Black Blood by Melissa Pearl Review and Giveaway

Black Blood (Time Spirit #2) by Melissa Pearl
★★★★★
Release Date: December 2011

Age: Young Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Supernatural, Time Travel, Love

Format: e-book

Source: Author
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Gemma's parents have put enough rules around her relationship with Harrison that she feels like she's living on parole. But she wins one battle—a summer job working for Harrison's step-father. It is the perfect chance to spend the steamy, hot Florida days with her boyfriend. It's also a great distraction from the cellphone hiding in her underwear drawer—her only contact with Gabe, the mystery man who's stalking her.

When she confronts Gabe, he tells her that her parents are not who she thinks they are, and Harrison has the gall to believe him. Surrounded by conflict, Gemma doesn't know what to believe, and it takes a trip back in time for her to glimpse the sickening truth.

Thanks to her parents, she returns to the present to find the love of her life no longer exists. His family line was broken and now, so is she.

This betrayal forces her to seek out Gabe. Setting aside her fear of the truth, she must trust this man and learn what he can teach her... otherwise, she'll never get her boyfriend back.

Like most reviewers, I've found sequels to be the hardest books to review. It's difficult to explain why someone should read the second book in a series (or third), if they haven't read book one (especially when I may be giving aspects of book one away). And it's hard to say what I enjoyed about it, if the reader hasn't checked out the predecessor. Therefore, as I say with each of my sequel reviews read book one, Golden Blood, before reading this review or book.

And note, I HIGHLY recommend this series!!

At the end of Golden Blood Gemma was approached by a stranger, Gabe; and in Black Blood we learn just who he is and want he wants. And, truthfully I was taken by surprise with the change in events. But, so excited for the twist in plot (which Melissa does beautifully). With Gabe's confessions comes a whirlwind of drama for Gemma and her instinct is, like most, to not believe him. But, when her world is shattered he's the only one she knows to turn to.

Gemma is strong and capable, and an amazing female lead. I absolutely adore her, and the way she stands up for herself and goes after what she wants. In Black Blood Gemma and Harrison have the chance to let their relationship grow, but they are still bound by Gemma's parents' strict rules. Rules that, understandably, seem barbaric to the young couple. I began to really not like her parents in this book, for reasons that become obvious to any reader.

When Penelope and Alistair alter the life of their daughter and attempt to prove once and for all that they have the most control in their family I cried, really cried, in utter disbelief. Their lack of love and compassion is heartbreaking. But, Gemma does everything in her power to fight back, and finally seeks out Gabe. The relationship they create is fun to watch grow.

Once again Melissa has dazzled me with her ability to create and mold this world that her characters live in using only words, and make it feel so real. I became lost in her writing, their emotions became my emotions, and with each book this story gets better and better. The build up to book 3 is phenomenal and I know others, like myself, will not stop at book 1. The adventure that began in Golden Blood continues to burn bright throughout this second installment and this is one series I have to see through to the end.

Black Blood definitely doesn't suffer from second book syndrome, in fact, I may be so bold as to say I enjoyed it more than the first, but I did love the first. If you've read Golden Blood you must continue with the story, it's one of the best!

e-book Giveaway

Thanks to Melissa Pearl I am very excited to offer a giveaway for an ebook copy of Black Blood! 

Check back soon for my review of Pure Blood and a giveaway of that one as well!

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