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Pyper Rayne #2
Spirits, Rock Stars and a Midnight Chocolate Bar
It’s date night! And medium Pyper Rayne is finally getting some alone time with her oh-so-sexy new boyfriend, Julius. But when a representative from the Witches’ Council shows up during appetizers, the romance portion of the evening comes to a screeching halt. Julius is needed to deal with paranormal activity—on a cruise ship to the Caribbean.
An all-expense paid cruise to the Caribbean sounds like the perfect second date… until Pyper witnesses the death of a famous rock star. Suddenly Pyper and Julius are caught in the middle of a decade-old homicide. Now the race is on to solve the mystery or history is destined to repeat itself.
An all-expense paid cruise to the Caribbean sounds like the perfect second date… until Pyper witnesses the death of a famous rock star. Suddenly Pyper and Julius are caught in the middle of a decade-old homicide. Now the race is on to solve the mystery or history is destined to repeat itself.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2016
653 people are currently reading
639 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Chase
134 books1,697 followersDeanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog at www.deannachase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 4, 2020
Spirits, Rock Stars and a Midnight Chocolate Bar is the second book in Deanna Chase's Pyper Rayne series. I'm glad that I read the first book in the series before this one because I don't think this one could stand alone because of the characters and their relationships. It was a fun read with paranormal action from witches and mediums. With a black magic witch involved it was a little scary for Pyper but she did what she had to do and came out of it stronger. This is definitely a series that I look forward to reading more of the books.
March 30, 2018
● I’ve decided to review in bulletpoint format going forward because it somehow seems a less insurmountable undertaking when I’m exhausted, don’t feel like expending effort, and just want to rate the bloody book to move onto the next one.
● Typically I like to open with a quote, but nothing struck me from this book. Which… does not bode well.
● I didn’t understand Pyper’s motivation for the majority of this novel. A number of times she stated that she “had” to do something, or she’d “never forgive herself.” That’s the kind of thing that should happen once in a novel.
● By the end, she seemed like a professional self-sacrificer, prodded along by Jade: “We simply must help these incorporeal forms for… reasons! And we cannot wait for the professionals to arrive. Even though it might kill you, we simply must try! Even though you’re my best friend and there’s an overwhelming likelihood you’ll wind up in a coma, with only a smidgen of a chance that you’ll be able to reverse the incapacitating spell… let’s give it a go!” As a reader - sorry, but I’m not on board.
● I’m first and foremost a romance reader, and found the lack of Julius-Pyper interaction really annoying. There’s a crucial distinction between a slow burn and a long detour on a completely parallel road.
● Also a problem likely unique to me: as I work in the music industry, hearing about wannabe rock stars for an entire novel was exhausting. I don’t want to be reminded about work when I’m trying to escape reality.
● I think twelve books of Charley Davidson’s irreverent, consistent humor and an entire catalog of Half Moon Hollow Molly Harper books have spoiled my palate, and I now require a consistent flow of humor to properly enjoy a novel. This could prove problematic, as the vast majority of novelists are not so inclined.
● Undecided on whether I’ll continue.
● Typically I like to open with a quote, but nothing struck me from this book. Which… does not bode well.
● I didn’t understand Pyper’s motivation for the majority of this novel. A number of times she stated that she “had” to do something, or she’d “never forgive herself.” That’s the kind of thing that should happen once in a novel.
● By the end, she seemed like a professional self-sacrificer, prodded along by Jade: “We simply must help these incorporeal forms for… reasons! And we cannot wait for the professionals to arrive. Even though it might kill you, we simply must try! Even though you’re my best friend and there’s an overwhelming likelihood you’ll wind up in a coma, with only a smidgen of a chance that you’ll be able to reverse the incapacitating spell… let’s give it a go!” As a reader - sorry, but I’m not on board.
● I’m first and foremost a romance reader, and found the lack of Julius-Pyper interaction really annoying. There’s a crucial distinction between a slow burn and a long detour on a completely parallel road.
● Also a problem likely unique to me: as I work in the music industry, hearing about wannabe rock stars for an entire novel was exhausting. I don’t want to be reminded about work when I’m trying to escape reality.
● I think twelve books of Charley Davidson’s irreverent, consistent humor and an entire catalog of Half Moon Hollow Molly Harper books have spoiled my palate, and I now require a consistent flow of humor to properly enjoy a novel. This could prove problematic, as the vast majority of novelists are not so inclined.
● Undecided on whether I’ll continue.
August 17, 2016
Deanna Chase never disappoints! In this latest Pyper Rayne installment, Pyper, Julius and company find themselves on a cruise ship to investigate paranormal happenings. They are introduced to new ghosts, new crazy circumstances, and Pyper experiences new growth as she grows into her capabilities as a medium.
This was yet another book that I could not put down once I started. It is so easy to grow to love all of these characters and feel what they feel. Pyper was my favorite character from the Jade Calhoun series and being able to immerse myself into her story is such a joy! The writing and character development was superb! This story was stalked full of suspense and I never would have guessed who the villain was and how everything tied together at the end. This book had it all, suspense, laughs, a touch of romance, and definitely leaves you longing for the next installment. If you love a good paranormal mystery with a splash of fun and romance, then this series is for you!
I was given a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
This was yet another book that I could not put down once I started. It is so easy to grow to love all of these characters and feel what they feel. Pyper was my favorite character from the Jade Calhoun series and being able to immerse myself into her story is such a joy! The writing and character development was superb! This story was stalked full of suspense and I never would have guessed who the villain was and how everything tied together at the end. This book had it all, suspense, laughs, a touch of romance, and definitely leaves you longing for the next installment. If you love a good paranormal mystery with a splash of fun and romance, then this series is for you!
I was given a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
August 3, 2020
Fabulous... but too much Ida May
It is odd to switch from the spicy Jade books to an overly clean Pyper novel, especially when Pyper is as wild as they come.
But that’s not the reason for the four stars. Those are because what was funny in the first book of the series ended up being, more often than not, annoying. And I mean Ida May, here. There was simply way too much of her, and at the most inconvenient moments.
But the stories of the band members were beyond moving. And the investigation was gripping.
It is odd to switch from the spicy Jade books to an overly clean Pyper novel, especially when Pyper is as wild as they come.
But that’s not the reason for the four stars. Those are because what was funny in the first book of the series ended up being, more often than not, annoying. And I mean Ida May, here. There was simply way too much of her, and at the most inconvenient moments.
But the stories of the band members were beyond moving. And the investigation was gripping.
March 21, 2020
The first book in the series was mediocre for me, though I did like the characters so I decided to keep going. By now, Pyper’s ghost boyfriend is permanently solid which makes it easier to accept because it was hard for me to understand the attraction to a ghost in Book 1. The setting for the entire book changes to a cruise ship which was interesting. It was just a bit difficult to keep track of time (day vs. night) in the timeline. It seemed like there would be soooo much action, and a short break for everyone to rest. The addition of the midnight chocolate bar contest was hilarious and gripping, although looking back, it was kind of awkward at the time. I wish that she had made Pyper succeed in her baking a bit more since she does so much of it in her café, but I guess it does make sense that she was distracted trying to save someone from being jumped by a ghost.
I still have some criticisms; however. Chase continues to explain every little backstory detail, right up to the very last chapter of the book which is a huge pet peeve of mine. By now, we’ve read book 1, know that her boyfriend used to be a ghost, and you’ve already mentioned it no less than 5 times in the book. You don’t need to re-explain it again. Not to mention there must be a missing book in the series between the first two, because there was one point where Pyper was talking about being captured by someone and it made no sense because it didn’t happen in the first book. If you’re not going to make a book be part of the main series storyline, don’t refer to it in books within that series. Any 0.5 novellas should be a bonus to the storyline – not necessarily tied in.
In the end, the mystery wraps up with a nice little bow and everyone goes about their merry little ways. Getting through the mystery might have been a bit rough with writing technique, but it was an entertaining read. I just keep hoping the series will get better from here.
I still have some criticisms; however. Chase continues to explain every little backstory detail, right up to the very last chapter of the book which is a huge pet peeve of mine. By now, we’ve read book 1, know that her boyfriend used to be a ghost, and you’ve already mentioned it no less than 5 times in the book. You don’t need to re-explain it again. Not to mention there must be a missing book in the series between the first two, because there was one point where Pyper was talking about being captured by someone and it made no sense because it didn’t happen in the first book. If you’re not going to make a book be part of the main series storyline, don’t refer to it in books within that series. Any 0.5 novellas should be a bonus to the storyline – not necessarily tied in.
In the end, the mystery wraps up with a nice little bow and everyone goes about their merry little ways. Getting through the mystery might have been a bit rough with writing technique, but it was an entertaining read. I just keep hoping the series will get better from here.
April 18, 2025
A Ghostly Cruise
Wow! I loved this book. Okay, I had a little trouble getting into it because it’s the second in the series and I believe the first book probably set everything up. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it.
In this one, the main character, Pyper, her boyfriend, Julius, and their friends are assigned to a cruise to get rid of nasty ghosts/spirits. And there is a lot of nastiness going on. The characters are the best part of this story. Pyper is a medium who can see and talk to ghosts. Julius was a ghost but now is real and a witch who works for the council of witches. And then there’s Ida May - an irreverent ghost who follows Pyper around, adding a bit of comedic effect to the story that gets rather intense at times.
Even though this is a mystery, there is also romance going on between Julius and Pyper - but it’s all very clean. After all, Julius is from the 1800s and is a very proper gentleman (hah!). But there is a satisfying ending (in more ways than one).
Recommended.
Wow! I loved this book. Okay, I had a little trouble getting into it because it’s the second in the series and I believe the first book probably set everything up. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it.
In this one, the main character, Pyper, her boyfriend, Julius, and their friends are assigned to a cruise to get rid of nasty ghosts/spirits. And there is a lot of nastiness going on. The characters are the best part of this story. Pyper is a medium who can see and talk to ghosts. Julius was a ghost but now is real and a witch who works for the council of witches. And then there’s Ida May - an irreverent ghost who follows Pyper around, adding a bit of comedic effect to the story that gets rather intense at times.
Even though this is a mystery, there is also romance going on between Julius and Pyper - but it’s all very clean. After all, Julius is from the 1800s and is a very proper gentleman (hah!). But there is a satisfying ending (in more ways than one).
Recommended.
July 24, 2024
I’m starting to think that maybe Pyper Rayne is a spinoff series as this book refers more to other events that I feel like I should know about.
This time, Pyper and her friends and her devilishly handsome not-quite-lover are assigned a task on a cruise, where magic has been causing havoc. Beds have been going up in smoke, spirits have been trapped in different realms, and Ida May has been trying to find a lover for herself. There’s a magical tattoo, a brief dragon appearance…
The real fantasy aspect of this is how Pyper drinks so many sugary lattes and eats so many desserts and doesn’t gain weight.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first. I think it was the setting - a cruise ship holds little appeal to me and seemed kind of “blah.” Also, the bad guys have the same technique as the bad guys in book one - choke victim, chain to wall. Did they all go to the same school of evil?
This time, Pyper and her friends and her devilishly handsome not-quite-lover are assigned a task on a cruise, where magic has been causing havoc. Beds have been going up in smoke, spirits have been trapped in different realms, and Ida May has been trying to find a lover for herself. There’s a magical tattoo, a brief dragon appearance…
The real fantasy aspect of this is how Pyper drinks so many sugary lattes and eats so many desserts and doesn’t gain weight.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first. I think it was the setting - a cruise ship holds little appeal to me and seemed kind of “blah.” Also, the bad guys have the same technique as the bad guys in book one - choke victim, chain to wall. Did they all go to the same school of evil?
November 22, 2016
This is the second book in the Pyper Rayne Series, which started with Spirits, Stilettos and a Silver Bustier. The whole series is a spin-off of the Jade Calhoun series, Haunted on Bourbon Street. You can read this as a stand-alone book, but I would recommend you at least start with the first Piper Rayne book, Spirits, Stilettos and a Silver Bustier. Otherwise you might feel a little lost.
I always enjoy Deanna Chase's writing, she keeps the plot moving at a good clip so you don't get bored. The main characters are well balanced and likeable. There was a lot going on in this book, the main mystery story line and a couple sub plots. Sometimes, for me, those sub plots got in the way of the main story. Also, it felt like there were several endings to the book as different things were wrapped up. I'd think ok, that's it, then there was another chapter. But that's small stuff.
If you're a paranormal/supernatural mystery with light romance buff, you need to read these two series.
I always enjoy Deanna Chase's writing, she keeps the plot moving at a good clip so you don't get bored. The main characters are well balanced and likeable. There was a lot going on in this book, the main mystery story line and a couple sub plots. Sometimes, for me, those sub plots got in the way of the main story. Also, it felt like there were several endings to the book as different things were wrapped up. I'd think ok, that's it, then there was another chapter. But that's small stuff.
If you're a paranormal/supernatural mystery with light romance buff, you need to read these two series.
March 5, 2020
This is the second installment in the Pyper series and the book takes place on a cruise ship. It certainly had me wishing I was currently on one and drinking with Pyper and the gang.
This was a fun listen and I thoroughly enjoyed going along for the ride and solving the case. Ida Mae came along as well and she was stirring up trouble as well.
Pyper has to endure some things in this book but she was determined and fought for herself and other people. It was a good mystery with a hint of romance.
I listened to the audiobook and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Gabra does a fabulous job telling the story.
This was a fun listen and I thoroughly enjoyed going along for the ride and solving the case. Ida Mae came along as well and she was stirring up trouble as well.
Pyper has to endure some things in this book but she was determined and fought for herself and other people. It was a good mystery with a hint of romance.
I listened to the audiobook and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Gabra does a fabulous job telling the story.
November 9, 2023
Another great audio story from Deanna Chase .
It has everything you need Piper , Julius and the gang are on a cruise Shipp . Julius is kindly ask from the magical society to investigate a room that people are saying weird noise and lighting are coming from .
Meanwhile Piper sees an event that happened 10 yrs ago. Since she’s a medium she is connected. Meanwhile Julius goes into the room with Piper and their 2 friends, they see there is black magic all over the room . Once they clear it and there is no more black magic something happens to Julius He has another soul sharing his body. The other soul is on a mission. To find the killer. Not only that but strange things are happening all around and Piper and Julius are stuck in the middle. Grab it and see do they find the killer, what do the ghosts want ? Again lots are happening.
It has everything you need Piper , Julius and the gang are on a cruise Shipp . Julius is kindly ask from the magical society to investigate a room that people are saying weird noise and lighting are coming from .
Meanwhile Piper sees an event that happened 10 yrs ago. Since she’s a medium she is connected. Meanwhile Julius goes into the room with Piper and their 2 friends, they see there is black magic all over the room . Once they clear it and there is no more black magic something happens to Julius He has another soul sharing his body. The other soul is on a mission. To find the killer. Not only that but strange things are happening all around and Piper and Julius are stuck in the middle. Grab it and see do they find the killer, what do the ghosts want ? Again lots are happening.
October 21, 2018
Really good second addition to this series - which I do think need to be read together and wouldn’t make much sense as a stand-alone.
Lots of good sexual tension between Julian and Piper - yet I would consider this a clean romance. The gang goes on a cruise to find out why some activity is happening in one of the ship’s rooms. They try to solve a mystery about how the spirits became attached to the ship. Good suspense and plenty of witch craft and paranormal activity - including a ghost hunter bar tender.
Lots of good sexual tension between Julian and Piper - yet I would consider this a clean romance. The gang goes on a cruise to find out why some activity is happening in one of the ship’s rooms. They try to solve a mystery about how the spirits became attached to the ship. Good suspense and plenty of witch craft and paranormal activity - including a ghost hunter bar tender.
April 20, 2022
This is one of my favorite series, I don't remember why I didn't finish it after reading the first book. I think it had to do with my class load in school. Well I am back on this series, but now I am waiting for the remaining books to get here Thursday. But this had just enough mixture of adventure, mystery, paranormal activity and steamy(ish) scenes and around one of my favorite towns in the country, New Orleans. Can't ask for much more!
November 14, 2016
This is the second installment in the Pyper Rayne series set on a Caribbean cruise and filled with laugh out loud moments, lighthearted paranormal, mystery and suspense. A definite page turner! These characters draw you in and leave you wanting more at the end of each book! I highly recommend you read this series!
November 26, 2016
Great , fast, fun read. If you like sass, fun, ghosts, witches and mystery then you will definitely enjoy this book. This can definitely be read as a standalone as all the characters are well defined and easy to follow relationships between them all. I highly recommend this book as well as the other 2 in series and if you get a chance try out the Jade series as well.
September 3, 2017
A Decade Old Murder and a Haunting, Awesome
This spinoff series is slightly different than the series about Jade. This series does not have multiple plot lines, but the pace is still fast and the action intense. This book also feels more like a mystery, which I love. Pyper and her significant other Julius must solve a decades old murder in order to understand the hauntings on a cruise ship. It is a great story, I enjoyed it and the characters immensely.
This spinoff series is slightly different than the series about Jade. This series does not have multiple plot lines, but the pace is still fast and the action intense. This book also feels more like a mystery, which I love. Pyper and her significant other Julius must solve a decades old murder in order to understand the hauntings on a cruise ship. It is a great story, I enjoyed it and the characters immensely.
November 10, 2017
This series is a spin-off from Jade Calhoun series but can be read separately but I highly recommend you start with Jade's books Haunted on Bourbon Street is the first book. On to Pyper Raynes series oh my gosh I am loving this series. I couldn't put it down, I was reading this book every chance I got.
July 30, 2018
Ghostly Cruise
As usual, Deanna Chase does not fail to please. Pyper's boyfriend, Julius, was sent by the witches council to look into a haunting on a cruise liner. Pyper was included in the deal. Jade and her husband decided to join them. They ended up getting more than they bargained for, with four ghosts, possessions and a murderer. They had their work cut out for them.
As usual, Deanna Chase does not fail to please. Pyper's boyfriend, Julius, was sent by the witches council to look into a haunting on a cruise liner. Pyper was included in the deal. Jade and her husband decided to join them. They ended up getting more than they bargained for, with four ghosts, possessions and a murderer. They had their work cut out for them.
February 5, 2020
I absolutely fell into this book and hung on every word! The chemistry and the passion between the characters. Even the plotline was different! While I love New Orleans, it was nice to get a new setting in this series and story. Beautifully written, I hope and pray that there are lots more coming for Piper and Julian!
May 31, 2020
I enjoyed this book in the Pyper Rayne series. I throughly enjoy these and am always sucked into the story quickly. Having this one set on a cruise reminded me why I love cruises so much. I could envision myself beside her, even during the Chocolate baking contest.
Enjoy the book and I’m on to the next!
Enjoy the book and I’m on to the next!
November 24, 2020
Audiobook review- A cruise ship job doesn’t go as planned. Pyper’s ghost speaking role takes front and center. An interesting and entertaining story. Good character development. The narrator did a fantastic job. I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 22, 2024
Okay
I don't know how to describe it, but Pyper series feels like short stories in between Jade books.
I find that so far, her books haven't added anything to their world and haven't really developed Pyper's character and focus more on her relationship with Julian.
I hope this changes, but I don't have high hopes.
I don't know how to describe it, but Pyper series feels like short stories in between Jade books.
I find that so far, her books haven't added anything to their world and haven't really developed Pyper's character and focus more on her relationship with Julian.
I hope this changes, but I don't have high hopes.
October 17, 2017
Good read!
I really enjoyed reading this book. Found the first one in a bundle and chuckled pretty much the entire time. This author is good and loved the humor so had to check out next one. Not quite as funny but still enjoyed! On to next.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Found the first one in a bundle and chuckled pretty much the entire time. This author is good and loved the humor so had to check out next one. Not quite as funny but still enjoyed! On to next.
November 12, 2017
A Pyper Rayne Book
This was a we!l written book. It was hilarious and the characters were very interesting and so was the plot. I look forward to reading the rest of the series
Kari
This was a we!l written book. It was hilarious and the characters were very interesting and so was the plot. I look forward to reading the rest of the series
Kari
April 8, 2018
Piper has her hands full
Piper and Julius get interrupted during dinner by the witch counsel wanting Julius to work a case. They are booked on a cruise to investigate paranormal activity on the ship, little do they know how demanding this case will be.
Piper and Julius get interrupted during dinner by the witch counsel wanting Julius to work a case. They are booked on a cruise to investigate paranormal activity on the ship, little do they know how demanding this case will be.
October 14, 2018
World's. Worst. Cruise. EVER!
Alcahol, ghosts, possesion, pirates, witches and a mad man. If you aren't sure about cruises this will help you....say HELL NO! Pyper and Julius's end up aboard a haunted ship but it's the living who hit th evil metre out of the park.
Alcahol, ghosts, possesion, pirates, witches and a mad man. If you aren't sure about cruises this will help you....say HELL NO! Pyper and Julius's end up aboard a haunted ship but it's the living who hit th evil metre out of the park.
March 13, 2020
Fun and adventure in the high seas I'm cruise ship
Great second book in this series. Lots of suspense, adventure and intrigue. The continuing love story between Paper and Julius is tender and we'll written. Highly recommend.
Great second book in this series. Lots of suspense, adventure and intrigue. The continuing love story between Paper and Julius is tender and we'll written. Highly recommend.
October 29, 2020
Great Pyper & Julius book
This is a good mystery, mostly featuring Pyper, Julius, Jade, Kane, and Ida May (the ghost who haunts Pyper's coffee shop). Its fun to see Pyper explore her powers, and get to know Julius better.
This is a good mystery, mostly featuring Pyper, Julius, Jade, Kane, and Ida May (the ghost who haunts Pyper's coffee shop). Its fun to see Pyper explore her powers, and get to know Julius better.
May 31, 2022
Great story!
This is a really good book by a very talented writer. The storyline kept me on my toes. I can't wait for the next book by this author. She is a very good and original storyteller! You won't be disappointed at all.
This is a really good book by a very talented writer. The storyline kept me on my toes. I can't wait for the next book by this author. She is a very good and original storyteller! You won't be disappointed at all.
October 1, 2022
Magical cruise
A free cruise sounds good. But when it's paid for NY the Witches Council expect the unexpected. Black magic, haunted cabin and a long ago murder to solve. No cliffhanger and happy for now.
A free cruise sounds good. But when it's paid for NY the Witches Council expect the unexpected. Black magic, haunted cabin and a long ago murder to solve. No cliffhanger and happy for now.
February 1, 2023
I do like the idea of a 100 yr . old ghost
Getting his life back. The rest of the ghost activity not so much. Possession on a cruise! Oh well almost everyone gets their happily ever after. Sorry Ida May.
Getting his life back. The rest of the ghost activity not so much. Possession on a cruise! Oh well almost everyone gets their happily ever after. Sorry Ida May.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews