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Lost City Shifters #2
Redemption
Blamed for a heinous crime and banished from his tribe of Jaguar shifters, Adriano will do anything to buy back his rightful place-even steal a priceless artifact. First, he'll have to seduce Sophie Martin, an archaeologist researching the temple ruins and the one person who stands in his way.Sophie wants to uncover the artifact as well-not to sell it, but to study it. It could unlock all the secrets of an ancient and mysterious civilization. But it's hard to focus on her work when the distractingly sexy Adriano is nearby. What begins as a seduction quickly turns into mutual passion as Adriano's touch awakens a side of Sophie she'd kept hidden-and arouses his Jaguar instincts. To preserve his people's secret and earn his redemption, Adriano needs the artifact. But when a rival thief kidnaps Sophie, Adriano will be forced to choose-between the people who rejected him in the past, or the woman who could be his future… 50,000 words
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2011
2 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Eleri Stone
15 books222 followersEleri Stone is a RITA-nominated author of fantasy and paranormal romance. Born and raised in New Jersey, she now lives in Iowa with her husband and their three children. All of her stories have some element of speculative fiction to them and they all end with a happily-ever-after.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 10, 2011
Jaguar sifters, wolf shifters, mutants (halflings), a partially covered ancient dig site, a Bloodstone and a forbidden romance are featured in this sexy paranormal romance. This is the second in the Lost City Shifters series but it is a stand alone story so don't worry about not having read the first book in the series yet.
Adriano is "Yaguara, ... a secluded tribe of jaguar shape-shifters living in the Amazon jungle." Even after five years in exile, "he’d never lusted after a human, period." Never been with one. But Sophie has him lusting after her. He knows she's aroused by him but she pushes everyone away. "Taking a human mate was taboo" under the former king. But there is a new king now and Adriano is still in exile.
Sophie is a struggling grad student on a dig deep in Peru where she hopes she will find answers to questions she has for her thesis. She is very attracted to Adriano but her thesis is too important and besides, gorgeous Adriano could have any one he wanted. After they have sex, which was very good - "I came twice, screaming like a banshee" she feels let down. She knows he held himself back.
Stone writes a very steamy sex scene. When Adriano first 'takes' Sophie they are on a ledge on a cliff - very hot. Then there is the tent scene, the hot springs scene and the cave scene and out by the ruins...
I enjoyed this story very much and read it in one sitting. Paranormal romance and shapeshifter genre fans should too. Eleri Stone is an author to add to your 'to read" list.
Adriano is "Yaguara, ... a secluded tribe of jaguar shape-shifters living in the Amazon jungle." Even after five years in exile, "he’d never lusted after a human, period." Never been with one. But Sophie has him lusting after her. He knows she's aroused by him but she pushes everyone away. "Taking a human mate was taboo" under the former king. But there is a new king now and Adriano is still in exile.
Sophie is a struggling grad student on a dig deep in Peru where she hopes she will find answers to questions she has for her thesis. She is very attracted to Adriano but her thesis is too important and besides, gorgeous Adriano could have any one he wanted. After they have sex, which was very good - "I came twice, screaming like a banshee" she feels let down. She knows he held himself back.
Stone writes a very steamy sex scene. When Adriano first 'takes' Sophie they are on a ledge on a cliff - very hot. Then there is the tent scene, the hot springs scene and the cave scene and out by the ruins...
I enjoyed this story very much and read it in one sitting. Paranormal romance and shapeshifter genre fans should too. Eleri Stone is an author to add to your 'to read" list.
September 5, 2011
Paranormal romance is my reading equivalent to chocolate-and-peanut-butter-cup ice cream – it’s all about indulgence and willful belief. (Just like I pretend ice cream is a healthy bedtime snack because it contains calcium.)
This story had all the ingredients I like in my paranormal romances – shapeshifters, a non-whiny, self-sufficient heroine, and a PLOT! (I need this. Nekkid spelunking is all well and fun, but I *need* a story to have a backbone.) What’s even better is that the plot isn’t The Big Reveal one where I the reader and the hero know he’s a shifter, but the heroine doesn’t figure it out until the Big Reveal, then it’s all OMG! (Except, well, not, because I read the blurb, thankyouverymuch.) That’s not what this is. Sure, there’s a reveal, but it’s not the only plot, and it’s not the Big Thing Between Them…there’s a nice, Indiana-Jonesish subplot, and it was a fun foundation for the story.
Full Review (mild spoilerish bits) @ Dark Side of the Covers
This story had all the ingredients I like in my paranormal romances – shapeshifters, a non-whiny, self-sufficient heroine, and a PLOT! (I need this. Nekkid spelunking is all well and fun, but I *need* a story to have a backbone.) What’s even better is that the plot isn’t The Big Reveal one where I the reader and the hero know he’s a shifter, but the heroine doesn’t figure it out until the Big Reveal, then it’s all OMG! (Except, well, not, because I read the blurb, thankyouverymuch.) That’s not what this is. Sure, there’s a reveal, but it’s not the only plot, and it’s not the Big Thing Between Them…there’s a nice, Indiana-Jonesish subplot, and it was a fun foundation for the story.
Full Review (mild spoilerish bits) @ Dark Side of the Covers
September 9, 2011
Redemption by Eleri Stone
Lost City Shifters book 2
Synopsis
Blamed for a heinous crime and banished from his tribe of Jaguar shifters, Adriano will do anything to buy back his rightful place—even steal a priceless artifact. First, he'll have to seduce Sophie Martin, an archaeologist researching the temple ruins and the one person who stands in his way.
Sophie wants to uncover the artifact as well—not to sell it, but to study it. It could unlock all the secrets of an ancient and mysterious civilization. But it's hard to focus on her work when the distractingly sexy Adriano is nearby.
What begins as a seduction quickly turns into mutual passion as Adriano's touch awakens a side of Sophie she'd kept hidden—and arouses his Jaguar instincts. To preserve his people's secret and earn his redemption, Adriano needs the artifact. But when a rival thief kidnaps Sophie, Adriano will be forced to choose—between the people who rejected him in the past, or the woman who could be his future…
My Review
Adriano is a Jaguar shifter who was exiled from the Yaguara world, after he was set up to take the fall as a political tactic in the ongoing war. Feeling guilt for his actions and his inability to change what happened he continues to protect the secrets of his people and their history from the archaelogists who are getting a little close to the truth. It is his belief that by doing this and stealing the relic he will get his exile lifted and he can return to where he belongs. Amongst the archaelogists is Sophie, a grad student who is determined to unlock all the secrets of the ruins, while protecting her own. After she is kidnapped, sophie discovers the truth about what is going on and she doesn't accept it easily.
I loved the setting of this story, I do feel it would have benefited from a little more description of the surroundings to help set the scene better. At the beginning we where led to believe that Sophie was an academic, putting all her energy into her studies in order to run from the pain of her past and Adriano is running from the choices he made that inardvertantly led to his exile. In Sophie's case it almost feels like an afterthought, I did like that she had a negative response when she discovers her lover spends time prowling the jungle as a Jaguar. It's not a common occurence in pnr. The addition of the mercenary shifters to the mix, kidnapping Sophie and attempting to get the stone for themselves was a nice touch. I would have liked this part of the story to be a little longer & I did get a little confused as to who was on what side. A couple of extra scenes would have avoided this.
Although being book 2 in the series I don't feel as if I missed anything by not reading Mercy (book 1) but I do feel as if too many questions where left unanswered by this book.
I award Redemption 3 Stars.
Netgalley
www.literaladdiction.com
Lost City Shifters book 2
Synopsis
Blamed for a heinous crime and banished from his tribe of Jaguar shifters, Adriano will do anything to buy back his rightful place—even steal a priceless artifact. First, he'll have to seduce Sophie Martin, an archaeologist researching the temple ruins and the one person who stands in his way.
Sophie wants to uncover the artifact as well—not to sell it, but to study it. It could unlock all the secrets of an ancient and mysterious civilization. But it's hard to focus on her work when the distractingly sexy Adriano is nearby.
What begins as a seduction quickly turns into mutual passion as Adriano's touch awakens a side of Sophie she'd kept hidden—and arouses his Jaguar instincts. To preserve his people's secret and earn his redemption, Adriano needs the artifact. But when a rival thief kidnaps Sophie, Adriano will be forced to choose—between the people who rejected him in the past, or the woman who could be his future…
My Review
Adriano is a Jaguar shifter who was exiled from the Yaguara world, after he was set up to take the fall as a political tactic in the ongoing war. Feeling guilt for his actions and his inability to change what happened he continues to protect the secrets of his people and their history from the archaelogists who are getting a little close to the truth. It is his belief that by doing this and stealing the relic he will get his exile lifted and he can return to where he belongs. Amongst the archaelogists is Sophie, a grad student who is determined to unlock all the secrets of the ruins, while protecting her own. After she is kidnapped, sophie discovers the truth about what is going on and she doesn't accept it easily.
I loved the setting of this story, I do feel it would have benefited from a little more description of the surroundings to help set the scene better. At the beginning we where led to believe that Sophie was an academic, putting all her energy into her studies in order to run from the pain of her past and Adriano is running from the choices he made that inardvertantly led to his exile. In Sophie's case it almost feels like an afterthought, I did like that she had a negative response when she discovers her lover spends time prowling the jungle as a Jaguar. It's not a common occurence in pnr. The addition of the mercenary shifters to the mix, kidnapping Sophie and attempting to get the stone for themselves was a nice touch. I would have liked this part of the story to be a little longer & I did get a little confused as to who was on what side. A couple of extra scenes would have avoided this.
Although being book 2 in the series I don't feel as if I missed anything by not reading Mercy (book 1) but I do feel as if too many questions where left unanswered by this book.
I award Redemption 3 Stars.
Netgalley
www.literaladdiction.com
September 6, 2011
I was really looking forward to this shifter story as it was based on the South American jaguar mythos. But it failed in execution. This was just okay. The shifter world was not explained very well. Some of the motivations of the characters were vague. The whole story just seemed like it was missing sufficient detail. There was very little description of the actual physical setting or the characters.
The hero has been exiled from his clan or what have you for something that totally didn't make sense. It was all very vague. And somehow stealing this relic and selling it for money would win his way back to the tribe. No explanation of why this would get him back in the clan. When he does finally get back in touch with the plan, the king says words to the effect that his exile had only been political and that seemed to come out of left field too. No further explanation.
There was a big story line with some secondary characters and a research grant they were vying for. That seemed important since so much page time was devoted to it and it was kind of interesting but this whole situation was dropped after the big I love you scene. Maybe she didn't need the grant anymore but the situation should have been wrapped up.
There were some sex scenes and they were nicely done. There was some talk of mates and marking that were inferred but not in any way explained.
The heroine was enjoyable and was perhaps the best element in the story and her reaction to the reveal of the shifter world was at least thought out.
On the whole though I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked to. Given the nice love scenes and the enjoyable heroine I would be willing to further books in a couple of years to see how this author progresses.
I received this book free from netGalley for review.
The hero has been exiled from his clan or what have you for something that totally didn't make sense. It was all very vague. And somehow stealing this relic and selling it for money would win his way back to the tribe. No explanation of why this would get him back in the clan. When he does finally get back in touch with the plan, the king says words to the effect that his exile had only been political and that seemed to come out of left field too. No further explanation.
There was a big story line with some secondary characters and a research grant they were vying for. That seemed important since so much page time was devoted to it and it was kind of interesting but this whole situation was dropped after the big I love you scene. Maybe she didn't need the grant anymore but the situation should have been wrapped up.
There were some sex scenes and they were nicely done. There was some talk of mates and marking that were inferred but not in any way explained.
The heroine was enjoyable and was perhaps the best element in the story and her reaction to the reveal of the shifter world was at least thought out.
On the whole though I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked to. Given the nice love scenes and the enjoyable heroine I would be willing to further books in a couple of years to see how this author progresses.
I received this book free from netGalley for review.
September 23, 2011
This was a pretty good book. Adriano and Sophie made a very good pair. They were interesting to read about and well, Adriano was really hot. I liked his character in the book, and I could really see how much he loved Sophie. Though they didn't really mention anything about their love for each other, I could just feel it through their actions.
The plot of the story was entertaining and believable. Adriano's self-control when he first had sex with her was rather admirable. I mean, it already showed how much he cared for her, or he wouldn't have cared about her feelings or whether she was hurt.
One thing I felt a bit incongruous was that even when they were in danger, they could still act on their desires. I mean, it's just kinda weird, shouldn't they be like worried or at least she should be right? She was just suddenly thrown into a whole new world where humans could become animals, and people tried to kill and rape her. Yeah.
Sophie is a likable character. She was nice, dedicated and has a strong sense of survival. I especially like her when she sneakily riled her kidnappers and they quarreled, allowing her to escape. It was a very smart move of hers and I admired her for it.
As for Adriano, he was really sweet. He really cared for Sophie. He was willing to risk so much for her. I dunno, but all his actions really touched my heart. Though he never said he loved her, I could just tell it from his actions.
All in all, I did enjoy the book. It was fun to read. Though there were a little too many sex scenes for my taste, like every few pages, it didn't detract from the main plot of the book. The action was very suspenseful and I did enjoy it. A good book to be sure, but I may not read it again.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and Carina Press!
The plot of the story was entertaining and believable. Adriano's self-control when he first had sex with her was rather admirable. I mean, it already showed how much he cared for her, or he wouldn't have cared about her feelings or whether she was hurt.
One thing I felt a bit incongruous was that even when they were in danger, they could still act on their desires. I mean, it's just kinda weird, shouldn't they be like worried or at least she should be right? She was just suddenly thrown into a whole new world where humans could become animals, and people tried to kill and rape her. Yeah.
Sophie is a likable character. She was nice, dedicated and has a strong sense of survival. I especially like her when she sneakily riled her kidnappers and they quarreled, allowing her to escape. It was a very smart move of hers and I admired her for it.
As for Adriano, he was really sweet. He really cared for Sophie. He was willing to risk so much for her. I dunno, but all his actions really touched my heart. Though he never said he loved her, I could just tell it from his actions.
All in all, I did enjoy the book. It was fun to read. Though there were a little too many sex scenes for my taste, like every few pages, it didn't detract from the main plot of the book. The action was very suspenseful and I did enjoy it. A good book to be sure, but I may not read it again.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and Carina Press!
September 15, 2011
Cute story! i loved it!
It was a little confusting at the begining of the book though. The prologue intorduces you to Adriano - and tells how he ws exled from his home - the home of the Jaguar shifters - He was betrayed, but he still followed his orders - which left his marked as a traitor -
Chapter one starts off five years later. At a archaeological site in the Amazons - Adriano is in charge of the security - keeping the humans away from the underground tunnels that will reviel the truth about his people... that is if they could interpet the drawings/writings - But adriano only had one thing on his mind - make that two things - the bloodstone - which would get him the pardon he needs to get back home - and Sophie - the strange little human who is studying all the ancient artifacts that were lost in the earthquake and trying to salvage - not to mention she's pretty close to interpeting the writing .... But there is something about her that captures his interest :D
This is a cute romance book - the romance starts off pretty fast - since they're already 2 months into their work. sophie doesn't trust people, she is a very strong willed woman and doesn't want to be hurt. She has a secret past that she would rather keep hidden deep inside her. But when Adriano comes along and squirms his way into her heart, she doesn't have a choice but to tell him what happened.
When sophie learns the truth about Adriano and why he's here - things get a little sketchie about where their true feelings lie. Yet they still work really well as a team -
Personally i think the ending was awesome! Loved the whole Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom thing it was going with (even though Adriano said it wasn't like that :)
Good book :)
It was a little confusting at the begining of the book though. The prologue intorduces you to Adriano - and tells how he ws exled from his home - the home of the Jaguar shifters - He was betrayed, but he still followed his orders - which left his marked as a traitor -
Chapter one starts off five years later. At a archaeological site in the Amazons - Adriano is in charge of the security - keeping the humans away from the underground tunnels that will reviel the truth about his people... that is if they could interpet the drawings/writings - But adriano only had one thing on his mind - make that two things - the bloodstone - which would get him the pardon he needs to get back home - and Sophie - the strange little human who is studying all the ancient artifacts that were lost in the earthquake and trying to salvage - not to mention she's pretty close to interpeting the writing .... But there is something about her that captures his interest :D
This is a cute romance book - the romance starts off pretty fast - since they're already 2 months into their work. sophie doesn't trust people, she is a very strong willed woman and doesn't want to be hurt. She has a secret past that she would rather keep hidden deep inside her. But when Adriano comes along and squirms his way into her heart, she doesn't have a choice but to tell him what happened.
When sophie learns the truth about Adriano and why he's here - things get a little sketchie about where their true feelings lie. Yet they still work really well as a team -
Personally i think the ending was awesome! Loved the whole Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom thing it was going with (even though Adriano said it wasn't like that :)
Good book :)
December 15, 2014
ARC from Carina Press on NetGalley
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this one, a slightly different twist from the usual PNR shifter story due to the setting and Adriano's circumstances. It took me a little longer than usual to relate to the characters, perhaps because the story began right with their interactions, although I admit I like when I don't have to wait around for our couple to meet. Also perhaps because some things were unclear regarding their motivations. I'm not sure why it was necessary for Adriano to be a scapegoat and how that helped in any way.
The world building was interesting in that the pack really didn't interact much with the human world. The setting of an archeological site was a great way to introduce Adriano's culture and to show off Sophie's unique personality quirks. But I wish they had wrapped that aspect up better at the end. We got a quick debriefing of Sophie's actions after the big showdown, but I would have liked some closure with her friends and the site.
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed this one, a slightly different twist from the usual PNR shifter story due to the setting and Adriano's circumstances. It took me a little longer than usual to relate to the characters, perhaps because the story began right with their interactions, although I admit I like when I don't have to wait around for our couple to meet. Also perhaps because some things were unclear regarding their motivations. I'm not sure why it was necessary for Adriano to be a scapegoat and how that helped in any way.
The world building was interesting in that the pack really didn't interact much with the human world. The setting of an archeological site was a great way to introduce Adriano's culture and to show off Sophie's unique personality quirks. But I wish they had wrapped that aspect up better at the end. We got a quick debriefing of Sophie's actions after the big showdown, but I would have liked some closure with her friends and the site.
August 27, 2011
I liked the action in this book. The shifter world it takes place in was a nice change from everything else out there right now. I would've liked it a bit more if the ending would have expanded on their relationship a little more. But I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by Ms. Stone in the future. Hopefully, I won't have to wait very long.
Sophie is in the rain forest of Peru working on an earthquake ravaged archeological site where she meets Adriano. He's there working as he's also searching for an ancient artifact to buy he's way back into his tribe of jaguar shifters. Of course there are other factors working against them as they quickly find themselves acting on their attraction, finding adventure and trying to stay alive long enough to enjoy it all.
Sophie is in the rain forest of Peru working on an earthquake ravaged archeological site where she meets Adriano. He's there working as he's also searching for an ancient artifact to buy he's way back into his tribe of jaguar shifters. Of course there are other factors working against them as they quickly find themselves acting on their attraction, finding adventure and trying to stay alive long enough to enjoy it all.
September 8, 2011
i fell completely in love with this book. the characters and places are made for an interesting story line. the chemestry between the hero and heroine are electrifying. you couldnt get any other two characters with chemestry like theirs.
even though the story was only fifteen chapters, it was enough to tell a story. i would have liked it to be a little longer maybe have an epilouge to show how the characters ended up a few years later. otherwise it was the perfect lenght.
even though the story was only fifteen chapters, it was enough to tell a story. i would have liked it to be a little longer maybe have an epilouge to show how the characters ended up a few years later. otherwise it was the perfect lenght.
May 20, 2015
Not as good as some of her other stories, but not bad.
March 3, 2025
Sophie is obsessed with history, especially ancient native American history of the Mayan period. That's why she is working so hard on the site doing her own private research as well as the asssigned research for the group. Meanwhile there is a native named Adriano who is there as well. He is on a secret mission to keep tract of how much the students find out, keep it from getting too close to the truth and get back some of his people's most important relics.
Somehow, however Sophie and Adriano get involved beyond the research. He is less concerned about some of her inhibitions and fears based on her injuries from a wreck from a years ago, and she at least finds him a handy relax for some her tension but it comes to be more than that.
Both of their lives end up in danger before the research is resolved for the satisfaction of most of the people involved. In addition, Sophie finds a new way of life that she never expected to find. I recommend this novella for those interested in relationships including humans and something just a bit different.
Somehow, however Sophie and Adriano get involved beyond the research. He is less concerned about some of her inhibitions and fears based on her injuries from a wreck from a years ago, and she at least finds him a handy relax for some her tension but it comes to be more than that.
Both of their lives end up in danger before the research is resolved for the satisfaction of most of the people involved. In addition, Sophie finds a new way of life that she never expected to find. I recommend this novella for those interested in relationships including humans and something just a bit different.
June 5, 2018
Adriana is an exiles jaguar shifter, Sophie's an archealogist with scares from her past. Both have different goals as they try to preserve an ancient site. Adriano finds himself attracted to a human which is odd for him. Some dominance games, the sex a little rough at times. They have sex to scratch an itch, but both quickly become obsessed with each other and both fighting it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2011
Fabulous Shifter Mythos
Nestled deep in mountains thrusting up from the lush jungles of Peru, the ruins of an ancient civilization predating the Inca has captivated archaeologist Sophie Martin. Having come to the site to help restore what an earthquake has damaged, she has a habit of wandering off on her own time, poking around and uncovering the most incredible artifacts of a long-dead people and working to find evidence to support her academic thesis.
That habit both enchants and frustrates Adriano as he manages the crew of workers at the site...and conducts his own excavation deep in the ruins of the civilization of jaguar shape-shifters that are his ancestors. He is Yaguara. Exiled from his people for five years, he came to the ruins for one reason, to find the stone that will gain him re-entry into his family and his small, secluded tribe.
He is perplexed by his fascination with Sophie. She's human, a first for him, and she's stand-offish, with a focus on her work that precludes interpersonal connection. She keeps stumbling into areas that are neither safe for her nor for his personal quest. He wants her, and he wants her out of his way. Of course, having the first clue how to seduce a human would be helpful for both.
When Adriano catches the scent of another of his kind in the ruins, he is suspicious. When that scent his accompanied by that of a wolf shifter, he's stunned. Cats and dogs don't exactly go together among his kind. Their partnership can mean nothing good for his people, and when Sophie comes under direct threat, Adriano will be faced with a horrifying choice. Secure his tribe's history and guarantee secrecy for his people, or save a human woman who may mean more to him than he'd ever thought possible.
Caught between an ancient rock and a hard place.
~*~
Wow! I was incredibly impressed by the depth and detail in the world building and the creativity and originality found in the mythos of this story. I don't know that I've ever read a novella that was so unique and richly developed in those areas before. Frosting on the cake is a setting and backstory that touches on my fondness for archaeology, the study of ancient civilizations, and Indiana Jones-type adventures. There was a lot for me to fall in love with very early into this story.
I haven't read the first novella of this series by Stone. Unfortunately it slipped past me. That's an oversight I plan on rectifying, because I was captivated by this one and a little stunned by the complex and creative story wedged between its covers. I would love to see how it all started. For now, though, I can be happy with what I have read.
Sophie and Adriano had thorough backstories and personal histories that added several layers to their character definition, as well as provided a nice bit of internal conflict. Both of them were solid and well developed, with quirks and charms that added to their personalities and brought them to life. Together they had a robust amount of sexual chemistry and their relationship worked well within the frame of the novella.
There were a few issues, a few trade-offs for the quality world building, mythos, and the depth provided the main characters. The external plot conflict was a little thin and sparsely detailed. Secondary characters and their ancillary plot threads petered out and were left unresolved. Several questions I had went unanswered or weren't addressed. There were also some abrupt transitions in the book, and a perhaps too-quick escalation of emotion in the romance thread.
Just about every one of those issues - actually, just about everything I thought and felt about the novella in entirety - made me wish that this was a full length novel. I would love to see what Stone could do with another twenty-five thousand words (I'm greedy that way). That sort of expanded format could have provided the necessary space to fill the few gaps, bulk up the external plot thread a little more, and allow for a more gradual relationship evolution.
Still, I liked this novella so much and so many aspects completely impressed me that I can't help but want more (again...greedy). I'll be keeping my eye out for other books by Stone, especially if they're about a secluded group of jaguar-shifters in Peru. I've got quite a yen-on for more of those.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Carina Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Nestled deep in mountains thrusting up from the lush jungles of Peru, the ruins of an ancient civilization predating the Inca has captivated archaeologist Sophie Martin. Having come to the site to help restore what an earthquake has damaged, she has a habit of wandering off on her own time, poking around and uncovering the most incredible artifacts of a long-dead people and working to find evidence to support her academic thesis.
That habit both enchants and frustrates Adriano as he manages the crew of workers at the site...and conducts his own excavation deep in the ruins of the civilization of jaguar shape-shifters that are his ancestors. He is Yaguara. Exiled from his people for five years, he came to the ruins for one reason, to find the stone that will gain him re-entry into his family and his small, secluded tribe.
He is perplexed by his fascination with Sophie. She's human, a first for him, and she's stand-offish, with a focus on her work that precludes interpersonal connection. She keeps stumbling into areas that are neither safe for her nor for his personal quest. He wants her, and he wants her out of his way. Of course, having the first clue how to seduce a human would be helpful for both.
When Adriano catches the scent of another of his kind in the ruins, he is suspicious. When that scent his accompanied by that of a wolf shifter, he's stunned. Cats and dogs don't exactly go together among his kind. Their partnership can mean nothing good for his people, and when Sophie comes under direct threat, Adriano will be faced with a horrifying choice. Secure his tribe's history and guarantee secrecy for his people, or save a human woman who may mean more to him than he'd ever thought possible.
Caught between an ancient rock and a hard place.
~*~
Wow! I was incredibly impressed by the depth and detail in the world building and the creativity and originality found in the mythos of this story. I don't know that I've ever read a novella that was so unique and richly developed in those areas before. Frosting on the cake is a setting and backstory that touches on my fondness for archaeology, the study of ancient civilizations, and Indiana Jones-type adventures. There was a lot for me to fall in love with very early into this story.
I haven't read the first novella of this series by Stone. Unfortunately it slipped past me. That's an oversight I plan on rectifying, because I was captivated by this one and a little stunned by the complex and creative story wedged between its covers. I would love to see how it all started. For now, though, I can be happy with what I have read.
Sophie and Adriano had thorough backstories and personal histories that added several layers to their character definition, as well as provided a nice bit of internal conflict. Both of them were solid and well developed, with quirks and charms that added to their personalities and brought them to life. Together they had a robust amount of sexual chemistry and their relationship worked well within the frame of the novella.
There were a few issues, a few trade-offs for the quality world building, mythos, and the depth provided the main characters. The external plot conflict was a little thin and sparsely detailed. Secondary characters and their ancillary plot threads petered out and were left unresolved. Several questions I had went unanswered or weren't addressed. There were also some abrupt transitions in the book, and a perhaps too-quick escalation of emotion in the romance thread.
Just about every one of those issues - actually, just about everything I thought and felt about the novella in entirety - made me wish that this was a full length novel. I would love to see what Stone could do with another twenty-five thousand words (I'm greedy that way). That sort of expanded format could have provided the necessary space to fill the few gaps, bulk up the external plot thread a little more, and allow for a more gradual relationship evolution.
Still, I liked this novella so much and so many aspects completely impressed me that I can't help but want more (again...greedy). I'll be keeping my eye out for other books by Stone, especially if they're about a secluded group of jaguar-shifters in Peru. I've got quite a yen-on for more of those.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Carina Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
September 9, 2011
Redemption, Book #2 of the Yaguara saga
Author: Eleri Stone
Synopsis: Blamed for a heinous crime and banished from his tribe of Jaguar shifters, Adriano will do anything to buy back his rightful place—even steal a priceless artifact. First, he’ll have to seduce Sophie Martin, an archaeologist researching the temple ruins and the one person who stands in his way.
Sophie wants to uncover the artifact as well—not to sell it, but to study it. It could unlock the secrets of an ancient and mysterious civilization. But it’s hard to focus on her work when the distractingly sexy Adriano is nearby.
What begins as a seduction quickly turns into mutual passion as Adriano’s touch awakens a side of Sophie she’s kept hidden—and arouses his Jaguar instincts. To preserve his people’s secret and earn his redemption, Adriano needs the artifact. But when a rival thief kidnaps Sophie, Adriano will be forced to choose—between the people who rejected him in the past, or the woman who could be his future…
Our Review [by LITERAL ADDICTION’s Guest Reviewer – Michelle McMichael]:
Adriano is a Jaguar shifter who was exiled from the Yaguara world, after he was set up to take the fall as a political tactic in the ongoing war. Feeling guilt for his actions and his inability to change what happened he continues to protect the secrets of his people and their history from the archaeologists who are getting a little close to the truth. It is his belief that by doing this and stealing the relic he will get his exile lifted and he can return to where he belongs. Amongst the archaeologists is Sophie, a grad student who is determined to unlock all the secrets of the ruins, while protecting her own. After she is kidnapped, Sophie discovers the truth about what is going on and she doesn't accept it easily.
I loved the setting of this story, I do feel it would have benefited from a little more description of the surroundings to help set the scene better. At the beginning we where led to believe that Sophie was an academic, putting all her energy into her studies in order to run from the pain of her past and Adriano is running from the choices he made that inadvertently led to his exile. In Sophie's case it almost feels like an afterthought, I did like that she had a negative response when she discovers her lover spends time prowling the jungle as a Jaguar. It's not a common occurrence in Paranormal Romance. The addition of the mercenary shifters to the mix, kidnapping Sophie and attempting to get the stone for themselves was a nice touch. I would have liked this part of the story to be a little longer & I did get a little confused as to who was on what side. A couple of extra scenes would have avoided this.
Although being book 2 in the series I don't feel as if I missed anything by not reading Mercy (book 1) but I do feel as if too many questions where left unanswered by this book.
All-in-all, LITERAL ADDICTION Paranormal Book Club gives Redemption 3 Skulls. It had a good premise – Indiana Jones meets Paranormal Romance – but the bulk fell just a tiny bit flat for us to give it more than a 3 Skull review.
Author: Eleri Stone
Synopsis: Blamed for a heinous crime and banished from his tribe of Jaguar shifters, Adriano will do anything to buy back his rightful place—even steal a priceless artifact. First, he’ll have to seduce Sophie Martin, an archaeologist researching the temple ruins and the one person who stands in his way.
Sophie wants to uncover the artifact as well—not to sell it, but to study it. It could unlock the secrets of an ancient and mysterious civilization. But it’s hard to focus on her work when the distractingly sexy Adriano is nearby.
What begins as a seduction quickly turns into mutual passion as Adriano’s touch awakens a side of Sophie she’s kept hidden—and arouses his Jaguar instincts. To preserve his people’s secret and earn his redemption, Adriano needs the artifact. But when a rival thief kidnaps Sophie, Adriano will be forced to choose—between the people who rejected him in the past, or the woman who could be his future…
Our Review [by LITERAL ADDICTION’s Guest Reviewer – Michelle McMichael]:
Adriano is a Jaguar shifter who was exiled from the Yaguara world, after he was set up to take the fall as a political tactic in the ongoing war. Feeling guilt for his actions and his inability to change what happened he continues to protect the secrets of his people and their history from the archaeologists who are getting a little close to the truth. It is his belief that by doing this and stealing the relic he will get his exile lifted and he can return to where he belongs. Amongst the archaeologists is Sophie, a grad student who is determined to unlock all the secrets of the ruins, while protecting her own. After she is kidnapped, Sophie discovers the truth about what is going on and she doesn't accept it easily.
I loved the setting of this story, I do feel it would have benefited from a little more description of the surroundings to help set the scene better. At the beginning we where led to believe that Sophie was an academic, putting all her energy into her studies in order to run from the pain of her past and Adriano is running from the choices he made that inadvertently led to his exile. In Sophie's case it almost feels like an afterthought, I did like that she had a negative response when she discovers her lover spends time prowling the jungle as a Jaguar. It's not a common occurrence in Paranormal Romance. The addition of the mercenary shifters to the mix, kidnapping Sophie and attempting to get the stone for themselves was a nice touch. I would have liked this part of the story to be a little longer & I did get a little confused as to who was on what side. A couple of extra scenes would have avoided this.
Although being book 2 in the series I don't feel as if I missed anything by not reading Mercy (book 1) but I do feel as if too many questions where left unanswered by this book.
All-in-all, LITERAL ADDICTION Paranormal Book Club gives Redemption 3 Skulls. It had a good premise – Indiana Jones meets Paranormal Romance – but the bulk fell just a tiny bit flat for us to give it more than a 3 Skull review.
September 23, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: September 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://eleristone.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, Yagura Saga
Series Best Read In Order: Worked well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Official Blurb:
Blamed for a heinous crime and banished from his tribe of Jaguar shifters, Adriano will do anything to buy back his rightful place—even steal a priceless artifact. First, he'll have to seduce Sophie Martin, an archaeologist researching the temple ruins and the one person who stands in his way.
Sophie wants to uncover the artifact as well—not to sell it, but to study it. It could unlock all the secrets of an ancient and mysterious civilization. But it's hard to focus on her work when the distractingly sexy Adriano is nearby.
What begins as a seduction quickly turns into mutual passion as Adriano's touch awakens a side of Sophie she'd kept hidden—and arouses his Jaguar instincts. To preserve his people's secret and earn his redemption, Adriano needs the artifact. But when a rival thief kidnaps Sophie, Adriano will be forced to choose—between the people who rejected him in the past, or the woman who could be his future…
This little novella was full of delicious sensuality without actually sacrificing plot. Sophie's own personal demons in addition to the very real danger from the shifter mercenaries added quite a bit of tension to the novel, and never really knowing when they were truly out of danger was exciting. The temple itself was a bonus, not quite trying to reach for Indian Jones type heights, but still adding a lot of interest to the story.
Overall, however, I think this one suffered from the novella length. While the relationship between Adriano and Sophie was delicious in its intensity, Sophie's decision in the temple just seemed out of character for her, despite the situation they were in. The mythology of the Yagura, while interesting, was a bit under-exploited in this novella, and there were too many instances where I was pulled out of the action by not really being able to tell whether the H/h had on clothes or not.
In the end, this was a sexy, fun little read, but I wasn't really blown away. While I would be interested in reading more about the Yagura in the future, I wasn't really invested in Sophie and Adriano as much as I think they probably deserved for me to be, and my final rating reflects this.
Recommended for fans of exiled cat shifters determined to do whatever necessary to be welcomed back home, of feisty archaeologists whose scars (both visible and not) prevent them from truly living, and of finding out that sometimes the things you wanted most in life aren't the most important thing after all.
3/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: September 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Carina Press
Author’s Website: http://eleristone.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, Yagura Saga
Series Best Read In Order: Worked well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Official Blurb:
Blamed for a heinous crime and banished from his tribe of Jaguar shifters, Adriano will do anything to buy back his rightful place—even steal a priceless artifact. First, he'll have to seduce Sophie Martin, an archaeologist researching the temple ruins and the one person who stands in his way.
Sophie wants to uncover the artifact as well—not to sell it, but to study it. It could unlock all the secrets of an ancient and mysterious civilization. But it's hard to focus on her work when the distractingly sexy Adriano is nearby.
What begins as a seduction quickly turns into mutual passion as Adriano's touch awakens a side of Sophie she'd kept hidden—and arouses his Jaguar instincts. To preserve his people's secret and earn his redemption, Adriano needs the artifact. But when a rival thief kidnaps Sophie, Adriano will be forced to choose—between the people who rejected him in the past, or the woman who could be his future…
This little novella was full of delicious sensuality without actually sacrificing plot. Sophie's own personal demons in addition to the very real danger from the shifter mercenaries added quite a bit of tension to the novel, and never really knowing when they were truly out of danger was exciting. The temple itself was a bonus, not quite trying to reach for Indian Jones type heights, but still adding a lot of interest to the story.
Overall, however, I think this one suffered from the novella length. While the relationship between Adriano and Sophie was delicious in its intensity, Sophie's decision in the temple just seemed out of character for her, despite the situation they were in. The mythology of the Yagura, while interesting, was a bit under-exploited in this novella, and there were too many instances where I was pulled out of the action by not really being able to tell whether the H/h had on clothes or not.
In the end, this was a sexy, fun little read, but I wasn't really blown away. While I would be interested in reading more about the Yagura in the future, I wasn't really invested in Sophie and Adriano as much as I think they probably deserved for me to be, and my final rating reflects this.
Recommended for fans of exiled cat shifters determined to do whatever necessary to be welcomed back home, of feisty archaeologists whose scars (both visible and not) prevent them from truly living, and of finding out that sometimes the things you wanted most in life aren't the most important thing after all.
3/5 Stars
April 5, 2013
4 stars: Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-) Heat Index: 3 out of 5.
I”m not gonna lie. I completely identified with Sophie, the heroine in Redemption, the second offering from Eleri Stone's Lost City Shifters series. Losing herself in her work, this survivor has made something of her life, even after tragedy. Women like Sophie are few and far between, and I think that's why Adriano was so smitten by her.
Sophie is the epitome of self-sufficient. She wants to only need herself and her own accomplishments to feel whole, but ultimately, she realizes that is not the case. She thinks that her academic success will bring her the sense of calm she has been seeking since her twin sister's death. An expert in reading languages, and in archaeological exploration, Sophie is trying to piece together ancient languages in an effort to publish something that will win her the fellowship she needs to fund graduate school. She never intended to find Adriano, and never intended to become involved with him. I don't think that Sophie feels worthy of being loved. Long story short, she has a survivor syndrome, thinking that it's her fault her sister died. Thus, she throws herself into her work, looking for a way to give her life meaning in the eyes of her family – especially her father, who believes that she shouldn't be traipsing around the world on dangerous archeological digs.
Adriano had been exiled in a political move by Gabriel (see Mercy review!), due to his involvement in the destruction of a 'mutant' safehouse prior to his coronation. In an effort to 'win' his way back into the good graces of the royal couple, and allow him to rejoin the Yaguara community. Unfortunately, Adriano is a bit of a free agent, and has concocted a plan to deliver an artifact to the king. One that would secure the continued secrecy of their people. Alas, Adriano and his bad jaguar shifter self doesn't feel worthy to be involved with Sophie, and doesn't really believe he's worthy to return to his people. Adriano goes through a series of self-redemptive acts, and the majority of them have to do with Sophie and the basal instinct to mark and protect her.
The big external conflict was with regard to the mercenaries that came to retrieve the relic. This is where the idea of Sophie and Adriano as a couple begins to work for me. While they're trapped, forced to retrieve the artifact, we learn a lot about both both Adriano and Sophie as people. The compulsion to survive and be together drove the end of the story for me.
I really enjoyed both Mercy and Redemption. Next up: Rebellion, the newest title in the Lost City Shifters series. Sooo glad I get another shifter fix!
I”m not gonna lie. I completely identified with Sophie, the heroine in Redemption, the second offering from Eleri Stone's Lost City Shifters series. Losing herself in her work, this survivor has made something of her life, even after tragedy. Women like Sophie are few and far between, and I think that's why Adriano was so smitten by her.
Sophie is the epitome of self-sufficient. She wants to only need herself and her own accomplishments to feel whole, but ultimately, she realizes that is not the case. She thinks that her academic success will bring her the sense of calm she has been seeking since her twin sister's death. An expert in reading languages, and in archaeological exploration, Sophie is trying to piece together ancient languages in an effort to publish something that will win her the fellowship she needs to fund graduate school. She never intended to find Adriano, and never intended to become involved with him. I don't think that Sophie feels worthy of being loved. Long story short, she has a survivor syndrome, thinking that it's her fault her sister died. Thus, she throws herself into her work, looking for a way to give her life meaning in the eyes of her family – especially her father, who believes that she shouldn't be traipsing around the world on dangerous archeological digs.
Adriano had been exiled in a political move by Gabriel (see Mercy review!), due to his involvement in the destruction of a 'mutant' safehouse prior to his coronation. In an effort to 'win' his way back into the good graces of the royal couple, and allow him to rejoin the Yaguara community. Unfortunately, Adriano is a bit of a free agent, and has concocted a plan to deliver an artifact to the king. One that would secure the continued secrecy of their people. Alas, Adriano and his bad jaguar shifter self doesn't feel worthy to be involved with Sophie, and doesn't really believe he's worthy to return to his people. Adriano goes through a series of self-redemptive acts, and the majority of them have to do with Sophie and the basal instinct to mark and protect her.
The big external conflict was with regard to the mercenaries that came to retrieve the relic. This is where the idea of Sophie and Adriano as a couple begins to work for me. While they're trapped, forced to retrieve the artifact, we learn a lot about both both Adriano and Sophie as people. The compulsion to survive and be together drove the end of the story for me.
I really enjoyed both Mercy and Redemption. Next up: Rebellion, the newest title in the Lost City Shifters series. Sooo glad I get another shifter fix!
January 14, 2012
Adriano is a Yaguara, a jaguar shapeshifter, who has been exiled from his tribe following a huge war between the pure-blood and the half-blood tribes. He believes that if he finds some ancient bloodstone, he will be able to buy his way back into his tribe, so off he goes and joins an archaeological dig with a group of humans. He doesn't interact with humans at all and has never taken a female one before, not even for a quick one night stand. However, Sophie soon has him lusting after her in ways he never believed possible. He just can't stop thinking about her and is determined to have his way with her any which way he can.
Sophie, the quiet studious girl, is determined to solve the mysteries of the Clavin artefacts to help her gain the grant she so desperately wants in order to stay out in the field. She is a strong minded woman, but at the same time, quite shy and meek. She likes being the one in control, but when Adriano takes control of her sexual needs, she succumbs to his power easily.
At first, Adriano tries to distract Sophie from her studies so that the history and knowledge of his people stay a secret, but when Sophie follows, who she believes is Adriano, into one of the areas of the dig site late at night, he can no longer keep that part of his life a secret from her. I loved the fact that although we as readers knew all about Adriano's other side, Sophie did not have the faintest clue and was completely shocked by it all. She does accept him for what he is and tries to understand what is going on, but everything is happening so quickly that she has no choice really but to just get to grips with it all.
This story was a great PNR - hot sexy male alpha type, strong female character, a storyline that actually went somewhere rather than just copious amounts of sex to fill the pages, but some hot sex scenes too!
Looking forward to reading more of this series, even though I didn't realise this was supposed to be book 2 of it!
I received this book from Carina Press through NetGalley and would like to thank the publishers for the opportunity to review it honestly.
Sophie, the quiet studious girl, is determined to solve the mysteries of the Clavin artefacts to help her gain the grant she so desperately wants in order to stay out in the field. She is a strong minded woman, but at the same time, quite shy and meek. She likes being the one in control, but when Adriano takes control of her sexual needs, she succumbs to his power easily.
At first, Adriano tries to distract Sophie from her studies so that the history and knowledge of his people stay a secret, but when Sophie follows, who she believes is Adriano, into one of the areas of the dig site late at night, he can no longer keep that part of his life a secret from her. I loved the fact that although we as readers knew all about Adriano's other side, Sophie did not have the faintest clue and was completely shocked by it all. She does accept him for what he is and tries to understand what is going on, but everything is happening so quickly that she has no choice really but to just get to grips with it all.
This story was a great PNR - hot sexy male alpha type, strong female character, a storyline that actually went somewhere rather than just copious amounts of sex to fill the pages, but some hot sex scenes too!
Looking forward to reading more of this series, even though I didn't realise this was supposed to be book 2 of it!
I received this book from Carina Press through NetGalley and would like to thank the publishers for the opportunity to review it honestly.
July 17, 2012
Adriano, a Jaguar shape shifter has been exiled by the Yaguara people for, well political reasons really. In order to buy back his acceptance he is hunting down an artefact of great significance to his people. Only problem is that a bunch of archaeologists stand in the way, including Sophie who is a grad student working on a thesis that no one else seem to believe in. The attraction is instantaneous, if not inconvenient.
Adriano’s character was really well developed with back story and emotional development. Sophie’s character less so. For some reason her back story never rang true for me. It felt like the author was attempting to create a character that had an equal amount of pain and suffering as Adriano. Which was unfortunate because if you left out her past, she was an interesting character – strong willed, determined and well, academic (in an interesting way).
I did enjoy the fact that Sophie had a somewhat negative reaction to finding out a. shifters existed and b. she had been sleeping with one. In most shifter novels the non-shifter character accepts the existence of shifters with relative ease or with a sense of “wonder”. In writing Sophie’s reaction in that manner and by creating a shifter society that is ultra-traditional, distrustful of outsiders and predatory, this book has a slightly more realistic edge to it than a lot of shifter novels.
Full review posted at Wandering Hues
Adriano’s character was really well developed with back story and emotional development. Sophie’s character less so. For some reason her back story never rang true for me. It felt like the author was attempting to create a character that had an equal amount of pain and suffering as Adriano. Which was unfortunate because if you left out her past, she was an interesting character – strong willed, determined and well, academic (in an interesting way).
I did enjoy the fact that Sophie had a somewhat negative reaction to finding out a. shifters existed and b. she had been sleeping with one. In most shifter novels the non-shifter character accepts the existence of shifters with relative ease or with a sense of “wonder”. In writing Sophie’s reaction in that manner and by creating a shifter society that is ultra-traditional, distrustful of outsiders and predatory, this book has a slightly more realistic edge to it than a lot of shifter novels.
Full review posted at Wandering Hues
October 22, 2011
This review was posted at Under The Covers
2.5 Stars
I started out wanting to like this book. Hot and mysterious shifter in the middle of the Amazon falls in love with archaeologist there on assignment. She doesn't have a lot of self esteem and can't believe he has any real interest in her. The plot with a bit of Indiana Jones feel. Should be good, right?
Well, I was interested only at the beginning of the book. The book starts off with a fire caused by Adriano's own people. A setup. He gets blamed for the deaths of a bunch of people and is exiled. Now he wants to buy his way back, and the only way to do that is finding this artifact.
He is looking for it at the same time as he is "working" as a security guard at an archaeology research site, where he meets Sophie. Of course she's human, and he shouldn't feel any attraction to a human. But he can't stay away from her. Animal magnetism? Pretty much.
Now after they end up going on this kind of magical trip to save themselves and find the artifact, the book loses me. It got a bit too far-fetched and I couldn't find the interest in either the outcome of the story, or the characters.
The sex? Yeah, that was pretty good. But I'd rather have a bit something more than just that. Overall I'd say I was a bit disappointed.
2.5 Stars
I started out wanting to like this book. Hot and mysterious shifter in the middle of the Amazon falls in love with archaeologist there on assignment. She doesn't have a lot of self esteem and can't believe he has any real interest in her. The plot with a bit of Indiana Jones feel. Should be good, right?
Well, I was interested only at the beginning of the book. The book starts off with a fire caused by Adriano's own people. A setup. He gets blamed for the deaths of a bunch of people and is exiled. Now he wants to buy his way back, and the only way to do that is finding this artifact.
He is looking for it at the same time as he is "working" as a security guard at an archaeology research site, where he meets Sophie. Of course she's human, and he shouldn't feel any attraction to a human. But he can't stay away from her. Animal magnetism? Pretty much.
Now after they end up going on this kind of magical trip to save themselves and find the artifact, the book loses me. It got a bit too far-fetched and I couldn't find the interest in either the outcome of the story, or the characters.
The sex? Yeah, that was pretty good. But I'd rather have a bit something more than just that. Overall I'd say I was a bit disappointed.
September 26, 2011
http://www.lovlivlifereviews.com/2011...
Eleri Stone has a talent for creating and telling stories. I fell in love with her jaguar shifter world last year after I read Mercy and now I am determined to read more shifter titles from her. Redemption gave me more of the world I love and for that alone I'm excited to write this review.
Adriano is half man and half animal but all crazy for Sophie. Sophie is a quiet woman who tries to fly below everyone's radar. She is intelligent, goal-oriented and with her own secrets. The fireworks that sizzle between the two is explosive and absolutely crazy enjoyable to read. The setting, in the middle of an archaeological dig creates the perfect atmosphere for explorations of all kinds. *wink*
All in all, Redemption (book 2) is a title I much enjoyed. I'm a "series" kind of gal so I thoroughly love references made to the previous books/story-lines. Redemption, does mention the King and Queen (My review of Mercy) but the story is all Adriano and Sophie.
October 29, 2011
After being banished by his Jaguar shifter tribe, Adriano sets out to buy his way back in, even if that means to steal a priceless artifact right out from under Sophie.
Sophie wants very badly to study this artifact for her study on ancient languages and symbols. But Adriano is a little distracting with his dark good looks and mysterious so she's finding it hard to concentrate.
Adriano needs the artifact to find his way back to the tribe but in getting closer to Sophie they find much more there. And when they find out someone else is after the artifact he must decide whether to keep her close or take it and go. Will he betray her for his tribe or betray his tribe for her?
I had a really hard time reading this book. I just couldn't get into it and that was really disappointing because it sounded like a really good book. The characters were just flat to me, there was nothing special about them. I found myself skimming because it just kept going and going.
I didn't realize that this was the second book until after I was half way through, so that might be the reason I just couldn't get into it but I won't be going back to read the first. I'll just have to hope this authors next series is better. I give this book 2 stars, not 1 this time though because it was a second book and I didn't read the first to know any different.
Sophie wants very badly to study this artifact for her study on ancient languages and symbols. But Adriano is a little distracting with his dark good looks and mysterious so she's finding it hard to concentrate.
Adriano needs the artifact to find his way back to the tribe but in getting closer to Sophie they find much more there. And when they find out someone else is after the artifact he must decide whether to keep her close or take it and go. Will he betray her for his tribe or betray his tribe for her?
I had a really hard time reading this book. I just couldn't get into it and that was really disappointing because it sounded like a really good book. The characters were just flat to me, there was nothing special about them. I found myself skimming because it just kept going and going.
I didn't realize that this was the second book until after I was half way through, so that might be the reason I just couldn't get into it but I won't be going back to read the first. I'll just have to hope this authors next series is better. I give this book 2 stars, not 1 this time though because it was a second book and I didn't read the first to know any different.
October 20, 2011
Adriano is a jaguar shifter living in exile. He was cast out from his people five years ago. But he believes if he can uncover an ancient artifact of his people, he can use it to return to their good graces. He has worked his way onto the dig site where the artifact is hidden and he is getting closer to it everyday.
He is also getting closer to Sophie, one of the archaeologists at the site. He feels an attraction to her that he's never felt for a human before. He makes his move and they hook up. But before the relationship can go any further, other shifters begin to show up, placing his mission --and their lives-- in danger.
The sex is good. The story is... ok. The book is really more of a novella, and it isn't very fleshed out. The sexual pull --the animal attraction-- is easy to connect with. But it's harder to see the foundation for real feelings between these two. They basically just have a handful of conversations, when they aren't going at it (or running for their lives.) It's short and sexy... basically a fun way to spend an hour or two. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
He is also getting closer to Sophie, one of the archaeologists at the site. He feels an attraction to her that he's never felt for a human before. He makes his move and they hook up. But before the relationship can go any further, other shifters begin to show up, placing his mission --and their lives-- in danger.
The sex is good. The story is... ok. The book is really more of a novella, and it isn't very fleshed out. The sexual pull --the animal attraction-- is easy to connect with. But it's harder to see the foundation for real feelings between these two. They basically just have a handful of conversations, when they aren't going at it (or running for their lives.) It's short and sexy... basically a fun way to spend an hour or two. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
September 3, 2011
2.5 Stars...
I did not realize at first that this was the second book in a series...which is probably a good thing. I read Mercy earlier this year and while not a bad read, it was not a story I was necessarily interested in continuing.
Redemption, can (in my opinion) be read as a stand alone story, while there is reference to the two main characters in the first book, you don't need the history to get this story at all.
I enjoyed Adriano and Sophie's characters and how the background is an archeological dig and the history behind that along with a brief glimpse into the mythology/history of the Yaguara world. What kept me from rating this as a 3 or 3.5 star book was that something about the characters fell a little flat for me, I can't quite pinpoint what it was....
All in all it was an enjoyable read, you have shifters, romance and impossible situation and finally the HEA.
I did not realize at first that this was the second book in a series...which is probably a good thing. I read Mercy earlier this year and while not a bad read, it was not a story I was necessarily interested in continuing.
Redemption, can (in my opinion) be read as a stand alone story, while there is reference to the two main characters in the first book, you don't need the history to get this story at all.
I enjoyed Adriano and Sophie's characters and how the background is an archeological dig and the history behind that along with a brief glimpse into the mythology/history of the Yaguara world. What kept me from rating this as a 3 or 3.5 star book was that something about the characters fell a little flat for me, I can't quite pinpoint what it was....
All in all it was an enjoyable read, you have shifters, romance and impossible situation and finally the HEA.
March 30, 2012
Redemption was a fast-paced, hot-and-heavy thrill ride through the jungle! This novel was short, sweet, and stocked with everything I love: sexy hunk? Check! Steamy romance? Check! Adventure straight out of a Lara Croft-style quest? Check! Add in the tidbit that said sexy hunk is a shifter? Double check!
There's great tension between Adriano and Sophie right from the beginning. Much more alike than they realize, each has a deep secret causing them great shame. Both are essentially living life alone, using the jungle surrounding them as an excuse for it. When Sophie gets kidnapped, Adriano is forced to reveal a few truths and decide what is most important to him. Redemption was a fun romance novel with a great paranormal aspect.
There's great tension between Adriano and Sophie right from the beginning. Much more alike than they realize, each has a deep secret causing them great shame. Both are essentially living life alone, using the jungle surrounding them as an excuse for it. When Sophie gets kidnapped, Adriano is forced to reveal a few truths and decide what is most important to him. Redemption was a fun romance novel with a great paranormal aspect.
November 27, 2018
Full Review posted at Book Lovin' Mamas
(Originally Reviewed on Mrs. Papillion aka "The Book Worm")
I received this book through NetGalley to Review. I was looking forward to reading it since it was about Jaguar Shifters and in a different setting then usual Authors would put their characters. Unfortunately, when I started reading it, I became less interested and had a hard time reading it. I feel terrible because of it. Maybe it's because I didn't read the first book in the series. I don't like reading out of order. Perhaps it's my OCD that takes over that makes me not enjoy a book if it's out of order. Although, I've been told this can be read out of order.
(Originally Reviewed on Mrs. Papillion aka "The Book Worm")
I received this book through NetGalley to Review. I was looking forward to reading it since it was about Jaguar Shifters and in a different setting then usual Authors would put their characters. Unfortunately, when I started reading it, I became less interested and had a hard time reading it. I feel terrible because of it. Maybe it's because I didn't read the first book in the series. I don't like reading out of order. Perhaps it's my OCD that takes over that makes me not enjoy a book if it's out of order. Although, I've been told this can be read out of order.
May 26, 2012
Treated myself to this one for my birthday and read in one day. Hot romance between Sophie and jaguar-shifter Adriano plus a fun Indiana Jones-style action plot. Good character development.
Gabriel, the jaguar king from book one mercy makes a brief appearance. Interesting to see him from Adriano's POV.
Gabriel, the jaguar king from book one mercy makes a brief appearance. Interesting to see him from Adriano's POV.
March 21, 2013
I loved the back stories of both characters and the setting, an archeology dig. This was my first read in the series. I have not yet read book one. Between the characters, history, adventure and settings Stone keeps you interested. Would recommend for any sci-fi/paranormal romance readers.
February 15, 2012
Review available at: http://romance.nightowlreviews.com/no...
August 21, 2013
meh. it was too dramatic for my taste. if there had been less oh the drama and more plot it would have been interesting. as it was, my meh stands.
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