This is a very brief spoiler-free review of book #2 of the Compulsion trilogy; you can read my review of the first book, Compulsion, here.

This Southern gothic is alive with magic and romance and mystery, with gifts and curses doled out to generations of three intertwined families. Since this is a spoiler-free review, I can’t say too much about it, except that we continue to learn more about the mystery behind the Colesworth curse and the Beaufort and Watson gifts. This book also discusses victims of sexual violence, a discussion I appreciate and applaud.

And then, of course, there’s Eight.

Eight Beaufort, my favorite part of this series. This boy is magical (almost quite literally): a true Southern gentleman with charm and sweetness and a delicious frustration to him. I adore him.

I can’t wait for book #3 … which doesn’t come out till next fall. Someone hold me. Preferably Eight.