Compulsion

I was absolutely ecstatic when I got the chance to read it early-on. I've heard so many people liking it and hearing about it since BEA 2014. I really wanted to read it so I was really jumpy when Simon and Schuster accepted my request on Edelweiss. Barrie Watson is sent to live with her aunt at the Watson's Landing after her mother passes away. It gives her the perfect opportunity to explore her family's history since her mother never made her aware of the reason why she ran away. She'd knew that she would find answers since finding lost things is the Watson's family gift. The things she finds are unexpected and dangerous. She hears about how Watson's Landing is cursed and the three family plantations. She meets a man named Eight and learns that he's part of the curse. She finds it odd that he always seems to know what she's about to say and what she wants. It's a part of the reason why they always seem to be bickering. I think Eight is my favorite out of the whole story. He just draws me in and made me love him completely. Things started off rocky and slow but after the romance started picking up, I was completely immersed in it. I was more drawn to the story surrounding the three founding families and the island. Of course though, I did fall head over hills heels for sun-kissed Eight. I thought the plot of the story was done very nicely. Although not much happened until the ending but it was just building it all up for it. There were plenty of revelations before the end. The pacing was just right especially for the romance. The way they are linked by the gifts is quite beautiful. My only little complaint was that Cassie felt like a round character while Barrie and Eight felt like flat characters to me. It's probably because Barrie and Eight kept fighting throughout the novel as if they had know each other their whole lives. It felt awkward and weird to me. Also the fact that Barrie kept believing that Cassie kept wanting to be her friend made it annoying. She just wouldn't believe Eight all those times he warned her. Cassie was so annoying. I just wanted to jump into the book and slap her. I hated how she was trying to be like Barrie in a way. She wanted everything that Barrie had including Eight. But just towards the ending, I finally saw some character development which makes me so excited for the next book. I really wish it didn't end the way it did. I loved it but it was sort of a cliffhanger and that means I have to wait to find out what will happen. What's going to happen between Barrie and Eight? Because he's planning to go to school in Los Angeles. That's also where Cassie plans on going. Nooo!! Overall, the story was well written and a good pace. I will admit that it was a different kind of read for me. But that just made the story so unique for me because I've never read anything like Compulsion before. The ending leaves you wanting for more. The mystery behind the gifts and the curse was so good. I think the readers are really going to be excited for this; especially with the plot and twists.show more

I love this cover. It is so gorgeous. I really do try to not base wanting to read a book based on the cover, but after seeing the cover for COMPULSION, it just made me even more excited to read the book! The Story: A fascinating story about a girl whose life has been turned upside down due to the loss of her mother and being sent to live across the country with an aunt she has never met. Not only does Barrie have to get used to living somewhere new, she discovers and tries to get to the bottom of some old family secrets. The author creates a southern setting that is realistic and beautiful. The type of world that readers will want to visit. I found this to be a wonderfully written story that balances the paranormal, mystery, and romance. This was so hard for me to put down. I was quickly drawn into this world. I love the interactions between the characters. I love the supernatural things that are happening on the island. And I really love the mystery that surrounds it all. And even though I think the book ends with some closure. I was left wanting more. I wanted to know more about Watson Island. Especially the past history. I am really interested in finding out more about Barrie's parents and what else happened in their pasts on Watson Island. And I am really looking forward to finding out what else is going to happen to Barrie, Eight and Cassie. The Characters: I really love these characters. I think that the characters were all well-written. I wanted to get to know them and was very interested in finding out more about their lives and what would happen. Barrie: She is full of curiosity. Especially curiosity regarding her gift, which just added to my own. I also like that she is curious about her roots and her mother's past. After the loss of her mother, her life changed and part of what she has to discover deals with things that she never knew about her own mother. I love that she is a strong character. She looks for answers and doesn't really rely on others figuring things out for her. And I just absolutely loved the relationship between her and Mark. I love their phone conversations. I love that even though there are not a lot of scenes of them together, I still get the understanding of how important they are to one another. It is a very special bond and relationship. Eight: He is so strong and dependable. He wants to try and protect Barrie, even if she doesn't let him. I loved finding out more about his character as the story went along. He is caring and trustworthy. I enjoyed watching the conflict between him and Barrie. I really like his gift and how it affects his character and his interactions with other people. Cassie: I found her to be one of those characters you think you aren't going to like much, but yet you are drawn to them and want to know more. She is a complex character. I felt like I wasn't sure how to see her and how her relationship would be with Barrie. And even after finishing the story, I am not sure exactly how to view Cassie. I find her character interesting and there are a lot of times that I feel bad for what she is going through. But there were also times where I did not like the decisions that she was making. But I found that she not only adds some conflict to the story, but she also left me wondering what would happen next to not only her but with the relationship between her and Barrie. I really love all the other characters in the story too. Like Barrie's Aunt Pru. She is a very intriguing character. I feel like she has so much weighing on her and she tries so hard to keep everything together. And I loved watching her relationship with Barrie bloom. Also, Eight's dad, Seven. I love the mystery surrounding his past and the connection to Barrie's family. My Recommendation: I love this book and can't wait to dive into the next book. The story is unique and has mystery, romance, tension, and a fascinating supernatural element. I highly recommend reading this one! ***I received an e-galley of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*** (I have purchased this book)show more