Review: The sequel didn't disappoint!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 13, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.When a series has a romance at the center of it I always dread reading the next books because the author seems to feel the need to have the couple torn away from each other or fighting all of the time. I don't know if this counts as a spoiler, but the author didn't fall back on that over used plot line in this story once. The two Cals (I still adore the fact that they have the same nickname) Had some problems in this book, like any couple would, but they worked through them. There were times when Cal would get scared and think that Cali was too good for him, but Cali always set his mind at ease about it and those moments never lasted too long. They talked through things and didn't breakup every time there was a bump in the road. THANKFULLY!I'm not going to spend much more time talking about the two Cals because even though they were just as cute as the last book, this story focused more on Cali, Layla, and their powers than anything else. That's not to say that there wasn't romance, because there was, but  where the characters are already in love instead of falling in love I always want the romance to  be dialed down the a bit or else it can feel over done. In my opinion, the author hit just the right mixture between  the "Awwwww that was so cute!" moments and actual progression of the plot.Speaking of the plot. If you're worried that this book won't be as interesting as the first because it focuses on Cal and Cali's relationship less, don't worry! The author knows how to write a great story!There were a few twist that threw me for a loop , and I, once again, never found myself rushing through the pages to get to the good part.The character developement was very well done.We get to know Layla and Michael more in this book.They could be annoying at times, but I still liked them because they felt authentic. Layla was spoiled and manipulative, but she was raised by a maniac so her feeling like she needed to manipulate in order to get what she needed made perfect sense. She also had moments where she was so sweet, thoughtful, and childlike.  Both she and Michael were starved for affection, and knew almost nothing about the real world. They were a lot like Cali was in the first book, but at least she hd her parents. They had no one but each other.  Michael, was more difficult to like than his sister, Layla. I wanted to smack him up side the head a few times, but I really did understand where he was coming from and managed to like him towards the end.My only complaint about this book would be that I felt like Cal didn't really have as much of a voice in this time. I would have liked to hear from him  more, and I also felt like the only time I did get to be inside his head was when was thinking about Cali. In the next books hopefully  he'll get some moments to shine. I love it when Cali takes charge and helps others, and I want to get to know Cal as well as I've gotten to know her. He's at his best when he's thinking about her though! I guess it's not really a strong complaint. ;)I JUST WANT MORE CAL!!I hope the author finishes the next book soon! I can't wait!This book is clean. Because of some mentions of sex, slight profanity, and a few "fade to black" love scenes, I would recommend it for ages 12 and up.