BITTER SPIRITS is Book 1 in Jenn Bennett's Roaring Twenties series set in 1920's San Francisco. BITTER SPIRITS is part historical romance, part mystery, and part spook show. All of these elements work cohesively to make a riveting story. The detailed descriptions littered throughout the story skillfully paint a picture for readers and is very evocative of detective films from the early 1930's. Words like "hive" and "beekeeper" take on new and sinister connotations in this intriguing romance with a Chinatown backdrop.

Aida Palmer and Winter Magnusson had never met until the opening of the story, despite both working in professions which rub shoulders--he being a bootlegger and she being a medium working in speakeasies. Their meeting feels like kismet, and Jenn Bennett does a good job of conveying the electric connection and intense attraction Aida and Winter have with each other. The intimate scenes between them are infused with a sensuality and raw sexuality that is very compelling.

In addition to the steamy romance, the hunt for the elusive and shadowy figure intent on cursing Winter and other bootleggers makes for an exciting read. The mystery doesn't distract from the romance but enhances it and adds depth to the main characters. Aida and Winter are both flawed, but still likable characters. Aida is an independent and modern working-woman, yet still emotionally tender from being orphaned at a young age and then losing her brother, adoptive parents, and home all within a relatively short period of time. Comparatively, Winter Magnusson is an extremely masculine figure but has an interesting vulnerability at the same time.

I think Aida and Winter have a lot in common. They are both haunted. However, rather than being haunted by the sort of eerie apparitions that Aida sees on a regular basis, she and Winter are both haunted by feelings of guilt and sadness that comes from losing someone close to them. Aida lost her brother to war, and Winter lost his parents and wife in an accident. Both losses were defining moments for them, and the ramifications are still being played out in their current lives.

BITTER SPIRITS by Jenn Bennett is a sizzling romance, exciting mystery, and a spooky good time. I look forward to seeing what's in store for Bo, as well as Winter's brother and sister. I eagerly await the next book in the unique Roaring Twenties series!