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Lorelei Clay is determined to put down roots in the small town of Fairhaven no matter what the universe throws at her. After all, she’s invested her entire savings in the rundown monstrosity known as the Castle—and she’s on the verge of investing her heart in a certain prince of hell, if he can overcome his literal internal demon.

Lorelei and Kane aren’t the only ones haunted by their histories. When unfamiliar werewolves cause trouble in town, Arrowhead alpha Weston Davies realizes his tragic past is about to catch up with him and threaten the life he's managed to build.

Meanwhile, an issue with a disgruntled fae could result in an interrealm incident if it isn’t handled with velvet gloves, which isn’t exactly Lorelei’s style.

As their problems continue to mount, it becomes clear that unless they face their respective pasts—they'll have no future.

Dead Weight is the fifth book in the Crossroads Queen series. For fans of feisty females, found family, paranormal romance subplots, tortured demon princes, and a feel-good vibe.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2024

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About the author

Annabel Chase

164 books1,102 followers
Annabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.

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5 stars
724 (61%)
4 stars
326 (27%)
3 stars
118 (10%)
2 stars
8 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Megan.
40 reviews
April 13, 2024
Book five did not disappoint. Reading more of Lorelei’s story, seeing her character development flourish, and her relationships grow, is so rewarding. I am immediately going to reread it again so I can savor the moments I rushed through in my first devouring.

Also, seeing a thorn in her side get their just desserts was *chef’s kiss*.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,441 reviews119 followers
February 29, 2024
Dead Weight is Book 5 in the Crossroads Queen Urban Fantasy Series by Annabel Chase.

Lorelei Clay is one busy woman in this book. I love the focus on West Davies, Alpha werewolf and his backstory in this book. Not to mention Kane and Lorelei's romance.

There are multiple story lines that the author has seamlessly integrated.

The world building is so excellent, and I love all the research the author has done.

The characters and action are so well developed and perfectly paced.

Don't miss this exiting installment in one of the best series I have ever read.
Profile Image for Marcella.
139 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2024
I feel conflicted about how I really feel/the context of this book; how I feel is that the last two books could've been a single one if it wasn't for the external plot. The characters development is sooo slow that it is making me lose interest, and I realize that for them, only few days/weeks pass between each book, but for us readers it's months (and we are lucky that the author writes this fast!), months passed waiting for the next installment to get... something, but instead it's just another adventure with only a hint of a romantic development between the two MCs and of the heroine's internal conflict. And that is not my only problem.
1) Kane and Lorelai. In this book, Lorelai does not seem to care about Kane at all?? She rarely thinks about him, she never wonders about him and his life, she never seeks him, but she's supposedly in love because she gets mad when people talk shit about him? I don't wanna be that person, but she defended a literal giant three-headed snake in this one. I feel like the author wanted to keep the books more PRN centered and keeping the romance light, but what resulted was that there is a difference between how the characters think and act.
2) The dialogues. The banter I really liked in the first installments is becoming kind of annoying, and I think it is because it is quite unrealistic. I love a witty back-and-forth between two MCs flirting, but in the middle of a battle? I just don't see two characters panicking, surrounded by enemies, just going: << Kane glanced at me. “Is that supposed to be intimidating?”
“I think so.”
“Shall I show them how it’s done?”
“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.” >>
Yeah, no.
3) Lorelai's powers. It was already told in the previous books that she was raised by her grandfather, who was the one that really grilled her to be careful revealing her identity. But I never caught that he was also the one that... trained her? In her powers? You want to tell me that a completely human man, who never even heard of magic or anything like that, somehow manages to teach her how to control spirits? Either there is something we don't know yet (along with the mistery of her murdered parents) and the granpa was definetely aware of magic or that is something I will have a hard time comprehending.
In general, this series is still entertaining and I flew by this book; but as of right now, the excitement of knowing what is next has disappeared.
37 reviews
April 22, 2024
I love this series. It amazes me that Ms. Clay is so worried about being evil and yet, always does good.

*** SPOILERS AHEAD DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS BOOK***

This book has so much to unpack. Multiple relationship develops and set backs. Speaking of that, I don't know why everyone is so upset when they find out Lorelei's secrets. They are supernatural, that comes with the territory and safety. We got a feel good story in the search, finding and happy ending for a long lost daughter. We got a real look into West and his past with his former crew showing up and in my opinion, I satisfying ending to that. We got closer to Mr. Poopy pants Vampire- Magnerella or however it's spelled. Although, I don't think that story is completely done, nor is Dr. Edmonds. We got to see more story lines converge and come to light. The death of the demon in Bone Lake was sorta sad, and it seemed like a set back for Lorelei but I think she is starting to see the light thanks to some amazing advice from our friendly ghosts (who are great by the way) and our favorite prince of hell. We even got to see some potential movement on the love front for West and for Lorelei- with minor spice at the end. This book also gave us more to think about in dealing with Lorelei's past, lots of secrets to uncover there with her family, the mark on her head and the fates and finally we saw Addison reappear to push us into the next book.

*** Spoilers Ended***
I can't wait for the next book in the series. I feel like we are really moving along. More and more Lorelei's secrets are coming to light and I am here for it. I need the spice to kick up a little. I want Ms. Clay and several others to have a happy ending. I also want to see her fully embrace her powers and become the Queen I believe she was meant to be. This series is so good, with lots of life lessons tied in, but that's for another day. I hate I have to wait, but I will be ready when the next book drops.
Profile Image for D K.
380 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2024
A series you cannot get enough of! ❤️💜🩷 Brilliant, Original and Witty!

It is such a joy to read this well written, fun and truly captivating series! You just get so invested in the story and the amazing characters that once you start, it is very difficult to put it down. I read the whole book in just ONE day! The series follows Lorelei, a fierce, independent, kick-ass FMC, with a complex past, a heart of gold and a sarcastic personality. There are supernaturals, magic, plenty of action, mystery and a slow burn romance. The secondary characters, such as, Nana Pratt and Ray, amongst others, add so much more to this wonderful story. I just cannot get enough of this series!!! Annabel Chase has done an amazing job with this. The story is engaging, fresh, original and always entertaining. What I love most, is the progression we see from Lorelei, her growth throughout the series is beautiful to see. I do have to point out, that even though, I am ALL for a strong, independent FMC, I still would have liked to have seen more involvement from the MMC Kane. I do love that Lorelei in many instances takes care of the threats just fine by herself, but I also have noticed that when faced with sticky situations whenever she is together with Kane, he is suddenly off to the side. It would be nice to actually see them both front and center, fighting together against a threat once in a while. This series needs to be read in order and according to the author, there are still four more books to come! YAYYYY!!!HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! 💖🥰💖
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,440 reviews13 followers
April 11, 2024
good

Lorelei might be charged with keeping the crossroads safe, but that doesn’t seem to stop trouble from making its way into the town of Fairhaven.
Trouble with the werewolves, trouble with the vampires, trouble with the fae; and then there is the very sexy trouble that is her own, personal demon…

Lots of things happen for Lorelei in this book, extending from secrets being revealed to her, to others revealed by her. It’s a turbulent time for her, as she realises there are some important decisions to be made.

I enjoy this series a lot, because while Lorelei is reluctantly powerful, she’s quite well trained in some ways and definitely one of those grumpy-with-a-heart types. She’s made some interesting friends in Fairhaven, and a number of allies that I’m not even sure she realises she’s made.
Star of this book award goes to Clyde, who is a little unusual to say the least, but rather amusingly so, though the crows were second for certain.
The book did end on a book-hook cliffhanger, but the trauma level was low- maybe a 2/5, though the anticipation is real- I’m looking forward to seeing what trouble she digs up next!

This is an entertaining read for urban fantasy lovers, and for Crossroads Queen series fans alike. You definitely need to have read the other books in the series first though!
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,606 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2024
exceptionally entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series

This is an exceptionally entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series. A great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Lorelei is a woman with unique skills and abilities. She also happens to be a reincarnated goddess. Very few people know about her true persona. She was born to a human set of parents who died in a car crash when she was very young and she was raised by her grandfather who taught her to hide her uniqueness. She has a unique ability to find errors and items. She can see ghosts she talk to ghosts among other things. Living in her castle on the hill in a small town. She is spending her time restoring the old castle to live conditions. She tries to help out people in the town because it is a supernatural nexus with a gateway to other realms and worlds. Friendship with the former prince of hell who happens to be the owner of a local tavern and leader of an assassins guild. Although they only kill bad people. Is wearing her down he hopes anyway. There are vampires fairies werewolves and a few other supernaturals that pop up every so often. It is an entertaining and action packed series filled with mystery adventure magic and mayhem. Read on and see what happens in this chapter. Looking forward to the next book. Check it out
217 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2024
Dead weight

The reason I only gave 4 stars was bc these books really need to be a little longer. I absolutely love Lorelei (Melinoe) and her character is awesome,these books make me laugh so much, I love the adventure and so many characters!!! Nana pratt and Ray are the best ghosts she could have living with her. Even tho she is a natural born goddess she is also so vulnerable. In this book we learn a little more about her past and her and Kane are getting closer but god I need so many questions answered lol!! Can't wait for the next book I have a feeling something bad is coming Loreleis way
Profile Image for  BookwormMomma7.
752 reviews
April 14, 2024
Amazing!

If you have been following Lorelei travails for the past four books, you are going to love this one.

All the awesome characters are back, good or bad are back and major developments come about in her relationships with some of the town members. The ending is a nice cliffhanger for the next book.

In this story you have Lorelei dealing with her usual suspects, until she is reluctantly dragged into West business and he sure is not happy about it, this allows you to get to know more of West backstory and we get to meet some new fairy friends. Great story, as usual for this author.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,169 reviews10 followers
April 15, 2024
It's enjoyable, but the heat is very slow moving for Kane and Loralie

Solid 4 star rating.

I've enjoyed this series. Dead Weight had a good storyline with several plots going on, even if there is one primary one. Loralie is still a very likable female lead. Kane is too sweet a gentle demon. There's the budding romance between the two of them, but dang, is it slow. I sure hope that when they eventually get to being together, sparks will fly, and there will be a dark sky full of shooting stars.

This series would be absolutely amazing if it was from different POVs, especially Loralie and Kane's.

I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 13, 2024
Fantastic story in a world I can't get enough of!

Lorelei Clay has been trying to stay under the radar. She doesn't use her power as Goddess of Nightmares and Ghosts often, but has had to dip into the well more than a few times to save friends. Lorelei works to find a lost changeling, rescue the alpha of the local werewolf pack, and spend date night with her favorite Prince of Hell without letting the cat out of the bag to everyone about her talents. Can Lorelei open up and let her friends know the true goddess she is?
Profile Image for Andi.
1,833 reviews
April 14, 2024
3.5 stars. As with the last installment, DEAD WEIGHT is a bit meandering until the halfway point. There are multiple mini-plots in this installment -

1. A fae looking for his sister, who was raised as a human child nineteen years ago;
2. A monster in the nearby Bone Lake;
3. The return of vampire Magnarella and his scientific experiments; and
4. Alpha werewolf Weston Davies is in trouble.

I was a bit bored in the beginning, but I enjoyed Lorelei using her powers more, and learning more about her family’s history. The ending was excellent (as usual!).
1,825 reviews
April 14, 2024
On the fence with this fifth book of the Crossroads Queen. First, I appreciate clear writing, clear plots and developing characters I enjoy. Second, the different slant with the type of characters beyond vampires and werewolves and witches is refreshing. However, I am surprised I decided to read it as after the fourth book I determined that as much as I have fun with this quick read, I cannot suspend my irritation with so little information dribbling about the characters from book to book barely deepening the reader's knowledge after this many volumes. I think I might be done with this.
Profile Image for Chantelle.
249 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2024
I honestly just love her work

I love Annabel Chase's work. She has such a fascinating way to tell a story and I adore her writing style. I love the wrap up of certain aspects of the story while leaving us wanting more. I'm so excited to see her and Kane mature in their relationship and love that our girl is finally starting to accept some pieces of herself. Chase really has a great gift. She's able to write characters in such a relatable way, I really feel myself connecting to each character in every book.
Profile Image for Jean Morgan.
716 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2024
Enjoyable Series

This story wasn’t one of my favorites. Lorelei was like a “woe is me” throughout the book. I kept waiting to see if she would snap out of it and that was a big nope. So four stars as the series as a whole is fun, entertaining and enjoyable. This story cleared up some things and there is more that we know will be coming. The nice thing is there is never a cliffhanger with the stories.
291 reviews
April 15, 2024
another great chapter to Lorelei Clay

I seriously love these stories about Lorelei! All the moving pieces are great and very intriguing. This book read super fast and if I could change anything I would ask for the books and stories to be longer!!
I love where Lorelei and Kane are coming together along with how many people are learning her secrets and loving her more for it! I can’t wait for the next book!!
68 reviews
April 17, 2024
An excellent lesson in Mythology. Keeps getting better.

Is reading Urban Fantasy a sign of something? In this series Annabelle Chase has researched volumes of mythology and books on relationships, and it shows with plenty of lesser known Beings and the development of trust between the creatures and humans. Absolutely brilliant series that keeps getting better. More will come maybe a series of twenty something happenings? One can wish cannot one?
April 18, 2024
woven storyline hits all the marks

Well done Annabel! Storyline was easy to follow and still mysterious. Definitely let me hungry for the next book. Love that this series is fast paced on release dates. All the characters are well developed and interwoven in the story very successfully, so that it leaves you wanting more. All loose ends are tied up nicely by the end make sense with the character’s values.
Profile Image for Jordan Blackaby.
41 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2024
moving up my list of favorite book series

Each book chase writes in this series propels it further and further up my list of freaking amazing books that I need. How she is incorporating so many mythologies and interconnecting cultural stories is beautiful. Such a fun read, the characters are fairly well developed and enjoyable to see through the fmc eyes. I’m mad I finished this so quickly but excited for book 6
Profile Image for Fiona.
3 reviews
April 12, 2024
Dogs of the Afterlife Don’t Like this Book

Seriously??????
Crows love her b/c they are related to death but dogs and cats hate her????
Makes ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE since both dogs and cats have been defied as members of the underworld for thousands of years.
Plus why would any non human mammal death? How out of touch with animals is this author?????
Profile Image for Jessica.
180 reviews
April 19, 2024
This series is my guilty pleasure

Is it the most well written story? No. Is it repetitive with a lot of plot convenience? Yes. BUT! Is it a fun mystery with just enough of a romance brewing to keep me entertained? Absolutely.

It's a fun, quick read and a great escape from reality
Profile Image for Jessica Williams.
173 reviews
April 12, 2024
review

Great book and an amazing series. I greatly look forward to reading more about Loroli Clay and Kane, and sincerely hope that her assassin friends forgive her for keeping her identity secret.
Profile Image for Dana F.
128 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2024
Worth the wait

As much as we hate waiting for new books this one was definitely worth the wait. I absolutely love this series and can’t wait for the next one. So excited to see what the future holds for Lorelei and Kane. Loved it
1,375 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2024
Good read

Book 5 has humor, danger, many different paranormal characters, magic, angst, and several plot twists. The major antagonist finally gets his comeuppance. Highly entertaining.
300 reviews
April 13, 2024
Great story!

I love this book and I love Ms. Chase's writing style!! Her story flows easily and keeps you entertained. I never felt like there was a lull in the story or a lot of unnecessary filler. She is a very gifted and creative author. You won't be sorry to buy this book.
Profile Image for Michel.
40 reviews
April 15, 2024
Good time

I always feel like this story is always an easy read. It is full of laugh out loud moments. The deep moments are so well placed. It's a great series that just keeps getting better and better.
Profile Image for Jo Saxton.
31 reviews
April 17, 2024
This series just keeps growing and growing, literally! The characters entering Lorelei's inner circle is going to be huge by the time the series ends. 🤣
Hopefully it won't end for a long time as it is fantastic.
April 19, 2024
so good it hurts!

I love this series. It’s fun, funny, sarcastic, and has an awesome MC. Otto might be my fav or is the various assassins? Either way, good book to spend a day or two with!
35 reviews
April 20, 2024
Fantabulous!

Brilliant author! This is an amazing series, with a fantastic cast of characters. I highly recommend this book. The books features lots of supernatural and is a fantastic read

Profile Image for Suzi.
739 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2024
suspense, mystery, romance

Another good story. Lorelei’s hands are full between wolfs and vampires attacking and fairy’s appearing. More and more people are asking what is she but who can she trust.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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