by Jenn Bennett
Series: Roaring Twenties #2
Genres: Historical Romance, Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
It’s the Roaring Twenties in foggy San Francisco. Prohibition is on, inhibitions are low, and dark magic is rolling into town… Archaeologist Lowe Magnusson is packing something everyone wants. The djed amulet, a priceless Egyptian artifact, will fetch Lowe a hefty paycheck from one of San Francisco’s wealthiest. But when the handsome Swede runs into his patron’s uptight daughter, what he once considered easy money becomes maddeningly complicated… Cursed with deadly spirits as her constant companions, curator Hadley Bacall must keep calm to hold her dangerous specters at bay and prevent them from lashing out at anything—or anyone. Trouble is, Lowe is driving her crazy, but her father needs the artifact he’s transporting. While Hadley can feel the amulet’s power, she can’t fathom the destruction—or the desire—it’s about to stir up.
I am in love with the naughty, charismatic Magnusson brothers. After I finished reading this Carmel @ Rapid Reads tweeted me and asked, “Who was your favorite brother? Winter or Lowe?” I was stumped because I loved them both for different reasons. Lowe has a boy like quality to him that appealed to me, where as Winter is more controlled. If you have not yet read a Jenn Bennett novel….commit her name to memory because she is now an auto-buy for me. Grim Shadows is the second novel in her Roaring Twenties series and it blends several genres to create a tale that will keep you spellbound and a romance that will make you swoon.
Five reasons to grab a cup of coffee and curl up with Grim Shadows
1. The Roaring Twenties and Egyptian artifacts wrapped in paranormal woo-woo. Bennett weaves a wicked tale around an ancient curse, specters and a quest to find missing pieces to an artifact. All of this in hopes of stopping a lunatic. It was a gripping tale from beginning to end and had me captivated.
2. The Magnusson brothers. Yum. Lowe is Winter’s younger brother. He is an archaeologist and like his brother he skirts around the law. He is a charismatic swindler who happens to be very intelligent. I loved that there is really a good guy hiding beneath his latest scheme.
3. Hadley Becall is a curator and scholar who longs to run the museum and go on excavation digs. She is strong, intelligent and secretly bold. She is cursed by dangerous specters who roar their ugly heads and wreak havoc whenever she is upset. Beneath her carefully built facade lies a wanton woman with a passion for lingerie.
4. You love fleshed out, complicated characters that wrap themselves around your heart. Not only does Bennett deliver an anti-hero and heroine to root for she gives us secondary characters that steal our heart. Her villains will induce fantasies that include running them over with a taxi. The romance itself is quite heated at times, but also had tender moments, and indecisiveness. It made me both swoon and giggle.
5. While I never doubted I would get my HEA, the ride Bennett took me on was filled with twists, danger, and heated moments. She allowed me to experience a range of emotions from laughter to tears. I completely immersed myself in Grim Shadows losing track of time and slipping into the streets of San Francisco.
Grim Shadows was a fantastic edition to the Roaring Twenties series. Bennett’s characters, setting and talent for spinning an exciting tale have me eager for more. If you have not done so, check out book one, Bitter Spirits and watch for the release of Grave Phantoms in the spring/summer of 2015.
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
Wendy Darling
You had me at “naughty” and “charismatic,” hah. I actually haven’t heard too much about this series, but that time period and the Egyptian stuff sounds really interesting! Need to check it out sometime for sure.
Red Iza
This looks very good and makes me think of Agatha Christie with Egypt, paranormal and early XXth century ! I’ll add the first installment to my list, thanks for the great review (plus, I love unpredictable 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo yes that is a good comparison with the setting and info.
Jessica
I have book 1 sitting on my nightstand, waiting for me to read it 😉 SOON!
kimbacaffeinate
squee..enjoy Jessica!
Cyn
Yay! So glad to see you enjoyed this! Bitter Spirits was a fun read, so I’m definitely excited for this! Lowe sounds like quite the scoundrel 😉 thanks for the review Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Cyn!
Berls
Oh gosh! Is book 2 really out already?! I bought book 1 as soon as it came out because I knew I wanted to read it. And it’s on my reading calendar, but it keeps getting pushed back 🙁 I’m really glad you enjoyed this one too – I think I need to stop letting it get pushed back already!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I have done that my friend but you need to bump it back up. COYER *winks*
Michelle
I saw a review of this one on another blog and it was the first time I saw anything about the roaring twenties novels, and I was so excited about it. Now seeing that you enjoyed it as well, I am even more excited.
The brothers sound awesome. I can’t wait to see which one I will like more. Plus, I am fascinated by Egyptian culture and stories. I can’t wait to see how all of this comes together.
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you pick them up Michelle both Bitter Spirits and Grim Shadow were fantastic!
Naomi
This sounds like a fun series! I can see why you are torn between the guys! I love the time this book is set in and the elements twisted into the story! Sounds like an entertaining read!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try this series it has so many elements I love 🙂
Melliane
Oh I’m glad you had a great time with this one as well! I love the mix there and it’s always a pleasure to read each book. Plus Lowe and Hadley were so great to discover. So curious to read more now! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Melliane, I picked up her other series since I have been loving this series!
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
I’m not so keen on this time period but it sounds like a fun series!
kimbacaffeinate
Era aside this is a really good read Melissa 🙂
Bea
I have GOT to start this series.
Lorna
i have heard so much about this author lately but have never read anything by her yet. I think I need to get on that! Thanks 🙂
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
This series sounds so good, I really need to get to it! 🙂 Thank you for a wonderful review Kim.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I hope you do!
Diana Leigh
I’m glad to hear the second book is a winner too!
kimbacaffeinate
It was Diana. I hope you get a chance to read it 🙂
Angela Adams
The time setting — roaring twenties — is unique, and makes for an interesting read. Thanks for the post.
Braine Talk Supe
Read with one eye closed. Why? Coz I’m reading this now. Every blog that reviewed this LOVED It! Weee!! I want to speed read but at the same time I want to enjoy every yummy word
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo enjoy my friend!
Giselle
This kinda reminds me of the Brigid Kemmerer series with a big cast of brothers. I really enjoy these kinds of reads – when character dev is well done a large cast can be so much fun! Great review, Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
It is two brothers and next is the sister. She is kinda snarky Giselle and I think you would like her too I know you aren’t a huge fan of historical settings but this is really well done.
Kris
I’ve heard so many awesome reasons to read this series, and you’re making me die of wanting to have this book in my hands RIGHT THIS SECOND. (Unfortunately, I’m abroad and don’t have access to a bookstore with books in English! D:) I’m so getting a copy as soon as I get back to the States!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh no…kindle? Does it work overseas?
Kris
Fortunately, I have wifi access, but this sounds like a book I want on my physical bookshelf! Nothing beats a hardcopy 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed!
Lauren
Ooh I still need to read book one! I’m so glad to hear you liked the sequel! I need to pick this up asap since Jenn is autobuy for you now. Can’t wait!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, I think you will really like these Lauren!
Heidi
I just got my copy today and I am so excited to jump back into the era. I loved the first one and so many reviewers are giving this one even higher ratings.
kimbacaffeinate
It is different but oh so good. I look forward to hearing your thoughts Heidi..enjoy!
kim { Book Swoon }
Between you and Carmel’s awesome reviews, I’m dying to crack open my copy of Grim Shadows! No, I’m serious. From the sound of it, I think that I’m going to be a serious author-stalker of Jenn Bennett if she keeps this amazing writing up. I can’t wait to meet Lowe and Hadley! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I went and bought book one of her other series I liked it so much, so I totally get your excitement. Enjoy Kim 🙂
Rashika
I actually read Carmel’s review for this recently and both of you are making me crazy excited! But I don’t think I’d ever be able to choose my fav brother *hides*
Lovely review, Kimba!! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hehe, we can choose to love them both!
Michele-A Belle's Tales
I added this to my list after Carmel’s review! So happy you enjoyed this one, too! I can’t wait to relish in the supernatural goodness of this story and to meet the brothers *swoon* Great review, my friend — this sounds like a phenomenal addition to the series!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, enjoy Michelle!
Sophia
1. Doing the awesome favor by commenting again. Hai Kimba! *waves*
and
2. Complicated characters are a joy. I hate predictable ones. It’s so boringggg. And I live to predict things. Points are happily taken off for predictable characters. I feel like a fortune teller by then, and if I’m ever guessing correctly in real life, it’s always a coincidence >_<
Sophia
Oh, it appeared. Yippee! 😀 Yeah, that’s enough commenting before I land on your comment system’s bad side again. :p
kimbacaffeinate
Yippie, I am so glad we were able to resolve this issue. I have Wordfence for my security and they had an additional spam filter which apparently didn’t like you. I gave it a good kick. 🙂
Sophia
Haha, too bad I can’t kick it, lol. 😉
Lupdilup
Excellent review! I can’t wait to listen. I’m so glad I didn’t have to wait years for this to come to audio, also that the narrator does a good job 🙂
Thank you Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh if the narrator is good this will be excellent on audio Loupe 🙂
Candace
I can’t wait to read this, I loved the first book! I love this: The Roaring Twenties and Egyptian artifacts wrapped in paranormal woo-woo.- YES!
kimbacaffeinate
*dances* I am excited for you Candace!
Celine
My favourite brother is Winter! I think he was more of a gentleman, while Lowe sometimes was a bit too controlling for my taste. Hadley was a great character, and I loved all the Egyptian mythology in the background.
kimbacaffeinate
I can agree with that assessment Celine although I saw Lowe as the naughty younger brother who just needed to grow up. Beneath it all he was a sweetie.
kindlemom1
Yay! I bought this one without having read the first one because I know how much you loved the first one Kim. I really do have plans to start this series this summer I promise! I just love the 20’s.
kimbacaffeinate
While they work as standalone, I do recommend reading them in order and cannot wait for your take on them Ali 🙂
Ginny
Okay…I just went and checked and Bitter Spirits is on my read list for this month. WooHoo…I can’t wait! I bought it when you reviewed it and then it became buried in my stack. So, I’m finally getting around to reading book 1 and I have a feeling that this one will quickly follow. Now I will be paying attention to which brother I like best. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I cannot wait to see what you think Ginny. Hopefully my recommendation will stand up 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Oh Kimba thanks for putting this on my woo-woo loving radar. I can’t WAIT to get my hands on it 🙂
deb
kimbacaffeinate
I have no doubts you will enjoy this series Debbie 🙂
Jenea
I love the 20’s so much, such a fascinating time. The Egyptian artifacts and the brothers definitely sounds like the make it all even better. Wonderful review.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jenea, I love how she blends these genres together.
Carmel
Thanks for the shout out Kimberly! I still don’t know who my fav Magnusson brother is, and I finished this book weeks ago. You’d think I would have made up my mind by now. LOL We were spoiled this year with two Roaring Twenties installments back-to-back, and now the wait for Grave Phantoms begins… *sigh* Great review! I’m glad that you loved this one too!
kimbacaffeinate
You are welcome and yep the waiting stinks! I think we can agree we love them both for different reasons 🙂
Teddyree
I haven’t read much in the Roaring Twenties but I love that era … and Jenn Bennett is new to me.
kimbacaffeinate
She was new to me too with this series, but it is wonderfully done and she knows her craft. I hope you get to read them 🙂
Amir
I actually just read Bitter Spirits a few days ago and although I had a few issues with both characters, I enjoyed it overall and would definitely continue on with the series! I love the fact that it’s set in prohibitions too, so many stories to discover around that time! Reading your review makes me even more excited to get my hands on this book, I do want more Magnusson brothers and anti-heroes and heroines have a special place in my heart <3 Lovely review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad you enjoyed it despite the issues you had and I hope you find Grim Shadows engaging Amir.
Katherine
Yes please! 1920s setting and Egyptian artifacts? How could I possibly resist that? So I guess this means 2 more on the old TBR list because I’ve got to start with the first book!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, even though they work as standalone I think you would be mistaken to only read one Katherine. Enjoy!
Mary
Ooh, a smart, charismatic swindler. Do we love him or hate him? Or grow to love him because he is so charismatic? The choices. I really need to read the first in this series!
kimbacaffeinate
:snort: I think we experience a little bit of both. He is a charmer 🙂
Charlie Anderson
You had me at “roaring twenties”…
kimbacaffeinate
my job here is done Charlie *winks*
Stephanie Faris
You always know you’ll get your happily ever after, but a good romance always keeps you wondering how on earth it will ever get there!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, and the ride was a good one! Thanks Stephanie 🙂
finley jayne
I adored the first book in this series, I’m so happy that the second one is great as well! As soon as my library gets it into circulation I’ll be putting a hold on it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am delighted to hear you enjoyed Bitter Spirits and hope your library has it soon 🙂
Vilia
I adored this one too. Bennett has such a way with words.
kimbacaffeinate
I completely agree Vilia and I am delighted to hear you are a fan too.
Jennifer Bielman
I have seen like 5 people love this book and for the life of me and I am just not getting that “I need to read this” feeling. Maybe I am just being stupid.
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, and I think you would like this. It blends so many genres perfectly.
blodeuedd
It sounds so fun, and different too with the 20s
kimbacaffeinate
It was and it is. I hope you try this series Linda 🙂