Scratch

Catnip Assassins #2

by Skye MacKinnon

Men are just like cats. They don’t do what they’re told and constantly want cuddles.

Kat misses her solitary assassin life. Instead of doing one cold-hearted kill after another, she has to deal with two and a half men all vying for her attention. But with a new crisis emerging, she needs to keep her cool and focus on what really counts.

Kittens are being taken, including Ryker’s son. Is there a killer on the loose or is someone trying to get Kat’s attention?

The second book in this purrfectly exciting urban fantasy series.

This book contains scenes that animal lovers may find a little upsetting.

Genres: Reverse Harem, Fantasy, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Mystery

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2019

About the author

Skye MacKinnon is a USA Today & International Bestselling Author whose books are filled with strong heroines who don't have to choose.

She embraces her Scottishness with fantastical Scottish settings and a dash of mythology, no matter if she's writing about Celtic gods, cat shifters, or the streets of Edinburgh.

When she's not typing away at her favourite cafe, Skye loves dried mango, as much exotic tea as she can squeeze into her cupboards, and being covered in pet hair by her tiny black cat (who's secretly a demon).


Join her mailing list ➜ ​http://skyemackinnon.com/newsletter

Join her Facebook group ➜ facebook.com/groups/skyesbookharem

Visit her website ➜ skyemackinnon.com

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Follow her on Instagram➜ instagram.com/skyemackinnonauthor

Reviews

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which i voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Things are changing for Kat and she cannot decide if she really likes it or nor. She is used to be a solitary assassin not part of an investigation team. Alone time is missed or so she thinks until events start spiraling out of control leading to one thing after another. Before it is all said and done she is more happy to have them all around then she realizes. Another great installment to this fantastic urban fantasy series with shifters. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do The First one was just ok, ale this one is A PURRRIFICATION!
Characters were great, I loved how we get to see a different side of each character as they are growing of some sort while book 2.
Plot was more concentrated than in book one IMO. And for sure more captivating!
I have very high hopes for the book 3

[Danielle's · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scratch is the second book in the continuous story of shifter Kat.

The shifter world is full of corrupt criminals. When Pumpkin goes missing Kat is invested in bringing him home.

This series is fun, full of mystery and cat-isms.

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye MacKinnon has created a unique and intriguing storyline with the Catnip Assassins series, and Scratch is just as captivating as the first.

When Kat has an assortment of fortunate and unfortunate events occurring in her life, this story will lead down an unexpected path. Plus a mate or more, and some interesting twists you won’t want to put down this book.

I was sucked into Kat’s story and can’t wait to continue with the third book - Purrr.

[Kimmylongtime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wth 😨 did I just read !! Downloading book 3 now. I’ll write my review after work 😅!! Listen up humans !! Go read this book already !!

[Hauntedcupcake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warum konnten die Dinge nicht so einfach bleiben wie sie waren. Ich hatte so ein schönes Leben. Jetzt blieb nur das Chaos.
S. 248/Tolino (Sammelausgabe)

Inhalt
Nach ihren jüngsten Erfahrungen als Privatdetektivin will Kat nur eines: Wieder ihr altes Leben als Auftragsmörderin führen. Nur kommt ihr die Entführung von mehreren Katzenjungen in den Weg. Denn als Katzenwandlerin nimmt sie solche Dinge höchstpersönlich. Gemeinsam mit ihren Freunden von M.I.A.U. sowie mithilfe von Wolfswandler Lennox, dem geheimnisvollen Griffon und Kater Ryker macht sich Kat auf die Suche nach den verschwundenen Katzenbabies – und entdeckt Dinge, die alles ändern werden.

Meine Meinung – ganz kurz gehalten
Band 2 knüpft nahtlos an Teil 1 an. Kat möchte wieder ihr altes Leben zurück, doch das Schicksal scheint andere Pläne zu haben. In diesem zweiten Teil geht es genauso spannend und rasant weiter, wie im Vorgänger. Locker-leichte Urban Fantasy, genau richtig für zwischendurch. Vor allem die sarkastisch-pragmatische Art der Hauptprotagonistin sorgt für den ein oder anderen Lacher. Die Charaktere sind gut gelungen, jetzt kommt auch langsam Fahrt auf, was die Charakterentwicklung und sogar ein wenig das Worldbuilding angeht. Die Geschichte geht nun auch in die Richtung „Reverse Harem“, wie angepriesen. Für mich ist es das erste Buch aus diesem Genre, bisher ist es aber noch sehr sanft gehalten, was das angeht. Die spicy Szenen fand ich angemessen – ich habe definitiv schon explizitere Dinge gelesen. Ein paar Übersetzungsfehler sind mir noch aufgefallen, aber in einem Ausmass, über das ich hinwegsehen kann. Ich habe anschliessend direkt mit Band 3 begonnen ;)

Fazit
Urban Fantasy aus dem Sub-Genre Reverse Harem, die zu unterhalten vermag. Eine pragmatische Auftragskillerin versucht mit ihrem Team und einem Haufen bunt zusammengewürfelter Freunde vermisste Katzenjungen zu retten. Kurzweiliger Lesespass.

4.5 Sterne

[Jacquie Stolz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in series, mystery and cat hijinks abound

Love this series. Kat is an interesting character and the family she builds is an interesting group of humans and supernatural. They all have interesting parts that have lead them to eachother. In this book Kat wants to go back to the simple assassination life, but is pulled into another investigation that leads her to answers about who she is. The ending wraps up the story with just a bit of a cliffhanger, meow...

[Danielle (Danniegurl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely love but wish it was longer

I definitely love this little series. I love all the quirky kitties and all the things they mean. I just wish the books were slightly longer because I think they are decently written enough to have more chapters. Still I’m intrigued by Kat and what’s going to happen next. I love all the kittens and such. I dislike cliff hangers though and I’m always disappointed in cliffhangers that make me need to read the next book.

[Susan Toussaint · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED

OMG I love Kat and her men!!!! Cannot wait to continue reading about their adventures!!!! That ending with the truth of who she was a definite shocker!!!! Also I really hope you write more than 3 books and add more men to her harem!!!!

[Christina's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book two with the surprise ending...onto the next!

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book with an interesting story line. The characters are strong and the story flows quickly and smoothly. I enjoyed reading this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of the Catnip Assassins series and the main character is Kat, a panther shifter and deadly assassin, who has gathered a small team of fellow assassins and shifters, as well as a few humans, into the business she calls Meow. She has now inherited the building she has been running her business and sanctuary in, after the death of her unnamed private backer. She had been brought up in the Pack, from the age of about four, made to wear a collar to control her and other children, as they were trained not to show emotions and do exactly as ordered. Kat was able to overcome some of the collar’s effects and eventually managed to escape and have her collar removed. Lennox, a wolf shifter was brought up with her in the Pack and is a good friend and soon becomes more, however much she really wants to be alone and continue her solitary assassin life. Following on from a previous case they worked on, they have been given a group of rescued kittens and Ryker’s own son Pumpkin. Ryker is not just a cat as he believes and will need to recognise what he really is at the end of this story. Gryphon is a paranormal, but not a shifter as far as Kat can figure out, but what exactly he is, he is unwilling to share. Both Lennox and Gryphon are deadly assassins, but just the three of them are not enough to try and take down the Pack and stop all of their experimentation on children.
When some of their cats are killed and kittens taken from their own building, it seems someone is trying to get Kat’s attention. They try to track the killer or killers by the faint scent they have left behind, but this soon brings about a shocking discovery about Kat, her mother and what may have been done to her whilst she was held captive by the Pack. She has tried to create a life for her and others, outside of the Pack, but it seems they are still interested in her and were doing some really nasty experiments concerning her and her DNA, well before she managed to escape them! Their investigation leads to them discovering a young panther shifter like her, but with a differently coloured collar still on, leaving her in a seemingly trance like state, but able to obey simple voice commands. They need to be wary though, as she is part of the Pack and has been trained like Kat was, to be a deadly killing machine, from a very early age! Another elderly shifter they find in a back yard shed, leads them to a particular doctor, who may be in charge of a lot of the damaging experiments being carried out on innocent and kidnapped children, both human and shifter. Kat and her friends need to work together to try and make an impact on this practise and to save the kittens that are already a part of their expanding family. Kat is definitely out of sorts in this one, unable to be quite as solitary as she may have been used to and being more involved in the lives of those around her. Definitely get to see her more human side coming out and her struggles with needing others. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Night Runner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this a multipart story (cliffhanger)? Yes
Story Type and Subtypes: Action, Angsty Romance (25%)

3.25 Stars for me!

My rating range of this story... 2.5 - 3.5 Stars
If significant, why? n/a
Biggest deduction? n/a

Main Character Ratings...
H (Lennox & Ryler) = 7/10
h (Kat) = 4/10
TSTL Moment(s)? Several

Narrator Rating(s)
M () = n/a
F (Melody Muzljakovich) = 8/10
If below 5/10, why?

Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of? No

If Comedy... Type? n/a
Funny, Cute, Cringe Inducing, Mixed or Just No!

Angst Level? Heavy
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
3 Stars for me!

Internal Monolog/Dialog? Please Stop
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop

Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 20%
How much of the story? 10%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained

Heat Rating... 4/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above

The back story... The H, panther-shifter assassin, starts out like the first story as an overly confident and cold hearted anti-hero. Lennox needs Kat's help and, after awhile, reluctantly agrees. See more in final notes below.

Romance or Gist: The h has a tough time with emotions and prefers to shun them. The Hs in this story slowly wear her down and their is intimacy in this story.

The drama explosion... The h puts herself into harms way... again.
Did it feel Real, OK or contrived? Ok
Was it OTT? Yes
Separation involved? Yes
Was it resolved properly or rushed? To be continued

Final Notes... I am still not a fan of the h as written as she spends too much time glorifying herself. She is starting to soften a tiny bit, especially with the introduction of her mini-me.

This story takes a deeper turn into science fiction plus you get to find out who and what the other shifters are. The ending is not as much of a cliffhanger.

HEA or HFN? To be continued
Book Source: Scribd

[Helene Caruso Auteure Hélène et les bouquins · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[SERVICE PRESSE #71]
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🐈‍⬛ Chat glacé (les assassins à moustaches #2) de Skye Mackinnon
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Je remercie l’auteure pour ce second SP.
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🐈‍⬛ Je retrouve les assassins à moustaches avec plaisir. Kat hérite de l’homme mystère et le manoir lui revient. Elle doit faire face à l’attirance qu’elle ressent pour Lennox, mais aussi pour Gryphon, même si elle ne lui fait pas confiance. Entre temps, des chatons sont enlevés, dont Citrouille, le fils de Ryker.
•
🐈‍⬛ OMG. Si le tome 1 posait les bases, le tome 2 nous fait quelques petites révélations. J’attendais que Kat craque pour l’un des hommes qui lui tournent autour et j’ai été exaucée. Pour autant, j’ai été choqué par sa froideur et son détachement vis à vis de cela.
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🐈‍⬛ Le coup de massue de cet opus est arrivé par la présence d’une petite fille de 5 ans. Je n’en dirais pas plus mais on sent que le rythme s’accélère. Kat veut se venger de la Meute, l’organisation qui l’a élevée et formée à devenir une tueuse. Les découvertes qu’elle fait sont toutes plus folles les unes que les autres. J’ai également aimer que Kat dévoile une vérité à Ryker.
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🐈‍⬛ Gryphon était déjà mon préféré et ce sentiment s’accroît dans ce tome. J’aime sa fragilité, sa part de mystère et le courage qu’il aura d’en révéler une partie à Kat.
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🐈‍⬛ L’auteure a toujours autant d’humour. C’est tranchant, des fois un peu noir mais j’ai souris tout au long de ma lecture.
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🐈‍⬛ Si tu veux aider Kat à retrouver Citrouille, c’est ici : https://amzn.to/3IsAU8h
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#Booksta#AmoureuseDesLivres #InstaLecture #PassionLivresque #PlaisirDeLire #Homoromance #Bibliophile #LivresEtCie #BookObsessed #UnMondeDeMots #DévoreuseDeRomans #InstaBook #ServicePresse #LivrAddict #BookRecommandations #Partenariat #F4F #FollowMe #Chats #Enquête #Métamorphes

[mlady_rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a “read the books in order” series. Start with Meow.

The books end in “not so much cliffhangers, but teases for what comes next”. “Meow” ends with the revelation that kitty cat Ryker is actually a shifter, which turns out to be news to Ryker. He’s always had an easier time communicating with humans, but he had no idea he was anything other than a cat.

This seems to be the book for revealing origins, because Lily also outs herself as a succubus and Gryphon admits to being a siren. Sirens helped control the shifters in the Pack, making Gryphon’s reluctance to reveal his secret understandable. Gryphon is literally turning his back on his family.

Lennox comes to Kat with a problem. His wolf, who he sees as separate from his human self, has chosen a mate and wolves mate for life. I’m not sure if it’s just how those things work, or a sign of Lennox avoiding the inevitable, but he says he can't tell who the mate is until he shifts and he wants Kat to be with him when he does.

The last thing either of them expects is Lennox considering Kat his mate. Kat is very much in a “sex with strangers to scratch an itch” mindset, not wanting to be tied down. But she curls her panther around Lennox protectively while he processes things. And when he asks to talk, they lay naked pressed skin to skin and Kat feels a pull of her own. They have sex, but Kat bolts in the morning.

Meanwhile, on the mystery front, Kat and the gang have to rescue abducted kittens — including Ryker’s son — from the pack. When the need is greatest, Ryker learns to shift in time to rescue his son.

Along the way, they find a 5 year old who looks to be Kat’s little sister. But a little blood work proves her to be even closer in origin, a clone. The mad scientist who holds Kat — however temporarily — informs Kat there were six more clones between her and little Kat. So many sisters out there somewhere.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men are just like cats. They don’t do what they’re told and constantly want cuddles.
Kat misses her solitary assassin life. Instead of doing one cold-hearted kill after another, she has to deal with two and a half men all vying for her attention. But with a new crisis emerging, she needs to keep her cool and focus on what really counts.
Kittens are being taken, including Ryker’s son. Is there a killer on the loose or is someone trying to get Kat’s attention?
The second book in this purrfectly exciting urban fantasy series.
Warning: This book contains scenes that animal lovers may find a little upsetting.

I love this series.
Kat is back again in this one again. Some of Rykers kittens have been taken and need to be found but first they have to find out who and why they have taken them.
Kat is a very interesting character and the family she builds is a very interesting group of humans and supernatural.
In this one Kat also is able to find out more about her history.
Very well written story love the twist and turns that we have.
The characters are amazing and I can't get enough of them.
I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

With new additions to the team in the form of Ryker a cat with shifter blood, the leader of the cats; Lennox, an assassin, long time friend and a part-time addition since he has another boss; and Gryphon, an assassin who appears to be human but is more, things quiet down a bit, well sort of.

This book opens with someone donating seven kittens, these little fluff balls are immediately taken over by Ben. He seems to really enjoy pampering all the cats.

Ryker bursts onto the scene, needing her help to find his son, Pumpkin and five other kittens.

There are many revelations in this book and more than a few surprises as the team looks for the kittens.

I love this series, the interactions between the MEOW team and the cats is so much fun, and in this book there are many tears as well. An interesting development with Kat and Lennox's relationship too.

I am going to re-read Purrr now so I will be caught up before the next book.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how I really feel about this book. We have mystery, learning about feelings and what life is about. I feel Kat could be a little more real then how she is portrayed in this book. Lily, Beth and Benjamin are becoming more then just workers. Ryker and his cats are still helping Kat with missions. Ryker is now more then just a real cat. Lennox and Gryphon are both assassins, who help Kat at times. What are Kate’s true feelings for them and theirs for her? Can they solve the mystery of the missing cats? Then there is still the mystery of Gryphon wanting Kats help with a necklace. We never find out what is going on there, it’s like mentioned then everyone forgets about it including Gryphon

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scratch is a freaking awesome book!

There once was a girl who went on a mission to save some kitties. Instead she ended up blowing her circuits, discovering secret treasure, stopping an assassin, and helping someone find their mate along the way. MacKinnon packs so much into this one story that the threads of it can carry onto multiple books. It is just so crazy. Make some popcorn because your head and heart are going on some trips.

There was a point I thought MacKinnon was going to make me cry...she almost had me. Almost.

My heart is still racing, though I did just finish the book and that could be why. (laugh) You have to read this series. Action. Buffy-like one-liners. Cute kitties. Plus twists you will not see coming. “Catnip Assassins” will have you craving more.

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!

We get to see a more feeling side of Kat in Scratch - although she’s not entirely happy about it! Her involvement with the cats has her looking for a catnapped that somehow relates to her past and really throws her for a loop. We really get to see what she’s made of.

The connection between the Meow family (both 2 and 4 legged) really develops in this book abs they come together as a real unit!

Kat sort of collects a harem in this book; her and Lennox have a very complicated relationship; Gryphon is just feels at first sight; and Ryker is a whole surprise in itself!!

Looking forward to the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book, Meow, and was interested in where the story would go next. Well, Scratch lived up to my expectations and then some. The FMC, Kat, is a complex character, both simple in some aspects and conflicting in others. In Scratch, she develops and grows through her experiences and interactions. There are a lot of areas in which she is flying blind, but I like that she is courageous enough to try. I love the role that the cats play in this series. Not only do I like cats, but it actually isn't that far of a stretch to imagine they can behave in many of the ways described, lol! At any rate, this is a solid second book that I found entertaining and fun, and I want more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 to the Catnip Assassins and I absolutely loved it, I love Kat even though she’s not an assassin anymore Kat is being kept busy at Meow especially now that there is a killer on the loose in her city and someone is taking kittens and Ryker’s son is one of them. Wow wow wow this is a purrrfect second story to this series and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3 because yes folks there is a cliffhanger at the end. Thanks you Skye for this purrrfect series it’s amazing and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Marie Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues seamlessly from book one. It is well written and the story and characters are well developed. I loved the character dynamics and watching their individual relationships grow. The story was action packed and full of twists and turns. There was plenty of disenchanted, emotion, intrigue and a little bit of hit chemistry and romance. I’d highly recommend this book and look forward to the next book in this series!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short and a cat-atrophy

I immediately had to purchase the 2nd book in this series. Reminds me a little bit of a Keri Arthur series yet surprisingly less dark. Even with assassins, slaves, torture and sadistic medical experimentation. Now I need to read the next book or maybe the rest of the series. I will have to add them to my list and wait for a Kindle 2x bonus Day to purchase the rest. For now, I will need to see what happens to Kat and what she has learned. Off to buy book 3.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scratch by Skye MacKinnon

I didn't think I was going to get hooked on this type of book, but you got me. It A just the right amount of emotional pull to draw you into a life Kat has suffered through. Taught to be an assassin, she enjoys killing, but emotions are starting to creep into her and change her way of thinking. As a sifter, she enjoys her panther. Can she be a mate to Lennox, a wolf shifter? Cats and dogs don't always get along. So, let's throw in another cat shifter and a siren, plus 3 humans, and we'll see what happens next in Kat's life!

[Ann Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the series is just as good as the first. We learn a bit more about all the quirky characters and find out some truths about all of them. The characters are all likeable in their own way and I was left wondering how Kat’s issues will be resolved. There is a cliffhanger but it is okay for once and I am anxiously awaiting book three.

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Andrea Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see to love most of what Sky writes, This one was a winner for the characters but the world In which its set wasn't as clear and easy to picture as in her other creations - hence the 4 rather than 5 starts. Plus the slow burn is very tame.
I loved the theme and all the characters plus the unexpected twist at the end, if its a RH then it is an ultra slow burn and could have done with a bit more heat in places.
That said it was an enjoyable easy read

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat is roped into another investigation but this time it’s for Ryker. Someone kidnapped kittens and they need to find them. Gryphon reviles who he is and that there is much more going on then meets the eye with the pack. Lennox has a new development that Kat has to help him with also. Will she do the right thing concerning him or will she make them part ways after the job? She realizes that she is becoming more human with emotions and does not like it.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gotta say, I was surprised with what she finds out about her Mystery Man, not a big part of the storyline just not what I was expecting. I enjoyed Scratch more than Meow. Some of the over arcing storylines have substantial movement and Kat finds out some big truths about herself. The missing kittens mystery seems to be very much in the background of everything else happening.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.