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Assassin’s Pride #2
Poppy's Pleasure
Poppy lives in hell and has for as long as he could remember. The only bright spot he has seen in years is another prisoner being held in the cell next to him. If he can save Marcus, Poppy knows that he will have done at least one good thing in his life. He just had to find Marcus's friends and let them know that they are being led into a trap…and then go back to hell.
Dean Stone is an assassin. He's cold, hard, and without remorse. He's also pretty damn sure that he has stepped into a crazy world. His friend, Gage has mated with the cat king of a pride. His other friends are missing and the agency he works for is a complete mess. What's crazier than that?
When Dean goes to the place where he's supposed to pick Marcus up, he finds something else altogether. Poppy is sweet and innocent and about as sexy as he could possibly be. He is also scared out of his mind and clinging to Dean like a second skin. And Dean doesn't have the heart to deny the man, even when taking care of Poppy turns into a full time job.
But when danger arrives on their doorstep, Dean's training as an assassin comes in handy, especially when Poppy is kidnapped by the same men that held him in the first place. And Dean has no remorse what so ever about killing anyone that stands between him and the man he's falling for.
Dean Stone is an assassin. He's cold, hard, and without remorse. He's also pretty damn sure that he has stepped into a crazy world. His friend, Gage has mated with the cat king of a pride. His other friends are missing and the agency he works for is a complete mess. What's crazier than that?
When Dean goes to the place where he's supposed to pick Marcus up, he finds something else altogether. Poppy is sweet and innocent and about as sexy as he could possibly be. He is also scared out of his mind and clinging to Dean like a second skin. And Dean doesn't have the heart to deny the man, even when taking care of Poppy turns into a full time job.
But when danger arrives on their doorstep, Dean's training as an assassin comes in handy, especially when Poppy is kidnapped by the same men that held him in the first place. And Dean has no remorse what so ever about killing anyone that stands between him and the man he's falling for.
278 pages, ebook
First published November 24, 2012
13 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Stormy Glenn
310 books1,700 followersAbout Me
I believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two, or three men in cowboy boots. I also believes in love at first sight, soul mates, true love, and happy endings.
I live in the great Northwest region of the USA, with my gorgeous husband and soul mate, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cats, and three fish. When I'm not being a mother to my six teenagers or cleaning up after my two 70 pound lap puppies, you can usually find me cuddled in bed with a book in my hand and a puppy in my lap. Or on my laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of my stories.
I welcomes comments from readers, so drop me a line. stormyglenn@hotmail.com
What do I do ?
I'm a writer of erotic, paranormal, werewolf, futuristic, contemporary, gay, and Ménage a Trois romances. I'm currently published with Siren Publishing, Torquere Press, and Noble Ellora's Cave.
I believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two, or three men in cowboy boots. I also believes in love at first sight, soul mates, true love, and happy endings.
I live in the great Northwest region of the USA, with my gorgeous husband and soul mate, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cats, and three fish. When I'm not being a mother to my six teenagers or cleaning up after my two 70 pound lap puppies, you can usually find me cuddled in bed with a book in my hand and a puppy in my lap. Or on my laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of my stories.
I welcomes comments from readers, so drop me a line. stormyglenn@hotmail.com
What do I do ?
I'm a writer of erotic, paranormal, werewolf, futuristic, contemporary, gay, and Ménage a Trois romances. I'm currently published with Siren Publishing, Torquere Press, and Noble Ellora's Cave.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 2, 2021
Loved it! I even loved this book even more than the first book and I loved that one too. What can I say about Poppy...sigh I cried for him, the bad things that happened to him. He was so sweet and innocent. It was so sad, what made it bearable to read is that he had Dean in his life they were perfect for each other. I'm so looking forward to the next book. Stormy rocked this one and I love this series...I read this too fast;-)
December 15, 2025
I love poppy and dean. I wish this series would go on with more books, would love to read one about Marcus and Simon. Then one about Steele and the cat man. Oh well, we don't always get what we want...
September 28, 2014
As much fun as the first book, this sequel continues the story of the unusual cat shifters who recently discovered their true king, Noah. Both Noah and his mate Gage are back, but this book focuses on Dean (Gage's friend) and a man he rescues when looking for traces of another team member. The mix of tension and humor is well-balanced, but this book leans more toward the suspense as more dark machinations are discovered.
Poppy is a great guy, and wonderful despite what he has been through. Abused for years, he has no idea what is going on in the outside world. He sees Dean as his new Master since he thinks he is only good enough to be a pet. As he learns about things like refrigerators and has his first hot shower, his intelligence begins to show, and he develops the kind of self-confidence that allows him to stand up for himself and show how courageous he really is. He is also quite clever at figuring out what others may want, and he uses those skills to protect Dean and his friends.
Dean is a tough assassin (just like Gage used to be) and it takes him a long time to "get" Poppy. He is fundamentally uncomfortable with the whole Master/pet situation, but realizes that he has to wean Poppy off that idea slowly. Poppy has been a pet ever since he can remember, and once Dean gets his head out of his behind, he can actually really help Poppy. And he does just that. I loved the scenes in the second half of the book when Dean has finally understood how important Poppy is to him—and vice versa.
Like Noah and Gage, Poppy and Dean entertained me, making me follow their amazing discoveries and adventures through sheer force of personality and quirkiness. They fell for each other in very different ways than the first couple, but they are clearly meant to be together. If you like unusual shifters, action/adventure and a lot of revelations that show an even bigger conspiracy than became obvious in book one, and if you enjoy a mentally strong but physically weaker male being protected by a strong alpha male, then you will probably like this book as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Siren Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Poppy is a great guy, and wonderful despite what he has been through. Abused for years, he has no idea what is going on in the outside world. He sees Dean as his new Master since he thinks he is only good enough to be a pet. As he learns about things like refrigerators and has his first hot shower, his intelligence begins to show, and he develops the kind of self-confidence that allows him to stand up for himself and show how courageous he really is. He is also quite clever at figuring out what others may want, and he uses those skills to protect Dean and his friends.
Dean is a tough assassin (just like Gage used to be) and it takes him a long time to "get" Poppy. He is fundamentally uncomfortable with the whole Master/pet situation, but realizes that he has to wean Poppy off that idea slowly. Poppy has been a pet ever since he can remember, and once Dean gets his head out of his behind, he can actually really help Poppy. And he does just that. I loved the scenes in the second half of the book when Dean has finally understood how important Poppy is to him—and vice versa.
Like Noah and Gage, Poppy and Dean entertained me, making me follow their amazing discoveries and adventures through sheer force of personality and quirkiness. They fell for each other in very different ways than the first couple, but they are clearly meant to be together. If you like unusual shifters, action/adventure and a lot of revelations that show an even bigger conspiracy than became obvious in book one, and if you enjoy a mentally strong but physically weaker male being protected by a strong alpha male, then you will probably like this book as much as I did.
NOTE: This book was provided by Siren Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 25, 2023
Another fun exciting read in this series. I’m kind of sad that I don’t see another book yet. I really want a story about Marcus and the little red head he picked up. The saga is definitely not finished, the mystery and many unanswered questions...
August 10, 2016
If Dean wasn’t a master, what was he? Only masters were allowed to walk around without leashes and a collar or even a guard.
Well, if Dean obviously is not a pet and that’s the limit of your knowledge of the types of people that exist, then he could still be a guard, huh? It’s by no means a big deal but that sort of reasoning always gets to me.
Okay, again this story does not bear close scrutiny. Or even mid-distance one. But it just hits the spot for my anyway.
Realism factor: none; enjoyment factor: oh yeah.
I mean, the very relationship here seems suspect and quite wrong. But I am a sucker for nice people doing their best to treat each other well. It’s even okay if they are not the brightest crayons in the box (as is the case here), as long as they genuinely keep an open mind.
Well, my enjoyment took a slight dive when Dean reacted badly (or, more to the point, unreasonably) to .
I’d probably feel a little happier if the story was taking place over a little more than ten days. Hey, even just doubling the time would work for me, allowing better for Poppy’s development. I am on board with most of it (in that huge leap of faith way) but his phrasing when he talks smack towards the end is just too, uh, refined, using too many dedicated phrases to make sense yet. Poppy simply has not had time yet to absorb these phrasings.
I really wish there were more books to this series. As flawed as it is, I’m enjoying it, yet it seems to have been abandoned. :(
Okay. I am already letting a lot slide here, but how was it possible for Noah’s father to .
Aha! Since apparently “Poppy mewled like a well-fucked sex kitten” we finally have an explanation for why that phrase has been popping up in books by Lynn Hagen lately. (Although the author switch is odd.) At least in this story it kind of makes sense (without being too gross to consider). It helps, too, that here the sex part is not omitted from the phrase.
Since I have had good luck with this author during the past few days, I looked through her booklist in search of my next read – only to remember why I began to avoid her work: because of how awful the greater part of the ones I read were. Yeah, this is the author with the split personality. When the evil half takes over, things get really, mind-blowingly awful.
August 16, 2014
This book continues the story from the first. This story involves Dean, Gage's best friend/coworker. Dean wants to find his own mate. He is living with Gage and Noah and works along side of them. He and Gage are still trying to investigate their old boss and find out what shady business they are into. They find out where Marcus is being held. They think it might be a trap but they are willing to still go to save him. Marcus is another from there team that ended up missing.
When Dean shows up at the location, he meets Poppy. Poppy has escaped the facility and is give Dean a message from Marcus that it is a trap. Marcus is being held and was next to Poppy. Marcus is Poppy's first friend and Poppy wants to help Marcus just as much as Dean does. Poor Poppy has been held prisoner for as long as he can remember and thinks that he is/always will be a slave and he has to have a master. He can't explain it but he feels safe and secure with Dean and wants Dean to be his new 'Master'. Dean doesn't want to be anyone's 'Master' but he is very angry that Poppy was mistreated and wants to protect him. Poppy is attached to Dean's hip and doesn't want to be left alone.
Dean feels like it is his mission to protect and re-educate Poppy into the world. What he isn't expecting is that he and Poppy are destined to be mates. He realizes it when they end up having sex. He feels guilty about 'taking advantage' of Poppy. Also Poppy is more than just any shifter. He is more connected to Dean, Gage and Noah than he knows.
As Dean and Poppy's relationship grows, we find out more about Poppy's previous Master and the government they work for. You find out some answers, but you also are left with some more questions. I am happy with this continuation of the series and can't wait to read more.
When Dean shows up at the location, he meets Poppy. Poppy has escaped the facility and is give Dean a message from Marcus that it is a trap. Marcus is being held and was next to Poppy. Marcus is Poppy's first friend and Poppy wants to help Marcus just as much as Dean does. Poor Poppy has been held prisoner for as long as he can remember and thinks that he is/always will be a slave and he has to have a master. He can't explain it but he feels safe and secure with Dean and wants Dean to be his new 'Master'. Dean doesn't want to be anyone's 'Master' but he is very angry that Poppy was mistreated and wants to protect him. Poppy is attached to Dean's hip and doesn't want to be left alone.
Dean feels like it is his mission to protect and re-educate Poppy into the world. What he isn't expecting is that he and Poppy are destined to be mates. He realizes it when they end up having sex. He feels guilty about 'taking advantage' of Poppy. Also Poppy is more than just any shifter. He is more connected to Dean, Gage and Noah than he knows.
As Dean and Poppy's relationship grows, we find out more about Poppy's previous Master and the government they work for. You find out some answers, but you also are left with some more questions. I am happy with this continuation of the series and can't wait to read more.
July 11, 2014
I liked Dean's character, especially his humor. And I even liked all the kitty thing.
But then it became ridiculous. (And for the record I hate Poppy's name. Who names someone 'Poppy'. And of course they were like saying 'Poppy' every two fucking seconds. Urgh.)
The first half of the book, Poppy is a fucking terrified mess and he's like a 6 year old boy seeing unicorns when he discovers something. I can understand that because he was kept prisoner all his life. But what I cannot understand is Dean having sex with him. Poppy is like a kid in a grown man body. He can't possibly have matured enough while being isolated from the world and being abused all his life. It just felt so very wrong for them to have sex. I really can't enjoyed a relationship when one of them is so emotionally immature. It's like taking advantage of a kid.
But then ten days later the guy is totally better and talk back to people? I mean, guys, seriously? Ten days to overcome the hell of a lifetime?!
It was too inconsistent and unrealistic for me. (And the master thing is too cringe-y, not my cup of tea really).
But then it became ridiculous. (And for the record I hate Poppy's name. Who names someone 'Poppy'. And of course they were like saying 'Poppy' every two fucking seconds. Urgh.)
The first half of the book, Poppy is a fucking terrified mess and he's like a 6 year old boy seeing unicorns when he discovers something. I can understand that because he was kept prisoner all his life. But what I cannot understand is Dean having sex with him. Poppy is like a kid in a grown man body. He can't possibly have matured enough while being isolated from the world and being abused all his life. It just felt so very wrong for them to have sex. I really can't enjoyed a relationship when one of them is so emotionally immature. It's like taking advantage of a kid.
But then ten days later the guy is totally better and talk back to people? I mean, guys, seriously? Ten days to overcome the hell of a lifetime?!
It was too inconsistent and unrealistic for me. (And the master thing is too cringe-y, not my cup of tea really).
June 1, 2021
2nd Read April 2021
I loved Dean just as much this time around. Too funny.
First Read 10-4-13
I loved Dean's cat jokes. I laughed so hard. I would have liked more of Poppy's background. We got some, but I wanted to know how became a slave in the first place. And for the love of all things to love could we find out what "his former master's" name is, please. Poppy knows it, he said it himself so why is he still calling him his former master?
Ummm...is there a 3rd coming out because it's kind of open ended.
I loved Dean just as much this time around. Too funny.
First Read 10-4-13
I loved Dean's cat jokes. I laughed so hard. I would have liked more of Poppy's background. We got some, but I wanted to know how became a slave in the first place. And for the love of all things to love could we find out what "his former master's" name is, please. Poppy knows it, he said it himself so why is he still calling him his former master?
Ummm...is there a 3rd coming out because it's kind of open ended.
August 5, 2018
Poppy was just super adorable, but I found Dean to be annoying a lot of the time. He was okay to me at the end of the story. He seemed to enjoy riling people up, or teasing them a majority of the time. The story had it's mad scientist (which I loathe) and evil masters, and I wanted to find out what happened to, Trent, Dean, and Gage's boss. I'd like to know Marcus's story but I guess there's no more to this series. The storyline was cute, and it was amusing reading about Poppy as he learns new things with Dean, and how love strengthened him in the end. =)
December 18, 2012
Utterly ridiculous.
I can't get behind (and believe) characters when I don't feel I know them by the end of the book. This book felt like nothing was there.
And while I love fluff occasionally, I like fluff that makes sense. This didn't. The first half of the book had one set of personalities, and then ALL OF THE SUDDEN, the second half of the book everyone shifted personalities (FOR NO REASON). Worse, the first half and the second half of the book occurred 3 days apart. Ugh.
I can't get behind (and believe) characters when I don't feel I know them by the end of the book. This book felt like nothing was there.
And while I love fluff occasionally, I like fluff that makes sense. This didn't. The first half of the book had one set of personalities, and then ALL OF THE SUDDEN, the second half of the book everyone shifted personalities (FOR NO REASON). Worse, the first half and the second half of the book occurred 3 days apart. Ugh.
January 8, 2013
The second book is a good read, but it doesn't have the same lighthearted banter of the first. The story is still interesting though. I like Poppy as a character. Not really sure how I feel about the big revelation as to who he is, but that doesn't diminish the character in any way for me.
December 24, 2012
creepy childlike nievetee. not hot
January 5, 2019
I do not like how Dean just sexually assaulted Poppy his first night at the state. Poppy is basically a child in an adults body. He tries to give Dean a bj and Dean ends up turning him over, shoving 2 unlubed fingers and then his cock (which hurt a lot, but then turned into lots pleasure). It wasn't what Poppy had signed up for and it happened so quickly that he had no way of saying no, nor could he had because he thinks Dean is his master and he wanted to give him a bj for him to keep him.
Why couldn't Dean had waited until Poppy was better adjusted to start having sex with him. The 1st time was supposedly asleep (bad trick from the author), but the second time the next day he was very aware and even "knew" he was going to hell for it. It is just really uncomfortable to read sex between someone that doesn't know that the goose of the golden eggs ins't real and someone he thinks is his master. this author could have given them a better timeline for their feelings to develop then this wouldn't feel so dirty, rape-y, and disgusting.
Why couldn't Dean had waited until Poppy was better adjusted to start having sex with him. The 1st time was supposedly asleep (bad trick from the author), but the second time the next day he was very aware and even "knew" he was going to hell for it. It is just really uncomfortable to read sex between someone that doesn't know that the goose of the golden eggs ins't real and someone he thinks is his master. this author could have given them a better timeline for their feelings to develop then this wouldn't feel so dirty, rape-y, and disgusting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2018
Poppy has been a pet for as long as he can remember. When a new prisoner is brought in, Poppy risks a lot to help him. This leads to meeting Dean. Dean takes him along when they avoid the trap that Poppy warned them about. Poppy sees Dean as his new master but Dean doesn't want that. Instead he helps Poppy become his own person and not just a pet. Dean and Poppy become mates and it is revealed that Poppy is a relative of Noah. Based on Poppy's help, they rescue Marcus and another man. Still Geraldo's influence is felt as the doctor's assistant kidnaps Noah, Poppy, Marcus and Simon who is the other man. Poppy stands up to his old master and Dean comes to the rescue. Now they have to deal with their prisoners and find out what the doctor knows. I hope to see Marcus and Simon's story soon. For house cats, Noah and Poppy can be vicious and protective of their mates.
May 5, 2025
Okay... was the writing a bit cheesy/Cliche? yes. Was the phrase "his eyebrows shot up" used about 15 times? also, yes. Was this weird and confusing line in the story:
"Poppy’s eyebrows shot up when the man started screeching like a banshee, waving his arms frantically in the air. He really didn’t like being back talked to. “Dude, chill the fuck out before you burst a blood vessel.”.... yes. BUT it fit my hurt/comfort NEED perfectly! Poppy was so cute, scared, and submissive. Kept locked up so long he had no idea how basic things worked and that just squeezes my heart perfectly so ofc I had to give it at least 4 stars. Poppy's personality did do a really crazy fast progression in the last few chapters that were a bit jarring, but the first 80% of the book Poppy was my perfect subby puppy male protagonist.
"Poppy’s eyebrows shot up when the man started screeching like a banshee, waving his arms frantically in the air. He really didn’t like being back talked to. “Dude, chill the fuck out before you burst a blood vessel.”.... yes. BUT it fit my hurt/comfort NEED perfectly! Poppy was so cute, scared, and submissive. Kept locked up so long he had no idea how basic things worked and that just squeezes my heart perfectly so ofc I had to give it at least 4 stars. Poppy's personality did do a really crazy fast progression in the last few chapters that were a bit jarring, but the first 80% of the book Poppy was my perfect subby puppy male protagonist.
December 16, 2017
4.5 stars. I’m hoping that at some point in the future, the author comes back to this series as there is so much left to do. I loved Poppy, once he broke out of his shell, he was a badass. I wanted to see the bad guys killed for what they did.
December 5, 2018
On the edge of my seat
There are lots of twists and turns in this plot. Totally looking forward to the next in the series and I really enjoyed Poppy's character development. Hoping for more in the next book!
There are lots of twists and turns in this plot. Totally looking forward to the next in the series and I really enjoyed Poppy's character development. Hoping for more in the next book!
October 11, 2023
I need more!!
These books were great!! They were fresh and new and made me cry and laugh and I need more, books for everyone please Cat Man, Marcus, the other assassin cat man etc etc. Full series please!!
These books were great!! They were fresh and new and made me cry and laugh and I need more, books for everyone please Cat Man, Marcus, the other assassin cat man etc etc. Full series please!!
May 26, 2017
Didn't like the characters as much as the first one but not horrible
March 20, 2018
I totally loved this one, I know this one was a slight different from Assassin's Pride 1 and i think is refreshing, anyway, I hope soon Stormu Gleen come backs with this series
July 12, 2018
Ich liebe diesen Teil. Actionreich, spannend, liebevoll und voller neuer Erfahrungen.
Man sieht die Welt durch ganz andere Augen.
Man sieht die Welt durch ganz andere Augen.
January 19, 2019
2.8 stars
August 11, 2022
Too bad this series wasn't continued.
January 13, 2017
Хорошо, потому что секс не на каждой странице,а то Сторми часто заносит в ПВП. Дин очень харизматичный персонаж, мне понравился.
November 24, 2012
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This story is part of a series and I recommend it be read in order. Poppy has lived a life of hell, even knowing he could be hurt Poppy tries to save his friend Marcus and Marcus’s friends from a deadly trap, never knowing that one of the men he tries to save will change his life forever. Dean is set to find his friend Marcus and is astounded when a badly abused little guy saves them from ambush, Poppy clings to him and Dean respond’s and they are both shocked at the outcome, but they still have to save Marcus and they discover far more than they originally thought.
Finally after a two year wait we get a sequel to The Cat’s Meow, yes I know it was a long time but this was well worth the wait, so for those of you who haven’t got a mind like mine (which is like a steel trap) you might want to re-read The Cat’s Meow just to remind yourself who the players are. Dean was an assassin for a Government branch just called The Agency, but when Gage mates with the King of the cat shifters they all decide to give up that life to protect Noah. When they go to retrieve Marcus they discover it’s a trap when they are approached by Poppy, Dean becomes Poppy’s protector and then much more. Poppy has been a slave for as long as he can remember, he will do anything to help his friend Marcus and when he is taken back to the pride he wants Dean to be his new master and they both get more than they bargained for.
This is a wonderful little novel that has a great storyline which will interest you, Poppy is a very submissive character that has been badly abused, he is also a character that has a great twist to his story. Dean is a very strong character but not an aggressive dominate, he will reluctantly take on the role that Poppy needs though. There’s a great planned out storyline unfolding, with what looks like Government secrets about to spill out and the characters are left wondering just who they can trust.
I was really happy with how this story played out with both Poppy and Dean making a great impression, Poppy with his wide eyed innocence and Dean with his reluctant compassionate dominance, both characters have to find their feet in their relationship but rather than continue to enforce domination Dean tries to ease Poppy out of his slave mind-set. The sex between them is very hot and I liked how there wasn’t sex on every page, I really enjoyed how involved both Noah and Gage were in this story but it was very clear they were just supporting characters and blended well into the background when needed.
I am recommending this to those who love slightly different shifters, rescues, secrets, dark dealings and connecting the dots, compassionate men, hot soldiers, hot sex and a very good ending that left me hoping that it won’t be another two years for the next book ;-) P.S. Note to editor, not impressed that Braden’s name changed to Brandon on pages 108 and 109.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This story is part of a series and I recommend it be read in order. Poppy has lived a life of hell, even knowing he could be hurt Poppy tries to save his friend Marcus and Marcus’s friends from a deadly trap, never knowing that one of the men he tries to save will change his life forever. Dean is set to find his friend Marcus and is astounded when a badly abused little guy saves them from ambush, Poppy clings to him and Dean respond’s and they are both shocked at the outcome, but they still have to save Marcus and they discover far more than they originally thought.
Finally after a two year wait we get a sequel to The Cat’s Meow, yes I know it was a long time but this was well worth the wait, so for those of you who haven’t got a mind like mine (which is like a steel trap) you might want to re-read The Cat’s Meow just to remind yourself who the players are. Dean was an assassin for a Government branch just called The Agency, but when Gage mates with the King of the cat shifters they all decide to give up that life to protect Noah. When they go to retrieve Marcus they discover it’s a trap when they are approached by Poppy, Dean becomes Poppy’s protector and then much more. Poppy has been a slave for as long as he can remember, he will do anything to help his friend Marcus and when he is taken back to the pride he wants Dean to be his new master and they both get more than they bargained for.
This is a wonderful little novel that has a great storyline which will interest you, Poppy is a very submissive character that has been badly abused, he is also a character that has a great twist to his story. Dean is a very strong character but not an aggressive dominate, he will reluctantly take on the role that Poppy needs though. There’s a great planned out storyline unfolding, with what looks like Government secrets about to spill out and the characters are left wondering just who they can trust.
I was really happy with how this story played out with both Poppy and Dean making a great impression, Poppy with his wide eyed innocence and Dean with his reluctant compassionate dominance, both characters have to find their feet in their relationship but rather than continue to enforce domination Dean tries to ease Poppy out of his slave mind-set. The sex between them is very hot and I liked how there wasn’t sex on every page, I really enjoyed how involved both Noah and Gage were in this story but it was very clear they were just supporting characters and blended well into the background when needed.
I am recommending this to those who love slightly different shifters, rescues, secrets, dark dealings and connecting the dots, compassionate men, hot soldiers, hot sex and a very good ending that left me hoping that it won’t be another two years for the next book ;-) P.S. Note to editor, not impressed that Braden’s name changed to Brandon on pages 108 and 109.
May 5, 2016
I read the first book, The Cat’s Meow, two years ago so I had to go back and skim through it to refresh myself. Gage, Dean, Marcus and Steele are all Assassins for a government group called The Agency. In the first book Gage mates with Noah and after the first time they have sex it releases dormant cat shifter traits in Noah. Much to their surprise, Noah is royalty and is the King of the cat shifters. The assassins give up their positions at The Agency in order to help Gage protect Noah.
Poppy has been a slave all of his life. He has had many Masters but his current Master is the worst one he has ever had. He is frequently beaten and abused but, thankfully, never sexually abused and is still a virgin. Despite being beaten for it, he has been sneaking the new captive, Marcus, food whenever he can. Marcus knows that his friends will be coming for him and he convinces Poppy to escape and intercept them to let them know that they will be walking into a trap. Despite being afraid, Poppy does what Marcus asks of him and gets to Dean and the other men before they reach his Master’s property.
Dean is an assassin and has lived his life keeping people away from his heart. When he meets Poppy and sees his bruised and battered face, all of his protective instincts come out. Poppy immediately clings to Dean and he reluctantly takes it upon himself to care for and teach Poppy that he is no longer a slave. Poppy so submissive and naïve and Dean finds it frustrating at times but he always shows Poppy great care and compassion. Dean is a dominant personality, but he is not a Dom, and under his careful guidance Poppy is able to let go of most of his slave mind-set and realize his worth. Their relationship, at Poppy’s initiative, quickly turns sexual and they are both in for a surprise. The men navigate through the huge changes in their life together and manage to find love.
There is a good amount of action in the story and the continuation of a plot line that will lead to great sequels. The writing was good, the story is exciting and the sex between Dean and Poppy was hot. I am particularly pleased in Ms. Glenn’s portrayal of Poppy. His wide eyed innocence and naivete could have been very juvenile and annoying, yet he never came across that way to me. I wanted to hug the man for the bad things that have happened to him and I cheered for him while finding his independence and self worth. I really enjoyed this book very much, even more than the first book and that doesn’t happen to me very often. I am looking forward to seeing Marcus in the next installment in the Assassin’s Pride series.
Reviewed for www.heartsonfirereviews.com
Poppy has been a slave all of his life. He has had many Masters but his current Master is the worst one he has ever had. He is frequently beaten and abused but, thankfully, never sexually abused and is still a virgin. Despite being beaten for it, he has been sneaking the new captive, Marcus, food whenever he can. Marcus knows that his friends will be coming for him and he convinces Poppy to escape and intercept them to let them know that they will be walking into a trap. Despite being afraid, Poppy does what Marcus asks of him and gets to Dean and the other men before they reach his Master’s property.
Dean is an assassin and has lived his life keeping people away from his heart. When he meets Poppy and sees his bruised and battered face, all of his protective instincts come out. Poppy immediately clings to Dean and he reluctantly takes it upon himself to care for and teach Poppy that he is no longer a slave. Poppy so submissive and naïve and Dean finds it frustrating at times but he always shows Poppy great care and compassion. Dean is a dominant personality, but he is not a Dom, and under his careful guidance Poppy is able to let go of most of his slave mind-set and realize his worth. Their relationship, at Poppy’s initiative, quickly turns sexual and they are both in for a surprise. The men navigate through the huge changes in their life together and manage to find love.
There is a good amount of action in the story and the continuation of a plot line that will lead to great sequels. The writing was good, the story is exciting and the sex between Dean and Poppy was hot. I am particularly pleased in Ms. Glenn’s portrayal of Poppy. His wide eyed innocence and naivete could have been very juvenile and annoying, yet he never came across that way to me. I wanted to hug the man for the bad things that have happened to him and I cheered for him while finding his independence and self worth. I really enjoyed this book very much, even more than the first book and that doesn’t happen to me very often. I am looking forward to seeing Marcus in the next installment in the Assassin’s Pride series.
Reviewed for www.heartsonfirereviews.com
March 4, 2013
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
Author Stormy Glenn somehow made a house cat into the most feared creature around. Yes, these kind, sweet shifters will have the fur flying and the claws out in a instance if you challenge their mates; and whether Dean likes it or not he is Poppy’s mate.
With a captivating plot line and inspiring characters this story seems to end far too quickly. Of all the characters in the story, Poppy stole my heart. Dean found him a broken man having suffered years of abuse. While someone else would have fallen apart to the point of no return, Poppy seemed to pull the pieces together to not only help himself, but those around him. His naiveness also made him entertaining. Poppy made me reflect on the simple things in life and try to appreciate them as if they were new experiences. He is a character that will stick with me for a long time, and brings a smile to my face at just the thought of him. While Poppy found a way to get past the way he was mistreated, it became a driving force in creating who he is. It created a completely submissive and subservient individual. Readers may find some parts of his past a bit disturbing because, while Dean has no wish to be Poppy’s master, his former masters have not always been kind to him.
Dean’s smart mouth may annoy everyone around him, but for me it just entertained. I have met some humorous characters in the past, but none of them can hold a candle to Dean. His quick wit just seems to come so naturally to his character that I could only appreciate his antics. While he may like to poke fun at others one thing he does not take lightly however is his duty to protect others and do what is right. I came to appreciate his smart mouth because I knew that it probably helped him cope with his job as an assassin. I would think that trying to lighten things up when off duty helps him to be able to handle what needs to be done while on duty.
The conflict in this story is a driving force. It throws the characters together as well as gives them something to start to develop a relationship around. It also plays a role in who they are as individuals as well as together. It also allowed me to meet a plethora of supporting characters who each had their own attributes whether good or bad. I was so enthralled with the story that I had not realized how long it had been, and was not ready for it to end. I cannot wait to read the next installment of the Assassin’s Pride Series.
Author Stormy Glenn somehow made a house cat into the most feared creature around. Yes, these kind, sweet shifters will have the fur flying and the claws out in a instance if you challenge their mates; and whether Dean likes it or not he is Poppy’s mate.
With a captivating plot line and inspiring characters this story seems to end far too quickly. Of all the characters in the story, Poppy stole my heart. Dean found him a broken man having suffered years of abuse. While someone else would have fallen apart to the point of no return, Poppy seemed to pull the pieces together to not only help himself, but those around him. His naiveness also made him entertaining. Poppy made me reflect on the simple things in life and try to appreciate them as if they were new experiences. He is a character that will stick with me for a long time, and brings a smile to my face at just the thought of him. While Poppy found a way to get past the way he was mistreated, it became a driving force in creating who he is. It created a completely submissive and subservient individual. Readers may find some parts of his past a bit disturbing because, while Dean has no wish to be Poppy’s master, his former masters have not always been kind to him.
Dean’s smart mouth may annoy everyone around him, but for me it just entertained. I have met some humorous characters in the past, but none of them can hold a candle to Dean. His quick wit just seems to come so naturally to his character that I could only appreciate his antics. While he may like to poke fun at others one thing he does not take lightly however is his duty to protect others and do what is right. I came to appreciate his smart mouth because I knew that it probably helped him cope with his job as an assassin. I would think that trying to lighten things up when off duty helps him to be able to handle what needs to be done while on duty.
The conflict in this story is a driving force. It throws the characters together as well as gives them something to start to develop a relationship around. It also plays a role in who they are as individuals as well as together. It also allowed me to meet a plethora of supporting characters who each had their own attributes whether good or bad. I was so enthralled with the story that I had not realized how long it had been, and was not ready for it to end. I cannot wait to read the next installment of the Assassin’s Pride Series.
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December 10, 2013Sometime you need serious, sometime you need playful… Poppy’s Pleasure is a pretty little story. Poppy is a cuteness overloaded character who is completely unaware of the danger he is for other men… not cause “he” is dangerous, but cause he can provoke an overdose of prettiness to the chosen companion. And I’m totally saying this with a positive perspective, it’s not easy to write a character like this one without falling into ridiculousness, but Stormy Glenn managed it without any stumble (maybe that is due to her experience with this character type).
Poppy is naïve cause he has always lived as a slave; he doesn’t have any memories of a previous different life, he doesn’t know there is any different life. Poppy truly believes the world is divided into Masters and slaves and that he is born slave and destined to be one. He is not a broken man, he still has a backbone, but he doesn’t know stubbornness, he doesn’t know rebellion, and so, most of the time, his attempts to escape that life always end with him being beaten and left half dead. The only lucky event in his life, for a reason that we will understand only later in the story, Poppy has passed from Master to Master with a contract that states he isn’t a sexual slave, and that he cannot be used for that purpose. So other than being naïve of life, Poppy is also naïve of sex.
Dean is on a rescue mission for one of his fellow Government Agency assassin, but instead of finding Marcus, he stumbles into Poppy and from that moment on, Poppy recognizes him as his Master, like a little duck with its mother hen, imprinting, and Dean cannot really leave him otherwise Poppy will have a mental breakdown. Dean becomes Poppy’s protector, lover, companion, and every other words you can imagine to describe a relationship that is more than love, it’s death or life.
As I said, sometime I need my overdose of cuteness.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AD9WJ3O/?...
Poppy is naïve cause he has always lived as a slave; he doesn’t have any memories of a previous different life, he doesn’t know there is any different life. Poppy truly believes the world is divided into Masters and slaves and that he is born slave and destined to be one. He is not a broken man, he still has a backbone, but he doesn’t know stubbornness, he doesn’t know rebellion, and so, most of the time, his attempts to escape that life always end with him being beaten and left half dead. The only lucky event in his life, for a reason that we will understand only later in the story, Poppy has passed from Master to Master with a contract that states he isn’t a sexual slave, and that he cannot be used for that purpose. So other than being naïve of life, Poppy is also naïve of sex.
Dean is on a rescue mission for one of his fellow Government Agency assassin, but instead of finding Marcus, he stumbles into Poppy and from that moment on, Poppy recognizes him as his Master, like a little duck with its mother hen, imprinting, and Dean cannot really leave him otherwise Poppy will have a mental breakdown. Dean becomes Poppy’s protector, lover, companion, and every other words you can imagine to describe a relationship that is more than love, it’s death or life.
As I said, sometime I need my overdose of cuteness.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AD9WJ3O/?...
December 10, 2012
I had to re-read the first book before starting this. I so hope I won't have to wait two years again for the next sequel.
I always thought that Dean had a sick sense of humour... and apparently he still has it. It will be his downfall if he doesn't calm down. *le sigh* XD -Actually, I have to say that I never really liked Dean even in the first book, but...-
So, And no, Dean, Poppy's not cuter than Noah-- Oh dear, I'm talking to a book character! O__o lol
I'm so glad to have seen Noah (and Gage) again. I have a feeling that the next book will be about
Anyway, I'm sorry to say that although I did like this book, I didn't liked it as much as the first.
I always thought that Dean had a sick sense of humour... and apparently he still has it. It will be his downfall if he doesn't calm down. *le sigh* XD -Actually, I have to say that I never really liked Dean even in the first book, but...-
So, And no, Dean, Poppy's not cuter than Noah-- Oh dear, I'm talking to a book character! O__o lol
I'm so glad to have seen Noah (and Gage) again. I have a feeling that the next book will be about
Anyway, I'm sorry to say that although I did like this book, I didn't liked it as much as the first.
September 22, 2014
Rushed, clichéd and anti-climatic which is actually quite hard to achieve when one of your main characters is an assassin, which was also the only reason why I even picked this book up in the first place. I am actually amazed how one can make an assassin look boring. Seriously. Anyway it was done and I was not particularly happy with this development. Took quite the enjoyment out of this story for me and made it look all ordinary and crappy. Ugh. I did "like" the main plot behind the idiotic romance. I had previously read the first book and, while about as poorly written as this one, it did awoke my curiosity about the direction of the main plot and ultimately led me to reading this book. Not sure if happy or not about doing so though...so I'm not sure if I'll bother keeping an eye out for more books. Certainly doesn't feel worthy right now. Too much inconsistency for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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