Review: Awesome New Paranormal-Fantasy!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 1, 2014
(Mis)fortune is the second book in a paranormal-fantasy series with a liberal dash of romance that begins when a young woman, held prisoner for four years escapes her confinement after her stepfather is killed. Fleeing with her two young brothers without any a destination in mind, she desperately tries to allude her pursuers who want her recaptured so they can use her extraordinary gift to predict market fluctuations.Drowsy from lack of sleep Michelle and her brothers stop at a restaurant for food and a rest when she encounters Emmitt Cole for the first time and sparks begin to fly. Trusting no one and unsure of her attraction to the man, she takes flight only to find herself threatened by her prison keeper and one of his henchmen. When Emmitt steps in to save Michelle and her brothers from their enemies she's too exhausted not to trust him. When he offers a safe haven she accepts and suddenly the adventure begins as Michelle finds herself protected by werewolves; members of a species that once threatened her life. The story that revolves around the friendship and love of a human and werewolf blends in messages about the power of fear, stereotyping and pre-judgement.The plot is well thought out and engrossing from the first page to the last, with an exciting cliff-hanger at the end. My only criticism is that there is a trickle of grammatical and spelling errors that should have been avoided at the editing stage, but which do not detract from the strength of the plot.The characters are realistic and easy to connect to, like Michelle the frightened young woman who has shouldered a heavy responsibility for her brothers and who is paranoid, trusting no one. As events progress and the emotions of the two main characters heat up Michelle not only begins to trust and respect Emmitt and his family but to dig deep to find the determination and resolve she needs to thwart her enemies. Emmitt Cole is honest, protective and very perceptive as he and his brother unravel the mystery of Michelle's overwhelming fear and distrust. He's coolheaded, devoted and kind until the object of his affection is attacked. Liam and Aden Michelle's younger brothers are typical four and five year olds, filled with boundless energy, curiosity and a knack for getting into mischief and getting on their sister's nerves. Jim, Emmitt's brother is as fun-loving and rambunctious at times as the children he watches over, while Winifred Lewis (Nana Wini) is the wise, practical, affectionate Elder in the household. Throughout the story the heartless cruelty, calculating and obsessed determination of villains like Blake Torrin and his henchman Frank bring a chilling reality to the plot."(Mis)fortune" hooks the reader from the first page to the last. It's enjoyable light reading and I throw a rose to Melissa Haag for her imaginative work. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.