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Crossroads Queen #6
Play Dead: Crossroads Queen, Book 6
In Fairhaven, there's no rest for the wicked, the weary, or anyone in between.
This time, the Wild Hunt is on its way to town, commanded by its ruthless leader who has a score to settle with Lorelei's friend, the Night Mallt.
Meanwhile, the Castle has opened its doors as a sanctuary for an unexpected and unwelcome visitor, which puts a damper on Lorelei's budding relationship with resident demon prince of hell, Kane Sullivan. Even worse, the houseguest brings another hunting party to town, one that Lorelei has been careful to avoid.
As the threats escalate and secrets are revealed, Lorelei must come to terms with a moment of truth she never anticipated...if she can survive the hunt.
Play Dead is the sixth book in the Crossroads Queen series.
This time, the Wild Hunt is on its way to town, commanded by its ruthless leader who has a score to settle with Lorelei's friend, the Night Mallt.
Meanwhile, the Castle has opened its doors as a sanctuary for an unexpected and unwelcome visitor, which puts a damper on Lorelei's budding relationship with resident demon prince of hell, Kane Sullivan. Even worse, the houseguest brings another hunting party to town, one that Lorelei has been careful to avoid.
As the threats escalate and secrets are revealed, Lorelei must come to terms with a moment of truth she never anticipated...if she can survive the hunt.
Play Dead is the sixth book in the Crossroads Queen series.
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First published June 20, 2024
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About the author
Annabel Chase
346 books1,465 followersAnnabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
June 22, 2024
2 steps forward and 2 steps back
We were making progress in the last book and here we are again. Lorelai keeps making rookie mistakes. Per usual trouble comes town in a roundabout way for Lorelai anf her peeps. She makes progress on an emotional front now that some know her secret. She slowly but surely breaks down her walls and let's her friends in. Well acknowledges they are friends.
Lorelai is a grown woman of 35 and she is scared of a relationship. All we get with the progression of her and Kane's interaction is one steamy encounter. Not asking for smut but she was practically running away from him...again.
Although there was a sweet moment in there as well, is this written for young adults?
There are things that are obvious, the author herself writes that it's obvious yet Lorelai throws caution to the wind with a non existent back up plan. Trying not to put spoilers but trust me when I say there are moments you want to smack her in the back of her head. Where is Gibbs when you need him.
There were some interesting facts about dieties and we learn more abt Lorelai's family but overall this was still meh. The ending was horrible and left you feeling unsatisfied.
We were making progress in the last book and here we are again. Lorelai keeps making rookie mistakes. Per usual trouble comes town in a roundabout way for Lorelai anf her peeps. She makes progress on an emotional front now that some know her secret. She slowly but surely breaks down her walls and let's her friends in. Well acknowledges they are friends.
Lorelai is a grown woman of 35 and she is scared of a relationship. All we get with the progression of her and Kane's interaction is one steamy encounter. Not asking for smut but she was practically running away from him...again.
Although there was a sweet moment in there as well, is this written for young adults?
There are things that are obvious, the author herself writes that it's obvious yet Lorelai throws caution to the wind with a non existent back up plan. Trying not to put spoilers but trust me when I say there are moments you want to smack her in the back of her head. Where is Gibbs when you need him.
There were some interesting facts about dieties and we learn more abt Lorelai's family but overall this was still meh. The ending was horrible and left you feeling unsatisfied.
May 3, 2025
***3.5*** but I'm rounding it up
I am still enjoying it - this is a fun read that you just blitz through. But the FMC (Lorelei) grates on me at times, because she's probably one of the worst martyr types I've read in a long time. That's a trope I hate, personally. This chick not only blames herself for everything, she also lets everyone else blame her for everything too. It is becoming ridiculous. The Corporation has been hanging out in that town long before Lorelei got there, the people in town just hadn't noticed. Blaming her for them poking around is beyond stupid. And she accepts it, which is more stupid.
But I like the stories, and most of the cast (West and Josie can both eat a bag of dicks, but everyone else is cool). I want to see where it ends, and this is a completed series, so I'm charging ahead.
I am still enjoying it - this is a fun read that you just blitz through. But the FMC (Lorelei) grates on me at times, because she's probably one of the worst martyr types I've read in a long time. That's a trope I hate, personally. This chick not only blames herself for everything, she also lets everyone else blame her for everything too. It is becoming ridiculous. The Corporation has been hanging out in that town long before Lorelei got there, the people in town just hadn't noticed. Blaming her for them poking around is beyond stupid. And she accepts it, which is more stupid.
But I like the stories, and most of the cast (West and Josie can both eat a bag of dicks, but everyone else is cool). I want to see where it ends, and this is a completed series, so I'm charging ahead.
October 1, 2024
another solid offering in the Crossroads Queen series. Decisions are being made, secrets are shared. By opening up to those around her Lorelei is finding out that sometimes it's better not to be alone. I can't wait to see how Lorelei handles the revelations in this book as well as dealing with the company. Ray and Nana Pratt are still fun and love Kane.
June 25, 2024
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! Lorelei Clay is one of the best characters I’ve ever read, I just love her so much. Every single book in this series is a five-star read. I’ve loved seeing her grow and adjust and expand and break down and reach out. I cannot wait to see where Lorelei goes from here. But I have to wait unfortunately as the next book doesn’t release until September.
September 4, 2024
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Play Dead is the Sixth installment in author Annabel Chase's Crossroads Queen series. 35-year-old Lorelei Clay moved to Fairhaven, Pennsylvania and purchased Bluebeard's Castle because she was ready for some peace and quiet. It has been anything but. At the end of the previous installment, Lorelei was asked by a woman who tried to kill her for sanctuary from the Corporation. Addison Gray aka Avatar for the Goddess Aite, Goddess of mischief and ruin, has come close to unlocking Lorelei's identity.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Play Dead is the Sixth installment in author Annabel Chase's Crossroads Queen series. 35-year-old Lorelei Clay moved to Fairhaven, Pennsylvania and purchased Bluebeard's Castle because she was ready for some peace and quiet. It has been anything but. At the end of the previous installment, Lorelei was asked by a woman who tried to kill her for sanctuary from the Corporation. Addison Gray aka Avatar for the Goddess Aite, Goddess of mischief and ruin, has come close to unlocking Lorelei's identity.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
August 1, 2024
It is pretty much more of the same. A new problem for Lorelei to solve and after a bunch of dialogue, mishaps, some magic slinging etc. etc. it does indeed get solved.
The problem I have is that the case is not really that interesting and Lorelei is alternating between mildly kick-ass and downright stupid. The part with her dead parents was stupid beyond belief and just cringey.
She is supposed to be a bonafide God for Christ sake. Time she starts to behave like one.
And the pathological reluctance when it comes to relationships and this rubbish with Kane is just annoying.
The book was still readable but, for me, this book was probably the worst in the series.
The problem I have is that the case is not really that interesting and Lorelei is alternating between mildly kick-ass and downright stupid. The part with her dead parents was stupid beyond belief and just cringey.
She is supposed to be a bonafide God for Christ sake. Time she starts to behave like one.
And the pathological reluctance when it comes to relationships and this rubbish with Kane is just annoying.
The book was still readable but, for me, this book was probably the worst in the series.
June 28, 2024
The Rant: So tired of people and ghosts telling Lorelei what to do. So frustrating. Also, IF IT SEEMS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT IS! FFS! And why is it everyone else gets to have their secrets but heaven forbid Lorelei has a secret. And why does she keep stupid secrets, like ones that others should KNOW for their safety and the safety of others? Oh the frustration in this one. Granted, this book came nowhere close to the frustration other books have evolved in me, I didn't want to throw anything or beat my heat on a wall or need to walk away for a day or two, but grrr.
Now the review: Not gonna lie, this one took longer to finish than the others. Maybe because I knew the next book wasn't available yet? Lorelei shows her stupidity in this book, not just with taking in someone who gave her up to the corporation but also by being the worst liar ever, not sharing things with people she should, and making extremely poor decisions (although I didn't see the twist that was revealed due to her stupid choice). If the fates don't know you, here's a hint, don't give them anything, nothing, zilch. I know that Lorelei's big heart is what makes her special but come on, learn that killing one person could save countless other lives, it's like she learned nothing from the lake battle. This book builds on that wonderful slow burn, until it ********. This book gets a 2.5/5 for spice. It also leaves on a slight cliffhanger. Personally if there were no more books, I'd be a little sad but not overly and very little anger over it. At this point I don't think she will ever finish the castle (it would be almost comical if the castle was destroyed during a battle), Kane isn't going anywhere, she has friends and a family she has chosen. The corporation is too big for her to take down, so really, what else is there?
Now the review: Not gonna lie, this one took longer to finish than the others. Maybe because I knew the next book wasn't available yet? Lorelei shows her stupidity in this book, not just with taking in someone who gave her up to the corporation but also by being the worst liar ever, not sharing things with people she should, and making extremely poor decisions (although I didn't see the twist that was revealed due to her stupid choice). If the fates don't know you, here's a hint, don't give them anything, nothing, zilch. I know that Lorelei's big heart is what makes her special but come on, learn that killing one person could save countless other lives, it's like she learned nothing from the lake battle. This book builds on that wonderful slow burn, until it ********. This book gets a 2.5/5 for spice. It also leaves on a slight cliffhanger. Personally if there were no more books, I'd be a little sad but not overly and very little anger over it. At this point I don't think she will ever finish the castle (it would be almost comical if the castle was destroyed during a battle), Kane isn't going anywhere, she has friends and a family she has chosen. The corporation is too big for her to take down, so really, what else is there?
October 29, 2024
Things aren’t going smoothly in Fairhaven, the Wild Hunt is coming, the Corporation are after Addison who is being sheltered by Lorelei, more people know about Lorelei but that opens more questions.
Lorelei is busy trying to set up with her allies for the Wild Hunt by trying to find the white stag and send it away or find someway to discourage the Hunt. Fortunately, all of her friends are willing to help even if things don’t go the way they’ve been planned.
The corporation is looking for Addison as well as trying to figure out what Lorelei is. An offer from them that is hard to refuse is on the table.
This book has a lot of things happening but again everything flows smoothly. There is action, humour (Claude is a great addition), interesting characters and story.
I found this to be an easy, quick fun read.
Lorelei is busy trying to set up with her allies for the Wild Hunt by trying to find the white stag and send it away or find someway to discourage the Hunt. Fortunately, all of her friends are willing to help even if things don’t go the way they’ve been planned.
The corporation is looking for Addison as well as trying to figure out what Lorelei is. An offer from them that is hard to refuse is on the table.
This book has a lot of things happening but again everything flows smoothly. There is action, humour (Claude is a great addition), interesting characters and story.
I found this to be an easy, quick fun read.
July 5, 2024
So good
I'm just so in love with this series. I can't get enough of Lorelei's hysterical personality. The comments she makes are so funny. And she's opening up to people. Trusting them letting them in. I'm so glad there's another one coming.
I'm just so in love with this series. I can't get enough of Lorelei's hysterical personality. The comments she makes are so funny. And she's opening up to people. Trusting them letting them in. I'm so glad there's another one coming.
August 25, 2024
Another fab book in the series by Annabel Chase! I'm just super sad that it will be coming to a close in the next book as I've truly enjoyed the series!
June 26, 2024
I really enjoyed it, the series keeps getting better as it goes on
June 22, 2024
Didn't like this one
While you could argue a lot happened, it was obvious and boring. Like taking the pieces of a puzzle out of the box partiality stuck together. Then whining its hard to put together. These books are as cheap as her wine. Power is talked about but rarely evidenced. The climax didn't even start until90%. Everything about it was stupid and weak. Its plot purpose and how it was accomplished obvious and weak.
While you could argue a lot happened, it was obvious and boring. Like taking the pieces of a puzzle out of the box partiality stuck together. Then whining its hard to put together. These books are as cheap as her wine. Power is talked about but rarely evidenced. The climax didn't even start until90%. Everything about it was stupid and weak. Its plot purpose and how it was accomplished obvious and weak.
April 10, 2025
A fantastic read, great character development, marvelous storylines
Rating: 5⭐️
This series just keeps getting better, and breaking my heart in places in the process. Over characters that I never expected to care about.
Chase’s gifts in crafting storylines that are layered in ways that are so deceptive to the reader’s mind and imagination that by now we should know better than to assume anything or have any expectations for anyone.
Because Chase is almost guaranteed to turn or twist what we think we know around into something totally unforeseen or shockingly horrifying. Or great. I dunno.
The mythological world of characters and creatures that’s being brought into Fairhaven, through the portals or another mysterious manner, is ever expanding. It’s a fabulous series element that it’s not limited to one culture or any kind of supernatural world element, but multiple pantheons, gods, and their respective realms are coming into play.
The Corporation is still a big bad and their minions are an ever present realistically visualized threat. What a well crafted horror they are.
The Wild Hunt is a main event here and its arrival sets off a chain reaction of events including one I didn’t expect, one that saw me crying. Who knew.
Lorelei is dealing letting her inner circle of friends into her secrets, renovating her crumbling castle, making sure her ghosts and visitor are safe and well, happily doing whatever. While the Hunt comes in to cause trouble.
A fantastic read, great character development, marvelous storylines, and the Wild Hunt was an imaginative new element to introduce.
Another must read series and auto buy author.
Cover by Trif Designs, which has changed to reflect the fact that the word has gotten out that Lorelei Clay is a demigod. So great touch with that head halo/crown addition.
Crossroads Queen series:
Dead to the World #1
Dead of Night #2
Dead Last #3
Dead Wrong #4
Dead Weight #5
Play Dead #6
Dead Heat #7
Half Dead #8
Dead End #9 - April 17,2025
Rating: 5⭐️
This series just keeps getting better, and breaking my heart in places in the process. Over characters that I never expected to care about.
Chase’s gifts in crafting storylines that are layered in ways that are so deceptive to the reader’s mind and imagination that by now we should know better than to assume anything or have any expectations for anyone.
Because Chase is almost guaranteed to turn or twist what we think we know around into something totally unforeseen or shockingly horrifying. Or great. I dunno.
The mythological world of characters and creatures that’s being brought into Fairhaven, through the portals or another mysterious manner, is ever expanding. It’s a fabulous series element that it’s not limited to one culture or any kind of supernatural world element, but multiple pantheons, gods, and their respective realms are coming into play.
The Corporation is still a big bad and their minions are an ever present realistically visualized threat. What a well crafted horror they are.
The Wild Hunt is a main event here and its arrival sets off a chain reaction of events including one I didn’t expect, one that saw me crying. Who knew.
Lorelei is dealing letting her inner circle of friends into her secrets, renovating her crumbling castle, making sure her ghosts and visitor are safe and well, happily doing whatever. While the Hunt comes in to cause trouble.
A fantastic read, great character development, marvelous storylines, and the Wild Hunt was an imaginative new element to introduce.
Another must read series and auto buy author.
Cover by Trif Designs, which has changed to reflect the fact that the word has gotten out that Lorelei Clay is a demigod. So great touch with that head halo/crown addition.
Crossroads Queen series:
Dead to the World #1
Dead of Night #2
Dead Last #3
Dead Wrong #4
Dead Weight #5
Play Dead #6
Dead Heat #7
Half Dead #8
Dead End #9 - April 17,2025
September 17, 2024
I really loved this book. It started with its typical fashion, with the author throwing lots of threads at us and at first it all seemed kind of boring. Well, boring isn’t right, it was funny, and I loved the characters, even Addison, Aite, Melissa, Tessa or whichever name you want to give her, and I just didn’t think the story was going to move along and it was more of a filler book. Boy, was I wrong.
We finally got to learn about Lorelei’s past, and it was tragic- but it was also cool too. I mean, what are the odds right? I felt like the author made her extremely vulnerable and made the audience like her more. I think Otto summed it up perfectly when he said, you make more sense now. I also thought the authors word choices, really allowed us to feel how she was feeling and even identify with her from our own level.
At the beginning of the book, while very cute, I was annoyed with her relationship with Kane. He was doing all the work and she seemed almost immature about it all. We didn’t get hot and steamy in the traditional way- **SPOILER *** we finally got them together. Again here, while it wasn’t the traditional smut many like, the authors choice of words made it hot and sweet. You really feel like these two characters love each other and yet they are also fun.
The ending sort of bummed me out and obviously I can’t say why without giving away spoilers, but it seemed like a missed opportunity. It made sense in one way, but I am still bummed. In the end, this book did a good job of pushing us forward and setting the table for what is too come. This really feels like a shift in a lot of ways. New enemies, but also new friends, new opportunities, and a new Lorelei. I need to learn more about this underground speak easy though, I must believe we will see more of that.
We finally got to learn about Lorelei’s past, and it was tragic- but it was also cool too. I mean, what are the odds right? I felt like the author made her extremely vulnerable and made the audience like her more. I think Otto summed it up perfectly when he said, you make more sense now. I also thought the authors word choices, really allowed us to feel how she was feeling and even identify with her from our own level.
At the beginning of the book, while very cute, I was annoyed with her relationship with Kane. He was doing all the work and she seemed almost immature about it all. We didn’t get hot and steamy in the traditional way- **SPOILER *** we finally got them together. Again here, while it wasn’t the traditional smut many like, the authors choice of words made it hot and sweet. You really feel like these two characters love each other and yet they are also fun.
The ending sort of bummed me out and obviously I can’t say why without giving away spoilers, but it seemed like a missed opportunity. It made sense in one way, but I am still bummed. In the end, this book did a good job of pushing us forward and setting the table for what is too come. This really feels like a shift in a lot of ways. New enemies, but also new friends, new opportunities, and a new Lorelei. I need to learn more about this underground speak easy though, I must believe we will see more of that.
July 16, 2024
So it's a wrap on Play Dead by Annabel Chase!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I always find Annabel's books super easy to read and they always have a comedic aspect to it along with some serious shit happening in the lives of her character!
We finally got to see Lorelie and Kane happy together! There was a lot of focus on Lorelie's past which also gave a lot of depth to her character. It explained her behaviour a lot during the early books of the series.
Camryn and Gunther really are the funniest characters I have ever read. Their Sarcasm and banter with each other and with others makes the book fun to read.
Addison 😣 did not get the life and story she deserved. I was super sad with her ending but I wish we could have seen more of her! She had a tough exterior but was the biggest softie in my opinion!
Matilda was the perfect sister Lorelie could ever get! I am happy we got to see their bond grow and there were hints of doubt in their trust but all were resolved in the end when they defeated the wild hunt!
Kane Sullivan, the devil 😈 who is obsessed with Lorelie, he is a hottie 🔥. I was glad to see how supportive he was of Lorelie throughout the book. He was patient and let her set the pace of their relationship, which was the biggest green flag 💚. I think he set the bar high for all fictional men!
All in all, it was an easy for star book for me. I had fun reading it. Even though this book is a part of a series you can still read it as a standalone. There were backstories provided for most of the incidents.
I am glad I picked up this series a year ago but I genuinely had fun reading it. I am awaiting the last books of this series and will be sad when it's done.
But for now, Happy Reading Everyone!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I always find Annabel's books super easy to read and they always have a comedic aspect to it along with some serious shit happening in the lives of her character!
We finally got to see Lorelie and Kane happy together! There was a lot of focus on Lorelie's past which also gave a lot of depth to her character. It explained her behaviour a lot during the early books of the series.
Camryn and Gunther really are the funniest characters I have ever read. Their Sarcasm and banter with each other and with others makes the book fun to read.
Addison 😣 did not get the life and story she deserved. I was super sad with her ending but I wish we could have seen more of her! She had a tough exterior but was the biggest softie in my opinion!
Matilda was the perfect sister Lorelie could ever get! I am happy we got to see their bond grow and there were hints of doubt in their trust but all were resolved in the end when they defeated the wild hunt!
Kane Sullivan, the devil 😈 who is obsessed with Lorelie, he is a hottie 🔥. I was glad to see how supportive he was of Lorelie throughout the book. He was patient and let her set the pace of their relationship, which was the biggest green flag 💚. I think he set the bar high for all fictional men!
All in all, it was an easy for star book for me. I had fun reading it. Even though this book is a part of a series you can still read it as a standalone. There were backstories provided for most of the incidents.
I am glad I picked up this series a year ago but I genuinely had fun reading it. I am awaiting the last books of this series and will be sad when it's done.
But for now, Happy Reading Everyone!
July 3, 2024
I'm unsure
I'm unsure of where to even begin with this. I just have one question? WHAT HAPPENED? I almost feel as if you got lazy Annabel Chase. It's kind of disrespectful to your readers if I'm being honest.
The Herione is supposed to be a bad ass Godess in hiding who has been trained since she was a child to hide and hide well. All of a sudden, she forgot 35 years of training for a chance to see her dead human parents courtesy of the evil organization she fears so much. Really? I live in a world without supernatural magic and I could see that trap coming from a mile away. Like, come on. The author put NO effort into this book.
The world building was completely gone. The plot was completely trashed with no effort to make it work. Again....WHAT HAPPENED?
Our "bad ass" Godess gets almost killed by a Druid for goodness sake. A druid who used the same magic she fought so well against in a past book. It didn't even take a whole paragraph before she was overcome and almost died. Just for the author to lazily add in a "cut scene". Again....WHAT HAPPENED?
The major battle of the story was sooo underwhelming that it was actually horrifying. The wild hunt that everyone fears is a bunch of idiots. They were easily overpowered and taken out. How any author portrays the Wild Hunt in such an underwhelming light is beyond my scope of understanding. Our Herione Godness NEVER ONCE EVEN USED HER POWERS. Again.....WHAT HAPPENED?
I can't, seriously. The more I think about what I just read, the more I know that's it's not even worth the stars I was giving it.
I most definitely will not continue this series nor read anything else from this author.
I'm unsure of where to even begin with this. I just have one question? WHAT HAPPENED? I almost feel as if you got lazy Annabel Chase. It's kind of disrespectful to your readers if I'm being honest.
The Herione is supposed to be a bad ass Godess in hiding who has been trained since she was a child to hide and hide well. All of a sudden, she forgot 35 years of training for a chance to see her dead human parents courtesy of the evil organization she fears so much. Really? I live in a world without supernatural magic and I could see that trap coming from a mile away. Like, come on. The author put NO effort into this book.
The world building was completely gone. The plot was completely trashed with no effort to make it work. Again....WHAT HAPPENED?
Our "bad ass" Godess gets almost killed by a Druid for goodness sake. A druid who used the same magic she fought so well against in a past book. It didn't even take a whole paragraph before she was overcome and almost died. Just for the author to lazily add in a "cut scene". Again....WHAT HAPPENED?
The major battle of the story was sooo underwhelming that it was actually horrifying. The wild hunt that everyone fears is a bunch of idiots. They were easily overpowered and taken out. How any author portrays the Wild Hunt in such an underwhelming light is beyond my scope of understanding. Our Herione Godness NEVER ONCE EVEN USED HER POWERS. Again.....WHAT HAPPENED?
I can't, seriously. The more I think about what I just read, the more I know that's it's not even worth the stars I was giving it.
I most definitely will not continue this series nor read anything else from this author.
July 30, 2024
A Book Series that is 100% a keeper! ! 🩷🩷🩷
Another fantastic addition to this series. A great story with amazing characters, an easy-to-read pace and wildly entertaining. This particular book was very revealing. Lorelei Clay is taken aback when she uncovers some surprising secrets from her past and origins. She really is the total package. She is strong, independent, smart, fiercely loyal, giving, totally unpredictable with a sarcastic sense of humor that you will love and appreciate.. She has been conditioned from childhood to guard herself from others, but little by little she has been lowering the walls she had built around herself and finally letting in her new friends and loved ones. It is great to see her relationship with Kane progressing (leaps and bounds). As always, her resident ghosts Ray and Nana Pratt are a hoot and add so much more to the story. I do have however, a small issue to address. From pasts books written by this author as well as this series, I have noticed a pattern. The FMC is always the main focus and the author really invests in giving us a well rounded, strong and fierce FMC.. Unfortunately that leaves very little room for the MMC, who appears more of a supporting role rather than a true partner. I don’t mind having the focus on the FMC ( I am all about female power), but it would be nice that for once the MMC acts like a true partner, rather than an afterthought. I cannot wait for the next book of the series to come out 💜💜💜
Another fantastic addition to this series. A great story with amazing characters, an easy-to-read pace and wildly entertaining. This particular book was very revealing. Lorelei Clay is taken aback when she uncovers some surprising secrets from her past and origins. She really is the total package. She is strong, independent, smart, fiercely loyal, giving, totally unpredictable with a sarcastic sense of humor that you will love and appreciate.. She has been conditioned from childhood to guard herself from others, but little by little she has been lowering the walls she had built around herself and finally letting in her new friends and loved ones. It is great to see her relationship with Kane progressing (leaps and bounds). As always, her resident ghosts Ray and Nana Pratt are a hoot and add so much more to the story. I do have however, a small issue to address. From pasts books written by this author as well as this series, I have noticed a pattern. The FMC is always the main focus and the author really invests in giving us a well rounded, strong and fierce FMC.. Unfortunately that leaves very little room for the MMC, who appears more of a supporting role rather than a true partner. I don’t mind having the focus on the FMC ( I am all about female power), but it would be nice that for once the MMC acts like a true partner, rather than an afterthought. I cannot wait for the next book of the series to come out 💜💜💜
June 21, 2024
entertaining paranormal urban fantasy adventure series
entertaining urban fantasy this is an entertaining paranormal urban fantasy adventure series. Great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Lower like clay is a woman of about 35 years old. She grew up highlighting her true identity. She’s actually a reborn ancient Greek goddess in a human body. most gods and goddesses have disappeared overtime due to people forgetting about them and not believing in them anymore. Occasionally they are reborn into humans and live among us. Lorelei has a number of different powers and lives in a castle built by a rich man back in the 50s that was abandoned and she got for a great deal. She was trying to move out into a small town away from everybody and away from supernaturals. However she found out that she moved crossroads of many other realms. There are a number supernaturals that live in the town but mostly humans live there. There are shifters vampires demons and many others. Lorelei is just trying to stand under the radar and live her life and restore the castle to someplace she can be proud to live in. There are entities out there that are looking for her and want to use her for nefarious reasons. Read on the adventures once again as another threat comes to the town. See if Lorelei and her friends can stop it. adventure series
entertaining urban fantasy this is an entertaining paranormal urban fantasy adventure series. Great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Lower like clay is a woman of about 35 years old. She grew up highlighting her true identity. She’s actually a reborn ancient Greek goddess in a human body. most gods and goddesses have disappeared overtime due to people forgetting about them and not believing in them anymore. Occasionally they are reborn into humans and live among us. Lorelei has a number of different powers and lives in a castle built by a rich man back in the 50s that was abandoned and she got for a great deal. She was trying to move out into a small town away from everybody and away from supernaturals. However she found out that she moved crossroads of many other realms. There are a number supernaturals that live in the town but mostly humans live there. There are shifters vampires demons and many others. Lorelei is just trying to stand under the radar and live her life and restore the castle to someplace she can be proud to live in. There are entities out there that are looking for her and want to use her for nefarious reasons. Read on the adventures once again as another threat comes to the town. See if Lorelei and her friends can stop it. adventure series
July 12, 2024
oh man…
Things have gotten extremely complicated and fair Haven. Lorelei is an amazing character, and I have absolutely loved watching her grow. The fact that her secret is out now has been a big blow to her. She spent her whole life living on way. She’s now having to learn how to unlearn all of those habits. She’s also learning that she has true friends and family. And speaking of family, we get a nice little peak into what hers really was. More secrets that she was not prepared for. The wild hunt, and all of the things that it entails are coming, and there really is a lot going on in this book.
I have completely come to obsessively love this series. The side characters are just as awesome as the main. I know everything is from Lorelei‘s perspective, yet we still get so much from the other characters. I love that! I know that the next book is gonna come to a big showdown because the corporation has basically been a thorn and her side from the beginning. And now that we are getting some bigger pictures of them, I truly believe they are the bad guys. I will impatiently wait until the next book comes. I’m definitely gonna have to reread this series. It’s worth it!
Things have gotten extremely complicated and fair Haven. Lorelei is an amazing character, and I have absolutely loved watching her grow. The fact that her secret is out now has been a big blow to her. She spent her whole life living on way. She’s now having to learn how to unlearn all of those habits. She’s also learning that she has true friends and family. And speaking of family, we get a nice little peak into what hers really was. More secrets that she was not prepared for. The wild hunt, and all of the things that it entails are coming, and there really is a lot going on in this book.
I have completely come to obsessively love this series. The side characters are just as awesome as the main. I know everything is from Lorelei‘s perspective, yet we still get so much from the other characters. I love that! I know that the next book is gonna come to a big showdown because the corporation has basically been a thorn and her side from the beginning. And now that we are getting some bigger pictures of them, I truly believe they are the bad guys. I will impatiently wait until the next book comes. I’m definitely gonna have to reread this series. It’s worth it!
March 2, 2025
Overall, the series so far is interesting and well written. However, with each new book comes more and more psychology. If it was gently woven in then I wouldn’t mind it so much, but the scenes heavy in psychology come across as awkward and the flow of those scenes is forced due to the unrealistic responses characters have. I also feel that this author is not great at romantic bonds when it comes to the main character. I’ve read a lot of her books and end up very disappointed if I have any expectations on the romance front. The connection between the main character and her love interest is not translated well. What should feel like a blazing fire to the reader, a typical feeling in the early days of a relationship, comes across as a sputtering pile of coals giving off barely any heat. It’s a comfortable heat that relationships eventually get to, but things don’t start that way. The relationships with friends and family of the main character can be felt easier by the reader, but the romance scenes or interactions are too dull.
Anyways, the book itself has an interesting story and I’ll continue slowly working my way through the series to see how the author plans to end things.
Anyways, the book itself has an interesting story and I’ll continue slowly working my way through the series to see how the author plans to end things.
July 19, 2025
The Wild Hunt is coming, The Corporation is knocking on her door, she still is dealing with the revelation that her parents had been murdered and she’s got friends to make up to. Not to mention her newest housemate who acts more like a Teenager than a goddess. In short, there’s no rest for Lorelei - and no time to pick up the pace of her relationship with Kane.
There are again a lot of things going on simultaneously. To be honest, a bit too much for my taste, which resulted in there barely having any interaction with Kane. At one point, there was a gap of a hundred pages between them seeing each other again. That’s just too much. Also, to be honest, I found both the Wild Hunt and the final revelations of her past pretty anticlimactic. All in all, while I still enjoy this series very much, it just wasn’t as a page turner as some of the others.
Hopefully, the next is back to a good mix of quality time and thrilling issues to deal with.
There are again a lot of things going on simultaneously. To be honest, a bit too much for my taste, which resulted in there barely having any interaction with Kane. At one point, there was a gap of a hundred pages between them seeing each other again. That’s just too much. Also, to be honest, I found both the Wild Hunt and the final revelations of her past pretty anticlimactic. All in all, while I still enjoy this series very much, it just wasn’t as a page turner as some of the others.
Hopefully, the next is back to a good mix of quality time and thrilling issues to deal with.
June 21, 2024
Good
Lorelei has an unwelcome houseguest to contend with, as well as the threat of the wild hunt invading the town.
In addition to it all, there are personal events that make a big impact on Lorelei…
Lots of things happen in this sixth book of the series (no it can’t be read as a standalone) and some intriguing revelations are made. We also get to see some romantic progress, and a little bit of battle.
It’s an enjoyable read, and fans of the series will appreciate some of the big events that occur in the book, which definitely explain a few things. I’m looking forward to seeing where the next book takes us, and I admit I’m kind of hoping for the downfall of the Corporation!
Recommended for urban and contemporary fantasy fans, and those who like their heroines to be a little more mature.
Lorelei has an unwelcome houseguest to contend with, as well as the threat of the wild hunt invading the town.
In addition to it all, there are personal events that make a big impact on Lorelei…
Lots of things happen in this sixth book of the series (no it can’t be read as a standalone) and some intriguing revelations are made. We also get to see some romantic progress, and a little bit of battle.
It’s an enjoyable read, and fans of the series will appreciate some of the big events that occur in the book, which definitely explain a few things. I’m looking forward to seeing where the next book takes us, and I admit I’m kind of hoping for the downfall of the Corporation!
Recommended for urban and contemporary fantasy fans, and those who like their heroines to be a little more mature.
August 23, 2024
I always enjoy these books, but I think they *really* employ the concept of "leave 'em wanting more". Every single book feels a little too short, a little in need of further fleshing out, and every single one of them shouts from the rooftops about what the next bit of conflict is going to be about, so they never feel like a good place to 'stop', when one of them ends.
But she cranks them out FAST, so I shouldn't complain. And, as fast as they come out, they are surprisingly consistent in quality, imo.
But I do think Lorelei made a highly idiotic decision in this book that we will get to see her pay for in the next one. And I felt like the story arc for her houseguest in this entry was... not what it could have been. But there were interesting reveals and things definitely happened in this book, there was definite progress on the plotline.
But she cranks them out FAST, so I shouldn't complain. And, as fast as they come out, they are surprisingly consistent in quality, imo.
But I do think Lorelei made a highly idiotic decision in this book that we will get to see her pay for in the next one. And I felt like the story arc for her houseguest in this entry was... not what it could have been. But there were interesting reveals and things definitely happened in this book, there was definite progress on the plotline.
March 8, 2025
Play Dead (Spells & Carriages, Book 6) by Annabel Chase
Play Dead is a reunion installment that unites friends—and even former foes—of Lorelei as they band together to counter the perilous forces of the wild hunt.
In this busy, action-packed installment, readers are treated to a more complete portrait of Lorelei, revealing layers of her character and backstory that deepen her mystery and allure. However, a miscalculation on her part leads to an unexpected twist: the Corporation discovers her secret. This development promises to be a significant plot point, likely serving as a major highlight in the next book of the series.
Overall, Play Dead weaves together a tapestry of complex characters and intertwining plotlines, maintaining the series’ dynamic pace and leaving fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Play Dead is a reunion installment that unites friends—and even former foes—of Lorelei as they band together to counter the perilous forces of the wild hunt.
In this busy, action-packed installment, readers are treated to a more complete portrait of Lorelei, revealing layers of her character and backstory that deepen her mystery and allure. However, a miscalculation on her part leads to an unexpected twist: the Corporation discovers her secret. This development promises to be a significant plot point, likely serving as a major highlight in the next book of the series.
Overall, Play Dead weaves together a tapestry of complex characters and intertwining plotlines, maintaining the series’ dynamic pace and leaving fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.
June 20, 2024
How I adore Lorelei and her wild crossroads queen goddess ways and so happy she (supported by her super cool demon boyfriend Kane) has an assorted cast of supernatural pals as staunch support when she goes up against the biggest of the bad, the evil Vortigern of the wild Hunt.
Vortigern has some surprises coming his way (he is more on the Darth Vader/Sith Lord side of darkness) and Lorelei is going into the fight ready for a serious thrown down, come what may.
It’s a battle of the ages and a wild ride with the only one winner -Lorelei and her ragtag underdog team against evil.
This IS an action packed adventure ride as Wild as the Wild Hunt itself and full of surprises.
An entertaining and exciting novel, a thrilling fantasy series and an absolutely worthwhile read
Vortigern has some surprises coming his way (he is more on the Darth Vader/Sith Lord side of darkness) and Lorelei is going into the fight ready for a serious thrown down, come what may.
It’s a battle of the ages and a wild ride with the only one winner -Lorelei and her ragtag underdog team against evil.
This IS an action packed adventure ride as Wild as the Wild Hunt itself and full of surprises.
An entertaining and exciting novel, a thrilling fantasy series and an absolutely worthwhile read
May 6, 2024
Play Dead is Book 6 in the Crossroads Queen Urbaan Fantasy series by Annabel Chase.
This book is so amazing! There are so many secrets revealed, I just can't!
The Wild Hunt is coming and that is something you will have to find out for yourself what that is.
Lorelei is such a dynamic, fierce, loyal character that is not only all that but she pulls at your heart strings as well.
The romance is heating up with Kane and Lorelei and there is just so much to love about this book.
My jaw dropped a few times. Such an excellent story in an incredible urban fantasy series unlike no other you have ever read.
This book is so amazing! There are so many secrets revealed, I just can't!
The Wild Hunt is coming and that is something you will have to find out for yourself what that is.
Lorelei is such a dynamic, fierce, loyal character that is not only all that but she pulls at your heart strings as well.
The romance is heating up with Kane and Lorelei and there is just so much to love about this book.
My jaw dropped a few times. Such an excellent story in an incredible urban fantasy series unlike no other you have ever read.
June 25, 2024
3.5 stars. In this latest installment, Lorelei is protecting Addison from The Corporation by allowing her to stay in the Castle for the short term. Then a couple of things happen that require her attention -
- A mystical white stag enters the crossroads through the portal, and
- Lorelei is warned by Matilda that the Wild Hunt has their sights on Fairhaven and Wild Acres.
As with the last two installments, the pacing was again slow in the first half, only pickling up in the latter half. Lorelei finally achieved some character movement, thankfully. And I loved that Claude (the revenant hand) remains in the picture.
I’m looking forward to the next one!
- A mystical white stag enters the crossroads through the portal, and
- Lorelei is warned by Matilda that the Wild Hunt has their sights on Fairhaven and Wild Acres.
As with the last two installments, the pacing was again slow in the first half, only pickling up in the latter half. Lorelei finally achieved some character movement, thankfully. And I loved that Claude (the revenant hand) remains in the picture.
I’m looking forward to the next one!
July 12, 2024
In my opinion, the novel was too slow at first; too rushed at the end
The characters are all well-developed and believably evolving, the plot was imaginative, and I like Annabel Chase's narrative voice.
What I didn't like was (in my opinion) the slow start and the rush to wrap things up. I also didn't like the loss of two entities. Because of the rushed ending, it felt to me as though the loss of the entities didn't receive the gravitas they should have received. This is just my opinion/feeling.
If you aren't bothered by slightly depressing endings, then, by all means, grab this book and enjoy!
The characters are all well-developed and believably evolving, the plot was imaginative, and I like Annabel Chase's narrative voice.
What I didn't like was (in my opinion) the slow start and the rush to wrap things up. I also didn't like the loss of two entities. Because of the rushed ending, it felt to me as though the loss of the entities didn't receive the gravitas they should have received. This is just my opinion/feeling.
If you aren't bothered by slightly depressing endings, then, by all means, grab this book and enjoy!
August 13, 2024
The Crossroads Queen books are always an awesome read and this latest one is no exception. I loved this intense story about Lorelai and her friends and the threats to her town. In this book we learn more about her and her past as she engages with the Corporation. She also has a run-in with the Wild Hunt under its new leadership who is a nasty bad guy who completely decimates everywhere they ride. And they're heading to Fairhaven. With the Night Mallt on her side and all her friends in Fairhaven, they set out to stop the Wild Hunt in an epic battle at the end of the story. Things also progress between her and Kane. I can hardly wait for the next book.
September 25, 2024
Enjoying the series but…
This one paragraph almost lost me.
“ ‘She knew your name, that you don’t have a regular drink, but you vacillate between the same few.’ He held out a cup. ‘So I chose the cappuccino with almond milk and monkfruit sweetener.’ I accepted the cup with a mumble of appreciation. I’d always tried to blend in with the shadows.”
Yes, because almond milk and monkfruit sweetener screams mundane, under-the-radar, hiding-in-the-shadows type of beverage. Such an NLOG moment.
However, main character’s cliché personality aside, I enjoy the writing and the stories of this series. I feel this way about, I think, all of Chases’s work.
This one paragraph almost lost me.
“ ‘She knew your name, that you don’t have a regular drink, but you vacillate between the same few.’ He held out a cup. ‘So I chose the cappuccino with almond milk and monkfruit sweetener.’ I accepted the cup with a mumble of appreciation. I’d always tried to blend in with the shadows.”
Yes, because almond milk and monkfruit sweetener screams mundane, under-the-radar, hiding-in-the-shadows type of beverage. Such an NLOG moment.
However, main character’s cliché personality aside, I enjoy the writing and the stories of this series. I feel this way about, I think, all of Chases’s work.
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