Forever

The World of Nightwalkers #2

by Jacquelyn Frank

After being brought back from death, police officer Jackson Waverly receives the shock of his life: he has become host to a Bodywalker, a spirit that is reborn in flesh and blood, and part of a proud, ancient race that uses its extraordinary gifts to battle dark, evil forces. Jackson’s spirit is a powerful one—none other than the Egyptian pharaoh Menes, who longs to reunite with his eternal love, the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut.

While Menes is obsessed with finding the perfect vessel for his queen, Jackson cannot stop thinking about Dr. Marissa Anderson, the gorgeous precinct shrink who keeps pushing him to confront his grief over the loss of his K-9 partner. But what Marissa really arouses most in Jackson is intense desire, which is exactly what Menes is looking for. To fight a great enemy, pharaoh and queen must join; but to host Hatshepsut, Marissa will first have to die. Fate has given Jackson a profound choice: save Marissa from Menes’ plan or keep an entire species from the brink of extinction.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Audiobook, Adult

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

I live in Asheville NC and have written a book...or two...or is it ten?

Reviews

[Blacky *Romance Addict* · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One day she will be born into a woman who will not fall for your charms so easily,” Ram said.
“Oh, I but live for the day!” With a whoop he kicked his steed into motion. Over his shoulder he shouted, “Where would the fun be in an easy conquest?”



Amazing book, even better than the first one, and I have to say, it made me want to read all the other Nightwalker series :))))






The story

*this will be spoilerish to everyone who haven't yet read the first book in this series*

In the previous book, Jackson died and became a vessel for the soul of the Egyptian pharaoh Menes, ruler of all the Bodywalkers.
Now that the blending is slowly happening, Jackson finds it harder to stay in daylight, and away from the woman who's been in his thoughts for months now, Marissa, the precinct's psychiatrist.
Marissa has realised that there is something different about Jackson lately, and she is incredibly intrigued by him.
After witnessing a fight between Jackson and another Bodywalker, on top of that, even with a Gargoyle, she freaks out, and it takes everything from Jackson to get her to trust him, and move her to someplace safe, beyond reach of the Templar Bodywalkers.


How I liked it

It's about ancient Egyptians. That alone is a HUGE like for me :)
The concept is weird, but I have no problem with it, in fact I really love it because it's so different :)
So, the two souls in one body thing. As I've said in the review for the first book, it's explained so well, and I've seen that same situation in some TV shows so it isn't uber-weird for me, I actually love this spin on it all, the blending thing.
It isn't like one person is there at one time, then they switch to another. They actually blend over time, so Menes, as the Bodywalker, carries in his memory and essence all the souls that he's blended with through the history, and that makes each of them pretty much immortal.
And the way Jackson explained it all to Marissa...
That deep love Menes feels for Hatshepsut...
Amazing :)
About the story, I think I expected a bit more to happen here, something like the fight we got in the last book, but yeah, it was still interesting and great :)
One thing really surprised me, with the bad guy! Did not see that coming!!!!
And I am dying to read Leo's book :) I wonder what angle it's going to have :DDDDD







Jackson/Menes + Marissa/Hatshepsut

Jackson and Menes are really strong personalities, and I loved seeing both of them, can't really pick a favorite!
They both want Marissa, especially Menes, who wants her to carry Hatshepsut's soul.
I think I mentioned it, but the love between them, just sounds amazing and I'm sorry we didn't get to see it much in the book :(((
Marissa is also strong, worthy of blending with the queen of Bodywalkers, even though she doesn't want it.
She's been interested in Jackson for months, but didn't want to act on it, and now that she has the opportunity, he wants her as a vessel for a queen :D
Definitely not a nice position to be in, but I like how the author went through it all, I mean, what it took for Marissa to make a decision :))
I loved the ending with these two and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the next books, because I really wish we could've seen more of Hatshepsut in this book, considering the love Menes has for her and everything.








Egypt! Give me more, I am always up for it!
Loved this one and I seriously can't wait for book 3!



*ARC courtesy of Ballantine Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review

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ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review

Forever is the second book in The World of Nightwalkers Series by Jacquelyn Frank and picks off where it last left in the previous book but in this particular book it focuses on the Pharaoh Menes who inhabits Officer Jackson Waverly's body. In this book, the story gets interesting as the Pharaoh Menes wants to find a host for his beloved Queen and he thinks Marissa is the perfect candidate. And so begins the interesting dynamics of the big issue of Marissa willing to give up everything she knows?

I rarely read paranormal and for me to read Forbidden and Forever back to back says a lot of how much I really enjoyed these books. Ms. Frank has once again kept her readers entertained with the blending and weaving of paranormal, Egyptian history, and romance throughout the book. Never was there a dull moment. And yes, I can't wait to start on the next book.


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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Jacquelyn Frank

[Jaime · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a fan of the Nightwalker series, and I liked the first book in this World of Nightwalker series. However the occupations and relationships of the human’s in this story require more suspension of belief than the supernatural one’s. Marissa is a Doctor. She went to medical school and became a Psychiatrist. That means that she is a extremely intelligent and driven woman. She works for the Police Department, so she is constantly dealing with the human psyche, especially the darker aspects. Jackson is also her patient, and while he is very attractive this loving him from afar thing is ridiculous for two reason’s. One, he is her patient. It is completely unethical for them to have a relationship. Having a relationship with him if discovered would result in the loss of her job, and probably her license. Reason number two, he is her patient. She knows exactly how messed up he is. Before he became a Bodywalker this man had some serious issues. He is deeply suffering over the loss of his K-9 partner. Now don’t get me wrong, I love animals. Dog’s especially, but him not being able to function is not normal. Now I’m no medical professional, but I would think the loss of his dog hit him so hard because he barely has any human relationship’s. Jackson has his little sister, and his friend Leo who spends most of the time out of the country. Nothing screams red flag like a single man in his 30’s who has no friends. So Jackson should have been firmly placed in Marissa’s “no go” zone. In this book his and Marissa’s story pick up after he become’s a Bodywalker, a.k.a. he is suffering from a severe personality disorder. The conflict that draw’s them together wasn’t even really real. And the book wrap’s up with and ending that could only have been accomplished with a major case of Stockholm Syndrome, because Marissa for all of her intelligence never really questioned anything. She never really went toe to toe with anyone and said “Hell no, this is crazy, I’m not doing this”. When she should have been kicking and screaming, she would calmly disagree for a hot sec and then do a 180 and agree with whoever she was talking to. How she lived this long with out some man grabbing her up and convincing her to cater to his every whim is a miracle.

Jackson/Menes was not likable to me in this book at all. In Forbidden he was a slightly overbearing big brother, but he came across as a loving and honorable man. Even though he was extremely distraught over the loss of his K-9 partner Chico, it didn’t seem like the dog was his only friend. Jacskon joining with Menes made him a jerk, in this book he is a manipulative ass. For someone who supposedly cared so much for Marissa spent an awful lot of time disregarding her wishes and well being for Menes’ motives.

This book felt more like a filler, the lack of actual conflict faced by the lead character’s made this story feel like it should have been a novella. All that being said, am not done with this series. I am hoping this was just a fluke and the next book will get us back on track.

[AH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice abs, huh?

I’m so glad that I finally discovered Jacquelyn Frank. (Yes, I know, I’m a bit behind in my series reading). I absolutely adored Forbidden, the first book in her World of the Nightwalkers series. As I settled down to read Forever, I knew I was in for a treat.

The plot picks up right where Forbidden left off, but this book focuses on the hunky Jackson Waverly and his love interest Marissa Anderson. Jackson is a K-9 officer in the Saugerties police force. He loves his job but is grieving for the loss of his last K-9 partner. Jackson is undergoing the transformation to become host to the Egyptian pharaoh Menes. Throughout his transformation, Jackson becomes more and more powerful but he is weakened by the sunlight. Marissa is the police psychiatrist. I loved Marissa – she is very cerebral and analytic. Every step she takes is carefully weighed.

I loved Jackson and Marissa. From all the descriptions of Jackson, who could blame Marissa? Reading some of the descriptions made me want to take a cold shower.

“Pretty? He’s a god. He’s the kind of guy that makes you wish to be a bar of soap in his shower.”

These two have a strong attraction which is compounded by Menes’ yearning for his love Hatshepsut. Think of it as a kind of foursome with two bodies. And wow, Ms. Frank can write some passionate and hot alpha male love scenes. The build up is exquisite.

“I knew then that I had died without ever knowing what it meant to live. Knowing I’d had sex, but never made exquisite love, that I’d known lust, but never true passion. I knew longing, frustration and craving too well and satisfaction not at all. I came back for those reasons, but mostly Marissa, I came back for you.”

The author creates such an intriguing world and manages to create her own unique mixture of Egyptian mythology and the paranormal. The background story is full of conflict, war, and betrayal. The Bodywalker lore is interesting. Bodywalkers are practically immortal, reincarnating themselves once they find a human on the verge of death. They then merge their spirit with that of the human.

I think that I enjoyed the inner dialogue of the characters the most. As Jackson transforms into Menes, the two minds merge and work together. Menes almost seems accommodating to Jackson, “allowing” him to love Marissa.

There were some awesome battle scenes complete with all sorts of paranormal creatures. I loved the gargoyles the best, especially their cute gargoyle names with the extra letter H’s.

I am really glad that I found this series. I would recommend Jacquelyn Frank’s World of the Nightwalkers series to paranormal romance lovers, especially those looking for some summer reads for the pool or cottage.

Thank you to Edelweiss and Ballantine Books for a review copy of this book.

Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.

[figuranta❤️addicted❤️to❤️books❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Amazing Stars

Full review posted


Forever is the second book from the The World of Nightwalkers series of
Jacquelyn Frank and i loved it. I am not a big fan of paranormal and i never
thought i will find another series to love so much. This books made me buy all books
connected with this series and i can't wait to read them.

At the end of the first book Jackson Waverly dies and he is being reborn as the host for Menes the Egyptian pharaoh and the king of Bodywalkers.

Till the blending with Menes is complete, Jackson has 3 weeks to still be able to stay in daylight and to be close to the woman he realized he loves Dr. Marissa Anderson.

In the same time Menes has chosen Marissa to be the host for his beloved it queen Hatshepsut’s and cause Jackson loves Marissa the situation is perfect for both of them. But what will take to convince Marissa to be give up everything she knows for something she doesn't even know yet.

My thoughts about this book.

The first thing i can say about this book is:


I liked the first book of this series but i absolutely LOVED this book. Totally blew me away. This book is amazingly perfectly written and not very often i see that happening.

Another reason to love this book is the amazing Egyptian world Jacquelyn Frank takes us. I am big fan of they history and that's makes this series even more special to me.

So if you are in research for a good paranormal book, this is the perfect book to start with, but you will have to read the first book in this series as they are connected with each other.

This review has been posted at

http://romanceisoursecretpleasure.blo...

ARC courtesy to Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley.

[Oriane · Rating 2 out of 5]

On continue de fouiner dans les tréfonds de la PAL, bof, un côté Goa'uld qui me gêne franchement.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever picks up right where the first book in the series Forbidden ends. King Menes has been incarnated through Jackson Waverly, a police officer, who was introduced in Forbidden. It is ideal to start the series at the beginning, but Frank provides enough exposition throughout this second book for readers to become comfortable with the storyline and ongoing conflicts.

Jackson and Menes have gone through the process of blending and, now, along with fighting against his enemies, one of Menes’ priorities is to find a host for his beloved Queen Hatshepsut.

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Because he and Jackson now know each other’s memories and thoughts, Menes is aware of Jackson’s attraction to psychiatrist, Dr. Marissa Anderson, who counsels officers within the police department where Jackson is employed. Behind the scenes, Menes is “fanning the flames” encouraging Jackson to pursue a romantic relationship with Marissa. Menes thinks Marissa would be a great candidate to host his queen.

Marissa spent a great deal of time getting to know Jackson when he was required to see her after the death of his K9 partner when Jackson was assaulted. Throughout their encounters, they have often clashed over differences in opinion. Yet, this doesn’t douse the mutual attraction that radiates between them. Now that Menes has become one with Jackson, he encourages Jackson to take the initiative with Marissa and reveal his feelings for her.

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While working a case together, Marissa witnesses a supernatural attack upon Jackson/Menes by an enemy. Marissa shockingly learns that Jackson is no ordinary man, and because she has been seen by the enemies, her life is in danger as well.

The always professional and self-controlled Marissa finds herself ill-equipped to deal with the reality of this fantastical world she has entered. After Jackson takes Marissa to a safe house to protect her, he finds it even more difficult not to physically seduce Marissa. Their sultry kisses show him that Marissa is a sensual and passionate woman, but she is reluctant to let go, take a chance, and give in to her carnal desires for Jackson. So Jackson/Menes together woo her with beautiful, romantic prose that would melt any woman’s icy heart. And Marissa is no exception.

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Once they become intimate, Jackson/Mendes are determined to make her theirs. They proposition her to become the host for Hatshepsut. Marissa gasps when she realizes that even if she would consider becoming a Bodywalker, she would have to die first. Her obvious response is

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Marissa has a serious choice to make. Will she refuse to become Jackson’s mate, knowing that eventually Menes will push Jackson to find someone else to become host to the queen? Throughout the story, Menes describes the perfect, profound, and enduring love that he shares with his soul mate, Hapshepsut. Can Marissa take a leap of faith and believe that Jackson truly loves her and that they, too, can have this same passionate and lasting love?

Rather than being more action-oriented, the heart of this book focuses on the internal struggles both Jackson and Marissa face as they try to adapt to the Nightwalker world. The story certainly made for a suspenseful read as I awaited Marissa’s decision and what will happen next. Forever also foreshadows a major conflict in the next book, since a Templar has, unknowingly, unleashed one of the most evil gods into this world.

After reading Forever, I am impressed with the creative and fantastic story line Franks has created, and am now a fan of this series.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review.

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacquelyn Frank has returned to the world of the Nightwalkers. Forever is book two of her Bodywalkers leg of the Nightwalkers. I am beginning to believe that she will be telling the story of each Nightwalker Species then gradually tie them all together. This is beginning to get really interesting as we have heard from the Demons, the Shifters, the Vamps, the Shadowdwellers and now are getting some inside peaks into the lives of the Bodydwellers that leaves seven species unaccounted for... hmmmm.

Jackson Waverly is a cop.. it's who he is, what he does. He has spent years as a canine cop and after the death of his first dog he went into serious depression. It didn't help that about that time his sister went missing and was presumed dead. When she came back to life sharing her body with another soul, let's just say he wasn't thrilled. But when he was close to death and the same option was offered to him, Jackson accepted the soul of Menes, the leader of the Bodywalkers. Now all he has to do is learn to merge their souls, figure out how to leave his job and oh yeah.. convince the sexy psychiatrist that she too wants to become a bodywalker.

Dr. Marissa Anderson has spent as much time peaking out her window watching the ever smexy officer Waverly train his new police dog as she has spent treating her patients. While she is attracted to him she is determined to keep him at arms length, professional behavior and all that. Only her hormones seem to have something entirely different in store for her.

When Jackson is forced to fight off an evil gargoyle in front of Marissa she is abruptly brought into the Bodywalker world. One of them escaped and is aware that she means more to him than just another human being. Now they must leave the world both are familiar with and begin a new life in the Desert of the southwest. A place where bodywalkers feel most comfortable. Menes, wants to convince Marissa to allow a melding with the great love of his life immediately but Jackson is still in protection mode and wants only for Marissa to be safe. Talk about an internal battle..

This was just a good book!! Dealing with the names involved in this series was like taking a step back into ancient Egyptian culture and Ms Frank does an excellent job of keeping their personalities.. and yet explaining that with each soul merge they have had over the centuries, they have changed and grown. Excellent concept if a bit odd.. but she also deals with the differences between a symbiotic relationship and one where the original owners of the body are more or less subjugated and destroyed.

On top of their eternal battle between the Politics (the good bodywalkers) and the Templars (the evil bodywalkers) a new evil is brought into play and the need to find the rest of the Nightwalkers is becoming dire.

Yeah a really good book..

You can read this book without reading the other Nightwalker Series but you are gonna want to read them all eventually..

Happy Reading

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Forever provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on May 28, 2013

[Dela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read everything that J.Frank has published - even the stuff under Jax pen name - and enjoyed it. Mostly because she really knows how to build a believable world that is so convincing and real, it makes me want to revisit it over and over again.

With this new spin-off series in the World of Nightwalkers, I had a little trouble with the world. I never quite believed in it and I have this vague impression that neither did the characters.

Usually when I get a new J.Frank book, I devour it in one sitting, but it took me 3 days to finish Forever. And while I did like the love story and the main characters, I was never fully invested and I kept feeling like something wasn't quite right.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!

It bothered me that the heroine's bodywalker didn't make an appearance until the very last chapter in the book - when she was such a huge part of the love story. That - I believe - is the biggest issue I have with the book.
It was well written, as always. It flowed, had great pacing and all the hallmarks of a Frank favorite, but I didn't buy the relationship in the end.

I would like to point out that I have no issues with the menage a quatre concept - if it is well done. I've read some brilliant and beautifully emotional menage stories that are favorites of mine. So that isn't what puts me off. I just don't think the author was as comfortable with the concept - because I was feeling uncomfortable while reading about it.

Of course, that's just my impression.

I actually felt a bit disgruntled - almost cheated, because I had never failed to get that feel good feeling with this author and she had always been an automatic buy for me.

While Forever is still miles ahead of many of the books in the genre, I will most likely not re-read this book. It won't make it to the keeper shelf.

I would recommend that you read the first Bodywalker book Forbidden, before this one. It was much better in my opinion.


I RECEIVED A COPY OF 'FOREVER' FROM NETGALLY IN EXCHANGE FOR A HONEST REVIEW.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Waverly was killed in an explosion, but in death he is offered a rebirth...the catch he has to share his body with another soul, the great pharaoh Menes. Menes is a Bodywalker, a leader of an ancient race that co-exist inside another human. Menes and his queen Hatshepsut have decided to return to the mortal world once again and Menes must find another vessel, human to host his queens soul.

Jack is a police officer and has recently lost his K9 partner. Jack is obsessing over the hot Dr. Anderson, the doctor assigned to evaluate Jack’s mental health. Both Menes and Jack are drawn to Marrisa Anderson and when she witnesses an attack that includes gargoyles Jack must come clean about the Bodywalkers and the danger Marrisa now faces. Menes wants Marrisa to be Hatsheput’s host but to do that Marissa must die. Jack wants Marrisa because he’s fallen in love with the spunky doctor that hides behind her emotional guards.

An enemy releases an ancient evil, more powerful than any Bodywalker. Hatsheput and Mene’s must come together to save the mortal world from destruction. Adversaries must call a truce. The Bodywalker clans must reunite.

Forever was an action packed adventure. Dark and heart-wrenching choices must be made in this installment of The World of the Nightwalkers series. There is a perfect blending of character strengths and flaws between Jack and Menes' souls, making him one very hot and uber alpha leader of the Bodywalkers. The relationship between Marissa and Jack is hard-won and tenuous, but when they come together it is explosive and extremely passionate. Jacqueln Frank’s stunning, imaginative tale will blow you away in a world where Egyptian kings and queens still walk among us.

This ARC copy of Forever was given to me by Random House - Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on May 28, 2013.

[TXreader Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacquelyn Frank has an incredible imagination. She creates very intricate worlds. And I have to say she makes me really use my brain. A lot of authors will slip in to slang or "easy" vocabulary that you can just about read on autopilot. But not JF, she uses the whole dictionary and I appreciate that, gives my brain a work out along with my imagination.

We left off in the first book with Jackson dying and becoming a bodywalker. So what does he do now? He has to slowly pull out of his life as a human and move towards ruling the Politic. What he doesn't count on is how hard it's going to be to leave Marissa behind. He's been watching and wanting her for years. But circumstances beyond his control thrusts her into his new world and he has to reveal what he has become. That's all a little hard to swallow for the uptight Marissa. But after another incident with Leo, Jackson takes her to New Mexico to hide out and regroup. There their romance really kicks in and Menes goes about convincing Marissa that she should give up her life and become his queen. On the other side of this was the war between the Templars and the Politic, things are heating up and the Templars have made a grave mistake.

Great book, my only complaint, is it seems we are going to be left "hanging" to find out what will develop in the war and where we go from here. Ugh! Can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Myriad · Rating 1 out of 5]

This had a lot of potential, and the writing style was decent. But no. Just no. Jackson/Menes is manipulative, condescending, and sometimes downright abusive. And then we're supposed to sympathize with him when his feelings get hurt? Every problem between the two of them was Marissa's fault - the whole point of the book seemed to be how she needed to change to be worthy of him, not how they were changing with each other. And their whole relationship was couched in an outdated power differential straight out of the 1950s. It was not sexy. It was not romantic. It makes me sick to see that this kind of abuse narrative is still being presented as romance in the year twenty-effing-thirteen.

[Lissy Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson and Marissa have a crush on each other but neither is willing to take the first step since she has been his therapist for a while now. She's not willing to cross the line and Jackson admires her from afar.
But certain events change everything and Jackson comes to her determined to claim her and make her his, now and forever.

Marissa makes a very drastic decision to make their relationship true and forever.

Ok now on to the next one!!

[C.C. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book I realized that it is part of a series. I like that you can read it by itself. It was not what I usually think of as Paranormal, bit I loved the strong characters of Marissa and Jackson. This has a lot of what we look for in a good book Suspense, Intrigue, Hot Love scenes. This book will make you look forward to the rest of the series.

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this audio book. Full review to come

[Cinzia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed? A lot. Perplexed? For sure. I struggled a lot to complete reading this second book in the new series The World of Nightwalkers by Ms Frank and I remained with alitate bit of bitter taste in mouth, after the enthusiasm when I had receive book as a preview.

After being brought back from death, police officer Jackson Waverly receives the shock of his life: he has become host to a Bodywalker, a spirit that is reborn in flesh and blood, and part of a proud, ancient race that uses its extraordinary gifts to battle dark, evil forces. Jackson’s spirit is a powerful one—none other than the Egyptian pharaoh Menes, who longs to reunite with his eternal love, the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut.
While Menes is obsessed with finding the perfect vessel for his queen, Jackson cannot stop thinking about Dr. Marissa Anderson, the gorgeous precinct shrink who keeps pushing him to confront his grief over the loss of his K-9 partner. But what Marissa really arouses most in Jackson is intense desire, which is exactly what Menes is looking for. To fight a great enemy, pharaoh and queen must join; but to host Hatshepsut, Marissa will first have to die. Fate has given Jackson a profound choice: save Marissa from Menes’ plan or keep an entire species from the brink of extinction.

The book is very focused on Menes, Jackson and Marissa, in what almost becomes a ménage a trois, despite the professed eternal love of Menes for Hatshepsut. This is one of the things that leaves me perplexed, coupled with the fact that this mysterious Queen make a brief appearance in the final, while being the book of Menes I would expect their joining in the novel before the end of rhe story and finally see this couple together.
The other argument a little hard, in my opinion, is the choice of the writer to push Marissa to commit a conscious suicide so she can become Hatshepsut's vessel. Horrible, really, I found this thing a bit disturbing for my taste and my ideas.
Compared to the first book in the series I found a sharp decline in this book.
I didn't feel involved by the characters or the story, which in the past it never happened with Ms Frank.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the preview.

RATING: 2 stars

TITLE: Forever
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
SERIES: The World of Nightwalkers #2
PUBLISHER: Random House Publishing Group: Ballantine
PUBLICATION DATE: scheduled for May 28, 2013

Delusa? Molto. Perplessa? Tanto. Ho faticato molto a portare a termine la lettura di questo secondo libro della nuova serie The World of Nightwalkers della Frank e mi è rimasto decisamente l'amaro in bocca, dopo l'entusiasmo che avevo vuoto nel riceverlo in anteprima.

Dopo essere stato riportato indietro dalla morte, l'ufficiale di polizia Jackson Waverly scopre una delle cose più traumatiche della sua vita: è diventato l'ospite di un Bodywalker, uno spirito che si reincarna in carne e ossa, e fa parte di un'antica, orgogliosa razza che utilizza le sue preziose capacità per lottare contro un'oscura battaglia contro le forze del male. Lo spirito presente in Jackson è uno di quelli dotati di più potere - non è altro che l'antico faraone egiziano Menes, che non vede l'ora di riunirsi al suo eterno amore, la regina egiziana Hatshepsut.
Mentre Menes è ossessionato dal pensiero di trovare l'ospite perfetto per la sua regina, Jackson non riesce a smettere di pensare alla Dsa Marissa Anderson, la bellissima psichiatra del distretto che continua a spingerlo a confrontarsi col dolore della perdita del componente del suo team, un vane di nome Chico. Ma quello che Marissa riesce a far nascere in Jackson è un intenso desiderio per lei, la cosa per cui Menes è alla ricerca. Per lottare contro il loro grande nemico il faraone e la sua regina si devono riunire; ma l'ospite di Hatsheput, Marissa, deve prima morire. Il destino mette Jackson davanti a una celata difficile: salvare Marissa dal piano di Menes o portare un'intera specie sull'orlo dell'estinzione.

Il libro è molto incentrato sulle figure di Menes, Jackson e Marissa, in quello che praticamente diventa quasi un ménage a trois, nonostante il professato amore eterno di Menes sia Hatshepsut. Queste è una delle cose che mi lascia perplessa, insieme al fatto che di questa fantomatica regina troviamo una breve apparizione nel finale, mentre essendo il libro anche di Menes mi sarei aspettato la loro riunione molto prima nel romanzo e finalmente vedere insieme questa coppia.
Altro argomento opinabile è secondo me la scelta della scrittrice di far compiere a Marissa un suicidio consapevole per poter far reicarnare Hatshepsut. Orribile, veramente, l'ho trovata una cosa un po' disturbante per i miei gusti e le mie idee.
Confronto al primo libro della serie ho trovato un netto calo in questo libro.
Non mi sono sentita coinvolta dai personaggi o dalla storia, cosa che in passato non mi è mai successa con la Frank.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine per la gentile preview.

VOTO: 2 stelle

TITOLO: Forever
AUTRICE: Jacquelyn Frank
SERIE: The World of Nightwalkers #2
EDITORE: Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine
DATA PUBBLICAZIONE: uscita prevista per il 28 maggio 2013

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Gifted via Netgalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

Well I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, and in fact I started it immediately after finishing book 1 I just had to carry on reading.

Police officer Jackson Waverly was one of my favourite characters in book 1 he was the reason I had to start the book before reviewing book 1 - and it took me till 80% through before I could put my ereader down for long enough to sit and write a review for the first book.

So what can I say without spoiling the enjoyment of this series? Well I can mention that he has become host to a Bodywalker, none other than the Egyptian pharaoh Menes, who longs to reunite with his eternal love, the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut. As that's in the Blurb - this happens because he knew that there was something fishy with his sister, Docia's disappearance in fact it's while he was trying to find her that he got killed, and therefore went into the Ether and was able to meet Menes, but what you learn in this book is the complex process of what happens when these 2 souls blend together in one host body.

Jackson has to learn to adapt to having the older soul of Menes inside him, and this makes it hard for Jackson to continue his previous life, one he is reluctant to give up. There are a few things he is having a hard time leaving behind, his job which he loves, his dog new K9 Sergeant and the feisty Psychiatrist Dr. Marissa Anderson, as they have had a lot of sessions after Jackson's K9 partner Chico was shot in the line of duty, but there are some really hot undercurrents that these two professional people are kicking out when they are close but both of them are too honourable to act upon them.

So we have Marissa who keeps pushing for Jackson to confront his grief over the death of Chico, but all Jackson sees is the intense desire for her which he can't act upon, But Menes has other ideas, he sees this as an ideal situation - he needs a vessel for Hatshepsut, his lover and queen, but of course for that to happen Marissa will have to die.

What a dilemma Jackson has, to Menes its simple, but to Jackson's honour code it's too much to ask.

Will Marissa run screaming for the hills, or will she look outside the box at the possibility of having a chance at a 'Forever' kind of love?

The tension fairly burns off the pages, but Jackson is soon shown that he can't stay in his old life, and one big factor against this is due to no longer being able to walk in the sun when the blending is complete. Menes is a Nightwalker, unable to go out into the sunlight, as when they do, they become paralyzed and therefore vulnerable to attack by their enemies.

Another is that the Templar Bodywalkers will use any means necessary to get to Jackson and that includes going for his old friends and family.

I have enjoyed this book because after the first story where the world is introduced, we get to find out the nitty gritty of how life will be living as a Nightwalker/Bodywalker host. Its not going to be easy, and there will be casualties.

When you think about a being being able to live forever in the bodies of hosts, it reminds me of my favourite Star Trek DS9 character, Jadzia Dax, a Trill, who is host to a 300-year-old symbiont and can draw upon the memories and knowledge of the symbionts seven previous hosts. She was my favourite character because although the symbiont could easily crush and dominate the host, and that is what one set of the Bodywalker's do, Dax was a blending of the sum of all the hosts.

And that's how I interpreted Menes the Pharaoh of the Politics, as the Politic Bodywalkers become a shared symbiotic pair within the 'original' soul of the body, whereas the Templars, well they are the baddies in this saga, they suppress their host soul (after lying to them obviously, because why would a human willingly give their body over if they were going to be trapped forever inside watching a parasite soul do as they please with their bodies/lives) - oops I seem to have waffled on - but you can see there is a host of information for the imagination to dive into, which I LOVE.

So there you go - hopefully my ramblings have intrigued your interest and you are heading off to check out book 1 Forbidden and get hooked on this series as much as I have.
I am heading off to read Book 3 in the series The World of Nightwalkers

[Cacophony · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main problem with this book is that it is too short. And not in a 'oh I need to spend more time with these characters I love so much' kind of short. This book is too short in the sense that it completely misses any sort of discussion or resolution about the problems suggested by its plot.

This is a sequel to the book Forever which introduces readers to the Bodywalkers in the Nightwalker world. Bodywalkers are humans who have almost died and been offered a second chance as the symbiotic host of an ancient Egyptian soul. These souls 'blend' with the human soul and provide some super powers like slow ageing and hindrances like allergy to sunlight.

The psychological implications of this are vast, particularly in a romance. How do two people in one body differentiate themselves from one another? How can a single person fall in love or participate in lovemaking with a someone who is sharing their body and responses with another sentient being? These are interesting questions that apply more to this book that the first. In the first book, Forever, the two protagonists are both hosts to Egyptian souls. In this book the hero, Jackson/Menes is trying to convince the fully human Marissa to be the host for his eternal love Hatshepsut, because the Jackson part of the duo has had a crush on Marissa for a long time.

First of all, Marissa's acceptance of Bodywalkers in general was very rushed. It seemed like on one page she was being stunned by Jackson's display of power and then the next she was shrugging and making out with him against a tree.
I would have had an easier time believing this turn around if the story had shown me that Marissa was completely in love with Jackson before hand so I could believe her complete trust of him. As it was she just seemed unbelievably naive.

I think my other problems with this book can be illuminated by this passage where a Bodywalker henchman is convincing Marissa to drink the koolaid:

"Here you have this proposition laid before you...a man who loves and wants you to do something that will increase his passion for you a thousandfold. He has chosen you--I can only assume he sees something of worth in you--over every other woman in the world. And if you think he makes this choice lightly you would be terribly mistaken, so know that now. The last time he was sent to choose for her it took him eleven years before he found someone he deemed worthy enough. Do you know what that must have done to him? To wait so long? This man has offered you something that will make you stronger, make your senses keener, and will add untold amount of time to your life." pg 299

To me this is should be the central conflict of this story: the heroine is not lovable on her own. She is merely an acceptable host for this man's real love. And she is supposed to be flattered by this because the requirements for being acceptable are so difficult to meet. Yippee Skippee!

When confronted with Marissa's suggestion that Jackson/Menes just wants her for her hosting abilities he responds:

"You are thinking in a single and linear fashion when you consider my faithfulness to Hatshepsut. But as you know, there is no singularity in any relationship I form. It is, if you excuse the crude sketch of it, a ménage a quatre." pg 188

Which are intrepid heroine thinks is hot, so there isn't anything else to think about, for her at least. I am completely unconvinced, and very disappointed that this huge conflict wasn't explored more thoroughly. Not to mention the fact that the heroine's counter part, Hatshepsut, is almost completely absent from the narrative. Shouldn't a book about a 'ménage a quatre' show us a little of the fourth perspective? She loves Menes for all time but how does she feel about Jackson? I am left feeling that this is not a love story so much as invasion of the body snatchers. Really the only love I was really convinced of was Jackson's mutual love for his dog, Sargent.

The premise for this series has huge potential, but it fails to deliver.

[Mnix · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unbelievable night changed Officer Jackson Waverly's life in a big way. First, he died in a huge battle while trying to protect his younger sister and then he came back again, but this time he isn't alone. Jackson came back as a host to the leader of the Politic Bodywalkers, the Egyptian pharaoh Menes. Jackson is willing to keep his obligation to Menes, but he also just can't quite walk away from the woman he has silently loved for a while now. Menes, understanding this type of love, has slowed down the process so he can also learn about the woman how holds Jackson's attention and desire.

Dr. Marissa Anderson was hired by the precinct to be the psychiatrist and to try and keep the boys and girls in blue on an even level and to help them work out the stresses and actions that could end their careers many years too early. Marissa has worked hard to be accepted as a person who can help her colleagues, but this has also given her a reputation of being cold. Marissa only wishes that were the case because there is one officer who inspires passion in her and that same officer is one that Marissa is sure needs her professional help too. Tied up and conflicted between her personal feelings and her professional obligations, Marissa has stayed away from Jackson lately but has constantly and secretly watched his every move.

Jackson/Menes knows that it's time to move on because the longer he stays with the force and around his friends, he is putting them in danger from the bodywalkers who would love nothing more than weaken or kill Menes' host and put him back into the mist. Once again its danger that teams up Marissa and Jackson and places them on the run for safety. The Templars have discovered just where Jackson is and also that he isn't fully merged with Menes. They have also found the perfect way to hurt Jackson personally by kidnapping his best friend and family by choice. Marissa suddenly learns just what happened to Jackson; while shocked, it doesn't dampen the passion she has for him. If running for your life with the person you love isn't enough, learning that your lover has very specific plans for you that could involve death and lasting love is the final hurtle that Marissa must face before she can have Jackson as she has always wanted him, if they can make it to safety in time. The question is can Jackson and Marissa find the love and the trust to fulfill Menes' request and hopes?

A slow moving passion is thrust into full love while two lovers fight and run from the suspense and danger that now affects their lives. Forever takes Jackson and Marissa to the ultimate love if they can only survive the threats that have now focused on them. Jackson hates leaving the force and his new dog, but he knows his new life will bring the same feelings and sense of fulfillment. However, Jackson cannot and will not leave without one last chance to have Marissa at his side. Marissa isn't sure how to merge her personal feelings for Jackson with her professional obligation to help him deal with the death of his last dog partner and becoming a team with his new dog partner. I loved how strong both Jackson and Marissa were throughout this entire book. Even while Marissa didn't know the entire truth about Jackson's sudden turnabout, she was trying to help him and love him. I thought that Jackson the officer merged well with Jackson/Menes when fighting to protect those he loved. The part where Marissa and Jackson finally addressed what Menes' hopes were and what would have to be done to achieve them, showed me beyond any doubt that the love that Marissa and Jackson have might even be equal to that between Menes and his queen, Hatshepsut. Forever is a true test of love and trust while Marissa and Jackson fought for the right of survival and their forever after ending.

This book was reviewed by Jo for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.

[Issa · Rating 1 out of 5]

At the end of the previous book, Jackson is killed and given the option to bring Menes into him as his Bodywalker. Menes is king of the Bodywalkers and is ready to come out and do whatever it is he needs to do. I'm not really clear on what he needs to do because he don't seem to care about anything but finding a vessel for his queen so she can come out too.

Queue Marissa.

In the previous book, Marissa tries to help Jackson find his sister and he rips into her several times because all bad news seems to come from her and Jackson has no ability to think past finding his sister. Jackson was an ass, but I understood it, and I liked their dynamic.

Now that he's paired with Menes, he watches Marissa because apparently he’s always had a thing for her. That’s news to everyone but whatever. Menes eyes Marissa because he thinks she’s perfect for his queen (though early on he keeps this a secret even from Jackson).

After Jackson is forced to show his hand and draws Marissa into the world of the Boydwalkers it becomes abundantly clear for me that neither Jackson nor Menes have any real respect or affection for Marissa. They don’t care what their plan will do to her, that it will rip her from everything she knows, take her job, her family, her friends, her home. The treat her so shabbily there were times I wanted to scream. They (Jackson/Menes) like pissing her off. Yes, they say that several times, they like pushing her buttons making her mad and uncomfortable...like she’s not already uncomfortable having her life ripped to pieces. Because she doesn’t fall over and screw with in moments of finding out about them, she’s suppressing her passion. Several times when Jackson is touching her she asks him to stop. She’s clear..no, stop, don’t touch me, yet he continues and of course she turns into a quivering pool of goo. No means no, jerks.

I really felt for Marissa. She smart and sharp. Her arguments against what Jackson/Menes are doing are clear, concise, and makes perfect sense, but they are brushed aside as nothing. Her opinion on anything does not matter. She is pushed by all around her to become a vessel, and called a coward because she doesn’t immediately bend over and take it. The kicker for me was when she made a firm decision to leave (we know she’d never get out but I liked the determination), not a page later she’s in bed with him. WTH?

There are two things palatable in this book, and I’m ready to dump this junk and look forward. Jackson’s friend Leo is kidnapped, horribly tortured, then rescued. His book is next. I’ve always liked him and want to see how he gets past this.

Then Kamen, He’s a bad guy, sort of. Basically he bet on the wrong horse and the result is the unleashing of something bid, bad, and world annihilating. He’s come to Menes for help as it will take all of them to defeat this thing, but since he ordered the torture of Leo and has been on the wrong side, he’s not trusted and buried under profound guilt. I wouldn’t mind him getting is own book either.

Such an unbelievable waste of a story and a disappointing follow up to the first one.

[Eve O. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actually 1.5 Insignificant Stars

I was really dissatisfied with this book. It's not that it was bad but that it felt incomplete. I felt like nothing significant happened in the book. The entire book felt like a big argument that is repeated over and over again and just when something finally happens, it ended. You could call this book a character-based book but you never really find out why the characters are the way they are so even that was a disappointment too. I mean in the one chapter of the last book when he appeared, Menes seemed like such a bigger than life bad-ass character and in this book, he was relegated to the role of Jiminy Cricket, and a rather tame one at that. Jackson and Marissa too seemed like such good characters that I was actually invested in during the little time they were in the first book. But in the book that is supposed to be theirs, I found them to be a pale imitation of what they were and couldn't care less about them. This book felt like a half-hearted attempt at writing a love story. And honestly, I didn't really feel the love. It's like the author wrote this despite a really bad case of writer's block and turned it in anyway 'cause she was past her deadline. I felt that this book would have been redeemable only if we got the chance to get to know Hatshepsut and I felt like I waited the entire book to meet her and get to know her. But I never really did, the minute we meet her, you could tell that she could easily have been the most interesting character in this book but you only get her for a couple pages before the book ends. Let me compare this to the last Twilight book: Breaking Dawn. The book was divided into two parts and the first part ended when Edward and Bella's baby was born. Reading "Forever" felt like I just read part 1 of a Breaking Dawn that ended long before the baby was born, and a lot less interesting (which is really sad when you think about it).
To conclude, the only reason I'm giving this book as much as two stars is on the merit of all of Jacquelyn Frank's other books and the Nightwalker world she created. Jacquelyn Frank has never disappointed me before and I am hoping that this was just a bad day, and that she is not going to completely ruin what the first book promised to be an interesting new series. I really hope the next book will better than this, and I honestly think that you could go from book 1 of this series to book 3 without reading book 2 and there would be nothing lost in the experience; that is how insignificant this book was.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever is the second book in the The World of Nightwalkers sub-series by Jacquelyn Frank which is scheduled for release on May 28 2013. Jackson Waverly has had a lot to process. His sister was kidnapped, and is now sharing the body with an ancient Egyptian. In a rescue attempt Jackson also becomes the host to a Bodywalker, the soul he is hosting is the Egyptian pharaoh Menes who has a mission beyond survival, finding the ideal host for his queen, and love, Hatshepsut. Can Jackson overcome his attraction to his police department's precinct psychologist Dr. Marissa Anderson and finally break ties with his old life, or could he and Menes have found the perfect answer in Marissa?

Forever is the sequel to Forbidden, in which the events involving Jackson's sister take place. I highly recommend starting at the beginning with this series to fully understand the dynamics involved with this group of paranormal people. Forever does a good job of describing the main characters of its story, but the big picture is very important here and I think the story would have less impact without knowing the full backstory. With that out of the way, lets talk about Jackson and Marissa. They are both strong and honor bound characters that almost miss out on each other because of those very virtues. The struggles between Menes and Jackson, and the struggles each of the men and Marissa wages in their heads keep you guessing, but I will admit that after while I just wanted the to talk TO each other or just go ahead and take action. I got a smidgen impatient, but Frank kept me happy enough that I kept on reading and was extremely happy I did when I reached the end.

I recommend Forever to readers that enjoy the writing style of Jacquelyn Frank, and especially those that enjoyed the unique take on Egyptian lore in Forbidden. This is one series that I must stress that reading in order will increase the overall reading pleasure. The understanding of the side characters and their issues will be much easier to understand if you read Forbidden prior to picking up Forever.

[Chasity · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Forever’ is the second novel in The World of Nightwalkers series. I really enjoyed the first book ‘Forbidden’. To me Jacquelyn’s writing is always irresistible; she creates such amazing new worlds. This series is one of my favorites.
Surprisingly I like the sequel ‘Forever’ even more than I liked ��Forbidden’ and I couldn’t put ‘Forbidden’ down, so that is definitely saying something. I really loved the idea of the mummification process that the Ancient Egyptians did, put them into the Ether and gave them a sort of immortality.
I have always had a fascination with Ancient Egypt, so this series was a treat for me. I was very fond of Jackson and Marissa in the first book and to see their story continue and unfold. I also really enjoyed reading about Menes. I love pharaohs and their queens; I mean how cool is that? So to have Menes’ story told was very cool. I loved the difference between Menes and Jackson’s personality.
When I first read the synopsis I was worried that the ending would be predictable, but I was pleasantly surprised. ‘Forever’ kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last sentence. Both characters are extremely strong and stubborn, so having them go through this dynamic story together creates sparks; amazing, irresistible, luscious sparks that you can’t turn your eyes away from.
I love this story and cannot wait to read more.

[Tia Bach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson's life as a cop has prepared him to face evils, but he now faces a new world as a Bodywalker. Like his sister, Docia, he is given a choice and comes back from death sharing his body with the Egyptian pharaoh, Menes.

Menes needs to bring his queen back, and Jackson realizes he is falling for Marissa, his former shrink. But for her to be queen, and a love the two men would share, she'd have to die and accept the same offer Jackson did. Can he do that to her?

Forbidden so detailed the fated love of Menes and his queen, Hatshepsut, that I was greatly looking forward to their story. As it turns out, this book was as much about Jackson's love for Marissa. In addition, we find out more about the race of Bodywalkers and who they are at war with and why. All intriguing, but I wanted more from this great love--one that had endured the ages. So at times, the back-and-forth between Marissa and Jackson only seemed to stand in the way.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

[Sammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love love loved Jackson's story, he was awesome in the 1st and I am so happy that he got hid own book because it was so good .

Jackson is so interesting and i loved that he finally started to let go and let someone besides his sister and Leo get close to him, the fact that Marissa finally accepts him and the crazy world he is now living in was the breaking point and finally all his walls came down.

I really loved Marissa , I totally get where she's coming from, I would question and think things to death too , What Jackson and Menes ask of her is alot , but she was strong enough to finally take what she wanted, her and Jackson are perfect for each other :)

I'm really looking forward to reading more about the Nightwalker world, I find the concept of sharing your body with a another soul different then other books ive read, I can't wait to read the next book.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the whole Egyptian mythology and reincarnation feel of this series. This one centers around Menes and Hatepshut, well actually Jackson Waverly and Marissa Anderson who are incorporated by Menes and Hatepshut.

The world building is detailed and complex keeping the reader on their toes. This story focuses on Jackson and Marissa's struggles to adapt to the Bodywalkers. The war with the Templars is still an issue but takes an interesting turn that could mean disaster for all Nightwalkers.

I look forward to continuing the series with Forsaken and Leo and his angel.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger, Torture, Death, OH MY! All around an epic love story. Fabulous Book

I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. Two people attracted to one another but they cannot do anything about it because they work together. Jackson is a cop and Marissa the police psychiatrist. Marissa has been helping Jackson cope with the loss of his k-9 partner. But Jackson does not want help and is a bit of an ass about it. When Jackson's beloved sister is assaulted then kidnapped Jackson finds himself dealing with a lot more than the local criminals. And Marissa is pulled into danger, torture, death, and the supernatural world of the Nightwalkers. Absolutely great book!

[Cathy Beckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is Jackson and Marissa's story. It picks up where Forbidden left off.

Jackson has just died and gone to the Ether where he is given a second chance at life by Menes--the Scorpian King. Jackson accepts his second chance.

Marissa had dreamed that Jackson had died in her arms but he is very much alive. She fears her love for him because she fears losing control.

Jackson loves Marissa and comes back for his second chance. He and Menes wants Marissa to host a Bodywalker. They want her to host none other than Queen Hatshepsut.

Let the party begin.

[Lynn Zagrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book represents the awesomeness that Ms. Frank has delivered in all of her other books. This series has proven to be very addicting. Moving the story to another character that was introduced in a previous book and understanding why this person has been chosen to have his own story is great. The author does a great job of building the relationship between Jackson and Marissa and introducing Marissa to the life of the Nightwalker. The narration by Xe Sands was excellent, as in the other books. I am looking forward to her next book in this series "Forsaken".

[The Urban Book Thief · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Urban Book Thief Review

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Please be aware that quotes from the book are subject to change at final publication.

Forever is the Nightwalker series’ wilder, sexier and more confident cousin. Starting three weeks after Forbidden left off, Jackson is on the verge of blending fully with Menes and from the get go it seems like he has a little somethin’ somethin’ that Ram did not. Telekinetic ball blasts for one thing - which is always a handy thing to have around when you are in a tight pickle.

If you have not read Forbidden, I suggest going back and reading it first. My review is here. Otherwise you will become a wee bit dazed and confused about what the heck a Bodywalker is.

Forever focuses on the relationship between K9 cop Jackson Waverly and psychiatrist Dr. Marissa Anderson. They initially met when Jackson’s K9 partner Chico died (and boy did he like that dog) and Marissa counseled him through his loss. The attraction between them was undeniable, yet for the past year and a half they have been tip toeing around each other, neither attempting to make the first move. Until Jackson almost dies and he decides to get a little more hands on with the sexy red head. And boy, is Marissa one ballsy mamma! She takes the news of Jackson’s new Bodywalker status surprisingly well. No histrionics or dramas for this lady. Cool as a cucumber.

“If you tell me you’re a fucking vampire I’m going to find a very big stick, aim for your heart, and make you prove it.”

Marissa


Marissa is all about control. Wound tightly as a ball of string, she’s perfect and neat and finds it difficult to let go and trust. With a penchant for heels and tight skirts, Marissa is a lady’s lady and Jackson just eats it all up. It’s fairly clear from the synopsis how Marissa’s journey will go, so I was interested to find out how Ms. Frank would go about talking a character into becoming a Bodywalker. Because saying that you’d die for your loved one is one thing, but actually doing it is quite another. Especially for a person that you have been crushin’ on for a year. True wuv it ain’t really.

At first, Marissa is not a happy bunny when she finds out that Hatshepsut is waiting in the wings to resume things with Menes / Jackson. But Lina, Marissa’s sister sums it up prettily when they have a bit of girl on girl time. Lina is hilarious – she would make a great future heroine. Unemployed champion of lost causes, she’s a spitfire and not afraid to speak her mind to anyone, not even Bodywalker hotties.

“it’s not dying… it’s… it’s… metamorphosis. You're a pretty, fuzzy warm little caterpillar… and when you take this step you’ll be this magnificent, powerful butterfly that will be so deeply loved”

And that’s why gals need their sistas around to cry and bitch with, whether they're blood or not. After that speech, I decided that I wanna be a pretty, fuzzy warm caterpillar too. Bring on the fuzzies. Death, pain and a potentially permanent suicide begone with you!

Jackson. Oh, Jackson. He can train my dog any day. Jackson is bossy, horny and extremely passionate about having Marissa a permanent fixture in his live. Forever. (Hah! See what I did there?) Unlike Forbidden, we don’t get to see his character struggle with the blending process. He has a great rapport with Menes and I like the way the pharaoh gives him that extra bit of confidence to woo his fair lady.

She was a beautiful creature, but she was in desperate need of a complex sort of wooing. An aggressive sort of wooing. She was too powerful a personality and had extremely strong walls for defense shored up against… well, that part was still a puzzle.

Jackson was enamored of Mene’s description of a once in a life time love when they met for the first time in the Ether. Knowing that he had never felt true passion with anyone in his life, he jumped at the chance to become a Bodywalker and get the chance to feel this deeply about someone. The only glimmer that he really had of this feeling in his short life were the times that he spent with Marissa.

Jackson


During the blending, Jackson resumes his usual life and that includes being a K9 cop. But while performing his duties, a sudden attack by his enemies makes Jackson realize that he needs to leave the force and move to the Bodywalker head base in New Mexico. Caught outside near dawn, if it weren’t for Marissa and her quick thinking, he might have been killed. Sunlight is one of the biggest dangers for Nightwalkers, their bodies instantly paralyze and they are left vulnerable to their enemies. During the attack, Marissa is seen and recognized by the enemy. This worries Jackson and he uses it as an excuse to keep her close to hand, telling Marissa that she and her sister will never be safe outside of one of his compounds.

While all of this is going on, we are introduced to the love story between Menes and Hatshepsut. The Romeo and Juliet of the Bodywalkers. As King and Queen of the Bodywalkers they have been enjoying a delightful ménage à quatre for a very long time now. They have found that living continuously in the Ether is not an acceptable way for them to survive together. It is a peaceful, misty plain where the inhabitants are insubstantial and cannot physically touch. Occasionally, the pair's souls brush against one another (I don’t know why, but all I can see in my head is frogspawn sitting in a big white bathtub). For them it is kind of a slow torture. The Ether makes people numb and can eventually drive them mad. What they feel for one another crosses centuries of love and numerous incarnations. But Menes has only had her in human form for one week over the past two hundred years. To say that man has a major hard on for her return is a huge understatement. They have been together in every single incarnation. But in their last life, Hatshepsut was brutally murdered by a Templar. So tragically, instead of living without her, Menes poisoned himself so that he could die and join her in the Ether. So bootiful – sob!

“a love for all time. A love of the ages. Something no mortal womam on earth can claim to. A relationship with no doubt. No questioning. No insecurity. I know this because I have seen it. I have seen it through two incarnations. It mattered not how long it was… they live lifetimes with every single day.

Poor Marissa, I would be hugely intimidated by leaning this about my cop hottie Jackson.

Sweet holy yowsers. Leo makes a return in this book, his memories wiped after witnessing Jackson’s death in Forbidden. All I can say is poor, poor Leo. The consequences of his actions catch up with him (even though he doesn���t realize it), and he gets into a world of trouble. If only he hadn’t dropped his lucky rabbit foot key ring! Plus, we get to learn more about his background and how it shaped him into being the man that he is today. I do say though, after everything that he goes through in this book, I hope he gets ‘his day’ soon. Very soon.

There is also a continuation of the Templar and Politic civil war. Ms. Frank is able to dig a little deeper into the history of the two than she did in her previous novel. After Leo slit Odjit’s throat certain events play out that brings rise to a new big bad. And this time it’s a hell of a lot bigger and badder than a hormonal priestess having a strop. Hold on to your hats people cause more than one race of Nightwalker will be needed to stop it. So far we have already seen the gargoyles, the Djynn, the night angels, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Ms. Frank pulls out of the bag.

Overall, I really enjoyed Forever. It’s a fantastic read with a scrumptious hero and his lovely lady love. But I felt that there should have been more action than there was. Oh there was a skirmish, but nothing to get your teeth into. There were a couple of scenes that felt a little ‘fillery’ which could easily have been left out and not impacted the story one iota. Also, it kinda grated on my nerves on how little sympathy Marissa received about her situation. Sure, it’s not a decision to be made lightly. But some of the comments made about her was contemptuous and not very understanding of the fact that a guy she had the hots for wanted her to kill herself. Sheesh. Other than that though, I thought it was totally, freaking awesome - just... this had so much potential. This book could have been amazing.

The Urban Book Thief has awarded Forever a kiss factor rating of four – woo!

Forsaken, the next book in the series will be released on 7 January 2014. Here is the blurb currently posted on Amazon and I am very excited.

As a mercenary, Leo Alvarez has signed on for a lot—but he never signed on for his best friend becoming host to the soul of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Jackson is now inhabited by a Bodywalker, and Leo is forced to grapple with a realm of supernatural beings far more dangerous than anything he’s ever encountered.

But when Jackson is wounded by an attack from a demon god, Leo must team up with another supernatural creature—a Night Angel—to save his friend from utter destruction. With skin as black as midnight, hair as white as snow, and a body of pure perfection, the Night Angel arouses a burning desire in Leo, even as he refuses to be intimidated by her power—or the power of those who would destroy his friend. An unusual alliance is forged, electrified by sexual temptation, and together the two must unite.