Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As you start to read, you are hooked in by what is going on in the moment, a small event, enough to keep you reading. There is a lot of action and suspense in the story. The characters do complement each other very well, even the minor characters in the story.
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From the very first page, the author has you engaged in the story and you need to know what’s happening next. I like how each chapter has the point of view for the main characters, Finlay and Drake. The author has done a great job in creating the context for this particular topic, especially the ins and outs of this type of business. As you read, you get an actual feel for the environment, and the emotions the women and young ladies are feeling.
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Lori Haas believes everyone deserves their own Happy Ever After. She writes stories that give you all-the-feels while keeping the story blush-free yet may cause you to spit out your tea. When she’s not dreaming up new stories, she’s usually traveling, gardening, outdoors in nature, or enjoying a good Merlot with a wonderful book.
Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a read that sends you head first into a paranormal universe full of enchantment, fun characters, and intrigue, then this one’s for you.
Outcast is the first of Her Royal Harem: Ember series by Catherine Banks. It follows the story of Ember, a mage who heals wounded creatures. This simple existence is thrown askew when Ember gets an unlikely assistant in Prince Caleb and starts to have to deal with her painful past.
This book is full of enchantment, action, and danger as whimsical characters come to life. This book is definitely a page turner. I can’t wait to pick up the next book and dive back into this paranormal universe.
Happy Reading!
Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am absolutely blown away by the journey this story took me on! The cover drew me in, and once I learned it was a paranormal romance/reverse harem, I was diving in. I’m not ashamed to admit that I neglected ALL of my responsibilities for the day as I devoured this book! The flow of the story is marvelous even though it starts a little slow. It didn’t take long to pick up the pace and find my groove as Ember goes on an incredible adventure. The characters were absolute perfection. I can’t think of one thing I would change about them as they were diverse and relatable. There are a fair number of steamy scenes throughout, but the author doesn’t rely on them to make the book. The storyline will have you invested immediately! I know I’ve only read one book by this author so far, but I am definitely headed to pick up more of their work right now. If you love paranormal/shifter why-choose romances, don’t pass this one up!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging reverse harem paranormal romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Ember lives in a tranquil forest and is a healer who tends to wounded animals, shifters and hybrid outcasts. When a stealthy cheetah, a witty tiger, and a stalwart bear arrive on her doorstep she tends to their wounds, but she feels a connection with all of them. Then the charming Prince Caleb turns up determined to help Ember and once again she feels a connection, and soon the lines between duty and desire start to blur. Ember is happy living in solitude within the sanctuary she’s created but when she’s involved in a mystery which threatens this, she has to face painful truths about her own past. This really is a story of love, loyalty, and self-discovery and at the heart of the story is Ember who’s a likeable and relatable character. The setting and the characters were brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, and I felt fully immersed in the paranormal world that the author has created. I look forward to book two in this series.
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott. I love this series and I loved this book. Its the continuing story of Finlay, a investigative journalist, who is deep undercover working at a bar trying to get information on the trafficking going on. She is in Paris on assignment and Drake from Shadow Defense Security is there to check on her because he feels she may be in over her head. Drake is a former Navy Seal and now is a partner of Shadow Defense Security. Drake dislikes journalists a lot but Finlay is becoming a good pain. It doesn’t help with his growing attraction to her and the last thing he wants is a relationship especially with a journalist. Finlay promised a friend she met in Mexico that she would help her find her sister who had been kidnapped. Will Finlay be able to help her friend without getting herself in trouble. Read this fast paced thriller to find out!
Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ember was outcasted from her family when she started showing signs of having magic. Sent away to school to learn magic she felt dejected. She became a nurse to help the injured dropped off at her door. As hybrids came and went, she always seemed to feel alone. Will that change or will she always be the young woman single and alone? This was a quick read and kept my interest throughout with the twists and turns.
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a really fun exhilarating read for me. I did not have a chance to read books one and two, however, this book did not cause me to read the other books to understand the storyline. Learning about Finlay and her role in this story as an investigator, while she worked with law enforcement was eye opening. The setting in Paris of human trafficking felt so real as the author depicts each scene, filling me with suspense for the next moment. One of the best things about a mystery is the amount of suspense in each moment or scene. This book had me on the edge of my toes and quickly sparked a vivid imagination for every scene in this Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by book. I really enjoyed reading it and I enjoy the authors writing style.
Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Where do I start! This was such a fun read, filled with wonderful characters, interesting storylines and just enough twists and turns to keep you completely hooked and turning page after page. There is so much more to Ember than even she knows and I am really looking forward to reading more in this series to find out more about her abilities and where life is going to take not only her but her men as well! There is a few steamy moments that give us a feel of what may be still to come and I can’t wait. I so want a happy ending for them all. I guess I will have to wait and see LOL
My goals are simple. To make the world a better place one love story at a time!
Q: What can you expect from my books?
A: Where heat meets heart!
Every writer sprinkles their brand of DNA magic into stories and my ingredients are glamorous destinations, brilliant, sexy minds, and juicy plots with just the right amount of spice stirred in to kick things up a notch.
I also love messy characters. Ones who struggle, but never give up. My women are strong-willed and successful, but never infallible when it comes to matters of the heart. My men are maddeningly imperfect and sexy AF.
If you like all of the above, it might be love at first page read!
The Hustlers is my first series, an interconnected trilogy that can be read as stand-alone. You’ll meet three alluring BFF’s navigating dreams, desires, and all the beautiful complications of falling in love.
Set against the backdrop of sultry jet-set lifestyles, if you crave vivid characters, adventurous plots and sensual moments, these mid-steam romps are the perfect escape!
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Book 3)
I went on quite the adventure while reading this book. So much happens with Finley and Drake.
Finley is a bad girl but in the best way. She will do what ever is necessary to help those that she cares about which is how she ended up in Paris and the mess she found herself in.
Drake is sent to get Finley home safe and sound, he has no clue how messed up of a situation she is in the middle of.
The twist at the end was so good it made me gasp out loud and may have startled my husband.
I really hope Seb is next and I know the perfect woman for him.
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well Shadowed Deception is definitely an adventure. But not the fun type of adventure. The author brings us another challenge. Yet a budding attraction between two characters.
Finley is on assignment. Deep undercover at a nightclub trying to get as much information as possible. She knows about the trafficking but doesn’t know the details on where/how the women come in or are sold. She’s determined to find her friend’s sister as well as bring the ring down completely. Unfortunately it’s making her feel guilty for the innocents that will lose their jobs.
Drake dislikes journalists. Yet he’s in Paris chasing after the one journalist in his life that’s chasing a story. Finley is a piece of work, but she’s in so deep he has no choice but to get help from his team. as they gather information it’s becoming more apparent that Finley needs to stop because she’s going to end up in serious trouble. It also doesn’t help his growing feelings for her.
What will they do?
Do they succeed?
What connection does Finley’s father have to all this?
The author keeps the reader on a crazy ride. Keeps you turning the page. Keeps you asking questions that you hope don’t take too long to answer. With the dark sub plots just be mindful of what you’re getting yourself into. It’s really good book so it’s definitely worth it!
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shadowed Deception is the 3rd book in the Shadow Defense Security series, but the first I read. It was enjoyed without background knowledge but I could sense Drake and Finlay had a bit of a past that played into their behavior and attitude toward each other. The author did a good job providing enough information so I wasn’t frustrated or felt like I was missing anything.
The book has a good balance, being mostly mystery and investigative work, and a handful of romance scenes. I felt like there was quite a bit of a hanging to the ending. While it wrapped up the feelings between Drake and Finlay, the whole case they are investigating is still open and wasn’t all resolved. I hope it continues in another book, because if this is how the author planned to end things, I’m not thrilled.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a new to me author that I will definitely be following for more work. The story starts off a little slow, but it’s well worth it, trust me. Ember is a sweetie that didn’t expect that her peaceful world in the 100 acer woods would be turned so completely upside down.
She’s on a journey of self discovery, wrapped in love and mystery and danger and I can’t wait to see how it is all going to end. Obviously it is a RH romance so she won’t have to choose but Caleb is definitely my favorite. I can’t wait to see their relationship grow and can not wait to learn more about this interesting new world.
Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a little bit interesting and had a different take on what supernatural is all about, which is what I like about the different point of views with others. I was really intrigued and interested in reading this book and I couldn’t help but read it till the end to know if they were going to find out what was happing with all the hybrid supernatural’s. Ember is a wonderful character in this book and the love she has for animals makes her the best girl for this twisted story of all these hybrids showing up on her doorstep hurt and wondered. Or are they being dumped on her doorsteps? This is a superb paranormal romance, filled with so much more of magic, curse, action, adventure, chemistry, tension, mystery, drama, danger, and emotion. This story really kept me going from the beginning, the characters I found were well developed with their own person and very interesting with their quirks. I highly recommend this book, and this being a series book is just more interesting for me to read.
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a suspense novel. The main characters are Americans in France. There is a classic story of good versus evil. This book forces readers to ask themselves what they would do? How far would they go to thwart pure evil? There is a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming!
Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ember is a mage who treats supernatural animal shifters. Born as a mage, her parents treated her as an abomination. They sent her to a mage training school. When she aged out of school, they gave her an isolated cabin on 100 acres in the woods. Afterwards, she had no contact with them. She has the ability to talk to animals telepathically, and she spends her time fixing injured animals and shifters. When Kieran, a hawk shifter, alerts her to an injured bear, Ember follows him to find a badly injured mother with a cub. After patching her up, she learns that a giant black bear that seems cursed was the cause of the injuries. When she arrives home, she finds her cheetah patient awake, and Branson, a healed bear shifter, is blocking it from leaving. The cheetah shifts into his human form and reveals he is the assistant to Prince Caleb.
Within three days, several more patients joined Ember’s entourage. A raven has been bringing magical crystals from the riverbank. Kieran, Branson, and Riddick go to investigate a cave that they had tracked the bear to. Ember is accompanied by Percival, and Triston is collecting more of the crystals. Triston says that they smell like bad magic. Before Ember can ask what he means, a giant bear covered in some type of black slime appears. Branson yells for Ember to run. Percival grabs Ember and runs towards her home, where wards prevent the bear from crossing. Noticing the bear is focused on her, Ember asks what it wants. The bear answers, “Your blood.”
A shifter romance novel full of a colorful cast of characters, Catherine Banks’ Outcast is entertaining. The vivid details describing the shifters and their abilities make it easy to envision each one. Ember’s feelings of isolation and being an outcast are relatable. The amazing journey of self-discovery is captivating, and I am eager to read the sequel. Mature readers who enjoy steamy romances with multiple subplots will find Outcast appealing.
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shadowed Deception is the third book in the Shadow Defense Security Series. In this story, Finlay Giammarino is an investigative journalist tracking a human trafficking ring hoping to find a lead on her sister. When she comes to a dead end she turns to former Navy Seal Drake Reeves. Drake doesn’t like journalists but Finlay is desperate. By now the trademark adventure and intensity should be expected. Again, the chemistry is fun and palpable. This is a stand-alone book but you do get past characters that pop up and they are fun to see. Another page-turner.
Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shadowed Agenda is the second book in the Shadow Defense Security Series. This book is a stand-alone that doesn’t require you to have read the first book. In this book, we have an enemies-to-lovers story between Regan Christenson and Pavlo Barislov. These two are attracted to each other but cannot stand each other but when Regan and her daughter are threatened, Pavlo can’t turn away. This book is another fast-paced, on-the-edge-of-your-seat type story. The chemistry between Pavlo and Regan is amazing. The author packs this book with adventure. This was another thrilling ride.
Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shadowed Obsession by Mavery Ellscott is the first book in the Shadow Defense Security Series. Kiera O’Ryan is a beautiful PR rep who has a stalker. Cade Hartford is her private military contractor neighbor who jumps at the chance to help catch Kiera’s stalker when the Montana police can’t. These two are attracted to each other but try to keep it business only because they cannot afford to be distracted by each other. The chemistry between Cade and Kiera was fun. I liked both of these characters. I love that they are comfortable together. This was a well-written and intense romance/suspense story. It is a fast-paced story with plenty of action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book.
Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Outcast (Her Royal Harem: Ember Book 1)
By Catherine Banks
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
As a woman who is obsessed with the forests and woods and who grew up exploring them, I absolutely loved this book! Ember Jasperwood is an amazingly pure and heartwarming character! Her passion for healing and how her family treats her hit me right in the feels! Did I also mention how much I love the names Catherine Banks picked for her characters? Triston, Riddick, Ember they are all absolutely divine! Outcast is a beautiful blend of magic, hybrids, healing, curses, cures, and a search for the truth. Every page I turned, went faster and faster as I raced towards the end of this book to find out what was going to happen! This book had me completely hooked and I cannot wait until Ms. Banks releases the second one in this entrancing series that is definitely one to look out for!
The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cricket Adams is a mountain shifter in the Elkhorn Pride, her family owns a logging company and she has a son, but his father, her first mate, was tragically taken from her too early, so she threw herself into work and being a single mother, all while suffering from the loss of her mate. Boone Claw is a mountain shifter from the Long Claw Pride and as one of many siblings, he has been told of the mating call from a young age and he has also seen other family members being affected by it, so when it comes to him, he is more than ready to meet his future.
One day Cricket is working as usual when all of a sudden, the mating call hits her, but she is confused and terrified because she has already had a mate and cannot believe that it would come for her for a second time and nobody in her pride have ever heard of it happening either. Boone pretty much drops his life as a logger with the forestry service near his Long Claw Pride lands, to go find his mate, however, when he meets her, he is in shock at her reaction, especially finding out that she is in the same profession as his family, but the surprises don’t end there.
As Boone and Cricket slowly get to know one another, her reservations and emotions are all over the place and she is amazed at how patient Boone is being, but she is also surprised at his reaction to when a certain Mr Grace appears, he is a human who is becoming a definite thorn in her side, but is he ever going to take no as an answer to his questions and what will become of this second mating chance, will it end in rejection, or romance? This is another spicy romance where emotions run high and challenges are made as two shifters come together to find their future amid uncertainty and confusion.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Book 3) by Mavery Ellscott- 5 out of 5 stars
This series has been amazing and I am hopeful the author will continue with more books in the future. Entertaining, realistic, sexy, and twisted with darkness, these books keep me wanting more. I do have to say that this particular book is a bit darker than the first two and twice as hard to put down once you start reading it. I highly recommend reading this whole series. I highly recommend reading this book.
The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Long Claw Pride Series, though I read it as a standalone and was able to grasp everything in the story I felt. You would benefit by getting to know other characters etc. if you read the series in order, I’m sure. This is also the first book by Brooke May that I have read, and I must say I wasn’t disappointed. The unique premise of second chance fated mates drew me to this book, as in most paranormal mates series the idea of a 2nd fated mate is unheard of.
I really enjoyed Boone and Cricket’s unique story and all the trials and tribulations they faced along the way. Can love like lightning really strike twice for Cricket? Will Boone, who waited his whole life to find his mate, be able to accept a young widow with a child? Will they be able to walk away from the pull they feel for each other or can they overcome their fears and pasts to make a go at it? This is a really touching second chance romance with some major and minor obstacles to overcome! I can’t wait to read more by this author after finishing this book.
Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finlay is an investigative journalist who is investigating a nightclub in Paris that is also a front for an international human trafficking ring. When Duke shows up, sent by his business partner and his wife to check on Finlay after she misses a planned check in, Duke realizes that Finlay may be in over her head and not even realize it. Duke is a former Navy SEAL and one of the partners of Shadow Defense, a private investigation company. While helping Finlay to try to finish her investigation into the nightclub as quickly and safely as possible, it quickly becomes apparent to Duke that everything is not quite what it appears, including Finlay. Duke doesn’t trust journalists due to past incidents, and finds it hard to trust Finlay, let alone admit his feelings for her. The most important thing to keep in mind going into this book, is nothing is quite what it appears, and you can’t even always trust your own memory. This book is part of a series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve read quite a few Brooke May selections in the past and honestly that is one of my main reasons for picking up this selection. I’ve also read some of these series out of order so I’m also used to jumping into the middle of one because although some details are better explained in previous works, the reader can usually go with the flow with the main content of the story. This story was quite unique as it centers around mountain lion shifters. That’s a first for me, although the trend for other paranormal themes try to realm in some unique quality. The story focuses on Cricket, a single hard-working mother who has lost her mate. Very invested in the family life and business, the unexpected finds both Cricket and Boone, new to the logging company owned by Cricket’s family. The unusual aspect is finding a second mate and the possibility of finding comfort in another.
The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another amazing read by Brooke May who is a master at her craft as an author. The Making Chance was a great read, that takes a different take on the typical shapeshifters, and it really worked! This is the first book in the Long Claw Pride that I have read and am excited to see if there are other books in this series because this story had me wanting more to read about the lives of the Long Claw characters. The author has a way of developing characters that make them so realistic that it leaves you questioning if shapeshifters exist. This story includes two different prides, both of which are filled with loggers, which was perfect when the call to claim his mate came, our main male character was able to go to the rescue of his counterpart who was in dire need of some help with the family business. A huge plot twist is that she has already had a mate in the past, as well as a child with her first mate. This is something that none of the tribes have ever heard of, which has both of our main characters uncertain of their fates. If you’ve read any of Brooke May’s work in the past, you will not want to miss out on reading this book, and if you’ve never read any of her work, please know she is a super-talented author who draws you in with her magnificent writing skills.
@Brandy Rymer
03/2024
The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I didn’t realize this was part of a series, so I read this one first. Despite that I hadn’t read the previous books, I was not lost at all so I think it works well as a standalone. That being said, I am definitely going back to pick up the other books because I enjoyed this one so much. Getting to know Boone and Cricket was such an emotional adventure. There is plenty of drama, emotional investment, adventure, and romance throughout. I breezed through this book in a day because I couldn’t put it down. The flow is wonderful, the characters are very well-developed, and the plot is marvelous! If you love a good shifter romance, this one is for you!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Mating Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Mating Chance is part of Brooke May’s Long Claw Pride series. This is technically book three and there is a little callback to the first two stories since they are all part of the same family, but this can easily be read as a stand-alone. Boone has spent the last few years watching others in his family get their mailing call, when his finally comes he is excited to start his life with his mate. What he doesn’t anticipate is the potential that they may reject each other due to the nature of Crickets life. Cricket has already had a call, and began her forever with him, so a second one in their species is unheard of. When Boone comes crashing into their lives, she is taken aback and confused. Let me tell you, you root for this couple from the very beginning. She deserves her second chance love story and Boone just wants love with his mate. I’ve enjoyed Brookes take on the shifters because she didn’t do the typical wolf shifters. This series is fun and I am looking forward to the next cousin getting their mate!