REVIEW - TWENTY SEVEN MINUTES BY ASHLEY TATE

  

Title: Twenty Seven Minutes
Author: Ashley Tate
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: General Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Release Date: 30th January 2024

BLURB from Goodreads
In this stunning and propulsive debut, a town grieves the loss of a young girl—but some fight to keep the truth about her death a secret.

The question

For the last ten years, the small, claustrophobic town of West Wilmer has been struggling to understand one thing: Why did it take young Grant Dean twenty-seven minutes to call for help on the fateful night of the car accident that took the life of his beloved sister, Phoebe? If he'd called sooner, she might still be alive.

The secret

As the anniversary of Phoebe's death approaches, Grant is consumed by memories of that night on the bridge and everything he lost: his future, his reputation, his little sister. And the secret he's been keeping all these years is suffocating him. But he and Phoebe weren't the only ones in the car that night. Becca was there. She knows what happened—and she will do anything to help Grant keep his secret.

The truth

Everyone in West Wilmer remembers Phoebe, but only June remembers that another person was lost that night. Her brother Wyatt has been missing for ten years and now June is alone—no family, no friends. Until someone appears at her door. Someone who may know where Wyatt went all those years ago. Someone who knows what really happened on the bridge that night. Someone who is ready to tell the truth.

Taking place over three days and culminating in a shocking twist that will leave you breathless, Twenty-Seven Minutes is a gripping story about what happens when grief becomes unbearable, dark secrets are unearthed, and the horrifying truth is revealed.

Goodreads Link

REVIEW
I think the book cover fits the book really well, the title “Twenty Seven Minutes” is the whole theme of the book, the character pondering and gossiping about what happened in that twenty seven minutes etc. The cover could be a scene from that night ten years ago with the headlights in the rain the only light in the darkness at the car accident incident.

Basically, the book tells the story of a group of people and how one particular night changed their lives and those around them. It's set in a small town that thrives on squabbles and gossip.

The book flashes back and forth 10 yrs, between the accident 10 yrs ago & the present day.

Each of the different characters has their own issues to deal with surrounding that night ten years ago. They all have their own secrets they are keeping too.

The book concentrates on two families, the Dean's and the Delroy's.

Grant & Phoebe Dean are the central characters of the book. There was a car accident 10 years ago and still that night is shrouded in darkness and mystery.
Why was Becca even in the car with Grant & Phoebe Dean that night. When the accident Grant waited a whole 27 minutes before calling for emergency services. The small town gossips say that Grant was drunk. Grant seems to be covering something up for Becca their weird on/off 'relationship' has to be kept secret even 10yrs later! I wondered at certain points in the book if the relationship was all in Becca's head the whole time.
I was also intrigued by the character of Phoebe, I wanted to know who was the real Phoebe? The straight A student so sweet & kind, helping Grant with his school work, the concerned sister wanting him to do his best, so they could escape together. Or a nasty conniving sister who saw Grant as her ticket out of their small town.

The other main character family is the Delroy's. Wyatt Delroy had argued with his father Hank the same night as the accident and disappeared. June has asked numerous times over the years where he was seen that night and where but it appears no knows anything. June nursed her sick mother until her recent death and now she is navigating her 'new life' but is still plagued by her missing brother and finding out what happened.

At times I felt frustrated with the book as sometime it does feel a bit of a jumble, with lots of twists, turns and back and forth. It did sometimes feel repetitive and irritating but I was captivated enough that I had to continue reading. I honestly admit I was feeling really irritated that at 44% of the way into the book I still didn't know what actually happened that night. It is difficult to review and say much more without revealing spoilers. On the whole I did enjoy the book though it was a 'different' read in that everything is about that one night and how the car accident changed the route of so many lives.

Summing up I thought the book had lots of twists, turns, angst, mystery and suspense with an emotional but fitting tribute in the end.

REVIEW - BLOOD WEAVER - BLOOD WEAVER TRILOGY BY KARINA ESPINOSA

  

Title: Blood Weaver
Series: Blood Weaver Trilogy
Author: Karina Espinosa
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Suspense
Release Date: 26th January 2024

BLURB
As the last female blood mage, many would kill to claim the power surging through her veins.

For years Leila has hidden.
Who she is.
Where she came from.
What she can do.

But the long-lost Princess refuses to run forever. Those she loves lied to her. Betrayed her for a greater good. Even in her absence, she's being used as a pawn in political power plays.

Now, Leila is determined to discover why.

As luck would have it, she has an unlikely ally on her side. Ronan, the audacious heir of a rival clan, feels the need to protect the beautiful, hidden royal any way he can. Despite the strife of their opposing lineages, theirs is a dance of passion and peril, where every stolen glance and forbidden touch sends ripples through their world.

Yet even his loyalty is tested when Leila’s fated calling is exposed.

Thrust into a world she no longer remembers, Leila must fight to discover who she can trust as malicious threats close in from all sides. In a world where the past casts long shadows, Leila will discover that the threads of fate can be rewoven … but not without a cost.

Goodreads Link

REVIEW
First of all, I love the dramatic, atmospheric cover, it introduces the themes of the book well and it piques your interest just enough to get you wanting to read the book description to learn more.

The main, strongly independent, kick butt character of the book is the last female blood mage who uses the name Leila, rather than her title Princess Lyanna of Valorian and has been in hiding for years. There are many people who would be prepared to kill to get their hands on her unique power. When a plot to kidnap her is discovered she was forced to flee her home in Valorian with her guardian Sir Eric. Over their years avoiding capture, Sir Eric taught Leila how to fight and how to use her gifts to the best of his ability. They were awaiting word that they could safely return to Valorian but Sir Eric died before that happened prior to him revealing everything about a prophecy regarding her future. Leila has been living alone as a healer with her own small successful clinic in Lomewood in the Central Plains. Apart from work she tends to keep to herself with the exception of close friend, Selene. Selene has mer-folk heritage which makes her a prized possession at the Rose Petal Lounge, a pleasure house (bar & brothel) owned and run by Madam Rose. Despite Leila offering to buy Selene's freedom, Madam Rose continues to decline as Selene is very popular and her singing voice draws the crowds in at the Rose Petal Lounge, which is great for business.

Suddenly theres a rumour that the Crimson Clan have captured Princess Lyanna and a Crimson Clan envoy are in the central plains to meet the Valorian envoy to discuss agreement terms. The Chief of the Crimson Clan has declared that if no agreement is made Princess Lyanna will be married to his son!! At first Leila is going to ignore the rumour as there have been nany over the years but when she discovers the Valorian envoy is led by her brother Prince Marcellus and her childhood best friend, half fae Prince Caelan of Eldwain she knows she somehow has to warn them.

It's not long before Leila finds herself getting into scrapes with both sides whilst trying to keep her true identity and special female blood mage powers hidden. Leila actual ends up befriending Ronan, the leader of the Crimson Clan envoy, after defeating three if his men who were intent on attacking Selene. Leila begins to see a different side to the legendary, big, tough, barbaric fighting clan. Then when the Valorian envoy arrives she see's that her brother Marcellus and once best friend Caelan have also changed during years apart. Unfortunately Leila doesn't like what she discovers and soon finds herself stuck between the warring sides not knowing who she should be siding with. One thing Leila dies know is she really doesn't want anyone she cares about to be hurt or worse killed. When Leila treats a young boy named Henry in her clinic he soon becomes the reliable source of inside information about what's going on with both sides. As neither of the envoy groups consider the boy Henry any threat they often talk freely when he is around, giving away vital information. Leila finds herself on the receiving end of poor treatment from both envoys and in one case even torture! Leila also puts herself in the midst of fights, in harm's way saving people on both sides of the looming war on more than one occasion. Just when it seems like Leila has decided where her heart lays, theres a twist, some information about the future prophecy of the last female blood weaver and Leila is faced by a heart breakingly tough decision.

The descriptions within the book set the imagery into your mind easily and really well. This means after a reading session when you are thinking over what has happened it kind of feels like you have been watching a movie too! I loved the description of Rose Petal Lounge as a 'pleasure house'. The society is well thought ought and even the currency of glints & gleams is detailed well.
I adored the friendships Leila had with Selene and Henry. I enjoyed the verbal sparring Leila has going on with Ronan, Caelan, Mykal, Orion and Madam Rose. I also enjoyed discovering more about the prophecy though I think there is so much more to come.

Favourite characters are difficult to choose as there are so many great ones, but I loved Leila, Selene, Henry and Ronan. I liked but was still super wary of Marcellus, and Orion and I enjoyed disliking Caelan though by the end of the book I would probably add him to my 'wary of'list. On the other hand firmly on the 'enjoyed disliking' list is Governor Otto. I felt a whole range of liking, being wary and disliking of Madam Rose as I guess we don't know how she ended up at the Rose Petal
Lounge and there were times she was kind and even helped Leila.

I think this series could be really popular with those that like the Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo and Lockwood & Co by Jonathan Stroud Books/TV shows.

My immediate reaction after reading the book were, Wow! Just wow! This book has it all!! Kick butt, fiercely independent female Leila whose best friend Selene has been sold and is tied to service at the Rose Petal Lounge, though Leila is determined to free her. Then the cutest little friend ever Henry who knows everything about anything going on and sells his information, though has a soft spot for Leila. Then theres the 'book boyfriend' quota which is definitely erm over flowing! Ronan, Caelan, Marcellus, Orion, Mykal, Silas ....wow. I have to say my favourite is Ronan though!! Though I am firmly #TeamRonan we still don't really know whether he is a good or bad guy regarding his intentions towards Leila.

Summing up, I honestly think this is another fantastic start to what I reckon will be a brilliant Trilogy! I can't wait to read more!!

REVIEW - MATED TO CURVES BK4 BY DV FISCHER

  

Title: Mated To Curves BK4
Author: DV Fischer
Release Date: 25th December 2023

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Eva is a journalist for Spokane’s newspaper and she was relieved when Spelling was suspended. She’s a shifter and hiding her shifter identity to someone on a witch hunt for their existence was dangerous. However, now he’s the least of her problems because shifter women are coming up murdered everywhere.Cruz hadn’t expected to find his mate when he went to the paper to find out more about Spelling. But there she was, frightened of him, curvy, and gorgeous as ever. However, it doesn’t take much to convince her to enter his world in the fight club, nor does it take much to convince her on a second date.But when the second date lands them being questioned by cops, the trouble begins.

Goodreads Link

REVIEW
Shifter women are being murdered, 5 dead bodies have been found so far. All the women in the community are shaken/worried.
Gary Spelling is still suspended from the newspaper for being obsessed about exposing the existence of shifters. Though the suspension hasn't dissuaded him from his quest, in fact he has been phoning his newspaper bodd Mr Binzer everyday promising he can find proof of shifters but quite abruptly the calls have stopped according to Mr Binzer leaving him wondering where Gary is. Mr Binzer is also checking to see what Eva is working on as she is picking up the slack whilst Gary Spelling is missing. Eva also gets little tidbits of news about what's going on with the current spate of murders, which Mr Binzer is eager to have in his newspaper. Luckily he doesn't know where she gets the tips/information from. Eva's sister Meredith is a Police Officer which is quite an unusual job for a female, never mind a female shifter. Meredith talks to Eva about what is going on in the investigation and they discuss the fact the murdered women are all shifters too.
Mr Binzer isn't the only one who is wondering where Gary Spelling is, Cade sends Cruz to the newspaper to see if he can get an address for Gary as they want to keep tabs on him after he attacked Cali.

In this novella, more characters find mates, the fight club is quickly becoming more like a pack headquarters than just a gathering place to let off some steam and excess energy. Theres also news of a pregnancy which makes getting the Gary Spelling problem sorted out even more important.
There is also the problem of someone on the loose torturing and murdering shifter women, though the fight club shifters would probably be more than able to sort out that situation too, they have to hold back as the Police are involved, so human laws apply, restricting the shifters for the time being. Though with Meredith also being a shifter maybe they will be called on to help at some point.

I really enjoyed this novella, the romance of the mates finding each other and becoming almost inseparable within days! Then there’s the mystery, thriller and suspense aspect of the murderer. I will admit I did have my own theories as to who the murderer is. I'm also looking forward to hopefully finding out what Gary Spelling has against shifters and why he is so desperate to expose them. I quickly became attached to the characters and love that though new ones are introduced in each novella, you still have the characters you have already learnt about involved in the plot. I love the short plots lines contained in one novella that happen alongside the continuing themes of other parts of the plot running through the series of novellas. I think it's funny how Alpha Cade has grudgingly accepted that his friends gathering around him are in fact forming a type of pack. I'd really like to see the characters in this series of novellas go on to have further adventures and issues to deal with.

The book end on a whopper cliff hanger so I can't wait to read more.

 

 

 

REVIEW - THE KNOWING BY EMMA HINDS

  

Title: The Knowing
Author: Emma Hinds
Publisher: Bedford Square Publishers
Genre: General Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQIAP+
Release Date: 18th January 2024

BLURB from Goodreads
In the slums of 19th-century New York.

A tattooed mystic fights for her life.

Her survival hangs on the turn of a tarot card.

Powerful, intoxicating and full of suspense. The Knowing is a darkly spellbinding novel about a girl fighting for her survival in the decaying criminal underworlds. It is a hard-hitting story of love, obsession and betrayal.

Whilst working as a living canvas for an abusive tattoo artist in the slums of 19th-century New York, Flora meets Minnie, an enigmatic circus performer who offers her love and refuge in an opulent townhouse that is home to the menacing and predatory Mr Chester Merton. Flora earns her keep reading tarot cards for his guests whilst struggling to harness her gift, the Knowing - an ability to summon the dead. Caught in a dark love triangle between Minnie and Chester, Flora begins to unravel the secrets inside their house. Then at her first public séance in the infamous cathouse Hotel du Woods, Flora hears the spirit of a murdered boy prostitute and exposes his killer, setting off a train of events that leaves her fighting for her life.

The Knowing is a stunning debut inspired by real historical characters including Maud Wagner, one of the first known female tattoo artists, New York gang the Dead Rabbits, and characters from PT Barnum's circus in the 1800s.

Something Powerful Is Coming.

Goodreads Link

REVIEW
The central character of this book is Florence, who at the beginning of the book is a Tattooist and canvas for her rather domineering boyfriend Jordan.

Jordan is the head/main tattooist & also has control over Florence and the artwork/tatoos on her body but has no interest in her 'too flabby' stomach or feet. Jordan says feet, & bony crevices are womens work to tattoo so Jordan tends to pass off any tattoos he doesn't really want to do onto Florence.

Jordan tells everyone providence brought them together....however it was the man who took her from a ragtag of foundling gypsies when he saw her talent reading tarot cards, he promised to take her out of the slums, and give her a better life.
Jordan is extremely possessive yet also excessively abusive of Florence. He orders her to dress in a certain way to attract more business by showing off her tattoos, but Jordan doesn't like it when other men ask if he 'leases her out' or leer at her too much. However he blames Florence for drawing the men's attention as if she somehow she really entices them to be like this with her, promising them favours etc. Jordan beats Florence & has sex with her, though Florence doesn't particularly give her consent to the sex or how rough and abusive it is. He is basically raping her as a punishment or a way to have dominance over her. Jordan also has a gun hidden under the floorboards & is a fighter so Florence is understandably scared of him. Though she may want to leave, where would she go, she has nothing, no friends and no where to go. Jordan also associates with the gangs such as the Dead Rabbits who he would task to find her and bring her back.

Florence has what is referred to as 'the knowing' she knows what tarot card is coming next, she can hear whispers but has learnt the hard way not to speak to other people about having 'the knowing' Florence can speak to the dead and she sees them when she leaves her body as it's being beaten & abused by Jordan. I think in a way they help her escape the abuse she is being subjected to.

When Florence literally bumps into Abernathy and then Minnie who offers her somewhere to escape to and a level of protection she quite blindly jumpd at the chance. However it seems Minnie expects Florence to use 'the knowing' and become a sort of act in her collection of artistes. Minnie refers to Florence as 'the painted mystic' and she is expected to perform to read cards and speak to the ghosts.

I loved the character of Florence who takes what she sees as her only chance of escape and goes to people she has only just met. I felt so sorry for her, not remembering much about her younger life except this one protective female figure. Then ending up with Jordan who treats her as a possession, almost like a slave. He decides where he wants to tattoo her. He wants her to dress proactively, yet when she receives attention, he blames her and beats her for it. It really is an abusive relationship. Physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse are all experienced by Florence on a daily basis. I found her reaction and escapism techniques very believable and realistic. When the opportunity to escape arises she doesn't have long to make a decision and I couldn't help wondering if she was 'jumping out of the frying pan into the fire' Especially when at one point Minnie actually says 'I'm keeping you now'. Sadly, Florence seems to still being controlled and told what to do.

I really enjoyed reading this book, I found it intriguing, emotive and addictive reading. There were lots of twists and turns with subtle clues along the way to pick up on. It's a really interesting story, with some great characters set in a time when men basically took what or who they wanted and treat them however they wanted. There was no help for a woman in an abusive relationship. This book covers some serious subjects such as abuse, rape, and violence all of which are well written and part of the greater plot of the book.

 

 

REVIEW - BIG SKY FALLEN - THE UNRAVELING BY KEVIN CRAVER

  

Title: Big Sky Fallen
Series: The Unraveling
Author: Kevin Craver
Genre: Post Apocalyptic
Release Date: 22nd January 2024

BLURB
In an instant, it was all gone.The survivors called it the Unraveling—a merciless one-two punch of economic collapse and deadly plague that brought the United States, and the world, to its knees.For history teacher and Army veteran Eric Jaeger, the collapse of the nation he once swore to defend is only the beginning.As civilization crumbles around them, Eric and tough-as-nails paramedic Susan Walker flee the Milwaukee suburbs for the safety of the Montana home of his Army buddy, Manny Landeros. They join an eclectic group of friends forced to adapt to survive in a violent and lawless post-apocalyptic world in which kindness and decency end at Manny’s property line.Eric’s hopes of staying hidden to weather the catastrophe are dashed when a wealthy despot seizes power in the nearby state capital and hatches a horrific plan with the remnants of a federal government desperate to regain control at any cost. When the enigmatic leader of a growing resistance movement asks Manny’s group to join the fight, they must decide whether to risk everything to defeat a tyrant—and in Eric’s case, risk sacrificing Susan on freedom’s altar.

Goodreads Link

PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US
Amazon UK

REVIEW
The cover of the book really does its job well with the two lonely armed figures looking out into the desolation around them. You really want to learn who the two figures are, what has happened in the world and how they are going to cope with it. If I saw it on a book store shelf I would certainly be picking it up to learn more about the book.

The book separated into three parts as well as a kind of aftermath/epilogue at the end although it is not referred to as one. The first part is the background and the planning that went into the homestead idea, and everyone arriving. The second part is kind of surviving, the gathering of forces and the build up to the third part which is the big battle. Then finally the aftermath/epilogue where all the loose ends are tied up.

The first part introduces the characters and contains their background information and how they come to be part of the rather eclectic post-apocalyptic family living, fighting and surviving together on Manny & Carmen’s land, which I found really interesting and it explains all their quirks, traits, skills, triggers and behaviour as the book goes on. Each character brings a skill or is with someone who brings a necessary skill to survive and thrive. It sets out all the final preparations the group have to still put in place, and reiterate who is responsible for which jobs. Sadly some of their group don’t make it, succumbing to the pandemic, becoming too ill to travel, meaning their jobs have to be reassigned.

I would say the main characters are Eric Jaeger, who is ex-military, high school teacher who is very into prepping for the end of the world when it comes. Eric, along with his friends are in no doubt “the end”, an “event” is coming its just a matter of when “it” happens. Eric is a bachelor but its quite clear to both his friends and us, the reader that he is besotted with Susan, a fire department paramendic, who quickly becomes head medic when the nurse of the group never makes it to the homestead. Eric and Susan travel to Eric’s Ex-military best friend, Manny Landeros’ home/homestead where others in their group will also be heading to bunker down and survive whatever is happening and what is to come afterwards. Manny is married to Carmen and they have a 13year old daughter Luisa. Manny’s cousin Benny is promoted to keeping track and doing inventory on all supplies when the guy whose job it would have been doesn’t make it.

There’s lots of ex-military as that’s where the idea of this safe haven, homestead was formed. Others have been brought on board by the original members. One such couple are Pastor Kriss Reynolds and her husband Roger who as organic gardeners are deeply involved in the nurturing, planting, and tending of produce needed to sustain the diets of the group. Obviously being ex-military the have also bought in MRE food packs and tins and cans etc etc. To be honest the group seems to have all bases covered but Manny is determined that things will be done in a certain way under his roof such as no co-habitating between non married couples. So, the couples have their room/dorms and the bachelors have an area as do the bachelorettes. Everyone has shared chores and duties such as guard duty, manning the radio, as well as their specialities. They also continue keeping fit and doing army manoeuvres to cover all scenarios. These people know that eventually refugees, strangers will turn up at their door and they have to have systems in place to deal with every eventuality.

As the book goes on the group have to deal with what they at first think are local bandits but it soon becomes apparent that these men who just take from others are part of a larger, more well organised army. They soon become part of a greater machine fighting back against what is a militia.

There are a few times when a democracy rules the decision process for the homesteaders, such as the decision to deal with the bandits that have terrorised their neighbours and could be coming for them next. Then the couple needing food and supplies for their attempted journey to relatives. There’s discussion about asking them to stay, but instead they are given help to progress on their journey, but they leave with knowledge of the homestead and it’s a decision that could have disastrous consequences for the group. Finally, there’s a group of three military deserters nearby the homestead, who want nothing of the harsh ways of the militia type army that exists and the government that wants to rule now. The one female and two males have useful skills for the battle that is rapidly approaching.

I found I became attached to the characters at the homestead really quickly, even ones that were only briefly mentioned that never quite made it to the homestead. I enjoyed the different relationships within couples and with the other characters. I really adored the way the characters were romantically paired off. I found their secret trysts really amusing, from Julie & Allan's in the bachelorette pad when Suan finds them asleep in each others arms, both snoring! Then later in the book the newer couple of Kaytie & Tim rolling around in poison ivy, with Kaytie full of shame and embarrassment having to approach Susan for advice and treatment for the poison ivy. Finally, the tryst between the couple I was really willing everything to work out for (and both be alive at the end) Eric & Susan who snuck off behind the barn! Luckily and wisely, Susan checked for poison ivy before rolling around on the floor together!

I really grew to love some of the characters and when a couple of them do potentially dangerous, crazy acts of sacrifice I was internally shouting “Noooo” at them in my head whilst reading the drama and devastation unfold.

I'll be honest quite a bit of the military manoeuvres, weaponry, political and American geographic detail 'went over my head' but I still enjoyed reading it and I am sure others will appreciate it and fully understand it more than I did. I adored the little details in the book such as the nick names each character had, some for obvious reasons such as Doc, and Meat others perhaps not so obvious to outsiders of the homestead group.

I loved how all the loose ends were tied up, and how it was explained how life had progressed in the aftermath of the great battle. The tying up loose ends and the surviving characters coming together to reminisce about what they went through as well as remembering and toasting those old friends that didn’t make it.

The only critisms I had, were that the aftermath section jumped a few years more than once without it being clearly stated. Some of Eric’s “diary/book” entries were long, quite complicated and heavy on political and military jargon, though I did still enjoy reading them.

Also, at one point I had to google what a “beaner” was” It’s a derogatory term for a person of Mexican, Hispanic or Latino heritage, which explained the reactions of the characters to someone they loved being referred to as a “beaner”

My immediate reaction upon finishing reading this book were Wow, I really enjoyed this one but I need to digest this one a little before reviewing, so I don’t give too much away.

Summing up, it has been a difficult review to do without giving away any major spoilers. This book has an amazing action packed well thought out plot, with believable, easy to love characters. What authors would I compare this one to. . . Kyla Stone, Stephen Konkoly and Grace Hamilton are the ones that spring to mind. I don’t know how the series will continue but I am really looking forward to reading more. 

 

 

 

REVIEW - MATED TO CURVES BK3 - MATED TO CURVES SERIES BY DV FISCHER

 

Title: Mated To Curves BK3
Series: Mated To Curves
Author: D V Fischer
Release Date: 6th November 2023

BLURB
Cali didn’t realize that starting at the club as a bartender would make her take witness to so much violence. It’s not what she expected when she envisioned herself making drinks for shifters. All she wanted was to be around her kind, but now she’s feeling a little vulnerable.The last thing she expected was to find her mate in a place like this.Aaron is the club’s healer and he’s good at what he does. Finding a mate is the last thing on his mind, but when he sees her, he’s smitten. It doesn’t take long for him to convince her that he can protect her from their world’s craziness.However, when he promised her safety, he didn’t expect Gary Spelling - the notorious reporter out for shifter blood - to be a threat to his mate.

Goodreads Link

REVIEW
In this detailed, well thought out world shifters exist but are not allowed to form packs. It’s best they don’t attract attention as then they would probably e restricted even more. Sadly, there are those that exist who wish to expose them, that view them as abominations, and not just a different race.

Once again central to the plot is the fight club owned by Cade, and run by a group of his friends. There seems to be something strange going on as more and more of those that work at the club seem to be finding their one true mate. The new character being introduced in this novella is Cali, who is a quieter more submissive wolf who just wants to be around her own kind. Despite her parents being well off, Cali wants to make her own way in life and ends up applying for a job at the fight club. She gets off to a bad start being late and then arriving in the middle of an unusual out of control brawl. With two more shifters finding their mate in this novella, it looks like Cade may well end up with a pack whether he wants one or not! In fact, he has to use his Alpha command to prevent Aaron acting rashly. The Alpha command is the only thing that can prevent Aaron going off after the person who hurt his newly found mate. With tensions already rising in the shifter community, how long will it be before someone snaps. Even though Cade is trying to act with restraint, as he says they need to find out exactly how much Gary already knows about them, what evidence of their existence he has before they can work out what to do about him.

Gary Spelling is becoming increasingly bold in his actions and attempts at revealing shifters to the world. His latest exploits almost costing a life. How much farther will Gary Spelling push the shifters before they have no choice but to take some very drastic action and deal with him once and for all. Gary has been a nuisance for a long time but he has seriously over stepped the mark this time.

These novellas are the perfect mix! They have short plots within each book which usually introduce new characters, as well as having a few different central thread main plots running through all the novellas too with the inclusion of the familiar characters we have met in the previous books.

These novellas are just the right length, I read this one in just one sitting! You can’t help but become attached to the characters who you learn more and more about as the novella series progresses. You also learn about the hardships the different shifters have had to endure as well as learning the lengths they go to in order to keep their other selves a secret.

Really can’t wait to read more!!