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cover  I received this ebook from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Flame-haired Becca Carstairs was born to be a veterinarian. Since childhood, her affinity for animals has been special, and her healing touch nothing short of magic. But only Becca knows the truth–that she alone can hear the creatures’ voices. She’s always trusted her sixth sense…until a string of missing pets, an attempted murder, and a face from her past converge into one explosive mystery, with her at it’s center. Is haunted Owen McAllister, the boy who broke her heart ten years ago, related to the sinister crimes that have peaceful Three Harbors, Wisconsin, on it’s guard? Or is his reappearance part of the answer to questions that have troubled her all her life? As Becca delves into her strange heritage, she’ll have to fight for her life…and the man she will always love.

Heat of the Moment is a good example of how the second book of a trilogy doesn’t have to suffer from middle book syndrome! Everything works in this, from the characters to the storyline. With many trilogies I’ve had this sense of familiarity when reading the second and third books, but even though this book moved along the mythology behind the three sisters, it was also different than it’s predecessor, In the Air Tonight. 

As the story begins, the remains of several missing pets are found in an abandoned house. Thankfully this isn’t graphically depicted. The ramshackle dwelling is the childhood home of Owen, who joined the Marines ten years earlier without a word of warning and left a heartbroken Becca behind. Recovering from injuries sustained by a roadside bomb, he’s come back with his canine partner Reggie to recuperate.  It soon becomes apparent that something even more sinister is at work when a masked figure tries to kill Becca. She and Owen have to learn to trust each other again if they’re to put a stop to the evil plot that’s unfolding.

Unlike Raye, Becca is extremely close with her family and has always felt loved and accepted by her parents and brothers. She does keep her gift hidden though, because even she’s not sure if it’s all in her mind. Some of her conversations with animals are hysterical, especially the one between her and a pregnant cow she’s trying to birth. When Owen re-enters her life, she’s hurt, but she’s not bitter. You can immediately tell that they still love each other and belong together. 

Owen has been scarred both physically and emotionally. Brought up by an unstable mother, he and Becca started as childhood friends, but their feelings grew into something much deeper. Unfortunately he allows himself to be persuaded that he’s not good enough for her, which is why he initially joins the Marines. His relationship with Reggie, his canine companion, is one of the most touching parts of the book. These two are partners in every way. Owen will do anything for Becca, and proves it time and time again. Even when confronted with Becca’s gifts, while his immediate response is disbelief, it doesn’t take long for him to accept them as being part of the woman he loves so much. 

The story moves along very quickly with key characters from the first book making welcome appearances. The narrative is tightly woven and as in the first book, showcases the hatred and bigotry towards witches by Christians during a dark period of history while at the same time bringing it seamlessly forward into the present day. 

The final story will be that of the third sister, Willow Black, which I’m guessing, like her sisters, will have no clue as to her origins. It’s coming out August 4th so I’m going to read and review it a little closer to the date. If it’s as good as the first two books, Sisters of the Craft will wind up being one of my favorite paranormal romance triloges. If you loved Nora Roberts’ Three Sisters Island Trilogy please try this. You won’t regret it!