Divine Vices (Divince Vices #1)
Author: Melissa Parkin
Genre: Paranormal YA
Danger seldom leaves its victims unscathed in the ways of seduction, and this lesson is one that sixteen-year-old Cassie Foster now knows all too well.
Nine months following the traumatic accident that claimed the life of her mother and sister, this high school junior has at last found a fresh start in the quiet town of New Haven, Maine. In the company of her best friends, Ian and Gwen, she’s bracing the usual turmoil of adolescence and taking all in stride… until the new transfer student, Jackson Matthews, comes walking into her life. He’s arrogant, sarcastic, roguish, devastatingly sexy, and the very last thing Cassie wants to entertain. But when circumstances drive these two together, she finds herself a bit too close for comfort as their bond intensifies. Plagued by unexplainable events, a sudden string of disappearances, and even a cult-related murder, Cassie begins to fear for her life. Is it all just a coincidence that these happenings began when this Casanova strolled into town, or has she in fact fallen for a real lady-killer, or worse?
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Tina’s Thoughts…
This book was quite the pleasant surprise. I had never heard of it and was excited to get to dive in. It is full of witty banter and intelligible conversation. I found myself laughing out loud at the catty remarks and smart comebacks. More often than not, I forgot that they were in high school. Cassie is a remarkable teen. She endured the loss of her mother and sister in a terrible accident yet she pushes forward. I loved her individuality and spunk. Her fashion sense was killer and her sharp tongue made me wish to find a friend like her in real life. Her loyalty and dedication was strong. Ian and Gwen are what best friends should be. They encouraged her character yet pushed her to step out into new things. Jack, with his good looks and sharp wit, made for a great male lead. I was never really sure who I wanted Cassie to be with. As far as love triangles go, this one did not drive me crazy. I feel like Cassie was level headed and followed her heart, learning who she was and what it was she wanted in a companion.
One of my favorite things about Divine Vices is how the story keeps you on your toes. Most paranormal stories seem a bit predictable but this one was not what I thought it would be. You still have questions when it is over, not in a neglected way but in the way that there is more you are needing to learn as you go; and that ending, WOW! The story centers around Cassie as she uncovers secrets about Jack and learns more about herself and the mystery of what is happening to women both near and in her town. She grows from a teenager to a fierce woman who is able to speak her mind on a whim. I feel like it was a fresh take on the Nephilim story. It expanded the popular spin on the paranormal myth and added more layers, as well as secrets to be unfolded at a later date. My only regret with this book was the ending and cliffhanger. I am still wondering who Cassie and Ian are. What role they play and what is chasing them remains a mystery. Jack is still a muddled mess for me. I understand but I don’t know if I really do (all in a good way). There seem to be more layers and history there that needs to be developed in the next book, which I am sure will be revealed and elaborated when the time is right! With all the reveals and teasers at the end, it is assured that I will be looking for book 2 . I am curious to know how things turn out and what will become of Ian, Cassie and Jack. If you haven’t checked this book out, then make sure to grab a copy. It will keep you engaged and ready for more. Check out a little sneak peek below!
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Hooking his hands around my waist, he pulled me in until my legs were against the side of the mattress. Jack rested on his knees, still hovering a few inches over me when he straightened. Soaking in every shade of blue and gray in his penetrating eyes, along with an enticing fragrance of coastal beach soap, I returned an equally alluring gaze, trying best not to blush as the heat from his hands sank into my skin. With his breath falling onto my lips, I arched my back onward to make the distance between us next to nothing.
Dipping his head down so that our facial features were aligned, he leaned in with intent, but I turned away. Taking the lone donut off the place on the table side, I temptingly bit into the warm, chocolate pastry.
“Mmm,” I moaned pleasurably. “Now that’s what Im talking about.”
Slowly running my tongue over my lips as I savored the bite, Jack pulled away with a smirk immediately rising to the surface.
“Thanks for the quickie,” I said, grabbing my purse beside the plate.
“You’re just a tease,” he called out, snatching his shoes before following me out into the hallway as I triumphantly trotted downstairs.
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For more information about this book, check it out on Goodreads and Amazon.