Hounded

Shifter Town Enforcement #1

by Sadie Hart

Shifter Town Enforcement #1

Lion-shifters Kanon Reyes and Tegan Sharpe aren’t sure what Kanon’s done to earn himself a frame-up for murder, but they’re determined to keep him from a silver bullet and a shallow grave. To do that, though, they’ll have to rely on the sexy Hound sent to arrest him.

As a Hound for Shifter Town Enforcement, Lennox Donnelly is one of the best. But when one of her arrest warrants turns out to be for an innocent man, she’s determined to get to the truth. What she finds are dead witnesses and an untraceable magick–with a killer far more powerful than her.

Now, to survive, Lennox will have to learn to rely on more than just herself if she’s to make it back to the men she’s come to love.


This book contains two hunky, alpha werelions, one tough heroine with a justice streak a mile wide, a mad killer on the loose, and enough steamy sex to make a good girl break all of her rules.

This book contains m/f/m and m/m scenes.

Genres: Menage, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, M M F, Paranormal Romance, M F M, Romance

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2012

About the author

Sadie Hart lives in Michigan with two dogs, though one should totally be a Moose, and they both occasionally show signs of super powers. Like the ability to fly and mind read. Okay, maybe not the flying part. That’s actually her flying pig, Pignificent. Though his super powers also include laser vision.

During the day, while not wrangling super-pooches and pigs, Sadie works as a secretary in a library trying not to read the books. At night, she writes action packed paranormal romances with a heavy dose of the things that go bump in the night – both the spooky and the naughty kind.

Reviews

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when you think there's no new themes possible in the paranormal genre there comes a book with just enough of a twist to set it apart from the rest. The premise of Hounded has some familiar qualities as well as some fresh ones that kept me entertained from the very start to the edge of your seat culmination.

Hounded introduces us to the world of shifters where lions, snakes, wolves, and hounds among other species try to live harmoniously even though deep prejudices still exist. Into this powder keg of prejudice and mistrust, particularly between hounds and lions, comes a madman bent on revenge against all lions who sets up lion-shifter Kanon Reyes for a string of murders. It's up to Kanon's lover/mate Tegan Sharpe and Lennox Donnelly, the rhodesian ridgeback hound assigned to the case, to find out the truth before death claims them all and a shifter war erupts that could lead to untold death.

This story was full of suspense and action that easily kept me on the edge of my seat, as well as guessing for quite a while who the bad guy was. The pace of the story moved along nicely with only one or two parts that felt a bit draggy, but nothing that didn't keep me turning the pages in anticipation. The sexual chemistry between Kanon, Tegan, and Lennox was palpable from the start and the existing relationship between Kanon and Tegan easily and believably transitioned to include Lennox. The sexual interludes were nicely spaced throughout the story with both m/m and m/f/m scenes with just the right amount of spice to make this reader flush. Kanon and Tegan are both sexy and charming with Tegan the more in control of his actions with both of them bringing something unique to their relationship. They're both powerful but quite willing to let Lennox take control in a crisis because of her unique and powerful law enforcement talents that has made her the best of the best. Lennox is a kickass heroine who's smart, yet serious, and more than capable of bringing criminals to justice. She easily goes toe to toe with the villain in a very bloody encounter towards the end of the story that was very impressive in its brute strength. Kanon and Tegan brought laughter to Lennox who lived for her job before meeting them and is why this menage feels believable. They each bring something unique to their group and meet needs the others didn't even know they had. There's a give and take between them that brings them closer together that can't be found when they're apart.

I enjoyed the unique spin on the variety of shifters in this world. For the hounds there were rhodesian ridgebacks, bloodhounds, and salukis with each species having unique abilities so in a fight who knows who'd win. This sets it apart from the usual shifter stories and has me excited for whatever else Ms. Hart has up her sleeve. Fans of the paranormal can join me in welcoming Hounded to the neighborhood and it's with bated breath that I'm counting down the days until we can revisit this world.

[Lisa ~ Books Are My Drugs ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lennox Donnelly is a Hound for Shifter Town Enforcement. She's sent to pick up lion shifter Kanon Reyes for assaulting a fellow Hound. His partner, Tegan Sharpe convinces Lennox that Kanon didn't start the fight, the other Hound did and that they have reliable witnesses. After getting statements from the witnesses, Lennox wakes up with the two lions to another Hound at the door. One of the witnesses has been brutally murdered in what appears to be a lion attack. Then they find that shifter's mate has also been murdered & Kanon has been framed for it. The third witness has also been murdered and Lennox's statements have disappeared.

The threesome take off to hide while Lennox tries to work on finding a way to get them out of their current jam. Then shifters start being murdered in the town the threesome are hiding out in. Lennox and her friend who is helping them hide are taken while trying to find a trail back to the killer. Now Kanon & Tegan have to help the Hounds find Lennox while trying to prove their innocence. Not an easy thing to do since Rhodesian Ridgebacks don't fall in love or fuck lions.

[Sláinte Wanderlust · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cover & Title - 4/5
Favorite Character - Lennox

I want to start this review with complete honesty so that you can hopefully understand my review & rating. Here it goes, I do not like anal sex or Male/Male sex scenes in my books (out of my books it is not an issues but i find neither a turn on.) I think my feelings contributed slightly towards the 3 star rating but i do not think they ruled me. I found the book interesting but something was lacking to make this a great book. The sex scenes & sexual chemistry between the three of them was spicy. The characters were all intriguing in there own ways, I liked how kickass Lennox was.

I would recommend this book to people who like paranormal ménage à trois.

Check out my blog for me reviews http://bookprotagonist.blogspot.co.uk/

[Heather book whore & shifter slut extrordinaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it - already bought book two!!!

I really enjoyed the sexual tension and the way the author balanced the ongoing relationship between the two lion shifters and their mutual desire to add Lennox to create an M/M/F threesome. She let us see and feel Lennox's hesitations about possible jealousy and her worries about how to actually balance being with the two men if she joined into a relationship with them.

I loved the mystery part of this book. I thought I knew who the "bad guy" was but couldn't quite figure out how the author was going to place this character in all the appropriate places and also explain why/how they turned out this way.

Well-written book in every aspect and definitely an author I will continue reading and recommend to all.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've said it once and I'll say it again, there's something about lion shifters that I really like. Maybe it's the cat person in me? Maybe it's my dream to have a domesticated big cat (yeah, I know that's not very PETA friendly of me but it's a dream, not a reality). So I was all over this story! And then throw in some good MMF lovin'! Winner Winner!!!!!

Great mix of mystery and menage. Plenty of character development and not just a jump in the sack. I enjoyed the world building in this story and I think I'll have to look more into this Shifter Town Enforcement series (although I understand they next ones aren't menage - too bad).

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book you read by an author is always tricky. Are they going to draw you into the world they have created? Or will your ability to suspend disbelief refuse to let you go into that world? I often have trouble immersing myself into a world without adequate explanations.

This book wants to be great and misses the mark. It should be hot and steamy - it's a menage after all. But the few sexy scenes don't make up for the boring parts. I wish I could give it a higher rating.

[Tiffany]

Could not finish. I just couldn't get into it. I wanted to like it! I just felt no connection at all with the female lead or the 2 males.

[Margo - Putting the Mmmmmm back in Menage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary – 4 Stars
Hounded by Sadie Hart is a murder mystery thriller with a hefty serving of sex and romance included. Lennox is a female shifter cop who enforces laws for shifters in a world where breed prejudice rules. Kanan and Tegan are male lion shifters who are just trying to avoid a silver bullet to the head. A warrant brings them together, and the resulting investigation takes them on a dangerous road trip full of murderous twists and turns as the lions try to prove their innocence. Hounded is more than worth the $1.99 ebook price for such a well articulated story. This is the first book in the Shifter Town Enforcement Series, and I'm looking forward to the rest.

Fantasy World
In this world shifters are part of the general public, and have their own law enforcement branch. The author does a great job of building a complete alternate universe full of many different kinds of were-animals.

Tingle Factor
There is heat from the first moment the main characters meet and it keeps building throughout the story. The men have their own relationship, and Hounded includes explicit male/male sexual contact in addition to multiple explicit male/female/male menage scenes.

Romance
Kanan and Tegan share tender moments together as well as with Lennox. Their relationship develops quickly due to circumstances, but is engaging and has lots of heart.

Drama
The author keeps the tension building as the characters take the road trip from hell trying to avoid authorities and prove their innocence. They just keep getting in deeper though because they have an evil stalker who is just as determined to see the lion shifters die.

Heroine
Lennox is believable as both a cop and a tough girl. She has always chosen safe men whose employment history and financial stability were more important than their sex appeal. When she meets the two attractive lion shifters, she gets whacked in the girly parts by a hormone hammer, which is enough to overcome even the prejudice against lions which she has acquired through her job.

Heroes
Kanan and Tegan are male lion shifters in a world which doesn't want them. They've been harassed by shifter law enforcement, attacked by other male lion shifters, and had to scrabble hard for basics like food and shelter. They lean on each other for support because that's all they have until they meet Lennox. She's the first person to ever try to help them instead of hurt them, and they don't want to let her go.

For access to all links in this review, please visit http://www.damesunrestrained.blogspot...

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked Hounded because I need to read it for a GR Challenge and I have to say that I am glad I did.

Hounded is a story about a world of shifters, species trying to live harmoniously even though deep prejudices and hatred still exist among them. Into this powder keg of prejudice and mistrust, particularly between hounds and lions, comes a madman bent on revenge against all lions, who sets up lion-shifter Kanon Reyes for a string of murders. This story was full of suspense and action that easily kept me on the edge of my seat, as well as guessing for quite a while who the bad guy really was.

I loved the banter among the characters, the world building was good and progressive, character development had nice depth, and the story was well paced to keep me constantly interested. There's a nice variety in the types of shifters, such as lions, snakes, wolves, and hounds which is nice, because shifters stories tend towards big cats or wolves most of the time

I loved the fact that the heroin Lennox was alpha type, decisive and didn't fall immediately into bed with the hunky guys Kanon, and Tegan (lion shifters) even thou I knew she'd end up with them. There was time for the relationship to build and for the reader to feel a tie to the characters. Lennox is smart, yet serious, and more than capable of bringing criminals to justice. She easily goes toe to toe with the villain in a very bloody encounter towards the end of the story that was very impressive in its brute strength. Kanon and Tegan brought laughter to Lennox who lived for her job before meeting them and is why this menage is believable. They each bring something unique to their group and meet the needs the others didn't even know they had. There's a give and take between them that brings them closer together.

On side note: if you do not like or read m/m or m/F/m this book is not for you. The few sex scenes weren't that intense or hot but they are still there so it would best if you can't over look them then this book isn't for you. This is a paranormal ménage à trois.

Definitely be checking out the next book by Sadie Hart.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this 4.5 stars for the suspense and characters.

This book got my attention because it started in such a strange place, with Lennox crawling through grass in search of her arrest. There was no major lead in but you are brought into the story just as it begins to progress. I was ready to keep reading as soon as I realized this might be a little different from other novels I had read in the same genre and that this might be some interesting characters to get acquainted with. While some of the motivations of the characters seem off the story itself moves forward smoothly and logically allowing you to get insight into who these people are. I could feel for each of them as I found out a little of their backgrounds.

Lennox Donnely is a Hound (shifter police) who has been sent out to arrest Kanon Reyes for assaulting a Hound in her pack. Kanon is a lion shifter and is considered to be dangerous, this is because he had been a rogue in the past. When Lennox gains access to his home she is confronted by his partner Tegan Sharpe who asks that she allow them to prove Kanon's innocence since he would be killed for a fight. Lennox agrees and from that moment her life changes in ways she could never have imagined. She undertakes to protect Kanon after finding that he is being framed for more than a simple assault and the person is continuing to kill in order to bring him down.

This is a bit of crime drama with a love story interwoven, though a hot love story between not two but three people. A forbidden love at that. Lennox is a ridgeback, a hound that tracks and arrests lions, they do not sleep with the enemy. While there are some really hot moments here the serial killer is the main focus with the romance seeming to be more of an aside. Regardless of what you take away from it this is a must read if you enjoy shifters of any type.

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the serious danger that definitely lurked in the background at all times in the story, it was actually a fun book. I loved the banter among the characters, the world building was nice and progressive, character development had good depth, and story was well paced to keep constant interest. There’s a nice variety in the types of shifters, which is always nice, because shifters stories tend towards big cats or wolves a lot of the time. There’s also magic in the world making it a well rounded urban fantasy.

One thing that bugged me a little is that unless there’s a really good reason (and I’ll admit it was pretty good here), I kind of hate reading from the villain’s POV. It was a little aggravating at times, but for the most part, this author’s style definitely added a level of mystery and kept you guessing as to his identity until the moment he’s revealed to characters in the book. It was also disappointing that until the last few pages, there was actually little to no shifting, but there is still plenty of mention of the animals just beneath the surface to remind you what lurks under the skin of them all.

At first I was a little nervous about the romance aspect of the book. There are times where PDA and such were viewed so casually that it didn’t feel “special”. That gets better quickly though as the connection between Tegan, Kanon, and Lennox grows. There’s tons of sexual tension for a while, taking the anticipation up a notch, and it’s just…gloriously frustrating! When they finally get down to business, it’s worth the wait.

This book is full of fun, suspense, blazing ménage, and heartwarming romance. Loyalty and the bonds of friendship are tested leaving you on the edge of your seat through the last few chapters. Recommended!

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the serious danger that definitely lurked in the background at all times in the story, it was actually a fun book. I loved the banter among the characters, the world building was nice and progressive, character development had good depth, and story was well paced to keep constant interest. There 19s a nice variety in the types of shifters, which is always nice, because shifters stories tend towards big cats or wolves a lot of the time. There 19s also magic in the world making it a well rounded urban fantasy.

One thing that bugged me a little is that unless there 19s a really good reason (and I 19ll admit it was pretty good here), I kind of hate reading from the villain 19s POV. It was a little aggravating at times, but for the most part, this author 19s style definitely added a level of mystery and kept you guessing as to his identity until the moment he 19s revealed to characters in the book. It was also disappointing that until the last few pages, there was actually little to no shifting, but there is still plenty of mention of the animals just beneath the surface to remind you what lurks under the skin of them all.

At first I was a little nervous about the romance aspect of the book. There are times where PDA and such were viewed so casually that it didn 19t feel 1Cspecial 1D. That gets better quickly though as the connection between Tegan, Kanon, and Lennox grows. There 19s tons of sexual tension for a while, taking the anticipation up a notch, and it 19s just 26gloriously frustrating! When they finally get down to business, it 19s worth the wait.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

STE (Shifter Town Enforcement) Hound, Lennox Donnelly is prepared to arrest Kanon Reyes for clawing a hound while her partner arrests Tegan Sharpe. But just as she gets close enough to Kanon to do the job Tegan enters. Maintaining Kanon's innocence and swearing there have witnesses. Lennox believes the pair and gives them a chance to prove their claim.

At the shifter bar, Lennox does in fact find witnesses and she collects the written statements. The witnesses also mentioned they had already given statements causing Lennox to wonder who set the Bayside Rock male up and why. Unknown to the trio someone sinister is following them and is upset by the turn of events... they didn't expect Lennox to check Kanon's version of the incident.

The playful, sexy, flirty cats think now that Kanon's statement has been validated there is no reason they shouldn't follow through on the attraction that seems to pull the three of them together. There's nothing Lennox would like more but she's convinced she needs to find out who was behind the false charges before she gets too involved to be a credible witness for Kanon.

This erotic read is much more than sex. It's also police procedural, romance and romantic suspense. It was surprising to find such a varied shifter world here with well drawn characters, good plotting and pacing fleshing out this smoldering read that can be easily completed in a couple of hours.
Rating:3.75stars

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take two lion shifters, add in a tough female hound shifter intent on capturing a murderer, some hot menage a trois loving plus a little magic and you get Hounded by Sadie Hart. I was predisposed to like this book since it contains some of my favorite elements.

Hounded is a paranormal romance with a suspense element – someone is murdering shifters and all the clues point to Kanon Reyes, a lion shifter. Kanon is innocent but the law enforcement don’t want to know. As far as they’re concerned they have their man. Lennox isn’t so sure, and she’s willing to listen to the witnesses the lions produce. Unfortunately, the witnesses start dying, and Lennox wonders if the two lion males are telling the truth after all.

I enjoyed this story. Although the plot is nothing really new, this book kept me turning the pages. The pace is good, the romance is hot and spicy, and I fell in love with the two lion shifters along with the feisty heroine. If you enjoy a paranormal romance with erotic love scenes, plus a dangerous mystery to solve don’t go past this one. I rate Hounded 4 1/2 stars.

[Dr. Bronwyn Ph.D of Smutology · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this free and it took me ages to get around to reading it. In the end, I read it in one sitting and was surprised at much I enjoyed it.

It's the first shifter romance that I've read that focused on the law enforcement side. Normally the plots are more straight forward (but no less interesting). This side, goes into more detail about the way justice is handled within a largely shifter community. Mixed communities at that...from snake to lion to hounds. It was an unique tale of murder, mystery, betrayal and ultimately love.

I will say, that while the relationship and world building was excellent and it was sooooooo cute reading about a couple of well built lions being bossed around by a hound...the love scenes were pretty glossed over. The reader will certainly get the chemistry between the three of them, but the sex scenes weren't intense or well developed. I think perhaps it works for this story to certain extent but at the same time considered it lacking.

[Lani ⚔⚔ the Destroyer ⚔⚔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read - I liked the plot and the writing style but my biggest issues were with the world itself. The Shifter Enforcement Agency are comprised up of one breed and are highly prejudiced. It surprised me that other shifter breeds were happy with this status quo. Plus I thought it was a little weird that shifters could scent other shifters but couldn't identify specific people - especially the Hounds that were to all intents and purposes were the police officers. If a dog can find a specific person wouldn't it stand to reason a shifter dog would be able to as well? So they would be able to walk into a crime scene and scent an individual lion and exclude other lions as suspects? It didn't really explain why Hounds had some magical ability over other shifters. I am not sure I will read more of the series because these "holes" were enough to annoy me since they underlined the premise of the book.

[Shinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you don't like male on male then you won't like this book. The story line had its moments where it kept me interested, with a few intimates scenes which weren't awkwardly placed (unlike a previous book, not by this author) . Overall I would read more by this author as I enjoyed the ride this book offered and it was a fun read. Even made me laugh in a few spots!!

[Angarad · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

A fun read with an interesting mix of shifters and magic. I wished we knew more about this world, apart from the fact that Hounds are its enforcers. It seemed a bit light.

Character wise, Lennox Kanon and Tegan had a nice chemistry that made things interesting. They were fun to follow and pretty hot too.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ This book was fun and kept my interest. I liked the hounds as enforcement. I'm not totally drawn into the world yet.

I liked the Lennox character. She was tough and stood her ground. I liked that the author showed the guys affection/relationship with each other.

Will check out #2.

[Sue Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. Good characters and good story. M/m action, as well as m/f, which isn't usually for me, but although not something I would usually have gone for I still enjoyed the book overall. Onto the next one...

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

werewolves vs. werelions (cats and canines). mystery, revenge, hot hero, gutsy heroine. danger and intrigue. sounds good to me.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't really a 3 star story, more of a 2.5 stars. It would have been less, but the action packed ending redeemed it.

[Puna]

DNF. Tried multiple times over several years to get through this book but never managed it. I give up.

[Cinzia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stelle

[Amy]

Every dog has her day

Fantastic story line, fast paced and entertaining. All around enjoyable. I will definitely try the other book in this series. Recommend!

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to a solid 4 rating.