In Like a Lion

The Chimera Chronicles #1

by Karin Shah

Research scientist Dr. Anjali Mehta lost her beloved family in an earthquake. Only her work cuts through the paralyzing grief, but when she finds her new research subject, reputed mass murderer Jake Finn, maddeningly uncooperative and inexplicably sexy she's tempted to run away. How can she burn to touch a man behind bars—a killer?

What she doesn't know is that Jake is a chimera, a shapeshifter who can change into a lion or a dragon with all the strengths of both even in human form, who believes his ability to shape shift is nothing but a terrifying hallucination and his overpowering attraction to his new doctor proof positive he’s finally gone over the edge.

And the employer she trusts has an agenda all his own. If she can't believe the impossible, neither she nor Jake may make it out alive.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Erotica

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2012

About the author

I picked up my first Harlequin presents at age 11 and proceeded to voraciously read every kind of Romance under the sun, but fell in love with the wild side, Scence Fiction Romance, Paranormal Romance, and Fantasy Romance.
After getting my degree in English as a Writing Art at SUNY Oswego and a Masters in Library Science at the University of Buffalo, I worked as a school librarian for five years in Webster, NY, before chasing my dream of publication.
I live with my family and two dogs( a basenji and a vizsla) in Columbus, Ohio.

Reviews

[The BookChick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: ★★★★★

Book Description:
Research scientist Dr. Anjali Mehta lost her beloved family in an earthquake. Only her work cuts through the paralyzing grief, but when she finds her new research subject, reputed mass murderer Jake Finn, maddeningly uncooperative and inexplicably sexy she's tempted to run away. How can she burn to touch a man behind bars—a killer?

What she doesn't know is that Jake is a chimera, a shapeshifter who can change into a lion or a dragon with all the strengths of both even in human form, who believes his ability to shape shift is nothing but a terrifying hallucination and his overpowering attraction to his new doctor proof positive he’s finally gone over the edge.

And the employer she trusts has an agenda all his own. If she can't believe the impossible, neither she nor Jake may make it out alive.

My Thoughts:
In Like a Lion was an amazing and intense journey of a young man uncovering his "moreness" through extreme adversity and finding love and family in the process.

Ok, I'm going to begin my review by saying that I didn't have high expectations for this story from reading the book blurb. Sure, sure, sure...a chimera...interesting stuff in the paranormal realm, but...really? A chimera? How interesting could that book be, right?!?!

O.M.G. Boy was I wrong on that score. In Like a Lion had me fully engaged in the story from minute one. I started reading the book at 10:00 pm last night and had to struggle to put it down at 45%. The characters were well thought out, multidimensional, and compelling. You feel Jake's plight as he struggles with his sanity. You feel Anjali's internal battle as she fights her attraction for Jake.

This story was well told and the plot twists and turns kept my rapt attention. Ms. Shah did an excellent job spinning a tale that was full of romance, intrigue, and thrill. The reader is drawn into a world of fact vs. fiction as the characters struggle to unveil the hidden truths of their reality. Very well done!

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique shifter story that contains a high impact story that will knock your socks off :).

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Reading Time: 5.5 Hours

For more reviews, visit The BookChick with Kick blog

[Mina Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, this was a 3.75 stars for me.

Here's what worked for me:

1. It was nice to find a Indian woman as the lead. The author does a great job adding in cultural details that make the character real. Kudos!

2. Loved Jake! For one, he's a chimera and that was pretty cool in terms of shifters. But also, he's a very sympathetic character. I was rooting for him from the get go.

Here's what didn't quite work for me:

1. Pacing. The story started off a bit slow for me and there are lots of sections that seemed to be mainly in the hero or heroine's head.

2. The world rules were a bit confusing -- at points it seemed as if Jake and Anjali are not aware of chimeras, but then in other places there are references that seemed to indicate that they know what they are dealing with.

3. Some of Anjali's reactions were a bit off. For example, when Jake share's that his foster father tried to sexually abuse him, she has no reaction. But a little later, she thinks of hims as a 11-year-old on the streets alone and tears up.

Overall, I enjoyed the read.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review. This was a part of the PNR Na/UBA author/reader exchange program.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/18/2021)! 🎁

[Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. It really grabbed me right from the start. These characters have a way of finding their way into your heart, they make you really care. I felt like I was right there with them, with all that action. I found myself holding my breath a few times to see how they would get themselves out of all these bad situations. It’s like a paranormal suspense/action book, and I loved it.

I don’t think I have read any books like this, with the Chimera, and the myth of the chimera was shared in this book, and was excellent, and I was glad it was provided.

I always have liked books with shifters in them, but this one was very different than most I have read, and I really liked it.
I also liked that the focus on this book was not on the romance, I do enjoy romance in my books but like it better when its not the focus.

I do not want to give away anything important, so am going to try to be careful here.

Here is a nice teaser for you, showing some of the romance:

A shiver rippled through her as she remembered the excitement of his touch. Her skin tingled.He glanced at her. His pupils expanded and she realized he could detect her renewed arousal. He slid his hand inside the open collar of her blouse, wrapped it around the back of her neck, and dragged her close. Despite the urgent intensity on his face, his mouth met hers softly in a kiss so tender she wanted to cry. Again she wondered what she was doing. She wouldn’t risk her heart and he’d suffered enough. He pulled away, resting his forehead on hers. “I will keep you safe.”The words were a vow, but something about the way he said them sent a shaft of fear rocketing through her. Air snagged in her throat. “What are you going to do?”

This book is written really well too. I love the action and suspense too.
Here is a bit of an action part:

He punched her, knocking her head back on her neck. Pain watered her eyes, but it didn’t hurt as much it probably should have. She lowered her chin and smiled. “Ouch.” Now she was just pissed off. “You really want to die, don’t you?” She wheeled and slammed her elbow back and up, into his temple. He crumpled. She rubbed her elbow. The man had a skull like concrete.She could thank a self-defense course at the Y for that move. Her gaze found the third man. Something in her face made him swallow. She wondered if her eyes were reflecting the starlight.

I love when we get a kick butt female along with the male. Its awesome. I highly recommend this book. It really is a gripping read, and I had a really hard time putting it down to sleep, who needs sleep? Lol

5 out of 5 stars.

I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read this was. Dr. Anjali Mehta begins working at Kincaid labs and while there is assigned to work with supposed murderer Jake Finn. Jake thinks he is mentally ill and remembers little of life outside the lab. They develope feelings for each other and as the story unfolds they end up on the run, heading across the US looking for Jake's brothers. Along the way they find action, adventure and romance.

I was interested in reading this book as I am a fan of shifter stories and I had never read a book about a chimera before. Chimera's have three forms; human, dragon and lion. Not only do we learn about chimeras & get to know Jake, we also find that he has a bunch of brothers who we still have yet to meet. I personally am a sucker for the tortured hero and Jake's character was an example of well that can be done. Anjali was a kick butt heroine and the first middle eastern female I have read about in a story. I was really pleased with all the chances this author took and I felt it was a really well done & unique story. Anyone who enjoys paranormal reads should check this out. I am sure I will be continuing with this series.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review. This was a part of the PNR Na/UBA author/reader exhange program.

[Paris (kerbytejas) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book with no expectations, and was surprised that I liked it as much as I did. If I were to go by the books cover and the back cover blurb, I might have put it back down. The book had been recommended to me by one of my GoodReads peers, but still I resisted getting it. Luckily for me an opportunity arose to read the book for an honest review - so here it is.
In Like a Lion, is a book filled with intrigue, danger, romance, learning to trust, finding & overcoming ones nature. The myth of the chimera as shared in the book was excellent and I really enjoyed it and was glad it was provided. This book presented many first for me, two of those being:
1) I have never read a book where the central lead character was a chimera
2) I have never read a book where the heroine was of East Indian decent, and cultural elements played a role in the story.
Seeing Jakes plight, and feeling his pain as he has come to think he is losing his mind, is sad, but once Dr. Anjali Mehta comes on the scene things start to heat up and the action starts. Long story short, Jake is free d in an escape plan cooked up by Anjali, unable to run without her due to his deep feelings for her, they have many an adventure while on the lam, and end up bonding in the process. I did found that this part of the book a bit long and drawn out to me – for me it could have been shorted.
The parallel story line about Jakes’ brother Ky searching for the 5 remaining brothers, left some gaps for me, I also do not know who was sleeping or in stasis in Ky’s upstairs room. I felt that additional time could have been spent expanding this part of the story as I feel it will have a purpose in the follow on book. I also want to know how Ky has avoided going over the edge as he is 30 years old or more and had not mated.
All in all an enjoyable book, the writing is well done, there is plenty of action and intrigue to satisfy, the love story is soft , youthful and tender, and the personal discoveries our H/h make well worth the read
I was given this book by the author for an honest review

[Iris Hunter (InstagramREADS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Research scientist Dr. Anjali Mehta lost her beloved family in an earthquake. With her new job she also finds her new research subject, reputed mass murderer Jake Finn. Somehow she doesn't think it is strange she is accepted for this job with so little work experience. But Jake Finn make it up. He was maddeningly uncooperative before she arrived but getting better to handle when she started working there, he is very sexy and dominating. Anjali is tempted to run away but how can she leave Jake behind. De man that is intriguing and can't wait to touch!

After working there for a few days, Anjali finds out there is more to Jake than meets the sexy eye. By accident she finds out he is not human but a shape shifter who can change into a lion or a dragon or combine the strength of both. And with the animal feelings he has for Anjali only makes it harder to handle.

Karin Shah has written an thrilling story with the caged Jake. And the addicting tension between Anjali and Jake. In like a Lion contains all the right elements you are looking for in a shifter romance. But the good plot is a nice bonus.

I specially like the character Anjali,of course while reading the story you know from the start that Anjali's employers are behind the whole thing. But that doesn't make is less fun to read about. Karin Shah has done a great story that is hard to stop. So be aware that when start reading this book your are compelled to read it to the end.

I recommend this book to all shifter and paranormal romance lovers. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did.

4 star

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Anjali Mehta is hired by Kincaid Group to research Jake Finn. She doesn't expect to be attracted to Jake yet she is. Anjali finds that pities Jake for his lack of love and understanding he receives from others. Jake Finn has been locked up for so long he doesn't really remember what it's like to be outside except when he escaped three years ago. Jake has been told that he's mentally ill yet wonders why he can smell emotions of another person. Gareth Kincaid knows what Jake Finn really is a chimera with two forms:a lion and a dragon. Gareth has been looking for Jake's mate and thinks that Dr. Anjali Mehta is the one. Kyle Marra has been searching for his brothers especially Jake. Anjali hatches a plan for Jake to escape from Kincaid Group Facility to try and reach Kyle. There are unexpected circumstances that change these plans. Can either Jake or Anjali admit their feelings? What is the Kincaid Group all about? Is Anjali really Jake's mate? Your answers await you In Like a Lion.

This novel was pleasant surprise in many ways. I've reas alot of shapeshifter books but this appealed to be on a basic level. Being able to hone in on someone's emotions thru scent was truly unique and unexpected. I find chimera's fascinating creatures and largely overlooked in books. I thought the author tackled possible sticky points rather nicely. I look forward to next installment in series.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it! I love shifter's anyways, now a story with lions and dragons, just awesome!! Reading through it brings back thoughts of, how scientist work. Always trying to disect what they dont know. Anjali a young dr and her first patient at her new job, is a murder Jake Fin.
Jake has been shuffled around since he was little. In and out of a "treatment" facility because of his illness. Anyone can see why Jake has self esteem issues.
Anjali's new job test all her scientific theories, trying to deal with that is only a cover. She has had so much loss in her life, She now focus' on work. Jake being a loaner and Anjali not wanting to love again just to lost it, will have to learn to let go.
The sex scenes are more tamer than the beasts they portray. But the story line and a bit of intrigue makes up for the lack of heated scenes. So walk with Jake and Anjali and find out they are more than theyve bargained for. Guilt, love, sadness comes to head not only for them but for a family in the midst of finding each other. Enjoy

[BBMoreB ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although, there were a few rough patches this paranormal romance book included lots of goodies. Karin Shah created an incredible faction of characters with lots of promising future storylines. Initially, I was intrigued by the uniqueness of Jake’s duality, but ultimately it was his allegiance that solidified his character. I had a difficult time identifying with the heroine, Anjali, mostly because at times she felt like a secondary character. However, all of individual characters have very distinctive personalities; even the villains.

The author did a remarkable job of providing vivid descriptions. Her imagery made the story easy to visualize - the scenes developed naturally. The pace at which the story unfolded felt unsteady; the romance was hurried and the suspense was often slow.


Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge by Bewitching Book Tours for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In like a lion is a good read about a chimera pack searching for there mates.

All chimeras are different and Jake can change into a Lion and a Dragon, troubłe Is He doesn't know what he is and thinks his crazy!

Jake is currently being held, and he meets a new lady scientist there to study him. What they don't expect is to feel a connection to each other. They don't realise they're both pawns in someone else's game.

Jake is a hunk of a man, his about to learn a lot about himself quickly, will he accept the truth...... Can he trust this lady he feels connected to, even if he does can he keep her safe.

I loved the fact he could change into either creature, made it very interesting.

An enjoyable read mixing adventure, romance and twists and turns.

I look forward to next in series.

* I received an arch this book for an honest review *

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

Wow! What a ride! Ms. Shah writes a paranormal, action-packed love story that rivals even Christine Feehan and Nalini Singh!

Read full review in February 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[PepperP0t · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still mourning the loss of her family, research scientist Dr. Anjali Mehta is starting life over in LA. On the first day of her new job, Anjali has a self guided tour and is drawn to a co-worker that fulfills her idea of a perfect male. But he isn't, Anjali has just spied the rock star of The Kincaid Institute, mass murder, Jake Quinn.

There's nothing Jake would like more than listen, talk to Anjali and inhale her scent and he doesn't mean to be uncooperative with Anjali during their very first session. Jake can't help it, the delusions of being a lion wreaks havoc with his memories and it doesn't help when Anjali's untrustworthy boss, Gareth Kincaid, comes to spy on their session.

Under constant guard in an asylum cage, Jake's at the mercy of Gareth and the sadistic guard's verbal abuse. Unsure if he really has mental issues or if he's a freak of nature, Jake's torn as the guard's taunts sadden the man and anger the beast within though both are enamored of Anjali. The only thing Jake wants as much as Anjali is freedom.

Jake's confused by his growing emotions and abilities that seem to have been triggered by Anjali, he opens to her as he never has while Anjali finds herself more attracted and protective of Jake daily. Having answers about Jake that Jake himself doesn't have, diabolical Gareth manipulates Jake and Anjali as his plans for the future solidify.

For my taste, a few incongruous actions and active leaps without transitions, no explanation for the cultural words and references, plus the pace upsetting formal writing can be forgiven for a foundation tale or new author. While number of them was annoying, but they didn't detract much from the well conceived storyline that could've been executed better.
Rating 3.25stars

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Like a Lion

I can't wait to see what the next brother will get up to. I never expected Jake didn't know he was a shifter, I thought he really had messed up. I wish they had killed Kincaid so he can't convince anyone else to come after them.

[Janet Swiftbird · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tail of love

Interesting tale of the Chimera. Good storyline with fast paced action and a good HEA.
Can Anjali find love after losing everyone she has loved?

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but not enough to continue the series.

Cheers

[Stacy McKitrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. Nice romance, some suspense, and NO CLIFFHANGERS! Yay!

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot happens in this first book in the Chimera Chronicles series as we're introduced to a family of brothers separated a birth to keep them safe. In In Like a Lion brother Jake is unaware of his abilities. A nefarious businessman has convinced him that he's a killer with mental issues and has kept him under lock and key doing tests on him. Jake remembers nothing of his early years but growing up was full of painful moments. He knows he's different from others and is scared of what he's capable of and the dreams he has. It's not until a new doctor comes to work that he realizes what he's truly capable of and a connection forms between them that changes their futures forever.

Anjali has been alone since the death of her family and cut herself off from others for fear that she'll lose someone else. She's smart and strong-willed but has been living in a box not wanting to put herself on the line. She finds herself instantly attracted to the men behind the bars though and quickly realizes that what she's been told about him is nothing but lies and that she's his only hope to escape being put to death. They're soon on the run to reconnect with a long lost brother and the changes that Anjali noticed upon meeting Jake soon transform her forever and forge a deeper bond between them.

The sexual tension is palpable once these two meet and as the action and suspense take off on a life or death journey there's a constant sense of fear. Their escape takes them from the city to the desert to Las Vegas in a bloody and heartpounding rampage. Luckily there's time for a bit of sexual healing along the way that is satisfying but seems a bit out of place considering they're running for their lives. Their final encounter with the bad guys unearths a villainous plot that is just scratching the surface and promises to rear its ugly head again.

With so much happening and so many characters introduced it's easy to get bogged down and lose track of who's who. This didn't ruin the story for me but did lead to a reread of certain passages. With a few strong and sexy brothers left to meet though and a loss of control for those not mated by the age of thirty, there's still plenty of drama ahead in this paranormal series that shows us lions, dragons, and witches. In Like a Lion had a fast pace with lots of suspense and action and a likable couple that you rooted for every step of the way. I look forward to discovering more of these sexually tempting brothers and recommend this exciting paranormal story to others.

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ I received an RC via Paranormal Cravings Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆

Dr. Anjali Mehta



is a woman bent on living the rest of her lonely existence alone after a tragic earthquake takes the lives of her entire family. Heartbroken and trying to start anew, Anjali takes on a new job at Kincaid labs, thinking nothing out of the ordinary will occur, but boy, is she wrong!! Her very first patient, Jake Finn-



a convicted serial killer who can shape shift into two very different forms (a lion and a dragon, to be exact),



is everything Anjali is afraid of. He is good looking, deadly, mysterious, and makes her feel something she thought had died along with her family.

The more time they spend together, the more Anjali’s empty void begins to fill and Jake’s insecurities begin to diminish.

In turn, they learn about a lot about themselves and each other, as well as, figuring out their place in life and rising to their true potential despite past and current obscurities.

My thoughts: Anjali and Jake were an interesting pair, as both come from different backgrounds and completely opposite plights and mindsets, but somehow, they made it work and complemented each other very well.

They in a way, brought a beacon of light and a sense of loyalty and balance to the other despite when things got tough. I mean, you would have thought that after escaping the lab that Jake would have dumped and forgotten Anjali on his quest to find his brothers but that was NOT the case at all. I liked that.

Not to mention, the sex scenes. That was another plus for me as not only do I enjoy love scenes but these in particular were very mild but tasteful. Very refreshing from what I’m accustomed to!

♥I definitely recommend In Like A Lion for all lovers of paranormal romance!!♥

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ 3 Chimera Stars ~ 

In Like a Lion is book one of the Chimera Chronicles by Karin Shah. As first books in a series goes this one is a decent start. I was pulled into reading this book by its cover and the blurb.

Anjali Mehta our human scientist/heroine hired to work with Jake Finn our prisoner was hard to relate too and at some points I got frustrated with her self-pity attitude. I never was able to like her. 

Jake Finn our murder (our the evil villain wants us to think) is also something more. I enjoyed learning about the different parts of his nature and watching him grow into himself. I felt for him and was rooting for Jake along the way.

In Like a Lion has an interesting premise with the duel-natured chimera’s and the supernatural character’s introduced to us. I enjoyed the chimera aspect, learning about their nature, and how they need a mate or something bad will happen. Lots of characters where mentioned or introduced and this opens the book up for more in the series. As for the story it felt slow at the begging, some things did’t seam believable at times, maybe a little to easy for our leads and then the world rules were a bit confusing at points. The sex scenes where ok, not heated enough for my liking, and they felt flat and lacking emotion. Last it was to easy to pick out who the villein was and he was not villainy enough for my taste.

Overall, In Like a Lion was a good read and enjoyable. I just felt like it had the potential to be much more than what it was.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy free of charge from the author with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Anjali Mehta is a doctor who is starting a new job with the Kincaid group. Her subject is Jake Finn, a stone-cold killer. He’s also the first man to draw her attention in a long time, and from the start Anjali is torn between right and wrong. While perusing Jake’s files she discovers some strange anomalies and her interest grows. Jake has been brought up in the foster care system and then spent a lot of his life incarcerated in the labs. He thinks he’s a killer with severe mental problems and knows nothing of his family history. He is, in fact, a chimera shifter and has three forms—lion, dragon and human. Once a chimera reaches a certain age he must find a mate or go mad.

The author’s choice of a chimera shifter makes this book very different. The main characters themselves are very likeable and I wanted to hug Jake. He’d had an awful life, a hard one that would have made most men break. Anjali is brave and has a kind and sweet side, yet she’s no pushover either. She is of Indian descent, and this plays into the book, adding to the interesting chimera. Together, the hero and heroine make a great team.

Things happen very quickly in this story. It’s fast-paced, and at times it was difficult to keep up. For me there were a few unanswered questions. I wanted to know how Anjali managed to get the job and I had questions about Jake’s oldest brother. I also had unanswered questions about the villains. Hopefully some of these questions will be answered in future books.

I would be interested to read the next book in the series since the characters were engaging and original. Lovers of paranormal romance should give this one a try.

Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Voitik · Rating 5 out of 5]

>Subject - book review - In Like a Lion

> Review

>I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock. This is the first book in the Chimera Chronicles.

>The reader is introduced to Anjali, a scientist set to begin a case study of a murderer, Jake Finn. During their first interview, Anjali and Jake feel an attraction. Anjali tries to fight the feeling, but is drawn to Jake. She accidentally comes across old film of him turning into a lion and a dragon and realizes that he isn't truly crazy, just supernatural. She quickly realizes Jake doesn't know he is able to change. She decides to help him escape.

>While they are on the run, Anjali's digging uncovers a family Jake never knew he had. Jake's brother, Kyle, comes to help them. There are a lot of romantic interludes between Anjali and Jake. When a Chimera physically mates with his mate, the mate turns Chimera, as well. Anjali is able to turn into a lion or dragon one, also. There are also quite a few close calls to rack up the suspense. The mate bond will save Jake from turning feral, but his brother Kyle has no mate and is close to the end of his ability to stay human. I hope the next book addresses Kyle.

>I was sucked into this story right away. I fell in love with Jake and hurt as more was revealed regarding his captivity and torture. Anjali has no more living family and is afraid to let herself love Jake. She realizes how empty her life is without love and decides to take a chance. This story expects the reader to accept certain truths without any real explanation. There is no backstory, just the given that Chimera and witches exist.

> This book is for an adult (18+) audience. I recommend this book for all lovers of paranormal romantic suspense.

[Book Junky Girls · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Dr. Anjali Mehta just wants to do her work and continue to life her simple lonely life. Researching a man she knows is a killer should kept her from feeling anything for the man, but the more time she spends with Jake Finn the more she realizes he's more than a schizophrenic murder. She sees him doing things no regular man can, and he might not be the mindless killer he's been portrayed, and the boss she thinks so highly of isn't who she thought either.

Jake is insane, he doesn't like being in a cage, but it's better than running free where he might hurt people. When a new doctor comes in he can't seem to help himself telling her things he never told anyone, there's something special about her he can't ignore. She helps him discover not only who, but what he really is and Jake begins to realize just how much he's been lied to his entire life.

Anjali is compassionate to her core, and once she realizes the mistreatment being done to Jake she does what she thinks is right, no matter how crazy it might be.

Jake is insecure about himself because of what he's been told his whole life. Finding out that he's a chimra and not crazy helps him to come out of his shell and be who he really wants to be.

They each have pasts that might not be happy, but it's what brought them to where they are today. Apart thy are each lonely, together they find their place in the world.

I enjoyed this story and the concept behind it. Chimra is something that hasn't been done much and in this case it was done amazingly well, detailing everything you'd want to know about the paranormal aspect. The story flowed and kept you glued to the pages anxious to see what would happen next. Great start to a series.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Like a Lion is the beginning of a great series. The introduction of the Chimera and the fact that Jake and his brothers are more than one shifter but have one primary base was truly creative. For example Jake being a Chimera can shift into a lion or dragon but he is genetically predisposed to shift into a lion, while his brother a dragon, which I find very cool. I have read my fair share and yours of shifter romances and the Chimera concept is refreshing. We get a new shifter to fall in love with while keeping all the things we love about shifters and their mates.

Dr. Anjali Mehta and Jake were not a couple you would expect to complement each other at first glance. Anjali a super smart scientist who we first meet trying to sneak out of her own apartment building to avoid her neighbor and the hot ex jewel thief held captive for large chunks of his life because of his abilities. Yet when you pull back the layers, it was easy to understand why I liked them together so much. Both experienced great loss and loneliness. They found in each other friendship and a hot romantic connection. They meet while Jake is being held captive a beast which if you yelled beast Jake would probably turn around not knowing you were referring to him actually trusts the scientist Anjali who is supposed to test him. The author totally made it believable. I am looking forward to the rest of the Finn brother’s stories. How could I not with a series brimming with hunky shifters, witches, and others.

[The Color of Ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was jumping into the read with the normal expectations of your basic shifter romance. A romance title with lion in it equals lion shifter who finds a mate, right? However, in Like a Lion is so much more than what the title may suggest.

The characters are likable and many parts of their human background are relate-able. Compassion, loss, and loneliness and how each person handles these things make them who they are. Anjali, a doctor hired to study murderers, finds out her subject is nothing like what she was told. Jake is Chimera. Not something you read about every day. When Anjali realizes Jake’s life is in danger, she helps plan an escape. This is just the beginning of the action as things start to get steamy and scary for the both of them.

There were a few spots where I wondered if some characters could have been introduced differently or at another time. They seemed a little out of place, but the fun part to the character introduction is that there will be more books coming your way. This was an enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a little something different in a shifter romance.

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

My initial impression of this book was this is a "good doctor saves the bad killer from himself" stories, in reality it was more of an adventure of two lost souls coming together. The complexity of Jake's backstory was sad and intense, giving the reader a more in-depth understanding of his thoughts and actions. The author's use of a Chimera is a pleasant change from standard paranormal creatures, it was definitely a new experience for me. The romance between the two main characters is sweet and smoldering with just the right amount of heat. The secondary characters really make this story complete, especially the unexpected villains. I really enjoyed Kyle and can't wait to read his story. Overall this was an excellent story and I will be recommending it.

I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review - all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Stars - 4 , Flames - 3

[Book Worms United · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't studied very much about the Indian culture, so this book caught my attention as something new and fresh.
Extremely vivid description throughout the book makes it easy to imagine you're really there.
Jake, a caged "murderer" seems to see past the disguise that Anjali wears, to the person she really is underneath. He seems to be a creature of life's creation, put absolutely anyone in the same situation and I'm willing to bet they would conform exactly the way he did. Pain and regret hides behind his rough exterior, but as the story progresses and he learns more about himself, it's heartwarming.
Anjali is completely alone, having lost her entire family in a truly tragic way. Her reaction to seeing Jake shift forms the first time is extremely entertaining. Their connection is sexy and electric.
One of the best books I've read recently, I couldn't put In Like A Lion down and I can't wait for the others in the series.
~Jai

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to read. I liked that the shifter in this one was a chimera. So he can be a man, a lion or a dragon. That's pretty cool. I loved what Karin created for the chimera lore in her book. I also thought the storyline was pretty creative. Loved how Anjali got caught up in what was going on with Jake. He's supposed to be her research subject. A supposed cold-blooded killer, but he's gentle with her. I really want to say more, but I don't like giving away the juicy parts of the story. The action and adventure is very good, well written. Nicely done. I am really looking forward to the next book to see what will happen with Kyle and find out who the other brothers are. 4 1/2 stars definitely.

I received a copy of this book provided by the Author through PNR NaUBA group Author/Reader Exchange.

[DemetraP · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't feel like there was much romance in this book. It was more of a suspense novel. Oooo the hero is locked up. Oooo the heroine has a plan to get him out. Ooooo the hero and heroine are on the run together.

The heroine was also Indian and the constant Indian words and references to God grated on my nerves. I sort of felt like I was getting a history lesson or something.

The idea seemed very interesting; a hero who can change into a lion and a dragon. And there are 6 other brothers who can do the same thing so I guess this series has a lot of material to use.

Overall, the book just was missing a crucial element. The romance. The hero and heroine just have this instant attraction and I never believed in their relationship.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it somewhat. I didn't like how easy the chimeras seemed to lose control though. I know it was said to become better after having a mate but...I'm still not sure I can ignore that aspect if they assault just about anyone if they get angry. Also have to say I didn't much care for the girl (can't even remember her name). She was always very card-board cut. The only times she seemed to actually show a little emotion was whenever she spoke of her family and I wasn't terribly impressed then either. I did like Jake (a little) and Kyle (a lot more). The rest...readable but meh.