Review: Para-Normal?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 14, 2012
We have become a nation seemingly obsessed with vampires, zombies, witches, and other otherworldly creatures. One need only browse the shelves in any bookstore to find numerous fiction (and some non-fiction) works detailing how to avoid a zombie invasion; or Edward and Belle raising their daughter in a Twilight-themed universe replete with the occasional werewolf-vampire rumble; or several "chick-lit" novellas detailing the all-girl-prep-school sophomore who falls head over heels for the star quarterback at the elite Finishing School for Windigoes who transforms into a flesh-rending fiend every time a full moon appears over the Manhattan skyline.This trend in reading has, without a doubt, contributed to a tremendous upswing in the number of bibliophiles in this country. It's always a good sign when libraries and bookstores can report an increasing number of patrons who borrow and/or purchase said reading material; it simply indicates a strong interest in particular topics and genres. We read what interests us; we utilize our Kindles, our Nooks, our newspapers and journals, and the dog-eared paperback to be self-absorbed in the printed words that unfold before our eyes.Sandra Ross contributes to this trend with another erotic paranormal romance, "Psychic Savannah." She introduces her readers to the main protagonist, Savannah, who operates a wedding reception/catering business in New Orleans with her best friend since childhood, Cassie. (Two additional business partners, Perry and Alex, assist Savannah and Cassie with the hairstyling/ makeup and the catering.)As with many of Ross's characters, her females are generally quite attractive and intelligent, financially and emotionally savvy, but lacking in the romance department (or if they are in a relationship, it is more platonic than passionate, or else there is trouble afoot.) Savannah is described as having "long, straight, dark auburn hair" that accentuates her "ocean blue eyes," complete with a "curvy body with ample breasts, cinched-in waist and a firm rounded ass" (ch. 1). Ross uses these carefully-worded descriptions to appeal to her readers' imaginations: everyone has their own subjective interpretation of what makes a body curvy, breasts ample, and a backside firm and rounded. This generous literary leeway on Ross's part provides a wonderful, detailed mental image of who Savannah is and what she might appear to be to the individual---which makes reading her novels that much better."Psychic Savannah" readily identifies Savannah as a psychic, though she is reluctant to employ this innate talent of hers. She is much happier running her business and tending to the intricate details of each wedding that has been booked, than holding seances and conversing with restless spirits who seek eternal rest and relief.Ross is very talented at composing stories involving the supernatural and creating well-crafted erotic romps between two souls (literally and figuratively) who want nothing more than to satisfy each other's fantasies and desires. "Psychic Savannah" lends credence to the sub-genre of paranormal romance and reinforces the author's proclivity for creating tremendous foreshadowing of the sexy, intimate details that her writings demonstrate.