What do you think?
Rate this book
Werewolf Marines #3
Partner (Echo's Wolf, #2)
Echo has devoted her life to protecting her sister.
In all her years as a genetically engineered assassin, Echo never met anyone like DJ Torres before. The captured werewolf Marine offered her trust, friendship, love, and the hope of freedom— not only for herself, but for the frail clone-sister she won’t leave behind. But will Echo’s dark secret destroy their hopes for the future?
DJ Torres would give his life to save his buddy.
DJ has spent his life accomplishing the impossible. But now he’s faced with a dilemma that threatens to crush even his bright spirit. DJ can’t rescue his captured buddy without fleeing the lab. Echo can’t flee the lab without abandoning her hostage sister. Will DJ be forced to choose between his best friend and the woman he loves?
Will love keep them together or tear them apart?
Still held captive by the shady government agency running Wildfire Base, DJ and Echo are forced to go on a series of missions, from undercover escapades at an excruciatingly elegant diplomatic party to a desperate battle in a terrorist compound. Their relationship grows stronger under fire… until they are confronted with a terrible choice.
Partner has a happy ending and no cliffhanger.
In all her years as a genetically engineered assassin, Echo never met anyone like DJ Torres before. The captured werewolf Marine offered her trust, friendship, love, and the hope of freedom— not only for herself, but for the frail clone-sister she won’t leave behind. But will Echo’s dark secret destroy their hopes for the future?
DJ Torres would give his life to save his buddy.
DJ has spent his life accomplishing the impossible. But now he’s faced with a dilemma that threatens to crush even his bright spirit. DJ can’t rescue his captured buddy without fleeing the lab. Echo can’t flee the lab without abandoning her hostage sister. Will DJ be forced to choose between his best friend and the woman he loves?
Will love keep them together or tear them apart?
Still held captive by the shady government agency running Wildfire Base, DJ and Echo are forced to go on a series of missions, from undercover escapades at an excruciatingly elegant diplomatic party to a desperate battle in a terrorist compound. Their relationship grows stronger under fire… until they are confronted with a terrible choice.
Partner has a happy ending and no cliffhanger.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
About the author
Lia Silver
5 books61 followersThe author works as a therapist, specializing in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Lia Silver” is a pen name. She also writes for teenagers under the name of Rachel Manija Brown.
When she isn’t working, reading, or writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, horseback riding, martial arts, and cuddling her cats.
If you'd like to be alerted when a new book comes out, copy this to get on Lia Silver's mailing list: http://eepurl.com/Yfvtz
If you would like to read my books in a non-Kindle format, please email Lia at liasilvershifter@yahoo.com.
When she isn’t working, reading, or writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, horseback riding, martial arts, and cuddling her cats.
If you'd like to be alerted when a new book comes out, copy this to get on Lia Silver's mailing list: http://eepurl.com/Yfvtz
If you would like to read my books in a non-Kindle format, please email Lia at liasilvershifter@yahoo.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 10, 2015
This book continues the story of DJ Torres, the Marine who is also a werewolf (or maybe more accurately a shapeshifter), and Echo, the genetic experiment with super strength and speed, which was begun in Prisoner (Echo's Wolf, # 1). This review contains minor spoilers for Prisoner.
I have to admit that in my review of Prisoner, I complained about cliffhangers and book series that require you to buy the next book(s) to get the whole story. I'm not saying it's evil or not legitimate, just that I'm tired of it. Lia Silver saw my review and very kindly offered to send me this second book so I could get my complete story fix
When we left DJ and Echo at the end of the first book, they had just begun a relationship, but their lives are still controlled by the secretive Evil Government Agency, which has DJ's friend Roy and Echo's sister Charlie under its control, and is using DJ and Echo for missions. Echo knows from her own prior experience that these missions tend to start out benign and get worse over time, until innocent people are being assassinated. But she and DJ are having a hard time figuring out how to escape from the EGA (aka Wildfire) with their loved ones held hostage.
And then there's the werewolves that Wildfire has created, adding a complication to the mix, as well as a strange young man that no one seems to be able to remember after he leaves the room.
Partner does complete the story, and does so in a soul-satisfying way. Some of the more interesting threads that surfaced in the first book are pulled back in and woven into this story. On one level this is a quasi-military action story with a paranormal contemporary romance twist to it but, to a greater extent than even the first book, this book deals with the issue of PTSD suffered by military veterans, in a way that's honest and hard-hitting but doesn't take over the story or get too grim for me to want to keep reading about it.
There are some scenes toward the end of the book where I could tell it would be helpful to have read Laura's Wolf, which ties into this series, but it didn't bother me too much, other than wishing I knew more of these characters' backstory.
This is a fun read, for those who like adult romances with a paranormal and/or action adventure twist. The first book, Prisoner, is a Kindle freebie.
Content advisory: Frequent F-bombs and a couple of explicit sexual scenes.
*A free copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Read
March 1, 2015Whew, what a wild ride!
This has all the elements that I love in an urban fantasy, and none of the ones I hate (love triangles with abusive jerks, total lack of communication, instal-love, melodrama in place of emotional complexity, grimdark.)
In this sequel to Prisoner (which I strongly encourage anyone interested to read first--it's free--), the story picks right up in Las Vegas. DJ and Echo get a brief time to bond before they force themselves back to Wildfire, the evil lab that retains an emotional hold over them both through Echo's last remaining sister, and D.J's Marine buddy Roy, held at another location.
They are given a couple of missions, one of which includes the Elite Dinner Party from Hell. Both result in high-octane action, and even more high-octane emotional cost. The emotional complexities are what make this series really stand out. The characters are complicated, real, so appealing. Unexpected twists keep the plot from flattening to linear and thence predictable. DJ and Echo know that their only hope is to destroy the lab, but how can they do that when the lab has all the power?
Like the other books in the series, the climax is full of action, then leads to a satisfyingly explorative conclusion. While leaving some very intriguing plot threads dangling for the next.
This has all the elements that I love in an urban fantasy, and none of the ones I hate (love triangles with abusive jerks, total lack of communication, instal-love, melodrama in place of emotional complexity, grimdark.)
In this sequel to Prisoner (which I strongly encourage anyone interested to read first--it's free--), the story picks right up in Las Vegas. DJ and Echo get a brief time to bond before they force themselves back to Wildfire, the evil lab that retains an emotional hold over them both through Echo's last remaining sister, and D.J's Marine buddy Roy, held at another location.
They are given a couple of missions, one of which includes the Elite Dinner Party from Hell. Both result in high-octane action, and even more high-octane emotional cost. The emotional complexities are what make this series really stand out. The characters are complicated, real, so appealing. Unexpected twists keep the plot from flattening to linear and thence predictable. DJ and Echo know that their only hope is to destroy the lab, but how can they do that when the lab has all the power?
Like the other books in the series, the climax is full of action, then leads to a satisfyingly explorative conclusion. While leaving some very intriguing plot threads dangling for the next.
January 2, 2016
finally a sequel to laura's wolf and prisoner (it's free right now! check it out), the urban werewolf romance that COULD.
dj is a filippino werewolf marine kidnapped and held on a secret villainous underground base under a threat to his marine buddy, echo is a genetically engineered assassin blackmailed with the life of her deathly ill sister; in the last book they've fell in love, and in this one they're going to take the world on: with a pack of pissed-off made wolves, a playlist made of worst songs ever, a lot of kindness and some creative electrocution.
i loved that since echo and dj was already IN relationship, the author took time, space and care to develop THE relationship. there's a lot of action and shenanigans, ranging from hilarious (oh, this russian ambassador party! if you see holodets there, wave at it from me) to tragic (echo's everything) to all the things between. there's space for them to talk about childhood experiences and combat trauma and favorite movies and family memories and lack thereof, and touch each other and comfort each other and be there for each other. it's quietly, respectfully, beautifully sweet.
also features: a whole bingo worth of hurt/comfort, long-awaited cameo from laura's wolf, world's most hilarious fictitious romance novel titles charlie reads (mated to the meerkat is my personal favorite), and a lot of joy.
dj is a filippino werewolf marine kidnapped and held on a secret villainous underground base under a threat to his marine buddy, echo is a genetically engineered assassin blackmailed with the life of her deathly ill sister; in the last book they've fell in love, and in this one they're going to take the world on: with a pack of pissed-off made wolves, a playlist made of worst songs ever, a lot of kindness and some creative electrocution.
i loved that since echo and dj was already IN relationship, the author took time, space and care to develop THE relationship. there's a lot of action and shenanigans, ranging from hilarious (oh, this russian ambassador party! if you see holodets there, wave at it from me) to tragic (echo's everything) to all the things between. there's space for them to talk about childhood experiences and combat trauma and favorite movies and family memories and lack thereof, and touch each other and comfort each other and be there for each other. it's quietly, respectfully, beautifully sweet.
also features: a whole bingo worth of hurt/comfort, long-awaited cameo from laura's wolf, world's most hilarious fictitious romance novel titles charlie reads (mated to the meerkat is my personal favorite), and a lot of joy.
April 28, 2015
This was fabulous, a real treat that I rewarded myself with, eking it out like the Most Delicious Chocolate Bar Ever. I'm so sorry to be finished, but happy to know that another story with protagonists DJ and Echo, called Packmate, will be coming.
Partner is a sequel to Prisoner. There's a summary prior to the story starting, to get you up to speed if for some reason you want to start with this book, but I'd recommend reading Prisoner first. The rest of the review will assume readers have read Prisoner.
Prisoner brought DJ and Echo together; Partner develops their love further, and the emotional complications that love brings both of them, while at the same time advancing the story of their attempt to free themselves, Echo's sister Charlie, and a pack of maladjusted werewolves, from the clutches of an evil secret governmental agency.
What loved most, and what I think Silver has a real skill for, was the way in which really funny banter coexists with moments of pathos and tenderness, and how the moments of tenderness are never cloying but always very touching, and how the humor always makes you laugh but is never at anyone's expense. And for all of that, the pacing is excellent. As with both Prisoner and Silver's other werewolf marine title, Laura's Wolf, there's discussion, too, of various emotional problems brought on by trauma, and these too are woven naturally into the story.
There are so many funny lines, and so many touching lines, that I don't know where to begin when it comes to giving a taste. Maybe for humor I'll mention some of the titles of the romance novels that Charlie reads, such as Mated to the Mongoose and Bride of the Billionbear (and I'll point out that although neither of those exists, Bought by the Billionbear does--for what it's worth!)
For touching lines, I'm tempted to quote the line that moved me most, but I think that it's better for you to come upon it on your own. But here's one I can share:
As in Laura's Wolf and unlike in Prisoner, the action-movie culmination point comes about three-fourths of the way through the book, and the last portion is for the emotional resolution. This is an unusual story structure, but it's one I really like, as it privileges people and relationships over explosions and guns firing (though there are some satisfying explosions and guns firing, too).
I think the thing I love best about these books is how happy I am to spend time in them. You really can have excellent characters, an exciting story, complicated emotions, and uncomplicated, yet powerful writing. You can have it all!
Partner is a sequel to Prisoner. There's a summary prior to the story starting, to get you up to speed if for some reason you want to start with this book, but I'd recommend reading Prisoner first. The rest of the review will assume readers have read Prisoner.
Prisoner brought DJ and Echo together; Partner develops their love further, and the emotional complications that love brings both of them, while at the same time advancing the story of their attempt to free themselves, Echo's sister Charlie, and a pack of maladjusted werewolves, from the clutches of an evil secret governmental agency.
What loved most, and what I think Silver has a real skill for, was the way in which really funny banter coexists with moments of pathos and tenderness, and how the moments of tenderness are never cloying but always very touching, and how the humor always makes you laugh but is never at anyone's expense. And for all of that, the pacing is excellent. As with both Prisoner and Silver's other werewolf marine title, Laura's Wolf, there's discussion, too, of various emotional problems brought on by trauma, and these too are woven naturally into the story.
There are so many funny lines, and so many touching lines, that I don't know where to begin when it comes to giving a taste. Maybe for humor I'll mention some of the titles of the romance novels that Charlie reads, such as Mated to the Mongoose and Bride of the Billionbear (and I'll point out that although neither of those exists, Bought by the Billionbear does--for what it's worth!)
For touching lines, I'm tempted to quote the line that moved me most, but I think that it's better for you to come upon it on your own. But here's one I can share:
“I wish —” Echo broke off. If she said, “I wish I had a mother who’d cry for me,” she’d start crying herself.
As she lay there gritting her teeth and saying nothing, he asked, “What were your sisters’ scents?”
Hot tears spilled out before Echo could stop them. “Goddammit! You always know exactly what to say to make me cry.”
As in Laura's Wolf and unlike in Prisoner, the action-movie culmination point comes about three-fourths of the way through the book, and the last portion is for the emotional resolution. This is an unusual story structure, but it's one I really like, as it privileges people and relationships over explosions and guns firing (though there are some satisfying explosions and guns firing, too).
I think the thing I love best about these books is how happy I am to spend time in them. You really can have excellent characters, an exciting story, complicated emotions, and uncomplicated, yet powerful writing. You can have it all!
March 14, 2015
We've waited to get DJ Torres's side of story and its finally here in Partner, a Werewolf Marines Novel.
DJ Torres is a born werewolf, captured during a marine operation gone bad. He is taken to a secret facility ran by the government for the exploration of werewolves being used as operatives. Kept captive and forced to do the “handlers” bidding, DJ is partnered with Echo, a genetically created human.
Forced together the two discover feelings they never thought imaginable but will they loose it all trying to escape the cage that holds them.
Gender, male/female/werewolf/genetic alterations, none of that matters, the characters are all seen on equal footing.
I found the plot to have lots of humor that was balanced by an equal amount of seriousness. There is a fake marriage, tons of action in and out of bed and sometimes even some action in the shower while they still struggle to break from their captivity and the demented experiments.
Fun, fast paced and steamin' hot, Partner a delightfully entertaining read.
I received this copy of Patner from Lia Silver in exchange for a honest review.
Written by: Lia Silver
Series: Werewolf Marines
Sequence in Series: 2
Print Length: 350 pages
Publisher: Melusine Press
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Scifi | Paranormal ROmance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
DJ Torres is a born werewolf, captured during a marine operation gone bad. He is taken to a secret facility ran by the government for the exploration of werewolves being used as operatives. Kept captive and forced to do the “handlers” bidding, DJ is partnered with Echo, a genetically created human.
Forced together the two discover feelings they never thought imaginable but will they loose it all trying to escape the cage that holds them.
Gender, male/female/werewolf/genetic alterations, none of that matters, the characters are all seen on equal footing.
I found the plot to have lots of humor that was balanced by an equal amount of seriousness. There is a fake marriage, tons of action in and out of bed and sometimes even some action in the shower while they still struggle to break from their captivity and the demented experiments.
Fun, fast paced and steamin' hot, Partner a delightfully entertaining read.
I received this copy of Patner from Lia Silver in exchange for a honest review.
Written by: Lia Silver
Series: Werewolf Marines
Sequence in Series: 2
Print Length: 350 pages
Publisher: Melusine Press
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Scifi | Paranormal ROmance
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 31, 2015
A new Werewolf Marines book! :D (This one is the sequel to Prisoner, which is currently free on Amazon, just fyi.) DJ - the titular werewolf Marine, also actually a DJ – and Echo – a genetically engineered assassin/spy - are finally together, but are still being held hostage by Evil Government Scientists in their Secret Underground Base. Seriously. This series uses so many tropes, I love it. Other amazing bits in this book include: pretend married! Ballroom dancing! A playlist of the most annoying songs ever! Sex in a shower! Sex while trying to stay quiet (this is my faaaavorite, I need it in all romance novels stat)! Dramatic rescues! Near death experiences! Tender bandaging of wounds! Big explosions! Also, this book starts off with an established romance, which makes me so happy. It's not that I dislike first-time stories! It's just that they're 99% of romance, and it's really nice to occasionally see something different.
Echo and DJ are excellent characters (as are many of the secondary characters; my particular favorite is Charlie) without any of the annoying problems that turn up in so many romance novels - this book has no sketchy gender dynamics, no adults who refuse to speak to one another or dumb miscommunications, no contrived jealousy or other childish relationship problems. Just likeable characters, understandable problems, and lots of action. How is cool is that?
Echo and DJ are excellent characters (as are many of the secondary characters; my particular favorite is Charlie) without any of the annoying problems that turn up in so many romance novels - this book has no sketchy gender dynamics, no adults who refuse to speak to one another or dumb miscommunications, no contrived jealousy or other childish relationship problems. Just likeable characters, understandable problems, and lots of action. How is cool is that?
March 23, 2020
Need more!
Partner: Werewolf Marines book 3
By Lia Silver
Kindle unlimited purchase
This is book 3 it picks up right after book 2, Prisoner.
Back from their "vacation" in Las Vegas, it's back to work for Echo and Dj. I have fallen in love with these characters all the way from book 1 with Roy and his girl Laura, to Echo and her sister Charlie. These books were first published back in 2014 and 2015. LS said that Echo and DJ will return in "Packmate" but I can not find the book. So I'm guessing it never happened.
Partner: Werewolf Marines book 3
By Lia Silver
Kindle unlimited purchase
This is book 3 it picks up right after book 2, Prisoner.
Back from their "vacation" in Las Vegas, it's back to work for Echo and Dj. I have fallen in love with these characters all the way from book 1 with Roy and his girl Laura, to Echo and her sister Charlie. These books were first published back in 2014 and 2015. LS said that Echo and DJ will return in "Packmate" but I can not find the book. So I'm guessing it never happened.
May 7, 2019
An awesome tale.
I love reading military exploits. And I love reading paranormal romance. Kia Silver's Werewolf Marines has the best of both worlds. The in-depth combat military missions makes this series one that even those who don't care to read of the paranormal might enjoy.
I can't wait for book 4 in the series to be released. Books one through three were exceptional. I hope you Enjoy them as much as I did.
I love reading military exploits. And I love reading paranormal romance. Kia Silver's Werewolf Marines has the best of both worlds. The in-depth combat military missions makes this series one that even those who don't care to read of the paranormal might enjoy.
I can't wait for book 4 in the series to be released. Books one through three were exceptional. I hope you Enjoy them as much as I did.
November 11, 2020
Normally I don't like books with cliffhangers but these 2 are worth the wait. This book will make you laugh, cry (more than once) and celebrates the power of love (romantic, sibling and platonic) with plenty of action, romance and hijinks. DJ and Echo are mates bu their is anything but smooth sailing. Charlie - Echo's sister truly comes into her own and we get to meet the Torres clan in all its glory and pandemonium. Find if DJ can convince Echo once and for all love is worth the risk.
January 27, 2021
Thank you for this story - Very much worth the read.
I enjoyed the whole series which culminates with Prisoner but most of all I have benefited from the healing that this author's knowledge and understanding has enabled her treatment of PTSD within the tale to reach out to the reader.
Thank you for also reaching me.
I enjoyed the whole series which culminates with Prisoner but most of all I have benefited from the healing that this author's knowledge and understanding has enabled her treatment of PTSD within the tale to reach out to the reader.
Thank you for also reaching me.
October 24, 2020
Over-talkative Wolf
Echo and DJ are wonderful together and they deserve to have a happy and long life. Her sister character who I hope gets her own book eventually. Echo and DJ have had a very eventful time of it between Charlie and Roy. Really, really good story!
Echo and DJ are wonderful together and they deserve to have a happy and long life. Her sister character who I hope gets her own book eventually. Echo and DJ have had a very eventful time of it between Charlie and Roy. Really, really good story!
August 23, 2017
The author's sense of humor and character are both amazing. I hope she keeps writing these.
August 17, 2019
Good read
DJ and Echo finally fell in love and he realized she is his mate but Wil she understand what it means not being a shifter
DJ and Echo finally fell in love and he realized she is his mate but Wil she understand what it means not being a shifter
February 3, 2020
This triology
This is one of the best set of books I have read in a while. They gripping, I couldn't put them down. I am starting to read them again
This is one of the best set of books I have read in a while. They gripping, I couldn't put them down. I am starting to read them again
June 18, 2015
Partner by Lia Silver is a direct follow-on from Prisoner. The second half of the same story, in fact. Not just action and adventure (though there is that) but also a lot (maybe too much?) exploration of PTSD and combat stress. Though this is something hardly ever tackled to this depth in what appears on the surface to be a lightweight novel, so it certainly adds something. The author certainly knows what she's talking about, being a professional therapist in her other life.
A combination of thriller with supernatural romance. DJ Torres is a 'born' werewolf and a marine who, after being injured in Afghanistan, has been imprisoned by a shadowy government agency somewhere out in the desert. There he's partnered with tough-as-nails superspy and assassin, Echo, one of two surviving experimental clones.
Though they try to hide it because they know that their captors will use it against them, Echo and DJ have bonded. In this half of the story they have to figure out how to escape the secret base, rescue DJ's former marine buddy, Roy, whom DJ bit to save his life when he was dying of wounds. They also have to bring Echo's dying clone sister out with them and liberate the pack of made werewolves who have been experimented on.
Packed with emotion, this book is more about relationships than action (though action is certainly not absent). Echo must learn how to deal with newly awakened emotions when her feelings have been in lockdown mode for many years. DJ has to deal with a new mate bond. The thrust of the story, the escape and the search for Roy, almost plays second fiddle to the psychology. Some of the urgency of the must-rescue-Roy part of the story is weakened.. The solutions, when they come, are maybe a little too easy, though the main characters don't get out unscathed. There's a missed opportunity in that much of Roy's story happens off the page (and is possibly covered in a third book which centres on Roy, which I have not read). But that's me being nitpicky, the whole thing carries you along and it's one of those stories to gulp down quickly while it's hot. It also looks as if there's another book about Echo and DJ which i look forward to reading.
A combination of thriller with supernatural romance. DJ Torres is a 'born' werewolf and a marine who, after being injured in Afghanistan, has been imprisoned by a shadowy government agency somewhere out in the desert. There he's partnered with tough-as-nails superspy and assassin, Echo, one of two surviving experimental clones.
Though they try to hide it because they know that their captors will use it against them, Echo and DJ have bonded. In this half of the story they have to figure out how to escape the secret base, rescue DJ's former marine buddy, Roy, whom DJ bit to save his life when he was dying of wounds. They also have to bring Echo's dying clone sister out with them and liberate the pack of made werewolves who have been experimented on.
Packed with emotion, this book is more about relationships than action (though action is certainly not absent). Echo must learn how to deal with newly awakened emotions when her feelings have been in lockdown mode for many years. DJ has to deal with a new mate bond. The thrust of the story, the escape and the search for Roy, almost plays second fiddle to the psychology. Some of the urgency of the must-rescue-Roy part of the story is weakened.. The solutions, when they come, are maybe a little too easy, though the main characters don't get out unscathed. There's a missed opportunity in that much of Roy's story happens off the page (and is possibly covered in a third book which centres on Roy, which I have not read). But that's me being nitpicky, the whole thing carries you along and it's one of those stories to gulp down quickly while it's hot. It also looks as if there's another book about Echo and DJ which i look forward to reading.
May 8, 2015
This is really the second half of Prisoner -- that ends with the ordained couple finally having sex, so this one has much more making out.
I was really bothered by a sense of not taking the backstory seriously. They spend most of both books under intense observation by evil and amoral masterminds, who try to bug them every day, but the story requires a lot of talking about secret and private feelings, so aside from a ritual debugging process they aren't really inhibited in their conversations. But evil masterminds with unlimited budget and no constraints -- apparently the spies cannot invent a passive bug which doesn't radiate IR, or a periscope, or have someone sit on the other side of a wall with an ear trumpet, or just pay a few agents to follow them around Vegas and eavesdrop. It wouldn't matter so much if both books weren't based around resisting the evil handlers of Wildfire base -- who inexplicably allow their prisoners to call home and take unsupervised vacations in Vegas. On the other hand, nobody (including family, the USMC who knows marines are being tortured, or the US government more generally) does anything -- again because the plot demands fierce interdependence within the base community and isolation from outsiders, but a slow-mo escape. The base is based on kidnapping, torture, blackmail, and illegal medical experiments (Godwin's Law?), but people on the base generally don't have much problem with it (particularly Ty who considers revulsion vs. active assistance just a personality difference).
I prefer tighter plotting. Fortunately we were spared most of the will they or won't they moaning -- the answer is guaranteed by Melusine Press policy.
I was really bothered by a sense of not taking the backstory seriously. They spend most of both books under intense observation by evil and amoral masterminds, who try to bug them every day, but the story requires a lot of talking about secret and private feelings, so aside from a ritual debugging process they aren't really inhibited in their conversations. But evil masterminds with unlimited budget and no constraints -- apparently the spies cannot invent a passive bug which doesn't radiate IR, or a periscope, or have someone sit on the other side of a wall with an ear trumpet, or just pay a few agents to follow them around Vegas and eavesdrop. It wouldn't matter so much if both books weren't based around resisting the evil handlers of Wildfire base -- who inexplicably allow their prisoners to call home and take unsupervised vacations in Vegas. On the other hand, nobody (including family, the USMC who knows marines are being tortured, or the US government more generally) does anything -- again because the plot demands fierce interdependence within the base community and isolation from outsiders, but a slow-mo escape. The base is based on kidnapping, torture, blackmail, and illegal medical experiments (Godwin's Law?), but people on the base generally don't have much problem with it (particularly Ty who considers revulsion vs. active assistance just a personality difference).
I prefer tighter plotting. Fortunately we were spared most of the will they or won't they moaning -- the answer is guaranteed by Melusine Press policy.
May 18, 2015
This series is SERIOUSLY good. Like, WHOA good. Like, I want to go back and reread book 1 now because OMG! THESE GUYS! Plus, the first two books in DJ and Echo's story runs parallel with book 1 and Roy's forced incarceration at the hands of the doctors makes my face sad and I want to get all growly at them again.
But this book is about DJ and Echo. And Charlie. But mostly DJ and Echo. They're both in tough situations. DJ is stuck helping his captors because they're holding Roy's well-being over his head. If he does as he's told, Roy doesn't get hurt. If he balks, bad things happen to his best friend. Given how DJ feels responsible for Roy because he turned him (not to mention the best friend thing), DJ toes the line.
Then there's Echo. Charlie is her weak point. She does what she's told because to not do it means Charlie will be hurt. Charlie's medical issues mean they can't just stage a jail break and make a run for it. It's very complicated and tangled and Echo is doing the best she can.
But...BUT these guys are resourceful. They follow instructions, but they're always looking for a way out. At least DJ is. And when things start to come together, they have to make some big decisions.
Also, DJ and Echo are freaking cute together. She might be a genetically modified assassin and he's a hyperactive werewolf with super strength, but they're adorably perfect for one another.
We have one more book to go with this couple. I am very curious to see where their story goes.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
But this book is about DJ and Echo. And Charlie. But mostly DJ and Echo. They're both in tough situations. DJ is stuck helping his captors because they're holding Roy's well-being over his head. If he does as he's told, Roy doesn't get hurt. If he balks, bad things happen to his best friend. Given how DJ feels responsible for Roy because he turned him (not to mention the best friend thing), DJ toes the line.
Then there's Echo. Charlie is her weak point. She does what she's told because to not do it means Charlie will be hurt. Charlie's medical issues mean they can't just stage a jail break and make a run for it. It's very complicated and tangled and Echo is doing the best she can.
But...BUT these guys are resourceful. They follow instructions, but they're always looking for a way out. At least DJ is. And when things start to come together, they have to make some big decisions.
Also, DJ and Echo are freaking cute together. She might be a genetically modified assassin and he's a hyperactive werewolf with super strength, but they're adorably perfect for one another.
We have one more book to go with this couple. I am very curious to see where their story goes.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 3, 2015
The continuation of a romance series that I actually liked, since it doesn't seem to have the frustrating gender dynamics that normally make me hate romance. Echo and DJ are both characters that I liked as people and wanted to root for. I was impressed that the author continued to be able to surprise me, from where Charlie's arc went to my strategically forgetting about Cole for most of the end of the book. (That was particularly funny.) I was also taken by surprise to hear Guadalupe referred to as a werewolf Marine... I had internally expected that to be only the series heroes, but DJ's right, she totally is too. Hah! My bad. So it has plenty of action (both in and out of bed), enough to satisfy most people who like reading military fantasy or sci-fi, a pretty diverse cast, and a story that will appeal to paranormal romance fans. My only real complaint is the cover (which isn't really the author's fault)... Echo has a good shooting stance, which is in character, but DJ doesn't. Leaning back like that away from the gun isn't something I've ever seen a Marine do.
March 4, 2015
Ah, the book two doldrums. It seems like the second book in a series often drags you into a Bermuda Triangle of still seas, forced conflict, and boring plot.
Good thing Lia Silver has an amazing compass and was able to bypass that dreaded dead zone. Instead, she continued to develop our two protagonists, threw some thoroughly believable monkey wrenches in their relationship, and made you itch for a happily ever after. And, with all that, Silver also managed to resolve the book's plot in such a way that you definitely consider this a happily for now, not a cliffhanger that will make you tear your hair out as you wait for the conclusion.
It's a delight to have such a dependable author to fall back on. Everything I've read by Lia Silver is top notch, and I'm now going to check out the books by her other pen names.
Good thing Lia Silver has an amazing compass and was able to bypass that dreaded dead zone. Instead, she continued to develop our two protagonists, threw some thoroughly believable monkey wrenches in their relationship, and made you itch for a happily ever after. And, with all that, Silver also managed to resolve the book's plot in such a way that you definitely consider this a happily for now, not a cliffhanger that will make you tear your hair out as you wait for the conclusion.
It's a delight to have such a dependable author to fall back on. Everything I've read by Lia Silver is top notch, and I'm now going to check out the books by her other pen names.
March 11, 2015
I have read reviews which were meh about this book because it strays into stuff that was in Laura's Wolf but I disagree.
I liked this much more than the first book - because although there is more to come this felt like a complete book and not part one.
And can I just gush AGAIN about how much I love DJ? I like his humour over Charlie's romances, I like his acceptance of Echo's superior abilities, I like the way he befriends everyone. Heck I even like the way he babbles when he's under stress.
If there was any angst it was Echo - she who had been single-handedly responsible for everything for everyone - but even her angst was tempered with self-realisation and purpose.
I have to say that Lia Silver is turning into a must-buy author for me.
What do we want? More DJ! When do we want it? Now!
I liked this much more than the first book - because although there is more to come this felt like a complete book and not part one.
And can I just gush AGAIN about how much I love DJ? I like his humour over Charlie's romances, I like his acceptance of Echo's superior abilities, I like the way he befriends everyone. Heck I even like the way he babbles when he's under stress.
If there was any angst it was Echo - she who had been single-handedly responsible for everything for everyone - but even her angst was tempered with self-realisation and purpose.
I have to say that Lia Silver is turning into a must-buy author for me.
What do we want? More DJ! When do we want it? Now!
April 19, 2015
Echo and DJ's story continues. They must find a way to escape Wildfire Base while managing to protect - and free - Roy and Charlie.
I continued to enjoy this series as a light read with some extra dimensions added from its author's understanding of combat stress and PTSD. Because of its intersection with other books in the story, the plot felt a bit unresolved with important action happening 'off-stage'.
My concern that the "evil" characters would be a little too "evil" with too little motivation continued into this novel. Maybe it is resolved in later books, but for now, this is as far as I will read.
I continued to enjoy this series as a light read with some extra dimensions added from its author's understanding of combat stress and PTSD. Because of its intersection with other books in the story, the plot felt a bit unresolved with important action happening 'off-stage'.
My concern that the "evil" characters would be a little too "evil" with too little motivation continued into this novel. Maybe it is resolved in later books, but for now, this is as far as I will read.
August 14, 2016
While this was a fun book, it did suffer from having to wrap up the dangling plot threads of both previous books and wrangle a large cast. Maybe I should have reread Prisoner before I read this, it's been a while, and no doubt I missed out on some nuances.
Still, DJ and Echo are great, the banter is as good as ever, the action scenes are vivid, and it was satisfying to see how things worked out for everyone.
I've read a little bit of Roy's book, but to be honest I am far more attached to DJ and Echo's voices, so this is a two book series for me (until Packmate comes out, at least).
Still, DJ and Echo are great, the banter is as good as ever, the action scenes are vivid, and it was satisfying to see how things worked out for everyone.
I've read a little bit of Roy's book, but to be honest I am far more attached to DJ and Echo's voices, so this is a two book series for me (until Packmate comes out, at least).
January 12, 2016
I need to get my health together so I can read and review faster. I really love this series. I had some time before a doctor's visit so I finally knocked this one out. So happy with the way Echo and DJ's relationship has progressed, and that a certain evil lair went boom.
April 13, 2015
I liked this follow up to the story. I especially like DJ's character as he is not a typical hero.
July 25, 2015
at long last! and a mostly happy ending. and a promised 3rd book.
April 9, 2017
Oops, I neglected to put a review right after I read this one, so I'll just jot down a few comments. As my rating shows, I did enjoy it.
* Interesting revelation about the generally upbeat hero's childhood, and its lasting effects.
* Both strong-willed leads have moments of facing their vulnerabilities/ breaking points.
* The relationship is well-done and emotional, though the heroine's issues cause problems.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few specifics I wanted to mention, but if they come back to me, or if I do a re-read, I can edit this review then.
* Interesting revelation about the generally upbeat hero's childhood, and its lasting effects.
* Both strong-willed leads have moments of facing their vulnerabilities/ breaking points.
* The relationship is well-done and emotional, though the heroine's issues cause problems.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few specifics I wanted to mention, but if they come back to me, or if I do a re-read, I can edit this review then.
Read
July 5, 2017I really loved everything in this book. Such an enjoyable series.
January 3, 2018
I enjoyed the build up of the relationship. They did seem perfect for one another and a nice tidy ending:)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews