I received a copy of J. V. Speyer‘s Rites of Spring from Netgalley.

Description from Goodreads:
Cameron has given up on romance, after a difficult childhood made it difficult for him to trust enough for intimate relationships to develop. But mostly he’s happy with the life he’s built for himself. 

When two paranormal investigators show up at the home he recently inherited, claiming he may be in danger, he sends them packing, convinced they’re nothing but con men.

Until several incidents prove they’re telling the truth. The past Cameron tried so hard to leave behind is coming for him, and its angry.

Review:
Honestly, I wasn’t all that impressed. It was a serious case of an interesting plot let down by lackluster writing. I mean, there was just not tension in the writing and absolutely no realistic emotions. Ghosts are real…no reaction. Psychic are real…no reaction. Werewolves are real…no reaction. Someone from you past is trying to kill you…no reaction. The occult…no reaction. Demons…no reaction. Oh, but a stranger knock on your door…go bat-shit crazy aggressive on them.

Then there was the romance. Cameron and Jason’s back and forwards aggression, affection, aggression affection made no sense, was not believable and felt horribly contrived. Then it ended on a pretty week Happy For Now. I’m not sure if it even qualifies, to be honest.

Speyer did an adequate job with attachment disorder and PTSD. The book had a racially diverse cast and presented immigrants in a positive light. It also addressed some important themes like racism and discrimination against queer people. Unfortunately it did it with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, but it did it all the same.