Book 2 in The BirthRight Series - A Sweet Upper YA / NA Paranormal Romance, perfect for fans of CHARMED!
What if the very thing to save you--is the one thing beyond your reach?
Torn between the two men who have fallen for her--and the evil who wants to possess her--twenty-year-old Chloe Bishop can no longer remember the fatal vision which threatens her future happiness. But when the magical link is severed between Chloe and her Wiccan family, they must find a way to save her, before temptation leads her into darkness, and into the welcoming arms of Mr. Wrong.
Brandi lives in central Pennsylvania with her fur-ball cats (Onyx and Klepto), where she spends most of her time attached to her laptops, reading books, appeasing her sweet tooth, and watching TV for motivation.
Growing up in a haunted house inspired Brandi’s fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense that she’d write Urban Fantasy books for both teens and adults.
Brandi hasn’t been lucky enough to meet her soul mate (yet), so she writes paranormal tales of those who have. Her stories combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old fashioned men and family values, woven together and told from an organic, first-person perspective.
In addition to the BirthRight Novels, she also has four additional adventures she’ll be writing over the next few years, so stay-tuned.
The author generously gave me an ARC of TEMPTED in exchange for an honest review.
I read the first book, TETHERED, for the first time in January 2014, and then a second time in April 2014. I really enjoyed the first book, so I didn't hesitate to read the second when it was offered.
The second book didn't disappoint. In fact, I would say I enjoyed it more than book 1.
If you haven't read book 1, don't continue with this review. I urge you to pick up book 1, though. It's turning out to be a great series so far.
So, in book 2 we continue with Chloe and her family...who are all witches. A little time has passed since book 1 ended, but the prophecy and Chloe's vision of Hunter's death still lingers. In book 2, we get a little more magic with the characters as they explore their linked-in abilities.
We're introduced to some new characters: Xander Morrow, the governor, and one beautiful cougar. With new characters comes new drama. Along with the new characters, Hall introduces multiple POVs. I love this new aspect. I'm a huge fan of having different POVS. I think it allows you to connect with the characters more.
The ending/epilogue are pretty great, and it sets up book 3 really well. I'm looking forward to reading that book as well.
If you've read book 1, I would recommend buying book 2. It just keeps getting better.
Oh. This book does contain a little more language than book 1, and progresses a little in the intimacy department, so may only be appropriate for mature ya and na.
I would first like to thank Brandi Leigh Hall for sending me a free copy of this book it was very kind of her. This book was very well written and the characters in this book are very unique. This is one of the best love stories that I have ever read.This book is a must read for people who love to read books that have a love story.
Tempted is the second book in Brandi Hall’s BirthRight Series. The first book is Tethered. You do not have to have read the first book to enjoy the second book but you’d been missing a great book if you don’t read it!
Brandi does a wonderful job of backfilling the story to bring the readers up to speed from book 1. She does it in a way that it fits in with the story as opposed to feeling like explanations need to be written in order to understand the current story.
Tempted begins a couple of months after the ending of book one and sets up the story right away. Like the first book, this captured my attention from page one. We see all the same great characters from the first book but they are more developed and many of the chapters are written from their points of view. This helps us to gain a greater insight into their thoughts and has us falling in love with them even more. There are also some new characters introduced this this book.
Be ready for an emotional roller coaster while reading this! I found myself laughing, crying, mad at characters, feeling bad for others, and anxious at times knowing something was going to happen. I couldn’t put this book down!
There were a few unexpected twists in the story and I found myself practically speed-reading trying to find out how the particular situation was going to play out.
I highly recommend this book because it has a unique story and written in a way that grabs all of your emotions. It is funny, sad, nerve-wracking, sweet, and interesting all at the same time. Over the past 4 months, I have read 54 books of this same genre. This is one of the few that stuck with me and when I finished, I just kept thinking about the story and the characters. Some books I finish and think, OK, what next? This book I finish and think, I want to read that again!
*I was given an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Tempted is the 2nd book in the Birthright series. It follows the lives of Chloe Bishop and her family - all witches. Chloe is a Seer, and each member of her family has a different magical ability. In Tethered, the first book of the series, we are introduced to some of Chloe's visions, but we don't know what they mean. We also learn a little about the Gemini Prophecy, which the family is bound to fulfill.
Tempted expands on the visions and gives us a little more insight into several of the family members, and into the mind of Chloe as well. Parts of the book are told from alternate POV which I really enjoyed.
This book pulled me in and kept me reading.... the storyline was well developed and I enjoyed getting to know the different characters and their personalities.
Book 1 in the series was sweet. Tempted has a little more edge.... there is some stronger language and mentions of intimacy between characters, but nothing graphic....Just a little more PG-13.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, to learn more about Chloe's visions, and the fulfillment of the Prophecy. Great new series by an up and coming author!
I was very kindly given an ARC copy of Tempted in exchange for an honest review. If you haven't read Tethered, then you should. It sets up the story nicely.
I enjoyed Tempted even more than Tethered. There's more conflict in Tempted and things are slightly darker. We get to meet new characters; one in particular was mentioned in Tethered. I won't tell you who it is. Hopefully you'll be as blindsided as I was. I enjoyed Xander and how he challenges the status quo.
With this book more of the prophecy is revealed. The family explores more of their magical abilities and their linked-in abilities. Some powers are enhanced and we get to see some future potential. They even start to explore the family history. We get to see the family pull together even more and the love and the lengths they'll go to when something goes wrong with a loved one.
Ms. Hall introduces characters different points of view, which I thoroughly enjoy. I like experiencing things from different characters. I really liked this book and the series so far. I know it's one I'll read again. I look forward to the next book. Things are building and I can't wait to see how they'll be handled. The epilogue sets things up for the third book. I know it left me wanting to start the third book immediately.
If you liked the first book, you are going to love this book! The writer really has a way to draw you into this story. There are moments in this book when I felt like I was the character in the book getting to experience what they are going through. I was so drawn into the story that I didn't realize that I had been reading for two hours and had half of the book read. For me there were moments in this book where I was shocked, surprised and even cried at some of the revelations that occurred.
Wow and Wowza! I absolutely loved this book and was floored when I finished it! Believe me, this is a book you will want to read--wonderful sequel to Tethered, Book 1. It felt like a family reunion to reconnect with the Family and there are some very interesting new characters that you'll adore....and it will keep you guessing until the end of the book. Lots of action and twists, and what's really interesting--several POVs! I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
It's OFFICIAL! Tangled, the Epic Conclusion to The BirthRight Series, is now available!!!! Squeeeee!!!!
I've got some GREAT news for fans of The Birthright Series! Since I finished the book ahead of schedule for you guys, I've decided to NOT make you wait until December to read the final installment, TANGLED. The new release date is Halloween! And what's even better, the kindle version is now available for pre-order, with a special (temporary) discounted price ($2 off). I'll keep you posted when the other formats are available.
It's Blog Tour time for TEMPTED, book 2 in The BirthSeries. And as a little gift for you, I'd like to offer you a chance to win one these AMAZING New-Adult books!
And here's my perfect dream cast! WHEN I sell the screenplay, I think I'll add a clause that says I'll only make the show, if these 3 play the leads. Yup! Sounds like a good idea to me. :)
I just couldn't resist doing a teaser with this image! How AWESOME would Claire Holt be to play Chloe? Just love her!
It's almost here! That's right, the official release day for the next installment in The BirthRight Series is here in less than 36 hours!
Here's another Teaser to whet your appetite! And yes, WHEN I sell this to a TV studio, this cutie will be my pick to play Hunter!
Here's another Teaser for ya!
Okay, the May 27th release is right around the corner. I hope this first teaser gets you just as anxious to read TEMPTED, as I am to share it with you!
Dying to know about the release date for TEMPTED? Sign up for my newsletter and find out before anyone else. There will also be announcements for special opportunties for ARCs, SWAG and contests!
Have some comments or suggestions about The BirthRight Series? Feel free to send me an email. I love hearing from Readers! I also love chatting about books, TV and movies on Twitter and Facebook, so follow me and join in on the fun.
This was a good sequel. We get to find out some very important stuff. It will make you feel better about some stuff. That ending was surprising but I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not yet. I won't find out until the next book.
Tempted is the second installment in the BirthRight series, a fun, magical paranormal romance series that will appeal to both upper YA and NA readers who are something a little less racy than a lot of the typical NA fare.
This second book in the series finds Chloe working in the governor's mansion, preparing for a New Year's Eve party. But, when her visions disappear and Chloe's family can no longer reach her magically, it becomes apparent that something sinister is going on. To make things worse, Chloe suddenly becomes enamored with Xander, the governor's nephew, and forgets her visions, completely forgetting the impending disaster that she should be trying to avoid.
What I loved:
Family ties. Chloe's family is a big part of her story (in fact parts of the book are told from her brother's or her mother's points of view). I loved the strong family relationships and the sense of "family first" that tied them together.
Hunter. Sigh. I'm just a huge fan of Hunter - have been ever since Tethered. He's kind of the perfect boyfriend. He's sweet with Chloe, but tough when it comes to his job (and look out to anyone who tries to hurt Chloe!). Even when Chloe gave him reason to doubt her, he never even considered giving up on her and leaving her to fend for herself. I'm definitely Team Hunter.
The magic. We got to see more of the family's magic in this book. I loved seeing everyone's powers at their full potential and learning more about the prophecy and what it might mean.
The negatives:
Xander. I was not a fan of the love-triangle aspect of the book. Because of the magical aspect, it felt an awful lot like insta-love. I was actually okay with this when it seemed like Xander was just a plain bad guy who was pretending to have feelings for Chloe and Chloe was only interested in Xander because she was being forced to. But then there were times in the book where we were supposed to believe it was actually more - I just couldn't get on board. Something that Xander did made me understand why Chloe might have some confusing feelings about him, but I didn't see why Xander felt connected to Chloe in the first place. I just never saw anything real between these two.
Overall, I was really happy with this second book in the series. It was a tad bit darker than book one, but still not terribly edgy. I'm looking forward to finding out what Hall has in store for us next. I give this one 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own***
First of all I want to thank the author for the ARC! I had mixed feelings about this story to be honest. I don't like home wreckers so the beginning getting into things had me a little on edge BUT I have to say I'm a sucker for the bad boy the underdog so I'm all giddy about how the book ended because I want Xander to get the girl I'm all for more Xander. I can't believe I was so set on Hunter then a whole change happened for me. I am honestly so shocked that I'm now fed up with Hunter like out with the old and in with the new. I really hope Chloe forgets all about Hunter. Oh! And not just Xander being a bad boy but he also did a tremendously sweet and honorable thing so that makes me all 50 shades of goo! I am trying so hard to review all of the book but after how it ended I can only think of Xander! I need more I need to know how it all plays out. Anyway! If I have to find a part I was less than happy with then I will say I thought Dru was too girly. That's the only flaw I can find in the story that and the fact that I got tired of Hunter. I wouldn't have been sad if at the end what happened wasn't a trick.... Oops that's probably bad to say lol. And speaking of the ending twist it was really amazing I never saw it coming. I was thoroughly surprised which doesn't happen often for me because I usually guess things but this time I didn't and I love when that happens. Okay enough of my gushing.. Read the story and form your own opinion! If you don't have a sweet tooth for Xander after you read it then you didn't read it right hahaha.
* I received a ARC of Tempted for an Honest review*
WOW! Brandi Leigh Hall has done it again! Once again you are sucked into Chloe Bishops world from the first pages. There are times you want to be Chloe (because who honestly doesn't want to make out with the sexy Hunter?) and there are time you just want to smack her and say "What the heck are you thinking?" There are numerous twist that I was not expecting. And a very interesting love triangle, that has quiet the unexpected ending. I won't say any spoilers.....But I was thinking it would be one thing or it would go this way..then BAM something that I didn't even think about happened! Which is something every reader loves, we want to be kept on the edge of our seat while reading and keep guessing what will happen. This book will do that! There are some new faces in Tempted, they might be good or they might be bad...you will have to read to find out. If you read Tethered you will not be disappointed, I couldn't put it down until I read it all and if you haven't had the chance you need to make the time to read it. Tempted is a perfect book for teen girls, young women...heck any age. There are so many positive images that are placed throughout the book. Chloe is a Strong, Independent young woman that stands up for her family & doesn't take crap from anyone...she is a great role model for any young lady.
When a job in the governors office means Chloe has to work at his home over the Christmas/new year’s period, she is excited yet knows she is going to miss her family and Hunter. When she gets there she finds out that one of the men she works with (Xander) is also there to help oversee the party on New Year’s eve (which is why Chloe is there). She has a vision before she meets the family and asks her brother for help. Once the connection between brother and sister is cut he knows he has to tell his family and they need to figure out why this has happened. Once they figure out that something is definitely wrong they try different spells and things to locate Chloe but nothing works. Finally shape shifter Hunter comes up with a plan. He finds out a lot of information before he hits problems and has to return home without Chloe. The family work together, realising this is part of the prophesy that was revealed in book 1. They work together to come up with a solution, whilst also remembering one of her earlier visions, where Hunter dies. Another brilliant book, I really can’t wait for the 3rd book. This was totally engrossing and I loved it from start to finish.
I was lucky to be a beta reader for Tempted. I loved Tethered when I read it back in January. If you loved the first book, you will love this novel. It was great to see Chloe and her family closer than ever falling the events in Tethered. As a reader, it is great to see relationships change and grow. We witness this in all of Chloe's relationships. At the heart of this novel is love and family. There are no limitations to what Chloe's family will do to aid one another. At this point, Hunter is very much included in Chloe's family. One change from Tethered to Tempted is the inclusion of multiple POVs. I loved this! I was able to connect to others in a way that wasn't possible before. A good novel leaves readers feeling they "know" the characters--similar to how one feels about characters in TV series. Brandi Hall accomplished this in both novels. I look forward to further adventures and the overarching storyline in the next installment. Do not hesitate to add this to your summer reading list! You will not be disappointed!
**I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book.
Just as in the first novel, I finished this book within 24 hours of opening it! It is a very easy read with a fantastic plot line! Everyone's favorite characters are back in book 2, with a few wonderful new additions. Tempted is definitely "darker" than its predecessor (a little grittier with a little more language), but it is still appropriate for a YA audience. At first when I heard there were going to be shifts in point of view for different chapters, I was hesitant; this is not a writing style that I typically enjoy. I must say, not only was it necessary for this novel, it actually enhanced the story! There are aspects of the story line you would not be able to follow if the reader wasn’t given access to so many peoples’ heads at once! If you like fantasy novels with witchcraft and wizardry, this YA novel series is for you! The characters are so easy to fall in love with, you find yourself missing them when you close the book.
I had the honor of being part of the beta group for this book and now I am awaiting the next.
this book was an easy read that captivated you pulling you into each character with changes is point of view. I've read other books that change pov and sometimes they come off as cumbersome or chaotic, this was just the opposite reading the storyline through the different characters personalized them and kept you involved in all of the characters as the story unfolded.
Reading this I was enveloped by emotion throughout the book. sometimes a feeling of sweetness that the first book offered, others sadness, wonderment, amazement, and even sorrow.
This would be a great fast moving book for mid teen to adult readers, there is some darkness, some mystique, some passion and some turmoil. However, all done in a way that makes it suitable for most readers.
To start, if you haven't read the first book, go buy it, read it and then immediately go get this one! You will thank me.
This book really draws you in, the way Brandi writes makes you feel like you are there, experiencing what they are, and are part of the family. You really get to grow with the characters in this book, the first book it feels like they are all a little shy. This one however, they are much more relaxed around each other, which makes for more magic and more excitement. She also writes in a few different characters POVs in this book. I thought it made for a very interesting story since you get to hear from different characters.
You will not be disappointed with this book, there will be lots of magic, twists you most definitely will not see coming, and it is written in a way that draws you in so much you won't want to put it down until you are done!
Intriguing! I am hooked! The sweet love story and strong family values continue in Tempted with the addition of a sinister force trying to bring it all down! Add a sexy bad boy who interrupts the family connection and threatens to steal away a very important part of this family! The author draws you in and makes you feel like one of the family, you share in their happiness, laugh at their jokes, feel their fear, and celebrate in their successes. They are the family next door ... and so much more!
Tempted is written very well.It had me reading the whole book in one sitting.I did find some of the language not appropriate.But I can't wait for book three and even more sequels.This author has a lot of potential and can take her writing to very high places.Like I said it is written very well,it flows like magic and even doing different views of people talking,she did an excellent job. You go girl!
Chloe is now well on her way into her internship at the Governors Office. Things are great between her and Hunter. This story is told thru many POV's but you do not get lost. Something happens to Chloe and she has 'went blind.' A series of events happen that you don't see coming and an ending that puts a smile on your face. Anxiously awaiting book 3.
This book is AWESOME.I finished it in one sitting.The way this book is written is magical! It flows very nicely. So much so, it is hard to put down.The first book drew me into this world.This book made me want more.I cant wait for the rest of the world to discover Tempted just as I have!
I think that Brandi Leigh Hall did an excellent job at writing this book and i really enjoyed the characters and how she described their situations. Im very excited to read the third book in the birthright series.
This book was just as good as the first. I enjoy it from beginning to end thank you for written a wonderful book it did not disappoint. I won this book on Good reads. Thank you
I loved this book it turned out amazing and the new character introduced was awesome I fell in love I couldn't put it down I can't wait for the next book
Another stunning addition to the series, Tempted is an exciting sequel to Tethered, the original tempting novel that began my love for the series. Tempted is everything and so much more than I expected. It totally blew the first novel right out of the water! It was dramatic, steamy, and packed with so many plot twists you will never see coming.
The plot of this novel is spectacular. With the first novel, the story is just taking off. You meet all the characters, get introduced to the dramatic plot line, and the adventure begins to unfold. After Tethered ends on a great cliffhanger, Tempted starts right back up with even more suspense and drama. The plot thickens as there becomes a definite war brewing in the background between good and evil, and how magic may be the very thing that saves or kills them. Action-packed, full of delicious drama and steamy romance, this novel is sure to appease the hunger of fans of the series, and even entice more readers into the realm of the BirthRight series.
The characters in this novel are one of the reasons why this novel is so hard to put down. The characters are imaginative, emotional, and very unique. Chloe, our main character, faces many difficult situations and decisions. Through these situations, however, Chloe does develop and change, maturing into her character. This character development is quite exciting, and we get to see such a different side of Chloe. Hunter also changed and developed in this novel. If possible, he becomes even braver, and truly expresses his love for Chloe. These two characters, along with all the others, are all nicely developed, interesting, and unique.
The writing was also terrific. Might I say, I believe the writing was even better in book 2 than it was in book 1. I mean this in a good way! It seems as if Hall has really matured as a writer and taken her readers suggestions and comments to heart. That is why this novel was so good! And why I believe that Tempted definitely outshines Tethered. And because of this, I must say that everyone should at least try book 1. Maybe you'll love it or maybe you'll just like it. Whatever your feelings, you should definitely continue on and read book 2. You won't regret it. The writing is daring, flowing, funny, dramatic, romantic, and more, all rolled up into one big story full of plot twists and unexpected scenarios. You definitely don't want to miss this.
Overall, this story is one you don't want to miss. It's packed full of magic, drama, romance, and hilarious comedy, and one novel sure to appease readers. Full of plot twists and ending with one of the best closing scenes ever, this novel is fantastic.
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I had the pleasure to once again beta read for this author, in exchange for an honest review.
I ABSOLUTELY loved this book even more than book one, and I didn't think that was possible. I loved the surprises in the book. Hall has a way of throwing you curveballs you NEVER saw coming.
I've never read many books with multiple points of view before, mainly because I was never a fan. But Hall has a way of truly making you feel like you're in the mind of each and every one of them. She captured their personalities and voices better than I would have expected. I hope there are more multiple POVs in the next book as well. Though, the author did mention possibly giving the other characters their own books, so I'd love to see that too.
I really liked how this book added a new layer of darkness that wasn't in the first book. Most series have each book "feeling" the same as the previous, but this one felt totally different, while still providing moments which captured the sweetness of book one. And with the dramatic cliff-hanger ending, book 3 looks like it will be even darker. CAN'T WAIT! This author has me hooked!
There was parts of the book that made me laugh, cry, and get angry. I love feeling so many different emotions in one book. The addition of the mother's ghost was such an excellent choice. I just loved her and hope to see more of her. And the bickering grand parents remind me so much of my own parents. My only complaint, is that I wish I would have gotten to see more of Morgan and Michael in this book. I want to see more of their rekindled love.
This book also introduced a bit of a love triangle, with a new character, Xander, which I'll admit had me upset for a while. But I defintely like where the author took it. And I especially didn't like the bitchy side Xander brought out in Chloe. Also, there is some swearing and 2 make-out scenes, but it's nothing I wouldn't let my teenage granddaughter read. You see so MUCH worse in many other young adult books, so I'm not sure why the other review said it had some "inappropriate" language. It's just how boys talk.
It's a fast read that keeps you captivated and you will NOT want to put the book down. I'm even more excited for book 3, and for the prequel, BirthRight, which is told from the POV of Willow Moon back hundreds of years ago. And according to the the author, it will be the darkest book of all. I want it NOW!!!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have read both of the books in the BirthRight series, and have enjoyed them both equally. We get to see the prophecy in it's entirety, which immediately gives Tempted a much darker feel than Tethered had.
Tempted begins with the appearance of some new characters, and gives you the same romantic and sweet feeling that Tethered did. Hunter and Chloe's relationship still thrives and, of course, makes you wish you were as lucky as them. Which, of course, is when things start to take a turn for the worst.
Brandi Leigh Hall introduces characters that very distinctly affect the outcome of the story, which I enjoyed because they weren't necessarily the characters you would expect to cause this kind of chaos.
The change in point of view throughout the story also pushes you to keep reading and pulls you in. Being able to experience the story from some of your favorite characters POV is breathtaking and helps you connect further to the story while the transitions from character to character were flawless.
Tethered also truly showcased the love between Chloe and Hunter, and within the Bishop family. The entire family experiments with linking-in their powers. Having a clearer understanding of the relationships within the family and with their associates really helps show off the love they all have for each other, and the compassion the show for others. You won't be able to put this book down. Pinky swear.
I wanted to love this novel really bad but I just couldn’t. I read the first one and I loved it but there were a few things that got to me. This book was no different except it was a bit worse. The characters became unlikeable and there were moments I was just too confused to care.
Overall, I still love the plot and the story but this novel just didn’t do it for me. In fact the second in the series might have permanently driven me away from reading the rest of the series. Which is disappointing to me because I love any story about witches especially a family of witches. I can see me reading the next one but since it’s the last one I am considering just going for it anyway. I guess we will see.
Tempted by Brandi Leigh Hall is book 2 in the BirthRight Novel series and it still amazes me that the author can take incidents that would normally feel heavy with depressing emotions and yet dish them up with such a light-hearted, feel good, everything will turn out just right, kind of atmosphere to the novel. Bad things happen, but as long as you have family around you, everything will be well. That is the feeling throughout both the first and second books of this novel. The family is invincible yet never put-offish.
The family admits to being Wiccan, but their abilities manifest more like X-men mutants than witchcraft to me, with the exception of Gram who performs spells. And the language went a bit below the belt with this installment but the overall story remained an enjoyable romp through the pages like the first novel.