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Preternatural Affairs #5
Deadly Wrong
Isobel Stonecrow’s life has an expiration date: One month, two weeks, four days, and six hours remaining.
Not that she’s counting.
When she signed a contract giving her soul and memories to a demon named Ander, she didn’t expect that she would ever have to face termination. But now Ander is dead and she’ll be following suit if she can’t find a way to dissolve the deal.
Too bad she can’t remember anything from the time before she signed the contract.
Fritz Friederling, a billionaire demon hunter who owns several businesses in Hell, isn’t ready to give up on Isobel. But she isn’t sure that working with Fritz is better than dying. She doesn’t know much about her past life, but she knows that she signed Ander’s contract for a reason—and that getting away from Fritz was a significant part of it.
Escaping her contract means remembering the life that she chose to forget. And it means trusting Fritz Friederling, who Isobel fears might be the biggest danger of all…
Not that she’s counting.
When she signed a contract giving her soul and memories to a demon named Ander, she didn’t expect that she would ever have to face termination. But now Ander is dead and she’ll be following suit if she can’t find a way to dissolve the deal.
Too bad she can’t remember anything from the time before she signed the contract.
Fritz Friederling, a billionaire demon hunter who owns several businesses in Hell, isn’t ready to give up on Isobel. But she isn’t sure that working with Fritz is better than dying. She doesn’t know much about her past life, but she knows that she signed Ander’s contract for a reason—and that getting away from Fritz was a significant part of it.
Escaping her contract means remembering the life that she chose to forget. And it means trusting Fritz Friederling, who Isobel fears might be the biggest danger of all…
Unknown Binding
First published November 5, 2014
57 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Reine
114 books2,007 followersHi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 28, 2019
Warning: this review contains spoilers from Shadow Burns, the previous instalment in this series.
So. I finished reading Deadly Wrong four days ago and I still don’t know how to rate it. Don’t get me wrong, the story is pretty amazing. I won’t talk about it here because it would be impossible not to give anything away. I thought there were a lot of twists and turns in the previous instalment but they were nothing compared to what happens here. It’s one shocking revelation after the other. Deadly Wrong is pretty much gut-wrenching and emotionally draining, and probably one of the best book in the series so far.
The reason why I don’t know how to rate this book? The characters. Deadly Wrong is all about Isobel. Her death is imminent because of the termination of Ander’s contract and she is desperate. As she tries to find a way to survive with Fritz’s help, her memories come back. She slowly remembers her life before the contract: who she was, how she came to meet Fritz, their life together, their marriage… When this series first started I just loved Isobel’s character. She was intriguing, fun and I really enjoyed her interactions with Cèsar. Things started changing in Shadow Burns as I found myself liking Suze more than I did Isobel. I’m actually beginning to think this is all some Machiavellian plan of Reine’s, as if she had been sowing the seeds for instalments to come. Why? Because after reading Deadly Wrong I hate what Isobel has become. I knew that we would eventually find out who she had been before and that it wouldn’t all be good but this? I really didn’t expect to dislike her so much. I think what shocked me most was how selfish she actually is. And that’s even before the details of Hope Jimenez’s life were revealed! Not to mention how condescending and dismissive she is about Cèsar. After all he has done for her! What a bitch! She actually refers to him as a “sad puppy!” Her attitude towards Cèsar made me really really really mad. . Anyway, she can die for all I care, I just cannot stand the woman anymore.
One ruined character down, one to go. Fritz. The billionaire ninja of Beverly Hills. Seriously, what the hell happened to Fritzy?!! I LOVED him before reading Deadly Wrong. He was such a great character and I really liked his friendship with Cèsar. And now? A selfish, soulless bastard, that’s what he is. Come to think of it, Isobel is perfect for him. Why don’t they just move to Dis permanently and never come back?! To make things worse he’s a complete idiot when it comes to Isobel:
What’s left for me to say? I really missed Cèsar here. And Suze. I missed their interactions and their humour. I can’t wait to have them back in Ashes and Arsenic. And to hell with Isobel and Fritz.
So, let’s see what we have here. Reine ruined two perfectly good characters but wrote a pretty mind-blowing story and after much debating with myself I think she deserves four stars. It might not make sense but there you have it!:) Now give me more Cèsar!
· Book 1: Witch Hunt ★★★★
· Book 2: Silver Bullet ★★★
· Book 3: Hotter than Helltown ★★★★
· Book 4: Shadow Burns ★★★★★
· Book 6: Ashes and Arsenic ★★★★
· Book 7: Once Darkness Falls ★★★★★
· Book 8: Bitter Thirst ★★
So. I finished reading Deadly Wrong four days ago and I still don’t know how to rate it. Don’t get me wrong, the story is pretty amazing. I won’t talk about it here because it would be impossible not to give anything away. I thought there were a lot of twists and turns in the previous instalment but they were nothing compared to what happens here. It’s one shocking revelation after the other. Deadly Wrong is pretty much gut-wrenching and emotionally draining, and probably one of the best book in the series so far.
The reason why I don’t know how to rate this book? The characters. Deadly Wrong is all about Isobel. Her death is imminent because of the termination of Ander’s contract and she is desperate. As she tries to find a way to survive with Fritz’s help, her memories come back. She slowly remembers her life before the contract: who she was, how she came to meet Fritz, their life together, their marriage… When this series first started I just loved Isobel’s character. She was intriguing, fun and I really enjoyed her interactions with Cèsar. Things started changing in Shadow Burns as I found myself liking Suze more than I did Isobel. I’m actually beginning to think this is all some Machiavellian plan of Reine’s, as if she had been sowing the seeds for instalments to come. Why? Because after reading Deadly Wrong I hate what Isobel has become. I knew that we would eventually find out who she had been before and that it wouldn’t all be good but this? I really didn’t expect to dislike her so much. I think what shocked me most was how selfish she actually is. And that’s even before the details of Hope Jimenez’s life were revealed! Not to mention how condescending and dismissive she is about Cèsar. After all he has done for her! What a bitch! She actually refers to him as a “sad puppy!” Her attitude towards Cèsar made me really really really mad. . Anyway, she can die for all I care, I just cannot stand the woman anymore.
One ruined character down, one to go. Fritz. The billionaire ninja of Beverly Hills. Seriously, what the hell happened to Fritzy?!! I LOVED him before reading Deadly Wrong. He was such a great character and I really liked his friendship with Cèsar. And now? A selfish, soulless bastard, that’s what he is. Come to think of it, Isobel is perfect for him. Why don’t they just move to Dis permanently and never come back?! To make things worse he’s a complete idiot when it comes to Isobel:
What’s left for me to say? I really missed Cèsar here. And Suze. I missed their interactions and their humour. I can’t wait to have them back in Ashes and Arsenic. And to hell with Isobel and Fritz.
So, let’s see what we have here. Reine ruined two perfectly good characters but wrote a pretty mind-blowing story and after much debating with myself I think she deserves four stars. It might not make sense but there you have it!:) Now give me more Cèsar!
· Book 1: Witch Hunt ★★★★
· Book 2: Silver Bullet ★★★
· Book 3: Hotter than Helltown ★★★★
· Book 4: Shadow Burns ★★★★★
· Book 6: Ashes and Arsenic ★★★★
· Book 7: Once Darkness Falls ★★★★★
· Book 8: Bitter Thirst ★★
February 22, 2015
We have been dancing around the triangle of Isobel and Fritz and Cèsar for a little while now. And, after the last book, I wasn't sure exactly how this was going to play out. As usual, Ms Reine has judged it perfectly.
At novella length (approx 155 pages), I have absolutely no doubt that you will (as I did before you), sit down and devour this in one sitting. As if it were a tasty bowl of something delicious. You will forget, for a little while, that the dishes and the ironing need doing. You will lose yourself in this story.
Because this story is a gem. Tinged with humour and sadness, there is an underlying current of tension which will pull you through the tale. I just loved it.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
At novella length (approx 155 pages), I have absolutely no doubt that you will (as I did before you), sit down and devour this in one sitting. As if it were a tasty bowl of something delicious. You will forget, for a little while, that the dishes and the ironing need doing. You will lose yourself in this story.
Because this story is a gem. Tinged with humour and sadness, there is an underlying current of tension which will pull you through the tale. I just loved it.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
May 8, 2015
I really love this series. Sara has some great stories in her head, and she gets them down into words really well. I need to pick up some of her other series soon -- I have a few of them waiting on my Kindle. :)
Can't wait for book 6, Ashes and Arsenic, and the return of Cesar Hawke!
Can't wait for book 6, Ashes and Arsenic, and the return of Cesar Hawke!
December 4, 2020
(Not actually read in kindle, because helloooo! Kobo epubs exist!) I was at first put out that the book is (1) in 3rd person & (2) from Isobel's pov. But it works really well. She's a great character, & the contrast between Hope & Isobel is handled quite well. I do wish they'd get off the baking cookies thing, though; it's not actually much of a personality trait. I mean, I've baked a few cookies myself, & I'm evil incarnate--just ask my students.
March 23, 2021
This book gave some interesting backstory for both Isobelle and Fritz, very fun to read about Fritz when he was young. I realised after finishing this book that the issues with Abraxas in this book were actually explained in one of the accent series books with Elise. Love how all the series interconnect!
Read
September 16, 2023A bit more thin than others
Sometimes a step back to show the lives of previously 2ndary characters deepens the resonance of the unfolding story arc. If this one does ultimately I'll resist this review. But for now I found it brief, albeit with clear arc. It left me feeling kind of icky too. Dark in a way other books in the series have been.
Sometimes a step back to show the lives of previously 2ndary characters deepens the resonance of the unfolding story arc. If this one does ultimately I'll resist this review. But for now I found it brief, albeit with clear arc. It left me feeling kind of icky too. Dark in a way other books in the series have been.
May 17, 2017
A background book on one of the characters. Was an interesting filler.
January 13, 2018
Not as good as the last one, but wrapped something up from the last. Enjoyable. Weird to not have Cesar in it at all, since he's been all the other books were about.
October 10, 2018
Could this series get any better, well yes.
April 28, 2019
Addicting
The series is addicting, I love going to the next book. Reines has the magic in keeping you interested and on the edge of your seat,
The series is addicting, I love going to the next book. Reines has the magic in keeping you interested and on the edge of your seat,
July 3, 2025
Isobel’s lore plot twist once again so well thought out and explains so much and was so fun having a series from her POV rather than Cesar to split it up a bit woo
December 7, 2023
Series is really getting good?
August 2, 2025
Deel vijf in de reeks, maar deze keer niet rond agent Cèsar Hawke, wel rond het interessante nevenpersonage Isobel Stonecrow. In het vorige boek is namelijk aan het licht gekomen dat ze ondood is. Nee, geen echte zombie, maar door een contract van vijf jaar in leven gehouden op het moment dat ze aan het sterven was. Alleen is er nu een en ander misgelopen met dat contract en heeft ze maar een maand en een paar weken te leven. Allez ja, leven is een groot woord, want haar lichaam begint al af te sterven.
Beetje bij beetje komen daardoor ook haar herinneringen aan haar vroegere leven terug, en het is maar de vraag of Isobel daar blij mee is. Wat ze zich wel herinnert, is dat ze een speciale band had met Fritz Friederling, de directeur van de OPA, en dat is zowat de enige die haar kan helpen. Want ze moet naar de hel. Letterlijk. De Hel, thuis van alle mogelijke demonen, en ook de enige plaats waar dat contract kan herbekeken worden.
Het is wel leuk om eens een ander perspectief te hebben, maar het maakt het daarom niet diepgaander. Het blijft gelukkig wel even amusant om lezen, en dus lezen we verder.
Beetje bij beetje komen daardoor ook haar herinneringen aan haar vroegere leven terug, en het is maar de vraag of Isobel daar blij mee is. Wat ze zich wel herinnert, is dat ze een speciale band had met Fritz Friederling, de directeur van de OPA, en dat is zowat de enige die haar kan helpen. Want ze moet naar de hel. Letterlijk. De Hel, thuis van alle mogelijke demonen, en ook de enige plaats waar dat contract kan herbekeken worden.
Het is wel leuk om eens een ander perspectief te hebben, maar het maakt het daarom niet diepgaander. Het blijft gelukkig wel even amusant om lezen, en dus lezen we verder.
December 11, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really wonderful addition in a rapidly growing story. While the previous books in this series have revolved around Cesar, this book was completely Cesar-free and revolved around Isobel and Fritz. Looking for answers about her past? This book is filled with them!
We pick up a few months after Isobel got her memories back. They’re still trickling in but she now knows enough to be straddling the two “selves.” She’s almost at the end of her contracted “zombie” time when she finally reconnects with Fritz. While I was firmly on Team Cesar for a little bit, I can definitely say that I’m over him (as, it appears, Isobel is too). Now on Team Fritz, I was happy that this book was really just about the two of them. Their relationship (or relationships?) is anything but simple, filled with all sorts of revelations throughout the book. Yes, there’s some romance and some good stuff, but this book still bears the stamp of a nice and gritty urban fantasy.
For fans of other books by this author, we get some nice little nods to things you know already (but other readers might not). There’s some good foreshadowing and setups happening along the way that I can appreciate fully. I don’t think it would hurt if you didn’t read any other series. It might be nice to re-read after you do, though (and you should completely read the other stories). This book really “rebooted” this series for me. Cesar was really starting to grate on me and I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to be in his head any more. While there is a distinct lack of his sarcastic wit, I didn’t miss it at all. This book was a fun and quick read that left me completely satisfied.
This was a really wonderful addition in a rapidly growing story. While the previous books in this series have revolved around Cesar, this book was completely Cesar-free and revolved around Isobel and Fritz. Looking for answers about her past? This book is filled with them!
We pick up a few months after Isobel got her memories back. They’re still trickling in but she now knows enough to be straddling the two “selves.” She’s almost at the end of her contracted “zombie” time when she finally reconnects with Fritz. While I was firmly on Team Cesar for a little bit, I can definitely say that I’m over him (as, it appears, Isobel is too). Now on Team Fritz, I was happy that this book was really just about the two of them. Their relationship (or relationships?) is anything but simple, filled with all sorts of revelations throughout the book. Yes, there’s some romance and some good stuff, but this book still bears the stamp of a nice and gritty urban fantasy.
For fans of other books by this author, we get some nice little nods to things you know already (but other readers might not). There’s some good foreshadowing and setups happening along the way that I can appreciate fully. I don’t think it would hurt if you didn’t read any other series. It might be nice to re-read after you do, though (and you should completely read the other stories). This book really “rebooted” this series for me. Cesar was really starting to grate on me and I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to be in his head any more. While there is a distinct lack of his sarcastic wit, I didn’t miss it at all. This book was a fun and quick read that left me completely satisfied.
December 23, 2016
The book was good. The part I wasn't pleased with was it following Izzy. No Cesar or Suzy. I did love the extra background on Fritz though.
December 11, 2014
I thought I was caught up with Ms. Sara Reine's series. That's what I get for thinking! She sent me another couple books to review. Whew! That is one prolific author!!!!!
Okay, my tags may include zombies. Don't be afraid she's not the "Brains" kind. She just a little undead. Or should I say, a little or almost dead? I love the main character. I like her a lot more than the usual person who inhabits the Preternatural Affairs series. Even though Cesar Chavez is an interesting person, I think Ms. Isobel Stonecrow is much more interesting. Even if she is nearly dead.
When I get e-books sent to me, I have the choice to use my USB to transfer to my Kindle, or email to my Kindle address. But it is so much easier to download the e-book into my Moon Reader Pro. Then I don't need to read it on my Kindle and my Tablet or Fire together. Because I need the text-to-speech feature I need two items to read with. On MRP I listen on my tablet and the font is adjustable. So it makes me very happy, everything on one reader.
This was a quick read for me. I found it fun and scary. I mean, it does take us to Dis/Hell for a while with demons and nightmares all around. But Isobel can hold her own and even when she makes mistakes they seem to go in her favor in the end. I can't wait to read more!
Okay, my tags may include zombies. Don't be afraid she's not the "Brains" kind. She just a little undead. Or should I say, a little or almost dead? I love the main character. I like her a lot more than the usual person who inhabits the Preternatural Affairs series. Even though Cesar Chavez is an interesting person, I think Ms. Isobel Stonecrow is much more interesting. Even if she is nearly dead.
When I get e-books sent to me, I have the choice to use my USB to transfer to my Kindle, or email to my Kindle address. But it is so much easier to download the e-book into my Moon Reader Pro. Then I don't need to read it on my Kindle and my Tablet or Fire together. Because I need the text-to-speech feature I need two items to read with. On MRP I listen on my tablet and the font is adjustable. So it makes me very happy, everything on one reader.
This was a quick read for me. I found it fun and scary. I mean, it does take us to Dis/Hell for a while with demons and nightmares all around. But Isobel can hold her own and even when she makes mistakes they seem to go in her favor in the end. I can't wait to read more!
January 5, 2015
Good gravy, I love the twists and turns S.M. Reine throws into her books. Things that I thought were straightforward and uncomplicated have a way of getting turned on their side and shook up. It makes me ridiculously giddy.
Isobel's story definitely took a turn I didn't expect. Her lack of memory from her life before she signed her contract meant that anything could have been on the table as far as her past was concerned. The glimpses we've been given are just that. Glimpses. Things aren't what they seem and even Isobel doesn't know much given the swiss cheese state of her memory.
*stares at everyone* I just... things happen, people. Things happen.
I LOVED seeing how Isobel sees Cèsar. Previous books has shown us his mild obsession (obsession might be a strong word. Maybe his... fascination... yeah. Fascination.) with her, but Isobel sees the world very differently than he does and it's reflected in the way she views him.
Bottom line: We got to see the driving force behind what drove Hope to become Isobel and we got a bucketful of answers as to who and what she is. Or was. Oh, and Fritz. We got more Fritz.
*high five*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Isobel's story definitely took a turn I didn't expect. Her lack of memory from her life before she signed her contract meant that anything could have been on the table as far as her past was concerned. The glimpses we've been given are just that. Glimpses. Things aren't what they seem and even Isobel doesn't know much given the swiss cheese state of her memory.
*stares at everyone* I just... things happen, people. Things happen.
I LOVED seeing how Isobel sees Cèsar. Previous books has shown us his mild obsession (obsession might be a strong word. Maybe his... fascination... yeah. Fascination.) with her, but Isobel sees the world very differently than he does and it's reflected in the way she views him.
Bottom line: We got to see the driving force behind what drove Hope to become Isobel and we got a bucketful of answers as to who and what she is. Or was. Oh, and Fritz. We got more Fritz.
*high five*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
January 27, 2016
This is book 5 in the Preternatural Affairs series. The thing that is different about this book is that is in not centered on Cesar. This book takes a step back and tells the story of Isobel (aka Hope) and Fritz.
This book picks up after the last book. Isobel had found out who she was before her contract with Anders. She also realized that she had a contract end date coming up which meant that she would die soon. She is starting to rot and now Isobel and Fritz are racing against time to find a way to reverse the contract.
Isobel's old memories are starting to resurface. The problem is that she remembers things that she wishes she didn't.
I absolutely loved this book. The other books all focus on Cesar so I know so much more about him. This one focuses on Fritz and Isobel and makes these characters so much more real. I can't wait to read the next book and see what is in store for Preternatural Affairs group.
This book picks up after the last book. Isobel had found out who she was before her contract with Anders. She also realized that she had a contract end date coming up which meant that she would die soon. She is starting to rot and now Isobel and Fritz are racing against time to find a way to reverse the contract.
Isobel's old memories are starting to resurface. The problem is that she remembers things that she wishes she didn't.
I absolutely loved this book. The other books all focus on Cesar so I know so much more about him. This one focuses on Fritz and Isobel and makes these characters so much more real. I can't wait to read the next book and see what is in store for Preternatural Affairs group.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2015
Isobel is in trouble. Her body is dying and she is running out of time to find a way to refuse the effects. This is when she finally allows her husband Fritz to finally help her. The worst part of it all, if she could only remember the details about the contract she signed she could probably help herself. Fritz takes her to hell to beg the higher powers for help undoing this contract from hell. The worst part of it all, escaping the binds of her contract will bring back all the memories she had blissfully forgotten of her previous life and the terrible things she did.
January 30, 2015
I have truly looked forward to reading this book ever since I received the email from Sara saying she was writing it. Isobel has always been a fascinating character, as has Fritz. I received this book from the author some time ago, but put it off until I could read it all at once... I knew it would be that good! This isn't a super fast paced, action packed story like you would expect from this series. It is an amazing background look into two very mysterious characters that has some suspense and a lot of surprising information that you wouldn't expect.
February 7, 2017
I thought this was one of the best in the series so far! I love getting to know about the secret histories of these characters and it was a nice break to get out of Cèsar head for a change.
February 4, 2016
Not sure about this one, I can see why it's been written, it gives some depth to Isobel's story but it doesn't really fit, in my opinion, with the Preternatural Affairs books. Would have been better as a .5 book rather than being the 5th in the series, but this is only my opinion. Other than its place in the series it was enjoyable.
September 9, 2016
Deadly Wrong
I omitted I read this novella out of order, after the seven novel. The gaps in the storyline have now fell into place making the puzzle whole. I always felt I miss something when I finish the seven novel. Worthy read and enjoying the urban fantasy preternatural affairs.
I omitted I read this novella out of order, after the seven novel. The gaps in the storyline have now fell into place making the puzzle whole. I always felt I miss something when I finish the seven novel. Worthy read and enjoying the urban fantasy preternatural affairs.
November 21, 2014
There's always hope
Isobel & Fritz have a odd relationship married yet not maybe but what hold does Ander have over Isobel? Hopefully she'll figure out something. Still hope in the end for something more I the future. Interesting story line .
Isobel & Fritz have a odd relationship married yet not maybe but what hold does Ander have over Isobel? Hopefully she'll figure out something. Still hope in the end for something more I the future. Interesting story line .
December 9, 2014
What's not to love?!
Another hit by SM Reine! This author never fails to impress. Great story, I loved learning more about Isobel and Fritz's past and looking forward to reading about their future.....at least I'm hoping to! Already pre-ordered the next book in the series!
Another hit by SM Reine! This author never fails to impress. Great story, I loved learning more about Isobel and Fritz's past and looking forward to reading about their future.....at least I'm hoping to! Already pre-ordered the next book in the series!
December 16, 2014
4.5-5 Stars
This is the 5th book in an offshoot series and it's great. Cesar doesn't make an appearance in the story, but the writing is so good, it's okay that he got a break. The storyline is the history of Isobel and Fritz. If you like Reine's other work, you will enjoy this installment too.
This is the 5th book in an offshoot series and it's great. Cesar doesn't make an appearance in the story, but the writing is so good, it's okay that he got a break. The storyline is the history of Isobel and Fritz. If you like Reine's other work, you will enjoy this installment too.
January 4, 2015
Isobel's story... who she was comes full circle with who she is now, how she became what she is, who she really loves in the end...Can't say I'm liking her or her husband for what this story reveals of them but worth the read to understand her better.
September 14, 2015
I received a free copy of this book on my kindle in exchange of a review. This book wasn't my favorite in the series but I still enjoyed it. It was nice getting the full story of Hope/Isobel but it missed the comical relief of Cesar. Still really good though.
October 10, 2022
Audible edition. 4.5 OMG. This is Fritz and Isobel/Hope's backstory; and what a backstory it is. Death, undead, lies, betrayals, and a trip to Hell. There is no Cesar (except in reference). Also, this is very short, so I'm glad I bought it as part of a compilation.
December 15, 2014
Liked it. It was about isobel stonecrow. Waiting for the next one...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews