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Second Grave on the Left
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Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson #2) - Start Date January 17th
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Tracey
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rated it 4 stars
Jan 20, 2012 10:05PM
I always thought the only thing worse than a cliff hanger was an unhappy ending. I was wrong, it's even worse when you put them together. Grrrr
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I know!! Having said that, since it's a cliffhanger, it's not really an unhappy ending it's more like an unhappy hiatus :-) And it doesn't turn me off from continuing with the series, because I did genuinely like the story. Will you go back and read the first book still Tracey, or has the ending turned you off!
Well I love the premise of the love story! But was.disappointed that it was a backdrop for the story rather than the focus I would've liked to spend more time on the relationship between Reyes and Charley rather than on all the other little subplots. That's why I kept asking others if he was in the first book more. I think I probably will read it. would be more eager to read if I thought there might be a little more Reyes/Charley time :)
CaroB, don't you hate it when Hubs messes with your things? I hate it when mine does LOLSusan's Answer's to CaroB’s Qs for Chapters 8 – 11
18. Who did the guys work for that Charley has waiting in her apartment at the beginning of Chapter 8? I didn't have a clue and after reading the whole book, I still don't know LOL
19. Your take on Mimi’s parents information: What do you think would turn a grade-A student to refuse to go to school, act so distraught and change schools? I figured she was involved in a murder or was raped.
20. Could it really be that cut-and-dried as the Senator suspect? I really did think it could.
21. What do you think of the Reyes fanclubs and what they’ve revealed about Reyes? that was interesting. I think it revealed a lot about Reyes....Charley has been his whole life. And isn't that what he said, she's his reason for existing? The fact that Elaine was scared he'd kill her for making a fake marriage license was a little funny. I mean, you're stalking a convicted murderer, pretending to be married to him and yet you really don't know him.
22. What’s going on with her dad? Why the change in attitude from him? I'm not sure about this. I never have been happy with his treatment of Charley (or Uncle Bob's or Denise's).
I'll be back in a bit with the final set of questions...Hubs came home last night and we're off to have a breakfast date and grocery shop :)
Susan's Questions for the rest of the book :)23. Charley met Amador and his wife Bianca (was that in ch 16? I hope so LOL) and they were stunned to find out that she was real. Were you moved by what Reyes has done for them and that all his hopes and dreams involved Charley? I was ;)
24. Kyle's gay and would never kill anyone. Did you believe Mimi at that point or did you think it was still Kyle?
25. How do you think Chaley manages to slow time when she's in mortal danger? Is this one of those abilities Reyes was talking about?
26. Do you think Charley was being stubborn, as Reyes put it, about knowing where his body is?
27. Who is Mr. Smith, Mr. Chao, and Ulrich???
28. Charley's comments about Mimi's dad holding her made me realize that Charley's dad hasn't even checked on her since the break in where she was stabbed. Did it make you wonder? And then WOAH! We get the whole bomb listening to the conversations. Did his reasoning of "I knew you'd be ok" excuse what he did? Did you want to smack shallow Denise? Do you think Gemma and Chaley's relationship will improve now?
29. Lots went on in chapter 19 and I just don't even know where to start LOL Charley binded Reyes to his physical body. Was she justified in doing that or do you think she's putting to much stock in his physical body? If you think about it, she's never even had a conversation with his physical self, it's always been his "essence". Can't she just be happy with his spirit and let the physical go? Or is she worried his spirit will leave if his body is gone?
30. Were you surprised by what Charley did with the demons?
31. Cop Owen Vaughn showed up again. Did you wonder why?
32. Reyes' body is safe, but he refuses to see her now. Did you shed a tear when she compared herself to the women who wanted to see him and have the websites? I did. Do you think their relationship will survive this?
33. Final thoughts?
23. Charley met Amador and his wife Bianca (was that in ch 16? I hope so LOL) and they were stunned to find out that she was real. Were you moved by what Reyes has done for them and that all his hopes and dreams involved Charley? I was ;)I thought it was cute.
24. Kyle's gay and would never kill anyone. Did you believe Mimi at that point or did you think it was still Kyle?
I thout it was either Kyle or someone close, an overzealous assistant or something.
25. How do you think Chaley manages to slow time when she's in mortal danger? Is this one of those abilities Reyes was talking about?
Probably one of those super powers.
26. Do you think Charley was being stubborn, as Reyes put it, about knowing where his body is?
Yep.
27. Who is Mr. Smith, Mr. Chao, and Ulrich???
Good question... and no clue
28. Charley's comments about Mimi's dad holding her made me realize that Charley's dad hasn't even checked on her since the break in where she was stabbed. Did it make you wonder? And then WOAH! We get the whole bomb listening to the conversations. Did his reasoning of "I knew you'd be ok" excuse what he did? Did you want to smack shallow Denise? Do you think Gemma and Chaley's relationship will improve now?
I wanted to smack them all except Ubie and Gemma. If Charley's dad was going to put her in danger the least he could do was give her the heads up.
29. Lots went on in chapter 19 and I just don't even know where to start LOL Charley binded Reyes to his physical body. Was she justified in doing that or do you think she's putting to much stock in his physical body? If you think about it, she's never even had a conversation with his physical self, it's always been his "essence". Can't she just be happy with his spirit and let the physical go? Or is she worried his spirit will leave if his body is gone?
I don't thin she was justified in binding him,. Reyes told her that demons could pass through him in the same way that the dead passed through Charley. Charley mentioned somewhere that she's had people pass through her even when she was asleep, so she doesn't need to be concious for spirits to pass. I think that she would need to be in her body though. So that might explain why Reyes wasn't in is body, he was trying to avoid having other demons pass to this plane. By killing his body he would remove the portal altogether. So why did Charley go against his wishes and common sense and bound him to his body?
30. Were you surprised by what Charley did with the demons?
No, I thought she could do something like that.
31. Cop Owen Vaughn showed up again. Did you wonder why?
Did wonder...
32. Reyes' body is safe, but he refuses to see her now. Did you shed a tear when she compared herself to the women who wanted to see him and have the websites? I did. Do you think their relationship will survive this?
I think she brought this on herself so no, I didn't feel any pity for her. If my theory is true and demons can pass through Reyes, then the only way he can protect Charley is by staying away from her.
33. Final thoughts?
I like the premise of the story and I like most of the characters. But Charley I don't like. She thinks she's a badass, but she isn't. She relies on Reyes to get her out of rough spots, instead of relying on herself. Hopefully now that Reyes can't help her, she'll help herself. I don't know if I'll read the rest of the series.
Lisa Kay Answer’s CaroB’s Qs for Chapters 8 – 11 18. Who did the guys work for that Charley has waiting in her apartment at the beginning of Chapter 8?
No clue.
19. Your take on Mimi’s parents information: What do you think would turn a grade-A student to refuse to go to school, act so distraught and change schools?
Something happening at school. Maybe uber-bullying? Or they know something and are being threatened.
20. Could it really be that cut-and-dried as the Senator suspect?
Again, no clue.
21. What do you think of the Reyes fanclubs and what they’ve revealed about Reyes?
LOL! It doesn’t really surprise me, as I’ve heard of this type of
22. What’s going on with her dad? Why the change in attitude from him?
Beats me. Too weird. I’m with everyone else; how is he so clueless?
The last family get together has concluded, so I hope to get back on track with this. Though from the snippets I've read here not sure I'm looking forward to this story's conclusion like I thought I would. (bad me for cheating and reading y'alls comments. lol)
@Susan #18. I think the three stooges, Mr. Chao, Frank Smith and Ulrich worked for Kyle Kirsch. He was aware that stuff was happening and I think he hired them to find/protect Mimi. They did say to Charley that they were looking for the guys that were trying to kill Mimi (fake FBI guys) so they decided to follow Charley figuring she would lead them.... I think. LOL. It wasn't very clear.
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Tracey's Questions Ch. 12-15 18. Do you think Reyes absence during the attack at her Dad's bar was intentional? Was he purposely allowing her to handle it herself so that she could learn what she was capable of, or did you think something had happened to him?
I thought something happened to him.
19. Charley's dad is definitely figuring some things out about her. What do you think tipped him off? Is it just what he's witnessed recently, or do you think someone told him something to cause him to look closer at her actions?
I’ve been thinking about this, as it has bugged me. Sometimes you know something about people, but actually seeing it is a whole other level of belief.
20. Everyone seemed pretty ticked about Uncle Bob putting a tail on Charley. Now that you know that he did it mainly because someone had threatened her dad and herself do you feel differently about it?
Nope. I’m with Cookie. He should have told her, if only for her own safety.
21. Did you find it odd the Mr. Kirsch made a point to ask Charley and Cookie to bring the case file when they came to talk with him? Did you suspect him?
Nope.
22. How much do you think Mistress Marigold really knows?
She knows more than she lets on, but I don’t know what.
23a. Were you surprised by the resolution of the Dead Trunk guy story line?
Yes. A bit surprised. I thought the two cases would be connected.
24a. The fake FBI agents are finally back, was wondering when they would show up again. Any theories on who they are working for? And do you think we'll ever see cop Owen Vaughn again?
Not a clue! Yes, we’ll see OV again, I believe.
25a. What's up with Garrett working with Mr. Chao and Frank Smith? I thought they were the bad guys? Who do you think they are working for? Obviously not the same person as the fake FBI agents.
Not a clue; this confused me.
Susan (susayq) wrote: "CaroB, don't you hate it when Hubs messes with your things? I hate it when mine does LOL..."I sure do! To say I was not a happy camper on Friday is a massive understatement. I must've gotten my point across though because while I was at work yesterday, he took all three kids to Officeworks, bought a new modem and had it set up by the time I got home. (To be fair he also stopped at the hardware store and bought some things, but still...nice:-) )
@ Megan#18 – It’s explained later? Good!
#20 – Totally agree!
#22 – Ah! Yes, you’re probably right.
#23 – I was surprised at his profession also.
#25 – LOL! Still confused? Okay. Doesn't bod well for me.
@ Susan#18 – Yes, I thought no matter how mad he was at her he would still show up to protect her.
#20 – You mean I’m going to get angrier?
#23 – I’m kind of conflicted over this. I kind of laugh where there is only one investigation – one case – going on in an P.I.’s life, as I’m sure that is unrealistic. Still, I thought these cases were related.
#25 – Yes, and I had the same thing also happen in the first book. I’m always thinking, “Did I miss something?”
Susan's Questions for the rest of the book :)23. Charley met Amador and his wife Bianca (was that in ch 16? I hope so LOL) and they were stunned to find out that she was real. Were you moved by what Reyes has done for them and that all his hopes and dreams involved Charley? I was ;)
This was just another example of how Reyes has a good heart. Everyone who knows him seems to have a story that attests to that. I did think it was very sweet that he'd talked to his friends about her. It confirmed that the things he'd told her about his feelings for her were totally genuine.
24. Kyle's gay and would never kill anyone. Did you believe Mimi at that point or did you think it was still Kyle?
I believed Mimi and at that point had begun suspecting Kyle's mother.
25. How do you think Chaley manages to slow time when she's in mortal danger? Is this one of those abilities Reyes was talking about?
I was under the impression that Reyes was slowing time because it only happened after she summoned him during the shoot out in the motel and the alley. However she did it herself during the knife fight in the bar. So maybe it was her every time. I'm not really clear on that point.
26. Do you think Charley was being stubborn, as Reyes put it, about knowing where his body is?
At first no. I understood her desire to keep him from sacrificing himself for her. But at the end after he explained why it was dangerous to keep his body alive, I felt like she was being selfish by binding him.
27. Who is Mr. Smith, Mr. Chao, and Ulrich???
I think they were hired by Kyle to find the bad guys.
28. Charley's comments about Mimi's dad holding her made me realize that Charley's dad hasn't even checked on her since the break in where she was stabbed. Did it make you wonder? And then WOAH! We get the whole bomb listening to the conversations. Did his reasoning of "I knew you'd be ok" excuse what he did? Did you want to smack shallow Denise? Do you think Gemma and Chaley's relationship will improve now?
This at least cleared up the question about what was up with Charley's dad. He wasn't weirded out by her, I think he was looking at those pictures trying to convince himself up her supernatural ability. He was being eaten alive by guilt over putting a target on her head, but his reasoning made sense to me that he believed she could handle an attack. Denise is obtuse. I found it too easy the way Gemma realized what Charley was, but I think it will improve their relationship. Honestly I was bored with the whole family bonding moment at the end. The book was wrapping up and I felt like I was just trying to read through that part quickly to get to the end.
29. Lots went on in chapter 19 and I just don't even know where to start LOL Charley binded Reyes to his physical body. Was she justified in doing that or do you think she's putting to much stock in his physical body? If you think about it, she's never even had a conversation with his physical self, it's always been his "essence". Can't she just be happy with his spirit and let the physical go? Or is she worried his spirit will leave if his body is gone?
Wait! They've never actually come in contact in person?!? If their entire relationship has been based on interactions with his "essence" then the only thing she was holding onto was the possibility of a relationship with his mortal body. Again I really felt like she was being selfish by binding him. He tells her he can be used as a portal from Hell, and it could be detrimental to keep his corporeal body alive but she does it anyway to hold onto what? It seemed to me like he believed he would still be able to come to her even if his body died, which would have been better than what she ended up with. He can't even visit her now outside his body and he's too mad to see her in person. How long is he supposed to be in prison anyway?
30. Were you surprised by what Charley did with the demons?
I expected her to pull out some sort of badass ability at the end so I wasn't surprised but I did think it was cool.
31. Cop Owen Vaughn showed up again. Did you wonder why?
I assume he will play a larger role in future books, but in this one he was completely irrelevant. Just like dead trunk guy, the entire story could have been told with those subplots. Seemed like filler to me.
32. Reyes' body is safe, but he refuses to see her now. Did you shed a tear when she compared herself to the women who wanted to see him and have the websites? I did. Do you think their relationship will survive this?
Is he safe? Just because he's in prison doesn't mean demons can't find him again. And what happens if his body is killed while he's bound to it? At this point I was kinda mad at Charley so I didn't really feel sorry for her. I understand why he's mad. But sure there relationship will survive in some fashion if there are going to be more books :)
33. Final thoughts?
There was so much potential here, but I found myself disappointed at the end. I wasn't sure if I could get on board with a "son of satan" leading man, but ended up loving that premise. The ultimate bad boy, but with a good heart. Loved the chemistry between Reyes and Charley, and really wished the book was more about them. But all the little extras, cop Owen Vaughn, dead trunk guy, even Mimi's story were more focused on then the one part of the book that really held my interest. So at the end, without a happily ever after, I guess I wasn't happy. I did like the book overall, and there were parts that really held my attention I just had some expectations that weren't met. I'm just not a fan of an unhappyily ever after.
I think my overall impression was that I liked Reyes more than Charley by the end of the book :)
Tracey wrote: "I think my overall impression was that I liked Reyes more than charley by the end of the book."I totally agree! I like him waaaay more than her.
@Tracey #29 Charley saw his body in the coma before he escaped from jail. Kissed his unconscious body and nearly passed out. Other than that, the only interaction they had was when Charley was like 15 and saw him being beaten by his father and she distracted them. That was why in the 1st book I had such a hard time figuring out how she made the connection between The Big Bad and him being Reyes and how she knew it was him. She met him once and he actually threatened her. Was she pining for him all these years as to make the connection? All other encounters have been with his spirit/essence.
Tracey wrote: "I think my overall impression was that I liked Reyes more than Charley by the end of the book :)"Agree!!
I'm packing for my vacay guys, and don't have time to answer the questions, but I will say that I was very unhappy with the ending. I'm not sure I agree with Charley's action in binding him, and I hate that he won't see her now. Not sure I'd want to see the chick who put me back in prison with no real means to escape anymore, though. There was too little Reyes in this one, and a lot of things that felt unnecessary to the overall storyline. Was anyone else let down by the demon vanquishing? It was over too quickly and with hardly any effort for me. Having said all that, I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment to see how Ms. Jones writes herself out of this corner.
I do still want to go back and read the first so that I can fill in the blankss. Perhaps after seeing where they started I'll better understand where they ended up. I am curious to see how the author continues their story under the current situation.
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Susan's Questions for the rest of the book :) 23b. Charley met Amador and his wife Bianca (was that in ch 16? I hope so LOL) and they were stunned to find out that she was real. Were you moved by what Reyes has done for them and that all his hopes and dreams involved Charley? I was ;)
Yes, it shows what a great guy he is.
24b. Kyle's gay and would never kill anyone. Did you believe Mimi at that point or did you think it was still Kyle?
I was pretty sure she was correct. Just ‘cause he’s gay didn’t mean he couldn’t of done it, though.
25b. How do you think Charley manages to slow time when she's in mortal danger? Is this one of those abilities Reyes was talking about?
I wasn’t sure it was just her or the powers of the two of them together. Was it just her?
26. Do you think Charley was being stubborn, as Reyes put it, about knowing where his body is?
Yes.
27. Who is Mr. Smith, Mr. Chao, and Ulrich???
I don’t know!
28. Charley's comments about Mimi's dad holding her made me realize that Charley's dad hasn't even checked on her since the break in where she was stabbed. Did it make you wonder? And then WOAH! We get the whole bomb listening to the conversations. Did his reasoning of "I knew you'd be ok" excuse what he did? Did you want to smack shallow Denise? Do you think Gemma and Charley’s relationship will improve now?
I thought the “knew you be okay” reason could have been put a different way; it broke my heart. He needed to reassure her more. Yes; can’t stand shallow Denise. Yeah; I think the sisters will be able to work it out now.
29. Lots went on in chapter 19 and I just don't even know where to start LOL Charley binded Reyes to his physical body. Was she justified in doing that or do you think she's putting too much stock in his physical body? If you think about it, she's never even had a conversation with his physical self, it's always been his "essence". Can't she just be happy with his spirit and let the physical go? Or is she worried his spirit will leave if his body is gone?
I don’t think she was right in doing this. Huh. You’re right; I just never realized it. I believe that is what she is worried about.
30. Were you surprised by what Charley did with the demons?
I didn’t like that whole scene. I thought the demons couldn’t see her – and in that scene they could? WTH? Why did Reyes have to have the final showdown with Charley present? Why didn’t this reach it zenith earlier? He should have figured she’d intervene.
31. Cop Owen Vaughn showed up again. Did you wonder why?
Yup. Still clueless.
32. Reyes' body is safe, but he refuses to see her now. Did you shed a tear when she compared herself to the women who wanted to see him and have the websites? I did. Do you think their relationship will survive this?
That was sad. I don’t really blame him, though. I think it will, but – obviously – they have some issues to work out.
33. Final thoughts?
★★★✩✩ I listened to the audiobook, which was very well narrated by Lorelei King. I found the second in the Charley Davidson series too confusing and it didn’t hold my interest. Again, I was lone woman out in my “buddy read” – so consider that in making your decision to read/listen to this one. Maybe I was just having a bad week. There were some well written parts and few lines that made me kick up a half a smile, but really the backstory mystery was very sad, so that negated the humor. Didn’t like the cliffhanger ending. (view spoiler) I know you are supposed to “suspend belief” in these types of stories, but I just couldn’t. If she really is the Grim Reaper, she’d have tons more people knocking on her door.
@ Gisela#24 – Ah! Close. You’re smarter than I was.
#28 – Totally agree. Like, beyond agree! Made it all kind of a REALLY stupid move on his part.
#29 – Excellent point about him being in his body! She wasn’t thinking.
@ Tracey#24 – You’re smarter than I!
#25 – I’m confused too. I was thinking it was the combo of the two of them, but what do I know?
#26 – Yeah, I think she’s being selfish.
#27 – Were they? I thought maybe someone even above Kyle.
#28 – I understood why her father selected her, but to not tell her? WTH?
#29 – Totally agree with you. I think he’s in for life.
#31 – Agree!!
#33 – Yes, a lot of potential. Yes, I agree with you about their chemistry. Not of fan of the cliffhanger, either.
~Megan~ wrote: "I'm packing for my vacay guys..."Enjoy you vacay!
Yeah, I was let down by the demon scene too.
Getting back into it.Megan's Questions for Chapters 5-7
10. Rey'aziel, the beautiful one...an apt description, no? Do you think knowing his true name will give Charley some extra power over him? There is power in a name, as we've all heard in many stories through the years.
I believe it will give her some power over him, calling him to her maybe?
11. Why did Rocket Man try to stuff Charley back out the window, and then abruptly change his mind?
The only thing I thought during this scene was that he knew Reyes was watching over her and he didn't want Reyes anywhere near him. (in chapter 10 now and still haven't gotten a good answer to this).
12. Only one person alive can summon me. I am wondering, like Charley, if she is that person. What are the implications of that? And now that she has his name, could it be an even more powerful thing? What are these extra powers he keeps telling her she has? I am feeling like we will see a little bit of evolution from her in this book.
Oh, I think it is only her as he became human for her and they have this weird bound/tie. As for her extra powers, I think she can vanquish a lot of things that she hasn't really tried to figure out. I think she's a little afraid of the things she can do.
13. Reyes is trying awful hard to convince Charley that he's cruel and evil. Do you think this is just so she will stop searching for his body? We know he will turn into the ultimate weapon if he dies, according to Rocket's sister, but does Reyes know this? He says it's a lie, but I wonder.
Oh yes, he's doing everything he can to stop her from looking for him. As for him be the ultimate weapon, he knows he's a huge threat to her and others if his father gets his hands on Reyes, but its better than his father getting Charley so its worth the risk to him.
14. So, it seems the whole thing with Mimi goes back to her high school. What in the world could it be that is getting people murdered?
This plot so far is reminding me of I Know What You Did Last Summer. lol
15. Hmm...Cookie and Garrett?? I could get behind that. Cookie needs a good man. Although, he seems to have a small thing for Charley. Or was he just trying to provoke her/Reyes?
I really don't think he's interested in her, and Cookie needs a man that she's drooling over all men.
16. What do you think of the working theory about Dead Trunk Guy? I somehow think he is attached to Cookie in some way. Maybe not, but why was he sitting in her lap earlier?
I honestly don't know what Dead Trunk Guy wants. Is he just a freaky guy who wants to be near women (Cookie's car, her seat and Charley's shower). He might have been a killed car salesman. No clue yet.
17. If you are the grim reaper, please contact me immediately. Interesting! Do you think Charley will contact them?
Well, Charley hasn't proven herself to being really smart so far in this book so I say that yes she will. lol
@ Heather #14 your the third person to make that movie reference! CaroB and I both thought same thing :)
Heather's Answer’s CaroB’s Qs for Chapters 8 – 1118. Who did the guys work for that Charley has waiting in her apartment at the beginning of Chapter 8?
I think they are with the ones behind Janelle's death and the reason Mimi disappeared.
19. Your take on Mimi’s parents information: What do you think would turn a grade-A student to refuse to go to school, act so distraught and change schools?
She must have been involved in something illegal, murder or knowing something about an attack. Something that would scare her into not talking about it, but having guilt over it all.
20. Could it really be that cut-and-dried as the Senator suspect?
I think a guy going for congress has a lot to loose if something illegal from his youth was revealed, so it makes sense for the scope of all the deaths hitting this high school.
21. What do you think of the Reyes fanclubs and what they’ve revealed about Reyes?
One of the funniest bits so far. He's all sexy so it makes sense. They have fanclubs for far worse.
22. What’s going on with her dad? Why the change in attitude from him?
I don't know. It's worrying me. Is he finally getting really scared of Charley and for Charley and he doesn't know how to handle it. I hope this is resolved soon as it's one of the things bugging me. I thought he might be sick and he's staring death in the face and he's worried about Charley.
Tracey wrote: "@ Heather #14 your the third person to make that movie reference! CaroB and I both thought same thing :)"Uh oh, that's not a good thing. lol
@ Heather:#22 - Oh, I thought that too!
CaroB wrote: "@ Heather:#22 - Oh, I thought that too!"
Glad I'm not alone. I really like his character (much more than UB) =)
~Megan~ wrote: "Tracey wrote: "I think my overall impression was that I liked Reyes more than Charley by the end of the book :)"Agree!!
I'm packing for my vacay guys, and don't have time to answer the questio..."
I know what you mean, Megan. It kind of bothers me that she made this unilateral decision for him to keep him with his body and not at least talked with him a little about that. No wonder he felt betrayed.
Heather's Answers to Tracey's Questions Ch. 12-1518. Do you think Reyes absence during the attack at her Dad's bar was intentional? Was he purposely allowing her to handle it herself so that she could learn what she was capable of, or did you think something had happened to him?
I thought she handled herself quite well so Reyes wasn't really needed. Either he was there and he thought she could handle it or he never knew.
19. Charley's dad is definitely figuring some things out about her. What do you think tipped him off? Is it just what he's witnessed recently, or do you think someone told him something to cause him to look closer at her actions?
I think he's really worried about her and it has him questioning everything. Especially with what he thinks is a mad murderer connected to her. It's pissing me off though that he hasn't come see her after she was kidnapped. I'm worried that he can't handle what he's thinking she is capable of and distancing himsself from her like his wife did.
20. Everyone seemed pretty ticked about Uncle Bob putting a tail on Charley. Now that you know that he did it mainly because someone had threatened her dad and herself do you feel differently about it?
Nope, still irked with UB and her dad. It's not like she's not capable of defending herself. She would have been much more prepared if she had known. They treat her so wrong, all of them.
21. Did you find it odd the Mr. Kirsch made a point to ask Charley and Cookie to bring the case file when they came to talk with him? Did you suspect him?
I thought it was odd, but while reading the scene I think he just wanted to be refreshed on the details.
22. How much do you think Mistress Marigold really knows?
I don't know!! I think she might be connected to demons. It seemed odd that the Mistress dismissed Garrett's claim so easily.
23. Were you surprised by the resolution of the Dead Trunk guy story line?
Honestly, so much other stuff is going on and I feel like we're only gettiing the top layer (not much detail or substance) that this plot point seems rather wasteful to me. The point was???
24. The fake FBI agents are finally back, was wondering when they would show up again. Any theories on who they are working for? And do you think we'll ever see cop Owen Vaughn again?
I don't know about Owen, but I think the faux FBI agents are working for the Senator to be. I hope the Owen thing isn't another wasteful plot point created just to throw us off focus.
25. What's up with Garrett working with Mr. Chao and Frank Smith? I thought they were the bad guys? Who do you think they are working for? Obviously not the same person as the fake FBI agents.
Honestly, that completely shocked me. I have no idea now how they fit in to this all. Maybe they are US Marshalls??
@ Heather#18 – I thought she could handle herself too, but I was worried about Reyes.
#19 – Very good point.
#20 – Ditto!
#22 – Yup.
#24 & 25 – I felt a disproportionate amount of the book was setting it up for the next book in the series.
@ Heather #23 Couldn't agree more!
Heather's Answers to Susan's Questions for the rest of the book23. Charley met Amador and his wife Bianca (was that in ch 16? I hope so LOL) and they were stunned to find out that she was real. Were you moved by what Reyes has done for them and that all his hopes and dreams involved Charley? I was ;)
I think Charley is right by saying that Reyes is a good guy and this proves it by leaps and bounds. I also liked them as a couple! Very cute banter.
24. Kyle's gay and would never kill anyone. Did you believe Mimi at that point or did you think it was still Kyle?
I believed her. She's been separated from her family for a while now and if she had even a smidgen of doubt about Kyle, Charley would have picked up on it.
25. How do you think Chaley manages to slow time when she's in mortal danger? Is this one of those abilities Reyes was talking about?
It has to be. I picked up on it during the fight in the bar kitchen. Not sure why now she's tapping into it, as she's been in danger plenty before now. Evolution I guess, but also feel like the author is stringing us along on the Charley discovery train.
26. Do you think Charley was being stubborn, as Reyes put it, about knowing where his body is?
YES, YES, YES! Damn the woman doesn't have a brain cell in her head sometimes. lol He's been around a while, can't she give him some credit for knowing more than her? And he's always been there to help her in a time of need, but now because he's trying to protect her right then and from hell's fury, she won't let him help her? She makes no sense, and SHE KNOWS IT. =)
27. Who is Mr. Smith, Mr. Chao, and Ulrich???
Another carrot for us to read and figure out in the next book apparently. I'm thinking some government agency. I wish Charley would go back and ask Reyes's sister if they were the ones that came to see her.
28. Charley's comments about Mimi's dad holding her made me realize that Charley's dad hasn't even checked on her since the break in where she was stabbed. Did it make you wonder? And then WOAH! We get the whole bomb listening to the conversations. Did his reasoning of "I knew you'd be ok" excuse what he did? Did you want to smack shallow Denise? Do you think Gemma and Chaley's relationship will improve now?
I loved this whole scene (made up a lot of the preceding book faults IMO). Did his reasoning make sense? Yes. Was it excusable. Hell to freaking no. Like Gemma pointed out, he should have warned Charley of what might be coming. And I loved Gemma's defense of Charley. So unexpected and it was about time someone in the family stood up for Charley. Denise is such an irritant for me that I tend to purposely ignore her presence on page. lol
29. Lots went on in chapter 19 and I just don't even know where to start LOL Charley binded Reyes to his physical body. Was she justified in doing that or do you think she's putting to much stock in his physical body? If you think about it, she's never even had a conversation with his physical self, it's always been his "essence". Can't she just be happy with his spirit and let the physical go? Or is she worried his spirit will leave if his body is gone?
She's not thinking clearly and following her heart, albeit very selfishly. I don't think she's right and I'm not sure I follow the author's reasoning for doing so. Like I saw some of you responding earlier, this does not make me like Charley or really care about her happiness. Her brass behavior shown through and I'm glad Reyes is closing himself off to her. I have to read the next book to see how this can possibly be fixed, but my attitude toward Charley has definitely soured.
30. Were you surprised by what Charley did with the demons?
I figured out how she could beat them when Reyes told her turn off the lights, so I was glad I finally got something right. lol
31. Cop Owen Vaughn showed up again. Did you wonder why?
What the freaking freck (yes you read that correctly) is up with this guy? Did she cross someone over that he knew and resented her for it. It's clearly personal with his threat of arresting her, but I have no idea what his beef is.
32. Reyes' body is safe, but he refuses to see her now. Did you shed a tear when she compared herself to the women who wanted to see him and have the websites? I did. Do you think their relationship will survive this?
I'm not totally heartless when it comes to her now, so I did feel bad for her during that scene, but he's pissed off and needs to cool down. It'll be interesting to see how they can bridge this.
33. Final thoughts?
3.5 stars (giving 4stars)
Though the author clearly irritated me with plot diversions, lack of depth and poor character choices, she's still doing something right for me to have these reactions and still want to read more. Charley's a woot, but the one liners are getting a little old when we get teased with details or substance and then its pulled away from us. I still really like majority of the characters and the humor still makes me chuckle. I really wanna love this book and I overall feel like its a better one over the first, but its irritating me to no end. Book #3 can't get here fast enough.
Sooooo...#3 comes out Feb. 2nd. You all interested in doing another buddy read, say the end of Feb or sometime in March?
~Megan~ wrote: "Tracey wrote: "I think my overall impression was that I liked Reyes more than Charley by the end of the book :)"Agree!!
I'm packing for my vacay guys, and don't have time to answer the questio..."
I pretty much agree with all your points, Megan. I don't think I was as disappointed with the demon scene as were, but the rest I spot on understand where you're coming from. I really wouldn't want to see her and she took something so precious to him (him being able to visit/watch over her) that I don't know if he should ever forgive her. I hope he does and they find a way to get a HEA, but right now I just don't see it.
Heather wrote: "Sooooo...#3 comes out Feb. 2nd. You all interested in doing another buddy read, say the end of Feb or sometime in March?"
YES!!!! Please :-)
I'd be up for a buddy read on #3. I'll have time to go back and read #1 first :)
Great! I'll check the calendar and give date options
Well, how about February 25 or March 6th?
I'll sleep on it, Charley managed to get on my naughty list. On the other hand I really like Reyes and would like to see what happens next. So far I keep reading because I think the series had great potential but the author hasn't quite delivered to my expectations. I'll probably read the third and after that we'll see.
Gisela wrote: "So far I keep reading because I think the series had great potential but the author hasn't quite delivered to my expectations. I'll probably read the third and after that we'll see. ..."Well put!
Heather wrote: "Well, how about February 25 or March 6th?"either of those work for me
YES! I'd be glad to do a buddy read for the next one as we all seem to be of the same opinion about Charley and Reyes :) Either of those dates work for me, Heather!
@ Gisela Well said!I definitely feel like I am motivated to read because of the potential I see for this story.@ Heather I'm good with either of those dates. As someone said earlier I'm curious to see how the author will write herself out of this corner.
Ok, lets shoot for Feb. 25. Lisa Kay, can you put it on the calendar for me? I'll start a new thread and post the link here in the morning. =)
Heather wrote: "Ok, lets shoot for Feb. 25. Lisa Kay, can you put it on the calendar for me? I'll start a new thread and post the link here in the morning. =)"
✔ Done!
@ Heather#27 - I'm with you - I'm thinking some kind of covert government agency.
I'll go in with the buddy read for that too. I have it in my basket at Amazon, I'm just working up to the $25.00 for free S&H.
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Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired
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