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Souls of the Road #1
Wayward Souls
Betrayals and secrets, devils and saviors, fae folk and foul, and a magic stronger than even the gods can tame…
Lovers Lula and Brogan Gauge have dealt with magic, monsters, and gods for eighty years. Bound to travel the lonely roads of Route 66, Brogan’s a spirit with no chance of leaving the earthly realm while Lula, neither human nor monster, is only half-alive.
Their search for a way to break their curse might finally come to an end if the ghost in Illinois is telling the truth about a magical journal.
Lula and Brogan aren’t alone in wanting the journal. If they don’t get to it first, their chance at freedom might just turn into the fight of their un-lives…
Lovers Lula and Brogan Gauge have dealt with magic, monsters, and gods for eighty years. Bound to travel the lonely roads of Route 66, Brogan’s a spirit with no chance of leaving the earthly realm while Lula, neither human nor monster, is only half-alive.
Their search for a way to break their curse might finally come to an end if the ghost in Illinois is telling the truth about a magical journal.
Lula and Brogan aren’t alone in wanting the journal. If they don’t get to it first, their chance at freedom might just turn into the fight of their un-lives…
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2020
125 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Devon Monk
88 books2,061 followersDevon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 2, 2021
I can't say that I was overly impressed by this book. The idea sounded intriguing and the cover was cool but that ended up being the best part of the book. There was some good areas with some exciting parts in it but they were few and far between. Most of the story seemed kind of pointless. The characters were okay but there was no attachment to them. All in all in was just kind of blah. I will not be continuing with the series.
August 31, 2023
Both beautiful and dad at the same.time.
Lula (Lu) and Brogan have been together since 1936, it's not clear when but early in their relationship they were attacked by a monster, (which neither remembers clearly) what they do remember are the screams and the pain. When the attack ended Brogan was dead and Lu had been changed forever. Brogan did not pass on to the.other side, nor did he become a ghost he is in spirit form though and somehow part of his soul now resides in Lu. Lu was also altered in the attack, she is now a "sort of" vampire" except she is able to be in sunlight and doesn't require blood. Oh also shares part of Brogans soul. The two are bound to wander the area surrounding Route 66 if they stray too.far.form.the route Brogan begins to disintegrate so their days visits of.driving up.and.down Route 66 searching for.magical.artefacts they can sell and hoping one day to come.across two things. One, a way for them to once again be together and Two, finding the monster who.did this.to them and making it pay. The story is a beautifully tragic tale. Lu and Brogan love each other so much, still......................after around eighty years driving the.route their feelings for each other are if anything made stronger by what they have been through. Then there's the people they meet won't the way the odd jerk but mostly decent, hardworking, small town people just getting by but still willing to help a stranger. There's also.the.odd reference to the.Ordinary Magic series. This is the beginning of the series and I can't wait to see what direction it takes but wherever I will definitely be along for the ride...............................
Lula (Lu) and Brogan have been together since 1936, it's not clear when but early in their relationship they were attacked by a monster, (which neither remembers clearly) what they do remember are the screams and the pain. When the attack ended Brogan was dead and Lu had been changed forever. Brogan did not pass on to the.other side, nor did he become a ghost he is in spirit form though and somehow part of his soul now resides in Lu. Lu was also altered in the attack, she is now a "sort of" vampire" except she is able to be in sunlight and doesn't require blood. Oh also shares part of Brogans soul. The two are bound to wander the area surrounding Route 66 if they stray too.far.form.the route Brogan begins to disintegrate so their days visits of.driving up.and.down Route 66 searching for.magical.artefacts they can sell and hoping one day to come.across two things. One, a way for them to once again be together and Two, finding the monster who.did this.to them and making it pay. The story is a beautifully tragic tale. Lu and Brogan love each other so much, still......................after around eighty years driving the.route their feelings for each other are if anything made stronger by what they have been through. Then there's the people they meet won't the way the odd jerk but mostly decent, hardworking, small town people just getting by but still willing to help a stranger. There's also.the.odd reference to the.Ordinary Magic series. This is the beginning of the series and I can't wait to see what direction it takes but wherever I will definitely be along for the ride...............................
July 27, 2023
4.25? I really enjoyed Wayward Souls. It was surprisingly heartbreaking, and I look forward to their much deserved HEA.
I recommend checking out the Content/ Trigger Warnings just in case for those who are sensitive.
I recommend checking out the Content/ Trigger Warnings just in case for those who are sensitive.
January 29, 2021
3.5 stars
It's kind of an interesting read for me, because the main character is a ghost who CANNOT really interact with his wife, even if the wife at time seems to be in tune with his conversation and thoughts. I wasn't used to situation like that, I guess. Oh, and this book is adjacent to Devon Monk's Ordinary Magic series because it sets in the same universe.
Anyway, the story is about Brogan and Lula Gauge, who has been "wayward souls" for decades after they were attacked by vampire. Brogan is a spirit-ghost while Lula is neither human nor monster. Brogan is bound to Route 66 and since Lula doesn't want to leave without him, they mostly travel along this route. They work to look for magical items while also trying to find the monster that is responsible for their situation.
This is a beginning of series (based on that title and Monk's writing in the end that seems to promise for more Brogan and Lula's adventure)... and there's a change in the situation by the book is finished (). So yep, I'm looking forward to more road trip as Brogan and Lula look for more items and dealing with the villains 🙂
It's kind of an interesting read for me, because the main character is a ghost who CANNOT really interact with his wife, even if the wife at time seems to be in tune with his conversation and thoughts. I wasn't used to situation like that, I guess. Oh, and this book is adjacent to Devon Monk's Ordinary Magic series because it sets in the same universe.
Anyway, the story is about Brogan and Lula Gauge, who has been "wayward souls" for decades after they were attacked by vampire. Brogan is a spirit-ghost while Lula is neither human nor monster. Brogan is bound to Route 66 and since Lula doesn't want to leave without him, they mostly travel along this route. They work to look for magical items while also trying to find the monster that is responsible for their situation.
This is a beginning of series (based on that title and Monk's writing in the end that seems to promise for more Brogan and Lula's adventure)... and there's a change in the situation by the book is finished (). So yep, I'm looking forward to more road trip as Brogan and Lula look for more items and dealing with the villains 🙂
January 5, 2021
This was an interesting start to a new series, one that is loosely connected to her Ordinary Magic series. I like that series so thought I would check out this one. I liked it, but I sort of feel like there should have been a short story before this one, more with Lula and Brogan, how they met and how they came to their special relationship.
Lula and Brogan were interesting and you felt bad for them to be together, but not. I liked how often they would communicate through Lorde. Often their feelings were so opposite, yet Lula's choices often won, like with the truck and playing cupid. You could tell that she got the truck because it somehow reminded her of Brogan and cupid, well she just wanted everyone to have a love like she did.
Stella and Dot were fun, more fun once they knew about each other. I liked how Dot accepted things and sort of hope/wish that we get to see more of her, would love to see the Dot's house be a home base of sorts as they travel Route 66.
I'm intrigued with the bargain Lula and Brogan made with Cupid, wonder if it will put them at odds with the hunter they stumbled across. Either way, it will be fun to read about their adventures.
Lula and Brogan were interesting and you felt bad for them to be together, but not. I liked how often they would communicate through Lorde. Often their feelings were so opposite, yet Lula's choices often won, like with the truck and playing cupid. You could tell that she got the truck because it somehow reminded her of Brogan and cupid, well she just wanted everyone to have a love like she did.
Stella and Dot were fun, more fun once they knew about each other. I liked how Dot accepted things and sort of hope/wish that we get to see more of her, would love to see the Dot's house be a home base of sorts as they travel Route 66.
I'm intrigued with the bargain Lula and Brogan made with Cupid, wonder if it will put them at odds with the hunter they stumbled across. Either way, it will be fun to read about their adventures.
February 10, 2021
This book was really different. I wasn't sure I was going to like it but I really did. I'm looking forward to the next one and want to learn more about the strange life/unlife this couple is dealing with.
December 20, 2020
The first in a new series, Wayward Souls is the story of Lula and Brogan Gauge, who were attacked by a monster and left changed forever. Brogan is a spirit and Lula is only-half alive, but their love is very strong. They've traveled Route 66 for eighty years and they search for magical items, hoping to break their curse. Using a magical watch that allows them to speak to and touch each other for short minutes at a time, usually in a graveyard, they hope a journal a ghost tells them about might help. I loved this couple and their relationship, and their dog Lorde (Lorde is my Shepherd) is a delight. The conclusion was awesome, setting up further stories, but I can’t say more without giving it away. All I can say is that I can’t wait for more Souls of the Road.
December 15, 2020
Lu and Brogan, a new American folklore
An anything but ordinary tale set in the world of Ordinary. Lu and Brogan Gauge are the very definition of star-crossed lovers, separated by death and undeath, doomed to travel route 66. For anyone who has or hasn't read Devon Monk or the tales set in Ordinary, READ this book. Ghosts, magic, love and family are all included. A journey that breathes fresh life to the quote "Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."
An anything but ordinary tale set in the world of Ordinary. Lu and Brogan Gauge are the very definition of star-crossed lovers, separated by death and undeath, doomed to travel route 66. For anyone who has or hasn't read Devon Monk or the tales set in Ordinary, READ this book. Ghosts, magic, love and family are all included. A journey that breathes fresh life to the quote "Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while."
December 17, 2020
A little of a slow start, but then it really got going & I couldn't put it down. I finished it in one sitting. I'll definitely continue the series
April 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book more than the 2 star rating, but I can't rate it higher due to all the writing and world building problems. There's a great story in here somewhere, one where additional editing and world building could have made it great. Just a few examples: Main character is Lula, sometimes called Lu, but it is spelled both Lu and Lou at various times. The main characters can't leave Route 66. OK, but parts of Route 66 don't exist anymore or have become parts of other route systems. How does that work? The original from 90 years ago or current or some combo of the 2? But then it turns out that Lula can leave Rt 66 but Brogan can't, or they can but can't connect as well the farther away from it they get, or they're chosing to stay on it to try and discover who made them the way they are? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story...as long as I didn't think about it too much. Unfortunately, several plot points don't hold up to scrutiny. Haven't decided if I'll read the next one, yet.
September 8, 2022
Cool start to a new series
Listened via graphic audio
Easter eggs from Devon’s other series. Mentions of gods vacationing in an area near them.
Both mmc and fmc were adorable. One half alive one half dead. Short and full of action. Can’t wait for the rest to be released on audio.
Listened via graphic audio
Easter eggs from Devon’s other series. Mentions of gods vacationing in an area near them.
Both mmc and fmc were adorable. One half alive one half dead. Short and full of action. Can’t wait for the rest to be released on audio.
January 16, 2021
Disappointing.
March 12, 2024
Interesting concept and dynamic between main characters, let's see what happens in the next book.
May 29, 2024
I feel like i enjoyed this more because i listened to it in Graphic Audio format as i was reading. It definitely made it more interesting. This is the first book in the series and not a lot of questions were answered but there are a lot of plot threads hanging out at the end of this one. it was a good way to pass the time in the car on the trip.
Read
January 28, 2021DNF - I was having trouble getting into it and then they shot the dog. I'm out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2022
I have been eyeing this book ever since it was published, now, finally, I have taken the dive.
I have perviously read the author's Allie Beckstrom series and am also a fan of her Ordinary series.
I was curious how the Souls of the Road series would take off. And it did take off.
for a moment it took time to get accustomed to the fact that the two lovers Lu and Brogan cannot see each other for most of the time, nor can they hear each other.
A big wrong was done to them on their wedding day and since then they have been traveling America's enigmatic Route 66 up and down looking for answers, revenge and a way of getting their bodies back. Brogan is a ghost he goes wherever Lu goes and Lu is half alive half dead, held in an in-between state, unable to go either way. They are accompanied by their dog, Lorde.
In this series opener they stop in a small town along Route 66, meet Stella and Dot, Lu starts to feel the need to play matchmaker with the local mechanic and discover that magic exists that might be able to help them out of their dilemma.
I loved the ending and look forward to see what happens next to Lu, Brogan and Lorde.
I also was very happy to find that Ordinary, Oregon, where gods vacation exists in this world and that there will be some godly involvement.
I have perviously read the author's Allie Beckstrom series and am also a fan of her Ordinary series.
I was curious how the Souls of the Road series would take off. And it did take off.
for a moment it took time to get accustomed to the fact that the two lovers Lu and Brogan cannot see each other for most of the time, nor can they hear each other.
A big wrong was done to them on their wedding day and since then they have been traveling America's enigmatic Route 66 up and down looking for answers, revenge and a way of getting their bodies back. Brogan is a ghost he goes wherever Lu goes and Lu is half alive half dead, held in an in-between state, unable to go either way. They are accompanied by their dog, Lorde.
In this series opener they stop in a small town along Route 66, meet Stella and Dot, Lu starts to feel the need to play matchmaker with the local mechanic and discover that magic exists that might be able to help them out of their dilemma.
I loved the ending and look forward to see what happens next to Lu, Brogan and Lorde.
I also was very happy to find that Ordinary, Oregon, where gods vacation exists in this world and that there will be some godly involvement.
December 12, 2021
Great story with unusual plot line
I gave this story 5 stars as it was well written with an unusual plot line. Just when I think I've read them all. The central voice is male but he is strongly tied in with the female main character. They are 2 people tied to route 66 through some nasty act that we don't find out much about. They travel up and down the route looking for magic artifacts and revenge or a cure for their unusual condition. What I enjoyed about this book was the main characters love for each other through trying circumstances, their loyalty and their kindness. It was such a positive reading experience. There is mystery, some violence but nothing major and lots of interesting ideas. Recommended if you like Ilona Andrews Clean Sweep series or the song "we're 2 lost souls on the highway of life" from the broadway hit Damn Yankees, which it reminded me of, weirdly, as it had that urban legend feel to it. Anyway these 2 books were a nice light read, totally recommend.
I gave this story 5 stars as it was well written with an unusual plot line. Just when I think I've read them all. The central voice is male but he is strongly tied in with the female main character. They are 2 people tied to route 66 through some nasty act that we don't find out much about. They travel up and down the route looking for magic artifacts and revenge or a cure for their unusual condition. What I enjoyed about this book was the main characters love for each other through trying circumstances, their loyalty and their kindness. It was such a positive reading experience. There is mystery, some violence but nothing major and lots of interesting ideas. Recommended if you like Ilona Andrews Clean Sweep series or the song "we're 2 lost souls on the highway of life" from the broadway hit Damn Yankees, which it reminded me of, weirdly, as it had that urban legend feel to it. Anyway these 2 books were a nice light read, totally recommend.
November 20, 2021
Great story
I really liked this new series and the fact that it is a spin-off from her other series Ordinary Magic. Lu and Brogan were in love and going to be married when they were attacked by someone or something. Brogan was left as a ghost and Lu is not really human anymore. They are in search of magical objects that may help them regain all that they lost. The “new” truck Lu just bought breaks down and leads them to a small town in Illinois where they have quite a few adventures. It took me a while to get into this but once I did, I loved characters and the world building. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
I really liked this new series and the fact that it is a spin-off from her other series Ordinary Magic. Lu and Brogan were in love and going to be married when they were attacked by someone or something. Brogan was left as a ghost and Lu is not really human anymore. They are in search of magical objects that may help them regain all that they lost. The “new” truck Lu just bought breaks down and leads them to a small town in Illinois where they have quite a few adventures. It took me a while to get into this but once I did, I loved characters and the world building. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
December 22, 2020
So interesting - a love that endures anything.
Really love anything that Devon Monk writes and this book was no exception. It built gently and has a whimsical humour. Lulu and Brogan are exceptionally likeable characters facing incredible circumstances but they will overcome anything to keep loving each other. Oh, and there is an awesome dog thrown in to make the story even better. Cant wait for next instalment.
Really love anything that Devon Monk writes and this book was no exception. It built gently and has a whimsical humour. Lulu and Brogan are exceptionally likeable characters facing incredible circumstances but they will overcome anything to keep loving each other. Oh, and there is an awesome dog thrown in to make the story even better. Cant wait for next instalment.
January 3, 2021
So perfect!
All the Devon Monk hallmarks are here--people who feel desperately real, magic of excruciating brightness, a world of sweet, intimate details. The angst was poignant and perfectly suspended, but I was so glad to see it concluded in this first book-- least partially. It would have been wearying if maintained through the series.
I'm dying to dive into book two!
P
All the Devon Monk hallmarks are here--people who feel desperately real, magic of excruciating brightness, a world of sweet, intimate details. The angst was poignant and perfectly suspended, but I was so glad to see it concluded in this first book-- least partially. It would have been wearying if maintained through the series.
I'm dying to dive into book two!
P
January 6, 2021
Novella. (149 pgs)
A Mostly ghost and a vampire-ish couple stuck on route 66.
Same world (different storyline) as Ordinary Magic.
I usually like Devon Monk, but I didn't really connect with these characters.
A Mostly ghost and a vampire-ish couple stuck on route 66.
Same world (different storyline) as Ordinary Magic.
I usually like Devon Monk, but I didn't really connect with these characters.
February 3, 2022
Lula Doyle and Brogan Gauge met in the 1930s. They seemed unsuitable for each other but fell in love and planned to marry - until the day when vampires attacked them and left them near dead. Lula survived - she did not turn into a vampire but did not remain human either; Brogan mostly died. Their souls somehow connected, pieces of each ended up in the other and here they are more than 80 years later, traveling up and down Route 66 - Lu Gauge (as she styles herself now) driving; Brogan staying by her side. Did I forget to mention that Brogan is also invisible and they can really see each other only for a minute at a time, and rarely, with the help of an old clock? The magic that tied them together seems to be connected to the Route - so they stay on it and keep traveling up and down - while the world moved away and runs on the new highways. And in all of these years, they never gave up - they will find a way to get back among the living or they will find whoever cursed them that way and make sure they are very dead. In the meantime, Lu uses her talent to see magical objects and tracks them down for a man who pays her well for any object she finds.
In the first novel of the series, Lu and Brogan get stranded in a small town alongside Route 66 after she buys a truck that had seen better days (despite Brogan's attempt to stop her - being invisible makes things a bit harder). Except that it may not have been incidental - a ghost gives them a link to an object that may help them (although they don't seem to be the only ones who want it) and Lu cannot stop herself of playing Cupid while she is in the area anyway - her long lasting love had makes her try to give the same to everyone (not always working very well but... she still tries). She does not have any special powers in that regard - except 80 years on the road, with the man she loves, without being able to be with the man she loves.
The novel can be almost cloyingly sweet in some places, cliched in others but the premise works. I cared about Lu and Brogan (even if I wonder if they would have survived if they were able to be together - Brogan talks to Lu all the time, she senses some of it (sometimes via her dog, sometimes in a less normal way) but they also had been together for so long that sometimes she knows what he will say). The budding romance she was trying to assist was as cliched as it was sweet - in a good way. The end of the novel finally sets the series up - this first book is really an introduction (I do wonder if it would not have worked better as a novella really - there is enough that could be cut without losing the story).
Urban fantasy tends to be set in cities (thus the genre name) and pulling it out of them and tying it to Route 66 makes this one different. Making Brogan not exactly a ghost (we even get an explanation of titled realities and what's not) and Lu not exactly human adds to that difference. Add vampires, gods and other supernatural beings and other supernatural beings (although we meet just a few and only hear of others) and the world has a lot to be explored. And it works. It may not have been an award winning series and it may have issues but I liked it enough to stay with the series (and to even look at other books by the author). Some online reviews mention that this novel has some connections to a previous series By the author - if that is so, it was unobtrusive and one can start reading with this book.
In the first novel of the series, Lu and Brogan get stranded in a small town alongside Route 66 after she buys a truck that had seen better days (despite Brogan's attempt to stop her - being invisible makes things a bit harder). Except that it may not have been incidental - a ghost gives them a link to an object that may help them (although they don't seem to be the only ones who want it) and Lu cannot stop herself of playing Cupid while she is in the area anyway - her long lasting love had makes her try to give the same to everyone (not always working very well but... she still tries). She does not have any special powers in that regard - except 80 years on the road, with the man she loves, without being able to be with the man she loves.
The novel can be almost cloyingly sweet in some places, cliched in others but the premise works. I cared about Lu and Brogan (even if I wonder if they would have survived if they were able to be together - Brogan talks to Lu all the time, she senses some of it (sometimes via her dog, sometimes in a less normal way) but they also had been together for so long that sometimes she knows what he will say). The budding romance she was trying to assist was as cliched as it was sweet - in a good way. The end of the novel finally sets the series up - this first book is really an introduction (I do wonder if it would not have worked better as a novella really - there is enough that could be cut without losing the story).
Urban fantasy tends to be set in cities (thus the genre name) and pulling it out of them and tying it to Route 66 makes this one different. Making Brogan not exactly a ghost (we even get an explanation of titled realities and what's not) and Lu not exactly human adds to that difference. Add vampires, gods and other supernatural beings and other supernatural beings (although we meet just a few and only hear of others) and the world has a lot to be explored. And it works. It may not have been an award winning series and it may have issues but I liked it enough to stay with the series (and to even look at other books by the author). Some online reviews mention that this novel has some connections to a previous series By the author - if that is so, it was unobtrusive and one can start reading with this book.
December 30, 2021
Wayward Souls is the first novel in a new series (Souls of the Road) by Devon Monk – one of my favorite urban fantasy authors. The second I saw this book, it immediately got added to my TBR pile, though I'm ashamed to admit that it took me this long to get around to reading it.
Lula and Brogan Gauge don't have what most people consider a typical relationship. They love each other – some would say to death and back. They have been traveling the roads of Route 66 for years and will likely be doing so for many years to come.
You see, they are in search of a cure for the curse that plagues them both. It's a modern tale of Lady Hawk, with a few darker twists – because magic and curses are never so simple, are they?
Since I love Devon Monk and her writing, I went into Wayward Souls with really high hopes. Unfortunately, I didn't end up loving the novel nearly as much as I had hoped. Don't get me wrong – it was still a decent read. It just didn't blow me away as I had hoped.
Lula and Brogan's stories did admittedly break my heart. It was an interesting choice to throw us into their story long after they had been cursed. There's something very somber about that choice, and it sort of sets the tone for the whole novel. At least, that's how it felt to me.
Actually, there are several somber tones in this novel, all of which weave together. And I'll admit that I spent more than my fair share of time worrying over the dog and his well-being (I do that a lot, so no surprise there).
Do I think that there's a lot of potential? Absolutely. Do I think I'll be reading the rest of this series? Maybe? But it probably won't be making the top of my TBR pile, which at this point is pretty overwhelming anyway.
Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Lula and Brogan Gauge don't have what most people consider a typical relationship. They love each other – some would say to death and back. They have been traveling the roads of Route 66 for years and will likely be doing so for many years to come.
You see, they are in search of a cure for the curse that plagues them both. It's a modern tale of Lady Hawk, with a few darker twists – because magic and curses are never so simple, are they?
Since I love Devon Monk and her writing, I went into Wayward Souls with really high hopes. Unfortunately, I didn't end up loving the novel nearly as much as I had hoped. Don't get me wrong – it was still a decent read. It just didn't blow me away as I had hoped.
Lula and Brogan's stories did admittedly break my heart. It was an interesting choice to throw us into their story long after they had been cursed. There's something very somber about that choice, and it sort of sets the tone for the whole novel. At least, that's how it felt to me.
Actually, there are several somber tones in this novel, all of which weave together. And I'll admit that I spent more than my fair share of time worrying over the dog and his well-being (I do that a lot, so no surprise there).
Do I think that there's a lot of potential? Absolutely. Do I think I'll be reading the rest of this series? Maybe? But it probably won't be making the top of my TBR pile, which at this point is pretty overwhelming anyway.
Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
December 18, 2020
starts slow, finishes lovely
For me Devon Monk is an unpredictable author. Some of her series I like a lot (Ordinary), others I start off liking but peter out (Allie Beckstrom, Magic), still others I never got into (the sequel to Magic which just felt grim). This one I thought was going to be that last category, but it nudged over into the like column, mostly because about halfway through, it got an emotional buy-in from me. I’d spent the first half not sure who these people were or why I should care about them (it would have helped if the book had started with the attack on Lula and Brogan rather than just mentioning it several times with no details). Driving isn’t my thing, so the truck and the road didn’t offer me much. I also didn’t like Brogan getting so invested in derailing Jo and Cal’s prospective relationship—that made Brogan seem mean and rather petty, especially given how trivial the bet was that he was trying to win. I’m not really sure why I decided to invest in Lula and Brogan, maybe I finally understood their tragedy? maybe they showed up as good people in a very bad place? maybe Cupid loved them so they appeared lovable? I don’t know, but I do want to see what happens in the next book.
For me Devon Monk is an unpredictable author. Some of her series I like a lot (Ordinary), others I start off liking but peter out (Allie Beckstrom, Magic), still others I never got into (the sequel to Magic which just felt grim). This one I thought was going to be that last category, but it nudged over into the like column, mostly because about halfway through, it got an emotional buy-in from me. I’d spent the first half not sure who these people were or why I should care about them (it would have helped if the book had started with the attack on Lula and Brogan rather than just mentioning it several times with no details). Driving isn’t my thing, so the truck and the road didn’t offer me much. I also didn’t like Brogan getting so invested in derailing Jo and Cal’s prospective relationship—that made Brogan seem mean and rather petty, especially given how trivial the bet was that he was trying to win. I’m not really sure why I decided to invest in Lula and Brogan, maybe I finally understood their tragedy? maybe they showed up as good people in a very bad place? maybe Cupid loved them so they appeared lovable? I don’t know, but I do want to see what happens in the next book.
January 14, 2024
3.5 stars
I was hooked from the first chapter. Devon Monk did an amazing job setting up the story and the romance and these two likeable protagonists. They had such a unique story and I got so much romance and love from that one chapter than I did from 100's of other books that are supposed to be romantic. Then...it didn't live up to that brilliant beginning. I don't know where the book was going, there was very little plot and the pacing felt off. There was a showdown with a hunter that happened halfway through and felt like it should have been the end. I think this book had enough story for a novella, and it was a very short novel. I really didn't care about Lu's matchmaking or with Stella the ghost and her sister Dot, and that's what most of the book focussed on. I didn't love the author's Ordinary Magic series, I only got a book and half in and DNF'd, so I didn't care for the constant hint at gods and the other series. I like what happened in the end, but I worry it's just going to be more matchmaking and other uninteresting stories, when Lu and Brogan are the exciting part. Give me more of them and their story.
I was hooked from the first chapter. Devon Monk did an amazing job setting up the story and the romance and these two likeable protagonists. They had such a unique story and I got so much romance and love from that one chapter than I did from 100's of other books that are supposed to be romantic. Then...it didn't live up to that brilliant beginning. I don't know where the book was going, there was very little plot and the pacing felt off. There was a showdown with a hunter that happened halfway through and felt like it should have been the end. I think this book had enough story for a novella, and it was a very short novel. I really didn't care about Lu's matchmaking or with Stella the ghost and her sister Dot, and that's what most of the book focussed on. I didn't love the author's Ordinary Magic series, I only got a book and half in and DNF'd, so I didn't care for the constant hint at gods and the other series. I like what happened in the end, but I worry it's just going to be more matchmaking and other uninteresting stories, when Lu and Brogan are the exciting part. Give me more of them and their story.
December 28, 2020
4 stars - Decent series Starter
He's more dead than alive and she's more alive than dead and they are connected by a love that reaches across the barrier between life and death as they endlessly travel Route 66 looking for a cure to their condition or for vengeance on the one who did this to them.
I enjoyed this series set in the same universe as the author's Ordinary God's series. This first book had that otherworldly feel of those stories where ghosts can act on the lives of the living with a touch of Lady Hawke in that the two lovers are together but can touch or directly communicate except for a minute every few weeks or months. But still they know each other so well they have almost conversations where they respond to what the other would say in a situation. I am intrigued by the setup though not sure how things will work in the next book due to twist right before the end of the story.
He's more dead than alive and she's more alive than dead and they are connected by a love that reaches across the barrier between life and death as they endlessly travel Route 66 looking for a cure to their condition or for vengeance on the one who did this to them.
I enjoyed this series set in the same universe as the author's Ordinary God's series. This first book had that otherworldly feel of those stories where ghosts can act on the lives of the living with a touch of Lady Hawke in that the two lovers are together but can touch or directly communicate except for a minute every few weeks or months. But still they know each other so well they have almost conversations where they respond to what the other would say in a situation. I am intrigued by the setup though not sure how things will work in the next book due to twist right before the end of the story.
January 6, 2023
Devon Monk is one of my most favorite writers. I immediately get her books as they come out. I don't immediately read them though. I want to savor the anticipation of the adventure. This one is such a cool premise.
One of the main characters, Brogan, does tend to wax melodic when he describes pretty much everything, especially Lu his wife. It was a bit tedious at first but then I realized that this might be his way of reminding himself of how things felt and smelled and other sensations when he was alive. Then it was not tedious any longer.
I am going to break one of rules and start book 2 in the series immediately. Devon Monk is one of the authors I will break my non-chain-read-author rules for.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
One of the main characters, Brogan, does tend to wax melodic when he describes pretty much everything, especially Lu his wife. It was a bit tedious at first but then I realized that this might be his way of reminding himself of how things felt and smelled and other sensations when he was alive. Then it was not tedious any longer.
I am going to break one of rules and start book 2 in the series immediately. Devon Monk is one of the authors I will break my non-chain-read-author rules for.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
January 11, 2023
I really enjoyed getting to know Lula and Brogan Gauge! This book is very different other books I have read and I love that about it. Love for the ages on Route 66! This book is sweet in many ways with the connection between Lula and Brogan. I really felt the love and longing. I look forward to learning more about the attack that made them this way and more about both characters. I am curious about what Lula has been through in her past. I really enjoyed the Ordinary Magic series and wanted to read more from this author. Her books are fantastic and I hope they are chosen one day for a movie or a TV series! I can see them so clear while I read.
September 6, 2023
Absolutely Adorable
This was short, sweet, and very well written. I liked the ties to Route 66 and a little Americana mixed with some good world building that didn't feel too clunky.
On a personal note the relationship Lu has with her semi-ghostly husband really gave me all the feels. The way she held her hand open believing he was holding her hand. It reminded me of when my husband was deployed and I used to wear his shirt and hug myself as tight as I could pretending I was hugging him, and he was hugging me.
What I'm trying to say is it was very sappy and romantic in my favorite way and I really liked it
This was short, sweet, and very well written. I liked the ties to Route 66 and a little Americana mixed with some good world building that didn't feel too clunky.
On a personal note the relationship Lu has with her semi-ghostly husband really gave me all the feels. The way she held her hand open believing he was holding her hand. It reminded me of when my husband was deployed and I used to wear his shirt and hug myself as tight as I could pretending I was hugging him, and he was hugging me.
What I'm trying to say is it was very sappy and romantic in my favorite way and I really liked it
August 28, 2025
I have the first two books, it was in a bundle I bought for kit rocha cancer support? I can’t remember now, but I keep forgetting that I own them. The first volume was free on all the sites, and I started reading it when I had downloading issues and it was in my kobo library.
One is half alive, the other half undead. To stay that way they have to stick on Route 66. They share parts of each other’s souls - Still in love with each other, and trying to get to some kind of acceptable solution to this.
Interesting hooks for what happened to them, a revenge arc, and interference with gods who exist in this world as well as monsters.
4 stars
One is half alive, the other half undead. To stay that way they have to stick on Route 66. They share parts of each other’s souls - Still in love with each other, and trying to get to some kind of acceptable solution to this.
Interesting hooks for what happened to them, a revenge arc, and interference with gods who exist in this world as well as monsters.
4 stars
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