Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones

August 2nd, 2013 Kimberly Review 57 Comments

2nd Aug
Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones
Fifth Grave Past the Light
by Darynda Jones
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Charley Davidson isn’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper. She’s more of a paranormal private eye/grim reaper extraordinaire. However, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. To further complicate matters, Reyes is her main suspect in an arson case. Charley has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth…but then dead women start appearing in her apartment, one after another, each lost, confused, and terrified beyond reason. When it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma, is the serial killer’s next target Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes’ help. Arsonist or not, he’s the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return. Charley. All of her, body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay.

The Charley Davidson series is one of my absolute favorite, and when a  book releases I greedily devour it  I laughed, sighed and found myself  quoting Fifth Grave Past the Light as I talked about it with anyone who was in my general vicinity. I also contemplated changing my wardrobe to strictly t-shirts and joining the dark side. Fifth Grave Past the Light rocked my world. Three Four word review: Mind-blowing, smexy, suspenseful and friggin’ hilarious.

“Coffee was that place where the sun comes up over the horizon and lights the heavens in a burst of vibrant colors.”

So we all know who moved in next store?  *faints* Poor Charley has other things to think about right now. She needs to focus and when Reyes slinks around all panther like and smexy no one can think. Oh, we can think but not about the case, instead, our thoughts are filled with his smexy smile, his hair, his abs..you get the picture. Charley needs answers: Is Reyes the arsonist in a recent string of fires? Where did all of these terrified dead woman and children wandering around her apartment come from? Is Garret ok after his trip to hell and why does the police chief suddenly have an interest in her success rate? Charley’s latest case causes all kinds of problems because nothing is ever easy. But forget about all that! Sure those story-lines are all fascinating, suspenseful, action-packed and filled with danger, not to mention awesometastic snark but the best part of the tale that unfolded was Reyes Farrow. If you loved him before you will be signing up to sell your soul to the son of Satan.

“You,” he said, his voice lowering an octave. “I want you, Dutch, body, and soul. I want you in my bed every night. I want you there when I wake up in the morning. I want your clothes strung across my apartment and your scent on my skin.”

I absolutely love the characters Jones has created in this series from the main characters to the ones in her latest case. Charley is a riot and her snarky humor is her way of dealing with life as a Grim Reaper and I would hang out with her anytime. While she still is getting her ass handed to her, she is also developing some pretty wicked skills and learning more about who she is. I just love the things that pop out of her mouth and Jones makes her so three dimensional. Now you have to understand just how deep my love for Charley goes because Reyes only has eyes for her and I haven’t had thoughts of killing her! Now if she happens to cross-over and leaves Reyes unattended?  I would totally take advantage of the situation. *Hubby? What hubby?* Let’s dish about Reyes, shall we? I have always loved him, but admittedly he has been mysterious, standoffish and at times possessive but in Fifth, we see so many sides of him and ooh-la-la. I am not just talking about his smexy bod, his mile long eye lashes or his panther like moves and sexual aura. I am also talking about his smile, humor, his touchy-feely side. The steps he has taken/takes to protect and care for Charley and how he made post-it notes the sexiest thing on the planet. *I should totally hate Charley but I am too busy staring at Reyes to notice.* Cookie, is back, and gads the girl is the best side kick ever! Uncle Bob and Charley’s family are present and add to both the suspense and humor of the tale. Garrett is working on something after his little vacation in hell, and holy Toledo this thread is so interesting.

He quirked a brow. “How would you like your eggs? I tried. I really did. But I glanced at his crotch and it came out anyway. “Fertilized?”

In Fifth Grave Past the Light we not only get some great cases and smexy time with Reyes, but we also see plot growth and character development making it one of my favorite in the series thus far. Answers! Yes! We finally get some answers about Charley and Reyes concerning their abilities, destiny, and powers. Eep! The overall ARC is getting intense and where it is headed has me shivering in anticipation. We see growth in their relationship and get some downright deliciously hot sexy time too! Let’s just say I will never look at utensils the same again. Jones can spin a tale with elements of dark and light and everything in between making me laugh, snort, lose track of time, sigh and even shed a tear or two. She is brilliant and left me with just enough of a cliffhanger to have me counting down the days till once again I can lose myself and capture that book high only her blend of awesome can create.

“Charley, you’re putting me in an awkward position.” “Then paint polka dots on me and call me Twister, but I think you can sweet-talk your boss.”

For fans of the series Fifth Grave Past the Light is a must read and an exciting addition to this amazing-tastic series. If you aren’t stalking Darynda Jones and this series- you should be! Sixth Grave On the Edge is due out in 2014. My coffee and I are waiting.

Five cups of coffee out of five straight from Charley’s Mr. Coffee pot

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

57 Responses to “Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones”

  1. Lauren

    Oh my lord Reyes….*fans self* I’m SOOOO behind in this series, and this is another amazing review of this book that has me wishing I could pause life so I can just sit and catch up on these. Ok, I’m going to the beach today, so I’m taking these with me. I MUST CATCH UP! 🙂 Fabulous review!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      hands down without a question the best book of the series to date..I loved it and have already reread bits!!!

  2. Sharon - Obsession with Books

    This is another series that has been sitting on my wishlist for ages! I’m pleased to see you are still enjoying it now it is at book 5 & you have me curious about Reyes – yummo! Charley sounds awesome.

    A fabulous review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      OMG..yes you so need to read this..you will giggle, snort and swoon..i promise!

  3. Maida

    I adored Darynda Jones’ Death and the Girl Next Door and I have yet to pick up her adult series, but it seems to have many positive reviews so I know I’m going to enjoy them. Plus, I just love the concept behind this series and the characters sound fantastic, especially Charley and Reyes (he’s the hottie right! lol ;p) I seriously cannot wait to dive into this series, and find out what all the hype is about! Glad you totally loved this! Amazing review…and I totally agree with that coffee quote! Mmmmm…. 😀

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *nods regarding the coffee and takes a sip* This is one of my absolute favorite series, and they just keep getting better. Now I enjoyed Death and the Girl Next Door compared to the Charley Davidson series it was meh.

  4. Reanna

    This was probably the best book so far. The scene you mentioned with how Reyes wants Charley…I almost passed out from the heat when I read it.

    And the “How do you like your eggs?” quote? Yeah. That was perfectly Charley. Good thing I wasn’t taking a sip of something at that moment.

  5. Ellen

    Five Stars and one of your absolute favorite series. I am adding this to my list now. Great review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      ooh I cannot wait to see what you think when you read them!

  6. Getty Hesse

    I don’t typically read overly romantic urban fantasy from the adult side of things (one of the downsides to being fifteen is that your parents pay close attention to what you read), but this series sounds very interesting, and I might have to sneak a copy of book one. I love snarky protagonists and paranormal mysteries.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Uh no, your parents are right. If you want to read about a snarky grim reaper read Croak by Gina Damico. When you are seventeen and if your parents approve I will send you the first book First Grave on the Right to this series as a BD gift. Just remind me:)

      • Getty Hesse

        Okay, thanks. And thanks for book suggestion; I’ve never heard of Croak. I’ll have to look it up!

  7. Dani C

    Love the review – so true! This booked rocked my world as I devoured it in just under one day! 🙂

  8. kara-karina

    Oh yeah, baby! Let us all drool together :))) Fantastic review, K. I was laughing really hard at “fertilized”! Still need to read book #4 but I’m getting there 🙂

  9. Belle Read

    What a great review! I have to start this series. I think that I have the first one in my reader.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      What? You haven’t met Charley and Reyes yet? OMG go, go buy, rent, borrow book one!

  10. A Voracious Reader

    One day I’ll buy the books, but for now I have to wait in the queue and I *just* picked it up from the library. *jumps up and down* I plan on reading it this weekend and having my review up next week. *eyes book* I can’t begin to tell you how much I want to start it *right now*. *sigh*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *bounces and jumps for joy with you!* Enjoy my friend:)

  11. Heidi

    Yep, this is my go to series when I need something fun. I thought Reyes as a cook was so fun. And that ending…..wow!

  12. Giselle

    Oh man I so have to continue this series. I read book 1,2,3 and haven’t gotten to the 4th yet, I’m so happy this series is continuing to rock your world! I’m going to get into the 4th soon I even have the book on my shelves and everything!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Giselle and I cannot wait to hear what you think of 4 and 5. Have a great weekend!

  13. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Here is the problem with this review… it does not mention to everyone that Reyes is MINE! 😉 Yes, I’m claiming him and I’ve claimed him before. He’s real, right? LOL

    Can’t wait to get caught up with this series. SO WANT THEM ALL!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      *looks at Reyes as he feeds me a grape and shrugs*

  14. Kim { Book Swoon }

    I so want to catch up on this series, I still need to read Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet! I can’t wait to find out how it turns out-and how Reyes ends up being neighbors with Charley-and so much more. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      ooh Kim you seriously need to catch up, Jones is rocking!

  15. Candace

    Oh yay! I read the first and loved it. I have the 2nd so I need to read it. Maybe it’ll be one of the books I own that I pick up soon. I sure need to catch up!

  16. Trish

    This sounds hilarious! And I like smexy! I need to hop on board this series and catch up 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, you so need to read this series it is one of the top series I mention when someone asks for a recommendation:)

  17. kindlemom1

    I have to totally hang my head in shame because I am soooo behind on this series and I love it so I have no excuse!
    I knew this was going to be fabulous because Jones just rocks.
    Great review and I am glad to see that after 5 books this series is still going strong.

    Have a great weekend Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      you must catch up Ali..it just gets better, it’s like crack!

  18. Nick

    I read the first 2 book in this series and I have no idea why I haven’t continued it yet, but seriously your review, Heidi’s review and Maja’s review totally make me want to get back to it, Kim!
    Gah! The way you described Reyes! I’m already ready to sell my soul for him! 😉
    I’m glad to hear that Charley is still as snarky as ever and yay for answers!
    I’ve seen that quote about eggs twice now and it never fails to crack me up! 😀
    Great review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh head to the library now!! I love her snark and Reyes *faints*

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Squee..remember to eat and drink..it’s easy to get lost in Jones’ world:)

  19. Ginny

    This is a must buy actual book series for me and your review sealed the deal…I am going today to buy this one.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      happy shopping and I hope you got my response to your email, my phone was wonky today:)

  20. Jenea

    This is one series that I would love to get mt hands on. You review definitely helps my excitement for it. Great review. I’m off to check my library. *fingers crossed*

  21. Tanja

    I still haven’t started this series but everyone seems to love it. I can’t wait to meet Reyes and this book seems amazing. Great review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh I cannot wait to hear you squeal err, I mean hear what you think when you read them:)

  22. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    I too think Darynda outdid herself this time. She made Reyes more approachable and human and that made all the difference. And OMG that ending! What I wouldn’t give for just one more line. Two? Well, there was an answer in there too, methinks. :))
    This was such a fabulous read.