Romancing the Null

I really enjoyed this book. At times it was a little bit predictable, but most of them of this genre are. You have the quirky unsure of herself nerd girl, handsome cop with a chip on his shoulder, oracles, descendants of weres, and lives in peril. It's good enough that I think I'll buy book two and enjoy, but not so good that I HAVE to buy it.

What if you knew the exact moment you were going to die? Would you try to save yourself? In Romancing the Null, Kate Hale finds herself sitting across from Jack Roberts, who knows he’s supposed to die and wants to hire Kate to stop it from happening. But Jack is mistaking her for someone else; he doesn’t know it’s Kate’s first week in the Accidental Death Predictions department, despite what Kate says. His life is now in her hands, but Kate knows she cannot do this on her own. After all, Kate is just a fateless human, and Jack is an oracle. Kate takes the matter to the police, and that’s how the latent werewolf Ian Becker finds himself taking the case. Moody, wild, and slightly shady, Becker isn’t exactly the person Kate feels like she can rely on in the beginning. But together can they save Jack’s life?

This book was exactly what I felt like I needed to read lately. You know that moment as a reader where you just crave a specific genre or adventure? That’s what this was for me. It had mystery, romantic tension, and humor thrown in at the best moments. It threw you right into the story, which didn’t bother me in terms of processing the world that Gower had created—but apparently it has bothered some other people, so take note of that if you want to read it. I really look forward to the next book to see how the world builds up even more.

Characters:

Kate Hale – I’m proud to say that Kate is a female who doesn’t whine and annoy me to death! While she can have moments where she becomes frantic (she’s got a guy’s life in her hands after all!) and doubts herself, she’s overall a very strong woman. She can keep her cool under pressure and she tends to calculate how to approach things. But you see her growth throughout the story as she becomes more comfortable with herself and gains some confidence. Her character development was well done, in my opinion.

Ian Becker – Accurately described in the book as a hippy, vegetarian werewolf. Not the kind of werewolf that shifts, but he’s got the qualities of a werewolf (personality-wise) due to the blood in his veins. It makes his role as a police officer very fitting. He’s loyal, determined, focused, and he won’t drop a case until he figures it out. (He’s a dog with a bone!) He can be reckless and wild, which is very contrasting to Kate, and I love him. Becker easily pulls your heartstrings and you can’t help but fall for him.

Jack Roberts – An oracle with a death threat against him whose fate relies on two complete opposites to swallow their pride and work together? You can’t help but feel bad for Jack throughout the story. He’s so unsure about everything, and he’s just kind of stumbling about hoping things will work out for him.

Ali Hale – Kate’s cousin and a witch. I don’t know what this story would have been like without Ali. She was the epitome of comic relief who knew exactly how to embarrass the stoic and calculating mind of Kate. I loved every minute she was included because of how honest and blunt she was. She was definitely one of my favorite characters.

Overall:

I read this book in two days and hated myself when I had to put it down. It kept me interested throughout the entire story. I was emotionally invested in these characters and their fates, and Gower created a world that I really enjoyed exploring as I continued reading. I can’t wait for the next installment of the series! Overall, I give Romancing the Null 5 out of 5 stars.

A little confusing & slow at times but then interesting enough to keep me reading.