Graveside Gambler: Riley Cruz Book 5

Riley Cruz #5

by L.A. McBride

They made me a thief. I’m about to make them my mark.

A scavenger hunt for the relic my mom hid decades ago should’ve been simple enough. I expected to spend a few weeks chasing clues in my old stomping grounds, followed by a fat payday and an overdue vacation.

Unfortunately, I’m not the only one after that artifact. Between the witch trying to get her hands on it and the vampires determined to use it to open the veil, the stakes have never been higher. Since I can no longer trust the Enclave’s intentions, I’m ready to cut out the middleman.

Luckily, I have my own heist crew, a rooster with underworld contacts, a geriatric coven of witches, and an alpha werewolf who has my back. All I need to do now is steal the prophecy and tap into my power to save the world from a demon invasion.

How hard could that be?

Graveside Gambler is the fifth and final book in the Riley Cruz series about a goat shifter who steals magical artifacts. If you like fun, fast-paced urban fantasy with quirky characters and an opposites attract, slow-burn romance, this is the series for you.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so torn, on one hand I'm saying YIPPEE, on the other, BOOHOO, as excited as I am to read this book, so too am I distraught it's the finale in an amazing series! Since I met her, I've been obsessed. Not only did I fall in love with Riley in a previous series, she captured my heart entirely. Geez, what she endured, what she had to overcome, didn't dampen her vibrant, effervescent nature in the slightest. If anything, it made her more determined to be fun, well...ok....reckless...impetuous, but always badassed. She's on a race against time to locate and retrieve a demon artifact. Only problem is, she was left scanty clues from her late mother, AND everyone wanted the artifact too. AND there's a prophecy she's trying to unravel. AND it appears she's at the centre of this prophecy. Hells, when Riley discovers what the artifact can do in the wrong hands, the race is on. With Nath in tow and her team at her back, trying to keep a step ahead ain't easy, especially as Zara Bellarose seems to be on her tail. Which smacks of a leak or a mole or an insider, none of which is ideal.

Traipsing, literally, around the world on a wild goose run, or perhaps goat run... looking for clues to acquire the artifact, Riley landed in uncharted territory, not only terrain territory but personal territory too. I love how the author does that, taking a seemingly innocuous turn in the story, to a sudden explosive revelation, and oh boy, was this a monumental bombshell! This discovery was incredibly heartwarming and beautiful, it settled into my pores, feeding them with elation. So much comes to light, so much "clicks" for Riley. And then... Ms McBride twists it up and throws a hardball, right at me! What Riley thought she'd found, was so far from what the truth surrounding it was, both the place and Riley herself. It doesn't stop there, more revelations, more discoveries keep pounding her. Like whoa! As the pieces fall into place, the who, the why, Riley concocts a daring plan and dear heavens was my heart in my throat from the inception of said plan! No pressure, save a girl, stop an invasion, prevent the baddies from causing destruction. Simple? Nah, nothing is ever simple....I was shouting "no no no" at the same time as "yes yes yes"!

Heaven protect us from meddling, obnoxious mother in laws! Yep, not technically a MIL yet, Irina is so...grrrrrr....but her scheming failed, spectacularly and I was hooting in joy! Riley definitely has a superpower, she's SOOOOOO good at riling up people, ruffling their feathers (see what I did there? 😁) but likewise, she's an expert at evoking staunch loyalty and getting a bunch of misfits to work together. I can't express how effortlessly Ms McBride presents these characters, heck, we have the whole bang shoot of awesome, we even have a chicken, who's really a demon, who communicates via a ouija board... yeah, incredibly fun characters. But all with heart, all with a unique spin, and they're just one of the reasons this book and series is so darn entertaining!

These characters, oh my word, extraordinary! Oh lordie do I love Bea, Helen and Alyce! These witches, Riley's "adopted" family, would and do anything to protect Riley, even facing off with Irina. And heck are they hilarious! Fierce, deadly but hilarious. I wasn't certain about Kage Sato, Riley's "boss", or perhaps go-between for the Enclave, never sure if he was on the side of good or not, but heck did the author do one on me! Which is precisely WHAT she does, I'm going one way, she's goes "nah... fooled you" and I'm holding my breath, clenching my teeth waiting for a bomb to land. Towards the end, THAT HUGE bomb landed squarely, unbelievably, incredibly! And I couldn't help giggling each time Liv appeared, she's like a light on a dark night, illuminating everything with just who she is. Golly gee, I have no words for how much I adore Max, he reduces me to a puddle with the intensity of his love for Riley, his passion and his protectiveness. He's gentle yet deadly, he's considerate yet demanding but he never, never steps over the line, he respects Riley and her choices, even though he's terrified for her, he believes in her and her choices. He'll fight to the death for her. He said it, not I "I will slaughter a legion of demons to keep you by my side" Yes, sigh.....

The comedic relief is superbly natural, fitting seamlessly in an otherwise tense read. The ending, flipping heck, brilliant! But I had to get through my trauma of the battle where.... where...i can't say it 😭This was one of those reads where I barely blinked, where my eyes kept going to the page count left, because, I just didn't want to get to the end! I couldn't even slow down my devouring this book, I was like a runaway car, there was no stopping me! But end it did, and I had the biggest smile on my face!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book, and I cried at the end because I found it so touching, and I don’t do that very often. This is the concluding title for this series, and it was a very wild ride. We get to see everyone in this, and they are all working together to find the artifact that will save them or doom them. There were some interesting reveals in this, and I was a little shocked at one. Anyway, I just loved this book so much that I even think it was my favorite of the whole series. This is a great way to end this series, and I will really miss all the characters, but especially Garth! LOL! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Darin Roodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC READER - All opinions are my own!**

Riley has been working hard to get past her time under Carl’s thumb in the Santa Fe pack. Since then she’s moved to KC, MO, made friends, found family, and built up her circle of trust with amazing people who absolutely have her back. Her relationship with Max Volkov has grown to be one of full-fledged, mated love, and she and her crew are seeking out demon artifacts for the Enclave regularly, expenses paid, and rewards on delivery.

Life’s been pretty good for Riley, especially since settling things with Carl’s pack and putting some solid protection on her crewmate Nash, the only mortal in the bunch. Between overhauling the G.O.A.T. crew’s new headquarters into a thing of beauty as well as her personal living space, things are looking up for the little goat shifter.

Don’t worry that the Enclave has put a deadline on finding what the Demon Prophecy calls “The Vessel” (beware the twist, you could end up running your brain off the road!), so that now Nash and Riley have got to travel all over hell (well, not literally…yet) and creation to try and find it. Their search finally leads them to a remote and uninhabited island off the coast of Norway known for herds of wild goats and not much else. Better hurry things up Riley, Delarose is after the vessel as well. Wait… did Sato just say something about the Elemental Child going missing?!

“Graveside Gambler” is the fifth and final (NOOOOOOOO…) novel in the Riley Cruz spin-off series from the award-winning Kali James series by L. A. McBride. It lives in the same world as Kali James and features a new perspective on characters fans already know and love. It also allows readers to see more of events that may have been only briefly mentioned in the OG series, which is an absolute treat! It then ups the ante (see what I did there?) by continuing past the original series with events that keep the reader both engaged and entertained. The hits keep on coming, and the humor is on point! The settings are rich, the characters dynamic, the action keeps coming, the burn is slow, hot, and steamy, and the book is unputdownable! I highly recommend this book and look forward to Liv's (yes you read right!) upcoming solo series! And if audiobooks are your jam, all five books in the series, including this one, are BEAUTIFULLY narrated by the ever-talented Maria McCann (who GENUINELY outdid herself on this one)!!

I received a free copy of this e-book and audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great ending to this great series! I just loved it and could hardly put it down! There's so many twists and turns, so many secrets revealed and revelations that completely shocked me. Yet Riley Cruz somehow managed to keep it all together and kept focussed on her mission - find a demon artefact, save the young girl, defeat Zara Bellarose and stop the demon invasion. Phew! I feel exhausted just reading all that!

With her friends and found family strongly on her side, you just had hope (really you knew) that she had to succeed, but the way this book was written, there were times when I wasn't so sure. People appeared to double cross her, but had they really?

Riley had to travel a bit further out this time to track down the demon artefact and I loved the obstacles that appeared in her way. The "treasure" she found at the end of this particular journey was worth so much more than any old demon artefact could ever be!

Everyone was there to support her throughout this journey, showing what a huge impact she had on those around her - they would all do whatever was necessary to help and support her along the way. Garth was fantastic in this one - I just loved the idea of a demon inhabiting a rooster's body!

This series was such a fun read, so well written, hilarious yet sad at times too. I'm so glad of the happy ending and am hoping that we get to meet Riley and Max, Dez and Nash, Kali and Craig and all the witches (and anyone else I missed!) again in the future! Highly recommended!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the final instalment of Riley’s story. I do enjoy her laissez-faire attitude to life. She’s funny, sassy, a little crazy but ultimately, kind. She’s on the hunt for one last artefact.

I love the characters and Garth, the demon-possessed chicken is very funny. The plot is great in this one and you finally get some answers to some questions that have been running through the series.

One negative (and only one) but for me, the final scene seemed a bit rushed and a little unsatisfying. Not going to mention names but the main baddie was mid-spell and Riley is fighting back, or things happen etc. You don’t hear of the baddie again in that scene, and the baddie is quite important character in the story arc. It wouldn’t bother me if it were a hook for another book but this is the last one in the series…

One scene doesn’t make a book and I do think the rest is brilliant, interesting and fast-paced. There is a good epilogue that does finish it off everything else well.

One favourite was, I absolutely adored the scene in the office with the water. It’s beautiful and heartwarming.

Riley’s story is funny, heart-warming and Riley’s ability to see the best in everyone is lovely. A definite read series.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved all the books in this and Kali’s series.

This one felt a little rushed. There were a lot of major revelations that were learned and then felt weirdly discarded. I get that they had a pretty strong deadline when it came to saving the world, so they didn’t have a lot of time to ruminate on these long awaited answers. But I feel like there could have been a little bit more room for exploring these things once the world had been saved.

Granted, we got a bit of a continuation of Kali’s story in Riley’s, so maybe we’ll get some of what I felt like was missing in Liv’s story.


Also, there are a few places toward the end where Sierra’s name is misspelt as Sienna. Super understandable typo, but I did have to go back to be like, “have I been reading her name wrong the entire time?”

TLDR: great series, fun finale that left me a little underwhelmed, looking forward to getting to know Liv through her adventures and angst

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

**only small spoilers, if any**. While I’ve enjoyed all of the authors books and stories, Riley and her gang are my favourite. This story is just as good as the first four in the series. It is definitely bittersweet as this is the last book in the series, however the author goes out with a bang on this one. I never would have guessed that…. *hey no spoilers, read.the.book, I doubt you’ll be disappointed*

The story contains lots of the same humour. It’s fast paced, moves around to different places and just keeps you hooked. I mentioned a surprise above and it’s a good one and leads into a second big one.

All of the regular characters have a part to play and we even see secondary characters step up or strut in one case.I was pleased with the ending as it ties things up but leaves an opening for cameos in other books. I’m giving this book 5 stars for the reasons above.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book.

[Susan1566 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great finale to a great series but I’m pretty disappointed it’s the last Riley book. I’ve loved this series since book 1.
Riley is trying to find a demon artifact that could help with a break in the veil between the demons and our world.
As she follows clues left in the stories her mother used to tell her, she and Nash are travelling all over. And they aren’t the only ones in the hunt.
Add in the shifters led by Max and the witches who are her family, we get some excitement.
I can’t say there is a lot of action but a lot happens. There are some big surprises, suspense and humour. Between the fact that Riley is a goat shifter, Garth is a chicken inhabited by a demon who corresponds via and Ouija board, the outrageous witches and everything else, this book was a blast to read.
This is definitely a series I will recommend and will be rereading.
It was fantastic.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good finale book with plenty of wrap up and a positive ending. There are a few editing hiccups as well as some pretty frown-worthy lapses in the plot development. There are also some surprises that continue to advance the storyline. Liz plays a part in this and is evidently going to be the fmc in the next series. It is possible a few of the missing plot lines will continue with her series. There are a few scenes that are really quite touching as Riley struggles to express the horrors she experienced in Carl's pack. Also, when she is working with Sierra to bring her into a more normal family-type setting. You'll really enjoy the "flooded office" scene - so good. Overall, an enjoyable read and a good ending to the series. I enjoy the author and will look for Liz's series.

[Jessica Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent series wrap-up

This was a decently worth the wait ending for the chaotic Riley portion of this series. I still have questions but they're ones I'm happy to ignore considering the overall resolution of her story. I will say there was a bit of sloppiness in this book, most notably the flipflop Sierra Sienna usage, literally from one sentence to the next.

You get a well written FMC who marches to her own, very ethical, drum beat. We don't see much of Volkov in this book, but enough that we still like him as the MMC. The side characters are solid entertainment, with Liv being a perfect hero to launch her into FMC position for the next series arc. The pacing is great, the resolution (mostly) works and the humor is well sprinkled in.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books that you just don't want to read. For me, this was one of them. Reading it meant the series was over, and I am so not ready to be done with Riley's antics. She's a character that has totally won me over. I just love everything about her. She's fun-loving, but she means business.

Volkov is such a good mate. He wants to stop her, but instead, he lets her go, just begging her to come back.

The Stitch Witches are so much fun.

And Garth... What can I say? Never has a rooster stolen my heart before.

I am so glad I took a chance reading about a goat shifter. Who knew how much fun one could be?

I'm sad to say goodbye to this series, but there's going to be a spinoff! Yay!!!

[Anaïsu Anaïsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graveside Gambler was a fantastic finale to this series. Riley’s journey comes full circle here, as she begins to uncover who she truly is and where she comes from—both in terms of her blood family and her adopted one. The way everything comes together for her in this final book is deeply satisfying. I’m truly going to miss these characters—Garth in particular will always hold a special place in my heart.

Though it’s a quick read, it’s packed with action and plenty of emotional moments. You’ll find yourself laughing one moment and tearing up the next. It’s a heartfelt, thrilling conclusion, and I highly recommend it!

[Rick Boisclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A proper ending to a series!

If new writers want to know how to build a world, a series and and ending then the Riley Cruz saga is lesson number two, the first lesson being Kali’s journey. Riley and the team take on demons, witches, the Enclave and worst of all Mothers to stop an invasion which will end the world as we know it. With Nash, Dez, Volkov and her witch family she has almost all she needs, but then finds the missing piece in a family she never knew and another girl like her in danger of being used by adults with amoral motives. Fear not, the G.O.A.T. team is up to the challenge. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this fantastic authors mind.

[Julie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley goes all out for the win

L A McBride gives us a ride worth experiencing in this last book of Riley’s story. It’s time for Riley to discover more about her past and her role in the future.
The found family all have their roles to play in this culmination to Riley’s story, including Garth of course.
Written with heart, there will be laughs, love and happy tears along the way as Riley, Max, the witches and many more round out the culmination of the journey to date.
Heartened to see one of the characters is about to start their story.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley's search for an artifact is interrupted by Volkov's mom dropping in to try to marry off Volkov to anyone not Riley. In a new adventure, Riley reunites with Nash, Dez, Helen and the gang including Garth the rooster and her beloved Volkov to search for the artifact, Zagan's Chalice using her Mom's clues and trying to stave off Soto's inquiries. It's the usual madcap antics that make you love Riley and company. I love this series! I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Yael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, action packed, well written finale to the series. Most of the questions that came up along the way got answered; however, some loose ends still need to be cleared–I hope we get answers in Liv's series. I will miss Riley and her crew, and all the chaos that they bring to this world. L.A. McBride is an amazing storyteller and I can't wait to read her next series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series!

Wow, I really enjoyed this last book, as well as the rest in the series. Learning more about Riley’s past was awesome, and sad. Riley and Volkov were made for each other. The secondary characters were hardly that throughout the series, it was more of an ensemble cast of characters. I highly recommend this series, I thoroughly enjoyed each book in the series, and hate to say goodbye to these amazing characters.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was bitter sweet, I was dying to know how Riley’s series concluded but also didn’t want it to end, I’ve loved every page of this series. This book was a ride, finally getting answers about Riley’s past and her childhood, a lot made sense. All the favourites of the series were right by her side, I hope we see more from the witches because they are a hoot! I’m hoping we will get snippets of Riley in Liv’s series, I’m not ready to let go!

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous ending to Riley's series, it really did her story justice. There was still room for a few twists along the way, some good, some bad but all great!
I have loved watching Riley and Max's relationship grow and develop and, appropriately, this is the first time I have felt that Riley really takes ownership of it, I loved the way she stood up to his mother!

[Melva Shrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graveside Gambler is a fitting end to a hot series. Riley and her gang must pull together to save the world. Along the way is a scavenger hunt with twists and turns and surprises-just as you’d expect from our feisty goat shifter. I enjoyed this ARC and found myself not wanting it to end! I give it 5-stars for pure craftsmanship.

[Illana Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

great Riley finale. so pleased Liv gets her series next

Would hate to finish with the characters and world. All the loose threads neatly and satisfyingly ties up. Leaving me sad to say goodbye- so delighted to see a new series around the corner.
Wonderful way the book deals with a potential rival for Max.

[Jumms · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fitting ending

I didn't realize this was the last book in the series but everything was tied up nicely. I wish the fight was a bit longer and feel like the buildup was way better than what actually transpired. It was lackluster. But overall it wasn't bad. We got some answers abt Riley but I don't think anything was as shocking as the author might have hoped.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley & Max
What a fantastic adventure, never knowing where the next page was going to take me. The quests and the way that this story kept me on the edge of my seat, unable to put it down was amazing! I Loved It!!! Outstanding Ending!!! I Highly Recommend!! No Spoilers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Livey · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this series

The prophecy gets revealed and Riley and Max’s relationship continues strong and deep. Love Garth and the witches as well as Nash and Dez. This is the first goat shifter who has so many other talents, being a null and retired thief is what makes the snaky banter and loving protectiveness of their group a must read. This was a great ending to the series. 😍

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It this final book of Riley's story (cue mournful sobbing) we have all the things that have made this series so delightful along with answers to the mystery of Riley's family background and parents both birth and adoptive. Although the story wraps up very neatly, with a new venture on the cards I will never have enough Riley. I am looking forward to Liv's story though.

[Em Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been so fun. I’ve really enjoyed Riley’s evolution. I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters but am really pleased I got to meet them. This series features supernaturals, heists and found family and is full of loveable characters.

[Piper James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic as always. I always love being back with Riley and the crew and this one Was no exception. From camping to juevos rancheros to hilarious octogenarian witches- this one was a riot from start to finish

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Riley since she first appeared in Kali’s story and this book gives her the end her series deserves. A treasure hunt, a rescue, an epic battle and all the answers about her family and the prophecy. Fun exciting and satisfying. I loved it!!

[Sharonlynne Lowrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Cruz Book 5

L.A. Cruz, this was an Amazing ending to a Wonderful series. I totally feel in Love with all the characters and will miss them. Fortunately we ave Liv’s upcoming series and I bet some old friends may pop in from time to time.

[Laura D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious Adventures
Shifters, Magic, Demons
Friends who become family
Family issues, prophecy , romance
Whoo hoo!!! Loved it!!!