Book Review: Death Takes A Holiday by Jennifer Harlow

Title: Death Takes A Holiday
Author(s): Jennifer Harlow
Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher/Date: Midnight Ink Books / August 8, 2013
Series: A F.R.E.A.K.S Squad Investigation (Book #3)

"A getaway. No vampires. no dead bodies. No egos the size of China. Just me, Nana, and April shopping, talking, and drinking too many margaritas. And no men. Heaven here I come." -Bea Alexander

Warning: This review may contain spoilers concerning Mind Over Monsters & To Catch A Vampire. 

 

Case Study

A supernatural love triangle + one indecent proposal Beatrice Alexander can crush a sixty-foot snake with her mind, but she can't take any more of the drama that's tearing apart F.R.E.A.K.S. Should she give it all up -- her job as a secret agent and the possibility of a relationship with Will, the gorgeous werewolf? Bea's hoping to get it all figured out on a trip home for Christmas. But soon her hunky ex-boyfriend wants to rekindle their romance. Then, a powerful (and super hot) vampire lord offers Bea an impossible ultimatum: leave San Diego and her family forever -- or become his lover. (synopsis from Goodreads)

The Game's Afoot

You guys... I've been waiting for well over a year for this book, so the second it arrived on my doorstep I ripped through it like a kid on Christmas morning; which is funny because a good portion of the book actually takes place on Christmas morning. Natch.

After blowing through the first two books in the series, Bea and the gang have become like old friends to me. We've been through our ups and downs, shared a few laughs, indulged in some seriously swoony moments, all while kicking paranormal ass. Okay, well maybe I personally haven't kicked any paranormal ass, but I'm there to lend moral support.

Fact: I'd be about this helpful in the face of danger

I'm always a little wary as I delve deeper into a much beloved series because my expectations usually get the best of me in the end. Fortunately, this isn't the case with this one. Though there's less to be found in the action department (when compared to the first two books at least), it's quite heavy on Bea's personal development and character growth. We get to learn more about her family, friends and past which gives us more insight into why she is the way she is. As much as I love her snarkiness, it becomes evident that it's a defense measure. She's in a very vulnerable position, and at this point in the books, she's been put through the ringer. The traumatic death of one of the team members results in Bea's subsequent ostricization from the F.R.E.A.K.S. Plus, she's got two incredibly hot supernaturals vying for her affection which only makes matters worse.

Basically, the F.R.E.A.K.S. are on the verge of WWIII and it isn't pretty.

"I should be happy. Team Bea won this battle, but as Will walks away and I feel that ever-present anger wafting from him, instead I want to cry. War is hell. Especially when it's not one you want to be fighting." -Bea Alexander

So naturally, a vacation is in order. Can you blame her? You'd think that slipping back into your old life would be a piece of cake, but Bea finds out even that isn't as easy or safe as it sounds when you're a F.R.E.A.K. From deadly conspiracies to hungry trolls and the vampire mafia, Bea's time at home isn't the relaxing vacation she hoped for. And to top it all off, she's got hunky exes and vampy proposals to contend with as well. What once was a love triangle between Bea, Oliver and Will suddenly morphs into this weird love polygon. I know! But where that usually turns me off in a book, Harlow makes it work. This may or may not have something to do with a sexy Irish vampire. Just saying.

I think @jenharlowbooks is reading my mind because I do love me a sexy, well-spoken, British/Irish vamp. RAWR! #youknowwhatilike
— Nikki (@foiltheplot) August 27, 2013

Don't get me wrong, I will always root for my main man, Oliver, but Connor sure does give him a run for his money! So yeah, Bea has a lot to contend with. But despite all the drama, Bea manages to still be a bad ass. Even after being shot, chased, body broken and nearly sacrificed, she's capable of saving herself with a witty retort and all. And that's why I love these books so much --- we've got one BAMFY MC, lots of swoonage and tons of supernatural action. It really doesn't get any better than this, friends.

Summary Prognosis

I devoured Death Takes A Holiday just as quickly as i did the first two books in the series. While it isn't as high on the action, it more than makes up for it with the character development and introduction of some super sexy super freaks! If I have only one regret, it's that I didn't pace myself while reading it because I NEED MORE! If you're a fan of the paranormal genre but aren't familiar with this particular series, I highly recommend you get aboard this freaky train because IT SERIOUSLY ROCKS!


Rating:★★★★


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