Taking back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper

 Taking Back Forever (Kindrily #2) by Karen Amanda Hooper.  Published May 29, 2013 by Starry Sky Publishing.  CDN $3.97 Kindle edition.

Forever is worth the fight.

Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.

Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way. (Goodreads excerpt)’

This book continues right after the first book, however instead of the POV being Maryah and Nathan, you get Maryah and Harmony.  I found this a little confusing at first since I read the books back to back.  It didn’t take long to fix in my mind however and it totally makes sense once you read it.

The story is mesmerizing and addictive.  I love the originality.  I love the characterization.  Ok I just love everything about this book!  One thing I will say is that there are a lot of characters in this story that play a key role in development.  At first it is hard to keep them all straight, but each one is unique and contributes to the story in their own way and you fall in love with the whole clan.

I love the sexual tension between Nathan and Maryah and the author does a wonderful job of showing Maryah as a naive seventeen year old girl and Nathan as a much older soul if not in body.  It is very realistic and I love Nathan all the more for protecting Maryah the way he does.

I love the ending to the story.  It is very interesting that the author leaves us a choice towards the end of the book noting that some people love a cliff hanger and others do not.  Personally I like my stories to end and then the next book start again.  (not a cliff hanger type it makes me frustrated)  She included an alternate ending with a cliff hanger after her warning that if you don’t like cliff hangers stop reading here.  This was so cool and original.  Of course I couldn’t resist and dang it now I need the next book now!  Which is why I don’t like cliff hangers…lol

5 stars for me!

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• Grasping at Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper (cynthiastacey.com)
• Review: Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper (boricuanbookworms.wordpress.com)