Review: What a delightful surprise
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 7, 2014
Lana Hart was an unknown author for me prior to reading her book The Haunted Lingerie (The Curious Collectibles #1). I had read the books blurb and found it interesting, curious and humorous, it piqued my interest, but still had no idea what to actually expect. The author kindly provided a copy to me for an honest review. When I posted what I was reading on Goodreads people would reach out to me with a laugh in their notes and funny comments. Well to all who read this review – This was a great book, I really enjoyed it.The book has a little bit of everything – romance (had the romance been stronger and I felt more of a connection between Misty and Jack this would have been a 5 star read), intrigue, mystery, suspense, betrayal, a good slice of the paranormal, gore, a “oh I wasn't expecting that revelation” and a BIG twist. I really liked how the author would set up various characters in the story and make you wonder about their part in the overall plot, and just when you thought you had it figured out, a little thing like a whistled melody would make you question your decision, and focus on another character.The writing was good, very descriptive, good flow, filled with humor, innuendo, and sexy little touches. This was not an erotic read, I would classify this as romantic suspense, but lite on the romance. There was no cliff hanger, a satisfying resolution to all of the stories interwoven plot threads and an HEA. My first thought when I finished reading was “ I wonder if there will be more books, if this will be a series…I really thought that Mrs. Clathermont’s character and collectibles shop had a lot to offer. I was also surprised how caught up in the story I had gotten, how I never missed those steamy, lust filled, descriptive sex scenes that many books use to keep the reader’s attention, or how the H/h didn't resolve their difficulties or emotional short comings with sexual action.The primary characters were very life like, there was some back story provided for Jack and Misty, just enough so you could understand some of the decisions they had made in the past and how those decisions might affect their actions throughout the story. I had wished for more of a connection and stronger chemistry between Jack and Misty, but since I didn't see the romance as the focal point of the book it really didn't bother me.There were at least three stand out gore scenes for me, and they were well written and provided a great visual in my mind’s eye, these scenes were supportive of the story and not used to add shock value to the story.I'm purposely not relating details from the actual story, as I think knowing more then what’s provided in the books blurb could spoil the reading experience. All in all I was very pleased with this read – a strong 4 stars IMO. Wishing to be supportive of the author’s efforts, I have purchased my own copy, hoping that reader support will convince the author to continue with the basic theme created in this book with Mrs Clathermont’s antique curio shop, and the strange things that could happen in that quiet little harbor town.