MICHEL Michel doesn’t trust Dr. Chelsea Young. Why should he? She willingly worked as a researcher for the humans who were using Pantera as lab animals. Unfortunately, his suspicions haven’t kept his cat from becoming obsessed with the need to possess the beautiful female.
Chelsea is determined to atone for her youthful mistakes. Even if that means working with the aggravating Michel who refuses to believe she now wants to help the Pantera. Together they must overcome their mutual animosity to track down her former boss, Stanton Locke, before he can commit the ultimate betrayal.
STRIKER Dark, damaged and definitely gorgeous, Striker is all about the mission. And when the mission’s over? The Hunter is out of there. That is, until one of Locke’s lab rats is forced on him—a beautiful, pained female who needs sex to survive.
The lovely Twelve was abducted and taken to the labs several years ago. Used for breeding, she was given drugs that make her irresistible to males. It was a hellish, lonely life. But she’s free now, and determined to discover the truth about her past. If only the road to that truth didn’t involve the heartless male she can’t stop herself from wanting.
I'm not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother's knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library. Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.
Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
The first novella takes the global plot a little forward, with a few information about the bad guys' motivations. However the hero goes from not trusting the heroine to being in love in the blink of an eye. The heroine was the lover of one of the bad guys in the previous volume, begging him to stop working for the big boss and stay with her. Hard to believe two months later she can fall for another guy. And what's more for years she used to work for the bad guys, experimenting on Panteras without much guilty conscience, she didn't deserve a HEA.
The second novella brings nothing to the global plot, it's only an erotic story with a heroine full of drugs who needs constant sex and a hero who doesn't want to connect emotionally to anyone. And the author changed her style to write this novella in the first person, alternating between both main characters' point of view.
MICHEL Michel doesn’t trust Dr. Chelsea Young. Why should he? She willingly worked as a researcher for the humans who were using Pantera as lab animals. Unfortunately, his suspicions haven’t kept his cat from becoming obsessed with the need to possess the beautiful female.
Chelsea is determined to atone for her youthful mistakes. Even if that means working with the aggravating Michel who refuses to believe she now wants to help the Pantera. Together they must overcome their mutual animosity to track down her former boss, Stanton Locke, before he can commit the ultimate betrayal.
REVIEW: MICHEL
Michel is a Pantera; a panther shifter of the Wildlands of New Orleans, and a man who is both attracted to and repulsed by the beautiful but painfully scarred human Dr. Chelsea Young. Chelsea was a research analyst in Stanton Locke’s lab where countless numbers of experiments were performed on the panther shifters. Her rescue has led to some hostile encounters but none more so than those from Michel who believes the beautiful doctor cannot be trusted. When the leader of the Pantera orders Michel and Chelsea to investigate Locke’s latest test facilities, Michel is determined to uncover all of Chelsea’s secrets. What ensues is a developing relationship and eventual mating between Michel and Dr. Young but not before the rescue of a number of imprisoned Panteras and a human female found locked in the labs. Revenge will come from a different source when Stanton Locke protects the woman that he loves.
••••••••••••••••••••••
STRIKER Dark, damaged and definitely gorgeous, Striker is all about the mission. And when the mission’s over? The Hunter is out of there. That is, until one of Locke’s lab rats is forced on him—a beautiful, pained female who needs sex to survive.
The lovely Twelve was abducted and taken to the labs several years ago. Used for breeding, she was given drugs that make her irresistible to males. It was a hellish, lonely life. But she’s free now, and determined to discover the truth about her past. If only the road to that truth didn’t involve the heartless male she can’t stop herself from wanting.
REVIEW: STRIKER
Striker is a Pantera Hunter-a shifter whose latest assignment finds him the male assigned to the Wildlands most recent rescue a female known only as Twelve. Twelve’s mind and body are no longer in her control. The experimental drugs injected at the labs find our heroine lost in a world of unknowns and the need to breed. Enter Striker-the man who will bring back her mind and her heart-if only she could remember who she is.
STRIKER finds our leading couple locked in a sexually aggressive relationship throughout most of the storyline. Striker is a Pantera who believes his one chance at happiness and a mate in the past but his attraction and over protective nature as it pertains to Twelve finds our hero looking to the future with the possibility of a happily ever after.
••••••••••••••
Conclusion
MICHEL/STRIKER , once again, look at the destructive nature of scientific experimentation and specieism in a world controlled and run by the humans. Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright have developed a winning formula that combines the paranormal with the real world, and all of its twisted views on perfection and love.
Due to the nature of the novella (short stories) all of the relationships are quick to build; an insta lust/love premise wherein each of our leading males finds the mate of his heart.
You can’t go wrong with the Bayou Heat series by Ivy and Wright-quick reads; sexy heroes; and beautiful heroines.
An enemy is on the move and Michel and Chelsea will work together to find him before he disappears with the imprisoned Pantera.
I have no love for Chelsea and believe while she's genuinely disgusted in what she unknowingly took part in, all the guilt she feels is for herself and not for the innocent Pantera she experimented on while working for Stanton Locke. Does she want to help the Pantera? Yes, but it's to make herself feel better rather than doing what's right and atoning for what she has done. Due to my feelings for her, the normally sexy romance I find just isn't there. Michel is a suit but not like Raphael. He's a spy and adds a sharp edge to the male Pantera lineup. Unlike Chelsea, he won me over and paired with the search and confrontation with Locke, which isn't as gratifying as I'd like, there was just enough to keep me reading until the end.
Striker by Laura Wright
*SPOILERS from Michel
Striker thinks he is too damaged to offer Twelve more than the sex she needs to stay sane thanks to the breeding experimentation done at Locke's lab. Twelve can't remember who she is but she knows Striker is the key to unlocking her memories. To heal them both, she needs to convince him he has so much more to offer than his body.
Hero thinks he's too broken to feel/offer love, heroine believes otherwise and needs said hero to believe it too...not exactly original but it's a better story than Michel. Twelve was a prisoner/lab rat of Locke's and is sent into a breeding frenzy that renders her unable to even speak or think. Striker is sent in to help her because it's believed his past heartache will keep him from forming any kind of bond. SPOILER...that's not the case. As predictable as it is, it feels right for these two. Sweet words and sappy gestures won't do. They share a raw passion and brutal honesty that makes their relationship work for me in a short amount of time.
Striker has the better story of the pair but overall, this Bayou Heat set is the least impressive. The stories, characters (i.e. Chelsea) and romances (again, Chelsea) just didn't do it for me this time and it's such a disappointment because I've enjoyed the series up to this point. - Stephanie
Huh. Not sure what to say about this edition to the series.
Michel - he was fine. But the chosen mate for him? Not so much. Chelsea is the genetics Dr. who experimented on the Pantera. What motivated her? Something noble right? Nah - she wanted to find a way to fix burn scars on her face. Shallow bitch. Vanity - that is a deadly sin right? Good. Then please escort her sorry ass straight to hell! There is NO WAY she should have gotten an HEA. Ever! I have no forgiveness in me for that level of shallow. There is nothing that occurred in the book that made me feel even slightly different. I read it only to keep up with the overall storyline, which actually did have some movement with freeing of a group of captive Pantera. Can I give it negative stars?
Striker - well huh. Not so sure what to say about this one. Twelve (she does not remember her name until the end) was one of the rescued Pantera and because of drugs they gave her she needs constant sex while her brain is shut down. Striker obliges because he is the logical choice. Since he has zero feelings for anyone. OooKaay. Hmm. They get a reprieve so his dick can recover, but then he is a douche and causes another psychotic break and it is off to f'king again. I did not hate this story but I did not love it either. It was probably between 2-3 stars. There was no plot advancement and I did not connect to either the H or h.
Safety Gang safe but...
There is only one book in the series left for me to read so this book will not stop me from that goal. But it was a huge disappointment after the last two, which I really enjoyed.
After so many dreamy heroes you would think that there can’t be others but you’re wrong! Michel and Striker’s stories were equally if more amazing from the other Bayou Heat books.
Michel by Alexandra Ivy
Michel is a Suit, a spy and as such he can’t but be suspicious of Dr. Chelsea Young. Chelsea used to work for Locke in the Labs where they would experiment on abducted Pantera. Chelsea never agreed with the way the Pantera or the human experiments were handled. That’s why she got out of Locke’s world and was thrust into the Pantera world. Now she will have to face the consequences.
Forced into working with Chelsea, Michel will have to keep himself under control if he wants to bring down Locke and his Master. There’s no one better to help him than the person who has closely worked with Locke.
Michel and Chelsea’s story may be a short one but it had everything. Exploding passion, a yummy hero, a strong heroine, action and a bit of suspense.
Striker by Laura Wright
That was a big WOW!
From the very first page you could tell this wasn’t going to be your average romance.
Twelve, aka Seleste, has been in the labs for a very long time. She remembers nothing of her past than her number and her need. When Striker is asked to take care of her, it’s his duty to comply.
This was beyond anything I expected to get. Striker’s story was so different from the other Pantera ones. There is chemistry and there is passion and Striker and Seleste had both. Striker wants nothing more than to help twelve remember her past and thus herself. He will give her his body and nothing more. Or so he thinks.
Seleste wants to move on but first she will have to remember the person she was in the past so she can face her future. She wants nothing more than to have her memories and she will do everything to get them.
Both Seleste and Striker were so strong characters. Seleste had suffered so much: she was tortured and psychologically damaged that she only wanted to move on with her life. Striker was betrayed in the worst way possible. He was burned by love and he is smarter than to repeat the same mistake twice.
Michel/Striker was an excellent addition to the series. The Pantera is closer on bringing the Master down. Does that mean that the end is close too? I hope not.
Totally recommended!
*ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The Bayou Heat series continues with Michel by Alexandra Ivy. The series follows a group of panther shifters in Louisiana and their struggle to continue to exist alongside the human world. Previous stories have focused on a group on scientists doing illegal experiments on the panthers. They are led by a man called Locke. The colony continues to try and find out where Locke is and what secrets he continues to keep about the Pantera. Locke’s assistant, Chelsea, turned herself in and willingly handed over what information she had about the genetic testing happening in the various labs. Michel is a Suit but presents more like a Hunter. He is stealthy and will do anything to protect the colony. He doesn’t trust Chelsea and readily lets her know how far down the totem pole she is to him. I love when those Pantera males think they know it all until that mating instinct kicks in. Michel could not tear himself away from Chelsea as much as he tried to distance himself. When sparks fly, they both realize that they are meant to be together.
Striker, by Laura Wright is perhaps one of my top two Pantera so far. He is all about duty and obligation and because he has been so trampled by love in the past, he pushes his heart way out of the way. The rescued Pantera lab experiments are proving to be an interesting mix of abilities and levels of psychological damage. Striker is tasked with helping “Twelve” regain her mind. The story is a wonderful dual POV with a glimpse into the disturbed mind of someone who was tortured. I loved Striker in this story because he initially doesn’t see his value on a personal level to anyone. He does his job and nothing more. It takes a damaged female to make him realize he is worth more.
The danger continues to escalate in the series. I’m not sure how many more books are coming but I have a feeling the Pantera are close to shutting down the Master for good. *An ARC was received from the author for an honest review.
The steamy Bayou Heat series features stories by authors Alexandra Ivy (Guardians of Eternity series) and Laura Wright (The Cavanaugh Brothers). I love the Pantera world and the storyline, and fans will enjoy the writing style. These stories are shorter (around 130 pages), with two tales in each book, so expect faster but good quality reads. While the authors are still burning up the pages on stories 15 and 16, it makes me wonder if they will every lose steam? Let’s hope not!
Michel by Alexandra Ivy
“Her parted lips were a temptation that not even a saint could ignore. And Michel was no saint.” – Michel, Alexandra Ivy
The first story in this eighth book in the series is about Michel, Pantera spy and Dr. Chelsea Young, former evil experimenter for the enemy. It is a classic tale of two people on opposite sides seeing past their misconceptions to find a connection. The author throws some serious emotions and heat into the mix while churning up the obstacles. I enjoyed the read, but would love a full-length book!
Striker by Laura Wright
“She stirs then, and I sit up. I refuse to rest. I won’t sleep or eat until she’s awake – until her mind is awake. Even if it means I end up mad. Madness with her could be beautiful. I’d be happy in her world. I already am…” – Striker, Laura Wright
The second story in the book is wickedly twisted. Here we find a tortured female lead and a broken male lead who are forced together by circumstance. Striker and Twelve take turns pushing each other away, but when they come together it is explosive! The main question we have at the end of the book is…will they stay together, or was this just a heated encounter for a common goal?
The Bayou Heat series continues with these two deliciously spicy stories. The first by Alexandra Ivy is Michel and he's part of the Pantera shifters who are tracking down the humans who have been using some of his kind as experiments. Forced to work with Chelsea the woman who once worked in the lab Michel cannot help the obsession he feels for her but trust? Now that's a completely different matter because no matter what his cat thinks Michel will never trust the human or will he? Striker by Laura Wright is the second story in this book and it catches up with Twelve one of those rescued from the lab but the years of drugs and forced breeding have left her wild, facing madness and with no memories. Enter Striker a male who has locked his heart away and although he's happy to be on top of a female he has no intention of ever having one at his side permanently but Twelve pushes all his buttons and Striker is about to realise that love is worth the risk. I love that with each story we learn more about these characters and indeed the whole story arc is really expanding now. Those who have been experimenting on the Pantera are really becoming far more prominent and it truly adds to the tension . In Michels story we learn quite a lot about those hunting the shifters and what their evil plans are and then Strikers story neatly carries on with incredible and emotional aftermath. So much passion, action and sheer heat is crammed into the work of these authors and I'm always amazed that something so short can be so good . A great series for lovers of paranormal romance but start at the beginning to get the most enjoyment. I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
The next two books in the Bayou Heat series and boy were they good ones. In Michel we have a Pantera who believes Chelsea is the enemy and cannot be trusted even though he is so attracted to her. They are sent on a mission together of course that's just asking for a disaster waiting to happen or is it? Once Michel learns the truth of Chelsea's past will it shed a different light on the matter? Or will his cynical side win out? All this goes on has they hunt for Locke.
In Stiker you definitely have a more of an emotional story going on. Twelve who was held captive and forced to breed has lost herself. Striker is assigned with the task of bringing her back because he doesn't get emotional attached to anything even when being intimate with them. Soon Striker is fighting his puma's desire to mate with Twelve. Will Stiker be able to put past hurts where they belong in the past? Or will he throw away his chance at love?
"Bayou Heat: Michel - Striker" by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright. Books 15 & 16 of the Bayou Heat series.
OVERALL REVIEW
I am loving the Bayou Heat series. Actually, I give this book 4.5 stars. (5 stars for Michel and 4 stars for Striker) When you get to read Striker's story, the style of writing changes completely. Kind of makes the stories seem a little disjointed but never-the-less, both stories are excellent.
The first story, Michel by Alexandra Ivy, begins one month after the last book.
Michel is a Pantera Suit but he's not your average Diplomat. He doesn't work well with others and has a very hard time trusting anyone. That's why the leader of the Pantera made him a spy. So when Dr. Chelsea Young came to the Wildlands a month ago, revealing all kinds of information on their enemy, Stanton Locke, Michel doesn't necessarily believe her. Everything seems just a little to convenient. Now Chelsea is working with the Pantera and "studying" them "safely". But is she keeping the information to herself and the Pantera? Or is she really a spy for Locke?
Michel and Chelsea go through an emotional rollercoaster throughout this story. Fighting their feelings for each other because each of them have issues with trust. This story concludes the series' Stanton Locke plot but continues the plot with Locke's benefactor, Christopher and his dealings with government and how Chelsea's research may be used not for healing as she intended but for financial gain.
The second story, Striker by Laura Wright, is written in a completely different writing style than the first story and all the other stories in this series written by Laura Wright.
It is told in the first-person POV (point-of-view) switching between main characters Striker and Twelve. It is very introspective and very emotional as each character is explaining their feelings of the moment. (If you've read Laura Wright's "Wicked Ink Chronicles, it's written like those books.) There are no action scenes and the series plot is added to, in that the reader is just told that humans now know about Pantera and that Raphael (leader of the bayou Pantera) wants to communicate with the new found Cadejo (Panteras i nthe Wetlands of Florida) in hope for an alliance because of the oncoming war with humans.
Twelve is finally free from being a prisoner and being experimented on and used as a breeder. But all the drugs she was given have messed with her pheromones and now she's a walking sex magnet with no memory of who she really is. Incoherent at times, sex is the only way to bring her back to sanity and bring her memory back. But the only one male she feels safe with refuses to help her.
Striker is the only Pantera that can help Twelve. She needs sex and he can definitely provide that service, with no feelings, attachments or bonding taking place which usually happens when Pantera have a long-lasting sexual relationship. But Striker learned long ago to close off his heart so he won't get hurt...again. Once his "mission" is complete with Twelve, he's supposed to go to the Wetlands as a Diplomat to make peace with the Cadejo. But Twelve needs a protector and she's specifically asking for him.
The emotional ups and downs that Striker and Twelve go through is just heartbreaking. To see their relationship develop is really heartwarming. I really enjoyed this story.
Chelsea has made some bad choices in her past but is trying to atone for them by helping the very people that she was forced to help experiment on and torture. Along comes Michel, the suit/hunter, who is sent to hopefully find and retrieve Stanton Locke before he destroys anymore lives and hands over the genetic research to his boss, Christopher. Michel doesn't trust Chelsea, is convinced she is spying for Locke. Unfortunately his cat doesn't agree so when he's forced by his boss Rapheal to take Chelsea on his mission sparks soon fly between the two of them. They find the research lab, drama soon follows, Locke gets his comeuppance and the pantera test subject are finally rescued. Michel stops fighting his attraction to Chelsea and they soon mate. If I'm totally honest, I wasn't that fussed about these two! For some reason they just didn't do it for me, although the story is written well i just couldn't connect with them.
Striker and Twelve are up next.
5 stars.
This is my favourite story so far in this series. Striker is the hot alpha cat, emotionally scarred after his mate left him for his twin brother, he's closed himself off from any emotion. Twelve was rescued from the lab in the previous story and has had so much genetic manipulation she's gone crazy with lust. The only option is for her to be sexed back into consciousness and hopefully can then retrieve her memories of who she really is and where she came from. Striker is the man for the job! Unfortunately for him she delves deep into his closed off heart and makes him realise that life really is better when you allow yourself to love again. Twelve was a really strong female considering all that she went through and even though these are quite short stores I didn't feel that her recovery was too rushed. I loved that this story was all about the two of them with the outside world relatively closed off.
As always I cannot wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another fantastic addition to the Bayou Heat series, the team of Ivy and Wright gives the readers a two scorching stories of redemption and risk.
Alexandra Ivy’s Michel is more a traditional shifter story. Dr. Chelsea Young has been given a second chance. After being the protégé of Locke, she helps the Pantera track him down. She is partnered with the shifter she is least likes, Michel. Unfortunately for them, at least at the start, they are fated as mates. It’s not quite insta-love because they have had to overcome a mountain of mistrust, but they still manage to overcome that hurdle and finally give in to their destiny.
Laura Wright gives us a very erotic contribution to Bayou Heat with Striker. Sex is an essential element to the story. The narrative begins with Striker sexing Twelve to consciousness (that’s right, not sex until oblivion.) Sex is the prescription to all the drugs pumped into Twelve while she is held prisoner by Locke. It is only time when she can find lucidity.
Striker is assigned the “task” of helping Twelve work through the drugs coursing through her system. She can only do this through intercourse. He is the perfect person for this job as he already avoids attachment and intimacy. Because of a past betrayal, he will not allow himself to get attached to any female. However, Twelve is no ordinary female.
The author uses an unusual narrative device to gain our attention. She takes us into the head of Twelve during her delusionary episodes. It is both disorienting and fascinating. I first noticed this approach in her Wicked Ink series and found it disconcerting at that time. The point of view is not defined and the voice is difficult to distinguish. However, this makes the reader pay more attention to try and discern what is developing.
IN A NUTSHELL:
This series is like chocolate truffles, small morsels of creamy, rich, goodness. It’s just enough to get you to the next fix.
I received a copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Bayou Heat Series continues in a great way with Michel and Striker as the Pantera shifters struggle to survive amidst threats that grow stronger with each new story.
Michel is the first story and it is written by the talented Alexandra Ivy. Michel is a Pantera spy and in the story he is sent on a mission with a woman he considers an enemy. Dr. Chelsea Young has made some very bad choices that she now regrets and desperately wants to make amends for hurting the Pantera. Throwing these two together resulted in lots of angst and drama in this story. Michel is suspicious of Chelsea even as he desires her too. This one was mostly about learning to trust and forgiving yourself. It was very engaging and emotional to read.
Sriker is the second story in the book and it is contributed by the fabulous Laura Wright, and for me, this one was the most intense. The story centers around "Twelve" and Striker. Both of these characters were emotionally damaged for different reasons. Twelve was a female Pantera who had been held prisoner and experimented on by a mad scientist. She has to have constant sex to save her sanity. Striker was assigned that duty because of his cold demeaner. He has no room in his life for emotions that only bring him heartache. Poor Striker has been betrayed and built a stone wall around his heart to keep it safe. It's a wall that slowly begins to crumble once the connection is made and he gets to know the real woman.
Each of these stories were well written and engaging. The plots were intriguing and pulled me in and kept my interest until the end. I highly recommend this exciting series but suggest starting at the beginning as some of the past characters and events figure strongly. Not only that but it is a great paranormal series that you shouldn't miss.
These two books were hot. Michel doesn't trust Chelsea at all, but he can't help but want her. When they are thrown together on a mission, he may learn that Chelsea isn't exactly what he thought but maybe exactly what he needs. Chelsea wants to make up for the terrible she participated in and if she must, she will put up with Michel to do that. He is sexy and solid, but obviously doesn't trust her. I really liked Chelsea. She had been involved in some terrible things and probably didn't deserve their forgiveness but she was determined to show how sorry she was. Michel wants her, there is no doubt, but he doesn't trust her. Their mission helps them learn a lot about each other!
Twelve is mad from all the experiements that were done on her by Locke and all those that work for him. She knows nothing but need. Striker is the one that is selected to fulfill that need. Over and over again until she comes back to herself. When she finally does, Twelve feels safe with no one but him, but Striker isn't the man for the job. Now he has to convince her of that. I liked Striker. He had a job, he did it and left...then when called back in, he wants to be anywhere but with Twelve. Twelve was determined to remember her life from before the lab and since Striker was the one who brought her back from the void of need, she knows if she can just convince him, he will bring back those memories too.
4/5 all the way. I really enjoyed these books and the characters in them!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
**Absolutely contains adult content and language**
Two Author Title : Michel / Striker Title : Michel Author : Alexandra Ivy Title : Striker Author : Laura Wright Reviewed by : Stephanie Jordan ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Michel Michel loved his homeland, he and the Pantera's all lived in the Wildlands. He was a watching just one slip he get her, of course he didn’t understand why they would let the enemy be in his homeland. But he will make sure that the beautiful human traitor is watched because he would give her no space. Michel only problem was his puma wanted her and was starting to get out of control. Dr. Chelsea Young worked with Locke studied the Pantera's blood. Maybe because of their blood they could cure diseases. The good doctor realized something was wrong they were not taking her findings to cure anything they wanted a weapon. They lied to her so she had to escape. Striker Striker didn't feel ,he wouldn't get close. Geezzzz if you can't trust your mate and your twin brother, than you sure as hell can't trust another person. He was on a mission today well its been three days now, whatever drugs the humans shoot into her was making her crazy if she didn't get what she wanted. Striker called her twelve because she didn't talk but he knew she wanted him and sex lot and lots of sex. When he was done he'd be on another mission and not think twice about this. Seleste Brihoni aka: Twelve I know I'm crazy all I want to do is cum!! Please do it again, again, again!! Who am I where am I? Who is doing this to me? I can't think.... Soon.... Please more.... I was gifted this ARC for a honest and truthful review.
Two Author Title : Michel / Striker Title : Michel Author : Alexandra Ivy Title : Striker Author : Laura Wright Reviewed by : Stephanie Jordan ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Michel Michel loved his homeland, he and the Pantera's all lived in the Wildlands. He was a watching just one slip he get her, of course he didn’t understand why they would let the enemy be in his homeland. But he will make sure that the beautiful human traitor is watched because he would give her no space. Michel only problem was his puma wanted her and was starting to get out of control. Dr. Chelsea Young worked with Locke studied the Pantera's blood. Maybe because of their blood they could cure diseases. The good doctor realized something was wrong they were not taking her findings to cure anything they wanted a weapon. They lied to her so she had to escape. Striker Striker didn't feel ,he wouldn't get close. Geezzzz if you can't trust your mate and your twin brother, than you sure as hell can't trust another person. He was on a mission today well its been three days now, whatever drugs the humans shoot into her was making her crazy if she didn't get what she wanted. Striker called her twelve because she didn't talk but he knew she wanted him and sex lot and lots of sex. When he was done he'd be on another mission and not think twice about this. Seleste Brihoni aka: Twelve I know I'm crazy all I want to do is cum!! Please do it again, again, again!! Who am I where am I? Who is doing this to me? I can't think.... Soon.... Please more.... I was gifted this ARC for a honest and truthful review.
Another trip back into the bayou once again, grab yourself a tall glass of sweet tea and be prepared to sit awhile. The collaboration of these two fine authors gives us more to love with indepth look at those who live in this world and have also entered in. In Michel we get to see what is really going on and why he watches the good Dr. Chelsea. Since trust is fleeting between these two it will have to be captured and held on to real tight. When they are paired to work together that is when things will come out into the open between them that will cause more heat. On the trail to discovery will be in the forefront also with events that will end some roads but leave more questions in more ways than one. After a meeting with Raphael and Parish these two will take care of some unfinished business that will end quite satisfactory for them. In Striker he is given a very unusual task that will require quite alot of stamina but be very beneficial to one female's health. it will also help to unlock the door to answers that only Twelve can provide. When the time comes for her to have someone stay with her she requests Striker which is surprising to him. Since though he is denying himself the one thing that could make him whole so to speak he thinks the only danger is to her really. As time goes on with them becoming closer in many ways the heart will have a say in what really should be and he only has to listen. The memory will be a funny thing also and how it is unlocked to disclose Twelve's name was quite intriguing with also it being a way the author will reveal her destiny if she so chooses. Received a copy for a honest review.
Michel: Michel is suspicious of Dr Chelsea Young from the start, especially since she formerly worked for the Pantera's enemies. But Chelsea is determined to fix her mistakes and all the pain she has unwillingly caused. The two join forces to overcome Stanton Locke, protect the Pantera race, and maybe even find love on the way.
I loved this book! ^_^ I thought the storyline was great and the chemistry between the two was amazing. I really liked the heroine, and glad she's on the good side. These two were great together and worked so well as a kickass team. I love how they are both damaged in their own way, yet found happiness within each other.
Striker: Striker is plagued by his past and his life revolves around one thing: completing his missions. But when his mission is to service the recently saved #12, suddenly his mission isn't so clear. Years of bottled up emotions are brought to the surface, forcing him to open up and realise what he's been missing.
Overall i thoroughly enjoyed this book, the character's were interesting and i enjoyed reading their story and how their lives intertwined. I enjoyed their humour and banter, and seeing a more relaxed side of Striker when he was with #12. I will admit it did take me a bit to get into this book, mainly from the way it was written. While it was written well it just wasn't what i was used to. I would have liked this novella to be just a little bit longer, going a little more into detail about Striker's past, and with the leads spending more time together. I really hope we will get to read about Olivier sometime in the future.
Michel thinks Dr. Chelsea Young is a spy but that doesn’t stop his cat from wanting her and Striker is all about the mission until the mission is a beautiful, pained female who needs sex to survive in these exciting paranormal romances.
Chelsea is determined to atone for her mistakes even if it means she has to help Michel, the one cat who can’t stand her and the reader can’t help but be drawn into the story as Michel is thrown for a loop when he learns that his cat is smarter than he is.
Used for breeding, Twelve’s free now and determined to discover her past but she needs the heartless Striker’s help and the reader can’t help but be captivated when Striker figures out that he needs to let go of the past.
Both stories have strong compelling characters that demand attention and capture the heart with their emotional turmoil and the heat that flows from the pages is scorching hot. Tension and excitement builds in Michel’s story as him and Chelsea set out to find the enemy and rescue more Pantera and expectation builds as the reader anticipates what Twelve will do to regain her memory ensuring that there is never a dull moment and the vivid descriptions draw the readers in and refuse to let go.
Once again, I had a very enjoyable visit with the Pantera that live so close to my home and I really can’t wait to visit them again because I really need to know just what Christopher is going to do next and just how much damage he will inflict on these fascinating shifters.
Bought and read years previously but review I posted from the back of the book is missing. Do not be expecting a full on, complete characterisation and in-depth series. You will not get it. This is not a deep and fully developed world, you glean bits and pieces as you go along, getting to know more characters and situation as things happen. Each story is a follow on, sometimes with a cliff hanger. So I suggest starting at the beginning to best understand the who’s and what’s of this world. But it is a fun and intriguing series of short stories that slowly develop into a great read. 15 - MICHEL Some conclusion to the nasty back story in this book. Cannot say I liked Chelsea being the heroine. No matter what she feels now, she was a major part of the experimentation, abuse and horrors that has been happening to the Pantera. The fact she was upset at the death of two of the worst of the abusers, her ex lover Locke and the disgusting military colonel shows she is not truly sorry for what she did. Michel is just being led by his hormones and I feel sorry for him. 16 - STRIKER I really enjoy these stories but get frustrated at the shortness of them at times. I always want them expanded with more information. A very intense read with an emotional tone about the rescued survivors of one of the labs. Liked Seleste and how positive she was about reclaiming her life. Striker was a slow learner but he got there in the end. So horrible the heartbreaking news about Olivier’s mate.
I almost stopped at Michel. I had to push so hard to finish it. I didn't care for Michel's story at all. It's been the worse of the series so far in my opinion. I would rate it 2 stars. It just felt lacking.
But Striker's story was wonderful. I read it straight through without a break. I would give it 4 stars.
Michel: It's a quick transition from mistrust to love for Michel. Though he is very attracted to Dr. Chelsea Young he does not trust her. But now that they are paired on a mission he can no longer hide how he feels about her. Chelsea too now has a chance to atone for her past and make amends with the pack. There is a lot of action taking place, it is very fast paced, but it does take the time to highlight essential romantic elements. There is a major game changing moment in this part so I'm really curious as to what is going to happen next.
Striker: Ooh la la! This guy has got the best job of all. If only he stopped letting his past rule him and allow his true feelings to surface. As for Twelve, she needs his help to recover her memories. Striker has been written entirely from a 1st person perspective, which is new for the Bayou Heat series. Even though I love the pattern that Bayou Heat has followed till now, I must say that it was very refreshing to read it from this perspective. Feels more insightful, like you are right there and can feel everything they are going through. And much more individualized, more focused on the character.
This book belongs to one of the best shifter series that's out right now. It is a cannot be missed series. If you haven't read any or just part of the series, by all means buy the book, but do yourself a huge favor and start from the beginning. You get two extremely talented authors who know their stuff. They draw you into the world of Panteras, keep you reading (cuz you can't put it down) until it's done and then will have you wanting for more. You'll be part of a large group who preorders the next book as soon as they announce it! This time it's Michel/Striker. In Michel you'll be saying- What? They killed who off?- and in Striker, Laura Wright gives you hints to where the series is going. While you're reading you meet two sexy, alpha men who rock their woman's world. Yes, there's some really hot sex in the stories but the story lines are not based on it, it's just a really nice extra! Each story is based on how a Pantera meets or finds their mate. At the same time the writers have you trying to speed read while you find out what's going on in the Pantera world. Your biggest problem will be deciding who's gonna be your next book boyfriend, Michel or Striker?
I've read the entire series in order and thoroughly enjoyed it up to this point. While I was not overly into Chelsea's backstory--like others have noted, her actions in the name of healing herself and scientific curiosity really don't make her a protagonist. Then there's that bit where she'd still be with Locke if he had chosen her over Christopher, yet we're supposed to buy the relationship between Michel and her. I love Alexandra Ivy, I've read a majority of her books at this point;however, this pair was a miss for me. The story was fine and the writing was her usual quality, I just couldn't get into the heroine.
Striker's story was unreadable--at least for me. The first person 'stream of consciousness' is a tricky storytelling technique to pull off and this effort was a complete fail in my opinion. I got maybe twelve pages in and gave up. It read more like badly written fanfic than a professional author. All due respect to the writer, I'm not not a big fan of Laura Wright (good writing, just hasn't clicked with me) I just hope the next part of this series gets back to the story quality of the previous books.
*This is my first review on this site. I have read reviews here from time to time, but I just actually signed up a couple of days ago.
Michel doesn't trust Chelsea but at the same time. He wants her and tries fighting it. He sees clearly how she could be a spy. Chelsea made some bad choices after a childhood tragedy left her scared for life. Growing up without love because of her scars affected her. Which led to her working with Locke. But can Michel understand why she did it. She herself regrets it. When the attraction can't be fought. Will she accept Michel's love and will Michel want her for a mate. Striker has been betrayed by a mate and brother. He's never been the same. They ask him to help Twelve with finding a semblance of calm I guess you could say. Twelve aka Seleste can't remember who she is. The only way is through sex with Striker. He refuses at first he refuses to be hurt again. Twelve is resigned but when she finds out three is in the Wildlands. She wants to visit a friend. Striker becomes jealous and there is some problems. Striker gives in, Twelve remembers she is Seleste. She is a healer and has a family. She's happy yet sad as she is in love with Striker. Will Striker take his mate and be happy. You gotta read it. Both stories do not disappoint.
Michel doesn't trust Dr Chelsea Young, why would he? She worked for Stanton Locke and is responsible for a lot of Pantera being hurt. His cat wants her though and not just to keep an eye on her. Chelsea is determined to make up for her past deeds even if it means putting up with the mistrust of Michel. Can they work together when it counts?
Michel is really hostile towards Chelsea in the beginning and it makes for an interesting read. I really found myself wanting to believe in Chelsea, yet at the same time I could understand Michel's reasoning. It was a great instalment to the series!
Striker lives for his job ever since he was betrayed by those closest to him. When he is tasked to help Twelve after she is recued from the labs, he tries to stay detached. Twelve has been used in more ways than one in he labs, injected with drugs until she only knew desire, she has been used in an effort to breed more Pantera.
I really felt for Twelve throughout the story, she has been through so much and I was willing her to remember who she was and hoping she could find some kind of peace. I can't wait for the next one in the series!
Michel by Alexandra Ivy 4 stars Once again back into the world of the Puma shifter’s in Bayou Heat. The first story in this book was Michel. Not my favorite story in this series, but it did start the process to finding out just who Christopher is. Not only do we have that but we now know the Military has its hands in the mix now too. It’s going to be extremely interesting to see where this series leads now that there are new players in the game or more accurate new threats.
Striker by Laura Wright 5 stars Striker was a hard one to like let alone love…but once his defenses finally dropped it was like a flash flood of the feels. I absolutely loved Striker and Seleste’s book, all the issues Twelve went through not to mention everything she went through to get her past back…this was just such an emotional read all around. Then you add in Striker’s past which in and of itself was horrible but you mesh them together and it made the perfect storm for these two characters.
Overall this for me was so close to a 5 star review...and it was a great addition to the Bayou Heat series.