and when he behaves badly or threatens her it is all good, because he has had it rough... Bull!!! That should have thought him how not to behave, not make the abuse his model for behavior. Hopefully the "New" Charley will see through the haze of Hotness...

This was not the strongest installment of the series, but when I compare it with other books that are out there, 4 stars is the least I can give it. Looking foreword to the next!

[Yodamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley still caffeine free and ready to pop. Her and super sexy hubby Reyes are hiding out on sacred ground while the gang looks for way to kill the hounds and the 12 that hunt them and the future.



That is all I'm going to tell you. I had to suffer and wait and you should too. Enjoy the ride not knowing where the turns will be because this is an E ticket.



I laughed, cried, laughed and cried, and then I cried ugly, real ugly.



I loved it, the only flaw was that it ended too soon. I only wanted a couple hundred pages more. LOL

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining fantasy listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 8 of 13.

I started this series in 2020.

I found this novel different than what I last remembered when listening 🎶 to the series. Time is not my friend.

The story is about Charley Davidson and husband with her pregnant. She and her baby are hunted by demons. She and the baby 🚼 are protected by husband and their demon friends.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure fantasy mystery novels 👍🔰.2024

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darynda is a force to be reckoned with. Not only that she has outdone herself, she just about blew my mind. Eighth Grave After Dark is the game changer of the series, and a definite must read of the year.

In the safety of a convent, Charley and Reyes are biding their time waiting for Beep to come. They continue to research on how to rid of the twelve hellhounds who are after Charley. Friends and relatives including Garrett, Angel and allies from the other side help them look for clues to solve the mystery. Meanwhile, Charley attempts some kind of normalcy. Despite the lack of caffeine, she keeps her snark in place and manages land a case to help a missing girl. I don’t think she can ever turn away from what she does. Helping is her life...her nature.

Charley still has a knack for getting herself in sticky situations. Sometimes premeditated and well, often by chance. I think this is expected of her; cracks me up every time. There's so much going on; the prophecy, the wedding (yes there will be a wedding), the delivery, the smoking hot scenes and not to mention Charley's emotional relationship with her stepmom, Denise. Charley and Reyes are sweet and sexy as ever. I have to tell you, Reyes is as perfect as ever!!! I was amazed at all the revelations of the prophecy among other things in this book. A lot revealed including who Mr. Wong really is. Readers will also learn more of Charley’s background which left me in a total state of awe. Eighth Grave After Dark is truly THE game changer of the series.

I also found myself laughing out loud, surprised, amazed and even little freaked with all the ghosts around. I know, I know. I am reading a story about the grim reaper. It's complicated. I have this wild addiction to this series despite my fear of ghosts. I also found myself in massive tears at the end. No spoilers, but I know that this has to be the hardest Charley will endure.

The ending is not quite a cliffhanger but leaves Charley fans wanting more and contemplating what is to come. Most importantly, it seals the deal of having more of Charley. If you didn’t already know, Darynda is contracted up to book eleven.  The next instalment The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson, #9) scheduled to release January 5th, 2016.

The recap was impeccable, and if someone was to jump at this book now, they will understand what is going on and quite possibly enjoy the story. Of course, what I recommend is to start from the beginning as there is way too much information and experience to truly bond with the characters and story. I promise doing so will be worth your time.

*ARC provided by publisher

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[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This instalment starts to get things back on track. Things are still a bit confusing, but starting to make more sense.

Beep. Beep. Beep.
I do.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Well, hell! (And a hell-well!)
Beepity Beep Beep.
Mr. Wong!

(I forgot.)

[Krystin | TheF*ckingTwist · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Blog | Bookstagram

It hurts to say this, but I must tell the truth: I did not like this book.

I really do love this series and the characters have a special place in my heart, but what the actual fuck was that?

First of all, this book read more like a romance erotica novel than a true Charley Davidson instalment.

In case anyone forgot over the previous seven novels, Reyes is hot. Reyes is sexy. Reyes is the hottest, sexiest Son of Satan that ever did exist. And he's Charley’s new husband. Charley married the Son of Satan and he’s hot and sexy and beautiful and they are so so SO in love and have amazing, mind-altering, orgasmic sex. Reyes is more beautiful than any human male could hope to be… and honestly this book might as well have been titled An Ode to Reyes Farrow’s Muscles and Beauty.



There is not a single part of my soul that believes a 9-months-pregnant woman is going to be sexily slinking all over the place, barely able to contain her lady erection and having sex at every possible interlude, including once in front of a mirror where she has to watch herself.

I wouldn’t even want to do that un-pregnant.

PLEASE.

Most pregnant women I have known barely wanted to bend over to put on shoes, forget bending over for their husbands.

“Sometimes I crave pickles. Other times I crave the blood of my enemy. Weird.”

Plot-wise, there are not a lot of places this novel can go with a heavily pregnant Charley stuck inside a convent. So there’s Cookie’s wedding, lots of gross sex and a heavy dose of evil stepmother realness that requires family therapy sessions. But there’s literally almost none of the things that made me love this series in the first place: Charley Davidson, the P.I. with strange ghosts hanging around and mysteries to solve. Save for one missing person’s case that felt flat and uninspired.

It seems, for a little while, that we’re building up to a big ending, with a showdown between Charley and Satan, who has escaped hell, but all we really get is 20 pages or so of that excitement.

Hold on to your butt though, because there’s nothing about this messy of a book that can’t be fixed with a classic case of amnesia!



If the next book doesn’t immediately start with an amnesiac Charley wondering why her vag is sore and looking like ground beef, I’m gonna be calling some bullshit. Girl, you just had a baby.

Super disappointed with this one.

⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded down

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was some ending!

Got a lot of answers and revelations which I was thrilled about. We found out exactly who Mr. Wong is!! Finally!

Am I dreaming or is there some sort of Renessmae thing going on with Osh'ekiel (the Daeva) and BEEP?

I still cringe over Charley's recklessness, especially since she was either pregnant or had a baby! I wanted to shake her a few times and say "Do you think of your family at all?!!" I totally understand every time Reyes gets angry with her! I can understand risking her life if she thinks someone like Cookie or Amber are in trouble, but for a case? That doesn't fly with me.

I could never stand Denise, her stepmother, and I have to say nothing has changed on that front. Especially, after Charley related more childhood incidents. Denise's present actions did little to soften my feelings, and I don't think I'd have it in me to forget the past. Her explanations didn't sway me.

I love that Darynda Jones always manages to crack me up even in the face of such dire circumstances. That woman is just freaking hilarious. Lorelei King's comedic timing is perfection! I can't recommend the audio version enough!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win an ARC copy of this book! I don't write reviews too often, but here was my take on the book:


*SPOILERS**


I'm going to try not to give a lot details away, yet still review what I liked and disliked.

I rated this book 4/5 stars. I'm pretty sure I gave all the other books thus far 5/5. I absolutely love Charley and all her quirkiness, and while this is still present, I didn't feel there was as much as there has been in previous books. Charley's humor and antics are one of my favorite things about this series, so while I enjoyed what was there, I wanted more. Likewise, there wasn't as much hotness where Reyes is concerned. He is too delicious not to have more swoon worthy scenes. Charley is full-term preggo in this book, so I get there might not be as many sex scenes, but we can still drool over Reyes showering or something lol.

Other than that I highly enjoyed the book, as usual. Though I felt like a few things were lacking, you do learn quite a bit in this book. To name a few, you learn Charley's celestial name (and a few of the things she's capable of) and the name they give Beep, including more about her purpose. You learn finally who and what Mr. Wong is. You learn who sent and summoned the 12. You learn what happened to Charley's dad, and more about Lucifer. There are a lot of twists or surprises, some I saw coming and some I definitely did not. I'm curious to see what the next book holds, considering how this one ended. I was excited to see Charley learn all about herself and see what she was capable of.... and then that happened :x Overall I had a hard time putting it down, as with all Charley books.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously! That ending has me coming undone...



I totally understand why Charley lost it...I mean, who wouldn't!? I'm scared for them all at this point. There so much uncertainty and a lot more challenges ahead and I hope Charley can pull through. Only way to find out is to dive right into the next one, even though it scares me a little because I'm hurting for Charley.

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was freaking depressing.
I also disliked how the last 30 mins or so switched from being narrated by Charley to narrated by Reyes.
Too weird when it was the same voices on the audio track.
I hope this series picks up and brings back the fun it started with.

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a close call at first as to whether or not to rate this 4 or 5 Stars. In the end I went with 5 because I could not get some of this stuff out of my head, I will probably be thinking about it for days and that is pretty much always the sign of a really good book (well, occasionally a really BAD book but obviously this was not the case)

Charley is still stuck on the ground of an old convent since she needs hallowed ground to keep her safe we learned in the last book.

Her step-mother who always kinda treated her like dirt shows up and starts trying to be the mother she never was, which makes you suspect all kinds of things (almost all of them will be wrong).

She has an actual detective case to work on but since she can't go anywhere for various reasons (like being 9 months pregnant and can't leave hallowed ground) it is kind of a tough thing but she has to save a kidnapped girl if possible.

All these things while interesting are more day-in-the-life for this series, the fireworks start towards the last few chapters (as she seems to have done in the last 2 books) and they will leave your head spinning BUT (and I don't think this is much of a spoiler) after 7 books and most of the eighth one we FINALLY get to find out who Mr. Wong is, WOW talk about super power 'ability to keep a secret".

Bottom Line: I loved it, the last book was ok but forgettable (which made me have to stop and remember stuff I had forgotten) in this book the humor was great (you gotta love sarcasm and she is a smart a$$) the story kept you interested until it became a total "WTF just happened!!!" story. this is not a cliffhanger but she has gotten in the habit of leaving us with a huge hook for her next book and this is no exception. Surprises galore and I could hardly put it down, 5 Stars because I am still thinking about things that happened over 24 hours later so I think that means a really good book and I want the next one NOW!! (Ok, that may be a bit selfish since this one is not even released at this writing but it was great and I really look forward to the next one). Did I mention we have to get a baby delivered while all hell breaks loose? Fun time ahead folks.

[Tara♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

BR July/August with Me Julie!!

It's with a very heavy heart that I say this.



There are too many problems for me to even start. I want to rant. I want to rant hard, but what is the point? This series is not what it used to be, it is taking a direction I don't like and I don't understand. It's become repetitive and I can see where the story is going and I'm not interested in investing more of my time on that journey. I adore this genre and I am aware that a religious element has to be present, I mean Charley is the Grim Reaper, so I get that, but it just felt really contrived in this and the last book.

There were some moments that I felt engaged and could almost taste the magic that I used to find in this series but then it would all fall apart. Not even the random addition of Donovan and the bikers could save it for me.

I'm so disappointed that me, Charley and most importantly Reyes have reached the end of the road but at least I have the first 5 in this series that I can reread (maybe 6 on occasion) and just pretend like the rest don't exist.



My apologies to poor Julie, I may have ruined this book for her by the constant complaining, this is the end of our 'Charley Davidson' BR's. We need to pick another series!!

[Al *the semi serial series skipper* · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Ok so this is starting to go off the rails a teensy bit. I mean I get it, eight books in, what do you expect? Well I expect it to be over and done with if it's not going to get any better.

It was the exact same thing from the other books. A lot of time spent on Reyes and how hot he looks, we get it, its been eight books now, we know he's hot. A lot of pregnant sex ( not that I'm knocking pregnant sex ) but aren't you not suppose to have sex after a certain stage, with all the sperm inducing labour and what not.

Not to forget, we have a Twilight scenario here too, Beep is already betrothed to Osh like seriously, god-like Charley already knows this.

Also, what's the deal with the hell hounds, I am almost certain that they tried to hurt her in the previous books and now all of a sudden they are on her side and it was just some miscommunication? Pul-lease.

Then the end is just a completely different matter, amnesia? Really? Amnesia is what we are going with, so we have to see her fangirling over Reyes again because obviously she will not remember him and will have to be spoon-fed all the details that we've accumulated from the past eight books?



I stayed up late to read this, sweet sweet sleep,forgive me.

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid middle book in the series, but it suffers from the dullness that always seems to creep around whenever any main character gets preggers and they're supposed to be cramped in some claustrophobic location or suffer the whole "being ripped to shreds by supernatural nasties" trope.

Fortunately, both the baby bounces out and the isolation ends, but what carries the tale is -- as usual -- the interpersonal quirkiness, her best friend's wedding, the hot pregger sex, and the proxy investigations.

I never had a bad time during the read despite the possibility it might have been dull. It helps that all the great Albuquerque references remain intact, even if minds do not. :)

Still, what an interesting conclusion, no?

[★Tinja★✮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay... Hmm I gotta be honest, I got a little bored with this one. Charley Davidson is one of my favourite series but this was a bit of a disappointment. I still liked it but not much happened. There was all this fuss over Beep and all but I'm really not that interested in kids. And the constant "Oh my God, Reyes is so perfect" Ugh, maybe a little less of that and more action - or sex scenes, either way. So mostly I was bored but fortunately things got a little more exciting by the end of the book. Also it gets a little frustrating how slowly Charley's powers evolve! Grrrr... I really hope book 9 is better than this.. *fingers crossed*

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much happens in this book. So many question are answered. So many things we have been anxiously awaiting finally come to pass. It’s got everything I’ve been waiting for… and some things I never expected. It’s a great story with a fast pace, Charley’s trademark humor, and plenty of feels. It also has an ending that is not only a cliffhanger, but could create some mixed feelings among fans.

The book begins about 8 months after the end of the last one. Thankfully, Darynda Jones pressed the fast forward button, so we don’t have to endure a never ending pregnancy. Charley is now ready to have Beep any minute –and it can’t come soon enough.

“I just don’t get it. I’m supernatural. You’re supernatural. Why can’t we have one of those quick pregnancies like Bella and Edward? Gwen from Torchwood. Scully. Deanna Troi. Or even Cordelia when that demon impregnated her. Twenty-four hours later, bam! Demon child.”

Obviously, the snark is in full force, which I love. I mean, who doesn’t remember that horrible Cordelia pregnancy?

Anyway, Charley and Reyes are living at the old convent, trying to keep safe from the hellhounds. And Cookie and Uncle Bob are getting married! You would think between Charley’s job as maid of honor and her inability to leave her location, she’d be unable to work any cases. You would be wrong. Her FBI buddy, Kit, has her on a job, which Charley tries to juggle while tending her best friend and worrying about her husband. You see, Reyes is keeping secrets and he is having problems he won’t share with Charley. Of course, that’s only fair considering she is keeping secrets from him as well.

I love how Jones really advances the series plot in this book. I had so many questions for so long about what Charley is. About what Beep is. About Charley’s powers and her true name. About Osh. Lucifer’s plans. Charley’s dad. And Rocket. And Mr. Wong. Questions answered, folks. And they are answered as things happen. It’s all so exciting. I think I cheered out loud when Mr. Wong finally revealed himself. (In fact, I know I did.) It’s kind of epic.

But it’s not perfect, at least not for me. I hated the secrets between Charley and Reyes. I feel like they should be at a point where they are a team. But they’re not. I think their hearts are in the right place, but the deceit on top of deceit… we should be past that. Then there is the ending. First, Charley has to make a sacrifice that was pretty awful. To me, that would have been enough. It was shocking and it shakes everyone to the core. It would have been a twist worthy of ending the book. But then there was something more. I don’t want to spoil it. But I didn’t love it. It just felt a little trite in a series that is otherwise so wonderfully unique and original.

I guess Jones needed a set-up for the premise of the next book. Perhaps she needed a new conflict with so much resolved here. I don’t know. I think it will be a bit polarizing for readers. But I reserve too much judgment until I see where she goes with it in 9TH GRAVE.

Regardless of how you feel about the ending, you won’t want to miss this book. It’s a must-read for fans of the series. Plus… double bonus points for Charley reading Lover Awakened. Say what you will about the newer BDB books, but you can’t go wrong with Zsadist.

Rating: B/B+

*ARC provided by publisher for review

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover: Pretty Color
Rating: NC-17
Thumbs Up: 5
Overall: Excellent installment
Characters: Well Written
Plot: Solving mysteries while having a baby
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Reyes

SUMMARY (60 words or less)
This was a really good installment of the series. A lot happens and we get a lot of answers. Sometimes you wonder what would happen when all is revealed. This author pulled a rabbit out of a hat and what’s to come is really interesting.

For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:

http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...

Audio Review
Lorelei King is one of my favorite narrators and she brings this story to life.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATED!!!
Oct. 10, 2014
I can't wait to read this book. Charley never fails to crack me up.

Oct. 22, 2014
I've just read Seventh Grave and No Body and I'm dying to read Eight Grave After Dark.

*Kneels on the ground* 2015, please come faster!

I sincerely hope this wouldn't be the last book in the series.

Anyone, aside from me, thinks that Swope's son is the thirteenth warrior? You know, the one who will tipped the balance and all the shimmers?

May 24, 2015
I'm pretty conflicted with this.
The book made me laugh so much that the people around me thought I was going bonkers but the ending just... it broke my heart. Charley crying like that? Reyes breaking into tears? HEARTBREAKING!

I was kind of annoyed with Charley. She was really careless. Was it funny? Yes but it was also annoying and eyeroll invoking. How could she thought that Reyes wouldn't find out her shenanigans? How could she go to hell just to save ONE life? ONE LIFE, PEOPLE! How could she be so careless? But that's our Charley, impulsive and crazy.

This series just keeps on getting better and better, and unpredictable. Mr. Wong's role? Osh as the 13th? Garret Swopes, the formidable bounty hunter, cooing? Cookie marrying 3 times? Big Bad Daddy leaving the underworld and possessing our Reyes? Charley losing her memory? Kudos to Darynda Jones for an amazing series that I sincerely hope wouldn't end soon.

Although Charley's antics disappointed me I would still give this a Five Star because *shrugs* the book deserved it. The series deserved it.

P.S.
As heartbreaking as the book was I just couldn't get enough of it so I'm reading it over and over and over again.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 8 was a bit different from previous books. Charley is pregnant and to keep little Beep (the baby) safe, her, Reyes and her posse all moved to an abandoned convent. The convent is on sacred ground and would keep her and the baby safe from the Hellhounds that are hunting her. Since Charley can't leave the grounds without getting attacked, her private investigation was almost brought to a halt. However, this is Charley we are talking about and she still found a way to help some of the departed.

Cases involved:
-Finding out what happened to the missing priest and nun from that abandoned convent many years prior
-helping FBI Agent Carlson find a missing girl that happens to be the niece of the agents ex.

There was actually a lot that happened in this book despite them being limited to one location. I'm sad about the ending of this book but there is just so much more to discover and I know things don't always turn out they I think they will. On to the next book...

OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION: Heroine, Charley Davidson, Private Investigator and Grim Reaper. She's a portal for the dead to pass through to heaven. Hero, Reyes Alexander Farrow, Son of Satan and portal to Hell. Since Charley can see and talk to the dead, she has helped her former cop father and current cop uncle solve cases. The main focus in each book are the cases Charley solves with the help of her best friend Cookie, her uncle and the dead victims. The side focus is the romance between Charley and Reyes and the impending war with the demons that is predicted.