Aisling Grey is a courier enjoying a free, work-related trip to Paris when she learns she’s a Guardian. That’s a keeper of the Gates of Hell, for those who don’t know. She finds this out from Drake Vireo, who’s scrumptiously sexy-at least in his human form. Now Drake has stolen the package Aisling was sent to deliver, and she must track him down, get the package, and try to resist the passion … boiling inside her.
more
This cracked me up. It was my type of over-the-top zany heroine humor and voice that was a joyride to listen to (audiobook).
I really enjoyed Aisling’s rejection of the fated/mated trope and am looking forward to continuing the series.
I did get antsy halfway through to know what was going on, because Aisling’s internal conversation was secretive about the who-done-it mystery she was working to solve, so that popped me out of POV a bit, but everything came back in the end with a well-thought-out antagonist and tension-filled stand off.
Highly recommended for paranormal romance readers who like wrecking ball protagonists, a light side to a murder mystery, and heroes who get a little help from newly made, just-as-wacky friends.
I read this for a book club, and was delighted with the group’s choice. Right up my alley! I love unique stories and this is certainly one.
Is it ok to admit I totally picked up You Slay Me initially because of that amazingly shiny cover? I saw it while I was browsing at my library’s book sale and totally fell in love with the foil cover. When I bought it, I really wasn’t sure I’d ever read it. But that cover, y’all. (Don’t judge me.) Of course, it ended up being a darn good purchase because I needed an urban fantasy for Romanceopoly and this was one of the recommended books. I finally got around to reading it and can’t help but wonder why I don’t read more urban fantasy. Or any, for that matter, as this is my first.
It did take me a little bit of time to slip into the world created in You Slay Me, but I think it’s because I’m primarily a contemporary reader. Even though I wasn’t really sure initially about some of the finer points of the world, I could still appreciate Aisling’s character and her journey. But really it only took a few chapters before I was totally wrapped up in the story, anxious to see what would happen next. The mystery kept me guessing and so did Drake, if I’m being honest. I’m still not entirely sure what to make of him, but I do know I plan to read the rest of this series. I need more of Aisling, Drake and, of course, Jim.
Even with the mystery and murders in this book, I couldn’t stop giggling at some of Aisling’s one-liners. And Jim? The demon-dog? Hilarious. His antics and some of the things he said had me literally laughing out loud. What a fantastic sidekick. All in all, You Slay Me was a great introduction to urban fantasy for me. I’m always going to prefer reading contemporary or historical romance to any other sub-genre, but I’ve enjoyed opening my eyes to new ones this year with the Romanceopoly challenge. And yes, I’m totally open for recs for more urban fantasy.
Favorite quotes:
First demons and now dragons? Maybe my name was Alice and I had slipped into Wonderland without knowing.
“OK, I can do this. I’m a professional. I’m in control. I have a demon, and I know how to use it.”
“I’m not just any demon. I’m a demon plus. I’m superior to your average run-of-the-mill demon. Think of me as Demon: The Next Generation.”
“You can woo me. You can court me, you can seduce me, but you will never force me into submission again. What happened in the dream was a fantasy, a figment of our imagination. This is real, and on my terms.”
I just listened to this audiobook again, since it’s been a number of years since I read this Aisley Grey series. I wanted to read it again, so I started at the beginning with You Slay Me. The audiobook narrator, Barbara Rosenblat, does a wonderful job — particularly on Jim, the demon dog. If you like funny, sexy paranormal romance, definitely check out this series!