Quick thinking and loyalty have taken human Sophie Lawson a long way in the UDA—along with a healthy dose of magic immunity. But when her old boss Pete Sampson asks for help after a mysterious two-year disappearance, she’s determined to find out what high-placed demon has put two ruthless werewolf killers on his tail. Of course, sucking up to her icy vampire department head and negotiating a treacherous inter-office demon battle are the kind of workplace politics that could easily get a “breather” way worse than reprimanded. And sexy fallen angel Alex is doing whatever it takes to heat up Sophie’s professional cool and raise feelings she’s done her best to bury. Too bad their investigation is about to uncover the Agency’s darkest secrets…and powerful entities happy to sign one inquisitive human’s pink slip in blood.
Four Stars, 2 Flames
For those of you who are just learning of Hannah Jayne's Underworld Detection Agency series, UDA for short, this is the fourth book in the series. While you can read this and still enjoy a great book, there are ongoing story lines and back story that won't be fully explained.
Once again we join Sophie Lawson as she sleuths her way through another mystery. Someone is killing Sophie's clients. But no one, not even Dixon, the Head of UDA, seems to be doing anything about it. So, of course, Sophie decides to investigate for herself. Add to that the return of her old boss, Pete Sampson. The same boss that Alex told her was dead. Never one to turn her back on those in need, Sophie is soon up to her neck in trouble that even Alex or Will may not be able to rescue her from.
Sophie Lawson is an oddity in the Underworld Detection Agency; she's human. Working with vampires, centaurs and trolls, and assisting clients that may eat your brains or breath fire on you may sound daunting, unless you have immunity to magic, like Sophie. Sophie lives with her co-worker and best friend Nina, who just happens to be a vampire, and her nephew, Vlad...no, not Dracula, also a vampire. Alex Grace is a fallen angel who was charged with protecting a sacred amulet that holds all souls still in judgement, or purgatory. After failing to keep it safe, his wings are removed and entrance to Heaven barred until he returns with the amulet. He's also sexy as sin and Sophie's number one man...if he would stop leaving her and not communicating with her. As if she isn't confused enough, she has her guardian angel, Will, also a good looking British chap who happens to be a San Francisco firemen during the day...yowza! Stuck between hotter and, well hotter. Decisions, decisions. Sophie's not the typical bad-ass heroine who seems to know all the right moves in a fight and has uber-strength or magic spells. What she does have is heart, and sarcasm, and the ability to proceed even though danger is imminent. I like that you see progression in Sophie's character in the series, growing from whiny and intimidated to a strong and determined character. While she might not be ready to handle a gun all the time-she peed herself a little when she shot someone in the last book-Sophie is attempting to protect herself better. To ward off the boredom of two vampires stuck inside when San Francisco experiences a heat wave, she has Vlad show her how to fence. And surprisingly, she is quite good at it. While dealing with Nina's borderline hoarding of the Home Shopping Network purchases, Vlad's teenage whining, Alex and their unresolved relationship issues as well as Will's charm, Sophie is able to keep her wits about her and solve this mystery and be the heroine of the day! Whew! Sophie's sarcastic and witty inner dialogue, her determination to keep going even when others, like Dixon, pat her on the head and say "There, there little lady, let us handle it," and her relationship with Nina, keeps me coming back for more. Very enjoyable read, can't wait for the next installment. If you haven't read the other books in the series, I strongly suggest you do. I tried not to spoil any back story for those who haven't read the series yet! Four stars, 2 Flames.
I requested this e-ARC on Netgalley.com for review.
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