Hanover House - Brenda Novak

Hanover House

(2.8 / 5)

This novella is a prequel to a new series by Novak. I must admit I was a little disappointed with the story. I liked it, and I can see a lot of promise for the series. But this one left me feeling a little deflated.

So our main character in this novella and for the series is Dr Evelyn Talbot. Talbot is a psychiatrist who has worked to secure the opening of Hanover House, an psychiatric institute to house the worst of the worst psychopaths. Her motives are personal, she wants to know what makes them kill and attack without remorse, as she once survived a brutal attack from Jasper, her psychopathic ex boyfriend. The house is currently under construction near a small town in Alaska, and the residents are not happy about having it so close to their door. Even state trooper Amarock is not keen on the facility being nearby. However he is slightly more keen to have Evelyn nearby because he has developed some feelings towards her. Unfortunately she is so damaged from her assault years ago that she is unable to get close to anyone. Will she be able to make an exception for the police man? Meanwhile, Jasper tracks her down, and wants to finish what he started all those years ago.

I think my main issue of this novella was the rushed romance. They had already met each other when the novella begins, and were already attracted to each other. I just didn’t particularly believe the chemistry between them and the whole romance fell a bit flat for me. And her getting drunk and coming on to him just felt unrealistic.

I also had a few problems with several parts of the storyline. If I was attacked by a psychopath who then escaped, there is no way I would keep my current name… Let alone publicly open a psychiatric institute with her story out there for anyone to know. And her parents leaving a return address on an envelope? Really??? I felt these things could have been approached in a totally different, somewhat more believable way.

However, I did like the characters. I loved the idea of Hanover House and I am interested to see where it goes.

Would I recommend Hanover House?

It was an interesting introduction to what will hopefully be a good series. I will have to wait for the first full length book to make my mind up though!

Many thanks to author Brenda Novak via NetGalley for a copy of this novella in exchange for my honest review.