Stolen and Forgiven (Branded Packs, #1)

Stolen and Forgiven by Alexandra Ivy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Stolen

This collaboration has a familiar shifter feel in totally unique setting. Kind of like a dystopian shifter romance.

Years after a virus thinned out human existence shifters came forward to help save the human race.

Their thanks was incarceration, branding and why not collar them as well for good measure.

Small community living has enormous down fall for a large group of people suck in tight quarters. With that being said imagine being a shifter, knowing that if you haven't found your true soul-MATE you probably never will. How could you? You are locked up with the same people you have been for decades.

Holden the Alpha has hard choices to deal with everyday between being forced to brand and collar all of his people even the children and the feeling of being trapped and at his wit's end all comes to a halt the instant he smells her. The thought of just letting her bleed out and die when there is a way she could be saved is unacceptable. Not to mention the retribution his pack will suffer if a dead human is found in their compound.

Ariel has had a less than perfect life. Parents are dead, growing up in an orphanage was her all time low or so she thought. I think lab-rat and a real live game of operation just made it to the top of her shitiest moments list. Tossed away like garbage into the Wolves compound with death closely nipping at her heals. In that moment of darkness she never imagined emerging a wolf.


I found the plot to be inventive but the usual flow was not there. Not to mention the sex, it was really choppy. You didn't get any heat from it, no titillation or yearning to run home a strip it down. It felt clumsy. What also brought the rating down for me was the first chapters seem to have an abundance of repeating going on. The need to run, the way the submissive wolves where described. No poetic eloquence. Not to mention the part where she just wants Holden to "Make her feel good" totally made me think of Billy Bob Thornton and Halle Berry in Monster's Ball. No Romance.


Forgiven

Now for the second installment Forgiven, this one was very different. Like night and day. The chemistry was bubbling and overflowing. Loved it. The story had a building up tempo that had you powering through the pages.

Holden's pack feared retaliation from what happened with the doctor. They expected punishment just not in the form of sharing the small living compound they had. With the tigers no less. Higher Powers that be expected them to just fight and let themselves thin the herd. The shifters where smarter than that. They have been in communication for years and the key players in each community already had some history. The in the sheets kind.

Cora the tiger princess is less than happy to see the only male her cat wanted to mate with, Soren. Soren took one for the team and mated in his own pack. Back then the Alpha wasn't mated the pack needed stability. Yet the guilt he holds due to his young mate dying is a palpable thing, so strong that even after she passed away he couldn't approach Cora. But that too is in the past. All they have between them is the walls they built themselves. Which happen to be paper thin...lol They each have a strong mating pull towards each other their other half have absolutely no qualms with human emotion or pride.

When they do come together, fireworks are ignited and the passion that has been tempered pour out. With life seemingly good, of course that is when the other shoe drops. The SAU wants to force the packs to change people of their choosing into a shifter. They got this bright idea that having Cora would make her father more pliable to their whims. What wasn't accounted for was Soren and his determination to have her with him now and always. They just pissed off the wrong wolf.

AS I mentioned before this was gripping and action packed, this story sheds light on new players and gives you an idea of all the possibilities the series can go.

Very good read.

I received this for an honest review. I truly enjoy Alexandra Ivy's writing. This collaboration was not quite what I expected. I just finished Blood Assassin and I was thrilled to pick this book up. But not a total loss.


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Blood Assassin (The Sentinels, #2)

Blood Assassin by Alexandra Ivy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love is a powerful motivator.
What wouldn't you do for someone you loved?

Blood Assassin has been on my to read list for a while and I swear I am kicking my own ass for waiting so long to read it! It was a fast paced read, one that was unpredictable and refreshing.
The absolute best part about it was the hero and the villain both had the same motivator! So in essence how can you dislike someone who you can empathize with? Crazy & exciting!


You have an ex-assassin who is trying to obtain his child by any means necessary, so manipulating and poisoning a person is not above him. Especially when the abductors threaten the man that usually is considered the threat!

Then there is Serra and Fane their relationship is a rocky road that leads to nowhere. She has all but stripped down and begged him to be in his life and or his bed. No such luck on either account and she's just done with it all! Yet when it becomes obvious she is in danger, come hell or high water he will do whatever is necessary to assure her safety above all else!


OMG, I just loved Fane if I didn't have a book boyfriend or 2 he would be the one. His charm and witful remarks surprised me throughout the book. He was this deep well of thought and at first glance he just didn't come off that way. I don't know who was more surprised me or Serra...lol With carefully guarding her heart against yet another painful rejection she really is in awww of Fane and his course of action. She refuses to be the damsel in distress and he proves that when he claims her it's for keeps.

I have just moved all things Alexandra Ivy to the top of my reading list. Her book just really struck me and peeked my inner romance addict. Enjoyable and sensual on several levels, what a read! Her passion seeped into her characters, they were deep and well constructed. Even the Bas and his sidekick, I was rooting for them as well.

I received this ARC for an Honest review! If you adore Alpha Males, Tattoos and action packed romance than what are you waiting for~


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Nightwalker (The World of Nightwalkers, #5)

Nightwalker by Jacquelyn Frank
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nightwalker was a great end in the series, at least I got the impression it was the end. The series may pick up with the new addition to the Nightwalker clan, only time will tell.

Picking up this book had to be done, I needed closure. This final chapter picks up right where Forged left us fighting the reincarnate God Apep. I strongly suggest reading at least 1-2 books before this one in the series in fear of being lost in the greater plot. You really get a sense of closure in the book it touches on past characters that were introduced and most even had their own book.

I feel really strongly about knowing how to kill off a character for the greater good of the series. You can always find a way to bring them back (wink). This is what diminished the stars on the review for me. I will not spoil it (completely) you cannot have a happy-ever-after for everyone, it isn't functional. I truly was disappointed that only the characters that I had No attachment to were the ones that perished. Where is the depth in that? Don't get me wrong when the shit hits the fan and I am crying thinking how unjust it was, later I applaud that same monumental moment it breathes life into the story. What is life without loss?

So in this last installment you get Kamen's resurrection of sorts. Not that he comes back again but it is his comeback story. The finality of his great misdeed that freed Apep and initially caused him to deflect to the good guys leaves him feeling worthless and he strives to find resolution. His found purpose in defeating the God has been established and he will make sure all the Nightwalkers will come together to break the curse. On this righteous path he gains a champion in a half-breed Wraith Vieve.

Vieve delivered the grand slam in this book, she brought all the bases in. I love everything about her. She was instrumental in making Kamen whole and in the act of championing for him she gained her own worth! She seemed to touch everyone in the story and even though she wasn't a full wraith she implemented herself in helpful ways.

This book jogged around a bit, I really think it was a closing to the series rather than Kamen and Vieve's tale. This being said all in all you get closure on multiple levels but I still have questions.

Like what about Grey and the Unicorn...lol?

I received this for an honest review.


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Fate Undone

Fate Undone by Linsey Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up the very first book in the Mythean Arcana series on pure chance, now I an anxiously waiting for the next fix like a junky. Each in its own right can be a standalone that's how easily you get swept up into the Mythean world. This series is quickly becoming an all time fav. for me. Each book highlights another love swept couple and the unique struggles that they'll face, much like any romance. Yet the game changer here is the well developed world of Mythean's, God's and Immortals each having different struggles and abilities along with the complexity of love...pure magic!

Loki and Sigyn's story is one of growth, self sacrifice and owning your shit, all the good bad and in between. After hundreds of years and new identities these two still harbor baggage and not the Louis Vuitton kind.

Loki the deceiver what wouldn't he do to out strategize his fate? All this maneuvering has brought him full circle with life. Once again in the vicinity of the only other person with whom he felt a connection with and happens to be the same person he renounced, Sigyn.

Sigyn harbors a lifetime (maybe several lifetimes) of anger and hurt. Just imagine how that can fester. She gave up being a God for the love of a controlling manipulative Ass. She doesn't even realize how pissed off she still is until he shows up bleeding in her home. Right away he needs something and has all this I'm Sorry shit but, she is trying to live for her and her alone. After being blackballed by the other Gods for her association with Loki, she is a remade woman. With a new name and loving community she adores...that is until she hears from said Controlling manipulator that her sanctuary and all she holds dear has a triple threat with nefarious intentions!Loki isn't a total lost cause, he not only sacrifices all he is to save the woman he loves he also risks it all for the Gods that condemned him. Their quest is crazy and in the tribulations they find the courage to forgive and heal. Oh Yeah~

Don't get me wrong there is a ton that I didn't mention because you need to read the book, this one much like the others in the series is scorching in the bedroom! So thought out and lecherous in the most appealing way ever. I feel the heat was definitely turned up in this one. No Complaints here the build up and Climax were exquisite~

I find this series so thorough and unique from the thought concept of the plot to how gripping the characters are. Every book offers up diversity and passion not only the sexually charged kind either. The passion for living and acceptance, nothing is more rewarding than really connecting to a writer's work. Empathizing with the traits and thought process of the personalities to which you are reading about. That connection is the addiction, who hasn't been burned in life? Who doesn't like a comeback? A second chance? Isn't that the allure of a truly great read?

Well then pick up the book and give it a go!!

I received this book for an honest review, it was exceptional!!


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Wolf with Benefits

Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read and diligently followed Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series like a total Shifter Groupie. Guilty as charged!! Always fascinated with Shifter stories there is just something about men and women that can morph into an animal counterpart that makes the paranormal fiction even better. When you look at everyday people their mannerisms seem to take after animals…at times. Shelly’s writing takes it a step farther.

The She-Jackal Antonella Jean-Louis Parker “Toni” for short was handed the short end of the stick when it came to destiny dealing out Prodigy status. Knowing full well her whole pack was granted a gift in various skill sets and her only skill was managing their egotistical, narcissistic little ass’s day in and day out. Schedule after schedule and class upon class her life was dedicated to organizing them and keeping the peace among the heathens. That is until she finds her talent for scheduling and managing the unmanageable can be used on a greater scale, like managing the Hockey team the Carnivores.

Toni has severe separation anxiety, she has dedicated so much of herself to helping her brothers and sisters attain their goals she has lost all sight on hers, which is the reason she a) has no boyfriend, and b) can’t get laid. All work and no play schedule is about to change and Ricky Lee is just the wolf for the job. Ricky Lee was such a great counterpart for Toni’s character. This easy going voyeur really supported Toni and helped her realize she was capable and had qualities that make her just as special as her prodigy family. She really finds her worth in this book and at the end she has this amazing moment with her parents. Not to mention she really kicks ass at her job and the outlandish fires that seem to come up to test her, you do not mess with a she-jackal or her kin! Ever!!

Ricky Lee Reed is a curious wolf who loves to be entertained. His first encounter with Toni was nothing but shear entertainment especially when he realized the “Are you my daddy”, line she had her siblings use was just to mislead. When he realized Toni was nothing short of a maelstrom of funny and outlandish comic relief at least that is how he interprets the antics of her brood, following her around to see what happens seems like the right thing to do.

This continued in the norm for SL books, this means you have characters so define you may just write them a Christmas card, that is how dynamic they are! I am never more amazed as I am reading these books; this one in particular was so F@#king hilarious I was laughing-out-loud so often people probably thought I had issues. *Warning do not read this book in libraries* Toni’s siblings had me rolling with the simple way they executed their opinion and cut you down to size effortlessly. I swear I love Kyle!! And Freddy.

I cannot put my finger on one reason why these books standout for me the world they live in is just like the real world with the obvious exceptions. The supporting characters are much like your own crazy family they pop in and out of this book and sometimes newbies are introduced like Livy… OMG I am going to read Bite Me very soon, I missed that one somehow. Let’s not forget the action (in many ways) but the threat still persist in the shifter community and I think with the new players looking into the people hunting down shifters and stuffing them for trophies will soon be put down. These books aren’t overly sexual, (that is possible… sort of) you do get the idea and the imagery is Lovely but it isn't borderline erotica…lol For those of you that don’t care for the freak in the sheets time. I personally feel this book like the others in the series is a 5 star read in every way!

I received this for an honest review!


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(Sinner's Tribe Motorcycle Club, #2)

Beyond the Cut by Sarah Castille
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Sinner's Tribe Motorcycle Club series will get you revved up for sure! This second installment is hotter and more sinful than the first!

Dawn mother of two and surviving through her life, barely! So she had 2 selfish nights with Cade, his touch forever marked her in ways she never thought possible. With a burning desire coursing in her veins for more of his touch, his kiss and most of all the security she feels only with him. It’s a good thing he can't take no for an answer. Showing up right when she needs only what a Sinner like him can give her.

Cade, war vet and a Sinner for life has never had good timing. He wasn't there to save his mom and nothing he does will bring back the guys he served with. His unwavering urge to protect Dawn runs about 50/50 with wanting to sink more than his teeth into her. The first woman to really shoot him down after 2 scorching sexual interludes with her, she just up and leaves. Wam-bam-I-used-you-man style. Realizing her past has some deep scars that tie into a rival motorcycle club makes the complexity of the situation way hotter and more dangerous than ever.

Holyshit, this series is better than SOA and way more pleasurable. I am pretty sure I mentioned this in my other review. Fear not I am here to let you know that Sarah Castille has her shit handled! Dishing out gritty strong women proud of their bodies and sexuality. Does it get better than that? Oh yes it does, throw in Alpha males that instill trust and will be there no matter the situation. They will accept you no matter your past and help you make a future! Hell Yes to the Sinner's Series!! They will serve up your enemies on a platter then eat you like their favorite dish.

The raw diverse sex in these books happen to be creative and tasteful, no pun intended. What I am getting at is you feel the connection; it isn't just some sweaty bodies getting busy. It is breaking down the barriers you haphazardly build an only the bold break them down and found within is more strength than you ever thought imaginable! The book is fast paced and exciting. The characters are true to themselves, the situations they face try to break them but only windup recreating them. You will need to hold on with both hands for this ride.

If you are looking for a wild, steamy book to heat up your day, start here.

I received this ARC for an honest review!


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Witches Be Burned (Magic & Mayhem, #2)

Witches Be Burned by Stacey Kennedy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Paranormal Romance is a favorite genre for me. I had really high hopes for this book, the blurb was catching and the cover was enticing as well.

I found the story background good and the idea very creative. The book first started out it seems where the last left off. I will admit I was lost for the first chapter. (I didn't read the first book in the series) I wanted to get swept up in the story, yet I found it overly descriptive. Had to suppress my urge to skim read. Nexi's character didn't connect with me. One moment she is upset Kyden doesn't treat her as a equal since he wants to protect her and the very next minute she is ready to sit on his cock. There was no buildup, no passion and I was forcing myself to keep reading. I do like the creative place this book stems from but all in all I did not enjoy the narrative way it was written.

I received this for an honest review.

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