Desi Hollyhock is a skeptic; she joined the Rocky Mountain Paranormal Research Team (aka Rampart) just to prove to her ghost-fascinated younger sister that there is an explanation to every supernatural activity.

Buck Walker is a psychic who isn't comfortable with his ability to see and talk to the dead, however, he is willing to use his gift/curse to help others. He is the newest member of Rampart and Desi is very unhappy about it.

The book starts out with Desi and Buck, along with four other members of Rampart, investigating an old house for paranormal activity. Desi and Buck get into contact with the young ghost of the residence, but for Desi, their communication through lights is silly so she plays along and jokingly invites the spirit home. There is another spirit in the house, a Dark Presence, that is dangerous and manipulative. He hears the invitation and accepts before Buck can stop it.

Now Desi is being haunted by the Dark Presence, and although she refuse to believe it at first, there are just too many things happening to her that cannot be explained. Buck is scared of Dark Presences, but seeing how frightened Desi has become makes Buck realize he'll risk his life to do anything to help her.

I have only read a handful of Intrigues, but this story was unlike the others I've read because of its paranormal element. It surely didn't detract from the suspense because the mystery behind the Dark Presence, as well as never knowing when it will appear and attack made this one of the more creepy Intrigues I've read. I did feel annoyed a few times with Desi because of her stubborn, close-mindedness and her refusal to believe she may be wrong on some things, but it didn't happen so often that I would be annoyed for too long. The ending was fast and...unbelievable?, but I really enjoyed reading this book so much that it didn't bother me as long as Desi and Buck get their HEA. ( )