Review: The Sin Eater by Jennifer Harlow

Title: The Sin Eater 
Author: Jennifer Harlow
Series: F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation #5
Publication: May 23rd 2017 by Devil on the Left Books
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 4.5/5★

The long anticipated installment of the best-selling and critically acclaimed F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad series is finally here…

CLASSIFIED: The Exiled F.R.E.A.K.

What’s a F.R.E.A.K. to do after all her hopes and dreams literally died in front of her? Telekinetic Beatrice Alexander went from flying around the country in a private jet, saving innocent lives from monstrous threats to living in her grandmother’s house, playing video games and drinking too much. Directionless, hiding from her problems and trauma, she will do anything not to confront her deadly actions that fateful night in North Carolina three months before. Any distraction will do.

Enter Lord Connor McInnis.

Drawn to the sexy, powerful ruler of San Diego, Beatrice soon loses herself in the passion and luxury of the vampire’s world. But when she finds herself caught in the middle of a centuries old vampire rivalry, Beatrice must decide: how far is she willing to go for those she loves…and for herself?

I kind of forgot to post this review after I read the book because I read the book and wrote the review when I was on vacation last year so it was still hiding in one of my notebooks but I finally got around to posting it. Phew! Initially I was a little nervous to start this book because I knew it was going to be a little different from the previous four books. And it did actually end up being quite different but in the best way possible!

It's been a while since the book before this one but I remember how the end really broke my heart so I knew the main character, Bea, wouldn't be in the best state of mind in this story. But it only showed how very human she really is. I don't want to give too much away but she ends up being in a relationship with a rich and powerful vampire named Connor, which really surprised me because this didn't seem typical at all for Bea. She was grieving the loss of the love of her life so I did understand her reasoning concering all her actions. She made some rash and bad decisions, sure, but I can't say I blame her for it.

Speaking of Connor... I never really knew what to really think of him when he appeared in a previous book or was mentioned. He was a major character in this book so it gave me time to get to know him more. I liked him but there were also moments when I was reading the book that I felt something was really off about him. I was going back and forth a lot with him. The story kept me guessing whether he was to be trusted or not, which is something that I actually loved. 

Compared to the other books this one was really steamy and also a lot darker. That was yet another thing I loved about it. You know me, I'm all about the darker books. And of course there was Oliver, my favorite character from this series. He's just so wonderful and he was amazing in this book. I love how well he knows Bea and how well she knows him in return. I'm not sure if she actually deserves him but I do want them to be endgame (although I'm not sure if there'll be another book but a girl can dream) They have a real and strong connection. I was also really glad that he made Bea see sense eventually. 

So overal I loved The Sin Eater by Jennifer Harlow. It's definitely one of my most favorite books by her and a very powerful story as well. I can't recommend this series high enough. It also features different paranormal creatures and people with various powers. 

Author bio
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 Atlanta 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.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Review: High Moon by Jennifer Harlow

Title: High Moon
Author: Jennifer Harlow:
Series: A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation #4
Publication: September 16th 2014
Genre: Adult ~ Urban Fantasy ~ Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: 4/5

Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

CLASSIFIED: A F.R.E.A.K.S. LOVE STORY

Telekinetic Special Agent Beatrice Alexander has fought hordes of zombies, psychotic vampires, and even a troll. But now she faces her greatest challenge: love. Fully recovered from her holiday from hell, Bea has returned to the F.R.E.A.K.S. with a mission, to gain the love of her werewolf teammate, Will Price. Of course nothing is ever easy when it comes to love and war. And when the killing fields of a pack of murderous werewolves is discovered in the wilds of North Carolina, the situation goes from complicated to deadly. Because though Bea always seems to get her man or beast in the end, this time she isn’t sure she will survive with her love intact. Or with her life…

As much as I liked High Moon, it wrecked me. It really, really wrecked me. My heart is still hurting from it. But it was awesome, though. Only really great books can make me feel so much.

I loved the previous books but starting this one I really didn't know what to expect. So yeah, I'm really glad I liked it so much - even with that awful ending. *sniffles*

Bea is an awesome main character. I love her spirit and how she never gave up on Will, no matter how much he pushed her away. And I must say she's grown a lot since that first book. She can fight, she has awesome powers and she can even pick locks now! And yet she has some human flaws, on the inside as well as the outside. I think it's so great how the author created her like that, not a super skinny model-like woman with perfect sizes but someone who like every woman has flaws in her looks and is sometimes insecure about her body. I want more characters like that.

I really love the set of secondary characters in this series, especially Oliver. I love Oliver. I love love love him to bits and pieces, even when he wasn't on his best behavior in this book. I was never much of a fan of Will but I do wanted him and Bea to be together because they went through so much and it's about time! Did it happen? I won't tell, you'll just have to find out. ;)

This book was, to me, a bit different in some way. It's hard to explain. It wasn't a bad different because I really liked this book. I guess it was more focused on Bea and Will than the other books. But aside from the romance, there was also as always a lot of action, drama (so much drama!) and witty dialogue. These books just crack me up.

As always there's a case the FREAKS are working on, which adds some mystery to the story, which I love. I always catch myself trying to solve it along with them, but of course I never can. Still, I like a good mystery and it's fun to try! The only minor point to me was that the first 20% of this book was all about Bea and Will and the romance, which eventually started to get a little boring, but that's probably just a person issue. Aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I mentioned the ending before and I feel like I have to get into that more. It was shocking. And when I say shocking I mean really shocking. I hadn't expected that to happen at all. Also, I teared up so badly (which I almost never do!), that I had to get tissues. I just want to say, why? Why would this happen. It was so awful and yeah just wow...  I do hope there will be a fifth book soon because this killed me. Damn authors!


All in all, High Moon was another great F.R.E.A.K.S. book in an equally amazing series. Jennifer Harlow really surprised me with this one. That ending, my god! I would recommend this book as well as the series (if you haven't read the other three books yet). Get to reading them now!

Favorite Quotes:

"Some things are worth fighting for. They make no rhyme or reason to anyone but you, but you just know. It's outside logic, it's outside reason, it's just something you sense in your very core. And if you don't listen to it, if you allow it to slip through your fingers, then you spend the rest of your life regretting it. You spend the rest of your life an empty shell. If that's not worth a whole damn war, let alone a fight or two, I don't know what is."

"I'm sorry to be rude, but why is the FBI interested in an animal attack?" Tobin asks.
Ugh. Every darn time we show up people ask us this question. I just want to shout, "Because we're the mother f-ing FBI and we do what we want, that's why!" It hasn't happened yet. Getting close, though.

I glance back at Will, whose nose twitches like a rabbit on cocaine.

About the Author:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

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 Atlanta 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.

Review: Death Takes a Holiday by Jennifer Harlow

Title: Death Takes a Holiday
Author: Jennifer Harlow
Series: A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation #3
Publication: August 8th 2013 by Midnight Ink
Genre: Fantasy
Format: e-arc
Cover Rating: 5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5

Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

  

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.

~My thoughts:

How I love this series! One of my all-time favorites so far. Once again Jennifer Harlow did a great job with this series.

Death Takes a Holiday starts out with Bea running away from a basilisk and crushing it with her awesome mind power. Loved that. Brilliant start. After that we find out quite a few things have happened since the last book. The team is all devided in two parts about what happened there. That made me so sad and I couldn't believe Will would let things get so far. So Bea decides to take a much needed vacation and return home, but of course the vacation doesn't turn out exactly like she wanted to...

I must admit that Death Takes a Holiday isn't my favorite Freaks book so far. It's still a really great book but I felt at some point that all Bea did was whine about Will and Oliver, like it was all about the love triangle. Yep. Bea was annoying me for a little while. Never saw that one coming. Luckily it didn't take long for things to pick back up. So other than I loved this book. There were quite a few new characters like the Irish vamipre lord Connor. I must say I love him. So I'm curious to read more about him in the future maybe.

Like I said Bea kept going back and forth on her feelings for Will and Oliver. There were even dirty dreams involved. lol.
I'm still rooting for the Oliver. He's so amazing and after this book I'm even more convinced. He's the guy for Bea! We found more about his past also. I feel with every book we learn more and more about him and that makes me even love him more. He actually understands Bea, unlike Will. Yeah, I still don't like him. He's too serious and brooding and not fun. But I guess the heart wants what it wants. And Bea wants Will. But things still aren't resolved between them so there's still a chance for Oliver or even Connor to sweep her off her feet. We'll see...

The overall story line was amazeballs! Never in a thousand years I would've seen THIS coming. Yes, Jennifer Harlow is truly the queen of plot twists. And I love her for it.


Death Takes a Holiday might not be the best Freaks book out there (personally for me due to lack of Oliver) but it definitely wasn't lacking action, good writing or unexpected turns. No, I really liked it and it's a nice addition to the this series. I can't wait to read the fourth book and see what other adventures the team is going to go on!

~Favorite Quotes:

It takes all my willpower not to run like the Flash out of that club, but since it was bravado that's more or less kept me alive in the past few minutes, I must keep up appearances.

“Go get it over with, and I'll reward you with a cherry margarita," April says.
"With sugar rim?"
"Of course. What are we? Heathens?"
"I want two. And flan."
"Done. Now get over there. And be nice.”

I sigh. What a couple of days. Tomorrow I am so not leaving my bedroom. Not if there's a fire, an earthquake, or if Chris Evans shows up on my doorstep begging me to run off to Hawaii with him.

“Glad I help you expand your horizons." "Perhaps later we can return to your bedroom and I can expand yours.”

~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 Virgina 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.

Find Jennifer also on:

Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Twitter | Website

Review: To Catch A Vampire by Jennifer Harlow

Title: To Catch A Vampire
Author: Jennifer Harlow
Series:  A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation #2
Publication: September 8th 2012 by Midnight Ink Books
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: e-book, 289 pages
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Cover Rating: 5/5
Content Rating: 5/5

~Synopsis~

Mission #2 brings sizzling kisses and deadly vengeance.

Beatrice Alexander is still adjusting to life as a secret special agent, wiping out zombies and other supernatural threats. Now, a new case requires partnership with her annoying and gorgeous vampire co-worker Oliver. To infiltrate the goth vamp scene in Dallas, Texas, they must go undercover as a married couple and, Oliver's convincing public affection has Bea swooning in her bustier and fishnets. Clubbing with the undead turns bloody when Oliver's old enemy, the vampire lord of Dallas, turns up.

My thoughts: 
When I finished the first book in this series, "Mind Over Monsters", I knew I had found something truly amazing. I wanted to read the next book as soon as possible. Luckily for me it was available for requesting on NetGalley and soon I got it. I was beyond excited to start reading it and two days ago I finally did. And, boy, did I love it!

When I started To Catch A Vampire I was hooked right away again. For some unknown reason I liked Bea better in this book. I definitely liked this one better than Mind Over Monsters, partly because there was way more Oliver in it. It mostly was only him and Bea working on a case, which I loved. It was amazing!

Just like the first book the plot was very well written. I liked the mystery of the case and loved how Bea and Oliver had to go undercover and pretend to be a married couple. It's no secret that I adore Oliver. I mean, he's just so sweet to Bea and I feel like he totally understands her, but on the other hand is also dangerous because he's a vampire. 
And also just like in Mind Over Monsters there was a surprise at the end that I once again didn't see coming. When you think it's over and done... Surprise! Something unexpected happens.
There wasn't much of the other characters in this one. Will was on vacation so he only made an appearance at the end but he was still a lot on Bea's mind. Not sure how I feel over that... One character I just hate is Bea's brother. He's so mean to her. I couldn't get that he'd say stuff like that to her. But anyway, I love this world builed up by Jennifer Harlow. I love the F.R.E.A.K.S. a lot. All their different powers are very fun to read about. 
There was more romance in this book, which I really liked. Mostly it was between Bea and Oliver. I couldn't help but swoon. I loved their bickering too. So much sexual tension there! Enough gushing about Oliver now...
Another thing I love about these books is the vivid action. I can just see it in my head, playing like a movie. It's truly brilliant. 

This book was just amazing, which shows in the fact that I read it in only 2 days! I can't wait for the next one. But I'm afraid I'll have to wait a while. Oh well, it's worth it!
I'm sure everyone who loves anything paranormal will be hooked by this book. The characters are all amazing. There's hot werewolves and vampires. A kickass heroine with awesome powers. Action and suspense where you can't predict what's going to happen or who might die! And some romance. What more do you want?

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

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!

♥