Into the Hollow

Experiment in Terror #6

by Karina Halle

Perry Palomino has fought her demons – and won – but the battle is far from over. She’s now left broken and on her own, leaving behind her life and family in Portland to focus on giving Dex Foray – and the Experiment in Terror show – a second chance. But their past mistakes continue to tease and test their relationship, as does the wild and desolate terrain of the Canadian Rockies.

The snow-covered peaks and ravenous forests hide an urban legend too unbelievably frightening to be true and the only way the duo has a chance of surviving is if Perry can let in the very man who sent her to hell and back.

Rated 16+ for lan­guage, gore and sex­ual content

Genres: Paranormal, Horror, Romance, Ghosts, Paranormal Romance, New Adult, Fantasy

438 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 2012

About the author

Karina Halle is a screenwriter, a former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author of River of Shadows, The Royals Next Door, and Black Sunshine, as well as 70 other wild and romantic reads, ranging from light & sexy rom coms to horror/paranormal romance and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever genre you're into, she's probably written a romance for it.

When she's not traveling, she and her husband split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, their sailboat the Norfinn, and their condo in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.authorkarinahalle.com

Reviews

[Karina Halle]

"Avoir, adieu, goodnight
I'm too wrong to get right

But I can't wait forever
I've always been alone
A fool believes he's clever

Don't you wanna go
Into the hollow?
I don't go alone
Aren't you gonna follow?

I live behind my eyes
Be sure to keep the surprise

I break what I've borrowed
That's why I always go
Alone into tomorrow

Don't you wanna go
Into the hollow?
I won't go alone
Aren't you gonna follow?"

Into the Hollow by Queens of the Stone Age

And here's my "review" - really just a synopsis, because I can't really review my own writing, except to say I had a great time writing it and I felt my pulse racing more often than not. Phhhew. All that angst can be hard on your heart! But I'm very happy with the way things progressed for our favourite duo and I hope you'll be too.

As Into the Hollow starts, Perry is left not knowing who to trust. Everyone seemed to be against her.



Everyone except Dex and Ada, of course. But Dex was in jail and Ada's only 15 and that mysterious douchecanoe Maximus is still hanging around her parent's place, making Perry want to go all...



So she decides to pack up her stuff and get the hell out of there.

She moves to Seattle.

With Dex.



Yup. The man who saved her life yet broke her heart. The man she can't figure out how to forgive. And living with Dex brings forth a whole lot of baggage. Enough to make Perry think...



Because Dex is all...



And she's like...




Then comes the phone call from Jimmy.



It's not murder but SASQUATCH. He wants Perry and Dex to continue with Experiment in Terror and their first show will be up in the Canadian Rockies, investigating Sasquatch. Naturally, Perry thinks the whole thing is a joke and agrees to it. Things that don't exist can't hurt you.

Right?

WRONG.




There's something terrifying in those isolated mountains and when Perry and Dex find themselves contending with a terrible beast, a psychotic hunter and their messed-up relationship, you can count on some:









And...





Along with some...




And, of course, a lot of...










And even some good times to round it all off.







I guess the whole trip will make living together a piece of cake...




Maybe not.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++++ STARS

Somewhere deep down in the woods in Canada...

...lives a creature, also known as Bigfoot.
Bigfoot, really? Yes, really!

With terrifying noices and huge claws this creature is bound to keep you up at night...


But with the help of some bad ass llamas, Dex and Perry are determined to hunt this creature down and unravel its secrets once and for all...

After hell broke loose at the end of On Demon Wings Perry is forced to move back in with her parents. But soon, she realizes the situation has become unbearable... Now there's only one other option left...moving in with Dex! Dex, the person who both broke her heart and saved her life on several occasions. Dex, the one person she can never truly be with but at the same time, the one person who she can never live without...

"No matter what happened in the future, he had to stay a part of my life. If not for just being that one person in the world who understood what I had to go through, the things I saw, the way I felt when I was faced with something impossible. He went through all of it too. We really were cut from the same cloth."

Perry has changed a lot since the last time we saw her. She's determined to move on with her life after everything that happened. She's gotten more confident, more stable and she now knows exactly what she wants except when it come to Dex...when it comes to him, she's still as insecure as ever.

"I knew it was just Dex but that was the problem. I didn't know which Dex I had or which Dex I wanted, if any of them. That's where the nerves came from. My uncertainty. Everything had changed. And changed again."

And Dex himself isn't the same person anymore, either. He's now Dex 2.0. A new, improved version of the man he used to be; he's now trying to be a better person. The show no longer comes first; instead he does whatever he can to make Perry feel safe and secure during their new adventure deep down in a forest in Canada.

"I was trying to be a better man, Perry. For you. And I'll keep trying... Until I get it right."

In the meantime, Dex and Perry have to figure out a way to work close together but not too close. They both have a hard time figuring out whether they'll ever be able to go back to the way things were before. But working so closely together and sleeping in the same room brings along sexual tension, lots of it.

While trying to survive out in the wild and while trying to not get killed by the unknown creature that haunts them, emotions are shared and both Dex and Perry have to figure out whether they'll ever give into their true feelings or not.

"This is me trying, Perry. This is me taking my heart out of my chest and putting the bloody mess in your hands. I can't give you much more than that."

"I love you Perry," he whispered, mouth moving in my hair. "I love you so fucking much. And I'm losing myself. I'm losing myself to you and I don't care anymore because there's never been a better feeling in the whole fucking world. I love you. So much. Too much. Always."

"You are a part of me Dex. You're every part of me. Always have been. Always will be."

Reading a Karina Halle novel is like getting your heart ripped out of it's cage and having it slowly but surely put back in, in the most beautiful way possible. Having read the entire Experiment In Terror series, I can honestly say I loved every single part of it. While reading these books, I have gone through so many emotions; all the emotions Perry and Dex went through. I fell in love with these characters and with Karina Halle's enthralling writing style.

All I can say is, this series is a MUST READ . Not only for lovers of the horror genre, but for all kinds of readers; drama, romance, humor, action...all of these genres are combined into the irresistible package that is Experiment In Terror.

From now on, I'll be anxiously awaiting Come Alive, the seventh installment of this amazing series!

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy reading with Kristina :))


Into the Hollow does not disappoint me!It is simply amazing!

In this book Perry have two choises to move in with Max or to move in with Dex..Max is on her black list right now,for many reasons.So Perry goes with Dex to Seattle..moving into the same apartment that she visited before Christmas.The biggest change is that Jenn is gone..


Their boss at Shownet brings up the possibility of reviving Experiment in Terror..Perry jumps at the chance to return to the show. Although she isn't keen on putting herself in any kind of danger...


There have been sightings of a large beast in the Canadian Rockies who some believe to be Sasquatch.Perry scoffs at the idea that Bigfoot could really exist...This time Jimmy gives her the option of staying behind the camera...




Dex and Perry are at it again in all the fantastic ways we love.But Dex got a whole lot yummier!!!
I love so much Dex!!It is clear that he changed!Dex would do anything for Perry and really lays his heart out on the line in this book!As for Perry, well I actually found myself getting a little irritated with her in this book sometimes,but still love her :))
I understand that she is still hurting but it is her anger at Dex that is holding her back..Perry has made some bad decisions too and I am glad that Dex calls her on this..


So many love in this book...

LOVE LOVE LOVE *sigh*!!!



"Baby" he said his tone gruff yet solemn "there is nothing you could ever do to make me resent you.You're my light,remember that."

"I was trying to be a better man Perry.For you.".."And I'll keep trying," "Until I get it right."


"If it weren't for those damn rules,we'd already be having dirty sex all over that apartment."


He rolled over, his face now inches from mine.
I moved my head away. "Get away from me, I stink."
"You don't stink. You smell like Perry."
"That's gross."
"Baby, I could drown in your scent."
I looked at him askance and saw the gravity in his hooded eyes. He was totally serious.
"But," he went on, voice low and rough, "if you need to get clean from head to toe, I'm offering my tongue."



This was another exciting and thrilling book in the series.Not as spooky but definitely action-packed and full of tension..

[Georgia ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and of unspeakable love.”― Washington Irving

“Within your light, I lose the madness.”



5 there-are-not-enough-stars-in-the-sky STARS

No matter what happened, he was Dex and I was Perry and that combination only led to trouble.



Picking up immediately where On Demon Wings left us, Into the Hollow is the story of Dex and Perry picking up their pieces, defining their relationship, clarifying their feelings, straighten up misunderstandings and past hurts and decide what really matters. To lose yourself alone or love and lose yourself in each other...



But Dex and Perry aren't normal. And being unique comes with a price. To see ghosts. Spirits unable to rest. With a grudge. And sometimes this means some extra abilities along the way...

“Who are you?” A beat. “I’m Dex,” he replied thickly. “You’re Dex 2.0. You’re different now.”

After 5 haunted books these two deserved a rest. And they ventured to Canada to explore an urban legend. Because monsters aren't real. They couldn't have been more wrong...

Deep in the Canadian Rockies they discover that ghosts may be easy to deal with.



But monsters and ghosts (yeap... they are here to stay and particular ghost has a hell of a story to tell) aren't what it's so mind-blowing about this book.

There are also adorable llamas,


a helluva-lot feelings


and so much love.


Our beloved Perry is emotionally broken. She literally went through hell and lived to tell. She can't trust her parents and Dex' betrayal is still a raw bleeding wound. She won't gamble her heart again. She is on survival mode. In a freaking frustratingly delicious reversal of roles, she is the "Dex" in this story.

Then he was running toward me and for a moment I thought maybe something was wrong and that I should run too. Then I thought maybe something was right and I should run anyway.

There aren't enough words to describe the awesomeness that is Dex. Completely, head over heels in love with him. He is a new man. He reborn from his ashes and emerged a WINNER. More sane, decisive, romantic, determined than ever. And he grovels... To claim what he foolishly tossed aside.
The other half of his soul, his destiny.

When I’m with you, I lose this darkness, this madness around me. The madness inside me. But I had to go mad to realize that. I had to lose you to know it.”



Into the Hollow resets the whole series, changing everything we knew just when we thought we had seen it all. The best of them all for me, it blew my mind and pierced my heart!!!

Will Perry risk love again?
Will Dex repent for what he did?
Will these two hardheaded damaged fools, ever manage to be together??
Will they survive long enough to decide?



YOU MUST READ THIS SERIES

It messed with my social life, sleep, head and heart but I finished 6 books and 3 novellas in this series, in less than 2 weeks... I ADORED every moment!!

Come Alive comes out in June!!! Can't wait!
I'm also saving Dex' 2nd novella, And With Madness Comes the Light to read it later just to survive the withdrawal!!





This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...


Mini-Review of the bonus Scene: "On Target"

I'm always up, for more Dex...





LMAO!!!!!

You can enjoy it, here:
On Target~An Experiment in Terror Scene

[Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH.MY.GOD !!!!!

This book .... Well ..... I ..... Wait ... Its like ...... Ummmmm .....



HOLY SHIT WOW !!!!

I need to calm the fuck down !!!

Full review to follow ....

[Kristalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vilda and i continue this awesomeness :D Mwahahaha!!

Final rating: 5/5 stars

I don't know if i have said this before, but i officially love Karina Halle. This woman is just amazing writer and she always captivates me with her books. Into the Hollow did not disappoint. This series is an addiction - because of deep character development and great story. And with all surprises it gives, EIT easily became one of my favorite series ever.

Well, ideally, this book will make you feel (probably in this order):

➳ crying in the rain
➳ intense delightful screaming
➳ surprised
➳ #i'm in glass case of emotion
➳ it's so beautiful (wipes tears)
➳ happiness
➳ stop talking or i'm coming over there to love you forever
➳ what?
➳ oh my
➳ draws out horny tape
➳ love love love love it


CONCLUSION:

➳ i am doomed.
____________________________________________

STORY :
____________________________________________

So... what do we have here? We have seen skin-walkers, ghosts and demons and now we have a mystery of Bigfoot/Sasquatch.




A cabin in the woods?




Few Llamas?




Team EIT?




____________________________________________

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____________________________________________

Dex and Perry have changed.

Perry is emotionally devastated... and as much as she hates to admit it, she still loves Dex.

While Dex changed because he wants to be a better person. For Perry.

He lowered his head. “I was trying to be a better man, Perry. For you.”
I shifted in my seat. “Dex…”
“And I’ll keep trying,” he quickly said, voice low and somber. “Until I get it right.”

After the events of On Demon Wings, Perry is freaked out, her parents think she is crazy... So she decides to go away. And Dex suggests that she goes to Seattle and move in with him, which she accepts.

And once again, they return to the show , and this time Perry is the cameraman while Dex is the one leading the episode.

Dex tries to win Perry over , but it's not an easy job, because Perry is stubborn as hell and she cannot forgive him - she is still angry at him for what had happened and she cannot forget.

He took in a steadying breath and let his eyes fall shut. “For the last couple of weeks, you’ve been doing everything you can to spear me, to make me hurt. And if you keep on thinking that nothing can hurt me, well then maybe you don’t really know me at all. You’re not just hurting me Perry, you’re killing me.”

But, there are more important things now... is the Bigfoot/Sasquatch a real monster...or is it just a hoax?

Oh. Fuck.
“Uh���” I started, my mouth flapping uselessly.
Dex sighed. “I suppose we’ll just have to go around this motherfucking thing now.”
“Uhhhhh,” I tried again. “Oh shit. Dex. Shit.”
He finally brought his attention to me, folding his arms across his chest. “What is it?”
I wiggled the paper in the air. “Shit, fuck, shit.”
“Oh really?”

I didn't think it was possible to love Dex more than i loved him then, but it is true. He did become a better person and i admire that. Perry on the other hand became more frustrating because her thinking has been clouded by emotions and she doesn't know what to do with herself. Maximus as always continued to irritate the hell out of me, while Ada proved to be fantastic support for them all. I love Ada.♥

____________________________________________

OVERALL :
____________________________________________

This was another great installement in the series. Not as scary as the previous books, but still scary anyway. This one is lighter comparing to the previous two books, but it was still a great read. Can't wait to read the rest :)

“This is me trying, Perry,” he said softly, the anger being drained of his face. “This is me taking my heart out of my chest and putting the bloody mess in your hands. I can’t give you much more than that.”

“You,” he said slowly. “You’re the light. You’re my light.”

____________________________________________

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MY EXPERIMENT IN TERROR REVIEWS:

◉ Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror, #1)
◉ Red Fox (Experiment in Terror, #2)
�� The Benson (Experiment in Terror, #2.5)
◉ Dead Sky Morning (Experiment in Terror, #3)
◉ Lying Season (Experiment in Terror, #4)
◉ On Demon Wings (Experiment in Terror, #5)
◉ Old Blood (Experiment in Terror, #5.5)
◉ The Dex-Files (Experiment in Terror, #5.7)
◉ Into the Hollow (Experiment in Terror, #6)
◉ And With Madness Comes the Light (Experiment in Terror, #6.5)
◉ Come Alive (Experiment in Terror, #7)
◉ Ashes to Ashes (Experiment in Terror, #8)
◉ Dust to Dust (Experiment in Terror, #9)

This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...

[Kristin (KC) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 Stars*

Another amazing installation!

Having survived their figurative and literal 'demons', Dex and Perry are now left sorting out the broken pieces in an attempt to finally define their relationship. Although the charming banter and sweet sexual tension return in full force, Into The Hollow takes on a more serious tone than the previous installments regarding Dex and Perry's unsettled connection.

Dex '2.0' is back and better the ever. Having gained an incredible amount of overall strength, Dex returns sporting his extra large heart on his sleeve. However, convincing Perry that he is worthy of forgiveness may prove to be the hardest battle of all...

"This is me trying, Perry,” he said softly, the anger being drained of his face. “This is me taking my heart out of my chest and putting the bloody mess in your hands. I can’t give you much more than that."

Now that Perry has her feet back on solid ground, she's determined to construct walls around her fragile heart. But being in such close quarters with a tender Dex brings up old feelings that she's not prepared to face. Ghosts, demons, and beasts have nothing on the war she's having with her heart.

Although this book gives us back our spunky little terror-hunting duo, with a generous amount of angst and a double dose of steam—it would not be complete without some 'scary'! Yes, the fear factor has simmered a bit, but is still sticking around while Dex and Perry brave an unknown 'Sasquatch-type beast' tormenting the forests of Canada. An intense camping trip in the snowy woods will prove to be a real eye opener, raising the emotional stakes dramatically!

Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Paranormal/Horror
▪ Steam Caliber: Very steamy
▪ Romance: Intense and angsty
▪ Characters: Evolving but guarded
▪ Plot: Focused largely on Dex and Perry's relationship. Less terror.
▪ Writing: Fabulous and engaging as ever!
▪ POV: 1st Person: Heroine
▪ Cliffhanger: Mild
▪ Next Installment: Follow up

[Brittni · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Spectacular Stars!!!!

Perfection!!!!



Omg I love this series!!!!!!! It's So Addicting!!!!! I can't wait to read the next book!! I seriously want to kidnap Dex and do very bad things to him!! ;-)

If you haven't checked this series out yet... DO IT NOW!!!!

[Lise *friends don't flag* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Want Dex Now

Oh Yeah... just got me my DEX!

I Couldn't Possibly Love Dex any more

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY HELL!!!! I'm exhausted!!! IT HURTS SO GOOD!!!!!!!
Another epic chapter in the Experiment in Terror Series!!!
And 5 more ★★★★★'s to go along with it!!!


Into the Hollow is part six in the Experiment in Terror series, and the story resumes right where On Demon Wings previously left us, Dex, in police custody, facing kidnapping charges, and Perry undergoing a psychiatric evaluation at the hospital. While these complications do work themselves out, and Dex and Perry are both released without incident, Perry soon realizes that she will not be able to remain at home in her family's care. While she has escaped the monster within...she now faces the monster that is her mother.

With limited options and no current job, Perry agrees after much persuasion, to return to Seattle with Dex. She has not forgiven him for his betrayal, but understands that he is trying to reach out to her, to make up for his past mistakes and to somehow salvage their friendship, if not their relationship. He has more than proven to her his deep regret for his past behavior, and she wants to forgive him, but, knowing her unresolved feelings for him, and the power they have over her, she must protect her healing heart at all costs.

So they return to Seattle, against the wishes of her parents, to Dex's apartment. It is both painful and comforting to return, and Perry resolves that she will find a job and a new place to live as soon as she can. That is when Jimmy Kwan makes his play, attempting to get Perry back on the Experiment in Terror series, and this time it is Dex that is holding back... but Perry who needs the work, and is intrigued by the idea, accepts Jimmy's offer to return to the show. This one, an investigation into the infamous legend of Big Foot, or Sasquatch, in the mountains of British Columbia.

“Oh we both have screws loose. Just fucking look at us, Dex! We’re in the mountains trying to find Sasquatch and we’re arguing over the llama formally known as Twatwaffle.”

Yes, more camping, in the mountains, in the snow, a psychopath guide, a spooky dream, a mysterious and terrifying creature, a mischievous teen, and a couple of llamas. But also with Dex... and not just old Dex, but the new and improved version, completely unmedicated, with bulging biceps, heart on his sleeve, and a brand new tattoo. Almost irresistible.....almost.



This story was fast paced and very suspenseful. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions. For not only the main characters, but for the reader as well. It was terrifying at times, and heart-breatking at others. Dex was doing everything in his power to win Perry back, and although she appeared completely drawn to him physically, she was still holding back her feelings. Refusing to let her heart open up to him.

“I know it doesn’t matter to you anymore,” he went on gently. “But you’ve always been my light. When I’m with you, I lose this darkness, this madness around me. The madness inside me. But I had to go mad to realize that. I had to lose you to know it.”

And this assignment proved to be much more that either one of them had bargained for. Not only putting the show on the line, but also their lives. Faced with almost certain death, by either exposure to the elements or the vicious claws of the mysterious beast, Dex and Perry had to come together, in both heart and mind to survive the experience.

This was a painful book to read. It was so hard seeing Perry battle within herself for her unresolved feelings for Dex. Putting up walls to protect herself and her broken heart, while Dex was doing everything in his power to earn back her trust, and to break down those walls between them. And he literally laid himself open for her to either embrace or eviscerate. And I have to say.. I had to put the book down several times, not wanting to read any further. It was very difficult to get through.

“This is me trying, Perry,” he said softly, the anger being drained of his face. “This is me taking my heart out of my chest and putting the bloody mess in your hands. I can’t give you much more than that.”

I have become so attached to these characters, and to this series. I felt like I lived these experiences right along with them. Sharing their moments of terror, of desire, of love and despair. I am completely captivated by Karina Halle and her writing. I cannot recommend these books enough. I will dying with anticipation for the next book in the series, Come Alive which should be out June '13, which will be told from Dex's POV, which we all know is completely addictive... like crack cocaine!!!! Some much AWESOMENESS!!!!!!

Within your light, I lose the madness...



He kept himself inside me still as our breathing returned to normal. His eyes closed and he whispered, “I want to feel like this for the rest of my life.”

★★★★★5 BONE CHILLING, HEART SWELLING STARS!!!!!!!!★★★★★
Pics...

Perry Palomino



Dex Foray

..what a gorgeous mug


Fat Rabbit


Twatwaffle...alias Apricot...alias Jackass

[Rachel L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread October 2020



This reread of the Experiment in Terror series has completely blasted through my covid pandemic reading slump. I am tearing through these books just like I did when I first read them seven years ago. And they still hold up!

I’m not super into the whole Bigfoot/Sasquatch plot line of this book, for me this book is about the ANGST between Dex and Perry and how they both are navigating how they feel about each other. So many great moments, I can’t wait to reread the next book!

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

After what Perry has been through in the last book, On Demon Wings, she's ready to get on with her life. The problem is she can't stay where she is. Luckily, Dex shows up and offers her a way out that she can't refuse...for now.

Finally....finally, things are getting better. Perry moves to Seattle just as I hoped only not quite who I hoped with. You just know that when Dex and Perry get into these predicaments it will only lead to drama. Well, this time, things are different. Perry is different and so is Dex, aka Dex 2.0. One thing it does lead to a whole lot of sexual tension....phew!!



Perry and Dex have about a week together before they agree to rejoin the Experiment in Terror series only this time they decide to do a non ghost story. Why not tackle some Bigfoot sightings in Canada? Sure, that won't be scary or bloody or freezing camping in the snow at all! I do have to say that these are some pretty freakin' crazy Bigfoots! (Bigfeets? Bigfootians? LOL)

Perry and Dex have gotten smarter about things....another finally and they work really well together but the amazing part is them being together...just Perry and Dex. It was great seeing them grow and seeing Perry figure out what she wants. Dex makes up for a lot...he's already done a lot of changing and growing and he is determined to get Perry back. I was impressed with him several times. And I especially loved the tattoo.

I can hardly wait to read Come Alive and see where things go from here but first I'm going to enjoy more of Dex's POV in And With Madness Comes the Light.




Favorite quotes: (Slight spoilers!)

♥ “Hey I never saw a no-touching clause in the rules. Come back here.”

♦ “All right, Dex, quit it. You’re beating a dead horse.”

“I’m beating something horse-sized, that’s for sure.”

♥ “Perry, when I f*ck you, you’re going to want it. And you’re going to be sober. I don’t want just your body in all of this. I want everything. Your soul too.”

♥ “F*ck the show!” he said, throwing his arms out. “I don’t care about the damn show. I care about you and only you. You’re everything to me. Nothing else even comes close.”

♥ "I want to feel like this for the rest of my life."

♥ "You're the worst pizza delivery boy ever."

♥ “I love you Perry,” he whispered, mouth moving in my hair. “I love you so f*cking much. And I’m losing myself. I’m losing myself to you and I don’t care anymore because there’s never been a better feeling in the whole f*cking world. I love you. So much. Too much. Always.” ~sigh~

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

I cannot express how much I love Experiment in Terror series!!! Dex & Perry are THE BEST!!!

To say that I liked shocking development of storyline at the beginning of this book would be an understatement. I loved it. The one and only thing (person) that I kept missing in previous book in series was back and in full force. And I have to admit that I was swooning over the "improved" Dex most of the time. It was fun to read how Perry was trying not to be intrigued by him. And since I personally believe in second chances, throughout the whole book I was hoping that Dex will get one...

In this book, roles were reversed. Dex was the open one and trusting, while Perry was building protecting wall arround herself, desperately trying not to unleash her true feelings. But Dex still kept his cocky side which I love so much. Moreover, I loved banter and cheaky arguing between Perry and Dex. It is exactly what makes this pair so special.

"Who is it?!" I asked teasingly.
"Bigfoot," Dex answered from his room.
"What do you want, Mr. Foot?"
"Please, just call me Big."
I snorted. "You wish."
"You know."

Everything that Karina Halle created in this book or in whole series was absolutely mesmerizing. Characters development, storyline and scary stuff too. To be honest, after 2 weeks in the world of Experimen in Terros series, I am worried that I will come across ghosts or other freaky creatures in every single dark corner. But I am not complaining. It is a gift to create such a believable story and I loved every single moment of it.

Now I have no idea what I am going to read afterwards because I already feel huge book hungover. I feel like nothing can compare to Experiment in Terror series. They are just that awesome. Hopefully, next book will be out sooner than later.

[* Meli Mel * · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥♥♥ 4.5 STARS ♥♥♥

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

And with madness comes the light.
Within your light, I lose the madness.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Dex knows something needs to be done, Perry can no longer stay with her parents. So, he makes an offer she can't refuse, to move in with him in Seattle. Perry doesn't really want to move in with him, but she knows she doesn't have a choice. So she accepts. But now, she is eager to get out of there as soon as possible but she needs a job first. Jimmy wants her back on Experiment In Terror, he will even increase her pay. Perry agrees despite Dex not wanting her to, and they are sent to investigate a possible Sasquatch sighting in a remote area in Canada. What they find, is definitely not a Sasquatch.



At the very beginning I was so happy that Dex swooped in to take her away from her parents (that think she is crazy). I felt bad that she had to leave Ada behind, though. I really liked her in the last book. But then I became excited with the possibilites of Dex and Perry fixing things between them.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"I was trying to be a better man, Perry. For you."
I shifted in my seat. "Dex…"
"And I’ll keep trying," he quickly said, voice low and somber. "Until I get it right."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

That sadly didn't happen. I hated the awkwardness between them. I hated that Perry was keeping her distance. I wanted them to talk their shit through and say what needed to be said, the TRUTH. But all they were doing, or should I say Perry was doing, was trying to hurt Dex. I didn't think it was fair, she wasn't free of guilt for what happened between them either. I was very sad.

They go to Canada to investigate a Sasquatch sighting, reluctantly. They want ghosts, not urban legends. I had bad vibes about everyone from the start. Maybe the series has made me paranoid, in fact, I'm pretty sure it has, because I trust no new character. I was suspicious of all of them.



Especially Mitch, he a cray cray mofo. I was creeped out by him from the start. So I was keeping my eyes on him the most, and it ended up being for good reason. He was such a sick bastard.



I loved the way Dex was poking fun at the Llamas. I couldn't stop laughing at the nickname he gave Apricot, Twatwaffle. I seriously couldn't help but chuckle. And Perry kept trying to defend him. Hilarious!!



This was scary, but I don't think it was the same kind of scary as the previous books. Since there was no ghost but some unknown beast that was terrorizing everyone. It still had my heart pounding. I am not 100% sure what it was. I was creeped out by it all. It didn't help that Mitch was around as their "guide". I couln't wait for them to run away to safety. They did that, there was a lot of running away from this monster.



The part that was killing me, was not knowing what Perry was going to decide. I didn't know if she would take the risk again and let her heart be in Dex's hands again. I desperately wanted her to say YES, because Dex, was different. They both were now. They had grown up during their time apart. They were ready for the relationship they wanted. Dex ended up putting his heart out there for Perry. I was so angry and saddened by her response. I wanted to slap some sense into her. I wanted the pain to stop.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"This is me trying, Perry," he said softly, the anger being drained of his face. "This is me taking my heart out of my chest and putting the bloody mess in your hands. I can’t give you much more than that."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"I love you Perry," he whispered, mouth moving in my hair. "I love you so fucking much. And I’m losing myself. I’m losing myself to you and I don’t care anymore because there’s never been a better feeling in the whole fucking world. I love you. So much. Too much. Always."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

The ending had me deliriously happy!! I want it to stay in this happy good mood for awhile. I couldn't stop grinning. Poor Dex kept on trying that I felt bad for him. But it all ended good in the end. I just hope that this means things will move forward and that Perry doesn't end up going back again. I loved it! Moving on the next.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

"You are a part of me Dex. You're every part of me. Always have been. Always will be."

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite paranormal duo are off to debunk the urban legend that Sasquatch/Big Foot exist. The Canadian Rockies are where Sasquatch has been sighted several times. Since both of them passed through the The Thin Veil in On Demon Wings they now have new abilities which come in handy as they adventure out in the snow.

Perry moves out of her childhood home and in with Dex. She doesn't want to like or trust Dex with her heart. Indifference is how she deals with Dex. One problem with her coping mechanism - Dex was working hard to win Perry's heart.

Dex 2.0 has changed into a better man for Perry. His new body art reflects his feelings for Perry. Within your light, I lose the madness.

*I had my own 2.0 moment tonight at Best Buy.*
We were shopping and my husband and I split up. When I was done I had gone to look for him and one of the sales guys asked me if he could help me?
I said, “No, I’m just looking for my husband.”
He smirked and said, “We don’t sell those here.”
I laughed.
Then he continued, “But I could get you an upgrade on that husband. One with better features.”
I replied, “a 2.0 version?”
He smiled and I kept walking.

When I found my husband I had a huge smirk on my face. He asked me what I had been up to and I told him about the flirty sales guy.
My husband replied,“Do I need to go pay him a visit?” LOL
My response, “If I decide to trade you in I know I can find a better version at Best Buy…2.0 version.”

SERIES:

Must be read in order. Continuing story.

Novellas:

(#2.5)(#5.5)(#5.7)(#6.5)

205th book of 2013

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you TRYING to kill us with the October released date?

Well great! Now I've seen the cover and I'm dying just a little bit more inside. And I actually mean quite a bit.

[Heidi R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated 5/26/13: I love this series so much!!! Hurry up Come Alive!! I reread Into the Hollow in one day and am already missing Perry & Dex!!

The comment below was BEFORE I read the book:

Whoever said, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder", was nuts. Absence makes the heart ACHE longer...and the Sept/Oct Nov release of Into the Hollow (Experiment in Terror #6) has never seemed so far away. But, rereading the series helps a little bit and knowing Perry and Dex get out of their cliffhanger situation (I'm trying not to do a spoiler here for ODW, but the synopsis kinda gives it away) helps. I know this next book will be another 5 star rating ( wish there was a 10 star rating! ).

Now that I've READ the book...it was well worth the wait. My aching heart has been eased. Like I said previously above, I wish there was a 10 star rating, that's how great this book is! The dynamics between Perry and Dex are so intense throughout the whole story, you will sit on the edge of your seat waiting anxiously for an end result. At times I wanted to shake Perry! And Dex is as pervy as ever! Karina Halle has done it again! She weaves a story with just the right amount of humor, terror, adult angst, and love. The Entertainment in Terror series is one of the best series I've read. I am looking forward to book 7!

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY FREAKING PERFECTION!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

OH.MY.GOD!! Karina Halle has completely and utterly blown me away. The emotion and angst in this book is out of control! And God, I loved it!!!!! But despite this intensity, it also retained the hilarity of the previous books, as well as some fantastic character development and heaps of swoon. Apologies in advance for my long and overly quotey review, but you’re just gonna have to bear with me here, because I cannot help but gush.

The story picks up immediately after the end of On Demon Wings with Perry and Dex on very shaky ground with each other. However it doesn’t take long for Perry to realise that for the sake of her own safety and sanity, she needs to get away from her family, and that escape comes in the form of Dex. Yep, he offers her (a mostly platonic) sanctuary with him in Seattle. With no other real options, and despite all that she has been through with Dex, and her emotions being all over the place, Perry agrees.

Commence flirty, smutty banter and explosive UST! Woohoo!

The situation is strained and awkward as all hell, but there is some sensational teasing and flirting that goes on, I laughed out loud at the antics of these two, just brilliant! And when Dex and Perry get asked to go back to Experiment in Terror, the two of them take their teasing and angst-filled ‘relationship’ on the road and travel to the Canadian Rockies for a brand new assignment out in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, on the hunt for an elusive monster.

“We are really fucked up,” I finally remarked.
“Yeah, kiddo, we sure are. Now come on, let’s go hunt Sasquatch.”

And then there’s even more banter, and it’s dirty and flirty, and God, I loved it!

I noticed Dex’s eyes weren’t quite on the road but on my chest.
I sunk back into my seat a bit and lowered my scarf over my V-neck. “Can I help you?”
He grinned … “Just wondering why your breasts are on display when we’re heading up to the Canadian Rockies at the end of winter. That’s all.”
I grunted and pulled my cardigan around me. “I’m running out of clothes. This was the only clean shirt left.”
“You know we could make a clothing optional rule around each other. That way we’d always be naked and never have to do laundry.”
The way he said it made me shift in my seat uncomfortably.
“All right, Dex, quit it. You’re beating a dead horse.”
“I’m beating something horse-sized, that’s for sure.”
I shot him an unimpressed look. “Do you really think you’ll win me over by having sex with me?”
He scratched the side of his chin. “Well, they say the way to a woman’s heart is through her vagina.”

Dex is so incredible in this book. He’s still an arrogant, smirking ass who teases and flirts with Perry constantly, but he has changed so much, and is now also very open and honest, and very expressive in his feelings for Perry. This is an entirely new dynamic in their relationship, and regardless of whether she wants to hear it or not, he just lets it all hang out and it’s sensational, and oh so swoony!

“I was trying to be a better man, Perry. For you … And I’ll keep trying … Until I get it right.”

But Perry is still very hurt from all that has happened between them in the past and she holds back from him. I was soooooo torn by her actions in this book. Yes, to some extent I understood where she was coming from, and why she felt the way she did, and my heart did break for her. But damn, she drove me crazy. I wanted to smack her so many times!

And then the big blow up that we’ve all been waiting for finally happens. It all comes out in one epic, epic scene. Seriously… so much emotion – good and bad, it’s all there, and when Dex lets it all hang out… just… DAMN! I was cheering him on the whole way.

"Do you know why I freaked out? Because I realized I'd fallen in love with my best friend. The very same person who had just told me she didn't love me. Call me an asshole for overreacting but that's why happened. You're not the only one who is hurting here, Perry. At least I didn't do it deliberately."

…

“This is me trying, Perry,” he said softly, the anger being drained of his face. “This is me taking my heart out of my chest and putting the bloody mess in your hands. I can’t give you much more than that.”

…

“I'm not supposed to be anything else than a man that's stupidly in love with you. That's what I know."

FUUUUUUUUUUUCK!! The pain!! Oh God the pain!!! It hurt so much!!! I burst into tears as Dex poured his heart out, and then ugly cried my way through the rest of the scene. It was so brutal, and my heart was aching! But OMG, it was sensationally written! It hurt, but every moment of that scene is just pure, heart-wrenching perfection.

All this, and the resulting fall out, happens while they are wandering through the Canadian wilderness, on the run from a mysteriously horrifying ‘creature’. Is it sasquatch? Is it a hoax? Is it something different entirely? There are the usual thrills, action, and nail-biting tension, and even a llama called 'Twatwaffle'. And because it’s all tied in with what’s going on between Dex and Perry, it’s all hyper-emotional, and I was feeling everything so much more intensely that I normally would have. But it all adds to the ride, and it’s so descriptively written, I could see it all unfolding in front of me like a movie, and it was awesome!

Having read the entire series up to this point back to back, I am now stuck waiting a few months for the story to continue. It’s going to be a hideous wait, but I’m really happy with where things were left off. The ending had me in tears yet again, and left me utterly, utterly wrecked. It was absolute perfection!

“You are always a part of me Dex. You’re every part of me. Always have been. Always will be.”
…
"I love you Perry … I love you so fucking much. And I’m losing myself. I’m losing myself to you and I don’t care anymore because there’s never been a better feeling in the whole fucking world. I love you. So much. Too much. Always.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIL!!!!!!! And yay Perry!!!

Karina Halle, you are a goddess, I worship at your feet, and cannot WAIT until June so that I can get another fix of what has become one of my all-time favourite series.

6 phenomenal stars!

Thanks again to my EIT posse for putting up with my ranting, gushing, and tearful ourbursts while reading. And yes, I’m fully aware of my Quote Whorishness, comments are not necessary ;)


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW FOR BONUS SCENE - 'ON TARGET'

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

OK, so this is going to sound really weird, but this little short was actually my first exposure to Experiment in Terror. I had heard so many things about the series, but was never too sure whether it would be my thing. Then I saw this little bonus pop up and I thought I’d check it out so I could get a feel for it and see if I liked it. OH MY GOD!!! I was instantly sucked in, I laughed so hard, and had a serious case of insta-love with these two bizarre characters. It propelled me into a mad reading frenzy which has seen me read 5 books and 2 novellas from the series in the last week.

The short that takes place during book 6 - Into the Hollow, when Dex and Perry are roomates (with a WHOLE lot of history behind them), and tells the tale of them shopping together in Target. It sounds like such a mundane thing, but with the chemistry between them in full swing, and Dex being Dex (the whole thing is from his POV, and God, I love being in that man’s head!), it turns into a hilariously banter-filled and dirty outing - with an 'interesting' interaction with a lost little boy.

“Mommy,” Tyler tugged at her terry-cloth sweatshirt, “Mommy, he told me he’s going to take me away for some candy and I can pet his fat dog.” LMAO!

Perry and Dex are both brilliant! Definitely two of my favourite characters ever, and this little story is a fantastic reflection of them and where they are currently at. I’m totally obsessed with this series, and anybody who hasn’t read it – you need to get onto it… right now!!!!

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fourth installment is in the middle of the Canadian woods looking for Sasquatch. Also known as bigfoot. Yes, you read it right. Yes, Perry and Dex laughed too.
But they stopped laughing real quickly.

Dex finally realized his feelings for Perry, but she is still hurt after everything that happened and can’t give him another chance. Although, after the recent events, she knows that her only option is leaving her parents house and so, she goes live with him to Seattle.



With the EIT show back on action they go to Canada search for evidence of the big foot. Except this time their biggest threat could be human.
And their biggest haunting is the ghost of their own past that doesn't allow them to move on and be finally happy.
But having to spend so many time together and with cut-deep sexual tension between them, they will have to find a way to be together… or to leave separate ways.



This was the least scary book so far. And it was also the best.
Although the scary side is not in full force (but it is there, make no mistake!), it’s great to see them finally admit their true feelings, and trying to get back track without losing themselves on the way. It was a much more intimate book and just loved it.
Although I liked Perry (well, she’s awesome) there were moments in this book when she pissed the hell out me. And Dex… if he was good before, now was pretty much perfect.

“This is me trying, Perry,” he said softly, the anger being drained of his face. “This is me taking my heart out of my chest and putting the bloody mess in your hands. I can’t give you much more than that.”

Definitely best series ever!
To the next one, now ;)

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERFECTION! Everything I was hoping and more! I didn't think anything could live up to my favorite - Lying Season, but this definitely is right there with it!

I have no other words right now, I'm actually pretty upset that its over and now I have the torture of waiting for the next one :( I didn't want it to end!!!!

Maybe I'll write more later - I don't know. All I know is I <3 <3 <3 me some Dex & Perry!!!!!

Merged review (The Target scene)

I LOVE DEX!!!!!

This was perfection, I missed Dex & Perry so much. This was just what I wanted :)

“Not really for myself. I find thongs are a bit too binding around my balls. I need gentle cupping action, not dental floss down the seam.”

...

“Well, how about we wait for your mommy and then I can take you back to my apartment where you can pet my dog and I’ll give you lots of candy?” ..... “Mommy,” Tyler tugged at her terry-cloth sweatshirt, “Mommy, he told me he’s going to take me away for some candy and I can pet his fat dog.”

LMAO!!!!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever read a book that is so damn good you don't even want to stop reading for a bathroom break? The characters are just so real to you, the events unfolding so engaging you can’t bear to walk out of that world even for two seconds? If you’ve ever read Karina Halle’s Experiment in Terror series, you’ll know EXACTLY what I mean. They’re the type of books you’ll forgo eating for. They’re the type of books that, when the threat of interruption occurs, may or may not cause violent outbursts. They’re the type of books that you take to the bathroom. There I said it. I take these books to the bathroom with me because I am unable to put them down. And I’m not ashamed.

Into the Hollow is Karina’s 6th full book in the Experiment in Terror series. The story picks up right where we last left our main character and narrator, Perry Palomino. Let’s face it; Perry had a rough time of it in On Demon Wings (book 5). She is SO not okay as this book begins. She is facing parents that think she’s a head case, an annoying frenemy/former love interest that just won’t leave her and her family alone, a heart that she’s trying to put back together after being blasted to pieces, and major trust issues with Dex – said heartbreaker who happened to save her life in the last book.

“…when it came to my feelings, when I couldn’t figure out what they even were, that’s when I was really scared.”

All in all, Perry’s having one hell of a time figuring out what’s next. Thankfully, her decision was one I was happy with and one that leads her and Dex on an assignment seeking out Sasquatch in the middle of the Canadian Rockies.

“I had been to many remote places in my life. D’Arcy Island, Red Fox, but none of them felt as far away and isolated as this place did. It didn’t even have a freaking name that I knew of; we were just in some valley in the Canadian Rockies.”

I’m not going to get into the details of the plotline. You’ll just have to read the book to find out how everything goes down. Suffice it to say that it is full of heart-pounding action, steamy sex scenes (some of THE BEST I’ve ever read), and chill-inducing situations that will have you leaving your light on as you fall asleep. Excited yet? Well, you should be!

These characters are some of, if not my absolute favorites EVER. They are some of the most realistic, dynamic, perfectly flawed human beings (imaginary friends) I’ve read. They’re the type of people you want to go have a drink with. Scratch that - several drinks with. The dynamic between them has always been great and that’s true in this book as well. Know what else is true? NO ONE does one liners like Dex Foray!

“Do you really think you’ll win me over by having sex with me?” He scratched at the side of his chin. “Well, they say the way to a woman’s heart is through her vagina.”

“How old are you again? Twelve?” He grinned, teeth white as the snow he had freshly gathered. “Old enough to make you come, young enough to make you hate me for it.”

I have always loved Dex, he's smart, witty, unabashedly sexy and crude. But watching him grow into the character he has become in On Demon Wings and Into The Hollow has far exceeded my expectations for him. He was decidedly Dex in this book, but also showed a vulnerable side that we rarely see from him.

“I love you, Perry,” he whispered, mouth moving in my hair. “I love you so fucking much. And I’m losing myself. I’m losing myself to you and I don’t care anymore because there’s never been a better feeling in the whole fucking world. I love you. Too much. Always.”

And just when you think you can't love him anymore, you learn about his tattoo...swoon…

Perry - poor Perry. As I said, she is still reeling from the experiences of the last two books. She seems more lost than ever now and unwilling to risk losing herself again. The trials she’s endured have hardened her and she too reveals a side that shocked me to the core early on in the storyline. She's trying to cope with everything, but she has an edge to her now that wasn’t really there in previous books.

“I just wanted things to go back to the way it was. When he could touch me and it didn’t feel wrong. When I could like the things he said or the way he looked without hating myself for it.”

This edge, this anger is always lying in wait just below her seemingly calm surface. Perry would cut a bitch in this book, no doubt. She has become this take no prisoners kind of gal. I like it, but it also scared me a little. I don’t want her to altogether lose that sweet side she has.

As for other characters, Into the Hollow has a bad guy that you’ll love to hate and an unsuspecting character twist that could cost Dex and Perry their lives… We don’t get to see too much of Ada or Maximus in this installment. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, as Maximus can be a little much for me at times, but after reading Old Blood (book 5.5) I am dying to know more about him and his motives.

When it comes to writing, Karina Halle speaks to me. Directly. I swear, it’s like we’re having a little conversation over coffee and she’s telling me the best story I’ve ever heard. Her writing is expressive without being dramatic, beautifully descriptive without being overdone, and intelligent and witty without being pretentious. Here’s what I’m talking about…

"His eyes were brown and clear, brow set in a determined fashion. He was wearing his black cargo jacket, hands thrust deep in his pockets and collar turned up against the cold. The newsboy cap perched on his head gave him an air of unique distinction though his face remained scruffy with a day’s old stubble.”

“The pause amplified. If anticipation was a breathing, living thing, it would have popped out the window and made a run for it.”

Luckily, her writing is like that in all of her books – not just Into the Hollow. She is very consistent and stays true to her characters and her stories, which I really respect.

Into the Hollow will leave all you Dex & Perry fans completely satisfied, if not a little scared and nervous over the future of their relationship. They have a lot to work through in this book, but you’ll enjoy every second of watching them try to do just that. You'll also catch some hints as to what’s up next for the dynamic duo. I for one cannot wait for the next book – Come Alive! That’s how all her books are – completely addictive! Oh, and did I mention that Karina loves us all so much she’s releasing another novella from Dex’s point of view? Well she does, and she is! And With Madness Comes with Light is coming out on February 14th!!!

If you are looking for a suspenseful series with excellent characters, edge of your seat scares, a little romance, a lot of humor, and wonderful writing pick up the Experiment in Terror series today. Friends that have read the series have flown through it like I did and I suspect you will too! Just please refrain from hating me when you get to the end and have to wait a bit for the next book. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

P.S. Make sure you read the acknowledgments at the end. You may see someone you recognize! ;)

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dex and Perry....*blissful sigh*



Great scene! Cannot WAIT for Come Alive (EIT #7)!!!!

Merged review:

Find this & other reviews at The Demon Librarian

Toil and Trouble!

Into The Hollow begins right on the heels of the last book, On Demon Wings. Normally that wouldn't be worth mentioning but in this case, I think it's particularly significant and something you MUST keep in mind while reading. But more on that later. First, let's catch up with Dex and Perry.

Since they first met in "Darkhouse", our supernatural-hunting duo has tangled with an angry lightkeeper's ghost, skinwalkers, vengeful spirits on the Island of Death, the Ghost of Girlfriend Past, and most recently, dealt with demon possession. They've traveled to the Thin Veil, the Black Sunshine, and have both been irrevocably changed by the experience. They've been chased, drugged, haunted, nearly drowned, and attacked by more crazy animals than I can count (seriously, what is up with the animals in this series?!?!?). You'd think, after surviving all of that, they could weather any storm, beat any odds. I mean, they've done it before, right?

Alas, they are only human, and humans make mistakes. Sometimes really big ones. If you've read the other books (and if you haven't, you should!) then you know what happened and why the relationship between Dex and Perry is so...fractured.

After the harrowing events of On Demon Wings, our gal Perry is a confused, volatile, angry mess. She's escaped being locked away in a mental institution - barely - and her relationship with her parents is strained to the nth degree. She needs a change of scenery. Somewhere safe where she can rebuild the ruins of her life.

Enter Dex Foray, the man who broke her heart, with an offer she can't afford to refuse. He swears he is a different man now, that he will do whatever it takes to make things right, but how can she possibly trust him again? How can she look at him, talk to him, and not remember everything she suffered?

And yet, with a little prodding from her always-amazing younger sister, Ada, Perry reluctantly accepts Dex's help...for now. Just until she gets back on her feet. First chance she gets, she's gone.

Being around Dex again is difficult. He has changed, physically and otherwise, and Perry can't help but notice. And she hates that pull she still feels toward him, that accursed attraction that got her into this mess in the first place. So she lashes out, rebuffing Dex at every turn. And yet, after a fateful call from Shownet about restarting the Experiment In Terror webshow, she agrees to work with him again. That Dex is against the idea only firms her resolve.

And so off they go, to investigate reported sightings of a monster that may or may not be Sasquatch. And of course, like every investigation they've been on, everything goes to hell in a hand basket.

The horror aspect of the story rates fairly low on the scary scale. Yes, there are tense moments, and one scene in particular that had nothing to do with the monster sent a wave of shivers up my spine. But for me the real terror of the book was not knowing what the hell would happen between Dex and Perry. Will she forgive him, or won't she? I was on pins and needles the entire time, shouting at Perry and shaking my ereader in frustration every time she pushed Dex away. It was maddening how willfully blind she was. Here is Dex, finally opening up and handing her his heart on a shiny silver platter, and she doesn't drop everything and run straight into his arms? Are you kidding me?!?!? What the hell is wrong with this girl?

The answer? Not a damn thing. Remember I pointed out that Into The Hollow starts right after On Demon Wings ends? This is why. You HAVE to remember the timeline so you can understand - and forgive - some of Perry's behavior in this book. Perry doesn't get any downtime or chance to really recuperate before she jumps from the figurative frying pan and into the fire. So everything she went through at the end of Lying Season and in On Demon Wings, all that pain and horror - it's right there, front and center in her mind. Looked at in that light, her behavior makes total sense. The poor girl's been to hell and back. She's earned the right to be angry.

Lucky for Perry - and us - Dex is there every step of the way, taking everything Perry dishes out and proving, over and over, just how changed a man he really is. I LOVED Dex in this book. He was sweeter, more honest and more accessible than he's ever been. Perry isn't the only one who needed to see that side of him. I needed to see it too. I adore Dex but he's really screwed up in the past. It was time for him to step up, and in a way that didn't sacrifice his essential "Dex-ness".

The book's humor deserves a special mention. Karina Halle has always had a knack for funny scenes and one-liners, but she really outdoes herself here. Oh, and the sexual tension? Off the frickin' charts!

So do they find the monster? Do Dex and Perry fix their broken relationship? I guess you'll have to read to find out, huh? ;)

Into The Hollows didn't scare me as much as other EIT books have, but it was every bit as engrossing. I devoured every word of it, and when I was done, I immediately started re-reading. That's how good it was. For Dex and Perry fans, it's an absolute must-read, filled with all the intensity, humor, and emotion we've come to expect from a Karina Halle novel.

Reviewed by:

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No matter what happened, he was Dex and I was Perry and that combination only led to trouble.”

Dex and Perry finally, albeit somewhat reluctantly for Perry...do SOMETHING smart in regards to their relationship. Though I think spoiling it would be cruel, so I won't. Hah!!! Let me just say that it could be the best thing ever for this wonderful couple who are so badly in need of each other. They do, they need each other SO. BAD. It's not even funny. No one else other than Dex can understand Perry, feel what she's been through and still going through. No one else other than Perry can feel Dex's struggles as if they were her own. And why is this, you ask? It's simple. It's love. They are connected by their souls.



And that's where Dex and Perry are, though they are finding light in their madness. Miss Halle once again brings new meaning to those words inked on Dex's skin. Now that quote makes me want to cry. Especially when I found out about his new tattoo. It's a doozie, guys!!!

Okay, so Dex and Perry are now in search of a...sasquatch/bigfoot creature that has been terrorizing a remote mountainside. Only these people are so odd that even Dex and Perry...after all they've been through, have a hard time believing in the story. The setting is beautiful and cozy...they travel to a lonely cabin on the mountain...it snows almost daily and the reluctant couple have to share not only a bed again, but body warmth too!! Yay!!



Amid the romantic setting is a real weirdo of a mountain guide...he gave me the willies the first time he looked at Perry with angry lust...and also a couple of llamas that add some much needed comic relief. Especially because Dex gets the ass hole llama, and you guessed it...they spit!!



But some pretty freaky stuff starts happening on this mountain, and Dex and Perry are beginning to encounter some things that can't be denied. Soon, they are once again up to their eyeballs in monsters...both of the monsterly kind and the human kind. Only now, they have no one to rely on but each other. Forced into partnership, they are also forced to work on their relationship. It's still not rainbows and flowers, but I say at least they have to be in close proximity. If only they would have some moments of levity!!! Not so...mostly there is scary shit and danger.



It's another mind blowing EIT ride, and it definitely helps move the series forward by leaps and bounds. I can't WAIT to get inside Dex's effed up mind in The Dex-Files.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking amazing. Full review to come soon. Holy crap I need to process all of that! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED MORE STARS TO GIVE!!! DEX NEEDS MORE STARS!!!!


THIS SERIES IS SO CRAZY F'KING GOOD!!!!!

[Megan • Reading Books Like a Boss (book blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vote for On Demon Wings in the 2013 Goodreads choice awards!!

5 stars!!!!!!!!! It was really hard for me to put this down.

Karina has outdone herself with this one. I was really impressed with the number of times she worked in the word Twatwaffle.

"If it wasn't for the decapitation of Twatwaffle - God rest his soul - I'd be ready to call this whole thing a hoax."

Into the Hollow picks up right where On Demon Wings left off. Perry is dealing with her parents and the Dex situation. She makes a pretty big decision at the beginning of this book. I don't want to give anything away for those who haven't read the series.

I will say that all you angst addicts will LOVE this book. I have fallen even more in book boyfriend love with Dex. He's so incredibly charming, heart achingly romantic, and snarky as ever!!!

What is the status of Derry's (Dex + Perry) relationship? I'm not telling. Read it!!!

Come Alive (Book #7) will come out Spring/Summer 2013 - Add it!! Come Alive

If you haven't read the series, Darkhouse (Book #1) is free on Amazon. Start reading and catch up!!!!!!!

[☆ Sammy ☆彡 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I have a confession to make... Dex Foray has completely stolen my heart!


FANGIRL ALERT!


But seriously, I REALLY liked Dex in the first five books but, after reading Into the Hollow, I freaking LOVE him. Yes, he is still cocky and kind of full of himself:

Dex: You know we could always make a clothing optional rule around each other. That way we'd always be naked and never have to do laundry."

Perry: "All right, Dex, quit it. You're beating a dead horse."

Dex: "I'm beating something horse-sized, that's for sure."

But you also see a more vulnerable, determined, heart felt, & caring side of him as well:

Dex:"I was trying to be a better man, Perry. For you."

Perry: "Dex..."

Dex: "And I'll keep trying," he quickly said, voice low and somber. "Until I get it right."

Ok, so now that I got that out of my system... Into the Hollow follows Dex and Perry into the mountains of Canada where they are looking for the mythical Sasquatch! Both of them are still not quite comfortable around each other, but they are trying to push their feelings aside so they can continue filming Experiment in Terror.

Their expedition in Canada involves a stalkerish guide named Mitch, a llama nicknamed Twatwaffle, panty melting HOT scenes, and some pretty creepy happenings with a mysterious beast.


Overall, this book definitely deserves 5 SHINING STARS! =D

If you have not read this series yet, go check it out. RIGHT. NOW.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the things this series does to me...



It's just...



So Into the Hollow picks up right after On demons Wings and Perry had to get away from her parents house. The only solution?
Moving in with Dex...HELL YEAH!!

And with that comes the opportunity to give Experiment in Terror another chance. Only this time, they're not facing ghost or demons but chasing a urban legend.

Now, monsters do not exist, do they?
With Perry and Dex's luck, I let you think about it,ahaha.

Dex is a new man (like Perry says, Dex 2.0) and he is trying to make amends.

"I was trying to be a better man, Perry. For you." I shifted in my seat."Dex...""And I'll keep trying,"he quickly said,voice low and somber."Until I get it right."

But of course he is still cocky, a perv and wicked... And how I love that!!

"You know we could make a clothing optional rule around each other. That way we'd always be naked and never have to do laundry."

See what I mean?

Anyway, the story is FULL OF ANGST...






Also with a lot of bantering from our favorite duo. A lot of action, life or death situations, revelations and epiphanys.
And that humans can be also the monsters...

Yep, I'm talking about Mitch...that guy creeped me out. And also Christina, she just made such a horrible thing that lead to someone death.


hmmm do I really have to say that i LOVED IT?

I FREAKIN LOVED IT!!!


SO MUCH MORE STARS THAN 5 STARS

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merged review:

6 stars. Of course.

Having just devoured this entire book in one evening, to say that I am feeling a wee bit shell shocked and emotional would be putting it rather mildly.




It is not a secret that I love this series. I have made quite the pest of myself by pimping it out to just about everyone I know. But, I can honestly say that with each book Karina Halle exceeds my expectations. Her talent as an author is just staggering to me. And I'm not just saying that as a gushing fangirl. I am genuinely in awe of this woman. So much so that each time I sit down to attempt to write a review, I feel like a complete ass because I never know the right things to say to convey to someone who hasn't read one of her books, just how amazing they really are.

But...I will keep trying.



Thanks to the insane events leading up to this book... Perry's possession and subsequent exorcism in On Demon's Wings, and all the revelations revealed through Dex's POV in The Dex Files my anticipation was through the roof going into this story. And as a result of some of the huge events that have gone down over the last couple of books, the Dex & Perry that we see in Into The Hallow are quite different than the ones we were first introduced to at the beginning of the series. That is both good and bad. Bad in the sense that I sort of miss the Perry from Darkhouse...a slightly awkward & insecure firecracker that I felt a kinship with immediately. But, the Perry Palomino that we have in book 6 has been through some intense shit (talk about an understatement), and she has come out the other side both stronger and more closed off. Which is understandable. But still, there were a few times while reading this that I wanted to shake that girl like a snow globe. More about that in a minute. On the good side of things...we also have the new and improved Dex Foray. Who has gone from a slouchy smoker with a rapist mustache to a (somewhat) clean-leaving badass with a 6 pack and a hell of a lot of new found strength. His transformation is for the most part in the hopes of becoming a better man...good enough for Perry. And I have to say...I love the new Dex. Not only is he more confident (though still as pervy as ever, bless his soul), but he is opening himself up to Perry like never before.

Now, here is where my emotions will get the better of me. I shall put my ravings behind a spoiler tag so feel free to skip it. When Perry shuts down completely after she and Dex have sex again. THAT was when I wanted...NEEDED to shake that girl like there was no tomorrow. Yes...I know how much he hurt her. I know how much pain she was in. But all she was really doing was punishing Dex (and herself!). Giving him a taste of his own medicine, which quite frankly was childish. Especially after he completely ripped himself open and offered his heart to her on a silver platter. And she still walked away. After everything he had done...all the times he saved her, proved that he was trustworthy and truly cared about her...she threw it all back in his face. Even though she regretted it afterward...like she did when she swapped out his meds with placebos as an 'experiment'...it drove me nuts. I'm obviously biased when it comes to Dex, but I love Perry as well. And I hate to see her sabotaging herself. Gah. Okay....done.

*steps off soapbox*




Moving on...

The decision to take Perry out of the toxic hell that was her parents house and have her move to Seattle with Dex was an excellent one, though I did miss Little Fifteen something fierce. And having said that, I'm hoping to have much more Ada and much less Douchecaneo Maximus in the future (though I know we are probably far from seeing that last of that ginger bastard unfortunately). The location for most of the story...an isolated cabin in the snowy Canadian mountains...was perfect with it's creepy & claustrophobic feel, and as usual the paranormal aspect of the story worked well.

And a review of this book wouldn't be complete without mentioning the llamas. Oh, Twatwaffle. How I enjoyed our short time together.

And then there was the ending.

It was part


and part


While not a traditional cliffhanger, it definitely left me with a lot of questions as to the future of my favorite fictional couple. I really hope that Perry has managed to pull her head out of her ass when it comes to being with Dex. But, I have a feeling that things won't be that simple.

This review is all over the place, and not much more than random thoughts slapped together, but...it's what I'm good at and I am nothing if not consistent. :P

As usual, I leave you with a few of my favorite quotes. Slightly spoilery so read at your own risk! :)




"I was trying to be a better man, Perry. For you."
I shifted in my seat, "Dex..."
"And I'll keep trying," he quickly said, voice low and somber. "Until I get it right."

"You know, we could always make a clothing optional rule around each other. That way we'd always be naked and never have to do laundry."

"Who is it?" I asked teasingly.
"Bigfoot," Dex answered from his room.
"What do you want, Mr Foot."
"Please, just call me Big."
I snorted. "You wish."
"You know."

"You can talk the talk, but you can't walk the walk."
His eyes narrowed in challenge. "Oh, I can walk the walk. I can walk the walk so hard you'll be sore for days."

"Within your light, I lose the madness."
"You," He said slowly. "You're the light. You're my light."



Read more of my reviews at my blog:
http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com

[Jo ★The Book Sloth★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****SPOILERS*****

Let me begin by saying... It was about time people! It only took them 6 books to finally get there!



So...

Perry decides that after her latest adventures, she can't stay with her parents anymore and since she doesn't have a lot of option she moves in to Seattle with none other but our beloved Dex.

In order to make some money she decides to return to the show. Their first job is in Canada. Of course it doesn't go quite as planned.

Perry and Dex go looking for this...



Instead they find something like this...



To be honest I kind of found the "monster hunting" part of the story a little boring! It wasn't bad, it just wasn't scary enough for it to be impressive!

But thankfully that was only part of the story! We have exciting developments in this book!

First of all Dex and Perry are like two different people! Perry is more confident, less shy and without all the self pities of the previous books(which in my opinion were her only disadvantages).

Reading about Dex I was like...



This Dex is like the advanced model of the previous one! He looks after Perry, he puts her needs before his, he says how he feels, he almost has manners, he doesn't smoke, it's like the old Dex is dead!

"I love you Perry," he whispered, mouth moving in my hair. "I love you so fucking much. And I'm losing myself. I'm losing myself to you and I don't care anymore because there's never been a better feeling in the whole fucking world. I love you. So much. Too much. Always."

Perry said it better than anyone!

“You’re Dex 2.0. You’re different now.”

I can't even begin to explain how much I liked the changes in our heroes!



Of course we have a new mystery opening ahead of us with the "hag in the mirror"(Dex's mother), because we can't possibly have a week of peace and happiness!



I missed Ada in this book. I really want to see more of her in the future. Maybe her visiting Seattle? Also what's the deal with Max? I can't figure out the guy but I still don't like him!

PS. A message for Perry's mother...



Oof...I got it out of my chest! That's all folks. ;)