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Dinoverse #1
Dances With Raptors
65 Million years ago,
Dinosaurs walked the Earth . . .
People think that a meteor or some super volcano wiped them all out, or that aliens saved them like a holy arc coming from the sky. Some think that they had their time and were selected for extinction.
The thing is, fossils only show those that died. . .
Dinosaurs still walk among us, hidden in human form, bidding their time until they’re able to reveal who they are. Humans are always placed at the top of the food chain.
Nothing could be further from the truth. . .
The next matriarch has been chosen. . .
Sage has never wanted anything other than the freedom to live her own life, but when she is chosen as the next Matriarch of her people, everything changes. Sent on a journey to pass the tests of her ancestors, Sage must find her place in this world even though she doesn't know if she believes in the very spirits who chose her for the position.
As if her life isn't complicated enough, she finds herself on the run with a pack of raptor shifters. Sage's newfound allies are dangerous predators but the attraction she feels to them is undeniable.
With a new threat to the peninsula, Sage has her work cut out for her. No one said being the Matriarch would be easy.
Can she make it back to her people with her body--and her heart--intact? Can she stop the traders who threaten her very way of life?
With Kishil, Talon, and Elu at her side, maybe she can . . .
*This is a reverse harem #whychoose romance set in the dinoverse. Due to steamy dinoshifters this story is not suitable for anyone under 18.
*M/M content
*The heroine has multiple love interests and does not have to choose.
Dinosaurs walked the Earth . . .
People think that a meteor or some super volcano wiped them all out, or that aliens saved them like a holy arc coming from the sky. Some think that they had their time and were selected for extinction.
The thing is, fossils only show those that died. . .
Dinosaurs still walk among us, hidden in human form, bidding their time until they’re able to reveal who they are. Humans are always placed at the top of the food chain.
Nothing could be further from the truth. . .
The next matriarch has been chosen. . .
Sage has never wanted anything other than the freedom to live her own life, but when she is chosen as the next Matriarch of her people, everything changes. Sent on a journey to pass the tests of her ancestors, Sage must find her place in this world even though she doesn't know if she believes in the very spirits who chose her for the position.
As if her life isn't complicated enough, she finds herself on the run with a pack of raptor shifters. Sage's newfound allies are dangerous predators but the attraction she feels to them is undeniable.
With a new threat to the peninsula, Sage has her work cut out for her. No one said being the Matriarch would be easy.
Can she make it back to her people with her body--and her heart--intact? Can she stop the traders who threaten her very way of life?
With Kishil, Talon, and Elu at her side, maybe she can . . .
*This is a reverse harem #whychoose romance set in the dinoverse. Due to steamy dinoshifters this story is not suitable for anyone under 18.
*M/M content
*The heroine has multiple love interests and does not have to choose.
226 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2019
84 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 21, 2023
Edit: It's here. Finally.
Rating: 4 stars
Buddy Bully Read with the cake eaters, that I might have a tiny bit forced into it. But dino shifters, please.
Ark meets Black Panther meets a bit of Jurassic World.
And color me surprised, this was not what I was expecting. I was expecting some weird fun to low-key rant about and not take it seriously but Dances with Raptors was actually a really good read, from the characters to the world-building.
But one thing, in my opinion, this is not a Reverse Harem but a polyamory read.
The book feature heavy MMM. As you might know, MM in my RH is not really my cup of tea: I prefer a female in the harem than a couple of her love interests banging behind her back.
Don't get me wrong, I understand the steamy factor of bisexual sex but it's some attention taking off the heroine and it does not go well with my fantasy.
But in Dances with Raptors it worked perfectly as everybody was with everybody. The relationship was not all about the heroine but it was said from the very beginning with no false advertisement. The guys were as close as they could ever be and Sage was simply the feminine touch they were waiting for and, well, the future bearer of their children.
And in the end, the book was simply highly enjoyable.
> MM(M)
> no FF
booked.unicorn
Rating: 4 stars
Ark meets Black Panther meets a bit of Jurassic World.
And color me surprised, this was not what I was expecting. I was expecting some weird fun to low-key rant about and not take it seriously but Dances with Raptors was actually a really good read, from the characters to the world-building.
But one thing, in my opinion, this is not a Reverse Harem but a polyamory read.
The book feature heavy MMM. As you might know, MM in my RH is not really my cup of tea: I prefer a female in the harem than a couple of her love interests banging behind her back.
Don't get me wrong, I understand the steamy factor of bisexual sex but it's some attention taking off the heroine and it does not go well with my fantasy.
But in Dances with Raptors it worked perfectly as everybody was with everybody. The relationship was not all about the heroine but it was said from the very beginning with no false advertisement. The guys were as close as they could ever be and Sage was simply the feminine touch they were waiting for and, well, the future bearer of their children.
And in the end, the book was simply highly enjoyable.
> MM(M)
> no FF
booked.unicorn
February 2, 2021
3.5 Stars
This one was really different and very unique, It’s set some time in the past I think.
I say think as I wasn’t sure originally if this was a fantasy world or not as there isn’t much explanation given as to when or where this was supposed to be.
It reminded me greatly of a native tribe type set up filled with mysticism and shamans and all that.
I eventually settled on this being mostly historical as the traders or rather raiders here have come to these shores from elsewhere and they do speak English.
The native inhabitants themselves have mysterious ways and are veiled in a blanket of customs and long traditions, I also loved that in the sun-tribes the females are the leaders.
So our heroine Sage is the next chosen Matriarch she sets out on her spirit walk a quest where she is to complete an unknown test to solidly her future leadership in her tribe.
Her journey places her path directly through these strangers and she finds herself taken captive by them alongside a scaly from a migrated pack.
So scaly’s are shifters but very unique ones there actually dinosaur shifters and this story introduces a raptor pack, I know so cool right.
It’s reverse harem with lots of steam and as well as all the usual F/M scenes this one has a lot of M/M as well.
The raptor pack consist of Kishil, Talon and Elu and they are already an established trio.
Sage is someone that despite her being human they find themselves wanting for themselves.
Each male in the pack has a slightly different vibe, kishil the future alpha is distrustful of humans even at times almost hating them his mother was banished from a sun-tribe for her choice of mate, he blows hot and cold with Sage grumpy and snarky one second then sweet and concerned the next. Talon is playful with a wicked sense of humour and at times when shifted half-feral he’s protective and has no issue killing whomever to keep Sage safe from harm. Elu is more spiritual and a healer he’s not as dominant as the other two he has a shyness to him that was incredibly endearing.
Sage herself though still young is completely capable and resourceful and totally bad-ass not prone to hysterics she also owns her own sexuality, embracing her feelings and her place in this shifter pack.
This was an easy read that was heavy on the mysticism and really interesting, I would recommend this just on account of how unique it all is.
It’s really imaginative but I do think that the world explanations themselves could do with some fine-tuning, just so the reader is aware what type of world this is set in either historical or fantasy that could definitely do with some further clarification.
Also, this is quite instalove, not at all angsty but I did enjoy it, I really wish there were more dinosaur type shifter books out there like this (not dino-porn though 😆) but actual shifter ones I’m in love with the idea of these raptors.
If you're looking for something a bit different from the norm this is definitely the book for you.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
here-lies-methuselah
July 2, 2022#2. Rexes & Robbers (Pre-Review)
Marguerite, GURL.
Marguerite, GURL.
September 25, 2019
Raptor dance
Buddy Read with the RHR. Thank you M for bullying us all into reading this. It was completely not what I expected.
I expected Dino Smut. What I got was an alternative world where dinosaurs are shifters. Specifically 3 velociraptors.
this image was pretty much in my head the whole time
Surprising also to find an actual plot behind the smut. Or rather smut behind the plot because it was plot heavy. The blurb on GR here gives you nothing of the gist of this story so here’s the basics.
The FMC Sage is sent out on her spirit walk to become the tribes next leader. Their society is not very advanced but not prehistoric either and matriarchal with women taking as many husbands as wants.
Sage finds herself captured by “traders” from another land who have also captured a raptor split from his 2 pack brothers.
It’s a rescue mission with a “saving the rest of the tribe from invaders” story. With of course the love story along side it.
The world building was great, love-story great. Characters all very likeable and everything flowed well and was written seamlessly!
yea this gif has no purpose but hey it’s funny ok
Honestly I was very surprised how engaging this was for something I expected to be filled with weird Dino smut and puns aplenty.
Small spoiler: this features MMM but that can be make or break a book for some people.
Me? totally made it and another good surprise.
”they loved each other like brothers when they weren’t in bed, and as lovers should when they were. It was a perfect relationship”
Although these dinos were shifters there was an animalistic predatory way about them, their clicks and noises were too cute and satisfied the part of me who was looking for Dino smut!
Raptors for the win!
Buddy Read with the RHR. Thank you M for bullying us all into reading this. It was completely not what I expected.
I expected Dino Smut. What I got was an alternative world where dinosaurs are shifters. Specifically 3 velociraptors.
this image was pretty much in my head the whole time
Surprising also to find an actual plot behind the smut. Or rather smut behind the plot because it was plot heavy. The blurb on GR here gives you nothing of the gist of this story so here’s the basics.
The FMC Sage is sent out on her spirit walk to become the tribes next leader. Their society is not very advanced but not prehistoric either and matriarchal with women taking as many husbands as wants.
Sage finds herself captured by “traders” from another land who have also captured a raptor split from his 2 pack brothers.
It’s a rescue mission with a “saving the rest of the tribe from invaders” story. With of course the love story along side it.
The world building was great, love-story great. Characters all very likeable and everything flowed well and was written seamlessly!
yea this gif has no purpose but hey it’s funny ok
Honestly I was very surprised how engaging this was for something I expected to be filled with weird Dino smut and puns aplenty.
Small spoiler: this features MMM but that can be make or break a book for some people.
Me? totally made it and another good surprise.
”they loved each other like brothers when they weren’t in bed, and as lovers should when they were. It was a perfect relationship”
Although these dinos were shifters there was an animalistic predatory way about them, their clicks and noises were too cute and satisfied the part of me who was looking for Dino smut!
Raptors for the win!
September 17, 2019
You know what. I liked it. I went into it thinking it was going to be some hilarious smut, but I was actually surprised at how in depth it all went. The smut wasn't even that ridiculous, it was well written and very steamy.
Is the dinosaur shit even remotely accurate? Nope. Not that it matters it IS a smut lmao.
But for funsies here's what a real velociraptor is thought to have looked like.
Little blue dude is our man. I think the author's had in mind something more like the utah raptor/jurrassic park type dinosaur. Basically, real velociraptors are little anxious looking birds with claws and teeth who look like they're trying to ask someone to prom.
I had a good cackle though imagining these little dudes as the main characters.
Anyway though, Totally gonna read the next one.
Is the dinosaur shit even remotely accurate? Nope. Not that it matters it IS a smut lmao.
But for funsies here's what a real velociraptor is thought to have looked like.
Little blue dude is our man. I think the author's had in mind something more like the utah raptor/jurrassic park type dinosaur. Basically, real velociraptors are little anxious looking birds with claws and teeth who look like they're trying to ask someone to prom.
I had a good cackle though imagining these little dudes as the main characters.
Anyway though, Totally gonna read the next one.
September 10, 2019
The blurb doesn’t give much away and given the theme, I was expecting something weird and wacky. Unfortunately not. It’s well written and on the serious side. But it is enjoyable and does have humour.
Reminds me of a twisted Pocahontas with dinosaurs. Trigger warnings:- kidnapping, rape threats, sexual abuse but not to MC.
After say 40% the story is pretty light hearted and improves a lot, especially once all the POVs get going. I love all three Dino guys. Sage is a firecracker and pretty much a danger to herself. The sex is normal but M/M heavy.
Favourite character was the mockingbird. I look forward to reading the next one.
Reminds me of a twisted Pocahontas with dinosaurs. Trigger warnings:- kidnapping, rape threats, sexual abuse but not to MC.
After say 40% the story is pretty light hearted and improves a lot, especially once all the POVs get going. I love all three Dino guys. Sage is a firecracker and pretty much a danger to herself. The sex is normal but M/M heavy.
Favourite character was the mockingbird. I look forward to reading the next one.
September 11, 2019
I will admit I didn't think I'd like this. I read it as a BR with the cake eaters, reluctantly. I was completely taken by surprise. It's actually a really fun thought out read and isn't a crazy over the top dino porn. Who knew dino shifters would be this enjoyable?
August 30, 2021
Dino shifters
I wanted tonloke this one more than I did. I believe it suffered from the fact that I just finished another dino shifter novel that didn't have such a primitive setting and I loved it so much.
I wanted tonloke this one more than I did. I believe it suffered from the fact that I just finished another dino shifter novel that didn't have such a primitive setting and I loved it so much.
August 29, 2019
I had no idea what to expect
Seriously. This could have been a train wreck. It probably was going to be. I mean, dinosaur 🦕 🦖 shifters. It had to be some weird lame time travel thing. Right? BUT NO!!!! It was different and new and original. Absolutely nothing about it was what I thought would be. It was better.
I read A LOT. Multiple books a day. Every day. So when something completely new comes along I have to try it. I went into this one fingers crossed, peeking and hoping for not terrible. It delivered not terrible. But oh so much more. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this world.
Seriously. This could have been a train wreck. It probably was going to be. I mean, dinosaur 🦕 🦖 shifters. It had to be some weird lame time travel thing. Right? BUT NO!!!! It was different and new and original. Absolutely nothing about it was what I thought would be. It was better.
I read A LOT. Multiple books a day. Every day. So when something completely new comes along I have to try it. I went into this one fingers crossed, peeking and hoping for not terrible. It delivered not terrible. But oh so much more. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this world.
November 30, 2019
This sound so cheesy but came highly recommended from the reverse harem group. It is well-written for a reverse harem and we get raptor shifters called Scaleys. It's awesome. The main character irritated me sometimes but I love the bond, the story is intriguing, and good grief is every scene absolutely hawt.
August 30, 2019
Weirdly good
Not what I expected but definitely enjoyed! Really liked the sassy and feisty future matriarch as we went along on her spirit journey. The sorry was interesting and fresh; a completely new world both with old ways but modern slang. Stupid sexy and hot with M/M.
Not what I expected but definitely enjoyed! Really liked the sassy and feisty future matriarch as we went along on her spirit journey. The sorry was interesting and fresh; a completely new world both with old ways but modern slang. Stupid sexy and hot with M/M.
May 22, 2023
DANCES WITH RAPTORS was a unique read and I can't say no to a dinosaur shifter romance. Taking place in a pre-colonization, tribal setting, Sage is the next Matriarch of her people and she's on her Spirit Walk when she's kidnapped by pale foreigners. Alongside her as a prisoner is a Scalie (dino-shifter) who she has to work with to escape.
I enjoyed watching Sage find her strength and her purpose as a matriarch and her interactions with her raptors, Talon, Elu, and Kishil, were fun. The guys were all fairly distinct -- Kishil is the future alpha of his pack and hot tempered; Elu is the sweet healer; and Talon is the charming one. The three guys are already in a casual relationship when they meet Sage, but she completes them in a way that was missing before. All together they were very hot and this book pretty much set my kindle on fire.
So why isn't my rating higher? DANCES WITH RAPTORS was just a little too all over the place. I liked the setting but the language felt too modern and never lined up with the setting. The ages of the characters were unclear and Kishil's mannerisms were really inconsistent in the beginning. He goes from caring and wanting to protect Sage when they're prisoners to suddenly distrusting her and acting like an asshole once they're free. Most of Sage's interactions with her captors just felt odd because they gave her way more leeway than any of their other captors and she weirdly doesn't feel like a captor. I mean they don't even tie her up or keep a regular watch on her.
Overall, a quick and easy read if you're looking for something really sexy, a little different, but not overly complicated.
I enjoyed watching Sage find her strength and her purpose as a matriarch and her interactions with her raptors, Talon, Elu, and Kishil, were fun. The guys were all fairly distinct -- Kishil is the future alpha of his pack and hot tempered; Elu is the sweet healer; and Talon is the charming one. The three guys are already in a casual relationship when they meet Sage, but she completes them in a way that was missing before. All together they were very hot and this book pretty much set my kindle on fire.
So why isn't my rating higher? DANCES WITH RAPTORS was just a little too all over the place. I liked the setting but the language felt too modern and never lined up with the setting. The ages of the characters were unclear and Kishil's mannerisms were really inconsistent in the beginning. He goes from caring and wanting to protect Sage when they're prisoners to suddenly distrusting her and acting like an asshole once they're free. Most of Sage's interactions with her captors just felt odd because they gave her way more leeway than any of their other captors and she weirdly doesn't feel like a captor. I mean they don't even tie her up or keep a regular watch on her.
Overall, a quick and easy read if you're looking for something really sexy, a little different, but not overly complicated.
September 4, 2019
Has potential
First off, I really liked how this was a very new and unique concept adding in dinosaurs shifters. I have never read anything so different. The steamy scenes and the overall plot were wonderfully executed as well.
Now for the cons. I really could not understand the world building At All. I had no clue where the story takes place, the existence of the "foreigners" and where they come from, and how the characters use present day terminology such as dinosaurs and other expletives like F$%@. This is a big issue for me as I wanted more background on the world they were in, not just small snippets about their cultures. My other issue was the lack of character development with the males. They are wary, then out of no where insta-attraction then insta-love. I'm not a fan of insta-anything really at least without some character developments and events that lead to such.
Overall this is a decent book to read, but could use just a tad more oomph.
First off, I really liked how this was a very new and unique concept adding in dinosaurs shifters. I have never read anything so different. The steamy scenes and the overall plot were wonderfully executed as well.
Now for the cons. I really could not understand the world building At All. I had no clue where the story takes place, the existence of the "foreigners" and where they come from, and how the characters use present day terminology such as dinosaurs and other expletives like F$%@. This is a big issue for me as I wanted more background on the world they were in, not just small snippets about their cultures. My other issue was the lack of character development with the males. They are wary, then out of no where insta-attraction then insta-love. I'm not a fan of insta-anything really at least without some character developments and events that lead to such.
Overall this is a decent book to read, but could use just a tad more oomph.
August 22, 2019
This was a fantastic story occurring in times past, and I have trouble finding words to describe how much I loved it. Although I am very familiar with this author's work, I have to admit that she has outdone herself this time. This story was beyond my wildest expectations.
First the world, the world is something else I have never encountered before. It is new, original, and amazing. The dinosaurs are shifters and live in a tribe in peace with humans. The humans here are spiritual and live in peace with nature, following nature's laws, and it's beautiful. The world is absolutely beautiful.
The story is in equal parts beautiful, and heartbreaking and hot and steamy. Sage, a young matriarch embarks on her spiritual journey and not only does she finds here purpose but a lot more. Unfortunately one of the things she encounters are brutal invaders whose only goal is to hurt and destroy, and whoever is left is to be enslaved.
Fortunately, Sage meets an accidental ally, who turns out to be quite alluring in many ways, and comes with friends. That was the best part of the story, their friendly banter, their incredible chemistry and sizzling hot connection.
This is not the first time the author has created a great story or embarked on an exploration of human sexuality, but I felt like this time it was on another level. I can't even describe how good this was, it has to be experienced first hand. I loved this book beyond words and I can't wait to see what else she comes up with, and how the other author's work fits into this world.
The series continues with Rexes & Robbers (Dinoverse Book 2) by Kendra Moreno.
First the world, the world is something else I have never encountered before. It is new, original, and amazing. The dinosaurs are shifters and live in a tribe in peace with humans. The humans here are spiritual and live in peace with nature, following nature's laws, and it's beautiful. The world is absolutely beautiful.
The story is in equal parts beautiful, and heartbreaking and hot and steamy. Sage, a young matriarch embarks on her spiritual journey and not only does she finds here purpose but a lot more. Unfortunately one of the things she encounters are brutal invaders whose only goal is to hurt and destroy, and whoever is left is to be enslaved.
Fortunately, Sage meets an accidental ally, who turns out to be quite alluring in many ways, and comes with friends. That was the best part of the story, their friendly banter, their incredible chemistry and sizzling hot connection.
This is not the first time the author has created a great story or embarked on an exploration of human sexuality, but I felt like this time it was on another level. I can't even describe how good this was, it has to be experienced first hand. I loved this book beyond words and I can't wait to see what else she comes up with, and how the other author's work fits into this world.
The series continues with Rexes & Robbers (Dinoverse Book 2) by Kendra Moreno.
September 18, 2019
aaaaaaalllllliiiiggghhhttttyyyyyyy BR with the cake house
I really enjoyed the unique Dinosaur
shifter perspective, the MC was decisive, strong, young but mature for her age set in the time of ..... 1800-1900's like explorers... world building was poor to say the least and the explanation that she the MC could suddenly understand what the foreigners was saying was so dodgy AF but, over all it wasn't a bad story. I really enjoyed the harem but for a RH with MM interaction it was a little too much MM interaction, I like my guys solely focused on the MC rather than having their own love trio with the MC then tacked on. I also don't enjoy reading about
outside of those scenes I honestly enjoyed the book, i mean I don't know if ill read the next one, I might if I have nothing else to read. solid 3 stars.
I really enjoyed the unique Dinosaur
shifter perspective, the MC was decisive, strong, young but mature for her age set in the time of ..... 1800-1900's like explorers... world building was poor to say the least and the explanation that she the MC could suddenly understand what the foreigners was saying was so dodgy AF but, over all it wasn't a bad story. I really enjoyed the harem but for a RH with MM interaction it was a little too much MM interaction, I like my guys solely focused on the MC rather than having their own love trio with the MC then tacked on. I also don't enjoy reading about
outside of those scenes I honestly enjoyed the book, i mean I don't know if ill read the next one, I might if I have nothing else to read. solid 3 stars.
April 13, 2020
Unique and fun twist
So I love shifter reads but I've got to say I've never read about dinosaur shifters. It definitely caught my eye and man did i enjoy this read. The story was intriguing, set in the past when Native Americans were the people of the land, which was a great setting. The story between Sage and her 3 raptors, how their relationship develops was sweet, sexy and romantic. I adored their interactions. Great rea!
So I love shifter reads but I've got to say I've never read about dinosaur shifters. It definitely caught my eye and man did i enjoy this read. The story was intriguing, set in the past when Native Americans were the people of the land, which was a great setting. The story between Sage and her 3 raptors, how their relationship develops was sweet, sexy and romantic. I adored their interactions. Great rea!
August 27, 2019
I'll start my review off by stating the obvious, this book has dinosaurs. I know, there's not any dinosaur books out there in the market--to my knowledge--with a serious story-line and a believable, swoon-worthy romance that includes dinosaurs. Most people joke about such things like dinosaurs, probably believing it'd be a satire story for laughs, but I want to assure you, this book is just like other RH shifter novels but, instead of a wolf-shifter or lion-shifter, we have Dino-shifters. They're just as interesting and entertaining to read about as other shifter novels and even more so because I've never read a book where the heroes could turn into dinosaurs, which happens to be one of my favorite creatures!
This is listed as book one in the Dinoverse, but each book is a standalone in the same world and you can read them out of order. These books will be released two at a time, from both the authors Kendra Moreno and Poppy Woods, and take place in various times in history. The first two books, Rexes & Robbers by Kendra Moreno and Dances With Raptors by Poppy Woods, each take place sometime in the past. This book, Dances With Raptors, takes place precolonial in a tribe where matriarchs are the leaders. Sage is the young matriarch in this story and must go on a journey, with the limited aide (and I mean limited) of a spirit tasked to see if she's worthy to take over her tribe as the new matriarch.
THIS BOOK! AH! I loved it so much! My ancestors were Tainos, the indigenous people of the Caribbean, so reading about Sage and her people was so fascinating to me. I loved how much effort the author put into getting the details accurate, right down to the clothing and sheltering. The tribe and the people who reside there are proud, brave, loyal, and full of honor. The author showed so much respect to the characters, their culture, and stayed true to their voices, and for that, I thank her. Not even that, but the author also included LGBTQ+ representation in the book and it was done with respect and understanding. I love this about this author because she just gets it. Love is love, respect is respect, and we all need to love and respect one another, despite our differences.
Now, about the characters. The young matriarch was my favorite character. She loved her people and didn't want to let them down, even if that meant taking a role she wasn't sure she deserved, and instead of letting the doubt consume her, she rose to the occasion and did her best. She didn't make excuses, she wasn't whiny, but she was wise and brave. I loved how she didn't back down or bow to the orders of anyone, especially men, and knew her worth and importance, but at the same time, wasn't arrogant about it. She wanted the best for everyone, including the Dino-shifters and those from different tribes. She was a leader worth waiting for, in my opinion, and I love how the author paired her with three Dino-shifters who, not only respected her title, but showed her they valued and respected her as a person, not just a leader.
And, can I say, how steamy the love scenes were! Like, oh-my-gosh, I felt like I needed to be dowsed in cold water after reading some of the scenes. Or dowsed in holy-water while singing Hallelujah LMAO some of the best love scenes I've ever read--best MM scene of all time--and just INTENSE!
I can't recommend this book enough. I loved everything about it, the journey, the love story, and just the overall uniqueness. The dinosaur aspect just makes this story even more amazing, because DINOSAURS!
And if you love this book, I highly recommend you read Kendra Moreno's story, Rexes & Robbers, which takes place in the same universe but in the Wild West! Her character is a bad-a** outlaw who falls for two unlikely men, both of whom are T-Rexes <3 happy reading!
This is listed as book one in the Dinoverse, but each book is a standalone in the same world and you can read them out of order. These books will be released two at a time, from both the authors Kendra Moreno and Poppy Woods, and take place in various times in history. The first two books, Rexes & Robbers by Kendra Moreno and Dances With Raptors by Poppy Woods, each take place sometime in the past. This book, Dances With Raptors, takes place precolonial in a tribe where matriarchs are the leaders. Sage is the young matriarch in this story and must go on a journey, with the limited aide (and I mean limited) of a spirit tasked to see if she's worthy to take over her tribe as the new matriarch.
THIS BOOK! AH! I loved it so much! My ancestors were Tainos, the indigenous people of the Caribbean, so reading about Sage and her people was so fascinating to me. I loved how much effort the author put into getting the details accurate, right down to the clothing and sheltering. The tribe and the people who reside there are proud, brave, loyal, and full of honor. The author showed so much respect to the characters, their culture, and stayed true to their voices, and for that, I thank her. Not even that, but the author also included LGBTQ+ representation in the book and it was done with respect and understanding. I love this about this author because she just gets it. Love is love, respect is respect, and we all need to love and respect one another, despite our differences.
Now, about the characters. The young matriarch was my favorite character. She loved her people and didn't want to let them down, even if that meant taking a role she wasn't sure she deserved, and instead of letting the doubt consume her, she rose to the occasion and did her best. She didn't make excuses, she wasn't whiny, but she was wise and brave. I loved how she didn't back down or bow to the orders of anyone, especially men, and knew her worth and importance, but at the same time, wasn't arrogant about it. She wanted the best for everyone, including the Dino-shifters and those from different tribes. She was a leader worth waiting for, in my opinion, and I love how the author paired her with three Dino-shifters who, not only respected her title, but showed her they valued and respected her as a person, not just a leader.
And, can I say, how steamy the love scenes were! Like, oh-my-gosh, I felt like I needed to be dowsed in cold water after reading some of the scenes. Or dowsed in holy-water while singing Hallelujah LMAO some of the best love scenes I've ever read--best MM scene of all time--and just INTENSE!
I can't recommend this book enough. I loved everything about it, the journey, the love story, and just the overall uniqueness. The dinosaur aspect just makes this story even more amazing, because DINOSAURS!
And if you love this book, I highly recommend you read Kendra Moreno's story, Rexes & Robbers, which takes place in the same universe but in the Wild West! Her character is a bad-a** outlaw who falls for two unlikely men, both of whom are T-Rexes <3 happy reading!
March 23, 2020
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect going into this read, but I have yet to be steered wrong by Poppy Woods, and I decided to take a chance. I saw this one, thought it looked like it had the potential to be awful in an amazing way, and I figured if nothing else, it would be funny and novel...but I got a whole lot more.
I love good surprises.
So. The elephant in the room. Yes. This is a MMMF romance with plenty of MMM action in it. I'm disappointed anyone needs to be warned about this and might avoid a good story because of it, but there you go. This entire work is refreshing in the lack of sexual shaming and its openness. It's such a rare treat to not see anyone—especially the FMC—fret about not being monogamous. The 3 MMCs and their relationship is fun, sweet, and endearing. And I never thought I would think of dino noises as anything other than creepy, but every time one of them happily chirped or chirred, it made my little black heart grow a bit. Surprisingly endearing.
This story takes place in a reimagined pre-colonized American South East—Florida was my best guess based on the geography and the descriptions—where the First Nations people there are only just starting to interact with European "traders." Shifters exist on this continent, and they're all dinosaurs.
Even though she's young—usually a strike against an FMC for me because of the nonsense that goes hand-in-hand with how they're written—Sage is curious, brave, insecure and unsure of her abilities/potential, skeptical, and well-grounded. She's still fun and naive about a lot of things, but that doesn't translate into a TSTL or Brat trope in this story.
All in all, this was a fun and enjoyable read with an entirely BIPOC cast. Even with heavier topics like what white colonization did to all of the peoples native to this continent, it managed to balance them out without dismissing them. And to my (very white) eye, it was handled respectably and well, so I've kept this off my problematic shelf.
I love good surprises.
So. The elephant in the room. Yes. This is a MMMF romance with plenty of MMM action in it. I'm disappointed anyone needs to be warned about this and might avoid a good story because of it, but there you go. This entire work is refreshing in the lack of sexual shaming and its openness. It's such a rare treat to not see anyone—especially the FMC—fret about not being monogamous. The 3 MMCs and their relationship is fun, sweet, and endearing. And I never thought I would think of dino noises as anything other than creepy, but every time one of them happily chirped or chirred, it made my little black heart grow a bit. Surprisingly endearing.
This story takes place in a reimagined pre-colonized American South East—Florida was my best guess based on the geography and the descriptions—where the First Nations people there are only just starting to interact with European "traders." Shifters exist on this continent, and they're all dinosaurs.
Even though she's young—usually a strike against an FMC for me because of the nonsense that goes hand-in-hand with how they're written—Sage is curious, brave, insecure and unsure of her abilities/potential, skeptical, and well-grounded. She's still fun and naive about a lot of things, but that doesn't translate into a TSTL or Brat trope in this story.
All in all, this was a fun and enjoyable read with an entirely BIPOC cast. Even with heavier topics like what white colonization did to all of the peoples native to this continent, it managed to balance them out without dismissing them. And to my (very white) eye, it was handled respectably and well, so I've kept this off my problematic shelf.
September 16, 2019
So I came across this author and she got my attention by one of her teasers. Got to say that this was every bit worth the teaser and more.
Sage, dear girl has to to on a journey to become the next Matriarch of her village. As she goes on her journey she comes across some scalies. Not just any scalies, RAPTORS!! They can shift into hot, sexy men known as Kishil, Elu and Talon. So yes we get some hot stuff going on there. However, while all that is going on, they gave another threat that could expose the scalies. Sage is one tough chick who is not going to run, she is going to stand her ground. Together they endure love, tragedy and happiness.
I loved every character in the book. With Sage being sassy and witty, Kishil alphaness, Talon's strength and Elu soft side you are bound to enjoy their journey. I would definitely recommend this book to read.
Sage, dear girl has to to on a journey to become the next Matriarch of her village. As she goes on her journey she comes across some scalies. Not just any scalies, RAPTORS!! They can shift into hot, sexy men known as Kishil, Elu and Talon. So yes we get some hot stuff going on there. However, while all that is going on, they gave another threat that could expose the scalies. Sage is one tough chick who is not going to run, she is going to stand her ground. Together they endure love, tragedy and happiness.
I loved every character in the book. With Sage being sassy and witty, Kishil alphaness, Talon's strength and Elu soft side you are bound to enjoy their journey. I would definitely recommend this book to read.
September 2, 2019
Grab this book!
This book is the first of a series of standalones. All will be in the dinoverse that Poppy Woods and Kendra Moreno share.
It follows Sage as she goes on a quest alone. Adventure ensues and steamy moments abound.
I loved Sage. I thought that she was a likable character. She begins uncertain of her role but as the book goes on, she finds where she fits. The men were great too. Not too pushy, not too weak.
I loved the uniqueness of the world. I'm tired of the same old wolf, etc shifters. So this was a breath of fresh air.
If you're looking for a solid plot, great writing, and fun characters, pick this book up!
This book is the first of a series of standalones. All will be in the dinoverse that Poppy Woods and Kendra Moreno share.
It follows Sage as she goes on a quest alone. Adventure ensues and steamy moments abound.
I loved Sage. I thought that she was a likable character. She begins uncertain of her role but as the book goes on, she finds where she fits. The men were great too. Not too pushy, not too weak.
I loved the uniqueness of the world. I'm tired of the same old wolf, etc shifters. So this was a breath of fresh air.
If you're looking for a solid plot, great writing, and fun characters, pick this book up!
October 18, 2019
3.5
✔ Well written
✔ Interesting plot
✔ Different (Bonus)
Going into this I wasn't expecting much (Misjudged by the book cover!) so I'm glad I gave this one a try.
But I did gave a side eye to the bad guys. How in the world are the bad guys in this story this fearless when facing paranormal creatures? They just kept on going and going. Fingers lost, arms and legs gone. Lives extinguished. Did they stop? Nope. Did they came with an army of 100s of men?
✔ Well written
✔ Interesting plot
✔ Different (Bonus)
Going into this I wasn't expecting much (Misjudged by the book cover!) so I'm glad I gave this one a try.
But I did gave a side eye to the bad guys. How in the world are the bad guys in this story this fearless when facing paranormal creatures? They just kept on going and going. Fingers lost, arms and legs gone. Lives extinguished. Did they stop? Nope. Did they came with an army of 100s of men?
November 22, 2019
The whole story was very unique; I've never heard of dino-shifters before. It's a nice little step away from your typical RH romances though the M/M action is a little more explicit than I'm accustomed to and I ended up skipping over some of their encounters. I wouldn't let that hinder your purchase of this book though because it's very well written. I hope to see more of the dinoverse released soon.
September 14, 2019
Dances with Raptors
This was surprisingly good and not at all what I thought I was going to get! The world building was pretty good and the characters were very well fleshed out.
Shoot I may want a raptor of my own now...
This was surprisingly good and not at all what I thought I was going to get! The world building was pretty good and the characters were very well fleshed out.
Shoot I may want a raptor of my own now...
August 8, 2022
So I absolutely loved this book. It's adorable, the sex scenes are hot (m/m and f/m), and has a kick-ass FMC. I'm a hardcore feminist, but some of descriptions of the "women first" ideals were a bit much for me. Still a fun read that I highly recommend.
September 19, 2019
Unexpectedly entertaining. Sage and the bird had me cackling.
August 11, 2022
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this! I loved the world building, and the mythology behind this. This also had the perfect edge of spice.
August 22, 2019
Sage is a curious woman who is expected to be her tribes next matriarch, although she has her doubts that she can fulfill the role. She is sent on a spiritual journey to help her connect with her ancestors. When she is captured during her journey she meets three raptor shifters that she is immediately drawn to. Kishil the grumpy leader, Elu the passive healer and Talon the fun-loving goofball. It was so thrilling to follow Sage during her journey and I fell in love with the characters quickly.There was action, heart break
and very, very sexy times. Some of which I definitely did not see coming but was thrilled nonetheless. The MM scenes made me blush but I also wish I was there to watch! This book ripped my heart out and pieced it back together too many times to count. I absolutely loved it. I’m a huge dinosaur nerd and at first I thought it was odd but dino-shifters are something I never knew I needed in my life. Now I’m addicted and can’t wait for more.
and very, very sexy times. Some of which I definitely did not see coming but was thrilled nonetheless. The MM scenes made me blush but I also wish I was there to watch! This book ripped my heart out and pieced it back together too many times to count. I absolutely loved it. I’m a huge dinosaur nerd and at first I thought it was odd but dino-shifters are something I never knew I needed in my life. Now I’m addicted and can’t wait for more.
August 28, 2019
I went into this with a lot of skepticism for a book about Dino-shifters but have read this author before and liked her work so thought - I’ll give it a try. Well. Move over wolves and dragons and make way for the raptors! This book was HOT. Sage and her raptors Kishil, Elu and Talon practically set my Kindle on fire. Sage is a great character that I found I could relate to. She struggles through the book to accept her role in her society and to believe that she is capable of leading her people. Yet at every turn, she finds herself stepping up to do the right thing. The time frame was interesting as well, deep deep in the past, which fits with the dinosaur theme. Very well developed cultures, both Sage’s and the raptors, and Poppy allows the reader to learn about each culture as the characters did. I will definitely be reading the next books in this series, which is a collaboration between Poppy Woods and Kendra Moreno. And no cliff hangers, this book is a stand alone.
February 12, 2020
So I picked up this book after having a reading drought. I just couldn't get into anything. I think I was like everyone else. I thought this book would be some campy weird love story. Two days! It took me two days to consume this book. Who knew Dino shifters could be sexy. While some of the dino "description" doesn't fit with what scientists tell us, it doesn't take away from the story. How do they know that there wasn't Raptors this size. I love this story. There is romance, villains and some hot sex. What more could you want? Poppy Woods, I have to thank you for getting my reading groove back.
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