Claire lived and died one hundred years ago, only she doesn't remember that life. She only remembers her current life and the love that she lost just days before. As the evil from a forgotten past seeks to destroy her, she must struggle to remember the knowledge of her ancestors and fight to save the people she loves most...including herself. Can she discover the truth of her past in time and correct the mistakes she made, or will she succumb to the man that created her? Two lives. Two pasts. One way out!
I have an unshakable fetish for a good mystery and anything paranormal, along with an insatiable appetite for coffee and travel. When I'm not reading the wonderful creations from other authors, I'm creating stories of my own.
My family keeps me grounded, my pets keep me jumping, my friends keep me focused, and it all happens in Texas!
Snap.Crackle.And.Pop. I'm still recovering. You know when you read a book that gets to you so much, you need time to heal? Well this was one of those for me. Surprising really, because of the paranormal aspect I didn't realize I could become so invested in Claire's world.
Isn't the future predestined? I've always believed that what's meant to happen will happen, but that we were given choices along the way that would either help make the journey smoother or more difficult depending on those choices."
The first thing I will tell you to do, is read Love You More. Then, grab a big ol box of tissues and settle in for a wild ride with Lost Innocence. Now, I knew I was going to enjoy it, but did I know it was going to be such an emotional read that by about 60% I would look as though I'd been hit with an ugly stick? Nope. I still can't believe the level of sobbing I did. I'm talking tears, snot & *gasp* noise!!!
Loves comes in many forms. It isn't always the easy uncomplicated emotion that I'd believed it to be. It wasnt as simple as loving someone and struggling through the trials so you could be together against all odds. Sometimes the greatest love, the strongest love, was a love that was willing to let go.
In this installment we learn all about Claire's previous life, more about magic/voodoo and her abilities. I loved the quick recap that didn't go forever but was handy at refreshing my memory on the events in the previous book. The descriptions were so vivid I could picture the cabin, tunnel, elements at work, Claire's tree, and plantation as if I were looking at photographs instead of reading words without making my eyes glaze over in boredom. The suspense and mystery were so thick it had me clinging to my kindle, unwilling to put it down until the very end.
These characters were easy to love (or despise). And Claire's feisty nature, insecurity and determination was fun to watch. her relationship with Ella was incredible, indescribable and one that will live on in my heart. There were moments that had my jaw dropping (right alongside Claire's), had me holding my breath & others that had me giggling out loud - I would never have thought that men in skinny jeans could run so fast.
And of course the ones that had me sobbing into my pillow.
..."Oh hell, Claire. I've never been good with word, but I need you to let me go." A single tear fell from my eye. "I have let you go." His smile was forced. "Thank you Claire."
That right there ^ absolutely tore my heart to shreds and had me gasping for air. The emotion just wafted off the page and into my eyes causing them to leak. Torrentially.
I will just say this once. Chad. "Are you a pusher or a puller?" Can I tell you he is the most sensitive, caring, kind, sexy, and understanding man I have possibly ever had the privilege of falling in love with. Truth. Slap this butter on that bread! And Mason....wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
"If I kiss you today, will you regret it tomorrow?".... "Not kissing you would be my only regret."
I'm off to start book 3 - Sacred Heart. I just know it will be just as good!! I absolutely recommend this series. Mystery, romance and even some paranormal...what's not to love?
Oh my it was so good to catch up with Ella,Claire ,Chad and Darius and catch up with the journey they are all on.You are so taken with Claire and what she goes through and I'm glad she got stronger in this book and come into her own.
The way M.l Stephens writes you feel like you know the character's she really makes you feel everything going on is real if you are standing there watching it all.
I found myself upset twice in this book but i knew they had to happen for the story to progress but it still made me cry :( and i will miss certain people.
I adored Claire and Chad's relationship and was cheering them on watching their relationship grow
and with that Claire had to let go of her past and Mason :(
Ella i just love her character she has lived along time and been waiting for Claire to tell her who she is and what she is.
Claire is thrown into the world of ghosts and witches and when Ella takes her home a very evil force makes it's self known and wants Claire.
When Claire's gifts grow stronger and the elements are her friend she begins to use them and finds out things about her past life and the women who started it all.
As the story goes on Claire finds herself fighting this dark force and just when you think it's over well let's just say there is a shock in store at the end of the book.
I loved some of the side character's Clyde is just to cute and the way he saw how the world around him had changed made me smile.
Nate is another character i liked and I'm hoping he will be around in book 3 it was also nice to see Reed again and can't wait to find out what happens i need book 3 now please M.L.
My favourite quote from this book is.
Love comes in many forms.It isn't always the easy uncomplicated emotion that I'd believed it to be.It wasn't as simple as loving someone and struggling through the trails so that you could be together against all odds.Sometimes the greatest love,the strongest love,was a love that was willing to let go.
Again, M. L. Stephens has left me speechless. Innocence Lost was such a page-turner I could not stop until I finished it. The second book in the series took me a day and a half, it probably would have taken one but life got it the way, I have to sleep eventually. Again, I found myself staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish this book. And yes, this book made me cry as well, but not at much as the first one. Innocence Lost is not nearly as tragic as the first one. You almost forget the two books are the same story, but not in a bad way. You find yourself lost in the story line and you have to continue reading to find out what happens next. I absolutely love this book, well, series in general. I thought the first book was great, this one is just as great, if not better! I was so happy that I got the opportunity again to read and review the wonderful works of M. L. Stephens. Literally, I found myself jumping for joy at the thought of reading this book.
Innocence Lost (broken series 2) was just as amazing as the first book of the series Love You More ( Broken series 1). The writer takes you deeper in the world of ghosts and adds some interesting new creatures...Claire's life as she knew it and was just getting used to takes a dramatic turn and plunges her into the under world which shes forced to piece together her past and her future to find out where she truly came from and belongs. Ella and Chad assist Claire in finding out about her heritage and what life has in store for her. With Ella's help Claire learns about her amazing abilities to be one with the earth. You'll absolutely love Clyde a new character ( I wont tell you about him you'll have to read for yourself) but he's a great addition to a already amazing line of up characters. Again when the end came I was wrapped in Claire's world and wanted more and again lucky for us the author is working on a third book....thanks to M.L. Stephens for another amazing story.
Snap.Crackle.And.Pop. I'm still recovering. You know when you read a book that gets to you so much, you need time to heal? Well this was one of those for me. Surprising really, because of the paranormal aspect I didn't realize I could become so invested in Claire's world.
Isn't the future predestined? I've always believed that what's meant to happen will happen, but that we were given choices along the way that would either help make the journey smoother or more difficult depending on those choices."
The first thing I will tell you to do, is read Love You More. Then, grab a big ol box of tissues and settle in for a wild ride with Lost Innocence. Now, I knew I was going to enjoy it, but did I know it was going to be such an emotional read that by about 60% I would look as though I'd been hit with an ugly stick? Nope. I still can't believe the level of sobbing I did. I'm talking tears, snot & *gasp* noise!!!
Loves comes in many forms. It isn't always the easy uncomplicated emotion that I'd believed it to be. It wasnt as simple as loving someone and struggling through the trials so you could be together against all odds. Sometimes the greatest love, the strongest love, was a love that was willing to let go.
In this installment we learn all about Claire's previous life, more about magic/voodoo and her abilities. I loved the quick recap that didn't go forever but was handy at refreshing my memory on the events in the previous book. The descriptions were so vivid I could picture the cabin, tunnel, elements at work, Claire's tree, and plantation as if I were looking at photographs instead of reading words without making my eyes glaze over in boredom. The suspense and mystery were so thick it had me clinging to my kindle, unwilling to put it down until the very end.
These characters were easy to love (or despise). And Claire's feisty nature, insecurity and determination was fun to watch. her relationship with Ella was incredible, indescribable and one that will live on in my heart. There were moments that had my jaw dropping (right alongside Claire's), had me holding my breath & others that had me giggling out loud - I would never have thought that men in skinny jeans could run so fast.
And of course the ones that had me sobbing into my pillow.
..."Oh hell, Claire. I've never been good with word, but I need you to let me go." A single tear fell from my eye. "I have let you go." His smile was forced. "Thank you Claire."
That right there ^ absolutely tore my heart to shreds and had me gasping for air. The emotion just wafted off the page and into my eyes causing them to leak. Torrentially.
I will just say this once. Chad. "Are you a pusher or a puller?" Can I tell you he is the most sensitive, caring, kind, sexy, and understanding man I have possibly ever had the privilege of falling in love with. Truth. Slap this butter on that bread! And Mason....wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
"If I kiss you today, will you regret it tomorrow?".... "Not kissing you would be my only regret."
I'm off to start book 3 - Sacred Heart. I just know it will be just as good!! I absolutely recommend this series. Mystery, romance and even some paranormal...what's not to love?
In the spirit of full disclosure I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Once again the characters jump to life from the first scene, so full of emotions and quirks that make them a joy to follow along with. Claire and Chad's interactions are amusing and exciting. love how he teases her and makes her worries melt away even for a few brief moments.
The many unexpected twists and turns, and there were several big ones in this installment, will keep readers glued to their seats. Once I buckled down to read it, I couldn't stop. Even when everyday life as a mama and wife dragged me away, I did what I had to and then immediately returned to reading.
The descriptions are just the right touch to add some flavor to already clear pictures in my mind, and add little pieces of backstory into the mixture as well. It's easy to see why this series is so popular. The author is a refreshing breath of air with a style that leaves readers anticipating the next book.
My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is the overused exclamation points detracted the importance of using them in certain situations that would have kicked the prose into a higher gear in certain spots, further enhancing the story.
Did I mention she's the queen of crafting mysteries? M.L. Stephens loves to keep her readers guessing and has a penchant for throwing unexpected curve balls like she did at the end of this one. I can’t wait to start book three!
Originally reviewed for Satin Sheets Romance. 4.5 Pillows. 2 Candles.
Holy crap! That's all I have to say as far as this book goes. I literally can't believe the ending to this book. It makes me want to go and read book three right now! M.L. Stephens is a genius when it comes to cliff hangers and flipping the switch in my book.
Claire discovers that she isn't all she thinks she is. She's a recycled spirit from her past life. In this life she was the sister to the dearly loved Ella and was also murdered by her father. In this life it is Claire's job to figure out how to put her father to rest so he is no longer holding the spirits of the town hostage for his own personal power supply.
During her journey Claire finds that she is able to control the elements with her magic. Not only that but she learns some pretty scary stuff about her father...things that should have never happened. Claire also learns that Mason is the reason that Buck confessed to his crimes and is the reason Buck is now in jail. Not only that but she helps him find his door after telling him that she's let him go and is moving on with her life.
Claire and Chad have this unavoidable chemistry that shouldn't be ignored. This book has both sad parts and good parts as well as parts that will blow your mind. The ending is the biggest shocker of all. I literally couldn't believe what happened. I am in love with this series and these characters.
This book did not disappointment me at all. I loved the development of the characters in this book. The more the story progressed, the more you either love them or hate them. Getting a history lesson of Claire's past life made more sense, and as she learned how to use her gifts makes you cheer for her. The "final fight" was great, but the ending was even better! And in between, again I cried and laughed, gasped. The introduction of new characters was great; one I knew already was going to be someone to hate, the other I was laughing from the start! Another great read M! About to start book 3. I wasn't home when I got to the ending of Book 2 and got so many "Is she crazy???" stares from people because I exclaimed "No freaking way!" a little bit louder than I realized. Some people actually asked me what's the title of the book and who it was by, and seeing as I had the print format, I just had to show them. Some of them had said that they will check out. I enthusiastically said that they'll have to read the first one first THEN read this one. They were a little shocked that it was a series, but I think there will be a few more people that will share the same sentiments that I have for this series so far soon :) Thanks, M, for another great read!
Again, M. L. Stephens has left me speechless. Innocence Lost was such a page-turner I could not stop until I finished it. The second book in the series took me a day and a half, it probably would have taken one but life got it the way, I have to sleep eventually. Again, I found myself staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish this book. And yes, this book made me cry as well, but not at much as the first one. Innocence Lost is not nearly as tragic as the first one. You almost forget the two books are the same story, but not in a bad way. You find yourself lost in the story line and you have to continue reading to find out what happens next.
I absolutely love this book, well, series in general. I thought the first book was great, this one is just as great, if not better! I was so happy that I got the opportunity again to read and review the wonderful works of M. L. Stephens. Literally, I found myself jumping for joy at the thought of reading this book.
M.L. Stephens did it again in her second book Innocence lost (Broken Series #2). In this book you are taken deeper in to Clair's new world of magic and mystery. You will not be able to put this book down and when you get to the last page you are shattered that you are going to have to wait for book 3. Deep in the Byou of Lousiana is where we find Clair, Chad, Madame Ella, and Darius as Clair is trying to learn all she can from her new found guide in life Madame Ella. As many questions are answered many new questions take there place. If you read book 1 you have to read book 2!!! So get on it and read Innocence Lost and continue into Clair's world of magic and mystery.
If ever I felt like I was in a book it was this one. The end left me hanging & wanting more, I couldn't get 3 fast enough. This series is the first that I have read from M.L. I'm so hooked. I was sad to see Ella die so quickly, I was hoping she would hang on a little longer. But I have a feeling we haven't seen/heard the last of her. I have started a few books in this genre, but haven't finished them, Broken Series holds your interest, you have trouble putting down your e-reader. Book 3 here I come!! M.L. Is a terrific author and now my favorite.
I'm totally Hooked on this Series After reading "Love You More" 1st book in Series I have been an addict :) The Author M.L. Stevens Has one hell of an Imagination The Charters are Perfect the Plot is Awesome This Is A Series you do not want to Miss. Love Ghost & Touch Of Witchy Better Grab this will not be Glad that you did and be just as Addicted as I am ;) Dear Author If you read this I LOVE THIS SERIES!!
I loved “Innocence Lost” as much as I did the first book in the series, maybe even a little more. Claire discovers who she is and what she needs to do. This book definitely has surprises and you will be shocked. You will fall in love with the characters even more, if that is even possible. I am excited to read the next book in the series and see where else the story takes us. This is a must read series, you will absolutely love it.
As soon as I finished the first in this series, I HAD to start on this one. I began it at 1am, wanting to just read a bit to find out what happens to Ella. 3 hours later, the book was finished. I'm currently working on reading the next. This series is amazing and this author knows how to transport readers into another time and place.
Great follow up to the first book. Another one I could not put down, my family may take my reading time away since I can't seem to put the books down...But honestly this is a great book. I will admit to being mad at where the relationship between Clair and Chad headed but I do see why it went the way it did.
I really wish six stars was an option. I loved this book even more than the first which I didn't think was possible. She just keeps the suspense coming with all the twist and turns. Can't wait to read the next book.. amazing if you haven't read this series yet what are you waiting for?
Ok...am going to start off saying that I love this author, and am loving this series. I read the first one and loved the twists and turns in the story(especially the ending), and this one was no different.
This book started off where the first one left off, and delved deeper into witchcraft. Just know that "nothing is the way it seems" in this series.
I loved it when Claire found out who she really is, and what she could do, and how it came about. The story was so sad in places, and had me tearing up time and time again.
The mark of a great author to me, is someone who can play with my emotions and Ms. Stephens truly did that! I would recommend this series to all of my friends, but I must warn you....you REALLY want to purchase the whole series in one go, cause the cliffhanger at the end will leave you wanting MORE!!! (so happy I did that!)
I loved book 1 so I got book 2 and I was enthralled once again. Things moved again in directions I didnt expect, and I have been on the edge of my seat figuring out what was happening next. I loved how the story unfolded to reveal claire's past life and how she became part of 2 times. It was amazing to read as things unfolded between claire and ella. I hope more can happen between her and chad, they have such a strong and sweet relationship. I look forward to the rest of the series, M.L. Stephens you do not disappoint!!!!
It was much better than the first one - the first one in the series sets the scene for the rest of the series, but it needed much more detail. This one gives much more detail to begin with, but the ending is a little rushed - the idea is brilliant, but the delivery is slightly lacking. Having said that, I like this book and I look forward to the next one - let's hope the series continues to get better.