Oleander House

The first book in what has become a fantastic series about the Bay City Paranormal Investigators. The book follows Sam in his first investigation with the team, and the beginnings of his relationship with all the members, especially Bo. What I loved about this book is that the investigation is done scientifically rather than entirely on a psychic or spiritual level. Sam and Bo's relationship, if it can be called that in this first book, is understated. There is tension and desire, but no claim of love. When they're together, it is a brutal explosion of desire and lust that in turn causes the evil that lurks in the house to be released. Ally Blue has done something interesting with this series, and I love that there are ghosts as well as the monsters from another dimension. It certainly added a unique twist that I was not expecting.

.Oleander House book one in a series of the Bay City Paranormal Investigation series. The main characters are Dr. Bo Broussard, owner and his new employee, Sam Raintree. The story is about the strange happenings at the tourist manison, something other than your usual ghost. What the team discovered was a paranormal mystery that starts your heart racing and the little hairs standing on your neck. Now if that is not enough to get your engine running, author Ally Blue introduces a budding romance between Bo and Sam that is so touching, I got a little misty. This is a very well written, hang on the edge of your chair story that draws the reader right into the middle of the action.

I've been a fan of Ally Blue for years now, and I can definitely say that "Oleander House" is one of my very favorites. It's not a "romance" per se, but the focus is on the developing relationship between two men, which I found emotionally satisfying and which made me look forward to the next book (this is book one of a multi-part series). It is scary, yes -- deliciously so. Ally manages to blend a love story and a horror story so well that I give her a standing ovation.

For anyone who enjoys engaging and vividly drawn characters, sexual tension that sizzles right off the page and good old fashion scary storytelling, Oleander House by Ally Blue is a must read. This book is the first in the Bay City Paranormal series and introduces the BCPI team as seen through the eyes of Sam Raintree, a man who has always felt a sense of being different not only because of his sexual orientation but also, and maybe moreso, because of psychic abilities he is just learning to control. Ms. Blue's storytelling abilities are showcased here to great advantage in a fast-paced, suspense-filled tale reminiscent of such horror classics as Salem's Lot and The Haunting of Hill House. I fell instantly in love with Sam and the rest of the team and found myself worried for both their safety and sanity as the tension escalated with the turning of every page. The first time I read this book, I literally could not put it down. It holds a place of honor on my keeper shelf. If you are already a fan of Ally Blue, or if you just want a fantastically scary read, do not miss this book.

As a horror lover, I wish that there were more books out there like this. Strong characters, a fast paced plot, and a scary, poignant story. The monsters are like something out of a nightmare, and there were times I was tempted to skip to the end to see if Sam would be all right. I loved that; very few books make me forget I'm reading, and not living, the story. One of my favorite things about "Oleander House" is that it's the first in a series. Sam and Bo are wonderful together, and I get to revisit them again and again. I can't wait to read the next one.