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Never dare a shifter…
to mate you.
For a human living in the shifter world, there’s one important survival rule: pretend as if you don’t notice the new hotter than sin men in town.
Their good looks and all those firm muscles are ploys to lure you into their dangerously wicked games. I’d know. They captured me once already. Sure, I escaped, but I didn’t leave their prison camp empty-handed. And if they find out what I stole, they’ll auction me off to the highest bidder.
But Rafe slipped past my defenses. And not only did I get involved with a shifter, I hooked up with a Royal shifter. With the blood of the heavens in his veins and three wild beasts sharing his body and soul, he’s practically a king. And he keeps calling me his queen.
The longer we’re together, the more I want to be claimed as his mate. There’s just the little problem of my past coming back to haunt me.
I have a psycho stalking me, my friends are dying, my family is in danger, and all the secrets I’ve worked so hard to keep hidden might end up sealing my fate. Unless Rafe ends my human life first…
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2013
3932 people are currently reading
2447 people want to read
About the author
Dana Archer
31 books61 followersDana Archer is the closed-door pen name of Nancy Corrigan.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 433 reviews
April 17, 2020
RAFE by Dana Archer is the first book in the Shifter World: Royals and Alphas paranormal romantic suspense series. Dana Archer is the pen name for author Nancy Corrigan. This is a version of Nancy Corrigan's book TREASURED FIND that eliminates the explicit romantic scenes and harsh language but does reference the sensual scenes.
Jasmine Wyn distrusts a lot of people and shifter men specifically. But when Rafe Alexander appears in town, she is drawn to him despite the secrets she needs to keep. Rafe has been sent to the small community in West Virginia to investigate a shifter child living with a human. When trouble comes, Jasmine has to decide whether or not to trust Rafe.
The story line is original for a shifter story, but more background would have been beneficial. It felt more like a second book in a series than the first book. Despite this, it was a very good beginning to the series. The chemistry between the two main characters is great and the suspense part of the story was well integrated into the plot. The main characters were strong and had clear goals. The secondary characters were introduced and will be main characters in future books in the series. So there is plenty of action as well as lots of danger and romance. There are several themes that are explored in the book including love, romance, assault, young shifters living with humans, shifter trafficking, kidnapping, rape and abuse. The darker topics are discussed, but not explicitly shown.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, absorbing, and entertaining read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Jasmine Wyn distrusts a lot of people and shifter men specifically. But when Rafe Alexander appears in town, she is drawn to him despite the secrets she needs to keep. Rafe has been sent to the small community in West Virginia to investigate a shifter child living with a human. When trouble comes, Jasmine has to decide whether or not to trust Rafe.
The story line is original for a shifter story, but more background would have been beneficial. It felt more like a second book in a series than the first book. Despite this, it was a very good beginning to the series. The chemistry between the two main characters is great and the suspense part of the story was well integrated into the plot. The main characters were strong and had clear goals. The secondary characters were introduced and will be main characters in future books in the series. So there is plenty of action as well as lots of danger and romance. There are several themes that are explored in the book including love, romance, assault, young shifters living with humans, shifter trafficking, kidnapping, rape and abuse. The darker topics are discussed, but not explicitly shown.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, absorbing, and entertaining read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 18, 2017
Reread 8/18/17... Still 4 stars. Still enjoyed it.. but.. as with the last time I read this, I'm not sure if I'll continue the series or not. What is wrong with me and reading series?!
Original 3/17/16
4 stars for this refreshing and unique shifter story!
I really enjoyed this read. There are so many great things going for this book.
*The writing is great! It didn't feel amateurish and wasn't mediocre at all.
*The story is unique. Scroll down for explanation.
*The sex was hot as hell.
*The story development was wonderful and fulfilled.
So there are three categories of species in this book:
-humans
-single shifters - so a shifter that houses only a lion, only a bear, a tiger, etc...
-and multi-shifters, aka Royals
So this story is a little complex but while reading it, I don't believe you'll get too confused. I was able to follow pretty easily. I'm just not certain I can summarize the story without causing confusion. I'm going to list some key points in the story instead of trying to summarize the book.
#The story is about Rafe, a Royal, and his true mate who is human, Jasmine. This isn't a "eyes connect and the shifter knows the other is their true mate". The Royals don't have the luxury. However, the more Rafe spends with Jasmine, the more he knows she is his true mate.
#Jasmine is the adopted mother of twin Royals, and is also help looking after a tiger shifter, Megan.
#Megan's adopted father, Tony, was killed in a fire. No one believes this is an accident. Megan is know with her Uncle Josh. Josh is Jasmine's ex. Tony was a good friend of Jasmine.
#There's a bad guy, Jon, who is a single shifter and after immortality. He is terrorizing and killing those in his way. He wants to take Megan and the twin Royals.
#Rafe's sister, Nina is missing.
So it's a story about Rafe and Jasmine, but it's also a story about Rafe trying to keep his old and his new family together and alive.
The only safety concern may be a teeny tiny bit of OW/OM drama. It's really inconsequential in my opinion.
Original 3/17/16
4 stars for this refreshing and unique shifter story!
I really enjoyed this read. There are so many great things going for this book.
*The writing is great! It didn't feel amateurish and wasn't mediocre at all.
*The story is unique. Scroll down for explanation.
*The sex was hot as hell.
*The story development was wonderful and fulfilled.
So there are three categories of species in this book:
-humans
-single shifters - so a shifter that houses only a lion, only a bear, a tiger, etc...
-and multi-shifters, aka Royals
So this story is a little complex but while reading it, I don't believe you'll get too confused. I was able to follow pretty easily. I'm just not certain I can summarize the story without causing confusion. I'm going to list some key points in the story instead of trying to summarize the book.
#The story is about Rafe, a Royal, and his true mate who is human, Jasmine. This isn't a "eyes connect and the shifter knows the other is their true mate". The Royals don't have the luxury. However, the more Rafe spends with Jasmine, the more he knows she is his true mate.
#Jasmine is the adopted mother of twin Royals, and is also help looking after a tiger shifter, Megan.
#Megan's adopted father, Tony, was killed in a fire. No one believes this is an accident. Megan is know with her Uncle Josh. Josh is Jasmine's ex. Tony was a good friend of Jasmine.
#There's a bad guy, Jon, who is a single shifter and after immortality. He is terrorizing and killing those in his way. He wants to take Megan and the twin Royals.
#Rafe's sister, Nina is missing.
So it's a story about Rafe and Jasmine, but it's also a story about Rafe trying to keep his old and his new family together and alive.
The only safety concern may be a teeny tiny bit of OW/OM drama. It's really inconsequential in my opinion.
September 25, 2017
I tried so hard to finish it. So. Very. HARD. However, I only got 80% through. The idea behind the book is pretty good. Nancy was able to be original which everyone knows is very hard to find in this genre, too bad the plot and character development sucked. In fact, there was NO character development; and therefore no real development in the relationship (I don't count sex as a way to develop a romantic relationship in a book like this, I just call that having sex). But most of the time I can deal with that, as long as the book is entertaining enough I'm not picky.
No, what really frustrated me about this book was that for many many MANY chapters Jazz wants to tell Rafe how she really got her kids but wants to tell him in private but every time they have private time and she means to tell him instead THEY HAVE SEX. WTF?!?! This is supposed to be something thats SO IMPORTANT that she wants to tell him in private and instead they're like "nah, lets fuck".
Or, sometimes Jazz will instead tell him something else (like about Megan's twin) and they will act on that but she won't finish all the things she has to tell him. I believe the author does this so that the book can be longer and the plot can continue, but honestly? For someone who can't stand when the protagonist makes unnecessary decisions to keep secrets that aren't even bad its SO DAMN ANNOYING. JUST TELL HIM, HE WONT JUDGE YOU. Seriously, if Jazz trusted Rafe enough to leave his family alone with her kids then you would think that telling him this secret of how she got her kids wouldn't be that big of a deal.
But I'l be straight here, if you like a book where the two lovers have uncontrollable desire for one another and its lust at first sight then I think you will be in your element here. This is also for people who like the damsel in distress thing. This just was not the book for me.
No, what really frustrated me about this book was that for many many MANY chapters Jazz wants to tell Rafe how she really got her kids but wants to tell him in private but every time they have private time and she means to tell him instead THEY HAVE SEX. WTF?!?! This is supposed to be something thats SO IMPORTANT that she wants to tell him in private and instead they're like "nah, lets fuck".
Or, sometimes Jazz will instead tell him something else (like about Megan's twin) and they will act on that but she won't finish all the things she has to tell him. I believe the author does this so that the book can be longer and the plot can continue, but honestly? For someone who can't stand when the protagonist makes unnecessary decisions to keep secrets that aren't even bad its SO DAMN ANNOYING. JUST TELL HIM, HE WONT JUDGE YOU. Seriously, if Jazz trusted Rafe enough to leave his family alone with her kids then you would think that telling him this secret of how she got her kids wouldn't be that big of a deal.
But I'l be straight here, if you like a book where the two lovers have uncontrollable desire for one another and its lust at first sight then I think you will be in your element here. This is also for people who like the damsel in distress thing. This just was not the book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2017
I have to say that I prefer this book or in this case the series compared to the other series that I have read by Ms. Corrigan.
This is an engaging series with a unique plot line. This is a slightly different paranormal world. One where there are Royals that have three different animal shifters in them. Then there are the single shifters and us humans. The Royals were blessed by the Goddess to house three spirit animals. But there is jealously among the single shifters as they want immortality.
Rafe Alexander, very charming, laid on a bit too thick at times is looking into a case about a unique young white lion named Megan. While Rafe talks to Josh, Megan's uncle he meets a woman who intrigues him. He is part of the Alexander Pride. Their species is nearly extinct that is why he has to go out and help the children that need him.
Jazz runs to Josh to tell him that Megan is special as Josh’s brother Tony died in a fire. Megan is just as special as her kids. Jazz runs into Rafe and there is an instant attraction. Jazz knows about the shifter world as she was held captive in a facility for shifters where she was tasked to look after Seth and Levi because the mother wasn't able to. The twins are part of the Alexander pride. And the missing connection was obvious.
This is a great plot and I loved all the characters in the book, some more than others. There is the main plot line and there are several subplots with secondary characters that will develop and get their own books.
I always love books involving kids and shifters. Well done Ms. Corrigan
Book received by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
This is an engaging series with a unique plot line. This is a slightly different paranormal world. One where there are Royals that have three different animal shifters in them. Then there are the single shifters and us humans. The Royals were blessed by the Goddess to house three spirit animals. But there is jealously among the single shifters as they want immortality.
Rafe Alexander, very charming, laid on a bit too thick at times is looking into a case about a unique young white lion named Megan. While Rafe talks to Josh, Megan's uncle he meets a woman who intrigues him. He is part of the Alexander Pride. Their species is nearly extinct that is why he has to go out and help the children that need him.
Jazz runs to Josh to tell him that Megan is special as Josh’s brother Tony died in a fire. Megan is just as special as her kids. Jazz runs into Rafe and there is an instant attraction. Jazz knows about the shifter world as she was held captive in a facility for shifters where she was tasked to look after Seth and Levi because the mother wasn't able to. The twins are part of the Alexander pride. And the missing connection was obvious.
This is a great plot and I loved all the characters in the book, some more than others. There is the main plot line and there are several subplots with secondary characters that will develop and get their own books.
I always love books involving kids and shifters. Well done Ms. Corrigan
Book received by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
January 3, 2018
I struggled to finish this, to be honest. My main issue with the story is too much sex. Within minutes of meeting, every time they have 5 minutes alone, in the midst of danger...you name it. They were putting bunnies to shame. 2 reluctant stars.
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July 21, 2022💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/22/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
After five centuries, Rafe Alexander knows what to expect from life—boredom, broken by the occasional call from Shifter Affairs.
No matter what the job, he always accepts their plea for help. As a Royal shifter, he’s the strongest of their kind. And without a mate, he has nothing to live for. Whatever the risk, he’ll take it.
But the task that leads him to West Virginia changes everything. A father is dead. A shifter child is missing. And the human female connected to both tragedies is hiding a secret.
Rafe must figure out what she knows, but his interest in Jasmine goes far beyond the case. She’s his true mate. And she doesn’t trust him. He can’t blame her. Loving him is more dangerous than the killer targeting her family. The only difference is that Rafe won’t ever let her escape. Nobody keeps a shifter from his mate.
Blurb:
After five centuries, Rafe Alexander knows what to expect from life—boredom, broken by the occasional call from Shifter Affairs.
No matter what the job, he always accepts their plea for help. As a Royal shifter, he’s the strongest of their kind. And without a mate, he has nothing to live for. Whatever the risk, he’ll take it.
But the task that leads him to West Virginia changes everything. A father is dead. A shifter child is missing. And the human female connected to both tragedies is hiding a secret.
Rafe must figure out what she knows, but his interest in Jasmine goes far beyond the case. She’s his true mate. And she doesn’t trust him. He can’t blame her. Loving him is more dangerous than the killer targeting her family. The only difference is that Rafe won’t ever let her escape. Nobody keeps a shifter from his mate.
August 15, 2016
This story is really neat. Shifter PNR can be really monotonous. You know the same repeating ideas and situations. It’s refreshing to come across an author who takes a different approach to the subjects he/she is writing about. In this case, the difference is the shifters and the creation of their race/races. I've often thought about having shifters that could shift in multiple forms and the authors delivers on this with enough history and back story that isn’t overwhelming.
Nancy Corrigan’s Treasured Find book one of the Royal Shifters series is a damn good introduction. Royal Shifter, Rafe Alexander is on the trail of kidnapped shifter children but while on his search he never expected to come across someone as enticing as Jasmine (Jazz to her friends). He’s lived a long time and he just can’t believe that his goddess may have blessed him with the biggest gift of all – his true mate. Jasmine just wants to stay unnoticed. She knows the danger that’s around her and she would rather for everyone to just stay the hell away. Even her college sweet heart Josh is kept at arm’s length. Unfortunately, what we want and wish for doesn't always come true and we just have to play the hand that fate deals us.
Like most shifter males in a lot of different stories Rafe is tall, well built and handsome. His character is over protective and a bit domineering but this works for a heroine who is better suited for the damsel in distress than Mrs. Kick-Ass. Like always the chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts but the author did well to introduction some friction in the form of ex-lovers for bother characters. I really wanted to know more about the villain Jon because I think that his character needed a little more exploration. His character was off his rocker and would have loved more time with him. Besides the main characters, the kids were another highlight. Especially, the little girl. You’re left wondering how her character is going to impact the storyline in future installments of the series.
This was a thoroughly entertaining read and overall rating is 3.5.
Nancy Corrigan’s Treasured Find book one of the Royal Shifters series is a damn good introduction. Royal Shifter, Rafe Alexander is on the trail of kidnapped shifter children but while on his search he never expected to come across someone as enticing as Jasmine (Jazz to her friends). He’s lived a long time and he just can’t believe that his goddess may have blessed him with the biggest gift of all – his true mate. Jasmine just wants to stay unnoticed. She knows the danger that’s around her and she would rather for everyone to just stay the hell away. Even her college sweet heart Josh is kept at arm’s length. Unfortunately, what we want and wish for doesn't always come true and we just have to play the hand that fate deals us.
Like most shifter males in a lot of different stories Rafe is tall, well built and handsome. His character is over protective and a bit domineering but this works for a heroine who is better suited for the damsel in distress than Mrs. Kick-Ass. Like always the chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts but the author did well to introduction some friction in the form of ex-lovers for bother characters. I really wanted to know more about the villain Jon because I think that his character needed a little more exploration. His character was off his rocker and would have loved more time with him. Besides the main characters, the kids were another highlight. Especially, the little girl. You’re left wondering how her character is going to impact the storyline in future installments of the series.
This was a thoroughly entertaining read and overall rating is 3.5.
September 13, 2016
Treasured Find (Royal Pride #1) This story is really neat. Shifter PNR can be really monotonous. You know the same repeating ideas and situations. It’s refreshing to come across an author who takes a different approach to the subjects he/she is writing about. In this case, the difference is the shifters and the creation of their race/races. I've often thought about having shifters that could shift in multiple forms and the authors delivers on this with enough history and back story that isn’t overwhelming. Nancy Corrigan’s Treasured Find book one of the Royal Shifters series is a damn good introduction. Royal Shifter, Rafe Alexander is on the trail of kidnapped shifter children but while on his search he never expected to come across someone as enticing as Jasmine (Jazz to her friends). He’s lived a long time and he just can’t believe that his goddess may have blessed him with the biggest gift of all – his true mate. Jasmine just wants to stay unnoticed. She knows the danger that’s around her and she would rather for everyone to just stay the hell away. Even her college sweet heart Josh is kept at arm’s length. Unfortunately, what we want and wish for doesn't always come true and we just have to play the hand that fate deals us.Like most shifter males in a lot of different stories Rafe is tall, well built and handsome. His character is over protective and a bit domineering but this works for a heroine who is better suited for the damsel in distress than Mrs. Kick-Ass. Like always the chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts but the author did well to introduction some friction in the form of ex-lovers for bother characters. I really wanted to know more about the villain Jon because I think that his character needed a little more exploration. His character was off his rocker and would have loved more time with him. Besides the main characters, the kids were another highlight. Especially, the little girl. You’re left wondering how her character is going to impact the storyline in future installments of the series.
March 22, 2016
4 Stars – 3 Flames
I have to start this off by stating that I had no idea that this intertwined with the Kagan Wolves (another awesome series I just finished a month ago). So imagine my surprise when I’m reading along and the Wolf Pack is mentioned, I totally almost lost it. LOVING THIS!!!
Let’s get down the nitty gritty. Jasmine, aka Jazz, went back to her small hometown with a secret that no one could ever find out about. Not if she planned on saving lives. Too bad her secret has secluded her, both physically and romantically. After a tragedy strikes too close to home, she visits an ex-lover to warn him about a potential danger. But before she has a chance to talk to him, she is completely mesmerized by Rafe Alexander, someone who is on his own mission.
Rafe can’t seem to get it together. He’s housing 3 felines who have been “gnawing” at Rafe to pursue Jazz, even though he can’t quite trust her. He knows she has a secret, but can’t seem to get his cats to keep their paws off of her. Not that she’s complaining.
I really like PNR’s and can completely appreciate a good shifter read. But this isn’t good, it’s great! I typically only read about a shifter housing 1 being (wolf, gargoyle, tiger, lion, etc.), but this one deals with 3, each having their own characteristics and “purpose”. The romance that blossoms is beautiful, but the character building revolving around the packs is awesome. I can’t wait to read the next one!!!
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
I have to start this off by stating that I had no idea that this intertwined with the Kagan Wolves (another awesome series I just finished a month ago). So imagine my surprise when I’m reading along and the Wolf Pack is mentioned, I totally almost lost it. LOVING THIS!!!
Let’s get down the nitty gritty. Jasmine, aka Jazz, went back to her small hometown with a secret that no one could ever find out about. Not if she planned on saving lives. Too bad her secret has secluded her, both physically and romantically. After a tragedy strikes too close to home, she visits an ex-lover to warn him about a potential danger. But before she has a chance to talk to him, she is completely mesmerized by Rafe Alexander, someone who is on his own mission.
Rafe can’t seem to get it together. He’s housing 3 felines who have been “gnawing” at Rafe to pursue Jazz, even though he can’t quite trust her. He knows she has a secret, but can’t seem to get his cats to keep their paws off of her. Not that she’s complaining.
I really like PNR’s and can completely appreciate a good shifter read. But this isn’t good, it’s great! I typically only read about a shifter housing 1 being (wolf, gargoyle, tiger, lion, etc.), but this one deals with 3, each having their own characteristics and “purpose”. The romance that blossoms is beautiful, but the character building revolving around the packs is awesome. I can’t wait to read the next one!!!
*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2015
If I were asked to describe this novel in 1 word, I’d be at a loss to pick just one. Unique, entertaining, hot, real, engaging, and unforgettable all come to mind. Corrigan has created a fast paced, exciting novel placed in a vivid world full of suspense and love.
Corrigan presents a well-developed concept of the different types of shifters. I like how Corrigan presents the three different groups of shifters and defines the difference between pride, pack, and clan. She also has a fantastic new take on Royal shifters. The way that these guys shift is super trippy. I’ve definitely never seen it before. Corrigan’s mate bond is also out of this world.
Rafe’s strength and caring combines with his shifter attributes in fantastic ways. I could easily see how Jazz was mesmerized by him. The way that Jazz cares about her family before all else made her easy to fall in love with. I also loved getting to know the rest of the pride. I found that I really got a feel for how the pride works and who’s who.
Will I be reading more from this series? I can guarantee it, and I suggest you other shifter lovers out there do to.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Corrigan presents a well-developed concept of the different types of shifters. I like how Corrigan presents the three different groups of shifters and defines the difference between pride, pack, and clan. She also has a fantastic new take on Royal shifters. The way that these guys shift is super trippy. I’ve definitely never seen it before. Corrigan’s mate bond is also out of this world.
Rafe’s strength and caring combines with his shifter attributes in fantastic ways. I could easily see how Jazz was mesmerized by him. The way that Jazz cares about her family before all else made her easy to fall in love with. I also loved getting to know the rest of the pride. I found that I really got a feel for how the pride works and who’s who.
Will I be reading more from this series? I can guarantee it, and I suggest you other shifter lovers out there do to.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2019
Rafe is sent to find a shifter child after her adoptive father dies. He finds that she's living with another relative and seems to be safe and healthy. But when Rafe runs into Jasmine in a bar, he's attracted to her in a way he hasn't been before. He can scent two other shifters on her but doesn't realize that they are that of her kids. These two start off really attracted to each other and acting on it really fast. She has a huge secret but then so does he. Rafe is a royal feline shifter, meaning he has 3 animals he can shift into while most other shifters only have one animal. But he doesn't tell Jazz what he is before they start seeing each other and that causes some problems.
Female shifters have been going missing for years and ending up in experimental facilities where they are tortured and experimented on. Rafe's sister has been missing for years but he's holding out hope that she's still alive somewhere. Rafe and his brothers had something awful happen in their past and an evil shifter betrayed them. That shifter is now back and out to destroy them and the kids they are now looking after. When the bad shifter finds out that Rafe is seeing Jazz, he also comes after her so she's also in danger.
There were a lot of twists and secrets in this book that made the story really interesting. The action was great and the fight scenes were brutal. The only thing that irritated me a little was the fact that it took Jazz so long to tell Rafe how she came to adopt her boys and the facts surrounding how it came about. I think that should have come out sooner.
This book introduced a lot of different characters that I'm sure will get their own stories or will pop up in subsequent books. I had a good time with this book and look forward to reading more of this series.
Female shifters have been going missing for years and ending up in experimental facilities where they are tortured and experimented on. Rafe's sister has been missing for years but he's holding out hope that she's still alive somewhere. Rafe and his brothers had something awful happen in their past and an evil shifter betrayed them. That shifter is now back and out to destroy them and the kids they are now looking after. When the bad shifter finds out that Rafe is seeing Jazz, he also comes after her so she's also in danger.
There were a lot of twists and secrets in this book that made the story really interesting. The action was great and the fight scenes were brutal. The only thing that irritated me a little was the fact that it took Jazz so long to tell Rafe how she came to adopt her boys and the facts surrounding how it came about. I think that should have come out sooner.
This book introduced a lot of different characters that I'm sure will get their own stories or will pop up in subsequent books. I had a good time with this book and look forward to reading more of this series.
May 27, 2018
This TM stuff is getting out of hand but on the plus side, thanks to the authors for helping me weed out the TBR. NEXT!
October 3, 2014
What a great start to a series, really well defined world that kept me on edge most of the time. Beautifully paced, the story just flowed and I could not get enough.
Jazz is a kick butt chick!! I totally loved her from the start and she really rolled with the punches. I love a sassy strong gal, she completely owned her situation and had such strength.
Rafe is uber delicious, shifter guys are a serious weakness! He is such an Alpha male, love them, especially when they think they can fight against their instincts!!
The steam is hot and heavy, oh so delicious!! I love my smexy shifter loving where the animal instincts take over and make the mating!! Yeah, this one will really warm you up!!
Ms. Corrigan is a new to me author, but I am definitely going to be watching for more of her!! I do love a series and this one has so much wonderful potential. Can not wait to see what happens next.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
Jazz is a kick butt chick!! I totally loved her from the start and she really rolled with the punches. I love a sassy strong gal, she completely owned her situation and had such strength.
Rafe is uber delicious, shifter guys are a serious weakness! He is such an Alpha male, love them, especially when they think they can fight against their instincts!!
The steam is hot and heavy, oh so delicious!! I love my smexy shifter loving where the animal instincts take over and make the mating!! Yeah, this one will really warm you up!!
Ms. Corrigan is a new to me author, but I am definitely going to be watching for more of her!! I do love a series and this one has so much wonderful potential. Can not wait to see what happens next.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
December 3, 2015
What's hotter then a shifter that can shift into 1 animal? A shifter that can shift into 3 that's what!
Rafe Alexander is a Royal, he has 3 cats living in him, he is immortal because of this and his job is to find kidnapped shifters, but most especially Royals which are a dying breed. Their finding their one true mate is very rare and dangerous. And a human is usually out of the question, until he sets eyes on Jazz. He is relentless in his pursuit.
Jasmine is very weary of the very hot, sexy and pushy hunk. Maybe what she needs is a romp for one night and then she can move on to care for her boys. But will one night be enough after Rafe takes her to heaven and back?
These shifter, or rather Rafe is super sizzling hot, I can't wait to read Devlin's story. I wonder if the oh so serious Devlin is as passionate as his twin Rafe.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rafe Alexander is a Royal, he has 3 cats living in him, he is immortal because of this and his job is to find kidnapped shifters, but most especially Royals which are a dying breed. Their finding their one true mate is very rare and dangerous. And a human is usually out of the question, until he sets eyes on Jazz. He is relentless in his pursuit.
Jasmine is very weary of the very hot, sexy and pushy hunk. Maybe what she needs is a romp for one night and then she can move on to care for her boys. But will one night be enough after Rafe takes her to heaven and back?
These shifter, or rather Rafe is super sizzling hot, I can't wait to read Devlin's story. I wonder if the oh so serious Devlin is as passionate as his twin Rafe.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2016
Rafe is a shifter just looking for a missing shifter child and to uncover the mysteries behind the death of the child's adopted father. During his search, he finds Jazz who has secrets of her own. Their chemistry is instant and intense. I really liked not only the main characters, but all of the shifter's in Rafe's pride as well as Jazz's family.I was sucked into the story line and found myself waiting and dying to hear about Rafe and Jazz's past. The writing was incredible as it drew me into the story. This story was so original as I had not heard any shifter story like this one. I laughed and cried with the characters and it felt like my heart stopped at times. I cannot wait to read more about this pride and people.
I was given a copy of this book as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2016
I was sucked into this shifter fantasy with the promise of cute children, but they don't show up until much later.
For every page of plot, there's ten or more pages of sex. Seriously. I'm not exaggerating.
Plus the rules of this universe are bizarre and complex, and there's a lot of unexplained background. I'm actually shocked that this is book one of the series. Probably it's a spinoff from another series.
The proofreading is sloppy. There's a paragraph printed twice, to written as too, too written as to, "a century years ago" (probably first written as "a hundred years ago" then edited), hieroglyphic written where probably hologram is meant ("[the ID Card] had an official-looking hieroglyphic on it...."), and you written for your (Focus on me, not you crazy-ass cats.").
In the little glimpses of plot between the sex and setup and history, I enjoyed it.
For every page of plot, there's ten or more pages of sex. Seriously. I'm not exaggerating.
Plus the rules of this universe are bizarre and complex, and there's a lot of unexplained background. I'm actually shocked that this is book one of the series. Probably it's a spinoff from another series.
The proofreading is sloppy. There's a paragraph printed twice, to written as too, too written as to, "a century years ago" (probably first written as "a hundred years ago" then edited), hieroglyphic written where probably hologram is meant ("[the ID Card] had an official-looking hieroglyphic on it...."), and you written for your (Focus on me, not you crazy-ass cats.").
In the little glimpses of plot between the sex and setup and history, I enjoyed it.
November 19, 2016
3 STARS - I LIKED IT
I was in the mood for a shifter book and this one sounded interesting.
I liked the idea of there being "royal" shifters vs. regular shifters. This was an interesting world with a lot of potential but you have to be willing to read through a lot of sex.
I thought at first that this might be a DNF because right off the bat the main couple are lusting hard and are edging the line of sex. It was one of those "I found my mate" situations where it was beyond their control which can be cheesy. If you can get past the first 15/20% the storyline picks up and gets interesting. There is still a lot of sex, which can be great unless it becomes the focus of the story.
I liked this story enough that there is a decent chance that I would read the next book in the series when I'm in the mood for shifter romance.
January 12, 2018
This was the first book in a kindle boxed set.
This book was all over the place.
The writer can't decide how shifters should be portrayed and for that matter how humans should be portrayed. Yes there are both good and bad players on both sides but it isn't really clear. Then the rules to be with a Royal were crazy. "It takes 4 conceptions to occur at once in order for a Royal to be born." WTF does this even mean.
Sex, sex and more sex. This seems to be what the book is about. Every chapter, every few scenes.
The heroine didn't start to questions things until later in the book. Why didn't she question how he knew where she lived? And if he was in town on business why didn't he already have hotel room instead of them having to drive around to find a place to have sex. Silly really.
This book was all over the place.
The writer can't decide how shifters should be portrayed and for that matter how humans should be portrayed. Yes there are both good and bad players on both sides but it isn't really clear. Then the rules to be with a Royal were crazy. "It takes 4 conceptions to occur at once in order for a Royal to be born." WTF does this even mean.
Sex, sex and more sex. This seems to be what the book is about. Every chapter, every few scenes.
The heroine didn't start to questions things until later in the book. Why didn't she question how he knew where she lived? And if he was in town on business why didn't he already have hotel room instead of them having to drive around to find a place to have sex. Silly really.
December 13, 2013
The first book in the Royal Pride series is an intriguing erotic shifter read with some unique elements. The author has created an enchanting and entertaining world of shifters that has a few unique traits to add depth the story and keep the reader interested. With the captivating characters and interesting conflict the shifters are involved in, the reader can’t put the book down once started.
See my full review at:
http://www.thejeepdiva.com/review-une...
See my full review at:
http://www.thejeepdiva.com/review-une...
September 19, 2021
DNF
I wanted to like this, but 22% in and I don't like the hero, and think the heroine is stupid. If she's protecting her cubs so fiercely, she wouldn't jump in bed with a stranger so quickly. She even thinks "all shifters lie" so why would she not think that he might be lying? Never mind the fact that he just wants to 'scratch an itch'?? No thank you.
I wanted to like this, but 22% in and I don't like the hero, and think the heroine is stupid. If she's protecting her cubs so fiercely, she wouldn't jump in bed with a stranger so quickly. She even thinks "all shifters lie" so why would she not think that he might be lying? Never mind the fact that he just wants to 'scratch an itch'?? No thank you.
November 30, 2013
A very very pleasant surprise. I really loved it,
can't wait for the next book !!!
can't wait for the next book !!!
August 9, 2021
An interesting take on shifter romances, but loses all character and plot development in this story amongst character and plot introduction for other books and lots and lots of sex (yes, even in the tamer version). If all you're looking for is bossy shifters and insta-love with lots of physical connection, then this is your book. If you want more from your characters, you'll probably enjoy something else more. I got fed up with them. 1 star
Rafe (H) is a Royal shifter, host to three animal spirits, who has come to a small WV town following the lead of a missing shifter child. He is intrigued by a scent, a human female claimed by other Royal males. But there are no reported Royals in this area! He finds the scent belongs to Jazz (h), and the longer he is around her, the more intrigued he becomes. The males in her life turn out to be her adopted twins. But how did a human come to raise shifter children? Are they at risk from the same threat as the first child faces? And if this connection with Jazz is what he thinks it is, is she strong enough to survive a mate bond?
Interestingly, I read the "clean" version, and still found it had too much sex. It's not that the characters don't have sex. It's just mostly behind closed doors. They still spend lots of time hopping into bed or trying to control their lustful impulses around each other. Like, to the point that there's really not a lot of plot development otherwise. Makes me really not want to read the "full steam" version. If I was getting tired of the non-stop sex scenes here, then I can only imagine how fed up with it I'd be if I'd had to read every little detail.
There's really very little character development with the leads (or anyone else, I suppose), and what is there is told, but not backed up by what's shown. Like, Jazz is constantly described as this ultra-protective mother, so focused on her boys. Her boys whom she has no qualms with abandoning for a one night stand with a guy she literally met the day before, and despite the uneasy feeling she sometimes gets. But it's OK because Rafe sends his brother (a man that she and her kids have never met) to watch over things?? Just one example! And another - she's mentioned as having her own business, but it's just kinda mentioned and never dealt with. She doesn't work on any projects, deal with orders, alert customers that she's facing potential delays, talk about cars (surely one of the very macho shifter guys she's meeting likes cars) - nothing. It was like the author just threw it in there as a "well, she has to have a job, doesn't she?" sort of offhand detail.
Speaking of too many sex scenes... Was getting really really really fed up with the middle section of the book. They are all gathered at her farm to hole up as they hunt down Jon. Both Rafe and Jazz have important (critical, even) things to discuss with each other. And both are complaining that it hasn't happened because "there's just no time!" There's no time because at any and every point that the two are alone together, they are hopping into bed! Plenty of time to get a leg over, but actually discuss something that might make a huge difference to how they proceed going forward? Maybe even save some lives? No, no time for that. Got reeeeeeeeeeally old.
Also getting old was Jazz and Rafe getting hypocritically jealous of each other's exes. They each have an ex-lover present at the farmhouse during all this. An ex whom they have stayed friends with. And each has pointed this out to the other, that this is an important friend whom they don't want to give up. And yet each one repeatedly gets pissy about the other's ex being there. Like Jazz getting upset that Rafe is territorial around Josh (who by this point has backed off as a romantic interest), but then she's pissed about Mira being there (who likewise hasn't made any new moves on Rafe - just friends). And vice versa. Over and over. It was hypocritical and not endearing for either lead.
Going along with the irrational jealousy, this is an extremely sexist shifter world here. Just one example - females can be forced into a breeding bond by any male, can only have sex with that male (though he can screw around), and should she try to escape/attack/defend/kill her way out of the forced bond, she's the one punished. And oh yeah, it's a life long bond. Or how Mira was so fiercely guarded against any and all male contact, even humans (who she couldn't breed with anyways!). The observation that "gender equality didn't exist in the shifter world" was a huge understatement.
Continuity errors. Quite a number of scenes just didn't make sense from a continuity point.
* Their first make-out session in the bar, I honestly thought was a typo. He pushes her through the door and onto the couch. Make-out, she cleans up, steps back out into the hallway... where he's there to push her through the doorway and back onto the couch. Not exactly a continuity error, but such a strong sense of deja vu that I thought there was some sort of error in the book file, a reprinted section or something.
* Jazz takes a phone call in her living room. Rafe then mentions several times how she'd gone into the house, how she'd looked on the deck - the deck which she hadn't gone out on.
* The rain. It's bucketing as they are driving away from the hotel, so hard that Josh is specifically mentioned cranking up the wipers. Yet after the crash, the rain is never mentioned again. They all wait around in the woods, no mention of the rain or getting dripped on or it being cold after the storm - nothing. And they talk about the scents around the crash. While light rain doesn't destroy a scent trail, a heavy rain (like one where you need to crank up the wipers) does make it hard to track. So just how magical are their noses?
There's also a lot of character introduction and vague references to lay groundwork for future stories - Megan's wolf, Mira's prophecy, Zach's beloved human Ella (who we never meet, but there's apparently some sort of huge rift), Devin's traumatic history with Mira's old bond mate, shifter cage fighting ... the list goes on. I get that this is the first in a series and needs to set the stage. But in actual delivery, it comes off as too many names to keep straight and too many vague references to track, when really they don't lead anywhere in this book. Was reaching the point that my reaction to a lot of these throwaway details was just, "ooh look, another vague reference that's not explained! So deep and cryptic!" It just makes the story cluttered.
Thinking of minor characters, can I just say, I've no idea what Cindy was supposed to be. She's really rather a frenemy to Jazz, verging on Mean Girl B, at the beginning. We later learn it's from jealousy, But now that she's stressed, she's turning to Jazz for help. She wasn't developed enough to really feel anything about her ultimate fate, but apparently she meant something to Jazz? Even though she rather treated her like crap? Just an unpleasant character for the sake of being unpleasant? I didn't get it. If that was how Jazz was treated by her friends, it just made her seem even more of a doormat than Rafe's overbearing personality already did.
Alternating 3rd person POV. Minor love triangles (most emotions settled quickly, except for the irrational and fairly hypocritical jealousy). No cheating (at least from the leads). Minor OW/OM drama. TSTL h and overbearing H who hop into bed at the slightest opportunity. Too much world-building via glancing references, too much sex, and too little actual character or main plot development. Waste of a good SPN romance premise. HFN for the leads, and while no major cliffhangers (at least for the main romance), there are quite a number of storylines introduced for the rest of the series.
Would I read more in this series/by this author? I doubt it. Not my style. Don't mind sex scenes in my stories (even explicit ones) but don't enjoy when actual plot gets sacrificed.
Rafe (H) is a Royal shifter, host to three animal spirits, who has come to a small WV town following the lead of a missing shifter child. He is intrigued by a scent, a human female claimed by other Royal males. But there are no reported Royals in this area! He finds the scent belongs to Jazz (h), and the longer he is around her, the more intrigued he becomes. The males in her life turn out to be her adopted twins. But how did a human come to raise shifter children? Are they at risk from the same threat as the first child faces? And if this connection with Jazz is what he thinks it is, is she strong enough to survive a mate bond?
Interestingly, I read the "clean" version, and still found it had too much sex. It's not that the characters don't have sex. It's just mostly behind closed doors. They still spend lots of time hopping into bed or trying to control their lustful impulses around each other. Like, to the point that there's really not a lot of plot development otherwise. Makes me really not want to read the "full steam" version. If I was getting tired of the non-stop sex scenes here, then I can only imagine how fed up with it I'd be if I'd had to read every little detail.
There's really very little character development with the leads (or anyone else, I suppose), and what is there is told, but not backed up by what's shown. Like, Jazz is constantly described as this ultra-protective mother, so focused on her boys. Her boys whom she has no qualms with abandoning for a one night stand with a guy she literally met the day before, and despite the uneasy feeling she sometimes gets. But it's OK because Rafe sends his brother (a man that she and her kids have never met) to watch over things?? Just one example! And another - she's mentioned as having her own business, but it's just kinda mentioned and never dealt with. She doesn't work on any projects, deal with orders, alert customers that she's facing potential delays, talk about cars (surely one of the very macho shifter guys she's meeting likes cars) - nothing. It was like the author just threw it in there as a "well, she has to have a job, doesn't she?" sort of offhand detail.
Speaking of too many sex scenes... Was getting really really really fed up with the middle section of the book. They are all gathered at her farm to hole up as they hunt down Jon. Both Rafe and Jazz have important (critical, even) things to discuss with each other. And both are complaining that it hasn't happened because "there's just no time!" There's no time because at any and every point that the two are alone together, they are hopping into bed! Plenty of time to get a leg over, but actually discuss something that might make a huge difference to how they proceed going forward? Maybe even save some lives? No, no time for that. Got reeeeeeeeeeally old.
Also getting old was Jazz and Rafe getting hypocritically jealous of each other's exes. They each have an ex-lover present at the farmhouse during all this. An ex whom they have stayed friends with. And each has pointed this out to the other, that this is an important friend whom they don't want to give up. And yet each one repeatedly gets pissy about the other's ex being there. Like Jazz getting upset that Rafe is territorial around Josh (who by this point has backed off as a romantic interest), but then she's pissed about Mira being there (who likewise hasn't made any new moves on Rafe - just friends). And vice versa. Over and over. It was hypocritical and not endearing for either lead.
Going along with the irrational jealousy, this is an extremely sexist shifter world here. Just one example - females can be forced into a breeding bond by any male, can only have sex with that male (though he can screw around), and should she try to escape/attack/defend/kill her way out of the forced bond, she's the one punished. And oh yeah, it's a life long bond. Or how Mira was so fiercely guarded against any and all male contact, even humans (who she couldn't breed with anyways!). The observation that "gender equality didn't exist in the shifter world" was a huge understatement.
Continuity errors. Quite a number of scenes just didn't make sense from a continuity point.
* Their first make-out session in the bar, I honestly thought was a typo. He pushes her through the door and onto the couch. Make-out, she cleans up, steps back out into the hallway... where he's there to push her through the doorway and back onto the couch. Not exactly a continuity error, but such a strong sense of deja vu that I thought there was some sort of error in the book file, a reprinted section or something.
* Jazz takes a phone call in her living room. Rafe then mentions several times how she'd gone into the house, how she'd looked on the deck - the deck which she hadn't gone out on.
* The rain. It's bucketing as they are driving away from the hotel, so hard that Josh is specifically mentioned cranking up the wipers. Yet after the crash, the rain is never mentioned again. They all wait around in the woods, no mention of the rain or getting dripped on or it being cold after the storm - nothing. And they talk about the scents around the crash. While light rain doesn't destroy a scent trail, a heavy rain (like one where you need to crank up the wipers) does make it hard to track. So just how magical are their noses?
There's also a lot of character introduction and vague references to lay groundwork for future stories - Megan's wolf, Mira's prophecy, Zach's beloved human Ella (who we never meet, but there's apparently some sort of huge rift), Devin's traumatic history with Mira's old bond mate, shifter cage fighting ... the list goes on. I get that this is the first in a series and needs to set the stage. But in actual delivery, it comes off as too many names to keep straight and too many vague references to track, when really they don't lead anywhere in this book. Was reaching the point that my reaction to a lot of these throwaway details was just, "ooh look, another vague reference that's not explained! So deep and cryptic!" It just makes the story cluttered.
Thinking of minor characters, can I just say, I've no idea what Cindy was supposed to be. She's really rather a frenemy to Jazz, verging on Mean Girl B, at the beginning. We later learn it's from jealousy, But now that she's stressed, she's turning to Jazz for help. She wasn't developed enough to really feel anything about her ultimate fate, but apparently she meant something to Jazz? Even though she rather treated her like crap? Just an unpleasant character for the sake of being unpleasant? I didn't get it. If that was how Jazz was treated by her friends, it just made her seem even more of a doormat than Rafe's overbearing personality already did.
Alternating 3rd person POV. Minor love triangles (most emotions settled quickly, except for the irrational and fairly hypocritical jealousy). No cheating (at least from the leads). Minor OW/OM drama. TSTL h and overbearing H who hop into bed at the slightest opportunity. Too much world-building via glancing references, too much sex, and too little actual character or main plot development. Waste of a good SPN romance premise. HFN for the leads, and while no major cliffhangers (at least for the main romance), there are quite a number of storylines introduced for the rest of the series.
Would I read more in this series/by this author? I doubt it. Not my style. Don't mind sex scenes in my stories (even explicit ones) but don't enjoy when actual plot gets sacrificed.
May 1, 2019
For more reviews like this one check out my blog! Cauldron Reviews
There are two versions of this book. The sexy version and the tame version. I read the sexy version, obviously. Now before I get into the content of the book, I just want to point out that the sexy version of this book is 438 pages while the tame version is only 258. That’s 180 pages of sex.
You might be thinking, “That can’t all be sex. I’m sure the author added in extra scenes to help build charact-”
No.
It was all sex.
The whole first 140 pages were pretty much just Jasmine and Rafe making out and having sex. The plot of the book took a back seat around page 10, when Jasmine and Rafe meet for the first time, and then immediately start making out for 10 more pages. They then make a plan to meet the next day for a ‘date’, which is glossed over in barely a few paragraphs to then jump to them heading to a hotel so they can have sex.
And I swear, if I have to read about someone's womb quivering one more time I am going to lose it.
Normally I don’t have a problem with books that have a lot of sex scenes, provided they are well done and I actually like the characters. But with this book I felt that the sex actually hindered the plot of the book, which would have been really intriguing if it had been done better. Besides the fact that the first quarter of the book places the plot on hold in lue of creating an unbelievable relationship between the two main characters, everytime one of them needs to talk about something important with the other, they end up just having sex and not talking about that thing.
Every-Goddamned-Time.
As a result, we miss out on character building conversations that ultimately leave them all as one dimensional. Yes we are told that Rafe is loving and protective, but we don’t really see that through his actions or his words (because they never have any meaningful conversations. Like ever.). Instead, he comes off more possessive and controlling then anything.
I think the author was trying to give Rafe a more Dom-like personality, especially in the bedroom, but it just didn’t come across well. There is a way to make a character a Dom without making them a controlling asshole and this just wasn’t it.
And then there is Jasmine. Or Jazz as she likes to be called. I honestly found her to be boring and at times (mainly the beginning) stupid. In the book summary she is described as a protective mother, but we barely see any of that. In the beginning of the book, between make out sessions with Rafe and daydreaming about sleeping with Rafe, she has moments of alarm where she thinks he may be a shifter, which would mean her kids were in danger.
But she just brushes it off because he’s hot and she doesn’t wanna miss out on a relationship.
GIRL! What kind of maternal instincts are those? If you even have an inkling that someone might be a threat to your kids, it doesn’t matter how hot they are or how they make you feel, snip-snap-snoop cut that bitch outta your life!
And then later,
I don’t care that Rafe ended up not being a bad guy, Jasmines actions don’t portray her as a protective mother. Instead, she comes across as naive and stupid and it is a miracle nothing happened to those kids in all the years she’d raised them.
The idea of the books plot is what drew me in, but unfortunately it just wasn’t executed well. I wish it had been flushed out more, because there are elements to the story that are intriguing and would make for a really good book, provided there was more focus on the plot and not the sex.
The lead up to the final fight with the bad guy was extremely anti-climactic. It started and ended in the span of one chapter. Which sucks because he was a compelling villain. Being able to mask his scent so that other shifters couldn’t sense him coming seemed to be an advantage that wasn’t really utilized.
Also the Shifter world really fucking sucks for women. As Jazz states, “Gender equality didn’t exist in the shifter world.”
Let me just list some of the ways female shifters get fucked over in this world.
Overall I cannot stress how much I do not recommend you read this book. I will not be reading any other books in this series or picking up anything else from this author. It’s just...not good.
There are two versions of this book. The sexy version and the tame version. I read the sexy version, obviously. Now before I get into the content of the book, I just want to point out that the sexy version of this book is 438 pages while the tame version is only 258. That’s 180 pages of sex.
You might be thinking, “That can’t all be sex. I’m sure the author added in extra scenes to help build charact-”
No.
It was all sex.
The whole first 140 pages were pretty much just Jasmine and Rafe making out and having sex. The plot of the book took a back seat around page 10, when Jasmine and Rafe meet for the first time, and then immediately start making out for 10 more pages. They then make a plan to meet the next day for a ‘date’, which is glossed over in barely a few paragraphs to then jump to them heading to a hotel so they can have sex.
And I swear, if I have to read about someone's womb quivering one more time I am going to lose it.
Normally I don’t have a problem with books that have a lot of sex scenes, provided they are well done and I actually like the characters. But with this book I felt that the sex actually hindered the plot of the book, which would have been really intriguing if it had been done better. Besides the fact that the first quarter of the book places the plot on hold in lue of creating an unbelievable relationship between the two main characters, everytime one of them needs to talk about something important with the other, they end up just having sex and not talking about that thing.
Every-Goddamned-Time.
As a result, we miss out on character building conversations that ultimately leave them all as one dimensional. Yes we are told that Rafe is loving and protective, but we don’t really see that through his actions or his words (because they never have any meaningful conversations. Like ever.). Instead, he comes off more possessive and controlling then anything.
I think the author was trying to give Rafe a more Dom-like personality, especially in the bedroom, but it just didn’t come across well. There is a way to make a character a Dom without making them a controlling asshole and this just wasn’t it.
And then there is Jasmine. Or Jazz as she likes to be called. I honestly found her to be boring and at times (mainly the beginning) stupid. In the book summary she is described as a protective mother, but we barely see any of that. In the beginning of the book, between make out sessions with Rafe and daydreaming about sleeping with Rafe, she has moments of alarm where she thinks he may be a shifter, which would mean her kids were in danger.
But she just brushes it off because he’s hot and she doesn’t wanna miss out on a relationship.
GIRL! What kind of maternal instincts are those? If you even have an inkling that someone might be a threat to your kids, it doesn’t matter how hot they are or how they make you feel, snip-snap-snoop cut that bitch outta your life!
And then later,
I don’t care that Rafe ended up not being a bad guy, Jasmines actions don’t portray her as a protective mother. Instead, she comes across as naive and stupid and it is a miracle nothing happened to those kids in all the years she’d raised them.
The idea of the books plot is what drew me in, but unfortunately it just wasn’t executed well. I wish it had been flushed out more, because there are elements to the story that are intriguing and would make for a really good book, provided there was more focus on the plot and not the sex.
The lead up to the final fight with the bad guy was extremely anti-climactic. It started and ended in the span of one chapter. Which sucks because he was a compelling villain. Being able to mask his scent so that other shifters couldn’t sense him coming seemed to be an advantage that wasn’t really utilized.
Also the Shifter world really fucking sucks for women. As Jazz states, “Gender equality didn’t exist in the shifter world.”
Let me just list some of the ways female shifters get fucked over in this world.
Overall I cannot stress how much I do not recommend you read this book. I will not be reading any other books in this series or picking up anything else from this author. It’s just...not good.
December 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this one!
the H and h were both great charachters- individually strong in their own right but together explosive.
Rafe is the right mix of alpha and carer (I think anyway!!!). Jazz is a strong female role that has one main primary aim and that's her kids - well, the ones she's adopted.
Rafe and some of his pride are in the area investigating a possible kidnapping when he "bumps " into Jazz in a bar. Fireworks start straight away and they carry on through the book.
The villain is a long standing and well known to Rafe and the pride. Gives you the creeps when you read the descriptions too!!
It's great to get the basic introductions to other characters to help build their stories to come. I just hope we see more of Rafe and jazz as time goes on!
the H and h were both great charachters- individually strong in their own right but together explosive.
Rafe is the right mix of alpha and carer (I think anyway!!!). Jazz is a strong female role that has one main primary aim and that's her kids - well, the ones she's adopted.
Rafe and some of his pride are in the area investigating a possible kidnapping when he "bumps " into Jazz in a bar. Fireworks start straight away and they carry on through the book.
The villain is a long standing and well known to Rafe and the pride. Gives you the creeps when you read the descriptions too!!
It's great to get the basic introductions to other characters to help build their stories to come. I just hope we see more of Rafe and jazz as time goes on!
August 2, 2020
I saw this one on amazon and I remembered that I read the first version 7 years ago Unexpected Find.
Saw this one has more pages so "also new content"! So I re-read this new version!
I forgotten how much I loved it the first time around.
I still loving it!
Saw this one has more pages so "also new content"! So I re-read this new version!
I forgotten how much I loved it the first time around.
I still loving it!
November 22, 2017
Such a great book. Really enjoyed the storyline as well as the characters. I hope the rest of the series is as good as this book.
February 12, 2014
This is the first book since starting my blog that has put me in a real bind. As a general rule I will never impart my religious or political beliefs in my reviews. This tends to not be a real problem when one reads and reviews hot sexy romance novels, but it has posed a problem for me with this book. After finishing this book last night I went and read some other reviews to see if any other reader has run into the same dilemma that I have. Only one other reviewer seems to allude to possibly having the same problem with the this story that I do. The reviewer didn't come right out and say what her problem was, but I am pretty sure that it is the same one I am having. The problem that I have is a big one for me, but may not be for many readers. The fact that in order for the heroine to have a happily ever after with her hero she must loose her soul is a deal breaker for me. You read that correctly, the mates to these shifters have to give up their souls in order to accept the spirit of an animal, thus giving up their ability to have any afterlife. Now, in case you think that I may have misinterpreted the message here it is:
"If he'd bitten harder, he could've pushed his essence into her body-the one he'd inherited from the goddess-and severed her tie to the human god. Without a claim to heaven, his cat's spirits could enter her soul, leave a piece of themselves behind and tie her to him."
"If the chosen female rejected her male's cats or if she died before the joining could form, not only would she lose her life but her soul as well. No heaven. No eternal peace. No nothing. Poof. She'd just fade away.
Well, I don't like that at all. I have no problem with the concept of immortality or altering a person's life span. To allow someone to die while reaching for immortality or an extended lifespan is one thing. But to remove the soul and the potential for an eternity spent in any religious or non-religious way the author chooses to imply? That I just won't indulge in. I've turned this around in my mind for a bit and maybe, just maybe you can interpret this as her loosing her soul only if the mating doesn't take, but if that is the case does that really seem any better? Not for me. In most paranormal books with immortal creatures there is some opportunity for redemption and the chance of an afterlife since more often than not immortality only means you live until you're killed. For example there's the Fade for those in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood world. It's not necessarily a Christian afterlife, but there is a higher power with salvation and peace waiting on the other side for those who have served and lived well on this side of eternity.
I am so disappointed. I was really looking forward to this series and actively pursued getting the ARCs for both Unexpected Find and Beautiful Mistake from Ellora's Cave so that I could read and review them. If this had been a purely personal read, I would not have finished this book and would not be reading Beautiful Mistake. However, I have made this commitment and will fulfill it and count it as a lesson learned to research a little more carefully the subject matter before jumping in. In my own defense I don't think that I could have seen this one coming as it wasn't really mentioned in any of the book descriptions or other reviews.
Now for the basic facts of the book. It is very well written. The plot is well developed and laid out and the whole thing makes sense. However it is definitely about fifty percent detailed sex. There is definitely as much sex as there is story so if you don't enjoy your paranormal too hot and heavy you may not enjoy this one. I am giving this book a 3 star rating because I can not fault Corrigan for my own personal proclivities. If I did not have such a strong reaction to this part of Corrigan's world of shifters I believe that I would have enjoyed the book and given the whole series a more fair shake. As it stands my perception is now tainted and I will have to make a concerted effort to not let it affect the way I read and review Beautiful Mistake which I will be reading next.
I received a copy of this book from Ellora's Cave in exchange for an honest review.
You can find more at Monlatable Book Reviews at
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
"If he'd bitten harder, he could've pushed his essence into her body-the one he'd inherited from the goddess-and severed her tie to the human god. Without a claim to heaven, his cat's spirits could enter her soul, leave a piece of themselves behind and tie her to him."
"If the chosen female rejected her male's cats or if she died before the joining could form, not only would she lose her life but her soul as well. No heaven. No eternal peace. No nothing. Poof. She'd just fade away.
Well, I don't like that at all. I have no problem with the concept of immortality or altering a person's life span. To allow someone to die while reaching for immortality or an extended lifespan is one thing. But to remove the soul and the potential for an eternity spent in any religious or non-religious way the author chooses to imply? That I just won't indulge in. I've turned this around in my mind for a bit and maybe, just maybe you can interpret this as her loosing her soul only if the mating doesn't take, but if that is the case does that really seem any better? Not for me. In most paranormal books with immortal creatures there is some opportunity for redemption and the chance of an afterlife since more often than not immortality only means you live until you're killed. For example there's the Fade for those in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood world. It's not necessarily a Christian afterlife, but there is a higher power with salvation and peace waiting on the other side for those who have served and lived well on this side of eternity.
I am so disappointed. I was really looking forward to this series and actively pursued getting the ARCs for both Unexpected Find and Beautiful Mistake from Ellora's Cave so that I could read and review them. If this had been a purely personal read, I would not have finished this book and would not be reading Beautiful Mistake. However, I have made this commitment and will fulfill it and count it as a lesson learned to research a little more carefully the subject matter before jumping in. In my own defense I don't think that I could have seen this one coming as it wasn't really mentioned in any of the book descriptions or other reviews.
Now for the basic facts of the book. It is very well written. The plot is well developed and laid out and the whole thing makes sense. However it is definitely about fifty percent detailed sex. There is definitely as much sex as there is story so if you don't enjoy your paranormal too hot and heavy you may not enjoy this one. I am giving this book a 3 star rating because I can not fault Corrigan for my own personal proclivities. If I did not have such a strong reaction to this part of Corrigan's world of shifters I believe that I would have enjoyed the book and given the whole series a more fair shake. As it stands my perception is now tainted and I will have to make a concerted effort to not let it affect the way I read and review Beautiful Mistake which I will be reading next.
I received a copy of this book from Ellora's Cave in exchange for an honest review.
You can find more at Monlatable Book Reviews at
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
December 24, 2015
~ 3 Unexpected Stars ~
Unexpected Find is book one in the Royal Pride series by Nancy Corrigan. This is a descent start to the Royal Pride series. The writing is well written, plot is developed and laid out, and we get lots and lots of sex.
Rafe, our Royal Shifter, what this means is he has a direct tie to their goddess and houses three cats inside himself. He is very much an Alpha. He’s brought to this small town to locate and protect a shifter girl that was stollen, but he never expected to find his “One”.
Jasmine, Jazz she is a mother to two shifter boys and has had a few run-ins with shifters over the years trying to protecting her sons. I like that she could adapt her lifestyle to help protect the shifter boys. It would have been nice to see more interaction between the boys and her.
I enjoyed Unexpected Find . I was not as blown away in this book as I was with Favorite Obsession (Royal Pride #3) . I got my first taste of Ms. Corrigan's writing and world in Favorite Obsession that I had to go back and pick up the rest of the books in this series. I'm kind of glad I did not start with book one Unexpected Find . I might not have tried the other books in this series. I liked finally seeing the characters that showed up in Favorite Obsession and how they came together.
I noticed that Jazz should be able to pick out a shifter since she has been caring for twin shifter boys, but for some reason she can't. This got to me, which then lead to her overreaction to finding out that Rafe is a shifter. I got frustrated with her overreactions. I’m also not sure I liked how quickly she was comfortable with the “beloved human” term shifters use. I’m back and forth on this. Rafe our hero at times was a little to Alpha for my taste. He did not consider Jasmine and her feelings at key points in the story. I noticed he liked to use sex to get her to comply. The relationship building is fast and instant. It's an animal attraction on Rafe's part and a burning desire on Jazz's. With the world we learn a little about the shifters, their terms, how they function and what evil's they face. We do get some religion brought into the book in the form of losing ones soul. For the heroine to have a happily ever after with her hero she must loose her soul. Now this does not bother me, but I can see this part offending some readers. See quote below:
"If he'd bitten harder, he could've pushed his essence into her body-the one he'd inherited from the goddess-and severed her tie to the human god. Without a claim to heaven, his cat's spirits could enter her soul, leave a piece of themselves behind and tie her to him."
"If the chosen female rejected her male's cats or if she died before the joining could form, not only would she lose her life but her soul as well. No heaven. No eternal peace. No nothing. Poof. She'd just fade away.”
We have to remember that this is fantasy, a book, not real life. The author is trying to develop her shifter world with goddess, gods, and different hereafter's. Lastly there is definitely a lot of sex in this story, so if you don't enjoy your paranormal too hot and heavy you may not enjoy this one.
Unexpected Find was a decent start to the Royal Pride series. It did not hold my attention as fully as other books have, but I will be check out book two Beautiful Mistake. I hope to get a better understand of the shifter world and characters the author has created for us in her Royal Pride series.
Unexpected Find is book one in the Royal Pride series by Nancy Corrigan. This is a descent start to the Royal Pride series. The writing is well written, plot is developed and laid out, and we get lots and lots of sex.
Rafe, our Royal Shifter, what this means is he has a direct tie to their goddess and houses three cats inside himself. He is very much an Alpha. He’s brought to this small town to locate and protect a shifter girl that was stollen, but he never expected to find his “One”.
Jasmine, Jazz she is a mother to two shifter boys and has had a few run-ins with shifters over the years trying to protecting her sons. I like that she could adapt her lifestyle to help protect the shifter boys. It would have been nice to see more interaction between the boys and her.
I enjoyed Unexpected Find . I was not as blown away in this book as I was with Favorite Obsession (Royal Pride #3) . I got my first taste of Ms. Corrigan's writing and world in Favorite Obsession that I had to go back and pick up the rest of the books in this series. I'm kind of glad I did not start with book one Unexpected Find . I might not have tried the other books in this series. I liked finally seeing the characters that showed up in Favorite Obsession and how they came together.
I noticed that Jazz should be able to pick out a shifter since she has been caring for twin shifter boys, but for some reason she can't. This got to me, which then lead to her overreaction to finding out that Rafe is a shifter. I got frustrated with her overreactions. I’m also not sure I liked how quickly she was comfortable with the “beloved human” term shifters use. I’m back and forth on this. Rafe our hero at times was a little to Alpha for my taste. He did not consider Jasmine and her feelings at key points in the story. I noticed he liked to use sex to get her to comply. The relationship building is fast and instant. It's an animal attraction on Rafe's part and a burning desire on Jazz's. With the world we learn a little about the shifters, their terms, how they function and what evil's they face. We do get some religion brought into the book in the form of losing ones soul. For the heroine to have a happily ever after with her hero she must loose her soul. Now this does not bother me, but I can see this part offending some readers. See quote below:
"If he'd bitten harder, he could've pushed his essence into her body-the one he'd inherited from the goddess-and severed her tie to the human god. Without a claim to heaven, his cat's spirits could enter her soul, leave a piece of themselves behind and tie her to him."
"If the chosen female rejected her male's cats or if she died before the joining could form, not only would she lose her life but her soul as well. No heaven. No eternal peace. No nothing. Poof. She'd just fade away.”
We have to remember that this is fantasy, a book, not real life. The author is trying to develop her shifter world with goddess, gods, and different hereafter's. Lastly there is definitely a lot of sex in this story, so if you don't enjoy your paranormal too hot and heavy you may not enjoy this one.
Unexpected Find was a decent start to the Royal Pride series. It did not hold my attention as fully as other books have, but I will be check out book two Beautiful Mistake. I hope to get a better understand of the shifter world and characters the author has created for us in her Royal Pride series.
January 13, 2014
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Talk about an unexpected find!!!!! This book was fab!!! Although I think it definitely falls under the age old saying of....don't judge a book by its cover.... What I found when I opened this book was definitely unexpected. It was a faced paced, sexy read that I enjoyed it from start to finish. Although this is how I pictured the male hero Rafe:-
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7M7mQdjl3YI...
The story starts pretty quickly, and moves a a good pace, although I would have still enjoyed the book if it was a bit longer and a bit more in depth, and I have a feeling that the story will continue...... The story starts off with Jazz getting unwittingly drawn into a world that she had not idea existed. A friend who she discovers is a shapeshifter gives birth to twin boys and begs Jazz to take them to keep them safe from her husband. Flash forward a few years and Jazz discovers one of her friends is dead, thinking it has something to do with the fact that his daughter is also a shapeshifter, she goes to talk to her ex- who is now legal guardian for the little girl/shapeshifter. This one act turns her world upside down. She is drawn to the hot muscley stranger she finds talking to Josh (her ex) and finds herself unable to say no to him. For so long Jazz has done nothing but protect her boys from the perceived danger of their father, and the danger of people discovering they are also shapeshifters. Having not dated in 5 years, she is surprised by herself how quickly her body and mind responds to Rafe.
When she discovers that Rafe is actually a Royal in the shifter world, she doesn't really bat an eyelid. But they soon discover that her boys are in danger from an evil shifter, who turns out to be their father.And when Callum discovers Rafe is planning on mating with Jazz, he sets his sights on her instead. Rafe who works for a secret part of the government who helps prevent the trafficking of their species, calls his pack to protect his 'beloved human' and her boys. Rafe and Jazz's relationship moves quickly and it does not take long for them to fall in love, Rafe and his inner cats want Jazz and have decided that she is the one, and he as well as his cats will do anything to keep her for eternity, including killing her,which is how the mating happens. Jazz is a bit more apprehensive about the process and is trying to take her time to get used to the different lifestyle and culture the shifter world has. What she does know is that she loves Rafe and she wants to be with him.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved how quickly Jazz was able to adapt herself into the lifestyle of being a mum of shifters, I would have loved to see more interaction with the boys, and perhaps if the book was a little longer we could have had the chance to get to know them better. Rafe is awesome, he is sees what he wants and goes for it. It is not something he has ever experienced before and the constant need to be around Jazz and to be with her is such a powerful desire that he can't stop how quickly he falls for her. I really do hope there is more stories about this pack that we can read, because I really enjoyed the ride.
Talk about an unexpected find!!!!! This book was fab!!! Although I think it definitely falls under the age old saying of....don't judge a book by its cover.... What I found when I opened this book was definitely unexpected. It was a faced paced, sexy read that I enjoyed it from start to finish. Although this is how I pictured the male hero Rafe:-
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7M7mQdjl3YI...
The story starts pretty quickly, and moves a a good pace, although I would have still enjoyed the book if it was a bit longer and a bit more in depth, and I have a feeling that the story will continue...... The story starts off with Jazz getting unwittingly drawn into a world that she had not idea existed. A friend who she discovers is a shapeshifter gives birth to twin boys and begs Jazz to take them to keep them safe from her husband. Flash forward a few years and Jazz discovers one of her friends is dead, thinking it has something to do with the fact that his daughter is also a shapeshifter, she goes to talk to her ex- who is now legal guardian for the little girl/shapeshifter. This one act turns her world upside down. She is drawn to the hot muscley stranger she finds talking to Josh (her ex) and finds herself unable to say no to him. For so long Jazz has done nothing but protect her boys from the perceived danger of their father, and the danger of people discovering they are also shapeshifters. Having not dated in 5 years, she is surprised by herself how quickly her body and mind responds to Rafe.
When she discovers that Rafe is actually a Royal in the shifter world, she doesn't really bat an eyelid. But they soon discover that her boys are in danger from an evil shifter, who turns out to be their father.And when Callum discovers Rafe is planning on mating with Jazz, he sets his sights on her instead. Rafe who works for a secret part of the government who helps prevent the trafficking of their species, calls his pack to protect his 'beloved human' and her boys. Rafe and Jazz's relationship moves quickly and it does not take long for them to fall in love, Rafe and his inner cats want Jazz and have decided that she is the one, and he as well as his cats will do anything to keep her for eternity, including killing her,which is how the mating happens. Jazz is a bit more apprehensive about the process and is trying to take her time to get used to the different lifestyle and culture the shifter world has. What she does know is that she loves Rafe and she wants to be with him.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved how quickly Jazz was able to adapt herself into the lifestyle of being a mum of shifters, I would have loved to see more interaction with the boys, and perhaps if the book was a little longer we could have had the chance to get to know them better. Rafe is awesome, he is sees what he wants and goes for it. It is not something he has ever experienced before and the constant need to be around Jazz and to be with her is such a powerful desire that he can't stop how quickly he falls for her. I really do hope there is more stories about this pack that we can read, because I really enjoyed the ride.
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