I hadn't planned on checking out "Black Ice" so soon (yes, I know - many of my reading friends hated this book - I suspect my sentiments won't be different, but I'm trying it anyway), but considering the demand for this title at my library and the fact I just finished "Finale" yesterday, I decided to pick it up on audio. There's a waitlist for the physical copy at my library - well over 100 people. Dude...

And "Hush, Hush" is not a "saga" - please stop using the word "saga" incorrectly...please?

I've other things I'm reading ahead of it in priority, namely YA books that I've had on my list for the longest and the fact I'm prioritizing writing for Camp NaNo (I've been revising my outline so no actual writing so far today, probably will start tomorrow because I had a lot to do today).

But this is happening, thanks to someone who wanted me to read the book before them and (like it or hate it) discuss and bounce ideas from.  Such is the advantage of being near a campus bookstore with new releases.  But I'll give a thorough review for this one, as per usual.

Going into it somewhat blind, so here goes.  *puffs out chest*

I'll be writing a review of this later on tonight since I've had an opportunity to read it.  I'm often too curious and too willing to give series/books second chances, but looks like this one's going to end up the typical New Adult portrayal of a terrible male character.  I'm pretty sure I'll rage, but I'm reading this through something of a filter because I'm trying to see how Douglas develops Jared as a character/bully for what he did to Tate in the first book.  Looks like it's a really shallow portrayal of character thus far, unfortunately.

Though to Penelope Douglas's credit, this seems to do a good job of not rehashing too many details from the first novel.  Something Jamie McGuire, Colleen Hoover and quite a few other NA writers who "retold" stories from the hero's perspective failed to do in their respective series.

I'm not sure if that's true for the rest of the novel though, just at the point where I'm reading.  I may end up being wrong.

My edition's cover is a lot steamier than the other cover of this book (and I don't think Ravenous Romance carries it anymore), but nonetheless, I think I'm going to finish it.  I rarely put down books that I've already started, and I was four chapters into this before putting it to the side.

The author's name came up again today (poor BookSmugglers, they didn't deserve that reaction at all) and jogged my memory.

I wasn't fond of the writing at the time I picked it up, and I remember the only reason I picked it up was because I was looking for historical romance recs and one mention said this was like "Gone With the Wind" but steamier. 

I remember thinking "That's...setting the bar really high isn't it?"

Might as well try again and give it an honest review since I started it.

I may tackle it between reads or later on.  Not sure yet, but I've got about five books that are on my priority list for review.  I think I'd rather keep my good book streak going for as long as possible or at least be on one before jumping into this.

All right, back to reading "Through the Smoke" among a few other reads tonight.