Now six years later, Eric is back in her life and they are dating but in many ways Eric is still as immature as ever. This is further complicated by his cousin that has come to stay in the home with him and his parents. Tara is sure that the way Mandy looks at Eric is very unfamily-like.

Tara has discovered that the Vandermortal House has been sold. Her brother insists that since she saw the ghost that she should accompany his paranormal investigation team on their last chance to prove the house is haunted. While there she runs into the new owner.

Justin does not believe in ghosts although it is easy to see something haunts him. His sexy looks and mysterious nature causes Tara to heat up any time he is near. She finds herself torn between a boyfriend that does not seem to want to grow up and an unknown man that she finds herself unable to ignore. There is also the ghost that seems intent on trying to tell her something. All this is happening during Tara’s favorite time of the year Halloween.

Halloween Hearts is a suspenseful contemporary romance with interesting and compelling characters. It takes place during the time in a woman’s life as she transitions from college into the professional workplace. Tara must decide what she wants for her future and take a look at what she has. Many readers will find themselves identifying with the changes in relationships and attitudes that take place in the story. Should she continue with a boyfriend that is comfortable but has no goals and no real concerns about the future or open herself to other possibilities in hopes of finding happiness?

The love triangle is interesting as each character is compared to the other. For the reader it seems that Justin would be the better choice but he is so secret. What is he hiding? Readers will look forward to learning what makes this character appear as though he has suffered in his past. Eric is just the opposite. He does not hide anything. He likes to go out and have a good time which usually involves drinking to excess. Will he ever mature enough to want a future with Tara at his side? Tara just wants to be taken seriously in her job and in her relationships. She finds herself confused by what I going on around her. Changes begin when cousin Mandy enters the story. She is someone use to manipulating others with her good looks and dumb act. Will Eric see what she is all about before he does something really stupid and how will Tara deal with her jealousy? Well readers will just have to discover the answers to these questions for themselves.

The paranormal angle to the story is fascinating. Who is the ghost that haunts the Vandermortal House and what does it want? Readers will try to piece together this mystery as clues are made known. When the ghost starts to take an active part in peoples lives things really get exciting. Readers will find themselves drawn into the story from the very beginning as the relationships unfold. This fast paced, smooth- flowing, and highly creative story is one that readers will not want to miss.

Readers are encouraged to check out this latest in ghostly romance novels, Halloween Hearts by Veronica Wilde.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Anita
January 22, 2006