(Disclosure - I received this book free in an author giveaway.)

This book and I got off to a rough start. Initially, many of the characters were either unlikeable or too inconsistent for me to care about. Michelle, the main character, seems rather chilly, distant and intelligent, yet simultaneously stupid and unthinking in ways that don't really add up for me.

I also got hung up on some errors that I encountered in the book - common misspellings and homonym errors - as well as some facts that didn't wash. I felt as though some things were just thrown in so as not to waste the research, so to speak.

The first character that intrigued me was Nakamura. Soon, Michelle's interactions with Nakamura started giving her character more depth and realism. I'm not sure where exactly, but somewhere just past the halfway point, I got sucked in and really started to enjoy the book. The cast of characters came together and meshed, I started to care about the good guys, and there was enough action and momentum to carry me past the small issues.

Though I nearly gave up on the book early on, I'm glad I stuck with it. Yes, it needs editing - both for errors and for a few instances of foreshadowing that go nowhere - but the story works out and I think the book redeems itself.
( )

Having read my fair share of paranormal books generally in young adult this particular story is a refreshing departure. Some what creepy and thrilling with mystery and a bit of a historic lesson regarding the occult. Certainly for mature readers as the content deals with rape and murder. It is a perfect choice for those Halloween challenges. My second book by this author and I'm definitely looking forward to reading my third. ( )

(Disclosure - I received this book free in an author giveaway.)

This book and I got off to a rough start. Initially, many of the characters were either unlikeable or too inconsistent for me to care about. Michelle, the main character, seems rather chilly, distant and intelligent, yet simultaneously stupid and unthinking in ways that don't really add up for me.

I also got hung up on some errors that I encountered in the book - common misspellings and homonym errors - as well as some facts that didn't wash. I felt as though some things were just thrown in so as not to waste the research, so to speak.

The first character that intrigued me was Nakamura. Soon, Michelle's interactions with Nakamura started giving her character more depth and realism. I'm not sure where exactly, but somewhere just past the halfway point, I got sucked in and really started to enjoy the book. The cast of characters came together and meshed, I started to care about the good guys, and there was enough action and momentum to carry me past the small issues.

Though I nearly gave up on the book early on, I'm glad I stuck with it. Yes, it needs editing - both for errors and for a few instances of foreshadowing that go nowhere - but the story works out and I think the book redeems itself. ( )

Having read my fair share of paranormal books generally in young adult this particular story is a refreshing departure. Some what creepy and thrilling with mystery and a bit of a historic lesson regarding the occult. Certainly for mature readers as the content deals with rape and murder. I also have to note that I loved the setting in Hawaii. It is a perfect choice for those Halloween challenges. My second book by this author and I'm definitely looking forward to reading my third. ( )

This story introduces us to Michelle, who is a hard working property manager. She has a fear of men due to a brutal attack suffered in a hotel room. She finds solace working hard, taking karate lessons and trying to continue working on her sobriety.
She meets a man named Omar, and there is a weird attraction to him. Not really a romantic attraction but some sort of draw to this guy. So Michelle decides, why not try to use this guy to get over her phobia of men since she isn’t really in danger of falling in love him. Maybe a sexual relationship will help her get over that hump so she can finally have a real relationship with the opposite sex.
But there is something weird about his guy. She has nightmares and he just seems to perfect. Slowly we begin to learn more about Omar. He is sorcerer/wizard or magic using necromancer. He starts affecting things around Michelle. Then we are unclear if his intentions towards Michelle are moral or malicious.

I enjoyed this story because it wasn’t an overly romantic PNR and it was definitely different from the typical witch and vampire stories. It wasn’t filled with gratuitous sex or cheesy love lines. There was a solid foundation that the author built and the characters were likable. I couldn't put this book down because I just had to know what would happen next. I think this author is one to watch. I will definitely read her other books. ( )