Review & Giveaway: Gone to Dust by Liliana Hart

Series: Gravediggers #2
Publisher: Pocket Books 
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: June 20th, 2017
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

The Gravediggers aren’t exactly what they seem. They’re the most elite of the world’s fighting forces—and all they have in common is that they’ve been betrayed by the countries they’ve died for. Because they are dead. To their country, their military, and their families.

Sometimes the dead do rise....

Miller Darling is one of the most popular romance novelists of her time. Not bad for a woman who doesn’t believe in romance. She’s as logical as they come, and she doesn’t believe in happily-ever-afters. What she does believe in is family, so when her brother disappears, she doesn’t think twice about packing her bag and her laptop and heading out to find him.

Elias Cole lived and breathed the life of a Navy SEAL. Now he’s “dead” and his hero’s honor tarnished. The only thing keeping him sane are the men who are like him—The Gravediggers—and the woman who makes his head spin. He’s never met anyone like Miller Darling. Her smart mouth and quick wit keep him on his toes, and damned if he doesn’t find that appealing.

When Miller receives a package from the brother who abandoned her asking for help, it’s clear she’s in over her head with the mess he’s gotten himself into. She needs a professional, and Elias is just the man for the job. Only her brother is a former SEAL—the man who left his team to die—and Elias is more interested in vengeance than saving his life.

My Thoughts:

Book 1, "The Darkest Corner", suffered from the first book syndrome, with info dumps, and a lot of time devoted to world building. It slowed the book down. Happily, "Gone to Dust" was able to jump off from where book left off and it was much more enjoyable. Part of it's appeal for me was the treasure hunt story line. I enjoy action and adventure movies and this had much of the same appeal - long lost treasure, conspiracies, danger, star-crossed lovers, romance, even a jungle. And yet, it suffers from uneven pacing, just like book though it's a smoother flow. The first chapter had me laughing; Miller was adorably cranky, and she's a bit of a wreck when she's on deadline. Do not come between her and her unfinished book, lol. She's a successful romance author, and a good friend of Tess, the heroine from the first book.

Miller and Elias have had the hots for each other for months now. Two months ago, they hooked up. Except they didn't. Elias left Miller high and dry. But he still keeps an eye on her so when her brother's escapades pull her into his not-entirely legit world, Elias is right there, ready to help. We get some fast-paced action and then it screeches to a halt when Miller's world collides with that of the Gravediggers and we get lots of exposition and details, so many detauls. Eve, the woman in charge of the Gravediggers, is still a mystery figure. I'd love to know more about her and I hope Hart will give us more insight in the next few books. I'm not entirely convinced she's one of the good guys.

I loved Miller and Tess's interactions and Miller and Elias's interactions, especially the humor. There was strong character development, a little more world building, and lots of action and tension. The ending was a bit of a let down however. Close to the end of the book, Elias screws up and with only a few pages to go, I couldn't see any chance for a happy ending. Then, out of nowhere, Elias sort of apologizes, with not nearly enough groveling, and boom! HEA. It was rushed, it was weak, and it was unsatisfying. I was happy they got their HEA, just not happy with how it happened. Up until then I was enjoying the book, it was fun and exciting. "Gone to Dust" was an entertaining book, good for a lazy summer day.

My review of book 1, The Darkest Corner

 

The publisher is giving away one review copy of Book 1, The Darkest Corner! Be sure to check out all participating sites on the blog tour for more Gravedigger Giveaways. And note that RT will giveaway three bundles of Book 1 and Book 2, with the drawing to be held Monday, July 10th. Please note, you can only win one giveaway and must have a U.S. address. No purchase necessary. VOID where prohibited. You must be 18 years or older to enter.

To enter, leave a comment below with a way to reach you - email address or Twitter handle. The giveaway ends July 4th, 2017 at 11:59pm. The winner will have 24 hours to reply to my notification or forfeit the prize. The winning comment will be chosen via random.org.

 Follow the tour:

June 29

Bea’s Book Nook
JoJo the Bookaholic
Crazii Bitches Book Blog

June 30

Readaholic
The Book Avenue
Harlequin Junkie

July 5

Caffeinated Book Reviewer

July 7

Romance Reviews Today

July 9

RT Book Reviews – Gravedigger Giveaway Bundle (Book 1 and 2) drawing date

September 25 

Authors on the Air Global Radio Network – Gravediggers Series interview