Book Review: Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper

Taking Back Forever
The Kindrily Series #2
Author: Karen Amanda Hooper
Reading Level: Mature YA
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: May 31st 2013
Review Source: Author
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) Forever is worth the fight.

Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.

Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way.

To say I was blown away again by Karen Hooper would be putting how I feel mildly. I was just wrapping up a re-read on Grasping at Eternity when my email alerted me to new mail. I had received the much anticipated sequel to Grasping which I had waited for now over a year. I quickly installed the story to my iPad and started the story up as soon as the last line of GAE was fresh in my memory.

Where GAE leaves off and Taking Back Forever picks up, Maryah is struggling to remember anything about her past lives with her kindrily and soul mate, Nathaniel. The key to remembering is awakening her ability to astral travel. She's only been able to astral travel since erasing after her last life when Nathaniel has been involved. So far, he's the only part of her past she's been able to remember. But now Harmony, another member of their kindrily, is needing Maryah's memory to ignite more than ever. Her soul mate Gregory's whereabouts have been unclear since their last life cycle ended. His star still burns in the sky next to Harmony's, suggesting that even if he had in fact been killed that he has not erased. So why has he not been reconnected with Harmony in this life cycle? She believes the key to discovering the truth is Maryah's ability to astral travel. If they could just get her to tap into her power as an Element again, Harmony's hope is that Maryah will be able to reveal where Gregory has been for the last eighteen years.

I adore this story and all of the characters in the kindrily. I love following along with Maryah and Nathaniel as they explore new and often times very sensual ways to ignite Maryah's memory of the past. The heat and love that they share is palpable. Nathaniel's decision to woo Maryah and win her affection the proper way, like suitors used to do is so beautifully romantic, it will have you absolutely melting.

I don't want to give away too much from the book but I will say a few things I loved. I loved Karen's note to her readers at the beginning of the book explaining how she doesn't believe in giving a lot of back story as she continues her writing. So I highly recommend not reading this one until you have picked up a copy of Grasping at Eternity. I am not a huge fan of overstressed back story in sequels. So, for Karen to admit this and write this way, she keeps me firmly on her list of admirers. Another thing I loved was the humor and free spirited way that the characters interact with one another. I just feel like I'm surrounded by old friends and get a huge warm and fuzzy feeling from them. Finally, the love story of course is epic and you all know I'm a sucker for toe curling romances. I still hold to my first review that this is the new standard for star-crossed love stories. Karen's writing continues to be impeccable and I remain a devoted follower. Pick up Grasping at Eternity and Taking Back Forever and you will become a fan as well!

Oh and last but not least ... if you choose to read the four chapters that follow Karen's note at the end of the Chapter named "Body and Soul", do so at your heart's expense ... because I continued and was left with that air knocked out of your lungs feeling. That being said ... I can't wait for Fighting for Infinity ... release date TBD!

Where Grasping was mostly geared toward the YA crowd, Taking Back Forever I would rate as strictly 17+.