Badlands

Ugh, this was such a frustrating book. The MCs were likeable and had good chemistry, but there was too much Info Dumping at the beginning that could have been woven into the story more naturally. Also, the civilian working with the cop trope has two hazards, both of which are on display here: civilian keeps too many secrets from cop because Reasons, and civilian unnecessarily puts himself into danger because Other Reasons. Finally, the pacing was odd and it felt like a scene was missing at the end You know, the one where the two MCs actually say I love you to each other, and the misgivings and mistrust that have threatened their relationship are directly addressed? Completely missing here. Civilian leaves cop a note telling him he loves him, cop tells unconscious civilian lying in a hospital bed that he loves him too, and then we cut to epilogue of happy couple hosting a BBQ. I liked the paranormal aspect of the book, and perhaps if the relationship drama is held to a minimum in the sequel, [b:The Rising 44012425 The Rising (Badlands, #2) Morgan Brice https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1550182143s/44012425.jpg 68427256], it could be worth the time and money. But there were too many problems with this book to make me want to rush out and read it. NB: I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley.