PENITENCE, by Jennifer Laurens, is the continuation of the Heavenly series. Laurens intensified the romance and danger for Zoey in this spectacular sequel. Zoey is getting used to her life again after the accident along with the distressing absence of Matthias. But dark forces consume those around her to tempt her to a darker nature.

I liked Heavenly...I absolutely loved Penitence. Laurens stirred many conflicting emotions in me while reading. I was torn between Matthias and Weston as prospects for Zoey. It was a shock to me when Laurens introduced Weston as a changed man, but I definitely fell for him. And then there is Matthias...definitely swoon-worthy and absolutely perfect. I felt the heart-ache and pain he showed when Zoey confronted a certain fatherly (or not so much) figure. I was as much in the middle of this triangle as Zoey was.

The villains in this book were frightening. The negative emotion that just poured from these individuals was incredible. It really makes you think about how negative thinking can turn into something horrible in the long run. Laurens once again created an evil "bad guy" in many people that Zoey used to trust. There were many unexpected situations that arose in this book. I felt like Laurens was on a different playing field and I was running to catch up. The action and suspense never ceased and each chapter held some new surprise or revelation. I am interested to see how this new set-up plays out in Absolution. ( )

I love being in the middle of a series. It is always intense and emotional. Jennifer did not let the reader down. i found this installment better than the first in the series. I thought the content was more raw and believable.There were a couple of twists that I still have not easily accepted as possible but I guess the next book will tell all. Some of the scenes were a stretch. Mathias and jealousy does not seem likely based on the logic presented by the author. Some of the choices that zoe made were unexpected. Im still waiting for the floor to fall out so to speak. I loved chase's character. I thought him to be sweet and relatable. His desire to be in the"inner circle" was a feeling many will relate to. Some of the "fantasy" elements were a little much for me to take, sort of like a B movie. Albert and Matthias' relationship was a great addition to the story. All throughout this book I felt more connected to zoe and liked her maturity that was developing. I found a lot of humor throughout and enjoyed reading it. I kind of felt that the topic of Luke's drug addiction was a little overdone. I did find it a welcomed turning point when he began to evolve into more of zoe's brother and family member than JUST a drug addict. It added depth to him. The storyline with Britt was a little much for me. Again, maybe a little over dramatic and not quite believable.

Some of the story left me teetering on the fence about the series, but overall the pros outweigh the cons and I am excited about finishing zoe's story. It looks like the last will be emotional and maybe even sad no matter what choices zoe makes. i hope that jennifer can bring closure to the story in an easily acceptable , logical, and satisfying way . ( )

I devoured this one and am aching for the next! This was more than a placeholder for the next in the series, so much happened and we are forced into a impossible decision!!

I am still trying to reconcile my image of Weston in this book to who he was and what he did in the last book. So I am still wanting her to chose Matthais. But such a different side of Weston comes out in this book, and if it were just another person, I would want for her to have her human love and experiences with him, but I just can't let it go.

The new character in this book is hateful, but he is meant to be, so it is well written. I just want to strangle him! But Matthais' ability to love and forgive really shines in this book, and leaves you in awe.

I really feel for Zoe-- the feelings for Weston are at war with what she feels for and has been with in her experiences with Matthais. Her love for Abria is also realistic- she doesn't suddenly have fake love, but a real and accepting love for her.

I can't really say much more except this is a great series! You should read Heavenly, and this one and then join me in the wait for Absolution! ( )