Graveyard Shift

*4.5 stars*<br /><br /><b>I love these books so much, and I'm beyond excited that <a href="https://goodreads.com/author/show/9869819.Jenn_Burke" title="Jenn Burke" rel="noopener">Jenn Burke</a> delivered again with another excellent addition to her <i>Not Dead Yet</i> series.</b> Fans of these books, get ready for a whirlwind of emotions!<br /><br />Yes, I know this is supposed to be the final installment of the series, but I'm <i>so</i> not ready to say goodbye! I think there is so much potential for an offshoot series here... (<i>hint, hint!!</i>)<br /><br /><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/46155798.Graveyard_Shift__Not_Dead_Yet__3_" title="Graveyard Shift (Not Dead Yet #3) by Jenn Burke" rel="noopener">Graveyard Shift</a> is a book that must be read after <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/43263020.Give_Up_the_Ghost__Not_Dead_Yet__2_" title="Give Up the Ghost (Not Dead Yet #2) by Jenn Burke" rel="noopener">Give Up the Ghost</a> and <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/41435160.Not_Dead_Yet__Not_Dead_Yet__1_" title="Not Dead Yet (Not Dead Yet #1) by Jenn Burke" rel="noopener">Not Dead Yet</a>, so you can't just jump into the series at this point, I'm afraid. However, the first two books are so good that I'm really doing you a favor by telling you to read them all. <br /><br /><b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/46155798.Graveyard_Shift__Not_Dead_Yet__3_" title="Graveyard Shift (Not Dead Yet #3) by Jenn Burke" rel="noopener">Graveyard Shift</a> has it all. We get BIG emotions: love, sadness (<i>oh, the pain!</i>), joy, and heartache, and just a really compelling story.</b> All of the characters, even the side ones, were well nuanced and just really expertly crafted. I felt immersed in the story, which is the biggest complement I can give an author. <br /><br /><b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/46155798.Graveyard_Shift__Not_Dead_Yet__3_" title="Graveyard Shift (Not Dead Yet #3) by Jenn Burke" rel="noopener">Graveyard Shift</a> is <a href="https://goodreads.com/author/show/9869819.Jenn_Burke" title="Jenn Burke" rel="noopener">Jenn Burke</a> in her groove, doing what she does best.</b> Fans of the first two books in the series will also love this installment, guaranteed. I adored it, and I still want more. I'm not ready to let go just yet. <br /><br />*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*<br /><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13070326-heather-k-dentist-in-my-spare-time" rel="nofollow noopener">goodreads</a>|<a href="https://www.instagram.com/heatherk_dentistinmysparetime/" rel="nofollow noopener">instagram</a>|<a href="https://twitter.com/DentistHeatherK" rel="nofollow noopener">twitter</a>|<a href="http://www.myfictionnook.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">blog</a>

<b>Reread May 2021: ***5+++ Greg-Boudreaux-fangirl-flailing Stars*** <i>And as expected, he made me bawl my eyes out, dammit!</i></b>? <br><br>***********************<br><br>Original review October 2019:<br><br> <em>***4.5 Stars***</em> <br><blockquote> <em> <strong> "No buts. No what-ifs. It's just you and me, now and forever." </strong> </em> <br> <br> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=images&amp;cd=&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLzsivoK3lAhUQzaQKHbK8AysQjRx6BAgBEAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deviantart.com%2Faranyaversarn%2Fart%2FTry-Again-758162369&amp;psig=AOvVaw3sNcHrcilBo3AZTWz2BTc7&amp;ust=1571743670242835" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1571657570ra/28328852.gif" alt="Ähnliches Foto" width="352" height="169" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a> </blockquote><br>Forever takes a bit of work first, though. Well, you have to admit a not-ghost turned god doesn't have it easy in life nowadays. Umm, or in the non-life-not-quite-afterlife? Anyways, being the go-to person for Toronto's paranormal community when it comes to weird incidents bears certain responsibilities and as if several cases all of a sudden seemingly being connected somehow - where there's only the teensy-weensy problem that you have to find the conglomerating factor first -...<br><blockquote> <img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1571657137ra/28328792.gif" width="350" height="200" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </blockquote><br>... would not already be enough on his plate, Wes Cooper and his lover, former detective Hudson Rojas also have to deal with obnoxious neighbors, family issues, another extension of their paranormal reality and a ghost of the past that should have been buried by now, or turned to ash for that matter. <br><br>All of the above entails some realizations as well. About themselves and about their relationship. And getting their forever - for their love, but also for their close-knit self-made family - was never more important.<br><br>At some point, Wes also has to realize, though, that even a god can reach their limits and that these limits come at a high price. A devastating, painful, almost unbearable price.<br><blockquote> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/220113500517464004/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1571657137ra/28328793.gif" alt="Ähnliches Foto" width="350" height="175" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a> <br> <br> <em> <strong> "Until all of those battles I'd referred to - and what had happened, what I'd done, what we lost - came crashing down on me, and the laughter turned to tears." </strong> </em> </blockquote><br>Oh, tell me about it, buddy... These last words pretty much sum this story up for me. This last installment gave the term "emotional roller coaster" a whole new meaning, starting with me basically snickering from the very beginning and ending up with me being a sobbing mess. And I can't even tell you why because this would be too big of a spoiler, therefore the best I can give you are vague insinuations, so please don't hate me later. <br><br>As for me, this was the best in this series, but in some respects also the worst. For personal reasons only, though. What happened towards the end totally caught me off guard and wrecked me in the process. Although I finished the book a few days ago, even writing this review chokes me. I still wish the author would have found another way, but books that do that to you will be remembered forever, right? <br><br>The conclusion to this series was still masterfully done, with all threads reconciled and I love the world the author built here. Witty. Sad. Unique. Thought-provoking. Diverse. Wes and Hudson have both come a long way and I would love to revisit them again sometime in the future because as for me, I'm still not done with these guys. ;-) Highly recommended, but make sure to have tissues at the ready!<br><blockquote> <img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1502663114ra/23581473.gif" alt="netgalley" width="301" height="23" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> <img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1502663114ra/23581474.gif" alt="netgalley2" width="245" height="23" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </blockquote>

I finished this last night and my emotions are still all over the place. This was the best book in the series for me where every book was amazing, but that came with a price.<br /><br />Jenn Burke really knows how to write characters that end up owning a little piece of your heart. Not just Wes and Hudson but all of this family is dear to me.<br /><br /><b> <i>"No buts. No what-ifs. It's just you and me, now and forever."</i> </b><br /><br />I love where Wes and Hudson get to in their relationship by the end of the book. They've both grown so much and and have learned that they can truly trust and rely on each other. And that comes through for them just when they need it most.<br /><br />This book takes us through everything from exhilarating, hilarious highs, tension filled searches and standoffs to wrenching pain, fear and loss all wrapped up in the warmth and comfort of those who love, support and will never give up on you. <br /><br />Gah. I'm really sorry, I know this is all super vague and syrupy-sentimental but I don't seem to be able to get anything else out right now. ?‍♀️ I love these guys so much and would love to have more because I'm absolutely not ready to leave them. <br /><br />Thanks once more to (Not Your) Secret Santa who loves Christmas...even in July! for the fantastic gift, I genuinely loved it! ❤<br /><br />****<br /><br />(Not Your) Secret Santa who loves Christmas...even in July! gifted me this fabulous book, and I'm so excited to get more Hudson &amp; Wes! Thank you thank you! ?

Shit, man, this book. Hell, this series! I can say, with every bit of certainty, that when an event guts me even though I know it's coming that's some amazing writing. And, well, going in this time, not only did I know it was coming, but I remember bawling my eyes out the first time around, anyway. This time? Still fucking gutted me. It's a powerful thing, leaving the ending more than a little bittersweet. I'm going on to Evan's book, now. He deserves some happy. I hope he finds it.<br /><br /><br />-----Original Review Aug 2020-----<br />This series caught me off guard with just how much I ended up loving it. <i>Graveyard Shift</i> especially hit me right in the feels. And even knowing about that one thing, going in, because I read the spoilers, I was still gutted when it happened. Just gutted. Well done, even though I'm a bit teary, right now.

<b>*4,5 stars*</b><br /><br />For me, this is <b>one of best paranormal series</b> I’ve read.<br />And this is the sparkling finale to crown it all.<br /><br />Jenn Burke’s universe is <b>totally captivating</b>, and she had me sucked into it right from book 1. Hudson and Wes are both multi-layered and complex characters I ached for and laughed with, but most of all, they and their story<b> grabbed my heart and imagination.</b><br /><br />I loved the light-heartedness in this book, the love and banter in the family Wes and Hudson have created.<br />I loved the trust between them, the way they care and support each other.<br />I loved how both, Hudson and Wes grow in character and take on new responsibilities and challenges.<br />I loved how their relationship grows and gets stronger.<br /><br />But then there is <b>sadness, too. Heart break and tough decisions.</b> And yes, tears were shed quietly. Not something that happens too often.<br /><br />The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat with all those little twists and turns and gets pretty intense in the later stages of the book. But I think one of the best things in this series are the <b>fabulously drawn secondary characters</b>. I know them all. I remember their names. I can see each of them as individual characters. And that says a lot, I think!<br /><br />Please also read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2829193511?book_show_action=false&amp;from_review_page=1" rel="nofollow noopener">Simone's review</a> which totally nails what I feel, too.<br />Then you’ll know why I can only highly recommend this!

I have been waiting for this book for so long and it didn't disappoint! OMG, this was food for my soul kind of book! Ms Burke has such a knack for creating real imperfect yet relatable and likable characters, for spinning a story that is perfectly balanced with suspense, personal relationships and a bit of mystery. I couldn't put it down. <br /><br />Wes and Hudson are together and living their lives to the fullest - new home, booming business and their small but tight knit family. But a seemingly unrelated case of money theft, a string of shifter murders and an appearance of unexpected relatives throws everything out of balance. It's all hands on deck this time. Danger comes from different angles, friend turns to foe, and enemy offers a helping hand. Both sides are not without loss, and for a moment they all bow under the weight of grief. But it's finally time to accept how strong they are and fight the enemy that just won't go away. <br /><br />I love Wes. He is sassy and vulnerable at the same time. It takes him a long time, but when he comes into his own, it's a thing of beauty and power. Now it's his turn to hold everyone up, and he is absolutely awesome while doing it. This book was everything I wanted it to be. I freaking loved it from the first page to the last. The story was well-paced, the characters were interconnected to each other, there was humor and a bit of sarcasm as well as love and sweet devotion. I hope there will be more books in the series because I haven't had my fill of Wes and Hudson yet. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review

<br><b>The Story: 4 Pants Off<br><br>Well damn I’m a mess....<br><br><img src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1582590716ra/29015780.gif" width="340" height="250" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>So it didn’t end the way I wanted it to and whatever good came after didn’t really matter much to me anymore, I can’t move on. Otherwise, I enjoyed this series a lot and it was great fun reading about places I know here in Toronto, there’s a different kind of connection when you don’t need to do the extra by imagining when you know. <br><br>The Narration: 4.5 Pants Off<br><br>Excellent, thoroughly enjoyed.</b>

Graveyard Shift is now out in audiobook, just in time for you to feast your ears on Greg Boudreaux's wonderful narration this American Thanksgiving. ? ? ❤

Third time is the charm right? <br /><br /><b> <i>“There was a lot of story and it kept me completely entertained. I was on the edge of my seat, I was laughing, I was sad, I was excited and most of all, I was intrigued.”</i> </b><br /><br />That is a quote from my review of the first book, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2619609979?book_show_action=false&amp;from_review_page=1" rel="nofollow noopener">Not Dead Yet</a>, a quote I also used in my review of the second book, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2673373521?book_show_action=false&amp;from_review_page=1" rel="nofollow noopener">Give Up the Ghost</a>, and well, you see the pattern here right? I am now using the quote for this book too, because it is still fits.<br /><br /><b>This story was everything.</b> Exciting, funny, sweet, heartwarming, sexy and for some moments, very, very heartbreaking. So many emotions wrapped into the pages and they all had their place. <br /><br />I think the best part of this series is all the players. This is so much more than just Wes and Hudson. There are the friends and family who have been with us since the beginning and all the new people we have met along the way. Everyone makes a difference and it’s such a cool aspect to the story to have this many characters but have them all have substance, meaning.<br /><br />I loved watching Wes finally accept who and what he is and use it! I loved watching Hudson believe in his “family”. But again, more than anything, I loved watching everyone together, old and new. <br /><br />Parting is such sweet sorrow and all good things must come to an end…<br />It’s always sad to see a fantastic series come to its end but I feel like it ended perfectly. It ended exactly how it should. <br /><br /><b>What an end.</b><br /><br />I was nervous about the first book, a little exasperated with the second and overwhelmed but satisfied with the third. This has been a fantastic ride to be on and one I will probably do again soon.<br /><br />I just can’t say it enough. <b>Such a great end to a great series.</b><br /><br /><i>**ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take Promotions in exchange for an honest review.**</i>

I've absolutely put off writing this review. Suffice it to say it's my least favorite of the series. My primary issues had to do with Wes' "god powers", or more accurately the lack thereof, and Priya's <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="3ba6d4a1-a559-463e-81eb-797c474a6a34" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="3ba6d4a1-a559-463e-81eb-797c474a6a34">demon</label> powers, or lack thereof. The killing off of a character I was becoming quite fond of, <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="43d0d321-793f-4f16-a3b1-749d5ea07bb0" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="43d0d321-793f-4f16-a3b1-749d5ea07bb0">Iskander</label>, just tipped the cart. And how many times can Wes get smacked in the head and the author uses that to strip him of his powers, yet again. Where the hell was Lexi during the big grudge match? Where was The Order? It got ridiculous. Of course there were parts of the story that were wonderful but, for me, they failed to carry the story. And the whole mess was too conveniently tied up at the end. <br /><br />Nope, not my favorite of the series... not by a long shot. Here's to hoping the next one is great!