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Crystal Frost #2

Desire in Frost

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Crystal Frost just recently discovered she can see ghosts and predict the future, yet the mystery of Hope Ross's abduction still haunts her dreams. While traveling to Florida for Thanksgiving, Crystal's visions of Hope only grow stronger. She enlists the help of her soon-to-be step-cousin Robin, a decision that complicates the entire picture—and her feelings. Can she figure out what happened to Hope and learn why Robin is so guarded, or will her newfound abilities fail her?

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2016

137 people are currently reading
1289 people want to read

About the author

Alicia Rades

68 books734 followers
Alicia Rades is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over forty young adult and new adult paranormal novels. Her stories follow characters in equal-dynamic romantic relationships and feature themes of discovering and claiming one's inner power. When she's not dreaming up magical stories, she's either binge-watching paranormal TV shows, meditating, or making crafts and cooking with her family. Her favorite tropes are small-town mysteries, witches, and magical academies set in the modern world. She has an unhealthy obsession with psychic characters and writes with a deck of tarot cards next to her computer.

Never miss a new release. Sign up for Alicia's newsletter at http://www.aliciaradesauthor.com/news...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for Crina | booktwist_.
609 reviews285 followers
March 4, 2016
Original post at Reading Addict


I have read the first book and this one back to back and I had so much fun, and I felt so happy because I didn't had to wait.

I wouldn't say that the idea of the story is original or that the plot and the characters blew me away, but they were constructed in a way that felt real and it made me curious enough that I devoured both of the books in a matter of few hours.

I won't speak about the plot, especially because this is the second book, but I can say that there were some twists that I didn't see coming and for the lenght of the novel I think that the suspense was enough; not too much but enough to keep you busy and guessing.

I think that this could be a series for people that haven't tried before to read paranormal or YA in general, because it' interesting and engaging but at the same time is short, funny, easy and light, and it can be read very fast. And somehow this a bit of a disadvantage, because reading it that fast you can forget very easily what happened. Especially from one volume to another.

I liked this one, for sure, and I would say try it if you want. But just if you want something easy and fast and still suspenful. But don't read it if you want something very big and complex, with huge intrigues and so on. This is a cookie not an entire cake.
Profile Image for Floryie.
295 reviews31 followers
February 29, 2016
I received a free copy for an honest review. This in no way impacts my thoughts on the book.

This was a much awaited sequel and I have to say that the author didn't disappoint. And now I can't wait for the next book! This is one series I love.

The book takes off from where it ended in the first book. The mysterious disappearance of Hope which was left as a cliffhanger previously is focused on in this book. Though this series has been tagged as fantasy, I would say that it is more of a paranormal mystery. The reason is that Crystal's focus is always on solving a mystery in each book.

This book sees Crystal grow in her paranormal powers and also in her personal life. Romance wise, I was surprised with the introduction of a new love rather than pairing with Derek though Emma likes him too. Another point which came across as a surprise was Emma also developing her powers. It was logical but still it didn't gel for me.

Plot-wise, it was rather a unsurprising read. But the writing style and the interaction between the characters was real and involved. The pace was also steady throughout the book and it was a very fun read! I can totally see myself reading the entire series multiple times in the future.

My rating : 5/5
Profile Image for Jennifer.
3,170 reviews67 followers
August 5, 2024
Another solid psychic mystery book for the target age group, though I had to suspend my disbelief about the MC's mom just being fine with letting her go off to investigate a kidnapping when she's only 15 years old. A love interest is introduced, and I like him, as well as the characters' hangouts, even if I'd prefer the story sans romance.
Profile Image for katherinareads.
223 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2018
I would say 3.5 stars. It was quite repetitive at times, and it took so long for Crystal to figure out what exactly happened with Hope.
322 reviews
March 26, 2017
Desire in Frost is the second book the Fire in Frost series by Alicia Rades. It is a pretty good book.

This book again focuses on Crystal Frost as she maneuvers yet another mystery because of a her psychic ability. She sees a ghost who wants her to save this little girl in her town. After going of a vacation, and realizing the abducted 6 year old is nearer than she thought, she gets into major danger. Will she find Hope, the child? Or will she be seriously hurt?

The cover of this book is more stunning than book one. I love the purple shades. Crystal's hair in this picture is amazing, and the blue eyes stand out wonderfully. This certainly doesn't look like an indie book cover, and I can't wait to see the cover for Inspired in Frost, the third book in this series which isn't out yet.

Crystal again amazed me with how much she actually sounded like a teenager. Alicia Rades must really know what a teenager sounds like. All the characters actually have flaws. I liked how Teddy, Crystal's stepfather, didn't go along with everything she said. He doubted her occasionally, just as he should have.

I loved how there was a bit more romance in this book. The romance between Crystal's friends, Derick and Emma, was very cute. I really enjoyed seeing the romance between Robin and Crystal as well. It made the story more well rounded. It also made it go a bit faster. Robin is Teddy's nephew, and is usually a jerk and pretty reserved. Around Crystal, he started to show the real him.

This book was a bit darker than the first one, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. The mystery made me wonder why I ever stopped reading mystery in the first place. It made the sucpicious scenes more dramatic. This book started out slow, but got faster quickly. I read all but the first 30 or so pages today.

There were two ghosts in this book. Penny was an important kid who ultimately solved the case. Scott was an adult who is also a key part of the story. The ghosts were interesting, but kind of one sided.

Overall, this book is a good paranormal mystery.
Profile Image for Lynda Dickson.
581 reviews63 followers
March 29, 2016
Crystal Frost is a fifteen-year-old psychic whose powers have only recently manifested themselves. This second book in the Crystal Frost series follows on directly from the events of Halloween in Fire in Frost. Crystal is investigating the abduction of six-year-old Hope Ross, a case that was brought to her attention at the end of the first book. It's now nearly Thanksgiving, and Crystal, her mother, and Teddy set off to visit Teddy's parents in Florida, along with Teddy's nephew Robin. But does Teddy have an ulterior motive for the trip? Will Crystal be able to solve the mystery of Hope's disappearance with the help of a few friendly ghosts? I see adventure and a blossoming romance in store for Crystal on this psychic road trip.

The story is a bit slow and repetitive at the start, but the pace picks up towards the end. Unfortunately, I had the mystery figured out less than halfway through the book, so I found all of Crystal's musings a bit tedious. Nevertheless, the story development held my interest. There are a couple of nice side stories featuring Crystal's new romance, and it's good to see Emma successfully developing her own psychic abilities and also getting closer to Derek.

I read an ARC with a few editing errors which are hopefully corrected in the final version.

A quick, adventurous, and romantic read for teens ages 13+.

I received this book in return for an honest review.

Full blog post: https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
Profile Image for Sue  .
322 reviews28 followers
February 6, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading Fire In Frost, the first book in this series and I was not disappointed by this book, Desire In Frost, the second instalment.

The lead character, Crystal, is still a very likeable character and it was good to see her grow up a little in this story and develop a romantic relationship with a new character.

I loved seeing Crystal develop her psychic abilities more in this story and I feel there is so much more to come in this area in the following books.

I was quite interested to read that Crystal’s friend Emma seems to be developing her own psychic abilities as well, and if they were ever to work together, the two of them could be quite a formidable force.

The side story of a missing little girl that was referenced in the first book, turned out to be the main story in this one. It was a really intriguing mystery and had me hooked from the beginning right through to the end.

Again, this book is beautifully written, easy to read, with likeable and believable characters that are multidimensional.

I am so glad I found this new series and I am really excited about what the next book will bring.

If you like a story full of mystery, ghosts, paranormal abilities and a touch of young romance, this book is definitely for you.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
October 14, 2016
This was a good sequel. Not as good as book 1. However, I usually like book 1 in most series the most. Everything is new and exciting. In this book Crystal sees a vision of a girl named Hope getting abducted. She is helped by a couple of ghosts. They help lead her to the little girl and all is well.
Profile Image for Andrea.
143 reviews51 followers
June 13, 2017
It's not bad story at all...it's just a little simplistic for my taste. It's more for pre-teens or teens that want a slower paced more wholesome book. The premise is good and I do like the characters. I have book 3 so I will give it a try.
Profile Image for Mcf1nder_sk.
600 reviews26 followers
January 24, 2018
I just got done reading the Crystal Frost series, including a sequel short story, by the fantastic author @aliciarades . This was one of those recommended to me by Amazon, and it looked interesting. What an understatement! Rades may be one of the best new (to me) YA authors out there. Her character development and plot lines were great, and her new take on some familiar paranormal stories (psychics) really had me hooked. I finished this entire series in about 1 1/2 days; I could not stop reading, curious to see what's next.
....
This is one of the few Kindle reads that I would like to really have in physical book form. Alicia Rades is definitely one of the authors I'm expecting great things from in the future.
Profile Image for (S)(h)(a)(y)(e).
12 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2017
This book was great! I love that Crystal's abilities are getting stronger. So far so good, can't wait to read the next book. I'm also proud of Emma's hard work at strengthening her abilities too, she will be a great physic.
Profile Image for Bobbi.
50 reviews
July 5, 2018
I've found that many "YA" books (think Twilight, The Vampire Academy, et al) are completely appropriate and enjoyable for a much older audience, as well, which is why I bought this collection. If I had been a 'tween or teen, I'm sure I would have rated the book higher than I did. For an older audience, the writing and storyline is perhaps a bit straightforward even for "light" reading.
363 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2021
Okay, this is second book in the series, and while still a very young YA book, it didn't feel quite as juvenile as book 1.
Crystal is using her psychic abilities more now and she is able to help find a little girl that was abducted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Anniek.
436 reviews258 followers
March 3, 2016
Crystal has embraced the fact that she has special abilities. She helped a girl from school before and now she is helping her mother's fiancé Teddy to, hopefully, solve the abduction of a young child. Crystal can see ghosts and she can see into the future. She is also very good at connecting with people on a deeper level. Crystal and her mother will be spending Thanksgiving with Teddy's parents, who live near the sea. They are looking forward to a great short holiday. Robin, Teddy's cousin, is also joining them on this trip. He's a little older than Crystal and plays in a band. She remembers Robin being rude to her and she isn't prepared to meet a kinder version of him. The fact that he is also easy on the eyes doesn't make things any better for Crystal.

After I read Fire in Frost, the first book in this series, I knew that I wanted to read Desire in Frost as well. Alicia Rades knows how to keep your interest throughout the entire story. It's fast-paced and there aren't any dull moments. I kept wishing for Crystal to find the young girl who went missing from her bedroom. I like that Crystal and her mother believe that everybody is born with psychic abilities, but that some people are more connected than others. Emma, Crystal's best friend, has adopted the possibility of being more connected herself and works very hard to get better. It was a bonus for me that she actually did improve and that she was able to help Crystal because of it.

Desire in Frost is an easy read that will keep you fascinated from beginning to end. If you like to read about paranormal occurrences, friendship, love and a little crime to complete the story this is definitely a series you have to pick up.
Profile Image for Karla.
489 reviews5 followers
March 22, 2016
Even though this was the sequel to Fire in Frost, I haven't read it. I went into this book thinking that I could still read it without being confused and I was right. It could read as a standalone if you wanted but it also picks up where the first one ends: which is a little girl named Hope has been kidnapped and Crystal is trying to save her using her psychic abilities. And at least things are explained from the first book.

This was a quick read, easy to breeze through, and lots of things happened that all lead to Crystal finally finding Hope in the end. At first I was a little skeptical about the romance part of her and Robin because it was a little bit akward in the beginning, but as the story went on, I found it a little bit believable (I mean, what 17 yr old guy would want to be w/ a 15 yr old) and the fact that he didn't act like any regular teenager either, but then I realized that it was perfect for this story and for Crystal.

I think I would have liked to know more about Crystal's physic abilities, and more info on the paranormal side like with the ghosts and the visions, but hopefully it gets explained in the next book Inspired by Frost and her mom and Teddy finally get married, plus I hope we'll get more details of her relationship with Robin.
Profile Image for Rheanna.
20 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2016
*I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review*
I'll be honest, after reading the first book I expected possibly a 4 star review to come of this, but boy was I pleasantly surprised!

What I Liked
Almost everything! I loved how Crystal's powers were right on target even though she didn't quite believe them herself. I loved how her and Robin's relationship developed. I loved how the story just flowed well throughout the entire book - I never once got that that-wouldn't-happen-in-real-life feeling. Alicia Rades did a great job of keeping me hooked to the very last word. I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next and I'm very glad I finally figured it all out!

What I Didn't Like
The only criticism that I can muster up is a few writing style issues. For one, Crystal expressed a few too many times how she thought Robin was this tough guy and how she remembered how rude he used to be - it made it obvious from the start that he was going to be the love interest. Another small issue was the very end. The story was fun and I really liked how it ended, but it seemed like it just ended. There wasn't too much of a "letting-go" of the audience. It was just over.

Overall, the things I didn't like had no effect on how much I liked this book. I will be keeping it on my shelf for my children to read (and for me to re-read) someday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jenny  Zimmerman.
1,661 reviews71 followers
April 23, 2016
Read my full review at http://blackwords-whitepagesteenya.bl...


After diving in nose first into the first book and loving it, I decided that I couldn't live with myself if I didn't get my hands on the second book.

I am in awe and amazement by this authors style of writing. It's refreshing and fun to read this story, and quite adventurous I might add. The author swoops us in right where book one left off and then we are off in the mind of Crystal Frost and I was so hooked that I kept turning page after page to find out more of the mystery and magic of the story and where Crystal's adventure was going to take me, and in the end, leave me.

Crystal
This is an amazing character and I love her abilities and the compassion she puts forth to help people and how she is able to solve the crime and bring the ghosts to peace and happily ever after. I also love the way Crystal's mom supports her in everything she does.

Robin
Cute, compassionate, and Crystal's cousin?......Read the story to find out more.

I highly recommend this story for all ages to enjoy. I know you will be hooked just as much as I am and I can't wait to see what is in store for Crystal next.

The author provided me with a digital ARC copy of the book for review purposes only through Storytime Book Reviews. No remuneration was exchanged.
Profile Image for Ash Kemp.
453 reviews45 followers
March 4, 2016
I enjoyed reading this fun ya paranormal story about a young psychic trying to find her place in the world and a way to use her gifts for good. All while navigating friendships, first loves, future step-fathers and family relationships. There were a few surprising twists for excitement, and some unexpected action for sure. This would be perfectly suitable for most people 14 and older, and I'd consider it a "clean read." Though the medium helping to solve a case trope might seem overdone, I felt that Rades gave it a fresh face in Crystal Frost, and there are some other gifts she's been bestowed with that work along with her ability to "see" and "know" things that other people just are not in tune with. Though this was the second book in the series, I enjoyed it perfectly fine as the starting out point, though they should be read in order if you're wanting to avoid spoilers for book 1. Desire in Frost shows what lengths one girl can go to if she's determined to do the right thing, no matter her distractions, and how she meets challenges head on, even if it scares her.
Profile Image for Shruti.
428 reviews82 followers
December 29, 2016
( I received a digital copy of the book. Thanks to Alicia Rades !! )

The cover of the book is amazing just like the first book and this book is much better.

This story is great with a paranormal touch to the young adult book. A romantic touch was what the story needed which is fulfilled in this one. I like the characters and even though the story was quite short and simple, I was engrossed in it.

I like the authors style of writing and this book was a much refined work. The suspense was thrilling and the story well narrated. The chemistry between Robin and Crystal is really good and I hope they work out.

The book ended with hopes of happily ever after. I am very excited to know what happens ahead. Hope that the next adventure is as amazing!!

A good book that was fun to read!

Profile Image for Barbara.
Author 7 books24 followers
September 7, 2022
I got this audiobook series to share with my 15 year old granddaughter. Although we enjoyed listening to it together, it was mostly to laugh at Crystal’s ridiculous decisions and the overwriting in the book.

Unfortunately, Crystal does not grow in this book. On hopes the protagonist will learn and change in a series, but she was still as clueless as ever. Add the continued references to kissing her boyfriend’s soft or gentle lips sounded more like an adolescent’s idea of what it’s like to kiss a boy. Many of the scenes cringe worthy.

Again, there is a good bit of overwriting in this book, too. A good editor could have solved these issues.

As for the audiobook, the narrator’s voice for a little girl and for Crystal’s best friend were nerve fraying shrill. Plus, the 5 year old and 15 year old sounded just alike.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,003 reviews33 followers
September 7, 2016
It is necessary to have read book one in the series prior to reading this one this review may contain spoilers if you have not yet read book 1.

Crystal is psychic. It's something she accepted but she is still learning. A little girl named Hope was abducted and night after night visions of that abduction haunt Crystal's dreams can she find the little girl or will her new powers fail her?

This is a continuation of Crystal's journey as she learns more about herself and her abilities. She is coming more into her own and growing up.

I love how determined she is to help others and use her abilities and whatever way she can.

This was another great adventure and I'm excited to see even more!
Profile Image for Lisa.
176 reviews33 followers
January 28, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
I adore Crystal! a young lady with a big heart and a special gift she doesn't always understand.
on top of having special psychic powers she's a teenage girl!
this book is the second in the series and picks up where the first one ended ... nothing seems to make sense and Crystal questions her abilities, she's also crushing on her soon-to-be step fathers nephew!
this is an exciting story with lots of twists and turns ... adrenaline pumping moments
loved it
Profile Image for Charity.
392 reviews29 followers
March 3, 2016
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez and Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"

REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 13 years, 2 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This is the sequel to Fire in Frost and it is every bit as good as the first!

This book may be inappropriate for younger readers.

My favorite character is Crystal's mom because when everyone else thinks she is crazy her mom supports her. She believes in Crystal and lets Crystal do what she thinks is right.

My favorite part is when they find the little girl they are looking for.
Profile Image for Heather Taylor.
35 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2017
After reading the second book (which I read the two back to back) I have decided I am a bit behind the targeted age group. With that said, I still found the story to be very entertaining. Crystal has come a long way from the first book and is better able to understand and control her powers. Even more so, I found that the missing girl who was casually mentioned in the first book plays a much bigger role in this book. Now that I know a small detail can turn into something much larger, I am excited to start book 3.
Profile Image for Sairaika.
911 reviews47 followers
June 29, 2020
A psychic read!

A six-year-old girl has gone missing. She must embrace her newfound powers — and join forces with him — to save her…

A touching and fascinating read that will hold you captive until the very last page. Such a visionary read. Lovely!

Full of abilities, secrets, visions, psychics, ghosts, trust, friends, romance and family.

Perfect for readers of paranormal romances.

Reread: Audiobook

A good listen.
Profile Image for Kira Moericke.
Author 14 books45 followers
July 2, 2018
I really liked it, though there were a few parts that repeated themselves, but I like how there wasn't a love triangle and that Robin wasn't physically perfect- which is rare in a lot of books - which makes him all the more real seeming. Overall, though, the book was good and I'd definitely read it again.
216 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2016
Desire in frost

I enjoyed book 2 much more than book 1. There was a lot less of the incidents where the main character missed blatant clues. I also felt the writing was a bit better on this one. I like the characters and the stories are decent. It's a good light read type series. I would recommend it to folks looking for some good brain candy.
Profile Image for J.A. Cintron.
Author 3 books25 followers
October 10, 2016
This one was better than the second one and its like my second book I believe with kidnapping as the plot and I liked it it was masterfully executed. Robin and crystal well that was something nice nd then Emma and Derek wiggles eyebrows anyways thank the gods crystal found hope and everything was good can't wait to read inspired in frost.
Profile Image for Molly.
43 reviews
April 2, 2016
This was a great second book to follow the first! :D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews

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