Peek-a-Boo (Josh of the Damned, #2) in Riptide Publishing

Oct 13, 2011 Lady*M rated it liked it

Shelves: m-m-romance, paranormal, reviews-by-jessewave, humor

3.5 stars

Andrea Speed is one of those authors whose writing really suits my taste. I started reading her stories after reading her least popular book and then I read them all. I loved each and every one of them. I like her writing and her characters and I adore her sense of humor. Peek-a-Boo has many of these elements, but it is not without the flaws, especially as a part of the series.

The story is the second installment in Josh of the Damned series. We find Josh where we left him – in the Quik- 3.5 stars

Andrea Speed is one of those authors whose writing really suits my taste. I started reading her stories after reading her least popular book and then I read them all. I loved each and every one of them. I like her writing and her characters and I adore her sense of humor. Peek-a-Boo has many of these elements, but it is not without the flaws, especially as a part of the series.

The story is the second installment in Josh of the Damned series. We find Josh where we left him – in the Quik-Mart dealing with the monsters and their unusual behavior.

Let's start with things that didn't work. It is clear that some time passed since the ending of the first installment. We know this because not only Josh knows his unusual customers better, but he is aware of Colin's true nature and they are in "sort-of" relationship. In my way of thinking, since this is a part of the series, all these things should have happened on page. It's an opportunity to move the overall story forward and additionally develop the characters. While he did remind himself to be cautious, Josh is fascinated with Colin in a way he would be with any other hot guy and Colin's supernatural nature doesn't seem to affect him or his decisions at all. He takes it pretty much in a way he accepted his customers – as slightly unusual, but nothing to lose your sleep over. This means there is no on-page relationship development at all and not much character development in the story, especially since Colin appears just at the end of the story. Peek-a-Boo reads like a snippet, an entertaining look on Josh's unusual life, but there is no general arc that connects the stories into one big picture. It's funny and entertaining, but it's also frustrating – not just because it's too short, though that is a part of it, but because it's static. If the changes happened, they happened when we weren't able to see them or read about them.

But, as I said, there are things that worked in the story and worked well. Ms. Speed's writing is crisp and capable of transporting you into this irregular Quik-Mart during night shift. It's capable of showing you Josh's almost involuntary sympathy for his unusual customers. They are accepted in this store, even if Josh cannot understand them always, even if sometimes grudgingly. And, of course, there is humor. I understand that humor is subjective, but Ms. Speed's is just right for me. Whether it's semblance of normalcy in a completely wacky situation, Josh's interaction with hell's creatures including one courting yeti or, simply, the brilliant details like "the silver-coated broomstick he used to shoo off werewolves who insisted on chasing cars in the parking lot" – the humor just works for me. And, as a humorous interlude, the story is amazing. As a part of the series, unfortunately, not so much.

Do I recommend it for you to read it? Yes, if you already started with the series. It's funny and entertaining, writing is very good and Josh is really likable character. If not, it seems the next installments will be published together (I've read this somewhere and now I can't find where) and they will have more story and more character development. That will certainly save you from the frustration. In that case, wait for additional stories, because the good things come to those who know how to wait. Recommended with some reservation.

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Jun 19, 2012 Christina rated it liked it

Shelves: pnr, humor, m-m

2.5 Stars rounded up because of the humor and writing.

I didn't like this one as much as the first. I was a bit disappointed because there wasn't any development with the MC's or the plot. Basically, it was just a different short story involving Josh and a yeti with Colin thrown in at the end. I really like the story line so I hope the future books will expand on it.
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Jan 22, 2012 Aija rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, riptide, revved

I just loved this little bit of craziness! The humour sparkled throughout the story making this such an enjoyable read. Cute, funny and just a tad disturbing - a perfect mix for a light Sunday read! :)

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Jan 18, 2012 Susu rated it it was amazing

I really love this series. The characters are funny. The story is different and interesting. My only complaint is the stories are too short! I am so ready for Josh to have a full length novel!

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