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Big Easy Shifters #1
Taking the Belle
Ashton Boudreaux knows what he wants as soon as he sees it.
When the strange little princess in the dangerous dress walks in to his friend's bar one night, Ash can barely remember his own name, let alone the name of the woman who recently did him wrong. He knows it's a bad idea to get close to someone who doesn't understand his wild-and-woolly secret, but he's the breed of guy who mates for life. He doesn't care who her daddy is and does not care how many gilded hoops he has to jump through. He's gonna marry that girl and do whatever she says to get her down the aisle.
Rosemary DuChamps has got it all, except any desire for the kind of man her rich daddy approves of.
She's a hell cat who's hell-bent saving her virginity for just the right down-home fella who can keep up with her.
A man who isn't after her family's money.
And, a man who can handle the excitement of her family's bizarre little secret.
Ashton Boudreaux fits the bill perfectly. He's a self-made man, tons of fun and mystery, and has latched on to her so fast they're as cozy as beans and rice.
Now. if everyone can keep their claws to themselves, they might just end up with the perfect New Orleans wedding: sweet, loud, spicy, over-the-top, with the biggest bridesmaid dresses in the South and lots and lots and LOTS of hookups!
When the strange little princess in the dangerous dress walks in to his friend's bar one night, Ash can barely remember his own name, let alone the name of the woman who recently did him wrong. He knows it's a bad idea to get close to someone who doesn't understand his wild-and-woolly secret, but he's the breed of guy who mates for life. He doesn't care who her daddy is and does not care how many gilded hoops he has to jump through. He's gonna marry that girl and do whatever she says to get her down the aisle.
Rosemary DuChamps has got it all, except any desire for the kind of man her rich daddy approves of.
She's a hell cat who's hell-bent saving her virginity for just the right down-home fella who can keep up with her.
A man who isn't after her family's money.
And, a man who can handle the excitement of her family's bizarre little secret.
Ashton Boudreaux fits the bill perfectly. He's a self-made man, tons of fun and mystery, and has latched on to her so fast they're as cozy as beans and rice.
Now. if everyone can keep their claws to themselves, they might just end up with the perfect New Orleans wedding: sweet, loud, spicy, over-the-top, with the biggest bridesmaid dresses in the South and lots and lots and LOTS of hookups!
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2018
126 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 30, 2018
This book reads like an unfinished timeline with a few details thrown in for support. It was oddly entertaining. But so so lacking in any real story.
March 8, 2018
I don't know WHAT THE FUCK I just read.
This is just terrible.
This is just terrible.
September 26, 2020
Great clean with a animalistic vibe romance.
I was expecting some down and dirty, but got soft and sweet.
Cat vs. Wolf fury fun.
With a New Orleans twist, a little black magic alot of laughs and bit of mating.
Thanks for this read. Stayed up to finish it. This was described as be claws out dirty intimacy. Well the only claws that came out wher under the full moon and the mew moon.
Two wealthy families.
One rebellious daughter.
A love that should never happen between a panther and a wolf.
It is a great read does not lean towards the se**ual aspect more family drama.
I received the advanced copy of the book for my honest review
I was expecting some down and dirty, but got soft and sweet.
Cat vs. Wolf fury fun.
With a New Orleans twist, a little black magic alot of laughs and bit of mating.
Thanks for this read. Stayed up to finish it. This was described as be claws out dirty intimacy. Well the only claws that came out wher under the full moon and the mew moon.
Two wealthy families.
One rebellious daughter.
A love that should never happen between a panther and a wolf.
It is a great read does not lean towards the se**ual aspect more family drama.
I received the advanced copy of the book for my honest review
March 21, 2018
A Fun sexy and sweet paranormal romance that will have U hooked and dying for the next book!
Abby Knox is on my one click list!
Abby Knox is on my one click list!
May 20, 2018
I loved how Rosemary kept Ash on his toes and never let him get away with anything. This was a fun and sexy shifter book. I will definitely finish all the books in the series.
January 21, 2018
So cute.
But I want to know what happens after the wedding.
But I want to know what happens after the wedding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2020
EDITED: **Don’t keep reading these books thinking that eventually they’ll wrap up the cliffhanger of this book. The h is still a virgin at the end of this book and they never go back to their story in the other 3 books. So freaking annoyed**
Serious lack of heat and sex in this book. The premise is interesting but it’s strange that these shifters can’t smell out other shifters and the book felt wordy but it was words that were inconsequential while leaving out anything worth reading. I also don’t understand the H letting the h yank him around using sex or lack there of as a punishment and what is the freaking point of remaining a virgin and cutting your fiancé off from any pussy contact while allowing anal? Just don’t get it. This book was weird. I’m going to read the next book and I’m hoping that it not only improves but that I might actually get to read a sex scene.
Serious lack of heat and sex in this book. The premise is interesting but it’s strange that these shifters can’t smell out other shifters and the book felt wordy but it was words that were inconsequential while leaving out anything worth reading. I also don’t understand the H letting the h yank him around using sex or lack there of as a punishment and what is the freaking point of remaining a virgin and cutting your fiancé off from any pussy contact while allowing anal? Just don’t get it. This book was weird. I’m going to read the next book and I’m hoping that it not only improves but that I might actually get to read a sex scene.
September 27, 2020
Taking the Belle is a wonderful shifter story that is full of sweet moments, sass and stream. Ash is an amazing alpha wolf shifter, who meets his mate in the best way. I enjoyed both the meet cute and the development of the romance. I think the author did a great job of creating this world and these characters. When one shifter goes up against another, especially in a romantic way, it really sparks the relationship right off the pages and this story did a wonderful job of that. I think readers looking for a shifter story, a sweet story and one that will leave them with warm fuzzy feelings will enjoy this read.
March 13, 2018
Both families are enemies in business. Rosemary’s panther shifter and Ash’s Wolf shifter.
Rosemary sought him out. She was a virgin wanted to defy her father. She kept her pussy from him until their wedding night but gave him her asshole. Huh
Rosemary sought him out. She was a virgin wanted to defy her father. She kept her pussy from him until their wedding night but gave him her asshole. Huh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2019
I love Abby Knox's books but this was just a miss for me. The concept, the writing, and the plot are just too cheesy for me. I mean honestly how much stereotypical southern twang can you use in one short book. The whole think was just a miss for me.
October 6, 2020
I've read a few Abby Knox books and there have been a few that just weren't my cup of tea. However, I have to say, reading the synopsis I really thought this one would be exactly what I was looking for and what I do read quite often. But reading this story was ROUGH!
Honestly, I think a big part of my dislike for this one is that I just didn't connect or really like many characters in this book, including Rosemary.
Both are shifters, yet they can't figure it out. When it came to them shifting, I could understand Ashton's reasoning for not wanting Rosemary to see him. He's a wild wolf who has learned to tame himself a bit to only search out meat freely given. However, Rosemary and the other panthers seemed to be more "sophisticated" with their shift and it was certainly mentioned quite a bit that she had more control over her animal. So I was confused and didn't understand the reasoning that Ashton couldn't see her shift...I mean hello it will happen eventually you're getting married?!?
I really disliked that Penny was upset and didn't have anything to do with Rosemary because she kept her shifting side a secret from her...ummm hello that's a two way street because Penny also didn't say anything about her furry side.
It was also so weird to me that she went out to find herself a one-night stand kind of guy but seemed to never have any intention of getting rid of her v-card. Even when Ashton and Rosemary had gotten engaged, they still didn't go all the way in that hole...but her forbidden hole was used...yeah not feeling it.
All in all this was not a good book. From my understanding this version I read was an updated version, but it still wasn't good.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**
Honestly, I think a big part of my dislike for this one is that I just didn't connect or really like many characters in this book, including Rosemary.
Both are shifters, yet they can't figure it out. When it came to them shifting, I could understand Ashton's reasoning for not wanting Rosemary to see him. He's a wild wolf who has learned to tame himself a bit to only search out meat freely given. However, Rosemary and the other panthers seemed to be more "sophisticated" with their shift and it was certainly mentioned quite a bit that she had more control over her animal. So I was confused and didn't understand the reasoning that Ashton couldn't see her shift...I mean hello it will happen eventually you're getting married?!?
I really disliked that Penny was upset and didn't have anything to do with Rosemary because she kept her shifting side a secret from her...ummm hello that's a two way street because Penny also didn't say anything about her furry side.
It was also so weird to me that she went out to find herself a one-night stand kind of guy but seemed to never have any intention of getting rid of her v-card. Even when Ashton and Rosemary had gotten engaged, they still didn't go all the way in that hole...but her forbidden hole was used...yeah not feeling it.
All in all this was not a good book. From my understanding this version I read was an updated version, but it still wasn't good.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**
September 28, 2020
Taking the Belle by Abby Knox was delightful and delicious and dreamy! It's the first book in the Big Easy Shifters series and tells the wonderful and addictive story of Ash and Rosemary!
Ash is a hoot of a character! He's charming, he's funny, and he had no problem being instantaneously fascinated by a woman he'd never met before, wanting to know more about her, about all the various elements that made her up to be who she was on all's levels.
And Rosemary? She is a firecracker and had me hooked from the start, wanting to observe her and witness her in every day life and be her friend and just get to know her. She was fascinating and I was just as enamored as Ash was from the start. P. S. I ADORE her drawl, and could hear it in my head perfectly!
The story draws you in immediately and the chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS I guarantee you! My pages were sizzling and steaming and I definitely required some ice cold water after reading this book in the best possible way!
Both have a secret they're not sure how to share with the other, but both also know that the connection they have is for life. Read this story to get to explore how it all gets navigated, with a liberal sprinkling of sass and sarcasm and feisty and fiery characters and combustible chemistry!
This is an updated and revised edition, and it has simply gotten so much better! So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and fall in love with these larger than life personalities!
Ash is a hoot of a character! He's charming, he's funny, and he had no problem being instantaneously fascinated by a woman he'd never met before, wanting to know more about her, about all the various elements that made her up to be who she was on all's levels.
And Rosemary? She is a firecracker and had me hooked from the start, wanting to observe her and witness her in every day life and be her friend and just get to know her. She was fascinating and I was just as enamored as Ash was from the start. P. S. I ADORE her drawl, and could hear it in my head perfectly!
The story draws you in immediately and the chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS I guarantee you! My pages were sizzling and steaming and I definitely required some ice cold water after reading this book in the best possible way!
Both have a secret they're not sure how to share with the other, but both also know that the connection they have is for life. Read this story to get to explore how it all gets navigated, with a liberal sprinkling of sass and sarcasm and feisty and fiery characters and combustible chemistry!
This is an updated and revised edition, and it has simply gotten so much better! So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and fall in love with these larger than life personalities!
October 2, 2020
This was quite the paranormal rollercoaster ride through the French Quarter! I adore New Orleans so this had just enough Cajun flavor without overwhelming our main characters. Rosemary is a debutante, a woman raised from birth to comport herself in a certain way. Ash is a laid back, easy going guy who hasn't really accomplished much. He is having fun being the only son of a self made man. That new money status, among other things is a bone of contention between Ash's dad and Rosemary's father. So when these two meet, the attraction is immediate. Both are keeping secrets and if they are going to have a future together, they are going to have to come clean and soon. Totally adorable, Ash is not prepared for all that is Rosemary. Rosemary is high society but not cold. They come from two different worlds, in more ways than one. If you like paranormal romance, definitely check out Taking the Belle!
October 14, 2020
A hard pass
This book was so ruff. I skimmed from 30% till the end. It’s like a different author wrote it. I really love most Abby Knox books. There have been 1 or 2 max that I wasn’t a fan of but this book??? It was constantly skipping to different scenes. Like no cohesiveness what so ever. I couldn’t even tell u what the main characters looked like or why they even got together and stayed together. I love paranormal romance but how do you say the main H grew up being able to sniff out “normals” but he also continued to be clueless that his future wife was also a shapeshifter. How being a shapeshifter all his life could he forget when the full moon was and plan a dinner with the h to meet her parents for the first time on the same night?? This female did everything from oral to back door stuff but the H has to wait months till their wedding just to have regular sex?? Finally the main h was way too aggressive and the main H to submissive to her for my taste.
This book was so ruff. I skimmed from 30% till the end. It’s like a different author wrote it. I really love most Abby Knox books. There have been 1 or 2 max that I wasn’t a fan of but this book??? It was constantly skipping to different scenes. Like no cohesiveness what so ever. I couldn’t even tell u what the main characters looked like or why they even got together and stayed together. I love paranormal romance but how do you say the main H grew up being able to sniff out “normals” but he also continued to be clueless that his future wife was also a shapeshifter. How being a shapeshifter all his life could he forget when the full moon was and plan a dinner with the h to meet her parents for the first time on the same night?? This female did everything from oral to back door stuff but the H has to wait months till their wedding just to have regular sex?? Finally the main h was way too aggressive and the main H to submissive to her for my taste.
October 4, 2020
This is an insta love shifter romance. It is sort of a take on Romeo and Juliet where families do not like each other. When Rosemary and Ash meet you feel the magnetic pull to each other and are meant to be. Ash would do anything to make sure she stays his. Rosemary is sassy and likes to take control even though her family hasn’t allowed her to but she takes control of hers and Ash’s relationships which he loves. When they both have something they need to tell each other it’s funny how they both feared they’d lose one another but were hiding the same secret. I couldn’t put this books down. I love the build up of how much their relationship grows so quickly. This book has saucy scenes, an alpha you will love and a sassy heroine that knows what she wants. You will laugh, swoon and fan yourself a lot. I cannot wait to read more by Abby Knox.
January 21, 2018
I Absolutely Loved This Story!
Rosemary is the type of woman you quite simply love. Her confidence and quirkiness endear her to your heart. And Ashton, well, his quiet confidence draws you in. I loved the banter and easy way the couple came together. And kudos to Rosemary for holding her man's reigns tight. Neither made apologies for their life and love. And our heroine wasn't weak, she took what she wanted.
And Rosemary, I have a clear conscious every meal lol!
Need a quick read with a few good laughs, here ya go!
Rosemary is the type of woman you quite simply love. Her confidence and quirkiness endear her to your heart. And Ashton, well, his quiet confidence draws you in. I loved the banter and easy way the couple came together. And kudos to Rosemary for holding her man's reigns tight. Neither made apologies for their life and love. And our heroine wasn't weak, she took what she wanted.
And Rosemary, I have a clear conscious every meal lol!
Need a quick read with a few good laughs, here ya go!
September 28, 2020
This is the second of Abby's books I've read and even though very different from the other, I loved this story. Ash has integrity and is prepared to give the rest of his life to protect his bonded mate. Rosemary is my kind of gal - she's sassy, determined, strong and not to mention rich. She knows what and who she wants and nothing is going to stand in her way to get it - not even her family. With her demands she keeps Ash on his toes, but through those demands he realises just how deep his love for her is. I'd recommend this book to everyone who loves paranormal novels.
September 30, 2020
This was an insta-love, shifter novel. Ashton is a wolf shifter and Rosemary has a panther lurking inside. Her dad hates the Boudreaux family, so this was kind of a Romeo and Juliet re-telling without the death at the end. What would be the fun in that? For most of the book Rosemary is a relentless tease to Ashton which I found a bit annoying. And initially they both hid their "otherness" from each other. I loved the epilogue on this one, so all is well that ends well! 3.5 stars!
September 18, 2018
More!
I like how different this shifter romance book was. I want more 😉 It was funny and wired in all the right ways. I really enjoy Abby Knox's writing style. It's a breath of fresh air. Sometimes I feel like I read the same book over and over, just with a different authors name on it. But she brings something completely different to the table and I'm enjoying every book.
I like how different this shifter romance book was. I want more 😉 It was funny and wired in all the right ways. I really enjoy Abby Knox's writing style. It's a breath of fresh air. Sometimes I feel like I read the same book over and over, just with a different authors name on it. But she brings something completely different to the table and I'm enjoying every book.
February 9, 2018
Funny...
Tiny bit of a cliff hanger ending. Funny romantic tale. Surprisingly, Abby Knox got most of her New Orleans details right. Freret is Uptown, and just barely outside of the Garden District. Not exactly slumming it. And there are no Publix in Louisiana. Change it to Winn Dixie, or Rouse's, and you're all set.
Tiny bit of a cliff hanger ending. Funny romantic tale. Surprisingly, Abby Knox got most of her New Orleans details right. Freret is Uptown, and just barely outside of the Garden District. Not exactly slumming it. And there are no Publix in Louisiana. Change it to Winn Dixie, or Rouse's, and you're all set.
March 12, 2018
Forget vampires, wizards and werewolves.
New Orleans is filled with shapeshifters, and two opposing families in business - almost a Romeo and Juliet - prepare to have their heirs falling in love.
Imagine the huge confusion when a panther and a wolf decide to get married...
Short story.
3,5 stars
New Orleans is filled with shapeshifters, and two opposing families in business - almost a Romeo and Juliet - prepare to have their heirs falling in love.
Imagine the huge confusion when a panther and a wolf decide to get married...
Short story.
3,5 stars
September 27, 2020
This is a fun, and hot 🔥, story about a wolf shifter, Ash, meeting a woman who’s meant to be his. When he meets Rosemary, at first it’s just to tick her daddy off, but they have an instant connection. Ash knows he’s her mate, and knows there’s something else about her. When he finds out she’s a panther shifter, things get real interesting. Can’t wait to read more in the series!
September 30, 2020
Ash & Rosemary...
Wow these two were great by themselves. Both full of spunk and fire, but when you put them together they were explosive. They really brought the story to life with their over the top ways and they made the story so enjoyable and dreamy. I thought this was well written and so enjoyable. I look forward to what is to come next in the series!
Wow these two were great by themselves. Both full of spunk and fire, but when you put them together they were explosive. They really brought the story to life with their over the top ways and they made the story so enjoyable and dreamy. I thought this was well written and so enjoyable. I look forward to what is to come next in the series!
October 4, 2020
A sweet and romantic shifter story about a wolf and his panther mate. The story is well written and fun to read. I loved that Rose isn't a pushover but a panther that knows her business. Ash is not your typical alpha wolf. He loves Rose and tries to deserve her love and commitment. A safe and steamy story with a sweet HEA and great epilogues.
May 16, 2018
I love a fast, sexy read. This shifter romance left me wanting more. I'm on to the next one. I like your writing style Abby Knox. The characters were funny, and had great personality. Your shifters were different, that was refreshing. I love reading new paranormal romance.
January 23, 2019
The story was good actually, filled with romancing and courting games. But the wait was actually way too long. The waiting game though, building tension just alright. I just disliked the abrupt ending.
September 26, 2020
Ash is instantly captivated by the beautiful Rosemary. Ash and his wolf want her and Rosemary is on board with that. A fast paced shifter love story of finding your mate and sticking together no matter what.
September 26, 2020
From what I've been told these are previous releases just revamped. Gotta tell ya I'm glad I waited. I loved Ash and Rosemary's story. Paranormal romances are my go to sub genre anyways. I can't wait for the book.
April 10, 2021
She was a bit to much.
The heroine was just a bit to much for me sometimes. I liked Asher a lot. I didn't get Rosemaries parents at ALL. And don't get me started on Pen. Did NOT like that chick. Like what? Make it all about you.
The heroine was just a bit to much for me sometimes. I liked Asher a lot. I didn't get Rosemaries parents at ALL. And don't get me started on Pen. Did NOT like that chick. Like what? Make it all about you.
April 11, 2021
She is a manipulative shifter, also in this universe shifters don't know about other species or protocols. It is very strange about many aspects of interpersonal relations, especial of the sexual kind. Let's see how the next one progress.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews