Ruthless Pursuit

Lost Shifters #6

by Stephani Hecht

WARNING – This books contains homoerotica

For Panther shifter Vapor, nothing is more important to him than his feline coalition. A true soldier, he has never let them or his leader, Mitchell, down. So when he's given his latest assignment, he doesn't think twice before accepting it, even if it is to track down Mitchell's youngest brother, Andrew, and bring him in. This isn't going to be a regular rescue mission, however, since Andrew is a wanted fugitive and Vapor will be taking him back to face charges for crimes against the coalition. Still, Andrew is young and inexperienced so Vapor knows the mission will be a snap--or at least he does until Andrew shows him otherwise.

Before he knows it, Vapor has been shot with his own gun, arrested by the human police and his favorite car is stolen. Andrew is behind every humiliating incident, too. Things climb to a whole new level of embarrassing when Andrew seduces Vapor, then leaves him naked and handcuffed to a fence. Vapor vows that he will track down the brat and make him pay, not just for his prior criminal activity, but for each degrading encounter they've experienced. As Vapor gets closer and closer to capturing his prey, he finds himself falling for Andrew. Then when Andrew runs to him, instead of away, Vapor finds he has to make the hardest choice of his life—his coalition or the man he loves.

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2010

About the author

Stephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Go Wings! You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book or gorging on caffeine at her favorite coffee shop.

When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.

Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
archangelwriter@yahoo.com

Reviews

[Sophia Triad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaguar shifter, Andrew & Panther shifter, Vapor

Andrew is Michell’s youngest brother. The last lost brother. And Vapor is assigned to locate him. Unfortunately Andrew is a tough cookie and he refuses to cooperate and to follow back Vapor.
Rough, strong, merciless soldier Vapor keeps being humiliated by playful Andrew in many funny ways.

Opposites attract and they can build long lasting relationships in this short shifters’ story.

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this series just keeps getting better! I loved Vapor and Andrew's story. After the ending of A Wicked Caress I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Andrew’s character, but Stephani managed to make me love the little punk.

I liked that there wasn’t much of a lead into the next story at the end of this one too. Possibly Owen and Garrett, but it wasn’t as clear as it has been in the past books. Although, I hope that doesn’t mean she’s done, she can’t be, I need more!!

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just goes from strength to strength.

Andrew's story was one of the most difficult to pull off, amongst what we have seen so far. Andrew seemed to be such an unlikeable character at the end of the last book, I wasn't sure how Stephani was going to pull off a turn-around. But she does it, and really well! His reasons for doing what he did become clear and I found myself rooting for him almost from the start of this book.

Vapor on the other had - I wanted to slap. Several times. He really behaves like a heartless bastard, and I have no idea how Andrew puts up with him. 'It must be love' comes to mind - but still. There are a few glimpses into his emotions, but I would have liked to have seen more. The way the story stands I had trouble buying his final turn-around into a nice guy.

I loved the almost playful back and forth between Andrew and Vapor, each of them holding their own. Unfortunately, the longer this goes on the more they end up hurting each other and I was very glad that ended when it did. Now that all the siblings are reunited, I can't wait to see what happens in the next few books.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless Pursuit is Andrew's story. He is the last of the lost brothers of Mitchell. In the end of book #5, we learned that Andrew hacked into the computer system of the Coalition and seemed to have hatred to his family. Mitchell sent his best tracker, Vapor, to catch Andrew and to bring him home. When this book opened (seriously, one of loved opening lines! "That little shit would pay for this"); Vapor has been tracking Andrew for three months, and the young Jaguar has always been able to escape. Not only that, Andrew has successfully turned the table on Vapor, including exploding the Panther's car and shot him. This game of cat-and-cat (none of them are mouse! *lol*) sort of bring the two into another issue, hot attraction ....

To be perfectly honest, there is some kind of similarities on most of Stephani Hecht's characters. As I read Andrew, I can sense his character (even physical description) from previous brothers, Noah or Keegan. And Vapor, as this tough tracker, bears resemblance of that Logan and Seth. It doesn't mean that I don't enjoy it, though. The way Andrew escapes Vapor is fun to read -- especially that scene of him leaving the big-bad-Panther in cuffs, naked, after they have hot sex *grin*. Wish there are more pages that describe Andrew's change of heart as well as relationship building between him and Vapor. But this is the usual length of the series and I don't think it'll change *sigh*. I love Mitchell's reaction when he found out about Andrew and Vapor and the closing scene is also sweet.

I've been reassured by Stephani that she will probably write stories of other shifters in the series. Considering Owen and Shane, Andrew's best friends seem to get significant screen time in the book, I think they will probably get their own HEA. I can see the seed planted between Owen and Garrett (the Hawk shifter). Aside from Daniel (Brent's mate), haven't had enough Hawk shifters as main characters. It'll be nice to read, I think.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was even more excited to jump into 'Ruthless Pursuit' than any of the prior 'Lost Shifters' stories because, for once, the lost sibling isn't a good guy. Or, at least, he isn't apparently so. In fact, Andrew was introduced at the end of the previous story where he restrained and locked up a member of the coalition whom Mitchell had sent to get his last remaining brother, and Andrew hacked into the coalition's computer system. Both of these offenses carry life imprisonment in a shifter prison. Mitchell had no choice but to send Vapor after Andrew to retrieve him for prison. Vapor had no idea that before it was all over, Andrew would blow up his car, shoot him with his own gun, and get him arrested. The final straw comes when Andrew seduces Vapor and then leaves him naked trussed up to a fence. Bwahahaha!

I totally couldn't help myself. I completely fell for Andrew. How could I not? All that mischievousness and genius bundled into a hot and sexy self, then pair all of that with a guy who was betrayed at the most hurtful level, and…well, I just had it bad for Andrew. He's so deliciously naughty with all of his bad behavior that there was no way for me not to adore him. Andrew has been raised with Owen and Shane by a cruel foster father, Edward, who never allowed them to speak to any other shifters and told Andrew that Mitchell sold him because he didn't want him. Even though Edward is dying, the fear he's instilled, along with love and respect, have kept these young shifters with him using their skills for criminal acts to keep the family fed and taken care of. Since he was little Andrew has learned about burglary, breaking and entering, weapons, explosives, and more.

This is definitely my favorite so far. I loved Vapor and Andrew together and getting to see what might possibly be the next couple in the series sparked definite interest. The action was awesome, the snarky comments even better, and the happy ever after the best of all.

NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews

[Natsroshan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope that the next one will be about Shane living with Dumb-and-Ass!!
*crossing fingers ferociously*

[Love Is All Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
Sesto volume della serie “The Lost Shifters” di Stephani Hecht, “Una ricerca spietata” racconta la storia di Andrew, l’ultimo fratello giaguaro che Mitchell sta cercando.
Andrew è l’unico fratello a essersi presentato per poi sparire nel nulla. Se avete letto i volumi precedenti sapete di cosa parlo e di come il suo ritrovamento è diventato l’obiettivo principale dell’intera coalizione. Mitchell incarica Vapor con la speranza che inviare la pantera mutaforma significhi riavere indietro il proprio fratello e punirlo per i crimini commessi.
Come tutte le altre storie, potete immaginare cosa accadrà tra Andrew e Vapore e quanto velocemente.
Continua sul nostro blog!

[L-D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book in the series so far. At the end of the last book, we finally meet Mitchell's last lost brother, Andrew. Unlike Jacyn, Keegan, and Noah, Andrew does not seem like is interested in returning to the fold. In fact, he sends a transmission at the end of the last book telling the Coalition to leave him alone. Of course, Mitchell sends his best tracker and assassin, Vapor, after Andrew instead.

I really enjoyed this book because sure, while it fell back into the formula we've seen in the earlier books of this series:
1. Shifter is on a mission to find/rescue/retrieve another shifter
2. Shifters fall into lust/love at first sight
3. Shifters elude bad guys to return home
4. Shifters somehow feel they are undeserving of the other's love.

The fun part of this book is that Andrew doesn't want to come home and does everything he can to shake Vapor from his tail. I really liked the way Vapor has finally met his match with Andrew and Andrew embarrasses Vapor time and again. So far Andrew and Vapor are my favorite couple. Of course, the more Andrew confounds Vapor, the more Vapor admires him. A really fun story.

[DaisyGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Vapor is a Panther shifter with the feline coalition. A bad-ass tracker with military training, Vapor is alpha-Mitchell's go-to-guy on tough assignments and he has never failed. Andrew is the last of Mitchell's missing siblings. Andrew has been fed a bunch of lies about the feline coalition and his older brother, Mitchell, by his greedy foster parent. As a result, Andrew views the coalition as the enemy and has committed crimes against them in an effort to gain intel and get them off his back. Mitchell finally sends Vapor to bring his wayward brother in. But Andrew has some moves of his own and soon Vapor realizes that this will be no easy assignment. During their dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, Vapor and Andrew discover that they are mates.

I liked this story. At first, I didn't like Andrew and I was pissed that he kept dogging Vapor. (I mean, come on! Vapor is the baddest of all bad-asses!) At least, Vapor didn't take any sh*t and, as the story progressed, Andrew kinda grew on me. I also enjoyed the extended cast of characters, especially Andrew's rag-tag group (i.e., Owen and Shane). I can't wait for their stories.

Bottom-line: Vapor meets his match!

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book six in the Lost Shifters series was a lot of fun to read. Vapor and Andrew are both interesting characters and I found myself smiling as poor Vapor was overwhelmed by Andrew.

[315 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one came off as less victim with is the thread in the previous books so I enjoyed the change.

[☔️ Stormy Day Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for all of the Lost Shifters, Wayne County Wolves, and Assassin's Loyalty books since they are all interconnected and I read them back-to-back pretty much nonstop over a 10 day period. If I have anything to say about a particular book I'll add it under this bulk review. First, I'd like to mention these are more like novellas than books but they have the same underlying theme and pretty much continue where the last left off but with a different couple.

Everything starts out with the Lost Shifters. To summarize there was a war between the feline shifters and the raven shifters. 20 years or so before the first book there was an all out slaughter in which hundreds of feline homes were attacked and burned down all of the occupants believed to be killed. Turns out that the babies and toddlers that were assumed lost were not. They were hidden within the human foster care system for the most part. I won't say how because that'd be a big spoiler. In addition to foster care some kids were sold into slavery and that's where the whole assassin thing comes in. A couple of the main characters marry into the wolf pack so that's where those books come in as well.

Pros: Since the books are so short there are no long drawn out boring details or general angst. There's usually only one sex scene although it's normally long as hell. Which makes the fact some people shelved these as erotica confusing. I liked the world building and even though there were times I think a little more info might have been nice it never detracted from the story or left me confused. Most of the relationships were a sort of love at first sight thing. Or maybe lust or obsession? Despite this the shifters all seem adamant that's not a thing that happens. There wasn't one character I didn't like. My favorite character was Shane and he must have been the author's as well since he got a few extra books and a side series Shane's Chronicles. There's no big end battle or anything but the last book Baily's 9th Life does pretty much tie things up nicely. I think if I'd been reading the series when they were released I'd be a bit miffed because that book didn't come out until a few years later if you weren't reading the assassins books. Also, these books all have some really funny moments and/or dialog.

Cons: The last several books didn't appear to have been edited at all. If if wasn't for the fact that I was so invested in the overall story arc I would have quit reading them. Things like sent instead of scent and too instead of to they instead of them and random wrong words completely. There were also a couple of times that things were said/thought almost verbatim in different parts of a book as if the author forgot she'd already put that info in there already. At the start of the series, they state that all feline shifters are bisexual but at some point the author must have forgotten that detail because suddenly there are gay shifters and homophobia and all this hate. Which brings me to my next con, the themes of the different books started to repeat. Suddenly all these shifters had been thrown out of their previous pack or coalition or human home for being gay. And throughout this huge series of books there was only one straight couple. Like not even a straight friend or whatever. Even the females were all lesbians. It was just kinda unrealistic especially with the whole gay hate thing going on. Usually there's at least a few couples or friends or something on the periphery in gay romances especially in a world this huge. Which brings me to my final con, I had a hard time remembering who was who and what there story was after awhile especially if they weren't mentioned much in previous books. I wish there had been some sort of glossary to review.

Despite the cons, I would still recommend these books. All-in-all I really enjoyed them and was dreading the end although the editing in the last few books really had me also looking forward to the end if I'm being honest.

[Jessy Mpdl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je le répète à nouveau ce sixième opus est de très loin mon préféré ! Il est vrai que l’on ait la même configuration que certains des précédents opus. Avec un terrifiant métamorphe en mission pour sauver un autre. Bien qu’ici c’est plutôt traquer et récupérer. Deux spécimens terriblement hot tombant dans la luxure, faisant tout ce qu’il faut pour échapper à l’ennemi et pensant qu’ils ne méritent pas l’amour de l’autre. Et pourtant Stephani Hecht a su ajouter ce petit quelque chose en plus qui fait que Andrew & Dante soient désormais mon couple préféré ! Je dois bien avouer que cette palpitante série urban fantasy au format court me plait de plus en plus. Et je vais de ce pas lire le prochain opus car je sens que cet autre métamorphe punk sera du même calibre que celui-ci…

𝑴𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝒊𝒄𝒊: https://wp.me/p5AuT9-enI

[Emmaali · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oltre al fatto che il libro è davvero cortissimo, l’autrice ha sacrificato un qualcosa che poteva essere carino per scrivere poche pagine la seconda metà delle quali scritte davvero male perché ha tralasciato particolari interessanti facendo sembrare i due protagonisti due stupidotti che si mettono insieme senza un senso, prima si danno la caccia e poi tutto d’un tratto è amore eterno.

[MyzanM · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok read for a relaxing afternoon.

I had a hard time connecting to the MC's. Especially Vapor. My focus was on Owen and Shane every scene they were in.

[Gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

funny

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/5
podoba mi się ta historia, 3/4 książki bardzo fajna, ale końcówka mega pospieszona i powierzchowna, brakuje rzeczywistego rozwinięcia relacji i głównych problemów, daje wrażenie jakby była skrócona i skończona szybko na siłę, podobały mi się bardzo wątki, chase, ich dynamika, ta książka mogła być mega dobra, gdyby była dłuższa i bardziej zaawansowana
moja ulubiona para

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

piaciuto

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a must read. We get to see Mitchell last brother found and his journey home

Highly recommence to read

[Maria Aguilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this a 4.5 stars.

This time the story is about Andrew, one of Mitchell brothers and the last one to be found. He is on the ran because he is a wanted felon that the coalition wanted to be found because he highjack the system and that does not bound well. Vapor, the best tracker in the whole coalition, latest mission is to track down Andrew so he can find him, lock hime up and be done with this whole mission because he has been tracking him down for three months now. However, he cannot deny that there is a attraction between the both of them but Andrew is making it hard for him to only see this as a mission instead of forgetting this whole mission and just find the nearest bed around to bed him. Will Vapor complete his mission instead of going with his desire to have Andrew all to himself or will Andrew continue to ran away not knowing the truth that he family does want him as well as Vapor.

I have to say I really love this couple because this is a whole different scene then the last car trip that we found because unlike other other time Andrew does not want to go with Vapor and take him home and Vapor was not at all gentle with him when he was trying to get him home. The chemistry between Vapor and Andrew was intense from the first page of this story and I can already tell I'm going to like this couple. Andrew is not your typical weak shifter that needed help and protect when it came to the Raven because he was already train to be a solider and Vapor was having a hard time keeping up both and trying to be two step ahead of him and I love it when he fall short, cause that cause a blow to his ego and pride and I love it. Show him that he can't always be the best cause there will be someone better.

We also get to meet Owen and Shane, with Owen being Seth long-lost little brother and Shane being a leopard shifter that is known to be unstable and pyscho because they make the perfect killing machine. I really want to read Owen story but I been hearing a lot about Shane and he is the one to read cause not only does he have to book of this series but he has his own and going to be a part of a different one as well. I also like that Shane is different form the typical Alpha one with him looking all innocent and doe like but in realty he can come back and bite you hard.

Overall, it was a good read and would have 5 stars if it didn't following the whole car trip and stuff because if I was honest I'm a little sick of that scene. Other then that nice and a good way to end the finding of the whole brother of Mitchell.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 6 of the lost shifter series - Andy is the last of Mitchell's missing brothers, but he doesn't want to be found. He kidnapped one of the trackers sent to find him and crashed the coalition's computer system - so now Vapor, a panther shifter, is sent to bring him back - as a felon.
Vapor thinks it will be easy as Andy/Andrew is only young, except Andrew turns out to be well-trained and well equipped.
I enjoyed the sparring between Andrew and Vapor, and the conflict between what Andrew believes and what Vapor is trying to tell him. We're also introduced to Owen and Shane; a tiger shifter and leopard shifter that Andrew grew up with. The three shifters were raised by Edward, and the more Vapor hears, the more he becomes concerned that Edward has been manipulating them.
Andrew is a likeable in his own way, but a serious brat, Vapor is a little over-arrogant - Andrew helps knock that out of him. Owen is probably the weakest character in this, he comes across as sweet but very easily influenced. And Shane reminds me in a way of Zsadist from the Black Dagger Brotherhood books.
Again this is one of the darker books - Andrew, Shane and Owen have not had a happy homelife.
I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more of the series...

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vapor has been tasked to find and bring home missing brother Andrew. As the best tracker in the coalition this should be a piece of cake, however Andrew has thrown a grenade in his car, shot him, drugged him and managed to escape every time. Andrew has been told he was sold by his family and was raised with two other shifters by a human in an Oliver Twist type situation. They are mercenaries who do anything for money. Although Andrew is starting to get hooked on Vapor and when he overhears his "mentor" telling Shane to kill Vapor, he and Owen decide it's time to leave and try and protect Vapor. This leads to their capture and return to the fold where Vapor finally admits that he is Andrew's mate and Andrew and Owen are pardoned because they saved Vapor's life. I quite enjoyed this, I felt sorry for poor Vapor who kept getting bested, it was very hard on his ego and my heart broke for the three young shifters who had been abused and bullied into working for the bad guy. Although really, how many freaking bedroom do they have in that damn apartment?

[Trip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore this series, the characters are so much fun and i enjoy the plot flowing throughout. This might be my favourite so far though, as Vapor is a favourite of mine and i fell in love with Andrew.

Plenty of entertaining and steamy scenes, i adore the chase between these two and the push/pull between them creates for amazing chemistry. I liked how Vapor got caught out a lot too and Andrew gives him a challenge with all their interactions.

Side cast as usual is incredible, i enjoyed seeing more of Seth and everyones great to see more off. Meeting Owen was fun and his moment with Garett at the end, has me looking forward to their book. Shanes rather interesting too.

Overall i had a great time reading this book, i only wish they were longer but still for short reads these stories have lots of development.

Perfect ending for these two, while leaving open to the rest of the series and hope to see more of them 💕

[Jimmy Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEFINITELY a "4.5" - really, an almost "5"
If it hadn't been for Vapor's character 15% of the time, I would have bumped this one up and would have had to admit to it being my favorite of the series. Andrew is freaking AWESOME, and the circumstances he has to work within are unique. His abilities, his packmates, everything is awesome. And honestly the interractions between Andrew and Vapor are HOT.

But Vapor on his own? How he consistently turns right back into an ass pretty darn quick and basically openly slaps Andrew down, only to get all hot and bothered over him ten minutes later? Just very shallow to me, and with all the hot-and-cold, by the time he finally admitted he loved Andrew it was kind of pointless. And the last scene with them in it together, Vapor just seemed completely OOC [out of character]. =p

Otherwise, OMG - coolness.

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good turn around for Andrew. You really dislike Andrew from his actions in the last book but he redeems himself. Vapor gets a little more human in this story as well. The two make a very interesting pair. I loved the back and forth between them and how they bonded over the chase. Vapor needed someone strong to put up with him. He would have never have been able to put up with someone less skilled. I was only disappointed in the fact that the story really didn't do much but get Andrew and Vapor together and Andrew back with his family. Not much with how the relationship built more and jump into it from the middle. I still loved it and look forward to the next:)

[Paws · Rating 4 out of 5]

For series review;

Vapor has been trying to chase down Andrew for months now. But he always gets away. But each time they meet they fall for each other a little more. Andrew, Owen (Seth's brother) & Shane have been kept by Edward to do his dirty work. Lied to & tortured. Andrew finally figures out Edwards lies & leaves to protect Vapor. Owen tags along. They are captured & taken back to Mitchell's HQ. Owen runs into Garrett which will probably turn into the next book. Turns out Edward dies from natural causes & Shane will go with Jared & Kevin to go live on a farm.

[Phaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm. All right.
This one’s definitely one of the better instalments of the series.

The romance is still on speed and in fact the entire book feels fairly quick, but at least people don’t go too far with the idiotically pointless (and usually jerkish) self-sacrificing.
It had a more interesting plot (such as it was) than most of the Lost Shifters books I remember.

At the same time I’m wondering how these books would read if they weren’t so cruelly short. With some more time for detail and development? Who knows, some of them might have been really great.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is Andrew and Vapor story and it was really good!
i have to say i was a bit skeptical on how this story would play out because of how the previous book ended but the author did an awesome job with it!
i love the playful and challenging feeling between the characters as they pulled or pushed each other even tho Vapor was a bit of an ass for a wile there am glad that everything got worked out.
i felt kind of bad for all the things that Andrew had to go through while growing up... am just happy he got his own happy ending...

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stephani Hecht is a terrible writer. I don't feel like pulling any punches here, because to do otherwise would be a disservice to my fellow readers. These books are awful, but have their own compelling pull. I wanted to carry on to see what happened next, even though the writing was making me insane, the characters were all the same, and the sex was becoming incredibly redundant. It wasn't until I got to the third book based on Shane (seriously, again?), that I finally hit a wall and couldn't read any more. It was (sorta) fun while it lasted.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are just my own notes. Maybe someday I'll get to a review but right now I have to get my notes off my dying ereader.

Throughout series says so and so "wasn't for sure" when she means "wasn't sure." Kept thinking, "he's not necessarily there?
Andrew believes Vapor way too easily.
He was healed but then his leg was still throbbing in pain. Huh?
Vapor told him he cared. Not black and white.