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Brimstone Inc. #2

Shift Out of Luck

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The Montagues and Capulets have nothing on the Canis and Banes wolf packs. The two have been feuding for ages. The brutal murder of the Banes’ alpha only added fuel to the fire. And now there’s only one way to bring peace—the current alphas of each pack, Marrok and Tala, need a mating of convenience.

Tala has her doubts. A thousand of them.

Never mind that Marrok drives her body to levels of desire her vibrator has trouble keeping up with. If she can’t get her inner wolf—or her people—on board, forget peace, because she'll lose the tenuous control she has over the Canis pack. Her new mate is just so damn alpha. He’d better learn to play nice or Tala will have to show him who’s boss.

But Marrok has plans of his own, and nothing and no one, not even Tala herself, can resist an alpha...

This novella was previously self-published in June 2016 as The Worse for Were (Legendary Consultants, #2) but has undergone a complete re-edit. Scenes were added, things were changed, but the kissing still remains!

102 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2016

50 people are currently reading
422 people want to read

About the author

Abigail Owen

46 books4,909 followers
Abigail Owen is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and International bestselling author of 30+ books that range from upper YA (18+) epic romantasy to new adult modern mythic romantasy to super spicy adult paranormal romance. She loves magical worlds with plots that move hot and fast, feisty heroines with sass, heroes with heart, a dash of snark, and oodles of HEAs!

Abbie has a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing) from Texas A&M University (gig’em Ags!), and an MBA from California State University-Sacramento. Prior to becoming a published author, she spent 15+ years using the other side of her brain in various tech- and business-related roles.

Other titles include: wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, AuDHD, spreadsheet lover, Jeopardy! fanatic, organizational guru, true classic movie buff, linguaphile, wishful world traveler, and chocoholic.

Abbie currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own swoon-worthy hero, their (mostly) angelic teenagers, and an adorable fur baby.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews633 followers
June 22, 2016
This political were mating was to bring peace to two packs that were always at each other’s throats. Hmmm, what’s wrong with this picture, two alpha leaders, one new in her role, while he is established and used to having the final say? Something tells me the fur will fly. Tala is a new, yet very powerful alpha, but her hold on her pack is still tenuous and untried. It is imperative that she maintains control, but Marrok seems to be over-shadowing her power and undermining their mating by assuming he is the leader with the final say. Can you say, I am woman, hear me roar? Come on, Marrok, this is the twenty-first century and your mate is far from a shrinking violet! Oh, and then there is the little matter of that prophecy that everyone is hoping will come true…will it bring peace to the weres or will one magical nymph have to nudge it along?

The one thing they do have in common, without argument is they are steaming hot, like lava rolling downhill and taking turns being in charge between the sheets is proof that making love and not war is so much better.

Abigail Owen’s The Worse for Were is fun, fast, furious, and flaming as two alphas learn their fate is to become one powerful voice for their united packs. You want a tough, yet feminine heroine? Meet Tala, and do NOT cross her! Like seeing that “Aha moment” for an all-alpha male, making him even sexier? See Marrok realize the error of his ways! Who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks?

Another completely entertaining read form the talented Abigail Owen!

I received an ARC edition from Abigail Owen in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Legendary Consultants
Publication Date: June 24, 2016
Publisher: Abigail Owen
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 141 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Kimberly.
2,306 reviews97 followers
April 16, 2020
4.5 stars - Reviewed for Wit and Sin

Shift Out of Luck is a seriously sexy, wholly engaging read. There is no sophomore slump in the Brimstone Inc. series; Tala and Marrok’s story was impossible for me to put down.

The Canis and Banes shifter packs have been locked in a violent feud for ages. Alphas Tala and Marrok are determined to find a way to bring peace, so they agree to a mating of convenience. Only there is nothing convenient about the fire that burns between them. Tala and Marrok are hot as hell together and suit each other perfectly. It’s clear to see that they’re made for each other, but it’s not easy when two alphas mate. Their mating didn’t wipe out the animosity between their packs and Tala in particular is being hit by the blowback from her pack. Issues of dominance, equality, and power make things hard for Tala and Marrok and I liked that they had to really work for their happily ever after. Marrok in particular has something to learn about stepping back when all he wants to do is protect his mate. His mistakes don’t come from a place of sexism, which I appreciated, but nevertheless I could understand why Tala was so frustrated.

Tala and Marrok have a sizzling chemistry that makes Shift Out of Luck seriously addictive. Author Abigail Owen makes it so easy to root for Tala and Marrok as they work toward their happily ever after. There is no false drama in this book, which I really appreciated, only logical obstacles that are anything but easy to overcome. Tala and Marrok’s sense of duty, honor, and loyalty combined with their fierceness and caring made them fantastic protagonists. And when you add that in to an engrossing, sexy love story…well, it’s easy to see why I adored this book. I cannot wait to see what comes next in the Brimstone Inc. series!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for texxie-PRUFreads.blogspot.com.
382 reviews84 followers
July 9, 2016
Originally reviewed at http://prufreads.blogspot.com/

My rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

She'd earned alpha, but, as a woman, she found she had to earn it again every day.

*Please note, review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

First up...lets talk cover. I don't like what I tend to call 'cartoon covers'. It's a pet peeve of mine, no stars were lost, I'm just not a fan and truth be told, if I were scanning Amazon, I would passed right over it. I know, I know, you can't judge a book by...yeah well, that's just me. It is what it is.

This is a story of two alphas, Tala and Marrok (great names btw!) who are forced into a marriage of convenience. I struggled with this one early on, for a couple reasons. Paranormal romance, with two alpha shifters no less, has no room for, what felt to me, as juvenile terms. Coming across words like butt, boobs and the cringe worthy orgasmic goo is a HUGE kill joy for me. I also dislike it when a character seems to do a flip flop before I really get to know said character. On one hand, our heroine, Tala, seemed to be reluctant, standoffish even to this marriage. Sure, she found him hot but she seemed resentful to be put in the position she found herself in. Two seconds later, he provides some water and green pillows and boom! Blow job time. None of it made sense to me and so it didn't deliver any intimacy or romance.

With all of the above being said, I pressed on and I'm glad that I did. The beginning of the turn around for me was two stand out side characters, Leia and Castor. I was, however, pissed that most of their story took place off screen. They need their own book. Hopefully that's the plan for down the road. Also, while the sex scenes in this book didn't work for me, the true intimacy that developed truly delivered! I enjoyed the battle for dominance, the joint effort against the enemy and the time out taken to get to know their new mate. Those three scenes were my absolute favorite and provided the sex appeal that the act itself didn't quite provide. Will I continue with this series? Yes, the supporting cast have stories that definitely need to be told and I'm looking forward to it.
Profile Image for Bess.
444 reviews
April 7, 2020
This is Tala and Marrok's story. They are two alpha shifters and they married to bound their groups.
They were enemies now they are lovers AND enemies.
This is a short story. Tala is basically more like the man in the narrative but I did not feel like she loved him.
Marrok was more calm and mature.
Profile Image for Brook Obsessed.
479 reviews29 followers
April 25, 2020
“Shift Out of Luck” by Abigail Owen is a sexy and quick paranormal werewolf romance that includes two alpha pack leaders, a bitter rivalry, and action packed drama.

Blurb: Marrok and Kala, two alphas who rule their wolf packs, decide to marry to help create peace between their two rival packs. Tala doesn’t trust Marrok and Marrok will stop at nothing to earn her trust. Through uprisings and pack chaos the two learn to lean on one another and become true mates for life.

I love a good paranormal romance and this one was honestly a lot of fun to read. Marrock is passionate and sweet and I enjoyed watching him try to win over Tala. The pack drama added some saltiness to the story and the explosive chemistry between these two was just yum. A very short and delightful read with a fun twist at the end!
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,637 reviews267 followers
May 5, 2020
A marriage of convenience takes some interesting turns in this enjoyable paranormal wolf shifter romance!

I enjoyed this story of Marrok and Tala finding their way, trying to protect and merge their two packs under difficult circumstances. Two alphas will always clash especially when they are trying to lead so it takes some compromise and understanding to give them the equality they need so that the pack respects them. Of course there are always those who don't like the way things are and want to cause trouble, so Marrok and Tala have to navigate that, as well as their burgeoning feelings for each other. It's a great read with interesting characters and worldbuilding, and a sexy romance between two strong and likable characters. Looking forward to continuing the series!

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher.
Profile Image for Shelby P.
318 reviews68 followers
April 10, 2020
This was a good little romp of a book. I enjoyed it a more than the first one, for sure. Could have done with a bit more development though. Overall, it was a nice read!
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,891 reviews136 followers
April 19, 2020
This is the second book in a series and I hadn't read the first one but still thoroughly enjoyed this one. It is a different take on shifter romance with two alpha leaders from opposing warring packs having an arranged marriage to help bring peace  . . . . but will this be a match made in heaven or a reason for even more war?

This is an intriguing paranormal romance with many different elements coming in to play. How can two alphas agree to marry for the sake of their packs when they've never met before? Can they actually become true mates? Tala is a strong alpha in her own right, how will she respond to someone else trying to tell her what to do without discussing options? How will her pack respond to the new alliance? So many questions and you'll just have to read it for yourself to discover the answers! I found this a fascinating read, with plenty of surprises, and such a feisty female lead! I highly recommend this quick read to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances with plenty of action and suspense as well as steamy scenes. I'm looking forward tor reading more in this series in future! I didn't feel I'd missed out on lots by not having read the first book before this but confess that I've now been and bought myself a copy of it as I enjoyed this one so much.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Profile Image for Kate.
848 reviews117 followers
May 7, 2023
3.75 stars rounded up

I liked this one a lot, it had a bit of "marriage in crisis" vibes, except with mating. A quick, fun read with interesting world-building!
Profile Image for Jamie.
870 reviews31 followers
September 19, 2018
After stumbling onto Abigail Owen unexpectedly, I was more than happy to rush to grab The Worse for Were as soon as I finished book one.

Summary:
If you thought the feud between the Hatfields and McCoys was brutally intense, you haven’t experienced the hatred between the Banes and Canis werewolf packs. The feud has been alive for centuries; so long no one even remembers how it started, but the hostility and bloodshed continues. Until two alphas decide marriage is the only way to provide their packs with a peaceful future. Tala Canis is a newer alpha and female which is almost unheard of. She’s fought long and hard to secure her position, and although marrying the alpha of the Banes pack isn’t her most popular decision, she knows it’s what’s right for her pack’s future. If her body heats with just a thought of the commanding alpha, it’s just the pheromones, right? Marrok Banes is a fair and giving alpha. He wants his pack to flourish without fear of war, so he’ll complete the marriage of convenience. So what if he gets a gorgeous and sexy mate in the process? It’ll just make their mating easier. But neither Tala nor Marrok can deny the sizzling chemistry and irresistible pull between them once the ceremony is over. But Tala’s feeling left out of the decision-making, and her alpha instincts are threatening to override the passion she feels in Marrok’s arms. Can she teach her alpha mate to share the load or was peace between their respective packs a pipe dream?

*************************
This is only my second book by Abigail Owen, but both it and book one turned out to be exactly what I didn’t know I wanted to read. The Worse for Were was quick, but action-packed with romance and steam. Tala was kick-freakin-a$$. A rare female alpha, she was cool, calm, collected, and very well trained with a variety of weapons. I want to be her when I grow up. 😊 At first blush, Tala seems overly conservative and ice-cold. In reality, that facade hides the woman within who is passionate and caring. I liked her a lot. Marrok was all alpha; protective, possessive, strong, smart, and willing to compromise. I liked that he saw the real Tala. They were good together, too. The marriage of convenience trope is another favorite of mine. The added enemies element just made the build-up more exciting. Marrok and Tala had a lot of chemistry. Between their natural attraction and the history of their packs, the tension just grew and grew. And with their animal urges, their intimate scenes were incredibly sexy. Overall, I really enjoyed the quick read, and read it in an afternoon. I kind of wish we had a little more interaction between the packs, since that was a source of tension and uncertainty, but the storyline held up without going deeper. My biggest issue was the way the overlap with book one was written. It wasn’t that the overlap happened, but the words and dialogue used. We are seeing the same events only from a different POV. Inner thoughts should not be the exact same. There were whole sentences taken word for word from book one, but thought by new characters. I found myself wanting to skim these parts, not wanting to read exactly what I read before. That said, once we got past that, it was an enjoyable read. I’m really looking forward to Rowan and Grey’s story. ♡
Profile Image for Jordan Marie.
239 reviews10 followers
August 27, 2016
**** I was given a free copy of this to read and review for Wicked Reads****

I was so charmed by Her Demigod Complex and I was totally looking forward to reading the second book in the Legendary Consultants series, which did not disappoint! Worse for Were takes place in the same universe as Her Demigod Complex and follows the same timeline, but features a different couple.

Tala Canis, the first female Alpha of the Canis pack, and Marrow Banes, Alpha of the Banes pack, have decided on a marriage of convenience in order to stop the centuries long ending between their two packs. Luckily, it seems like the whole marriage of convenience won't be too much of a hardship. Now, together they'll Co-Alpha their combined packs, assuming Tala's Alpha mate can learn to share.

I have to say that I was just as smitten with this story as I was with Her Demigod Complex! I was totally hooked from the first chapter and I think readers will have no trouble devouring book 2. Tala was such a strong independent female character and Marrok was a perfect match for her. The Worse for Were, like book 1, is a quick short read, but definitely has all the elements I love to see in a paranormal romance. I would encourage those who are interested in reading this book to read Her Demigod Complex first because the story flows much better when they're read as a unit. However, both can be read as a standalone. I can't wait to read more from Abigail Owen and all her lovely characters in the Legendary Consultants series! *** I give it 4 stars!


Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Shirley.
988 reviews231 followers
April 10, 2020
4.5/5*

Original review

This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Entangled Amara!

Shift Out of Luck
is the second book in the Brimstone Inc. series and tells the story of Tala and Marrok. Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

Shift Out of Luck was such a good and fast-paced sequel, I enjoyed every bit of it! It was so nice to finally read some more about Tala and Marrok. You read a few things about them in the first book in the series, and it was so nice that we got their story too!

Tala and Marrok are both alphas which makes it a bit hard for them to be in a relationship. I think that Tala is such an amazing and empowering character. What I also loved about this book was that Abigail Owen wrote about the struggle of being a female alpha, Tala gets questioned a lot and people only see Marrok as an alpha. I also really loved Marrok because he puts a lot of effort in his relationship with Tala and he’s just so cute.

Shift Out of Luck was another amazing book by Abigail Owen and I didn’t expect anything else! She’s an amazing author and I love the worlds she’s created! I’m so excited to read more books set in the Brimstone Inc. series and I hope we’ll get a book about Dahlia!
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,219 reviews74 followers
February 12, 2019
Tala and Marrok are both alphas of their packs. Packs that have been locked in a feud that would probably put the Hatfields and McCoys to shame! Mating each other could fix things, if Tala and Marrok can share power and successfully merge their clans...something not everyone is on board with.

Tala was fascinating. On one hand, she’s cool, calm, and collected, yet she’s got a streak of passion that comes out when least expected! And boy, when she’s riled...better watch out!

I loved Marrok. He was the perfect balance to Tala’s temperament. He’s just as alpha and protective as Tala is, but he’s way more laid back and kept a sense of humor to roll with matters when they go wonky.

The romance was sometimes more push then pull, especially on Tala’s part, but I enjoyed the chase! Their chemistry sizzled and showed the obvious connection between them. However, I will admit, even I missed the obvious hiccup between those two!

I love this series! There’s humor, paranormal elements, a squinch of mythology, strong characters and of course, romance! I am thrilled there’s another book in this series before I have to struggle with withdrawals!
Profile Image for Katherine Paschal.
2,307 reviews63 followers
April 20, 2020
Ok disclaimer here. I had no idea that Shift Out Of Luck was the second in a series OR that it was a novella. I like to always start with the first book in a series, so I was miffed when I began the book and realized I was missing a little bit of the story- or actually, maybe the world building I was confused about since the relationship started on page one here. That being said, I would love to go back now and read the first story so fill in the blanks about whatever Brimstone is and I for sure want to read more since this was fun and really easy read to spend a hour or so on. I usually do not read novellas but this had cute character development and a fast paced plot so I don't feel like I was missing anything- that being sad, I would totally read this if it were a full length novel I liked the characters so much.

This was very much a werewolf romance story which I am always a sucker for- through in the mate bond and I am a goner. The story was dual narrated (the only way a romance should be in my totally biased opinion) by the two main characters/love interests. Marrok was born to be the alpha of his pack, groomed from birth to take his place- but he is not your normal alpha. Instead he is understanding and adaptable, caring about all of his pack, approachable- and can cook. I loved him from the start and rooted for him to get his happily ever after. Tala was more prickly and hard for me to figure out at first. I loved that the author took a different approach with a female alpha and we saw her struggle first hand to fight for her pack when every thing was against her. She could never look weak and I felt for her once I understood the issue.

Overall I found this to be sweet, steamy and fast, something I got lost in this afternoon for some quick escapism. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys paranormal romances, werewolf love stories and great character building.
Profile Image for Sandy Kelly.
1,253 reviews12 followers
April 21, 2020
This is book 2 in the Brimstone series and can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading book 1 before this one as they go hand in hand. In this one we get the full story of Tala and Marrok, who we saw mate in book 1. Tala and Marrok have mated in order to end the feud between their packs. In the hopes of ending the bloodshed, they are attempting to work together on a new future. But members of both packs have their doubts and grudges against each other. Not to mention that Tala's wolf is having issues with her new mate. Can they both overcome the obstacles in order to find not only happiness but peace?

I really liked this one. It's a novella, so the story happens at a fast pace. I wish it had been longer because there are portions of the story that I felt could have had more depth. However, I still really liked it. Tala is this strong and steady woman who is just trying to do what is best for her people, even when it may fight against what they think is best. Marrok is an overprotective, alpha male who is also trying to do what is best. Their chemistry together is explosive, but they both definitely have issues they have to work out. But once they do? Perfect couple! And I think I need to know more about her sister!!
Profile Image for Christina.
632 reviews26 followers
April 18, 2020
Is this the second book in this series? Yes. But I feel as tough it could be read as a standalone. So don't let that stop you from picking this up. Especially if you like PNR's with a lot of action in a short period of time.

Marrok and Tala are both alphas of their packs. Yes, it's "odd" to have a female as the alpha, but trust me, she's badass and totally deserves it. In an attempt to bring their packs closer together, Marrok and Tala mated, more out of necessity than love. But that doesn't mean there isn't "something" there between the two.

But that also doesn't mean that there will be obstacles in their way....

While trying to convince the packs that their union is pure and blessed by the Gods, Tala's wolf seems to be struggling with something of its own. Having to put her personal issues on the back burner, she focuses solely on the immediate task at hand, all while continuously fighting her own pack for approval.

The chemistry between Marrok and Tala is smokin hot, but the sincere and genuine lust/love Marrok has for Tala is beautiful. Buckle up and enjoy this short but sweet ride.
Profile Image for Ashley.
356 reviews35 followers
April 21, 2020
“If Shakespeare had solved the Montague and Capulet feud by uniting the two families through a marriage of convenience, would it have looked like this?"

A intense paranormal marriage of convenience between two alphas in order to bring together their feuding packs. This was a fun sequel novella to The Demigod Complex in the Brimstone INC series!

We are first introduced to Marrok & Tala in the first book as we learn about their marriage and see one side of what happened at the wedding. The Demigod Complex left me wanting to know more about this couple and Owen did not disappoint.

"Always present the image you want to be known by.”

In true enemies to lovers nature, this story had all the banter and sass that I crave! The politics that play into the packs and that power struggle that Marrok & Tala face within their packs and between each other added so much to the sexual tension and plot.

I absolutely adored Tala as a character not only is she a female alpha, but she is so fierce and kickass! She knows how to stand her own and the scenes of her fighting were hot! Marrok was such an adorable male character that you just want to squeeze in a big hug. Of course he makes some mistakes and handles some situations like a typical alpha male. He definitely pulled out that redemption card, he worked on it and tried so hard to fix everything and fight for Tala.

"The strong, independent, fierce woman who hid beneath a facade of icy control and couture clothing had won him, heart and soul.”

Although this story was super short and had me wanted more from this couple and see more of their relationship. I think Owen was able to tell a great story and wrap it up nicely! There were a few times that I felt were repetitive. It was like the scenes were copied and pasted and a few words altered. Overall it had good pacing for such a short novella and gave me the paranormal steamy smush I needed! If I could be in any thruple it would be with Marrok & Tala, they are both adorable and sexy alphas! If you love paranormal stories with steamy moments, politics, witty banter and a fantastic enemies to lovers read, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Carrie.
2,529 reviews19 followers
April 20, 2020
This was a short, smutty, paranormal read that was entertaining, had some action, and (always good right now) was an awesome distraction.

I read book#1 but you could probably dive right in here. This is more of a novella that fills in the gaps following the arranged mating between two alphas. It was supposed to bring peace between the two packs but it has done anything but. Tala and Marrock are pretty determined to see this through, and it's not exactly a horrible idea since they clearly have attraction on their side. It's where trust is involved that there is a bit of a disconnect.

There is a bit of a coup underway that both Tala and Marrock are trying to stop, while at the same time trying to get their wolves to fall in line with their humans. I enjoyed both characters, more so by the end, but it was fun to watch them learn more about one another here.
Profile Image for Ashley Yungbluth.
682 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2025
"Shift Out of Luck" is the second book in the "Brimstone INC" series by Abigail Owen. This book was a great addition, and I enjoyed reading Tala's story.When two alpha wolves have to decide if they can work/be together or are better off keeping things separate. I enjoyed the scene where Marrok had to choose to listen to his inner wolf or go with what his mind is telling him to do. The strength Marrock has to allow Tala to fight her own battles and not intervene is amazing. I like that these stories so far have been a one sitting read. There is just enough in them to give you the story and learn about each of the characters.
Profile Image for Tricia.
693 reviews30 followers
April 19, 2020
3.5 stars

This was a quick fun read. I'm really digging the Brimstone Inc. series so far! I loved the dynamic between the shifters human forms and their inner animal. It was pretty neat how there was kind of a separation of the two and it got really interesting when the wolf personas were clashing with the human personalities.

It was fun to see how this political alliance evolved into a romantic one, and the many hurdles Tala and Marrok had to overcome in that journey. I can't wait to see what Brimstone Inc. gets us into next!

I received an arc of this book from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Nextbookaroundthecorner.
1,022 reviews14 followers
April 14, 2020
After The Demigod Complex, I was very happy to see a second book in the Brimstone Inc. Series. Dahlia keeps 'm coming :-) Hopefully she will get her own book in the series.
But in this book we read about Tala and Marrok (yep, the ones who where in the alpha wolf shifter mating in The Demigod Complex) and the reason of their mating. And the reasons why it is a very tricky situation. Both Tala and Marrok are alphas of their pack. And therefore, they have a very explosive relationship. Add the inner wolfs to the mix and Tala and Marrok have a very hard time to reconcile their differences. Although... in the bedroom there is a different kind of explosive.
But after the mating Tala's inner wolf doesn't want anything to do with Marrok. And her pack is getting antsy. How can Marrok and Tala overcome their issues and lead both packs as a team? Find out for yourself if they need Dahlia's help and why. Dahlia, thank you very much ;-)
Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Profile Image for Bookish Heidi.
1,824 reviews31 followers
April 18, 2020
This book started out on fire 🔥 It picks up shortly after Marrok and Tala's wedding and proceeds to explain how they're integrating their feuding packs and dealing with them both being Alpha. They're dealing with it in smokin' hot ways.

They can't seem to get along in front of their packs though, so they take off to Tala's cabin in the mountains to get to know each other better and work through their differences. Which turns out pretty well until Tala gets a call saying she has been challenged for her Alpha position and she must go fight. Marrok can't go because he is too protective of his mate. Watching her drive away was the hardest thing he's ever done. Will his mate be alive the next time he sees her? Or will he be facing a new Alpha?
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books738 followers
November 10, 2020
A rating. I really loved this one and am completely enjoying the series.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,275 reviews33 followers
March 26, 2020
Shift Out of Luck is an exciting and exhilarating journey of finding love admist immense chaos and deceit. Nothing is easy when life seems stacked against you at every turn. The best you can hope for is an occasional moment of peace and clarity. This story will guide you through such a time with two characters who are desperately doing what they think is best for their people. Above all, they want to give, but at the same time they need to realize that they need to take into themselves what they need to build their strength and resolve to help those around them.

Marrok acknowledges the harsh past of this clan, and he longs to bring them a better future filled with hope and possibilities. There is only one sure way to secure a future of peace for his people, and to do that he must put his own feelings aside. Tala longs for a better way to steer her people into the future. Their way of dealing with circumstances is no longer working which now requires her to make sacrifices in order to improve things. She must put her heart aside and walk a path she never imagined. When a highly improbable business deal brings Marrok and Tala together, they get much more then they ever bargained for. As tensions rise, Tala must decide what she will risk in order to force the hand of Fate. Can Tala make this deal solve the issues for her people, or will she lose what she never knew she needed to a stubborn determination that only serves to limit life's generous gifts?

I had no idea of what to expect from Marrok and Tala, and what I found left me in awe. They are two people who unconditionally love their people, and a as a result find themsevles in an impossible situation. Their need to make the future better propel them into something neither is prepared for in any. They stumble and pick themselves back up each time, but each time things shift between them. Watching these two try to figure out what is growing between then left me giggling at times and annoyed at others. It is surprising what they couldn't see that was right in front of them, but honestly the both had many things to overcome along the way. Their journey is one of growth, learning, and above all an unwavering strength. What a fabulous story!!

Abigail Owens has once again proved just how incredible this new series is with this fantastic book! Her first book hooked me in no time, and this one made me see her exquisite creativity and left me in awe wanting so much more. I enjoyed this story more then I can express, and I honestly can't wait to see where this series goes next. Owens is a fabulous author, and I am addicted to her heart and marvelous talent!
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,393 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2020
**I received a copy of Shift Out of Luck from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and hones review. My opinions noted below are mine and not solicited in any way.**

Shift Out of Luck by Abigail Owen is the second book in her Brimstone Inc series. I didn't read the first book and was able to read as a stand alone without problems. I love the authors two Dragon series a lot and while I also love wolf pack romance I kept thinking one of the Dragons was going to show up in the story but it was a bit short and I wanted much more of Tala and Marrok love story.

Tala Canis is the Alpha female of her wolf pack who hopes that the marriage of Banes/Canis packs will lead to a stronger pack and that they can get along without killing each other. Sounds easy right ? If you remember Romeo and Juliet wasn't a walk in the park so think two very STRONG Alphas add in a challenge with one of the elders of Tala's pack and you have a pretty good story. Now she needs to convince her wolf that Marrok is her mate and not enemy.

Marrok Banes agreed to using a matchmaker to find his mate and of course his wolf thinks it's a wonderful idea because Tala is beautiful and a strong Alpha all rolled into one. But can they get along and figure out how to lead together and become a strong wolf pack. Convincing the elders of both packs might take a lot of patience and time and he knows that he'll stand by Tala through everything including not interfering when a challenge is issued. He'll find that alone is very, very hard but he knows that Tala needs him to do this so they can become true mates.
Profile Image for Llaph .
1,066 reviews29 followers
May 5, 2017
I liked this book for the most part, not as much as the first book, but I still liked it. This is the second in a series, but you do not have to have read the first one to enjoy this one. Though I think once you do you will want to. Tala is a unique alpha female with the right amount of toughness to her. She has her insecurities and doubts but works to figure out a way to surpass them. Marrok is the typical alpha male with the attitude of “my way or the highway” but his growing love and admiration for Tala reveals his ability to compromise. Their physical chemistry is off the charts they are so hot together, but when it comes to their alpha duties they run into a problem. One of the things I enjoyed in this book was to read how they dealt with said problem. This was a good read. I am curious to see what is next in the Legendary Consultants world.

The full review is here: Coffee Time Romance & More
Profile Image for Samantha.
2,696 reviews21 followers
April 9, 2020
Shift out of luck is the story of Tala and Marrok. They are two alphas of feuding packs who have had enough. They are to be mates and join the packs. Simple right? Two alphas in the same room can be difficult but mates? Well Tala is experiencing it all. She may not disagree with Marroks decisions but it isn’t good for her leadership.

Marrok is falling for Tala and can’t seem to keep his hands off. But her pack is turning on her and challenging for the alpha spot, on top of that every time she shifts her wolf wants to tear apart Marrok. What could go wrong?

These two alphas have to figure out their way not only in their mating and running both packs not just one. They also need to fight for their lives to survive.

I enjoyed it a lot and can’t wait for the next book!!!!!
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