Karissa Laurel

Three years ago, Rikki Albemarle watched her best friend die at the hands of a supernatural evil. Certain she was slated to be the next victim, Rikki fled her small Smoky Mountain hometown, vowing to never come back. Plagued by nightmares and knowing she’s the only one who believes Mina’s death was no accident, Rikki returns with hopes of finding answers and holding the killer accountable. Rikki is convinced the key to unlocking the secret of Mina’s death lies with Owen Amir, the alluring young army vet who once claimed her heart. But the deeper Rikki digs into Owen’s past, the more she’s torn between the urgings of her heart and her memories of him on the night Mina died. After falling further into the rabbit hole, Rikki lands at the feet of an ancient and powerful evil determined to finish what it started years before. To survive, she’ll have to make a decision: believe Owen is the monster she always feared he might be or trust him enough to stay and fight for a second chance at love.

Touch of Smoke

Totally Addicted to Reading

Three years ago, Rikki Abermale fell in love, but witnessing the death of her best friend, at the hands of a monster marred the joy of the experience. The trauma of the event led to her abandoning all she held dear. Now it was time for her to return home to get answers to burning questions that have been the source of her nightmares the last three years.

Touch of Smoke by Karissa Laurel features well-developed characters, a sweet romance and a story line that was fun, captivating, intriguing and unique. The story moved between the past and present. The blending of the past and present gives readers insight into the events that resulted in Rikki’s flight and provides a glimpse into what appears to be gearing up to a battle of epic proportions.

I enjoyed spending time with the characters. I found them to be credible. I had some issues with Rikki, but it did not prevent me from liking her. Owen’s character is shrouded in mystery. Despite the hints given about his nature, it was not easily decipherable. 

I loved how the romance developed. A small flame, which grew into an inferno. The author served up a sweet romance with a side of sizzle.

The story like the romance developed at a slow pace and gradually took me down a path that was unexpected but exciting and emotional

Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, this was a beautiful story of love, loss and second chances. This is my first time reading Laurel’s work, and it was a delightful experience.

Touch of Smoke

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