Emblaze (Violet Eden #3) by Jessica Shirvington

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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...

This is the third installment in the excellent Violet Eden series. People I was so excited to get my hands on this that I may or may done have done a little jig in celebration. The appeal of Emblaze for me is simply Violet. She was empowered from an early age even if she wasn’t aware of it. Her friendship with Lincoln has been the key to her survival and as a result we’re not stuck with a simpering, sniveling helpless young woman. Instead, we have someone who has had all the training and resources at her disposal to prepare her for her calling. It’s refreshing and in order words, Violet is kick ass. Her skills are continually developing and she is beginning to trust her instincts.She doesn't forget who she is even when she's making tough decisions. Everything she does, she does with purpose. Violet is impressive in this one, especially when it comes to her fierce loyalty to her best friend, Steph.

Emblaze also finds this peculiar motley crew of Grigori and Exiles become a more cohesive unit. Other than Violet herself, only Lincoln and Griffin are aware of her true nature and they’re determined that it remain a secret, especially from Josephine, the second in command at the Academy who comes to supervise and observe this group. With the devastating deaths from the previous expedition still casting its ugly shadow over them, Violet and Lincoln know that they cannot be together and work very hard at keeping their distance. It’s maddening and unfair and every moment between them is charged. Violet’s reaction or attraction rather to Phoenix makes things all the more perplexing for her. Stuck in the middle between two hotties – oh what’s a girl to do?

Same as in Entice, the gang is off to another exotic location – Greece –  this time to stop Phoenix from unleashing all hell. There are some dubious alliances and questionable motives all of which had me reeling through some pretty suspenseful moments. With so much at stake, it's great to see what everyone's special powers and gifts are and how they come together to stave off this crisis. And by the time it all comes to a head, Violet receives the shock of a lifetime that unsettles her completely. These new revelations mean unknown ramifications for her and her family. I honestly have no idea where it can go from here but I tell you what. I'll be glued to every single page when the next book comes out!

~ Bel

Click here to read the Jessica Shirvington interview and contest!

Entice by Jessica Shrivington

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Every day Violet Eden wonders whether she made the right choice.

She still doesn't fully understand these powers she's been granted as a half-angel Grigori.  And worse, isn't even sure she's capable of using them. Stab someone through the heart? Really?

No matter how bad things get, though, Violet doesn't run and she doesn't quit. Even if it means she can never allow herself to love the guy she longs for. Even if it means asking her enemy for help. Even if no one is telling her the truth.

The war between Exiles and Angels is on—and she's wanted by both sides.

I'm a little late to the party when it comes to the Embrace series but I'm glad I made it. Looking at this gorgeous cover, it seems like Violet is ready to kick some ass and so I happily devoured this book in a couple of days.

After embracing her angel heritage, Entice takes Violet further into this world that will continually challenge her and make her question her chosen path. Learning to use her powers and how to protect herself against her enemies are a constant source of conflict for her. She also carries quite a burden, still feeling the repercussions of her decision to get close to Phoenix. It's a situation that she deeply regrets and hangs like a very heavy, dark cloud over her relationship with Lincoln. Repairing the rift between them is a priority though they're regularly thwarted by someone else's attempts to drive a wedge between them. And the fact that Violet and Lincoln are off limits to each other only raises the sexual tension quite a few notches. 

Entice also introduces new characters who come to town to assist in tracking down nemsis Phoenix and the the other Exiles. Throwing new people into the mix adds some fun and unpredictability. Fellow angel Spence provides a troublesome distraction for Violet. I have to say that while I got slightly annoyed with Violet's mounting jealousy, I also couldn't blame her. It's got to make a girl crazy watching a hot guy you've been crushing on forever spend more and more time with someone you don't like.  Spence became a  perfect foil for her growing suspicions.

However once Violet and Lincoln get their act together it's game on! Their relationship moves at a heated pace as they work to discover Phoenix's whereabouts and what he intends to do with the Scriptures when he gets his hands on them. Everything about this storyline is screams impending danger. Violet's link to Phoenix gets more suspenseful the closer they get to uncovering the truth. And the hunt for the Scriptures leads Violet on a more disturbing journey to truly come to terms with all the good, the bad and the ugly that she went through when she embraced.

Entice is an addictive good time. Shrivington has added a new twist to the whole angel genre making this book so enjoyable. The few vulnerable moments that Phoenix displays makes me wonder what I can expect in the next book. And readers, many of you know how much I love my bad boys in fiction, however, much to my fellow BiblioJunkie's surprise, I am firmly Team Lincoln. Not only is he the forever boy (literally), his role as protector is just so darn sweet and well, hot. Seeing how he and Violet dance around each other is half the pleasure of reading it and I hope you all enjoy as much!

~ Bel