Review of Cheater Slicks (The Body Shop #4) by D.L. Jennings
There’s something undeniably enchanting about diving back into a beloved series, especially when it’s as vibrant and chaotic as The Body Shop. D.L. Jennings has a knack for pulling readers right into the heart of Frankie’s world, and Cheater Slicks is no different. As I flipped through its pages, I found myself in the atmospheric streets of New Orleans, a setting that feels like a character in its own right. This blend of magic and grit drew me in, yet I was left with a mixed bag of emotions by the end.
One of the most compelling aspects of Cheater Slicks is the resolution of the cliffhanger surrounding Matty’s missing soul. After the tension never truly resolving in previous books, this payoff felt like a major win. Frankie’s growth as she navigates her new powers is also commendable. The author really captured the struggles and excitement of a protagonist coming into her own, and it was refreshing to see her evolving amidst the chaos of her reality.
However, as I delved deeper into the narrative, I found myself frustrated, particularly with the way the overarching mythology floundered. While Cheater Slicks showcased some intriguing hints about the gods and the broader world of The Body Shop, it felt like we circled key elements without making the significant leaps I craved at this stage in the series. The lack of follow-through on the dropped clues left me wanting more connectedness to the overarching plot.
Frankie’s relationship with Kierce, while laden with dramatic tension, fell flat for me. By now, I had hoped for more emotional evolution. Kierce’s loyalty to his master felt like an obstacle too easily dismissed, and Frankie’s shock at this revelation didn’t resonate as believable. I expected her to approach this complexity with a more seasoned perspective, given all she has faced.
On a brighter note, Harrow’s redemption arc was a highlight, showcasing how effectively Jennings can develop secondary characters. He transforms from a familiar face into a true ally, and the emotional beats of his journey were genuinely rewarding. Conversely, Josie and Carter’s storyline seemed to meander without resolution. Their tension felt more like an unnecessary weight than a compelling subplot, leading me to wish for a more definitive progression.
In the end, Cheater Slicks succeeds in providing suspense and character depth, particularly with the resolution of Matty’s storyline. Yet, many parts of the book didn’t quite fulfill the potential I see in the series’ mythology. For readers who love magic, tension, and a touch of Southern Gothic, this installment is still a must-read, as it delivers enough intrigue to keep you engaged—even if it navigates some frustrating waters along the way.
If you’re a fan of Frankie’s journey, you’ll likely find nuggets of joy in Cheater Slicks. While it may not be the pinnacle of the series for me, it reminded me why I fell in love with this world in the first place. There’s still so much yet to explore, and I eagerly anticipate where Jennings will take us next, hoping for a more cohesive evolution of both plot and relationships as the saga continues.
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