Sparks & Drops

Title:  Sparks & Drops (The Wheel Mysteries: Book 1)

Author:  Susan Laine

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press

Length:  170 pages

Rating:  B List  

Quad Shot of Love

Blurb:  The Wheel Mysteries: Book One

Magic is in the air when Gus Goodwin, a pagan shopkeeper and owner of the Four Corners’ occult shop, meets a Niall Valentine, a mysterious PI investigating the disappearance of a local witch named Joy. What starts out as harmless flirting and information gathering soon turns into a partnership, with both men determined to solve the case.

Then bodies begin to pile up. Someone is using fire and water to kill witches associated with Joy, and it is up to Niall and Gus to find out what’s going on. But when their friendship blossoms into something else, the unknown dangers looming ahead become even more frightening. If they can’t solve the murders soon, they’re going to get themselves killed.

Review:  A cute start to a fun new series. While there is a pretty good mystery and some serious stuff goes down, it feels fun and light. There is not a lot of unnecessary angst, which I appreciate.

Gus can get a little preachy, but it didn’t go too far too often, and Niall seemed to find it charming.  These guys are pretty adorable about each other.  I really enjoyed this story.

I like these guys. I am looking forward to reading more of their adventures. They strike a good balance between them and in many ways make excellent partners. I liked that they both listened and respected one another. They are very different on the surface which makes them doubt if they can make it, but fundamentally they are compatible and of course the attraction and appreciation for each other is intense and pervasive.

While things moved rather quickly on the emotional level between the men they seemed to be trying to be rational and realistic about it. They jumped into telling each other that they cared for one another, but did not jump straight into bed or into a relationship. I want to see how things develop between them.

The narration switches back and forth between the two men which gave us insight into their behavior and reactions. I like it when I know what each main character is thinking and feeling in the book. It makes me feel more invested in them and their story.

Reviewed by Nina