Review: Mesmerized (The Mad Morelands #1) by Candace Camp

Print Length: 384 pages

Publisher: Harelquin Press (December 26, 2017)

From Goodreads.com: Olivia Moreland has forever denied the possibility of clairvoyant abilities, working instead to discredit the mediums that flock to London. But when Lord Stephen St. Leger requests her help in investigating an alleged psychic's claims, she can't deny the ominous presence she feels within the walls of his ancient estate—or the intimately familiar connection she feels to Stephen himself. 

The last time he'd called Blackhope Hall home, Stephen had watched as his elder brother claimed both the family title and the woman he loved. Now, in the wake of his brother's murder, Stephen has reluctantly returned to find his family ensconced in scandal. Who is responsible for his brother's untimely death—a dark spirit or the psychic who claims to have channeled it? And what is it about psychic investigator Olivia Moreland that so thoroughly draws him in, reigniting a passion he hasn't felt in years? 

As they search for answers, Stephen and Olivia discover that the only way to fight a powerful evil is with a powerful love.

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

There are some aspects of this story that I found thoroughly enjoyable, and a couple of things that I didn't enjoy (or found unrealistic that had nothing to do with the paranormal aspect of the story). 

Because I like to end things on a positive note whenever possible, let me begin by going over the things that I did not enjoy. To begin with, some of the phrases used seemed entirely too modern to have been set in the time period. I also found it highly unlikely that Olivia would have been allowed to one, hold a profession where she spent much of her day alone in the company of a man who was not related to her. I also found it highly unlikely that as "peculiar" or "forward thinking" as her family might have been, that she would have been allowed to attend a "house party" of a man she barely knew without a chaperone. It just was not done, and would have completely ruined her reputation.

Now, on what I enjoyed about this story. 

I really enjoyed Stephen and Olivia. Both as individual people, and as a romantic interest. I loved their cynicism, and the way they approached the problems at hand. Each character was well developed, and added something to the story, and often times I found myself unable to put this story down. Both because of the paranormal aspect, but also in the fraudulent claims of the medium and the steps Olivia and Stephen took to discredit and debunk the claims. The surprise twist at the end though sealed the deal for me. It was so unexpected that it was probably my favorite part.

I believe this story will appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional historical romance novels, especially if you enjoy a touch of the paranormal as well. I would read more from this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                                     Mesmerized is available from Amazon.com