In book five of the Devil’s Shroud series, Chance McCall is a former Army Ranger and suffering from a bad case of PTSD. His work as a Stealth Ops Specialist is top secret, and he’s not looking for a permanent relationship with a woman. On leave to attend his friend’s wedding in a quaint seaside town, he meets Jillian Taylor and his plans for a relaxing vacation quickly unravels.
Jillian is planning her best friend’s wedding, working as a real estate agent, and renovating her new house all at the same time. Even though several townspeople claim ghosts haunt the old Thompson place, she bought the decrepit Victorian house to make it into a real home. After a few accidents, Jillian realizes someone isn’t happy about her plans for the house. Luckily for her, Chance steps in to help. The danger grows as they work together to solve the mystery of a once-missing child and to stop the attacks on Jillian’s life, but the attraction between them sparks hotter than any threat.
What a great story! The romance between Chance and Jillian bloomed fast but felt believable. Both characters have a rough past and are still dealing with their personal traumas, which made them likable and relatable.
I haven’t read the previous books in the series, but some of the past heroes and heroines returned for this book, including Nova and Molly who are getting married. Most of the townspeople are kind, cranky, or kooky, and all of them have their own charm.
Other than a few minor typos, the story was fast paced and well written. I really enjoyed this book and would like to read more from Ms. James.
4.5 Stars

Disclaimer – I borrowed this book from the library. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
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Very good book. I loved going back to Cape Churn. In this book, Chance McCall has arrived to serve as best man at his friend Nova's (Deadly Liaisons) wedding. He is also looking forward to a little down time after his latest mission. Jillian is the bride's best friend and maid of honor and wedding planner, as well as a busy real estate agent. Jillian has also just purchased a rundown Victorian house that she is renovating. The rumor is that it is haunted, but she doesn't believe in ghosts. But when strange things begin to happen, Chance is there to help her.

I enjoyed the relationship that built between Chance and Jillian. It got off to a slightly rocky start when Chance rescued her from a risky situation then proceeds to say some stupid things. Though she is reluctant to accept his help because of it, they manage to work together fairly well. Neither can deny that there is a strong attraction between them. As each incident happens, Chance becomes more determined to protect her. He's also tries to keep from getting too close, as he feels his PTSD makes him unsuitable for a relationship. Jillian is stubborn and independent, but finds herself willing to lean on Chance when she needs to. As she falls for him, she'd like to help him through his issues if only he would let her. Jillian also has some problems of her own to work through. Nearly losing Jillian at the end shows Chance that life without her was unthinkable and that he would find a way to overcome his problems. I loved the scene at Nova and Molly's wedding as the couples from the previous books made an appearance, and their assistance with helping Chance make a decision.

The suspense of the story is fantastic. The book begins with the story of one of the previous residents of Jillian's house. Julia is a little girl who disappears on her way home from school and reappears thirty days later with no memory of where she's been or what happened to her. She and her mother pack up and leave, with no one hearing from them again. Seventeen years later, Jillian has bought the house and is renovating it. Some people tell her it is haunted, and others that it isn't. When strange things start to happen, such as vandalism and accidents, she and Chance are determined to find out why and who. As they dig into the house's past, the attacks become more violent, leading them to believe that they are getting closer. The final confrontation reveals a secret that wasn't really a surprise, however, the truth of what really happened seventeen years earlier was unexpected. The scene on the cliff was intense. I loved Jillian ability to think under pressure and find a way to help Chance find her. ( )