Dear Spring, Where are you hiding?

It's April 3rd, and currently 30 degrees out right now in PA.  The weather reports say that it's going to warm up this weekend, and I pray that it does....and stays that way.  If I have to put my winter coat on one more time, I swear I'll puke.

So, during this never ending hibernation I think I've read even more lately.  It's hard for me to write when I can't seem to ever put a book down long enough.  I am making good progress somehow, considering. 

Here's some of what I've been reading lately:

Better Off Dead by H.P. Mallory

The first book in the Lily Harper series

***If there’s such a thing as luck, Lily Harper definitely doesn’t have it.

Killed in a car accident before it’s her time to go, Lily learns that the hereafter isn’t exactly what she hoped it might be.

First, there’s AfterLife Enterprises, the company responsible for sorting out the recently dead and sending them on their way to the Kingdom, (aka happily ever after,) or to the Underground City, (not so happily ever after.) Learning that Lily’s death was indirectly their fault (her guardian angel, Bill, was MIA during her accident and was one of their employees,) Afterlife Enterprises offers Lily the chance to live again. But, as with most things involving the afterlife, beware the fine print. Most notably, Lily will have to become a soul retriever, venturing into the bowels of the Underground City to retrieve souls that were mistakenly sent there by Afterlife Enterprises during a Y2K computer glitch.

Second, there’s angel Bill. As if risking her second life in the Underground City wasn’t enough, Lily’s guide to the Underground is none other than her incompetent, alcoholic, womanizing guardian angel, Bill, the antithesis of anything wholesome. With only Dante’s Inferno and Bill to help her in her quest, Lily’s future isn’t looking bright.

Finally, there’s the legendary bladesmith, Tallis Black. As Scottish as his kilts and heavy brogue, Tallis Black is a centuries-old Celt who, for reasons only known to him, offers to train Lily and act as her escort into the depths of the Underground City. Dark, brooding and definitely dangerous, Lily knows she shouldn’t trust Tallis, but she also can’t deny her attraction to him.

Between soul retrieving in hell, dealing with Bill and trying to figure out what’s in it for Tallis, Lily wonders if maybe she would’ve just been better off dead.***

Let me start by saying, I'm a huge fan of H.P. Mallory.  She's actually one of my biggest inspirations for taking on this writing endeavor. 

This book is much different than her Jolie Wilkins, and Dulcie O'Neil series (both excellent by the way), but still in the paranormal romance genre. 

The character of Bill is downright hilarious.  He's so crude, fitting in with my personality and sense of humor.  I made the mistake of starting the book at night with a sleeping husband beside me.  It was all I could do to not laugh out loud.  My silent chuckles did shake the bed causing him to stir a few times, thankfully never waking him.

Oh...and Tallis.  Can we say "YUM"!!!  He's sexy and mysterious...I love it!  I'm a big sucker for Scottish Highlander romance novels.  There's just something about the setting, the kilts, and of course the accent.  This book is set in present times so it gives you the perfect blend of ancient Scottish warrior and a modern feel. 

I can't wait for the second book.  This one didn't leave off with as much of a cliffhanger, like H.P. is famous for.  But it leaves off making you wonder "what's next?".  If you enjoy a good story, and laughing your ass off, I suggest you buy it.