This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Published by Indie/Self Published
Released on October 13, 2020
Pages: 209
Format: eARC
Source: Book Tour Provided
The Delight
She is young, she is shy, she is sweet, and she is the heart of the Weird Girls, but Emme is also ready to prove herself as a powerful member of the team and a woman ready to find her special someone. He’s never been someone’s hero and his past tells him that he has no business noticing Emme’s all grown up, but if she goes into danger then he’ll be right by her side.
Review
Touch of Evil is the first of the Touch sub series and tenth of the Weird Girls. It should be read in order after Celia and Taran’s books.
Touch of Evil opens with Emme having a gab-worthy bad date, but the night is still young so she goes to Bren’s bar for some company. If only she can get Bren to notice that she’s all grown up and interested in more than friendship, but that sexy wolf shifter fights shy of her these days. When a were is reported murdered and the other leaders are busy on other assignments, Bren gets tasked to lead the investigation and Emme is right at his side. Things get bizarre after that and they find themselves up against a Touch of Evil.
Though this book is part of the broader Weird Girls’ universe, it is the first book with Emme as the focus. It had the feel of both first in series- rough in spots and waiting to hit its stride- and the familiarity of a long-standing well-loved series with great characters, action, twists, humor, sexy romance, and world-building.
Emme’s love interest should come as no surprise for series readers and Bren splits the narration with her. All four Weird sisters have very different personalities and magical powers. Like when Taran took over the narration from Celia, Emme’s book reflects who and what she is so well. I loved the vulnerability and yearning that are brought out in this youngest sister, but also her sweetness and quiet strength. She wants desperately to not be the weakest link or to spend her life envying her sisters for their loving relationships with mates. This is all portrayed in a low angst way because Emme isn’t a volatile person. Most of the time she is busy taking care of those around her including those who don’t deserve it.
And, splitting the limelight with her is Bren. Bren has been a side character since the first book. He was a lone werewolf and like a brother to the sisters. However, during Taran’s part of the story, a new vibe starts to form between Bren and Emme. The mutual attraction was crackling between them even as Bren kept pulling away and avoiding her. I was ready to see what was up with him and why he was acting that way. For the first time, there are more than hints about why Bren stayed outside the packs and kept to himself all this time and it is what makes him struggle to keep that mutual attraction in check. I look forward to seeing how Emme finds a way past his guard.
This series has some serious humor along with the spicy romance and action. Taran was usually the source, but I was tickled to catch some of Emme’s moments and a whole lot of Bren. He’s a rough and mouthy type who had me cracking up. Even when one is just in his head getting his point of view, he’s a hoot.
Touch of Evil didn’t stint on the intense action moments. Talk about a walk on the weird side and I’m not referencing the sisters. There was some twisted stuff going on and the big scene at the end was pay dirt. Bren and Emme were fighting for their lives and the villain was pretty creepy. The overall war with those looking to break the prophecy about Celia and Aric’s unborn child is ongoing and I like Emme’s determination to help protect her sister and the baby.
All in all, this was a good start to a new segment of the series. It set things in motion and I look forward to seeing where it goes for Emme and Bren and the rest of the gang. Those who enjoy plenty of action-packed, emotion-producing, spicy romancing and humor in their urban fantasy should take the plunge on the series.
I rec’d a copy of this book from Caffeinated PR to read in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met
New Release #152
Romance BINGO #25 Free space
About the Book
TOUCH OF EVIL BY CECY ROBSON
The award-winning Weird Girls urban fantasy romance series continues to blow away modern fantasy and adventure fans with heart-stopping action and romance. Centered around four unique and powerful sisters, it’s time for Emme Wird, the youngest sister, to step into the supernatural spotlight.
Emme Wird, the healer and powerful telekinetic in the Wird family, hasn’t had the best of luck with males. While her sisters have found their mates and forever loves, Emme has found males that are better left as lost. Is a decent meal with polite conversation too much to ask for? Yes, it is.
When a pack member that Emme has dinner with is discovered dead and dismembered, it is up to Emme and her werewolf friend, Bren, to solve the murder. But spine-tingling danger and touches with evil have ways of bringing close friends closer.
Could the male that Emme searches for be right in front of her? Or will evil snatch him away from her, just as it did once before?
About Cecy Robson
Cecy (pronounced Sessy) Robson is the new adult and contemporary romance author of the Shattered Past series, the O’Brien Family novels, and the Carolina Beach series, as well as the award-winning author of the Weird Girls urban fantasy romance series. A 2016 double nominated RITA® finalist for Once Pure and Once Kissed, Cecy is a recovering Jersey girl living in the South who enjoys carbs way too much, and exercise way too little. Gifted and cursed with an overactive imagination, you can typically find her on her laptop silencing the yappy characters in her head by telling their stories.
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The Weird Girls sounds like a lot of fun. I miss urban fantasy, I need to get back into ’em.
These sisters and their friends are a hoot, Greg. I was glad to get in on the series back in the beginning.
i just entered a giveaway through her newsletter for this book. sounds like one for me
sherry @ <a href=”http://www.fundinmental.com/”> fundinmental</a>
Good move, Sherry! I hope you win because these are fun and exciting reads. 🙂
I really need to read this one. I’m so curious about Emme’s story!
She really shines. I think you’ll love her, Melliane. 🙂
Can’t wait to read thissss
Emme is a star, Carole. 🙂
This is the 2nd review I’ve read for this new release. Glad to hear you both have enjoyed it!
I think you’d get a kick out of this group of sisters and their friends, Rachel. 🙂
This was so good. Glad you enjoyed it.
Yes! Can’t wait for the next one. 🙂
I’ve read some of this author’s contemporary romances but I think only a prequel novella in this world.
This is one of the few series that I actually snagged all the novellas and the novels. I loved getting more. 🙂
I read the last book so I’m looking forward to this one now.
Yes, it has been a slightly impatient wait for Emme and Bren’s story. 🙂
I do love a great spice to the humor in the story and love a well determined character. Glad you enjoyed another addition to this series.
The humor in this series is a good counter balance for when she makes me tear up, too. 🙂
Interesting how this one read both as a first in the series and later book in the series. It sounds like a solid read. Seems like a good set up for the romance and that’s nice it has plenty of action as well.
Yes! She wrote a series of books for each sister, but they build on the books before them so it’s like new seasons for the same TV show. Love these. 🙂