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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
This was a light, fun take on a psychic law enforcement character - FBI agent Rain Christiansen inadvertently let his agency know that he sees ghosts, and his bright career is about to tank on the suspicion that he's delusional. A trip to his old hometown, to help with a cold case, is his chance to both figure himself out and connect with Danny, a local cop and the man he left behind. The two main characters have definite heat and some undeniably entertaining banter, with just a little depth of past regrets. The underlying mystery has a satisfactory course and conclusion, and I enjoyed watching the case unfold. Although closing the case via the TSTL action by a supposedly trained FBI agent took some of the shine off a very plausible outcome.
Rain was an interesting guy, and his casual ability to see and talk to ghosts gave the story unique elements. I really liked Ethan, his most persistent ghostly follower. There were components of the paranormal aspect, and how it impacted Rain's life, that didn't quite come together for me. I also felt there was a missed opportunity to have the story go a bit deeper and replace some of the snark and heat with genuine emotions. This is not a story that really explores what it would mean functionally and emotionally to a law enforcement officer to see ghosts the way that Rain does, and has for a while. The idea that he couldn't remember when it began seemed like he blew off the origins and evolution of his ability in a rather casual way. In fact, both men felt younger than they were, and the ghost thing felt new, without the density and texture that the years before this story should have given everything that was now happening.
But if you're looking for a hot, fun, entertaining story, with an actual, logical plot and a lighthearted touch of the paranormal, you probably will enjoy this one. The ending is a solid HFN, with room to see how these two men's relationship, and the more-public reveal of Rain's ability will work out for the future, hopefully in subsequent books. The writing was good, and kept me engaged with the story all the way through.
Rain was an interesting guy, and his casual ability to see and talk to ghosts gave the story unique elements. I really liked Ethan, his most persistent ghostly follower. There were components of the paranormal aspect, and how it impacted Rain's life, that didn't quite come together for me. I also felt there was a missed opportunity to have the story go a bit deeper and replace some of the snark and heat with genuine emotions. This is not a story that really explores what it would mean functionally and emotionally to a law enforcement officer to see ghosts the way that Rain does, and has for a while. The idea that he couldn't remember when it began seemed like he blew off the origins and evolution of his ability in a rather casual way. In fact, both men felt younger than they were, and the ghost thing felt new, without the density and texture that the years before this story should have given everything that was now happening.
But if you're looking for a hot, fun, entertaining story, with an actual, logical plot and a lighthearted touch of the paranormal, you probably will enjoy this one. The ending is a solid HFN, with room to see how these two men's relationship, and the more-public reveal of Rain's ability will work out for the future, hopefully in subsequent books. The writing was good, and kept me engaged with the story all the way through.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 Stars
This is what I look for in a light romance about mediums.
This is what I look for in a light romance about mediums.
Interesting take on the law enforcement trope. I wasn't sure how the paranormal aspect was going to work and I'm still not sure if it did..?
The actual case was intriguing at first but the reveal left a lot to be desired, a little anticlimactic?
The relationship between Danny and Rainstorm was adorable, I'm such a sucker for second chance relationships.
The actual case was intriguing at first but the reveal left a lot to be desired, a little anticlimactic?
The relationship between Danny and Rainstorm was adorable, I'm such a sucker for second chance relationships.
Very funny and entertaining, on to the next one
2020: listened to the audiobook, which is just as awesome as the book.
I can honestly say that I loved this book! The characters were great, the plot was great, the mystery kept you guessing “who did it”, and the writing was excellent. Plus, I didn’t find even one misspelled or missing word. No typos at all. Congratulations to the author and her editor for that! It’s always great to read a book in such a great form, even before official publication. It shows how much work and care was put into getting this book ready for the readers. I know how hard it is to catch every little mistake in such an extended work, so thank you for the amazing job you did in catching them all!
I’ve got only good things to say about this book as I loved every single page of it. Rain and Danny had a lengthy relationship in the past that Rain decided to end because of a job opportunity. Or at least that’s what he let Danny believe all those years… Their first meeting after so many years apart was awkward. They were friends but they were also exes, so there were a lot of feelings flying around. At first, they tried to act as though they both were over each other, but it soon became obvious how big of a lie that was. Rain began to realise that he never quite got over Danny. As for Danny (even though we don’t get his point of view), it became apparent that he also had feelings for Rain. At first, when he couldn’t resist touching Rain anymore, he tried to start a friends-with-benefits kind of arrangement. He wanted a good enough reason to be close to Rain without admitting he still loved him, as he was afraid of being left behind again.
Of course, his plan never worked. It was apparent from the start that it was always more between them. They fit together perfectly and were so in sync with each other. After a few days in each other’s company they fell into old patterns without even realising it. It was so easy to be with each other, to work together and live together. And that was before anything even happened between them.
When they finally got together it was so hot! S.E. Harmon sure knows how to write some steamy scenes! There were not a lot of them, just enough to show their connection and to make you wish there were more. Just enough to fit perfectly in the story without overwhelming it. Just enough for the romance to be perfect.
The banter between Rain and Danny, as well as between them and the rest of the characters, was great. It lightened the mood and made for a fun read. Rain’s personality in particular was my favorite. His dry humor and self-sarcasm had me laughing out loud in multiple occasions. The mystery was strong and kept you on your toes, with many suspects, each of whom had his own motive. You could easily imagine each one of them being the killer, and the clues that kept coming made you change your mind at every turn. The writing when they were trying to solve the murder made me feel as if I was right there with them, transported in their world. I was so focused in the story that every loud noise around me could easily startle me.
As this is essentially a ghost story, I can’t write a complete review without mentioning this element. The ghosts here were only seen and heard by Rain and at first, he didn’t believe they could be real. Along with solving the cold-case of Amy Greene, he comes to terms with his abilities and begins to realise that what he sees is indeed very much real. The main ghost is the very well-adjusted and flirty Ethan, who has become somewhat of a friend to Rain. He guides him and helps him while hoping that Rain will eventually help him in return.
There were so many things about the ghosts that we didn’t see. I felt as if we just peeked through an amazing world but didn’t really get to know it. And that didn’t bother me at all because it made me hope for a new series! A new series where we see Danny and Rain settled and happy, bickering at each other and loving each other. Where Rain becomes more comfortable with his gift and learns how to use it. Where he discovers his full abilities and learns more about ghosts. And where together, Danny and Rain help others conclude their unfinished business and move on.
This was my first ghost story, not because I just happened to never have read one but because I actively avoided them (though I read and like paranormal with other creatures). I’m happy to say that this was an excellent start for me. Maybe it worked so well because none of the MCs was a ghost and the romance didn’t involve anything ghost-related. Maybe it worked because ghost stories apparently agree with me and I have to start reading them. Or maybe it worked just because of S.E. Harmon.
Whatever the reason, the result is the same: I loved this book and I’ll highly recommend it to anyone who is going to hear me—or I guess read me! 5 stars just because I can’t rate higher.
Reviewed by Ky for The Novel Approach
I’ve got only good things to say about this book as I loved every single page of it. Rain and Danny had a lengthy relationship in the past that Rain decided to end because of a job opportunity. Or at least that’s what he let Danny believe all those years… Their first meeting after so many years apart was awkward. They were friends but they were also exes, so there were a lot of feelings flying around. At first, they tried to act as though they both were over each other, but it soon became obvious how big of a lie that was. Rain began to realise that he never quite got over Danny. As for Danny (even though we don’t get his point of view), it became apparent that he also had feelings for Rain. At first, when he couldn’t resist touching Rain anymore, he tried to start a friends-with-benefits kind of arrangement. He wanted a good enough reason to be close to Rain without admitting he still loved him, as he was afraid of being left behind again.
Of course, his plan never worked. It was apparent from the start that it was always more between them. They fit together perfectly and were so in sync with each other. After a few days in each other’s company they fell into old patterns without even realising it. It was so easy to be with each other, to work together and live together. And that was before anything even happened between them.
When they finally got together it was so hot! S.E. Harmon sure knows how to write some steamy scenes! There were not a lot of them, just enough to show their connection and to make you wish there were more. Just enough to fit perfectly in the story without overwhelming it. Just enough for the romance to be perfect.
The banter between Rain and Danny, as well as between them and the rest of the characters, was great. It lightened the mood and made for a fun read. Rain’s personality in particular was my favorite. His dry humor and self-sarcasm had me laughing out loud in multiple occasions. The mystery was strong and kept you on your toes, with many suspects, each of whom had his own motive. You could easily imagine each one of them being the killer, and the clues that kept coming made you change your mind at every turn. The writing when they were trying to solve the murder made me feel as if I was right there with them, transported in their world. I was so focused in the story that every loud noise around me could easily startle me.
As this is essentially a ghost story, I can’t write a complete review without mentioning this element. The ghosts here were only seen and heard by Rain and at first, he didn’t believe they could be real. Along with solving the cold-case of Amy Greene, he comes to terms with his abilities and begins to realise that what he sees is indeed very much real. The main ghost is the very well-adjusted and flirty Ethan, who has become somewhat of a friend to Rain. He guides him and helps him while hoping that Rain will eventually help him in return.
There were so many things about the ghosts that we didn’t see. I felt as if we just peeked through an amazing world but didn’t really get to know it. And that didn’t bother me at all because it made me hope for a new series! A new series where we see Danny and Rain settled and happy, bickering at each other and loving each other. Where Rain becomes more comfortable with his gift and learns how to use it. Where he discovers his full abilities and learns more about ghosts. And where together, Danny and Rain help others conclude their unfinished business and move on.
This was my first ghost story, not because I just happened to never have read one but because I actively avoided them (though I read and like paranormal with other creatures). I’m happy to say that this was an excellent start for me. Maybe it worked so well because none of the MCs was a ghost and the romance didn’t involve anything ghost-related. Maybe it worked because ghost stories apparently agree with me and I have to start reading them. Or maybe it worked just because of S.E. Harmon.
Whatever the reason, the result is the same: I loved this book and I’ll highly recommend it to anyone who is going to hear me—or I guess read me! 5 stars just because I can’t rate higher.
Reviewed by Ky for The Novel Approach
2.5 rounded up. I feel like I’m in the minority here. Sex was the best thing about the story.