Gone to Dust by Liliana Hart Pages: 384
Series: Gravediggers #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Also in this series: The Darkest Corner
Also by this author: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle 8, The Darkest Corner, Second Chances: A Romance Writers of America Collection
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.
Gone to Dust is book 2 in the gravediggers series and focuses on Elias, the former Navy SEAL and Miller, the romance novelist. I really liked Miller in book 1 because she is quirky and spunky. She is also sarcastic and intelligent. Her and Elias had some sparks, but Elias leaves her high and dry after a makeout session that leaves her 1/2 undressed on her front porch. So, to say Miller loathes Elias is an understatement. Her hurt her pride and her libido so she is extra snarky when he is around.
Miller’s parents were treasure hunters. They spent their lives looking for relics from King Solomon until they died in a plane crash. Justin, Miller’s older brother, joined the Navy, but has now left the military and is continuing his parents research. Then Miller gets a package from Justin and her world changes. She has to save him, and to do that, she needs John Cena (seriously, that is who she keeps asking for!). Cena isn’t available but the Gravediggers are.
Gone to Dust reminded me a bit of Indiana Jones meets James Bond meets Get Smart. You have the history and treasure hunting aspect of Indiana Jones, which I always find fascinating. You have the spy stuff that is reminiscent of Bond, and the bumbling antics of Miller and Tess that remind me of Get Smart! Its an odd sort of blend, but it works. The Darkest Corner, book 1, was not what I expected. The suspense and danger were less heavily featured and the story was more like a Stephanie Plum book until the end. Its not a bad thing, but it was unexpected. So, going into Gone to Dust, I had a better idea of what to expect. I love the friendship and camaraderie between Tess and Miller. Books that include positive female friendships are always welcome!
The relationship between Miller and Elias is really kind of a hate to love story. They are both attracted to each other on a physical level, but push the other away for various reasons. This leads to some great banter and some even more amazing monologues from Miller!
While you could read this as a stand alone, you might be a little confused about the Gravediggers. Gone to Dust gives a little background, but not a lot so you might be a little confused.
If you love an enemies to lovers trope with a dash of danger and a bit of treasure hunting, Gone to Dust will keep you entertained for a weekend read!
[bctt tweet=”Mixing Indiana Jones, James Bond, and Stephanie Plum together, Gone to Dust gives you the action and adventure with humor and heat!” username=”thebookdisciple”]
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: treasure hunting, secret identity
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone within a series
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
East of Redemption by Molly E Lee, books by Susan Stoker, Laura Griffin, Cynthia Eden…then you will probably like Gone to Dust!
Gone to Dust
Wonderful review. Thanks:) I keep coming across this series and it’s a genre I enjoy so I’ll probably try them.
The Darkest Corner was already on my radar but this review sold the series! Definitely going to have to pick it up now!! Awesome review; John Cena made me giggle.