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I know the author from when we were both published by the same small press. We've moved on to other publishers, but when I was offered an opportunity to get an advanced reader copy, I jumped on it. The author is a native of Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO to locals) and did research in Costa Rica. She puts all of that personal knowledge to use, setting this book in KCMO during the summer and fall of 2016 (which plays into the ending).
The novel is told mostly from the point of view of Mayela, an entomologist and widow. She's become a bit set in her ways, which includes being a regular at her friend Joni's coffee shop. There she meets a dark and handsome stranger and we learn that Mayela was missing for a full day - an event of which she has no memory. The story then becomes one of Mayela trying to solve three mysteries - where she disappeared to, if she can or should love the stranger, and understanding things that happened to her as a child.
Gastreich tells a very interesting and fast-paced story with more than a few twists along the way. The book is billed as a paranormal romance, which as a non-romance reader I was concerned would be a bit overbearing. I found the level of romance to be just right - enough to keep it interesting but not so much that it was cloying. The wrapping up of the central mysteries of the book was well-executed and the whole thing was a quick and pleasant read. I highly recommend this book and hope to see more in this series.
The novel is told mostly from the point of view of Mayela, an entomologist and widow. She's become a bit set in her ways, which includes being a regular at her friend Joni's coffee shop. There she meets a dark and handsome stranger and we learn that Mayela was missing for a full day - an event of which she has no memory. The story then becomes one of Mayela trying to solve three mysteries - where she disappeared to, if she can or should love the stranger, and understanding things that happened to her as a child.
Gastreich tells a very interesting and fast-paced story with more than a few twists along the way. The book is billed as a paranormal romance, which as a non-romance reader I was concerned would be a bit overbearing. I found the level of romance to be just right - enough to keep it interesting but not so much that it was cloying. The wrapping up of the central mysteries of the book was well-executed and the whole thing was a quick and pleasant read. I highly recommend this book and hope to see more in this series.
