Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Jane True #1
Publication Date: November 1, 2009
ISBN: 0316056588
Page Count: 368

 Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn't quite fit in with so-called normal society. During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human. Now, Jane must enter a world filled with supernatural creatures alternatively terrifying, beautiful, and deadly- all of which perfectly describe her new " friend, " Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire. It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries; and whatever you do, never-ever-rub the genie's lamp. If you love Sookie Stackhouse, then you'll want to dive into Nicole Peeler's enchanting debut novel.

REVIEW

This book was just as cute as its cover and surprisingly creative and plot-rich. It's touted as an alternative to Sookie Stackhouse. Personally I see absolutely no similarities in theme, writing style or plot. In fact about the only similarity I can see is the cartoon-like cover. Which, by the way, once you've read the book all the things on it make a lot more sense. The seal, the coffin etc.. And they even got her 'like Cleopatra's only longer' hair right.

The story is about a twenty-something girl named Jane True who, although lovely, witty, intelligent and beautiful, is the town pariah because of something that happened in her past. Her strange affinity to water and the memories of her mother's naked exploits, only further her status as small town gossip fodder.

This naturally has an effect on her confidence to some extent, but I still thought she was fabulous. After she stumbles across a dead body during one her her bracing early morning swims, she soon realises that there is a reason for her unusual habits. Add in a sexy vampire investigator, a two-foot gnome, a mysterious barghest, and many hours of humorous shenanigans ensue.

"So I did what any brave warrior would do when confronted with an awful task: I squeezed my eyes shut and squealed, “Ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ewwwww,” 

If I were to compare this to any other series I've read, I would be more inclined to choose something like Molly Harper's Naked Werewolf series. It's that kind of paranormal-lite, funny, sexy (although not gratuitous) and with an engaging plot and nicely rounded secondary characters. It's not a HEA book, there is more to come on that score I think, but for an Urban Fantasy there was quite a fair amount of mattress dancing going on. Which never hurts, does it?

A great start- 4 Stars! ★★★★