FOREVER AND ALWAYS

The bliss that Darci Montgomery found by the end of Deveraux's last paranormal mystery-cum-romance, Forever, didn't last long, as this lackluster follow-up finds the pint-sized psychic alone once again, searching for her abducted husband. When primetime TV hunk Linc Abrams seeks her assistance in finding a son he fathered via sperm bank, Darci agrees, sensing that the investigation will bring her closer to her husband. As they aimlessly search for answers at a creepy Alabama "spa," they rub shoulders with ghosts, uncover secrets about Linc's lineage and cross paths with a blind seer. Darci's psychic insights make it easy for the author to skimp on character development. When she meets Linc, for example, we're told that "he'd missed out on some love in his life" but that he's generally a "good guy." The plot is also lacking in development. Overall, the book feels more like a sketch than a fully fleshed-out story. Despite its open-ended denouement (which includes an obvious setup for book three), readers may think twice before picking up Darci's next adventure. (Sept.)

Forecast:The first book in the series was skewered by buyers on Amazon.com and bn.com who decried its lack of romance. This offering will further shake readers' faith in Deveraux, though it may still hit the bestseller lists thanks to her large and (thus far) loyal fan base.