There are a 1001 thoughts racing through my mind about this book. I can't, for the life of me, get my S together. 
 What drew me into this book was obviously, the premise, and Nikki's synesthesia. It's quite extraordinary yet... scary. I couldn't even imagine. So I loved that Nikki had something so different, so rare, and I do feel like her struggles are very similar to those that do have synesthesia. 
 Now, Nikki's character as a whole is one that I love to read, and respect. She was... Different. She has a foul mouth, is stubborn, has a serious attitude, open about her sexuality, and just does her thing. While it didn't make her character always likable, she was relate-able and real. Admittedly, I felt things were easy for Nikki when it came to solving the mystery. Maybe her character portrayed it as too easy, but I felt like everything fell into her lap. 
 As for the mystery itself, I thought it was well done and thought out. Sure, Nikki seemed to get the clues pretty fast, but I loved how intricate it all was. I was only slightly surprised by the resolution, simply because... well, spoilers. Part of me feels it's over the top, while another part of me finds it all to make a hell of a lot of sense. 
 Thoughts = Jumbled = moving on. 
 As far as the romance goes? Well, hmm. I wouldn't call it a romance, per se... but it's something. And YES for not having the romance consume EVERYTHING. However. I have a feeling her relationship with someone specific will develop into.. something, as the series continues. It had this weird, awkward undertone throughout the book, creating this nagging sensation that things are not what they seem. 
 I also applaud the ending. It's unconventional in a way that tells me Jennifer Brown is not loyal to her characters, which I love. It also opens up so much more for the next book. There are many questions left unanswered, which typically grates on my nerves, but it was well written and well done it didn't in the slightest. 
 All in all - I really enjoyed Shade Me. It may not be a read for everyone - but I do recommend it. Especially if you love mystery/thrillers with a side of unconventional characters. 
 I received this book for free from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.