Rye Must Die

Izzy & Max #1

by Dakota Madison, Savannah Young, Karen Mueller Bryson

There’s a fine line between sexy alpha and creepy stalker…and Rye has crossed it. Izzy Grant is supposed to be dead, suicide by hanging. But when she regains consciousness she’s still alive and still the crazy girl everyone in Old Town loves to hate. But one thing had changed. He saved her life, a shadowy figure wearing all black and riding a motorcycle. Now he’s following Izzy. She doesn’t know why, but she’s eager to find out. When charming ghost hunter, Max Elliot, barges into Izzy’s life she isn’t looking for love…except in the biker romance novels she’s obsessed with. But when Rye’s behavior takes on new and violent dimensions, Izzy and Max struggle to find a way to stop him before his violence against Izzy escalates. Maybe the only solution is for Rye to die. RYE MUST DIE is a NOVELLA by USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Dakota Madison and AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR Savannah Young. It can be read as a STANDALONE or as part of the ongoing series.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Mystery

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling author Dakota Madison is known for writing new adult, love in midlife, and contemporary romance with a little spice and lots of heart. Dakota is a winner of the prestigious RONE Award for Excellence in the Indie and Small Publishing Industry. When she's not at her computer creating spicy stories Dakota likes to spend time with her husband and their bloodhounds. Dakota also writes under the pen names SAVANNAH YOUNG, SIERRA AVALON and REN MONTERREY.

Reviews

[Darlene Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rye must Die is a must read novella that will have you literally laughing out loud.

Madison & Young have created outstanding characters that will chapter your imagination from the very beginning. Staring with Izzy who runs her inherited Old Town Antique Shop and has completely isolated herself from the rest of the community she lives in. Izzy is not only witty as she is blunt. She is matter of fact and brave.

However, she's no match for the charming Max, who doesn't seem to take no for an answer.

Between the two of them, the story grows as they try to figure out who is after Izzy and at the same time get Max's new paranormal business off the ground.

Madison & Young have created a fun story line that will have you captivated and laughing. But they also address serious issues that many women face, and give these issues a strong voice.

A must read that I completely loved !!!

[Susan Sager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy in exchange for a honest review.

4.5 STARS
Dakota Madison and Savannah Young's move to paranormal romance is phenomenal. Rye Must Die is a example of a great paranormal. Readers get to see a close of of two characters that we read about in previous books of Savannah Young's. Izzy and Max have a connection to the owners of Haymaker, the Wilde brothers. What I really loved about the story was how two misfits matched each other perfectly. Max the surfer dude and Izzy the town pariah come together in a story that will bring laughs and touch your heart at the same time. There is a little bit of everything for a lover of multitude of fans. If you like mystery and a thrill you definitely get that in Rye Must Die. I can't wait to see what happens in the next story with Izzy and Max.

Dakota Madison and Savannah Young have given you two characters that you will really enjoy. Izzy is cynical about love but is a closet romance novel reader. Max is the fun loving man who is attracted to Izzy no matter what attitude she throws his way. When Max wants something he goes for the gusto and gets it. Nothing will stop him from succeeding.

Izzy's life has not been easy. At a low point she has a chance meeting with J.D. Rye. One that she doesn't want others to know how they met. Izzy has caught Rye's attention, and he is out to ruin anyone that tries to take his woman away. There is a little more to Rye than you will ever imagine. That is where the story takes some wild twists. Buckle up ladies and gents!! This is one sweet ride you will take with Izzy and Max.

The story starts with a huge impacting moment. From there it is all up hill. Each page is a new surprise. The story isn't a lengthy one, but it is jam packed full of adventure. Then when you finish you will be craving more of Izzy and Max. Patience will be worth it when we get the next story in the series. Another positive is that we get to read more about the Wilde brothers and their partners.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy Grant is Old Towns least favorite person. When she attempts to hang herself from a tree outside of town, she's shocked to find that she isn't dead. A mysterious man clad in black, ad on a motorcycle has cut her down, and has denied her the right to end her life. When another mysterious man comes to Old Town, she soffs at him, and wants nothing more than for him to leave. Her. Alone. He is relentless, and she eventually agrees to have lunch with him - but, it's not a date.

Max is nothing like the men that ahng around Old Town. Sun bleached hair, drives a Mini Cooper, and full of himself, Izzy wants him to go away. He's relentless! After pursuin her for sometime she agrees to take him to her grandmother's grave. Afterall, he wanted to speak with Alberta Grant. When they come to her headstone, he seems to tone down the cockiness, and listens to Izzy as she asks him what more he wants. Max is a paranormal investigator, and has come to Old Town in hopes of starting his business off with a bang. Little does he know...

J.D Rye was in the beginning of the story. And I'll leave that to the reader to find out. With that being said, this mysterious man insists on following Izzy around, going as far as appearing in her bedroom one night, only to vanish in midair when she starts quiestioning him. Who is? What does he want with her? Why does Jack Daniels, and J.D have the same initials!? No spoilers from me - as you all know! I will say this; this is one hell of a book, and I love anything that Dakota Madison, and Savannah Young write.

Rye Must Die is a funny, paranormal, comedy that keeps the readers wanting more with every turn of the page. Dakota Madison, and Savannah Young really know how to bring the suspense (in a good way, this book is in no way scary!) to the pages in all aspects of the novels they have written. Rye Must Die is no exception! The writing is flawless, the characters are outstanding, and all seem to have some great chemistry with each other. A job well done to Dakota Madison, and Savannah Young in another great novel!

[Tami Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 I really enjoyed this book I cant wait to see what else Lizzy and Max get into ,and learn more about their families . At times I was like hum...more detail about them but as I get further into the book I realize all I need to do is keep reading the series lol and I'm sure more will unfold . I will be reading more about this Dynamic duo for sure! They have a great banter between them that makes them very likable!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok..... this book hooked me from the very first page! It wasn't exactly what I was excepting & I love that it surprised me so much. Books don't do that much anymore. Great book!! So excited to read more in this series. This book had a little bit of everything, paranormal stuff, love, sex, humor, sadness, second chances...... I just can't say enough good things about this book.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely loved! Dakota Madison is amazingly talented and every book she's written is fantastic! This one is a shorter read but extremely entertaining. Highly recommend! Great for poolside or beach reading.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little mixture of a read.. makes for a great Fall read! Once you start you are sucked in, yes, it's hard to place down. The author's ability to write are well shown within the characters and the plot of the story! This will be a re read for me!

*Received for an honest review*

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time in reading this author with the info on what it was about what drew me. Being a sucker for a mystery especially one that hints at a tad bit of humor too I will gravitate in a minute. When you are given the opening of this one with Izzy you are left with boy was that strange. The interest though was picked with full steam ahead in the reading. When Max enters the picture with a incident that again you are going wow oh wow. As the two get to know each other it tickled me whenever she would insist it was not .... Anyway the strange thing is Rye with his role in all this, and as you read you think you have it figured out but not to sure because it is so bizarre in a good way. Max has a cool job too with Izzy not helping so she says. I do believe she is a natural though in that is part of her charm. This was one big fabulous mystery with it being a bit different that I was so disappointed when I reached the end. I so get tickled to when I discover something different but delightful to read with hopes of more.

[Jessica McSwain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dakota Madison rye must die...
Can two people who are so different really make it work....
I believe they can.... Izzy is a beautiful woman who not had a easy life. She doesn't straight out believe in love but is a closet hopeless romantic... Somewhere in the mess of it all she meets Rye. And Rye takes a liking to her.. So much so he will destroy anyone who he feels is a threat to him or his plans for Izzy... In comes Max a sexy sufer dude who is laid back and totally not ready to accept a no from the beautiful Izzy... He doesn't give up easy and definitely not without a fight...even if it means facing crazy. But Izzy is worth it.. Her heart will belong to him.... This story was so wonderful and packed full of action and thrills.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rye Must Die was a fun read. From the title I just assumed that Rye would die somehow. Max's idea of song lyrics is great! It was easy to relate to the songs picked too. After reading Leona's Last Resort this read is essential to see how Izzy and Max actually get together. Now it all makes more sense. Both are fun to read! Thanks for writing them.

[Myra Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fully enjoyed reading this book. I would no mind reading more from this series.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really entertaining novella! Love ghost stories! Can’t wait to read the others

[Evonne Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very promising first in series that will hook you!

[Carissa Janes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how I wound up with this on my Kindle, but it seems like a great beginning to a fun series. Izzy is a loaner in a small town and Max stumbles into her life with an interesting prospect.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my favourite author comes another great book using her pen names, whenever I see anything written by Dakota Madison or Savannah Young, I know that they are definite reads and that I will love them to bits and Rye Must Die did not disappoint. In Rye Must Die , we are taken back to Old Town - which is where you may remember the Wilde Brothers lived with their tavern. One of my favourite things about this author's work is more often than not each of her books contain characters from previous titles and series and have a crossover feel. In Rye Must Die , we catch a glimpse of Harley who married Jake and seems like they have a bun in the oven. The main character in Rye must Die is outcast Izzy who has taken over her Grandmother's antique shop in order to gain her inheritance. Max is new to town along with his sister Sam and they own the Tawnee Mountain Resort. Rye is a hunky biker that is the guy of all girls who dream about dating a bad boy on the back of his motorbike type and it seems though that he is stalking Izzy but what will happen when she starts to see Max and things get heated between Rye and Max ? Even more so when it turns out that Rye isn't exactly part of this world and that he maybe part of an old family curse ?

Will Izzy be Max's first client of his new Paranormal Investigations business and will this turn out to be a HEA for Izzy and Max ?The other thing that I loved about this book is the Veronica Mars connection and especially the lovable Dick Casablancas played by Ryan Hansen as I am a major Veronica Mars fangirl.

If you need a new series to start and a new author to discover , check out Rye Must Die and the great thing to is that this is a quick read .

[Crystal Melloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy Grant, antique shop owner and town recluse, has had enough. She ties a rope around a tree and tries to hang herself. But she awakens to find herself not dead but saved by a mysterious guy dressed in black and on the back of a Harley. As Izzy tries to come to terms with what all this means, Max Elliott marches into her store and life. Max is charming, charismatic, and use to getting his way. But Max has never met anyone like Izzy. As Max tries to convince Izzy he is an up and coming paranormal investigator, things take a turn for the bizarre with "bad biker dude" keeps following them. As Izzy tries to help Max with his paranormal business, they realize things are more complicated in the spiritual world than either realize. If that isn't enough, the biker introduces himself has J.D. Rye and declares Izzy is his. When Rye's actions go from savior, to stalker, to potential serial killer, Izzy and Max decide Rye must die.

When I first started reading this book, I thought "where is this going." But as I kept reading I realized the beginning serves as an ending to something from Izzy's past. The character Max is great. Very charismatic and does not take no for an answer. With Izzy's surly attitude towards the townspeople, and Max's mega watt smile, the characters play well off of each other. I like how Izzy keeps reminding Max they are not on a date and continues to agree. You'll have to read the book to understand. The book is laced with serious moments, like Izzy's sophomore year in high school, and funny moments when Izzy is introduced to Max's sister, Sam. It's a short read, but does a great job of drawing the reader in and wanting to see where Max and Izzy's next adventure goes. I've found another series to get hooked on.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the authors through Choosy Bookworm in exchange for an honest review. Some day I'll wise up and realize that what this does is get me hooked on another new author and now I have another "must have" on my list.

Rye Must Die is the story of Izzy and Max (I see they star in the books I now must read!), how they got together and how they managed to save Izzy from Rye, a mysterious biker dude who bears an amazing resemblance to the bad boy bikers who figure heavily in all of Izzy's romances.

Izzy has inherited her grandmother's antique store, and because of this, and caring for her grandmother prior to her death, she is now stuck in her old home town. Definitely not the place she would have picked, and as she feels like a complete outcast, she doesn't expect much and lives through her romance novels. When Max arrives at her shop, she sees a crazy wannabe surfer dude, and plans to hate him no matter what. He definitely doesn't measure up to her biker boyfriend fantasies. When J. D. Rye begins to stalk her though, Max's help is definitely welcome.

I like the way the story develops, Izzy's reluctance to accept Max as a boyfriend and paranormal investigator, and the explanation of Rye's presence is really great!

If you like paranormal, a bit of romance and a heroine with a dark side, I think you'll like this book as much I have! Here's to the rest of the series!

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

RYE MUST DIE is a paranormal tinged book about a lonely, self-proclaimed weird girl who has had a rough life. Izzy is hiding her past, including a rescued suicide attempt, by running her late grandmother's antique store and reading romance novels. One day Max walks into her shop and life, and little by little he chips away at Izzy's shell until they start to not-date and become not-friends. Only suddenly Max has competition from a stalker who is amazingly similar to the biker on the covers of Izzy's romance novels. Max is a paranormal investigator and trying to get Izzy to help him in the business. They discover a spirit of a librarian who turns out to be a distant relative of Izzy. Communication with spirits? You will be a believer when you read what happens in this book! Hard to believe by the title, but it is a very sensitive story and has some funny moments. I liked Max and his ability to be sweet and funny and serious. One favorite part of the book was Izzy introducing Max to a guy who was crushing on her. She called him "my Max" for lack of a better label. (Remember they are not-friends and definitely not-boyfriend!) The other guy continues to call him "a Max or your Max." ( "...I think your Max is finishing up too." ) This fun dialog is typical of Dakota's writing style, and make you feel like you are listening in on real conversations!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different kind of ghost story, a different kind of love (not actually) story.
It would be a friends with benefits story but Izzy doesn't do friendship.

Max is a ghost hunter. What's that? He corrects me. He is a Paranormal Investigator.
He hasn't actually seen any ghosts or done any deep investigating, but he believes in ghosts and spirits and wants to start a business.
Izzy has a business. As the last living Grant, she inherited the family antiques store and promised her grandmother she would run it. What the translates into is sit behind the counter waiting for anyone to stop in and reading biker romance novels. This makes Izzy so desperate she tries to take her own life.
That is how she meets J.D. Rye.

The story contains humor, danger and barrier breaking sex (for necessity, trust me.)
Izzy, who has no friends and has never had a relationship, has two very different men chasing after her, wanting to be her one and only. Can ghost hunting...oops, paranormal investigating, be what pulls Izzy's life etogether?

The characters are well written and even if there is nothing overly endearing about them, the reader grows to care.
The ending leads us to believe this is only the beginning.

[BethAnn Redd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good paranormal romance with spice and suspense. It was surprising around some corners and delightful alot of the time... engaging from beginning to end. I loved the characters and I will definately look to read more from Dakota, Savannah and Karen's books. Such wonderful authors.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Paranormal Romantic comedy, and add fantasy to this story as well. I loved it, it is a fairly quick read, as long as no one interrupts me, I could have read it fast. It is a novella and this is the first in the series. I cannot wait for the next book.
As you read in the synopsis, Izzy is supposed to be dead but isn’t. She tried to hang herself but it didn’t work out, I guess not her time.
She inherited her grandmother’s antique shop and mostly thinks she isn’t liked by anyone in the town, she wears black and keeps to herself. Of course that would be a boring story, of course a good looking blonde surfer looking dude walks into her shop, he isn’t a surfer but has the looks. Oh I should mention Izzy loves to read romance novels, maybe a little too many.
I love how the author builds and develops this story. But leaves open for more in the series, enough that I can’t wait to read. I feel that the character building is great and leaves me wanting more. I like that this isn’t a cliffhanger and does have an ending but leaves room for more.
I received a copy of this book to review for an honest opinion

[Mish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Ms. Dakota Johnson for sending me a digital copy of this novella!

"And if you want to know the reason I read romance novels, other than having nothing better to do at the shop, it's because they make me feel a little less lonely."

I love this novella!!! <3 It fits the genres that I like, and it lived up to it.
Paranormal? Check. Romance? Check. Comedy? Check!

I like how it is written and even though the chapters are so long (some are 60 pages long), you won't get bored reading it because the story is fast paced.

"She who creates also has the power to destroy."

Izzy, the female main character is anti-social, not the girly type, and I think she's cool. I just don't like that she stopped accepting new people in her life. But she have reasons... She works on her ancestors' antique shop (which is already hers) and loves to read romance novels.

Max, the main character, whom I portrayed as someone like Zac Efron??? I am not sure. Lol. He is so nice and thoughtful. He is new to the county and is planning to have a paranormal expert kind of job.

And Rye? Watch out for him.

[Glenda Findley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was entertained. While romance novels are not my usual choice, when I found Rye Must Die available among the Kindle Unlimited reads I was delighted. I was in need of some uplifting humor. This novella delivered. The combination of genres: paranormal, romance, and comedy hooked me. This story has elements of all three with unique characters and a simple plot written in first person.

I thoroughly love the personality conflicts that draw Izzy and Max together. Great dialogue and introspective narrative. However, I think this complicated relationship could've been explored further to enhance the paranormal theme in conflict with the appearance of J.D. Rye.

While I won't reveal a spoiler ending, I felt it was vague and anticlimactic. Then, an epilogue. I think of an epilogue as tying up loose ends within the plot, not a preview or sneak-peek of the next novella. This is the only reason for my 3.0 rating.

I was entertained. Hence, I can easily recommend this novella and see myself reading future Izzy and Max adventures.

[☆Joycedale☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The synopsis gives away basically everything I could say except Rye is not all they think he is. With the help of a stop on Max's tour they discover this and a way to make him go away.
I loved the characters. Max is goofy and sweet and won't let Izzy push him away. Izzy has a good reason for being a loner and the way Max deals with it just makes him more endearing. Sam is Max's sister and he must've told her more about Izzy then we know because she knows how to handle Izzys "we're not friends" comments.
Things do develop between Max and Izzy rather quickly even with her wanting to deny it attitude but sometimes the chemistry is just too strong to fight.
It's just a novella so it was a quick read but I wish it had been longer.
I can't wait to see how this series goes.

I was given an ecopy from the author through Nerdy Girl Reviews in exchange for a honest review. Thank you.

[Sue Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dakota Madison is a new author for me to read and I was NOT disappointed with Rye Must Die!!!

In Rye Must Die, we are first introduced to Izzy as she is working in the antique shop - she inherited this from her Grandmother. Max is new in town and is starting a Paranormal Investigations business. Rye is a biker who seems to show up at odd times. I don't write spoilers -- and with this being a short and sweet type book, there isn't a lot that one can say in regards to what takes place without giving away the story. When you start reading, make sure you have a couple of hours to read - because once you start reading you will find it hard to stop until you finish the book!!!

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Antionette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. Izzy is a a young woman who has kept to herself and been a loner since forever in a little town. She runs her family antique business that she has inherited from her last living relative, her grandmother. Of course in a small town, business isn't booming but she makes due. One day, in walks a surfer dude. They are no where near the beach which makes this even more strange...her life is never the same after that... She is thrown into ghosts, paranormal investigating, finding herself and healing from a not so perfect past. Finding a natural comfortable love when she least expects it....I will not give the story way but it's just a fun read.... I was given this book for my honest opinion, and now here it is,

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES!! I freaking LOVED this read. If you havent read anything by this author you are missing out for sure!! You first get introduced to Izzy in Savannah Young's Series Old Town Country Romance ( which is an AMAZING series. Each book in that series is worth the read.) Izzy felt she wasnt anyone special but once she met max everything changes. I enjoyed the characters. I felt an immediate connection to Izzy and Max. This story had just enough of everything to make it never boring and kept me captivated. I'm bummed it had to end though. I cant wait for more in this series! #DyingformoreIzzyandMax

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A motorcycle riding, alpha male would be Izzy's ideal romance, but Rye crosses all the wrong lines. He may have saved her from herself but now he is being creepy and stalking her every move.
So when the new guy comes in to visit her little antique shop looking for ghosts and her grandmother. She can't help but to maybe like the goofy surfer boy, Max.
Now she may have just put them all in danger? With a mystery of a long dead ghost on their hands, a creepy motorcycle guy and a deep hurtful past of why Izzy is Izzy.
Will she be able to stay a head?

[Tami Schafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 I really enjoyed this book I cant wait to see what else Lizzy and Max get into ,and learn more about their families . At times I was like hum...more detail about them but as I get further into the book I realize all I need to do is keep reading the series lol and I'm sure more will unfold . I will be reading more about this Dynamic duo for sure! They have a great banter between them that makes them very likable!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This story had such great, dry humor that I found myself laughing quite a bit at Izzy's thoughts. I was actually quite surprised at the twist with Rye and his interactions with others (like in the bar). I also enjoyed how Izzy wasn't as hated as she believed she was and a few people were looking out for her. Definitely a fun, light read considering the plot line!