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My Immortals #6
Alphas Unleashed
5 hot heroes. 4 authors. 4 worlds.
Discover five sexy alpha heroes in four hot adventures. They were each taken, tortured and tormented. These powerful males were held against their will, prisoners of fate. What happens when they escape their captors...and fall in love? Vengeance. Desire. Destiny. Nothing can stop...Alphas Unleashed.
A Warrior’s Heart (Marastin Dow Warriors, #1.1): S.E. Smith
Ben and Aaron Cooper think their luck has ended when the freighter they are on is captured by the Marastin Dow, a terrifying alien species known for their savagery. Instead they discover love with two warriors who capture their hearts. Now, they are in a race to keep the fragile gift they find before it is ripped away from them forever.
**The Marastin Dow have appeared in the Dragon Lords of Valdier series.
Sealed With A Kiss (A Djinn World Novella): Mina Khan
Rayez, a smoking hot chef and fire djinn in exile, lands himself in deep trouble (at the bottom of a beer bottle) when he tries to help a mysterious beautiful woman.
Selene is pursued and desperate. She’ll do anything to keep her brother safe—including capture a djinn.
While deception brings them together, dangerous enemies make them unlikely allies. Can one wrong lead to two rights and true love?
Dead Drop: Carolyn Jewel
Wallace Jackson has so little magic she expects to be kicked out of her group of street witches being trained to use their gifts and work with demons. No one is more shocked than she is when a powerful demon proves her wrong. And then asks a favor of her.
The demon Palla is a warlord’s enforcer, a stone cold killer. Wallace Jackson is a pacifist witch with a dangerous power. He wants nothing to do with humans until he needs Wallace to help him free his former lover from a living death and release her spirit from unimaginable suffering.
** Dead Drop is set in Carolyn’s My Immortals series world where demons and magic-using humans called the magekind are not quite getting along. Most people have no idea they’re living in what amounts to a magical war-zone.
Chimera Born (The Beginning): by Michele Callahan
Aron of Itara, Forbidden Son, has been a prisoner of fate since before he was born. Captured as a child by the evil Triscani, it’s been centuries since he’s felt the sun on his face or the tenderness of a woman’s touch. Determined to help humanity break the illusive but powerful Itaran Triads’ hold on Earth, Aron escapes with one goal, to find the one man who can help him save humans from an eternal prison. After that, he’ll fight to the death, but he’ll never go back in the cage.
Zoey Williams watched her sister die at the hands of monsters, and no one believed her. She’s spent the last five years using her journalism skills to track aliens, investigate paranormal activity, and hunt for answers. But she got too close to the truth, and now it’s not just monsters hunting her, but her own people. Zoey doesn’t believe she needs a guardian, but once Aron finds her he can’t leave her to the vicious hunters that would turn her to ash or to the power-hungry humans who seek to silence her. In fact, he discovers that he doesn’t want to leave her at all…
Discover five sexy alpha heroes in four hot adventures. They were each taken, tortured and tormented. These powerful males were held against their will, prisoners of fate. What happens when they escape their captors...and fall in love? Vengeance. Desire. Destiny. Nothing can stop...Alphas Unleashed.
A Warrior’s Heart (Marastin Dow Warriors, #1.1): S.E. Smith
Ben and Aaron Cooper think their luck has ended when the freighter they are on is captured by the Marastin Dow, a terrifying alien species known for their savagery. Instead they discover love with two warriors who capture their hearts. Now, they are in a race to keep the fragile gift they find before it is ripped away from them forever.
**The Marastin Dow have appeared in the Dragon Lords of Valdier series.
Sealed With A Kiss (A Djinn World Novella): Mina Khan
Rayez, a smoking hot chef and fire djinn in exile, lands himself in deep trouble (at the bottom of a beer bottle) when he tries to help a mysterious beautiful woman.
Selene is pursued and desperate. She’ll do anything to keep her brother safe—including capture a djinn.
While deception brings them together, dangerous enemies make them unlikely allies. Can one wrong lead to two rights and true love?
Dead Drop: Carolyn Jewel
Wallace Jackson has so little magic she expects to be kicked out of her group of street witches being trained to use their gifts and work with demons. No one is more shocked than she is when a powerful demon proves her wrong. And then asks a favor of her.
The demon Palla is a warlord’s enforcer, a stone cold killer. Wallace Jackson is a pacifist witch with a dangerous power. He wants nothing to do with humans until he needs Wallace to help him free his former lover from a living death and release her spirit from unimaginable suffering.
** Dead Drop is set in Carolyn’s My Immortals series world where demons and magic-using humans called the magekind are not quite getting along. Most people have no idea they’re living in what amounts to a magical war-zone.
Chimera Born (The Beginning): by Michele Callahan
Aron of Itara, Forbidden Son, has been a prisoner of fate since before he was born. Captured as a child by the evil Triscani, it’s been centuries since he’s felt the sun on his face or the tenderness of a woman’s touch. Determined to help humanity break the illusive but powerful Itaran Triads’ hold on Earth, Aron escapes with one goal, to find the one man who can help him save humans from an eternal prison. After that, he’ll fight to the death, but he’ll never go back in the cage.
Zoey Williams watched her sister die at the hands of monsters, and no one believed her. She’s spent the last five years using her journalism skills to track aliens, investigate paranormal activity, and hunt for answers. But she got too close to the truth, and now it’s not just monsters hunting her, but her own people. Zoey doesn’t believe she needs a guardian, but once Aron finds her he can’t leave her to the vicious hunters that would turn her to ash or to the power-hungry humans who seek to silence her. In fact, he discovers that he doesn’t want to leave her at all…
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2014
49 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Smith
259 books2,572 followersS.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 20, 2014
The Warriors' Heart: Marastin Dow Warriors Book 1.1 by S.E. Smith
I absolutely loved this book it was so romantic its about to human brothers who were kidnapped from earth they tell the people who took them that they cant be separated or the will die the brothers fall in love with two women they are Marastin Dow an alien people who are not really all that trust worthy they if it was them or you they would choose for you to be the victim but the two women are sisters and not like the other blood thirst Marastin Dow the fact that they seek a better way to live makes them outcasts no one knows that is until some one who has seen them with a man known to want change so they are running from their people its really romantic their love story is one that i would like Ben loves he Evetta secretly been watching her through the vent and leaving her origami then you have Aaron and Hanine she was hiding because she killed a man in self defence even though she was attacked she could be heal accountable while hiding she hears arron playing the harmonica and the rest is history their love is strong and unwavering its like their souls knew that even though they are different they were ment to be togther and would fight and run to keep that
Sealed With A Kiss, A Djinn Novella by Mina Khan
i liked this story it was interesting Selene has been in her mind cursed she has had her soul split in two and is told by the evil wizard who is her step father and the man who split her soul that she must go bind Rayez who is a Djinn and she dose but she feels bad she lets him out of the bottle to see if he could help break her curse in the process of figuring out her problem they fall in love Will their love break Selene's curse or will she remain a doppelganger for the rest of her life
Dead Drop, A My Immortals Novella by Carolyn Jewel
i love this story it was so funny and bizarre i just loved it Wallace is always bumping into people and masking them mad she just want to get through her schooling without her classmates giving her a hard time
Palla is a demon he need Walleces help to destroy a talisman that has his blood bond mates soul stuck in it while on their journey they end up falling in love its really funny how they start off hating each other but when wallace hears his story she just cant say no i wont help you so she agrees to help him free his bond mates soul. Will they be able to free Palla's bound mates soul or will they put themselves in the same situation? will they end up together to find out read this story
Chimera Born: The Beginning, A Chimera Novella by Michele Callahan
ok this one threw me for a loop Atom is special the Triscani hold him captive and torture him so that he will become evil and take his place on the throne as their king when his twin brothers wife comes in and Atom attacks her he relies' he knows their is something in her blood that makes him recognize that this is his brothers mate find out that Atom isnt his brother she leaves him their with the promise she will send help once she finds his brother but she has helped him the blood he took gave him the strength to break out of his prison
Zoey is a human who watch her sister be killed by monster so she has made it her lifes mission to find proof that they exsist while screatly filming a mob like place that has ties to the parnormal when she sees Atom covered in blood she rushes to his resque and their journey to love and happiness begins
All-in-All i loved these books they were awesome i give them 5 stars a definite must read
I absolutely loved this book it was so romantic its about to human brothers who were kidnapped from earth they tell the people who took them that they cant be separated or the will die the brothers fall in love with two women they are Marastin Dow an alien people who are not really all that trust worthy they if it was them or you they would choose for you to be the victim but the two women are sisters and not like the other blood thirst Marastin Dow the fact that they seek a better way to live makes them outcasts no one knows that is until some one who has seen them with a man known to want change so they are running from their people its really romantic their love story is one that i would like Ben loves he Evetta secretly been watching her through the vent and leaving her origami then you have Aaron and Hanine she was hiding because she killed a man in self defence even though she was attacked she could be heal accountable while hiding she hears arron playing the harmonica and the rest is history their love is strong and unwavering its like their souls knew that even though they are different they were ment to be togther and would fight and run to keep that
Sealed With A Kiss, A Djinn Novella by Mina Khan
i liked this story it was interesting Selene has been in her mind cursed she has had her soul split in two and is told by the evil wizard who is her step father and the man who split her soul that she must go bind Rayez who is a Djinn and she dose but she feels bad she lets him out of the bottle to see if he could help break her curse in the process of figuring out her problem they fall in love Will their love break Selene's curse or will she remain a doppelganger for the rest of her life
Dead Drop, A My Immortals Novella by Carolyn Jewel
i love this story it was so funny and bizarre i just loved it Wallace is always bumping into people and masking them mad she just want to get through her schooling without her classmates giving her a hard time
Palla is a demon he need Walleces help to destroy a talisman that has his blood bond mates soul stuck in it while on their journey they end up falling in love its really funny how they start off hating each other but when wallace hears his story she just cant say no i wont help you so she agrees to help him free his bond mates soul. Will they be able to free Palla's bound mates soul or will they put themselves in the same situation? will they end up together to find out read this story
Chimera Born: The Beginning, A Chimera Novella by Michele Callahan
ok this one threw me for a loop Atom is special the Triscani hold him captive and torture him so that he will become evil and take his place on the throne as their king when his twin brothers wife comes in and Atom attacks her he relies' he knows their is something in her blood that makes him recognize that this is his brothers mate find out that Atom isnt his brother she leaves him their with the promise she will send help once she finds his brother but she has helped him the blood he took gave him the strength to break out of his prison
Zoey is a human who watch her sister be killed by monster so she has made it her lifes mission to find proof that they exsist while screatly filming a mob like place that has ties to the parnormal when she sees Atom covered in blood she rushes to his resque and their journey to love and happiness begins
All-in-All i loved these books they were awesome i give them 5 stars a definite must read
December 29, 2014
2 to 3.5 stars - The mix in genes in Alphas Unleashed was 50/50 - two sci-fi romances and two paranormals. While I do read the occasional sci-fi romance, paranormal romances are my staple and I liked those the best. That said, it might be that since the sci-fi stories jumped straight into fairly complex, and apparently established worlds, they will probably work better for the fans of these series dying to get a peek at favorite supporting characters.
It is rare for me to read an anthology in order - and I actually bought this for the My Immortals short -but I missed the table of contents when I looked, so first to last it was.
Warrior's Heart -SE Smith - Smith's story was a twofer - two alien sisters each paired with one of two human brothers. This was a bit ambitious for the short space - I found one pair far more interesting and would have been happy with just their story instead of trying to squeeze into this story two sex scenes and two HEAs, plus cameos by characters who are obviously important in other books in the series. (Ok)
Sealed with a Kiss - Mina Khan - This story had all the right stuff - with the Djinn chef leading man and the heroine with a magical problem. And although I did like this, I really wish it had been longer to take advantage of all that setup and to allow for a more solid transition from what essentially was enemies to lovers. I do have to admit that I had WTH moment near the end too (pretty good)
Dead Drop - Carolyn Jewel - My Immortals - This one was my favorite. Again this short had a good enough setup that it could have easily been longer, but the transition in the relationship worked for me and Jewel still managed to deliver the intensity that made me a fan of her series even though I am pretty vanilla in my comfort zone and the stories do have a touch of kink to due to inhuman/human 'couplings'. (I really liked it)
Chimera Born - Michelle Callahan - The world building here is pretty complex for newbie me. There were definitely things I liked about this story - the hero assimilating memories of an elderly man's life, loves and losses - and I liked the heroine, so this would have probably worked better for me if I'd been familiar with this series.(ok plus)
It is rare for me to read an anthology in order - and I actually bought this for the My Immortals short -but I missed the table of contents when I looked, so first to last it was.
Warrior's Heart -SE Smith - Smith's story was a twofer - two alien sisters each paired with one of two human brothers. This was a bit ambitious for the short space - I found one pair far more interesting and would have been happy with just their story instead of trying to squeeze into this story two sex scenes and two HEAs, plus cameos by characters who are obviously important in other books in the series. (Ok)
Sealed with a Kiss - Mina Khan - This story had all the right stuff - with the Djinn chef leading man and the heroine with a magical problem. And although I did like this, I really wish it had been longer to take advantage of all that setup and to allow for a more solid transition from what essentially was enemies to lovers. I do have to admit that I had WTH moment near the end too (pretty good)
Dead Drop - Carolyn Jewel - My Immortals - This one was my favorite. Again this short had a good enough setup that it could have easily been longer, but the transition in the relationship worked for me and Jewel still managed to deliver the intensity that made me a fan of her series even though I am pretty vanilla in my comfort zone and the stories do have a touch of kink to due to inhuman/human 'couplings'. (I really liked it)
Chimera Born - Michelle Callahan - The world building here is pretty complex for newbie me. There were definitely things I liked about this story - the hero assimilating memories of an elderly man's life, loves and losses - and I liked the heroine, so this would have probably worked better for me if I'd been familiar with this series.(ok plus)
July 8, 2014
First things first, a big thanks to the authors and PAC R2R for giving me the opportunity to read Alphas Unleashed. I struggled with my rating because while I liked all four stories, I didn't like them equally and over all, a couple of them were entirely too short. I realize this is a bundle and I've read many where there are novella's grouped together and that would have been great. Alphas Unleashed, however, felt like more of a sampler.
With that being said, book 1 is The Warriors Heart. The Cooper brothers will easily steal your heart and I loved the idea, the plot of the world that was created. Unfortunately, because of the length, it felt a bit rushed to me and while I adored the brothers, there was nothing "ALPHA" about them. They were incredibly sweet and little brother especially had me grinning like a fool.
Next up was Sealed With a Kiss. I really enjoyed this one and wanted MORE. Mina Khan is definitely an author that I'll look for in the future. I loved that it took place near me (Houston), in the heart of the Montrose area no less. Rayez was delish and the back and forths between he and Selene were fantastic. This too, however felt rushed.
Dead Drop had so much potential. I'm actually on the fence as to whether I want to seek out this series or not. I do love me some demons and Palla truly fit the bill. Some of the more intense, emotional scenes were so beautifully written. Unfortunately, while I appreciate the fact that this story included a social issue (racial diversity), I felt like it was overkill. She's African American and self conscious about it, or about how others see her I should say. Ok, great foundation, that lets me know where she's coming from but I don't need an oddly placed mention of her debating cornrows or not to remind me. LIke I said, on the fence with this one.
Last and definitely not least, Chimera Born, was my favorite, hands down. Even though it too was a novella, it didn't feel quite as rushed and the world building was much better. Ms. Callahan painted the picture for me quite well and developed her characters nicely in just a few pages. Atom is an abomination, a Dark Prince who has been held captive but hell bent on not succumbing to the dark side. Amazing chemistry between the leads and while Zoey isn't exactly my kind of heroine, it worked and even though the "supporting cast" made brief appearances, they too make their mark. I will absolutely seek this series out.
Overall, Alphas Unleashed would be a great travel read and a way to sample authors you may not have otherwise been exposed to.
With that being said, book 1 is The Warriors Heart. The Cooper brothers will easily steal your heart and I loved the idea, the plot of the world that was created. Unfortunately, because of the length, it felt a bit rushed to me and while I adored the brothers, there was nothing "ALPHA" about them. They were incredibly sweet and little brother especially had me grinning like a fool.
Next up was Sealed With a Kiss. I really enjoyed this one and wanted MORE. Mina Khan is definitely an author that I'll look for in the future. I loved that it took place near me (Houston), in the heart of the Montrose area no less. Rayez was delish and the back and forths between he and Selene were fantastic. This too, however felt rushed.
Dead Drop had so much potential. I'm actually on the fence as to whether I want to seek out this series or not. I do love me some demons and Palla truly fit the bill. Some of the more intense, emotional scenes were so beautifully written. Unfortunately, while I appreciate the fact that this story included a social issue (racial diversity), I felt like it was overkill. She's African American and self conscious about it, or about how others see her I should say. Ok, great foundation, that lets me know where she's coming from but I don't need an oddly placed mention of her debating cornrows or not to remind me. LIke I said, on the fence with this one.
Last and definitely not least, Chimera Born, was my favorite, hands down. Even though it too was a novella, it didn't feel quite as rushed and the world building was much better. Ms. Callahan painted the picture for me quite well and developed her characters nicely in just a few pages. Atom is an abomination, a Dark Prince who has been held captive but hell bent on not succumbing to the dark side. Amazing chemistry between the leads and while Zoey isn't exactly my kind of heroine, it worked and even though the "supporting cast" made brief appearances, they too make their mark. I will absolutely seek this series out.
Overall, Alphas Unleashed would be a great travel read and a way to sample authors you may not have otherwise been exposed to.
Read
June 16, 2014An anthology without rating. A rating would have to be one star, and I don't think it fair to Ms Jewel's novella.
A Warrior's Heart. Sorry, I hated it. No, not really. It wasn't good enough to move me to hate. I've never read this author before, and I don't think I ever will again. I found it lacking in everything.
Sealed with a Kiss: definitely better written than the first for me. But honestly it doesn't matter much. It's still a story too short to have believable characters or plot. They see each other, she captures and is ready to sell him, but wham bam. Sex and everything is okey. Nopy, sorry. :)
Drop dead . The reason I bought this anthology. I love this series, and this is one of the best novellas in it. Absolutely believable. But then we are talking Ms Jewel here.
Chimera Born: with that summary I didn't even want to try.
My piece of advice, based on my experience, is this: buy it only if you love at least 2 of these authors. They might balance out any story you won't like. (Or maybe you'll like them all :D)
I'd like to add this. It's self-pubb, and, I'm sorry to say, Ms Jewel's novella has many editing problems (was instead of a would, hand instead of had etc). So at the end I paid 5 bucks for one story that wasn't properly edited. Not the best buy. ;)
A Warrior's Heart. Sorry, I hated it. No, not really. It wasn't good enough to move me to hate. I've never read this author before, and I don't think I ever will again. I found it lacking in everything.
Sealed with a Kiss: definitely better written than the first for me. But honestly it doesn't matter much. It's still a story too short to have believable characters or plot. They see each other, she captures and is ready to sell him, but wham bam. Sex and everything is okey. Nopy, sorry. :)
Drop dead . The reason I bought this anthology. I love this series, and this is one of the best novellas in it. Absolutely believable. But then we are talking Ms Jewel here.
Chimera Born: with that summary I didn't even want to try.
My piece of advice, based on my experience, is this: buy it only if you love at least 2 of these authors. They might balance out any story you won't like. (Or maybe you'll like them all :D)
I'd like to add this. It's self-pubb, and, I'm sorry to say, Ms Jewel's novella has many editing problems (was instead of a would, hand instead of had etc). So at the end I paid 5 bucks for one story that wasn't properly edited. Not the best buy. ;)
June 16, 2014
Such a sweet story of the Marastin Dow Warriors. Only Susan can do it for me with an alpha male. Well, this time they were 2. It made me want to go back and read again about Carmen and Creon.
Great Job!
Great Job!
March 24, 2021
Grabbed for the SE Smith book but had grabbed the wrong box set by same name.
S.E. Smith - A Warrior’s Heart - Marastin Dow 1
A good short filler in this series that gives us more information on the characters we met in Cornering Carmen.
A short introduction to more off the Marastin Dow aliens who live a very violent and often short life.
This race of aliens have had a poor showing so far in this connected series world but not all of the race are bad. The majority are trying to better their world via rebellion so they may lead a better life and hopefully will be able to do that.
We have met and hear about them from time to time in both good and bad circumstances and I do hope their world improves as it seems a very unhappy place.
In this book two earth men, Ben and Aaron were kidnapped 15 years prior from earth and are used as slaves the same as what has happened to other earth/ humans in this series. The ship they are on is captured by a Marastin Dow ship and they are put to work on board.
Ben and Aaron meet and fall for two of the Marastin Dow women and all escape together. This ties in with Cornering Carmen in the Dragon Lords of Valdier series.
Mina Khan - Sealed With A Kiss - A Djinn Novella
Carolyn Jewel - Dead Drop - My Immortals Novella
Michele Callahan - Chimera Born: The Beginning - Chimera 1
S.E. Smith - A Warrior’s Heart - Marastin Dow 1
A good short filler in this series that gives us more information on the characters we met in Cornering Carmen.
A short introduction to more off the Marastin Dow aliens who live a very violent and often short life.
This race of aliens have had a poor showing so far in this connected series world but not all of the race are bad. The majority are trying to better their world via rebellion so they may lead a better life and hopefully will be able to do that.
We have met and hear about them from time to time in both good and bad circumstances and I do hope their world improves as it seems a very unhappy place.
In this book two earth men, Ben and Aaron were kidnapped 15 years prior from earth and are used as slaves the same as what has happened to other earth/ humans in this series. The ship they are on is captured by a Marastin Dow ship and they are put to work on board.
Ben and Aaron meet and fall for two of the Marastin Dow women and all escape together. This ties in with Cornering Carmen in the Dragon Lords of Valdier series.
Mina Khan - Sealed With A Kiss - A Djinn Novella
Carolyn Jewel - Dead Drop - My Immortals Novella
Michele Callahan - Chimera Born: The Beginning - Chimera 1
December 11, 2014
Alphas Unleashed
is a four-story sci-fi/PNR anthology. I have rated only the first two stories. The last two are well into their respective series, which I have not yet read. Am erring on the high side for the overall rating since it is a free read from Amazon at the time of this review. The first story is enjoyable if you are a fan of sci-fi/romance/adventure.
A Warrior's Heart (Marastin Dow, 1.1; spin off of Dragon Lords of Valdier) by S.E. Smith; 85 pages.
Kidnapped from Earth and working as slaves on a Marastin-Dow spaceship, Ben and Aaron become enamored with two females of the violent warrior race. Can they work together to escape danger that threatens from all sides? The anthology title is a bit of a misnomer, as it is the resourceful, kick-ass-heroines who do the bulk of the rescuing in this engaging sci-fi, adventure-romance story. ★★★1/2
"Sealed With a Kiss (A Djinn Novella)" by Mina Khan, 64 pages.
Selene is a human who has been turned into a doppledanger by an evil, blood-magic-wielding warlock (Warren) who is also her stepfather and the respected mayor of the town. Rayez is a fire djinn who was exiled to live among humans due to a long ago tragedy resulting from his poor control of his deadly powers when angered. Warren sends Selene to capture Rayez by threatening the life of Selene's younger brother, Cade.
In this story, too, the courage and strength of the heroine rises to the top in driving the plot; Rayez doesn't have a strong alpha vibe in this reader's opinion. The tale needs to be fleshed out more; Warren could have been a fascinating villain, but he falls very flat. As for the romance between Selene and Rayez, the writing did not pull me in; instead, I skimmed through the lovemaking scenes looking for something to interest me. Just skip this one. ★★
Dead Drop (My Immortals, #6) by Carolyn Jewel; 102 pages.
"Chimera Born" (Timewalker Chronicles, 4.5) by Michele Callahan; 91 pages.
Free 12-11-14 http://www.amazon.com/Alphas-Unleashe...
A Warrior's Heart (Marastin Dow, 1.1; spin off of Dragon Lords of Valdier) by S.E. Smith; 85 pages.
Kidnapped from Earth and working as slaves on a Marastin-Dow spaceship, Ben and Aaron become enamored with two females of the violent warrior race. Can they work together to escape danger that threatens from all sides? The anthology title is a bit of a misnomer, as it is the resourceful, kick-ass-heroines who do the bulk of the rescuing in this engaging sci-fi, adventure-romance story. ★★★1/2
"Sealed With a Kiss (A Djinn Novella)" by Mina Khan, 64 pages.
Selene is a human who has been turned into a doppledanger by an evil, blood-magic-wielding warlock (Warren) who is also her stepfather and the respected mayor of the town. Rayez is a fire djinn who was exiled to live among humans due to a long ago tragedy resulting from his poor control of his deadly powers when angered. Warren sends Selene to capture Rayez by threatening the life of Selene's younger brother, Cade.
In this story, too, the courage and strength of the heroine rises to the top in driving the plot; Rayez doesn't have a strong alpha vibe in this reader's opinion. The tale needs to be fleshed out more; Warren could have been a fascinating villain, but he falls very flat. As for the romance between Selene and Rayez, the writing did not pull me in; instead, I skimmed through the lovemaking scenes looking for something to interest me. Just skip this one. ★★
Dead Drop (My Immortals, #6) by Carolyn Jewel; 102 pages.
"Chimera Born" (Timewalker Chronicles, 4.5) by Michele Callahan; 91 pages.
Free 12-11-14 http://www.amazon.com/Alphas-Unleashe...
June 16, 2014
1.A Warrior's Heart by S.E.Smith is a SciFi story. Normally I don't read SciFi. It's too far out , out there. This is an anthology so I tried it. It was a good story of 2 sets of siblings. Ben loves Evetta and Aaron loves Hanine. They are slaves determined to escape. The boys are from Earth but the girls are a bit different. So grab this story and read to the end.
2.Sealed With a Kiss by Mina Khan is less SciFi and more paranormal. Rayez is a chef who is also a Djinn. Selene has been made a doppelganger by her step-father. She must get Rayez into the bottle and give it to Warren. She also has to protect her younger brother too. What's a girl to do? She works with Rayez, battles and saves a mad Djinn and destroys Warren. Now get your book and read this quick story to see how it all ends.
3.Dead Drop by Carolyn Jewel is my favorite in this anthology. She asked her readers for reviews and I jumped on the bandwagon. She is a more realistic paranormal here. Wallace so wants to be a street witch. The class hates her bumbling around until she causes a major problem. There are always demons in class and Palla needs her help. He is one scary dude who has to show Wallace how to use her skills to help him free his twin from a Talisman. They fight. They argue. They love. But do they win? Please read this story. I needed tissues and it's only a novella!
4.Chimera Born by Michelle Callahan is another paranormal type read. Atom is captive to the Triscani. He is meant to free Earth from their control. He can Timewalk and comes to Earth and meets Zoey. There is lots of fighting and death. There is a lot of information as it is the first book in this series. I was confused several times. I liked the plot and leading characters. By now you have read the first stories so finish up by reading this story.
2.Sealed With a Kiss by Mina Khan is less SciFi and more paranormal. Rayez is a chef who is also a Djinn. Selene has been made a doppelganger by her step-father. She must get Rayez into the bottle and give it to Warren. She also has to protect her younger brother too. What's a girl to do? She works with Rayez, battles and saves a mad Djinn and destroys Warren. Now get your book and read this quick story to see how it all ends.
3.Dead Drop by Carolyn Jewel is my favorite in this anthology. She asked her readers for reviews and I jumped on the bandwagon. She is a more realistic paranormal here. Wallace so wants to be a street witch. The class hates her bumbling around until she causes a major problem. There are always demons in class and Palla needs her help. He is one scary dude who has to show Wallace how to use her skills to help him free his twin from a Talisman. They fight. They argue. They love. But do they win? Please read this story. I needed tissues and it's only a novella!
4.Chimera Born by Michelle Callahan is another paranormal type read. Atom is captive to the Triscani. He is meant to free Earth from their control. He can Timewalk and comes to Earth and meets Zoey. There is lots of fighting and death. There is a lot of information as it is the first book in this series. I was confused several times. I liked the plot and leading characters. By now you have read the first stories so finish up by reading this story.
July 12, 2014
All of the stories were different types of scifi/paranormal romances that I have not read much of before. That being said, I was not disappointed with this book. For being short stories they were nice reads, and in only 2 of the stories the romamtic connections felt a little bit rushed. It didn't take away much from the stories though. All of the stories were so steaming hot that I'd recommend reading them when you have time alone.
"A Warrior's Heart" is centered around 2 couples. Sort of taboo relationships because there is so much danger on the ship they are on and the brothers being human and their mates/wives are not. It's a bit fast paced, but it's a sweet love story.
"Sealed With A Kiss" concerns a genie and a doppleganger. Their relationship starts off rocky because of deception, but smooths out and turns into a budding romance soon enough. This story is one of my favorites in this collection.
"Dead Drop" is a slow growing romance between a street witch and a demon. The former is a likeable character and the latter just makes you want to kick him in the shin and run. This was my second favorite story.
"Chimera Born" involves an alien prince and a human descendent of time travelers. The story was okay, but it didn't strike a chord with me. For a short story, in my opinion, it had a lot going on squeezed into it.
°I received this book from the author through the PaC romance group°
"A Warrior's Heart" is centered around 2 couples. Sort of taboo relationships because there is so much danger on the ship they are on and the brothers being human and their mates/wives are not. It's a bit fast paced, but it's a sweet love story.
"Sealed With A Kiss" concerns a genie and a doppleganger. Their relationship starts off rocky because of deception, but smooths out and turns into a budding romance soon enough. This story is one of my favorites in this collection.
"Dead Drop" is a slow growing romance between a street witch and a demon. The former is a likeable character and the latter just makes you want to kick him in the shin and run. This was my second favorite story.
"Chimera Born" involves an alien prince and a human descendent of time travelers. The story was okay, but it didn't strike a chord with me. For a short story, in my opinion, it had a lot going on squeezed into it.
°I received this book from the author through the PaC romance group°
February 2, 2015
This collection of paranormal stories mostly delivered.
SE Smith writes a brilliant novella, A Warriors Heart. The quality of writing and plot line for this story alone would be a 4-4.5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of humans abducted by aliens and finding a way to survive. The Marastin Dow species was frightening, the battle scenes believable and compelling. This book reminded me quite a bit of Guardians of the Galaxy.
Sealed with a Kiss, A Djinn Novella by Mina Khan was also quite captivating. I would rate this 3.5 stars, but only because I would have liked to have had more to read...more character development. The concept was quite good.
Dead Drop, by Carolyn Jewel was also quite good. I would rate this 3.5 stars as well. I enjoyed the development of Wallace Jacksons character, but never truly understood what her paranormal skill was - there is a positive space/negative space component and while the idea was great, I just had to go with what I thought was being said, and figure it out as the story unfolded.
Chimera Born by Michele Callahan had the potential to be exceptional - along the lines of Christine Feehan's collection. This novella needed to be a full length novel, since there was such quality material to draw from.
Sadly, what led to a 3 star review was the lack of editing. If the collection were to be edited, I believe the reader could get lost more in the stories and the rating would be bumped significantly.
SE Smith writes a brilliant novella, A Warriors Heart. The quality of writing and plot line for this story alone would be a 4-4.5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of humans abducted by aliens and finding a way to survive. The Marastin Dow species was frightening, the battle scenes believable and compelling. This book reminded me quite a bit of Guardians of the Galaxy.
Sealed with a Kiss, A Djinn Novella by Mina Khan was also quite captivating. I would rate this 3.5 stars, but only because I would have liked to have had more to read...more character development. The concept was quite good.
Dead Drop, by Carolyn Jewel was also quite good. I would rate this 3.5 stars as well. I enjoyed the development of Wallace Jacksons character, but never truly understood what her paranormal skill was - there is a positive space/negative space component and while the idea was great, I just had to go with what I thought was being said, and figure it out as the story unfolded.
Chimera Born by Michele Callahan had the potential to be exceptional - along the lines of Christine Feehan's collection. This novella needed to be a full length novel, since there was such quality material to draw from.
Sadly, what led to a 3 star review was the lack of editing. If the collection were to be edited, I believe the reader could get lost more in the stories and the rating would be bumped significantly.
September 13, 2014
(Review from Friday Night Romance)
I enjoyed all 4 stories in this collection, but I guess it’s no surprise to my blog readers that I loved Mina Khan’s Sealed With A Kiss the best! I love djinn’s and magic, and this story also has doppelgangers which I’m very partial too, lol! It’s a short, complex story with really cool mythology and characters. I definitely want to read more djinn stories soon.
A Warrior’s Heart is a sci-fi romance which I don’t read a lot of, but I did enjoy the alien world in this one. The story actually has two couples and therefore multiple points-of-view. It was a bit confusing at first, all came together okay by the end. This story is part of a series which I probably won’t read, but I’d recommend it to readers more into the genre.
Dead Drop and Chimera Born are also novellas connected to series’ by their authors and there was a lot to absorb of the worlds in such short romances, but they were a good sample of the authors’ styles and work I think. These two stories are both darker paranormals with demons and soul-eaters etc, but weren’t too bloody/gory. (They are romances after all!).
Overall, this anthology has 4 strong stories and is an enjoyable read. No doubt different readers will have different favorites from it, but any paranormal romance fan is sure to discover a new author her
I enjoyed all 4 stories in this collection, but I guess it’s no surprise to my blog readers that I loved Mina Khan’s Sealed With A Kiss the best! I love djinn’s and magic, and this story also has doppelgangers which I’m very partial too, lol! It’s a short, complex story with really cool mythology and characters. I definitely want to read more djinn stories soon.
A Warrior’s Heart is a sci-fi romance which I don’t read a lot of, but I did enjoy the alien world in this one. The story actually has two couples and therefore multiple points-of-view. It was a bit confusing at first, all came together okay by the end. This story is part of a series which I probably won’t read, but I’d recommend it to readers more into the genre.
Dead Drop and Chimera Born are also novellas connected to series’ by their authors and there was a lot to absorb of the worlds in such short romances, but they were a good sample of the authors’ styles and work I think. These two stories are both darker paranormals with demons and soul-eaters etc, but weren’t too bloody/gory. (They are romances after all!).
Overall, this anthology has 4 strong stories and is an enjoyable read. No doubt different readers will have different favorites from it, but any paranormal romance fan is sure to discover a new author her
November 12, 2015
Note: The Kindle edition of this book is no longer available.
2.5 stars rounded down to 2 stars.
http://bookslifewine.com/r-alphas-unl...
Tamika,
We should talk about this one! I don't think it's really your thing BUT I loved LOVED the Carolyn Jewel novella. LOVED.
2.5 stars rounded down to 2 stars.
http://bookslifewine.com/r-alphas-unl...
Tamika,
We should talk about this one! I don't think it's really your thing BUT I loved LOVED the Carolyn Jewel novella. LOVED.
June 18, 2014
Fun stories and Happy endings.
I really enjoy Carolyn Jewels books but I am glad this book included three new authors I have not read before enjoyed the stories a lot.
I really enjoy Carolyn Jewels books but I am glad this book included three new authors I have not read before enjoyed the stories a lot.
November 27, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading such well developed, fantasy/science fiction stories with dominant paranormal elements.Alphas Unleashed And here I thought, I was the one with an overactive imagination.:)
Seriously though, I liked all the four stories but my favorites were
* Sealed With A Kiss, A Djinn Novella by Mina Khan
Selene was strong and yet so vulnerable and according to me that made her fascinating and beautiful as a character. Rayez grew on me as the story progressed. And seriously no woman can resist a man who can cook :)
* Dead Drop, A My Immortals Novella by Carolyn Jewel
Palla and Wallace were like wow! Their chemistry and reaction to each other had me salivating for more. Kudos to Ms. Jewel for creating this amazing couple.
According to me the writers in the above mentioned two stories did great justice to the character arc (even in such few pages) all the while keeping the pace and plot gripping.
The Warriors' Heart: Marastin Dow Warriors Book 1.1 by S.E. Smith
This story I felt was beautiful but rushed. Bringing so many characters I felt diluted the plot's impact. Ben and Evetta were sweet.
Chimera Born: The Beginning, A Chimera Novella by Michele Callahan
Was an interesting read but I felt it could have been better with a more gripping middle.
Thank you so much PAC R2R for this opportunity. :)
Seriously though, I liked all the four stories but my favorites were
* Sealed With A Kiss, A Djinn Novella by Mina Khan
Selene was strong and yet so vulnerable and according to me that made her fascinating and beautiful as a character. Rayez grew on me as the story progressed. And seriously no woman can resist a man who can cook :)
* Dead Drop, A My Immortals Novella by Carolyn Jewel
Palla and Wallace were like wow! Their chemistry and reaction to each other had me salivating for more. Kudos to Ms. Jewel for creating this amazing couple.
According to me the writers in the above mentioned two stories did great justice to the character arc (even in such few pages) all the while keeping the pace and plot gripping.
The Warriors' Heart: Marastin Dow Warriors Book 1.1 by S.E. Smith
This story I felt was beautiful but rushed. Bringing so many characters I felt diluted the plot's impact. Ben and Evetta were sweet.
Chimera Born: The Beginning, A Chimera Novella by Michele Callahan
Was an interesting read but I felt it could have been better with a more gripping middle.
Thank you so much PAC R2R for this opportunity. :)
October 12, 2015
A Warrior’s Heart (Marastin Dow Book 1.1) by S.E. Smith 4 Star rating
I really enjoyed this, I have bought some books out of order by S. E Smith and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I am not going in order because I had no clue really how Carmen fit into the whole world. I loved this novella as well as all the characters who were represented in this book.
Dead Drop, A My Immortals Novella by Carolyn Jewel 2 star rating
This was a very very confusing as well as trying novella for me to read. I forced myself to read it. I disliked the hero with a passion. He was mean, manipulative and cocky. He was also really full of himself. The fact that the heroine even agreed to help his sorry a$$ made me dislike the heroine. All in all I was not impressed with this book at all.
I really enjoyed this, I have bought some books out of order by S. E Smith and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I am not going in order because I had no clue really how Carmen fit into the whole world. I loved this novella as well as all the characters who were represented in this book.
Dead Drop, A My Immortals Novella by Carolyn Jewel 2 star rating
This was a very very confusing as well as trying novella for me to read. I forced myself to read it. I disliked the hero with a passion. He was mean, manipulative and cocky. He was also really full of himself. The fact that the heroine even agreed to help his sorry a$$ made me dislike the heroine. All in all I was not impressed with this book at all.
January 23, 2015
Really enjoyed this collection!!!
All of these "Books" were fun, fast reads with lots of steam mixed in for good measure.
I'm very interested in checking out all the series these novellas are connected to.
I rated this anthology four stars instead of five due the hideous grammatical errors in two of the books. If you're like me and you get annoyed by poor spelling and bad grammar in published books - be forewarned......
Personally, I thought the stories were worth enduring the errors. Someone should definitely spring for a proofreader for their next book though.
Enjoy :-)
All of these "Books" were fun, fast reads with lots of steam mixed in for good measure.
I'm very interested in checking out all the series these novellas are connected to.
I rated this anthology four stars instead of five due the hideous grammatical errors in two of the books. If you're like me and you get annoyed by poor spelling and bad grammar in published books - be forewarned......
Personally, I thought the stories were worth enduring the errors. Someone should definitely spring for a proofreader for their next book though.
Enjoy :-)
May 1, 2015
Wow 4 get stories.
I knew books from S.E. Smith already but fo u nd now three other great writers with more books I want to read.
The third book I had to get used to first, but after the first chapters the story really started and I started to like it.
4 great science fiction books a genre I didn't know I liked till I discovered S.E. Smith her books.
4 great love stories with great action in it and of course some bad guys.
The alphas in the tittle are not all man by the way. There are wonderful and strong women in the books too.
I knew books from S.E. Smith already but fo u nd now three other great writers with more books I want to read.
The third book I had to get used to first, but after the first chapters the story really started and I started to like it.
4 great science fiction books a genre I didn't know I liked till I discovered S.E. Smith her books.
4 great love stories with great action in it and of course some bad guys.
The alphas in the tittle are not all man by the way. There are wonderful and strong women in the books too.
November 27, 2016
I don't normally like the Sci-fi type of books but I found myself very pleased with this book! I found some new authors to read and as always love Carolyn Jewel ! Ever since my first My Immortals book I've been hooked! It was new to have a combination of stuff to read in one book! Beside who can resit the hot alpha male !
September 6, 2014
Loved this anthology of hot stories by four very talented writers. Each story gave me a very different world to explore in my favorite paranormal and Sci-Fi genres. Immensely satisfying stories I know I'll read again!
October 17, 2017
Wonderfully written stories. I can't wait to read more by these authors
January 3, 2015
This was a good way for me to get introduced to some new-to-me authors. I think the story I liked best was the last one- I may even go back and read the rest of the books in that series.
March 7, 2020
4 Stars
December 9, 2014
I liked this one. Liked the short by S.E. Smith the most, but the other stories were good too.
December 21, 2014
Not my kind of books
Alphas unleashed was ok. The three stories were fine but took a while to get going. I found myself skipping pages to get past the manuals.
Alphas unleashed was ok. The three stories were fine but took a while to get going. I found myself skipping pages to get past the manuals.
September 30, 2014
quickie reads that give the reader a taste of each author's writing style.
January 3, 2015
was interestingly space story...
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