Over thirty years ago, Pepper Kirk arrived in Las Vegas after being diagnosed with an incurable cancer ... having set out to see the world while she could. Instead she found a home and remission at the Arcana Royale. She dances for the Midnight Mystery Lounge and overall is content with her rather quiet life, but soon she will be asked for a favor and find herself PLAYING AGAINST TYPE.

Finn Mickelson, a federal agent, has been sent to the Arcana to investigate mob influence but that it just a smokescreen. Finn has been called to the casino for a more personal investigation. His mother, the Overseer Marguerite, is missing and her lover wants to know what happened.

After the first rather bizarre meeting with Pepper, Finn finds himself intrigued, even though he believes that she has been sent to sabotage his investigation. He enjoys being with her and before too long his protective nature has him trying to move her out of the hotel to safety. When the truth is known that she cannot leave the Arcana or she will die, even now the cancer is coming back, he must find a way to save her.

PLAYING AGAINST TYPE is a fascinating, magical play on life, death and love. Finn and Pepper are perfectly matched, and the ending will surprise and have you giving the author (Heather Long) a very well done. This to me is a real romance, with the magical twist, but in this case, it is the couple getting to know each other in bits and pieces and both wanting things they aren't sure they can have. Of course they can ... but it takes magic ... and we all know that love is magic ... to allow this couple to be together. The side story between Heidi, the lounge manager and the demon Overseer Connor adds the little twists to Finn and Peppers story. I hope this plays along in future Soulgirls books, it adds an intriguing side story, perhaps even romance to them. Now that I have finished this one, I cannot wait to see which of the girls gets to be the next to find love.