Review: 'Night Whispers' by Alisha Rai
Genre: Paranormal romance
I love books that have those surly alpha heroes, who demand respect and look damn good in low-slung jeans; I also have a weakness for a well-done beta hero. A guy who sits quietly behind the scenes. Who would never throw the first punch, yet in his own way demands his presence be known … it might just take awhile to get there.
In Night Whispers by Alisha Rai, we are introduced to James, a smart analyst. Years ago humans became sick with a virus that turned them into "Shadows" — zombie-like creatures who drink blood. James went deep underground with other survivors and he is now in charge of agents scattered throughout the country who search for humans and bring them to safety. James has not left his underground bunker for two years. He communicates with his agents by speaking to them through earpieces. They also wear a collar of sorts that has video capabilities.
The heroine, Jules, is a former gang member turned search-and-rescue extraordinaire. She is super kickbutt and one of James' best agents. She is based out West and has never met James in person. But they speak on a daily basis and a flirtation has developed between them. They have some very intimate moments, as Jules is off on her own, really only having James' voice in her ear as her only source of friendship in this vast, desolate country. When Jules runs into trouble and gets taken, James must decide if he is strong enough to leave the security of his bunker and head out into the scary world to find a woman he is secretly in love with.
While a book about zombies and drinking blood doesn't scream romance, this one turned out to be so sweet and warm. James and Jules have such an adorable relationship, as we first only see them talk to each other through their earpieces. They flirt, both wondering whether their feelings would be returned if brought out into the open and whether their feelings of attraction would change should they ever meet in person. James is a person who thoroughly thinks through every situation before acting, something that challenges him when he is faced with running into danger. But nothing can prepare him for what it will really mean to hold Jules in his arms.
When they finally do meet, it's definitely a love match. James is a wonderful beta hero who becomes pretty kickbutt himself as he has to risk his life tracking down Jules. He still blushes, though, which I find so adorable. Besides a sweet romance, we get some great action and suspense scenes.
This book kicks off the ShadowLands series, and I can't wait for book two, which will feature a new hero and heroine.
Mandi Schreiner started romance review blog Smexy Books in 2009. She is obsessed with reading romance novels and collecting fictional boyfriends.