Interview with Reyes Farrow + GIVEAWAY

He really needs no introduction.  He's tall, dark and handsome and a bit dangerous, just how we like him.  And we were beyond excited that we got to have a little chat with one of urban fantasy's biggest bad boys.  He's stolen our hearts and we can't help but be left panting and drooling because his heart belongs to only one woman (that damn lucky bitch!).  So without further delays, we give you....REYES FARROW!

 

Welcome to UTC Reyes.  Lets talk about Reyes fashion... what is your favorite and trademark article of clothing?

Since I ditched the prison uniform, I like jeans and a T-shirt.

What's the sexiest part of a woman?

On Charley, it’s that dimple at the base of her spine.

Being that you like things hot *snickers* what's your favorite way of turning up the heat between you and Charley?

The heat turns up all on its own when she’s around. I can’t seem to stop it. Though I do like to kiss the undersides of things. Behind her ear. The inside of her elbow. The back of her knee. That juncture between her legs.

Sweet love making or rough sweaty shagging?

As long as it’s with Charley, either one. Still, things tend to get rough for some reason.

How do you feel about Garrett and his relationship with Charley?

Garrett doesn’t have a relationship with Charley. He only wishes he did.

If you could have a do-over and be someone else entirely, who would you like to be and why?

I wouldn’t mind being Reyes Farrow again, just under different circumstances. Charley and I were supposed to grow up together, to have a happy life. I would live the life I’d planned.

I can't leave home without.....

Knowing where Charley is, if she is safe. She tends to attract trouble like surfers attract sharks.

Is there anyone that can still make you starstruck and nervous?

Charley.

How far did your relationship with Elaine really go?

It didn’t.

Lets get the dirty details on the author behind your book, Darynda Jones. What secrets can you tell us about her?

I know way more about her than would make her comfortable. I know what she did that time she supposedly spent the night with her best friend and ended up in Mexico instead. Or that time she went to a party when she was supposed to be watching her little sister and brother. I know her darkest secrets. Her deepest desires. But I couldn’t share them here. She has dirt on me too, and I’m hoping our mutual understanding will keep my darkest secrets out of her books.

How do you feel about the hero in her new YA seris, Azriel? You have similar pasts/secrets.

He is a force, I’ll give him that. And we both gave up everything for a girl. He was brothers with my father once a long, long time ago. As long as he stays on his side of the sandbox, we should be fine.

Is there an actor that you see playing yourself if this series ever becomes a movie or TV series?

Mrs. Jones has this idea that an actor named Jason Behr would be great. I wouldn’t know. I’ve been locked up for quite a while.

If you could get away with Charley, where would you take her?

I wouldn’t take her home to meet the family, you can bet your ass on that.

Have you noticed that Cookie is always drooling over you? How do you feel about that?   

Cookie is adorable and she has Charley’s back. She can drool. I don’t mind. I might even let her cop a feel someday.

FOURTH GRAVE EXCERPT

With renewed energy, I pulled back onto Academy— after hitting a

drive- through for a mocha latte— and had just started for home when

my phone rang.

“Yes?” I said, illegally talking on the phone while driving within the

city limits. Scoping for cops, I waited for Uncle Bob to stop talking to

whomever he was talking to and get back to me.

My uncle Bob, or Ubie as I most often referred to him, was a detective

for APD, and I helped him on cases from time to time. He knew I

could see the departed and used that to his advantage. Not that I could

blame him.

“Get that to her, then call the ME ay- sap.”

“Okay,” I said, “but I’m not sure what calling the medical examiner

ay- sap is going to accomplish. I’m pretty sure his name is George.”

“Oh, hey, Charley.”

“Hey, Uncle Bob. What’s up?”

“Are you driving?”

“No.”

“Have you heard anything?”

Our conversations often went like this. Uncle Bob with his random

questions. Me with my trying to come up with answers just as random.

Not that I had to try very hard. “I heard that Tiff any Gorham, a girl I

knew in grade school, still stuff s her bra. But that’s just a rumor.”

“About the case,” he said through clenched teeth. I could tell his teeth

were clenched because his words were suddenly forced. That meant he

was frustrated. Too bad I had no idea what he was talking about.

“I wasn’t aware that we had a case.”

“Oh, didn’t Cookie call you?”

“She called me a doody- head once.”

“About the case.” His teeth were totally clenched again.

“We have a case?”

But I’d lost him. He was talking to another officer. Or a detective. Or

a hooker, depending on his location and accessibility to cash. Though I

doubted he would tell a hooker to check the status of the DOA’s autopsy

report. Unless he was way kinkier than I’d ever given him credit for.

I found his calling me only to talk to other people very challenging.

“I’ll call you right back,” he said. No idea to whom.

The call disconnected as I sat at a light, wondering what guacamole

would look like if avocados were orange.

I finally shifted my attention to the dead kid in my backseat. He had

shoulder- length blond hair and bright blue eyes and looked somewhere

between fifteen and seventeen.

“You come here often?” I asked him, but my phone rang before he

could say anything. That was okay. He had a vacant stare, so I doubted

he would have answered me anyway.

“Sorry about that,” Uncle Bob said. “Do you want to discuss the

case?”

“We have a case?” I said again, perking up.

“How are you?”

He asked me that every time he called now. “Peachy. Am I the case? If

so, I can solve this puppy in about three seconds. I’m heading down San

Mateo toward Central in a cherry red Jeep Wrangler with a questionable

exhaust system.”

“Charley.”

“Hurry, before I get away!”

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a RITA®, and a Daphne du Maurier. As a born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

GIVEAWAY # 1

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GIVEAWAY # 2

 

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ARC Review: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

by Darynda Jones

(Charley Davidson # 4)

Darynda is an AMAZING WRITER and I have fallen in love with her and the books she writes…In a non-stalker way of course. Each book in this series has left my jaw on the floor or left me in fetal position, crying that the book had ended. So you can just imagine how I felt when I got my paws on this ARC. As I predicted, Darynda did not disappoint.

Charley, our super funny grim reaper, did not leave book 3 unscathed. Even with her powers, she is not beyond feelings of humanity. The near death experience, battling with demons, almost loosing people she cares about and then betrayed by family has left Charley with serious issues. I don’t blame her.

Darynda took a different route with Charley's story. Yes, she is still spunky, funny, smart mouth. But she is not our usual herione who keeps getting up even after a good emotional or physical beat down. She is suffering from depression and PTSD. It’s weird seeing Charley at a vulnerable state. She avoided everyone. She had flashbacks of her attack, inability to cope or live her daily routine and she shopped QVC until she was broke. It was hilarious that Darynda incorporated an “intervention” on Charley. Uncle Bob, Cookie and her sister Gemma decided to snap her out of her depression by getting together and bribing her with pastries. Okay, it was a serious moment but it was funny on how they went about it.

Luckily, there was a job offer for Charley that she could not refuse. Well, she was running out of money, so she had to take it. Harper is being terrorized and she needed help to solve the mystery. It was somewhat ironic that what got her out of her house, is a client also suffering from PTSD. She automatically connected with Harper as they share a similar childhood experience. I think Darynda did an awesome job making readers experience what Charley and Harper went through. The feelings were realistic, believable and heartbreaking to see.

Of course, Reyes was there too. Initially, he had stayed away from Charley per her request but he was never far. He still kept a close watch on our Reaper. I love that he tried to give her space and waited until she was ready. If you remember, our Son of Satan is out of prison and living his life…in the flesh. Oh yes, Reyes in human form is just as sexy as he was corporeal. Wait until you see what his current occupation is (hawtness) and whom he’s shackin' up with. I swear Reyes can make my blood boil in every way. But no worries, it was only for convenience. We all know his heart belongs to ME *coughs* I mean Charley. He will always continue to protect her. Between their disagreements, it’s still very clear that they're in love with each other.

Talk about love, not only that I have fallen for Darynda, Charley and Reyes…I also have fallen for Garrett and Donavan. Though they made their appearance, I wish there was more. Donavan, Charley's biker friend has been hanging with the wrong crowd and he has gotten himself in some deep kadoodeee. And well, you know Charley, she will always try to save the day. I keep thinking of where Darynda is going with his character because it’s obvious that there is something going on between him and Charley. We all know that relationship is not going anywhere but I feel like there’s more there. Garrett on the other hand, had also made his cameo but very, very brief. I was a bit disappointed because I felt connected with his character and I wanted more of him.. Like Charley, he went through hell (literally) and he’s not quite recovered from it. He’s been out and about but has been doing a lot of research as far as after life goes. I am predicting something bad is brewing in that pretty head of his.

Of course, this book will not be complete without Cookie, Amber, Ubie, Gemma, Elena, and Angel. Oh and Charley has a new friend Margaret. She is silent for the most part but very dangerous. It was of course great to see Artemis. She really took on the role of Charley’s Guardian and did a great job doing it. Charley’s dad was around as well. We already know that they have been having issues. By the end of this book, there will be clarity to his past actions. We will have to see where that goes but I’m hoping for the best.

Overall, Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet is another GREAT addition to this series. I don’t think Darynda can do wrong when it comes to her writing. She is a superb writer with a phenomenal imagination. As always, I am yet again in the mercy of this author, waiting for the next Charley installment.

*ARC provided by publisher

ARC Review: Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones

Death and the Girl Next Door

by Darynda Jones

(Darklight # 1)

Darynda Jones is an automatic follow for me since reading the fantastic Charlie Davidson series.  I am not much of a Young Adult reader but I am glad I gave this book a try because I absolutely enjoyed it. 

Lorelei McAllister is a 16year old very quirky, very sarcastic and an independent girl with the ability to see visions with a mere touch.  With her BFFs Glitch and Brooke, they try to unveil the mystery of the two very hot boys who suddenly became interested in Lorelei…in a stalker kind of way.  She also discovers a few more things, such as her parents’ disappearance, her grandparents secret and the history of her ancestors that makes the very being that she is now…the history goes way back.

Lorelei reminded me of a young Charlie, both having natural abilities that goes hand in hand with death, sort of.  Jared aka Azriel as a young Reyes aka Rey’aziel also have some similarities.  Reyes comes from evil and Jared doesn't, but both are very mysterious and their main goal is their heroines' safety and protection.   I almost expected to find out that they were somehow connected.  Lorelei and Jared were great together but you can see that there will be a complicated relationship between them.  The steam factor between them is very mild but the attraction is definitely palpable.

Lorelei’s BFFs, Glitch, Brooklyn and friend Cameron definitely have some kind of love triangle there. And there is a big mystery between the tree boys that kept the mystery going through out the book.  The mystery goes on with the disappearance of Lorelei’s parents and the connection between the boys and the local town’s people. 

Darynda covers a good amount of Paranormal and bit of Christian mythology/biblical history in this book.  There are also demons, ghosts, and angels that kept me wanting to read more.  But what I loved most was that she kept the Charlie Davidson element in this book.  The humor, sarcastic banter, suspense and mystery was very similar but in a low tone, surely appropriate for the Young Adult audience.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Audiobook Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

Third Grave Dead Ahead

by Darynda Jones

(Charley Davidson # 3)

As I sat down to write this review, the first thing that came to my mind and appropriately if I may say so is "Holymuthafeckingmonkeyshit, this book friggin rocked!" Ms. Jones has done a wonderful job setting up the plot and the build up of all characters. This is the best installment by far.

Charley Davidson continues with her life as a Private Investigator and continues to live in secret as a Grimm Reaper. In this installment, Charley gets a visit from a doctor whose wife is missing. This case is very interesting and halfway through, I almost thought I knew the who, what, and why of it all but Charley’s findings proved me wrong. Charley is good at what she does and solves this mystery.

On the other hand, there is her life as a Grimm Reaper that involves a certain hot Son of Satan. Reyes, the Big Bad is back and he is very mad and for good reasons. This was revealed in Second Grave on the Left, book2. Because of their current situation, Charley falls deeper in lust with Mr. Coffee. Sleepless and over-caffeinated, she is as funny and quirky as ever. Honestly, I have no idea how she never runs out of come backs or the things she thinks or say in general... Oh yeah, her ADD.  I just love her.

Reyes and Charley’s relationship definitely suffers in this book for many reasons; but the biggest is TRUST. Will they overcome it? I really don't know and it worries me *shrugs*. The good thing is we see a little more of Reyes in his Corporeal self, yes, in the flesh. And he is sweet, lovable, flirts with little girls, and hot as hell *no pun* and he’s funny as…, well, you get what I mean. I just love him!

We see many of the old characters come back. Cookie and UB (Uncle Bob) are funny and sweet as ever.  Gemma, her sister, is around more.  Danger and Will Robinson make an appearance. Garreth takes on a big role, I love him. Mr. Wong is still the same. Misery will get a few scenes. Mistress Marigold will reveal herself and a few more things will unfold. New characters were introduced; Stella the Belly button and Peter the Sausage Link.  Lastly, Psycho Girl with a knife and a bitch Artemis I am sure we will see more of.

The narrator for this series is Ms. Lorelei King who does a wonderful job portraying Charley Davidson to the dot. She brings all the characters to life without overacting. All the voices she used came naturally, and Ms. King nailed every bit of timing for all her jokes, innuendos and emotions. She is THE BEST female narrator IMO. 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Interview and Giveaway with Darynda Jones!

Holla Maidens! Welcome back! We've got a great author here today. Meet Darynda Jones, author of the wickedly funny, Charley Davidson series. If you haven't read this series yet, you should. It's funny, sexy read. If you want to check out Darynda's website, we got you covered.

Now, help us welcome, Ms. Jones to UTC! Thanks for stopping by, Darynda!

Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming release, THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD?

First, thank you so much for having me!!!

Third Grave steps up the suspense and danger quotient for Charley. I think this plot pushes her further than she’s ever been. Her passion for finding answers to the truly difficult questions puts her in serious risks in Third Grave, and her position becomes very precarious. I’m excited about presenting her character the way people have come to love her, yet drawing her into more dangerous scenarios. I was determined to bring a more harrowing quality to Third Grave.

For readers who haven't read your books yet... why should people read about Charley Davidson?

Charley says the things most people only dream about saying and does the things most people wouldn’t consider doing. She’s irreverent, sassy and bold with a sense of audacious, raucous fun. Charley is dead-on serious about solving mysteries, almost to the point of creating her own mysteries to solve. She is determined, like a dog with a bone. She will not let go, but she is without a doubt the person you go to, the friend you depend on, the one that draws you in the deepest. She is seriously flawed, but exudes a fabulous, kick-ass attitude towards everything she sets her eyes on. And she loves chocolate. So there’s that.

Reyes is an enigma. What is it about him that makes him so desirable?

I’ve had years and years to build his character in my head. He is the ultimate fantasy man, a combination of every dark, brooding, anti-hero that could be imagined. He is capable of savage violence and built of sensuous shadows, every hot dream made into flesh. Reyes is that extremely dangerous being that every woman wishes would gentle just for her. Most women have a fantasy man that is beautiful and bad, who is tamed for no one else but her, and Reyes is that for me. He can be mysterious, stark, demanding, of questionable reputation, but with that one woman, he is everything she cries out for. That is Reyes.

We know rights to your books were sold to France, Milady/Bragelonne, Germany, Russia, Thailand, Poland, Turkish, Bulgarian, UK, Italy, Holland etc. How do you feel about this series going international? Did you expect it?

I truly did not expect to sell to any international markets. Ever. The fact that First Grave sold internationally was quite a surprise. It’s been a learning experience for me and provides a great opportunity to gain a clearer understanding about the overseas paranormal markets. I’m extremely honored to be in so many places.

We are excited to see the music video of Third Grave. And how awesome that it's original music is by your DH. You were also a part of the film crew for the video. How exciting for both of you! Can tell us about your experience?

I had a lot of fun. It was a great experience putting something like together. It was a challenge. It’s hard having something like that come together inside of my head and try to explain to other people what I want, but all of us together made it work. I’m very proud Third Grave’s video. I appreciate everyone who participated. Our two actors were wonderful to work with, and I think they did a great job. I love the song, I mean I REALLY love the song, and I’m so proud that my husband helped write it. It’s gorgeous.

You have a new Young Adult series coming out this year. What will Darklight be about?

It’s about three high school friends who become involved in a desperate bid to halt the earth-shattering, apocalyptic plans dark forces have against the world as we know it. There are fallen angels, supernatural powers, friendships and forbidden love. It’s a three-part story, beginning with one girl whose life is irrevocably changed when the Angel of Death starts high school in her small town. Along the way, she and her friends discover qualities and capabilities within themselves that can aid their fight for good. I was going for exciting and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

If you could describe your perfect hero by taking physical attributes and personality traits from known celebrities, what would you end up with as your perfect man?

Reyes. Plain and simple. I also happen to have a pretty awesome husband. Who the heck needs Gerard Butler or David Boreanaz or Jason Behr or Mark Walhberg or David Beckham or Ryan Gosling or Johnny Depp or that Captain Morgan dude from the television commercials?

If you get get any character from any book to come to life for the day, which character would it be and what would you do?

Hmmmm. I’m pretty sure Reyes would scare the crap out of me in real life, but I would love to lay my eyes on him. I’m also pretty sure I would just stare. That’s it. Stare at him. Maybe a little drool would unknowingly seep out of my mouth, but I would put my eyes on him, long and hard. I would breathe heavily and seriously stare. He’s worthy of it.

But if I really had to choose (and since I’m married to an awesome guy!), I’d say Charley. I would love to hang with her and live in her world for just a day. And I bet I could pick up some more one-liners on the way. :)

Lets do some quickfire questions!

Coffee or Tea?
Coffee, currently decaf, sadly.
Fave genre to read?
TOO MANY! Historical romance, paranormal, YA… you name it.
Latest book you loved?
Adam by Jacqueline Frank. WOW!!!
Sunrise or sunset?
Sunset.
Vampire or shifter?
While I’m very fond of both, I’ll go with vampire.


BY POPULAR DEMAND, THE BOOK VIDEO!

Ms. Jones is graciously giving away a signed hardcover of Third Grave Dead Ahead to one lucky international Maiden!

Third Grave Dead Ahead

Release: January 31, 2012
 
Third in the award-winning paranormal series that’s “hilarious and heartfelt, sexy and surprising.”
—J.R. Ward Paranormal private eye.

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

To enter:

1. Be a follower
2. Fill out the form

Review: Second Grave to the Left by Darynda Jones

Second Grave on the Left

(Charley Davidson # 2)

by Darynda Jones

This is the second installment to Charley Davidson series and this book get better and better.  Ms. Jones once again delivered an outstanding story.

Charley Davidson, Private Investigator and Grim Reaper continues to keep us wrapped around her little fingers.  She is as addicting as the coffee she drinks!!  There's another crime to solve in Charley’s world but this time, she is helping her BFF, Cookie as her close friend goes missing.  As she helps Cookie with this mystery, she of course is still trying to solve her own problems with her Big Bad AKA Reyes.  Continuing from First Grave on the Right, Reyes goes missing for the purpose of hiding from her, his corporeal body anyway. 

Reyes is definitely a mystery on his own but we get to know him a little more in this book.  We see his humanity, how he acted with his sister and friend.  We see him more clearly - descriptions of how he looked, how he moved. In fact, if I close my eyes now, I can see him taking a shower his back to me…. Sexaaay!!  And we see how protective and how much he loves Charley. The romance is not as strong but both Charley and Reyes’ connection is evident. *sigh* 

Charlie, on the other hand is still hilarious.  She continues with her coffee addictions, her comical banters, and the silliest comments when she’s in the most inconvenient situations.  I think she may have A.D.D.  Her mind goes on these tangent thoughts which I find so entertaining.  Her t-shirt/shorts/bumper sticker sayings are so funny.  And Charley is definitely NOT a kick ass heroine.  On the contrary, she gets her ass whooped a few times here, so we get some good action.  I do commend her as she keeps getting up, doing what she wants to do.  We meet more of her body parts of course.  We’ve met her boobs, ovaries and now all her toes!  But God forbid, she would never name her fingers.  That’s just crazy! 

As far as her REAPER side, well, let’s just say she discovers more powers and discovers what she can do with them.  In the end, she will do something that Reyes will not be happy with.  I’ve got to so say *shaking my head*, I don’t blame him.  I cannot wait to read Third Grave to find out how Charlie will get herself out of THAT situation.

 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: For I Have Sinned by Darynda Jones

(More like 3.5 feathers)

For I Have Sinned

(Charley Davidson # 1.5)

by Darynda Jones

For I Have Sinned is a short story following First Grave on the Right (book 1 from Charley Davidson Series). Charley is a private investigator but being a PI is just a disguise. She is really a Soul Reaper who helps lost souls “go to the light”. No, really, Charley shines like a beacon to call the lost souls to her.

The books in this series are told as a first person POV by Charley herself, but not in this novella. This story is told by a lost soul seeking Charley’s help. Also as a first person POV. Trapped in this world with an unknown, unfinished business and trying to find out what happened to her. It was nice to see a story from a different POV other than Charley’s. Seeing the side of what a ghost would feel upon meeting her, scenes that would never get old. This reaper is just hilarious with her banters, sense of humor and her overall take on life. Charley will rise up to her calling of course and this ghost will have a bittersweet resolution. A very sweet story.