Review: Great start to RLM's newest series. Loved it!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 22, 2013
Walking into this story, I did not read the blurb ahead of time, so I had no idea what the story was going to be about. I just knew I heard RLM was writing a new series, and being a big fan of her Pyte/Sentinel and Neighbors From Hell series, knew that I had to read this one too. And let me say, RLM has done it again. I loved this first book and am so excited about the start of this amazing new series.As for the prologue, I loved that we had one. If you read the author's note before the book, you'll get her background to the story (which I love that she included) and why she included the prologue. For me, the prologue gave the story an added element that I liked, and am very glad she put it in the book.As for the storyline, every time I thought I knew what was coming up and felt like things were starting to plateau, RLM would throw something in there that I did not see coming. I loved that she created a story including elements of her style from previous books that I loved of hers, but also took this story to its own unique place. She combined a crazy romance between two people who loved and antagonized each other, paranormal elements that kept me guessing, and writing that combined humor and seriousness. I'd say more but I really don't want to give any plot details away. I loved discovering it for myself, and I hope you do too.As for the characters, RLM knows how to create a frustrating, strangle-worthy, yet loving, swoon-worthy alpha male. Tristan is no exception. Add in Marty, our heroine who is smart and driven, can love unconditionally, but can stand up for herself and go toe-to-toe with the best of them, and you've got a couple who are fun (or frustrating) to watch in any situation. I completely bought into their relationship and felt on edge any time things weren't going the way I wanted them to go. Without giving anything away, let's just say this is a couple you will be rooting for.As for the secondary characters, that is the cherry on top of this sundae. Both Tristan and Marty have great and quirky families, and I loved them. Their little interactions sprinkled throughout the book are a terrific addition. Then we meet more mysterious characters later (that I will not spoil), who add both seriousness and humor, and bring the story to a whole new level. Seriously, I like all these characters already, and I can already tell they are going to be fabulous throughout the entire series. I cannot wait to read more!Bottomline: I'm very excited about this new series of RLM's. It combines all of the elements I like: humor, drama, paranormal, mystery, love, suspense, and great characters. There are 8 (or 9) books planned, but no major cliffhangers (yay!). We get a glimpse of what the next book will follow toward the end, and I'm already itching for it. If you are already an R.L. Mathewson fan, then this is a series you are sure to love. If you are an R.L. Mathewson newbie, I definitely recommend you dive right into the Cursed Hearts series.