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Shady Spirits #2
Risky Rewards
It’s hard to bluff when you don’t know the rules.
When a dead stockbroker needs help following the breadcrumbs of his past, who does he call on? Enid Walsh, unwilling lackey of the dead. But after putting Craig the Crowbar behind bars, the last thing she expects is for Craig’s boss to show up looking for answers.
A new deadly threat lurks on the horizon, forcing Enid to hatch a plan to keep herself safe, but her ghost dog runs afoul of the spirit world’s government leaders amid rising tensions. Suddenly, Enid must find a way to keep Waffles safe, leaving her with only one track down her notorious ancestral witch for some magical mentoring.
Between the ghost mob invading her work and the monster stalking her dreams, Enid has no time to cater to the Spirit Body’s absurd demands, but if she doesn’t find a way to mollify them, she’ll end up six feet under with no hope of return.
When a dead stockbroker needs help following the breadcrumbs of his past, who does he call on? Enid Walsh, unwilling lackey of the dead. But after putting Craig the Crowbar behind bars, the last thing she expects is for Craig’s boss to show up looking for answers.
A new deadly threat lurks on the horizon, forcing Enid to hatch a plan to keep herself safe, but her ghost dog runs afoul of the spirit world’s government leaders amid rising tensions. Suddenly, Enid must find a way to keep Waffles safe, leaving her with only one track down her notorious ancestral witch for some magical mentoring.
Between the ghost mob invading her work and the monster stalking her dreams, Enid has no time to cater to the Spirit Body’s absurd demands, but if she doesn’t find a way to mollify them, she’ll end up six feet under with no hope of return.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
163 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 24, 2025
I had the honour to read Risky Rewards, the second book in the Shady Spirits series, as an eARC. Big thanks to Jen Bair for the early copy!
I was super enthusiastic to dive into the world of Enid Walsh again after reading book one in April. I didn't have to wait long for part 2, but oh boy did it deliver. I had so much fun with this part two and will give more specific thoughts later, but I am just feeling hyped and I had to share that first.
In Part 2 of the Shady Spirits series we pick up right where we left off with Enid, Ollie, Frank and Waffles. Only this time there's a whole bunch of ghosts who want Enid's help. Initially Enid does as she always does, but soon they find a system to work with the ghosts and their requests. A special case however is Trent, who asks for Enid's help and gets it, although even that situation isn't without repercussions. Will Enid find a way to deal with the ghosts?
In this second part there's even more difficulties with the people around Enid, ghosts and otherwise. I got to say it makes the story so unpredictable and fun. Somehow the spirit body has even less manners and respect for boundaries than the ghosts themselves. Let a girl do her job. And Enid's mom is also definitely still on my shitlist. Also Jenna judging Enid was the most hypocritical thing I ever read I think. But that's about all the shittalk I have about people. And don't get me wrong, this shittalk makes the story interesting.
One of the thoughts I also had, was that The Phantom would probably be easy to spot in a parking lot. Not that Enid is in those a lot, but it crossed my mind and stuck around for the rest of the book. Like inconspicuous? Not Enid's car.
There were a bunch of funny moments in the book too. Waffles in a tree and the reunion with Randall to name some. I missed Randall a lot in this book, so I was happy to see that he too made it into book two. He's still a weirdo, but he's definitely OUR weirdo.
Next to that there were definitely plot twists I didn't see coming. I won't be telling the readers what it is yet, but when you get there? GASP. If you know you know. It's either death or the massacre of a wagyu steak.
I did find some mistakes in this ARC copy, but I will be emailing the author about those, so you people that read it on release day won't have to bother about it, huzzah!
SO what do you need to know? This is the second book in a series, go read Bad Beginnings before coming to this one! The books read like a train and are super fun in general and the ideal palate cleanser after a heavy read, I really recommend both of them, so get reading!
I was super enthusiastic to dive into the world of Enid Walsh again after reading book one in April. I didn't have to wait long for part 2, but oh boy did it deliver. I had so much fun with this part two and will give more specific thoughts later, but I am just feeling hyped and I had to share that first.
In Part 2 of the Shady Spirits series we pick up right where we left off with Enid, Ollie, Frank and Waffles. Only this time there's a whole bunch of ghosts who want Enid's help. Initially Enid does as she always does, but soon they find a system to work with the ghosts and their requests. A special case however is Trent, who asks for Enid's help and gets it, although even that situation isn't without repercussions. Will Enid find a way to deal with the ghosts?
In this second part there's even more difficulties with the people around Enid, ghosts and otherwise. I got to say it makes the story so unpredictable and fun. Somehow the spirit body has even less manners and respect for boundaries than the ghosts themselves. Let a girl do her job. And Enid's mom is also definitely still on my shitlist. Also Jenna judging Enid was the most hypocritical thing I ever read I think. But that's about all the shittalk I have about people. And don't get me wrong, this shittalk makes the story interesting.
One of the thoughts I also had, was that The Phantom would probably be easy to spot in a parking lot. Not that Enid is in those a lot, but it crossed my mind and stuck around for the rest of the book. Like inconspicuous? Not Enid's car.
There were a bunch of funny moments in the book too. Waffles in a tree and the reunion with Randall to name some. I missed Randall a lot in this book, so I was happy to see that he too made it into book two. He's still a weirdo, but he's definitely OUR weirdo.
Next to that there were definitely plot twists I didn't see coming. I won't be telling the readers what it is yet, but when you get there? GASP. If you know you know. It's either death or the massacre of a wagyu steak.
I did find some mistakes in this ARC copy, but I will be emailing the author about those, so you people that read it on release day won't have to bother about it, huzzah!
SO what do you need to know? This is the second book in a series, go read Bad Beginnings before coming to this one! The books read like a train and are super fun in general and the ideal palate cleanser after a heavy read, I really recommend both of them, so get reading!
June 29, 2025
One of the reasons I love a book is when it makes me laugh out loud. RR made me laugh twice, almost at the end of it. Enid is a great FMC—not your typical Urban Fantasy female warrior who's a loner and amazing with weapons. Yeah, she is a loner, but not by choice. You see, she sees ghosts and—much to her dismay, at least for the first two decades or so of her life—talks to them. Kind of difficult to have a normal life when you see and talk to ghosts. Makes other people look at you askance.
But Enid, in this second installment, is a bit ahead of that. For the first time, she is fine with the ghosts—most of them, anyway. You could say this is "found family," even if said family is, well, d3ad.
Risky Rewards introduces a new villain after Enid was able to get rid of one in Bad Beginnings. This bad guy doesn't appear much, but his presence is definitely felt.
The story might fall into a "cozy Urban Fantasy" category since the stakes are low and not much seems to happen for the first 100 pages or so. Still, the narrative is easy-going, and you find yourself pulled into the story nonetheless.
I was a bit upset when a certain conspiracy-theory-weird character from Book 1 wasn't even mentioned in the early pages—but then said weird character appears later on and is a bit mad that Enid had completely forgotten about him. I forgave the author then because I really, really like this character, and I want to see more of him in the next installments!
Highly recommended if you want to know what Urban Fantasy is all about, if you love Netflix’s Ghosts, and if you enjoy seeing an FMC slowly gain her powers in a way that makes sense.
No insta-love, no insta-powers, nothing of the sort here. It must be earned—and I love that.
But Enid, in this second installment, is a bit ahead of that. For the first time, she is fine with the ghosts—most of them, anyway. You could say this is "found family," even if said family is, well, d3ad.
Risky Rewards introduces a new villain after Enid was able to get rid of one in Bad Beginnings. This bad guy doesn't appear much, but his presence is definitely felt.
The story might fall into a "cozy Urban Fantasy" category since the stakes are low and not much seems to happen for the first 100 pages or so. Still, the narrative is easy-going, and you find yourself pulled into the story nonetheless.
I was a bit upset when a certain conspiracy-theory-weird character from Book 1 wasn't even mentioned in the early pages—but then said weird character appears later on and is a bit mad that Enid had completely forgotten about him. I forgave the author then because I really, really like this character, and I want to see more of him in the next installments!
Highly recommended if you want to know what Urban Fantasy is all about, if you love Netflix’s Ghosts, and if you enjoy seeing an FMC slowly gain her powers in a way that makes sense.
No insta-love, no insta-powers, nothing of the sort here. It must be earned—and I love that.
October 13, 2025
I devoured this book! Everything flows right and it's very easy to get immersed in it all as Enid truly has her hands full with her job, the Spirit Body, cartels and myseries that abound. I love how loneliness is still a prevalent theme and we see Enid's character development slowly changing due to the fact that she now has people on her side.
I'm so hyped to get to the next one already. A very nice urban lit, something I haven't been hyped for in awhile!
I'm so hyped to get to the next one already. A very nice urban lit, something I haven't been hyped for in awhile!
June 8, 2025
Mysterious death, murderous cartels, and maddening spirit world bureaucracy. Enid Walsh has her hands full, to say nothing of the green magic that gathers around her fingertips.
Slightly less reluctant than in Bad Beginnings, our heroine Enid finds herself enmeshed in another mystery between the living and the dead in Risky Rewards, book two in Jen Bair’s urban fantasy series Shady Spirits. This time, the ghostly mystery isn’t her only problem.
Risky Rewards picks up where Bad Beginnings left off with Enid’s problems. And then, as any good sequel does, it piles on more. Already on the drug cartel’s radar and the Spirit Body’s watchlist, the last thing Enid needs is another ghost with a mystery. But that’s what she gets when the recently deceased Trent comes to her for help setting up financial security for his wife after his unexpected death. At least this time Enid’s not alone. Her new ghostly friends—Ollie, Frank, and Waffles the Belgian Malinois—are by her side.
Enid’s character develops nicely over the course of Risky Rewards as she gets used to having friends. You can tell she’s putting down roots, and I found myself cheering for her. Bair handles the relationship development between Enid and all the characters in a way that’s believable and unique to each relationship. I especially liked the development between Enid and Ollie, who continues to be a little cinnamon roll.
As Enid takes on Trent’s case, it becomes clear there’s more to this story. Once again, Enid’s in a mystery. No spoilers here. Read the book to find out what happens in this sordid affair.
Enid has a new mission, but the problems from Bad Beginnings were only just beginning. In Risky Rewards, the consequences of Enid’s actions to help Ollie in book one catch up. The leader of the drug cartel is in town and after her. The Spirit Body—governance for the ghost world—tries to walk all over her. And her newfound magic is a mystery. To say nothing of the mob of ghosts hanging around Theo’s diner begging for her aid. All the problems create plot threads that intertwine to create a plot-driven page turner.
Although Enid finds herself in fewer life-threatening situations in Risky Rewards, there’s an air of tension. Readers know there’s something big building off the page. Possibly multiple somethings. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait to find out what those are. Risky Rewards ends on a gnarly cliff-hanger. And I sprinted right off it.
I'll be eagerly watching for the announcement of book 3.
Slightly less reluctant than in Bad Beginnings, our heroine Enid finds herself enmeshed in another mystery between the living and the dead in Risky Rewards, book two in Jen Bair’s urban fantasy series Shady Spirits. This time, the ghostly mystery isn’t her only problem.
Risky Rewards picks up where Bad Beginnings left off with Enid’s problems. And then, as any good sequel does, it piles on more. Already on the drug cartel’s radar and the Spirit Body’s watchlist, the last thing Enid needs is another ghost with a mystery. But that’s what she gets when the recently deceased Trent comes to her for help setting up financial security for his wife after his unexpected death. At least this time Enid’s not alone. Her new ghostly friends—Ollie, Frank, and Waffles the Belgian Malinois—are by her side.
Enid’s character develops nicely over the course of Risky Rewards as she gets used to having friends. You can tell she’s putting down roots, and I found myself cheering for her. Bair handles the relationship development between Enid and all the characters in a way that’s believable and unique to each relationship. I especially liked the development between Enid and Ollie, who continues to be a little cinnamon roll.
As Enid takes on Trent’s case, it becomes clear there’s more to this story. Once again, Enid’s in a mystery. No spoilers here. Read the book to find out what happens in this sordid affair.
Enid has a new mission, but the problems from Bad Beginnings were only just beginning. In Risky Rewards, the consequences of Enid’s actions to help Ollie in book one catch up. The leader of the drug cartel is in town and after her. The Spirit Body—governance for the ghost world—tries to walk all over her. And her newfound magic is a mystery. To say nothing of the mob of ghosts hanging around Theo’s diner begging for her aid. All the problems create plot threads that intertwine to create a plot-driven page turner.
Although Enid finds herself in fewer life-threatening situations in Risky Rewards, there’s an air of tension. Readers know there’s something big building off the page. Possibly multiple somethings. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait to find out what those are. Risky Rewards ends on a gnarly cliff-hanger. And I sprinted right off it.
I'll be eagerly watching for the announcement of book 3.
May 31, 2025
This is the second book in the Shady Spirits series. Again we join Enid, Waffles, Ollie and Frank on another round of ghostly adventures, persued yet again by the nosy and annoying Spirit Body, but joined by a few new ghosts and the mysterious leader of the Saints, Silva, and a musteri figure from Enid's past.
This book has it all yet again. Funny, witty, sharp Enid is slowly beginning to love, rather than hate, her new magic and slowly become more okay with who she is, wrh the help of Ollie, Frank, and a mysterious newcomer.
This book is witty, beautifully written and a page turner until the end, when Enid realizes one of her beloved companions Is in need of her help.
I absolutely love this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book. Jen is a fantastic author and this fantasy series is both unique and thrilling. I absolutely highly recommend anything Jen writes. She is one of my absolute favorite authors of all time. I am excited for what's to come for Enid and her ragtag group of heroes. We see Randall return, and he may be a key part going forward, as is the lovable Belgian Mal, Waffles, who is loyal to Enid at every turn, even if she gets stuck in trees.
Witty, funny, serious, and at times scary, this book has it all and I am so happy to have the pleasure to read it. I look forward to this series immensely. Jen is just awesome!
This book has it all yet again. Funny, witty, sharp Enid is slowly beginning to love, rather than hate, her new magic and slowly become more okay with who she is, wrh the help of Ollie, Frank, and a mysterious newcomer.
This book is witty, beautifully written and a page turner until the end, when Enid realizes one of her beloved companions Is in need of her help.
I absolutely love this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book. Jen is a fantastic author and this fantasy series is both unique and thrilling. I absolutely highly recommend anything Jen writes. She is one of my absolute favorite authors of all time. I am excited for what's to come for Enid and her ragtag group of heroes. We see Randall return, and he may be a key part going forward, as is the lovable Belgian Mal, Waffles, who is loyal to Enid at every turn, even if she gets stuck in trees.
Witty, funny, serious, and at times scary, this book has it all and I am so happy to have the pleasure to read it. I look forward to this series immensely. Jen is just awesome!
June 29, 2025
Risky Rewards is book two in Jen Bair's Shady Spirits series.
This book is a direct continuation of the first book, Bad Beginnings, however, it is not necessary to read the first book to understand Risky Rewards even though it is highly recommended.
Risky Rewards continues with Enid trying to keep most ghosts at a distance while trying to learn how harness her newfound magical powers. At the same time, she is also trying to keep a low profile and stay one step ahead of the largest cartel in the area.
Jenny Bair brings together old friends and new, strengthening some bonds and creating others. The commeradie, family, joking, loyalty, and most of all love throughout the book reels the readers in immediately, creating an atmosphere where they feel as if they are a part of the story and not just a bystander.
Readers will cheer as they watch Enid and her motley crew grow both as individuals and as a team. And when they get to the end of the book, readers will be demanding to know when the next book in the series will be released.
This book is a direct continuation of the first book, Bad Beginnings, however, it is not necessary to read the first book to understand Risky Rewards even though it is highly recommended.
Risky Rewards continues with Enid trying to keep most ghosts at a distance while trying to learn how harness her newfound magical powers. At the same time, she is also trying to keep a low profile and stay one step ahead of the largest cartel in the area.
Jenny Bair brings together old friends and new, strengthening some bonds and creating others. The commeradie, family, joking, loyalty, and most of all love throughout the book reels the readers in immediately, creating an atmosphere where they feel as if they are a part of the story and not just a bystander.
Readers will cheer as they watch Enid and her motley crew grow both as individuals and as a team. And when they get to the end of the book, readers will be demanding to know when the next book in the series will be released.
August 11, 2025
While the first book was entertaining, I think I liked this book more. The characters feel familiar, and the ghosts (mostly) after the same thing - bug Enid at all times so that they can have their issues dealt with, whether she is willing or not. Not to mention the ghostly Spirit Body douches, you know the few I mean, who just can't seem to wrap their see-through heads around the fact that Enid will not cater to their bullshit without any compromises on their part. They threaten, sneak, and generally just need a kick in their ghostly butts for being tattletales. Yet, there is a human threat that Enid also has to deal with, and hopefully it doesn't end up with her play for the otherworldly team when all is said and done.
3.5 stars - the ghostly dog is so freaking amazing.
3.5 stars - the ghostly dog is so freaking amazing.
May 19, 2025
Second books to me are where you decide how much you’re going to like a series, and I’m happy to say that I think this series is getting better and better. I wasn’t sure I was going to like Enid, but this latest has just made me love Enid so much. In this, Enid, Ollie, and Frank have their hands full since ghosts now know Enid can hear and see them, and they are wanting her attention. Add to that, the cartel isn’t leaving Enid alone. I just loved this second book so much, and I can’t wait to see how Enid is going to deal with her next crisis: family. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 7, 2025
More answers in this book
I liked that more details were revealed in this book. The characters are really likeable well the ones you should like. Waffles is hilarious especially around law enforcement. I'm glad that she's getting training and help and answers. Wonder what the bad guy is up to because he seems to be playing games with her now.
I liked that more details were revealed in this book. The characters are really likeable well the ones you should like. Waffles is hilarious especially around law enforcement. I'm glad that she's getting training and help and answers. Wonder what the bad guy is up to because he seems to be playing games with her now.
November 23, 2025
Ack! Not exactly a cliffhanger ending, but holy "same bat time, same bat channel" effect! between void kitty monsters, specteal K-9s, witchy ancestors, moody teen ghosts, conspiracy theories, cartels, and possibly dancing fae, I am invested.
June 26, 2025
Slight cliffhanger
I hate cliffhangers, but this one was slight. The characters kept me reading way past my bed time. Going to start book 3 right now!
I hate cliffhangers, but this one was slight. The characters kept me reading way past my bed time. Going to start book 3 right now!
June 27, 2025
This book picks up from the first one and I was sucked straight into the story. I liked this one even more than the first and can't wait for the next in the series to see what comes next for Enid.
August 5, 2025
Risky Rewards was a fantastic continuation of the Shady Spirits series! Great new characters, some fascinating new mysteries, and a cliffhanger ending. Can’t wait for book 3!
August 28, 2025
Enjoyable
I don’t really enjoy cliffhangers, especially when the book doesn’t indicate that it will be a cliffhanger. Good writing. Nice world building.
I don’t really enjoy cliffhangers, especially when the book doesn’t indicate that it will be a cliffhanger. Good writing. Nice world building.
September 8, 2025
so Good
I love this series! The characters are so funny $ complicated. I don't know how she keeps the all straight.
I love this series! The characters are so funny $ complicated. I don't know how she keeps the all straight.
September 9, 2025
Mostly good
The story continued from book one and was just as well written, but leaves the reader hanging at the end.
The story continued from book one and was just as well written, but leaves the reader hanging at the end.
October 1, 2025
Never saw the ending coming
Wow, what a cliffhanger ending... I never saw that one coming. This is turning into a great reading series, and I can't wait to see the next book.
Wow, what a cliffhanger ending... I never saw that one coming. This is turning into a great reading series, and I can't wait to see the next book.
October 1, 2025
this is such a fun series
I’m really enjoying it so far. Unusual premise, and the plot twists just keep on coming. And now on to the next book.
I’m really enjoying it so far. Unusual premise, and the plot twists just keep on coming. And now on to the next book.
September 9, 2025
I was so excited to read the second in this series and I look forward to the rest of the series as well.
These books are such a great mashup of genres - paranormal, fantasy, cozy, and mystery.
The FMC is so complex with a multi-layered personality. She's funny, strong, practical, endlessly kind, and self-assured. Not only is the main character so lovable but all the other characters are just as much so. They're diverse in personality and you always want to hear more from them all. FMC grows ever closer with her ghost side-kicks, dog and human, as well as her living friend who sticks by her side and supports the craziness that is her reality (also he's a hacker and conspiracist, and gosh he's comical).
Outside of the amazing characters, there's a world of ghosts (who only have FMC to communicate with), witches (so FMC discovers of herself), spicy ancestors (FMC's ancestor that terrifies other ghosts), and mysterious deaths. FMC is thrown headfirst into the chaos and with no end in sight, with an eyeroll and sassy quip, she accepts her new fate.
There's so much to love and so much fun in this series, I just love it.
These books are such a great mashup of genres - paranormal, fantasy, cozy, and mystery.
The FMC is so complex with a multi-layered personality. She's funny, strong, practical, endlessly kind, and self-assured. Not only is the main character so lovable but all the other characters are just as much so. They're diverse in personality and you always want to hear more from them all. FMC grows ever closer with her ghost side-kicks, dog and human, as well as her living friend who sticks by her side and supports the craziness that is her reality (also he's a hacker and conspiracist, and gosh he's comical).
Outside of the amazing characters, there's a world of ghosts (who only have FMC to communicate with), witches (so FMC discovers of herself), spicy ancestors (FMC's ancestor that terrifies other ghosts), and mysterious deaths. FMC is thrown headfirst into the chaos and with no end in sight, with an eyeroll and sassy quip, she accepts her new fate.
There's so much to love and so much fun in this series, I just love it.
November 20, 2025
A quick entertaining read.
June 25, 2025
It’s hard to bluff when you don’t know the rules....
Enid, Waffle, Ollie, Theo, Lexi & co are back & its full speed ahead!
The word is out that there's a living woman that can communicate with ghosts working at Retro dinner, so the ghosts have been wandering through on the hunt for her.
Poor Enid is forced to lay down the law & get the ghosts on side policing themselves. On the subject of Police, Wagner & the Peach Grove PD are around too.... along with the spirit body council & the "wonderful" Brad & Margie interfering with Enids life trying to get her in trouble with the "higher ups".......not like she can't find trouble on her own or it FINDS her pretty easily 🤣😂
She's on a good few bad guys lists too & things are heating up!!
This series is full of heart, the realisation that Enid is building a group of friends & discovering some scary family had me "Awwww"-ing in public, it also had me biting my nails, quirking my brows & smirking .
I'm hooked & am desperate to continue reading🤣😂
Enid, Waffle, Ollie, Theo, Lexi & co are back & its full speed ahead!
The word is out that there's a living woman that can communicate with ghosts working at Retro dinner, so the ghosts have been wandering through on the hunt for her.
Poor Enid is forced to lay down the law & get the ghosts on side policing themselves. On the subject of Police, Wagner & the Peach Grove PD are around too.... along with the spirit body council & the "wonderful" Brad & Margie interfering with Enids life trying to get her in trouble with the "higher ups".......not like she can't find trouble on her own or it FINDS her pretty easily 🤣😂
She's on a good few bad guys lists too & things are heating up!!
This series is full of heart, the realisation that Enid is building a group of friends & discovering some scary family had me "Awwww"-ing in public, it also had me biting my nails, quirking my brows & smirking .
I'm hooked & am desperate to continue reading🤣😂
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews