Dr. Laurel Jensen comes to a backwater town to investigate a creature of her dreams. Dark, sensual dreams that haunt her with visions of lust for something she knows couldn’t be real. The residents of Pelican Bluff claim they have the living, breathing embodiment of her night visions. She begins hiking to the caves and hills surrounding the town, looking for absolute proof that The Demon of Pelican Bluff truly exists.

Ranger Cade Morrison is incredibly good looking, and a dedicated skeptic. He has little enthusiasm for the investigation by the educated Dr. Jensen, until he gets a good look at her. Then the trips in her company become a torture as he tries to hold back his rising passions. In a moment of mutual combustion, he discovers she burns with a similar heat. When Laurel disappears under mysterious circumstances, Cade is desperate to rescue the woman who has stolen his heart. Deep inside he is afraid that the truth may be more than he can handle.

Jennifer Colgan deftly weaves a red hot love story with shape-shifting, paranormal suspense, and a twist that will keep you breathing heavy for the last third of the story. The characters are honest and human, demanding empathy as they discover their feelings for each other. This reviewer was highly impressed by the tight plotting, as one adventurous moment leads us into the next. The level of excitement never lets you go. The secrets hidden in the hills of Pelican Bluff give this story intense mystery and depth.

In just over one hundred pages, I found a wonderful story, crafted by a writer who can capture her readers and not let go. This is one of the best reads I’ve had all year. Prepared to be glued to your chair, unwilling to stop until the final page is turned.

Reviewed by: LeeAnn