Entice by Jessica Shirvington (The Violet Eden Chapters #2)
I didn't think this series could get any better, but lo and behold, this is fantastic. Guys, this is coming from someone who isn't usually taken by the angel paranormal romance thing (the Fallen series, to me, was incredibly boring and I especially wanted to burn the last book because it just got more and more ridiculous), but let's keep to the point, which is, The Violet Eden Chapters is scrumptious (yes I wanted to eat it at times it was that good). Violet. She whines a LOT less in this than the first (I didn't think she was THAT bad but I know many other readers thought she was a bit of a whinger in the first). She starts to learn some things about her power that puts things into place for the reader. Her relationship with Lincoln is so tangibly sizzling you can almost touch it and burn from the heat that is oh so palpable between these two. Jessica Shirvington certainly knows how to make her readers pant with anticipation, and covet with envy the kind of chemistry that exists between our forbidden lovebirds. Her descriptions of said chemistry are so well written that it virtually jumps off the page and into your own limbs. This is definitely one that will give you the feels. 'Entice' is not so much romance-driven, but there is more of a balance between romance, action, drama, adventure and mystery. Finding out what the exiles are planning and what they have against Grigori, as well as the search for the scriptures leads the gang to Jordan, where all hell breaks loose (not meant literally). Not yet. But if you want action, you'll get it. Jessica has done a great job of making the reader feel like they are in Jordan, her world-building here is done well, she really gets the exotic feel right. If I'm not mistaken, I think I read that Jessica actually travelled to Jordan before writing this book, so she knows what she's talking about when she describes the place. There are some new characters introduced in this one, as well as Steph, Violet's best friend, having a more involved part to play in the overall plot, which received a very warm welcome from me because she is completely adorable (and I am jealous of her brain). I love how loyal Steph is, and how, like the bestest of friends, Vi can entrust Steph with anything. Steph really stood out for me, she is a strong female character, but not in the usual kick-assy way that most authors make a female to communicate that she is strong. Steph is not like that at all, she can't fight, and she has no interest in learning how to, she is not a Grigori or anything of the paranormal world, she's human. But she is strong in that she's completely reliable, loyal, trustworthy, supportive, intelligent and knows how to use it to her advantage and for the wider good, she's compassionate and understanding. All the things we all want in a best friend, and perhaps she reminds you of your own real-life best friend? Every one of Steph's appearances are pages that will make you smile. Spence. At first I thought he was going to be another love interest, another guy who was going to be competition for Linc, but it turned out, with a great big sigh of relief, that he was just an awesomely awesome kick-ass kicking ass buddy that made me laugh every time he communicated with Vi or got up to no-good with her (which turn out to be helpful to their cause). He turns the some-what dark themes and situations lighter, which is refreshing. Most of the main characters (Vi, Linc, Griffin) are always very serious and can be quite grim, but Spence (along with some of the other new characters) balance it out, letting the reader breathe, and even chuckle at the funny lines he comes up with. Magda is annoying, I hate her, and I'm jealous on Vi's behalf (though Vi does that quite well herself). But I guess that was the point of Magda, for us to hate her. And boy do we hate her. Griffin. Love him. Although he's not much older than the others, he's still like the solid, authoritative, supportive, wise, father figure that the guys need. They go through some pretty shitty times, and Griff is the solid structure, the one who always has an answer, that they need to stand upright. Pheonix. Look, I know some people don't like him. But is it crazy that I find myself torn between rooting for him and Lincoln? I mean, come on, who doesn't love a bad boy? Again, a bad boy that just needs to be accepted. And loved. He's completely misunderstood people! Pay attention to him! How would you like being eternally young and never being able to get close to anyone because they'll just die and the ones you could get close to hate you because you're not 'light' like they are and you're eternal enemies, therefore you are the only one of your kind, you're dark but the others who are from the same side of the pond as you are completely crazy and inhuman, but your heart is light and, again, the other side will never accept you? How would you like it huh? Phew. I love Pheonix. I think the word 'sexy' was created to describe him. Actually, that should be inserted into the dictionary. Sexy [sek-see]: sexually interesting or exciting: see Pheonix (character in The Violet Eden Chapters). What do you think? ;-P Lincoln. Deep inner struggles, some of which are his own personal stuff, but some to do with Vi. He can't be with the girl he loves with a capital L. The guy is pained and distressed. He seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. But his devotion to Vi is admirable. And the scenes with him and Vi, well like I said earlier, they're sizzling. I'd say if you love angel paranormal romance, then read this, but angel paranormal romance isn't my usual cup of tea, but I still love this. So I guess, whatever you're into, you may be pleasantly surprised. 5/5 For more reviews like this go to http://NoraBay.blogspot.com. You can also follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/NoraBay85
