Ellie Pond is an author of Paranormal Romance. Ellie’s had many professions, including costume designer, contract archeologist, organic farmer, fabric store owner, and airline gate agent. She’s happy to be a full-time writer now. She lives in New England with her three teenage sons, husband, and father. It’s a lot of testosterone. To combat all the Axe body spray in the house, Ellie likes to travel. You can follow her on social media for her travel adventures, when we can do that kind of thing again.
DNF - I wanted to finish this one, I skimmed to the end because I want to know what happens with Anabelle and her pod.
I liked the story a lot and I do want to see where Anabelle and her pod are headed. However the writing is lacking, there were several times where I didn’t know what was happening in the scene being described. She changed clothes several times in the beginning of the book where I didn’t know at what point she took her ceremonial dress off (she changed out of her skirts and corset several times along the chapter).
The narration was very confusing. I felt like the author kept losing track of what was happening in the story.
Again, the story has a lot of potencial and I liked the characters but it needs better writing and editing for the timeline to make sense.
The sex scenes ass well are very confusing, to the point where I’m trying to figure out what position they are in and can’t get involved in the moment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It's strange how much I just don't believe this story. There is a robotic coldness to the interactions of all the characters, but especially Belle. She makes no sense at all. Her reactions to things are bizarre. The only thing I believe about her is the sexy bits, but even that is off kilter because its almost entirely physical and lacks emotion.
I really want to like this story, but I just don't. I adore the entire concept of a city under the sea, Mermaids, Merman, and human women who can be turned into mermaids.
However, the city is crazy toxic. All of their customs are old world, awkward and make very little sense.
Belle has zero ability for self reflection. She can't understand or question her own emotions, and therefore is tone deaf to other peoples emotions. Basically she is 100% in her own head at all times using her science based mental processes over her emotional one and it makes her come off as robotic.
Most of the issues Belle has stems from the fact that she never talks about her feelings. She runs away from them like the plague, then blames everyone else when they can't figure out what's wrong.😲
Its maddening!😵
Anyway, I guess I'm disappointed because there is so much potential here, but I really can't connect with Belle, and since she's the FMC that's a major problem for the entire series.
‘Everyone else just assumes I should be happy with my new gift and behave. I’m not about to behave. I did that back at home for too long. I didn’t speak up. I didn’t defend myself. This is the new Annabelle, one who takes care of herself.’
Oh WOW! I remember finishing Ellie Pond’s Captured by the Dark Commander, book one in her Veiled City series, and was so very anxious to continue to follow Annabelle’s under sea adventure. Thankfully, we now have book two, Tempted by the Forbidden Mate!
As Nico, Belle’s mate is in perilous trouble for mating a human without permission, Belle must attempt to navigate an entire new world, where she is considered a prize for all the mermen to attempt to belong to her pod. Castor and Holter have both fallen for Belle, and she them, but neither can mate her, due to traditions. As Nico’s punishment continues to loom over them all, it is imperative that Belle has protection if Nico is banished or executed.
There is adventure and passion and we once again will anxiously await the third book to see if our shark-whispering, passionate mermaid finds the love from all her men to be strong enough to make her stay in the Veiled City!
I was not disappointed with this book. I stumbled across it when looking into different paranormal romance worlds, found Dark Commander, and fell in love immediately! I then went on to read the entire series in 1 sitting 😅
Annabelle finally decides where she wants to be and of course we are left on a cliffhanger!! I love the dynamic world and society Ellie has created. Can’t wait to see what comes next!!
Holter continues to be my favorite but I’m slowly understanding Nico’s grumpy behind better. Castor is still unclear to me what he is going to do. And Eros… 🥵
The steamy scenes are fun and I love the openness around sexuality and of course when it’s all about the lady!
3.5⭐️ The further we go into the series, the more I enjoy the premise of the book. They’re surprisingly longer than expected, but I still blow through them when I sit down to read.
What I love: Holter- He is just a sweet angel baby. He cares so much, and is willing to do what Annabelle needs to the detriment of himself. Such a considerate guy.
Ophelia- Idk why, but I’m obsessed. She’s such a minor character, and yet I EAT UP any scene she’s in. Ophelia is funny, kind, and doesn’t take any shit. Big fan.
World building- This world just sounds so fascinating. The domes, the specialties of each dome, the mating system… love it. In my head it’s a giant aquarium but 50 million times better.
Smut- There’s a decent amount of it, and it’s written well. I also appreciate how it’s not the entirety of the story.
What I don’t love: Writing/pace- Sometimes the story just DRAGS on. And then suddenly everything happens at once? And then we’re dragging our feet again? I swear sometimes I feel like it’s given me whiplash.
Romance- I don’t love their love. I like the characters all individually, but I don’t see how they complement each other as well as I think the author is hoping for. It just doesn’t seem very natural, and we go from tolerance and denial to infatuation within a few pages.
MMCs- Maybe a hot take, but they be making some questionable choices. 1. With how they are as individuals, but also 2. In how they keep deciding what’s best for Annabelle and never actually talk to her about it.
The next book in the series, and it is all starting to heat up between Annabelle and her pod.
With the seemingly new additions to her pod and the getting used to her new lifestyle, she is faced with a multitude of challenges. How will she face them and how do her pod mates help?
There was one part of me that hated Annabelle's indecisiveness, and I couldn't handle how she could never stick to one thing. Although, her resilience is definitely noteworthy.
Everything started to pick up in pace in this book and we definitely got straight into the action. There's lots of spice in this book. Fundamentally though, there's a part of me that believes this book was slightly unorganised as it went from one part to another and felt like the chapters didn't follow on.
I will now be patiently waiting for the next book in the series, as I need to see what occurs next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second part of the Annabelle adventures. This is a steamy passionate read as Annabelle finds herself desired by other mermen who want her in their pod. A new relationship blooms between Castor, Holter and Eros who want to be included, but this is a forbidden relationship because she's human. This rule brings Nico into trouble where he can be banished or executed. But Annabelle is part mermaid that she's also learning to handle in this new world. Will being half save Nico? There's some twist and turns in the politics of living in the Veiled City, steamy romantic encounters, and drama that was engaging to read in this second part story. I found the characters likable in this copy I received and volunteer to review. P.S. I personally want to thank Ellie Pond for giving me the first part of how Annabelle met Nico to read so I could understand the dynamic of this saga better.
Multiple 1st person pov, the Veiled City, Atlantic Ocean. Cliffhanger and about 3 peppers spice, with a tiny bit of kink. Definite triggers, though not a large numbers. Some editing issues that were mildly annoying. This was definitely the heartbreak portion of the story. Nico has been convicted of treason and sentenced to “exile” in the chasm, which is apparently meaning he has to try to retrieve a specific trident and survive. Not what I know as the definition of exile, but what ever. Also, punishing the victim is apparently a real thing there, as there is no doubt Annabelle is going to be suffering after Nico is sent away, and all they seem to care about is getting their pound of flesh from Nico. Also not quite sure about the twist towards the end, as it doesn’t seem to help anything? Looking forward to book 3.
I really, really cannot wait for the next installment of Annabelle’s story.
This was simply one amazing read, full of steamy erotic sex, passionate mates, a love triangle. Accepting who she has become and embracing her true self all the while betrayal is around the corner for her mate Nico,
Annabelle has to learn to understand and accept the new world she finds herself in and come to terms with what she feels for Nico, Castor and Holter.
This storyline is one hot, hot read with lots of erotic moments sure to get your heart rate pumping with an ending that will make you gasp for more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Book 2 of Veiled City starring Nico, Annabelle, Castor, Eros and Holter. Wow talk about danger wrapped in mystery wrapped in drama and not knowing which way is up or right, but with each man she gets a little more depth and attention. I have to say I believe in this pods love and willingness to over come great odds to make their mate happy. I have to say Annabelle will be one happy mermaid if all her mates start working together and as a whole pod rather than past rankings and social norms. I can not wait to see what happens in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Annabelle’s story continues and we get to know Nico, Holter and Castor in more depth. Part of this book is a dive into the history of Annabelle’s pod and potential pod mates to find out how it impacts the present. She still has to find more way to navigate this new world and everyone has to tread carefully as they play the political game of cat and mouse. New characters are introduced and new merman try to woo her, but this doesn’t detract from a good, romantic story. The scenes are fresh and vibrant and some are ultra steamy, whilst others are super sweet but, there is still a lot to uncover in the series. This book adds to the intrigue and is a great addition to the series.
Picking up right where we left off in book one, all of Annabelle's lessons were put to use. Nico and Annabelle's relationship is still in so much limbo and yet grows stronger every day. Annabelle however is quickly discovering her mermaid side grows stronger everyday as well. The story pulls you in so many directions you won't want to put it down. There's a spy lurking in the shadows or is he in plain sight? There's a bit of an unsolved mystery stirring things up. Annabelle also acquires some new pets shall we say. I can't wait for the next book, I can't wait for Annabelle to really take charge of things! I have voluntarily left this review.
Tempted by the Forbidden Mate picks up where Captured by the Dark Commander, Book 1 ended, and OMG! Annabelle finally finds her voice as she navigates her life under the sea. Nico is still in trouble and it is not helping Belle. Emotions are growing between Belle and Castor, Holter and Eros, but Belle needs Nico to be completely safe. The storyline's drama, danger, twists, and turns will keep you excited. The steamy encounters will have you wishing for a pod of your own! The cliffhanger will make you scream. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This part of Annabelle’s story is a bit slower. She is new to the Veiled City and has to learn all the new customs. As the story progresses, she realizes she loves Nico and has the hots for a few other mermen. The plot is mostly about political palace intrigue.
At the end of the story she settles on her next mate. It ends in a sad-ish cliffhanger that would have driven me nuts if I had to wait for the next story. Thankfully, the author included the first chapter of the next book.
I really like this series. Annabelle and her mermen are all likable. Looking forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Okay, we’re getting there! Again, Holter is a sweet baby angel. I love him, the way he loves Annabelle, and the way he loves Nico. Nico got better in this one. He’s less one-dimensional, but still temperamental. He’s going through a lot, but it doesn’t justify keeping Annabelle at arms length…until suddenly he doesn’t. Again. But he’ll happily keep her sequestered from society because it’s not safe, but then she goes out with Holter and is able to do whatever she wants? Confusing. And, again, a lot happened pretty slow and then very fast for me, but the writing is getting better and I’m determined to see Eros and Castor in his harem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a fab continuation of book one but it does move at a slower pace. Annabelle has so much cultural stuff to learn, along with politics, that the first part of the book about her navigating so many unknowns. However, she does realize her feelings for Niko and starts expanding her pod in this story - thank you for sharing chapter one of the next installment ;P The cliffy was hard in this one but the bonus chapter really makes it easier for me to hang on for more. Expect to get caught up in the twists, action, danger and steam when you dive into this fun read :D
This book was an emotional roller coaster. Annebelle is waiting to see what is going to happen to Nico. She has Holter to guard her when Nico is gone. Carter is there to protect her and has feelings for Annebelle but can't mate her. Annebelle is learning the politics in the city and is fending off potential suiters who would like to take Nico's place. The story was so sad in parts that it brought tears to my eyes. It ends with a cliffhanger and I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story has action, adventure, steamy passion, twists and turns, politics, and so much more. This is the second book in the series and while it took a little longer to get into i still quite enjoyed the storyline. we get to see if Annabelle is going to learn to follow the new rules placed upon her, try to escape, or if she is going to do and be more by following her own hopes and desires. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, tempted by the forbidden mate is a fantastic second book of the Veild City series by ellie Pond!
Annabelle and her guys face a lot of conflict and difficulties in the veiled city. They had me tearing up with Nico's legal issues and Castro's reluctance.
I anxiously awaiting the next installment to find out how it all works out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m very pissed off at the ending of this book so I’m holding off on rating. I really dislike the whole giant cliffhanger so you buy the next book that seems to be the theme of every series right now.
These fckin mermen are so flip floppy and frustrating with their feelings.
“I love her so I have to hurt her to actually protect her” is the theme of this book and I’m not a fan.
Have I ever mentioned how much I hate cliffhangers? And yet this author is so good that I couldn’t resist myself! I enjoyed the story and the characters. I enjoyed the engagement of more males for Annabelle.
This is book 2 and book 1 really must be read first AND it ends on a cliffhanger. And it’s still good. I’m just sitting here waiting for the next one now!!!
I received a complimentary copy and this is my voluntary honest review.
Annabelle is left to the kindness of other when Nico is arrested. Annabelle had been kidnapped told she can change into a mermaid and taken to the underwater city. Then at the welcoming ceremony Merman Nico who has claimed her as his mate is arrested leaving her to be protected by his friends. Annabelle is lost and confused in the strange society.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That way a wonderful read! As part of a series it is not recommended as a standalone. Intriguing from the start and highly enjoyable. Love doesn't always follow the rules and changes things up. Ellie is a talented author I highly recommend. She writes a great story that captures her audience. Only 2 books into the series so far and I love it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nico is in trouble and Annabelle does not know what to do next. She is learning all about being a mermaid and meets quite a few new people. Who will be her protector? The characters are full of personality, strength, determination, and chemistry. The storyline keeps you locked in until the very end. Well developed world and vivid locales add depth to the story. Hope the next book is out soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tempted by the Forbidden Mate" by Ellie Pond is a sizzling shapeshifter romance that will leave you breathless. With captivating characters and a forbidden love story, Pond delivers a steamy and immersive read that will keep you hooked until the very end. A must-read for paranormal romance fans. I am ready for book three to come out so I can follow Annabelle, Nico, Holter, Castor and Eros on their journey.
Nico has been punished and Belle is trying to navigate a whole new city with all new types of people Castor and Holter want to be in her new pod, along with many other mermen. This book was a bit slower to get into then the first one, but once into it you want to find out how it ends. It ends on a cliffhanger and luckily the author included the first chapter of the third book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I truly hop things will work out for Annabelle. I don't like how the Veiled City is playing with Nico's life but hope he comes out okay. Annabelle has taken Holter as her second mate. I am eagerly awaiting the next book to find out what happens.
Again the characters are great. I love the "pets." The story just keeps you engrossed. It's a slight bit close to wrong, but its fantasy right? Very sexual content & A little too good for the males, in my opinion. Then again, Fantasy. Anyway, my moral compass aside, I totally enjoy this series.