Tag: Author Shelby Rhodes

Review:  False Morality (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 5) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 5🌈

A cliffhanger ending from the last book delivers , via Shelby Rhodes incredible story, several heartbreaking moments, a great comeuppance for a villain, and , wait, another heart stopping cliffhanger. 

What a hair raising, pulse pumping, white knuckle ride this book is.  It’s everything we’ve come to expect from this series and author and then piled on with a mountain of narrative cherries.  Fabulous!

Rhodes’ has the story five further into the dynamic between Harlow and Foxx, what the ongoing trauma of events is doing to them each and separately. It’s a needed exploration, with these characters, and their dark histories and damaging stories. 

The other characters, the ones we’ve come to love too are focused on here, in ways that will have lasting impact on everyone. And Gavin? Love Gavin. I really needed him here. IYKYK. 

And as if there aren’t already enough words of caution, I’ll add mine. This is probably the most bloody, violent and potentially disturbing book of the bunch. Just Fyi.  Read the warning but these novels have to be read in the order they are written. And honestly, it’s Shelby Rhodes. 

Highly recommended for sheer excitement, sheer excellence, and utter mayhem and madness.  I’m a fan. 

Cover Artist: Beefbeff Art Editor: Emma Luna

The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx:

  • At First Irritation #1
  • Taste of Fear #2
  • Unusual Emotions #3 
  • Thirst Quenched #4 
  • False Morality #5

Buy link

        False Morality (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Foxx Honeywell here and holding on. You all know where we left off. I suppose I always knew that life often has moments—painful moments—that have you questioning every choice you’ve made that led up to it. Questioning if you had done something a little different, moved just a bit faster, delayed a little less, would the outcome have changed. I’m here to tell you, those questions are bloody pointless! The only question that matters is: how are you going to make it right?!

Well, you know me, I’m sure as hell not going to forget or forgive, and Harlow would laugh at even the suggestion. So, with every fiber of my being, I say, bring on the bloodshed!

Author Note: False Morality is the fifth book in the MM paranormal romance series, The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx, a series that is meant to be read in order. Please see inside or my website for content warnings.

  • Publisher: (April 19, 2025)
  • Publication date: April 19, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 432 pages

Review:  A Spark of Something (A Librarian’s Guide to Witchery Book 1) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 4.5🌈

It’s always exciting when Shelby Rhodes releases a new book, yet alone one that’s the start of a new series, but A Spark of Something (A Librarian’s Guide to Witchery Book 1) is exactly that. 

A new LGBTQIA paranormal romance thriller that has all the elements we hope to see in a Shelby Rhodes novel, it sets the foundation going forward with the characters and world building for the books to come.

It’s horrifying, sexy, otherworldly, humorous, and funny. And leaves plenty of room for exploration and expansion in this series.

It starts with a sweetheart of a person, Oliver ‘Ollie’ Cross, who lives above his family’s building, Cross Heritage Private Library.  He’s 30, orphaned from a wealthy family, and takes incredible pride and delight in sharing his love of books and the collection with children of his community and his diverse employees. And his irascible black cat, Red.

Who and exactly what Noble Vincent is, the man who enters Ollie’s life, is a major storyline and won’t be spoiled here. This is a two person POV, one of which is Noble’s. That’s important because of his type of character and history, only an inkling is implied.

Ollie’s employees are amazing and that library has wonders yet to come, I’m sure. It’s definitely got ghosts. 

I thought it was a little unbalanced in terms of character storytelling at the beginning. But that changed dramatically as the two characters met and their relationship created a new dynamic. And Ollie became aware of the otherworld. 

Noble’s element is horrifying and that, honestly, makes his quick relationship with Ollie a bit problematic for me. Rhodes has so many open opportunities for this story to move forward. And it’s just beginning to lay out the details of Ollie’s history and current situation. Nobles as well. Don’t get me started on Red and that book. 

So I’m extremely excited to see where this author goes next. Surprising, terrifying, sexy and amazing.  I’m there for it! 

Highly recommended. 

Fantastic cover design.

Cover Design: Tails Bee 

A Librarian’s Guide to Witchery:

  • A Spark of Something #1
  • Villain of My Heart #2 – Sept 30,2025

Buy link:

        A Spark of Something (A Librarian’s Guide to Witchery Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Hello there, I don’t think I’ve seen you here before. Well, if you are new, welcome. I’m Oliver ‘Ollie’ Cross, owner of the Cross Heritage Private Library, and I have a problem. Several actually. To explain the full weight of my conundrum, I feel I have to put out there that I am skeptical of all paranormal ‘things’, and always have been. Mostly, I just find the supernatural a bunch of nonsense. At least…I did…until ghosts started appearing…and my cat started talking to me… And if that weren’t enough, there is a book that constantly insults me, while claiming that I’m a witch!

So, as you can see, I have quite a conundrum on my hands, in that I…may be losing my ever-loving mind.

On a positive note, for the first time in my life, a man may actually like my tendency to babble, so…winning there? But then, Noble Vincent is perfect… Mysterious, but perfect. Though my cat doesn’t like him, and my best friend thinks he is hiding something. But if anything that’s happening is reality…my cat also lied to me my whole life…and my best friend usually thinks everyone is hiding something, so…opinions rejected!

Anyhoo, things are fine! I’m fine! What’s a few life altering events, some breakdowns, and…multiple people trying to kill me—hah… Things will be okay! I hope…

Author Note: A Spark of Something is the first book in the MM paranormal romance series, A Librarian’s Guide to Witchery, a series that is meant to be read in order. Please see inside or my website for content warnings.

  • Publisher: (January 29, 2025)
  • Publication date: January 29, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 375 pages

Review:  Thirst Quenched (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 4) by Shelby Rhodes 

Rating: 5🌈

Thirst Quenched (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 4) by Shelby Rhodes is a fabulous book.  It’s everything I’d hoped for and more.

For the uninitiated, stop. Read all the trigger warnings, seriously, have you read this author?  Then proceed to go to the beginning of the series and start reading there.

For the rest of us, this is outstanding on so many levels.  It moves the complex relationship between Foxx and Harlow forward even as they grapple with the challenges that Harlow’s new condition presents to them personally as well as what it means for them in the role they play as partners within the organization.  That last being a very important part of this plot.

Rhodes brings in new facets to this story and series with the change to Harlow. It’s a great twist because it’s bringing a deeper dive into his background, the energy of his relationship with Foxx enters a new dynamic, and a hints of a even wider dimension arc wise is threaded into the narrative by two of the most intriguing characters.

Honestly, there’s multiple scenes I enjoyed here that I had to read through several times before I could convince myself to continue. And others that I was sure held clues to future stories that I just didn’t want to move past.  

Iggy as “bluebird “? Yes! more please! I’ll say no more. 

And then there’s that cliffhanger. A real heartstopper!  So now we wait for False Morality to hit next March.  I can’t wait!  I’ll definitely be rereading this several times in anticipation and just because it’s outstanding and I might have missed something. 

Kudos to Shelby Rhodes on writing Thirst Quenched (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 4)! Highly recommended!

Love the covers. This might be my favorite so far.

The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx:

  • At First Irritation #1
  • Taste of Fear #2
  • Unusual Emotions #3 
  • Thirst Quenched #4 
  • False Morality #5 – March 31,2025

Buy Link

        Thirst Quenched (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 4)

    

Blurb 

Foxx Honeywell, here. So, picking up where we left off…and things are decidedly not okay. But, hey…what isfine…is my love life. Which is a win in my book, considering how badly all my former relationships have gone. And really, it’s not often you become someone’s boyfriend and have to deal with their strange secret camera obsession for keeping you safe. No red flags there!

It’s just everything else that is pretty bloody horrible. Multiple old enemies, some new ones, a not so mysterious murdery group, and just all around hatred everywhere. You know, on top of me dealing with Harlow while the man works through, and sometimes fails to work through, his brand new issues. I may end up burying a fifth boyfriend—I haven’t decided yet.

Anywho, it probably won’t be fine. But Harlow and I are still breathing! So that counts for something!

CONTENT WARNING: This is an M/M paranormal romance book that ends on a cliffhanger. Please see inside or my website for full content warning!

  • Publication date: August 23, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 539 pages

Review: Unusual Emotions (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 3) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 5🌈

Unusual Emotions is the third book in Shelby Rhodes’ amazing paranormal romance series, The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx, so a couple of things right away. If you’re reading this series, you are already familiar with the trigger warnings, so I’m not going to repeat them.

Secondly, if you’re familiar with Shelby Rhodes writing, either here or any of this author’s work, then again, see my sentence above about triggers. Rhodes’ writing just comes with a certain amount of warnings, primarily because of the various types of themes and content that are present in this author’s work. If you know, you know.

As this is the third book in this remarkable series, one that has to be read in order, then a reader knows what is in store for them and the characters here. Proceed forward with knowledge!

Unusual Emotions tells us exactly what our characters are dealing with. After the traumatic events and deepest horrors of the past revisited that Taste of Fear put Foxx and Harlow through, now the impact of those events and its consequences, emotionally are seen here on the partners.

Unsurprisingly, Foxx is having nightmares, the burning marks upon his body still visible, his emotional state is shattered as much as his damaged threads. Hes not in good shape as the book opens. But just as shocking, neither is his partner Harlow. He’s having feelings, anger , fear, and more, which he’s trying not to identify. He’s a psychopath and , in his own words and mind, he’s not supposed to be having feelings.

Rhodes weaves an intimate, increasingly confused relationship between two characters that always thought they knew what their relationship was about. Until recently, and Foxx’s recent traumatic experiences have upset him and their dynamic. Both sides are stumbling around, dealing with their own issues, their partner’s unspoken difficulties with the current situation, and a multitude of new cases involving them and weird elements.

It’s Foxx and Harlow trying to figure out how to make their relationship work but it’s changing in ways neither understands. The author lays this out , all the fears, the misguided ways their friends and bosses interfere in the process, all the challenges that realistically make them not trusting of anything deeper than a work relationship, it’s complicated journey that makes them feel more real and broken. Incredible stuff here.

Threaded through this slow burn journey over broken glass pathways is the cases Tony is throwing their way. Unusually big numbers, scary details, weird situations. Each one coming with some defining features and scenarios that will, I’m sure, add up to something even more terrifying to the partners later on.

And I’m not just talking about the cliffhanger of that ending!

Yes, it does have a wowzer of a cliffhanger here. We also knew that would happen.

Unusual Emotions (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 3) by Shelby Rhodes is one incredibly powerful and heart stopping book. Our connection with Foxx and Harlow is made stronger, and we are all so happy that they have made a new step forward in their journey. Now about that cliffhanger!

Highly recommended! Read them in order. Not one is a standalone.

Love the covers.

The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx:

✓ At First Irritation #1

✓ Taste of Fear #2

✓ Unusual Emotions #3

◦ Thirst Quenched #4 – August 24,2024

◦ False Morality #5 – TBD

Buy link

Unusual Emotions (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 3)

Blurb

Foxx Honeywell here… Have you ever wanted something, but then when it finally happens, you panic and think of all the things that could go wrong, because things have always gone wrong? No? Just me? Well, let’s backtrack.

We pick up where we last left off…after the hypocritical murdery priests. Yeah, I’m still dealing with all that. Cases come and go, and things are normal…but then normal flies out of the window. All because my mind decided to focus on things it shouldn’t. Because, as is often the case, emotions and feelings don’t give a shit about timing, place, or the sanity of those involved!

Speaking of sanity. My annoyingly insane partner, HARLOW, decided that he wants to make it all the more complicated by feeling ‘something’ as well.

Long story short, more cases, more confusion, and just the urge to burn the world down in a fit of anger…because why the bloody hell not? Things are decidedly not okay.

CONTENT WARNING: This is a slow burn M/M paranormal romance book, that ends in a cliffhanger. Please see inside or my website for full content warning!

• Publisher: (June 11, 2024)

• Publication date: June 11, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 343 pages

Review: Taste of Fear (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 2) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 5🌈

Before getting into the review, two things. One, these books definitely need to be read in the order they are written in. Secondly, heed the author’s trigger warnings. If you’re familiar with the series or author, then as a reader the content won’t necessarily be as much of a surprise but emotionally it’s still powerful and moving. Especially as it’s got extreme torture, mental, physical and traumatic moments at its core. On page scenes. So read the notes.

This isn’t to dissuade a reader from diving into the story but to inform those who will have issues with those elements in advance so informed choices can be made.

Now as to Taste of Fear. Its excellent. Heartbreaking and a stunning story that will stick with you for some time after you have finished reading it.

Possibly because the manner in which Rhodes does two things simultaneously. The relationship between vampire Foxx Honeywell and scarred human hunter Harlow is progressing uniquely, given each of their respective personalities and histories. Harlow is the one that’s the most perplexed about his odd behavior and feelings towards his vampire partner. Foxx represents so many new aspects to his life he never thought he would have. First sexual encounter with a man, then lots of sexual encounters. Now he’s living with him. And thinking about the vampire, a lot. A stunning reversal of his previous life. The growth and development of the dynamic of this weirdly complex duo is compelling and powerful.

While Rhodes, through scenes both humorous and murderous, give the reader a sense of deepening affection between Foxx and Harlow, a case arises that, adjacent to everything else that has been going on, starts to build a sense of high anxiety and suspense. That something truly horrific is coming.

And it’s target is Foxx.

I can’t begin to tell you how effective Rhodes narrative is here, as chapter by chapter, like a disastrous tragedy we see coming but are unable to stop, the horror slowly creeps in, deathly clues dropping. The reader is deeply apprehensive but still needing to read onward.

I won’t go further into the story line or the reasons for the trigger warnings. Yes, they are necessary for the situation, the plot, and for readers because it’s so real, the emotional connection between us and the characters are very impactful and profound. It will hurt.

I won’t say I enjoyed this. But I did love it on another level. Such outstanding work. It changes the characters fundamentally. It’s shattering. And now I’ll have to wait for the next one for the ramifications to set in.

If you love Shelby Rhodes, dark paranormal fiction. This is the series and story for you. I’m highly recommending this.

If you love paranormal romance but in a lighter vein ( real pun intended), there are other equally terrific books to explore.

Happy reading!

The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx:

✓ At First Irritation #1

✓ Taste of Fear #2

◦ Unusual Emotions #3 – April 12,2024

◦ Thirst Quenched #4 – June 24,2024

Buy Link:

Taste of Fear (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 2)

Blurb:

Foxx Honeywell here. You know those fun stories where nothing goes wrong and everything is happy and joyful…yeah, that is not this book. This book is where everything goes wrong—multiple times. Horribly wrong. Because sadly, there are people out there who hate others simply for existing. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Our story picks up a few months after the whole crazy cult thing, right before the horrible, terrifyingly awful holiday called…Christmas. Because, of course, why wouldn’t we end up back on the job right when not only is it bloody cold outside, but when the ho-ho-hoing menace is plaguing poor innocent vampires everywhere?

Anyway, we go on one hunt, and things are relatively normal-ish. It’s not until the next one where…well, I maybe almost die. What follows is some resurfacing trauma…and a fair few meltdowns. No doubt terrifying my psycho of a partner, Harlow. Who, by the way, through all this seems okay…maybe. A big maybe. So, yeah, that happens. And you know, if that was all that happened, it would have been fine. Really, it would—mostly. It’s just that what followed…really drove home all those years of no therapy. Like a blast in the face from my past nightmare-inducing trauma. I’m sure it will be fine?

CONTENT WARNING: This is a slow burn M/M paranormal romance series with heat. This book ends on a soft cliffhanger. There will be blood, violence, death, trauma induced panic attacks, and mentions of SA (no on page details). PLEASE SEE INSIDE OR CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE FOR THE FULL CONTENT WARNING!

• Publisher: (December 15, 2023)

• Publication date: December 15, 2023

• Print length: 369 pages

Review: Forever Together (The Undead Detective Agency book 4) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 4.75🌈

Forever Together, the book in which Shelby Rhodes emotionally glitter bombs the readers with a roller coaster of a finale plot for vampire Octavius Evander and his now zombified hunny bunny love, Turney, and the rest of the Undead Detective Agency family.

I was wondering how Rhodes was going to pull all the wandering plot threads together and give this series and couple the finale they deserve. Especially after all they’ve been through to get to this point in their undead lives. Does it come together? Absolutely, in a well written and exciting manner!

It’s Halloween in the story (and date of release), so naturally Octavius has gone completely over-the-top batty in planning out his Halloween party for the house, his family and his love. It’s an extravaganza of glitter, exuberance and shocking horror. Not surprisingly, and to Octavius’ dismay, most of his crew isn’t happy about the results. That includes Turney.

Imagine a toddler on about a 18-wheeler’s worth of sugar high, and that’s a realistic description of Rhodes’ Octavius. It would be easy to get irritated by this character if not for his traumatic past history and death which is absolutely terrifying. That darkness and the psychopath who killed him has been a black thread throughout the narrative. That knowledge has balanced the childishness and chaos that Octavius sometimes brings to this storyline. It’s his way of dealing with that trauma and part of his life that’s never left him and what happened to parts of his family. And that aspect of his personality allows us a better understanding of him as a whole complex individual.

Turney, an excellent character, is still reeling from all the changes he’s undergone as well as the guilt he feels about surviving when others have been lost. The trauma of his death, being brought back to life by Scarlett, adjusting to his new status, it’s so much emotionally and physically for Turney at the moment. And Octavius isn’t aware of his issues.

I think if I do have any quibbles about this, it’s Octavius’ lack of awareness about Turney’ feelings. Whether it’s to his new status as a zombie or that he really dislikes being scared by the tricks laid out by his vampire partner, it takes someone else to make Octavius look at what he’s doing or not noticing about Turney. That wasn’t a satisfying aspect of this relationship for me. It’s their own type of relationship that’s unchanged since the beginning but certain events here have highlighted that more.

The side relationships for Scarlett, Henry, and the others are just as important and well done. Especially Scarlett who’s been through so much and who’s independence means more to her than anything.

Honestly, Rhodes has written more than one heartbreaking scenes here, amidst some fast paced action packed sequences. With glitter!

Gots to have glitter.

Did I wish the villain , Dayan, had gotten an even better or say worse send off? Perhaps. Honestly, he was so awful Rhodes could have dedicated a page to his death scene to make it really gory.

But dead he is, happy we are.

And per Rhodes, there will be more stories for the side characters and Agency as well to come. Be still my heart.

So Forever Together (The Undead Detective Agency book 4) by Shelby Rhodes gives us a great finale and launching point for more stories to come. I’m extremely satisfied and looking forward for more mysteries and murderous glittering mayhem.

Not familiar with this series and characters? Start at the beginning and read all the way through for the complete journey of Octavius and Turney. It’s one wild and wonderful adventure.

The Undead Detective Agency:

✓ Get It Together #1

✓ Keep It Together #2

✓ In Death Together #3

✓ Forever Together #4 – finale

More stories to come in other related series!

Buy Link:

Forever Together (The Undead Detective Agency Book 4)

Blurb:

Octavius Evander here. I suppose you have come to see how it all ends. Well, ‘ends’, as in, we’ve reached the end of this part of my story. It wouldn’t be proper of me to move on until we finish it all off, right?

As this is the last book in this series, I feel it is my duty, to end things with a bang! A glittery bang. By bang, I mean, a giant, super cool, Halloween party. And what a party it was… Costumes, decorations, family, frenemies, scares, Turney screaming and clinging on to me—fun times! Not so fun was the interruption to said party. It really was unfair to me. I was on vacation from real murder and mayhem—case related mayhem only—yet somehow, someone had the audacity to be murdered. Inconsiderate people all around!

But you didn’t all come here just for the Halloween party. I know that. There is a certain someone you are waiting to hear about, I’m sure. A certain horrible, maggot of a person. Well…you won’t be disappointed. That issue will be solved, once and for all. The question you may be asking yourselves now is, how will it be solved? All I’m willing to say is, it happened in an unusual and extremely unprepared way. While, you shouldn’t worry too much, as my story, my precious Turney’s story, has a happy ending…it may be good to keep in mind that happiness sometimes shines brightest right after despair.

CONTENT WARNING: This is an M/M paranormal romance book. There will be blood, violence, gore, mention of SA (no on-page details), and death. Please do not read if you find any of the previous situations triggering.

Review: At First Irritation (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 1) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 5🌈

When a book leaves me laughing at the end, has me doing spittakes and in stitches in the middle, and absolutely captivated by the strangeness and unique nature of the characters at the beginning of the story, well 5 stars it is.

And Shelby Rhodes didn’t even include one cliffhanger this time! Murderous, pain-loving characters (yes, pls do read the trigger warnings), a vampire who is quite unlike any other I’ve read, and a snarling human hunter who gets him as a partner. Both seem to have mysteries swirling around them. Even better.

The writing is really great, moving the story forward quickly without sacrificing character growth or relationship development. There’s so much more going on here that’s it’s easy to miss the small details. Bombs going off,bodies everywhere, mythologies being laid down, an agency foundation and country laws pieced together for the readers and multiple species at the same time.

It’s fabulous and woven in a bit at a time. Along with a great cast of characters that support diminutive vampire Foxx Honeywell and hulking hunter Harlow Blackmore.

Those terms in no way even begin to describe how complex and dynamic this partnership will become.

I’m dying to have the next release in my hands! My mind is filling with possibilities about what is going on with both of them. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Highly imaginative, beautifully written, yes! A five-star read! One I’m absolutely recommending.

The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx:

✓ At First Irritation #1

◦ Taste of Fear #2 – Dec 15, 2023

Trigger Warnings:

“This is a slow burn M/ M paranormal romance series with heat. There will be blood, violence, gore, torture and death. Please do not read if you find any of the previous triggering.”

— At First Irritation (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 1) by Shelby Rhodes

Buy Link:

At First Irritation (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 1)

Description:

“Welcome, welcome. I can only guess you are here to read about my wonderful adventures? Oh, you don’t know who I am? Well, I’m Foxx Honeywell. An adorable, fierce vampire with a kink for violence. Anywho, this marks the beginning of my story. A story of violence, blood, possibly pain, and love. Though, the love part is not so apparent at first.”

So how does this story start, you may ask? Well, it starts with a simple—okay, maybe not so simple—law change, and a new job. I, Foxx, join the notorious Hunters Guild. An organization that used to murder my kind indiscriminately. But that was in the past. We’ve moved on and forward to better things, as paranormals are legal now! Yay, legal…

However, joining this government agency of questionable morals was just the catalyst of it all. Sure, the job is fun; lots of killing, maiming, blood, and even some explosions. But what is an adventure if you are all on your own? Boring, that’s what. No, the true satisfaction and fun comes not just from the job but from my partner on the job, Harlow Blackmore. The man is a sexy, silver fox of a human, who may or may not be a psychopath. He also possibly finds me irritating as hell. As any rational adult would, I choose to ignore those last parts and focus on the sexy! It will surely all work out in the end!”

Review: In Death Together (The Undead Detective Agency #3) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 4.75🌈

In Death Together is everything I expected it to be and yet it’s more!

I’ve come to have high expectations for this series. Rhodes has layered in a chilling storyline of a psychological horror thriller that has elements of pathological violence and stalking, abuses and non consent, obsession and death.

There’s a fabulous found family of paranormal beings headed by an ancient vampire who’s unlike any I’ve met in other works of fiction. Octavius and his human lover , Turney’s path to a forever relationship has been eventful and , here, shockingly horrifying. I shed so many tears. Why I didn’t think I would, I honestly don’t know. But I was as shattered by the first part of this story as was Octavius. It’s that Rhodes has done such an exemplary job in making us care for Turney that the events at the end of Keep It Together, those that double as the beginning of In Death Together, are emotionally draining and so full of pain even as they are expected.

The author’s skillfully wrought dynamic that’s so outwardly sexy and humorous between these two characters gets peeled away at the most powerful moments to reveal the depths of feeling and love that truly exists within their bond. One that death cannot break. Although it tries.

There’s other characters, and romantic relationships. Most within the found family. Some are promising, some are tragic, and one is unexpectedly lovely. The last is an explicit F/F romance. If this is an issue, skip over it, or this isn’t the book for you. I adore the couple.

There’s a battle unlike any other. But as Octavius is involved in the planning, wild things ensue! And horrible things as well. Rhodes’ narrative balancing act between comedy and pathos/horror teeters delicately even when bones are being smashed, and explosions are going off.

The ending is a cliffhanger. It sets up the final book , Forever Together.

I love In Death Together. I wept throughout all that excellently executed horror, and expected moments of untold emotional agony and guilt. Rhodes has given us , with Octavius and Turney , romantic relationships and deep love, hilarity and glitter, sexual hijinks and role playing moments that are so memorable they need bookmarks!

And a found family full of characters to treasure and journey with to their own destiny with happiness and love.

We have but one more book to see that happen.

I’m highly recommending In Death Together (The Undead Detective Agency #3) by Shelby Rhodes but make sure to read all the preceding books first. They must be read in the order that they were written.

I also love the covers.

The Undead Detective Agency:

✓ Get It Together #1

✓ Keep It Together #2

✓ In Death Together #3

◦ Forever Together #4 TBD 2024

Buy Link:

In Death Together (The Undead Detective Agency Book 3)

Description:

You’ve returned… good! Octavius Evander here, your lovable vampire detective. So, where we ended things last time, everything had gone horribly wrong. What can really be said, besides that change is a fact of life, and unlife. Turney, my love, my heart—unfortunately, he has much change to deal with. No matter, we will all get through it together! Some of us will be getting through it together, much closer than we ever expected, if you know what I mean.

But, enough about that. On to the cases! We will have a new one come up, one with love and questionable family relationships, and even a murder! We don’t get to witness the murder, but we can’t always get what we want. Either way, it’s going to be fun.

Lastly, I suppose there is also the old case looming over us. The ‘pain in the ass’ case. Prepare yourselves for pain, blood, betrayal, glitter, and devastation. No, hint’s as to whose…but remember, this is a love story. Stop worrying, you silly humans. It will be fine.

CONTENT WARNING: This is an M/M paranormal romance book, with a little F/F on the side. There will be blood, violence, gore, mention of SA (no on-page details), and death. Please do not read if you find any of the previous situations triggering.

Review : Keep It Together (The Undead Detective Agency Book 2) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 4.75🌈

“I, Detective Octavius Evander, continues! To start off on a positive note, prepare to be amazed my precious human, Turney,”

The adventures and romantic journey of the ancient vampire Octavius Evander and his human companion, the wonderfully named Turney Pimms, continues in Keep It Together.

This series starts with Octavius deciding to open a paranormal detective agency, with nothing but money, whimsy and time behind it. As the first book progresses past a strangely endearing flyer, The Undead Detective Agency begins to accumulate its unique employees and accept cases. Among its employees are Turney Pimms, Cormac the werewolf ,Scarlett the zombie , and Min-ji the powerful witch. Each finds their way to working for Octavius in an most unlikely scenario.

But it’s Octavius himself who’s the paranormal puzzle at the heart here. He’s ancient, incredibly intelligent, lost more knowledge than anyone around while accumulating more powers, and yet he’s still not the figure you’d expect.

And this is where Shelby Rhodes does the hardest work narratively and the best that’s threaded through out the series to date. It’s in creating a character so lovable and endearing that we pay little attention to the darker aspects of his story the author’s hinting at.

Honestly I’d pay just for the fabulous sketches of the character of Octavius at the beginning of each chapter. He’s just that winning a personality, especially in his costumed fruit bat form.

So as Octavius runs around chasing his favorite types of glitter, or between cases, has sexy romps with his Turney, the author starts to smack the reader with a clue. Then it’s back to silliness. Then a harder smack to make us pay attention, then notice something about Octavius, then everything isn’t quite so simple or silly anymore.

That perhaps it’s deep trauma and a shattering experience that’s brought about a need to shy away from looking at things too hard and instead concentrate on glitter and scrapbooking. Suddenly the character of Octavius takes on another troubling aspect and damaged perspective of someone who’s been abused.

The ending is both something the author is preparing the reader for and is still unexpected. It’s a cliffhanger.

I have such a deeper appreciation for the layers the author is writing into the story and characters here that I wasn’t aware of in the first book. I’ll be rereading it again soon to see what I missed.

I’m highly impressed by the story and plots . I’m recommending it. There’s a character death. That’s not a spoiler as it’s mentioned in the description.

Part of me thinks that there should be a trigger warning for trauma but I can’t think of how I’d word it at the moment. It’s that sort of story.

The Undead Detective Agency:

✓ Get It Together #1

✓ Keep It Together #2

◦ In Death Together #3 TBD 2023

◦ Forever Together #4 TBD 2024

Buy Link:

Keep It Together (The Undead Detective Agency Book 2)

Description:

Back again, I see. Well, you are in luck, for the story of, I, Detective Octavius Evander, continues! To start off on a positive note, prepare to be amazed as my precious human, Turney, falls into my hands!

Okay, technically, I already had my hands on him—all of him—but that didn’t make him mine, mine. But now it is time to show how I captured his heart with my lovable personality! No doubt my adorable and sparkly new hobby had something to do with it as well!

But enough about the gooey emotions. On to the cases! There will be a new adventure or two with my team to entertain. Though the adventures this time, well, not all end as pleasantly as one might hope. While I would say to prepare for the return of old faces, none of you have seen them before. Just know that their reappearance in my life leads to an unfortunate event. But in the paranormal world, fun and death go hand and hand, does it not?

CONTENT WARNING: This is a M/M paranormal romance book that ends on a cliffhanger. There will be violence and a main character death—a temporary death.

Review: Get It Together (The Undead Detective Agency #1) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 4.5🌈

Another new author, another funtastic paranormal story and romance to grab hold of!

Given that graphically simple but perfect cover and great description, I knew I was in for a humorous story but it has hints of so much more hidden in the corners of this wildly entertaining romance between a ancient but oddly cute vampire who’s decided to be a detective and a human thief gone law student!

There’s a lot to discuss here. Mostly because it sounds a bit unhinged, in a terrific way!

It starts with Octavius Evander, the ancient vampire who’s boredom is the reason he’s starting The Undead Detective Agency to begin with. With his best friend, the zombie Scarlet at hand to act as secretary, backup, and sarcastic Greek chorus, Octavius is hilarious from the moment we meet him. He’s got the attention span of a toddler and what he does like (pink, sparkly, glitter, fabulous, eccentric), well, he wants it now. Black goth then 18th century fashion. In a instant. And sweets.

He’s just endearing. A bit clueless when it comes to some matters for a being that’s lived for so many centuries, but that’s a part of his charm.

And when he puts out a handmade flyer for the agency which also includes advertising for help. He gets the unexpected in the best way. A human applies.

That’s Turney Pimms. Love these names. Turney has got a bit of a colorful background, one I’m sure we will explore further in the books to come. At the moment, Turney’s enrolled in law school at Yale and the funds are getting scarce for the next year. He’s desperately in need of a job when a friend shows him a weird flyer.

A flyer which turns his world upside down!

Rhodes story has great characters, really entertaining scenes, but also ones that show our characters getting to know and understand each other with a warmth and deepening affection. It plays out so well.

But the author never forgets, even when we’re about to, that Octavius is a very old and powerful vampire and Turney is still just human. With all that entails.

There’s a number of scary cases, some investigations that go much differently then everyone thought, and will effect the Agency and the relationships being established.

Get It Together (The Undead Detective Agency #1) by Shelby Rhodes is just a wonderful read! I enjoyed immensely and highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys paranormal stories, especially romance.

There’s four books at least planned for the series. I’ve listed them below. I am so going to enjoy each and every one , I can tell!

The Undead Detective Agency series:

✓ Get It Together #1

◦ Keep It Together #2 – Feb/March 2023

◦ In Death Together #3 – TBD

◦ Together Forever #4 – TBD

Synopsis: 

Hello, there! I’m Octavius Evander. And this is the beginning of my story—well…sort of. It’s not the very beginning. As a vampire, that story would be way too long to write down—think, before the Romans. Rather, this story is about how I met the love of my unlife. Okay, it will be mostly about the cool and fancy detective agency I opened and solving mysteries, but also a little about love too.


     So, what does one need to open a detective agency, you may ask? Well, for one, a detective. As it was my idea, and I paid for everything, I, of course, filled that role. Next, I needed a secretary. My beautiful and marginally dangerous best friend Scarlett filled that role. Now, I will admit, at that time, I had not thought further than that, and simply skipped to getting my detective license, an office, and some other necessities.


     My mind might have been too full of the fun adventures I was about to have. My hope was that those in and out of the paranormal communities would keep me entertained for a very long time. I quickly realized I still needed a driver, a tech person, and a witch that was good with ghosts. This is the story of how I found those people. And who would have thought the first to walk through the door would be human, with no knowledge of the paranormal—my precious Turney.  

BUY NOW

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.