BOOK REVIEW - EMPOWER by JESSICA SHIRVINGTON - VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS # 5 - HACHETTE AUST - YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE

By: Jessica Shirvington

Published By: Hachette Aust

Released : Available Now

Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review, 441 Pages

RATING: 5 MEMORABLE END OF SERIES STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

This was a most fitting end to the Violet Eden Chapters.

I got all girlie and teary. I’m sitting in my car down the beach, trying not to notice Mr Fitness taking the mums and babies class.

Anyhoo, I am swallowing lumps and casually doing that slow finger under the sunnies tear wipe, trying not to be noticed by the joggers and walkers, trying not to pull the ugly cry face.

Where’s a tissue in the hand bag when you need one.

Yes, Jessica gives us ‘feels’ in her last installment and I am not ashamed to say, they got me a bit blubbery.

Dang. When a book can do that to me.

Two years have past and Violet is living in her own personal hell and trying to keep ahead of Lincoln. She is fighting hard for what she believes in. What she believes is best for Lincoln.

Lincoln had me all... ‘feels’, with how Violet left him.

Standing close and breathing hard, he spoke in a low voice. “Am I so insignificant to you that you won’t answer a few simple questions?”


He was still yelling. “But you’re not fixed at all, are you? We’re still us in all the terrible ways and none of the good!”


Awww. Poor Lincoln. Sometimes I wanted to shake Violet. The guy is wearing his heart on his sleeve.

“Violet, I ... I breathe you. I live you. I love you.”

If every girl heard those words from her beau... wow! 

We meet a bunch of Rogues and get to spend time with Gray who is a lovely lad. He has such a great soul and so loyal and nice to Violet.

“Oh, and by the way,” Gray said. “You were right. This is definitely a trap.”

“Gotta love being popular,” I said. 


Carter is the funny bone with his snark among the Rogues. I like him.

“Can we please go and kill some exiles now?” Carter called out gruffly. “No wonder I never wanted to work with you people. It’s like a bloody soap opera.”

Then we have the brilliant Steph, who doesn’t back down from anything.

Steph is such a wonderful , loyal friend who makes it onto the wrong side of Lincoln, but she sticks to her girl power loyalty, no matter how hard it is for her to do it. She also speaks her mind. She is the reality check that Violet needs.

“Oh, stop being a martyr!” Steph said, stealing my description of Lincoln yesterday, along with the croissant I was still holding, before she spun and stormed down the corridor as I watched after her, blinking.

Yeah. Steph has gumption.


“Everything is so huge with you. Big moments. Life-threatening sacrifices. World changing triumphs. But love isn’t like that. Love is all the small moments. It’s what fills the quiet. She sat up suddenly, looking down at me. “Do yourself a favor and just sit in the quiet for a while, and hear what fills it.”

Yeah. Steph. Rocks.

The bald headed, briefcase toting villain gets a name and he is one bad ass villain.

Phoenix...man, Jessica had me all teary for him. He just wants love. We really see how lonely and tough his life is for him in this last installment.

Jessica really did crush my heart.

I really do personally need a Phoenix spinoff. He just needs...someone.

“You always worried you were becoming a new kind of angel, but can you finally see?” he called out. “You were always becoming the best kind of human.” His eyes met mine, and for a few magical beats all the mayhem around us went away and his calm brown eyes met my hazel ones and understanding passed between us.


I feel like a part of my heart will always be waiting for Phoenix to be happy and complete.

I know this is a fictional book, but, Phoenix needs someone. Then I can stop worrying about him.

Onyx, you are still such a fun sidekick character who I adore. You have landed on your feet in more ways than one.


“What?” I asked sharply.

“Honestly?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Yes.”

“I’m just giddy with excitement,” he said, his eyes alight. “It’s as if someone has rebooted my favourite movie just for me and I get to sit back and watch all over again.”

“Still a bastard, then,” I mumbled.

He laughed openly. “Why fight what works?” He leaned a little closer, and dropped his voice. “But I’m sure you’ll find that not everything has remained quite the same.”


I can’t help smiling when Onyx is talking.

“Anyone tried to kill you?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes. “Not yet,” I replied.

He shrugged. “Blow anything up?”

“Not yet,” I said again, fighting the urge to smile.

“Eh. Still early days.”



“Shouldn’t you be working?” I asked Onyx.

He threw back a shot. “I am. Customer relations. Are you enjoying yourself?”

A waitress came over and placed a number of drinks on the table. One in front of me. I raised an eyebrow.

“See?” Onyx said. “Don’t say I’m not looking after you.”


Man, I want to see that tv show eventuate for this series. Just watching Phoenix and Lincoln in action and hearing their declarations of love... wow! All the sub characters who make this series so much fun and interesting, and those fighting scenes. I would sit and watch it.

A wonderful heart felt ending to a really cool YA series that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

I highly recommend The Violet Eden Chapters. Once you start this ride, you will find yourself very addicted.

Michelle

USA Release Date

May 6th 2014

Sourcebooks

ENDLESS by JESSICA SHIRVINGTON - BOOK REVIEW - THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS # 4 - YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE - HACHETTE - AUSSIE AUTHOR ROAD TRIP - DAY 15

Day 15 : The Violet Eden Chapters is a series that has grown on me. The books get better and better and my heart aches for Lincoln and even bad boy Phoenix. You gotta love a bad boy with a guilt trip. 

Violet Eden is about to discover , she isn't who she thought she was, she is so much more.

Star crossed love and a whole pile of awesome sub characters make this a must YA series to read. Jessica really did a brilliant job of Endless. Next is Empower. 

* whispers * I think it is the last one. I thought there was originally talk of two more books but the cover says 'The Final Choice'. EEeeeeppp! I don't want this series to end. 

If you haven't started this series, I have my review links down the bottom. I give no spoilers , so you can have a read if you want and I might entice you into reading this series...errr, no pun intended. 

I also have the link for an interview I did with Jessica a short while back. She really is a lovely author to chat to.

Here is my review of Endless # 4 in The Violet Eden Chapters.

Giddy Up!

Michelle

By: Jessica Shirvington

Published By: Hachette , Sourcebooks

Released: Available Now

Details: Digital Netgalley ,446 Pages

RATING: 5 MY HEART ACHES FOR VIOLET AND LINCOLN STARS

Blurb: Goodreads

Love will kill us all.

Angels are real. They aren't always kind. Violet Eden is certain of all this because she is Grigori - part angel, part human. She has felt the influence of both light and dark.

When Hell unleashes its worst, Violet must embrace every facet of her angel self to save the people she cares about and the world as she knows it. But death is not the worst thing that Violet will face. For her, the endless question 'Can love conquer all?' will finally be answered.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

Emotions and mayhem.

O.M.G.

This was the BEST book in the series to date for me.

This one is a non stop roller coaster of emotions.

Jessica smashed it with this installment.

I am Team Lincoln but hell, Jessica makes it hard on my feelings for Phoenix. There are always moments where Phoenix will grab my heart and squeeze it. I find myself wanting to give this bad boy a big hug and then the next minute I am going WTH!!

He paused at my shoulder. “That’s good, lover. You’re going to need that,” he said quietly, reading my emotions. “That and more.”

Jessica turns it up a notch with Linc and Violet.

Huzzah!

* waggles eyebrows * 

Heaven.

Hell.

My heart raced. He was warmth and sun and everything that felt right in my world. I wanted it so much, like I’d never wanted anything in my life before. Everything. His touch, his lips, his heart, his ... soul. God help me, I wanted it all.

Mine.

... He kissed me just below my ear and I thought I might faint from the feeling that the world was suddenly igniting around me.


The rules are looking like they can be broken or at least played with.

Nox and Uri, you two dudes are all knowing and like to pop up with words of riddles. Nothing like chat time with you two.


“Only when you must know , can you know,” Uri answered.

I am channeling Yoda. HA!

Spence is still that loyal, awesome dude who likes to parrttaay like the next person, but when it’s time to help Violet, he is as solid as a rock. I just totally dig Spencer. He is the funny bone in this series. 

“Follow that cab!” Spence said to the driver, throwing all the money in his pocket at the taxi driver.

We leaned back as we headed over the bridge and into lower Manhattan. Spence looked positively exhilarated.

“You’ve always wanted to say that, huh?”

“Every man’s dream! “ he said, not taking his eyes off the taxi ahead.


Steph is still the most awesome friend to Violet. She is getting herself some man time among all the mayhem. Steph is such a solid friend.

“Can you believe we’re going out for a night to have pure fun?” No exiles, no angels, no Grigori strategy - just us, music, dancing, and seriously spiked punch!” Steph looked like she was about to explode with delirium.

“And for some of us, the after party!” Zoe added suggestively, looking at her with raised eyebrows.

Steph’s smile broadened. “That might have something to do with it,” she said slyly.


Onyx and Dapper. I love these two. Dapper has some tucked away secrets and Onyx is more good guy than bad-evil-dude. I have me a thing for these two. Onyx is that bad guy , you can't help liking. I think even he is enjoying himself, even though he doesn't want to admit it. It's got to be easier, fighting the good fight.

Onyx was working behind the bar, showing off his impressive physique in a tight black T-shirt and torn, slim-fit jeans. Dapper was serving a group of girls to his right. Working in sync, the two of them had the entire bar covered. I was struck by the professional attitude Onyx seemed to have adopted as he expertly flipped a coaster onto the bar with one hand just before landing a glass on it with the other. It was quite a change. Almost as different as his casual attire, which had girls draped over the bar eyeing him up instead of crying and running away at some insult he’d launched in their direction- as had happened in the past.



Dapper moved over grudgingly, taking in all the women drooling over Onyx- could’ve sworn his eyes blazed before he began jabbing a finger toward Spence.



Dapper cleared his throat and grunted at Onyx. “Is it so impossible to admit you simply wanted to help?”

Onyx’s grin faltered and he rolled his eyes.



Onyx is quite a delight to read . I keep waiting for him to let me down, but he doesn't. He and Violet are such fun to read when they are verbal sparring. An odd friendship of sorts.


Onyx chose that moment to walk past me, brushing my shoulder as he watched Lincoln stalk away and resume his position at the bar. “I like him more and more.”



I gave him a deadpan look. “You feeling sorry for me doesn’t work with me.”

“Oh, thank Christ,” he exclaimed with relief. “I thought I was going to have to pretend all day.”

“You’re an ass, you know that, right?”

He bowed. “I do, thank you.”He eyed my drink. “Enjoy that, there’s more rum in it than coffee,” he said with a wink before sauntering off to sit beside Dapper.

I turned to Lincoln, a look of puzzlement on his face as he watched Onyx. “Do you think there’s something going on between Dapper and Onyx?” he asked me.



I glared back at him.

“Oh,” he said, throwing a hand to his chest. “Is that your evil stare? I’m quivering.”




“Well, thank freaking Christ for that! And about time too,” Onyx said, standing outside the door I’d just opened.

My eyes narrowed. “Were you listening?”

“Yes. Better than an episode of Gossip Girl. Sex, betrayal, scheming, murder, and, my personal favorite...denial. I applaud you! “ He clapped.



“When you two are finished!” Dapper called out from the end of the hallway. “Honestly, you’re like children. And you’re the worst of all, girly,” he said, jabbing a finger at me. “You know he’s harmless now. Leave him to his snarky remarks, they’re all he damn well has.”

At that bit, Onyx and I glared at Dapper.

“I am anything but harmless. You people gravely underestimate my potential.”



Onyx smiled slyly.

“What?” I snapped.

“Nothing. I’m just trying to decide who it is for?”

“Who what is for?” I asked, losing all patience.

Vi, let’s go,” Steph said, trying to pull me away. I didn’t budge.

Onyx’s smile broadened. “All the pent-up sexual frustration, of course.”


Evelyn and Violet’s father have much to discuss, many years of lost moments to catch up on. If her father can actually accept all that has been thrown at him.

I find Evelyn to be a very strong character, to do what she did. Give up her baby and her husband. Well, that is a pretty HUGE thing in my book.

Violet was pretty darn hard on her mum, I thought. Selflessness comes in many ways and all is not necessarily what it seems. Dad pulls rank and cracks off a bit of a biatch slap. There are some anger issues that need to be sifted through. Bridges to mend.



She put her hands on her hips, looking down at me like... like... like a mother. My mind scrambled.

I harrumphed. “What? Did you hit your head tumbling down from your cloud or something?”


Jase thinks he is in with a chance and Lincoln is setting the record straight. Can't blame a lad for trying.

Lincoln shrugged, too calm. “I wouldn’t describe our relationship as the brother-sister type, Jase. I believe that would be frowned upon.”

But Lincoln spoke first, putting his hand up to stop me. “Jase, I’m sure I haven’t been clear with you on this issue. I apologize for that. Entirely my fault.”

Oh shit.

“Linc,” I butted in unsuccessfully.

“Allow me to rectify,” Lincoln continued, stepping a little closer to Jase. “If you look at her again, that way you do- I’m going to be very upset. If you touch her in anyway that you haven’t first been invited to and, well”- he glanced at me, still frozen, before turning his full attention back to Jase- “even then, I won’t be responsible for my actions. Violet and I may not be together, but make no mistake, she is mine just as much as I am hers.”

Lincoln tries so hard to keep his emotions in check, but sometimes it is too much. I simply love Lincoln. He is my team guy. 

* whispers * Go Linc.

I stormed over. “That wasn’t necessary,” I snapped.

“I know,” he replied quietly, catching me of guard. He sighed and looked guilty. “I know,” he said again, his eyes on me in a way that somehow covered my whole body and caused an unstoppable tingle all the way down to my toes.

Damn, he knows exactly how to unhinge me.

“But what do you want me to do?” Stand by and smile while he hits on you?”


Phoenix is playing the part of evil spawn and testing Lincoln's emotions. He just can't help reminding Lincoln of the , been-there-done-that, got the V card to prove it. A tough thing for Lincoln to get past.

“Funny. You don’t seem to make it into my dreams.”

“That’s because you’re busy dreaming of things I’ve already had,” Phoenix said, gesturing to me but not taking his eyes off Lincoln.

While also being the messenger of bad news for Violet.

“That’s never going to happen. Tell your psycho bitch of a mother to sit on the pointy end of her deal and twist.”

Lilith lives up to her legendary status of epic-evil ordering her minions to kidnap innocent children. Really Lilith, that is not cool. 

“Violet, Lilith is not like any other exile you’ve faced. They’re all insane, but Lilith... Lilith is insanity. She drives people to madness. I’m the reason she went to Hell and if she ever gets her hands on you, she will punish me by breaking you. She won’t just kill you, Violet; she’ll destroy you and everything you care about.

She looked at me. “Such a plain girl- nothing striking about you, and yet I find I must compete with you. And most disturbingly”- she turned a less friendly look on Phoenix- “You hold the heart of my offspring, even though you have clearly given yours to another."


Josephine reminded me of that horrid woman in Harry Potter, Dolores Umbridge. Grrrrr she is a pain in the ass. 


“I heard about your testing and for the record, Josephine is an evil bitch. When I get there I plan on having ugly words with her and her damn Assembly.

Josephine needed a stinky dead fish slap from me.

Violet really stepped up to the plate in this installment, she was tested, tortured, emotionally pounded with her love for Lincoln and her different love for Phoenix. Then she has to check her emotions with the returned-from-the-grave parent,  and a father that is trying to absorb all that has been thrown at him. 

Violet 1.0 to Violet 4.0 has come a long way. Can't wait to meet Violet 5.0.

Steph is always available for words of wisdom and advice for Violet. Sometimes you need a gal pal to help you sort through everything you are feeling.

“But it’s true. You might not have loved him the way you do someone else, but you cared enough to consider the possibility of being in a relationship with him.”


A most energetic read that was a real page turner, shiz was going down left right and center. Jessica has really pulled out all the stops in this one. I am really going to miss this series when it comes to an end.

I can tell you shiz will be going down in Empower if those last few chapters are any indication to go on. 

My heart was blown apart.

My nerves were raw.

I bit my nails.

“Not us, Vi. Everything else may end, but not us. What we have... We’re endless.”

Here's hoping.

I think this may just turn into an epic love story.

Michelle

It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.

Released Australia : 12th November 2013

Hachette Australia

My Reviews:

Embrace

Entice

Emblaze 

&

Between The Lives

My Interview with Jessica 

USA COVERS

About the author

Jessica Shirvington is the author of THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS also known as THE EMBRACE SERIES, and stand alone novel, BETWEEN THE LIVES. An entrepreneur, author, and mother living in Sydney, Australia, Jessica is also a 2011 finalist for Cosmopolitan’s annual Fun, Fearless Female Award. She’s also one of the lucky few who met the love of her life at age seventeen: Matt Shirvington, a former Olympian and current sports broadcaster for FOXTEL and Sky News. Married for twleve years with two beautiful daughters, Sienna and Winter, Jessica knows her early age romance and its longevity has definitely contributed to how she tackles relationships in her YA novels.

Jessica's Web Page

Tomorrow I am visiting with Rebecca Berto and Ann B. Harrison.

ENDLESS BLOG TOUR - Q & A with AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR - JESSICA SHIRVINGTON - THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS # 4 - SOURCEBOOKS - YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE

Today on Novels On The Run I have a Q & A with Australian author Jessica Shirvington.

This is my stop on the Sourcebooks US blog tour. My review will be up in next couple days.

I read Endless via netgalley straight after reading Emblaze back in August. So these Q & A's were written back in August. NERD ALERT, I was making sure I was organized for my stop.

If you haven't started The Violet Eden Chapters, I totally recommend this YA series. For me, the books get better and better. Endless was brilliant! I have my crush on Spence I could handle sharing an  icecream and a laugh. I just love the lad. I love Phoenix and Lincoln too * waggles eyebrows *

Jessica has also graciously given us a little teaser from a new book she has coming out sometime, so read on. I got lucky!

Without further ado, here is my Q & A with the lovely Jessica.

Enjoy

I got to say the US covers are STUNNING!

Q & A with JESSICA SHIRVINGTON

Michelle:  What five words describe Jessica Shirvington the AUTHOR?

Jessica: Passionate. Excitable. Dreamer. Meticulous. Researcher.

Michelle:  If you were given the task of walking up to somebody random in the street and you were to explain your book series to them in a short speech what would you tell them?

Jessica: It is a story about human warriors on earth who have the powers of angels. It is about a girl named Violet who struggles to accept the role she plays in this world she is now a part of and is forced to learn that for every choice she makes the consequences are often severe. It is a story about love. About sacrifice. About friendship and about fighting for everything that makes us human.

Michelle:  The Violet Eden Chapters are getting awesome reviews around the world. The fifth and final book Empower is releasing in November 2013 in Australia and May 2014 in the U.S. I have currently read Embrace and Entice and you really got me in with Phoenix, Lincoln, Violet and all the sub characters. They are all wonderful to read.  

Jessica: Thank you so much!

Michelle:  Who has been your hardest character to write in the series and why?

Jessica:  Lincoln. Because it is his restraint that makes his character so special and unique. Restraint is a difficult thing to show on a page without seeming contrite or forced. For me, it has been a gradual development of his character. The reader sees what he is on the surface initially, then as the books evolve we see so many more layers that he tries to hide. For other characters, like Phoenix and Spence, it was a lot easier even though their characters can be very complicated at times.

Michelle:  I have only read Spence’s character in one book and I already want a Spence spinoff. It has a nice ring to it. I watched a great interview you did over at the Writer Bar http://www.writingbar.com/2013/06/interviews-with-writers/interview-with-jessica-shirvington/ , and you mentioned Spence. I know Nerd Alert, I do my research , what can I say.

Australian cover

How much fun did you have writing his character, he is a rule breaker? I am cracking open Emblaze tonight and Spence is one of the reasons. I love him!

Jessica:  That is so great that you love Spence. He is a fav of mine too! I love him because he isn’t a complication for Violet. He doesn’t add a new problem for her, just a great friendship. He is a pillar of strength and at a time when it feels as if the world is resting on her shoulders Spence gives her permission to be a teenager. He encourages her to take chances and in turn that helps her begin to enjoy who she had become, this warrior that she now it. His addition to the cast in ENTICE was vital and his character is one of the most important. He is like a brother to her. As for writing Spence…all I can say is it was almost too much fun! He wrote himself really. There was no work involved.

Michelle:  You mention a duology series you are writing in the Writer Bar interview. Can you tell us anything at all about it. Maybe a quote with no names attached to it to wet our whistles...or not, lol! I got to ask as I am a fan of your writing and you have many fans around the world.

Jessica: Hmm….This is a tricky question. But ok! The working title for the first part in the duology is: DISRUPTION. And her is a tiny snippet (please note: this is an unedited except):

I glanced down at my sleek M-Band missing the days when a simple wristwatch sat in its place. When life wasn’t dictated by whatever data it spewed out. But those days are gone. It had only taken nine years for the world to change completely. And forever. You’d have thought we were better than that. You’d have thought we’d fight harder and stronger. But it turns out being able to rate ourselves against one another, being able to scientifically map the way our pheromones interacted with each individual we crossed paths with, was more important than any of the other values we’d once held so dear. Like honor. Like time. Like family. 

Like… falling in love.

Michelle:  Speaking of fans around the world, is there anything you can tell us about the TV project that was talked about last year in the media, regarding The Violet Eden Chapters?

Jessica: No updates at the moment! Sorry!

Michelle: Is there anything you have learnt from readers reviews of this series? Endless # 4 is releasing in USA 01 October 2013.

Jessica: Yes. Absolutely. I love reading reviews and it feels very humbling to see readers take the time to write them. I love reading reactions to scenes or characters. I love that the emotion that I feel when I am writing is able to transfer itself to the reading experience of people all around the world. It is amazing.

Michelle:  If you could invite four people/character’s to dinner , they can be fictional, real, alive or dead who would they be and why?

Jessica:

1. God. Because I have some serious questions!

2. Alexander the Great. Because I just have to understand how someone so young could do so many incredibly and also brutal things.

3. Cleopatra. A powerful woman in the time of powerful men. I would love to meet her.

4. C.S Lewis. Because he is pretty much my favorite author.

5. My grandmother. So I could give her one more hug.

Michelle: Thank you Jessica for answering my Q’s . Best wishes with your writing.

Jessica:  Thanks Michelle!!

EMPOWER  

THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS # 5

DUE FOR RELEASE - AUSTRALIA 12TH NOVEMBER 2013

GIDDY UP!

It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.

BOOK REVIEW - EMBLAZE by JESSICA SHIRVINGTON - THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS # 3 - HACHETTE - SOURCEBOOKS

By: Jessica Shirvington
Published By: Hachette Aust, Sourcebooks
Released : Available Now
Details: Signed Paperback from giveaway, 

RATING: 4.5 EXCITING STARS!

Blurb : Goodreads

Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice ... and the consequences are unimaginable.

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too.

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to..


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I got to say, this book rocked my kazbah. I am totally invested in this series now. I am at book # 3 and just like I was with Vampire Academy series it took me until book #3 to really ‘feel’ that connection with the story and me as the reader. I have got that feeling now with Lincoln and Violet. I am joined like an umbilical cord to their forbidden love, feeding off their emotions.

I am feeling how tough it is on them. The physical pain. How hard it is to keep their emotional distance from each other. It kind of hurts my heart watching them struggle with their love that they aren't allowed to consummate. 

Aren't allowed to acknowledge.

Aren't supposed to feel.

Violet doesn’t realize how powerful she will become, but Phoenix knows and those Angels also know. They like to talk in riddles. Pesky Nox and Uri have trouble saying anything in a straight sentence.

I'm like, dudes spit it out.

Dapper and Onyx, what is with these two. My brain is going in a certain direction. Will I be correct? Not that there is anything wrong with that.  

More of the mysterious Dapper is revealed.

Onyx is such a lovable ex super evil bad guy. Dapper and he have this connection. Dapper can put Onyx in his place.

“Oh come, Dapper, let them have their young love,’ Onyx teased. ‘It makes the build-up to tragedy so much more entertaining. ‘He glanced in my direction and raised a hand. ‘Exhibit A.’ 

We were in Jordan in Entice, we now go off to Santorini. Not exactly a vacation. There is work to be done and lives to save, all because Phoenix wants to bring the family back together.

‘Why do you hate me so much?’

Phoenix shot a dangerous look in my direction. ‘I had a life before you. It wasn’t perfect but I had it in hand. You made me want things, want to belong. Now I won’t stop until I do.’ 

Phoenix plays the bad boy part very well. Jessica really has me torn, I want to not like him, but I simply can't. He stuffed up turning a new leaf and now he is one angry lad. 

Yet... I feel he is at war with himself over his vengeance. There is good Phoenix sitting on one shoulder and there is the 'keeping it in the family', Phoenix sitting on the other shoulder, egging Phoenix on in his mission. Keeping up appearances is ahead by a leg or two.

I could see our reflections in the window. He was taller than me, though he often slouched. He always dressed smartly these days. Today he was in black pants and a charcoal shirt. He looked both handsome and dangerous and I couldn’t help staring at his hair in the glass - the way light danced across the black roots that were illuminated by ripples of deep purple and strands of dazzling silver. Even in the image bouncing off the window, it was mesmerizing.

Instead, he leaned in close, too close for comfort, and spoke with a low voice into my ear. ‘I would’ve given you everything.’

As the reader we can't help feeling tempted by those words.

Whahhh! There is a bit of a surprise twist that has somebody face planting.

I really felt like I was in the story in this installment. I am believing Lincoln and Violet and how much pain it physically causes them and their souls to love each other. It is becoming quite epic their forbidden love. 

Spence is my side kick hero and Steph never lets me down with her personality. 

Never.

‘Nice to be working with you again, Eden. You missed a cracker night last night, by the way. Got Zoe so drunk we almost talked her into doing a nuddy knock-and-run on Josephine’s door.

My smile became more genuine and when we reached the top of the staircase I put an arm around her. ‘I’m really glad you’re happy.’ 

‘You will be, too, you know. It might not be right away, but I know you will. Some things are just written in the stars,’ she said, looking up at the twinkling sky, drunk on love. 

I hitched my bag higher on my shoulder and opened the hotel door for her. ‘Even the stars can’t change some things, Steph.’ 

Josephine, how I want to dangle you over a volcano. There is something about you.

Griffin, I really like him. He is a hard one to get to know. 

Griffin was a conundrum. He looked like someone in their mid-twenties, acted like someone in their late forties and was really in his eighties.

I really liked The Keeper. What an interesting dude. I kind of felt for him a bit. 

‘You two are like lobster in a world of mudfish.’ 

Something that keeps playing in the back of my mind is Spence's talent of being able to glamour himself invisible and into whoever he wants. I would think he would be an extreme fret to the baddies. Any Grigori that could go invisible. How good would they be in killing Exiles . You wouldn't see them coming. I feel his usefulness is kept hidden a bit. I get he doesn't have a partner as yet, but that doesn't seem to stop him from joining in.

I've got to say I loved, loved loved, getting a Phoenix pov chapter. It so added to me feeling this book. I would have loved more. He is a great character.

I am rather excited to read Endless, for me personally, Jessica gets better and better with her writing, each book I pick up.

* turns Kindle on * Time for Endless.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - ENTICE by JESSICA SHIRVINGTON - THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS # 2 - HACHETTE AUST - SOURCEBOOKS

By: Jessica Shirvington
Published By: Hachette, Sourcebooks
Released : Available Now
Details: Paperback from Library, 

RATING : 4.25 LINCOLN, PHOENIX & SIDEKICK SPENCE STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

CONSEQUENCE HAUNTS EVERY CHOICE

Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human.

Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels.

Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.

The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.

Enticed (now retitled ENTICE) is the second compelling book in The Violet Eden Chapters.

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

Lordy the shiz has hit the fan in Entice. Violet has angered the wrong guy. Oh boy, has she angered the wrong person. This does not bode well for her.

Villain’s and minions are doing what villains and minions do well.

There are sad moments and humorous moments.

O.M.G. I was standing there in front of my soul mate in my green Incredible Hulk undies!


Lincoln, now I thought you said no more secrets, then what do you start off doing....??? You know it is only going to get Violet wanting to know what your secret is which will make her go all stalker on you.

I am Team Lincoln but after seeing Phoenix’s better side, I can’t help still having a slice of my heart for Phoenix. I know he is not the good guy...it is Jessica’s fault I feel like this. J  

I just feel a bit sad for him.

Jessica introduces us to the bad boy before we really get to know Lincoln, so we are left with sore hearts. Now she is putting ‘bad’ in bad boy in a big way.

Violet and Linc have this thing where they can’t admit what they are feeling. It is not allowed. It is a rule breaker. It is very hard on them.

When things were at their worst, when I have needed someone to be there for me - it has always been Lincoln. Until recently, it didn’t matter what it was - training, protection, hell ... even a balanced diet - he had been the person I’d talked to, who’d backed me up. He was everything to me.

Some great new characters come into the story. Salvatore the Italian stallion is a sweety and Zoe is a pocket rocket who can, as the saying goes, ‘move mountains’, to help you. Pun intended. She is a cool chick.

‘So to sum up,’ Zoe said, rolling her eyes and pointing at Spence, ‘Glamour.’ To herself, ‘Nature.’ Then to Salvatore, ‘Lie detector.’

Nyla and Rudyard really bring home a few truths for Violet and Lincoln.

Spence, how I love thee. He is a brilliant side kick and I love how he is always breaking the rules. Where there is a will there is a way with Spence.

‘Hi! My name is Spencer and I am an angel carrier.’

Zoe wacked him on the arm so hard it would have broken if he weren’t Grigori. Spence rubbed his shoulder and looked at her ruefully. ‘You know I do bruise and I am still breakable until I have a partner, as everyone keeps reminding me, so careful with the merchandise.’

Zoe motioned as if she were about to hit him again.

‘Okay, okay,’ Spence said, smiling but also shifting away from Zoe. ‘I’m from a Dominations Angel. I’m lacking in the parent department since they gave me up when I was born so I don’t know which one died, not that it matters. ‘


‘Jesus Christ!’ I yelled, jumping up and down to shake out the fear as I opened the sliding door, frowning when I realized it wasn’t locked.

‘Nope, but you’re not the first to make that mistake,’ Spence said, grinning mischievously. 

‘It’s okay. I get it. It wasn’t exactly my choice either, you know. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not feeling violated or anything. You kiss like a maniac - no guy in his right mind would be disappointed after that- I mean - ‘


It’s hard for me to cover up innate hotness, no matter what form I’m in.’

Steph made a gagging motion. ‘You could have stayed male,’ she said.

Spence took a huge bite of his sandwich. ‘True, but then it wouldn’t have been easy to stop by the girl’s change room on the way here.’ He shrugged.


Spence came up beside me. ‘Da da da dah-dah, da da da dah-dahh, da da da dah, da da da dah, da da da-dahh.’

‘Star wars?’

‘Crap. I was going for Indiana Jones,’ he said. ‘This place is wicked.’


What can I say, the lad has some great lines.

Phoenix, I still hold out hope for you. You show me glimmers of emotion that you are trying to shut out. I know you are hurting, but whahhh! you really are going to be a hard one to fight. Talk about having the upper hand. That really isn’t playing fair in the sandbox.

Magda, you are such a great mean girl. We are not supposed to like you. You are all possessive and spiteful and catty and beautiful. Why are boys so dumb around the mean girl ? I still want to give her a stinky dead fish slap, but she plays the part well.

Steph, I LOVE STEPH! She makes genius look stunning. The girl is full of brains and beauty and loyalty. She is the side kick super sleuth.

‘Christ Vi, you better watch out who you tell this stuff to. Even the God Squad might find some of your bag weird.’

Dapper, the cranky seer, he is a little mysterious, very neutral when it comes to making a buck in his club but always manages to lend a hand when needed.

Onyx, you are growing on me. Can I trust you? No! But, if there is such a thing as evil rehabilitation, then you may have started to learn a few things from being human. I am interested to see how Onyx’s character pans out.

A story where villains and minions are fighting for the greater evil and Phoenix wants to be the greater evil over Violet. He is hurting and he wants Violet to hurt. He is playing dirty and a little low considering who he is and what he can do. I am sure Violet will be able to catch up eventually to him and give a smackdown for us readers to watch play out.

I did see quite early on who the traitor was. I thought it was rather a red flag with ..... well, I won’t list them as that is a spoiler. 

But!!

What I liked was I didn’t work out the whole reason. In my notes I wrote my prediction down and got it two thirds right. I like it when an author can still give me that twist that I hunger for in books.

I have this thing where I am not a lover of the repeatedly crying female lead. I gave Violet a ‘cry ‘ pass in Embrace because everything was new to her and a bit overwhelming and she had a lot of emotion running through her. Entice didn’t seem to slow the tears. I am hoping Emblaze will have them dried up a lot more. I think there are definite moments for genuine tears and then there are the moments where I can’t help but roll my eyes and want to shake the chick. Tears for me are for ‘real’ emotional scenes, not for just bawling all the time. Violet can have a case of the over used water works and I don’t really get sometimes why she has to fall apart. She is a strong girl. She can kick ass. She can use that misty stuff and bring down multiple baddies.

Lincoln and Violet take three steps forward and four steps back in their attempt to be happy. Love sometimes is not fair and it can play with your heart repeatedly. 

In Lincoln and Violet's case their hearts take a hammering. There is only a lose lose situation.

Whether it be angels or fellow Grigori, most like to talk in riddles or in what can feel like unhelpful advice to Violet.

‘Violet,’ he put his gigantic hand on my shoulder, ‘I don’t have your answers. I can see you are haunted by this. Choices often reveal consequences in many ways. But what you are looking for I cannot give you.’

I can't see Violet's love issues going away in a hurry and Phoenix is carrying around a whole pile of anger issues . Lincoln has his own agenda and Steph and Spence are the awesome side kicks who will do anything for Violet. Both are very cool friends who know how to get Violet answers.

Entice has me very intrigued to see this series to the end. I think Jessica is going to hurt my heart with some of her characters and I want to get me a HEA.

But will Violet get hers?

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - EMBRACE by JESSICA SHIRVINGTON - THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS # 1 -HACHETTE - SOURCEBOOKS

By: Jessica Shirvington
Published By: Hachette, Sourcebooks
Released: Available Now
Details: Paperback, 382 Pages

RATING: 4 TEAM LINCOLN STARS WITH A BIG CALORIE FILLED HELPING OF BAD BOY PHOENIX!

Blurb: Goodreads

It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.

Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.

A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:


OOoO I really liked this book! It was a real page turner for me. I love a book that has me getting all antsy about the lad that loves the girl but isn’t allowed to and the bad boy who steps in and swipes the girl right from under his nose.

As bloggers we can forget that we read more than the average bear sometimes and although we have come across this scenario before, others may be new to it. If I am entertained, and I get that 3D emotional experience, then I am a happy reader.

I loved the chapters each have a quote, some biblical, some not. I enjoyed reading those.

Lincoln is a gorgeous character, he has his secrets and he has only good intentions for Violet.

Phoenix is the bad boy. What are his intentions? 

'Why are you so afraid to be more than ordinary?'

I connected with Lincoln from the get go. He is such a great character, but then Jessica separates us from him...dang it! She gets Phoenix to win us over with his charms and bad boy looks. We haven’t forgotten Lincoln, but Jessica makes us like the bad boy. 

Too much.

Violet is in love with Lincoln. Her father is very busy with his architecture business and leaves Violet to her own devices. Dad trusts Lincoln and he likes Steph her bff.

Dad is totally oblivious to what is happening in his daughter’s life. He is quite out of touch with her. He loves her, pulls the daddy strings every now and then, but he is busy. This, Violet doesn’t mind. She is used to being let down by her father. It gives her more freedom than the average teenager to be out at night getting mixed up in a world she hadn’t known existed. A dangerous world where humans can wind up dead, just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Jessica doesn’t hold back when it comes to a bit of violence. Us poor humans are fragile beings.

The villains are quite horrendous with what they like to do to humans, and Jessica spells it out nicely.

Steph is a great character, fun, endearing and spontaneous. She really lives up to the title of bff. 

‘If they’re boarding the ark, you better let me know, I have more than most to pack.’

Violet is more reserved. She has a skeleton in her closet that led her to meeting Lincoln. She took a self defence class and now Violet and Lincoln are great friends...

Until...da...da... daaaaaaa!

I thought Violet was very hard on Lincoln in the initial drama. The guy doesn’t have a bad bone in his body. He is hurting and Phoenix takes Violet away from him. He has to sit back and watch.

Violet is taking a crash course in the new direction her life has taken and she doesn’t like this direction very much. She will fight it.

Will it win?

What will she choose?

To be honest, I personally felt like Violet was rather selfish emotionally at times in Embrace. I know that there were other things in play, but, she was a little, ‘me, me.’ I thought Lincoln really didn’t do anything wrong. He has his rules and if anything he only has her best interests at heart. She didn’t really give him a chance to put his case forward.

But of course all this new information in her life is a bit of a head case for her and she acts the only way she knows how to with it all.

I know we will see growth in Violet’s character as I read more in the series.

I did work out some of the story line, but that didn’t matter, I was having a great time in Jessica’s world.

I am left with two guys that I really like and feel sad for. I am Team Lincoln but there is something to be said for a bad boy. 

Things are very complicated between Lincoln and Violet. There are rules.

‘Kiss me,’ I whispered.

The hands on my face froze. Another wave of the senses pummelled through me.

‘Kiss me, please!’ This time I was screaming.

He slammed into me, crashing through the barriers. So perfectly moulded to my mouth, he pushed my lips apart and ... we melted. The same cool, pure breeze I had felt after Lincoln had touched me when I first held the wristband galloped through my body, through my soul....

He pulled me closer. Kneeling in front of me, he kissed me intensely and I felt ... right. Morning and evening slipped away. It was just us. Silence surrounded us. My heart leapt and I kissed him back, knowing so truly that I loved him. My heart cried and I pulled away, knowing so truly that he had betrayed me.

I fell to the ground.

He fell to the ground.

I cried.

He screamed.


Phoenix has a closet full of secrets that are slowly tumbling out of it. Violet can only handle so many secrets from that closet. 

‘Look Violet, here’s the thing. Grigori are not usually ... friends with exiles. In a way, we’re natural enemies ...’

‘One day, Violet,’ he stood and then pulled me up to leave, entwining his fingers with mine and tugging on the tip of my baseball cap, ‘I’ll tell you everything.’

At one stage I was yelling NOOooOOooOOoooo at my book. 

WT!!!

I can’t help but shake my head at what happens between Phoenix and Violet while Lincoln is pretty much on his death bed and time is of the essence.

The clock is ticking people!! 

I did want to shake Violet as poor Lincoln needed her, desperately. 

Phoenix has a gorgeous name and he knows how to seduce. This is the only reason I can give Violet a free pass for her indiscretion. It's a little hard to fight what Phoenix is sending your way.

Holy mac and cheese!! 

Phoenix was pretty damn close to a perfect brooding hottie; that is, if I hadn’t already seen total perfection in someone else. His dark hair fell around his face, shimmering with waves of purple and silver, and his physique looked like it was made to be in Calvin Klein underwear ads.

I love Hades Night Club, love the name. 

Embrace has a great YA vibe but it also lends itself very nicely to adult readers.

Jessica gave me a page turner that was impressive to read. I can see why this series is being made into a TV project.  I took the following information from the links below.

Breaking news for The Violet Eden Chapters as US based CW Network and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television sign on for a TV adaption of the exciting novels. The series is already being compared to the likes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Vampire Diaries and Twilight! The announcement came via online entertainment sources, Deadline and Hollywood Reporter and has quickly spread all over the world (ie. Australia: SMH) No details on when production will start, but we're keeping an eye out for any new information. - See more at: http://www.violetedenchapters.com.au/#sthash.gek8tQ8U.dpuf

http://www.violetedenchapters.com.au/

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-embrace-jessica-shirvington-370808

Embrace has a really great TV vibe to it with Lincoln and his warehouse accommodation, the anonymous city they are in ( or did I miss a name??) , Violet and her art, bad boy Phoenix, Angels, Exiles, Grigori. The action mixed in with the smexual tension and violence and the ambience of night to bring all those dangers that much more exciting. 

Not to mention that triangle of emotions between three characters.

I so badly want to see a piece of art by Violet. I want that wall painted up at Lincoln’s .

I really enjoyed all the Angel mythology which is fed to us easily. I sometimes get a bit head mushed when I am reading about Greek mythology in books as I never studied it at school so it can get a bit heavy on my head. Jessica does a really great job of her Angel Mythology.

I can’t wait to crack open Entice as I am rather nervous about Phoenix. He was a good bad boy in Embrace, but.....EEeeeeee. How will he behave in Entice?

Michelle