Abandoned and left as an orphan, Wren Williams is on a search to find where she comes from—a difficult task since she's the only siren in The Hartlands, a city in The Upper Hollows.
When Shifter Homicide Detective Kai, her friend's older brother, says he'll find her family, she jumps at the opportunity. While she's always sensed a level of attraction between them it was something Kai and Wren ignored for professional reasons because their jobs tend to overlap. When bodies with missing organs begin to show up at the morgue, Wren worries her first job as a forensic pathologist is colliding with her part-time job as a monster tracker.
Then the unthinkable a friend is murdered, intertwining Wren and Kai even more, taking them on a journey to solve the case.
Can Wren find her family while juggling a possible relationship, solving murders, and tracking monsters? Or will she perish when the things that go bump come for her?
Dani M. Ward lives in a state with more corn than people. As a kid, she daydreamed about living in a world with vampires, witches, and fairies. Dani realized later supernatural creatures hide in plain sight, so she looks for them everywhere she goes. When she's not hunting for supernatural creatures, Dani is chugging coffee and writing. Dani writes fantasy romance for lovers of diverse fiction. Her characters include strong women saving themselves with swoon-worthy men who stand beside them. She loves sass, spice, and smut. When she's not writing, she can be found trying to wrangle her two children, watching Asian dramas with her two poodles, or playing video games with her husband. Dani enjoys reading, napping, and pairing wine with food. She has a BA in Anthropology and is getting her MFA in Creating Writing. She's hoping to catch a demon; so she doesn't have to pay her student loans back.
Wren, a Siren forensic psychologist and Kai a wolf shifting homicide detective must work closely together to solve a series of mysterious cases involving missing body parts.
You said best friend’s brother but make it supernatural? Done ✅
I love when an FMC is not shy to say when she wants someone and although this is a bit of a slow burn, both MC’s knew they wanted each other. And whew the way they flirted 😅. Someone hand me a fan 🥵
I did go a little out of order in terms of the series and had to double back so it was nice seeing how Kai and Wren came to be 🫶🏾
I was so engaged as they tried to solve their case I felt like I was there with them. And the fight scenes?! Wren couldn’t catch a break. I’m surprised she still had a voice 🎶🎶
As with Dani’s other novels in the series there is plenty of mystery to keep you guessing, spice to keep blushing, and comedy to keep you giggling. I don’t know how she keeps pushing out these masterpieces but I love them ♥️
First book I’ve read by this author. Great world building and character development. Lots of angst between the two main characters. I was rooting for the FMCS shyness to be over so her and Kai could get it on. But when it does finally happen…🔥🔥🔥🔥 Great read!
Wren and Kai were delicious. She's an orphaned siren who works as a forensic pathologist, coroner, and part-time monster hunter. Kai is an alpha wolf shifter, brother of Wren's friend, and a homicide detective in their paranormal dystopian city. There's a killer slow burn (pun intended 😏), an awesome found family, diverse cast, and a twist you don't see coming. I enjoyed this wild slice of Wren's life, and would have loved to see more of the dynamic between her and Kai after they admit their feelings. The downfall of a slow burn is I never feel like there's enough couple time after the "Big Realization." Although, we do get a few good spicy scenes, and the buildup was hot. Even their friends were rooting for them. Love a good support system!
Things That Go Bump is the second book in the Hollow Ocean Series and is a standalone. I absolutely loved this story! It took me down an unexpected journey as it contains many twists and turns that you do not see coming. If you like supernatural romance with some heat then you should definitely read this story. I could not put it down and was so caught up in wanting more. Dani did an Amazing job with this story and I look forward to reading more of her work!
This is the second Hollow Ocean series book. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to read the first book, Where Your Eyes Linger. So, I was so excited to read this one. This one follows monsters and a forensic files investigator.
I equate this book to a horror movie. While I am not a fan of horror movies, I am enjoying more and more books that can almost be called horrors. And I am sure that Where Your Eyes Linger and this book would make fantastic movies or shows, I may not watch them, but I sure enjoyed these books as my mind only sees what I want to see. But a monster/forensic files show that would be really interesting. Hmm, on second thought, maybe I would watch that.
I adored our FMC Wren; she works in the forensics field. She also happens to be a siren. I love how we don't just learn about her job, though. We also get to learn about Wren's personal life as well. We get to learn about werewolves, vampires, necromancers, witches, zombies, and magic. Dani even goes into the killer monsters, and this was amazing. We got both sides of the coin.
We also have the chance to learn about Wren's family, their story, and what really happened to them. Then we learned that Wren has a love Kai, and we get to see and follow their love story. Kai's a werewolf. And we learn how they deal with their relationship as a human/werewolf. It's not always easy to manage.
When Wren is kidnapped, we watch the drama unfold, and we watch how Kai search's fights to find her and searches for her using his senses.
There is so much going on in this book that you really have to pay attention to all the different events, or you will blink and miss something.
I can't wait to read both books 3 and 4 and I know that book 3 is monster related, I might have already read it, and I can only hope that book 4 follows in the same vein.
I love Dani M. Ward's writing. She is so detailed. I can't wait to see what she writes next. The ending of this one left me a little shocked, and no matter the book I read, I am always, and I mean ALWAYS, left wanting more.
I wish book 1 was still in print, so everyone had the same opportunity that I had, and I can only hope that Dani will republish it in the near future. I want everyone to be able to read this series from the beginning, like I had the opportunity like I have had.
I recommend this book. It is fun, it is well written, it has just the right amount of spice in it, and it is not hokey. It has well developed characters with great character arcs. The world is well developed and believable. If you enjoy a good monster book, this is what you have been looking for.
I really enjoyed this book. It has my favorite thing ever which is monster and then forensic files investigator. I always wanted to do that as a dream job. But life had other plans for me. I love the way she explains everything in the book. Down to the killing. Don't eat and read this book like I did! 🤣 This book reminds me of a horror movie 🍿 which I am a huge fan of horror movies. So you can just think this was Haven for me. This would be a fantastic show as well. Why hasn't anyone thought about a show with monster/ forensic files.
Storyline was great. You have a woman (Wren) that works in the forensic field. And is a siren. It doesn't all just combine and talk about her job. You get into her personal life too. You have werewolves, vampires, necromancers, witches, zombies, magic and so much more. She even goes into detail about describing some of the killer monsters. Which I really enjoyed.
You learn about her family and what happens with them. Wren has a love Kai that you follow there love story as well. He is a werewolf. she even gets kidnapped! I mean so much drama happens in this book it's like a chef kiss. 💋
I know there are 3 other books in this series and I really need to check them out if they are all monster related. And if the other books are just as detailed as this one was. I will definitely be enjoying them. I couldn't put this book down at all and wanted to see what came next. The ending I was alittle shocked with and wanted more. I need to go talk to this author and see if there will be another book with Wren & Kai in it.
Best part in the book: Not only does he stink, but he enjoys flashing his ball sack at people, even though it’s fallen off countless times. I don’t fucking miss living here. “Ohhh, is this the famous flasher? 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Summary review: First time reading from this author, and I liked her writing style. It was reasonable easy to follow (for someone who gets distracted easily) and the plot itself was pretty good. May be better if you read book 1 first due to returning characters and understanding them better, but also totally fine as a standalone.
In-depth review: To contextualise my full review, I ask you to keep in mind that I am a mood reader, and what I want to read can change daily. As such, I didn't find the right time to read this book, making it slightly hard to push through and finish. However, that doesn't mean it wasn't a 5* book. The authors writing style is nice, and I found it pretty easy to follow throughout, even with the crime/mystery elements. Grammatically, I also found it well done, as this can be a stocking point for some people when reading. The plot itself is one that was engaging, and I liked the characters. Had I known this was book 2 in the series, I'd likely have started there first, but you also don't *NEED * to read in order. It would however provide context and back stories for certain characters. I felt like the author gave plenty of thought to the books plot, having enough detail to satisfy my wants, without going overboard and adding some of those mindless unnecessary elements that some do. Definitely a book I'd like to come back to when I'm more in the right mindset to fully enjoy it. Give it a go!
This is book 2 of a three book series. Unfortunately, book 1 is out of print and not available. You don’t necessarily need to read book 1 to understand every thing happening in book 2, but there are some carry over characters from book 1. After reading book 3, I suspect there are some world building elements in book 1 that would be helpful and give more context and/or significance to events in this book.
Book 2 is about a siren who works in the morgue for the local supernatural police force. She is friends with a witch, a vampire and a necromancer (who also works for law enforcement) and in love with a shifter who is a detective. Murders of supernatural beings are occurring and organs are being stolen. While the MFC is working to solve the mystery, she is also trying to find her parents with the help of the MMC, the shifter detective.
The plot isn’t bad, however, the writer’s timing is a little off (it drags) and there are some plot holes. The relationship between the two main characters, seems pretty drawn out for no real reason. There is some heat, but not a lot. The book ends oddly and the reason for the main conflict, the murders and missing body parts, isn’t really explained.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I must say, it's different from the PNR I'm used to reading.
It takes place in the future where paranormal creatures and humans live in what's left of the world after something called The Killings. There are bio-domes that they live in that cover different parts of the world.
I will say that the new creatures that the author came up with are insane and so vividly written that you have no problem picturing them. The crime scenes and fight scenes are also written the same way and it's easy to get caught up in what's going on.
The secondary characters are hilarious and I loved Gracen and Veronika. Those two killed me with their comments and banter. And brace yourself for when the sexual tension finally snaps between Wren and Kai because it will knock you on your ass.
This book was slower than what I'm used to reading and it's also friends to lovers, which isn't a trope I'm a fan of so it took me a while to get into it. There were also some conversations that didn't make sense to me. However, this is book two and I didn't have the chance to read book one before I received this ARC.
This is what I’m talking about Dani M. Ward!! Book 2 of the Hollow Ocean series ate down!! The romance is a slow burn but the plot is not! We learn so much more about the new world and there are different villains. We also have a cliff hanger at the end and I can’t wait to keep reading because 😳😨😱 I don’t know who to trust.
I love that we were introduced to new characters and we were able to get a glimpse of the previous characters. I enjoyed learning the different dynamics between the “species” and seeing how they interact. The concept of endangered species is interesting although I don’t understand how they decide who to protect (as an endangered species).
I love Wren and her friends! They’re so different and that’s what makes them great. They’re there for each other and I love it! Kai is definitely one of my favorite book boyfriends!! He’s standing 10 toes down behind whatever he does and especially behind Wren!!! I love it! 🥰😍
If you are looking for a quick read this is not for you. DMW is taking her time and creating a masterpiece!! One of my favorite fantasy reads of the year!!
It's Wren's World and Everyone is Trying to Catch a Nut...or something
It has that spooky buildup. Great mystery and suspense. The world building is imaginative. This works as a Romanticish Paranormal Mystery. It feels like I'm reading the FMCs life, while she helps solve a serious case and view her crush on Kai, a Detective. As a Romance, this doesn't give the feels. Poor Kai has zero character growth (not bad because he isn't a horrible character). He's the same Kai from the beginning to end. His major change; he went from not having sex with the FMC to finally having sex with the FMC towards the end of the book.
As a Paranormal read, the author really dives in with creating a unique world. Vivid in the monster creations and obvious strong character bonds, the writing isn’t an issue. The story is just more interested in the haunting mystery than romantic action. But when those little drops do happen, the smut is explosive. We do get good yearning and pining from Wren and Kai. But Wren is a "big girl" she's grown and this is a peek in her world.
I didn’t know much about this book nor author prior to starting it but now that I’ve finished, I’m so happy I gave it a chance! Im just starting to get back into fantasy books and this was an excellent boost back in that direction.
This book follows forensics investigator, Wren (the last remaining siren in her country) as she navigates work, romance and friends while searching for the someone or something that’s killing and stealing organs. The tension between Wren and her love interest Kai, is absolutely mesmerizing. I felt as though Kai was literally speaking to me! The humor between Wren and her friends was hilarious and had me literally chuckling to myself while my kids side-eyed me.
I kinda wish the cover would've been more "fantasy-like" but overall this is definitely a 5/5! Now I gotta go back and read the first book of the series 🤓📚
This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be reading more!
We have the MFC, Wren who is a Siren & pathologist. She’s a bada** who is juggling multiple things throughout the story. From trying to find who her parents are to solving murders and trying to escape from being a victim herself. She’s not alone and has the help of her 3 best friends and one sexy wolf shifter detective who would protect her with his own life. The sexual tension and build up between her & Kai is out of this world and the spicy scenes were so steamy! Another thing that I loved was the suspense of the supernatural killings. They had me on the edge of my seat and needing all the answers! There are so many interesting creatures that are included in this story that I’ve never heard of before and I loved how different they were. I definitely recommend giving this a read if you love supernatural, suspense & spicy times!!
This story is told from the perspective of Wren, an orphaned siren who works for the police as a forensic examiner and moonlights as effectively a bounty hunter who is tasked with tracking and studying new monsters Her friends/side characters feature a witch, vampire and a necromancer plus her love interested, a detective shifter named Kai. In the story, supernaturals are being murdered and their organs are stolen. Wren is trying to help figure out who the murderer is, as well as who her parents are with Kai's help.
This story has a really interesting, unique and impressive world building, which I had gotten a little taste of from the novella The Lottery, but I had a hard time getting into this story. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either, it was a meh read for me.
There were a lot of twist and turns which was good, but I felt like that story dragged a bit. There also wasn't much of an explanation/conclusion to the murders and missing body parts. I wish there had been more spice too.
A unique paranormal Urban Fantasy with more plot than steam. Wren had so much going on in this book, a Demon Siren who works as a Forensic Pathologist and Monster tracker. She is trying to find information about her family as well as remain professional by trying not to ogle Shifter Homicide Detective Kai.
The story is full of twist and turns. s3xual tension and angst. When a friend is murdered Wren and Kai find themselves closely intertwined with each other because their cases begin to overlap. Bodies keep turning up with missing organs and Wren and Kai find themselves racing against an invisible clock to keep the murders at bay.
If there was ever a time for Wren to use her voice, the time is now but the question remains will be able to use her Siren's song before it's too late?
Storyline and length ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Another amazing story by Dani M. Ward! Just as good as her first one, but with different themes, making sure that it's not a repeat story, but an entirely new experience! Fantastic romance, with smut, humour and a great "who's done it"-feeling. Full of mystery, and fantastic read until the very end
Characters ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ As usual, amazing well-written characters, with strong female-lead! Huge diversity in characters, with all shapes, sizes and skin colors.
Is it captivating? ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I had such a hard time putting the book down, it is SO good! Absolutely binge-worthy, and one of the few books where I know I'll read it more than once!
Well, bite me! Had I known what I was going to get wrapped up in when I started reading this, I would’ve turned off murder shows for a while. Now, I can’t watch detectives trying to track a killer without hoping one shifts into a hot arctic wolf and getting all possessive of a forensic tech (would make for some good TV though.) Kai is my type of alpha hero and Wren’s struggles, awfully human for a siren. And the heat between the two, delicious. I’ll be on the watch for the remaining books of The Hollow Ocean series.
This author brought it with a bang! This was a great continuation (but could be read as a standalone) of the Hollow world. The world and character building continues to be explosive!! I cracked up laughing and had my mouth open like….. what the h@!! The action was epic!! The supernatural characters had so much depth. You could not help but to ether love or hate them. And the mystery of who are doing the killings…. Had me wondering until it was revealed. I loved it. P.S. Again this can be read as a standalone. I would strongly recommend you read it in order.
Things That Go Bump is the second book in the Hollow Ocean Series and is a standalone. I absolutely loved this story! It took me down an unexpected journey as it contains many twists and turns that you do not see coming. If you like supernatural romance with some heat then you should definitely read this story. I could not put it down and was so caught up in wanting more. Dani did an Amazing job with this story and I look forward to reading more of her work!
Wren is an orphan trying to find out who her family is. She knows she's a demon and a siren. With her jobs as a forensic pathologist by day and monster hunter at night she stays busy but still has a hankering for Detective Kai. Wren needs to find the monster that is stealing organs. So many plot twists, her love interest Kai, best friend Gracen who is crazy, danger, intrigue, wonderful characters and locations just keep those pages turning. Dani- great storytelling - love your work.
Book two was wow! I loved all of the characters and I loved how we were able to see a few of them from book one pop up, and some stayed around in book two. The storyline was incredible. It did take me a few chapters to get into it because I was still in awe from book one. Thank you for letting me arc this! I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Things that go bump is the second book in the series and while I didn't read the first one it doesn't really matter. It was an amazing book with the fmc being an orphaned siren. There are alot of elements in this story and it completely sucked me in from the beginning I can't wait to read the third one.
I loved this book the beginning was a little slow but i ending up not wanting to put it down its funny, has some good spice, full of mystery with twists and turns throughout. I did love the diversity of the characters so refreshing to read. Overall fantastic romance read
Holy Cow!!!! I absolutely love Wren and her wolf detective. Great world building and storyline. I cannot wait to read more from this author. Do yourself a favor and get this book and enter this wonderful world. Great job Dani!!!
This book was so much fun to read! I love the way the author gave us a diverse spin on the sirens, shifters, and other beasts/creatures. Wren became a favorite character of mine because she is hilarious. And Kai is ❤️🔥 love him so much! Gotta read book 2!
This is the 1st time reading a book by this author Although I thought the plot and characters were fine together I did feel the build up in the story was a little slower then I liked but over all I enjoyed it Would recommend it
A great crime investigation novel with some romance and spice. I really liked the tension that was a constant throughout the book. I enjoyed reading this universe come to life. You do not need to read the first one to enjoy this book.
I got the pleasure of doing audio with this book and let me tell you, it captivated me. I loved listening to wren's story and what all she went through and I very much enjoyed Kai. Very good ready. I recommend it.