Half banshee Jacqueline Huston is confused. With the Brotherhood of Merlyn looking for her, the specter of Death wanting her soul, and having to live with the knowledge that her wizard boyfriend's son killed her husband, sometimes life feels a little chaotic. Then the Brotherhood kidnaps the love of her life, Toby Williams, in an attempt to convince her to join their crusade for power over other supernatural beings.
In this book, Jacqueline comes to grips with her enormous powers--capable of reaping any soul, a temptation she must avoid at all costs. But will she be able to control her powers, or will she use them and risk losing everything in order to save the one she loves?
Victoria Richards is a native southern Californian. She is a married and a full-time mom of two beautiful daughters. She holds two degrees, one in Liberal Arts and the other in History. Victoria has been writing since she was old enough to pick up a pencil, but it wasn't until her college years that she really developed a love for writing creatively. At the suggestion of her creative writing professor she decided to pursue a more full-time career as a writer, something that she enjoys and gives her immense satisfaction.
Her other interests include traveling, painting, shopping, volleyball, jogging at the beach, and enjoying a good game of billiards.
I've always been fascinated by banshees and Irish folklore. When I stumbled upon Victoria Richard's book The Banshee's Embrace a few months ago, I just fell in love with the story. I'd already checked out her book, Voodoo Love, so I knew this one had the potential to be another great read. I wasn't disappointed. The Banshee's Embrace was funny, sexy, and very romantic. I admit that romance is not always my first choice when it comes to choosing a genre, but as you can see, Ms. Richard's has really hooked me!
Which is why I was delighted to read her follow up book, The Banshee's Desire.
One of the things I liked about the first book is that it started with a strong hook. Banshee's Desire is no different! We learn right away that the wizards are majorly pissed off that Jacqueline has killed the son of one of their own and they demand vengeance. The struggle Jacqueline is having with her powers becomes obvious when she kills a lawyer who attacked her friend--even though it wasn't her job to take his soul unless he was already at the brink of death. (Personally, I thought the creep got what was coming to him!) Now she struggles to maintain balance in her life and be a good person while at the same time dealing with the desires and wishes of the murdered souls who cling to the person that killed them.
Talk about a headache! Yikes!
I really liked seeing Jacqueline's inner struggle in this book. Her character has evolved a great deal and while we see some of her previous insecurities, the reader can also tell she no longer just adopts a "wait and see" attitude about things. She is determined to make things happen--whether they are right or not.
Toby, a wizard, is her love interest. I also feel there was some interesting character development with him, too. Strong, mature, and unafraid to kick a little ass when called for, Toby has a lot to deal with between balancing his feelings for Jacqueline and making sure she doesn't decide to kill his son, Gabe, in her need for revenge.
My favorite character is Irish Death. I loved the idea that there are many Deaths and they are all working different divisions of the world. Irish Death comes across as a humorous fashion saavy chick who can turn into a total bitch at any moment. Lots of fun!
Since it is the month of love, let's talk about sex! Several steamy scenes stand out in Banshee's Desire and made me wonder where I can find my own wizard to create a little magic in the bedroom. However, I wouldn't say that this book is over-run by sexual situations. There's just enough va-voom to keep you panting, but not lose interest in the story.
The action is fast paced and holds plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader invested in the characters. I felt that the ending was great, but left me wanting to know what happened next! I can't wait to read the final book in this fun and engaging trilogy.
Half banshee Jacqueline Huston is confused. With the Brotherhood of Merlyn looking for her, the specter of Death wanting her soul, and having to live with the knowledge that her wizard boyfriend's son killed her husband, sometimes life feels a little chaotic. Then the Brotherhood kidnaps the love of her life, Toby Williams, in an attempt to convince her to join their crusade for power over other supernatural beings.
In this book, Jacqueline comes to grips with her enormous powers--capable of reaping any soul, a temptation she must avoid at all costs. But will she be able to control her powers, or will she use them and risk losing everything in order to save the one she loves?
I loved this book! I couldn't put it down til I finished. This is an amazing quick read. I couldn't wait to see how everything played out. The characters & storyline were easy to get wrapped up in. The ending was amazing. This is the second book I've read by this author, and I can't wait to read the last book in this trilogy. I rate this book 5 stars
This story is taken to new heights as half banshee, Jacqueline Huston further explores her supernatural banshee powers- her unique ability to reap any living soul.
Overcome with the desire to reap, she is warned by the specter of Death to avoid doing so, and only to take souls who are meant to pass over. But will she be able to heed Death's warning even if it means losing wizard Toby Williams, the love of her life?
The books are short, but the story inside them is great. The first book introduces you to Jacqueline and Toby. Two seeming innocent looking people on the outside. Inside however is a half banshee and a powerful wizard. But things have become a bit complicated for Jackie. She's seeing things that make no sense. Having thoughts that don't seem to be her own. Craving things she knows is wrong. And everything comes to a grinding halt when Toby is taken. She takes on forces more powerful than her own. And wins.
I really enjoy this series. Sad that it's only a trilogy. In this book her powers are developing and she's fighting them. I didn't like that her guy didn't try to help her work it out. She is kind of an idiot about love too. Which is silly to me since she'd been in a relationship before. She makes some enemies and proves that they made the wrong one. Read it for free through Kindle Unlimited.
this was really a good read! it was non-stop action, plot twists and made me wanna rush to read the next one, Banshee's Revenge! loaned it to my daughter to read.
‘The Banshee’s Desire’ is the second book in The Banshee’s Embrace Trilogy. So much has changed for Jacqueline Huston, now she’s come into her banshee heritage, dating a wizard, and trying to control her powers. The wizards of the Brotherhood of Merlyn are out for blood because Jacqueline has killed one of their own, even though he was a total jerk and tried to kill her and her loved ones first. Now she’s dealing with her boyfriend’s son, who has his own agenda and killed her husband, her growing powers, and Death itself. When Jacqueline’s best friend, Angela, is attacked she gives into the temptation of her half-banshee nature, but at a great cost…
‘The Banshee’s Desire’ is a very solid and entertaining follow-up to ‘The Banshee’s Embrace’, the first book in this trilogy. Jacqueline has fought off and killed the evil wizard who was behind the original attack on her and her husband, but now there are very grave repercussions for her actions. As she learns what her powers can really do, she must avoid temptation to use them at all costs. However, it’s difficult as her emotions rage out of control against those who hurt others and their victims’ ghosts who cry out for vengeance. Jacqueline has grown a lot while dealing with her increasing powers, but she’s not mastered them yet. I think the author has brought a great deal of humanity to Jacqueline’s character - she’s trying to do the right thing, which at times means keeping her supernatural nature on a tight leash. Yet when emotions overwhelm, it’s difficult, just like it is for anyone else (human or otherwise). Toby is definitely a balancing force in Jacqueline’s life and when he’s in danger, she goes in no-holds-barred. I both liked and disliked the newest character introduced – Irish Death. She’s put Jacqueline in a “Sword of Damocles” position, but definitely has her own agenda. ‘The Banshee’s Desire’ follows seamlessly the events in the first book with the characters’ natures evolving, but still staying true to themselves. I really can’t wait to see what’s next for Jacqueline!
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in the trilogy. Jacqueline Huston is half Banshee and much has changed for her she has come into her Banshee Heritage, dating a Wizard and trying to control her powers. The Brother hood of the Wizards of Merlin are out for her blood because she killed one of their own, even though he tried to kill her and her loved one's first. Now she has to deal with her Boyfriends Son who has his own agenda and he killed her Husband, Her growing powers, and Death himself. A funny, sexy, very romantic read. I highly recommend if you enjoy stories about the paranormal