352p.
Published: 2/25/14
Publisher: Bantam Dell
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review
PASSION REBORN
In one vicious night, Kirby Brown’s world is torn apart. Her best friend is dead, killed by a madman who is now after Kirby, and she has no idea why. When the police prove incapable of protecting Kirby, she has no choice but to trust a mysterious stranger. And while she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him, she fears the strange abilities he wields.My thoughts:
An investigator for the Damask Circle, Doyle Fitzgerald, has come to Melbourne, Australia, to hunt down a killer. What he doesn’t expect to find is a cadre of witches capable of controlling the elements, a sorceress determined to take that power for herself, and a broken woman who is more than she seems. Doyle is certain that the reason behind the bloodshed lies in Kirby’s past—a past she has no wish to remember. Because Doyle isn’t the only one with magic in his soul: Kirby’s special gifts have the strength to destroy the world.
This is the second book in the republished Damask Circle series by Keri Arthur. Even though this is the second in the series, it can be read as a standalone. You don't have to read them in order to understand what is going on here. Not much was revealed about the Damask Circle in the first book and little to none here. It is a mystery yet to be revealed. However, because of that, no problems with reading out of order. ;)
In this book our couple is Kirby and Doyle. Doyle is a panther shifter and Kirby has some sort of magic yet to be fully discovered. Her life gets ripped out from under her when her best friend gets mutilated and she is the next target. She must uncover long buried memories to figure out why and also much learn about her magic to save everyone. Doyle must help her on that quest while giving her the space to figure out things for herself. Hard to do when your family is known for falling hard and fast to a soul mate.
While this book does have insta-love, it is handled in a way that doesn't bother me. It acknowledges it and then tries to slow things down through Kirby's inability to trust. There are also several twists and turns in Kirby's mystery that keeps things interesting. I admit, I liked this one much more than the first in this series.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I liked this couple and the adventure surrounding Kirby. I recommend it to those that love PNR and like a bit of action to keep things sprinting along.
Yeah, I liked this one -- the series is enjoyable -- but didn't love it. They're good, light reads.
ReplyDeleteYea, I totally agree... but sometimes that fits the bill of what you want. :)
DeleteI've been meaning to pick up a book by this author because I see her name everywhere. I have the first two Riley Jensen books at home and I thought the premise of this series sounds interesting too. I just don't know which to start. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI wasn't a huge fan of the Riley books, but I think I need to give them another go.. These seemed a bit sweeter if that helps.
DeleteI haven't read PNR in ages! I was so sick of it but now I'm in the mood to read one.
ReplyDeleteLOL! We really can read ourselves into a corner... figuratively speaking... :D
DeleteI'm sorry to hear you didn't love this one, but I'm glad you enjoyed it somewhat! Insta-love doesn't always bother me either, so I know what you mean. Great review, Melissa!
ReplyDelete3 1/2 stars still means I liked it. :) I enjoyed it more than the first and I would like to continue the series.
DeleteShe sure has many different sries out
ReplyDeleteYep, and this one is a rerelease. :)
DeleteThis sounds good. Not sure about the insta-love but it still intrigues me.
ReplyDeleteI think you will be fine with it. It's not a huge factor because they acknowledge it.
DeleteI'm not a huge fan of PNR or insta-love, so I think I might wait to see how this series plays out before picking it up. Great review, though, Melissa! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of insta-love mostly because they act like it doesn't exist, but this one does make note of it. I appreciate that.
DeleteI enjoy light reads but you might just enjoy these even more than I did.
ReplyDeleteOh and I didn't read out of order here! *evil laugh* Just when I get you used to me reading out of order... ;D
ReplyDeleteI can handle insta-love in adult novels better especially if like you said the author handles it well. I am concerned that not much has happened in the overall arc of the series. Do you have a firm understand of it and have just gotten tiny developments or are you still clueless?
ReplyDeleteIt's mostly tiny developments but there is an idea of what is going on. I'm always clueless which has nothing to do with the book... ;)
DeleteI agree it was a nice one even if I think I prefered book 1 and even more the Nikki&Michael series but still I'm curious about the third book.
ReplyDeleteI keep forgetting - republished. This series doe sound like a nice one. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm glad to see you have a link to the Animal Rescue site. I've been wanting one and couldn't find them. So, finally found it. :) I've got one too.
I'm glad to hear the insta-love is well handled and that it didn't bother you, and that this can be read as a standalone! I definitely need more of those in my TBR pile, it seems like I have too many series to catch up on that must be read in order. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI think I have the first two books in this series on my shelves, will have to dig them up someday.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this series, but I do enjoy Keri Arthur and this sounds like one I may enjoy as well. Maybe one day I'll find the time!
ReplyDelete