by Lori Sjoberg
Series: Grave #2
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
She’s sexy-fierce, resourceful—and will do anything to protect victims as innocent as she once was. But this kick-ass reaper never bargained on meeting her not-quite-human match…or putting their very souls on the line. A luxury Caribbean cruise is Ruby Dawson’s idea of hell even under the best circumstances. Too many bad memories bubble up—especially of the wrenching injustice that made her a reaper. It doesn’t help that Jack Deverell is making this routine soul-collecting job twice as difficult with his devilish good looks and not-so-innocent questions. Now, as several unscheduled, unexplainable deaths throw passengers and crew into a panic, Jack becomes the prime suspect. The only way Ruby can save him is to challenge the decades-old curse threatening his soul. And as a malevolent unstoppable force turns their immortality into a fatal weakness, Ruby and Jack must risk their fragile humanity to save Fate’s delicate balance and their own unexpected destiny…
Maybe I am creepy, or maybe I should blame Darynda Jones but I have a thing for Reapers. Grave Destinations is the second book in the Grave Series by Lori Sjoberg. Her twist on why these souls are reapers, combined with suspense and romance have made this a fun series. Each can be read as a standalone, but each time we learn a little more about Fate, and the organization running this elite team of Reapers. Mini review: spicy but clean, suspenseful and action packed.
Reaper, Ruby Dawson, hates water, but she has a soul to collect and finds herself booked on a luxury Caribbean cruise. The cruise is a painful reminder of why she became a reaper in the first place. What should be a routine soul collections turns into anything but when she meets Jack Deverell. Not only is he smexy, but he asks a lot of questions. When unscheduled deaths start happening aboard ship, Ruby is faced with trusting her gut or believing Jack is the prime suspect. The tale that unfolds is suspenseful and romantic. Will fate keep them together or tear them apart?
Each of the reapers has a complicated soul. To atone for their actions in life they serve Fate by collecting souls who die of unnatural deaths. Ruby is no exception, and I found her back story fascinating. She builds walls around herself, never allowing anyone to get to close. Jack turns her emotions upside down and I loved the growth we see in her. Jack Deverell doesn’t quite depict the image that the cover gives us; in fact he is a whole lot sexier. From his old world charm, to his sexy eyes and broad shoulders. He also isn’t quite human thanks to a curse. It was interesting learning his story and seeing how he handles his affliction. The chemistry between them worked, and I got caught up in their story. Demons and Dmitri; Ruby’s boss and fellow reaper, make appearances, adding both suspense and humor.
Grave Destinations had me craving the all you can eat buffet at the Windjammer and longing to go on a cruise again. Sjoberg mixed in suspense and paranormal elements as we worked to solve the mysterious deaths. The characters had unique voices, and Sjoberg allowed me to connect with them. The banter between Dmitri and Jack had me giggling as these two alphas went head to head a few times. Ruby is a strong character, and I loved the set-down she gave them. The plot and pacing was well done keeping me engaged. Towards the end, there is a scene that felt was too much of a coincidence, but it didn’t hinder my overall enjoyment. The story itself wrapped up nicely, leaving me eager for the next reapers’ story. I really want Dmitri’s story. The author hints about his complicated past, and he is such a flawed and sexy alpha.
Fans of paranormal suspense with a healthy dose of romance should check out Grave Destinations and the Grave series. As for me, I will anxiously await news on the third book.
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lori Sjoberg
I’m thrilled you enjoyed Grave Destinations! Dmitri’s story is on the way – I hope you like it as much as the others. *fingers crossed*
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I will keep an eye out for it!
Joelle
Happy Holidays !
kimbacaffeinate
Happy Holidays to you Joelle 🙂
Diana Leigh
Hmm, the cover doesn’t scream “reaper” story, though after reading your review, I can see it works!
kimbacaffeinate
psst..I am not a total fan of this cover, book one was better but since she is the reaper this one works.
Dani
Great review! I read the first in this series and really should add this one to my list! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
psst..I think it is still on netgalley 🙂
Pamela D
I find reapers interesting too. I loved the TV series Dead Like Me.
kimbacaffeinate
I watched some of that, I will have to look on Netflix for more 🙂
anna
Oh fun! I’ve really been enjoying reapers too. It’s nice to have some different paras now and again. I just read one by CJ Ellisson/Boone Brux that was pretty entertaining. Will have to check this one out!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy and I will check out your rec as well 🙂
emaginette
The book sounds like a great read. I’ll have to check it out. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was fun..enjoy!
aurian
Nice review, and a new series to me. Adding this to my wishlist.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Aurian they are fun 🙂
A Voracious Reader
I was going to request this one, but I need to read book 1. I’m anal that way. lol Maybe I can get them done before book 3? *shrugs* I’ll be giving it the ol’ college try. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I am the same way and book one Grave Intentions was really good
Sam
It’s been far too long since my last reaper story! This sounds like a lot of fun, even if some of the ending was a bit too convenient. I’ll have to check it out. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This series is fun Sam 🙂
Jenea
Now I love me some reapers and I like the sounds of this one! Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Nice to know I am not alone!
Braine Talk Supe
Perfect timing! I just got an invite for a blog tour for this book and as I like the idea of reapers, I want to know if it’s any good. Thanks, I think I’ll sign up and I heard book 1 is on sale too.
kimbacaffeinate
I liked book one better but this was a fun one too 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Hey Kimba, thanks for the recommendation I love this kind of read too and it’s always good to know you don’t have to start on book one if you don’t want to.
Happy New Year to you and all your reader/followers!!
kimbacaffeinate
You are welcome my friend and yes these work as standalone 🙂
Andrea
I haven’t read a reaper book in a long time! (I have the first Darynda Jones book, but haven’t read it)
Grave Destinations sounds pretty good. I like the setting, and Jack also seems like a good character.
Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
*faints* you need to read First Grave on the Right. If you don’t love it I will forgo coffee for a week!
ailyn
i wonder if my library has this book
kimbacaffeinate
This releases Jan 2, but look for book one, Grave Intentions 🙂
blodeuedd
Reapers are cool, I blame Darynda too
kimbacaffeinate
yep it’s all her fault!
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I still need to read Darynda Jones but I definitely agree, Reapers are quite appealing and you had me sold on this one after reading your mini review alone, it sounds great.
A lovely review Kimba! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
OMG Sharon..New Year’s Resolution #1 read Darynda Jones Charlie Davidson series..stat!
michelle A - Novels On The Run
OOo I LOVE LOVE LOVE Darynda Jones. The woman rocks. I am intrigued now to read this series. I too love Reapers. Whether it is YA or Adult. I quite enjoy the reads from Kensington. I must see if I have this one. Great review. I am intrigued to read and see how I feel. Better find # 1 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Michelle and I agree Kensington has some great stuff. This series is neat it combines romantic suspense with paranormal elements 🙂
kindlemom1
I agree, there is nothing like a good reaper story! Have you read Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamer series? It is YA but very good.
kimbacaffeinate
*looks down and shuffles feet* Nope, haven’t read them yet.