Review: Camille by Tess Oliver

Synopsis:
At a time when society conforms to the strictest rules and most proper etiquette, sixteen-year-old Camille Kennecott and her guardian, Dr. Bennett, live a most unconventional life. They hunt werewolves.

When unwitting victim, Nathaniel Strider, wanders into one of their full moon pursuits, Camille and Dr. Bennett believe they have found a specimen for their study. Finding a scientific key to unlocking the mystery of lycanthropy would end their late night excursions. Yet beneath the irresistible exterior, Nathaniel is transforming into a flesh-tearing monster, and as each experiment fails, Camille loses another inch of her soul to him. In a month’s time, she must face the prospect of destroying the boy who has stolen her heart.

Review:
I found this book one day while messing around on my Nook. I searched for 'young adult paranormal romance' and quite a few books popped up. Most of them were what I would consider indie authors, which I have no problem with. The simple title of this book jumped out at me, so I decided to see what it was about. The synopsis sounded like something I would like, and there was an excerpt from the book that totally sold me on it. It was steamy, angsty and tense. Just what I was looking for (don't judge).

Let me just say that I really liked this book. The author drew me into Camille's world. I liked the juxtaposition of the proper setting mixed with the strange nighttime escapades of Camille and Dr. Bennett. The relationship between those two characters was really cool. Dr. Bennett is a genius scientist that is trying to find a cure for lycanthropy but might forget to eat if Camille weren't there to make him take care of himself. I liked how they discussed hunting werewolves the same as they would discuss what time they'd like to have tea.

Camille meets a rogue-ish young man. Nathaniel, or Strider as he is sometimes called, lives his life on the streets. He gets by however he can, but normally uses his good looks and charming smile to sweep women off their feet. Camille first sees him when she and Dr. Bennett are hunting a werewolf that ends up biting Nathaniel. They follow him and convince him to let them help find a cure. As for the romance in this book, there are some awesome, tingly, tension-filled parts. My only complaint is that the author would build the tension in those scenes so well, and then right when it got really good it just fell kind of flat. I would have liked to see it drawn out a bit more, perhaps.

All in all, this was an entertaining read. I plan on checking out a few more books by this author in the future.

Pulication Date: July 8, 2010

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Source: My own e-book library.