Jill Sanders.. Where Have You Been All My Life?

"The Awakening"

Oh, Jill Sanders. Let me count the ways in which this book thrilled me. I received a copy of this book from my friends at NetGalley (they’re my favourite). I have not read any other works by this author, but I am truly enamoured with the series after reading the first book. 

To briefly break down the plot of this book, I will start by telling you that it is a paranormal/mystery/romance book. If you aren’t into fiction that requires you to think outside the box, this book is probably not for you. However, I do think it has the power to convert you! Christina is the strong female main character and she is returning to her home town to attend her parents’ funeral after a tragic car accident. Christina isn’t exactly grieving as her parents were horrible to her throughout childhood and inflicted cruel and unusual punishments on her. At the beginning, we don’t have a clear understanding that she has this strange gift that allows her to see into the future and revise people’s memories when she touches them. Its a gift that her parents attempted to beat and pray out of her throughout her childhood. 

When she returns to her family home, she notices that the neighbouring cottage has a light on, which was not typically the case since the family who resided there had moved. She decides to see what is going on over there and stumbles upon the hot and sexy ex-cop Michael. That girl got someone looking out for her, at least in the guy department. 

Michael is an ex cop from the Atlantic PD who after a tragic incident whereby his partner was killed after attempting to kill him, he was forced out of the department. Since he has moved into the cottage, he sees a “ghost” every night and up until he discovers Christina being a peeping tom, figured he was the only one who could see her. 

They ultimately form a friendship / romance and Christina discloses her gift to him. The odd thing is that she cannot read him with her gifts. I can’t imagine sexy time with a man when you can see all their memories and feelings. That just sounds awkward and disturbing. Christina and Mike come to share a friend in common, Jessica. Jess had a quick fling with Mike before Christina returned and things went down hill. There is some tension in the air in the beginning  but Jess is a good sport about it. 

Later we come to find out the meaning of the ghost’s story which lands them in some hot water. Of course there are other twists and turns along the way, such as a secret love child and some history between the main characters parents-I mean let’s keep it interesting. Ultimately, Christina is kidnapped by her crazy ass ex boyfriend who ran a cult and thinks that her powers are his to own. The guy gets shot. Well, deserved if you ask me. The guy seemed like a real douche canoe. 

The book ends on cliffhanger and I don’t want to spoil the fun for anyone looking to read this masterpiece from Jill Sanders. I would highly recommend this book to those who love a good paranormal romance. I read it in one day and honestly, I’m buying the second in the series to continue with my reading adventures with the Scooby Doo team. 

Hey Jill… you’ve gained one new lover of your writing. <3