What do you think?
Rate this book
Wizards of Nevermore #2
Now or Never
Tormented by nightmares of a woman's death, Sheriff Taylor Mooreland is shocked to find the woman from his visions chained to an altar in the woods. He barely knows her, but something compels Taylor to protect the mysterious Lenore Whyte no matter what. Even if it means dealing with magic.
And when an investigation into a series of suicides leads Taylor deep into the town's past, he discovers that the key to saving Lenore and the town of Nevermore may have a surprising connection...
And when an investigation into a series of suicides leads Taylor deep into the town's past, he discovers that the key to saving Lenore and the town of Nevermore may have a surprising connection...
296 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
16 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
About the author
Michele Bardsley
237 books1,452 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Michele Bardsley writes humorous paranormal romances and funny paranormal mysteries. Michele likes to write, read, crochet hats, drink wine, and eat chocolate!
Visit her website!
Visit her website!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 27, 2012
I have one simple question to ask after finishing the book: Where was the romance? Oh, there was a hero and heroine who hooked up at the end of the book, but there was no relationship that would require, you know, actual interaction between them.
Although I had issues with the first book in the series, Never Again, I liked it. I found the story's 'voice' very readable and really liked the cast of characters the author assembled. The paranormal aspects of it were interesting, and I liked the small town vibe. This book had a lot of the same positives, which is what's keeping it from being an F, but the bad outweighed the good in this case.
First off, was it necessary to have so many POV's running around? The romance needed all the help it could get, so taking time to pay attention to every Tom, Dick, and Harry in the story was a mistake. But that wasn't the only factor causing me to dislike the POV's. They were, in a word, boring. I liked Gray and I liked Ant, just as I did in the first book, but did we have to spend so much time with them, especially in addition to all the other POV's we were treated to? I'm all for getting a well rounded look at the story, but maybe we could hold off on reading about some of those characters until, I don't know, their own book? Oh, wait, Gray already had his book, didn't he? (/sarcasm) Maybe (although I doubt it) this wouldn't have bothered me so much if the author had actually devoted time to the main relationship. That's a pretty important factor in a Romance and the lack of it was glaring and left me a touch resentful of all the time spent on other people.
Speaking of the relationship... It is not a good sign when the hero and heroine do not interact--barring the extremely brief rescue of the heroine, where they barely spoke since she was in such bad shape--until page 129 in a 296 page book. And even then they weren't exactly making up for lost time since the heroine was temporarily unable to speak. Norie and Taylor were attracted to each other for some reason that I'm still not sure of. They never actually had any insightful or deep conversations, or even an emotional connection of any kind. They just had some random, magical dreams which somehow replaced actual relationship (and personality) development. Apparently magical dreams are now shorthand for true love. Good to know.
But never fear that the relationship was pushed aside and replaced with meaningless sex scenes. (<--sarcasm) Nope, none of that. In fact, they don't even kiss until page 249. I thought that there was an obligatory, awkward sex scene shoehorned in there, too, but a review of the book tells me I was wrong. I must have mixed that up with one of the magical dreams. Yes, once again actual development was brushed aside by being told everything in a dream.
And in addition to too many POV's and a lackluster romance, the plot was confusing. *tears hair out* Events seemed to jump around and take us from one situation to the next with no real flow to it. The plot felt jumbled and randomly cobbled together. All in all, it was just not a good read for me.
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
Although I had issues with the first book in the series, Never Again, I liked it. I found the story's 'voice' very readable and really liked the cast of characters the author assembled. The paranormal aspects of it were interesting, and I liked the small town vibe. This book had a lot of the same positives, which is what's keeping it from being an F, but the bad outweighed the good in this case.
First off, was it necessary to have so many POV's running around? The romance needed all the help it could get, so taking time to pay attention to every Tom, Dick, and Harry in the story was a mistake. But that wasn't the only factor causing me to dislike the POV's. They were, in a word, boring. I liked Gray and I liked Ant, just as I did in the first book, but did we have to spend so much time with them, especially in addition to all the other POV's we were treated to? I'm all for getting a well rounded look at the story, but maybe we could hold off on reading about some of those characters until, I don't know, their own book? Oh, wait, Gray already had his book, didn't he? (/sarcasm) Maybe (although I doubt it) this wouldn't have bothered me so much if the author had actually devoted time to the main relationship. That's a pretty important factor in a Romance and the lack of it was glaring and left me a touch resentful of all the time spent on other people.
Speaking of the relationship... It is not a good sign when the hero and heroine do not interact--barring the extremely brief rescue of the heroine, where they barely spoke since she was in such bad shape--until page 129 in a 296 page book. And even then they weren't exactly making up for lost time since the heroine was temporarily unable to speak. Norie and Taylor were attracted to each other for some reason that I'm still not sure of. They never actually had any insightful or deep conversations, or even an emotional connection of any kind. They just had some random, magical dreams which somehow replaced actual relationship (and personality) development. Apparently magical dreams are now shorthand for true love. Good to know.
But never fear that the relationship was pushed aside and replaced with meaningless sex scenes. (<--sarcasm) Nope, none of that. In fact, they don't even kiss until page 249. I thought that there was an obligatory, awkward sex scene shoehorned in there, too, but a review of the book tells me I was wrong. I must have mixed that up with one of the magical dreams. Yes, once again actual development was brushed aside by being told everything in a dream.
And in addition to too many POV's and a lackluster romance, the plot was confusing. *tears hair out* Events seemed to jump around and take us from one situation to the next with no real flow to it. The plot felt jumbled and randomly cobbled together. All in all, it was just not a good read for me.
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
February 16, 2012
As with the first book, I like this world. It interests me. However, in this book - the romance is SO underdeveloped. As in - THERE ISN'T ONE. I mean, there is one..but wow. Not much is really done with it.
But I like the small town feel for a pnr. I'm conflicted.
Review to come.
But I like the small town feel for a pnr. I'm conflicted.
Review to come.
October 21, 2012
Now or Never by Michele Bardsley
MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!--------------------------------->
I love mysteries. Usually the more complicated they are, the happier I am. But have you ever read a mystery that had so many different mysteries going on at one time that you couldn't keep a line on all of them? Unfortunately, that is what seems to happening to this series. It is only two book in and I’m wondering just how Ms. Bardsley is going to be able to keep up this nearly manic pace she has set for her readers.
We have the mystery that started in the first novel – who is trying to get the demon Kahl to the earthly plane and what may the outcome be. Then in this novel we have that AND the mystery of Lenore and her powers which starts in the prologue, suicides and a mysterious gun, then Lenore and Taylor. This is supposed to be their love story. We do not get to read anything about them until about a third or more into the novel. This is less a romance with mystery and speculative undertones and more a paranormal novel that just happens to have a tiny bit of romance in it.
Then there is the mystery surrounding a magical named Cullen, the type which becomes obvious quite soon.
Unfortunately, although the synopsis states that the sheriff will uncover the mystery surrounding the gun and the suicides, ¾ of the book is finished and you have yet to find him doing any investigative work. .And you won’t in the last quarter either
Mundane or non magical people gaining magical abilities left and right -----the Goddess bestowing prophecies and gifts left and right.
As I mentioned with the last novel, the author seems to be using dues ex machine a little too much and too easily and I am getting a bit uncomfortable with this. Not that we can really expect logical reasons for what is happening, since it IS speculative fiction; but still. One should not have to stretch their credulity so much when reading a novel.
------RANTISH< ----------------
Unfortunately to add to the novels problems, is a habit some authors get into of having characters repeatedly explain things to other characters in the book. It is usually something germane to the story; however, the reader does not need to re-read it multiple times in the same chapter.
-----------------RANT OVER<---------------
This is in no way a horrible book, but it is not of the quality of the first novel in this series, and that will make me pause before picking up the next book in this series. The ending is less than satisfying, sometimes downright confusing and the romance is not there like it is in the other books by this author.
MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!--------------------------------->
I love mysteries. Usually the more complicated they are, the happier I am. But have you ever read a mystery that had so many different mysteries going on at one time that you couldn't keep a line on all of them? Unfortunately, that is what seems to happening to this series. It is only two book in and I’m wondering just how Ms. Bardsley is going to be able to keep up this nearly manic pace she has set for her readers.
We have the mystery that started in the first novel – who is trying to get the demon Kahl to the earthly plane and what may the outcome be. Then in this novel we have that AND the mystery of Lenore and her powers which starts in the prologue, suicides and a mysterious gun, then Lenore and Taylor. This is supposed to be their love story. We do not get to read anything about them until about a third or more into the novel. This is less a romance with mystery and speculative undertones and more a paranormal novel that just happens to have a tiny bit of romance in it.
Then there is the mystery surrounding a magical named Cullen, the type which becomes obvious quite soon.
Unfortunately, although the synopsis states that the sheriff will uncover the mystery surrounding the gun and the suicides, ¾ of the book is finished and you have yet to find him doing any investigative work. .And you won’t in the last quarter either
Mundane or non magical people gaining magical abilities left and right -----the Goddess bestowing prophecies and gifts left and right.
As I mentioned with the last novel, the author seems to be using dues ex machine a little too much and too easily and I am getting a bit uncomfortable with this. Not that we can really expect logical reasons for what is happening, since it IS speculative fiction; but still. One should not have to stretch their credulity so much when reading a novel.
------RANTISH< ----------------
Unfortunately to add to the novels problems, is a habit some authors get into of having characters repeatedly explain things to other characters in the book. It is usually something germane to the story; however, the reader does not need to re-read it multiple times in the same chapter.
-----------------RANT OVER<---------------
This is in no way a horrible book, but it is not of the quality of the first novel in this series, and that will make me pause before picking up the next book in this series. The ending is less than satisfying, sometimes downright confusing and the romance is not there like it is in the other books by this author.
May 10, 2015
I just couldn't get into this book. I re-read book 1 before reading this book, since it had been so long since I read book 1. I enjoyed my re-read of book 1 and was really looking forward to reading this book. However, while we spent a lot of time with the male leads POV, we didn't get much time with the female lead. And most of her POV time was before the two characters met. And that's the big problem for me. By the time I stopped reading, the two lead characters had only just actually interacted with each other - for three minutes over a glass of juice before being interrupted by the bad guys. And she couldn't actually talk.
But for all the lack of interaction, our male lead was infatuated with her thanks to some dreams he'd been having. I don't mind something causing someone to be infatuated with someone more quickly than normal, but only if the story then gives the characters time to interact with each other.
There were a few other things in the book that felt inconsistent from the first book, or that were just thrown in with little to no explanation. However, my biggest complaint was the last of time the two lead characters spent with each other.
But for all the lack of interaction, our male lead was infatuated with her thanks to some dreams he'd been having. I don't mind something causing someone to be infatuated with someone more quickly than normal, but only if the story then gives the characters time to interact with each other.
There were a few other things in the book that felt inconsistent from the first book, or that were just thrown in with little to no explanation. However, my biggest complaint was the last of time the two lead characters spent with each other.
April 10, 2012
I loved this book and literally couldn't put it down once I had picked it up. I'm not sure if it was a combination of already knowing most of the characters from the last book or the further development of them in this book but I loved this book and all of the characters stories instantly gripped me. The romance wasn't as straightforward or integral to the plot as Bardsley's usual books but I didn't really miss anything there wasn't any personal problems between the love interests that needed to be addressed besides the plot and mystery and everyone wanting to kill Norie. This book was fantastic and kept me interested and spell bound from the moment I picked it up to the moment I finally set it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2017
Probably should have read this directly after book 1 as they talk A LOT about what happened in that one and well, I don't remember much several years later. This felt a little convoluted with the 2 story arcs and then only one of them being tied up. It was a bit annoying to have a cliffhanger and no new book, but it looks like one should be coming out later this year (2017).
September 16, 2014
This book was truly an amazing read. Kept my attention riveted right from the beginning. Lots of characters , new and old, and the drama unfolding in Nevermore is gripping. Highly recommend though that you read the first book..this one is the 2nd book. The first book, Never Again, introduces a lot of the characters and background that you need. You could read this book as a stand alone, but I think you miss too much.
August 12, 2015
Very, very good read. However, even though this 2nd book in the series can be read as a stand alone novel, had I read the 1st book before this one it would have allowed me to appreciate characters better. That being said, great book. MIchele Bardsley leaves you waiting for the next book in the series.
July 6, 2018
L'histoire est sympa et les personnages aussi mais... où est la romance ? A part un rêve érotique de la part du héros, puis de l'héroïne (ou inversement) et un baiser, tout le reste de l'histoire est basé sur l'intrigue magique. Et j'ai trouvé la fin un peu rapide/bâclée. Dommage car l'univers magique développé par l'auteur est vraiment chouette et l'histoire et les personnages avaient du potentiel...
June 5, 2020
Left hanging
I like this series.I started it out it down and started it again. I cannot seem to find anywhere if the series is continuing in any form so that is two stars. The story definitely ends on a cliffhanger.
I like this series.I started it out it down and started it again. I cannot seem to find anywhere if the series is continuing in any form so that is two stars. The story definitely ends on a cliffhanger.
July 20, 2017
So much potential and so little payoff ugh
June 23, 2018
Little too rushed with the falling in love parts, otherwise enjoyable
November 16, 2018
Cute
An easy and fast paced read with a hopeless romantic touch. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
An easy and fast paced read with a hopeless romantic touch. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
March 27, 2012
Now or Never, Wizards of Nevermore #2, by Michele Bardsley
Grade: B-
“They had, maybe, a couple of days to figure out everything, save Norie, save Nevermore, and of yeah, save the world. And if it could all be done without telling his mother, that would be even better.”
Taylor Mooreland is the Sheriff of Nevermore, Texas and although he himself has no magic he is used to being around those who do. For the last month Taylor has been dreaming of an unknown woman, who he desperately tries to save and fails every night. One night Taylor wakes from one of these dreams and is more upset then usual and decides to go for a run to clear his mind where he stumbles upon a nemeton, a secret groove that holds the key to the Goddess everyone worships. Following a white raven into the nemeton Taylor makes a startling discovery and feels his fate align as he looks down at Lenore Whyte, the woman from his dreams, chained to an alter.
Lenore, Norie, Whyte has no idea how she got to Nevermore, Texas, to Taylor’s nemeton and in his dreams. Norie feels an instant connection with the Sheriff and trusts him to help her figure out who or what is after her. They more time the two spend together the stronger their bond becomes and they soon realize that there is way more going on in Nevermore then they originally thought and everything seems to be leading right back to Norie.
Now or Never is the second book in Michele Bardsley’s Wizards of Nevermore series and can be read as a stand alone. Mrs. Bardsley does a wonderful job of explaining the magical world she has created in Nevermore and explaining all the characters and how they tie together. I never felt lost or confused and I actually fell in love with Nevermore and I didn’t want to leave.
This book is very short, less then 300 pages, and I really wish it would have been longer. I found that there was so much going on and so many story lines that there wasn’t enough time devoted to Taylor and Norie. I never really got a good feel for either character or their relationship. It was just expected that the two would be together and they never really got to know each other but both just accepted one another with no question. I like to see my hero and heroine fall in love and work for it, not just have them see each other and that be it. I feel that if there had been fifty more pages just devoted to getting to know these two I would have enjoyed this book much more.
As I mentioned before there is a lot going on in this book and a lot of leads to new story lines. I really liked a lot of the side character, way more then Taylor and Norie, and am very excited to see what happens with Cullen and Trent who are my favorites. I loved the ending of this book which was a total shocker and it guaranteed that I will be reading the next book when it comes out.
Nevermore, Texas is a fascinating little town with a lot of crazy characters and a lot of magical energy. I loved the town and I hope to get to know it and it’s people a lot better as the series continues. My only wish is the next book is a lot longer so I can really get a feel for everything and not feel like something is missing when I finish the book.
Grade: B-
“They had, maybe, a couple of days to figure out everything, save Norie, save Nevermore, and of yeah, save the world. And if it could all be done without telling his mother, that would be even better.”
Taylor Mooreland is the Sheriff of Nevermore, Texas and although he himself has no magic he is used to being around those who do. For the last month Taylor has been dreaming of an unknown woman, who he desperately tries to save and fails every night. One night Taylor wakes from one of these dreams and is more upset then usual and decides to go for a run to clear his mind where he stumbles upon a nemeton, a secret groove that holds the key to the Goddess everyone worships. Following a white raven into the nemeton Taylor makes a startling discovery and feels his fate align as he looks down at Lenore Whyte, the woman from his dreams, chained to an alter.
Lenore, Norie, Whyte has no idea how she got to Nevermore, Texas, to Taylor’s nemeton and in his dreams. Norie feels an instant connection with the Sheriff and trusts him to help her figure out who or what is after her. They more time the two spend together the stronger their bond becomes and they soon realize that there is way more going on in Nevermore then they originally thought and everything seems to be leading right back to Norie.
Now or Never is the second book in Michele Bardsley’s Wizards of Nevermore series and can be read as a stand alone. Mrs. Bardsley does a wonderful job of explaining the magical world she has created in Nevermore and explaining all the characters and how they tie together. I never felt lost or confused and I actually fell in love with Nevermore and I didn’t want to leave.
This book is very short, less then 300 pages, and I really wish it would have been longer. I found that there was so much going on and so many story lines that there wasn’t enough time devoted to Taylor and Norie. I never really got a good feel for either character or their relationship. It was just expected that the two would be together and they never really got to know each other but both just accepted one another with no question. I like to see my hero and heroine fall in love and work for it, not just have them see each other and that be it. I feel that if there had been fifty more pages just devoted to getting to know these two I would have enjoyed this book much more.
As I mentioned before there is a lot going on in this book and a lot of leads to new story lines. I really liked a lot of the side character, way more then Taylor and Norie, and am very excited to see what happens with Cullen and Trent who are my favorites. I loved the ending of this book which was a total shocker and it guaranteed that I will be reading the next book when it comes out.
Nevermore, Texas is a fascinating little town with a lot of crazy characters and a lot of magical energy. I loved the town and I hope to get to know it and it’s people a lot better as the series continues. My only wish is the next book is a lot longer so I can really get a feel for everything and not feel like something is missing when I finish the book.
July 10, 2012
Now or Never is the second book in Michele Bardsley's Wizards of Nevermore series and boy is Nevermore heating up.
Nevermore is a town in Texas under Dragon Rule.. it also happens to host a goddess fountain and we learn a nemetin. The Ravens have joined forces with the Demons and have decided to withdraw from the grand council an unheard of concept. Never in the two thousand years since the council was created has a house withdrawn.
In order to do so they must find a way to free Kahl.. they have come across a prophecy and are determined to make sure it leans in their favor.. to destroy the world as it now stands. Leaving chaos behind where they will gather what is left and rule. Of course they have to control the prophecy first.. and fight those that guard the fountain in Nevermore.
Taylor Mooreland is a Mundane and perfectly happy with it. He has no desire to be of magic kind.. He is sheriff of Nevermore and works well with the guardian and those who serve the goddess as well as the mundanes. He is loyal to his town, his friends and his family. It was hard for him but he has accepted that he does have an ancestor with some magic in him, from the house of the Wolf.. so his brother Ant will soon be tested as magic kind. But Taylor, nope perfectly mundane. Unless you count those dreams he has been having.. about a mysterious woman, in trouble that only he can save. *grins* and that's not all he's dreaming about her..
Lenore Whyte, at five was considered disposable and tossed aside by her power hungry father. She was condemned to death but with a little help from the undead.. she survived. From then on she was on the run with her mother. Never staying for long in any given place and slowly watching her mother go insane. Unaware that a spell has been cast upon her.. one that binds her powers and made her forget all that has come before. Once her mother dies she is captured and used as a virgin sacrifice.. Fortunately, those that want power want it now and tried too soon.. and Lenore's familiar (a white raven) finds Taylor and brings him to her.
Taylor and Lenore.. or Norie as she prefers discover a powerful connection one written by the gods themselves. They just need to figure out what it is.. Together they must find out who wants her dead and why.. They must figure out what her powers are and if they can be unbound and all this when the guardian's mother is coming for a visit. People are committing suicide and Ant is supposed to be tested by the wolf clan. Oh yeah and somehow the Ravens have tracked the death of a powerful Raven to Nevermore and want justice. It's a busy time in Nevermore these days.
I am looking forward to Ms Bardsley's next installment of her Nevermore series.. I can't wait to find out what happens next.. I hope the rest of you take the time to enjoy this wonderful series.. Discover Nevermore..and enjoy
Shauni
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Nevermore is a town in Texas under Dragon Rule.. it also happens to host a goddess fountain and we learn a nemetin. The Ravens have joined forces with the Demons and have decided to withdraw from the grand council an unheard of concept. Never in the two thousand years since the council was created has a house withdrawn.
In order to do so they must find a way to free Kahl.. they have come across a prophecy and are determined to make sure it leans in their favor.. to destroy the world as it now stands. Leaving chaos behind where they will gather what is left and rule. Of course they have to control the prophecy first.. and fight those that guard the fountain in Nevermore.
Taylor Mooreland is a Mundane and perfectly happy with it. He has no desire to be of magic kind.. He is sheriff of Nevermore and works well with the guardian and those who serve the goddess as well as the mundanes. He is loyal to his town, his friends and his family. It was hard for him but he has accepted that he does have an ancestor with some magic in him, from the house of the Wolf.. so his brother Ant will soon be tested as magic kind. But Taylor, nope perfectly mundane. Unless you count those dreams he has been having.. about a mysterious woman, in trouble that only he can save. *grins* and that's not all he's dreaming about her..
Lenore Whyte, at five was considered disposable and tossed aside by her power hungry father. She was condemned to death but with a little help from the undead.. she survived. From then on she was on the run with her mother. Never staying for long in any given place and slowly watching her mother go insane. Unaware that a spell has been cast upon her.. one that binds her powers and made her forget all that has come before. Once her mother dies she is captured and used as a virgin sacrifice.. Fortunately, those that want power want it now and tried too soon.. and Lenore's familiar (a white raven) finds Taylor and brings him to her.
Taylor and Lenore.. or Norie as she prefers discover a powerful connection one written by the gods themselves. They just need to figure out what it is.. Together they must find out who wants her dead and why.. They must figure out what her powers are and if they can be unbound and all this when the guardian's mother is coming for a visit. People are committing suicide and Ant is supposed to be tested by the wolf clan. Oh yeah and somehow the Ravens have tracked the death of a powerful Raven to Nevermore and want justice. It's a busy time in Nevermore these days.
I am looking forward to Ms Bardsley's next installment of her Nevermore series.. I can't wait to find out what happens next.. I hope the rest of you take the time to enjoy this wonderful series.. Discover Nevermore..and enjoy
Shauni
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
February 18, 2015
Taken from my review posted at That's What I'm Talking About Blog by myself and my review partner, Gikany.
Wow. Just wow. Gikany and Una are in love with this new series. Luckily for us we have discovered it early – Now or Never, the second book in the Wizards of Nevermore series is fantastic. This is how world-building should be done.
Ms. Bardsley has perfectly woven romance, mystery, detective drama, the paranormal, urban fantasy and world-building fluidly into this fantastic series. Gikany and Una are so grateful we were able to read the first book in this series, Never Again. You do not need to read the first book, however, the characters will mean more and the mention of events in the previous book will hold more weight for the reader if you do.
Now or Never was incredibly hard for Gikany and Una to put down. It flowed fluidly and was paced very well. There were quite a few surprises in this book that even had Una a bit teary-eyed. The characters and the world are rich and vibrant. The premise is urban fantasy; that is to say, our world with magic and magic users. The prologue nicely gives the readers an introduction into this world. The story centers itself in a small wizard-protected town called Nevermore, Texas. But this small town is built in a vital location for the Goddess. The world is balanced between the Goddess who created/allowed magic in the world, and the Dark One, the essence of evil.
Gikany and Una have been in love with Taylor, our hero in Now or Never, since the first book. However, there are many other characters that Ms. Bardsley has expertly connected the reader to. We cannot wait until the next book in this series. The last chapter is a one-page cliffhanger that is absolutely HUGE! It is something that Gikany and Una discussed feverishly.
Not many writers can get world-building to be a seamless part of a novel. We just can’t say enough about how wonderfully Ms. Bardsley has woven all the different elements of this novel and series and put it together. It is amazing how easily the reader can slip into the world of Nevermore. If you want to read a book that has world-building done right, characters that leap off the page and into your heart, nail-biting action, and mystery, pick up Never Again so you can immerse yourself in the Wizards of Nevermore. Then run out and pick up Now or Never and know how awesome this series is!
Wow. Just wow. Gikany and Una are in love with this new series. Luckily for us we have discovered it early – Now or Never, the second book in the Wizards of Nevermore series is fantastic. This is how world-building should be done.
Ms. Bardsley has perfectly woven romance, mystery, detective drama, the paranormal, urban fantasy and world-building fluidly into this fantastic series. Gikany and Una are so grateful we were able to read the first book in this series, Never Again. You do not need to read the first book, however, the characters will mean more and the mention of events in the previous book will hold more weight for the reader if you do.
Now or Never was incredibly hard for Gikany and Una to put down. It flowed fluidly and was paced very well. There were quite a few surprises in this book that even had Una a bit teary-eyed. The characters and the world are rich and vibrant. The premise is urban fantasy; that is to say, our world with magic and magic users. The prologue nicely gives the readers an introduction into this world. The story centers itself in a small wizard-protected town called Nevermore, Texas. But this small town is built in a vital location for the Goddess. The world is balanced between the Goddess who created/allowed magic in the world, and the Dark One, the essence of evil.
Gikany and Una have been in love with Taylor, our hero in Now or Never, since the first book. However, there are many other characters that Ms. Bardsley has expertly connected the reader to. We cannot wait until the next book in this series. The last chapter is a one-page cliffhanger that is absolutely HUGE! It is something that Gikany and Una discussed feverishly.
Not many writers can get world-building to be a seamless part of a novel. We just can’t say enough about how wonderfully Ms. Bardsley has woven all the different elements of this novel and series and put it together. It is amazing how easily the reader can slip into the world of Nevermore. If you want to read a book that has world-building done right, characters that leap off the page and into your heart, nail-biting action, and mystery, pick up Never Again so you can immerse yourself in the Wizards of Nevermore. Then run out and pick up Now or Never and know how awesome this series is!
April 4, 2012
Now or Never by Michele Bardsley
Paranormal Romance -March 6th, 2012
4 stars
Now or Never continues the fascinating series in the author’s new Wizards of Nevermore books. The various Houses of magic with various powers and personalities easily pulled in this reader. In this story, the devious, avaricious and amoral Raven House prey on a unsuspecting young woman in their bid for power.
Lenore Whyte’s life has been a hard one. Although she loved her mother, her paranoia kept her on the move and prevented her from finding a real home and love. When her mother dies, Lenore strikes out on her own to find unfettered happiness only to be suddenly kidnapped! Unfortunately, Lenore has latent powers that she is unaware of and those who know of them want to exploit them to cause unimaginable havoc and destruction.
Sheriff Taylor has been having disturbing dreams of a woman he has never met. Then, he is pulled by an inexplicable force to go to the woods he protects and finds a woman (who looks exactly like the woman he has dreamed about!) near death from a magical ceremony gone awry. Taylor is forced to question his distaste for magic and the woman who attracts him like no other.
The uncovering of Lenore’s past really drew me into this book. Lenore is just trying to find a stable life where she can be content but her hidden powers and unstable upbringing have made this difficult. Taylor is a decent man who comes to her rescue and wants to protect and finds that his views of magic must change if he is to find love with Lenore. I wanted them to be together and find their full potential. Not only are the main characters extremely sympathetic but the rest of the characters make this book a vibrant read. Characters from the previous book return and play a large part. It was fun to read how their lives are still being complicated by a very powerful and interfering mother-in-law! This book reeks with charm as all the zany new and old characters make this a colorful and amusing read.
Fun and vivacious, this book features two engaging and sympathetic main characters with a colorful cast of supporting characters that will be guaranteed to keep you smiling.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance -March 6th, 2012
4 stars
Now or Never continues the fascinating series in the author’s new Wizards of Nevermore books. The various Houses of magic with various powers and personalities easily pulled in this reader. In this story, the devious, avaricious and amoral Raven House prey on a unsuspecting young woman in their bid for power.
Lenore Whyte’s life has been a hard one. Although she loved her mother, her paranoia kept her on the move and prevented her from finding a real home and love. When her mother dies, Lenore strikes out on her own to find unfettered happiness only to be suddenly kidnapped! Unfortunately, Lenore has latent powers that she is unaware of and those who know of them want to exploit them to cause unimaginable havoc and destruction.
Sheriff Taylor has been having disturbing dreams of a woman he has never met. Then, he is pulled by an inexplicable force to go to the woods he protects and finds a woman (who looks exactly like the woman he has dreamed about!) near death from a magical ceremony gone awry. Taylor is forced to question his distaste for magic and the woman who attracts him like no other.
The uncovering of Lenore’s past really drew me into this book. Lenore is just trying to find a stable life where she can be content but her hidden powers and unstable upbringing have made this difficult. Taylor is a decent man who comes to her rescue and wants to protect and finds that his views of magic must change if he is to find love with Lenore. I wanted them to be together and find their full potential. Not only are the main characters extremely sympathetic but the rest of the characters make this book a vibrant read. Characters from the previous book return and play a large part. It was fun to read how their lives are still being complicated by a very powerful and interfering mother-in-law! This book reeks with charm as all the zany new and old characters make this a colorful and amusing read.
Fun and vivacious, this book features two engaging and sympathetic main characters with a colorful cast of supporting characters that will be guaranteed to keep you smiling.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
May 7, 2012
I liked the first book of this series, Never Again, so I had hoped I would enjoy this new take on paranormal romance. Now or Never, I think, just had too many aspects pulling the narrative in varying directions.
We are reintroduced to Sheriff Taylor Mooreland, who has murder and/or suicide to solve. He's irritated because (1) the gun found at the scene of the crime should be under lock and key and (2) he's the man with the key. Add to this mystery the strange dreams he's been having, and Taylor is imbibing more coffee than he's like to stay awake and keep his mind focused.
Gray Calhoun, the Guardian of Nevermore, expects a visit from his mother. Gray plans to formally introduce his wife, Lucinda, to his mother, so he doesn't want a murder investigation adding more tension to what he assumes will be a very tense visit. When Taylor discovers Lenore and an altar in the woods near his home, he turns to Gray for help, meaning Gray has to juggle his mother, his wife, and protecting Nevermore from possible invasion.
The various plot threads and secondary characters bisect one another, which makes it difficult to keep the action 100% straight. And the romance between Taylor and Norie is firmly in the background, perhaps a distant second (or third) to stopping whatever evil force is coming for Norie.
I am disappointed in Now or Never. I'm even more disappointed in and frustrated by the cliffhanger I fear I won't learn more about until March 2013 when the third and final book is released.
We are reintroduced to Sheriff Taylor Mooreland, who has murder and/or suicide to solve. He's irritated because (1) the gun found at the scene of the crime should be under lock and key and (2) he's the man with the key. Add to this mystery the strange dreams he's been having, and Taylor is imbibing more coffee than he's like to stay awake and keep his mind focused.
Gray Calhoun, the Guardian of Nevermore, expects a visit from his mother. Gray plans to formally introduce his wife, Lucinda, to his mother, so he doesn't want a murder investigation adding more tension to what he assumes will be a very tense visit. When Taylor discovers Lenore and an altar in the woods near his home, he turns to Gray for help, meaning Gray has to juggle his mother, his wife, and protecting Nevermore from possible invasion.
The various plot threads and secondary characters bisect one another, which makes it difficult to keep the action 100% straight. And the romance between Taylor and Norie is firmly in the background, perhaps a distant second (or third) to stopping whatever evil force is coming for Norie.
I am disappointed in Now or Never. I'm even more disappointed in and frustrated by the cliffhanger I fear I won't learn more about until March 2013 when the third and final book is released.
April 16, 2012
Michele Bardsley takes us back to her fun new series and the town of Nevermore, Texas in her newest installment Now or Never. Previously we were introduced to a world where some people have magical talent, some don’t, but when living in the town of Nevermore any type of magical talent can be amplified. This story follows Sheriff Taylor Mooreland as he tries to keep the citizen of Nevermore safe. But he’s continuously plagued by dreams of a young woman screaming for help. When late one night Taylor finally meets this young woman, naked and in distress, no matter what kind of attraction her feels for her his duty as sheriff is to keep her safe. Lenore may have lost her voice and her memory but after years of running and her most recent abduction, she finally feels safe with Taylor.
I really enjoyed this story and the mystery driving it. I loved the chance to see characters previously introduced in the series and I loved seeing how everyone was growing and developing in Nevermore. What I did not enjoy as much was that almost three-fourths of the novel was spent building up to the romance between Taylor and Lenore. I wish more time was spent on their actual romance and not on the overall story development. Still, overall this was a great read and I look forward to the continuation of the series.
I really enjoyed this story and the mystery driving it. I loved the chance to see characters previously introduced in the series and I loved seeing how everyone was growing and developing in Nevermore. What I did not enjoy as much was that almost three-fourths of the novel was spent building up to the romance between Taylor and Lenore. I wish more time was spent on their actual romance and not on the overall story development. Still, overall this was a great read and I look forward to the continuation of the series.
April 10, 2012
So much of the appeal of this series is the town of Nevermore, itself. The whole magical town where people who use magic and those that don't get along. It does seem like there is something about Nevermore that makes it ground zero for a lot of crazy things that seem to be happening in the magical world.
From the start I really liked Norie, you knew there was more to her than what meets the eye. As we learned more and more of just what happened in her life I wanted to cry for her. She lost so much, yet was as normal as she could be. I loved the instant connection that she had with Taylor. Both of them seemed like they didn't know what to make of it, but didn't want it to go away.
There was a lot going on for some other couples in town too. One of them, I think is on the right track for them to be happy, while the other one makes me want to weep for them. I just knew what was going to happen with one person, but it still hit hard when the event went down.
There are still lots of unresolved issues going on, the gun being one such issue. With the last chapter, I think there is going to be more not good things going on. I worry about what/who is behind that and just what that means to those in Nevermore.
From the start I really liked Norie, you knew there was more to her than what meets the eye. As we learned more and more of just what happened in her life I wanted to cry for her. She lost so much, yet was as normal as she could be. I loved the instant connection that she had with Taylor. Both of them seemed like they didn't know what to make of it, but didn't want it to go away.
There was a lot going on for some other couples in town too. One of them, I think is on the right track for them to be happy, while the other one makes me want to weep for them. I just knew what was going to happen with one person, but it still hit hard when the event went down.
There are still lots of unresolved issues going on, the gun being one such issue. With the last chapter, I think there is going to be more not good things going on. I worry about what/who is behind that and just what that means to those in Nevermore.
September 10, 2012
I had two issues with this book. One, it was hard to keep track of what was going on since the point of view changed a lot. I can handle two of three different POV's but this book had up to six at one time. It made tying all the string together difficult. Also, the lack of intimacy was missing. I'm not saying that I need the book to be full of sex but something would have been nice. There were too many other things going on for much "getting on" to be apparent I guess.
This book felt like a huge set up to something bigger so we will have to see what happens next. I do like Norie and Taylor and hope to see more of them. But I'm already worried I'll forget a lot of what has happened when the next book comes out since I seemed to have forgotten a lot of what happened in the first book.
Also, it always seems to be easy to figure out the couples and who is going to math up. Also key plot points were easy to figure out. I knew Cullen was Norie's brother when they first started talking to him. But killing Mordi was a twist. Not sure where they are going with that since it is obvious she and Trent are meant to be together. However, it is a magical town so anything can happen.
This book felt like a huge set up to something bigger so we will have to see what happens next. I do like Norie and Taylor and hope to see more of them. But I'm already worried I'll forget a lot of what has happened when the next book comes out since I seemed to have forgotten a lot of what happened in the first book.
Also, it always seems to be easy to figure out the couples and who is going to math up. Also key plot points were easy to figure out. I knew Cullen was Norie's brother when they first started talking to him. But killing Mordi was a twist. Not sure where they are going with that since it is obvious she and Trent are meant to be together. However, it is a magical town so anything can happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2016
He estado dudando entre darle 4 o 2 estrellas, y no se ha quedado en 3 porque no reflejaba lo que realmente me ha parecido este libro.
A ver, para empezar, sigue exactamente la misma línea del primer libro, que era al final una presentación de un universo literario que prometía mucho. Eso, para un primer libro, está genial. O al menos es algo que puedes esperar y perdonas, pero no para el segundo libro de una serie que no sabes ni cuantos libros formarán (aunque, visto que no han publicado aun el 3º y tampoco se anuncia en la web de la autora, quizás es que ya no va a publicarse) no es nada positivo. Tiene momentos de impacto, sí, pero no lo suficiente para justificar todo un libro dando información con cuenta gotas para luego resolverse todo en las 10 últimas páginas y descubrir que te han dado muchas pistas falsas y que la historia y los malos no son los que parecían (o no todos).
¿Le daría una oportunidad al tercer libro si se publicara? Sí. Pero no le recomendaría a nadie empezar esta serie hasta que no esté claro si continua o no, salvo que no les importe quedarse con un montón de dudas no resueltas, que es como acabaras este libro.
A ver, para empezar, sigue exactamente la misma línea del primer libro, que era al final una presentación de un universo literario que prometía mucho. Eso, para un primer libro, está genial. O al menos es algo que puedes esperar y perdonas, pero no para el segundo libro de una serie que no sabes ni cuantos libros formarán (aunque, visto que no han publicado aun el 3º y tampoco se anuncia en la web de la autora, quizás es que ya no va a publicarse) no es nada positivo. Tiene momentos de impacto, sí, pero no lo suficiente para justificar todo un libro dando información con cuenta gotas para luego resolverse todo en las 10 últimas páginas y descubrir que te han dado muchas pistas falsas y que la historia y los malos no son los que parecían (o no todos).
¿Le daría una oportunidad al tercer libro si se publicara? Sí. Pero no le recomendaría a nadie empezar esta serie hasta que no esté claro si continua o no, salvo que no les importe quedarse con un montón de dudas no resueltas, que es como acabaras este libro.
May 24, 2017
I absolutely loved the first book in the series. This one, not so much. There were just too many things going on and way too many POVs (everyone seemed to be in a starring role). I really liked the characters but I just think that none of them had enough of a center stage to really shine. And where was the romance? There was more romancy angst between Ant and Happy than the hero and heroine, Taylor and Lenore. I think the hero and heroine shared exactly one kiss towards the end of the book and that's it. Not a whole lot to classify this as romance.
I very much liked the plot twists and the premise but I thought it could have been developed more. With everything that was going on, I think the book needed to be a little longer to encompass it all and develop it properly. I will definitely read the conclusion since the magical story-line is intriguing. And the cliff hanger ending was just mean. If I heard correctly, the conclusion will be published in March so not much of a wait for me.
I very much liked the plot twists and the premise but I thought it could have been developed more. With everything that was going on, I think the book needed to be a little longer to encompass it all and develop it properly. I will definitely read the conclusion since the magical story-line is intriguing. And the cliff hanger ending was just mean. If I heard correctly, the conclusion will be published in March so not much of a wait for me.
March 8, 2012
Ummm... that was a bit of a disappointment.
The story in itself was interesting with lots of plot twists and the premise behind the plot was Awesome and had so much potential to be great.
Unfortunately there was just too much going on at one time. Though the story required a lot of different POVs to get everything explained that part was at least done well. The little side love stories were fun too. My biggest problem was the romance angle. The romance was all in the background. You could see some of the emotion building between Taylor and Norie but just as in the previous novel, there was no focus on the relationship itself. Has the story been labeled as Fantasy instead of romance i might have been less disillusioned int he end.
A Lack of any physical interaction except for one quick kiss, dream interactions before even the characters met in life, and underdevelopment of the plot twists left me wanting.
I'll keep reading i'm sure because the mystery & magickal story-line is intriguing, but i'm hoping the next book is a little longer and the romance more focused.
The story in itself was interesting with lots of plot twists and the premise behind the plot was Awesome and had so much potential to be great.
Unfortunately there was just too much going on at one time. Though the story required a lot of different POVs to get everything explained that part was at least done well. The little side love stories were fun too. My biggest problem was the romance angle. The romance was all in the background. You could see some of the emotion building between Taylor and Norie but just as in the previous novel, there was no focus on the relationship itself. Has the story been labeled as Fantasy instead of romance i might have been less disillusioned int he end.
A Lack of any physical interaction except for one quick kiss, dream interactions before even the characters met in life, and underdevelopment of the plot twists left me wanting.
I'll keep reading i'm sure because the mystery & magickal story-line is intriguing, but i'm hoping the next book is a little longer and the romance more focused.
November 15, 2011
Nevermore's sheriff, Taylor Mooreland, is driven by nightmares and a ghostly voice to find Leonore Whyte, chained and naked to an altar. Leonore is without memories of her past, and doesn't know why a mysterious group is intent on sacrificing her to a demon. Together, the two must unravel her past and protect her from harm.
For a supernatural book, this was great. Wonderful tension, a fast clip with believable discoveries, and a fairly menacing threat. Where it fell short, however, was the romance. This was more of a "we met and we know we belong together" type of story, instead of showing the reader the deepening connections and developing relationship. It did get a little confusing with so many different voices and quick vignettes of others in town.
For a supernatural book, this was great. Wonderful tension, a fast clip with believable discoveries, and a fairly menacing threat. Where it fell short, however, was the romance. This was more of a "we met and we know we belong together" type of story, instead of showing the reader the deepening connections and developing relationship. It did get a little confusing with so many different voices and quick vignettes of others in town.
December 11, 2012
I read a lot of the other reviews and they complained about to much going on in the book. I thought it felt like a soap opera, many different POVs. It was definitely different from the first book. But in that book all the different avenues converged into one a lot sooner in the book.
I enjoyed where the story went but I also though the ending was a bit rushed. The last chapter was a cliffhanger I absolutely didn't see coming and I can't say that I am overjoyed with it.
I like Taylor, Ant and Trent. The novel left a big hole where Ant and Happy's story should have continued but I guess thats a leaves you anticipating the next novel.
All in all a very likable story.
I enjoyed where the story went but I also though the ending was a bit rushed. The last chapter was a cliffhanger I absolutely didn't see coming and I can't say that I am overjoyed with it.
I like Taylor, Ant and Trent. The novel left a big hole where Ant and Happy's story should have continued but I guess thats a leaves you anticipating the next novel.
All in all a very likable story.
March 10, 2014
Tormented by nightmares of a woman's death, Sheriff Taylor Mooreland is shocked to find the woman from his visions chained to an altar in the woods. He barely knows her, but something compels Taylor to protect the mysterious Lenore Whyte no matter what. Even if it means dealing with magic.
And when an investigation into a series of suicides leads Taylor deep into the town's past, he discovers that the key to saving Lenore and the town of Nevermore may have a surprising connection...
About the AuthorMichele Bardsley lives with her husband, their two children, and Her Highnesses Isis and Cleopatra, two of the most spoiled Bengal cats on the planet.
June 12, 2013
While I still love the world Michele built in this series, I am not sure I loved this book. There was a lot of switching characters, which I don't really care for. It seemed choppy, like the main characters were being shortchanged plot time in favor of getting in these short vignettes featuring other characters. I felt shortchanged in getting to know the lead couple, like their relationship was merely a short story within the book. I will still read the next book because I want to know what happens but I am not anxiously awaiting it.
August 15, 2015
17/20
En bref, j'ai adoré retrouver le monde de l'auteur même si je regrette un peu un final trop rapide. Mais le reste de l'histoire est prenant, les personnages de Lenore et Taylor vraiment bien campés, on s'imagine sans peine vivant cette aventure avec eux. Les rebondissements sont nombreux et nous réservent quelques belles surprises ! Et étant donné le dénouement, il me tarde de lire la suite pour voir de quelle manière les choses évoluent !
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
En bref, j'ai adoré retrouver le monde de l'auteur même si je regrette un peu un final trop rapide. Mais le reste de l'histoire est prenant, les personnages de Lenore et Taylor vraiment bien campés, on s'imagine sans peine vivant cette aventure avec eux. Les rebondissements sont nombreux et nous réservent quelques belles surprises ! Et étant donné le dénouement, il me tarde de lire la suite pour voir de quelle manière les choses évoluent !
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
March 21, 2012
I think there was too much going on in this book. There are a ton of people involved (including those from the previous story), multiple story lines, and even more questions. The relationship between the hero and heroine ended up falling into the background. The story was interesting but this felt like a bridge for the next book and not a romance book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews