Emmaline Walters ("Emme") has a "gift," though she considers it more of a curse on most occasions. Since she can remember, she can commune with spirits when they seek her out. Recently, she assisted in solving a murder when she was asked to help solve a mystery, and now she is at best, a novelty and fascination; at worst, a charlatan and oddity. As a result of her "unusual skill," she has been invited to a house party hosted by the Dowager Duchess of Briarleigh as the woman hopes that Emme can clear her son of his wife's untimely death. But when Emme arrives and meets the duke, she discovers that she is drawn to him despite his dark reputation, and even without consulting the spirits of the manor, she doesn't believe he had anything to do with the situation that led to his current widower status. As she learns more about the mysteries that cast Briarleigh in dark shadows, Emme is sucked into the devastating loss of the duke's sister twenty years ago via the spirits appearing to her and through her when she's both asleep and awake; as she learns that the death of his former wife and his sister were perpetrated by the same person.
Rhys Brammel, the current Duke of Briarleigh, has been labeled a murderer. Though he had no love for his philandering and spiteful former wife, he did not cause her demise. Fortunately, Rhys cares nothing for what society believes; unfortunately, his mother does and has invited a woman to their family seat who can commune with spirits to exonerate him. Of all the ridiculous ideas... But when he meets Emme and learns more about her, he realizes she isn't trying to sell anyone on her abilities, and though he is still dubious (to say the least) as to whether or not her "gift" is real, he finds himself unable to resist her kindness, innocence, and beauty.
When Emme and Rhys are caught together after he follows her during one of her "sleepwalking episodes," he knows he must do the right thing, but after such a horrendous experience with his first wife, can Rhys possibly open his heart and trust to any other woman, especially one whose unusual "talents" may nor may not be genuine? What will happen when Emme's abilities place her in danger from the mysterious killer that snuffed out the duke's young sister's life so prematurely and ended his former wife's reign of debauchery? Can Rhys and Emme discover the dark secrets before it's too late?
What I liked:
--- Very likeable main characters - Emme was sweet & Rhys was def swoon-worthy!
--- Mostly fast-moving plot with the mystery unfolding around the developing romance
--- Really bad villain(s) - wow. Even the ones who were "innocent" of the major crimes were pretty awful - hate to love situations that made you root for the mcs even more
--- STEAMY GOODNESS (early, meaning before the 50% mark, and often!)
What I didn't like as much:
--- There was more build-up than I would have liked, which dragged it a little bit, but really that is my only complaint
--- Not something I disliked, but I want to point out that there is a major trigger that people should be aware of if they have been or are close with victims of child abuse bc it is pretty rough (see below under "violence" for that info)
I have read this one at least 4 times now - just such an entertaining tale with some believable supernatural forces at work. Really strong character development; interesting mystery; and strong romance.
Plot --- 4.75/5
Main Charac2ters --- 4.75/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.75/5 (several very steamy scenes nothing BDSM-related or overly graphic in my opinion)
Violence --- possible triggers ***SPOILER***detailed memories/accounts of violence/rape committed against a female child, which is part of the mystery of who killed her that they are pursuing, but it is rough, especially when the characters that loved the child have to "relive" those horrible moments - could be something that would upset someone who has experienced abuse or is close to someone who has, so I wanted to point it out without giving too much away***END SPOILER***
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
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What greater hell could there be, she wondered, than to love someone, to know that she stirred his blood, and to live with him, day after day, knowing that she would never stir his heart?Highlighted by 48 Kindle readers- “I have learned that we are all capable of horrible things with proper motivation.”Highlighted by 47 Kindle readers
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5 stars!
I have reviewed and read many books, even books I like a lot I only give 4 stars, but this one deserves 5 in my book. As one reviewer said she loves the chemistry between the two, I ditto that! Not quite to the end of the book, but I wanted to give it my 5 stars now because I know it will not change. Chasity Bowlin may be my new great author! Happy Reading!
Top reviews from other countries
AmazonCustomer
Excellent blend of the past, the supernatural, the spicy, and the mystery
Reviewed in Canada on April 29, 2022
