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Monday, July 1, 2013

Other Oceans (Hook and Jill Saga #2) by Andrea Jones

2nd book in Hook and Jill series
640p.
Publisher: Reginetta Press
Source: Book from author for review
"Identify the weapon, and use it first." Such is the code of Captain James Hook, in this lyrical sequel to Hook & Jill. And this time, the turmoil begins not with 'The Boy' — but with a girl. 
Ten days out of Neverbay, Hook and Jill capture a ship's surgeon, pressing him to join the Roger. But Doctor Hanover is a gentleman, with a daughter to defend. When Red-Handed Jill shows him favor, his heart is taken prisoner, too. Hanover contrives to deliver Jill from the pirate king, and redeem her to society… as his wife. 
But Captain Hook is impossible to escape. Other rivals contend for Jill's red hand, and Hook fights for supremacy with his skill and brilliance. When the doctor's daughter draws Hook's eye, she emulates Jill, using feminine weapons to charm him. 
With no word of farewell, Hook vanishes, and Jill is a queen without a king. To hold Hook's power, she must come to terms with each of the dangerous men in her domain. When a challenger seizes command of the Roger — and over Jill — Hook and Jill's dominion will be overthrown unless, as Hook has taught Jill to do, she can identify the weapon…and wield it wickedly.

Other Oceans is an unabashed study in loyalty, vibrant with the dynamics of power. From the pen of a masterful crafter, Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga delivers all the exhilaration that a clash of wills, hearts, and fortune can arouse.
I read and reviewed Hook and Jill, the first book in the saga and absolutely loved it. I've recommended the book to people several times as well. When I saw that this book was out, I read the blurb and became quite worried. What? Is she going to mess with my couple? No! Does Hook go off with someone? I just didn't know if I could take the separation of the two. Silly? Perhaps, but those of us who love characters just don't want them to be separated in a horrible way. Plus, the man on the cover isn't Hook! So, I admit I didn't ask for the book for review, but every time I saw the cover, I considered it. I just didn't think I would like it... until... the author contacted me about reviewing the book. I didn't hesitate and said yes... despite whatever the outcome would be... *sigh*

So, did I like it? Well, let me put it to you this way... about 200 pages in I knew that 600+ pages wouldn't be enough for me. I knew I'd want more. I was right. I was enthralled with this book. I can't say I didn't want to put it down. In fact, I did that... a lot. Why? Well, you know when you get upset with a character and just slam the book to take a second? Of course then I couldn't stop thinking about it and picked it up a couple of hours later (fine, in all honesty it was probably more like 5 minutes later). Also, with a good book, I want to make it last. I try to keep myself from reading too much all at once, but although it helped, the book still ended way too quickly for me. No cliffies... don't want to give that impression... I just wanted more of the saga after it was done.

Ugh... what else can I say? This is hard. I want to discuss characters so badly, but I'm afraid I'd spoil things and this book is too much fun to do that. I will say that even when you are sure of someone's loyalty, you end up questioning it. Usually you know, but it wasn't always so clear cut for me as the reader. I loved that. I did question some of Jill's attraction to some of the men. But she is young yet and perhaps that is why she is attracted to some things she should question more fully with herself. Still, Jill did not disappoint me in the end and I loved how she out maneuvered most of the men in her company. I could go on and even want to point out some things that I have thought about from a psychological point of view, but then again, I think it could spoil things if not for this book, but for those that have not read the first book.

I give this book a 5. This is not a children's story, but an adult retelling. This series is to be read in order. I wouldn't have you miss the first one anyway. That was fun and this one was an adventure from cover to cover. Btw, is Other Islands out yet? ;) (Psst... no date has been set, but I want already!)

21 comments:

  1. I have to check book 1 cos it does not ring a bell

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  2. Look at you demanding that people read something in order. I almost feel like I stumbled upon the wrong blog LOL

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  3. Love the cover! And re-talings are my fave.

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  4. Oh, I've totally slammed down a book because I'm frustrated with a character. But I don't leave them slammed for long if I'm loving the story. I'm supposed to read this in order, huh? Yes, ma'am!

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    1. LOL That is what I did. Well, I didn't slam, but I was.. oh good place to stop... which didn't last long. :)

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  5. Oh my gosh Melissa you made me all nervous about this book and I haven't even read book one or met these characters! I get sever separation anxiety with my characters though, I don't want them to be apart, I don't want someone knew to wedge themselves in between them, so I totally understand you putting this one off for a bit since it's not Hook on the cover. I DON'T LIKE THAT HE VANISHES MELISSA! You'll have to tell me what happens before I can pick this series up. I can't read not knowing:)

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    1. I'll have to e-mail you, but I won't tell you. :) All I will say is that I enjoyed it so much in the end I know that you would as well. :D

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  6. This looks amazing! I love retellings and I especially like ADULT retellings.:)Plus, you just make it sound so good. Good like the type where you want to stay up for way to long at night and not go to bed, good. I will be reading this series. I take your 5 stars seriously.

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  7. I haven't heard of this series but it sounds quite exciting! I'm glad you love it so much and the second one lived up to the first. always a good thing!! I'm also glad to hear that the length of the book didn't hinder the story. Yay for a kick-ass heroine too.

    -Lauren

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    1. I was worried, I admit, that it wouldn't but it did! This is such a great series!

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  8. I know how! ;) Just don't always stick to it. :D

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  9. what a beautiful cover, and I love the sound of this book, it sounds really good! thanks!

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  10. Gads woman you have me curious...I completely understand the getting mad and putting it down and the savoring. I will check out book one! Awesome teaser review ooh and I love your new background

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  11. Okay...A) I've never heard of this before and B) How have I never heard of this one before?! But f'reals! It sounds so, so good. Plus, that cover is to die for. Great review, Melissa! :)

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  12. Oh man!! I'm so in love with that cover! And I remember your love for the first one. I do need these now. :D

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  13. Okay, you gave it five stars and you read it in order?? I've got to try this one! Plus I have visions of Johnny Depp, I know wrong guy, still...He'd be my Captain Hook. I'm definitely going to read this series. Thanks for never spoiling anything!

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  14. The characters and not being able to get enough sounds amazing. Glad you enjoyed

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