"As if love were a choice."

LOVED.IT.SO.HARD! *looks for TEAM CALEB T*

With it's fast paced action, unexpected twists and star crossed lovers, "Once", the riveting sequel to "Eve", had me on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat the entire time! *gasps*

Eve has made it to Califia, the safe haven for women determined to hold onto their freedom outside the walls of the Sand City, but freedom always has a price and for her, it was leaving an injured Caleb behind. Her time here hasn't been what she expected and despite her best efforts, Eve eventually finds herself within the Palace walls. Once there, she finally comes face to face with the King and learns his real intentions for her. Nothing is what it seems and Eve is dealt one shocking blow after another including the discovery that Caleb is alive and has made it into the Sand City too.

Desperate to get to him, Eve will defy the rules, risking both her safety and her freedom. She and Caleb are able to find each other but their reunion is bittersweet. In order to stay together they'll have to come up with a plan that involves relying on the help of others, but who can they really trust? The danger and threat of death is ever present and with so much at stake, is Eve really willing to risk everything again for love? Does she even have a choice?

*Potential Spoilers*

Eve continues to evolve into a strong female character as she wrestles with the new information she learns about her past as well as her future and the role she's expected to play. She also considers others and how the choices she makes will affect not only her but those she cares about as well.

I didn't think it was possible to love Caleb any more than I did in "Eve" but OH.MY.CALEB! was I wrong?! *flails*

When she and Caleb meet again, I really wanted them to ride off into the sunset together where they could live happily ever after, safe and free! *breathes a sigh of relief* But, of course, that doesn't happen. (Maybe in book 3 Anna? Pretty please with sprinkles on top? *bribes*)

I did enjoy watching their relationship develop in the first book and I thought his patience and sacrifice were uh-mazing. Their love continues to grow in "Once" and even gets a 'lil *ahem* steamy. *fans face* ;D

This book ends with a bit of cliff hanger...we don't really know what's become of Caleb (it's obvious you can't believe everything you read in the paper), Eve could always change her mind and there's still time for someone to, "speak now". All of it leaves me SO.VERY.ANXIOUS for the third book to find out what happens! *chews nails*