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Book Review: Embrace by Jessica Shirvington + Giveaway

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Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 369
Source: Purchased Copy
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

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…

Review: I was anxious to dive into this book after hearing of all the hype from my Australian blogger friends. Unfortunately, I am extremely tired of angel books, so it’s understandable that going into Embrace I had to keep reminding myself of all the rave reviews I had heard so that I would not decide against reading it. While a little slow to start, Embrace quickly picked up the pace around page 50. Having now read it, WOW. Those other dull angel stories cannot compare! Jessica Shirvington offers a fresh new take on the celestial beings in this riveting debut.

Violet Eden’s mother died shortly after giving birth to her. Because of that, she dreads her birthday each year. But this birthday holds more than just the memory of her mother. Violet’s life is turned up side down quickly after she turns seventeen. Prior to her birthday, Violet led a normal life. She has a loving father, a great best friend, plans for the future and Lincoln, the guy that she’s in love with. After sharing an amazing kiss on her birthday, Lincoln then starts acting weird. Not sure what he feels towards her, Violet confronts him about it but what she discovers is not what she was expecting. Lincoln has been keeping a big secret from her: she is Grigori – half angel, half human – and so is he! Violet must decide whether to embrace her destiny or try to ignore it and lead a somewhat normal life.

Violet is a great protagonist! She’s erratic and sarcastic but also strong and brave and most importantly isn’t afraid to stand her ground. She’s has flaws but that’s what makes her real and why she’s so easy to relate to.

The romance in this book… DAMN. The sexual tension between these characters is absolutely shiver inducing. Violet has such fabulous chemistry with both Lincoln and Phoenix. I love Lincoln. He’s sweet, has a lot of respect for Violet and is definitely in love with her. It’s easy to see how she has fallen for him. But of course, it’s the bad boy of the two I found myself infatuated with. Phoenix… mysterious, cocky, dangerous, sexy as hell. Oh, and that little thing he can do? Oh my Lord, major SWOON. He’s portrayed as being all bad boyish and in the beginning his intentions might have been a little iffy but the more time he spends with Violet, it’s clear that his motives have changed and that he’s developed real feelings for her. After some shocking revelations, I think there is a lot that he is holding back so I’m really interested for the real Phoenix to be revealed as the series continues. Bottom line, though I do prefer Phoenix to Lincoln, Embrace truly has one of the best love triangles I have ever read!

I felt the sensual scenes were very tastefully executed. I often feel that authors can get carried away where these types of scenes are concerned, some end up writing too much where as some just don’t go into nearly enough detail. Jessica Shirvington manages just the right amount of detail without being overly graphic. I feel that she’s created a happy medium for everyone, whether you enjoy the steamy scenes or would rather not get too into the gritty details, you’ll be pleased.

Not only is Embrace beautifully well-written, Jessica Shirvington has created a compelling world filled with multidimensional characters, original lore and an elaborate plot. I found myself eagerly absorbing and able to easily retain the imaginative angel lore. It was exceptionally well thought out and not once came across as preachy. Ms. Shirvington has also managed to make angels sexy, which in my opinion has yet to be done!

Embrace stands out from the wide variety of young adult books. Jessica Shirvington is a one-of-a-kind storyteller who’s voice grips you and will not let go until you are left on your hands and knees begging for more. She is truly gifted and you can bet that I will read anything this woman writes in the future. Entice, the second installment in The Violet Eden Chapters, is set to come out this September but I’m about ready to fly to Australia to pick myself up a copy now!

Giveaway time! I enjoyed Embrace soooo much that I wanted to share my love for it with other people by hosting a giveaway. 1 lucky winner will get a copy of Embrace AND a pre-ordered copy of Entice. Good luck! :D

Rules:
+ Being a follower is not required but it is appreciated. (:
+ Open to international visitors.
+ You must be 13 years or older to enter.
+ Extra entries are available (see form).
+ Giveaway ends August 31, 2012 at 12AM EST.
+ Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen in their place.


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