MISS MAYHEM

In this sequel to Rebel Belle (2014), the new romance between Harper and David is threatened by their supernatural abilities.

Harper has become a Paladin with a mission to protect David, the first male Oracle in a long line that have served the Ephors, a shadowy group that has survived from ancient Greece. Harper learns from the Ephor Alexander that she must pass three trials known as the Peirasmos. If she fails a test, she dies, and another Paladin will take her place to protect David. Meanwhile, her previous boyfriend, Ryan, has become the Mage who will aid Harper and David by casting spells and placing protective wards around their small town. As Harper goes about her daily routine, she encounters her first trial, at which she succeeds. The second trial seems murkier, with no discernable outcome, and for the third, readers will have to pay attention. While Hawkins sets up the premise nicely, she leaves part of her story unresolved, simply dropping certain elements of the plot. She also deviates from the standard paranormal formula; readers probably won’t see the end coming but may find it satisfying. The usual passionate scenes plop themselves into the plot throughout, with satisfying kisses and burning touches, so fans will have no trouble finding what they seek in the romance subplot.

It all seems quite ordinary supernatural stuff until it isn’t.