Review: Mind Over Monsters by Jennifer Harlow

Title: Mind Over Monsters
Author: Jennifer Harlow
Series: A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation #1
Publication Date: October 8th 2011
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Genre: Paranormal
Format: Paperback, 280 pages
Source: Review copy from author
Cover Rating: 4/5
Content Rating: 5/5

~synopsis~

Paranormal heroes take on zombies in this funny and thrilling debut.

Beatrice Alexander is no ordinary schoolteacher—she can move objects with her mind, an embarrassing skill she hasn’t yet mastered or embraced. After nearly killing her brother by accident, she joins the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad, the Federal Response to Extra-Sensory and Kindred Supernaturals. This top-secret branch of the FBI combats ghosts, ghouls, and other monsters threatening humanity.

With her teammates—among them a handsome former-detective werewolf and an annoying Don Juan vampire who’s dead-set on seducing her—Beatrice investigates her first case. Disgustingly dismembered bodies have turned up, bearing bite marks of the undead. Someone—or something—is raising a horde of hideous, bloodthirsty zombies. Armed with Bette, her trusty machete, Beatrice takes on the master of the flesh-devouring corpses, who’s guarding a horrifying secret . . .

Featuring a team of monster hunters with unique paranormal abilities, the F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation series combines humor, suspense, and supernatural crime-fighting.

My thoughts: 

The author, Jennifer Harlow, contacted me to review this book. First of all, a huuuuuge thanks to her for that. If she hadn't I probably wouldn't have read this amazing book any time soon. I almost didn't accept the review request even, but the synopsis drew me in. And also because she sent me the print book had a lot to do with it because I usually only get ebooks because I love in Belgium. 

At first I wasn't sure I would like it, but after reading the guest post she send me, where she interviews the main character, Beatrice, I knew I would be hooked. The interview was really funny and cute too. Oliver *wink wink*
The thing that really hooked me about this book was how there's this team of monster hunters, who are people with paranormal abilities themselves, even a vampire and a werewolf! So of course I started reading it right away once I received it and it sure didn't disappoint!

One of my favorite aspects in the book was the action. Lately I'm all about action in the books I read, without it I feel like it's getting boring. But luckily, Mind Over Monsters had lots of it.
I have to say at first I couldn't really get into the characte of Bea, but that was maybe just some weirdness on my part because later I really liked her. She's funny. We really do have the same humor and she's also really brave. I wouldn't dare do half the things she did!
There wasn't really that much romance and even though I love my portion of romance in a book, I wouldn't have wanted it otherwise. There was some flirting, some eye contact that makes you see fireworks but no kissing, yet, which was fine by me. But it's obvious that there is or will be a love triangle. The werewolf and the vampire. Will and Oliver. Personally I love Oliver the most. I love the way he calls Bea "Trixie" but Will sure is something too.
Another thing that was just perfectly written were the zombies. I could practically smell them! 
I also loved guessing about who the bad guy was and I had a lot of theories myself, of course they were all wrong but still it was fun!
The end was so good! Just when I thought everything was over, BAM! something happens again. That was probably one of the major espects of me giving Mind Over Monsters 5 stars. I just love unexpected twists and turns.

The only slightly negative thing that bothered me was the way Bea curses. Like, "Oh, fudge." Maybe that's just part of Bea's character but I'm afraid it's just not my cup of tea. Other than that I really did like her though.

All in all Mind Over Monster was a fantastic read. Funny, cute, witty, action filled and well written. I am definitely looking forward to reading To Catch A Vampire, the second book in the series, which will be available on september 8th 2012.

~Favorite Quote~

“You're cute, but..."
He steps away from me, and I can breathe again. "Cute?" he spits. "For centuries women have wanted me, desired me. Royals requested me by name, and you think I am cute?”

About the author:

Jennifer Harlow spent her restless childhood fighting with her three brothers and scaring the heck out of herself with horror movies and books. She grew up to earn a degree at the University of Virginia which she put to use as a radio DJ, crisis hotline volunteer, bookseller, lab assistant, wedding coordinator, and government investigator. Currently she calls Northern Virginia home but that restless itch is ever present. In her free time she continues to scare the beejepers out of herself watching scary movies and opening her credit card bills.

You can find her on her Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

The Buzz for Mind Over Monsters

“Monstrously fun! Monstrously suspenseful! Monstrously good!” –Victoria Laurie

“A gritty, dramatic police-procedural with a compelling heroine and a fascinating group of sidekicks.”

               --Karen Chance

“Harlow offers treats for every paranormal lover to relish, with plenty of action, thrills, and laughter.”

             --Leanna Renee Hieber

“Mind Over Monsters is funny, scary, and creepy—and ridiculous amounts of fun!” –Kat Richardson 

~ Mind Over Monsters soundtrack ~

Magic to Do - Ben Vereen from the musical "Pippin"
Edge of the Ocean - Ivy
Cold - Annie Lennox
If It Wasn't For Bad - Elton John & Leon Russell
Shadows of the Night - Pat Benatar
Four Minutes - Madonna ft. Justin Timberlake
Tainted Love - Soft Cell
Say It Right - Nelly Furtado
Fields of Gold - Sting
Ordinary World - Duran Duran
Savin' Me - Nickelback
Precious - Depeche Mode
Home - Depeche Mode

Please download legally. All songs are available on iTunes

To check out the guest post by Jennifer Harlow on my blog, click here!

♥