What do you think?
Rate this book
"With many hot, sweet and sexy scenes as well as an entertaining and gripping plot it was impossible to put down until the very end." "Kane is a fast-paced, scintillating, story that had my heart racing with the turn of every page." Kane Gunn is beyond frustrated. He has a kill order to fulfill and after weeks of chasing his quarry he’s boiling over with tension. Then he catches the woman who’s become his obsession and Kane becomes consumed by a desire that overwhelms everything…including his quest for justice. Lara is determined to seek revenge against the were-cougar guardians. Consequences don’t matter and distraction isn’t an option. Until she finds herself face to face with the pair of green eyes that have been haunting her day and night. Time is of the essence as the tables are turned and a tenuous truce is formed. In the face of passion enemies become lovers, tempting fate, testing trust, and satisfying an undeniable need. Lies and secrets. Corruption and Revenge. Choices that change lives. Don’t miss the revelation…of Kane.
266 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2010
444 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Gayle
133 books1,337 followersGRAB the first book in my USA Today bestselling Southern Shifters series in Kindle Unlimited. Click
here
Eliza Gayle writes dragon romance and fantasy romance with unforgettable characters, fiery passion, and magical twists. A New York Times bestselling author, she’s created series like Dragon Lords and Southern Shifters that keep readers hooked from page one. (She also writes dark contemporary romance under E.M. Gayle) She currently lives on a small island in the Pacific Northwest (but was born and raised in Florida and then spent 10+ years in NC) and spends her days writing romance, wandering the beach, kayaking or defending her keyboard from her cat Salem.
Before her writing career began, she served in the Marine Corps and lived a crazy life of adventure. Then she read her first spicy romance novel and everything changed. So after years of thinking about writing she finally grabbed her laptop and wrote.
Latest Release: THE HEART OF THE DRAGON
Coming next: THE FATE OF THE DRAGON
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 12, 2011
www.BittenByParanormalRomance.com...
What happens when you discover unbridled lust for someone you hate and who tried to kill your brother? The second book in Gayle's Black cougar series. The subject of our hero's desire is the female antagonist from the first book in the series. One of the unanswered questions from the first book is answered here. The basic story premise is a good one. At 233 double-spaced pages, this is another fast read. There is betrayal by a friend, shocking revelations and sex (an interesting shower scene, couple of outdoor scenes, a Jacuzzi tub scene and a quick somewhat unclear anal scene) with a little bit of reluctant, unconventional romance thrown in. While not as sensually hot as the first book, there is alot of chemistry going on.
Kane, the main lead, is the easy going brother forced into being the clan enforcer and guardian when his brother is banished from the clan for at least a year for mating outside the clan. While he kills
when necessary, he doesn't like to.
Lara, the female lead, is a real hard witch and it is difficult to call her the heroine. Agressive, strong-willed and apparently evil, she comes off as nasty and willing to do anything to get revenge. She has been molded from an early teenager to hate and get revenge so it is very hard to be sympathetic or like her when she shows a little weakness and humanity. Kane eventually and affectionally describes her as having "wicked dark side and a knack for creating havoc". Gayle is very successful in creating a character that is very easy to not like. You would think this would hurt the story but it really doesn't - it works well.
While I did enjoy the story, there is so much foreshadowing throughout the story that it is very easy to figure out the secrets, and there are several, only some of which are unveiled by the end. Less than half way through the book I had already figured out what was supposed to be subtly alluded to. There was also a small continuity issue.
If this and the first book were interweaved together into a single book, both stories would have reaped great benefits and made for a potentially 4 or 5 star full length novel.
The story ends on a cliffhanger which hopefully is answered in the next book in the series. One wonders since there are three brothers and no other real characters developed partially or fully, if this will end up being a trilogy instead of a series.
What happens when you discover unbridled lust for someone you hate and who tried to kill your brother? The second book in Gayle's Black cougar series. The subject of our hero's desire is the female antagonist from the first book in the series. One of the unanswered questions from the first book is answered here. The basic story premise is a good one. At 233 double-spaced pages, this is another fast read. There is betrayal by a friend, shocking revelations and sex (an interesting shower scene, couple of outdoor scenes, a Jacuzzi tub scene and a quick somewhat unclear anal scene) with a little bit of reluctant, unconventional romance thrown in. While not as sensually hot as the first book, there is alot of chemistry going on.
Kane, the main lead, is the easy going brother forced into being the clan enforcer and guardian when his brother is banished from the clan for at least a year for mating outside the clan. While he kills
when necessary, he doesn't like to.
Lara, the female lead, is a real hard witch and it is difficult to call her the heroine. Agressive, strong-willed and apparently evil, she comes off as nasty and willing to do anything to get revenge. She has been molded from an early teenager to hate and get revenge so it is very hard to be sympathetic or like her when she shows a little weakness and humanity. Kane eventually and affectionally describes her as having "wicked dark side and a knack for creating havoc". Gayle is very successful in creating a character that is very easy to not like. You would think this would hurt the story but it really doesn't - it works well.
While I did enjoy the story, there is so much foreshadowing throughout the story that it is very easy to figure out the secrets, and there are several, only some of which are unveiled by the end. Less than half way through the book I had already figured out what was supposed to be subtly alluded to. There was also a small continuity issue.
If this and the first book were interweaved together into a single book, both stories would have reaped great benefits and made for a potentially 4 or 5 star full length novel.
The story ends on a cliffhanger which hopefully is answered in the next book in the series. One wonders since there are three brothers and no other real characters developed partially or fully, if this will end up being a trilogy instead of a series.
May 10, 2021
A woman on a mission of vengeance, that immediately perks my attention. I love strong women who are going to kick some butt. Lara doesn't disappoint as she goes after the killers of her mother. When she crosses paths with one of the cougars from the pack responsible for her beloved mother's death, she expects to take it out on him. What she doesn't expect is to be attracted to Kane. Kane on the other hand is confused. He is supposed to kill this fragile human? It doesn't make sense to him.
The set up is suspicious to both Kane and Lara. Joining forces is the only way they can figure out what is going on. The plot to this story is transparent and easy to guess from the start. Still, I enjoyed the journey as Kane and Lara overcome unknown forces and discover more about Lara's parentage. It isn't a surprise yet the full reveal is not explained in this book. Not exactly left as a cliffhanger, it does hook a reader into reading the next book in this series.
Lara and Kane are a well matched pair. Neither one is willing to conceded easily to the other. They are both strong headed yet determined to be just. Their fast lust is erotic and expected. I loved it. They are good together and I hope to see them in another story as perhaps a secondary support couple. Ms. Gayle delivers up a sweet and sexy shifter tale moving at a nice easy pace. This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who enjoy enemies to lover themes.
The set up is suspicious to both Kane and Lara. Joining forces is the only way they can figure out what is going on. The plot to this story is transparent and easy to guess from the start. Still, I enjoyed the journey as Kane and Lara overcome unknown forces and discover more about Lara's parentage. It isn't a surprise yet the full reveal is not explained in this book. Not exactly left as a cliffhanger, it does hook a reader into reading the next book in this series.
Lara and Kane are a well matched pair. Neither one is willing to conceded easily to the other. They are both strong headed yet determined to be just. Their fast lust is erotic and expected. I loved it. They are good together and I hope to see them in another story as perhaps a secondary support couple. Ms. Gayle delivers up a sweet and sexy shifter tale moving at a nice easy pace. This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who enjoy enemies to lover themes.
September 24, 2019
Four stars!
I really liked this story, the interactions between lane and Lara were page turning. Also, the sex scenes are really good. Although, I really don't like cliffhangers.
I really liked this story, the interactions between lane and Lara were page turning. Also, the sex scenes are really good. Although, I really don't like cliffhangers.
April 28, 2021
Another great read loved it.
December 15, 2018
2.5
Kane is now the Enforcer for the cougar clan and he's tasked with tracking down the witch, Lara, who tried to kill his brother and his brother's mate. Unfortunately, he's been having lusty-sexy dreams about Lara and worries that he won't be able to kill her when the time comes. Lara, for her part, is dead set on revenge against the black cougar enforcers, but she's also having lusty-sexy dreams about Kane and has the same worry. They're both pretty correct because when they do find each other, they both melt into a puddle of goo at the chance to get naked. Turns out Lara is Kane's mate. She still wants revenge, and so Kane can't really trust the woman he wants to mate and Lara isn't really able to trust Kane, especially since there's a cougar shifter tracking down Lara to kill her for some reason.
So, similar to the first book in that the sex pretty much dominates the entire storyline. It's definitely the author's strength, but it's so pervasive that it mucks up the plot and makes it really difficult to connect to the characters and it completely destroys the "lovey" emotional feelings they should be experiencing as they "fall in love." As it was, I got the impression that Kane was possessive and lusting for Lara, but I didn't get the sense that he was in love with her. As for Lara - her motivations didn't make a whole lot of sense. She claims her mother was killed by a black cougar and she's ready to kill ANY black cougar out of that revenge - and yet she teams up with and is manipulated by Malcolm for however long they held Lucas. Why didn't she try to kill Malcolm? If it's only the current enforcer she's after, why did she try to kill Kira and Kane? For that matter, for as gung-ho as she claims to be about revenge, she FREQUENTLY forgets to hate black cougars. And why was there no explanation for how she survived death twice in the first book? I got the impression that she was so powerful that she could overcome death, and yet in this book she has almost no powers whatsoever...or if she does, they certainly don't do her any good. The consistency was lacking here.
Now, on the positive note, this was a bit less of a hot mess than the last book. I could actually follow along with what the characters were doing (if not always their motivations) and did enjoy the sexual tension between the main characters, but this was only marginally better than the first book. A 2.5 instead of a 2. I'm not sure if I can continue this series...
Kane is now the Enforcer for the cougar clan and he's tasked with tracking down the witch, Lara, who tried to kill his brother and his brother's mate. Unfortunately, he's been having lusty-sexy dreams about Lara and worries that he won't be able to kill her when the time comes. Lara, for her part, is dead set on revenge against the black cougar enforcers, but she's also having lusty-sexy dreams about Kane and has the same worry. They're both pretty correct because when they do find each other, they both melt into a puddle of goo at the chance to get naked. Turns out Lara is Kane's mate. She still wants revenge, and so Kane can't really trust the woman he wants to mate and Lara isn't really able to trust Kane, especially since there's a cougar shifter tracking down Lara to kill her for some reason.
So, similar to the first book in that the sex pretty much dominates the entire storyline. It's definitely the author's strength, but it's so pervasive that it mucks up the plot and makes it really difficult to connect to the characters and it completely destroys the "lovey" emotional feelings they should be experiencing as they "fall in love." As it was, I got the impression that Kane was possessive and lusting for Lara, but I didn't get the sense that he was in love with her. As for Lara - her motivations didn't make a whole lot of sense. She claims her mother was killed by a black cougar and she's ready to kill ANY black cougar out of that revenge - and yet she teams up with and is manipulated by Malcolm for however long they held Lucas. Why didn't she try to kill Malcolm? If it's only the current enforcer she's after, why did she try to kill Kira and Kane? For that matter, for as gung-ho as she claims to be about revenge, she FREQUENTLY forgets to hate black cougars. And why was there no explanation for how she survived death twice in the first book? I got the impression that she was so powerful that she could overcome death, and yet in this book she has almost no powers whatsoever...or if she does, they certainly don't do her any good. The consistency was lacking here.
Now, on the positive note, this was a bit less of a hot mess than the last book. I could actually follow along with what the characters were doing (if not always their motivations) and did enjoy the sexual tension between the main characters, but this was only marginally better than the first book. A 2.5 instead of a 2. I'm not sure if I can continue this series...
June 14, 2011
Kane was my first sample of Eliza's writing. Being a cover shopper, I automatically purchased Kane and later realized Lucas came first. No worries...I'll be picking up Lucas this week!
This is one of those books I tried hard not to put down. When I did, I couldn't stop thinking about reading. That's a sure sign of a good novel.
On to the juicy stuff...
From what I've read, the storyline of the series is solid. I love a complex word with equally complicated characters. What a delectable treat this was!
Kane is a smoldering hero with an edge. Gotta love those good guys with a side of badass. What's not to love, really? He's a cougar shifter: 110% alpha, dominant, honest, fiercely protective, etc. All the makings of an amazing protagonist.
Lara is the unexpected heroine. Through reading this novel, it became clear she was the villain from the first novel. She's human: Tough, bitchy and everything you'd love to hate, until you peel away the layers. Complicated...LOVE IT!
The love scenes between these two are intense. All the more so because there is so much tension and resistance, you could slice it with a butter knife. Their passion is forbidden. They shouldn't be together for so many reasons, and yet they can't deny the heat between them.
I recommended this novel to anyone looking for a good shifter/paranormal romance and I look forward to the next novel in this series!
This is one of those books I tried hard not to put down. When I did, I couldn't stop thinking about reading. That's a sure sign of a good novel.
On to the juicy stuff...
From what I've read, the storyline of the series is solid. I love a complex word with equally complicated characters. What a delectable treat this was!
Kane is a smoldering hero with an edge. Gotta love those good guys with a side of badass. What's not to love, really? He's a cougar shifter: 110% alpha, dominant, honest, fiercely protective, etc. All the makings of an amazing protagonist.
Lara is the unexpected heroine. Through reading this novel, it became clear she was the villain from the first novel. She's human: Tough, bitchy and everything you'd love to hate, until you peel away the layers. Complicated...LOVE IT!
The love scenes between these two are intense. All the more so because there is so much tension and resistance, you could slice it with a butter knife. Their passion is forbidden. They shouldn't be together for so many reasons, and yet they can't deny the heat between them.
I recommended this novel to anyone looking for a good shifter/paranormal romance and I look forward to the next novel in this series!
January 2, 2013
Second book in shifter series. Still a few discrepancies that bother me (doesn't ring true for me)...see my review of Lucas...I have to put down book...will try finishing another time...
months later...still can not pick it up. I give up. Sorry
months later...still can not pick it up. I give up. Sorry
December 20, 2019
Cannot like Lara and feel Kane is being led by his male parts.
Doesn’t really answer many questions left from book one. In reality it leaves one with more questions needing answers.
Lara really had a poor reason for her actions and didn’t actually enact her revenge on anyone, as she was working with Malcolm in book one and is the mate of Kane in book two.
We also have the fact she had sex with Kane’s older brother Malcolm in book one, even though she swore revenge on the black cougars. Doesn’t make sense.
Left with a cliff hanger.
I own and have read and reviewed the original books in this series, both singly and in a box set, quite a few years ago. My previous reviews of this book under the original series title BLACK COUGAR from years ago are missing. I have also reread and reviewed the first few books under the SOUTHERN SHIFTERS title series.
This series has been revamped so many times it is annoying.
I own and have read and reviewed the original books in this series, both singly and in a box set, quite a few years ago. My previous reviews of this book under the original title from years ago are missing.
I am rereading the whole series through KU due to newer versions.
Doesn’t really answer many questions left from book one. In reality it leaves one with more questions needing answers.
Lara really had a poor reason for her actions and didn’t actually enact her revenge on anyone, as she was working with Malcolm in book one and is the mate of Kane in book two.
We also have the fact she had sex with Kane’s older brother Malcolm in book one, even though she swore revenge on the black cougars. Doesn’t make sense.
Left with a cliff hanger.
I own and have read and reviewed the original books in this series, both singly and in a box set, quite a few years ago. My previous reviews of this book under the original series title BLACK COUGAR from years ago are missing. I have also reread and reviewed the first few books under the SOUTHERN SHIFTERS title series.
This series has been revamped so many times it is annoying.
I own and have read and reviewed the original books in this series, both singly and in a box set, quite a few years ago. My previous reviews of this book under the original title from years ago are missing.
I am rereading the whole series through KU due to newer versions.
November 21, 2020
Enemies to lovers has never been more deadly or sexy. Kane is the Guardian of his clan and tasked with bring bringing Lara to answer for trying to kill his brother and his mate. There's more going on then either of them know. Lara is on a revenge mission and wants to kill the Gunn brothers except when she's around Kane her thoughts turn to sex not killing. Kane is loyal to his clan but can't ignore the pull he feels to her. More questions arise than are answered by the Council and Kane learns there are traitors in clan. The biggest surprise however, is Lara who is not what either or them believed. Fated mates they can't keep their hands off each other but it will take both of their combined skills and intellect to get to the truth. Like the first book in this series, this is an action filled, smutty read and I can't wait to read the next book!!
February 28, 2022
This has taken me a bit of time to read, and although a good read I was getting irritated by the amount of sexual scenes in this story. I appreciate that certain reads require it but honestly it doesn’t always need to be every other page to make a book worth reading. Kane and Lara’s story is different because of how they met, she repeatedly tried killing Lucus and his mate which should have been an automatic death sentence but Lara being Kane’s mate makes matters difficult.
Interesting story and plot, the characters are good. Loads of angst, and the love scenes are descriptive and plentiful. This series has lots of potential but I found myself lagging to read it, that’s not to say it’s not worth it, but I do think you need to be in the mood to read this series.
Interesting story and plot, the characters are good. Loads of angst, and the love scenes are descriptive and plentiful. This series has lots of potential but I found myself lagging to read it, that’s not to say it’s not worth it, but I do think you need to be in the mood to read this series.
December 29, 2019
Things aren't always what they seem.
Kane is an enforcer who is sent to kill Lara, who in turn is trying to kill him for revenge.
He soon discovers that she has a mate mark. They return to the clan lands for a tribunal but someone is now trying to kill them. Why?
An interesting story that ends in a happy ever after for the couple but their troubles have not yet been solved. This leads us into the next book.
Kane is an enforcer who is sent to kill Lara, who in turn is trying to kill him for revenge.
He soon discovers that she has a mate mark. They return to the clan lands for a tribunal but someone is now trying to kill them. Why?
An interesting story that ends in a happy ever after for the couple but their troubles have not yet been solved. This leads us into the next book.
May 12, 2017
Mate night
I felt the author just stopped with some of the things that had happened in the first book and it was kinda weird. Like what happened to the mind communication? Over all Lara and Kane had amazing chemistry. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book because of how Lara was in book 1
I felt the author just stopped with some of the things that had happened in the first book and it was kinda weird. Like what happened to the mind communication? Over all Lara and Kane had amazing chemistry. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book because of how Lara was in book 1
February 26, 2019
I didn't think it would be possible to redeem Lara after Book 1 in the series, and I so enjoyed being wrong! Nice writing. The only thing I would like is more about the conflict they would have integrating her into the community and the family, but that might have taken away from the couple's story.
September 5, 2021
Wonderful
Well...I loved this second book of "Southern Shifters." I didnt like the ending, BUT...OK it flows into the third book (which means you buy it). The characters in this novel (Kane and Lara) are perfect for one a other even before they knew it. I won't give away the surprise...this novel was wonderful.
Well...I loved this second book of "Southern Shifters." I didnt like the ending, BUT...OK it flows into the third book (which means you buy it). The characters in this novel (Kane and Lara) are perfect for one a other even before they knew it. I won't give away the surprise...this novel was wonderful.
October 16, 2024
It’s been a while since I read the first book in this southern shifter series, but I was able to pretty much jump right back into where that one left off. I won’t tell you that I really like these characters, but I understood where they were coming from. I’m looking forward to book 3 in this series.
March 7, 2025
Great story full of heat
This is a great series and great second book that ends abruptly. I would’ve like the author to finish Lara’s story but I guess it will end in the next book. I love Kane, he’s a great guy and Lara is his mate/enemy. This is enemies to lovers troupe and I like it. Lara is a villain with good reasons.
This is a great series and great second book that ends abruptly. I would’ve like the author to finish Lara’s story but I guess it will end in the next book. I love Kane, he’s a great guy and Lara is his mate/enemy. This is enemies to lovers troupe and I like it. Lara is a villain with good reasons.
November 28, 2017
Kane a Death Enforcer is sent out on a kill order to murder Lara a witch seeking revenge. As these two work through learning to trust each other the lust of mates makes it hard to keep their hands off of each other. This book has some scandal, plenty drama, buckets of love, scorching romance and a
July 17, 2018
Mate Night
I was hoping they would catch the man who wanted them dead. Too bad Nick couldn't be trusted as a friend. I'm glad Kane made her his mate before things got worse. She is probably half witch half cougar.
I was hoping they would catch the man who wanted them dead. Too bad Nick couldn't be trusted as a friend. I'm glad Kane made her his mate before things got worse. She is probably half witch half cougar.
August 7, 2019
Lara & Kane
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Lara & Kane's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story it makes me feel better after a very hard day. Thank you for writing this story.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Lara & Kane's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story it makes me feel better after a very hard day. Thank you for writing this story.
November 10, 2020
Love this series
Its gritty, raw and primal.
And that's just what happens between Kane and Lara.
This story is a standalone but is definitely part of a larger story.
Very well written.
Its gritty, raw and primal.
And that's just what happens between Kane and Lara.
This story is a standalone but is definitely part of a larger story.
Very well written.
April 4, 2021
Witchy good
Lara's got it out for the cougar clan, seekibg revenge for a wrong to her family. Kane is supposed to stop her - permanently. Seduction is on the menu, even as unseen enemies close in to end her.
Lara's got it out for the cougar clan, seekibg revenge for a wrong to her family. Kane is supposed to stop her - permanently. Seduction is on the menu, even as unseen enemies close in to end her.
January 11, 2022
An enjoyable read
I always enjoy books by Ms. Gayle and this is no exception. Great characters and a strong story line combined into a good tale. Wish I'd read the first book before this one though.
I always enjoy books by Ms. Gayle and this is no exception. Great characters and a strong story line combined into a good tale. Wish I'd read the first book before this one though.
November 12, 2025
Great Read!
I really enjoyed book 2 in this series watching Kane and Lara travel their very rocky road to finding their HEA. I'm looking forward to reading book 3 in this series to see how everything works out. I will definitely recommend this book to everyone.
I really enjoyed book 2 in this series watching Kane and Lara travel their very rocky road to finding their HEA. I'm looking forward to reading book 3 in this series to see how everything works out. I will definitely recommend this book to everyone.
October 9, 2018
Fun story!
I loved reading this story. It was a fast paced and energetic story but I love the characters. I can't wait to see what happens in the next story.
I loved reading this story. It was a fast paced and energetic story but I love the characters. I can't wait to see what happens in the next story.
June 24, 2019
Definitely a family affair when it came to sex between partners ;D
June 17, 2020
Ok
Ok book. It's very sexy but honestly never really saw these two together. You need to read all books to get better understanding.
Ok book. It's very sexy but honestly never really saw these two together. You need to read all books to get better understanding.
March 1, 2022
These stories just get better!
There is something about the these book that just can't put them down. This book is about Jane & Lara!
There is something about the these book that just can't put them down. This book is about Jane & Lara!
April 26, 2023
This book and my heart thundering! There are so many things happening with deep undercurrents. Things just aren't as they seem. Lara is such a surprise. This is a hot intense story.
April 11, 2024
DNF. If you like spice with no plot this is the series for you. Not for me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews