Heat of the Moment

Handeland’s second Sisters of the Craft paranormal romance (after In the Air Tonight) is engrossing but not as hard-edged as some of her earlier books. When veterinarian Becca Carstairs hears telepathic messages from animals, she thinks she’s going crazy. She’s also trying hard not to fall for Owen McAlister, a wounded military veteran who’s recovering in their tiny town of Three Harbors, Wisc., with the help of his canine partner, Reggie. Their intense connection ignites as they investigate gruesome acts of animal mutilation and a mysterious attempt on Becca’s life, which was thwarted by a helpful wolf named Prudence. Characters from Handeland’s Nightcreature series provide long-arc context on the involvement of the evil Venatores Mali, but their numbers mostly add noise. Animal companions such as Prudence, Reggie, and Grenade the kitten delight without cloying; less successful is an abrupt late shift in how Becca’s views her relationship with her parents. (July)