Lies of the Blood Moon

New World Shifters #2

by Nina Walker

I was saved at the festival, but at what cost?
With Nora dead and more attacks against the claimed, I may be next. I'm determined to find the killer and join the resistance, but my feelings for Ryne keep growing. When a new girl arrives on the scene, the stakes are higher than ever. As the next festival approaches, everything I thought I knew changes. I have a choice to keep things the same and risk our lives, or fight against oppression and risk it all.

Genres: Dystopia, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Werewolves, Paranormal, Young Adult, Romance

314 pages, Hardcover

Published August 3, 2021

About the author

Nina Walker writes all kinds of fantasy for teens and adults. She is happily married and living the good life in the mountains of southern Utah.

Connect with her:
FB Group - Nina's Reading Party
IG - @ninabelievesinmagic
TT - @ninawalker.books
www.ninawalkerbooks.com

Reviews

[Demi]

I received a copy of this book from Nina and Kimberly. This is my honest review.

Ladies, well done! I’m absolutely speechless. And angry. And heartbroken. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, you throw in that cliffhanger, and now I want to sit in a corner and cry until the next book comes out.
I loved the characters development in this. Poppy really grew up and became her own person. She started thinking a bit clearer and was making smarter decisions. Ryne still made me super angry and annoyed in this, but I loved the glimpse of Justin and Nico, and really did love their characters as well. I just want nothing but happiness and love for them!
I had high hopes for Ryne and Poppy to make everything work, and i guess who knows what will happen.
I can’t wait to read the next book. I’m so angry with the cliffhanger and I just need to know what happens! Bring on Rise of the Wild Moon!

[Chris Reads]

I am not sure how coherent this review is gonna be, but here goes nothing!

Ahem, soo, we are right back where we started with the infuriating system and the patriarchy (is there a special term for wolf chauvinists?) and abuse of women etc..but what changed is Poppy's personality. She has become stronger and braver..She no longer wants to be passive, but rather is actively trying to fix things but the poor girl doesn't know where to start. That prologue was downright shocking coz I DID NOT see that coming at all!!!! There is a lot more talk about the Resistance and we get to meet a few of the its members. Poor Poppy just wants to join, let her in dammit!!

We still have the claimed girls and most of them are still bitches but they are no longer the highlight. We have pressing issues to address and petty pretty girls aren't one of them.

Ryne needs to buck up. Sorry man, but you are alpha prince so act like it! Stop being such a baby and face your father head on! Sure, he's romantic and a bit possessive and broody and don't get me wrong, I love the guy but he disappointed me quite a few times and I'm hoping he gets better in the next book. But then with that ending, I'm not sure what to expect🙊

My girl Joanna is just so freaking brave and awesome. She and Grady make the cutest pair, and you two Authors need to fix what you've done!! You know what I'm talking about!! I must have screamed and had a few few bouts of arrhythmia while trying to get through the last quarter of the book!

I loved a few of the new characters and am desperately hoping that they don't die soon coz apparently that is the trend for this series. Meet new characters, fall in love with them and bang, they're dead!

I hate Thorn and Anders with a vengeance and wish them nothing but the worst deaths in the history of wolves!!

And why, oh why is the next release soo far away?!! I need answers!!! You don't just leave us hanging like that!! That's just cruel 😭

*clears throat* So to sum it up, I loved this book to pieces and it may torn my heart several times and given me angina but please read it coz you will not be disappointed!!

5 stars 💕

[S]

Noooooo!

I think I'm going to demand Ms Walker and Ms Loth spend every waking hour on book 3 so we don't have to wait until April.

Who's with me?

Read the book and you will be.

It has the same intensity as the first. But we get more Ryne and Poppy. Which makes you warm and fuzzy and breaks your heart all at once! Ryne is in such a complicated position with his father as alpha king. He cannot simply do as he dees fit; he has to tow the line. And when he finally catches a break and can be with Poppy... well let's just say Thorn has a hand in destroying that as well.

Poppy has certainly come a long way. She's more bold and confident. And she's going to need that with what's ahead of her. I'm secretly hoping there's been a mistake. Or maybe a cure. Because it can't be over for her like that. But then again, nothing is what it seems to be!

Which leads me to Grady and Joanna and Amos and Shauna. What happens to them? And Elle! Elle who should have been an enemy,but she was impossible not to like. Seriously, try it. Try NOT to like her. You can't.

Another amazing read. You get sucked right in this world and you can't get out.

So I'll ask again, who's with me in demanding we get book 3 before April???

[Leanne F]

Devastatingly brilliant

Wow... what can I say. Book one was original. A novel storyline and strong characters. Book two does not disappoint. Poppy’s character grows (even with her frustrating moments) and Ryne proves why he’s Alfa. Throw in more twists and plots and new characters to the mix, and this book means a cover to cover read in one go. There is no way anyone could predict the directions this book has taken - lots of deep, deep breaths required with some of the “sticky” situations that arise. And that ending!?! I need to step back and try to get grounded cause...holy c**p, shattered and I need to pick up the pieces...which means Book three will push the boundaries and I cannot wait to see what you ladies do with that!

Forget your TBR. This is a must read NOW!! Giving this a 5.5 stars as well. Ladies, you need to collaborate more, cause if this is the caliber of your work, I’ll be first in line for your co-writes.

[embright15]

Holy cliffhanger Batman!!
I can not believe that they left us hangin like this!
April 30 can not come soon enough. Holy shirt!
Anyway this series is quickly becoming one of my new favorites! It’s entirely too much and not enough.
It’s got the most lovable characters (except Ryne- i am through with him… for now).
The plot is different and interesting and it’s just so easy to devour in a single sitting.
How these two boss lady authors managed to fit so much into such short novels is totally beyond me.
I can not wait for the third installment! For real.
I am just beside myself over this ending!
I think Poppy and Knox are about to do some big things in a major way and I am really hoping for a love triangle (maybe then Ryne will pull his head out of his ass).
Easily one of my favorite finds on Kindle Unlimited this year!

[Dora]

Poppy seemed to be learning how to survive, but she was not satisfied with just that and was seeking how to direct her efforts towards helping the other girls. But a murderer was still on the loose and fear was in the air. Things had been complicated with a new player in the field, Ryne's behavior had surprised Poppy, but she had made her mind. The action didn't stop and the constant danger in which the protagonist founds herself seemed to escalate each time. What a lot of suspense! Anything could happen and at every step there was a twist that surprised and intrigued me even more. Poppy has turned out to be a great heroine, courageous, ready for action and willing to sacrifice, that is, if it was really necessary, of course. The final chapter of this book left me staring into the air. I have no idea how the authors are going to handle the situation that has arisen, and I love mysteries with a lot of conflict and critical and unexpected situations. Eager for the next book!

[Rabid Reader]

This second book in the series starts off where the first one ended and it has lots of action and excitement. There is plenty of back stabbing as the women continue to try to vie for a beta, and pack politics adds to the complications for Ryne and Poppy. Poppy has grown from a shy, fearful girl into one who is who is willing to put herself in the forefront of danger. As more people are murdered, Poppy, Joanna and Abi start to investigate who the killer among them is. This story has lots of revelations, suspense and twists. The story captures you from the beginning and the ending will leave you shocked and craving more.

[Alicia]

After the way Night of the Wolf Moon ended, I knew Lies of the Blood Moon was going to be a high-stakes, thrilling rollercoaster ride of epic-ness. What I didn't see coming was that I was going to have my heart ripped out and dashed to bits on the floor while simultaneously begging for more 🤦‍♀️
I will admit to starting this book at a time of day where I know better than to start a book, but foolishly, I thought I'd be able to put it down after a chapter or two and sleep like a responsible adult, and pick up where I left off in the morning....FALSE!!! I couldn't tear my eyes from the pages and when I read the final words at 2am, I may or may not have shrieked loudly enough to startle the cat awake causing utter mayhem in the house and waking up EVERYONE (Whoops🙃) Book 3 cannot be in my hands soon enough!

[Christina's Library]

Second installment in this series and I love it so much. I ordered the next book as soon as I finished this one! Great series

[Jamie]

Poppy…

I don’t know if Poppy is brave or stupid. Only more books will tell. The plot ended was a twist I didn’t expect. I am pleasantly surprised.

[Existentialboredom]

The first book was really good albeit a wolfed out version of Handmaids Tale, so it’s a real shame that Poppy turned out to be a super irritating character and difficult to really empathise with. For all the staunchly feminist monologues going in Poppy’s head, we’re simultaneously subjected to repeated and inane pining for a man who publicly rejected her. I simply couldn’t find it in me to care about her or her relationship with Ryne. There’s no sinking feeling when Poppy gets rejected and it’s difficult to feel anything but annoyed with her and her low key “I’m not like other girls” vibes.

[Courtney Isom]

This book is absolutely fantastic! I have such a hard time putting it down! These 2 authors have such a fantastic way of drawing you right into the story and I'm constantly hanging onto every word wondering what will happen next! I love the evolution of Poppy from the first book to now. That shy girl who got thrown into this crazy world of the shifters who wouldnt fight for herself is now putting herself in front of some very dangerous situations and oh my goodness what a cliffhanger at the end! I'm dying that I cant jump into the next book and read it right now to find out what happens! So to say that I'm excited for the next book is an understatement!

[Linda]

So much is going on but not much is changing for the girls, still being held for the Beta's and fighting amongst one another's group.
Another girl is killed and Poppy, Joanna and Abi are looking into her death.
Joanna almost becomes #3 but is saved by Elle and Poppy and Poppy discovers who the killer is.
A woman shows up that changes may change everything for Poppy.
Poppy has more than one suitor and the Alpha King stops all chances of Poppy being with Ryne.
I would highly recommend this book and series.

[Namrata Ganti]

Note: I received an ARC from Nina and Kimberly in exchange for an honest review! A huge thanks to them for this opportunity.

Lies of the Blood Moon is Book 2 in the New World Shifters series, coauthored by two wonderful authors! This book picks up where Book 1 ended just after Madame Nova's death. Poppy, our protagonist, is now a stronger person and suspects that the death was actually murder. Her suspicions grow stronger when another of the girls is killed putting everyone at risk. On the other hand, Ryne is trying to stay away from Poppy and is found to be betrothed to Elle, a Luna Wolf and the new teacher for the girls. Here we are introduced to the protective and jealous side of Poppy, a side I'm guessing even she didn't know about.

As the plot thickens, we have a whole lot of emotions going around and the authors have done a brilliant job in building up the suspense. No-one is really as they seem and there is more to the people than meets the eye. With the Pink Moon Festival approaching and a few engagements announced, there is a whole lot of drama in this book! I like how the girls are portrayed in this book and the bonds that form, break and reform among all of the characters.

Be prepared to be shocked by the turn of events which leads to an interesting ending that lays a strong foundation for the next book. Though some of the plot is easy to guess, the authors have a few tricks up their sleeves just to throw us off balance. There is romance, action, drama and even death in this well-written sequel that makes the book absolutely worth reading! I am looking forward to the next book and all the events to come.

[Agustina Zanelli]

ENGLISH:

After Nova's death, everyone is grieving. However, Poppy suspects that things are not what they seem, especially when some of the claimed ones are being attacked. Now more than ever, she’s determined to join the resistance to put an end to so many injustices, while she tries to find out the truth. Everything gets complicated when her feelings get in the way, since she can't help but feel a strong and inexplicable connection with Ryne, one that drives her crazy with jealousy when a wolf girl shows up. Filled with conflicting emotions, Poppy tries to deal with a new stage of courtship in which she must face individual dates with each of the betas, preparing for a new moon that will bring more problems than she ever imagined.

Thank you so much to the authors for the book!
I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book, it was so entertaining and I was hooked from beginning to end. It was an absolutely addictive read that I devoured in no time. The plot is captivating, I loved this whole game of intrigue and mystery it has. Also, the story has this dark, disturbing and strong quality that I find absolutely interesting, which is reflected in the cruel way the wolves see women, the way they treat them. I liked that strong subjects are mentioned in this series as it gives much more depth to the story. I think it’s fascinating how this world was built, the setting is one of the elements that I liked the most about this book.

I also loved the way the characters grow, especially Poppy who finds her place in this cruel and dark world, defending her own rights but also the rights of other girls. She’s a strong and courageous protagonist and I really liked her. Joanna is another character that I loved so much with her strong personality and fighting spirit. In this book, we also meet amazing new characters like Elle and Abi. I really liked them. In fact, I loved the friendship between Poppy, Joanna and Abi.

On the other hand, I liked getting to know the betas better, that was very interesting. Some are really adorable like Justin being so cute and Nico with his sweet and amazing heart. We also better understand Ryne's motivations, why he acts that way, and the truth is that I loved him, I think he’s a very interesting character. It's terrible the way he must fight all the time against his wishes and feelings. I loved every single one of his interactions with Poppy, there are some very strong and spicy romantic scenes.

Also, the story is full of drama and so many emotions, with some scenes full of tension and adrenaline, even with wolf fights. And the ending was amazing because so many things happened, it was very exciting and it left me desperate to read the next book. In fact, there are several shocking revelations throughout the reading and I was very scared of how it was going to end. So I can’t wait to read the third book. I really like this story.





ESPAÑOL:

Tras la muerte de Nova, todos están de duelo. Sin embargo, Poppy sospecha que las cosas no son lo que parecen, especialmente cuando algunas de las reclamadas comienzan a ser atacadas. Ahora más que nunca, ella está decidida a unirse a la resistencia para terminar con tantas injusticias, mientras intenta averiguar la verdad. Todo se complica cuando sus sentimientos se interponen en el camino, puesto que no puede evitar sentir una fuerte e inexplicable conexión con Ryne, una que la vuelve loca de celos cuando una loba aparece en escena. Con sus emociones conflictivas, Poppy trata de lidiar con la nueva etapa de cortejos en las que deberá enfrentarse a citas individuales con cada uno de los betas, preparándose para una nueva luna que traerá más problemas de lo que jamás hubiese imaginado.

¡Muchísimas gracias a las autoras por el libro!
Recibí este ebook a cambio de una reseña honesta.

Me gustó mucho este libro, fue realmente entretenido y me enganchó un montón, por lo que lo leí rapidísimo en una lectura absolutamente adictiva. La trama es atrapante, tuvo todo un juego de intriga y misterio que me encantó. Además, tiene ese toque tan oscuro, perturbador y fuerte que me parece absolutamente interesante, el cual se ve reflejado en la cruel mirada de los lobos hacia las mujeres, en cómo son tratadas. Me gusta que se traten temáticas fuertes en esta saga ya que le otorga mucha más profundidad a la historia. La forma en que fue construido este mundo me parece fascinante, la ambientación es uno de los elementos que más me gustaron de este libro.

También me encantó la forma en que van creciendo los personajes, especialmente Poppy que va encontrando su lugar en este mundo tan cruel y oscuro, defendiendo sus propios derechos pero también los derechos de las demás chicas. Ella es una protagonista fuerte y valiente que me gustó mucho. Joanna es otro personaje que me encanta demasiado con su carácter fuerte y espíritu peleador. En este libro conocemos a nuevos personajes que me gustaron mucho como Elle y Abi, de hecho amé la amistad entre Poppy, Joanna y Abi.

Por otro lado, me gustó conocer mejor a los betas y me resultó fue muy interesante. Algunos son realmente adorables como Justin con su simpatía y Nico con su corazón de oro que me dio mucha ternura. También comprendemos mejor las motivaciones de Ryne, por qué actúa de esa manera, y la verdad es que me encantó y me parece un personaje muy interesante. Es terrible la forma en que debe luchar todo el tiempo contra sus deseos y sus sentimientos. Me encantaron cada una de sus interacciones con Poppy, hay algunas escenas románticas muy fuertes y picantes.

Además, la historia está repleta de drama y muchas emociones, con algunas escenas llenas de tensión y adrenalina, incluso con peleas de lobos. Y el final fue alucinante porque pasó de todo, fue muy emocionante y me dejó desesperada por leer el siguiente libro. De hecho, hay varias revelaciones impactantes a lo largo de la lectura y tuve mucho miedo de cómo iba a terminar. Por eso, ya quiero leer el tercer libro. Me gusta mucho esta historia.




PRIMERA EDICIÓN:

Me gustó mucho este libro, tuvo todo un juego de intriga y misterio que me dejó sacando teorías sobre quién estaba detrás de los misteriosos asesinatos. La trama es muy entretenida, con un toque oscuro y un poco perturbador que me encantó. En esta secuela conocemos mucho mejor a los personajes y eso me gustó mucho, nos permitió comprender sus verdaderas motivaciones. También tenemos nuevos personajes muy interesantes y vemos a la protagonista crecer un montón, lo cual fue genial. Esta historia está repleta de drama y tiene un romance fuerte con algunas partes bien picantes. Además, hay escenas repletas de acción con peleas de lobos muy buenas. Tanto la temática como el mundo que han creado las autoras me han parecido muy interesantes. Y el final fue de infarto. De hecho, hay varias revelaciones impactantes a lo largo de la lectura. Me gustó mucho este libro, ya quiero leer el siguiente.

Pronto traigo la reseña.

[Ana-Maria Derzsi]

◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦

After Poppy being saved on Night of the wolf moon, things take a very concerning turn on Lies Of The Blood Moon. The beginning of the book took me by surprise because I got confused about who’s pov we’re getting to read. The book begins with Joanna’s pov and for a little bit it threw me off not knowing what is happening, especially since we only got one pov.

The character development in the 2nd book has been tremendous – Poppy has grown so much more feisty, brave, and is no longer taking anything from anyone and is determined on finding who the killer is and keeping herself afloat when comes to the scoreboard. The way she’s grown in this book was really pleasant, she reads better, she takes better care of herself and one thing that I’ve loved is she’s so much bolder than in the previous book and her feelings for Ryne grow and her inner monologue and the struggle regarding the feelings is bittersweet because there’s so much going on.

Joanna is another character that has grown on me and I’ve liked her from the first book. She’s never shutting her mouth, she always speaks what she thinks and she is bold – extremely bold for her own good sake. And the friendship between Poppy and her is really sweet and I love them being together and going through all the ups and downs and never giving up on each other.

The relationship between Ryne and Poppy is a very complicated and twisted one. On one hand, they can’t keep their hands off of each other, and more than once they’ve ended up in some spicy situations (but nothing smutty or too revealing, just some heated moments spent together) but in the same time their relationship is forbidden and that complicates things.

Elle for me at the beginning has been an annoying character because I couldn’t figure out what is her story. However, once you get to know her story you get to like her and see that she as anyone else is just another pawn on the bigger picture.

The thing I can’t wrap my head around on liking in this book was Anders – one of the most despicable and horrible characters. He is ruthless, rude and so degenerate and whenever I read about him all I want is to just skip it forward because he is giving me all the weird feelings in the world. I can’t say it's triggering but is definitely doing something to me because I can’t stand him. Another character that I do not enjoy is the King – the father of Ryne, he is almost the same as Anders if not even worst.

The book can have some triggers for people such as public execution – the act didn’t quite happen but the overall scene can be a trigger for people. Then the abuse, the fighting between the wolves and the Lycans – however, the scenes aren’t very, very graphic but can be a trigger for people.

Overall the story is very catchy, you’re getting told and showed the whole story like you’d read a journal written by Poppy and her overall experience and feelings. The book has some hilarious moments where I’ve laughed out loud especially when Abi one of the shy characters really stood up and did something incredible. But at the same time, the story also has some dark moments because living in a world ruled by the shifters, is for sure not the most sunshine story. But even with the dark moments in the story, I really enjoy this series and while I wasn’t a fan of the ending of the book I am excited for the 3rd one and what we’re getting into.

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[Beverly Laude]

What did I just read? The authors have done it again and created a world that is both disturbing and horrific. Poppy is a "claimed girl", ripped from her family and sent to the world of the wolves. The group of young women are in a competition to gain a beta wolf and become his wife or be sent to the mating house if they don't measure up.

Poppy has become best friends with Joanna, who is "fortunate" enough to be the fated mate of a beta named Grady. But, Joanna isn't the type to just accept the fate that has been dealt to them and has joined a group called the Resistance.

Poppy seems to be special and has several betas all vying for her, but she is convinced that she is fated for the pack Alpha, Ryne. But, a female wolf named Elle arrives and it appears that she and Ryne are to be married. Meanwhile, something is killing some of the claimed and Poppy is determined to discover who is responsible. Is is a lycan or is it a wolf? And, why would a wolf be killing them?

This book is full of action, emotion, tension, and plenty of twists. Just when you think you know what is going to happen next, the authors throw a curve into the story that will change everything. And, of course, it ends on a huge cliffhanger! I don't know if I can wait until the next book comes out to see what happens next! Great characters, great world building and plenty of action make this an amazing book! I was given the chance to read this book by the authors and chose to review it. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Rau Val]

Poppy is a damsel in distress through and through. She always talk a big game in her head but we're already in book 2 and she still haven't done anything remarkable. I don't even know why every men in this book wants to wife her since she's so plain and boring. All she ever does is fantasize about what life she'll have when Ryne finally found his balls and decide to marry her. The times she's not doing that she's either nagging to herself how much Ryne hurt her by rejecting her or she's daydreaming about what her life could've been with this guy Knox.

Ryne is a spineless alpha who can't do anything but to enforce the cruel laws his father made, he can't even keep his Betas in line. Observe Exhibit A, Anders who is a cruel piece of dog shit but of course he got away with so much because Ryne's hands are tied despite being the most powerful person in that city. Seriously can he be anymore worthless?

I feel like this story is hyping up mediocre people and focusing on the wrong characters. Maybe it's if the authors just focus on Joana and Grady's story it wouldn't be so irritating. Even Elle is more interesting than the 2 MCs.
But alas I'm going to keep reading the rest of the series because I actually liked the first book, and book 2 had so much potential to be better. I'm still rooting for Poppy to funally burn the whole wolf city to the ground. Maybe the twist in the end will actually give her an edge and hope to God she can at least save herself this time instead of relying on other people's mercy all the time.

[*Erin*]

I’m not loving it

Dystopian
PNR (shifters)
Fated mates
Rejected mates
Mystery
TW: abuse, forced sexual servitude
Spice: 0/5

FMC: Poppy
MMC: Ryne

Did I enjoy this book? Eh, it was ok
Would I read this book again? No
Will I continue the series? Yes, because I’m curious what the ending is
Would I read from this author again? No

This is Handmaid’s Tale meets The Selection with a sprinkle of Resident Evil but without a smart street wise badass FMC. In short, Poppy is an idiot. She tries to make these harrowing moments but they just come across as stupid and foolish. When she is trying to solve the mystery she has one idea and is like yep, that’s the culprit, case closed. No sound evidence or anything. There is so much convoluted plot I have no idea where the series is going. Are we trying to free the women from forced matings? Are we trying to bring down the Alpha King? Are we trying to rid the world of the lycans? Are we trying to get rid of the wolves? Are we rooting for Poppy and Ryne to try and be together? What is the point in this book!? Ryne is so damn wishywashy. He’s hot, he’s cold, he’s hot, he’s cold. He wants her, he ignores her, he kisses her, he kisses someone else. He wants her, her lets her be abused by his betas. I like my alphas possessive, decisive, and strong willed. Ryne is a weak coward.

[Ashleigh]

Lies of the blood moon is book 2 of the New world shifters series by Kimberly Loth & Nina Walker.

It’s a Dystopian wolf shifter PNR with
Fated mates, OW drama, graphic violence with dark underlying themes.

We pick up where book 1 ended, in the aftermath of Madame Nova’s death. Poppy thinks she was murdered, most likely by one of the girls trying to stay out of the mating house. She decides to investigate Nova’s murder and finds Ryne with a female wolf and it is revealed he is betrothed to a Luna Wolf, Elle.
Joanna is getting restless and wants the resistance to make a move against the wolves. Another girl is murdered and it looks like Joanna is the next target. There’s a pattern to the murders that once revealed throws everything in to chaos.
The pink moon festival brings an explosive series of events ending on a jaw dropping cliffhanger.

Exciting instalment full of twists and turns. That cliffhanger has left me desperate for book 3.

[Kim - Inside the Wong Mind]

Lies of the Blood Moon
By Nina Walker and Kimberly Loth
Book 2 in the New World Shifters series
Rating: 4/5

I’m always excited to dive into a book by Nina Walker or Kimberly Loth but combined? The writing and story are even better. This sequel continues right where we left off in the first book. For those that have short term memories like me, the authors recap a little bit but within the story so it’s more natural and organic. I love the burgeoning and swoony romance between the Alpha and Poppy but we also got to learn more about some of the other girls competing to be a Beta mate. More backstory about the Betas and their families was also very interesting.

PG-13 content.

Highly recommend if you enjoy YA urban fantasy with romance, action and some mystery.

My thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

[Sarah Hickner]

This series just gets better as it goes.
The community is founded on a system that not only steals human girls from their communities, but basically turns them into whores -> broodmares to “keep the wolf shifter numbers up”. Yet, these wolf shifters give up their lives at every turn in exchange for an attempt at power.
Poppy is no wilting flower and her and her best friend Joanna are determined to escape or change the system. The only problem is, they are fated mates with leaders of the pack, and have fallen head over heals in love with their shifters.
Can they change things, save the women, and have love? And how can they even change things when the wolves are so powerful and there are so many? Especially when the wolves see it as “the only way” and “how it’s always been”. The book ended with a twist I legit never saw coming (and I read a lot of books and feel like I normally see these things coming)!
I’m so ready for book 3!

[Allie Angi]

Clearly when Kim Loth and Nina Walker team up, only creative genius can be the result. This was by far one of the most thrilling action-packed YA fantasy I have read this year. There were twists and turns galore and the character development made the story so much more enticing. Poppy has definitely stepped it up a notch in this book and wants to be more active and taking more charge with what is happening around her. There is more talk about the Resistance and we find out more about the key players involved. I absolutely love Johana and Grady which is why I was completely in shock and have a million questions about that huge twist of events. Ryne continues to be my least favorite character because he has potential for so much and he leaves us feeling so disappointed. I cant wait to see what comes next and what awaits our amazing heroine Poppy.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Nicole]

*All of my reviews are voluntarily written*

Wow. Just wow. I read the last page of this and I was speechless. Absolutely speechless. You know it's a good book when you read it in less than 24 hours. That doesn't happen often with me, but there are a few authors that can make this happen easily, and Nina Walker and Kimberly Loth are two of them!

I thought I had this all figured out and had an idea of where this would go. I could not have been more wrong! We ended book 1 with Nova being killed, and more girls are being killed. Poppy and Joanna are determined to figure out what is going on.

i really enjoyed learning more about some of the beta's. I also really enjoyed seeing Poppy come more into her own; a stronger, willful, and thoughtful individual.

I am SO excited for book 3!

[Kelly Greer]

This book was a little slower to start out - more character building for the girls, so we really get a feel for them. Do NOT stop reading. Trust me. You don’t want to miss anything in this book!

These authors have a way of wrapping up a book, but keeping you on the edge of your seat wanting more. I cannot WAIT for the next book in the series. I can’t BELIEVE how this one ended. And I have NO IDEA where the next book is going! It’s a true talent to write something that feels new and not-done-before.

Possible spoilers from book 1 below.

In the last book, someone turns up dead. Was it murder? Was it suicide? Poppy is determined to find out. You’ll have to read to find out - it’s not who YOU or Poppy think it is! Nothing is really as it seems. ;)

If you like murder-mystery, shifters, forbidden romance, and a wee bit of wolf-politics, this book is 100% for you!

[Yess]

2.5 twisted stars

So they brought down the rappey in this book by not mentioning the rape houses as much. But there obviously used to threaten the girls into behaving. I didn't have high expectations for this book, good thing it didn't deliver. Not much character development or depth, it stay pretty flat. There were a few sections I did enjoy but not many. Feel all over the place and the ending just added to the drama on top of all the other drama. I see reading the next book but with the 4th one coming out in a year and the my low expectations of this series I will probably skip book 4. But on to book 3 to see what's going to happen with all the mess that was left at the end if book2.

[TiphaineH]

The end 😱😭 I can't wait for the third book. At first, I thought it was Charlotte the murderer who came back for revenge. But it was Anders. Not very surprising if we think about it. AND THEN Joanna and Grady's live story turning so bad in a few pages like they almost got executed I'm still not over it 😱 even if I'm repeating it THE END 😭😭😭 I'm 10000% sure Poppy will survive even if she is a lycan who knows she might me able to be the first one to control her lycan part like the wolves? And I can't help but feeling like we are finally going to get some news of Charlotte in the third book!!! At least I hope so I think her character has a lot of potential

[Ana Isabel]

I started this book almost directly on the heels of having finished the first one. But about at 80%, I just lost interest with the death of one of my favorite characters. But I honestly think I had been losing interest because I saw some inconsistencies in the main characters and their interactions. As part of my TBR cleanup, I decided to power through. I kinda like the way the book ended (yet another cliffhanger to get us to the next book) but I don’t think I will pick up the third book. I was impressed with the world building of the first book and this one didn’t really keep up on that front. I’m content in letting the heroine walk off into the sunset and continue on without me.

[nat _lovestoread]

I'm not OK 😩😭

WTF girls, you killed me with that ending... But I loved every minute of this book, it's so f'ing awesome!!! 🤩
Twisted and dark plot, unexpected twists and turns, action-packed, romance... I could stop reading... And now I will slowly die while waiting for the next book!!! 😩
But it's totally worth it, this series is phenomenal and this second book, wow, mind-blowing!!! 😍 ❤️

[Patti]

This one drained me! I really felt I needed an emotional rest after reading this book. The twists and turns, the gut wrenching scenes, the heart break. All of it and then teetering on the edge once more. The life being portrayed through these characters? I feel this brings on TV as a series, especially when everything leads up to shockers. Be prepared people!
All my reviews are always voluntarily written.