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Otherworld #1
The Willow
In Carson City, Nevada a tragic car accident has claimed the lives of Nexi Jones’ adoptive parents. Now, without them, her reason to live has vanished and she is determined to end her pain.
The problem with that, it’s not heaven she wakes up to, it’s the Otherworld. Nexi must reconcile the truth about her past, and her heritage as part guardian/part witch, while she begins to train to join the Council’s guard. But it’s not the combat training that has her worried, its attempting to keep her cool around the luscious guardian, Kyden that’s her biggest concern.
Before long, Nexi’s skills are put to the test as she begins to fight against the supernatural who have taken a human life. But nothing can prepare her for the journey ahead. Soon, she will find herself lost in a mystery and fighting to keep all she’s gained, as Lazarus, a vampire, threatens to take it all away.
The problem with that, it’s not heaven she wakes up to, it’s the Otherworld. Nexi must reconcile the truth about her past, and her heritage as part guardian/part witch, while she begins to train to join the Council’s guard. But it’s not the combat training that has her worried, its attempting to keep her cool around the luscious guardian, Kyden that’s her biggest concern.
Before long, Nexi’s skills are put to the test as she begins to fight against the supernatural who have taken a human life. But nothing can prepare her for the journey ahead. Soon, she will find herself lost in a mystery and fighting to keep all she’s gained, as Lazarus, a vampire, threatens to take it all away.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2010
118 people are currently reading
2288 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Kennedy
120 books2,394 followersStacey Kennedy is a USA Today bestselling author who writes contemporary romances full of heat, heart, and happily ever afters. With over 50 titles published, her books have hit Amazon, B&N, and Apple Books bestseller lists.
Stacey lives with her husband and two children in southwestern Ontario—in a city that’s just as charming as any of the small towns she creates. Most days, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors with her family or venturing into the forest with her horse, Priya. Stacey’s just as happy curled up indoors, where she writes surrounded by her lazy dogs. She believes that sexy books about hot cowboys or alpha heroes can fix any bad day. But wine and chocolate help too.
Stacey absolutely loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at stacey@staceykennedy.com.
Stacey lives with her husband and two children in southwestern Ontario—in a city that’s just as charming as any of the small towns she creates. Most days, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors with her family or venturing into the forest with her horse, Priya. Stacey’s just as happy curled up indoors, where she writes surrounded by her lazy dogs. She believes that sexy books about hot cowboys or alpha heroes can fix any bad day. But wine and chocolate help too.
Stacey absolutely loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at stacey@staceykennedy.com.
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April 17, 2013
Originally published on
Romancing the Dark Side:
3.5 stars
Stacey Kennedy has created an intriguing world of supernaturals and magic that keeps you guessing and leaves you craving more!
Nexi Jones' normal life comes to a screeching halt the night her adopted family is slaughtered by werewolves. She is reunited with her birth father and learns that she's no ordinary human that same night. Born of two supernaturals, Nexi is half-witch and half-guardian, the only one in existence. For this very reason she's been hidden from the supernatural Otherworld all of her life.
Kyden, the revered guardian has been trusted to keep Nexi safe, which proves to be harder than any enemy he's faced during battle. Her stubbornness and inexperience should be enough to keep him away, but Kyden finds himself attracted to Nexi as much as he tries to deny it. Nexi longs to avenge her family's death, but in order to exact her revenge, she must set her pride aside and rely on Kyden's fighting skills and training. She'll need all the help she can get when an impending supernatural battle between good and evil reunites her with the man who stole her life long ago and now threatens to tear her apart from the ones she loves.
I love a fierce, snarky and imperfect heroine in my books and while Nexi didn't fail to meet these requirements, I have to be honest and say that I didn't connect with her the way I thought I would. She handles learning she's part of a supernatural world with more grace than I would and adapts pretty well to her new situation, but something was missing for me. I respect her determination and bravery but her passion for vengeance (which is justified) overshadows her character, I feel I didn't really get to know the real Nexi. That being said, she did step up her game towards the end of the book, in my opinion, you have to admire a heroine that takes charge and ends up saving the hero! I hope to see her grow into the heroine I know she can be in future installments.
When it comes to swoon-worthy men, I have no complaints when I read a Stacey Kennedy book and Kyden met all my expectations. He's part badass, part gentleman and every bit of sexy! He's a warrior with a romantic side that just melts your heart. I really enjoyed the sexy banter between Kyden and Nexi while training, their chemistry was off the charts but I was expecting a little more interaction between them before things got all hot and heavy, especially with Nexi being a virgin and all. I would have loved to have a little more time getting to know Kyden and his backstory, but understand that wasn't possible because the story's stars are Nexi and the world building. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll get more of Kyden as the series progresses (don't let me down Stacey!).
The supporting characters in Werewolves Be Damned are just as captivating and each leave their mark. Nexi's friend Haven is a character I definitely want to see more of, she's fun and sarcastic and brings an innocent quality that's refreshing. We're also introduced to the sexy and flirty werewolf, Briggs who I instantly became smitten with! Valor, the werewolf Alpha is another character I want to get to know more of. These two werewolves can interrupt any time as far as I'm concerned. There are a few scenes I feel were a bit rushed in the story that I wished could have been fleshed out a little more, but overall the story flowed.
Werewolves Be Damned is the perfect balance of romance and fantasy. I enjoyed Nexi's journey of self-discovery in the midst of the loss and heartbreak and how she's not tainted when it comes to love. The story's filled with non-stop action, a steamy romance, heroes, villains...oh, and if you're not already on board, there's werewolves, witches and vampires too! If you're new to Ms. Kennedy's work you're sure to become a fan after this book, if you're already a fan, you'll fall in love all with some charming new characters!
{I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.}
3.5 stars
Stacey Kennedy has created an intriguing world of supernaturals and magic that keeps you guessing and leaves you craving more!
Nexi Jones' normal life comes to a screeching halt the night her adopted family is slaughtered by werewolves. She is reunited with her birth father and learns that she's no ordinary human that same night. Born of two supernaturals, Nexi is half-witch and half-guardian, the only one in existence. For this very reason she's been hidden from the supernatural Otherworld all of her life.
Kyden, the revered guardian has been trusted to keep Nexi safe, which proves to be harder than any enemy he's faced during battle. Her stubbornness and inexperience should be enough to keep him away, but Kyden finds himself attracted to Nexi as much as he tries to deny it. Nexi longs to avenge her family's death, but in order to exact her revenge, she must set her pride aside and rely on Kyden's fighting skills and training. She'll need all the help she can get when an impending supernatural battle between good and evil reunites her with the man who stole her life long ago and now threatens to tear her apart from the ones she loves.
I love a fierce, snarky and imperfect heroine in my books and while Nexi didn't fail to meet these requirements, I have to be honest and say that I didn't connect with her the way I thought I would. She handles learning she's part of a supernatural world with more grace than I would and adapts pretty well to her new situation, but something was missing for me. I respect her determination and bravery but her passion for vengeance (which is justified) overshadows her character, I feel I didn't really get to know the real Nexi. That being said, she did step up her game towards the end of the book, in my opinion, you have to admire a heroine that takes charge and ends up saving the hero! I hope to see her grow into the heroine I know she can be in future installments.
When it comes to swoon-worthy men, I have no complaints when I read a Stacey Kennedy book and Kyden met all my expectations. He's part badass, part gentleman and every bit of sexy! He's a warrior with a romantic side that just melts your heart. I really enjoyed the sexy banter between Kyden and Nexi while training, their chemistry was off the charts but I was expecting a little more interaction between them before things got all hot and heavy, especially with Nexi being a virgin and all. I would have loved to have a little more time getting to know Kyden and his backstory, but understand that wasn't possible because the story's stars are Nexi and the world building. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll get more of Kyden as the series progresses (don't let me down Stacey!).
The supporting characters in Werewolves Be Damned are just as captivating and each leave their mark. Nexi's friend Haven is a character I definitely want to see more of, she's fun and sarcastic and brings an innocent quality that's refreshing. We're also introduced to the sexy and flirty werewolf, Briggs who I instantly became smitten with! Valor, the werewolf Alpha is another character I want to get to know more of. These two werewolves can interrupt any time as far as I'm concerned. There are a few scenes I feel were a bit rushed in the story that I wished could have been fleshed out a little more, but overall the story flowed.
Werewolves Be Damned is the perfect balance of romance and fantasy. I enjoyed Nexi's journey of self-discovery in the midst of the loss and heartbreak and how she's not tainted when it comes to love. The story's filled with non-stop action, a steamy romance, heroes, villains...oh, and if you're not already on board, there's werewolves, witches and vampires too! If you're new to Ms. Kennedy's work you're sure to become a fan after this book, if you're already a fan, you'll fall in love all with some charming new characters!
{I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.}
December 30, 2010
This is one of those books that sat on my to read shelf for a while...collecting dust...we all have them. This is a first read by this author for me and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised from the very first page!
The Willow had all the elements I enjoy in a paranormal read; action, romance, mystery & intrigue...let us not forget a very likable cast of characters. There is nothing worse that having a bunch of duds or obnoxious personalities to have to suffer through.
As outlined in the synopsis, the herione, Nexi, suffers the terrible loss of her adoptive parents. She has always been different...some may say socially awkward, with no friends and no other known family. As the depths of despair begin to swallow her whole, an unexpected chain of events takes her on an adventure that is her new life. As life as the outcast becomes a distant memory, Nexi finds an emotional and physical strength she never knew she possessed. Watching her new life unfold was quite pleasurable and I am jumping on book 2 right away!
Spoiler***************
And thank you Jesus for Nexi losing her virginity in this installment...I don't think I could have waited much longer. Way to wait until the very last second, Stacey!
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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The Willow had all the elements I enjoy in a paranormal read; action, romance, mystery & intrigue...let us not forget a very likable cast of characters. There is nothing worse that having a bunch of duds or obnoxious personalities to have to suffer through.
As outlined in the synopsis, the herione, Nexi, suffers the terrible loss of her adoptive parents. She has always been different...some may say socially awkward, with no friends and no other known family. As the depths of despair begin to swallow her whole, an unexpected chain of events takes her on an adventure that is her new life. As life as the outcast becomes a distant memory, Nexi finds an emotional and physical strength she never knew she possessed. Watching her new life unfold was quite pleasurable and I am jumping on book 2 right away!
Spoiler***************
And thank you Jesus for Nexi losing her virginity in this installment...I don't think I could have waited much longer. Way to wait until the very last second, Stacey!
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2010
I was amazed at the world the author has set up with all the magic, mystery, excitement and adventure. In this world you find witches, vampires and shape-shifters Oh My! This is a wonderful love story between the hero and heroine that I hope as I keep reading I will see it keep growing. If your one that’s ever wanted a mixture of PNR and UF well you got it in this one!
This one doest carry a HEA as a PNR does, but it does have a good ending. This book is a series about Nexi part witch and Guardian living in the new Otherworld and taking on the bad guys or in her case creatures.
I loved the heroine Nexi. She is strong and when she is trained she takes down the best of the paranormal creatures and when she finds her witch powers, look out!
Kyden is one that just about any woman wants in a hero. He takes care of what’s his (meaning the woman). The story starts out as Nexi finds herself now alone in the world and taking drastic measures to take care of being alone. Little does she know she is not from this world. She wakes up in a world that is nothing like she suspected then she finds out she is part witch and Guardian. She is introduced to Kyden as her trainer, so she can be trained to take out the vampires and werewolf that have gone bad. There is so much more to the story, you’ll see as you read you’ll find a few surprise‘s.
Both Kyden and Nexi are great together along with all the other great characters makes this a great story. It does start out slow as your introduced to the world and characters, but it didn’t take long before the action started to happen. I would love to see a glossary for all the different masters it can get a little confusing who is master of who and who can do what.
This one doest carry a HEA as a PNR does, but it does have a good ending. This book is a series about Nexi part witch and Guardian living in the new Otherworld and taking on the bad guys or in her case creatures.
I loved the heroine Nexi. She is strong and when she is trained she takes down the best of the paranormal creatures and when she finds her witch powers, look out!
Kyden is one that just about any woman wants in a hero. He takes care of what’s his (meaning the woman). The story starts out as Nexi finds herself now alone in the world and taking drastic measures to take care of being alone. Little does she know she is not from this world. She wakes up in a world that is nothing like she suspected then she finds out she is part witch and Guardian. She is introduced to Kyden as her trainer, so she can be trained to take out the vampires and werewolf that have gone bad. There is so much more to the story, you’ll see as you read you’ll find a few surprise‘s.
Both Kyden and Nexi are great together along with all the other great characters makes this a great story. It does start out slow as your introduced to the world and characters, but it didn’t take long before the action started to happen. I would love to see a glossary for all the different masters it can get a little confusing who is master of who and who can do what.
January 14, 2012
I tried to finish this book. I really did. Unfortunately, the plot is inane, the characters are juvenile, and the world-building is practically non-existent. I quit about 60% of the way through the book.
The plot: Nexi Jones' adoptive parents die in a car accident. One week later, she tries to kill herself but instead of dying, she wakes up in high school..., er, Otherworld. She learns that her biological parents were residents of Otherworld, makes friends with the cool kids...er, three other Guardians, witches, etc. Within 24 hours, she is "happy". The kids go clubbing, and Nexi goes out on a date, all while training in hand-to-hand combat to become a Guardian herself. After just two weeks, she is so accomplished that she can defeat the king of the weres and the master of the vampires. With a sword...which she has never used until the day she has to fight these two to prove her merit. Um, yeah.
Then she is sent out with Kyden (her lover and trainer) as a partner to kill the bad guys who are killing humans. In a kilt and an armored bra. Because skimpy, highly-reflective clothing is soooo low visibility when stalking creatures of the night and soooo practical against fangs and claws. Another female character - a witch - who helps them out has a rare and super-secret power to be able to "manipulate time" and create a vision of how each killing occurred. Her talent is so super-secret that she performs this task in front of the Guardians' random informants in the human police force.
From there, the story became about why some wolves were killing maliciously for pleasure....blah, blah, blah. By this point, the plot is so ridiculous that I just don't care anymore.
The characters: How old are these kids anyway? Supposedly, they're in their twenties, but they act like they are 16. Remember I mentioned high school above. Nexi is the perfect plain-Jane new girl whom everyone immediately loves. She can do no wrong. Quickly, she is transformed into a beauty with a little make-up and a new hair style (compliments of another character). The other main female character giggles a lot and bounces up and down when excited; she behaves more like a five-year-old than even a 16-yr-old. Adult men have a pillow fight during a serious conversation. *sigh*
The world-building: What world-building? The Guardians supposedly protect humans from being preyed on by supernatural creatures. We are never told any history of the Guardians, where they came from, how they came to be. There are also witches living with the Guardians. What role do they play? What's their history? Sorry, don't know. How extensive is Otherworld? What does it look like beyond the castle and the Witches Meadow? Never learn that either. Why are there apparently modern "apartments" and modern appliances in a castle in a different dimension? How do all of Nexi's clothes mysteriously appear in her new apartment? Don't know. *sigh*
Overall, I sighed (not in a good way) and laughed (also not in a good way) a lot while struggling through the first half of this book. The combined problems with world-building, plot, and characters made this a DNF.
The plot: Nexi Jones' adoptive parents die in a car accident. One week later, she tries to kill herself but instead of dying, she wakes up in high school..., er, Otherworld. She learns that her biological parents were residents of Otherworld, makes friends with the cool kids...er, three other Guardians, witches, etc. Within 24 hours, she is "happy". The kids go clubbing, and Nexi goes out on a date, all while training in hand-to-hand combat to become a Guardian herself. After just two weeks, she is so accomplished that she can defeat the king of the weres and the master of the vampires. With a sword...which she has never used until the day she has to fight these two to prove her merit. Um, yeah.
Then she is sent out with Kyden (her lover and trainer) as a partner to kill the bad guys who are killing humans. In a kilt and an armored bra. Because skimpy, highly-reflective clothing is soooo low visibility when stalking creatures of the night and soooo practical against fangs and claws. Another female character - a witch - who helps them out has a rare and super-secret power to be able to "manipulate time" and create a vision of how each killing occurred. Her talent is so super-secret that she performs this task in front of the Guardians' random informants in the human police force.
From there, the story became about why some wolves were killing maliciously for pleasure....blah, blah, blah. By this point, the plot is so ridiculous that I just don't care anymore.
The characters: How old are these kids anyway? Supposedly, they're in their twenties, but they act like they are 16. Remember I mentioned high school above. Nexi is the perfect plain-Jane new girl whom everyone immediately loves. She can do no wrong. Quickly, she is transformed into a beauty with a little make-up and a new hair style (compliments of another character). The other main female character giggles a lot and bounces up and down when excited; she behaves more like a five-year-old than even a 16-yr-old. Adult men have a pillow fight during a serious conversation. *sigh*
The world-building: What world-building? The Guardians supposedly protect humans from being preyed on by supernatural creatures. We are never told any history of the Guardians, where they came from, how they came to be. There are also witches living with the Guardians. What role do they play? What's their history? Sorry, don't know. How extensive is Otherworld? What does it look like beyond the castle and the Witches Meadow? Never learn that either. Why are there apparently modern "apartments" and modern appliances in a castle in a different dimension? How do all of Nexi's clothes mysteriously appear in her new apartment? Don't know. *sigh*
Overall, I sighed (not in a good way) and laughed (also not in a good way) a lot while struggling through the first half of this book. The combined problems with world-building, plot, and characters made this a DNF.
April 16, 2013
Nexi and Kyden hold a special place in my heart. They where my first ever actual review book that an author had requested I read. It was the perfect start to my blogging experience. I loved them so much the first time around. I made all my friends go out and buy the books and even still 2 years later I can remember a lot from those books. So when I found out they where getting a makeover I was really excited, I love these characters so much that even if Stacey changed it up I knew it would still be awesome. And it was! It was better then I could have ever expected!!
Werewolves be Damned is Stacey's masterpiece. Its by far my favorite book she has ever written to date. This book was hard to put down, my kindle actually forced me to when it had to go and die. I even brought it to work to read during my lunch break.
Nexi is kick ass. She has lost so much and her troubles are just beginning. She is determined to take revenge on the one who killed her parents. She is sometimes wreckless but she proves herself to be one of the best strong willed women characters out there. I just love her.
Kyden, well he deserves a million awesome words to be said about him. He is that beat your chest alpha male type but with a heart of gold. He is sexy as hell and has a sword. Oh and he wears a kilt (is it getting hot in here or what?)! Totally drool worthy! Just read this book and you will see what I am talking about.
Werewolves be Damned has the perfect amount of awesomeness. Its action packed, sexy to the max and the story will have you totally entranced. If you have never read a book by Stacey then this will a perfect book to start with and if you are already a fan then I suggest you get to reading this. Its amazing! I want more from The Otherworld and I want it now. All Urban Fantasy lovers are going to love this book. Its Amber guaranteed!!
Werewolves be Damned is Stacey's masterpiece. Its by far my favorite book she has ever written to date. This book was hard to put down, my kindle actually forced me to when it had to go and die. I even brought it to work to read during my lunch break.
Nexi is kick ass. She has lost so much and her troubles are just beginning. She is determined to take revenge on the one who killed her parents. She is sometimes wreckless but she proves herself to be one of the best strong willed women characters out there. I just love her.
Kyden, well he deserves a million awesome words to be said about him. He is that beat your chest alpha male type but with a heart of gold. He is sexy as hell and has a sword. Oh and he wears a kilt (is it getting hot in here or what?)! Totally drool worthy! Just read this book and you will see what I am talking about.
Werewolves be Damned has the perfect amount of awesomeness. Its action packed, sexy to the max and the story will have you totally entranced. If you have never read a book by Stacey then this will a perfect book to start with and if you are already a fan then I suggest you get to reading this. Its amazing! I want more from The Otherworld and I want it now. All Urban Fantasy lovers are going to love this book. Its Amber guaranteed!!
April 15, 2013
Braine's Talk Supe review
Nexi Jones is a special type of Otherworldly, she's the ONLY halfie, part guardian, part witch, in the world which makes her a curiosity, an oddity and right now, a commodity. This is a pivotal moment for Nexi because she just recently got reunited with her father who is also a Council member. After her adoptive parents and biological mother was killed, she vowed to hunt and kill the vampire responsible for their death. After months of training, Nexi is finally a Guard and their investigations on recent human kills led them to the identity of her mother's killer and nothing will stop her from exacting her pound of flesh.
Nexi didn't really impress me overall BUT I must admit I was cheering out loud for her at the end once she's come to her powers and embraced who she is and what she can do. I guess that's how it is with introductions, for me Nexi is the type that took a little more work to warm up to but once I got to know her better I have to say she's going to be one badass heroine in the succeeding books. Which is good news because I just bid adieu to SKennedy's other kick ass heroine, Tess Jennings, and I think Nexi Jones is worthy to take her place.
As for the dude, there's a bunch of promising drool worthy men and Kyden takes the cake! Just look at the cover art, yeah his back is turned but I assure you the front view is nothing short of godlike. The only thing that left me wanting was there wasn't enough Kyden in WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED as SKennedy kept it centered on Nexi and the world building. Aside from Kyden, I have my eyes on Briggs (DIBS!!!), this beta werewolf's got me hot and bothered and I hope SKennedy turns him into one of the main characters in the succeeding books.
Nexi Jones is a special type of Otherworldly, she's the ONLY halfie, part guardian, part witch, in the world which makes her a curiosity, an oddity and right now, a commodity. This is a pivotal moment for Nexi because she just recently got reunited with her father who is also a Council member. After her adoptive parents and biological mother was killed, she vowed to hunt and kill the vampire responsible for their death. After months of training, Nexi is finally a Guard and their investigations on recent human kills led them to the identity of her mother's killer and nothing will stop her from exacting her pound of flesh.
Nexi didn't really impress me overall BUT I must admit I was cheering out loud for her at the end once she's come to her powers and embraced who she is and what she can do. I guess that's how it is with introductions, for me Nexi is the type that took a little more work to warm up to but once I got to know her better I have to say she's going to be one badass heroine in the succeeding books. Which is good news because I just bid adieu to SKennedy's other kick ass heroine, Tess Jennings, and I think Nexi Jones is worthy to take her place.
As for the dude, there's a bunch of promising drool worthy men and Kyden takes the cake! Just look at the cover art, yeah his back is turned but I assure you the front view is nothing short of godlike. The only thing that left me wanting was there wasn't enough Kyden in WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED as SKennedy kept it centered on Nexi and the world building. Aside from Kyden, I have my eyes on Briggs (DIBS!!!), this beta werewolf's got me hot and bothered and I hope SKennedy turns him into one of the main characters in the succeeding books.
April 17, 2013
This review also available at my blog: http://neverkissandblog.blogspot.com/...
Werewolves be Damned is the first book in Stacey Kennedy’s Magic & Mayhem series. It also happens to be an expanded version of The Willow from Kennedy’s Magical Sword series. The Magical Sword series is no longer available and Kennedy’s is turning it into Magic & Mayhem.
Number 1, I am angry that there is no way of knowing this has previously been published. I do believe it has been altered, so I will give that credit.
This book opens with Nexi screaming and running in fear as a werewolf stalks her after murdering her parents. Kyden, a Guardian shows up and rescues her with Drake a fellow Guardian. Drake is actually Nexi’s real dad.
Then we time skip. I hate time skips. Even by my beloved authors, because no one can seem to manage a simple ‘3 weeks later’ before the skip. But this one is particularly egregious. The reason being a lot exposition and character development appears to have occurred in this skip. So the exposition we get afterward is both clumsy and awkward, and you get given character exposition with no evidence.
After the break Nexi has used her super-rare witch soul bond to manipulate Haven her soul-sister into telling her where a werewolf that might have information on the werewolf that killed her adoptive parents. This comes across as pretty despicable when her father says she’s been doing it frequently. Let me put it this way, Nexi has been blessed with a soul bond that lets her share emotions with Haven and is described to be lucky to have this amongst witches on account of its rarity, and she manipulates her other half for her own selfish needs.
Oh, and apparently Nexi’s a half-Guardian, half-Witch. If you didn’t read the summary then you might be surprised to learn her birth father, Drake, had her powers bound when she was an infant and gave her up for adoption so that she would live (and die) a mortal life because he was so devastated when Nexi’s mother was killed. If you think that Nexi struggled with the decision of whether to become immortal and have a relationship with her father after this, you’re wrong, in the time skip she had her powers irreversibly unbound and she’s two years away from immortality which begins, like life apparently at 30.
Anyway Nexi attacks Briggs the werewolf Beta (for the entire world) for information on her adoptive parents’ killer and given that she’s completely untrained in any fighting, Briggs trounces her. Lucky for her he’s on the side of the Council and so he doesn’t kill her.
Kyden arrives to fetch her back for the third or so time since the time skip occurred. This is where the most annoying piece of missing character development is. Nexi spends every moment from now on bitching about how overbearing and rude Kyden is, when he is right. She’s untrained and risking her and other’s lives on her dumb crusade for revenge. And at no point do she even pretend it isn’t revenge. Kyden takes Nexi to the Council, where she campaigns to join the Guard as a Guardian in the hopes of being allowed to go on her revenge quest. For some reason they accept.
As a part of her training Nexi is told to go with Kyden to investigate a murder. Moments after being allowed to begin training she complains about what the training is, not wanting to see a dead body. Even when she inexplicably gets her own way she’s contrary.
Kyden trains Nexi who, somehow is good enough to be a fully trained Guardian in less than a month of training which seems silly, since only a chapter before this Kyden mentions how Nexi still has plenty of things to learn about fighting. After her induction Nexi’s surprised to learn she can’t just traipse off after her adoptive parents’ murderer because she has actual Guardian duties.
Oh and she’s still whinging about how Kyden’s so hot but so bossy, even though he has never actually told her not to do something when his reasons weren’t totally logical, like a lack of training and such. And how “weird” and “crazy” this new world is. Like if we’re told enough we’ll suddenly believe it’s actually a completely unique world.
Out of nowhere we get some exposition on Nexi’s mother’s killer. A vampire, Lazarus, is still alive and he wants to absorb Nexi’s witch power because surprise vampires can do that (except its not a surprise because the vanishing vampire from earlier in the story made it pretty obvious). This makes the title irrelevant, as Nexi doesn’t go after her adoptive parent’s killer and Kyden (the poor love interest stuck with her) is a Guardian. In fact the only way it applies is Nexi’s astonishing bigotry toward werewolves.
Kyden gets captured by Lazarus, and Nexi goes to rescue him. Lazarus kicks her ass hard until she get some kind of vision making her mad and awakening her super-special Spirit witch powers which she uses to defeat him. All in the shade of the special willow tree she grew up near (bet it had a bigger role in the original version), which apparently was her mother’s favourite tree, and after her death and Nexi’s adoption Zia, Nexi’s mother’s soul-sister witch and Mistress of all Witches transported it to earth so it would be near Nexi.
Nexi is a horrid selfish bitch, masquerading as an acceptable romance novel heroine. She’s a super-special half-witch half-guardian, because any other time two different supernaturals have kids the kids are one or the other. But not Nexi', she’s both. And she’s got a soul-bond something rare amongst witches. And Zia, the witch leader, was her mother’s soul-bond. Oh and Nexi’s a Spirit witch, guess what that’s rare and special, and her defensive element is Fire (rare, shocker huh?)
Poor Kyden is alpha through and through, but he is rational and reasonable, giving Nexi time to adjust before pursuing her romantically, saving her every goddamn time her dumbassery get’s her in trouble and accepting her berating when he does it. He deserves to be in a better written book.
Werewolves be Damned is the first book in Stacey Kennedy’s Magic & Mayhem series. It also happens to be an expanded version of The Willow from Kennedy’s Magical Sword series. The Magical Sword series is no longer available and Kennedy’s is turning it into Magic & Mayhem.
Number 1, I am angry that there is no way of knowing this has previously been published. I do believe it has been altered, so I will give that credit.
This book opens with Nexi screaming and running in fear as a werewolf stalks her after murdering her parents. Kyden, a Guardian shows up and rescues her with Drake a fellow Guardian. Drake is actually Nexi’s real dad.
Then we time skip. I hate time skips. Even by my beloved authors, because no one can seem to manage a simple ‘3 weeks later’ before the skip. But this one is particularly egregious. The reason being a lot exposition and character development appears to have occurred in this skip. So the exposition we get afterward is both clumsy and awkward, and you get given character exposition with no evidence.
After the break Nexi has used her super-rare witch soul bond to manipulate Haven her soul-sister into telling her where a werewolf that might have information on the werewolf that killed her adoptive parents. This comes across as pretty despicable when her father says she’s been doing it frequently. Let me put it this way, Nexi has been blessed with a soul bond that lets her share emotions with Haven and is described to be lucky to have this amongst witches on account of its rarity, and she manipulates her other half for her own selfish needs.
Oh, and apparently Nexi’s a half-Guardian, half-Witch. If you didn’t read the summary then you might be surprised to learn her birth father, Drake, had her powers bound when she was an infant and gave her up for adoption so that she would live (and die) a mortal life because he was so devastated when Nexi’s mother was killed. If you think that Nexi struggled with the decision of whether to become immortal and have a relationship with her father after this, you’re wrong, in the time skip she had her powers irreversibly unbound and she’s two years away from immortality which begins, like life apparently at 30.
Anyway Nexi attacks Briggs the werewolf Beta (for the entire world) for information on her adoptive parents’ killer and given that she’s completely untrained in any fighting, Briggs trounces her. Lucky for her he’s on the side of the Council and so he doesn’t kill her.
Kyden arrives to fetch her back for the third or so time since the time skip occurred. This is where the most annoying piece of missing character development is. Nexi spends every moment from now on bitching about how overbearing and rude Kyden is, when he is right. She’s untrained and risking her and other’s lives on her dumb crusade for revenge. And at no point do she even pretend it isn’t revenge. Kyden takes Nexi to the Council, where she campaigns to join the Guard as a Guardian in the hopes of being allowed to go on her revenge quest. For some reason they accept.
As a part of her training Nexi is told to go with Kyden to investigate a murder. Moments after being allowed to begin training she complains about what the training is, not wanting to see a dead body. Even when she inexplicably gets her own way she’s contrary.
Kyden trains Nexi who, somehow is good enough to be a fully trained Guardian in less than a month of training which seems silly, since only a chapter before this Kyden mentions how Nexi still has plenty of things to learn about fighting. After her induction Nexi’s surprised to learn she can’t just traipse off after her adoptive parents’ murderer because she has actual Guardian duties.
Oh and she’s still whinging about how Kyden’s so hot but so bossy, even though he has never actually told her not to do something when his reasons weren’t totally logical, like a lack of training and such. And how “weird” and “crazy” this new world is. Like if we’re told enough we’ll suddenly believe it’s actually a completely unique world.
Out of nowhere we get some exposition on Nexi’s mother’s killer. A vampire, Lazarus, is still alive and he wants to absorb Nexi’s witch power because surprise vampires can do that (except its not a surprise because the vanishing vampire from earlier in the story made it pretty obvious). This makes the title irrelevant, as Nexi doesn’t go after her adoptive parent’s killer and Kyden (the poor love interest stuck with her) is a Guardian. In fact the only way it applies is Nexi’s astonishing bigotry toward werewolves.
Kyden gets captured by Lazarus, and Nexi goes to rescue him. Lazarus kicks her ass hard until she get some kind of vision making her mad and awakening her super-special Spirit witch powers which she uses to defeat him. All in the shade of the special willow tree she grew up near (bet it had a bigger role in the original version), which apparently was her mother’s favourite tree, and after her death and Nexi’s adoption Zia, Nexi’s mother’s soul-sister witch and Mistress of all Witches transported it to earth so it would be near Nexi.
Nexi is a horrid selfish bitch, masquerading as an acceptable romance novel heroine. She’s a super-special half-witch half-guardian, because any other time two different supernaturals have kids the kids are one or the other. But not Nexi', she’s both. And she’s got a soul-bond something rare amongst witches. And Zia, the witch leader, was her mother’s soul-bond. Oh and Nexi’s a Spirit witch, guess what that’s rare and special, and her defensive element is Fire (rare, shocker huh?)
Poor Kyden is alpha through and through, but he is rational and reasonable, giving Nexi time to adjust before pursuing her romantically, saving her every goddamn time her dumbassery get’s her in trouble and accepting her berating when he does it. He deserves to be in a better written book.
April 16, 2013
Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks
Werewolves be Damned is the first book in Stacey Kennedy’s Magic & Mayhem series. This book is a great initiation to the series and does a good job introducing us to the characters and their quirks. There isn’t one person in this book that I didn’t like and the chemistry between them, friendly or ‘more-than-friendly’ was really well done.
The book starts off with a bang. You are right in the middle of the action as Nexi is trying to escape with her life as werewolves destroy her family. Two saviors come to her rescue and Nexi finds out there is much more to her life than she thinks. In fact, she is the only half-guardian/half-witch in existence. Nexi is filled with fire and it’s that spunk that helps her deal with all the crap she’s faced with after her parents’ murder. I enjoyed watching her accept who and what she is and I am looking forward to reading about the next part of her discovery-journey in the next book.
Haven is a witch and Nexi’s best friend. She is adorable and her power is awesome. Finn is her boyfriend and a Guardian. We don’t see too much of him but I liked what I saw. He is a good balance to both Haven and Kyden. There are many other characters in this story but I never felt confused. Each plays a very distinct role in the book and I enjoyed them all. Drake, Zia, Talon, Valor, Briggs…all cool.
Kyden (love the name) is Nexi’s love interest. He is mucho sexy-o but I did sometimes find him a little all over the place. One second he’s sweet and tender and the other he is very protective. He is described as a ‘caveman’ but I honestly never felt he was that severe of an alpha. I like him a lot with Nexi and find them to be extremely well matched even though his character is a little discombobulated at times. And that brings me to the issue I had with this book.
I found the book was rushed. Things were happening without much explanation and people were introduced, again, without much explanation. Haven is a great example of this. He just appears on the page and we are told that she and Nexi are soul-sisters and that Nexi has a deep sisterly love for Haven. That’s how we are introduced to her. It would have done more for the characters and their development if we witnessed Nexi meeting Haven for the first time and watching as Nexi realized what being bonded to another person means. I felt as though there were many moments where more back-story would have helped me feel even closer to the characters and what they were going through. I would have loved to see Nexi being brought into her new ‘home’ and not just catch up with her one month later where she apparently is doing just fine. As much as I enjoyed all of the characters, I felt as though I was on the sidelines looking in as opposed to a real part of their lives.
The story, other than Nexi getting used to her ‘new life’, is quite neat. Supernaturals are starting to kill humans for no reason other than they can. That is a big no-no as you can well imagine. Each faction of supernaturals has a role to play when it comes to crime solving. The vampires cleans the scene so humans can stay oblivious to ‘other things that live among them’, werewolves track, a witch can re-create a series of events and guardians toll out the punishment. I really found this was cool. Of course it all leads to one big bad and one big bad why and that part lost me a bit. I didn’t quite understand why the ultimate villain was after what he was after. I mean, couldn’t just anyone do? Why did it have to be her specifically? Again that goes back to feeling as though pieces of the story were missing here and there. I’m assuming that that won’t be a factor in the next book because everything has been set in place in this book. I’m thinking things will read a bit smoother in book two.
Even with the feeling of ‘wanting more’, I enjoyed Werewolves be Damned. The bones for this story were excellent; all it needed was a bit more meat. I am definitely going to be reading the other books in the series as I am curious to see what’s up next for Nexi and friends.
3.5 stars
Werewolves be Damned is the first book in Stacey Kennedy’s Magic & Mayhem series. This book is a great initiation to the series and does a good job introducing us to the characters and their quirks. There isn’t one person in this book that I didn’t like and the chemistry between them, friendly or ‘more-than-friendly’ was really well done.
The book starts off with a bang. You are right in the middle of the action as Nexi is trying to escape with her life as werewolves destroy her family. Two saviors come to her rescue and Nexi finds out there is much more to her life than she thinks. In fact, she is the only half-guardian/half-witch in existence. Nexi is filled with fire and it’s that spunk that helps her deal with all the crap she’s faced with after her parents’ murder. I enjoyed watching her accept who and what she is and I am looking forward to reading about the next part of her discovery-journey in the next book.
Haven is a witch and Nexi’s best friend. She is adorable and her power is awesome. Finn is her boyfriend and a Guardian. We don’t see too much of him but I liked what I saw. He is a good balance to both Haven and Kyden. There are many other characters in this story but I never felt confused. Each plays a very distinct role in the book and I enjoyed them all. Drake, Zia, Talon, Valor, Briggs…all cool.
Kyden (love the name) is Nexi’s love interest. He is mucho sexy-o but I did sometimes find him a little all over the place. One second he’s sweet and tender and the other he is very protective. He is described as a ‘caveman’ but I honestly never felt he was that severe of an alpha. I like him a lot with Nexi and find them to be extremely well matched even though his character is a little discombobulated at times. And that brings me to the issue I had with this book.
I found the book was rushed. Things were happening without much explanation and people were introduced, again, without much explanation. Haven is a great example of this. He just appears on the page and we are told that she and Nexi are soul-sisters and that Nexi has a deep sisterly love for Haven. That’s how we are introduced to her. It would have done more for the characters and their development if we witnessed Nexi meeting Haven for the first time and watching as Nexi realized what being bonded to another person means. I felt as though there were many moments where more back-story would have helped me feel even closer to the characters and what they were going through. I would have loved to see Nexi being brought into her new ‘home’ and not just catch up with her one month later where she apparently is doing just fine. As much as I enjoyed all of the characters, I felt as though I was on the sidelines looking in as opposed to a real part of their lives.
The story, other than Nexi getting used to her ‘new life’, is quite neat. Supernaturals are starting to kill humans for no reason other than they can. That is a big no-no as you can well imagine. Each faction of supernaturals has a role to play when it comes to crime solving. The vampires cleans the scene so humans can stay oblivious to ‘other things that live among them’, werewolves track, a witch can re-create a series of events and guardians toll out the punishment. I really found this was cool. Of course it all leads to one big bad and one big bad why and that part lost me a bit. I didn’t quite understand why the ultimate villain was after what he was after. I mean, couldn’t just anyone do? Why did it have to be her specifically? Again that goes back to feeling as though pieces of the story were missing here and there. I’m assuming that that won’t be a factor in the next book because everything has been set in place in this book. I’m thinking things will read a bit smoother in book two.
Even with the feeling of ‘wanting more’, I enjoyed Werewolves be Damned. The bones for this story were excellent; all it needed was a bit more meat. I am definitely going to be reading the other books in the series as I am curious to see what’s up next for Nexi and friends.
3.5 stars
January 18, 2011
Originally posted here: http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...
The Willow is the first book in Stacey Kennedy’s ‘The Magical Sword’ series. It’s the story of Nexi Jones and how she discovers that she is not what she seems. After Nexi’s parents die in a car accident, and with no other family around, she feels that she doesn’t want to live anymore. The book starts with Nexi committing suicide by her beloved willow tree not too far from her family’s home. Sounds like a happy book right? Don’t despair. Once she comes to, she discovers that she is not intended to die, but to live out the rest of her existence the way it was meant to be. Because you see, Nexi is part Guardian, part Witch and where she really belongs is in Otherworld.
Nexi is yet to discover her magic, but she is ready to learn about her Guardian side. Guardians are responsible for dealing with vampires and werewolves who commit crimes against humans. Basically if a human dies and it’s because of a supe, Guardians are sent out to…take care of the problem. Nexi’s trainer is Kyden. No, let me try that again. Nexi’s trainer is yummy yum yum Kyden. Soon, Nexi is ready to take on her new role of chasing down the bad guys. Especially one bad guy in particular…
I enjoyed this book. It was very cute and surprisingly light (for a paranormal book). None of the concepts were new, but they were written in a way that made that okay. Nexi is a spitfire! Sometimes I felt that she lacked maturity, but that is just her character. She is used to being coddled by her adoptive parents and her character is still getting used to being without them.
Kyden was fine. I liked how we saw a few sides to him. His professional side while training and while working, his playful side with his friends and his softer side with Nexi and Haven. It was nice to know that he wasn’t just a one dimensional hunk. Finn, Haven, Zia and all the other supporting characters all added to the story nicely too. I think the villain could have been a little creepier, but that’s just me.
The only issue I really had with this book is that well, it needed to be longer. The story was a little choppy at times because it just went from one scene to the next to the next. It would have been much smoother if more time had been allocated to the transitional moments. And even though I got a good feel for the characters, I would have loved to see more from them. More time between Nexi and Kyden would have been good. That way we really could have seen their relationship grow into love. More time with Nexi and Haven to witness their friendship and their bond as opposed to just being told about it would have made Haven that much more fun. And just getting a little more insight into how the characters were feeling here and there would have made the story that much richer.
I found myself looking forward to picking up this book whenever I had to put it down. It was a nice story with characters I do want to see again. And I liked how magic is mixed into things. I like magic…what can I say?! Overall, I did like this book. With what happened at the end of this book, the next book in the series, The Wicked, should be full of excitement!
3.5 stars
The Willow is the first book in Stacey Kennedy’s ‘The Magical Sword’ series. It’s the story of Nexi Jones and how she discovers that she is not what she seems. After Nexi’s parents die in a car accident, and with no other family around, she feels that she doesn’t want to live anymore. The book starts with Nexi committing suicide by her beloved willow tree not too far from her family’s home. Sounds like a happy book right? Don’t despair. Once she comes to, she discovers that she is not intended to die, but to live out the rest of her existence the way it was meant to be. Because you see, Nexi is part Guardian, part Witch and where she really belongs is in Otherworld.
Nexi is yet to discover her magic, but she is ready to learn about her Guardian side. Guardians are responsible for dealing with vampires and werewolves who commit crimes against humans. Basically if a human dies and it’s because of a supe, Guardians are sent out to…take care of the problem. Nexi’s trainer is Kyden. No, let me try that again. Nexi’s trainer is yummy yum yum Kyden. Soon, Nexi is ready to take on her new role of chasing down the bad guys. Especially one bad guy in particular…
I enjoyed this book. It was very cute and surprisingly light (for a paranormal book). None of the concepts were new, but they were written in a way that made that okay. Nexi is a spitfire! Sometimes I felt that she lacked maturity, but that is just her character. She is used to being coddled by her adoptive parents and her character is still getting used to being without them.
Kyden was fine. I liked how we saw a few sides to him. His professional side while training and while working, his playful side with his friends and his softer side with Nexi and Haven. It was nice to know that he wasn’t just a one dimensional hunk. Finn, Haven, Zia and all the other supporting characters all added to the story nicely too. I think the villain could have been a little creepier, but that’s just me.
The only issue I really had with this book is that well, it needed to be longer. The story was a little choppy at times because it just went from one scene to the next to the next. It would have been much smoother if more time had been allocated to the transitional moments. And even though I got a good feel for the characters, I would have loved to see more from them. More time between Nexi and Kyden would have been good. That way we really could have seen their relationship grow into love. More time with Nexi and Haven to witness their friendship and their bond as opposed to just being told about it would have made Haven that much more fun. And just getting a little more insight into how the characters were feeling here and there would have made the story that much richer.
I found myself looking forward to picking up this book whenever I had to put it down. It was a nice story with characters I do want to see again. And I liked how magic is mixed into things. I like magic…what can I say?! Overall, I did like this book. With what happened at the end of this book, the next book in the series, The Wicked, should be full of excitement!
3.5 stars
January 8, 2011
How do I begin to explain just how much I enjoyed this book, could it be when I started reading the prologue. I have read tons of books and as far as I can recall I haven't had a book start out the way this one did. While there might be some readers that might be turned off, I wasn't in fact I was able to connect with Nexi's pain from the beginning.
I also connected with her roller coaster ride of emotions of when she was introduced to her Father and his world and laughed out loud each time she joked around because she was scared.
How many of us have done that in real life, joke to make ourselves feel better?
Now lets talk about the sexual tension between Kyden and Nexi , whoa mama I was thinking my computer was going to combust if these two hadn't gotten together soon.
Finally what can I say about the ending without giving anything away- Well I was glad I stayed up til 5am to finish this put it that way.
It had the perfect mixture of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal as well as hot sexy teases. So if that sounds like your kind of book I highly recommend you read this book. I also suggest make sure you block out a block of time because you won't be able to put this book down. Meanwhile I can't wait to move onto the next book in the series, The Wicked.
I also connected with her roller coaster ride of emotions of when she was introduced to her Father and his world and laughed out loud each time she joked around because she was scared.
How many of us have done that in real life, joke to make ourselves feel better?
Now lets talk about the sexual tension between Kyden and Nexi , whoa mama I was thinking my computer was going to combust if these two hadn't gotten together soon.
Finally what can I say about the ending without giving anything away- Well I was glad I stayed up til 5am to finish this put it that way.
It had the perfect mixture of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal as well as hot sexy teases. So if that sounds like your kind of book I highly recommend you read this book. I also suggest make sure you block out a block of time because you won't be able to put this book down. Meanwhile I can't wait to move onto the next book in the series, The Wicked.
July 28, 2010
Excelent!!! HOT Romance! I absolutely loved it. Nexi (1/2 Witch/1/2 Guardian) and Kyden's romance was HOT and I loved the way the author electrofied their relationship starting out their relationship as mentor and student. I loved the passion between them.
The other characters were great as well and I immediately fell in love with them all.
Zia - Spirit Witch (gifted with all the elements - Earth, Air, Fire, & Water.
Talon - Master of The Guardians
Drake - Nexi's real father
Brax - Master of the Were's
Zade - Master of the Vampires
Haven - Witch and Nexi's Soul Sister
Finn - Guardian and Haven's Lover
Lazarus - Very Powerfull Vampire who wanted to destroy the council, kill Nexi for her powers, and turn the earth humans into his slaves.
I loved the ending of how Nexi comes into her power and ends up being like Zia - a Spirit Witch with all the elements. I loved the concept of the Willow Tree being the connection between Nexi and her real mother Tyrianna (Powerful Witch) - Nexi loved the willow just like her mother did.
The other characters were great as well and I immediately fell in love with them all.
Zia - Spirit Witch (gifted with all the elements - Earth, Air, Fire, & Water.
Talon - Master of The Guardians
Drake - Nexi's real father
Brax - Master of the Were's
Zade - Master of the Vampires
Haven - Witch and Nexi's Soul Sister
Finn - Guardian and Haven's Lover
Lazarus - Very Powerfull Vampire who wanted to destroy the council, kill Nexi for her powers, and turn the earth humans into his slaves.
I loved the ending of how Nexi comes into her power and ends up being like Zia - a Spirit Witch with all the elements. I loved the concept of the Willow Tree being the connection between Nexi and her real mother Tyrianna (Powerful Witch) - Nexi loved the willow just like her mother did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2013
This was my first time reading anything by Stacey Kennedy and I really enjoyed it alot! I have heard her erotic works are very good also so I will definitely be looking into those now as well!
Nexi our heroine is another heroine it took me a while to warm up to more or less because she like most of the others want to be so stubborn and hard headed. Although I could feel sympathy towards her I couldn't get that actual "like" feeling going on until well into the story and her actual training with Kyden. But in a way I really appreciated it taking some time for me to watch her grow in herself and her training as she evolved from just being a simple person to what she becomes after training. It gave me the respectful feeling and likeness I needed to have in a character especially a main character.
Nexi our heroine is another heroine it took me a while to warm up to more or less because she like most of the others want to be so stubborn and hard headed. Although I could feel sympathy towards her I couldn't get that actual "like" feeling going on until well into the story and her actual training with Kyden. But in a way I really appreciated it taking some time for me to watch her grow in herself and her training as she evolved from just being a simple person to what she becomes after training. It gave me the respectful feeling and likeness I needed to have in a character especially a main character.
April 15, 2013
I just love exploring new paranormal worlds and characters introduced to me from the mind and through the pen of this author. And hoo-boy! This one was off to the races before I knew what was what.
Nexi Smith finds her world turned upside down shortly after she witnesses the horrific sight of her adoptive parents killed before her eyes by wolves that can turn into men. Just when she thinks she's next, two warrior-like men dressed in leather kilts and armed with swords charge in to her rescue. Oh and if that's not bizarre enough, one is her birth father and he's from another plane composed of paranormals and magic wielders called Otherworld. Nexi was born there and is one of them, but after the murder of his mate her father chooses to have her powers bound and have her sent to live out her life as a human rather than take the chance that her death will bring him pain too.
Yes, that series of shockers is enough to affect anyone and Nexi isn't immune. She is grieving and angry, but basically left to her own devices in this bewildering new world she is now part of. Her only viable choice seems to be the overwhelming desire to seek revenge on the werewolves who killed her adoptive parents. As a half-breed guardian witch, she has the powerful physical strength passed down by her guardian father, but her witch magic from her mother is still a no-show though she is promised that it will come. Nexi's emotional state makes her a danger to herself and others as she defies the Otherworld Counsel and her birth father to sneak back through the portals to earth to find and kill any werewolves connected with her parents' deaths. Naturally, with no skills to speak of, Nexi fails in her attempt to kill the wolf, but fortunately she fails because this wolf is a friendly.
Kyden an Elite warrior guardian follows the delinquent Nexi after she sneaks off once again and finds himself stuck dragging her irritating but cute butt back to Otherworld after explaining her error which she doesn't seem to see. He is a handsome rogue and used to having no trouble crooking his 'come hither' finger at women, but this female is impervious to his charm. This attracts him first along with the sympathy he feels for her grief and need for revenge which is what makes him open his mouth before the counsel and offer to train her as a guardian to help her learn the skills needed to exact her revenge.
Nexi is now his new partner to train and the counsel figures there's no time like the present for her to experience a crash course in what it means to be a guardian. Kyden and Nexi begin investigating a murder that was committed by a vampire in Salt Lake City. The trail from this murder leads to many more. Between training periods at home and on scene investigating, it becomes clear that a powerful enemy to the guardian counsel, the Otherworld, but most importantly to Nexi herself emerges. The danger just increased exponentially, but along with it, attraction has been growing between Kyden and Nexi. Nexi is slated to be the next victim and anyone standing in the way may be caught up in the crosshairs.
This was an incredible read from start to finish. It jumps right in with the danger stuff and kept up a pretty good pace right through to some of the heart-thumping fight scenes in the end. Whether its training or fighting, Nexi's life just didn't seem to stop. The new world that includes the usual werewolves, vampires and witches also introduces this other paranormal race called guardians. The info about this world comes in bits and pieces so it doesn't slow down the story. I confess that I did struggle a bit to get comfortably into the story in the beginning trying to work out stuff, but patience had its rewards and it settled not long after. The story is told from both Kyden and Nexi's perspectives leaning heavier on her point of view since her growth arc is one of the story themes. Another of the themes was the romance. It was there, but shared equal dominance with the other plot threads. I enjoyed the build of tension and relationship to the romance side of things for Kyden and Nexi.
This leads me to talking about the characters. Kyden was really good for Nexi. He was her rock just as she played her part and helped him want a committed relationship. He put a lot into the ground work for their relationship when she was still dealing with her issues and I thought that made him a much stronger male than if he'd just reached out and taken what he wanted.
I was on the fence about Nexi at first because I felt like she was acting spoilt and selfish (which she was). I tried to cut her some slack because I understand the anger that comes with grief, but I still didn't like how she really wasn't seeing the big picture. But then she had an epiphany and owned up to her own behavior. I just love it when that happens because then I don't have to love a story and be disappointed in a heroine. Not that Nexi made a full turn around, she still had that infuriating 'I can do it myself' attitude that had to learn to take help, but she did learn and learned to respect others particularly Kyden and her father. I was so impressed with her by the end of the book. She took so many hits and losses, but just kept getting back up showing she had a backbone made of steel.
I look forward to where this series is headed. I recommend it to all those who enjoy paranormal romance or urban fantasy that settle in a happy medium of not quite dark, but not quite light in tone.
Thank you to Stacey Kennedy and Entangled Publishing for providing the ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Nexi Smith finds her world turned upside down shortly after she witnesses the horrific sight of her adoptive parents killed before her eyes by wolves that can turn into men. Just when she thinks she's next, two warrior-like men dressed in leather kilts and armed with swords charge in to her rescue. Oh and if that's not bizarre enough, one is her birth father and he's from another plane composed of paranormals and magic wielders called Otherworld. Nexi was born there and is one of them, but after the murder of his mate her father chooses to have her powers bound and have her sent to live out her life as a human rather than take the chance that her death will bring him pain too.
Yes, that series of shockers is enough to affect anyone and Nexi isn't immune. She is grieving and angry, but basically left to her own devices in this bewildering new world she is now part of. Her only viable choice seems to be the overwhelming desire to seek revenge on the werewolves who killed her adoptive parents. As a half-breed guardian witch, she has the powerful physical strength passed down by her guardian father, but her witch magic from her mother is still a no-show though she is promised that it will come. Nexi's emotional state makes her a danger to herself and others as she defies the Otherworld Counsel and her birth father to sneak back through the portals to earth to find and kill any werewolves connected with her parents' deaths. Naturally, with no skills to speak of, Nexi fails in her attempt to kill the wolf, but fortunately she fails because this wolf is a friendly.
Kyden an Elite warrior guardian follows the delinquent Nexi after she sneaks off once again and finds himself stuck dragging her irritating but cute butt back to Otherworld after explaining her error which she doesn't seem to see. He is a handsome rogue and used to having no trouble crooking his 'come hither' finger at women, but this female is impervious to his charm. This attracts him first along with the sympathy he feels for her grief and need for revenge which is what makes him open his mouth before the counsel and offer to train her as a guardian to help her learn the skills needed to exact her revenge.
Nexi is now his new partner to train and the counsel figures there's no time like the present for her to experience a crash course in what it means to be a guardian. Kyden and Nexi begin investigating a murder that was committed by a vampire in Salt Lake City. The trail from this murder leads to many more. Between training periods at home and on scene investigating, it becomes clear that a powerful enemy to the guardian counsel, the Otherworld, but most importantly to Nexi herself emerges. The danger just increased exponentially, but along with it, attraction has been growing between Kyden and Nexi. Nexi is slated to be the next victim and anyone standing in the way may be caught up in the crosshairs.
This was an incredible read from start to finish. It jumps right in with the danger stuff and kept up a pretty good pace right through to some of the heart-thumping fight scenes in the end. Whether its training or fighting, Nexi's life just didn't seem to stop. The new world that includes the usual werewolves, vampires and witches also introduces this other paranormal race called guardians. The info about this world comes in bits and pieces so it doesn't slow down the story. I confess that I did struggle a bit to get comfortably into the story in the beginning trying to work out stuff, but patience had its rewards and it settled not long after. The story is told from both Kyden and Nexi's perspectives leaning heavier on her point of view since her growth arc is one of the story themes. Another of the themes was the romance. It was there, but shared equal dominance with the other plot threads. I enjoyed the build of tension and relationship to the romance side of things for Kyden and Nexi.
This leads me to talking about the characters. Kyden was really good for Nexi. He was her rock just as she played her part and helped him want a committed relationship. He put a lot into the ground work for their relationship when she was still dealing with her issues and I thought that made him a much stronger male than if he'd just reached out and taken what he wanted.
I was on the fence about Nexi at first because I felt like she was acting spoilt and selfish (which she was). I tried to cut her some slack because I understand the anger that comes with grief, but I still didn't like how she really wasn't seeing the big picture. But then she had an epiphany and owned up to her own behavior. I just love it when that happens because then I don't have to love a story and be disappointed in a heroine. Not that Nexi made a full turn around, she still had that infuriating 'I can do it myself' attitude that had to learn to take help, but she did learn and learned to respect others particularly Kyden and her father. I was so impressed with her by the end of the book. She took so many hits and losses, but just kept getting back up showing she had a backbone made of steel.
I look forward to where this series is headed. I recommend it to all those who enjoy paranormal romance or urban fantasy that settle in a happy medium of not quite dark, but not quite light in tone.
Thank you to Stacey Kennedy and Entangled Publishing for providing the ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2013
4.5 stars
Werewolves Be Damned took me by surprise a little bit. Sure, I liked the sound of the blurb, and yup, the cover is pleasing to the eye—but I didn’t expect to enjoy it quite as much as I did. Because, whilst the beginning was a little rocky for the first couple of percent, it didn’t take long for me to connect with the characters, and to have a handle on the world Ms Kennedy had begun to build, and I very soon found myself rolling happily along for the ride.
Before I explain what I liked about it so much, let’s quickly get the yukkies out of the way. The biggest issue I had with the book had absolutely nothing to do with the story but with the writing. It’s not bad. I’m just a finicky blighter, and there were quite a few parts I felt were overwritten. And there were quite a few details that were repeated more than once, as though the author felt the need to drum it into our skulls. The bits that were overwritten? They were mostly in what I like to call the pondering paragraphs, where the MC is figuring stuff out, or trying to explain stuff to drip-feed the reader. These sections could’ve been tighter and the pace would’ve been faster—which would have made the writing more consistent throughout.
Because, in other sections, there were moments of pure brilliance in this writing. Like the fight scenes, for instance. All too often, I spend fight scenes frowning, trying to figure it out and follow, and I reach certain spots and realise I actually had NO handle on where all the involved characters were.
SO not the case with Werewolves Be Damned. Every single fight scene was nothing short of awesome. On top of those, we have the intimate—the ‘heated’—scenes.
Again, far too often in adult PNR, these end up being contrite and cheesy and my eyes start rolling around like they’re lost, at all the ridiculous dialogue asking if the other person ‘likes that?’ like the groans and writhing isn’t indication enough ... wow, steering off track here.
Anyway, again, SO not a concern in Werewolves Be Damned. These scenes were placed in exactly the right spots. None of them seemed ‘convenient’ or unnatural, and those combined with the fight scenes, combined with the character development and the world building, make this into one rocking read.
And those characters I mentioned? Yeah, we get to see both Nexi’s and Kyden’s (ROAWRRR!!!!) POV, and I enjoyed that a lot. Both of them have credibility. Both of them are likeable and bondable from a reader perspective. Kyden is HOT AS HECK! It was a pleasure spending time with this duo, and I’m really looking forward to meeting with them again (because Kyden is HOT AS HECK!).
I’m also looking forward to seeing more of all the side characters. Do you think Ms Kennedy will consider giving me some airtime with a couple of those wolves if I bat my lashes enough? Worth a try, right? :P
On top of those, we also have the plot, which was great from the off. Everything was so smoothly looped together and so clearly expressed that I had no trouble following along and chasing the ‘mystery’ with them.
Not even the world building was an issue for me—and absorbing created worlds are the biggest hurdles for me in books. Rather, the world this author has given us felt fresh (to me) and solid and displayed with a clarity that tells me the author not only understands her world but knows what she’s doing when it comes to delivering it to the reader. This, aside from the kick-a$$ fight scenes, is the strongest attribute of the book, imo.
So, have I convinced you to give it a try yet?
Well, if you’re a fan of PNR with butt-booting heroines, hotness, and testosterone, you certainly should.
Because Werewolves Be Damned promises to be the start of a great series, which I believe will become a great addition to the genre.
Werewolves Be Damned took me by surprise a little bit. Sure, I liked the sound of the blurb, and yup, the cover is pleasing to the eye—but I didn’t expect to enjoy it quite as much as I did. Because, whilst the beginning was a little rocky for the first couple of percent, it didn’t take long for me to connect with the characters, and to have a handle on the world Ms Kennedy had begun to build, and I very soon found myself rolling happily along for the ride.
Before I explain what I liked about it so much, let’s quickly get the yukkies out of the way. The biggest issue I had with the book had absolutely nothing to do with the story but with the writing. It’s not bad. I’m just a finicky blighter, and there were quite a few parts I felt were overwritten. And there were quite a few details that were repeated more than once, as though the author felt the need to drum it into our skulls. The bits that were overwritten? They were mostly in what I like to call the pondering paragraphs, where the MC is figuring stuff out, or trying to explain stuff to drip-feed the reader. These sections could’ve been tighter and the pace would’ve been faster—which would have made the writing more consistent throughout.
Because, in other sections, there were moments of pure brilliance in this writing. Like the fight scenes, for instance. All too often, I spend fight scenes frowning, trying to figure it out and follow, and I reach certain spots and realise I actually had NO handle on where all the involved characters were.
SO not the case with Werewolves Be Damned. Every single fight scene was nothing short of awesome. On top of those, we have the intimate—the ‘heated’—scenes.
Again, far too often in adult PNR, these end up being contrite and cheesy and my eyes start rolling around like they’re lost, at all the ridiculous dialogue asking if the other person ‘likes that?’ like the groans and writhing isn’t indication enough ... wow, steering off track here.
Anyway, again, SO not a concern in Werewolves Be Damned. These scenes were placed in exactly the right spots. None of them seemed ‘convenient’ or unnatural, and those combined with the fight scenes, combined with the character development and the world building, make this into one rocking read.
And those characters I mentioned? Yeah, we get to see both Nexi’s and Kyden’s (ROAWRRR!!!!) POV, and I enjoyed that a lot. Both of them have credibility. Both of them are likeable and bondable from a reader perspective. Kyden is HOT AS HECK! It was a pleasure spending time with this duo, and I’m really looking forward to meeting with them again (because Kyden is HOT AS HECK!).
I’m also looking forward to seeing more of all the side characters. Do you think Ms Kennedy will consider giving me some airtime with a couple of those wolves if I bat my lashes enough? Worth a try, right? :P
On top of those, we also have the plot, which was great from the off. Everything was so smoothly looped together and so clearly expressed that I had no trouble following along and chasing the ‘mystery’ with them.
Not even the world building was an issue for me—and absorbing created worlds are the biggest hurdles for me in books. Rather, the world this author has given us felt fresh (to me) and solid and displayed with a clarity that tells me the author not only understands her world but knows what she’s doing when it comes to delivering it to the reader. This, aside from the kick-a$$ fight scenes, is the strongest attribute of the book, imo.
So, have I convinced you to give it a try yet?
Well, if you’re a fan of PNR with butt-booting heroines, hotness, and testosterone, you certainly should.
Because Werewolves Be Damned promises to be the start of a great series, which I believe will become a great addition to the genre.
April 21, 2013
Found a new favorite author!! LOL.. Stacey Kennedy writes a wonderful book and Lisa, this one is for YOU!! Witches, Guardians, Werewolves and Vampires.. all wrapped up in one inter dimensional battle. What more could a reader ask for?
Nexi Jones lived a pretty normal life. Normal that is until she came home one day to her family being killed by werewolves. Creatures that until that moment she wasn't even aware existed. Suddenly her life shifts when she finds out she was adopted into human existence but is really half guardian/half witch.. Something that hadn't happened previously. Until Nexi you were one or the other never both.. and of course this anomaly hasn't happened since. Once Nexi realizes that she has an option on Otherworld with the rest of the supernatural beings she is determined to get revenge for her family.
Kyden, is a guardian extraordinaire, young by any means but still one of the most powerful guardians out there. He was there to help save her from the werewolves and he instantly took responsibility for her in the Otherworld. Always tracking her down and helping to save her when she went off half cocked. Strangely, he finds her quirkiness rather endearing and is starting to fall for this unique woman.
There is so much more to this book than revenge and retribution. This is a story of murder and mayhem, a fight for inter dimensional dominance, a battle to hold on to the things we love and a battle for love. As I turned each page I got more and more excited, I was drawn deeply into this book. A powerful compelling story.
There is a sweet sub story going on between Kyden and Nexi.. oh sure we know they are destined to be together but Alpha Male totally take charge Kyden decides that Nexi needs to be wooed the way humans are wooed. Let's just say Nexi is totally confused by his tactics and it takes some time before they manage to figure out all the romance stuff.
As Guardian partners they mesh instantly, while Nexi is a novice compared to Kyden she has a strong desire to learn and a definite natural talent. Her desire for revenge against her family's killers can be all consuming but Kyden knows how to make her re think her actions.. and Nexi proves to Kyden that she can balance out his over protective tendencies.. at least towards his partner.
As they are meshing in all areas the case they are assigned to and the case of her parents murder blend and suddenly it's an entirely new ball of wax. Something wicked this way comes... (I love using that phrase).
As far as I can tell this is a stand alone book.. and it is a powerful one.. check it out it's rather awesome
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Werewolves Be Damned provided by netgalley
Nexi Jones lived a pretty normal life. Normal that is until she came home one day to her family being killed by werewolves. Creatures that until that moment she wasn't even aware existed. Suddenly her life shifts when she finds out she was adopted into human existence but is really half guardian/half witch.. Something that hadn't happened previously. Until Nexi you were one or the other never both.. and of course this anomaly hasn't happened since. Once Nexi realizes that she has an option on Otherworld with the rest of the supernatural beings she is determined to get revenge for her family.
Kyden, is a guardian extraordinaire, young by any means but still one of the most powerful guardians out there. He was there to help save her from the werewolves and he instantly took responsibility for her in the Otherworld. Always tracking her down and helping to save her when she went off half cocked. Strangely, he finds her quirkiness rather endearing and is starting to fall for this unique woman.
There is so much more to this book than revenge and retribution. This is a story of murder and mayhem, a fight for inter dimensional dominance, a battle to hold on to the things we love and a battle for love. As I turned each page I got more and more excited, I was drawn deeply into this book. A powerful compelling story.
There is a sweet sub story going on between Kyden and Nexi.. oh sure we know they are destined to be together but Alpha Male totally take charge Kyden decides that Nexi needs to be wooed the way humans are wooed. Let's just say Nexi is totally confused by his tactics and it takes some time before they manage to figure out all the romance stuff.
As Guardian partners they mesh instantly, while Nexi is a novice compared to Kyden she has a strong desire to learn and a definite natural talent. Her desire for revenge against her family's killers can be all consuming but Kyden knows how to make her re think her actions.. and Nexi proves to Kyden that she can balance out his over protective tendencies.. at least towards his partner.
As they are meshing in all areas the case they are assigned to and the case of her parents murder blend and suddenly it's an entirely new ball of wax. Something wicked this way comes... (I love using that phrase).
As far as I can tell this is a stand alone book.. and it is a powerful one.. check it out it's rather awesome
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Werewolves Be Damned provided by netgalley
March 9, 2011
I am sure this book will find a following but I will not be joining the ranks. There were too many problems with the plot development and delivery. It was like half the story wasn't even there. It was like a 'fill in the blank' book.
First, only one thing happened in the book that was a surprise -- every other scene was predictable to the point of mental anguish. The name of the book is The Willow after a tree the heroine sat under as a kid. I suppose that since the tree was her place of peace it makes sense on some level but there was not enough narrative provided to make it make sense as a book title. That's especially true since we meet her when she is 24 years old. We don't get to experience the tree's role in her earlier years. As far as I was concerned, was no more significant than her sitting on a pier. Next up, the series title -- The Magical Sword. I am going to guess that since humans can't see a Guardian's sword when they are walking in our world that makes it magical. I am guessing here but I really hope that future installments reveal that these things have names, histories, and unique abilities 'cause right now, they are just swords. There was not even a ceremony to get one. It's part of their uniform. Also, why not shoot the shifters? That was never explained. This writer would have earned some points with guns and stakes. The swords are used more to finish a fist fight cause their opponents do not have swords.
Our heroine is Nexi Jones. We find her devastated after the loss of her adoptive parents. She is under the Willow tree and wants to die. A man appears and takes her to another dimension called Otherworld (I swear it was that creative) and informs her she is a guardian/witch hybrid. She accepts this along with the fact that she has a 'soul' sister named Hayden. That whole 'soul' mate/sister thing is never explained as to why it happens and what are the benefits. BTW -- there is no blood relation. Nexi accepts that she will become a protector of mankind from vamps and weres/shifters (I think witches will make an evil appearance at some point). Kyden is her trainer, he's major eye candy so of course she falls in love with him right off the bat. The bad guy is a vamp and he is a-typical with the usual delusions of grander. Okay, I am just done.
I give it 2 stars because the humor and sex was very well done. Everyone can't pack that kind of sexual heat in their writing so props to Ms. Kennedy. I actually ordered this book in hardcopy and wasted a perfectly good gift card. I would burn it but I am going to see if I can swap it on Goodreads.
First, only one thing happened in the book that was a surprise -- every other scene was predictable to the point of mental anguish. The name of the book is The Willow after a tree the heroine sat under as a kid. I suppose that since the tree was her place of peace it makes sense on some level but there was not enough narrative provided to make it make sense as a book title. That's especially true since we meet her when she is 24 years old. We don't get to experience the tree's role in her earlier years. As far as I was concerned, was no more significant than her sitting on a pier. Next up, the series title -- The Magical Sword. I am going to guess that since humans can't see a Guardian's sword when they are walking in our world that makes it magical. I am guessing here but I really hope that future installments reveal that these things have names, histories, and unique abilities 'cause right now, they are just swords. There was not even a ceremony to get one. It's part of their uniform. Also, why not shoot the shifters? That was never explained. This writer would have earned some points with guns and stakes. The swords are used more to finish a fist fight cause their opponents do not have swords.
Our heroine is Nexi Jones. We find her devastated after the loss of her adoptive parents. She is under the Willow tree and wants to die. A man appears and takes her to another dimension called Otherworld (I swear it was that creative) and informs her she is a guardian/witch hybrid. She accepts this along with the fact that she has a 'soul' sister named Hayden. That whole 'soul' mate/sister thing is never explained as to why it happens and what are the benefits. BTW -- there is no blood relation. Nexi accepts that she will become a protector of mankind from vamps and weres/shifters (I think witches will make an evil appearance at some point). Kyden is her trainer, he's major eye candy so of course she falls in love with him right off the bat. The bad guy is a vamp and he is a-typical with the usual delusions of grander. Okay, I am just done.
I give it 2 stars because the humor and sex was very well done. Everyone can't pack that kind of sexual heat in their writing so props to Ms. Kennedy. I actually ordered this book in hardcopy and wasted a perfectly good gift card. I would burn it but I am going to see if I can swap it on Goodreads.
September 21, 2014
Ms. Stacey’s stories always captivate me and lures me onto the other side of the realm. Her writing is cleverly done to make you read more and more and more and more until you do not realize you have read the whole book in one sitting. Okay, maybe two days… But still, she will wrap you around her little finger until she is completely done with you… And this story is no different!
Nexi is a woman who has her world turned upside down and inside out all in the matter of one night. Her parents are brutally murdered right in front of her and she is whisked away to the Otherworld by strangers she has never seen before in her life. But what she soon discovers is that the people that took her to this world are the people that will help her hunt her parents murderers and teach here about her gifts. Gifts that she had no idea she possessed. And the one man that will train her will be the one man that learns how to ignite her magic and her desires…
Kyden is a man whose main responsibility is to protect and defend – at all cost – the Otherworld’s people. He is known for not letting anyone to close to his heart… But when he helps save Nexi, all hell breaks loose on the rules that have protected him for so long. Will he listen to his heart to save the woman his heart is falling for or will saving her cost him his life.
This story is packed with everything that makes a story great… Suspense, drama, action, passion, heartache, bonding and love that this is strong enough to drive this story home. These two characters are amazing separately but together as a team, they are kick ass awesome…. The hell alone that Nexi goes through in this story would be enough to break an average woman, but Nexi doesn’t allow those things from her past to rule her, she knows she has to use those things to fuel her to catch a killer. But she also knows that not all love ends in tragedy…. She has a another family that wants to help her and love her… Kyden wants to teach and train Nexi but what if he doesn’t push her hard enough, will she will be able to protect herself? What happens if he can’t protect her… Of what happens when Nexi can’t protect those that she loves… She has already lost loved ones, she can’t tolerate to lose more…
I know that Nexi and Kyden’s story ends here, but I have a feeling that Stacey will give us more on these Guardians and witches… Because believe me, once you have read Nexi and Kyden’s story, you will want to know more!
Nexi is a woman who has her world turned upside down and inside out all in the matter of one night. Her parents are brutally murdered right in front of her and she is whisked away to the Otherworld by strangers she has never seen before in her life. But what she soon discovers is that the people that took her to this world are the people that will help her hunt her parents murderers and teach here about her gifts. Gifts that she had no idea she possessed. And the one man that will train her will be the one man that learns how to ignite her magic and her desires…
Kyden is a man whose main responsibility is to protect and defend – at all cost – the Otherworld’s people. He is known for not letting anyone to close to his heart… But when he helps save Nexi, all hell breaks loose on the rules that have protected him for so long. Will he listen to his heart to save the woman his heart is falling for or will saving her cost him his life.
This story is packed with everything that makes a story great… Suspense, drama, action, passion, heartache, bonding and love that this is strong enough to drive this story home. These two characters are amazing separately but together as a team, they are kick ass awesome…. The hell alone that Nexi goes through in this story would be enough to break an average woman, but Nexi doesn’t allow those things from her past to rule her, she knows she has to use those things to fuel her to catch a killer. But she also knows that not all love ends in tragedy…. She has a another family that wants to help her and love her… Kyden wants to teach and train Nexi but what if he doesn’t push her hard enough, will she will be able to protect herself? What happens if he can’t protect her… Of what happens when Nexi can’t protect those that she loves… She has already lost loved ones, she can’t tolerate to lose more…
I know that Nexi and Kyden’s story ends here, but I have a feeling that Stacey will give us more on these Guardians and witches… Because believe me, once you have read Nexi and Kyden’s story, you will want to know more!
April 14, 2013
3.5 stars
REVIEW: Werewolves Be Damned is the first storyline in Stacey Kennedy’s new Magic and Mayhem series featuring guardians, witches, vampires and werewolves. The focus of this storyline is one Nexi Jones who, following the murder of her adopted parents, discovers that she is no ordinary human. She will be swept into a war between the supernatural species where she will become the ultimate prize.
Nexi is a strong heroine who seeks revenge against the werewolves that killed the only family that she has ever known. But as the storyline progress, Nexi will meet others like herself as she trains for the ultimate showdown between good and evil. Only she will lose more in this battle-she may lose the man with whom she has fallen in love.
Kyden is a Guardian and the man who has made it his mission to train Nexi. Knowing she is not prepared for a face to face confrontation with the being who destroyed her life, Kyden takes Nexi into his care, but will lose his heart in the process.
We learn, along with Nexi, the truth behind her birth mother’s death and all too soon her world will once against be turned upside down when she must face the ultimate evil in a battle for her life as well as for the man that she loves.
WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED is a fast paced, interesting storyline that pulls together many of our favorite supernatural heroes and villains. I would have preferred a little more character development – we meet our hero and heroine and are immediately thrown into the action of the story. I felt like we did not have a chance to know some of the characters before death and heartbreak took hold. Let’s hope the next storyline will delve deeper into the personalities and quirks of the central characters as well as the secondary characters who are interactive in a good portion of the premise. Werewolves Be Damned is a fascinating look at the hunger for power among the supernatural races where one small but powerful female controls the outcome in the palm of her hands.
Copy supplied by the publicist.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
REVIEW: Werewolves Be Damned is the first storyline in Stacey Kennedy’s new Magic and Mayhem series featuring guardians, witches, vampires and werewolves. The focus of this storyline is one Nexi Jones who, following the murder of her adopted parents, discovers that she is no ordinary human. She will be swept into a war between the supernatural species where she will become the ultimate prize.
Nexi is a strong heroine who seeks revenge against the werewolves that killed the only family that she has ever known. But as the storyline progress, Nexi will meet others like herself as she trains for the ultimate showdown between good and evil. Only she will lose more in this battle-she may lose the man with whom she has fallen in love.
Kyden is a Guardian and the man who has made it his mission to train Nexi. Knowing she is not prepared for a face to face confrontation with the being who destroyed her life, Kyden takes Nexi into his care, but will lose his heart in the process.
We learn, along with Nexi, the truth behind her birth mother’s death and all too soon her world will once against be turned upside down when she must face the ultimate evil in a battle for her life as well as for the man that she loves.
WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED is a fast paced, interesting storyline that pulls together many of our favorite supernatural heroes and villains. I would have preferred a little more character development – we meet our hero and heroine and are immediately thrown into the action of the story. I felt like we did not have a chance to know some of the characters before death and heartbreak took hold. Let’s hope the next storyline will delve deeper into the personalities and quirks of the central characters as well as the secondary characters who are interactive in a good portion of the premise. Werewolves Be Damned is a fascinating look at the hunger for power among the supernatural races where one small but powerful female controls the outcome in the palm of her hands.
Copy supplied by the publicist.
see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
May 1, 2013
A promising new paranormal romance series.
Nexi, our heroine, has been plunged into a new world with the murder of her adoptive parents where she discovers she is half witch and half guardian. Guardins are super strong immortals who seem to have a bit in common with Beserkers. She is trained in her new skills by an uber hot guardian named Kyden. While hunting down the bad guy, romance ensues.
The novel is an expansion of a previous published work The Willow from Kennedy’s Magical Sword series and creates an interesting world and cast of others for the reader to play in. We have sexy werewolves, vampires, guardians, and witches. The witches are the most intriguing group here with elemental powers and soul sister connections. The werewolves, as usual, are pretty yummy too.
The book and therefore the series is promising. I am always on the look out for fun new paranormal worlds. However, at this point the book just offers a promise more than it delivers. The world is well developed and the action scenes are good. The characters all have great qualities--like Nexie's is pretty kick ass. However, the logic and motivation in the plot and characters isn't really there. An example: they are in the middle of investigating the murder of her adopted parents and we get very little investigation. There are more ways to find out things than beating a witness and often that doesn't even happen, they are just killed
Character development is a bit lacking. An example, did Nexie have a job before the events of this novel? It would have been great if the couple could have spent a bit more time together as well. Then novel felt a bit shorter than it needed to be.
Overall, it was a pleasant read and I will likely read the second in the series because I like the world and hope some of the less pleasing aspects of the writing are worked out. I think of this kind of book as popcorn. It fulfills a craving (in this case for training in fighting and witches-the best parts of the book) but I am not going to return to it again and again for rereading.
This book was given to me as an ARC for an honest review.
Nexi, our heroine, has been plunged into a new world with the murder of her adoptive parents where she discovers she is half witch and half guardian. Guardins are super strong immortals who seem to have a bit in common with Beserkers. She is trained in her new skills by an uber hot guardian named Kyden. While hunting down the bad guy, romance ensues.
The novel is an expansion of a previous published work The Willow from Kennedy’s Magical Sword series and creates an interesting world and cast of others for the reader to play in. We have sexy werewolves, vampires, guardians, and witches. The witches are the most intriguing group here with elemental powers and soul sister connections. The werewolves, as usual, are pretty yummy too.
The book and therefore the series is promising. I am always on the look out for fun new paranormal worlds. However, at this point the book just offers a promise more than it delivers. The world is well developed and the action scenes are good. The characters all have great qualities--like Nexie's is pretty kick ass. However, the logic and motivation in the plot and characters isn't really there. An example: they are in the middle of investigating the murder of her adopted parents and we get very little investigation. There are more ways to find out things than beating a witness and often that doesn't even happen, they are just killed
Character development is a bit lacking. An example, did Nexie have a job before the events of this novel? It would have been great if the couple could have spent a bit more time together as well. Then novel felt a bit shorter than it needed to be.
Overall, it was a pleasant read and I will likely read the second in the series because I like the world and hope some of the less pleasing aspects of the writing are worked out. I think of this kind of book as popcorn. It fulfills a craving (in this case for training in fighting and witches-the best parts of the book) but I am not going to return to it again and again for rereading.
This book was given to me as an ARC for an honest review.
June 23, 2013
While I was reading this book, a particular term came into my head- this book a mindless read.
Now, I don't know if it was me being a horrible mood but I felt as though the author kept giving me the information about the book. I was being told that the lead was and that completely spoiled my joy for the book. Or in another case where the author tells us every, single minute detail about the paranormal world that she has created.She uses terms such as the Otherworld and the Earthworld that differentiates between realms. But, I don't think we need told the werewolves have a "fantastic sense of smell" even if the main lead was a complete novice.
Another thing I would've liked was to have more backstory. To start off the story with gave me no feeling, no room for connection of emotional growth with the character. Again, I would've liked to see the so-called deep relationship between the main lead and her parents, but instead we were told .
Don't even get me started on the dominance of the male characters. With too many side character names popping up everywhere, it was hard to keep track for who was who. I understand that werewolves tend to be dominant but the complete was ARGH. Like yes, we understand your alpha-male trait but man, hang back, she's a woman. This book wrestles on the subtle hint of submissive women in the Otherworld which is a big no from me.
The author sure has a fine storytelling voice that's a recount (yes, back in primary school) that tells you everything. Every single thing.
I would recommend this book for people who are quite busy and are quickly skimming through the book as this book can be read without taking note of every single word. Or really, people who are too busy to take notice because the book would spell it out for them. Up to your personal preference really.
Now, I don't know if it was me being a horrible mood but I felt as though the author kept giving me the information about the book. I was being told that the lead was and that completely spoiled my joy for the book. Or in another case where the author tells us every, single minute detail about the paranormal world that she has created.She uses terms such as the Otherworld and the Earthworld that differentiates between realms. But, I don't think we need told the werewolves have a "fantastic sense of smell" even if the main lead was a complete novice.
Another thing I would've liked was to have more backstory. To start off the story with gave me no feeling, no room for connection of emotional growth with the character. Again, I would've liked to see the so-called deep relationship between the main lead and her parents, but instead we were told .
Don't even get me started on the dominance of the male characters. With too many side character names popping up everywhere, it was hard to keep track for who was who. I understand that werewolves tend to be dominant but the complete was ARGH. Like yes, we understand your alpha-male trait but man, hang back, she's a woman. This book wrestles on the subtle hint of submissive women in the Otherworld which is a big no from me.
The author sure has a fine storytelling voice that's a recount (yes, back in primary school) that tells you everything. Every single thing.
I would recommend this book for people who are quite busy and are quickly skimming through the book as this book can be read without taking note of every single word. Or really, people who are too busy to take notice because the book would spell it out for them. Up to your personal preference really.
July 23, 2013
Great start to this series! Full review to come :)
Update 7/22/13:
I wasn't actually sure how much I was going to enjoy this book at first, but once I started reading, I was absolutely enthralled. This is a fantastic start to a new series, and I hope the second book comes out fast! The main reason I had to give this 4 stars was because there were a lot of grammatical errors, and it got on my nerves after awhile. However, it doesn't take away from the story, and hopefully the next book would be proofread a bit more. Other than that minor tidbit, the writing is great, and the story flows effortlessly. I was never confused, as everything is pretty much explained. We experience this new world and understand everything at the same time as our main character Nexi, which was very refreshing.
Nexi was a great female lead! She was an awesome combo of kick-ass girl, sassy/sarcastic commentator, and smarty-pants. She's brave and never backs down from a challenge (which isn't always a good thing). Kyden is amazingly hot, and I liked seeing the different sides to his character. He's much more than a strong, domineering guardian. The main thing I liked about Kyden though was his appreciation of Nexi's growth into a guardian. He never underestimated her, and while he wanted to protect her, he still let her fight for herself.
The story was a brilliant start to this series, and I can't wait to find out what happens next. There are some slower parts, but it's not enough to even think about giving up on the story. There were also some parts that are utterly heartbreaking (which shows how connected you become to the characters in a short period of time). Throughout the entire novel you are rooting for these characters to overcome the obstacles that stand in their path. The world that Ms. Kennedy has created is new, unique, and interesting. Definitely check this out!
Happy reading :)
Update 7/22/13:
I wasn't actually sure how much I was going to enjoy this book at first, but once I started reading, I was absolutely enthralled. This is a fantastic start to a new series, and I hope the second book comes out fast! The main reason I had to give this 4 stars was because there were a lot of grammatical errors, and it got on my nerves after awhile. However, it doesn't take away from the story, and hopefully the next book would be proofread a bit more. Other than that minor tidbit, the writing is great, and the story flows effortlessly. I was never confused, as everything is pretty much explained. We experience this new world and understand everything at the same time as our main character Nexi, which was very refreshing.
Nexi was a great female lead! She was an awesome combo of kick-ass girl, sassy/sarcastic commentator, and smarty-pants. She's brave and never backs down from a challenge (which isn't always a good thing). Kyden is amazingly hot, and I liked seeing the different sides to his character. He's much more than a strong, domineering guardian. The main thing I liked about Kyden though was his appreciation of Nexi's growth into a guardian. He never underestimated her, and while he wanted to protect her, he still let her fight for herself.
The story was a brilliant start to this series, and I can't wait to find out what happens next. There are some slower parts, but it's not enough to even think about giving up on the story. There were also some parts that are utterly heartbreaking (which shows how connected you become to the characters in a short period of time). Throughout the entire novel you are rooting for these characters to overcome the obstacles that stand in their path. The world that Ms. Kennedy has created is new, unique, and interesting. Definitely check this out!
Happy reading :)
April 15, 2013
My Review:
I loved the whole premise of this story. Nexi is an other-worlder who never knew who she truly was until the night her world was shattered by werewolves killing her family and warriors swooping in to protect her. Until that night she didn't even know that otherworlders existed, much less that she was actually one of them. But with that knowledge and her world crumbling around her, the magic holding Nexi's powers in check was removed.
Nexi is a mixed breed...half guardian (warrior), half witch. The only mixed breed known to exist. The book basically takes place a month after her parents were killed. In that time, she's found out:
*they weren't really her parents,
*her real father placed her with them to protect her after her real mother was killed,
*that she has all these kick-butt powers that she needs to learn how to utilize,
*that she has a sexy guardian who's completely infuriating to train her.
*that she has a mind-link with another witch
*and that all those things that go bump in the night...witches, werewolves, vampires are real.
She's dealing with a LOT emotionally, but I loved how strong she is. She's completely focused on revenge for her parents deaths and is willing to do whatever she has to to accomplish that. She's one tough chick and I really, really liked her character.
Then there's Kyden. He's trained her as a guardian. He knows how tough and strong she is, but that doesn't mean that he's okay to sit by and watch her walk into a dangerous situation. He knows she can hold her own, but it about kills him to put her into danger. I loved that about him....he's a serious alpha and not afraid to show it, although he's trying so hard to let Nexi do what she needs to do. The scenes with them at the end...seriously, melt my heart! LOVED!
I *think* this is a 3-4 book series and I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I loved the whole premise of this story. Nexi is an other-worlder who never knew who she truly was until the night her world was shattered by werewolves killing her family and warriors swooping in to protect her. Until that night she didn't even know that otherworlders existed, much less that she was actually one of them. But with that knowledge and her world crumbling around her, the magic holding Nexi's powers in check was removed.
Nexi is a mixed breed...half guardian (warrior), half witch. The only mixed breed known to exist. The book basically takes place a month after her parents were killed. In that time, she's found out:
*they weren't really her parents,
*her real father placed her with them to protect her after her real mother was killed,
*that she has all these kick-butt powers that she needs to learn how to utilize,
*that she has a sexy guardian who's completely infuriating to train her.
*that she has a mind-link with another witch
*and that all those things that go bump in the night...witches, werewolves, vampires are real.
She's dealing with a LOT emotionally, but I loved how strong she is. She's completely focused on revenge for her parents deaths and is willing to do whatever she has to to accomplish that. She's one tough chick and I really, really liked her character.
Then there's Kyden. He's trained her as a guardian. He knows how tough and strong she is, but that doesn't mean that he's okay to sit by and watch her walk into a dangerous situation. He knows she can hold her own, but it about kills him to put her into danger. I loved that about him....he's a serious alpha and not afraid to show it, although he's trying so hard to let Nexi do what she needs to do. The scenes with them at the end...seriously, melt my heart! LOVED!
I *think* this is a 3-4 book series and I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
February 22, 2011
The Willow started a little rocky for me. The fact that Nexi, the book's heroine, kills herself on the first page didn't bother me. She had some serious emotional pain that pushed her toward a dramatic solution. Great setup.
My frustration was how Nexi coped with the startling events that occurred after her attempted suicide. First, a strange man appears under her willow tree. She passes out and wakes up somewhere else...another dimension as it turns out.
She discovers the man that found her is her real father. When that tidbit came to light I though, "Ah ha, some conflict now." Nope. Nexi had a vision that told her about her real dad and why she'd been raised by other people. Wrapped up all nice and neat with a nice little bow. In fact, all issues that happened in the first half of the book were handled quickly and neatly.
And that's the only real problem I had with this story. Too many dramatic things occur and are explained immediately with little to no heartburn at all over the issues.
However, once the story gets rolling and the "Big Bad" issue pops up, everything starts to move. The vampire that killed Nexi's mother is now after her. He wants her magic, and he'll stop at nothing to get it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their development. Kyden is just...mmm, yummy. Nexi's soul sister Haven is cute, ennergetic, and full of life. Finn (Kyden's best friend and Haven's boyfriend) becomes Nexi's friend.
With all of the new support and love, Nexi is able to find her place in the world and face the vampire that would threaten her newfound happiness.
Now that the lay of the land's in place, I look forward to reading the next installment of Ms. Kennedy's The Magical Sword series!
My frustration was how Nexi coped with the startling events that occurred after her attempted suicide. First, a strange man appears under her willow tree. She passes out and wakes up somewhere else...another dimension as it turns out.
She discovers the man that found her is her real father. When that tidbit came to light I though, "Ah ha, some conflict now." Nope. Nexi had a vision that told her about her real dad and why she'd been raised by other people. Wrapped up all nice and neat with a nice little bow. In fact, all issues that happened in the first half of the book were handled quickly and neatly.
And that's the only real problem I had with this story. Too many dramatic things occur and are explained immediately with little to no heartburn at all over the issues.
However, once the story gets rolling and the "Big Bad" issue pops up, everything starts to move. The vampire that killed Nexi's mother is now after her. He wants her magic, and he'll stop at nothing to get it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their development. Kyden is just...mmm, yummy. Nexi's soul sister Haven is cute, ennergetic, and full of life. Finn (Kyden's best friend and Haven's boyfriend) becomes Nexi's friend.
With all of the new support and love, Nexi is able to find her place in the world and face the vampire that would threaten her newfound happiness.
Now that the lay of the land's in place, I look forward to reading the next installment of Ms. Kennedy's The Magical Sword series!
April 27, 2013
Have you ever wondered who protects us mortals from the things that go bump in the night? In Stacey Kennedy’s urban fantasy novel, Werewolves Be Damned, we discover the world of the Guardians, supernatural beings who protect humans from rogue vampires, werewolves, and witches.
Meet Nexi Jones, half Guardian, half witch, who is out to destroy the werewolves who killed her family. She is helped out along the way by a fellow Guardian, the sexy Kyden, a man who would do anything to protect Nexi. New to the Guardian business, Nexi relies on Kyden to show her the ropes. Her training can’t happen fast enough as the Guardians are on the hunt for some werewolves and vampires who have decided to break the law of the Otherworld by killing humans. Add in Nexi’s search for those responsible for her parents’ murder and Nexi is a busy girl.
While solidly in the genre of urban fantasy, this book will also appeal to readers of New Adult Romance. The main character is only twenty-four, and her reactions in some of the scenes struck me as rather immature. The character development in the book is rather lacking, the author relying more on common fictional archetypes rather than fleshing out the individuals. However, the novel is strengthened with deft plotting and action-packed fight scenes. The romance between Nexi and Kyden is used more as an explanation into the characters’ motivations than as a stand-alone plot device, but for readers who like a little sex in their fantasies, this book covers that too.
Werewolves Be Damned is a light read, with fair entertainment value, and will appeal to those who enjoy the female hunter as heroine.
Meet Nexi Jones, half Guardian, half witch, who is out to destroy the werewolves who killed her family. She is helped out along the way by a fellow Guardian, the sexy Kyden, a man who would do anything to protect Nexi. New to the Guardian business, Nexi relies on Kyden to show her the ropes. Her training can’t happen fast enough as the Guardians are on the hunt for some werewolves and vampires who have decided to break the law of the Otherworld by killing humans. Add in Nexi’s search for those responsible for her parents’ murder and Nexi is a busy girl.
While solidly in the genre of urban fantasy, this book will also appeal to readers of New Adult Romance. The main character is only twenty-four, and her reactions in some of the scenes struck me as rather immature. The character development in the book is rather lacking, the author relying more on common fictional archetypes rather than fleshing out the individuals. However, the novel is strengthened with deft plotting and action-packed fight scenes. The romance between Nexi and Kyden is used more as an explanation into the characters’ motivations than as a stand-alone plot device, but for readers who like a little sex in their fantasies, this book covers that too.
Werewolves Be Damned is a light read, with fair entertainment value, and will appeal to those who enjoy the female hunter as heroine.
June 11, 2013
Nexi is on a mission, to find the wolf that got away. The wolf that did not die at the guardians hands, after the rogue pack murdered her parents. She will never forget that wolf, she will find it and kill it.
After the murder of her parents Nexi's life is tossed upside down. Everything that she knew of the world, herself has changed. Not all things are what they seem. There are supernatural beings from the otherworld who cross over, but to a mere mortal they just appear to look just like every other person.
Nexi is connected to these beings in way she could never dream of. Both her real parents are from that world. Her father is a guardian her mother was a witch. Giving her the abilities of both, something that has never happened in the past.
The death of her adoptive parents have not been the only murders that have been happening across the country, other people have been killed at the hands (paws?) of other wolves.
Are all the murders connected and what does it have to do with Nexi?
Werewolves Be Damned is the first in a new series by Stacey Kennedy. Typical UF/PNR book, young female lead, dominant male for the love interest. It never wow'd me, I wasn't on the edge of my chair. At times I felt as if the story was rushed. But I did enjoy it though, there is potential for this series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
*Copy provided for review by Entangled Publishing*
After the murder of her parents Nexi's life is tossed upside down. Everything that she knew of the world, herself has changed. Not all things are what they seem. There are supernatural beings from the otherworld who cross over, but to a mere mortal they just appear to look just like every other person.
Nexi is connected to these beings in way she could never dream of. Both her real parents are from that world. Her father is a guardian her mother was a witch. Giving her the abilities of both, something that has never happened in the past.
The death of her adoptive parents have not been the only murders that have been happening across the country, other people have been killed at the hands (paws?) of other wolves.
Are all the murders connected and what does it have to do with Nexi?
Werewolves Be Damned is the first in a new series by Stacey Kennedy. Typical UF/PNR book, young female lead, dominant male for the love interest. It never wow'd me, I wasn't on the edge of my chair. At times I felt as if the story was rushed. But I did enjoy it though, there is potential for this series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
*Copy provided for review by Entangled Publishing*
June 14, 2013
When Nexi and her parents are attacked by some wolves in their home some mysterious strangers come to save her. She quickly finds out that not only were her parents not her real parents but she isn't even human.
Nexi starts off kinda unlikable (at least to me). She is reckless, angry and an all around pain in the butt. It is understandable but I have no patience for stupid and she pulls some stupid moves in the search for revenge. Once she is allowed to join the investigation and trains to be a guardian things quickly change and I end up liking her a lot more. Kyden was fantastic. He is patient yet distant yet protective yet... he has many roles in WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED. I enjoyed Nexi and Kyden's connection to each other as well as the progression of their relationship. The plot moves nicely and there is plenty of action, especially at the end of the book. The introduction of characters is done at a nice pace. I enjoyed both the fun and sad parts of the book and I look forward to the next step in Nexi and Kyden's journey.
So far every book that I have read from author Stacey Kennedy has been a slam dunk. I am definitely going to start taking a look at her back list. I do have one complaint. This is actually an earlier series that was written by Kennedy and is being revised and expanded. I really really want to read the next one now.=)
Nexi starts off kinda unlikable (at least to me). She is reckless, angry and an all around pain in the butt. It is understandable but I have no patience for stupid and she pulls some stupid moves in the search for revenge. Once she is allowed to join the investigation and trains to be a guardian things quickly change and I end up liking her a lot more. Kyden was fantastic. He is patient yet distant yet protective yet... he has many roles in WEREWOLVES BE DAMNED. I enjoyed Nexi and Kyden's connection to each other as well as the progression of their relationship. The plot moves nicely and there is plenty of action, especially at the end of the book. The introduction of characters is done at a nice pace. I enjoyed both the fun and sad parts of the book and I look forward to the next step in Nexi and Kyden's journey.
So far every book that I have read from author Stacey Kennedy has been a slam dunk. I am definitely going to start taking a look at her back list. I do have one complaint. This is actually an earlier series that was written by Kennedy and is being revised and expanded. I really really want to read the next one now.=)
April 15, 2013
Werewolves Be Damned is the first in the Magic & Mayhem series and it's definitely one of the best new series I have read in ages!
Nexi is a half-guardian/half witch hybrid anomaly who is thrust into the supernatural after the brutal murder of her parents. Kyden has been charged with keeping Nexi safe as she tries to find her way in this new world, she's hellbent on avenging her parents deaths so he not only has to keep her safe from those who want to do her harm but from her own actions resulting from her inexperience and lack of knowledge.
Kyden is a hunk of a male, snarky, protective and mischievous. Pretty swoon worthy! Nexi was fun, strong willed and hotheaded - which can be a recipe for disaster but it worked well, putting the tw together gave the best kind of explosions.
The world building was a little heavy early on but at no point did I drown in the info or get confused. I love the mythology and can't wait for the next instalment! Bravo Stacey, it's another good one :)
Nexi is a half-guardian/half witch hybrid anomaly who is thrust into the supernatural after the brutal murder of her parents. Kyden has been charged with keeping Nexi safe as she tries to find her way in this new world, she's hellbent on avenging her parents deaths so he not only has to keep her safe from those who want to do her harm but from her own actions resulting from her inexperience and lack of knowledge.
Kyden is a hunk of a male, snarky, protective and mischievous. Pretty swoon worthy! Nexi was fun, strong willed and hotheaded - which can be a recipe for disaster but it worked well, putting the tw together gave the best kind of explosions.
The world building was a little heavy early on but at no point did I drown in the info or get confused. I love the mythology and can't wait for the next instalment! Bravo Stacey, it's another good one :)
May 6, 2015
Nexi was adopted and has grown up on Earth, not knowing that there is the Otherworld, and her birth parents came from there.
Nexi, is half Guardian and half witch. When she was a baby her mother was murdered and her father thought it best that she grow up on Earth so she could have a normal life. Her magic was bound.
However, the bad guy who killed her mother is looking for her and when she's found, he has her adopted parents killed, almost in front of her. Guardians come to take care of the bad werewolves and show her the Otherworld.
Nexi, is the only mixed race child in the supernatural realm, and I must say that she was thoughtless, headstrong & often stupid. For someone who knew nothing about supernaturals she did some incredibly dumb things.
And Kyden, her Guardian protector/mentor/love interest was hot but there was just something too Caveman, and too serious about him. Little to no playfulness and when he does the one thing that can jeopardize Nexi, it was all a bit too predictable.
Not sure if I'll read more into the series.
Nexi, is half Guardian and half witch. When she was a baby her mother was murdered and her father thought it best that she grow up on Earth so she could have a normal life. Her magic was bound.
However, the bad guy who killed her mother is looking for her and when she's found, he has her adopted parents killed, almost in front of her. Guardians come to take care of the bad werewolves and show her the Otherworld.
Nexi, is the only mixed race child in the supernatural realm, and I must say that she was thoughtless, headstrong & often stupid. For someone who knew nothing about supernaturals she did some incredibly dumb things.
And Kyden, her Guardian protector/mentor/love interest was hot but there was just something too Caveman, and too serious about him. Little to no playfulness and when he does the one thing that can jeopardize Nexi, it was all a bit too predictable.
Not sure if I'll read more into the series.
April 11, 2013
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*eARC received from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Werewolves be Damned is another 5 Skull reason why I adore Stacey Kennedy, it was simply fantastic! Truth, Justice, and the Preternatural way...just the way I like it! :)
Kyden is perfect; just the right amount of snark, compassion, alpha-maleness, and naughtiness.
Nexi is a heroine that you can't help but root for. She's strong, independent, talented, and confident, and comes to life on the page.
Together they make an uber sexy power couple and I simply adore them.
Add this amazing leading duo to a world that flows like the best champagne, and a mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat with every action packed moment, and you have this brand new Stacey Kennedy masterpiece.
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Werewolves be Damned 5 Skulls and highly recommends it!!
*eARC received from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Werewolves be Damned is another 5 Skull reason why I adore Stacey Kennedy, it was simply fantastic! Truth, Justice, and the Preternatural way...just the way I like it! :)
Kyden is perfect; just the right amount of snark, compassion, alpha-maleness, and naughtiness.
Nexi is a heroine that you can't help but root for. She's strong, independent, talented, and confident, and comes to life on the page.
Together they make an uber sexy power couple and I simply adore them.
Add this amazing leading duo to a world that flows like the best champagne, and a mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat with every action packed moment, and you have this brand new Stacey Kennedy masterpiece.
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Werewolves be Damned 5 Skulls and highly recommends it!!
did-not-finish
April 18, 2013Ehhhh..... I'm usually a pretty big fan of Stacey Kennedy, but honestly, I just couldn't get into this one.
While I liked the concept behind Nexi's past and quest for revenge, as well as the idea behind the whole hybrid guardian/witch thing, Nexi herself was... well... rather obnoxious.
Add to that the fact that I really didn't like the concept of soul sisters (and wanted to beat Haven senseless about, oh, 98% of the time she was on the page), Kayden was had more mood swings than a thirteen year old girl, and the chemistry that was supposed to be sizzling between the Kayden and Nexi fizzled more than sizzled for me, and I couldn't go on.
Recommended for fans of more lighthearted, quirky, urban fantasy.
DNF, 3 days and 48% in.
While I liked the concept behind Nexi's past and quest for revenge, as well as the idea behind the whole hybrid guardian/witch thing, Nexi herself was... well... rather obnoxious.
Add to that the fact that I really didn't like the concept of soul sisters (and wanted to beat Haven senseless about, oh, 98% of the time she was on the page), Kayden was had more mood swings than a thirteen year old girl, and the chemistry that was supposed to be sizzling between the Kayden and Nexi fizzled more than sizzled for me, and I couldn't go on.
Recommended for fans of more lighthearted, quirky, urban fantasy.
DNF, 3 days and 48% in.
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