Prayer for the Dead

Isn't this cover gorgeous?

Truly, I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened Prayer for the Dead. The prospect of getting a glimpse into the afterlife was enough to catch my attention. The fact that Olivia and I seemed to be kindred spirits and the addition of a hot, brooding guy were just icing on the cake. What I didn't expect was to be so lost in Olivia's story that I was unable to tear my eyes from the page. What a perfectly wonderful surprise.

Olivia stole my heart from the moment I met her. Her razor sharp wit, her easygoing manner, and the slight tinge of pain that lurked beneath her surface all meshed into something I could relate to. Olivia is strong, even if she has to fake it at times. I adored how layered her character was. Every choice she made, every hurt she endured, I was right there with her.

Meeting the other characters only further cemented my love for this book. Each of them had their own distinct personality; their own quirks that made them shine. Tore, Drake, Devon, Portia and Zane each had a piece of my heart by the end of the book. They weren't simply supporting characters. Nicki Scalise pours emotion and depth into every one of them and, I must admit, it'd be futile to try to pick a favorite.

I'm sure my character gushing has you wondering about the story surrounding them. Olivia's story is filled with dark pasts, secrets, and just the perfect amount of romance. The world built around her is solid and extremely interesting. I thought this story was balanced almost the entire way through. It was only the ending, which does set up another book beautifully, that felt a bit rushed for me. I'm willing to overlook it. I'm too eager for the next book.

The point remains that Prayer for the Dead needs to be on your reading list. If you're a fan of Paranormal Romance, of strong characters with vivid pasts, this is your book.