Edan McLeod has been leading the fight against the McKinnon pack since his father's death, but it's a different threat he's hunting on the night he meets his mate. She's perfect in every way, except for one thing.
She's a McKinnon.
She's the daughter of his greatest rival.
Merida McKinnon was raised to be the perfect female, though she never quite seemed to measure up in her father's eyes. When she discovers Edan McLeod is her mate, she knows her father will use her against him. Betrayal is inevitable, but will she betray her blood or her bond?
Can love truly conquer all?
With a new threat forcing their packs into an alliance, avoiding the bond between them will be impossible. In their struggle to fight their fate, will they sacrifice their hearts?
Rival is the heart wrenching second book in the McLeod Bothers Trilogy. If you like enemies to lovers, star-crossed love, and sizzling romance, then you'll love this gripping sequel by Lorelei Johnson.
Lorelei Johnson is an Australian romance author, primarily writing Paranormal Romance and Fantasy Romance. She graduated from Flinders University, where she studied English Literature and Creative Writing before she discovered her degree was useless and she hated studying in an institution. She went into administrative work where she learnt just enough business sense to start publishing her own books.
Lorelei is fuelled by caffeine and sarcasm, priding herself as a true 90's kid. She labels her self-publishing as anti-establishment, but really she's just a chicken who decided to avoid the gatekeepers all together and enjoy the freedom to write whatever the heck she likes. Through her writing, she likes to explore the many facets of love and revel in a little magic and a little smut, of course.
Book 2 of the McLeod Brothers trilogy picks up a few months after the events in Book 1. Edan, the middle brother is our MMC in this book, Rival. Aptly named as the FMC and love interest opposite Edan is Merida (yeah she went there), scion of THE feuding family McKinnon and whose father was responsible for the murder of the mother of the McLeod Brothers and subsequent death of their father. Edan starts the book looking into lycans murdered by vampires, while Merida has been locked in a dungeon for 4 months and her father now seeks to use her in a scheme against Clan McLeod. PROS:🤗 THE CHEMISTRY 🤯, The pacing of this book was less bogged down than Book 1 which suffered from what felt like a longer back-and-forth with the FMC...In truth, the waivering of Edan makes more sense. From his perspective, Merida is an unknown (McKinnon kept her from the public eye prior to this). The coincidence between meeting her and her father proposing the alliance just has to seem too good to be true, and though we as readers have a look behind the scenes into both character's minds, each doesn't know the others true intentions. So I can justify and roll with this behavior much more so than I could really get behind Katya's lingering anger in book 1. I just loved Merida. I loved her in book 1 and she really brings the female power in this book. She is an abuse victim, but she is also a survivor. CONS:🙄 Angus...his character was necessary, but an emotional 💣. The ending kind of threw me for a loop and I just didn't understand the choices made by Merida or her father. The portrayal of sex with what was supposed to be a virgin was a little unbelievable or I don't know...that first time just didn't read like a first time to me. ⏳In closing, I found, Rival a great read. One I will likely re-visit, but be warned. The epilogue contains the beginning of book 3 which is NOT out...I am drooling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4.5 stars. Edan, the male wolf shifter lead, has been anticipating meeting his mate for centuries. Finding her on the shore of his clan’s lake is thrilling. Then he discovers that she’s the daughter of the enemy Alpha next door, which means that he believes she’s her father’s spy.
Merida, the female wolf shifter lead, may be her father’s daughter biologically but she hates him and his abuse. She has been anticipating her mate, hoping for someone who would actually love her. She’s dismayed but unsurprised by Edan’s response to her parentage. Pushed between two Alphas, Merida struggles to find a place for herself…
This story is dual POV, well written, and an angsty, emotionally driven enemies-to-lovers, wolf shifter romance. I respected Merida’s personal strength and her ethical code, especially in light of the regular torture she’d endured over the last couple of centuries at her father‘s command. I understood Edan’s suspicions regarding Merida’s loyalty. I enjoyed the relationship development and appreciated Merida’s ongoing strength in the face of two posturing Alphas. I enjoyed both lead characters’ development and the engaged secondary characters. I appreciated the resolution for the story and the epilogue with the lead characters for the next story, which I am gleefully anticipating.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rival by Lorelei Johnson is a good, and enjoyable forbidden love enemies to lovers paranormal romance read. The story has a great story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow. Just wow. Johnson really brought the angst with this one and excuse me ma'am but we need to talk about Angus. Edan and Merida had such a sweet beginning and you just know that means they're going to be put through the ringer. The characters were excellent in this one, and it was great to see some familiar faces. Merida has had a pretty tough life and I really wanted her HEA, so I'm glad it was delivered. While I wanted to slap Edan sometimes, his choices made sense given that Merida is the daughter of the man who killed his parents, and leader of the pack they've been at war with forever. So overall, great characters, great chemistry, emotional af, and another great read from Lorelei Johnson. This one also ends with an epilogue that leads into book 3 and dayum, I need that book like yesterday. I can't wait to read Finn's book!
Part of The McLeod Brothers Trilogy they are connected via the brother but the McLeod and the McKinnon’s have been fighting for a while thing is no one really knows the real reason why they are at each other’s throats yep the old timers but the young generation not so much but the fight continues until fate stepped took control. Eden sexy as all get out middle McLeod brother, we still get to see Lachlan and his mate but he hardheaded in every way and sometimes just talking will put everything into perspective. Merida is so sweet she is tired of her father using her but has not willpower to say no he is too controlling, the scheming he gets her involved in and a mate who won’t trust her (with good reason her father means no one any good) but if they would just communicate so much could be cleared up. We know the attraction is intense and the magnetic pull between is too strong to ignore but with all the fighting between their families, her father using her to hurt him but will she be strong enough to be honest with her mate, will he be understanding enough to trust his mate despite her last name, will there be peace for them, can they be together without interruption and can they find happiness?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The McKinnon and McLeod packs are enemies. Edan McLeod is the commander for his alpha brother. He is leading the investigation into the vampire attacks on their clan members. There has been several deaths recently. On a patrol he meets his mate. They have one special night. But Merida doesn’t want him to mark her as his mate. Then the hated rival pack arrives and he sees his mate. Upon introduction, he learns his mate is the daughter of the man who killed his parents. Merida McKinnon has always been seeking her father’s love and approval. But she knows he does evil things. He kidnapped the bride of a rival pack. Merida helped her to escape from the cell. Then her father put her in the cell and gives her punishment for helping. He suddenly releases her. He sends her to a spot along the border. Now, she knows why. Her mate is there. Edan will hate her when he finds out who she is. So she takes one night for herself to feel love. Then he father goes to the McLeod seeking a truce. She knows he is up to something. Then she sees Edan and when he finds out who she is. Now, she must deal with the hate of her mate and her evil father’s plans. Merida willingly takes her father’s punishment for doing the right thing. She needs to protect her mate and his family. Good story about a strong willed daughter, drama, torture, evil plans, vampire attacks, kidnapping, mates, misunderstandings, anger, regret, and HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The complications just keep coming with these packs. The McLeod and the McKinnon packs are rivals. Edan McLeod has been leading the battles between them. When he meets Merida, his mate, he does not realize that she is a McKinnon. And Merida knows that her father will definitely use her against Edan when he finds out he is a McLeod. With the mates coming from two rival packs, will Merida and Edan be allowed to accept each other under these circumstances? Or will their family members insist on keeping them apart? And if they do get together, will Merida have to choose between betraying her Alpha or her bonded mate?
The story line on this one was good with so many possibilities for them to make mistakes. Grab your copy and see how they work out a path forward that will bring happiness instead of war.
The. McKinnons and McLeods have been in a feud for years. After Dougal McKinnon kidnapped Katja McLeod and kept her in his dungeon torturing her, his daughter, Merida, let Katja go. Her father made her take Katja’s place in the dungeon and she was tortured daily. Then he arranged for Merida and Edan to meet by the lake and when they saw each other, they realized they were fated mates. She knew who Edan was, but didn’t tell him her last name. Merida knew that if he knew she was a McKinnon he wouldn’t want anything to do with her. A good storyline with plenty of angst, danger, secrets and uncertainty for our H and h. The characters were interesting and likable. Looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fantastic angsty forbidden enemies to lovers romance it’s emotional and well written I’m loving this series so far and can’t wait for the next couples book ! This author is definitely one to be on the lookout for!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thisis my favourite of the trilogy, I loved the dual POV, as well as it being an enemies -to-lovers romance. I loved the relationship growth and development , loved the the epilogue leading into the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am a sucker for angst, and this book brought it. The combination of enemies-to-lovers and fated mates is something I can absolutely get behind, and I was so excited when I realised our leads would be from rival clans (and that the serious, protective Edan would be the MMC because he definitely caught my eye in Luna). I am pleased to say I wasn't disappointed.
Lorelie leans into the conflict between Merida and Edan and isn't afraid to get a bit dark with it, and I completely lapped it up! This is a book full of complex relationships, and not just Merida and Edan's. All of Merida's relationships seem to be fraught with difficulty, much like her entire life, and I really appreciated that about this book. It felt raw and real and I enjoyed seeing the different dynamics play out. Not to mention Merida herself, who is an excellent lead. Strong, determined and capable, I love that she is someone who has such control over her emotions and is so deliberate about the way she presents herself to the world, and her back story made me really feel for her. As for Edan, I was totally drawn into his self-loathing and angsting, though I did think he needed a swift smack around the ears one or twice.
And we are not going to talk about Angus. I am not ok.
RIVAL is the second in The McLeod Brothers trilogy and we have Edan, the middle brother, as our main focus. Of course, we catch up with Lachlan and Katja too, but you don't HAVE to have read their book to enjoy this one.
Merida knows she is being used by her father, but is unable to fight against it. Edan doesn't know who Merida is for their first night together but soon finds out. This leads to understandable angst that could have (mostly) been cleared up by communicating - if not to Edan directly, then with Lachlan and Katja.
Angus is a great supporting actor and deserves a mention of his own. I was expecting something but not that!
As for the Challenge, that I did expect but not how it ended. I almost felt cheated somehow. I won't say more for spoilers, but, yeah.
The last chapter is a teaser for Finn's book and it certainly didn't come as any sort of surprise. As with his two brothers, he's not going to have an easy ride of it but I'm looking forward to finding out just what happened to him.
A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. ** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The McLeod and the McKinnon’s have been fighting for a while thing is no one really knows the real reason why they are at each other’s throats the old timers do but the younger generation doesn't but the fight continues until fate stepped in and took control. Eden is the middle McLeod brother, but he is very hardheaded in every way and sometimes just talking will put everything into perspective. Merida is so sweet she is tired of her father using her but has not willpower to say no he is too controlling, the scheming he gets her involved in and a mate who won’t trust her (with good reason her father means no good for anyone) but if they would just communicate so much could be cleared up. We know the attraction is intense and the magnetic pull between is too strong to ignore but with all the fighting between their families, her father using her to hurt him but will she be strong enough to be honest with her mate, will he be understanding enough to trust his mate despite her last name. I liked that we got to see Lachlan and Katja.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Really enjoyed book 1 of this trilogy Luna and so excited to read book 2 and not disappointed. Merida and Edan's story is as exciting, entriquing and just as steamy as book 1 with Lachlan and Katya. The book could be read as a stand alone, but knowing the background and what happened in book 1 adds extra level to this story. For these brother finding their fated mates is truly a rollercoaster adventure ride and not a straight forward mating bonding. A great group of characters and when told from both sides makes for more enjoyable read as get better insight into both of the main characters and with a decent sized book time to learn about them. A lovely mix of supernatural adventure, steamy sexy romance, mystery, drama, feuding mixed with humour and vulnerability. Great combination at least all things I enjoy in a good suspense supernatural adventure. Book ends with suspense as taster for final book in trilogy. Cannot wait for book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed reading this second book in The McLeod Brothers Trilogy. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the steam. The heroine is very strong mentally to put up with a dominating/scheming father and a distrustful mate. I felt her pain. I loved that it took the previously hurt female from the 1st book to point out the error of the hero’s ways. When he does finally come around fate is proven correct in matching these two. I am looking forward to reading the final brother’s story and seeing how the overarching story resolves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dougal McKinnon is a truly evil individual. How his daughter, Merida grew to be the compassionate, insightful, intelligent female she is is astounding.
Edan's reception of her parentage was hurtful, painful and understandable.
The to and fro struggle of their relationship was both sad and inspiring.
This is the second book in the series and is about Edan's discovery of his mate in a very unlikely place. So much action, steam, plot twists and high emotion. An absolutely fantastic book. Really looking forward to reading Finn's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her father is so twisted that it's amazing she's still alive. But she's stronger than he thinks and proves him wrong when he forces her to meet her mate. She has to be, to survive, being her life. But her mate, when he finally gets his head around it, is not going to let her do anything on her own. This one was really twisted at times, some bit's hard to read, but the ending was worth it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
this was another winner in the McLeod Brothers Trilogy series, it has a great concept and I enjoyed how good it worked with the previous book. The characters worked well overall and I enjoyed how good it was. Lorelei Johnson has a great writing style and I can't wait to read more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This second installment of the series was well written and kept me hooked from beginning to end thanks to the endearing characters while the story line kept me reading in one sitting. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book but man did it get me in the feels! I loved Merida and I really felt for her, but I also really understood where Edan was coming from. I'm glad they found their way to their HEA. A well written, emotional read with fantastic characters.
Another fantastic instalment in the McLeod Brothers trilogy. Delightfully hot and sinful. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Cannot wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is beyond anything you think it is and is well worth reading. We have two rival families, mates from each family. Now, will Merida and Edan be able to be together or will their families ruin their chance at HEA? This story will make your heart hurt then heal with their ending.
loved it !! love this series !!! love Merida and Edan... this is their story..a fast paced action packed drama... from rival clans... a mate bond...trouble coming... who has her loyalty... so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Edan is shocked that Merida is his mate but cannot stay away. This is a great book where both have to overcome many obstacles before they can be together. I like the characters and the story. It will keep you engrossed until the end of this story. 5 stars!