Spectra

by Ebony Olson

[chymerra]

When I started reading Spectra, I went into it thinking that it was going to be one of those paranormal romances that focuses more on the sex than the story. Boy, was I wrong. While sex does get mainlined for a while, the real story ends up being the relationships that Spectra has with Bay, Merc and Alexander and, of course, the Essence storyline (which was fascinating).

Spectra was a tough chick. She was dealt a crap hand in life. Her sister was killed by a predator (think vampire/were animal), her mother just couldn’t deal and committed suicide when Spectra was 14. Then she is date raped after her college boyfriend slips her a Rufie and she dies from an allergic reaction to it. She is brought back to life and she makes it her life’s mission to help those who can’t help themselves (victims be it of abuse or other things).

Alexander was so sweet at first and then he morphed into a jerk. I was kinda taken aback when he did the 180 because it went against how he was portrayed. But when it was revealed why he morphed into a jerk, I wanted to reach into the book and smack him. Put it this way: Can’t have your cake and eat it too!!!

Next to Spectra, Merc was my favorite character in the book and he was a perfect fit with Spectra. They’re relationship was a little strange (totally open, both were able to see/sleep with other people) but it worked for them because they didn’t get jealous. I mean, the first time we meet Merc, he is nailing a girl in Tommy’s bar……lol.

I wasn’t too sure about Bay at first. But the more I read, the more I started to like him and by the end of the book, I loved him. He also was a good fit with Spectra but, and stress but, because he was a predator (aka vampire) and a sorcerer (which is the first time I think that I have read those two being combined). He was the one the uncovered the wrongs that Alexander was doing to her, thinking that he was protecting her, and he was the one that was there, along with Merc, when Spectra needed him the most.

The whole storyline as to who Spectra’s father was and the storyline about exactly what she is was played out beautifully. I kinda felt bad for her when it was revealed who her father was, and a little shocked to be honest. Then when Bay finds out exactly what she was, again it was a huge surprise to me. There were hints dropped throughout the book but I didn’t exactly put two and two together until Bay found out.

I would be a fool if I didn’t address the sex scenes. They were all hot. Very hot but what ruined them for me is that Spectra would go from one man’s bed to another in the same day. Also, the whole cumming in her until she was married. It was great (and that she insisted on condoms was awesome) until well, you have to read the book. I wish that it was carried out until the end because it was kinda different.

The ending was good but I couldn’t tell if there was going to be a book 2? I am so torn because there was so much left in the air.

How many stars will I give Spectra: 4

Why: A great paranormal/fantasy with hot sex scenes. The ending I was a little torn on and I wish there was better clarification on if there is going to be a book 2.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex, violence and language

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**