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The Eternal Balance #2
Embraced
Descended from Cain, the world's first murderer, Jax Flynn is destined to spend his life making others suffer. To shield the world from horrific chaos, he was forced to sacrifice the one and only thing he loved. Samantha Merrick.Sam is special. She doesn't know how—or why—and she hasn't had any luck finding out. But there's a bright side to her life. She finally has Jax back. Sort of. They're living life on a strict look but don't touch policy, but with the explosive chemistry between them, keeping their hands to themselves is getting harder every day. Unfortunately, keeping their libidos in check isn’t Jax and Sam's biggest problem. When an enemy from the past resurfaces with an ultimatum—complete a simple task or Sam dies—they're backed into a corner. The goal? Kill a demon called Malphi. The problem? Jax's demon, Azirak, has no intention of letting that happen…To gain a chance at heaven, they’ll need to embrace hell…Series Balance Book 1: Ruined Eternal Balance Book 2: EmbraceEternal Balance Book 3: Released
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2015
5 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Jus Accardo
23 books1,496 followersJUS ACCARDO spent her childhood reading and learning to cook. Determined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps as a chef, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. But at the last minute, she realized her true path lay with fiction, not food.
Jus is the bestselling author of the popular Denazen series from Entangled publishing, as well as the Darker Agency series, and the New Adult series, The Eternal Balance. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald.
Jus is the bestselling author of the popular Denazen series from Entangled publishing, as well as the Darker Agency series, and the New Adult series, The Eternal Balance. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 26, 2016
Originally posted at:
This book has given all the other books I will ever read a higher level for me to look forward to. This book is SO close to perfection in my mind that I don't even know what to say. It had the right amount of everything: tension (dirty mind, you can go there), mystery, frustration over the mystery, action. It was a beautifully executed with plot twist after almost-impossible-problem. My only complaint: It was TOO short.
Jax was still god-like and amazing this time around. I continued to love his protectiveness toward Sam. It was all rainbows and happy endings until it wasn't because the action picks up in the first three pages and it all goes to cloud nine from there.
Sam was very courageous and thankfully was still sporting a back bone to boot. She endured a lot in this book and from the looks of the minor questions-left-unanswered-ending it doesn't seem to be getting better any time soon.
The ending was EPIC. By the last few pages I didn't know who was who where Jax was concerned. Heck, I don't even think there was a way to know. After all Jax and Sam have been fighting for that ending was very harsh and undeserved on both their parts.
This book does include the first chapter of Book #3 which I haven't read on purpose. This book was worth the two year wait with a minor cliffhanger, imagine my mental state if I read the first chapter of the next book only to receive it in the next two years. I don't want to know, so I'll be happily awaiting the release of Book #3 without splurging and reading the "extra" chapter.
Favorite Quotes:
"Not once during all of it did I consider the possibility of failure. Of surrender. That wasn't me. I didn't quit."
"Hope was dangerous. It could lift you high then send you plummeting at breakneck speed."
"Somewhere in the world pigs were cleared for takeoff and cats were dating mice."
This book has given all the other books I will ever read a higher level for me to look forward to. This book is SO close to perfection in my mind that I don't even know what to say. It had the right amount of everything: tension (dirty mind, you can go there), mystery, frustration over the mystery, action. It was a beautifully executed with plot twist after almost-impossible-problem. My only complaint: It was TOO short.
Jax was still god-like and amazing this time around. I continued to love his protectiveness toward Sam. It was all rainbows and happy endings until it wasn't because the action picks up in the first three pages and it all goes to cloud nine from there.
Sam was very courageous and thankfully was still sporting a back bone to boot. She endured a lot in this book and from the looks of the minor questions-left-unanswered-ending it doesn't seem to be getting better any time soon.
The ending was EPIC. By the last few pages I didn't know who was who where Jax was concerned. Heck, I don't even think there was a way to know. After all Jax and Sam have been fighting for that ending was very harsh and undeserved on both their parts.
This book does include the first chapter of Book #3 which I haven't read on purpose. This book was worth the two year wait with a minor cliffhanger, imagine my mental state if I read the first chapter of the next book only to receive it in the next two years. I don't want to know, so I'll be happily awaiting the release of Book #3 without splurging and reading the "extra" chapter.
Favorite Quotes:
"Not once during all of it did I consider the possibility of failure. Of surrender. That wasn't me. I didn't quit."
"Hope was dangerous. It could lift you high then send you plummeting at breakneck speed."
"Somewhere in the world pigs were cleared for takeoff and cats were dating mice."
February 9, 2017
4.5 Stars
A modern day story of Abel and Cain with a demonic twist. Embraced picked up right where Ruined left. Jax and his twin Chase are descended from Cain and they have a demon attached to them. Chase is hell bent on making Jax life miserable and for that he uses Sam. Jax and Sam has landed themselves in a hands-off situation by making a deal with Abel.
Jus Accardo has written one hell of a thrilling and steamy sequel. A lot happened in Embraced. In fact there was too much going on. From Sam finding that she's a Pure and Angels and Demons both gunning for her, Jax conflict with his demon: Azirak and Chase putting an expiry date on Sam. It felt like they were fighting a no- win situation. Even in the end they can't seem to catch a break and it ended on a cliff hanger. Going to read Released.
A modern day story of Abel and Cain with a demonic twist. Embraced picked up right where Ruined left. Jax and his twin Chase are descended from Cain and they have a demon attached to them. Chase is hell bent on making Jax life miserable and for that he uses Sam. Jax and Sam has landed themselves in a hands-off situation by making a deal with Abel.
Jus Accardo has written one hell of a thrilling and steamy sequel. A lot happened in Embraced. In fact there was too much going on. From Sam finding that she's a Pure and Angels and Demons both gunning for her, Jax conflict with his demon: Azirak and Chase putting an expiry date on Sam. It felt like they were fighting a no- win situation. Even in the end they can't seem to catch a break and it ended on a cliff hanger. Going to read Released.
May 2, 2016
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
Embraced is the second book in the Eternal Balance series from Jus Accardo. This book continues the story from the first book, Ruined, and should not be read as a standalone. The first book in this series was released in December of 2013, so to say that I have been waiting for this one to come out for what feels like forever would be an understatement. After reading this book and getting the author's note at the end, it appears that she had some extenuating circumstances that kept her from being able to get this book done any quicker and I was glad that she let the reader know what had been going on. I really hope that we don't have as long to wait for the next book though as I am not sure that I can handle two years between books again.
Jax Flynn is a descendant of the world's first murderer, Cain. He has a demon living inside him and though his brother Chase chose to embrace his demon, Jax has spent years trying to fight his. In order to prevent horrible things from being unleashed on the world, Jax was forced to sacrifice the only thing that meant anything to him, the girl he loved. Samantha Merrick might be human, but she is special. Just as she finally gets Jax back, they are forced to live with a deal they made. They can look, but they can't touch. The harder they try to fight it though, the more they begin to cross the line. But when an enemy once again threatens everything, Sam and Jax will have to make the choice of either killing the demon Malphi or Sam dying. While the choice seems easy, Jax's demon Azirak will do whatever it takes to ensure that Jax and Sam don't kill Malphi.
With Embraced picking up right where Ruined left off, I was anxious to see how things would be for Jax and Sam this time around. I still liked both of them a lot, and I was glad that they hadn't lost any of their fight in this book. The chemistry was as strong as ever between them, and it was obvious how hard it was for them to fight what they felt for one another. Unfortunately these two just can't seem to catch a break. Just when it appears that Sam and Jax have a chance at something, things come up that tear them apart again. I was so hoping that things would be different this time around for them, and they had even more obstacles this time it seemed.
Overall, I did like seeing these characters again and I was curious to see what would happen next for them. After the way things ended in the first book, I thought that we would get a conclusion of some type here and I was more than ready for it. But this one again ended with a cliffhanger and another book coming. While I enjoy reading a series and continuing the story if there is enough to warrant more books, I do worry that this one might be getting to the point that it is continuing when it shouldn't. This book was very fast paced and a lot was going on, but that was also a bit of an issue for me with how much was being thrown at not only the reader but also the characters. With so much going on it can be hard to keep track of all the players and the complex world, and I felt that there was a bit too much here at times. Just when one thing would be somewhat resolved, something else would pop up. It felt a bit like the author was throwing everything and the kitchen sink at Jax and Sam, and after awhile my interest started to wane. While I do enjoy twists and turns, I don't like to feel like the characters are fighting such an impossible battle that they will never get there and unfortunately that is what seems to be happening here. I will most likely read the next book, Released, as I want to see this one through. But I have to admit that if it takes anywhere close to as long to release as this one did, I will probably give up at that point. It was hard enough to remember everything that happened in the first book this time around, and with this world being so complex large gaps of time in between books is not something that helps hold my interest. While I think that this world is unique and different, I would recommend reading in order and possibly waiting until all are released or at the very least a reread before starting the next installment.
**ARC Provided by Publisher**
Embraced is the second book in the Eternal Balance series from Jus Accardo. This book continues the story from the first book, Ruined, and should not be read as a standalone. The first book in this series was released in December of 2013, so to say that I have been waiting for this one to come out for what feels like forever would be an understatement. After reading this book and getting the author's note at the end, it appears that she had some extenuating circumstances that kept her from being able to get this book done any quicker and I was glad that she let the reader know what had been going on. I really hope that we don't have as long to wait for the next book though as I am not sure that I can handle two years between books again.
Jax Flynn is a descendant of the world's first murderer, Cain. He has a demon living inside him and though his brother Chase chose to embrace his demon, Jax has spent years trying to fight his. In order to prevent horrible things from being unleashed on the world, Jax was forced to sacrifice the only thing that meant anything to him, the girl he loved. Samantha Merrick might be human, but she is special. Just as she finally gets Jax back, they are forced to live with a deal they made. They can look, but they can't touch. The harder they try to fight it though, the more they begin to cross the line. But when an enemy once again threatens everything, Sam and Jax will have to make the choice of either killing the demon Malphi or Sam dying. While the choice seems easy, Jax's demon Azirak will do whatever it takes to ensure that Jax and Sam don't kill Malphi.
With Embraced picking up right where Ruined left off, I was anxious to see how things would be for Jax and Sam this time around. I still liked both of them a lot, and I was glad that they hadn't lost any of their fight in this book. The chemistry was as strong as ever between them, and it was obvious how hard it was for them to fight what they felt for one another. Unfortunately these two just can't seem to catch a break. Just when it appears that Sam and Jax have a chance at something, things come up that tear them apart again. I was so hoping that things would be different this time around for them, and they had even more obstacles this time it seemed.
Overall, I did like seeing these characters again and I was curious to see what would happen next for them. After the way things ended in the first book, I thought that we would get a conclusion of some type here and I was more than ready for it. But this one again ended with a cliffhanger and another book coming. While I enjoy reading a series and continuing the story if there is enough to warrant more books, I do worry that this one might be getting to the point that it is continuing when it shouldn't. This book was very fast paced and a lot was going on, but that was also a bit of an issue for me with how much was being thrown at not only the reader but also the characters. With so much going on it can be hard to keep track of all the players and the complex world, and I felt that there was a bit too much here at times. Just when one thing would be somewhat resolved, something else would pop up. It felt a bit like the author was throwing everything and the kitchen sink at Jax and Sam, and after awhile my interest started to wane. While I do enjoy twists and turns, I don't like to feel like the characters are fighting such an impossible battle that they will never get there and unfortunately that is what seems to be happening here. I will most likely read the next book, Released, as I want to see this one through. But I have to admit that if it takes anywhere close to as long to release as this one did, I will probably give up at that point. It was hard enough to remember everything that happened in the first book this time around, and with this world being so complex large gaps of time in between books is not something that helps hold my interest. While I think that this world is unique and different, I would recommend reading in order and possibly waiting until all are released or at the very least a reread before starting the next installment.
**ARC Provided by Publisher**
November 18, 2015
Embraced by Jus Accardo is the second book of The Eternal Balance series and I’m so glad I was able to get a copy of this one. Ever since I finished book one I was wondering what was in store for Jax and Sammy and I have to say, Accardo took me on quite a ride.
If you recall, Jax is descended from Cain and shares his body with a demon. This alone can make things challenging but when you add in the fact that his brother is a jerk and the one thing he really wants (Sammy) is off limits, things get even more difficult. Admittedly, it had been a while since I read book one so when I dove into this book, it took me a bit of time to get back into the story. If you have read the first book, I recommend a quick re-read of the last few chapters to get back up to speed.
As always, the characters are what get me invested in a story and I have to say, Accardo does a wonderful job of creating the people in her stories that are real. They aren’t perfect and I think that is what I like about Jax. He screws up but he does it for what he thinks are the right reasons. With that said, there is a lot more to like about Jax…he loves Sammy and is willing to do whatever he has to in order to keep her safe. Even if that means he suffers. The conflict he has within himself and with Azi is interesting to me.
Although Azi is linked to Jax, he definitely is his own character. He is a demon and he doesn’t truly understand human behavior. I have to say, I loved the interactions he had with Sammy as well as the internal dialogue with Jax. I can’t wait to see what happens with him.
Sammy is smart and tough and her story is going to get even more interesting…I can feel it. She isn’t willing to let Jax do something just for the sake of protecting her and I love how she stands up for herself.
As Jax and Sammy are put in a situation where they have very little choice in how to move forward, they realize that they have another challenge to face. They learn more about what is going on with Sammy and just how much danger they are in. I can’t say what the secret is because I don’t want to ruin anything but what you need to know is that this thing about Sammy means every demon and angel is looking for her and will do whatever they need to in order to get to Sammy.
Accardo does a fantastic job of moving this story forward. There is a lot of action and some sexy bits between Jax and Sammy…which I always support. If you are looking for a new series, definitely consider checking this one out (if you haven’t already) and if you have read book one, you should absolutely read this book as soon as you can - I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy!
If you recall, Jax is descended from Cain and shares his body with a demon. This alone can make things challenging but when you add in the fact that his brother is a jerk and the one thing he really wants (Sammy) is off limits, things get even more difficult. Admittedly, it had been a while since I read book one so when I dove into this book, it took me a bit of time to get back into the story. If you have read the first book, I recommend a quick re-read of the last few chapters to get back up to speed.
As always, the characters are what get me invested in a story and I have to say, Accardo does a wonderful job of creating the people in her stories that are real. They aren’t perfect and I think that is what I like about Jax. He screws up but he does it for what he thinks are the right reasons. With that said, there is a lot more to like about Jax…he loves Sammy and is willing to do whatever he has to in order to keep her safe. Even if that means he suffers. The conflict he has within himself and with Azi is interesting to me.
Although Azi is linked to Jax, he definitely is his own character. He is a demon and he doesn’t truly understand human behavior. I have to say, I loved the interactions he had with Sammy as well as the internal dialogue with Jax. I can’t wait to see what happens with him.
Sammy is smart and tough and her story is going to get even more interesting…I can feel it. She isn’t willing to let Jax do something just for the sake of protecting her and I love how she stands up for herself.
As Jax and Sammy are put in a situation where they have very little choice in how to move forward, they realize that they have another challenge to face. They learn more about what is going on with Sammy and just how much danger they are in. I can’t say what the secret is because I don’t want to ruin anything but what you need to know is that this thing about Sammy means every demon and angel is looking for her and will do whatever they need to in order to get to Sammy.
Accardo does a fantastic job of moving this story forward. There is a lot of action and some sexy bits between Jax and Sammy…which I always support. If you are looking for a new series, definitely consider checking this one out (if you haven’t already) and if you have read book one, you should absolutely read this book as soon as you can - I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy!
November 13, 2015
3.5 stars
Jus Accardo is finally back with the second book in her Eternal Balance series. To say I jumped all over this as soon as I saw this available to read and review would be an understatement. This is a story that has actually stuck with me after two years!
Jax is descended from Cain, as in the Cain and Abel. And being descended from the very first murderer carries a heavy burden on your soul. That and he carries a demon inside of him named Azirak, a demon royal. Unfortunately for Jax, his demon has to feed on pain and suffering to survive. Not the most ideal situation for a human trying to stay on the right side of the law, let alone a human who has decent morals.
Picking right up where Ruined ended, Jax and his childhood best friend/sweetheart Samantha are regrouping, recovering, and generally hiding after making deals and saving the entire world from collapsing. This isn't easy when you never know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. Appearances are never what they seem and once again, someone wants Samantha to play for their "team" and will not stop until death to make it happen.
And that's one thing I really enjoy about this series. Ms. Accardo does not hold anything back when it comes to pushing the story to the edge. She most likely doesn't think twice about killing off a character.
The world is complex but easy to understand. She doesn't throw the kitchen sink at you (phew!) but she did introduce a new "species" (for lack of a better term at this time of night) in this book. It added a whole new twist to the story and kept me reading when I may have grown bored and set the book aside. Books with quests in them tend to bore me.
So with the added characters, the pace of the story held up. Plot twists continue until the big finale and then...
You'll have to see what happens in the next book. Usually this kind of ending kills me but somehow it works for this genre and this story. I'm left satisfied and eagerly waiting on book three, Released.
Review appears on
Jus Accardo is finally back with the second book in her Eternal Balance series. To say I jumped all over this as soon as I saw this available to read and review would be an understatement. This is a story that has actually stuck with me after two years!
Jax is descended from Cain, as in the Cain and Abel. And being descended from the very first murderer carries a heavy burden on your soul. That and he carries a demon inside of him named Azirak, a demon royal. Unfortunately for Jax, his demon has to feed on pain and suffering to survive. Not the most ideal situation for a human trying to stay on the right side of the law, let alone a human who has decent morals.
Picking right up where Ruined ended, Jax and his childhood best friend/sweetheart Samantha are regrouping, recovering, and generally hiding after making deals and saving the entire world from collapsing. This isn't easy when you never know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. Appearances are never what they seem and once again, someone wants Samantha to play for their "team" and will not stop until death to make it happen.
And that's one thing I really enjoy about this series. Ms. Accardo does not hold anything back when it comes to pushing the story to the edge. She most likely doesn't think twice about killing off a character.
The world is complex but easy to understand. She doesn't throw the kitchen sink at you (phew!) but she did introduce a new "species" (for lack of a better term at this time of night) in this book. It added a whole new twist to the story and kept me reading when I may have grown bored and set the book aside. Books with quests in them tend to bore me.
So with the added characters, the pace of the story held up. Plot twists continue until the big finale and then...
You'll have to see what happens in the next book. Usually this kind of ending kills me but somehow it works for this genre and this story. I'm left satisfied and eagerly waiting on book three, Released.
Review appears on
November 8, 2015
Kindly provided with an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.......
I nearly hyperventilated when I was okay'd for this book !!
Its book 2 in The Eternal Balance series and to say I was dying to read it would be an understatement.
This book continues Sam and Jax's story and given the ending of book one, I was traumatised that these two would never get their HEA.
The story line is just phenomenal. A spin on Cain and Abel's tale.
I have no idea how the hell Jus could think up this masterpiece......demons living inside a person demanding he performs evil acts to avoid being in agony. Loving some-one where the only way to protect them is to keep them away......No, I hear you cry !!!!!
Then there's Chase (Jax's ) twin. He's a darling but sorry hun, you dont quite do it for me or Sam for that matter....thank god.
Anyway, its just so raw, emotional and steamy as a hell. You cannot help but devour each and every chapter as if your life depended on it.....or you hold a demon demanding its literary due !!!
I absolutely refuse to give away any more because this series is a MUST READ series for any lover of an exceptionally well written paranormal romance !!!.
Jax really got the bum deal being bequeathed a punishment for merely being a decedent of biblical ancestors whom one destroyed the other due to jealousy, paranoia and malice......but day-um Jax does his up most to stop that history repeating itself on his watch.
He is one heck of an amazing character, showing that evil really can be oh so good.....oh, I'm totally tricky with my review don't you think ?.
Final thoughts though.....how could you leave the end like that Jus ?....snivels into kindle knowing I have to wait for book 3 to see how that HUGE AR*E problem is going to sort itself out. I have faith in you Jus....Please don't let me down xxxx
Well done Jus for yet another awesome read !
Many, many thanks Negalley for this opportunity !
Later peeps xxx
I nearly hyperventilated when I was okay'd for this book !!
Its book 2 in The Eternal Balance series and to say I was dying to read it would be an understatement.
This book continues Sam and Jax's story and given the ending of book one, I was traumatised that these two would never get their HEA.
The story line is just phenomenal. A spin on Cain and Abel's tale.
I have no idea how the hell Jus could think up this masterpiece......demons living inside a person demanding he performs evil acts to avoid being in agony. Loving some-one where the only way to protect them is to keep them away......No, I hear you cry !!!!!
Then there's Chase (Jax's ) twin. He's a darling but sorry hun, you dont quite do it for me or Sam for that matter....thank god.
Anyway, its just so raw, emotional and steamy as a hell. You cannot help but devour each and every chapter as if your life depended on it.....or you hold a demon demanding its literary due !!!
I absolutely refuse to give away any more because this series is a MUST READ series for any lover of an exceptionally well written paranormal romance !!!.
Jax really got the bum deal being bequeathed a punishment for merely being a decedent of biblical ancestors whom one destroyed the other due to jealousy, paranoia and malice......but day-um Jax does his up most to stop that history repeating itself on his watch.
He is one heck of an amazing character, showing that evil really can be oh so good.....oh, I'm totally tricky with my review don't you think ?.
Final thoughts though.....how could you leave the end like that Jus ?....snivels into kindle knowing I have to wait for book 3 to see how that HUGE AR*E problem is going to sort itself out. I have faith in you Jus....Please don't let me down xxxx
Well done Jus for yet another awesome read !
Many, many thanks Negalley for this opportunity !
Later peeps xxx
October 28, 2015
This is not my usual type of read but I had read Ms. Accardo’s Denazen series, which was also really good by the way. This is book two in the Eternal Balance series and even though I did not read the first book, Ruined, I was able to read this book without missing a beat. Don’t get me wrong; I am definitely going to grab Ruined and read it as soon as I’m done here. Embraced has pulled me into this series and you are left with that “have to know” feeling. It had captivated me that much.
It is the whole good versus evil thing but with Sam, who is a Purest, and Jax, who has a demon inside, caught in the middle of the battle. I fell in love with these two with the love/lust they had for each other. Some parts got pretty steamy which only added to the push and pull of the warring factions. I have to admit that there did not seem to be anything that was really “good” about this battle because the extents that they went to were anything but good. As the old saying goes “it is the better of two evils” but in this case everyone wants a piece of Sam to solidify their power.
If you are not a paranormal/supernatural fan don’t let that keep you away from this book because of the way Ms. Accardo brings in the lust filled lives of Sam and Jax. She does an excellent job that kept me reading this nonstop and really falling for this series.
This book was provided as an ARC for an honest review.
It is the whole good versus evil thing but with Sam, who is a Purest, and Jax, who has a demon inside, caught in the middle of the battle. I fell in love with these two with the love/lust they had for each other. Some parts got pretty steamy which only added to the push and pull of the warring factions. I have to admit that there did not seem to be anything that was really “good” about this battle because the extents that they went to were anything but good. As the old saying goes “it is the better of two evils” but in this case everyone wants a piece of Sam to solidify their power.
If you are not a paranormal/supernatural fan don’t let that keep you away from this book because of the way Ms. Accardo brings in the lust filled lives of Sam and Jax. She does an excellent job that kept me reading this nonstop and really falling for this series.
This book was provided as an ARC for an honest review.
December 20, 2015
Review coming soon
July 2, 2019
I loved the first book in this series, but this one just fell flat for me. I’m not sure if it was the length of time between reading book 1 and 2 or the book itself, though.
Read
February 16, 2016YES!! Book two is just as epic as book one!! Man, I am still shocked over this one. I wasn't prepared, again, for everything that gets thrown at me with this series. We are back with the fight between Cain and Abel and their descendants, and Jax and Chase and Sam are in chaos. There's Azirak, Jax's royal demon, and he is still needing pain and death to survive. But he's not all bad, not all the time. He actually likes Sam, so there's that. But when things start going down, another demon is surfacing and after Azirak's power, this means Jax's in danger and and so is Sam. Sam made a deal, and now she has to stick to it, but Jax made a deal as well, and he has to stick to it. And Chase just wants Sam. And Azirak wants to survive, and the world might fall, and this new demon has something that's going to put a cramp in everyone's plans. Oh man. There's a no holds bar in this one and it's darker and grittier and yet more beautiful than the first. I am still reeling from this one. And I can never put these books down.
Jax and Sam are just trying to survive and yet they are still growing. Jax definitely has more growth and Azirak has more screen time because you actually get to see him and his personality that he shares with Jax. And you find out a lot about who he is and who he was. I must say, even the new players, everyone is fantastically written. The characters are great and that's a big deal for me in this series. I feel like I know them and I am cheering for them. Oh thank goodness not really because I can't be having my hot boyfriend have a demon in him. LOL But seriously, Jax has become my must have book boyfriend. He is willing to suffer tremendously to keep Sam safe. And I am very much growing toward Azirak. And Sam, well, my heart continues to break for her. But thank goodness she is bad ass and can withstand and fight for what she wants. She's smart and she's determined. And then we get the bomb dropped on us about how Sam is really invested in the middle of all of this. Wow. Yeah it's going to get bad for Sam I think.
This is an absolutely magnificent sequel. I am so invested in this series. I absolutely need book three. Oh my goodness. And really, really I just want Sam and Jax to get some kind of good ending. Please. I mean, just a little. And yes, there's still Chase but I am still on the fence with him. I have no idea how I really feel about him. Oh I am so anticipating Released which will come in March of 2016! Gimme hurry!! 5 PAWS!!!!
Jax and Sam are just trying to survive and yet they are still growing. Jax definitely has more growth and Azirak has more screen time because you actually get to see him and his personality that he shares with Jax. And you find out a lot about who he is and who he was. I must say, even the new players, everyone is fantastically written. The characters are great and that's a big deal for me in this series. I feel like I know them and I am cheering for them. Oh thank goodness not really because I can't be having my hot boyfriend have a demon in him. LOL But seriously, Jax has become my must have book boyfriend. He is willing to suffer tremendously to keep Sam safe. And I am very much growing toward Azirak. And Sam, well, my heart continues to break for her. But thank goodness she is bad ass and can withstand and fight for what she wants. She's smart and she's determined. And then we get the bomb dropped on us about how Sam is really invested in the middle of all of this. Wow. Yeah it's going to get bad for Sam I think.
This is an absolutely magnificent sequel. I am so invested in this series. I absolutely need book three. Oh my goodness. And really, really I just want Sam and Jax to get some kind of good ending. Please. I mean, just a little. And yes, there's still Chase but I am still on the fence with him. I have no idea how I really feel about him. Oh I am so anticipating Released which will come in March of 2016! Gimme hurry!! 5 PAWS!!!!
March 20, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This series just keeps getting better and crazier and hotter with every turn of the page! Fair warning - this one has a cliffhanger-ish ending that would've driven me bonkers if I didn't have the next book to *immediately* dive into. I think no matter what, though, how could you *not* dive right into the next and last of the series, right?! That being said, this was another stellar paranormal read with all the sizzle you could ever want.
Jax and Sam and walking a tightrope at the start of this book. They each had to make sacrifices and deals with Abel to survive the last book relatively intact, but that has left them struggling in the confines of "friends." Neither is really sure what happens if they break the rules, but it is probably pretty bad. As if that wasn't hard enough, Jax still has a psycho brother roaming the world who always manages to mess with his semi-happiness. In this case, he shows up under the guise of helping and hooks Sam up with a magical ticking time bomb. Oh, and turns out that Sam is now the most coveted prize among angels and demons, which risks her life even more.
We all know what happens when people try to kill Sam - Jax does bad things to them. In this book we really get to watch more of the Azi/Jax interaction and realize exactly how blurry the line is between them. While Azi might be a royal who has live oodles of lifetimes, he just might be becoming more "human" during this life with Jax. Sam and Jax's epic love story might just teach an old demon a thing or two. All of this is contingent on Ari's old flame not resurfacing along the way. That would get awkward (and it does).
This book delivers a steady stream of twists and turns, action and romance (do I even need to mention their chemistry again?), and some truly wonderful characters. Seriously, I dread the day that I don't get to visit with these characters anymore. They are all (even Azi) pretty amazing. With a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, I highly recommend loading the next book onto your kindle immediately (when it comes out)!
This series just keeps getting better and crazier and hotter with every turn of the page! Fair warning - this one has a cliffhanger-ish ending that would've driven me bonkers if I didn't have the next book to *immediately* dive into. I think no matter what, though, how could you *not* dive right into the next and last of the series, right?! That being said, this was another stellar paranormal read with all the sizzle you could ever want.
Jax and Sam and walking a tightrope at the start of this book. They each had to make sacrifices and deals with Abel to survive the last book relatively intact, but that has left them struggling in the confines of "friends." Neither is really sure what happens if they break the rules, but it is probably pretty bad. As if that wasn't hard enough, Jax still has a psycho brother roaming the world who always manages to mess with his semi-happiness. In this case, he shows up under the guise of helping and hooks Sam up with a magical ticking time bomb. Oh, and turns out that Sam is now the most coveted prize among angels and demons, which risks her life even more.
We all know what happens when people try to kill Sam - Jax does bad things to them. In this book we really get to watch more of the Azi/Jax interaction and realize exactly how blurry the line is between them. While Azi might be a royal who has live oodles of lifetimes, he just might be becoming more "human" during this life with Jax. Sam and Jax's epic love story might just teach an old demon a thing or two. All of this is contingent on Ari's old flame not resurfacing along the way. That would get awkward (and it does).
This book delivers a steady stream of twists and turns, action and romance (do I even need to mention their chemistry again?), and some truly wonderful characters. Seriously, I dread the day that I don't get to visit with these characters anymore. They are all (even Azi) pretty amazing. With a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, I highly recommend loading the next book onto your kindle immediately (when it comes out)!
April 4, 2016
Received on netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Jax and Sam go through so much in this book. There love for each other is so amazing and everything they do is for each other. They sacrifice so much to be together. We see how special and amazing Jax really is despite the fact he has a demon sharing his body.
Azirak wants out and he now has more reason-Malphi his mate is around. This got him closer to the skin of Jax but Jax wants to kill Malphi because she threatens Sam so he fights Azirak. the problem is is that his demon is struggling with his feelings. Azirak cares for Sam and doesn’t want to see her hurt but Malphi is his mate so he is fighting himself and Jax. In order to keep Sam safe Jax gives himself over to Azirak which proves to be a mental fight for both of them and dangerous for jax. Sadly though in the end Azirak sees what Malphi really is like in the end but can’t forgive those around him for what happened and does something that is wrong putting Sam and Jax in more danger to Azirak.
Jax is a great guy even if he doesn’t think so. He fights his demon so that he still has a soul in a way. He tries to do what is right and does anything to keep Sam safe. He feels he isn’t worthy of Sam and because of this he does things to try to show her at times. Sam only believes in Jax and his goodness. Also they are to maintain balance so they can’t be together even if they love each other.
Sam is sweet patient and kind. Her love for Jax is paramount and these two are perfect for each other. How special she is doesn’t get passed by them. Sam is a pure and all things that have happened around her is because of this. It also has Jax a needing to protect her because of everyone who wanted to claim her.
The book is entertaining and we learn more about Azirak and how he isn’t like other demons. We see Jax and Sam work more together and get closer. Closer in mind, heart, and soul. They fight for one another and sacrifice for each other. the story is character driven and filled with twists and turns with revelations that help to get more and more of a big picture of demons, the prophecy and the love and intentions of Jax and Sam.
Jax and Sam go through so much in this book. There love for each other is so amazing and everything they do is for each other. They sacrifice so much to be together. We see how special and amazing Jax really is despite the fact he has a demon sharing his body.
Azirak wants out and he now has more reason-Malphi his mate is around. This got him closer to the skin of Jax but Jax wants to kill Malphi because she threatens Sam so he fights Azirak. the problem is is that his demon is struggling with his feelings. Azirak cares for Sam and doesn’t want to see her hurt but Malphi is his mate so he is fighting himself and Jax. In order to keep Sam safe Jax gives himself over to Azirak which proves to be a mental fight for both of them and dangerous for jax. Sadly though in the end Azirak sees what Malphi really is like in the end but can’t forgive those around him for what happened and does something that is wrong putting Sam and Jax in more danger to Azirak.
Jax is a great guy even if he doesn’t think so. He fights his demon so that he still has a soul in a way. He tries to do what is right and does anything to keep Sam safe. He feels he isn’t worthy of Sam and because of this he does things to try to show her at times. Sam only believes in Jax and his goodness. Also they are to maintain balance so they can’t be together even if they love each other.
Sam is sweet patient and kind. Her love for Jax is paramount and these two are perfect for each other. How special she is doesn’t get passed by them. Sam is a pure and all things that have happened around her is because of this. It also has Jax a needing to protect her because of everyone who wanted to claim her.
The book is entertaining and we learn more about Azirak and how he isn’t like other demons. We see Jax and Sam work more together and get closer. Closer in mind, heart, and soul. They fight for one another and sacrifice for each other. the story is character driven and filled with twists and turns with revelations that help to get more and more of a big picture of demons, the prophecy and the love and intentions of Jax and Sam.
December 30, 2015
I have been waiting for this book for a very long time. It feels like years- roughly two. I loved Ruined and what an ending it had. So to say I was excited about this releases is like saying Vermont is cold in the middle of January.
Embraced picks up right after Ruined ends. In Ruined, we find out that Jax and his brother are descendants of Cain, cursed with a demon ride along for all of their life. Jax and Sam saved the world yet forsake their love, promising never to be together. How horrid is that?
Sam finds out she is a Pure- this puts her on the most wanted list for demons and angels alike. For her part Sam is pretty chill lax with the whole deal. She has already dealt with a lot of uncertainties and weirdness in life. I love how she continues to fight for the good in Jax. Jax is well Jax, always trying to protect Sam. His Sam.
They get sent to kill Malphi. Azi’s mate. Azi the demon that is inside of Jax. Seriously can life for Jax, Sam or Azi get any worse? So it is either Malphi’s life or Sam’s. How are they going to choose- especially since Azi doesn’t want either to die.
My favorite part of the book really is when Jax becomes Azi. There is something so grumpy about this demon, that I kinda wanna hug him and tell him life will get better. Yeah, he is evil- rotten to the core yet there is some good in him. He understand what his human (Jax) needs and obtains it for him. Plus, there is a part of me that hopes the demon has a heart.
The things that both of them suffer due to angels and demons a like is well horrifying. Interesting though, that they knew the other would always find them. Both were given glimpses into each other lives, what they say was well enlightening.
I enjoyed this book, so why the three stars? The ending, the darn ending, the cliffhanger of an ending that shattered any hope of a HEA happening anytime soon.
My Rating 3 out of 5 stars.
Favorite Quote "He was flawed, but in that imperfection lay the man I loved."
Embraced picks up right after Ruined ends. In Ruined, we find out that Jax and his brother are descendants of Cain, cursed with a demon ride along for all of their life. Jax and Sam saved the world yet forsake their love, promising never to be together. How horrid is that?
Sam finds out she is a Pure- this puts her on the most wanted list for demons and angels alike. For her part Sam is pretty chill lax with the whole deal. She has already dealt with a lot of uncertainties and weirdness in life. I love how she continues to fight for the good in Jax. Jax is well Jax, always trying to protect Sam. His Sam.
They get sent to kill Malphi. Azi’s mate. Azi the demon that is inside of Jax. Seriously can life for Jax, Sam or Azi get any worse? So it is either Malphi’s life or Sam’s. How are they going to choose- especially since Azi doesn’t want either to die.
My favorite part of the book really is when Jax becomes Azi. There is something so grumpy about this demon, that I kinda wanna hug him and tell him life will get better. Yeah, he is evil- rotten to the core yet there is some good in him. He understand what his human (Jax) needs and obtains it for him. Plus, there is a part of me that hopes the demon has a heart.
The things that both of them suffer due to angels and demons a like is well horrifying. Interesting though, that they knew the other would always find them. Both were given glimpses into each other lives, what they say was well enlightening.
I enjoyed this book, so why the three stars? The ending, the darn ending, the cliffhanger of an ending that shattered any hope of a HEA happening anytime soon.
My Rating 3 out of 5 stars.
Favorite Quote "He was flawed, but in that imperfection lay the man I loved."
February 24, 2016
This is definitely a darker book. It is good vs. evil with so many twists that I got whiplash! If you haven’t read Ruined first then this won’t make a lot of sense. You need to read it first. Although, I did appreciate the author putting some reminders in my head of some events from the first book!
Chase and Jax hatred toward the other brother hasn't changed and now Chase has trapped Sam with a bracelet/cuff. If she doesn’t do his bidding the bracelet will kill her in 72 hours. The race is on to find Malphi,kill the demon and to figure out who can help take the cuff off her.
The book spans three days and it is nothing but constant action and betrayal and half truths. Now, Jax and Sam don’t know who to trust and time is winding down. Sam is a “Pure” one and everyone wants her. She doesn’t understand it and the next three days she learns that everyone wants her to control that power. But she doesn’t even understand it at first and the more she learns the more hopeless things seem. And who exactly is Malphi?
Jax /Azi are becoming more of their own identities in this book. Jax has to share his body with Azirack a demon of royal blood. Jax’s brother, Chase, also shares his body with a demon. The two demons are sworn enemies,and of royal demon blood, making Chase and Jax enemies. Azi seems to have a soft spot when it comes to Samantha. Don’t underestimate Azi though. He will kill you! The POV in this book covers both Sam and Jax. Even though Jax doesn’t always have a say, Jax will let the reader know what Azi is thinking.
Add to the demon mix are some angels who have fallen. They want Sam too!
This book has graphic demon thoughts and a lot of “F” words as it is very dark. So reader beware.
If you like constant action and betrayals, dark books, fallen angels, demons, lots of twists and turns, and an ending that promises you will want the next book now then this is it!
Chase and Jax hatred toward the other brother hasn't changed and now Chase has trapped Sam with a bracelet/cuff. If she doesn’t do his bidding the bracelet will kill her in 72 hours. The race is on to find Malphi,kill the demon and to figure out who can help take the cuff off her.
The book spans three days and it is nothing but constant action and betrayal and half truths. Now, Jax and Sam don’t know who to trust and time is winding down. Sam is a “Pure” one and everyone wants her. She doesn’t understand it and the next three days she learns that everyone wants her to control that power. But she doesn’t even understand it at first and the more she learns the more hopeless things seem. And who exactly is Malphi?
Jax /Azi are becoming more of their own identities in this book. Jax has to share his body with Azirack a demon of royal blood. Jax’s brother, Chase, also shares his body with a demon. The two demons are sworn enemies,and of royal demon blood, making Chase and Jax enemies. Azi seems to have a soft spot when it comes to Samantha. Don’t underestimate Azi though. He will kill you! The POV in this book covers both Sam and Jax. Even though Jax doesn’t always have a say, Jax will let the reader know what Azi is thinking.
Add to the demon mix are some angels who have fallen. They want Sam too!
This book has graphic demon thoughts and a lot of “F” words as it is very dark. So reader beware.
If you like constant action and betrayals, dark books, fallen angels, demons, lots of twists and turns, and an ending that promises you will want the next book now then this is it!
March 28, 2016
This series just keeps getting better. Jus Accardo takes the reader on a high action and adrenaline laced adventure starting right where we left off in Ruined, the first of the Eternal Balance series. Everything has been thrown into a type of chaos and the way things ended in the first book sets everything up for a whole lot of chaos to unfold. When the book begins, we see Sam and Jax fighting their attraction for each other, attempting to find a balance to keep everything in order. Their connection is deep. There is no denying that. These two will do absolutely anything for each other, no matter the cost. When people start showing up trying to grab Sam, questions arise and everything just goes crazy.
The reader is introduced to a lot of new information about what is happening but it all paces so well, building a world that is fascinating. Chase shows back up and you know that life is about to take yet another turn for the worse. The tension between Sam and Jax is very well written. As you read, you understand that tension and feel the heaviness of what they are expected to do. I love how this story shares both POV, allowing the reader to see Jax and his internal struggle and Sam’s brilliant resilience and fight. These two are strong but they can only go so far before they snap.
Jus does a great job of sharing their struggle and balancing the scales between hope and despair. These two would never make it without each other and the more you read and observe them in this book, the reality is that they will not live without each other. That sounds dramatic, but it is so well written in this story that it is perfect. You don’t know who you can trust and what needs to be done, but as you read, you know that if anyone can accomplish the impossible by the looming deadline it will be Jax and Sam. I am so excited to see what happens in the third book! I am nervous about what comes but ready to know what happens.
The reader is introduced to a lot of new information about what is happening but it all paces so well, building a world that is fascinating. Chase shows back up and you know that life is about to take yet another turn for the worse. The tension between Sam and Jax is very well written. As you read, you understand that tension and feel the heaviness of what they are expected to do. I love how this story shares both POV, allowing the reader to see Jax and his internal struggle and Sam’s brilliant resilience and fight. These two are strong but they can only go so far before they snap.
Jus does a great job of sharing their struggle and balancing the scales between hope and despair. These two would never make it without each other and the more you read and observe them in this book, the reality is that they will not live without each other. That sounds dramatic, but it is so well written in this story that it is perfect. You don’t know who you can trust and what needs to be done, but as you read, you know that if anyone can accomplish the impossible by the looming deadline it will be Jax and Sam. I am so excited to see what happens in the third book! I am nervous about what comes but ready to know what happens.
April 21, 2016
I love how Accardo doesn't let things be easy for Jax and Sammy. It's almost as if blow after blow comes for them. They think they have a solution to a problem, then WHAM new issue with that. It's serious business they are up against too. You know, the whole death and destruction of the world, hell on earth, I can't touch the person I love problems going on here. Throughout reading, I became attached to these characters. I just want to see them succeed and for them to be thrown a bone. The demon in Jax as well has a name and is in fact a complete separate entity. I love how different Jax and Azi are from each other, but I also really enjoy how they explore their similarities. Sammy is that tough chick that stands up for herself, but she also sees the good in people.
The Bad
It got a bit repetitive in a few places. Meaning, someone's after Sam, Jax snarls and fights, they get free, someone gets Sam again. I loved the action so don't get me wrong, but some of the same conflict for the characters kept popping up.
The Romance
Man, that ending. These two love each other a lot. They also want to rip each other's clothes off and make like bunnies. However, they are not able to be together. I don't mean there are rules against it so they can sneak around, I mean they aren't able to. I'm wondering how the next one will resolve the problem the two face.
Conclusion
Embraced stays pretty fast paced. There is a lot of action and a true need to see the characters make it through everything. I hope to see some romance resolution in the next one. Recommended.
*Sent for honest review. Originally given 3 1/2 stars at JC's Book Haven.
The Bad
It got a bit repetitive in a few places. Meaning, someone's after Sam, Jax snarls and fights, they get free, someone gets Sam again. I loved the action so don't get me wrong, but some of the same conflict for the characters kept popping up.
The Romance
Man, that ending. These two love each other a lot. They also want to rip each other's clothes off and make like bunnies. However, they are not able to be together. I don't mean there are rules against it so they can sneak around, I mean they aren't able to. I'm wondering how the next one will resolve the problem the two face.
Conclusion
Embraced stays pretty fast paced. There is a lot of action and a true need to see the characters make it through everything. I hope to see some romance resolution in the next one. Recommended.
*Sent for honest review. Originally given 3 1/2 stars at JC's Book Haven.
February 28, 2016
Samantha and Jax can’t be together but they are in love. Jax is human but he’s sharing his body with Azirak, a royal demon. In the end of the first book (Ruined), Jax has to sacrified his relation with Sammy to save her.
Sammy is a Pure, we don’t really know what it is, except that everyone want to claim her, Angels and Demons.
More than that, Chase, Jax’s twin brother is back, he wants Jax to kill Malphi, a demon. When Jax refused, Chase puts demon cuff on Sammy’s wrist and now they have 72 hours to kill Malphi or Sammy will die.
Sammy is stubborn, she wants Jax, she loves him and she tease him, kiss him and wants more. Sometimes it’s disturbing because Jax is suffering and she doesn’t seem to see it. He wants her too but he’s trying to be a good guy and follow the rule. It’s difficult with a girlfriend who wants sex every time and a demon that is agreed with her.
I like Jax and Sammy, they are perfect and it’s true love. They are working on instinct and sometimes it bring problem.
I really like Azirak, he’s a demon but he likes his human and he loves Sammy too.
Chase is an asshole, but nothing has changed, he was already one in Ruined and probably be one on Released.
The angels aren’t loveable at all, they are strong and sadistic and egoist.
Heckle is weird, we really don’t know what he wants and for who.
The setting is good and the story is full of action, some scenes are very swoon-worthy, Jax is really hot and Sammy too.
The end is just awful and fortunately I have the next book on my kindle so no waiting for me.
Jus Accardo writing style is fluid and very addictive. If you like the first book, go read
Sammy is a Pure, we don’t really know what it is, except that everyone want to claim her, Angels and Demons.
More than that, Chase, Jax’s twin brother is back, he wants Jax to kill Malphi, a demon. When Jax refused, Chase puts demon cuff on Sammy’s wrist and now they have 72 hours to kill Malphi or Sammy will die.
Sammy is stubborn, she wants Jax, she loves him and she tease him, kiss him and wants more. Sometimes it’s disturbing because Jax is suffering and she doesn’t seem to see it. He wants her too but he’s trying to be a good guy and follow the rule. It’s difficult with a girlfriend who wants sex every time and a demon that is agreed with her.
I like Jax and Sammy, they are perfect and it’s true love. They are working on instinct and sometimes it bring problem.
I really like Azirak, he’s a demon but he likes his human and he loves Sammy too.
Chase is an asshole, but nothing has changed, he was already one in Ruined and probably be one on Released.
The angels aren’t loveable at all, they are strong and sadistic and egoist.
Heckle is weird, we really don’t know what he wants and for who.
The setting is good and the story is full of action, some scenes are very swoon-worthy, Jax is really hot and Sammy too.
The end is just awful and fortunately I have the next book on my kindle so no waiting for me.
Jus Accardo writing style is fluid and very addictive. If you like the first book, go read
September 12, 2016
2.5 Stars
It took me forever (10 months) to finish this book. I enjoyed book 1, genuinely liking Jax and Sam. Genuinely wanting their HEA. But I found this book exhausting. Maybe it's just me. It's probably me. By the reviews of others, I am in the minority. The sexual tension was even stronger in this story than the first, and while this is not normally a big issue for me, I found it very distracting to the characters and the story. This is mainly because they continually made the stupidest mistakes because they were so caught up in lusting after one another. How many times do you have to be taken by surprise before you shake the lust off and pay attention? This is life and death were talking about here! Instead, they went from peril to peril, continually the underdog. Now, I'm sure those that loved this book loved that. There's a lot of actionand suspense. Lots of twists and turns. I just got too frustrated with Jax and Sam. And then there were so many new layers added to this world and their troubles that I found myself exhausted. I also wasn't a fan of the angels' personalities. So, a lot of things that bugged me. Which is too bad because I was into the first book. I pushed through and finished this one, but it's unlikely I will read book 3, though you never know. At this point, I'm just too worn out.
However, if you like star-crossed lovers, heavy action, crazy demon antics, perilous situations, genuinely crazy obstacles to be united with your true love, then you might want to give this series a shot. Jus Accrado is a great writer.
It took me forever (10 months) to finish this book. I enjoyed book 1, genuinely liking Jax and Sam. Genuinely wanting their HEA. But I found this book exhausting. Maybe it's just me. It's probably me. By the reviews of others, I am in the minority. The sexual tension was even stronger in this story than the first, and while this is not normally a big issue for me, I found it very distracting to the characters and the story. This is mainly because they continually made the stupidest mistakes because they were so caught up in lusting after one another. How many times do you have to be taken by surprise before you shake the lust off and pay attention? This is life and death were talking about here! Instead, they went from peril to peril, continually the underdog. Now, I'm sure those that loved this book loved that. There's a lot of actionand suspense. Lots of twists and turns. I just got too frustrated with Jax and Sam. And then there were so many new layers added to this world and their troubles that I found myself exhausted. I also wasn't a fan of the angels' personalities. So, a lot of things that bugged me. Which is too bad because I was into the first book. I pushed through and finished this one, but it's unlikely I will read book 3, though you never know. At this point, I'm just too worn out.
However, if you like star-crossed lovers, heavy action, crazy demon antics, perilous situations, genuinely crazy obstacles to be united with your true love, then you might want to give this series a shot. Jus Accrado is a great writer.
November 14, 2015
I received this book for free from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Embraced is the follow-up to Jus Accord’s Ruined. Her Eternal Balance series centers around a demon possessed guy named Jax. Jax, and his twin brother, are descendant from Cain and Able. Thanks to Cain becoming the world’s first murder by slaying his brother Abel, cursing all of those with their blood for eternity. Jax was gone from home for the sake of protecting his brother, and the girl he loves, Samantha, from his dark desires, but tragedy forces Jax to return to his hometown.
In Embraced, Jax and Sam are trying to put their lives back together following the events in the first book. Despite time separating them, the attraction between them still remains red-hot. However, they’re supposed to keep their hand off each other, or else. Why? It would spoil the first book to tell you, but the ‘hands-off’ policy is hard to adhere to. Jax and Sam make a great couple, so seeing them being kept apart is torture. Especially since readers get treated to several juicy scenes between them. Jax and Sam grew up together, and have stood beside each other through tough times. They have more than love, but also possess a deep, abiding friendship. Cont...
Embraced is the follow-up to Jus Accord’s Ruined. Her Eternal Balance series centers around a demon possessed guy named Jax. Jax, and his twin brother, are descendant from Cain and Able. Thanks to Cain becoming the world’s first murder by slaying his brother Abel, cursing all of those with their blood for eternity. Jax was gone from home for the sake of protecting his brother, and the girl he loves, Samantha, from his dark desires, but tragedy forces Jax to return to his hometown.
In Embraced, Jax and Sam are trying to put their lives back together following the events in the first book. Despite time separating them, the attraction between them still remains red-hot. However, they’re supposed to keep their hand off each other, or else. Why? It would spoil the first book to tell you, but the ‘hands-off’ policy is hard to adhere to. Jax and Sam make a great couple, so seeing them being kept apart is torture. Especially since readers get treated to several juicy scenes between them. Jax and Sam grew up together, and have stood beside each other through tough times. They have more than love, but also possess a deep, abiding friendship. Cont...
November 15, 2015
This book picks back up where book 1 ends. This book continues Sam and Jax's story and considering how book 1 ended, I didn’t like Sam and Jax would ever get an HEA. This book is a modern day tale on Cain and Abel's story. In this story, we see our couple trying to recover, get themselves to a place where they can get back on track .Jax is descended from Cain- and he carries a demon inside of him named Azirak who happens to be a royal demon. Now the demon has some ideas that do not conform to the plans that Jax and Sam have—the demon needs to feed on suffering and pain to live-that’s NOT want the MC need when they are trying to stay under the radar to survive. Appearances are never what they seem, especially when certain people want Samantha to play for their "team" and will not stop until death make it happen . Jax and Sam plan to not let his happen. There is an added twist by a new species that the author added and there are some new characters and there is a cliffhanger so until book3 which hopefully will let us know how Jax and Sam end up. I loved the pace and the flow. Jax and Sam still have that chemistry going and they still are going strong. This is a great series and I cannot wait to find out how everything goes.
My rating: 4.0 stars ****
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher via NETGALLEY for my honest review****
My rating: 4.0 stars ****
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher via NETGALLEY for my honest review****
October 23, 2015
It is an interesting paranormal fiction. It's a second book in the series The Eternal Balance. Even though I've not read book one I was still able to enjoy reading this one. It is an interesting story about two demons who are banished to earth and fated to be born again and again in a human body. They are sworn enemies and this time they were born as twin brothers. A situation that put everyone around them in potential danger. Jax and Chase have a problem to control their demons. Although it seems that Chase is one with his demon while Jax tries to fight it as much as possible, often unsuccessfully...
Then there is Sam whom Jax loves very much and his demon also cares for her. Because of Chase they find themselves in a perilous situation, either Jax kills a dangerous demon or Sam dies. Both are unacceptable. They must find another way to save Sam and in doing so they might tip the eternal balance in one way or another. Either good or evil will win if they couldn't keep the balance they have been entrusted to keep...
P.S. I received a complementary copy of this book.
Then there is Sam whom Jax loves very much and his demon also cares for her. Because of Chase they find themselves in a perilous situation, either Jax kills a dangerous demon or Sam dies. Both are unacceptable. They must find another way to save Sam and in doing so they might tip the eternal balance in one way or another. Either good or evil will win if they couldn't keep the balance they have been entrusted to keep...
P.S. I received a complementary copy of this book.
April 30, 2016
Embraced is the 2nd installment of the Eternal Balance series. It starts off with Jax and Sam living and working together. Essentially, they're together all the time, and they're extremely attracted to one another. However, because they're not allowed to get too close, life is becoming difficult. It gets even worse when there's a large and fast uptick in the number of demons that are trying to get close to Sam, although they have no idea why. When Chase shows up and makes their lives all the more difficult, the two of them set out on a search for a way out.
The passion between Jax and Sam was palpable and extremely frustrating with them not being able to express it. I liked the plotline for Embraced - it really kept the book flowing, especially being that the entire book takes place over only three days.
A big thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The passion between Jax and Sam was palpable and extremely frustrating with them not being able to express it. I liked the plotline for Embraced - it really kept the book flowing, especially being that the entire book takes place over only three days.
A big thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2016
It has been a long time waiting and I blame life for not knowing that the second book was out! Ruin was such a great book I was so ready for the next.. Sam and Jax are together on paper, but IRL, not so much. One touch or kiss taken too far and all hell will break loose, literally.I found this book to be face paced enough but maybe a little too fast paced? I felt everything happens in a whirlwind of things, Boom, this happened, then boom, this happened then THE END.
The ending left me wanting the next book and had I originally read this WITHOUT having the next book(Which I do) then I would have been really, really upset, because why??? Why Jus Why the cliffhanger?! I get it, i do but.....
Jax I fell in love with him all over again. he's just the best and Azi...is kinda growing on me.... All in all I would still recommend this book series and I still loved the story.
The ending left me wanting the next book and had I originally read this WITHOUT having the next book(Which I do) then I would have been really, really upset, because why??? Why Jus Why the cliffhanger?! I get it, i do but.....
Jax I fell in love with him all over again. he's just the best and Azi...is kinda growing on me.... All in all I would still recommend this book series and I still loved the story.
February 8, 2016
Why is there no release date for book three yet, I'm dying here ! ! !
Even though I didn't like this book as much as the first installment, I can't wait to continue this story because I'm really worried for the characters . . Can this just have a happy ending ? Please ?
What made Embraced not as good as Ruined for me was Sam always needing to get rescued by somebody . Even though she did manage to save her own ass for once in the end, I grew a bit frustrated with her . She is such a kick-ass-kinda girl, I think the author could have let her handle things herself a bit more . . .
I'm hoping that Embraced is only suffering form the general second-book-in-a-series-disease and that book three will be great again !
Even though I didn't like this book as much as the first installment, I can't wait to continue this story because I'm really worried for the characters . . Can this just have a happy ending ? Please ?
What made Embraced not as good as Ruined for me was Sam always needing to get rescued by somebody . Even though she did manage to save her own ass for once in the end, I grew a bit frustrated with her . She is such a kick-ass-kinda girl, I think the author could have let her handle things herself a bit more . . .
I'm hoping that Embraced is only suffering form the general second-book-in-a-series-disease and that book three will be great again !
February 28, 2016
Jax is caught in a no win situation when an enemy from the past forces him to choose between saving the woman who is his everything or protecting the world from chaos. Samantha is facing death if he doesn't kill the demon, Malphi. What can he do? This story is a roller coaster ride filled with suspense and danger. The action is non-stop as Jax and Sam struggle to find a solution. Their chemistry is off the charts and creates more problems. The story is a battle between Angels and Demons. I never knew what would happen next. Be aware that the story ends with a cliffhanger. Jus Accardo keeps me on the edge of my seat. Will Jax and Sam end up together? We have to wait for the answer.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
April 25, 2016
I had a whole review typed up, but goodreads hates me today. At any rate, I really enjoyed Embraced. I found Jax and Sam to be a little more endearing this book. I loved the action and like how the author continues to develop her take on demons and angels. I especially enjoyed the shift between Azi and Jax. Their internal interaction is the best. I felt like the plot flowed really well. It started off on a high note and stayed that way til the end. I couldn't put this one down last night and got virtually no sleep.
April 10, 2016
I am so loving all things good vs. evil right now! I enjoyed the first book in this series immensely and was so excited to see that book two was finally out. I sat down and read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I love the relationship between Sammy and Jax. And to be honest, I love Azi too. Great book, great series! I'm READY for book three!!
LP Maxa
LP Maxa
January 10, 2016
3.5 stars
I've waited a while for this book and it kind of disappointed me. But I liked it. It was fun, funny and full of action.
The story kind of dragged along at one point, Sam was attacked just for the sake of it and it was confusing but I kept going because I wanted to see how the author explained everything.
I will definitely read the next one. I like the story too much not to.
I've waited a while for this book and it kind of disappointed me. But I liked it. It was fun, funny and full of action.
The story kind of dragged along at one point, Sam was attacked just for the sake of it and it was confusing but I kept going because I wanted to see how the author explained everything.
I will definitely read the next one. I like the story too much not to.
December 30, 2016
Characterization in this second installment is much better than the first one. I like Jax, love Azi but couldn't care less for Samantha. Somehow I still failed to warm up to her.
Want to read
January 2, 2015A book 2 can't wait
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