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Everyday Disasters #1
Putting the Fun in Funeral
Beck Wyatt has always hated her mother—enough to kill her. As luck would have it, someone beats her to murdering Mommy Dearest and now Beck gets to plan the tackiest funeral the world has ever seen for the worst woman she’s ever known.
But first, Beck has a few minor problems to deal with. First on the list? Avoid getting kidnapped. She also has to convince the police she didn’t kill her mother. And then there’s surviving a death curse ….
With the help of her three best friends, cheesecake, and a little magic, Beck figures she can handle anything, even the mysterious and irritating Damon Matroviani, whose sexy good-looks light her panties on fire.
All too soon, her life is turned inside out, and just when things are looking like they can’t get any worse ... everything hits the fan.
But first, Beck has a few minor problems to deal with. First on the list? Avoid getting kidnapped. She also has to convince the police she didn’t kill her mother. And then there’s surviving a death curse ….
With the help of her three best friends, cheesecake, and a little magic, Beck figures she can handle anything, even the mysterious and irritating Damon Matroviani, whose sexy good-looks light her panties on fire.
All too soon, her life is turned inside out, and just when things are looking like they can’t get any worse ... everything hits the fan.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2018
160 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Diana Pharaoh Francis
44 books761 followersI was raised on a cattle ranch in Northern California (outside a town called Lincoln which is now part of an enormous sprawl). I taught myself to ride a horse at the age of six, as no one had the time to teach me—they were all busy learning how to irrigate, how to cajole an angry bull into another field, how to pull a calf… Afraid of heights, and absolutely sure I was going to die, I managed to scramble up on the back of a very patient and lazy strawberry roan destrier, and plod off into the sunset.
Thereafter, I spent much of my early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of my family—it took several attempts to get my attention). We all had very specific jobs on the ranch and mine was horses and cattle—out rounding up at dawn. And since I rode bareback, my standing request was to wake me up 5 minutes before everyone else headed for the barn—time enough to dress and eat my Wheaties, and no sleep time wasted on saddling.
After high school, I attended college after college, racking up a BA and MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in literature and theory. My very patient and supportive husband traipsed across the Midwest and back to Montana for me (though my husband insists that he’s been running and hiding and I just keep finding him), where I now teach at the University of Montana-Western. We also a son Q-ball, who in our humbly unbiased opinions, is the most wonderful son ever produced, and a daughter, Princess Caesar, who is the most wonderful daughter ever produced.
I have a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, I like spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and I have an odd sense of humor. (Or so I’ve been told. Often.) Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact my real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.
Some of my current favorite sf/f writers are Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, C.E. Murphy, Patty Briggs, Lynn Flewelling, Rachel Caine, David Coe, and Anne Bishop.
Thereafter, I spent much of my early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of my family—it took several attempts to get my attention). We all had very specific jobs on the ranch and mine was horses and cattle—out rounding up at dawn. And since I rode bareback, my standing request was to wake me up 5 minutes before everyone else headed for the barn—time enough to dress and eat my Wheaties, and no sleep time wasted on saddling.
After high school, I attended college after college, racking up a BA and MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in literature and theory. My very patient and supportive husband traipsed across the Midwest and back to Montana for me (though my husband insists that he’s been running and hiding and I just keep finding him), where I now teach at the University of Montana-Western. We also a son Q-ball, who in our humbly unbiased opinions, is the most wonderful son ever produced, and a daughter, Princess Caesar, who is the most wonderful daughter ever produced.
I have a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, I like spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and I have an odd sense of humor. (Or so I’ve been told. Often.) Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact my real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.
Some of my current favorite sf/f writers are Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, C.E. Murphy, Patty Briggs, Lynn Flewelling, Rachel Caine, David Coe, and Anne Bishop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 16, 2018
3 1/2
Forget the title, this book has a dark theme in the background, always there when there's power and misuse.
But yes, it's also fun at times. I will certainly keep reading this series, even if this book has annoyed me at times with its useless "romantic thread" (totally out of character) and the usual heroine's uber snowflake personality. I loved her, but magic without price does always seem to me wishful thinking.
As Dani perfectly wrote:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Forget the title, this book has a dark theme in the background, always there when there's power and misuse.
But yes, it's also fun at times. I will certainly keep reading this series, even if this book has annoyed me at times with its useless "romantic thread" (totally out of character) and the usual heroine's uber snowflake personality. I loved her, but magic without price does always seem to me wishful thinking.
As Dani perfectly wrote:
PtFiF is a solid first book in a new series. It sets up a background that is interesting enough, and well-enough-written, that I expect to read the sequel. As a stand-alone novel, it was weak. The mother's evil is insufficiently motivated, as are the murder and subsequent attacks. The love interest is insufficiently motivated - moving from lust at first sight to true love way too quickly. And the plot has too many instances of "Beck overcomes danger or challenge because her magic is very strong".
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 9, 2018
When Beck's mother is murdered, she does not bother to conceal her unfettered joy. This is perhaps not the best stance to adopt when the police are quizzing her. Then someone comes after Beck with both physical and magical attacks. Magical, because the family Beck knows nothing about turns out to be sorcerous, as does she.
At the start of the book, we are given to understand that Beck's mother was an evil psychopath. The more we find out about her as the book progresses, the worse she turns out to be. Her other relatives - once they find out about Beck and get in touch - are no prizes either - not evil, mostly, but part of a hidden dog-eat-dog magical society that is likely to wind up killing Beck.
PtFiF is a solid first book in a new series. It sets up a background that is interesting enough, and well-enough-written, that I expect to read the sequel. As a stand-alone novel, it was weak. The mother's evil is insufficiently motivated, as are the murder and subsequent attacks. The love interest is insufficiently motivated - moving from lust at first sight to true love way too quickly. And the plot has too many instances of "Beck overcomes danger or challenge because her magic is very strong".
The book leaves three hooks dangling for future plot lines: Although Beck and her mother were completely isolated from other magical families, we are told that some of her mother's spells could not have been cast without help. Beck is entering a magical society in which she has several bullseyes metaphorically painted on her back. And the reason this society is the mess it is can be traced back to an old evil that is scheduled/prophecied to return.
At the start of the book, we are given to understand that Beck's mother was an evil psychopath. The more we find out about her as the book progresses, the worse she turns out to be. Her other relatives - once they find out about Beck and get in touch - are no prizes either - not evil, mostly, but part of a hidden dog-eat-dog magical society that is likely to wind up killing Beck.
PtFiF is a solid first book in a new series. It sets up a background that is interesting enough, and well-enough-written, that I expect to read the sequel. As a stand-alone novel, it was weak. The mother's evil is insufficiently motivated, as are the murder and subsequent attacks. The love interest is insufficiently motivated - moving from lust at first sight to true love way too quickly. And the plot has too many instances of "Beck overcomes danger or challenge because her magic is very strong".
The book leaves three hooks dangling for future plot lines: Although Beck and her mother were completely isolated from other magical families, we are told that some of her mother's spells could not have been cast without help. Beck is entering a magical society in which she has several bullseyes metaphorically painted on her back. And the reason this society is the mess it is can be traced back to an old evil that is scheduled/prophecied to return.
December 13, 2018
I started this book with positive expectations, but the more I read, the less I liked. The main character Beck hates her mother, who was apparently vicious and abusive. And magical. The magic element is mostly irrelevant to the working of the story. Oh, it’s there but any kind of world-building based on it is vague and flaky.
Beck whines through the majority of the story, acting like a special snowflake. I really found I could not make a connection with the character at all. Not to mention the romantic interest - yes, there is a time for strong confident men who express who they are and what they want. They are awesome characters. But romantic interest Damon was NOT this. He was more of the sort, “I cannot stop thinking about you...therefore I will ignore everything you want because of what I want”. There were some borderline creepy scenes where she said no, but because he doesn’t believe she means it, he keeps up his sexual advances. It’s make “okay” because as readers we see her thoughts “Oh he’s so hot, look at those abs!” But really she said no (on three or four different occasions) and he carried on because he clearly sensed SHE REALLY DIDN’T MEAN NO. A very unpleasant attitude that was reinforced when she is forced to realise she loves him.
The only character that I didn’t mind was Ajax the dog, who escaped one terrible situation and up with this bunch. I think he deserved better.
Beck whines through the majority of the story, acting like a special snowflake. I really found I could not make a connection with the character at all. Not to mention the romantic interest - yes, there is a time for strong confident men who express who they are and what they want. They are awesome characters. But romantic interest Damon was NOT this. He was more of the sort, “I cannot stop thinking about you...therefore I will ignore everything you want because of what I want”. There were some borderline creepy scenes where she said no, but because he doesn’t believe she means it, he keeps up his sexual advances. It’s make “okay” because as readers we see her thoughts “Oh he’s so hot, look at those abs!” But really she said no (on three or four different occasions) and he carried on because he clearly sensed SHE REALLY DIDN’T MEAN NO. A very unpleasant attitude that was reinforced when she is forced to realise she loves him.
The only character that I didn’t mind was Ajax the dog, who escaped one terrible situation and up with this bunch. I think he deserved better.
September 4, 2018
I save my 5-star ratings for books that keep me up way past my bedtime and Putting the Fun in Funeral ruined a night's sleep! (FYI, my ebook was sent to me by the author for an honest review). I always enjoy Diana's books and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. She read excerpts from the beginning last year at a convention and it sounded as if it would be a fast, funny read--and it was! Her main character, Beck, hardly has a chance to start celebrating her horrible mother's death when all sorts of things begin happening. From rescuing a dog (who becomes a loyal companion), dealing with a death curse and a gorgeous hunky guy who just won't go away, Beck's life becomes very complicated very quickly! This isn't a "standard" paranormal romance or urban fantasy. There are magic and fantasy elements in the book, but there are no were-people or vampires. The romance sizzles! Once the paper version is available I am definitely picking up a hard copy to add to my library!
November 17, 2018
So I finished this book and then read the author's message at the end. I have never been so baffled by the disconnect between my experience of a book and the author's. Ms. Francis apparently thought this was a rollicking fun ride of a read. A laugh a minute.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. I have to disclose spoilers. I'm sorry.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
The heroine is the victim of child torture from the time she could walk at the hands of her mother. Horrifying torture. This torture continues until her is mother killed at the start of this book. Lifelong physical, psychological, and emotional torture. I can't even call it abuse. It's so far past abuse as to be ridiculous.
There is a dog that she adopts-- Oh that's happy, right? Nope, he was also tortured and almost dies as a result.
The man she is so irresistibly attracted to ignores everything she says and does, constantly violates all of her boundaries in the first 2/3rds of the book, stalks her and even tried to kidnap her. Her self esteem and trust (child torture) are so badly damaged that she takes this "hero's" interest as something that is attractive. She is so desperate for any crumb of affection and validation that she just keeps letting him in instead of kicking him to the curb and leaving him there.
Laughing yet?
The circumstances of her conception are best described as assault which is followed by her kidnapping at birth. Her father is an ....let's go with "jerk" to keep it clean.
Her blood relatives knew she was being tortured for years, and did nothing about it. Why? Revenge and politics.
Her first sexual experience was horrendous.
Her family, who is now back, wants to hire out her womb to the highest bidder to further their political ambitions. Why? Because that's how the society she rightfully belongs to uses all their women. Think Handmaiden's Tale. (Did you think that was a funny storyline? No? Me neither.) Why do they do this? Some vague prophecy.
And her best friends... the sisters of her heart, are her torturer's unwitting accomplices keeping her chained to this sick existence and a woman who hates her and plans to kill her (we find out) eventually. So even that bright spot is incontrovertibly tainted by blood and torture and child abuse.
And every time she does something-- anything in this book-- her life, her body, or her business is destroyed as a consequence.
This is the book the author elected to call "Putting the Fun in Funeral"... one last spoiler: we don't even get to see the funeral. It's merely the sad fantasy of a lifelong torture victim. This book put the Dread in Dreadful.
The story is disturbing, dark, and bleak and if I could go back and unread it I would. And I am someone who has been reading this author's work for over a decade. I auto-bought this book just on the weight of her name. Not gonna make that mistake again.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. I have to disclose spoilers. I'm sorry.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
The heroine is the victim of child torture from the time she could walk at the hands of her mother. Horrifying torture. This torture continues until her is mother killed at the start of this book. Lifelong physical, psychological, and emotional torture. I can't even call it abuse. It's so far past abuse as to be ridiculous.
There is a dog that she adopts-- Oh that's happy, right? Nope, he was also tortured and almost dies as a result.
The man she is so irresistibly attracted to ignores everything she says and does, constantly violates all of her boundaries in the first 2/3rds of the book, stalks her and even tried to kidnap her. Her self esteem and trust (child torture) are so badly damaged that she takes this "hero's" interest as something that is attractive. She is so desperate for any crumb of affection and validation that she just keeps letting him in instead of kicking him to the curb and leaving him there.
Laughing yet?
The circumstances of her conception are best described as assault which is followed by her kidnapping at birth. Her father is an ....let's go with "jerk" to keep it clean.
Her blood relatives knew she was being tortured for years, and did nothing about it. Why? Revenge and politics.
Her first sexual experience was horrendous.
Her family, who is now back, wants to hire out her womb to the highest bidder to further their political ambitions. Why? Because that's how the society she rightfully belongs to uses all their women. Think Handmaiden's Tale. (Did you think that was a funny storyline? No? Me neither.) Why do they do this? Some vague prophecy.
And her best friends... the sisters of her heart, are her torturer's unwitting accomplices keeping her chained to this sick existence and a woman who hates her and plans to kill her (we find out) eventually. So even that bright spot is incontrovertibly tainted by blood and torture and child abuse.
And every time she does something-- anything in this book-- her life, her body, or her business is destroyed as a consequence.
This is the book the author elected to call "Putting the Fun in Funeral"... one last spoiler: we don't even get to see the funeral. It's merely the sad fantasy of a lifelong torture victim. This book put the Dread in Dreadful.
The story is disturbing, dark, and bleak and if I could go back and unread it I would. And I am someone who has been reading this author's work for over a decade. I auto-bought this book just on the weight of her name. Not gonna make that mistake again.
April 6, 2019
I really liked this author's Horngate Witches series, so when I saw she had a new one I knew I'd read it, then I read the title and really knew I'd read it. lol
I really liked this one and a big reason is due to Beck, I loved her. Beck hasn't had an easy life, but she is so down to earth and loyal to her friends. The more that we learn about Beck's life the more that I was happy that her mother died and died in a bad way! I'm unsure of what Beck learned about her family in the aftermath. Part of me thinks it's good, that there are people that will have her back, but another big part of me worries that she is now exposed to a world she doesn't know how to navigate and she is a price due to her genetics and that is worrisome.
I have a feeling that with the people that Beck has surrounded herself with she will be more than up for any fight that comes her way.
I really liked this one and a big reason is due to Beck, I loved her. Beck hasn't had an easy life, but she is so down to earth and loyal to her friends. The more that we learn about Beck's life the more that I was happy that her mother died and died in a bad way! I'm unsure of what Beck learned about her family in the aftermath. Part of me thinks it's good, that there are people that will have her back, but another big part of me worries that she is now exposed to a world she doesn't know how to navigate and she is a price due to her genetics and that is worrisome.
I have a feeling that with the people that Beck has surrounded herself with she will be more than up for any fight that comes her way.
August 29, 2024
Beck is thrilled to find out someone murdered her mother, but it opens the door to a whole hidden world.
What I enjoyed:
* The close friendship the girls had
* Ben was sweet and not fond of the magic world's rules
* Ajax, that poor dog had been through a lot and I'm glad Beck saved him
What could have been better:
* I read a lot of UF and Beck has to be the most tortured character, it started as a kid and every time she used her magic she practically killed herself.
* The magic world itself is f*cked up
* Insta-love without out even a soulmate type bond to explain it
What I enjoyed:
* The close friendship the girls had
* Ben was sweet and not fond of the magic world's rules
* Ajax, that poor dog had been through a lot and I'm glad Beck saved him
What could have been better:
* I read a lot of UF and Beck has to be the most tortured character, it started as a kid and every time she used her magic she practically killed herself.
* The magic world itself is f*cked up
* Insta-love without out even a soulmate type bond to explain it
February 3, 2022
This was cute and silly and a little difficult for me to get into at first...but once I hit the third way mark things got interesting.
It is sort of a paranormal cozy, sort of...
If you like paranormal, crazy characters, and gnarly situations - check it out.
It is sort of a paranormal cozy, sort of...
If you like paranormal, crazy characters, and gnarly situations - check it out.
January 29, 2019
my first try at this author, and sorry, but it's not going to be ever again. (Though I read in other comments that her other books are better)
There are some very good ideas through the story. I am a big fan of fantasy, and I read chick-lit from time to time, so no issue with the genres. I'd just wish the author had stuck to one main theme, developed it more, instead of going all directions. The story keeps going between an interesting fantasy story, friendship and a very bad attempt at hot romance. (Plus, I just can't believe that someone who has been abused so badly over the years can be so open so newcomers and immediately fell in love and go all mushy over a kiss.)
The title is deceptive, the book is not funny at all. You feel sorry for Beck's past experience, and what is happening to her during the story. And skip the horrid 'hot' kisses scenes that come up at the most unbelievable moments...
This story deserves better. It needs serious rewriting, more development, more subtlety.
Sorry, but not sorry. This is a bad book.
There are some very good ideas through the story. I am a big fan of fantasy, and I read chick-lit from time to time, so no issue with the genres. I'd just wish the author had stuck to one main theme, developed it more, instead of going all directions. The story keeps going between an interesting fantasy story, friendship and a very bad attempt at hot romance. (Plus, I just can't believe that someone who has been abused so badly over the years can be so open so newcomers and immediately fell in love and go all mushy over a kiss.)
The title is deceptive, the book is not funny at all. You feel sorry for Beck's past experience, and what is happening to her during the story. And skip the horrid 'hot' kisses scenes that come up at the most unbelievable moments...
This story deserves better. It needs serious rewriting, more development, more subtlety.
Sorry, but not sorry. This is a bad book.
October 26, 2023
*Special Content only on my blog, Strange and Random Happenstance during An Urban Development (November-December 2024)
Beck Wyatt's mother is dead. In the most gruesome yet amusing way possible. She was crushed to death by the phallus of one of the gargoyles that perched on the roof of her mansion. Don't worry, she deserved it. Which is something the police can't quite grasp and why Beck is a person of interest. The bereaved usually don't ask for crime screen photos to put on display. Or go about planning the tackiest funeral whose theme could literally be "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead!" Because besides being her mother, she was a literal witch. A trait that Beck has inherited, though she made sure never to let her mother know about her powers. This woman spent years torturing Beck, who knows what would have happened if she knew about her powers. A lifetime of cages, chains, trials, and now she's free. All the secrets she kept bottled up to protect the three people in the world she loved can now be decanted like a cheap wine. Jen, Lorraine, and Stacey have always been there for Beck. They knew the Wicked Bitch was trouble, she did enough damage to their own lives, but they never knew how bad until now. Now that Beck can actually say what happened with impunity. When she's ready that is. First there needs to be much drinking, and tons of cheesecake. Of course, as "luck" would have it, her mother's death sets off a chain of events Beck could never have foreseen. First there's the attempted kidnapping by the very sexy Damon Matroviani. Then there's the death curse. Then there's the near death experience of plunging through a river to remove the death curse. More and more "incidents" keep happening to Beck which keep making her interesting to the police. She just wants to bury the Wicked Bitch and get on with running her business, a resale and consignment shop that also runs estate sales. Which of course means her business and home are attacked. And it turns out that Damon might have seen this all coming and warned her more properly. Because Beck is the daughter of two very powerful bloodlines and was kidnapped by her aunt at birth and raised without any knowledge of the world she should have taken a place in or her magical abilities. So once again Wicked Bitch AKA Aunty Mommy screws over her life. Here's hoping Beck can get it back, but on her terms, no one else's.
I feel there's really no way to properly classify Putting the Fun in Funeral. It might be one of the oddest Urban Fantasy books I've ever read. There seem to be two genres fighting for dominance and they couldn't be more different. On the one had it wants to be magical chick lit, with the girls giggling about guys while drinking margaritas and eating cheesecake. On the other hand it's straight up horror. The torture and PTSD that Beck has is heartbreaking and horrifying. And the book swings from one extreme to the other. Reading this book is almost like getting repeated whiplash. Yet somehow it works. There's a disconnect but also a tentative balance. It makes sense that Beck wants that part of her life that is hers to be almost superficial. I'm not saying that her connection to her friends isn't bone-deep, it's just that they let her set the boundaries and that means they stick to the "fun" as it where. They gossip and drink and drink and gossip and then get around to the cheesecake, because this is what Beck needs to counteract the horrors she faced in her past and still faces minimally twice a month at the hands of "Aunty Mommy." Though for me the real horror is when Beck learns more about the magical world she was kept apart from. That world is about bloodlines and status, in other words, if the Death Eaters and the Republic of Gilead from The Handmaid's Tale got together and created a breeding program this is what it would be. And it scared the shit out of me. This moved the book so far away from chick lit into straight up dystopian horror that I shudder just thinking about it. Beck would have no control over her reproductive rights. She would be forced into contracts and used as a broodmare to the benefit of her father's family. What's more, due to the whole "magical" nature of these people, she can be forced to carry twins or triplets. Oh, and every consummation guarantees conception. Just hell no. I just can't. The books that are the most successful are ones that despite whatever genre they are reflect the real world and real crises the readers are facing. This was almost too real. This is the world that so many people want to see become a reality. They want to take away all my rights to my own body. And I'll be standing at the ramparts with Beck screaming no. This is my body. You stay the fuck away.
Beck Wyatt's mother is dead. In the most gruesome yet amusing way possible. She was crushed to death by the phallus of one of the gargoyles that perched on the roof of her mansion. Don't worry, she deserved it. Which is something the police can't quite grasp and why Beck is a person of interest. The bereaved usually don't ask for crime screen photos to put on display. Or go about planning the tackiest funeral whose theme could literally be "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead!" Because besides being her mother, she was a literal witch. A trait that Beck has inherited, though she made sure never to let her mother know about her powers. This woman spent years torturing Beck, who knows what would have happened if she knew about her powers. A lifetime of cages, chains, trials, and now she's free. All the secrets she kept bottled up to protect the three people in the world she loved can now be decanted like a cheap wine. Jen, Lorraine, and Stacey have always been there for Beck. They knew the Wicked Bitch was trouble, she did enough damage to their own lives, but they never knew how bad until now. Now that Beck can actually say what happened with impunity. When she's ready that is. First there needs to be much drinking, and tons of cheesecake. Of course, as "luck" would have it, her mother's death sets off a chain of events Beck could never have foreseen. First there's the attempted kidnapping by the very sexy Damon Matroviani. Then there's the death curse. Then there's the near death experience of plunging through a river to remove the death curse. More and more "incidents" keep happening to Beck which keep making her interesting to the police. She just wants to bury the Wicked Bitch and get on with running her business, a resale and consignment shop that also runs estate sales. Which of course means her business and home are attacked. And it turns out that Damon might have seen this all coming and warned her more properly. Because Beck is the daughter of two very powerful bloodlines and was kidnapped by her aunt at birth and raised without any knowledge of the world she should have taken a place in or her magical abilities. So once again Wicked Bitch AKA Aunty Mommy screws over her life. Here's hoping Beck can get it back, but on her terms, no one else's.
I feel there's really no way to properly classify Putting the Fun in Funeral. It might be one of the oddest Urban Fantasy books I've ever read. There seem to be two genres fighting for dominance and they couldn't be more different. On the one had it wants to be magical chick lit, with the girls giggling about guys while drinking margaritas and eating cheesecake. On the other hand it's straight up horror. The torture and PTSD that Beck has is heartbreaking and horrifying. And the book swings from one extreme to the other. Reading this book is almost like getting repeated whiplash. Yet somehow it works. There's a disconnect but also a tentative balance. It makes sense that Beck wants that part of her life that is hers to be almost superficial. I'm not saying that her connection to her friends isn't bone-deep, it's just that they let her set the boundaries and that means they stick to the "fun" as it where. They gossip and drink and drink and gossip and then get around to the cheesecake, because this is what Beck needs to counteract the horrors she faced in her past and still faces minimally twice a month at the hands of "Aunty Mommy." Though for me the real horror is when Beck learns more about the magical world she was kept apart from. That world is about bloodlines and status, in other words, if the Death Eaters and the Republic of Gilead from The Handmaid's Tale got together and created a breeding program this is what it would be. And it scared the shit out of me. This moved the book so far away from chick lit into straight up dystopian horror that I shudder just thinking about it. Beck would have no control over her reproductive rights. She would be forced into contracts and used as a broodmare to the benefit of her father's family. What's more, due to the whole "magical" nature of these people, she can be forced to carry twins or triplets. Oh, and every consummation guarantees conception. Just hell no. I just can't. The books that are the most successful are ones that despite whatever genre they are reflect the real world and real crises the readers are facing. This was almost too real. This is the world that so many people want to see become a reality. They want to take away all my rights to my own body. And I'll be standing at the ramparts with Beck screaming no. This is my body. You stay the fuck away.
September 5, 2018
Have you ever read a book and laughed out loud? Ever talk to the characters, saying things like, "Oh, yeah, I feel you!" or "She deserved getting skewered by that giant stone gargoyle penis"? Love cheesecake and friendship that has your back even more than family? How about some sexy back-and-forth between a couple that you know needs to burn off some of that energy vertically (or horizontally--hey, no judgements and if your back and legs can take it, go for it!). How about some mystery and intrigue and strong characters with humor, a good bit of magic, some Fae creatures and writing that is top-notch?
Then you NEED THIS BOOK! I've read everything Diana Pharoah Francis puts out and know she always delivers what she promises. Her characters are rich, fully developed and are always caught in a place that requires not only some sacrifice (emotionally, mentally and oftentimes physically) but also internal growth. It makes reading her stories more interesting than the usual because you can count on her characters to have to really change, grow and push the plot along (or drag it kicking and screaming) so that it reads like a fast paced movie reel. I always feel like I need a cool drink and a fan after reading her stories! She's a master at world-building and I know I'll have no issues with "seeing" what she's writing about.
In this, Beck is irreverent, funny, strong, needy and a whole bunch of angry. But, anyone who rescues a dog from hell and considers him a big baby, when he is the size of a horse with the attitude of a snarling shark and smells like a sewer is a perfect character in my book. That she has lived with the horror of a mother that she has, and still manages to be caring is surprising. "Godzilla isn't real" a friend says, but Beck knows her mom was real, the pain of living with her was very real. Someone killed her, she maybe deserved it, but Beck can't take the rap for it and somehow she needs to figure out who and why she died. And a few more secrets about her family along the way. There's also some Gargoyles, those penis stabbing things, with wives and children imprisoned and only Beck can help--or is interested in helping. In spite of what she's personally endured, she still has a sense of right and wrong, of helping the underdog and being better than she was shown. I was ready to read that in these times.
Damon, Mr Hotpants, tells her, "Your all claws, teeth, thorns and razorblades. If I had any sense, I wouldn't come anywhere near you." Even he sees something worthy in Beck, something good in what has been a bad deal. And maybe he wants to help her, even fall in love with her. It's a happily ever after she deserves and I very much want her to have it. (Sorry, not telling if she gets it) but I can promise you'll love it!
Like Damon, I couldn't help myself. Once you open the book, you can't put it down. I had to know what happened. It's fast, fun and full of hardship and laughter and friendship. As Damon tells Beck, she had to know that "...magic can be beautiful. It isn't always blood and agony."
Yes, like that. This book was magic.
Then you NEED THIS BOOK! I've read everything Diana Pharoah Francis puts out and know she always delivers what she promises. Her characters are rich, fully developed and are always caught in a place that requires not only some sacrifice (emotionally, mentally and oftentimes physically) but also internal growth. It makes reading her stories more interesting than the usual because you can count on her characters to have to really change, grow and push the plot along (or drag it kicking and screaming) so that it reads like a fast paced movie reel. I always feel like I need a cool drink and a fan after reading her stories! She's a master at world-building and I know I'll have no issues with "seeing" what she's writing about.
In this, Beck is irreverent, funny, strong, needy and a whole bunch of angry. But, anyone who rescues a dog from hell and considers him a big baby, when he is the size of a horse with the attitude of a snarling shark and smells like a sewer is a perfect character in my book. That she has lived with the horror of a mother that she has, and still manages to be caring is surprising. "Godzilla isn't real" a friend says, but Beck knows her mom was real, the pain of living with her was very real. Someone killed her, she maybe deserved it, but Beck can't take the rap for it and somehow she needs to figure out who and why she died. And a few more secrets about her family along the way. There's also some Gargoyles, those penis stabbing things, with wives and children imprisoned and only Beck can help--or is interested in helping. In spite of what she's personally endured, she still has a sense of right and wrong, of helping the underdog and being better than she was shown. I was ready to read that in these times.
Damon, Mr Hotpants, tells her, "Your all claws, teeth, thorns and razorblades. If I had any sense, I wouldn't come anywhere near you." Even he sees something worthy in Beck, something good in what has been a bad deal. And maybe he wants to help her, even fall in love with her. It's a happily ever after she deserves and I very much want her to have it. (Sorry, not telling if she gets it) but I can promise you'll love it!
Like Damon, I couldn't help myself. Once you open the book, you can't put it down. I had to know what happened. It's fast, fun and full of hardship and laughter and friendship. As Damon tells Beck, she had to know that "...magic can be beautiful. It isn't always blood and agony."
Yes, like that. This book was magic.
September 17, 2018
not my cup of tea
which is odd because I like all her other books, but this one is just too standard an urban fantasy. Snarky heroine with more powers than she’s aware of? Check. Overly protective and dominant male love interest, who fell in love/lust with the h the moment he saw her? Check. Girlfriends ready to dish at any moment, with TMI about their sex lives and the h’s? Check.
Then there’s the ridiculously-over-the-top relationship between the h and her mother. I had a very hard time believing that bit of the story. Anyone who’s been periodically chained up and tortured for years as a child is going to have physical scars that show, and there’s no mention of scars at all. Also, anyone who’s been tortured for years is going to have a lot more psychological and emotional damage than the h has. No PTSD, no fear of strangers, so difficulty interacting with people... All too unreal, and why make their relationship that over-the-top bad anyway? A lesser degree of abuse would have driven the story in the same direction, and would have helped my suspension of disbelief. Then too, very very few bad family interactions involve this level of abuse, and most of the kids who are abused that badly die of it. Makes no sense that Beck didn’t, makes even less sense that she’s relatively unscarred and is as “normal” as she seems. So no, didn’t like this one, but I recommend any of her others (except the Mission:Magic one as I haven’t read it). The Crosspointe series that begins with The Cipher is especially good, though the third and fourth books can be very hard to find.
which is odd because I like all her other books, but this one is just too standard an urban fantasy. Snarky heroine with more powers than she’s aware of? Check. Overly protective and dominant male love interest, who fell in love/lust with the h the moment he saw her? Check. Girlfriends ready to dish at any moment, with TMI about their sex lives and the h’s? Check.
Then there’s the ridiculously-over-the-top relationship between the h and her mother. I had a very hard time believing that bit of the story. Anyone who’s been periodically chained up and tortured for years as a child is going to have physical scars that show, and there’s no mention of scars at all. Also, anyone who’s been tortured for years is going to have a lot more psychological and emotional damage than the h has. No PTSD, no fear of strangers, so difficulty interacting with people... All too unreal, and why make their relationship that over-the-top bad anyway? A lesser degree of abuse would have driven the story in the same direction, and would have helped my suspension of disbelief. Then too, very very few bad family interactions involve this level of abuse, and most of the kids who are abused that badly die of it. Makes no sense that Beck didn’t, makes even less sense that she’s relatively unscarred and is as “normal” as she seems. So no, didn’t like this one, but I recommend any of her others (except the Mission:Magic one as I haven’t read it). The Crosspointe series that begins with The Cipher is especially good, though the third and fourth books can be very hard to find.
July 19, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
I read the 3 books that are out back to back and really want to read the next book, but no clue when it'll be out. :(
I liked the MC and her 3 best friends.
The love interest grew on me.
I liked the various side characters and hope to see more of them in future books. -- (
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I read the 3 books that are out back to back and really want to read the next book, but no clue when it'll be out. :(
I liked the MC and her 3 best friends.
The love interest grew on me.
I liked the various side characters and hope to see more of them in future books. -- (
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
September 4, 2018
What happens when you mix a bit of mystery, paranormal, and romance? You find out about “Putting the Fun in Funeral,” of course! Diana Pharaoh Francis has done a masterful job of creating marvelous characters and setting them into a story that keeps you turning the pages.
Beck Wyatt knows she is from a magical family but knows little about how to use her powers. She hated the woman she knew as her mother, and when that woman is murdered in an unusual fashion which she finds remarkably suitable, Beck is initially considered a suspect. How can she clear her name?
I loved that there are surprises all throughout the story and that I could not guess who was responsible for the murder. Despite the title, there are some darker moments. However,
the overall tone leaves the reader with a good feeling. I was also very pleased that the
book came to a natural conclusion - not one where I felt the author was rushed to reach the end.
I requested an advance copy when I learned one was available and am delighted that I did. There is no question that I will be awaiting publication of the next book in this new series.
Beck Wyatt knows she is from a magical family but knows little about how to use her powers. She hated the woman she knew as her mother, and when that woman is murdered in an unusual fashion which she finds remarkably suitable, Beck is initially considered a suspect. How can she clear her name?
I loved that there are surprises all throughout the story and that I could not guess who was responsible for the murder. Despite the title, there are some darker moments. However,
the overall tone leaves the reader with a good feeling. I was also very pleased that the
book came to a natural conclusion - not one where I felt the author was rushed to reach the end.
I requested an advance copy when I learned one was available and am delighted that I did. There is no question that I will be awaiting publication of the next book in this new series.
June 26, 2024
Beck knows she has some magic, but her mother is cruel and vicious and has tortured Beck all her life and so she refuses to show her mother any abilities, in case she uses it against her.
When Beck is finally able to leave and go out on her own, she has a girl crew of three BFFs and a good business selling consigned furniture and other items from estate sales. Then one day her mother is murdered and while Beck is delighted, the police aren't and they come calling to learn what Beck might know. She is a very stupid, don't mess with me person, and she tells the cops nothing other tha she doesn't know who killed her, but she will buy that person a beer. Then, as she is heading to her car, a gorgeous man and a big car block her. He says his employer wants to meet her. Beck, as usual, tells him to FO, uses some magic on him, he uses some on her, but she gets away. And suddenly her life changes.
Fun, fast read. Beck is a bit annoying since she refuses help from anyone, and her life could be easier if she'd accept it. She's a good person though, and if readers can get through the lone wolf act, it's an enjoyable story. And Beck might grow on readers. She finally did on me.
When Beck is finally able to leave and go out on her own, she has a girl crew of three BFFs and a good business selling consigned furniture and other items from estate sales. Then one day her mother is murdered and while Beck is delighted, the police aren't and they come calling to learn what Beck might know. She is a very stupid, don't mess with me person, and she tells the cops nothing other tha she doesn't know who killed her, but she will buy that person a beer. Then, as she is heading to her car, a gorgeous man and a big car block her. He says his employer wants to meet her. Beck, as usual, tells him to FO, uses some magic on him, he uses some on her, but she gets away. And suddenly her life changes.
Fun, fast read. Beck is a bit annoying since she refuses help from anyone, and her life could be easier if she'd accept it. She's a good person though, and if readers can get through the lone wolf act, it's an enjoyable story. And Beck might grow on readers. She finally did on me.
December 6, 2019
First of all, the title is misleading (and not very original).
This is not a comedy. There is no fun and no funeral.
There's torture, a lot of it. Emotional and physical abuse. And done to children. And to animals.
There's murder, more than one. And a wagon of assholes.
That being said, I did actually like it. I mostly liked that the main character mostly tried to do the right thing, and her insistence on her independence was easy to relate to.
I do think though, that the whole society where women are hired out like incubators because 'this is how it's done' and, apparently, for hundreds of years not a single one of all those powerful sorcerers had enough brains to say 'fuck it' and destroy the system, is a bit too much.
(Also, couldn't stop thinking that the way her friends stuck by her, and how Damon and Ajax just fell in insta-love with the main character forever was a bit unrealistic, and what would she be if they just were not there.)
This is not a comedy. There is no fun and no funeral.
There's torture, a lot of it. Emotional and physical abuse. And done to children. And to animals.
There's murder, more than one. And a wagon of assholes.
That being said, I did actually like it. I mostly liked that the main character mostly tried to do the right thing, and her insistence on her independence was easy to relate to.
I do think though, that the whole society where women are hired out like incubators because 'this is how it's done' and, apparently, for hundreds of years not a single one of all those powerful sorcerers had enough brains to say 'fuck it' and destroy the system, is a bit too much.
(Also, couldn't stop thinking that the way her friends stuck by her, and how Damon and Ajax just fell in insta-love with the main character forever was a bit unrealistic, and what would she be if they just were not there.)
September 7, 2020
This was a fun read, I'm sad that it's done and can't wait for the next one. On the other hand, I nearly gave up on the book due to an overly pushy male protagonist that the supposedly independent main character was letting stalk and assault her. I know it's a trope of romantic fantasy to have the dude grab the angry woman and kiss her until she likes it, but I still find it super rapey and yeah, I had a hard time getting past that. But I love everything I've read by Diana Pharaoh Francis, so I persisted, I just winced a bit. It got better, but yeah that definitely took it down at least 1 star.
Otherwise, it's a fun contemporary urban fantasy starring a young woman discovering the truth about her background as she celebrates her mother's death. Magical powers, magical creatures and a whole secret world peek through and I'm excited for what more will be revealed in successive stories
Otherwise, it's a fun contemporary urban fantasy starring a young woman discovering the truth about her background as she celebrates her mother's death. Magical powers, magical creatures and a whole secret world peek through and I'm excited for what more will be revealed in successive stories
December 31, 2023
This review is an opinion on all 3 books and unfortunately it's not a good one. It has all the worst for me hallmarks: forever suffering heroine that is so strong and bullheaded in speech but a total pushover in action. She is independent and rightfully pissed at the 'main hero/overbearing asshole' but he kisses her and she forgets about the whole argument. She is powerful but can't do anything, she is naive half of the time and the other paranoid. She has YEARS of trauma but it didn't leave any mark on her and the reader is supposed to think she's so strong because of it. I think becoming a total pushover and a doormat for an abusive douche was too much for me. She had different opinions? Why discuss or God forbid listen to her when he can kiss her and shut her up.... 🙄🙄🙄 Respecting any boundaries? What for? He knows better what's good for her. His character an described by Rebecca is nowhere near what we see in action. I was irritated to no end!!
September 14, 2018
This one was a little different for this author, in my opinion. At least different from the 2 series I read.
Her world building and plot are absolutely spot on and completely draw me into her world and make me want to keep reading. I read it in 2 days. I really like the premise and can't wait to learn more.
I really liked the description of the spell casting. I've never read anything like it before and really hope there is more.
My only complaint, which may not be a complaint for other readers, was the almost obsession with getting laid. I could have done with a little less weak knees and panties, but since I've learned to ignore it for years with Laurell K Hamilton books, it was more of an annoyance of a fly dive bombing than anything more.
I'll definitely be sticking around for more books
Her world building and plot are absolutely spot on and completely draw me into her world and make me want to keep reading. I read it in 2 days. I really like the premise and can't wait to learn more.
I really liked the description of the spell casting. I've never read anything like it before and really hope there is more.
My only complaint, which may not be a complaint for other readers, was the almost obsession with getting laid. I could have done with a little less weak knees and panties, but since I've learned to ignore it for years with Laurell K Hamilton books, it was more of an annoyance of a fly dive bombing than anything more.
I'll definitely be sticking around for more books
September 2, 2019
What grabbed me with this book was the title and synopsis. It had a lot of great moments in it and the MC Beck was well defined and fun. The supporting characters didn't really get enough time to develop an opinion on them but they were distinct from each other. Once the story gets moving it's easy to lose track of time but although there is a "reveal" regarding who the actual antagonist is, by that point in the story it was pretty easy to predict their identity. That said there were quite a few "maybe it's this person or maybe it's this one" until that moment that you understood fully why Beck wouldn't be sure. The male romantic interest character grated on my nerves a lot personally but he did serve as a contrast to Beck and served a useful purpose. Overall it was an enjoyable book.
February 13, 2021
Life well lived is the best revenge
CW this book does discuss physical abuse of a child, in the past tense. And a dog is rescued from an abuse situation.
The opening hooked me, the story kept me.
Becka, never Rebecca, runs a successful estate sale company, and does her best to avoid her mother. Then police inform her that Mommy Vilest is dead, and imply she's a suspect. Becka readily agrees she's happy about it, but she has a solid alibi.
But before Becka can plan the trashiest funeral ever held, other events intervene. A mysterious man shows up, telling her she needs to come with him. And Becka learns there are more secrets hidden in her past.
A touch of paranormal, a touch of romance, & a touch of suspense. Add in great friends, it's an entertaining story & characters.
CW this book does discuss physical abuse of a child, in the past tense. And a dog is rescued from an abuse situation.
The opening hooked me, the story kept me.
Becka, never Rebecca, runs a successful estate sale company, and does her best to avoid her mother. Then police inform her that Mommy Vilest is dead, and imply she's a suspect. Becka readily agrees she's happy about it, but she has a solid alibi.
But before Becka can plan the trashiest funeral ever held, other events intervene. A mysterious man shows up, telling her she needs to come with him. And Becka learns there are more secrets hidden in her past.
A touch of paranormal, a touch of romance, & a touch of suspense. Add in great friends, it's an entertaining story & characters.
April 9, 2024
Fun, with very dark spots…
This was a fun book, despite very dark areas. The FMC was tortured most of her life, and it is referred to constantly. The magic world she comes from is horrifying with how women and children are treated.
But Beck and her girlfriends are fabulous. Snarky. Smart. Strong. FEISTY! Beck is finally free, with the Wicked W-itch dead, and has no intention of allowing anyone to dictate her life to her again. Her friends are all in on that as well, and will do anything to protect her. Beck has no problem telling those around her how thrilled she is that the WB is dead, including the cops!
By the end of the book we know who killed the WB, but, of course, this is a series, so there are threads aplenty still untied. Can’t wait to keep reading and find out what’s up next with Beck and the crew.
This was a fun book, despite very dark areas. The FMC was tortured most of her life, and it is referred to constantly. The magic world she comes from is horrifying with how women and children are treated.
But Beck and her girlfriends are fabulous. Snarky. Smart. Strong. FEISTY! Beck is finally free, with the Wicked W-itch dead, and has no intention of allowing anyone to dictate her life to her again. Her friends are all in on that as well, and will do anything to protect her. Beck has no problem telling those around her how thrilled she is that the WB is dead, including the cops!
By the end of the book we know who killed the WB, but, of course, this is a series, so there are threads aplenty still untied. Can’t wait to keep reading and find out what’s up next with Beck and the crew.
Read
September 22, 2023So I read the sample and declined to buy the book. I think I've read and mostly enjoyed this author before (something is tickling the back of my brain) but this didn't do it for me.
It felt shallow, the snark was forced and I don't care how cool you think your characters are - describing specific items of clothing specifically is always going to date your books.
You can generally get away with "leather jackets" or "flowing gowns" because they've been worn in so many iterations through so many decades that you're safe.
For me, this came away with a distinct and uncomfortable 90's vibe with all the purple and the lace bolero.
(ETA: in this case the book was published in 2018, but I said what I said.)
It felt shallow, the snark was forced and I don't care how cool you think your characters are - describing specific items of clothing specifically is always going to date your books.
You can generally get away with "leather jackets" or "flowing gowns" because they've been worn in so many iterations through so many decades that you're safe.
For me, this came away with a distinct and uncomfortable 90's vibe with all the purple and the lace bolero.
(ETA: in this case the book was published in 2018, but I said what I said.)
May 7, 2019
Don't judge it by its title
I had this book sitting for a while. Finally read through a host of samples etc and decided to stop putting it off. I thought it would be a more light-hearded comedy, maybe a but shallow to keep it short, fast and light-hearted. That wouldn't have been bad, but instead I was very pleasantly surprised with a good length novel and characters and plot I can really sink my teeth into. So refreshing after coming off a bunch of books I finished in 2 hours and promptly forgot. But it's Diana Pharoah Francis. She produces consistent quality and I love her books! I'll definitely read the next in this series!
I had this book sitting for a while. Finally read through a host of samples etc and decided to stop putting it off. I thought it would be a more light-hearded comedy, maybe a but shallow to keep it short, fast and light-hearted. That wouldn't have been bad, but instead I was very pleasantly surprised with a good length novel and characters and plot I can really sink my teeth into. So refreshing after coming off a bunch of books I finished in 2 hours and promptly forgot. But it's Diana Pharoah Francis. She produces consistent quality and I love her books! I'll definitely read the next in this series!
October 31, 2018
Interesting but a bit too tortured
The world building in character building were engaging and relatively deep. But the levels of torture applied to the poor heroine Seemed grossly disproportionate to it was necessary to make her sympathetic. Trigger warnings for all sorts of stuff rape violence torture etc. and yet relatively not graphic gore. Although the poor hair when is repeatedly put through massive beatings that are magically healed only to be completely demolished again. A bit excessive in my opinion.
The world building in character building were engaging and relatively deep. But the levels of torture applied to the poor heroine Seemed grossly disproportionate to it was necessary to make her sympathetic. Trigger warnings for all sorts of stuff rape violence torture etc. and yet relatively not graphic gore. Although the poor hair when is repeatedly put through massive beatings that are magically healed only to be completely demolished again. A bit excessive in my opinion.
November 30, 2019
One for the books...
Seriously, this is the best example of "Why it makes perfect sense for me to hate my mother" fiction ever written!!
Lord, I hope there is more of this coming down the pipe, cuz I had WAY too much fun reading it, and her text message "to whom it may concern" may go up on my Facebook page!
So.
Congratulations Diana Pharaoh Francis, you have a weirdly inventive mind, and I look forward to seeing what else you'll come up with....though it's likely gonna be tough to top impaling a woman on a gargoyle's .... um .... let's keep this G rated, shall we?
Seriously, this is the best example of "Why it makes perfect sense for me to hate my mother" fiction ever written!!
Lord, I hope there is more of this coming down the pipe, cuz I had WAY too much fun reading it, and her text message "to whom it may concern" may go up on my Facebook page!
So.
Congratulations Diana Pharaoh Francis, you have a weirdly inventive mind, and I look forward to seeing what else you'll come up with....though it's likely gonna be tough to top impaling a woman on a gargoyle's .... um .... let's keep this G rated, shall we?
September 5, 2023
I read the second book first which was wonderful but it really would be enriched by reading them in order. Beck is a suspect when her assumed mother was murdered. She feels no remorse and doesn't attempt to hide it because the woman was horribly cruel and abusive. I loved that Beck has such a strong group of friends that support each other. Damon is an interesting and tenacious character and Beck has a right to be suspicious of him, due to her background. The writing is quirky, humorous yet very deep at times. I am enjoying this series and look forward to the next book.
September 6, 2018
I couldn't put the book down. It was a quick read for me because I wanted to know what happened next. The story was funny, sexy, engaging with characters that I rooted for and became invested in, so much that I can't wait for the next book. I loved the chemistry between the characters as well as the love that Beck, Lorraine, Stacey and Jen had for each other. Damon and Beck were great. Loved Ajax. And interested to learn more about Mason and Ben. Really can't wait for the next installment.
September 7, 2018
“Balls to the wall” fun....
This is an amazingly fun book with an original story-line that kept me up way to late last night....Beck is a hilarious, generous, and loyal heroine, and I loved every minute of this book. I can’t wait for the next one, and I can’t believe I haven’t heard of her before reading this book. I will be snatching the rest of her series as soon as I have finished this review....
This is an amazingly fun book with an original story-line that kept me up way to late last night....Beck is a hilarious, generous, and loyal heroine, and I loved every minute of this book. I can’t wait for the next one, and I can’t believe I haven’t heard of her before reading this book. I will be snatching the rest of her series as soon as I have finished this review....
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