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Savage Horde Mates #1
Savage in the Touch
The horde will come. They will consume. They will leave.
The fearsome horde wasn’t supposed to be real…
But then myth becomes reality in the touch of a savage. Glowing red eyes, pointed teeth, and claws demolish everything in our village. As well as my hope to escape with my sister.
There’s nothing we can do except wait for their departure, hoping they don’t take more than we have to give.
The savage’s demands are swift and foreign, as is the hunger in his eyes. He only watches me and the fire in his gaze burns brighter the longer he stares.
I’m beginning to think he’ll never leave…
Or if he does, he won’t go without me.
The fearsome horde wasn’t supposed to be real…
But then myth becomes reality in the touch of a savage. Glowing red eyes, pointed teeth, and claws demolish everything in our village. As well as my hope to escape with my sister.
There’s nothing we can do except wait for their departure, hoping they don’t take more than we have to give.
The savage’s demands are swift and foreign, as is the hunger in his eyes. He only watches me and the fire in his gaze burns brighter the longer he stares.
I’m beginning to think he’ll never leave…
Or if he does, he won’t go without me.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2022
919 people are currently reading
2765 people want to read
About the author
Milana Jacks
73 books1,034 followersMilana grew up with tales of water fairies that seduced men, vampires that seduced women, and Babaroga who'd come to take her away if she didn't eat her bean soup. She writes sci-fi fantasy romance with over-the-top heroes from her home on Earth where she lives with her mate and their three little monsters. • Safe from cheating, otherwoman drama, and with HEA every time, Milana's stories will entertain you. Try one!
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NEW to Milana READERS - start reading Beast Mates Series with Virgin FREE.
Book 2.5 is available FREE on my website. Click!
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NEW to Milana READERS - start reading Beast Mates Series with Virgin FREE.
Book 2.5 is available FREE on my website. Click!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
March 12, 2022
3.5 Stars
I have loved Milana's books since even before the first Alpha Horde series. I was super excited to start this new series and I really liked this new fantasy world. There's Alpha monster shifters, a couple hapless barmaids, stolen magic used for dark dealings, Faeries somewhere or other, and enough snark to give this darker tale some levity.
I really liked Tolei and Andy. They had good chemistry and back and forth dialogue. I liked this new fantasy world and overarching storyline that sets up the other brothers stories well. I really liked most of the the side characters too.
What I didn't like was the writing was a little choppy or disjointed in places. Some things weren't explained well, especially about the Alpha's shifted side specifically. There was very modern dialogue or phrases used that detract from the Medieval/dystopian feel, such as "really, babe" and "baby girl." Lastly, I really wished there had been more steam. We barely got to finally see Andy hit her Moon fever heat, which much was glossed over, after all the build up and then bam the end. It just felt really rushed.
All in all, I still really liked it. I love Milana's hordes of all kinds, and I can't wait to see Mags get her very own Alpha in the next book.
I have loved Milana's books since even before the first Alpha Horde series. I was super excited to start this new series and I really liked this new fantasy world. There's Alpha monster shifters, a couple hapless barmaids, stolen magic used for dark dealings, Faeries somewhere or other, and enough snark to give this darker tale some levity.
I really liked Tolei and Andy. They had good chemistry and back and forth dialogue. I liked this new fantasy world and overarching storyline that sets up the other brothers stories well. I really liked most of the the side characters too.
What I didn't like was the writing was a little choppy or disjointed in places. Some things weren't explained well, especially about the Alpha's shifted side specifically. There was very modern dialogue or phrases used that detract from the Medieval/dystopian feel, such as "really, babe" and "baby girl." Lastly, I really wished there had been more steam. We barely got to finally see Andy hit her Moon fever heat, which much was glossed over, after all the build up and then bam the end. It just felt really rushed.
All in all, I still really liked it. I love Milana's hordes of all kinds, and I can't wait to see Mags get her very own Alpha in the next book.
dnf
February 24, 2022I loved the cover but just couldn’t get into the book. I quit at about 30%
March 14, 2022
This is a fantasy romance Andy and her sister Mag own a run-down inn when the mythical Horde blaze a path through their area in their war against the king instead of running the sisters now find themselves at the mercy of these scary otherworldly males. When their Alpha takes a liking to Andy declaring her his mate the two find themselves becoming reluctant guests of the horde as they are swept up to accompany them on their onward journey.
The Horde males are definite predators with glowing eyes claws immortality and the ability to change their form at will. They have been asleep and hibernating for many years due to persecution and enslavement by the king. Their magic stolen from them. Now they're awake and ready to take back all that was once there’s.
Tolei is Alpha of his pack he’s also Andy’s mate and he really liked him. I found him to be forthright and blunt but also patient and attentive. He doesn’t rush Andy but is incredibly candid about his expectations and their mating. He also definitely had a sense of humour which I did appreciate.
I also thought it fabulous that Andy was an older woman in her late thirties it was incredibly refreshing in the usual sea of perfect nubile youngsters to have an older heroine and Andy as a person is actually very reasonable she has her head screwed on being older she definitely knows what she wants and doesn’t play games I liked that she decides she wants Tolei and it’s that easy for her there’s no over complicating things.
This definitely had some really interesting ideas and it was really imaginative. I greatly appreciated the smut and it was super hot it was dual POV and was also well written. It is very instalove which isn’t always my favourite but it did seem to work but I do think the short length maybe impacted this slightly as it did feel slightly rushed. Overall it’s not a complicated story and occasionally it did get slightly confusing with some of the magical logistics explanations but as a whole, this was an enjoyable read I’m intrigued so I will probably check out book two at some time in the future.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
May 15, 2022
15/05/2022
2022 reads book 15
This just wasn't good. The story was all over the place, the writing was choppy and the main characters read the exact same. Andy is 37 yet reads like she's 16. The fight scenes always got resolved by the male doing something amazing and ridiculous, and then he does some sexual act with Andy. Who, btw, after only 10 pages, lets him touch her after being terrified of him the page before.
Just no.
2022 reads book 15
This just wasn't good. The story was all over the place, the writing was choppy and the main characters read the exact same. Andy is 37 yet reads like she's 16. The fight scenes always got resolved by the male doing something amazing and ridiculous, and then he does some sexual act with Andy. Who, btw, after only 10 pages, lets him touch her after being terrified of him the page before.
Just no.
March 1, 2022
The horde is not playing around in this book…
*****
Rating: 3.5 stars
Steam: 3 flames
Genre: PNR / Dark Humor / Fated Mates / Revenge
Triggers: Blood and guts galore
*****
This book was a good start to this new series.
Tolei made me laugh... He is a ruthless barbarian bent on killing his mortal enemy, the King... But he was also amusing. I really liked his character. I mean, he walks around with his belly split open and his intestines leaking out... and he's still cracking jokes and trying to get into the female’s pants.... I have a strange sense of humor, but that was amusing.
Andy, the tavern owner who comes into contact with the horde and survives... was a decent enough heroine. She is spared when the horde attacks her town and tavern, as long as they keep pouring the ale.... But when Tolei makes an advance and she tries to push the horde leader away, they uncover a secret... They are meant to be together.
Savage in the Touch was a good book, though I struggled with the story's flow at times... But Tolei... he was the character I kept wanting to see more of because he was witty, sarcastic, and sexy! And he almost always makes me laugh, but then again, my favorite movie is Deadpool, so I enjoy inappropriate humor and blood/guts! The banter between the two characters was also entertaining.
If you can’t guess… I liked Tolei! Yes there were a few hiccups in the story, in my opinion…but I liked it all the same.
Do I recommend? It was an entertaining read. Will I keep reading? Sure… I am curious enough to pick up book 2. A good read in my opinion.
*****
Rating: 3.5 stars
Steam: 3 flames
Genre: PNR / Dark Humor / Fated Mates / Revenge
Triggers: Blood and guts galore
*****
This book was a good start to this new series.
Tolei made me laugh... He is a ruthless barbarian bent on killing his mortal enemy, the King... But he was also amusing. I really liked his character. I mean, he walks around with his belly split open and his intestines leaking out... and he's still cracking jokes and trying to get into the female’s pants.... I have a strange sense of humor, but that was amusing.
Andy, the tavern owner who comes into contact with the horde and survives... was a decent enough heroine. She is spared when the horde attacks her town and tavern, as long as they keep pouring the ale.... But when Tolei makes an advance and she tries to push the horde leader away, they uncover a secret... They are meant to be together.
Savage in the Touch was a good book, though I struggled with the story's flow at times... But Tolei... he was the character I kept wanting to see more of because he was witty, sarcastic, and sexy! And he almost always makes me laugh, but then again, my favorite movie is Deadpool, so I enjoy inappropriate humor and blood/guts! The banter between the two characters was also entertaining.
If you can’t guess… I liked Tolei! Yes there were a few hiccups in the story, in my opinion…but I liked it all the same.
Do I recommend? It was an entertaining read. Will I keep reading? Sure… I am curious enough to pick up book 2. A good read in my opinion.
February 24, 2022
3 smut-tastic stars!
I'm rating this purely on a smut scale. It was completely ridiculous and I found myself laughing at the wit and banter between the MCs. I was pretty confused by the world building and the story felt a little clunky but overall a smutty fun read if you're looking a a palate cleanser.
I'm rating this purely on a smut scale. It was completely ridiculous and I found myself laughing at the wit and banter between the MCs. I was pretty confused by the world building and the story felt a little clunky but overall a smutty fun read if you're looking a a palate cleanser.
June 8, 2022
Magical Savage man fated mate.
It wasn't bad but also kind of rushed. This should have been a full book.
But plus for the first sex being anal. Haha!
3 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
It wasn't bad but also kind of rushed. This should have been a full book.
But plus for the first sex being anal. Haha!
3 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
February 22, 2022
4 stars
As usual Milana Jacks serves up a fantastic trip into the world of the Alpha Beast. Plenty of blood and guts, so be warned. I love the way she injects humour into her stories, even though they are mind boggling science fiction 😂
As usual Milana Jacks serves up a fantastic trip into the world of the Alpha Beast. Plenty of blood and guts, so be warned. I love the way she injects humour into her stories, even though they are mind boggling science fiction 😂
March 21, 2022
"Is there a love story between Leian and Yerlenia?" she prompts.
"Oh yes. There's a book of obscenity for those two."
"I'd read that, but wait. How does it end?"
"Ends in tragedy, I'm afraid."
"Then I won't read it."
"Why not?"
Andy shrugs. "What's the point if they don't live out their lives together?"
I started reading random books on KU (did you know you can read Kindle books on a computer??) while I had downtime at work. I went through a few lukewarm monster romances, started a MM breeding monster romance before realizing it was MUCH too scandalous for work, and started this book, which I had randomly downloaded.
You know that feeling when you start a new book and it's SO GOOD that it catches you off guard? You're enthralled by the characters and/or dialogue and/or story. It's such a special feeling that I crave but it's hard to find, and usually I rely on re-reading old favorites for that warm, fuzzy feeling.
This book was SO good. I liked the writing right away but the plot quickly ramped up, and by the end of the first chapter I was hooked on the possibility of the story. When the hero - a savage, magic, beast of a man - is introduced it's immediately like sparks fly between him and the heroine - a tavern owner. The dialogue, the quips, the internal monologues... all great.
So many parts of this story were laugh out loud funny. So many parts of the story were genuinely FUN, even when the subject matter / overarching plot was not.
The overarching plot and world building was great: the hero, Tolei, is alpha of a "horde" - people-eating predators who ravage villages. He wants revenge on the king, who has killed his people to use their magic for himself. Some of his horde members aren't pleased he's taken a "king's female" as his mate, but there are no women of his kind left.
My only complaint is that I wanted MORE from the story. I could have had another 100 pages of their adventures, their future... a little more information on the history of the heroine Andy's father, who was a historian for the king. But I genuinely enjoyed the story and romance so much that I don't mind I was left wanting.
I think how the author will do the series is hop from horde to horde furthering on the overarching plot of overthrowing the king. The hordes will need to find mates (because the magic from mating makes them stronger) and work together to accomplish this. I hope that we get more stories that feature Tolei/Andy, even as side characters - because I did enjoy the guy from Tolei's horde who teases him.
Also I feel I need to point this out because it feels more rare - but the heroine Andy is 37, and her sister Mags is in her 40's and the heroine of book 2. I kind of loved that the heroine wasn't some wide eyed, virginal 18 year old awakening the magic of an immortal, ancient man.
"Oh yes. There's a book of obscenity for those two."
"I'd read that, but wait. How does it end?"
"Ends in tragedy, I'm afraid."
"Then I won't read it."
"Why not?"
Andy shrugs. "What's the point if they don't live out their lives together?"
I started reading random books on KU (did you know you can read Kindle books on a computer??) while I had downtime at work. I went through a few lukewarm monster romances, started a MM breeding monster romance before realizing it was MUCH too scandalous for work, and started this book, which I had randomly downloaded.
You know that feeling when you start a new book and it's SO GOOD that it catches you off guard? You're enthralled by the characters and/or dialogue and/or story. It's such a special feeling that I crave but it's hard to find, and usually I rely on re-reading old favorites for that warm, fuzzy feeling.
This book was SO good. I liked the writing right away but the plot quickly ramped up, and by the end of the first chapter I was hooked on the possibility of the story. When the hero - a savage, magic, beast of a man - is introduced it's immediately like sparks fly between him and the heroine - a tavern owner. The dialogue, the quips, the internal monologues... all great.
So many parts of this story were laugh out loud funny. So many parts of the story were genuinely FUN, even when the subject matter / overarching plot was not.
The overarching plot and world building was great: the hero, Tolei, is alpha of a "horde" - people-eating predators who ravage villages. He wants revenge on the king, who has killed his people to use their magic for himself. Some of his horde members aren't pleased he's taken a "king's female" as his mate, but there are no women of his kind left.
My only complaint is that I wanted MORE from the story. I could have had another 100 pages of their adventures, their future... a little more information on the history of the heroine Andy's father, who was a historian for the king. But I genuinely enjoyed the story and romance so much that I don't mind I was left wanting.
I think how the author will do the series is hop from horde to horde furthering on the overarching plot of overthrowing the king. The hordes will need to find mates (because the magic from mating makes them stronger) and work together to accomplish this. I hope that we get more stories that feature Tolei/Andy, even as side characters - because I did enjoy the guy from Tolei's horde who teases him.
Also I feel I need to point this out because it feels more rare - but the heroine Andy is 37, and her sister Mags is in her 40's and the heroine of book 2. I kind of loved that the heroine wasn't some wide eyed, virginal 18 year old awakening the magic of an immortal, ancient man.
March 19, 2022
This book just wasn't for me. The main character had a really immature narrative voice for a 30 year old, and she made a lot of poor, irrational decisions. (She read more like a bratty 14 year old.) Unfortunately, the male main character read the same way. He was a centuries old leader, but his narrative voice sounded like an immature 14 year old. Jacks also did not do a lot of world building. The set up sounded promising, but she didn't really develop the history of the world or the history of the magic in the world.
I skimmed a little bit of the book hoping for more descriptions of the world or for some character growth between the two main characters, but there was no evidence of that in this book so I did not finish it.
I would not recommend this book.
I skimmed a little bit of the book hoping for more descriptions of the world or for some character growth between the two main characters, but there was no evidence of that in this book so I did not finish it.
I would not recommend this book.
June 24, 2022
This was like the framework of a book, published before it was finished.
January 1, 2023
The horde is coming, the horde is coming….uh, actually they are here….you are welcome. Wait, did I sound ominous? I was going for a tinge of funny too. Anyway, Andy and her sister Mags own an Inn, the horde comes to raid their town, and that is how she lands on her savage mate’s radar. Tolei aka the savage, and his horde is on their way to overthrow the king, takeover, and consume anyone in their way. Imagine his surprise when the very female he commands to go to his bed, is in fact his feisty mate. He has kind of a habit of always throwing her over his shoulder, and he also has to work on his groveling….according to his mate *winks*.
Safe read, always love naughty mates. And, always love Milana Jacks hordes. Great, and intriguing storyline. I cannot wait to see more surprises unfold in this series. There is magic to be wielded, a corrupt king to be overthrown, killer beast to defeat, moon fevers to make it through, and many other exciting obstacles. HFN…and a TBC….is it March yet??? Oh, and I already licked this cover so he’s mine. #SubtleLikeAMackTruck
Safe read, always love naughty mates. And, always love Milana Jacks hordes. Great, and intriguing storyline. I cannot wait to see more surprises unfold in this series. There is magic to be wielded, a corrupt king to be overthrown, killer beast to defeat, moon fevers to make it through, and many other exciting obstacles. HFN…and a TBC….is it March yet??? Oh, and I already licked this cover so he’s mine. #SubtleLikeAMackTruck
March 31, 2022
Very difficult read
This book was all over the place. The writing style didn't appeal to me and I felt it lacked passion. I felt no connection with the characters and the tone of voice was inconsistent. There are way better horde romances, keep looking, imo.
This book was all over the place. The writing style didn't appeal to me and I felt it lacked passion. I felt no connection with the characters and the tone of voice was inconsistent. There are way better horde romances, keep looking, imo.
March 12, 2022
Very confusing
Not sure how this book got so many 5 star reviews, it confused the heck out of me. The FMC acted like she was a young girl even though she was in her late 30s. No world-building at all and the parts that did got explained where not necessary. Did not like this book and I’m starting to realize that Im not a fan of this author. It might work for other people but definitely not me.
Not sure how this book got so many 5 star reviews, it confused the heck out of me. The FMC acted like she was a young girl even though she was in her late 30s. No world-building at all and the parts that did got explained where not necessary. Did not like this book and I’m starting to realize that Im not a fan of this author. It might work for other people but definitely not me.
June 28, 2022
If you are a writer or a reader who is interested in the use of voice in alternating POV romance, please read this novella. The hell hound shifter hero's voice - alongside the 37-year-old inn keep heroine's no-nonsense chapters - is brilliant. The contrast is far too funny for me to rate this book anything less than 4 stars. I mean, if you're going to write a non-human character, why not go for broke? Put all your cards on the table! Make them over the top and unrecognizable and utterly, utterly ridiculous.
For a minute, I'll admit, I was a judgy bitch. I wondered if it was completely necessary for the aggro horde boys to use the word "pussy" as an insult. It is the Year of Our Lord, 2022. Are people - besides Trump - still talking like that? But, you know what, spaghetti straps and crop tops are in this season, and I've given up being mad about the return of my childhood aesthetic, so WTF, let it be 2001 all over again! I don't care! My midriff is showing, I'm reading about a bunch of dude bros rampaging across a fantasy land, and it is a bizarre and terrifying time to be alive in America, so I'm rolling with it.
Apart from the hero and his medieval brotherhood's whole vibe, I loved the heroine here! I loved that she was older than me because women older than me are sexy AF and I'm sick of us all pretending that isn't true or white hair isn't bad ass or wrinkly smile-eyes don't put everyone at ease. Andy was a working class bombshell, she wasn't a virgin (sorry to the virgins, I love you and respect your choices, and you are wildly over-represented in romance), and she wasn't in some corner, tittering over the concept of having sex with a stranger who turns her on. I mean, this is an erotic romance where the heterosexual couple have anal sex BEFORE he penetrates her vaginally and that is so, so cool.
So, if I enjoyed this so much, why 4 stars instead of the full 5? Well, beyond the genius stuff I've already mentioned, this book is a lovable mess. I'm not even entirely sure what the heroes' beast mode is supposed to look like and I'm halfway through book two in the trilogy. Are they even hell hound shifters?! Hahaha, I have no idea! The world building is likewise muddled. We got some sort of layered origin story for their magical kingdom, which I never fully grasped, and it certainly wasn't from lack of trying. The plot? Very, very minimal, beyond the sex. There's this one interesting scene, where the horde boys attack, uh, a weather station type of thing, maybe...I appreciated the action scenes with life-or-death fighting anyway!
And while I usually love novellas or short fiction in literature, I don't think it's ever an easy fit for romance. Romance has a lot of stuff to do to be successful and I rarely find there's enough room for all of that when an author is working in a smaller format. That's definitely true here too, unfortunately. There was a rushed and incomplete feeling that left me frustrated.
Bottom line: I'll forgive a whole lot from people or books that make me laugh out loud. 35+ heroines are hot; I wish the romance genre had more of them. Can someone please tell me if the hero is a hell hound shifter??? i KnOw NoThInG!
For a minute, I'll admit, I was a judgy bitch. I wondered if it was completely necessary for the aggro horde boys to use the word "pussy" as an insult. It is the Year of Our Lord, 2022. Are people - besides Trump - still talking like that? But, you know what, spaghetti straps and crop tops are in this season, and I've given up being mad about the return of my childhood aesthetic, so WTF, let it be 2001 all over again! I don't care! My midriff is showing, I'm reading about a bunch of dude bros rampaging across a fantasy land, and it is a bizarre and terrifying time to be alive in America, so I'm rolling with it.
Apart from the hero and his medieval brotherhood's whole vibe, I loved the heroine here! I loved that she was older than me because women older than me are sexy AF and I'm sick of us all pretending that isn't true or white hair isn't bad ass or wrinkly smile-eyes don't put everyone at ease. Andy was a working class bombshell, she wasn't a virgin (sorry to the virgins, I love you and respect your choices, and you are wildly over-represented in romance), and she wasn't in some corner, tittering over the concept of having sex with a stranger who turns her on. I mean, this is an erotic romance where the heterosexual couple have anal sex BEFORE he penetrates her vaginally and that is so, so cool.
So, if I enjoyed this so much, why 4 stars instead of the full 5? Well, beyond the genius stuff I've already mentioned, this book is a lovable mess. I'm not even entirely sure what the heroes' beast mode is supposed to look like and I'm halfway through book two in the trilogy. Are they even hell hound shifters?! Hahaha, I have no idea! The world building is likewise muddled. We got some sort of layered origin story for their magical kingdom, which I never fully grasped, and it certainly wasn't from lack of trying. The plot? Very, very minimal, beyond the sex. There's this one interesting scene, where the horde boys attack, uh, a weather station type of thing, maybe...I appreciated the action scenes with life-or-death fighting anyway!
And while I usually love novellas or short fiction in literature, I don't think it's ever an easy fit for romance. Romance has a lot of stuff to do to be successful and I rarely find there's enough room for all of that when an author is working in a smaller format. That's definitely true here too, unfortunately. There was a rushed and incomplete feeling that left me frustrated.
Bottom line: I'll forgive a whole lot from people or books that make me laugh out loud. 35+ heroines are hot; I wish the romance genre had more of them. Can someone please tell me if the hero is a hell hound shifter??? i KnOw NoThInG!
March 26, 2022
Fun, quick, silly, fantasy/omegaverse-y romcom with a bulldozing savage feral J/P creature H and a down on her luck sassy “human” h who ends up being his mate. I enjoyed both characters a lot! She was strong enough to handle him and sass at him without being aggressive or overbearing. I liked that she just accept some of his “quirks”, like him cutting off her hair and wearing her braid. 🤣😬. They were cute together. Overall I enjoyed it, despite having to pretend that the h was 27 and not 37 and that his savage feral dude did not say “Meh”. 🙃 There was a lot that was pretty silly but it was super entertaining and a nice change of pace.
3.5; needed some more world building and development in parts.
3.5; needed some more world building and development in parts.
February 20, 2022
witty and hot!
I love all of Milana’s horde books and am delighted to read more of them in a different genre. I enjoy the faster pace, the humor, super steamy scenes (they are detailed and they are many). Milana writes a certain type of male and she always delivers. It was refreshing to read a heroine who wasn’t some 20/25/29 year old, either. She was well into her 30’s and wonderfully written. My one complaint is that it ended too soon, but that’s just me being whiney because I liked it. I wasn’t expecting it to end when it did. The sneak peek of book at the end looks just as good. Can’t wait!
I love all of Milana’s horde books and am delighted to read more of them in a different genre. I enjoy the faster pace, the humor, super steamy scenes (they are detailed and they are many). Milana writes a certain type of male and she always delivers. It was refreshing to read a heroine who wasn’t some 20/25/29 year old, either. She was well into her 30’s and wonderfully written. My one complaint is that it ended too soon, but that’s just me being whiney because I liked it. I wasn’t expecting it to end when it did. The sneak peek of book at the end looks just as good. Can’t wait!
February 10, 2023
I did not vibe with this book.
The characters seemed too immature for the kind of ages they are,and the language tries to be part-fantasy and part-modern slang.
I would not continue the series but the first chapter of the second book at the end looked promising.
The characters seemed too immature for the kind of ages they are,and the language tries to be part-fantasy and part-modern slang.
I would not continue the series but the first chapter of the second book at the end looked promising.
February 22, 2022
DNF @ 82% - 1 Star
I'll start with holy hell is that cover hot, or what?? 🥵
Alrighty, so this may be more my own fault for deciding to check out another MJ book. I did what I did. 🤷🏻♀️
In the past I did enjoy some of MJ's books with her previous horde/alpha series but it was touch and go. Looking back I don't think I enjoyed her writing as much as I thought though her ideas and imagination is fascinating. I love the idea of her stories more than her writing. I'm just not a fan of her storytelling style. So, this may be the last book for of hers for me.
I tried to get into the story but once again the style was off-putting for me. Nothing transitioned well and came off clunky. Any information about either character was vague and confusing with its presentation. Honestly I was confused more than not throughout the book.
I don't mind the matter of fact dialogue style especially so with the hero. He is an alien type, or different species at least, so I can appreciate his differences in speaking and thoughts. But with the heroine and her sister I didn't enjoy it at all. Mostly with this type of writing style everything just feels wooden and flat. Everything is sped through and lacking so much detail that you don't even have a chance to get into a scene before it's moved on.
*sigh* I don't actually like rating this so low but I did read nearly the whole book so felt it fair to rate. Others may find nothing wrong with the writing style but for me it lacks life and depth. And as I said above I have read many if not all of MJ's books so I don't say that lightly. Maybe I'll check out her work again in a couple years.
I'll start with holy hell is that cover hot, or what?? 🥵
Alrighty, so this may be more my own fault for deciding to check out another MJ book. I did what I did. 🤷🏻♀️
In the past I did enjoy some of MJ's books with her previous horde/alpha series but it was touch and go. Looking back I don't think I enjoyed her writing as much as I thought though her ideas and imagination is fascinating. I love the idea of her stories more than her writing. I'm just not a fan of her storytelling style. So, this may be the last book for of hers for me.
I tried to get into the story but once again the style was off-putting for me. Nothing transitioned well and came off clunky. Any information about either character was vague and confusing with its presentation. Honestly I was confused more than not throughout the book.
I don't mind the matter of fact dialogue style especially so with the hero. He is an alien type, or different species at least, so I can appreciate his differences in speaking and thoughts. But with the heroine and her sister I didn't enjoy it at all. Mostly with this type of writing style everything just feels wooden and flat. Everything is sped through and lacking so much detail that you don't even have a chance to get into a scene before it's moved on.
*sigh* I don't actually like rating this so low but I did read nearly the whole book so felt it fair to rate. Others may find nothing wrong with the writing style but for me it lacks life and depth. And as I said above I have read many if not all of MJ's books so I don't say that lightly. Maybe I'll check out her work again in a couple years.
April 24, 2022
2.5 stars
I’m not sure how to feel about this one.
It was nothing like I expected it to be because it felt like a parody of horde/barbarian romances.
The universe in which the story took place was flimsy. The hero was meant to be mean and scary but he wasn’t. It was all just very mediocre. But it suppose that for a book of 150 pages this was good enough.
I’m not sure how to feel about this one.
It was nothing like I expected it to be because it felt like a parody of horde/barbarian romances.
The universe in which the story took place was flimsy. The hero was meant to be mean and scary but he wasn’t. It was all just very mediocre. But it suppose that for a book of 150 pages this was good enough.
February 25, 2022
Funny, Sexy, Too Short
Milana Jacks is one of the few authors who can write an alphahole and make it *work*. Her males are all huge and overbearing, determined to bulldoze their chosen female into submission, and Tolei is no exception. But her alphas aren’t one note, and are usually refreshingly open about their love and affection for their women. They also have healthy familial relationships, which is really refreshing— sure, they don’t want their male family members around when it’s time to go to Pound Town, but there’s no fear of a dirty double cross from a beloved family member, and that’s frankly refreshing.
Andy, our heroine, and her sister Mag are also awesome because they’re older women who have Seen Some Things. Granted, a lot of that has been in the last ten days or so since Tolei decided they were coming with him as members of his horde whether they liked it or not, but the point still stands. It’s refreshing to have heroines who have reached that “Ha Ha no” stage of life, and its also cool that they’re still sexually attractive despite being older than 22.
Excellent start to a new series, I am already champing at the bit for book 2!
Milana Jacks is one of the few authors who can write an alphahole and make it *work*. Her males are all huge and overbearing, determined to bulldoze their chosen female into submission, and Tolei is no exception. But her alphas aren’t one note, and are usually refreshingly open about their love and affection for their women. They also have healthy familial relationships, which is really refreshing— sure, they don’t want their male family members around when it’s time to go to Pound Town, but there’s no fear of a dirty double cross from a beloved family member, and that’s frankly refreshing.
Andy, our heroine, and her sister Mag are also awesome because they’re older women who have Seen Some Things. Granted, a lot of that has been in the last ten days or so since Tolei decided they were coming with him as members of his horde whether they liked it or not, but the point still stands. It’s refreshing to have heroines who have reached that “Ha Ha no” stage of life, and its also cool that they’re still sexually attractive despite being older than 22.
Excellent start to a new series, I am already champing at the bit for book 2!
February 20, 2022
It's always the same: first wait until the book comes out, then devour it in one go and then wait again until the next book comes out! If only the extremely entertaining content and humour weren't so addictive.
The most enjoyable reading Sundays are the ones I spent with Milana's Horde, no matter which one (the Beasts were also a cool bunch of weirdos and fit into this category for me).
So this time a new Horde and some shape shifting and old/new interesting magic but at the core totally alpha, confident and convinced everything is going their way. May the outcome be right, the way to get there is always different, unplanned and so refreshingly cheeky and entertaining that I usually wish I wasn't nearing the end of the story yet.
The heroine is exactly what I like, not always so obviously self-confident, neither a yes-sayer nor a total denier but always somewhat open to new or different and refreshingly creative in her ways and resistance. Just running over is not, exchanges of words and questioning are humorous and often go unexpected ways and give me my reading grin.
But as I said, after the book is before the next book and impatience is already tingling again. Since you can't skip time, maybe a hibernation will help until then?
The most enjoyable reading Sundays are the ones I spent with Milana's Horde, no matter which one (the Beasts were also a cool bunch of weirdos and fit into this category for me).
So this time a new Horde and some shape shifting and old/new interesting magic but at the core totally alpha, confident and convinced everything is going their way. May the outcome be right, the way to get there is always different, unplanned and so refreshingly cheeky and entertaining that I usually wish I wasn't nearing the end of the story yet.
The heroine is exactly what I like, not always so obviously self-confident, neither a yes-sayer nor a total denier but always somewhat open to new or different and refreshingly creative in her ways and resistance. Just running over is not, exchanges of words and questioning are humorous and often go unexpected ways and give me my reading grin.
But as I said, after the book is before the next book and impatience is already tingling again. Since you can't skip time, maybe a hibernation will help until then?
February 21, 2022
This is a voluntary Advanced Reader Copy review of ‘Savage In The Touch’. When I saw the word Horde, I thought it would be like the other Horde series of books, but this is a whole new concept of Horde, and I liked that. I liked that as the story progressed, he tried to be more for his mate, trying to get her to accept him. But after the mating, very nicely detailed, and he received her gift, what a fantastic gift it was. But the ending… I did not like it. I wanted more. I started reading this story and did not stop until I finished it. Fantastic! Looking forward to the next book!!
May 24, 2023
The hero is a savage in a very cute way.
He found his mate, so he captures her along the journey.
He cut her hair and braided it on his head because he want a path of her on him.
He bathed her, carried her when she is tired to ride, rest whenever his mate is tired.
He shows no weakness to the heroine even though he is injured painfully.
Of cause, he will protect her at all costs. But no matter how hard the situation is he will never let her go.
He found his mate, so he captures her along the journey.
He cut her hair and braided it on his head because he want a path of her on him.
He bathed her, carried her when she is tired to ride, rest whenever his mate is tired.
He shows no weakness to the heroine even though he is injured painfully.
Of cause, he will protect her at all costs. But no matter how hard the situation is he will never let her go.
February 19, 2022
fail....
milana jacks?!? NEVER!!!! her heroines are fierce and strong without being overbearing,her heroes are powerful, yet tender, and this book was no exception! tolei and andy are a perfect match! sultry, laugh out loud funny, suspenseful and oh, so EXCITING!! vivid world building, compelling characters, scorching hot love scenes, humor galore, and an intriguing story arc. i can't WAIT for the next book!!
milana jacks?!? NEVER!!!! her heroines are fierce and strong without being overbearing,her heroes are powerful, yet tender, and this book was no exception! tolei and andy are a perfect match! sultry, laugh out loud funny, suspenseful and oh, so EXCITING!! vivid world building, compelling characters, scorching hot love scenes, humor galore, and an intriguing story arc. i can't WAIT for the next book!!
March 8, 2022
Nice read.
I enjoyed d this book and that new author to me. It kept me engaged and the story is a easy one to enjoy.
I enjoyed d this book and that new author to me. It kept me engaged and the story is a easy one to enjoy.
August 9, 2023
It really is a book about a savage. Too much savage for my taste.
Some conversations were funny but overall not not cup of tea.
The femmale character was unfortunately without a character and male one was too much bossy without emotions for my taste.
I did cheer for a happy ending for them though.
Some conversations were funny but overall not not cup of tea.
The femmale character was unfortunately without a character and male one was too much bossy without emotions for my taste.
I did cheer for a happy ending for them though.
June 4, 2022
Very Good!
The only reason why I didn't give this book 5 stars is because it needed some more world building and background for a book one in a series. For the author's first foray into the fantasy romance subgenre I thought that it was a really good start. Good concept. Just needed more detail for a better connection to the characters. I will move on to book two to see if it improves.
The only reason why I didn't give this book 5 stars is because it needed some more world building and background for a book one in a series. For the author's first foray into the fantasy romance subgenre I thought that it was a really good start. Good concept. Just needed more detail for a better connection to the characters. I will move on to book two to see if it improves.
October 11, 2022
There must be something depraved in me with the way I adored this book.
*Some minor spoilers below*
I was fully entranced, captivated, and sooo many butterflies! The dialogue here was absolutely phenomenal. Milana Jacks definitely excels there.
Andy was impossible not to like. Her love for her sister and loyalty to their bond was so incredibly sweet. I loved how she always just wanted what was best for Mags, even if it hurt her in the end.
Tolei is hands down one of my favorite paranormal men. He was possessive, brutal, unyielding in his determination, and so fucking funny. His little one liners and internal monologues had me cracking up.
"I just needed to get a good view of his face before I use the edge of my blade to write love letters to my mate all over his cheeks."
Tell me this isn't giving Diesel:
"There's a flash of red light, and Tolei stands there in the nude, the sigil on his chest pulsing, his mouth a liquid mess of blood and flesh. He approaches me, and I stick out my knife. Snarling, he grabs the back of my head and presses his mouth on mine, forcing the knife inside his belly."
And his use of "baby"... he could do anything and I'd love him.
"Fuck you, Tolei."
"Can't now, baby. I'm busy, but I'll return soon."
I flip him the bird. He flips me two back...
He is far closer to feral than civilized, but he's also a man/supernatural being that craves his mate and love, trust, and acceptance from her and her alone. His wholehearted loyalty and sense of purpose purely associated with Andy was perfection.
"I am her beast, created for her protection."
And,
I kiss her temple, then whisper, "You wanted to know. I will tell you everything, king's female, and I will risk the lives of my people with our secrets and my heart."
OR!
I also want her to look at me the way she looks at her sister. With love so open and exposed that it disarms me, chips off some of the icicles I've accumulated over my heart..."
When Andy talks about his smiles and laugh, I was so gone. The adoration is everything. Seeing her slowly warming up to him was so satisfying.
"He rubs his cheek against mine, the way a lion might greet his cub. He smells like something warm and inviting, like spiced cinnamon burning over sandalwood. He reminds me of winter nights spent under furs in front of a fireplace, and when he speaks into my ear in that language of his I don't understand, it doesn't sound barky anymore. It's an invitation to touch him. I do."
Andy and Tolei together is firework worthy. Jacks truly wrote two characters that fit together so well without being obvious. I wouldn't have pegged the thirty-something inn keeper and a bloodthirsty horde leader to have this insane chemistry and resulting crazy, passionate love, but here we are.
They had so many funny interactions, enough steam for a sauna, and so much love between them.
"If I lifted my foot and kicked him in the back, he'd fall, and the current would take him away. I bend my knee just as he turns and walks up to me with a smirk. Gold flecks dance in his eyes as he says, "Lift that foot again and I'll tie your legs around my neck."
Or,
"You want to bleed me?" he asks.
"What? No." Well, maybe.
"Then don't look at my blades with longing in your eyes. That look is reserved for me c**k."
And finally,
"I'm trying to be what you need me to be."
"I want you to be you,"
I'm really intrigued by the ongoing plot, so I'll definitely be reading the next books!
*Some minor spoilers below*
I was fully entranced, captivated, and sooo many butterflies! The dialogue here was absolutely phenomenal. Milana Jacks definitely excels there.
Andy was impossible not to like. Her love for her sister and loyalty to their bond was so incredibly sweet. I loved how she always just wanted what was best for Mags, even if it hurt her in the end.
Tolei is hands down one of my favorite paranormal men. He was possessive, brutal, unyielding in his determination, and so fucking funny. His little one liners and internal monologues had me cracking up.
"I just needed to get a good view of his face before I use the edge of my blade to write love letters to my mate all over his cheeks."
Tell me this isn't giving Diesel:
"There's a flash of red light, and Tolei stands there in the nude, the sigil on his chest pulsing, his mouth a liquid mess of blood and flesh. He approaches me, and I stick out my knife. Snarling, he grabs the back of my head and presses his mouth on mine, forcing the knife inside his belly."
And his use of "baby"... he could do anything and I'd love him.
"Fuck you, Tolei."
"Can't now, baby. I'm busy, but I'll return soon."
I flip him the bird. He flips me two back...
He is far closer to feral than civilized, but he's also a man/supernatural being that craves his mate and love, trust, and acceptance from her and her alone. His wholehearted loyalty and sense of purpose purely associated with Andy was perfection.
"I am her beast, created for her protection."
And,
I kiss her temple, then whisper, "You wanted to know. I will tell you everything, king's female, and I will risk the lives of my people with our secrets and my heart."
OR!
I also want her to look at me the way she looks at her sister. With love so open and exposed that it disarms me, chips off some of the icicles I've accumulated over my heart..."
When Andy talks about his smiles and laugh, I was so gone. The adoration is everything. Seeing her slowly warming up to him was so satisfying.
"He rubs his cheek against mine, the way a lion might greet his cub. He smells like something warm and inviting, like spiced cinnamon burning over sandalwood. He reminds me of winter nights spent under furs in front of a fireplace, and when he speaks into my ear in that language of his I don't understand, it doesn't sound barky anymore. It's an invitation to touch him. I do."
Andy and Tolei together is firework worthy. Jacks truly wrote two characters that fit together so well without being obvious. I wouldn't have pegged the thirty-something inn keeper and a bloodthirsty horde leader to have this insane chemistry and resulting crazy, passionate love, but here we are.
They had so many funny interactions, enough steam for a sauna, and so much love between them.
"If I lifted my foot and kicked him in the back, he'd fall, and the current would take him away. I bend my knee just as he turns and walks up to me with a smirk. Gold flecks dance in his eyes as he says, "Lift that foot again and I'll tie your legs around my neck."
Or,
"You want to bleed me?" he asks.
"What? No." Well, maybe.
"Then don't look at my blades with longing in your eyes. That look is reserved for me c**k."
And finally,
"I'm trying to be what you need me to be."
"I want you to be you,"
I'm really intrigued by the ongoing plot, so I'll definitely be reading the next books!
November 30, 2025
DNF'ed at 75%
This was recommended to me by a friend who really enjoyed the book and thought I would enjoy the smut. But unfortunately, this book fell flat for me.
This book is 162 pages per my Kindle, so it is classified as a full novel, and for that reason alone, the world-building is subpar at best. There was minimal information given about Torlei's horde, how the magic system works, or the different beasts that appear. It left you guessing and trying to fill in the blanks, but you really couldn't because the world-building was incomplete.
The writing was choppy and disjointed, sometimes jumping in ways that made the story's flow changes feel too abrupt for me. The dialogue often didn't make sense at all. They would say something, then abruptly change the subject so quickly it almost gave me whiplash. Or just said something in response that made literally no sense. She would also repeat the same sentiments over and over, which got annoying to read.
The maturity levels of both main characters leave much to be desired. She is 37, and he is several hundred years old (unsure of his exact age, because it is never explicitly stated), but both seem to have the maturity level of older teens to early 20-year-olds. This book also had some crazy Stockholm syndrome going on. The FMC went from being so terrified of him to letting him perform anal the first time they had sex, which baffles me.
Onto the smut, it was mediocre. There were times when it got me excited that something good was going to happen, but then it just felt like a letdown, mainly because of the way Torlei spoke. It kind of grossed me out and just threw red flags. If any man said he was going to finger my pucker hole, I would walk out immediately. So the smut left a lot to be desired as well.
Also, this is just a personal pet peeve: I can not stand the repetitiveness of how she used the words male and female. I understand that Torlei is not a man, but seriously saying male 165 times and female 78 in 162 pages just pissed me off.
I thought the plotline about Torlei's horde invading the king's territory was the most interesting part of this book, and it was maybe 20% of the book's plot (entirely estimating; I could be wrong). I felt that if the author had taken the time to make this book longer and focus on that plotline instead of the smut and "romance" (using that word very loosely). It could have been a much better book.
So, unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book.
This was recommended to me by a friend who really enjoyed the book and thought I would enjoy the smut. But unfortunately, this book fell flat for me.
This book is 162 pages per my Kindle, so it is classified as a full novel, and for that reason alone, the world-building is subpar at best. There was minimal information given about Torlei's horde, how the magic system works, or the different beasts that appear. It left you guessing and trying to fill in the blanks, but you really couldn't because the world-building was incomplete.
The writing was choppy and disjointed, sometimes jumping in ways that made the story's flow changes feel too abrupt for me. The dialogue often didn't make sense at all. They would say something, then abruptly change the subject so quickly it almost gave me whiplash. Or just said something in response that made literally no sense. She would also repeat the same sentiments over and over, which got annoying to read.
The maturity levels of both main characters leave much to be desired. She is 37, and he is several hundred years old (unsure of his exact age, because it is never explicitly stated), but both seem to have the maturity level of older teens to early 20-year-olds. This book also had some crazy Stockholm syndrome going on. The FMC went from being so terrified of him to letting him perform anal the first time they had sex, which baffles me.
Onto the smut, it was mediocre. There were times when it got me excited that something good was going to happen, but then it just felt like a letdown, mainly because of the way Torlei spoke. It kind of grossed me out and just threw red flags. If any man said he was going to finger my pucker hole, I would walk out immediately. So the smut left a lot to be desired as well.
Also, this is just a personal pet peeve: I can not stand the repetitiveness of how she used the words male and female. I understand that Torlei is not a man, but seriously saying male 165 times and female 78 in 162 pages just pissed me off.
I thought the plotline about Torlei's horde invading the king's territory was the most interesting part of this book, and it was maybe 20% of the book's plot (entirely estimating; I could be wrong). I felt that if the author had taken the time to make this book longer and focus on that plotline instead of the smut and "romance" (using that word very loosely). It could have been a much better book.
So, unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book.
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