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Supernatural Battle: Werewolf Dens #1
Mensonges Surnaturels
À sa mort, ma mère m'a légué bien plus que des mensonges. En plus d'une dette de 410 000 $ (merci, maman), j'ai appris qu'elle m'avait menti sur son nom et sur ses origines. Poussée par ma soif de vérité, je débarque à Deception Valley (rien que le nom vend du rêve, non ?) bien décidée à découvrir ses secrets. Je ne m'attendais pas à y rencontrer sa famille. Ma famille. Et ce n'est que le début des surprises qui m'attendent là-bas. La ville entière semble obsédée par un jeu bizarre. Bien sûr, les deux principaux concurrents sont... ma nouvelle famille et celle de ce type gigantesque aux yeux couleur de miel. Et me voilà plongée malgré moi dans une lutte ancestrale, des problèmes financiers jusqu'au cou, des batailles de loups-garous, sans oublier le passé secret de ma m- Attendez ! Des loups-garous ? #RomanceParanormale #Mensonges #LoupsGarous #Secrets
488 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2020
3874 people are currently reading
9361 people want to read
About the author
Kelly St. Clare
66 books3,242 followersWhen USA Today bestselling author, Kelly St Clare is not reading or writing, she is lost in her latest reverie.
Books have always been magical and mysterious to her. One day she decided to start unravelling this mystery and began writing.
The Tainted Accords was her debut series. The After Trilogy is now available.
A New Zealander in origin and in heart, Kelly currently resides in Australia with her soon-to-be husband, a great group of friends, and some huntsman spiders who love to come inside when it rains. Their love is not returned.
Find out more at her website, and claim a free paranormal dystopian short story, coloring book, and free bonus chapters from The Tainted Accords.
http://www.kellystclare.com/free-gift
Books have always been magical and mysterious to her. One day she decided to start unravelling this mystery and began writing.
The Tainted Accords was her debut series. The After Trilogy is now available.
A New Zealander in origin and in heart, Kelly currently resides in Australia with her soon-to-be husband, a great group of friends, and some huntsman spiders who love to come inside when it rains. Their love is not returned.
Find out more at her website, and claim a free paranormal dystopian short story, coloring book, and free bonus chapters from The Tainted Accords.
http://www.kellystclare.com/free-gift
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,327 reviews
June 6, 2023
A story about Andi, a regular gal who stumbles into a valley shaped by a decades-long battle for land ownership between a powerful family of humans and a den of werewolves. She gets embroiled in this conflict and things go further south when the leader of the wolf pack, Sascha, takes a particular interest in Andi. Expect fated mates, a possessive alpha hero, a bitchy-but-fun heroine, and found family.
One issue right off the bat…Consent, honey sweetie baby!! 😑
Somebody needs to take Sascha back to high school because clearly he never learned about the five pillars of consent.
He relentlessly pursues Andi despite her numerous, very vocal rejections, despite the fact that he is her boss, following her around and going so far as to steal her underwear.
Bruh. Not cool.
Take for example this exchange after Sascha breaks into Andi’s apartment to make her dinner:
“This doesn’t stop until we are one.”
Heat crept over my jaw. “You said I can say no.”
The wolf smiled. “You can, but you won’t. Not for much longer. Not in the end. All that stands between us is the world.”
Nah, but that’s not how consent works though, Sascha. He keeps using the excuse that it’s “his wolf” who’s pushing him to act this way, but like, the wolf is still you, so…you’re still guilty of stalking.
HOWEVER.
I already like this series quite a bit better than the previous series in the Supernatural Battle world, Vampire Dens.
Here’s why:
👉 Andi > Basi
Unlike Basilia Le Spyre, this series has a heroine who faces actual, real-life problems. Ones not of her own making. She’s still snarky and strong-willed with a hilarious inner dialogue, but Andi comes from a difficult life as a caretaker for her dying mother and lives in perpetual debt. That gives her a more realistic and world-weary outlook that endears her to me much more than the multi-millionaire brat Basi was.
Favorite Andi line: The woman next to me flicked her blonde hair, sending Sascha a look I could only describe as “visionary reverse cowgirl.” 😆
👉 Sascha > Kyros
Don’t get me wrong, I liked Kyros, but Sascha has a much bigger appeal. He’s just as growly and possessive (borderline obsessive) in his pursuit of the heroine, but he has a much more quiet, self-assured confidence that makes him more likable and less like a tyrant (Kyros-style). Also, he actually wants to bond with the heroine. That’s a nice change.
👉 Grids > Ingenium
The Grids battle game makes way more sense to me. Ingenium was the kind of plot mechanism that stops making sense the second you start asking questions. In contrast, Grids is a simple fight of paintball, if the paintballs were tranquilizer guns and the battlefields were sections of land each side wants to retain ownership over. The motivations make more sense, and so do the mechanics and outcomes.
👉 The writing is stronger
I don’t know if Kelly St. Clare got herself a better editor or is just learning as she goes, but already these characters feel more three-dimensional. The dialogue flows better. I found fewer typos and irritating little mistakes. Things are on the up!
Thanks for another fun buddy read, RHR! <3
One issue right off the bat…Consent, honey sweetie baby!! 😑
Somebody needs to take Sascha back to high school because clearly he never learned about the five pillars of consent.
He relentlessly pursues Andi despite her numerous, very vocal rejections, despite the fact that he is her boss, following her around and going so far as to steal her underwear.
Bruh. Not cool.
Take for example this exchange after Sascha breaks into Andi’s apartment to make her dinner:
“This doesn’t stop until we are one.”
Heat crept over my jaw. “You said I can say no.”
The wolf smiled. “You can, but you won’t. Not for much longer. Not in the end. All that stands between us is the world.”
Nah, but that’s not how consent works though, Sascha. He keeps using the excuse that it’s “his wolf” who’s pushing him to act this way, but like, the wolf is still you, so…you’re still guilty of stalking.
HOWEVER.
I already like this series quite a bit better than the previous series in the Supernatural Battle world, Vampire Dens.
Here’s why:
👉 Andi > Basi
Unlike Basilia Le Spyre, this series has a heroine who faces actual, real-life problems. Ones not of her own making. She’s still snarky and strong-willed with a hilarious inner dialogue, but Andi comes from a difficult life as a caretaker for her dying mother and lives in perpetual debt. That gives her a more realistic and world-weary outlook that endears her to me much more than the multi-millionaire brat Basi was.
Favorite Andi line: The woman next to me flicked her blonde hair, sending Sascha a look I could only describe as “visionary reverse cowgirl.” 😆
👉 Sascha > Kyros
Don’t get me wrong, I liked Kyros, but Sascha has a much bigger appeal. He’s just as growly and possessive (borderline obsessive) in his pursuit of the heroine, but he has a much more quiet, self-assured confidence that makes him more likable and less like a tyrant (Kyros-style). Also, he actually wants to bond with the heroine. That’s a nice change.
👉 Grids > Ingenium
The Grids battle game makes way more sense to me. Ingenium was the kind of plot mechanism that stops making sense the second you start asking questions. In contrast, Grids is a simple fight of paintball, if the paintballs were tranquilizer guns and the battlefields were sections of land each side wants to retain ownership over. The motivations make more sense, and so do the mechanics and outcomes.
👉 The writing is stronger
I don’t know if Kelly St. Clare got herself a better editor or is just learning as she goes, but already these characters feel more three-dimensional. The dialogue flows better. I found fewer typos and irritating little mistakes. Things are on the up!
Thanks for another fun buddy read, RHR! <3
July 22, 2022
It's been a while since I picked up an 'unknown' book and it turned out to be a page turner! It's been a long time since I picked up a book and it impacted on my normal every day life!
This book had me living and breathing its story, I swear I'd put the book down to go to work and I'd be thinking about it! I'd put the book down to sleep and I'd dream about it.... I'd walk to the shop and practically run home to pick the book up again...
I haven't ever read a book by Kelly St. Clare and already I'm grabbing book 2!
Shifter Wars is unlike any werewolf book I've read before and within the first paragraph I was intrigued. Within the first few pages I was hooked and by the time I'd finished the first chapter I was addicted as much as anyone could be with a book...
The characters are amazing, the ideas behind these characters are truly alluring... This book struck quite a few emotions with me... the laughter, the gripping pace of the plots and the tears... the tears were unexpected but they grabbed me and I let them fall...
There is so much more to come, there is so much more to discover and to be honest, a part of me is scared but I have a desperation to get to the end but not before soaking up the journey to get there...
Absolutely amazing, an astounding read!!!
This book had me living and breathing its story, I swear I'd put the book down to go to work and I'd be thinking about it! I'd put the book down to sleep and I'd dream about it.... I'd walk to the shop and practically run home to pick the book up again...
I haven't ever read a book by Kelly St. Clare and already I'm grabbing book 2!
Shifter Wars is unlike any werewolf book I've read before and within the first paragraph I was intrigued. Within the first few pages I was hooked and by the time I'd finished the first chapter I was addicted as much as anyone could be with a book...
The characters are amazing, the ideas behind these characters are truly alluring... This book struck quite a few emotions with me... the laughter, the gripping pace of the plots and the tears... the tears were unexpected but they grabbed me and I let them fall...
There is so much more to come, there is so much more to discover and to be honest, a part of me is scared but I have a desperation to get to the end but not before soaking up the journey to get there...
Absolutely amazing, an astounding read!!!
June 27, 2022
3.5
Well I'll say what I was thinking the majority of the time while reading this- The premise is a heck of a lot like Vampire Debt ...but with werewolves.
I was happy they were by the same author when I checked bc if not I was thinking oOoh too close of a plot line me thinks.
Thankfully this is not the case. *But it was also written in my comments that you might want to read the first Series before this one as a heads up~*
So bit of backstory- our h, Andie, has just suffered the loss of her mother. Not only is she still in the grieving process, but she also finds out that her mother's passing left her with two things- a huge debt she didn't know about, and a hell of a lot of questions when she discovers her mom's real last name and place of birth is different from what she thought.
This leads her to a small town called Deception Valley, and into the complicated life of family she never knew she had. Her first experience with the famed family doesn't go as smoothly as she hoped however, when she is unceremoniously thrown into the weirdest and most intense game of 'laser tag' ever.
That's not the only weird thing going on in this town though, and it's up to Andie to figure out what exactly is lurking beneath the surface of this picturesque place. She may or may not also have to unravel the mystery behind the a certain magnetic and sexy bar owner named Sasha who might just have an interest in her secrets as well.
x------------------------------------------------x
So did I like the story overall? Yes.
I like the whole game concept where we have different zones that each side is trying to keep. And yes, like I said very similar to Vampire Debt- but in this case the acquiring of the zones is more active, up close, personal, and a hell of a fight. We also do get some interesting backstory into how this all started and how important the land is to Andie's family.
However, the romance didn't qqqquite do it for me. Even though I did like Sasha (I was glad he wasn't as much as a manipulative dominating jerk in comparison to Kyrios) I still didn't feel the angst, tension, or heat in this romance. Maybe if I wasn't comparing the stories I would feel differently??
Also, Andie's character didn't quite have that spark I was looking for--she has a great attitude and at times shows some real grit....but I just didn't connect with her I guess.
Maybe it was all the ye ole references of having red hair somehow equating to personality traits? Like 'blame my red hair for my fiery temper, and my stubborn nature, and angry outbursts.'
Its on par with the dumb blond stereotype. Do brunettes have a personality trait associated with them? Eh-- You know what I mean. It was more than that sure...but I was just missing something for her character. Dang..
Also was it just me or did anyone else think that
So will I read the next one to find out if my speculations are right? Probably.
Well I'll say what I was thinking the majority of the time while reading this- The premise is a heck of a lot like Vampire Debt ...but with werewolves.
I was happy they were by the same author when I checked bc if not I was thinking oOoh too close of a plot line me thinks.
Thankfully this is not the case. *But it was also written in my comments that you might want to read the first Series before this one as a heads up~*
So bit of backstory- our h, Andie, has just suffered the loss of her mother. Not only is she still in the grieving process, but she also finds out that her mother's passing left her with two things- a huge debt she didn't know about, and a hell of a lot of questions when she discovers her mom's real last name and place of birth is different from what she thought.
This leads her to a small town called Deception Valley, and into the complicated life of family she never knew she had. Her first experience with the famed family doesn't go as smoothly as she hoped however, when she is unceremoniously thrown into the weirdest and most intense game of 'laser tag' ever.
That's not the only weird thing going on in this town though, and it's up to Andie to figure out what exactly is lurking beneath the surface of this picturesque place. She may or may not also have to unravel the mystery behind the a certain magnetic and sexy bar owner named Sasha who might just have an interest in her secrets as well.
x------------------------------------------------x
So did I like the story overall? Yes.
I like the whole game concept where we have different zones that each side is trying to keep. And yes, like I said very similar to Vampire Debt- but in this case the acquiring of the zones is more active, up close, personal, and a hell of a fight. We also do get some interesting backstory into how this all started and how important the land is to Andie's family.
However, the romance didn't qqqquite do it for me. Even though I did like Sasha (I was glad he wasn't as much as a manipulative dominating jerk in comparison to Kyrios) I still didn't feel the angst, tension, or heat in this romance. Maybe if I wasn't comparing the stories I would feel differently??
Also, Andie's character didn't quite have that spark I was looking for--she has a great attitude and at times shows some real grit....but I just didn't connect with her I guess.
Maybe it was all the ye ole references of having red hair somehow equating to personality traits? Like 'blame my red hair for my fiery temper, and my stubborn nature, and angry outbursts.'
“Stubbornness comes with the hair colour in our family.”
“It’s the hair. Sometimes I lose control.”
Its on par with the dumb blond stereotype. Do brunettes have a personality trait associated with them? Eh-- You know what I mean. It was more than that sure...but I was just missing something for her character. Dang..
Also was it just me or did anyone else think that
So will I read the next one to find out if my speculations are right? Probably.
October 7, 2020
I'm not sure how to write this review, because I'm pretty much speechless. Like, my mind is seriously blown right now. That was such a wild ride. And that ending...
The author's Blod Trials series shot straight to my all time favourites list when I read it last year, so I have been massively anticipating this book, whilst secretly worried that nothing could top Basi and Kyros for me. I have to say that I love how this series is so different, but has all of the elements that made the ither so strong.
What I loved about Kyros in Blood Trials was that the predatory side of his vampire nature was front and centre. This did make his actions often based on animal instinct, which from a human social perspective meant that they were not what you'd expect, but made so much sense for a supernatural creature. Well, in this new series we have the same thing but with Werewolves.
Anyone who reads a lot of paranormal books will have read werewolf books and know the usual mate bond trope, and this does have that, to a certain extent, anyway. But Kelly has totally made it feel fresh and not like all of the other times I've read it, as we essentially have Alarick/Sashca as powerless as Andie, in many ways.
Andie was different to Basi, and like Basi, while I didn't always agree with her attitudes or actions, I understood them and they felt authentic. I love her relationship with Sashca and it's got the same delicious slow burn as Kyros and Basi, but actually with way more angst, drama and significant road blocks in their way.
My only niggle was that I felt Andie was very blind when it came to her opinion if the werewolves. She didn't make her own judgements and automatically made assumptions based on what the ither side told her. I credited her wihh a bit more gumption than that. But it is clearly going to be part of her character growth.
So, if you read Blood Trial and loved Basi and Kyros' journey, then you will love this, too. If you haven't read Blood Trial then go and do it right now and I'm jealous you get to read it for the first time!
The author's Blod Trials series shot straight to my all time favourites list when I read it last year, so I have been massively anticipating this book, whilst secretly worried that nothing could top Basi and Kyros for me. I have to say that I love how this series is so different, but has all of the elements that made the ither so strong.
What I loved about Kyros in Blood Trials was that the predatory side of his vampire nature was front and centre. This did make his actions often based on animal instinct, which from a human social perspective meant that they were not what you'd expect, but made so much sense for a supernatural creature. Well, in this new series we have the same thing but with Werewolves.
Anyone who reads a lot of paranormal books will have read werewolf books and know the usual mate bond trope, and this does have that, to a certain extent, anyway. But Kelly has totally made it feel fresh and not like all of the other times I've read it, as we essentially have Alarick/Sashca as powerless as Andie, in many ways.
Andie was different to Basi, and like Basi, while I didn't always agree with her attitudes or actions, I understood them and they felt authentic. I love her relationship with Sashca and it's got the same delicious slow burn as Kyros and Basi, but actually with way more angst, drama and significant road blocks in their way.
My only niggle was that I felt Andie was very blind when it came to her opinion if the werewolves. She didn't make her own judgements and automatically made assumptions based on what the ither side told her. I credited her wihh a bit more gumption than that. But it is clearly going to be part of her character growth.
So, if you read Blood Trial and loved Basi and Kyros' journey, then you will love this, too. If you haven't read Blood Trial then go and do it right now and I'm jealous you get to read it for the first time!
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December 13, 2020
⤅ OH MY GOD I HAVE FINALLY COME TO THE END OF MY 10-DAY-LONG KELLY ST CLARE SPREE.
And now it's time to review the countless books which have piled up. I feel like I've emerged from an underground bunker and I'm crouching, peering around, while my eyes adjust to the light. What even happened while I was gone? For ten days, it feels like I did absolutely nothing but eat (when I had to), sleep (when my body collapsed on me) and, most importantly... get through St Clare's entire backlist.
And this is the book which started it all.
It features:
✔️ An really unique, interesting premise where werewolves and werewolf hunters fight each other in a Hunger Games-style set of quadrants
✔️ An absolutely DELICIOUS hero
✔️ A smart, take-no-prisoners heroine who has a healthy relationship with sex even BEFORE she meets the hero
✔️ Great writing that sucked me straight in
✔️ Fabulously drawn side characters
Is there even anything left to say? If you haven't already, go read the damn thing.
[Blog]
And now it's time to review the countless books which have piled up. I feel like I've emerged from an underground bunker and I'm crouching, peering around, while my eyes adjust to the light. What even happened while I was gone? For ten days, it feels like I did absolutely nothing but eat (when I had to), sleep (when my body collapsed on me) and, most importantly... get through St Clare's entire backlist.
And this is the book which started it all.
It features:
✔️ An really unique, interesting premise where werewolves and werewolf hunters fight each other in a Hunger Games-style set of quadrants
✔️ An absolutely DELICIOUS hero
✔️ A smart, take-no-prisoners heroine who has a healthy relationship with sex even BEFORE she meets the hero
✔️ Great writing that sucked me straight in
✔️ Fabulously drawn side characters
Is there even anything left to say? If you haven't already, go read the damn thing.
[Blog]
November 22, 2020
This book has so much illogical stuff that it is difficult to list. Even fantasy books need a minimum of coherence in the development of the story and in the actions of the characters in order to make the narrative credible to the reader. A good fantasy book makes the reader feels part of that magical world and immerses himself in the history, rooting for the characters - as if shifters, vampires and other creatures were real. Unfortunately, this is not the case for this book. First of all, the laser tag game is the most bizarre thing I've ever read. Why werewolves, being much stronger than humans and being able to dominate them easily, would agree to submit to such ridiculous rules and a children's game that jeopardizes their livelihood? Who, in their right mind, would invest in a company at the risk of losing it to the other side in an overnight game? Another thing that bothered me is the question of the Thana being descendants of a tribe of Native Americans - how can they have red hair and light eyes as a family trait? How can two cousins be identical to the point that everyone, including the father of one of them, confuses them? At best they could be similar but never identical (as if they were twin sisters). Why does the main character readily believe the version told by her uncle (that she just met) about werewolves being the bad guys, when she already knew them and was treated so friendly? Another thing that really pissed me off was the title "Shifters Wars" which suggests that the book is going to be about a war between shifters, but in fact it is a bizarre and childlike dispute between humans and shifters.
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October 16, 2020
Shifter Wars had a great beginning and a solid plot, but the story went in a direction that didn't work for me. So, three stars for being an okay book but not the book for me. People who enjoy rivals romance and mate/pack dynamics will probably have a great time reading this.
The writing was engaging throughout and the concept of the laser tag game and what it represented was super interesting. I just had issues with how the meets were established, which made it so I didn't like the relationship between Andie and her mate, and I really really didn't enjoy the enemies aspect of the story when Andie was so new to this world and so quickly accepted that ~werewolves were monsters. I won't be reading the other books in the series.
The writing was engaging throughout and the concept of the laser tag game and what it represented was super interesting. I just had issues with how the meets were established, which made it so I didn't like the relationship between Andie and her mate, and I really really didn't enjoy the enemies aspect of the story when Andie was so new to this world and so quickly accepted that ~werewolves were monsters. I won't be reading the other books in the series.
January 9, 2021
4.25 Stars
LOVED this book! It's always so hard to find a good shifter book, but of course when I do, it's written by one of my fave authors🙌. I'm really digging this plot, the world-building, the HERO😍 (okay but the stalking was actually cute, messed up, I know🤷) and let's be honest, the one thing that really does it for me is the non-virgin heroine💅.
However, although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there was one thing that made me bring it down a star, and that's the heroine. I did love her at times, and I love how she's a no-nonsense, go for it, confident type of person. But, it did bother me how similar she was to Basil from the last series. One of my favorite things about Kelly's heroines, is they are all usually their own character while also all being strong, and they never just sit and pant over the heros which I'm ALL for, but after Basil, and now Andie being pretty much the exact same character except poor instead of rich, just got to be a little too much and too repetitive for me.
I do like Andie a bit more I think, but it could also be because I think I like this story more than the other one too, maybe. I don't care for how she and Basil both had scenes when they strut pretty much naked, through the clan at first and now the pack in this book. I'm not shaming them being confident or the nudity really, but it just seemed a bit deja-vu amd honestly, a bit odd to just insert those scenes. I was also hoping the hero in this would be a bit more possessive than Kyros because he is a werewolf🤷
Furthermore, they both make SO MANY assumptions and judgments about the heros or any species besides human, and automatically assume they are the bad guys. When Basil first did it, it didn't bother me as much because of the way she grew up and her personality, and Kyros being more manipulative, but when Andie does it, it just kind of bugs me. You would think growing up with a mom like that, and hating how people make so many judgements about her, that she would be a little more open-minded or empathetic to people that are being judged.
She uses the excuse that they've killed her grandparents and blah and may have been the reason her parents were driven away, but why? The grid games they play are dangerous all around, and deaths can easily happen, so why is she ignoring what the humans do and condemning the wolves? And NO ONE knows what happened to her mother, and there is no proof it has to do with the werewolves, so why is she making assumptions? She hates Sascha here so much, especially at the end, but why? Because her family gave her some one-sided story? Because he wants her? Because he killed her uncle when the uncle literally shot him first and pointed the gun at her and he just wanted to protect her? And not only that, but she COMPLETELY leaves that part of the story out, and criminalizes the hero like he did it all for no reason or something. Then deja-vu again, the heroine vows to never let the hero win the game. Yay.
So, rant over, besides the heroine, I still really enjoyed this story, and the writing and plot are so interesting and engaging, and I couldn't get enough. I'm just really hoping the heroine gets a bit better in the next book.
*ARC Provided In Exchange For A Honest Review*
LOVED this book! It's always so hard to find a good shifter book, but of course when I do, it's written by one of my fave authors🙌. I'm really digging this plot, the world-building, the HERO😍 (okay but the stalking was actually cute, messed up, I know🤷) and let's be honest, the one thing that really does it for me is the non-virgin heroine💅.
However, although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there was one thing that made me bring it down a star, and that's the heroine. I did love her at times, and I love how she's a no-nonsense, go for it, confident type of person. But, it did bother me how similar she was to Basil from the last series. One of my favorite things about Kelly's heroines, is they are all usually their own character while also all being strong, and they never just sit and pant over the heros which I'm ALL for, but after Basil, and now Andie being pretty much the exact same character except poor instead of rich, just got to be a little too much and too repetitive for me.
I do like Andie a bit more I think, but it could also be because I think I like this story more than the other one too, maybe. I don't care for how she and Basil both had scenes when they strut pretty much naked, through the clan at first and now the pack in this book. I'm not shaming them being confident or the nudity really, but it just seemed a bit deja-vu amd honestly, a bit odd to just insert those scenes. I was also hoping the hero in this would be a bit more possessive than Kyros because he is a werewolf🤷
Furthermore, they both make SO MANY assumptions and judgments about the heros or any species besides human, and automatically assume they are the bad guys. When Basil first did it, it didn't bother me as much because of the way she grew up and her personality, and Kyros being more manipulative, but when Andie does it, it just kind of bugs me. You would think growing up with a mom like that, and hating how people make so many judgements about her, that she would be a little more open-minded or empathetic to people that are being judged.
She uses the excuse that they've killed her grandparents and blah and may have been the reason her parents were driven away, but why? The grid games they play are dangerous all around, and deaths can easily happen, so why is she ignoring what the humans do and condemning the wolves? And NO ONE knows what happened to her mother, and there is no proof it has to do with the werewolves, so why is she making assumptions? She hates Sascha here so much, especially at the end, but why? Because her family gave her some one-sided story? Because he wants her? Because he killed her uncle when the uncle literally shot him first and pointed the gun at her and he just wanted to protect her? And not only that, but she COMPLETELY leaves that part of the story out, and criminalizes the hero like he did it all for no reason or something. Then deja-vu again, the heroine vows to never let the hero win the game. Yay.
So, rant over, besides the heroine, I still really enjoyed this story, and the writing and plot are so interesting and engaging, and I couldn't get enough. I'm just really hoping the heroine gets a bit better in the next book.
*ARC Provided In Exchange For A Honest Review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2020
DNF
So disappointed because i really liked the world-building, i i especially loved Alaric / Sascha, but man did i hate that bitch Andie…
i just can't finish this book, her character completely ruins everthing for me.
I guess i like my heroines to be likeable, especially when hero is so charming, an Alpha without being controlling douchebag.
So disappointed because i really liked the world-building, i i especially loved Alaric / Sascha, but man did i hate that bitch Andie…
i just can't finish this book, her character completely ruins everthing for me.
I guess i like my heroines to be likeable, especially when hero is so charming, an Alpha without being controlling douchebag.
May 13, 2022
I think I picked the audiobook up on a whim and was delighted it was book one. 3.7 stars. Was intruiging to listen to and getting invested in but not completely in love with it. Might continue on with the series if more or different characters is introduced
October 7, 2020
OMG. Shut the front door and stop debating. Read this book now!
I don’t know where to start but I absolutely loved this book. Kelly is so creative and really delivers a fresh take on paranormal romance with angst 🔥🔥🔥🔥
If you love yourself you’ll buy this book and read 👏 it 👏 now 👏
That is all.
I don’t know where to start but I absolutely loved this book. Kelly is so creative and really delivers a fresh take on paranormal romance with angst 🔥🔥🔥🔥
If you love yourself you’ll buy this book and read 👏 it 👏 now 👏
That is all.
October 14, 2020
Hooked from the first chapter and waiting for the sequel
Story of my life
Coming out of review retirement just for this little gem. I’m alive everyone!!!
First piece of advise - Ignore the blurb it doesn’t do the book justice.
Second is - Get an extra full nights sleep before starting, you might not be able to get any more in before you finish.
Third - If you hate cliffhangers, wait an extra 2 months for the sequel... it’s a doosey.
Before starting this is I couldn’t comprehend anything being as good as Basil and Kyros. Kelly St Clare proved herself here, it lives up to the high bar Vampire Towers set.
Vampires will always top werewolves for me(#teamedward) but this certainly was on par with the humour and romance from its “sister” series.
You won’t be able to stop comparing the two series so I’m not going to even try to stop comparing them here: they are totally different but really similar at the same time!
Basil and Andie both are really interesting FMCs, Basil was rich, quirky and self-assured. Andie is poor, quirky and a little more protective of her feelings. Both are hilarious and will keep you turning pages.
There’s an equally strong and compelling male lead too, you’ll fall for him right away.
It’s hard to beat werewolves for that instalove mate bond and connection.
Where this has the Vampries beat is in the games itself... Wolfe games are action packed and setup like mini battles rather than the board room of Bluff City.
Andie has lots of room to grow and become badass, lots of obstacles to overcome in her relationship and most excitingly lots of “meets” to happen yet - which I can’t even guess what they will be!
It had me hooked from the first chapter.
If you’re in the fence .. jump on over to the dark side.
Story of my life
Coming out of review retirement just for this little gem. I’m alive everyone!!!
First piece of advise - Ignore the blurb it doesn’t do the book justice.
Second is - Get an extra full nights sleep before starting, you might not be able to get any more in before you finish.
Third - If you hate cliffhangers, wait an extra 2 months for the sequel... it’s a doosey.
Before starting this is I couldn’t comprehend anything being as good as Basil and Kyros. Kelly St Clare proved herself here, it lives up to the high bar Vampire Towers set.
Vampires will always top werewolves for me(#teamedward) but this certainly was on par with the humour and romance from its “sister” series.
You won’t be able to stop comparing the two series so I’m not going to even try to stop comparing them here: they are totally different but really similar at the same time!
Basil and Andie both are really interesting FMCs, Basil was rich, quirky and self-assured. Andie is poor, quirky and a little more protective of her feelings. Both are hilarious and will keep you turning pages.
There’s an equally strong and compelling male lead too, you’ll fall for him right away.
It’s hard to beat werewolves for that instalove mate bond and connection.
Where this has the Vampries beat is in the games itself... Wolfe games are action packed and setup like mini battles rather than the board room of Bluff City.
Andie has lots of room to grow and become badass, lots of obstacles to overcome in her relationship and most excitingly lots of “meets” to happen yet - which I can’t even guess what they will be!
It had me hooked from the first chapter.
If you’re in the fence .. jump on over to the dark side.
October 8, 2020
A Romero and Juliet
I like the idea of this read, liked some elements being the wolves more to speak, but everything else was just something I truly didn't care much for, I wanted to finish the book, it had me ensnared from the very beginning, but as I read on i found myself struggling to want to finish. My biggest issue was andie herself, her ignorance was way overkill, and her ideas that weren't even her own festered almost out of control. The author went for strong yet with andies mindset it just wasn't pulled off. The time she should have been strong we're big misses as to her mother and ex. When she travels to meet her mother's family she has never once met, we find our andie just going along with what they say, and of course her uncle would throw the wolves under the bus, they've been at war for years! She is told a story and she automatically believes it without thinking for herself, or getting both sides of this said story since she doesn't know any of these ppl from adam. She is easily manipulated by this new family right off the bat wanting her to get information and she all but agrees. The wolves of the den are nice friendly and yet andies new contempt for them being monsters is pretty much drilled into her head that even while trying to figure out why her mother left she comes to some kind of conclusion that it was them, the wolves, because they are wolves and that makes 100% the best sense.I felt andie couldn't think for herself, and was a follower to the end, her overkill of sascha interest was way over the top, but I felt more that she didn't want to follow through with it because of her uncle, instead of really asking herself how she felt, or looking at the things he did to show her his interest and how much he cared. The ending was probably my last straw, a cheater who brings a gun to honest to God try to kill sascha and sascha protecting his mate and himself resolved in the gun cheating person being killed, this in turn makes andie upset because her small minded brain just can't seem to think rational or even think period, its one of those scenes where someone was going to die and things are said that make things very clear, following blindly was a very dumb thing to do, and more is revealed, yet andie with her doormat self when it comes to any family it seems is beside herself with grief instead of trying to analyze what was said. I've come to the conclusion that andie is easily manipulated, and is way to willing to please people she doesn't even really know. Her pettiness to those who helped her being the wolf's showed what a really a*** andie was, and her straight up bias for beings she never took the time out to know more about or even understand was just sad. I felt andie just had hot air between her ears and was not a very likable character
I like the idea of this read, liked some elements being the wolves more to speak, but everything else was just something I truly didn't care much for, I wanted to finish the book, it had me ensnared from the very beginning, but as I read on i found myself struggling to want to finish. My biggest issue was andie herself, her ignorance was way overkill, and her ideas that weren't even her own festered almost out of control. The author went for strong yet with andies mindset it just wasn't pulled off. The time she should have been strong we're big misses as to her mother and ex. When she travels to meet her mother's family she has never once met, we find our andie just going along with what they say, and of course her uncle would throw the wolves under the bus, they've been at war for years! She is told a story and she automatically believes it without thinking for herself, or getting both sides of this said story since she doesn't know any of these ppl from adam. She is easily manipulated by this new family right off the bat wanting her to get information and she all but agrees. The wolves of the den are nice friendly and yet andies new contempt for them being monsters is pretty much drilled into her head that even while trying to figure out why her mother left she comes to some kind of conclusion that it was them, the wolves, because they are wolves and that makes 100% the best sense.I felt andie couldn't think for herself, and was a follower to the end, her overkill of sascha interest was way over the top, but I felt more that she didn't want to follow through with it because of her uncle, instead of really asking herself how she felt, or looking at the things he did to show her his interest and how much he cared. The ending was probably my last straw, a cheater who brings a gun to honest to God try to kill sascha and sascha protecting his mate and himself resolved in the gun cheating person being killed, this in turn makes andie upset because her small minded brain just can't seem to think rational or even think period, its one of those scenes where someone was going to die and things are said that make things very clear, following blindly was a very dumb thing to do, and more is revealed, yet andie with her doormat self when it comes to any family it seems is beside herself with grief instead of trying to analyze what was said. I've come to the conclusion that andie is easily manipulated, and is way to willing to please people she doesn't even really know. Her pettiness to those who helped her being the wolf's showed what a really a*** andie was, and her straight up bias for beings she never took the time out to know more about or even understand was just sad. I felt andie just had hot air between her ears and was not a very likable character
June 7, 2023
After reading book 2. 4 stars. Maybe. Now that I've read book 2, some of the stuff that irritated me in the first book exploded into crap in the second and i definitely don't recommend this series. I might try to read book 3 but I'm guessing it will leave me super unsatisfied.
This review captures what I think about this series and why it's not worth reading Book 3: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
----------
After reading book 1 only. 4.5 stars.
I am shook. Seriously. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series before I can tell you all the things.
But... I loved how well Andie resisted the overbearing attentions of the dude (don't want to spoil anything). She was strong and thoughtful and clever. However, there were several times where it went dark... especially at the end. And that shook me in a bad way.
I'm not a fan of "you're my mate and therefore I have no control over myself". That's just crap. He did a goodish job at being about her consent, but the world building is a bit dark to have that be the natural order.
Also, the "laser gun" game went a lot more physical and dark than I expected. Where were the laser guns!? It didn't make sense as a way to avoid real battles. I couldn't understand what really happened when a group won or lost. I don't understand the rivalry. And definitely don't understand how they could have come up with such a weird peace accord. There was enough oddness to make sure this wasn't a perfect 5. But it wasn't annoying enough to pull me out of the story.
This was amazing and I hope the rest of the series holds up. I'm not sure how I or Andie can move forward. Cause that ending gutted us both.
There is some OM drama cause she's dating someone else in the beginning. But she doesn't sleep with him after meeting the hero. And there's no women mentioned in the hero's past.
I listened to the audiobook. While the narrator was pleasant to listen to, her accent didn't match some details. She had an American accent but the author is New Zealander and used terms like petrol and torch (instead of flashlight). She also didn't do male voices great.
This review captures what I think about this series and why it's not worth reading Book 3: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
----------
After reading book 1 only. 4.5 stars.
I am shook. Seriously. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series before I can tell you all the things.
But... I loved how well Andie resisted the overbearing attentions of the dude (don't want to spoil anything). She was strong and thoughtful and clever. However, there were several times where it went dark... especially at the end. And that shook me in a bad way.
I'm not a fan of "you're my mate and therefore I have no control over myself". That's just crap. He did a goodish job at being about her consent, but the world building is a bit dark to have that be the natural order.
Also, the "laser gun" game went a lot more physical and dark than I expected. Where were the laser guns!? It didn't make sense as a way to avoid real battles. I couldn't understand what really happened when a group won or lost. I don't understand the rivalry. And definitely don't understand how they could have come up with such a weird peace accord. There was enough oddness to make sure this wasn't a perfect 5. But it wasn't annoying enough to pull me out of the story.
This was amazing and I hope the rest of the series holds up. I'm not sure how I or Andie can move forward. Cause that ending gutted us both.
There is some OM drama cause she's dating someone else in the beginning. But she doesn't sleep with him after meeting the hero. And there's no women mentioned in the hero's past.
I listened to the audiobook. While the narrator was pleasant to listen to, her accent didn't match some details. She had an American accent but the author is New Zealander and used terms like petrol and torch (instead of flashlight). She also didn't do male voices great.
January 19, 2021
I liked how the book started, but I didn't like the direction the story went later.
October 11, 2021
Originally posted at:
This story had everything going for it to be a 4 star read but it ended up as a 3 star read. The universe the author created with the game and winning sections and the detailed nature of everything was interesting. The characters, overall, were complex beings and the witty banter between them was so good. The heroine (Andie) though, was another story entirely.
When Andie was being her snide self, full of attitude and spunk she was so entertaining. Every moment aside from those were annoying. She second-guessed herself so much. She let herself be convinced the people on the other side were these big bad monsters without even ever being attacked or hurt by them. She put blind faith into her long-lost family without computing that her mother left the place she adored for a REASON. I also disliked how against Alaric she was from the start. Her so-called family poisoned even the possibility of that relationship before it even had a chance.
Alaric was incredible and he deserves an award! His antics relating to Andie were SO. DAMN. FUNNY! I loved every minute of them. So many were totally out of left field but they were so entertaining! He was probably the most interesting character of the whole story. I liked that he did his best to anticipate Andie's problems. I liked that even against the will of his wolf he still gave Andie an "out-for-now" type of thing for when the mating call got too strong.
The ending was wrong on SO many fronts. I refuse to believe that what's in the will was the truth. It doesn't make any sense. I'm relatively invested in the outcome of this series.
My SPOILERY Theories:
The Audio Book:
The narration isn't my favorite. The narrator doesn't have much of a deep tone to make for a believable male voice let alone multiple male voices. She read at a slower pace than I like so I had to x1.25 the narration. There were no weird noises in the background of this recording.
This story had everything going for it to be a 4 star read but it ended up as a 3 star read. The universe the author created with the game and winning sections and the detailed nature of everything was interesting. The characters, overall, were complex beings and the witty banter between them was so good. The heroine (Andie) though, was another story entirely.
When Andie was being her snide self, full of attitude and spunk she was so entertaining. Every moment aside from those were annoying. She second-guessed herself so much. She let herself be convinced the people on the other side were these big bad monsters without even ever being attacked or hurt by them. She put blind faith into her long-lost family without computing that her mother left the place she adored for a REASON. I also disliked how against Alaric she was from the start. Her so-called family poisoned even the possibility of that relationship before it even had a chance.
Alaric was incredible and he deserves an award! His antics relating to Andie were SO. DAMN. FUNNY! I loved every minute of them. So many were totally out of left field but they were so entertaining! He was probably the most interesting character of the whole story. I liked that he did his best to anticipate Andie's problems. I liked that even against the will of his wolf he still gave Andie an "out-for-now" type of thing for when the mating call got too strong.
The ending was wrong on SO many fronts. I refuse to believe that what's in the will was the truth. It doesn't make any sense. I'm relatively invested in the outcome of this series.
My SPOILERY Theories:
The Audio Book:
The narration isn't my favorite. The narrator doesn't have much of a deep tone to make for a believable male voice let alone multiple male voices. She read at a slower pace than I like so I had to x1.25 the narration. There were no weird noises in the background of this recording.
May 14, 2021
I am flipping out! Why have I not picked this up sooner?! As soon as I finished this book I HAD to start book 2...that's how good this is. Possibly have a new obsession, but I am ok with that.
Heads up there is no hot tangling in the sheets here. What you will find is sexy chemistry, phenomenal world build, compelling characters, and riveting storyline. Clare excels at building her story. There is a steady climb of excitement between Sascha and Andie and anticipation in the storyline itself. The speed is perfect. Never to slow or too fast. Clare hooked me from page one and left me scrambling for book two.
Shifter Wars gives in a deep understanding of Andie. Her backstory is one of the best ones I have read. Typically I feel as though there is too much or too little revealed in regards to backstories but Andie's was perfect. Every piece fit. Every piece had meaning. Every piece had a purpose. Exceptionally done.
We do not learn too much about Sascha and I do not feel a loss at that. This felt like Andie's book and I feel Sascha's story will come. That being said he is beyond interesting and his sex appeal it off the charts. The idea of a "sigma" is a new concept for me, it is a new take I am loving!
On to book 2!
Happy reading,
DD 💕
Heads up there is no hot tangling in the sheets here. What you will find is sexy chemistry, phenomenal world build, compelling characters, and riveting storyline. Clare excels at building her story. There is a steady climb of excitement between Sascha and Andie and anticipation in the storyline itself. The speed is perfect. Never to slow or too fast. Clare hooked me from page one and left me scrambling for book two.
Shifter Wars gives in a deep understanding of Andie. Her backstory is one of the best ones I have read. Typically I feel as though there is too much or too little revealed in regards to backstories but Andie's was perfect. Every piece fit. Every piece had meaning. Every piece had a purpose. Exceptionally done.
We do not learn too much about Sascha and I do not feel a loss at that. This felt like Andie's book and I feel Sascha's story will come. That being said he is beyond interesting and his sex appeal it off the charts. The idea of a "sigma" is a new concept for me, it is a new take I am loving!
On to book 2!
Happy reading,
DD 💕
June 3, 2023
Okay, now I almost didn't read this series because I wasn't the biggest fan of Vampire Towers. I decided to give this one a try anyhow and I'm sooooo glad I did. I devoured all three books, loved almost every minute, and really hope we get other series set in this world now that we know more. In fact, I'm wondering if I should re-read Vampire Towers... maybe I'd like it more now????
April 6, 2021
I just wanted an easy read. I just went through a very stressful time with my last series and saw the word "shifter" in my TBR and was like cool a nice PNR to cleanse the palette!
And that was not what I got. I completely forgot this was the author who wrote the Vampire Towers series and I really wish I'd remembered that before trying this book.
Let's be perfectly fuckin clear: This is the exact same book as the Vampire Towers series.
1. The heroines are basically the same.
2. The heroes are basically the same (though Sascha is better)
3. The weirdo game is basically the same
4. The chemistry but oh nooo we can't because I'm mad at him on an elemantal human vs. supernatural creature level!
5. The twists are basically the same
6. The frustrating cliffhanger is basically the same!!!!
Now I'd like to mention that I really liked the Vampire Towers series lmao. All this whining seems to suggest otherwise, but I really did love it. And I loved this book too. But the VT series was so goddamn stressful I'm so mad I'm in the middle of it again damnit.
I feel tricked. Hoodwinked! Bamboozled! I pity the fool and the fool is me!!! I got suckered into another series that I won't be able to put down despite how anxious it makes me and how infuriating I find the push/pull just fucking get together already!!! type stuff.
I really only have myself to blame, but imma still whine about it.
March 24, 2021
I was so excited for this because I loved the Vampire Towers series, and I like the whole werewolf trope wayyy more than the vampire thing so expectations were *high* here.
I don't want to compare the two series but it's hard not to because they are veryyy similar - almost too similar, what with the mating rituals, and game board, and the heroine not knowing what tf is happening in the beginning.
Basi from Vampire Towers is one of my fav heroines ever and it hurts me to say that Andie just can't compete, though I do still like her. Sascha, I like more than I liked Kyros so that evens out at least but I will say that the two main characters were a bit toooo similar to Basi and Kyros. If the plots are gonna be so similar, I think the characters should've been more different.
All that being said though, it was a really entertaining read.
I don't want to compare the two series but it's hard not to because they are veryyy similar - almost too similar, what with the mating rituals, and game board, and the heroine not knowing what tf is happening in the beginning.
Basi from Vampire Towers is one of my fav heroines ever and it hurts me to say that Andie just can't compete, though I do still like her. Sascha, I like more than I liked Kyros so that evens out at least but I will say that the two main characters were a bit toooo similar to Basi and Kyros. If the plots are gonna be so similar, I think the characters should've been more different.
All that being said though, it was a really entertaining read.
September 16, 2024
3.5 rounded up. This book has a very silly and dumb premise (these werewolves and werewolf hunters play a weekly game of laser tag to determine who controls the town), however, I still ate this up. It was exactly what I was in the mood for.
I really liked that there is really no insta-love in this book. The FMC really resists the MMC even though he's obsessed with her. It won't work for every reader, but it did for me.
The plot twist at the end was pretty good, although, I wasn't totally surprised, if that makes sense? I don't really understand how it makes sense, but I also get it lol.
Anyways, I don't even know if I'll read book 2, but this was a good time for what it is.
I really liked that there is really no insta-love in this book. The FMC really resists the MMC even though he's obsessed with her. It won't work for every reader, but it did for me.
The plot twist at the end was pretty good, although, I wasn't totally surprised, if that makes sense? I don't really understand how it makes sense, but I also get it lol.
Anyways, I don't even know if I'll read book 2, but this was a good time for what it is.
January 27, 2021
What an... odd book.
I can’t say I actually enjoyed it.
Things were so... underdeveloped in my opinion. And just really not thoroughly thought through..
Andie was all over the place. Meh
I’m going to structure this review much to fit the way this book was structured.
Welcome to a series called: “Like... why?”
So she goes to her mother’s hometown and suddenly decides, on top of her mounting amount of stress and responsibility, that she’s staying there... like... why?
So she has to break up with her bf. So he, as the mature law student or whatever, decides to smash her windows. Like... why?
So werewolves and a tribe are in a generation long battle over land by playing this weird ass game of laser tag. Like... why?
So she gets drunk and rearranges dummies in sexual positions? Like... why??
That concludes the series.
The plot is eh, until the very end where it gets slightly more interesting.
The humor is eh, with just a few moments here and there.
Andie is eh, I just don’t like her.
Will I read book 2? I haven’t decided.
Meh, this book was meh.
I can’t say I actually enjoyed it.
Things were so... underdeveloped in my opinion. And just really not thoroughly thought through..
Andie was all over the place. Meh
I’m going to structure this review much to fit the way this book was structured.
Welcome to a series called: “Like... why?”
So she goes to her mother’s hometown and suddenly decides, on top of her mounting amount of stress and responsibility, that she’s staying there... like... why?
So she has to break up with her bf. So he, as the mature law student or whatever, decides to smash her windows. Like... why?
So werewolves and a tribe are in a generation long battle over land by playing this weird ass game of laser tag. Like... why?
So she gets drunk and rearranges dummies in sexual positions? Like... why??
That concludes the series.
The plot is eh, until the very end where it gets slightly more interesting.
The humor is eh, with just a few moments here and there.
Andie is eh, I just don’t like her.
Will I read book 2? I haven’t decided.
Meh, this book was meh.
October 7, 2020
Kelly st Clare always come out with a banger, I love all her series and this one didn’t disappoint.
But the cover luv.... I’m sorry but half naked men on covers just not it for me ... sorry to this man....
But the cover luv.... I’m sorry but half naked men on covers just not it for me ... sorry to this man....
Read
February 28, 20222.75✨
i survived longer w this book than the vampire one. still overall boring, started out fun but they just ended up playing laser tag the majority of the book. . . . they didnt but it felt that way by the way it nearly put me to sleep. and my prob w this author is shes a fantastic writer in the grand scheme of things but imo there were so many unnecessary stuff being written as much as the interesting ones. it also was a bit weird for me the way andie accepted the whole werewolves r monster shit dumped into her w open arms? personally i dont rlly like hercules & rhona, idk they seem shady, or if not that annoying. actually, i dislike the thanas. the couple has potential, sachas cool, but the boring outweigh the good
i survived longer w this book than the vampire one. still overall boring, started out fun but they just ended up playing laser tag the majority of the book. . . . they didnt but it felt that way by the way it nearly put me to sleep. and my prob w this author is shes a fantastic writer in the grand scheme of things but imo there were so many unnecessary stuff being written as much as the interesting ones. it also was a bit weird for me the way andie accepted the whole werewolves r monster shit dumped into her w open arms? personally i dont rlly like hercules & rhona, idk they seem shady, or if not that annoying. actually, i dislike the thanas. the couple has potential, sachas cool, but the boring outweigh the good
October 10, 2020
Another amazing paranormal romance by Kelly st. Clare! This book follows in the same (I’m assuming) universe as the Vampire Debt books, so if you haven’t read that series, definitely pick it. There are many similarities in the overall themes between these series: girl trapped and resisting a mating bond to a supe, lots of humor and angst-filled hot moments, and, of course, a game/competition that pits supes against humans (with the MC caught in the cross-hairs). St. Clare has done it again with Sascha and Andie, but I think their chemistry falls in second place to the Vampire Debt books. I rather enjoyed the scenes where Sascha’s wolf stalks her, and his pack follows up on the “meet,” and I wish there was a bit more of that and perhaps a little less politics. I also love books where an innocent girl falls into a supernatural world, and has to grapple with that new world...so many delicious possibilities for the author to explore, and Andie kind of gets over it a little too quickly: one gin-soaked night and then she’s just like, “ehh, yeah werewolves are real.”
The mystery amps up with a (perhaps unsurprising) twist at the end of the book, which leaves me wondering about why her mother left the Valley in the first place. I have my theories—ones including .
I’m sure all this will get sorted, and I have to say I will greatly enjoy seeing how Andie and Sascha move past this big hurdle. At first it seemed that Andie was holding Sascha at arm’s length almost needlessly (because her uncle Herc told her about a centuries-old tribal war she had no knowledge about until 2 weeks prior? And...yeah, she is just letting other people kind of run her love-life, yeah? And maybe still grieving, don’t forget that...and looking for the community’s approval.). So this new, major conflict, will throw a wrench in things and force Andie to really search within herself, to make a choice that is HERS, entirely...can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait!
The mystery amps up with a (perhaps unsurprising) twist at the end of the book, which leaves me wondering about why her mother left the Valley in the first place. I have my theories—ones including .
I’m sure all this will get sorted, and I have to say I will greatly enjoy seeing how Andie and Sascha move past this big hurdle. At first it seemed that Andie was holding Sascha at arm’s length almost needlessly (because her uncle Herc told her about a centuries-old tribal war she had no knowledge about until 2 weeks prior? And...yeah, she is just letting other people kind of run her love-life, yeah? And maybe still grieving, don’t forget that...and looking for the community’s approval.). So this new, major conflict, will throw a wrench in things and force Andie to really search within herself, to make a choice that is HERS, entirely...can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait!
September 25, 2023
You Had Me at Hello *＊✿❀○❀✿＊*
Pour avoir lu et beaucoup aimé la série Le Repaire des Vampires, je me faisais une joie de renouer avec l'univers Monopoly chez les créatures surnaturelles.
Direction Deception Valley chez les loups et autres joyeusetés.
L'héroïne (Andie) vient d'y poser ses maigres bagages pour enquêter sur le passé de sa maman qui vient de décéder d'une longue maladie. Elle y fait la rencontre d'un oncle et d'une cousine, mais aussi d'une communauté accueillante, les Thana, lesquels vont l'intégrer dans leur partie de jeu hebdomadaire. Le principe est simple, poser des pièges et éliminer l'ennemi à l'aide de fléchettes anesthésiantes, dans des secteurs clés de la ville. Chaque grille conquise permet d'atteindre un meilleur contrôle des terres et de maintenir un équilibre ancestral.
Face aux humains, nous avons donc les Luther. Un chef et sa garde rapprochée. Des ruses de sioux et une force quasi invincible. Sans savoir, Andie a déjà mis un pied dans l'engrenage et enclenché un processus de traque (qui fait d'abord flipper, j'avoue).
Ce premier tome réussit à jongler entre les présentations, les enjeux, les blagues douteuses, les allusions grivoises, l'humour, la tension dramatique, des secrets de famille, l'émotion et l'action. C'est super captivant, mais je ne suis pas objective. J'apprécie énormément le ton ironique des héroïnes de Kelly St. Clare. Andie ne déroge pas à la règle. C'est une nana combative, avec un passé affectif fragile, sans faire d'elle une handicapée des émotions non plus. Et puis c'est une joueuse de saxo ! Son registre est d'ailleurs excellent.
Je ne sais pas encore quoi penser de sa relation avec son pendant masculin (lequel est de prime abord louche et effrayant, limite harceleur). Mais j'ai bon espoir car l'autrice n'a jamais loupé un personnage d'une telle envergure donc il me tarde de lire la suite. Au vu du dénouement de celui-ci, cela promet d'être intense !
💙💪(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧💯
Pour avoir lu et beaucoup aimé la série Le Repaire des Vampires, je me faisais une joie de renouer avec l'univers Monopoly chez les créatures surnaturelles.
Direction Deception Valley chez les loups et autres joyeusetés.
L'héroïne (Andie) vient d'y poser ses maigres bagages pour enquêter sur le passé de sa maman qui vient de décéder d'une longue maladie. Elle y fait la rencontre d'un oncle et d'une cousine, mais aussi d'une communauté accueillante, les Thana, lesquels vont l'intégrer dans leur partie de jeu hebdomadaire. Le principe est simple, poser des pièges et éliminer l'ennemi à l'aide de fléchettes anesthésiantes, dans des secteurs clés de la ville. Chaque grille conquise permet d'atteindre un meilleur contrôle des terres et de maintenir un équilibre ancestral.
Face aux humains, nous avons donc les Luther. Un chef et sa garde rapprochée. Des ruses de sioux et une force quasi invincible. Sans savoir, Andie a déjà mis un pied dans l'engrenage et enclenché un processus de traque (qui fait d'abord flipper, j'avoue).
Ce premier tome réussit à jongler entre les présentations, les enjeux, les blagues douteuses, les allusions grivoises, l'humour, la tension dramatique, des secrets de famille, l'émotion et l'action. C'est super captivant, mais je ne suis pas objective. J'apprécie énormément le ton ironique des héroïnes de Kelly St. Clare. Andie ne déroge pas à la règle. C'est une nana combative, avec un passé affectif fragile, sans faire d'elle une handicapée des émotions non plus. Et puis c'est une joueuse de saxo ! Son registre est d'ailleurs excellent.
Je ne sais pas encore quoi penser de sa relation avec son pendant masculin (lequel est de prime abord louche et effrayant, limite harceleur). Mais j'ai bon espoir car l'autrice n'a jamais loupé un personnage d'une telle envergure donc il me tarde de lire la suite. Au vu du dénouement de celui-ci, cela promet d'être intense !
💙💪(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧💯
January 15, 2021
I enjoyed it, but there were parts that made me wary - Andie is borderline TSTL at times, and she sits on info she should share immediately, especially when she's so new to this supernatural world and there is so incredibly much that she doesn't know.
I also can't help but think the wolves are assholes, honestly. The history, as it was explained to us - and which in book 2 (yes, I'm already partway into book 2) the wolves don't dispute - is that they arrived to this valley as refugees. Beaten down, starving, needing help... and the tribe allowed them to settle here in peace and safety. Then later, they decided they wanted to own the land ... and when the tribe refused - saying the land cannot be owned, it is for all - they attacked the tribe. And there has been this war - that morphed into the game - ever since. And it's shitty. Really hard to sympathize with a group that turned on someone who helped them.
And they know so much more about everything than Andie ... and they push her along this path without telling her anything.
Then we have the ending ... that was pretty extreme. I'm honestly not sure it was justified. Was there really no other solution?
Also, not sure about Herc - he's raised some flags - and really not sure about Rhona. Someone who is that much of a bitch that often is really hard to swallow.
I also can't help but think the wolves are assholes, honestly. The history, as it was explained to us - and which in book 2 (yes, I'm already partway into book 2) the wolves don't dispute - is that they arrived to this valley as refugees. Beaten down, starving, needing help... and the tribe allowed them to settle here in peace and safety. Then later, they decided they wanted to own the land ... and when the tribe refused - saying the land cannot be owned, it is for all - they attacked the tribe. And there has been this war - that morphed into the game - ever since. And it's shitty. Really hard to sympathize with a group that turned on someone who helped them.
And they know so much more about everything than Andie ... and they push her along this path without telling her anything.
Then we have the ending ... that was pretty extreme. I'm honestly not sure it was justified. Was there really no other solution?
Also, not sure about Herc - he's raised some flags - and really not sure about Rhona. Someone who is that much of a bitch that often is really hard to swallow.
May 21, 2021
2.5
World building was decent, had a good beginning, but the plot was so silly. An adult version of laser tag? To solve a life or death territorial problem between werewolves and an ancient tribe protecting the land? This premise ruined the entire story for me. Every time there was “battle” it was cheesy and almost embarrassing. Andie is trying so hard to be a badass, but she’s completely ignorant and lets herself be manipulated by both sides almost by chapter two.
No steam, lots of flirting.
I never understood why she hated the wolves. Because her insta-family told her to? She got so pissed when people treated her mom badly for her issues, yet she does same to others without even knowing them.
Things I liked:
The shifters
Alaric/Sascha was a wonderful MC
Wade’s humor
World building was decent, had a good beginning, but the plot was so silly. An adult version of laser tag? To solve a life or death territorial problem between werewolves and an ancient tribe protecting the land? This premise ruined the entire story for me. Every time there was “battle” it was cheesy and almost embarrassing. Andie is trying so hard to be a badass, but she’s completely ignorant and lets herself be manipulated by both sides almost by chapter two.
No steam, lots of flirting.
I never understood why she hated the wolves. Because her insta-family told her to? She got so pissed when people treated her mom badly for her issues, yet she does same to others without even knowing them.
Things I liked:
The shifters
Alaric/Sascha was a wonderful MC
Wade’s humor
dnf
May 28, 2021DNF at 20%. I just really wasn't into this one.
I wasn't a fan of Hunger Games. Just not into game shows in general.
But it was more that I didn't like the h.
She's one of those characters who says one thing and then doesn't follow thru. She's supposed to be tough but kinda comes across as a hard ass.
AND i really didn't like how she dumps her boyfriend. I've been dumped over the phone before and it's only marginally less jerky than dumping by texting...
I wasn't a fan of Hunger Games. Just not into game shows in general.
But it was more that I didn't like the h.
She's one of those characters who says one thing and then doesn't follow thru. She's supposed to be tough but kinda comes across as a hard ass.
AND i really didn't like how she dumps her boyfriend. I've been dumped over the phone before and it's only marginally less jerky than dumping by texting...
October 24, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️☠️☠️☠️☠️🔥☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 oh lord I can’t put into words how much I loved this!
No spoilers but if you loved blood wars this is a ware wolf version, and it’s very different to anything you have read before. Andie is our MC and she is so well thought out. She isn’t perfect, she makes mistakes but she is so authentic and real. The heat is REAL. And I now have a new mental image of what a guy with the nickname “honey bear” would look like. 😘😘😘😝😝😝😝🥵🥵🥵🥵😚😚😚
Go DOWNLOAD THIS BOOK AND READ IT RIGHT FREAKING NOW
No spoilers but if you loved blood wars this is a ware wolf version, and it’s very different to anything you have read before. Andie is our MC and she is so well thought out. She isn’t perfect, she makes mistakes but she is so authentic and real. The heat is REAL. And I now have a new mental image of what a guy with the nickname “honey bear” would look like. 😘😘😘😝😝😝😝🥵🥵🥵🥵😚😚😚
Go DOWNLOAD THIS BOOK AND READ IT RIGHT FREAKING NOW
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