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Shadow Unit #1
Enslaved in Shadows
A man's Past leads to his Future......
Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit's job is simple, most days. Work in the Shadows, police his own Kind.
When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can't help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made.
The Heart of a woman is Tested........
Jes can't let the tall dark agent back into her life.
How can she trust any man after what she's endured. Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn't have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn't abused her physically but he's tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life.
Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again?
One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late.
The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another.
Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit's job is simple, most days. Work in the Shadows, police his own Kind.
When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can't help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made.
The Heart of a woman is Tested........
Jes can't let the tall dark agent back into her life.
How can she trust any man after what she's endured. Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn't have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn't abused her physically but he's tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life.
Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again?
One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late.
The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another.
480 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2012
50 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
About the author
Tigris Eden
47 books469 followersBIO
USA Today Bestselling Author, Tigris Eden loves reading and writing.
One of Tigris’ fondest memories, was in the sixth grade, when her teacher read her story, “The Case of The Missing Pepperoni”, out loud to the class. It was then she decided she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. But like all childhood dreams, reality has a way of crashing in and disrupting plans. But her imagination and the voices inside her head never stopped talking. Every dream she could remember was jotted down in her dream journals.
When she’s not writing Tigris marvel’s at life’s gifts. She likes to take pictures of beautiful things. She openly admits that what she may find beautiful another person might not, and she’s perfectly okay with that. She enjoys her music and doesn’t leave home without it. Long pillow conversations with LL about nonsensical things, and hanging out with her boys, when they deem her “cool enough.”
Tigris is a military brat who’s done her fair share of travelling, thanks to her Army father. She’s married to the infamous LL and has three boys. She currently resides in Houston and is actively seeking a book-buddy for the end of the world.
You can find Tigris on Twitter, Facebook, and at her website.
USA Today Bestselling Author, Tigris Eden loves reading and writing.
One of Tigris’ fondest memories, was in the sixth grade, when her teacher read her story, “The Case of The Missing Pepperoni”, out loud to the class. It was then she decided she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. But like all childhood dreams, reality has a way of crashing in and disrupting plans. But her imagination and the voices inside her head never stopped talking. Every dream she could remember was jotted down in her dream journals.
When she’s not writing Tigris marvel’s at life’s gifts. She likes to take pictures of beautiful things. She openly admits that what she may find beautiful another person might not, and she’s perfectly okay with that. She enjoys her music and doesn’t leave home without it. Long pillow conversations with LL about nonsensical things, and hanging out with her boys, when they deem her “cool enough.”
Tigris is a military brat who’s done her fair share of travelling, thanks to her Army father. She’s married to the infamous LL and has three boys. She currently resides in Houston and is actively seeking a book-buddy for the end of the world.
You can find Tigris on Twitter, Facebook, and at her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
June 19, 2012
There's a reason I don't write books. As much as I love a good story I lack the necessary grammar and plot development skills to pull a full length novel off. I know that just because I am a voracious reader who loves to talk and blog about books does not mean that I am cut out to be an author. I sincerely wish that someone had explained this to Ms. Eden.
Enslaved in Shadows is an unoriginal story filled with ideas, trends and even tropes that can easily be found in most Romance, Paranormal Romance (PNR) and Urban Fantasy (UF) books. Here's a list of some of the plot aspects I'm referring to;
-Mystery one-night stand
-Quickie wedding to asshole to forget one-night stand
-Surprise baby
-Chance reunion of heroine and surprised baby-daddy
-Evil exes
-Mysterious organization that hunts/polices paranormal critters
-The “Destined Mate”story line
-Revenge sex
-Torture of heroine to draw out hero
The plot is played out by characters who, but for some name changes could be from any PNR/UF novel on your library's shelf. Characters who are essentially cardboard cut-outs of characters done better and with more feeling by other authors.
If the unoriginal story line and characters weren't bad enough Enslaved in Shadows is marred by poor word choices resulting in some bizarre purple prose, bungled metaphors and glaring grammatical errors. I'm not sure if Ms. Eden just went to town with a thesaurus or what happened, but many times words she used either didn't seem like something her characters would say or may have technically made sense but were jarring because they aren't generally used in the capacity they were written in or because I had no idea what they meant and had to look them up.
Here are a couple of examples. Definitions were found at www.thefreedictionary.com and page numbers are from were I found the examples in my pdf. ARC of Enslaved in Shadow.
1. “Strings of cyclopean desire tighten [sic] and stretched as her orgasm crashed over her body.” (pg 20)
If you're like me you immediately thought of the Cyclops and wondered what Cyclops strings are. Cyclopean can mean huge and is a synonym of the word gargantuan. I know because I looked it up. It also, obviously, refers to the Cyclops of Grecian-Roman myth and to an ancient style of architecture.
2. “His sinful laugh oscillated down her spine and travelled on a Cyprian [sic] journey toward her clit.” (pg 89) It's just too much! Oscillate means to swing back and forth with a steady, uninterrupted rhythm and/or to waver, as between conflicting opinions or courses of action. So how exactly does a laugh oscillated down one's spine? Cyprian, on the other hand can be refer to something from or relating to Cyprus, of or relating to the ancient worship of Aphrodite on Cyprus or licentious or wanton. I'm assuming Ms. Eden meant wanton, but really, why did we need all these extra, rarely used words? They just make the sentence and, as a result, the scene in which they're found confusing. Thus taking me out of the scene and forcing me to Google words I've never heard before.
3. “You, dear [sic] handling my junk bring nothing by salacious intentions to my brain and its receptive pleasure neurons.”(pg 46) First, I'm not a doctor but I looked up pleasure neurons (used at least twice in the novel) and there's no such thing. Don't believe me? Type it into Google and Wikipedia. Nothing! Second, this character just referred to his man-bits as his “junk” and then breaks out some 10-point Scrabble words and refers to his “pleasure neurons”. I don't buy it, it's not in his character and it took me right out of the scene. It did make me laugh, but I don't think that's what Ms. Eden was going for.
4. “He was an endorphin inducing opiate.” (pg 12) Endorphins and opiates do two different things. It's like me saying, “he was a hyperactivity inducing sleeping pill.
5.“...he was salivating at the bit...”(pg 8) It's “chomping at the bit”. Salivating at the bit makes me think of a horse with ropey saliva hanging down to its knees – not a sexy image.
The novel is also missing possessive apostrophes throughout and contains very awkward comma placement and sentence structure. As I mentioned before, I am not an expert on grammar, so when I can recognize something like comma placement and sentence structure then you know there's a problem.
I also had issue with the many overdone descriptions of events, people and feelings throughout Enslaved in Shadow and the graphic, disgusting torture scene and the over the top, cliff hanger ending.
You might be wondering why I even bothered to read or review Enslaved in Shadow. Personally, I think it's exciting when a new author debuts. I am excited to have a new voice become part of the genre I love. I finished Enslaved in Shadow because I believed that at some point it had to get better and I reviewed it because I think it can be an example to would-be authors a guide of things one should not do when writing a novel.
Enslaved in Shadow should not have been published as it is. It is not ready and if someone like me can see it then other, more knowledgeable, readers will see it. I find that both sad, because I have no doubt Ms Eden put her heart and soul into this novel's inception, and infuriating, because as a member of the book blogging community Ms. Eden has access to resources and people within all aspects of publishing that most aspiring new authors do not. With more stringent editing and some tweaking, Enslaved in Shadow could have been a decent read. I don't think it would have made the NY Times best seller list, but it would not have been so fraught with problems.
Enslaved in Shadows is an unoriginal story filled with ideas, trends and even tropes that can easily be found in most Romance, Paranormal Romance (PNR) and Urban Fantasy (UF) books. Here's a list of some of the plot aspects I'm referring to;
-Mystery one-night stand
-Quickie wedding to asshole to forget one-night stand
-Surprise baby
-Chance reunion of heroine and surprised baby-daddy
-Evil exes
-Mysterious organization that hunts/polices paranormal critters
-The “Destined Mate”story line
-Revenge sex
-Torture of heroine to draw out hero
The plot is played out by characters who, but for some name changes could be from any PNR/UF novel on your library's shelf. Characters who are essentially cardboard cut-outs of characters done better and with more feeling by other authors.
If the unoriginal story line and characters weren't bad enough Enslaved in Shadows is marred by poor word choices resulting in some bizarre purple prose, bungled metaphors and glaring grammatical errors. I'm not sure if Ms. Eden just went to town with a thesaurus or what happened, but many times words she used either didn't seem like something her characters would say or may have technically made sense but were jarring because they aren't generally used in the capacity they were written in or because I had no idea what they meant and had to look them up.
Here are a couple of examples. Definitions were found at www.thefreedictionary.com and page numbers are from were I found the examples in my pdf. ARC of Enslaved in Shadow.
1. “Strings of cyclopean desire tighten [sic] and stretched as her orgasm crashed over her body.” (pg 20)
If you're like me you immediately thought of the Cyclops and wondered what Cyclops strings are. Cyclopean can mean huge and is a synonym of the word gargantuan. I know because I looked it up. It also, obviously, refers to the Cyclops of Grecian-Roman myth and to an ancient style of architecture.
2. “His sinful laugh oscillated down her spine and travelled on a Cyprian [sic] journey toward her clit.” (pg 89) It's just too much! Oscillate means to swing back and forth with a steady, uninterrupted rhythm and/or to waver, as between conflicting opinions or courses of action. So how exactly does a laugh oscillated down one's spine? Cyprian, on the other hand can be refer to something from or relating to Cyprus, of or relating to the ancient worship of Aphrodite on Cyprus or licentious or wanton. I'm assuming Ms. Eden meant wanton, but really, why did we need all these extra, rarely used words? They just make the sentence and, as a result, the scene in which they're found confusing. Thus taking me out of the scene and forcing me to Google words I've never heard before.
3. “You, dear [sic] handling my junk bring nothing by salacious intentions to my brain and its receptive pleasure neurons.”(pg 46) First, I'm not a doctor but I looked up pleasure neurons (used at least twice in the novel) and there's no such thing. Don't believe me? Type it into Google and Wikipedia. Nothing! Second, this character just referred to his man-bits as his “junk” and then breaks out some 10-point Scrabble words and refers to his “pleasure neurons”. I don't buy it, it's not in his character and it took me right out of the scene. It did make me laugh, but I don't think that's what Ms. Eden was going for.
4. “He was an endorphin inducing opiate.” (pg 12) Endorphins and opiates do two different things. It's like me saying, “he was a hyperactivity inducing sleeping pill.
5.“...he was salivating at the bit...”(pg 8) It's “chomping at the bit”. Salivating at the bit makes me think of a horse with ropey saliva hanging down to its knees – not a sexy image.
The novel is also missing possessive apostrophes throughout and contains very awkward comma placement and sentence structure. As I mentioned before, I am not an expert on grammar, so when I can recognize something like comma placement and sentence structure then you know there's a problem.
I also had issue with the many overdone descriptions of events, people and feelings throughout Enslaved in Shadow and the graphic, disgusting torture scene and the over the top, cliff hanger ending.
You might be wondering why I even bothered to read or review Enslaved in Shadow. Personally, I think it's exciting when a new author debuts. I am excited to have a new voice become part of the genre I love. I finished Enslaved in Shadow because I believed that at some point it had to get better and I reviewed it because I think it can be an example to would-be authors a guide of things one should not do when writing a novel.
Enslaved in Shadow should not have been published as it is. It is not ready and if someone like me can see it then other, more knowledgeable, readers will see it. I find that both sad, because I have no doubt Ms Eden put her heart and soul into this novel's inception, and infuriating, because as a member of the book blogging community Ms. Eden has access to resources and people within all aspects of publishing that most aspiring new authors do not. With more stringent editing and some tweaking, Enslaved in Shadow could have been a decent read. I don't think it would have made the NY Times best seller list, but it would not have been so fraught with problems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2020
Enslaved in Shadows by Tigris Eden
Paranormal romance. First book in the Shadow Unit series. Cliffhanger, high level.
Complex with a multilayered storyline. Extremes from raunchy, explicit sex to gruesome torture and violence. Both with heavy manipulative motives and driving predatory instincts. Both that went on for pages and pages.
The phrase “beyond the point of pain” was used a couple of times in the sex scenes.
Frankly as a whole, it was too much for me. It was too twisted from several points.
The immediate protection nature of the grandmother was precious.
Paranormal romance. First book in the Shadow Unit series. Cliffhanger, high level.
Complex with a multilayered storyline. Extremes from raunchy, explicit sex to gruesome torture and violence. Both with heavy manipulative motives and driving predatory instincts. Both that went on for pages and pages.
The phrase “beyond the point of pain” was used a couple of times in the sex scenes.
Frankly as a whole, it was too much for me. It was too twisted from several points.
The immediate protection nature of the grandmother was precious.
October 7, 2013
My first thoughts on this novel? What a twist and what a rush. This was awesome. My final thoughts however, ‘you’ve got to be kidding me! It’ can’t end like that!’ (vocally enough that my dogs came running). A standalone novel this is not, but completely phenomenal none the less.
This novel is vividly visual right from the first page. I can see the characters and their surroundings right in my mind’s eye. Eden’s off the walls, in your face writing style keeps you on your toes throughout. Eden also sets off at a fast pace that she keeps up for most of the novel. There were a few places where the story lagged as she fills in her readers about necessary background information, but that is bound to happen in the first novel of a new series.
I really like Eden’s take on the supernatural world. As many different species and races as she presents, the supernaturals actually stick together for once. At the same time, each of the supernatural races is individually developed. As a reader you don’t get to know everything about any of the races, however you know as much about them as the other characters do. It’s quite the unique concept. The well-developed supernatural law enforcement agency is also very intriguing.
The characters in this novel are completely off the hook. By individually developing each of the characters Eden allows them to stand on their own. At the same time, she ties everyone together so that you can see how they fit into their unit and family as a whole. With the large variety of character types in this novel there is someone for everyone to fall in love with and to identify with. There is also someone for every reader to keep as the bad guy.
Overall, this was a brilliant introduction to the Shadow Unit. It introduces you to the characters & the Shadow Unit while keeping you primed for future instalments. Eden also tells a fast paced tale that keeps you captivated. I cannot wait to read more from this series.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author/publisher/blog tour company in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is vividly visual right from the first page. I can see the characters and their surroundings right in my mind’s eye. Eden’s off the walls, in your face writing style keeps you on your toes throughout. Eden also sets off at a fast pace that she keeps up for most of the novel. There were a few places where the story lagged as she fills in her readers about necessary background information, but that is bound to happen in the first novel of a new series.
I really like Eden’s take on the supernatural world. As many different species and races as she presents, the supernaturals actually stick together for once. At the same time, each of the supernatural races is individually developed. As a reader you don’t get to know everything about any of the races, however you know as much about them as the other characters do. It’s quite the unique concept. The well-developed supernatural law enforcement agency is also very intriguing.
The characters in this novel are completely off the hook. By individually developing each of the characters Eden allows them to stand on their own. At the same time, she ties everyone together so that you can see how they fit into their unit and family as a whole. With the large variety of character types in this novel there is someone for everyone to fall in love with and to identify with. There is also someone for every reader to keep as the bad guy.
Overall, this was a brilliant introduction to the Shadow Unit. It introduces you to the characters & the Shadow Unit while keeping you primed for future instalments. Eden also tells a fast paced tale that keeps you captivated. I cannot wait to read more from this series.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author/publisher/blog tour company in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2012
I could not put this book down. It was a wild ride and being that this was a debut author, I wasn't that excited until I began reading the book. Jes and Draven take you down a very emotional path. There were times when I was heart broken and then there were times I was like get your act together. She's been abused and hurt, so I understand her trepidation.
A lot of people thought Draven was an ass. I didn't see it that way. I saw it as his way of making the choices he felt that was best for his family. He's alpha, what was everyone expecting? Jes does have her moments of indecision but what woman doesn't? That's what I enjoyed the most about this new author. Ms. Eden paints this picture of reality in a world that is fantasy for us. Real life issues with real outcomes. I could totatlly put myself in her shoes and see why, one minute she wanted to tear his clothes off, and the next she was pushing him away.
Draven matured. In the beginning he was a fun loving werewolf out to get laid. As the years progressed he became what was expected of him. At first he's settling down for all the wrong reasons. Melissa was a joke! But then opportunity/fate knocks and all the pieces fall into place for him. Even if it's not what he'd originally planned. He stepped up to the plate, admitted his feelings and then worked to get the issues resolved. Did he handle the break up with Melissa well? No. But what guy does? He was abrupt and abrasive with her and yes he had "dick" like qualities. He did try the reasoning route.
Jes who's been so badly abused had a lot to handle herself. I see why the author took her and us the reader down her past, and then pulled us into her future. We needed to see what she was dealing with in order to understand her motives. I sure hope Marcus gets what's coming to him!
As for the torture seen... Well done! It was dark, it was creepy and it was real! You have bad guys. What did you think would happen? Then you throw in a mix of animalistic "feral" creatures did you really think Ronin wasn't going to go that route? I knew from the start he was going to do some bad things to Oliver. It didn't bother me. But then I have an open mind and I understood what Ms. Eden was trying to convey.
Royce! He was amazing! I can't wait for his story, he added the comic relief that just made this book so fun and fascinating to read. These characters were not one dimensional nor can you find them anywhere else. She's created a fresh and new world for us readers to explore. They were deep, and I can tell that there is more underneath the surface and I can't wait for Burned! I am buying this series and giving it the chance it desrves. She's new, it's fresh. This is her debut novel in the genre, of course there are going to be blips here and there. It didn't take away from the story at all.
For those who had to get a dictionary for soem of the word usage, well, okay now you know some new words. Were the words unnecessary? One could say yes or no, but I enjoyed them. They were eloquent and nicely put together. I hope she keeps using her thesuarus or whatever manner of vocabulary she has becuase her words are poetic. I think readers who don't know much about this author can't and won't understand. And that's a true shame, becuase you're missing out. I read some of the blog posts and I can see how she's been writing all along. She's done poems, so when reading this book I expected to see flowery words, and I did! (Well done Ms. Eden)
As for the ending of the book. Do I like cliffhangers? Heck no! But this one was done nicely. Left me in suspense and almost throwing my kindle across the room. But what I loved best about the book and the ending, it provoked feeling and emotion. I was right there devastated like someone of the other readers were. Ms. Eden please give Jes and Draven that HEA we all want and need! Pretty please!
Pick up this book... I actually have never reviewed anything on Goodreads. I just came here becuase a friend pointed me towards this book. I've seen some really nice reviews and I've seen one really bad one. Which she does clearly state it was an ARC Uncorrected Copy of the book... Hmmmmmm LOL But like I said this is Ms. Eden's first go at PNR... Or as she's coined it in one of the Guest Posts I read Para-Horror Romance. (Love that!) I suggest you read it and see it for what it really is... A Diamond in the rought and I know once this series picks up it's going to do great things!
Loved the book! Thank you Ms. Eden for writing something fresh and new! And please let Royce be amazing in Burned... Does he end of with Bells?
A lot of people thought Draven was an ass. I didn't see it that way. I saw it as his way of making the choices he felt that was best for his family. He's alpha, what was everyone expecting? Jes does have her moments of indecision but what woman doesn't? That's what I enjoyed the most about this new author. Ms. Eden paints this picture of reality in a world that is fantasy for us. Real life issues with real outcomes. I could totatlly put myself in her shoes and see why, one minute she wanted to tear his clothes off, and the next she was pushing him away.
Draven matured. In the beginning he was a fun loving werewolf out to get laid. As the years progressed he became what was expected of him. At first he's settling down for all the wrong reasons. Melissa was a joke! But then opportunity/fate knocks and all the pieces fall into place for him. Even if it's not what he'd originally planned. He stepped up to the plate, admitted his feelings and then worked to get the issues resolved. Did he handle the break up with Melissa well? No. But what guy does? He was abrupt and abrasive with her and yes he had "dick" like qualities. He did try the reasoning route.
Jes who's been so badly abused had a lot to handle herself. I see why the author took her and us the reader down her past, and then pulled us into her future. We needed to see what she was dealing with in order to understand her motives. I sure hope Marcus gets what's coming to him!
As for the torture seen... Well done! It was dark, it was creepy and it was real! You have bad guys. What did you think would happen? Then you throw in a mix of animalistic "feral" creatures did you really think Ronin wasn't going to go that route? I knew from the start he was going to do some bad things to Oliver. It didn't bother me. But then I have an open mind and I understood what Ms. Eden was trying to convey.
Royce! He was amazing! I can't wait for his story, he added the comic relief that just made this book so fun and fascinating to read. These characters were not one dimensional nor can you find them anywhere else. She's created a fresh and new world for us readers to explore. They were deep, and I can tell that there is more underneath the surface and I can't wait for Burned! I am buying this series and giving it the chance it desrves. She's new, it's fresh. This is her debut novel in the genre, of course there are going to be blips here and there. It didn't take away from the story at all.
For those who had to get a dictionary for soem of the word usage, well, okay now you know some new words. Were the words unnecessary? One could say yes or no, but I enjoyed them. They were eloquent and nicely put together. I hope she keeps using her thesuarus or whatever manner of vocabulary she has becuase her words are poetic. I think readers who don't know much about this author can't and won't understand. And that's a true shame, becuase you're missing out. I read some of the blog posts and I can see how she's been writing all along. She's done poems, so when reading this book I expected to see flowery words, and I did! (Well done Ms. Eden)
As for the ending of the book. Do I like cliffhangers? Heck no! But this one was done nicely. Left me in suspense and almost throwing my kindle across the room. But what I loved best about the book and the ending, it provoked feeling and emotion. I was right there devastated like someone of the other readers were. Ms. Eden please give Jes and Draven that HEA we all want and need! Pretty please!
Pick up this book... I actually have never reviewed anything on Goodreads. I just came here becuase a friend pointed me towards this book. I've seen some really nice reviews and I've seen one really bad one. Which she does clearly state it was an ARC Uncorrected Copy of the book... Hmmmmmm LOL But like I said this is Ms. Eden's first go at PNR... Or as she's coined it in one of the Guest Posts I read Para-Horror Romance. (Love that!) I suggest you read it and see it for what it really is... A Diamond in the rought and I know once this series picks up it's going to do great things!
Loved the book! Thank you Ms. Eden for writing something fresh and new! And please let Royce be amazing in Burned... Does he end of with Bells?
June 15, 2012
Where do I start with this book.. Oh how I want to tell you about the ending, but that just would not be fair. Not fair at all. But Oh MAN!! OH, Oh *covers mouth*... Okay lets start at the beginning.
Enslaved is Tirgis Eden’s debut novel and let me tell you I think she knocked it out of the park. This book has a little bit of everything. You have love, lust, trust, betrayal, failure and hope. And oh man I really wish I could tell you all the sordid little deals. But again that is really not fair. I will tell you that this book left me dying, DYING I tell you for the next book in this series.
Let me tell you how hard it is to write this review without giving away spoilers. And I try really hard not to give spoilers. So I would just say if you are looking for a new author, a new series, a new hero & heroine to fall in love with you really need to pick up a copy of Enslaved. Oh and the band of side characters SO MUCH potential.
Oh and the ending? Nope not going to tell you.... Yes, because I am evil like that. :)
Enslaved is Tirgis Eden’s debut novel and let me tell you I think she knocked it out of the park. This book has a little bit of everything. You have love, lust, trust, betrayal, failure and hope. And oh man I really wish I could tell you all the sordid little deals. But again that is really not fair. I will tell you that this book left me dying, DYING I tell you for the next book in this series.
Let me tell you how hard it is to write this review without giving away spoilers. And I try really hard not to give spoilers. So I would just say if you are looking for a new author, a new series, a new hero & heroine to fall in love with you really need to pick up a copy of Enslaved. Oh and the band of side characters SO MUCH potential.
Oh and the ending? Nope not going to tell you.... Yes, because I am evil like that. :)
March 21, 2012
Right from the beginning, the author drapes the story of the all American girl in intensity and suspense while she embarks on a personal journey of self discovery and growth. Unbenounced to Jes, during the process of amending her past, it's her darkest deepest past indiscretions that threatens her future happiness. Reluctantly Jes enlists the special elite services of her one and only hope- The Shadow Unit. And the best man for the job is none other than Draven Stone, who coincidentally turns out to be the one man that can make Jes question the very foundation of her existence. Fatefully, once Draven learns the details of his new assignment, neither him nor Jes will ever be the same. Their obstacles literally turn the pages and lands the reader in a place they could have never predicted. Life can not be lived in the shadows of existence, but for Draven and Jes its where life begins and ends.I was eagerly ready for book #2 IMMEDIATELY!
October 17, 2012
I wish I had known ahead of time that this book ended in a cliffhanger. And not just a cliffhanger, the story is basically unresolved. What was supposedly a romance for the main couple Jes and Draven does not end with the couple together in a resolved relationship. I don't mind sequels or series even, but I dislike the feeling that I NEED to buy the next installment just to finish the story. Knocked of a few stars for me.
As I was reading along I was somewhat enjoying the book. However it did have some plotting/logic problems and some grammar/homonym errors. But the ending just frankly soured any goodwill I had.
First, I was never sure how much time elapsed once Jes and Draven reconnected after having a one night stand five years earlier. Days? Weeks? The gist of the story is basically Draven and his team of Supernatural commando guys are trying to find and stop Jes' ex-husband who runs a business of kidnapping and selling the blood of vampires. Jes has information for the team and needs protection. Most of the plot has all the team, including Jes, careening from place to place to find where the ex-husband is keeping the kidnapped vampires. But Jes and Draven manage to find time to have sex, a lot, and sorta fall in love. So yeah, I was very muddy on the timeline.
Midway through, the plot shifts as we learn that Jes' ex is really just a pawn and there is some other big bad out there. So at this point I wasn't sure why Jes' information was still necessary since it was clear it had no real value. Also, I wondered how Jes, a woman who by all accounts had been so severely abused by her husband (she was kept locked up and isolated from her friends and family) managed to get away from him long enough to actually get a divorce?
Second, I wondered how long Draven and his team actually worked together? For a unit, they knew surprisingly little about each other. Every time something bad happened or they got into a jam of some sort a team member revealed a supernatural power that the other team members seemed surprised or shocked by. And the bad guys always seemed to know where they were going to be and always seemed to manage to kidnap or harm Jes right under their noses.
Third, I was not impressed with the villain. I like a well constructed villain. One that I can root against but also appreciate for his/her diabolical schemes. This was not the case. The villain just kind of appears at the end and is just super powerful and evil. No hint of really up to that point who or what he was or what he wants.
Finally, I thought the ending just fell apart for me and not just because of the cliffhanger. Too much happened in the last two-to-three chapters that hadn't been adequately set up and prepared in the whole first part of the book. I still don't get why Jes is so important. I know she is the heroine but what made her so special that she needed to be kidnapped all the time?
The book included a lot of sex scenes. Some sex scenes went on for half a chapter. I think the time would have been better spent developing the story more.
I think you can create ongoing suspense for a multi-part series while still creating an installment that has a sense of a story satisfyingly told. I don't think that happened here. More importantly, I am not at all tempted to read the second installment.
As I was reading along I was somewhat enjoying the book. However it did have some plotting/logic problems and some grammar/homonym errors. But the ending just frankly soured any goodwill I had.
First, I was never sure how much time elapsed once Jes and Draven reconnected after having a one night stand five years earlier. Days? Weeks? The gist of the story is basically Draven and his team of Supernatural commando guys are trying to find and stop Jes' ex-husband who runs a business of kidnapping and selling the blood of vampires. Jes has information for the team and needs protection. Most of the plot has all the team, including Jes, careening from place to place to find where the ex-husband is keeping the kidnapped vampires. But Jes and Draven manage to find time to have sex, a lot, and sorta fall in love. So yeah, I was very muddy on the timeline.
Midway through, the plot shifts as we learn that Jes' ex is really just a pawn and there is some other big bad out there. So at this point I wasn't sure why Jes' information was still necessary since it was clear it had no real value. Also, I wondered how Jes, a woman who by all accounts had been so severely abused by her husband (she was kept locked up and isolated from her friends and family) managed to get away from him long enough to actually get a divorce?
Second, I wondered how long Draven and his team actually worked together? For a unit, they knew surprisingly little about each other. Every time something bad happened or they got into a jam of some sort a team member revealed a supernatural power that the other team members seemed surprised or shocked by. And the bad guys always seemed to know where they were going to be and always seemed to manage to kidnap or harm Jes right under their noses.
Third, I was not impressed with the villain. I like a well constructed villain. One that I can root against but also appreciate for his/her diabolical schemes. This was not the case. The villain just kind of appears at the end and is just super powerful and evil. No hint of really up to that point who or what he was or what he wants.
Finally, I thought the ending just fell apart for me and not just because of the cliffhanger. Too much happened in the last two-to-three chapters that hadn't been adequately set up and prepared in the whole first part of the book. I still don't get why Jes is so important. I know she is the heroine but what made her so special that she needed to be kidnapped all the time?
The book included a lot of sex scenes. Some sex scenes went on for half a chapter. I think the time would have been better spent developing the story more.
I think you can create ongoing suspense for a multi-part series while still creating an installment that has a sense of a story satisfyingly told. I don't think that happened here. More importantly, I am not at all tempted to read the second installment.
Read
December 2, 2019Don't read book continues into the next one. I skimmed it & didn't like the storyline for the MC in this one.
Didn't really read but GR won't let me choose other options (on android phone) and write a comment
Didn't really read but GR won't let me choose other options (on android phone) and write a comment
October 14, 2013
Favourite Lines “Her body called to his and Draven was more than ready to answer. No names, just raw, carnal matting. Hard. Fast. Dirty.”
“Vampires were born, not infected with some virus or curse. There was no such thing as a bite turning you fangy. That shit only happened in movies.”
“You and your daughter. I want us to be a family. My scent is strong on the both of you. I don’t understand how. I don't even know what it means. All I know is I can’t live another day without knowing it’s you I will come home to”
“Give me time.” She answered burying her head in his neck.
“You have all my time. But by the time you have it all figured out we’ll be on cub number three.”
“Things between them would never be over. Never. Faith brought her back her peace for now”
Oh no! I'm still crying from this ending!
Let me go back to beginning, the book starts with some oh so hot loving between a sexy no name man and Jesminda. Then on next chapter it's 5 yrs later and the no name man is actually Draven from the Shadow Unit. He's been given a new assignment and it's Jes! He can't believe it! He has dreamed of her every night of the five yrs since they met.
Jes can't believe he's here and he's suppose to protect her from her crazy ex who's been capturing vamps and selling there blood.
Draven has always known that his wolf wanted Jes but now he wants her too! He will have her in his life!
In walks the most adorable little 5 yr old girl faith she walks right up to Draven and says we are the same. Jes can't breathe while watching her with Draven. He can smell his scent on her! He does t know why he doesn't care this is his family!
Then jesters kidnapped by Marcus and they do unspeakable things to her! Draven can't lose her again! He goes after her... I won't say what happen but OMG!
What a funny, emotional, sexy, OMG book! This shadow unit is going to be a good series I just know it is!
I can't wait to see what happens next!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (RABT)
FIVE MATED FAIRIES
“Vampires were born, not infected with some virus or curse. There was no such thing as a bite turning you fangy. That shit only happened in movies.”
“You and your daughter. I want us to be a family. My scent is strong on the both of you. I don’t understand how. I don't even know what it means. All I know is I can’t live another day without knowing it’s you I will come home to”
“Give me time.” She answered burying her head in his neck.
“You have all my time. But by the time you have it all figured out we’ll be on cub number three.”
“Things between them would never be over. Never. Faith brought her back her peace for now”
Oh no! I'm still crying from this ending!
Let me go back to beginning, the book starts with some oh so hot loving between a sexy no name man and Jesminda. Then on next chapter it's 5 yrs later and the no name man is actually Draven from the Shadow Unit. He's been given a new assignment and it's Jes! He can't believe it! He has dreamed of her every night of the five yrs since they met.
Jes can't believe he's here and he's suppose to protect her from her crazy ex who's been capturing vamps and selling there blood.
Draven has always known that his wolf wanted Jes but now he wants her too! He will have her in his life!
In walks the most adorable little 5 yr old girl faith she walks right up to Draven and says we are the same. Jes can't breathe while watching her with Draven. He can smell his scent on her! He does t know why he doesn't care this is his family!
Then jesters kidnapped by Marcus and they do unspeakable things to her! Draven can't lose her again! He goes after her... I won't say what happen but OMG!
What a funny, emotional, sexy, OMG book! This shadow unit is going to be a good series I just know it is!
I can't wait to see what happens next!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (RABT)
FIVE MATED FAIRIES
July 2, 2012
Jes and her best friend, Bells, are in Belize to celebrate carnivale. Celebrating meant Jes having a quickie interlude with a stranger in the jungle without exchanging names. While she agreed to the arrangment, she felt like there was more to just that night. Unfortunately, when she sees her stranger the next night in the arms of a vampire at a friend's club, she runs off.
Fast forward five years and we discover that the stranger is none other than Agent Draven Stone and he is part of a Shadow Unit team charged with guarding Jes and her five year old daughter from her psychotic ex-husband. Draven's wolf is still drawn to Jes and wants to claim her as his own, regardless of what his pack might want.
Draven and Jes have a lot of baggage they need to sort through, which includes the daughter Draven didn't realize he had and the abuse Jes suffered at the hands of her ex. Then there are the attempts from Jes' ex to get rid of her and take her daughter for his experiments. Neither Jes, Draven or even the Shadow Unit team do a really great job of sifting through this mess to ensure both Jes and her daughter are safe.
I'm still torn about this book. There were times when I didn't like any of the characters and then a time or two where I couldn't stand Draven and wondered why Jes even bothered (when he marked her practically sent me over the edge). However, the storyline to the book had me engaged, even if the characters didn't (and why I will read the next book in the series).
Fast forward five years and we discover that the stranger is none other than Agent Draven Stone and he is part of a Shadow Unit team charged with guarding Jes and her five year old daughter from her psychotic ex-husband. Draven's wolf is still drawn to Jes and wants to claim her as his own, regardless of what his pack might want.
Draven and Jes have a lot of baggage they need to sort through, which includes the daughter Draven didn't realize he had and the abuse Jes suffered at the hands of her ex. Then there are the attempts from Jes' ex to get rid of her and take her daughter for his experiments. Neither Jes, Draven or even the Shadow Unit team do a really great job of sifting through this mess to ensure both Jes and her daughter are safe.
I'm still torn about this book. There were times when I didn't like any of the characters and then a time or two where I couldn't stand Draven and wondered why Jes even bothered (when he marked her practically sent me over the edge). However, the storyline to the book had me engaged, even if the characters didn't (and why I will read the next book in the series).
March 7, 2015
I won this e-book from a blog giveaway. It was really good all the way through! I like/hate the ending!! It's a freaking cliff hanger! Now I gotta figure out how to read book 2...once it's done with :)
October 2, 2020
This book had me from the first word that I read. I couldn't put this book down. This is the first book I have read from Tigris Eden and I can't wait to read some more by her.
I absolutely loved al the characters Royce was by far my favorite character. He was so funny and brought alot to the book.
The book has a romance to it that I enjoyed reading. Draven and Jesminda had a connection from the moment they meet given that they didn't even know each other names but little did they know that they would always have a connect to each other.
There was so much mystery throughtout this book I was trying to figure out who was behind everything and who was the bad guys.
I didn't expect the outcome of the book. But it makes me want to read the next book in this series to find out what happens to Draven.
I absolutely loved al the characters Royce was by far my favorite character. He was so funny and brought alot to the book.
The book has a romance to it that I enjoyed reading. Draven and Jesminda had a connection from the moment they meet given that they didn't even know each other names but little did they know that they would always have a connect to each other.
There was so much mystery throughtout this book I was trying to figure out who was behind everything and who was the bad guys.
I didn't expect the outcome of the book. But it makes me want to read the next book in this series to find out what happens to Draven.
June 8, 2012
JenRen’s Review of Enslaved in Shadows – Tigris Eden
Author: Tigris Eden
Title: Enslaved in Shadows – Shadow Unit #1
Published: June 18th, 2012
Publisher: BookRhythm
ISBN: 9780985636
A man's Past leads to his Future......
Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit's job is simple, most days. Work in the Shadows, police his own Kind.
When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can't help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made.
The Heart of a woman is Tested........
Jes can't let the tall dark agent back into her life.
How can she trust any man after what she's endured? Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn't have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn't abused her physically but he's tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life.
Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again?
One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late.
The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another.
…………………
***5 Stars***
A WICKED RIDE FULL OF HEAT AND ACTION – IT WILL LEAVE YOU PANTING FOR MORE – THIS DEBUT BOOK IS BEAST!
Enslaved in Shadows begins on a sunny, sultry day in Belmopan, Belize. Jesminda (Jes) and her bestie Belinda (Bells) are enjoying a much deserved vacation.
Jes has plans of letting her wild side out to play; she is sooo by the book – she’s tired of the constant monologue of her mothers’ voice in her head… “a proper lady acts like this” “a proper lady wouldn’t do that”…
Jes and Bells are at a bar having drinks, just taking in the atmosphere. There are several people in the bar and on the beach, but nothing compared to what there will be when Carnival begins. Every year Belmopan holds and Erotic Carnival, where anything and everything goes. Jes is looking forward to her opportunity to let loose.
Suddenly Jes’ body is humming, she looks across the bar and there sits a PRIME slice of man. As her eyes take him all in, she wants nothing more than to hop on and take him for a ride…
Just as Jes thinks she’s going to combust, the walking orgasm turns and leaves the bar…without so much as a hello!
Bells tuned in to what was happening, and suggests they go hang on the beach and soak up some sun…
They scope out a spot on the beach and settle in for a relaxing afternoon, before going to go Odessa’s later. Odessa’s is the dance club to hit on the island.
Dressed for trouble and looking to find it, Jes and Bells head out for the night.
After a few drinks, letting the music take control, Jes heads to the dance floor. After a couple of songs, she feels hands wrap around her and take her towards the shadows. She’s not afraid, as her body recognizes who has her.
Jes tries to turn around, she wants to see this man who enflames her body; she wants to know more about him. He stops her from turning around, and also from speaking….he says “no names.”
Jes thinks this is weird, but rolls with it – because there is no way she is ending this night without having this man!
As touches ignite, kisses smolder, and their bodies strain for one another – Jes has momentary doubts…she isn’t sure that she’s cut out for a one nighter only.
Which will win out – Jes’ head or her body? And if her body wins, can her heart take it?
………
5 years later...
Jes is on the run and her life is a mess. She needs protection and is also a key to helping solve an ongoing case.
She turns to the Shadow Unit for help and protection, but she gets more than she bargained for in seeking them out…
Will Jes be able to overcome her issues and work with the Unit, or will she just keep running – forever?
****
Enslaved in Shadows kept me up reading, long into the night; I couldn’t put the book down!
Around every corner, I had to know what was going to happen next…and the sex scenes scorched the screen of my Kindle!
Tigris Eden has created characters that are enigmatic, mysterious, intriguing, and lets be honest – Smokin’ HAWT! Every member of the Shadow Unit has something unique about them, and Ms. Eden gave us just enough of a taste to keep us hungry.
I am very much looking forward to Burned in Shadows, the 2nd book in the Shadow Unit Series…I want it in my damn hands RIGHT NOW…I’m dying to know what happens next!
If you like a super sexy read with lots of action and suspense, interesting characters and a plot that keeps you turning pages – YOU HAVE TO PICK THIS BOOK UP!
Author: Tigris Eden
Title: Enslaved in Shadows – Shadow Unit #1
Published: June 18th, 2012
Publisher: BookRhythm
ISBN: 9780985636
A man's Past leads to his Future......
Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit's job is simple, most days. Work in the Shadows, police his own Kind.
When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can't help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made.
The Heart of a woman is Tested........
Jes can't let the tall dark agent back into her life.
How can she trust any man after what she's endured? Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn't have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn't abused her physically but he's tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life.
Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again?
One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late.
The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another.
…………………
***5 Stars***
A WICKED RIDE FULL OF HEAT AND ACTION – IT WILL LEAVE YOU PANTING FOR MORE – THIS DEBUT BOOK IS BEAST!
Enslaved in Shadows begins on a sunny, sultry day in Belmopan, Belize. Jesminda (Jes) and her bestie Belinda (Bells) are enjoying a much deserved vacation.
Jes has plans of letting her wild side out to play; she is sooo by the book – she’s tired of the constant monologue of her mothers’ voice in her head… “a proper lady acts like this” “a proper lady wouldn’t do that”…
Jes and Bells are at a bar having drinks, just taking in the atmosphere. There are several people in the bar and on the beach, but nothing compared to what there will be when Carnival begins. Every year Belmopan holds and Erotic Carnival, where anything and everything goes. Jes is looking forward to her opportunity to let loose.
Suddenly Jes’ body is humming, she looks across the bar and there sits a PRIME slice of man. As her eyes take him all in, she wants nothing more than to hop on and take him for a ride…
Just as Jes thinks she’s going to combust, the walking orgasm turns and leaves the bar…without so much as a hello!
Bells tuned in to what was happening, and suggests they go hang on the beach and soak up some sun…
They scope out a spot on the beach and settle in for a relaxing afternoon, before going to go Odessa’s later. Odessa’s is the dance club to hit on the island.
Dressed for trouble and looking to find it, Jes and Bells head out for the night.
After a few drinks, letting the music take control, Jes heads to the dance floor. After a couple of songs, she feels hands wrap around her and take her towards the shadows. She’s not afraid, as her body recognizes who has her.
Jes tries to turn around, she wants to see this man who enflames her body; she wants to know more about him. He stops her from turning around, and also from speaking….he says “no names.”
Jes thinks this is weird, but rolls with it – because there is no way she is ending this night without having this man!
As touches ignite, kisses smolder, and their bodies strain for one another – Jes has momentary doubts…she isn’t sure that she’s cut out for a one nighter only.
Which will win out – Jes’ head or her body? And if her body wins, can her heart take it?
………
5 years later...
Jes is on the run and her life is a mess. She needs protection and is also a key to helping solve an ongoing case.
She turns to the Shadow Unit for help and protection, but she gets more than she bargained for in seeking them out…
Will Jes be able to overcome her issues and work with the Unit, or will she just keep running – forever?
****
Enslaved in Shadows kept me up reading, long into the night; I couldn’t put the book down!
Around every corner, I had to know what was going to happen next…and the sex scenes scorched the screen of my Kindle!
Tigris Eden has created characters that are enigmatic, mysterious, intriguing, and lets be honest – Smokin’ HAWT! Every member of the Shadow Unit has something unique about them, and Ms. Eden gave us just enough of a taste to keep us hungry.
I am very much looking forward to Burned in Shadows, the 2nd book in the Shadow Unit Series…I want it in my damn hands RIGHT NOW…I’m dying to know what happens next!
If you like a super sexy read with lots of action and suspense, interesting characters and a plot that keeps you turning pages – YOU HAVE TO PICK THIS BOOK UP!
July 5, 2012
I love this story. I'd give it a higher score, but there are too many issues. The biggest one is the editing problem. Wrong words, wrong tenses, plural words turned into possessive words, misplaced commas, a lack of commas, random semi-colons, etc. I still haven't quite decided if Draven thought Jes had likable or lickable thighs.
And I don't know if I can explain it properly, but the "voice" of the narration and the characters would change in a way that would jolt me out of the story. For example, a character would suddenly start speaking in a way that I can only explain as maybe more "street saavy." Kind of like the first time a brother from J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series says "you feel me" in it. My brain just says WTF?!??! Plus, every so often some random word would have me running to the internet, trying to find the definition. It was like the author was having sudden neuron bursts in her language centers and new vocabulary appeared. Or maybe she was working in what she learned on her word-a-day calendar.
Also, with this being a first in a series, there is the obligatory info dump. Unfortunately, parts of the dump completely escaped me. I don't know if it was editing, or if it was really kind of jumbled, or if my brain just couldn't process it all. I was over halfway through the book before I figured out that Bells and Belinda were the same person.
Beyond those things, I was just completely sucked into this story. By the time I finished, it was close to my bedtime. I actually need to be heading to bed now, but I prefer to do this when my thoughts are fresh. The first "meeting" between Draven and Jes is very hot, and the only word that came to mind to describe the writing was "visceral." I broke into a sweat a few times reading this book.
Jes has just left an abusive marriage, and is torn about starting (or resuming) a relationship with Draven, believing herself to have nothing to offer a new lover. She was so at odds with herself that at times, it felt ridiculous. Draven, a werewolf who is the head of her security detail, recognizes her as a one-night stand from five years previous and his mate. I enjoyed watching his persistant pursuit of Jes. Even when they were in danger, his thoughts were about how to get her safe and how he would convince her to stay when the assignment was over.
Near the end of the story, I thought finally, I'm going to get my HEA, the really bad and immediate stuff will be over, and the overarching evil will continue for the next book. All will be good. But NOOOOOOOOO. The author has to throw a fracking twist into it and leave me with a cliffhanger! One that jacks everything all to hell! And now I have to wait until the next one comes out! If the author were in front of me right now, I would consider beating her senseless with my Kindle. You're so cruel to meeeeee...*pouts*
And I don't know if I can explain it properly, but the "voice" of the narration and the characters would change in a way that would jolt me out of the story. For example, a character would suddenly start speaking in a way that I can only explain as maybe more "street saavy." Kind of like the first time a brother from J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series says "you feel me" in it. My brain just says WTF?!??! Plus, every so often some random word would have me running to the internet, trying to find the definition. It was like the author was having sudden neuron bursts in her language centers and new vocabulary appeared. Or maybe she was working in what she learned on her word-a-day calendar.
Also, with this being a first in a series, there is the obligatory info dump. Unfortunately, parts of the dump completely escaped me. I don't know if it was editing, or if it was really kind of jumbled, or if my brain just couldn't process it all. I was over halfway through the book before I figured out that Bells and Belinda were the same person.
Beyond those things, I was just completely sucked into this story. By the time I finished, it was close to my bedtime. I actually need to be heading to bed now, but I prefer to do this when my thoughts are fresh. The first "meeting" between Draven and Jes is very hot, and the only word that came to mind to describe the writing was "visceral." I broke into a sweat a few times reading this book.
Jes has just left an abusive marriage, and is torn about starting (or resuming) a relationship with Draven, believing herself to have nothing to offer a new lover. She was so at odds with herself that at times, it felt ridiculous. Draven, a werewolf who is the head of her security detail, recognizes her as a one-night stand from five years previous and his mate. I enjoyed watching his persistant pursuit of Jes. Even when they were in danger, his thoughts were about how to get her safe and how he would convince her to stay when the assignment was over.
Near the end of the story, I thought finally, I'm going to get my HEA, the really bad and immediate stuff will be over, and the overarching evil will continue for the next book. All will be good. But NOOOOOOOOO. The author has to throw a fracking twist into it and leave me with a cliffhanger! One that jacks everything all to hell! And now I have to wait until the next one comes out! If the author were in front of me right now, I would consider beating her senseless with my Kindle. You're so cruel to meeeeee...*pouts*
June 18, 2012
My Rating: 3 stars: Liked it, but I had some issues (B)
Full Review: http://www.twimom227.com/2012/06/revi...
The story begins about five years in the past with best friends Jesminda and Belinda on a get-away-from-it-all trip to Belize. While relaxing at a bar, tall, dark and handsome Draven catches the eye of Jes and likewise, Draven is inexplicably drawn to Jes. This leads to an evening of hot jungle sex, where names are not allowed. Draven, a wolf shifter, feels too close to human Jes, and decides he cannot afford more than one encounter.
Forward ahead to present day, where Draven is part of an elite supernatural enforcement team set up to keep the paranormal appearing normal to the outside world. Unfortunately, there is a bit of bad going down and a human drug runner, Marcus is kidnapping vampires to drain them of their blood. Draven’s team is in charge of protecting Marcus’s ex-wife and her child - Jes and her five-year old girl, Faith.
The first few chapters of Enslaved in Shadows lays out a fairly complex world full of supernatural beings of all shapes and sizes. Some we’ve seen before in other books, but others I’ve never read about before. The world is not unfamiliar, but Ms. Eden has added her own flavor and interpretations to some traditional creatures, together making her own unique platform.
As for our hero and heroine... Although Draven and Jes share a lot of passion and extremely sexy scenes, I had some difficulty connecting with the pair as a couple. I think it's because Ms. Eden does such a convincing job writing Jes's character. Jes is a broken woman. She has been abused and misused so horribly by her ex, Marcus, that she cannot connect with Draven in any way emotionally.
I do feel I need to mention that this book has some disturbing torture scenes. There is an interrogation of a traitor at the Unit’s headquarters, as well as some torture scenes involving Jes. These scenes are extremely graphic and unnecessarily gory. I found them very upsetting.
Enslaved in Shadows is a good start for this first time author. I felt that the writing could have been stronger - more developed, and at times the voice and tone of book changed from scene to scene. However, I enjoyed the world that has been created in Enslaved in Shadows. There are new paranormal creatures that we haven't seen before. Mysterious, hot men - all with stories begging to be told. The story is suspenseful and has an interesting overall plot. I look forward to find out where the path leads next.
Full Review: http://www.twimom227.com/2012/06/revi...
The story begins about five years in the past with best friends Jesminda and Belinda on a get-away-from-it-all trip to Belize. While relaxing at a bar, tall, dark and handsome Draven catches the eye of Jes and likewise, Draven is inexplicably drawn to Jes. This leads to an evening of hot jungle sex, where names are not allowed. Draven, a wolf shifter, feels too close to human Jes, and decides he cannot afford more than one encounter.
Forward ahead to present day, where Draven is part of an elite supernatural enforcement team set up to keep the paranormal appearing normal to the outside world. Unfortunately, there is a bit of bad going down and a human drug runner, Marcus is kidnapping vampires to drain them of their blood. Draven’s team is in charge of protecting Marcus’s ex-wife and her child - Jes and her five-year old girl, Faith.
The first few chapters of Enslaved in Shadows lays out a fairly complex world full of supernatural beings of all shapes and sizes. Some we’ve seen before in other books, but others I’ve never read about before. The world is not unfamiliar, but Ms. Eden has added her own flavor and interpretations to some traditional creatures, together making her own unique platform.
As for our hero and heroine... Although Draven and Jes share a lot of passion and extremely sexy scenes, I had some difficulty connecting with the pair as a couple. I think it's because Ms. Eden does such a convincing job writing Jes's character. Jes is a broken woman. She has been abused and misused so horribly by her ex, Marcus, that she cannot connect with Draven in any way emotionally.
I do feel I need to mention that this book has some disturbing torture scenes. There is an interrogation of a traitor at the Unit’s headquarters, as well as some torture scenes involving Jes. These scenes are extremely graphic and unnecessarily gory. I found them very upsetting.
Enslaved in Shadows is a good start for this first time author. I felt that the writing could have been stronger - more developed, and at times the voice and tone of book changed from scene to scene. However, I enjoyed the world that has been created in Enslaved in Shadows. There are new paranormal creatures that we haven't seen before. Mysterious, hot men - all with stories begging to be told. The story is suspenseful and has an interesting overall plot. I look forward to find out where the path leads next.
June 12, 2012
While on vacation in Belize Jesminda is determined to have fun, soak up some sun, and find her wild side. Draven turns her little walk on the wild side into the biggest moment of her life. It is just a moment though. After their paths crossed they went in opposite directions and expected never to see each other again.
Five years later Jes is in deep trouble. She’s running from an abusive ex-husband, protecting the only thing in her life she holds dear, and trying to stop her ex-husband from harming any more people including herself. She’s been broken, used and abused. She now knows that the man she married to is pure evil. She turns to the Shadow Unit with hopes that they can stop his evil from spreading further.
Draven has devoted his time to the Shadow Unit. They are the people that police the immortals. He enjoys his job of policing the immortals. Draven is beyond angry over his newest assignment. He has been ordered to babysit a human. Draven and his superior werewolf genes see humans as weak and beneath him. He is shocked when he sees that the human is the one person he never thought he would, but always hoped he would see again.
Draven and Jes have a sexual chemistry that will scorch this book right out of your hands. These two are hot! Draven is also adamant about getting Jes to a better place emotionally. Her marriage has severly damaged her spirit. The great thing about reading her is that you can still see that buried under all the mess that was her marriage that she will overcome her insecurities. Draven can sense it too. Everything he does, even when he makes some foolish, brash decisions is for Jes and what is best for her.
The entire Shadow Unit team is intriguing. The various members come from all walks of supernatural/paranormal life. They have an assortment of different abilities that allow them to better assist their team member’s. Readers are given little peaks into some of the men’s personalities and backgrounds.
I have a hard time with books that end on a cliff hanger or where the characters I’ve enjoyed reading are lead into the unknown, and I’m left guessing. To say that the end of Enslaved in Shadows disappointed me would be an understatement. I’m still flabbergasted by the ending. There is a key element I have come to expect with romances, it is missing with this ending. Jes and Draven have been through so much, and they deserved so much more. I can only assume that their story will pick up in Burned in Shadows. I can’t see the second installment in this series going anywhere else.
Five years later Jes is in deep trouble. She’s running from an abusive ex-husband, protecting the only thing in her life she holds dear, and trying to stop her ex-husband from harming any more people including herself. She’s been broken, used and abused. She now knows that the man she married to is pure evil. She turns to the Shadow Unit with hopes that they can stop his evil from spreading further.
Draven has devoted his time to the Shadow Unit. They are the people that police the immortals. He enjoys his job of policing the immortals. Draven is beyond angry over his newest assignment. He has been ordered to babysit a human. Draven and his superior werewolf genes see humans as weak and beneath him. He is shocked when he sees that the human is the one person he never thought he would, but always hoped he would see again.
Draven and Jes have a sexual chemistry that will scorch this book right out of your hands. These two are hot! Draven is also adamant about getting Jes to a better place emotionally. Her marriage has severly damaged her spirit. The great thing about reading her is that you can still see that buried under all the mess that was her marriage that she will overcome her insecurities. Draven can sense it too. Everything he does, even when he makes some foolish, brash decisions is for Jes and what is best for her.
The entire Shadow Unit team is intriguing. The various members come from all walks of supernatural/paranormal life. They have an assortment of different abilities that allow them to better assist their team member’s. Readers are given little peaks into some of the men’s personalities and backgrounds.
I have a hard time with books that end on a cliff hanger or where the characters I’ve enjoyed reading are lead into the unknown, and I’m left guessing. To say that the end of Enslaved in Shadows disappointed me would be an understatement. I’m still flabbergasted by the ending. There is a key element I have come to expect with romances, it is missing with this ending. Jes and Draven have been through so much, and they deserved so much more. I can only assume that their story will pick up in Burned in Shadows. I can’t see the second installment in this series going anywhere else.
June 27, 2012
Enslaved In Shadows is the first book in the Shadow Unit series by new author Tigris Eden. It's a paranormal romance with some very steamy sex scenes. First, I want to mention that I received this ebook as an advanced review copy – so the final version might be better. The version I had needed some major editing. There were many grammar errors, as well as odd sentence structures and awkward word choices.
I'm not big on one-night stands, so I was a little bit disappointed at the beginning. I like there to be love along with the sex. Draven, the hero in the book, was sort of an ass and just left Jes in the jungle after he got his fill. He wouldn't even tell her his name. A little bit later, the book fast-forwarded 5 years and I started enjoying the story a lot more. Jes and Draven meet back up when she turns to the Shadow Unit for help getting away from her abusive husband. She is unaware that Draven is an agent with this company.
Jes slowly lets Draven back into her life. For the most part, I ended up liking him but he acted pretty possessive. They had some good passion between them. The other characters in the book were pretty interesting. I liked Royce – he added some humor to the book.
I want to add that there are some graphic torture scenes that are pretty gory – not something for someone with a weak stomach. The ending was disappointing to me. I really didn't like where it was headed, though I think things would change in the next book. There was a pretty big cliffhanger, which is frustrating. The next book comes out in December – I'm curious how things will turn out.
I'm not big on one-night stands, so I was a little bit disappointed at the beginning. I like there to be love along with the sex. Draven, the hero in the book, was sort of an ass and just left Jes in the jungle after he got his fill. He wouldn't even tell her his name. A little bit later, the book fast-forwarded 5 years and I started enjoying the story a lot more. Jes and Draven meet back up when she turns to the Shadow Unit for help getting away from her abusive husband. She is unaware that Draven is an agent with this company.
Jes slowly lets Draven back into her life. For the most part, I ended up liking him but he acted pretty possessive. They had some good passion between them. The other characters in the book were pretty interesting. I liked Royce – he added some humor to the book.
I want to add that there are some graphic torture scenes that are pretty gory – not something for someone with a weak stomach. The ending was disappointing to me. I really didn't like where it was headed, though I think things would change in the next book. There was a pretty big cliffhanger, which is frustrating. The next book comes out in December – I'm curious how things will turn out.
November 30, 2017
I hated this book. Here's why:
1) There's a cliffhanger ending.
2) One of main characters is a rapist. He drops his blood in unsuspecting women's drinks, which makes them desperate to have sex with him. Royce does this to the heroine's best friend in front of the hero. Draven says nothing to the woman and only chance keeps the rape from happening. Royce is known as a ladies' man, but I don't see how having to rufie your dates makes you a ladies' man. It's all treated as "boys will be boys".
3) There's a homophobic scene. Royce is appalled at the idea that his blood would make a man want to have sex with him and makes that very clear.
4) There are plenty of typos and several times in which the wrong word is used.
5) BIG spoiler:
1) There's a cliffhanger ending.
2) One of main characters is a rapist. He drops his blood in unsuspecting women's drinks, which makes them desperate to have sex with him. Royce does this to the heroine's best friend in front of the hero. Draven says nothing to the woman and only chance keeps the rape from happening. Royce is known as a ladies' man, but I don't see how having to rufie your dates makes you a ladies' man. It's all treated as "boys will be boys".
3) There's a homophobic scene. Royce is appalled at the idea that his blood would make a man want to have sex with him and makes that very clear.
4) There are plenty of typos and several times in which the wrong word is used.
5) BIG spoiler:
November 20, 2013
I really enjoyed this. It was sexy and fast paced and I loved all the paranormal good guys and was creeped out by the bad guys. So here I am enjoying all the action, love, violence, hurt, and betrayal. Then we get the Epilogue and its like six weeks later and nothing is the way I thought it would be. Its the end of the book. Color me surprised when I read this and realize there isn't a HEA. Nope Nada.
So much is unfinished and there are more questions than answers and I read the insert for the next book and its about a different couple. Apparently this couple will have an ongoing storyline for who knows how long. Only add insult to injury I read in the insert that there is cheating. Although the how and whys makes since and I get it sorta, I kept thinking if you are mated and you mate for life how can you cheat? I almost threw my kindle when I read that. By the end I am left unsatisfied and frustrated and in need of the next book.
So much is unfinished and there are more questions than answers and I read the insert for the next book and its about a different couple. Apparently this couple will have an ongoing storyline for who knows how long. Only add insult to injury I read in the insert that there is cheating. Although the how and whys makes since and I get it sorta, I kept thinking if you are mated and you mate for life how can you cheat? I almost threw my kindle when I read that. By the end I am left unsatisfied and frustrated and in need of the next book.
June 24, 2012
Enslaved In shadows has all the necessarily ingredients of a really absorbing PRN book, but with some added spice and an unexpected twist. The characters all have their complexity, secrets, humour and, hopefully story to tell. The romance is steamy but also 'human' due to the trials, emotional issues and honesty in their vulnerability and hangups.
The action is exciting, and though there have been comments on the torture scenes, I really didnt have a problem with them, and Im not a fan of horror movies. If you are in a world of vampires, shifters, villains and who-knows-what-else, then expect a bit of violence.
The ending is a cliff-hanger and a half, totally unexpected, and does leave you clamouring for the next book..where hopefully we will also learn more about the rest of the Shadow Unit, each of whom is trongly individual and very intriguing
The action is exciting, and though there have been comments on the torture scenes, I really didnt have a problem with them, and Im not a fan of horror movies. If you are in a world of vampires, shifters, villains and who-knows-what-else, then expect a bit of violence.
The ending is a cliff-hanger and a half, totally unexpected, and does leave you clamouring for the next book..where hopefully we will also learn more about the rest of the Shadow Unit, each of whom is trongly individual and very intriguing
October 15, 2012
I am not sure how to rate this book. I am going between 1 and 3 stars and honestly I don't know. The main couple didn't make me believe that they are going to have HEA from the beginning of the book. The hero was annoying, acting as an idiot, dominating (not in a nice/interesting way). The end of the book made me very disappointed that I want to give it one star. I just wanted to end the book with this couple and for the next one have someone else, but it doesn't seem that is going to happen. The writer had interesting ideas, nothing new in this genre, but combining all together it was interesting. The negative point would be some words that were used that I never heard of before. It's annoying to read a book and to have to stop to google the words to see what they mean. As I said the end was disappointing and made me decide that I won't continue with this series.
Want to read
September 2, 2016Haven't read it yet but am looking forward to reading it. Can I say I remember the author when..... (Congrats!)
June 20, 2025
"Enslaved in Shadows" is book one in the "Shadow Unit" series by Tigris Eden. This was a great first book in a series and gave me an idea of what the world is going to be like. Draven and Jes meet again 5 years later, and Jes has a secret but doesn't really want to tell Draven. The characters were absolutely wonderful and so much fun to read about. There was just enough action that kept me intrigued and wanting more. I will most definitely be reading the next book in this series. Tigris has a way of writing that has me wanting more.
May 10, 2019
Eden does not waste any time at all in steaming things up in this one. There’s raw, animalistic need and heat, and they’re surrounded by mystery, so it’s intriguing. Before I knew it there was action, angst, murder attempts, ex-girlfriend drama… just a storm of suspense. This novel sucked me in hard and fast.
There’s some great character development, and dynamics between one another. I caught myself laughing out loud a few times, and definitely missed this when I put it down as the action and drama are pretty non-stop.
Didn’t end in a cliffhanger exactly but I absolutely needed to go on to the next in the series.
Could use a round of proofreading but nothing drastic enough that it distracted from the reader experience. Great read, 4 stars.
There’s some great character development, and dynamics between one another. I caught myself laughing out loud a few times, and definitely missed this when I put it down as the action and drama are pretty non-stop.
Didn’t end in a cliffhanger exactly but I absolutely needed to go on to the next in the series.
Could use a round of proofreading but nothing drastic enough that it distracted from the reader experience. Great read, 4 stars.
September 25, 2013
HOLY SHEEP ON A SKILLET!
See original post on my blog Reese's Reviews
I received a copy of Enslaved in Shadows for an honest review.
Alpha Male:
Davin Stone is one hot hunky alpha male werewolf. In the first encounter of him he gives off the presence of a strong male and boy oh boy does that prove right time and time again in any and all circumstances of his life. He protects and loves Jes and her daughter with everything he has. He takes charge especially the major action scenes when someone is in danger. In an argument or in bed he dominates and it is oh so sexy.
What Hurts the Most:
Jes believes she’s damaged goods after what her ex-husband Marcus put her through. When she ran for help with what we would call the Supernatural Police or Shadow Unit to get justice against what he’s doing to the supernatural and herself she runs straight into the arms of the man who originally broken her heart after a no-name on night stand. With Davin doing everything he can to knock down her defenses and mend her broken heart. Jes after being hurt for so long also needs to decided to let him back in and to make a future together with her daughter.
Strong Female Characters:
I have a strong love for all strong female characters and I think what I love about them most is that they always underestimate themselves with their strength. Jes definitely does that in Enslaved In Shadows and I loved her all the more for it.
Dual POV Action:
If you have ever been on my blog before you know I swoon when I know or read a book with dual POV’s. It’s was definitely icing on the cake for this book because I loved hearing Davin’s side with his alpha male voice along with his werewolf side. Sometimes they came together and other times they butted heads and I loved it. I loved seeing his interaction with Jes after so long and just everything about Davin is so strong but also so loving and it totally made me fall in love with his character. Jes’s POV was exactly what I expected. She fights with herself a lot of the time on her feelings for Davin but we all know who holds to key to her heart and Soul.
Diversity and Awesomesauce writing:
I have never read anything before by Tigris Eden but from the first pages I was hooked. I loved the fact that Jes was biracial because there are not enough books out there with biracial characters. So woot woot to that because that was another reason I totally fell in love with Jes. Tigris Eden made a fantastic world with so many amazing characters and it is so genius the way all the characters played together and there were so many unexpected twists and turns I never knew what to expect. I so loved it.
Holy Cliffhangers Batman!
Tigris Eden definitely leaves readers with the biggest cliffhanger of all time. Literally! You will honestly never see it coming and it will be a huge shocker. I was completely left with the need to go and find the sequel and start it as soon as I finished it.
All in all I am in love with the Shadow Unit Series and Tigris Eden is making it on my favorite authors list. Enslaved in Shadows is action packed and full of surprises. The supernatural world clashes with gods and humans you know it has to be the ride or read of a lifetime.
See original post on my blog Reese's Reviews
I received a copy of Enslaved in Shadows for an honest review.
Alpha Male:
Davin Stone is one hot hunky alpha male werewolf. In the first encounter of him he gives off the presence of a strong male and boy oh boy does that prove right time and time again in any and all circumstances of his life. He protects and loves Jes and her daughter with everything he has. He takes charge especially the major action scenes when someone is in danger. In an argument or in bed he dominates and it is oh so sexy.
What Hurts the Most:
Jes believes she’s damaged goods after what her ex-husband Marcus put her through. When she ran for help with what we would call the Supernatural Police or Shadow Unit to get justice against what he’s doing to the supernatural and herself she runs straight into the arms of the man who originally broken her heart after a no-name on night stand. With Davin doing everything he can to knock down her defenses and mend her broken heart. Jes after being hurt for so long also needs to decided to let him back in and to make a future together with her daughter.
Strong Female Characters:
I have a strong love for all strong female characters and I think what I love about them most is that they always underestimate themselves with their strength. Jes definitely does that in Enslaved In Shadows and I loved her all the more for it.
Dual POV Action:
If you have ever been on my blog before you know I swoon when I know or read a book with dual POV’s. It’s was definitely icing on the cake for this book because I loved hearing Davin’s side with his alpha male voice along with his werewolf side. Sometimes they came together and other times they butted heads and I loved it. I loved seeing his interaction with Jes after so long and just everything about Davin is so strong but also so loving and it totally made me fall in love with his character. Jes’s POV was exactly what I expected. She fights with herself a lot of the time on her feelings for Davin but we all know who holds to key to her heart and Soul.
Diversity and Awesomesauce writing:
I have never read anything before by Tigris Eden but from the first pages I was hooked. I loved the fact that Jes was biracial because there are not enough books out there with biracial characters. So woot woot to that because that was another reason I totally fell in love with Jes. Tigris Eden made a fantastic world with so many amazing characters and it is so genius the way all the characters played together and there were so many unexpected twists and turns I never knew what to expect. I so loved it.
Holy Cliffhangers Batman!
Tigris Eden definitely leaves readers with the biggest cliffhanger of all time. Literally! You will honestly never see it coming and it will be a huge shocker. I was completely left with the need to go and find the sequel and start it as soon as I finished it.
All in all I am in love with the Shadow Unit Series and Tigris Eden is making it on my favorite authors list. Enslaved in Shadows is action packed and full of surprises. The supernatural world clashes with gods and humans you know it has to be the ride or read of a lifetime.
December 10, 2012
Quick recap
Enslaved in Shadows is the first novel in Tigres Eden’s Shadow Unit series. The book begins with us meeting Jesminda (Jes) and her best friend Bells on vacation in Belize, where Jesminda’s family is from originally. Jes wants to have a little fun and step outside her normal comfort zone, enter Draven our dark haired, green-eyed, walking sex god. Jes and Draven meet up for a steamy, no names, one – night stand. The next evening, Jes and Bells arrive at a party being held by a friend in his club, where Jes sees her mystery man from the night before with another woman and flees with Bells in utter humiliation.
Fast forward five years: Jes has just divorced and escaped her abusive husband with her five year old daughter and seeks help from the Shadow Unit. During her marriage to Marcus, Jes has her world turned upside down by learning about not only the existence of vampires and shape shifters, but also that her best friend is a shape shifter and her husband is kidnapping vampires for nefarious reasons.
Draven is actually Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit and is put in charge of the mission to protect the human woman and her child while trying to rescue the kidnapped vampires. Sparks fly when he discovers his fantasy from five years ago is actually his mission.
What I liked
I loved the characters, Jes and Draven made me believe their emotions. You get enough interaction to decide how you feel about all of the secondary characters. Some you will love, some you will hate. No one in this book is perfect, which I really appreciate.
The premise of the “Immortal” community, I really like where Ms. Eden is headed with her immortal characters. Vampires, shape shifters, royal blood lines, and slaves to the Gods.
The smexy time! Hot – like take an ice cold shower hot. Draven is drool worthy.
What I didn’t like
Some of the descriptions in the first sex were just over the top for me: “Stings of cyclopean desire tighten and stretched as her orgasm crashed over her body” and “It was foreplay to the tenth degree times infinity”. For me, sometimes less really is more.
I would have liked a little more world building, some more background into each of the races and cultures. There were a few things about mating that nagged me at the end of the book, but I am hoping that may be clarified in the next installment. I also felt that one plot device was left completely out in left field.
While I understand the draw of ending a series novel in a cliff hanger, I didn’t get a great feeling from this ending. I believe that to be intentional. This is not a book with a HEA.
Overall, I like this one and will read the next in the series, Burned in Shadows when it comes out. This is a good first novel.
Full review posted here: http://mamakittyreviews.com/?p=4794
Enslaved in Shadows is the first novel in Tigres Eden’s Shadow Unit series. The book begins with us meeting Jesminda (Jes) and her best friend Bells on vacation in Belize, where Jesminda’s family is from originally. Jes wants to have a little fun and step outside her normal comfort zone, enter Draven our dark haired, green-eyed, walking sex god. Jes and Draven meet up for a steamy, no names, one – night stand. The next evening, Jes and Bells arrive at a party being held by a friend in his club, where Jes sees her mystery man from the night before with another woman and flees with Bells in utter humiliation.
Fast forward five years: Jes has just divorced and escaped her abusive husband with her five year old daughter and seeks help from the Shadow Unit. During her marriage to Marcus, Jes has her world turned upside down by learning about not only the existence of vampires and shape shifters, but also that her best friend is a shape shifter and her husband is kidnapping vampires for nefarious reasons.
Draven is actually Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit and is put in charge of the mission to protect the human woman and her child while trying to rescue the kidnapped vampires. Sparks fly when he discovers his fantasy from five years ago is actually his mission.
What I liked
I loved the characters, Jes and Draven made me believe their emotions. You get enough interaction to decide how you feel about all of the secondary characters. Some you will love, some you will hate. No one in this book is perfect, which I really appreciate.
The premise of the “Immortal” community, I really like where Ms. Eden is headed with her immortal characters. Vampires, shape shifters, royal blood lines, and slaves to the Gods.
The smexy time! Hot – like take an ice cold shower hot. Draven is drool worthy.
What I didn’t like
Some of the descriptions in the first sex were just over the top for me: “Stings of cyclopean desire tighten and stretched as her orgasm crashed over her body” and “It was foreplay to the tenth degree times infinity”. For me, sometimes less really is more.
I would have liked a little more world building, some more background into each of the races and cultures. There were a few things about mating that nagged me at the end of the book, but I am hoping that may be clarified in the next installment. I also felt that one plot device was left completely out in left field.
While I understand the draw of ending a series novel in a cliff hanger, I didn’t get a great feeling from this ending. I believe that to be intentional. This is not a book with a HEA.
Overall, I like this one and will read the next in the series, Burned in Shadows when it comes out. This is a good first novel.
Full review posted here: http://mamakittyreviews.com/?p=4794
June 22, 2012
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
After finishing this book I'm at a loss as for what to say. On one hand I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the author created a interesting and dark world filled with memorable characters that I want to get to know better. Then on the other hand I'm left with a few unanswered questions and a gory torture scene that I honestly could have done without. Don't get me wrong, I think that this was a great debut to what looks like will be a very interesting series, I just wish some things would have been dealt with differently.
I sometimes felt that the alphaness of the character Draven was a bit much. I never really understood his feelings for Jez. To be honest, I never really felt like he really cared for her at all. There was one scene where I felt a bit of tenderness from him in regards to Jez but that was it. He goes on and on about how much he loves Jez but he just acts like a crazed barbarian. I felt no affection from him, it felt more like lust and a case of him not wanting to share his favorite toy. He was too controlling and it all was a bit much at times. Don't get me wrong, I love a fierce alpha male, but there is a difference between being alpha and being a jerk. And I felt for the most part that Draven was being a jerk.
As for Jez, I couldn't get a real feel for her either. It seems as if she goes from helpless female to warrior female at the drop of a hat and I just did not find it believable. She's fighting Draven and his animalistic tendencies in one breath and then the other she's in his bed. I just wish she would have made up her mind. I understand that Jez is scared and attempting to heal from her disastrous marriage, I just would have liked her to have been consistent.
What I really enjoyed with this book is the relationships with everyone else. While I might not have believed in Draven and Jez as a couple, I loved everyone else. I loved the friendship with Bells and Jez as well as the relationship between Draven and the guys from the Shadow Unit. For me they made this book. I fell in love with the character of Royce and I honestly kept reading for him.
Don't get me wrong, I really did enjoy this book and I thought it was a great debut effort. Once I began reading I found myself immersed in her world. I look forward to reading more from Tigris Eden and further exploring her world. I curious to see what twist and turns she takes us on next.
**ARC copy provided by Author**
After finishing this book I'm at a loss as for what to say. On one hand I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the author created a interesting and dark world filled with memorable characters that I want to get to know better. Then on the other hand I'm left with a few unanswered questions and a gory torture scene that I honestly could have done without. Don't get me wrong, I think that this was a great debut to what looks like will be a very interesting series, I just wish some things would have been dealt with differently.
I sometimes felt that the alphaness of the character Draven was a bit much. I never really understood his feelings for Jez. To be honest, I never really felt like he really cared for her at all. There was one scene where I felt a bit of tenderness from him in regards to Jez but that was it. He goes on and on about how much he loves Jez but he just acts like a crazed barbarian. I felt no affection from him, it felt more like lust and a case of him not wanting to share his favorite toy. He was too controlling and it all was a bit much at times. Don't get me wrong, I love a fierce alpha male, but there is a difference between being alpha and being a jerk. And I felt for the most part that Draven was being a jerk.
As for Jez, I couldn't get a real feel for her either. It seems as if she goes from helpless female to warrior female at the drop of a hat and I just did not find it believable. She's fighting Draven and his animalistic tendencies in one breath and then the other she's in his bed. I just wish she would have made up her mind. I understand that Jez is scared and attempting to heal from her disastrous marriage, I just would have liked her to have been consistent.
What I really enjoyed with this book is the relationships with everyone else. While I might not have believed in Draven and Jez as a couple, I loved everyone else. I loved the friendship with Bells and Jez as well as the relationship between Draven and the guys from the Shadow Unit. For me they made this book. I fell in love with the character of Royce and I honestly kept reading for him.
Don't get me wrong, I really did enjoy this book and I thought it was a great debut effort. Once I began reading I found myself immersed in her world. I look forward to reading more from Tigris Eden and further exploring her world. I curious to see what twist and turns she takes us on next.
**ARC copy provided by Author**
August 12, 2012
Wow what an interesting and unusually book. To me this book was half erotic half paranormal, so I guess it could be classified as a paranormal erotic romance. I admit that I do not usually read paranormal romance but I really enjoyed this one. It did leave me wondering about a few things.
The book starts out with Jes (or Jesminda) and Belinda (or Bells) on a short vacation. Jes meets Draven across from a bar. Her description is more than just man-candy. He is everything every woman has dreamed of in one package. Something that will make a grandmother sit up and take notice. I can honestly picture this man-candy in my mind. Dark wavy black hair, nice tan, muscles on top of muscles, so tall I need a ladder to look directly into his eyes, eyes that you get lost in, I could go on and on but you get the picture.
Jes and Bells are on an island for the Erotic Carnival or a little fun in the sun spot. Bells is supposed to help keep Jes from over indulging in everything. Maybe it is me but if I cannot control my desire then no friend is going to be able to control it for me.
I honestly do not understand how Draven kept saying he loved Jes but did not treat her like a queen. If a man loves a woman then why do they not treat her like there is no other woman in the world. Then there is the torture scene in the book. I know that the author put it there and that is the way the plot flowed for her but I do admit that I did not like it. However not all readers will like everything about a book they read. Authors will never be able to please everyone. Other than those two small things I truly enjoyed this book.
If you follow this blog then you will know I cannot talk to much about the book I am reviewing. I will end up telling everything about the book and then that is no fun for the reader or the author. I guess that is because I have to explain so much at work and go into lots of details. I work in the automotive industry and details are everything when there is a problem or we are trying to figure something out.
I apologize to the author that I cannot write a better review for her. However the bunnies and I enjoyed this book. Thanks for a great read Tigris Eden.
The book starts out with Jes (or Jesminda) and Belinda (or Bells) on a short vacation. Jes meets Draven across from a bar. Her description is more than just man-candy. He is everything every woman has dreamed of in one package. Something that will make a grandmother sit up and take notice. I can honestly picture this man-candy in my mind. Dark wavy black hair, nice tan, muscles on top of muscles, so tall I need a ladder to look directly into his eyes, eyes that you get lost in, I could go on and on but you get the picture.
Jes and Bells are on an island for the Erotic Carnival or a little fun in the sun spot. Bells is supposed to help keep Jes from over indulging in everything. Maybe it is me but if I cannot control my desire then no friend is going to be able to control it for me.
I honestly do not understand how Draven kept saying he loved Jes but did not treat her like a queen. If a man loves a woman then why do they not treat her like there is no other woman in the world. Then there is the torture scene in the book. I know that the author put it there and that is the way the plot flowed for her but I do admit that I did not like it. However not all readers will like everything about a book they read. Authors will never be able to please everyone. Other than those two small things I truly enjoyed this book.
If you follow this blog then you will know I cannot talk to much about the book I am reviewing. I will end up telling everything about the book and then that is no fun for the reader or the author. I guess that is because I have to explain so much at work and go into lots of details. I work in the automotive industry and details are everything when there is a problem or we are trying to figure something out.
I apologize to the author that I cannot write a better review for her. However the bunnies and I enjoyed this book. Thanks for a great read Tigris Eden.
April 23, 2013
I REALLLLLLLLY liked this book! In fact I am quite annoyed that the second book has been delayed from Feb (as in already out) unti June of this year! And of course there was a cliffhanger - scary sad - at the end of this book. Along with a first chapter teaser from the second book which just whetted my appetite even further! Although reading some updates from the author as to why the book has been delayed it does sound like the second book's characters weren't cooperating and what she has shown us may change. However, back to this book! lol
The author has a fantastic sense of place and imagery and was almost able to evoke the smells as well as the sights and sounds in your head as she creates the scene on the page. Her heroine, Jesminda or Jes, is an island girl who left years ago for school and has returned for a summer vacation to Belize with her best friend, Belinda or Bells. Hanging out on at a beach bar one day Jes catches the eye of a tall, dark and handsome man who does not want the distraction Jes would provide as he is supposed to be on the island to work. Nonetheless the mutual smoking attraction between the two cannot be denied and thus the rest of the book is born!
I adored the secondary characters the author introduced and especially the way she introduced them and their "special" paranormal abilities or traits. The author made the book sexy and funny and scary and full of action and adventure pretty much all at the same time.
Did I mention I LOVED this book? And I can't wait to read the second book in the series and the third (that she talked about existing). I will also definetely check out anything else she has written. This is one author who has definetely caught me in the "freebie trap" where they hook you with the first book in a series as a free read and then make you PAY for the rest - hehe. I say I will definetely buy the next book(s) as long as it stays this good or, somehow, gets better!
The author has a fantastic sense of place and imagery and was almost able to evoke the smells as well as the sights and sounds in your head as she creates the scene on the page. Her heroine, Jesminda or Jes, is an island girl who left years ago for school and has returned for a summer vacation to Belize with her best friend, Belinda or Bells. Hanging out on at a beach bar one day Jes catches the eye of a tall, dark and handsome man who does not want the distraction Jes would provide as he is supposed to be on the island to work. Nonetheless the mutual smoking attraction between the two cannot be denied and thus the rest of the book is born!
I adored the secondary characters the author introduced and especially the way she introduced them and their "special" paranormal abilities or traits. The author made the book sexy and funny and scary and full of action and adventure pretty much all at the same time.
Did I mention I LOVED this book? And I can't wait to read the second book in the series and the third (that she talked about existing). I will also definetely check out anything else she has written. This is one author who has definetely caught me in the "freebie trap" where they hook you with the first book in a series as a free read and then make you PAY for the rest - hehe. I say I will definetely buy the next book(s) as long as it stays this good or, somehow, gets better!
December 31, 2013
5/17/13 This story is one I am not sure how to review. I am at lost for words.
It left me with a weird taste in my mouth and stomach.
5/18/13
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
I normal don't change a review on a book once I am done with it but this time I just had to. At first I gave it a two but I am changing it to a four.
Why is that you are wondering? It is because I could not, absolutely could not get this book out of my head.. I even started reading another book and it still would not leave me alone. So I had to come back and fix it.
Enslaved in Shadow is not the best book I have read. Some of the words use threw out the story made me hesitate and I had to think of the meaning cause they didn't make sense to me and had to reread it so it threw me out of the moment which isn't a good thing.
I didn't care to much for the H/h. They didn't draw me, I liked all the other supporting characters around them more then I did Jes and Draven. The story's plot wasn't much different then some others I have read. You have a team of good guys going after a bad guy. You have some good action and dangerous battles going for it. And we have some really interesting characters with interesting skills and powers.
BUT it's the last couple chapters that got to me, Jes and Draven do not get their HEA and what they go threw really is out of the norm from what I am use to reading and let me say it is so different from the normal Paranormal Romance books. The H doesnt save the h in this one. I don't want to say to much on it cause I would be spoiling it for anyone who wants to read it but it really threw me for a loop and stayed on my mind.
Will I read the next one, its up in the air I have to say I am almost afraid too. I do know its about Bells (Jes BFF) and the twins but I will ponder it some before deciding.
It left me with a weird taste in my mouth and stomach.
5/18/13
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
I normal don't change a review on a book once I am done with it but this time I just had to. At first I gave it a two but I am changing it to a four.
Why is that you are wondering? It is because I could not, absolutely could not get this book out of my head.. I even started reading another book and it still would not leave me alone. So I had to come back and fix it.
Enslaved in Shadow is not the best book I have read. Some of the words use threw out the story made me hesitate and I had to think of the meaning cause they didn't make sense to me and had to reread it so it threw me out of the moment which isn't a good thing.
I didn't care to much for the H/h. They didn't draw me, I liked all the other supporting characters around them more then I did Jes and Draven. The story's plot wasn't much different then some others I have read. You have a team of good guys going after a bad guy. You have some good action and dangerous battles going for it. And we have some really interesting characters with interesting skills and powers.
BUT it's the last couple chapters that got to me, Jes and Draven do not get their HEA and what they go threw really is out of the norm from what I am use to reading and let me say it is so different from the normal Paranormal Romance books. The H doesnt save the h in this one. I don't want to say to much on it cause I would be spoiling it for anyone who wants to read it but it really threw me for a loop and stayed on my mind.
Will I read the next one, its up in the air I have to say I am almost afraid too. I do know its about Bells (Jes BFF) and the twins but I will ponder it some before deciding.
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