Secrets of Gravers Junction

by Kay Grymes

A dying stranger collapses on Bex Ellington’s farm, leaving her with a cryptic message and a strange magical affliction. She soon notices her skin changing, shifting between natural flesh and a gritty, sand-like texture as the magic within her stirs.

The one thing Bex understands is the message’s destination: Gravers Junction. Desperate for answers, she sets out with her adopted sister, Nina, across the sweeping tall grass prairies of Graveyard Territory, a fearsome land with a grim reputation where few survive.

There, Bex and Nina learn that not everyone in Graveyard Territory is human, and that survival means living by a different set of laws. When Bex interferes in a werewolf confrontation, she draws the attention of an alpha who demands retribution, not just from her, but from the town that shelters her. Given one week before his return, the people of Gravers Junction rally to prepare Bex for a fight she may not survive.

To survive, Bex must learn what it means to wield dustslinger magic and decide who to trust in a town full of secrets, including the sheriff sworn to protect it, a man who stirs feelings she believes she left buried with her husband.

Secrets of Gravers Junction is the first short novel in a new adult romantic fantasy series with alternate Old West vibes. Featuring slow-burn romance, a hidden supernatural world, found family, protective heroes, and a dangerous frontier where magic and monsters dominate the land.

Paperback

Expected publication March 18, 2026

About the author

Kay Grymes is the adult pen name of author Kimberly Grymes. While Kimberly Grymes writes upper YA fantasy, Kay Grymes creates fantasy stories for readers 18 and older, featuring more mature themes.

Reviews

[Andi]

I like to thank the author for allowing me to read prior to release as part of her ARC team.

This is my first read of the author's work, so my review will be unbiased. I like the idea of a western fantasy. I was a fan of Wynona Earp when it debuted, so I will say I grabbed this hoping to get some of those feelings.

I did. I think the story and the characters are perfect, and, we need more western fantasies.

However, I don't know if its the author's writing style or how the story is written that is causing issues. The story is the length of a novella, so there is that. I'm looking for more detail and background than what can possibly be given.

But let me unpack in a spoiler tag:

You have the author indicate a romance, yes. However, I find the romance contradictory and confusing. There is no slow-burn with the characters, or in the way this is trying to be depicted. When we first meet the female lead, she is still grieving over the loss of her husband. She comes to Gravers Junction and is clear that she is focused on continuing to mourn him, makes comments, and harbors thoughts of respecting his passing because she is not ready for a relationship.

However, as soon as she sees the Sheriff, takes in his 'handsome' looks, in comes the thoughts and feelings of how she is attracted to him, tries to get his attention. For a novella, it happened REALLY fast. So I ask myself - is this a plot element? Because at the end of the book he is related to a vampire clan, so is he thralling her? Is this romance real? He himself seems to have more respect on wanting to stay clear of romantic entanglements, but as soon as they have the moment in the cave lake naked, they're already fucking. It's like, where did the slow-burn go?

I find the world building also strange because it seems like Gravers Junction is in a different demi-plane of existence. Do the vampires, witches, others show themselves to mortal people? Obviously they must because they live outside Gravers Junction so they have to. Why is it that you don't hear about the rest of the Wild Wild West except for what we can infer from the cover of the book (that it's a western) and what the author allows us to know.

Then, there is the tone that the characters speak in. It's very... modern. No slang or anything, just very... out of place? In shows like Firefly, we know that it's the future but that China and the US are the defacto languages. In here, it's more of a situational thing akin to the time period. Or if this is not taking place in the 1800's western US, I'll let it go.

Again, I really like the idea, and I want to see this succeed. Looking at the reviews, I must be an outsider since I'm the only person who has done a deep dive like this. It's probably a me thing and therefore, I shall see myself out from future installments.

Overall, if you're looking for something on-tone with the writing of Cleopatra2525, Hercules, Xena, you might have fun with this.

[M Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really is a unique story. The genre - western fantasy - grabbed my attention straight away. It ended up being more than I expected, with mysteries and unusual magic galore.

The first thing that pulled me in was the lovely relationship between sisters, Bex and Nina. They obviously care for each other and provide active support and advice, along with affectionate jibes, throughout the book. That was fun to follow! There's neurodivergent rep there too, which I found empathetically written. I think both sisters have fascinating and challenging futures ahead of them, judging by the hints that are enticingly dropped like breadcrumbs.

There's a lot of magic and paranormal beings in the story. Many of these I found to be specific to this world and compelling to watch in action, while being an indication of the author's storytelling skills.

Mysteries began piling up from page one, with some involving the characters and others the events that were driving the narrative. A few were solved but others left unanswered. I think the relatively short length of the book was the cause of this but this book is flagged as the first in a series so hopefully the author will have space in future books to add depth to her worldbuilding, flesh out the characters further and point me in the direction of some those of those answers I need.

My favourite part of the book was the developing connection between Nina and one of the werewolves. Neither are run of the mill characters as they both face uncommon tests but seem to have the wherewithal to face them head on.

Ms Grymes has left the way open for plenty of learning, growth and trials for the MC's and I can't wait to see that unfold.

•○●○• •○●○• •○●○• •○●○• •○●○•


"I think it’s time to stop clinging to the past and be open to life’s possibilities."

[Sonderous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasked with delivering a message to Gravers Junction, Bex and her sister find themselves on a whirlwind of an adventure that uncovers a world far different from the one they knew. With Bex afflicted by a mysterious ability, answers lie in a town full of secrets. But now bound by laws she was not aware of, she is stirring up just as much trouble as she is dust. Can she get a handle on this reality? Or will the storms she brews sweep her away?


I received an ARC of “Secrets of Gravers Junction” from Kay Grymes after reading the blurb in her last newsletter. A western with a supernatural spin, the novel sets us down in  Graveyard Territory, where nothing is what it seems. Bex is a driven, curious, and assertive FMC that knows what she wants and when, which was truly a breath of fresh air when it came to her interactions with Garret. Meanwhile, Nina, Bex’s adopted sister, comes into her own as she dives into the mysterious town of Gravers Junction. I loved both of these characters equally and absolutely cannot wait to meet these characters again in the next part of the series!


If monsters, mayhem, and magic are your cup of tea, “Secrets of Gravers Junction” is the book for you. As a first foray into westerns (both audience and author), it is an excellently written story with amazing characters and a new twist to the supernatural beings we all know and love.

[MinsBookNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this short novel, it was so well written I was sucked in from the beginning. I was held captive, similar to the MC Bex and her sister Nina, you wanted to find out what secrets were being kept in Gravers Junction. Then once one secret was revealed more questions popped up, allowing the world to be shaped while the story progressed.

If you are after a spicy short story this is not the town for it, love is not on the cards here, its too dangerous. Or is it??? There was a slooooooooow burn between Bex and Garret and potentially something between Nina and Hunter? Is there a fated bond, or is there something else between the two?
As you can see the love interest was not the focus of the story and there is so much intrigue in the rest of the supernatural town that it was not needed for the story.

This was my first book by Kay and I will definitely be keep a watch to see if there are more short stories Gravers Junction or *fingers crossed* longer novel because I would eat that up!

Thank you Kay Grymes for the copy to read for my honest opinion.
🌶️

Tropes:
💋Slow burn romance
💖Strangers to Lovers
🌶️Low spice (on page sexual content)

Fantasy elements...
✨Magic
🐺werewolves
🦇vampires
🧟‍♀️monsters
🐜critters
🗿new supernatural beings

The story world looks like...
🤠western themes
🌀Magic in the earth
🌾Prairie land

[Kelly Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay but WHY was this so Kelly-coded... From the moment it popped up on my feed I knew I had to read it. Romantic fantasy. Old West vibes. Hidden supernatural town. I didn’t even hesitate; I signed up for the ARC immediately.

Secrets of Gravers Junction absolutely delivered. It’s a short novel, but don’t let that fool you.... this book packs a punch. The pacing was spot on, building the world without overwhelming you and perfectly setting up what’s to come in the series.

Bex’s dustslinger magic? The gritty, sand-like skin shifts? I was hooked. The alternate frontier setting felt fresh and cinematic, and I genuinely can’t think of another supernatural story that leans into this kind of Old West atmosphere in quite the same way. It felt creative and new while still giving us those delicious romantic fantasy staples.

The slow burn is SLOW burning (respectfully), and I am sat for whatever is about to unfold between Bex and Garrett. And Nina and Hunter?? The tension potential there??? Say less.

Found family, protective energy, secrets everywhere, and monsters lurking on the prairie... this was such a fun, intriguing start to the series.

Also… that cover? Gorge. Absolute gorge. 🤌✨

Thanks to the author for an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Élyse Dumouchel · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a ARC reader

I didn’t think I would like it because I wasn’t sure about Graveyard Territory terms, but I fell in love with the story.

What start with something to deliver and end up in a big conflict with other groups keep me alert from the start to the end.

Each person has their own secret, but the heroine needs it to continue her journey and understand everything happening in Gravers Junction. The question is who would be willing to talk?

I cannot wait for the others chronicles to be written. In the waiting, I would, for sure, read again the adventures of Bex in Gravers Junction.

Thank you Kay Grymes to let me meet Bex and everyone from Gravers Junction

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I heard “Western Fantasy”, I knew it was for me. This book was such a refreshing change from all the typical romantasy books out there right now. (not that I don’t love them every time, but it was so nice to step into a unique world I haven’t seen 100 times before.) The characters were likeable, the plot was interesting, I love the dustslinging powers. Very unique. The romance felt a little rushed, but it’s a short book so understandable. My only real complaint is that I wish it were longer, but I guess that just means I’ll have to read the next book!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super excited to get this ARC because a western fantasy intrigued me. This was definitely a fun read! The author crammed a lot of information and world building into a shorter book. Bex had me laughing with her wit and excitement. Nina resonated more with me as the underestimated one. I am definitely curious about the world and challenges the characters will face in future books.
The quickness of Bex's character growth was a bit unbelievable but explained. I can't wait to see what more Bex can do with her magic and definitely plan to try more of the series.

[Lauren Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t seen many books that are western romantic fantasy, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the vibes, storyline, mystery, and magic, so basically everything about this book!

I was annoyed that I had to put the book down for adulting. The characters are so enigmatic. They definitely took over my headspace when I wasn’t reading. And the magic is so unique. Very different from what I’ve read before.

The slow burn captured my attention but didn’t take over the storyline. It’s lower spice but definitely not no spice 😏. I thought it was well-done and perfectly placed 🔥.

There are so many things I want to know. I NEED more answers.

Thank you much for the eARC! Can’t wait for the next book!

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short novel by Kay Grimes kept my interest throughout the whole ride. I really enjoyed it and the unique aspects to the paranormal creatures. I loved the old west vibes. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

Received advanced reader copy from author