“Hear Me” is a new paranormal romance thriller that manages to sneak deeper themes past readers who came for the sexy supernatural love story. Set in the small town of Auralia, this second installment of the Dark Sides series follows Ainsley Durham and Keegan Jameson, two members of the Aeons, psychically gifted descendants of Atlantis who fight to keep darkness from overtaking their community.
What makes this book work is Crandall’s decision to root the supernatural conflict in painfully familiar territory: corrupt city politics and predatory development schemes. The villains aren’t all demons or ancient evils, but city council members pushing the Stillwell Project, a redevelopment plan designed to strip Auralia of its soul while lining the right pockets. Anyone who has watched their favorite local businesses get bulldozed for another chain store will recognize this particular brand of bureaucracy.
Ainsley owns an antique shop called Fancy This, which becomes something of a sanctuary in the growing chaos. Her clairvoyant visions provide glimpses of both Auralia’s possible futures and the Aeons’ Atlantean past. Keegan, meanwhile, struggles with clairaudience—the ability to hear others’ thoughts and emotions—which Crandall presents less as a superpower and more as an overwhelming sensory condition. The two are clearly well-matched with these respective abilities.
While containing its fair share of steamy parts, the depiction of the romance between these two unfolds with genuine thought behind it. Keegan carries deep wounds from his relationship with his corrupt father, and his journey toward emotional openness feels enjoyable to read unfold. Diane Butler emerges as the story’s most complex figure—a former Aeon who chose personal power over collective responsibility. She’s driven by recognizable human hungers for control and recognition, making her both more believable and more tragic than a mustache-twirling villain would be.
Crandall writes with a lyrical yet accessible quality that is easy to get immersed in. She alternates between Ainsley and Keegan’s perspectives, giving readers insight into how differently each character experiences their gifts and keeping the pacing fresh. The Atlantean backstory provides mythological context without overwhelming the contemporary setting, and the dream sequences that connect past and present are mostly well-done rather than merely expository.
The book does have its slower moments, particularly when Crandall delves into the details of her mythology. Some readers may find certain sections heavier going than the action sequences. The resolution also feels slightly rushed, considering the careful buildup throughout the story. But this is a series after all, and these are minor complaints about a novel that successfully balances entertainment with substance.
While the novel works as a standalone, familiarity with the earlier book would probably enrich the experience. This is paranormal fiction for fans of Nalini Singh, Deborah Harkness, or Patricia Briggs. Overall, “Hear Me” is a fun story with characters you will want to root for. Crandall has written a gripping story where ancient wisdom addresses contemporary problems, where personal growth and cosmic responsibility intertwine, and where love is lurking around every page. It’s a book that trusts its readers to think while they’re being entertained, and that’s increasingly rare in any genre.
You can get your copy of “Lynn Crandall” here!
