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The Harry Russo Diaries #1
Dead and Kicking
The Harry Russo Diaries, volume 1
What’s a girl to do when her date is D.O.A?
Angharad ‘Harry’ Russo is just your ordinary twenty-something, with one exception - she’s a witch with an out of the ordinary gift. When her blind date goes sideways and she ends up face to face with a dead body, her life starts to go sideways too.
Harry soon finds herself right in the middle of the mayhem, dealing with Cian Nash, a homicide detective that is as aggravating as he is sexy; the biggest, baddest vampire in town; and a parcel of pesky zombies that keep popping up everywhere. It’s all connected to her date’s unfortunate demise, or is there more to it than meets the eye?
What’s a girl to do when her date is D.O.A?
Angharad ‘Harry’ Russo is just your ordinary twenty-something, with one exception - she’s a witch with an out of the ordinary gift. When her blind date goes sideways and she ends up face to face with a dead body, her life starts to go sideways too.
Harry soon finds herself right in the middle of the mayhem, dealing with Cian Nash, a homicide detective that is as aggravating as he is sexy; the biggest, baddest vampire in town; and a parcel of pesky zombies that keep popping up everywhere. It’s all connected to her date’s unfortunate demise, or is there more to it than meets the eye?
202 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2015
117 people are currently reading
882 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Emme
13 books148 followersLisa Emme is a Canadian who proudly ends her ABC’s with ‘zed’. A self-professed book-a-holic, she has spent the last few years trying to stem her book hoarding tendencies by writing her own stories and by avoiding the bargain table at the bookstore like the plague.
A bit of a thrill seeker, Lisa has tried such death defying activities as bungy jumping off a bridge and rappelling down the side of a 17 storey building. She's also single-handedly raising a teenager.
Lisa has worked as a veterinary assistant, playground instructor, bank teller, store clerk, waitress, telephone solicitor, research writer for an environmental think tank, computer programmer, and systems analyst. Her passion however, is writing. What else is she going to do during the long, cold prairie winter?
A bit of a thrill seeker, Lisa has tried such death defying activities as bungy jumping off a bridge and rappelling down the side of a 17 storey building. She's also single-handedly raising a teenager.
Lisa has worked as a veterinary assistant, playground instructor, bank teller, store clerk, waitress, telephone solicitor, research writer for an environmental think tank, computer programmer, and systems analyst. Her passion however, is writing. What else is she going to do during the long, cold prairie winter?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
September 27, 2015
I have to say, there just aren't as many new Urban Fantasy series out there as there used to be, so it's kind of exciting for me to find one that I enjoyed. I read this debut by Lisa Emme in one sitting. While it doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, it is an entertaining story that fills a void in the market right now. There is just enough of a romantic thread to satisfy. And there is a promise of more story without a cliffhanger to raise your blood pressure.
Our heroine, Harry, can see and hear ghosts. She lives in a world where supernaturals keep a low profile, but here, you can find just about any of the genre's major players. In fact, her roommates are a witch and a werewolf. As the story begins, Harry's grandmother --her dead grandmother-- is trying to set her up with a handsome man. Only problem is, Bryce isn't alive either. His spirit, however, is more than happy to make Harry's acquaintance. You see, someone has murdered him and he needs help with some unfinished business; business that will pull Harry into serious danger.
All this lands Harry in the orbit of two powerful men: Salvador, the leader of the vampires.. and Nash, the sexy shifter cop who develops into a love interest. We learn a lot about the players as the story unfolds. And Harry's dynamic with Nash is nothing like love at first sight. I enjoyed their biting adversarial relationship. Nash is definitely alpha, but Harry is no wilting flower. I like that she stands up for herself and can hold her own with all the powerful men around her. In fact, as the story progresses, she becomes quite a force to be reckoned with, herself.
I liked the tone of the book. It's on the light side without being silly. The characters were interesting enough that I would like to see more of them. The pacing is good and there is plenty going on, without it being too much. The only thing is, with this novel being on the shorter side, it's not able to get down to any kind of emotional level. It's not evocative. But it is engaging.
If you're looking for an urban fantasy fix that doesn't feel like a rehash of everything that came out 5 or 10 years ago, I'd suggest giving this one a try. I will be back for book two when it comes out next year.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by author
Our heroine, Harry, can see and hear ghosts. She lives in a world where supernaturals keep a low profile, but here, you can find just about any of the genre's major players. In fact, her roommates are a witch and a werewolf. As the story begins, Harry's grandmother --her dead grandmother-- is trying to set her up with a handsome man. Only problem is, Bryce isn't alive either. His spirit, however, is more than happy to make Harry's acquaintance. You see, someone has murdered him and he needs help with some unfinished business; business that will pull Harry into serious danger.
All this lands Harry in the orbit of two powerful men: Salvador, the leader of the vampires.. and Nash, the sexy shifter cop who develops into a love interest. We learn a lot about the players as the story unfolds. And Harry's dynamic with Nash is nothing like love at first sight. I enjoyed their biting adversarial relationship. Nash is definitely alpha, but Harry is no wilting flower. I like that she stands up for herself and can hold her own with all the powerful men around her. In fact, as the story progresses, she becomes quite a force to be reckoned with, herself.
I liked the tone of the book. It's on the light side without being silly. The characters were interesting enough that I would like to see more of them. The pacing is good and there is plenty going on, without it being too much. The only thing is, with this novel being on the shorter side, it's not able to get down to any kind of emotional level. It's not evocative. But it is engaging.
If you're looking for an urban fantasy fix that doesn't feel like a rehash of everything that came out 5 or 10 years ago, I'd suggest giving this one a try. I will be back for book two when it comes out next year.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by author
September 2, 2019
Okay, the good news is, this book isn't bad bad bad. Then again, it's not like it's good good good either (as you might have grasped from my rating. Because you're Super Extra Clever and Observant—SECaO™ —like that). Or good good, mind you. Or just plain good, come to think of it. But hey, at least it isn’t Stupidly Stupid Highly Flammable Ground-Breaking Crap (SSHFGBC™) like some UF objects that shall remain unnamed, so I guess I can’t complain and stuff. So yay and stuff.
October 15, 2015
I started this book last night and figured I'd read a chapter or two then watch an episode of Supernatural.... I did not watch Supernatural. And those of you who know me, know that I adore Jensen Ackles. So for me to give up staring at my favourite actor to read a book means something.
Harry, the female lead, amused me, although a few times I wanted to smack her upside the head for ignoring some obvious things. I loved that she was loyal and did the right thing even when it landed her into trouble. She didn't cower away from it. Plus, she wasn't a bitch! Some people feel that making a woman strong means she has to be a bitch. Ugh.
And Nash... well hello. Now there's someone I want to wake up next to. While he was overbearing, he was still surprisingly sweet. And Harry, well, she didn't put up with his shit.
The world building was decent. It slowly unwrapped without overwhelming or giving major info dumps. I want to learn more about Isaac, the vampire, as well as the Magistrate. Now there was one scary dude.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, I loved the characters, and I can't wait to read more.
Harry, the female lead, amused me, although a few times I wanted to smack her upside the head for ignoring some obvious things. I loved that she was loyal and did the right thing even when it landed her into trouble. She didn't cower away from it. Plus, she wasn't a bitch! Some people feel that making a woman strong means she has to be a bitch. Ugh.
And Nash... well hello. Now there's someone I want to wake up next to. While he was overbearing, he was still surprisingly sweet. And Harry, well, she didn't put up with his shit.
The world building was decent. It slowly unwrapped without overwhelming or giving major info dumps. I want to learn more about Isaac, the vampire, as well as the Magistrate. Now there was one scary dude.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, I loved the characters, and I can't wait to read more.
October 29, 2016
She tried. That's the best I can say. She got a plot, if paper thin, and a tentative world building. But even in a such short book, scant a novel, there's not enough to sustain the story. There's no depth at all. Characters are cardboard, even the main ones are barely a sketch. There's no coherence to them. They are fake, they never get real. You get told their reaction, but that disappears a moment later. They take decisions that are about the author's choice, but make no sense in the story. What house has a life as a price tag? You really need to give her a story, a personality, to make me believe.
There's plenty of clichés, too. They make up mostly of the story itself.
I might have tried the second to give the author an other chance. Pity that the blurbs of the 2nd and 3rd books spoiler completely all the stories. Why reading them at all?
Still, it's one of those books that make you think, if only...
There's plenty of clichés, too. They make up mostly of the story itself.
I might have tried the second to give the author an other chance. Pity that the blurbs of the 2nd and 3rd books spoiler completely all the stories. Why reading them at all?
Still, it's one of those books that make you think, if only...
May 7, 2018
3 stars audible version 2018
4 stars 2016 kindle version.
4 stars 2016 kindle version.
December 29, 2015
Harry's a witch, a special kind of witch.
How special?
My lips are sealed, but between a sexy alpha-male werewolf/cop and a host of other intriguing characters, this was a fun, fast read (reminescent of Darynda Jones' Grave series).
Some things were a little rough; a smattering of editing issues, etc. Plus the need to get music artists right. (No, Metallica does NOT do Thunderstruck!!!)
By and large though, this was a highly entertaining and kick-ass start to what promises to be a great UF series. Can't WAIT for #2!! :D
How special?
My lips are sealed, but between a sexy alpha-male werewolf/cop and a host of other intriguing characters, this was a fun, fast read (reminescent of Darynda Jones' Grave series).
Some things were a little rough; a smattering of editing issues, etc. Plus the need to get music artists right. (No, Metallica does NOT do Thunderstruck!!!)
By and large though, this was a highly entertaining and kick-ass start to what promises to be a great UF series. Can't WAIT for #2!! :D
March 29, 2016
What a delightful, funny & entertaining read! I loved the writing style, the humour, the paranormal creatures and I just adore Harry. I would love to have a night out with her and her flatmates - it would be anything but boring. If you are in the mood for light, laugh out loud, intriguing mystery with a little romance, then I highly recommend this book.
November 11, 2015
Dead and Kicking by Lisa Emme was a read that had me chuckling pretty much throughout the whole book. With a quirky main character and a gruff sexy homicide detective, and a world filled with supernatural beings to satisfy your craving, Dead and Kicking was a solid book 1 in The Harry Russo Diaries.
Harry Russo has a gift. Not only is she a witch, but she’s able to communicate with the dead AND another gift that comes to light later in the book. A pretty kick ass gift if you ask me.
Unfortunately for Harry, her blind date winds up dead and contacts her for help. Harry ends up mixed up in a whole lot of danger, and winds up making deals with one of the most feared vampires around. And as if things couldn’t get any worse, throw in some zombies into the mix and a little shock and awe twist at the end, and I would say you’ve got a pretty good recipe for pretty intriguing supernatural read.
The opening chapter to Dead and Kicking by Lisa Emme was actually done so well that it would draw in many readers to continue. I liked how it was revealing teaser of what to expect from main character, Harry Russo. Harry Russo is a character that I feel people can relate to, and it always helps that she has some great one-liners. My thoughts on the male lead, Cian Nash, is still debatable. There’s no question that he’s a sexy brooding character, but he was way too grumpy. Like, irritatingly grumpy. It’s a good thing that he seems to arrive right at the nick of time, and does something/says something utterly sweet that makes up for SOME of his grumpiness. I’m still waiting for him to make me swoon, folks.
The storyline was attention grabbing and progressed quite well. I enjoyed the supernatural elements in the book, and parts kinda sorta reminded me of HBO’s True Blood. Vamps, witches, werewolves, zombies…Dead and Kicking by Lisa Emme pretty much had it all.
I will say though that the way in which some of the story was written was confusing. For example, the character is speaking directly to the reader, but some of it was in the past tense. So I was waiting for the point in the book where the character would say something like “…and so now here I am”, and then change to present tense. It was like a lead up to a current event.
With a little tweaking, I’m sure that The Harry Russo Diaries will become an instant hit with fans of True Blood or Supernatural. A solid intro to the world of Harry Russo, author Lisa Emme will easily find a following with fans of supernatural reads. Grab a copy, and check it out for yourself!
Harry Russo has a gift. Not only is she a witch, but she’s able to communicate with the dead AND another gift that comes to light later in the book. A pretty kick ass gift if you ask me.
Unfortunately for Harry, her blind date winds up dead and contacts her for help. Harry ends up mixed up in a whole lot of danger, and winds up making deals with one of the most feared vampires around. And as if things couldn’t get any worse, throw in some zombies into the mix and a little shock and awe twist at the end, and I would say you’ve got a pretty good recipe for pretty intriguing supernatural read.
The opening chapter to Dead and Kicking by Lisa Emme was actually done so well that it would draw in many readers to continue. I liked how it was revealing teaser of what to expect from main character, Harry Russo. Harry Russo is a character that I feel people can relate to, and it always helps that she has some great one-liners. My thoughts on the male lead, Cian Nash, is still debatable. There’s no question that he’s a sexy brooding character, but he was way too grumpy. Like, irritatingly grumpy. It’s a good thing that he seems to arrive right at the nick of time, and does something/says something utterly sweet that makes up for SOME of his grumpiness. I’m still waiting for him to make me swoon, folks.
The storyline was attention grabbing and progressed quite well. I enjoyed the supernatural elements in the book, and parts kinda sorta reminded me of HBO’s True Blood. Vamps, witches, werewolves, zombies…Dead and Kicking by Lisa Emme pretty much had it all.
I will say though that the way in which some of the story was written was confusing. For example, the character is speaking directly to the reader, but some of it was in the past tense. So I was waiting for the point in the book where the character would say something like “…and so now here I am”, and then change to present tense. It was like a lead up to a current event.
With a little tweaking, I’m sure that The Harry Russo Diaries will become an instant hit with fans of True Blood or Supernatural. A solid intro to the world of Harry Russo, author Lisa Emme will easily find a following with fans of supernatural reads. Grab a copy, and check it out for yourself!
March 20, 2016
Dead and Kicking brings a mix of vampires, shifters, ghosts, zombies, and witches. (Did I miss any?) So if you're a fan of any of them, you should love this book.
The protagonist, Harry, is witty. The whole story is told in a light and funny way while staying serious enough to keep us believing in what is happening. My only pet peeve was Holly. Harry has two friends who share her apartment, Holly and Tess. While we hear a lot about Tess, we barely get to know Holly. It was like she was there to fill a whole. Later when something happens to Holly, Tess is worried, but she and Harry still make jokes. I found that part a bit strange but otherwise, the book was entertaining. The more I read, the more I wanted to know what would happen.
My favorite character was Nash. I hope we'll see him again in the books to come.
The protagonist, Harry, is witty. The whole story is told in a light and funny way while staying serious enough to keep us believing in what is happening. My only pet peeve was Holly. Harry has two friends who share her apartment, Holly and Tess. While we hear a lot about Tess, we barely get to know Holly. It was like she was there to fill a whole. Later when something happens to Holly, Tess is worried, but she and Harry still make jokes. I found that part a bit strange but otherwise, the book was entertaining. The more I read, the more I wanted to know what would happen.
My favorite character was Nash. I hope we'll see him again in the books to come.
March 10, 2016
An engaging first adventure with a host of interesting characters. Harry (I loved this name by the way) is a witch with special talents, some known and some she discovers along the way. I like the potential of Harry, though I felt like the reader can figure a lot of what's going on way before the author reveals it. The secondary characters are interesting and have their own motivations. Hopefully in coming adventures these characters are rounded out a little more.
There were a few rough spots in the story, but for the most part it was very enjoyable. I read it in a day so it held my attention when I was supposed to be doing other, more productive things. I will definitely be reading the second installment in the series.
There were a few rough spots in the story, but for the most part it was very enjoyable. I read it in a day so it held my attention when I was supposed to be doing other, more productive things. I will definitely be reading the second installment in the series.
September 17, 2015
I read this book cover to cover without putting it down. With each new development, the plot leaves the reader wanting more. The back stories for each character are really well developed and truly add to the suspense and plot twists. This book will leave any reader, even those not especially drawn to vampire/sci-fi romance, wanting more. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next two novels in the series!
June 25, 2016
Kicking it is!
Giggled, grinned, cheered all the way. Harry is a proper kick butt heroine. She enjoys her garden shop and accepts her role as a medium. Yes, she's a bit haunted but that is to be expected after all. But, when push comes to shove, or rather when body jackers, fangs and zombies show up she's the one you want to call.
My only suggestion, pb&j is best with marionberries not strawberries...
Giggled, grinned, cheered all the way. Harry is a proper kick butt heroine. She enjoys her garden shop and accepts her role as a medium. Yes, she's a bit haunted but that is to be expected after all. But, when push comes to shove, or rather when body jackers, fangs and zombies show up she's the one you want to call.
My only suggestion, pb&j is best with marionberries not strawberries...
October 4, 2015
I loved it from the first page and I couldn't put it down! I liked your writing style, fluid and light. There is everything I love in a Urban Fantasy, ghosts, witches, vampires, wolves and necromancers, the right amount of spices and flavours, all the ingredients in the proper place, this is what makes it special. Maybe the recipe is not so new, but it is masterfully performed! Great job Lisa!
January 4, 2016
Lisa Emme is an outstanding writer! This paranormal romance is just perfect. Her writing style is perfect, her characters are appealing, the plot is great, the heroine is kick-ass without being obnoxious, and the alpha male hero is yummy! Lisa's going to do great things as an author. I've already pre-ordered book number 2 in this series.
December 23, 2015
Dead and Kicking is an action-packed fun afternoon read and an excellent addition to the urban fantasy genre. It's got witches, vampires, and shifters with just the right touch of romance and a good bit of humor. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 23, 2016
Nope nope nope. Metallica does NOT sing Thunderstruck. DNF at 20%.
December 16, 2018
In the beginning, I thought it had potential. Sure the world building is thin, but it also features preternatural beings that are familiar to most: vampires, werewolves, witches, zombies, necromancers... Then it fell apart and got boring.
I mean, I loved the secondary characters -- Bryce the ghost, who then becomes ghost in the machine, was really fun to read. However, the main characters... Harry was a bit 'too naive' (bordering on TSTL) and I wasn't impressed with Nash, the love interest. PLUS, I was spoiled BIG TIME by the blurb of book #3. Way to ruin things for me :(
I don't think I'll continue with the next book.
I mean, I loved the secondary characters -- Bryce the ghost, who then becomes ghost in the machine, was really fun to read. However, the main characters... Harry was a bit 'too naive' (bordering on TSTL) and I wasn't impressed with Nash, the love interest. PLUS, I was spoiled BIG TIME by the blurb of book #3. Way to ruin things for me :(
I don't think I'll continue with the next book.
May 4, 2019
The too quick pace and the the sugary sweetness got in the way of what should have been a great story. The h is a witch, with mad skills, ignorant of her real calling. She was also too good to be true, perfect at everything. The H is a shifter but no character development, he's handsome, built and that's it. The plot was OK, but too many plot devices chucked in at a super speed, all TOLD via dialogue. It felt like a teenage read with gore.
March 14, 2017
loved this book. She got lots of spirt, ha ha pun noy intended, and she turn into a big surprise. i like that there is alove interest and that it takes time to build. Many relationship building in the story too that i enjoy. great beginning of triology. i bought the next book.
September 15, 2015
Thank you Lisa Emme for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have had my paranormal fiction craze - whether it be vampires, werewolves, witches and all the other cooky and the spooky. And I am extremely excited to tell you I loved this novel because it contained them all. It was an easy read and I couldn't put it down, okay I could, I mean a girl has to eat! But, the point is that I didn't WANT to.
This book reminds me of Hunted by the Others by Jess Haines, which is a massive compliment because I ADORE her series. So if you like that kinda story, you'll like this!
Harry, our heroine, is a kick-ass, witty and independent protagonist and I loved her, THANK YOU for finally banishing the uses of wimpy heroines in fiction! She has a gift, which gives her the ability to see ghosts, and makes for some fun moments which had me giggling like a school girl.
I don't want to give too much away, other than there's plenty of action, drama, investigating and betrayal.
I wish there were more heated moments with a certain hunky hero! I'm crazy from the sexual tension, yet I'm excited to see where Harry's relationship leads, those hot kisses and bedroom eyes are haunting me! And by God I hope it turns into a sexy, sizzling, lust fest in the next book, just give me a chapter of them giving in to their desires, or two, or three, give me something, please!!!
Total fan-girling over this potential relationship and series, can't wait to learn more about the characters!
I want/need more information on Nash the sexy detective and Salvador the tempting vampire, I feel there are more to their character's and this wasn't achieved in the first book. I hope to find out more in-depth things about them through out the rest of this series. (reason for the 4 stars)
NOTE: THIS WAS NOT A LOVE TRIANGLE, YOU ARE SAFE!
Emme has written a book which is the start of a promising series. I loved the twist at the end!
I will be reading the rest!
I have had my paranormal fiction craze - whether it be vampires, werewolves, witches and all the other cooky and the spooky. And I am extremely excited to tell you I loved this novel because it contained them all. It was an easy read and I couldn't put it down, okay I could, I mean a girl has to eat! But, the point is that I didn't WANT to.
This book reminds me of Hunted by the Others by Jess Haines, which is a massive compliment because I ADORE her series. So if you like that kinda story, you'll like this!
Harry, our heroine, is a kick-ass, witty and independent protagonist and I loved her, THANK YOU for finally banishing the uses of wimpy heroines in fiction! She has a gift, which gives her the ability to see ghosts, and makes for some fun moments which had me giggling like a school girl.
I don't want to give too much away, other than there's plenty of action, drama, investigating and betrayal.
I wish there were more heated moments with a certain hunky hero! I'm crazy from the sexual tension, yet I'm excited to see where Harry's relationship leads, those hot kisses and bedroom eyes are haunting me! And by God I hope it turns into a sexy, sizzling, lust fest in the next book, just give me a chapter of them giving in to their desires, or two, or three, give me something, please!!!
Total fan-girling over this potential relationship and series, can't wait to learn more about the characters!
I want/need more information on Nash the sexy detective and Salvador the tempting vampire, I feel there are more to their character's and this wasn't achieved in the first book. I hope to find out more in-depth things about them through out the rest of this series. (reason for the 4 stars)
NOTE: THIS WAS NOT A LOVE TRIANGLE, YOU ARE SAFE!
Emme has written a book which is the start of a promising series. I loved the twist at the end!
I will be reading the rest!
February 25, 2016
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
(Reviewed by David Bibby from Rochelle’s Reviews.)
This was my first experience reading one of Lisa Emme’s novels, and it won’t be the last! “Dead and Kicking” is a funny paranormal mystery with a bit of romance thrown in. In a world where all myths are grounded in truth and the “norms” (those unremarkable everyday humans) are kept in the dark, we have a perfect setting for an engaging and entertaining story.
Harry Russo is a witch who helps dead people. She’s got the “gift” and she uses it to solve those mini-capers in the affairs of the dead. A missing will? Piece of cake. It’s all in a day’s work to Harry. Her friends and her dead grandma would like nothing more than to see her have a little fun of the male sort. After much resisting, she decided to go out on a blind date with someone Gram has set her up with. The only problem is, he shows up late, disheveled, and totally dead.
Unfortunately, or rather inconveniently, the dead can’t remember the events leading up to their death, and so it’s up to Harry to investigate the matter. This quickly becomes much bigger than her usual unsolved mysteries episode, and she’s going to need a lot of help. Her involvement soon attracts the attention of Vampires, Werewolves, a sexy crime detective, and others that would use her powers for their own purposes. How far will she go before she realizes she’s in over her head?
I really enjoyed reading “Dead and Kicking” and I’m looking forward to the next book “Tooth and Claw”. I’m especially interested to see more of the possessed computer, the bodyguard vampire, and how Harry copes with her new changes.
(Reviewed by David Bibby from Rochelle’s Reviews.)
This was my first experience reading one of Lisa Emme’s novels, and it won’t be the last! “Dead and Kicking” is a funny paranormal mystery with a bit of romance thrown in. In a world where all myths are grounded in truth and the “norms” (those unremarkable everyday humans) are kept in the dark, we have a perfect setting for an engaging and entertaining story.
Harry Russo is a witch who helps dead people. She’s got the “gift” and she uses it to solve those mini-capers in the affairs of the dead. A missing will? Piece of cake. It’s all in a day’s work to Harry. Her friends and her dead grandma would like nothing more than to see her have a little fun of the male sort. After much resisting, she decided to go out on a blind date with someone Gram has set her up with. The only problem is, he shows up late, disheveled, and totally dead.
Unfortunately, or rather inconveniently, the dead can’t remember the events leading up to their death, and so it’s up to Harry to investigate the matter. This quickly becomes much bigger than her usual unsolved mysteries episode, and she’s going to need a lot of help. Her involvement soon attracts the attention of Vampires, Werewolves, a sexy crime detective, and others that would use her powers for their own purposes. How far will she go before she realizes she’s in over her head?
I really enjoyed reading “Dead and Kicking” and I’m looking forward to the next book “Tooth and Claw”. I’m especially interested to see more of the possessed computer, the bodyguard vampire, and how Harry copes with her new changes.
September 20, 2015
***3 1/2 Stars***
Thanks Lisa for giving me the opportunity to read and review your book.
You know that saying everything but the kitchen sink, well in this case duck because here comes the sink. Lisa seems to have used every available species of the paranormal world to fill the pages of her book.
The advantage of this method of writing is that there is little chance of becoming bored with fast paced character and scene changes, disadvantage you might find it difficult to connect to the characters and Lisa will have to keep an eye on things so she doesn't lose control of all the strings she is pulling.
I must be honest here, Lisa is not re-inventing the wheel so don't expect anything different than what you normally read, "Harry" the girl with secret depths, with the love interest a loyal yet obnoxious werewolf, throw in a secretive and controlling vampire overlord and you get the gist of the story. But don't let this put you off, it may not be original, but Lisa writes with adept touch which many authors don't have and which makes this book a great light yet action packed read.
I will be looking out for the next book - but the cover might need some work.
Thanks Lisa for giving me the opportunity to read and review your book.
You know that saying everything but the kitchen sink, well in this case duck because here comes the sink. Lisa seems to have used every available species of the paranormal world to fill the pages of her book.
The advantage of this method of writing is that there is little chance of becoming bored with fast paced character and scene changes, disadvantage you might find it difficult to connect to the characters and Lisa will have to keep an eye on things so she doesn't lose control of all the strings she is pulling.
I must be honest here, Lisa is not re-inventing the wheel so don't expect anything different than what you normally read, "Harry" the girl with secret depths, with the love interest a loyal yet obnoxious werewolf, throw in a secretive and controlling vampire overlord and you get the gist of the story. But don't let this put you off, it may not be original, but Lisa writes with adept touch which many authors don't have and which makes this book a great light yet action packed read.
I will be looking out for the next book - but the cover might need some work.
February 25, 2016
Full review on Fangfreakintasticreviews.com
Although her life is seemingly normal albeit a little supernatural, this blind date has thrown her into the world of shapeshifters and the head vampire for the entire city. Obviously not common place but Harry seems to be able to hold her own. The story progresses when she meets a very yummy shapeshifter who is also the police officer in charge of the case. Nash, the police officer, is a great addition to the story line as a strong male character as well as Salvador, a vampire, another strong male character. These strong men are very good at playing against how strong Harry is.
This is a really good book from page 1 on, and honestly I was not able to put it down. I like that Harry is a strong female character without being overly bitchy and that Nash and Salvador while on opposite sides of the morality spectrum, to Harry they are intriguing, and that carries over for the reader. The twists are honestly a little unexpected and so when they did occur I was honestly surprised and happy. While this is a very good Urban Fantasy I liked the added little surprise of the twists.
Although her life is seemingly normal albeit a little supernatural, this blind date has thrown her into the world of shapeshifters and the head vampire for the entire city. Obviously not common place but Harry seems to be able to hold her own. The story progresses when she meets a very yummy shapeshifter who is also the police officer in charge of the case. Nash, the police officer, is a great addition to the story line as a strong male character as well as Salvador, a vampire, another strong male character. These strong men are very good at playing against how strong Harry is.
This is a really good book from page 1 on, and honestly I was not able to put it down. I like that Harry is a strong female character without being overly bitchy and that Nash and Salvador while on opposite sides of the morality spectrum, to Harry they are intriguing, and that carries over for the reader. The twists are honestly a little unexpected and so when they did occur I was honestly surprised and happy. While this is a very good Urban Fantasy I liked the added little surprise of the twists.
March 30, 2016
"Dead and Kicking" had me hooked from the first chapter! Harry is a self-sufficient business owner, with a group of hilarious and diverse friends. I also love a character with questionable parentage and secret powers. This was the first book I have read with zombies, and it was very well done from a prospective of Necromancy--not just for pure horror. I recommend it to anyone looking for a urban fantasy with a good amount of paranormal romance. 5 stars for sure!
September 18, 2015
I enjoyed this story!! Thank you Lisa Emme for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review! It contained all my favorite types of paranormal characters and I couldn't put it down. (Read it in one sitting!!) It was an easy read with a great story line. I didn't want the story to end! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
December 10, 2016
Would have given it 4 stars if the writing was better. The author can't seem to write the resolution of suspense scenes properly. They were kind of like fade out scenes. Like Harry's powers, when she finds out, she does not think it through properly. Or when she finds out from Tess what Nash did with the food bowl at the wolf club, there is a fade out scene.
September 27, 2019
The heroine of this book is named “Angharad.” Harry, for short, of course. She is a witch who sees dead people, which comes in handy when dead people start cropping up all over the place. Soon, Harry is at the epicentre of a zombie plague, while also being pursued by her city’s powerful vampire lord and being attracted to/angered by a sexy shapeshifter cop.
All I can say for this book is that it’s pretty much what I expected it to be: zippy and light supernatural fare with the occasional zingy barb provided by our first-person, often-oblivious-but-occasionally-kickass female protagonist.
And yep. All present and accounted for. It was… fine. I’d probably read another book in the series if it came in my way, though I’m not about to seek one out.
Especially not considering AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” is misattributed to Metallica in this one. That’s just sloppy.
All I can say for this book is that it’s pretty much what I expected it to be: zippy and light supernatural fare with the occasional zingy barb provided by our first-person, often-oblivious-but-occasionally-kickass female protagonist.
And yep. All present and accounted for. It was… fine. I’d probably read another book in the series if it came in my way, though I’m not about to seek one out.
Especially not considering AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” is misattributed to Metallica in this one. That’s just sloppy.
August 6, 2019
My Rating : 3.5🌟
✔️Annoying & stubborn female main character
✔️Plot that feels like a mystery story
✔️Amazing villain character development
✔️Drop dead gorgeous love interest
COUNT ME IN !!
But this plot could have gone so much better!! I still loved the story though!
✔️Annoying & stubborn female main character
✔️Plot that feels like a mystery story
✔️Amazing villain character development
✔️Drop dead gorgeous love interest
COUNT ME IN !!
But this plot could have gone so much better!! I still loved the story though!
March 1, 2020
A) What is going on with the anatomy of the female on the cover?
B) Was I supposed to expect this to go from "rather silly fluffy cozy fantasy" to full-on hardcore PNR with no warning? Because ... ew.
B) Was I supposed to expect this to go from "rather silly fluffy cozy fantasy" to full-on hardcore PNR with no warning? Because ... ew.
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