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Grave #3
Grave Vengeance
Handsome and haunted, he's a reaper who prefers to work alone. But Fate has other plans for him and the sassy secret agent who shot him in another life—if their pasts don't catch up with them first.
Dmitri Stavitsky has never played well with others—a Soviet KGB spy in life turned reaper after death, his work of bringing souls to the other side is best done alone. But orders from the top soon place him alongside fellow reaper Gwen Peterson, the American counter intelligence agent who took his life so many years ago.
Now, as a ghost from Gwen's past resurfaces with the power to steal reapers' souls, the two have no choice but to set aside their differences and apprehend the rogue together. But their cross-country mission soon ignites feelings Dmitri thought he was no longer capable of—for the woman who helped destroy him. With an ancient force and a small army against them, he'll have to let go of old grudges or risk his future with Gwen...as Fate hangs dangerously in the balance.
Dmitri Stavitsky has never played well with others—a Soviet KGB spy in life turned reaper after death, his work of bringing souls to the other side is best done alone. But orders from the top soon place him alongside fellow reaper Gwen Peterson, the American counter intelligence agent who took his life so many years ago.
Now, as a ghost from Gwen's past resurfaces with the power to steal reapers' souls, the two have no choice but to set aside their differences and apprehend the rogue together. But their cross-country mission soon ignites feelings Dmitri thought he was no longer capable of—for the woman who helped destroy him. With an ancient force and a small army against them, he'll have to let go of old grudges or risk his future with Gwen...as Fate hangs dangerously in the balance.
320 pages, ebook
First published January 19, 2015
8 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Lori Sjoberg
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 19, 2015
Caffeinated dates with Grave Vengeance
Set-up: Each book in the Grave series features a character who upon their death was offered a chance to clean their soul by working for Fate as a Reaper. They have never met Fate, but deal directly with Samuel, he is a stiff and by the book suit. Scenes with him always make me giggle a little.
First Date: Dmitri Stavitsky was a former Soviet KGB spy. He is a bit of a loner, but recently took on a team of Reapers to supervise. A new case and orders from Fate have him working alongside reaper Gwen Peterson. In her former life, she was an American counter Intelligence agent and the two have a complicated shared history. The banter, snark, and disdain bouncing around, have alerted me to the fact that we are in for one heck of a ride. You can feel the chemistry between them and they may call it hate but I am seeing sparks. A Reaper has gone rogue and is somehow clocking their location from the higher ups. Their mission is to locate him.
Second date: An ancient artifact, danger and unusually circumstances have these two working side by side despite their shared animosity. *snickers* I am loving the banter and little digs these two keep sharing. Dmitri keeps speaking in Russian. Who knew it was such a sexy language. I am flipping the pages, as the action gets intense. I love how Sjoberg balances out couple development and the actual case. Nightmares, injuries and a snowstorm have Dmitri and Gwen calling a truce and pop-tarts and fish are starting to sound like romantic meals.
Third date: Eep! Feelings, answers from their past and conversations above and below the sheets have me completely caught up. I like Gwen and feel completely connected to Dmitri emotionally. Their history was well developed and fascinating. Things get intense and it gets a little dark here. The mythology with the artifact was an interesting twist and as we got closer to the climatic ending, I was holding my breath, and even shed a tear.
Copy provided by publisher This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Set-up: Each book in the Grave series features a character who upon their death was offered a chance to clean their soul by working for Fate as a Reaper. They have never met Fate, but deal directly with Samuel, he is a stiff and by the book suit. Scenes with him always make me giggle a little.
First Date: Dmitri Stavitsky was a former Soviet KGB spy. He is a bit of a loner, but recently took on a team of Reapers to supervise. A new case and orders from Fate have him working alongside reaper Gwen Peterson. In her former life, she was an American counter Intelligence agent and the two have a complicated shared history. The banter, snark, and disdain bouncing around, have alerted me to the fact that we are in for one heck of a ride. You can feel the chemistry between them and they may call it hate but I am seeing sparks. A Reaper has gone rogue and is somehow clocking their location from the higher ups. Their mission is to locate him.
Second date: An ancient artifact, danger and unusually circumstances have these two working side by side despite their shared animosity. *snickers* I am loving the banter and little digs these two keep sharing. Dmitri keeps speaking in Russian. Who knew it was such a sexy language. I am flipping the pages, as the action gets intense. I love how Sjoberg balances out couple development and the actual case. Nightmares, injuries and a snowstorm have Dmitri and Gwen calling a truce and pop-tarts and fish are starting to sound like romantic meals.
Third date: Eep! Feelings, answers from their past and conversations above and below the sheets have me completely caught up. I like Gwen and feel completely connected to Dmitri emotionally. Their history was well developed and fascinating. Things get intense and it gets a little dark here. The mythology with the artifact was an interesting twist and as we got closer to the climatic ending, I was holding my breath, and even shed a tear.
Copy provided by publisher This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
November 21, 2025
If death comes literally knocking on your door, what better package than the sexy ex-KGB spy, Dmitri Stavitsky.
Dmitri was KGB, Gwen was American intelligence and they are both responsible for each other’s first death. Offered a second chance by the reapers/fate, both Dmitri and Gwen jump at the chance. Now bitter enemies are on the same team but even opposite sides of the country isn’t far enough away for their feud.
An ironic twist arranged by fate and Dmitri and Gwen find themselves paired on a mission to capture a rogue reaper.
Struggling and combative doesn’t even begin to explain Dmitri’s and Gwen’s initial reaction. But when they are stranded in the wilderness and pursued, they must rely on each other to survive.
The plot thickens as the rogue reaper’s plans unfold and they find themselves in a much larger conspiracy; you might even call it a reaper revolution.
Personal growth and learning to live again, for both, characters leads to a spectacularly smoldering love story. You can’t help but get caught up in a hate to admire to love story. It’s the speed bumps along life’s road that can really pull you in; that is exactly what Lori Sjoberg accomplishes with Grave Vengeance.
Grave Vengeance was a nail biting thrill ride that will have you hanging on till the end.
I received this copy of Grave Vengeance from Lori Sjoberg in exchange for an honest review.
Dmitri was KGB, Gwen was American intelligence and they are both responsible for each other’s first death. Offered a second chance by the reapers/fate, both Dmitri and Gwen jump at the chance. Now bitter enemies are on the same team but even opposite sides of the country isn’t far enough away for their feud.
An ironic twist arranged by fate and Dmitri and Gwen find themselves paired on a mission to capture a rogue reaper.
Struggling and combative doesn’t even begin to explain Dmitri’s and Gwen’s initial reaction. But when they are stranded in the wilderness and pursued, they must rely on each other to survive.
The plot thickens as the rogue reaper’s plans unfold and they find themselves in a much larger conspiracy; you might even call it a reaper revolution.
Personal growth and learning to live again, for both, characters leads to a spectacularly smoldering love story. You can’t help but get caught up in a hate to admire to love story. It’s the speed bumps along life’s road that can really pull you in; that is exactly what Lori Sjoberg accomplishes with Grave Vengeance.
Grave Vengeance was a nail biting thrill ride that will have you hanging on till the end.
I received this copy of Grave Vengeance from Lori Sjoberg in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2015
I’ve been waiting for this book for a long time. Ever since his first appearance, Dmitri both intrigued and seduced me with his no nonsense character and dark and silent demeanor. Over the years I’ve come to realize, if done right, these are the characters that are most explosive in their own books. Dmitri? Wait, is there more explosive than most explosive? Because he was that. I skimmed through the first half of the book without even realizing, and stopped only when my eyes wouldn’t open any more or I found myself reading the same sentences over and over. I simply didn’t want to lose one moment of Dmitri and Gwen’s experience.
Those who are familiar with this series will know that these guys and gals are reapers. Working for Fate, they capture the souls of the departed and lead them on to the next leg of their journey. Those who haven’t read though, please do so starting from the first book so you don’t miss the great previous reading experience. When summarizing like this, it all sounds like drama unfolding between reapers and their human charges, but it’s far from that. They have to battle some supernatural creatures and other miscreants as well. And let’s not forget about the romance. They have to battle evil, reap souls, try to stay in one piece and find and keep their one and only after all.
There aren’t enough words to describe how I felt for Dmitri. So far, he was tough, cold, completely immersed in the work he had to do in order to redeem his soul, and working alone while doing it. There isn’t much to tell about who he was as a reaper, since it was all pretty straightforward. But who he used to be, and who he became when he was around Gwen is another matter, and most definitely worth the read. When he was with Gwen, he was surly only a little, but mostly he let us see the man he pushed back inside. And what a man. Not only was he passionate and caring, but the hurt he bottled up inside really tore at my heart. The way he loved Gwen and warred with the shadow of both their pasts played a good long melody with my heartstrings I tell you.
And Gwen. A tortured soul through and through, she was more open than Dmitri. We discovered more about her before Dmitri could finally open up, and seeing the emotional woman inside the kickass heroine really made me love her all the more. When it came to no nonsense, she was the same as Dmitri, and coming from the opposite sides of the same past made their connection even stronger. Plus, the way they became reapers, call me weird but, I thought was romantic as hell. Yeah, I have a twisted idea of romance. There are a lot more I want to talk about these two but there’s no way I can do that without spoiling this story and I can’t be that cruel to you guys.
But I can talk a bit more about the plot. As much as I love a good romance-and Dmitri and Gwen give us that- there’s a good amount of action in there too. This book was also a turning point for the plotline, one I can’t wait to see resolve. I’m just glad to know there are more reapers to go around whose stories I can still anxiously await, and believe me when I say I do. I so do.
A top notch addition to Lori Sjoberg’s Grave series that I recommend to everyone who wishes for a fresh look at the concept of death, and who would love to try something new in paranormal romance. I know I’m not supposed to be shallow, but I can’t help but point out the covers too. Would you look at them? Aren’t they so pretty sexy that you wish you were the model?
Those who are familiar with this series will know that these guys and gals are reapers. Working for Fate, they capture the souls of the departed and lead them on to the next leg of their journey. Those who haven’t read though, please do so starting from the first book so you don’t miss the great previous reading experience. When summarizing like this, it all sounds like drama unfolding between reapers and their human charges, but it’s far from that. They have to battle some supernatural creatures and other miscreants as well. And let’s not forget about the romance. They have to battle evil, reap souls, try to stay in one piece and find and keep their one and only after all.
There aren’t enough words to describe how I felt for Dmitri. So far, he was tough, cold, completely immersed in the work he had to do in order to redeem his soul, and working alone while doing it. There isn’t much to tell about who he was as a reaper, since it was all pretty straightforward. But who he used to be, and who he became when he was around Gwen is another matter, and most definitely worth the read. When he was with Gwen, he was surly only a little, but mostly he let us see the man he pushed back inside. And what a man. Not only was he passionate and caring, but the hurt he bottled up inside really tore at my heart. The way he loved Gwen and warred with the shadow of both their pasts played a good long melody with my heartstrings I tell you.
And Gwen. A tortured soul through and through, she was more open than Dmitri. We discovered more about her before Dmitri could finally open up, and seeing the emotional woman inside the kickass heroine really made me love her all the more. When it came to no nonsense, she was the same as Dmitri, and coming from the opposite sides of the same past made their connection even stronger. Plus, the way they became reapers, call me weird but, I thought was romantic as hell. Yeah, I have a twisted idea of romance. There are a lot more I want to talk about these two but there’s no way I can do that without spoiling this story and I can’t be that cruel to you guys.
But I can talk a bit more about the plot. As much as I love a good romance-and Dmitri and Gwen give us that- there’s a good amount of action in there too. This book was also a turning point for the plotline, one I can’t wait to see resolve. I’m just glad to know there are more reapers to go around whose stories I can still anxiously await, and believe me when I say I do. I so do.
A top notch addition to Lori Sjoberg’s Grave series that I recommend to everyone who wishes for a fresh look at the concept of death, and who would love to try something new in paranormal romance. I know I’m not supposed to be shallow, but I can’t help but point out the covers too. Would you look at them? Aren’t they so pretty sexy that you wish you were the model?
January 20, 2015
My first Grave Novel by Lori Sjoberg. Grave Vengeance is book three in the series but can be read as a stand alone if necessary. This book made me smile, the relationship between Dmitri and Gwen is guilt ridden, full of hate, secrets and underlying sexual tension. This book has it all, action adventure, chases, secrets revealed, trapped in a cabin in a snow storm with nothing to do but screw like bunnies. I am going to have to go back and find the other books because I have a feeling I am missing out not having read them.
Dmitri is a bastard, at least that's how the other characters treat him, you can tell in the other two books he probably was but in his book you see him change. In life he was a KGB spy living undercover in the States with a pretend wife he soon fell in love with. But her betrayal made him a harsh man to like. Now in death as a Reaper working with Fate to redeem his soul he is charged with finding a rogue reaper and Fate has charged him to work with Gwen. He has hated Gwen for a lifetime, as she played a pivotal part in his capture, torture and ultimately his death but now over fifty years later being forced to work with her he sees things he never saw before.
Gwen in life worked as a spy and she felt no remorse for what she did for the sake of her country until Dmitri's capture, she used the excuse of his translator to be there but his tormentor was so heinous and he was so strong she stayed and made herself watch as a penice. But on his escape she died and now also a reaper working for Fate. Dmitri is to attractive for his own good and she knows she shouldn't be lusting after him but the more time he spends with her the more his flirting becomes more serious until the tension builds to the breaking point and being trapped in a cabin during a snowstorm leads to some very hot scenes.
On their journey to track down the rogue reapers leads to the discovery of an ancient artifact to open up another realm. The other realm has been opened before and the creatures that came out wreaked havoc for centuries and Fate has charged Gwen and Dmitri to stop him. That leads to some pretty tense chases and fights and a great overall story.
Dmitri is a bastard, at least that's how the other characters treat him, you can tell in the other two books he probably was but in his book you see him change. In life he was a KGB spy living undercover in the States with a pretend wife he soon fell in love with. But her betrayal made him a harsh man to like. Now in death as a Reaper working with Fate to redeem his soul he is charged with finding a rogue reaper and Fate has charged him to work with Gwen. He has hated Gwen for a lifetime, as she played a pivotal part in his capture, torture and ultimately his death but now over fifty years later being forced to work with her he sees things he never saw before.
Gwen in life worked as a spy and she felt no remorse for what she did for the sake of her country until Dmitri's capture, she used the excuse of his translator to be there but his tormentor was so heinous and he was so strong she stayed and made herself watch as a penice. But on his escape she died and now also a reaper working for Fate. Dmitri is to attractive for his own good and she knows she shouldn't be lusting after him but the more time he spends with her the more his flirting becomes more serious until the tension builds to the breaking point and being trapped in a cabin during a snowstorm leads to some very hot scenes.
On their journey to track down the rogue reapers leads to the discovery of an ancient artifact to open up another realm. The other realm has been opened before and the creatures that came out wreaked havoc for centuries and Fate has charged Gwen and Dmitri to stop him. That leads to some pretty tense chases and fights and a great overall story.
November 6, 2014
Gwen she instantly became my favorite character she was so kicka**, "you really need to install a better anti-theft system. Anybody with a screwdriver can hot-wire this thing in less than five minutes." She'd done it in three. She could have sworn he growled." Dimitri he's a manly man and that man doesn't like having to rely on Gwen so he always has to one up her, "I could always kill something for us to eat," he offered. "It wouldn't take much to take a deer. Their tracks are all over the place." He also has stamina, "a break? So soon! But I'm the one doing all the work." His hand slipped farther down her back until his calloused palm cupped her a**." As these two spend more time together Dimitri finds more things to love about his girl, getting stunned ain't gonna bring her down, "I'm fine." She sounded annoyed by the question. "Just give me something to shoot." Dimitri couldn't help but smile. God, he loved this woman." I haven't read the other books in this series, I wasn't lost so I'm taking it that each book can be read as a stand alone which is good because that means I can go back and read them without knowing what's going to happen.
December 13, 2014
Wow! Just WOW!!! I've loved this series from the first book, and this one is possibly the best of them! I had totally fallen in love with Dmitri - this is his book - and it's even better than I hoped! Non-stop action, sizzling romance, twists and turns and surprises I never expected. As for the previous one, this book was an event for me; and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out! Thank you, Lori, for another fantastic book in this fabulous series!
January 22, 2015
Oh this was a fun story! Two reapers, bound to Fate because of their original mortal jobs as spies, with a 3-piece suited manager who withholds information, I read this in one sitting.
Gwen and Dmitri worked on opposite sides of the spy game during the end of the cold war, and have never been able to see one another without that earlier animosity. Summoned by her boss, Samuel, she is partnered with Dmitri to hunt down a rogue reaper, one of the younger reapers that she mentored several years ago.
Dmitri is as unhappy with this pairing as Gwen is – but his stoic Russian demeanor just makes him irascible. He’s rather fond of operating on his own terms, he’s slow to trust anyone but himself with reasons that come clear later in the story.
From their initial teeth baring to slow and subtle building of their relationship as they hunt down this rogue reaper to discover and later thwart his plans. Sjoberg builds each of these characters with skill, making you unable to look away, wanting you to cheer for them and get past their own ‘issues’. And when they finally let go and give in to their attraction, oh the steam.
Mixing in old myths and ancient people, past traumatic history, spanning history from World War II to the present day, with a side trip to a snowbound Vermont cabin and one last ‘twist’ from Fate in the perfect imitation of June Cleaver in Leave it to Beaver, the elements and layers built a wonderful story from beginning to end.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Gwen and Dmitri worked on opposite sides of the spy game during the end of the cold war, and have never been able to see one another without that earlier animosity. Summoned by her boss, Samuel, she is partnered with Dmitri to hunt down a rogue reaper, one of the younger reapers that she mentored several years ago.
Dmitri is as unhappy with this pairing as Gwen is – but his stoic Russian demeanor just makes him irascible. He’s rather fond of operating on his own terms, he’s slow to trust anyone but himself with reasons that come clear later in the story.
From their initial teeth baring to slow and subtle building of their relationship as they hunt down this rogue reaper to discover and later thwart his plans. Sjoberg builds each of these characters with skill, making you unable to look away, wanting you to cheer for them and get past their own ‘issues’. And when they finally let go and give in to their attraction, oh the steam.
Mixing in old myths and ancient people, past traumatic history, spanning history from World War II to the present day, with a side trip to a snowbound Vermont cabin and one last ‘twist’ from Fate in the perfect imitation of June Cleaver in Leave it to Beaver, the elements and layers built a wonderful story from beginning to end.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
January 19, 2015
4.5 / 5 stars.
{ part of blog tour with excerpt and quote! http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20... -- received a copy for an honest review }
I'm not the *biggest* paranormal romance fan, but I've been pretty lucky with the pieces I've chosen in the past few months.
Most of them have the air of PR throughout but this one had more of a romantic suspense feel -- aside from mentions and talking about decades that had passed, it was easy to forget your two main characters were reapers.
Dimitri and Gwen first met as mortals during the Cold War -- when she was with the FBI and he was a Russian spy. When the FBI held him for more than a month, he eventually freed himself before shooting Gwen, who returned the favor, killing him as well. In an unfortunate twist, Fate turned them both into reapers and now, 50 some years later, they're being paired with one another to work a case.
Watching these two bicker and hold their grudges was entertaining. Dimitri has very sound reasons for his dislike and distrust of Gwen... However, what you know isn't always the truth, and what he believed to be Gwen's part in everything...
Watching them fall in love was just as entertaining -- overcoming the largest of grudges. From annoying pet names (annoying to Gwen, anyhow) that were meant to hackle, to holding nightmares at bay... I really enjoyed their story.
I even enjoyed the last little twist from Fate... Which further leads the romantic in me wondering what that does to the "infertility" rules...
{ part of blog tour with excerpt and quote! http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20... -- received a copy for an honest review }
I'm not the *biggest* paranormal romance fan, but I've been pretty lucky with the pieces I've chosen in the past few months.
Most of them have the air of PR throughout but this one had more of a romantic suspense feel -- aside from mentions and talking about decades that had passed, it was easy to forget your two main characters were reapers.
Dimitri and Gwen first met as mortals during the Cold War -- when she was with the FBI and he was a Russian spy. When the FBI held him for more than a month, he eventually freed himself before shooting Gwen, who returned the favor, killing him as well. In an unfortunate twist, Fate turned them both into reapers and now, 50 some years later, they're being paired with one another to work a case.
Watching these two bicker and hold their grudges was entertaining. Dimitri has very sound reasons for his dislike and distrust of Gwen... However, what you know isn't always the truth, and what he believed to be Gwen's part in everything...
Watching them fall in love was just as entertaining -- overcoming the largest of grudges. From annoying pet names (annoying to Gwen, anyhow) that were meant to hackle, to holding nightmares at bay... I really enjoyed their story.
I even enjoyed the last little twist from Fate... Which further leads the romantic in me wondering what that does to the "infertility" rules...
January 23, 2015
Totally Awesome
This was a a wonderful book; I really enjoyed it from the start to finish. If you love strong rip reaper and hot sex that doesn't take take over the plot of the story, than you are going to love this book. I am looking forward to reading something about ,Samuel and Adam, and to find out if they found someone to love. I absolutely loved this series and I highly recommend it.
This was a a wonderful book; I really enjoyed it from the start to finish. If you love strong rip reaper and hot sex that doesn't take take over the plot of the story, than you are going to love this book. I am looking forward to reading something about ,Samuel and Adam, and to find out if they found someone to love. I absolutely loved this series and I highly recommend it.
February 1, 2015
Grave Vengeance, the third book in Lori Sjoberg's reaper series, is a wonderful mix of sexy, emotional, and action-packed. Dmitri is the bad boy who has finally met his match once and for all. Who knew his match would be the very person responsible for his death.
February 10, 2015
was really looking forward to Dmitri's story and it didn't disappoint. he's a pretty kickass reaper and Gwen, I like her, she's a strong character, while being believable. I'm excited to see who next would get their story, maybe Adam/
February 10, 2017
Best one yet
This book in the series is in my opinion the best one yet. Dimitri and Gwen are brilliant as the two main characters. Their shared very painful past is perfectly woven through the present day troubles. An absolute joy to read.
This book in the series is in my opinion the best one yet. Dimitri and Gwen are brilliant as the two main characters. Their shared very painful past is perfectly woven through the present day troubles. An absolute joy to read.
December 8, 2014
Exciting action adventure romance! ! Reapers!
September 11, 2019
Fast-paced great story! Gwen and Dmitri knew each other before they became reapers, and that was not a pleasant story! Forced to work together again changes things! A mystery Surrounding some missing reapers becomes a crazy, chaotic time! This is another winner in this great series!!!
January 15, 2015
Review
This is such an interesting series featuring people who have died but have a chance at redemption by working as Reapers. I know it's not the only series out there that follows this format but this author brings a fresh approach to the paranormal subject matter by focussing on her primary characters and making the reader care about them. It's a harsh life taking on board the souls of recently departed and for some the only way is to disassociate yourself from them and one such Reaper capable of this is Dmitri. Dmitri has been dead more than fifty years and in his previous life worked as a KGB spy and now he is asked to do the one thing he never thought he'd hear, work alongside the woman that killed him!
Gwen may have been instrumental to Dmitri's death but she is not exactly the hardened soul that he believes her to be and when a Reaper she mentored does the unthinkable she is ready to do her job. Although being partnered with a man holding a grudge against her is perhaps not that good for her health! Their mission brings them closer together with a chase across country hunting a missing artefact that could well change everything we know. Struggling against almost insurmountable odds the couple learn to slowly trust each other but sometimes even an immortal must make a great sacrifice!
I thoroughly enjoy this series with it's fast paced action and entertaining romances. I really felt for these two characters and the treatment that Dmitri had been subjected to in his human life meant that for me I really did want him to get a happy ending. Funnily enough I didn't empathise as much with Gwen as she is written as someone who never really seemed to enjoy her human life but nevertheless I did warm to her as the story progressed. It's a fabulous journey this destined couple make and seeing through Dmitri's eyes as it were really opens it up. Yes this has a good plot running through it but for this reader it was the acceptance of past deeds and misunderstood actions that gripped me. Yes revenge does drive Dmitri but it's his personal growth that leads to a sizzling romance. An ending that is not exactly a surprise but a new beginning for a couple with more than just a taste for adventure and a big sigh from this hopeless romantic!
Four and a half from me
I received a gifted copy of this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
April 11, 2015
Grave Vengeance is the third book in the Grave series by Lori Sjoberg. I do not remember having read the previous two books, and will say that you can read them out of order or as stand alones.
Handsome and haunted, Dmitri Stavitsky is a Soviet KGB spy in life turned reaper after death. He is also a reaper who prefers to work alone. But orders from the top soon place him alongside fellow reaper Gwen Peterson, the American counter intelligence agent who took his life so many years ago.
The two have no choice but to set aside their differences and apprehend the rogue together. But their cross-country mission soon ignites feelings Dmitri thought he was no longer capable of, least of all for the woman who helped destroy him. With an ancient force and a small army against them, he'll have to let go of old grudges or risk his future with Gwen.
Grave Vengeance is a powerful romantic suspense with a dab or paranormal. The reapers work to collect souls on behalf of angels and fate, and do so under the radar in an attempt to redeem their souls. Dmitri and Gwen were on opposite sides in life, and there are still some hard feelings. Being thrown together is something neither wants, but both will deal with in order to stop someone from killing their fellow reapers, and possibly causing even greater havoc.I liked that their coming together was slow, and for the most part free of the occasional syndrome of 'attraction overriding good sense at the worst possible moment' that so often happens in high action stories. And there is plenty of action, in both senses of the word. There is enough character development to make me happy, and plenty of fights, chases, and battles to make the action lovers happy. There is also a thread of mystery or suspense as they try to discover the who, why, and how behind it all. A nice balance is achieved between all the important elements and kept me turning pages.
Grave Vengeance is a book for those that like suspense filled romance. There is plenty of action, particularly if they do not mind a hint of paranormal. While the paranormal aspect is important, it does not overshadow the romance or suspense in the slightest.
Handsome and haunted, Dmitri Stavitsky is a Soviet KGB spy in life turned reaper after death. He is also a reaper who prefers to work alone. But orders from the top soon place him alongside fellow reaper Gwen Peterson, the American counter intelligence agent who took his life so many years ago.
The two have no choice but to set aside their differences and apprehend the rogue together. But their cross-country mission soon ignites feelings Dmitri thought he was no longer capable of, least of all for the woman who helped destroy him. With an ancient force and a small army against them, he'll have to let go of old grudges or risk his future with Gwen.
Grave Vengeance is a powerful romantic suspense with a dab or paranormal. The reapers work to collect souls on behalf of angels and fate, and do so under the radar in an attempt to redeem their souls. Dmitri and Gwen were on opposite sides in life, and there are still some hard feelings. Being thrown together is something neither wants, but both will deal with in order to stop someone from killing their fellow reapers, and possibly causing even greater havoc.I liked that their coming together was slow, and for the most part free of the occasional syndrome of 'attraction overriding good sense at the worst possible moment' that so often happens in high action stories. And there is plenty of action, in both senses of the word. There is enough character development to make me happy, and plenty of fights, chases, and battles to make the action lovers happy. There is also a thread of mystery or suspense as they try to discover the who, why, and how behind it all. A nice balance is achieved between all the important elements and kept me turning pages.
Grave Vengeance is a book for those that like suspense filled romance. There is plenty of action, particularly if they do not mind a hint of paranormal. While the paranormal aspect is important, it does not overshadow the romance or suspense in the slightest.
March 9, 2015
I received a copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The books were good. The storyline and characters were enjoyable. People who have committed sins and are determined to be redeemable are given a chance to work off their sins. They become reapers and have to help souls from unnatural deaths cross over. They don't know how long, or how many souls they have to cross in order to finally move on themselves. It depends on their sins and fate. This book is about Dimitri. He was a Russian double agent and killed many people. He has been a reaper for about 50 years. He is forced to work with a fellow reaper, the one who is responsible for killing him. Gwen was an American double agent at the same time. They hate each other, at first. While working together things change and they get to know each other better.
The one thing that has bothered me about all 3 books in the series is that the author brings up some plot points that never get resolved. In the first book, Sarah's boss is a jerk who tries to take advantage of her and tries to frame her for something she doesn't do. She gets her happily ever after, while nothing happens to him. He is left there, able to do the same thing to another woman. It could be her friend who still works there. In this last book, Dimitri finds he had a son before he died. He now has grandchildren. What happened to them? Does he not get curious and want to go see them? To see if they are happy?
I also didn't particularly like how some people are determined to be redeemable and others aren't. In the first book, David and Adam have to cross over a Hellbound spirit, one that isn't redeemable. Her sin? Adultry. She cheats on her husband, is caught and murdered by him. She is found to not be redeemable. But those who commit murder are? Like Dimitri, who killed many, many people? I just do not understand that.
The books were good. The storyline and characters were enjoyable. People who have committed sins and are determined to be redeemable are given a chance to work off their sins. They become reapers and have to help souls from unnatural deaths cross over. They don't know how long, or how many souls they have to cross in order to finally move on themselves. It depends on their sins and fate. This book is about Dimitri. He was a Russian double agent and killed many people. He has been a reaper for about 50 years. He is forced to work with a fellow reaper, the one who is responsible for killing him. Gwen was an American double agent at the same time. They hate each other, at first. While working together things change and they get to know each other better.
The one thing that has bothered me about all 3 books in the series is that the author brings up some plot points that never get resolved. In the first book, Sarah's boss is a jerk who tries to take advantage of her and tries to frame her for something she doesn't do. She gets her happily ever after, while nothing happens to him. He is left there, able to do the same thing to another woman. It could be her friend who still works there. In this last book, Dimitri finds he had a son before he died. He now has grandchildren. What happened to them? Does he not get curious and want to go see them? To see if they are happy?
I also didn't particularly like how some people are determined to be redeemable and others aren't. In the first book, David and Adam have to cross over a Hellbound spirit, one that isn't redeemable. Her sin? Adultry. She cheats on her husband, is caught and murdered by him. She is found to not be redeemable. But those who commit murder are? Like Dimitri, who killed many, many people? I just do not understand that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2015
Grave Vengeance is a fairly eye-popping addition to (and possibly the best of) the Reaper series, with loads of action, suspense, snarky black humour and a wholly satisfying - but unexpected - end. I didn't think I'd like Dmitri, the hard-arsed ex-KGB spy who appeared first in Grave Intentions, at all, but Lori Sjoberg has carved out a complex man with a tragic and difficult past. Entwined in the past fifty years of his life is Gwen Peterson, the woman who is in many ways, responsible for his downfall, and he, for hers. They've always been on opposite sides of the equation, until death made them unwilling associates, kept apart on the opposite sides of the country when their cold war hostilities reared up even in their after-lives. An atypical assignment courtesy of Samuel brings them together again and slowly but surely, their former enmity turns a hundred eighty degrees.
I was smitten barely a quarter way into it.
This book expounds on Lori Sjoberg's particular (weird) mix of mythology, fantasy and speculative writing, answering some of the various questions that I had about her hypotheses on fallen souls, demons and reapers. And I loved most of it, except the twist with Elena, Dmitri's former wife: the macabre humour, the unusual circumstances that Dmitri and Gwen come together and the soul-searing climax that I never thought could be possible at all.
I was smitten barely a quarter way into it.
This book expounds on Lori Sjoberg's particular (weird) mix of mythology, fantasy and speculative writing, answering some of the various questions that I had about her hypotheses on fallen souls, demons and reapers. And I loved most of it, except the twist with Elena, Dmitri's former wife: the macabre humour, the unusual circumstances that Dmitri and Gwen come together and the soul-searing climax that I never thought could be possible at all.
August 10, 2016
Grave Vengeance is book 3 in the Grave series. This was a great addition to this series. I couldn't put it down till I reached the end of the book. I can't wait to read book 4.
Grave Vengeance is the story of Dmitri Stavitsky the Russian reaper and Gwen Peterson who is also a reaper. Dmitri and Gwen have a past and are being ordered to work together. Gwen was the secret agent that shot Dmitri in their mortal life.
Dmitri and Gwen have to put their personal feelings aside to complete their mission that Fate ordered them on. Dmitri and Gwen have to find a way to work together without killing each other to retrieve the reaper that has gone rogue.
While on the assignment they begin to develop feelings for each other but they have to fight them to accomplish the mission.
To find out what happens in Grave Vengeance go grab your copy.
I give Grave Vengeance 5 stars. It has the perfect mix of action and romance. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves paranormal romances that have reapers in them.
Grave Vengeance is the story of Dmitri Stavitsky the Russian reaper and Gwen Peterson who is also a reaper. Dmitri and Gwen have a past and are being ordered to work together. Gwen was the secret agent that shot Dmitri in their mortal life.
Dmitri and Gwen have to put their personal feelings aside to complete their mission that Fate ordered them on. Dmitri and Gwen have to find a way to work together without killing each other to retrieve the reaper that has gone rogue.
While on the assignment they begin to develop feelings for each other but they have to fight them to accomplish the mission.
To find out what happens in Grave Vengeance go grab your copy.
I give Grave Vengeance 5 stars. It has the perfect mix of action and romance. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves paranormal romances that have reapers in them.
January 7, 2015
Death, Lies, Secrets, and an adventure up and down the East Coast searching for answers. Gwen and Dmitri have a past and that's putting it mildly. The died and came back as reapers and now with the hostility between the two, they have to set aside there differences to work together to figure out why and who is killing reapers and for what cause.
Fifty years hasn't changed how Dmitri feels about Gwen. He still wants vengeance but it's important to figure out what is happening. Gwen still hasn't gotten over those days she spent with Dmitri before they died but she knows they will never be able to be civil to each other.
But what happens when those feelings of hate start to fade and they get to know each other a little better. Stranded together, forced to fight for their lives, and when life and death becomes a choice to save them. What will happen? It was good and I couldn't put it down. Hence staying up way to late to finish this book. I really enjoyed it.
Fifty years hasn't changed how Dmitri feels about Gwen. He still wants vengeance but it's important to figure out what is happening. Gwen still hasn't gotten over those days she spent with Dmitri before they died but she knows they will never be able to be civil to each other.
But what happens when those feelings of hate start to fade and they get to know each other a little better. Stranded together, forced to fight for their lives, and when life and death becomes a choice to save them. What will happen? It was good and I couldn't put it down. Hence staying up way to late to finish this book. I really enjoyed it.
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February 8, 2015Grave vengance
The first two books were super fantastic
The third book I waited with great anticipation this book was very good. But not as good as the first two. I love the series and I know the next,t book will be even better than the last three please please please I really want to know what happened to Rubys family after she became a reaper. who will be the next character. Will Simon be taken down a peg or two I would like to see him pulled out of his high handed snooty attitude. Or is there a new to meet reaper we have not met yet
The first two books were super fantastic
The third book I waited with great anticipation this book was very good. But not as good as the first two. I love the series and I know the next,t book will be even better than the last three please please please I really want to know what happened to Rubys family after she became a reaper. who will be the next character. Will Simon be taken down a peg or two I would like to see him pulled out of his high handed snooty attitude. Or is there a new to meet reaper we have not met yet
March 18, 2015
Not as good as the first two books. The hero and heroine have been adversaries since the Cold War, and she was instrumental in getting him captured and tortured. In addition, she had occasionally slept with her targets in order to get information, so her modesty later in the story didn't ring true.
July 7, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. I did not read the first two installments but that wasnt necessary to understand the events that take place in this book. This has a different take on the reapers idea and it was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the storytelling. Looking forward to more from the series and from Lori Sjoberg.
July 29, 2015
I really like this series. I read this book as soon as I got it, months ago, but for some reason never got around to writing a review.
So here's a review: http://amh-reviews.blogspot.com/2015/...
I received a review copy via NetGalley.
So here's a review: http://amh-reviews.blogspot.com/2015/...
I received a review copy via NetGalley.
November 11, 2014
"Grave Vengeance," by Lori Sjoberg is the third book in the Grave Series but works as a stand alone. The story is well thought out and well written but was only passably interesting. I liked the two main characters and their histories but the book never reeled me in.
Want to read
January 3, 2015GRAVE VENGEANCE is touring with Tasty, Jan 19th - 23rd....Bloggers want to jump on tour, you can sign up here, http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/01/grave-vengeance-grave-3-by-lori-sjoberg.html
September 27, 2015
I had hoped it would be Dmitris story, as he is a known character in both series 1 and 2. You just can't wait to know all the whys in his past, and this time he faces them all. Can't wait for #4.
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