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Kanyon and Daylen #1
Close-up: Take 1 of the Kanyon and Daylen Series
Where do the supernatural bad guys go to use their sin-infused articles to make another play for world domination? Hollywood, duh. Lucky for the world, there just so happens to be two out-of-work, ex TV superheroes with a secret destiny to keep the bad guys from succeeding. What should have been a brief appearance at a Comic-Con ends in a drunken discovery that central casting for the ultimate Good Side decided to select them as real-life superheroes. Together in a will they, won’t they, oohhh no they didn’t relationship, the two will discover the true roles they are destined to play and that the bond between them could not only save themselves, but the world.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2015
24 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
K.B. Draper
9 books80 followersIn 2008, K.B. Draper discovered a talent for storytelling after drinking a bottle of cheap wine at a Christmas party. One of her equally intoxicated friends said, “You are so freak’n *burp* funny. You should write a book.” The idea stuck and so did a cocktail napkin (in an inappropriate place) but that’s a totally different story. After that, K.B. Draper taught herself to write; which was challenging because she was a bad student and an even worse teacher -- but words started to make sentences, sentences made paragraphs and paragraphs eventually made a story, which came to be her first book, The U-Haul Diary.
The U-Haul Diary is a comedic, loose interpretation (okay, completely one-sided view) of the women she dated who moved in and out of her life (and house). Writing was cheaper than therapy so she continued to tell stories in her stylized rambling humor-- but her second book Close-Up is more of a modern day, will they-won’t they, oh no they didn’t, fantasy series, featuring Kanyon and Daylen, two heroines out to save the world from sin-infused articles and the supernatural bad guys. If you are looking for something a little darker then check out the Demons Series, book 1 Demons Shemons.
K.B. Draper is not a classically trained writer but she fakes it pretty okay and hopefully inspires a few chuckles along the way.
The U-Haul Diary is a comedic, loose interpretation (okay, completely one-sided view) of the women she dated who moved in and out of her life (and house). Writing was cheaper than therapy so she continued to tell stories in her stylized rambling humor-- but her second book Close-Up is more of a modern day, will they-won’t they, oh no they didn’t, fantasy series, featuring Kanyon and Daylen, two heroines out to save the world from sin-infused articles and the supernatural bad guys. If you are looking for something a little darker then check out the Demons Series, book 1 Demons Shemons.
K.B. Draper is not a classically trained writer but she fakes it pretty okay and hopefully inspires a few chuckles along the way.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 19, 2017
I didn't really care for this as much as I hoped too. I enjoy books with quirky sarcastic dialog, but this book just had too much. Every single character seemed to speak in a sarcastic joking way, and I don't find it realistic. The book gave me a few smiles, but not laugh out loud funny, if anything the speech started to get annoying.
The book is about Kanyon and Daylen, two actresses in a TV show that is very Xena like. Kanyon gets them fired for her drunkenness, and her life is a bit of a mess. She finds out that Daylen is now working with her Aunt, at an agency, to find missing people and items. Kanyon tags along when Daylen is working, and the adventures begin.
I liked the mild paranormal elements, especially where it pertained to Kanyon's new found strength. The one part I thought was pretty funny was the retelling of a paintball scene, Kanyon vs a bunch of comic book geeks. And how she used a small geek as a human shield. Anyway, I liked the main premise of the book, just wished the dialog was not so full on all the time.
The romance is very, very slow building. It's clear they like each other, but they both think the other doesn't want a relationship. That part was a bit annoying, so many times a conversation would have fixed things, but these two characters talked about everything except things that really mattered.
These books are comedic, with some action, mystery, and a little paranormal thrown in. I'm not sure I will actually read book 2, but other people might like this book, more than I did.
The book is about Kanyon and Daylen, two actresses in a TV show that is very Xena like. Kanyon gets them fired for her drunkenness, and her life is a bit of a mess. She finds out that Daylen is now working with her Aunt, at an agency, to find missing people and items. Kanyon tags along when Daylen is working, and the adventures begin.
I liked the mild paranormal elements, especially where it pertained to Kanyon's new found strength. The one part I thought was pretty funny was the retelling of a paintball scene, Kanyon vs a bunch of comic book geeks. And how she used a small geek as a human shield. Anyway, I liked the main premise of the book, just wished the dialog was not so full on all the time.
The romance is very, very slow building. It's clear they like each other, but they both think the other doesn't want a relationship. That part was a bit annoying, so many times a conversation would have fixed things, but these two characters talked about everything except things that really mattered.
These books are comedic, with some action, mystery, and a little paranormal thrown in. I'm not sure I will actually read book 2, but other people might like this book, more than I did.
September 18, 2019
If there is one thing I love as a reader it's sass/snark/banter. That is prevalent in spades here. What I *don't* like is intentional couple road blocks. It happened so often it made my eyeballs hurt from the constant rolling. I mean I get it sorta. It's book 1 and you want progression... but jeeeeeze... not even a snog?
Anyway, not bad overall. The uber X/G vibe is cool. Liked that. The dash of paranormal. Check. Snarky as hell MC's (kinda like Demons Shemons), check again. Will def finish out the series. If nothing else maaaaaaaaaaaaybe they'll actually talk for once and stop making couple decisions for the other person all the time. Will see....
Anyway, not bad overall. The uber X/G vibe is cool. Liked that. The dash of paranormal. Check. Snarky as hell MC's (kinda like Demons Shemons), check again. Will def finish out the series. If nothing else maaaaaaaaaaaaybe they'll actually talk for once and stop making couple decisions for the other person all the time. Will see....
May 13, 2022
So much fun!
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: bet or dare, not a romance, out of your comfort zone, unusual job; UNICORN: 400+ pages
I became a fan of Draper's stories when I read Demons Shemons (Demons Series Book 1.) I'm glad that she wrote another series that includes a second witty and snarky MC. Just like in Demons, there were 80s pop culture references sprinkled throughout the book. The two MCs had fantastic chemistry and their combination of a celebrity and paranormal duo added an element that enhanced the plot.
Can't wait to read more Kanyon and Daylen adventures. (I'm also still hoping that there will be inspiration for more Demons books.)
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: bet or dare, not a romance, out of your comfort zone, unusual job; UNICORN: 400+ pages
I became a fan of Draper's stories when I read Demons Shemons (Demons Series Book 1.) I'm glad that she wrote another series that includes a second witty and snarky MC. Just like in Demons, there were 80s pop culture references sprinkled throughout the book. The two MCs had fantastic chemistry and their combination of a celebrity and paranormal duo added an element that enhanced the plot.
Can't wait to read more Kanyon and Daylen adventures. (I'm also still hoping that there will be inspiration for more Demons books.)
August 21, 2023
Kanyon and Daylen are 'ex' actors, but everything is certainly not as it seems, even from the onset. Sure, being fired from their job because Kanyon had messed up too many times seems straightforward enough, but is it really? And as Kanyon becomes involved in the world of Seekers, a lot more comes to light, even if it isn't always obvious.
Having read Draper's Demon Shemon series, I had an expectation for strong woman with sass and attitude, but with their own flaws and vulnerabilities, and I was not disappointed. This story has that and all of her humor as well. Even with what connects them, Kanyon and Daylen still have their issues, and that is as much a feature of the story as is the overall plot. Slow burn is definitely right as well, and it's going to take them a few books to fully work things out.
It is a very enjoyable read, with plenty of action and drama and an intriguing lore that is slowly revealed during the story. The secondary characters are just as great, adding depth to the story and giving it more of that pop-culture feel. It is, very much, a superhero story, even if it is rather low-key on the powers and displays of them. And I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Having read Draper's Demon Shemon series, I had an expectation for strong woman with sass and attitude, but with their own flaws and vulnerabilities, and I was not disappointed. This story has that and all of her humor as well. Even with what connects them, Kanyon and Daylen still have their issues, and that is as much a feature of the story as is the overall plot. Slow burn is definitely right as well, and it's going to take them a few books to fully work things out.
It is a very enjoyable read, with plenty of action and drama and an intriguing lore that is slowly revealed during the story. The secondary characters are just as great, adding depth to the story and giving it more of that pop-culture feel. It is, very much, a superhero story, even if it is rather low-key on the powers and displays of them. And I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 5, 2018
Good, fast past urban fantasy that has a touch of the will they won't they trope for our two leads. Kanyon and Daylen are two actresses fired from the set of a super popular fantasy swords and sorcery show due to Kanyon's antics. While Kanyon wallows in her guilt and anger, Daylen chooses to go into her family's business of finding things. This definitely has a Warehouse Thirteen vibe, especially with Daylen being a Myka like straight-man to Kanyon's Eddie goofball persona.
The characters are likable and fun, with each one's flaws complementing the other's strength. I also enjoy the personalities beyond our two leads. But if there's anything to take away from this its that the wisecracks and quips fly so fast an furious that its almost to the point of distraction. Especially in Kenyon's case. She does almost become a caricature of herself at times. Which is sad, because this is a fun urban fantasy book, with a great premise and some pretty solid execution.
I'll be coming back for the sequels because I love the concept and the characters so much (overwhelming quips aside), and hope the jokes get toned down.
The characters are likable and fun, with each one's flaws complementing the other's strength. I also enjoy the personalities beyond our two leads. But if there's anything to take away from this its that the wisecracks and quips fly so fast an furious that its almost to the point of distraction. Especially in Kenyon's case. She does almost become a caricature of herself at times. Which is sad, because this is a fun urban fantasy book, with a great premise and some pretty solid execution.
I'll be coming back for the sequels because I love the concept and the characters so much (overwhelming quips aside), and hope the jokes get toned down.
April 26, 2020
Best book I’ve read this year
Supremely witty, suspenseful, sweet, laugh freaking out loud funny, smart, women power-y, slow burn-y, a teensy bit angsty. In summary, a damn fine read.
Supremely witty, suspenseful, sweet, laugh freaking out loud funny, smart, women power-y, slow burn-y, a teensy bit angsty. In summary, a damn fine read.
October 3, 2017
Very funny story. :)
November 17, 2017
Great book
This was a really fun book to read. I love the banter between the women and with aunt ruby and isadora.
This was a really fun book to read. I love the banter between the women and with aunt ruby and isadora.
January 23, 2017
This is a well-crafted story of two former television stars turned supernatural private detectives. It is full of wry humor and quirky wit. The main character, Kanyon, is the familiar self-destructing celebrity train wreck. She's messed up and confused, but clearly has a good heart. We get the idea that she has unrealized potential, and keep reading because we want to see her live up to it. The sexual tension between Kanyon and Daylen is very effective, although a bit of a tease so far. My main complaint is that the point of view often shifts between the two women and it's not always clear who is thinking what. All around, a promising start to what should be an enjoyable series.
June 2, 2015
I became a fan of K.B. Draper's writing through The U-haul Diary and have been eagerly anticipating her next release, Close-up, the first book in a series! The cover is the perfect eye catching compromise between comic and intrigue and after reading the synopsis I couldn't wait to dig right in. The characters are clearly developed personalities with energy that is almost tangible.
K.B.'s comedic mein has unfolded to reveal her dramatic and captivating interior. Close-up takes you to a place where you're not only rooting for the good side, you feel like one of the heroines.
K.B.'s comedic mein has unfolded to reveal her dramatic and captivating interior. Close-up takes you to a place where you're not only rooting for the good side, you feel like one of the heroines.
June 6, 2015
Highly amusing
Loved the story. It had many laugh out loud moments. I was unsure if it was going to be too campy based on the sample however the book really hits its stride after events at Comic-Con and is thoroughly enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the secondary characters from Daylen's world. Her aunt is awesome. I look forward to the next book.
Loved the story. It had many laugh out loud moments. I was unsure if it was going to be too campy based on the sample however the book really hits its stride after events at Comic-Con and is thoroughly enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the secondary characters from Daylen's world. Her aunt is awesome. I look forward to the next book.
February 27, 2016
Wonderful
Witty, strong characters that will have you crying laughing. Nothing feels forced and everything flows. I just wish for more
Witty, strong characters that will have you crying laughing. Nothing feels forced and everything flows. I just wish for more
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews