Veiled Menace (Veiled Magic, #2)

by Deborah Blake

[kimbacaffeinate]

Donata is busy assisting the Cheif on cases and missing both Peter and Magnus. Neither has bothered to even drop her a postcard and she is both concerned and hurt. She has begun dating wealthy businessman Anton Eastman, and while being wined and dined is fun, she isn't feeling a connection and misses Peter. Meanwhile, there has been an increase in paranormal crimes against humans. This shocks her because most aren't willing to break the agreement with the Church. To do so would mean death by the Council. To complicate matters, she isn't sleeping well, and Ricky is about to tell her why. Oh and that painting that burned...it's still around. Yep. Things are about to get crazy for Donata.

I was excited to return to this world, and Blake rewarded us with progression in the overall arc and answers to questions. The world is well developed, and the introduction of Anton proved an interesting one. When the painting and dragons resurface Blake gives us a compelling case, but it didn't have the edge I loved from the first book. Middle book syndrome? Mayhaps.

Donata spends time with her great aunt practicing spells. This was perhaps my favorite part of VEILED MENACE. We learn about their family history, the Pentacle Pentimento and Donata herself. She wants to strength her skills as her job on the police department increases. The magic is familiar, but Blake adds her own uniqueness to it. We also spend time with the family and surprise, surprise they are impressed by the black sheep of the family.

The romantic threads are perhaps my least favorite. While it's not truly a love triangle or square, it's messy, and I prefer no romance or one suitor. While Magnus isn't present, we have Anton and Peter. One is dismissed rather quickly, but the resulting tumble in the sheets lacked chemistry or an emotional connection leaving me unsatisfied.

Copy provided by the publisher, This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer