What do you think?
Dumpster Fire
Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. I have no one to trust.
A simple job from a sweet ghost sends my life into a tailspin.
I'm racing against the stepsons of the most powerful Seer in Grand Rapids. And they will do anything to get what I'm looking for.
I should have let them have it.
Unfortunately, I'm not capable of going back on my word.
Now, with an extra job, two insanely hot jerks, and a cascade of secrets, I can no longer trust my best friend. I'm on the run, my magic is on the fritz, my life is in danger, and there is no one I can trust. All I have to do is deliver my package, keep my magic hidden, and stay off the radar of the most powerful Seer in the city without the help of my best friend.
I am Salem Teller and I never miss my mark, even when the odds are stacked against me.
A simple job from a sweet ghost sends my life into a tailspin.
I'm racing against the stepsons of the most powerful Seer in Grand Rapids. And they will do anything to get what I'm looking for.
I should have let them have it.
Unfortunately, I'm not capable of going back on my word.
Now, with an extra job, two insanely hot jerks, and a cascade of secrets, I can no longer trust my best friend. I'm on the run, my magic is on the fritz, my life is in danger, and there is no one I can trust. All I have to do is deliver my package, keep my magic hidden, and stay off the radar of the most powerful Seer in the city without the help of my best friend.
I am Salem Teller and I never miss my mark, even when the odds are stacked against me.
- GenresParanormal
472 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2022
About the author
Jay Leigh Brown
18 books71 followersJay Leigh likes all the beverages both alcoholic and caffeinated. She hates seafood and pumpkin spice, and adores every flavor and genre of fine men and books. She resides in the wilderness of Michigan, boating and camping all summer, writing all winter. She's a decent photographer, and shamelessly purchases all things dachshund. A prolific breeder, she has a huge family, having far more than the allotted 2.2 children with the hottie who put a ring on it. One day she hopes to hang up her stethoscope permanently, spending all of her time palpating nothing but her shiny new retro keyboard. Dreaming in stories, she wants nothing more than to drown both your face and your panties with her words.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 22, 2022
I want to start by saying that I enjoyed this book overall. There is one trigger warning that I want to mention before I get into my full review. The main character has a familiar/sidekick who is a raccoon. He is frequently referred to as the shortened version of that word, which is also a derogatory term used in parts of the US (I don’t know about other countries). I know that word can be harmful for some people to hear or read, so I wanted to give a heads up.
Salem is a contradiction of a character, and I like it. She’s uneducated and clever, tries to be cold to everyone except her loved ones, but is full of fire and warmth that shines through. She has worked hard to be invisible but she can’t help but stand out. Salem has been out through the wringer most of her life but she’s a survivor. I like her determination and the way she stands up for herself.
The plot is full of action, twists, secrets, and betrayals. The reader learns things at the same time that Salem does, and it takes time for the whole picture to reveal itself. While the action is almost non-stop, the spice is fairly slow burn for a good portion of the story. Once it heats up, it burns 🥵
Salem is a contradiction of a character, and I like it. She’s uneducated and clever, tries to be cold to everyone except her loved ones, but is full of fire and warmth that shines through. She has worked hard to be invisible but she can’t help but stand out. Salem has been out through the wringer most of her life but she’s a survivor. I like her determination and the way she stands up for herself.
The plot is full of action, twists, secrets, and betrayals. The reader learns things at the same time that Salem does, and it takes time for the whole picture to reveal itself. While the action is almost non-stop, the spice is fairly slow burn for a good portion of the story. Once it heats up, it burns 🥵
October 14, 2022
I would give this book, Dumpster Fire a 3.2 rating.
I felt the book was incredibly original. However, it wasn’t quite what I would expect given how it started. When first starting this book, I was remarkably intrigued and believed I would be zooming through and no time. In all fairness, I became quite ill which had absolutely nothing to do with the book—obviously, so that slowed my pace considerably; however, I can truthfully say that even if I had not been sick that the contents of the book and specific elements about the story did not hold my interest as much as I had hoped they would. I will list below things that I very much appreciate about this book and elements that may have contributed to my less than five star rating. Please understand and respect that my opinions are specific to my own preferences, life experience, and individual reading style. My opinions may be shared by some and not by others, choose your own journey, if it’s helpful—great and if what I say in my opinion/reading experience is not for you, that’s OK too. I love that we all have differing preferences and perspective. I just love getting familiar with authors’ work and sharing my experience with other readers. So, back to the book:
What did I like?
-The originality of the plot
-The setting
-The magic system
-The use of familiars
-The Tethering concept
-The familial bonds, biological and more important adoptive/fostered
What was not as pleasing?
-I cannot express enough how much I disliked the main character. It would be a fair assumption to formulate that this experience and disliking the main character impacted my reading ability. At one point, one of the secondary characters basically calls the main character a brat… followed by much later in the story the main character accusing herself of being a whiner— both characterizations pretty much explain how I felt about her. So, at least she had some insight, and the other characters at least brought some prompting for her self-awareness within the story as well.
-Word choice intermittently during my reading experience would bring me out of the story. Especially any pop-culture or historical references that felt out of place within the context of the story/situation/ magical world, and also the occasional Jesus specific phrases I was not a fan of.
-The pacing was slower than I would prefer. While I appreciated the smooth development of the primary actions and relationship growth that occurred within this story, the pacing was just slower than I would have preferred it to be.
-The spice 🌶🔥💦had promise, but I wanted it to be much better.
Who would I recommend this book to?
Those that enjoy adult fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, self discovery/hero’s journey theme, attracted to mated pairs potential, enjoy reading romantic stories MFM/with multiple partners, and like to read mysteries unfold
I felt the book was incredibly original. However, it wasn’t quite what I would expect given how it started. When first starting this book, I was remarkably intrigued and believed I would be zooming through and no time. In all fairness, I became quite ill which had absolutely nothing to do with the book—obviously, so that slowed my pace considerably; however, I can truthfully say that even if I had not been sick that the contents of the book and specific elements about the story did not hold my interest as much as I had hoped they would. I will list below things that I very much appreciate about this book and elements that may have contributed to my less than five star rating. Please understand and respect that my opinions are specific to my own preferences, life experience, and individual reading style. My opinions may be shared by some and not by others, choose your own journey, if it’s helpful—great and if what I say in my opinion/reading experience is not for you, that’s OK too. I love that we all have differing preferences and perspective. I just love getting familiar with authors’ work and sharing my experience with other readers. So, back to the book:
What did I like?
-The originality of the plot
-The setting
-The magic system
-The use of familiars
-The Tethering concept
-The familial bonds, biological and more important adoptive/fostered
What was not as pleasing?
-I cannot express enough how much I disliked the main character. It would be a fair assumption to formulate that this experience and disliking the main character impacted my reading ability. At one point, one of the secondary characters basically calls the main character a brat… followed by much later in the story the main character accusing herself of being a whiner— both characterizations pretty much explain how I felt about her. So, at least she had some insight, and the other characters at least brought some prompting for her self-awareness within the story as well.
-Word choice intermittently during my reading experience would bring me out of the story. Especially any pop-culture or historical references that felt out of place within the context of the story/situation/ magical world, and also the occasional Jesus specific phrases I was not a fan of.
-The pacing was slower than I would prefer. While I appreciated the smooth development of the primary actions and relationship growth that occurred within this story, the pacing was just slower than I would have preferred it to be.
-The spice 🌶🔥💦had promise, but I wanted it to be much better.
Who would I recommend this book to?
Those that enjoy adult fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, self discovery/hero’s journey theme, attracted to mated pairs potential, enjoy reading romantic stories MFM/with multiple partners, and like to read mysteries unfold
December 2, 2025
I picked this book up purely because of the book name and cover. I mean, Dumpster Fire? Come on? Who is not intrigued by that title? The cover is hot! And if you turn the page, Dump, the raccoon, is on the inside!
Enough about why I picked up the book and the cover. The story is soooooo great! This world that the author has built is original. A breath of fresh air! The throuple in this story are all hard headed in their own ways, all with their own agenda, and everyone…I mean EVERYONE has a secret. The types of magic users and types of magic being used differ than what most of us are used to and it is incredible!
As the story progresses and secrets start to unravel, the dumpster fire starts to burn hotter and hotter. Dump, Salem’s raccoon familiar, is so amazing! It’s wonderful when they (Salem, Raine, and Reese) realize it is okay to break when you’ve found the right people to put you back together again.
There are a ton of twists and turns around every corner. One of the best things about the book is the comedy that breaks all the drama up. You will laugh, you will want to punch someone, you will want to give Salem a hug, and then back away because Raine or Reese have it taken care of (wink wink). Oh, and wait until you experience the library! The freaking LIBRARY!
Enough about why I picked up the book and the cover. The story is soooooo great! This world that the author has built is original. A breath of fresh air! The throuple in this story are all hard headed in their own ways, all with their own agenda, and everyone…I mean EVERYONE has a secret. The types of magic users and types of magic being used differ than what most of us are used to and it is incredible!
As the story progresses and secrets start to unravel, the dumpster fire starts to burn hotter and hotter. Dump, Salem’s raccoon familiar, is so amazing! It’s wonderful when they (Salem, Raine, and Reese) realize it is okay to break when you’ve found the right people to put you back together again.
There are a ton of twists and turns around every corner. One of the best things about the book is the comedy that breaks all the drama up. You will laugh, you will want to punch someone, you will want to give Salem a hug, and then back away because Raine or Reese have it taken care of (wink wink). Oh, and wait until you experience the library! The freaking LIBRARY!
September 29, 2022
Mercy was this book so good and long lol. This is by a new arthur for me and I definitely want to read more. I went into this story just from reading the blurb as that's usually what catches my attention first, so I didn't quiet know what to expect and to say that I was surprised is an understatement this arthur literally takes you on one wild emotional rollercoaster ride as these character's come to life so much that I want a trash talking raccoon for a pet. I swear I haven't laughed so hard when the fmc Salem meets her 2 loves, her tethers Raine and Reese meet her familiar Dump and when they realize they can hear his conversation with Salem was priceless. This poor girl just wants to bury her head in the sand about what she's to be, but her magic won't let her. There's a whole lot of twists and turns not to mention unrevealing some secrets in here as well, and some hot, smoky sexy times that could light up the pages. I would absolutely recommend reading this. It was so good.
September 19, 2022
This is my first Jay Leigh Brown book and it was great! It follows Salem on a mission to find a diary for a ghost, but along the way she learns more about it and herself. I loved watching her grow as a character and grow into what she was destined to be. I was not sure about Reese and Raine from the beginning, but they grew on me quickly. I also loved Dump 🤣🤣
There are so many details in this book, especially about the different types of magic. There is so much happening and I kept waiting for Salem to be snatched up. There is so much action in this book, and there is some spice and it is 🥵🥵
I had lots of questions while reading and was blown away by some of the answers. I was SHOCKED with the reveals, I did not see them coming.
I really enjoyed Dumpster Fire! Can't wait to read more by Jay!!
There are so many details in this book, especially about the different types of magic. There is so much happening and I kept waiting for Salem to be snatched up. There is so much action in this book, and there is some spice and it is 🥵🥵
I had lots of questions while reading and was blown away by some of the answers. I was SHOCKED with the reveals, I did not see them coming.
I really enjoyed Dumpster Fire! Can't wait to read more by Jay!!
September 22, 2022
I went into this one blind, other than knowing it was a paranormal romance. I'm glad I did because whoa! The twists and turns that the author takes you on make for a helluva wild ride!
Poor Salem has the worst of it with her magic being, errr, wonky (which makes for some LOL moments). She learns a lot about herself within the pages of this story. There's so much character growth amongst all of the characters really. The MMCs are the kind that had to grow on me a bit, but after a while, I got there.
It's a fast moving book as far as action goes, a bit of a slow burn with the spice (but it's SPICY when it gets there), and has some seriously laugh out loud moments. Oh and Dump, you are so loved!
Poor Salem has the worst of it with her magic being, errr, wonky (which makes for some LOL moments). She learns a lot about herself within the pages of this story. There's so much character growth amongst all of the characters really. The MMCs are the kind that had to grow on me a bit, but after a while, I got there.
It's a fast moving book as far as action goes, a bit of a slow burn with the spice (but it's SPICY when it gets there), and has some seriously laugh out loud moments. Oh and Dump, you are so loved!
September 23, 2022
This was a good book! The title kind of threw me off but once I got into it.
Salem been on her own for years. She knows that her powers must be kept a secret. When a ghost asked her to retrieve her dairy. Salem think it’s the normal job until she runs into Reese and Raine, brothers also trying to retrieve the dairy. Together they find out their magic might be intertwined.
I love the magic system in this book but their is so much of it, I was wish I had a dictionary since half way through the book about forgot what a Milk was. The plot 👩🏼🍳💋. I really wanted to know what was going to happen. I liked Jaye’s writing it really drew me in. Also how can we forget Dump. I love that instead of a normal familiar we got a sassy talking raccoon. Great book highly recommend!!
Salem been on her own for years. She knows that her powers must be kept a secret. When a ghost asked her to retrieve her dairy. Salem think it’s the normal job until she runs into Reese and Raine, brothers also trying to retrieve the dairy. Together they find out their magic might be intertwined.
I love the magic system in this book but their is so much of it, I was wish I had a dictionary since half way through the book about forgot what a Milk was. The plot 👩🏼🍳💋. I really wanted to know what was going to happen. I liked Jaye’s writing it really drew me in. Also how can we forget Dump. I love that instead of a normal familiar we got a sassy talking raccoon. Great book highly recommend!!
September 27, 2022
Dumpster Fire is slow building romance. Salem is a strong heroine that is figuring out her magic as we go through the book. When she takes a job to find a diary for a ghost, she wasn’t expecting it to change her life. But with Reese and Raine joining her on her journey because they are looking for the same diary. But all the twists and turns thrown at them along the way in incredible. You will probably have many questions through out the book and some of the answers will shock you. But to see how much the characters grow and how their magic is intertwined with each other is fantastic. Dumpster Fire is one book you want to read.
September 22, 2022
Another great read from Brown. This was full of action, mystery, romance and spice. The storyline was well written and it flowed giving lots fantastic detail. Salem was a strong heroine, and she definitely proved herself a place in my heart. Not only was she adaptable but she most definitely was determined and loving. Reece, Rainer and Dump were also great characters too. I loved how Dump just made me laugh at times.
There were a few times "the feels" comes to play, cue tissues, but the storyline was so much better because of it. This was such an entertaining read, definitely grab it!
There were a few times "the feels" comes to play, cue tissues, but the storyline was so much better because of it. This was such an entertaining read, definitely grab it!
September 21, 2022
I am going to start by saying there is a lot thrown at you in this book. You get to learn right along with Salem about the powers that be.
Salem is a loner who keeps her head down, until she gets sent on a job that turn her life upside down!
It is slow burn but it is definitely worth the wait!
The author did so good tying all the info she threw at you together and the ending was shocking and amazing!
Salem is a loner who keeps her head down, until she gets sent on a job that turn her life upside down!
It is slow burn but it is definitely worth the wait!
The author did so good tying all the info she threw at you together and the ending was shocking and amazing!
September 23, 2022
So I was reading the blurb to this book and knew I wanted to read it. I am happy I did. It does what I expected it to do. Deliver a good story with two insanely hot guys and I am here for it. There is also a familiar as a raccoon. Also I enjoyed the caracter of Salem as she is a contradiction if I ever saw one. It is something a little different from my usual books and that I really enjoyed. I really will be looking forward to read more books from this author.
September 24, 2022
This book was very interesting and kept me intrigued from the beginning. It was action packed and had crazy twist and turns. It is a slow burn for sure so if you like that then you will love this book. It’s a paranormal romance with wonderful character development and just an all around great book. I really enjoyed Salem, although I felt a little bad her magic was sucky, I still enjoyed her so much.
September 29, 2022
I didn't know what to expect as this is a new author to me but I will be reading more of their work in the future. I love a good paranormal romance especially when it is a reverse harem. Slow burn which is fine as long as there is a good plot and character development. This book is very different from my norm but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
A little spice, a few twists and turns and a few laughs makes for some enjoyable reading.
A little spice, a few twists and turns and a few laughs makes for some enjoyable reading.
Read
October 31, 2023Yes please!!!!
So, I don't mind reviewing a book, but I hate giving any spoilers. I want you to be able to enjoy all the ups and downs with the characters as I did when I read it.
That being said I LOVED this book. I have read everything this author has written. And she never disappoints. So, if you are looking for a paranormal fantasy RH This is the book for you.
It will not disappoint. And if you love raccoons, it makes this book a bigger must read!
So, I don't mind reviewing a book, but I hate giving any spoilers. I want you to be able to enjoy all the ups and downs with the characters as I did when I read it.
That being said I LOVED this book. I have read everything this author has written. And she never disappoints. So, if you are looking for a paranormal fantasy RH This is the book for you.
It will not disappoint. And if you love raccoons, it makes this book a bigger must read!
November 6, 2025
A wonderfully perfect Distaster
Dumpster Fire is a wonderful tale of a girl who overcomes her own shortcomings and finds her true self. I give this an unequivocal five stars and recommend this to anyone who likes their fantasy with the right amount of spice. Jay Leigh's magic system is unique and inspired and a fresh take on an old idea. Long live the Library and Long live the Librarian!
Dumpster Fire is a wonderful tale of a girl who overcomes her own shortcomings and finds her true self. I give this an unequivocal five stars and recommend this to anyone who likes their fantasy with the right amount of spice. Jay Leigh's magic system is unique and inspired and a fresh take on an old idea. Long live the Library and Long live the Librarian!
September 23, 2026
I have mixed feelings about this book. I really wanted to like it. The premise was there. The spice was there. But there was a lot of confusion for me. Something would happen as if it was organic to the story, and I was over here wondering what I missed leading up to it. Salem's hotness and coldness with the guys was understandable sometimes, but sometimes it was displaced. I am glad things ended the way they did though, and I liked Dump.
October 29, 2023
Visualization is the key to this story. This author brought you into this magical world with the fears, betrayal and love flowing from all the characters. Following Salem thru her journey was delightful and intriguing. You can definitely get lost in this visual plot and get totally engrossed page after page.
March 29, 2024
Reese and dump are my favorite characters from the book. I enjoyed the story for the most part. I feel like most of the action was in the last 50 or so pages. I’m not gonna lie and say there weren’t times when I was confused about what certain parts had to do with the story as a whole. There are a few spicy scenes, but not a ton. Having said all that I would recommend it.
September 29, 2022
This is the first book I have read from this author. I went in completely blind and loved it. I typically do not read this genre but this book has opened my mind and piqued my interest for sure. Good character development. It had a great plot and twists. I really enjoyed reading this book!
October 25, 2022
What an awesome read!
I admit I figured out a few things before they were brought to light, but the journey getting there was so steamy hot, and fun to read. The world-building was excellent and I can't wait to discover if this world will continue in future books.
I admit I figured out a few things before they were brought to light, but the journey getting there was so steamy hot, and fun to read. The world-building was excellent and I can't wait to discover if this world will continue in future books.
October 27, 2022
DNF @54%. It was just far too long and not enough smut for my liking.
I liked the plot and the characters, but there just was it enough to hold my interest.
I also though it was an RH but it was MFM.
I liked the plot and the characters, but there just was it enough to hold my interest.
I also though it was an RH but it was MFM.
March 24, 2024
I really loved the magical aspects and whole concept of this book, but I found myself confused sometimes. Overall, I liked it and would probably read another if any other characters get their own story.
January 23, 2025
The heart is there for the story, some grammar issues and some sentences/paragraphs that didn't not make sense. The actual story was good. It felt like it was missing something.
I did enjoy the book overall.
I did enjoy the book overall.
September 19, 2022
Dumpster Fire by Jay Leigh Brown
Rating: DNF
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
From what I read of this book it was amazing! The story was different then ones I normally read, and sounded really interesting. I do recommend this book from what I’ve read.
However I could never get myself to sit down and read more the two pages at a time. Maybe in the future I’ll be able to finish this book.
Rating: DNF
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
From what I read of this book it was amazing! The story was different then ones I normally read, and sounded really interesting. I do recommend this book from what I’ve read.
However I could never get myself to sit down and read more the two pages at a time. Maybe in the future I’ll be able to finish this book.
September 21, 2022
Yes yes so much yes!!! This book was amazing!!! Definitely recommend!
November 11, 2023
couldn’t put it down!
I love this book so much! The way all the characters come together is amazing writing! The ending is perfect!
I love this book so much! The way all the characters come together is amazing writing! The ending is perfect!
October 2, 2022
Quite Marvelous
I went into this book with high hopes but it exceeded my expectations.
What an absolute rollercoaster i just went through with Salem. She was sassy, fierce, batcrap crazy and a seriously loveable character throw in the fact she can talk to a Racoon and I was completely sold in the first few pages.
I freaking love a good animal side character and Dump didn't disappoint! He was sarcastic and rude, a little bitey but hey! He's a Racoon, the wee trash panda could give me rabies and I'd still be cooing at him. But back to Salem and the ride she took us on. Secrets to uncover, a past to unravel and a future to save she wasn't given a bloody moments rest and mann did it make for a fantastic read.
So we all ready have our amazing leading lady but can we take a moment to properly appreciate the boys. Oooft is it getting hot in here or is it just Reese and how hot he burns? And then the calm and calculating Raine that has serious daddy Dom energy. I loved them both even when they were thougtless Jerks. The went through all the loops and came out victorious on the growth department.
I am praying for more books from this world because I NEED Evie's story because I am complete and utterly in love with her crazy. I have 2 other characters that I would love to see meeting and maybe discussing food... Pretty please?!?!
The author done a cracking job and I look forward to reading more of her work in future.
I went into this book with high hopes but it exceeded my expectations.
What an absolute rollercoaster i just went through with Salem. She was sassy, fierce, batcrap crazy and a seriously loveable character throw in the fact she can talk to a Racoon and I was completely sold in the first few pages.
I freaking love a good animal side character and Dump didn't disappoint! He was sarcastic and rude, a little bitey but hey! He's a Racoon, the wee trash panda could give me rabies and I'd still be cooing at him. But back to Salem and the ride she took us on. Secrets to uncover, a past to unravel and a future to save she wasn't given a bloody moments rest and mann did it make for a fantastic read.
So we all ready have our amazing leading lady but can we take a moment to properly appreciate the boys. Oooft is it getting hot in here or is it just Reese and how hot he burns? And then the calm and calculating Raine that has serious daddy Dom energy. I loved them both even when they were thougtless Jerks. The went through all the loops and came out victorious on the growth department.
I am praying for more books from this world because I NEED Evie's story because I am complete and utterly in love with her crazy. I have 2 other characters that I would love to see meeting and maybe discussing food... Pretty please?!?!
The author done a cracking job and I look forward to reading more of her work in future.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews