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Becoming Red

(The Becoming #1)

Jess Raven (Goodreads Author),

Paula Black (Goodreads Author)

3.52 · Rating details · 1,015 ratings · 141 reviews

‘You got me back. You always said you would.’

Ash DeMorgan, graduate, orphan, ice maiden, has long since consigned the fairytale nightmares of a troubled childhood to the realm of fantastical childish imagination.

Now, lured back to Dublin, the scene of her tragic past, Ash encounters a city pulsing under the dangerous sexual influence of a new street drug the locals call Ra ...more

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Paperback, 1st edition, 362 pages

Published December 5th 2012 by Raven and Black (first published November 30th 2012)

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Dec 12, 2012 Blysse rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal

http://readinglarkafterdark.blogspot....

Well now *rubs hands in glee*- at last, a fresh new take in paranormal mythology and world building has arrived. Black and Raven are a new paranormal author duo who have struck gold in the originality stakes with their first novel!

I am a sucker for a well constructed plot especially if it incorporates classical mythological themes. Using Celtic lore and developing the idea of Dubh Linn and the Fomorians is something I've not seen before so it's fresh (as f http://readinglarkafterdark.blogspot....

Well now *rubs hands in glee*- at last, a fresh new take in paranormal mythology and world building has arrived. Black and Raven are a new paranormal author duo who have struck gold in the originality stakes with their first novel!

I am a sucker for a well constructed plot especially if it incorporates classical mythological themes. Using Celtic lore and developing the idea of Dubh Linn and the Fomorians is something I've not seen before so it's fresh (as fresh as ancient myths can be) and the authors have set up an intriguing premise for the paranormal world and romances that isn't about the usual vampires and werewolves and fae. Although a large proportion of the main characters were ‘wolf-y’, they felt very far removed from the usual werewolf/shifter premise and that made the story much more intriguing. As a first book, leading into the series, it's got the hook. There isn’t a point where I felt the authors were ‘padding’ the story or playing for time. There is also a cliffhanger ending, possibly involving cliffs (but I will leave that to you to explore further….)

The story starts with Ashling DeMorgan getting some bad news about her only living relative- her grandmother has had a stroke and Ashling must travel to Dublin to manage her grandmother’s affairs. Little does she know just what role her ailing grandmother plays in the the Dublin otherworld, but she soon finds out when she meets the totally droolworthy Connal (imagine a dirty blonde version of Jack Sparrow!) He is the Big Bad Wolf to her Little Red Riding Hood (with a twist). He also has the unenviable task of inducting Ashling into the world she now inhabits by virtue of her lineage, while trying to follow Nan Demorgan’s directive not to bonk her grand-daughter. He does well on the former, and fails spectacularly well on the latter.

While I found Ashling to be a young and occasionally naïve character (understandable given that she is in her early twenties while Connal is closer to 800 years old), she was a perfectly well-written foil to Connal. His character development is great- little hints dropped until toward the end of the book, we see his tragic heroism writ large! The two spark off each other both sexually, but also with a sharp repartee that is refreshing. They both have tragedies that they have lived through, and are still living through, which gives them a depth that goes beyond the usual ‘insta-love’ prevalent in this genre.
All in all, this was a great read and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series… Erm, when do you think that will be? *hint hint*

Blysse’s Hot:Plot Ratio
Cracking plot and oh yeah, the sex was hot. That is all.
...more

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Jul 05, 2013 KathyAnne rated it really liked it

Shelves: blog-tour-arc

I was really close to putting this in the did not finish pile at about 20%... but, something compelled me to continue and I'm really glad that I did. I think I fell a little in love with "Little Red" and "Big Bad". And, there were some seriously steamy moments between these two that completely got my attention.
The first part of the book was overly descriptive and it distracted me from the story itself. And, I'll be honest... some of the choice words and phrases that were being used in these des I was really close to putting this in the did not finish pile at about 20%... but, something compelled me to continue and I'm really glad that I did. I think I fell a little in love with "Little Red" and "Big Bad". And, there were some seriously steamy moments between these two that completely got my attention.
The first part of the book was overly descriptive and it distracted me from the story itself. And, I'll be honest... some of the choice words and phrases that were being used in these descriptions were over thought and unnecessary. Having to filter through all of the poetic language and adjectives made it confusing.
But, as we approached about the 30% mark (I think) the tone of the writing changed. All of a sudden I found the story easier to follow and it all started to make sense. And, after that I couldn't put the book down.
This is a story about a unique race of wolf shifters who live underground in Ireland. Extinct of their female population and only able to come above ground during the full moon and under the magic of the red fog... they use this opportunity to traffic human females into the underground through their poisonous bites. But, this does not satisfy their need to re-populate as human females are not good for breeding only pleasure.
In comes Little Red... yep, she's different... and suddenly she's gained an entire population of suitors. Luckily, she has Big Bad on her side but, keeping her safe and protected isn't easy.
I found this to be a very original and intense story with very interesting and engaging characters. And, most of all it did leave me wanting more by the end.
This book ends on a gigantic cliffhanger... but, no worries... book two is here... :) And, I guess I better hurry up and read it because I'm on the edge of my seat.
This really is a good story if you stick with it. I'm definitely going to keep an eye on this/these authors. There is definitely potential and I predict/hope this series will improve with book two.

Visit my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com ...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Kara Miller rated it really liked it

Wow! I have so much to say about this and I have no idea where to begin. I admit, I struggled with what rating to give this book. When I first started reading, I was convinced this book would be lucky to get 2 stars from me, but now here I am trying to decide whether it deserves 4 or 4.5 stars. This was one wild ride. Hang on and read on...

Okay, let's start with the technical stuff: grammatically and structurally the story was great. It was clean and crisp. There were many times that multiple qu Wow! I have so much to say about this and I have no idea where to begin. I admit, I struggled with what rating to give this book. When I first started reading, I was convinced this book would be lucky to get 2 stars from me, but now here I am trying to decide whether it deserves 4 or 4.5 stars. This was one wild ride. Hang on and read on...

Okay, let's start with the technical stuff: grammatically and structurally the story was great. It was clean and crisp. There were many times that multiple question marks and exclamation points ended dialogue. (!!!!, ???, and ?!?!) Piling on the punctuation doesn't make what is being said more powerful. It's just plain annoying.

It was a bit repetitive in the descriptions with the same idea being presented in different ways within the same sentence. Take this line, for example: "Pulling the cork in his teeth, he necked the bottle and swallowed back a long draft, pouring the fiery, numbing torrent down his throat." Isn't 'swallowed back a long draft' and' pouring the fiery numbing torrent down his throat' the same exact thing said in a different manner?

Also, there were a lot of the same descriptive words were used quite frequently as well--sometimes as often and three or four times in the same paragraph. In addition I felt the descriptions themselves were a bit over the top and felt as if the authors were trying too hard to get the point across. Another example: "Her breath was still coming harsh, ragged with the embers of lust clinging to sensations that had ripped through her ice queen impression like flaming lightning." Uhhh...yeah...okay...sure.

A ridiculous amount of head hopping was going on as well. Now, normally this would irritate the crap out of me and would result in one less star. However, it was very clear to me that all this POV switching was done intentionally and not as a result of poor or inexperienced writing. Furthermore, it was handled seamlessly and not jarring in the least. It bears mentioning, but didn't affect my rating all that much.In fact, I'll venture to say I enjoyed all the different POV's.

The authors also relied on using comparisons to popular movies, characters, and TV shows to aid in their descriptions. A few times was okay, but by the tenth time it was getting old. Using well-known references to pop culture to get your point across is a sign of weak writing and these two authors are better than that. I really wish they would've relied on their own talent instead of piggy-backing on others.

All of the things I've mentioned above are very minor. But, I had two major issues with this book which led to a reduced rating:

(1) There were pages and pages and pages and pages and pages of narrative. My eyes would roll as I scrolled through the pages at the sheer amount of narrative. In the back of my mind I was thinking, "Good God is it over yet?" I seriously skimmed through pages at a time and I didn't miss anything real important. Several times I almost quit reading with the intent of sending the authors a polite email thanking them for the opportunity to read their work but it just wasn't a fit for me...blah, blah, blah. (MAN, am I glad I didn't to that! More on that below.) Now, maybe I'm completely off track here and it's acceptable and/or required in this genre to have an abundance of narrative.

(2) For me, this story didn't start until Chapter 14/15 when....(MILD SPOILERS AHEAD) Ashling is attacked by a pack of wild dogs and goes to the emergency room. This is where it started to get good and this is where I stopped skimming over the narrative and began to get swept away in the story. The first 13 chapters were a waste of my time and added nothing to the story, in my opinion. An argument could be made that some of the information was necessary, but not 13 chapters worth. It could be condensed to half that and be a much stronger story.

So, with all that said, I just have to say: Holy! Friggin'! Hell! OMG! WTF! I cannot believe they did that.

Once I got past all that stuff in the beginning, I could not put this book down. I fell in love with Ashling and Connal. I was rooting for both of them throughout and yes, I even cried. Three times. I was shocked by some of the twists that the plot took. My mind is still reeling over this story. And the ending? I'm both shocked, worried, and pissed off! It's a horribly brilliant way to end this book. It definitely leaves you wanting to drop everything and go grab book two.

To Jess Raven and Paula Black: I'm on my knees, begging, and pleading for you to please send me book two for review. As a reader, I'm hooked. As an author, I'm envious of what you've accomplished with this book and I can only hope to reach the same level of brilliance when I write my own paranormal romance. Thanks for being an inspiration to me. I have truly enjoyed reading Becoming Red and I have every intention of recommending it to a lot of people.
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Dec 21, 2012 Morpheus rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend who told me Raven and Black mixed stylish writing with good plots and plenty of hot sex scenes. Suffice to say I now thoroughly endorse their taste. Firstly, the setting, atmosphere, plot and writing aim way above the usual paranormal romance genre. I loved the setting, misty, threatening Dublin, a city seemingly full of everyday normal folk but full of menace underneath. Don’t ever, ever even dream of wearing a red dress in that fair city! I ...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Donna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Wow!!!! For a first book it was very good. I really enjoyed this book, although it was a little slow to begin with but however it did pick up and kept me curious to find out what happened!!! And now I have to wait until they do the 2nd book.....Please hurry with that one!!!!!!
I loved that the authors used the old Irish legends and myths to base the story of Ash and Connal, and by the way, if you enjoy humor among your plots then you will definitely enjoy this book! Ash and Connal are two lost so ...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Natasha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Irish Mythical Fantasy with some heat!!

Recommended by a friend after seeing my list of reading material posted on FB. I had actually just finished a book "Building from Ashes" that was also based on the streets on Dublin, so it was easy to get into this book right away. Think of "Little Red and the Big Bad Wolf" with a sprinkle of "50 Shades". If a movie is going to be made of this series of books, I can see Chris Hemsworth playing the heroic lead... well... that's who was in my mind reading Be ...more

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Dec 20, 2012 Lorna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A rip roaring read with hot scenes and sexy characters. I couldn't put it down and can't look at anyone in a red coat the same anymore. If only I could find Connal on the streets too.....Woof, Woof! Duran Duran's 'Hungry like the Wolf' springs to mind while reading this and the next installment can't come quick enough. ...more

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Aug 09, 2013 A. Gorman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: erotic, arc-provided-review

4.5 Stars. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and to review Becoming Bad.

This is one heck of a journey and it leaves your dangling.

I love the characters and story is well written, I am glad I read it after the re-edits.

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Jul 06, 2017 Soo rated it did not like it

Shelves: reviewed, did-not-finish, freebies

The start of this book was a bit strange but I shrugged it off and kept reading. I know the premise is that the main character is returning to Ireland and not happy about it. A lot of stories can start off a bit strange, vague and abstract. Yet details tend to clear up and the story settles into a nice pace.

Nope! Perhaps Jess Raven's intention is to infuse a bit of magical realism and lyrical writing into her work. I just feel out of sorts, completely lost whatever enthusiasm I had for the stor ...more

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Jun 22, 2013 Lexie rated it liked it

I had no idea what this book was going to be about. I received it through R2R because it was the prequel to Becoming Bad, which I had signed up to read. I'm so glad I had an opportunity to read it though! I've read the mythology of the Morrigan and the Fomorians in the Kate Daniels series, so I understood the background, even though Raven chose to play with the mythology to suit the wolves. I liked how even Bran was incorporated into the story, even though it was a minor part.
Raven clearly did I had no idea what this book was going to be about. I received it through R2R because it was the prequel to Becoming Bad, which I had signed up to read. I'm so glad I had an opportunity to read it though! I've read the mythology of the Morrigan and the Fomorians in the Kate Daniels series, so I understood the background, even though Raven chose to play with the mythology to suit the wolves. I liked how even Bran was incorporated into the story, even though it was a minor part.
Raven clearly did a lot of research with this mythology & it added to both Becoming Red and Becoming Bad.

I liked Ash, the protagonist and was in love myself with Connal by the end of the book. For some reason in my mind he reminded me of Hugh Jackman as Wolverwine (yummy)!! I was frustrated with how Ash's grandmother didn't tell her anything, and she was put in danger . However, with the background I knew of the Morrigan it wasn't going to an easy road no matter what. The world building was good, especially considering this is based on Celtic mythology, and the characters were fairly well developed. The reader isn't filled in on Connal's past much and how he came to be the "Savage" or as I thought of him "The Enforcer". Those questions are answered in the 2nd book.

SPOLER ALERT*******Becoming Red focuses on Ash's latent genes, and how all the werewolves/Fomorians are drawn to her because of them. Connal is the only thing standing between her and the King MacTire and his ruthless followers. At first, with all of the references of "Little Red" as Ash's nickname from Connal I thought she would be a hunter of the Fomorians. Especially since she could sense when she was in danger sometimes. But, I was wrong about that as Raven showed at the end of the book.****END SPOILER

I thought the book was interesting, but definitely wanted to hit Ash over the head when she followed the doc into Form, even when she had a bad feeling. That's how I can tell I'm invested in a book and it's characters; I'm either cheering them on or want to take my iPad and beat them over the head with it!!

I have to be honest, if I hadn't already had the sequel, Becoming Bad, I probably wouldn't have bothered to go out and buy it. However, the 2nd book is where I thought the series became really interesting. So, if you're on the fence about this book I'd say go for it, because the series (I'm guessing it's a trilogy) seems to be getting better with each book. Becoming Red is the basic introduction to the mythology, the characters of Ash, Connal, & a little bit of MacTire as well as Ash's grandmother. It basically lays the groundwork for Becoming Bad, but pulls you into both Ash and Connal's characters.

Raven has clearly done her homework on the mythology of the Morrigan as well as the Fomorians, which leads me to questions about Ash herself and how her future will play out. Gods and Goddesses aren't to be trifled with, and it makes me wonder what the Morrigan has been doing all of these years with latents, and what she's going to do with her own granddaughter. Trust me, it's an interesting book/series and if you're not familiar with the mythology it is explained just not as quickly as you may like. :)

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Mar 27, 2013 Missdevora rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Paranormal, UF, Fantasy readers

Shelves: kindle-freebies-or-not, shifters, spring-challenge-2013, paranormal, fae-gods

This is another of those difficult to review books, as there were bits that I liked and bits that I didn't. I've decided to grade each part separately:

THE COVER: Five Stars

Most of the time, I pay little attention to book covers. However, once in a while, a cover will grab your attention, and make you want read the book without even read the blurb, and so it was with this book. I absolutely adore the artwork on this book. It's utterly beautiful and the most eye-catching cover I've seen in a very This is another of those difficult to review books, as there were bits that I liked and bits that I didn't. I've decided to grade each part separately:

THE COVER: Five Stars

Most of the time, I pay little attention to book covers. However, once in a while, a cover will grab your attention, and make you want read the book without even read the blurb, and so it was with this book. I absolutely adore the artwork on this book. It's utterly beautiful and the most eye-catching cover I've seen in a very long time.

THE CHARACTERS: Three stars
Ash or Little Red , a petite beauty who loves to wear red, drink coffee and energy drinks, seems to be hallucinating in and out of her dreams, attracts undesirable company ,doesn’t listen to good advice and oh yeah can’t keep her eyes off tall and sexy dangerous men.

Connal or Big Bad, a tall, dark, bad-ass, sex walking hunk full of secrets, that won’t tell you anything unless you can enter his heart or you become his shadow and try to find out what’s in his head. He has a soft spot for guardian dogs, good old whisky and lost girls.

The other characters are crucial for the historical and mythological background of the book.

THE PACE OF THE BOOK: Two stars for the first 40%. Three stars for the next 40%. Four stars for the end (what a surprise!).

I've read some other reviews of this book, and I agree somewhat with the points they make. The book is a little slow to start, as it takes some time to establish Ash and Connal's world, but it does pick up and it's worth staying with it. I'd also agree that it's a little confusing initially to place the various changes of POV between the main characters, but things fall into place as you read on. I can't agree with criticisms of long descriptions. Provided these don't go on for pages and pages, I actually find descriptive paragraphs helpful in creating an atmosphere and allowing me to immerse myself in the story. I can't say in all honesty that I even noticed excessive descriptions in this book. Perhaps if you picked up this book expecting a non-stop-action kind of UF, you might be disappointed, but if you want a story with characters of depth and a sense of history and mythology behind them, then I doubt you'll find the descriptive parts tiresome.

The book has a glossary at the end of the book that helps with names, expressions and curiosities that can be confusing without it.

I would say this is an excellent début novel, and I will check out the sequel when it will be out. I'd rate it about Three and a Half stars, but I'll round it up to Four, because first novels often aren't the best in a series, and deserve the benefit of the doubt.

Note: I received this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
...more

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Jun 20, 2013 Sara rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle, read2review-loversofparanormal

I was given a free copy in exchange of an honst review, thanks to the author and the Lovers of Paraormal group.

It started out very slow and it took me at least one third of the book to get interested enough to keep reading it. And it took me about half of it to really start to like the story and the characters. I liked Ash, most of the time, and I also felt connected to her. But I still wanted to slap her for some silly decisions she made.
I didn't like Connal at first, and he creeped me out a li I was given a free copy in exchange of an honst review, thanks to the author and the Lovers of Paraormal group.

It started out very slow and it took me at least one third of the book to get interested enough to keep reading it. And it took me about half of it to really start to like the story and the characters. I liked Ash, most of the time, and I also felt connected to her. But I still wanted to slap her for some silly decisions she made.
I didn't like Connal at first, and he creeped me out a little for at least the first third of the book, but then I kind of got to like him and I was terribly shocked at the ending and at the revelations about his past with his brother.
I also liked Ash and Connal together a lot. Though I didn't feel their connection and attraction much in the beginning, I started to really like them and feel their emotions about halfway through the story. And some their moments were mind-blowing, steamy, hot! Wow! That was a positive point for the book. It gave the story some spice and kept me interested.
I didn't like Madden at all. And I hope he will redeem himself and do something good in the next installment.
The story was interesting and emotional, especially the last half of the book, though I found myself a little bored throughout the first half of the story. And it frustrated me endlessly for the characters' decisions and behaviours. I wanted either hug or jump their bones (the latter in Connal's case only) or punch them senseless for acting silly.
I also wasn't happy about Setty's ending. That was really sad.
(view spoiler)
I'm now curious to read the next book and know what will happen to Ash (and hopefully to Connal?) ...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Natalie rated it it was amazing

Wow this is an amazing book and as the story unfolds in your mind in cinematic brilliance. Full of Hunger, Sexual Desire, lust and tension, the book wraps you into the pages and will not let you go, not wanting to put the book down or making you constantly thinking about the book when you are parted.

The attention to detail and description is spot on and the characters Ash and Connal are the type of mates that you would love to know.

When Ash’s Grandmother, Anann Demorgan has a stoke, Ash being he ...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Jessica rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013, pnr-nauba-authors, pnr-nauba-r2r, 2013-author-a-z-challenge

Note: Book provided by author for review.

This was a really enjoyable book. My one obvious nitpick about it was the cliff hanger ending - argh!!! It's so frustrating when you are so involved in a book and all of a sudden it's over! That being said I still loved what was there though.

The world was creative and interesting. In the beginning I was a little frustrated since I was having trouble seeing where the story was going but the book really picked up and captivated me. The imagery was detailed ...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Julie rated it it was amazing

I found this book to be a great fast paced read. The authors have brought a new refreshing light to the paranormal genre. It isn't your typical werewolf/shapeshifter/vampire premise. Set in Dublin Ireland, we are brought into a world of Celtic myths and modern day. I'm always drawn to strong female leads, and Ashling did not disappoint. She's strong, she's sassy and she gives Connal a run for his money. Speaking of Connal.....Hello Big Bad!! He comes off gruff and aloof, but as the story develop ...more

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Jun 23, 2013 Daria rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, kindle-books-i-have, r2r

**Book provided from author for Read 2 Review**

whats not to like? I loved the setting being in Ireland and the old language. Even with the little bit of shifting to memories it didnt leave you confused. I felt for Ash, leaving what she knew to go to take care of a family member. In the span of time all kinds of things happened to her from nightmares to attacks. Hell makes a girl want to head back where she came from.

Her destiny she knows nothing of. Her protector fighting hard against his past ...more

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Aug 03, 2013 Carin rated it really liked it

I read and am reviewing the first book in the series Becoming Red, it has a bit of a cliffhanger ending so I will be reading Becoming Bad soon.

Becoming Red is one of the most eloquently written paranormal books I have ever read. The world building and mythology created for this book is amazing. The Formorian are what we would call shifters or werewolves, they have a bit that is addictive as any drug out there probably more so. Connal is one of these creatures but he has been worked to hunt them ...more

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Aug 20, 2013 Dalene rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed-2013

First I would like to thank (the authors) Jess Raven for giving me this book for an honest review. I love Ireland and mythology, the mix was great and also different. Ash has been battling the affects of a tragic childhood, when her grandmother has a stroke and she has to go back to Ireland her childhood home. She meets Connal and they are quite the pair. The story was well written, character and world building both were well developed. I love the story the only thing that made it a four for me ...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Jute rated it liked it

This book had a lot of potential. I really feel this book would have been stellar if it had a good editor. The writers really embrace this overly metaphoric descriptive way of writing that, in my opinion, often buries what they are trying to say. The flowery language loses the point and I found myself trying to puzzle out what happened.

I felt the main character, Ash, was really not the captain of her own destiny until towards the end and would have liked to see her a little less helpless.

I also ...more

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Jun 26, 2013 Ora rated it it was amazing

Shelves: shifters, paranormal, 2013-books-i-read-for-a-challenge

This is a great debut book. I am not familiar with Celtic mythology, however I did like the fact that it took a different spin on werewolves and also took a darker theme with a few references to Little Red Riding Hood. I enjoy reading series that has a continuation of the story in the next book with the same characters, so I found this one appealing.
I love tormented heroes and Connal didn't disappoint. You do not find out his whole story i this book, however that just made me want to read the n ...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Carrie M. rated it really liked it

I have to say that I struggled with the rating of this book. Overall, I really enjoyed the new take on Celtic mythology, and the world that the authors have created. I love the characters of Ashling and Connal. The beginning of the book was hard to get into, and the constant change of the point of view (especially multiple times within the same chapter) threw me off for a bit, but overall the story is worth sticking with it. I am not a fan of cliffhangers however, and have to say I am frustrated ...more

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Mar 10, 2013 wanda flanagan rated it it was amazing

I was given this book in exchange for honest review (LoP).This is the first book in the Becoming novels .Its a fantastic paranormal erotic read I could not put down .This story is very well written and you find yourself right there with Ash and Connal .Action, romance, mystery, mythology, and well-developed characters this is one book you dont want to miss. I loved it so much I started the second in this series as soon as I finished the first .I read them both in a day and a half and am dying to ...more

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Jan 20, 2020 Laura..devouring books like crumpets rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reading-challenge-2020

This book was both good and bad.....

The Good

I love dry Humour and this books had it in bucket loads!!!!

"Yeah, and would you like a side of denial with your super sized plate of self-deluded bullshit, Sir?"

Some parts really had me snorteling, Also the imagination behind the story line (when its actually revealed) is really unique and compelling, there was good world building and most characters.

The bad

Untill about 25% in to the book, I really had no clue as to what was going on... it was all ver ...more

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Feb 17, 2018 Laura rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I’m sure there was a good story in here somewhere, but it was hard to see past the thick buttery prose. It was like trying to watch a movie through a dense fog. Normally I like pretty words and I’m quick to complain about simplistic juvenile sentences, but this story got so lost in metaphors on top of similes wrapped in more metaphors that at times I didn’t have a clue as to what was happening. The subject matter was dark but it was told in such a lyrical way that it lost impact and the end resu ...more

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Nov 15, 2019 Coco.V marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: freebie

🎁 FREE on Amazon U.S. today (11/15/2019)! 🎁

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Jan 20, 2013 Rachel rated it really liked it

Ashling DeMorgan is good at keeping people at a distance. She’s been an orphan for years after she lost both her mother and stepfather in tragic ways. When she gets a phone call alerting her that her grandmother had a stroke, Ash has no choice but to go back to the city that haunts her dreams; Dublin. After spending a few days there, it’s clear to Ash that something’s not right. People on the street are acting strange, and Ash soon finds out it’s because of a sexual drug named Rave. And when a c Ashling DeMorgan is good at keeping people at a distance. She’s been an orphan for years after she lost both her mother and stepfather in tragic ways. When she gets a phone call alerting her that her grandmother had a stroke, Ash has no choice but to go back to the city that haunts her dreams; Dublin. After spending a few days there, it’s clear to Ash that something’s not right. People on the street are acting strange, and Ash soon finds out it’s because of a sexual drug named Rave. And when a creature that looks just like the things that killed her mother attacks Ash, she finally realizes that the beasts from her nightmares are very real…and they’ve got their sights set on Ash.

Connal Savage is a centuries old assassin who works for Nan DeMorgan- Ash’s grandmother. When the old woman has a stroke, it’s up to Connal to protect Ash from the beings that are after her. Ash has no clue who she really is, which means that Con is going to have to introduce her to a world where the monsters from ancient Irish myths have come to life. Connal has lived through hell, and because of his brutal past he has become a cold, unfeeling individual. No one has ever come close to getting past the barriers he has erected due to all that he’s been through…that is, until Ash DeMorgan comes along. The dark-haired beauty has an inner strength that Connal finds hard to resist, and with every moment he spends with her, Ash burrows her way deeper into his heart.

The first thing I noticed about Becoming Red was that the authors had a very unique writing style. It’s quite distinguished and sophisticated. There’s something almost lyrical about the way they string words together. Their abilities to write in such a detailed manner create the perfect atmosphere for the book. I also like how a lot of old Celtic lore was included in the story. I’d never read about the Fomorians before, so it was interesting to read about their society and history.

I also like how the relationship between Ash and Connal developed. They didn’t fall in love right after meeting; they were attracted to each other but their feelings grew steadily over time. And I just want to say that I loved their first meeting- it was definitely memorable (and a little funny!) They were both pretty complex characters. They’re very familiar with loss and they’ve lived through things that would have broken other people. They had some pretty steamy scenes together (two words: the woods) and I loved their nicknames for each other; Little Red and Big Bad, which are both fitting!

My only complaint is that there were many pages of nothing but narrative. There was a lot of time spent inside a character’s head without any dialogue occurring. This made the story seem slow at times, especially in the beginning when the setting and the is being established. I felt like the second half of the book is when the pace really picked up. Other than that issue, I enjoyed the book.

Memorable Quotes:

“Chewbacca!” Connal sneered at Brandr. “Hans Solo let you off the leash for the night?”
The table shook like it just took a four-point-nine hit on the Richter scale and Brandr actually snarled. “You defile this place with your reeking stench, Vargrliker!”
“Such a sweet mouth, Brandr. You mean I wasn’t invited to the Wookiee Convention? I suppose you and Gandalf the White here are going to make me leave?”

&

Perhaps he should have had a crisis of conscience about what he was about to do. But this was the bare truth of how it was, when you were down to the wire, bargaining with the Grim Reaper for the life of the one you loved, for the one thing that breathed life into your own existence. You would do anything. You would gladly walk through the fires of hell, break every promise you made when the cost had been merely hypothetical. You would offer up your life for theirs, because the thought of going on without them was unthinkable.

Combining Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, Paula Black and Jess Raven created a very original story in Becoming Red. It’s got action, romance, mystery, mythology, and well-developed characters. I look forward to the second book- especially after that cliffhanger!

Original review written for and posted on GraveTells here: http://goo.gl/yqm4z ...more

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Jan 19, 2013 Alyssa :::Riverina Romantics::: rated it really liked it

Posted At: Riverina Romantics
Rating: 4/5*
Romance Rating: 3/5 <3

What a ride! I'm still reeling from the roller coaster my brain just went on. Not only was this a fresh take on the paranormal world, but holy hell, it was a fresh take on life as we know it.

Set in good ol' Ireland--I've been there before. Very beautiful.--Those creatures we know as werewolves are back in a brand new way. Not only does their bite have the ability to transform, but it can mess you up in ways never before released. I ...more

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May 09, 2018 Johnnie-Marie Howard rated it liked it

Shelves: r2r

I wasn't for sure about this story when I was done with it. I had more questions then answers. I was confused and a bit lost on some of the story. I did like the names and setting of the story. The story line was great up till about chapter 3 then things start to get confusing. I loved how the characters did interact with each other that was a plus. I just hope book 2 will clear up a few things for me. I was not hooked like I thought I would be. This was just a story for me I still can't figure ...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Alaina (Bibliophilic Barista) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: adult, 1st-in-a-series, captivated-by-the-covers, firstreads-wins-and-review-copys, paranormal-romance, mythology-gods-goddesses, shifters, urban-fantasy, erotic

UPDATE 7/3: Once again I have to thank the authors and LoP for giving me another chance to review this book. It was really amazing to realize that the authors not only took all the reviews on this book to heart, but they used them to update Becoming Red into an even more amazing story. After re-reading the story with all of the updates, I have to change my review from 4 to 5 stars. The book flowed better, the pace picked up right from the beginning, I was no longer confused by the first part of UPDATE 7/3: Once again I have to thank the authors and LoP for giving me another chance to review this book. It was really amazing to realize that the authors not only took all the reviews on this book to heart, but they used them to update Becoming Red into an even more amazing story. After re-reading the story with all of the updates, I have to change my review from 4 to 5 stars. The book flowed better, the pace picked up right from the beginning, I was no longer confused by the first part of the story, and for some reason the amount of sex scenes didn't bother me any more. So if you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. And once again I have to thank the authors for taking the time to not only read reviews but to show all of us that they truly care about how all their readers felt about the story!

*Review originally posted on my blog... click here to see the full post*

I would like to thank the authors for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I sincerely appreciated having the opportunity to read this amazing story!

Becoming Red started off a little confusing but still managed to draw me in immediately. I loved the setting and the mythology infused into the story. I just can’t get enough of books set in Ireland! After the first few chapters (and a peek at the glossary, which I will warn you contains some spoilers) the story got less confusing, but was not predictable at all. The world that Raven and Black created in the middle of Dublin night life was dark and mysterious, full of amazing twists and turns. I loved their writing style, and the metaphors and the characters internal dialogues made me laugh out loud many times.

Ash and Connal are… I’m almost a loss for words with this one… sexy, funny, swoon-worthy… yup those pretty much sum it up. Ash is now one of my favorite heroines. She’s got some serious childhood trauma to wrap her head around, yet still manages to be strong and admit her own craziness. Connal is the perfect mix of tall, dark, and bad-ass. I love all his nicknames for Ash, and… well I just love him! I still can not stop thinking about these two, and that ending… what a cliff-hanger. It’s almost cruel how crazy things ended, I ~~want~~ need more now! I can’t wait for book 2 to come out! I don’t want to say anything that will give it away because this one is definitely worth a read.

There were only a couple of things that kept this from being 5 stars for me… and it had more to do with my personal preferences. I’m not a huge fan of heavy erotic lit, don’t get me wrong… I love a good sexy scene here and there, just not too many that are very long. There was just a little too much for me, and a couple of them were pretty long. I will say that they were incredibly well written and very, very steamy, so if this is something that you do like then I would recommend this book even more to you! The only other thing I didn’t like was that I needed to look at the glossary to figure some stuff out and I accidentally read something that was a minor spoiler. ...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Words Travler rated it really liked it

Shelves: blue

Becoming Red.

This book was everything I had hoped for. The Prologue grabed my attention and wouldn't let go. I stayed up reading it untill my eyes blured and the words made no sense. I knew it was time to put the book down, because it required much more attentions. Many of the other reviewers said it was easy to be lost at time with the wording that was used and I fully agree. At times it was very confusing trying to figure out what they were saying to each other. I felt lost at times and had t Becoming Red.

This book was everything I had hoped for. The Prologue grabed my attention and wouldn't let go. I stayed up reading it untill my eyes blured and the words made no sense. I knew it was time to put the book down, because it required much more attentions. Many of the other reviewers said it was easy to be lost at time with the wording that was used and I fully agree. At times it was very confusing trying to figure out what they were saying to each other. I felt lost at times and had to reread many passages to try to grasp what they were saying. There is a glossary at the end of the book that was helpfull. But the authors recommoned you to read the book before going to the glossary because it contained spoilers. Had I of known it was there before reading the book throughly, I would still have read the glossary. The book would've been more enjoyable that way. Their are those who have already said it needed some fine tuning as it does. With some editing, and some polishing. This book could be amazing. As it sits now its very good.

I still rated this high even through some of it's flaws because it has some serious potential. It has everything in it to make it a really great book. And the book checked off everything I love in my fae stories.

Sexy bad boy, tormented alpha males.

A female lead, thrown into a new world where she has no clue what the rules are. And I actually liked her. Ash made some mistakes, some i could get on board with. And some other's she wasn't so bright. But what I liked about her was she listened to the H when he was telling her she was acting the fool. Not all the time mind you, but there was enough of a balance. To where it wasn't like a B-horror flick. You know I'm talking about. The stupid chick that hears a noise outside and goes to check it out. Only to see creepy-stalker-killer with (Insert weapon of choice) looming over her waiting for bimbo to run.. Of course they always run ,trip ,and fall and bam dead bimbo. Moving on.

Crazy Villian who wasn't killed so easy.(In my gaming days I would say 2 shoted) I hate it when some big bad super villian is killed at the end quickly. All that build up only to be let down.

It has mystery, action, romance, steamy sexy sences. With some Irish Mythology and a new twist to something of old.

There was some things that left me questioning their actions. And there was alot left unsaid. Not all your question will be answered. The end I wasn't happy with! But it did leave me wondering when the next book will be out. I would buy it to see what happens. Now that I know whats in that glossary I'm better prepared.

If you can look past all the books flaws, have patience and see the bigger pictures. Going into the book you might enjoy it. If not this might not be the book for you.

Book was given to me for an honest review, so here it is. ...more

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About Jess Raven

Jess Raven

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The writing duo of Jess and Paula met online through their mutual love of paranormal and urban fantasy romance. They sparked creatively and have been writing together for the past three years. Paula lives in Dublin, Ireland with her family. She set aside a career in medicine to raise her three children. Jess lives in Manchester, England with her mother and dog, Simi. When she isn’t writing up worl ...more

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Quotes from Becoming Red

“I’m all for a little rough foreplay,’ he said huskily, ‘but don’t you think knocking me out defeats the purpose? Unless you’re into the seriously kinky shit ... Is that it, angel? You like it kinky?’ His tone was pure mischief. ‘You know I could have you on your back in a heartbeat, and I wouldn’t even break a sweat?’ he said. ‘Why don’t you then?’ she challenged. ‘Oh I’m going nowhere,’ he smirked. ‘I like the view from where I am. Just. Fine.” — 2 likes

“The woman was either a saint or a total masochist.” — 1 likes

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