What do you think?
Rate this book
Gravediggers #2
Gone to Dust
The Gravediggers aren’t exactly what they seem. They’re the most elite of the world’s fighting forces—and all they have in common is that they’ve been betrayed by the countries they’ve died for. Because they are dead. To their country, their military, and their families.
Sometimes the dead do rise....
Miller Darling is one of the most popular romance novelists of her time. Not bad for a woman who doesn’t believe in romance. She’s as logical as they come, and she doesn’t believe in happily-ever-afters. What she does believe in is family, so when her brother disappears, she doesn’t think twice about packing her bag and her laptop and heading out to find him.
Elias Cole lived and breathed the life of a Navy SEAL. Now he’s “dead” and his hero’s honor tarnished. The only thing keeping him sane are the men who are like him—The Gravediggers—and the woman who makes his head spin. He’s never met anyone like Miller Darling. Her smart mouth and quick wit keep him on his toes, and damned if he doesn’t find that appealing.
When Miller receives a package from the brother who abandoned her asking for help, it’s clear she’s in over her head with the mess he’s gotten himself into. She needs a professional, and Elias is just the man for the job. Only her brother is a former SEAL—the man who left his team to die—and Elias is more interested in vengeance than saving his life.
Sometimes the dead do rise....
Miller Darling is one of the most popular romance novelists of her time. Not bad for a woman who doesn’t believe in romance. She’s as logical as they come, and she doesn’t believe in happily-ever-afters. What she does believe in is family, so when her brother disappears, she doesn’t think twice about packing her bag and her laptop and heading out to find him.
Elias Cole lived and breathed the life of a Navy SEAL. Now he’s “dead” and his hero’s honor tarnished. The only thing keeping him sane are the men who are like him—The Gravediggers—and the woman who makes his head spin. He’s never met anyone like Miller Darling. Her smart mouth and quick wit keep him on his toes, and damned if he doesn’t find that appealing.
When Miller receives a package from the brother who abandoned her asking for help, it’s clear she’s in over her head with the mess he’s gotten himself into. She needs a professional, and Elias is just the man for the job. Only her brother is a former SEAL—the man who left his team to die—and Elias is more interested in vengeance than saving his life.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 20, 2017
199 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
About the author
Liliana Hart
206 books3,298 followersLiliana Hart spent five years teaching music in the public education system. She molded America’s youth, busted kids for smoking pot in the restrooms, and broke up illicit affairs behind the stage on a regular basis. (Liliana’s Addison Holmes Mystery Series, about a small town teacher who gets into a whole lot of trouble, is somewhat autobiographical, but she won’t confess to which parts).
Liliana began reading romance novels with all her new found free time, and when she ran out of things to read, she decided to write her own novels. The result was a 150,000 word thriller—a dazzling adventure—where the heroine was a thirty-year-old virgin assassin (Yes, you read that right). She couldn’t imagine why people weren’t knocking down her door to read it, but she persevered and began writing a second book. She finally got the hang of things, and eventually learned that losing one’s virginity wasn’t all that romantic after all. All of her books involve some kind of suspense (she just can't help herself), laughter, and a lot of steamy sex.
Since the failure of her first attempt, Liliana’s books have won awards such as: The Daphne Du Maurier, The Suzannah, The Linda Howard Award of Excellence, The Maggie, and many others. Her affiliations include Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Liliana loves to cook, and is addicted to reading, Internet Boggle, kickboxing, and Bones. She lives in a big, rambling house in Texas with a couple of cats to keep her company. She loves to get emails from readers.
Enjoy the Adventures!
Liliana began reading romance novels with all her new found free time, and when she ran out of things to read, she decided to write her own novels. The result was a 150,000 word thriller—a dazzling adventure—where the heroine was a thirty-year-old virgin assassin (Yes, you read that right). She couldn’t imagine why people weren’t knocking down her door to read it, but she persevered and began writing a second book. She finally got the hang of things, and eventually learned that losing one’s virginity wasn’t all that romantic after all. All of her books involve some kind of suspense (she just can't help herself), laughter, and a lot of steamy sex.
Since the failure of her first attempt, Liliana’s books have won awards such as: The Daphne Du Maurier, The Suzannah, The Linda Howard Award of Excellence, The Maggie, and many others. Her affiliations include Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Liliana loves to cook, and is addicted to reading, Internet Boggle, kickboxing, and Bones. She lives in a big, rambling house in Texas with a couple of cats to keep her company. She loves to get emails from readers.
Enjoy the Adventures!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
June 26, 2017
She didn’t see how this could possibly end well. He drove her crazy, and still, all she could think about was getting him naked.
And the Gravediggers series continues with Miller Darling and Elias Cole. Miller we met in the previous book, she’s the best friend of Tess, she’s a romance novelist and she’s hilarious! I really loved Miller, her sarcasm, her love of books and romance, how comfortable she is in her own skin and also how vulnerable she can be at times. Even though Miller believes in giving her characters their HEA, she doesn’t believe in it for herself, but she does believe in loyalty and family, so when her brother goes missing and she receives his finger in the mail, she’s determined to go rescue him. Even if it means accepting help from the man who hurt her months ago, who left her sexually frustrated and feeling rejected – Elias Cole.
“You tempt me, Miller. Make me want things I know I can’t have.”
Elias was a Nave SEAL in his other life, before he was declared a traitor and believed dead by everyone he loved and knew. Now he lives for vengeance and he can’t afford the feelings Miller makes him feel, which was why he walked away that night months ago. But Elias is the best man to help Miller find her brother and keep her out of trouble, even though she has trouble written all over her. I really liked Elias and how he loved to rile Miller, pushing all her buttons.
“Living in your head must be interesting,” he said.
“I keep myself entertained,” she said with a shrug. “At least I’ll never be boring.”
“You’re definitely not that,” he agreed.
The romance between these two was full of heat and playful banter. Elias could be quite serious as times and I loved how Miller made him laugh, how in the end she made him realise that his life could be so much more than getting revenge. And I loved how he made Miller see that she was special and worthy of love.
I’m really loving the action-packed plot in this series and how the author balances is with lots of dry humor. Where the previous book played off in their small town, this one had us following Miller and Elias trying to find her brother in Santa Cruz, where he went missing while searching for King Solomon’s table. I really enjoyed the change of scenery. And of course I love the Gravediggers, men who thought honorably for their countries, but forced to die in the eyes of the world and now fighting terrorism from their graves. All the Gravediggers are so sexy and with such different backgrounds and I must say I really want Axel’s book, the only of them who was married and who had to leave his wife behind.
This is such an excellent series and I can’t wait to read the next book. A must read for all RS fans.
June 27, 2017
Gone to Dust was an adventure, and hot romance all wrapped into one thrilling story! Sort of Romancing the Stone meets Mission Impossible except instead of a treasure hunting scoundrel for the hero we have Elias Cole, an ex-SEAL and complete sweetheart!
Miller Darling is a romance novelist immersed in writing the last bits of her latest novel for her fast approaching deadline; surviving on coffee, junk food, and the occasional shower. Miller wakes the heck up when she receives a very disturbing package in the mail demanding her presence in a foreign country or else her brother, Justin, dies.
Miller is shocked and fearful, but not altogether unsurprised at the trouble her brother has gotten into. Her parents were obsessive in their search for the treasures of King Solomon, and that fanatic type drive led to their deaths twenty years earlier. After their deaths, Justin took up the searches and left Miller behind in Last Stop, Texas. If it weren’t for Tess, her best friend, Miller would’ve felt very alone in the world. Well, alone except for the annoying Elias Cole; a man who worked her up and left her wanting. He’s part of Tess’s mortuary crew, although if Miller thinks hard about the situation it really doesn’t make sense for all these military-type hotties to be working for the funereal home since Last Stop is a dinky town.
Miller is in need of some help, and she’s about to get it along with some answers about those sexy “gravediggers”.
I enjoyed Gone to Dust so much! More than The Darkest Corner. Like I said, it was a fun adventure; action, beautiful settings, a gorgeous high tech yacht, and a strong capable alpha male like Elias to share it with. Miller is no slouch in the equation as far as characters go. She’s a romance writer, who may not have experienced the world first hand, but she’s researched the heck out of situations, and Miller’s imagination is rich with possibility, and useful information. Readers will definitely appreciate her occupation! The story was exciting, fun, with loveable characters and a smoking hot romance! I had a lot of fun with this fast, action packed ride!
A copy was kindly provided by Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
Miller Darling is a romance novelist immersed in writing the last bits of her latest novel for her fast approaching deadline; surviving on coffee, junk food, and the occasional shower. Miller wakes the heck up when she receives a very disturbing package in the mail demanding her presence in a foreign country or else her brother, Justin, dies.
Miller is shocked and fearful, but not altogether unsurprised at the trouble her brother has gotten into. Her parents were obsessive in their search for the treasures of King Solomon, and that fanatic type drive led to their deaths twenty years earlier. After their deaths, Justin took up the searches and left Miller behind in Last Stop, Texas. If it weren’t for Tess, her best friend, Miller would’ve felt very alone in the world. Well, alone except for the annoying Elias Cole; a man who worked her up and left her wanting. He’s part of Tess’s mortuary crew, although if Miller thinks hard about the situation it really doesn’t make sense for all these military-type hotties to be working for the funereal home since Last Stop is a dinky town.
Miller is in need of some help, and she’s about to get it along with some answers about those sexy “gravediggers”.
I enjoyed Gone to Dust so much! More than The Darkest Corner. Like I said, it was a fun adventure; action, beautiful settings, a gorgeous high tech yacht, and a strong capable alpha male like Elias to share it with. Miller is no slouch in the equation as far as characters go. She’s a romance writer, who may not have experienced the world first hand, but she’s researched the heck out of situations, and Miller’s imagination is rich with possibility, and useful information. Readers will definitely appreciate her occupation! The story was exciting, fun, with loveable characters and a smoking hot romance! I had a lot of fun with this fast, action packed ride!
A copy was kindly provided by Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at The Readers Den.
June 5, 2017
Awesome read!! Elias is hot!! copy rec'd for review consideration
In the first book we are introduced to Miller and Elias. The two had a few encounters and then became the topic of this book. The author has given these two some great characteristics that had me turning the pages as fast as possible.
Miller, a romance novelist, has a lot of quirky tendencies but is very humorous and sometimes extreme. However, in times of stress she is actually quite calm. Plus, she has a major thing for Elias. He knows how to rock her world… then kill the moment.
Elias is an angry man. A member of the elite squad of Gravediggers, his addition to the group came under questionable circumstances. Brooding, but so very capable and sexy. His heat factor shimmers on the page. Yum.
Together Miller and Elias travel to extreme conditions and managed to steam up the pages quite a few times. Their connection truly is a thing of beauty.
The ending leaves a lot of open questions that will hopefully be answered as the series moves forward. I’m actually not sure who the next Gravedigger to be featured will be. But with a handful of these delicious men available, it can only be a fabulous read.
With a bit of suspense and a whole lot of steamy romance, this book is sure to kick off your summer reading list with a bang. While you do not have to read book one, I think it is worth it to soak up all of the swoon-worthy men the author subjects us to!
Cannot wait for the next one to come!
Full Review - http://amidlifewife.com/gone-to-dust-...
In the first book we are introduced to Miller and Elias. The two had a few encounters and then became the topic of this book. The author has given these two some great characteristics that had me turning the pages as fast as possible.
Miller, a romance novelist, has a lot of quirky tendencies but is very humorous and sometimes extreme. However, in times of stress she is actually quite calm. Plus, she has a major thing for Elias. He knows how to rock her world… then kill the moment.
Elias is an angry man. A member of the elite squad of Gravediggers, his addition to the group came under questionable circumstances. Brooding, but so very capable and sexy. His heat factor shimmers on the page. Yum.
Together Miller and Elias travel to extreme conditions and managed to steam up the pages quite a few times. Their connection truly is a thing of beauty.
The ending leaves a lot of open questions that will hopefully be answered as the series moves forward. I’m actually not sure who the next Gravedigger to be featured will be. But with a handful of these delicious men available, it can only be a fabulous read.
With a bit of suspense and a whole lot of steamy romance, this book is sure to kick off your summer reading list with a bang. While you do not have to read book one, I think it is worth it to soak up all of the swoon-worthy men the author subjects us to!
Cannot wait for the next one to come!
Full Review - http://amidlifewife.com/gone-to-dust-...
June 22, 2017
3 Searching Stars
Gone to Dust is a standalone and is part of the Gravedigger series. I have major cover love for this book. I originally thought this would be a dramatic read with major suspense, instead I got a light-hearted book with a hint of suspense. I really liked that it was not a dramatic book and I often found myself smiling and even laughing out loud at some of the parts. This kind of reminds me of the Killer Instincts series by Elle Kennedy, but without all the smut.
Miller is an eccentric. She’s always on a deadline and hardly has time to eat and bathe. I found her character very unique and kind of out there. I’m not sure I was too fond of her, but I did enjoy reading her. She’s just really out there. She was being under attack and all she could think about his saving her laptop (you know because of her books … I’m not an author so it’s something I don’t get) she’s odd. As an avid reader I always love it when the heroine is a writer, I imagine my favorite authors acting and behaving like that.
She gets a package from a really bad man. The bad man has her brother. I always love a good suspenseful plot. Why was her brother kidnapped? Why is Miller involved in it? What will she do?
Elias is part of a super-secret group and is here to save Miller! I love a good damsel read and Elias played the perfect Hero. He’s super smart, strong and kind of a loner because of his past.
There’s a nice chemistry between Miller and Elias because they sort of had a fling and I really liked reading the banter between the two. Miller and Elias work together in trying to find Miller’s brother and it takes them to the tropics! That was fun to read.
Gone to Dust is an action packed read with lots to keep you going.
A finished copy was provided
June 25, 2017
This is more my kind of book much better than book 1.I enjoyed this book a lot. Strong plot with some mystery in it and really strong characters.
Miller Darling romance author. She is Tess's best friend (book one) and in Last Stop she is the town eccentric. She lives life the way she wants to and also lives more in her own world and the world that she writes in then anything else.
I liked Miller but at times she whined when there was no reason to whine. There were some life and death situations and she started rambling about random shite and that she wanted her laptop. Woman you are on the run how do you think that you are going to write one word let alone finish your book. But she dealt well with the hand that she was given and is a solid heroine in my book.
Elias is a Gravedigger, he died only to be reborn again. It was never planned to what happened to him but some choices are taken out of our hands. He was setup and branded a traitor all thanks to Eve just to get him on the team. As a Navy SEAL he is the best of the best.
He wants revenge so although the chemistry is off the charts between our two MC his plan is to get rid of Eve Winter. His main and top priority. He tries to walk away from Miller as he doesn’t want to have the added complication of a relationship.
Miller gets into a spot of bother thanks to her brother Justin who has taken on the family legacy. Finding King Solomon's treasure there is only one small problem. It's in cartel territory and you don't mess with the Black Widow and Emilio. Justin although also a Navy SEAL decides to do just that. He is fanatical about his quest for the treasure.
The banter in this book is stronger than in the previous one. I think that due to the characters being different I preferred the vibe that was given off here. A very long time ago when I was younger I watched Romancing the Stone, that film from 1985 with Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas. It had some strong vibes in relation to that. I loved that film.
Ms. Hart has a unique writing style which I don’t always get on with but that is just me. When she lays off the descriptive writing and get more dialogue than I am all for it. Book 3 is out soon and I’m not convinced with the combi of who Dante will be up against. It could be interesting but execution here is the key.
April 22, 2017
Elias Cole and Miller Darling have a recent and unhappy history, and it’s mostly a funny one of unfulfilled sexual tension where Elias left Miller, well, wanting. They’re brought closer together by circumstances that are odd but befitting the life of a romance author who lives inside her head when she receives a finger with a ring that says her equally oddball and irresponsible brother has gone missing.
Elias is literally forced to go with Miller as she goes after her brother and the journey is a hilarious one, peppered mostly by Miller’s fanciful imaginings that started to feel a lot like a parody of romance authors whose heads stay mostly in the clouds. I loved every minute of the banter, especially how often Miller makes Elias speechless with her overactive imagination.
At the same time, Elias’s own reasons for wanting revenge lends gravity to his purpose for being a Gravedigger and I was eagerly waiting for his backstory, as I do for the rest of the motley crew. Sadly, not too much of it is given and his purpose in seeking revenge is somewhat dimmed by the end of the book, proving a disappointment as I half-expected that goal to be fulfilled.
But as far as pairings go, I loved how Elias/Miller both surprised me at every turn, both with their conversations and actions that were as non-stereotypical as they could be in this genre. That they made me laugh most of the way was a fantastic bonus that helped make this book a standout.
Like the first book, this one made me sit up and take note, not just because of the intrigue that’s presented here—I’ve not forgotten that the funeral parlour in an ugly town in Texas houses the world’s deadliest operatives—but also because of the direction that the story took. I’d been expecting more counterterrorist-type scenarios as it did in Deacon’s case, but that was hardly the case this time around.
‘Gone to Dust’ has a heavy focus instead on the journey that Elias and Miller took and the development of their relationship, but eschewed the details about the treasure, the myth and Justin’s ultimate fate in favour of banter and steamy sex. In fact, the story ended very soon after they yanked Justin out of his hiding place and got the bad guy, making me feel as though I was left hanging when Elias and Miller finally decided that they loved each other enough to stay together after a very brief meltdown on Elias’s side.
I think I would have enjoyed it more if the ending had been less abrupt and if I’d seen more of the Gravediggers in action—there were admittedly fewer scenes with them here than in the first book—mostly because their strange relationships and quirky interactions were the highlight of this series so far. The rushed epilogue felt like a HFN without a definite plan for the future (that itself is briefly explained) but still, it would have been nicer to have ‘Gone to Dust’ more conclusively wrapped up without me feeling stunned and wondering if some pages had been missing after all.
Still, it’s a memorable read and as a series that’s only just beginning to gather steam, I’m eager to see what Hart has in store next for this group of unlikely brothers.
*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
Elias is literally forced to go with Miller as she goes after her brother and the journey is a hilarious one, peppered mostly by Miller’s fanciful imaginings that started to feel a lot like a parody of romance authors whose heads stay mostly in the clouds. I loved every minute of the banter, especially how often Miller makes Elias speechless with her overactive imagination.
At the same time, Elias’s own reasons for wanting revenge lends gravity to his purpose for being a Gravedigger and I was eagerly waiting for his backstory, as I do for the rest of the motley crew. Sadly, not too much of it is given and his purpose in seeking revenge is somewhat dimmed by the end of the book, proving a disappointment as I half-expected that goal to be fulfilled.
But as far as pairings go, I loved how Elias/Miller both surprised me at every turn, both with their conversations and actions that were as non-stereotypical as they could be in this genre. That they made me laugh most of the way was a fantastic bonus that helped make this book a standout.
Like the first book, this one made me sit up and take note, not just because of the intrigue that’s presented here—I’ve not forgotten that the funeral parlour in an ugly town in Texas houses the world’s deadliest operatives—but also because of the direction that the story took. I’d been expecting more counterterrorist-type scenarios as it did in Deacon’s case, but that was hardly the case this time around.
‘Gone to Dust’ has a heavy focus instead on the journey that Elias and Miller took and the development of their relationship, but eschewed the details about the treasure, the myth and Justin’s ultimate fate in favour of banter and steamy sex. In fact, the story ended very soon after they yanked Justin out of his hiding place and got the bad guy, making me feel as though I was left hanging when Elias and Miller finally decided that they loved each other enough to stay together after a very brief meltdown on Elias’s side.
I think I would have enjoyed it more if the ending had been less abrupt and if I’d seen more of the Gravediggers in action—there were admittedly fewer scenes with them here than in the first book—mostly because their strange relationships and quirky interactions were the highlight of this series so far. The rushed epilogue felt like a HFN without a definite plan for the future (that itself is briefly explained) but still, it would have been nicer to have ‘Gone to Dust’ more conclusively wrapped up without me feeling stunned and wondering if some pages had been missing after all.
Still, it’s a memorable read and as a series that’s only just beginning to gather steam, I’m eager to see what Hart has in store next for this group of unlikely brothers.
*ARC by netgalley
(always grateful, mind)
June 23, 2017
GONE TO DUST is an amazingly exciting, fast-paced and entertaining mystery, heavy on the humor but light on the action we've come to expect, but soooo good you won't be able to stop reading until the end. When I read that this book was the author's tribute to the movie Romancing the Stone, I was not sure how Ms. Hart would be able to pull that off and still remain true to the concept of this series, but I have to say it really is a fitting tribute. Every page and every scene brought the movie to life without taking away from this story and while there was less action than I expected, I still enjoyed it a lot.
Elias Cole was a hero and legend before he became one of the Gravediggers. With a distinguished career as a Navy SEAL and a loving family, he had a very promising future, until the calculated machinations of the powers behind the team cost him all of it. Now Elias is a very angry man with one thing sustaining him: the desire for revenge against the person who cost his his life, which means he has no room for the emotions that Miller Darling stirs in him. But when she needs his skills to save her brother, he's not going to let her traipse off into the South American jungle without the back-up she needs.
Miller enjoys her eccentric lifestyle which fits her career choice, but beneath all of that is the little girl who lost everyone in her family to an obsession with finding ancient treasure and has since channeled her pain into creating fictional happy ever afters like she never had. Miller does not take rejection lightly and would not give Elias the time of day, except she needs him, in more ways than one.
I had a blast reading this book and laughed so hard at these characters. Miller has a wicked sense of humor and no filter, and her running commentary on pretty much everything was so much fun even when it was inappropriate. Seriously, it felt like I had the movie and the book on split screen.
Elias has the smoldering male thing going for him, but I liked that he was easygoing and laid-back, too. He took Miller's quirks in stride and gave her what her family never did: the knowledge that she meant something to someone. But being alone with Miller is a chance to know her better, and means accepting his feelings for her and making a choice between his happiness and vengeance, if they get out alive.
This book is certainly not to be missed and I really can't wait for the next book. More than anything though, Eve Winters is a very intriguing character and I hope we get a chance to explore this character in her own book.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
Elias Cole was a hero and legend before he became one of the Gravediggers. With a distinguished career as a Navy SEAL and a loving family, he had a very promising future, until the calculated machinations of the powers behind the team cost him all of it. Now Elias is a very angry man with one thing sustaining him: the desire for revenge against the person who cost his his life, which means he has no room for the emotions that Miller Darling stirs in him. But when she needs his skills to save her brother, he's not going to let her traipse off into the South American jungle without the back-up she needs.
Miller enjoys her eccentric lifestyle which fits her career choice, but beneath all of that is the little girl who lost everyone in her family to an obsession with finding ancient treasure and has since channeled her pain into creating fictional happy ever afters like she never had. Miller does not take rejection lightly and would not give Elias the time of day, except she needs him, in more ways than one.
I had a blast reading this book and laughed so hard at these characters. Miller has a wicked sense of humor and no filter, and her running commentary on pretty much everything was so much fun even when it was inappropriate. Seriously, it felt like I had the movie and the book on split screen.
Elias has the smoldering male thing going for him, but I liked that he was easygoing and laid-back, too. He took Miller's quirks in stride and gave her what her family never did: the knowledge that she meant something to someone. But being alone with Miller is a chance to know her better, and means accepting his feelings for her and making a choice between his happiness and vengeance, if they get out alive.
This book is certainly not to be missed and I really can't wait for the next book. More than anything though, Eve Winters is a very intriguing character and I hope we get a chance to explore this character in her own book.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
October 5, 2017
Book 1, "The Darkest Corner", suffered from the first book syndrome, with info dumps, and a lot of time devoted to world building. It slowed the book down. Happily, "Gone to Dust" was able to jump off from where book left off and it was much more enjoyable. Part of it's appeal for me was the treasure hunt story line. I enjoy action and adventure movies and this had much of the same appeal - long lost treasure, conspiracies, danger, star-crossed lovers, romance, even a jungle. And yet, it suffers from uneven pacing, just like book though it's a smoother flow. The first chapter had me laughing; Miller was adorably cranky, and she's a bit of a wreck when she's on deadline. Do not come between her and her unfinished book, lol. She's a successful romance author, and a good friend of Tess, the heroine from the first book.
Miller and Elias have had the hots for each other for months now. Two months ago, they hooked up. Except they didn't. Elias left Miller high and dry. But he still keeps an eye on her so when her brother's escapades pull her into his not-entirely legit world, Elias is right there, ready to help. We get some fast-paced action and then it screeches to a halt when Miller's world collides with that of the Gravediggers and we get lots of exposition and details, so many detauls. Eve, the woman in charge of the Gravediggers, is still a mystery figure. I'd love to know more about her and I hope Hart will give us more insight in the next few books. I'm not entirely convinced she's one of the good guys.
I loved Miller and Tess's interactions and Miller and Elias's interactions, especially the humor. There was strong character development, a little more world building, and lots of action and tension. The ending was a bit of a let down however. Close to the end of the book, Elias screws up and with only a few pages to go, I couldn't see any chance for a happy ending. Then, out of nowhere, Elias sort of apologizes, with not nearly enough groveling, and boom! HEA. It was rushed, it was weak, and it was unsatisfying. I was happy they got their HEA, just not happy with how it happened. Up until then I was enjoying the book, it was fun and exciting. "Gone to Dust" was an entertaining book, good for a lazy summer day.
Miller and Elias have had the hots for each other for months now. Two months ago, they hooked up. Except they didn't. Elias left Miller high and dry. But he still keeps an eye on her so when her brother's escapades pull her into his not-entirely legit world, Elias is right there, ready to help. We get some fast-paced action and then it screeches to a halt when Miller's world collides with that of the Gravediggers and we get lots of exposition and details, so many detauls. Eve, the woman in charge of the Gravediggers, is still a mystery figure. I'd love to know more about her and I hope Hart will give us more insight in the next few books. I'm not entirely convinced she's one of the good guys.
I loved Miller and Tess's interactions and Miller and Elias's interactions, especially the humor. There was strong character development, a little more world building, and lots of action and tension. The ending was a bit of a let down however. Close to the end of the book, Elias screws up and with only a few pages to go, I couldn't see any chance for a happy ending. Then, out of nowhere, Elias sort of apologizes, with not nearly enough groveling, and boom! HEA. It was rushed, it was weak, and it was unsatisfying. I was happy they got their HEA, just not happy with how it happened. Up until then I was enjoying the book, it was fun and exciting. "Gone to Dust" was an entertaining book, good for a lazy summer day.
July 7, 2017
This is the second book in the Gravediggers series and it focuses on Miller, a romance author, and Elias, who is not too thrilled with his gravedigger life. He's convinced that the organization who "saved his life" by faking his death so that he could join their elite team are actually the ones who put his life in jeopardy in the first place. Then there's the eccentric Miller who shuts herself away for weeks at a time working on deadlines for her latest novels. However, her quiet life of writing just got a whole lot more interesting when her brother's finger gets mailed to her by a drug lord/treasure hunter who wants her to find King Solomon's table which he claims her brother knows the location of. With the help of Elias, these two take off on a crazy adventure to try to save her brother.
This book is full of adventure and danger as they trudge through the jungle in search of her brother. The previous book really set up who and what the Gravediggers are and what their day-to-day life is like. This one however has a lot more danger and suspense to it since not only do they have the cartel hunting them but the land itself isn't helping their journey any. There was always something going on in this book. Which may be why I never really felt the connection between Elias and Miller. One minute they're fighting danger and the next they're kissing. They spend a week dodging bullets in the jungle and all of a sudden they love each other. I just didn't feel the romance I guess.
Gone to Dust will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The jungle is not a safe place and when you add the fact that the cartel is hunting them as well, you've got one action-packed story. Up next is a character that we don't see or hear from all that often. He's always quiet and seems to go off on their down-time to who knows where. So, I'm interested to see what his story is.
This book is full of adventure and danger as they trudge through the jungle in search of her brother. The previous book really set up who and what the Gravediggers are and what their day-to-day life is like. This one however has a lot more danger and suspense to it since not only do they have the cartel hunting them but the land itself isn't helping their journey any. There was always something going on in this book. Which may be why I never really felt the connection between Elias and Miller. One minute they're fighting danger and the next they're kissing. They spend a week dodging bullets in the jungle and all of a sudden they love each other. I just didn't feel the romance I guess.
Gone to Dust will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The jungle is not a safe place and when you add the fact that the cartel is hunting them as well, you've got one action-packed story. Up next is a character that we don't see or hear from all that often. He's always quiet and seems to go off on their down-time to who knows where. So, I'm interested to see what his story is.
June 22, 2017
Full disclosure, if you read my review of book one in this series you know my review was unsure of this series, but this is fantastic!!
This is Elias and Miller's story and it's comical with action and love and loyalty. Elias is a Gravedigger and Miller is a romance author. Miller is also Tess's best friend.
Miller always has running commentary in her mind and a wicked sense of humor with a laser sharp tongue that she doesn't hesitate to cut Elias with. When she receives a delivery just as she's trying to finish her most recent book he world is thrown into torment and adventure for real.
As the guys hear what's going on the decide to go make sure the girls are going to be fine, and not a moment too soon.
There is plenty of adventure and action in this romantic suspense book along with the humor. I loved every second of it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is Elias and Miller's story and it's comical with action and love and loyalty. Elias is a Gravedigger and Miller is a romance author. Miller is also Tess's best friend.
Miller always has running commentary in her mind and a wicked sense of humor with a laser sharp tongue that she doesn't hesitate to cut Elias with. When she receives a delivery just as she's trying to finish her most recent book he world is thrown into torment and adventure for real.
As the guys hear what's going on the decide to go make sure the girls are going to be fine, and not a moment too soon.
There is plenty of adventure and action in this romantic suspense book along with the humor. I loved every second of it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2017
Gone to Dust is the second book in the Gravediggers series, and it was even more action packed than the first novel. I was instantly sucked in by romance, sexual tension, and the smokin' hot Elias Cole. Hart's writing is fast paced and kept me entertained from start to finish.
The first novel in the series was good, but Gone to Dust was even better. Hart had me laughing, crying, blushing, and on the edge of my seat from page to page. I typically read a book in about a week, but I couldn't put this one down and I finished it in 2 days! I loved Elias and Miller and I think their exciting relationship really pulled me into the story. Miller's wit and Elias' sex appeal were enough to engage any reader!
Gone to Dust was sexy, exciting, and hilarious! I loved how Hart mixes romance, comedy and action all into one. I am super excited for book 3 (Say No More). I would highly recommend this action packed novel to readers who enjoy Janet Evanovich!
The first novel in the series was good, but Gone to Dust was even better. Hart had me laughing, crying, blushing, and on the edge of my seat from page to page. I typically read a book in about a week, but I couldn't put this one down and I finished it in 2 days! I loved Elias and Miller and I think their exciting relationship really pulled me into the story. Miller's wit and Elias' sex appeal were enough to engage any reader!
Gone to Dust was sexy, exciting, and hilarious! I loved how Hart mixes romance, comedy and action all into one. I am super excited for book 3 (Say No More). I would highly recommend this action packed novel to readers who enjoy Janet Evanovich!
July 13, 2017
Plot: 3.5/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
June 19, 2017
Review written: June 19, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★½☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
Note: Until about a week ago, the wrong back cover blurb was attached to this book. If my review is confusing because I am talking about Elias and not Colin, please read the updated cover blurb.
Imagine my surprise when I started this book. I was trying to figure out how Colin was going to make his entrance when it was clear Miller and Elias belonged together. But then the back cover blurb changed and it was all made clear.
Miller, Tess's best friend and romance author, got left high and dry by Elias. Let's just say she was not happy about it. And so begins Gone to Dust.
The second installment of the Gravediggers series was a marked improvement over the first. The characterization was much better. There was less info-dumping. The plot didn't wait til the 50% mark to get interesting. But the pacing still dragged badly.
Miller and Elias seriously had the smolder going on. They are hot for each other but Elias isn't having any of it. Until he can't hold out any more. The heat was a factor in more than one way. But there is simply no question, Elias and Miller were meant to be. They steamed up the pages even when they weren't indulging in sexy times, especially when they weren't indulging in sexy times. It was as much a mental as physical seduction.
By the end of the book, I knew them. In contrast to Tess and Deacon who I never really felt I knew, Miller and Elias have great backstories. Motivations, pain, connections: each of them come into this with strong characters. They don't have arcs in the sense that they change by the end of the book, but they do find ways to be who they are with each other. This is huge!
The plot was much stronger than The Darkest Corner and it was intensely personal. The very nature of the plot made it more interesting. But it was also far more morally ambiguous than in The Darkest Corner. In a way, it's a collision of three worlds: Elias's, Miller's, and King Solomon's. The way they collide is explosive, breathtaking, and deeply personal and painful for both Miller and Elias. The majority of the plot is focused solely on Miller and Elias with minimal interaction with other characters and that gives it an intensity and focus that helps to keep the character-centric aspects and helps to push the plot along.
While the dominant quality of The Darkest Corner seemed to be the shadowy nature of the Gravediggers, the theme of Gone to Dust seemed to be the moral ambiguity of it. From Elias's experiences as a sniper to Eve Winters's actions to Miller's family life: there just was no black and white and mostly it was very dark shades of grey. Trust is in short supply and ruthlessness is the name of the game. Exploitation, cruelty, ends justifying the means: this is not a fair world and sometimes even the people nominally on your side are not the good guys. There was a lot of ugliness showcased here.
But on top of all of that was that life is precious, take happiness while you can. And so Elias and Miller take life together.
I'm eager to read Say No More, Dante's story but my heart is still with Colin. I will say though, that Gone to Dust has certainly raised my curiosity about Eve and I wonder if that curiosity will be satisfied.
This review is ©June 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
Star Rating: ★★★½☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
Note: Until about a week ago, the wrong back cover blurb was attached to this book. If my review is confusing because I am talking about Elias and not Colin, please read the updated cover blurb.
Imagine my surprise when I started this book. I was trying to figure out how Colin was going to make his entrance when it was clear Miller and Elias belonged together. But then the back cover blurb changed and it was all made clear.
Miller, Tess's best friend and romance author, got left high and dry by Elias. Let's just say she was not happy about it. And so begins Gone to Dust.
The second installment of the Gravediggers series was a marked improvement over the first. The characterization was much better. There was less info-dumping. The plot didn't wait til the 50% mark to get interesting. But the pacing still dragged badly.
Miller and Elias seriously had the smolder going on. They are hot for each other but Elias isn't having any of it. Until he can't hold out any more. The heat was a factor in more than one way. But there is simply no question, Elias and Miller were meant to be. They steamed up the pages even when they weren't indulging in sexy times, especially when they weren't indulging in sexy times. It was as much a mental as physical seduction.
By the end of the book, I knew them. In contrast to Tess and Deacon who I never really felt I knew, Miller and Elias have great backstories. Motivations, pain, connections: each of them come into this with strong characters. They don't have arcs in the sense that they change by the end of the book, but they do find ways to be who they are with each other. This is huge!
The plot was much stronger than The Darkest Corner and it was intensely personal. The very nature of the plot made it more interesting. But it was also far more morally ambiguous than in The Darkest Corner. In a way, it's a collision of three worlds: Elias's, Miller's, and King Solomon's. The way they collide is explosive, breathtaking, and deeply personal and painful for both Miller and Elias. The majority of the plot is focused solely on Miller and Elias with minimal interaction with other characters and that gives it an intensity and focus that helps to keep the character-centric aspects and helps to push the plot along.
While the dominant quality of The Darkest Corner seemed to be the shadowy nature of the Gravediggers, the theme of Gone to Dust seemed to be the moral ambiguity of it. From Elias's experiences as a sniper to Eve Winters's actions to Miller's family life: there just was no black and white and mostly it was very dark shades of grey. Trust is in short supply and ruthlessness is the name of the game. Exploitation, cruelty, ends justifying the means: this is not a fair world and sometimes even the people nominally on your side are not the good guys. There was a lot of ugliness showcased here.
But on top of all of that was that life is precious, take happiness while you can. And so Elias and Miller take life together.
I'm eager to read Say No More, Dante's story but my heart is still with Colin. I will say though, that Gone to Dust has certainly raised my curiosity about Eve and I wonder if that curiosity will be satisfied.
This review is ©June 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
June 26, 2017
I received Gone to Dust in return for an honest review from the publisher.
Miller's is a popular romance writer currently hard at work on her most recent novel which she needs to finish in the next week to meet her deadline. When pulled from her writing groove by the UPS delivery guy she heads off to visit her best friend Tess which just happens to be what she needed. However, it's while they are in her house that the house was attacked forcing the Gravediggers to swing into action and save the day but not without revealing who they are.
Miller learns that her brother has been taken hostage by a very dangerous cartel and the only way to get him back is to travel to Guatemala. Eve won't let the Gravediggers roll into town and take out the cartel but thanks to Elias's vacation time he and Miller to hopefully make it in and out with her brother alive. With the help of her own bad-ass SEAL who's better than John Cena can they survive an action-packed adventure like her books?
I like Miller a lot she's smart, but it's the movie references she uses so much that sealed the deal. Elias has issues, it's to be expected after having to fake his death and join the Gravediggers but he's is just biding his time till he can take out Eve. He doesn't want to fall for Miller even though he's been having feelings for her since he first met her. They just work well together, it's steamy but it's always snarky which I liked plus so many movie references.
I just finished The Darkest Corner and had to read Gone to Dust knowing it's Miller's story. We are given a little taste of her in the first book but the second one is all about her and finding a happy ever after with her own Gravedigger. Gone to Dust may just be my new all-time favorite book ever because it reminds me of my favorite movie Romancing the Stone. It even starts off just like the movie with a scene from the author's book, a rescue trip to South America to save her brother, an action-packed treasure hunt and a much deserved happy ever after. I truly loved every moment of Gone to Dust It's beautifully written with amazing characters and a captivating story. I know this book will be on my re-read list in the future. I highly recommend checking it out if you love an action packed romance.
Miller's is a popular romance writer currently hard at work on her most recent novel which she needs to finish in the next week to meet her deadline. When pulled from her writing groove by the UPS delivery guy she heads off to visit her best friend Tess which just happens to be what she needed. However, it's while they are in her house that the house was attacked forcing the Gravediggers to swing into action and save the day but not without revealing who they are.
Miller learns that her brother has been taken hostage by a very dangerous cartel and the only way to get him back is to travel to Guatemala. Eve won't let the Gravediggers roll into town and take out the cartel but thanks to Elias's vacation time he and Miller to hopefully make it in and out with her brother alive. With the help of her own bad-ass SEAL who's better than John Cena can they survive an action-packed adventure like her books?
I like Miller a lot she's smart, but it's the movie references she uses so much that sealed the deal. Elias has issues, it's to be expected after having to fake his death and join the Gravediggers but he's is just biding his time till he can take out Eve. He doesn't want to fall for Miller even though he's been having feelings for her since he first met her. They just work well together, it's steamy but it's always snarky which I liked plus so many movie references.
I just finished The Darkest Corner and had to read Gone to Dust knowing it's Miller's story. We are given a little taste of her in the first book but the second one is all about her and finding a happy ever after with her own Gravedigger. Gone to Dust may just be my new all-time favorite book ever because it reminds me of my favorite movie Romancing the Stone. It even starts off just like the movie with a scene from the author's book, a rescue trip to South America to save her brother, an action-packed treasure hunt and a much deserved happy ever after. I truly loved every moment of Gone to Dust It's beautifully written with amazing characters and a captivating story. I know this book will be on my re-read list in the future. I highly recommend checking it out if you love an action packed romance.
June 25, 2017
Miller Darling is full of sass, intelligence, and sarcastic wit. She also has enough movie humor to rival an encyclopedia. However, for all her independence, she's afraid of relationships. Her home life wasn't conducive to healthy relationships and left her feeling abandoned and unwanted, until Elias. At first, she thinks she can just scratch and itch and move on like normal. When circumstances beyond her control put her in close quarters with Elias, she realizes she was only fooling herself and scrambles to hold on to the best thing that could have happened to her.
Elias is part of the Gravediggers and is basically a dead man walking. He's angry at the hand life has dealt him, courtesy of Eve Winters, and all he seeks is revenge against her and what she's taken from him. Because of his contract to Eve, he knows he has nothing to offer Miller, but that doesn't stop him from trying to hold on to the best thing that's happened to him since he was brought back from the dead. He has to decide if his revenge is worth losing Miller, or is he should let it go and embrace what he can for the short time he has with her.
Elias and Miller were a couple of my favorite characters in the first book and I am so glad their chemistry carried over and didn't fall flat! Their journey had depths of emotions hidden under humor and sarcasm, and I liked how they revealed pieces of themselves through their conversations. Elias needed Miller's light to battle the darkness encroaching on him and Miller needed the support and protection Elias could give her-win/win and all that.
Book two in the Gravedigger series, Gone To Dust was infinitely better than the first book and I'm glad I stuck with the series! Unlike The Darkest Corner, the conversations and sexual tension didn't seem forced; instead the book flowed quite smoothly. There's lots of witty banter and movie references galore, and just an edge of light suspense to balance out the humor. Miller and Elias's sexy chemistry is undeniable and their easy banter just adds to it. I do have to mention the homage to Romancing the Stone-it was quite fitting and made me want to dig it out to watch again! Now for book three! I'm really curious to see what happens with Dante. The British agent has been rather aloof and I can't wait to see who cracks his icy exterior!
Elias is part of the Gravediggers and is basically a dead man walking. He's angry at the hand life has dealt him, courtesy of Eve Winters, and all he seeks is revenge against her and what she's taken from him. Because of his contract to Eve, he knows he has nothing to offer Miller, but that doesn't stop him from trying to hold on to the best thing that's happened to him since he was brought back from the dead. He has to decide if his revenge is worth losing Miller, or is he should let it go and embrace what he can for the short time he has with her.
Elias and Miller were a couple of my favorite characters in the first book and I am so glad their chemistry carried over and didn't fall flat! Their journey had depths of emotions hidden under humor and sarcasm, and I liked how they revealed pieces of themselves through their conversations. Elias needed Miller's light to battle the darkness encroaching on him and Miller needed the support and protection Elias could give her-win/win and all that.
Book two in the Gravedigger series, Gone To Dust was infinitely better than the first book and I'm glad I stuck with the series! Unlike The Darkest Corner, the conversations and sexual tension didn't seem forced; instead the book flowed quite smoothly. There's lots of witty banter and movie references galore, and just an edge of light suspense to balance out the humor. Miller and Elias's sexy chemistry is undeniable and their easy banter just adds to it. I do have to mention the homage to Romancing the Stone-it was quite fitting and made me want to dig it out to watch again! Now for book three! I'm really curious to see what happens with Dante. The British agent has been rather aloof and I can't wait to see who cracks his icy exterior!
June 11, 2017
I loved book 1 in the Gravediggers series and book 2 surpassed my expectations by being, if possible, even better even. The story was very much an Indiana Jones meets Jewel in the Nile meets Navy Seals, action romance. Apologies for the movie analogy, but if you read the book you'll see it's quite in-keeping with the story. Romance novelist and best friend of Tess Sherman, Miller Darling is sucked into the world of the drug cartels when she receives a package from her brother. Elis Cole, former disgraced Navy SEAL, now a Gravedigger, working under the radar saving the world from terrorists has only one thing on his mind, revenge, revenge on the one person that took away his life, Eve Winter. Oh make that two things, revenge, and trying to avoid a highly addictive, beautiful sassy romance novelist (he has no room in his life for romance). When Miller takes it upon herself to go and find her brother, Elias decides he's going to use all his resources to help her. A beautifully written, highly entertaining, fast paced, action packed rom com. I loved it. The characters are flawless, I loved both Miller and Elias, both had their own brand of crazy, Miller in particular, she was a hoot, oh and Elias had that whole, smouldering, alpha male going for him. Although this can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading book 1 first. This is fast becoming one of my favourite series and I can't wait to see what Liliana has planned for book 3. I was provided with an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2017
Miller Darling and Elias Cole talk about hot and cold and really complicated and that's all on Elias's side Miller being Miller dosnt see the problems that could arise from dating a dead man. Miller only see's Elias Hot, Sexy and she wants him it really is that simple for Miller, being a writer the only thing complicated are her plots as far as her personal life goes she sees what she wants and goes for it but when Elias kisses the heart right out of her chest then turns and walks away without a word or even a second glance Miller is at a total loss.... Men grrrrrr
When Miller gets a surprise package in the mail her life turns upside down and all Miller knows is that she has to find her brother, he is in trouble and Miller is the only one who can find him but she needs help..........
Elias being an ex navy SEAL could be the only one to help Miller but he has to many secrets he wants to keep hidden that's why he walked away from Miller so how can he now offer to help her and not want to kiss her again, she is beautiful and Elias wants her to be his but he knows they can never be Dead men don't date, dead men don't get happily ever afters.
Miller and Elias head out to find her brother Justin and seriously their adventure is just beginning, trains, planes, tropicals islands, boats and trekking through dense rain forest all to find Justin and bring him home what could possibly go wrong?????? Oh I may have forgotten a drug lord wants to kidnap Miller and make her find the lost treasure of Solomon but hey that's a minor detail....lol
When Miller gets a surprise package in the mail her life turns upside down and all Miller knows is that she has to find her brother, he is in trouble and Miller is the only one who can find him but she needs help..........
Elias being an ex navy SEAL could be the only one to help Miller but he has to many secrets he wants to keep hidden that's why he walked away from Miller so how can he now offer to help her and not want to kiss her again, she is beautiful and Elias wants her to be his but he knows they can never be Dead men don't date, dead men don't get happily ever afters.
Miller and Elias head out to find her brother Justin and seriously their adventure is just beginning, trains, planes, tropicals islands, boats and trekking through dense rain forest all to find Justin and bring him home what could possibly go wrong?????? Oh I may have forgotten a drug lord wants to kidnap Miller and make her find the lost treasure of Solomon but hey that's a minor detail....lol
May 31, 2017
I loved this storyline and I loved Miller (even if it was a strange name for a girl)! She was sassy and her career as a romance novelist made her one funny chick! Especially since she was the last person to believe in romance. But when she receives an unexpected package, she has no choice but to find her brother, a treasure hunter just like her parents, who apparently has pissed off the wrong people. And who better than to help but one of the Gravediggers. Namely, Elias. The one man who she craved and based her book heros on, but also the one man who left her hanging and confused.
I loved them travelling together with their banter and sexual tension. I loved the whole treasure mystery and hoping to find her brother alive through clues he left through letters to Miller. It all just played out perfectly.
And I have to mention the novelist side of her.....her inner thoughts, her ability to really look at people and read them through their actions and expressions...... that was awesome and enlightening!
Loving this series and looking forward to the next book!
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
I loved them travelling together with their banter and sexual tension. I loved the whole treasure mystery and hoping to find her brother alive through clues he left through letters to Miller. It all just played out perfectly.
And I have to mention the novelist side of her.....her inner thoughts, her ability to really look at people and read them through their actions and expressions...... that was awesome and enlightening!
Loving this series and looking forward to the next book!
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
July 5, 2017
Elias Cole was a former Navy Seal until he was labeled a traitor and forced into becoming a Gravedigger. As the best friend of Tess, we met the vibrant and talented writer Elias Cole in THE DARKEST CORNER, book one of the series. From the beginning, there has been some heated chemistry between these characters, but Cole is a dead man. Hart quickly fills us in on what we have missed since the first book including a heated encounter that left Miller unsatisfied.
The tale opens up with a chapter from Darling's romance novel. She is in the middle of a three-day writing binge when a delivery from the UPS man pulls her away from the novel. Through the contents of the package, we learn a great deal about Miller, her family, and her parent's death. Her brother, a former SEAL, is in serious trouble which puts Miller in the crosshairs of some dangerous people. Determined to save her brother she makes plans to travel. Elias is very familiar with her brother, and not all of it is happy memories, but there is no way Miller is going alone. The tale that unfolds is action packed, with cool technology and the full resources of the Gravediggers.
While I wish the story had a little less tell and more show, I found GONE TO DUST to be stronger than book one. I love the tension between Eve and the Gravediggers. Last Stop, Texas is certainly not a boring place. I like that we went offline on this mission. Its Temple of Doom vibe and exotic location, (minus the snakes..eek gads) added the perfect suspense, danger, and tension needed to put this couple to the test. It was fun seeing them gather clues and evade danger. I adored a killer computer named Elaine and all of the great sexual chemistry Hart delivered.
The romance developed slowly and aside from kisses we didn't see any real action until around the sixty percent mark. Hart gives us just enough heat to set are imagination on fire, but the action happens mostly off page. There is a bit of instalove here, which I almost expect in romantic suspense, but Hart did an excellent job of building and developing a relationship with depth. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The tale opens up with a chapter from Darling's romance novel. She is in the middle of a three-day writing binge when a delivery from the UPS man pulls her away from the novel. Through the contents of the package, we learn a great deal about Miller, her family, and her parent's death. Her brother, a former SEAL, is in serious trouble which puts Miller in the crosshairs of some dangerous people. Determined to save her brother she makes plans to travel. Elias is very familiar with her brother, and not all of it is happy memories, but there is no way Miller is going alone. The tale that unfolds is action packed, with cool technology and the full resources of the Gravediggers.
While I wish the story had a little less tell and more show, I found GONE TO DUST to be stronger than book one. I love the tension between Eve and the Gravediggers. Last Stop, Texas is certainly not a boring place. I like that we went offline on this mission. Its Temple of Doom vibe and exotic location, (minus the snakes..eek gads) added the perfect suspense, danger, and tension needed to put this couple to the test. It was fun seeing them gather clues and evade danger. I adored a killer computer named Elaine and all of the great sexual chemistry Hart delivered.
The romance developed slowly and aside from kisses we didn't see any real action until around the sixty percent mark. Hart gives us just enough heat to set are imagination on fire, but the action happens mostly off page. There is a bit of instalove here, which I almost expect in romantic suspense, but Hart did an excellent job of building and developing a relationship with depth. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
June 6, 2017
4.5 stars out of 5
Book two in the Gravediggers series does not disappoint in the least. We follow Miller Darling and Elias Cole down the rabbits hole of a treasure that as consumed Miller Darlings family life. Elias Cole is a dead man waking trying to find a balance of death and life with the beautiful Miller Darling and her very interesting lifestyle.
Gone to Dust is full of fun banter between the different characters readers met in book one and Darling and Coles endless sexual tension.
The story is very much a romance vs the first in the series which had more action with Romance thrown in. Gone to Dust is a lot more telling and less showing. Which throws the treasure hunt out the window toward the middle of the story and end.
Gone to Dust still packs on heck of a punch but with more romance and less kick butt action scenes.
The ending of the book is very rush as if the author wasn't sure what to do but wanted to keep her readers happy. Not as much action and blood as there was in the first book but this one will not disappoint readers.
I am beyond excited to read the next in the series. The story is well paced, readers are giving very traditional Liliana Harts sex scenes that will have readers blush.
Advance Copy from Netgalley and the Publisher. Thank you from the bottom of my heart from this Fan of the Grave Digger Series. Keep writing!!
Book two in the Gravediggers series does not disappoint in the least. We follow Miller Darling and Elias Cole down the rabbits hole of a treasure that as consumed Miller Darlings family life. Elias Cole is a dead man waking trying to find a balance of death and life with the beautiful Miller Darling and her very interesting lifestyle.
Gone to Dust is full of fun banter between the different characters readers met in book one and Darling and Coles endless sexual tension.
The story is very much a romance vs the first in the series which had more action with Romance thrown in. Gone to Dust is a lot more telling and less showing. Which throws the treasure hunt out the window toward the middle of the story and end.
Gone to Dust still packs on heck of a punch but with more romance and less kick butt action scenes.
The ending of the book is very rush as if the author wasn't sure what to do but wanted to keep her readers happy. Not as much action and blood as there was in the first book but this one will not disappoint readers.
I am beyond excited to read the next in the series. The story is well paced, readers are giving very traditional Liliana Harts sex scenes that will have readers blush.
Advance Copy from Netgalley and the Publisher. Thank you from the bottom of my heart from this Fan of the Grave Digger Series. Keep writing!!
June 29, 2017
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Gone to Dust was a suspenseful romance filled with one heart-stopping predicament after another. Author Liliana Hart’s ode to the movie Romancing the Stone, this was a fun reading adventure I’d take over and over again.
I am seriously loving the Gravediggers series and every single character we’ve met thus far. And having said that, this could be read as a standalone pretty easily but I think readers would get more out of it if they’ve read book one, The Darkest Corner, first to set things up. We got to see glimpses of Elias and Miller’s chemistry in the first installment so it was great to get more in depth with them here. I was kind of surprised by how much giggling I did whenever Miller and Elias were together arguing, I mean, bantering. Read More
Gone to Dust was a suspenseful romance filled with one heart-stopping predicament after another. Author Liliana Hart’s ode to the movie Romancing the Stone, this was a fun reading adventure I’d take over and over again.
I am seriously loving the Gravediggers series and every single character we’ve met thus far. And having said that, this could be read as a standalone pretty easily but I think readers would get more out of it if they’ve read book one, The Darkest Corner, first to set things up. We got to see glimpses of Elias and Miller’s chemistry in the first installment so it was great to get more in depth with them here. I was kind of surprised by how much giggling I did whenever Miller and Elias were together arguing, I mean, bantering. Read More
June 18, 2017
OMG! Gone to Dust by Liliana Hart was an outstanding addition to the Gravediggers Series! It was another great combination of romance, adventure, and if you can believe it, humor!
Miller is a romance writer, and if you read the first book in the series, Tess’s best friend. Elias is a member of the Gravediggers team, and in his former life, a Navy SEAL. Miller is working on a deadline to finish her newest novel when she gets a disturbing letter indicating her brother is in BIG TROUBLE, and his and her lives are in danger. Miller thinks nothing of dropping everything to find him. Elias knows she won’t last long against a powerful drug cartel, so he decides to go with her. He’s got vacation time, but it will be a complicated mission, especially considering he and Miller have a complicated past. He rejected her not so long ago, and Miller certainly hasn’t forgotten it.
I love a good story with unforgettable characters, and this one has both! Miller and Elias are both EXTREMELY strong-willed and stubborn. That makes for a lot of fireworks, and you add in their chemistry and you have a situation that threatens to be explosive. You never know if they want to ravage or kill each other. You wouldn’t think a romantic thriller would be humorous, but Miller made me laugh so much! I have so many quotes highlighted that illustrate that. She and Elias really pushed each other’s buttons and certainly kept one another on their toes. However, underneath that, is a vulnerability in both of them. Each had a past that determined their future relationships. They don’t trust others easily and have never given 100 percent of themselves to anyone. I won’t go into that. It’s their story to tell readers, but I could completely understand why they didn’t trust easily. Elias’s story did nothing to thaw my feelings for his boss, Eve.
The storyline was heart-pounding and full of adventure. Hart did a phenomenal job of describing the places that Miller and Elias ended up. I could clearly see, smell, and feel everything. It was awesome. I felt like I was there with them. Her talent for descriptive writing kept the pages turning for me. I never knew what twist what be in store in the next chapter…add in the story of King Solomon…and you have one heck of an adventure.
I loved seeing the characters from the previous novel, and I love how she builds characters for her next novel. She leaves room not only for other characters but for her current and past characters. I wonder what their lives will be like when their allotted time will be up with Eve. And speaking of Eve, I hope Hart will give us her story. I’m so curious about what made her into the person she has become. You talk about a complicated and complex character, that’s Eve. Waiting for the next one in the series and hoping we won’t have to wait for too long.
***Read and reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha***
***Copy provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased review***
Miller is a romance writer, and if you read the first book in the series, Tess’s best friend. Elias is a member of the Gravediggers team, and in his former life, a Navy SEAL. Miller is working on a deadline to finish her newest novel when she gets a disturbing letter indicating her brother is in BIG TROUBLE, and his and her lives are in danger. Miller thinks nothing of dropping everything to find him. Elias knows she won’t last long against a powerful drug cartel, so he decides to go with her. He’s got vacation time, but it will be a complicated mission, especially considering he and Miller have a complicated past. He rejected her not so long ago, and Miller certainly hasn’t forgotten it.
I love a good story with unforgettable characters, and this one has both! Miller and Elias are both EXTREMELY strong-willed and stubborn. That makes for a lot of fireworks, and you add in their chemistry and you have a situation that threatens to be explosive. You never know if they want to ravage or kill each other. You wouldn’t think a romantic thriller would be humorous, but Miller made me laugh so much! I have so many quotes highlighted that illustrate that. She and Elias really pushed each other’s buttons and certainly kept one another on their toes. However, underneath that, is a vulnerability in both of them. Each had a past that determined their future relationships. They don’t trust others easily and have never given 100 percent of themselves to anyone. I won’t go into that. It’s their story to tell readers, but I could completely understand why they didn’t trust easily. Elias’s story did nothing to thaw my feelings for his boss, Eve.
The storyline was heart-pounding and full of adventure. Hart did a phenomenal job of describing the places that Miller and Elias ended up. I could clearly see, smell, and feel everything. It was awesome. I felt like I was there with them. Her talent for descriptive writing kept the pages turning for me. I never knew what twist what be in store in the next chapter…add in the story of King Solomon…and you have one heck of an adventure.
I loved seeing the characters from the previous novel, and I love how she builds characters for her next novel. She leaves room not only for other characters but for her current and past characters. I wonder what their lives will be like when their allotted time will be up with Eve. And speaking of Eve, I hope Hart will give us her story. I’m so curious about what made her into the person she has become. You talk about a complicated and complex character, that’s Eve. Waiting for the next one in the series and hoping we won’t have to wait for too long.
***Read and reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha***
***Copy provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased review***
June 10, 2017
This is the second book in Liliana Harts Gravedigger series although so far each book is about a different character.
I loved this book it was so much better than the first and that was pretty good too. This is Miller and Elias's story and is told in dual pov.
Miller Darling is a successful author in the sleepy town of Last Stop. Wearing her heart on her sleeve for all to see is her downfall but maybe that's the romance writer in her. Family is everything to her but with both her parents dead her brother is the only thing she has left aside from her friends, so when she receives a not so nice package along with a letter stating her brother is in trouble, however she very soon finds out her own life is also now in danger!
In Sweeps Elias Cole, ex Seal now a Gravedigger raised from the dead and is in life debt to the secret organisation who contracted and saved him. Elias has tried to stay away from Miller and had already found the will power to reject her mid passion leaving her feeling humiliated. So why is he now sweeping in to take charge and help Miller find her brother? Can these two resist the chemistry that is radiating from both of them towards each other?
I loved loved loved this book! I feel the author stepped it up a huge notch from book one. It flowed better, it was less wordy and only descriptive where really needed, but who's to say that isn't the way it was intended? Let's face it book one is always the hardest as it's where we are introduced to the majority of the characters in the series as well as follow the main characters story. This book though had everything to draw you to the characters personalities and adventures. Again as I said in book one's review the plot is a breath of fresh air because it's so original to anything else I have ever read in this genre. Miller was sassy as well as hilarious at times and Elias was just as witty in his return words but he was strong, generous and fiercely loyal to the core. I wanted and needed more of an epilogue for these two, I felt they had so much more to give to the reader. I can't wait for the next book in the series, not sure who it's about but I would love to see what makes evil boss woman Eve tick!
I loved this book it was so much better than the first and that was pretty good too. This is Miller and Elias's story and is told in dual pov.
Miller Darling is a successful author in the sleepy town of Last Stop. Wearing her heart on her sleeve for all to see is her downfall but maybe that's the romance writer in her. Family is everything to her but with both her parents dead her brother is the only thing she has left aside from her friends, so when she receives a not so nice package along with a letter stating her brother is in trouble, however she very soon finds out her own life is also now in danger!
In Sweeps Elias Cole, ex Seal now a Gravedigger raised from the dead and is in life debt to the secret organisation who contracted and saved him. Elias has tried to stay away from Miller and had already found the will power to reject her mid passion leaving her feeling humiliated. So why is he now sweeping in to take charge and help Miller find her brother? Can these two resist the chemistry that is radiating from both of them towards each other?
I loved loved loved this book! I feel the author stepped it up a huge notch from book one. It flowed better, it was less wordy and only descriptive where really needed, but who's to say that isn't the way it was intended? Let's face it book one is always the hardest as it's where we are introduced to the majority of the characters in the series as well as follow the main characters story. This book though had everything to draw you to the characters personalities and adventures. Again as I said in book one's review the plot is a breath of fresh air because it's so original to anything else I have ever read in this genre. Miller was sassy as well as hilarious at times and Elias was just as witty in his return words but he was strong, generous and fiercely loyal to the core. I wanted and needed more of an epilogue for these two, I felt they had so much more to give to the reader. I can't wait for the next book in the series, not sure who it's about but I would love to see what makes evil boss woman Eve tick!
June 29, 2017
4.5 Stars
http://rpmbt-blog.com/rpmbt/review-go...
Gone To Dust is the second installment in The Gravediggers Series by Liliana Hart, but can be read as a stand-alone, and I must say, this series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!
In Gone To Dust, we get Miller and Elias’s story, and if you read The Darkest Corner, then you know Miller as Tess’s quirky best friend and Elias as another Gravedigger. These two have chemistry like no other but Elias pushes Miller away and when Miller is in trouble, Elias seems to be the only person on the team available to help her.
With these two out to help save Miller’s brother Justin, and Miller now aware of the Gravediggers, her life is now in danger and in the hands of Elias to keep safe. At first Elias wanted nothing to do with the mission, as his goal is to take Eve Winters down, but when push comes to shove, he goes with Miller and things get interesting. I loved the banter and back and forth between these two characters, and now much they tried to fight their attraction to one another, but how in the end it was undeniable. These two were meant for each other, and even in the face of danger, they got to know each other, and form an unbreakable relationship that many of us would kill for.
I really enjoyed how Liliana Hart weaved in history into this story and how the mystery of Solomon’s table and Millers family tied into it came into play in this book. It was an interesting twist on this suspenseful romance that added an additional twist to an amazing read. I at times did feel that this book dragged on a bit too much in the beginning setting everything up and then went by too fast on the really good parts. I would have liked to see more time on the islands with Elias and Miller and more of an ending, though the ending and epilogue was amazing!
If you’re looking for a great romance with some suspense thrown in, this is definitely a book to add to your TBR list and one-click today. Like I said, this is a series I have come to love and I can’t wait for the next Gravediggers book to release!
I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.
http://rpmbt-blog.com/rpmbt/review-go...
Gone To Dust is the second installment in The Gravediggers Series by Liliana Hart, but can be read as a stand-alone, and I must say, this series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!
In Gone To Dust, we get Miller and Elias’s story, and if you read The Darkest Corner, then you know Miller as Tess’s quirky best friend and Elias as another Gravedigger. These two have chemistry like no other but Elias pushes Miller away and when Miller is in trouble, Elias seems to be the only person on the team available to help her.
With these two out to help save Miller’s brother Justin, and Miller now aware of the Gravediggers, her life is now in danger and in the hands of Elias to keep safe. At first Elias wanted nothing to do with the mission, as his goal is to take Eve Winters down, but when push comes to shove, he goes with Miller and things get interesting. I loved the banter and back and forth between these two characters, and now much they tried to fight their attraction to one another, but how in the end it was undeniable. These two were meant for each other, and even in the face of danger, they got to know each other, and form an unbreakable relationship that many of us would kill for.
I really enjoyed how Liliana Hart weaved in history into this story and how the mystery of Solomon’s table and Millers family tied into it came into play in this book. It was an interesting twist on this suspenseful romance that added an additional twist to an amazing read. I at times did feel that this book dragged on a bit too much in the beginning setting everything up and then went by too fast on the really good parts. I would have liked to see more time on the islands with Elias and Miller and more of an ending, though the ending and epilogue was amazing!
If you’re looking for a great romance with some suspense thrown in, this is definitely a book to add to your TBR list and one-click today. Like I said, this is a series I have come to love and I can’t wait for the next Gravediggers book to release!
I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2018
Miller Darling is a romance writer. She is eccentric, smart, successful, outspoken, funny, independent and makes no apologies for who she is, yet she has her insecurities too. I love her character.
Elias Cole is one of the Gravediggers. He is a former SEAL. He has been intrigued with Miller since he met her. However, he knows he can never have happily ever after, so he’s not going there.
When Miller discovers her brother is in trouble, Elias takes vacation time, goes against direct orders and takes off with her to find him. This book is mostly about the developing relationship between Miller and Elias. The banter between these two provides lots of humor.
I still intensely dislike Eve. Even more after what she put Elias through to get him on her team.
We get to see Tess and Deacon again. Unlike the first book, there is very little team interaction in this book. I missed that.
I felt like the story dragged a little at times. The ending was abrupt, leaving me with several questions. I didn’t like this one as much as the first one but I am still very interested in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley. There are several inconsistencies in the book that I hope are corrected before publication.
Elias Cole is one of the Gravediggers. He is a former SEAL. He has been intrigued with Miller since he met her. However, he knows he can never have happily ever after, so he’s not going there.
When Miller discovers her brother is in trouble, Elias takes vacation time, goes against direct orders and takes off with her to find him. This book is mostly about the developing relationship between Miller and Elias. The banter between these two provides lots of humor.
I still intensely dislike Eve. Even more after what she put Elias through to get him on her team.
We get to see Tess and Deacon again. Unlike the first book, there is very little team interaction in this book. I missed that.
I felt like the story dragged a little at times. The ending was abrupt, leaving me with several questions. I didn’t like this one as much as the first one but I am still very interested in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley. There are several inconsistencies in the book that I hope are corrected before publication.
July 3, 2017
4 solid stars.
Miller is a romance novelist. She's a fun and spunky heroine without being too stubborn. She understood her limitations and didn't argue with Elias over every little thing. Elias is a good hero as well. He didn't go all caveman and ignore Miller's advice or experience. He did have his stupid moments when he couldn't seem to decide if he wanted Miller or his revenge against Eve. It was refreshing reading about characters who work together toward a common goal without arguing over every little decision. Better than the first book. Can't wait for the next one.
I would love to have this series in audio as well as e book but I think the audio versions are too expensive.
Miller is a romance novelist. She's a fun and spunky heroine without being too stubborn. She understood her limitations and didn't argue with Elias over every little thing. Elias is a good hero as well. He didn't go all caveman and ignore Miller's advice or experience. He did have his stupid moments when he couldn't seem to decide if he wanted Miller or his revenge against Eve. It was refreshing reading about characters who work together toward a common goal without arguing over every little decision. Better than the first book. Can't wait for the next one.
I would love to have this series in audio as well as e book but I think the audio versions are too expensive.
September 25, 2017
I thought it was a mystery--that's why it got a two rating. It's actually a romance, featuring former SEAL Elias and beautiful, feisty romance writer Miller, who go to Central America to rescue her brother, also a former SEAL, who is running from the cartels to rescue the valuable artifact that his father and mother died looking for. A lot of sex and banter, which were okay; just not what I was looking for.
July 30, 2024
Juvenile writing and annoying characters. A weak attempt at what could have been an interesting story. This author talks about how she writes six books a year, but it shows in the quality. Forced myself to finish to check it off the list.
June 18, 2017
3.5 stars review to come
July 6, 2017
3.5 read, I switched between the audiobook and ebook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews