***NOTE: (Updated Mar 2018) Leaving my review on this one as I received an ARC for this and I want to hold up my end of the bargain. This is no way a denial of those hurt by the author and and I actually do want to give a shout out to all the brave souls who bared themselves and told their stories. May they find the healing they deserve.)
Insight by Santino Hassell
Series: The Community, Book #1
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Subgenre: Romantic Suspense, Paranormal
Blurb
Growing up the outcast in an infamous family of psychics, Nate Black never learned how to control his empath abilities. Then after five years without contact, his estranged twin turns up dead in New York City. The claim of suicide doesn’t ring true, especially when a mysterious vision tells Nate it was murder. Now his long-hated gift is his only tool to investigate.
Hitching from his tiny Texas town, Nate is picked up by Trent, a gorgeous engineer who thrives on sarcasm and skepticism. The heat that sparks between them is instant and intense, and Nate ends up trusting Trent with his secrets—something he’s never done before. But once they arrive in the city, the secrets multiply when Nate discovers an underground supernatural community, more missing psychics, and frightening information about his own talent.
Nate is left questioning his connection with Trent. Are their feelings real, or are they being propelled by abilities Nate didn’t realize he had? His fear of his power grows, but Nate must overcome it to find his brother’s killer and trust himself with Trent’s heart.
Growing up the outcast in an infamous family of psychics, Nate Black never learned how to control his empath abilities. Then after five years without contact, his estranged twin turns up dead in New York City. The claim of suicide doesn’t ring true, especially when a mysterious vision tells Nate it was murder. Now his long-hated gift is his only tool to investigate.
Hitching from his tiny Texas town, Nate is picked up by Trent, a gorgeous engineer who thrives on sarcasm and skepticism. The heat that sparks between them is instant and intense, and Nate ends up trusting Trent with his secrets—something he’s never done before. But once they arrive in the city, the secrets multiply when Nate discovers an underground supernatural community, more missing psychics, and frightening information about his own talent.
Nate is left questioning his connection with Trent. Are their feelings real, or are they being propelled by abilities Nate didn’t realize he had? His fear of his power grows, but Nate must overcome it to find his brother’s killer and trust himself with Trent’s heart.
Review
RATING:
If this were a movie, it's totally the kind of movie I dig. What can I say, I'm a total sucker for supernatural stuff like this.
So if I break this down along that vein, here are my thoughts:
► Because this is the first one in the series, there's a bit of world building. So it did feel sluggish at certain points bec it felt like nothing is happening. But, but, but... I also thought it was well-paced. Before I knew it, I was done. Santino def sucked me in to this world of psychics wrapped in mystery and suspense.
► We have very interesting characters, both main and secondary ones. Nate is full of of zingers, he just cracks me up. He has a bite to him, an endearing one. Trent is one cool dude, and funny too. The people at the Community are fascinating, each one of them. But, but, but... *whispers* I couldn't fully connect with the lot of them, including Trent:o Don't mind me, though. I think it was just me overthinking these characters that I forgot to take some of them at face value. I unfortunately tend to do that with whodunnit stories. Don't get me wrong. I love Nate, I love Nate and Trent together, and I do love Trent as well. And they did both make me laugh:D
"A psychic community", Nate said slowly. "What is it, like a Facebook group?"
Trent winked. "The sidekick usually is. It's the only way I can keep up with my superhero.Oh, Santino def knows how to give texture to his characters!
Regardless of my conflicting thoughts, one thing I'm not conflicted about is in the way I lose myself in whatever world Santino creates. His way with words just let you get immersed in his characters' world, from the heat of the Texan sun to the vibrating energy of New York. And while the romance took a backseat here, the few moments that Santino gave were seductive in every sense of the word. How can it not be! This is Santino after all. So you might find yourself wanting like I did...
Lastly, Nate and Trent do get their HEA, but this ended in a way that allows you glimpse of what's to come. You'd want to know more. I know I do!
About the Author
Santino Hassell was raised by a conservative family, but he was anything but traditional. He grew up to be a smart-mouthed, school cutting grunge kid, then a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into an unlikely romance author.
Santino writes queer romance that is heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, his belief that human relationships are complex and flawed, and his own life experiences.
Thanks for dropping by!
~Leftie
*And I own a copy as well
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