Come Alive

Experiment in Terror #7

by Karina Halle

It’s one thing to bring the woman you love back into your life. It’s another to try and keep her there. For Dex Foray, con­vinc­ing Perry Palomino to open her­self to their bur­geon­ing rela­tion­ship has been more chal­leng­ing than hunt­ing ghosts, bat­tling demons and stalk­ing Sasquatch com­bined. Add in the fact that the only way they can keep their Exper­i­ment in Ter­ror show run­ning is to take on a third part­ner in the form of the mys­te­ri­ous Max­imus Jacobs — all while inves­ti­gat­ing a sin­is­ter voodoo sect in New Orleans — and you’ve got the per­fect South­ern storm and a recipe for dis­as­ter. Luck­ily, Dex has never been one to back down, even when his life –and heart — are on the line.

Come Alive is told from Dex’s POV.

Genres: Paranormal, Horror, Romance, Ghosts, Urban Fantasy, Zombies, Paranormal Romance

438 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2013

About the author

Karina Halle is a screenwriter, a former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of River of Shadows, A Nordic King, and The Royals Next Door, as well as seventy other wild and romantic reads. She holds a Bachelors degree in Journalism.

She, her musician husband, and their adopted pit bull, Bruce, live in a rainforest on an island off the coast of British Columbia during the summer, and in Los Angeles in the winter. For more information, visit www.authorkarinahalle.com/books.

Halle is represented by Root Literary and is both self-published, and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette, Penguin, and Montlake. Her books have been published in numerous languages around the world.

Karina isn't on Goodreads and does NOT check her messages here - please contact her via Instagram (@authorhalle) instead :)

Reviews

[Georgia ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★Stars-and-Galaxies, Suns-and-Moons, Dex-Foray-you-make-my-soul-sing STARS★★★★★

"You’re mine. And you’re mine alone. From now until the end of time."



Summer's, HELL, 2013's most anticipated release, hit me with awesomeness, deliciousness and DEXINESS. Yes, Dex Foray is a verb, noun and subject by himself! Crazy, funny, addictive and heart breaking, sinking, falling, drowning, good, wonderful, delicious, scary. Everything I hoped for... But I am sorry, I got ahead of myself; let's take it from the beginning.

All began with paranormal and all leads straight back to it...



Dex & Perry amateur ghost-hunters, show runners, haunted and betrayed have survived ghosts, demons, Sasquatch, family, their own nightmares and fears, crippling emotions and a love that defines them.

“That is life. Real life is grey.”


Pic by the amazing Brenna! You are awesome...

Now, returning from a horrible experience and Dex having laid his soul bare to Perry, they will travel to New Orleans with an unexpected and unwelcome chaperone. There they will deal with a new kind of nightmare and a truth about destiny that will threaten their relationship. It will take more than courage and sarcasm to COME back ALIVE. It will take LOVE.



This book will take you for a wild ride, to Dex' chaos of a mind, making you falling deeper and deeper, irrevocably in love with the sexy beast, the beautiful bastard, the one and only DEX FORAY.



I can't possibly comment on everything that happens in 436 pages. I will tell you, that you will be scared shitless, not only because of the horror aspect of the story,

Voodoo


freaking Zombies


AND the expected ghosts


but also because of the injustice inflicted upon our favourite heroes. Fighting heaven and hell for the right to be together, when they just started to make sense. They can't have enough of each other and they can't take a break. Dex will have a hell of a decision to make and Perry will have to trust him enough to admit what she always tried to hide beneath stolen glances and heartbreak and trust him again with her heart.

“I love you, I’ve loved you from the very start. And…sometimes I think I can’t possibly love you more. And then I do. You fill me up and break my own heart open, you know? It just creates more room. There is no limit. I love you, I love you, I love you and I’ll die saying it because I was born to feel it. I am in love with you, you wonderful, funny, handsome man.”



I bow to the Brilliance that is Karina Halle. It take guts to pull through a series like that. But more, it takes passion to draw out these characters. To make us care for them, despair and cry along them. Fall in love with Dex, be best friends with Perry and I-kid-you-not, understand and sympathize with an auburn-haired snatchslinger . WOMAN, YOU ARE AMAZING!



A special mention, lots of love, hugs and kisses for an amazing buddy read to my bestest friends, awesome ladies and Dex afficionados:
Kristalia ♦ Vilda ♦ Joana ♦ Debra ♦ (it all started with them...)

and
Fathima ♦ Destini ♦ Gabby ♦ Catarina ♦ (they joined us and the made the whole experience AMAZING!)

Click on the names for their reviews and if I forgot anyone, Dex stole my mind along my heart, so pm me and let me know!

Girls:


Looking forward to an even awesomer buddy reading event, this Winter with Ashes to Ashes.

And we’re back to Perry’s POV for Experiment in Terror #8 Ashes to Ashes, coming Winter 2013.

You know me, I am a hardcore Dex fangirl but I kinda missed Perry's thoughts... So, YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!

KEEP READING FOR MY PRE-RELEASE RANT

Ladies, sweethearts and all around Dex' Fan Club Membership Holders, WE HAVE A FREAKING RELEASE DATE!!!

Expected publication: June 23rd 2013

GIRLS, BASK IN THE GLORIOUSNESS THAT IS DEX!
Of course, it wouldn't be the same without buddy-reading with Debra, Jo, Kristalia and Vilda, EIT & Dex' fangirls EXTRAORDINAIRE! (let us know, if you want to join!!)





Exciting news by Karina Halle as posted in FB: Hey, just a little info about Come Alive (out June 23)...it picks up the next day where Into the Hollow ended. There is some recapping, so you won't be totally lost, but it might be a good idea to re-read Into the Hollow before Come Alive...of course, keep in mind that the POV is Dex this time instead of Perry. That's all for now!

Sweet....Baby...Jesus...

*COVER AND BLURB ALERT*

Karina Halle ~ Inspiration: Like I do with most books, this is named after a song. These lyrics from the Foo Fighters “Come Alive” really resonate for me:

♪♫Nothing more to give
I can finally come alive
Your life into me
I can finally breathe
Come alive
I lay there in the dark
Open my eyes
You saved me the day that you came alive♪♫

It’s one thing to bring the woman you love back into your life. It’s another to try and keep her there.[...]Luck­ily, Dex has never been one to back down, even when his life –and heart — are on the line.



*screaming* DEX!!!! DEX!!!! DEX!!! Well, it's just his shadow, but my inner-fangirl just doesn't care...

OK... *breath in* *breath out*



Come Alive, comes out this June and it will be entirely in Dex' POV.



How to Survive until June Guide

booze,


a lot...


visual aid, (always keep a mental or actual pic of Dex nearby)


and when everything else fails...


Can't freaking wait!!!


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

[Kristalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final rating: 5/5 stars

"You are my world. And all I’ve ever wanted is for me to be yours."

This one deserves 5 pure stars from me! Not only it was awesome , but it was fantastic as always . What i really loved it that in this book, it was finally happening what we all wanted from the start: Dex and Perry in relationship! And yes, it was hot, funny, heartbreaking and fabulous . I love both Dex and Perry and i seriously don't know what i will do when this series gets completed. Wait, i know! I will reread them again! That is how awesome they truly are.

“I’ll be the moon when the sun goes down,” I sang to her and only her, “just to let you know that I’ll be around.”

This time Karina Halle delivered extremely serious explanations about world and characters and we find more about the consequences of certain events. And it's not a pretty thing. But what she told us is that love can beat it all , if you find a person who loves you truly. I know it sounds weird, but i grew up in a family where there is true love, and my parents are the best functional couple that i have ever seen. Which is why i am saying this: love is truly a wonderful thing. And it was about time Dex and Perry realized that.

'"Don't let other people tell you how well you know someone," she added. "Don't let other people, no matter who they are, decide what happens to your life and hers. You will live a lifetime of regret if you let others influence your decisions. Believe me."'

___________________________________________

STORY :
___________________________________________


Soooooooo, what do we have here?
Functional relationship between Perry and Dex? ☑

Another creepy scary EIT book? ☑

Ghost in the mirror? ☑

Voodoo? ☑

Zombies? ☑

Haunted house? ☑

Extreme excitement? ☑

The sound of your heart breaking? ☑

Thrilling continuation? ☑

Dex's awesomeness? ☑

Do want? ☑


WHAT THIS BOOK IS REALLY ABOUT:

You know, a little dark, a little gloomy. And, as always, hey, full of dead people.
- Hades from Hercules (1997) -

CONCLUSION:

#HOLLY SHIT

___________________________________________

CHARACTERS :
___________________________________________



Dex is the narrator this time, and it was so fitting for this sequel. Dex finally won Perry back, and he is not letting her go. No matter what. He found out that she is the only person who loves him for being him and for understanding him when no one else did and he cannot let that go. And now, he tries to make it the best he can for Perry, and for himself.

Together. It should have made me feel better not to have to go alone. But all I wanted was for both of us to live. With each other. Until we were old and grey.

***

I realized it didn’t mean anything without Perry by my side. She was my reason for living. She was the reason I’d come alive in the first place.

Perry, of course, is fantastic character as always, kickass, wonderful and fabulous, with such a courage. I loved that she didn't stop being herself. But it takes time for her to recover from all they had been through, and now it makes it difficult for her say what Dex needs the most: "i love you".

"You are my future, you are my everything!

Maximus is the new addition to EIT team, but that doesn't mean Dex and Perry like it. They would rather kick his ass then allow him to be with them, but they have no other choice if they want EIT to continue running. I have to say that i actually pitied and liked the bastard in some parts, but that doesn't make difference, because he, after all, made irreparable damage to both of them. And Dex and Perry cannot easily forgive him for all he had put them through. Other than that, i am glad that my hunch about him was right and that in the end was who i thought he was, and it made me happy. Since now i finally understand him.

The new characters were interesting, but not really of matter, but with all voodoo around and mysterious zombies rising to surface, i doubted everyone.

And Jennifer:

#ARRIVEDERCI


My favorite part:

“Fine, you leave me no choice,” I said to no one in particular. I moved into the aisle seat and kept going. I plunked myself down right on the giant ginger’s lap.
“The hell are you doing?” he yelled, trying to get me off of him, but I just pressed myself down into him harder, one leg wedged against the seat in front of me, the other pushing off the aisle seat arm rest.
The passengers in the aisle shot us uncomfortable looks, as if Maximus and I were involved in some lazy, clothed version of the mile high club.
“Dex, get the hell off me,” Maximus grunted in my ear.
“Oh yeah, you like that don’t you, baby,” I said with a grin. I knew his Southern sensibilities were being tested; poor guy couldn’t handle anything even remotely homoerotic.

Oh Dex.... ^_^
___________________________________________

OVERALL :
___________________________________________

Fantastic sequel with wonderful ending (for change) and i loved all everything about it. The mystery, the horror and most of all - love between Dex and Perry. They deserved it, but Karina Halle apparently doesn't plan to give them a little break. :)

But Dex and Perry won't give up that easily.

#BRING IT ON.
___________________________________________

BUDDY READ DETAILS: :
___________________________________________


Buddy read with all friends who love Dex as much as i do (click the names for their reviews!) :P

This group was the original group i had buddy read with (i love you people!!!!!!):

♦ Georgia ♦ Vilda ♦ Debra ♦ Joana ♦ Destini ♦

But lets not forget all my friends who read it in the same time too :D
Fathima ♦ Catarina ♦ Ana Rita ♦ Duchess Nicole ♦ Shreya ♦ Ashleigh ♦ keighley ♦ ☆Sammy☆
(wow that was a gigantic buddy read O_O)

Love ya all!


____________________________________________

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________

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...

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

COME ALIVE TOUR STARTS JUNE 24 and ends on JULY 2nd: http://wp.me/p3Aan3-dL/
LIVE ON AMAZON: BUY HERE -----> http://amzn.to/11UdVFi
Check out my other reviews at Reading Books Like a Boss

Come Alive has everything Experiment in Terror fans have been waiting for – incredibly hot sex, an ominous setting, and answers to some of your most burning questions. This book made me violent, made me scream, made me cry, and turned everything I thought I knew upside down.

****This Review contains spoilers. If you HAVE NOT read the Experiment in Terror series, do not read on. Instead you should one-click Darkhouse. It’s FREE.



Come Alive picks up right where Into the Hollow left off – in Dex’s hotel room (yay!). We also get to see some of what Dex was thinking before the end of Into the Hollow, which made me really happy. Because they had to deal with the fallout from the Twatwaffle massacre, Dex and Perry get no post-coital cuddle time. But don’t worry, Dex and Perry more than make up for that later on. Even Dex Foray needs cuddles.

After all the drama, heartache, separation, and a certain Miss Anonymous that kept Dex and Perry apart for SIX BOOKS, I was overjoyed to FINALLY see them together, enjoying each other’s company and adjusting to their new status as a couple (OMG!). I could almost hear a collective sigh across of all of EIT fandom. We finally got what we have been wanting from the first time Perry runs into Dex in that blessed lighthouse – Dex and Perry on the couch with Fatty Rab, just chilling in THEIR (squee!) apartment. I LOVED the Derry time leading up to the meeting with the auburn-haired snatchslinger. The ending of Lying Season demanded to be made right. MAKE IT RIGHT , DERRY! Boy did they make it right! They made it right on the elevator, against the wall, in the bed, in the shower, in a bar. Need I say more? I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Chapter Four. HOLY FREAKING BATMAN! This chapter is one of my favorite chapters/moments from the entire series. Why, you ask? Let me just say this: alcohol makes Dex Foray misbehave and payback is a bitch. ’Nuff said.

Things are going smashingly. Dex and Perry are a couple, Jimmy has given them another chance with Shownet, and Maximus joins their team. Say What???? You heard me. Maximus is a new team member on EIT show. This made for some pretty hilarious conversations between the three best friends.

Then things get serious in New Orleans. The gang travels to NOLA in hopes of getting footage that would help save the show. There we meet several new characters – Rose (Max’s ex-girlfriend), Maryse (a Voodoo priestess) , and Ambrosia (Maryse’s apprentice). The addition of these three characters was brillant and stirred the already brewing pot. Dex, Perry & Maximus are sucked into the world of Voodoo and things go downhill rather quickly.

I was worried that Perry was going to hold back and be wishy-washy in this book but she wasn’t. Well she withheld those three little words. But my dear Dex, being the insanely amazing man that he is, understood why she was hesitant - Perry had been through hell and back and she was still trying to deal with what happened in On Demon Wings. Although he understood Perry’s feelings, that didn’t mean that it didn’t bother him. Seeing his insecurities about her feelings towards him and trying to show her the depth of his love was hard to see. He has never loved anyone like he loves Perry and that was very, very clear in this book.

Dex’s dialogue was the perfext mix of pervy and sweet. His colorful language did not disappoint. I don’t know what I loved more – his hilarious zingers or the incredibly heartfelt and romantic declarations. The scenes between Dex and Maximus were incredible. For obvious reasons, their relationship was strained, which made for an interesting dynamic. Prior to Come Alive, I was not a huge fan of Maximus. I called him horrible things and made fun of him on a regular basis. But after some shocking revelations in Come Alive my feelings have changed. I won’t go into this, but I feel like own Max an apology. So here it is:

Dearest Maximus,
I beg your forgiveness for the nasty things I said and thought about you. Well not everything. I mean, what you did to Perry when she was possessed was pretty rotten and douchey. But after Come Alive, I know more about you. I’m sorry for what you’re going through right now. I hope to hear more about how you’re doing in the future. Hint, hint Karina Halle!!!

The historic and picturesque backdrop of New Orleans was the perfect setting and it gave me the creeps. Through Halle’s vivid and colorful descriptions I could feel and see everything as if I were there in that moment. The heaviness in the air and the sense of foreboding stayed with me for the latter part of the novel. Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, they did. When I thought it was going to get better, it didn’t. The twists and turns were both unpredictable and unexpected. I didn’t know which way was up. And through all of this I clung to the good times for dear life. At around 80% I didn’t know how or if my beloved duo was going to get back to Fatty Rab. Remember when I said this book made me violent? Well I wanted to bust the author’s knee caps for putting me through this emotional distress.

I couldn’t have asked for a better resolution for Dex and Perry. Though, I was left with this deep sadness for Rose and Maximus. I want more of them, please! In the end, the anger, the tears, and the weight I gained eating away my emotions was all worth it. I look forward to see what the final two installments of the series has in store.

4 stars

Favorite Quotes:
“You fill me up and break my own heart, you know? It just creates more room. There is no limit. I love you, I love you, I love you and I’ll die saying it because I was born to feel it. I am in love with you.”

I thought everyone should care that I fucked Perry last night and fucked her good. Perhaps I needed to get an airplane to write that in the sky. I knew an auburn-haired snatchslinger who needed to see it.

I looked over at Fat Rabbit instead who was watching Perry carefully.
“Fatty Rab,” I exclaimed. “Where’s your greeting for the lady of the house?”
The dog looked at me then closed his eyes. Disrespectful fucker.

“I want to take care of you. I’ve never been able to take care of anyone in my whole life.”


_________________________

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[Duchess Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It finally arrived, and my Dex and Perry far surpassed my expectations. Really, I go on and on about Dex when Perry usually just as readily steals the show. But in this book, Dex outshines everything else. All told from Dex' point of view...seriously, you can't even begin to imagine what it's like to be inside his head. And With Madness Comes the Light and The Dex-Files were just a teaser. I thought it wasn't possible to love Dex more than I already do.
But NOW...
We don't get messed up Dex.
We don't get recovering Dex.
We don't get insecure Dex.
We get the Dex that is confident, cocky, self assured, forward thinking...and most of all, we get a Dex that is madly and wildly in love with Perry. Did you hear that? MADLY AND WILDLY IN LOVE WITH PERRY!!!!!

"I realized it didn't mean anything without Perry by my side. She was my reason for living.l SHE WAS THE REASON I'D COME ALIVE IN THE FIRST PLACE."

MY SYNOPSIS
When Dex and Perry leave the Canadian mountains and return to Seattle, there are still a lot of conversations to be had. Dex feels a bit insecure about where he stands with Perry. Sure, she moved in with him, but their trek to find the Sasquatch happened too quickly for ground rules to be formed...not to mention that the Canada trip changed the whole dynamic of their relationship. The two quickly work through the budding awkwardness of a new love affair. Considering how well they know each other already, it doesn't take long.

When Jimmy reveals himself to be livid over the lack of footage for the next Experiment in Terror show, it almost seems as if these two will be unemployed. But a surprise addition to the team seems as if it may be too much for the newly blissed out couple to handle.

"I'm Dex, this is my girlfriend Perry." I looked over at Maximus. "That's Maximus Douchekabob. It's a foreign sounding last name, but her's actually from here."

Of course, they try to go with the flow, but phrases like "Ginger Balls" are common and Dex proves his manliness and sexual prowess via thin hotel room walls...just to even the score a bit, and maybe to prove a point. Think you've been waiting a long time for some real action? The wait is over! Come Alive is crammed full of Sexy Dexy...and it's all from within his own head...one of the sexiest, albeit perviest, places to be.

"I pressed my fingers into her face. "Baby, the first chance I get, I'm going to fuck the shit out of you," I growled.
She smiled coyly, her eyes twinkling. "I think it's called making love now."
"Then I'm going to make love the shit out of you."

When the trio head to New Orleans to hunt down some rumored haunted houses, they once again take on more than they bargained for. Voodoo queens and zombie hordes are only one thing that they have to deal with.

Dex has demons from his past...literally...that are finally coming out to play. Not only that, but there are quite a few revelations about Dex, Perry, and Ginger Balls (sorry, Max) contained withing these pages also. Dex' dead mother isn't finished with him yet...

MY THOUGHTS
Broken record much, Duchess? With this series, most definitely. Karina Halle wins my reader devotion anew with each and every book she writes. I love how she switched it up and gave us such an in depth look into Dex's mind. He is so sweet, he really is. He's also utterly fixated on Perry's round ass and big boobs...which makes his male POV completely believable. What I loved about him is how possessive he feels toward Perry...she's his woman, and she's all he sees. She's it for him. Once he let go of whatever it was holding him back, he's balls to the wall, completely all about Perry. I love that. I love how sexual he is:

"She just looked scared, like a baby deer. A totally fuckable baby deer. Jesus, Dex, i told myself. Get a grip before you start imagining her on Animal Planet."

And I also love how his tender feelings are so readily apparent:

"I knew I was putting her on the spot. Didn't care. I wasn't too proud to admit that Dex Foray needed cuddles. Just because we were fucking each other didn't mean I'd stop being affectionate."

The scare factor is there...boy, is it ever there!!! Holy amazeballs! Halle has really pushed my scary boundaries with this one. There's nothing worse or more scary than a truly evil PERSON. Ghosts, monsters...that's one thing. But when it's a person who wants you to bleed, to hurt, to suffer...that's a whole nuther level of fright.

Overall, I'd rate this on the same level as Lying Season or Into the Hollow. The story starts off with Halle's now well known slow start, one that focuses on the lives of her characters. She gets inside their heads and reveals any new feelings and/or developments to the reader. Then the plot begins to thicken as the two are assigned a new location, and before long, they're ass deep in monsters. And yet somehow, they ground each other. That may be my absolute favorite thing bout the Experiment in Terror series. Yes, it's scary as hell, the secondary character lineup is amazing, the pace is quick, the sex is (eventually) hot. But it's that complete and utter knowing that both Dex and Perry have about each other. They see each other and think "Home. That's my home." And that, my friends, is just about as romantic as it gets.

"But I wasn't the only one who'd come alive. Perry did when she told me she loved me.
She loved me.
She loved me."

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

5STARS

OMG OMG!!!! I'm in love with this series!!!
AMAZING!!!!



In this book Perry and Dex visit New Orleans and they have to deal with zombies and voodoo and a Mambo!But they are not alone..Maximus is with them! Of course he was an as....le for the main part but... Karina makes you feel sympathy for him in the end!!

Zombies and Voodoo, really freak me out!!!



Dex's mum makes a few appearances and I find them pretty scary too.



.Also I am curious about Dex’s brother Michael and his father. ..I hope we can learn more in the next book!!


I love Dex so much! I fell more in love with him in this book!!!Finally we can see how much he loves Perry from his POV!!!. I was so excited to see Perry from Dex's side for him to wipe away any doubt that he loved her from the inside out!

"Baby we are both crazy.That's why we're made for each other."

"I realized it didn't mean anything without Perry by my side.She was my reason for living.She was the reason I'd come alive in the first place."

"Dex...I cannot go on without you.You are my future, you are my everything!"

"Baby, I love you, more than anything in the fucking world.You are my world.And all I've ever wanted is for me to be yours."

(Sigh <3 <3 <3 <3)





I love Perry and Dex. I love how funny they are and the chemistry between them is awesome!!The sex...OMG!!! So HOT HOT HOT!!!!


If you haven't read this series yet, you are missing out one of the most awesome heroines and an addictive male ever!!!!
READ IT NOW!!!

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[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIVE ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/11UdVFi
MY MOST ANTICIPATING BOOK OF 2013!!!
I was looking forward to spending whole book in Dex's pervy sarcastic mind and I have to admit that Come Alive surpassed my expectations. His thinking is extremely entertaining and without a doubt I can say that Dex is the best and my all time favourite book character in the whole world! Together with exciting, nerve wracking and undownputtable storyline, Karina Halle created another perfection. Come Alive is my new favourite book in this superb series!

My Dex and Perry:


Come Alive is a mind-blowing story. Everytime, when I think that I already read the best by Karina Halle, she writes another fabulous story. Story that leaves me breathless, story that I cannot put down, story full of emotions which consume me. That is exactly how Come Alive made me feel.

Dex & Perry went through some pretty scary stuff in previous books but I found this instalement the most dangerous one. Spook factor was really high this time and I was creeped out of my mind. Zombies, woodoo and other scary stuff. This book is full of it. I was not only creeped out by scary stuff but also worried for Dex and Perry since author is not making it easy for the two of them...

I loved the fact that whole book was in Dex’s POV. Everything that came out of his mouth was either funny and hilarious or just brilliantly awesome. He can be sexy pervert one moment, but honest and loving the next moment. Yes he has his flaws, but my love for him has no boundaries. He is just that perfect!



So many new things and info were revealed in this book and couple fo new characters were introduced too. It has been a long journey for Dex and Perry and things are getting clearer when it comes to the big picture. But there is still a lot ahead of them and I cannot wait to see what is in store for Dex and Perry who are my all time favourite book couple!

Beside the scary stuff, this book brings plenty sexy-Dexy time! I loved it! So in case you have not read this series yet, you have to do it now. Believe me, these books are more than worth it!



*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*

MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 HUGE DEX & PERRY LOVIN’ STARS!


HOLY FREAKING MOLY! This book completely BLEW ME AWAY!

As everyone knows, Experiment in Terror is my all-time favorite series featuring the best hero & heroine and slow building relationship EVER! If you have not started this series, seriously, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?! Tell me your reservations and I will quickly squash them! ;) But you might want to steer clear from the rest of the review to avoid spoilers up to this point.

So... Come Alive. God, I could not wait for this book! After all the build up and tension throughout the whole series and how Into The Hollow ended with such massive possibilities…Ahh! Could. Not. Wait. But thankfully it picks up right where ITH left off and we get to witness all the after effects of Perry going to Dex. This is the first time we get to see them really trying to be a couple and have an actual relationship. YAY! And OMG did I enjoy it! Not only do we still get the hilarious perverted ways of Dex, the amazing banter, but we also get sexy time! Hallelujah!

“Well, remember when I asked you what you were doing tonight? And you said you were doing me?”
Perry’s eyes widened and she looked at Rebecca in embarrassment.
“Oh, don’t worry about her, she already knows you’re doing me,” I added.
“Dex!” Perry cried out.
Rebecca rolled her eyes. “So much for speaking in code.”
“Hey, we’re all adults here. Except maybe Perry. You are dangerously close to being underage.”
“Dex,” Perry said again, her tone harder.

…

“And you’re one bad dog,” she teased.
“Woof, woof. Give a dog a boner.”
She giggled and smacked my arm. And that’s why I loved this woman. She let me say the stupidest shit, and on occasion, actually found it funny.

While Dex and Perry are navigating their new situation, there is still Experiment in Terror to figure out. After the Big Foot fiasco and the police confiscating their film, they are left with some explaining to do. Jimmy is not a happy camper. He gives them the ultimate ultimatum, work with Maximus supervising them, or it’s bye bye EIT for good. They of course choose to do what they have to do to save the show. Yup, Dex, Perry, and Maximus working closely together… awwkwaaard! But also totally hilarious because of course Dex is throwing out ginger zingers left and right. Poor Perry having to be in the middle of these two!

“Guys!” Perry yelled, putting her arm out in front of me. “Dex, calm down. You, ginger balls, you shut the fuck up.”
I laughed. “Ginger balls, that’s my girl!”

So the three of them are headed to New Orleans to investigate a haunted house. ”“Yes, and is it anything like the haunted mansion in Disneyland?” <-- hehe ♥ Perry! Of course things get pretty complicated. They soon learn there are some crazy voodoo haps going on complete with rumored zombie like creatures and people going missing. The danger is definitely on a higher level in this one and my heart was RACING big time! I had never been so concerned and scared about what might happen to Dex & Perry than I was in this one.

It was also really awesome to be in Dex’s head for a change. I have to admit I did miss Perry quite a bit, she is probably my most favorite heroine ever, so it was an adjustment not getting to hear her thoughts all the time. Considering what transpires in this book, it really made sense for things to be in Dex’s POV though. Plus, I LOVED the way he talks about Perry. Seriously, perfection!

And Perry, well she was just perfect for me. She had curves, curves that melted into my hands, into my skin, more than other women I’d been with. Her body molded to mine, soft, sensual, nurturing. It sounded archaic, but she just oozed fertility, and with that fertility came a power that she had no idea about. She looked at herself and hated what she saw, and I was going to do my best to show her that she was beyond beautiful to me.

What really got to me the most about this installment was the EMOTION! I was an ugly crying mess for part of this book, I jumped up and down with excitement, I got a little turned on (lol), raged like a crazy person, laughed hysterically (airplane scene, anyone? LMAO), and just FELT everything! This whole book, everything about it. Just PHENOMENAL! ♥

“Baby, I love you, more than ever, more than anything in the fucking world. You are my world. And all I’ve ever wanted is for me to be yours.”

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥ 5 HUGE STARS. ♥

Review to come ~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FINALLY the wait is over!!! *happy dance*

An entire novel in Dex's POV????

YAY!!!!

[Fathima · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Baby,” I managed to say when I held it together long enough, “Baby, I love you, more than ever, more than anything in the fucking world. You are my world. And all I’ve ever wanted is for me to be yours.”

For the love of god this book .....



And I'm not just talking about one type of feels , I'm talking like every fucking feel out there !!!

Emotion overload ....



Right , I need to show some control here .. Kinda next to impossible but one could always try ....

* Breathes in *

* Breathes Out *

* Breathes in *

* Breathes out *

Okay .. I'm alright ....

Karina Halle ..







I know I know .. All my Karina Halle written book reviews always begin with me gushing over how awesome she is and that her writing style is absolutely brilliant and that I proclaim my never dying love for her ! But I cant help it ! She is just that awesome !

Moving on with the review . Come Alive is the seventh book in the Experiment In Terror series , and is also the first full length novel from Dex's POV ! Yes , DEX'S POV !!! Waiting for this book to release was like waiting for a drop of water in the Sahara I tell you ! And boy do I get to tell you , that it was sooooooooooooo worth it !

Come Alive begins right where Into the Hollow ended . Well not exactly right there , but somewhere on the lines of Perry and Dex making their way back home after the conclusion of events in the Canadian Alps ... Things between Dex and Perry are still a little rocky and they are unsure of where things are going to head for them as far as their personal lives are concerned . On the professional front , things seem to have hit a rock bottom as well with Jimmy not being very sure of Dex and Perry's ability to keep troubles at bay where their show is concerned . Enters , the Douchekabob Maximus . Baby sitting our Ghost hunters on their next 'tryst' with the unknown in the bayou's of New Orleans ! What's on the cards for them this time ? Well , you'll just have to read the book and find out ...

This has got to be my favorite in the series soo far ! Karina Halle really ups her game with this installment of the EIT series . She introduces us to the Voodoo-Hoodoo-Hex culture .. Well not the whole thing , but certainly a lot of shocking things !



Not only that , she really brings out the creep factor by mixing Voodoo and Zombie-ism ( Zombies created with the help of dark magic ) and OH.MY.CRIKES! I would be lying if I told you I wasn't being a scaredy pants most of the times and trying to wrap myself in a thick blanket so that I would stop feeling the chills of the night !

* yes I was reading this outside seating on my porch ... yes I know I'm crazy .... *

Talking about the Characters , Dex is just DEX ! There isn't anyone like him .. I think I've mentioned this point before that Dex is the only character that I've across who isn't scared to admit that he can be pussy at times too ! The man might not have balls of steel all the time - and no I'm not thinkin balls of steel as in horny - but when it comes to Perry he is ready to take on the whole world .. And that just makes me swoon every fucking time !
There were some major revelations in this book ... Dex 2.0 to be precise . I really dont want to get into details . But I have to say this , if you thought only Perry faced and saw some crazy creepy shit where demons and what nots are concerned , then you have got to read Dex's version of those demons and what nots ! They are out of this world ! For realz !

Perry Palamino literally took a book seat in this story .. And to be honest I kinda missed her . A little .. Perry is still the same . She still has her insecurities and concerns regarding her and Dex's relationship . Dex on the other hand is hell bent on making things work . The sex scenes are HOT ! Dex definitely has a kinky side to him that make him even more drop-your-panties-now hotter !!!

There were some pretty intense , heart breaking scenes as well ! After everything we as readers have gone through with Perry and Dex , they almost felt like watching someone rip your heart out and throw it in a grinder !

Maximus was the total surprise package of the story ! I don't think I hate him anymore !

Come Alive is a breathing mix of so many emotions and feelings , that the only way one can experience it , is when they actually sit and read it !

So if you haven;t given this series a try yet .. I suggest you do it now !

That's all for now folks ..

Lights out ..

[☆ Sammy ☆彡 · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★5 I-CAN'T-EVEN-FIND-THE-WORDS-TO-DESCRIBE-HOW-EPIC-THIS-BOOK-WAS STARS★★★★★



Karina, you are such a talented author and the Experiement in Terror series just keeps getting better and better! I just wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU for sharing Dex and Perry's story with us :) I can't wait for Ashes to Ashes!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Come Alive pretty much starts off where Into the Hollow ended. Dex and Perry are starting to explore their new relationship while continuing to work on Experiment in Terror. Since the episode with the sasquatch was a bust (evidence was confiscated), Dex and Perry are forced to add a third member to their team. The first assignment for the trio takes them to New Orleans, LA to explore a haunted house and the possibility of zombies!



I loved so many aspects of this book:
*The bar scene with Jenn was freaking hilarious!
*Dex
*You finally get answers to questions raised in the previous books. I can not express how important it is to read the novellas!
*Dex
*The funny insults and banter between Dex and Perry
*This book was suspenseful, emotional (I teared up a few times), and was very steamy!
*Oh, did I say Dex? ;)

Seriously, if you have not read this series yet, go do it now!

Memorable quotes:
*"You're my home, Perry. And I will be yours."

*"I just thought I should warn you that the second we walk into the apartment, I am going to maul the fuck out of you. I don't care if you're tired or bruised or scratched. You'll just be more so when I'm finished."

*"Baby, we are both crazy. That's why we're made for each other."

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

*sigh*

To say I was excited to read this book, doesn't even cover it!
And my expectations for this one?
Really HIGH but Oh BOY, Karina Halle NEVER disappoints, she surpasses herself in each book!
It was AMAZING, BRILLIANT and UNSTOPPABLE.

And a whole novel, in Dex's POV?

It really was...



By now, you know I'm crazy about Dex. (Just look at my name,lol)
And each opportunity to get in his head (in not a psycho way),was like Christmas morning + me in a bookstore,lol. Are you getting the excitement?aha

So Come Alive picks u right after Into the Hollow and we get how new and at sometimes awkward Perry and Dex relationship is.
But Dex is set, on making Perry realize, how right they are for each other, how they're meant for each other.
And of course there is wooing and there is lot's of passionate moments between this 2.

" I just thought I should warn you that the second we walk in to the apartment, I am going to maul the fuck out of you. I don't care if you're tired or bruised or scratched. You'll just be more so when I'm finished."



HOT,HOT,HOT!
Let's just say that chapter 4 will be forever a favorite *fanning myself

Anyway, Jimmy gives them a last chance for Experiment in Terror but Max must be on their team, and be in charge for it.

Yep, you read it right, Max aka douchecanoe is back!

And this time they're headed to investigate a haunted house,in New Orleans, a city full of ancient magic and traditions.



They'll be caught on in some black magic, putting everything on the line, their love and their lives!





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

By now you get it how much i LOVE this book!
Seriously, Dex is hilarious! I lost count the times that I was laughing or just grinning like a fool. Only he can say those things and get away with it!



And at the same time the depth of this story, the depth of the love this 2 feel for each other. It's the kind of love, we all dream to find one day (minus the ghosts and demons,aha).

And Perry?
Still and forever our kick ass heroine.
When she put a certain b*tch in her place?
I just thought "YOU GO GIRL!!!"
We get that she feels insecure regarding Dex but slowly she is becoming more assertive and certain.

And when she saves him? Just AWESOME!!

About the story...

This one was so damn SCARY!!!
By far the SCARIEST!It even was more scary than the freakin ISLAND OF DEATH!!!
I was freaking out big time, let me tell you that.

You guys the BLOODY PITON!!! First on the toilet than on the coffin!!! And he was buried ALIVE! *shudders
Then all the "zombies"!!!

And don't let me start on a particular part, around 60%, where my heart was broken T.T

Anyway, I want say much more, I don't want to spoil anyone.
Now if you haven't read this series, WHY THE HELL NOT?

RUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNN, go grab a copy :D

Oh and neither to say I'll be eager and counting the days for the next one!

5 millions "I love You Dex" stars


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


A big thank you to the AMAZING Georgia, Kristalia,Debra,Ana Rita,Vilda and Catarina for a FANTASTIC BUDDY READ!

This was just so much fun!!!






*****EARLIER REACTIONS*****


Come Alive is coming!!! June 23rd!!!




And it will be time to another buddy read with the girls, that like me, suffer from Deximia, a condition where we're addicted to all things Dex Foray :D
Of course the BD read will count with the AMAZING and EXTRAORDINAIRE Kris, Georgia,Debra, Vilda and Rita!! And now Catarina is joining too!!

If you want to join, let us know! :D

And don't forget...

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY FREAKING SENSATIONAL!!!

Dex and Perry are back baby! Oh yeah! And this time around, it’s Dex telling the story, oh yeah! Although I have to say, I did miss Perry. She's such a great narrator, and there were times when I wanted to know what she was thinking. But the opportunity to get soooo much Dex can not be overrated!

Picking up the day after the end of Into the Hollow, Dex and Perry are finally together and the first part of the book deals with them coming to terms with everything that’s gone on between them, finally giving into the chemistry and just being together. And OMG it is FULL OF AWESOME!

“I just thought I should warn you that the second we walk into the apartment, I am going to maul the fuck out of you. I don’t care if you’re tired or bruised or scratched. You’ll just be more so when I’m finished.”

Yes, it’s HOT people!!! So freaking hot! (Chapter 4... wow!). But there’s also the emotional side of things, and in addition to being sexy as all hell, Dex is madly in love with his girl, and he’s not afraid to bring the feels.

“Perry, I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you. I’m not going to stop showing you off or rubbing it in to everyone I know, anytime soon … You’re mine. And you’re mine alone. From now until the end of time.”

When they finally manage to drag themselves (somewhat reluctantly) out of bed, they return to work only to find that they are being forced to take on a partner – the, douchenozzle himself, Maximus (aka ‘Ginger Balls’). Highly unhappy with the arrangement, Dex makes his feelings known in some of the funniest outbursts I have ever seen thinking about that scene on the plane still makes me laugh!. And this, combined with some classic new Dexisms as well as references to Seinfeld “vegetable lasagne” and The Simpsons “everything’s coming up Milhouse”, had me was clutching my sides with tears streaming down my face, I was laughing so hard. Absolute freaking GOLD!

And so, back to work, Dex, Perry and Maximus travel to New Orleans in a ‘make or break’ effort to save Experiment in Terror. Maximus is originally from New Orleans, and has ties to the city, so they team up with his ex-lover, Rose, (who also happens to see ghosts, and is kinda awesome) to investigate a haunted house, only to get sucked into zombie attacks and dark and deadly voodoo magic. It’s spooky as always, and the voodoo stuff brings a creepy and disturbing edge to everything.

And while all this is going on, we finally get answers to some of the questions that have been plaguing fans of the series for a few books now, and Dex has to face some horrific truths that threaten to bring his world crashing down around him. And seriously… OH. MY. GOD. Within the space of a few pages, I felt like the world was crashing down around me as well. Complete and utter devastation. I was so traumatised, I had to stop reading for a while to calm myself down and gather up the courage to continue. But Karina pulled me out of it in sensational style with an action packed climax and an absolutely EPIC finish.

Seriously – it was TOTALLY. FREAKING. EPIC, and I was in floods of tears yet again (beware of spoilery quote…

“I love you, I’ve loved you from the very start. And…sometimes I think I can’t possibly love you more. And then I do. You fill me up and break my own heart, you know. It just creates more room. There is no limit. I love you, I love you, I love you and I’ll die saying it because I was born to feel it. I am in love with you, you wonderful, funny, handsome man.”

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIL!!

And then this…

“Baby, I love you, more than ever, more than anything in the fucking world. You are my world. And all I’ve ever wanted is for me to be yours.”) *sniff sniff* PERFECTION!

This book is a wild ride! It’s fast paced, action packed and FULL of emotion. The dynamics between the characters are absolutely brilliant. Dex and Perry are, of course, amazing, and the emotion between the two of them just drips off the page, but there are also some sensational scenes with Maximus. I loved his inclusion in the story, and the further development of his character.

Karina Halle has absolutely delivered yet again, seven novels, and four novellas in the Experiment in Terror series, and she hasn’t let me down yet. Each books is just as good as, if not better than, the last. And with new story threads developing, as well as the continuation of established storylines that I love, I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

I absolutely loved it! 5 phenomenal stars! (was there ever any doubt?)

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re my home, Perry. And I will be yours.”

I don’t know how to write this review. Once in a while we stumble on books that are SO GOOD that we have no words to describe it.
Five starts don’t even begin to describe how good this book is, I would give a hundred starts if I could. Damn it, I would give a freaking million stars if GR allowed me!



This book takes place in New Orleans, and the EIT team (now with the forced addiction of the douchecanoe!) go check a haunted house that doubled is paranormal activity after the Katrina hurricane.



But the haunted house is the least of their problems this time. Not only a plague of Zombie trained killers are invading town, but also new information is being revealed that could change the course of everything.
Dex and Perry finally kind of sorted their relationship out. They know what they feel for each other and no longer are trying to hide it. They’re still problems, they’re still ghosts but they are trying to get past it.

“I want to be with you. Not just as a partner, not just as a friend. I want us to be together, to be one, to be…I don’t know, a fucking couple.”

But when things in NO start to get rough, when new people appear, things start to happen and new (extremely important) information is revealed, everything they did to be in the place that they are could be in danger. They really don’t have a minute to rest. (Damn you for that, Karina Halle!)



There are new characters, a whole new level of sexy and romantic, new secrets found (but I still don’t know if I like Maximus!) and a crazy roller-coaster ride of emotions in this book.
And although I miss Perry’s POV, because she’s pretty much awesome, I can’t get tired of Dex mind. If you loved him before this book (and you did, it’s impossible not to) you’re going to fall completely in love with him in this one… yes, even more.

“Baby, I love you, more than ever, more than anything in the fucking world. You are my world. And all I’ve ever wanted is for me to be yours.”

Definitely, best book in the series so far. But I said that about all the others… they just keep on getting better each time.
Karina Halle ruined me for all other books and for all other book-boyfriends in the future, and I couldn't care less about it.

And now, thanks for an amazing buddy read with the awesome girls:
Joana; Ana Rita; Georgia;Debra;
Kristalia; Vilda; Destini and Gabriella.
We'll meet each other again in the next one :)
(If I missing someone forgive me! There were a lot of us!!)

[Kristin (KC) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3 Stars*

I'm going to keep this fairly short and sweet: I loved the perspective switch over to Dex in this installation. It was fun getting inside his head and seeing what makes his complex mind tick...And Dex has a dirtier mind than I originally thought!

The author did an amazing job keeping Dex's character consistent, which too often doesn't happen; I've read many books where a POV switch causes the characters to feel almost alien to their previous personas. But KH handled this feat flawlessly.

That said, I felt Perry's character suffered a bit from this transition. Her usual spunk and bold characteristics were gone and I barely felt like she was a part of this story. I know the main focus here was Dex, but I wish Perry didn't so easily fall into the shadows.

This installation had a little less scary and a lot more strange and freaky scenarios. In fact, some moments felt a little too strange but I still enjoyed the read. The terror factor zoomed in on flesh eating zombies, voodoo magic, and hexes — so if these elements are your *thing* then I think you'll very much enjoy this particular installment. I love that this author is able to continuously think up exciting and fresh ideas, and I'm extremely anxious for the release of the final two books in this series!

Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Paranormal/Horror
▪ Steam Caliber: Very steamy
▪ Romance: Increased
▪ Characters: Dex stole the show
▪ Plot: Characters are off to film zombies, and will learn a lot about themselves and each other in the process.
▪ Writing: Gripping and intense.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Dex
▪ Cliffhanger: Mild. Open for more story.
▪ Next Installment: Follow up

[Lady Gabriella of Awesomeness (SLOW) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG ..I CAN'T BELIEVE I PULLED OUT AN-ALL NIGHTER FOR THIS ONE.. HOLY SHIT its 4 IN THE MORNING HERE and yet..!

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(if you dont include a ranging headache and a dying laptop that is...)

Seriously though ,i loved DEX's POV ! And i cant help but wish ashes to ashes remained in his POV as well...even though Karina already announced that the next one was definatley going to be in PERRY's pov .

Extract from the acknowledgements:And we’re back to Perry ’s POV for Experiment in Terror#8 'Ashes to Ashes' ,coming Winter 2013

sign..but a girl can dream right ?
(LOL oh dex !)


OMG ! i cant believe i was right about Ambrosia though ! Happy to know my detective skills are still in their intact ;D ! LOL !

though..pardon me if my sentence seemed to be all jumbled up..tonight...or today morning ..or whatever.... As i said ...its 4AM here and i kinna in the middle of deciding if i shd get up and make coffee or go the F back to sleep .. :p LOL i think i should probabley get up and head down...

But then again my pillows are just waaaaaaay to comfortable to let go....LOL so i guess im going back to bed then ;D

Nite y'all !

[Erica Ravenclaw · Rating 1 out of 5]

☆

Spoilers marked and colorful language abound!



I have been betrayed. I dedicated the time to takes to read 7 books and 4 shorts to this series. Reluctantly offering up my trust to the author, trust that no matter what happens there would always be a life line to anchor me to the characters when things became too chaotic. Well you, madam are a fucking a weaver of lies. There is a clear distinction between when the author conjures up some horseshittery opposed to being true to their characters, their growth and their story. This, I'm sad to say is the former. The proverbial line into absolutely un-fucking-acceptable land has been crossed. Most contrived, fuckmented, trite pile of shit I've had the displeasure of reading.

I'm probably going to wander into spoiler territory from here on out, so newbies and hopefuls your exit is here. I've left the gifs so you can suss out my feels.

We have been force-fed Dickweasel's all consuming love and devotion to Perry for the past three books. We have witnessed the broken man, the man so saturated in his own self-loathing that he was actually drowning, claw his way back to the light. The man who nearly lost himself to the pain, a man who finally found his way back with a newfound sense of self, growth and determination. We saw his commitment, love, and affection for Perry. He gets her to leave her home, move in with him, wants her to be financially, sexually and emotionally dependent on him, and slowly proves to her that he loves her and she can trust him. Then suddenly some voodoo bitch out of no where tells him they can't have behbehs because evil and he straight rips Perry to shreds like the piece of shit I've always known him to be. For what you say? Oh, this is the worst part, to "save her because she would be too stubborn to leave on her own."



He doesn't even have a minutia of respect for her to have a mature discussion with her and come to a mutual decision either way? He doesn't trust her enough to fucking tell her they are ripping holes in the veil? He is a disgusting piece of slime of a character now, but that didn't have to be his fate. There was so much room to blossom into a worthy character, so many tales to weave, but they have all been smashed.



I cannot forgive him for this. I cannot ever look upon Dex with an ounce of hope that the man he wants to be is actually who he will become. I'm so angry with the author for doing this. It doesn't even add up. He learned already what it is like to lose Perry. He see's her worth and how much he loves her. There is no possible reason any of this needed to unfold this way, it feels jarring and implausible. He has had growth , we fucking read this fight already, we know how this ends up, let the characters grow and the the fuck off this contrived angsty fucktwat of a hamster wheel, THIS IS BULLSHIT.

I've known for sometime that Max has to be something otherworldly, and somewhere between guide and fallen angel. Turns out I wasn't far off but I have to admit that his house of lies fell so flat it is laughable. He became obsessed with Dex and his life? AYFKM? So, this ginger assclown basically sits back while Dex has a legitimate mental breakdown, is institutionalized and he just bounced to go "help Rose". So he manufactures ways back into Dex's life because stalker … and then fucks Perry for revenge while she is clearly possessed and he acted like she wasn't dying or anything? NBD guys. Ginger balls has everything under control. No, fuck you, wanker.





I can't really comment on Perry, unfortunately this is actually an erotica and true to form females have no thoughts or opinions in those. It's all ass, tits and orgasms. Which speaking of, erotica? I get he's a dirty boy but this is book 7 in the series. There is no switching fucking genres at this point. What little plot we did see with Perry I was glad to see she seemed to have a pretty solid head on her shoulders. Despite Dex trying to manipulate her into being finically dependent on him, she insists on finding a job and contributing. She really seems to establish her voice when it comes to Dex and Max and other supporting characters. Also, she's hesitant to make any commitments to Dex other than sex and fun, which THANK FUCKING GOODNESS that the youngest in the group actually has her shit together and is willing to figure herself out.I'm glad at least one character has grown. That's about the most positive thing I can say about this entire book.

I was pushed to the breaking point with what I can accept from a character, then laughed at, and pushed down in the mud. I'm DNF at 69%. At this point I don't give a fuck about anything that happens with this sham of a series. I'm 1 staring this entire series. Bloody awful.




It's entirely possible I'll finish this book, I have a very difficult time not finishing something that I start. Especially with how many hours I've already dedicated to this series. If I do, I'll amend my review to accommodate any changes in thoughts or feelings, or simply to reaffirm my already very strong reaction to this piece of garbage.

Update 4/16/14: Well, I finished this because I'm obsessive. It's even worse than I thought.

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

Dex and Perry are back from Canada....and are just back together and trying to figure out what they are. They're also trying to figure out what to do with the show especially since their footage is in police custody...still.

I loved, LOVED, loved the beginning, the middle and especially the end of this book. Everything about it was amazing and filled with emotional drama. I was really shocked by what KH did to Dex and Perry and how traumatized I felt...but it felt oh-so-good!



The beginning of the book is just about Dex and Perry...having lots of "fun" and getting used to each other. I loved how sweet Dex was and the date was just adorable. My favorite part was when Dex and Perry met up with friends at the bar and ran into a certain someone coming out of the bathroom! "Keep on Truckin'!"

Unfortunately, the whole book can't be about Dex and Perry just being "normal". Work rears its ugly head and by ugly, I mean none other than the red headed Elvis, Maximus. He has wormed his way in again...What in the heck is up with this guy? Well, keep reading because you will get all kinds of answers! And a surprising one has all kinds of clues staring us right in the face that I didn't even notice! (By the way, I still don't like him and in no way did I feel he came even remotely close to redeeming himself!)



"Ginger Elvis" decides the show needs to go to his hometown of New Orleans to investigate some hauntings so off the happy threesome go. Again, Max is pretty determined to involve himself in every single aspect and Dex is just as determined to make sure he knows that Perry is his. Sexy Dexy even manages a hot little threesome with B.O.B. and is extremely happy that Perry enjoys herself....very loudly. (I do have to say that it was quite funny.)

They meet up with Max's contact who thinks they should investigate the zombies that have been showing up instead. This leads them to meeting Mambo Maryse and unfortunately, her apprentice, Ambrosia. This is where KH really shocked me in the form of what Dex said and did...even though I had a sneaky feeling of what was causing it...it was hard to read. Ugh, I don't even want to talk about Ambrosia. Thank goodness for Rose.

The drama doesn't stop there. Mambo Maryse and Max get Dex alone and bring him the worse news ever...and he just accepts it! That was hard for me to believe but I do have to say that I loved all the drama.

The zombie storyline takes a hard right and some crazy stuff goes down...again, I was shocked!! This is the worse danger they have ever been in and it was thoroughly enjoying how everything played out. I don't know how KH keeps coming up with all these different adventures...well, it's not hard to figure out but I love her spin on them.

That leads me to the ONE BIG STINKING PROBLEM I HAVE with Dex 2.0....nope, he's not Dex 2.0, maybe Dex 1.5 and especially Dex I'm still disappointed in you 1.5! Dex...how could you still keep Perry in the dark? Whyyyyyyy? Ugh, no good will come of this!! *Rant over*

P.S. I am happy with Dex. I think he has come a long way in redeeming himself with that one exception! :(

P.S.S. The WHOLE book is told from Dex's POV and I really missed Perry. I think with all the traumatizing, we definitely need a novella from Perry's POV.....pleeeaaaaasssseee!!

P.S.S.S OMG...the part when they get back to Seattle. Dex!! you're sooo romantic...I don't know what Perry is going to do!!



Favorite quotes:

♥ "I wasn't too proud to admit that Dex Foray needed cuddles."

♥ "I was going to make her my sex queen whether she liked it or not. And f*ck, she was going to like it."

♦ "I guess it took me this long to find out I was allergic to skank."

♥ “Do you like what you see?” I whispered, delighting in the primal lust in her glazed eyes. “Those muscles are all for you. I was born to f*ck you, baby.”

♥ "Perry, I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you. I’m not going to stop showing you off or rubbing it in to everyone I know anytime soon. Especially not to him and especially after tonight. You’re mine. And you’re mine alone. From now until the end of time.”

♥ “You are not leaving me! I cannot go on without you. You are my future, you are my everything!”

[destini · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love you, I’ve loved you from the very start. And… sometimes I think I can’t possibly love you more. And then I do.”
DexPerryAwesome buddy read with the girls:Kristalia ❄Vilda ❄Georgia ❄Debra ❄Catarina ❄Fathima Let me know if I forgot someone!!Karina Halle totally outdid herself! Amazing, spectacular, out of this world read. She completely blew this one out of the park. Awesome book + awesome buddy read= Dex finally got a whole book and it was He was just so… Dex. You know?
“What did the candles smell like?” she asked. Was she kidding me?“Like Eau du Zombie. I don't know.”“Dex, get the hell off me,” Maximus grunted in my ear. “Oh yeah, you like that don’t you, baby,” I said with a grin.
Dex and Perry’s relationship was such a joy to read. There was humor
“We can go steady and you can wear my letterman jacket.”“Ooooh, maybe,” she said playfully. “What letter is on it?”“No letter, just a picture of a cock.”She snorted. “Of course there is.”“It's a rooster, you pervert.”She eyed me dryly. “Oh yeah? Why a rooster?”“It symbolizes my cock. Can't love me without loving cock.”
and definitely a lot of panty incinerating moments
“Baby, the first chance I get, I'm going to fuck the shit out of you,” I growled.She smiled coyly, her eyes twinkling. “I think it's called making love now.”“Then I'm fucking making love the shit out of you.”
but Dex also knew how to bring tears to my eyes.
I had trouble even looking at her face without getting lost in the beauty, lost in the feelings, the love I had for her.
 
I realized it didn’t mean anything without Perry by my side. She was my reason for living. She was the reason I’d come alive in the first place.
However, Karina Halle didn’t make it easy for them. As in, prepare yourself. She really put them, and me, through hell. Soul-crushing hell. And Dex and the whole thing with his mom broke my heart. You could see how broken and lost he was. Really, you got to see how lost and broken everyone was.
… all I wanted was for both of us to live. With each other. Until we were old and grey.
Max: I was still really pissed off at him for being an asshole, but once I saw Dex getting to work on him, I just couldn’t stay mad. The insults thrown at him were hilarious!! We got fuck face, ginger balls, fire pubes, and one of my favorites, Vegetable Lasagna You also learn a little more about him and part of me even sympathized with him a little. Now, that doesn’t mean that I like him, because the jury’s still out on that one. And, I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT, I EFFING KNEW IT!! I mean, it was a little ‘in your face’ obvious. You can’t go through the whole series and just be, like “Wow, look at how practically half the characters in the book have some form of Jacob in their name. That isn’t odd it all, it must be a coincidence. Maximus Jacobs. Purely coincidental. “ As for the actual story, prepare yourself for that too because I practically peed myself. It was creepy and scary. There were haunted houses, ghost, and… ZOMBIES!!!! Yayyy!! Isn’t it awesome? Just fabulous?…No one… okay then.
“You’re mine. And you’re mine alone. From now until the end of time.
And the ending!! How PERFECT!! Rebecca joining and making the “threesome”, Perry staying, and the RING Karin Halle, And for those of you who haven’t read the series, you must. You have no idea what your missing out one because** I just had to add this gif 'cause it reminded me of Dex ♥

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say about this book is that I LOVED EVERYTHING about it!!!!!!!! COME ALIVE has easily become my FAVORITE of the Experiment in Terror Series!!!!


“Perry, I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you. I’m not going to stop showing you off or rubbing it in to everyone I know, anytime soon … You’re mine. And you’re mine alone. From now until the end of time.”

Karina Halle has definitely pulled out all the stops for this one!!!! Just when I didn’t think it could get any better…it FREAKING DID!!!! This book had me laughing out loud frequently, biting my nails down to the nubs, clutching my chest in angst, panting with lust, and practically peeing in my pants with excitement. I mean, I was actually yelling at the characters in the book…OUT LOUD…FREQUENTLY… yep…I know, I need help, but who the hell cares? What a thrill ride!!!!!

Keep in mind that this book is part of a series…THE EXPERIMENT IN TERROR series…WRITE THAT DOWN…NOW, and if you haven’t read it, YOU MUST go back to book one, Dark House and start there. These books MUST be read in the correct order!!!! But beware; don’t expect to get anything done in your personal life, or even at work, until you have finished these books!!!!! They are more addicting than crack cocaine!!!!

There are so many awesome reviews out there for this book. I just don’t know how to harness all of my thoughts on this into any semblance of order. I won’t summarize the story here, because I could never do it justice.

What I will say is that I was thrilled to be back inside Dex’s head again. And I think it is safe to say that I have completely fallen in love with him…..AGAIN!!!!!! And that said, I also have a new respect for the torment that he goes through with those visions and dreams… OMG how completely and utterly TERRIFYING!!!!

I loved the storyline. I loved the setting. I was born and raised in New Orleans, and it was fun to experience Dex and Perry exploring the old neighborhoods!! I loved all of the voodoo and the zombies. I loved the description of the city and the climate. The supporting characters were fabulous and HOLY HELL I even found myself wanting to hug the Ginger!!! And don’t think I didn’t catch that brief cameo reference to Devil’s Metal, MAMBO MARYSE!!!! SAAAAAGGGEEEE!!!!



I did and do miss Perry’s perspective in the story, but hearing Dex’s thoughts is so much more entertaining for me!!!! He is so incredibly funny, and horny as hell, and Karina has captured his personality to PERFECTION!!!!!! And hearing him describe his feelings about Perry just had me swooning all over myself!!!!!!!

“I realized it didn’t mean anything without Perry by my side. She was my reason for living. She was the reason I’d come alive in the first place.”

My updates alone can plot the course of my emotions during the story. And there were so many amazing quotes, I’d never be able to capture them all, but just know that Karina has completely SURPASSED all of my expectations for this book and the series!!!!!!!! I will be DYING in ANTICIPATION for the next book!!!!!!! Especially with that declaration at the end!!!!!! OMFG!!!!!!! PERRY IS GOING TO SHIT HER PANTS!!!!!!

“You’re my home, Perry. And I will be yours.”

And now what I DIDN’T like: *crickets*

THERE WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH STARS FOR KARINA HALLE’S BOOKS!!!!!
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

My pics…

Declan “Dex” Foray


Perry Palomino

[Karina Halle]

:D

[* Meli Mel * · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥♥♥ 5 VOODOO & ZOMBIE STARS ♥♥♥

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

“You’re my home, Perry. And I will be yours.”

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

Dex and Perry seem to be doing good so far. They are still trying to get a feel for the change in their relationship. But overall it's good. The problem for them right now is that Experiment In Terror could be no more. They lost the footage of the Sasquatch investigations to the authorities as evidence. Jimmy, their boss, is not happy and is threatening to cancel the show. The only way for them to stay, is if they accept to do the show with a third member, with a person they know very well. They all head out to New Orleans to investigate what could possibly be zombies terrorizes the city. Everyone is a suspect. And their relationship is tested.



HOLY SHIT, WAS THIS AN INTENSE READ OR WHAT? MY EMOTIONS WERE EVERYWHERE!!

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

"I just thought I should warn you that the second we walk into the apartment, I am going to maul the fuck out of you. I don't care if you're tired or bruised or scratched. You'll just be more so when I'm finished."

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

This book was completely in Dex's POV! *squee* Which, if you didn't already know, I LOVE!! This didn't disappoint. Dex is sexier than ever!! Seriously... he turned me on so much during this book, I totally understood what Perry was feeling. How can you resist him with his sarcastic douchebag charm. He had me laughing my ass off at some of his comments. I LOVE him!! Oh... the things he did with his mouth, and hands, and... and said in his mind, albeit not everything that came to his mind was good. He pissed me off a few times because of it. But still, I can't help but love the man. *sigh*

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

“I want to be with you. Not just as a partner, not just as a friend. I want us to be together, to be one, to be…I don’t know, a fucking couple.”

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

The zombies of Nola totally freaked me out, as well as all the voodoo stuff going on. It really gave me the heebie jeebies. I didn't know if anything could be done. I mean who would believe that stuff was happening. There was one point where I though that Dex and Perry were seriously screwed. I didn't think they could honestly make it out alive from that situation. I was really worried for them.



As always when it comes to this series, I trust NO one. So it was no different in this book. And so when this voodoo chick apprentice or whatever, named Ambrosia showed up... I immediately was suspicious of her. She was flirty and had every. single. man. eating out of the palm of her hand. Dex included... I KNOW!! I was so pissed off and I hated her instantly.



Now for the best parts. I was in freaking heaven at the beginning of the book. Dex could not keep his hands off Perry and they were at it like bunnies!! IT WAS AWESOME!!! Highlight of the book early on for me was... Jenn getting BURNED repeatedly by both Dex and Perry.

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

“Nice, Dex,” she sneered. “You couldn’t wait to get in her pants, could you? You’re a pig.”
“And you’re the shit this pig used to roll around in.”

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

*sigh* Can every one say AWESOME!! It was a very good moment. But lets be honest, not as great as seeing Dex and Perry together!! I couldn't get enough! Dex was making me swoon and melt like crazy! It's a surprise I didn't just pass out completely into a puddle of mush.

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

"I love you, I've loved you from the very start. And... sometimes I think I can't possibly love you more. And then I do. (...) I am in love with you, you wonderful, funny handsome man."

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

But then came the emotional parts of the book near the end. GAH! I could not stop the tears. My heart hurt so bad. I got frustrated with stupid Dex for listening to others. Like I said in my status. I wanted to slap some sense into him, beat the crap out of Amb"whore"sia, and then hug Perry so we could cry together. I wanted the pain to just freaking STOP!!

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

“I realized it didn’t mean anything without Perry by my side. She was my reason for living. She was the reason I’d come alive in the first place.”

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

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

"Perry, I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you. I’m not going to stop showing you off or rubbing it in to everyone I know, anytime soon (...) You’re mine. And you’re mine alone. From now until the end of time."

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

And the pain did seize. I could not be more overjoyed with the ending. I AM IN FUCKING LOVE WITH DEX!! I understand what everyone was talking about. Karina Halle rocks!! I think I fell in love with her too!! And I can't, CANNOT, freaking wait for the next book to come out!! I loved the series!! And am looking forward to seeing how this all plays out.

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

“Baby, I love you, more than ever, more than anything in the fucking world. You are my world. And all I’ve ever wanted is for me to be yours.”

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

This is pretty much how I feel about anything Karina Halle writes


MORE DEX


Please and Thank you!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews at My Book Muse
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*WARNING* If you have not read any of the Experiment in Terror books:

1. What the HELL are you waiting for?!?!?

&

2. If you trust my opinion (along with a thousand of my friends) go rectify the situation and pick up the first 5 books $4 till the end of June.

Darkhouse (EIT #1) FREE---> http://amzn.to/1aKS73X
Red Fox (EIT #2) ($0.99) ---> http://amzn.to/1aKSfk7
The Benson (EIT #2.5) $0.99 ---> http://amzn.to/1aKSoE3
Dead Sky Morning (EIT #3) $0.99 --> http://amzn.to/17ckzyD
Lying Season (EIT #4) $0.99 --->http://amzn.com/B006LEWJWQ

Moving on.....

Come Alive in one word is sublime.

sub·lime (s-blm) adj.

1. Characterized by nobility; majestic.

a. Of high spiritual, moral, or intellectual worth.

b. Not to be excelled; supreme.

3. Inspiring awe; impressive.

4. Archaic Raised aloft; set high.

 

So fucking horny.

You know when a book starts out with ^ that as the opening line, you are in for one hell of a ride.

To catch up, Come Alive takes place immediately following the terrifying events that took place in Into The Hollow.

(Don't let this picture fool you. Sasquatch=asshole)

Not only are Dex and Perry still shaken up by their run in with bigfoot, but their show Experiment in Terror is in danger of being canceled. There is also the question of "are they or aren't they?"

The lines between Perry and Dex have been blurred since day 1, but Dex is determined to prove his love, devotion, and utter adoration of all things Perry Palomino.

“Baby, I love you, more than ever, more than anything in the fucking world. You are my world. And all I’ve ever wanted is for me to be yours.”

But don't worry ladies, just because Dex has found his one true love he hasn't changed pervy ways.

"I just thought I should warn you that the second we walk into the apartment I am going to maul the fuck out of you. I don't care if you're tired or bruised or scratched. You'll just be more so when I'm finished."

Dex is insatiable. Beneath all his proclamations of love are dirty innuendos that either had me laughing at his creativity or fanning myself. But even with Dex's heart on his sleeve, Perry is still reserved. They have a lot of history, and not all of it is good history...

To make their situation more complicated " he-who-shall-not-be-named-except-in-insults-I-found-fitting" has been hired to work on Experiment in Terror. Yes, Maximus has joined the show and with his presence incites more LOL-worthy nicknames from Dex. Some of my favorites include:


Auburn-Haired Snatchslinger
Maximus Douchekabob
Vegetable Lasagna

(Who know vegetable lasagna was so delicious?)

But Max has an agenda of his own that starts to unravel once this trio finds themselves in New Orleans. Not only is his addition creating hostility amongst Dex & Perry's union, but a hardened bartender, Rose, from Max's past leaves the duo with more questions than answers.

But Nola with all its' charm and history turns out to be a breeding ground for scarier entities then just ghosts.

(Does anyone else notice the resemblance to Jenn?)

Yes, there are motherfucking zombies in Nola.

But the scariest part of their journey to Nola is the revelations that come to light that spell out dire consequences for our favorite couple.

Come Alive is everything I have been waiting/wishing/dying for in this series:

Funny as hell
Romantic
Sexy
TERRIFYING

Being in Dex's head is so damn entertaining. He is hilarious, but he is also very sweet. Dex 2.0 was worth the wait. There is a reason why there is such a huge following for his character. He is inappropriate and he makes no apologies. That said, I missed Perry terribly. This series is HER journey and as much as I would read anything written in Dex's POV I really missed having her insight as well as her emotional tone throughout the novel. There were moments that I wished I could read her mind just to get an idea for how she was reacting to Dex.

Even though it was a lot more Dex going on I was still impressed with the strides Perry has made from Darkhouse to Come Alive. Especially a moment between her and a certain character (You go girl!) that I do not feel the need to mention other than appropriate .jpeg descriptions:

(We all know who I am referring to, right?)

What I am most surprised by was my feelings towards Maximus and how they evolved into territories I never imagined. For so long I have agreed with Dex whole-heartedely about Max (ginger balls, anyone?) but now is the time to eat crow. Max is NOT the person I was expecting to have in my good graces. Alas, I was wrong. Yup, I said it.

If I could give you any idea of what to expect with Come Alive it's to expect the unexpected. If you are expecting to cry, well expect that. If you know anything about this series it's that Karina Halle is an evil genius that loves to drink the tears of her fans.

 

I was constantly on the edge of my seat. If it wasn't because of freaking zombies and other supernatural occurrences, it was because of the relationship between Dex and Perry.

This series is so much more than boy meets girl meets ghost. It's the union of two flawed people trying to survive in a world that is determined to tear them apart. Will they make it? You just have to keep reading to find that out....

5 stars*

[Kim *Mo Chridhe* · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING! SPOILERS FOR BOOKS #1-6 AHEAD!



- June 24 edit -

So I was in the middle of an awesome book yesterday when I saw that Come Alive finally went live on Amazon. I told myself I'd finish my current book first but I couldn't resist but sneak a peek. And I told myself, "Just one chapter! ONE CHAPTER!" Do you think I succeeded? When the first line of a book you've been anticipating for months goes like this --> "So fucking horny", how can you not drop everything else?

Come Alive takes place shortly after the Sasquatch disaster during Dex and Perry's llama expedition in the snowy mountains of Canada. They were interrogated by the Mounties (Canadians really ARE friendly, I swear!) due to Mitch's fatal "accident" and their footage was confiscated for evidence. With no show to produce, their jobs are on the line and their show is in danger of being axed. Fortunately, Jimmy offers them one last chance to shoot an episode and get sponsorship but this comes with deal-breaking condition: Maximus gets to tag along and direct orders during the entire thing.

However, Maximus is the least of their concerns right now. They're basically starting over, and Dex is determined not to mess things up. And while Perry still has her apprehensions, she agrees to move in with Dex while she figures things out. Which now brings us to my favourite moments in the book. This is the first time we're seeing them together without any girlfriend baggage and animosity between them. Can I just say that they're the cutest couple ever?! You'd think that after all the near-death encounters they've been through together and all the sex they've been having they'd have this closeness that supercedes any feelings of awkwardness. But nope. They're nervous and cautious and fumbly around each other. (Yeah, I know. That's not a word.) But they're also sweet, eternally protective of each other and just plain awesome. I think I speak on behalf EiT shippers when I say that Chapter 4 will go down in history as one of THE BEST scenes in the entire series. Take that, Jenn-bitch!

But of course, it's not always butterflies and orgasms between Derry. This book had me giddy and squealing with delight one moment then mad and throwing a tantrum the next. Who here saw red the moment Ambrosia was introduced? *raise hand* While I'm all about the sexy Dexy love, Perry, is, first and foremost, my baby (yes, I have these motherly feelings of protectiveness toward that girl) and I certainly had those moments (62% onwards, in particular) when I wanted to pluck Dex's facial hair one by one, follicle by follicle. I know he was under a spell when he openly disrespected Perry those times but honestly! Serves him right to be Muhammad Ali-fied!

It was also a relief to finally have some light shed on Maximus. Even though I now understand his reasons for doing what he did I still don't forgive him for being the douchecanoe that he was in ODW. But after knowing what his deal was with Rose and going rogue I guess he's off my shit list (for now).

And while it was fun and entertaining to be in Dex's head in this installment I can't wait to go back to Perry in book #8! I seriously missed her voice while reading this. One thing I wished that could've happened was for Perry to have rescued Dex all on her own and then commenced with a mega smackdown/catfight with Ambrosia. Wouldn't that have been epic? I know there's a queen-of-badass lurking underneath all those insecurities. I'm super stoked for Rebecca to get more "screen time" in the next book. I also hope that Perry's able to mend things with her parental units soon because I am missing little fifteen as well!

This has been an exciting rollercoaster ride and I can't wait to get on it again (and revisit Seattle, for that matter. That place needs to be my next U.S. destination!) I was worried that the sparks between Dex and Perry would fade now that the sexual tension is finally, and repeatedly, relieved but I didn't need to be because, forget sizzles, they were in flames! Definitely a 10 on the hotness scale! I have no worries that their chemistry will wane in the future. Karina knows how to keep the romance exciting! Mechanic analogy? *eyebrow waggle* And the ending! Gah!

I'm running out of positive adjectives to express my love for this book so I'll cap this review now with the song that Dex successfully planted in our head for the next little while.



- Second edit June 24 -

In my excitement about Dex and Perry's personal lives I completely forgot to comment on the horror factor, which is, of course, central to the plot. ItH was so-so for me but we are definitely back in creepy central this time. That scene where Dex shuts his eyes for a second and finds his mom inches from his face as soon as he opens them again. Eeeeeeeeeek! As timing would have it my phone also beeped at the same time I read that so I literally jumped from fright then. Whew! Loved those bone-tingling moments though!


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


- June 22 -

So I am spending almost seventy bucks for Come Alive - $4 for the actual book and $60 for a new PS3 game I got for the beau (which i hauled my ass to 3 stores to find because it was sold out EVERYWHERE) so he'd leave me alone with sexy Dexy for the next couple of days. He eyed the bribe gifts suspiciously and told me, "you know I'm going rowing tomorrow, right? You can go ahead and read. I'm keeping the game though." 0_o

[Ash Wednesday · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

"Now are we ready to hunt some ghosts?" he asked us like the douchiest substitute teacher, trying to sound commanding and relatable at the same time.
"Fuck you," I said.

Dex has always been a puzzling character for me. I was easily sold on Perry but Declan and I had some tough times behind us. And while Hot and Crispy Dex is actually Hot AND Extra Crispy, he started to concern me as a narrator in And With Madness Comes The Light. Because while he was a brilliant revelation in The Dex-Files, he started to sound stuck as a character in Madness. I still believe he can single-handedly end world hunger (and maybe save the whales) should his entertainment value be converted to gold bars but the day may come when I'd grow tired of the crafty Max nicknames, when the sexual innuendoes will only illicit a giggle and when the chauvinistic one-liners will cross a line and become offensive.



Hmm... after this, I'm actually starting to think that there's no such day.

Because I realized, when it comes to Dex, I haven't drawn the line… or maybe there's just no line at all. (I found his allusion to baby deer sex funny. What the hell is wrong with me?!)

Because this day, I spent: (after thoroughly raping the Safari refresh button waiting for this one)
✔ Laughing inappropriately loud
✔ Crazy smiling as Dex asks Perry out on a date.
✔ Dreading having my heart broken the Seattle bits was good stretch, an odd mix of joy and foreboding because you know it's going to hurt somewhere, sometime.
✔ Having my heart broken
✔ Having the pieces welded back again

I am a Perry Palomino fangirl first and foremost and I'm glad that despite Dex's overwhelming presence whenever his thoughts take the spotlight, Perry voice wasn't drowned out of the picture. It's easy to get lost in all the Dexisms and diminish Perry into a mere blushing recipient of Dex's passionate devotion. I'm glad she wasn't. Though I am eagerly awaiting the return to her POV for the next book, because she was here but still a little peripheral for my Perry-loving tastes.

I like how their relationship seems to come in full circle with this one. How this felt in complete symmetry with On Demon Wings and how this series refuses to let my interest wane even if Dex's professions and transformation should have been jump the shark moments. Because it was the chase, the unresolved sexual tension between these two characters that fueled EIT thus far. It's good to know that when you resolve the tension, the Dex-Perry dynamic still works. And boy did they do a lot of resolving interspersed with well-paced angst.

I still felt like what I had in my hands could slip through my fingers at any moment, and what I thought I might have in the end could turn out to be nothing at all.

It's good to see the paranormal investigations continue to ante up. I wasn't a big Sasquatch fan but voodoo and swamp is right in the holy-sh*t-that's-sick-creepy alley. The Kanye helped and the Tarantino homage was delightful (even if it was at Dex's expense).

And as someone who gets easily tired of waiting for the next books in a series then getting so little pay-off, I appreciate the progress this made in the bigger story arc of The Thin Veil. It's nice to see the pieces starting to shift and make sense.

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment but there were things that I was waiting to happen but didn't come, leaving me a bit wanting.

I don't mean to beat a dead horse whore and excuse me for the big Perry flag I'm waving all over, but Dex did fall in love with Perry while he was still with Jenn, who may be a shitty girlfriend but was his shitty girlfriend for 3 years. I hope this comes up once we shift back to Perry's POV because I was a little bothered that Dex just saw Perry's reaction to the Ambrosia issue as a byproduct of her self-esteem issues. Couldn't it be that and your old cheating ways, Declan? Wouldn't that entitle Perry a drop of doubt? I know he can be a self-centered ass, but this was one time I wanted to smack some well-placed sensitivity into Dex.

The Max and Rose side story didn't bring it for me. There was a serious lack of chemistry between the two. I loved Max here but Rose kind of fizzled out as the story went on. Considering the hefty role she played in this one, I couldn't bring myself to feel anything for this character nor have any urges to know what becomes of her and Max's past and future.

Terribly missed Ada and her little fifteen-isms here so I'm looking forward to seeing her come Winter 2013.

Final thoughts

✶ Lou Bega should cut Karina a check. Seriously annoying earworm for my ENTIRE day.
✶ Looking forward to Ashes to Ashes because holy ducklings is Dex Foray the antichrist?!
✶ Karina Halle still owns the horcruxes of my soul. #nagini

You’ll just be missing a little tip.”
“But the tip is the best part,” I groaned.

[Kirsten P · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIVE ON AMAZON: BUY HERE -----> http://amzn.to/11UdVFi

Once again Karina has exceeded every expectation. I laughed, I cried and I fell deeper in love with Dex. Outstanding! ❤



Yes! My Dex has returned. I started counting down the moment to this books arrival WEEKS ago. Karina Halle’s writing alone is enough to have me one clicking, but a book solely from Dex’s POV, I’m almost at the point of bribing her to let me just get a quick sneak peek. What? Can you blame me? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Let me just say that I love a book from the male character's POV. Ms. Halle writes Dex’s POV with such verve that I forget that she is actually of the female gender. It’s fabulous, astonishing, the BEST MALE POV I’ve ever read. Amazing.

Come Alive picks up right where Into the Hollow left off. Dex and Perry are dealing with the repercussions of their search for Sasquatch, while trying to navigate their new relationship. Unfortunately for them, part of that aftermath is having to add a new partner to their Experiment in Terror show in order to keep it on the air. Of course the new partner happens to be the peculiar ginger-haired basta. . . enigma, Maximus Jacobs. As you can imagine, Dex and Perry are less than thrilled. Max has decided the trio will return to his “hometown” of New Orleans and investigate a haunted house, which really turns into their investigating a voodoo sect. We are introduced to several new characters, and in her brilliance, Ms. Halle has brought over someone from her The Devil’s Metal series. (You all have read that, haven’t you? Well, here’s the link, just in case: http://www.amazon.com/The-Devils-Meta...) Of course Max, being the hometown boy, knows some of these characters, so I can’t help but be cautious when introductions are made. Hell, I’m on guard when I find out Max is taking us to New Orleans. This is, after all, his territory, and I don’t trust him.

Dex is as comical as ever, and while he’s sexy and cocky, it’s that fantastic sense of humor that gets me every time. He is so desperately in love with Perry that he has me swooning. . .A LOT. Not everything is smooth sailing, though, and there were several times during the reading in which I needed my tissues and a stiff drink. It's emotional. These two have so many forces working against them; I wonder if they can really make it as a couple. Dex is still dealing with his special gifts, and Perry is still dealing with her self-esteem issues, not to mention the fact that she has walked away from her family. I will say that some of my opinions changed during this one (that was a miracle in its own right) and I have some questions still lingering. The sex scenes here are HOT. The suspense makes me not able to put the book down; I am riveted. Every single word is to be savored.

I am so captivated by Ms. Halle’s art of storytelling that I am seized the moment I open the book. I am immediately part of the EIT team, and we are figuring this out together. It’s an intense feeling, really. I’m SCARED. The creepiness and the horror that are involved here literally hang over me. I am involved in this life-and-death situation, and I’m looking for a way out; my heart is pumping, and I’m breaking out in a sweat and have a lump in my throat. Ms. Halle’s writing is just that awesome. It’s charming, magical, exquisite. Chock-full of wonderfulness. Karina gets better with each and every word, each and every story. It’s a rare gift she possesses, and it’s that reason alone that has her on my MUST READ IMMEDIATELY list. She’s done a fantastic job with this one, and it will undoubtedly be one of my favorite reads this year.

[*.Amaia.* BlackMagicRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Derry-Conquers-All Awesome STARS!!




How can someone manage to keep people hooked after 7 books and 3 novellas?? Because that someone is a feckin' genius named Karina Halle.

This series just keeps getting better, both the characters and the stories. The mysteries are creepier every time and the main storyline is more and more detailed and complicated which only makes you even more eager for the next book, because that last 30% of the book was MENTAL!! and SO good :)

So this time, Dex and Perry are not only facing the possibility of losing their show EIT for good, they also need to find a way to make their relationship work. In order to do that, they will need some help from someone we've already met in previous books, but who we don't really know... AT ALL. Because yep, there is a HUGE secret here to be revealed... :O I still think that's gonna be a HUGE problem in the next books, I'm really scared... but I'm at least happy that Dex has decided to give their love a chance, they deserve this opportunity and I want to believe that Dex being the exception, they can be the exception together in all this madness :)


The threesome set off to NOLA, the capital of Voodoo to shoot a new episode of the show.


What they find there is pretty much a mix of this:



...this:


...and this:



Yep, totally creepy. These two can't really get a break.

This story is told from the POV of Dex and just because of that it deserves all the stars in the universe because HE IS PURE AWESOMENESS. He can be hilarious, he can be super sweet and he can definitely be HOT. The man knows what he is doing ;)



I would be lying if I said I didn't get pissed at him... I did at certain moments, because... come one!! These two need to start communicating like NOW.

I can't really said too much about Perry cause I kind of lost that connection I had with her, I really need to read her POV to understand some of her actions. She is still awesome, though ;)
But for now... I LOVE her for this:







About the ending...



P.E.R.F.E.C.T.

[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars




The 7th book in the series and told entirely from Dex POV, we are finally at a place in the series where I am happy and things sure are heating up for the couple. Though, things don't go as expected when they investigate a voodoo sect.

Dex is without a doubt my all time favourite book boyfriend. He's cheeky and charming ways has me swooning and falling harder for him each time. I felt for Perry. She was being cautious and with valid reason considering their past. Still as likeable as ever, a genuinely kick-ass heroine.

I love this couple and I can't gush on enough about them. Really looking forward to their next book Ashes to Ashes. If you have not started this series I would highly recommend this!!! X

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not 1...2...3...or even 4... Yeah you heard me right..
5 BIG ASS ASTRONOMICAL Stars

Come Alive, picks up exactly where Into The Hallow ends.. But instead of having Perry’s POV, as we usually do, we get a special treat, and are rewarded with getting into the mind of Dex...Come Alive is delivered in Dex’s POV only. We get an exclusive look into the crazy, manic, and emotional man that we have grown to LOVE

It begins with Dex & Perry going back home and trying to test out the waters of their new found emotions. In the process, we get to experience Dex’s true feelings for Perry. As they settle into their routine, they are once again sent on a whirlwind mission in hopes of redeeming their previous screw up. They are sent to New Orleans to investigate a haunted house, but soon realize they are investigating more than a haunted house.. They are dealing with a whole new world of magic, voodoo, and zombies.

Amongst all of this chaos, we get to learn new revelations. Which by the way completely blindsided me.
Come Alive is a compilation of everything we LOVE in a book from romance, angst, drama, heartbreak, and sex

I pressed my fingers into her face. “Baby, the first chance I get, I’m going to fuck the shit out of you,” I growled. She smiled coyly, her eyes twinkling. “I think it’s called making love now.” “Then I’m fucking making love the shit out of you.”

With Come Alive we get to see a different side of Dex, a very romantic, sex crazed, and strong man that will stop at nothing for the woman he loves.

”Baby,” I managed to say when I held it together long enough, “Baby, I love you, more than ever, more than anything in the fucking world. You are my world. And all I’ve ever wanted is for me to be yours.”

Dex totally rocked my world. Come Alive deserves more than the measly 5 stars, I have given it, it deserves an infinity amount of stars...
I am totally:

over Dex... How can you not, right?!?

[Anzû · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s one thing to bring the woman you love back into your life. It’s another to try and keep her there.

I have one hell of a bad habit. I almost never read the blurb before starting a book. Yes, I do read it before adding the book to my tbr shelf. I do trust myself completely to know that when a book ends up on my tbr shelf, it’s worth reading. So, again, I do not bother with the blurb because I like to be surprised.

I should have read the blurb for Come Alive.

Come Alive is told from Dex’s POV.

I SHOULD HAVE READ THE BLURB FOR COME ALIVE.

Bah. Too late now.

Ok, so I had no idea this was told from Dex’s POV. No idea whatsoever. I guess this is the most important thing I’ve missed from the blurb. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the other two books that were told from Dex’s perspective, but having too much of it gave me a headache. A whole fucking book from the Dex 2.0’s perspective was a bad idea. Let me tell you why.

First of all, this Dex 2.0 is full of shit. He’s acting like a horny teenager most of the time. Most of the book is filled with his perverted thoughts towards Perry. Perry’s humongous tits (boner), Perry’s round squishy ass (double boner), Perry showing extra skin (so sexy!), Perry wearing a dress (omg I wanna fuck her!), Perry’s fucking blue eyes (my cock is getting hard just by staring at them!), Perry’s fuckable mouth (say hello to my little friend!) and so on and so forth.

ENOUGH ALREADY!

We get it. You love her and lust after her 24/7. Good. But man, get a fucking grip. What the hell happened to you?

I think it’s needless to say that I do not like the new Dex. I so much miss his old mysterious cynical emo self. I so much miss the sexual tension between Perry and him. I miss their joking, I miss their fights. I miss how much they understood each other and how well they worked together as a team. This “relationship” of theirs isn’t anything like I would have imagined it to be. It’s like I’m reading about two completely different people. A horny teenager and a heartless bitch.

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. Perry is acting like a heartless bitch. The way she reacts to Dex’s feelings, the way she feels insecure about him and her own self. The way she isolates herself from everything around her. I feel like she’s not a nice person anymore. I get that she went through a lot of shit with her miscarriage, the demon possessing her, sex with a ginger (that must’ve hurt her pride) and her parents almost throwing her into a mental hospital and all that, but I feel like this is a bit too much. Dex did help her get through it, he saved her countless times, he sacrificed himself for her, shit he even carved out his heart and threw it at her feet (dramatic, I know) and yet she’s acting like an ungrateful bitch. Is it for the sake of keeping their relationship “fresh” for four more books? That’s what I think, especially seeing the forced “obstacles” that keep on happening to them. A constant one stop forward, two steps back. It’s getting old.

Did I mention that 60% of the book was solely about Dex and Perry fucking? No, really, it was. Did I mention how old and boring it got, even after two sex scenes? No?

I can’t believe I’m saying this, especially since it’s Dex we’re talking about here, but there was too much sex. I felt like I’m reading a cheap erotica book and not an awesome EIT. More than half of the fucking book is just sex. Sex. Sex. And oh, guess what? More fucking sex.

And the story? Meh. It felt like I’m reading Darkhouse all over again. I did not like Darkhouse. I had to force myself to get through it just for the promise of what’s to come in the future books.

Another thing that I didn’t like about the story is the amount of people that were around. Me no like that. I like to have Dex and Perry all alone in some weird secluded place, hunting for god knows what creature. Or, better said, being hunted by the creature, as it usually happens. Come Alive had a good location (New Orleans for fuck’s sake!), zombies (uhm.. cool, I guess.), voodoo people (not so bad), haunted houses and swampy lands. Do you see the potential?

DO YOU SEE?!

But nope. We get sex, sex, sex, forced relationship drama, near death due to stupidity, make-out sex, sex and a mysterious (but not too mysterious) heavy box in Dex’s pocket as an OMG DAT ENDING! punch in the face.

Meh.

Also, two more MAJOR things that bothered the shit out of me. Spoilers, beware.

One. Max. I hate the douche. I hate him so much. And now we find out he’s a guardian angel/superior being of some sort. He sacrificed his immortality over a girl he loved (and yet he left her because he’s a douche like that). And he’s not very good at his job, that’s why he screwed Dex over. And he still wants what Dex and Perry have. Because he’s such a nice person. And, in the end, he ended up doing the right thing by staying in New Orleans and taking care of the woman he loves.

NOW YOU DO THIS, YOU DOUCHE?! NOW??!

Really. No. I can’t like him just because of all this crap. It’s all bullshit. He is not a nice person. Period.

Two. Dex’s lies that ended up brushed under the carpet so no one would know what a fucker her is. He did a very bad and selfish thing to hide the truth from Perry just because he thinks all of this will “protect her”. He thinks he’s so kind and selfless to push her away without explaining what the fuck is going on. This is a decision that should belong to her as well. And also, in the end he ended up blaming Ambrosia for his sudden douchenesness, when, obviously, that was not true. It was a dick move.

And I just got another idea. Is this going to be another “obstacle” in their relationship in EIT#8? Perry finds out that he lied and again we’ll have the “I can’t be with you because you’re a lying sonovabitch” crap? I’ll be expecting that.

Come Alive had the potential of being great, but it took it out of its shiny wrapper, rubbed its shitty ass with it and threw it in the fire. I cannot even call it Experiment in Terror anymore, but go for a more suitable name like Experiment in Fucking thanks to all the unnecessary sex going on. Add a huge stinky drama llama and there you go. Experiment in Drama Llamas Brainlessly Fucking.

I am looking forward to the next (and last) two books though. Karina Halle does know her way around a good creep story, so I’m going to try and be optimistic about it. The fact that the next one will be from Perry’s POV does help ease up my nerves a little bit.

--
2022 thoughts
I don't usually agree with most of my old reviews, but hooo boy this one hits the right spot. I managed to take my almost 10 years later re-read up to this point, I don't think I have the desire to push further into the series. Still feels like a big disappointment to see the difference between this mess and the early-mid series.