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You are here: Home / B Review / Review: Mind Over Monsters by Jennifer Harlow

Review: Mind Over Monsters by Jennifer Harlow

October 11, 2011 by Tori 22 Comments

Mind Over Monsters (A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation #1)Mind Over Monsters (F.R.E.A.K. Squad Investigation #1) by Jennifer Harlow
Urban Fantasy
Paperback
October 8, 2011
Midnight Ink

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “You brought me cake and drugs? If you included Casablanca, I’d have to marry you.”

The supernaturals are out and about but for Beatrice Alexander, being a "freak" isn’t cool. Abandoned by her mother because of her talents, Bea was raised by her grandmother. When her brother’s acidic comments finally hit home, Bea’s out of control powers manifest and almost kill him. Bea wakes up in the hospital and meets Dr. Black. Dr. Black assures her she is not alone and convinces her to join his top secret team of people who, like her, are gifted. The F.R.E.A.K. Squad-Federal Response to Extra-Sensory and Kindred Supernaturals-is a top secret branch of the FBI who hunt the supernatural monsters of society. Bea agrees to give it a shot and soon finds herself in a sequestered in Kansas, and making the best of her induction into the F.R.E.A.K. squad. Bea’s first case involves unidentified remains that appear to have been "eaten" by wild animals. Further investigation revels zombies are being used as murder weapons. Armed with her machete, plenty of snark, and two gorgeous men, Bea takes on a mastermind who’s terrifying secret makes her wonder who the real monsters are.

Jennifer Harlow’s debut, Mind Over Monsters, is a hilariously ghoulish urban fantasy; ripe with mystery, dramatics, and a cast of eccentric characters that will have you laughing and snorting at their antics. A clever mix of humor and seriousness, you get an intimate front row seat as Beatrice Alexander tries very hard to deal with her new job, powers, and team mates. Our heroine Bea is an interesting mixture of bravado and and self deprecation. While she fears her gifts and is not comfortable with all aspects of her job, she is more then willing to rise to the line to protect those in need. Her inner monologue is filled with delish snark as she laments over her weight, her love life, and the crazy people she works with.

Two possible love interests keeps our girl on her toes. Will is a very sexy detective turned werewolf whose wife was killed when they were attacked by werewolves. He blames himself for her death and has decided that strict control is the only way for him to keep everyone safe. His control seems to be slipping when it comes to Bea as he tries to protect her at every angle.

"Listen, I’m sorry I didn’t wait for you. I just wanted to…"

"Can we have this conversation later? I clicked on my flashlight, pointing it right into his eyes. "I have to follow the bloodsucking vampire into the dark, creepy cemetery."

Oliver is the team’s resident Lothario. Gorgeous, seductive and full of himself. He has made it his mission to seduce Bea since she didn’t fall at his feet in lust when they first met.

"You’re cute, but…"

"Cute?" he spits. "For centuries woman have wanted me, desired me. Royalty requested me by name, and you think I’m cute?"

"I…I’m sorry! You’re just not my type."

"Not your type?"

While the romance is very low key, it’s fun to watch the Bea wrangle with Will and Oliver. Each man has hidden depths and something to offer Bea. I am hard pressed to who shall be my new book boyfriend.

The rest of the gang adds to the entertainment with their larger then life personalities and lack of boundaries. Nancy Lake, the youngest on the team, is a teenager who can teleport through any solid surface and is likened to a "two year old on crack." Irie Dempsey is stunning pyro-kinetic who’s friendly personality is off set by the admonishment, "Don’t piss me off." From the medium to the empathic-each one has their own story to tell and I look forward to getting to know each of them personally.

Smooth writing and fast pacing will have you racing to the end to see how Bea handles herself on her first mission with the FREAK squad. Mind Over Monsters is a wonderful addition to any Urban Fantasy bookshelf and I look forward to seeing what Ms. Harlow has in store for Bea and us next.

Rating: B

Recent Reviews:
Livin’ Live Through Books – 4/5
Goodreads

Author’s Website l Series Listing

Amazon l Kindle l Nook l Midnight Ink

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Filed Under: B Review, Jennifer Harlow, Midnight Ink, Urban Fantasy

Comments

  1. Erika @ badass says

    October 11, 2011 at 8:23 am

    Dammit Mandi, now I want to read this!

    :snickers:

    stop making me buy books!

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    • Tori says

      October 11, 2011 at 8:43 am

      Then my work here is done. :)

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  2. A Buckeye Girl Reads says

    October 11, 2011 at 8:24 am

    I bought this after seeing Tori reading it on goodreads-it was just too cute to pass up. I made it halfway through before I was guilted into reading review books. I must get back to it. Loved the dynamics of the team though.

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    • Tori says

      October 11, 2011 at 8:43 am

      Yay! Hope you enjoy as much as me.

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      • A Buckeye Girl Reads says

        October 12, 2011 at 12:19 pm

        I’m sure I will :) Might be awhile before I get to it. I’m a bit burned out on pnr right now.

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  3. Brie says

    October 11, 2011 at 8:46 am

    I don’t usually go for the tong-in-cheek books but this one sounds like fun. Besides, it’s nice to see an urban fantasy novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously. My only complaint would be why, oh why, is this fixation with book series!? What happened to the stand-alone novel? It’s annoying because it’s torture, you find this great book and once you finish it you have to wait God knows how much for the next one.

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    • Tori says

      October 11, 2011 at 4:20 pm

      Well, this one resolved the main conflict so it looks like the romance is the only carry over in here.

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  4. Sophia (FV) says

    October 11, 2011 at 9:36 am

    This sounds funny, I like. :) Great review Tori.

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    • Tori says

      October 11, 2011 at 10:21 am

      Thanks. It has a great voice to it.

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  5. MinnChica says

    October 11, 2011 at 10:52 am

    That cover makes me giggle, and a little scared….

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    • Tori says

      October 11, 2011 at 4:21 pm

      LOL

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  6. SharonS says

    October 11, 2011 at 11:19 am

    I love this kind of story! I don’t read enough of them. Thanks for the heads up. This just made my short list

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    • Tori says

      October 11, 2011 at 4:21 pm

      YAY! Hope you enjoy.

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  7. Rain Maiden Jen says

    October 11, 2011 at 11:49 am

    Sounds like fun times. Going on my wish list. Thanks for the post Tori!

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    • Tori says

      October 11, 2011 at 4:21 pm

      Thanks

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  8. Ally says

    October 11, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    Great review! This sounds so good and funny! Adding this to my wishlist as it’s not out in the UK til November :(

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    • Tori says

      October 11, 2011 at 4:22 pm

      *sad face*

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  9. Helyce says

    October 11, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    Great review T. Love the cover. I’m certainly intrigued by the humor of it.

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    • Tori says

      October 11, 2011 at 4:22 pm

      Thanks H. :)

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  10. Mandi says

    October 11, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    This one sounds super cute.

    Disappointed it is $10 for the e-book though.

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    • Tori says

      October 11, 2011 at 4:04 pm

      Boo!

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  11. Jen B. says

    October 11, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    When I first saw this book, I really wanted to read it but then I thought “can it be any good?”.
    Thanks for the review, it’s going on my wish list for sure!

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