The prologue is ridiculously boring, yes. A murder, a conspiracy, fallen angels and Nephilim, I'm amazed it's so dull.

Eh, I would really not recommend this one if you can't get through Hush, Hush. Reading more than a chapter or so at a time made me want to twist my own head off. There was one point where, in my public library, I hit myself on the head with the book to alleviate frustration.

And yes, "contrived" sums the Marcy/Patch/Nora thing very nicely. "Creepy" does, as well. I won't spoil things for later, but Marcy really should look into a restraining order, and I don't mean for Patch.

In any case, glad to hear from you! :)