Review: Exciting, Witty, Sensual and Incredibly Vivid...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 1, 2013
Four star and wish it was possible to add a half!I am already an admirer of Anne Carlisle's writing from book one of this trilogy and am a great fan of the subtle use of synchronicity and psychology which this talented author uses in her depiction of the paranormal.I found this second volume equally absorbing with the familiar blend of vivid characterisation, effortless depiction of history and that delightful quirky humour.We care what happens to these characters - just as in volume one I was outraged at Harry Drake's callous self indulgence and I was urging Marlena, who had so much going for her, to find her independence, so in this one I was dismayed at such a delightfully self actuated women as Casandra Vye being in thrall to Harry Drake's caddishly sensual grandfather - and really felt for his unlucky dupe Clare Brighton.As I said in my review of the first volume, I love that Marlena - she's my favourite of the characters - with Lila Drake as a close second - but Casandra Vye is one fascinating and powerful siren.A great deal of the material which is touched upon but not fully explained in volume one is fully made clear in this volume - Marlena's eventual decision over her unwanted pregnancy, the strange power of Lila Drake, etc.It is all absorbing and written in a flowing, easy manner which coaxes you into continuing to read when you shouldn't.Another fascinating aspect of this book is the masterly knowledge of historical information.As a European, I learnt all sorts of obscure parts of the US history which would have remained unknown to me if I hadn't read it - for instance, I had no idea that the film industry started off being run by women...Recommended for anyone who loves paranormal historical romance, witty dialogue, strong female characters, sensual episodes, and a wickedly humorous approach tolife's black comedy.I am really looking forward to the third volume in this series, with Cassandra's  demon son getting up to all sorts of wickedness.