Living in Eden, Book #1
Author: Michelle Rowen
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Paperback: 352 pages
Available at: Amazon, Indie Bound, Powell's Books, Barnes & Noble
Summary: After her hunky police detective partner guns down a serial killer in front of her, "psychic consultant" Eden Riley realizes that she's no longer alone. A voice in her head introduces himself as Darrak. He's a demon. But not in a bad way. He was cursed 300 years ago and he wants to find a way to break free. Eden's psychic energy helps him take form during daylight, and she's going to have to learn to live with this sexy demon...like it or not.
I bought The Demon in Me the week it was released because I loved the author's other books, and couldn't wait to read the first book in her new series. I was not disappointed. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud while reading this book. However, it's not all laughs. There is suspense, a little mystery, action, romance and Ms. Rowen even had me thinking philosophically about the nature of good and evil. She rocks like that.
Eden, the main character, is a psychic who doubts her abilities, which are sporadic at best. She simply wants to make a living at something, and takes what comes, even if she doesn't know if or when she'll be able to sense things. I loved Eden. I pictured her as giving off a spunky vibe, but in reality, being sort of doom and gloom, not really expecting good things to happen to her. She's a loner and enjoys her privacy, which makes it all the more hysterical when she ends up with Darrak in her life and sharing her body. On first impression, Darrak reminds me of a frat guy who just got a "Get Out of Jail Free" card after 300 years. He's ready to chat, snack and cop a feel. We find out there is much more to Darrak as the book goes along, but I'll save that for you to discover when you read the book.
The Demon in Me is paranormal romance at it's best. It's an excellent first book in a series that I hope will continue through many books. The author introduces us to some great side characters, and gives us plenty of surprises in this book to keep us guessing and clamouring for the next book. I love paranormal romance that has a good dose of humor without being silly. Michelle Rowen's writing always makes me smile, but at the same time touches my heart.
If you enjoy reading Angie Fox and Jill Myles you'll love The Demon in Me. The second book in the series, Something Wicked will be released in October 2010.
~Moonsanity