Title: The Broken Lake
Author: Shelena Shorts
Pages: 304
 

This is probably the (bad) habit of the author; torment us readers with anticipation. Yes, cut the book in the most exciting part. I was really well stunned (and a bit mad) that the first book ended in middle of the cliffhanger, good thing the second book was already out. Now the sad news is that I have no idea (ok, I have a guess) when the third will come out. I saw people in goodreads and they’re shelving it as 2012-reads but seeing the schedule of the releases of the preceding books and following that pattern I’m quite positive that it will be released next year.

The second book pick where the first book ends, literally. Wes saved Sophie from Andy who wants the secret of Wes’ eternal youth (actually it is more of his longevity). But the fake serum formula Sophie told to Andy rebounded that end up killing the guy. After that incident, Sophie gets back to her old life as senior high school (online) student and her part time job at the Heasley’s bookstore. It was her sort of haven but when Chase started working there, who flirts on her thus irritates her; it isn’t the same place anymore. Wes wasn’t bother by his presence until Chase provokes him. But Wes managed toppled the guy and warn him to not (ever) hurt Sophie.

Wes and Sophie’s relationship have taken a serious (with engagement ring and all, making everything official) dive. They decided they’re not gonna let whatever happen in the past ruin their future. And they are starting to make new memories together. But when they went for a vacation in Virginia, Wes secrets is starting to slid out of the open. Wes was taken by unknown people (perhaps someone from the military). And Sophie is trying to save him from the people who captured Wes.

I really like Shelena Shorts. I love her writing style. It wasn’t completely simple but was easy to understand. As much as I love Angel Star, the picturesque description is somehow hindering me from completely understanding it. The author writing is just perfect for me. That’s why I was engrossed reading the books. I love how Wes and Sophie’s relationship matured in the second book. The proposal was icing on the cake, I’m quite happy how their relationship developed throughout the story. So you’re not gonna whine that their relationship was full of superficial interaction (coughs, physical, coughs). When Sophie told Wes that she wanted to make new memories, not something they haven’t done in her previous life, it meant that this time they gonna seize the moment and make it last as they could.

I usually like additional character, especially male but this time I completely loathe Chase. It has nothing to do that he is smug and full of himself (ok, maybe a little bit) but no matter what character Shelena Shorts added no one gonna beat Wes, he is like, what I mentioned in my previous entry, almost perfect. This guy captivated me (of course nothing gonna beat Todd (or Peeta) in my top list), he is just you know, the prefect gentleman.

I’m really not whiny with this book (might be a good sign), I genuinely enjoy it. My only problem was the cliffhangers. I know that it is essential to leave a mark when ending a book, especially in a series. This motivated readers to read the succeeding book, but come on, you don’t cut where things is starting to get interesting. I like a good wrap up that both leave you craving for more at the same time you felt that the story concluded quite well. Since it’s a trilogy(?), I’m expecting a good ending from the next book (I think it’s the last one, but I’m not sure if it’s really a trilogy). Nothing official said in her site. Anyway, can’t wait for the – The Iron Quill.