True Vision

I was able to receive a copy of True Visions, and I have just found a new author to add to my favorites collection. Joyce Lamb is a sort of cross between romance, mystery and slight paranormal traits. What results from this mix is an engaging read all revolving around a a small town journalist Charlie Trudeau. Now a brief plot blurb: Charlie has always been slightly empathetic, she can get a feel for how people are feeling and the general atmosphere in the air. When she's a witness to a hit and run, the mere touch of the dying victim sends Charlie's empathy into a sort of hyperdrive. She sees the accident from the now deceased woman's view point. Touch is the key, skin to skin contact can trigger a violent vision of the last adrenaline rushed memory. A Chicago cop, Noah, came to Lake Avalon in search of answers to his friend's death (hit and run victim) what he discovers is her cousin and a family of secrets and lies. To top it off Charlie, the cousin and only witness, is hiding something, but he can't tell if it's just a secret or a Secret. There are so many things that happen in this story! Charlie is being stalked for a hit, but no one knows why. The local newspaper caters to the advertisers, and rarely prints the truth. That doesn't mean she hasn't stepped on a few toes. There's the mayor who is sleazy, the local car dealership owner who cheats people out of their money... and the list goes on and on. The mystery really starts when the same 'ninja' suited guy has tried to harm Charlie three times, a body turns up, Charlie gets slapped around by her mother, Noah starts falling for her, Charlie can see through Noah and other people's eyes when she touches them, and someone very close to Charlie gets shot. And let's not forget the family secret that no one but Charlie's mother seems to be a part of. This story is fast paced, and the readers can see the romantic connection between Charlie and Noah blossom, but slowly. It's always refreshing when the hero and heroine don't fall all over each other within the first chapter. Instead the romance is a major part of the plot line, but not the entire plot. Joyce Lamb is excellent at details and murder. She also has the ability to write through other people's eyes. Charlie's view on a scene has a different taste then Noah's or Logan's. It's a wonderful ability to have, and keeps the story fresh and not sounding one dimensional. The only problem I have now is that the second book in this trilogy doesn't come out until January. The story is called True Colors and is about her sister Alex. I'm really interested in the absentee third sister, the one who left florida as soon as she was old enough. I'm sure that book is going to be riveting and action packed as well. Fans of Karin Harlow, Carolyn Jewel and Monica Burns will love this new series.

This book starts out with plenty of action and keeps it up all the way until the end. Whether it was attempted murder, the investigation, or giving in to the physical attraction between them, Charlie and Noah capture your attention and drag you into the plot. Both have internal struggles against something in their past that add to the storyline. The twists and turns woven into the plot will have you thinking you know who the murderer is then something else happens to change your mind. I really liked how they found something positive in the psychic abilities and how Noah learned to enhance it. Their sex scenes were erotic and sensual with lots of emotion so the reader can feel the connection between Charlie and Noah. The author left some of the storyline open for the next book and I can't wait to read it. Page turning suspense combined with heart stopping romance will have you savoring every page of this book. - Lisa Freeman

In Florida, Lake Avalon Gazette reporter Charlie Trudeau is stunned to observe a car deliberately hit a woman who had just called out her name Charlotte. Even more shocking is how faster the driver leaves the scene while the pedestrian is dead. Soon afterward someone stalks Charlie at a time she struggles with her suddenly new but out of control psychic empathic skills. Chicago police detective Noah Lassiter also trails after Charlie. He wants her to explain his friend's death to him through another vehicular homicide she witnessed. She refuses to describe the murder that still haunts her. Making life more complicated for Charlie is she is attracted to the obstinate cop who shares her feelings. Finally she knows he is probably the only person who can protect her from a determined killer while he fears telling her truth about himself that so far he has been able to find from the woman he loves. This is an enjoyable paranormal romantic suspense starring a likable heroine in distress from her new psychic skills causing flash weariness, a stalking killer whom she seen in visions and a car murder before, and the cop she loves. Noah is unlikable for the most part as he refuses to let anyone even his heart gets in the way of his mission. Readers will enjoy this entertaining urban fantasy romance as Charlie uses her True Vision to see the True Colors of Noah's heart. Harriet Klausner