This book is actually five separate, but interwoven novellas. Each part focuses on a specific couple, but all the males characters know each other, and are connected by their past. It was an easy, light read, but it definitely had more potential. This seemed like an introduction to a series as it is not developed fully, and the writing was not as smooth as I thought it could be. I would have liked more character development and better transitions into each story.
First story was Brandon and Stacy’s Story:
Brandon and Stacy were neighbors with a secret mutual attraction, until one day Stacy spied Brandon “biting” the pizza delivery man at his front door. For some reason, it not only peaks Stacy’s curiosity, it turns her on as well. The beginning of the story happened too quickly for me. There wasn’t much build up or sequence of events leading up to things, and actions just occurred. I didn’t really feel Brandon and Stacy’s love grow…it just was there. Stacy learns about the Society of Sinners. As Brandon's woman, Stacy was now part of the action.
Second Book: Jazz Anderson and Cherish Tyrone’s Story:
This was my favorite story. Cherish was a vampire in hiding, working as a bartender. Jazz was a regular patron who came into her bar every Friday. One night, a drunken patron disrespects Cherish, and Jazz stepped in to demand he apologize to her. Jazz then asked Cherish out on a date and their story builds from there. They were a couple of loners looking to belong to someone. The lack of extraneous characters in the beginning of their interaction also made this one more enjoyable.
Third Book: Gabe Woodsman and Taylor Powell’s Story:
This was my runner-up for favorite story. Taylor was a woman looking for love, and would stay out at night fantasizing, when one day her fantasy guy becomes real. The two make love under the moon, but the next morning she finds herself back in her own reality. Alone. Imagine her surprise, when her fantasy guy walks into the diner where she works. My favorite Quote in this entire book was an exchange between Cherish and Taylor : “What can I get for you tonight, Taylor?” “A husband.” Cherish looked behind her, as if searching the shelves for just such a thing before turning back to her with a smile. “Sorry I’m fresh out. Maybe I could interest you in Vodka sour instead. It causes the same effects as having a husband. First you get a rush of euphoria only to be replaced by regret in the morning.” The humor in this story made laugh out loud. The relationship between the Gabe and Taylor was more realistic. What I liked was how Gabe immediately wanted to be a part of her life, even though he wasn’t sure how he would convince her to give him a chance. This was the first story with a good glimpse into the Jackson Station community. It showed a community truly concerned with the happiness and protection of their own. I also enjoyed the friendships the various couples were forming with each other. Each couple’s love was developing in a nice pace.
Fourth Book: Dominic and Mika Nikitin’s Story:
Dominic can feel and hear people’s thoughts so he wears gloves. Mika was his wife who we thought betrayed him years ago. They were hunting a changeling named, Dimitri Ninotchka, but Mika helped him disappear and Dominic misunderstood her reasons. This story helped the married couple work out their issues, and also showed a little dissension with the Society’s agenda. At the end the new couples all worked together to help Dominic, Mika and Dimitri.
Fifth Book: Dimitri Ninotchka and Annabelle Woodsman’s Story:
This story occurs 25 years later. Annabelle is Gabe’s daughter. She’s almost twenty-seven years old and she has a crush on family friend, Dimitri Ninotchka. We quickly see it is a mutual attraction, as Gabe has been hiding his affection for her. All roads point to Gabe having a fit if anything more develops between Dimitri & Annabelle. This story felt like author was trying to wrap up the story with a nice bow, with everyone getting their happily ever after. Regardless, it was a cute read, and I enjoyed how all the couples were connected both by their past and by their present choices.
I recommend this book for those who want a light and quick read. There is nothing too heavy. As it is only book 1, I expect the sequel to be much stronger.
***Reviewed for The Paranormal Romance Guild***