Synopsis
Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.
But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .
Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?
Cyn Balog's follow-up to Fairy Tale has more wit, more supernatural delights, and more star-crossed romance! Teen girls will love this story of a Sandman who falls in love with his human charge.
From the Hardcover edition.
Publishers Weekly
There can be a fine line between romantic pursuit and stalking, and Balog's (Fairy Tale) enticing supernatural story of star-crossed love hovers right on the edge. For nearly a century, Eron DeMarchelle has served as a Sandman, lulling his charges to sleep; lately, he's developed a crush on Julia Devine, a teen with a tragic past. Since Eron's service is ending and he will transition back to mortality, he must train his replacement: Griffin Colburn, Julia's recently deceased boyfriend, with whom Julia shared an ambivalent, emotionally detached relationship. Griffin's best friend Bret also develops an unwholesome interest in Julia, aggravating Griffin, who threatens to default on his Sandman duties if Eron doesn't protect Julia from Bret. Griffin's plan backfires when Julia is charmed by Eron. With three guys, living and dead, out to claim her heart, the battle for Julia's fate is decided in her dreams and in the real world. Julia and Eron share a gentle chemistry that will appeal to paranormal romance fans, but readers drawn to the fantasy concept may wish for a more in-depth exploration of the Sandmen's world. Ages 12-up. (July)