DEAD, UNDEAD OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN by J.A. Saare

No one knows that better than Rhiannon Murphy. She's left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance, she's managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her--until now.

The deliciously good-looking vampire Disco knows her secret, and when he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, she discovers he's not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no. But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it's only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn't their first stroll around the undead block.

You know, I was going to start reading another book just before I decided to check out this book on my Kindle. I just wanted to read the first chapter, get a taste of it... and before I realised it, I'd read the first three chapters and was hooked!

This is the first book in the Rhiannon's Law urban fantasy series.

Rhiannon is a tough bartender with an attitude, and a vocabulary that includes many colorful curse words. She's also a necromancer, and can see ghosts. Although she has no formal training in necromancy, or even knows the kind of power she possesses, she's soon thrust into a dangerous world of vampires. And when Disco asks her to help him find out why vampires are going missing, her world is turned upside down.

This gets her closer to a fellow necromancer called Ethan (she dubs him Goose) and she starts to learn a little more about necromancy. It also gets her so deep into this mysterious and dangerous world that if she wants to survive, she's forced to put her total trust in Disco. Trust is something Rhiannon has a huge issue with. Her past shaped her into what she is, and keeping others at a distance is how she's survived. Not anymore.

I absolutely loved everything about this book! I think it's UF at it's dark and grittiest. I found Rhiannon to be an awesome narrator, and liked her instantly. Others might've had a problem with her attitude, but I actually found it drew me closer to her. Made me like her more. And Disco? What can I say about Disco? I loved him just as much as Rhiannon. I liked Ethan too, and am totally intrigued by Paine.

Also, this book is very well written. Not just the plot and the very interesting characters, but the writing style makes the reading smooth and fun. As well as intense and scary.

The addition of two short stories at the end of the book was also a great idea:

Eyes on Me is the story of Rhiannon and Disco's first meeting, and gives us a glimpse at Cash, and how Disco works out what she is. 

More Than Words is an erotic little story between Rhiannon and Disco, which reinforces how deep their connection is... and makes the end of the book that much more heartbreaking. :(

After the very surprising ending, I can't wait for the next book in the series: The Renfield Syndrome.

H&UFRC books read: 31/24