Lori Sjoberg

I'm a sucker for books about death gods and grim reapers -- thus did I have high hopes for Grave Intentions, a recent release from Lori Sjoberg. I'm delighted to report that those hopes were well met.

It's a fun quirk of plot that David and the other reapers have to conduct their work without being seen or found out by regular people. I'm used to such characters being incorporeal and/or invisible with a wealth of secret superpowers. These reapers, in contrast, are remarkably mundane. Sure, show more they have a few upgrades, but upon first blush they come across as largely human. If one ignores the fact that they're dead. They bleed, eat, get their eyebrows singed off... er, you'll see when you read it. This approach is definitely different from its brethren out there in the world. In many ways, this is more fun. Instead of swooping in on a cloud of mysterious, inky shadows, David and crew have to creep about like repo men, taking care of business with none the wiser. Yes, definitely more fun.

The characters are another high point. For example, our leading lady Sarah has a nice, realistic feel to her. It makes her an appealing protagonist -- easy to relate to, to invest in. David, meanwhile, maintains a wonderfully grumpy demeanor that adds a bit of zing to the play. (I dislike affable heroes; Boy Next Door does not do it for me.)

The relationship between Sarah and David is remarkable in its lack of melodrama. There's an initial spark of attraction, a growing connection, the inevitable union... You can really feel the development of their feelings for one another. None of that improbable soul-mate-at-first-glance, flash-in-the-pan stuff, which gets a tad old sometimes. No, this is more like a real relationship that could happen to anyone. With, y'know, dead people and stuff.

The lack of melodrama does slow things down at times. And some of the dramatic parts could have used a little more oomph. I can't elaborate without landing in a spoiler, but I will say that there are a few angsty moments that just... well, weren't angsty enough for me. Maybe I'm just not being appropriately subtle. Regardless, the conflict of the story resolves in a satisfying conclusion that totally tugged at my heartstrings. It's a happily-ever-after that doesn't come too easily or too conveniently. Like I said before, there's a realistic vibe to this story that sets it apart from others of its ilk.

As the debut book to a new series, some groundwork is laid down for subsequent installments. Specifically, we're introduced to a number of side characters that are a hoot and a half in their own rights. Which bodes well for the success of future books. This whole series is bound to be lots of fun, so I encourage everyone to give Grave Intentions a try.

This book was received courtesy of NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.

Originally posted to Strange Bedfellows: PNR Reviews
http://strangebf.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-grave-intentions.html show less

In case you don’t know I love the Paranormal Romance genre. So when I read the synopsis of Grave Intentions I was really intrigued. There have been a few grim reaper books that I have read and have fallen in love with so I hoped this would be another one of those kinds of books.

It is! The plot moves at a wonderful pace and takes you on an adventure with David Anderson whose job is a Grim Reaper. He had died quite a while ago in a war and was brought back to help souls who died by a tragic show more ending to cross over to the other side. He also mentors new Grim Reapers and teaches them how to handle the job.

His neighbor is Sarah Griffin who is a scientist. She is also different from most humans because David can’t plant suggestions in her mind and she is able to see exactly what he does…

I have to say the ending was not what I had expected and I like the story more because of that. The characters were all captivating and interesting. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series! show less

The publisher’s blurb on this is pretty misleading

Carter Phillips has returned from multiple deployments, and he’s brought a few demons home with him. War has left him scarred, inside and out...

There are no demons in sight, barely an imp, and like many others in this genre, the looming danger to the heroine is resolved too easily and neatly by the end of the book. Nevertheless it is an enjoyable light read.

Sexual content: moderately graphic and not all-pervasive.

Read from January 11 to 24, 2013

Read for Review (NetGalley)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00

First Thoughts When Finished: What a great premise for a series and a solid story to start it rolling!

Story Thoughts: Grim Reapers are starting to become some of my favorite paranormal characters. They are sexy, mysterious, and there are tons of stories that you can create around their jobs. Grave Intentions was a solid story about one particular grim reaper and his job. I show more felt that the pacing of the story was really good and that the story kept me interested from beginning to end. I really think there is a lot of ways Lori can go in the series and I can't wait to see what she does.

Character Thoughts: I loved Lori's characters. I thought they were strong, capable, and intriguing. Can I say how much I loved that Lori let Sarah see David at his job and that she accepted it. I always love when a character accepts what they see with their own eyes. The questions after are always more fun and intriguing. Sarah and David were a great couple and I loved meeting the other Reapers. I am curious as to what is so special about the newbie but I think we are going to have to wait a few books for that!

Final Thoughts: I will be continuing this series and can't wait for the next one! show less