Last Rites (Paranormal Detectives Series)

by Lily Luchesi

Power is the deadliest desire. With Leander put to rest and the Paranormal Investigative Division taken care of by the Coven Mistress, Danny and Angelica are finally ready to take some time for themselves while Angelica gets used to her new role as the Empress and they make their relationship official. When people close to Angelica are murdered by what seems to be a rogue vampire, their sabbatical is cut short in order for her to find the perp and execute him or her. But this is no ordinary vampire. When the truth is revealed and secrets come to light, it will prove to be Danny's biggest test of faith yet, and Angelica's reckoning of her past, present, and future. Most of all it will raise a single question: just what makes a monster?

204 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2017

About the author

Lily Luchesi is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of the Paranormal Detectives Series, published by Vamptasy Publishing. She also has short stories included in multiple bestselling anthologies, and a successful dark erotica retelling of Dracula.
She also compiled and edited the bestselling anthology Damsels of Distress, which focuses on strong female characters in horror and paranormal fiction.
She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and now resides in Los Angeles, California. Ever since she was a toddler her mother noticed her tendency for being interested in all things "dark". At two she became infatuated with vampires and ghosts, and that infatuation turned into a lifestyle. She is also an out member of the LGBT+ community. When she's not writing, she's going to rock concerts, getting tattooed, watching the CW, or reading manga. And drinking copious amounts of coffee.
2017 Best Horror Author from Reality Bites Magazine
2016 1st Place Best Paranormal Author at the Virtual Fantasy Con Awards
2016 2nd Place Best Dark/Horror Author at the Virtual Fantasy Con Awards
2015 3rd Place Best Male Villain (Vincent from Stake-Out) at the DNSB Reader's Choice Awards and the SNSBAH Awards

Reviews

[angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing

This is writing at its finest. This whole series has been over the top great. Love, lies, identities found out, loss, battles, many different types of creatures, one bad ass Empress. Unfortunately a bunch of friends and loved ones who have been lost, leaving many grieving.

I have loved everyone of the books in this series. The story has succeeded in weaving its web around me, while the characters have entertained me. Now I’m off to read the next book and I can’t wait. I definitely suggest this series to anyone who loves supernatural type books. I think you’ll really like this series.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past lives, soulmates, another chance at love and happiness, it seemed that Danny and Angelica would finally have each other, to have and to hold, until death do they part. That wedded bliss would only last a night when once again, death and the quest for power would send their world into a tailspin of turmoil. People are being murdered and a powerful vampire seems to be behind these gruesome killings, all in the name of power and getting to Angelica. Who is he and what is his endgame?

Can anyone besides Angelica stop this monster? Can Angelica even stop him? The death count is growing and rivers of blood are flowing and it will take a team effort to get Angelica up to speed and into position to face off with one of the most deadly foes she has ever known. Until he is dust, no one is safe…

LAST RITES by Lily Luchesi is another tense and action-packed tale from a world filled with supernaturals, gruesome crimes and dark powers that will threaten the delicate balance between humans and the paranormal creatures who live among them.
Ms. Luchesi’s characters once again come to life with humor, attitude and the willingness to stand toe to toe with an unknown entity that threatens Angelica’s position, as well as those she loves.

Angelica, normally oozing with self-confidence gets a little shaken and Danny can do little except stand by her, even as he chafes at the decisions she makes. Witness true brutality, bloody deaths and follow the determination of one woman as she prepares to risk everything to hold on to the world she has helped create. Another great addition to a paranormal series that has its own special flavor from an author who makes us care what happens!!

I received this copy from Lily Luchesi in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Paranormal Detectives - Book 5
Publisher: Vamptasy Publishing (June 12, 2017)
Publication Date: June 12, 2017
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 213 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Barbara Gartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Danny and Angelica so much and hate to see their story coming to an end of sorts. However, I have enjoyed getting to know the new characters and their pasts and look forward to where things are headed in the future. I just couldn't put this one down for a single second! It's full of surprises, drama, action -- you name it Last rites has it. I highly recommend this book!!

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review at https://blackwords-whitepages1977.blo...

What an amazing ride this was! It was so full of emotions.



The characters were remarkable once again. I have loved the romance between Danny and Angelica throughout the entire series, but this one just brought me to my knees. The strength of their relationship was even more stronger than ever before, even though there were some rough patches. And that ever stopped them from coming back together again. I felt the connection of these characters in this story. The feelers just floated off of the page and left me with a happy heart.



The story-line was phenomenal. The things that happened in this story was so addicting and so shocking that it left me at times with a broken heart. This was a powerful story!! I really loved the ending of this story too. The guy really did get the girl!! And I know that this is not the end of the road for these characters and I can't wait to see where this author takes us next.

[Kimberly Vanderbloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I must admit that this book had me going with high emotions. The author's writing keeps getting stronger and stronger as each book passes. It has been a pleasure to watch her evolve and become what she is today. The characters have become members of my own family it feels like. It was hard to watch them make mistakes without yelling at the book. I love when we go through all the ups and downs with them. By the way I was super excited for Angelica and Danny to finally get a break together only to have to cut it short. I'm going to recommend this series to my book loving friends. I have a friend at work I just loaned it to see if he enjoys it as much as me.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Right to Silence , we honestly didn't think anything could compare to the magnificence that is the fourth book in the Paranormal Detectives series. Mark and Brighton were precious beyond belief (not to mention that now they're one of B.'s favorite OTPs),



and topping the emotions that that book elicited was unfathomable. Of course, we feel foolish now because we're talking about Lily Luchesi here, an author that extensively grows with each and every new story she writes. New leaps and bounds are crossed installment after installment.

We have finally been introduced to the fifth novel in the Paranormal Detectives series, and the story is still going strong! We often notice that it is difficult for some authors to keep their stories fresh and new, especially when they go beyond the standard duology or trilogy. It almost seems as if aspects simply get repeated and there is nothing unexpected or fresh occurring. The pages are filler for some "grand" finale and the story quickly becomes doldrum and boring.



However, this is definitely not the case for Last Rites , which is a fantastic addition to this series! There are so many exciting introductions, and there just seems to be something spectacular and new at every turn.

We were also super excited that Danny and Angelica finally tied the knot! Their love story is beautiful, bold, and tragic. Taking into consideration their backstory as well, their eternal vow just made everything come full circle.

What's so special about Angelica and Danny's love story is the humanity that's embedded in its core. Nothing is normal about their circumstances, which they both can appreciate and accept, but at the same time, they both have to overcome their own demons privately and as a couple to survive and keep their relationship thriving. This is what makes their story epic. This is what makes the series memorable. We love the magic, action, grit, and ultimate badassery, but we also cherish the honesty and the amount of work the two put into their relationship. It's their vulnerabilities and drive to support each other unconditionally and it's their ability to falter but rise again that makes us so proud of Lily's work.

Love and respect don't even begin to describe what we feel towards these books. Each one brings a new web of mystery and intrigue, a collage of romance and struggle, and fresh characters with fleshed out backstories and personalities of their own. You inevitably become attached to every single one of them against your will, meaning throughout the entire book you are hesitantly flipping from page to page, while never knowing who might be subject to die next! Last Rites was no exception. And the ending! You have to read that ending!

Seriously, we've said it once, and we'll say it a million times over: You have to pick up this series!

[Kathy Rouchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab your tissues because this will be a rough one! This is the ending of Danny and Angelica's story, but not the end of the ride! Action, twists and turns will have you panting as you turn page after page and reach the end. Ok..take a breath now. The love that Danny and Angelica have is something that will stay in your memories and in your heart for quite a while. The struggles they've had to endure to get to where they are now were incredible and one would think that each one would be the driving force to end them completely.

I hope that you have taken my recommendation to heart and have started this series because not doing so would be criminal.

Thank you Lily Luchesi for a wonderful journey! I'm so glad that I came along for the ride.

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars out of 5
Strap in and get ready for the roller coaster of a ride that is Last Rites. This is the fifth and maybe final novel in The Paranormal Detectives Series and it is a doozy. This book had me bawling like a little girl who has had their favorite toy taken away and in a way, I am. If this series is in fact finished, then it ended with a bang. I can’t begin to express how this book made me feel since I am still reeling from what I have just read. This series has been an exciting ride and not once did Angie or Danny disappoint. In a weird way, I hoped it would end as it did but that didn’t stop the giant smile from spreading across my face.
I give this book four stars again, for the simple fact that I tore through this book with such anticipation, ignoring the world around me. I was in Chicago next to this powerhouse of a couple the whole time. If you are looking for a different take on the paranormal world then this is for you. You will be entertained the whole way through.

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danny and Angelica have certainly had their love put to the test. But, nothing compares to what they are put through in this installment of the Paranormal Detectives Series.

With each new book, I have wondered how Luchesi could flip the script and keep things fresh and exciting while still holding true to the integrity of the foundation story. And, with each book, she has not let me down. Not only does she keep things interesting and new, she keeps it believable within the story line. It is clear that she hasn't just thrown another book out there to continue the series. She has really taken the time to think about and craft a story that fits with the previous books' events, fits with the characters and fits with where the plot line could conceivably go.

Is this the last of the Angelica and Danny saga? I sure hope not!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Danetta Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Lily Luchesi has given us another amazing story. Although I absolutely loved this book I am a little sad to see this series wrapping up. Angelica's and Danny's love story has had it's ups and downs along with some bad ass situations that always keep this story on the edge. This Author never fails to make you feel like you know the characters on a personal level. I loved this series so much, and can't wait to see what this Author's next endeavor brings. May Angelica and Danny's love last forever !!!!!!

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Ms Luchesi has written a masterpiece with this Paranormal Detectives Series!!!! This amazing series weaving in and out a spider web with every twist and turn imaginable. So many emotions. Such details. Characters and their background was truly amazing. I was so captivated with this series that I had it read in two days. Fabulous series!!! I would highly recommend to anyone who likes paranormal books!!
I'm volunteering an honest review for an advance reader's copy.

[Danielle Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Luchesi's "Last Rites" is the fifth tale in the Paranormal Detectives series. What a great way to further the series! This tale takes a very non-traditional route. I don't want to give too much away, but Danny & Angelica's rocky road continues. The addition of the character August is an amazing twist. So many twists and turns in this wonderful masterpiece of a web. I hear there will be a spin-off called "Never Again" coming soon and I can't wait to read it.

[Danielle Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Luchesi's "Last Rites" is the fifth tale in the Paranormal Detectives series. What a great way to further the series! This tale takes a very non-traditional route. I don't want to give too much away, but Danny & Angelica's rocky road continues. The addition of the character August is an amazing twist. So many twists and turns in this wonderful masterpiece of a web. I hear there will be a spin-off called "Never Again" coming soon and I can't wait to read it.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Luchesi took me on an emotional roller-coaster ride with this book. Books don't often make me cry, but I'll admit to shedding a tear or two while reading this one.

Lily has outdone herself again, with this 'end of an era' story, and I am sorry to see the last of Angelica and Danny's story.

The book is full of action and unexpected twists, that make it impossible to put down until you've turned the last page.

I've been side by side with the wonderful people I've met within the covers of the first five books of the series and I miss them when they go.
I am, however, looking forward to getting to know the new characters introduced in Last Rites and finding out where their stories are headed.

[Shelly Wygant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What?!?!? No that just did not happen!!! Lily Luchesi what did you just do???? No....OK that is better.... Ok no that is not happening.....You better redeem yourself....You did not redeem yourself. (Sigh) Ok I can live with that.

The above are my feelings that were ALL over the place while I was reading this book. I love the Paranormal Detectives series and all of the characters. During Last Rites Ms. Luchesi tried my patience. I was hating her at times and then she would redeem herself and then take me down the dark rabbit hole again. However in the end I was happy with the story.

So if you want a story that will give you whiplash then this is it. Characters will disappear, new characters will appear, you will love some of them and hate some of them. I even started to dislike one of my favorite characters (don't worry he or maybe she redeemed themselves. This was the end of an era but however I have a feeling Danny and Angelica might project their voices again at some point.

Thank you to Lily Luchesi who has written a series that will always hold my interest and characters that will always have a place in my heart.

I voluntarily read a copy of this book for Nerd Girl Official.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. What a great way to complete the main series (as it appears there is going to he a spin-off).

The book is well written, smooth flowing and easy to read. The author did a great job portraying the characters and their emotions. This book is full of twists and turns and surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. I had to know how the book and series would be ending.

At the end of book 4 the PID has been decimated. So many employees died due to the demon Leander Price and Angelica Cross turned the PID over to Harriet. Also, Danny proposed to Angelica. This is where Book 5 starts.

If you like paranormal, romance, vampires, witches, werewolves, demons, etc then you should read this book series. The books do need to be read in order. Review for Mommy's Naughty Playground.

[Stefanie Carney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strap in and get ready for the roller coaster of a ride that is Last Rites. This is the fifth and maybe final novel in The Paranormal Detectives Series and it is a doozy. This book had me bawling like a little girl who has had their favorite toy taken away and in a way, I am. If this series is in fact finished, then it ended with a bang. I can’t begin to express how this book made me feel since I am still reeling from what I have just read. This series has been an exciting ride and not once did Angie or Danny disappoint. In a weird way, I hoped it would end as it did but that didn’t stop the giant smile from spreading across my face.
I give this book four stars again, for the simple fact that I tore through this book with such anticipation, ignoring the world around me. I was in Chicago next to this powerhouse of a couple the whole time. If you are looking for a different take on the paranormal world then this is for you. You will be entertained the whole way through.

[lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn it Lily! This is the best one yet. Throughout we remember characters from previous books, see actions that have repercussions, highs & lows, love & hate.

Danny & Angie do not have it easy. No where in this series have they had a happy ever after. Ups and downs, in coming to grips with Danny's mortality and Angie's immortality. Their love for each other spanning life times.

This is the end of a hell of a ride. I am so glad I jumped onto it!

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book & great series! I've really enjoyed this series & hate seeing it come to an end. When I started this series I wasn't sure if I'd like it. I'm so glad I got to enjoy this story & all the characters! Great writing!

[Kate Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power is the deadliest desire

This fifth book in The Paranormal Detectives Series had me laughing and crying at the same time! This book was filled to brim with romance, angst, suspense, mystery, and fast-moving action.

I am truly in awe of Ms. Lily Luchesi’s powers as an author – how she could continue to nurture a series of five books and with each consecutive book stay garden-fresh and grow her characters.
The plot pace was a true thrill-ride! The world building kept pace with the character development, with some new and unique paranormal characters introduced in this book. Will Angelica and Danny even have a honeymoon? Will the PID recover from their battle with the demon Leander Price? Will Angelica’s new title Empress of the vampire species be a blessing or a curse?

However, Darling Reader – I’ll never tell, I do not post spoilers in my reviews.

I give this book 5 Stars and graciously counsel you purchase this, Bodacious Bibliophile for your own personal library.

I wish to share the playlist that Lily Luchesi utilized while she wrote and edited book 5. She states: “these songs mean something, helped spur the plot on, and for that reason, this is my favorite playlist to date. Enjoy!”

Playlist:

“Fake Your Death” by My Chemical Romance
“You’re Mine” by Disturbed
“Bloodbath in Paradise” by Ozzy Osbourne
“My Heart is Broken” by Evanescence
“Operation Mindecrime” by Queensryche
“Master of Puppets” by Metallic
“Hunted” by Device
“Never Wrong” by Disturbed
“You Think You Know” by Device
Give “Em H###, Kid” by My Chemical Romance
“One Step Closer” by Linkin Park
“Killing For A Living” by Overkill
“Imperfect” by Stone Sour
“Close My Eyes Forever” by Ozzy Osbourne and Lita Ford
“Serpentine” by Disturbed

Paranormal Detectives Series:

“Stake-Out”, Book 1 published- May 17th, 2015
“Miranda’s Rights, Book 2 published - January 7th, 2016
“Life Sentence”, Book 3 published - July 31st, 2016
“Right to Silence”, Book 4 published – January 15th, 2017
“Last Rights”, Book 5 published – June 12th, 2017
“Skin Deep”, Book 6 published – June 10th, 2018
Standalone spin off: “Never Again” published December 5th, 2017

[T.H. Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best one so far.

It may seem cliche to say that, but whatever. Lily Luchesi has outdone herself time and again, and this time is no different.

Remember the old prizefights? The ones where you found out in advance who was going to be in a bout, and then the anticipation built and built and built until you were just about out of your head when the time came along, and afterward, it was well worth the wait? Well, that is what reading Lily Luchesi's books are like to me. Prizefights that NEVER disappoint.

I don't do spoilers, but the most that I will say is that I am a hard person to stun. I am good at connecting the dots and finding the connections. But in Last Rites, Lily stunned the HELL out of me. So many twists and turns, curveballs and swerves, none of it overdone, and ALL of it picture perfect. I was just about in tears at the ending. Why, you ask? For two reasons: 1) The ending was magnificent, and 2) I was so happy that that was NOT the end of the series!

It was a great day when I was given the opportunity to read this series. Such a matchless and precious addition to my library, the lot of them. And as sensational as the other books in the series are, Last Rites may very well be the crown jewel.

Five stars all around.

[Sarah Fairbairn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book five we get to delve deeper into Harriet’s past, see Danny and Angelica get married, meet the first ever Vampire and experience the epic end of an era. We meet new friends and in true Paranormal Detective Series form, lose old friends as well.
At about the 50% mark Danny was really pissing me off, just turning his back on Angelica. But once the drama queen comes to his senses it is an emotional sprint to the end.

There are twists and turns throughout this book, some I saw coming, some I did not. Not that I can mention any of these without giving away the major events of the story. I really want to tell you all about who betrays Harriet, who Augustus’s heir turns out to be and who gets turned into a vampire – but these are things you’ll have to find out for yourself.

The end of book five (and that killer Epilogue) lines up an exciting new direction for the last two books in The Paranormal Detective Series (Skin Deep 2018 & Day of Execution 2019). But between now and then is a spin off, Never Again (December 5th 2017), set just after Last Rites following Sean Wireman’s character.

I think Lily has out done herself this time and dare I say it this might even be my favourite so far.

[T.L. Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily bug, you are killing me!

I held my breath, I became disillusioned, I almost cried but yet through all of that I was so enthralled I couldn't stop reading.

You are a brilliantly warped and an insanely well versed purveyor of wordsmithing. I can't believe the twists and turns throughout this series. Never once did I find it to be predictable.

Holy hell, you're a literary genius!!!

[Heather Rizkallah · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

This book almost had me crying. There's joking, people dying for love and a emperor who needs his butt kicked. Oh and there's a surprise twist at the end. Lily is amazing. Bring on book 6

[Julia Andrizzi-Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad and disappointed. This can't be the end. I truly loved this entire series. Lily? You have to keep going. LOL. Awesome author! Can't wait to check out her other musings.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

great Series

All of the Paranormal Detectives books has been well written , with great storylines and characters that you can love and hate

[Carly Shirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really??

This book was by far my least favorite. Everything that has been building with Angelica and Danny is completely turned upside down. I really didn't like the ending that much but I'm curious to see what the next books will hold.