G187 E-Reading Book Review of #2 Curve Appeal by Mary E Merrell

Name of Book: Curve Appeal

Author: Mary E Merrell

ISBN: 9781988297326

Publisher: Morningglory Publishers

Part of a Series: The Real Estate Paranormal Mystery Series

Type of book: Paranormal, real estate, ghosts, vampires, sexual situations, adult, mystery, secrets

Year it was published: 2011

Summary:

Rosemary Fernandes is a real estate agent with the ability to communicate with lost souls, the spirit of deceased people who can’t or won’t move on. With a deal in escrow and buyers to work with, her business is taking off. All she has to do is avoid the spirits, who call to her, but her ability is getting stronger, and their voices are getting louder. The dead are attracted to her and so are the undead.

Marcus Lyons is a vampire who needs an assistant, and he wants Rosemary. He will do anything to have her, exclusively. Rosemary has no choice but to agree to his terms, but her life will never be the same. Soon she realizes the vampire is no monster but a man with many…talents.

Cassandra Huckabee is a murdered stripper, who won’t leave this world until she knows her daughter is safe. Her essence is hot and her moves hotter. Cassandra’s spirit takes Rosemary to places she’s never been before and teaches her that there is more to her ability than just talking with ghosts. With the help of her best friend, Laura Toste, Rosemary searches for a way to help Cassandra move on and find her killer.

Frank Perez knows all about Rosemary and he’s still interested. Will he still want her when he meets her gorgeous best friend and the sizzling spirit? Can Rosemary keep her life as a human servant separate from her friends and family? And how long will the vampire put up with Rosemary’s silly escapades with ghosts, strip clubs and serial killers? When Cassandra’s killer comes after Rosemary, help comes from an unexpected place. And then sometimes even the predator needs help.

If you like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, then you’ll find a kindred spirit in Rosemary Fernandes.

Characters:

While in the first book Rosemary struck me as somewhat naive, and I was tempted to hit my head against my hand each time she has handled the situation incorrectly, I feel that in this one she has better grasp on her ability and talents and I didn't notice her awkwardness. Like her I tended to be afraid of Marcus and am wondering why and how he chose Rosemary who really frustrates the hell out of him. I also liked the stripper Kaycee as well as what she made Rosemary do during certain events, or her comments towards events and situations that were happening to Rosemary. Marcus and Frank prove themselves interesting as well as life-savers and caretakers of sorts. Neither Rosemary's friend nor her son play a large part in this book, unfortunately.

Theme:

Every action comes with consequences

Plot:

The book is written in first person narrative completely from Rosemary's point of view, and just like the other two books I've read, putting ghosts to rest is much more tougher than it sounds and comes with excitement, kidnapping, unexpected characters and so forth as well as surprising outcomes. Be sure to have plenty of time when you start reading this book. Just like in the other books I read by this author, there are also unexpected and funny moments; one of them includes a sort of girl on girl action.

Author Information:

Mary E. Merrell writes Paranormal Mysteries and Young Adult Urban Fantasy. She has worked many jobs, but always had stories in her head. It wasn’t until she went into real estate and walked into that old, vacant home that The Real Estate Paranormal Mystery Series came to life. Fortunately, nothing spooky happened at the furniture store, or the first book might have been, “The Haunted Sofa."

Mary E. Merrell’s plots are smooth and slightly dark, and her characters sinfully sweet. Try a little guilty pleasure with House Haunting, the first book in The Real Estate Paranormal Mystery Series. One reviewer called it “A good start to a new series.”

Her Young Adult series, Affinity is also humorous but deals with very real life themes. A reviewer said, “Love it. So different. A fun read.”


Mary E. Merrell lives in the Central Valley of California with her husband, two dogs, and five cats. She has two grown sons. When she’s not writing, she’s gardening or playing soccer.

Opinion:

Here I thought I'd be prepared for reading this book; after all I've read House Haunting and the sequel after this book; Soul in Present Condition, yet just like the previous ones, this has caught me completely by surprise. I laughed and chuckled and was shocked at the twists that occurred within, never noticing and seeing the pages whipping by. I also don't have a single complaint to make about it, except, well, more Marcus please! Rosemary seemed to grow from her previous experience, and this could be described as a stand-alone book because its not a hundred percent necessary to read House Haunting in order to enjoy this book. I loved the characters, the plot, the writing, supernatural elements and surprises that the author has peppered the novel throughout. I was surprised at giving it five stars. Its a light hearted and exciting mystery story of supernatural elements that include vampires, and talking to ghosts.  I'm not sure if she has done this in third book, but there is a slight event that I feel she didn't tie up when it came to a promise towards Holly.

5 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)