Sixth Grave on the Edge Blog Tour

Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Audiobook CD

Few things in life can come between a grim reaper and her coffee, but the sexy, sultry son of Satan is one of them. Now that Reyes Farrow has asked for her hand, Charley Davidson feels it’s time to learn more about his past, but Reyes is reluctant to open up. When the official FBI file of his childhood abduction lands in her lap, Charley decides to go behind her mysterious beau’s back and conduct her own investigation. Because what could go wrong?

Unfortunately, another case has fallen into her lap—one with dangerous implications. Some very insistent men want Charley to hunt down a witness who is scheduled to testify against their boss, a major player in the local crime syndicate. If Charley doesn’t come up with an address in 48 hours, the people closest to her will start to disappear.

Add to that a desperate man in search of the soul he lost in a card game, a dogged mother determined to find the ghost of her son, and a beautiful, young Deaf boy haunted by his new ability to see the departed as clearly as he sees the living, and Charley has her hands full. The fact that Reyes has caught on to her latest venture only adds fuel to the inferno that he is. Good thing for Charley she’s used to multi-tasking and always up for a challenge…especially when that challenge comes in the form of Reyes Farrow.

Don’t miss Kelly’s review of Sixth Grave on the Edge HERE

Excerpt: *Enjoy*

SIXTH GRAVE ON THE EDGE

Chapter Three

coffee doesn’t ask silly questions.

coffee understands.

—bumper sticker

We weren’t back in the office ten minutes before the door to the front entrance opened. I’d expected Mr. Joyce, the agitated man with the issues. Instead I got Denise. My evil stepmother. Thankfully, Mr. Joyce was right behind her. He afforded me the perfect excuse not to talk to her.

Her pallor had a grayish tint to it, and her eyes were lined with the bright red only the shedding of tears could evoke. I honestly didn’t know she had the ability to cry.

“Can I talk to you?” she asked.

“I have a client.” I pointed to the man behind her to emphasize my point.

Giving her chin a determined upward thrust, she said, “You’ve had clients for two weeks now. I just need a minute.” When I started to argue again, she pleaded with me. “Please, Charlotte.”

Mr. Joyce was holding a baseball cap, wringing it in his hands. He seemed to be growing more agitated by the second. “I really need to talk to you, Ms. Davidson.”

“See?” I pinned Denise with a chastising scowl. “Client.”

She turned on the man, her face as cold and hard as marble. It was an expression I knew all too well. “We just need a minute,” she said to him, her tone razor sharp. “Then she’s all yours.”

He backed off, raising a hand in surrender as he stepped to a chair and took a seat.

My temper flared to life, and I had to force myself to stay calm. I was twenty-seven. I no longer had to put up with my stepmother’s insults. Her revulsion. Her petty snubs. And I damned sure didn’t have to put up with her invading my business and bullying my clients. “That was not necessary,” I said to her when she turned back to me.

“I apologize,” she said, doing a one-eighty. She turned back to Mr. Joyce. “I’m sorry. I’m in a very desperate situation.”

“Tell me about it,” he said, dismissing her with a wave. He clearly had problems of his own.

With all the enthusiasm of a prisoner walking up to the hangman’s noose, I led Denise into my office and closed the door. My temper flaring must have summoned Reyes. He was in my office, waiting, incorporeally.

Then I remembered. He didn’t like Denise any more than I did. Blamed her for most of my heartache as a child. Of course, she’d caused most of it, but Reyes could be . . . testy when it came to my happiness or lack thereof.

“Want me to sever her spine?” he asked as I sat behind my desk.

“Can I think about it and get back to you?” I asked, teasing. Kind of.

Denise looked toward the wall he was leaning against, the one I was looking at, and naturally saw nothing. But where her usual response would be to purse her lips in disapproval, she wiped at her lapel and sat down instead.

“What do you want?” I asked her, my tone as cold as her heart.

“I’m sure you know that your father has left me.”

“At last.”

She flinched like I’d slapped her. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“Are you really asking me that?”

“I love your father.” She almost came up out of her chair. “I’ve always loved your father.”

She had me there. She’d always been an attentive wife to him. Of course, attentive included her agenda, which was manipulative, conniving, and venomous. I couldn’t believe that I could dislike someone so much, but Denise had always been that splinter in my relationship with my father. She did everything in her power to keep us apart. Her jealousy was bizarre and childish. Who on earth was afraid of a father’s love for his child? It just made no sense to me. It never had.

And yet she was never that way toward my sister, Gemma. In fact, she and Gemma were fairly close. I had a feeling Dad’s leaving Denise affected Gemma much more than she was willing to admit. She knew how I felt about our stepmonster, and the fact that she couldn’t go to me when she needed support made me a very bad sibling. But the truth was, she couldn’t. I had no warm and fuzzies where Denise was concerned. She’d made sure of that from day one.

“I—I need you to talk to him. He’s been sick and, and he’s not thinking straight.”

“And what do you want me to say?”

She leveled an exasperated glare on me. “I want you to convince him to come back home where he belongs. He’s still weak. He still needs medical attention.”

“I’m sorry,” I said with a soft, humorless chuckle, “you want me to convince my father to stay with you? The bane of my existence? The woman who made my childhood a living hell? After everything you’ve put me through, you want my help? Are you insane?”

Too bad Gemma, a licensed psychiatrist, was at a conference in D.C. I’d call her and schedule an appointment for Denise ay-sap.

“What have I ever put you through?”

My temper flared again, and I bit my tongue, literally, to keep my emotions under control. When I lost control, the earth shifted beneath me. An earthquake in the middle of Albuquerque would do no one any good.

Reyes straightened as though worried I’d lose control as well. I closed my eyes and took several gulps of air. This wasn’t me. I didn’t hate people. I didn’t make them pay for their misdeeds. Too many departed had crossed through me. Too many times I’d seen what people went through, what they’d endured that made them become the people they were when they died. Until I’d walked a mile in her shoes, I could not judge Denise so completely. That would make me no better than she was. I opened my eyes to her stone face, the face that brought nothing but hurt feelings and knotted stomachaches. Maybe two miles.

“I just have one question,” I said, trying to hold the resentment from my tone lest I sound like her. “Why?”

“Why?”

“Yes, why? Why did you hate me from day one? Why did you treat me like a thorn in your side? What on God’s green earth did I ever do to you?”

She sighed in frustration and let her true colors show through. Her impatience with me, with anything I had to say. “I did no such thing, Charlotte. I don’t hate you. I never have.”

I leaned forward and gave her my best Sunday smile. “I’ll tell you what. When you can admit that you hate me with every fiber of your being, I’ll help you win back Dad. How does that sound?”

“I will never say such a horrible thing.”

I’d offended her. Sweet. “So you can feel it, you just can’t admit to it?”

She squeezed the pocketbook in her lap, her fingers flexing involuntarily. “Charlotte, can we talk sensibly?”

“Wait a minute,” I said as understanding dawned. “You’re here because Dad is fed up with the way you treat me, and you’re thinking that if we become besties, he’ll come back to you.”

“I’m here because I want us all to get into counseling together. Not just Leland and me, but all four of us, including your sister.” Reyes crossed his arms over his chest and went back to holding the wall up while I stood simmering in my astonishment.

She was a piece of work. “How about you go into counseling for you? Get over yourself. And when that happens, when you can be honest with me, we’ll talk again.” I was being so mean. I wanted to applaud myself. I wasn’t a mean person by nature, so it took a lot of energy to bring out the beast in me and stick with it for more than thirty seconds. Damned ADD. But I was so proud of myself. No more being a carpet for someone else to walk on. I was my own girl, and no one was walking on this carpet but me.

“Charley,” Cookie said through the intercom.

I poked the button. “Yes, Cookie?”

“Um, are you almost done? I need coffee.”

“Oh, sorry! I’ll get it made and bring you a cup.”

“Thanks. And can you bring me the box of Nilla Wafers while you’re at it?”

“Can do.” I jumped up and headed for the Bunn. “Priorities,” I said to Denise. “That’s what life is all about.”

Author Bio:

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a Rebecca, two Hold Medallions, a RITA ®, and a Daphne du Maurier, and she has received stellar reviews from dozens of publications including starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and the Library Journal. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity to carry on that tradition. She currently has two series with St. Martin’s Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of almost 30 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. She can be found at www.daryndajones.com.

Author Links: Darynda Jones Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Hashtag: #6thGrave

Coming October 2014

Sneak Peak at

Seventh Grave and No Body

Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there’s that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she’s ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.

A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it.

We’re doomed!

May 26, 2014May 15, 2014

Kelly reviews Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones

TITLE: Sixth Grave on the Edge
SERIES #: Charley Davidson #6
CHARACTERS: Charley, Reyes and the gang
AUTHOR: Darynda Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: May 20, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Few things in life can come between a grim reaper and her coffee, but the sexy, sultry son of Satan is one of them. Now that Reyes Farrow has asked for her hand, Charley Davidson feels it’s time to learn more about his past, but Reyes is reluctant to open up. When the official FBI file of his childhood abduction lands in her lap, Charley decides to go behind her mysterious beau’s back and conduct her own investigation. Because what could go wrong?

REVIEW:
Charley is really good at multi-tasking. And by multi-tasking I mean getting herself in trouble over and over again. But she is resourceful and does seem to find a way to get herself out of trouble a lot. But in Sixth Grave she might have met her match.
There are a lot of ups and downs in this book. A lot of “Oh Charley” moments. A lot of “Reyes”……….. what was I saying. Oh yes my review. We get to see a LOT of Reyes in this book which is great (even if he is a bit distracting with his hotness). As always Darynda give us a wild adventure with Charley at the wheel. Can’t wait to see what happens next. With Charley you just never know!!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

May 24, 2014May 9, 2014

Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson Series

First Grave on the Right

Charley Davidson #1

This whole grim reaper thing should have come with a manual.
Or a diagram of some kind.
A flow chart would have been nice.

Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper. Meaning, she sees dead people. Really. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (like murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an entity who has been following her all her life…and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely. But what does he want with Charley? And why can’t she seem to resist him? And what does she have to lose by giving in?

With scorching-hot tension and high-octane humor, First Grave on the Right is your signpost to paranormal suspense of the highest order.

*****

Second Grave on the Left

Charley Davidson #2

If you hang around with dead people, life can get pretty complicated. Take it from Charley Davidson, part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper. Complicated is her middle name. The deceased find her very sparkly. Demons find her irresistible. And one entity in particular wants to seduce her in every way possible.

When Charley and Cookie (her best friend/receptionist) have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Cookie’s friend Mimi disappeared five days earlier. Mimi then sends Cookie a cryptic message telling Cookie to meet her at an nearby coffee shop. The coffee is brewing, but Mimi’s still missing. There is, however, a clue Mimi left on the bathroom wall: a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains to them that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old high school friend had been murdered. The same woman whose name Mimi had scribbled on the bathroom wall.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven…well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty.

Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm’s way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?

Here is your signpost for the most hilarious read of the year: Second Grave on the Left.

*****

Third Grave Dead Ahead

Charley Davidson #3

Third Grave Dead Ahead is the third installment of Darynda Jones’ award-winning paranormal series that’s “hilarious and heartfelt, sexy and surprising.” (J.R. Ward)

Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she’s drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because, every time she closes her eyes, she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan. Yes, she did imprison him for all eternity, but come on. How is she supposed to solve a missing persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell-bent on murder when the devil’s son just won’t give up?

*****

For I Have Sinned

Charley Davidson #3.5

Darynda Jones revisits the sexy, suspenseful world of supernatural shenanigans she created in her Grave series with For I Have Sinned. In this Charley Davidson story, Charley helps a woman find out how she died and gives her the closure she needs to pass through to the other side.

*****

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

Charley Davidson #4

Welcome to the world of grim reaper extraordinaire Charley Davidson. Try as she might, there’s no avoiding her destiny.

Sometimes being the grim reaper really is, well, grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple of months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above…or at least get dressed. It becomes clear something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. But the more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved.

Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans in this hilarious fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling series.

*****

Fifth Grave Past the Light

Charley Davidson #5

Never underestimate the power of a woman on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high.
– T-shirt

Charley Davidson isn’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She’s more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth…but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma is the serial killer’s next target, Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes’s help. Arsonist or not, he’s the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.

Charley Davidson is at it again in the sexy, suspenseful, and laugh-out-loud funny fifth installment of the New York Times best selling series.

*****

Shimmer

Charley Davidson #5.5

Shimmer is a Charley Davidson Christmas Short Story. For more, the author released Glow, which is the same story but through the eyes of Reyes Farrow.

http://www.daryndajones.com/shimmer-a-charley-davidson-short-story/

*****

Glow

Charley Davidson #5.6

Glow is the sultry short story, Shimmer, as told through the eyes of Reyes Farrow.

It is available on the author’s website for free: HERE http://www.daryndajones.com/glow-by-darynda-jones-shimmer-as-told-through-the-eyes-of-reyes-farrow/

From a timeline perspective, it follows after book 5.

*****

Sixth Grave on the Edge

Charley Davidson #6

*****

Seventh Grave and No Body

Charley Davidson #7

We’re doomed.

October 8, 2013October 7, 2013

Kelly’s review of Death & The Girl He Loves by Darynda Jones (& a giveaway)

TITLE: Death and The Girl He Loves
SERIES #: Darklight #3
CHARACTERS: Lorelie McAlister, Jared & crew
AUTHOR: Darynda Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 8, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The fate of the world is not something a girl wants on her shoulders, and that is especially true for Lorelei McAlister. Unfortunately for her, that is exactly where the world’s fate has decided to take up residence. Lorelei has seen firsthand the horrors that lie beneath our everyday world. And those horrors are getting her friends killed. Because of this, she agrees to leave the sanctity of her hometown and is sent to a different world entirely. A boarding school. But even here she is being watched. Someone knows what she is. What she carries inside her soul. And on top of that she’s seeing visions. This is nothing new for Lorelei. But these visions are something more: death, destruction, and the end of the world. Lorelei must face the fact that there are people who want her dead, and no matter where she goes, no matter how far she runs, the lives of her friends and family are in mortal peril. Lucky for her, her friends and family include the handsome Angel of Death, a fiercely protective half-angel, and a ragtag group of loyal supporters who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty in the name of fighting pure evil.

REVIEW:
3.75 Stars

Lorelei has always know that she was the key to stopping a war. But she never knew how she was suppose to do that. Even as everything comes to a head she still doesn’t know how she is going to save everyone she loves and the world all at the same time.

Another good book from Darynda Jones. I have really enjoyed Lorelei, Jared and their groups of friends. Poor Lorelei has the weight of the world and everyone on her shoulders. But i didn’t expect her to try to revert into her own shell. Even with everyone telling her that she will do great, that she will know what she has to do, Lorelei has some major doubts. The final fight scene was gut wrenching for me. I cried!! I love Lorelei and Jared, but as I am reading I have to remind myself that this was a YA book. I kept waiting for them to go pass just a sweet teenage kiss. But those darn grandparents always seem to be there to break it up 😉
I hope that this is not the end of the Darklight series, but…… I guess we will have to wait and see what Ms. Jones has in store for us next

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

• Giveaway (Open Internationally) Code
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Find Darynda here: Darynda Jones Website | Facebook | Twitter

October 5, 2013September 27, 2013

Darynda Jones’ Darklight Series

Death and the Girl Next Door

Darklight #1

Darynda Jones, author of The New York Times bestselling series that began with First Grave on the Right, brings us Death and the Girl Next Door, a thrilling Young Adult novel garnering high praise and early buzz from major authors

Ten years ago, Lorelei’s parents disappeared without a trace. Raised by her grandparents and leaning on the support of her best friends, Lorelei is finally beginning to accept the fact that her parents are never coming home. For Lorelei, life goes on.

High school is not quite as painful as she thinks it will be, and things are as normal as they can be. Until the day the school’s designated loner, Cameron Lusk, begins to stalk her, turning up where she least expects it, standing outside her house in the dark, night after night. Things get even more complicated when a new guy—terrifying, tough, sexy Jared Kovach—comes to school. Cameron and Jared instantly despise each other and Lorelei seems to be the reason for their animosity. What does Jared know about her parents? Why does Cameron tell Jared he can’t have Lorelei? And what will any of them do when Death comes knocking for real? Thrilling, sassy, sexy, and inventive, Darynda Jones’s first foray into the world of teens will leave readers eager for the next installment.

*****

Death, Doom and Detention

Darklight #2

The normal part of Lorelei MacAlister’s life didn’t just slip away quietly the day Jared Kovach came to town. Nope. The normal part of her life shattered. It exploded. It burst into a gazillion shards of fleeting light.

It went out with a bang.

Goodbye normal.

Hello dark and eerie.

While her best friend, Brooklyn, is focusing all of her energy on helping Lorelei hone her abilities, Lorelei is dealing with the reality that Satan’s second in command has taken up residence inside her body. Oh, and the fact that she has a crush on the Angel of Death. But what a beautiful death it is. If those weren’t bad enough, something sinister has come to town and it wants nothing more than to hear Lorelei’s dying breath as it strangles it out of her. Thank goodness the gang has a supernatural champion. But what happens when the only being who can save them switches sides midstream? How can a group of misfits capture one of the most powerful beings ever created? And will they find out how to bring Jared back to them before it’s too late?

*****

Death, and the Girl He Loves

Darklight #3

The fate of the world is not something a girl wants on her shoulders, and that is especially true for Lorelei McAlister. Unfortunately for her, that is exactly where the world’s fate has decided to take up residence. Lorelei has seen firsthand the horrors that lie beneath our everyday world. And those horrors are getting her friends killed. Because of this, she agrees to leave the sanctity of her hometown and is sent to a different world entirely. A boarding school. But even here she is being watched. Someone knows what she is. What she carries inside her soul. And on top of that she’s seeing visions. This is nothing new for Lorelei. But these visions are something more: death, destruction, and the end of the world. Lorelei must face the fact that there are people who want her dead, and no matter where she goes, no matter how far she runs, the lives of her friends and family are in mortal peril. Lucky for her, her friends and family include the handsome Angel of Death, a fiercely protective half-angel, and a ragtag group of loyal supporters who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty in the name of fighting pure evil.

July 18, 2013July 12, 2013

Kelly reviews Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones

Fifth Grave Past the Light
SERIES # Charley Davidson #5
CHARACTERS: Charley Davidson & Reyes Farrow
AUTHOR: Darynda Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/09/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Never underestimate the power of a woman

on a double espresso with a mocha latte chaser high.

—T-shirt

Charley Davidson isn’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She’s more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth…but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma, is the serial killer’s next target Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes’ help. Arsonist or not, he’s the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.

Charley Davidson is at it again in Fifth Grave Past the Light, the sexy, suspenseful, and laugh-out-loud funny fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling series by Darynda Jones.

Review:

4,5 Stars
Two words: Reyes Farrow!!!

Do I really need to say more? I do? Okay fine.
Fifth Grave is another amazing story by Darynda Jones. It was so good to be back in Charley & Reyes’ world. I have loved this series since day one. Charley & Reyes are for sure going to go down as one of my all time favorite book couples. These two have had a very rocky road until the end of book 4 (which if you have not read book 1-4 you REALLY need to read in order). I just love the tension between these two. Oh and Ms. Jones I may never look at a kitchen table the same again.

This being said I don’t want to go into too much more of my review. I am afraid that I will give away something and you all know I try to live spoiler free. But let me leave you with this. Kitchen utilities will never be the same. Charley, as always, finds herself in danger, there is new real estate purchased, Cookie gets a black eye, and the ending will leave you dying for the next book.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Now for an Expert:

Ask me about life after death.

—T-shirt often seen on Charley Davidson,

a grim reaper with questionable morals

The dead guy at the end of the bar kept trying to buy me a drink. Which figured. No one else was even taking a second look and I’d dressed to the nines. Or, at the very least, the eight- and- a-halves. But the truly disturbing part of my evening was the fact that my mark, one Mr. Marvin Tidwell, blond real estate broker and suspected adulterer, actually turned down the drink I’d tried to buy him.

Turned it down! I felt violated.

I sat at the bar, sipping a margarita, lamenting the sad turn my life had taken. Especially to night. This case was not going as planned. Maybe I wasn’t Marv’s type. It happened. But I was oozing interest. And I wore makeup. And I had cleavage. Even with all that going for me, this investigation was firmly wedged between the cracks of no and where. At least I could tell my client, aka Mrs. Marvin Tidwell, that it would seem her husband was not cheating on her. Not randomly, anyway. The fact that he could’ve been meeting someone in particular kept me glued to my barstool.

“C-come here often?”

I looked over at the dead guy. He’d finally worked up the courage to approach and I got a better view of him. I figured him for the runt of the litter. He wore round- rimmed glasses and a tattered baseball cap that sat backwards on top of muddy brown hair. Add to that a faded blue T-shirt and loosely ripped jeans and he could’ve been a skater, a computer geek, or a backwoods moonshiner.

His cause of death was not immediately apparent. No stab wounds or gaping holes. No missing limbs or tire tracks across his face. He didn’t even look like a drug addict, so I couldn’t tell why he’d died at such a young age. Taking into account the fact that his baby- faced features would make him look younger than he probably was, I estimated him to be somewhere around my age when he’d passed.

He stood waiting for an answer. I thought “Come here often?” was rhetorical, but okay. Not wanting to be perceived as talking to myself in a room full of people, I responded by lifting one shoulder in a halfhearted shrug.

Sadly, I did. Come here often. This was my dad’s bar, and while I never set up stings here for fear of someone I knew blowing my cover, this just happened to be the very same bar Mr. Tidwell frequented. At least if it came to a knockdown drag- out, I might have some backup. I knew most of the regulars and all of the employees.

Dead Guy glanced toward the kitchen, seeming nervous before he refocused on me. I glanced that way as well. Saw a door.

“Y-you’re very shiny,” he said, drawing my attention back to him.

He had a stutter. Few things were more adorable than a grown man with boyish features and a stutter. I stirred my margarita and pasted on a fake smile. I couldn’t talk to him in a room full of living, breathing patrons. Especially when one was named Jessica Guinn, to my utter mortification. I hadn’t seen her fiery red hair since high school but there she sat, a few seats down from me, surrounded by a group of chattering socialites who looked almost as fake as her boobs.

But that could be my bitterness rearing its ugly head. Unfortunately, my forced smile only encouraged Dead Guy.

“Y-you are. You’re like the s-sun reflecting off the chrome bumper of a f-fifty- seven Chevy.”

He splayed his fingers in the air to demonstrate, and my heart was gone. Damn it. He was like all those lost puppies I tried to save as a child to no avail because I had an evil stepmother who believed all stray dogs were rabid and would try to rip out her jugular. A fact that had nothing to do with my desire to bring them into the house.

“Yeah,” I said under my breath, doing my best ventriloquist impersonation, “thanks.”

“I’m D-Duff ,” he said.

“I’m Charley.” I kept my hands wrapped around my drink lest he decide we needed to shake. Not many things looked stranger to the living world than a grown woman shaking air. You know those kids with invisible friends? Well, I was one of those. Only I wasn’t a kid, and my friends weren’t invisible. Not to me, anyway. And I could see them because I’d been born the grim reaper, which was not as bad as it sounded. I was basically a portal to heaven, and whenever someone was stuck on Earth, having chosen not to cross over immediately after death, they could cross to the other side through me. I was like a giant bug light, only what I lured was already dead.

I pulled at my extra- tight sweater. “Is it just me, or is it really warm in here?”

His baby blues shot toward the kitchen again. “Hot is m-more like it. S-so, I— I couldn’t help but notice you t-tried to buy that guy over there a drink.”

I let my fake smile go. Freed it like a captured bird. If it came back to me, it would be mine. If not, it never was. “And?”

“You’re b-barking up the wrong tree with that one.”

Surprised, I put my drink down— the one I bought myself— and leaned in a little closer. “He’s gay?”

Duff snorted. “N-no. But he’s been in here a lot lately. He l-likes his women a little . . . l-looser.”

“Dude, how much sluttier can I get?” I indicated my attire with a sweep of my hand.

“N-no, I mean, well, you’re a l-little—” He let his gaze travel the length of me. “—t-tight.”

I gasped. “I look anal?”

He drew in a deep breath and tried again. “H-he only hits on women who are more s-substantial than you.”

Oh, that wasn’t offensive at all. “I have depth. I’ve read Proust. No, wait, that was Pooh. Winnie- the- Pooh. My bad.”

He shifted his non ex is tent weight, cleared his throat, and tried again. “More v-voluptuous.”

“I have curves,” I said through a clenched jaw. “Have you seen my ass?”

“Heavier!” he blurted out.

“I weigh— Oh, you mean he likes bigger women.”

“E-exactly, while I on the other hand—”

Duff ’s words faded into the background like elevator music. So Marv liked big women. A new plan formed in the darkest, most corrupt corners of Barbara. My brain.

Cookie, otherwise known as my receptionist during regular business hours and my best friend 24/7, was perfect. She was large and in charge. Or well, large and kind of bossy. I picked up my cell phone and called her.

“This better be good,” she said.

“It is. I need your assistance.”

“I’m watching the first season of Prison Break.”

“Cookie, you’re my assistant. I need assistance. With a case. You know those things we take on to make money?”

“Prison. Break. It’s about these brothers who—”

“I know what Prison Break is.”

“Then have you ever actually seen these boys? If you had, you would not expect me to abandon them in their time of need. I think there’s a shower scene coming up.”

“Do these brothers sign your paycheck?”

“No, but technically neither do you.”

Damn. She was right. It was much easier to just have her forge my name.

“I need you to come flirt with my mark.”

“Oh, okay. I can do that.”

Nice. The F-word always worked with her. I filled her in and told her the deal with Tidwell, then ordered her to hurry over.

“And dress sexy,” I said right before hanging up. But I regretted the sexy part instantly. The last time I told Cookie to dress sexy for a much- needed girls’ night out on the town, she wore a lace- up corset, fishnet stockings, and a feather boa. She looked like a dominatrix. I’d never been the same.

A little about Darynda:

Links To Author:

1 Autographed copy of Fifth Grave Past the Light to one lucky winner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

March 4, 2013March 3, 2013

The Death, Doom & Detention Blog Tour

TITLE: Death, Doom & Detention
SERIES: Darklight #2
Characters: Lorelei, Jared, Brooklyn, Cameron & Glitch
AUTHOR: Darynda Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: March 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The normal part of Lorelei MacAlister’s life didn’t just slip away quietly the day Jared Kovach came to town. Nope. The normal part of her life shattered. It exploded. It burst into a gazillion shards of fleeting light.

It went out with a bang.

Goodbye normal.

Hello dark and eerie.

REVIEW BY: Kelly
NUMBER OF STARS: 4

REVIEW:
Being a teenager is hard enough. But factor in that you are possessed by an evil spirit, in love with the Angel of Death, and you are all that stands between the forces of good and evil. That would make anyone have a bad hair day.

Lor and crew continue their mission to stop an impending war between good and evil. But along the way we learn a little more about Lorerlei and how she became what she is today. We also learn that even the Angel of Death has weakness.

This was a really good book. I was honored to get a chance to read early. And I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Author Bio:

Darynda Jones Website | Facebook | Darynda’s World | Twitter

Want a chance to win a copy of Death, Doom & Detention? Fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

Good Luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 1, 2012October 30, 2012

Kelly’s review of Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones

TITLE: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
AUTHOR: Darynda Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/31/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.
REVIEW:
I need to start with how much I love Darynda as an author. Her books are always funny. I really love Charley’s series. But 4th Grave is my least favorite book in the series so far. I still enjoyed this book very much, it just was not my favorite. Although I did love all the Reyes parts 🙂
Charley is just not the same after what happened to her in book 3 (and yes you really should read this series in order). I am looking forward to Charley healing and getting back on her game.

Reyes is still Reyes. We do get a little more insight into why Reyes is on earth and what he may or may not wants with Charley. And all the reasons might not be for the best. But I want to believe that deep down Reyes is good despite who is daddy might be.

Reyes and Charley are great together and it seems that they are finally getting to a good place (it’s about time you stubborn characters).

I am looking forward to what Darynda has next for us…

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy (from NetGalley) of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 1, 2012

My Daring interview with Reyes Farrow

Books-n-Kisses, is pleased to welcome Reyes Farrow to the blog today. Today we are going to be doing something a little different. We are, well Reyes has to take a test. Yes, I am putting my neck on the line for you all to see just how well Reyes knows the Charley. So without further ado, I begin.

Art work by PickyMe

Kelly: Hi Reyes

Reyes: *nods head*

Kelly: Ummm, I get the feeling you don’t really want to be here?

Reyes: You’re very perceptive.

Kelly: What do you say we talk about your favorite thing Charley?

Reyes: . . .

Kelly: Uuummm, Okay, here we go…..

Q1) Charley’s favorite drink:

Reyes: *Sighing* I wouldn’t know, but I’m sure it’s loaded with caffeine.

Q2) Charley’s favorite piece of clothing:

Reyes: Easy. Blue Oyster Cult Reaper shirt.

Q3) Charley’s best friend

Reyes: Cookie.

Q4) Charley’s favorite hobby?

Reyes: Getting her ass in a sling.

Q5) Is Charley a good kisser?

Reyes: *a sinister smile emerges*

Q6) Why is Charley so pissed at you right now?

Reyes: When is she not pissed at me?

Q7) Uuummm, What are you going to do to make it up to her? I would like details, please.

Reyes: *Raises eyebrows* Brave, aren’t you? I’d start by getting on bended knee in front of her. Then I’d grab her and turn her over my knee. You don’t get to hear the rest.

Q8) Charley’s idea of a perfect date.

Reyes: I’m not sure Charley’s ever been on a normal date. But if I had to guess, target practice with live objects, maybe?

Q9) What would Charley tell us about you that you won’t want her to share?

Reyes: Nothing if she values her Jeep.

Q10) Is there anything else you would like to share about Charley that we don’t already know?

Reyes: I always know the color of underwear she’s wearing. I like her underwear. Today they say, “bite me.” I’m planning on it. *leans forward* I’ll enjoy it, too.

Kelly: Thank you Reyes for sitting down and doing this “How well do you know Charley quiz”. I will be turning over this quiz to be graded by Darynda.

Reyes: I scare her, you know.

Kelly: Hey D~ Thanks for stopping by and checking out Reyes’ answers. So how did he do?

Darynda: He did pretty well. And, no, I’m not scared of him.

Reyes: *stares . . . a really long time*

Darynda: Okay, maybe a little. You know, I can write anything I want about you and it doesn’t have to be all sexy and smoldering. I can write mean stuff.

Reyes: You think I’m smoldering?

Darynda: Pfft. No.

Reyes: *stares . . . a really long time*

Darynda: Okay, maybe a little.

Reyes: *smug grin* Here to promote your book, writer lady?

US Cover

Darynda: Yes, actually, I do have a new book out. Third Grave Dead Ahead came out yesterday. Would you like to read it?

Reyes: *furrows his brows at Darynda before condensing into a dark, shrouded mist, flinging himself in her direction and whispers in her ear* Who do you think was peeking over your shoulder while you wrote it?

Darynda: *inhales sharply* That’s . . . good to know. *looking around* Wait, where did he go? Did you see where he went, Kelly? Do you think he’s gone?

Kelly: Wh-what?

Darynda: Reyes. Where do you think he went?

Kelly: I-I’m not really—

Darynda: I think I wet myself a little. *glances at Kelly* Great job with that test, by the way. I’m a little surprised you’re still alive, but super glad about it. Reyes’ answers were almost wordy. I’m impressed. I only get yes or no answers from him myself. But I also feel the need to apologize. If Reyes was rude or scared you. . .

Kelly: No, I’m good. I’m always this pale.

Darynda: That whole son-of-Satan thing doesn’t exactly make him user friendly. So, again, sorry. Also, I want to say thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to be here with you and your readers. I am always so honored when I’m asked to guest on your blog and share a bit of my world with your readers. As you can see, it can sometimes be a bit harrowing, but well worth it. Hope your readers agree.

Kelly: I think since I survived this interview I say we give away a prize. What do you think D?

Darynda: Sounds good to me.

Giveaway time:

Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

January 8, 2012

Review of Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

Third Grave Dead Ahead

by Darynda Jones
Amazon | B&N

Hardcover: 320 pages

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press (January 31, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1250001544

ISBN-13: 978-1250001542

Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she’s drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because, every time she closes her eyes, she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part human, part-supermodel son of Satan. Yes, she did imprison him for all eternity, but come on. How is she supposed to solve a missing persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell bent on murder when the devil’s son just won’t give up?

My Thoughts:

Oh Me, Oh My, Charley & Reyes WHY? WHY? WHY?

Darynda sucked me back into to the world of Charley Davidson. In this third installment of Charley’s series, we find Charley try to solve yet another missing person case. But not everything is as it seems. Charley meets some new friends and says good bye to some old.

I am not sure anything will be the same in Charley’s world after Third Grave Dead Ahead.

For those of you that want to know. YES!!!! There will be more books in the Grave series. Darynda told me that she has signed on for book 4 (Fall 2012) & 5. And THANK GOODNESS because by the time I was done with Third Grave I was screaming “NO!!!! NO!!!! NO!!!!!! Damn you Darynda for doing this to me!!!”

For those who loved First Grave & Second Grave, Third Grave gives you all the humor, sexual tension, emotional highs and lows you got in the first two books along with some surprisingly new developments and will leave you crying for MORE!!!!!

December 25, 2011

Winter’s Favorite Giveaway Day~~25

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!
Welcome to Day 25 of Winter’s Favorites.

Today on the blog we have one of the FUNNIEST authors I have had the pleasure of getting to know, Darynda Jones.

We also have the very talented m/m author Lee Brazil!!!

I will step aside and let them have the floor.

D, you are up first:

My Favorite Thing about Winter

If I were Lorelei Gilmore from the Gilmore Girls, I could smell my favorite thing about winter before it even arrived. Any Gilmore fan would know from that clue that it’s snow. Living in the Southwest, I don’t get to see a lot of snow, which could explain my love. But to me there is nothing more elegant or surreal as a snow falling softly on a blue-gray day.

As much as I love snow, I am certain that hot chocolate started it all. It was a process, really. A series of events that makes me associate snow with all things warm and wonderful. When I was five, I remember sitting in my father’s lap by the fireplace while the snow was falling outside, our living room adrift with the scent of burning wood. My brothers and I had cut wire hangers and were stuffing marshmallows onto them to roast in the fire while an animated Christmas tale was playing on the television. My father had to help me with my marshmallows. They would catch fire and I would squeal and run away until he blew it out. But he always saved the gooey remains for me. I remember his hands, strong and loving and safe. The highlight of the evening, the piece de resistance, came later when my mother brought over hot chocolate, thick and smooth and warm.

That evening, as I sat wrapped in my father’s arms, I ate roasted marshmallows and drank hot chocolate while watching the snow fall outside. And the world was a perfect place. Later, after everyone went to bed, I snuck to my bedroom window to watch the snow fall some more, but it had stopped. In its place was a crisp, blue night and a fresh blanket of white. But the most amazing thing about the snow was how it sparkled in the moonlight. Thousands of tiny lights shimmered on the ground and in the trees. I had never seen anything so beautiful in my life.

My father died shortly after, but I have never forgotten his hands or the feeling of being wrapped in his arms. I have never forgotten the way the burning wood smelled that night, or the taste of those roasted marshmallows. And I have never forgotten the way the snow sparkled with promise and shimmered with hope.

So, yeah, snow. That’s my favorite thing about winter.

Lee Brazil please tell us your favorite thing about winter:

My Favorite Cocoa

Hi, thanks for having me here at Books-n-Kisses! *blows kisses* I’m Lee Brazil, author of m/m romance from Breathless Press and member of the Story Orgy. I’m here today to do some promotional stuff for Story Orgy’s anthology from Breathless Press, Word Play.

By that, *sips coffee* I mean I’m going to talk about my favorite cocoa recipe and leave you with a few blurbs for the stories in the anthology.

When I was a kid, we lived in a scattering of states where snow was common and cold lasted from October through April. We didn’t let snow and cold keep us from playing outside, and my parents sure didn’t let it keep us from doing chores outside.

There’s nothing quite like taking out the trash when you have to put on your boots and coat and gloves and wade through two feet of snow to pout the bags in the outdoor cans. Frozen metal cans, that is. The chill seeps through any number of layers of gloves.

You don’t know what cold is until you’ve shoveled a quarter mile driveway.

My mom had a cure for that. She made the cold disappear with homemade hot chocolate. I’m not sure if there was instant cocoa available back then- but I know my mom didn’t use it. We’d come back in form shoveling and there’d be a pot on the stove bubbling away, chasing away cold with a warm rush of chocolate scent that seeped into your bones before you took the first sip.

Here’s that recipe.

Cocoa

1/3 cup of cocoa powder (unsweetened)

½ cup of sugar ( use more if you like it sweeter)

1 pinch of salt

1/3 cup of boiling water

4 cups of milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine the dry ingredients in a sauce pan and mix well. Whisk in boiling water. Bring to a boil . Simmer and stir for two minutes.

Add milk. Heat, but do not allow to boil.

Stir in vanilla.

Divide into four mugs. Top with whip cream or mini marshmallows.

And here’s how we serve it today at our house…

This is sometimes called a Snowplow.

To 8 oz of cocoa, ad 1 oz of Bailey’s Irish crème, 1 oz of Malibu rum, ½ oz crème de cacao, and a dash of cinnamon.

You can top that with whip cream too if you want…

Whichever you like, cocoa is a certain favorite in this winter holiday season!

Happy Holidays to all of you!

Word Play

Story Orgy

From Breathless Press

I’m thinking that all of us will at one time or another need each others blurbs for Word Play – especially on my new handy dandy page I created on my blog! *heads desk giggling*

So maybe we should post them all here?

Havan Fellows

Harlan’s Ryde

Ryder made a mistake Harlan can’t forgive. Will Ryder cross a line no man should cross to obtain a second chance?

Ryder Halloway made a life changing decision about his relationship with Harlan when he was young and stupid. Thanks to one rash moment, he lost it all. He lost the only man he would ever love, his drive to even try to finish college and his zest for life.

Seven years later finds him in front of Harlan’s house preparing to take back what he lost with a vengeance. He’s prepared to use all the tricks in his arsenal to plow through every wall, protest and excuse Harlan might come up with.

Of course, he never expected Harlan to put him in the hospital …

Harlan Mychels had his heart broken in college by the popular Ryder. He learned his lesson about love and since then hasn’t allowed anyone even remotely close to his heart. Then one morning he turns and sees the one person able to tear his walls down and destroy what is left of it.

He uses every defensive tactic in his possession to keep Ryder at arm’s length, but Ryder is persistent. Harlan’s not sure if he can stay safe from heartache … and he starts wondering what the real heartache is – letting Ryder in again … or letting him go for good.

Em Woods

Harper’s Discovery

When Harper finally sees the light and dumps his cheating boyfriend, can Pitt convince Harper to trust him enough to let it all go?

When Harper Evans discovers his boyfriend in yet another bar with yet another Joe, he makes the final break and kicks him out. More relieved than heart-broke, Harper turns his attention to the letter burning a hole in his pocket that could mean a fresh start across the country.

Pitt Mullen has been looking for just such an opportunity and pounces on it – and Harper – when it shows up. But not everything is as it appears. When Pitt gets a late night call and rushes to another, will Harper understand or cut his ties before he listens to the truth?

Hank Edwards

Wicked Reflection

A sexy, bad boy neighbor, a handsome detective investigating an unsolved murder, and ghostly warnings help Kirk uncover the deadly secret within his new house.

Kirk Stanford’s realtor never mentioned certain features of his new home during the walk through, such as mysterious rooms and brutal secrets. All Kirk knows is he has a lot of unpacking to do and a handsome, bad boy neighbor seems to have taken an interest in him.

But then the warnings begin to appear, written in steam on the bathroom mirror. At first, Kirk dismisses the messages, but when a prowler attempts to break into his house, and a handsome private detective shows up asking questions about the murder, Kirk realizes how much danger he is in. He’s invested too much money in his new house to just walk away, so his only choice now is to figure out for himself who the murderer is and what he still wants out of his house.

Dark secrets come to light and Kirk is forced to put his trust in a supernatural presence as he fights to survive.

Lee Brazil

The Park at Sunrise

First they were three, now there are two.

Can Jason and Morgan make a relationship work without Paul?

For years the three of them had been inseparable, first as friends, then lovers. It’s been ten years since they parted for what was supposed to be a year apart to pursue their dreams. This isn’t the reunion they planned then. It’s nine years too late for one thing, and they are one man short for another.

In the years since Paul’s death, Morgan hasn’t exactly been waiting for Jason to reach out to him. He’s been too busy trying to forget, to move on. Until Jason sends the right message. Is the painting just an excuse to see his ex again?

JR Boyd

Off the Beaten Path

Best Friends and landscaping entrepreneurs, Mitch Sterling and Colby Merritt, enjoy their comradeship. Can scouting country roads for business opportunities unveil a lifetime of passion?

Best friends, Mitch Sterling and Colby Merritt have spent their whole lives together in a small town in the Hill Country of Texas. At twenty-four, the two entrepreneurs run a small landscaping company. Mitch works out in the field, leading the landscaping crews and getting his hands dirty. Colby uses his college education to handle the business aspect of the company from their office.

Outside work, the two can always be found together. A Saturday morning drive leads them to a dirt road that neither has ever traveled. With the help of a few beers, the hot Texas sun, and a secluded country pond, Mitch and Colby find themselves exploring new territory Off the Beaten Path.

To enter for a chance to win a signed copy of First Grave on the Left by Darynda or one of Lee’s backlist books. Please leave Darynda & Lee a comment, tell them your favorite way to drink Hot Chocolate. then head over to the MAIN Winter’s Favorite page (<< — Click link) to enter the giveaway.

September 6, 2011

My Interview with Charley Davidson

*walks into the room and jumps finding Charley is already here and she doesn’t look happy*

Kelly: *waves* Oh, Hey Charley you are early.

Charley: Yeah, I had a little too much coffee this morning.

Kelly: Thank you for stopping by to talk to me.

Charley: No problem. Got any coffee?

Kelly: So I bet you are wondering why you are here?

Charley: Is it to try out your new coffeemaker?

Kelly: Well as you know Darynda was on my blog a few weeks back and we got to talking about you, your life story and of course Reyes. So I figured I would give you equal air time.

Charley: *cringe* Reyes is a little angry with me at the moment. I kind of bound his incorporeal self to his corporeal self, but I had a really good reason.

Kelly: Everyone wants to know more about Reyes, but I would like to know more about you. What makes Charley tick?

Charley: Besides coffee? Well, I’m very fond of green chile stew, guacamole burgers, the son of Satan. Things like that. Oh, and solving murders. Few things are more satisfying.

Kelly: Tell me how you feel about Darynda telling your stories?

Charley: First of all, she never tells the story quite right. I mean, I like coffee, but I don’t drink it 24/7. More like 22/7. And I do ponder things other than Reyes. Lots of things. Like yesterday I was pretending to dust the office, slaving over that duster thingy, wiping my brow every so often and sighing until Cookie, my best friend-slash-receptionist, took pity on me and finished the dusting herself. That kind of acting takes preparation. A concentrated effort. I only thought of Reyes three times throughout that whole ordeal.

Kelly: Is there things that you really wished she would leave out or add more of? I heard something about a night with the chess club in high school.

Charley: Ah, yes, the night that will forever live in infamy. But you’re right. That kind of stuff really doesn’t need to be mentioned. Fortunately, there was this night with a fighter attack squadron from the Air Force base that did not make it into any of her books. Least not that I know of. I’ve only read the first one. Or, well, the first few chapters of the first one. And just for the record, I’m not THAT much of a smartass.

Kelly: If you were not the Grim Reaper (which I think is pretty kick ass) what would you do for a living?

Charley: I have a nice crack. I could’ve been a plumber. And I really like tattoos on men. I would love to have done something with tattoos. And men. Mostly men.

Kelly: What is the best part of your job as a Reaper?

Charley: Helping people cross. I get to see bits and pieces of their lives, who they loved, what their favorite color was. It’s a great honor.

Kelly: Okay I have to ask Reyes… What is it about him that makes you go weak in the knees?

Charley: It’s one thing to see Reyes, to witness such utter perfection, but it’s another beast entirely to be touched by him, to hear his voice, smooth like fine whiskey and just as intoxicating. He is breathtaking, yes, but he is also the most powerful being I’ve ever met. To know this as he runs his fingertips over my skin is like being caught in a silken snare. On one hand, it’s intimidating. On another, I never want to leave it.

Kelly: So I know some people have not had a chance to read your stories yet. What would you tell them about you books to make them read them? I mean besides heavy breathing on the phone and possible death threats?

Charley: I would just say that if they want to know more about me, about what I do as the grim reaper, there’s no better avenue. You could come to Albuquerque and follow me around, but that’s stalking and I’d probably have my Uncle Bob arrest you. No offense. Darynda does a pretty good job getting the facts down. She needs to brush up on grammar and such, but that should come with time. And she makes a mean mocha latte.

Kelly: Charley, I have to say I was a little intimidated to have you here today. Being the Grim Reaper and all, but you are a wonderful girl. And is it wrong of me to say that I was *pinches fingers together* kinda hoping Reyes would pop in. Thank you for taking time away from your life for a few minutes to talk with me.

Charley: You are very welcome. Thank you for having me. Sadly, if Reyes had popped in incorporeally, you wouldn’t have been able to see him, but you would have known it when he brushed across your skin. There are few things on earth that hot.

Kelly: Charley, what do you say we giveaway and audio version of Second Grave on the Left to one lucky commenter?

Charley: I think that’s a great idea! I love the way Lorelei King narrates the audiobooks. She makes me sound good. Kinda sexy. Kinda schizophrenic. Or maybe that’s just me projecting.

Kelly: Do you think we should ask them to answer a question as part of the rules? Got any suggestions?

Charley: I would love to ask your readers if they were surprised to learn that the grim reaper is a chick. I know I was.

Kelly: Again thanks for stopping by Charley… Maybe next time I can get you, Reyes & Darynda to sit down and talk… *rubs hands together* that would be really fun.

Charley: That would be fantastic, but trying to wrangle Reyes in for any length of time can be tricky. We’ll need rope. And possibly a Taser.

Thank you again for having me! Darynda speaks very highly of you, Kelly Sue!

Kelly: Ahhhh Thanks Charley, I am very fond of Darynda too, & you!!! Oh and I can get a hold of a Taser and some very thick ropes!!!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

Macmillian Audio has giving me one audio book of Second Grave on the Left to giveaway.

What a sneak peak of the book?
Click Here

If you would like to win this audio book please:

Answer Charley’s Questions: Were you surprised that the Grim Reaper was a girl?

Leave your email address (no email, no entry)

Be a follower of my blog.

Giveaway will run until Sept 10th

Winner announced Sept 12th