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lezreviewbooks's review
5.0
This is book two of the ‘Curtis and Reynolds’ series by this author which started with ‘Gallows Humor‘. Even though it’s ok to read it as a standalone, you’d miss quite a bit of the background story between the two main characters Corey and Thayer. Besides, the first book is so good that you don’t want to miss it either.
Corey Curtis works in the morgue at Jackson City Memorial Hospital and her girlfriend Dr. Thayer Reynolds is a fellow of the Emergency Department. They are both recovering from the physical and mental consequences of having solved a murder investigation when Corey is asked to help in trying to identify a highly decomposed body. At the same time, Thayer is dealing with a stressful situation at her workplace. Now that their relationship is getting serious, both women will have to face their own issues if they want it to develop further but complications and dangers get in their way to their happily ever after…
I read this book right after I’ve finished ‘Gallows Humor’ which I recommend doing as this novel starts right after book one ends. Sometimes it’s tricky to keep the same level of interest in a sequel as both characters are already in an established relationship but I have to say that ‘Dirt Nap’ manages to keep the reader’s attention in both the romance and the mystery parts. Both characters are so well-written that it’s impossible not to like them, Corey is impulsive but extremely loyal and Thayer is sweet and dedicated. Both leads complement each other well, their chemistry is sizzling, and their banter is really fun.
The mystery plot is better than in the previous book, it’s interesting to see the work inside a morgue (though a bit gory) and how far it is from its glamour depiction by some tv shows. I’m far from an expert in these issues but they seemed very realistic to me. But the best thing about this novel is how the author manages to balance romance, mystery with a good dose of humour to make it a really entertaining and page-turner read.
Overall, a very good sequel to this lesbian mystery romance series. Here hoping that there will be a book three. 5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Corey Curtis works in the morgue at Jackson City Memorial Hospital and her girlfriend Dr. Thayer Reynolds is a fellow of the Emergency Department. They are both recovering from the physical and mental consequences of having solved a murder investigation when Corey is asked to help in trying to identify a highly decomposed body. At the same time, Thayer is dealing with a stressful situation at her workplace. Now that their relationship is getting serious, both women will have to face their own issues if they want it to develop further but complications and dangers get in their way to their happily ever after…
I read this book right after I’ve finished ‘Gallows Humor’ which I recommend doing as this novel starts right after book one ends. Sometimes it’s tricky to keep the same level of interest in a sequel as both characters are already in an established relationship but I have to say that ‘Dirt Nap’ manages to keep the reader’s attention in both the romance and the mystery parts. Both characters are so well-written that it’s impossible not to like them, Corey is impulsive but extremely loyal and Thayer is sweet and dedicated. Both leads complement each other well, their chemistry is sizzling, and their banter is really fun.
The mystery plot is better than in the previous book, it’s interesting to see the work inside a morgue (though a bit gory) and how far it is from its glamour depiction by some tv shows. I’m far from an expert in these issues but they seemed very realistic to me. But the best thing about this novel is how the author manages to balance romance, mystery with a good dose of humour to make it a really entertaining and page-turner read.
Overall, a very good sequel to this lesbian mystery romance series. Here hoping that there will be a book three. 5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
corrie's review
4.0
With Dirt Nap, Carolyn Elizabeth managed to write a great sequel to her debut Gallows Humor. Curtis and Reynolds are back with a bang!
Was I wondering about author Elizabeth’s background before, I now know that she has professional experience in pathology. Makes perfect sense. I just love all the graphic details of Corey’s job and this time we get the full blow by blow of a decomposing corpse (better put your big girl pants on people and take a generous dab of that mentholated gel while you’re at it).
So we get more of the goodness we had in book one; so more Corey and Thayer (still have a big character crush on that woman) and their deepening relationship. We have a fresh murder mystery (hence the rotting corpse) and a flurry of drug crimes in the area. We don’t spend as much time on the work floor (morgue and hospital) as in the first book but that’s because Corey is still recovering from her ordeal (see book one). The debilitating after effects are very clear and present. Thayer, while at work, will have to deal with a hefty dose of toxic masculinity in the form of Watson Gregory III. I really enjoyed the strong story line between Corey and Sergeant Jim Collier.
I love all of Elizabeth’s characters, they really have a strong presence. Not just the mains but the supportive cast as well. Newcomer Officer Steph Austin fits right in. All in all Dirt Nap is a joy to read with a nicely balanced plot, a good pace, some drama, oodles of chemistry and a nice helping of excitement. I look forward to part 3!
f/f explicit
Themes: trouble at Rankins Lake, something smells really bad, Elizabeth goes all gross and graphic again, yay! Migraine city, better keep your glasses on Corey, oh how I adore Thayer Reynolds, she is such a dish, the galls get into hot water again.
4.4 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Was I wondering about author Elizabeth’s background before, I now know that she has professional experience in pathology. Makes perfect sense. I just love all the graphic details of Corey’s job and this time we get the full blow by blow of a decomposing corpse (better put your big girl pants on people and take a generous dab of that mentholated gel while you’re at it).
So we get more of the goodness we had in book one; so more Corey and Thayer (still have a big character crush on that woman) and their deepening relationship. We have a fresh murder mystery (hence the rotting corpse) and a flurry of drug crimes in the area. We don’t spend as much time on the work floor (morgue and hospital) as in the first book but that’s because Corey is still recovering from her ordeal (see book one). The debilitating after effects are very clear and present. Thayer, while at work, will have to deal with a hefty dose of toxic masculinity in the form of Watson Gregory III. I really enjoyed the strong story line between Corey and Sergeant Jim Collier.
I love all of Elizabeth’s characters, they really have a strong presence. Not just the mains but the supportive cast as well. Newcomer Officer Steph Austin fits right in. All in all Dirt Nap is a joy to read with a nicely balanced plot, a good pace, some drama, oodles of chemistry and a nice helping of excitement. I look forward to part 3!
f/f explicit
Themes: trouble at Rankins Lake, something smells really bad, Elizabeth goes all gross and graphic again, yay! Migraine city, better keep your glasses on Corey, oh how I adore Thayer Reynolds, she is such a dish, the galls get into hot water again.
4.4 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
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