Ackley's Savior

Lost Shifters #23

by Stephani Hecht

Ever since Ackley’s twin, Tatum, has found his mate, things haven’t been the same. While Ackley is happy for his brother, Ackley is lonely and lost without his partner in crime. Therefore, Ackley sets his mind on finding his own mate. He knows the perfect guy to fit the bill, too. A certain shifter who is just like Tatum’s mate…or so Ackley thinks.

Ackley’s choice of mate doesn’t want to be the meek, quiet type of guy that Ackley wants. He’s always been tough and independent, and that’s not going to change, no matter how hot Ackley is. Then the coalition finds itself in danger, and the two men have to work together to save the day. Will they be able to set aside their differences long enough? And if so, will they find love along the way?

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, M M Shapeshifters, Erotica, Fantasy

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

Stephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Go Wings! You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book or gorging on caffeine at her favorite coffee shop.

When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.

Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
archangelwriter@yahoo.com

Reviews

[Deeze · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure if its just because I’ve been away from this series for a while, but this one seemed even more silly than the others.

Normally I can let myself go with this series. I normally end up loving the characters even if the plot is stretched. But this time I just couldn’t find much to like about the MC. Everything was overdone and felt forced, even more so than normal.

I got the feeling Ackley was supposed to rival Shane in the badass department, but A) Shane is supposed to be a one of a kind and B) turning Ackley into a simpering wuss at the end killed off any hard ass status he had.

I get the author is trying to keep this series going by giving us a mysterious super bad guy villain, but I think its time to admit its run its course.

Although after saying that I can’t quite bring myself to quit this series just yet lol.

[DaisyGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Ackley is happy that his twin, Tatum, found his mate, Baxley, but he also misses their camaraderie. Ackley's loneliness serves to highlight his own needs so he decides to take a mate. Enter Isaac.

This book was enjoyable. I liked Ackley and Isaac enough. I liked that Isaac didn't take any shit and wouldn't be coddled but he wasn't bratty about it. I was skeptical at the start that Ackley would go all paternalistic on me and Isaac would be throwing temper tantrums. Happily, that wasn't the case. I liked both characters and the back story. I will admit, however, that the series has gone on for quite a while and there are soooooooo many characters that it's really becoming a blur.

Bottom line: I liked this one but there are so many characters at this point. These two were not so memorable that they stuck out in my mind.

[Gabbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Kisses!

It’s no secret I’m helplessly addicted to the Lost Shifters Series. Each and every one of these books bring something special to the series and I find myself reading them when I need a quick, fun and sexy read to escape from my everyday ho-hum life.

The chemistry between Ackley and Isaac was H-O-T! I loved the intensity between them and enjoyed watching them work through their own issues and find a way to be together. Between the push-pull between the two heroes and the danger and intrigue they go through, I really enjoyed this gem of a read.

Ackley’s Savior is a sexy and fast-paced read from start to finish. I loved Ackley’s story and can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us next! Ackley’s story is the 23rd book in the Lost Shifters series. Although the books could be read as a stand-alone in the series, I highly recommend reading these books in series order. This will ensure readers that they will truly understand the drive behind many of the heroes’ actions and the characters in all of the books do interact with one another.

The Lost Shifters books in series order are:

Primal Passion
A Feral Christmas
Savage Awakenings
Carnal Intentions
A Wicked Caress
Ruthless Pursuit
A Tempting Distraction
A Shifter Christmas
An Assassin’s Touch
Shane’s Fury
Riley’s Regret
Ranger’s Folly
Chances Vindication
Russell’s Reversal
Fangs, Fur and Snowballs
A Very Shaney Valentine’s Day
When Tatum Got Bit by a Spider
Shane’s Inner Anger
A Christmas for Ava
Ackley’s Savior

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhhh, shifters, my very own comfort reads. It doesn't matter the author, and sometimes it doesn't even matter the story, I just like shifters. They make me happy. Of course, a good story contributes to increased enjoyment which makes the members of my household very happy. A good series is just what I've found in Stephanie Hecht's 'Lost Shifters' books and since 'Ackley's Savior' is number twenty-two and I'm still having fun, then I won't be stopping any time soon.

Wow. I had no idea that a Cro-Magnon was living at the coalition until I met Ackley. When he tells Isaac that they're going to be mates and Ackley will protect him and take care of him, the look on Ackley's face when Isaac doesn't jump for joy at his generous offer is priceless. It doesn't take Ackley long to realize that Isaac is anything but weak. Isaac is a warrior, through and through, and he's the perfect mate for Ackley.

There is some definite action adventure in this book and some more glimpses of my favorite killer, Shane. I liked Isaac and Ackley together and they certainly seem like a perfect match. They fought well and defended the coalition all while declaring their love. You got to respect that! Now I'm looking toward the next book and wondering who'll be featured.

NOTE: This book was provided by C&J Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Ackley got his story! Finally! And now, there's a hint that Doc Featherstone might be getting a story as well! Can't wait!

[☔️ Stormy Day Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is for all of the Lost Shifters, Wayne County Wolves, and Assassin's Loyalty books since they are all interconnected and I read them back-to-back pretty much nonstop over a 10 day period. If I have anything to say about a particular book I'll add it under this bulk review. First, I'd like to mention these are more like novellas than books but they have the same underlying theme and pretty much continue where the last left off but with a different couple.

Everything starts out with the Lost Shifters. To summarize there was a war between the feline shifters and the raven shifters. 20 years or so before the first book there was an all out slaughter in which hundreds of feline homes were attacked and burned down all of the occupants believed to be killed. Turns out that the babies and toddlers that were assumed lost were not. They were hidden within the human foster care system for the most part. I won't say how because that'd be a big spoiler. In addition to foster care some kids were sold into slavery and that's where the whole assassin thing comes in. A couple of the main characters marry into the wolf pack so that's where those books come in as well.

Pros: Since the books are so short there are no long drawn out boring details or general angst. There's usually only one sex scene although it's normally long as hell. Which makes the fact some people shelved these as erotica confusing. I liked the world building and even though there were times I think a little more info might have been nice it never detracted from the story or left me confused. Most of the relationships were a sort of love at first sight thing. Or maybe lust or obsession? Despite this the shifters all seem adamant that's not a thing that happens. There wasn't one character I didn't like. My favorite character was Shane and he must have been the author's as well since he got a few extra books and a side series Shane's Chronicles. There's no big end battle or anything but the last book Baily's 9th Life does pretty much tie things up nicely. I think if I'd been reading the series when they were released I'd be a bit miffed because that book didn't come out until a few years later if you weren't reading the assassins books. Also, these books all have some really funny moments and/or dialog.

Cons: The last several books didn't appear to have been edited at all. If if wasn't for the fact that I was so invested in the overall story arc I would have quit reading them. Things like sent instead of scent and too instead of to they instead of them and random wrong words completely. There were also a couple of times that things were said/thought almost verbatim in different parts of a book as if the author forgot she'd already put that info in there already. At the start of the series, they state that all feline shifters are bisexual but at some point the author must have forgotten that detail because suddenly there are gay shifters and homophobia and all this hate. Which brings me to my next con, the themes of the different books started to repeat. Suddenly all these shifters had been thrown out of their previous pack or coalition or human home for being gay. And throughout this huge series of books there was only one straight couple. Like not even a straight friend or whatever. Even the females were all lesbians. It was just kinda unrealistic especially with the whole gay hate thing going on. Usually there's at least a few couples or friends or something on the periphery in gay romances especially in a world this huge. Which brings me to my final con, I had a hard time remembering who was who and what there story was after awhile especially if they weren't mentioned much in previous books. I wish there had been some sort of glossary to review.

Despite the cons, I would still recommend these books. All-in-all I really enjoyed them and was dreading the end although the editing in the last few books really had me also looking forward to the end if I'm being honest.

[Maria Aguilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about Ackley, Tatum twin brother and a hawk shifter, and Issac, a hawk shifter as well. The story with Issac beating up some feline for thinking that he is too small to defend himself but he prove them and as well as Ackley. While he had a crush of him but then hearing the word coming out of his mouth and seeing how big of a jerk he is he decided to forget it, but it still break his heart. While Ackley feel enamor with him because seeing him so small and having a tough past he think he is the one to protect him cause he think that he is another Baxley, Tatum mate, but in realty he is not. While the both of them got off of the wrong foot Ackley redeem himself and now starting a relationship with each other. However, there is a big threat that is coming there and it might be the one to bring it down. Will they be strong enough to fight this threat that want to take down there home or will they lose it and themselves alone with it.

I have to say Ackley at first was a jerk when he told Issac that the reason why he want to be with him is because he look like he needs protection like Baxley and not only was that an insult but it hurt Issac pride that was the only reason he was interested at him in the first place. However, he redeem himself later by asking him out on a date and even going to far as cooking dinner for that date, which is a big plus for me because who doesn't want a man who knows how to cook. Issac was complete different from the typical small weak shifter, cause he my be small but he can pack quit a punch, you go boy. Which makes them the perfect couple cause they balance each other out because Ackley need someone that understand him and can also put him in his place while Issac need someone that also understand but can be there when the time is right for him as well.

I also like Shane when he try to test Issac to see if he can handle being in a relationship with Ackley. While it might be none of his business since its there relationship but because he is the leader of the group then he has the right to intervene and makes the call cause he is looking out for his team which make him a great leader, even though there are time when he is crazy which we all know and love. The enemy this time those not fall on the main character but on Scarlett, another member of the group and an ocelot shifter. It has something to do with her family and with this new group that might be there biggest enemy yet.

This book gets a 4.5 stars because there was a lot of action and plot unlike the rest of the book which is quit a refreshment because it been awhile from this series and I like the twist then the repeated plot that we have been seeing so far.

[Hc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the idea was to have a story similar to Shane's but... more softer? Don't get me wrong... I liked this book, but.. when Tatum was hooking up with Baxley, Ackley truly seemed like a step down from Shane and now... we have him actually acting more like Tatum in that he doesn't truly and fully enjoy what he's doing but that he's good at it. It's like a subtle cross between Tatum and Shane. I'm actually glad that he's not as bad as 'first' impression. Who would have ever thought Shane himself would get a mate so why shouldn't Ackley who is more sane than Shane. For a small guy, Isaac is really scrappy and knows how to handle himself. Really threw Ackley for a loop that the guy can defend himself really good.. but in a good way.

At this point the MAJOR COMPLAINT about this series is... HEY it's called LOST SHIFTERS! Would like to get back to a story involving find the lost shifters and see a hookup in the process.

[Phaney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ahaha. Ackley really is an idiot and it’s a lot of fun that for once the love interest is not wearing rose coloured glasses but wonders what he ever saw in the other guy. Awesome scene.
Of course Isaac forgives fast, but it kind of works. If you take into account just how fast romances happen in this series, I mean. So Isaac still shows more backbone than most of the bottom boys.

Which, by the way, disappointed me. Not his backbone, but the unquestioning bottoming. I think this story would have been a lot cooler if Ackley had ended up on the bottom. Much more interesting dynamics instead of always the same.

In further news: Ladeda. I am not witnessing how Shane slides further into touchy-feely land. Nope, not happening at all.

It ends on a somewhat less happy note than usually. Except for the romance, of course.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fat jokes. Nice.

Does no one care that Ackley just broke the legs of trainees who were already unconscious? The people are still lying there. Serious moral ambiguity in this series. The author particularly loves the assassins who are borderline evil.

Nice that there is finally an adult female who goes on missions who has a name.

5'9" is not small. It's one inch below average in the US. It actually is average in the UK.

Cool that one was inexperienced at sex and wasn't the best at BJs.

Potential for peril that never happened. I did like that the little guy was just as strong and capable and got pissed off when treated like a weakling. Ackley's transition from condescension to true interest was too abrupt for me though. I didn't buy it at all.

3.45 stars

[Tj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say as a book this one is not that good. I did enjoy it but the stretch it gave to believability was really out there. I hope as I finish the series the books don’t continue on this downward trend. I really do like the series and the characters but the plot lines are getting weaker and as such so are the books.

[Dylan St. Jaymes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Ackley's little cray cray self and Isaac is perfect for him. I loved how Isaac took Ackley's expectations and turned them on their heads and how quickly Ackley got with the program. These two complimented each other well and I am a sucker for the whole "no one sees through the crazy but my mate" trope that's running through some of the books.

[Ivka_s_knihou · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little dissapointment for me. The whole plot with Blue wasn't bad, but i couldn't connect neither with Ackley or Isaac. Don't know why. Their story was just flat... hope the next book will be better and with Ash. And preferably with certain Doc F.?

[Meggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I end up reading this low key series. Nearly every book is the same, plain, undeveloped and emotionally unsatisfied. I couldn't connect with both MC's, maybe because of that I didn't like it so much.

[Erticchic378 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like this series, but I think it is time for a bit of a makeover. The characters/plots seem to repeat. I like them when they are introduced in other stories, but the plots in their stories need more depth.

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series!!
Hope the next one is about Ash

[Kristy Maitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring couple and boring story plot.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Word Count:25774

2.5 stars

[Jessie Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story, I like where the series is going, yes it's got a formula but that's why I love it, it also serves Ackley right for having a mate who can kick butt.

More Shane, Trevor and Ava please!

[Shannon Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for these books! I just love reading them - they're quick and fun!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. I liked that the author continued to move the larger plot forward while letting us see this new couple come together.

[Charneen · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked these two well enough.

[✿~Danielle~✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ackley
Isaac

[Julie scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ackley's Savior (Lost Shifter Book 23)

Another great book i loved it and I can't wait to read more and I will be reading it next...

[andrea moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost shifters 23

A is the other half of the assassin hawk duo and doesn’t believe he is worthy of a mate and love until he lets I into his life

[Alex Latham]

Book 22 complete ...