Author: Jen McConnel
Series: Isobel Key #2
Pages: 150
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Date Published: June 12th, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Format Read: Purchased eBook
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Summary:
Five years ago, an
impulsive trip to Scotland changed her life. Now Lou is back in the
misty, magical country. But this time, she’s not on vacation.
When Brian, her old Highland fling, turns up at the scene of some depressing family business, tension mounts between the former lovers. But dealing with him is only part of the problem; something wicked is stirring in Scotland. Lou must use all her strength to handle the increasingly desperate situation, but will she be strong enough to battle both a vengeful ghost and her heart?
Lou may have thought that she was finished with the witch Isobel Key, but some secrets can't stay buried forever.
When Brian, her old Highland fling, turns up at the scene of some depressing family business, tension mounts between the former lovers. But dealing with him is only part of the problem; something wicked is stirring in Scotland. Lou must use all her strength to handle the increasingly desperate situation, but will she be strong enough to battle both a vengeful ghost and her heart?
Lou may have thought that she was finished with the witch Isobel Key, but some secrets can't stay buried forever.
-Goodreads
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My Thoughts:
I have to be honest. I don't think you were as great as the book that you follow. You fell a little flat for me, but to be fair I still really enjoyed you. You were a fun, fast, easy read and you brought back some characters that I really enjoyed the first time around. So thank you for that...
-The White Unicorn
I was excited when I heard that McConnel was coming out with a follow up novel to "The Secret of Isobel Key". I really enjoyed it and I was really excited to jump back into Lou's world. Perhaps it was the short length of this book that left me wanting more, or maybe it was the fact that I was actually satisfied with the ending of the first book, but this story felt a little redundant to me. That being said, I'm still a huge fan of McConnel's writing.
In the beginning of the book we get dropped into Lou's story 5 years down the line from where we last saw her. She's more sure of herself and of her magic, which is a delightful development. However, her once flirtatious and amazing chemistry with Brian seemed tedious this time around. I understand that 5 years is a long time, but they held so much resentment over something that most likely ended up helping Lou find herself in the long run.
I guess it goes back to the "let's not talk about it" romance trope that isn't my favorite. In this case my dislike for a romance that I dug the first time around is probably more of a "It's not you, it's me" type of thing.
I do love how McConnel manages to drop you into her setting. She world building makes you feel like you're traipsing around Scotland and that's awesome!
The mystery ties into the last book and continues the story of Isobel Key, but from a different point of view. I really like that we get to see some bits of history as well as all the modern happenings, it gives the book a fresh feel. In this case it also makes the book feel a pretty repetitive. I felt like the same things were done in both books and that this novel didn't end up being as exciting.
I know that this review isn't full of glowing praise, but don't let that fool you. I did enjoy this one and I got through it quickly because I wanted to know what happened in the end. I'd say if you're a fan of the first book, definitely check this one out. If you haven't read either yet, you should.
Rating:
3 Unicorns = I liked it a lot but it had it's issues!
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